Friday, February 28, 2014

Recklessly Royal by Nichole Chase - Excerpt


Catherine has spent her life being the perfect princess. She’s kept her hands clean, her head down, and most

When David arrives at the royal wedding of his friend, the newly ordained Duchess Samantha Rousseau, he expected to feel uncomfortable and out of his element, but he wasn’t prepared to be targeted by Prince Alex’s gorgeous younger sister. With Cathy’s giant blue eyes, killer figure, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before he gives in. But when he finds out just how innocent the crown princess really is, will he play the part of knight in shining armor or the dashing rogue?
importantly—men at arm’s length. After all, most men are after only one thing, and for Cathy there’s a lot more at stake than her bed; she has to worry about the fate of an entire nation. But at the rate she’s going, Cathy is afraid she’ll give the Virgin Queen a run for her money. She is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. She has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one man who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal. The one man she is tempted by more than any other . . .

Excerpt:





Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, and several short stories. She is also the instructor of Say What? a dialogue class at the Romance Academy.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises. 

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Links:



Thursday, February 27, 2014

Guest Post: Amy Ruttan - Giveaway

I want to thank Sheri for having me be a part of her one year anniversary. The one year anniversary in ANYTHING, I think, is a big deal.

It was a one year mark for me last month. January 25th marked one year since my sale to Harlequin. Which was a huge deal for me, because getting into Harlequin had been a dream of mine since I was thirteen.

One year anniversaries are something to be celebrated. Though, a couple of my first anniversaries didn’t go as I always envisioned them.

How did I celebrate my Harlequin anniversary? I had a glass of wine and worked on revisions. Yep. Nothing over exciting for me. Just more work, but I don’t mind.

My first year anniversary of my marriage, well that was celebrated a bit early when we welcomed our first born, my daughter, seventeen days earlier. I wasn’t in any shape to go out for dinner or drink. I did get a nap, which is good.

Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned, so I’m glad to be part of a real FUN bash with Sheri’s ANNIVERSARY BASH of her blog.

I’m thrilled to be here.

And the traditional one year anniversary present is PAPER which is pretty fitting for Sheri who is as passionate about books as I am.


So I want to be the first to raise a virtual glass of champagne (because I’m in Canada and it might get frozen if I ship it to her) and congratulate you for your one year anniversary. Here’s to many more!


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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Silence of the Wolf by Terry Spear - ARC Review



Gray werewolf Tom Silver is determined to find the wolves who have been attacking local livestock. While tracking the pack through the Rockies, a blizzard forces him into a remote cabin where he hears a plane crash nearby.

When he discovers the sole survivor is a beautiful female werewolf/coyote shifter mix, bound as a prisoner, he knows it's his duty to hide her. Now, they are both at risk as a search ensues for the missing prisoner.

Will Tom be able to protect this beautiful stranger while tracking down the wolves responsible for terrorizing the local livestock?



I’ve enjoyed every one of Terry Spear’s wolf books, and I was very happy to read the newest. It’s back with characters I fell in love with a while ago, throw in Elizabeth who is a werewolf/coyote shifter and it’s a unique and fresh tale. Silence of the Wolf follows Tom and Elizabeth as they fall in love, and in Elizabeth’s case learn to trust again.

I really recommend this story, it probably can be read as a stand alone, but since I’ve read all thirteen stories, it was like coming home for me. Ms. Spear has created a fascinating and interesting world that I enjoy visiting every chance I get.






I received a copy from Netgalley. I was not compensated for my review. 

Letters to Julian by Zayne Michaels - Spotlight/Giveaway


Available Now From:


Despite being a dragon shifter, Ridley Dragos doesn’t lead a life of adventure or excitement. Instead, he prefers the quiet solitude of his bookstore and the brief interaction with his customers. He has no aspirations of falling in love or living happily ever after, but all of that is about to change.
When he walked into The Book Attic that morning, Julian Haell harbored no expectations other than finding a new book for his ever-growing collection. Ridley intrigues him, though, and challenges everything he thought he knew about friendship and desire. A simple chat over tea turns into a comfortable, weekly routine, but as the months pass, Julian can’t help but want more.
It’s not every day a guy realizes he’s fallen for his best friend, but unfortunately, Ridley’s window of opportunity is closing fast. When Julian visits the mysterious Cupid Inc in search of a date for Valentine’s Day, Ridley finds himself facing an impossible decision—either seize the moment and confess his feelings, or let the love of a lifetime disappear forever.


