Spotlight – Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Carmen Falcone, Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

Now we’re going to take another look at Carmen Falcone’s oh-so-sexy Brazilian Tycoon … I think the cover says it all 🙂

*****

Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

by Carmen Falcone

Publication Date: August 18th

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Passion was never in the bargain

Addison Reed lost her fiancé, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect his legacy. When the gorgeous and arrogant landowner, Brazilian billionaire Bruno Duarte, who is thwarting her at every turn, refuses to meet with her, she puts her plan into action.

He will listen to her

Bruno’s plan was simple: return to Brazil and marry to fulfill his father’s dying wish. But when his engagement crumbles, and he’s then stranded with an idealistic woman hell-bent on saving a tribe of people on his land, he sees the perfect solution. If his feisty and passionate abductor agrees to a bogus marriage, he’ll relocate the tribe.

With the Brazilian heat rivaling the growing heat of their desire, will Bruno and Addison abandon their respective plans and give in to each other, or will their differences tear them apart?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

He watched his homeland through the tinted windows. The dull drive from the airport, which started with cars flying by on the highway lined with run-down businesses, shifted to hectic traffic as they drove into the bustling beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. The driver took the long way, and a slow, nostalgic smile spread across Bruno’s face.

Rio de Janeiro. The stretch of concrete slated between green mountains and the dark blue ocean. Modernity, nature, and beauty all in one place. It was early morning, and as they drove past the beaches, women dressed in small bikinis had already laid their towels and chairs on the white sand. Street vendors sold souvenir knickknacks and colorful embroidered sarongs to the tourists. But the organized chaos vanished from view when he contemplated the sun-dappled, inviting sea.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Addie said, looking over his shoulder.

“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” He turned to her and witnessed a sense of wonder in her eyes.

When she noticed his attention, she quickly shifted in her seat and shook her head. “I was actually talking about the amount of men wearing Speedos.”

He couldn’t avoid a hearty laugh. “It’s best to leave some mystery for the imagination.”

She stared at him. “Or in your case, a lot.”

He broadened his smile. “That’s quite bold for someone who claimed sex is out of the picture. But I’m flattered you’ve noticed.”

She cleared her throat. “I meant your…” She sighed. “I was talking about how mysterious you are.”

He forced his lips down in feigned disappointment, enjoying her uneasiness. “And here I thought you had a change of heart.”

She inhaled and shot him an unforgiving glance, then continued her annoying interview. “Do you come to Rio often?”

“I only came here once.”

“Really? That’s odd. Doesn’t your family live here?”

He squared his shoulders. “They do. But we used to live somewhere else.”

“Where?”

“That doesn’t concern you.” Talking to her was like opening a highly infected virus file and hoping not to lose data.

She shook her head. “So you say. If we are married, aren’t we supposed to know everything about each other?”

“What is it with women and this obsession for knowing everything?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Thirst for knowledge?”

“Then I’ll have to leave you dry.”

“You’re no fun.” She stuck out her tongue.

Oh, the better ways he could use her tongue. “I could show you how much fun I am.”

“Trying to trick me with sex? This does feel like a real marriage.”

So did her habit of disarming him with her sense of humor.

It was his turn to smile. This woman was dangerous.

And he liked it.

Oh, he liked it.

*****

Author Info:

Carmen Falcone learned at an early age that fantasizing about fictional characters beats doing math homework any day. Brazilian by birth and traveler by nature, she moved to Central Texas after college and met her broody Swiss husband—living proof that opposites attract. She found in writing her deepest passion and the best excuse to avoid the healthy lifestyle everyone keeps talking about. When she’s not lost in the world of romance, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, being walked by her three crazy pugs, reading, catching up with friends, and chatting with random people in the checkout line.

She loves to procrastinate, so please indulge her and drop her a line at carmenauthor@yahoo.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354145/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Spotlight – Captured by a Laird

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Captured by a Laird, Margaret Mallory, The Douglas Legacy series

It is going to be a busy morning, so let’s get started!

*****

Captured by a Laird
The Douglas Legacy #1
by Margaret Mallory
Historical Romance/ Highland Romance
September 15, 2014
319 Pages
Published by Amazon

Blurb:

THE DOUGLAS LEGACY

The Douglas sisters, beauties all, are valuable pawns in their family’s bitter struggle to control the Scottish Crown. But when powerful enemies threaten, each Douglas lass will find she must face them alone.

CAPTURED BY A LAIRD

Haunted by his father’s violent death, David Hume, the new laird of Wedderburn, sets out to make his name so feared that no one will dare harm his family again. The treacherous ally who played on his father’s weakness is dead and beyond David’s vengeance, but his castle and young widow are ripe for the taking. The moment David lays eyes on the dark-haired beauty defending her wee daughters, however, he knows this frail-looking lass is the one person who could bring him to his knees.

Wed at thirteen to a man who tried daily to break her spirit, Lady Alison Douglas is looking forward to a long widowhood. But when the fearsome warrior known as the Beast of Wedderburn storms her gates, she finds herself, once again, forced to wed a stranger. Alison is only a pawn to serve his vengeance, so why does this dark warrior arouse such fiery passion and an unwelcome longing in her heart?

With death and danger looming, these two wounded souls must learn to trust each other . . . for only love can save them.

AMAZON KINDLE US | AMAZON KINDLE CA | AMAZON KINDLE UK

Itunes | Kobo | GOODREADS | SHELFARI

*****

Excerpt:

David strode through the battle raging between his men and the castle defenders in the courtyard and headed straight for the keep, intent on his goal.

The castle would fall quickly. The defenders lacked leadership and were in disarray. His only concern was whether the castle had a secret tunnel for escape.

During the siege, he had spread his men out through the fields surrounding the fortress to keep watch. But he had concentrated his forces for the attack and most were now inside the castle. If there was a tunnel, he must secure the widow and her daughters before they had a chance to escape. He did not relish the idea of having to chase them down through the fields with dogs.

The defenders had foolishly waited too long to withdraw to the keep, and most were caught in the courtyard when David’s men burst through the gate. He barely spared them a glance as he ran up the steps of the keep.

With several of his warriors at his back, he burst through the doors brandishing his sword. He paused inside the entrance to hall. Women and children were screaming, and the few Blackadder warriors who had made it inside were overturning tables in a useless attempt to set up a defense.

“If ye hope for mercy, drop your weapons,” David shouted, making his voice heard above the chaos.

He locked gazes with the men who hesitated to obey his order until every weapon clanked to the floor, then he swept his gaze over the women. Their clothing confirmed what he’d known the moment he entered the hall.

Blackadder’s widow was not in the room.

“Where is she?” he demanded of the closest Blackadder man.

“Who, m’lord?” the man said, shifting his gaze to the side.

“Your mistress!” David picked him up by the front of his tunic and leaned in close. “Tell me now.”

“In her bedchamber,” the man squeaked, pointing to an arched doorway. “’Tis up the stairs.”

David caught a sudden whiff of urine and dropped the man to the floor in disgust. The wretch had wet himself.

“Take him to the dungeon,” he ordered. The coward had given up his mistress far too easily.

David started up the wheeled stairs to the upper floors with his sword at the ready. He expected to encounter Blackadder warriors, protecting the lady of the castle. But there were none on the stairs and none guarding the door on the first floor.

