Krista Ames's Blog, page 115
April 26, 2013
Review: Unraveled by S.X. Bradley
Unraveled by S.X. Bradley Sixteen year old math whiz, Autumn, spends her days reading about serial killers and dreaming of becoming an FBI Profiler. She never dreams her first case will be so personal. Her world is shattered when she comes home from school and discovers her murdered sister’s body on the living room floor. When the initial evidence points to a burglary gone wrong, Autumn challenges the police’s theory because of the personal nature of the crime. Thinking that finding the killer will bring her family back together, she conducts her own investigation using her affinity for math and forensics, but her plan backfires and her obsession with the case further splinters her family. When her investigation reveals the killer is someone she knows, Autumn offers herself up as bait and sets a dangerous trap to unmask his true nature and to obtain a confession for her sister’s murder.
Buy Link Website Blog Twitter Facebook My Review:
I was given this book in return for an honest review...
I have to say that I usually don't read murder mysteries but the blurb had me wanting to find out more. I 've found myself liking YA stories more everyday. I really loved Autumn in this story. She's a super smart girl with not many friends but she definitely loves the people close to her. I think it's extremely cool for a 16 year old to be so much into forensics. I always wanted to do that myself and while i'm pretty sure if I found my older sister murdered, i'd very possibly fall apart.
I definitely give Autumn kudos for refocusing herself into finding her sister's killer even while dealing with so much grief. I felt her pain, especially when she was being considered a suspect. Such a realistic scenario but one i wouldn't wish upon anyone, especially a teenager.
S.X. Bradley did a fantastic job creating a suspenseful crime detail-filled mystery with romance mixed in, one that kept me on my toes until the very end. An emotional and intruiging read that I highly recommend to any YA suspense reader ! Looking forward to reading more from this author :)
Excerpt:
“Autumn, yesterday you had told us that when you arrived home the front door was open. Is that correct?”I leaned in toward the voice recorder on the table and said, “Yes.”
“Are you positive about that? We interviewed some of the neighbors, and none of them saw an open front door at your house?” No doubt Mrs. Jimenez had told them that. Now that she was retired, she had nothing better to do than watch her neighbors. I wondered if she had mentioned seeing anything to Detective Kasanoff. Maybe she saw something unusual that day, a stranger in the neighborhood, a suspicious car, anything.
“The door looked closed, but when I touched my key to the lock, it opened.”
“Do you know who was the last person to leave the house that day?” I looked over at my parents. Mami had her head buried in her hands. She shouldn’t be here, hearing about all of this. Papi had his arm around her and gave me an encouraging smile.
“I was.”
“What time did you leave that morning?”
“About 8:00 a.m.”
“Did you leave through the front door?” I didn’t like where this was going.
“Yes, and I locked it behind me,” I offered before he had a chance to ask the question.
“How can you be sure? Look, I know how it is. It’s easy to get on autopilot in the morning. You do the same thing every morning, you get into a routine.”
I looked him straight in the eye and said, “I don’t forget things, Detective. I know I locked the door that morning.” He studied me for a moment and flipped through his papers.
“That’s right. Here it is. You’re some kind of math genius. You almost made the US Math Olympiad Team last year.” I wanted to reach across the table and strangle him. Someone had butchered my sister in my own living room, and he was reading up on how I’d choked on a freaking geometry question during last year’s Math Olympiad final round and failed to make the team?
“I’m gifted, Detective. I’m not smart enough to be a genius.” He broke into a smile. The first I’d ever seen from him.
“Is there really a difference?”
“Yes, about five IQ points.” He wrote something down.
“Let’s move on. You said you had come home because you’d left your math questions on the kitchen table that morning. Is that correct?” “Yes.”
He lifted the folder up and produced some papers that were protected in a plastic bag. He placed them in front of me. “Are these the questions you were referring to?”
I looked at my parents, and both of them had their eyes glued to the plastic bag in front of me.
Without touching the bag, I looked at the front page and saw the first question. It was the Bernoulli equation question that Celeste had asked me that morning over breakfast.
“Yes, those are the ones.”
“Care to know where we found them?” What did he mean? I’d left them on the kitchen table when I went to brush my teeth after breakfast.
“On the kitchen table?” I asked, trying not to sound sarcastic.
“No. In your backpack. The backpack we found at the scene yesterday.” He looked over at my parents this time. My eyes grew wide, and my mouth fell open.
“Mr. or Mrs. Covarrubias, did either of you put these math papers back into Autumn’s backpack after breakfast?” Papi left for the bakery every morning at 5:30 a.m. so he wasn’t even home. Mami had left right after Celeste and I had eaten because she had a dentist appointment. Maybe Mami’d seen the papers and stuck them in my backpack. Celeste had left about ten minutes before me. Her boyfriend Voss had swung by to pick her up. He did that every day.
“Mami, did you put the papers in my backpack?” Her eyes were swollen, and I swear she was two
seconds away from passing out. Her gaze wandered around the room until it fell on me. She shook her head. My heart sank.“Then it had to be Celeste. She must have put them in there.”
“Her fingerprints weren’t found on the papers.” How was that possible? The oils from her hands would have been transferred onto the paper if she’d stuck them in my backpack. It couldn’t have been her then. That left no one, and I had no answer. That wasn’t good.
“Autumn, look, I’m going to be honest with you. There are some things that just don’t add up here. We have witnesses that say you and your sister were arguing at school that morning and that she looked very upset. Care to explain what that was all about?”
I could feel the cell doors closing in around me. This was a witch hunt, and I was about to be burned at the stake.
My parents were staring at me, begging me with their eyes to explain what was going on. The question mark stabbed my heart. They knew that Celeste and I hardly ever fought. The last time had to have been when I’d accidentally given her a black eye when I was five and was trying to learn to hit a baseball.
I looked at the detective and said the only thing I knew to say. “Detective Kasanoff, I want a lawyer.”
Author Bio:
Susan grew up in South Texas, about ten miles from the U.S.-Mexican border. As a child she spent the summers in Mexico with her grandparents and extended family. During these vacations, she frequently created mysteries for her siblings and cousins to solve. These mysteries were her first stories. Nancy Drew soon became her childhood hero and inspiration to write mysteries for young adults.
Her greatest joy is her daughter who is quite the storyteller and likes to come up with the characters’ names for mom’s stories.
When she’s not writing or studying, you can find her looking after her personal mini-zoo which consists of two fish, one thief of a dog, and some hermit crabs.
Susan loves estates sales, traveling, spending time with her family, and discovering new books at the Columbus Metropolitan library.
Susan graduated from the University of Texas, is currently pursuing an MFA from Seton Hill University, and dreams of one day owning a touch screen murder board like the one on her favorite TV show, Castle.
Author, author... Cover Reveal
...read all about it !!
Cover Reveal via Tasty Book Tours
Finally Found
By: Nicole Andrews Moore
Blurb
Where one story ends, often another begins. For some reason, Adam Davenport can’t see past the ending. The hit and run has forced him to slow down and stop running from the pain of losing his parents. He has tried to hide behind meaningless, superficial relationships and even more shallow friendships, but the time has come to face his loneliness. Now he is finally ready to start being a family with his brother Sam. However, Sam and Haley, who was once Sam’s personal assistant, are too busy basking in their newfound love. Though breaking the rules for the first time ever has changed Sam’s life for the better, Adam has always broken the rules, strayed from responsibility, and done as little as he could get away with.
One of the main reasons that he refused to believe that Cammie was more than friend material was because she was impervious to his charms. She was so driven and determined to make her new catering company a success that she couldn’t see past her own dreams. Suddenly, Adam found himself behaving in ways he never imagined. He was working to impress a woman, but more than that, he was working to help make her dreams come true. He soon realizes that there are times in life when giving is more important than taking and when helping someone else is more important than what that person can do to reciprocate. He also learns there are times that the biggest risk is to stop hiding from emotions and to start allowing love to finally be found.
Author Info
Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years. Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it. Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others. She's still getting used to that new life smell she's experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness. (The perfect scents to build a new life on...)
For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel. The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville. Two down! (Eleven to go?)
In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog. Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert. And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.
Author Links
http://facebook.com/NicoleAndrewsMoore
http://thenicknick.wix.com/novels-by-nicole
http://twitter.com/thenicknick
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore"
Cover Reveal via Tasty Book Tours
Finally Found
By: Nicole Andrews Moore
Blurb
Where one story ends, often another begins. For some reason, Adam Davenport can’t see past the ending. The hit and run has forced him to slow down and stop running from the pain of losing his parents. He has tried to hide behind meaningless, superficial relationships and even more shallow friendships, but the time has come to face his loneliness. Now he is finally ready to start being a family with his brother Sam. However, Sam and Haley, who was once Sam’s personal assistant, are too busy basking in their newfound love. Though breaking the rules for the first time ever has changed Sam’s life for the better, Adam has always broken the rules, strayed from responsibility, and done as little as he could get away with.One of the main reasons that he refused to believe that Cammie was more than friend material was because she was impervious to his charms. She was so driven and determined to make her new catering company a success that she couldn’t see past her own dreams. Suddenly, Adam found himself behaving in ways he never imagined. He was working to impress a woman, but more than that, he was working to help make her dreams come true. He soon realizes that there are times in life when giving is more important than taking and when helping someone else is more important than what that person can do to reciprocate. He also learns there are times that the biggest risk is to stop hiding from emotions and to start allowing love to finally be found.
