Tory Richards's Blog, page 101

Forbidden Things

FORBIDDEN THINGS: DISSIDENTby Nikki McCormack

BLURB:

Ascard power can strengthen, heal and create. It also has great potential to destroy, enough to topple entire governments. Indigo’s country places strict limitations on the use of ascard so she must channel her talents into the healing arts or risk severe punishment. An orphan from a disgraced family, trapped by her father’s treason, Indigo struggles reclaim her place in a society that has driven her into an abusive engagement.


Then a mysterious stranger from a neighboring country contacts her using ascard. He needs help escaping his prison so he can bring an end to his emperor's oppressive rule or die trying. His unshakable devotion to his cause and the passion hidden behind his cool arrogance move her to help him at the risk of being branded a traitor herself.

When the politics of society bring them together a second time, Indigo decides to use her growing powers to help him fight his war. If only she dared fight for her own future with such passion. Perhaps she can find the courage to do so by helping the man she has fallen for win his revolution. She might have exactly the power he needs to succeed.


The author is providing a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/06/super-book-blast-forbidden-things.html

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A Vixen in Venice by Kate Deveaux

Kate Deveaux

Hi Tory, thanks so much for having me as your guest. I’m not shy at all about saying I’m a big fan of yours! In fact, “Instant Attraction” was the very first book I ever read of yours and I remember sending you a note to say how much I’d enjoyed the book. That was back when I first started writing for Totally Bound and now here I am, able to call myself your colleague with a half dozen books now in print and more coming later this year. Lucky me!

I’m delighted to stop by and chat about how when I first knew I was a “writer.”

It’s a great topic because there are two sides to the story. One side is the “when I knew I wanted to be a writer,” and the other is when I first pursued publishing my writing as a career. I must admit I am one of those that always wrote…I wrote notes, short stories in school complete with funky illustrations, and then later loved writing essays. I know can you believe that? I just love to write. And then in college I started writing romance short stories and really hot stories. Really hot. I think I was spurred on by my love of romance books like The Thornbirds combined with Danielle Steele and Rosemaunde Pilcher, but I wanted to write the sensual aspects to the romance. The behind closed doors romance. And so I did. I wrote them for me, because I loved doing it, but never thought or dare I say, dreamt that one day I would publish as an erotic romance author.

I kept writing and the second half of the story comes in to play after I sold my wedding planning business and had a little more free time to explore writing for “real.” For publication. I joined RWA, I took classes on the craft of writing and I wrote and I wrote. I completed my first full-length novel, Academy of Love. It was the book of my heart and filled with very explicit love scenes. I queried agents and publishers and sent it out while I worked on my next books. After a hefty amount of rejections I made some changes as suggested to me by some very astute publishers and voila, I had two offers to buy Academy of Love. And the ball started rolling. Another book sold, then another, and the next thing you know I was “a writer.”

My name was in print and I had arrived so to speak. I had always been a writer…that much hadn’t changed, but a career as a writer is a whole different thing. Social media, blog tours, book releases and still write new books and complete editors changes on time for publication.

I always was a writer, deep down but I’ve never been busier, or happier than I am now when I am typing away on a brand new story or putting those finishing touches on a sizzling romance. I am a writer.

BLURB:
He’s an art thief on the run…with her heart 
Look closer, into Hotel Totally Five Star Venice, where art curator Monique Le Bres has just walked through the doors of the newly opened swanky luxury hotel to assist with their art collection.

Alessandro Bonnard, the world-renowned art connoisseur and collector has been sent incognito to supervise Monique and oversee her acquisitions for the hotel.

Concealing his true identity, Alessandro is intrigued by the art-loving vixen with an appetite for kinky sex. He pursues Monique, charming her at every turn — taking her to places she’s never been — both in and out of bedroom.

Monique falls hard for the man who has utterly captured her body and soul. Only to find out he isn’t who she thought he was after all…he’s an art thief on the run…with her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

Smiling, the hotel clerk handed her the large gold room key.

“Signorina Le Bres, benvenuti a Venezia.” She welcomed Monique warmly. “Signor Amatus will be here un momento to escort you to your suite.” The mix of English and Italian words was enchanting to Monique, so far from the small dirt filled town back in Kansas that she’d dragged herself out so many years ago where the only foreign language spoken was pig Latin if you were lucky and grow up on the right side of the tracks. Monique hadn’t even been that lucky, the rusted out trailer she’d shared with her mother couldn’t have been further from the right side of anything.

“Grazie.” Monique took the gold key, noting how large and heavy it was in the palm of her hand. Almost ominous of what lay ahead. No slick electronic keys at this hotel. No, this was one hundred percent Italian luxury. The key began to heat in her grasp as she glanced around for the man who was supposed to greet her.

The elevator door dinged, catching her attention.

