Spotlight – Angel Kin

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This morning we’re going to start with a look at Tricia Skinner’s newest book, Angel Kin.

*****

An Angel Assassins Novel

by Tricia Skinner

Genre: Paranormal Romance with Urban Fantasy elements

Publisher: Entangled Publishing – Edge Imprint

Date of Publication: April 28, 2014

ISBN-13: 9781622664931

ASIN: B00JI09FIG

Number of pages: 268

Amazon    BN   iBooks  Kobo

Tagline: The thief will steal his heart…

Blurb:

While channeling Robin Hood’s “steal from the rich and give to the poor” attitude at a local politician’s house, ex-con Katie Logan witnesses a forced suicide. Dirty or not, supernatural or not, he didn’t deserve to die, especially not by his own hand. But with her record, stepping forward as a witness isn’t an option. On the run from the police and the murderer, she turns to The Bound Ones for help.

When a beautiful woman comes to The Bound Ones, half-angel assassin Cain is immediately drawn to her. But when she fingers him as the killer, he can come to only one conclusion. The twin he thought was dead is very much alive…and trying to send him a message. Unfortunately, that message is: “You’re next.”

It’s a race against time as Cain fights to save the woman he’s falling in love with before his brother Abel destroys them both.

*****

Excerpt:

First, Cain checked the room’s double window and the flimsy front door, then threw the motel blanket on the brown carpet. He smoothed his hands across the sheets and lifted the mattress. He let it go and unrolled his blanket, tucking the corners.

“Should be fine now.”

Her mind felt miles away. “Will it be? Fine?”

He removed his jacket and pulled one of his guns from the holster. The magazine shot into his hand before he slammed it back. “As soon as I find Abel your life will go back to normal.”

Katie huffed a half laugh. Normal sounded like a dream. “I—”

Cain paused his movements. “You what?”

“I wish I knew how to help you.”

“Well you can’t.”

She snapped her gaze to his stony face. “Would it hurt to pretend I just showed some compassion for you? You could at least act like you’d considered my words.”

“Let’s analyze your sweet wish, little burglar. I’m an assassin, which translates to I kill people.” The half angel folded his arms and left no doubt about the arrogance on his face. “Sorry if the facts sting, but you can’t fight like I can. You can’t do what needs to be done.”

Infuriating, arrogant, and stubborn was not a good look on him. Katie mimicked his posture and crossed her arms. “Tell me, Mr. Super Assassin, are you sure those legendary fighting skills you claim to have will work when you’re face-to-face with Abel?”

“You think I’ll run from the fight?” A growl slipped through his gritted teeth.

“That’s not what I meant. I want to know if you can”— she raised her fingers in air quotes— “do what needs to be done, when your opponent is your own brother?”

Cain pressed his lips together, and she dove into the void left by his hesitation.

“Family is about love, but it’s also about a shitload of pain.” Katie expelled a slow breath. “When you face off with your twin, the end result will stay with you.”

“Abel’s my blood, but he’s done wrong. I’ll deal.”

Katie tossed her hands up. “Say you’re standing near Abel and he’s got a gun pointed at some poor schmuck’s head. What are you going to do? You’d have to decide whether or not your brother is more important, or that innocent life.”

He clawed his fingers through his hair. “I’d never allow him to harm a soul in my presence. I will stop my brother, but don’t tell me my only option is to kill him.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Exhausted, she sank onto the edge of the mattress. “I truly do.”

“Ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath.

She shot up from the bed, ready to tell him exactly where he could shove his tough act, but Cain’s hand caught her wrist. They stared into each other’s eyes, but the emotions passing over his face cranked her heartbeat.

“Let. Go.” She jerked her arm, but his grip held.

“You should thank me for my honesty. An angel, even an impure abomination like me, could kill you before you could react. No more wishing you could help me. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“So we’re clear, if I wasn’t dealing with mind-controlling giants, I could hold my own in a fight,” she said.

Cain’s expression darkened. “Could you? I wonder.”

The Nephilim brought her crashing down onto the mattress, and Katie yelped. She thrashed under his heavy weight.

“Overpowered by a body, not mind control,” he said as his breath fanned her skin. “Your nonassassin skills are sadly lacking.”

He pinned her wrists above her head, leaving her body flush against his. Katie wiggled and tugged, but Cain had the advantage of position and strength. She stopped her frantic movements. Only one option left—surprise.

She molded her lips over his, the pressure so heavy and intense she could only moan breathlessly into his mouth. The warmth of her tongue touched his, drawing her nerves guitar-string tight.

The grip on her wrists loosened, and Katie raised her hands until her fingers slid into the thickness of his hair. She arched her body and his wide palm cupped her back. Distracting Cain to throw him off took a back seat, replaced by instinctual need pounding deep within her belly and ricocheting between her legs.

