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.Love Challenges and Desires by Karen Cino #SCP #blogtour

7/15/2014

 





Blurb

Rose Bocchino is a photographer who lands a job at Walcott Cosmetic Corporation.  Immediately she hits it off with her boss, Alex Walcott. Despite being divorced, he still lives in the apartment in his mansion to be closer to his daughters.  

Once officially divorced, Rose is ready to begin her life with Alex who continues to insist the timing isn’t right. He fears once he leaves, his ex-wife will limit his parental rights. 

Rocker Marco Corrente is hired to be the spokesperson for Walcott’s new men’s cologne line. From the moment he meets Rose, he falls hard for her.

Rose despises Marco’s bad boy image, leading her to turn the photo shoot over to her assistant who has plans of her own. The tension builds between Marco and Rose as the shoot moves forward.

Will Rose let her heart lead the way down the right path?

Excerpt


The door to the editing room opened and Lena appeared. “Sorry for bothering you two, but I can’t keep myself locked up in here any longer. I’ll be on my merry way and then you two can do whatever it was you were doing.”
“We’re not doing anything this time, Lena. Alex was just about to tell me his choice for spokesperson for Mandolay.” Turning to Alex, she asked, “Do you mind if Lena sticks around for this? She’ll be helping me.”
“Not a problem at all. I’d like to hear her feedback on my idea.”
“Okay. Stop stalling and tell me who this mystery man is.”
“I think the perfect person for this job would be Marco Corrente.”
“No way.” Rose fumed, shaking her head. “I disagree with you on this one. He spells trouble, Alex, and you know it. He has been in and out of rehab so many times I can’t see him being a role model.”
“I can’t believe this. That’s an excellent choice, Alex. You’re right. He’s just perfect. He has the look and not only will it sell to the younger crowd with his comeback tour starting soon, but it will also sell to the men who grew up in the ‘80s,” Lena excitedly said.
“I can’t believe this,” Rose muttered.
“What can’t you believe?” Lena asked.
“That you’re actually going along with Alex on this one.”
“But Corrente is the perfect choice. And besides, he is really sexy.”
“I don’t give a damn about his looks. The man is nothing but trouble. Did you two forget he was arrested for hitting a photographer a few years ago?” Turning to Alex, she argued, “Why him out of all the gorgeous young male models out there?”
“Lena explained it perfectly. I also just found out Corrente is making a comeback album, with all the proceeds going to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Research Foundation. Not only will he be doing us a favor, but we will be doing him a favor by advertising him too.”
“Bullshit. I stand my ground. He is known as the bad boy of rock and roll. I can’t see him fitting into such a sophisticated environment here at Walcott.” Rose stepped back from Alex, folding her arms against her waist.
“I’m sorry, angel, but you really don’t have a say in this.” His words stabbed her. He hesitated for a minute before he continued, “As far as I go and the board of directors, Corrente is the one.”
“Thanks a lot, Alex.” She frowned. “I feel this is going to be a mistake.”
Laughing, Alex walked to the door. “I’ll see you later on.” Turning to Lena, he added, “Let me know if she takes this out on you. Because if she does, she will be in big trouble.” He winked.
As soon as the door closed, Rose turned to Lena. “How could you not back me up on this one?”
“Because I disagree with you. I truly believe Marco is the best marketing strategy for Walcott.”
Sighing, Rose nodded her head in agreement. “I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m being too hard on him before I even meet him. You know the old saying, you shouldn’t believe everything you read in the tabloids. I should at least give him the chance to prove me right.”
“Come on, Rose. People do make positive changes in their lives, and besides, you can’t go into this with that kind of an attitude.”
“Why not?”
“Because then for sure it’s not going to work out. Just leave the dirty work to me. I’m sure Alex has already been in contact with his agent and the papers drawn and signed. If you’d like, he’s doing a charity concert in New York City. We can go, so I can prove to you the man is reformed.”
“Yeah,” Rose sarcastically replied, pacing around the studio. “It’s all part of the act. Look like the good guy, and people will buy his new album. It’s all a marketing farce.”
“I truly hope you’re wrong.”
“You know something, I hope I am too. I promise you I will have an open mind from the beginning to end of this campaign.”
“Now that’s the spirit.” Lena laughed clenching her fist in victory. “This is the Rose we all know and love.”
* * * *
Two days later, Rose and Lena stood in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City for Marco’s charity concert for the Children’s Hospital. Marco’s agent, Jason Fox, had sent them two tickets to the concert. When they arrived at the theater, Jason met them at the backstage door and led them into a private room.
Extending his hand, Rose shook it. “Nice to meet you Jason.” She smiled. “Mr. Walcott sends his apologies for not being able to attend tonight. I’m Rose and this is my assistant, Lena. We are the photographers who will be doing the photo shoot.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I’m glad that you were able to attend.” He extended his hand to Lena and she received it smiling.
“Yeah, so am I. I’m looking forward to seeing the show,” Lena said acknowledging him.
“Are you ladies familiar with Marco’s music?” Jason asked loosening his tie and opening the top button of his pale blue dress shirt.
“Vaguely. I’m really not a rock and roller,” Rose replied.
“I love his music,” Lena added. “I grew up with it.”
“You’re going to love this concert. He plays a lot of his older songs and weaves in some of his new ones,” Jason explained, opening up the bottle of Mandolay cologne. “Thank Mr. Walcott for the cologne.”
“I will. I would have to say it was the perfect trade-off. Two stage passes for two bottles of cologne.”
“And my wife thanks you too, for the perfume, creams and palette of colors you sent her.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Rose replied.
When the instrumental music began, Jason walked with them to the door. “The show should be beginning in a few minutes. If you would come with me.”
Rose and Lena followed him through a tunnel and behind the stage where total chaos was going on. The drummer was tapping his sticks against the wall and the two guitarists were making sure they were in tune with each other.
“I wonder where Marco is,” Lena whispered to Rose. “I can’t wait to see him. I remember as a teenager listening to his music.” Laughing, she said, “You know me, I’m a rock and roller.”
“Yes I do. I hear your music while you’re downloading the pictures.”
The lights dimmed and there was a drum roll. “Ladies and gentlemen, we at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City would like to thank Marco Corrente and his band for being here tonight. All the proceeds of this show will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Research Foundation.” Applause. “So without further ado I present you with….Marco Corrente.”
The music started, the curtains rose and Marco stepped forward and started belting out his classic hit, Forbidden Lover. Marco was definitely a looker. He stood tall and slim, clad in tight blue jeans and T-shirt. His light brown hair lay floppily on his shirt collar and his chestnut eyes complimented his hair.
Lena became totally smitten by his charm and had a permanent smile frozen on her face. Rose looked around at the audience in amazement. Ages ranged from young to old and everyone sang along with the songs. She hated to admit it, but she was having a really good time.
“Isn’t this great,” Lena yelled above the music.
“Yes it is. I’ve never been to a rock concert before.”
“You don’t know what you’ve been missing.” Lena squeezed Rose’s arms. “He is hot.”
Rose laughed as she watched Lena getting crazy. By the end of the show, she was also singing along and sorry to see the concert end. Marco came out for two encores, making the audience wild each and every time.
People threw flowers and stuffed animals onto the stage. Marco gathered a few animals and raised them up in the air in victory. “Thank you, thank you very much,” he said. “Your generosity will be greatly appreciated by all the children at the Children’s Cancer Hospital.”
Marco walked off stage and disappeared down the corridor. The lights went on in the theater as the crowd began leaving still cheering.
“Ladies, did you enjoy the show?” Jason asked standing next to Lena.
“I loved it,” Lena giggled. “He was absolutely great. It brought back so many good memories of my teenage years.”
“I thought it was pretty good,” Rose commented. “You must understand I’m not a rocker, so many of the songs I didn’t recognize.”
“I saw you singing along. I think you enjoyed it more than you’re willing to admit,” Lena added, embarrassing Rose.
Coming to the rescue of an uncomfortable conversation, Jason asked, “Would you ladies like to meet Marco?”
“I’d love to,” Lena answered. “I think it would be beneficial to meet before the photo shoot. What do you think, Rose?”
I think I’m going to kill you is what Rose wanted to say. Instead she mumbled, “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Great, follow me.”
They followed Jason down the long corridor. As they approached a door at the end, the music and talking got louder. Jason led them into an overcrowded conference room with people drinking plenty of booze. Rose wanted to leave but knew Lena had no intention of doing so without meeting Marco.
“This is great!” Lena whispered to Rose. “I always wondered what went on after concerts.”
“Apparently a lot of eating and drinking.”
“Come on, let’s go and get ourselves a drink. Somewhere along the way we lost Jason.”
They walked over to the bar and both girls grabbed a bottle of beer. “Come on, loosen up a bit,” Lena warned Rose.
“I’m fine. I just feel a slight bit uncomfortable.”
“Why? Not use to drinking beer out of a bottle,” she joked causing Rose to laugh.
“I’m glad you ladies are enjoying yourself.” Jason held a tall glass of champagne. “Did you help yourself to the buffet?”
“No, thank you. I have an early shoot tomorrow morning. I really should get going,” Rose explained placing her beer bottle on the waiter’s tray.
“Don’t be crazy. And here comes the man of the hour.” Jason took two glasses of champagne from the waitress and handed one to Rose.
Everyone began clapping as Marco stood in the doorway dressed in a black muscle shirt and tight jeans displaying a cocky grin on his long olive colored face.
“He is gorgeous, isn’t he?” Lena asked.
“He’s not bad. Not my type though.”
“I know.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t mind looking at him everyday.”
Rose nudged her. “Are you forgetting you are engaged?”
“Hell no. You can look at the merchandise just as long as you don’t touch it,” she explained.
“You are a very sick lady,” Rose laughed, “and one hundred percent right.”
“And here they come,” Lena whispered, referring to Jason walking over to them with Marco by his side.
“Marco, I’d like to introduce you to Rose and Lena.”
“Nice to meet you, ladies.” Marco nodded.
“You were great,” Lena’s voice trembled. “I have always been a big fan of yours since I was a teenager.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the concert. Can I offer you something?” he asked Lena.
“No, thank you. I have an early photo shoot with Rose tomorrow morning.” Lena pointed to her.
“Rose, nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand to her.
Rose took a sip of her champagne before shaking his hand. “Same here. You seem to have a nice fan base. I saw young and old singing along with you.”
“It’s a good feeling knowing my music is still alive and has been passed on from parents to children. The music of today leaves so much to be desired. The lyrics, in general, I feel are too violent and sexual for their fan base.”
“I totally agree with you. That’s why I stick to my disco classics.”
“Aw…What’s a glitter chick like you doing at a rock concert?” Marco chuckled.
“I’m here because your agent, Jason Fox, invited us. I’m the photographer and this is my assistant, Lena. We are in charge of the marketing campaign you will be doing for Walcott Cosmetics.”
“Well, I’ll be damned.” Marco rocked on the heels of his black boots. “It’s a pleasure to meet you prior to the shoot. I was hoping I didn’t get stuck with some old decrepit photographer who was trying to make a comeback like me.” He laughed jokingly sliding his hands into his back pockets.
“Oh God, that would have been my luck,” Rose said.
“Mine too,” Lena added getting back into the conversation. “I’m sure this campaign will be beneficial to all of us.”
“Indeed it will be.” He smiled.
“Would you mind if I stopped by the studio to try the cologne, since I am endorsing it.”
“Sure. You can stop by at any time. I’m in the studio from eight o’clock in the morning until sometimes way past ten at night.”
“Great. I’ll see you in a day or two. Now if you would excuse me, I have to get back to my other guests. I’ll see you in a few.”


BUY LINKS

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=885

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=karen+cino
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/KAREN-CINO?store=nookstore&keyword=KAREN+CINO



Author Bio

Karen Cino is an author, poet and former journalist.  She’d been writing since she was fourteen years old.  She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper and the Staten Island Register.  After reading Jackie Collin’s “Lovers and Gamblers” she knew she found her niche, writing women’s fiction.

Her daily walk down at the boardwalk is what gets her muse going.  It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and characters, boosting her muse.  She loves writing about local places that people can relate to.

