Friday, May 30, 2014

One Ride and Forever Ride by Chelsea Camaron - Double Cover Reveal!


We are so excited to share with you not one, but two new covers from author Chelsea Camaron's Hellions Ride contemporary romance series!



Forever Ride
Book Two of the Hellions Ride Series
by Chelsea Camaron
June 2014
Synopsis:
Events happen in life that can awaken our truest and deepest desires. They also show us our greatest fears. Sometimes we are forced to face those fears, other times we build walls that can’t be broken to protect ourselves.

A profound connection these two once shared. A strong friendship once formed was shattered. Fate has stepped in and shaken both their worlds.

The danger, the wild, the chaos, and the lifestyle of the Hellions world has become far too much for Savannah ‘Sass’ Perchton. Swearing off bikers and attempting a ‘normal’ life, she has settled. She’s committed to Nick, her country club, pretty boy. She’s found a way to be content.

Things aren’t always what they seem. Wrap an empty box in pretty paper and a bow, it may look amazing, but it’s still a hollow shell.

He’s a Hellions playboy. A different chick in his bed, off on a different ride, and always something new. He’s Frank ‘Tank’ Oleander, Haywood’s Hellions Road Chief. Throttle down and life is good.

The fast pace of the Hellions life catches up to him. At a crossroads, he’s forced to face some life changing thoughts or succumb to the darkness of death. Teetering on the brink of giving in, her voice is all he’s holding onto. The coma he can’t pull himself out of, her voice is what he holds onto.

She’s sworn off bikers. He’s facing the Reaper. Can he pull through? Can she ever see past the lifestyle to the heart of the man behind the cut? Will they find their Forever Ride?


~Sass~
Climbing off the bike, my legs are unsteady.
“Button, you don’t have to stay here with him. You know that, right?”
“Tank, it’s complicated,” I remind him.
“So you keep sayin’, but the way I see it, you can’t be you here. The fancy car, big house, stiff clothes, and boring hair… that shit ain’t you. Button, you gotta live life.”
“I’m safe living here with Nick. The Hellions aren’t safe. You, for one, should see that.”
“What I see is family. What I see is you’re afraid. You once called me out about being afraid of commitment. Well, Button, you’re full of fear, too. Fear of the unknown. There was a time when you wanted to take chances, to hell with the consequences. What happened?”
“Lots of shit happened throughout my life. The club life, it’s not for me. I’m not strong enough.”
“This is the life you were born into. It’s in your blood. Holding on to me just now, you relaxed into the ride like it was second nature. You know you’re meant for this, and you’re meant for me. Life’s too short, Button.”
“Tank, just let it go. Just let me go. Please,” I beg him, unsure how much more I can take before I climb back on his bike and let him take me away.
“Roundman once told me to play the cards life deals us. Well, folding is not an option. You’re in my cards. Life placed you in my hand and I’m building my winning play around you. Sort your shit, Button, because I’m not letting go.”
The tears are building behind my eyes. “Please, give me time. You were gone a long time.”
“I didn’t come here to upset you or force my hand today. I’m gonna go, but I’m not giving up on you.”
Leaning over to him since he’s still on his bike, I kiss his cheek. “Until next time, Tank.”
“Until next ride, Button,” he responds with a wink as he cranks the bike and then proceeds to pull away, leaving my heart and my life a mess.







One Ride
Book One of the Hellions Ride Series
by Chelsea Camaron
December 19th 2013
Synopsis:
Delilah “Doll” Reklinger never imagined her life with anyone that wasn’t a Hellion. She never imagined there would be a Hellion that could prove himself worthy enough to her father, Roundman, Hellions Club President. Content in living in the bubble of safety the motorcycle club family has always provided, Doll never thought that danger surrounded her.

Roundman has kept the Hellions contained for the last thirty years by controlling the chaos surrounding their lifestyle. When the dangerous side to their business comes knocking on his door, he realizes his precious Doll isn’t safe. The Hellions code may be that women and children are off limits in any altercation or dispute, but that doesn’t mean their enemies follow that same moral compass.