Monique’s mouth dropped open. A good looking twenty-something man dressed in employee issued suit exited. His robust laughter had caught her attention with his momentarily flirtation with a sexy young woman dressed in the hotel uniform that made Monique smirk as the man patted her ass when he passed. A first rate flirter for sure, she made a mental note to steer clear.

Monique’s smirk turned into a frown as the man kept walking straight towards Monique.

“There he is, Signor Amatus,” the clerk behind the counter called to Monique while she stood somewhat transfixed as the flirter approached. He really was young. Could he really be her supervisor? Not at all what she’d been expecting. Maybe mid twenties if she was generous. Barely legal age back in the states and good ten to fifteen years younger than her she was quite sure.

“Ah, Signorina Le Bres...”

“Yes, I am Monique Le Bres.” She extended her hand. He wasted no time sliding it into his and reaching it to his mouth. Pausing before kissing the back of her palm, his gaze stayed fixed on hers.

“Incantanto,” his words almost a whisper.

These Italian men were skilled at the art of flirtation; there was no denying that. But the sooner she made it clear to him that she was all work and no play the better it would be for both of them.

“I am Donovan Amatus, please allow me welcome to you to Hotel Totally Five Star Venezia. I am sure you will be molto comfortable here.”

The wicked glint in his eyes made her blush and fume at the same time. “I’m the new art curator,” Monique scrambled to say something, trying not blurt out what she was really thinking. That it was actually both flattering and maddening all at the same time to be flirted with by this young stud with the wandering eyes only moments after her arrival at the hotel.

“I know, si. Art Curator,” he said, releasing her hand but not before running it lightly over his lips. “I will be your liaison while you are here, answer any questions you have. Work with you side by side. Fianco a fianco,” he repeated the words in Italian, his tone so intimate that she was lost for a moment as she studied his nametag.

Donovan Amatus, Del controllo qualità.

Quality Control Manager. A vague memory of her letter of employment and that name stuck in her head but she was damned if she could reconcile the young man in front of her with her supervisor. Surely there had been some mix up. This young man couldn’t possibly be supervising her and the forty million euro budget the CEO had entrusted her with.

“The key Signorina?” he prompted.

Speechless she just stood there.

“La chiave, the key, per favore?” He repeated and then reached to take the key from her grip. “Follow me Signorina Le Bres.”

“Oh, please call me Monique.”

“You Americans are so friendly,” he said with a smile as he led her toward the elevator, placing his hand firmly around her waist.

Summoning her most professional demeanor she slipped from his hold and stepped into the elevator.

“I am sure you will be very happy working here at the hotel Totally Five Star Venezia.” He said as he punched the fifth floor button.

Monique tried to focus on what she was there for, her dream job and not the leering eyes of her so-called supervisor. “Yes, I’m sure I will. Mr. Conroy’s letter of employment said I could start to work tomorrow.”

“Assolutamente,” he confirmed. “Tomorrow. But first I show you your room, bene?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kate Deveaux is a contemporary erotic romance writer and die-hard romantic. A former wedding planner, she has always been “in love” with love! Kate is currently working on several fictional stories – each filled with sexy romance, heroines who are no shrinking violets and heroes who make your heart skip a beat. She currently resides with her husband in the U.S. When Kate is not busy writing, she can be found on the tennis court –yes, there’s even ‘love’ in that game too.


SOCIAL MEDIA:
Author website: http://www.katedeveaux.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-D...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KateDeveaux
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katedeveaux
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Google Plus: https://www.plus.google.com/104114173...

Join Kate’s Kitten’s, the official STREET TEAM of Kate Deveaux:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15619...


Kate will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/03/vbt-vixen-in-venice-by-kate-deveaux.html

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Amazon pre-order available now!

Finally! The release date has been bumped up to 8/31 folks.
Amazon pre-order link

Crossing the Line by Ally Bishop

 

A new steamy romance novel from Ally Bishop... What happens when you meet who could be the right person...at the exact wrong time? Get it on Amazon.

Blurb:

I’ve never believed in love at first sight, which is probably why I write mysteries, and not romances, for a living. Besides, I’m too focused on expanding Elementary, a mystery dinner party business I own with my brother Noah. I don’t have time for romance.

When the handsome and successful Ian Crane books our services, I can barely keep my wits about me. He’s setting fire to all my rules, and I can’t resist his flames.

I don’t recognize the woman I’m becoming, but I don’t want to go back to who I was. There’s a part of me that can’t help wondering, what if he’s too good to be true? Because if he is, my heart will be nothing more than ashes.

Add Crossing the Line to your TBR list on Goodreads!
Special sneak peek:You can read Crossing the Line at:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/xingtheline
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/xingthelineGR
Length: 179 pages
Genre: Sexy romance, erotic romance
Heat rating: Get out your summer wardrobe—things are about to get hot!



