Krista Ames's Blog, page 111

Author, author... Spotlight

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Eternal LoversVirginia S. Nelson



 ANCIENT LEGENDS – NEW WORLDS -Humans weren’t the only ones to migrate to America
When two hidden worlds collide near modern day Lake Michigan, Jennifer, a young Native American, is confronted with the reality, not everything is as it seems and things do go bump in the night. The questions she has long since asked are answered in this epic tale of self discovery when she meets Gabriel; the director of Guardians Incorporated.
Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel, came to Earth some five thousand years ago to protect the human race. Disillusioned because of an unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant -- even from those of his kind. Secretly, he waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave this world for good.
Can a tiny Selkie melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself? When history repeats itself, can he save her from death’s embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?
                                                                                               
Excerpt
Slowly Jennifer turned her head to take another look at the big guy leaning against the wall. Was he really looking at her? And if so, why?
She got brave. Out of her right eye she took a good long look at him. God knows she had never seen anyone that tall. He was no less than 275 pounds, solidly build, raven black hair combed straight back. He had a stern hard face with a perfect square chin. There was something about him she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It was like he was a wild animal on the prowl for something to consume, yet she sensed a gentleness about him like she did with most animals. 
 
 
Strange, he’s been in the house for a while and its dark outside, why is he still wearing those shades? Maybe he's a celebrity she didn’t recognize. Then again, maybe he’s high and trying to hide it.
He was richly dressed in an Italian black custom silk suit which had been tailored to fit his large frame. No suits came off the rack and looked like that. His black shirt, definitely silk, was unbuttoned to the middle of his smooth muscular chest showing his dark tanned naked skin. 
Why does a man like that wax? Surely with his dark hair and features he would definitely have chest hair. Just as she was giving him a once over, he reached up with one hand lowering his glasses and looked directly at her. He had the most penetrating midnight black eyes she had ever seen.
With their eyes locked on each other she was lost, hypnotized, as she felt him reach into her soul. She knew he caught her staring at him, yet she couldn’t turn away. Part of her wanted to remain lost in his eyes, the other part of her wanted to run for her life.     Eternal Nights   ANCIENT LEGENDS - NEW WORLDS - Humans weren't the only ones to migrate to America Hidden and protected from everyone, including Jennifer, no one knew of her existence.  Jessica spent a lifetime learning through the eyes of another.  From the moment she saw him, she knew she and Raphael were destined to be together.  Can she find the strength to free herself and save Raphael or will she join him in death's embrace?  
Excerpt


Raphael's eyes fluttered open.  He saw the familiar woman with her long platinum hair blowing in the wind as she walked towards him.  Her face was all too familiar yet he still didn't know who she was.  He searched his mind trying to remember if she'd ever told him her name in all the hours they spent making love in his dreams.  He was too weak from blood loss to focus his cognitive abilities -- instead he just stared at the beautiful angelic looking young woman who knelt down beside him.

Wondering if he was dreaming he finally asked, "Who are you?"

She brought her finger up to her lips in a motion to quiet him.  Her lips didn't move yet he heard her say, "I am the one for you."

The beauty leaned over him, her long hair draping him ina coverlet of warmth.  He looked into her eyes.  Those eyes, there is something about those eyes.
She placed her wrist on his lips and heard her say, "Drink and live."

He was too weak to do anything else.  He closed his eyes and took which she offered so freely.  His nostrils filled with the scents of benzoin and orange blossoms.  The warm ambrosia of her  blood tasted sweeter than the finest navel oranges he had ever sampled.  He moaned, then moaned again as his body reacted instantly to her life giving blood.  His pulse quickened, his heart skipped a couple of beats and his erection grew to its full length yet it remained hidden behind the zipper of his pants.  Having his angel on top of him, feeding him, in real life and not ina dream, was beyond his wildest fantasy.  Raphael knew in that one moment she was the only woman for him and he would go to his grave before he took another.

 Bio
V.S. Nelson has always enjoyed reading stories with strong relationships and happy endings so it’s not surprising she found herself writing across the romance genre.
Landing in Arizona, after an exciting teaching career, which took her to the Middle East for several years, she lives in Arizona where she spend most of my time making love to her computer while writing, editing or researching, seven to ten hours a day. The days she’s not writing, you will find her with my critique partners at Starbucks, attending or presenting a workshop or at a RWA meeting.   Being a Native American woman and a Scorpio, she’s always had a fondness for history, mythology, the occult, and the unexplained events which have occurred on this world we call home. It was no wonder she found herself writing a paranormal series.
She enjoys hearing from readers, fans and people with similar interests. They are more than welcome to contact her through her website http://www.authorvsnelson.com
 
 

Book Blitz: Lone Wolf by Rebecca Royce

Lone Wolf
Rebecca Royce
All bad things must be destroyed…
Gabriel Kane has been betraying his family for forty years. To save a mate only he remembers, he
made a deal with his father, Kendrick Kane, that would keep her alive. The price? Gabriel’s cooperation. Little by little his lies have eaten him alive until there is nothing left of him but a shell of the shifter he used to be.