His only child, now in danger from the association to him and his club, Roundman makes a decision. He sends her away with a charter club member that he trusts, in hopes that the trouble won’t follow.

One ride across the country. One simple ride. Talon “Tripp” Crews has been ordered to take Doll on one ride away and to keep her safe. She’s off limits. His head knows this, but his body can’t deny the attraction. She’s feisty, fierce, and fearless.

Constantly in close confines together, can they deny the chemistry? Will they give into the desire? Can one ride turn lust into love?




Copyright © Chelsea Camaron 2013
Tripp
*Warning mature content ahead- this scene is explicit so only post if your blog is set for adult content please*
A few beers later, Tank and I are playing pool in the back corner room.  Three women come over to our game.  For a bit they watch and giggle to each other.  One is a bottle blonde, short only five foot, one or two.  She’s wearing a black mini skirt that barely covers her ass, a navy blue halter top that her boobs are screaming to be let loose from, topped off with those fuck me heels that women love to wear and men love to feel digging into their backsides.  The other two have dark hair, one is taller, maybe five eight or nine, the shorter one closer to the blonde’s height.  The taller broad, is in a little black strapless number that she clearly doesn’t realize one ass cheek is already hanging out of.  The shorter one, obviously more reserved than the other two, is in jeans and a fitted shirt.  She walks away, returning to wherever they came from.
The blonde approaches me, with a smile that says seduction.  She licks her lips as she trails her finger over my cut.  Stopping, she breathes into my ear.
“I have a pocket you can sink into, biker.”  She whispers.
“Is that so?”  I reply, looking over at Tank.  Her taller friend has now approached him and is mauling his face in what I believe to be extremely drunk kisses.  I watch as Tank wraps his hand in her hair.  Tightly, he pulls back on her, to slow her pace.  He’s taking control, and soon going to take what he wants.  Returning my attention back to the bar fly beside me, I move so she’s pinned between me and the pool table.
Taking the hint, she pulls me up against her.  I lean down, she thinks I’m going to kiss her, but instead I whisper, as I breathe heavily on her neck.
“Darlin’, are you sure?  Be ready, I’m going to fuck you hard, fast, and rough.  Right here, in front of your friend, my brother, and whoever decides to walk in.  Once I start, I’m not going to stop.  Say no now, and walk the fuck away.  Otherwise, take your panties off and stick them in my pocket.  Then turn around and bend your ass over the pool table bitch.”
Without hesitating, her panties are now in my pocket.  Pulling her skirt over her waist, her bare ass is now shaking in front of me.  Getting a condom out, I unbutton my jeans and stroke my dick.  As I’m getting hard, I look over to see Tank is already working his girl over.  Her legs are wrapped around his waist, arms around his neck, and her head back as she’s moaning in ecstasy.  Damn, they were quick to get to it.
Reaching around her front with my right hand, I slide up her thigh.  At her juncture, I slowly tease her pussy lips with my fingers.  Spreading them apart, I circle her clit as she rocks back on to me, seeking more.  I increase the pressure and the pace on her clit.  My dick is hard and pressing against her ass.  She looks over her shoulder, down at my dick.  Seeing the silver jewelry at the tip, she smiles.
“Fuck me, biker.  Take that big, pierced cock and fuck my ass.”
If that’s what the hell the slut wants, who the hell am I to say no?  The bitch wants it rough, fine.  She’ll feel this shit for days.  I push her head down onto the pool table.  Removing my hand from her clit, I roll the condom on.  I kick her legs further apart.  Taking a few moments to finger her pussy, I use her own juices to start inserting my finger in her ass.  Once she adjusts to the first finger, I add a second.  With my other hand, I’m rubbing the head of my penis against her clit, letting the piercing apply that added sensation.  She’s now rocking back rhythmically on three fingers.  I remove my fingers and slowly insert the tip of my cock.  I give her body a moment to adjust to my girth, as I inch in further.  She’s tiny and there is no way I’ll be balls deep without hurting her.  Her ass is tight and the lube from the condom isn’t enough. Once I’m inside her a good bit, I reach around with my left hand and massage her breast at the same time I begin rubbing circles on her clit.  I tease the entrance to her pussy with my fingers.  As I do, she rocks back engulfing my dick in her ass.  It’s warm, soft, and so tight.  I insert two fingers inside her pussy as I pinch her nipple.  She rocks against me as I begin pumping both my dick and my fingers in and out of her.  She’s clinching around me as her orgasm is building.
“Oh, oh, oh…yes…I’m coming.” She screams out so loud Tank and his play thing stop fucking to turn and watch us.
As she’s going through the aftershocks of her orgasm, she starts to raise her head up.  I push it back down, as remove my hand from her pussy and my dick from her ass. 
“I’m not finished yet.  Bitch, stay put.”  I say as I hold her down onto the pool table.
Fast and hard, I thrust my dick in her pussy now.  I set a quick, intense pace, ready to get off and move on.  Within a few hard thrusts, I allow my mind a moment of wondering, imagining the face of a doll, I come in the condom.  Finishing, I pull out.  Removing the condom, I tie off the top, and toss it in the trash can in the room.  Adjusting myself, I zip up my pants.  Looking over, I see Tank is finished as well.  His girl already sporting a pouty face as mine is still bent over the pool table like she doesn’t know what just happened.
Deciding I am done for the night, I grab my beer, nod to Tank that it’s time to go.  He follows me out of the room, leaving the two bar flies behind.  They both call out to us.  Rather than turn around and acknowledge them, I flip my middle finger over my head at them as we make our way by the bar towards the exit door.