Karen is a single mom living in Staten Island, New York with her two adult children, Michael and Nicole, and three cats.

Contact List

Website:  www.karencino.com
Blog:  www.karencinobooks.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/karencino
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/karencino
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=karen+cino
Email:  karencino@aol.com

Also by Karen Cino with Secret Cravings Publishing
Roses
The Boardwalk
Mystical Wonders: Circle of Friends
Mystical Wonders:  Second Chances
           Mystical Wonders:  The Right Call
           Mystical Wonders:  Survival

.Shadowed Spirit by Paloma Beck #SCP #blogtour

7/14/2014

 






Shadowed Spirit
Series: Seven Sin Sisters Series, Book Six
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Author: Paloma Beck
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
ISBN: 9781631052415
Page Count: 80

BLURB
The seven Sinster sisters are entwined in a legacy originating back from the time of the Italian Wars in the 1500s. One by one, they’ll find their mates from the immortal Valendite Breeds and secure their place in history.
After escaping a kidnapping, Sadie returns to her carefree life as a dancer, turning away once again from the realities of her destiny as a Sinster sister. This time, she takes a job in Vegas to hide away. Burdened by the soul sin of Sloth, Sadie can’t seem to care about the prophecy that consumes her family.
Granger, on assignment with TEU, heads to Vegas to protect her. Everything is going as planned until he discovers Sadie is his mate and then all bets are off. Now his mission is not only to protect Sadie until the prophecy is fulfilled and the danger abated but he must also convince her that accepting their destiny will make her stronger. He doesn’t have much time because as they hide out in the city of sin, her sisters await her to join their circle and forge a magic stronger than steel.
Sadie is about to find out that she holds the final key to saving her race.
BUY LINKS
SecretCravings Publishing | Amazon | Bookstrand | All Romance 
PG Excerpt
The mission was simple and he got the added reward of coming to Vegas. He’d scored at a few blackjack tables while he waited for the club to open and, with some luck, maybe he’d score tonight with one of these near-naked waitresses coming by.
The shadowed worry that had been following him over the past few months hadn’t yet gone away. Granger couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that trouble was on its way and now sitting in this club, the shadow clinging to him with a deeper fervor, he knew it could all come back to Sadie. After all, it had all started with her. This feeling began the day he’d rescued her.
Granger adjusted himself and got comfortable in the plush booth, ready for the sweetest surveillance he’d ever done. If Sadie were here, he’d find her. There was no missing the hellfire with flaming red curls. He’d seen her through his scope when doing parameter watches during her sister’s Pronouncements, but had never seen her as up close and personal until the day of her rescue. Only then, she’d been a mess. He suspected she’d be more presentable in this little club tonight.
Madden gave him strict mission orders though. Hands off the merchandise. Granger was to inform Sadie of the latest risks and do what it took to bring her back to the compound. That man was no fun since he was mated.
The music stopped and the stage lights went on. Granger watched as at least a dozen women filed out onto the stage in tight corsets and tiny panties accented by heavy snow boots, fingerless mittens, and fuzzy hats. Apparently, someone had the wrong idea about winter apparel, but who was he to complain when the view was this spectacular? Granger surveyed the line of women on stage. His eyes moved back and forth twice before they locked on those blue eyes he remembered. Instead of sallow and tired, they were vibrant and bright. Her skin that had been caked with mud and grime was now like porcelain, so clear she could’ve been a mannequin. He blinked and looked away as a rush of that same anxiousness washed through him. What the fuck?
When Granger looked back at the stage, Sadie was in the front line coming down the stairs. He was certain music was playing and that these women were dancing, but he’d developed tunnel vision. All he saw was his mate—without any doubt, it was his mate—with her bright flaming red hair now fringing her face, the hat she once wore on the floor, and the scarf no longer hiding her breasts. She stood before him in a shiny silver shelf bra that left nothing to the imagination of these men sitting around him.
Hell, no, his mate wasn’t going to parade around like that for all these men to see. His muscles shifted, his adrenaline surged as he determined the best course of action. He knew he shouldn’t cause a disruption. He needed to approach this as he would a mission. Yet every nerve in his body screamed at him to get up, grab his mate, throw her over his shoulder, and get the hell out of there.
A growl escaped his throat as he watched Sadie, his eyes never leaving her. Then despite the fact he was hidden away in a corner booth, her rich ocean blue eyes landed on him. They grew wide and he saw her breath catch. Oh yes, she recognized him as her mate too. That’s right, beautiful, you are all mine, Grander thought as he adjusted himself again. Damn jeans weren’t giving him any room for comfort now.
Sadie spun in rhythm with the other dancers, her tiny hips gyrating to the music just as she’d be doing to him as soon as he could get them the fuck out of here. She drifted across the room in erotically choreographed movements that would’ve been fantastic if it wasn’t that his mate was dancing in nearly nothing in a room full of men.
When the waitress came over with his drink, Granger asked how long the performance lasted and was relieved to hear there would be an intermission after only a half hour. He could wait that long. Then he’d take her and split. They had something to take care of before he brought her back to the compound. He took sips of his bourbon and then more deep breaths to calm his nerves. His hands itched to touch her, to feel those springy curls in his fingers as he kissed her lush pink lips. Well shit, this line of thinking wasn’t doing him any good. Maybe he should shoot TEU a text to check in and let them know he’d located her.
Found her. In my sights. Everything good. Complication though.
He’d no sooner sent the message than the response came.
She’s your mate.
Fuck, how did they know? He shook his head, feeling like he’d just been set up.
You knew?
The text took longer this time.
Suspected. Stay in reserved suite until ready for return. No hurry.
Granger was closing his phone, shaking his head, when he looked up again to see Sadie standing right in front of his table, her hips swaying side to side with her torso bent back. She wasn’t watching him, but she most certainly had to know what she was doing to him. The damn woman before him now was nothing like the woman he’d rescued, nor did she look like the simple beauty he’d seen through his scope on a few occasions. Didn’t her file say her soul sin was sloth?
This Sadie, the dancer, was stunning.

R Excerpt
Sadie rubbed the full length of her body against him even as he felt the unmistakable link solidify between them. His cock lengthened and tightened the pants he desperately needed to get out of. Enough was enough. Why was he holding back? This was fate. What would happen next was inevitable.
“Bed. Now. Before I take you standing up.” Granger’s husky words pushed abruptly through his gritted teeth.
Sadie paused a moment too long before moving so Granger swung her into his arms and stomped to the bedroom at the other end of the suite. Dropping her on the bed, he removed his clothes with a single thought.
“I need to be naked. I need my flesh to touch your flesh, with no barriers,” he explained. The blush on her cheeks was absolutely delightful.
Granger leaned over and took one of her legs into his hand and kissed each tiny, delicate painted toe. She gasped when he sucked on her big toe, pulling into his mouth just as he planned to do to her nipples. Releasing it, he gave the same treatment to her other foot, her other toes. By the time he worked his way up her thighs, Sadie was flushed and heavy-lidded with desire. She was putty in his hands.
With his mate lying naked below him, Granger drank in the sight. He leaned down, kneeling over the edge of the bed, and breathed in her scent. It was musky, but held the subtle undertone of something sweet. Clean-shaven and with just a mere scrap along her center, he could see the pink, swollen folds as they grew wet. He blew out a breath and watched her muscles tense and relax. Then when he’d had enough, or when he needed more, he bit down into the fabric of her panties and pulled until he heard the threads snap.
With a clear view, Granger separated Sadie’s legs further and ran his nose along her core. He inhaled her scent and knew it would forever be his undoing. Then he tasted. With a single lick from back to front, he scooped up the moisture and drank it in. It was a feast for his soul as he felt something inside him shift. What the fuck?
Shaking off the distraction, he drew himself deeper into her, curling his tongue and using it to feel along her opening and inside the channel he’d soon fill. He lapped over and over until her folds were puffy and dark pink. Then he honed in on her clit, the tiny bundle of nerves protruding from the small hood at the top of her core.
Sucking the bundle into his mouth, Granger heard Sadie grow louder, heard her praying to the Goddess, but he wouldn’t let anything distract him. He was a man on a mission and he planned to have blast off any second now. Suck. Pull. Nibble. Moving his tongue and lips until he felt the tightening of her thighs and heard the scream she could no longer hold back.
Then, satisfied that he’d pleased her, Granger moved above Sadie to kiss her. They shared the flavor of her satisfaction on his tongue and lips. She eagerly lapped up the juices remaining on his face and despite believing his cock couldn’t get harder, it did.
 “Porca l'oca! I am crazy for this. Ho un debole per te.” Granger panted out the words as he flipped Sadie onto her stomach, lifted her ass in the air, and pressed his swollen cockhead against her moist folds.
She was ready, prepared, and there was no hope of delaying any further. Once he felt her relax into the feel of him so close to her, her back bow under his touch, Granger pushed forward. Slowly, ever-so-damn-slowly, he entered his mate. Each and every ripple, soft tissue, hard muscle, heated cream—Granger felt everything. It burned him, not just his dick, but something inside of him warmed. He felt tight, as if his skin was suddenly shrunk and too small to fit his body. He strained against the sensation and felt as if he’d burst. Holding still, fully seated inside Sadie, Granger’s arms held him completely above her so he could feel his chest on her back.
“Granger, don’t go slow, please.” Sadie’s plea snapped every synapse in Granger’s body to attention.
Shifting his weight, he pivoted his hips. Fast and furious, Granger took his mate. The heat and slide, the sounds of their cores connecting with each thrust, propelled him. He wasn’t being gentle. And while he hoped he was giving, right now his only thoughts were on taking. Taking his mate. Making his claim.

AUTHOR BIO & LINKS
Paloma Beck is a Romance Author living a life of contradiction... she's a happily married carpooling mom writing steamy romance. It's almost naughty but she loves it! Paloma writes both contemporary and paranormal romances that are anything but PG. She published her first book in 2012 and hasn't slowed down since. Look for more information on her Website.
With her husband and three sons, the Blue Ridge mountains have been her home for nearly twenty years. There's still a special place in her heart though for New England where she spent her childhood. The lakes of Maine call her name and someday she hopes to find her way back there.
Paloma believes a daily dose of coffee and a good book make any day better.
BLOG:                                  http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com
WEBSITE:                           http://RomanceBeckons.net
TWITTER:                           https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck
FACEBOOK:                        http://www.facebook.com/SevenSinSistersSeries
GOODREADS:                    http://goodreads.com/PalomaBeck
AMAZON:                           http://www.amazon.com/Paloma-Beck
TUMBLR:                            http://palomabeck.tumblr.com/
PINTEREST:                        http://pinterest.com/PalomaBeck

.The Key to My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett #bookblitz #newrelease

7/13/2014

 
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One dream fails, a passion burnt out...

With no set plan and a desire to find a passion, Blaine Grant hightailed it out of Harmony's Echo a year out of high school to find herself. Finding a passion didn't come as easily to her as it did for others she knew. Now, Blaine has come home for good with mistakes she'd like to forget, but the past doesn't want to forget her. Everyone thought she'd been selfish to not come back when she was needed the most, but Blaine never let anyone know the emotional hell she went through. 

Another dream is just beginning to see the light...

Randy Hughes has always been the shy guy until he discovered his love of music. It wasn't until joining the band that he grew out of his shyness. The oldest sibling and the only boy, he's pressured by family expectations to set a good example. He's the one who takes everyone in when they need it, and he's the one whose own dreams are ignored. Now that big things are happening for the Baby Stetson band, Randy has to decide how to handle his family when his dreams are on the line... 

A friendship is changing.

One spur of the moment, impulsive move leads Randy and Blaine into a dire situation that may bring them together, or pull them apart, just when he's finally able to gather the courage to tell Blaine how he's felt about her all these years...


Revisit the characters you've come to know in small town Harmony's Echo, as more changes settle upon them.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483993-the-key-to-my-heart


Buy Links:
Amazon





Excerpt:


She snuggled closer, resting her head on his shoulder. Randy slid his arm underneath her pillow and pulled her to him. She nestled in the crook of his arm.

"You definitely grew up. You used to be so gawky. Not any more," Blaine mumbled, her voice now sleep-filled.