Cain’s tongue continued a slow exploration of her mouth, lapping the depths, erotic as hell. Her trembling fingers brushed the expanse of his shoulders, his firm muscles jolting the tips as they passed over. Filled with untethered boldness, she ran light touches down the ridges of his firm pectorals. When her thumb flicked a pebble-hard nipple, her bodyguard growled.

*****

author-Tricia-Skinner-4-4x6Author Info:

Tricia Skinner writes urban fantasy with twist of passion. She’s a former journalist who discovered her inspiration to write fiction as an escape from “real life.” Her reading tastes include fantasy (and its subgenres), paranormal, sci-fi, and history.

When she’s not writing, Tricia is a newbie “green” practitioner, fitness procrastinator, and a technology geek. Her family includes a patient husband, a demigod son, and two Great Danes. She’s active in several writing communities and enjoys interacting with readers.

http://www.triciaskinner.com

https://twitter.com/AuthorTrish

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTriciaSkinner

https://www.goodreads.com/triciaskinner

http://www.pinterest.com/AuthorTricia/

*****

Giveaway:

One $25 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes. Not open to international entries.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f641/

*****

Angel Kin Banner 450 x 169

Tour Schedule:

May 12 Guest blog
Jill Archer
 
May 13 Spotlight and review
Penny For Them…
 
May 14 review
Eden Ashe
 
May 15 Spotlight
Writing from Corsets to Bustiers
 
May 16 Spotlight
Book Purses & Reviews
 
May 19 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
 
May 20 Spotlight
Deal Sharing Aunt
 
May 21 Guest blog
Ebook Escapes
 
May 21 Spotlight
Diane’s Book Blog
 
May 22 Spotlight
Share My Destiny
 
May 23 Guest Post
Preternatura
 
May 26 Interview
Pembroke Sinclair.
 
May 27 Interview and review
Dark Side of Romance
 
May 28 Guest Blog
Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind
 
May 28 Spotlight
Cover Reveals
 
May 29 Guest blog
Tynga’s Reviews
 
May 30 Spotlight
Fang-tastic Books
 
June 2 Interview
Author Karen Swart
 
June 3 Spotlight
Romantic Reads and Such
 
June 4 Spoltight
Inner Goddess
 
June 5 Interview
Darkest Cravings
 
June 6 Character Interview
Eclipse Reviews
 
June 6 Review
Corazones Literarios
 
June 9 Spotlight
Booklover Sue
 
June 9 Review
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

 

 

Interview – Zara Keane

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I’m so thrilled to welcome Zara Keane this morning as she answers some questions and gives us a look at her current book (and what she has in store for us in the future).

*****

Would you tell us about yourself? Where are you from?

I was born in Ireland and grew up in Dublin. Due to the long Irish school holidays (two months for primary school kids and three months secondary school!), I spent my summers with family in the southwest of Ireland. Ballybeg, the fictional town in which I set my contemporary romances, is loosely based on some of the places I spent those childhood summers.

Eight years ago, I moved to Switzerland. I live in a small village with my husband and kids. The language, landscape and culture are totally different to Ireland, but I love having the opportunity to experience these differences and learn new languages.

What are your favorite genres to read and write?

I read romance and crime fiction with a smattering of fantasy thrown in for variety. My fave romance subgenres are contemporary and romantic suspense. While I now write contemporary romance, I have an Irish historical and an urban fantasy lurking somewhere in my pile of discarded manuscripts.

What book are you currently reading?

Just this Once by Rosalind James. It’s the first book in her Escape to New Zealand series. So far, I’m really enjoying it. I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand. When I saw the book was set there, I snapped it up.

When it comes to writing, are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a plotter-pantser hybrid. Before I start writing a new story, I write a one-line summary for each of the major plot turning points. I also fill in character interviews for each of my main characters. Once I start writing, I don’t look at my outline notes unless I get stuck. I usually take stock after I’ve reached 25% of my word-count goal. At this point, my story and characters bear very little resemblance to the original plan. So I re-do the plan and keep writing until I hit the midway mark. Then it’s lather, rinse, and repeat until I reach the end.

In truth, I would love to be a real plotter. Knowing exactly what happens in each scene before I wrote it would certainly save time at the revision stage. On the other hand, every single one of my better plot and character ideas come to me while I’m writing, not during brainstorming sessions. I need the security of knowing I have some sort of plan before I begin, followed by the freedom to go with the flow.

Why did you decide to write the Ballybeg series?

Short answer: I didn’t! When I wrote a very early draft of Love and Shenanigans in 2010, I thought it would be a stand-alone contemporary romance. After I finished it, I found myself missing the town and the people, as daft as that sounds. 😀 Plus I knew two of the secondary characters would be perfect for one another. So I wrote a sequel! To date, I’ve written five romances set in Ballybeg. The first three will be released this year.

Can you tell us a bit about your debut romance, Love and Shenanigans?