Chelsea Camaron was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children but her heart is always Carolina day dreaming.
Chelsea always wanted to be a writer, but like most of us, let fear of the unknown grab a hold of her dream; she realized that if she was going to tell her daughter to go for her dreams, that it was time to follow her own advice.

Chelsea grew up turning wrenches alongside her father, and from that grew her love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, which just so happened to inspired her ‘Love and Repair’ series and the ‘Hellions Ride’ motorcycle club series. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing and she currently has a few more projects in the works.

When she is not spending her days writing you can find her playing with her kids, attending car shows, going on motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, snuggling down with her new favorite book or watching any movie that Vin Diesel might happen to be in. She hates being serious and is still a big kid at heart. She is a small town country girl enjoying life and, Chelsea hopes that her readers remember not to take life too seriously and to embrace your inner five year old, because five year olds know how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to always have fun.











Thursday, May 29, 2014

Geek in the Woods by Cheryl Dragon - Spotlight

Too Close for Comfort
When Eric Ridgeway becomes a millionaire, he does what he couldn’t do before. Maine is the perfect place to open a think tank to help solve environmental quandaries. He knows nothing of shifters or paranormal creatures.
A nice little group of bear shifters live among humans in a small Maine town. With woods to run in and peace in their territory, they just need to keep an eye out for newcomers who might betray the secret. Ray understands the danger but trusts Eric. It might just be the intense attraction but the bears can’t stop new people from moving in. Scientists building a big facility only miles out of town is a nightmare for most of the bears…even if the owner is a hunk.
With Geek in the Woods and the Geeks in Nature series—I wanted to do a bear shifter story but something a little different. Brains and brawn. Geeks and Bears. All sexy men who are in it for the right reasons but can’t help their nature. The conflict isn’t personal, yet it is. The problem is built in to the system of the worlds they live in, the laws of their worlds, and who they are. The bears have every reason to doubt the scientists. Men like that love to conduct experiments, discover new things, and publish their evidence.
These scientists are environmentally focused but even Eric is fascinated by the truth about Ray. They have every legal right to build but massive bears sabotaging the tank certainly could ruin the dream project. He must form an alliance or at least forge peace. Eric and Ray find passion and love but Eric will have to pick the scientists he invites to the tank very carefully…
I loved this idea because you can believe in both characters and still see why there is mistrust. All it takes is one scientist who can’t resist the glory of a new discovery or one bear who decides there are too many newcomers poking around town. The potential for love is always there as is the inherent conflict between the geeks and the bears.