Author Info
Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years. Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it. Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others. She's still getting used to that new life smell she's experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness. (The perfect scents to build a new life on...)For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel. The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville. Two down! (Eleven to go?)
In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog. Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert. And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.
Author Links
http://facebook.com/NicoleAndrewsMoore
http://thenicknick.wix.com/novels-by-nicole
http://twitter.com/thenicknick
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore"
April 25, 2013
Author, author... Spotlight
....read all about it !!
Blurb:
If you lost the use of your legs, what would you do to walk again?
When an automotible accident severs Ari's spine, she's willing to try anything to regain her mobility and the independence that comes with it --even travel to a mysterious clinic in the Rocky Mountains in search of a miracle. But no one will tell her how the
clinic achieves it's fabulous cures or how an unbelievably handsome young man living at the facility factors into the process.
Can this hot young man regenerate Ari's spine? And if he does, can Ari live with the hidden price of Healing?
Red Rose Publishing
Blurb:
If you lost the use of your legs, what would you do to walk again?
When an automotible accident severs Ari's spine, she's willing to try anything to regain her mobility and the independence that comes with it --even travel to a mysterious clinic in the Rocky Mountains in search of a miracle. But no one will tell her how the clinic achieves it's fabulous cures or how an unbelievably handsome young man living at the facility factors into the process.
Can this hot young man regenerate Ari's spine? And if he does, can Ari live with the hidden price of Healing?
Red Rose Publishing
Author, author... guest: David Weckerly
...read all about it !!
Today please help me welcome a guest post by Daniel Weckerly ! A Novel Idea My debut novel is now available.
For all you who have said to me along the way that I should write a book, I've heeded the call.
I've written a book!
It's actually an e-novel--no paper or pages involved--but that fact doesn't lessen my pride one ounce.
The title is Intrepid, eponymously named for a dog who shares a very tight bond with her owner, and he with her. She eventually takes him for a walk on the wild side with some very unusual results.
Intrepid first existed on paper as a short story, written around 2001 or 2002. It was the convergence of a few threads of my life at that point. First was our black Labrador Retriever, who has since gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Second was his constant need for vigorous exercise, which caused me to walk him extensively twice every day, a task that Intrepid's owner shares. Third was one of the rather unorthodox routes I occasionally took with Wesley, through a nearby cemetery, although thankfully, it has never been vandalized..
Caveat, please: By neither my actions nor my words do I condone disturbing the restful slumber inherent in a cemetery. Please, find a better place to walk your dog.
I remember the thought that lit the fuse and got me to actually sit down and write. It was post-911. And for some reason, while traipsing through the cemetery, I had this odd notion:
In the aftermath of the disaster at the World Trade Center, what if those policemen and policewomen, those heroes who had pledged their souls to the daily calling to protect and serve, what if they honored that promise even after death?
So yes, what blossomed was a sort-of ghost story, but in this case, the ghosts were't malevolent spirits intent on creating havoc and terror but, rather, watchful spirits who step in when needed. Their deaths do not dampen their commitment to helping others, in fact, in an odd way, their spiritual beings enhancetheir ability to respond.
One thing I've found over 15 years of dog ownership: The solitary activity of walking a dog--you, him, leash--is extremely conducive to thought. It's early morning; it's early evening; you're trotting along with little else to do but enjoy the scenery and mull. For a writer, that means ideas and words and finding the best way to link the two.
In my corporate life, I was often turning projects, articles, reports, speeches, and other assignments over in my head while walking the dog. Away from my corporate life, I remember formulating the eulogies for both my parents' funerals while walking a dog. Now, it was an opportunity to reexamine my little work of fiction.
The story turned out okay; I shared it with a few friends, both physical and virtual, and that pretty much was the end of it. It was little more than a fun October story, appropriate for when shadows lengthened and chilling tales were told around autumn fires.
Until last spring, when a friend--a fellow Lab owner--put out a call on behalf of her e-publishing unit, looking for new authors.
I was immediately intrigued. Not only did I have my short story sitting fallow, but I also had a slice of time available to work it into novella length, thanks to my abrupt and unexpected separation from full-time work.
I sent her the manuscript of the story, forcing her to promise to be blunt: If she didn't think it was worth fleshing out lengthwise, no harm/no foul, I would return it to its place of rest and move on, grateful for the feedback.
If, however, she believed there was potential, I was willing to roll up my sleeves, dust it off, and prep it for e-publication.
Via e-mail, she gave me her opinion: She loved the story and encouraged me to press on.
So amid the summer of resumes, letters, online applications, and rejections, I chipped away at it, expanding a chapter here, an episode there. New characters emerged, thematic elements, back-story.
When I finished, I solicited opinions from friends and family and incorporated their feedback as appropriate.
My little story had legs.
I re-submitted the revised manuscript. My e-publisher was overjoyed. She recommended some changes--nothing major--and targeted a year-end release date.
And here we are.
It's no Gone with the Wind. It's not even Harry Potter. What it is, I hope, is an enjoyable tale with some memorable characters and a satisfying ending.
The exact requirements for my own assessment of a good read.
It's here, if you're interested: Intrepid: By Daniel Weckerly
And if you happen to like my little ghost story, there may be some good news for you. Thanks to the encouragement of my middle-daughter, who happened to ask me what my plans were for telling the stories of Intrepid's brothers and sisters, I've already done considerable work on a sequel.
Stay tuned. Intrepid Daniel Weckerly
What parent of a ten-year-old daughter can resist her fervent pleas for a dog? Especially when her young life has been marked by the pain of a horrible car accident that took her mother when she was a toddler. Jay McAllister, single parent for the past eight years, heeds the call of a neighbor in need of placing a newborn puppy and welcomes Intrepid - a Lab-mix orphan - into his family. Intrepid gains the nickname "Tepid", but her fit into the McAllister household is anything but lukewarm. She helps the family heal from wounds they thought they had left behind years ago, integrating herself into their lives and burrowing into their hearts. She instills belief in Jay, knowledge that hurts can be healed, family can be strengthened, and joy can return even when it has been absent for quite a while. She also opens his mind to something otherworldly. Together, Jay and Tepid experience the reality that a promise made - between a wife and a husband, between a public servant and his community - can transcend even death itself Buy Links:
Amazon
/
Smashwords
About the Author: Daniel Weckerly resides in Pennsylvania and shares his life with his wife and kids and his wonderful Labrador Retriever, Parker. He has been writing in a business context for the past 25 years, with "Intrepid" being his first novel. He credits a long-term love of Labradors with his ability to capture in words the humor, honor, and heart of these magnificent dogs, the only breed he has ever owned. You can follow Daniel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/daniel.weckerly or www.facebook.com/intrepid or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Intrepi...
Author Facebook
/
Book Facebook
Today please help me welcome a guest post by Daniel Weckerly ! A Novel Idea My debut novel is now available.
For all you who have said to me along the way that I should write a book, I've heeded the call.
I've written a book!
It's actually an e-novel--no paper or pages involved--but that fact doesn't lessen my pride one ounce.
The title is Intrepid, eponymously named for a dog who shares a very tight bond with her owner, and he with her. She eventually takes him for a walk on the wild side with some very unusual results.
Intrepid first existed on paper as a short story, written around 2001 or 2002. It was the convergence of a few threads of my life at that point. First was our black Labrador Retriever, who has since gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Second was his constant need for vigorous exercise, which caused me to walk him extensively twice every day, a task that Intrepid's owner shares. Third was one of the rather unorthodox routes I occasionally took with Wesley, through a nearby cemetery, although thankfully, it has never been vandalized..
Caveat, please: By neither my actions nor my words do I condone disturbing the restful slumber inherent in a cemetery. Please, find a better place to walk your dog.
I remember the thought that lit the fuse and got me to actually sit down and write. It was post-911. And for some reason, while traipsing through the cemetery, I had this odd notion:
In the aftermath of the disaster at the World Trade Center, what if those policemen and policewomen, those heroes who had pledged their souls to the daily calling to protect and serve, what if they honored that promise even after death?
So yes, what blossomed was a sort-of ghost story, but in this case, the ghosts were't malevolent spirits intent on creating havoc and terror but, rather, watchful spirits who step in when needed. Their deaths do not dampen their commitment to helping others, in fact, in an odd way, their spiritual beings enhancetheir ability to respond.
One thing I've found over 15 years of dog ownership: The solitary activity of walking a dog--you, him, leash--is extremely conducive to thought. It's early morning; it's early evening; you're trotting along with little else to do but enjoy the scenery and mull. For a writer, that means ideas and words and finding the best way to link the two.