He laughed. "Gee thanks." He loved her blunt honesty. If it weren't the truth, he just might have been offended.

"I meant that in the nicest of ways."

He leaned over, brushing a kiss to her temple. "Go to sleep crazy woman."

"Kay. I still want more secrets from you. I keep spilling mine."

His biggest secret was the way he felt about her, which she must have guessed now after the other night. "I'll dig deep down and find a few for you, then we'll call it even."

All he got in response was a deep sigh, signaling she'd pretty much given in to sleep.

As he laid there with Blaine all cuddled up against him, he knew he should get up and go. She was vulnerable. For once, he felt needed for real. Even though Blaine didn't know how she felt, she still needed him. After all these years, he had a feeling she might just start seeing him the way he saw her.
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The Key To My Heart is a standalone novel set in the series, but you'll learn about the other characters featured in this story as well.  Baby Stetson is book one, featuring Avery and Lucas, and book 2 is The Melody In My Head, which is Jameson and Melody's story.  

Baby Stetson is currently part of the Pasisonate Kisses boxed set with nine other authors and available for 99 cents. The Melody In My Head is currently $1.99


You can find out more about my books here: http://www.amazon.com/Nikki-Lynn-Barrett/e/B00A9UDX0K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
or here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Nikki-Lynn-Barrett?store=nookstore&keyword=Nikki+Lynn+Barrett
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About the Author and Social Media Links

I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Places to find me on the web:
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com

FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_

Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

Nikki's Book Stormers: My Street team.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
I love to hear from readers!
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.This Time When We Touch by Tina Donahue #newrelease #giveaway

7/12/2014

 

THIS TIME WHEN WE TOUCH
by Tina Donahue

Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/this-time-when-we-touch

PRE-ORDER!
AVAILABLE: Thursday, July 17th
This title is offered at a 10% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, July 24th.

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Fate has cruelly torn them apart through the centuries…

Endless desire and unparalleled love will bring them together a final time.

Through numerous reincarnations, Jade Jacome has adored one man. His love for her has repeatedly led to her murder, always on the same day and time. Jade’s scientific research proves this is their final rebirth, her last chance to outwit destiny and fulfill their passion. Against a backdrop of Brazil’s lushly decadent Carnaval, Jade has forty-eight hours to meet and tempt her lover, now known as Patrick Kane, then break fate’s deadly pattern.

Irresistibly drawn to Rio, Patrick senses Jade’s yearning that matches his. Seeing her again, time stops. Though they’ve never met in this life, he feels their connection, and that she’s in danger because of him. Baffled and unsettled, Patrick resists his attraction to Jade to keep her safe.

In a contest of wills and shameless seduction, Jade must gamble all, even her life, before the anniversary of their first separation or risk losing Patrick forever.

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Jade regarded the young women who’d spoken to Patrick. The one on the right snatched his tee and pressed it to her nose. Her girlfriends reacted with surprise, dismay, jealousy, then all of them fell back to their towels, laughing loudly.

Their happiness touched Jade. She wanted the same for herself and Patrick. Turning to the sea, she spotted him. His strong, solid strokes took him farther from shore and her.

Jade followed for a few feet then stopped, warning herself against joining Patrick, telling him she was the woman he’d searched for when he’d moved down the beach. Her confession might flood him with too many painful memories, which would make her seduction that much more difficult.

When he saw her again, she needed him to recall a warm summer day in 1510, moments after he’d finished his swim. He’d stood in a shallow part of the stream then, the water reaching just above his knees. Beads of moisture dripped from his eyebrows, stubble, and long dark lashes. Sun drizzled through thick stands of cork and olive trees, dappling his broad shoulders with flecks of golden light. With his head lowered, he’d scooped water then flung it beneath his arms.

Secretly, she’d watched him, as she had for weeks, ever since he’d arrived at her papá’s castle to tutor her younger brothers.

His tall, strong body had intrigued her from the start, along with his educated voice, sculpted features, and bearing with his charges.

Unlike her papá’s other servants, he didn’t defer to her brothers, indulging their every whim. With a firm but fair hand, he’d schooled them in advanced mathematics, Latin, Greek, science, horsemanship, and other physical pursuits. At those times, he’d worn only a linen shirt and hose as he ran and played with them. Grinning broadly, he’d ruffled her brothers’ dark hair when they performed to his satisfaction.

She began to imagine his smile directed at her, his touch belonging to no one else.

At night, she dreamt of him. During the day, she couldn’t think of anything else, consumed with everything he did. Where he slept, what he ate, how he enjoyed his few moments of freedom from her brothers and her papá’s demands.

Clearly, he enjoyed bathing in the stream, rather than the iron tub in the castle. As though he preferred to be outdoors because it allowed him to be alone. Or so he thought.

Water poured through his fingers as he finally sensed her. His hand remained suspended in air as he forgot to bring it to his chest.

Slowly, as though uncertain at what he might see, he’d lifted his face and stared at the hem of her yellow gown. The insistent breeze had pulled the linen away from her legs and around the tree trunk where she’d been hiding.

A warning registered in her mind, telling her to yank the garment back, then turn and run, not stopping until she reached the chapel. There, god would expect her to feel badly for what she’d witnessed.

Carnal desire proved more powerful and compelling than eternal damnation, trapping her where she stood. With her palms on the stout ancient tree, she leaned to the left, knowing he’d see her face, not caring if he did. All she could do was drink in his powerful male form—his flat nipples, as richly brown as the earth, the dark tufts of hair beneath his arms, the silky strands swirling around his navel then trickling to his groin.

Flushed with embarrassment, fevered with need, she stared at his male organ, captivated as it lengthened and hardened before her eyes, the skin growing dusky, the head rounded and so plump his skin seemed in danger of splitting.

When she finally glanced up, she forgot to breathe. In his dark eyes, she saw desire to match her own. The promise of what life should be, not what her papá had planned for her with the count. A man she could barely stand.

Trembling with excitement, she stepped from behind the trunk and faced him.

Beneath his lust, she saw how bewildered he was. He had no idea who she might be or where she belonged. Although he’d lived at her papá’s castle for weeks, there was no reason for her father to have introduced them. He was a mere tutor, she even less. A female relegated to the shadows, ordered to be quiet and meek until her nuptials.

Undeniable need drew her closer to him, a sense of destiny singing in her blood.

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Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romances (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

 

FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/TinaDonahueBooks

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com

Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tina.donahue.75

Triberr: http://triberr.com/tinadonahue

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tinadonahue

My page at TRR: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=tinadonahue

EC Author Page: https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/tina-donahue/

Samhain Author Page: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/Tina-Donahue-pa-1630.html

 

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CONTEST

Please leave a comment. Tina will be choosing one winner randomly from the comments section. The winner gets her choice of one of Tina’s backlist ebooks – FIFTEEN IN ALL – contemporary, paranormal, suspense, ménage. From this list:

1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7. Take Me Away – #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

8. Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR

9. SiNN – Nominated for Book of the Week LASR

10. Sinfully Wicked – Magnificent – Romancing the Book

11.  Claiming Magique – Top Pick – NOR

12. Illicit Desire – Four Stars Romantic Times

13. Come Fill Me – Five Stars – Guilty Pleasures

14. Losing Control - Four and a Half Stars - Sensual Reads

15. Shameless Desire - Four and Half Stars - The Jeep Diva

.Embrace Amidst Orange Blossoms by Louise Roberts #SCP #blogtour

7/11/2014

 



Embrace Amidst Orange Blossoms
Blurb:
It is the spring of 1622. Soldiers are arriving at the port of Seville from a gruelling war in the Netherlands. Amongst them Don Iago Borja, heir to the Estates of the Villa Sant’Angelo near the village of Cullera in the province of Valencia in eastern Spain. After a five year absence Iago is anxious to return home.
He is pleased to find his uncle’s ship the Santa Theresa in the harbor and more so when he is told he is sailing for Valencia. As the ship departs, Iago is delighted on discovering his uncle’s beautiful daughter, Elena, is also aboard.
However the scars of battle and a mental conflict of loyalty with his uncle have Iago wondering if love with Elena is possible?
Will Iago’s inner demons prove to be too large an obstacle or will he be able to overcome his feelings of guilt?
Author bio:
Louise Roberts was born in Alexandria, Egypt in August 1951 to British parents by Maltese descent. Following the Suez Crisis in November 1956 her parents were compelled to abandon their assets and home, and leave the country as political refugees. Louise grew up and was educated in London, England and has always held a passion for history and English Literature.
In 1988 she immigrated to Sydney, Australia and presently lives with her family in the northern bushland suburb of Berowra, which is located just south of the Hawkesbury River.
Contact links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louise.roberts.14203544
Twitter: @LouiseRobertsAu
Blog: http://www.louiserobertsromance.wordpress.com

Buy links:
Smashwords:     https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/453557
Secret Cravings Store: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=894
Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-amidst-orange-blossoms-louise-roberts/1119885162?ean=2940149728930
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com.au/Embracing-Amidst-Orange-Blossoms-Sword-ebook/dp/B00LEU4KWO/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1404216936&sr=1-13

Excerpt 1
Laughing and music emerged from various tavernas which were scattered along the waterfront, but to her, the sounds seemed muted as she slipped in and out of her own private thoughts. She wondered about the future and what her Valencian family was like. She had heard about them from her father, and now she longed to meet them, especially Dorotea who was of similar age.
A sudden noise made her turn around. The crew had begun to make the ship ready for their departure at midnight when high tide was expected. Men were running up the ratlines to the yards. The Bosun was calling out instructions, as men ran barefoot for ‘ad and aft carrying bits of nautical equipment. Provisions were being brought up from the quay in large nets and were lowered into the hold by men pulling ropes which had been strung up through pulleys suspended from mast jibs. There were barrels of fresh water and casks of wine, barrels of salted fish, sacks of flour and grain, boxes of fruit and vegetables.
Elena was slowly becoming dizzy by all the activity, and although she wished to return to the safety of her cabin, she did not dare to move for fear of being knocked over by any of the mariners who were rushing about. If only her father would rescue her, as captain of the ship however he was far too busy somewhere else. She turned back to face the town, at least psychologically, it provided her with a temporary sanctuary from the hectic madness about her. She had been aboard since late afternoon when her grandparents had accompanied their granddaughter to their son-in-law’s vessel. Don Gregario had arrived a mere two days previously to arrange for his daughter, Elena, to accompany him to their family’s property in Cullera in the province of Valencia.
As she stared into the darkness she could see two men who appeared to be arguing. One of them seemed relatively young, perhaps not much older than herself. She could vaguely make out that he was well attired, and looked like one of the soldiers she and her grandfather had seen in the port a few days before. From what she could make out he appeared tall though of a stocky muscular build. The other man was much older and more rugged. He was looking over the young man’s horse. She surmised they must be arguing over a price for the animal.
Finally after a great deal of gesticulations on the part of the older man the transaction seemed to conclude. The young man rubbed the horse’s nose as if to say farewell. After removing the saddle and bags from its back, he swung them over his own shoulder, his distinct posture buckling from their weight.
As the rugged man moved away leading his new acquisition, she saw the younger man trudge up the gang plank onto the ship. Curiosity and unexpected excitement gripped her, making her heart race. She edged forward, leaning over the guardrail enabling her to glance amidships. Elena followed his progress as he stepped on board. Light from several lanterns which had been secured to the main mast shone onto the stranger.
She saw the Bosun stop momentarily from his duties and walk over to him. They seemed genuinely pleased to meet as they wrapped their arms about each other in a friendly hug. Another old mariner also approached his voice loud amongst the bustle of surrounding sounds to offer a welcome and to assist the young man with his baggage. Their exchanges were jovial and Elena could hear them laughing at some inaudible comment. She watched the Bosun shake the young man’s hand before he returned to his duties.
Elena froze as the stranger and the old sailor walked toward where she was standing. As they approached, she could now see that she had been right in her assessment of his height and build, but now she could also make out he had certain handsome features. Her eyes remained fixed on him as they came nearer to the doorway which led to the cabins beneath the stern quarterdeck. Although she had thought he had not seen her, when they arrived at the entrance, he stopped, looked up at her, removed his hat in a sweeping motion, and bowed low.
Even though it was just a mere instant that their eyes had met in the dim light, she could feel a strong sensuality about him which sent ripples of pleasure through her skin and her nipples hardened. Her breathing became shallower. She felt a warm wetness between her thighs and her pulse quickened when she saw his face clearly in the light of the doorway lantern. Although he was smiling at her, she sensed something was not quite what it seemed. The uncertainty of her earlier carnal reaction made her shiver as though cold, making her long for the warmth of her cabin. Elena downcast her eyes and made a simple short curtsey in response. When she looked up again, he was gone.