Damn it. She must have escaped. He gritted his teeth as he envisioned the lady’s guards leading her through the tunnel.

He was about to open the chamber door to make sure it was empty when Brian, one of his best men, came down the stairs.

“Laird, I checked all the chambers while ye were in the hall,” he said.
David’s jaw ached from clenching it.

“There’s one door on the floor just above us that wouldn’t open with the latch,” Brian said. “Shall I break it down?”

David waved him aside and pulled the ax from his belt as he raced up the stairs.

“Open it!” he shouted and pounded on the door.

He did not wait. She could be escaping through a secret door this very moment. Three hard whacks with his ax, and the door split. He kicked it until it swung open, then stepped through.

At his first sight of the woman, his feet became fixed to the floor. He felt strange, and his vision was distorted, as if as if he had swallowed a magical potion that narrowed his sight. He could see nothing in the room but her.

She was extraordinarily lovely, with violet eyes, pale skin, and shining black hair. But there was something about her, something beyond her beauty, that held him captive. She was young, much younger than he expected, and her features and form were delicate, in marked contrast to the violent emotion in her eyes.

David knew to the depths of his soul that a brute like him should not be the man to claim this fragile flower, even while the word mine beat in his head like a drum. He had no notion of how long he stood staring at her before he became aware that she held a sword. It was longer still before he noticed the two wee lasses peeking out from behind her like frightened kittens.

Anger boiled up in his chest. Every Blackadder man in the castle who could still draw breath should have been here, standing between him and their lady. Instead, she faced him alone with a sword she could barely lift with both hands.

It was a brave, but ridiculous gesture.

There was no defense against him.

*****

Author Info:

MARGARET MALLORY surprised her friends & family by abandoning her legal career to write tales of romance & adventure. At long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad & rewarding the worthy–in the pages of her novels.

Margaret lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, goofy dog & crabby cat. With her two children off to college, Margaret spends most of her time working on her next Scottish historical romance. Visit her website for Book Group Discussion Questions, photos of Scotland, excerpts, & other info. Margaret loves to hear from readers!

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | WEBSITE/BLOG

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

*****

Celebrate the Captured by A Laird Release Party tonight, September 15 7-10PM EST on Facebook

Spotlight – The Lone Sheriff

11 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Lynna Banning, The Lone Sheriff

Now Lynna Banning delivers up a sexy lawman for those Old West junkies out there …

*****

The Lone Sheriff

by Lynna Banning

Harlequin Western historical ~ 75k words

Blurb:

As if tracking down train robbers isn’t enough, now Sheriff Jericho Silver’s backup detective is a gun-toting, head-turning beauty who sure spells trouble.

Madison O’Donnell had the perfect life—a beautiful home and all the ladies
luncheons she could stomach—but it left her bored to tears. Now the determined widow fills her days with daring deeds and wild adventures, including working with Jericho. But he insists on her returning to the city where she belongs and finds she is one lady who refuses to take no for an answer.

Buy links: Amazon | B&N | Harlequin Romance

*****

Excerpt:
None of them looked remotely like a Pinkerton man. A Pinkerton agent would no doubt be wearing a proper suit. But the only male who looked the least bit citified was Ike Bruhn, home from his honeymoon with his new bride.
Sandy jiggled at his side. “Ya see ’im?”
“Nope,” Jerico grunted.
“Maybe he missed the train,” his deputy suggested.
“Naw, must be here somewhere. Look for a gent in a gray suit.” Pinkerton men always wore grey to blend in with crowds. He scanned the thronged station platform again.
“Check inside, Sandy. Maybe he slipped past me.”
His deputy jogged off and Jericho perused the crowd a third time. Nothing. Maybe Mr. Detective had chickened out at the prospect of fingering an elusive outlaw gang that was robbing trains. He narrowed his eyes and turned to check the station once more when someone stumbled smack into him.
“Oh, I am terribly sorry.” An extremely pretty young woman carrying a green-striped parasol gazed up at him. Her voice sounded like rich whiskey sliding over smooth river stones and for a moment Jericho forgot what he’d come for. She only came up to his shoulder and on her dark, piled-up hair sat the most ridiculous concoction of feathers and stuffed birds he’d ever laid eyes on.
He sucked in a breath to apologize, then wished he hadn’t. Goddam she smelled good. Soap and something flowery.
Made his head swim.
He stepped back. “’Scuse me, ma’am.”
She waved a gloved hand and peered at his chest. “Oh, you are the sheriff.”
“Yeah, I am.”
She smiled and his mouth went dry. “You are just the man I want to see.”
Jericho swallowed. “You have a problem?”
“Oh, no.” She twirled her parasol. “You have the problem. I have come to help.” She waited, an expectant look on her face.
“Help?” Jerico echoed.
“Of course.” The whiskey in her voice was now sliding over some pointy rocks. “I am Madison O’Donnell. The Smoke River Bank hired me to help catch the gang robbing their gold shipments.”
Jericho stared at her.
“I believe you were expecting me?”
He snapped his jaw shut. He sure as hell wasn’t expecting her. The last thing he’d expected was this frilly-looking female with her ridiculous hat. In her green-striped dress and twirling her parasol like that she made him think of a dish of cool mint ice cream.
“Whatever is the matter, Sheriff? You have gone quite pale? Are you ill?”
He jerked at the question. Not ill, just gutshot. “Uh, yeah. I mean No, I’m not ill. Just . . . surprised.”
She lowered her voice. “Most Pinkerton clients are surprised when they meet me. It will pass.”
Hell no, it won’t.
Madison O’Donnell picked up her travel bag. “Shall we go?”
Not on your life. “Uh, my deputy’s inside the station house. ’Scuse me, ma’am.” He strode past her without looking back. Inside, he found Sandy talking to the ticket seller.
“Charlie says nobody’s come in except the two Weatherby women. You want me to hang around and – ?”

*****

Author Info:

Lynna Banning combines a lifelong love of history and literature into a satisfying career as a writer. Born in Oregon, she has lived in Northern California most of her life. After graduating from Scripps College she embarked on a career as an editor and technical writer, and later as a high school English teacher.

An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on psaltery and harp in a medieval music ensemble, and she also plays cortholt, recorders, and tar (drum). She enjoys hearing from her readers. You may write to her directly at P.O. Box 324, Felton, CA 95018, USA, or at carowoolston@att.net. Visit Lynna’s website at www.lynnabanning.net.

*****

Giveaway:

Seven(7) copies of The Lone Sheriff…Seven(7) lucky winners

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c7458f4343/

Spotlight – Through His Touch

04 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Deborah Camp, Mind's Eye series, Through His Touch

I’m so pleased to share the follow up book to Deborah Camp’s Through His Eyes. Make sure you check out the heartbreaking sneak peek …

*****

Through His Touch

A Mind’s Eye Novel Book Two

by Deborah Camp

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Paranormal

Number of pages: 321 pages

Word Count: 87,862

Cover Artist: Cover to Cover Designs

Blurb:

Psychic Trudy Tucker would love . . .

. . . to breach Levi Wolfe’s defenses and show him that his heart has nothing to fear from her.

Psychic Levi Wolf would love . . .

