Book Junkie

Valentine's Day Fun ..... Enter to win free ......

2012-02-10T08:08:00.003-05:00

Author Toni Aleo and Lisa over @ A TASTY READ have a very special Valentine's Day Treat for everyone! Check it out ...................

"Valentines is only 4 days away and everyone's getting into the loving mood!!! Not only am I discounting Taking Shots for that day but Lisa over a A Tasty Read is spreading the love by hosting my give away and then one of her own!!!

Here's the details from her blog, A Tasty Read:

TO ENTER, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

(1) Become a FOLLOWER of A Tasty Read Romance Review Blog, by either Joining the Site or Following by Email. Its on the side of the blog!

AND IF YOU WANT TO BE ENTERED MORE THAN ONCE:

(2) Follow A Tasty Read on Twitter and/or "LIKE" A Tasty Read on Facebook

(3) Follow Toni Aleo on Twitter and/or "LIKE" Toni Aleo on Facebook

PRIZES

She will be Giving Away HER BEAUTIFUL, "A TASTY READ" Pen, along with The New Release of you choice.

Valentine's Day is all about YOU right!! Oh yeah..and some yummy V-DAY Candy to make it EXTRA SPECIAL!!

And Toni, (aw shucks! hehe) being as sweet as she is, will be GIVING AWAY An E-BOOK of her latest Release, TAKING SHOTS, the first book in her Assassin's Series.

These are great prizes ladies! You should go enter and like her page! Its all about love on Valentines, so why dont you go get you a does. I mean ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE right?" ...... Toni Aleo

Spencer Seidel's LOVESICK Blog Tour and scavenger hunt..........

2012-02-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

Lets welcome author Spencer Seidel who is stopping by Book Junkie on this LOVESICK Blog Tour. His newest mystery, LOVESICK, releasing in June 2012 in paperback, but is now avail on Amazon (e-book). Enjoy the interview, and don’t forget to read the two Excerpts that follow the scavenger hunt! There is a link to tomorrow’s blog spot on the tour so you can follow along!!!

1. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Of course! I never feel that a book is perfect or complete. I could edit and revise forever. But I really do like Lovesick and my characters and believe in them, so I have to stand behind it as is.

2. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

After reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster about six times each as a kid (and more again as an adult), I knew that writing was something I wanted to do.

3. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The most challenging thing about being a writer for me is keeping the faith that it’s something worth doing. It’s awfully easy to get carried away by the doom-and-gloomers in the industry, or with the ego-maniacal folks in the industry you run into occasionally who don’t seem to realize that we’re all in this together. It’s a tough, tough business, and sometimes it’s hard for me to separate that from craft.

4. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes. Keep writing. I meet too many authors who write one book and then lose themselves trying to sell it. Some books sell, some don’t. That’s a fact of life in this business. You’ve got to always be writing your next book. I think it’s the only way to be successful.

5. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Just that I’m so glad I have readers! Thank you for spending time with my characters. I hope we have a long, complicated relationship!

BLURB:

Late one night out on the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine,
the police discover an incoherent teenager sitting in a pool of blood,
holding the body of his best friend and the murder weapon. The girl
they both love has been missing for weeks.

The kid’s jealousy clearly drove him to murder. He says the missing
girl is the love of his life. She also happens to be the girlfriend of
the murder victim.

It’s an open and shut case, or so most of Portland thinks.

Dr. Lisa Boyers, forensic psychologist, receives a call from an old
friend, a connection to her troubled past. Attorney Rudy Swaner wants
her to interview the young killer Paul Ducharme, who is claiming he
doesn’t remember the events leading up to the murder.

In her jailhouse interviews, Lisa helps Paul to recover his memories.
But something about Paul’s disturbing love story shakes Lisa to the
very core of her being. To understand Paul, she is forced to confront
her own ugly violent secrets.

Media attention mounts. Reporters stream into Portland. All eyes turn
to the psychologist who seems intent on exonerating the vicious teen
killer. Soon Lisa finds herself the focus of an over-zealous reporter
with a knack for digging up dirty secrets.

But the killer who has Lisa in the crosshairs already knows them all.

EXCERPT #1

“He’s got a knife!” Jimmy said after seeing the glint of a blade in the kid’s hand. Jimmy brought his gun up and squared it at the kid.

Christ! Jimmy thought, his heart trip-hammering in his chest, I might have to shoot this sonofabitching kid. And on my first night. “He’s got a knife!” he said again.

The kid looked confused and held up his left hand. In it was a serrated knife, the kind a hunter might use to skin a deer. The kid looked almost surprised to see it.

He started shaking. He dropped the knife and then threw up on the ground next to the body on his lap.

Jimmy gagged at the sight and sound of it. He could smell the blood from where he stood, a coppery, organic stink.

EXCERPT #2

The kid sat in a small lake of it. Jimmy’s stomach roiled in protest, and he thought he might throw up himself.

“Don’t you fucking move!” Bruce said to the kid. “Don’t you fucking move!”

A siren in the night. Getting closer.

“Can you help me? There’s something wrong with Lee. He’s not breathing.” The kid bent over the victim.

Jimmy said in a low whisper: “That kid isn’t right. Something’s wrong with him. In the head I mean. And look at his eyes, Bruce.”

“Tell me something I don’t fucking know, for Christ’s sake.”

Jimmy ignored this and said, louder, “What’s your name, kid?”

Jimmy caught another harsh look from Bruce. Rooks weren’t supposed to say anything unless told to, but Jimmy ignored the silent reprimand. The kid looked up and stopped rocking his body. http://www.sithereandread.com/

MARKED IN MEXICO by Kim McMahill .......

2012-02-02T08:08:00.010-05:00

In Kim McMahill's latest from Inspired Romance Novels called MARKED IN MEXICO , an idyllic Caribbean vacation turns deadly when hostages are taken at one of Mexico’s most popular Mayan ruins. The kidnappers believe the abduction will be a simple way to negotiate the release of a colleague from a Texas prison, but the stakes become much higher when they realize one of their hostages is the daughter of a powerful U.S. Senator and another, an ex-Army Ranger who has no intention of playing by the rules.

After a daring escape the Senator’s daughter, Jessica, and the ex-Ranger, Jack, must endure a terrifying manhunt and a desperate fight for survival. While trying to stay alive in the unforgiving jungle they forge a bond that will last a lifetime and find love neither wanted, but were unable to avoid.

What a great adventure this book was, from the start I knew I would just love Jessica. She is a successful woman with a good head on her shoulders and strong as hell. Well, that is unless it comes to standing up to her father. Knowing that the political life that she was born into many sacrifices have to be made and making him happy even if it means compromising on her own happiness, that is what she is willing to do. Unfortunately it has sidelined her on her personal life with a total ass of a boyfriend. I do use that word lightly because frankly he is a user, a liar and a cheat, not to mention a complete and total jerk. Actually the man just might be the poster child and king of all jerks out there.

Wanting escape and needing a break after a horrible loss in a court case she runs to Mexico on a much needed girls vacation with her best friend. Little did she know that this trip would be the catalyst for her life changing in such a dramatic way.

Meeting Jack, the dark, sexy and shy (?) guy who just seems to be one of the gang she is almost at a loss for words. Yes he is cute and blushes but there is something dark about him that she can’t quite figure out. I do love their banter, or really a sarcastic flirt. But Jack’s head is still in his past when it comes to women and all his walls are up with it comes to Jessica. She makes him feel alive again and he isn’t willing to let her die. Die you ask, that is because they have been taken captive by drug traffickers with 3 others in hopes that one of their partner’s will be released from a Texas prison.

Very fast things turn deadly, especially when one of the captives lets the cat out of the bag and lets the kidnappers know exactly who Jessica is and her relation to a very powerful US politician. On the run for their lives the two can’t help but bond. But it is much more than that. Their personalities really shine with their strengths as individuals and complement each other greatly. Before you know it their relationship is sizzling hot and neither one can start to deny the passion or the underlying feelings that they would both like to hide. Although extreme circumstances they are falling in love.

With all the suspense and close calls I was on the edge of my seat desperately trying to read faster and faster just to find out what was going to happen. The author has really created two characters who not only are cohesive and charming but who have depth and personality that bounces off the pages. The supporting characters, from their friends, family and the other victims really hold solid in their characterization which all together forms a very solid, sensual romance with a hot streak of suspense that will keep you on your toes!

5 STARS- LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN

Author: Kim McMahill

ISBN:978-0-9847645-4-9

Pub Date:January 13th, 2012

Publisher Name: Inspired Romance Novels

You can read more from at www.kimmcmahilll.com . This book is available from Inspired Romance Novels . You can buy it here in Format :PDF, PRC, HTML, Mobi, Epub.

Winner, Claimed by a Spymaster by Tara Kingston....

2012-01-19T12:15:00.000-05:00

CYP is the winner of Tara Kingston's Claimed to the Spymaster !!!

HOT ZONE by Catherine Mann

2012-01-16T08:08:00.001-05:00

What can I say, I truly love this series, so when I got my hands on HOT ZONE by Catherine Mann. This is actually book 2 , (Book 1: COVER ME released in July 2011), in the Elite Force series.

Action for the first words until the last page you will fall in love with Hugh and Amelia. At times I wanted to hell out loud at Amelia and Hugh, like a scary Sci Fi movie where you the audience can see the bad guy waiting in the shadows while the man characters are clueless to the danger that is only seconds away, I was on the edge of my seat reading as fast as I could just to see what the heck was going to happen.

Their relationship, or rather lustful attraction will really give you goose bumps because not only is Amelia successful and smart and at the top of her game, but she is a complete sweetheart and a lush when it comes to her new nephew. Trapped under thousands of pounds of rubble from a horrible earthquake, Hugh comes to her rescue just when she is about to give up. She is strong as hell to go through what she went through, buried alive holding onto her little nephew who is still only a little baby, but realizing that Hugh, a man she can't even see but shadows is risking his life to save theirs.

Hugh is wildly sexy and so Alpha it will make you sigh with his tender heart. He is also a hard core or go home sort of guy and when he finally gets Amelia and her nephew out of the rubble he can't help but still think of her. But duty calls him back to the mission, that is until the little boy is kidnapped by some serious human traffickers so won't think twice about taking out Hugh and Amelia in a heartbeat when they spoil their plans.

High adventure, high octane romance that keeps the drama high, the action intense and the romance sexy, make that smokin hot sexy.
Whatever you do, because this book can most definitely be a stand alone, keep your eye out for book three, UNDER FIRE to release in May 2012!!!

For Pararescueman Master Sergeant Hugh Franco, it’s all about saving other people’s lives. Then he moves on. But when he pulls beautiful Amelia Bailey and her adopted nephew from the rubble of a catastrophic earthquake, he finds himself entangled in their lives in ways he could never have imagined…

And desire-filled nights…
Amelia’s trip to the Bahamas to help with an international adoption has been no vacation, but the hardest part is yet to come. As Amelia and Hugh are pulled unawares into a deadly smuggling scheme, simmering beneath their growing need to protect each other is a compelling attraction they’re both determined to deny…

Guest Author and Giveaway with Tara Kingston......

2012-01-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to Book Junkie's Book Blog, Tara Kingston! It is great to have you here again as a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your second book in the Claimed series, Claimed by theSpymaster?

Thanks, Brande…it’s great to be back! Claimed by the Spymaster is the story of a Russian actress snared in the web a British spy casts to catch a ruthless traitor. Here’s a little about the plot:

Russian actress Valentina Baranova travels to England to marry, but it’s anything but a love match. Betrothed to a cunning and ruthless English lord, she’s the sweetener in a deal that will put stolen British documents in Russian hands and curry the Czar’s favor for her father. Determined to flee her loathsome intended, she flees him—and promptly falls into the hands of his most bitter enemy.

Spy for the crown Alec Jameson, Lord Carrington, is on a mission: unmask the traitor responsible for his brother’s death before the blackguard can further betray Queen Victoria’s empire. Capturing Valentina to use as bait, he spirits her away from London. Despite his efforts to resist the beauty he’s snatched from his enemy’s grasp, Alec claims Valentina for his own while she lays siege to a long untouched part of Alec’s existence—his heart.

Why Historical Romance and why Pirates, have you thought about another genre?

I’ve loved historical romance since I discovered the romances of Johanna Lindsey and Teresa Medeiros…hot heroes in settings so different from my everyday life…what could be more delicious? There’s something about being transported to another time and place that makes reading such a pleasure for me. One of my favorite era is the Colonial period when pirates and privateers commanded sleek vessels on the high seas. The hero of my first story for Ellora’s Cave, Claimed by the Captain, is a man of the sea, a ruthless privateer with a letter of Marque from the American government. Who wouldn’t want to be swept away by a swashbuckling sea captain? I also adore the Victorian Era in England. Claimed by the Spymaster is set during that time of daring spies serving the Crown as Britain extended Victoria’s empire. I love spies—daring, intelligent, sexy men like James Bond and John Steed—the cool, unflappable secret agent whose only weakness is the woman he loves. Totally hot!

I also enjoy contemporary romance. I’m working on a contemporary inspired by Pride and Prejudice and I’ve completed a short contemporary about a breast cancer survivor rekindling a steamy relationship with a man she thought was long gone from her life.

How did you come up with the plot for Claimed by the Spymaster?

The plot for Claimed by the Spymaster was inspired by the old British series, the Avengers, and the movie that followed. Ralph Fiennes was utterly hot as John Steed in the movie. Pairing the cool British agent Alec Jameson with a fiery Russian heroine created sparks and conflict, and ultimately, passion.

Was it easy to decide what challenges to throw at Alec and Valentina?

The challenges facing Alec and Valentina flowed naturally from their conflicts. Valentina’s father, a spy for the Russian Czar, capitalizes on Valentina’s success as an actress as a cover for his travels through Europe buying secrets on behalf of his government. When his latest deal with the devil tangles them with a high-ranking English traitor, Valentina becomes a pawn between a man motivated by greed and the British agent out to unmask the traitor at any cost. Torn between her feelings for Alec and her loyalty to her father, Valentina must follow her heart while surviving the traitor’s wrath. I have to admit I loved writing this story!

What else is in store for the Claimed series?

I’m working on a novella set in the American west, Claimed by the Gunslinger, and I’m brainstorming a Steampunk setting with a skypirate. I’d love to know what readers might be interested in seeing.

I’m also thrilled that Claimed by the Captain is now available in a wonderful anthology of pirate-themed stories by Scarlett Scott and Eliza Knight. The anthology’s called Pirate’s Past and it’s now available as part of the Ahoy! series from Ellora’s Cave. Three steamy pirate stories in one volume…how awesome is that!

If the series was going to be made into a TV series or film, who would you like to see playing Valentina and Alec?

Ooh, love this question! For Alec, I’d have to cast Ryan Gosling. He’s so sexy and intelligent and athletic, while for Valentina, I’d think Rachel McAdams would be a fantastic choice.

Do you have any other projects you are working on?

I’m working on an erotic novella inspired by Jane Eyre…Michael Fassbender’s brooding performance in the latest incarnation of Jane Eyre has inspired this retelling.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job? How do you divide your time?

I divide my time between my writing, my day job as a librarian, and spending time with my wonderful hubby. We have a blast when we’re together, so it’s a great balance.

If you could live during any period in time, what would that be and who would you be?
The Victorian Era would be my first choice…such an exciting time for women! I’d love to spend time in the shoes of a brilliant and adventurous journalist like Nellie Bly.

Do you have any questions you would like to ask the readers?