Excerpt 2

The gardens of the Alcazaba, a Moorish word describing a citadel, were delightful with a vivid display of flowering shrubs and fruit trees amid the stone walls of the ancient fortress. It had been built by the Moors in the eleventh century on the remnants of a Roman structure. Its position at the top of a hill commanded magnificent views of the town and the sea. At its base a Roman theatre added charisma to an already magnificent structure.
Iago and Elena had walked leisurely to it with Magdalena acting as chaperon at a discreet distance. Although within view, so as not to be vulnerable to unwanted attention and with the protection of her mistress’s companion.
The sun had risen just after seven that morning and it was promising to be another warm day. A light scattering of white soft clouds added welcomed shadows from time to time, keeping the heat at bay. As they viewed the impressive buildings, fountains and palaces, her arm held through his absent-mindedly whilst talking about their aspirations.
“What will you do when you return home?” Elena asked sincerely.
“At this stage I am uncertain. Your father has always wished I would take command of the Santa Theresa as I believe he wishes to retire, but I too am tired of adventures.”
“My father would retire? I find this hard to believe.” Elena responded in an amused tone. “He knows nothing of the word. As long as I have known him he has always been at sea.”
“Then perhaps it is why he wishes to give it up and enjoy his daughter’s company for his remaining ancient years.”
“He is not that ancient, Iago. Don’t let him hear you describe him such.”
“I have no intention of saying it to his face. I respect him far too much to dishonor him so, but the truth of it cannot escape him or us.”
“So you would captain the Santa Theresa?”
“There was a time I had considered it but that was before I met you. I will wait until I can assess my options at home. As I said to you before I need to see what awaits me before I can make a decision on my future.”
“I hope I will be part of that future?” Elena said longingly, pulling him close to her.
Iago stopped walking and turned to face her. He lowered his head as she looked up at him and kissed her gently on the lips. Their eyes open, staring deep into each other’s souls he answered “Nothing in this world would be able to tear me away from your company.” And as the words left his mouth he was overcome with a burning urge to make love to her there and then. He looked about and espied a seemingly deserted alcove. He then glanced around searching for Magdalena. Comfortable that she was a safe distance, he guided Elena to the private sanctuary, and then holding her tightly to his person let his hands explore her body.
Elena was delighted at the risqué venture her cousin was plying and she eagerly encouraged him by gripping his hand and placing it between her legs. He needed no further persuasion to lift up her skirts and stroke her swollen vulva through her soft curls. She fumbled at his lacings, undoing his breeches, exposing his very hard and erect penis. Iago gasped, drunk by the pleasure of the moment, as she guided him to her. His hands moved to her buttocks lifting her to level his height so that she could position herself onto him. She wrapped her legs about his waist for support and drew him closer. Her arms about his shoulders pulling him in as far as she could, whilst all the time their lips were locked in a never-ending embrace. The excitement and the passion of their love-making and the ambiance of their surroundings, all intermingled into a climatic ecstasy. They held each other for what seemed an eternity. The urgency of their love-making had left them exhausted and perspiring. Their kissing subsided becoming gentler, taking a moment or two to compose themselves before stumbling from the shadows laughing at their madness.
 



.What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection-Part Three #anthology #blogtour

7/10/2014

 
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WTRAFSOG Gemstone Collection Part 3

11 author, 11 stories, one low price of 99 cents!

 

Gemstones are a girls' best friend ... and if you can't afford the real thing, try the WTRAFSOG Ruby Collection Boxed Set on for size! Whether you love billionaires or bikers, bad boys or boys next door, The Ruby Collection will satisfy your craving.

Buy Links:

Kindle US - http://amzn.to/1vAJMdz

Kindle UK - http://amzn.to/1pLsmOe

Nook - http://bit.ly/1vAJJyA

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1xlIKoB

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1o4jZXh

Itunes: http://bit.ly/1mOxQjh

Love Me For Me

Lauren Hawkeye

SHORT BLURB:

It's been three years since Serena King learned to say no--no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want, well, everything. Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark haired badass who goes slow... deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they're together.

SHORT BIO:

Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she'd wind up telling stories for a living... though when she looks back, it's easy to see that she's the only one who is surprised. Always "the kid who read all the time", Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she'd finished a book... and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers.

House Rules

Liz Crowe 

SHORT BLURB:

Jack Gordon, real estate broker, licensed builder, Juris Doctorate, has had his fair share of strife. His ability to cope, to fall down and pick himself back up has lead him to a place where he believes he has it all. Friends, money, cars, more women than he can count, and a club in Detroit where he can exorcise his inner demons, fill his days and his nights.

When he walks up to a penthouse door on a hot Ann Arbor summer afternoon, frustrated, exasperated and ready to call it quits after hours of condo shopping with a wealthy couple, the last thing on his mind is meeting his destiny.

House Rules: The Jack Gordon Story. A prequel novella of the Stewart Realty Series.

SHORT BIO:

Amazon best-selling author, beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz Crowe has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing and 20 novels later she is trying her hand at thrillers and mysteries.

No More Wasted Time

Beverly Preston

SHORT BLURB

After losing her husband to a sudden heart attack, Tess Mathews escapes to Bora Bora to lay her husband and sorrow to rest. What she doesn’t expect is a new beginning.
Tom Clemmins is an A-list actor whose life revolves around work and an onslaught of women. He travels to Bora Bora for a much-needed break. Tom has a few ideas of how he’ll enjoy his vacation, but love isn’t one of them. Until he sees Tess.
Tess is torn between tremendous guilt and zealous lust when their boat ride turns into a week full of romance and desire neither thought imaginable. Can she set aside her remorse in order to find a second chance at love?

SHORT BIO

Bestselling Author Beverly Preston has been a stay at home mom for 21 years, although she prefers the title Domestic Engineer, raising her four amazing kids. As her children begin to venture out on their own, she's left to shed a tear--for a minute--wonder what's next in life, and embrace the feeling of empowerment that surely must've been wrapped in a present she received on her fortieth birthday. If Beverly isn't at home riding her spin bike, you'll find her spinning richly emotional and sinfully sexy romance stories.

Moving Forward

Erika Ashby

SHORT  BLURB:

Jesika Reynolds’ heart was left broken one year ago when her husband died, leaving her and her son alone in this world. Slowly, she started putting the pieces back together of her life. Knowing that she may never open herself up to love again. That was until the day Derek came into the picture.t

Derek Jordan's charm drew her in with an instant connection, and familiarity that helps her feel at ease. Her heart is falling at his feet, but as their relationship grows, so does a secret from both of their pasts that neither saw coming. One by one, the threads slowly start to unravel.

SHORT BIO:

Being born an "Army Brat", Erika Ashby has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She's a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she has. It wasn't until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.

The Devil’s Tattoo

Nicole Taylor

SHORT BLURB:

Zoe Granger picked up her first guitar the day her heart was smashed into a billion pieces. He best friend, Dee, tricks her into fronting his band, The Devil’s Tattoo, and they’re soon thrust into the spotlight and right into the path of indie rockers, The Stabs.
Will Strickland is one-fourth indie rock band, The Stabs, hot as hell and he's only got eyes for Zoe.
The Devil's Tattoo and The Stabs go on the road and it's either going to be a highway to hell or a stairway to heaven. Only time will tell who will come out on top and Zoe's determined to do it without getting her heart broken… again.

SHORT BIO:

Hey there. My name is Nicole R. Taylor (the R stands for radical…not really, but I'll never tell) and I write books and stuff. I dream impossible dreams and live impossible fantasies. Sometimes I live out of a suitcase in far away lands. Sometimes I just like staying in.

I write about vampires with complexes, rock stars looking for epic love, insane witches, super heroes, post-apocalyptic warriors, soul baring music lovers and samurai sword wielding women…all from a desk in a country town in southern Australia.

Sons of Mayhem

Nikki Pink

SHORT BLURB:

Good girl college junior Nicole is bored. Bored of her boyfriend, bored of frat parties, bored of college life and bored of studying.

 When a chance to party with biker gang, the Sons of Mayhem, comes up she jumps at it. 

Feel the thrill of the ride with Nicole, Jase and the Sons of Mayhem in this romantic suspense biker romance novel.

SHORT BIO:

Nikki Pink left home and is currently a professor of English at a small university in Korea. She enjoys cooking, running through rice fields and talking to her genius cat.

How He Really Feels

Lisa Suzanne

SHORT BLURB

Julianne and her boss embark on a sexy affair that’s everything Julianne ever dreamed of... except she can’t tell anyone about it due to the company’s strict “No Dating” clause. What will happen if anyone finds out about their secret relationship? And how will Travis, her lifelong best friend, react when Julianne begins a relationship with someone who isn’t him? 



SHORT BIO

Lisa Suzanne started handwriting her books on yellow legal pads after she took a creative writing class in high school. She still has those legal pads full of stories, but now one of them is published under the title How He Really Feels. She currently works as a full time high school English teacher, and her favorite part of the year is summer. She has been blessed with the world’s best dog, a supportive family, and a husband who encouraged her to publish after reading one of her novels. She likes the advice of Ernest Hemingway’s famous quote, “Write drunk. Edit sober.”

Inoperative: Cyborg One

Charity Parkerson

SHORT BLURB:

Alexia is one of the few humans left who'd rather not have an android hanging over her shoulder all day. Unfortunately, when her job lands her on a list of people targeted by terrorists, she's assigned a Machine Industry Leading Edge Sentinel, or "Miles," for protection. Per Miles programming, he shouldn't be able to override Alexia's commands. However, he defies her at every turn. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as Alexia's attraction for the mysterious android grows. Unfortunately, when she goes on a mission to seek the truth, what she learns might get her killed.

SHORT BIO:

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing, and Punk & Sissy Publications. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

Finding Home

Lacey Wolfe

SHORT BLURB:

Julie Miller returns to her hometown pregnant, seeking guidance from her mom. Only, she doesn’t find her mom, she finds a stranger at her mother’s house. Mark Thomas moved to Brookfield to escape a tortured past. Julie brings back feelings he long ago crushed deep inside him.

SHORT BIO:

Lacey Wolfe is a cat hoarding romance author. She spends her time writing, reading, crocheting, and taking care of her family—both human and animal.

Skyler Tower

Khelsey Jackson

SHORT BLURB:

Evangeline Skyler has acquired everything she wanted in her life, she is a successful C.E.O. of Sky Tech. The only thing she doesn't have is a love life. When she meets a gorgeous dark haired man in a grey suit he starts to unravel her. 

Angelo Giovanni is there to interview the beautiful but secreted Ms. Skyler. When he sees her he is stunned, her pictures don’t do her justice. He will do anything to be the one she turns to. 

Someone is stalking her… 

But when someone starts stalking her and sending her creepy messages she turns to her long time driver and friend Axel Roberts. 

Who will be the one to steal her heart, and the one to break her trust?

SHORT BIO:

Khelsey hails from the Sunshine State (California) but moved to Minnesota when she was 11 years old. Her grandmother raised her and her brother. When she was 18 she did what any sane teen would do and moved to the city of sin, Las Vegas NV. There she met her handsome husband and the rest is history. She loves to read, and will read almost anything guess when you have read just about everything, the only next logical step is to write

Summer’s Journey Volumes 1-4

Summer Daniels

SHORT BLURB:

Join Summer on her journey of sexual self-discovery; a well written, intelligent and sexy series about the beginning of her sensual, sultry love affair with life, and all the joys of being a woman.

SHORT BIO:

Summer Daniels is the webmistress of WTRAFSOG, a unbelievably active reader recommendation / author promotion community. She also has penned the first few volumes of a True Romance / Erotica series called Summer's Journey which tracks her sexual awakening after a long, boring marriage.