I can indeed! Here’s the blurb:

ZaraKeane_LoveAndShenanigans_200pxVows in Vegas…

Three days before leaving Ireland on the adventure of a lifetime, Fiona Byrne returns to her small Irish hometown to attend the family wedding from hell. When she discovers the drunken vows she exchanged with the groom during a wild Las Vegas trip eight years previously mean they’re legally married, her future plans ricochet out of control. Can she untangle herself from the man who broke her heart so long ago? Does she even want to?

…True Love in Ballybeg.
Gavin Maguire’s life is low on drama, high on stability, and free of pets. But Gavin hadn’t reckoned on Fiona blasting back into his life and crashing his wedding. In the space of twenty-four hours, he loses a fiancée and a job, and gains a wife and a labradoodle. Can he salvage his bland-but-stable life? More importantly, can he resist losing his heart to Fiona all over again?

WARNING: This book features a crashed wedding, a labradoodle with attitude, sexy times, and love and laughter, Irish-style.

What are you working on now?

I’m revising Love and Leprechauns for my editor (due out in November). Once that’s done, I need to finish incorporating the line edits for Love and Blarney (due out in September) and send it to the proofreader.

Where can we visit you online?

I have an author website at zarakeane.net. I’m also active on Twitter (@zara_keane), Facebook, and Goodreads.

Thank you so much for having me on Romantic Reads and Such!

*****

ZaraKeaneSmallBIO:

Zara Keane grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to Ballybeg, the fictitious town in which she sets her Irish contemporary romance series.

She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing or wrestling small people, she drinks far too much coffee, and tries—with occasional success—to resist the siren call of Swiss chocolate.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Kobo

All Romance (ARe)

Apple

Google Play

Barnes & Noble (NOOK)

Spotlight – The Queen’s Wings

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To start off the week we’re going to take a look at Jamie K. Schmidt’s newest, The Queen’s Wings – a sexy new paranormal romance, following the new trend of dragons, which I find intriguing.  I love the fact that we are getting outside of just vampires and werewolves … although those are still sexy too!

*****

QueensWing500Book Title: The Queen’s Wings

Author: Jamie K. Schmidt

Release Date: 5/27/14

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Long ago, the Cult of Humanity sacrificed the Dragon Queen, crippling the breeding process.  But now Carolyn hears the voice of that long dead queen telling her that she holds the key to breaking the spell that will free all the female dragons.

FBI dragon Reed’s disdain for humans can’t mask the magnetic attraction he has for Carolyn, but when she tells him she’s going to shift into a dragon he thinks she’s crazy. A female hasn’t been hatched, or shape shifted, in over a thousand years.

He’s proven wrong after Carolyn shifts and is named the new Queen on the block. A never-ending line of suitors forms, but she only wants Reed. Too bad he doesn’t want in on the competition. But when the Cult kidnaps Carolyn to sacrifice her in an effort to make the curse against the female dragons permanent, Reed must face his fears—and feelings, racing to save the woman he realizes he can’t live without.

Tagline: Save the Dragons.

Amazon Buy Link: http://bit.ly/QueensWingsAM

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://bit.ly/QueensWingsBN

Entangled Page: http://bit.ly/QueensWingsEP

*****

Author Info:

Jamie Kleinkauf-Schmidt has over thirty short stories published in small press and ezines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English, which is a fancy way of saying she went to college to teach high school English. When that didn’t pan out, she worked as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major conglomerate company. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA), serving as the PRO liaison for her local chapter Connecticut Romance Writers of America (CTRWA).

When not writing, Jamie relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. She sells her handcrafted items at The Dudley Farm during the summer. A voracious reader, Jamie has a Kindle and is not afraid to use it.

Author Website: http://www.jkschmidt.com/

Author Blog: http://jamiekswriter.livejournal.com/

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamiekswriter

Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamie.k.schmidt.1

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jamiekswriter

*****

Giveaway:

Jamie is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a pair of earrings!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

2 winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes

This giveaway begins May 26 and ends on June 6.

Winners will be contacted via email on June 7, 2014.

Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554369/

*****

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

Pump Up Your Book

Book Review – Before We Kiss

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The newest Fool’s Gold book by Susan Mallery came out this week and I’m super excited to have the review!

*****

cover44461-mediumFormer pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

Is anyone going to be surprised when I say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Susan Mallery?  I didn’t think so.  Once again, she brings her readers a touching, sweet, romantic, funny, endearing and beautiful love story.  We got a little peek at the two in When We Me, but now we get the rest of their story.

With Sam’s history, it is no wonder that he’s running scared from any kind of commitment.  His marriage ended horribly and he’s not had much better luck with women since.  But he’s got a big heart, he’s just afraid to give it away.

As if his relationship woes aren’t enough, Sam’s family is one of the funniest things ever … even for Fool’s Gold, where quirky is a way of life.  I don’t know how he survived his childhood without being a total basket case, because his parents are an absolutely hoot and one of the best things in the story.  Somehow managed to grow into a well-adjusted, caring man.

