Cynthia Eden's Blog, page 92
June 28, 2011
Dani Harper is Running With The Wolves! (And she's got a fun giveaway, too!)
Okay, this giveaway is just fun. (Thank you, Dani!) Our next guest is Dani Harper, author of some great paranormal romances with Kensington Brava. Ah…I do love paranormals. 
She's sharing a cool post about wolves, and one commenter will win two of Dani's books (one is a hot-off-the-presses release!) AND a plush wolf that is in need of a home. See–told you it was a fun giveaway. Welcome, Dani! And congrats on your release!
RUNNING WITH THE WOLVES … Dani Harper
Happy Release Day, Cynthia, and thanks for allowing me to share it with you! Today, the second book in my shapeshifter series is released from Kensington-Brava, CHANGELING DREAM.
In my world, Changelings walk among us, and can change from human to wolf at will. But they were inspired by a real event.
I owned a small farm in northern Canada and one morning I was stunned to see a pack of wolves – about 7 or 8 – run across my yard. No mistake about what these big dark creatures were – I'd seen hundreds of coyotes before and these clearly dwarfed them. The wolves ran with ease and grace, seeming to float along rather than touch the ground. Teeth gleamed white from grinning black lips, their tails were great plumed banners and they ran with purpose.
And then they were gone. They vanished like smoke into the timber that flanked my property. I have never felt such a wild yearning in my life. A wish that they would come back? A wish that I might go with them? I didn't know. I still don't.
Ever since, however, I've run with the wolves on paper. And the result is my new series, beginning with Changeling Moon which was released May 31st. Book Two, Changeling Dream, is out TODAY, June 28th! Book Three, Changeling Dawn, will be released in January. I'm working on Book Four right now. www.daniharper.com
TODAY'S GIVEAWAY
One lucky commenter is going to get a wolf in their mailbox! Really, I have a cute plush wolf that needs a home, and he's bringing along a copy of CHANGELING MOON (Book 1) and my newly released CHANGELING MOON (Book 2). To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment and tell me..would you like to be a changeling? Would you like to run with wolves?
EXCERPT FROM CHANGELING DREAM (Kensington-Brava, ISBN 978-0758265166)
The full moon called and the Pack answered. The lights of the town of Dunvegan were left behind as seven creatures ran silently, effortlessly, mile after mile. Nothing could cover distance as efficiently as a wolf's perfect form. Charcoal and tawny, gray and silver, gold and black, the wolves were a diverse group, yet they moved as one with the smooth grace of long practice. Eventually a white wolf joined them, easing into the band without a ripple.
The Pack loped along the game trails at the very tops of the coulees, high above the Peace River valley. The wolves' path seemed almost suspended between sky and water, moon above and moon reflected below. Joy, fierce and bright, was all around.
Stars wheeled overhead, revealing the constellations of the early morning as the Pack leader turned towards Elk Point. There, she slowed at last and picked her way along the rocky promontory until the trees parted to reveal a sweeping view. Tongues lolling, sides heaving, the wolves flopped down on the stone plateau just as a sudden wind gusted up from the valley. Dry leaves swirled into a lazy vortex around the group. The air crackled, flashed here and there with tiny sparks, as static electricity began to collect. The power built until the ground thrummed with it, until the very rocks vibrated.
Sudden silence burst as loud as a thunderclap. Human laughter and human words flowed in quickly to fill the vacuum. The breeze died away, the leaves fell to earth. Where eight wolves had been, there was now only one. A lone white wolf and seven human beings.
Connor Macleod automatically reached out a hand and ruffled the thick soft fur. His older brother was not just the only one in the family with such a snowy pelt, but the only Changeling that Connor had ever seen with that coloration – not an albino but a true white. Their father had often called James a winter wolf, but there was always a touch of sadness in his voice when he did so. Connor had pressed him for an explanation once. It's a verra long journey until spring for a winter wolf, lad. A verra long journey. Connor had been too young to attach any meaning to his father's words. Now he saw that they had been all too prophetic.
He spoke to his older brother in his mind. All of them had that ability; it was part and parcel of being Changeling. Good to see you, bro. Have you eaten tonight?
Old moose, lame. Easy hunting. Full now.
James' words were always clear in Connor's mind, but they were few and labored, as if it were a strain to use human words at all. As if running as a wolf for thirty years made it difficult to even remember the language. Seven words in a row nearly counted as a speech.
It might have given Connor a tiny glimmer of hope, but he hadn't allowed himself that luxury in many years. His hand fell away from the thick white pelt as he automatically blocked the rest of his thoughts from his brother. What possible good could it do to tell James how much he missed him, ached to talk with him, to joke and laugh with him, hell, even to fight with him? How the whole family grieved for James, as if he was dead. And he was dead to them. Even as a wolf he very seldom ran with the Pack or came near any of them except Connor on occasion. James had forsaken his human self entirely, and it was unclear if he was bound to the Macleods by remembered human ties or merely a wolf instinct to be part of a Pack.
But not one of us blames him for it. Good Christ, how could we? We weren't there. We were too far away, all of us too damn far away. He shook his head. By the time they'd arrived at James's farm, the house was a heap of blackened beams and cold ashes. Too damn late to do anything but bury poor Evelyn. It had nearly been too late for James as well. The Pack had tracked him through deep wilderness for two days, unable to catch up with him until he finally collapsed from his horrific wounds. Over thirty years had passed and still Connor shivered at that memory. He had barely recognized the blackened and battered creature that once was the white wolf. Changeling or not, it was a flat-out miracle James had lived.