He’s at the end of his rope. Only Kendrick’s death will end the pain. Even if it kills Gabriel in the process.
Taken from her family and forced to live with a man she despises, Carrie has grown stronger than she ever thought possible. And she will need to be, for only she can save Gabriel now. If she doesn’t, all is lost forever—not just for her, but for their entire pack. Winning is a long shot, but what other choice do they have?
 
About the Author:
As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.
Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They’ve just moved to Texas where Rebecca is discovering a new love for barbecue!
She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.
In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.
www.rebeccaroyce.com www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Royce/172551376131638?sk=wall   

Release Day Book Blast: Destination Wedding & Giveaway

Destination Wedding
By: Robyn Neeley
 
Blurb
 
Wedding planner Kate Ashby’s fear of flying is eased by a sexy stranger and one slow lip lock that rockets her into another obit.
CEO Luke Cannon has just traded seats with his identical twin. Little did he know that an innocent kiss while pretending he was his brother would soon create havoc.
What happens in the air doesn’t stay up there. Once on tropical land, Kate believes that the handsome stranger who gave her the best kiss of her life is now her new client, Drew Cannon, fiancé to the beautiful and wealthy Lauren Kincaid. While Kate struggles with the intense feelings she thinks she has for Drew, Luke discovers Kate’s been hired to plan his brother’s destination wedding. He also realizes the initial sparks they shared 30,000 feet up are now mistakenly aimed at Drew.
Can Luke get Kate to realize that the feelings she has are for him? He’s got forty-eight hours in paradise to try.
Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors
 
 
Author Bio
Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Visit her at robynneeley.com
 

Website –   http://robynneeley.com
Twitter – @robynneeley

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/robyn.neeley.1
 
Buy Links: Amazon      Google Books         Kobo       ITunes    Robyn Neeley will be hosting a Tour Wide Giveaway of FIVE Digital Copies of  Destination Wedding 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author...

...read all about it !!

 Today we have a guest post from the wonderful Kathleen Ann Gallagher!  

I’ve always been fascinated with all things paranormal. When I was a young girl my sister in- law, introduced my friends and I to her Ouija Board. I remember shaking while we huddled together in her living room in anticipation of a sign from the world beyond. Sure, we believed the board had magical powers. The power of suggestion had put a spell on us, and we swore to our classmates the board helped us contact our ancestors. It was all in fun. Was it real?
 
She also read our tealeaves and showed us big picture cards with emblems in bright colors. This was no regular deck of cards. Each one offered insight into our future. Even if it was all in fun, we wanted to believe it was true. Was it? Some people find what they’re looking for when they visit a psychic.
 
Bobbi Collins wants desperately to believe a weekend trip to a Psychic Fair will help heal the scars left behind by her lost love. Sometimes the decisions we make force us in another direction.
 
SUN, SAND & SEANCES 
 
BLURB Bobbi Collins is a caring and devoted kindergarten teacher who had her world turned upside down when her fiance diedafter a lover's quarrel.  Five years later, she still struggles with acceptance.  Her role as an educator fills up her week, but on weekends, Bobbi longs for something more. When she stumbles across a newspaper adfor a psychic fair inthe historic town of Cape May, New Jersey, it seems like the answer.  Bobbi is determined to revive her once vibrant spirit.  Kevin Carlton, a successful realtor is tired of the dating game.  He doesn't remember buying a raffle ticket, but when his co-worker announces he holds the winning number, he decides to take a chance and attend the all expense paid weekend in Cape May, at the Lady of the Sea's Psychic Fair.  Since he was a lazy and unfocused teen, with no direction, he hopes to find a spiritualist who has the ability to contact his late father.  Kevin's deepest regret is being a failure in his dad's eyes. Sparks fly when Bobbi and Kevin run into one another at the fair.  When strange happenings occur, Bobbi rushes into her ex-boyfriends arms.  She never imagined having a weekend of magic, memories and a chance to rekindle the flame with her lost love. Will two people who once shared something wonderful, be able to reconnect after dealing with the sudden tragedies in their lives or will it be too late?  Bobbi fears someone or something wants to keep them apart. Can the historic town of Cape May cast a spell on their hearts and allow the reunited couple to find what they both desire?  How will passion survive amongst the backdrop of a town where spirits never sleep?  Excerpt:  Kevin sat and slid close to her. “Don’t be scared. Old hotels need constant repair. Try not to let all of the ghost stories get to you. It’s all in fun.”
“The stories I’ve heard sound real.”
“I think the air conditioner made the noise.” He laughed.
Bobbi grabbed the blanket from the edge of the bed and placed it around her shoulders. “Don’t you feel the cold air?”

