Release Date: April 12, 2013 | Publisher: Inkspell Publishing Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Goodreads When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision. Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted. Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart. In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose? Excerpt “Kellen, come on,” Gabe said, grabbing my hand, his other hand on Alistair’s arm. Unarmed, I had enough common sense to realize when I needed to take cover. Staying hunched over, the three of us made our way to a series of boulders at the edge of the lawn and took shelter. Gabe’s face held a look of confusion. Despite our situation, I couldn’t help feeling guilty. I’d never told him about Calienta’s identity, about Faerie, about…anything. Man, he was gonna be pissed. I didn’t even want to think about what Alistair was going to have to say about it. “Man, what is up with these EMO freaks? And what the H is going on, K?” Gabe asked. “Yes, Kellen, what…what he said,” Alistair demanded, actually appearing to turn maroon in color. Peering over the rock, I crouched down again just as a portion of it exploded, missing my head by inches. “This really isn’t the best time,” I said, keeping as low as possible behind the rock while still sneaking peeks to try and find Calienta. Then I located her, fighting directly in the middle of the action. She shot a wall of water at Cana and some of the other creatures, dousing the flames that resulted from their offense. The intense sound of a raging waterfall filled the vicinity as she fought back. Her defensive tactic appeared to be working at first, until Cana froze the water and it exploded into hundreds of jagged pieces—pieces that headed straight for Calienta. Calienta knew how to protect herself. I understood that, but I refused to hide behind a rock any longer while she risked her life. Launching myself out from behind the boulder, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to safety just as the ice would have hurt her. Alistair and Gabe scrambled to make room. Calienta crouched down behind the rocks with me. Mud stained the bottom of her beautiful dress. Calienta puffed a strand of hair out of her eyes and scowled at me. “You know, I had a plan, Kellen.” She sounded ticked, despite the lilt of Ireland in her voice. Though she made no secret of how I’d pissed her off, we both knew that I’d already sensed her feelings. All I had to do was to be near her and I would be able to recognize her emotions as strongly as if they were my own. That’s how I’d recognized that her love for me carried the same weight as mine did for her. “Maybe,” I said, “but I have plans too, and they all involve you. So let’s cut the Indiana Jones routine for the time being, if that’s okay.” Sign up to take part in this tour. Date Tour Host 12th April 2013 Loveahappyending Lifeystyle 12th April 2013 Estelle Wilkinson 14th April 2013 Becky’s Barmy Book Blog 15th April 2013 Brook Cottage Books 16th April 2013 Literary Rambles 16th April 2013 Lisa Voisin 17th April 2013 Linn B Halton 17th April 2013 Suzy Turner 18th April 2013 Donna’s Room for Reading 19th April 2013 Author Roast and Toast 19th April 2013 Me, My Books and I 19th April 2013 Cici’s Theories 22nd April 2013 Total Book Geek 23rd April 2013 The Girl with Red Cape 24th April 2013 Because Reading is better than real life 25th April 2013 Cosmochicklitan 25th April 2013 Diana Stager 26th April 2013 Leisure Reads 29th April 2013 The Rookie Romance Blog 30th April 2013 Tracy Riva Books and Reviews 30th April 2013 Froggarita’s Bookcase 1st May 2013 Owlnestly Book Reviews 1st May 2013 Library of a Book Witch 2nd May 2013 Raven Reviews 3rd May 2013 Paperbook Princess 3rd May 2013 Mom with a Kindle 3rd May 2013 Cici’s Theories 3rd May 2013 Bookishly Devoted And Don't forget to see how their love story began!The world is about to be cloaked in darkness. Only one can stop the night. Kellen St. James has spent his entire life being overlooked as an unwanted, ordinary, slightly geeky kid. That is until a beautiful girl, one who has haunted his dreams for the past eleven years of his life, shows up spinning tales of a prophecy. Not just any old prophecy either, but one in which Kellen plays a key role. Suddenly, Kellen finds himself on the run through a Celtic underworld of faeries and demons, angels and gods, not to mention a really ticked off pack of hellhounds, all in order to save the world from darkness. But will they make it in time? Do you love stories that will leave you breathless? Some Like It In Handcuffs is a fun and sexy read certain to make you long for more books by Christine Warner. ~~~~~~ Christine has wonderfully stopped by for a visit to talk about the cold...err...hot metal jewelry that cops love to share. Take it away Christine! First off I want to thank Melissa for inviting me to her blog today. I hope my topic get our conversation flowing. I can’t wait to read your comments. So, let’s get started… What’s the attraction between some women and a man in uniform? Is it the uniform or the tools he uses that go along with his uniform? Let’s narrow it down—what’s the deal with cops and cuffs? Now this is my opinion—and my opinion only—but if you agree maybe we can form a support group. Lol I think the words cops and cuffs says it all…lol. There is nothing sexier than a man in uniform who can work a pair of cuffs as easily as he can turn the key in a car’s ignition. Those small metal restraints give him power, and you have to admit your knees wobble a little at the thought…or is it the possibilities? *wink* I think the fact that the officer controls the situation, but doesn’t need to use something as dangerous as a gun to demonstrate law and order is sexy. Whew, how yummy is that? Now don’t get me wrong, my book, Some Like it in Handcuffs is not an erotica or even erotic romance. It’s a light-hearted romantic suspense with humorous elements (I hope…lol). The story features Sunny Kennedy. She’s a private investigator who is as inexperienced in her profession as she is in matters of the heart. Then we have our hero Judson Blackwolf—swoon—he’s a seasoned detective who is leery about becoming involved with the sexy daughter of his captain. Together they learn they have to overcome their differences and prejudices against each other to solve a cold case, and manage it all while they control their growing attraction. And yes, there is use of handcuffs—between the bad guys as well as Sunny and Judson—but I won’t spoil it by revealing too much! And, yes again, Judson doesn’t necessarily wear a policeman’s uniform, since he’s a detective he mainly dresses in street clothes or a suit, but that’s his uniform and it can be damn sexy! I invite you to comment below and tell me what makes cops and cuffs attractive to you. Is it the shift of power, the control, a man in uniform, the thought of a playful encounter…dig deep and share your thoughts. I’m more than a little curious ;) Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case. Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press Read more: http://buythebooktours.blogspot.com/2013/02/some-like-it-in-handcuffs-by-christine.html#ixzz2M93mVZNq EXCERPT: “This isn’t how I wanted it between us.” Judson grabbed the neckline of her sweater, dragging her body to meet his with a solid thump. Sunny licked her lips in answer to the question in his eyes. He lowered his head to move his mouth over hers. Sunny closed her eyes, a small whimper escaping her lips. She didn’t want it like this either, but that wasn’t possible. Unable to resist her attraction she accepted it wasn’t an affair, or a long distance romance she craved, but for him to love her back. It was all or nothing for her. Her heart sank. She accepted this as their goodbye kiss. With no thought to what was happening upstairs, Sunny rose up on her toes demanding more. Her lips pulsated against Judson’s. When his hand trembled against her cheek in a soft caress she lost touch with reality. “Judson.” Sunny’s weakened body drifted farther into Judson’s as his fingers glided down her arms, pulling them to her sides where their fingers intertwined. He forced them behind her before his tongue thrust into her mouth. Their bodies molded together, she heard her own heartbeat and his as well when he curved his fingers around her rear and squeezed. That’s when the click of the handcuffs against her wrist connected her to the handle of the locked cupboard. “What the hell…Judson?” She looked up at him, her knees shook, her body still inflamed with fever. “Like I was saying, you wait here and I’ll go upstairs to check it out. Backup’s already been called, so you’re safe until your brothers arrive.” Judson winked before walking toward the steps to the third level. Once he reached them he turned toward her and smiled. “Gotcha,” he whispered with his notorious grin. ~~~~~~~ About Christine Warner
Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her Website. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Read more: http://buythebooktours.blogspot.com/2013/02/some-like-it-in-handcuffs-by-christine.html#ixzz2M93bnF5r Today you're in for a treat! I have Liz Crowe on the hot seat. I'm asking her questions and getting to the bottom of how she writes such amazing stories. Welcome to my blog. I’ll try not to gush too much since I’m a big fan. Thanks Melissa. You were an early adopter of my style and I really appreciate your continued support! We know you have done many other jobs and are the owner of a successful microbrewery, why did you want to begin the journey of being an author? I began both journeys nearly simultanesouly oddly enough. I joined the Wolverine State Brewing Co. as marketing owner in late 2008 and began writing in 2009. I’m not sure how or if these things can be considered serendipitous but I kinda do. As for the “why” it was kind of a “why not?” moment really. I started the first book in the Stweart Realty series in 2009, ended up getting a few things published first, as I worked on Floor Time, took some rejections and finally found a publisher willing to take it. But I will tell you, sometimes I doubt my sanity putting the fruits of my creative blood, sweat and tears “out there” like that! What has been the hardest about being an author? the easiest? The hardest has definitely been the rejection, either from publishers or reviewers. I get my fair share of glowing reviews of course, but because I don’t write books that progress or even end the way many traditional romance reviewers like I have devloped a core of anti-fans that sometimes like to get a little personal with their “twitter attacks.” But I’m learning to ignore it. The easiest? There is nothing easy about this job. But there are many gratifying things: The moment your write “The End.” The moment you finish the 4th round of edits and see you cover art. The moment you see a new fan on facebook. But easy? I can’t think of anything that I would describe that way. What advice would you give other authors or people who might consider this a career? Don’t give up, but don’t think you can do it alone. Get edited, and be willing to take honest, constructive criticism without having a nervous breakdown. I’ve been there, done that and gotten past it. Every editing pass be it in early critique partner stages or as far down the process as “lines” should be taken as a way to make your story/book better. Your stories really hit home with so many readers. Where do you get your ideas for your stories? Real life. I shy away from fantasy characters (and by that I mean mysterious millionaires, cowboys, firemen and rock and roll stars) and storylines, preferring instead to let my books lay out the good and the bad of relationships and how life does not always go to your plans. I’m not saying a hot cowboy story is bad—they are not, if they are written well. I just choose to take my stories from more every day lives. How do you take these stories and weave such gripping tales about characters we all either love or hate? Well, I guess I’m not half bad at what I do? That said, I sometimes get defensive at the vitriol slung at some of my characters even though I created them to be so real as to be both loveable and hate-able at the same time—sort of like real people. I enjoy showing the bad side as well as the good, avoiding forumla plots and standard characters, and tossing in the ocassional “you did NOT just do that” moment. What do you need to be creative? Music? food? Caffiene early, alcohol late. I also work better when I am exercising regularly as it clears my