Matronly Duties
Melissa Kendall
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
Genre: FICTION / Romance / General / Science Fiction
Hundreds of years after an asteroid slammed into Earth and sent it into a new ice age, what remains of the human race lives on in underground sanctuaries. Now, as the bicentennial anniversary of the impact approaches, a
Bethanie Greene’s life has been planned out for her since the age of thirteen. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s spent the last twelve years training to become the next Matron of the underground nation of Oceania. But when Bethanie is kidnapped by rogue extremists just six weeks shy of taking office, her world is turned upside down by the handsome stranger who rescues her.
Howard James’ life has been the polar opposite of Bethanie’s. Struggling to survive in a world where those in power wished he didn’t exist, he harbors a deep-seated resentment of the government and all its representatives. Together with his unconventional family, he shows Bethanie a life she never knew was possible, while at the same time, opening her eyes to the injustices of the government she is meant to lead.
But can she trust a stranger? And can a few days change everything she believes and desires? Against all odds, Bethanie must decide if her heart and her duties can coexist.
EXCERPT
My body shakes at the thought of what could have happened to me yet again. I’ve heard stories about the slums, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.
“I was silly running away, I get it. I just couldn’t stay in your home any longer.”
Howard sighs. “Just because my parents raised us with traditionalist values doesn’t mean we are anything like the Trads. You accused us of being a drain on society, but you don’t even know us.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t know me either. If you did, you would understand why it’s hard for me to understand your way of life. It goes against every law, moral, and convention I’ve been taught. So I can’t be sorry for what I said, even if I’m sorry I ran out of the house.”
Howard takes a deep breath, then exhales long and slow. The expression on his face looks a bit like pity but with a dash of guilt mixed in. “Look, maybe I’ve judged you unfairly based on preconceived notions, but—”
A loud bang echoes outside. Howard glances at me with a panicked look on his face, and then pulls me off the crate onto the floor behind. I sit up, and turn to yell at him, but male voices outside keep my mouth closed. I instead huddle closer to Howard as he puts his hand around my shoulders. He pulls me in until I’m tucked against him.
“Did you see where she went?” a man’s voice asks.
“Nah, she just vanished.” The voice of this one sounds young.
“Damn, the boss isn’t going to be pleased about this.”
The crunch of shoes against pavement indicates they are on the move again. The sounds trail off until they’re no longer audible. I sigh in relief, all the tension fleeing my body.
“Are you okay?’ Howard asks, rubbing my shoulder.
I glance up, only then noticing how little space is between us. His blue eyes have flecks of grey in them, and there’s a smattering of freckles covering his nose and cheeks. His warm breath tickles my cheek almost like a caress, and his jaw has the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow. He really is captivating.
“I’m fine,” I eventually say, the words a mere whisper.
The butterflies in my stomach return with a vengeance. Howard licks his lips as they turn up ever so slightly in a smile.
“Good.”
I can’t stop the sigh that slips past my own lips. Howard leans forward a little, then moves closer still until his mouth is pressed against mine. I don’t dare move. A zing of something, I’m not sure whether it’s pleasure or fear, shoots through me. His lips are soft and wet, and the sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before. I can’t even decide if I want him to continue or stop. When he pulls away though, a feeling of disappointment bubbles up inside me.
My first kiss.
Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and unbidden, my fingers move to my lips. Glancing at Howard, he stares at me for a minute, then moves to sit further away.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
I shrug. “It’s okay.”
Howard frowns and then looks across the room.
Part of Matron training is learning not to form close relationships. It doesn’t mean it never happens. I’ve heard the odd story here and there from the other women, and I realise that’s probably what Gail was trying to tell me at breakfast the other day. But in all honesty, I can’t remember the last time I had real physical contact with anyone, above all with a man.
We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Tension rolls off Howard in waves.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Come on,” Howard whispers. “We need to get to the house before those guys come back.”
~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
Melissa Kendall is an almost forty-year-old mother of two from Perth, Western Australia, the second-most isolated capital city in the world. Predominantly a stay-at-home mum, she works a few hours a week as a software support consultant. She has always loved to read and write, and spent most of her teens writing poetry and short stories. Over the years, daily life got in the way and she lost the passion for it, but after the birth of her first child, Melissa discovered e-books and her interest in writing rekindled. She is now the author of two published short stories. Matronly Duties is her first full-length novel.
~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~
BEST IN SHOW
Mina’s Adventures Series, Book 6
Maria Grazia Swan
Cozy Romantic Suspense, 188 pages
Mina Calvi, Italian transplant to Southern California, thinks her love life might finally come together, just as her professional life has. Her Furry Friends Foundation, a no-kill shelter for rescued cats and dogs, is a success, and Mina hopes she may find a loving forever home for herself, in the arms of Diego Moran, her elusive, frustratingly mysterious, on again-off again, lover.
When a seemingly innocent night out with friends lands Mina in a hospital bed and Diego undercover, and not the covers Mina wants him to be under, Mina has to draw on all her new-found maturity, and all her supportive friends for strength.
Meanwhile, a Best in Show cat takes up residence at the Ritzy Cats B&B, Mina’s other venture, setting Mina on the trail of a suspicious character who might not have the cat's best interests at heart.
Add a Matchmaker to the Stars, a temperamental Italian chef and the usual menagerie of people and pets, stir it all up and you have an entertaining, hard to put down romantic tale of suspense.
Excerpt:
Did he love her?
In the heat of the night, love was a given. But as daylight unfolded, her insecurities found their path to her heart. Mina didn’t move, afraid the slightest shifting might wake him. His chest rose and fell against her back as he breathed peacefully. Their bodies touched, connected in a perfect fit. A match made in heaven she repeated to herself, in heaven but not on earth?
The longing she felt for him transcended sex and lust. Eyes closed, she revisited their good-bye two years ago in the cemetery in Italy, and that sense of unconditional love he’d brought into her life. It was the kind of love Mina assumed girls customarily expected from a father, a brother, a kin. But that was only a guess, a yearning, since she’d grown up without parents or siblings, so she had never experienced such love, until then, during that magical Italian summer.
Diego stirred and brushed his lips up and down the nap of her neck. “Missed you,” he whispered.
Now wide-awake, Mina quipped, “You missed me? How?”
“How?” In one fluid motion he spun her around, her body pressed against his. “How did I miss you?’
He paused, his eyes burning from a surge of passion she hadn’t seen coming. “For the last two years I carried with me the image of you in your red dress. The way you looked the last time I was near you. It’s branded in my soul. I couldn’t rid myself of it. Even now a glimpse of a red dress would arouse me. I’d be aroused not by the woman wearing it, but by the memory of you in that red dress.” 
Books 1 thru 5 Available at Amazon
About the Author
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for--ooh-la-la--haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people and pets find the perfect home. Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco--but then, who doesn't?