“Did you turn it on when you came into the room?”
“No, I thought you did.”
“Now, that’s weird. I didn’t touch it.” Kevin slowly put his arm around her shoulder. With their bodies close, neither of them said another word.
The warmth of his touch calmed her nerves, and Bobbi turned to gaze into his eyes. She gasped when Kevin gave her an intense stare, and gently placed his hand on the side of her face. Her desire surfaced and the wall she’d built began to loosen. As Kevin pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, she placed her arms around his broad back. Then, when he placed his lips on hers and searched her mouth with his tongue, she whimpered and surrendered to his passionate embrace.
 
 
I’m offering one of you a handmade-jeweled bookmark. They were made by a friend who does beautiful work. I hope it reminds you of the magic of Cape May.
 
 Have you ever attended a séance? 
 
Don’t forget to leave your email address in your comment.
 
 
You can find me here.  I love making new friends.
 
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/?zx=e33c25154ce308d9
 
http://www.kathleenanngallagher.net/
 
https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites
 
https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.a.gallagher?ref=tn_tnmn
 
 
 
 
 

Release Day Book Blast ~ His Clockwork Canary

HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY
(The Glorious Victorious Darcys 2)
 
BLURB:
 
History is repeating itself.
 
For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’ reputation.
 
Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers, and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it.
 
His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary, London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put their history behind him.
 
EXCERPT: He’d waited for her. Here. At this railway station. Their agreed-upon meeting place. They were to elope to Gretna Green. Only Mina never showed.
 
Simon navigated the crush of morning travelers whilst shoving aside the smarting memories of the redheaded sprite’s betrayal. His heart had long since healed, but there was a lingering sting to his pride. He’d been so sure of their love, so sure of her. True, she’d been young— sixteen to his nineteen— but her keen mind, adventurous nature, and worldly views had rendered the two of them kindred souls.
 
Or so he’d thought.
 
Leaving Paddington, Simon signaled an automocab, and a scant few minutes later abandoned the foul-smelling, gear-grinding vehicle, choosing to walk the remaining distance rather than waste time in congested traffic. Glancing up, he briefly envisioned the tracks of a monorail system and mentally calculated the advantages the alternate mode of transportation would have upon this thriving area. There were times, by God, when Simon felt as though fate had deemed him undeserving and schemed to rob him of notable success. Resentful, he shut down his dream and focused on his immediate goal. Unfortunately, navigating the cobbled streets of Notting Hill threw him back in time, intensifying his prickly mood. He envisioned Mina’s playful smile, her long vibrant red tresses, and brilliant green eyes.
 
Taking her innocence before marriage had been reckless and irresponsible, but blimey, she’d stirred his blood, seducing him with her striking beauty and kinetic spirit. This moment his senses sparked as though she were hot on his heels. Absurd, as she had moved to Scotland years ago with her parents. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed.
 
Simon pulled his derby low over his brow, then glanced at the shop’s display window to his right. Indeed, he spied a familiar reflection. Familiar because he’d noticed the ill-tailored bohemian when he’d stopped to purchase the morning newspaper and then again on the train, slouched in a seat close to his own. Dipper? Newshound? Or perhaps the disgruntled brother of a woman Simon had dallied with.
 
Indeed he had no shortage of lovers.
 
Even though Thimblethumper’s was just ahead on the corner, Simon crossed to the other side of the street. Sure enough, the peculiar chap followed.
 
Simon stopped and whirled, attacking the puzzle head-on. “What’s your game, boy?”
 
“I . . .” The bloke met Simon’s gaze and dithered, stumbling back two paces and into the path of a steam-powered automocoach.
 
Cursing, Simon yanked the flustered chap from harm’s way and into a sheltered alcove. “Get a grip, man,” he said, although it was his turn to falter. His body responded to their close proximity in a curious and bothersome manner.
 
In a heartbeat, Simon assessed the smooth skin and slight bone
structure of the face all but hidden beneath a floppy newsboy cap and obscured by shaggy, ink black hair. “I say, are you a man?”