. . . to protect Trudy’s gentle heart by keeping her away from his dark, treacherous past.

But is love enough when someone with a heart full of hate has chosen Trudy as the next one to die?

Through His Touch

Will his touch claim her or kill her?

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/fy4YeGpmC9Q

What Readers Have to Say About Deborah’s Book

Too Tough to Tame

“THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK.”
The book is funny and touching. I have read this book over 50 times already and I never get tired of it. Tess is so cute while Storm is strong and loving. They made a great couple. — Amazon review from Snowstar

“Through His Eyes” 5 star Amazon Review….

“This book is amazing, Deborah Camp has written one heck of a sexy thriller! How can you go wrong with two sexy psychics and a serial killer? Levi and Trudy both have abilities, Levi can talk to the departed and Trudy can see right into a killer’s mind. The question is how far can he see back into hers? Follow these two as they scorch the pages in the bedroom and the high octane roads it takes to catch the killer before Trudy is the next one on his list. These two are so hot, I thought I was going to have flames shoot out of my Tablet. That little hook at the end will have you waiting as impatiently as I am for the next Deborah Camp Novel.”– Lia Hearn

Cheyenne’s Shadow

“ONE OF THE BEST!”
One of the best romance novels I have ever read. There is excitement, sadness, and passion in this book. I know I have read this book at least five times since I bought it.
— Amazon review by S. Ceballos

A Tough Man’s Woman

“FIVE STARS!”
I really enjoyed this book as it was one that kept you guessing most of the time.
— Amazon review from Phyl

Lonewolf’s Woman

“WONDERFUL STORY!”
Ah, fascinating to the last drop (or page). Highly recommended. Surely, a keeper!
— Amazon review from M. Hartmann

Black-eyed Susan

“FIVE STARS!”
I found it hard to put down. It made me realize how things were in those years (long before I was born). I looked for more books by the same author.
— Amazon review from C. Schmidt

*****

Excerpt:

Levi crossed his arms and tucked his hands in his armpits in a stance that was clearly defensive. “With all of that shit going on, no wonder I dreamed of the box again. I haven’t had a nightmare about that place in a long time.”

“What’s the box?” Trudy watched with growing concern as his face tightened, jaw muscles flexed, and his eyes clouded with turbulent memories.

“A root cellar. A small place. Standing up, you could extend your arms out from your sides and touch the walls. It was cool and damned cold in there at night.”

“Where was this?”

“The Missouri Ozarks. Out in the wilds. It was a school set up on an abandoned farm property. They’d turned the farmhouse into a dormitory and the barn into a school.” He made a scoffing sound. “Not that they provided much of an education. Mostly, we read and memorized the Bible. There were classes in literature, English, math, a little science and geography here and there, but that was about it.”

“How old were you when you went there?”

“Nine. When I arrived I had just turned nine. I left when I was almost eleven to go to a school in Wyoming.”

“Nine.” She took up her own defensive stance, hunching her shoulders and rubbing her hands up and down her arms. Thinking of him as a nine-year-old being carted off to a place where he was schooled in a barn made her skin break out in gooseflesh. “I don’t know how your parents could send their little boy away like that.”

He gave an indolent shrug that she didn’t buy for one second. “They were trying to chase the devil out of me.”

“Idiotic,” she murmured.

“They put us in the box when we were bad.” One corner of his mouth lifted fractionally.

“And I was bad. Bad to the bone.”

“What do you do that was so terrible?” She couldn’t imagine any sane reason to put a child down into a hole.

“I refused to say that my father was right and that I was a liar.”

“About your psychic abilities,” she clarified. “So, it was a religious thing with your parents? They truly felt that your abilities were a sign of evil . . . of the devil?”

“That’s what my father thought . . . or that’s his story and he’s sticking to it.” A quick, half-smile flitted across his lips. “He’s an intelligent man, so I’ve always believed that he’s mainly intimidated by my abilities. He’s a classic narcissist. Therefore, it must be impossible for him to think that I can do things he can’t. As for my mother?” He gazed up at the stars and violet shadows caressed his achingly handsome face. “I don’t know. She probably wished I’d just tell my father what he wanted to hear and do what he said to do. That’s what she did. She went along with whatever shit he shoveled out.”

She wanted to touch him. No, she wanted to hold him, but she stood still as her heart constricted with pain for him. She wanted to cry, but she knew he didn’t want her tears, so she swallowed the burning ball of emotion in her throat. He was talking and she was grateful, but what he was saying was difficult to hear. His upbringing had been a long nightmare from which he couldn’t awaken – and he was just scratching the surface. That’s what bothered her more than anything. His traumas ran deep. Soul deep.

“And the box?” she asked in a whisper. “How long did they keep children in there?”

“An hour at first. Then hours. I graduated to all day and then to all day and all night. The nights were the worst. It was cold in there and black as pitch. That’s when the rats would come out.”

Trudy couldn’t stop the shudder that shook her from head to toes. She cleared her throat.

“R-rats?”

“Big mother-fuckers. Of course, I was only a kid, so they seemed like they were the size of Volkswagens. I couldn’t see them, but I could hear them scurrying around and I could feel them. They’d run across my feet. One of them jumped on my shoulder and bit my neck. I screamed and screamed. Screamed my fucking lungs out that night.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. “That’s why my voice is husky. I damaged my vocal chords. I couldn’t talk above a whisper for a couple of months after that and my voice never fully recovered.”

“I love your voice,” she said, the declaration lifting from her heart onto her lips.

“Really?” He shook his head and sent her a baffled grin. “I think I sound like a bad actor doing a commercial for sore throat lozenges.”

She shook her head and decided to allow her heart to keep talking. “Your voice matches the rest of you. Sexy as hell.”

His arms slipped down his body and his shoulders lost some of their stiffness. He held out a hand to her. “Come here, you.”

*****

Author Info:

Author of more than 40 novels, Deborah lives in Oklahoma. She has been a full-time writer since she graduated from the University of Tulsa. Her background as a reporter for newspapers helped her to write fast and enjoy research. After she sold her first few books, she quit newspaper work to become a freelance writer and novelist.

Deborah’s first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, and Avon. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild. She was the first recipient of the Janet Dailey Award.

Through His Eyes (April, 2014) is her first romantic suspense book. It has paranormal elements and is erotic. It’s the first book in the Mind’s Eye series.
Through His Touch (September, 2014) is the second book in the Mind’s Eye series featuring psychic detectives Trudy Tucker and Levi Wolfe.

Lover of the west and the people who tried to tame it, Deborah likes to write about strong, independent women and the men who are their equals. She grew up on a diet of TV westerns which have served her well. Living in Oklahoma has also been a godsend. Since she appreciates men with devilish twinkles in their eyes, she likes to mix laughter in with the love scenes in her books.

Also widely published in non-fiction, she and writes and edits for a magazine focused on small businesses. Deborah taught fiction writing for more than 10 years at a community college. She has been a guest speaker at numerous writers’ conferences, including Romance Writers of America (RWA), Writers, Inc., and the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. She has served as a judge in numerous writing contests throughout the United States and has judged manuscripts in RWA’s Golden Heart Awards and RITA Awards. She is currently working on her next historical romance set in the wild, wonderful west.