Find Me Here –Maria Grazia Swan
Giveaway:
I Love My Cat Locket Pendant (US only)
Paperback copy of any of Maria’s Books, winner’s choice (US only)
Ebook copy of any of Maria’s Books, winner’s choice (Intl)
a Rafflecopter giveaway  Today I'm sharing with you a new release by a debut author....check it out! Title: Black Wings Author: Iryna K. Combs Publisher: Roane Publishing Release Date: October 23, 2015 Keywords: fantasy, romance, sci-fi, mystery, war A new time. A new planet. A new world. New technologies. Two new humanoid species. A new war. The two species separate, but in the removal, some of the best are left behind among the worst. Captured and held as slaves, they are treated cruelly for entertainment. Torture. Pain. Annabel, endures a year of such cruelty, kept alive only by way of syringes which, while healing, cause a greater agony. She discovers a secret held by their leader, and decides to help her own kind by escaping–even if it means a final death, preferable to the life she has endured. Her escape succeeds, and she joins her own kind at the other end of the planet. Among her new friends she meets many who help her adjust to their happier life. Will Annabel find romance? Or will another war break her down? EXCERPT: Annabel stopped at the end of the pier, and covered her face with her hands as tears rolled down her cheeks. That emotional moment had triggered memories from the Old Land and the Varkins. She remembered Kate, and how she had promised her freedom but was not able to keep that promise. She remembered her family she had lost, and her boyfriend who’d betrayed her. She wished the Big Change had never happened and she was still a human, with her family and friends. She thought she missed the Old Land, even the Varkins. She would never have thought she would think again about that dark place. Annabel stood at the pier and cried as the wind was blowing her tears away. She heard footsteps approaching her from behind. "Excuse me?" One of the fishermen was talking to her, a crying stranger. "Something happened? Do you need help?" "No...Nothing," Annabel replied and turned away. "I know we don’t know each other," he continued, "but I have never seen an Anlight with black wings crying on the pier, so I wanted to make sure you were okay." Annabel couldn’t say anything to him as she knew she was not okay. "My name’s Robin," he introduced himself. "I come here sometimes when I feel sad too. I very well know this..." "Why would you feel sad?" Annabel whispered, not looking at him. "Isn’t this a paradise here?" "It is what you make it to be," he replied. "But I have my sad days too...I lost my son before we Anlights came to the New Land and I didn’t know what happened to him. He just disappeared right before we had to leave the Old Land." Annabel opened her eyes and her heart jumped as she turned to look at the Anlight who was talking to her. He was tall, wearing dark pants and a brown shirt, holding his fishing pole in his right hand. Annabel looked at him for a moment and her eyes widened when the moon appeared from behind scudding clouds and she saw his face in its light. He looked so familiar she was...she knew the reason for his son's disappearance. She turned away from him hiding her emotions. "What was his name?" she asked quietly, predicting the answer. "Markus!" he said. "I called him Mark. He looked a lot like me." Annabel closed her eyes and took a deep breath, knowing exactly what had happened to him. She bit her bottom lip, trying to hold tears from washing out of her eyes. "He was about your age..." the fisherman continued, happily talking about his son, "Very brave young Anlight. Sometimes even too brave for his own good." Annabel stood quietly, trying to calm down. She took another deep breath. She knew his son was that brave Anlight who had been doing most of the talking when they were first captured by Varkins. "I know what happened to him," she whispered, wondering if she should even tell him the truth. Her voice began to shake. "Oh, you do?" The fisherman sounded curious—after all, how she could possibly know? "I was there too...I was with him...and others..." Annabel spoke while catching her breath, trying her best to talk normally without giving in to her emotions. "Nobody lived..." she finished as more tears quietly ran down her face. "Nobody?" he questioned, needing to be sure. "Only me..." She finally could not take it anymore and burst into tears, sniffing and catching her breath. The fisherman sighed and put his head down, in sadness for his son—even though he had already accepted his disappearance and possible death. He came close to Annabel. "I knew one day I would know the truth.” He spoke calmly, and with sorrow. “Thank you for coming here tonight." "I am sorry about your loss," Annabel sobbed harder with every word said. "He and others were in a lot of pain...and those who died…were the lucky ones. They are in peace now and will not feel any pain again." The fisherman took a step closer and put his hand on her shoulder. He smiled slightly. "Sometimes it’s hard to accept what happens to us. Sometimes the reality seems too much for us to take. But we would not appreciate the good if we did not know the bad. We are writers of our own lives, and we decide when to close a chapter, and when to start the new one." Annabel wiped cold tears from her cheeks as she looked at him. "Cheer up," he continued. "You’re the lucky one! You can continue writing your life." He paused for a moment. "And I need to get back to my wife...fish for dinner!" He laughed, picking up a small bucket full of fresh catch. He walked slowly back along the empty pier, disappearing in the darkness. Annabel stood on the pier for a while longer, thinking about what he had said. She calmed down, as the wind picked up and she began to get cold. She returned to the car and drove back to her house. When she pulled up, nobody seemed to be there. She looked around as she walked to the porch door, hoping nobody was waiting for her. Annabel entered her house and locked the door behind her. She was just going to call her cousin about her visit when, again, someone knocked on the porch door. Annabel recalled what had happened before, and was not in the mood to continue talking about her own or Dexter's relations. She crossed to the door and moved the blinds to see who was knocking. However, as soon as she saw it was Dexter outside, she slid the door open. BUY LINKS: Amazon Roane Publishing  About the Author: Originally from the Ukraine, I am still considered a new face to America. Speaking three languages including English, that became just as natural to me as my native Russian. I grew up in a town on the south of Ukraine doing the same things that other kids my age did. Dreaming, hoping and wishing. Growing up, I spoke absolutely no English and never even saw myself somewhere abroad. Nevertheless writing a novel in another language! I went to the local school that brought mostly negative experience in my life. But it shaped me throughout the years. My college life was much more pleasant. I was known to study well and to go out partying as much as it was possible. Now - owner of bachelor degree in finance/economic and enterprises. In my first year of college I began to work in the marriage agency and met my future husband. We dated and traveled to most of the Europe along with Egypt. When I finally got my fiancée visa, we both moved to the states, where soon after we got married. In the first few years I did some modeling and acting. Photo-shoots, run-way and photo in the magazine fulfilled my childhood's dream. A few years later I became a mother of a wonderful and most handsome little boy. Along with learning and experiencing motherhood, I began to make hand-made jewelry and organic soaps to occupy my spare time. This hobby turned into my small business and became bigger than I thought it ever would. In the last year I discovered: an author lives inside me. Never did I think that I would write an English book and that I would love doing it. But I did! And I loved it! I am hoping my readers will enjoy it and will look forward my next books. “Black Wings” – my debut novel comes from a dream that I saw a few months before I decided to capture it on paper. After long thinking and developing an exciting story, I could not just keep it inside me. I shortly began writing. Within only a couple of months the story was completed. I found my first publisher within the next couple of months and after a few more months of hard work, “sweat and blood” – the book is finally here for you, dear readers, to enjoy! Link for Black Wings on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26841513-black-wings Giveaway - $10 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of Black Wing
The Lock
Book 3, Dark Paths Series
KT Grant
Erotic Romance, 105,000k
The dark path continues for Erika and Max as secrets unfold and threaten to destroy all they hold dear…
Erika Walsh’s every dream has come true. She’s received both critical and public acclaim for her best-selling erotic romance, and has chosen the magnetic millionaire and BDSM club owner Maxwell Crawford as the keeper of her heart. Although, her former crush Chris Milton still refuses to accept her decision. As she plans her wedding to Max, she’s confronted with his past and the many secrets he’s kept under lock and key –for good reason.
When Max’s older brother, Daniel, a big Hollywood producer falls ill, Erika and Max rush to Los Angeles to help him recover. Max is shocked to find Daniel has become the victim of a blackmailer who seeks revenge against the brothers. Max must confront the loathsome Abraham Rovner, a former classmate from high school, who has never forgiven him for breaking off their relationship.
Abraham brings out Max’s lurking deviant nature, which sends him to a dark place in his mind. Erika must find the strength to help her lover purge his demons, even though it may come at a major cost for them both.
Releasing December 14th, 2015!!
Book 1 - The Gate
A chance encounter between a successful author and a billionaire owner of an underground BDSM club, leads to the most pivotal relationship of their lives…
Erika Walsh has carried a torch for Christopher Milton, heir to her father’s publishing empire for years. After one steamy make out session she begins to wonder if it might develop into something more. But when M. L. Crawford, better known as Max, her father’s publishing rival, seeks her out at a society event, she’s drawn to his magnetic charisma and powerful demeanor. Their verbal bantering and innuendo laced overtones stir feelings she never knew existed, and soon Erika is consumed with knowing the real man under Max’s restrained public façade. Erika’s sweet nature and naivety excites Max to near madness. He wants to train her in the art of seduction and make her succumb to his every wish and command…as his perfect submissive. Yet, Christopher is determined to keep Erika from becoming the latest victim of Max’s sinister sexual hungers. He knows all too well what Max hides in his black soul and will stop at nothing to reveal all of Max’s secrets in order to protect the one thing he holds dear above all else- Erika. Max’s dark desires scare yet arouse Erika, as he opens her eyes to a new bold world full of passion and ecstasy she never imagined until him. But the biggest question remains: Is Erika’s craving for Max just an illusion that transpires behind the walls of The Gate?
Available now… Amazon
Book 2 - The Key
The seductive world of The Gate continues with The Key...