 
The kid shoved at Simon’s shoulders, pushing him back whilst tugging his cap even lower. “I’m no Miss Nancy, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
 
Indeed it was not, but that would explain the effeminate aura. It did not, however, explain Simon’s keen sexual awareness. Although adventurous in the bedroom, he had never been attracted to another man. “Why are you following me?”
 
The kid fussed with his colorful scarves, stealing a glance at his bronze time cuff. “I have a proposition.”
 
Simon raised a brow.
 
“Not that kind of proposition.”
 
“Do I know you?” Simon couldn’t shake the sense of familiarity even though he was most certain he’d never met this dark-eyed bohemian. A pretty boy with an intense, caged energy. A source of increasing fascination.
 
“Undoubtedly, you know of me.” He offered a worn gloved hand in greeting. “The name is Willie G.,” he said in a clipped, gruff tone. “Known professionally as the Clockwork Canary.”
 
Simon ignored the proffered hand and grabbed the Canary by his ridiculous lapels.
 
“Cheese and crackers!” the kid exclaimed.
 
Simon froze. He hadn’t heard that particular curse in a long time, Another reminder of Mina. Damnation. Shaking off a bout of déjà vu, Simon whisked the Canary into the alley. Blood boiling, he pinned the focal point of his fury against a brick wall and glared. “You made a laughingstock of my father.”
 
“I apologize.”
 
“Not accepted.” Simon stared into the Canary’s wide eyes. The damnable pressman trembled beneath his touch. Was he a coward as well as a nance? Meanwhile, Simon’s own heart pounded with something more troublesome than rage. He couldn’t get that curse, Mina’s curse, out of his mind. Unsettled, he released the lad and distanced himself posthaste. “What do you want?”
 
“I have it on good authority that you are joining the Race for Royal Rejuvenation.”
 
“So?”
 
“I want to tag along.”
 
“To report my misadventures?”
 
“To chronicle your journey. Your success.” Simon narrowed his eyes. “What makes you think I’ll succeed?”
 
The Canary gave a cocky shrug. “You’ll have me as your secret weapon.”
 
Simon snorted. Of all the cheek.
 
“If you need answers, I can get them. Information?  Scoop? I can be of service. It is what I do. What I am good at. Ferreting out data. Have you never read one of my candid interviews?”
 
“I prefer respectable broadsheets to the Informer.” He had in fact skimmed random accounts. And if he hadn’t, they were often the subject of tavern gossip. The Clockwork Canary, though sensationalistic, was a perceptive interrogator and a gifted writer.
 
“I’ll pay you,” the Canary blurted. “That is, the Informer will pay you a generous sum if you allow me to experience and chronicle your expedition. A serialized version highlighting the more adventurous and romantic elements.”
 
Simon crossed his arms over his chest. “Romantic?”
 
The Canary copied his stance and cocked his head. “Your endless affairs and scandalous liaisons are almost as famous as your engineering flop.”
 
The insult would have stung more if Simon had been less intrigued by the cutting delivery. By God, the kid sounded jealous. “How much?”
 
The Canary blinked and then mumbled a hefty sum.
 
“That much?”
 
“You are a Darcy. Therefore, you command great interest and high payment.”
 
Difficult to ignore a lucrative offer that would greatly benefit his mother and sister. Still, of all the pressmen. The damnable Clockwork Canary? Did Simon’s recent ill luck know no bounds? “Your condescending tone suggests this feature is not of your choosing.”
 
“My job was threatened, if you must know.” The kid stared daggers into Simon’s skeptical gaze. “Secure a posh story on Simon Darcy, or else, I was told.”
 
That snagged Simon’s attention, if not sympathy. Knowing he was a person of interest buffered many a recent sting. He shifted his gaze from the arrogant pressman to Thimblethumper’s Shoppe. “Advance my cause with a certain merchant, Willie G., and you have a deal.”
 
Video Book Teaser:
http://youtu.be/Bisk2aLoeDc
 
Buy links:  (available in print and digital format)
 
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/His-Clockwork-Canary-Glorious-Victorious/dp/0451239997/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1365779658&sr=8-1
 
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-clockwork-canary-beth-ciotta/1111814429?ean=9780451239990
 
Apple iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-clockwork-canary/id601202264?mt=11
 
Google play
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Beth_Ciotta_His_Clockwork_Canary?id=XJlQazcIsfUC&feature=more_from_author#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMywiYm9vay1YSmxRYXpjSXNmVUMiXQ..
 
About Beth
 
Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Dubbed "fun and sexy" by Publisher's Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, steampunk, and paranormal romantic fiction. "I can't think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!"