In 2012 her books were re-issued on Amazon for Kindle Direct and have attracted tens of thousands of new fans. Her books have made the Amazon bestseller list and “Too Tough To Tame” hit the #1 historical romance spot for Kindle Readers.

Website: www.deborah-camp.com

Blog: www.deborahcampwritersdesk.blogspot.com

Pinteret: http://www.pinterest.com/debbycamp44/

Twiter: https://twitter.com/DeboKabaski

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdeborahcamp

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/198990.Deborah_Camp

*****

Giveaway:

10 – $20 Amazon gift cards

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc760/

*****

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Spotlight – Hot and Cold

03 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Amelia Swan, Hot and Cold

Ooooh, time to meet “Hot Hockey Dad” …

*****

Hot and Cold

by Amelia Swan

Blurb:

When figure skating coach Jill Davis, locked eyes with “Hot Hockey Dad”, she’s convinced that the well-dressed, impossibly handsome man just caught her and her friend staring at him. When he pulls her aside in the rink’s snack bar and introduces himself as Jeremy Rosario, Jill knows there was more to the look they shared from across the ice surface than she initially thought.

It quickly becomes clear that Jill and Jeremy have serious chemistry, but will that be enough to get them past the trouble that Jeremy’s ex-wife stirs up? As she is trying to navigate her new relationship, Jill is preparing her most talented student for her first regional competition while the girl’s mom does her best to thwart the young coach at every turn

*****

Excerpt:

“Well, then you’ll just have to show them you can. I mean-” Molly stopped herself mid-sentence, her big blue eyes widening as she spotted something across the rink.

I looked in the direction of whatever had caught her interest. “What’s up, Moll?”

She turned to me, her full cherub cheeks red from the cold and from excitement. “Hot Hockey Dad, straight ahead.”

My eyes widened as I searched the snack bar area outside of the rink for the man Molly and I had been lusting after for months. He was leaning up against the painted brick wall of the snack bar, watching our figure skating girls twirl and glide about. I would never get over how hot he was. His warm, olive-toned skin was complemented by close-cropped, jet black hair and emerald green eyes. Despite the fact I’d never seen him wear anything other than a suit, I could tell his tall, broad frame was covered with a patchwork of well-defined muscles. Muscles that strained ever so slightly against the fabric of his suits. He always looked so dapper. So well put-together. So damn sexy. And there was something undeniably charming about the fact he never seemed to miss his son’s practices or games. Oh, and he never wore a wedding ring.

“You’re staring, ladies,” Evan, another coach and friend of ours, said with a smile as he skated by, trailing one of his students while she stroked around the rink. If he wasn’t in the middle of a lesson, Evan would be leaning up against the boards and staring with us.

I turned to look at Molly. “He’s right, you know – we’re like school girls with this crush.”

Molly, on the other hand, didn’t avert her gaze. “He’s just so…so…” She tried to find the right words to describe Hot Hockey Dad as she ran her fingers through her platinum blonde ponytail, primping for his benefit, hoping he’d finally notice her after months of pining for him from afar.

Knowing Katie had three more laps to complete and didn’t need my full attention, I looked back over at the object of our admiration. “Hot. So incredibly, out-of-this-world hot.”

We sighed in unison, lost in a haze of lust as we eyed Hot Hockey Dad from across the ice and through the rink’s expansive glass doors. I watched as his impossibly bright green eyes scanned the rink, paying attention to no one person or thing in particular…until they landed on me. My breath hitched as his gaze lingered on my body, returning my blatant stare with one of his own. His eyes narrowed as he studied me, one side of his mouth curling up into the most seductive smile I’d ever seen.

*****

Author Info:

Amelia Swan writes contemporary, erotic, and new adult romance. She’s interested in characters that are smart, sincere, and somewhat artistically inclined. All of her heroines are girls she could totally see herself being friends with. Reader Email: Amelia@ameliaswan.com

https://www.ameliaswan.com/

https://twitter.com/byameliaswan

https://www.facebook.com/people/Amelia-Swan/100008365479767

*****

Spotlight – Promises Under the Peach Tree

02 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Joanne Rock, Promises Under the Peach Tree

Now we get a look at Joanne Rock’s newest sweet romance, with a sneak peek and a fantastic giveaway.

*****

Promises Under the Peach Tree

By Joanne Rock

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 2 September 2014

Blurb:

The trouble with Heartache

Nina Spencer swore she was done with Heartache, Tennessee, when she left the town—and her sexy ex, Mack—in her rearview mirror. But when her bakery business is rocked by scandal, she needs a place to regroup. What she doesn’t need is Mack Finley reminding her of peach-flavored kisses and the hold he still has on her.

Mack never forgot Nina—not that he didn’t try. Yet between caring for his family and organizing the annual Harvest Fest, he’s overwhelmed and he needs Nina’s help. They can work together without getting swept up in memories and the rush of brand-new passion…right?

You can find Promises Under the Peach Tree on Goodreads

You can buy Promises Under the Peach Tree here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Books A Million
– IndieBound
– iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

“I know you’re not sure about the Harvest Fest, Nina, but can’t we move forward…as friends?”

She didn’t look at him for a long moment, her attention fixed on some peeling paint on a low windowsill of the barn.

“It’s a nice idea,” she said finally. “But that’s a lot of layers of hurt, Mack.”

For him, too. Not that he was going to say it so many words. She ought to know better than anyone.

“How does the saying go—shoot for the moon and you’ll still hit some stars? We could at least make a stab at forgiving each other.”

“I’d like that,” she said finally, tucking her fidgeting hands into the pockets of loose jean cutoffs. “I’ll try doing some of the baking for the Harvest Fest and we’ll see what happens. I’m here, so I might as well be involved. Besides, it will be good for me to get back to work.”

He was relieved she’d agreed, but her practical reasons surprised him. Nina had changed more than he realized; some of her passionate impulsiveness had been tempered.

“That’s great.” Normally, he’d shake hands to seal a deal, but since he couldn’t risk touching her after what had happened the last time, he ended up jamming his fists into his pockets, too. “I’m really glad. There’s a festival meeting today at three in the town hall if you want to go.”

“I’ll try, but I have to supervise the movers. How about I copy off your notes instead?” She arched an eyebrow at him before heading into the shadows of the barn. “Just like in high school.”

“Suit yourself. If I could copy off someone else’s notes, believe me, I’d ditch this committee gathering, too. But if you’re not going to be there, you should set up some appointments to talk to some of the local restaurant owners to see how they can contribute.” He followed her into the cool, musty depths of the barn. “I’m supposed to be meeting a couple of guys here who will be picking up the wagons. We can pull them out when they get here.”

“Okay.” She stalked to the back of one wagon, and leaned down to check a tire. “I just wanted to make sure there aren’t any flats. I’m sure there’s an air compressor here somewhere—”

“We’ll be fine.” As much as he wanted to patch up their relationship, he wasn’t ready to test it in the confines of a dark barn just yet.

He still saw that pink bra strap when he closed his eyes.

“Okay.” She straightened. “If anyone comes to the house I’ll send them back here.”

“The kid who cuts your grandmother’s grass is one of the people I’m expecting. Ethan Brady.”

