Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 378

Interview and Giveaway: Loving the Enemy by Charmaine Pauls

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to write in this particular genre?
I have been writing fulltime since 2009 and have since published 8 books, several short stories and various articles. Although my mother tongue is Afrikaans, I write predominantly in English. I am a big fan of gothic literature, romance, and passionate fairy tales, hence my stories are mostly erotic romances with gothic elements such as castles, mysterious settings, forbidden love and an iron office at the top of the Eiffel Tower. All of the backdrops I use for my novels are existing, real-life locations.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a prequel for the Seven Forbidden Artsseries to give a more rounded background to the antagonist, only known as Godfrey. Godfrey is elusive and doesn’t appear much in the series, until the last book (Book 8). In Loving the Enemy, we meet Godfrey’s daughter, Lily, and we get to know him mostly through what Lily tells us about him, except for a small scene towards the end where he makes his appearance. This is part of the mystery that surrounds Godfrey.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Loving the Enemy is a story about first love, unequalled desire and a lover’s betrayal. Lily is the young and innocent daughter of a powerful criminal, Godfrey. Having protected her from his sinister operations for all of her life, Lily only realizes the extent of her father’s criminal dealings when their South African home is attacked while her dad is in France and everyone is killed. Lily manages to escape but ends up homeless and penniless, constantly on the run from the men who are always one step behind her. Not knowing where to locate her father in Paris, Lily has to rely on the help of a stranger, Jacob, who is kind and caring. Jacob promises to take Lily to Europe in search of her father’s protection. Lily gives him her heart, her body and her trust, only to discover that Jacob is the enemy.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I loved writing Jacob. He is fierce when it comes to survival and gentle when it comes to Lily. His protectiveness of her surprises him. He is an assassin, after all. And he never quite got a handle on his feelings where Lily was concerned. He tried hard to do the right thing while Lily knew and said what she wanted–for Jacob to be her first lover. For all his physical strength and experience, he didn’t stand a chance against the young and delicate Lily. She had him bowled over with the bat of her eyelashes. Even if he kept telling himself he wasn’t going to lay as much as a finger on her, he was doomed from the start. Well, he is only a man…

What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I love the part where Lily dives into the sea from their getaway boat for a swim. Because Lily has had a hard time up to now, she doesn’t let go very often, and therefore the spontaneous, if not daring, action surprises Jacob. He is even a bit stressed, as Lily lost a lot of weight while she was homeless and the sea around Durban can be rough. She is still weak. He jumps in with her and then something that touches Lily’s leg frightens her and drives her into Jacob’s arms. (They had spoken about sharks just before their swim.) They share a moment in the water when the physical awareness between them blossoms. Jacob fights the attraction with every ounce of willpower he possesses, even as Lily tells him in no uncertain terms that she wants him. I like that Lily is so honest about her feelings and not shy to share them, and I love that Jacob doesn’t take advantage when he knows the truth will devastate her.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
I often do it in reverse. I write about an amazing experience or base scenes in my books on adventures I embarked upon. A few things come to mind… It is hard to single out one, specific activity, but these are some of my highlights:
The opening scene of Aeromancist, The Beginning, the prequel novella to Book 2 of the Seven Forbidden Arts series, is from a glider flight I took over the Andes in Santiago. This enabled me to describe the scene where the Russian aeromancist, Lann, pilots his glider. Air being his element, Lann loves to fly, and fortunately so do I! The thrill of soaring over the mountains with no engine but only the wind was exhilarating. While I do admire Lann (and my gracious glider guide) for his skill, I am quite happy being a passenger in the competent hands of my pilot. The few seconds during which he let me take control of the plane were rather stressful, as I tipped the wing and headed for a nosedive. Writing Lann’s character also afforded me the luxury of a seaplane flip from the harbor of Cape Town to an island in the middle of an inland lake for a private picnic. That is probably one of the hottest scenes I have ever written, so keep an eye out for it in Aeromancist, The Beginning.I have scuba dived with the tranquil but curious ragged-tooth sharks in Durban and with the renowned aggressive Zambezis in Mozambique to write an underwater scene. I have visited Machu Picchu in Peru to describe the setting of my futuristic erotic romance, The Astronomer. I also interviewed several astronomers who work at the European Southern Observatory in the Atacama Desert of Chile, the biggest observatory in the southern hemisphere, for the book. Learning from them about the stars, stellar archeology and living in the driest desert in the world was an eye opener.


In order to get the facts straights for my paranormal erotic romance The Winemaker, I relied on inspiration from Chile’s award-winning celebrity winemaker, Francisco Baettig. Of course I had to do several wine tastings to get the description of the cultivars just right. J The tastings in the book become quite heated, as the protagonist, winemaker Etán, compares making love to drinking wine. The wine bouquets are a personification of the characters in the book. For example, Etán describes Zenna, the woman he is falling for, as a Merlot – the pinnacle of his creations.
The setting of my futuristic erotic romance, Between Fire & Ice, was inspired by a visit to the 4200m-high plains of the Atacama Desert, as well as the glaciers of Patagonia. To become inspired for my gypsy character in the sweet romance, Between Yesterday & Tomorrow, I attended several gypsy performances in the south of France, as well as the annual gypsy pilgrimage and procession in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. For Pyromancist, Book 1 of the series, I used the exploration I did during our annual French holiday of the standing stones in Brittany, the enchanted forest of King Arthur and the Josselin Castle in the village of Josselin. The idea for Aeromancist (Book 2) was conceived while I visited a library in downtown Santiago with my writers group where I could see and touch books that were handwritten hundreds of years ago by monks.


I rode a camel through the desert of Egypt and raced on the back of an ostrich in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. I have also cuddled a very big Boa Constrictor snake and a small one that fastened itself around my neck, held a tarantula spider and a baby crocodile for the sake of writing accurate jungle scenes with realistic sense descriptions. Who says being an author is a safe job?