EXCERPT
Every Monday and Thursday for three months, Julian entered the shop at precisely nine in the morning without fail. He usually pretended to browse the shelves, though Ridley always had a new book waiting for him. Then he’d eventually make his way to the coffee shop in the back of the store where he’d flirt with the barista, Bridget, order a Moroccan mint tea with honey, and sit in the same seat at the same table to wait for Ridley to join him.
It became their routine, simple and dependable, and Ridley looked forward to their twice weekly conversations. Though they’d talk for hours at a time, surprisingly, they never ran out of things to say. Talking to Julian came easily, never forced or awkward, and as they’d gotten to know one another, his shyness and anxiety had eventually melted away to reveal a shining personality Ridley found as addictive as any drug.
“Is it here?” Julian demanded the minute he walked in through the front doors of The Book Attic. “Did it come today?”
“Well, hello to you, too, love. Nice weather we’re having, wouldn’t you say?”
Julian turned to look through the large display windows to the gray, sullen sky beyond. “Yes, just lovely.” Approaching the counter, he bounced up on his toes and leaned forward to place a friendly kiss on Ridley’s cheek. “Sorry, how are you?”
“Do you really care?”
“Not really,” he admitted with a mischievous grin. “Tell me. Did it come today?”
“Ever impatient, you are.” He teased, but in reality, Ridley adored the man’s excitement. “Yes, your bloody book came this morning.” It hadn’t been easy to track down the special edition Julian wanted, but Ridley had found a way to make it happen.
“You are truly amazing.” Julian held his hand out and wiggled his fingers. “Give me.”
Ridley retrieved the leather-bound book from the shelf under the counter and handed it over. “Flattery will get you everywhere.” While loathe to admit it, he’d do anything Julian asked of him, if only to see that infectious smile of his. “What plans do you have tonight, Julian?”
“I’m going to curl up with a blanket by the fire and admire my new treasure.” As he spoke, Julian caressed the spine of the book and traced the edges with the tips of his fingers. “What about you? Got a hot date tonight?” he teased.
“Nothing so exciting.” All month he’d been trying to work up the courage to ask Julian up to his apartment over the store. It wasn’t the possibility of rejection that held him back, though. He worried about how it would change their friendship, and he didn’t have so many friends he could afford to lose one. “I’ll likely order a pizza and turn in early.”
“Look at us, a couple of party animals.” Holding the book to his chest, Julian shuffled to the other end of the counter and tilted his head to the side. “I’m going to get a tea. Do you want anything?”
“No, nothing for me.” Asking Julian up to his place or out to a movie shouldn’t be so stressful. They were friends. Clearly they enjoyed each other’s company. Ridley couldn’t see a downside to asking Julian on an outing—not a date, definitely not a date—but still, something held him back. “Go on,” he added when he noticed Julian hadn’t moved. “I’ll be along in a minute.”
“Ridley, is everything okay?”
“Fine.” No, he didn’t feel fine, but he didn’t know what had changed or why he suddenly felt so off-kilter. Keeping his back to Julian, he stacked papers and sorted different odds and ends on the counter, though his mind drifted a thousand miles away from his task. “Go on, Julian. Go get your tea.”
Slipping behind the counter, Julian curled his fingers around Ridley’s elbow and tugged gently. “Hey, look at me.”
Since he didn’t have a good reason to refuse, Ridley choked down his sigh and turned to face his friend. “What is it, Julian?”
“I could ask you the same thing. Talk to me.”



Zayne Michaels is a small-town girl who grew up and ran off to the big city. She currently resides in the Midwest where she spends her days dreaming up dark, sexy adventures in between soccer games and the never-ending pile of laundry.

Zayne's fascination with old and discarded treasures has always been a source of inspiration for her tales. From antique clocks to old, dilapidated houses, her imagination turns to the "what ifs" and "what used to bes."

Maybe this love for the abandoned is why she is a firm advocate of second chances, or perhaps she's just a little crazy. Whatever the reason, Zayne believes everyone chooses their own path, creates their own destiny, and is the author of their own story.