mind so I can think up new plots, or handle a tough round of edits without throwing things. Do you have a favorite book? A favorite of your characters? Or is there a character you most identify with? Why or why not? I am probably fondest of both Paradise Hops and Floor Time for diffeent reasons. Floor Tme becase it represents my original journey as an author, how I learned to take a story, plop it on paper, and then revise it for nearly 2 years before it became exactly what I wanted it to be. And I love Jack Gordon, that hero—he is so imperfect as to be lovable, so annoying as to be real. He figures in Mutual Release a lot, as his early relationship with the main character, Evan Adams, comes at a crucial point in of their lives as they are learning their way around the BDSM lifestyle and discovering what makes them tick as Doms and finally, men. Do you see your characters in your head before they come to the covers? Have you ever had to say “no” to a cover because it didn’t fit the character or story? Oh I’ve said “no” to lots of covers, just ask my publishers! And I think I do see my characters pretty clearly early on and try to describe them that way so readers feel like they can ‘see’ them as well as I do. What story are dying to tell that you haven’t yet? I have a project in mind that will take me more in a mainstream direction, hopefully late this year or early next. It’s a bit of a psycho-sexual thriller with elements of near-term speculative fiction, set in Ann Arbor. I am dying to tell this one and at the same time terrified to try it. Now for some fun questions- Favorite type of beer-Anything hoppy but preferably with some balance Favorite sport-soccer Favorite vacation spot-the southern coast of Turkey Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life? Julia Roberts (we have the same dorky laugh) After a difficult day what do you do to recuperate? Does it work? Drink. Not always. If you had two years left to live from this moment, what would you change about your life starting tomorrow? Oh dear lord the list is endless…but the first thing I’d do is get a facelift, shallow maybe but something I would definitely do. What is the worst advice you have ever given someone? How did it work out? I don’t give advice, if I can avoid it, good or bad. But I guess I did tell someone once that they should start start drinking on the low end of the alcohol scale and work their way up through the night. Which is BAD advice: so here ya go. If you are thinking you will have several drinks in a night, start with the highest alcohol one first and work your way down and NEVER EVER EVER drink red and white wines in the same night or have brown liquor before beer. Thanks for stopping by Liz! Now everyone must check out her latest book in the Stewart Realty Series. And don't forget that Liz is giving away prizes! Grand Prize: Paperwhite Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GEKXUO/ref=fs_cl) 1st Prize: Signed set of first 6 books (Includes all books in the series *except for* Mutual Release) 2nd Prize: boxed set of first 3 Stewart Realty ebooks (Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Costs) 3rd Prize: Zazzle store Stewart swag pack (including canvas tote bag, mug, t-shirt, keychain) Follow the tour and comment; the more youcomment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/virtual-tour-mutual-release-by-liz-crowe.html MUTUAL RELEASE By Liz Crowe BLURB: Disclaimer: This is an 18+ book with erotic BDSM scenes and explicit language. Can two dark souls ever make a light? As president of her own distribution company, Julie Dawson has all she ever wanted -- money, power, and respect. But her carefully crafted façade conceals a torment of abuse and helplessness. After years remaining emotionally aloof, she is finally independent, but alone. Because she refuses to rely on anyone but herself ever again. Evan Adams is no stranger to success, or personal demons. The horrific trauma that destroyed his twin sister, and tore his family apart, forced him to craft a new life from the ashes of the old. He's content enough, focusing ahead and not dwelling on his murky past. But something important is missing. He knows what that thing is but refuses to acknowledge it. When a chance encounter brings these two strong-willed but damaged people together, what seems like a long, erotic journey through hell could lead them to a match made in heaven. MUTUAL RELEASE A coming of age novel about trust...on the long road to love. ~~~~ Excerpt: Monday dawned bright, clear, and cold, even for an October morning. Evan ran his usual route around the west side of his newly adopted town, relishing how strong he felt and looking forward to his workday – the one where he had a tight grip on his own destiny for a change. After a long hot shower, two huge cups of coffee, and an apple, he grabbed his presentation thumb drive and laptop and headed out. One of the things he’d inherited from his father was a love of classic English cars. He had sold two of the three Jags, kept his favorite and bought an MG Spyder, not giving a shit at how much it cost to keep the damn thing running properly. As he sped in his sports car across Interstate 96 on his way to the far-flung Northern Detroit suburbs to sweet talk, finagle, and wow the big-time distributor, he was on top of his own personal mountain. Nothing would spoil the day. He refused to allow it. He pulled into a visitor’s parking spot, tucked his Ray-Bans over the visor, and smoothed his hair before jumping out and striding to the glass front doors. “Dawson” was etched in the glass, nothing more or less, as if it were a boutique law firm or ad agency. Nothing out front indicated that it was one of the most successful craft beer and domestic wine distribution companies in the Midwest. Tucking away a shiver of intimidation, he pushed the door open and saw a small shrine to Michigan craft beer. The front receiving area was full of faux six packs, cases, kegs, and displays representing every brand, including some that were nationally known. A single desk sat near another set of doors. Through its clear glass he could see a bustling group of people, men and women, all dressed in top-notch suits, getting ready to go out on their sales day. The place oozed professionalism, even a bit of