Beth lives in NJ with her husband, two zany dogs, and a crazy cat. A retired professional performer, Beth now pours her artistic passion into her writing. To learn more about her colorful life, visit her website at www.bethciotta.com
Facebook/ Twitter
 
Rafflecopter Giveaway for Five (5) Print Copies of HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY
 
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  Link to Follow RELEASE DAY BLAST, June 4th

http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/04/now-booking-release-day-tasty-book_16.html
 
 
Link to Follow Tasty Review Tour, June 3rd – 7th
http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/04/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for-his.html

Author, author... Deena Ramiel & a giveaway

...read all about it !!

Today we have a guest blogger, Author Deena Ramiel !!



My Writing Journey… such a TEASE!
It begins on March 26, 2009, with the writing of the first chapter of a story called, TRINITY. This story turned into a daily meeting of the minds- the characters’ and mine. It didn’t end for many, many more chapters. And at the end, I thought, I have a novel. I think I can publish this. But how?
Don’t all great journeys begin with a question? Researching how I was to get my novel published was the beginning of a love/hate affair between me and the publishing process. The LOVE part came when Decadent Publishing picked me up. The HATE part came with the waiting! I’m very impatient, so the waiting that comes with the territory drives me bonkers! My impatience led to writing more and more while… waiting.
I continue to write books under the Brethren Series, RELIC and ELIXXIR. I’ve written a Decadent Publishing 1NS short story, Ghost of a Chance. But with time and more books comes more promotions. This part of the writing journey is so much fun, as well. Meeting new readers, hearing excitement and appreciation in their voices. I am humbled by all the interest and outpouring of love.
So, now I come to a new path in my journey- writing for a new line at Decadent Publishing: TEASE. It’s where sweet occurrences and vivid fantasies begin. Burning Sage is a paranormal romance, where belief and faith is tested. It is the first book in the LOVE AMONG THE RUINS series.
My writing journey continues, with more short stories in mystical, mythological places. Who knows where my journey will take me next?

Burning Sage
Deena Remiel
Blurb: Sage Wilcot, an accomplished scientist, has set her sights on her lifelong obsession, studying the volcanoes of the island of Santorini. Once there, though, she gets more than she bargained for. The dormant volcano is waking and shaking things up in the process.
 
An enigmatic stranger—from a mythical ancient city—comes to her rescue and challenges her to believe in the unbelievable. Will she take the huge leap of faith for love’s sake or stay cloistered in her fortress of certainty and solitude?
 
Excerpt:

“Well, now what?” She brushed the sandy grit off her hands and sloshed her way to drier land. “I’m here. On a grumbling volcano. Alone. What the hellwas I thinking?” She shook her head at her own audacity and stupidity.
“You were thinking of me, perhaps? I can only hope.”
Sage spun around at the sound of the low-timbered voice. “Emmanouel?”
He stepped out of the shadowy darkness and outstretched his arms in a welcoming gesture. “In the flesh. And you, Sage, are too, I see. Looking splendid.”
“Yes, much less dusty and grimy. It’s amazing what a shower and some clean clothes can do.” Really, Sage? That’s your big comeback?
He laughed lightly and sauntered closer to her. “So were you?”
“Was I what?”
“Thinking of me.”
“In a way.”
“In what way?”
“Annoyance, actually.”
“Why is that?”
“You disappeared on me earlier. You were following me out of the hole we were in, and then when I went to introduce you to a colleague, you were gone. I could have used some backup on my story about my face being injured and how you fixed it with that watery stuff of yours. See? It’s all gone. No cut, no bruise….”
“Just beautiful, soft skin that I long to touch.” His husky voice sent thrilling pulses through her body and a tingly sensation across her skin. He reached out, and with the back of his hand, tried to caress her cheek. Barely controlling her burgeoning lust, she stepped back.
“Now cut that out. I’m trying to be angry with you.”
“I’m sorry. Go ahead.”
“Well, I can’t now. You kinda fizzled it out of me.”
“Oh, good. So now I can touch you, yes?”
“No!” she huffed, and stepped farther out of his reach. “You can tell me where you went and why you’re here now. How did you know I’d be here?”
 “I never left. I can never leave.”
 
About the Author:   It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing romance and urban fantasy in the wee small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings. She believes in angels and loves connecting with her fans, so find her at deenaremiel.com.
 

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Author, author... Meet our Guest, Cassandra Dean!

...read all about her !!


SIlK & SCANDAL by Cassandra Dean  
Hi peeps,
 
I love historical romance so much. It’s always been my go to, from the time I was a young un picking up my first romance novel. There’s just something about the old timey world, the romance of the ‘rules’, the dancing, the pretty dresses. The allure of a ‘simpler’ time, where there were no computers or smart phones or personal hygiene…hmm J
 
I guess that’s why I write historical romance. Not the hygiene thing, cos ew! But I enjoy reading of times gone by, of learning little bits and pieces of history as well as enjoying a rollicking good story. And, of course, my favourite period is England in the 1800s.
 