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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Married to the Job by Cynthia Racette - Spotlight/Giveaway


Dr. Miranda Perry is a workaholic scientist whose job is everything to her. When sexy, smart, and suave Dr. Russell Rogers visits to give a seminar, though, he blows her world apart.

It’s love at first sight for Russ, and he uses every trick in his arsenal to convince Miranda to go out with him. In the short time they have together, sparks fly and the sexual tension burns up the sheets.

After Russ returns to his job in Boston, the two engage in hectic, emotional- and sex-filled rendezvous, but their liaisons don’t cut it for either of them and a choice must be made. With each committed to prestigious positions on opposite sides of the country, will they let the fire burn out because each is married to the job?



Excerpt:

“I know we just met, but I want to kiss you,” he murmured, his nose in her hair. “There’s a dark corner over there. Come on.”

She shivered at his words, eager to feel his lips on hers. It seemed as if she’d waited forever for that touch even though it had only been a few hours since they met.

He led her across the floor to a dim space around the end of the bar. Pressing her into the corner, he brought his mouth down to hers, gently at first and then with more firmness. His arms closed around her waist and pulled her to him. Her body responded to the pressure of his, contouring itself around his shape. He nibbled on her neck for a few moments and then he brought his lips back to hers, insistently persuading hers to open widely in passion. Soon, they were both plunging their tongues into each other’s mouths, angling their heads for better access, frantic to get as close to each other as they could.

Heavy breathing filled the small space, and it emanated from both sides. This is so not good. She wanted to eat him alive, but they were in a public restaurant, and, if they didn’t restrain themselves soon, people would start to notice. If they hadn’t already. She stepped back, breaking his hold, and hating to lose his warmth, but they she knew they had to stop.

Slowly, as she dragged her lips from his, then leaned her forehead against his chest, she tried to calm her breathing and her heart. His lips touched her hair and then he set his cheek on top of her head. Finally, their breathing almost back to normal, they broke apart and drifted back to their chairs. She glanced around. No one appeared to be looking at them. She didn’t really care what other people thought, but still, she didn’t want to create a spectacle.

“I suppose I should apologize for that,” he said quietly as he pulled his chair in. “Except I’m not sorry about what happened at all.

About the Author: 

Cynthia is a New York native, currently living in Western New York. She and her hubby moved from the capital area in Albany to be near their grandchildren, one, five, and six. They are adorable, much more adorable than other grandchildren. She is retired, except for her writing, but she still writes prolifically. She is one of those weird people who has always been a writer, long before she thought of it as a job. When not writing, she is reading, traveling (especially south in winter), and swimming in her pool with her grandbabies.

Contact Links:

Link to tourhttp://wp.me/p3SVfE-oJ





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Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye - Release Day Blitz/Interview/Giveaway



Q&A WITH LAURA KAYE
HARD AS YOU CAN is your second book in the “Hard Ink” series (after USA Today bestseller, HARD AS IT GETS). What can readers look forward to?

Readers can look forward to tons of sexy alpha male goodness, awesome bromance between the Hard Ink men, more antics from the Hard Ink puppy, and another great love story between Shane and Crystal. But readers should also be ready for a book that is darker, more intense, and more emotional. This book pushed me to emotional places that were tough as a writer, and might be tough for readers, too. But I think that just makes the payoff at the end so much sweeter!

Describe Shane and Crystal. What are their best traits? What are their weaknesses?

Shane and Crystal are such an amazing couple to me. They’re each exactly what the other needs. Shane’s best traits are his protectiveness, his fundamental kindness, and his soul-deep loyalty (his southern accent and humor are also right up there!). His biggest weakness for sure is a tragedy from the past for which he blames himself—and it’s something that continues to motivate him in Hard As You Can. Crystal’s best traits are her courage, protectiveness, and selflessness—she’s willing to do anything to keep her younger sister safe. Her biggest weakness is also that selflessness, because the sacrifices she’s required to make are getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

If you could describe your book in a 140 character tweet, what would it be?

When a woman in trouble assists an ex-soldier's covert mission to regain his team's stolen honor, he finds a new mission to save her, too

What are you most excited about with this second book release?

I’m really excited to take readers deeper into these awesome characters and into the mystery behind the Hard Ink team’s ambush and discharge!

What books are you reading right now?