Absolutely. First, what’s your favorite era…which time period draws you to a book? What draws you to a book? What do you prefer - ebooks or print?

I love to hear from readers. Contact me at tarakingstonromance@gmail.com, or better yet, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***

Tara would like to give a copy of Claimed to the Spymaster to one commenter who answers this question: What historical era is your favorite setting for romance?

Winner Chosen Jan 19th

Please leave your e-mail so we can contact you if you win!

And the winner is .............

2012-01-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

And the winner of TAKING SHOT by Toni Aleo is............

Tamsyn

Guest Author and Contest with author Toni Aleo.............

2012-01-03T08:08:00.004-05:00

Today I would like to welcome author Toni Aleo, she just released her first ever book this fall, a super sexy and absolutely fantastic sports themed romance called TAKING SHOTS, this one you just have to check out!! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review her book, which you can read all about HERE. I hope you enjoy this interview and the review, but I have decided since I love this book so much I just want everyone to read it, so tomorrow I am picking a winner for one copy via Amazon! So leave a message for Toni and I will pick a winner from those who comment.

1. If someone were writing a story about Toni Aleo what would your blurb say? Toni Aleo is a twenty eight year old mother of two, married to her high school sweetheart. From a military family, Toni was born in Germany and was raised in Clarksville, TN, where she still lives today. She is a hopeless romantic, she loves love stories and being able to write them fills her with all the happiness in the world. She loves music, reading, photography, and being a mother. She is country to the core, she says ain’t, and drinks sweet tea. She is an intense Predators hockey fan and will tell anyone that Shea Weber is probably the best hockey player known to man. She tends to talk a lot and ramble about things she is passionate about.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release TAKING SHOTS that isn't in the blurb? Taking Shots is my baby. It took me seven months to write it and I just love Elli and Shea. It is about a woman that had been through so much heartache and the heartache doesn’t seem to end until she meets that one person, that takes her breath away. Shea is the perfect man with all kinds of imperfections. He complements Elli; he makes her a better person as she does for him. They are better together and when they are apart you feel the pain as if you were going through it with them. You beg for Elli to stop being so insecure and stupid. To just love Shea, not to listen to her family, but to just love.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of TAKING SHOTS?
Hehe, well…I have admitted to being a BIG hockey fan. I basically went to EVERY playoff game last year and watching a certain hockey player inspired me to developed Shea Adler. I wrote regular boy meets girl kind of books before but I had never ventured into sports because I didn’t think I could do it justice. When I started Taking Shots, I actually quit because it wasn’t flowing, but then I met my favorite hockey player. I came home, opened the outline for Taking Shots and things just came out in the masses. It was nuts, and I kid you not that I would write hours at a time and I wouldn’t stop. If you were to pick out a major event in the book, I could tell you what that came from. A lot of the book is inspired by everyday things that happen to me, or how me and my husband are, or how my friends and I act. A lot of my book is personal stuff, and I love that people are connecting with it.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in TAKING SHOTS?
The ending. When Shea breaks that glass and tells Elli he loves her, my heart melts and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Then she sings for him and he gives her the ring, OH! My heart! It was the best!

5. Was there any one scene you were forced to leave out or regret not putting in?
No, not really. This book is long, and I love it that way because its everything I want in a book. Most romance novels are short and sweet, throw some sex in there and they are done. I wanted to give everyone the whole relationship, so they could love Elli and Shea as much as I do.

6. What can readers expect from book two, TRYING TO SCORE? Oh, you can expect some drama. Fallon and Lucas are awesome. The gist is that they dated when she was in college and broke up because Lucas cheated. Well he comes to the Assassins in Nashville, and meets up with Fallon because her wine company is the sponsor for the Assassins. Sparks fly when the two see each other for the first time again, and off starts Lucas trying to get her back because he still loves her. Fallon is so confused that sometimes she comes off as bi polar. Poor Lucas is trying so hard to convince her he is a changed man that he basically does everything to get her back, but then Lucas learns of the secret Fallon has been keeping and all hell breaks loose.
Just like with Taking Shots, you will follow the chase, their ups and downs, and will basically fall in love with these two. I’m really excited about the release of this book because my little group of readers says it’s better than Taking Shots. I hope everyone else thinks so, too.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon? Oh goodness me, give me a Boston, Irish, or Canadian man and I am swooning something serious. WOOWEE!

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone? For the third book in the series, I had to look up things that could go wrong in an abortion and seeing those images and things like that really messed with me. I am totally pro life but my character was forced to get one and I needed to know what could go wrong when she had the procedure done.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you. I have an intense hockey temper. I have been kicked out of my husband’s hockey game countless time. It’s very intense and people don’t like to go to games with me because of it. I’m pretty sure it embarrasses my husband, but thankfully, he still loves me!

10. What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series? Keeping it good, and not repetitive. I hate books in a series that are basically the same thing just different names. I want each book in the Assassins series to be new and awesome. I want people to feel the love in each and every book. I don’t want people to say that it is all the same.

11. How can the readers stay in touch with you online? I am a social networking freak! I have a blog, Facebook page, twitter, Goodreads, and an Amazon author page. I love hearing from my readers! Here are the links:
Blog: tonialeo.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/tonialeo1
Twitter: tonilovesweber6

12. Favorites List… fill in the blank a. Favorite City

New Orleans, I went there this past Thanksgiving and I will never forget it. I had such a blast!

b. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again) Oh goodness, this is a hard one because if I went classic, it would be Pride and Prejudice, but if I keep it modern it would be either Kristin Higgins: Just one of the Guys, or Julie James: Practice makes Perfect.

c. Favorite type of hero: I love me a sexy cowboy, but my heart belongs to Hockey players. There is just something about a man skating around and knocking into other men, that just does it for me!

d. Favorite Quote: All you need is love, love is all you need. – The Beatles.

13. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be? What made you want to read my book?

SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE by Tawny Weber

2011-12-22T14:05:00.001-05:00

When they say that opposites attract, boy they weren't kidding. Especially when you pair Caleb and Pandora set their eyes on each other. Through humor, a bit of mystery and suspense and let's not forget a sexy romance, author Tawny Weber spins a beautifully sensual love story into a complicated web of Family drama in book one in the Undercover Operatives series, starting with book one SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.

Both Caleb and Pandora have their own fair amount of issues, but family is at the core of this trilogy and in that you find the strength of their love story. Fast paced and heated dialog (and I mean the sexy, burn your sheets kind of heated), really light the way in book one. Pandora has a love hate with her family and she struggles with her own imperfections and insecurities that simply make her afraid to let go, to let love into her heart. Dysfunctional, yet loving and supportive in their own special way family is a powerful influence. But in the end Pandora and Caleb will have to find their own way. It honestly shapes who they are as people, but with it counts Pandora really needs to learn to let loose and open herself to Caleb.

He is a smart, sexy agent who has to come to terms with busting his own dad. That is a load on his shoulders that he isn't quite ready to bear. In comes Pandora into his life like a slap to the face he is taken by her. Not that he acts on it. These do go through a tormented mating dance that will make you laugh until the finally, when they finally do get together. That part will make you giggle with happiness for them and you may even have to fan yourself a time or two. These two are so hot together, explosive that the buildup fanfare is all worth it in the end.

Delightful, witty, lighthearted and simply fun this is just the beginning of one hot series by author Tawny Weber!

What to look forward to .... SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT & SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES !!!

Undercover DEA agent Caleb Black is home for the holidays—possibly to bust his own father. But maybe Caleb's con-man dad isn't the one running drugs through the small town of Black Oak. Maybe it's the green-eyed goddess who runs the New Age shop and has Caleb under her sultry spell.

Pandora Easton saved the family store with two words: sex sells. And her delectable aphrodisiacs really work, as she's proven with notorious bad boy Caleb again and again and again.

Little does she guess that, in the end, her most potent potion will be the truth….

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

2011-12-20T11:49:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading this fantastic Sports Themed (Hockey), Romance called TAKING SHOTS by Toni Aleo. In reading the author's notes after finishing this amazing book, she stated that reviewers have said that when reading Taking Shots they felt as though they were a part of the story. Apart of Shea and Elli's life, as though you were living every moment with them. That couldn't be more accurate. I do believe that is a great testament of the caliber of writing. Especially by a first time published writer, and what a first book! Toni really started out of the gates with a bang!
From the beginning of the first chapter I was honestly ensnared into the world of Shea and Elli, I thought that they were so real, everyday people. Baggage and all, ugly scars, both emotional and physical, you can't help but feel as though you are apart of the story. I almost felt as though I was a voyeur, eavesdropping in on them, with my nose pressed against the window that was their life. But found I was too engrossed to remove myself and too emotionally invested to back away. I couldn't read fast enough.

Elli's historic love life or lack their off and the relationship she has with her family is out of control insane. Besides her father and her uncle, she has no familial support and what her mother, sister and brother's would claim is support for Elli, is simply a cruel joke. Thank goodness for her friends. Especially her best friend Harper. Who BTW is one hell of a dynamic character! Harper's relationship with Jakob is hilarious, they both add such strength and depth to whole story. Elli is terribly insecure and through love and encouragement she sees the light at the end of the tunnel, or so she thinks.

Through the years Shea has had many women, but who cared. His heart was never involved and he never wasted more than one date with them. Why? He had no intention of giving his heart. That was until he met Elli. She blew him away with her beauty, her humor and her love for all things Assassins. As a franchise player for the Assassins, Shea loved that she wore his # and jersey for so long before they met, let alone as his official girlfriend. But this being new territory for him to even have a girlfriend and Elli's own dramatic insecurities they two run into a lot of problems. Most brought on by her overpowering and evil family.

Though triumph doesn't seem in the books for them, through their impossible journey, you will find yourself crying right alongside both of them.

There are some serious dramatic ups and downs that they both go through. But with every step they make I felt more anxiety and excitement for their final reconciliation. I knew that they both were going to have to make the grand gesture if they wanted to plow through all the BS they struggled through to even get to this point.

If you are any kind of romance fan, this is a can’t miss book. You won’t be disappointed, there is drama, oh baby is there ever! There is passion, sexy love scenes that will put a blush to your face and a tried and true beautiful romance between two characters who are destined and deserving of their own happily ever after. So, kudos to author Toni Aleo, one of my new fav’s as I am huge fan now. I am truly bowing down on the floor in awe! Thank you for creating such endearingly powerful characters and a truly dynamic love story!

You can buy it here in @ Amazon .

Elli Fisher has never thought she was good enough, let it be her job, her weight, her love life, nothing. That is until she meets Shea Adler. After doing a promotional shoot for the NHL team, the Assassins, she meets the hunky hockey player who shoots a puck, shattering her world. Shea Adler was tired of the life he was living outside of the rink. The girls, the money blowing, the drinking, everything had to stop and it all did when he met Eleanor Fisher. He had never met anyone like her. She was feisty, witty, shy, and simply gorgeous. When he laid eyes on her, it was as if he was taking the hardest hit of his life into the boards, and he had to have her. Elli is a little skeptical of Shea, but he knows that they were meant to be together, and he needed her in his life. Can Elli throw her insecurities out the window and love Shea with everything inside of her, or will she let a past relationship, and her family ruin any chance of her being happy.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Liz Matis......

2011-12-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

In Liz Matis' latest from Little Hondo Press, PLAYING FOR KEEPS you will get a wildly sexy romance with depth and laughs.

The need for change and a breath of fresh air is just what Sam Jameson needs in her life. As a journalist, just coming back from Iraq and a horrible experience she is looking hard for the next story, one that will take her mind of the trauma of what really happened in the middle east. Not to mention her PTSD, which she so happens to not be dealing too well with.

So what to do next. Well writing a few exposé's on a few rough and touch football players seem right up her ally. After all Sam is just one of the guys, and after Iraq she feels this is exactly what she needs.

In comes sexy football player Ryan, who just so happens to have been the star player in Sam's college girl fantasies. It doesn't help that he is now flirting with her and that really makes Sam out of sorts.

A really fun read, the personalities of each of the main characters really shine bright in this romance making you fall in love with them, flaws and all. After all I think that is what makes a story so great, is seeing that your beloved characters seem so real and human as you do.

With a strong supporting cast and a promised sequel this is a warm hearting and sexy romance that will surely heat up your cold winter nights.

Journalist Samantha Jameson always wanted to be one of the boys, but Ryan Terell won't let her join the club. Fresh from the battlegrounds of Iraq, reporting on a bunch of overgrown boys playing pro football is just the change of scenery she needs. If trying to be taken seriously in the world of sports writing wasn't hard enough, Ryan, her college crush, is only making it harder. As a tight-end for the team she's covering, he is strictly off limits. Ryan Terell is a playmaker on and off the field, but when Samantha uncovers his moves, he throws out the playbook. Just as he claims his sweetest victory, Samantha's investigation into a steroid scandal involving his team forces him to call a time-out to their off the record trysts. But then a life threatening injury on the field will force them both to decide just how far they'll go to win the game. Winner of the NERWA First Kiss Contest A Kindle Bestseller.

Guest Author and Giveaway Carol Cassada

2011-12-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I would like to welcome author Carol Cassada who is celebrating her release

Westmore: The Aftermath. It is the second volume in the series by released by CreateSpace Publishing!

"In the eagerly anticipated sequel, a car accident changes the lives of the families of Westmore. One family comes together as one of their own fights for survival. While another family rallies together to protect a relative from prison.What happens when secrets are revealed? Find out in Westmore: The Aftermath"

Please give Carol a warm welcome today, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!

1.If someone were writing a story about Carol Cassada what would your blurb say?

A young woman from a small town in Virginia sets out on a mission to make her dream of becoming a writer a reality. Follow Carol’s journey as she struggles to overcome her insecurities and become a self-published writer.

2.Can you tell us a little about your newest release WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH that isn't in the blurb?

Westmore: The Aftermath is the second volume in the series. The Westmoreseries is what I like to call a literary soap opera, which follows the lives of various characters as they interact in everyday life. Here’s a little bit of background on the series:

Set in a fictional New England town; follow the lives of three families; The Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds.

The Greens:

* Widowed matriarch Charlotte never thought she could find love again after the death of her husband Michael, until handsome Detective Bryant comes to her rescue.
* Youngest son Peter returns home from college with his new girlfriend, who's ten years older than him, and is a problem for Mama Charlotte.
* Scott and Alicia are singing siblings who are on their way to the top, until tragedy strikes one night.

The Braxtons:

* Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and powerful businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company, with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, he'll do everything in his heart to stop him from leaving.

The Reynolds:

* After the divorce Laura Reynolds and her daughter Megan move back home with her father, where she plans to start life anew, but little does she know that it's not easy to escape your past.

At the end of the first volume something major happens, and the sequel Westmore: The Aftermathis a follow-up to what happens to the characters.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH?

TheWestmore series came from a love of soap operas; I wanted to write a book series where readers follow the lives of three different families and the various characters in the broods. The first volume was more of an introductory, and there was some drama, but not much, most of the characters got along well. In Westmore: The Aftermath, I wanted there to be a tragedy which causes a feud between two of the families and causes relationships to be tested.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH?

I’m trying to pick one that doesn’t reveal too much. I think one of the best scenes is when Peter and his mom Charlotte have a heart-to-heart talk. When Peter learned his mother lied about giving her approval to his girlfriend Zoey, he storms out of the house. Yet the accident brings him back and causes him and his mother to reconcile. In the scene Charlotte admits she feels like she failed as a mother due to the fact she wasn’t there much after his father’s death. Peter tells her she was a good mother and he’s responsible for all the mistakes he’s made in his life. It’s one of those moments that I think every parent and child has, and it was one of the most emotional scenes I’ve ever had to write.

