Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 4
September 14, 2015
Sarah Ballance: My Strangest Release Day Ritual Yet
He’s the perfect kind of trouble…
Ah, release day. It should be a day of relaxing or all day partying, but some part of me (okay, most parts) didn’t get that memo. I tend to be a bit…oh, what’s the word? Meticulous? Maybe. Point being, I run around (not literally) fretting (literally) over any potential for a missed detail. Because thus far one of my biggest release day rituals has been making sure my sites and all of their respective pages are updated. It might sound easy and low key, but between the kids (I homeschool my six, now in grades K, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 12) and the house and keeping up with other projects in their ongoing stages, it takes me a solid week. And on top of that, these people want to eat. Multiple times a day.
*cue the collapse* YOU GUYS, I NEEDED A NEW RITUAL.
This time, in the week leading to BILLIONAIRE’S release, I decided to UNplant myself from the computer and start walking. So I charged the fitbit that had been sitting on the dresser for two weeks, dead, and set new goals for myself that had nothing to do with sitting and fretting. I challenged myself to 5,000 steps Monday, 6k Tuesday, 7k Wednesday, 8k Thursday, 9k Friday, and 10k Saturday. I nailed the first four days. Then I ended up having to sit at the computer to do some billing for my husband, and that afternoon my battery died. (And on about 900 steps, so it wasn’t impressive).
Anyway, despite the blip at the end, I have to admit I learned something. I managed to get up from the computer AND accomplish computer things because taking that break made me SO more productive when I sat back down. My exercise of choice prior to this had been workout DVDs, but it’s hard make a point of starting one of those. This week, everything counted. (I know the steps always count, but is a psychological thing all too closely tied to how I define accomplishment). This week, I actually marched in place, kindle in hand, and logged over 2k steps while reading. That’s not something I would have ever done before, mainly because I had no idea how many steps I could log while doing so, but also because the challenge wasn’t there. Well, it’s there now.
GAME. ON.
After some thought, I’ve decided to maintain the 7k a day step count, with at least one day a week hitting 10k. I know when I get close I’ll push to get closer, because I’m annoying like that. But it feels good to feel good, and now that summer’s heat is finally waning, I can push. Hard.
And just like that, my release day strategy – the one that was supposed to distract me from the pressures of doing everything and doing it as right as possible…the one that outwardly has NOTHING to do with release day – has turned into a life ritual. Just one week in, I feel better. Tons better.
And I can’t wait to see where the next 10,000 steps lead.
Want to know what caused this ruckus in my life? Get to know Ryder …
ONE NIGHT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (Men of the Zodiac: Sagittarius)
He’s the perfect kind of trouble…
Zoe Davenport is on her way to a perfect, idyllic, private resort where there’s no ex-fiancé and definitely no public scandal involving said ex-fiancé. But one look at the exceptionally sexy resort owner, and Zoe wonders if she’s escaped scandal just long enough to land herself in even hotter water…
Except that Ryder Nash isn’t exactly a stranger. He and Zoe used to live next door to each other. She was the sweet little temptation who couldn’t stand him–the bad boy with a loud car and a new girl every weekend. What Zoe doesn’t know is that all those years ago, her father paid Ryder off…to keep him away from her.
And if Ryder gives into the fiery attraction that rages between them–even for a moment–he’ll lose everything all over again…
Find it @ Entangled Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | ARe |Amazon.uk | Amazon.ca | Google Play | GoodReads
Title: ONE NIGHT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Indulgence)
Release Date: September 14, 2015
ISBN 13: TBD
Available format(s): TBD
EXCERPT
She followed him along a beautifully tiled pathway. To one side, blooming hibiscus lent a shock of color to the crisp landscape. On the other, plush loungers surrounded a deep blue pool with what appeared to be a swim-up bar. Unmanned, of course, since the place hadn’t yet opened to the public. She could use a drink.
The room to which he led her appeared to be a cabana-style suite. The outside was starkly modern luxe, the full glass walls on the ocean side allowing an endless view of the water. An expansive open-air patio under a permanent roof hosted an entire living room set, complete with loungers and a private pool just steps from the Caribbean. Even through the glass, she could tell the kitchen, with its white cabinetry and gleaming gray stone countertops, would be completely at ease in a luxury apartment.
It wasn’t until he opened the door for her that she realized something was wrong.
The room—which hadn’t been locked—appeared…lived in. Not a mess by any means, but there were a couple of rinsed dishes in the sink. A mug on the coffee table. Shoes on the floor.
Men’s shoes.
Where her mouth didn’t form words, her expression must have spoken volumes.
His lips twitched. “Your room is the one to the right. If your driver wants to keep his job, the rest of your bags are already inside.”
“My room?”
He straightened, all mass and muscle and sex appeal. He stared at her, one corner of his mouth upturned as if he found something funny. The Ryder she had watched through her bedroom window had never found anything funny. Not ever. He wore a scowl like no man’s business, but a smile? He’d be devastating in a smile.
Don’t go there.
“You weren’t expecting a room?”
Expectations. The thought took her in a direction she thought she had long left behind. One in which she had stared into those exquisitely blue-green eyes and had begged with every star in the sky for him to want her.
She tore her gaze from his lips. “I didn’t realize I’d be sharing.”
“I hate to break it to you, princess, but most of the rooms aren’t finished for a few days yet and are in the process of being painted. You can either asphyxiate on paint fumes, bunk with the guys in the staff quarters, or you can stay here.” His expression softened. “For what it’s worth, you have your own bathroom, and the locks are fully functional. You’ll have your privacy, and I don’t bite.”