GEEK IN THE WOODS

Major construction disrupts more than Ray Hooker’s life; it rattles his small town with a secret. 
As sexy genius Eric Ridgeway continues building his state-of-the-art think tank, the town’s shifter population is terrified their identities will be uncovered by the group of incoming scientists. When fear drives vandals to slow construction, Ray helps Eric defend his property. Their relationship heats up and, in order to protect Eric, Ray reveals that he’s a bear shifter.

Now, not only is his secret out of the bag, but Ray needs to decide if loving Eric is worth the risk of discovery by other scientists. None of that will matter if their newfound attraction can’t outlast fear, lies and distrust! 
Available Now From These Online Bookstores


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with sinfully hot erotic romance. Her two favorite settings are Las Vegas and New Orleans...where anything can happen! Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area with her deaf albino cat. By day she analyzes numbers for a division of a large international conglomerate, which leaves the creative juices free for her erotic romance novels.




Demon of Envy by Jennifer Lynne - Spotlight/Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jennifer will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card, plus a signed print copy of GODS OF LOVE (1-3) and a set of the GODS OF LOVE cover postcards to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post, during the tour (International Giveaway).

Phthonos, god of envy and jealousy, has been given a second chance at life and love in the mortal realm. He is desperate to make up for the mistakes of his past. But is Thon more demon than god? And if the demon Envy wins out, how will this lonely god ever find room in his heart for love?

Olivia is an ordinary woman living an ordered life, but at thirty-two true romance appears to have eluded her. Everywhere she looks people are in relationships or falling in love, but her career as an administrator and her charity work are enough to keep the demon of envy at bay.

Or so she thinks…until the moment he turns up on her doorstep with a demand that rips her life and her heart wide open and leaves her at risk of eternal torment.

DEMON OF ENVY is the fifth novella in the GODS OF LOVE series, but each story is designed as a stand-alone with the Greek gods of desire as a common theme. The series can be read in any order.


Now enjoy an excerpt:

The need to engulf her with everything raging inside flooded over him with such force he went super-still. Get it under control. The darkness was too all-consuming, and she couldn't withstand him if he lost it. She was so delicate and easy to break, despite that elusive core of inner strength, and he had to remember at all times to hold himself back.

She was human. She was fragile. And she was about to become his if he could only control his demon long enough to keep her safe.

He shucked off his T-shirt and threw it to one side, before moving forward to take over from her fumbling fingers. "With pleasure." Remember. Do it slowly. He managed to release two more of the tiny buttons before a waft of her perfume teased his nostrils. It was a musky scent that reminded him of hot nights and seductive need, so long-forgotten that its sudden effect on his senses blasted his self-control to pieces. With a groan that rattled his throat on the way out he grabbed the two sides of her blouse and yanked them apart, the remaining three buttons flying off in all directions with a ripping pop, pop, pop.

"Oh!" Her gorgeous mouth formed into a round of surprise. He clutched at her wrists before she could cover her breasts, then released them slowly when he felt her peak of embarrassment begin to subside.

"No! Don't ever cover yourself when you are with me. I must look at you." She was solidly proportioned, with more flesh than was the current fashion, judging by what he'd seen in his brief time back here. But he liked it better when there was something substantial to hold onto.

His fingers trembled as he traced around first one large globe then the other. Her skin was so white he could see the blue network of veins peeking through from beneath. Her life force, so close to the surface. So tantalizing.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Lynne


Jennifer Lynne lives in Melbourne, Australia, and writes short contemporary erotic romance, mostly with paranormal/fantasy elements. When she’s not writing what her family and friends call “porn for chicks” and what she prefers to call “super-hot romance for intelligent readers”, she is working in the admin day job, running around after two teenage daughters and trying to find time for her lovely new husband.