With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as standalones?
All of the books in the series can be read as standalones, except for the novella (Aeromancist, The Beginning), which is the prequel to Book 2, Aeromancist. Readers will meet the same characters in every book, with a few new ones introduced with each novel, but it is not necessary to read the preceding books in order to follow the story. For the most reading enjoyment, I do recommend that they be read in chronological order.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
When I feel a mental block coming on, I write over it. I keep on writing, even if what I produce is not up to standard. Eventually, I always hit a scene that works and that fires me up anew. I can then go back and fix the parts that lack energy and passion.
Do you write in different genres?
My novels are all romances, varying between passionate to steamy and erotic. These books are written with the aim of entertaining. My short stories tend to be of a more literary nature with a darker and sometimes controversial side to them.
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
To travel is one of my passions. I have visited over 40 countries on 6 continents, as well as several islands. A lot of them I did backpacking. I adore cats and have two Cornish Rex girls – the furless ones with the pixie faces, big ears and curly down hair – who are 15 years old. I also have a special relationship with coffee and chocolate.
What was the last amazing book you read?
I loved the King trilogy by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
We have a big window that faces a Japanese Maple tree. I love to snuggle on the couch facing that window for a sunny afternoon read. It is pretty all year round, whether the leaves are new green and luminous in the soft light of spring, bright red and set alight by the autumn sun, or the branches bare and reaching toward the grey sky of winter.
What can readers expect next from you?
Next up is Aeromancist (Book 2), due for release this summer. Hydromancist (Book 3) will follow in September.
Where can readers find you on the web?Author websitewww.charmainepauls.com.
Follow me on Facebookhttp://bit.ly/Charmaine-Pauls-Facebook
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Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
I would love to. And thank you very much for having me on the blog!
Excerpt from Loving the Enemy:
One week on the sea, and Jacob was having a hard time controlling himself. Now that they were closer to a tropical climate with warmer weather, Lily was lying on the deck in her bikini, exposing her perfect little body, and conjuring images he shouldn’t have of what he’d like to do to that body. First of all, she was a virgin, and secondly, he was a liar and a cheat. If she knew the extent of his betrayal, she’d despise him.       When he had embarked on this mission, he hadn’t considered how he’d react to her, or she to him, because he could see in her eyes she wanted him, and it didn’t help his resolve to not cross that line. Making a conscious effort to turn his attention away from her bare back, he focused on the instruments. So far, they had had good weather. The forecast played in their favor. They’d have to stop in Durban in three days’ time to stock up on water and food. His contact, Gustavo, had done a good job fitting out the boat, making sure they had enough and more to last until then. From there it would be long stretch up the coast of Africa, all the way to Marseille. This is why he ensured they got a good vessel. The Janine was as luxurious as they came; including personalized embroidered yacht towels and Egyptian cotton linen. He made a mental note to pay Gustavo a bonus for the extra–the unlicensed revolver and boxes of ammunition.        Lily lifted herself on her elbows and looked over her shoulder at him. Her black hair trailed in the wind, blowing around her face in a way that made him imagine how it would look tangled in his sheets. She had unfastened the clip of her bikini top to tan her back, and as her shoulders lifted, the fabric fell away at the sides, exposing the rounded curves of her breasts. He got a torturous hint of their firmness, and how perfectly they’d fit in his mouth.       He groaned, and adjusted the hard-on in his pants.       “Jacob?”       His name was a soft lisp on her tongue. Coming from those candy-apple lips, he could never get enough of hearing her say it, although, it would sound better if she’d scream it in pleasure.       He gave himself a mental shake and forced an answer. “Mm?”       “Can you give me a hand, please?”       His gaze ripped to her narrow waist, and the way it tapered to her ass. He’d like to give her a hand in more than one way.        She reached behind her back and tried to close the clasp, but her fumbling fingers failed. With a tight jaw, he made his way over to her, and took the problematic clasp from her hands. The clips snapped together with a soft click.       “Thank you,” she said, lying back down with her face turned to the side.        Her skin was soft to his touch. He lingered a second too long, brushing his fingertips over her spine for a stolen caress. He was punishing himself, because Lily was forbidden fruit. Even if he’d steal to get to her father, he had no plans of stealing her virginity. That was best saved for someone worthy of it.       The task done, he straightened, but hovered above her, not able to tear his gaze away as she lifted on her elbows and popped the underside of her curves back into her top, making them plump out at the top. She got up and wrapped the towel around her in a cute, modest kind of way, pushing the one end over the other between her breasts to keep it up. He had to give it to her, she wasn’t a deliberate tease. Lily was just too innocent to realize how much she affected him. If she knew, she would never have taken this trip with him.       “Dinner?” she said, giving him a bright smile.       Not trusting his voice to speak, he only nodded, and watched her make her way to the cabin. She was too thin and pale. No doubt, the couple of months it took him to track her down had taken its toll. Thank God he found her when he did, or she would have been dead the day after. He shuddered thinking of the attack, and what could have happened to her, had she been helpless and alone in that park. Not to mention the amateur gangsters he had tied to the trees.       Jacob ensured that they were steady on course before he went inside to wash up for dinner. The day had been warm, and he was sticky from sunblock and the salty air. Lily stood in front of the counter, chopping whole, tinned tomatoes when he entered. He watched her slender fingers work. Her nails were painted pale pink with the varnish she had bought at Dischem. She was still only wearing the towel over her bikini, looking petite and vulnerable.        “I’m going for a shower,” he said more tightly than he intended.       She looked up, measuring him with her big, baby blue eyes. She almost seemed disappointed. “I thought we could have a swim before dinner, when we anchor for the night.”       In fact, a swim wasn’t half a bad idea, but seeing that she had confessed her fear of water to him, he lifted an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t want to have your legs dangling in shark infested waters.”       The glare she gave him was meant to chastise. “Don’t tease, Jacob. It’s not nice to make fun of my phobia. And I know there are no sharks here.”       “Oh?”       “I’ve read the guide.” She pointed at a book with the sea fauna and flora that was kept with a few other non-fiction titles on the small bookshelf. “The great whites are around False Bay, and the ragged-tooth sharks are in Durban.”       He wasn’t going to tell her that they weren’t that far from Durban. Why spoil her fun?       “Food won’t be ready for a while. I’m making pasta with tomato sauce. That all right?”       She looked at him with expectation, and he couldn’t help but say, “Sounds good.”        Lily’s cooking was goddamn awful, but he didn’t want to crush her efforts in trying to make herself feel useful. It was obvious that she had never set foot in a kitchen. He’d have to teach her a few basic cooking skills.        She dumped the tomatoes in a pot, and chucked in a handful of dried basil. He flinched at the quantity.        “I’ll put on the sauce when we get back.” She made her way to the deck. “Come on,” she called over her shoulder.       Jacob pulled off his shirt and followed her outside. She dropped the towel, gave him an uncertain glance, took a deep breath, and jumped overboard with a scream loud enough to make his ears ring. Damn brave minx. He couldn’t believe she had dove in just like that. He rushed to the side, worried about the swell. Lily was tiny, and she was still weak from malnourishment. Looking down, he saw her floating on her back, laughing. He aimed for a spot farther from her so as not to splash her, and when he hit the water, his body jerked at the coldness. Maybe a cold swim was exactly what he needed. With strong breaststrokes, he made his way to Lily, who had the nerve to kick water at him.       “Hey,” he said, “that’s not kind, seeing that I’ve been considerate and dived far from you.”       She laughed again. “The water’s freezing. You could have warned me.”       “And spoil the surprise?” He grinned.       “You’re evil.”       He tread water next to her, wiping the drops from his face. If she had any idea how evil, she’d run, as fast as she could. Only, now, out here in the middle of the ocean, she was pretty much his prisoner. Not unlike she’d been all along, without realizing.        “Why do you always look like that?” she said.       “Like what?”       “You get this strange, moody look.”       She was too observant for his peace of mind. Before he could think of a reply, Lily squealed. She turned in a circle, looking down.       “Jacob!”       He grabbed her around the waist, and pulled her to him, her back against his chest. “What’s wrong?”       “Something touched my leg.” She shivered. “What is that?”       “It’s probably just a jellyfish or seaweed.” He hugged her tight. Her skin was soft against his, the cold water amplifying just how warm her body was. His dick realized it too, and it twitched as she pushed her ass deeper into him, getting as close as she could. He wanted nothing more than to bury his cock between those ass cheeks, but he was growing hard against her, and had no choice but to put some distance between them, holding her at arm’s length.       Lily turned in his grasp. The minute he looked into those blue eyes, he knew he was fucked. Her eyelashes dipped, shining with drops, and her mouth parted as she looked up at him. Despite the cold water, her cheeks were flushed. She was perfect, from the top of her shiny black head, to the tip of her tiny toes. He couldn’t get enough of her, and while he was getting his visual fill, she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his hips, pressing their bodies together. He froze. His erection was like a steel rod between her legs. He tried to untangle her ankles, but she let go of his neck and kept her balance with one hand on his shoulder, while the other stilled his fingers on her feet.       “Don’t,” she whispered. “I like this feeling.” She tilted her hips forward. “And so do you.”       Yep, he was definitely fucked. And so was she, if she didn’t let go. “My body naturally reacts to friction, Lily,” he lied. “If you rub up against me, I’m going to get hard.”       For a second, disappointment flickered in her eyes, making him feel like a jerk. “Are you saying you don’t like me?”       “Like’s got nothing to do with it. You’ve got a beautiful body, sweetheart. Any single man in his right mind will have the same reaction.”       “So, you’re single.”       Clever minx, using his own words against him. “That doesn’t change anything.”       “Why not?”       “For starters, you’re too young. And you don’t know me, Lily. You don’t know what kind of man I am.”       “But I know how you make me feel.” She guided his hand from her ankle to the front of her body, pushing it down into the elastic of her bikini briefs.        Jacob stilled. She was bare. The pressure building at the base of his cock was going to detonate, and when it did, it was going to blow his mind to pieces. She slid his hand over her slick skin, and fuck it, she was hot and wet. He ached with a need he had never known before. She took his hand lower, and the gods of evil helped him, but he couldn’t resist cupping her small mound and curling his middle finger, dipping only the first digit into the moistness of her tight folds.       She threw her head back and gasped, her long lashes brushing her cheeks, even if his touch was nothing more than a gentle probe. Her reaction jerked Jacob back to his senses. He pulled his hand from her bikini briefs and pushed her away harshly. Lily opened her eyes to stare at him in dazed confusion.       His chest felt tight, the air stuck painfully between his ribs. “Unless you want to be thoroughly fucked, don’t do that again.”       She gave a little breathless laugh. “I was kind of hoping for a gentle initiation, but I think I can handle being fucked.”       “Shit.” He moved away from her, as far as he could.       “We’re attracted to each other. And it’s not like my virginity’s sacred to me or anything. I’d like you to be my first.”       “Fuck.” He swam back to the boat, and climbed up the ladder. He didn’t even give a damn that she could now see how hard he was for her with his wet swimming suit molding his crotch. “Get up here, and fix dinner.”       She did as she was told, her head low. When she walked past him, he grabbed her wrist.        “It’s not that I don’t want you, sweetheart. As you’ve said, it’s obvious. But you need a man who you can love, and who can love you back, and I’m not loving material.”       She gave him a cutting look. “Stop assuming to know what I need. You don’t have to baby me. I can take no for an answer. And you don’t owe me any explanations.” She gently freed her arm and picked up her towel, starting to dry her body.
       Jacob watched her warily. Under different circumstances, he wouldn’t have hesitated to make her his. But, this was as fucked up as a situation could get.

Loving the EnemySeven Forbidden ArtsPrequelCharmaine Pauls
Genre: Erotic Action Romance
Date of Publication: 8 May 2015
ISBN: 978-0-620-65578-1ASIN: B00W224OHY
Number of pages: 258Word Count: 71 000
Cover Artist: Adara Rosalie
Book Description:
If your father is a powerful criminal, you can’t trust anyone, especially not the stranger who saves you.
Lily is on the run for her father’s sins. Having escaped a brutal attack on her home that left her dad’s small army and her beloved nana dead, she finds a job and a cheap room in Camps Bay, South Africa. When the men from Sky Communications track her down, she’s forced to flee again. This time, Lily ends up homeless, alone on a bench under a brewing winter storm in a violent city. It’s a lucky coincidence that Jacob appears through the mist just before a gang finds her in the dark, deserted park. Or is it?
After offering Lily shelter for the night, Jacob’s flat is destroyed in an explosion. With Jacob’s help, Lily tries to locate her father in search of his protection. In a whirlwind escapade from Africa to France, danger always a step behind, Lily learns about desire, love, survival and trust. Eventually, she’ll also learn about betrayal … and the truth about the savior to who she gave her body and heart.
This novel is a prequel to the Seven Forbidden Arts series, but reads as a stand-alone. There are no cliffhangers.
* This book contains frequent, consummated love scenes and explicit language. It is recommended for an adult audience.


Available at Amazon


About the Author:
Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.
After relocating to France with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published six novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles.
When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in Chile with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.
www.charmainepauls.com
Follow me on Facebookhttp://bit.ly/Charmaine-Pauls-Facebook
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Guest Blog and Giveaway The Witch of Painted Sorrows M.J. Rose

Postcard no. 4Postmark Paris, France 1894
We’d heard that La Lune was exerting her influence in the art world. To see for ourselves we went to an art class at Beaux Arts today, taught by Gustave Moreau, who might be the one of the greatest magicians in all of Paris.
Moreau’s paintings are rich, detailed and mesmerizing. They say he’s become more eccentric as his work has become more popular. His students are some of the most promising in all of Paris. It’s whispered they are a cult  and believe angels come to inspire them.
After the class, we visited the gallery that sells his work.  The owner said that since the master’s paintings had taken a darker turn there were even more in demand.
When asked why there had been a change, he said he didn’t know but that one of Moreau’s students, Sandrine, knew. And he wished us luck, saying she had never talked about her days with him. 
We knew who we were looking for. Sandrine! She was everywhere. She was nowhere.  Would we ever find her?