“You?” She nearly swallowed her tongue. Aside the fact she had spent countless hours fantasizing about his teeth on her skin, and she had rather hoped he did bite, there was the very small matter of proximity. And that he had just indicated he would be a presence in hers. “I was under the impression I would be…working directly with the owner.” She had nearly forgotten her cover as an interior consultant. After ten years apart, the man managed to unravel her in minutes.
His lips formed a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Was he as tormented as she? She doubted it, but it was a nice thought. “You can work as closely with the owner as you would like,” he said. “But if you want me out of here, you’ll be sorely disappointed.”
Great. “Are you his…assistant?”
He smiled, all languid and sated. Post-coital. “No, sweetheart. I’m him.”
For more about ONE NIGHT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE and the rest of the Men of the Zodiac series from Entangled Indulgence, click here.
September 5, 2015
Last Chance to Load Up on Entangled’s Indulgence Line for Just 99c!
Entangled has put their entire Indulgence line on sale, but it’s ending soon! They’re normally $2.99, but now you can stock up for just 99c. Which is pretty freaking AMAZING. If you missed THE MARRIAGE AGENDA, now’s your chance to grab it–and dozens of other sexy contemporary romances–for less than a buck. Read on for more about THE MARRIAGE AGENDA (rated 4.6/5 stars by 66 Amazon reviewers) or *indulge* (did you see what I did there?) in more from Entangled Indulgence by clicking here. Sale ends September 6.
THE MARRIAGE AGENDA
There’s a scandal brewing in Washington…
Knox Hamilton wants his father’s recently vacated Senate seat, but the only way his conservative constituents are going to vote for Knox is if he loses his playboy reputation. Which means Knox needs a wife. There’s only one woman with whom he’s willing to share his life, but after the way he broke things off with her, will she give him another chance?
Chloe Lochlan’s job is on the line. If she doesn’t grab a big headline, she’ll be ousted from her gig at the major newspaper where she works as a reporter. Knox’s offer of marriage chills her to the bone. He already crushed her heart once and she has no intention of letting it happen again. But being with him gives her the kind of access to top tier social events rarely granted to media, access that could land her the story of a lifetime. When the truth she uncovers threatens to destroy the man she still loves, will she bury the story…or his career?
Find it @ Entangled Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play | ARe | Goodreads | Paperback
Title: THE MARRIAGE AGENDA
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: August 18, 2014
ISBN 13: 9781633750524
Available format(s): ebook, paperback
EXCERPT
Chapter One
Chloe Lochlan swallowed in an attempt to chase away the nervousness bundled in her throat. It was useless. Somewhere in the crowd, a man waited for her. Not just any man, but the man—at least as long as Chloe was inclined to believe her best friend’s forward opinions on the well-worn topic of Chloe’s love life, or lack thereof.
Of course, if she’d learned to dodge Lila Powell’s bright ideas, Chloe would be on her sofa with a spoon and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Instead, she stood with her feet uncomfortably crammed into heels no sane woman should wear, four inches taller and uselessly scanning the clientele at Off the Record, an upscale hotel bar that doubled as Washington, DC’s premier place to see and be seen.
Blind date. If only she could have said no, she would have avoided the whole awkward situation, but Lila knew Chloe too well. A blind date gave Chloe absolutely nothing to reject—it was impossible to find flaw with someone she’d yet to meet. But truthfully, her serial incompatibility with just about every man she’d ever encountered had less to do with failings of the opposite sex than with her admittedly one-track drive to be a kick-ass investigative reporter. Chloe had always harbored an ambitious streak, but a year ago, a devastating breakup narrowed her focus to a laser-like precision. Her job wouldn’t break her heart.
But Lila wouldn’t hear of excuses. A night with a carton of ice cream was no comparison to a man, as far as she was concerned, but Chloe had stocked her freezer anyway. She’d endure the date, all the while thinking of the threesome with Ben and Jerry waiting for her at home. A couple of hours wouldn’t kill her, right?
Maybe not, but she was beginning to think they might come close. As she stood alone in the bar, second thoughts closed in. No one had approached claiming to be her date. Had he taken one look at her and left? Patience—and nerve—waning, Chloe scoured the room, hoping for a sign she should leave. And she found one. A big one.
Watching her intently from a corner table was her ex-everything. And in spite of a strict never-again policy for all things Knox Hamilton, her body melted in traitorous anticipation. His trademark bedroom-tousled hair, the same luscious brown hue as those smoldering eyes, did little to kill the energy coursing through her at the speed of orgasm. Her knees weakened, further threatening her unsteady perch on the stilts a salesclerk had tried to pass off as a wardrobe staple.
Chloe stared at Knox, an uneasy feeling crawling through her chest.
All her synapses fired “flee,” but her GPS was off. Her attempt at escape landed her at the corner of his table, where she nearly collided with a waiter setting something in front of Knox that was suspiciously akin to Chloe’s favorite drink, a strawberry daiquiri. Though the drink beverage seemed to confirm her suspicions, she eyed the glass with a touch of misplaced jealousy. It wouldn’t surprise her if he had a date. Well-known and filthy rich, up-and-coming politico Knox Hamilton had everything, including his pick of eligible women.
“Chloe.” He drawled her name, adding a seductive syllable or two. “You look amazing.”
Her mouth watered at the sound of his voice. “Hi.” Her voice squeaked with a less-than-dexterous reply.
He grinned. “It’s been too long. Have a seat.”
She eyed the daiquiri. “Actually, I have a date. As do you, it seems.”
His gaze met hers over the deep amber mouth of his beer bottle. “I ordered that drink for you.” The words simmered with the husky promise of the bedroom, slipping from his lips with an odd amount of reckless, deliberate ease.