In my corporate life, I was often turning projects, articles, reports, speeches, and other assignments over in my head while walking the dog. Away from my corporate life, I remember formulating the eulogies for both my parents' funerals while walking a dog. Now, it was an opportunity to reexamine my little work of fiction.
The story turned out okay; I shared it with a few friends, both physical and virtual, and that pretty much was the end of it. It was little more than a fun October story, appropriate for when shadows lengthened and chilling tales were told around autumn fires.
Until last spring, when a friend--a fellow Lab owner--put out a call on behalf of her e-publishing unit, looking for new authors.
I was immediately intrigued. Not only did I have my short story sitting fallow, but I also had a slice of time available to work it into novella length, thanks to my abrupt and unexpected separation from full-time work.
I sent her the manuscript of the story, forcing her to promise to be blunt: If she didn't think it was worth fleshing out lengthwise, no harm/no foul, I would return it to its place of rest and move on, grateful for the feedback.
If, however, she believed there was potential, I was willing to roll up my sleeves, dust it off, and prep it for e-publication.
Via e-mail, she gave me her opinion: She loved the story and encouraged me to press on.
So amid the summer of resumes, letters, online applications, and rejections, I chipped away at it, expanding a chapter here, an episode there. New characters emerged, thematic elements, back-story.
When I finished, I solicited opinions from friends and family and incorporated their feedback as appropriate.
My little story had legs.
I re-submitted the revised manuscript. My e-publisher was overjoyed. She recommended some changes--nothing major--and targeted a year-end release date.
And here we are.
It's no Gone with the Wind. It's not even Harry Potter. What it is, I hope, is an enjoyable tale with some memorable characters and a satisfying ending.
The exact requirements for my own assessment of a good read.
It's here, if you're interested: Intrepid: By Daniel Weckerly
And if you happen to like my little ghost story, there may be some good news for you. Thanks to the encouragement of my middle-daughter, who happened to ask me what my plans were for telling the stories of Intrepid's brothers and sisters, I've already done considerable work on a sequel.
Stay tuned. Intrepid Daniel Weckerly
What parent of a ten-year-old daughter can resist her fervent pleas for a dog? Especially when her young life has been marked by the pain of a horrible car accident that took her mother when she was a toddler. Jay McAllister, single parent for the past eight years, heeds the call of a neighbor in need of placing a newborn puppy and welcomes Intrepid - a Lab-mix orphan - into his family. Intrepid gains the nickname "Tepid", but her fit into the McAllister household is anything but lukewarm. She helps the family heal from wounds they thought they had left behind years ago, integrating herself into their lives and burrowing into their hearts. She instills belief in Jay, knowledge that hurts can be healed, family can be strengthened, and joy can return even when it has been absent for quite a while. She also opens his mind to something otherworldly. Together, Jay and Tepid experience the reality that a promise made - between a wife and a husband, between a public servant and his community - can transcend even death itself Buy Links:
Amazon
/
Smashwords
About the Author: Daniel Weckerly resides in Pennsylvania and shares his life with his wife and kids and his wonderful Labrador Retriever, Parker. He has been writing in a business context for the past 25 years, with "Intrepid" being his first novel. He credits a long-term love of Labradors with his ability to capture in words the humor, honor, and heart of these magnificent dogs, the only breed he has ever owned. You can follow Daniel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/daniel.weckerly or www.facebook.com/intrepid or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Intrepi...
Author Facebook
/
Book Facebook
April 24, 2013
Author, author... Homerun Blurb Tour & Giveaway
...read all about it !!
Homerun
By: Ruth Roberts
Blurb:
Cynthiana, beautiful, intelligent, and by all appearances, a spoiled socialite, finds herself as chair of the Inner City Youth League Charity Gala. Her Co-Chair, Roberto Luque, is Major League Baseball’s newest playboy from the Domincan Republic. Far from being in the League of men her parents expect her to choose from, which is just fine with her since she has sworn off playboys. But, as they work together she discovers his devotion to the inner city children and wonders if there is more to him than his playboy reputation. Will she break her no playboy rule long enough to find out?
Roberto fought his way into the Majors. Now, a successful pitcher for the Texas Rangers, he is living the life he always dreamed of. Until he faces off with a bad-tempered, blue-eyed, red head that is not his type. So, why is he drawn to her? The Charity Gala gives him a chance to find out. What he finds beneath that socialite veneer captivates him, heart and soul.
When her powerful father threatens to tear them apart, destroying not only their love, but also Roberto’s hard won career, will he be willing to give it all up for love?
(giveaway details below)
Excerpt:
Copyright © 2012 Ruth Roberts
How could she have been talked into this? She was in way over her head. Cynthiana
Davenport did not plan fundraiser Gala’s, she attended them. So how is it that she was now head of the planning committee? And for baseball of all things. She didn’t even like baseball, much less know anything about it. So what if her best friend had married a hunky major league baseball player last year. Just because Stacy had to learn about the sport didn’t mean she did. She was going to call her right now and tell her the deal was off. Someone else would have to take her place.
Cynthiana dug her phone out of her purse and was about to hit speed dial when she sighed in resignation and threw it back into her purse. Stacy was seven months pregnant with twins and on total bed rest. She couldn’t back out, Stacy didn’t need that kind of stress. The Gala was only a month away and everything was practically done. It would be a piece of cake. She could do this. Besides, it was only a big party and if there was one thing she was good at it was throwing parties. Sure, this one was a little larger than she was used to but hey, how much trouble could five hundred wealthy people and athletes be?
Not nearly as much trouble as managing her growing feelings for one very gorgeous, very charming baseball player with deep brown eyes and a killer smile who just happened to be her right hand on the planning committee. Roberto Luque. If she could just ignore his adorable dimples she might get through the next few hours. Roberto was a playboy and she didn’t date playboys. Ever. So she would just have to keep her feelings under tight control until the night was over. She had managed to do just that every time they had seen each other over the past year. Admittedly, it had been getting harder and harder, especially since he seemed to be stepping up the charm. A man like Roberto knew very well when a woman was attracted to him, but she was determined not to be one of them. So far she had been safe by provoking some sort of argument with him any time they were together, that usually cooled things down, but she hadn’t been able to do that since they started working together on the Gala. Thankfully they wouldn’t be alone, the rest of the committee would be there too. Which was a good thing since they were meeting at her house. Heaven only knew what would happen if the two of them were alone in a house together. Spontaneous combustion came to mind.
Her two story, red brick house on twenty-five acres in a small Dallas suburb gave her the privacy of having a slice of country while still close to the city. Deciding they would be more comfortable working in the living room she finished laying out the last of the Chinese food boxes on the coffee table. The door bell rang. Refusing to glance in the mirror by the door, she opened it to find Roberto. Just Roberto. It was dangerous to womankind for one man to be so handsome. That mischievous look in his dark eyes, a touch of humor on his full lips, dark tendrils of hair curled on his forehead and at his nape. How is it that the sight of him made her feel light headed? Get a grip girl, he’s only a man.
“Hi Princesa. I brought the wine and the guest lists as you ordered.”
“I don’t order, I request.” Defensive mode was her method of survival around him. She stepped back and let him in.
Roberto stood just inside and surveyed her house. Lots of windows let in plenty of sunlight. Sheer red curtains over white slatted blinds complemented the white carpeting and black leather sectional with red and white throw pillows scattered over it. Why was it so important that he like her home?
With a smile and a shake of his head Roberto said, “Nice. It suits you. Fiery yet warm. By the way, Jennifer and Raquel won’t be able to make it tonight.” He set the wine bottle on the table next to the wine glasses and the manila folder containing the guest lists on the sofa.
So much for her well laid plans. “Why not? We have a lot to do tonight, and why didn’t they call me?” She wanted to stomp her foot like a child. Fortunately, she was able to control that urge. Unfortunately her face felt as hot as stoked fire. Darn, why did she have such pale skin? Was it anger or the thought of being alone with him? Anger, definitely anger.
“Because they called me,” Roberto replied. “Between the two of us we can get everything done. Not to worry Princesa, hard work is not hazardous to your health.”
“I know that Roberto. Why do you insist on thinking I haven’t worked a day in my life?”
“I never said that. Now let’s eat, I’m starving.”
The man was impossible. Maybe she’d just send him home and do all the work herself. The idea had merit. She plopped down on the sofa as far away from him as possible and still reach the food. She ignored his knowing smile and shake of his head as she picked up a box of her favorite sweet and sour pork. Who cared if he thought she was a chicken for wanting to keep distance between them.
He poured them each a glass of wine and sat down next to her. He scooted closer to her as he handed her a glass. Now he seemed to ignore her scowl as he took a sip of wine, set down his glass and chose his own box.
“You’re always starving,” she said a few bites later, “it must be some sort of rule for athletes that they can eat whatever they want and still look great.”
“You think I look great?”
