Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Please Welcome Author Jennifer Rae Gravely


Today I am pleased to present fellow Astraea Press author Jennifer Rae Gravely, who is celebrating the release of her brand new book, Set to Love. I've read snippets of this story as she posted them on Sweet Saturday Samples, and it sounds like a great read! Jennifer refers to it as a volleyball romance — and since I'm far from knowledgeable about anything sports, I'll let her tell you about it.



The championship is her dearest desire, not love.
Recently appointed girls’ volleyball coach at Keowee High School, Randi Sly spends the night with rival coach Blake Steele after getting sick from drinking too much wine. Rumors swirl as the two battle for the State crown.

Excerpt from Set to Love:

Tip One

Be confident: The game of volleyball is not only physical but also psychological.
Directly in his path, he spotted Randi Sly fumbling in her purse, not paying attention to the curb in front of her. “Randi,” he called. “Watch out!” He lunged forward, catching her as she stumbled. For a brief moment as she filled his arms, he thought of Jenna.
“What are you doing?” she squealed, pulling away. “If you hadn’t called my name, I wouldn’t have tripped.” Randi narrowed her eyes as she ran her hands down her thighs, straightening the clingy cloth that outlined the shapeliness of her long legs.
“No, if I hadn’t called your name and caught you, you would’ve broken your ankle. Some thanks for a noble deed done.”
“I’m not a damsel you have to save.” She brushed her long, shiny brown hair from her shoulders. Even in high heels, she had to look up at him. Blake liked tall woman best and appreciated an athletic but shapely build. Randi obviously worked out on a regular basis, and she was every bit as tall as Jenna.
Blake laughed aloud as he mentally pushed the thought of Jenna out of his head. He needed to quit comparing everyone to her. “You’re one of those.”
“What does that mean?” She squared her shoulders, showing with her body language a complete dislike of him. No doubt she didn’t care for him calling her team out at the meeting. Her eyes blazed like a blue flame in the growing darkness of the night.
“Independent female, the kind that’s a bit self-righteous.” Blake liked a feisty girl. That’s what drew him to Jenna last year when she moved to the area.
Randi huffed, as he knew she would. He liked to play the game, but this one he suspected was pretty good at her job or else she wouldn’t have landed such a prestigious position. Keowee was a county and region rival of his school Saluda, the two volleyball powerhouses splitting the last decade’s state championships. He needed to gain an edge.
“Don’t underestimate me, Blake.”
He inclined his head in her direction. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” With that, he continued to his car thinking how he definitely needed to keep his eye on Randi Sly.


Jennifer shares some more about herself:
Born in Ohio but raised in Pickens, SC, I graduated from Converse College with a triple major in history, politics, and English before earning my master’s degree in education. Returning to my high school alma mater to teach English and to coach volleyball, my teams won four state championships and six upper state titles in ten years. I live with my husband, daughter, seven beagles, and one cat. Set to Love is the second romance published by Astraea Press featuring the fictional Southern town of Keowee.

I’m having a Facebook party on Monday, September 30th to celebrate the release of Set to Love. Stop in to say hello, eat virtual cake, and win some great prizes. https://www.facebook.com/events/511183235623155/


Where to find Jennifer:
Twitter: @JenniferRaeGrav

10 comments:

  1. Congrats on your new release Jennifer!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. Been a wonderfully fun day. Won a big match too!

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  2. Yea! Congrats! I wish you all the best on your new release!

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    1. Thanks, Melissa. I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks about the book. I love this story!

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  3. Sounds like a cute story. Wishing you much success. And yay on winning the match!

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    1. Lucy, thanks so much. :) I love Randi, and Blake is just so dreamy. Sigh...Hope you get a chance to read it. I'm having a Facebook party on Monday and giving away some copies. Stop by if you can.

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  4. Patricia, thanks so much for featuring my book. Means a lot to me. :)

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  5. Great excerpt, Jennifer! Thanks, Patricia, for giving us the chance to read it. :)

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    1. Thank you, Kristen. The relationship between Randi and Blake is so much fun, especially the competition.

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