Jennifer is published with Red Sage and Breathless Press. Over the past two years she has also embarked on an indie journey with the publication of her GODS OF LOVE romance series featuring erotic Greek gods and modern-day mortals in need of sexual healing.

Find her on the web at:

Website and blog: http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Lynne-Romance-Author/297504180262670

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JenniLynnAuthor

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Lynne/e/B004VUPGDG

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Dangerous Protector by Milly Taiden - Spotlight/Giveaway

Dangerous Protector
Federal Paranormal Unit 2




If you run from love, you're asking for a chase...

James Brock lived the past ten years without the woman he loves. Using his job as head of the Federal Paranormal Unit to help others, he's done a good job of ignoring his lack of a personal life until she returns. His salvation. His first love.

Cynthia Vega had a very good reason to leave the only man she loved after she'd accepted his marriage proposal. Now she's back as his boss. And he's not willing to ignore their chemistry or the past.

Brock is determined to claim his mate and prove that their passion is even hotter than before. He wants her and her explanation behind their separation. Except, some secrets won't stay buried in the past. Brock will fight his demons to follow her lead, but Cynthia's reluctance to explain their lost love may be the one key to their destruction...
BUY LINKS


Add Dangerous Protector to your GR TBR Pile!

Book Trailer – Check out this sexiness!





Dangerous Protector
© Milly Taiden, Latin Goddess Press 2014


Chapter One

Galvez’s nostrils flared. Disgust lit his eyes. Figures. He had never been the type for warm and cuddly conversations. And the last thing Cynthia expected was for him to encourage employee relationships. “He isn’t normal. He’s… He’s—”

“I know exactly what he is. If I were you, I’d be very careful what you say about him.” She snapped her mouth shut to keep from adding anything that could, and would get her fired. Dammit, she’d just started the job.

She yanked on the handle to her car. The metal creaked as it opened. Galvez placed a hand on the top of the door, stopping her from moving it further.

“Look, Cici—”

“Don’t!” She hissed. “Only my family calls me that. You’re my superior. Don’t get it confused. My accepting your job offer doesn’t make us friends. It doesn’t make us buddies. It just makes me your employee.”

“I’d like to think of us as more than just employer-employee. Possibly move things to where they should be between us.” His facial lines smoothed out. There was concern in his eyes for a flash of a second. Then an iciness entered his gaze as she shook her head.

“I don’t think so. All we’ll ever be is co-workers. Don’t confuse yourself.” She met Galvez’s stare with her own angry glare. He should know by now that intimidation wouldn’t work on her. Being raised by her grandmother, because her father had been missing in action, had toughened her up. Especially when her mother was more trouble than she wanted to think about. When her family’s reality finally hit her, some hard choices had to be made. And the result had been losing the only man she’d loved.

Galvez’s brow puckered. “If you can’t handle working with Brock, for whatever reason, just tell me. I won’t hold it against you.”

Yeah, she just bet he wouldn’t. He’d recruited her as a test. To see her fail. She knew what he was after, but she wouldn’t give it to him. He’d come to her. Right now, she had the upper hand. An upper hand she wasn’t willing to lose.




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Hi! I'm Milly (AKA April Angel) I love to write sexy stories. They're usually either paranormal or contemporary with a large dose of heat. My paranormal stories can be anything from wolf-shifters (my favorites) to witches, demons and anything in between. I was born the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, I live in New York City with my hubby, the bossy kiddo and our little dog "Needy Speedy". 

Don't ask.

When I'm not working some really long hours at the day job, or hanging out in the awful life-sucking invention known as Facebook, messaging my bestie in the UK or shopping with my sis Julie, then I can be found watching scary movies. Buuut when I'm not doing that, I'm usually writing because the voices won't shut up.