Entranced, she caught herself staring at his mouth.
He leaned back in his chair, giving her a good, long look at the way his torso shaped his neatly buttoned and pressed shirt. “Will you join me?”
He had no right to look so good. She swallowed, getting a full taste of memories she’d sooner forget. “My date—”
“—is one unlucky bastard tonight. That is, of course, if you’ll sit.”
If she was smart, she’d give Knox a view of her amazing legs and phenomenal ass as she teetered out of the bar on those damned stripper heels. But curiosity would make a dead cat out of her yet. She pushed back the logic screaming at her not to risk involvement—a year ago, he’d made it clear the two of them had no future, and she had no interest in being a serial plaything to a confirmed bachelor—and assessed the offered chair. It appeared benign enough, and a reprieve from those shoes would be heaven. Sitting across the table from him didn’t have to mean anything, and a free daiquiri made for good incentive as far as she was concerned.
With his eyes hotly following her every move, she eased into the chair and waited for the dull ache of his rejection to return. But joining Knox at a table made for two didn’t fill her with quite the degree of heartbreak she’d expected. Of course, their split hadn’t been due to anything unholy—he hadn’t philandered, pillaged, or otherwise found himself aligned with the wrong end of a horse. To the contrary, he’d been a perfect everything, right until the moment he’d left her. Things had gotten too serious between them, he’d said, and he wasn’t interested in being tied down.
Chloe hadn’t exactly been aisle-bound herself, but the dismissal had come as a blow nonetheless. When he’d spoken those words, she had managed to stay on her feet until the door to her apartment had closed behind him. Only afterward had she fallen apart. Once her eyes were no longer swollen to slivers, she’d put all of her efforts into finding a reason to hate him—wife, girlfriend, a dog he didn’t walk—but to no avail. Knox Hamilton was a great guy…he just didn’t want her.
The best relationship of her life—one with the only man she’d ever loved—had been merely a means for him to scratch an itch.
Chloe admitted to no one she’d yet to get over Knox. Still, her refusal to dip a stiletto in the dating pool ever since was evidence enough for Lila, who had heard the whole sordid tale over an all-night binge of hiccup-laden sobs. As far as finest moments went, that evening didn’t make the list. Chloe had given up trying to figure out what had gone wrong. A year later, the most painful piece of the whole puzzle was the failure of her judgment. A reporter with horrible instincts…no wonder she’d thrown herself into her work, trying to prove otherwise.
Acutely aware of Knox’s gaze on her, Chloe toyed with the straw poking from her drink.
“Your date. Is it serious?” He sounded outwardly detached, but Chloe sensed a little more under the surface—almost as if he wanted to play it casual but couldn’t quite keep his voice there.
She probably was reading too much into it—wanting it too hard. Playing his game, she said, “I don’t know yet.” She hoped the edge she’d managed in her voice would morph itself into a wall—one that would protect her from where this would likely go. “These days I’m more interested in furthering my career.”
He smiled, a bit too secretively for Chloe’s taste and scoured his jaw with his palm. “Seems we have that in common, then.”
Of course they did. Chloe squirmed. Her admission, however vague, hadn’t bothered her—she was rather proud of being a woman who didn’t wither without a man in her bed—but something told her his eyes saw too much. They searched her, appraising. Beneath fabric suddenly far too thin, her nipples peaked as if magnetically drawn to him. And why shouldn’t they be? The things that man could do with his tongue were lethal. If Chloe wasn’t so determined to hold on to a shred of her self-respect, she’d probably reach for him, too.
She settled for her daiquiri, and what was supposed to be a ladylike sip morphed into a gulp of liquid courage. The resultant brain freeze made her skull throb but did nothing to settle her libido.
Neither did Knox’s lopsided grin. “How long have you known this date you don’t want?”
“It’s a blind date. We’ve…never met.” It would have been a humiliating admission if she hadn’t been so proud of her ambition and in no hurry to resurrect her disaster of a love life. Knox could think what he wanted.
“How will you know who he is?”
She twirled her straw. “He’s supposed to approach me. My friend Lila texted him a photo. She wanted to surprise me.”
“And if he sees you with me, do you suppose he’ll give up and leave?”
She laughed. “Is that your ego talking?”
“Maybe it’s just the way I’m looking at you.”
She took another sip of her drink, measuring her words. “How do you know how you’re looking at me?”
He leaned close. “I want you, Chloe.”
She froze, her hand clamped on the daiquiri glass. “For what?”
He laughed, stirring the air between them. Somehow, the entire bar and everyone in it seemed to disappear, leaving just her, Knox, and a really bad idea. One on which he elaborated. “I want to apologize. Explain. Grovel for forgiveness. Come upstairs? We’ll talk about it in private.”
“Forget it, Knox. You can grovel right here.” In public.Where it’s safe. He’d left her so she wouldn’t distract him from his political aspirations, and there he was, trying to get personal. Playing her… But to what end? Was this some kind of joke? She glanced around. Oddly enough, despite the fact that he and his family ranked right up there with the Kennedys, he wasn’t drawing attention. At least not outwardly, though the more closely she looked, the more she noticed a growing number of sideways glances from other patrons. Fortunately the Off the Record clientele wasn’t easily impressed. Politicians were a dime a dozen inside the beltway, and rubbernecking wasn’t generally a sport of the elite. It was more of a pastime for the uncouth, a grand specimen of which seemed headed in their direction.
Eyes like saucers, the guy went straight to Knox. “Mr. Hamilton…it’s an honor. I’m Jeff Lenox.”