Erika has reinvented herself as an author of erotic romance under the pseudonym, Lily Fredericks. After her eight month sabbatical in New Orleans, she’s returning to Manhattan to promote her new book. Chris is handling her book tour and wants Erika to give him another chance. She’s forgiven Chris, but Max is always in her thoughts. Sick of waiting for Erika to come to her senses, Max takes matters into his own hands. He’ll go to New Orleans to claim her before it’s too late. With Erika back in Manhattan, both Chris and Max try to seduce her in the hopes she’ll choose one of them. As both men battle for her heart, a woman from Max’s past reappears, bent on revenge. Chris will ruin Max anyway he can in order to make Erika his own. However, Max has something up his sleeve to insure he’s the victor, but not without a price—Erika’s soul. Can Erika choose between a man who seeks to possess and a man who can’t live without her?
Available now… Amazon
About the Author:
KT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. Under her alter-ego, she is a well-known book blogger who doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion. A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and writes Gay, Lesbian and Straight romance. KT has been a top ten best-selling author at Amazon, as well as being a multiple All Romance Ebooks best seller and a Night Owl Reviews Top Author Pick. KT is also About.com’s Romance Novel Expert and Columnist.
KT loves to hear from readers. You can drop KT an email at [email protected].
You can also find KT at these fun places:
Blog: Babbling About Books, and More! Twitter: @Katiebabs Goodreads Tumblr
*GET THIS BOOK NOW FOR THE DISCOUNTED RELEASE PRICE OF 99 CENTS - OFFER VALID ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME*
Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble 
Genre: Fantasy Romance When destiny knocks, do you invite it in? When a spell book lands on Ariana's doorstep, her world is thrown into turmoil. That's nothing new for her, except this time it involves bizarre and terrifying creatures who attempt to kill her. Then there's the little fact that she now has the ability to perform magic. Hadeon is another new addition in her life. He happened to drop in at the same time the spell book appeared. He's dark, sexy, and alpha as hell, and Ariana doesn't know if she wants to kill him or love him. But all this chaos is nothing compared to what destiny has in store for her. A future is promised of royalty and immense power, palaces and undying love. But hers is a destiny that is not easily won. She will have to fight to the death against those who want to take it all for themselves. And when the real battle begins, just who the true enemy is will surprise everyone. Content Warning: contains explicit language, sex scenes, and some violence ~Excerpt~ Hadeon opens the door and enters the room. Ariana smiles, barely able to meet his gaze. He wears black sweatpants, his upper half bare. The tattoos and his rock-hard body pilfer her attention. He looks like he’s been carved from the hardest, sexiest piece of granite available. He sits beside her on the bed, and she’s mesmerized as he stares into her eyes. He takes a ribbon of her wet hair between his thumb and forefinger and slides down the length of it until his hand falls away. Saying nothing, his fingers float to her face and flutter down her cheek. Her need throbs as his thumb rubs along her bottom lip. Ariana’s breaths grow heavy. This simple gesture of affection makes her body warm and melt like ice in a fire. “I’m sorry,” he says, his voice hoarse and gentle. “Why? I’m the one who went out searching for trouble.” His face nears; he slants his mouth over Ariana’s and slides his tongue between her lips. She sighs, both pleasure and angst, for she knows he will not allow this to advance any further. His hands cup her cheeks as his kiss grows deeper. Then he pulls away, and she is bereft. His forehead rests against hers, breaths heavy. “I know why you did what you did. Why you do what you always do. I understand how it feels. The lust you feel, so intense it burns a path through your skull if you don’t feed it. I know how it feels to be swept up in a moment of passion, yearning to satiate the desire that grows hot like a fire in your belly.” She backs away a fraction. Never before has someone been able to describe these emotions, sensations, and desires. “How?” she whispers, edging toward his lips with her own until they touch, warm and alive. His tongue finds hers again and she moans. His tenderness is unfurling her like a ripe bud. His lips fall to her neck, then slide up her jaw, breath and fire burning along her flesh. His hot mouth tantalizes her ear. “It’s a part of you, Ariana. It makes you who you are, and who I am.” Again she rocks away and looks into his eyes, which are now a lighter brown than they have ever been. His face is so alluring she could cry. She wants to speak great floods of words, but she can’t, trapped between bemusement, curiosity, and the most brilliant yearning she has ever experienced. Buy Links: Beachwalk Press 
~About the Author~
Jacquie resides in hot and steamy Central Queensland, Australia, with her husband and two sons. On permanent hiatus from a profession she doesn't love, she now spends her time wrapped up in her imagination, creating characters and exploring alternative realities.
Jacquie is an author of a number of novels, novellas, and short stories that are emotionally driven and possess unique themes beyond the constraints of the physical universe. She strives to offer romance, but with complexity; spirituality, without the religion; love, with a tantalising splash of spice.
Her novels express a purpose and offer subtle messages about life, the spirit and, of course, love.
~Giveaway~
Jacquie is giving away an eCopy of Demon Hunter and an eCopy of Psychic Seductions during her tour. For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.
Jamie has never done heartbroken and that doesn’t change when Chandler decides to end things. She picks herself back up and gets right back out into the dating world. After all, there are plenty of eligible bachelors at The Gentleman’s Club. Before they can both walk away for good, a problem neither of them expected arises. Things heat up, lives are changed, and it all boils down to what the paternity test says. Warning: This is a May-December romance with a hero that is going to make you hate him long before he redeems himself. Novella and can be read as a stand alone
~Excerpt~
“It would be better if you didn’t allow married men into the club.” Ian shrugged. “I don’t encourage it, but they are paying customers.” “Assholes are what they are.” She finished her beverage. “Need another? On the house after dealing with an asshole.” She handed him her glass. “I suppose.” “I’ll be right back.” Jamie ran her hands through the top of her hair. Her dress was riding up slightly, and as she tugged it back into place, a shiver swept down her spine. She didn’t even have to turn around to know who stood just inches from her. A hand met her waist. “You know what this dress does to me.” She pulled away from him and turned to meet his gaze. “Chandler. How nice to see you.” “It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” He cocked an eyebrow. Ian returned and handed her another Appletini. “I need to handle something. We’ll talk again soon, Jamie.” She nodded then glanced back at Chandler. His hair was dark, almost black. He’d been coloring it, she could tell, because she couldn’t find a hint of gray. And at forty-eight, she’d expect to see some around the ears, at least. “How’ve you been?” he asked. Like he cared. She’d been his toy, that was it. She’d known it when she got involved with him; knew it would go nowhere. He’d been honest, but she’d still fallen for him. Coming here tonight had been a mistake. You didn’t just fall out of love with someone in two weeks. Chandler reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Please, don’t.” She couldn’t handle him touching her. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered. She shook her head and stepped back, needing space. “Don’t.” “Come on, Jamie. Spend some time with me like you used to.” Taking a deep breath, she glared at him. “I’m not a toy.” Chandler smirked. “You sure are dressed like one.” Is my mouth open? She sure-as-hell felt like her chin was sitting on the floor. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” Chandler stepped toward her, but she put her hand out again. “Don’t come anywhere near me.” Jamie quickly spun around and marched away, bumping right into someone. Not even caring to apologize, she kept walking. Her vision was on the entrance to this place and exiting it as quickly as she could. “Leaving so soon?” the bouncer asked. “Yeah, nothing but creeps here tonight.” The cool air soothed her over-heated body as she hurried to her car.
~About the Author~
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Midnight Kiss (Touched by Midnight - Book 1)
by Nancy Gideon
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance| Kobo Books Genre: Paranormal Romance Published by: Imajinn Books Release Date: July 12, 2015 Length: 262 Pages “Dark and compelling, Gideon's novel will appeal to those who enjoy the vampire novels of Anne Rice.” — Library Journal “A colorful and hauntingly beautiful tale of otherworldly love . . . destined to become a classic!”— Affaire de Coeur “Incredible, spellbinding reading!” — Rendezvous Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series. A DARK CURSE Miss Arabella Howland is content to forgo the London marriage mill to assist her father in his research, especially when it comes to his intriguing patient, Louis Radman. But it’s not long before Bella’s curiosity alerts her to the danger of her father’s work . . . and to the fact that Louis is not who or whathe seems. A BRIGHT PROMISE After centuries struggling with his vile existence, Louis Radman will soon be free of his affliction, thanks to his very capable physician. Unfortunately, his heart is less secure around the man’s tempting daughter. His yearning to walk in the light once more is complicated by his desire for the delightful Bella, who is as intelligent as she is fearless. But if history has taught him anything, it’s not to tempt fate. AN UNFORGIVING PAST Still, happiness has a price and Louis is soon reminded that mortality comes with unfortunate limitations. To protect his new bride, he must face the demons from his past who wish to pull him back into their vampiric fold. Yet, if he’s forced to return to his midnight world, will he lose his beloved Bella forever?