5. What can readers expect with next from book two in the Westmore series?

Tons of drama and fighting between characters, plus lots of romance as relationships are rekindled and new ones form.

6. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

A British or Irish accent will make me weak in the knees.

7. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I can’t think of anything that’s been challenging. I mostly due most of my research online and that can be somewhat of a hassle. In Westmore: The Aftermath, I had to research legal and medical facts, and going from site to site finding the right information can be crazy.

8. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

This may sound crazy, but I have a fear of driving. I’ve always been self-conscious and people made fun of my driving, so I gave it up and had my family drive me around. But now I’m trying to overcome my fear, my brother’s going to take me out driving, and I can’t wait to get on the road.

9. What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series?

With this series I had all the volumes planned out in advance, yet as I began writing I found myself making changes to the plot which not only affects the current volume but the future ones as well. Another thing that’s challenging is with this series I have multiple characters, so coming up with individual storylines for them is tough.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

I’m on every social media site available, readers can reach me through:

www.carolcassada.net

http://twitter.com/#!/dramacjc

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carol-Cassada/233360543344573

11. Favorites List…fill in the blank

Favorite City: Emerald Isle, NC, it’s a favorite vacation spot of mine. I have fond memories of spending my teen years there, and it’s a place I’d eventually love to visit again.
Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again): One of the first ones I ever read was Keeping Faith by Janice Macdonald, it’s still one of my favorites, one I could read over and over again.
Favorite type of hero: I like the sensitive guy whose friends with the heroine, yet he’s afraid to tell her how he feels, and when it looks like he’ll never get the girl, in the end they get together.
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

12. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

There’s so many things I’d like to ask readers, but the main question would be: “What draws you to a book?”

***GIVEAWAY***

Carol has offered for one lucky commentor to win a copy of WESTMORE: THE AFTERMATH !

To Enter:

Must be a follower or become one

Must answer Carol's note above

Contest ends 12/12

Guest Author Sandra Clarke .........

2011-12-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I would like to give author of MINDOVER MATTER, Sandra Clarke. She has just released her new Paranormal Romantic Suspense and is here to talk all about it! Please give her a warm welcome and enjoy the interview. Don't forget to enter the contest!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Sandra Clarke what would your blurb say?

Oh my, you start off with the tough questions! The author bio is difficult for most writers and here you go putting a spin on it. LOL If I were writing a memoir maybe I could attempt it, but there's nothing story-worthy about me or my life. I'm a wife, mother, sister, daughter, caregiver, friend, confidante, writer and occasional dog trainer. The order depends on the day. I became a reader many years ago to escape the tedium of being eighth-born in a family of nine. And a writer for the same reason, with a bit more control. I've tasted tremendous happiness and suffered devastating tragedy. The end result is a compilation born of my experiences lived out over time. Please tell me it gets easier from here!

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release MIND OVER MATTER that isn't in the blurb?

Oh, you're a sneaky one, slipping past the mundane, looking for intrigue. Mind Over Matter is about loss. The story begins with a woman who lost her identity when she lost her only child. Her visions, the one gift she counted on to help Rebecca find her daughter, abandoned her. Her husband left her with a chorus of blame. She withdrew from society and buried herself in work. When she needed comfort, she took it from all the wrong places. Hope found her huddled amid slivers of shattered dreams. Rebecca's story shows how she gathered the strength to sift through dust for pieces worth saving in her search to discover a new way to make the pieces fit once more.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of MIND OVER MATTER?

This story came to me as part of a course I was taking at the time. The teacher asked us to each come up with a single sentence containing a protagonist, an antagonist, a need for each, an interesting setting, a conflict, and a twist – oh and it had to be thirty words or less. The result is the sentence that became the original tag line for the book.

Mind Over Matter is set in a fictional town at the base of a fictional mountain in Arizona. But both were inspired by local folklore, specifically tales surrounding the Superstition Mountains. The Superstitions have a deep history, most of it violent. Rumours of hauntings and lingering spirits who protect the peak abound. Visitors with paranormal abilities claim their gifts are enhanced during their time on the mountain. I added many of those characteristics to my fictional mountain range, which plays a big part in the story.

In the end, the inspiration came from the sentence, and I let the setting fill in the atmosphere and conflict.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in MIND OVER MATTER?

Hmmm. Good question. I enjoyed writing Rebecca's breakdown. Emotional scenes take a lot out of me as a writer. I suppose a natural response is to feel good about coming out the other side, intact, and maybe a little surprised too. You can't help but learn something new about your characters when you put them through the ringer. It's the kind of moment where characters experience a significant change, an important aspect of any story a writer strives for.

5. What can readers expect with next from book two in the Anderson Security series?

Forecasting Raine revolves around ASI team member Nick Jamieson. Nick's long buried psychic abilities resurface, along with his guilt, when a sniper's bullet reveals a threat to take down ASI as well as a past lover with every reason to want Nick dead. I've also just completed a stand-alone book, The Missing Time, where Reporter, Jordan Munro, targets a traumatized teen boy after details of his abduction reveal eerie circumstances similar to her own mysterious kidnapping thirteen year ago. It's anyone's guess at this point which book readers will see first.

6. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

Australian, all the way. LOL. I can't say why, for sure. It just does it for me. An Ausie accent comes across more as fun than it does exotic, I think, which probably reveals more about me than anything.

7. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I'd have to say trusting in my research on the setting challenged me the most. I've never been to Arizona, or to any desert environment for that matter. I had to rely on solid research to get the details right. I poured over the Internet and through books noting down the big things. Then I reached out to people I know and to online communities I'm active in, asking for tidbits about the area. Smells, textures, local slang, names of specific flowers that only bloom under moonlight – things someone whose lived there would know. Writers are a knowledgeable and generous group of people. Never hesitate to reach out to other writers for help. For the paranormal angle I relied on knowledge gained from reading hundreds of books in the genre, and I connected with a couple of writer friends who have experience with the phenomena.

8. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

I'm a little bit OCD and ADD, leftovers from a childhood encounter with Tourette's.

9. What is the most challenging thing for you about writing a series?

Organizing a series takes work. As a guide I used How To Write a Series, yet another course offered by my unofficial mentor, Holly Lisle. I'm a big believer in making my life easier by learning from someone who's been there and done it well. This course helped me execute a plan to track information throughout the series in one easy-to-access resource. I'm still working my way through the course in each spare minute as I go. So far it's been a big time-saver.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

Check out my new website at: http://sjclarke.com
Friend me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/jzcSq4
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrajc
Join me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top
Mind Over Matter Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MindOverMatterbySJClarke

11. Favorites List… fill in the blank ..................

Favorite City:

I have many favorite large and exotic cities I love to read about, but I wouldn't necessarily want to visit them. I like the familiar. I'm a homebody at heart. I hope that doesn't translate to boring! I'm not a traveller, nor do I particularly aspire to become one. As an avid reader, I visit new places each time I open a book. And I never have to deal with missed flights or lost luggage, just the occasional lost book mark. There's so much I'd rather do with my time and money right here at home. It would take a lot to get me to travel on any sort of regular basis. Any travelling I do is with my kids, where I look forward to experiencing the world through their eyes.

Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again)

Ah, I always dread this question. I feel like I'm letting writers and readers down when I admit I'm really not big re-reader of books. I read a lot of mystery/suspense, so I guess it may have something to do with the fact that knowing who-done-it spoils the re-read for me. I re-read specific scenes any number of times though, from a variety of books, usually as a form of research. I remember scenes that gave me goosebumps, or raised my ire, or forced from me a strong reaction of any kind. I'm often too lost in the story at the time to learn from the craftsmanship. The next time I'm trying to generate a similar response from my readers, I'll refer back to those scenes and examine what the author did to achieve that response. In my opinion, very few things in writing happen by accident.

Favorite type of hero

I love an Alpha hero, but not exclusively. If the story is well written, I can love almost any hero. But he has to have flaws, and he has to work hard to convince me to get past them.

Favorite Quote

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa

12. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Wow, another zinger. I might ask readers to continue reading and pass their favorite books on for someone else to discover. Or maybe I'd ask them to find a way to stay in touch with the writers. Social media enables readers to interact with writers on a whole new level. It takes little effort by either party and it's so easy! Let writers know what you love, what you want to see more of, or less of, what you thought was going to happen and how you felt about how the story unfolded. Or perhaps I'd ask them to start a conversation about books, be it with writers or other readers. Join a book club. Keep the passion for reading alive. Okay, I know that was more than one. What can I say? I'm a writer.

***GIVEAWAY***

Sandra is offering to give one lucky commenter a chance to win a eBook (epub, pdf or prc) of MIND OVER MATTER.

To Enter:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST answer Sandra’s question above

MUST leave e-mail (will need a way to contact the winner)

Contest ends Dec 6th

A PERFECT MOMENT by Shari Chulak

2011-11-29T08:08:00.004-05:00

A PERFECT MOMENT by Shari Chulak was one of those books that you have to take a step back and almost remove yourself from the situation. What I mean by that this is such a captivating storyline, so all encompassing, that you will find yourself laughing out loud one moment and crying the next, all the while trying to take a deep breath and remember that these are just characters in a book. You feel as though you are right next to Shelby and Steve, feeling what they feel, going through the motions as you are someone involved and invested in their story, their relationship. We all know people like them. Committed to what they believe in and the decisions that they have made. Willing to sacrifice their own happiness, even for a little while for the bigger picture. The big prize at the end. That is if they ever get there. Or worse yet, was it worth all the struggle in the end? This is a life they have both chosen, but knowing that something has died inside themselves along the way. They both attempt to take control once again of their lives and of their families. This is the key to their ultimate happiness, being true to themselves and who they are inside. No longer able to go through the daily motions and battles of what their marriages and lives have become. In Shelby's case, sacrificing her character, her strength and her passions.

There is a bond so great and deep, it is rooted in their core. They are soul mates, to the bone they know they are meant for each other, but commitment to their own marriage and with that dealing with unresolved issues they forge a friendship that seems all but unbreakable.

But there is fate, rooting for a happy ending is all well and good for the pair, even their friends and family are crossing their fingers for their ultimate coupling. Beginning to end their magnetism, their dialog, their trust in one another is dynamic and palpable.

Through tragedy and their inner strength they are able to pull through, not without some tears though. With a powerful supporting cast that is simply fun and charismatic that will only engage the reader and make you wish you could read all about their own stories. And boy and I am sure that they would be as amazing. A rare find in a contemporary romance everything from Shelby and Steve's children to their parents and spouses just meshes, an entertaining and romantic story you won't want to put down. Plenty of sizzle, romance you won't want to miss this page turner that had me both laughing and crying!

Her feelings for him were strictly platonic. Or so she tried to tell herself.

Shelby Benson is finally back home in Northern California, determined to put her unraveling life back together and provide roots for her daughters. The last thing she needs in a distraction - especially a handsome one.

The powerful chemistry between them is impossible to deny.
Steve Sanders can't help but be captivated by his new neighbor. Shelby is everything he ever wanted in a woman, and more. And everything his wife isn't. As they grow closer, he is determined to get his life in order, so he can be free to explore the irresistible passion he feels for Shelby.

Everything changes in one horrible instant.

When a tragic accident leaves a child's life in the balance, Steve and Shelby are forced to leave the past behind, Can they find the courage to put their fears and past mistakes aside, and believe that some dreams are worth the risk?

Tropical Christmas Giveaway with authors Maureen Child and Kate Carlisle

2011-11-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

Harlequin Desire authors Maureen Child and Kate Carlisle both have tropical island-themed romances coming in December! Don't miss THE TEMPORARY MRS. KING by Maureen, and AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE by Kate. Talk about a Double Fantasy! To celebrate their double release, Maureen and Kate are giving away a fabulous Tropical Island beach bag filled with lots of fun, beachy prizes to warm away those Winter blues.

To enter the Tropical Christmas Giveaway, simply fill out the form below (click on link to enter form) : http://bloggerandauthorgiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/11/tropical-christmas-giveaway.html

Buy THE TEMPORARY MRS. KING from Amazon: THE TEMPORARY MRS. KING
Buy THE TEMPORARY MRS. KING from Barnes & Noble: THE TEMPORARY MRS. KING

Buy AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE from Amazon: AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE
Buy AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE from Barnes & Noble: AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE

Giveaway of one Wickedly Sexy Historical Romance....Guest Author Natasha Blackthorne tells us all about it! ...........

2011-11-26T11:18:00.013-05:00

Grey’s Lady is the story of a wealthy New York merchant price, Grey Sexton, who falls for a poor but beautiful seductress, Beth McConnell. Yet, for all their social and economic differences, at their most basic level, Beth and Grey are very similar. This story explores how these similarities threaten to tear them apart before love can overcome the fear of being vulnerable.

Both Beth and Grey suffered isolation and emotional neglect in childhood. Grey grew up as a privileged only son, heir to Sexton Shipping, one of the fledgling nation’s largest mercantile fleets. Grey’s father was a stern businessman who did not understand his daydreaming son and held him at a distance. A child in this position might take solace in a closer relationship with his mother. However, Grey’s mother was chronically ill and unable to bear his childish energy. She kept to her chambers and died while he was still quite young. Later at age nineteen, Grey engaged in an emotionally scarring experience with a slightly older woman, something that is not covered in Grey’s Lady. All of these back story issues and more are explored in more depth in the sequel, White Lace and Promises, which is scheduled for release Dec. 26, 2011.

In contrast, the focus of Grey’s Lady is on the immediate interaction between two wounded and self-protective people who feel an overpowering attraction to each other but who do not want to admit it to themselves or the other.

I will let my character, Beth, tell her story in her own words:

Why should men always have the power of choice when it comes to love? Is it right that we women have no choice but to sit and wait for a man decide to honor us with his declarations–usually uttered in the form of a demand? And all we as women may do is say “yes” or “no” and hope we have made a wise choice. The man still has the power to break his promises and it will be our good name and heart that bears the damage.

My mother fell into an adulterous affaire with an unknown man and as a result I was created. Her husband put her out of their house. I would have been borne in the almshouse if not for the kindness of her employer. After my mother’s death, I would have gone to the foundling home without my kindly benefactress. My unknown father also had his power of choice, the choice to abandon me. How fair is it that men have all the power of choice?

Oh, you ask what about the gentlemen? Ha! The gentlemen. They are the very worst.

A gentleman once declared passionate love for me. He said this so ardently, his beautiful brown eyes shone with sincerity. I was young. I was naïve. I believed him. I trusted him and gave my heart wholly into his keeping. And as went my heart, eventually so went my virtue.

Do you what happened next? Surely, I don’t have to tell you. You know how these maudlin stories go. He married someone else. A lady. Someone of his own class. His took his power of choice. He became a respectable family man and I was left being a soiled dove. I had a good cry over it. I may have drank a little too much at his wedding celebration. What a pitiful little fool I was. But I did not wallow in my self-pity for long. So men have needs and desires? Well, I also have needs. I also have desires. Why should men have all the power of choice? Why should they have all the enjoyment in life?

I take my own power of choice now. I chose whom, when and for how long and I select only the most handsome, wealthy, and powerful of gentlemen.