Knox stood and extended his hand, which Jeff shook eagerly…and extensively. But where Chloe would have yanked back her appendage and hit the guy with her purse, Knox merely endured for way too long before he finally extricated himself and clapped the guy on the upper arm. Not hard enough.
“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Mr. Lenox. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Actually, we haven’t. I’m here to meet—” He paused and extracted a cell phone from his pocket. He looked from the image to Chloe and back again.
Oh, God no.
“Her! You must be Chloe.” He grinned like the proverbial idiot.
Oh, yes. Lila was a dead woman. Jeff was attractive enough, but the way he swayed at Knox’s feet reminded her a little too much of a Twihard fangirl. Sure, Knox was impressive…but he wasn’t spittleimpressive. Well, maybe a little. But Jeff was supposed to be her date, and he was gawking at the wrong person.
Knox caught her eye. Lifted a brow. She could only smile pleasantly.
“What business are you in?” he asked Jeff.
“I’m a software systems analyst.”
Knox smiled widely, as if Jeff had said something mildly earth-shattering. “This must be my lucky day, Mr. Lenox. How about you come by my office next week? I might have something on which I could use your opinion.”
Chloe blinked. Knox was just making time for all the little people that night. First a lowly reporter, then a computer geek. Next, he’d probably save a puppy from a burning building.
Jeff looked to Chloe, as if he needed her permission to date them both. But he didn’t wait for it. A split second later, he’d turned back to Knox.
Knox poured on a killer grin and still somehow managed to look sheepish. “Before you answer, I’m afraid I have to admit there is a caveat. It turns out I’m going to have to borrow Ms. Lochlan for the evening. I know she hoped to consult with you—”
“No, no. Of course! I understand.”
Chloe narrowed her eyes. Had she just been dumped…for Knox? Damn the legendary Hamilton charm.
“Good, then. I’ll leave your name with my admin.” Knox handed over a business card he’d extracted smoothly from his pocket. “I look forward to meeting with you.”
One more enthusiastic handshake, a nod for Chloe, and Jeff quickly disappeared into the crowd.
Knox turned that killer grin on her. “You’re welcome,” he said.
“He wasn’t so bad.”
“He wasn’t your type. Now, about our trip upstairs.”
“Why did you tell him I wanted to consult with him?”
“I want to talk to you. Give me the chance, and I’ll explain.”
“Do it here.”
He drained his beer and chased it with a long, lingering look at her. “It’s a private conversation.”
“If it’s the same lame excuse you used when you left me, I can guarantee most of the people in this room have either used it or heard it. If it’s all the same to you—”
“It’s not all the same to me,” he said, his words quiet but firm. “Unless you want the recap to make tomorrow’s news.”
Chloe sighed and looked to the ceiling, as if doing so gave her a glimpse into the hotel rooms overhead. Bad, bad idea. But he was right. Everything Knox did made headlines, and the last thing she needed was to have their personal conversation end up on the society page—she’d never be taken seriously as a reporter if her name was mired in tabloid gossip. Besides, he promised an apology and an explanation—something, she expected, more than the old it’s-not-you-it’s-meline. At least it had better be, because if they took this upstairs, they’d be sorely lacking witnesses.
She threw back the rest of her daiquiri. “I guess I owe you one.”
“Damn straight.” He tossed a fifty on the table. The move sealed their unspoken agreement.
She was screwed.
Read the next chapter for free @ Entangled Publishing!
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August 17, 2015
Release Day, $25 #Giveaway, and Tear-Jerking Reviews: Five Things I Love About You
It’s RELEASE DAY and I’m kicking off my brand new Chase Brothers series with Entangled Lovestruck with a $25 giveaway! To enter, head over to Rebecca Zanetti’s blog. (OMG FANGIRLING…if you haven’t read her Maverick Montana series you MUST. NOW. Maybe after you read my new release, which happens to be just 99c. Ahem.) Leave a comment on my post there today, which is all about why the beach bites the big one. One commenter will win a $25 Amazon gift card, and if I get the most comments I get some nifty promo. So go forth, lovely readers! (Or don’t. I’ll post that link again at the end if you decided to hang out here first.) Because, OH YEAH…A NEW RELEASE! Which, rumor has it, is…
“…hilarious.” – Shelly on GR
“Crosby was sooo droolworthy.” – Michelle on GR
“Pickles. Boobs. Smokin’ hot man body.” – Melissa on GR
“…had me laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants.” – Niki on GR
“…so many one line favourites that this reader couldn’t pick one.” – Talking Books on GR
“…tons of quick-witted humor, amazing chemistry, and OMG amazing, panty-wetting, smoking-hot, sexy scenes!” – Amy on GR
So what the heck are they all talking about? This way, please…
FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU (Chase #1)
Five things to love about NYC. But she only needs one…
California landscape artist Estelle Donovan hates big cities. Between the grime, the smell, all the drab concrete, and the suffocating summer heat, how can anyone breathe? Housesitting her brother’s New York apartment, complete with broken elevator and smoking air conditioner, is her kind of hell. It’s only for two weeks, though. What could possibly go wrong?
Dumping a jar of pickles on the hot girl at the grocery store wasn’t Crosby Chase’s finest hour, nor was getting bitten in the butt by the demonic cat on her fire escape. But he is going to change her mind about his beloved city, damn it. In fact, if they could just make it five minutes without falling into bed, he bets Estelle he can find five things she’ll love about New York.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan. And with an entire country between them, Crosby realizes he doesn’t need five reasons to make Estelle love New York.