snootiness that surprised him. But he shook it off, walked up to the stunningly attractive blond woman at the front desk. She sat frowning at a large computer screen. He stood for a few seconds, thinking she would acknowledge him. Finally he had to clear his throat to make her look away from whatever had her mesmerized. “Oh, hello. Sorry about that.” Her smile made her already gorgeous face light up and left him slightly breathless. Looking back, he figured he must have looked like a complete ass as he stood there, unable to form coherent words, his brain awash in sensations he had not allowed himself to experience in a damn long time. She arched one perfect eyebrow. He gulped, knowing he should say something. “Uh, so, I have an appointment?” He winced at the upturning of his sentence as if he were asking her a question. Clearing his throat, he started over, pasted on his best “Evan Adams, Charmer” smile and held out a hand. “Evan Adams, owner of Big House Brewing in Ann Arbor, here to see Mr. Dawson. I’m a little early.” She tilted her head, then shook his hand matter-of-factly. But he had to stop himself from stumbling backwards at the thoughts coiling up in his lizard brain at her touch. His mouth dried out and an odd yet familiar roaring sound fired up between his ears. She frowned. “You okay, there, Evan?” Her lips caressed his name, making him repress a shiver. “Yeah, sorry. So, anyway, I’ll just sit… over here… until Mr. Dawson is ready. You know, since I’m, uh, early.” He winced, marveling at the depth of his dorkiness. She put her elbows on the desk, eyeing him closely. He observed that she seemed a little overdressed for a receptionist but figured this place must have a strict dress code. “Sit here,” she said, patting the seat nearest her desk. “Keep me company for a while.” “Um, sure,” he said, flushing red to the tips of his ears, then moving closer to her while trying to look cool, casual, not ready to jump up and escape. She smiled. “So, tell me about your company. You know, while we wait for Mr. Dawson.” He relaxed and launched into the tale, thankful to have a reason to talk and not sound like the world’s oldest high school geek trying to flirt with the prom queen. She asked a lot of questions, kept him talking. And after about a half hour, he was laughing with her at his tale of trying to empty a brewing vessel full of wet grains and dumping about ten pounds of the stuff all over himself. At one point she brushed her hair back, and his breath caught in his throat at the glimpse of her long neck and the small indent between her collarbones. He had no idea what that was, that soft spot that seemed to pulse with her heartbeat. But he wanted to put his tongue there very, very badly. Allowing his eyes to flicker over her profile, the striking angles of her face, he gulped, looked away. Getting a grip, he pulled a business card from his portfolio and handed it to her. “I’d love to talk with you more,” he said, trying to ease his voice down from its high-pitched nervous whine to a sexier, more natural tone. “But since I don’t even know your name…” He looked at the nameplate on the desk. It was blank. She leaned back, propped her high heels on the desk in a strange move that had him instantly on edge and practically panting with horniness. “Uh, so,” he glanced at his watch, his nerves dancing up and down his spine once more, “if you are interested, maybe we could, you know, go out. Have a beer? Keep chatting?” He closed his eyes, unable to bear his own flop sweat another minute. “Never mind.” He slumped back in his seat. Where the "Master Dom" Evan Adams had hidden he did not know, but damned if the guy was staying there and leaving this ridiculous, stuttering loser in his place. The silence spun out about a minute longer than was truly polite. He finally looked up at her. She was staring at him over the tops of her shoes, her head tilted to the side as if wondering why the hell he was even cluttering up her space. Finally, the doors to his left opened and a tall, good-looking guy in a suit stood there, surprise clear on his face. “Julie,” he said. “We’ve been looking all over for you. Your nine o’clock appointment isn’t here yet but…” The woman held up a hand, silencing the man but keeping her eyes pinned on Evan’s. His heart sped up and that familiar, yet nearly forgotten, roaring sound started up in his ears once more. Julie Dawson. J. Dawson. The person he’d been communicating with through his… or her… secretary. Holy. Fucking. Shit. He stood, furious that she’d sat there and let him babble on like a bloody idiot for nearly forty-five minutes. “Well, that was fun,” he said, staring her down, or attempting to. But his skin was both on fire and cold at once. Something about the woman made him have to hang on to his laptop case tight, just to keep from stepping close and kissing those full red lips so hard she would be his in an instant. “Or not. Thanks for your time.” “No, no, don’t go,” she said, getting to her feet in one fluid, sexy move. She was over six feet tall in her shoes, curvy, womanly, and sending out the sort of signals he had not intercepted in a long time – too long, if the way he was overreacting was any indication. “Really, I want to know why you think my company would be in any way interested in yours.” He processed her barb, clenched his jaw, and poured out the reasons behind why Dawson would benefit from jumping on his bandwagon now, in the early days, so they could grow the brand in a key market together. She listened, standing behind the stupid receptionist’s desk, her assistant wildly typing notes on his tablet. Finally, she held up a hand again. “How very… creative.” She walked around to the front of the desk, giving him an eye-popping full view of her. She was like sex on two perfect female legs, the exact body type he craved – full breasts and hips, cinched in but not obnoxiously small waist, long hair, and legs that went on and on… and on. “And, um, Evan?” He jumped back, hearing his name again. “Yeah, my eyes are up here. But never mind. I’m used to being ogled, and by way more successful brewery owners than you.” She held his business card between thumb and forefinger, as if it were made of dog shit. “Tell you what, why don’t you let me ponder your… proposal. And assume that your eye-fucking session won’t happen again.” She turned from him and walked away without a word. Her assistant shrugged and followed her back in, leaving Evan breathless, furious, and never more aware of his neglected libido. Amz: http://www.amazon.com/Mutual-Release-Stewart-Realty-ebook/dp/B00C5TO154/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364999101&sr=1-1&keywords=Mutual+Release ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mutualrelease-1145557-147.html B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mutual-release-liz-crowe/1046376041?ean=2940016573205 AUTHOR INFORMATION: Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications. Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”) Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury. www.lizcrowe.com www.brewingpasssion.com www.a2beerwench.com www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor www.twitter.com/beerwencha2 www.facebook.com/groups/romanceforreallife www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Please leave your email address in the post. Thank you for stopping by and make sure you pick up Mutual Release! I'm so proud to be featured in the Rebel Ink Press cookbook. The cookbook features your favorite Rebel Ink authors and their scrumptious recipes. Through the ages food has been seen as a way to commune with others, bringing fellowship to the table while nourishing the body. Food is key in celebration and in honoring. It’s also been commonly widespread everything from asparagus to honey to chocolate and oysters hold aphrodisiacal properties. But we at Rebel Ink Press believe not only is food nourishment for the body and fuel for romance, cooking is one of the sexiest and most nurturing things one can do for another. It’s the way to the heart. Rebel Ink Press presents The Way to the Heart, a collection of recipes from twenty-six Rebel writers, our charitable project for 2013. For every copy sold a charitable donation will be made to help nurture families and communities around the world through Heifer International. Thank you for your purchase. By opening your heart, you’ll find the way to someone else’s. Scheduled for release on April 17- www.rebelinkpress.com for more details.Today I'm very excited to share another new Secret Cravings Author with you. Lindsey Edwards has this amazing cover and fabulous story--Heart's Desire--a steamy historical romance filled with two people who even when faced with challenges, can't help loving each other enough to take on the world. Aww... isn't that sweet!! I love stories like that! Hello Lindsey and welcome to my blog. I’m so excited to have you here today. I know that the readers are looking forward to learning more about you. Please tell us a little about yourself. I have been penning stories since a very young age. In fact, I can't remember a time when I wasn't working through stories in my head. Whether they've appeared to me in dreams, or ala epiphany, I've been hard at work telling the stories of these characters who have long whispered in my ear. In fact, when I was thirteen, I self published a YA novel. Since then, I've moved on to romance and haven't looked back. Ask me and I'll tell you, romance is home. I live with my husband and son. I'm a full-time mother and author. An avid reader and collector of words, I can often be found in sweats with some kind of caffeinated beverage in hand. Now onto some fun questions! If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be and why? Oh wow, that's a loaded question. I would say though that I wish there was more love in the world, romantic and otherwise. Love truly does make the world go round, and if we could show our significant others, our children, our neighbors, and even strangers we meet on the street more love, think of all we could get in return. Not only does sharing love make us feel good, seeing it returned is even better. If you knew the exact date of your death down to the minute, what would you change about your life starting tomorrow? Can I say first of all that I am glad I don't know the date of my demise? Haha. I don't think there is anything I'd change per se, but I would like to say I'd spend more time with family and forgo sleep to finish a few novels, but the truth is, if I knew when I was going, I'd just have a severe case of anxiety. ;) When was the last time you felt alive? I mean really alive! I'm not a natural born risk taker, I'm definitely your play-it-safe kind of gal. I'll tell you though, when I worked up the nerve to send my first story, Twice Tempted, to a publisher and received that letter of acceptance, it felt amazing! I was on cloud nine for weeks. And then seeing it published and receiving feedback? I certainly felt alive. When was the last time you helped someone that was desperately in need? What did you do? Was this person grateful? The most recent time I helped someone in need was when I saw a woman and her dog on the side of the road. It was cold, and she was asking for gas money to get home. It was payday and I was feeling pretty good. Stepping on the brakes I rolled down the window and passed her some cash. I hope she felt as good as I did in that moment. What television sitcom is most like your family? Why? I don't know that any of them come super close to hitting the nail on the head. It would be more of a mix of shows. Perhaps part Boy Meets World, How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life), The Middle, Raising Hope, and likely a few cartoons. I painted quite a picture there, didn't I? *lol* What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? I combine two favorite activities by grabbing a book and running a bubble bath. Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. Did you always want to be an author? Yes. Although I had a brief stint where I thought I might work as a veterinarian or nun (yes, you read that right). What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? Caroline B. Cooney and R.L. Stine, as well as the many author of the Sweet Valley, Nancy Drew, and Babysitter Club books. Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? My research books. I write historical and I'm always fact-checking myself. Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books? Cliche as it sounds, I would say love conquers all. What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? Persistence pays off! Tell us about your latest release: Blurb for Heart's Desire: During the three years Gareth Havelock was away in France fighting the crusade, his only thought was of the bride he left behind. When the turrets of Waverly appear from the mists, heralding his homecoming, he no longer has to live with only the memories of her. But when her warm welcome suddenly turns cold, Gareth can't help but jump to conclusions. Katherine Havelock can hardly believe her eyes when her husband returns home after all this time away at war, but love and loss threaten the happiness she feels. Can she find a way to tell him the truth of what happened in his absence? And is their love strong enough to endure it? Excerpt from Heart's Desire: Rising to her feet, Katherine poured the water the fire had warmed into the basin at her husband's side. She dipped her cloth in the water, then gently cleansed the nasty gash atop his thigh. It appeared as if he had worked with it himself, but the injury was a far cry from healed. With the blood rinsed away, she set to the binding of it. “You have been quiet,” Gareth said softly. Reaching out, he cupped his hand around hers, bringing it to his mouth. The feather-light kiss did dangerous things to her, causing her to yearn for that which could not be. “Pray tell why that is,” he beseeched. Katherine looked up, finding herself ensnared by the heat of Gareth’s slate green eyes. Her breath hitched, and quickly she looked away, afraid of what would become of her strength of will if she fell prey to his hypnotic depths. Gareth’s hand enveloped hers, so much larger than her own. The heat of his breath fanned the back of her hand as he brushed his lips across her skin, awakening a flush of color that rushed across her entire body, warming her to distracting heights. “I—” Katherine stammered, not entirely sure what he’d even just asked. She was too mesmerized by the way her husband’s mouth moved over her skin. Lowering their joined hands, he pressed her palm against his chest, where she felt the steady beat of his heart. He took the wet cloth from her other hand, dropping it back in the basin before taking that hand and joining it with the other. Nerves fluttered in her chest like butterfly wings. She glanced down at his injury, grasping for excuses. “I fear you need a salve. I will call for a physician,” she said. “Are you anxious, love?” he asked. “I admit, it has been awhile, and in all that time, you have been the one thought keeping me going. You have haunted my every dream. Now that I am returned, here before you, I find my imagination is lacking.” Katherine’s lashes fell over her cheeks, a rush of crimson burning her face. “No. 'Tis not nerves,” she replied softly, her eyes still averted. “I have missed you overmuch.” Gareth gently brushed the hair back from her forehead, then his touch dropped to trace the line of her jaw with one finger. Running the pad of his thumb across the curve of her lower lip, he stared, transfixed at her mouth. “And I you,” he murmured. “I’ve missed the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand, the taste of you…” The sweet pull of desire lulled her, reminded her of all they once had, while veiling all they could not. The pallet moved beneath her as Gareth shifted, throwing her off balance enough to slide into his embrace. He was all heat and hard lines, giving her a sense of protection she’d missed so dearly. With the palms of his hands, he made languid, swirling strokes up and down her back. For a moment she abandoned herself to the whirl of sensations the gentle motion created, closing her eyes to fully enjoy the sensation of Gareth touching her, holding her, saying such intimate things. She’d waited so long for this. “You are a vision Katherine Havelock.” His voice turned to a raspy burr. Everything about him in that moment seemed to change. Katherine’s lashes fluttered up, and she was immediately aware of what that change was. Her back stiffened, but he tightened his hold. She knew all too well where this was headed, and what he wanted of her. But she wasn’t ready--they weren’t ready. She lay her hands against his chest—a gesture meant to stop him—and felt the way his muscles rippled under her touch. “We can’t—” “My dear wife, you did an exceptional job of wrapping my wound,” he replied, voice deep and sinfully rich. “So if that be your only worry, you need not concern yourself.” He leaned toward her, and she felt the breath of his kiss against her lips. “It’s not that,” she argued on a sigh. “We—” But then his lips were against hers, firm and persuasive, and just like that, the last of her resolve was shattered. ~~~~ How did you decide on your story plot? For Heart's Desire that's a tough question because there wasn't a dream or a burst of brilliance in the shower like how many of my stories are born. There was just the thought of how a man and wife would deal with premature labor and the loss of a child in the medieval ages when causes and cures were unknown. When that thought popped into my head, I knew I had a story and it was one I had to write. Even though I have not personally dealt with such losses, the tale seemed wrenched from me and I felt keenly the pain and confusion of both my characters. Thus how Heart's Desire came to be. How did you choose your characters names and location for your story? I keep a running tab of names for my characters and choose them based on which seems to best fit said characters personality. Location is another story. I generally prefer to both read and write in the Georgian and Regency eras, but some stories just speak to you and let you know right off the bat where and when their stories need told. Do you have a favorite scene? Why? There is a particular favorite in Heart's Desire which I cannot share without giving a large part of the story away. I will say only that it is the scene in the chapel. Those who have read it or who plan on reading the book will or will soon know what I mean. The scene is just powerful. It's packed with a lot of emotion that really spoke to me. Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why? I think there is a little of myself in every chracter I write. Perhaps some reflect me more than others. That's what makes it fun though. I get attached to and often become these characters and that's when the story turns a corner for me and gets real. Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… Website: www.LindseyEdwards.vpweb.com Blog: www.LindseyAEdwards.blogspot.com Fan page: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyEdwards Twitter: @ThoughtfulPen Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!! Purchase links for Heart's Desire: Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=452&zenid=7cbc00adf502b049cc26125bc3a8a6d0 Amazon: viewBook.at/B00A8SDF24 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twice-tempted-lindsey-edwards/1113807010?ean=2940015852530 Other books avail by the author: Twice Tempted (contemporary romance) Sinful Saturday- Featuring 7-10 sinful sentences from Second Time's the Charm. Watching him peel open his candy bar was tantalizing and seeing him bring the chocolate to his full bottom lip in a slow tease made my insides turn to jelly. I wanted to be the one he was feasting on. Then he ran his tongue over the tip of the candy bar. No no no! my mind argued. He's Chloe’s ex-husband. An enemy of my friend is my enemy or something like that. This is wrong. He looked up at that moment and caught me watching him and heat flooded my face as he walked over to the seat next to me. What if your soul mate was your best friend's ex-husband?
A middle aged divorcee with two children must find her way back to love after a devistating divorce leaves her with no self confidence in herself or even in love. Lissa's ex-husband has shredded her self esteem, so she has thrown herself into her children and job. An emergency life threatening illness of her best friend's son puts her on the path to romance. Lissa finds her new love in an unexpected way...introduced by his ex-wife. Who knew that first time loves could lead to second chances? Buy Links: Bookstrand Amazon Barnes and Noble: All Romance: I was delighted when I received a copy of Rebecca Royce's newest release to review. I've read sixteen of her books and love her writing style. Her stories run the gamut from shifters to superheroes but they feature strong characters and a sexy, passionate storyline. A Review- Love in One Night by Rebecca Royce Do you believe in love at first sight? Would you be willing to change your life for them? Griffith sets out to bring in the man who stole from a pharmaceutical company but never expects to find the woman of his dreams. Melanie created her own home for her daughter and her community in the Texas countryside. If the world were to end, she’s prepared to survive. When Griffith and Melanie meet sparks fly. The pages sizzle as they interact. Sparring turns to lust. At first Melanie is irritated by Griffith bringing up her ex-husband when she’s worked so hard to make him a part of her past. Melanie has morals but when she encounters Griffith, her desires take over. It doesn’t hurt that Griffith is interested in her self-sustaining prepper’s paradise. He’s able to see the benefit of a safe place in light of world events. When Griffith gets past Melanie’s defenses, they can’t keep their hands away from each other. Before they can explore their passions, danger comes to the compound. The peril doesn’t get in the way of their hunger. Once the danger passes, their lovemaking is hot and explosive. Rebecca Royce writes stories that draw the reader in and engages them with her characters. Who wouldn’t love a strong man like Griffith to help them shoulder the burden of the future? This short story ties into the interest in prepping but in a way that doesn’t beat the reader over the head. The characters are the main focus, not the prepping. This short story is an ideal story to read before bed as it will leave you dreaming of your own passionate, caring protector. *I received a eBook copy of this book for free to review from the author/publisher; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.* Melanie is a woman who prepares for disasters. If the world as she knows it were to come grinding to a disastrous halt, her Sustainable Living Community will be ready and able to take care of the people in their area. She doesn't have a man in her life anymore but she has her daughter and that's enough. Until a tall, dark stranger drives into her life. Griffith is on a mission to find Melanie's ex-husband Victor, who has stolen a very expensive new drug from a pharmaceutical company. Griffith is a man who can find what others can't. He never backs down from a fight and he's never afraid until he sees Melanie. She steals his breath and makes him wish for things he's never wanted before. They are two people who can prepare for everything except the depths of their own need for each other. ~~*~~ Excerpt: “I married him because I got pregnant.” She put her hands on her hips. “And I won’t take his money because I won’t take money from the pharmaceutical companies. No offense.” “Gee, why would I take offense when you meant to insult me?” Melanie’s face turned a lovely shade of cherry as he spoke. “Truth is, I meant to say something nasty about Victor. I forgot, momentarily, what you do and who you do it for.” He shrugged like he words hadn’t stung a bit. The pharmaceutical companies did both good and bad things. Griffith didn’t have to feel one-hundred-percent comfortable all the time to still know he worked on the right side of the law.Love in One Night 7 “Theft is theft. I give them back things they’ve lost.” He moved along the edge of the room. Melanie must be organized. Everything had a label, down to the box holding sponges. “And I’d bet when you get a headache, you take a Tylenol.” “I’d try magnesium and zinc, but your point is taken. I shouldn’t be generalizing. I don’t like when it’s done to me.” Griffith had to get out of there before he did anything really asinine, like give the blushing woman a hug. He pulled out his card. “If you hear from Victor or you think of anything, give me a call. I’ll be staying in Austin overnight.” “Right.” She took his card. “I’m sorry you had to come all the way down here for nothing.” “I’m not.” Her eyes widened, and he had a moment of sheer male satisfaction. He’d been able to shock her. “You haven’t asked me why I do this. Why I’m so prepared for a disaster? You haven’t asked. Everyone