Yes, I know you are asking do I not fear discovery? This is a worry and I take it seriously. Truly I do. I live with my half-brother and his family now. He is very protective and very touchy about matters of honor. Our mother was not faithful to his father. Now he takes such matters so seriously. Too seriously. If he had his way, I would stay home all the time, working in the backroom of his cobbler shop with one eye on the children. But honestly, though I love my nieces and my half-siblings, life there is dreary. It’s all work, work and more work. Everything is shabby, everything seems to stay gritty and grimy no matter how hard I work to keep things clean. There are always more shoes to repair. I swear my eyes shall go crossed trying to sew by candlelight night after night. I never get enough sleep or time to myself. If I couldn’t go out and seek my adventures, I should go mad. I have my mother’s wild blood in me and my desires can run so high I fear they shall consume me.

I could marry a nice man and he would carry me away from all of this. I would have my own cozy home and hearth. My benefactress has introduced me to a nice young minister and to a nice young but struggling legal clerk and a nice young medical student who trembled all over and went pale when I said good morning to him. I have no interest in nice young men. It’s the wealthy, powerful, arrogant gentlemen who fascinate me. I know they will never desire me for a wife but they shall burn for me. They shall remember me.

How do I protect myself from discovery? I limit my liaisons to one single meeting. I never meet with my gentlemen again, no matter how desperately they implore me. And they do implore me. Though I am poor, the child of adultery by an unknown man and powerless in my society, I have something gentlemen desire. I have beauty, and thanks to my mother’s wild blood, I understand their hot lusts better than the women of their class. I do gain a measure of satisfaction out of leaving them burning for more. Burning for me. No gentleman shall ever forget the one afternoon he spent with me.

Today is a special day for me. Mr. Asahel de Grijs, otherwise known as Grey to his friends, is coming to my favorite bookseller to give a lecture on privateering. He is a New York man, the owner of Sexton Shipping which has a fleet of over forty sea going vessels. He is rumored to be the wealthiest gentleman in America. I know this is not true. I know exactly who is the wealthiest man in America. But Mr. Sexton is among the top three wealthiest men in our nation. He is also politically connected and quite powerful. He would be the brightest feather in my cap. I think I shall wear my shabbiest dress because it is always more thrilling when these gentlemen cannot resist the tattered, poor little bastard girl. They are slaves to their own greed for beauty.

I don’t really deride gentlemen for their focus on beauty. I appreciate a handsome face and well-made masculine form. Well, if Mr. Sexton’s physicality matches his other attributes, then I shall be entertaining a gentleman today. In private. In his carriage. But only for today. Afterwards, he shall burn for me. He will never forget me.

What do you think, You could add the question at the end for the readers: Do you think the double standard still exists?

***GIVEAWAY***

Natasha would like to give away one copy of Grey's Lady to one lucky commentor.

To enter please answer her question above, leave your e-mail so we can contact you if you win.

Must be a follower or become one!

Contest ends 11/29

* * * * *

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

In Philadelphia, PA 1812

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.

But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.

But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.

For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

Heat Level: EROTIC +18 ONLY

Product link:

http://www.total-e-bound.com/Series/Carte-Blanche/Greys-Lady/p-83-246-1318/

The book video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHAaAZdH5bQ

Review on Night Owl Reviews:

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Chris-reviews-Greys-Lady-by-Natasha-Blackthorne.aspx

To read the first chapter:

(For adults only. Erotic Content. M/F. By clicking on this link you affirm you are 18 or older and have reached the age of majority in your country of residence): http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/2011/08/greys-lady-by-natasha-blackthorne.html

Book Two: White Lace and Promises out Dec 26, 2011

A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

2011-11-21T08:08:00.009-05:00

A LAWMAN'S CHRISTMAS (McKettrick Series) by Linda Lael Miller is a must read this Christmas season. Yes, I know there are tons of holiday stories out there on the shelves, but for those of you who are already LLM fans this I have to say is one of her best. I feel like I can say that simply because the character development was outstanding, realistic and downright additively charming.

I was already laughing out loud at the audacious personality and pure gumption of Dara's eldest little daughter. She had spirit and that only masked her underlying vulnerability. The dynamics between her alone and Clay takes off in the first couple of pages and only grows throughout the story.

A hard life ahead of her Dara is on her own with her two little girls and about to be kicked out of her home. A marriage on convenience Dara and Clay are attracted instantly, but the slow work up to trust won't let them act on that lust. A lust that soon turns into love. Not just theirs but the love that grows between Clay and the girls is palpable and just sweet. A down home story that just makes you feel warm and cozy inside, just in time to gather your Christmas spirit as it wraps around you like a toasty blanket.

Yes it will be a happy ending, but the struggle to get there is what draws you in. Will Clay kick the beautiful and vulnerable widow out in the snow, if he is anything like some of the leaders of the small town they would have been left out in the cold not long after Dara's husband, the now dead sheriff, was killed in a brothel.

LLM never fails to deliver and you won't be disappointed with her Christmas installment to the McKettrick Series! Passion, heartache, love and a budding friendship fill the pages in this holiday heart warmer!

Love comes home for the holidays in a brand-new McKettrick tale from New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller

The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won’t give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can’t fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there’s a new marshal in town, and she’s living under his roof.

With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn’t interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say “I do” to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman’s Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife…

Author Life Saver !!!!!

2011-11-19T16:26:00.003-05:00

Calling all authors..... "Do you need help answering fan mail, keeping your social networking sites up to date, creating mailing lists, sending out promotional materials or formatting your books for e-book readers? Jessica Lewis is here to help. As a Virtual Author’s Assistant, Jessica can help you handle these and many other mundane tasks, so you can focus on what you do best; writing!"

-Jessica Lewis, Author Life Saver

Then you are in need of a life saver! And Jessica Lewis is your girl! I have worked with Jessica and find her to be professional, easy to work with and respectful, really able to supply the tools that both blogger and authors need to successfully promote any new endeavor.

Like most authors I talk to, and like myself, they have a full time job and family, so trying to get the best word out to all those fans and would be fans can be a daunting task and is all too often left up to them to "self-promote". Look no longer, because as the daughter of the brilliant author Maggie Shayne she is all to aware how important it is to get the word out and what is required to share with the world your latest and greatest.

Head on over to her site, she offers an array of services that will help you in any capacity that you might need. What are you waiting for check out AUTHOR LIFE SAVER!!!!

Welcome guest author Lucianne Rivers ............

2011-11-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

Today I am trilled to have a great interview with author of the super sexy series, The Caldwell Sisters, Licianne Rivers!!. Please give her a warm welcome and enjoy the interview! I will be posting my review for all books this week!

1. If someone were writing a story about Lucianne Rivers, what would your
blurb say?
She emigrated, had four different career tracks, married, divorced and had
a baby, all before the age of 30.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release HOLD ME, THRILL ME,
ENTICE ME that isn't in the blurb?The first two stories (HOLD ME & THRILL ME) are based on my own trips
abroad to Guatemala and the Virgin Islands. The hero of HOLD ME is based
on Corey Feldman, 80’s teen actor.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of the series?As I mentioned above, trips I have taken and inspiration from real life.

4. What was your favorite scene to write?Loved the boat chase in THRILL ME. I’m not a sailor, but putting Margo in
the driver’s seat when she had no clue what to do was fun.

5. What accent is sure to make you swoon?British accents are pretty sexy. I have an Irish one myself…

6. What attracts you to your characters? Do they speak to you, or refuse
to cooperate? How do you confront that?My characters are usually heavy on one aspect of my own personality, even
the men. For example, Jane, in HOLD ME, tries to be strong in a difficult
situation, navigating a new country following the death of her mother, in
search of her father. Jane's totally out of her depth, so writing her into
challenging situations brings out her character, which is far more
adventurous than she'd ever imagined. Having made Jane's exact journey to
El Remate a couple of years ago, I had fun describing the bumpy chicken
busses and hole-in-the-ground toilets. Harrison is a man with a dark past,
living out a self-imposed exile in Guatemala, until his encounter with
Jane enables him to forgive himself for former sins and dare to hope for a
better life. Dealing with the consequences of my mistakes has been a
sobering experience for me in my own life. It's easy to want to crawl into
a cave, or retreat from life. Guilt and regret are crippling. Letting go
is difficult. Occasionally, my characters take an unexpected turn as I
write. I usually go with it. Who knows where that comes from? It's
certainly not coming from me. Perhaps they do have a life of their own!

Author bio: Lucianne writes romantic suspense for Entangled Publishing and
Cobblestone Press. Born and raised in Ireland, she currently lives in New
Mexico with her young daughter.

Formerly a stage and television actress, she now manages a non-profit and
is NM State Champion in her weight class for Olympic style weightlifting.
Long story. Recently she has taken up Crossfit, Jiu Jitsu and boxing.

ENTICE ME by Lucianne Rivers
Heartsick over the untimely death of her mother, Allison Caldwell is
blindsided again by the secret revealed in her mom’s will. Her supposedly
dead father is alive, and she and her two sisters must find him in order
to settle the Caldwell estate.

Robert Rivera, private investigator and former Navy SEAL, alerts Allison
to new intel identifying her father as a P.O.W. in Afghanistan. With her
sisters out of the country pursuing leads, Allison insists on heading to
the war-ravaged country to find him. Robert doesn’t want his naïve client
to take the risk. He knows what danger lays in that godforsaken land…he’s
lived through it. Barely.

But Allison is determined to go, and Robert can’t let her travel alone.
Reluctantly appreciative, Allison quickly realizes how much she needs his
guidance and protection, and how deeply she longs for his love. Robert
struggles to understand her effect on his battle-weary heart.

The path to Allison’s father is blocked by terrorists, traps and
treachery—all demons of Robert’s past. Can he survive a second round with
the enemy and keep Allison out of harm’s way?
Title: Entice Me (Caldwell Sisters, #3)
Author: Lucianne Rivers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Launch Date: October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-937044-32-9

Buy links: B & N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entice-me-lucianne-rivers/1105811991
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Entice-Caldwell-Sisters-Book-ebook/dp/B005R3DHW8
Diesel:
http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/9781937044329/Rivers-Lucianne-Entice-Me-A-Caldwell-Sisters-Book-3/1.html
My links:
Web: www.luciannerivers.com

GONE READING.COM!!!!!!

2011-11-16T21:09:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while you run across an organization that make you say hum..... hum in a good way. In a way where you question, why hasn't someone thought of this brillant idea ages ago. In a way where you know that the impact and basic down and dirty is to educate, to spread the love of knowledge and hope to those who don't always have the opprtunities that we do. This is the brainchild of new philanthropic organization called Gone Reading International.

What do they do? They market a line of gifts for readers and donate 100% of company profits to fund new libraries in the developing world. Spreading the joy of reading to one child at a time.

You can read more about us at www.GoneReading.com.
“Like” them on Facebook

Guest Author and Giveaway with Beth Trissel............

2011-09-01T08:08:00.001-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author Beth Trissel to Book Junkie, she has just released her English historical romance from The Wild Rose Press, Into The Lion's Heart, that will kick off their new series entitled Love Letters. Just like it says the love letters being responsible for bringing the hero and heroine together in the end for their HEA. So please give Beth a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!

1. If someone were writing a story about Beth Trissel, what would your blurb say?

Thanks for having me as your guest, Brandé. A blurb about me would say, married to her high school sweetheart, Beth lives on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by her children, grandbabies, and assorted animals. An avid gardener, her love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into her work. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of Beth’s inspiration. In addition to American settings, she also writes historical and time travel romances set in the British Isles. And self-published a nonfiction book about country life, Shenandoah Watercolors.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release Into The Lion's Heart that isn't in the blurb?

The hero of INTO THE LION’S HEART, Captain Dalton Evans was inspired by ‘bad boy’ Captain Vaughan in my Revolutionary War novel, ENEMY OF THE KING. Although by the end of that novel, Vaughan had been humbled. I found his multifaceted character intriguing.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Into The Lion's Heart?
I’m drawn to Georgian England and the time of the French Revolution, love The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Poldark series, books and films both. I’d originally intended to follow Captain Vaughan back to England after his stint in the American Revolution and make this his story, but he isn’t finished in America yet and has a story there I’m at work on, so I envisioned a new hero loosely based on him. The heroine of INTO THE LION’S HEART is an Émigré fleeing the revolution. The explosion of the French Revolution is the backdrop of the story.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Into The Lion's Heart?
The stormy sea when Captain Dalton Evans rescues the heroine from the sinking ship. And later, the dance scene at his manor house. There were many I enjoyed. And I did mega research for this story.

5. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I love accents from the British Isles. I’m not big on ‘Jersey.’

6. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
Touring a local cavern for a scene in my Native American historical romance, THROUGH THE FIRE. The Shenandoah Valley is full of limestone chambers deep within the earth, and I’m claustrophobic. I stuck to the guide like a border collie and when he turned out the lights to demonstrate how it would’ve been in earlier days when your candle blew out and you had to wait in pitch blackness until the next group came through, I wanted to scream. The woman behind me whispered, ‘this is hell.’ I agreed, but my daughter loved it and wanted to go on a second tour of the cavern. No way!

7. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Maybe I just did.

8. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
My website: http://www.bethtrissel.com/
My Blog: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BethTrissel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Beth-Trissel/276061290666
Contact me: bctrissel@yahoo.com
Love to hear from you!

9. Favorites List… fill in the blank
1. Favorite City: I prefer small vintage American towns.
2. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again) The Scarlet Pimpernel
3. Favorite type of hero: Witty
4. Favorite Quote: I have many favorites but here’s one. "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it." ~ William Ward

10. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
If you haven’t read any of my books, why not?

Love Letters

As the French Revolution rages, the English nobility offer sanctuary to many a refugee. Captain Dalton Evans arrives in Dover to meet a distant cousin, expecting to see a spoiled aristocrat. Instead, he's conquered by the simplicity of his new charge. And his best friend Thomas Archer isn't immune to her artless charm, either.

Cecile Beaumont didn't choose to travel across the Channel. And she certainly didn't expect that impersonating her own mistress would introduce her to a most mesmerizing man. Now she must play out the masquerade, or risk life, freedom – and her heart.

***GIVEAWAY***

Beth has offered to give one lucky commentor an ebook of INTO THE LION'S HEART.

To Enter:

Question to Answer: What is your favorite time period to read and why

Contest Ends Sept 6th

Open to all

Interview with Author Kaily Hart............

2011-08-31T07:27:00.001-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author Kaily Hart to Book Junkie. She is here to celebrate her latest release, POINT BLANK from Ellora's Cave! Please give Kaily a warm welcome and enjoy the interview............

1. If someone were writing a story about Kaily Hart, what would your blurb say?

Kaily Hart, a seemingly straight-laced mother of four left corporate America and a high-powered, lucrative career to be a stay at home mom. Ha! That lasted about four weeks, during which time she realized she had a deeply repressed dream - to write. And romance at that! By day, Kaily plays conservative wife and soccer mom, but at night crafts hot and steamy tales of romance and love with gorgeous heroes who wouldn’t dream of leaving the toilet set up. Ever. She’s smart and sassy, at least in her own mind, and is trying her best to bring the alpha male solidly back to contemporary romance, one hot story at a time. Three years ago she never would have thought she’d be doing this, but now that she is? Well, you couldn’t pay her enough to do anything else.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release POINT BLANK that isn't in the blurb?
It’s about secret yearnings and ‘what ifs’. I think everyone has things in their past that they often think about, that they often wonder if they’d done something different what would have happened, what they’d do if they had a second chance. That’s the core of POINT BLANK. These characters both have an opportunity to make different conscious decisions. It’s fun to write about scenarios that skirt the edge of the possible.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of POINT BLANK ?