I’m almost done with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (yes, I’m very late to the party but OMG JAMIE FRASER!!!). And I’ve recently devoured and loved Juliana Stone’s Offsides and Shelly Thacker’s time-travel historical romance, Forever His.

What can fans of your “Hard Ink” series look forward to next?

There will be two more Hard Ink books in 2014!

Hard to Hold on To – August 2014
Hard to Come By – November 2014

About HARD AS YOU CAN:
Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he's shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister's sake, Crystal can't get too close. Until her job and Shane's mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. 

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He's exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can--and never let go.

Read an Extended Excerpt of Book 1, Hard As It Gets
Buy Hard As You Can at Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo


About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.






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Monday, February 24, 2014

Betrayal by Jenna Jaxon - Spotlight/Giveaway



Title: Betrayal
Genre: Historical erotic romance
Flame rating: Scorching
Released: 1/31/2014
Publisher: Rising Phoenix Publications

Blurb:



After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding.  But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none.  However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth.  Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?



Buy link:



Bio:

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical  and contemporary romance.  She is currently finishing revisions to  her fifth full length novel, To Woo A Wicked Widow, set in Regency England and the first book in her five part series, The Widow’s Club.

Only Marriage Will Do, second book in her Georgian  House of Pleasure series is with the editor. Her medieval trilogy, Time Enough to Love, is being published by Rising Phoenix Publications. Book 1, Betrothal is currently available.  Book 2, Betrayal, will be available at the end of January.

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager.  A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise.  She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets.  When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director.  She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.


Author Links:
TWITTER: @Jenna_Jaxon


Tour long Giveaway: $50.00 GiftCard to Amazon or B&N

Dates: 1/31/2014 thru 2/28/2014



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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Life Flight by Shaunna Wolf - Spotlight/Giveaway


LIFE FLIGHT
by Shaunna Wolf



Blurb:

Malachi Blackfeather has spent twenty years in the Army. Two of those years as a Vietnam POW. Now that he's out, all he wants is some peace and quiet to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Between the flashbacks, and an over interest in sex that is now being called sex addiction, finding his path isn't easy.

Kat is trying to escape an abusive marriage. Her soon to be ex is a master at manipulating the system, and her family thinks she should stay with him, "because no other man will want her". She's looking for escape in any form she can get it.

When they meet, sparks fly. Trapped by a blizzard, can two damaged people, who think there is no chance of love in the world for them, find each other, and survive an unforeseen circumstance that puts both of them in danger?

Mystery, romance, and danger, fill this novel, with a story that will draw you in and not let go.



Excerpt:

We stared at each other until Johnny cleared his throat.  The back of her hand went down the side of my face.  She put the back of her hand to her face.  Frowned, and then moved back to her place on the floor.  What had that meant?

The trooper cracked a beer.  Began telling us about a nudist house party he’d broken up.  Kat laughed, stroked his ego with her voice.  But her gaze kept coming back to me, I’d look back and she’d shift her attention away, then I’d catch her again.  Did she want me out of the room?  Did her soul’s demon want this new prospect?  Did she even see it as a demon?  As something that had taken the place of real feelings and human emotions--to the point they had to be borrowed and stolen from others?

My third beer and the room felt like the outdoors.  Wind whistled over the glass.  I pulled the other blankets out of the closet.  Zipped my coat.  Johnny zipped his and pulled gloves on.  Stood up.  At least not drunk.

“Going to my car,” he told us, “Y’all welcome to come sit in the warmth.”

“Mine's got a full tank as well.  Gets too bad, we can sit in it.”  I grasped his hand, glad I’d gone back for this man. “Thanks.”

“Smoke, before we’re in for the night?”

I stepped outside with him.  The air felt as if it would shatter.  Amazingly, the lights were on over in the restaurant.  The sound of a diesel engine running echoed over the parking lot.  Johnny laughed. 

“Guess I know where I’m heading, find me a booth, and get some shut eye.”

Not a bad idea.  At least warm--and hot food.  He lit his Winston, I lit a Camel.  We stood that way, two men, each scarred in his own way by a shared experience that we hadn’t even realized was one.  And Kat scarred by something, something before her marriage. 