“Right.” She snapped her fingers. “I met him this morning. He was going to pick peaches after he mowed the lawn, so I’m guessing he’s in the orchard.”

Peaches. Orchard.

Mack was right back on a blanket beneath the stars on a long, hot summer night. He closed his eyes to shut out the mental images of their first time together, but new images crowded with the old ones.

Nina’s throaty laugh. The pink strap. Her flushed cheeks when she remembered the day they’d fooled around in that little vacant apartment…

“Mack?” Her voice was close to his ear.

He opened his eyes. Shook his head.

“Are you okay?” She stood just a couple of feet away.

It was dark and hard to see in the barn, but she was close enough that he could smell the fragrance of her shampoo.

“I’m fine.” His voice was a heavy rasp of sound, his heart thudding in his chest. “Allergies,” he explained.

“From the hay.”

“Oh.” She stepped away, the delicate curve of her bare collarbone still close enough he could have cupped her shoulder there. “Maybe we should step out of the barn.”

“Good idea.” He stalked away from her toward the sunlight, needing to breathe air that didn’t carry a hint of her fragrance.

Or ripe fruit.

Had he really told her they should try to be friends? Damn, but coming home had messed with his head.

“Hey, isn’t that the boy you were looking for?” Nina stretched an arm out, pointing toward the south with one long, bare arm. “Ethan?”

Mack followed her gaze and saw a hint of a blue shirt between the trees in the orchard beyond the field.

“Probably.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll shoot him a text and remind him to meet me over here.”

She nodded absently, her eyes still on the figure in the distance.

“It’s been years since I picked peaches.” Her words hung in the air.

A gauntlet dropped.

His gaze went to hers, but her gray eyes gave away nothing. Did she realize she was killing him?

His fingers froze, hovering above the screen of his phone while he wrestled with how to respond to that.

But then, her eyes slid toward him. A sly smile curved her full lips. She turned on her heel and sauntered away.

Damn. Her.

This friendship thing was going to be the death of him.

*****

Author Info:

Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock never met a romance subgenre she didn’t enjoy. The author of over sixty romances from contemporary to medieval historical, Joanne dreams of one day penning a book for every Harlequin series. A former Golden Heart recipient, she has won numerous awards for her stories.

Learn more about Joanne’s imaginative Muse by visiting her online:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Pinterest
– Instagram
– Amazon page
– Google +
– Tumblr
– Youtube
– Joanne Rock’s Romance Wiki

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Promises Under the Peach Tree, with one US only and one international prize! These are the prizes you can win:

– Romance and More prize pack, which includes 4 classic blaze title by Joanne Rock, The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanovich, a keepsake vintage Harlequin notebook, sticky-note weekly calendar, lotion and nail polish (US only)

– Paperbacks from The Bookdepository of Shelter Me by Catherine Mann, Someone Like You by Karen Rock and Promises Under the Peach Tree by Joanne Rock (International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

This is my stop during the book blitz for Promises Under the Peach Tree by Joanne Rock. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 2 till 8 September, you can view the complete blitz schedule here.

Spotlight – Cade

01 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cade, Le Beau Series, V.A. Dold

We’re kicking off our week with a look at Cade … and it includes a sneak peek at the beginning of the book!

*****

Cade

Le Beau Series Book 1

by V.A. Dold

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Date of Publication: March 17 2014

ASIN: B00J1WTSE2

Number of pages: 239

Word Count: about 62,000

Cover Artist: Bookfabulous

Available at Amazon

Blurb:

Anna James is single again, finally. In her opinion, men are self-centered and will never love her for who she is, a beautiful, plus sized woman. All except the fantasy man that she’s been meeting in her dreams for five years.

She just never expected her fantasy to be a real live alpha shifter…

Cade Le Beau isn’t what he seems. He’s a billionaire wolf. A Shifter. He laments his missed chance six months ago to meet his fantasy woman in the flesh. Just as his second chance presents itself, his fantasy woman, his mate, is threatened by the local mob boss and her ex-husband. Now, he has forty eight hours to deal with this threat once and for all or chance losing her again.

Is it Anna who’s in danger, or the humans who unwittingly threaten her?

The heat is on the moment they lay eyes on each other. Neither, age, children, horrid ex-husbands, nor mob bosses will stop this love affair.

NOTE: Complete novel. No cliffhanger. Dual POV. Rated 18+ for language and strong sexual content. This is an adult paranormal romance with erotic content. The series centers on wolf shifters but also includes vampires, voodoo priestess, a Marine, and magic. These are stand alone books that create a series. They do not need to be read in order.

*****

Author Info:

V.A.Dold is the bestselling author of the Le Beau Brothers series, New Orleans wolf shifter novels. A graduate of Saint Cloud University, she majored in marketing. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a publicist to the authors, owning Innovative Online Book Tours and ARC Author & Reader Con’s (ARC NOLA) (ARC Phoenix). Still is. The companies mesh so well together, much like PB&J.

Her idea of absolute heaven is a day in the French Quarter filled with nothing but her computer, her coffee mug and the Brothers, of course.

A Minnesota native with her heart lost to Louisiana, she has a penchant for titillating tales featuring sexy men and strong women. When she’s not writing, she’s probably taking in a movie, reading or traveling.

Her earliest reading memories are from grade school. She had a major fixation with horses, and the Black Stallion was a favorite. Then junior high came along and teenage hormones kicked in. It became all about the Harlequin Romances. She has been hooked on romances ever since.

www.vadold.com

www.facebook.com/pages/VA-Dold/1404660546458551

@VADOLD

*****

Excerpt:

Prologue- The Plan

“Emma, we need to take matters into our own hands or they’ll never find their mates.” Isaac Le Beau set his snifter down before he crushed the glass in frustration. “We have seven virile, grown sons, who after two hundred years haven’t found their mates. If we don’t step in and give a hand to the wolf-goddess Luperca, our sons may spend their lives alone, without children to raise and without their other half to love. Dang it, I want some grandchildren, while I’m still young enough to enjoy them.”

He slowly raised his head and gazed at the love of his life, Emma. She was a unique blend of Romanian gypsy heritage and a very powerful voodoo priestess. Even after two centuries her exotic sparkling dark eyes and compact killer soft curves left him breathless. Some would classify her as a big, beautiful woman. He called her ‘sex on a stick‘. He swore she controlled every beat of his heart.

The warmth and agreement in those mesmerizing eyes silently prompted him to continue.

“Would you do your high-priestess voodoo thing and ask the spirits to identify their mates? With some influence we could bring them together, so they can recognize them on their own. I don’t want to force a meeting. Simply provide the opportunity. How about it, will you give it a try?” Isaac asked.

He knew Emma wouldn’t deny him. “Of course, I’ll perform the ritual, but I can’t give you any guarantees. All I can do is try. If we are truly blessed, Luperca will appear to me and give this endeavor her approval. I want our sons happy and I’d love to have a dozen grandchildren running around the house, too.”

Isaac opened his arms wide, inviting Emma to slide onto his lap. He buried his face into her hair breathing in her unique scent. The familiar fragrance calmed him like nothing else. He was confident everything would change for his sons very soon. He could hardly wait for each of them to meet their one true mate. No wolf should go fourteen hundred years alone.