Bio

When you do something effortlessly and people commend you continuously, you have found your gift.

That’s what I tell people all the time. And it’s true.

I get story. I always have. I started writing when I was 8 on a Smith Corona (the electronic kind — I’m not THAT old). I wrote stories in every spiral notebook I had. Eventually, I graduated to a Mac (yes, I’m one of THOSE people). I imagined new worlds, emotional conflicts, and HEAs while I waited at stoplights or wandered the grocery store. But here’s the thing: I didn’t just dream it up and write it down — I critiqued what I read. I knew when ideas were good, and when they stunk. I ran writing groups, judged creative contests, and eventually got two graduate degrees in writing. That’s right: I love it that much.

So here I am, years later, writing kickass heroines and devastating good guys, along with some mystery and vampires thrown in (I promise: THEY’RE COMING). And what’s really cool? I do what I love. Wanna write a success story for your life: I promise you, that’s it. Do what you love. And hopefully, you can make a living at it too. That’s the golden ticket, Charlie.

And chocolate doesn’t hurt, either…

The serious stuff:

I have an M.A. in creative writing, as well as an M.F.A. in creative writing with a focus in publishing. I produce two podcasts, host one, and am a freelance editor and publicist over at Upgrade Your Story. In my free time (what is that, exactly?), I read, work out, game, and converse. I’m a high introvert despite my extroverted behaviors, so you’ll find me behind my computer most days. I’m married to the wild and brilliant Billy Crash, have two dogs who are filing to change their species designation to “human,” and can often be found wandering Manhattan in search of the perfect writing spot.

Note from the author Thank you so much for checking out my book, Crossing the Line! This is book 2 in the Without a Trace series, and tells the tale of Ella and Ian—it is a prequel to Inside the Lines. If you read and Lux and Fin's story, you'll recall these characters—you know the ending...but can you guess their beginning? Keep an eye out as books 3 & 4 in the Without a Series will be out this year!

You can find me at Twitter at @upgradestory & @allyabishop, Facebook, Pinterest, and my website.




The author is providing a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter.


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Comment from a Reader at Goodreads

A Goodreads reader has graciously given me permission to post what she had to say about Wild Marauders MC! 
Amanda said to you:
That was one hot book !!! I loved it from beginning until end and I can't wait for book 2 ... And damn u sure can write some hot sex scenes !!!! This was my first book by you and I am now hooked
Thank you Amanda! 

New Release by Jennifer Labelle

Broken SurvivorbyJennifer Labelle

Holly Hewitt is a survivor…After witnessing her mother’s murder, Holly was returned to her abusive father. Resorting to drugs and alcohol, she ends up landing herself in foster care, where she is separated from her sister and utterly alone.

Zander Harrison is the light to her darkness…

Zander is young, athletic, and carefree, with the support of a loving family. But when Holly is placed in foster care with his brother’s in-laws, she turns his world upside down.

He’s driven to protect her, and to show her the past has made her strong, life is worth living, and love is worth fighting for. If only he can convince her to trust him and stop resisting their mutual attraction.

But sometimes even love isn’t enough to heal a shattered soul.And all the hard work in the world can’t save…A broken survivor.
BUY LINK
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Survivor-Jennifer-Labelle/dp/1680581406/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
AUTHOR BIOJennifer Labelle resides in Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance,mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she's decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination with all of you.