does.” “I’ve been a lot of places. I think preparing for things, even if they might never occur, makes pretty good sense. I guess we all have our own reasons for why we do what we do.” She bit down on her lower lip, chewing on it as she regarded him with narrowed eyes. “So you want to know why I married Victor but not why I formed a whole community dedicated to organic farming in the desert, self-sustaining living, and disaster preparedness?” “Melanie, if you want to tell me, I’d be really amenable to hearing.” Anything she wanted to say would be fine by him. She could read the phone book aloud, and he’d sit like a good little boy and listen to her. “Maybe I could. Over dinner tonight.” His heart skipped a beat. Had she actually asked him out? His mouth opened and closed. When he’d gotten off the plane in Austin, he’d had no idea he’d be stepping onto a sustainable farm, a converted bomb shelter, and asked to dinner by a hot redhead. BUY LINKS: Amazon Decadent Publishing As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it. Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They’ve just moved to Texas where Rebecca is discovering a new love for barbecue! She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books. In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will. www.rebeccaroyce.com www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com https://twitter.com/#!/rebeccaroyce https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Royce/172551376131638?sk=wall Rebecca Royce's Current and Upcoming Works
The Outsiders Love Beyond Time Love Beyond Sanity Love Beyond Loyalty Love Beyond Sight Westervelt Wolves Her Wolf Summer’s Wolf Wolf Reborn Wolf’s Valentine Wolf’s Magic Alpha Wolf Angel’s Wolf Darkest Wolf The Warrior Initiation Driven Subversive The Conditioned Eye Contact Embraced Sexy Superheroes Screwing the Superhero Banging the Superhero Other Works Behind The Scenes First Dimension Yes, Captain Return to the Sea One Night With A Wolf Another Chance Light Me Up I’ll Be Mated For Christmas The Edge stories: Unwanted Mate, Bar Mate, Mate by the Music, Out of Place Mate Forever I'm so excited to share this cover with you! I've never seen a more beautiful cover that shows the love between Lissa and Alex as they face a major challenge to their new marriage. I've even ordered some wonderful bling for the big release! :) What do you think of the cover? For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd. Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family. When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband? Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after. Available at all major ebook retailers in May!If you haven't read how Alex and Lissa's relationship began, pick up your copy today! A middle aged divorcee with two children must find her way back to love after a devastating divorce leaves her with no self confidence in herself or even in love. Lissa's ex-husband has shredded her self esteem, so she has thrown herself into her children and job. An emergency life threatening illness of her best friend's son puts her on the path to romance. Lissa finds her new love in an unexpected way...introduced by his ex-wife. Who knew that first time loves could lead to second chances? Do you love a story that will capture your heart? Have you ever thought about your former love? I certainly have! Margo Hoornstra's book will remind you of that time when love seemed easier and how love is never really lost. I love that you can get it today free on Amazon! What better reason to pick up a book and find a new favorite author! To Be Or Not Barry Carlson had it all, a successful career in professional baseball and the adoration of any woman he wanted. Except one. Forced to retire in his prime, Barry returns to his hometown of Summerville, New York to coach the Minor League Hornets. Twenty years ago, Barry broke through Amanda Marsh’s trust issues. He melted her ice, won her love, then walked away without a backward glance to survey the wreckage. Now Amanda is the head of public relations for the Hornets and happily single—until Barry slides back into her life. Still reluctant to trust, Amanda gives Barry another chance. But the announcement of their twenty-fifth high school reunion leads to an asinine bet between Barry and his old buddies, and threatens to ruin their new-found relationship. As scandals of the past and present converge, can Barry and Amanda get beyond their differences to find their second chance at love? Excerpt “I don’t think he was lying about this, because I was there too. Back at Doogan’s when you and your group of old buds came up with that—that—bet.” As his memory completed a fast rewind of the specific event, the warmth in his heart turned to ice. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” he hedged as his mind reeled with ways to talk himself out of the deep, dark pit he was about to fall into. “Don’t you, Barry?” She gestured with a head toss over one shoulder. “According to him, the wager was your idea.” He felt the pit begin to close in on top of him. “It’s not as bad as it sounds.” When her gaze returned to take a vise grip on his, he saw only contempt. “So you admit to setting me up to win a bet with your pals.” “What? Oh, God. No, Amanda.” Hearing the tears in her voice, a chill ran down his limbs. “It was nothing like that.” At the devastation in her eyes, his gut twisted into knots and he could swear his heart stop beating. “Aaron Goodwin is an unmitigated ass. A jerk of the highest order. He doesn’t have one cell in his body that isn’t selfish and self involved. In short, he’s a total and complete ass.” The look of raw pain on her face was the same one that had haunted him for so many years. “It appears he has some competition in you.”
About Margo Hoornstra My personal history in a nutshell is pretty simple. I’m a wife to one; mother to four—seven if you count in-law children which I do—and grandmother to four so far. My work experience includes public relations specialist, magazine editor, television producer, and script and speech writer. I’m also a founding member of Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America. Margo's Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |
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