Dellina is giving and sweet and sassy.  Fool’s Gold is her home and she epitomizes everything that makes the little town so great.  She’ll be wonderful for Sam if he’ll just let her in.

As always, we’re given updates on previous couples and some hints at future stories.  (I have to say that I’m dying to get to the bottom of what Kenny is hiding.)  It’s one of my favorite parts of the Fool’s Gold stories but it is also one of the most frustrating … because I end up impatient for what comes next.

Full of laugh out loud moments and some steamy interactions between Sam and Dellina, Before We Kiss has Mallery’s unique blend of heart and humor.  The dialogue is snappy, the characters are engaging, and the story is complex.  I loved Sam from the moment he first showed up and I was so happy to see him find his match.

Book Review – The Texas Cowboy

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cover43423-mediumEverything’s bigger in Texas, including the problems.

When Vicky flies into Texas, she immediately falls for the charms of local cowboy, Jack Cassidy. However, her wealthy Dallas cousin, Laura, has other ideas and will do everything she can to steer Vicky away from Jack and into the arms of a rich oilman.

Jack is resigned to living the life of a lonely cowboy whose only female company is his horses—that is, until he meets Vicky. However, Vicky isn’t the only person with a claim on his heart. Jack wasn’t always alone and his ex is about to make a dramatic comeback.

Every cowboy has a past and this cowboy’s past is about to destroy his future.

I have to say that while The Texas Cowboy was an enjoyable and quick read, there were a few problems with it. While I really liked Jack and Vicky, Laura wasn’t the easiest person to like. She’s shallow and vain and materialistic. I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to actually feel for her or if she was just meant to be a shiny foil to Vicky’s more down to earth realism. She plays a pretty major part in the book, though, so she’s not easy to ignore but I did like her husband and Jack’s sister. They made excellent compliments to an interesting main couple.

One of the other things I had a little issue with was some of the flow. For the most part it was a small problem and easily overlooked with the quickly moving plot … but then we got to the end. Jack has a pretty big secret and one that kinda threw me for a loop. It’s very understandable for Vicky to be as upset as she is and the resolution seemed a little abrupt and incomplete. I did see a comment somewhere from the author that she is curious if readers would like to see more about Jack and Vicky, so maybe if there is a follow-up story then I’d get the closure I feel like I need.

Overall, I say give The Texas Cowboy a shot. Jack and Vicky are enjoyable and the plot is fun. Once I decided that it was fine that I didn’t care for Laura she became easier to take and there are other characters that are much more entertaining.

Spotlight – Morgan Black

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First up this morning I’ve got a special treat as we take a look at a couple of books by author Morgan Black.

*****

Ablaze NEW COVERAblaze

What if love was like gasoline? Light a match and become engulfed in it’s flame.

Cheyenne is attempting to run into the arm’s of her betrothed Collin, when fate intervenes and she becomes trapped at her family’s cabin with another man. Luke, a ranch hand at her father’s farm, makes her heart race. When the lights go out, she finds herself falling into his arms, and into his bed.

This is a serialized set of erotic romance titles. Ablaze is the first installment and it is novella length.

*This book is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.*

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ncfs7W

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tuVfwe

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nk9CnM

*

Flames Book CoverFlames

In the mountains of Colorado Cheyenne believes secrets can stay hidden. But now that she has a secret of her own, she’s realizing it’s harder than she thought. Concealing it from her father is one thing, but what about Collin, the man she’s promised to? Cheyenne now to has to fight for her independence, while fighting to stay with the man she truly loves.

Luke wants nothing more than to tell Cheyenne’s father in his own way, but Cheyenne is hot headed and stubborn, two qualities he admires about her. Until they get him into trouble.

The blizzard is over, but the storm is still coming.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1k2I5yY

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tuVWWl

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1m3pbLl

*****

Author Info:

Morgan Black is a hair stylist by day and hottie writer by night. She walks her dogs in high heels and never leaves the house without red lipstick. She firmly believes in the power of Zen, and does Yoga freely in her backyard, in her favorite set of pumps.
Morgan Black also writes hot vampire erom under M. Black.

Website: http://authormorganblack.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1jelIGL

Book Review – If I Stay

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Now it’s time for my review of If I Stay.  You can check out the original guest post from author Tamara Morgan here, which also has an excerpt and buy links.

*****

ifistayRyan Lucas would rather be anywhere but Ransom Creek, Connecticut. After losing his high-adrenaline career as a Hollywood stunt driver, he’s had to tuck his tail between his legs and take up employment as a chauffeur for the Montgomerys, a wealthy hotelier family.

Amy Sanders has returned home to Ransom Creek to take over her mother’s former position as nanny to the Montgomerys—bringing her close to dashing Jake Montgomery once again. She grew up with a major crush on Jake, and it’s not easy to leave those feelings behind, even though her friendship with the hard-edged family chauffeur, Ryan, has a sizzling undercurrent of undeniable attraction.