He needs one big reason to make her stay…
Find it @ Entangled Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | ARe | Amazon.uk | Amazon.ca | Google Play | GoodReads
Title: FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Lovestruck)
Release Date: August 17, 2015
ISBN 13: 978-1-63375-337-2
Available format(s): TBD
EXCERPT
He rolled over, taking her with him without breaking a single point of contact, then reluctantly relinquished his hold on her breast so she could straighten. She straddled him, fully impaled, and with a cat-that-ate-the-canary grin, started riding him at such a coy, measured speed that he just knew she was fucking with him.
“You think you can do that to me,” she said, “and expect me to take over up here?”
“That’s kind of my point,” he argued. Probably against his best interest. “I did that to you. Figured I earned a moment of respite.”
“If you want respite, I can just…” She moved one leg like she was headed for a dismount.
He closed his hands on her legs and locked her down. Nope. “You can just ride me,” he ordered. “Hard.”
She flattened her hands on his abdomen, then traced a fingertip across his chest. And made no move whatsoever toward speed. He kicked up his hips a little, nudging up the momentum.
She smiled, all smoky blue eyes and flushed skin, as she sweetly braced herself and foiled his efforts. Her blonde, sweat-darkened hair hung in soft waves.
“You look amazing,” he said. “Especially like this.”
“Just like this? Because I thought you wanted a little more action.” She increased her speed just a little, but it was a Richter scale kind of difference, with each uptick of intensity measuring ten times the one before it.
He moved his hands to her hips and plied her into the fast lane. “Until it cripples you,” he said.
“Charming.”
“Will be,” he sputtered. Because she’d kicked it into overdrive, sliding back and forth in short bursts, grinding against him, driving him hard from every angle at once. The explosive friction between their bodies made an unbearable contrast to her heat. He was buried, balls deep, in an inferno. She was wet, her skin hot and slick, her hair flinging all over the place while she worked him like she had a road map to his fucking soul.
The edges of his vision darkened, and for a brief moment, he wondered if the sun had imploded. Then he realized it was him. Radio static crackled in his ears. He was somehow numb and at once blissfully aware of the pleasure that roared through him while he involuntary jerked like a fire hose. He prayed the latex would hold under the force of his orgasm. Prayed he’d survive. And considering her inevitable departure, prayed he was wrong about what she’d done to him.
Ruined.
Even though he knew damn well it was the truth.
And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Want more? Read the entire first chapter for FREE @ Entangled Publishing!
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Remember, you can enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon by heading over to Rebecca Zanetti’s blog and reading all about my TRULY FICTIONAL beach exploits. Leave a comment for your chance to win!
August 4, 2015
Jenna Jaxon Takes Over with Can’t-Miss Historical Steals
Jenna Jaxon’s TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE SERIES on sale now!
BETROTHAL
The heart can choose, but can it also change?
Lady Alyse de Courcy has fallen in love with Lord Braeton, a nobleman in King Edward III’s court and a man to whom she has barely spoken. Fate, however, has decreed her betrothal to his best friend, Sir Geoffrey Longford—a handsome and imposing knight, yet hardly the man she wants to wed.
When Sir Geoffrey is bound in betrothal by his father, he could not have expected the beautiful stranger to win his heart the moment they meet. But Alyse’s infatuation with his friend casts doubt on whether she can ever return his regard and their wedding day is fast approaching… Will he have time enough to win her love?
Available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, ARe
BETRAYAL
The worst betrayals come from within.
After a night of passion with her betrothed, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds she must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.
As Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?
Available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, ARe
BELEAGUERED
When death holds sway in the world, can even the greatest love survive?
Finally in France, Alyse and Thomas’s passion for one another continues to smolder hot and deep—until one fateful encounter changes everything.
During a formal banquet, Alyse must share an intimate dance her first love. His searing touch proves Alyse’s desire for him is as strong as when they first met. Tormented by this revelation, Alyse is bitterly torn between the love of her life and her love for her husband.
Into this agonizing situation, the disaster of the Black Death rears its head. Alyse, Thomas and Geoffrey must try to save the princess from the ravening disease but at a dire cost to themselves. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both of the men she loves. But which love will survive?
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
BELOVEDS
Passion never dies.
Lady Alyse Braedon frets over her renewed passion for Sir Geoffrey Longford, her first love. Alyse worries that she has not properly mourned Thomas and cannot think herself as true wife to Geoffrey until she puts her feelings for her first husband to rest.
When Thomas unaccountably appears in her bedroom, she is stunned and confused. As he begins to make love to her, however, she joyfully surrenders herself to his familiar caresses and expert ministrations…until Geoffrey arrives.
Faced with the dilemma of wanting two lovers, Alyse simply cannot choose–until Thomas suggests he and Geoffrey share her. The scandalous proposition awakens new hungers within her. Can she allow herself to abandon all she’s been taught a proper woman should resist, and find pleasure with both her beloveds?
Available at Amazon
TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE EXCERPT
“Lady Alyse de Courcy!” King Edward called out again, bringing Alyse’s head up like a startled deer. “Present yourself before the court.”
Alyse shot off her seat. Oh, Lord! She had kept King Edward waiting.
“I beg pardon, sire.” She hurried from behind the table, too aware of all the eyes now on her. As she moved to stand before the king, the low drone of many voices rose around the room.
“Impudent girl.”
“I’d not want to be in her place.”
“Do you think the king will…”
Each snatch of conversation made her heart beat faster.
What will he do to me?
Her normal embarrassment at being the center of attention tripled at the thought of this blatant lapse of protocol. She stopped several feet from the dais and the room hushed as though everyone held their breath.
“What do you require of me, Majesty?” Her mouth so dry she could taste sand, Alyse fought to speak in a normal tone. With a sigh of relief, she dropped into a deep curtsy, hiding her face in the folds of her skirt. If only she could remain bowed thus before His Majesty for the remainder of the evening.