I am addicted to shoe shopping, chocolate (but who isn't, right?) and Dunkin' Donuts coffee.
Come by and visit me! I love to meet new readers!




Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Love with a Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde - Spotlight/Giveaway


Love with a Perfect Cowboy
A Cupid Texas Novel
By: Lori Wilde
Releasing May 27th, 2014



Blurb

Cowboys always seem to have the most spectacular butts, probably from all that hard riding in the saddle. But Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas off her cute shoes…and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw, strong arms and those other assets of cowboy Luke Spencer. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.

But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive-as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth-talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around…


Buy Links 



Author Info
LORI WILDE is the New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty books. A former RITA finalist, Lori has received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers’ Choice, and numerous other honors. She lives in Texas, with her husband and a wide assortment of pets. Lori teaches Romance Writing Secrets via the internet through colleges and universities worldwide at www.ed2g.com. Visit her at www.loriwilde.comor @LoriWilde on Twitter.

Lori’s Links:
twitter handle is @LoriWilde

Cupid Texas Series
Love at First Sight Release Date May 28th, 2013
All Out of Love Release Date June 25th, 2013
Somebody to Love Release Date Dec 31st, 2013
Love with a Perfect Cowboy Release Date May 27th, 2014


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Monday, May 26, 2014

A Darker Rain by Claudine Kapel - Interview/Giveaway




“It’s definitely not a good time to be going into the woods of Hawkley Ridge.”

When a red-eyed wildcat starts threatening ranchers in the Pacific Northwest, Ryan Cole recognizes the danger is far more menacing than the ranchers realize. Cole specializes in tackling unconventional security threats, particularly those with alien origins.

His investigation puts him in the crosshairs of Antoine Drake, an international arms dealer with a penchant for weapons from other worlds. Both men are hot on the trail of powerful alien artifacts known as guardian stones.

Cole and his team of investigators embark on a dangerous quest to recover the guardian stones before they can be assembled into the ultimate alien weapon. To succeed, Cole must also decipher the wildcat’s deadly secrets.

But in the woods of Hawkley Ridge, it’s easy for the hunter to become the prey.

A Darker Rain is the first book in the Ryan Cole series.



Suddenly Cole stopped, raising his hand to halt Dalton’s progress. He heard something. It sounded like a growl, off to the left of the path. The forest became deathly quiet. The night creatures were also aware of the danger in their midst.

Cole reached for his gun. He sensed Dalton doing the same. The cool metal in his hand was reassuring, although he couldn’t forget what the leopard had done to Scofield.

Then he saw the shadowy figure, maybe twenty yards away. Red eyes watching him in the darkness, but well shielded by the forest.

Cole remained still, pondering his options. Memories of countless military operations that had unfolded in forests and jungles flickered through his mind. He had faced many opposing forces in his life, but never anything quite like this.

Cole knew they weren’t in a position to get a good shot, not with trees and brush in the way. He hoped the leopard’s options were equally limited. The animal was large as far as wildcats went, so it was unlikely it could advance through the brush with ease.

Suddenly the red eyes were gone. Within moments, sounds of life returned to the forest.

Cole heard Dalton exhale.

“What the hell was that?” asked Dalton in a whisper.

“A genetic nightmare on four legs,” replied Cole.




To get started, can you tell us what you are working on or have coming out?

My first novel, A Darker Rain, was recently published and I’m now busy working on the next two books in the series.

The series follows a team of investigators who tackle unconventional security threats, including those posed by beings and technology from other worlds.

In the first book, Ryan Cole and his team are on a mission to recover five alien artifacts known as guardian stones. But others are hot on the trail of the artifacts as well, including international gunrunner Antoine Drake, who will stop at nothing to secure the stones to augment his own power base.

Cole’s search for the stones leads him to assist a group of ranchers who are being threatened by a red-eyed leopard. Cole knows an alien threat when he sees one, and he knows the ranchers are in far greater danger than they realize.