Amy’s determined to prove to Ryan that life at Montgomery Manor isn’t all bad, but each time they draw closer Jake swoops in. Amy is torn between two men—and two worlds. And Ryan is rapidly coming to learn that if he wants to make Amy his, he’ll have to prove to her that life downstairs can be everything they both want.

This one is a bit like a soap opera – it’s a little insulated world, full of quirky characters and each has his own closely guarded secrets.

I really liked both Amy and Ryan. She’s got such a wonderfully upbeat personality, although that also makes her want to avoid any form of confrontation. She’s the perfect person to be the nanny for toddlers, bubbly and happy and constantly looking at the bright side. Ryan’s world has imploded and he’s biding his time with the Montgomerys until he can find a way back to his old life. He’s drawn to the sunshine that is Amy, the perfect foil to his moodiness and solitude. Together they are funny, charming, and tender – each giving the other a different outlook on the world and I really like how they compliment each other.  He watches out for her, while she brings him out of his shell and makes sure that he has fun.

We also get to know one of the Montgomery kids when Jake comes back home.  He’s got so much going on underneath his carefree exterior that I know that his story is going to be fantastic.  And since the house is like a world unto itself, we’re given glimpses into the other players as well.  But unfortunately that’s about it – we’re left with a lot of questions just like any good daytime soap, which also means we’ll be seeing their stories as well.  And I’ll be right there in line for all of them.

Full of humor and heart, with fun characters and an entertaining storyline, If I Stay is totally addictive.

Spotlight – Shunned No More

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Today we’re going to start out by looking at Shunned No More by Christina McKnight, including a special sneak peek of the opening pages!

*****

SNM_1600x2400Shunned No More

A Lady Forsaken Book 1

by Christina McKnight

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Publisher: La Loma Elite Publishing

Date of Publication: May 30, 2014

ISBN: 9780988261723

Number of pages: 300 Approximate

Word Count: 75,000 Approximate

Cover Artist: LFD Designs for Authors

Blurb:

A Lady Shunned by All…

Lady Viola Oberbrook only wanted to forget the ill-fated early morning duel that took the lives of two young, wealthy, promising men of the ton and sent her fleeing for her father’s country estate. Eight years later, she has her life in order: a fulfilling business, a few trusted friends, and no plans to return to London society. What she doesn’t expect is to come face to face with her past.

A Lord Betrayed by One…

Brock Spencer, Earl of Haversham, only wants vengeance. Recently returned from his military service to the King, his plans include repairing his family estate, finding a bride, and destroying the girl responsible for the untimely death of his twin brothers. What he doesn’t anticipate is falling in love with the only woman who should never be part of his future.

An Impossible Match, Destined to Be…

Add Shunned No More to your Goodreads Shelf

*****

6434806Author Info:

Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since. Currently, she focuses on Historical Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

Twitter! https://twitter.com/#!/CMcKnightWriter

Blog: www.christinamcknight.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaMcKnightWriter

*****

Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

 

Hyde Park

April 1806

 

8 years ago…

 

Viola clutched the handle of her pink parasol to her chest tightly in anticipation of the spectacle to come. Her gaze fixed on the two figures shrouded in the early morning fog of Hyde Park. The men, really only boys, began to count as they paced away from each other. Shiny, pearl-handled pistols positioned in their right hands were at the ready.

She clamped her lips tight to suppress the giggle that threatened to escape.

Who would have thought that she, Lady Viola Oberbrook, would have two men seeking her hand in marriage…and in the first week of her very first season, no less? That they were the twin sons of Lord Haversham was an even greater coup de grǎce for her. She’d be the envy of every debutante. The talk of the town. As well she should be! Her father was the Duke of Liperton, after all.

If only she’d found a way to get all of London here to witness the duel. She’d done what she could by leaving word with Mrs. Tenchard. The old gossipmonger was sure to spread the word more quickly than Vi could spend her monthly allowance at the milliner’s shop.

And Vi prided herself on her ability to spend her father’s money.

“Miss Viola, beg’n yer pardon, but it be wise to don ye wool kid gloves,” her lady’s maid, Sarah, whispered beside her.

“Shhhh,” Vi hissed in return, raising her hand for Sarah to hold her tongue. She didn’t want to miss a single moment of what was to come. She would remember this for the rest of her existence. The day two men of the haute ton battled in her honor. She sighed.

The twins—Cody, with his hair cut longer than the current fashion permitted, and sporting a determined glint in his eye, and Winston, with his smartly trimmed blond hair falling respectfully above his collar—reached the required twenty-pace distance and turned.

Their pistols fired in unison. Vi’s heart soared. Her first duel…and certainly not her last, if she had anything to say in the matter.

The swift morning breeze pushed the smoke from the scene as both men dropped to the ground, soggy with morning dew. Shouts of urgency rang out in the air. Men rushed in to assist the twins.

A cold chill inched up her spine; her breath caught in her lungs.