The Witch of Painted SorrowsM.J. Rose
Genre: Gothic – Erotic
Publisher: Atria/S&SDate of Publication:  March 17 2015
ISBN-10: 147677806XASIN: B00LD1ONBC
Number of pages:384
Book Description:
New York socialite Sandrine Salome flees an abusive husband for her grandmother's Paris mansion, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is closed and under renovation. Her grandmother insists it's too dangerous to visit but Sandrine defies her — an unexplainable force is drawing her home.
There she meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing architect, who introduces her to the City of Lights — its art world, forbidden occult underground, nightclubs — and to her own untapped desires.
From a mysterious fire at the Palais Garnier opera house, to a terrifying accident at the Eiffel tower and classes with Gustav Moreau at the École des Beaux-Arts, Sandrine's experiences awaken her passions. Among the bohemians and demi-monde, Sandrine uncovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter.
Then more ominous influences threaten — her husband is tracking her down and something insidious is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She's overcome by the spirit of La Lune, a witch, a legendary sixteenth-century courtesan, and an unsung artist in her own right, who exposes Sandrine to a darkness that could be a gift or a curse.
This is Sandrine's "wild night of the soul," her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love and witchery, and not until she resolves a tragic love story and family curse will she be free of the ghost's possession.
Effortlessly absorbing and richly imagined, with sumptuous detail and spellbinding suspense, The Witch of Painted Sorrows conjures the brilliance and intrigue of Belle Époque Paris and illuminates the fine line
Available at    Amazon   BN   iTunes    IndieBound
Excerpt
Paris, France April 1894
I did not cause the madness, the deaths, or the rest of the tragedies any more than I painted the paintings. I had help, her help. Or perhaps I should say she forced her help on me. And so this story—which began with me fleeing my home in order to escape my husband and might very well end tomorrow, in a duel, in the Bois de Boulogne at dawn—is as much hers as mine. Or in fact more hers than mine. For she is the fountainhead. The fascination. She is La Lune. Woman of moon dreams, of legends and of nightmares. Who took me from the light and into the darkness. Who imprisoned me and set me free.
Or is it the other way around?
"Your questions," my father always said to me, "will be your saving grace. A curious mind is the most important attribute any man or woman can possess. Now if you can just temper your impulsiveness..."
If I had a curious mind, I'd inherited it from him. And he'd nurtured it. Philippe Salome was on the board of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art and helped found the American Museum of Natural History, whose cornerstone was laid on my fifth birthday.
I remember sitting atop my father's shoulders that day, watching the groundbreaking ceremony and thinking the whole celebration was for me. He called it "our museum," didn't he? And for much of my life I thought it actually did belong to us, along with our mansion on Fifth Avenue and our summerhouse in Newport. Until it was gone, I understood so little about wealth and the price you pay for it. But isn't that always the way?
Our museum's vast halls and endless exhibit rooms fascinated me as much as they did my father—which pleased him, I could tell. We'd meander through exhibits, my small hand in his large one, and he'd keep me spellbound with stories about items on display. I'd ask for more, always just one more, and he'd laugh and tease: "My Sandrine, does your capacity for stories know no bounds?"
But it pleased him, and he'd always tell me another.
I especially loved the stories he told me about the gems and fate and destiny always ending them by saying: "You will make your own fate, Sandrine, I'm sure of it."
Was my father right? Do we make our own destiny? I think back now to the stepping-stones that I've walked to reach this moment in time.
Were the incidents of my making? Or were they my fate?
The most difficult steps I took were after certain people died. No deaths were caused by me, but at the same time, none would have occurred were it not for me.
So many deaths. The first was on the morning of my fifteenth birthday, when I saw a boy beaten and tragically die because of our harmless kisses. The next was the night almost ten years later, when I heard the prelude to my father's death and learned the truth about Benjamin, my husband. And then there were more. Each was an end-ing that, ironically, became a new beginning for me.
The one thing I am now sure of is that if there is such a thing as destiny, it is a result of our passion, be that for money, power, or love. Passion, for better or worse. It can keep a soul alive even if all that survives is a shimmering. I've even seen it. I've been bathed in it. I've been changed by it.
*********
Four months ago I snuck into Paris on a wet, chilly January night like a criminal, hiding my face in my shawl, taking extra care to be sure I wasn't followed.
I stood on the stoop of my grandmother's house and lifted the hand-shaped bronze door knocker and let it drop. The sound of the metal echoed inside. Her home was on a lane blocked off from rue des Saints-Pères by wide wooden double doors. Maison de la Lune, as it was called, was one of a half dozen four-story mid-eighteenthcentury stone houses that shared a courtyard that backed up onto rue du Dragon. Hidden clusters like this were a common configuration in Paris.These small enclaves offered privacy and quiet from the busy city. Usually the porte cochère was locked and one had to ring for the concierge, but I'd found the heavy doors ajar and hadn't had to wait for service.
I let the door knocker fall again. Light from a street lamp glinted off the golden metal. It was a strange object. Usually on these things the bronze hand's palm faced the door. But this one was palm out, almost warning the visitor to reconsider requesting entrance.
I was anxious and impatient. I'd been cautious on my journey from New York to Southampton and kept to my cabin. I'd left a letter telling Benjamin I'd gone to visit friends in Virginia and assumed that once he returned and read it, it would be at least a week before he'd realize all was not what it seemed. One thing I had known for certain—he would never look for me in France. It would be inconceivable to Benjamin that any wife of his could cross the ocean alone.
Or so I assured myself until my husband's banking associate, William Lenox, spotted me on board. When he expressed surprise I was traveling by myself, I concocted a story but was worried he didn't believe me. My only consolation was that we had docked in England and I had since crossed the channel into France. So even if Benjamin did come looking, he wouldn't know where I'd gone.
That very first night in Paris, as I waited for my grandmother's maid to open the door, I knew I had to stop thinking of what I had run away from. So I refocused on the house I stood before and as I did, felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, of being welcome. Here I would be safe.
Reviews
April Indie Next ListMarch Library Reads ListBig Spring Books – Amazon#1 Historical Fiction for 2015 - Goodreads
"This bell époque thriller is a haunting tale of obsessive passions." —People Magazine
"Provocative, erotic, and spellbindingly haunting...will have the reader totally mesmerized cover-to-cover....a 'must-have' novel." —Suspense Magazine
"A haunting tale of erotic love.... M.J. Rose seamlessly weaves historical events throughout this story filled with distinctive characters that will keep the reader captivated to the end." —Examiner.com
"Rose has a talent for compelling writing, and this time she has outdone herself. Fear, desire, lust and raw emotion ooze off the page." —Associated Press
"Haunting tale of possession." —Publishers Weekly
"Rose's new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris — lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting." —Kirkus

About the Author:
New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.
Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com
The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president.
Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.
Newsletter: http://goo.gl/AjJRo9
Website: http://mjrose.com/
Blog: http://www.mjrose.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMJRose
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJRose
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/69003.M_J_Rose
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-J.-Rose/e/B001ILFLQS/

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Spotlight on Gypsy’s Wolf

Gypsy’s WolfStormy Glenn, Lynn Hagen, Olivia Black,Bellann Summer, Jess Buffett,Alex Carreras, Leah Blake,Cree Storm, Evelise Archer,E. A. Reynolds, Aeryn Jaden,Jane Wallace-Knight, Amara Lebel,Jordan Ashton, Berengaria Brown,Skye Michaels, Sydney Lain,Rennie Leigh, Frey Ortega,Andrew Jericho, Felicia Fern,Grace Ryles, Hennessee Andrews,Shea Balik, and Lyssa Samuels
Genre: Erotic MM Paranormal, Vampires, Werewolves Romance, Man Love
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Date of Publication: April 30th, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-63259-397-9
Number of pages: 186 pagesWord Count: 52,132
Cover Artist: Jess Buffett
Book Description:
One story, 25 authors, infinite possibilities...
Quad McDaniel’s life changed forever the night he was attacked by a wolf. Now, he turns furry every full moon. Avoiding red meat and anything that makes him aggressive is his prime goal in life. But when his convertible breaks down in some Podunk town, becoming the beast within is no longer a choice. It’s instinctive.
Gypsy Govanivinch just wants to live a quiet life in Trinity Valley, running his roadhouse tavern. He doesn’t need an overly aggressive shifter coming into his town and messing with his peaceful little world, no matter how gorgeous the man looked.
Life never asked Quad or Gypsy what they wanted. It simply gave them what they needed, whether they agreed or not. Fate brought them together but it’s up to Quad and Gypsy to stay alive long enough to appreciate what they’ve been given. And when others work to prevent that, fighting together might be the only chance they have of surviving.
Available at  Bookstrand
100% of proceeds will be donated to charity

Excerpt:
Quad McDaniel threw his cell phone into the passenger seat and banged his head repeatedly against the steering wheel of his black Mercedes SL600 Roadster convertible. He couldn’t believe that his brand new car had broken down. He had just bought the damn thing two days ago.So much for the perfect car!And now his cell phone wouldn’t get any reception. Could his day get any worse?He climbed from his car, slamming the door closed hard behind him in frustration. Looking around, he couldn’t see much in the dark, except for some glowing lights off in the distance. Resigned to his fate, Quad locked the car door and began walking toward the light.When he reached the parking lot, he gazed up at the tavern sign…GG’s Roadhouse. Well, damn, he was in redneck hell. The multitude of pickup trucks and motorcycles in the gravel parking lot should have told him this.He heard loud music spill into the parking lot when a man dressed in tight jeans and a sleeveless flannel shirt walked outside. Quad knew his day wasn’t going to get any better when he watched the guy climb into his souped-up truck. He could only pray that there was a pay phone inside.Like those exist anymore.He walked into the two-story roadhouse, stopping briefly right inside the doorway to look around the interior. He was actually surprised at how nice the place seemed. The first floor of the large room seemed to be broken into different sections. To the right of him was a large wooden bar that ran almost the entire length of the east wall with several intimate tables near the far end.Directly in front of him was a large wooden dance floor that went all the way to the far wall. The ceiling directly above the dance floor was two stories high with a wooden beamed ceiling and a large mirror that went from the first floor to the balcony on the second floor. To the front right corner of the dance floor was a DJ booth and karaoke setup. He could see several people dancing on the dance floor to the loud beat of the southern rock music playing.Looking toward the second floor, he could see that it was in the shape of a square with the balcony overlooking the dance floor in the middle. There were also several tables and booths on the second floor, as well as pool tables. A few of those tables were being used by bikers and rednecks.On each side of the dance floor on the back wall was a set of double doors leading out onto a wooden deck overlooking a clear blue lake. The second floor had double doors that he assumed led out to a balcony covering the deck.Looking up the wide, wooden stairway to the left of the bar, he could see that directly above him must be the management offices, and below them, the restrooms. Just beyond the bathrooms, he could hear sounds coming from what he assumed was a working kitchen.All in all, it was a pretty sweet setup. If this place were in his neighborhood, it would be an upper class restaurant. He could envision it with upscale clientele, waiters dressed in white shirts and ties, and a top class chef. It would make a lot of money. Too bad it was in the middle of nowhere, filled with rednecks and leather-clad bikers.Quad strode toward the bar and took a seat at one of the vacant bar stools. He lifted his hand to signal the bartender and lost his train of thought. The sexiest man he'd ever laid eyes on stood at the other end of the bar.He couldn’t have been more than five foot six and maybe a whopping one hundred and forty-five pounds. The stranger wasn’t a skinny bean poll like most of the twinks Quad knew. In fact, as far as he could tell, the bartender had lean muscle in all the right places. The man also had a seductive, wild beauty about him that called deeply to the primal alpha male in Quad.Wisps of tendrils escaped the silken mass of long, braided snow-white hair and caressed the sides of his perfect high cheekbones. There was both a delicacy and a strength in his face. Pale green eyes were ringed by black lashes. His lips were full and rounded over even, white teeth, and smooth skin glowed with golden undertones.Shapely thighs and a firm ass tapered into long straight legs. The man’s tight, faded blue jeans rode low on his hips. A ribbed, black tank top barely covered him from his collarbone down to just above his bellybutton. A thick, studded, black belt drew Quad’s attention to the man’s tight, flat muscular abdomen.Quad’s tongue almost fell out of his mouth when he spotted the little piercing in the twink’s bellybutton, which was encircled with a sunburst type tattoo. Oh, man, would he love to nibble on that.A Celtic tattoo encircled one of the man’s smooth, left arms. That made two tattoos that Quad could see. He wondered how many more the gorgeous little man had. He would give almost anything to go on a treasure hunt and find each and every one.“What’ll it be, honey?” Mr. Sexy asked with a silky, southern accent. His voice alone could mesmerize Quad. It was sexy and smooth, like aged whiskey. He could listen to him talk all day long. Quad wondered briefly if the man would sound the same during sex.“Hey, honey, you just going to stare at me all day, or you gonna order something?”Quad just stared. He didn’t even blink when the little twink waved a hand in front of his face. He was too busy envisioning what he wanted to do to the man on any available flat surface.
“Honey, you okay?”
About the Authors:
25 of Siren Publishing’s hottest ManLove authors have come together to bring you a paranormal story with intrigue, wolf shifters, elves, magic, and a mating so sizzling hot, it took 25 authors just to write it.
Stormy Glenn, Lynn Hagen, Jess Buffett, Alex Carreras, Olivia Black, Leah Blake, Cree Storm, Evelise Archer, E. A. Reynolds, Aeryn Jaden, Jane Wallace-Knight, Amara Lebel, Jordan Ashton, Berengaria Brown, Skye Michaels, Sydney Lain, Rennie Leigh, Frey Ortega, Bellann Summer, Andrew Jericho, Felicia Fern, Grace Ryles, Hennessee Andrews, Shea Balik, and Lyssa Samuelsa Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview and Giveaway with Brandy Nacole