TOUCHEC BY MIDNIGHT SERIES TOUR - EXCERPT
Midnight Kiss - Excerpts
“Where is your father?” Half whisper, half growl, his voice startled her. “Get him here! I need him here, now!” “What is it? Are you all right? Is there something I—” “Come no closer.” Arabella gasped at the sight of him. He was so pale! In the dimness, his flesh seemed almost translucent. Lean features were drawn into taut relief, all highlight and hollow, as if ravaged by a wasting sickness. Wet hair clung sleekly to the contour of his skull. Only his eyes burned, a hot, luminescent gold. A trick of the light, surely, for in that moment, she could have sworn they blazed like coals beneath the dark slash of his brows. Then he turned his head away, denying her the sight of his misery. “Leave me. Please. I will be fine if you leave me.” He wouldn’t be fine. She could tell by watching his agitation. Something was dreadfully wrong and he’d come to her father for help. But Stuart Howland was not at home. “Please,” she cried out softly. “Please tell me what I can do for you.” For a moment there was silence. Then, the slow, hissing draw of his breath. And he came about to face her. They were quite close. He had no difficulty reaching out to catch her by the upper arms. His long fingers bit into tender flesh, the pressure hurtful. What kind of illness left such strength in a man’s hands, she wondered somewhat frantically, but she couldn’t move. She couldn’t complain. For he was staring down into her eyes and suddenly nothing else existed beyond the pull of his unblinking gaze. An odd lethargy spread through her as she heard him speak, his tone quiet and somehow soothing. It seemed to melt her very bones. “What can you do for me?” he repeated, as if considering the question. His arms bent until she was compelled forward, until she could feel the force of his rapid breath against her upturned face. There was no warmth to it. Nor was there any sign of weakness or distress in him. Power . . . she sensed power. It engulfed her, swallowing her whole. “Arabella.” 
Midnight Temptation (Touched by Midnight - Book 2)
by Nancy GideonAmazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books Genre: Paranormal Romance Published by: Imajinn Books Release Date: August 14, 2015 Length: 256 Pages Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series. A WICKED LEGACY Terrified by her unusual strength and frightening urges, Nicole Radouix’s sheltered country life is shattered when she discovers her family’s secret— she’s the daughter of a mortal mother and vampire father. Stricken, she flees to the seductive lure of the city to discover the truth about who and what she is. But the turmoil of post-revolution Paris is no place for an innocent. A WILD DESIRE Finding herself under the protection of noble ex-patriot Marchand La Valois, Nicole is pulled into deadly underworld struggles, both political and vampiric. As their passions ignite, Marchand soon realizes the lovely Nicole is more predator than prey and may be more of a threat than the unruly streets outside. AN UNTHINKABLE DILEMMA Desperate to control her dark desires, Nicole accepts an offer of guidance from a hypnotic enemy, ensnaring both her and Marchand in a dangerous web of centuries’ old revenge. To escape their deadly nighttime games, Nicole must embrace her immortality. But will it cost her Marchand’s eternal love? “A treasure trove of unearthly delights! Readers will want to induct Ms. Gideon into the vampire storyteller’s Hall of Fame!”— Romantic Times “An extraordinary, moving and sensual tale of supernatural love powerful enough to defy death. Nancy Gideon is a bright artistic star of epic proportion in the supernatural galaxy. Five Star!”— Affaire de Coeur A fast-paced, surprisingly believable look into a dark and mysterious world where only the greatest of loves can flourish!”— The Literary Times
Midnight Temptation - Excerpts
EXCERPT And then her gaze settled far back in the shadows, upon the figure of a man in stark silhouette. She saw him jerk as if with some shock of recognition, then he took one gliding step forward to the edge of lamplight. Reflection played an eerie game upon his face, highlighting skin so fair it seemed translucent and hollows so sharp and deep they were like caverns; a face so startling, so unnaturally beautiful she came close to stumbling in her study. Beneath an arch of black brows, eyes of an icy, luminous blue entranced her. And even as she jerked her head away, she caught the impression of his smile; serene and sinister all at once. Nicole had never seen the Devil, but on this night, she was sure he walked abroad. And she was just as certain that he followed safely back amongst the shadows. She could feel him, an essence so powerful, it frightened her. But the moment they crossed the bridge, the sensations faded and she knew he was gone. But the fear lingered, lending a quickness to her heartbeats and an anxious panic to her mind. 
Midnight Surrender (Touched by Midnight - Book 3)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo BooksGenre: Paranormal Romance Published by: Imajinn Books Release Date: October 1, 2015 Length: 266 Pages Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries-old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series. A RECKLESS QUEST A savage killer stalks the dark streets of turn-of-the-century New York. To keep her father’s newspaper afloat, publisher Cassie Alexander chases the story. But what she catches is a madman’s attention. A DARK DECEPTION When her reclusive neighbor Louis Radcliffe rescues her from an attack, Cassie finds her vow of independence shaken by the strong attraction between them. It’s an attraction Louis denies, even as the invalid grandmother he cares for pushes to bring them together—for reasons that will break both their hearts. AN INEVITABLE SACRIFICE Determined to hide his secrets from her, Louis soon becomes the cornerstone of Cassie’s investigation. He can’t allow her stubbornness to place her life—and his immortal soul—in danger. But as much as he tries to keep her safe in his arms, it soon becomes evident that Cassie’s become a target. And Louis has no choice but to find out if their love is strong enough to withstand the truth . . . “Gripping! Readers are pulled into a whirlwind while surrendering their souls!”— Gothic Journal “Darkly sensual and suspenseful Midnight Surrender is nothing short of special! Lovers of vampire romances take notice!”— The Literary Times “Gideon mesmerizes with this chilling tale. You’ll read it and read it again. Superb!”— Rendezvous
Midnight Surrender - Excerpts
EXCERPT “You are wrong, Cassie,” came his soft drawl, as soothing and sensuous as a physical caress along the heart strings. “What binds us is stronger than vows and deeper than eternity.” She trembled. Her gaze danced nervously away. “You’re speaking in riddles.” “No, in truths. Look at me, Cassie.” She couldn’t, suddenly afraid—of what he might say, of what he might see in her unguarded gaze. “Look at me.” A command as hard to resist as a physical force. She turned toward him, painfully aware of her flushed cheeks, but he didn’t notice them. He was fixed upon her eyes. His drew her in with a mesmerizing power, relaxing her denying tension, calming her anxious fears. Looking into his eyes was like falling into her soul. “We are one, Cassie. You can feel that, can’t you? You are mine now. Can you deny it?” She sucked in a fragile breath and whispered, “No.” Because she could feel it even if she couldn’t explain it. “I-I don’t understand.” “You don’t have to understand. You only have to believe.” The swirl of his power engulfed her senses, teasing her with strange prickles of awareness—of him as a man, of him as more than just a man. That was where confusion arose. What else was he? What could give him that kind of control over her sensibilities? Because she lived a life of asking questions and seeking answers, it went against her grain to blindly accept what was before her. Even when she was under a smothering pressure to do just that. She blinked hard and struggled against his spell. “W-what are you doing to me?” she demanded with a gathering sense of self. With it came the scary realization that the emotional chords she was reacting to were being played outside her mind. “Is it some sort of hypnotism?” He smiled blandly and continued to seduce her with his brilliant gaze. “No cheap magician’s trick, I assure you.” “Stop.” That was said with a wavering certainty, so she took a deep breath and tried again with more authority. “Stop it!” “But I am only giving you what you want. Why are you protesting?” Feeling her will weakening, frantically, she sought an argument. “It’s not what I want!” “No?” That word was edged with subtle mockery and he began to lean toward her. She meant to draw back, to maintain the distance, but was unable to move. “I don’t want to be owned by a man. I want to be loved by him.” Even as she made that claim, her breatt slowed into long languid pulls and her eyelids sank down with a luxurious expectation. And when his mouth touched to hers, reason failed her. “You wanted me, now you have me. The degree of possession should not concern you.” But it did. That last flare of independence flickered. Arguments of the will couldn’t hold against barriers heart and mind had already conceded. Cassie closed her eyes and opened her soul, letting the essence of him overtake her, wondering dreamily why she’d objected at all.
