In unfamiliar territory.

“Fine, fine.” She clicked the phone to speaker and placed it in the cubby in the middle of her dash. “If you can’t hear me, it’s not my fault.”

“Not hear you? Please.”

“Are you calling me a loudmouth?”

“I would never say that… to your face.”

“You still didn’t. You’re on the phone.” Matt chuckled, encouraging Mary’s lips upward. “So now that I’m not tempting the heavens with doom and you’re tucked away in the cubby, are you ready to listen to me?”

“Shoot.”

“I….” Mary blinked at the tailend of the grey minivan ahead of her. “You’ve got to be kidding. I forgot what I called you for.” The robust laughter of her friend and business partner echoed through the small space of her old red coupe. “Just remember how gracious I am being when you have a moment of cranial flatulence.”

“Sorry, Mare. I could just imagine your expression. So where are you, anyway?”

“Somewhere between here and there.”

“Funny. Seriously.”

“I’m somewhere north of Depoe Bay, I think.” Lush Douglas Firs towered above her, the homes and yards tucked away in peace and mystery. “You really should see this place. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The trees are so close together that the sun can’t even whisper across the road.”

“Really? Awesome. Take pictures.”

“Yeah. Like I’m going to get in a wreck to snap some shots while I’m driving.”

“Mare, seriously? It’s called a shoulder. You pull over and snap a shot through an open window.”

“Right. I knew that.” A flash of light caught Mary’s attention. Her stomach lurched and settled as her eyes were bombarded with red and blue. “Oh crap.”

“You never swear. That can’t be good.”

“State Trooper, judging from the white car.”

“Oh boy. Um. Sorry, Mare. I’m ditching you. Good luck, sweets.”

“Thanks a lot.” Mary grimaced and pulled off the two-lane road as best she could. As long as she didn’t ramble and sound guilty, she would be fine. After all, she was on speakerphone. So she looked mad, talking to herself, that wasn’t a crime, was it?

Was it?

“God, please help me keep myself from sounding insane,” she murmured as she watched the tall trooper approach. Flat-brimmed hat, no glasses, gun and handcuffs, monotone brown… it was all a blur. “Registration! Crap. Please tell me it’s in my book. Please, please.” She grabbed at the book of auto-important papers from her glovebox. The escapade would make a great blog post, she could almost bet.

“Good morning, miss.” The shadow fell across her papers strewn across the passenger seat. “How are you this fine morning?”

“I’m doing well, thanks.” Not as well as she hoped about this time, but who could complain? “I’m looking for my registration right now.”

“No worries. Take your time. I noticed your license frame says Portland. Are you visiting family?”

“Oh no. Fam lives in Oregon City.” She cast him a fast smile, her whirlwind mind barely registering the white teeth and tanned features as her fingers delved through the pages of the binder. “Actually, I’m checking out some places here and there for a shop. Felt like a drive, and I love road trips. Cannon Beach is my favorite. The trees and beach? Gorgeous, always. Never fails.”

You’re rambling. She nibbled her lip into submission and slipped the registration from the back of the black book. Then she gathered up her insurance card and her photo ID and handed them over, her eyes not lifting from their instant focus of the imposing thick leather black utility belt. Batman would be proud.

“You realize this is expired?”

Mary’s gaze snapped to his, brilliant blue, and blinked. “You’re kidding.”

“Yes. I am.” He smiled, his caramel blond hair a perfect compliment to his sun kissed skin and those eyes. “You seemed a little flustered, and sometimes a nudge can ease the tension.” He lifted one of his broad shoulders. “Or make them cry. I took a chance.”

Mary heard her nervous twitter of a giggle and internally groaned.

“Do you know why I pulled you over?”

“No idea. Oh, wait. I noticed the speed limit and slowed down….” She noticed his lips twitching upward. “Oh. Speeding. Right. Great.” She couldn’t help the deep breath, thankful it didn’t turn into a whimper. She never sped. Ever.

“Give me a minute, Miss… Jensen.”

“Sure thing.”

The trooper stepped away. He looked to be all leg and torso and arms. Mare, isn’t that every body part necessary? She slapped her forehead. Just don’t argue, she warned herself, if he gives you a ticket. You were speeding. It’s as plain as that. It doesn’t matter if you were just going as fast as everyone else.

Maybe he would just give her a warning? After all, her record was squeaky clean. No accidents. No DUIs. Nothing at all—just stop thinking about it! She tapped a rhythm against the steering wheel, her gaze darting to the phone in the cubby. She snatched it up and took some quick shots of the surrounding area. It really was gorgeous, all the greens and browns. April had to be one of her favorite months.

She shared some of the images to her social networks, a special one of the trooper and his unit lights to Matt, and then chucked the phone back into the cubby. At least she… well…. Mary shrugged. Yes, it would make a most excellent post this evening when she limped home with her tail between her legs.