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’m a mother of three kids who I hope inherits the love of reading like I do, and considering my daughters book shelf, I’d say it is looking good. I’ve loved reading from a young age but rebelled in school due to the fact we had to read the classics instead of goosebumps, which was my favorite. While falling behind in my reading points, I would write my own paranormal stories and dream of a day when all my friends could go to the library and get a copy of my book. Why paranormal? I blame it on my Aunt Penny, who would stay up late at night with me watching scary movies as far back as I can remember.
What inspired you to write this book?
I started this series after a long drive home. The only supernatural being I had never wrote about was a fallen angel, and I so badly wanted to create a unique story that included them. On that long drive, with plenty of time to ponder, I came up with that story and am now writing the fourth book in the series.
Please tell us about your latest release.
In Darkest Reaches, fallen angel Kayson and vampire Sabrina’s story continues as they face their fears and fight for freedom. Kayson has to travel to Iraja’s mansion, another fallen angel who doesn’t do favors without some leverage, in hopes to find a way to reach Sabrina in Hell. Sabrina has to fight against temptations as she struggles to stay alive after Lucifer reveals his intent for her.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
In this series, both. The fallen angels all have their roles in the lower realm of Heaven. I searched through names that meant whatever power that fallen angel held. With the other characters, especially the older ones, I did a popular search for their time era.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
In this series, I like them all because they play off each other so well. But if I was to pick one character it would be Sabrina. Not only is her past interesting, but she’s willing to face against those who want to kill her to save those who were created to be her enemies – the fallen angels – with a touch of snarkiness to boot.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
Asher nods in greeting but says nothing. That's because he can't. Thick black twine is sewn into his skin, sealing his lips.
"Look at it this way," Braylee says, optimistic. "He can't yell at us for slacking."
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
Currently I am working on a standalone novel called Deep in the Hollow that is based off a local legend in my area. Instead of doing research on the internet, I interviewed my great uncle and a few of his friends. I was so honored to get to here there stories.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
The series cannot be read as a stand-alone. Each book builds the overall story arc and new characters are introduced, whose stories may be told in book 2 but when then introduced in book 3 they have a small overview.  
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
I usually do not suffer from writer’s block, but on occasion when I do, I read. No better way to get the motors running again than to submerse yourself in a story.
Do you write in different genres?
No, but I am considering writing a dystopian.  
When did you consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always considered myself a writer, I’ve been writing from a very young age. But it never took on the meaning it holds now to me until I published my first novel, Uniquely Unwelcome. I owe all the thanks for that push to my husband who urged me to take my writing to the next level.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
Reading, of course. Dr. Pepper. Trail riding in my Jeep.
What can readers expect next from you?
Deep in the Hollow, which will be released later this summer.
Here is a short blurb:
A year ago Jo's life changed forever, and everyone thinks what happened is her fault. But the mystery that lurks behind this small town will reveal not only Jo's innocence, but centuries of blood and despair.
Where can readers find you on the web?
www.brandynacole.comwww.facebook.com/authorbrandynacolewww.twitter.com/authorbnacolewww.goodreads.com/BrandyNacoleAnd to follow my book blog:www.brandysbookcorner.blogspot.com
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Closing the door and following the others through the narrow stairwell, I do my best to shake the unease I have, and the taunting smile Katarina gave me before our departure. What have I done? Gabriel is going to flip his halo when he finds out. 
Light fills the dark tunnel as Stille opens the door to Iraja’s office, then lets out a string of expletives. “Jesus Christ, could you guys not wait until you were somewhere private?”  I emerge from the passageway to find Gabriel and Rainn struggling to straighten themselves. 
“My brain is forever scarred,” Stille complains. 
I laugh and clap my hand on his shoulder. “No worries, it was already damaged. I’m sure no one will notice.” That earns me a jab to the ribs. 
We turn our back to Gabriel and Rainn as they straighten their clothes. We all snicker as Rainn, embarrassed, mumbles under her breath. A slight pang of jealousy tears through my chest, but I am quick to squash it. As much as I wish that was Sabrina and I getting caught expressing our love for one another, I’m glad to see Gabriel and Rainn get the chance to steal as many happy moments as they can. Sabrina and my time will come. 
When Gabriel clears his throat, we all turn around. His hair is still disheveled, and noticing our glances, he runs his hand through it. “How did it go?” 
“Where’s Saja?” Stille asks.
“She went to check out the house and talk to the others, and maybe find some food.” Ah, good ole Saja. She knows when romance is in the air and just how to help it along. 
“I’m going to find her and see if she can help me locate some crystals.” Stille leaves Iraja’s office, his face tight, and worry in his eyes. It’s hard to tell what’s going through his head sometimes, but not when it comes to Saja. He has always watched out for her, though never would he admit he had feelings for her. He’s always been good about keeping himself at arm’s length from everyone. 
“Well…” Gabriel says, still waiting on an answer. 
“She’ll do it,” I answer and then rush the rest out. “After I perform a blood oath with her.”  Gabriel shakes his head. “You just can’t stay out of trouble, can you?”
“Guess not.”
“Another problem,” Zalman adds, “When Katarina creates the opening, only six of us can enter. With Falon.” 
Did he have to bring that up now? 
We explain everything to Rainn and Gabriel, who of course don’t like it, but agree with me that it’s our only option. 
“I’ll call William to have him bring everyone to the perimeter for safety precautions. Once we are through and come back, they may retaliate and follow. It’s best to be prepared.” 
Gabriel’s right, better safe than sorry. 
“We will also have to wait for William and Noam,” he says. 
“Why?” Rainn snaps. Uh-oh. Here comes the lovers’ spat. 
“I think,” he starts slowly, “it’s best if you and Saja were to stay behind with the others.” 
We all wince, knowing Rainn is going to be pissed. While I would feel the same way about wanting to protect Sabrina from going to Hell, telling her that would earn me a punch to the face I’m sure. I shake my head, waiting for the storm. Gabriel should know better.
“Are you saying you don’t think I can take care of myself?”
The pause Gabriel takes before starting to answer is all it takes for Rainn to sum up his answer. “Perfect. Do me a favor, will you Gabriel? Pluck a few feathers from your ass and join reality.” 



Darkest ReachesSpiritual Discord SeriesBook 3Brandy Nacole
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Publisher: Ponahakeola Press
Date of Publication: April 30, 2015
ISBN: 9781329102743ASIN: B00WUW0AUG
Number of pages: 236Word Count: 84,000
Cover Artist: CCRBookDesigns
Book Description:
Kayson and the other fallen angels have risked their lives to keep Sabrina safe as she recovered from a Hell hound’s bite.  Just when she began to improve, Hell was unleashed as the hounds attacked, and kidnapped Sabrina. 
Now, only days after the fight between the fallen and the hounds, Kayson is determined to find Sabrina and bring her back from Hell.  The only thing standing in his way is a dangerous fallen angel named Iraja. 
Iraja has the means to find Sabrina, but he doesn’t do favors without a price. 
Sabrina is now facing the nightmare she’s been running from since being turned into a vampire a century ago: her eternal condemnation to Hell.  Knowing her only chance of survival may rest by playing nice and turning Hell hound Falon against Lucifer, Sabrina gives into the bitter darkness and now has to fight to remember the good soul she truly is. 
But when she discovers the role her and the innocent human Emma are forced to play, will her fear get the better of her, and will she be lost forever?
In the third installment of the Spiritual Discord series, the will to survive is tested, worst fears become a reality, and for one, betrayal becomes the only option. 

Available at Amazon and Lulu


About the Author:
Gemini Brandy Nacole is a writer of urban fantasy books.  She is the author of the Shadow World series and the Spiritual Discord series published by Ponahakeola Press.  A reader from a young age, Brandy has always loved folklore and stories of beings that go bump in the night. 
Brandy lives in Arkansas with her husband, three never stopping kids, two snooty cats, two very lazy bearded dragons, and one mellow turtle.  She is a member of the Ozark Romance Authors in Springfield, Missouri.  Whenever she’s not reading or writing, Brandy is spending her time outdoors wheeling, hiking, playing amateur photographer, and enjoying a good laugh. 
www.brandynacole.com
www.facebook.com/authorbrandynacole
www.twitter.com/authorbnacole
www.goodreads.com/BrandyNacole
www.pinterest.com/bnacolebooks

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Release Day Blitz Deacon by Cheryl Douglas

DeaconStarkis FamilyBook 1Cheryl Douglas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date of Publication: June 15th, 2015
ISBN:ASIN:
Number of pages: 158Word Count: 74k
Cover Artist: Fantasia Frog Designs
Book Description:
When Deacon Sarkis sets his sights on the gorgeous young model gracing the pages of his glossy catalogue, he knows he has to have her. One problem. She’s not available. But that won’t stop Deacon. He’s a man used to getting what he wants and he wants Mia.
Mia is stunned when she receives an email from the elusive billionaire who owns the lingerie company she models for. He tells her he’s intrigued. He’s not the only one. But she knows she’d be a fool to throw away an eight year relationship for a brief affair with the head honcho. He doesn’t do relationships and she doesn’t do casual sex. It seems they’re at an impasse.
Who will come out on top in this battle of wills? The dominant one or the woman intent on teaching him the meaning of submission?
Add it to your Goodreads Shelf
Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/QxVASAZvtqQ