It was such a massive century of change. In romance novels, it begins with Jane Austen and the Regency, where manners and pretty dresses and the all important Season is lovingly detailed. Then the industrial revolution came, making it so people flocked from the country to the cities and brought about those scant years of massive social, economic and industrial change that epitomises the Victorian age.
 
How could I not love such diverse and almost opposite eras bookending the century?

SILK & SCANDAL , The Silk Series Book 1, is set at the beginning of the Victorian era, where change is slowly starting to occur. Thomas, the hero, is a foundling, a young man taken in by a childless noble couple and given a chance at a worthy life. He chooses to become a barrister and then a member of parliament, to bring about change in this brave new world.
 
Nicola, the heroine, is still stuck in the old world. As a woman and a lady, she cannot be anything other than a pretty decoration, and yet her passion is the law. Secretly – so secret she doesn’t even admit it to herself, she wishes she could become a barrister like her friend Thomas, but the strictures of her time and class will not allow it. Instead, she has no outlet for her intellect and instead falls into scandal. A lot of scandal. Like, all the time J
 
I had such fun writing SILK & SCANDAL and exploring the era that brought about such massive change in Western society. Thanks so much for stopping by!
 
Cassandra Dean
Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 
  THE SILK SERIES, BOOK 1
 
Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.

 

Available NOW from
Decadent Publishing
Amazon.com | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble
 
 
 
 
~ Excerpt ~
Thomas took a breath, knowing he had to phrase this just right. “Lady Nicola, while I am cognizant of the honor you do me, I don’t believe it appropriate you visit me in my chambers. Shall we arrange a time that suits us both, perhaps for a walk about the park?”
China-blue eyes laughed at him. “Oh, pish. Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy, Thomas. We never stood on such ceremony before.”
Didn’t she know he couldn’t be her friend? Not since their ways had parted and she’d become who she was, while he had become who he was. “Our situations were different before, Lady Nicola. It is not appropriate for a lady of your standing to visit a bachelor in his chambers.”
“Who is going to comment? No one knows I’m here.”
Was she serious? “My clerk knows you’re here. By now, the senior clerk undoubtedly knows you’re here. Before ten minutes have passed, everyone in the building will know you’re here.”
“Well, then, they are a bunch of shocking gossips, and I should not like to know them any better.” She folded her hands in her lap.
“Not the point, Nicola.” Bloody hell, but she drove him mental. She tore at him and picked at him until he didn’t know where he stood. Always she’d done this, taken what little sense he had and driven it right out of his brain.
“I should say it is the point. Our visit would not distress you, if it weren’t for them.”
“It should distress me in any case. You should not be here.”
“Do you know what I’m hearing, Thomas? I’m hearing a vast amount of negativity, when you’ve not even greeted me properly. Why, you’ve yet to kiss my hand, or perhaps give me a h-hug.” Chin up, she looked at him with eyes brimming, and he saw right through her facade. She was truly hurt he’d not yet greeted her as he should.
Helpless, he stared at her. How did she do it? How did she turn his brain to mush? She’d been here less than five minutes, and already she had drawn him back in.
But she was right. He hadn’t greeted her as he should.
Standing, he went to her and drew her to her feet. “Welcome home, Nic.” And he hugged her.
 
 
 

Author, author.... Back to You by Natalie-Nicole Bates

...read all about it !!