King Edward laughed. “Obedience, Lady Alyse, as I require of all my subjects. As your father requires of his daughter.”
Her heart thumped wildly in her breast. That could mean but one thing.
“Rise, my lady.”
She did so on unsteady feet. “I am ready, as always, Your Majesty, to obey my father as I would you.”
Holy Mary, let it be Lord Braeton.
King Edward lifted an eyebrow toward Alyse. “A very pretty answer, my lady. And are you ready to accept your father’s decree for your betrothal? His messenger has today reached me with the contract, as I am to stand in his stead in this matter.”
Alyse took a deep breath and hoped her voice did not tremble. “Yea, Majesty, I will obey my father.”
King Edward nodded and leaned over to whisper something to Queen Phillipa, who sat beside him, heavy with their twelfth child.
Mere seconds before she learned her fate. She could scarce affect an indifferent pose before the court when inside every inch of her quivered with anticipation of the name. His name, pray God, on the king’s lips.
Thomas.
In her mind, she heard the word.
The king straightened, glanced at her then at the man by her side.
“What say you then, Sir Geoffrey? Does the lady not speak fair? I vow she will make you a proper wife and a dutiful one as well.”
Alyse turned, until that moment unaware that Geoffrey Longford stood beside her. Chills coursed down her body as the king’s words echoed in her mind. The sensation of falling backward assailed her, as though she rushed away from the tall man at her side even as his figure loomed larger and larger in her sight.
Not Lord Braeton.
Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband. Geoffrey Longford.
God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not.
JENNA JAXON
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.
Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as president of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local RWA chapter. Her debut novel, Only Scandal Will Do, is the first in her House of Pleasure series, set in Georgian London. Book two, Only Marriage Will Do released in June. Her medieval novel, Time Enough to Love, is a Romeo & Juliet-esque tale, set at the time of the Black Death. Book four of this series, Beloveds, released in June. And her first time travel novella, Crashing Through Time, part of the boxed set, Crashing Into Love, also released in mid-June.
She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
August 3, 2015
There’s No Easy Way to Release a Book
“Pickles. Boobs. Smokin’ hot man body.” – Melissa on GR
“…had me laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants.” – Niki on GR
Want to read the entire first chapter for free BEFORE the book releases? Keep reading to find out how!
My next book releases in 15 days. FIFTEEN FREAKING DAYS. (Side note: Is it not freaking GORGEOUS?) And despite the fact that I’ve been here quite a few times before, it doesn’t get easier. If anything, I think it gets HARDER. Because…what if everyone hates the book? Or, what if they love this one so much they all hate the next one because it’s not as good as this one? Or, what if this one doesn’t go over well, effectively killing the next four books in this five book series?
WHAT IF ALL THE THINGS?
It’s funny how very LITTLE it matters how often you go through this. The thrill, adrenaline…panic…they never really go away. I think that’s the fun part, though, and despite all my absolutely insane, ridiculous worries, I must admit this book has turned out better than I ever expected. Already the feedback has been amazing, and I truly can’t wait for you all to read this sexy, hilarious little romp through NYC…or at least on one of its fire escapes. SO…
Tomorrow I’m sending out the entire first chapter to my newsletter subscribers. It’s an exclusive first peek, and if you want in on it all you have to do is subscribe today (don’t forget to confirm!) and it’ll be delivered to your inbox when then newsletter goes out tomorrow, Tuesday August 4. If you see this late and miss the mailing, sign up anyway–I have two more books coming out in September. (Pass the rum?)
“…hilarious.” – Shelly on GR
“Crosby was sooo droolworthy.” – Michelle on GR
“…so many one line favourites that this reader couldn’t pick one.” – Talking Books on GR
FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU (Chase #1) **COMING AUGUST 18**
Five things to love about NYC. But she only needs one…
California landscape artist Estelle Donovan hates big cities. Between the grime, the smell, all the drab concrete, and the suffocating summer heat, how can anyone breathe? Housesitting her brother’s New York apartment, complete with broken elevator and smoking air conditioner, is her kind of hell. It’s only for two weeks, though. What could possibly go wrong?
Dumping a jar of pickles on the hot girl at the grocery store wasn’t Crosby Chase’s finest hour, nor was getting bitten in the butt by the demonic cat on her fire escape. But he is going to change her mind about his beloved city, damn it. In fact, if they could just make it five minutes without falling into bed, he bets Estelle he can find five things she’ll love about New York.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan. And with an entire country between them, Crosby realizes he doesn’t need five reasons to make Estelle love New York.
He needs one big reason to make her stay…
Find it @ Entangled Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | ARe | Amazon.uk | Amazon.ca | Google Play | GoodReads
July 13, 2015
Out of the Cave
Where the heck have I been? Writing ALL the books, a’ course! It’s pretty much the best reason to be MIA, but I’m going back to weekly updates and hoping to resurface on social media. Or surface at all. I never really got moving on some platforms, but I’ve got some great ideas and I’m excited to move forward with them.
WHAT I’M WRITING
My last release was all the way back in October as the third and final book in my Sins of Salem series for Entangled Scandalous. The Salem witch trials, Puritans, and…sex? Yes, it happened. Maintaining historical accuracy was a beast. The fact that it didn’t exactly vibe with most of what I’d learned in school made it…interesting. Anyway, more irons in the fire.
GAMBLING ON THE BODYGUARD releases in September as part of the What Happens in Vegas multi-author series on Entangled Lovestruck. ONE NIGHT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE also releases in September, this as part of the Men of the Zodiac multi-author series for Entangled Indulgence. I’ll have links for more information as they become available.
FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU is the first book in the Chase Brothers series. It releases August 18 on the one year anniversary of THE MARRIAGE AGENDA, which is also my late grandfather’s birthday. Perfect release day! The remaining four (!!) books in the series will release through summer of 2016, while book one will be up for preorder soon.
And finally, those of you who adore Knox from THE MARRIAGE AGENDA might be pleased to know I have an new series coming from Entangled Indulgence. The Mad, Bad Hamiltons focus on Knox’s cousins, three ruthless bad boy millionaire types who are brought to their knees when the right heroine comes along.
SEE? I’ve been busy. *blinks innocently*
WHAT I’M READING
Debut author Sarah Andre blew me away with LOCKED, LOADED, AND LYING. It’s a must read, and you can read the first chapter for free at Entangled Publishing. I didn’t know Sarah before I read this book, but I had to email her when I finished so I could tell her how amazing it was. I’ve since learned that she’s just as amazing as her book and is definitely an author to discover.
I’m also SO excited to have Christine Warner’s new release in my hot little hands. Christine is the one who told me I needed to write for Entangled, which has been a life changer for me. It seems like yesterday we were talking about the plot for this book, and now A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT has released from Entangled Select, and you can read the first chapter for free. She writes beautifully…her book won’t disappoint.
That’s it for today, but I hope to have some something pretty for you next week. :) Thanks for stopping by, especially after such a drought, and don’t forget to sign up for my (infrequent) newsletter for the chance to win some pretty cool stuff. I hope to see you there!
XOXO, Sarah
April 7, 2015
News from a Recent Paperback #Giveaway…and the Scoop on the Next One
Hi y’all! I recently offered a giveaway to subscribers of my monthly author newsletter. The prize? TWO different paperback books from Entangled Publishing’s Indulgence contemporary romance imprint. (Entangled did not sponsor or endorse this giveaway.) And I’m delighted to announce that Lisa R. walked away the winner. Congratulations, Lisa! (see the giveaway here)
I plan to do this regularly, so if you’d like the scoop on the next giveaway, please keep in touch. The best way is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter, but you can also follow my blog or look me up on Facebook. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me here or by emailing me at sarah at sarahballance dot com.
Thanks so much for visiting, and I wish you all the best of days!
March 8, 2015
New #historicalromance: Sins of a Duke by Stacy Reid (Entangled Scandalous)
Sins of a Duke
She would be his revenge���
All of the young ladies whispered about the Duke of Mondvale in hushed tones, their eyes following his tall, dark figure with barely disguised lust. For the newly-ostracized Lady Constance Thornton, he is magnetic and altogether desirable. Irresistibly so. Since her reputation is already ruined in London society, why shouldn���t she be impudent and dance with the scandalous ���Lord of Sin���?
Little does she know of his plans.
The beautiful and innocent Lady Constance is no mere plaything for Lucan Wynwood. She will be his revenge. By ruining her, he will have his vengeance against her brother. Except that the Lady Constance is full of surprises��� and now she could well be the ruin of him.
Find it @
The romance in this book is absolutely breathtaking.
��(via Goodreads)
About the Author
Stacy Reid is an avid reader of novels with a deep passion for writing. She especially loves romance and enjoys writing about people falling in love. She lives a lot in the worlds she creates and she actively speaks to her characters (out loud). She has a warrior way ���Never give up on my dream.��� When she is not writing, she spends a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, Lucas Hood from Banshee, watching Japanese Anime and playing video games with her love���Dusean. She also has a horrible weakness for Ice cream.
Social Media:
Author Twitter: @st_reid
February 23, 2015
Tamara Gill: A Stolen Season #historicalromance #newrelease
New today from Entangled Select and just 99c for a limited time
A Stolen Season
One small mistake in the past
will change everything about her future…
Time-traveling archaeologist Sarah Baxter just left a piece of 21st-century equipment in 19th century Regency England. Unfortunately, when she goes back to retrieve it, she makes an even bigger mess of things���resulting in the death of an English earl. Now his brother is not only out for revenge, but he also has Sarah’s device. Now Sarah must find a way to steal back her device, hide the truth about the earl’s brother and���most importantly���to not fall in love…
Purchase Links
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1BcGuFT
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1FiQeMc
B&N http://bit.ly/1DcCaUH
Kobo http://bit.ly/1EHRc4G
iBooks http://bit.ly/17MFcUg
About Tamara Gill
Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. So much so, she made her darling husband travel to the UK for their honeymoon, where she dragged him from one historical monument and castle to another.
A mother of three, her two little gentleman’s in the making, a future Lady (she hopes) and a part-time job keep her busy in the real world, but whenever she gets a moment’s peace she loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval and paranormal.
Tamara loves hearing from readers and writers alike. You can contact her through her website, and sign up to follow her blog or newsletter.
Book Blasts
I’m having two Release Day Book Blasts over the next two days.
All the links can be found on my blog http://tamaragill.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/new-release-stolen-season-regency-time.html
Bewitching Book Tours 23rd Feb
Goddess Fish Promotions 24th Feb
January 22, 2015
Amanda Usen’s To-Die-For “Impulse Control” and #Giveaway (Men of the Zodiac – Entangled Indulgence)
Please welcome fellow Zodiac author Amanda Usen. A warning? This book is HOT. (Also, I cried at the end. Ugly cried.) She has a totally smokin’��Aries to tell you about and a giveaway to rock, so y’all help her celebrate this new release while I go find some tissues, mkay?
Daily #giveaways and 1 Grand Prize up for grabs during the blitz for IMPULSE CONTROL, an Entangled Indulgence novel by Amanda Usen!