Excerpt 2:
I stared at my reflection. “I don’t understand, Barbara. I thought Eleni was supposed to bemodeling the bridal collection.”
She pinned the white bustier until my full breasts spilled over the top. Then she artfullyarranged the white sheer robe so it revealed just enough of her handiwork to be enticing withoutlooking trashy. “What the boss wants, the boss gets. Even if it means we have to lose sleep to getthese damn alterations done on time.”
“Remind me to give you a raise, Barbara.”
I turned so fast that the pin Barbara was holding jabbed me in the thigh, but I barely noticed.It was him. Oh God. I couldn’t breathe. I was going to pass out right there.
“Mr. Starkis,” Barbara said, a blush stealing over her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear youcome in.”
“I’d like a moment alone with Miss Barnes, Barbara.” He gave her a pointed stare before hesaid, “I’ll try not to keep her too long. I understand you’re on a tight schedule.”
She lowered her head before gathering her measuring tape and pins. “No problem, take allthe time you need.”
He waited until Barbara had closed the door and we were alone before he whispered, “Theia,you look breathtaking.”
I still didn’t know what theia meant, and I was beyond irritated to be meeting him underthese circumstances, especially armed with the knowledge about his penchant for young models.
Closing the gap in the sheer robe, I tried to stare him down, but it wasn’t easy. Evenstanding on a pedestal and wearing four-inch heels, I was still slightly shorter than he was.
“We meet at last.” He stepped closer and ran a fingertip over my cheek. “You’re even morebeautiful in person than I imagined you would be.”
His accent was more pronounced than it had been over the phone and sent delicious chills upmy spine in spite of my annoyance at my body’s betrayal.
His bright blue eyes flashed with irritation. “You are annoyed with me. Again?”
“I’m not having this conversation here.” I looked around, wondering if he’d seduced otherwomen in that very room. “I’m working. Kindly leave.”
His irritation blossomed into anger. “I own this goddamn building. No one tells me when toleave.”Oh. Feeling properly chastised, I did the only thing I could. I turned away from him andfixed all my attention on the mirror in front of me.
He walked around me in a slow circle, his hand rubbing the dark stubble on his square jaw.
“Mmmm, this looks even better than I imagined it would. It’s so easy to imagine unwrapping
you on our wedding night.”
About the Author:
When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back!
I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber.
It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’
I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me.
When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.
Website: http://cheryldouglasbooks.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cheryldouglasbooks
Twitter - https://twitter.com/CherylDouglasNN
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5761770.Cheryl_Douglas

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Spotlight and Giveaway One, Two, Three Kiss Box-Set by E.J. Kimelman

One, Two, Three Kiss Box-SetAn Apocalyptic Urban FantasyTransmissions From the International Council for the Exploration of the UniverseE.J. Kimelman
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Date of Publication: 4/17/15
ASIN: B00W4DJIQ8
Number of pages: 218
Book Description:
The International Council for the Exploration of the Universe exists to consider and conduct investigations into the dimensions of the Universe; to examine how far humans are being depleted by zombies; to investigate natural methods, such as by breeding, etc., of keeping up the stock; and in cases of certain future failure of supply to suggest the necessary remedial measures. For the most part it deals with the humans common to all dimensions, but a special sub-committee considers the vampires, and a second the shifters; disembodied spirits are not investigated.
In the first transmission....
A new, dangerous street drug is spreading through Crescent City. A hallucinogen that causes violent attacks, incredible strength, and leaves its victims in a permanently altered state.
Darling Price's band, Higgs and the Bosons, is on the verge of their big break. If only she could get her act together and play the way she did before her best friend and musical inspiration, Megan Quick, fell fatally ill, then disappeared.
With only weeks to live Megan wasn't even strong enough to visit the bathroom by herself, yet, somehow she climbed out of her window and left.
Even though it's been months, Darling can't stop looking for Megan. Still hoping to find her alive is insane. Her obsession is pissing off her band mates and Darling is worried it might trigger her hallucinations. She hasn't been sick since Megan and she ran away from their foster home to Crescent City at the age of 13.
They took a blood oath, pressing bleeding palms together, promising that no matter what they'd stay with each other. So how could Megan leave her? It's a mystery Darling can't solve and refuses to let go of.
Since Megan's disappearance Darling has started to feel a gnawing hunger. No food or drink or drug can quench it. It's a hunger she's felt before, but has convinced herself wasn't real. Because what Darling feels, and the vivid memories from her early childhood, are all impossible.
As the drug spreads through the city and the world begins to unravel, Darling's lack of musical inspiration becomes the least of her problems as she comes to recognize that all of her assumptions about the universe may be wrong.
In the second transmission....
Darling Price thought her best friend, Megan Quick, was dead. Months earlier the doctors said Megan had only weeks to live. Than she disappeared. So when Megan saves Darling from a crowd of flesh crazed zombies, exhibiting strength and speed beyond the bounds of biology, Darling is at once exhilarated to see her friend alive again but also frightened by her.
Darling comes to understand that Megan's new found life comes at a price, one she hopes Darling is willing to pay so that they can be together again.
With zombies over running the streets, immortal beings controlling her emotions, and lost memories flooding back to her, Darling must make a decision that will decide the course of her life forever. At the same time Darling begins to understand that she is not just some regular girl. She may have powers of her own that go beyond the bounds of known biology.
In the third transmission....
Darling Price can feed off the power of others. Through this transfer of energy she can heal from any wound, including a zombie bite. With the help of Dimitri, an 800 year old vampire, Darling searches for answers about her parents and her powers.
As she gets closer to the truth the world continues to crumble around her. Dr. Issa Tor, a powerful warlock, believes that Darling can help save the world but when she goes to his society looking for answers she just finds more questions. Time is running out for Darling and the world she has learned to think of as home.
Available at Amazon  iTunes  BNEXCERPT:
International Dimension Investigations
Please state Where and When this correspondence was found and then put it in the nearest inter-dimensional pathway. You will be informed in reply where and when it was set adrift. Our object is to find out the Direction of the Deep Currents of the Universe.
Locality where found?
Depth
Date when found?
Name of Sender
Address
I hope this works. I’ve never tried attaching anything to our research messages before. Only 4% are found and responded to. Perhaps you have no idea what this is, what the Deep Currents of the Universe are. More than likely, if you can understand this, then it is much like your ocean. In my world we first started putting messages into bottles in order to track the currents of our waters.
When another dimension responded it shocked us. It’s possible in your world the dimensional portals are still unknown to your scientists. After decades of study they are still mostly unknown to ours, hence this message. We still use the same methods we did over a century ago. Though now it is the currents of the Universe that we throw our bites of data into.
But I have not broken all protocol, and risked my career, in order to talk about my world or the methodology of The International Council for the Exploration of the Universe. I did it to talk about Darling Price.
I have interviewed many inter-dimensional creatures but none of them like Darling.  Enclosed you will find the recordings from the first day’s sessions. I hope the file is not too heavy to float.  I feel a great nervousness that I will be too late, or that you will not understand the impact of these interviews. I fear that my world is lost, but perhaps yours can be saved.
I will send out more when I can. Please respond. Tell me that you’ve received my message.
****
Darling Price’s hair is dark; it falls over her shoulders in shimmering waves. It’s glossy like a record, catching the light in white lines. Her eyes are a very intense green. Alarming, powerful.
She avoids eye contact. “Bad things happen when I look a person in the eyes. Everyone except Megan.”
“Tell me about Megan,” I said.
“She is the thing that saved me. I was going to kill myself, and kill people with me, and just drag the whole world down. I felt like reality was twisting around me and… she stopped the world and I got to live.”
“Since her leaving?”
“Leaving,” she hiccuped a laugh, “is that what you’re calling it?” Darling stood up and turned to the wall. Her black leather pants were the same shiny black as her hair. On her hips hung a white belt; it tilted to one side, where her gun hung. Silver pistol, not as shiny as her hair. It looked used, scuffed, strapped to her leg for too long.
She raised her hands above her head and rested them against the cinder-block wall. Her fingernails were short, painted the same matte metallic as her gun. She turned back to me, running a hand through her hair, pushing the long locks away from her high cheekbones and arched brows. “She was taken. I want you to write that down. Megan did not leave me.”
“Okay,” I said, dutifully picking up my pen. “Please continue.”
She looked at her empty chair, the long hair falling to cover her fine features. It exposed her shoulder, bare except for the strap of her tank top. Surprisingly erotic under the fluorescent light.
Darling sat down and leaned onto the table between us. “Do you have a cigarette?” she asked.
“You can’t smoke in here,” I said.
She smiled slowly, her eyes warming; a sensation began to tingle along my jaw. “Give me a tobacco stick, and I’ll tell you my story.”
I waved to the guard.
Darling sat back, pushing the chair away from the table, and extended her legs out straight. “And a beer,” she said. “I’d love a beer.”
I nodded.

Moments later, a fresh cigarette hanging from her lip, the smoke curling around her and seeming to want to brush up against her hair before dissipating into the air, she began to tell me her story.
About the Author:
E.J. Kimelman is the paranormal pen name of Emily Kimelman. She splits her time between the Hudson Valley and traveling the world with her husband, Sean, and her dog, Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone), researching exciting locations for her Sydney Rye Mystery Series. Emily is enjoying writing about places that only exist in her imagination with the KISS series. Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.
You can follow along on the adventure through Instagram, Facebook, and on Emily's blog.
If you've read Emily's work and want to get in contact with her she can be reached via email emily@emilykimelman.com, on Twitter@ejkimelman, on Facebook, and at her website www.emilykimelman.com. Sign up for Emily's newsletter to hear about new releases and other news.
http://emilykimelman.com/
https://twitter.com/ejkimelman
https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman


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Cover Reveal and Giveaway Loving Red by Alisha Costanzo