AUTHOR LINKSWebsite | Blog| Goodreads| Facebook| Twitter| TSU


Excerpt Pink and orange hues filled the sky with a warm beauty while the sun set. Holly wrapped her arms around herself and lifted her face toward the sky to soak in the last few moments of the sun before the chill of the night descended upon them. This was definitely not going to be an easy talk to get through. She just hoped they’d both be okay when it was done.  Zander stepped up behind her, and she felt the heat of his body before he wrapped his arms around her from behind. The way she was drawn to him made her wonder if he had a magnetic pull,and it kind of scared her a little bit. Holly tried to enjoy the view as they were silent for a few moments.“As much as I hate to let go, I think maybe we should sit so we can finally talk,” Zander said. She hesitated a moment before taking his hand while they walked back to his house and sat beside each other on the patio. This is it.“First, I want to clear up earlier,” Zander said. “She was just a friend, nothing more. She has only ever been a friend.”He lifted their linked hands and kissed the top of hers. “This isn’t any of my business, but does she realize that? I got the impression there was much more than a friendship there.” Holly held her breath and didn’t exhale until after he answered her.“Not for a really long time, and we were never a couple.” His posture slumped. “Before today, I hadn’t heard from her in months. She just showed up out of the blue, but I swear nothing happened.”“Why are you telling me this?” Holly shifted to face him. “So you and she were friends with benefits a while ago. I have to admit I didn’t like seeing you with her, but I don’t have any right to be mad.We’re taking things slow, remember?”“That’s just the thing. I want to be with you,Hol. As in, I’d be staking my claim. You’d be my girlfriend, exclusive.”“I’m actually kind of glad you said that. I’verecently figured out that I’m not made for casual.” She bit her lip nervously.“I don’t even care about your friend anymore because I sort of have some huge news, which throws going slow out the window anyway. That is, if you don’t freak out and feel like you want nothing to do with me after this.” “Okay, now you’re making me nervous,” he joked nervously and playfully nudged her with his shoulder. “What’s up?”“You probably should be.” Holly smiled weakly and then exhaled long and hard. “I didn’t want a relationship when you came into the picture, and I didn’t want to care for someone so much. But then there you were all sweet, caring, and persistent and screwed up my original plans. Solet’s get that out there.” She smiled and leaned into him. Her head lay on his shoulder and she looked up at him needing to be close. “That’s the best part by the way because I’m glad I’ve let you in. I care for you a lot. I’ve messed up,though. We both have. Do you remember the night at my sister’s?”“How could I forget?” His eyes lit up and she snorted. “It was a good night, huh?” She licked her lips just thinking about it. “Well, I haven’t been feeling like myself lately,so Lauren decided to take me to get a checkup…”“O-okay, you were sick and…?” Zander’s brows scrunched together in confusion, but as if he sensed her discomfort, he gave her a quick reprieve to pull herself together before she had to spit out the big news. He captured her mouth. His soft, plump lips caressed hers, then he moved to nip and suck on her bottom lip. His tongue coaxed her mouth open farther, and she tasted his mutual arousal as he probed the slit of her mouth with his tongue. One of her hands fisted in his shirt and held him closer,while the other massaged his nape and into his hair. They both moaned in the heat of the moment, and she could feel his chest rise and fall more rapidly before he pulled away. “God, I’ve missed this,” he said. “You get sick again and I’m coming over with some chicken soup and taking care of you.“That sounds amazing.” She smirked. “I’vemissed you too.” Holly shifted so that she was facing him now and rested her forehead against his while they caught their breath.“Don’t go home yet. Call Lauren and let’srecreate that night.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.“You are such a goofball. As tempting as that sounds, I need to finish what I was saying before you distract me too much.”She gave him a quick peck on the lips and leaned back.“But the distraction is so good. I can’t help myself.” He lifted a sexy, dark eyebrow in question. “Can we fool around a bit while you talk? I’m a great multitasker.” “I’ll tell you what, if after I tell you everything I need to, you still want to fool around or more, then yes, we’ll go inside your place and I’ll make it worth your while.” She wiggled her brows back at him and smiled as she caressed the side of his face. I just hope I don’t ruin things first. “Deal.” “Lauren might not be too happy if she finds out the truth.” “Really?” He looked at her in shock. “I find that hard to believe after her and Shelby practically pushed us together.” He smiled and kissed the back of her hand. “Remind me to thank them for that one day.” “I really hope you still feel that way after you hear what I have to say.” “Quit stalling and just tell me already.”“So you know I haven’t been feeling well lately, but what you don’t know is why she’s been on my case. She had some concerns that drove her to take me to the doctor in the first place.” She leaned way back in her chair and closed her eyes.“Is she still hung up about the new apartment?”“In a way, I guess, but right now what’sbothering her is her assumption that I might be pregnant.” She peeked in his direction to gauge his reaction. He stiffened a bit on the seat next to her and sat straighter. “Wait, what?”
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Sizzling Summer Reads

The Romance Reviews  Sizzling Summer Reads event is going on now until the end of June! Grand prize of $100 plus 350 participating authors all giving away prizes. 

Weekly Book Focus

Buy Link After ten years of sacrificing everything for his country as a Navy SEAL, Bishop is looking for salvation, and something more permanent in his life. Angel, a pretty teacher, thinks she's just what he needs. Their chemistry is instant, and explosive, only Bishop has trouble letting go of his commitment to his country. It's up to Angel to prove there's room for her in his life.

FREE for a few days only!

Below is the info you all need to pick up a free download of Kiss Me!
Smashwords
Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: TG79Y
Expires: June 10, 2015

Meet Hawk - President of Phantom Riders MC

Most of you know that I'm working on Phantom Riders MC to be released sometime in 2016. My hero, Hawk, is probably the toughest character I've had to write to date. A life-altering betrayal, which will be revealed in the book, has left him dead inside where the opposite sex is involved. He likes women for one thing and approaches sex with them with the attitude that once he's relieved that's the end of it. No kissing, foreplay or God forbid emotional attachment.

It's really difficult writing a character who is angry, cold and indifferent inside. Someone who's letting flashbacks of his past shape who he is. Hawk is not just a bad-ass biker and president of an outlaw motorcycle club, he's seriously broken.