Two weeks later, they enjoyed the cool breeze that came off the river, flowing through the open windows. A secret little smile lit up Emma’s entire face and her fingers tapped a tune on her cut crystal wine glass. He knew that expression well.

“Out with it, Emma,” Isaac said with a grin of his own. “What is it you’re dying to tell me?” He waited patiently for her to tell him her grand news.

Emma actually bounced in her seat. “I received answers from the goddess.” She clapped her hands excitedly. “Cade’s mate is in New Orleans right now. Her name is Anna James. The goddess said she has had many unhappy years, but is now open to finding her one true love. Isn’t that fantastic? Two days from now she is destined to be in Jackson Square and then stop to eat lunch at Crescent City Brewhouse. She’ll be in the bar around eleven-thirty. As for the rest of the boys, the goddess said we must have patience. She’ll grant me visions in my dreams or come to me for each of them when the time is right.”

A surge of excited energy rushed through him as a hundred butterflies took up residence in his stomach. This must be what it felt like to win the lottery he thought. “We’ll have to move fast. We need to think of a way to get Cade there at the right time.”

“Maybe we can come up with a way to use Jackson square? Cade sits there so often it might be an option?” Emma offered.

“Maybe.”

He rubbed his chin, forehead crinkled in deep thought. “First we need to get him out of his home office and into the French Quarter. The bank called yesterday about a restaurant up for sale. I’ll have them schedule a meeting with Cade to review our investments and recommend this new opportunity.” He tapped his chin as the plan took shape, mumbling as he worked it out. He stood and paced across the room, prowled like the animal he was. He couldn’t think properly sitting down.

As he strode back and forth, he noted she had settled into an easy chair to watch him.

“That’ll get him to the city,” he thought aloud as he continued to tap his finger on his chin. “You’re right about his constant people watching, I’m sure he’ll take a walk and perhaps sit a while. A possibility.” Isaac cupped his jaw in his hand and rubbed the coarse stubble.

A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. “I’ve got it! I’ll ask him to meet me for lunch at Crescent City at eleven-thirty. Richie tends the bar, he’ll know the mating signs. When Cade arrives, goddess willing, he will sense his mate. I’ll have Richie tell him I won’t be able to make it. If I’m not there for lunch he will be free to spend time with her.”

Smile broadening, he folded his arms across his chest and nodded. They had a solid plan. In less than a week he could have his first daughter-in-law. Isaac settled into his leather captain’s chair. “I’ll arrange everything with Richie.” He felt two hundred years younger, like the bold robust young man who had swept his mate off her feet. By the wistful expression Emma wore, he must look it, too.

As he sipped his rich, sweet cognac, he imagined a baby in Emma’s lap, sleeping peacefully while a toddler played with blocks on the floor. His sigh brought her attention to him with a raised brow. She would laugh if she knew what he was dreaming.

A smile continued to pull at his lips. He couldn’t help it. He was very pleased with his little romance ambush, positive it would be successful. Cade was in for a wonderful surprise in two days’ time.

“Now that we have the plan, what do you think she will be like? Did the goddess give you any hints?”

She laughed. “No, you silly man, the goddess doesn’t have time for things like that.”

“You know he has always favored curvy women. I sure hope she isn’t skinny, he might not even look at her if she is.” A little shiver ran through him. “Remember the gal he dated who looked a lot like you? She was a plus sized beauty. Cade never said anything, but Marcus drove him crazy with that ‘Oedipus’ nickname.” He laughed as he recalled the antics of the boys.

“You’re right, he does like a woman with meat on her bones. All the boys do.”

*****

Schedule:

August 18 Guest blog

Amiabooklover

http://www.amiabooklover.blogspot.com

August 19 Spotlight

Deb Sanders

http://DebSanders.com

August 19 Spotlight

Houston Havens

http://houstonhavens.wordpress.com

August 20 Interview

Pembroke Sinclair.

www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com

August 21 Spotlight

Deal Sharing Aunt

www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

August 22 Interview

Darkest Cravings

www.darkestcravings.blogspot.com

August 25 Interview and review

Dark Side of Romance

http://www.darksideofromance.com

August 26 Spotlight

Inner Goddess

Http://www.InnerGoddessForum.com

August 27 Character Interview

Anya Breton Author’s Blog

http://blog.anyabreton.com

August 28 Review

Emma Weylin

http://emmaweylin.com/

August 29 Guest Post

Mythical Books

http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

September 1 Guest blog

Romantic Reads and Such

https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

September 2 Spotlight and review

Crazy Four Books

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

September 2 Spotlight

Share My Destiny

http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com

September 3 Spotlight

Sexy Reads

http://sexyreads.blogspot.com

September 3 Spotlight

All I Want and More Books

http://alliwantandmorebooks.wordpress.com/

September 4 Spotlight and review

Sister Sinister Speaks

http://sistersinisterspeaks.blogspot.com/

September 5 Spotlight

Melissa Stevens

Http://melissastevens.us

September 8 Guest blog

KayDee’s Place

http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com

September 9 Interview

Love In Every Page

http://loveineverypage.weebly.com/

September 10 Interview

Diane’s Book Blog

http://dianes-book.blogspot.com

September 11 review

Shut Up & Read

http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/

September 12 Spotlight and review

Penny For Them…

http://pennyforthemuk.com/search/label/tour

September 15 Interview

A Night’s Dream of Books

http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com/

September 15 Review

Booklover Sue

http://bookloversue.blogspot.com

*****

Spotlight – Taking Control

22 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Jen Frederick, Kerr Chronicles series, Taking Control

We’re going to finish out the week with a look at Jen Frederick’s sexy hero Ian Kerr in book 2 of the Kerr Chronicles, Taking Control.

(BTW, I’ve got some empty days in my schedule next week so I’m going to skip the book reviews this weekend. But if you haven’t already, check out the archives … I’m sure you’ll find something fantastic to read!)

*****

Taking Control

by Jen Frederick

Release Date: September 8, 2014

Blurb:

The hotly anticipated sequel to Losing Control.

I thought I needed only one thing in my life–the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I’ve convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it–from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I’ll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria’s risking more than her heart to be with me; she’s risking her life.

Excerpt:

“I want us to get married. Soon. Do you want a big wedding?”

“Married? I mean, I guess I thought you were serious but I figured…I don’t know.” Her voice trails off.

“That my proposal of marriage was somehow insincere? I’ve never wanted anything more. I just didn’t want to pressure you because of all the emotional upheaval you’re experiencing now.” Rolling over so she can see me and judge the sincerity for herself, I declare, “I want you to be my wife. The mother of any children we have. My partner in life. I want that to happen now so that I can introduce you as Mrs. Ian Kerr.”

Her eyes close for a moment and beneath the lids, silent tears leak out. Her words, though, are classic. “Maybe you should take my name. You can be Ian Corielli and I’ll introduce you as Mr. Victoria Corielli.”

“As long as it means you’re mine in the eyes of the world, I’ll be Mr. John Smith.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and clings to me. This time the shudders I’m soothing are from maybe, possibly, hopefully joy for our future. “I’m okay with Victoria Kerr,” she chokes out. “You better give me a big rock and lots of flowers since you’re proposing to me while we’re naked.”

“I proposed to you when I first took you to the house on the Long Island Sound.”