I’ve always wanted to write a long-ago, secret crush book. I mean, who hasn’t had one of those? I was supposed to be finishing another book when this (then unnamed) hero (of the future book, POINT BLANK) started talking to me. I did what I always do when this happens. I jotted down the details and got back on with the book at hand. Except this time, he wouldn’t quiet down. He was persistent, unrelenting and Rex ended up getting his story written way earlier than I’d intended to write it. Squeaky wheel and all that. Sound crazy? Such is the life of a writer J!

4. What was your favorite scene to write in POINT BLANK ?
One of the scenes in any book I like to write is often the time the hero and heroine really get together for the first time. It’s such a great opportunity for character development and for furthering their relationship. It could go smoothly. Or not so much! In POINT BLANK, the heroine hasn’t exactly had great sex in the past. Let’s just say she’s got some hang-ups. The hero quickly addresses and then negates them and it was a really fun scene to write!

5. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I may be in the minority here, but particular accents don’t really do it for me. Perhaps it’s because I live in a country where I’m the one with the accent J?? I think it all depends on the source.

6. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

Mmmm. The majority of my research is really done on the internet. I cringe to think what I would have done years ago without access to that huge amount of data. And the ability to stay anonymous. Mostly. Whenever I do a search on some weird, ‘out there’ topic I always wonder if I come up on some screen somewhere as a ‘warning’ LOL. Can you imagine? “Seriously, I’m an author! It’s research!” You’d back me up, right?

7. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
One of the things for me that still hasn’t lost its novelty factor is that I have identical twins. They’re just so fascinating to me. I have my own little research project at home. Some things in terms of how close they are I expected, but others? They’re a constant source of entertainment. I’m determined to write a twin story one day with some unique spin to it.

Oh and I get emotional every time a reader reaches out to me if they liked one of my stories. Every. Single. Time. That will never get old.

8. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
Gosh, I’m pretty much all over. I’m constantly on Facebook and Twitter and blog regularly on my own blog as well as a group blog. I’d love it if anyone wanted to reach out to me (but don’t make me cry, ‘K?). My social networking real estate is:

Web – http://www.kailyhart.com/
Blog - http://kailyhart.blogspot.com/
Group Blog - http://passionatereads.com/
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kaily.hart
Twitter - http://twitter.com/kailyhart

9. Favorites List… fill in the blank

1. Favorite City – I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve traveled quite a bit and lived in some of the most exciting cities in the world. To pick a favorite would be like trying to choose which child I liked best LOL. One city I do love and lived in on two separate occasions, is San Diego. It has so much to offer and I love to go back and visit whenever I get the chance!

2. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again) –

It’s incredibly difficult to just list one, but the one that came to mind first was Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I just love me a tortured hero, especially one who has lost all hope of redemption in everyone’s eyes, except the heroine. This is one of the few books I have re-read more than once.

3. Favorite type of hero –

Okay, that’s easy. I’m firmly on the side of the alpha hero. One who is very much a ‘guy’, who is tough, perhaps a little rough around the edges, but who has an inner core of integrity and an unwavering devotion to the woman who finally breaks through the brash exterior. Sigh… That’s the kind of hero I live to write.

4. Favorite Quote –
I love to see new quotes all the time, especially current ones, and probably really couldn’t pick a favorite. One that resonated recently was one about success and writing – “Each journey is our own, and we're all the better for it. Rather than wishing for lightning to strike quickly, it's better to enjoy seeing it flash in the distance and know that our time will come." – Nathan Bransford. I literally get a shiver each time I read that.

10. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

Writing is about trying to find that balance between what you like and what will entertain and move someone else, the reader. I guess if I could ask it would be simply ‘what do you like about my stories’?

ENDEARMENTS IN ROMANCE

When I’m building characters for my books I always think about their interactions first and foremost. Once names have been established, this thought process inevitably comes around to what the hero & heroine call each other. I take into account the personalities I’ve built for these characters, their backgrounds and history, the nature of their relationship and the stage it’s at. I want to make it as realistic as possible, but it has to be consistent, believable, something the reader will relate to. Will there be shortened names, nicknames, pet names, endearments? Perhaps there’s something one of them calls the other that’s not very complimentary? In a book I just finished writing, the heroine calls the hero ‘Mr. Hot Bod’ and it’s not meant to be a compliment. At first anyway J, but it fits the more ‘in your face’ character of the heroine. In my book, PAY UP, the hero has a shortened name for the heroine that only he uses. They’re friends and it’s developed over time so it works. It’s really it’s own form of endearment. I’ve also written books where there’s nothing and that fit the characters and the story as well.

This planning aspect can be a lot of fun. As with most things in writing, there’s often an element of reality from the writer’s life and I use a lot of what I see, hear and experience as inspiration. It usually never translates literally, but often there’s a seed of realism from somewhere there. So when coming up with endearments? Well, I eavesdrop a lot LOL! A LOT. Of course, there’s a great deal I hear that I would NEVER use in a book. You won’t ever find a hero of mine using ‘snookems’ for instance. ‘Love muffin’ either. I think a lot about reader reaction in picking these types of things and how it reflects on the character, so I thought I’d throw it out there today and ask YOU. I’m always looking for new ideas!

So…what names have you been called? What endearment is your favorite, something you’ve heard or even something you’ve read in a book?

About Kaily:

Kaily Hart, a seemingly straight-laced mother of four left corporate America and a high-powered, lucrative career to be a stay at home mom. Ha! That lasted about four weeks, during which time she realized she had a deeply repressed dream —to write. And romance at that! By day, Kaily plays conservative wife and soccer mom, but at night crafts hot and steamy tales of romance and love with gorgeous heroes who wouldn’t dream of leaving the toilet set up. Ever. She’s smart and sassy, at least in her own mind, and is trying her best to bring the alpha male solidly back to contemporary romance, one hot story at a time. Two years ago she never would have thought she’d be doing this, but now that she is? Well, you couldn’t pay her enough to do anything else.

Kaily’s books, PICTURE THIS, PAY UP, PLAY ME & POINT BLANK (yes, she has a thing for book titles that start with ‘P’), are all currently available from Ellora’s Cave and other ebook outlets.

If anyone would want to contact me (which I would love by the way) or just keep up with what I’m doing, you can find me all over:

Web – www.kailyhart.com

Blog - http://kailyhart.blogspot.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kaily.hart

Twitter - http://twitter.com/kailyhart

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS by Christie Craig

2011-08-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

Oh la la! Have I got a great series for you to read. Well, actually it is Christie Craig's DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS which will be avail from Grand Central Publishing Aug 23rd! And I say it is a definite can't miss. Why, a little mystery, revenge, ex husbands dead in your trunk, sexy PI's who come to a girls rescue. Even though she does puke on him twice.

Broke and a little battered from a rough ending of her marriage Nikki is contemplating meeting up with him again.... OK it actually makes it sick to her stomach but she helps support the only person who has ever shown her love, her Grandma. But knowing in her heart of hearts that she could never go back to the jerk who cheated on her... in her own office... with her own assistant.

But now he is dead, dead, dead in her trunk, she finds herself the prime #1 suspect, and she pukes twice on the sexy cowboy who is an ex cop, ex ex-con, now PI. Did you get all that??

Don't worry you will. With just the right about of wit, downright laugh out loud humor from not just Nikki and Dallas but from the whole cast of supporting characters you will not only be utterly charmed by them all, you will find yourself sucked into the mystery of who killed the cheating husband!

Nikki's heart is so vulnerable, but Dallas is one hell of a man. Just the right amount of Alpha, humor and sensitivity that will truly melt your heart. He has had his own heartbreaks and rough times, but he knows Nikki is innocent, he believes in her 100% and is all too familiar with everyone thinking you are guilty as sin and more than ready to lock away the key.

I adored their romance, it immediate attraction, but both were cautious and knew the score. This was just for the moment, right? Not a forever kind of love. At least that is what they thought. It is all about the journey and this one will fill your heart with laughter all the way until the end. Anxious for the next installment I might just have to read this one again!!!

Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.

Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .

I LOVED YOU FIRST by Reena Jacobs Blog Tour

2011-08-25T07:37:00.004-04:00

Today I am thrilled to be apart of Reena Jacobs blog tour for her latest release I LOVED YOU FIRST. This is a heartbreaking fantastic story of friendship and such a deep love that is almost breaks two people to the core. Alex and Seth are both deeply passionate characters who are trying to find their way. Alex is so in love with her best friends who by the way dates other women to keep hidden the fact that he is gay.

A journey, sometimes a painful one it has become beyond necessary that Alex and Seth give their relationship or friendship a much needed breather. It is harsh for Alex when she has to terms that Seth is gay, no exceptions to that fact. He only dated all those woman to keep up appearances and wasn't ready to come out of the closet.

Rich in emotion and such a stunningly real character driven story, Jacobs delivers everything the readers are looking for and more!!!

Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One—she’s in love with her best friend, Seth. Two—he’s gay.

As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affections to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever.

I Loved You First is a new adult love story told through the eyes of an African-American/Caucasian student who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality. Turn the pages and find a message of hope, new beginnings, and positive change.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes amp; Nobles, and Smashwords.

Reena Jacobs - Author of Lots of Words

http://www.reenajacobs.com/

www.reenajacobs.com/blog

http://twitter.com/ReenaJacobs

***GIVEAWAY***

Reena is having two giveaways:

What's up for grabs? One of two signed copies of I Loved You First. The other one will be part of the blog tour itself. Everyone is eligible for these two giveaways.

***This is an international giveaway***

As long as US people aren't restricted from mailing to your country, you may win a copy, so don't be shy.

I Loved You First S.W.A.G. Pack giveaways

For the giveaways, she's doing S.W.A.G. packs. The giveaways are international to anyplace the USPS delivers first-class mail. If any readers are unsure, they can refer to this list: http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immpg.htm

Leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of I Loved You First.

Giveaway ends Sept 01!!!!

leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of
I Loved You First.
follow the tour stops HERE
*courtesy of aobibliophileTM

Guest Author and Giveaway with Shelley Munro......

2011-08-22T04:00:00.065-04:00

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to one of my favorite authors, Shelley Monro!! Her latest release, a gay paranormal romance called LONE WOLF from Samhain Publishing is set to release on Tuesday, Aug 23rd!!! If you have ever read any of Shelley's books then you know you are in for a very sexy and always addictive and if you haven't you are in for a really special treat!! So please give Shelley a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Shelley Munro what would your blurb say?
Thanks so much for having me to visit today. My blurb would read, “The girl who lives Downunder in New Zealand. She likes to laugh and travel and writes lots of spicy tales featuring love, laughter and adventure.”

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release Lone Wolf that isn’t in the blurb?
Corey, the young hero in Lone Wolf has a love of black clothes and makeup. He dyes his hair black. He wears black eyeliner and lipstick and black nail polish on his fingers and toes. He’s most distressed when he learns that shifting to werewolf keeps messing with his nail polish!

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Lone Wolf?
A combination of things contributed to me writing Lone Wolf. One of the animals I really wanted to see when we visited Yellowstone National Park was a wolf. It’s actually very difficult to spot a wolf during the summer months. It’s much easier to sight one during the winter when the snow is on the ground. Although I didn’t see one, we woke up in the morning and heard them calling. Their howls were eerie yet very beautiful. I’d wanted to write a werewolf story for a while but couldn’t think of a plot that worked for me. Visiting Yellowstone started me thinking. I decided I could hide werewolves in plain sight at Yellowstone because of the natural wolf population. Maybe that would work for a setting. And lastly, for some reason, I suddenly wondered one day what would happen to the nail polish worn by a werewolf/feline shifter during a shift. The elements all tied together in my mind and Lone Wolf is the result.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Lone Wolf?
My favorite scenes are the ones were the young students change to their werewolf forms and experience the wild for the first time. Toward the end of the book, there’s a scene where the students have to make a kill. I can’t say much because I’ll give the plot away but, Corey and his best friend make a kill each. The circumstances they find themselves in mean they give up their kills. They tell the truth about what happens but no one believes them. There’s humor in the scene, which is another reason why I like it so much.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
LOL – I’ve tried writing most of them already. Besides writing gay and paranormal romances, I’ve tried my hand at contemporary, historical, futuristic and sci-fi. I’ve written quite a few books now, and I think any lover of romance should find something to their taste in my backlist. Check out my books at my website. I have books divided into genres and there’s also a theme page where you can check which of my books fit your favorite themes.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
You know, I’m quite happy acting as director most of the time. I’m quite mean to some of my characters, and if I jumped into a book, they’d probably aim for payback! The one character I’m really fond of is Emily Mitchell from my Middlemarch Mates series. She’s the only character who makes her appearance in every book in the series. I could trade places with her.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I’m a big fan of the Irish accent. It’s very sexy and easy on the ear. My husband and I worked in London pubs for several years. London is a real tourist Mecca and, since it’s a large city, it also brings in workers from other regions in search of jobs. We’d hear so many different accents over the course of a day ranging from English, Scottish and Irish to American, Australian and Middle Eastern. The accents that always threw me were those of people from the Manchester and Liverpool regions of England. I still recall the embarrassment I felt when a male customer was trying to order a rum and coke. I was sure he said rum and cock. Even after asking him to repeat it about five times, I thought he was trying to flirt and doing it badly. All the poor man wanted was a drink!

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
Ha! I do most of my research in the library or online and my embarrassment is limited, although at present I’m working on a book about strip clubs. I’m pondering what I need to do in the way of research. It could be fun since one scene is a ladies’ night. Thunder Down Under anyone?

I do tend to set my stories in places I’ve visited. Lone Wolf is set mainly in Yellowstone National park, which I’ve visited twice. I’ve also set stories in Australia, England, India and of course, my home country of New Zealand.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I was born with a heart murmur, and when I was younger, I had to go for hospital check ups every few years. I still have the murmur, but luckily it’s never stopped me playing sports or doing the things I enjoy.

10. How can readers stay in touch with you online?
I have my website at http://www.shelleymunro.com/ which I keep up to date. I blog most days, have lots of guests and do a few contests. http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog

I also Facebook http://www.facebook.com/shelleymunro and Tweet http://www.twitter.com/shelleymunro
If you want to write to me just send an email from the contact address at my website. I love to hear from readers.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Is there a genre or a specific type of book e.g. small town, younger man/older woman, amnesia, reunited lovers etc that you’d like to see more of on book shelves and in stores?

When you fall out of step, that’s when everything falls into place.

R.J. Blake begins a new session tutoring young werewolves in the old ways—before the introduction of the shift-suppressing drugs that allow their kind to live secretly among humans. He expects nothing out of the ordinary. Until sexy, smart, aggravating-as-hell Corey Wilson arrives. Older than the others, son of a powerful Los Angeles pack leader, Corey is an instant temptation he cannot afford.

The last thing Corey wants is three months stuck in the Yellowstone wilderness, followed by the stifling life his father has all mapped out for him. One glimpse of R.J., though, sparks a determination to seduce the older man before he leaves. Yet as R.J. guides him through the sometimes terrifying process of rediscovering his heritage, a deepening respect calls to his artistic soul and fuels a burst of creativity.

When their time comes to an end, Corey senses hesitation behind R.J.’s insistence that theirs was simply a summer fling. Inspiring him to take a leap of faith with consequences neither of them saw coming. A dangerous plot that reaches from the heart of their love to the highest office in the land…

Product Warnings

This book contains a young werewolf intent on seduction, an older werewolf determined to resist said seduction, werewolf politics and brutality, a little spilled blood, and hot, naked manlove in the great outdoors.

EXCERPT:

R.J. jerked his gaze away to focus on the two girls in the group. “What can you smell?”
The kids fell silent and tested the air with intent expressions on their young faces.
“The different plants,” one of the girls replied. “They have a strong scent, more pungent than the ones in the city park at home.”

