Saskia Walker's Blog, page 149

It's Walk on the Wild Side release day!

Risque Business by HelenKay Dimon is now available to download and is showcased at Walk on the Wild Side Books today! Mmm, I love this cover. ;-) Go here to read an excerpt and check out this delicious read from HelenKay.

Kari Reynolds is a human resources specialist on a short-term assignment at Coleman Engineering. It's her job to lead workshops but there's one big problem – the boss, Matt Bradford.

Being near Mr. Tall, Dark and Smoking Hot brings out Kari's naughty side. One look at him makes her forget what's appropriate in the workplace, and she's smart enough to know the heated glances he's shooting her way have nothing to do with business.

Now all she has to do is convince Matt to ignore her job title and try a little office pleasure…

Approximately 11,000 words

Awesome review of THE HARLOT!

There's an awesome review of THE HARLOT at Book Binge and it made me beam! I can only hope that anyone who picks up the book enjoys it this much. The reviewer has not only teased out all the themes to share with other readers, she's also summarised them way better than I could have. ;-)

This novel is one more delightful addition to Ms Walker's literary portfolio and is one of those books that entertains as it educates. A reader cannot help but be better aware of the culture of those bygone days, yet the timelessness of the power of love to overcome the greatest of prejudices stands tall. I liked this novel a lot and wholeheartedly recommend it for the lovers of historical romance fiction. I give it a rating of 4.25 out of 5. Go here to read full review.

"Bewitching nod to the Memoirs of A Woman of Pleasure"

It's just a few days until THE HARLOT's official publication date, and the book is already in stock and shipping from various on line retail sites. This is both exciting and nerve wracking!! :-)

The Harlot is an important book for me, my first big historical for Harlequin and the first of a series of three linked books set in Scotland at the time of the witch trials. I loved this story, and of course I'm hoping that readers will love it too. Several ARC reviewers have posted comments at Good Reads and other review sites, and this initial response has been really encouraging. It's also been reviewed at Amazon and other places by the legendary Harriet Klausner, who had some observations that made me GRIN!

This is an exciting, enticing eighteenth century romance with a touch of whimsical witchcraft. The lead couple is an ideal pairing of an obsessed avenger and a vigorous harlot who understands supply and demand as her body is the only commodity she can sell without being burned to death. Readers will appreciate Saskia Walker's bawdy historical with a bewitching nod to the Memoirs of A Woman of Pleasure.

My biggest influence in writing this erotic novel was Fanny Hill -- a book I adore! -- and I was delighted when someone picked that up.

There are a couple of givewaways running. Two copies up for grabs over at Erotica For All, and a five copy giveaway at Good Reads, both of which close on the 1st June.


Now shipping from Amazon.com
Now shipping from Barnes and Noble
Available for advance order from Amazon UK

A hot new Walk on the Wild Side read!

Mmmm, a new Alison Kent read. What more could you want to brighten up your Monday?
Alison Kent is a legend in erotic romance, and I'm heading off to pick up my copy of this sexy new read: AT HIS MERCY.

When car trouble sends Lise Kimball into the sweaty, sultry Mississippi south, she wants nothing more than a new tire and a place to spend the night before continuing her trip to New Orleans.

What she doesn't want is to find herself stranded in the company of Donovan True, a man as controlling as the one who drove her from Atlanta.

Except Donovan takes charge in ways Lise has never known. Being at his mercy might be exactly what she's been looking for.

Approximately 12,000 words

Go here for an excerpt and buy links.

Eroticism and the historical novel

I'm guest blogging over at Erotica For All today, chatting about eroticism and the historical novel. I'm also giving away two copies of THE HARLOT. Click on the banner to find out more.