Neither man moved.

A sharp inhale of breath sounded next to her, but Vi was hesitant to remove her attention from the scene as the pungent smell of a spent firearm reached her.

“Call Doc Durpentire. Post haste!” bellowed Mr. Rodney Swiftenberg. As a distant relative of the Havershams’, Swiftenberg stood as Cody’s second during the duel. Others, vaguely familiar, knelt over both fallen men.

The gossip rags would have much to write about this day. Vi could hardly wait to see her name in print. Maybe her father would increase her dowry, seeing as she would be in high demand by the day’s end.

“Miss,” Sarah called. “I think it best we be head’n home. Ye Pa is going to be right mad when he finds you snuck out and now these poor men be lying dead at ye very feet.”

“Surely you jest. They are simply play acting for dramatics…in my honor, I do suppose.” Viola eyed the two groups of men where they stood, their heads shaking in turn. One took his coat off and laid it gently over Cody’s still body. Vi’s glare snapped to Winston, where another man shook out a horse blanket. The thick, coarse material drifted on the morning breeze and settled on the second body.

She studied the scene in front of her. It had the potential to be ever so romantic. A story she would regale her grandchildren with. It was a shame neither twin was the first born and, therefore, unworthy of her hand. But she’d seen no reason to inform them of this minor issue and spoil her fun. They’d find out soon enough.

Slowly, the eyes of every person present settled on her. She took a step back at the harshness of their stares. Her chilled hand rose to cover her mouth. She wanted to tell them to avert their eyes; she was the daughter of a Duke. They need show the respect due her. None of these men held a title higher than Baron. How dare they look at her thus?

A tall, slender man carrying a large cloth bag rushed to Winston. She assumed this was Doc Durpentire. He would have both men patched up in no time. But with both Cody and Winston taking a bullet, their feud would not be resolved. Viola imagined what the pair would think up next to prove one deserved her hand over the other. Perhaps a curricle race through Mayfair District. She knew she would be able to convince Cody to let her ride along on the adventure. She could practically feel the wind against her face as the carriage took the corners at a high speed, shifting across the seat so that her soft body might come to rest against Cody’s hard one.

Imagine what the silly, empty-brained young females would think. They’d envy her further. An unbidden smile played across her lips.

The doctor drew the heavy blanket aside and his hands moved over Winston’s body. Then, they stilled. His head dropped forward. He spoke to the men around him, but Vi was too far to hear their conversation.

Rodney, hands shoved deep in his pockets, moved in her direction.

“Whatever is the matter with them?” she asked when he was close enough to hear.

“I think you should go, Lady Viola. This is not a scene any innocent maiden should witness,” Rodney replied. His blond hair was so much like Cody and Winston’s, but his attitude had always struck her as arrogant for a man with no title or wealth to speak of.

“Who are you to order me about?” Viola closed her parasol with a swift click and handed it to Sarah, her hands coming to rest on her rounded hips.

“It is not the time for this. My cousins…they are both dead.” Rodney paused. “I must alert my uncle to his misfortune.”

“You are mistaken.”

“I assure you, no mistakes have been made this day.” He abruptly turned, stalking back to the crowd gathering between the fallen men.

He must be jesting, Viola thought. She looked between the fallen pair again, their motionless bodies so at odds with the twins she’d come to know in recent days. The heat of exhilaration drained from her as a hand settled at her elbow. Viola felt the calloused fingertips through her thin morning cloak.

“We should be going, Miss.”

Vi shook Sarah’s imploring touch from her arm and tried to focus her gaze on something—anything—other than the lifeless men on the ground.

“Well,” Viola stated. “This was…” Dread clawed at her insides, and her spirit shattered as she stared at the two men lying prone and unmoving before her. “…unexpected.” Her entire life had been leading up to this moment—a life of societal demands and the rigors one had to follow to be accepted. A life that had just stopped, as quickly as those of the two men who now lay dead. Dead. She had murdered these men—the realization came at her all at once, even as her mind rebelled. Cody and Winston, the silly twins who had entertained her so, were no more. Yet, she continued to breathe. With each breath, standing in the chill of early morning in Hyde Park, she felt the obligations of her station, its standards and protocols too powerful for a seventeen-year-old girl to overcome.

She glanced around her for help, for someone to tell her what to do, but all focus was on the boys on the ground. Years of being taught how to behave hadn’t prepared her for anything like this.

“Miss, what should we do?”

“I suppose we should…” She cleared her throat. “I suppose it is time to start over.” She sensed, somehow, that starting over might be impossible.

“Start over, Miss?” Her maid’s dark brow pulled low over her eyes.

Viola straightened her already impeccably postured back and forced her prized smile before continuing. “To find another suitor, you silly girl! This time, I intend to set my sights a bit higher.” She spun on her heels, determined not to stumble, to not falter before so many. She started back towards her carriage, moving through the men without meeting anyone’s eye,  feeling the weight of their stares as she passed. It didn’t matter. She had the evening’s entertainments to prepare for and an image to uphold—no matter the cost to her soul.