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.Looks Like Trouble to Me by Calinda B. #interview #booktour

7/9/2014

 
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Hello Calinda and thank you for visiting today.  Tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m an award-winning web designer and certified SEO specialist, and have worked in the Internet industry as a web page designer/developer since the early 1990's. Before that, I taught dance and aerobics. I even taught and performed hip hop in Russia! (Yep, I studied hip hop back in the day when white chicks weren’t supposed to know how to dance. I was good, though.). I’ve explored crazy adventure including rock climbing, bending rebar with my throat, breaking boards with my hand, and fire-walking (I used to teach it). In addition to writing, I enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, and havoc wreaking. My home is in the Pacific Northwest with the love of my life and my two red-headed cats.

My secret mission is to inspire the planet to be chock full of loving passion and I’m doing my part by working on my next sexy book, be it a contemporary romance or a juicy paranormal romance. I love to write sexy books and do it daily.

Thanks! It sounds like you have an interesting life. I never thought of Russia and hip hop together! Now on to some personal questions. If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself?

Wow, age seven was such a tender year! I have this picture of myself somewhere at age seven, resting a big leaf over my head, eyes closed…I look so sweet! My seven year old self would have encouraged me to retain my innocence despite the travails of life (yes, seven year old me experienced sad travails).

For what are you grateful? The first answer that jumps into my head is my life. I woulda, coulda, shoulda died in 1999 from a brain aneurysm. I spent six weeks in a coma deciding to live or die. I am so glad I decided to live, because I have a fantastic life now (I was miserable back then) and am grateful for just about everything.

If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable? Well, if it was inevitable that I’d succumb to the zombie virus, I’d probably be safe out here in the woods for a while (I live in the Pacific Northwest, overlooking trees and water). I’d spend my days enjoying the hell out of my remaining life and meet my zombie maker with fierce determination and sly distraction. When I knew they were coming, I’d amuse myself by finding endless ways to distract the zombies -- like leaving a trail of Chocolate Devil cupcakes that drew them into the woods, along with signs posted: Sexy Zombies, This Way. Chocolate and sex work every time!

Hmmm sounds like you have thought out a plan! What television sitcom is most like your family? Why? Probably a version of Modern Family. We’re different, we have loads of gay friends…I was even the vice president of our local gay dive club for two years in a row, and I can assure you I am NOT a gay man.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax? Write. Scuba dive. Travel. Music, either sitting here or at a concert.

Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. Did you always want to be an author? No! I’d say hell, no! A high school English teacher told me she saw me as a writer but I didn’t want to be one. I received lots of praise throughout the years for my writing abilities but I wanted to experience life not write about it.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? JR Ward, Karen Marie Moning, Anais Nin, to name a few. I appreciate their ability to boldly weave sexy into the evocative writing.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing? Yep, I need to be immersed in beauty (which is easy because of where I live), Jasmine tea by my side, music in my ears.

How did you decide to write a Young Adult story? Do you feel passionate about that age? There’s a lot of growth that happens in your twenties. I remember when I first had total passion with a guy - he was sizzling hot and we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. There’s something truly transformative about the way a passionate sexual encounter can burn up your insides and leave you truly changed when all the flames die down.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? Writing is easy, marketing is hard. A lot of people make money off the talent, be it a writer, musician or artist, while the talent struggles to make it. I’ve also learned to persevere and not give up just because a snarky writer wants to tear me up. I don’t mind the reviews where a book was just not a person’s cup of tea - I’m talking about the reviewer who wants to inform the world as to why I need to be taken off the Writing Planet - those are the worst. Thankfully, my excellent reviews far outweigh those snarks.

Tell us about your latest release: (blurb, excerpt, cover)
Picture
Looks like Trouble to Me: Blurb: "Last name's Savage -- it means wild and uncontrolled," Jace, a party boy, yacht builder and skilled photographer with a quicksilver temper, tells the pretty waitress at Chica Rios. He's desperate to get laid, but there's something in the way of his driving, overactive libido and the girl standing before him - trouble...big trouble, and a whole lot of it, from the trustifarian prick who works by his side, to his messed up twin sister, to the secret hiding at his house.

He sets out to woo Marine Dubois, keeping her away from his trouble at home, encouraging her to let go of her inhibitions and live “Savage style,” riding with him on the back of his motorcycle, exploring the great outdoors in a variety of oh, so delectable and naughty ways. 

He ends up with way more than he bargained for. Turns out she's the kind of woman who demands the truth...and that's just not the way he rolls. He uses his sexual experience to teach Zoe how to surrender and his strong will to get his way with her. She leverages his love for her to get him to let her into his troubled world and tender heart - something he's stubbornly determined to protect. Their passionate, erotic, romantic connection keeps them bound together while the trouble he brings threatens to tear them apart at every turn.

Excerpt:

“You don’t know me. You talk as if you’re making some kind of commitment.”

“Ground rules. Exploration can’t begin unless we have a few rules in place. One of mine is exclusive rights.” He rocked his cock into her soft belly.

“How can you ask that of me if we don’t know one another?” she said, her eyes half lidded.

“I’m not playing unless I like the answer,” he said.

She opened her eyes. “What about last night? You didn’t ask for rights then.”

“I didn’t know I’d want them until I tasted you. Now I know. Will you grant me exclusive rights or won’t you?”

 “I said, there’s no one else in the room.”

“That’s a hedge betting answer.” He nuzzled his nose against her cheek. “Will you grant me exclusive rights?” he asked again. He placed his hands on the counter, one on each side, his thigh pushing between her legs, spreading her knees apart. He studied the pulse throbbing in her neck, pumping strong, fast, and steady, before letting his gaze lazily roam along her face.

“I don’t know you yet.”

“Wrong answer.” He grazed the side of her neck with his teeth. “I want you all to myself.” He bit her lightly.

She let out a short gasp.

“I’m going to possess you.” He nibbled and kissed her neck before sucking deeply, drawing her flesh into his mouth.

She moaned.

He released it with a pop. “I’m going to consume you. But only if you give me my rights.” He fingered the red mark left behind before looking into her eyes. “Will you grant me exclusive rights, Zoé Dubois?”

“Yes, Jace,” she said, returning the gaze. “Exclusive rights. I’m a one man woman.”

Fuck. He brought his lips so close to hers he felt her warm breath puffing against his lips. He savored the heat rolling off her body and the feeling of being pressed against her. “We’d better go,” he said softly into her mouth. “We don’t want to be late.” He drew away from her, smiling at the look of frustration she bore. “Don’t forget your promise.”

How did you decide on your story plot? It’s inspired by my life and the life of others. I’ve lived in and around abuse and substance abuse. I wondered what it would take to make a bona fide party bad boy actually change. I’ve been with many a bad ass and they never seemed to want to change. I learned, through writing that it takes a lot of chaos, angst and determination and the story’s not over yet (meaning there’s a part 2).

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story? All my stories take place in and around the very fertile region known as the Pacific Northwest. Character names evolved. I tend to fixate on a first letter of a name in a book. My editor and beta readers urged me to stop the madness with this book and use different letters (I had many names beginning with M inLooks like Trouble to Me). 

I tend to choose a name depending on the effect it evokes in me so Jace Savage seemed like a great name for a bad ass boy and I pictured Zoé as a no-nonsense, super cute gal - or “farm girl fresh with attitude,” as Jace envisioned her.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why? Without a doubt, my favorite scenes are the ones with Jace and Zoé in the West Seattle bar called Moonlit, with friends Tony and Tanya, and the subsequent two or three chapters that take you to the yummy resolution. Jace was literally cut off at the knees…flat lined, devastated by what happened…but oh, so pleased and transformed by the outcome.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why? Both Jace andZoé represent parts of me -- that’s the cool part about writing characters. I can be the fearful, mistrusting type (having lived through several affairs in relationships where the guy swore I was his beloved one and only) and the reckless, stubborn type and the incredibly willing to give into my passion and explore type…yep, I share all of those characteristics with my hero and heroine.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you… 
Stop by and say hi at https://www.facebook.com/calindab or https://www.facebook.com/CalindaBauthor or sign up for my newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/CalindaBauthor/app_100265896690345

Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!! I really hope you take a whirl with Looks like Trouble to Me. A lot of people contributed, from the friends who said things like, “Ooh, ooh, make sure you include the Port Townsend shed boys!” or “Back burner babes - there have to be back burner babes!” to the people who freely offered up facts. My editor pushed and pushed with this one to help me make it my best book ever!


For More Information
  • Visit Calinda B’s website.
  • Connect with Calinda on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Visit Calinda’s blog.
  • More books by Calinda B.
  • Subscribe to Calinda B’s videos at YouTube.
  • Contact Calinda B.

Thank you Calinda for stopping by! I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and will connect with Calinda! 


To get your own copy...
  • Looks Like Trouble To Me is available at Amazon.
  • Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
  • Watch the trailer at YouTube.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

.A Sailor's Seduction by Lisa A. Adams #SCP #blogtour

7/8/2014

 









A Sailor's Seduction: Blurb
Seaman Thomas Musak has just arrived in San Diego to begin training in his new occupation. However, he realizes soon enough that training a new partner to share his rack is more fun than he ever could have imagined.
Seaman Jacob Lyriceman has just flunked out of Nuke school, and is now passing the time before his next big adventure begins. Becoming a Navy Seal requires stamina and a sense of adventure. Both of these characteristics make him irresistible to many.  But, Thomas has the one thing he truly desires.


Excerpt
Jacob turned and looked out across the harbor. “I guess I knew by about twelve, but I was in denial until I graduated high school. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone. I dated girls all through school. You know, anything to make me look normal.”
“Did you ever have sex with them?” Thomas was shocked at his own bluntness.
Jacob faced him straight on. “No.” A small grin slipped across his lips and Thomas’s insides tingled with the familiar feeling of attraction and lust. “I was known as the ‘safe guy’, so I had a lot of girlfriends, but I had a lot of heartbreaks as well.”
“How did you finally overcome your fear?” Thomas found this extremely interesting. His family had several gay members in it. They were, and had always been, very accepting of him. His first real fear had come when he left for boot camp. His father had talked with him for weeks about things he would have to do and hide.
“I was actually at a party. You know those wonderful drinking games people play? One had me locked in a closet with a guy and a girl. The guy was totally bombed. I was trying to do things with the girl and he suddenly stared rubbing all over me. It was the most erotic thing that had ever occurred in my life…up to that point, of course.” Jacob gave a quick wink and Thomas’s manhood was ready to salute. That’s when I realized if I was going to truly be happy, I had to stop hiding who I was, especially from myself.”
Thomas let the story roll over him as he imagined being in the closet with Jacob.
“Well?”
“What?” Thomas cleared his throat once more and swallowed.
Jacob laughed. “What about you? You ever been with a girl?”
“No. I was never attracted to any.” Thomas thought about all the girls who wanted to date him, but he never felt right about leading them on.
“So who was your first?”
“He was a GI from Bragg. It was a one-night stand deal.”
Jacob cringed. “That had to be rough.”
“Not really. It was all so exciting and new. I was okay with the one-night stand. I had too many things to work out and I didn’t need the pressures of a relationship.” Thomas looked out across the bay again. Night had settled in and the San Diego lights were winking at him. “So now what?”




Buy Links:
Secret Cravings 
Amazon 
Barnes and noble 
AllRomanceEbooks             
BookStrand          
 
Author Bio:

Lisa A. Adams writes from a little plot of country, tucked away in the North Carolina Sandhills. When asked about her family, Lisa will be the first to tell you that her family support system has been the backbone, of not only her writing career, but anything she chooses to pursue. She has been married to her husband, Ray, for ten years and has five wonderful children.

Author contact links:
Blog     |   Facebook    |    twitter    |    pinterest
            


.Master by Julia Sykes #goddessfish #bookspotlight #giveaway

7/7/2014

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Julia will be awarding one complete set of signed Impossible Series paperbacks (US/Canada only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

I’m not a damsel in distress. Well, if I’m being honest, I’m a kick-ass FBI agent in distress.