Loving RedBook OneAlisha Costanzo
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Transmundane Press
Date of Publication: 09/09/15
Number of pages: 183Word Count: ~49,000 words
Cover Artist: Karri Klawiter
Book Description:
For Sergeant Severins Bouvier, silence means tactical planning and a large death toll, and he can’t shake how danger threatens him on the beaches of Miami, especially after seeing one of his associates in a local sandwich shop. Worse, the enemy seems fascinated with the woman he can’t stop thinking about—a woman determined not to trust him.
Everything about Sev crashes through Kaia’s carefully placed boundaries, traps, and avoidances. Regardless of her lack of interest in the majority of men, the ones that did catch her off guard left a lot of collateral damage. Who better than a soldier to understand that?
The problem is that she trusts him. Just not with her heart.
Excerpt From Chapter Twenty-Four
“Something feels different about this place,” she said, voice soft but spreading across the grounds like an earthquake.
“It’s protected. That’s what you feel.”A short, frail-looking male swung open his front door and appeared on the square wooden porch. His skin marbled like the bark of an old oak with tints of green. Long and wide eyes assessed Severins and Kaia before his gaze slashed to Kaia’s vampire friend, Kalib. The performance was rather dramatic.“You said one—a single, human female. Human. That is not human.” The dryad’s twig-finger pointed to Severins with further flair.“We were lacking in our information. The wolf is no harm to you.”“No harm. No harm!” His hair sprouted green and miniature ivy fell around his ears. “At best, he’ll piss on my plants. At worst.” The small man’s voice squabbled high and fluttered through the leaves above. “At worst!” Kalib rolled his eyes, and Severins shook his head. Kaia, however, seem entranced with the dryad’s tirade.“Eilon. Fucking wood nymphs. Eilon.”“Oh no, sir. You can stay in your pretty little metal box for that.” Eilon slammed his door again in a giant huff.Kaia jerked and came back to the small clearing. Her eyes took on a darker green in these woods. “He did not like either of you very much.”“Tree-folk aren’t group friendly unless there’s a ceremony or an orgy, although they’re practically the same thing to them.” Kalib pulled two long swords from behind his seat—long enough they shouldn’t have fit back there. He strapped them into holsters hidden beneath his loose cotton shirt. “I’ll take first watch.”“Dryad’s don’t like wolves too much—territorial and all that. Piss in the wrong part of the woods once, and it’s like you killed their elder.”“Did you tinkle on one of his plants?”Severins snorted in delight at hearing the word tinkle come out of her mouth. “No, I’m house-trained, beautiful.”Her giggle lightened up the small dark place, dancing along the trees as though they responded to her presence. She certainly possessed some tie to the magickal world. It explained why she attracted so much paranormal attention—his included.Kalib hollered through the door at the little man, and Severins leaned Kaia against the side of the sports car. “Before we go in there with that dry, old lump, give me a kiss.” He leaned into her, moving in at seventy-percent and leaving her the other thirty to come to him, but her hands dipped across his chest and stomach as she examined his different tattoos. Her touch stirred his raw need for her.After a few seconds, she lifted and closed the gap between them. Opening to him, her responses changed, shifting since their kiss in Wayne’s truck. He took advantage, pressing her closer and stealing her breath.She drew back with a smile. “I think I’m beginning to like this lifestyle.”Her nails scraped down his flanks, and he fought his own arousal. Severins pressed into her before backing away, slinging a shirt on to cover himself before following her inside.The dryad jumped into the room from the kitchen, waving at them. “No, no, no. Shoes off!” Eilon skidded to a stop with his hands out.“You. Before you enter here, you will make my pledge.”The ends of Eilon’s knobby fingers grew sharp, and Severins surrendered. “What kind of pledge are we talking about?”“You repeat after me. I pledge not to piss on any of Eilon Broaddock’s indoor plants.” The little man paused and snapped at him. “Repeat it.”“I pledge not to piss on any of Eilon Broaddock’s indoor plants.”“I pledge not to scratch, bite, or chew on any of Elion Broaddock’s precious house items.”“I promise not to destroy your home. I may be a wolf, but I am also a gentleman.”“Repeat as I said.” Eilon’s sharp fingers extended further.Severins sighed. Threatening a wolf with wood wasn’t the fae’s smartest move, but he repeated the pledge instead of provoking his host further. The restraint took enormous effort because the little drama queen was asking for it.Eilon stepped back and nodded, handing him a towel and returning to his kitchen. “And wolf will not sully Miss Red.”“You’re venturing outside your jurisdiction, there, Oak Broad Oak.”The vines of his hair tangled and retreated to a brilliant golden brown. “My stuffed radish. You have your own red, and you’re not to touch Miss Red if yours turns you down. She’s my bed guest, and I will not have her sullied.”Eilon disappeared into the kitchen, and Severins’ spine whipped straight. Kaia’s face reddened, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “I like him.”


About the Author:
Alisha Costanzo is from a Syracuse suburb. She earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she currently teaches English. She's the author of BLOOD PHOENIX: REBIRTH and BLOOD PHOENIX: CLAIMED, and co-editor of DISTORTED. LOVING RED, a Broken World novel, is almost ready for its 2015 release. In the meantime, she will continue to corrupt young minds, rant about the government, and daydream about her all around nasty creatures.
Website: www.alishacostanzo.weebly.com
Blog: www.alishamcostanzo.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlishaCostanzo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brokenworldauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4618491.Alisha_Costanzo
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/alishacostanzo

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Release Day Blitz Sex, Love and Aliens

Available at Beachwalk Press



On sale for .99

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Sex, Love and AliensVolume 2Imogene Nix, Ashlynn Monroe,Jaye Shields, and Beth D. Carter
Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.Date of Publication: June 15, 2015
ISBN: 9781940744803
Number of pages: 185Word Count: 63,000
Cover Artist: Fantasia Frog Designs

COVERT WEBSby Imogene Nix
Power, deceit, and passion. Old enemies, new love, and the future of the entire universe hanging in the balance.
Dria is more than the Ba'Tuan Princess, she's also a highly trained warrior who's been sent to Earth to covertly uncover a plot to destroy the accord between the two species.
Military commander Marcus Vane is scarred and weary. His experience with women has left him afraid of commitment…that is until Dria turns up. Not only is she everything a warrior should be—strong, focused, and honorable—she's also an incredibly beautiful woman.
They must work together to find the Incubi and stop their plans, but one split-second decision changes everything, and now the danger is even more extreme.
Content Warning: contains sizzling sex scenes with a gorgeous human male warrior and a beautiful female Ba'Tuan warrior
COVERT WEBS Excerpt:
A sharp beep drew Dria's attention. The communication console glowed and she reached out, touching the button. "Yes?"
"Turana, we've received an encoded transmission for you. The gentleman is most insistent and is using the Omega code." The captain's face betrayed no concern, but in his eyes, she read a hint of panic.
"Connect me."
His face faded away, replaced by another, harsher visage.
"Forgive me, Turana Dria. My name is Commander Marcus Vane, and I am to be your contact on Earth. I've received some intelligence that the Incubi plan to strike when you arrive."
She leaned forward. "I see, and you know this how?"
No matter how hard she tried, the pounding of her blood pulsed faster as interest flared deep in her belly. Her fingers flexed, and she wished for some physical outlet for the strong emotion that filled her. A hiss escaped between her tight lips, and even that angered her. After so many years of training herself to be calm and controlled in all things, how could she allow even that small sign of impatience and anger to escape?
"We intercepted a transmission showing they are aware of the suggested landing sites and times."
Dria frowned at his words. "And so…"
"I have a suggestion that may allow us to circumvent their plans."
Even as she weighed his words, she scanned his face, noting the full lips and cobalt blue eyes. She told her body not to respond to the unfamiliar pull of fascination, but her physical reaction only grew.
"Tell me." She spoke harshly, and watched the way his mouth thinned at her command. The small bow of his head was the only acknowledgement of subservience.
"Of course, Turana. I propose that we bring you planet-side early. Before they have an opportunity to complete their plans. The airfield is under constant surveillance, which leads me to believe they have inside knowledge of our plans."
"I see." Her short answers and demands sounded almost childish, and she winced inwardly.
"You have read the briefing paper?" His voice cut through her thoughts.
"I… Yes." The tactical briefing she'd received left more questions than it answered and anger flared, white-hot. "Contact the captain with your plan, then have him apprise me of the changes." She kept her response brief while her fingers curled with the urge to reach out and trace the planes of his face. Stupid reaction, Dria. Control yourself!
"Of course, Turana. Do you have any queries?" His voice now was melodious, and a flare of heat warmed her belly.
"No. Send the details. We'll make it work."
"Then I shall leave you…"
"Yes. Good day." The screen darkened, and she rubbed her hands over tired eyes. "Aargh!"
Tugging her hands through her long curls didn't help. Instead, yards of material pooled at her elbows, reminding her of the part she was supposed to play. Squeezing her eyes shut didn't help either. Too many relied on her to save them to get lost in her fears.
Dria squared her shoulders and inhaled a shuddering breath. "I will not fail."



THE SPACESHIP CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTERby Ashlynn Monroe
Briz will face death to save a race of strangers, but will her pirate's love be enough to save her?
Briz Julius isn't afraid to break the law to save the lives of strangers. Briz insists she can get an important shipment of medicine between worlds without incident. Her family reluctantly agrees to allow her to make the trip in their oldest, smallest vessel. The decrepit ship doesn't look like much, but that's exactly what she needs to get to her designation without attracting attention.
Matek's family was massacred by the captain of the pirate ship, the Heartless. Becoming one of the crew was easy, but remaining silent while the ruthless villain takes an innocent girl captive isn't. Matek has spent years plotting his revenge. Is he willing to throw away his only chance to avenge everyone he loved in order to save the bold and beautiful stranger?
Content Warning: contains sensual love scenes


THE SPACESHIP CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER Excerpt:
"As much as I'd like to pass her about, I do know her father. He's a good man. Give her a choice," Blood, the captain of the Heartless, said. "She can be yours, or we can turn her in."
"I want to deliver the medicine. It's worthless, except to the people who are sick. Why are you doing this?" she asked in a groggy tone.
"Brizette Julius," Blood said.
The girl flinched. Her eyes widened a bit. "How do you know my name?" She pulled the blanket securely around her. Matek found himself moving closer to her, as if he could somehow shield her with his body.
"Your father saved me once. I owe him, but this is business. There are people who would pay a lot of money to see that this medicine doesn't arrive. I have several willing buyers waiting. The Talorians should have just given up and moved on. They made their choice to stay."
"They're all that's left of their race!"
"Then, sweet Brizette, they should have been cautious about where they chose to settle," Blood said without any hint of remorse.
"Briz, my name is just Briz. I know you think the money is what you want, but can you honestly look me in the eyes and tell me the deaths of little children won't haunt your nightmares? You have the chance to save an entire race."
Blood threw his head back and laughed hysterically. His wide smile made him appear ten years younger. When he abruptly stopped laughing and sneered at Briz, she took a step back, bumping into Matek. He put a single hand on her bare shoulder. She didn't shrug his touch away.
"Money is the only thing that matters to me, little girl. Grow up. Men like me and my crew would burn the world for a handful of coins. I'll give you a choice—Matek's claim or I'll turn you over to Indra. Your father's company would never be free to transport here again, but you'll be spared a pirate's touch. When he tires of you he'll cast you off to be our plaything. What fate do you choose, Briz Julius? We all make choices for our beliefs. What do you value more, your honor or your father's company?"
The girl bit her lip. To her credit she didn't flinch or look away from Blood's hateful stare. She didn't beg or cry.
"I choose to protect my father. Who in the name of the gods is Matek?"
"He's the man with his hand on your shoulder."
Briz jerked out of his touch and spun around. Her lips compressed and her brow wrinkled. The others laughed, but he kept his expression neutral, and he didn't look away until she did.
"Take her and tame her. I like mine docile," Blood said before he began a renewed session of laughter.
Matek scooped Briz up in a smooth motion. Her initial stillness spoke of her surprise, but then she began kicking and screaming. He turned and carried her down the corridor. Tanna and Okthu stomped past him and gave the girl dark looks. They'd hurt her as payback if he wasn't cautious.
Matek's throat tightened. When his people claimed a mate it was for life. There was no changing your mind once you made a public declaration of intent. The pirate code was much different, but a claim had still been made. She was his.