But the miracle was incomplete. The wolf came back to them, but not the man. Connor glanced over at his brother. The massive white creature was stretched out on the ground beside him as if relaxed, but the vivid blue eyes flicked from person to person. Alert. Ready, Connor knew, to disappear. Everyone else knew too. Connor noticed that each member of the Pack, family and friend alike, would glance over at James and then turn away quickly, not knowing what to do or say. Fearing to break some unknown spell, fearing that the white wolf would leave them even sooner than he usually did.
Find Changeling Dream on Amazon now at http://www.amazon.com/Changeling-Dream-Dani-Harper/dp/0758265166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309210126&sr=8-1
EXCERPT FROM CHANGELING MOON (Kensington-Brava, ISBN 978-0758265142)
The Dunvegan Herald Weekly was silent except for clocks ticking and the dripping of the staff room faucet. She liked having the place to herself. How on earth had she ever gotten anything done in the middle of a big busy newsroom? It was so much easier to work when it was quiet. Easier, until she played her phone messages and found one from Connor. It was nothing much, just a simple request that she call him, but his deep melodious voice did strange things to her insides. God, he even sounded hot. Did he do that on purpose?
It ruined her concentration for writing. She'd barely get a sentence down before she began thinking of Connor. His eyes for instance, and how they were almost silver at times. With such a color they should have seemed cold, even icy, and yet they were anything but. There was warmth and ready humor in them. Until–
Zoey contemplated the glimpse she'd gotten of another side of Connor Macleod. The one who'd stood in her kitchen ready to do whatever was necessary. His eyes had been different then, darker. The warmth was gone, replaced with a decided coolness. Yet there was no chill directed towards her. Of that she was certain. It was more like the coolness of metal armor, the determined chill of a sword, as he readied for battle. As he stood to protect her, even from herself.
She shivered at the sheer sexiness of it, of him. Ran her hands through her hair and rubbed them lightly over her face, feeling the heat that had flared in her cheeks. Heat. In his truck, she had awakened to the sensation of Connor stroking her cheek. In her kitchen, he'd placed that big hand over hers. She could still feel the unusual heat that had radiated from his skin on both occasions. Not the parched heat of a fever but more like the banked coals of a campfire, something that beckoned her to relax, to stretch out and simply bask in the pleasure of it.
Sitting behind her desk as she had sat at her bistro table, her hand resting palm down on the smooth surface, she smiled. The table had been so tiny, she could have reached out and touched Connor easily. Could have indulged the urge she'd felt to brush the glossy dark hair from his face, indulged that wish to slide her palm over the stubble on his jaw. She imagined stirring her mocha slowly, lazily, and skimming the chocolate froth onto the spoon. Licking it off with quick little flicks of her tongue while he watched her with silvery eyes….
Find Changeling Moon on Amazon now at http://www.amazon.com/Changeling-Moon-Dani-Harper/dp/075826514X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
* * * *
Dani Harper is a newspaper editor turned paranormal author. There isn't anything she likes better than exploring the supernatural — unless it's writing romantic suspense. Of course, all of her stories have at least one foot in the netherworld…
To find out more, please visit Dani's website at www.daniharper.com Or stop by her Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/DaniHarperFanPage and say hello! She always has time to chat with a reader.
Bronwen Evans Has an INVITATION for You.
I love Brava books (and not just because I write for Kensington Brava). Long before I started writing for my publisher, I was an avid reader of Brava books. Each month, I would nab as many of those books as I could! So I am particularly happy to have another Brava author, Bronwen Evans, here at the party. Bronwen, thanks for joining us!
Good evening from Wellington, New Zealand, although it's 3pm on Wednesday afternoon here, and I'm busy working on my new WIP – Regency historical, working title, A Kiss of Lies.
I love the Regency period. I'm fascinated by the pretense of respectability, when in fact most of the Ton had the morals of an alley cat. I also love the strong men and clever women depicted in Regency romances. It was hard for a woman to use her brain for much more than running a household. So the fact that they compete and win in such a male dominated world enthralls me.
Cynthia has kindly let me promote my Regency historical debut release, INVITATION TO RUIN. It's quite a dark and gritty tale of love and forgiveness, involving England's slave trade.
Here's what RT Book Reviewer Jill Brager thought:-
Here's a fast-paced story filled with snappy dialogue, action and a tortured hero that will delight the reader as much as he delights the heroine. A strong heroine, some wonderful secondary characters and a villain who is truly evil help move the story forward. Readers will laugh and cry as they and the protagonists learn that your past does not necessarily dictate your future and that love heals all wounds.
Anthony Craven, the Earl of Wickham, aka The Lord of Wicked, is about to pursue his favorite pastimes, sin and vice. On his way to his assignation he winds up in the wrong room, that of Miss Melissa Goodly, a 21-year-old virgin. When they're caught, Anthony has no choice but to marry Melissa. Many hope that this is just what Anthony needs to turn him from his current path of self-destruction. Anthony leaves Melissa on their wedding night. Each time they are in the same room Anthony's attraction for his wife grows, but he has vowed to never father a child in order to end what he believes is the evil in the family bloodline. The only thing Melissa hopes for out of this marriage is a child. She is determined to break through Anthony's icy reserve. When a dark shadow from Anthony's past kidnaps Melissa, he might lose her before he has a chance to tell her that he has fallen in love with her. (BRAVA, Mar., 336 pp. $14.00)
Reviewed By: Jill Brager
One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of the book!