In other news, THE HARLOT is now shipping from Amazon.com in the US! Wooohooo! I guess this might mean it will be in bookstores soon, although I can't be sure of that. Official publication day is June 1st. If anyone happens to see it - let me know. Or if I beg and plead, would you take a photo for me? :) I'll love you forever if I get to see my book on shelves. :)

New publication: MINDING AMY, contemporary erotic romance

Today's the day - my first publication at Walk on the Wild Side Books! Yay!!  MINDING AMY is a fun read, a hot contemporary romance that's around 62,000 words in length. It's set in London, Sussex, and Yorkshire. Here's the copy:

Sassy London journalist, Amy Norton, is on the trail of a missing TV celebrity. When her over-protective father hires a bodyguard to accompany her during her investigative work, she's furious. Things only get worse when she realizes the bodyguard is the guy she mistakenly approached on a blind date the night before. She was all over the man and embarrassed herself, big time. The last thing she wants is to have him obstructing her investigation, gorgeous though he is.

Undercover Investigator, Sebastian Armitage, is amused and fascinated by the situation and sets out to charm the pants off the hot-headed Ms Norton. She is one sexy lady, and he wants her. Before long they embark on a red-hot affair, but how is Sebastian going to point out that she's going about investigate work the wrong way, while keeping her sweet?



Excerpt:


Amy attempted to jerk free of his grip but he moved closer still, locking her in against the wall of the corridor with the bulk of his body. He was so close that her skin tingled, her traitorous body responding intimately to his proximity.

"You weren't this business-like yesterday," he commented in an insinuating tone, knocking the conversation right down onto a personal level.

"That was an error on my part and you know it."

"An error?" He moved one hand and ran his finger along her jaw. "I didn't think so, and neither did you…at the time."

Lust surged through her, threatening to steal away her last ounce of poise. The way he touched her was so intimate and suggestive. It made the pulse in her groin thud wildly. "I'm not happy about having a minder," she blurted, latching onto that fact.

"The woman I met yesterday not only needed a minder but was glad to have one, if I recall correctly." The look in his eyes was so teasing it was downright rude.

He was enjoying this, damn him. She narrowed her eyes. "That's low."

He shrugged one shoulder. "It's the truth. You can't deny it."

She pressed her lips together tightly, her heart pounding.

"The woman I met yesterday was also much more agreeable," he added.

She shook her head in disbelief. Everything was a challenge to him. "You really have no shame."

"Neither did you, yesterday."

Oh, boy. He really was going to torture her with that. It was getting increasingly hard to maintain eye contact.
"This is now a business arrangement."

He ran his finger down the lapel on her jacket, moving dangerously close to her aching breasts. "Then give me our 'business arrangement' meeting point, and we're done….for now."

"Seven o' clock, at the pickup point outside Euston station."

"I'll be there." He stepped away, freeing her.

Amy stared at him in disbelief. He was by far the most attractive, sexiest man she'd ever met, and for the next couple of days she had to put up with him stalking her every move. The thought made her light-headed.

She straightened her jacket and walked away, her heart still racing. Focus on the job, she told herself, but all she could think about was her companion...

Now available to download from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
ARe (with a discount for the first two weeks!)
Smashwords


Because I've been able to put this one out myself I've had control over pricing. :D So this one is priced at just $2.99 (that's £2.10 on Kindle UK.) If you pick up the book I hope you enjoy the read!

ARC comments start to come in for THE HARLOT!

It's just a couple of weeks until THE HARLOT is due out and I'm starting to see comments and reviews from reviewers who picked up the ARC at netgalley. I've been nervous about the book's reception so it's been very promising indeed to see that readers are enjoying the story! Here are a few of the responses:

"One word... Wow! If you want a lot of steam (I'm thinkin' twenty-minute-sauna-110F-at-least steam here), with a bit of (accurate) historical stuff, and a decent plot thrown in, then this book is for you! It was my first book by Saskia Walker (received through netgalley), and it certainly won't be my last." Ruth, Good Reads reader.

"I really enjoy books by Saskia Walker. I have a hard time categorizing her books, and I like that. I've yet to read a book by Walker where I wasn't thoroughly entertained by the story and the arousing sexual scenes....Overall- I loved the adventure, the paranormal elements and of course, the smoking hot sex scenes." Michelle, Good Reads reader

"This is a very erotic read and one that gradually engages the heart and pulls the reader into the story. This is one of those books where I was so strongly tempted to go to the end and find out what happened to these two. It is historically accurate and within that context is an accurate reflection of that culture. I highly recommend it and feel it is really a very find read." Judith, Good Reads reader.