HER CLONEby Jaye Shields
When love sparks between enemies, can it survive?
Angela Raden's last mission to planet US-2 nearly got her killed. The savage beating she'd been subjected to made her wish she had died. And now the military wants to send her back. But Angela will be doing things differently this time around. She'll die before she allows the enemy to touch her again.
Damon is a human clone raised for the purpose of killing, but he's seen enough death to last him a lifetime. With revolution taking over his planet, he remains in solitude, seeking peace amidst chaos. When he meets a tiny slip of a human determined to take on an entire clone army, he can't help but follow her. Since he'd been in hiding the woman believes he's human, and upon seeing her hatred of his cloned peers, he keeps the secret in order to remain in her company. But when he follows her into danger, will the truth be revealed?
Content Warning: contains strong language, violence, and some very hot sex


HER CLONE Excerpt:
"I always thought that, as clones, they would have been programmed what to think," Angela said. "Until I landed, I never realized they'd be capable of such emotion, like the hate they carried for us. Fury…"
"Lust." Damon's deep voice clipped, the husky quality sounding bitter rather than playful. Perhaps he was angered over her story she'd revealed to him. Although Damon was still a stranger, Angela realized something deeper ran between them.
She glanced over at him as they hiked on. His eyes were set on the landscape before them as if on high alert so they wouldn't encounter unexpected company once more. The intensity of his gaze and his lethal stride left Angela breathless. She shook it off. "I suppose I thought the clones would be more robotic in nature, stoic, like our own armies at home. They're programmed to do as they're told from the very first boot camp."
Angela screamed as Damon snatched her into his arms and dipped her backward. His face hovered a feather's width away from her own. "Never question this—there is no being on any planet that could not be stirred by your presence."
By the time he finished speaking, her lips were all but begging for his kiss. The heat in his gaze promised she wouldn't be disappointed. He kissed her long and slow, her body melting into his arms. His hands kneaded her curves gently, making her moan with desire as he stroked the inside of her mouth with his tongue.
The kiss broke, but instead of releasing her, Damon scooped her up and began carrying her.
Her brows furrowed automatically. "We're on a mission, not a honeymoon, Damon."
"My mission is to keep you out of harm's way. We were nearly spotted earlier, we need to lay low." He carried her toward a steep hill. "We'll hide in plain sight atop that plateau. It's small enough we won't be caught unaware, and we can watch for anyone on the ground."
"We don't have time for a field trip."
"You're wrong." Damon never faltered as he began climbing up the hill with her in his arms. "We have all the time we need, for you won't find what you're looking for. The damage was done long ago."
Angela sucked in a breath, the hurt still burning within her chest. "Aren't you a ray of sunshine?" She watched the hill slowly pass beneath Damon's feet. "I can walk, you know."
"I know." He cast her a sly grin. "I've never had something I've cherished to hold in my arms. Now I'm reluctant to let it go."
Angela raised a brow. "Jungle fever, eh?"

Damon took several long strides and soon they arrived on top of the small plateau. He laid her on the ground, a primal glint in his eyes and a smile on his lips that sent a jolt of electricity through her body. "A fever indeed."
BONDby Beth D. Carter
A woman who has nothing to lose, and a man with everything to gain.
They had known each other a lifetime ago, but love while serving as slaves to the TEV, the aliens who rule Earth, wasn't something that could ever last. When Freya's family escaped, leaving the only home she'd ever known, she left Kory behind, but she can't forget him.
When she meets him again, Kory isn't the human boy she remembered. He has survived a horrific scientific experiment that has changed him into a hybrid—half human, half TEV. Can she trust this man who has now, essentially, become a member of the enemy?
Content Warning: contains sexual content and some violence


BOND Excerpt:
He completely surprised Freya when he bent his head and kissed her. His firm lips covered hers, teased them apart until his tongue swept in to dance with hers. This wasn't the kiss of a young boy fumbling where to put his hands or how to hold his head. This was the kiss of a man claiming what was his. He took, overwhelming her, laying siege to everything she was. One of his hands cupped her breast, squeezing it through the cotton shirt to flick across the nipple.
She moaned. The sensations were so new, so raw, that he took her breath away. Freya didn't know what to do, so she went with what her body demanded and surged up, undulating her hips and thrusting her pelvis against his. The friction was so heady that she did it again, dry humping against him as a coil tightened deep inside.
He suddenly rolled away, settling next to her.
Freya was thrust into shock, her body still craved his weight, his heat.
"We need to leave," he said, panting slightly.
"What?" Her thoughts were completely discombobulated.
He sat up and wouldn't look at her. "It's a long trek back to the mountain."
"Wait! You just kissed me."
"And you just let me."
They stared at one another and all sorts of recriminations swarmed through her body. How could she kiss an alien? Betray her species? And how could she still crave his touch?
"Why did you stop?" she asked, biting her lip. She hated the fact she was so weak.
"Because you deserve something better than a bed of dirt." He sighed and ran a hand through his mop of dark hair. "Besides, we just found each other again. It's been thirteen years, Freya. We need to learn about each other again, not to mention the fact I want you to believe that I am Kory."



 About the Authors
IMOGENE NIX
Imogene Nix is an author, a wife, and a mother as well as running a bookshop. When she isn’t busy fulfilling those roles, you might find her cooking, juicing fruit, or talking to the chickens in the backyard.
She is supremely interested in all things science fiction, has a secret crush on a space captain, and loves to snuggle up with her dog, Super Pup, when she’s enjoying downtime with a book.
Website: http://www.imogenenix.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImogeneNix
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImogeneNix
ASHLYNN MONROE
Ashlynn Monroe is a busy working mom. She loves her kids and family. Her greatest joy is creating stories to entertain others, and she hopes they bring a little more romance into the world. She’s been writing since her teens, for her own enjoyment, but decided in her thirties to share her imagination with readers. Ashlynn enjoys biking, camping, reading, video games, and filling her home and life with love. If she’s not working or chasing children, you can find her daydreaming up her next tale of romance.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AshlynnMonroeAuthor 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashlynn_monroe

JAYE SHIELDS
Jaye Shields is a flight attendant by day and romance author by night. Her addictions include reading, travel, and other activities not even a romance writer will confess to. She’s in a committed love affair with her readers so don’t be shy!
Website: http://www.jayeshields.com/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayeShieldsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayeShields
BETH D. CARTER
Beth D. Carter likes writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, so her heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors, or corporate highrollers. She tries to write characters who aren't cookie cutters and push herself to write complicated situations that she has no idea how to resolve, forcing her to think outside the box. She loves writing characters who are real, complex, and full of flaws, heroes and heroines who find redemption through love.
Website: http://bethdcarter.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bethdcarterauthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BethDCarter

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What Kind of Kuharte Are You? Take the Quiz

Hello All! And thank you so much to Fang-tastic Books for having me. I’m here promoting my latest release, Sarai’s Fortune, a paranormal romance featuring mountain lion shifters.
My heroine in this tale, is Sarai Bouchard. She is one of the rare shifters who also possesses an additional supernatural ability – in this case, she’s a Seer. For Sarai, this gets her into trouble in more than one way. In particular, she sees that no matter what path she chooses either she dies, or her lover dies. You’ll have to read more to find out what happens. JThose shifters with additional powers are called Kuharte. I thought it might be fun to share a bit about each type and then give you a quiz to let you find out what kind of Kuharte you would be in the Shadowcat Nation.
The term, Kuharte, is Iroquois one meaning “through a light.” Her people chose that word because Healers (another type of Kuharte) glow when they heal – at least, their hands do. There are six known kinds of Kuharte in this series of books (a few others might pop up – who knows!).
Seer
The ability to see the future is a responsibility and a privilege.  Seers get glimpses, sometimes years ahead, sometimes hours of not only their futures, but of other's as well. The future is not set in stone, allowing the Seer to manipulate the outcomes (sometimes). But there might be "holes" to what you can see. Seers also divine which couples are Fated Mates, and do their best to help them find each other. Seers tend to be one of the more common Kuharte.
Healer
Healers are one of the most coveted Kuharte to have in your dare in the Shadowcat Nation (for hopefully obvious reasons). Healers don't always heal wounds. Sometimes they heal disease or emotions. The act of healing can take a physical toll, which can be problematic when your people keep getting into massive fights. Healers tend to be one of the more common Kuharte.
SeducerA Seducer gets exactly what they want without trying. People are naturally drawn to them and they can wield heavy influence over minds (though not hearts, though they can fake the feeling). They act like a drug on their intended targets. This can be a lonely power, though, never knowing who likes you for you.
Persuader
A persuader is someone who can influence others to do their bidding. It is a subtle skill and one that doesn't always work on strong minds. Given the right environment, a Persuader can have a BIG effect on an outcome. Being trusted is hard to come by for Persuaders because others never know if their power was involved.
Knower
A Knower is someone who can access the facts-centers of brains. Brains are like the internet to them only they don't need wifi to hook in. Knowers are powerful allies when scheming or planning. Knowers deal with constant headaches and can feel overwhelmed by their knowledge and often have trouble discerning fact from assumption in the minds they access.. Knowers are one of the rarest Kuharte.
Dreamer
Dreamers have the ability to enter other's dreams and either watch or manipulate.  They need to be close to the person who's dream they enter. They never dream themselves and can find themselves trapped inside other's minds because of their fascination with the imagery.  Dreamers are one of the rarest Kuharte.
Take the quiz and find out what kind of Kuharte you are! Share in the comments. I’d love to hear. J
https://www.playbuzz.com/abigailowen10/what-kind-of-kuharte-are-you

Sarai’s FortuneShadowcat NationBook 2Abigail Owen
Genre: paranormal romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Number of pages: 246Word Count: 60,000
Book Description:
Zac Montclair's first priority is to protect his people. With the escalating war between factions of shifters over land and resources, he has agreed to an alliance between his polar bears and the Shadowcat Nation of cougar shifters. But the treaty comes with a condition…he must accept one of their Seers into his Timik and put her under his personal protection.
Sarai Bouchard doesn't need her supernatural gift to know that Kyle Carstairs's obsession with controlling her ability will eventually result in her misery and demise. Her power is essential to her people's survival, so when Kyle goes rogue, she's sent to Zac Montclair to keep her safe. However, her visions reveal that while staying will lead to their becoming lovers, it also leads to his death. Leaving Zac will result in her own.
If Sarai can't find a way to change the future, she will be forced to choose…save her lover or save herself.