Aries (March 21-April 19): Your mile-wide protective streak is one of your finest qualities. Courage and loyalty make you a fine champion, but not every battle is yours to fight. Think carefully before you commit yourself to a course of action. She’s not like all of the others. Aries? Hello? Are you listening? You’re already gone, aren’t you? Charging ahead, as usual. Silly, ram. You’re in over your head, buddy, but you’ll find that out soon enough…
Welcome to the IMPULSE CONTROL release blitz! I’m thrilled to introduce Book One of the Men Of The Zodiac Series for Entangled Indulgence. Russ Donovan is an Aries, and he embodies all the best���and worst���traits of the sign. He’s a survivalist, a former Green Beret, twice-voted the toughest man alive, and he’s fiercely protective of those he considers in need of his help. However, a tragedy in his past keeps him isolated and unwilling to form lasting relationships. He knows how much it hurts to be left behind. Since he’s hell-bent on continuing his daredevil adventures, it’s better not to let anyone get too close… at least in theory. When his heart gets involved, it’s a different story. Here’s a sample of how Russ’s protective streak fans the flames between him and IMPULSE CONTROL heroine Susannah Stone:
Her simmering anger erupted into a full boil, and she pushed against his chest. ���Men like you enjoy making women feel weak, and I���m sick of it.���
His arm tightened around her waist. ���There is only one very specific instance in which a man like me enjoys making a woman feel weak, and I am trying to show you what it is. I���ve had my ass handed to me by female black belts. I���ve jumped beside women who made better landings than I did. I���ve been outswimmed, outgunned, and outranked���by women. I���ve got no problem respecting women.���
Now it was her turn to scoff. ���But not a woman like me. I���m just good for baking cookies, cleaning the windows, and feeding the babies. Oh, and sex.���
���For God���s sake, I was being an asshole because you were standing there in your perfect pink suit looking at me like I was something you wanted to delicately scrape off the sole of your high heel. And I call bullshit. You want to pigeonhole me with your asshole ex, but I���m not him. I don���t put other people down. I kick them into higher gear. Good God, woman, you climbed a mountain with me today. Have you ever done anything like that before?���
She shook her head, unable to speak. Her ex-husband never would have accepted responsibility for her near collapse on the trail yesterday, and he certainly wouldn���t have apologized. Russ had stepped back so the cameras could get a good shot of her when they reached the top of the mountain today. Ethan would have hogged the peak or at least insisted on being in the picture. Russ was right���he was nothing like Ethan.
She ducked her head to avoid his fierce gaze, but she couldn���t escape his voice. ���I know myself inside and out, because I���ve been in a lot of fucked-up situations where decisions had to be made fast to keep people alive. I don���t like to lose���fights, games, competitions, or people. I push hard, I fight hard, I do everything hard, but I take care of my own. Nobody messes with my team. Like it or not, Susie, we���re a team now. I���m goddamn pissed at your ex-husband for leaving you wounded, but I���m fairly certain undoing the damage is within my capability.���
She lifted her chin. ���That sounds like pity to me.���
���Not pity.��� His erection throbbed against her belly. Her breath caught, and her nipples peaked. He groaned, low in his throat, and the sound vibrated in her core. ���Trust me���not pity. Give me one night, Susannah.���
Daily #giveaways and 1 Grand Prize up for grabs during the blitz for IMPULSE CONTROL, an Entangled Indulgence novel by Amanda Usen!
He can’t resist a challenge. She can’t resist a dare…
To celebrate IMPULSE CONTROL, there will be daily #giveaways on each day of the blitz! Each day THREE winners will receive a signed print copy of one of Amanda���s backlist titles (international winners will receive a digital copy). Daily drawings will be held at 4:00pm EST and winners will be announced on Amanda���s Facebook page and on Twitter.
And wait, there���s MORE! The grand prize winner, chosen at the end of the blitz, will #win a digital copy of each new release in the Men of the Zodiac Series, as they release each month, for a total of 12 books over the year! Winner will be announced on Amanda���s Facebook and Twitter at the end of the blitz.
Winners will need to contact Amanda with their preferred digital book, email address and shipping address, at amanda AT amandausen DOT com.
Enter the giveaway by clicking here.
IMPULSE CONTROL
Survivalist Russ Donovan is the toughest man in America, with a reality TV show to prove it. Now he���s been strong-armed into filming a new show with dainty lifestyle expert Susannah Stone. But while ���At Home in the Wild��� could mean millions for his family���s charity, Russ plans to put Little Susie Homemaker to the test���in the Adirondack Mountains in the dead of winter. And there’s no way she’ll be able to hack it…
Susannah is tougher than she looks. She’s had to fight her way through life, and there’s no way she’ll let a bossy mountain man show her up. When she gets him on her turf, he���s in serious trouble. But now she’s run into a bit of problem. Because no one���least of all Russ and Susannah���expects sparks to fly both on camera and off. And now everyone will see their risqu�� rivalry break all of the rules…
Find out more at: ��Goodreads |�� Amazon | Barnes & Noble�� |�� More Buying Options
Amanda teaches us how to sear meat (erm, in the kitchen, of course):
About Amanda:
Amanda Usen knows two things for certain: chocolate cheesecake is good for breakfast, and a hot chef can steal your heart. Her husband stole hers the first day of class at the Culinary Institute of America. They live in Western New York with their three children, one gerbil, four fish, a tortoise, and a beagle. Amanda spends her days teaching pastry arts classes and her nights writing sexy contemporary romance. If she isn���t baking or writing, she can usually be found reading a book and trying to get out of cooking dinner.
Connect with Amanda: Website Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads ��Pinterest