Darn! Why did she have to say something to make him smile? There were those dimples again. Heat started creeping up her neck and face, the telltale signs of a blush coming on. Be more careful with your words!
“All athletes look great, it’s not just you. Don’t let your head get too big, if it gets any bigger we won’t both fit on the sofa, I’ll find myself on the floor.”
He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. “Don’t worry, there will always be a place for you by my side.”
His teasing tone turned serious causing her to look up at him. He stared down at her, his expression unreadable. Was he joking? Was he serious? She couldn’t tell and her heart was doing funny little flip flops, his fingers stroking seductively up and down her arm weren’t helping either.
Author Bio:
Ruth Roberts has worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives in Texas with her very own romantic hero of eighteen years, their teenage daughter and their dog, Kimi. Her hobbies are reading romance novels and writing them. Her family says she is addicted to books, in her opinion that’s not a bad addiction to have. You can find her on Facebook or on the web at RuthRobertsRomance.com. You can also email her at ruthrobertsromance@yahoo.com. She loves hearing from fans.
Don't forget about the giveaway :) Leave a comment below along with your valid email for your chance to win a $5 gift card ! Thanks for stopping by :) Make sure to swing by and follow the tour, http://www.tastybooktours.com/Homerun.html
Homerun
By: Ruth Roberts
Blurb:
Cynthiana, beautiful, intelligent, and by all appearances, a spoiled socialite, finds herself as chair of the Inner City Youth League Charity Gala. Her Co-Chair, Roberto Luque, is Major League Baseball’s newest playboy from the Domincan Republic. Far from being in the League of men her parents expect her to choose from, which is just fine with her since she has sworn off playboys. But, as they work together she discovers his devotion to the inner city children and wonders if there is more to him than his playboy reputation. Will she break her no playboy rule long enough to find out?
Roberto fought his way into the Majors. Now, a successful pitcher for the Texas Rangers, he is living the life he always dreamed of. Until he faces off with a bad-tempered, blue-eyed, red head that is not his type. So, why is he drawn to her? The Charity Gala gives him a chance to find out. What he finds beneath that socialite veneer captivates him, heart and soul.
When her powerful father threatens to tear them apart, destroying not only their love, but also Roberto’s hard won career, will he be willing to give it all up for love?
(giveaway details below)
Excerpt:
Copyright © 2012 Ruth Roberts
How could she have been talked into this? She was in way over her head. Cynthiana
Davenport did not plan fundraiser Gala’s, she attended them. So how is it that she was now head of the planning committee? And for baseball of all things. She didn’t even like baseball, much less know anything about it. So what if her best friend had married a hunky major league baseball player last year. Just because Stacy had to learn about the sport didn’t mean she did. She was going to call her right now and tell her the deal was off. Someone else would have to take her place. Cynthiana dug her phone out of her purse and was about to hit speed dial when she sighed in resignation and threw it back into her purse. Stacy was seven months pregnant with twins and on total bed rest. She couldn’t back out, Stacy didn’t need that kind of stress. The Gala was only a month away and everything was practically done. It would be a piece of cake. She could do this. Besides, it was only a big party and if there was one thing she was good at it was throwing parties. Sure, this one was a little larger than she was used to but hey, how much trouble could five hundred wealthy people and athletes be?
Not nearly as much trouble as managing her growing feelings for one very gorgeous, very charming baseball player with deep brown eyes and a killer smile who just happened to be her right hand on the planning committee. Roberto Luque. If she could just ignore his adorable dimples she might get through the next few hours. Roberto was a playboy and she didn’t date playboys. Ever. So she would just have to keep her feelings under tight control until the night was over. She had managed to do just that every time they had seen each other over the past year. Admittedly, it had been getting harder and harder, especially since he seemed to be stepping up the charm. A man like Roberto knew very well when a woman was attracted to him, but she was determined not to be one of them. So far she had been safe by provoking some sort of argument with him any time they were together, that usually cooled things down, but she hadn’t been able to do that since they started working together on the Gala. Thankfully they wouldn’t be alone, the rest of the committee would be there too. Which was a good thing since they were meeting at her house. Heaven only knew what would happen if the two of them were alone in a house together. Spontaneous combustion came to mind.
Her two story, red brick house on twenty-five acres in a small Dallas suburb gave her the privacy of having a slice of country while still close to the city. Deciding they would be more comfortable working in the living room she finished laying out the last of the Chinese food boxes on the coffee table. The door bell rang. Refusing to glance in the mirror by the door, she opened it to find Roberto. Just Roberto. It was dangerous to womankind for one man to be so handsome. That mischievous look in his dark eyes, a touch of humor on his full lips, dark tendrils of hair curled on his forehead and at his nape. How is it that the sight of him made her feel light headed? Get a grip girl, he’s only a man.
“Hi Princesa. I brought the wine and the guest lists as you ordered.”
“I don’t order, I request.” Defensive mode was her method of survival around him. She stepped back and let him in.
Roberto stood just inside and surveyed her house. Lots of windows let in plenty of sunlight. Sheer red curtains over white slatted blinds complemented the white carpeting and black leather sectional with red and white throw pillows scattered over it. Why was it so important that he like her home?
With a smile and a shake of his head Roberto said, “Nice. It suits you. Fiery yet warm. By the way, Jennifer and Raquel won’t be able to make it tonight.” He set the wine bottle on the table next to the wine glasses and the manila folder containing the guest lists on the sofa.
So much for her well laid plans. “Why not? We have a lot to do tonight, and why didn’t they call me?” She wanted to stomp her foot like a child. Fortunately, she was able to control that urge. Unfortunately her face felt as hot as stoked fire. Darn, why did she have such pale skin? Was it anger or the thought of being alone with him? Anger, definitely anger.
“Because they called me,” Roberto replied. “Between the two of us we can get everything done. Not to worry Princesa, hard work is not hazardous to your health.”
“I know that Roberto. Why do you insist on thinking I haven’t worked a day in my life?”
“I never said that. Now let’s eat, I’m starving.”
The man was impossible. Maybe she’d just send him home and do all the work herself. The idea had merit. She plopped down on the sofa as far away from him as possible and still reach the food. She ignored his knowing smile and shake of his head as she picked up a box of her favorite sweet and sour pork. Who cared if he thought she was a chicken for wanting to keep distance between them.
He poured them each a glass of wine and sat down next to her. He scooted closer to her as he handed her a glass. Now he seemed to ignore her scowl as he took a sip of wine, set down his glass and chose his own box.
“You’re always starving,” she said a few bites later, “it must be some sort of rule for athletes that they can eat whatever they want and still look great.”
“You think I look great?”
Darn! Why did she have to say something to make him smile? There were those dimples again. Heat started creeping up her neck and face, the telltale signs of a blush coming on. Be more careful with your words!
“All athletes look great, it’s not just you. Don’t let your head get too big, if it gets any bigger we won’t both fit on the sofa, I’ll find myself on the floor.”
He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. “Don’t worry, there will always be a place for you by my side.”
His teasing tone turned serious causing her to look up at him. He stared down at her, his expression unreadable. Was he joking? Was he serious? She couldn’t tell and her heart was doing funny little flip flops, his fingers stroking seductively up and down her arm weren’t helping either.
Author Bio:
Ruth Roberts has worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives in Texas with her very own romantic hero of eighteen years, their teenage daughter and their dog, Kimi. Her hobbies are reading romance novels and writing them. Her family says she is addicted to books, in her opinion that’s not a bad addiction to have. You can find her on Facebook or on the web at RuthRobertsRomance.com. You can also email her at ruthrobertsromance@yahoo.com. She loves hearing from fans.
Don't forget about the giveaway :) Leave a comment below along with your valid email for your chance to win a $5 gift card ! Thanks for stopping by :) Make sure to swing by and follow the tour, http://www.tastybooktours.com/Homerun.html
Author, author... Spotlight: Watershed +giveaway
...read all about it !!
Watershed
CD Brennan
She left home to find herself...and found love along the way.
Maggie isn’t looking for love on her backpacking trip through Australia. She’s got enough man troubles back in Ireland. Australia is her escape, a place of adventure where she can create memories to last a lifetime.
But some memories won’t be left behind.
Gray is ready to quit hiring backpackers to help with the work on his remote Queensland cattle station when Maggie turns up. She’s just passing through, but the connection they forge during the long nights herding cattle won’t be so easily cast aside.
CONTENT WARNING: A strong-willed Irish heroine, a stubborn Australian hero, and oceans of difference to bridge for love.
A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance
Buy Links: Amazon Lyrical Press B&N
Excerpt:
She couldn’t figure him, and this was the first chance they’d had to be alone since that night. She put on her best teasing smile. “How did a seasoned bushman like you let a bull get the best of ya?”
As soon as it came out of her mouth, she knew it was the wrong thing to say.
His brow furrowed, anger lighting his eyes. “It happens to the best of us.” He ripped another piece of bark from the tree and turned to go.
“Did you have a good time last night?” Maggie hurried on. “I mean, other than the incident with the bull.”