Read the excerpt below. There are more on my website. This piece is where Melissa, the heroine, needs money from Anthony, the hero, in order to buy the freedom of her best friend's maid who is a slave.
www.bronwenevans.com/books.html
…Melissa blushed. She wanted to tell Anthony about Theresa, but he'd taken over his father's slave trading business. Although Anthony had closed down the firm after his father's death, he'd still worked for his father. Anthony would likely think buying a slave's freedom a waste of money, and she couldn't risk him saying no. Not when Theresa's life hung in the balance.
"I have a small debt that I raked up at Lady Humphrey's last evening, and I am without funds." Lady Humphrey, a renowned gambler, often held card evenings for the ladies of the ton since women could not openly visit gaming houses. "Her ladyship will expect the debt paid, and I'm sure you would not like the embarrassment of me having to plead insolvency."
"How much is the debt?"
"Two hundred pounds." Her words spilled forth without hesitation.
Jaw tight, he stalked towards her and halted in front of her. He jammed his hands on his hips and towered over her like Goliath. His face carved with fury. "Am I to expect this behavior will occur on a regular basis? I suppose like brother like sister."
His eyes swept over her, his contempt making her feel ten inches small. "Everything is slowly becoming clearer. You agreed to Richard's proposition to trap me in marriage, not just for your brother but for yourself as well."
"No——"
"Do not add more lies to the ones you've already spouted," he growled. "You played me well. Let me see if I remember your words." He tried to mimic her voice. "I won't make you marry me. I want to marry for love." He gave a hollow laugh. "You should be on the stage."
She dropped her head. Waves of nausea rose up into her throat. It was pointless to argue, he'd never believe her.
"Since I am left in no position but to grant you this favor I shall call it your engagement gift."
Her head jerked up. She whispered, "No. As you have already given me an engagement present, I would like to call this a loan against my allowance."
"I think not." A bitter smile twisted his lips. "This shall replace my previous present, which due to your underhandedness, I shall take back."
Melissa slowly rose to her feet, shaking her head. "Don't do this."
"The choice is yours – the money or a promise not to bed your cousin." He gave an ugly smile. "What makes it so interesting is I shall see what means more to you? Money or a faithful husband?"
The room spun. She reached out and grasped the back of the settee. He meant it. Bastard. She sucked in deep breaths. She had no choice. Her pride was nothing compared to Theresa's life. "I shall take the money."
His nostrils flared and his eyes hardened. "At last you are finally being honest. Now we know where we both stand." He spun and marched toward the exit, saying, "I shall send the money to Lady Humphrey's on your behalf – "
"No." Without thinking, she flew after him. She grabbed for his arm, but at the feel of his sinewy muscles, a jolt of awareness made her drop her hands to her side. "I would prefer to deliver the money myself. I would not like it known that I run to my husband to pay my debts."
He halted and stood starring at her for what seemed like an eternity, then with a slight bow he said, "I shall have the money delivered here by lunchtime."
She let out the breath she'd not known she was holding. "Thank you," she whispered, but he had already left the room, and he was now free to bed Cassandra….
She sunk down onto the settee before her legs collapsed. Her hand moved to hold her stomach to stop herself from being sick. She'd really done it now. Anthony could not stand the sight of her, and in two days time she would have to stand before God and swear to love, honor and obey him…
My second book in the INVITATION TO series is called INVITATION TO SCANDAL and will be released in May 2012. Snippets of the book are also on my website.
To be in the draw for a signed copy of INVITATION TO RUIN, simply leave a comment telling me who Anthony's twin brother is. You'll find the answer above and on my website.
Bronwen Evans
Website: www.bronwenevans.com
Blog: http://regencyseductions.blogspot.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/bronwenevansauthor
Twitter: @authorbevans
Julie James offers A LOT LIKE LOVE
Do you remember the first time you fell in love–um, not with a person, but with a book? I remember. The first book I fell in love with was THE PIRATE by Jayne Ann Krentz. That book totally hooked me on romance.
Right now, I'm hoping to hook you on a story. The fabulous Julie James has offered up a copy of her new book, A LOT LIKE LOVE, to one Release Party commenter. Here's the scoop on the book:
THE FBI WANTS HER COOPERATION.
As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city's top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there's only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother's release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.
AGENT MCCALL JUST WANTS HER.
As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This "date" with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they're both determined to pull off even if they can't be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick's investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they're a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .
***
You can read an excerpt from A LOT LIKE LOVE here.
Now…want to win a copy of this book? (I want to! I want to! Oh, wait, I'm not eligible. Good thing I have a copy!). To enter the giveaway, just tell me the last book that you read and fell in love with…even if it was only a little bit of love. The contest runs, just like the others, until noon tomorrow.
Jennifer Haymore Invites You To…Be a Bit IMPROPER.
Let's go back in time now. Way back…with busy author historical author Jennifer Haymore. Jennifer wanted to let folks know that she's got a great new historical that will be out in just a few weeks (August 1). Here's a sneak peek for you:
TWICE TEMPTED
Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.
Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?