My sexy new partner Reed Miller is determined to protect me, and he insists on staying close. Too close. His allure frightens me almost as much as the sadistic man who is stalking me.

I’m hunting down the most heinous criminal I’ve ever encountered. The man known to us only as The Mentor abducts and tortures women. And now he’s set his sights on me…

Note: Master is the sixth book in the Impossible series, but it can be read as a standalone.

About the Author:
Julia Sykes has always kept dark stories tucked away in her mind, so she was thrilled when she discovered that other people actually want to read them. Her books blend romance, suspense, and BDSM.

After spending four years living in England, Julia returned to her Southern homeland. She has recently settled down in North Carolina and spends her time petting her cat-children, reading, and binge watching TV with her husband when not writing. You can usually find Julia in Starbucks with a venti iced caramel latte clutched in her hand.

www.juliasykes.net
www.facebook.com/authorjuliasykes
@juliasykes193
http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Sykes/e/B008WUCGO8
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469571.Julia_Sykes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.Colliding Hearts by Jackie M. Smith #SCP #blogtour

7/6/2014

 
AUTHOR JACKIE M. SMITH

BIOGRAPHY
Jackie M. Smith was born in the Maritimes of French-speaking father and English-speaking mother. She has three younger sisters. Jackie has always loved reading her mother’s romance books. After moving to Montreal, she worked as a customer service representative. But her love for writing romances has never stopped.
Since 2010, she has been a full-time writer in both English and French languages. When she’s not writing her next great romance, she enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and of course promoting her work.
Happy reading!
 
Reviewer quotes for her current books
A Soldier’s Vow
Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars 
Review by Desere: We all know that sending a loved one off to war is one of the hardest things in life to do and the only hope you can have is that they will return safely. In A Soldier's Vow by Jackie M. Smith, we travel with the couple (whose names to me are so unique as I have never read a book before containing these names so I'll keep those a surprise) on a journey of passion, love, honor and an everlasting promise.
You can feel the emotion right throughout the book so intensely that it truly does feel like you are the heroine waiting on your hero to come home. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced in this stunning novel. Jackie you have truly outdone yourself. And to those of you who have ever had the illusion that a war related romance novel is too much emotion or just not your style, I can tell you you're missing out for with A Soldier's Vow you cannot go wrong and you will want to share it with the world afterwards it is a true romantics dream.

Forever Yours
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweetly Romantic, February 18, 2013
By Lauren K. (New York, NY)
This review is from: Forever Yours (Paperback)
Jackie M. Smith's story, Forever Yours, tells the stories of two lovers torn apart by war. The heroine is unique, as she is a pilot for the Royal Air Force, and her lover, Philip, is a childhood friend who falls in love with her as they head into battle. Unsure of whether she will return to his arms, Philip holds fast to his love as the reader holds fast to the hope that the two will reunite. Romantic and thrilling.
  
Blurb

Alice Malone dreams of one day being a writer, but her pending engagement to a childhood friend puts a damper on her dreams and her future. When she meets Ryan Quinn during the construction of Titanic, their attraction is immediate. With him, true love could exist despite the difference in their social standings.
The moment Ryan laid eyes upon Alice, he knew she was the woman of his dreams. He loves her courage and determination, but he fears another rejection and the possibility her engagement might take her away from him.
Can their love survive and help them find a way to each other? 


Colliding Hearts
Excerpt 1
Ryan raked a hand through his hair and bent his head in prayer for her life. Panic and fear knotted his gut. Staring at Alice’s pale face, he knew bullet wounds could cause infection when not treated in time. Blood soaked her jacket and blouse. What the hell happened?
“Ryan,” Alice whispered.
“Yes, love?”
She lifted her head. “You need to tell my father where I am so he doesn’t worry.”
He kissed her fingers. “Isabel is telling him now. You must rest.”
Alice closed her eyes. Ryan stared at her while the doctor placed more bandages against her wound.
“Your wife will be fine.”
“She—I know,” Ryan decided to say. This wasn’t the time or the place to correct the doctor. Alice would make a wonderful wife, he mused. The idea of marrying her did appeal to him, but he wasn’t ready for marriage— not yet. Before he thought of marriage again, he wanted to know more about her. Since they met, he’d thought of her often and dreamed of her. Somehow, she’d managed to erase the horrible memories of his last relationship—almost.
“Let’s get her into surgery before she loses more blood,” the doctor said, breaking into Ryan’s daydreaming as they arrived at the hospital.
Ryan kissed Alice’s chilled fingers. “I’ll be here when you wake,” he murmured in her ear before pressing his lips against her cheek.
“Please have a sit, sir. We’ll come for you shortly,” the doctor said with a reassuring tone.
Glancing once more at Alice, he released her small hand and sat on one of the chairs lining the wall. Placing his hands across his face, he prayed in silence. Keep her safe. With all the blood seeping from her wound, he worried. She was too young to die. He rose and walked to the window. Staring outside, he looked at the rainy horizon and hoped to see Alice soon. Thanks to the doctor and nurse caring for her, she was in good hands, but he didn’t like seeing her in such a frail condition.
“Sir?” the doctor spoke behind him.
He turned, holding a breath. “How’s Alice?”
“The bullet went through her shoulder. She will be up and about in a few days. We expect a full recovery.”
Ryan blew out the air in his lungs. “Thank you. May I see her?”
“Of course but only for a while. She lost a lot of blood and is resting now. Follow me please.”
With every step he took down the long white corridor, Ryan felt his gut knot a bit more. Screams from the grand recovery room reached his ears. He thanked the doctor in silence for placing Alice in a private room, away from all the suffering. When they reached the end of the corridor, tall windows on each side of the bed illuminated a small room. Ryan froze and brought a hand against his mouth. Alice’s pale face frightened him to his core. The doctor had reassured him, but until she recovered he feared for her life. He pulled out the chair and placed it beside the bed. Taking her small hand between his, he brought her fingers to his lips.
“You’ll be all right in no time,” he said with confidence.
Painful memories of his mother in a hospital bed resurfaced. He had almost lost her when he was a child and since then thanked the stars above for sparing her life. With the back of his hand, he touched Alice’s cheek, feeling the coolness. Thick bandages covered her shoulder. Her long auburn hair fanned out on the pillow. An angel slept. His angel on Earth. For the longest time, he had dreamed of the same woman. Yet, Ryan had never been able to see her face. All he saw was the Ethereal light around her, shining, guiding him toward her. Was he seeing Alice? Before he met this enchanting woman, he stopped believed in love after his relationship with Ashley. Now, he wondered if a chance at love smiled upon him.
While Ryan watched Alice sleep, a smile formed on his lips. His trousers tightened with thoughts of her sweet lips. Desire for her grew with each passing day. He knew madness played a role in his clouded judgment, but he didn’t care. He had one life to live, and he wanted to know more about Alice. Her courage and strength called out to him. The way she kissed him back the other day told him no other man claimed her heart. But he wanted—needed—certainty before he took a chance. Bringing her fingers against his mouth, he pressed a gentle kiss, feeling the coolness of her skin. Who hurt you, Alice? He wanted to know. Anger rose within him.
Around town, he heard about women marching for voting rights and the police officers watching them, but he never thought someone would use their firearms. Women had their reasons and had as much as rights as men when it came to voting. They had their say. What happened today for the constables to shoot at a peaceful march? No matter. Next time, he would accompany Alice and Isabel. That way, they would have someone to protect them. The need to be there for Alice overtook reason. He knew they barely knew each other, but the times they spent together working and talking, Ryan grew to appreciate her and like her more every day.
For now, they kept their relationship on a professional level. Yet, he couldn’t deny his strong attraction for her.
With great care, he smoothed a strand of hair. Her lips beckoned him. He wanted to taste her again.
Not yet, he reasoned. Instead, he kissed her cool brow. “I’m here, Alice. I’ll be here for as long as you need me.”

Jackie’s complete book list
Klondike Winter
A Soldier’s Vow
Forever Yours
A Kiss Under the Mistletoe
Hidden Desire
On His Honor
Colliding Hearts

Jackie Online
http://jackiemsmith.weebly.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieM_Smith
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackie-M-Smith-Romance-author/23405063607979
https://www.youtube.com/user/jackiemsmithromance/videos


Where to buy Jackie’s books
Secret Cravings Publishing
Sweet Cravings Publishing
Barnes and Noble
All Romance E-books
Amazon        

Print versions
Klondike Winter      https://www.createspace.com/3788923
A Soldier’s Vow      https://www.createspace.com/3890325
Forever Yours         https://www.createspace.com/3928776
Hidden Desire         https://www.createspace.com/4074802
On His Honor         https://www.createspace.com/4373465


Jackie’s Book Cover for Colliding Hearts

CollidingHearts_MED.jpg

.The Sword and the Rose by Louise Roberts #SCP #blogtour

7/5/2014

 




The Sword and the Rose 
Blurb:
Margherita is devastated. When brothers, Iago, the Sword, and Ferdinando, the Rose, return from a sea voyage, she wants a proposal from one, but instead receives it from the one she didn’t want. She is sent to her sister, Isabella, in Valencia, where she is introduced to yet another potential suitor, Don Ramón de Cabezon. This turn of events upsets Margherita’s brother Miguel, who comes to take her back to Cullera.  Brother and suitor come to blows. While one comes out the winner, the other meets his demise.
Iago and Ferdinando’s quest to find justice for the deceased leads to sibling rivalry between the two. Who will come out the winner in a duel between the two brothers? And more importantly, which one will win Margherita’s heart?



Excerpt
Standing on a tripod, which he kept in a corner of the balcony, was a telescope, which Juan often used, either to gaze at the stars during hot summer nights, or to watch ships as they sailed in and out of the port of Valencia, which was located further up the coast. He walked over to it now and peered through its delicate lenses, focusing it to bring the ship clearly into view. Her sails, pink in color from the early evening sunset, bellowed in the wind. Every inch of canvas stretched out from every mast speeding her journey through the azure blue water. He followed her lines to the bow which was being coated with a fine spray of white foam. As she sliced through the waves, the ship’s figurehead, a woman’s torso scantily dressed in what seemed to represent a fine white gown. Rich chestnut hair flying in the wind in her hands a crucifix held to her bosom was being bathed. A thin smile appeared on Juan’s lips as he recognized the Santa Theresa.
In the distance he could hear the sound of the village church. Its solitary bell being peeled, calling the people to early evening devotions. He stepped back into the bedchamber. His wife, Ermelinda, stirred in her slumber. She was a fine, tall woman, with dark brown curly hair and blue eyes. An unusual combination for someone of pure Spanish blood as she, although it had been rumored that several generations back, her mother’s part of the family may have originated from either Southern France or Northern Italy. Although their betrothal had been arranged by their parents, as was the custom, almost twenty years before, on meeting her for the first time, Juan had immediately fallen in love with her. Apart from being quite stunningly beautiful, he discovered Ermelinda had a wonderful personality and a good sense of humor, a trait that he found lacking in some women, especially those of the Borja family themselves. Despite having no sisters, Juan did have several aunts, and he and his brothers always found them too severe and stuffy. Having Ermelinda about him added zest to his life. Her laugh and demeanor was intoxicating in themselves they were the recipe for their happy and successful marriage.
Apart from Iago and Ferdinando, who were both in their seventeenth year, Ermelinda had borne him three other children. Veronica was sixteen years of age, Dorotea and Alfonso, who were another set of twins, were fourteen. Juan felt he was truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.
He quickly dressed as silently as possible by himself. He chose not to bother his valet. When he was ready, he stepped over to the bed, kissing his wife lightly on the cheek and whispered in her ear, “The Santa Theresa is home.”
Juan made his way down the stairs to the entrance hallway, and although he could hear the servants preparing the evening meal as he crossed the courtyard, deciding he would attend Mass in the village in order to give thanks to God for the safe return of his brother’s ship.
The church, a white building with terracotta tiles for its roof, marked the rear boundary of the Villa Sant’Angelo. On the opposite side of the cove, the Castillo d’Almansa stood on a massive rock overlooking the village below it, which spread out beside the mouth of the Rio Jucar. The church was full with the local population wishing to attend Mass before resuming their daily chores.
Juan entered the building and walked quietly down the aisle, receiving nods of respect from the people as he made his way to the family pew. His presence caused a whisper amongst them, as it was unusual to see him amongst them in the church itself. The Borjas only ever attended it during formal functions or whenever there was an occasion that needed a great deal of space, as the Villa Sant’Angelo boasted a small chapel in its grounds. Mass was usually only said there at mid-morning in order to allow the family members to awaken properly. Juan, however, although he had attended morning Mass wished to pray for his brother’s safe return, and then set off to Valencia to welcome him personally and to look upon his sons after their lengthy absence.
A hand bell rang sharply in the vestry at the side of the altar. A small elderly priest of the Dominican Order entered the church flanked by two altar boys.
The priest smiled at seeing his patron in the pew before him, and giving his blessings, began to recite the Mass in Latin.
The congregation knelt down, Juan joining in with them. Although he repeated the Mass with the people, his thoughts were of his sons, seeing as how it was in this very church three years before, they had all attended a service to bless the Santa Theresa and all who sailed on her, on her impending voyage to the New World.
The sound of bells made him remember where he was, and he began to continue to recite his devotions.
The Mass was half-way through, and Juan wondered how it had progressed this far so quickly. He was sure he had been listening, but he knew that, even in his youth, the tranquility and peace he felt whilst at church, always resulted in his mind drifting to other things. This time he was anxious to see the Sword and the Rose. Iago, the Sword, due to his quick, sharp mind, always so determined and delivering his point of view with precision and impact. Ferdinando however, similar to a Rose, had a gentle nature, and like a bud coming into bloom, showed promise of one day becoming a much sought after prize. Juan smiled at the simile, an observation his dearest Ermelinda had once remarked upon, and had since stayed within the family as private pet names for the boys.