"The Harlot is a story of two people thrown together, separately in search of redemption from their past, both wanting revenge for wrongs affronted to them and the hardships they had to endure. Secretly, each desires to be loved and be in a world where they're wanted and can feel like they belong. I enjoyed learning more of Jessie and Gregor's past, it was a very sensual story filled with many of encounters. I wish I had a little more warning when it came to some of the content but having never read one of Ms. Walker's stories before; I wasn't quite sure what to expect.Overall I think the story line was good. The Harlot is about finding redemption unexpectedly, being able to trust and love again, as well as moving forward. I feel many historical romance readers and fans of Ms. Walker's will not be disappointed in this new work." Ali, Nocturne Romance reads

"Take one gorgeous rogue seeking vengeance and a desperate woman charged with witchcraft, toss them together with a healthy dose of lust and you've got an enticing tale of revenge, justice and magic." RT Book Reviews magazine

Very, very relieved author here! I hope that all readers who pick it up enjoy as much as these have. Fingers crossed! If you're interested and want to pick up a copy the best advance prices on the print copy are at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Alas Amazon Uk don't have it listed for pre-order as yet, but I've been chasing that and hope it comes up soon.

A new Walk on the Wild Side release: GLINT

If you're in the mood for a sexy indulgence for a bargain price, you need to check out Portia da Costa's latest erotica ebook quickie, GLINT.

Here's the summary:

While enjoying a lazy day at the beach, sexy holidaymakers Suzy and Gavin see a sudden glint of light flash from the headland overlooking their patch of sand, and realize that somebody's watching them through a pair of binoculars! Far from being alarmed, hedonistic Suzy finds the forbidden scrutiny deliciously exciting, and turned on by her own latent exhibitionism, she and Gavin decide to put on a titillating performance… and really give the distant voyeur something to watch!

Yum, I adore this cover. I've also read (devoured) this story and I can promise you're in for a very naughty tale indeed. What a great way to start the week!

Go here to read an excerpt and find buy links!

A quick photo trip around North Wales

We're home from our semi-annual trip to North Wales, and I've got a few photos to share. The main goal this time around was to visit Portmeirion, a quirky Italiante village that also served as the filming location for the 1960s cult TV show THE PRISONER. We also squeezed in a couple of other beauty spots.

Llandudno bay, one of my favourite spots on the North Wales coastline.
We had super weather, but we always seem to get lucky when we visit Wales.
The gateway to Portmeirion village! This is a great example of the architect's trademark style.
Clough Williams-Ellis used Italian design sympathetically rendered to merge into the natural landscape. He threw in recycled architecture and artifacts, and put it togeher with a sense of fun that reflects the principles of surrealism. Here the coloring on the facade is faded out to make the buidling look much older than it is, and the addition of many smaller windows makes it look larger. You can find out more about the location at www.portmeirion-village.com. There's a gorgeous hotel on site, and many of the properties in the village are now available as self catering units.
More quirkiness - can you spot which windows are real, and which are painted to look real?
Lots of surrealism here.
Portmeirion village on the cliff, the hotel pool and the estuary coastline.

The fire engine depot at Portmeirion!
This is the house that NUMBER SIX was designated in THE PRISONER (it's tiny!)
It now houses The Prisoner souvenir shop.
Over the door - proof :)
You can buy all sorts of goodies including the blazers here,
and inside they had the actual NUMBER SIX jacket in a frame.

The piazza, because every Italianate village has to have one, even if it's in North Wales.
The colonnade at the centre is recycled. 

And here I am at Caernarfon castle.
A lovely short break. Now it's back to work.

Still time to enter to win

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Goodreads Book Giveaway













The Harlot




by Saskia Walker

Giveaway ends June 01, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win