ABOUT NANCY GIDEON
When not at the keyboard or working full time as a legal assistant in Southwest Michigan, she can be found feeding her addictions for Netflix and all things fur, feather and fin, enjoying Grammy time (usually watching The Avengers), and meeting new friends and readers through her GoodReads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group. Her books can also be found under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings. .@melissa_keir: Fall for a New Release--A Dream Come True by Lisa Hahn #inkspellpublishing10/19/2015
 Scruffy faced musicians, guys who sing the songs that pull at your heart, groupies and fans, intimate concerts in bars where you can get up close and personal with your crush... All these are images that A Dream Come True pulls from my mind as I read it! What a fun read about an unlikely couple but one who certainly deserve their own happily ever after. Would you be able to put up with his or her success? The Paparazzi? The Groupies and Fans? Would you be comfortable in your love, your relationship?  Alexa Anello planned on taking over her grandma’s salon ever since she decided she wanted to be a stylist back in elementary school. What she wasn’t planning on was her rock star crush asking her out after one of his shows. Liam Walker loves making music but hates being a celebrity. Despite the demands of his career, he’s a pretty simple guy. He likes to keep his private life out of the media as much as he can. Will Liam be able to help make all of Alexa’s dreams come true or will he leave her feeling like his dirty little secret… ONLY $2.99 BUY LINKS: Amazon All Romance Ebooks: B&N Kobo: ITunes: EXCERPT: Liam’s gaze zeroed in on my lips as I rambled, and he grinned. “What?” I asked, pausing with another forkful of food poised in front of my mouth. His smile grew even wider. “You’re cute.” He motioned toward his lips with a finger. “And you have whipped cream on the corner of your mouth.” Smooth, Alexa. Real smooth. The waffles were so good, and I was so engrossed in the man sitting next to me, I hadn’t even noticed I’d been shoveling food into my mouth like a caveman. When I looked down, I realized half my waffle was already gone. I dropped the fork into my box, scrambling for my napkin. “Oh my god. You have to think I’m the least attractive girl ever.” Liam caught my wrist, his strength pinning my arm down on the table. “Not at all.” He shifted his seat closer to mine, and they clanked together. “That was actually the exact opposite of what I was thinking.” Too in awe of the situation to react, I sat completely still as Liam leaned in and pressed his lips against the corner of my mouth. His tongue poked out and cleaned up the whipped cream with one slow and sexy lick. My insides clenched, and my hands drew into fists. Liam Walker kissed me. About the Author:
Lisa Hahn writes contemporary and new adult romance. She’s interested in characters that are smart, sincere, and somewhat artistically inclined. She and her husband currently reside in Northern New Jersey with their cat and dog. In addition to romance novels, Lisa is interested in yoga, fitness, veganism, and professional wrestling. Website: www.bylisahahn.com Twitter: @bylisahahn FB: www.facebook.com/bylisahahn Email: [email protected]  If you love moving romantic stories with a little danger, you're going to fall for A Chance at True Love. I think it was the mom in me that really connected with Maria. She'd do anything for her child and I know that feeling as well. Naj Qamber did an outstanding job on the cover. It really captures the images of the main characters. I'm sure you will be anxious to pick up the book which will be released as an ebook on Nov. 11th. Blurb: Maria has lost all faith in men- abandoned by her father before she was born and abused by her boyfriend who loved the bottle more than he did her. And now she was running for her life from him, with their son. Dave has sworn off women. He’s had it with his unfaithful wife and her numerous affairs on his dime. One the same day as his divorce, he meets a beautiful woman who easily made him forget about his promise. But she’s skittish. She’s hiding something. That makes him all the more interested in her. So what’s a man to do when the girl he fancies would rather be anywhere but near him? He offers her a job as his live in nanny. Slowly, he turns the four of them into a family, hoping she stayed none the wiser until it was too late to back out. Christina OW writes suspense, thrillers, erotica, interracial and multicultural romance books. She is the author of Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Regency Romance books and a poet of currently 3 titles. She loves reading novels that take her on a ride of wild emotions. Books have always been an escape for her, for a few hours she gets to live the lives of characters she grows to cherish and admire. She's always had an active imagination and because of it has lived in her head more than she has been in the outside world. She always imagined scenarios and wondered how they would turn out in the end, and what kind of emotions they would invoke. Thus began her writing career.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-OW/254729541266869 Twitter https://twitter.com/Christina_OW Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5817911.Christina_OW Website http://tmdangel.wix.com/chrisitnaow Blog https://christinaow.wordpress.com/ Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Christina-OW/e/B00A8XYFM8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 Newsletter Sigh Up http://tmdangel.wix.com/chrisitnaow#!news-and-events/c1pz Book List http://tmdangel.wix.com/chrisitnaow#!books/cnec There's nothing more fun than breaking the rules, playing a game of what if with an idea or twisting what you know... I have Gina here today to share her take on all this and give you a sneak peek at her release--The Wicked Bargain! Take it away, Gina... Twisting the rules… As a published author, one of the questions I get asked is how do I come up with story ideas? Every author has different methods and honestly, every story came from a different set of circumstances. Mostly they aren’t planned out but hit us like a freight train in the middle of another story or in a conversation or driving or just about anywhere. For The Wicked Bargain, I’d been reading several Regency novels with the heroine as a courtesan. The stories of course are of redemption of these women – most in a circumstance that placed them as courtesans. They meet the hero, stay true to him (the old HQ rules in place) and he saves her from a life as a soiled dove. Good stories. But… What if the high-price courtesan was male? I always have wondered about the strange set of rules in the ton – men could take courtesans or mistresses and the wife served as the mother to his legitimate heir, maybe two, and gladly (sometimes) welcomed another woman servicing the man she’d married. But about these wives? Women who served their purpose, taken care of for the rest of their lives by name and title of the husband but what about the loneliness, the desires that remained unfulfilled? Research indicates a small amount (known at least) of ladies who took matters into their own hands and took lovers. And if they did, why not paid for a male courtesan? Our heroine, Arabella Covington, spent her youth following her father, a country physician, to his visits and helped him treat his patients. She learned medicine through this, like an apprentice. With this knowledge, she wants to be able to help the sick and wounded but she can’t. At this time period, early 1800s, women were only allowed to be midwives and nothing more. Arabella, coming to London, quickly found her training meant nothing. Or did it? Medicine at this time was an evolving science. In the mid 17th century, medicine was lumped with alchemy. Science had yet to emerge as fact over magic strangely enough. To be taught cures and how to treat patients, many also learned incantations and the latest way to turn wood into gold. As time turned, medicine pulled out of the dark ages and into a science, however limited the knowledge base was in the field. Many methods were lost during the Dark Ages when western civilization backtracked from what had been learned during the Ancient times, through the Romans and Egyptians. But during the late 18th century, science extracted itself from the idea of prayer for a cure to something more viable. Men pursued this career, not women. Women remained steadfast as midwives, knowing the workings of a woman’s reproductive cycle. Yet does that mean women couldn’t handle medical knowledge to treat men and women? No, wives were often the healer of the family. The trend that continued to the Victorian era was that the injured or sick did better if they stayed at home and were tended in a loving atmosphere. In other words, nursed by their mother or wife. Wives handled everything from fevers to illness to wounds from farming, hunting, war and even everyday living. Yet, it was truly believed that women could not handle severe wounds or illnesses. Really? I think not… This is the world Arabella must deal with. Her training goes further than a midwife, able to treat men as well as women and children. No doubt her frustration is palatable. To find Ethan’s place and the ability to help Mary must have made her thrilled to be able to help. Little did she know, the man who broke societal