Excerpt Book 2: Sarai concentrated on precise, sharp movements with as much power as she could muster. She’d only been working out for ten minutes or so. She’d started the day similarly  yesterday. She cooked breakfast, eating with the guys. She dragged George and Scott on more sightseeing trips. Today she’d decided to explore a small portion of Central Park. She didn’t try to lose them this time. When they’d got home, they’d hit the gym.Now, Sarai tuned out Scott and George—who were sparring across the way from her—to focus on her own drills.“How about you try that out on a man who moves and reacts.”Sarai spun on her heel to find Zac standing behind her. He was wearing running pants and a tight tank top, which meant she didn’t need to use her imagination to picture the muscles of his arms and chest. They were on display. Her own personal show. Sarai swallowed.Then she computed what he’d said. How was she going to get out of this? The truth was she couldn’t spar. Her visions messed her up. But that was a secret she had no intention of sharing with three people.“Not really a good idea.”He stared at her for a long moment. Then he glanced over her shoulder at George and Scott who’d stopped to listen. “I’ve got this, fellas. Why don’t you go back up to the apartment?”There was no doubt in her mind that was a command, not a suggestion. Clearly the guys thought so too. She watched them leave the room with wide eyes.As the door closed behind them, Zac’s hands landed on her shoulders, turning her to face them. “Okay, kuluk. It’s just you and me now. What are you not saying?”Sarai had never felt this vulnerable in her life. Or this scared. This man got to her in a way no one else ever had. How was she supposed to resist that?“Why is this so important to you?”He moved his hands from her shoulders to frame her face, his fingers threading through the dark blond strands of her hair. “Keeping you safe is important to me. I need to know how much you can defend yourself if you have to. It will help me determine just what I need to prepare for. No surprises. Okay?”Sarai took a deep breath. He couldn’t have meant it that way. Just the thought of being important to this big, strong man connected with the frightened, lonely little girl who’d spent her life just trying to survive. But she couldn’t think that way. She had to leave him, and that knowledge made her want to cry.Seeing her hesitation, he brushed her cheeks softly with the pads of his thumbs. “Let me help you with this burden,” he murmured softly, his voice a hypnotic, deep rumble.Sarai bit her lip. Sharing this with him really wasn’t that big a deal. She knew she could trust him.On a deep inhale, she gave a tiny nod and started talking before she could change her mind. “Okay.”He gave her one of those rare little half-smiles, making her suddenly very glad she had agreed to capitulate. Thankfully, he released her and stepped back, giving her room to breathe.

About the Author:
Award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.
Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.
Website/Blog: http://abigailowen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Abigail.Owen.Books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AOwenBooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbyowen/
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Blitz and Giveaway: Lady of the Flames by Barbara Monajem

What inspired you to become an author?
Reading, of course! From the first day of first grade, I loved reading. Then, when I was eight years old, I started writing a story at school about apple tree gnomes. The teacher loved what I’d written so far. I was very shy, and her comment freaked me out so much that I wrote a bad ending so she wouldn’t compliment me again—that was safer than doing my best and coming up with something mediocre. But that was when I knew I wanted to write.
Do you have a specific writing style?
You’ll have to ask my readers. I write in deep 3rd person point of view most of the time (with the occasional foray into 1st person), but apart from that I can’t describe my style except in very general terms. There’s lots of dialogue and action and not much description. I don’t know how to write comedy, but if humor just happens to nose its way in, I’m delighted and keep it there. 
Do you write in different genres?
Yes, unfortunately, because this makes it difficult for me to establish an author ‘brand’, which they say matters a lot. I write two kinds of Regencies – with and without magic – and also wrote the Bayou Gavotte series, which are paranormal romance/mystery. And then there’s that first person mystery I’m working on. I don’t seem to be able to stick to one thing at a time.
If yes, which is your favorite genre to write?
How can I possibly choose? I love them all.
How did you come up with the title for your latest book?
With a great deal of pain and much help from others. I’m terrible at titles. 
Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?
See the above answer. My placeholder titles are usually pretty blah, such as the hero or heroine’s name (which sometimes changes in the course of the book, but the placeholder may stay the same. No point exchanging one dumb title for another).
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I don’t plan around a message, but so far they all say something like “Love conquers all” or “Love is the greatest magic” or “Be yourself and love will follow.” Sappy stuff, but that’s romance for you.
When you’re not writing what do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty pleasures?
Read, cook, eat, sleep… I used to do a lot of knitting and crocheting, but since I started writing seriously, I never seem to have the time. Succeeding at making socks is on my bucket list, but at this rate I’ll never manage it.
What is next for you? Do you have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in progress?
Coming up next is a Regency (without magic) called To Kiss a Rake, which will be out on July 29th. It’s a marriage of extreme inconvenience for both hero and heroine. Here’s the blurb:
WHEN A LADY IS ABDUCTED BY MISTAKE…
Melinda Starling doesn’t let ladylike behavior get in the way of true love. She’s secretly helping with an elopement, when she’s tossed into the waiting coach and driven away by a notorious rake.
REVENGE REALLY DOESN’T PAY.
Miles Warren, Lord Garrison, comes from a family of libertines, and he’s the worst of them all—or so society believes. When Miles helps a friend to run away with an heiress, it’s an entertaining way to revenge himself on one of the gossips who slandered him.
Except that he drives off with the wrong woman…and as if that wasn’t scandalous enough, he can’t resist stealing a kiss.
Lady of the FlamesA Most Peculiar SeasonMulti Author SeriesBook ThreeBarbara Monajem
Genre: Regency Paranormal
Date of Publication: March 23, 2015
ISBN: 978-1508426240ASIN: B00T0JAWLO
Word Count: 61,800
Cover Artist: Jane Dixon-Smith
Book Description:
Magic is fraught with peril—but so is love.
Lord Fenimore Trent’s uncanny affinity for knives and other sharp blades led to duels and murderous brawls until he found a safe, peaceful outlet by opening a furniture shop—an unacceptable occupation for a man of noble birth. Now Fen’s business partner has been accused of treason. In order to root out the real traitor, he may have to resort to the violent use of his blades once again.
Once upon a time, Andromeda Gibbons believed in magic. That belief faded after her mother’s death and vanished completely when Lord Fenimore, the man she loved, spurned her. Five years later, Andromeda has molded herself into a perfect—and perfectly unhappy—lady.
When she overhears her haughty betrothed plotting treason, she flees into the London night—to Fen, the one man she knows she can trust. But taking refuge with him leads to far more than preventing treason.
Can she learn to believe in love, magic, and the real Andromeda once again?
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Excerpt:
Setup: After learning of a treasonous plot, Andromeda fled into the London night to get help from Lord Fen, the man she once loved. They’re now having breakfast the next morning.
Years ago, Andromeda had felt no need to talk when with Fen, but now it was uncomfortable, like conversing with a stranger. Then, they’d had more in common; now they lived in different worlds. She took a sip of coffee and ate a sausage roll. She sipped some more coffee. She gazed around the room and finally found something to say.“Did you carve the figures on your looking-glass frame?” she said. As a boy, he had whittled constantly. “They seem so…familiar somehow.”“They should,” he said with a sudden smile. “I carved it from my memories of the fairies and hobgoblins back home.”“Fairies and hobgoblins?”“At your father’s estate,” he said. “Surely you remember Cuff the bedchamber hob, and Heck the buttery spirit, and all the rest.”“My mother told stories about them,” Andromeda said, nostalgia filling her again. “I must say, I like the way you’ve imagined them.”Fen frowned at her, his smile fading, his eyes perplexed. “I didn’t imagine them,” he said. “I saw them.”Andromeda rolled her eyes. “That sounds like something my mother would have said.”“Because she saw them, too.”Andromeda began to be annoyed. “Don’t be ridiculous, Fen. She made up stories based on tales she’d been told as a child.”Fen shook his head. “You saw them when you were small. You saw Cuff and Heck and the others. We both did.”“No,” Andromeda said. “We saw movement out of the corners of our eyes and said they were fairies, but we were just playing games.” Fen’s expression was pained. “You really don’t remember, do you?”“There’s nothing to remember,” she insisted, wolfing down another cream puff. “As a matter of fact, that happened to me this morning. I had the impression that one of the creatures on the looking-glass winked at me, but of course it didn’t really do so.”“What a pity,” Fen said.“What’s that supposed to mean?”“That you’ve forgotten. That wink was Cuff’s way of saying good-day to you. He’s somewhere hereabouts. He’s the only one I didn’t have to carve from memory, because he came with me when I left home.” He glanced toward the tin cup and plate by the wall. “He ate the bread and milk I put out, and I gave him the rest of your brandy, too.”She couldn’t stand any more of this. “Fen, stop this nonsense! We’re in danger from traitors and spies who murder people, and all you can talk about is hobgoblins.”He went on as if she hadn’t spoken. “I wondered why he came with me when I left, but it’s because he enjoys human company.” He grimaced. “Your father and aunt aren’t his sort of humans. I thought you were, and so did your mother, but evidently you’re not.”That struck her like a blow. “What do you mean, my mother thought I was. Was what?”“She had a sizeable amount of fairy blood, so she thought you must have some, too—but perhaps she was wrong.” He paused. “I know I have some. It’s not uncommon for children to see fairies, but I didn’t lose that when I grew up. Not only that, it’s their magic that guides my knives and tools, and inspires me when it comes to furniture design.”She couldn’t bear it. “Stop it! You’re as—as mad as my mother was.”“She wasn’t mad, Andromeda.” He sighed. “And whether or not you see the fairies, they’re still here.”She put her hands to her ears and shut her eyes. After all the chaos of yesterday, this was too much. When he said and did nothing, she opened her eyes again. “Why did she discuss me with you?”“Who else was there to speak to? Your father and aunt, although worthy people, wouldn’t have understood. They already found her far too strange.”This was true—but it was because Mama’s mind was unbalanced. “She knew I cared for you,” Fen said.His eyes were kind but dispassionate; his use of the past tense meant that he didn’t care anymore, except perhaps as an old friend. Why couldn’t she become accustomed? Every single reminder hurt.“You believed in them at the time your mother died,” he said. “She gave you that heart-shaped locket, didn’t she?” It still hung at her breast, but she resisted the urge to clasp it in her hand.“I was nine years old. I believed in many foolish things then,” she retorted. Such as magic, but a household run by her aunt was no longer vibrant with promise or belief in anything much at all. And then, when she was seventeen, Fen had destroyed what little belief remained. She didn’t try to keep the bitterness from her voice. “I learned soon enough what utter nonsense it all was.”He watched her, head cocked to one side, as if she were some strange, incomprehensible creature. “As a matter of interest, when did you stop believing?” How dare he ask such a personal question? “What business is that of yours?”“None, I suppose.” He shrugged and stood. “Stay away from the windows. I’ll see if my valet has found you something to wear.” He took the last of the beignets, set it on a saucer, and left it on the floor by the wall.As if prying into her business wasn’t enough, now he was mocking her. Did he seriously expect her to believe that a hobgoblin would eat the beignet? Anger stirred and grew within her. “If you must know, it was at the same time I gave up other foolishness, such as believing in love!”Fen stared at her, his expression incredulous. He left the room, slamming the door behind him. By what right was he upset? Not content with playing stupid games with her, did he really not remember what he’d done to her five years ago?
About the Author:
Award-winning author Barbara Monajem wrote her first story at eight years old about apple tree gnomes. She published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young, then moved on to paranormal mysteries and Regency romances with intrepid heroines and long-suffering heroes.
Barbara loves to cook, especially soups, and is an avid reader. There are only two items on her bucket list: to make asparagus pudding and succeed at knitting socks. She knows she can manage the first but doubts she’ll ever accomplish the second.
This is not a bid for immortality but merely the dismal truth. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia.
Website: http://www.BarbaraMonajem.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.monajem
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraMonajem
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/barbaramonajem/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3270624.Barbara_Monajem

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