He shrugged. “It was all right. Did you?”
“It was brilliant. I had a fantastic time.”
“Yeah, it looked like you were having a good time with ol’ mate there.”
Maggie raised an eyebrow. “Jason?”
“Yeah, that skeg.”
He had noticed.
“What does that mean? Skeg?”
Gray shook his head. “It’s nothin’, forget it.”
Maggie’s temper flared. “I might not be an Aussie, oi-oi-oi,” she mimicked, “to know that it’s rude.”
Gray shrugged. “Anyway, looked like you guys were getting pretty close. Are you going to stay with him next?”
Now her temper kicked in. She pumped harder on the swing. If he would only step a few feet closer, she’d be able to get him with her legs. That’s what he needed, a kick in the bum.
“Maybe I will.” She raised her chin in defiance. “With Lizzy here, you don’t need my help anymore.”
Gray narrowed his eyes at her. “Who told you that you were any help?”
Her mouth fell open. How rude! He was treating her like he had when she first arrived.
Suddenly, a loud crack sounded, and then snap! The next thing Maggie knew, she was lying on the ground on her back, the rope in her hands.
Gray squatted down over her. “Are you okay?” He appeared genuinely concerned.
She let go of the ropes and let her head fall onto the grass. “I’m grand, just need to catch my breath a moment.” There she was lying on her back again, looking up at him, wondering what the hell had happened. This was twice now. Was it divine intervention? Maggie wasn’t superstitious like most of the Irish, but she was smart enough to know not to push her luck if things looked grim.
He hovered over her, and she could feel the energy building between them like it always did when they were close. He smelled of earthy oats. His eyes were darker in the shade, not the usual golden reflection from the sun. She gazed into them, feeling herself being pulled deeper into everything that was Gray. “Thank you for bringing my journal and phone to me at the hospital.”
His features softened. “No worries.”
She dropped her eyes away to play at the blades of grass, pinching individual stems and running them through her fingers. “You came like you promised.”
He grabbed her hand with both of his, forcing Maggie to return her gaze to him. He gently rubbed the outside of her hand with his thumb. “We ride out early tomorrow. Be saddled up by first light.”
He dropped her hand suddenly and stood to go.
Maggie yanked a bunch of grass from the ground and threw it at his retreating figure, letting her head thump onto the ground. God, was she in love with him.
About the Author:
Having traveled and lived all over the world, Cd Brennan now talks with a strange accent, a mix of distant terminology, a blend of culturally cute but confusing euphemisms that leaves everyone looking at her with a blank stare. Luckily, her Australian husband (who she met in Ireland) and her two Aussie/Yankee sons have no problem understanding her – well, except for the word “NO”. Now settled back “home” in Michigan, she enjoys reliving her glory days by writing about them. She considers the last fifteen years abroad the perfect research for her Love Where You Roam series; matchmaking women and men from different cultures, even different hemispheres, helping them find their true one across oceans of difference. As destiny plays a hand in all the stories, Cd Brennan truly believes that what is for you, won’t pass you by. She hopes to inspire others to get out there: “Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” [Mark Twain] And of course, fall in love.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Make sure to enter the giveaway via the rafflecopter below :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Watershed
CD Brennan
She left home to find herself...and found love along the way.Maggie isn’t looking for love on her backpacking trip through Australia. She’s got enough man troubles back in Ireland. Australia is her escape, a place of adventure where she can create memories to last a lifetime.
But some memories won’t be left behind.
Gray is ready to quit hiring backpackers to help with the work on his remote Queensland cattle station when Maggie turns up. She’s just passing through, but the connection they forge during the long nights herding cattle won’t be so easily cast aside.
CONTENT WARNING: A strong-willed Irish heroine, a stubborn Australian hero, and oceans of difference to bridge for love.
A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance
Buy Links: Amazon Lyrical Press B&N
Excerpt:
She couldn’t figure him, and this was the first chance they’d had to be alone since that night. She put on her best teasing smile. “How did a seasoned bushman like you let a bull get the best of ya?”
As soon as it came out of her mouth, she knew it was the wrong thing to say.
His brow furrowed, anger lighting his eyes. “It happens to the best of us.” He ripped another piece of bark from the tree and turned to go.
“Did you have a good time last night?” Maggie hurried on. “I mean, other than the incident with the bull.”
He shrugged. “It was all right. Did you?”
“It was brilliant. I had a fantastic time.”
“Yeah, it looked like you were having a good time with ol’ mate there.”
Maggie raised an eyebrow. “Jason?”
“Yeah, that skeg.”
He had noticed.
“What does that mean? Skeg?”
Gray shook his head. “It’s nothin’, forget it.”
Maggie’s temper flared. “I might not be an Aussie, oi-oi-oi,” she mimicked, “to know that it’s rude.”
Gray shrugged. “Anyway, looked like you guys were getting pretty close. Are you going to stay with him next?”
Now her temper kicked in. She pumped harder on the swing. If he would only step a few feet closer, she’d be able to get him with her legs. That’s what he needed, a kick in the bum.
“Maybe I will.” She raised her chin in defiance. “With Lizzy here, you don’t need my help anymore.”
Gray narrowed his eyes at her. “Who told you that you were any help?”
Her mouth fell open. How rude! He was treating her like he had when she first arrived.
Suddenly, a loud crack sounded, and then snap! The next thing Maggie knew, she was lying on the ground on her back, the rope in her hands.
Gray squatted down over her. “Are you okay?” He appeared genuinely concerned.
She let go of the ropes and let her head fall onto the grass. “I’m grand, just need to catch my breath a moment.” There she was lying on her back again, looking up at him, wondering what the hell had happened. This was twice now. Was it divine intervention? Maggie wasn’t superstitious like most of the Irish, but she was smart enough to know not to push her luck if things looked grim.
He hovered over her, and she could feel the energy building between them like it always did when they were close. He smelled of earthy oats. His eyes were darker in the shade, not the usual golden reflection from the sun. She gazed into them, feeling herself being pulled deeper into everything that was Gray. “Thank you for bringing my journal and phone to me at the hospital.”
His features softened. “No worries.”
She dropped her eyes away to play at the blades of grass, pinching individual stems and running them through her fingers. “You came like you promised.”
He grabbed her hand with both of his, forcing Maggie to return her gaze to him. He gently rubbed the outside of her hand with his thumb. “We ride out early tomorrow. Be saddled up by first light.”
He dropped her hand suddenly and stood to go.
Maggie yanked a bunch of grass from the ground and threw it at his retreating figure, letting her head thump onto the ground. God, was she in love with him.
About the Author:
Having traveled and lived all over the world, Cd Brennan now talks with a strange accent, a mix of distant terminology, a blend of culturally cute but confusing euphemisms that leaves everyone looking at her with a blank stare. Luckily, her Australian husband (who she met in Ireland) and her two Aussie/Yankee sons have no problem understanding her – well, except for the word “NO”. Now settled back “home” in Michigan, she enjoys reliving her glory days by writing about them. She considers the last fifteen years abroad the perfect research for her Love Where You Roam series; matchmaking women and men from different cultures, even different hemispheres, helping them find their true one across oceans of difference. As destiny plays a hand in all the stories, Cd Brennan truly believes that what is for you, won’t pass you by. She hopes to inspire others to get out there: “Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” [Mark Twain] And of course, fall in love.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Make sure to enter the giveaway via the rafflecopter below :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 23, 2013
Author, author... interview with Red Garnier
...read all about her !!!
Please welcome Red Garnier to A Passion for Romance !
Red: Thank you so much for having me!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello everyone. I’m Red Garnier and I’m a romance author who loves writing about men, women, and their deliciously complicated relationships
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I loved reading when I was young. I started with Sweet Valley High and moved onto sexier things from Johanna Lindsay, Jude Deveraux, and Julie Garwood, and I fell instantly in love with these authors and the way they made me feel while reading!
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
I always research settings and professions, but since most my books are contemporaries, there’s not extensive research done as one would with a historical, for example.
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?
Yes! I do have an office with a lovely view outside, and a chimney for winter. Strangely, though, I don’t seem to like my desk, so I end up writing in a very comfortable writing chair in my office – one that’s closest to the window and chimney.
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 love all kinds of works, but definitely I’m drawn to passionate, alpha heroes and love anything from J.R. Ward to Lori Foster. I love reading and also discovering new authors!
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?
Laptop. I am so done with my old desk top! But I also sometimes write with pen and paper at night, and in the morning, I transfer the thoughts to my laptop. Sometimes I can concentrate more on the story when I’m writing down on pen and paper.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
I love taking a walk or a run. It’s invigorating and it not only energizes the body, but the mind, as well! It always clears my head. Reading is also my favorite past time. I easily read ten or fifteen books a month, depending on whether I have deadlines or not. But I just love books, whether I’m writing them myself or reading them. J
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
Well I’m not sure how big of a secret it is, but I absolutely LOVE dark chocolate. I eat at least seventy percent dark, and every day, I want me some. But since I rarely drink, and I don’t smoke, I guess I’m allowed one vice. J
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Your Favorite 5
1) Favorite color – Red. Jajaj.