***
Jennifer can pen some great, emotional tales. I get lost in her books. And, well, it's your turn to get lost in one of her wonderful tales now. Jennifer is offering up a copy of A SEASON OF SEDUCTION to a commenter. Ready to be seduced? To enter the giveaway, just tell me the name of one actor that you wouldn't mind seducing. It's just for fun, so no husbands/boyfriends/etc. should get too jealous…
Although the widowed Lady Rebecca has sworn off marriage, men are another matter. London's cold winter nights have her dreaming of warmer pursuits-like finding a lover to satisfy her hungry heart. Someone handsome, discreet, and most importantly as uninterested in marriage as she is. Someone like Jack Fulton
A known adventurer and playboy, Jack seems like the perfect choice. There's just one problem: Jack isn't interested in an affair. He needs the beautiful, mysterious Lady Rebecca to be his wife. And he doesn't have much time to persuade her. A secret from Jack's past is about to surface, and by Christmas Day he'll be either married to Rebecca or dead.
***
The giveaway will stay open until noon on 6/29/11. Thanks!
Be TRUE with Joyce Lamb (awesome book giveaway, ahoy!)
I love parties. Have I mentioned that a time or twenty today? Thanks so much for coming by to celebrate with me. :)
The next author that we are spotlighting at the party is multi-published, romantic suspense (with great paranormal elements!) author Joyce Lamb. Before I talk about the books, I have to share something I read on Joyce's "About Me" page:
"Besides writing, I love to play tennis and board games and grill out with friends. My guilty pleasures include The Real Housewives of New York, Project Runway and So You Think You Can Dance. I don't have time to be ashamed."
I don't have time to be ashamed. Oh, Joyce, that made me smile–and it may just be my new motto!
Today, Joyce is offering up a copy of TRUE VISION and a copy of TRUE COLORS to a commenter. Very cool. Here are the details for these great books:
And here's the TRUE VISION blurb:
Newspaper reporter Charlie Trudeau is living an ordinary life, until witnessing a fatal hit-and-run accident gives her an intense psychic power she has no clue how to handle—and brings a Chicago police detective to her doorstep…
Noah Lassiter wants nothing more than to find the driver who killed his good friend. But his only lead is the beautiful Charlie Trudeau, who gets prickly when he starts nosing around town. Charlie's clearly hiding something, but Noah needs her help unraveling the mystery of his friend's death—even if the electricity between them complicates things.
But the more Noah and Charlie uncover, the more they realize they're looking for a desperate killer—and the more danger they're in. And if Charlie can't gain control over her psychic powers, they may not survive long enough to explore the full sizzling potential of their desire…
***
And here's the cover of TRUE COLORS:
Alex Trudeau has everything she ever wanted. She takes pictures for the local paper, she's rescued a family of mutts, and hot police detective John Logan has finally asked her out. But then a near-death experience unearths an intense psychic ability she never knew she had…
John Logan moved to Lake Avalon, Florida, to escape a lifetime of hardship. When his darkest secret comes to town with revenge in mind, Logan lands the woman of his dreams in a serial killer's crosshairs…
With their lives on the line and Alex's hallucinatory flashes dragging her deeper into the twisted mind of a maniac, Logan and Alex face the ultimate test. The tension is electric, but to survive they'll have to look more than skin-deep—they just might not like everything they find…
***
Want to win? These books deal with psychic powers (something that has always fascinated me). Often, people are asked which psychic power they'd like to have…well, this time,I want to know the psychic power you'd NEVER want. Leave a comment and you could win these great books! (Giveaway will run until noon on 6/29/11.) Thanks!!
Mary Wine is in the House…and she has advanced copies of MY FAIR HIGHLANDER!
It's my pleasure to welcome awesome historical author Mary Wine to the party. Mary writes wonderfully sensual and romantic tales that I adore. Mary, thanks for joining us!
It's release time!
Always a favorite time for us authors. You see, we turn in our babies, edit and polish them and then…move on to another book before they come out and we get to share them with anyone. Congrats Cynthia! Excellent reason for a party!
My last release of Highland Heat and my coming one is 'My Fair Highlander', both Scottish historicals, so I thought I'd blog about men in kilts.
What is it about men in kilts?
I think it isn't so much what they wear as who they are. Those Celts are tough people, Scotland itself isn't the easiest place to survive. The soil is thin in many places and it rains…a lot! But these northern lands have been home to people that flourish where I fear I might raise my white flag of surrender.
The kilt itself is a garment that comes from practicality. First of all, it's wool. For centuries, this was one of the only textile fibers being produced in the area. It is the easiest one to cultivate because sheep can graze freely. Wool maintains ninety percent of its insulting factor when wet when cotton keeps only ten. Something very important if you are talking about surviving in a time when there is no central heating. The kilt was a length of wool, which might be sheered off a sheep, carded by hand and spun into yarn which could be woven by even the most rural family.
But that's not what draws me to the Highlands for my stories. I do love reading the historical facts because it puts me in touch with the time period. I think that's vital to a good historical novel. As a reader, I want to have enough detail to believe I'm there and as an author, I try to make sure that happens. There's a delicate balance to maintain it but Highlanders are worth the effort.
They were hardened by the land they lived on but had a great sense of humor too. These men held themselves to noble ideals and that is what brings to my mind as my heroes. The kilt, that so many poke fun at is actually another detail of their ability to preserver. Textiles were hard to produce, meaning you had one garment and they belted it during the day and unpleated it at night to use for bedding. Rather ingenious of them in my opinion.
Beyond that…the clans of Scotland draw the imagination because of the unity they are heralded to have had. I think that's part of every humans desire to be part of something. There are certainly times that you long for privacy but for the most part, we all value knowing that we are missed. When I'm writing my story, my hero has to care about more than just himself. His dedication is what proves he's noble. Drop by my website for excerpts!