*****

Giveaway:

3 ebook copies of Shunned No More

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f658/

*****

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Spotlight – Bella Ross

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Now we’re going to take a closer look at author Bella Ross.

*****

Author Info:

Bella Ross is a writer with many passions, two of which are writing and travelling. She wrote her first book (a novel) at eighteen a la Jackie Collins. But back then, unbeknownst to her, life was about to take her on a detour. As she set off on her new course, her dream of writing took a backseat and her entrepreneurial spirit flourished instead. But after many years of worldly pursuits, the urge to write returned and the time was right to follow her bliss.

She believes its never too late to follow your dreams/bliss.

Her books/stories are her first attempt at erotic romance. She loves the genre and its endless creative possibilities. She likes pairing bold and dynamic (Alpha) men with sexy and strong women – which in her opinion – make for a hot and sizzling combination. With her love of travel, it is no surprise that her ‘Wanderlust Series’ take place in glamorous capitals or exotic locales around the world. Its the perfect backdrop/setting for her characters to explore and indulge their lusts and passions, loves and desires.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or gallivanting all over seeking new inspiration, or people watching while enjoying a latte at Starbucks and jotting down ideas.

She loves to hear from readers, and looks forward to interacting through her social media channels. You can also sign up for her mailing list to be notified about new releases and promotional offers.

Follow Bella:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*****

Club-Pluto.Andreas.Dubai_

Andreas

Dubai: VOL I (The Billionaire Doms of Club Pluto)

Releasing May, 2014

Blurb:

One determined Journalist….

Freelance journalist, Genevieve Parker, has just been handed the biggest story of her career. But there’s one problem…Going undercover as a submissive in one of the most exclusive BDSM clubs in the world was more than she bargained for. But that’s nothing compared to the man she meets there. Andreas Contos. Her assignment. Gorgeous. Powerful. Mysterious. Genevieve is fascinated…intrigued. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before sexually really have to do with writing her exposé? Feeling confused and overwhelmed, every instinct tells her to run before her professional facade comes crashing down…before she has to choose between obligation and desire….

One elusive billionaire…

Greek billionaire, Andreas Contos, is more than he seems. Between the powerful company he keeps and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors, trusting anyone is out of the question – especially the lush and sensual woman he just met. But there is something different about Genevieve – a guarded nature he’s anxious to penetrate. Unable to resist her, Andreas proceeds in taking her under his wing for the night to show her his world – a world of exquisite pleasure. As the two of them get deeper in exploring the eroticism of mind and body, danger watches them from the shadows…

Buying links: Amazon / Amazon UK /ARe /Kobo

CP

*****

Wanderlust_Tahiti_BellaRossTempted in Tahiti

Releasing April 2014

Blurb:

Sometimes yielding to temptation is the only option…

Halle Blake has landed her dream job as creative director for M & G, one of the largest luxury goods conglomerates in the world. But before officially stepping into her new role, she decides to celebrate by taking off to Tahiti for some fun in the sun. While there she meets a tempting and gorgeous photographer who sweeps her off her feet. But upon her return, all tanned, revived and feeling fabulous, Halle comes face to face with the biggest shock of her life…

Buying links: Amazon / Amazon UK /ARe /Kobo

*****

Wanderlust

Spotlight – Unseen

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We’re going to start the morning with a look at the first book in Lauren Stewart’s “The Heights” series, Unseen.  Including a sexy sneak peek!

*****

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00037]Unseen

The Heights Volume 1

by Lauren Stewart

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Off the Hook Publishing

Date of Publication: May 29, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-9881701-9-3

Number of pages: ~386

Word Count: ~100,000

Cover Artist: Amanda of Pixel Mischief Design

Blurb:

An invisible wall built from the tears of those touched by death

An impossible love as divided as the world around them.

After Addison finds a nearly-dusted vampire in the garbage outside her building, her ability to stay off the supernatural world’s radar is deader than the vamp. Almost as dead as she’ll be if anyone thinks she put him there. Should she finish the job somebody else screwed up or move him somewhere humans won’t find him? To keep the Heights hidden, she may have shoved a stake into her own chest. Just when she thinks her life couldn’t possibly get any more dangerous, she finds out who he is.

As vampire king and Prime to all supernatural beings in the North American zone, Rhyse is accustomed to getting what he wants without asking. But he neither wanted nor asked to be wounded in an ambush, waking up chained to a bed with a hole in his chest. Unfortunately, he needs help to discover who tried to kill him. But worse than that, his only ally is his captor, someone unaware she has the power to destroy their entire world.

As a prophesized war brews in the Heights, Addison and Rhyse must decide which carries more risk—trusting someone who could destroy you or trusting someone who could love you?