“The dirt,” the other girl said.

Teague grinned in triumph. “Animal droppings.”

Perfume,” Corey said.

“I can hear people,” Scott said, after they’d taken stock of their surroundings again. “Arguing.”

R.J. nodded in approval. “A family group is heading down the trail toward us.” He’d no sooner finished his sentence than four people—two adults plus two children—came into view on the track ahead of them. All were dressed casually in shorts and T-shirts, and footwear unsuitable for tackling the terrain. Their faces were flushed red with exertion. Sweat shone on their brows. R.J. stood back for them to pass. “Did you see anything interesting on the trail?”

“Nothing,” the father said in disgust. “Not a single animal. What a waste of an hour.” They continued past, talking in loud voices, a wave of chemical perfume wafting in their wake.

R.J. waited until they’d disappeared into their campervan. “They didn’t catch a glimpse of any wildlife because they spoke in loud voices, and you might have noticed their scent. Any sensible animal hid the instant they sensed them. If you want to see animals, you must move silently and blend with the surroundings. The same is true when you’re in wolf form. If I’m hunting, I’ll sometimes roll on the grass or rub up against the bushes to disguise my scent.” His gaze slid to Corey. “Corey, if you start to feel strange I want you to tell me immediately. Stopping the suppression drugs abruptly can mess with you.

“We’re going to take the trail to the summit of this peak and we’ll take a break there for our lunch. It’s not a race. We’ll pace ourselves and will stop regularly. Questions?” He noted their anticipation with approval. Succumbing to Yellowstone’s charms didn’t take long, and the transformation never failed to give him a sense of satisfaction.

Purchase link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/lone-wolf-p-6304.html

ABOUT AUTHOR:
Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.

Shelley is also a writer blessed with a vivid imagination and lives with her very own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres for publishers Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Liquid Silver Books and Samhain Publishing. You can learn more about Shelley and her books at http://www.shelleymunro.com/ and you might even find her lurking at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/shelleymunro or Twitter http://www.twitter.com/shelleymunro

Links: Shelley Munro

Website: http://www.shelleymunro.com/

Blog: http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shelleymunro

Purchase link: Samhain Publishing http://store.samhainpublishing.com/lone-wolf-p-6304.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Wolf-ebook/dp/B0057WU6VY/ref=sr_1_6_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309857668&sr=1-6

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/lone-wolf-shelley-munro?store=book

***GIVEAWAY***

Shelley will be giving away a $20 Amazon gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter

TO ENTER:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST answer Shelley's question above

MUST leave e-mail (winner will be contacted by Shelley directly)

Contest ends 08/26

Open to all

Winner of CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN.....

2011-08-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

Maria... you are the lucky winner of Tara Kingston's CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN!!! Congrats!

(you should be getting an e-mail shortly from her)

A Heart of Little Faith by Jennifer Wilck..

2011-08-18T15:17:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for a an emotional roller coaster, of love reborn from tragedy and second chances. A Heart of Little Faith by Jennifer Wilck from Whiskey Press (you can read my interview HERE)

There is definitely something to be said for second chance love and Lily and Gideon are most assuredly headed for one heck of an emotional whirlwind. A not so chance meeting by Gideons sister to set the two lost souls up almost ends in disaster from the moment go. Just a few years ago Gideon's life changed, or the worst if you ask him, he was in a terrible accident and is now wheel chair bound with a life altering paralization. Still successful but damaged all the same, he hasn't been with a women since his accident. Resentful but still loving his sister with all his heart he is not only not open to her attempts at match-making, he is quite bitter and standoffish. Even if that means if being a jerk to Lily will push her away.

Lily has an adorable and sharp little girl who falls for Gideon hard. They become great friends fast, but emotions run high as Lily and Gideon run hot and cold depending on his mood at the time. Lily is sweet, she is a good mom and showers her daughter with love. In her own high stress job she tells herself that she to doesn't have time for romance and surely not with Gideon. Not because of his disability, that for one isn't something that bothers her. If anything she is one person besides his sister that really treat him with the respect of any man, that is when he isn't being cross with her.

What starts out as a cold fish when it comes to their relationship or lack there of, blossoms into a really refreshing friendship with undercurrents of passion. Both want to be loved and to love again in turn. But with Lily still healing and feeling like she is betraying her dead husband they will need to learn that sometimes it is worth the leap into love, even if you do get burned. If you don't try how will you ever find out.

Soon the two are caring on an affair, as with every word they utter and moment they spend together their love and their bond gets only stronger. Although Gideon was racked with a mass of contradictions when it comes to their commitment towards new love, a new beginning and a fresh start at life together. With all that readers will have a hard time not falling in love with Lily and Gideon, for all their faults it only makes them more human, more alive and almost tangible. Their love story has so many layers and complexities, yet so simple. Open yourself to love, and love will find you.

Lily Livingston is a widow raising her six-year-old daughter, Claire, in New York City. Devastated by her husband’s death three years ago, she’s in no hurry to fall in love again. Besides, trying to balance her career with motherhood leaves her little time for romance.

With a wheelchair instead of a white horse, and a vow against falling in love again as his armor, Gideon Stone is the last person Lily expects to sweep her off her feet. But when a business agreement forces the two of them together, that is exactly what happens.

As they navigate the minefield that fast represents their relationship, can either of them overcome the obstacles to find true happiness in each other’s arms? The answer is yes, but the bumps along the way demonstrate that neither of them can go it alone.

CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN by Tara Kingston....

2011-08-18T09:54:00.002-04:00

Sexy Pirates galore, ok, well just one sexy pirate out for revenge and what better way to seek revenge then to kidnap the daughter of your enemy. In Tara Kingston's new release, CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN, the one man who was and is responsible for his father's downfall. One the high seas with pirate Jason Kane is perhaps a little more than Catherine Farrell can handle.

On a mission, the sexy Captain Kane isn’t prepared for the onslaught of lustful passion that takes over his good sense and judgment when it comes to Catherine. She is beautiful and sharp, including her tongue. A little fearful at first as she wakes up on a ship only to learn the desirable Captain plans on using her as a ploy to destroy her father who wronged his family and forced them to lose their fortune. Catherine's fater is a swindler and liar, and Kane is hell bent and determined to see his plan through no matter the cost.

But on the high seas and with his masterfully erotic possession of Catherine, Kane was not expecting to fall in love with the wealthy beauty. She is tough though and although Catherine tries all that she might to fight Kane off, not letting him mentally get the best of her or wanting to believe what he tells her about her father; she is overcome with his powers of seduction. Simply he is charming in that Alpha, I am going to take you now, and you are my woman sort of way. Thing is both are going to have to choose love or revenge, their is no happy medium. Kane is dead set on his plans and not quit ready for the whirlwind of emotion he is starting to feel for Catherine. Having has women before to seek his pleasure, he is almost blinde-sided by his quest to claim her but to eventually claim her heart as well.

Clever dialog, captivating characters, and a love story that plays out on the promise of longing, longing to be loved and wanted you will be hard pressed not to fall for Kane and Catherine as they not only fight each other but their lascivious desires for one another.

Carried away with their tale I couldn’t put it down until I read every last word!

Jason Kane lost everything to one man’s treachery. Thirsting for vengeance, the ruthless privateer abducts Catherine Farrell, daughter of the swindler who destroyed his family. Intending to extract the debt owed him from his tempting prisoner, he plans a cold-blooded conquest. Aroused by his captive’s sensual beauty, he claims her with seductive persuasion. As he plunges her into a world of pleasure, her passionate surrender sparks a deep longing in his heart and soul.

Catherine Farrell lived the sheltered life of a prosperous merchant’s daughter until Captain Jason Kane made her a pawn in his quest for retribution. Claimed by the captain, she finds herself at the mercy of a man who will settle for nothing less than complete domination. His tender mastery awakens Catherine’s passions and stirs her heart. If only she can convince him that love is far more satisfying than sweet revenge.

Guest Author and Giveaway with Wendi Zwaduk ....

2011-08-17T04:00:00.017-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author Wendi Zwaduk who is here to celebrate her Aug 15th release from Total-e-Bound , EVER FALL IN LOVE, a contemporary erotic romance. So please give her a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Wendi Zwaduk what would your blurb say?

Laundry, dog fur, and RVs...such is the life of Wendi Zwaduk. If she’s not at a local dirt track doing what she calls research, she’s being the mommy and wife she’s always dreamt of being. Like the chorus of a country song, the not so glamorous life means she’s doing heaps of laundry, chasing dog fur tumble weeds and writing about the sexy heroes and spicy heroines in her head. Come join the ride!

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release Ever Fallen in Love that isn't in the blurb?

This is the revised version of the first story I’d ever written. Yes, I know, lots of people are scared to give their first works another shot in the light of day. I thought long and hard before I reopened the document. What if the story wasn’t up to par, even if I worked on it? What if it would never be in shape? I pushed the negative thoughts aside because I loved Megan and Tucker’s story way back when I first penned it. That didn’t mean there weren’t issues. It took me time and lots of TLC to make sure it was ready for submission. I hope the love I have for the characters and the sport of stock car racing shows in this work.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Ever Fallen in Love?

NASCAR!!! Yes, I’m laughing to myself as I typed that. If you talk to me, see my site, or come to my house on the weekends, you’ll see why. I’m usually talking about racing, watching racing, researching racing, or well, reading about it. My very first stock car race to watch in its entirety was the 2001 where we lost Dale Earnhardt. It made me realize the fragility of life. It also showed me the darned coolness of racing.

Five years later, I read a Harlequin romance, the first in their NASCAR library line. The line isn’t quite as strong as it was to start with, but I still read them. What got me thinking was, I could write this stuff. I like racing, know the lingo, and know about romance. I didn’t immediately sit down and pen the next big race romance. Nope. I let it percolate for a while. I mean, it wasn’t like I knew the in’s and out’s of writing. That took time. But, I was open to listening to the characters who appeared. Megan and Tucker. And yes, they both love to talk, even if Tucker won’t admit to it.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Ever Fallen in Love?

There’s a love scene at Tucker’s makeshift dirt track. Lots of drivers have large properties and the ones who consider racing a hobby as well as a job have little bitty tracks—asphalt, concrete, and mostly dirt. Tucker’s passion is racing on dirt, so he takes Megan to his itty bitty track. He’s got a Camaro, which she’s drawn to, and they end up testing the resilience of the hood. I’ve never initiated a Camaro hood (truck hoods....maybe), but I thought, yanno, they want to be there doing this...why not?

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?

I’d love to dabble in a story about baseball players. One of my favorite movies of all time is Field of Dreams. I’d love to try my hand at paranormal, but not just vampires, although I love them very much, something along the lines of an elemental or a nymph. I’ve never written about a faery and that sounds rather fun, too.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?

Megan. Hands down. Not only does she run a company where there are race vehicles, but she gets to kiss Tucker. Oh, and maybe I could get him to teach me the finer points of using the clutch. I still can’t figure out the darned thing. I love the scent of race fuel, the tang of burnt rubber, and the roar of the crowd just because they are at the track. Yeah, I’d totally be Megan.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

British. I love how they make everything sound so elegant. I bought a few books as digital recordings, read by a Brit. Holy cow. The man could read me the phone book.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I’m not a big one on doing things that will get me hurt. In some respects, I’m a bit of a wuss. That said, I did spend an entire race in the pits. The danger was being so close to stock cars running at high speeds. I got to check out a couple of the cars after they sadly had to leave the race due to accidents and malfunctioning parts. I suffered a whammy case of sunburn, too. Oh, and I had a friend of mine take me for a ride on his Harley, just like Megan and Tucker. Was it dangerous or out of my comfort zone? Not necessarily, but hey, it was fun.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I currently have a serious Queen obsession. Not the royalty. Heck no. They’re cool and all, but I’m talking about rock and roll royalty. I don’t know what it is about their work, if it’s catchy, if it’s poppy, but I’ve had it on a loop in my head. Don’t Stop Me Now is my song of the moment. Most of their biggest hits came out when I was a kid, but hey, you can’t knock great tunes.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
www.wendizwaduk.com
http://www.wendizwaduk.blogspot.com/
I’m on twitter @WendiZwaduk
I’m on facebook as Wendi Zwaduk

I’ve got a forum on Coffee Time Romance and a reader page on Manic Readers

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What would you like to read about if you could pick from any possible subgenre within romance? Why?
Tucker lost the love of his life once, but this time, he’s not taking no for an answer.

Once a driver, always a driver...

Racing consumes Tucker Poston’s life. Until he sees her again. Megan Rodney. She’s the one person to come between him and his ride. She’s the only woman to understand him. The only woman he’s ever loved. Circumstances tore their love apart. Now he’s determined to show her the contents of his soul, even if it means losing his heart.

Being a driver doesn’t warm his lonely nights. Too bad she’s not interested.

Megan’s not about to fall for his smooth lines and slick image. She’s got a good life as a team owner for a stock car team. Still, memories of their love affair burn bright in her mind. What’s a girl to do when the man of her dreams, the man who pushed her away, wants a second chance at forever?

Contains a little spanking, anal play, and domination shared between former lovers, but no one’s complaining. For good measure, there’s the sizzling use of a Camaro hood for outdoor pleasure.

Excerpt One:

“I come in peace.” Tucker Poston took a step back. In one hand, he held earphones. In the other, the radio. “Want me to talk to him? I’ve got my own headset. I understand race brain.”

“Race brain?” She rolled her eyes. “You can talk, sure. I didn’t expect you.” I’m not completely upset. She took in the way his t-shirt contoured to the dips and valleys of his chest. Muscles rippled under the soft cotton. She licked her lips. Years ago, she’d spent countless hours touching and tasting his skin. A slow burn started deep in her heart. For a split-second, she’d almost admit she missed him.

“Eric got waylaid. Your rear tire changer had his foot run over by the number four truck.”

“If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Megan tugged at the hem of her blouse, smoothing out unseen wrinkles. She sucked in her stomach. What would he think of her extra pounds? Guys of Tucker’s calibre liked women in the size two range. Her size eight wasn’t anywhere close.

She turned away and massaged her forehead. She wanted to smack herself. What would he think? What was she thinking! His opinion didn’t matter, regardless of his obvious sex symbol status. She meant nothing to him.

“Eric suggested you and I settle our differences—at the track.” He wrapped the earphones around his neck and clipped the radio to his belt loops. “I want to help you and I’d guess there will be another couple laps under caution. What’s the team frequency?”

“Forty-seven. I can’t afford another trashed truck.”Although her gaze travelled south for a moment or two, Megan groaned. Noticing the way his jeans hugged his body and accentuated the strong muscles in his legs wasn’t going to make Mat a better driver. Nope, all it did was kick her libido, back from a long hibernation, into high gear. Truth be told, she didn’t want to deal with Tucker. The wounds from his betrayal were way too fresh even after ten years. Damn. Coupled with his way of wrapping her around his finger and she didn’t stand a chance of keeping him at bay.

Tucker hooked his index finger under her chin. “Hey, I’ve got a good rapport with him. He’s scared he’s not going to finish or keep his ride. It’s paralyzing. I know where he’s at because I’ve been there too many times.”

Her heart pounded and her hands shook. If she waited another minute, Mat could put the truck into the wall. Then again, Tucker could make another move and get closer. Megan shoved her second thoughts aside in favour of her team.

“See if you can get through to him, Professor Race Brain.” She found the frequency on his headset. “I’ve got faith in you.”

The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I promise you my best.”