Mary Wine….MaryWine.com….romance that's intoxicating.
I'll be giving away a couple of advance copies of 'My Fair Highlander'. Don't miss out on this treat. Here's an excerpt to tempt you, to enter go over and like my FaceBook page. Tell me what you think of the excerpt to be entered in the give-a-way.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Wine/133965836120
My Fair Highlander….Aug 2011.
Excerpt-
One of those dark eyebrows arched in arrogant display. "Well now, lass, I've asked yer brother for permission to court ye. A thing I did long before tonight, so do nae be calling me sinful just because ye enjoyed running yer hands across me chest."
Jemma snarled. "You kissed me first."
Gordon shrugged. "Aye, I did. Does that mean that ye would like the opportunity to touch me first? I'm ready to stand steady while ye do with me as ye please, lass." His eyes sparkled like a boys. "I feel the weather growing warmer at just the idea of ye reaching for me."
Her hand flew out before she thought about it. She balled up her fingers and punched him on the side of his mocking jaw just as she'd seen the men doing in the training yard. Pain snaked up her arm and into her shoulder, drawing another profane word from her lips.
Gordon laughed, full volume, and the man actually leaned over to brace his hands on the top of his thighs while he continued to roar with amusement. In spite of the pain, Jemma pulled her hand back for another swing. Gordon ducked when she came at him this time, his body lowering so that the force of her strike carried her over his wide shoulder. He took full advantage of her inexperience with fighting and surged up so that she ended up bent over his shoulder. One hard hand connected with her unprotected bottom with a smack that echoed off the chamber walls.
"Put me down!"
"As ye like." He slapped her unprotected bottom another time, before dumping her off his shoulder. Jemma shrieked as she felt her body falling through the air. A vision of her slamming into the floor made her cringe but her body bounced on the soft surface of the bed instead. Her skirts flew up and came down in a tangled mess that knotted around her legs.
"You beast!" She flipped onto her belly and felt the night air brush against her bare thighs above the top of her knee-high stockings. She jerked her face up to discover Gordon admiring the view her tussled skirts was affording him. Kicking at the fabric, she rose up onto her knees but stopped because the man stood in front of the bed, blocking the path she would have taken off it.
He looked for all the world like some Viking from winter stories. The ones that were told near the end of winter when all of the better stories were exhausted. Sitting back down, Jemma rolled over, intent on leaving the bed from the opposite side. But something large and heavy landed on the bed. She snarled and tried to swing her legs off the bed only to discover that her dress held her back. Turing her head, she found Gordon lying across the foot of the bed with one elbow propped against the surface of the bed and his head resting in his hand while the beast smirked at her.
His heavier body lay across her skirts, trapping her where she lay with only her chemise to guard her modesty.
"Ye hit me wildcat, so do nae be crying when it was you that set the tone of our conversation."
Jemma grabbed her skirt and gave it a yank, but the fabric remained lodged beneath his weight. "You earned it for behaving like such a blackard and stealing a kiss from me."
"Hmmm….possibly."
"There is no question about it. Now get off my dress, we should not be in…in—"
"In bed together?"
Jemma felt her face burn with a blush. "Exactly."
"With yer skirts tossed?" His lips were curving up in a grin while his tone mocked her.
"Stop it. This is cruel. Riding out was foolish, but I am not a slut, and you should not be looking at my thighs. No one has ever looked at…" She couldn't help how pitiful she sounded. Helplessness was closing around her with an icy grip. There was nothing to stop him from doing what he would. Even her own body seemed to have a liking for his touch. She looked away from him, unable to prevent two tears from easing from her eyes. She many have done some foolish things since her father's death, but never had she shamed him.
A soft word muttered in Gaelic drew her attention back to Gordon. He lifted his body so that her skirts were loose. She pulled them towards her and sat up so that her legs were covered once again. Gordon relaxed against the bed once more, lying in a contented pose while he studied her. It was by far the most unusual setting she had ever been in. All of her life had been dictated by rules and traditions. The prospect of being in bed with a man she barely knew had never occurred to her. At least, not if that man was not her husband. Brides often had to deal with meeting their spouses for the first time on the night of their wedding.
But she had no such comfort as knowing that wedding vows protected her honor and future. Losing her maidenhead tonight would see her facing a harsh reality tomorrow morning. There would be plenty who would point and judge her for not being pure. Gordon wouldn't face such. No, the shame would be hers alone and well deserved for sneaking past Synclair the way she had. There was no one to blame but herself.
She drew in a deep breath and banished the tears from her eyes, better to face what was to come then shiver in dread.
"Well? What do you want now, Gordon Dwyre?"
His lips twitched but they didn't curve. The man appeared to watching her, studying her.
"I shouldn't have looked at yer thighs, lass."
Jemma nodded agreement.
"But I enjoyed it full well." He smiled with arrogant confirmation of that enjoyment.
She offered him a short huff. "If you think I'll thank you for that compliment, you are mistaken."
He lifted one thick finger. "Maybe not but I see that ye find me as interesting as I find you."
"I do not."
His lips parted as his smile became larger. "Ye undress me with yer eyes Jemma, 'tis a fact that I find it hard to resist."
"Try harder." She would, she had to.
He shook his head. "But ye did hit me, so—" His gaze lowered to her lips and passion flared to life in his eyes. "Ye owe me one sweet kiss to relieve the pain."