 Today please welcome Author Natalie-Nicole Bates :)    Hi Natalie-Nicole, wonderful to have you with us. Could you tell us a little about yourself?  I was born in Russia, but now live in the United  Kingdom. I write contemporary and paranormal romance, as well as some horror fiction. My first sale was a contemporary romance to Secret Cravings Publishing called Change of Address.    Those are two places i've always wanted to see.  As far as becoming a writer, what or who initially inspired you?  I think it was my love of reading from a very young age that inspired me to write. In between I was a book reviewer, and one day I thought, ‘I can do this’.     And we are very glad you did decide you could do this!  What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?  I try to write off of what I know, especially with my contemporaries. But some of my paranromals like SEE ME, I’ve had to do some research back to Victorian times, which I love.    I like that you can write a couple different genres.  Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?  I had a specially built glass room added to the back of my house. This way, I can be amongst nature as I write. It’s very cool and very private.    That sounds like a wonderful room !  I'm sure it'd be great for reading as well.  And as a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?  I read a lot of mystery and biographies. I don’t think what I read influences what I write. I read what interests me at the time. I also enjoy a lot of 1940’s written fiction as well.     What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper??  And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?  I am a plotter. I plot, plot again, and then plot some more! When I first started writing, I did write long hand. But have since moved on to a desktop. I like the big screen.     I think a big screen would definitely come in handy.  When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?  I do a lot of gardening. I also like to get out with the camera and photograph. I also bake several times a week.    Oh baking is definitely a like of mine.  Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??  I’m actually studying law. I’m hoping to complete my law program in the next few years.     Law?  That's wonderful.  Now for a little fun, I have a few personal questions,     Your Favorite 5  1) Favorite color -Red 2) Favorite dessert –chocolate sundae 3) Favorite Season -Autumn 4) Favorite sad song-Nazareth-Love Hurts 5) Favorite Romantic movie –Don’t really have one I can think of.   And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??  A villa in Majorca just steps off the beach with my significant other       Where can our readers find you??   Twitter: @BatesNatalie Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/natalienicole... Website/blog: http://www.natalienicolebates.com Street Team:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/44184...   Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?  Back to You   On the surface, Lynsey Reznor seems to have it all. She is beautiful, brilliant, and a successful true-crime writer who has been living the past decade in Miami. But what Lynsey lacks is what she needs the most—a family. After the death of her mother, and yet another failed relationship, Lynsey makes an impulsive decision to return to her hometown of Unity. But Unity will present its own bittersweet memories, most notably, her first love, Nick Lincoln. Twenty years ago, Nick broke teenager Lynsey’s heart when he decided to marry another. He had his own private reasons—reasons he never explained to Lynsey. Now she is back, along with a chance to reclaim her love. But Lynsey wants answers from him that he may never be able to give out of duty and guilt. Buy Link Back To You Single Releasehttp://www.amazon.com/Back-to-You-ebook/dp/B00C2E9XEQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1364488822&sr=8-4&keywords=back+to+you+bates
Back To You collection at Amazon: Features bonus stories Remember The Stars and Antique Charminghttp://www.amazon.com/Back-to-You-Collection-ebook/dp/B00BUCU0YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363360122&sr=8-1&keywords=back+to+you+natalie+nicole+bates    My paranormal romance novella, Remember The Stars is currently available at Amazon through Books To Go Now. http://www.amazon.com/Remember-the-St...      Before we let you leave us today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.   This is my recipe for Russian Tea Cakes. I usually make them at Christmas time. They’re super easy to make, and hardly ever fail. If you accidentally overbrown them, the powder sugar covers a myriad of mistakes!   1 cup butter (room temperature)1 teaspoon vanilla extract6 tablespoons powdered sugar2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted1 cup finely chopped walnuts (pecans work nicely as well)1/3 cup powdered sugar  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Bottoms should be lightly brown. Top is pale. While still warm, roll in remaining powdered sugar. Roll sugar a second time when totally cool. About 3 dozen cookies.~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~ 

Natalie, thank you so much for being our guest today.  It was wonderful learning more about you and please come back to visit us any time !!

Readers, make sure you get your copy of Back to You today !

Until next time, happy reading!

Krista

Author, author.... Spotlight on Baby Stetson

...read all about it !!!

Author Nikki Lynn Barrett is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter.  Make sure to follow the Rafflecopter below and dont' forget to leave an email address so you can be reached if you win !  Please follow the Tasty Virtual Book Tour schedule for more chances to win !




Blurb
In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town. 