2) Favorite dessert – Dark chocolate anything. Or strawberry cheesecake, a close second.
3) Favorite Season – Spring.
4) Favorite sad song- Forever and Always by Parachute is lately always on my iPod
5) Favorite Romantic movie – I love, love ‘A Walk to Remember’. So poignant and beautiful!
And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
Anywhere my husband is. And preferably, a beach and much relaxation and food.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: REDGARNIERatGMAIL.COM Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedGarnier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/red.garnier
Website/blog: www.redgarnier.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Yes! I’m very excited because CLAIMED BY HIM, the first digital novella of my Billionaire’s Club series, releases this month and this is a group of very, very sexy men on the loose…and although they’re not necessarily looking for love, love seems to be looking for them!
CLAIMED BY HIM EXCERPT: (for more please visit my website www.redgarnier.com)
Graves Buchanan’s balls were up on the poker table, and if he lost this hand, it was going to hurt like hell. He was already a million dollars under, and up on that table, his second million sat nice and tight on a blue chip stack, right atop the felt green center.
One would argue that two million didn’t even put a dent in his bankroll. For every second that Graves sat on his butt in his friend’s state-of-the-art study, his businesses were racking up a couple of millions more. So no, it sure didn’t put a dent in his bankroll. But it sure as hell hurt his pride.
Yeah, he was already smarting. Big time.
Especially when he well knew that this pitiful losing streak was all because his concentration had been shit for a whole damned year.
Seated with three of his closest friends on their usual Wednesday poker night, he worked on keeping the mask of indifference on his face while dwelling on the indisputable fact that, with a measly pair of Jokers, he was going to have to bluff his way to a winning hand.
He surveyed his opponents’ faces. Today he played with his best friend, Daniel Lexington, who leaned back in his chair, cool as a cucumber in a pair of Ray Bans. Then there was Cade West, who was one pissed-off motherfucker. Guess you just didn’t bury your young wife two months after the wedding and have nothing to show for it. And of course, there was Luke Preston, the incorrigible playboy, who couldn’t keep his mouth shut to save his worthless life.
“Well, well now, I’ve got some game here. Woohooo. Hold on to your pants, boys. I’m out for the big momma tonight and going all in.” Luke pushed all his chips into the center, and while Graves’s brain immediately began calculating how much he was going to lose if he called it, the shiny steel door to Daniel’s massive Public-Library-sized study cracked open a notch.
“Danny?” a female voice asked.
Grave’s entire body went rigid as he recognized the speaker. Suddenly, a cluster of strange, complicated feelings rolled around inside his chest, and all the blood started rushing to his groin. It was a miracle he managed to maintain his impassive expression, because every tiny nerve and cell and atom in his body came alive with a roar.
“Yeah, Chlo, come on in.” Daniel waved his younger sister in, and Grave’s wind pipe clamped shut as he watched her approach. Holy Mother of God, this girl was going to kill him.
Chloe Lexington had grown up to be the hottest hottie he had ever laid eyes upon. She was slender, light, and delectable, with a dimple on her chin and a wide, sensual mouth, and big green eyes that gutted you. Her curves were in all the right places, curves a guy’s hands would itch to mold and hold and play with.
She wore her straight, lustrous blonde hair at an illegal length now, and Graves had noticed a couple of days ago that the longest tips teased the top of her fanny when she walked. And what a perfect fanny, oh man. Graves had fantasized about Chloe’s delectable rear in ways he had no business fantasizing about it—but he just couldn’t get over those perky rounded cheeks, held up in the air by a pair of angels.
Tonight she wore a simple black strapless dress that made his mouth water inexplicably. Graves could take the rest of the night surveying her perfect figure and not want for anything else, but instead he tore his eyes away before both Daniel and she noticed the giant erection growing in his lap, even if he was shielded by the table.
A monster hard-on right now was not what he’d consider good news.
Graves was a bad, bad boy with his hard-ons, and the kind of shit he liked to do with them wouldn’t sit well with a nice girl like Chloe. Much less with her brother—who was known to do even worse things with his hard-ons.
Daniel Lexington’s motto of “No pain, no gain” extended far beyond the gym, they all knew.
“Hey, Chlo, get over here and let me have a good look at you. Let me give that rump a nice little pat, woman,” Luke purred, waving her over.
“Lay off, Luke,” Daniel growled.
Luke laughed. “Relax, man. She’s your sister. Even I have my limits—plus you know I like my sex rowdy.”
“You’d fuck your own mother if it’d get you off,” Daniel replied.
Chloe was being a good sport about it though, coming forward with a seductive sway of her hips and sparkling green eyes. “Eat your heart out, Luke,” she said, ruffling his blonde hair. Then her smile faded and her eyes slid along the table until they stopped at Graves. “Hey guys…Hi, Graves.” The merriment had fled from her face, and her voice dropped a decibel when she spoke his name.
Fuck me. It did all kinds of things to him, to meet those green eyes and think of Colorado forests, to hear her say his name in that seductive murmur. Her voice was fluffy like marshmallows, and it made Graves feel like the freaking smore being burnt on all ends and crushed in the middle.
His pants strained painfully under the table and his chest cramped in ways he absolutely loathed. “Hey, Chlo,” he said, and flicked his eyes back to his measly pair of Jacks.
“Are you losing again?” she asked. “Danny said you were on a bad streak lately.”
She slid over to him and bent down to see his cards, and Graves knew that very second, he was fucked. The guys would look at her face, see that little O forming on her mouth, and know that Graves had shit. But he still sat there and let it all happen. Because her minty scent teased his nostrils and tortured his senses.
Strands of honeyed hair fell to his shoulders as she bent to take a closer peek, and then she turned her head so that he could see every golden speck in her lovely eyes. Her stare was full of amusement and pity, clearly saying, You are so screwed, Graves.
Yeah, but she didn’t even know the half of it.
Nobody did.
Because Daniel was his best friend, and Graves was crazy sick in love with his little sister.Amazon buy link
One last thing 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.
I love cooking healthy food and have this very simple recipe for Kale Chips passed on by a vegetarian friend.
Ingredients: Several bunches of kale, washed and cut into 1 inch strips long
equal parts olive oil and lemon juice
sea salt
1. Once washed, place the kale in a bowl and add oil, lemon, and salt
2. Place kale on a baking sheet, extended, and bake for 10 or 15 minutes at 350 degrees
serve once cool.
They're toasty and good for you. Thank you so much for having me, Krista!
Oh they sound delicious and It was my pleasure having you Red. Please come back again any time !!! Readers, don't miss this great new release by Red Garnier ! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
Please welcome Red Garnier to A Passion for Romance !
Red: Thank you so much for having me!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello everyone. I’m Red Garnier and I’m a romance author who loves writing about men, women, and their deliciously complicated relationships
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I loved reading when I was young. I started with Sweet Valley High and moved onto sexier things from Johanna Lindsay, Jude Deveraux, and Julie Garwood, and I fell instantly in love with these authors and the way they made me feel while reading!
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
I always research settings and professions, but since most my books are contemporaries, there’s not extensive research done as one would with a historical, for example.
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?
Yes! I do have an office with a lovely view outside, and a chimney for winter. Strangely, though, I don’t seem to like my desk, so I end up writing in a very comfortable writing chair in my office – one that’s closest to the window and chimney.
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 love all kinds of works, but definitely I’m drawn to passionate, alpha heroes and love anything from J.R. Ward to Lori Foster. I love reading and also discovering new authors!
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?
Laptop. I am so done with my old desk top! But I also sometimes write with pen and paper at night, and in the morning, I transfer the thoughts to my laptop. Sometimes I can concentrate more on the story when I’m writing down on pen and paper.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
I love taking a walk or a run. It’s invigorating and it not only energizes the body, but the mind, as well! It always clears my head. Reading is also my favorite past time. I easily read ten or fifteen books a month, depending on whether I have deadlines or not. But I just love books, whether I’m writing them myself or reading them. J
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
Well I’m not sure how big of a secret it is, but I absolutely LOVE dark chocolate. I eat at least seventy percent dark, and every day, I want me some. But since I rarely drink, and I don’t smoke, I guess I’m allowed one vice. J
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Your Favorite 5
1) Favorite color – Red. Jajaj.
2) Favorite dessert – Dark chocolate anything. Or strawberry cheesecake, a close second.
3) Favorite Season – Spring.
4) Favorite sad song- Forever and Always by Parachute is lately always on my iPod
5) Favorite Romantic movie – I love, love ‘A Walk to Remember’. So poignant and beautiful!
And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
Anywhere my husband is. And preferably, a beach and much relaxation and food.
Where can our readers find you??