"Trust a man to believe kisses relieve pain."
One of those eyebrows rose once more. "Do ye deny that many a mother has offered a kiss to soothe the discomfort of her child?"
"You are not a child." And she was far too aware of it for her own sanity. Her nipples were still hard, begging for the touch of his skin against them. The idea of kissing him was threatening to cast every scrap of self discipline aside.
"If I roll onto me back and allow ye to tickle me belly, will ye offer me a sweet kiss, Jemma?"
Her mouth went dry. "I shall not." Jemma forced the words past the wicked urgings that were emerging from the excitement flickering in her belly. Part of her did want to touch him, almost too much to ignore.
"Well that's a pity. I think I would have enjoyed it full well." He winked at her before rolling over his shoulder and off the edge of the bed. His kilt went flying but he landed on his feet in a balanced stance before straightening up and all she gained was a flash of his trim back side.
A pity…
Her cheeks flamed scarlet.
"I must admit that I did enjoy putting ye to bed, lass. I hope I get the chance to do it more often."
She gasped and snarled as she struggled to crawl off the bed, but her dress hampered her progress.
"Why do women wear such stupid clothing?"
Jemma didn't realize that she had voiced her thought until she heard Gordon laughing once again. This time it was husky and sweet, sounding far too enticing for her frayed self control.
"Well now, lass, I admit that the idea of seeing ye in a kilt would be pleasing indeed." His face became a mask of sensuous intent, shocking her with how much she noticed his emotions. "But that would put yer thighs on display to everyone and I think that I'm not liking that part of it at all." He plucked at the edge of the rust and orange wool that formed his kilt, lifting it a few inches to show his own thigh that was cut with powerful muscle. Her gaze lowered to it, remaining there until the wool pleats of his plaid fell back down to cover his bare skin.
"No one will disturb ye in this chamber. Ula will knock."
"So I may feel at ease, is that what you suggest?"
He shrugged. "I could stay and do me best to help ye settle in. We do seem to find things to talk about." His eyes narrowed. "And do."
"The chamber is very nice, thank you for your kindness, I have all that I require." She fired off her retort rapidly. "Pray, do not let me keep from more important matters."
He chuckled at her, his lips flashing an arrogant grin at her. "Very well, lass, although I confess to being just a wee bit disappointed in yer choice."
He considered her with one more long look before turning and quitting the room. Jemma relaxed, her body sagging on her knees in the middle of the bed with her skirts puddled all about her. Her heart was beating fast as though she had been running. The night air felt good against her skin because she was warm, just like on a summer day. Her corset felt abnormally tight and her nipples were still hard behind them. She felt drained now that he was gone, as though her emotions had returned to normal but she now understood how little she felt during her everyday life.
Jemma gasped at the horror of the moment, raising a hand to cover her mouth. Horror, torment and longing. Shock held her in its grasp so tightly, all she could do was sit there while the events of the night replayed themselves across her mind. She trembled at the recollection of how close she had come to her own death, but that paled when compared to the way she quivered when she thought about the kiss Gordon Dwyre had pressed against her lips. The darkness around her suddenly became more friend than enemy because it shrouded her and her blush. Try as she might, there was no way to banish Gordon from her mind.
No there was only the night and the man that had kissed her beneath its velvet curtain.
***
Get TEMPTED with Elisabeth Naughton (Plus MARKED & ENTWINED Giveaway)
Party! Party! Party! I love a day of non-stop giveaways. Prizes are awesome. I just love them. Don't you?
And you know what else is awesome? The next author and book that I'm spotlighting. The author is Elisabeth Naughton, a woman who writes both great suspense and paranormal romances. The book we're spotlighting? Well, that would be…
Eternal Guardians Book 3
Sourcebooks
September 6, 2011
ISBN-13: 9781402260469
ISBN-10: 1402260466
DEMETRIUS—He's the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it's best to keep everyone at arm's length.
Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone—kidnapped. To get her back, he'll have to go to the black place in his soul he's always shunned. As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.
Read an excerpt: http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/books/tempted/
Pre-Order Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
B-A-M
Borders
Chapters
IndieBound
Powell's
Demetrius's Free Read & Downloadable wallpaper: http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/extras/demetrius/
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Thanks for all the great info on TEMPTED, Elisabeth! Now, it's comment time. What tempts you? In addition to the hero of TEMPTED, chocolate tempts me (I have no will at all when it's near). :-) Tell me what tempts you. Two winners will be selected randomly–one person will win a copy of Elisabeth's MARKED and one will win a copy of her book, ENTWINED. Ready? Set? Comment!
Bella Andre Wants To Know…do you have THE LOOK OF LOVE?
Author extraordinaire Bella Andre is my next guest–Bella is one busy woman who as written some fabulous books! She's here to introduce you to a great new family…one that you will find in the pages of her books. Bella is also offering 2 giveaways, so read on for more information! Welcome, Bella!
***
Meet the Sullivans!
I'm so thrilled to be introducing you to the fun, sexy siblings in my new contemporary romance series with Chase Sullivan, the hero from The Look of Love. A successful photographer who travels the world and has his pick of beautiful women, Chase thinks life is great just as it is – until he finds Chloe and her totaled car in a ditch on the side of the road in Napa Valley. She's utterly lovely, both inside and out, and he's soon willing to move mountains to love – and protect – her. But will she let him?