rules to hire her medical services for his ladies and would himself desperately need her aid, would show her a world she didn’t know. Nor did she realize her greatest talent would be in his redemption. Thus was the birth of The Wicked Bargain: Haunted by a past as a sex slave, nobleman Ethan Warth returns to England as a male courtesan for rich matrons and runs a brothel for wealthy lords. Arabella Covington appears on his door, trained in the medical arts but unable to practice because of her gender. He hires her to care for his ladies but her inquisitive nature and beauty make him desire to teach her the world of seduction. Ethan, however, never counted on falling in love… Excerpt – Arabella stood in her chambers, her thoughts a tumble of emotions, none of them comfortable. Her biggest one was fear. Had Jeremy made it to London? What if he lurked outside, waiting for her? Another intruding thought was this house. Just what went on beyond those chamber doors? One thing was certain. Her cousin, the Marquis, was not like any other man she knew. There appeared to be several women living here but she couldn’t tell if it was a boarding house. Plus last night, she heard from Ethan’s own mouth that he was in bed with another man’s wife and that was more than she could take. She wanted to run from the house but go where? Her lack of funds would not take her far and she could never return home. The combination of confusion, fear and panic had her pacing around the room, her mind on the scene from last night and of the marquis being in here but few minutes ago, all congenial and handsome. His refusal to let her stay followed by a reluctant change of heart made her more irritated, restlessness and anxious. If she didn’t do something, she might go insane. She swung the door open and marched quickly down the hall to Mary’s room. Knocking at the door, Arabella heard Mary’s response and opened the door. Mary spun in her bronze evening gown. “What do you think?” the girl asked, a whimsical smile on her face. The dress was stunning. Its underskirt of a copper colored watered silk was the perfect match to a diaphanous gold overskirt trimmed with decorated braiding at the neckline and capped sleeves. “It’s beautiful.” Arabella stood in awe. The girl looked so young and full of life. The bulge of her condition only slightly visible when she ran her hand over her belly. Nothing of last night’s trauma showed. She stopped and gave a slight curtsy. “Thank you,” she said. “Robert will love it!” “Robert?” “Yes.” She looked at Arabella quizzically. “Oh, yes, well, Robert is my....” She ran her hand over the skirted bulge. “Ah, your husband, or soon to be.” A peel of laughter came as she shook her head. Arabella frowned. She may be from the country, but children born out of wedlock anywhere were bastards, a permanent stain. Surely, the Marquis would demand this Robert make her his wife. “But he will be, right?” Mary’s eyes slanted, crinkling with amusement. “You’re new. Please forgive me.” “What does that have to do with your condition?” Mary fidgeted with her overskirt, avoiding her gaze. “Mary,” she asked quietly. “Why won’t you answer me?” Fear crept into her voice before she could prevent it. “They didn’t tell you?” Mary broke into a giggle. “I fail to see the humor in this,” Arabella stated flatly. She wanted answers. The vision of the naked Marquis on the bed once more came to mind. Drat, why did it always pop up like that? Mary controlled her giggles as she walked to her dresser and pulled out her jewelry box. Glancing at Arabella, she opened the box and grabbed a pair of earbobs. “I laughed too at first.” She pushed the wire through her earlobe. “To be trained by Ethan and make the sort of blunt seemed too good to be true, especially for a girl like me. But Ethan claimed he saw in me a spark that’d light his nabob friends on fire.” She sighed, connecting the second earbob closure till both glass orbs hung from her ears. Arabella furrowed her brows. Blunt and nabobs she understood but she had yet to see what work was involved. Only thing she did know was the young woman in front of her, probably barely old enough to know better, at eighteen or nineteen, was increasing, unmarried and pleased to dress for an evening out with the guilty party. This was what London did to a woman? Made her forget her upbringing? Even the country folk knew that a woman’s virtue was to remain until marriage. There were few ways for women to earn money but none brought any riches. Except one and it was called prostitution, a courtesan to be exact. One who serviced the nobility. Arabella’s mind stumbled over the thought. Was she in a brothel? What would the Marquis be doing, living in a place of ill-repute? Why would her aunt send her here? Granted, Aunt Edith told her to come here as a last resort, but she couldn’t believe her aunt wanted her to sell her body. Heavens, that was what her cousin wanted her to do and why she fled him. Arabella shuddered, fear coiling inside her. The snap of a necklace closure grabbed Arabella’s attention back to the girl. Mary was still talking. “He will train you to be the best but you’ll never have him. He remains…,” Mary paused. “Alone. So don’t be disappointed. All of us have been there.” Arabella frowned. The girl lost her. She opened her mouth to ask what training when the girl grabbed her hand. “Come on! We’ll be late and Ethan hates when you’re late!” Buylinks: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1j6eAn3 Nook: http://bit.ly/1L1O4CW iBook: http://apple.co/1KVgaBU Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Q0XDFt  Author bio -
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Gina Danna has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction. Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and two cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play. 
During her darkest hour, will she find the courage to seek the light? Marjorie has eluded both capture and death yet again, but her days are numbered. The old threat has resurfaced to endanger everyone she cares for and only a forged alliance with a member of royal blood will guarantee their safety and hers. However, in the midst of accepting who she is, Marjorie has to come to terms with the fact that those she considered friends may be anything but, and the mother she thought dead may have been missing against her will. A relationship in turmoil, a storm brewing in the distance, a shattered tranquility…will she find the courage to save her loved ones even if that means losing her humanity? Buy Links: Kobo ARe Barnes & Noble Amazon ~Excerpt~ I sat on the edge of Kyran’s bed, with the huge book containing historical facts about the ValKhazar family on my lap, turning page after page, skimming through the contents of the first 100 pages. A lot of the written material was in reference to the queen, Ellora ValKhazar. Apparently, she was the one suspected of passing down her genetic differences to her descendants. Beginning with her sons Dorian and the infamous, Lykos. In reality, I was only reading about Ellora because I was trying not to turn to the page where my mother’s painted portrait supposedly was. After Bray shared one of the many memories he had of Mom, I was more than a little hesitant. Seeing it would confirm what I already suspected. Bray was being truthful. Mom was his cousin, granddaughter of the queen herself. Denying our bloodline seemed pointless. Chances that Mom kept her identity secret along with mine in order to protect me—well, that was something a concerned, caring mother would do for a child. Did she leave to protect me? Or was I trying to cover the sun with one finger? Deep down I wanted to believe her departure had everything to do with this war brewing and her need to protect her only child, but doubts filled my head with all kinds of different scenarios and what if’s. Alone, I could finally release some of the pent up anger and frustration I’d been feeling for a while now. My mother? An immortal descendant of a royal werewolf family? Of all the scenarios I’d imagined, this had honestly never crossed my mind as being the reason why she abandoned me.
~About the Author~
Kristy Centeno is an author of paranormal romance, young adult, new adult, horror, and contemporary romance. She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. In her journey to create memorable reads, she has delved into several genres, creating fictional characters meant to entice readers and captivate the mind. She is currently working on finishing off the Keeper Witches series among other projects, which include sequels to her published work. When she's not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing. Author Links: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog ~Giveaway~
Kristy is giving away a $10.00 Amazon GC during her tour.
For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.
Available for pre-order Ready to read October 13 YouTube Video 11 ALPHA DOMS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors and more! Are you ready for 11 alphas that will make you sigh, make your toes curl, and make your panties wet? You won’t be disappointed! We have military, menage, contemporary, and a dash of paranormal romance that will send you right over the edge. Jump into the action and suspense and find out now how these alphas take care of their women! Bound by Desire - Desiree Holt He wanted her, but only on his terms.