Author bio:
Louise Roberts was born in Alexandria, Egypt in August 1951 to British parents by Maltese descent. Following the Suez Crisis in November 1956 her parents were compelled to abandon their assets and home, and leave the country as political refugees. Louise grew up and was educated in London, England and has always held a passion for history and English Literature.
In 1988 she immigrated to Sydney, Australia and presently lives with her family in the northern bushland suburb of Berowra, which is located just south of the Hawkesbury River.

Contact links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louise.roberts.14203544
Twitter: @LouiseRobertsAu
Blog: http://www.louiserobertsromance.wordpress.com

Buy links:
Secret Cravings Publishing Store: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=857
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sword-and-the-rose-louise-roberts/1119358695?ean=2940149521715
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sword-Rose-Louise-Roberts-ebook/dp/B00JZVMWJW/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1398910342&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=the+sword+and+the+rose+louise+roberts
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/436342

.His Paris Affair (The Albury Affair #3) by Christina Ow #SCP #bookspotlight

7/4/2014

 





His Paris Affair (The Albury Affair #3) Ruiz had enough of secrets and lies from the woman he loves. But what will she do when dangerous secrets and lies from his past invade thier present?

Ruiz Albury went to the Bahamas for one reason, to get back what was his as the rightful heir of his father with rage and resentment that has been festering for years. But once he gets there, he’s treated as part of a family, shown love and care he’d only dreamed about and all his carefully laid plans are forgotten. In fact, they are buried deep in his mind when he meets Melody Sinclair.
****
Melody Sinclair thought she’d found one of the good ones. She loved Ruiz and trusted him enough to make him a part of her life, only to have it shuttered when she finds out his secret. Heart broken and distraught, she gets drunk and decides to get over him by getting under someone else, only for it to turn out to be the worst mistake of her life. Trapped, with nowhere to turn, Ruiz sweeps in like a knight in shining armor ready to battle her dragon might not live long enough to see that happen.
Excerpt
“Stop!” Melody yelled, lowering her head to meet her raised hands to cover her ears. She couldn’t hear about what they could have had and the ‘what ifs’. She’d tormented herself enough with them and she couldn’t handle them coming from Ruiz. Either way it was pointless because she was never leaving Antonio.
He yanked her hands away from her ears and Melody raised her head meeting his gaze. “None of that matters anymore. It’s over and done with and now we have nothing, absolutely nothing between us so stop!”
“That’s where you are wrong,” he growled his head swooping low to capture her lips in a searing kiss with his own.
Melody felt a bust of emotion fill her at the contact, her body suddenly ravenous for one thing—Ruiz.

* * * *

Ruiz had no idea what he was doing but there was no way in hell he was going to stop. He’d watched her lips move and they teased him like a fat kid in a candy store. He couldn’t hold himself back any longer so he responded to his baser instincts and kissed her. It felt like coming home, a drop of cool refreshing water on the tongue of a man lost in the desert for weeks. He drank from her deeply not sure he’d ever be able to willingly stop. God he’d missed her so much.
He felt her hands tag at his shirt at his shoulders. He hadn’t even realized she’d completely unbuttoned it. His belt was also done away with, his trousers hanging open at his hips. He released his hold on her and helped her rid him of the shirt. Then he began pulling her dress off in rushed jerky moves proof of his impatience to get to her naked flesh. He wanted to feel her against him again, skin to skin. He pushed his jeans down and kicked them off just as she pushed him back to sit on his knees. She raised herself, ready to mount him, her impatience vibrating off her shaking form when he held her still.
“Do I need to wear a condom?”
She shook her head. “No, you don’t.”
Ruiz smiled; if she only knew she’d answered his question in more ways than one.
“Ruiz,” she began hesitantly, “it’s been a while...”
 If he wasn’t so hard up, he’d dance a jig! That served as the confirmation he so desperately needed but also provoked more questions.
He nodded. “We’ll go slow, gentle. I want to savor this.”
She smiled at him, a real full-blown Melody Sinclair smile that always turned his insides to mush. He raised her above his straining erection. He almost lost it when he saw her drip over the bead of cum at the tip of his shaft. She swallowed him up with a sigh, her body shaking from the intrusion while Ruiz shook from his own first stroke of pleasure. The hot and tight walls around him were like a punch in the chest. After a year of celibacy, no one would blame him if he came right at that moment, but he fought it. He wanted to stay inside her for as long as he could, taking pleasure from her body. His hands moved up and down her back, to her rounded hips. He wanted to touch her, to completely consume her. He wanted to lay her on the ground and fuck her like a maniac, but he liked it better with her above him, looking up at her, his face nestled between her large breasts. They were larger than he remembered but he wasn’t complaining.
She began to ride him, slow and hesitantly at first until he began to guide her with his hands on her hips and she found a sure rhythm. She bounced on his shaft faster as he raised and plunged her needing more, craving more. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as she moaned and cried out landing harder on to him. He was sure if he didn’t work out he’d have no muscle to cushion his thigh bones and they would have broken in half by now at how forceful she rode him. He panted over her nipples, lightly licking them and rubbing his face against, under and between them, doing everything he knew that drove her crazy except suckle the tight buds. He wanted to tease her, torment her into riding him harder.
He kneaded her thighs open as he parted his own so that she could sink fully onto him, taking him completely inside her. Her body shook again as if she was attached to a high voltage, her hands tightening into fists in his hair as she rode him harder, chasing after the ultimate high that was her orgasm. Sitting lower against him, her tight nipples brushed against his chest as her breasts bounced and he knew the sensation was what made her movements jerky and heavy. She was close, he could feel it. Normally, this was where he would take over, but he didn’t. He held onto her hips, helping her rid him as he watched the beads of sweat roll down her creased face, dropping to her chest and roll between the valley of her breasts. Her lips parted in desperate cries as her body began to shake. Then finally she went rigid, her back bending backwards, her head thrown back as her lips parted in a loud scream that vibrated in his chest. He loved watching her reach her peek, knowing the moment his body had brought her as much pleasure as her own did him. He loved watching the serenity settle on her face as she came down from her high, and yet knowing it wouldn’t be there for much longer.
“My turn,” he whispered gruffly, lowering her to the ground. He placed her feet on his shoulders and settled her ass on his thighs, his hands on her hips, turning them in a position that was bound to keep them in a white haze of pleasure for as long as he could hold it.
He rocked into her, slow at first waking up her body. When her head began to toss from side to side, a soft moan leaving her slightly parted lips, her eyes struggling to open and he knew it was time to up the ante. He pressed his thumb on her swollen clit making her scream, her eyes popping open. She struggled to push herself up onto her elbows, her eyes riveted on where he disappeared inside her.
“Watch me Mel, watch as I go in and out of you. Watch as I come home.”
She wrapped her hand around his wrist, holding herself up, her eyes never leaving his glittering shaft, wet with her cum.
“This belongs to me Melody, only me. No other dick should call this home. This is mine all mine.”
She nodded, her hair falling over her face. “Ruiz!”

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Affair-Albury-Affairs-Book-ebook/dp/B00L0N6PLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402906874&sr=8-1&keywords=his+paris+affair+christina+ow
SCP: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=887&zenid=7a7490b2cdf510476eb9abffaca1f6c5
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-paris-affair-christina-ow/1119738115?ean=2940149834808
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hisparisaffair-1553291-149.html
Book Strands: http://www.bookstrand.com/his-paris-affair

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.Unexpected Storm by Elodie Parkes #SCP #bookspotlight

7/3/2014

 




Blurb
When Holly takes a vacation with friends, she never dreams she will meet someone who turns her lonely life around in just one afternoon…the question is, can this kind of heat last…
‘Unexpected Storm,’ released June 21, from Secret Cravings Publishing.
Buy the book:
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=889
http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00L6EZKJU
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-unexpectedstorm-1555765-149.html
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unexpected-storm-elodie-parkes/1119848577?ean=2940149807161
http://www.bookstrand.com/unexpected-storm



Excerpt one from ‘Unexpected Storm,’ Copyright Elodie Parkes 2014, Secret Cravings June 21, 2014 erotic romance short release
18+ rated

He stared at her intently, and then extended a hand alongside her head to rest it against the wooden window frame. His muscled arm grazed her cheek. He enclosed her in intimacy.
“Hi, my name’s Will. I’m not sorry I grabbed your ass. You’re lovely and I just couldn’t help it. Blame the atmosphere, the positive ions.” He smiled and it made him even more beautiful.
Holly couldn’t get past the lure of his muscular arm being so close to her she could’ve nestled against it. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his blue eyes. Her entire body reacted wildly to this man. Breasts heavy,pussy drenched, eyes about to close with a haze of lust, she heard a sigh break from her lips.
Will brought his other hand gently around Holly’s head, held her, and watched her eyes as he descended on her mouth.
His fingers against her ear sparked rivulets of sensation. They trickled goose bumps down her neck to her breasts. His kiss was soft, sexy, lingering, and when he stopped, Holly followed his mouth with hers, the desperation for more kisses driving her.
Rain beat on the roof of the beach hut. People talked loudly so they could be heard. The girls, who’d squealed earlier, squealed again as thunder rolled overhead. The air was warm, sticky, vaguely smelling of rush matting, seaweed, the ocean. Holly felt sweat trickle down between her shoulder blades. It beaded under her hairline and on her top lip. She quickly licked it away and noticed how Will watched her tongue hungrily.
*****
Excerpt Two, from ‘Unexpected Storm,’ Copyright Elodie Parkes, 2014 Secret Cravings June 21, 2014 erotic romance short release

PG13 rated
“I’ll drive you to the hotel. It’ll only take five minutes on the road. It’ll take you fifteen up the cliff steps. They might still be slippery from the earlier downpour.” He pictured the dark wooden steps, with their cracks full of sand and wildflowers growing out of them at the edges.
“That’s so kind, Will, thank you.”
He followed her through the kitchen and watched her pick up her cell phone. They went quietly to the hall where she retrieved her beach bag.
Will opened a drawer in the hall table and took out a set of car keys. He picked up the door key from the top. Without a shirt or shoes, he walked to the Jeep and helped Holly into it.
Before he started the car engine, he looked across at her. Desperation to see her again, tell her he felt something for her, forced a sigh.
She looked at him and Will was certain there was longing in her expression.
When they were on the road to the hotel, he spoke. “I’ll look out for you on the beach tomorrow. Holly, is there any chance I can see you again? Could we have lunch, or just coffee, or something? I’d like to see you. You can reach me at the Surf and Sail shop. I’d offer my number, but…”
He waited for her answer, hopefully.
“I’ll find you there, soon.” She sounded happy.
It lifted his heart, and he let out a breath, unaware he’d been holding it until then. Relief flooded him and he grinned as he drove through the hotel gates and stopped by the fountain to let Holly out.
She turned to him and kissed him by the side of his mouth.
He caught her head and kissed her lips.
When she’d gone, he drove around the fountain and out to the road.
*****
About the author,
Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.
Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, loving the cloak of silent darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.
Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, Secret Cravings, and Evernight
She has also released titles as an individual indie author.