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00KKXUHX2

B&N: http://bit.ly/1kbOmIP

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1rdl1rd

Add it to your Goodreads Shelf

*****

Excerpt:

Addison backed up until she hit the counter. It was over. It had been over ever since those chains came off. Ever since she brought him into her apartment. Into her life.

“I saved you. I could’ve left you outside until the sun came up.”

“I imagine you wish you had.”

“Can you…can you not kill me? Just take some, but not all?”

Rhyse brushed her hair behind her shoulder and curled his fingers around the nape of her neck, whispering, “Do you trust me that much?”

“I don’t even trust you a little.” She felt the sting of tears. “I don’t want to be turned. If you drain me, let me die.”

He ran his other hand up her shoulder, to her throat and slowly closed his fingers around it. One move and her neck would break. “To drain you I would have to drink from you. And that, my pet, I will not do.”

She didn’t know what he meant but now seemed like a bad time to argue.

“Did you know what you are? How many of you exist?”

She didn’t answer. Partially because speaking required the air he was cutting off. Then his hands were gone, just like the rest of him.

Was it over?

When one of the women behind the counter moaned, Addison went to make sure they were alright.

Rhyse was on top of one of them, his fangs obviously burrowed in her neck. The woman moaned again, her legs wrapping around him. One hand clutched his shoulder and the other slapped the wall, searching for a hold.

It had to have been shock that made it impossible to look away. Or run away. The woman’s moans got louder, then crested, and her body went limp. Not in a dead way, but in an I-just-had-the-best-orgasm-of-my-life way.

Get out of here.

“Leave and they will die.” His voice stopped her after only two steps. “Stay and they will wake up from a very pleasant, very erotic dream.”

She grinded her teeth when she heard another moan. He must have moved on to the other woman. With two to feed from, there was less of a chance he would drain them, but… “Why should I trust you?”

The woman’s moans stopped and she whined, “No.”

“I do not care if you trust me,” he said. “Only that you obey me.”

“Fuck you.” But she didn’t move. “Are they alive?”

“Of course. It is against the law to kill humans.”

“Then let me go.”

“You are not human, Addison.” His voice came from just over her shoulder.

“I am. I promise. Totally human.” Somehow he’d missed the fact that seers were human, despite her telling him at least five times.

She heard the shuffling of fabric and looked down to see him wrapping his already-bloody shirt around the arm she’d cut. He tied a knot with the sleeves and pulled it tight. There was no part of this that she understood.

She sucked in a breath when he put his hands on her hipbones. Then another as they slid to her belly and down, pressing her back into him. She felt his heat and a vibration on her back as he made a sound similar to a cat’s purr but scarier. Clenching her eyes shut, she waited for death.

“You should thank them.” His voice was all sex. Dangerous, risky, awesome sex. “They just saved your life.”

They did? “Thank you,” she called out with a shaking voice. “Now that your belly’s full, how about you back off a little?”

“I should kill you, Addison.”

“I’m going to have to disagree with you about that.”

After a moment he stepped away, sighing as if he just made a really tough decision and wasn’t sure it was the right one.

“So,” she said, heading for the door, “it seems like you’re feeling better which is great. I’m really happy for you. Since you don’t need me anymore, I’m gonna go now. I’ll see you around.”

“Come to me, Addison.” His eyes were back to their original inhumanly beautiful color. Though he didn’t quite look calm, he looked satisfied.

“No.”

“Come to me or I will snap your neck.”

“Okay.”

“If you had simply brought a human to me, this all could have been avoided.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.” Total lie—she wasn’t thinking a goddamn thing besides, “Shiiiiit!”

“You and I have things to discuss, and a few memories to alter along the way back to your home.”

Damn it on many counts. “Alter or wipe?”

“Alter, of course. Although my strength has returned, wiping that many minds would still be highly taxing. I prefer to save my power for other activities.”

Like…? Nah, she didn’t want to know.

He opened the door and gestured for her to go first. Which he’d probably never done before. Minions opened doors for him and she doubted chivalry ranked high on his list of valuable traits. But she went because when you gotta go, you gotta go.

“Did you know?” he asked.

What was it with that question? “Know what? That your victims come while you feed? Yeah, I heard it happens occasionally.”

“Always. They always come while I feed. If it were possible, I would show you.”

“I just heard more proof than I wanted to, thanks.”

“I have no doubt that it would be far more enjoyable to feel you come than to hear her do it.”

*****

authorAuthor Info:

Lauren Stewart lives in Northern California with two of the most amazing children that the world has ever seen. She reads almost every genre so, naturally, her writing reflects that. With every book, every story, you’ll find elements of other genres–fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, suspense, YA, women’s literature, all with a touch of humor because what doesn’t kill us should make us laugh.

www.ReadLaurenS.com

@ReadLaurenS

www.facebook.com/LaurenStewartAuthor

www.goodreads.com/LaurenStewart

*****

Giveaway:

5 ebook copies of Unseen

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f667/

*****

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