Email: REDGARNIERatGMAIL.COM Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedGarnier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/red.garnier
Website/blog: www.redgarnier.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Yes! I’m very excited because CLAIMED BY HIM, the first digital novella of my Billionaire’s Club series, releases this month and this is a group of very, very sexy men on the loose…and although they’re not necessarily looking for love, love seems to be looking for them!CLAIMED BY HIM EXCERPT: (for more please visit my website www.redgarnier.com)
Graves Buchanan’s balls were up on the poker table, and if he lost this hand, it was going to hurt like hell. He was already a million dollars under, and up on that table, his second million sat nice and tight on a blue chip stack, right atop the felt green center.
One would argue that two million didn’t even put a dent in his bankroll. For every second that Graves sat on his butt in his friend’s state-of-the-art study, his businesses were racking up a couple of millions more. So no, it sure didn’t put a dent in his bankroll. But it sure as hell hurt his pride.
Yeah, he was already smarting. Big time.
Especially when he well knew that this pitiful losing streak was all because his concentration had been shit for a whole damned year.
Seated with three of his closest friends on their usual Wednesday poker night, he worked on keeping the mask of indifference on his face while dwelling on the indisputable fact that, with a measly pair of Jokers, he was going to have to bluff his way to a winning hand.
He surveyed his opponents’ faces. Today he played with his best friend, Daniel Lexington, who leaned back in his chair, cool as a cucumber in a pair of Ray Bans. Then there was Cade West, who was one pissed-off motherfucker. Guess you just didn’t bury your young wife two months after the wedding and have nothing to show for it. And of course, there was Luke Preston, the incorrigible playboy, who couldn’t keep his mouth shut to save his worthless life.
“Well, well now, I’ve got some game here. Woohooo. Hold on to your pants, boys. I’m out for the big momma tonight and going all in.” Luke pushed all his chips into the center, and while Graves’s brain immediately began calculating how much he was going to lose if he called it, the shiny steel door to Daniel’s massive Public-Library-sized study cracked open a notch.
“Danny?” a female voice asked.
Grave’s entire body went rigid as he recognized the speaker. Suddenly, a cluster of strange, complicated feelings rolled around inside his chest, and all the blood started rushing to his groin. It was a miracle he managed to maintain his impassive expression, because every tiny nerve and cell and atom in his body came alive with a roar.
“Yeah, Chlo, come on in.” Daniel waved his younger sister in, and Grave’s wind pipe clamped shut as he watched her approach. Holy Mother of God, this girl was going to kill him.
Chloe Lexington had grown up to be the hottest hottie he had ever laid eyes upon. She was slender, light, and delectable, with a dimple on her chin and a wide, sensual mouth, and big green eyes that gutted you. Her curves were in all the right places, curves a guy’s hands would itch to mold and hold and play with.
She wore her straight, lustrous blonde hair at an illegal length now, and Graves had noticed a couple of days ago that the longest tips teased the top of her fanny when she walked. And what a perfect fanny, oh man. Graves had fantasized about Chloe’s delectable rear in ways he had no business fantasizing about it—but he just couldn’t get over those perky rounded cheeks, held up in the air by a pair of angels.
Tonight she wore a simple black strapless dress that made his mouth water inexplicably. Graves could take the rest of the night surveying her perfect figure and not want for anything else, but instead he tore his eyes away before both Daniel and she noticed the giant erection growing in his lap, even if he was shielded by the table.
A monster hard-on right now was not what he’d consider good news.
Graves was a bad, bad boy with his hard-ons, and the kind of shit he liked to do with them wouldn’t sit well with a nice girl like Chloe. Much less with her brother—who was known to do even worse things with his hard-ons.
Daniel Lexington’s motto of “No pain, no gain” extended far beyond the gym, they all knew.
“Hey, Chlo, get over here and let me have a good look at you. Let me give that rump a nice little pat, woman,” Luke purred, waving her over.
“Lay off, Luke,” Daniel growled.
Luke laughed. “Relax, man. She’s your sister. Even I have my limits—plus you know I like my sex rowdy.”
“You’d fuck your own mother if it’d get you off,” Daniel replied.
Chloe was being a good sport about it though, coming forward with a seductive sway of her hips and sparkling green eyes. “Eat your heart out, Luke,” she said, ruffling his blonde hair. Then her smile faded and her eyes slid along the table until they stopped at Graves. “Hey guys…Hi, Graves.” The merriment had fled from her face, and her voice dropped a decibel when she spoke his name.
Fuck me. It did all kinds of things to him, to meet those green eyes and think of Colorado forests, to hear her say his name in that seductive murmur. Her voice was fluffy like marshmallows, and it made Graves feel like the freaking smore being burnt on all ends and crushed in the middle.
His pants strained painfully under the table and his chest cramped in ways he absolutely loathed. “Hey, Chlo,” he said, and flicked his eyes back to his measly pair of Jacks.
“Are you losing again?” she asked. “Danny said you were on a bad streak lately.”
She slid over to him and bent down to see his cards, and Graves knew that very second, he was fucked. The guys would look at her face, see that little O forming on her mouth, and know that Graves had shit. But he still sat there and let it all happen. Because her minty scent teased his nostrils and tortured his senses.
Strands of honeyed hair fell to his shoulders as she bent to take a closer peek, and then she turned her head so that he could see every golden speck in her lovely eyes. Her stare was full of amusement and pity, clearly saying, You are so screwed, Graves.
Yeah, but she didn’t even know the half of it.
Nobody did.
Because Daniel was his best friend, and Graves was crazy sick in love with his little sister.Amazon buy link
One last thing 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.
I love cooking healthy food and have this very simple recipe for Kale Chips passed on by a vegetarian friend.
Ingredients: Several bunches of kale, washed and cut into 1 inch strips long
equal parts olive oil and lemon juice
sea salt
1. Once washed, place the kale in a bowl and add oil, lemon, and salt
2. Place kale on a baking sheet, extended, and bake for 10 or 15 minutes at 350 degrees
serve once cool.
They're toasty and good for you. Thank you so much for having me, Krista!
Oh they sound delicious and It was my pleasure having you Red. Please come back again any time !!! Readers, don't miss this great new release by Red Garnier ! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
April 22, 2013
Author, author..... interview with Heather Long
...read all about it !!
Super excited to have Heather Long here with us today :) Hi Heathern and welcome ! Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a mother, a pet owner and a student of life. I studied journalism, psychology and business in school and I have degrees in two out of three of those subjects. I write because I can’t not write and every book is a passionate love affair for me and every time I type “the end” it’s a bittersweet moment. What or who initially inspired you to become a writer? My grandmother. She used to read to me when I was little and always had a book. When I figured out that people actually wrote those books, I so wanted to be one. What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get? That depends on the book. I do a lot of research for my military novels. I talk to active duty military and their wives. I do research. I talk to physicians and to psychologists. I try to inject reality. 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 have a great office with posters and art and a sofa and I do a lot of work in there, but believe it or not—when I am writing, I sit in my garage away from the Internet and all other distractions. 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 love urban fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary, mysteries, biographies and more…I am definitely an eclectic reader which probably explains why I am an eclectic writer.