 Tropic of Pleasure – Tina Donahue The one woman they shouldn’t want. Two Doms she can’t resist. A sizzling weekend beyond their wildest desires. Romance Quickies (Encounter 9) – Monique Dubois Malia is introduced to the world of BDSM by a mysterious Army ranger. He captivates her body and senses, but does he have a secret side that leads her into danger?  Hollywood Spank – Shoshanna Evers It’s rumored that movie star Mark Cannon loves to spank — and undercover tabloid reporter Andrea Landley is willing to do *whatever* it takes to get the inside scoop.  Bound to the Land – Felice Fox An inheritance he never wanted, for a love he could not deny.  Sophie’s Menage – Jan Springer It’s Ménage Night at the Key Club and Sophie is finally taking the plunge back into the spank scene…  Heidi and the Kaiser – Selena Kitt Kaiser hires Heidi as his assistant, and her “training” proves to be quite a test of surrender. Blushing Violet – Ann Mayburn When a shy, curvy submissive meets two amazing Doms who want to win her heart, which one will she choose?  Mastered: Teagan – Krystal Shannan Letting go will be the hardest choice she’s ever made. Going Long – Cari Quinn This time, he’ll need to hit all the right notes to win the woman he’s always loved… ABOUT THE AUTHORS: DESIREE HOLT Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Ward, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, a winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling than the last.” TINA DONAHUE Tina’s an RWA award-winning, bestselling author who writes hot and humorous romances for Kensington, Samhain, and numerous other publishers. She began writing when she was nine, penning and illustrating a children’s book that she sold to her friends’ parents. Her first book tour! She’s featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before her writing career, she was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. In addition to being an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, she’s flown a single-engine plane, rewired an old house using an electricity for dummies book, and has been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally whenever she’s eating anything Mexican or Italian. MONIQUE DUBOIS Monique DuBois is a bestselling author who loves creating steamy romance stories about strong women and sexy men that she hopes will keep you up late at night...in more ways than one. Monique can be easily bribed with cupcakes and wine, and she really enjoys long bubble baths and a good book. She also loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her website. Monique is well known for her Jet-Setting Escort (A Curvy Girl Erotic Romance) and Romance: Quickies series. SELENA KITT Selena Kitt is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. She is one of the highest selling erotic writers in the business with over a million ebooks sold! Her writing embodies everything from the spicy to the scandalous, but watch out-this kitty also has sharp claws and her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths. When she’s not pawing away at her keyboard, Selena runs an innovative publishing company and erotica and erotic romance bookstore and two erotica and erotic romance promotion companies. ANN MAYBURN With over fifty published books, Ann is Queen of the Castle to her husband and three sons in the mountains of West Virginia. From a young age, Ann has had a love affair with books and would read everything she could get her hands on. As Ann grew older, and her hormones kicked in, she discovered bodice-ripping Fabio-esque romance novels. This led to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she’s never looked back. Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her ‘sexy space’ and has accepted that her Muse has a severe case of ADD. JAN SPRINGER New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author Jan Springer lives in Ontario, Canada on four acres of secluded wilderness. Jan enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, reading and writing. She is a member of the Writers Union of Canada and Romance Writers of America. KRYSTAL SHANNAN Amazon Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and hart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home. CARI QUINN USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. Now, she gets to pen sexy romances for a living and routinely counts her lucky stars. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she can usually be found watching men’s college basketball, playing her music way too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously. SELENA BLAKE An action movie buff with a penchant for all things supernatural and sexy, New York Times bestselling author Selena Blake combines her love for adventure, travel and romance into sensual contemporary romances and spine-tingling paranormal romance. Selena’s books have been called ‘a steamy escape, and have appeared on NY Times, USA Today, Amazon and AllRomanceEbooks bestseller lists, been nominated for awards, and won contests. When she’s not writing you can find her by the pool soaking up some sun, day dreaming about new characters, and watching the cabana boy (aka her muse), Derek. SHOSHANNA EVERS NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Shoshanna Evers has over twenty-plus romance novels and novellas published, including I Am Not Your Melody, The Enslaved Trilogy, The Tycoon’s Convenient Bride…and Baby, How to Write Hot Sex. Reviewers call her books “fast paced, intense, and sexual,” with “scorching hot romance scenes, (and) beautiful writing.” Sexily “Evers” After… FELICE FOX Felice is a big fan of bluegrass and country music, and a lover of all things wild, woodsy and romantic. She wears bad girl boots and was once mistaken for a roller derby queen. Hold Me Together, the first Cameron Ranch story, was an Amazon #1 bestseller and Hot New Release. It has been described as a “danger to panties everywhere” (Herding Cats & Burning Soup) and “not for the faint of heart” (Fresh Fiction). Her fiction debut, Take Me for Longing, has been an Amazon bestseller since its release in 2012 and her second title, It’s Just Sext, became an instant Amazon #1 bestseller. Felice lives, loves and dreams of the country life from her home in Southern California.
FEATURING Tropic of Pleasure by Tina Donahue Blurb: The one woman they shouldn’t want. Two Doms she can’t resist. A sizzling weekend beyond their wildest desires. Bondage, submission, punishment, oh my. Cara’s wanted Hud and Ryder forever. They’re Alpha to the core and love a wicked good time, which has her ready to sign up for their brand of BDSM. Although Ryder and Hud haven’t been immune to Cara’s charms, they don’t have a death wish—her billionaire daddy is a major investor in their high-end construction firm. When she insists it’s no problem and offers to be their sub, visions of blindfolds, collars and her sweet surrender dance in their heads, along with the longing they’ve fought. Oh baby. The battle’s just begun during a smoking-hot weekend on a private island.JOIN US AT OUR FACEBOOK PARTY – OCTOBER 15 CONTESTS – EYE CANDY – GAMES – BLURBS - EXCERPTS WIN A KINDLE PAPERWHITE!!! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a7b3f8631/
A Friendly Engagement (A Friends First Novel)
by Christine Warner
Only $0.99 thru October 18th!
Amazon |Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books Genre: Contemporary Romance Published by: Entangled Publishing Release Date: June 23, 2015 Length: 233 Pages What's a little engagement between friends? Omar Esterly is married to his job. But when Omar sets his sights on a potential, family-oriented client, his confirmed bachelorhood becomes a problem. Fortunately, his friend and employee, Devi Boss, has the perfect plan... Okay, so it wasn't exactly Devi's plan to become her friend's fake fiancée. Lies aren't her style. However, Omar offers her a big, beautiful raise - enough to track down the missing father she's never known - and Devi reluctantly agrees to the whole engagement hoax... This was supposed to be a no-strings-attached win-win for both Devi and Omar, but when they cross the line between friendship and...well, something more, Devi realizes she's made a huge mistake that just might cost her both job and friend - falling for her fiancé.
A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT EXCERPT
EXCERPT “You’re game for anything, right?” Devi compressed her lips and studied Omar through a narrow gaze, taking in the way his overly bright eyes concentrated on her face as if memorizing every pore. Her gaze traveled south to the non-existent rise and fall of his chest and how he pushed his suit jacket aside as he placed his hands low on his hips. He’d stopped breathing while he waited for her reply. That made her more nervous than anything. “Normally I am game for anything, but considering the man asking the question, I’m a little nervous.” She licked her lips. Omar shook his head, swallowing her hands in the warmth of his. “No. This is a great idea. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.” “I’ll hold back on saying I’m glad I could help until I know what you’ve got pinging around your brain.” She tried to pull free of his grip, but he only grasped her fingers tighter. Her inner voice told her whatever plan he’d cooked up included her and she wouldn’t be thrilled with the role. “Bartow wants a family-first firm. He wants a planner who is married, blah, blah blah.” He dismissed his unfinished words with the thrust of his chin. Devi nodded, her mouth going dry. Was he planning to hire a wife, or about to propose? “I might not be married, but what if I were engaged?” She didn’t want to jump to conclusions about the proposal so she pasted on a tight smile. “Do you have a serious girlfriend hidden away I don’t know about?” The thought unsettled her, but she pushed aside the heaviness in her gut. Omar and relationships mixed like fire and ice. Not that women didn’t find him attractive and vice versa, but his true love would always be work. Most sane women wanted something more than a workaholic commitment-phobe. He shook his head a bit too vigorously. “No. No.” His grip tightened, and she flexed her fingers so he’d loosen his hold. “Hear me out before you shoot me down.” “I’m more curious than ever.” Again, she threw sand over that niggling feeling in her belly. She never jumped to conclusions. Living by the seat of your pants didn’t allow it, but… Why start now? She rolled her shoulders in an effort to relax. Omar pulled her off to the side and out of the crowd moving past them on the sidewalk. His hands shook with excitement, and he swallowed hard before clearing his throat. Always calm and collected, his buildup unsettled Devi, and she tugged one hand from his grip and pressed it against the gurgle growing in her stomach. “How about we announce our engagement? I could pull in some favors and have it in the press Monday morning. That’d still give Bartow enough time to invite us to the meet and greet. And—” “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Devi’s stomach did a nosedive, and she yanked her other hand from his death grip and stepped back. She twisted one of the bangle bracelets on her wrist. “Our engagement? First off, I didn’t even know we were dating. And second, I am not going to help you get ahead by lying.”
And Book 2 of the Friends First Series will be Released on October 26th!