“You didn’t propose. You said that you wanted me to be your wife and fill your big house with lots of little people.”

“That’s a proposal.”

“It was a demand.”

“It was a request couched as a demand.”

Her body is shaking with laughter. “You’ve been in charge for too long. That was no request.”

Pushing to my knees, I reach into the nightstand and retrieve the box I bought before Sophie died. Her eyes grow huge and her hands come up to the cover her mouth. I flip the box lid open, pluck the ring out and toss it aside.

Lifting her shaking hand in mine, I slide the ring down her finger.

“When I was fifteen I made a hundred different stupid vows. I’d avenge my mother. I’d rise to the top of Wall Street and smite everyone down. I’d crush Richard Howe beneath the sole of my boot. I’d win at everything. But I never wished for happiness because I didn’t know what it was until you came into my life. How could I want something I didn’t know was missing? Now, everything I’ve achieved pales in comparison to having you love me. When I say that you’re my heart, my everything, those aren’t just words. They are the only truth in my world. I’d give up money, revenge, success, as long as I could lie down next to you at night and wake up with your face beside mine.

There is no greater achievement in my life than having you fall in love with me and I recognize on some mysterious level that is pure luck. I need you to marry me and be my wife. I need you to be the mother of my children. I need you because without you I am nothing. I am a pile of bones and flesh filled with misery. You bring me to life. Love me, marry me, be with me in this life and into all the ones we live from this point ever after.”

“Well, since you put it like that, I guess I must.” She rises and kisses me. Our mouths sealing the promises we’ve made to another one another.

I make love to her again then, slowly. We barely move. I just slide in and we rock together and allow the strength of our emotions to carry us into the heaven.

Author Info:

Bestselling author Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://jenfrederick.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995972.Jen_Frederick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenFrederick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JensFred

Giveaway:

Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Gemstone Ring

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f21

Guest Post – Emerald Fire

20 Wednesday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Demon Heat series, Emerald Fire, Valerie Twombly

I’m so excited to welcome Valerie Twombly as she talks about what makes demons so hot and shares with us a sneak peek at her newest book, Emerald Fire.

*****

What makes demons so attractive?

Thanks for having me today. Since Emerald Fire is about demons, I thought I’d pose the question. What makes demons so attractive?

Well first off like any paranormal hero, they have sex appeal and in the case of my Demon Heat series, lots of it. Normally we imagine demons as ugly creatures with funky skin and odd protrusions all over their bodies. Of course there are those kind, but then we have the ones like in Emerald Fire.

The male demon is strong, oozes sex appeal and has a little of that bad boy in him. Let’s face it, we do love our bad boys and a demon can sometimes be unpredictable. They know what they want and usually are not afraid to go after it. Unless of course it’s the woman they love. That is the one thing that can scare a demon.

Some of my favorite demons are from Lords of the Underworld, by Gena Showalter. While not true demons they are possessed by them, which makes them even more delicious. Two personalities fighting with each other, yet they rely on each other.

I’d love to hear who your favorite demons are.

*****

Emerald Fire

Demon Heat Book 2

by Valerie Twombly

Genre: Paranormal Erotica

Publisher: Resplendence

Date of Publication: 7/2/14

ISBN: 978-1-60735-787-2

ASIN: B00LHCCQRA

Number of pages: 103

Word Count: 30K

Cover Artist: Les Byerley

Blurb:

Ever since Brock lost his mate and son in a tragic murder, he’s been unable to move on. When urged to go back home and bury his past, he never expected to meet Sarah. The demon is strong, sexy, and kind-hearted. Everything a man could want in a woman.

Sarah has longed to discover the mate who completes her and finds herself wondering about the demon who left the house next door shrouded in magic. After he appears in her camera lens, it’s an instant attraction and doesn’t take long to realize he belongs to her.

When Elias steps into the picture, Sarah must fight the urges he stirs inside her. She can’t believe fate has given her two mates. Now she is faced with a decision. Choose the one who promises nights of passion and undying love, or the other who can only offer her his broken heart.

Available at Amazon Resplendence and ARe

*****

Excerpt:

Sarah stood outside the house and watched while Brock unraveled the magic woven around it. The demon fidgeted and paced, and on more than one occasion, she worried he would run from her. She hoped, once inside, he would be able to find peace. Something in her gut told her his jitters were not all due to the opening of old wounds. She realized she actually made him nervous. When she’d caught him admiring her assets, she’d been anything but angry. His roving eyes had sent moisture between her thighs and a longing that nearly had her shoving him to the floor to sate her desire. Hot, inviting, he made her mouth water. She wondered if he tasted anything like the spicy cinnamon scent she inhaled every time she got near him and decided she needed to find out. Would it be in poor taste to seduce him when he was at his weakest? For some reason, she didn’t care, and that was really out of character for her.

“Sarah?”

She looked up and met his dark, brown eyes, noting a twinkle of mischief in them.

“Find something you like?” he chuckled.

Shit. She’d been caught staring at his ass. Well, it wasn’t her fault he filled out a pair of jeans like nobody’s business. Not to mention he was standing two steps up from her which put the muscular perfection right at eye level. She curled her lips upward. “As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, I did.” There, let him chew on that! She hoped he’d take it as a hint of her interest.

He tipped back his head in laughter. “Well, I guess I deserve that after I gawked at you.”

He pushed the door open, his features immediately schooled. Her heart ached for him and longed to see the sexy smile again. Her new goal was to get him through this and help him move on. She wanted to get to know the real Brock. The one who wasn’t in pain. “I’ll go first just to make sure it’s safe.” He slipped past the threshold and disappeared. Sarah remained on the first step, waiting for him to give her the all clear. Minutes later, he stuck his head out, his face ashen. “You can come in.”

She made her way up the remaining steps and through the doorway, not sure what she would find inside and half expecting her senses to be assaulted. She took in a deep breath and found the air to be crisp and clean. She must have had a puzzled look on her face.

“The spell kept everything out so there’s no mildew or mold,” he stated matter of fact.

She glanced around the spacious kitchen and felt as if she’d stepped back in time. The white porcelain refrigerator and gas range with its side storage compartment were state of the art for the period when the house had been previously occupied. Everything glistened as if freshly cleaned, waiting for the museum patrons to walk through the time capsule. She noticed Brock no longer stood next to her so she moved across the linoleum floor to the beige carpeted living room. She found him standing in the center, staring down at the floor.

“Brock?” She walked up and stood next to him. He didn’t respond and almost seemed to be mesmerized except that his hands balled into fists then released, only to repeat the process. Her heart fractured. Clearly, this was where he had found his mate. She reached out to touch him but hesitated unsure how he would respond. “Brock, maybe this wasn’t a good idea. I think we should leave.”

He lifted his head and glanced around the room. “No. I need to face my ghosts. I guess I wasn’t expecting it to be this difficult.” He ran his fingers through his short, blond hair. “Hell, I’m not really sure what I was expecting.”

It was heartbreaking to see him so vulnerable. This time, she didn’t stop herself from placing a hand on his arm.

“Is this where…?” She couldn’t finish the question without her voice giving away her emotions.