ABOUT AUTHOR:

I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I tend to write books with titles taken from songs because music is one of my many muses. I earned a BA in education at Kent State university and as well as a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. I've tried my hand at teaching, waitressing, and retail sales, but writing holds my heart. I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I have six books under contract and more than my brain can handle percolating. I can't wait to share them with you! http://www.wendizwaduk.com http://wendizwaduk.blogspot.com

***GIVEAWAY***

Wendi will be giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter

To Enter:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave e-mail (so Wendy can contact winner)

MUST answer Wendy's question above

Open to all

Contest ends 08/19

Guest Author & Giveaway with David M. Brown

2011-08-15T04:00:00.003-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author David M. Brown who is here to celebrate his debut fantasy novel which is set in the world of Elenchera, Fezariu's Epiphany. Please give David a warm welcome!

1. If someone were writing a story about David M. Brown what would your blurb say?

David Brown was a man in crisis. He’d been outwitted by his six cats once again and he’d had enough. Glancing through a copy of the Argos catalogue David’s hopes were restored in the form of the latest Super Soaker. Armed with the cats’ worst enemy David prayed that peace would once more return to his home, but he didn’t count on the ingenuity of his six cats and the human shield that was his wife, Donna!

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release Fezariu’s Epiphany that isn't in the blurb?
Fezariu’s Epiphany is the first in a series of self-contained novels set in the world of Elenchera. The reader won’t be obligated to read them in any particular order but each one will offer a taste of the twenty-three lands that make up this unique world and the 47,000+ years of history that currently makes up the timelines.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Fezariu’s Epiphany?
When I was first writing the history of Elenchera I was disappointed to find one of my favourite institutions – The Merelax Mercenaries – always seemed to be in the background when it came to historical events. I was fascinated by the mercenaries and decided to devote a novel to them. Initially Fezariu’s Epiphany was simply about the main character joining the mercenaries and finding out that war isn’t as romantic as the mercenaries profess in their posters seeking recruits. The novel changed dramatically when I incorporated aspects of an old short story of mine, A Mother’s Blessing, into the main plot. Thanks to that combination and some brainstorming with my wife, Donna, the novel became a more emotional story and definitely a much better one.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Fezariu’s Epiphany?
Chapter 20 depicts Fezariu’s first taste of battle when the mercenaries enter a coastal city – Redemption – which is in the midst of flames thanks to a slave revolt in the vortex. I remember that chapter being a joy to write, the words flowing seamlessly onto the page and my enthusiasm for it was reciprocated by my wife who read it in one sitting and praised it many times. Believe me, if she doesn’t like something I’ve written she’ll tell me, so that was a proud moment for me.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
I’m trying to do something different with fantasy and that involves maybe branching out into other genres. My next novel, A World Apart, will have some romantic elements in it. I don’t think I could ever fully abandon fantasy, I’d be too maladjusted leaving my comfort zone for long.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
I certainly wouldn’t choose Fezariu. I put him through far too much in the novel to want to go through it myself! The safe choice would be the retired mercenary, now messenger, Modius. He has the luxury of delivering letters all over East Elenchera so I would be able to wander my own world but not have to get involved in any of the fighting. I wouldn’t survive the recruitment process for the Merelax Mercenaries, that’s for sure.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I’ll have to be careful here, my wife will likely be reading this! I can’t think of any accents in the UK that would make me swoon so I’ll have to head overseas. The French language is a pleasant one, so I’ll probably go with that. Sorry Donna, I know you would have preferred me to say German!

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
Most of my research is from the comfort of my laptop or just in the pages of a book. I do draw on life experiences when conveying certain aspects of my stories and one springs to mind that was certainly difficult! I do enjoy walking and can cover a fair distance but in June 2006 my brother and I set ourselves the challenge of walking from Huddersfield to Barnsley with the intention of arriving in time for England’s World Cup match against Paraguay. We managed the 15 mile walk in 5 hours with pizza and beer waiting for us at the end. A good thing really as I have seldom been more exhausted in my life!

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
I can proudly say I’ve never broken a bone in my body but one injury did befall me at the age of 14 while at secondary school. It was July and the last lesson of the day was P.E. As a treat our teacher decided we would play baseball though we (or should I say “I”) soon found out why gloves are worn. I remember the ball hurtling towards me, I held out both hands and assumed it would land between my palms. Instead the ball landed between two of my fingers, simultaneously pushed them apart and back, splitting my hand open in the process! Thankfully, my hand went numb on impact and I felt no pain during the whole episode. I didn’t have my hand stitched up till the following day and lying in hospital my one consolation was that I was going to miss the last day of school. As it turned out the school roof collapsed during the night and everyone had the day off! Just the sort of news you want to hear when waiting in a hospital! I still have a scar on my hand to this day.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
You can find me on Twitter (@elenchera - http://twitter.com/elenchera) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/fezariu), if you want to know more about Elenchera and Fezariu’s Epiphany then head for http://elenchera.com and I also have a blog, The World According to Dave (http://blog.elenchera.com/). Finally, you can email me at dave@elenchera.com and please do! I love feedback and contact with readers.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I’d probably ask for a secret formula to making my next book loved and cherished by every reader that picks it up. An impossible dream I know but a nice one all the same! On a more serious note, I’d simply ask for honest feedback.

The White Oak, Clarendon’s oldest brothel, lured and destroyed men by the thousands. Fezariu was different. He had never been drawn by the White Oak’s vices but the brothel had still ruined him when he was just a boy.

Salvation came in the form of the Merelax Mercenaries – Elenchera’s most prestigious hired hands. They gave Fezariu the chance to escape from his past. Immersed in the world of dangerous assignments in the colonies Fezariu longed to forget everything about his childhood but only in facing the past would he ever be free of it.

EXCERPT

Chapter 26

The White Oak betrayed the impact of the stranglehold of time. The once pristine sign above the main entrance had faded, while the outer walls were cracked and filthy, their once white coat blemished and degraded. Nonetheless, the clattering of glasses, raucous laughter and jovial music still flowed from the open windows out onto the filthy streets.

Across the street from the White Oak, Fezariu stood with one hand resting on the wall of a derelict house, his eyes were locked on the door of the White Oak and his mind was reliving that fateful day when he had seen his mother entertaining the patrons. She had pushed him aside then, defined the worthlessness that had consumed his very essence until he stumbled upon the path of salvation that led him to Merelax Island and to the mercenaries.

The last time Fezariu had seen the White Oak he had been nothing to his mother, nothing to anyone, but now things were different. He had changed his life around, he was successful now, respected by his peers and finally of some value. With the weight of achievement supporting him, Fezariu finally had the reason and purpose to come back to the White Oak, to prove to his mother what he had done with his life; that he had thrived without her love and without her help. Today he would dictate the exchange between them, show Wild Jessamine that she was just another whore to him and not his mother. As a child, Jessamine had looked down on Fezariu and cast him aside as she would stained garments, but now Fezariu would tower above her and make her feel the same worthlessness he had

Author bio:

David M. Brown was born in Barnsley in 1982 and first conceived the idea of Elenchera in college. His love of history and English led him to read these subjects at Huddersfield University. David is inspired by medieval history, Norse mythology and Japanese role-playing video games and anime films. He lives in Huddersfield with his wife Donna and their six rescue cats

Want to learn more about David and Fezariu's Epiphany? Or buy the book?
The Elencheran Chronicles: http://elenchera.com/
The World According to Dave: http://blog.elenchera.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elenchera http://www.facebook.com/fezariu
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/elenchera
Book Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgcNNLMBvY

***GIVEAWAY***

David will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate. To enter the contest just leave a comment.

To Enter

MUST be a follower or become on

MUST leave email ( David will need to contact winner!)

MUST answer David's question above

Contest ends Aug 19th

Open to all

A Heart of Little Faith author Jennifer Wilck....

2011-08-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author Jennifer Wilck to Book Junkie. She is here to celebrate her release A Heart of Little Faith from Whiskey Creek Press which is a heartfelt and sensual look at a second chance at love with two very wounded souls.

So please give Jennifer a warm welcome and enjoy the interivew.

1. If someone were writing a story about Jennifer Wilck, what would your blurb say?
Jennifer Wilck is a wife, mother, daughter and friend who juggles her everyday responsibilities with her dreams of becoming an author. With the June publication of her first romance, A Heart of Little Faith, she’s one step closer to making that dream a reality.

While chauffeuring her daughters to after-school activities that require an Excel spreadsheet to be kept straight, serving on her Temple Board, training the family dog, and cooking dinners that fit the needs of four very different appetites, she composes scenes and listens to the conversations in her head for her next book.

When those voices get too loud, she retreats to her computer, where she writes stories that let her escape from reality. In her made-up world, the heroines are always smart, sassy and independent. The heroes are handsome and strong with just a touch of vulnerability. Come along; it’s a great ride!

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release A Heart of Little Faith that isn't in the blurb?
Sure. Lily and Gideon are two people, living in New York, who face physical, emotional and psychological obstacles in their search for true love. With the help of Lily’s six-year-old daughter, Gideon’s sister and a ridiculous “business” arrangement, they slowly come to terms with their feelings and learn that most of the obstacles facing them exist in their heads.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of A Heart of Little Faith ?
Well, I wanted to show that even strong women can be vulnerable and that it’s okay for them to accept help. At the same time, I wanted to show men are strong in ways other than just physically. I thought about all the reasons a man and a woman might think they weren’t ready for love, and then the reasons why they were wrong. This story just evolved from there.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in A Heart of Little Faith ?
I actually really liked writing the dream sequences that repeat throughout the book. Gideon has what starts out as an erotic dream and slowly descends into a nightmare about his ex-girlfriend. The dreams coincide with the times that he gets close—physically and emotionally—to Lily. Initially, when he has the dream, it convinces him to stay away from her. By the end, the “evil” ex-girlfriend in the dream is replaced by Lily and it transforms from a nightmare to a wonderful dream that leads him to declare his love for Lily. So they were fun to write—lots of imagery and progression that was a lot of fun to write.

5. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I love a good Australian accent. There’s something self-assured about it that is definitely sexy!

6. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
To write Heart of Little Faith, I had to get an idea of what life in a wheelchair is like—especially the psychological ramifications of someone who hadn’t always been in one. I ended up finding a very nice man online who was willing to talk to me. But it was very odd, and extremely uncomfortable on my part, to ask fairly intimate questions of some random guy I didn’t know. So I kept finding these really convoluted ways of pardoning my nosiness and asking my question and understanding if he didn’t want to answer. He was a great guy and very funny, so he tried to put me at ease, but that was definitely out of my comfort zone.

7. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
The first time my husband read my book was after it was published. And no one knew I wrote until after I had a publishing contract.

8. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I love to hear from readers! They can reach me through my website at http://www.jenniferwilck.com/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wilck/201342863240160 or through one of my blogs, Fried Oreos: http://www.jenniferwilck.wordpress.com/ or Heroines With Hearts (I’m a contributor): http://www.heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com/.

9. Favorites List… fill in the blank
1. Favorite City: Paris
2. Favorite Romance book of all time (your go to book you can read over and over again): anything by Lynn Kurland, but especially This Is All I Ask
3. Favorite type of hero: Alpha, but not too alpha.
4. Favorite Quote: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

10. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What draws you into a book and makes you unable to put it down?

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO THE CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVE FOUNDATION.

Guest Author and Giveaway with Tara Kingston............

2011-08-11T07:18:00.002-04:00

Today I would like to welcome author Tara Kingston to Book Junkie! She is here to celebrate her release from Ellora's Cave, CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN. It is a fantastic and refreshingly witting as well as sexy tale of revenge and love. Look for my review later today and you can earn extra points in Tara's giveaway!

1. Can you tell us a little about your new release CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN?

Claimed by the Captain is a romantic and erotic historical novella that’s recently been released by Ellora’s Cave. In the story, Captain Jason Kane, a ruthless privateer abducts Catherine Farrell, daughter of the swindler who destroyed his family. Intending to extract the debt owed him from his tempting prisoner, he plans a cold-blooded conquest, but his captive’s passion and tenderness spark a deep longing in his soul. As Jason’s sensual conquest awakens Catherine to the pleasure of his touch, he also lays claim to her heart, and she must convince him that love is far more satisfying than sweet revenge.

2. What qualities were a must when creating your hero, Jason Kane?

Jason Kane is a man who lost everything in his youth, including his family and his fortune. Driven and keenly intelligent, Captain Kain is cunning and a bit ruthless, especially in his quest for vengeance against the man who destroyed everyone he loved. However, he’s not as hard-hearted as he liked to think. He’s capable of seductive tenderness and enduring love, and his courage and loyalty are key facets of his nature. He’s a good man who’s been wronged, but he’s got the guts to move past that vendetta.

3. What was your favorite scene to write?

There are so many scenes that I enjoyed writing, this is a difficult question to answer, but I’d have to say my favorite scene takes place

4. When reading a book I often imagine the characters in my head as thought I am watching a movie play out. If you could cast Jason and Cathy for a movie, who would play them on screen?

I could see Joe Manganielloa (he plays Alcide on True Blood) as Captain Jason Kane, while Amanda Seyfried from Mamma Mia! would fit the role of Cathy to the proverbial T.

5. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?

Hmmmm…let’s just say I’ve used my husband as the demo model when testing out some scenes…

6. What is it about writing Historical Romance that appeals to you?

I love writing Historical Romance because I love reading Historical Romance. Love is a potent emotion that empowers you. There’s nothing like the wonderful feeling of being in love, but the paths to enduring love is seldom straight and smooth. Often, lovers have to overcome many conflicts, both external and internal, and make sacrifices to find their love and make it last. This is the basis of a love story.

7. What are you currently working on?

I recently finished a new novella for Ellora’s Cave, Claimed by the Spymaster, set in Victorian England with a dashing English spy and the Russian actress who becomes involved in international treachery. I’m currently plotting a couple of historical novellas and writing a Victorian Steampunk.

8. What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?

Sons of the Wolf, a Gothic by Barbara Michaels. I was moved by the romance between the hero and heroine, and the heroine’s selfless courage, though honestly, upon a recent rereading, I found myself frustrated by the heroine’s essential helplessness and the hero’s uselessness. Circumstances, not the hero or heroine, defeat the villain. I like my heroines to have a strong backbone and my heroes to be resourceful and courageous.

9. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

Which era should be the setting for my next Claimed historical? I’m considering the Civil War South or the Scottish Highlands. Your thoughts, readers?

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
Stop by my webpage, http://www.tarakingston.com/, and friend me on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter, so readers can “follow” me there.

ABOUT THE BOOK

***GIVEAWAY***

Tara as offered to give one commenter a copy of CLAIMED BY THE CAPTAIN

Just answer her question above.

Also, can earn 2 extra entries by commenting on my review that will be posted later today!

Contest ends 8/14

Open to all

HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE by Kate Carlisle

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE, Book Three in the Duke Brothers series by Kate Carlisle is simple one of the sweetest and most romantic books I have read in a long time. Just released from Harlequin Desire this month!

Kelly is desperate for change, her ex is coming to the resort where she works and she was so damaged inside and wounded by his parting words that she is determined to prove to the jerk just how much he is missing. Total makeover and a new attitude, not to mention two weeks at a papering spa will do wonders for a girl and her ego.

Brandon Duke is a bit of a womanizer, always kind and never letting any of his revolving door ladies part without a sweet kiss goodbye and an expensive parting gift Kelly will not be another one of his victims. A confirmed bachelor, or so he keeps telling himself, but when Kelly comes back from vacation a transformed woman he can't help but notice. Not only that, but against his better judgement, he rises to the occasion when she asks him to give her lessons and help to being sexy and desirable to her loser of an ex won't know what hit him.