To succeed in recovering all the guardian stones, Cole and his team must not only cross swords with dangerous adversaries, but also unlock the secrets of the mysterious wildcat.

The series follows Cole’s continuing adventures as he learns more about the alien presence on Earth, gains new allies, and faces new adversaries, both human and otherwise.


Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I love to travel and there are still many places that I want to see. There’s a certain magic that can be accessed by traveling. New worlds open up to be explored. And each place has its own unique characters and stories.

Some of my target destinations are somewhat conventional. I’d like to see more of Europe, including England, Ireland and Spain. I’d also like to visit Paris and Amsterdam again.

I’m very much drawn to places with a powerful sense of history and breathtaking natural beauty. So my travel bucket list also includes an Alaskan cruise as well as visiting Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

I’ve been to Africa, where I had the opportunity to visit a wildlife preserve. It was very exciting to see elephants, rhinos and giraffes – as well as a lion – in their natural habitat. But we didn’t see any leopards.


How important is the location or sense of place in your books?

A sense of place is very important in the books. In A Darker Rain, the action unfolds in various locations across the U.S. Pacific Northwest as Cole and his team make strides to recover powerful alien artifacts while also investigating the mysterious wildcat.

The physical environment is a vital element of the story as it contributes to the challenges the team must overcome to succeed in its mission. Both the search for the artifacts and the investigation of the leopard lead the team into the wilds of Hawkley Ridge, a fictional mountainous region outside Seattle, Washington. The team must contend with numerous adversaries while in the field – of both the two-legged and four-legged variety – as well as a lot of rain. It is the Pacific Northwest after all.


Plotter or Pantser? Why?

I’m definitely a pantser. For those unfamiliar with the terms, “plotters” map out their storyline in detail before writing, while “pantsers” build their plot as they go – essentially “by the seat of their pants.”

For me, writing a novel is both a journey and an exploration. I generally start with a foundational story arc and a few pivotal scenes – although the points are mostly in my head. I don’t generally work with a physical outline.

From there, I follow where the story goes and where the characters lead me, and I’m open to new ideas and directions. I don’t necessarily write the entire book in sequence either. Sometimes a scene or section that takes place later in the book will demand attention – so I’ll capture it when it arises and then define a cohesive path to flow the story to that future point.

Compared to their plotter counterparts, writers who embrace the pantser approach may face more challenges in keeping all the plot elements integrated. So pantsers need to pay particular attention to the details to ensure they haven’t created continuity issues or ignored any loose ends.

Having a solid, professional editor is a critical success factor for any written work – and it’s especially vital for pantsers. I’m fortunate to work with an exceptional editor with a keen eye and an unwavering attention to detail. She keeps me honest and helps me ensure that the story unfolds seamlessly.


Tell us about your next release.

The next book in the Ryan Cole series begins just after the first book ends. Each novel represents a stand-alone adventure, although there are continuing themes and elements that link the books in the series.

In the second book, Cole and his team are on the hunt for a spaceship that has crashed in the Mojave Desert, while someone from Cole’s past engages him in a dangerous investigation that puts him in the crosshairs of his greatest adversary. The team learns more about the power of the guardian stones while Cole makes one of the most astonishing discoveries of his career.





A Darker Rain is Claudine Kapel’s first novel. She lives in Toronto and enjoys books, music, and travel. When not working as a consultant, she can be found writing, reading, or contemplating what else may be out there.

The second book in the Ryan Cole series is planned for release in 2014.

Claudine loves to hear from readers. You can reach her by e-mail at claudine@claudinekapel.com.





Claudine will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Hungry Heart by Meg Benjamin - Review/Giveaway


Hungry Heart
by Meg Benjamin



Peace, love, and barbecue—with a big order of sexy on the side.

Sous chef Darcy Cunningham is less than entranced with small-town Konigsburg’s obsession with barbecue. But her future career as a chef de cuisine requires expanding her culinary horizons, so she talks the Barbecue King, a.k.a. Harris Temple, into taking her on as his apprentice.