Unfortunately, a wrecked car is not the worst thing to happen to Chloe that day. The bruise on her cheek can attest to that. She's vowed never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Surely, the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of a rain storm is too good to be true. Or is he? Because with every loving look Chase gives her – and every sinfully sweet caress – as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can't help but wonder if she's met the only exception.
And although Chase didn't realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn't the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he's gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe's heart.
What was your favorite scene to write in The Look of Love?
I had so much fun writing this story, so it's really hard for me to choose, but if I had to pick one, I'd probably choose the scene at the restaurant in the Napa Valley hills where Chase shows Chloe the pictures he's taken of her. I sniffled – okay, you got me, I cried – all the way through writing it, then choked up every time I read through it after that. Of course, another favorite would have to be that scene in the bathtub where…well, perhaps I'll just let that scene speak for itself!
Who are the other Sullivans?
The next book, From This Moment On – coming September 2011 – features Chase's brother, Marcus, and his very unexpected love story. Nicola is the last woman he would have ever expected to fall for…but after one surprisingly sweet night together, he quickly realizes he can't live without her.
There will also be books for Gabe, the daring firefighter, Zach, the sexy mechanic, Ryan, the pro baseball player, and Smith, the movie star. In these fun and emotional romances, when a Sullivan bad boy falls…he falls hard. And it's forever.
Twin sisters Lori and Sophie (aka Naughty and Nice) round out the family – and definitely bring out the protector in each of their six big brothers!
What are people saying about The Look of Love and the Sullivans?
"The Look of Love is an emotionally compelling, thoroughly sexy, lovely read. I can't wait for more brothers!" Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
"The Look of Love is the perfect combination of sexy heat and tender heart. This character driven romance has brains, brawn and the perfect bad boy to launch a whole family's worth of fun." Barbara Freethy, #1 NY Times Bestselling Author
"Pure sensual fun! I couldn't read fast enough. I loved everything about Chase and Chloe's story. I'm hooked on the Sullivans!" Marie Force, Bestselling Author
"No one does sexy like Bella Andre." Sarah MacLean, NY Times Bestselling Author
* * * *
I hope you all enjoy reading Chase and Chloe's love story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Please visit my web site at www.BellaAndre.com and come say hello on facebook (www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans) or twitter (www.twitter.com/bellaandre).
May your summer be filled with many hot beach reads!
Happy reading,
Bella Andre
***
Want to learn more about THE LOOK OF LOVE? Then here's an excerpt for you:
Chase almost missed the flickering light off on the right side of the two-lane country road. In the past thirty minutes, he hadn't passed one car, because on a night like this, most sane Californians—who didn't know the first thing about driving safely in inclement weather—stayed home.
Knowing better than to slam on the brakes—he wouldn't be able to help whomever was stranded on the side of the road if he ended up stuck in the muddy ditch right next to them—Chase slowed down enough to see that there was definitely a vehicle stuck in the ditch.
He turned his brights on to see better in the pouring rain and realized there was a person walking along the edge of the road about a hundred yards up ahead. Obviously hearing his car approach, she turned to face him and he could see her long wet hair whipping around her shoulders in his headlights.
Wondering why she wasn't just sitting in her car, dry and warm, calling Triple A and waiting for them to come save her, he pulled over to the edge of his lane and got out to try and help her. She was shivering as she watched him approach.
"Are you hurt?"
She covered her cheek with one hand, but shook her head. "No."
He had to move closer to hear her over the sound of the water hitting the pavement in what were rapidly becoming hailstones. Even though he'd turned his headlights off, as his eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, he was able to get a better look at her face.
Something inside of Chase's chest clenched tight.
Despite the long, dark hair plastered to her head and chest, regardless of the fact that looking like a drowned rat wasn't too far off the descriptive mark, her beauty stunned him.
In an instant, his photographer's eye cataloged her features. Her mouth was a little too big, her eyes a little too wide-set on her face. She wasn't even close to model thin, but given the way her T-shirt and jeans stuck to her skin, he could see that she wore her lush curves well. In the dark he couldn't judge the exact color of her hair, but it looked like silk, perfectly smooth and straight where it lay over her breasts.
It wasn't until Chase heard her say, "My car is definitely hurt, though," that he realized he had completely lost the thread of what he'd come out here to do.
Knowing he'd been drinking her in like he was dying of thirst, he worked to recover his balance. He could already see he'd been right about her car. It didn't take a mechanic like his brother, Zach, who owned an auto shop—more like forty, but Chase had stopped counting years ago—to see that her shitty hatchback was borderline totaled. Even if the front bumper wasn't half smashed to pieces by the white farm fence she'd slid into, her bald tires weren't going to get any traction on the mud. Not tonight, anyway.
If her car had been in a less precarious situation, he probably would have sent her to hang out in her car while he took care of getting it unstuck. But one of her back tires was hanging precariously over the edge of the ditch.
He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Get in my car. We can wait there for a tow truck." He was vaguely aware of his words coming out like an order, but the hail was starting to sting, damn it. Both of them needed to get out of the rain before they froze. But the woman didn't move. Instead, she gave him a look that said he was a complete and utter nut-job.
"I'm not getting into your car."
Realizing just how frightening it must be for a lone woman to end up stuck and alone in the middle of a dark road, Chase took a step back from her. He had to speak loudly enough for her to hear him over the hail.
"I'm not going to attack you. I swear I won't do anything to hurt you."