So soon the game changes and the two become lovers, but neither one has illusions as to what the future holds for them. They both know that Brandon has no intentions of getting married.... ever! But there is something about Kelly that has Brandon opening up his heart. Especially when the ex arrives with his tongue hanging out at the new Kelly. Much with the help of Brandon's lessons, which have not only made Kelly fall even more in love with her handsome boss but has given her an inner glow of confidence and moxie.

Their new love and devotion for each other will have to hold them through next step in their relationship. Let go and move on or be together forever. Problem is that Brandon just might not make his grand gesture of love fast enough and lose Kelly all together.

Sweet, so funny the dialog will have you laughing out loud. The banter and wit of each character carries this story all the way through, they become two people I couldn't help but cheer on, hoping they would make it, knowing that the stregnth of their love for each other will solidify your belief in happily ever after!

New hairdo? Makeup? A dress? Where did his efficient secretary go?

Because the woman in front of Brandon Duke is not the Kelly Meredith who left on vacation two weeks ago. He is shocked—and curiously enchanted—by her transformation.

She says this makeover is all part of her plan...to become more seductive. And this billionaire is just the man to give his suddenly sultry assistant a few lessons in love. He'll go slow, savor every moment and then say goodbye—as long as he can remember just who is seducing whom!

Harlequin Books, Mass Market Paperback,

August 2011, ISBN-13: 97803731176

Guest Author & Giveaway with Stephanie L Laurens............

2011-08-09T04:30:00.002-04:00

Please join me in welcoming today to Book Junkie best selling author Stephanie L Laurens. She is here once again to celebrate her latest release in her Cynster series, Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue, a historical romance novel being released by Avon / HarperCollins on August 30^th. You can read my review and also enter to win HERE

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the Cynster girls. What sent you back to do their stories?

Their stories were always destined to be told – when was always the issue. I had an insistent feeling that I had to wait – I explained it at the time as waiting for them to grow up, and in part it was that. I needed to let them evolve in my head to the point where their characters had matured enough for me to see them as adults instead of the girl-children they were in, for instance, Devil’s Bride. Without having mature characters to work with, it was very difficult to foresee what sort of hero they’d have to play against them. In short, their characters had to come first – without that, I couldn’t see the rest, the details of their heros or their stories. And then, suddenly, the time had come, and I knew who Heather, the eldest’s, hero was, and then Eliza’s, and lastly Angelica’s. Once I had the first story – Heather’s – then the other two rolled on from that, the concept of the trilogy was born, and I was ready to write.

In your last set of works, the Black Cobra Quartet, the four stories ran largely concurrently – quite a difference to the sequential stories of most standard trilogies or quartets. All your previous Cynster stories were connected by characters and set at a specific date, but weren’t connected via the storyline. But this trilogy is different from all the above.

Yes, it is – while we have three, distinct and complete in themselves romances, the three books form a true trilogy in that there’s one overarching storyline, not the romances but a different storyline, that runs through the three books. That storyline starts in the Prologue of the first book and ends in the Epilogue of the third book. In between, however, as with all my books, you get three romances, and each book can be read on its own and the reader will get the full romance story experience. However, as with the Black Cobra Quartet, to get the full impact of the overarching story, you will need to read all the books in the trilogy. I am aware that some romance readers grumble and “demand” that every last thread in every story is tied off and completed, all revealed, in every individual book, but frankly, if you read or wrote nothing but such books, life would be boring – I make no apologies for every now and then doing something different. Trying something new makes life interesting. I believe the majority of readers appreciate something a touch different and interesting, as long as they get their romance as well – that certainly seems to have been borne out by the response to the different structure of the Black Cobra Quartet.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster

...but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge.

Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London's staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.

But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal-and straight into danger when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.

Now it's up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she's been searching for all along...

**A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book and others (up to $25,000) will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.**

***GIVEAWAY***

Stephanie and Avon / HarperCollins will be giving away a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the course of the tour AND all commenters will have the chance to win one of four autographed sets of Stephanie Lauren's backlist from Avon.

MUST leave e-mail

Contest ends Aug 30th

Guest Author and Giveaway with Lena Diaz..........

2011-08-08T07:48:00.001-04:00

Today I am thrilled to welcome to Book Junkie author Lena Diaz who is here to celebrate her new release, He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not, a contemporary romantic suspense being released by Harper Collins on August 9th.

Thank you so much for having me as your guest! I’ll just jump right in and answer your questions.

1. If someone were writing a story about Lena Diaz what would your blurb say?
Ha! What a fun question. Here goes...
Country girl, Lena Diaz, grew up thinking all people were nice and friendly. That illusion was shattered in the second grade when she moved to a new state, and the kids in her class kept asking her to say, “George Washington.” (Hint – There isn’t supposed to be an ‘r’ in ‘Warshington’.)

She sought escape from the cruel realities of life by turning to books. Perhaps that is why she enjoys writing romantic suspense. Her characters are ordinary people who overcome extraordinary difficulties. And if her villains and victims have the same names as those mean kids back in grade school, it’s just a coincidence. Really.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not, that isn't in the blurb?
Sure! I’ll try not to give any spoilers!
The story is set in a fictional small town in the Florida panhandle called Shadow Falls. The hero, Logan, is the chief of police. Amanda, the heroine, is a computer programmer who works from home. She’s also the only surviving victim of a serial killer. That trauma left a jagged scar down the side of her face, but the emotional scars are the worst scars of all. She’s borderline-agoraphobic and rarely leaves her home. When the killer stalks the town again, she has to draw upon her inner strength and choose whether to continue to live as a victim or to stand up for herself. Guess which one she chooses?

Both of the main characters have some pretty heavy guilt and secrets in their past. They have to learn to trust and forgive both themselves and each other in order to defeat the villain and earn their happy ending.

There’s also a subtle secondary-romance subplot with an FBI agent and the hero’s sister in this story. I love both of those characters and hope to give them their own book in the near future.

And here’s some fun trivia about the book’s title.

· The title is based on the game of chance the villain plays with his victims. He snaps the thorns off a long-stemmed, red rose one by one and chants either “He Kills Me” or “He Kills Me Not.”

· The working title was...He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not! I’m so grateful that Harper Collins liked this title as much as I do and didn’t change it.

· Since the title is so long, my agent simply calls it “He Kills Me.”

· When my critique partners emailed back and forth about this book, they started abbreviating the title as HKMHKMN. That’s a lot of letters, which is why we all started calling it “the alphabet book.”

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not?
My dad was a police chief and my best friend was a serial killer. JUST KIDDING. Actually, my dad was in the Navy. As far as my best friend being a serial killer – well, we never really know for sure, do we? Hmmm?

Seriously, I can’t point to a news story or anything in particular that made me think of this story idea. I just know that I’ve always had a fascination with serial killers, because they are so complex and crazy and just plain evil. So when I wrote my first romantic suspense, it was only natural that the villain would be a serial killer. The next step in fleshing out the villain was to think about the signature he would use in his crimes, the one thing that makes him different from other killers but that is always consistent at all of his crime scenes. I picked a rose as that signature, because it’s the ultimate symbol of love. How fascinating and twisted must a person be to use that symbol as part of his killing ritual? The real challenge here was in coming up with a plausible reason for why the killer uses the rose. Once I had my killer fleshed out, the rest of the characters and plot evolved from there.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not?
That’s a tough one. At first I was going to say it’s the very last scene, because there’s such a build-up to that scene and it’s emotional and dramatic. I can totally see the last scene in this book being played out on a motion picture screen.

But if I think back through the entire book, there’s one other scene that stands out even more – the big reveal of the villain’s identity. I put a lot of work into weaving in details and trying to lead the reader in specific directions, then twisting them the other way. To me, that’s THE most fun part of suspense, having a secret of some kind woven throughout the book until the reveal at the end.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Actually, the first manuscript I wrote wasn’t romantic suspense, it was paranormal romance. My voice tends to be dark, and I love tortured alpha heroes, which works really well in a paranormal. Will I write that genre again in the future? You bet. But for now, I’m having far too much fun with romantic suspense to switch gears. By the way, that first manuscript I mentioned is currently on a cyber-shelf collecting nano-dustmites. It’s not good enough to be published, but it was a great learning experience.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
No! Amanda and Logan both lived through some pretty rough stuff. I wouldn’t want to go through what they’ve gone through. Okay, okay, if I have to choose...I’d pick Madison, the hero’s sister. She has a sparkly, fun personality and she can definitely take care of herself.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
Southern! There’s nothing sexier than a big, hunky country guy drawling, “Yes, ma’am”. Of course, that might have something to do with my Kentucky roots. If I have to pick an accent from outside the United States, I’ll go with a British accent. The Brits sound so classy and I love how polite they are. Wait a minute, maybe it’s the manners that attract me more than the accent. Who knew!

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I perform most of my research online, so I can’t say there are any comfort zones involved. It’s difficult and time-consuming to find reliable information online, and even harder to find the sensory descriptions of settings that make a story so rich. That’s why I try to take day-trips, when feasible, to the settings in my novels.

I guess I’d say the hardest research I’ve ever done has been going to a firing range and shooting guns. Sounds like a piece of cake, but let me tell you, guns scare me. That’s a crazy admission from a suspense author, but there you have it. I’ve shot several different kinds of guns and am amazed at how powerful and loud they are, even the small ones.

One fear I have with all of my online research is that I’ll end up on the FBI’s watch-list some day! After all, if you Google ‘how to poison someone without being caught’, or ‘how to hide a body’, you have to figure that goes on someone’s list, somewhere, right?

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Okay, here’s something surprising and really cool...I’ve had four different ‘movie people’ express interest in buying the film rights to my book. The wheels in that industry move very slowly, and these inquiries may not result in any deals. But it’s been such a rush getting those phone calls from my fabulous agent, Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates, each time someone has inquired about the film rights. What a blast!

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I’m everywhere! Cyber-space is my friend. Your best bet is to go to my personal website, http://www.lenadiaz.com/. From there you can click to find me on Twitter and Facebook, or join my mailing list for a chance to get freebies (like Romance Trading Cards!), win contests, or get advance info on appearances and new releases. You can email me from my website as well, or go to http://HarperCollins.com and look me up under their list of authors.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
Only one? Okay – here it is. What makes you buy a book? Now, to cheat a bit, I’ll ask several more sub-questions to help clarify the primary question. Does the cover influence you? What about the blurb on the back? Do you read sample pages before you buy? Are there specific themes and locations you prefer? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Four years ago, Amanda Stockton was forced to play a serial killer’s twisted game of chance. Bearing the scar from her ordeal and the burden of a terrible secret, she retreats from the world around her. But when another woman dies clutching a long-stemmed red rose, Amanda knows she can hide no longer.

If there were any other way, Chief Logan Richards would never ask the only surviving victim for help. But it’s clear this killer will not be stopped and Amanda is the only link. Torn between catching a madman and winning the trust of the woman he’s come to love, Logan and Amanda are caught in a dangerous game. And there’s no guarantee they’ll come out on top.

***GIVEAWAY***

Lena and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

To Enter:

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave your e-mail

MUST answer Lena's question above!

Contest ends Aug 12th

Guest Author and Giveaway with Scarlett Scott!!!!

2011-08-05T04:30:00.001-04:00

Today I would like to welcome my guest author Scarlett Scott to Book Junkie. She is here to celebrate her first full-length romance, A Mad Passion, a historical romance published by Ellora's Cave's Blush line. Please give her a warm welcome and don't forget to enter the contest, today is the last day of her tour!!!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Scarlett Scott what would your blurb say?
Rarely seen in the wild, this creature haunts her keyboard and spends far too much time daydreaming about her next book. She cooks some mean ribs, loves wine, and has the best husband in the world. Seriously.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release A Mad Passion that isn't in the blurb?
One of the things I think the blurb doesn’t convey is that there’s quite a bit of humor in this book. It’s serious and there’s oodles of scandal and conflict, but there’s also plenty of room for laughter, particularly when it comes to Thornton’s devious mother.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of A Mad Passion ?

My inspiration came from a now out-of-print nonfiction book about a fascinating social clique in 1880s England. I found the book purely by accident at a library sale, read it, and fell in love with the time period. I knew it was the perfect backdrop for a romance, so I developed the idea for a series and ran with it.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in A Mad Passion ?

How do I pick just one? I did especially love writing the scene where Thornton and Cleo meet for a rendezvous and get caught in the rain. There’s something elemental and sexy about storms. Of course, the library scene was also fun to write…

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?

I’ve been flirting with paranormal romance for a long time. I always seem to fall short, but I’d still love to publish in the genre some day.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?

I happen to like my modern day luxuries and definitely would not survive in a world without air conditioning. But if I had to trade places, I would choose Cleo. She wears some formidable fashion and gets to attend a country house party. What could be better?

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

My husband’s Canadian accent does it for me. Not that he acknowledges he has one, mind you. He insists he speaks perfect English and terrorizes my colloquialisms on a regular basis. But I love the way he speaks. And he does have an accent, whether he likes it or not.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

I began reading only novels written in England during the latter half of the 19th century while I was writing A Mad Passion. I took notes on speech, vocabulary, and cultural tidbits, and it was time consuming. I’d never researched in that way before, but it ensconced me in the time period like no other research ever has.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
Before becoming a published romance author, I published a great deal of poetry and short fiction in literary journals under a different name. Now that I’m busy with romance, my literary work has taken a backseat, but I’m still very proud of all the journals I managed to get my work into.

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I absolutely love to hear from readers. I’m very active on my blog (http://scarscoromance.blogspot.com/) and Twitter (@scarscoromance). I also answer all email—excluding the spam variety of course—at scarscott [at] gmail.com.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
What is your biggest motivating factor when it comes to choosing a book to read?

Seven years ago, the Marquis of Thornton broke Cleo’s heart. He’s the last man she wants to see at the country house party she’s attending with her sisters. However, fate has a different plan when she finds Thornton standing before her, as devastatingly handsome as ever. Thornton’s resolve is tempted by Cleo’s reappearance in his life. He’ll stop at nothing to have her back in his arms. Now a respected politician, he jeopardizes his career and reputation with each secret moment he spends with her. Together they must battle against ruin and swirling scandal to discover if their mad passion is worth the price.

EXCERPT

Footsteps sounded in the hall just beyond the closed door. If Cleo had been tempted to end their ruse before, her sudden reaction to Thornton rattled her too much to do so now. She kept mum.

“Perhaps you are mistaken?” Thornton’s sister, Lady Bella ventured, sounding meek.

“Don’t be an idiot, Bella,” the dowager snapped. “I know my own son when I see him. All your novels are making you addlepated. How many times must I implore you to assert yourself at more improving endeavors like needlepoint? Women should not be burdened by knowledge. Our constitutions are too delicate.”

Cleo couldn’t quite stifle a snicker. The situation had all the elements of a comedy. All that yet remained was for the dowager to yank open the door so Cleo and Thornton would come tumbling out.

“You smell of lavender,” he muttered in her ear, an accusation.

So what if she did? It was a lovely, heady scent blended specifically for her. Lavender and rose geranium, to be precise. “Hold your breath,” she retorted, “if you find it so objectionable.”

“I don’t.”

“Then what is the problem, Thornton?”

“I find it delicious.”

Author bio:

Scarlett Scott writes sexy historical and contemporary romances. She lives with her hero and their adorable but occasionally evil puppy.

Twitter: @scarscoromance

Blog: http://scarscoromance.blogspot.com

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