However, learning Harris’s professional secrets wasn’t supposed to include falling for his spicy blend of smoky sexiness and laid-back charm.

Chico Burnside specializes in flying under Konigsburg’s small-town radar, but lately life has been going a little too smoothly, even for him. Hoping to shake things up a bit, he talks Harris into teaming up for Konigsburg’s first barbecue cook-off. But once shy scientist Andy Wells catches his eye, Chico’s got more on his mind than brisket. Like enticing her out of her shell to show her just how tenderly a big guy can love.

As the competition ignites, so does the romance. Until a natural disaster threatens to derail Konigsburg’s dream team before the grills even get good and warmed up.






I really enjoyed this book, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much, but I very much loved it. I love that it isn’t just a one couple love story, but instead highlights two couples, I felt like I got a bonus story.

I loved the characters and became so in love with them that I didn’t want the story to ever end. This is book eight, and I haven’t read the other books but this one was very enjoyable without reading them.

I know I love barbecue and I loved that Darcy just doesn’t understand the appeal of barbecue. It led to some great moments between her and Harris. Throw in Andy and Chico who are were a great sweet edition to this story.

This was my first time reading Meg Benjamin, but it will not be the last time!





I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.




Excerpt:

He leaned forward slowly, maybe giving her a chance to run. A chance she wasn’t going to take. His lips brushed hers, lightly, as his hands cupped her face. He rubbed his thumbs across her cheekbones, dark eyes watching her carefully.

The flecks of green had deepened, making his eyes even darker now. She leaned forward, placing her hands on his shoulders, bringing her mouth against his more firmly. The contact seemed to send an arrow of heat through her body, making her nipples ache, her pulse warm again.

His mouth opened against hers and she let him inside, rubbing her tongue against his, feeling it rasp against her teeth. She sucked his lower lip for a moment, nipping him lightly, hearing the catch in his breath.

His hands dropped to her breasts, cupping, then rubbing them, his palms brushing her nipples to hard points. She felt cool air against her back as he pushed her shirt up, his fingers fumbling with the catch on her bra. His lips drifted down the side of her throat, leaving a trail of heat as he did.

She pushed his shirt up, running her fingers through the slight dusting of hair across his chest, then down along the ripple of muscle over his stomach.

His hands cupped her breasts, pushing the bra aside. He leaned down, taking one nipple into his mouth, sucking, his tongue laving the aching peak.

Somewhere behind them something beeped loudly. Porky came awake with a woof.

“Shit.” His hands dropped to her hips, his forehead pressed against her breasts. “Shit. Fuck. Goddamn.”

“Timer’s beeping,” she muttered. “And Porky’s awake.”

He nodded, his forehead still resting on her collarbone.

“Fire’s ready. And you’re behind with the meat as it is.”

He raised his head to look at her. “I didn’t plan this.”

“I know.” She wasn’t entirely sure what he meant—the timing with the meat or the timing with the two of them. She brushed a hand across his cheek, pushing his hair back from his face.

“I don’t want to stop.”

“I don’t either.” She slid back a few inches, moving her hands to his shoulders. “But like you once said, barbecue waits for no man.”




Meg Benjamin is an author of contemporary romance. Her Konigsburg series for Samhain Publishing is set in the Texas Hill Country and her Medium trilogy for Berkley InterMix is set in San Antonio’s King William District. Meg’s books have won numerous awards, including an EPIC Award for Contemporary Romance, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Indie Press Romance, the Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers and the Beanpot Award from the New England Romance Writers. Meg lives in Colorado with her DH and two rather large Maine coon kitties (well, partly Maine Coon anyway). Her Web site is http://www.MegBenjamin.com and her blog is http://megbenj1.wordpress.com/. You can follow her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/meg.benjamin1), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/megbenjamin/), and Twitter (http://twitter.com/megbenj1). Meg loves to hear from readers—contact her at meg@megbenjamin.com.







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