The trooper sauntered toward her coupe, all smiles and charm. Mary’s hopes rose. Please, Lord, let me out of this one—just this once. “Hi.” She accepted the papers back, smiling up at him while hoping she didn’t look like she tried to pull a fast one. “I’m sorry about going so fast. I was following behind a minivan and just loving the scenery so much that I didn’t pay attention. It was a good thing I saw the speed limit sign after that last intersection.”

You’re rambling. She plastered a smile across her tight lips.

“Well, I’m glad you like it out here. Quite partial to it myself. Now, you were doing quite a number over the speed limit, so unfortunately I cannot let you off with just a simple warning.”

His pen continued its scribbling as horror smeared the smile from her face. She hung it back. “Oh, sure, I understand.” Do I? “I’m really sorry. I… I’m sure you hear this a lot, but I never speed. At most I go five over because then I don’t feel like I’m driving like an old woman.”

He chuckled. “Understandable, and appreciated. Just keep yourself safe while you’re over here. At least you weren’t talking on the cell while driving, right?”

Her gaze darted to the cell phone as she forced another smile. “Right.”

“I won’t put the amount down as going fifteen over. At least that much should help.” He ripped the ticket from his book, causing a cringe, and handed it to her.

She received it with a continuation of the plastic smile. “Thanks, officer.” Yeah. Thanks a lot.

“You have a good day now.”

“You, too.”

He tipped his flat-brimmed hat toward her and sauntered back toward his unit. Mary stared down at the ticket, her eyes zeroing in on the amount in the lower corner. This time she whimpered. It would be $120 that wouldn’t go into savings to buy the coffee shop. If there was a time to utter a mild expletive, it would be now. Instead, she forced in a deep breath as her trembling hands clutched the steering wheel, the ticket crinkling in her grasp. Then she crammed it into the cubby with the phone, put the car in gear, and carefully eased onto the still two-lane road.

“Yeah. Thanks a lot, officer.”

But she couldn’t let this be a black mark on the day. There was simply too much to do before she had to scoot for home. She couldn’t let the day go to waste. Moving forward was what she wanted to do, and this would be a perfect test for her gumption, officer and all.

“OK, God. Let’s go.” She turned on her radio and ignored the cell phone when it rang Matt’s tune.

Today is also my second day driving back from North Dakota where the hubs and I are finalizing the purchase of our home. At the moment I am quite precariously balanced between feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be down to facilitate this next step in our lives… and the awe of this huge blessing. God has done wonders in His nurturing of our lives and widening the scope of our effect. It is my hope that we have done at least a fraction of the same for those in our sphere of friends and family.

I hope you can excuse my short post today. I have 300 miles to cover to day and covered more than 500 yesterday.

He slapped the folder shut and stalked to Max who continued to stand in the doorway of the inner office. He smacked the folder against his chest.

“Her.”

“What? Harrison, you can’t—”

“Do not test me. If she is not cast, I wash my hands of this picture.” Then he strode from the room.

All eyes focused on Max, his scowl doing nothing to lessen the throbbing of his jaw muscle or the vein on his forehead. Finally, he focused those hard silver eyes on Amy.

She gulped and only just kept herself from seeking a place to cower.

“Congratulations….” He sought her name from the contents of her portfolio, “Amy Burke. You are now this picture’s leading lady.”

Renee squealed, dashing from the office on the tail end of a list of names of people she had to tell that very moment. Amy collapsed into the nearest chair. “Wait, what?”

Max turned long enough to toss her portfolio onto his desk, resulting in a cascade of papers and a muttered curse. “Report tomorrow morning for your script and shooting details. There will also be a meeting with the Executive Producer. For now, leave your name and contact information with the receptionist on your way out.” He slammed his office door.

White-knuckled fingers were numb even after she pried them from the chair arm. An extra she could play, no sweat, but… the lead? Amy gulped, her stomach not listening to her persuasion to settle down. Being sick in the middle of the casting office would not be a very good way to introduce herself.

“Aims.” Renee scrambled back into the office, grabbing up Amy’s purse and her arm in one fluid motion. “Come on. We’ve got to celebrate!”

The sudden lurch to her feet nearly sent her stomach contents outward. Oh God…. “Easy, Renee.”

“I dropped your contact information with the receptionist and your business card.”

“I have a business card?”

“Yes, Aims, remember?”

Her head hurt, so she let it go as Renee pulled her from the office. “Of course. What was I thinking? Of course I have a business card.”

“I told you this was the one.”

“You were right and I was wrong.”

Renee shot her a glare. “Hilarious… hey, you look a little green.”

“I feel green.” Green would never look the same again. “Can we sit down for a sec?”

“Sure, sweetie. God, you… you’re not going to throw up, are you?” Renee brushed the hair from Amy’s neck as she slumped onto a cement retaining wall of a terraced garden just outside the casting office.

“Me? Throw up in public humiliation?” Amy took in a long, slow breath as she tried, again, to talk her stomach down from the rafters of her throat.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Director, Producer, and English thespian Sir Garret Harrison has little patience for the politics of Hollywood. To get what he wants, he harbors no qualms with utilizing the power his name holds; especially in regard to the wooing of his leading ladies.