A Friendly Arrangement (A Friends First Novel - Book 2)
by Christine WarnerAmazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books Genre: Contemporary Romance Published by: Entangled Publishing Release Date: October 26, 2015 Length: 230 Pages What happens when your plus one becomes "the one"? Holly Haggerty and Roth Esterly are two besties with everything in common--they're neighbors, career-driven, and commitment-phobes. Tired of always being set up on dates by well-meaning friends and family, they take matters into their own hands: they will be the other's plus one--a little friendly arrangement between friends. Easy…until a steamy night where they cross the line. But that's okay, they'll add an addendum--one that includes a little action between the sheets…on top of the sheets…and without the sheets. But there are rules. Dating and sex are exclusive until one of them decides to terminate the agreement. No slumber parties. And if either party becomes emotionally involved they will break things off with no hard feelings. When unexpected news changes their plans and turns their fun arrangement into something more serious, Holly and Roth must come to terms with what's more important--what they thought they wanted, or what they really need.
About Christine Warner
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter | Street Team | Amazon Author Page
Besides laughing and a good round of humor, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, Christine enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her website. 
Lilli Daniels has been down on her luck for quite some time. She's been homeless, hungry and alone for far too long. When an intriguing, older stranger enters the strip club where she's waitressing her life takes on a new direction. Successful attorney Jackson Avis maintains complete control of every aspect in his life. When he sets his sight on the beautiful, young Lilli he's captivated and has to have her. He tempts her with a life of privilege and security. He introduces her to a world she never knew existed. Complications arise when Jackson's son Cameron expresses an interest in his father's girlfriend. Lilli fights the attraction, but Cameron wants to give into his heart's desire. He's the complete opposite of his controlling, manipulative father and will stop at nothing to protect the woman he's falling in love with. Even if it means suffering the wrath of his father. Sometimes life leads you down one path only to bring you to your true destiny. Can Lilli come to terms and figure out exactly who her heart belongs to?
~Excerpt~
“It’s nice to meet you, Lilli,” he said. “Do you have a last name?” “I do.” She was too busy gazing into his eyes that he thought maybe she forgot to finish answering. Jack smiled and cleared his throat when he realized she was staring at him longer than necessary. “Oh, it’s Daniels.” “What do you do besides work here, Lilli Daniels?” “I work at the bookstore over at the community college,” she said. “I’m hoping to save enough money to take a few classes there in the fall.” “It’s only January,” Jack said. “Why wait so long?” “Classes are expensive.” She nervously fidgeted with the cocktail napkin sitting on the table. “So, what do you do?” “I’m an attorney. I have my own practice in the city.” “Oh, that sounds interesting. I’d like to study law someday, too.” “A pretty ambitious goal.” He teased. “How old are you?” “Twenty-two.” Well, at least she's legal. For a girl working in a strip club trying to save money for school, she seemed awfully naïve. He briefly wondered if it was an act to get men to feel sorry for her. Maybe she knew exactly how to get a bigger tip out of her customers. “Getting a bit of a late start with school, aren’t you?” Jack asked. “My son is about your age and he's in medical school.” “My father’s not an attorney.” When she ran her fingers through her hair, Jack immediately recognized she was uncomfortable when she mentioned her father. The lawyer in him needed to investigate a little further. “What does your father do?” “Are you ready to order?” she said. “I should be getting back to work.” “Not just yet.” He wondered why she changed the subject so quickly. “I’m curious why a girl like you is in a place like this.” “Me too.” She looked around the dark room. “I fell on some hard times and I’m just trying to get my life back together. It’s honest work.” “What kind of hard times?” He was trying not to interrogate her, but he wanted to know more about her. “I can tell you’re a lawyer.” Her full pink lips curved into a smile. Jackson wondered what it would feel like to have her mouth against his. She was probably soft and warm. “It’s in my nature to ask questions.” He wanted to know more about this beauty. “Do you always get your answers?” “I always get everything I want.” He let his eyes wander down her flawless body. He shouldn't have been entertaining any possibilities at all, but then again, when did he ever let anything stop him from getting what he wanted? Jack reached into his pocket, pulled out his business card, and handed it to her. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “I have to get back to the office now, but I’ve rather enjoyed your company. If Pat gives you a hard time, please give me a call. I’ll set him straight.” He should leave her alone. He wasn't interested in getting involved with a girl in her situation, but he wasn’t ready to walk away. Not yet. She glanced down at the card. “I went to high school with a Cameron Avis.” “Did you date?” That would be far too amusing. “Oh, God no.” She laughed as she stared at his card. “He was a year older than me, popular, and would never give a girl like me a second glance. I was from the wrong side of the tracks.” She rolled her eyes. “But you can probably already see that.” “Hmm.” Jack had a clearer picture of who Lilli was. “I was shy and kept to myself,” she continued. “He was gorgeous, smart, and came from money. Definitely not my type.” “Really?” Jack grinned as he got up from the table. “It seems to me I’ll have to have a talk with my son about not recognizing a good thing when he sees it.” “Oh.” He saw the look of horror cross her face as he threw a twenty down on the table and headed for the exit. “Take care, Lilli Daniels.” ~About the Author~ Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped. Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy creating sexy, domineering men and the strong women who know how to challenge them in and out of the bedroom. She hopes you'll get lost in her words. She loves connecting with readers. 
A lethal injection looms in Amber’s future for the alleged murder of her family. To avoid it, she will appear on a reality show in which contestants vie for a bachelor’s love. The winner is granted freedom. The catch – the bachelor is an S&M fanatic who practices his arts on the contestants, and the penalty for losing on the show can be death. Amber knows there are tremendous risks in being a contestant, but she didn’t think one of them would be falling in love.
~Excerpt~
A lethal injection looms in my future. During the first few months, public opinion was evenly divided: fifty percent believed I murdered my husband and daughter, fifty percent thought I had nothing to do with their disappearance. But of course, that was before the media began their relentless invasion into my story and my past. I broke a boy’s ribs with a baseball bat when I was a high school student in Japan. We had been at a party, and he had tried to rape me, or at the very least put his hands where they did not belong. I defended myself. No charges have ever been filed. Then the media learned about Carl, and the affair. Eventually, they found out about the man I was seeing back in my early twenties when I was living with my mother and step-father in China. I was the last person to see him alive. He disappeared. By the time he was legally declared dead, I was safely back in the United States. Public opinion turned. I was guilty. What had been a regional story spread like wildfire throughout America. Nightly media feeds would focus on the continuing investigation and the evidence mounting — against me of course. Then came the leak of the mental health expert’s findings. Of course, this only added to the frenzy. Hired by the prosecutors — without examining me in person — he concluded I had the capacity to shield myself from normal feelings. So I could kill someone, and live with it. It was just a matter of time before they finally arrested me. I’ve been in this cell for the past six months, getting out only for an occasional visit with my lawyer in the interview room, to make a few brief appearances in court, and for my daily hour alone in the exercise yard. No one wants another inmate to kill me before the trial. I sit on a narrow bed with a thin, smelly mattress in a ten-square-foot cell, with a camera trained on me from outside the steel bars twenty-four hours a day. When I’m in the courthouse, the guards let me put on business attire; otherwise, I wear orange jumpsuits. I tell the guards they’re tight around my hips. They joke that the custom-fitted jumpsuits will be delivered shortly. I’m guessing I should feel depressed or anxious or just plain terrified. Mostly, I just feel numb. It’s so hard sometimes to stay strong and be optimistic. I close my eyes and see my daughter’s face on the day when she and I were last together. Still a toddler, she was learning to wobble about the house, laughing, her eyes blue and bright, smiling, always smiling at me. Her face haunts me in my dreams. Fortunately, I enjoy reading, because there’s not much else to do. Although I never had much interest in science before this all began, nowadays I’m drawn to articles about biology and physics and astronomy. In a magazine recently, I read how human beings can never actually perceive the real world. Instead, the real world enters our senses and is translated by our brains in ways evolution dictated would be best for our survival. The reality that we believe exists is actually just a simulation created by our own minds. We can never comprehend the true nature of the universe, because our brains get in the way. I think about that now, sitting in my prison cell, awaiting trial. I wonder if, somehow, some way, none of this is real. I sometimes wish that what my mind perceives as reality is completely wrong, and that some of the things I have done or seen never happened at all.
~About the Author~
Richard L. Becker graduated from Lehigh University and Yale Law School, and currently practices family law and writes fiction in Kansas. Richard’s fiction ranges from dark comedies to supernatural horror, from historic fiction to erotic thrillers. His work has been published by Midnight Frost Books.
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