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know. Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie. But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.
  Excerpt Cool, crisp air greeted them as Avery and Lucas exited the inn.  Not too bad of a night weather wise.  Nearby, a twig snapped.  Avery jumped.  “What was that?” “Probably an animal,” Lucas guessed.  “A little jumpy tonight?” Avery’s mind went back to that text from earlier.  “Maybe a little bit.”  She wasn’t fully sure why.  A combination of stress and lack of sleep, maybe. “I’ll protect you from the big bad wolf,” Lucas teased. “Oh?  So what if you’re the big bad wolf?  Who’ll protect me from you?” Lucas halted.  “You think I’m the wolf, eh?” “Well, you haven’t proved that you aren’t yet,” Avery shot back.  God how he riled her.  She hated how much she enjoyed it sometimes. “I’m guessing you like the wolves then, because you liked this before.”  Lucas reached for her, and his lips met hers.  Avery’s heart melted.  She wrapped herself into Lucas, leaning into his kisses.  He tasted sensational.  Each kiss drove her further over the edge. “Lucas.”  Avery groaned.  She went in for another kiss, but a strange sound startled her, and she pulled away from him.  “Do you hear that?  If it’s an animal, it’s nearby.” Lucas whipped his head to stare in the direction.  “I don’t know.  Maybe we’d better go, get away from whatever it is.”  Lucas put his arm around Avery and pulled her close.  They strolled to the house, his arm around her the entire time. Once they got in front of the house, Avery wasn’t ready to let him go.  “Do you want to come in for awhile?”  It wasn’t just that she longed for Lucas.  The strange sensation that someone was near, watching, the fact that her parents weren’t home ... she just didn’t want to be alone.   “Is that such a good idea?” Lucas asked. “I don’t want to be alone, Lucas,” Avery pleaded. “Okay then.”  He squeezed her hand.  That must have been all the convincing he needed. Avery fumbled with the keys and got the door unlocked.  Once inside, she felt a little safer.  She closed the door behind Lucas and flicked on the light. “You’re so jumpy.  What’s going on, Avery?” Lucas asked gently, brushing back loose stands of her hair that had fallen over her left eye. She swallowed.  “I just- I got a strange text earlier.  I keep feeling like I’m being watched.  Mom and Dad aren’t here.  I may be overreacting, but I’m afraid.” Lucas frowned.  “A text?” Avery pulled her phone from her purse, searched for the text and handed it to Lucas. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he scowled, handing her the phone back. “I wish I knew.  It came out of nowhere.  It may even be a wrong number, but for some reason, it’s got me a bit freaked out.” “I can understand that.  You’ve got a few new people in your life lately.” “That includes you.” “Do you trust me, Avery?” Lucas challenged.  “I think I do.  Sure, you have your secrets, but something about you makes me feel safer than I have in a long time.  I don’t know how to explain it.  Maybe the question I should be asking you is can I trust you, Lucas?” He hesitated.  “You can trust me.” Add this book to your goodreads list!
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Mu...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-...
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=91X-oMVbn0aPh2Tu_jejRw&r=1

AUTHOR BIO:
Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
Author Links:
www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBar...
@Stormgoddess925 on Twitter

Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett
The Secret Santa Wishing Well
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...






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Review: Wolf at the Door by Sofia Grey

Wolf at the Door Snowdonia Wolves # 1 by Sofia Grey  Love can heal all wounds... Pop star Lillian Hart is determined never to trust another man.  She has no idea that the wolf at her door is anything other than a wounded dog, much less the Alpha of the Snowdonia Wolf pack.  There's something about the wild creature that pulls at her.  Then a man with her wolf's eyes starts to invade her dreams, and reality and fantasy merge in a way that has her hoping, against all odds, for dreams to come true.   Lillian may have sworn off men, but Jake's not just any man, he's a shifter, and he's about to shift Lillian's world to make room for him.  He vows to claim her as his Mate, and when Jake makes a vow, he keeps it.  But Lillian wants to take it slow and Jake is not about to waste any time. In this battle of wills, both discover giving in and trusting their hearts can heal even the deepest of hurts.  My Review:

When I was first asked to read and review this book, I was game because it was a paranormal.  Then I saw the cover, realized it would be a wolf book and I got super excited.  I love paranormal/shifter wolves and romance.  :)

It was later in the evening when I decided to start it to see how far I could get.  Well by 1 a.m., I could barely keep my eyes open but was so torn because I seriously could not put this book down.

Congrats to you Sofia Grey, for writing a fantastic shifter story !!!!!

I love love loved it :)  At 87 pages, it was the perfect length for me to read at one time but then at the same time it just wasn't long enough either because I didn't want the story to end. 

 I have to say I fell in love with Wolfie before the end of Chapter 1 :)   His protectiveness was immediate for who he recognized to be his Mate and was impressed that he had respect enough to give her a little time to get used to him before he scared the crap out of her.  And how cool to have the ability to invade someone's dreams?  That was a trait I hadn't read in any books before so I really enjoyed that.  I won't give you any more details though so you can experience it for yourself. 

This is an erotic novella and the electricity between Wolfie/Jake and Lillian was instantaneous, powerful and simply hot !!  I whole-heartedly believe there is such a thing as love at first sight, even though Lillian definitely fights it.  She was a scarred popstar running away from a bad relationship to hide in the Snowdonia Mountains at Lupus Cottage to heal.  With the simple gesture of taking in and caring for an animal she thought she'd hit with her car, she started a chain reaction that would end up having a profound healing effect on both of their lives.

I want to read this again....and again.....and can you please, pretty please... hurry with A Handful of Wolf (Snowdonia Wolves #2) :)

Absolutely, without a doubt 5 stars !!!  Kudos Ms. Grey !!!


Buy Links: Amazon Liquid Silver Books Sofia Grey website