*****

Author Info:

As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

Web http://www.valerietwombly.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy

Twitter https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly

*****

Giveaway:

1 prize pack open to US shipping-containing:

1 ebook copy of Amazon Heat, Demon Heat #1

Signed copy of Eternal Flame, Guardians #1

Book Swag

$10 Amazon card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc735/

*****

Click on the banner below for check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Officer Next Door

19 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Lock and Key series, Officer Next Door, Ranae Rose

For our third and final post today, I’m super thrilled to get a chance to share with you Ranae Rose’s Officer Next Door. With a sexy prison guard hero, a spunky heroine and a good amount of danger, it’s an addictive page-turner. Make sure you check out the cute first-meet between the two, plus my review.

*****

Officer Next Door

by Ranae Rose

Publication Date: June 2, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Romance, Suspense

Blurb:

How can anyone resist temptation when it’s right next door?

Riley County North Carolina has a lot to offer: coastal views as far as the eye can see, and men in uniform who are even more gorgeous. Home to the most notorious prison in the state, Alicia’s new hometown is crawling with men who carry their own handcuffs and know how to use them – like Officer Liam Alexander, her one and only neighbor. After catching him out of uniform, she can’t resist pausing to enjoy the show. When Liam’s Southern charm drives him across the property line, life gets hotter than the Carolina summer could possibly account for. Unfortunately, there’s a dark side to life in the coastal haven, even with an officer next door.

Coordinating special events at a historic – and supposedly haunted – plantation is enough to have Alicia questioning her senses and her sanity, but the spirits of the past take a backseat to a pair of escaped convicts who blaze a trail of mayhem across Riley County. Not even the most intense chemistry can survive the perils that make a sunny seaside town a dangerous place to be after dark … can it?

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1k9xtFn
Nook: http://bit.ly/1tyFRkZ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1u45wiX
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1qNI0Ji

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

The rising sun burnt on the Carolina horizon like a jewel, causing the tidal mist to light up like it’d been set on fire. It was the most gorgeous thing Alicia had ever seen, besides her naked neighbor. The sight of him stripping down lit up the morning like nothing else could – not even the extra-bold, extra-large cup of coffee she clutched as she stared through her kitchen window.

Everything about him was extra-large, too. She, however, was anything but bold.

She’d die if he knew she’d been watching him like this for the past three weeks, ever since she’d moved in. Guilt surged through her system just like her daily caffeine infusion, but that didn’t keep her from enjoying the display, all that taut muscle and bare skin.

Not even close.

“Good Lord,” she sighed, to no one but herself. DC seemed faraway already; the big city had disappeared in her rearview mirror weeks ago to be replaced by real Southern heat and charm, two things her new neighbor radiated in spades.

Not that she’d spoken to him much yet.

There’d been the occasional hello when they glimpsed each other outside, usually coming to or from work. That was it, mostly because the sight of him in uniform had a way of leaving her tongue-tied, silenced by the guilty pleasure that struck her every time she looked in his direction. She couldn’t so much as glance at him without thinking about that uniform coming off in slow motion, revealing his perfect body.

Maybe it was his fault for not closing the bathroom blinds, the ones that hung over the window directly across from the shower.

Or maybe it was her fault for enjoying the striptease with her morning coffee day after day, saying nothing.

Either way, she wasn’t complaining. Close-cropped dark hair, sun-tanned skin stretched over a six foot frame of solid muscle and an ass that appeared to be sculpted from granite, not to mention the amazing view when his back wasn’t to her: the vision had been seared into her memory, and it stayed with her even after he slung a towel around his hips and strolled out of the bathroom, disappearing from her view.

That was her cue to gulp down the rest of her coffee and pull herself together before she rushed to the Wisteria Plantation House. She’d been hired there as the special events coordinator, had moved and reshaped her life around the new job, though as she drained her coffee mug, swallowing the bitter grit that swirled at the bottom of the cup, she was so dazzled by what she’d just seen that it was sure to be a challenge just to coordinate her hair and makeup for the day, let alone an outfit.

Despite the sexually-charged fog her neighbor had left her in, she managed to brush on some cosmetic staples, twist her chestnut hair into a simple chignon and shed her robe, pulling on khaki pants and a purple blouse. As she dressed, she pretended that the brush of her own fingertips against her skin didn’t inspire imaginings of what it’d be like to feel her neighbor’s hands on her body. Lastly, she slipped on sandals, a pair with modest kitten heels that’d allow her to navigate Wisteria’s grounds without breaking an ankle.

Or so she thought. When she finally walked out the door with her purse slung over her shoulder and a travel mug in one hand, she tripped over the threshold and was launched forward through the muggy Carolina air.

She windmilled, dropping her handbag but – miracle of miracles – managing to maintain her grip on her coffee.

The mug was a fancy one that remained sealed until one pressed a button, freeing the flow of liquid within. As she bent to pick up her purse and then straightened, quickly smoothing her clothing, she realized that the anti-spill mug was the best twenty dollars she’d ever spent.

Heat flooded her cheeks as she said a silent prayer of gratitude for spill-proof technology. Her neighbor was standing on the front porch of his bungalow-style house, a cute place painted a shade of moss-green that blended right into the wooded backdrop. Judging by the way he stared, frowning in her direction, he’d seen everything.

“Are you all right?” His voice echoed across the few yards between them, sounding with a depth that sent a frisson racing down her spine.

*****

Review:

I’m going to start with a disclaimer. I’m not sure that everyone is going to appreciate the paranormal portion of the book – it’s hinted at a little in the blurb and it makes a few (occasionally important) appearances in the story, but I don’t know that it was developed as much as it could have been. So it might throw some people off stride, but for me the rest of the book made up for any oddities in having a ghost here and there in my suspense romance story.

I loved Liam and Alicia together and they are so sweet as they do a little dance around each other. Both are a little awkward as they try to decide if the other one is interested, but once they get their act together it goes full speed from there … and it works. Plus, with the escaped convicts, there is that extra touch of danger to keep things moving fast.

We’re also introduced to Alicia’s two girl friends who conveniently have the hots for Liam’s two guy friends (what are the chances, huh?). But the characters are intriguing and I’m looking forward to finding out more about them. Being prison guards there is definitely opportunity for sexy guys doing manly stuff to help their women, but the ladies seem strong enough that I think they’ll prove to be just as useful in getting out of scrapes. And there is enough of an opening at the end of Officer Next Door that I’m sure it will come to play in at least one of their stories.

Full of fabulously sexy men in uniform, a scrappy heroine (and future heroines), menacing bad guys, and hot bedroom scenes, Officer Next Door kept me turning pages and has me anticipating more installments in Rose’s Lock and Key series.

*****

Author Info:

Ranae Rose is the best-selling author of more than twenty adult romances and counting. Originally from Maryland, she grew up the daughter of a US Marine and always wanted to be a writer. Today she lives on the US East Coast with her man in uniform, young children, German Shepherd dogs and overflowing bookshelves.

Her love affair with the romance genre began as a teen when a classmate handed her a romance comic book. Instantly hooked, she read them during class behind her textbooks and under her desk. She hasn’t looked back since.

When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys things like good coffee, travel and fitness – especially pursuing her elusive goal of getting her husband to tap out on the jiu jitsu mats (no luck so far).

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Signed Print of any Ranae Rose title & Lock and Key series swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a35497/

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