She all but flinched at the word attack and Chase's radar started buzzing. He'd never been a magnet for troubled women, wasn't the kind of guy who thrived on fixing wounded birds. But living with two sisters for so many years meant he could always tell when something was up.
And something was definitely up with this woman, beyond the fact that her car was half-stuck in a muddy ditch.
Wanting to make her feel safe, he held his hands up. "I swear on my father's grave, I'm not going to hurt you. It's okay to get into my car." When she didn't immediately say no again, he pressed his advantage with, "I just want to help you." And he did. More than it made sense to want to help a stranger. "Please," he said. "Let me help you."
She stared at him for a long moment, hail hammering between them, around them, onto them. Chase found himself holding his breath, waiting for her decision. It shouldn't matter to him what she decided.
But, for some strange reason, it did.
***
Thanks, Bella, for sharing your THE LOOK OF LOVE excerpt with us! Bella has generously offered to giveaway GAME FOR LOVE and CANDY STORE (both in ebook version) for the release party.
The books are hot and fun and will make for great summer reading! Want to win? Tell us your favorite way to spend a summer day or leave a question for Bella. Either entry way will work! And, hey, don't have an ereader but still want to check out these great books? No problem…you can download free programs like Kindle for PC or Nook for PC and read right on your computer instantly. (As with all the giveaways, the contest will run until noon on 6/29/11. )
Pamela Clare will push you to the BREAKING POINT
Are you gearing up for a fun 4th of July weekend? You know what will make that weekend awesome? Winning a copy of Pamela Clare's BREAKING POINT. Oh, yes, that would make it awesome because the book is phenomenal.
Blurb:
While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.
Betrayed by another operative, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride, a former Navy SEAL, has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.
Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.
But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…
***
Doesn't it sound like an exciting read? One sure to have you racing through the pages? You can enjoy fireworks this weekend and you can look forward to reading BREAKING POINT. Want to win? Then tell me what you about your favorite military hero book/story/movie. I'll confess…I'm a sucker for the A-TEAM. Cause when you have a problem that no one can solve…you know who you need?
And, for your reading pleasure, here's en excerpt from BREAKING POINT:
***
Zach hung limply from the manacles, unable even to hold up his head. His shoulders ached from supporting his dead weight, manacles biting into his bloody wrists. But none of that could compare to the residual pain of that last electro-shock. His muscles seized in sharp spasms, his heart slamming erratically in his chest, his body shaking, his mouth filled with the coppery taste of his own blood.
Don't give in to the pain. Adjust for it.
He willed himself to relax, slowed his breathing.
Cold water splashed over his chest, making him jerk. It wasn't to revive him, he knew, but to make his skin more conductive to electricity. He waited for the next blast of agony, but instead felt a glass bottle against his lips. A hand fisted in his hair, tilting his head back, and he swallowed, warm cola sliding down his raw, parched throat.
Electrolytes. Caffeine. Calories.
All would help him stay alive.
Then his tormenter spoke to him, as always in Spanish. "You are dying, cuñado. And for what? You are alone now, forgotten, left without even a dog to bark at you. Tell us who has the cocaine and where we can find them. Then your torment will end. There will be no more pain, only sleep."
Zach fought off a wave of despair. "¡Vete a la verga!" Fuck off!
The bastard chuckled, but Zach knew he wasn't really amused. They'd tried to break him and had failed. There'd be a price to pay when Cárdenas got the news.
Creaking hinges. Footsteps.
And Zach knew she was there. He could feel her presence, hear her rapid breathing. Hell, he could even smell her, something sweet in a world of filth.
Natalie.
"Tráela aquí." Bring her over here.
What the hell?
Zach's head came up. Somehow, he drew himself to his feet, his hands clenched around the chains for support, his heart thudding hard in his chest. Why had they brought her in here? Were they going to torture her to get to him?
Over my dead body.
***
The BREAKING POINT giveaway will run until noon on 6/29/11. Good luck!
Ready for some FATAL CONSEQUENCES?
I hope that you're enjoying the blog party so far! We're spotlighting lots of books–and there are LOTS more giveaways to come. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to sit down and enjoy a good book. (It's too hot down in the South to do much else!) Whether I'm reading on the beach, on a hammock, or on the couch, a good book can certainly take me away. Books have always been the perfect escape for me. Come on…don't we all need an escape sometimes?
Lately, I've really enjoying escaping into my friend Marie Force's books. Marie writes some fabulous tales–I love the suspense elements in her books. Marie's next release, FATAL CONSEQUENCES, will be available July 18th.
Blurb:
The murder of two members of the Capitol Cleaning Service might've been just another homicide investigation—that is If one of them hadn't been romantically involved with a married senator from Arizona. Lt. Sam Holland and her team are plunged into another complex case that at first seems open and shut. But as Sam tugs on the threads of the investigation she uncovers a deep, dark Washington secret that threatens the careers of some of the government's highest-ranking officials. Racing to catch a killer before he can strike again, Sam and her fiancé, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, attempt to plan a wedding while her colleague Detective Tommy "Gonzo" Gonzales faces life-changing news.
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Marie's books consistently blast their way to the top of the Kindle bestseller lists–cause she's awesome like that. Today, Marie is offering PDF copies of all three of her FATAL books to one winner (that's FATAL AFFAIR, FATAL JUSTICE, and FATAL CONSEQUENCES). If you're looking for good romantic suspenses to take you away this summer, you want these. So…to win, tell me why you enjoy suspense in your summer stories. The winner will be randomly selected tomorrow at noon. Good luck!