“That little woman,” Johnny said.  “Ain’t none my business.  But everyone said she’s a free spirit--born after her time, shoulda been her age in the 60’s.”  His blue-eyed gaze flashed to me, then away.  “Take the right kinda man to make that kinda woman into a wife, but if you got any smarts, you’ll give it a shot.  The way you look at her, and the way she looks back, yeah, the way of things brought you together for a reason.”  He dropped the butt in the snow and took sure steps across the ice covered parking lot.

Author Links:

Facebook Author’s Page: http://www.facebook.com/srhowen1  

Blog: Critters at the Keyboard http://srhowen1.blogspot.com/

Author Web page:  http://ww.srhowen.com











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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Touched by Lightning by Danica Avet - Review/Scavenger Hunt Giveaway


Title: Touched By Lightning
Series: Love’s Defenders
Genre: Superhero Erotic Romance
Flame Rating: Scorching
Released: 2/14/2014
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave


When empath Gyda St. Germaine is rescued from a sex-trafficking ring, she vows vengeance on her tormentors. Aided by two distinct personalities who bolster her powers, she becomes a vigilante, hungry for revenge. Her path of retribution tosses her into the arms of an Order of Themis Siphon and her world is turned upside down. Fighting her past takes a backseat to her all-consuming desire for the man whose honor and sense of justice go against everything she believes.

The moment electricity manipulator Brit Harper stumbled across a feral woman with a bloody knife, his life changed. Black and white becomes gray as the scales of justice tip. Fascinated by her strength and the darkness in her eyes, he vows to teach her the true meaning of justice and help her explore the passion sizzling between them. But when the evil haunting Gyda’s dreams returns in the flesh, he’ll have to choose between his beliefs and the woman he loves.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave



Buy links:


“Shh,” he whispered against her hair. “I’ll never hurt you, Gyda. I swear it on my life.”
She didn’t relax, not entirely, but then he knew it was up to him to help her. He slid his hand beneath her shirt, not going for the gold yet, wanting to ease her into it. It wasn’t exactly a hardship. Her skin was silky soft and warm.



This is a complex story that is so well written that I was hooked into the story and couldn’t put it down. Ms. Avet creates a unique world with a unique heroine that I will be talking about for a long time in the future.

Gyda St. Germaine is a strong heroine who despite the cruel hand dealt her works hard to avenge herself and to just survive. Enter Brit, this amazingly patient and beautiful hero who finally finds the perfect mate in Gyda, and sees past the obvious crazy part of her and loves her.

I don’t even have the words to describe how much I love this book, it’s full of action, angst and two characters that light up the sky with their passion.

I highly recommend this story, Ms. Avet does a fabulous job pushing the envelope and giving a unique but very sexy story.





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




Danica Avet was born and raised in the wilds of South Louisiana (that would be somewhere around Houma) where mosquitoes are big enough to carry off small children and there are only two seasons: hot and hotter. With a BA in History, she figured there were enough fry cooks in the world and decided to try her hand at writing.


Danica is the lucky pet of a compulsively needy dog and two cats. The pitter-patter of little feet has been known to make her break out into a cold sweat.


Writing is how she gives the voices in her head a way out. When she isn’t writing, working or contemplating the complexities of the universe, she spends time gathering inspiration from her insane family, reads far more than any sane person would want to, and watches hot burly men chase an oblong ball all over a field.





Superhero Movie Quote Scavenger Hunt:

There are 15 (fifteen) stops for this Scavenger Hunt. Each stop contains a picture/button with a superhero movie quote on it. You can enter the movie title for each quote in the Rafflecopter for additional entries in the giveaway. Good luck!


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Legal Information:

- Entering this contest means you have read, understood, and agree with all rules and regulations stated.- Entrants must be 18 or older (or age of majority in your country) to enter and to win.- No purchase necessary.- Void where prohibited.- All stated rules are subject to change without notification or reason given.- Chances of winning vary widely based on the number of entries received.- Prize is as stated. No substitutions or exchanges.


- Contest host/organizer is not responsible to misrepresented/mis-typed email addresses, spam filters, mailer demons, and other internet wackiness that may crop up at the time of winner notification.


- Winners are final.- Contest Starts 00:01EST February 5, 2014 and Ends 11:59EST February 20, 2014 and open to International participants- Winners will be notified via email, twitter, or facebook no later than 12:00EST February 25, 2014-Respond by date to collect prize is 14 days from notification date.