Find Elodie online: Blog  Tumblr  Facebook  Twitter 
 Google +  Pinterest  YouTube  Amazon USA  Amazon UK Smashwords  Barnes and Noble  ARe  Bookstrand  Evernight TRR ManicReaders 

.South Beach by Angeline M. Bishop #Buythebooktours #giveaway

7/2/2014

 
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In SOUTH BEACH, Laila Sheridan, a successful fashionista who attracts male interest with an effortless strut of her stiletto heels, has ended a rocky relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a captivating lothario with a passion for shirking adult responsibilities. She believes partying in glamorous South Beach with her former college roommates is the prescription for getting her swagger back.

When her vacation becomes a media circus that draws Malcolm back into her life and her handsome Psyche marketing colleague, Gray Ryley, arrives on the scene to tame her antics, Laila is determined make the men play by her rules. Gray finds himself torn between anguish and ecstasy when another Lalia-sitting assignment is placed in his hands; he’s asked to hinder Malcolm’s advances and subdue the paparazzi, while wrestling with his smoldering desire to get Laila in his bed. Will this assignment cause him to disclose feelings that may sever their friendship and jeopardize his career?

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Chapter One

For the first time in months, I’m going to forget everything and everyone in New Jersey, Laila Sheridan thought as she strolled from her cab toward the Falconiere Grace Miami Beach hotel lobby. She willed herself to stop thinking about her failed relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a gifted writer with an inflated sense of what the world owed him. Earlier that afternoon, she resolved to leave her past heartaches before she took her first-class seat, but glimpses of the past started to drift into her mind during her flight to Florida. Now, as she inhaled the warm, citrus-scented air, thoughts of chilly New Jersey and its inhabitants loosened their hold and moved from her memory, like a faded Prada purse relegated to the back of her bedroom closet.

Entering the luminous hotel, she enjoyed the gentle embrace of an ocean breeze as it whipped the hem of her lilac Valentino cocktail dress. The fabric’s movement exaggerated the normal sway of her hips, and made each step more feminine and peppy. A little after 8 PM, Laila approached the front desk, showed her reservation confirmation, and in her most alluring voice inquired, “Which way to my femencation?” She made her voice sound tempting, like a tall glass of iced coffee on a balmy day morning. Smooth and satisfying. Rich, too, with the faintest Jersey accent reserved for the likes of Keyshia Knight Pullam and Anne Hathaway. She knew her voice would instantly cause a male reaction when she turned up her throaty timbre with potent Sheridan flare. This vacation was about relishing in her womanhood. Toying with a few males would be a safe amusement, emphasis on safe because she had no intention of dealing with any strong male egos.

The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of the mouth of the Latino clerk before he located her information in the hotel computer. “Your party is now scheduled to enjoy the ocean view terrace of our Sapienti restaurant for dinner. We can take your coat and belongings to the La Baie Presidential suite so you can join them.”

She inclined her head in a small gesture of thanks then flashed her ID, and watched as he moved a form forward for her signature as he simultaneously placed her room key on the counter. Laila took in the slight gleam in his eye and grinned, her mind too busy with thoughts of her friends to think too heavily about the open adoration. An Italian meal after a long flight was all that she needed. Well, as long as an inviting glass of Pinot Grigio accompanied it.

She took her electronic key and placed them into her Chloè bag. “That’s fine, just point me in the right direction.” She loved being the woman that put the ‘fem’ in Femencationer. It was a word she came up with to define any group of female friends whose ties go back as far as childhood or college that seek a high-end, luxury getaway experience. A vacation with all the feminine delights women dream of enjoying. This year’s femencation united three alumnus of the University of Florida and marked the start of the year to forget old sorrows and usher in new adventures.

As Laila strolled toward the Sapienti restaurant, she stopped when her shiny complexion caught her attention in a mirror that hung in the side hall corridor. She looked good for thirty-one but preferred to say she was in her late twenties when vacationing because no one over thirty, in their right mind, would party the way she planned to. She blotted her face and secretly wished she was meeting her friends under better circumstances but with Sofìa’s pending divorce from the famous sports announcer Sean Vega, they all needed a break from reality. This trip was the perfect reason to release stress.

When Laila arrived at the restaurant, several male heads turned in appreciation as she silently commanded the wait staff’s attention. “I’m with the Vega/Sheridan/Carter party,” she announced as she surveyed the room.

“Your party has already been seated. John will you escort Mrs. . . .?”

“Ms. Sheridan,” she corrected, before pretending to lose her balance to mask her reason for placing a hand around John’s bicep. She tried to suppress a giggle that threatened to expose the disingenuous nature of her performance. “Please excuse me,” she said, wobbling toward him, “I had a long flight. Johnny, could you show me the way?”

They moved effortlessly through the patrons seated at their tables until Laila crossed the threshold of the balcony. The sight of her friends a few yards away made her light up like a five-year-old at a surprise party. Laila stepped quickly as she approached Sofìa and Marina, who were enjoying their conversation and shrimp cocktail appetizers. She blurted, scarcely aware of the rasp of excitement in her own voice, “Here I am, straight off the plane. Where’s the love?”

Marina Carter squealed with laughter and rose to hug Laila tightly. “Oh, girl, you look great!” Genuine excitement radiated from her eyes as she peered into Laila’s face. Marina was a petite, yet voluptuous black woman with inquisitive eyes and a contagious smile. Her shoulder-length curly hair was tamed away from her face by beige-framed sunglasses resting on her head. Her sundress, a charming beige and light blue number with a matching cardigan that reminded Laila of her favorite elementary school teacher.

“And why shouldn’t I?” Laila’s silky voice held a challenge. “We’re in South Beach, right?”

“You know it!” An amused look suddenly warmed Marina’s eyes.

“Could you two take it down a few notches?” Dr. Sofìa Barea-Vega demanded. She remained seated and frowned before she forced a demure smile to the people seated next to them. “You’re causing a scene.”

Laila dismissed the reprimand with a wave of the hand and shot her best friend one of her mega-watt smiles, which caused Sofìa to roll her eyes and return her gaze to her menu. It was a far cry from the happy, attractive, vacationer Laila had hoped to find on this trip. On the surface, Sofìa was a fashionable, smart dresser with a strong professional flare. She wore an orange halter top with bellowing white linen pants accented with a bold gold necklace, belt, and watch. Yet the happy colors were a strong contrast to the frown plastered to her face and the apparent weight loss to her alluding frame.

Laila took her place between her girlfriends, as Marina poured her a glass of Italian white wine. “I can see that someone’s high-profiled marriage is really doing a number on them. When did you start caring what other people think?”

Sofìa toyed with the appetizer in front of her, as if boredom overshadowed the faint hint of a worried brow. A sullen look on the very attractive Latina annoyed Laila because it was in direct contrast to the lively mood she and Marina were basking in. There was only one way to lift Sofia’s spirits. It had worked in college and she prayed it would work in this case. Laila took a hearty sip of wine and sullied her face by drawing her perfectly plucked brows together. She made herself look as serious as possible as she squared her shoulders and winked at Marina to play along. Then she turned all of her attention toward their brooding best friend. Laila lowered her voice to a volume just a hair above a whisper, being purposefully mysterious. “Could you do me a big favor, Sofìa?”

Sofìa looked up from the wine menu at Laila and Marina and concern washed over her features. Two deep lines of worry appeared between her eyes as she leaned forward and placed her hand on Laila’s forearm. “Anything, La La. What is it?”

“Could you please remove that painful stick from your behind because it’s destroying my sunny disposition?”

Marina laughed richly as Sofìa recoiled and crossed her arms under her breasts.

“Oh, you got jokes, huh?”

Laila and Marina tossed back their heads and rocked with laughter like two high school teenagers as Sofìa sat rigid like a frustrated, overworked parent. It was amazing how frowning aged her about seven years.

“Not jokes . . . observations.” Laila brought her hand up to her mouth to stifle her giggle. “And, believe me, after our ultimate South Beach trip, you’ll have a different way of seeing things too.”


  • Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
  • Release Date: February 10, 2014
  • Length: 238 Pages

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Inspired by the volunteers of a local community center, Angeline wrote North Star, her debut novel and the first book in her Sheridan series for Soul Mate Publishing. Angeline drew on her ten years of work experience in academics to transport romance readers from their stressful lives by providing contemporary love stories that feature captivating characters with strong family values.

Angeline was born in Washington, D. C., but lived most of her life in New Jersey and considers the “Garden State” her home. Her childhood passion for writing led to a degree in English Literature and a membership in Romance Writers of America. She is the Vice President of the Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural Special Interest Chapter of Romance Writers of America and enjoys providing aspiring writers with writing resources to help them strengthen their craft. Angeline loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her Website.

  • Angeline’s Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google + | Pinterest
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.Lily's Summer Cowboy by D'Ann Lindun #sexycowboy #bookspotlight

7/1/2014

 
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Blurb: Afraid to love, Lily Halderman is determined to never feel despair like when she lost her husband to cancer. Left alone to continue their custom farming business, she struggles to stay afloat, both financially and emotionally. Until Will comes along to help with the farm, impressing her with his hard work ethics, and presenting a danger to her heart because he is just the kind of man she could love.

Will Wainwright is running from the pain of the past. Feeling responsible for the death of fellow soldier—the woman he loved—Will takes a job working for Lily, hoping the dawn-to-dusk labor will help him forget his sorrow. But, Lily’s grit and determination to move forward catches him off guard.

Friendship turns to passion …but can they heal one another?

Excerpt:

Three days passed and Lily had forgotten all about Maggie’s grandson. Her hours had been filled with getting seed in the ground and nothing else. Her shoulders ached from steering the big John Deere and she still had another five hundred acres to plow by the end of the week.

She parked the tractor in the barn and trudged toward the house. The sun had begun to set behind the mountains in the distance, making it hard to see, but she thought someone sat on one of her wicker chairs on the porch. Maybe Maggie’s grandson had come after all.

Too tired to do more than eat, shower and fall in bed, she fought a spark of irritation. She didn’t have time to babysit a spoiled teenager. Why Maggie thought she did was beyond her. With a frown, she stepped up on the porch. And stopped. And stared.

A man sat on the rocking chair, spinning a Stetson on the toe of one of his boots. A striped western shirt hung open over a grey t-shirt snugged against a flat belly and faded Wranglers pulled over taut thighs.

This was Maggie’s grandson?

Lily swallowed and swiped her palms down her jeans, realizing for the first time how she must look in a dust stained tank top and jeans, her tangled ponytail pulled through the back of a ball cap. “Hello.”

A smile lit up against his darkly tanned face. “Howdy.”

 “I—uh, I’m Lily.” She stood on her own steps, unsure how to proceed. “You’re Maggie’s grandson?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He stood and held out his hand. “Will Wainwright.”

 “Nice to meet you.” She took his hand and jolt of awareness went through her. Dark blond hair, eyes as dark brown as the earth. Chiseled cheekbones. Wow.

Maggie had led her to believe her grandson was a teenager. This man was no teen. Probably around twenty-five. A man. Although a decade younger than Lily.

 “I’m sure sorry about your husband,” he said. “Gran told me what happened.”

 “Thank you.” He’d probably never been touched by tragedy in his life. Suddenly she felt ancient. “Would you like iced tea?”

 

Buy: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6J9S20

 

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Bio:

Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, two ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!

D’Ann loves to hear from readers! Please contact her at

dldauthor@frontier.net

http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DLindunAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/DAnn-Lindun/e/B008DKL9TU

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