When he chooses an unknown for the role of heroine, he believes the conquest will be short and sweet. Amy Burke, however, shows herself as anything but a paper doll waiting for his supposed flair of style.

To Garrett’s surprise, her resistance sweetens the chase. But when she finally surrenders to his charm, will he admit to his own defeat?

For me, today is a special, joy-filled day. Today my sweet & spicy romance, My Fair Princess, is available for purchase in both digital and print formats.

This is my fourth book available, but only the second time I have gone through the agonizing duty of orchestrating a release. The first was a book signing/reading party at a friend’s coffee shop in Oregon City for the first edition of my inspirational romance, Searching for Sara. The year was 2001. September. I posted flyers at church, at my work, and in the coffee shop. Invited my friends and a prospective beau (I didn’t know the hubs yet)… I even marked several passages throughout the novel that I would read to those who attended. I wore a lovely dress, had my hair done, and bought new shoes. It was one of the best days in my memory (apart from my wedding day).

Now, more than 10 years later, I step outside my comfort zone and orchestrate another public display. In fact, I am encouraging people to read and review my little bit of fluff *gasp* with little control over what they may say. After all, “sweet & spicy” isn’t a genre for everyone, especially when the story is written from a Christian worldview rather than having a character with a Christian background. There are also sexual implications, something I have never before written into one of my romances.

If someone reviews it as tastefully done, I think I might pass out from relief.

Even through all the anxiety and hesitation with this book launch, there is something to be said for putting myself out there. Terrifying, yes, but I am proud of myself for the courage it takes to write from the heart and then open the door for ridicule. There is no way to please all readers all the time. But for the same reason God wants us to take risks in our daily walk, we should take risks in our creative outlets. Through risk, there is growth and revelation. Blessing. Encouragement. Struggle, yes, but Joy in the survival. The proof that, hey, maybe we can do this after all.

This writing thing.

Nona King is launching her sweet & spicy romance MY FAIR PRINCESS on Apr. 13. You can help her achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book TODAY at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com and receive free gifts while you’re at it!

Here’s How

1. Navigate to the Book Launch Page for My Fair Princess
2. Follow the directions to purchase the book
3. Return to the  Book Launch Page and fill in your Name, Email, and your Order Number in the email form.
4. START RECEIVING FREE GIFTS

It’s that easy!

About the book

Nia Alaera is the only daughter of the Alaerian King Thaedis. As such, she stands as heir to the throne. To benefit the realm she is betrothed to the mayor of a neighboring district, sight unseen.

After all her childhood fantasies the betrothal is a bitter pill to swallow, but her dedication to her people and her family offers her silent courage… until the day she meets her mysterious husband-to-be.

With his unruly shock of auburn curls and eager smile, Shamus O’Neill reminds her more of a boy than a mayor. And those rich emerald eyes cause a flutter different than she has ever experienced before. Will her role be forever his fair princess?

Or will her heart finally burn with the passion she has longed for?

About the Author

Nona King has been writing young adult fiction and inspirational romances since 1988. Raised on a 30-acre homestead outside Aurora, Oregon, Nona’s passion for story-telling blossomed from imaginary adventures with her siblings to feature-length plays and novels. A prolific writer, her stories focus on faith, honor, and the importance of communication in relationships.

Free Gifts

• Traci Bonney’s new release, Chantal’s Call, part of the Women of Atherton series, FREE. Traci Bonney is a former newspaper reporter living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she writes, hoops, and haunts yard sales. You can find out more about Traci at her website: Tracings, http://www.tracibonney.com/
• Nona King’s dramatic romance novella, The Story: A Tale of Redemption & Romance, FREE with coupon code from Smashwords.
• Carol Peterson’s Inductive Bible Study pamphlet and Praying Names booklet, FREE. Carol Peterson is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog FromCarol’sQuill. Her other writing goal is to make learning fun for kids with her teacher resource books from Teacher Ideas Press.
• Witness, the first book in E.G. Lewis’s Seeds of Christianity series, FREE. A former editor and life-long writer, E.G. Lewis began his perennially popular and critically acclaimed Seeds of Christianity series in 2009 with the publication of WITNESS. Visit his blog, Sowing the Seeds – the Life and Times of the Early Church at http://eglewis.blogspot.com/
• FREE Sample chapters from Tracy Krauss’s novel  Play It Again. This is the much anticipated prequel to Tracy’s debut novel And the Beat Goes On. Find out where Mark Graham’s journey began in this, the story of his parents.
• and more!

My Fair Princess

Everything seems to be looking great for me to release My Fair Princess on Friday, April 13th in both print and digital formats.

To prepare, I will be sending out a ‘book launch packet’ this week asking select bloggers to help me pave the way for MFP to make a nice little splash on that day.

If you are interested in hosting this ‘book launch packet’ on your blog, comment below and I will add you to the list for the email.