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? Oh I use my laptop. I type faster than I write by hand and I have a hard time keeping up with my brain using a pen and paper. I am a bit of pantser/plotter – I have a ten question checklist I have to answer before I start writing a book and I am open to plot changes when they happen. When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing? I have been knitting. I have some television shows I love to watch when I’m working out and I hang out with my dogs and play with my kiddo! Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers?? Hmm, I love writing so much I think there are times when I’m an addict. I actually start to jones when I don’t get my writing in. For fun, I have a few personal questions, Your Favorite 5 1) Favorite color - Red 2) Favorite dessert – Carrot Cake 3) Favorite Season - Autumn4) Favorite sad song- The Prayer by Celine Dion and Josh Groban5) Favorite Romantic movie – Love, Actually And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation?? Disney World – I know some people wouldn’t find that romantic, but I adore the place and the fun! Where can our readers find you?? Email: heather@heatherlong.net Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HVLong Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherLongAuthor http://www.facebook.com/AlwaysaMarineSeries https://www.facebook.com/groups/feveredfanatics/ Website/blog: http://www.heatherlong.net http://dailydose-fantasyromance.blogspot.com Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Combat Barbie (Always a Marine #11) You’re so beautiful… The words haunted Mary Phillips from childhood on. Her mother’s love of beauty pageants included dressing her up like her own personal Barbie doll. She was the face of baby food, the darling of surfing commercials, and the exotic stunner who walked away with the Miss California title at eighteen, but she traded in her tiara and a lucrative modeling contract for combat boots and life as a Marine. She’s lost good friends to IEDs and sent home more walking wounded than she cares to admit, but this Marine wouldn’t trade her assignment for all the Manolo Blahniks in the world. You’re such a nerd… Kyle Stewart heard every variation on a theme as he went through school: nerd, geek, four-eyes, weirdo—and he rolled with it. He could count on one hand the number of girls who ever deigned to talk to him about something other than tutoring. But he had the last laugh, the only self-made millionaire in his graduating class. His start up software company went huge and his private ownership netted him two hundred million dollars at sale. A high school reunion… Despite the invitations, Mary didn’t plan to attend the ten year reunion. The last thing she wanted to hear was—”you could have been so much, what happened?” But running into Kyle at the local coffee shop reminded her that not everyone judged by appearance. Kyle once swore to rub his former tormentors noses in his success, but when the reunion rolled around, he was reluctant. A chance meeting with the best looking girl he never could get the courage up to ask out on a date and he dares the request. Can one night change the nerd and his combat Barbie’s lives? All Romance eBooks
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookstrand
Decadent Publishing Into the Spotlight, Soulgirls #1
Fifty years ago, Jeannie Williams made her way to Las Vegas seeking fame and fortune. Instead, she lost her soul and wound up performing nightly shows at the Arcana Royale. Every day, she straps on her feathers, her glitter, her stilettos, and she dances. Every day, it’s the same. Until the day he walks in. For six centuries, Malcolm Reynolds has been the go-to guy for anything his family needs: warrior, diplomat, wrangler, researcher, and now an attorney. He enters the Arcana Royale Casino, intent on negotiating the release of his cousin’s bad debt, but one look at the golden-skinned showgirl ignites a fire of need that he’s never experienced. When the fantasy come true sits at his table, words he never expected to hear come out of her lush mouth: “I need your help.” Now he’s in for the toughest battle of his life, because the Overseers own both his cousin’s debt and her soul. And he’s not planning on leaving the Royale without either one. This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release. Warning: Contains high-stakes games, sexy showgirls, and a powerful showdown between a vampire that can’t lose and the House that never does. Spells, slots, sirens and sex, oh my! Amazon Barnes & Noble
BookstrandDiesel
iBook
Kobo
Samhain Publishing
Last thing before we let you leave, I promise :) 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. Citrus Grilled Pork – Slice pork loin in long strips, use one tablespoon of lime juice for each pork loin, mix in a teaspoon of splenda for each pork loin strip and add three cloves of garlic diced to all of it. Marinate for about eight hours, then baked at 375 for 60 to 80 minutes (checking the pork for completeness). They are YUMMY. Below are also book 8 and 9 from the Always a Marine Series !!
The Two and the Proud (Always a Marine #8)
Release Date: January 25, 2013
Genre: Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Roger Michael Easton IV, better known as Rowdy, flouted the family’s Naval tradition to enlist the Marines—not as an officer, but a ground-pounding grunt. He never expected to see as much combat or valor as he did in the field, but every engagement furthered his commitment to his brothers in arms. Now, with an offer to end his contract early on the table, Rowdy has to take a long look at the life he left behind, the life he’s built, and the future he longs to have.
Rowdy wants a woman who gets him.
Inactive Marine, Kim Wakefield, continues to serve her country as a Naval Criminal Investigator. She’s hard on the grunts and sailors because she is one of them—and they didn’t sign up for easy. Tired of the seedier side of military life—picking up drunk Marines, AWOL sailors, busting drug running operations, or worse, sending drug addicted servicemen to court marshal and treatment. She longs to have her faith in her fellow Marines restored.
Kim wants a man who knows what she needs.
Thrown together by chance on a 1Night Stand, these two jarheads have a combustible chemistry—but do they have what it takes?
A Marine and a Gentleman (Always a Marine #9)
Release Date: February 8, 2013
Genre: M/M, Military Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Lieutenant Brenden Fitzpatrick is a dedicated Marine, loyal son, and devoted uncle but he’s lonely. When he went Marine, the rule was don’t ask, don’t tell. His brothers-in-arms pretty much didn’t ask and didn’t care. Watching so many friends settle into long-term relationships highlighted the absence of someone to come home to in his life. When his unit encourages him to give the 1Night Stand service a try, he asks for the impossible—a night with the one man he almost gave up the Marines for in the first place. A man he called best friend but let time and distance carry away.
Liam Gardiner grew up on the same Boston block as his best friend, Brenden. Unlike Brenden, Liam always accepted that he was gay—a fact he didn’t mind flaunting to all the bullies and naysayers in school. It got his ass kicked more than once but Brenden always had his back, rescuing him time and time again, until the day Brenden left for the Marines. He missed his buddy—the crush he never confessed, lest it cost him the precious friendship—so when Madame Eve’s invitation arrived to meet Brenden, Liam faces uncertainty for the first time.
The series can be found HERE. Heather, thanks so much for sharing with us today !! Readers, don't miss this fantastic series...trust me you won't be sorry !!! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
Super excited to have Heather Long here with us today :) Hi Heathern and welcome ! Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a mother, a pet owner and a student of life. I studied journalism, psychology and business in school and I have degrees in two out of three of those subjects. I write because I can’t not write and every book is a passionate love affair for me and every time I type “the end” it’s a bittersweet moment. What or who initially inspired you to become a writer? My grandmother. She used to read to me when I was little and always had a book. When I figured out that people actually wrote those books, I so wanted to be one. What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get? That depends on the book. I do a lot of research for my military novels. I talk to active duty military and their wives. I do research. I talk to physicians and to psychologists. I try to inject reality. 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 have a great office with posters and art and a sofa and I do a lot of work in there, but believe it or not—when I am writing, I sit in my garage away from the Internet and all other distractions. 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 love urban fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary, mysteries, biographies and more…I am definitely an eclectic reader which probably explains why I am an eclectic writer.
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? Oh I use my laptop. I type faster than I write by hand and I have a hard time keeping up with my brain using a pen and paper. I am a bit of pantser/plotter – I have a ten question checklist I have to answer before I start writing a book and I am open to plot changes when they happen. When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing? I have been knitting. I have some television shows I love to watch when I’m working out and I hang out with my dogs and play with my kiddo! Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers?? Hmm, I love writing so much I think there are times when I’m an addict. I actually start to jones when I don’t get my writing in. For fun, I have a few personal questions, Your Favorite 5 1) Favorite color - Red 2) Favorite dessert – Carrot Cake 3) Favorite Season - Autumn4) Favorite sad song- The Prayer by Celine Dion and Josh Groban5) Favorite Romantic movie – Love, Actually And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation?? Disney World – I know some people wouldn’t find that romantic, but I adore the place and the fun! Where can our readers find you?? Email: heather@heatherlong.net Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HVLong Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherLongAuthor http://www.facebook.com/AlwaysaMarineSeries https://www.facebook.com/groups/feveredfanatics/ Website/blog: http://www.heatherlong.net http://dailydose-fantasyromance.blogspot.com Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Combat Barbie (Always a Marine #11) You’re so beautiful… The words haunted Mary Phillips from childhood on. Her mother’s love of beauty pageants included dressing her up like her own personal Barbie doll. She was the face of baby food, the darling of surfing commercials, and the exotic stunner who walked away with the Miss California title at eighteen, but she traded in her tiara and a lucrative modeling contract for combat boots and life as a Marine. She’s lost good friends to IEDs and sent home more walking wounded than she cares to admit, but this Marine wouldn’t trade her assignment for all the Manolo Blahniks in the world. You’re such a nerd… Kyle Stewart heard every variation on a theme as he went through school: nerd, geek, four-eyes, weirdo—and he rolled with it. He could count on one hand the number of girls who ever deigned to talk to him about something other than tutoring. But he had the last laugh, the only self-made millionaire in his graduating class. His start up software company went huge and his private ownership netted him two hundred million dollars at sale. A high school reunion… Despite the invitations, Mary didn’t plan to attend the ten year reunion. The last thing she wanted to hear was—”you could have been so much, what happened?” But running into Kyle at the local coffee shop reminded her that not everyone judged by appearance. Kyle once swore to rub his former tormentors noses in his success, but when the reunion rolled around, he was reluctant. A chance meeting with the best looking girl he never could get the courage up to ask out on a date and he dares the request. Can one night change the nerd and his combat Barbie’s lives? All Romance eBooksAmazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookstrand
Decadent Publishing Into the Spotlight, Soulgirls #1
Fifty years ago, Jeannie Williams made her way to Las Vegas seeking fame and fortune. Instead, she lost her soul and wound up performing nightly shows at the Arcana Royale. Every day, she straps on her feathers, her glitter, her stilettos, and she dances. Every day, it’s the same. Until the day he walks in. For six centuries, Malcolm Reynolds has been the go-to guy for anything his family needs: warrior, diplomat, wrangler, researcher, and now an attorney. He enters the Arcana Royale Casino, intent on negotiating the release of his cousin’s bad debt, but one look at the golden-skinned showgirl ignites a fire of need that he’s never experienced. When the fantasy come true sits at his table, words he never expected to hear come out of her lush mouth: “I need your help.” Now he’s in for the toughest battle of his life, because the Overseers own both his cousin’s debt and her soul. And he’s not planning on leaving the Royale without either one. This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release. Warning: Contains high-stakes games, sexy showgirls, and a powerful showdown between a vampire that can’t lose and the House that never does. Spells, slots, sirens and sex, oh my! Amazon Barnes & NobleBookstrandDiesel
iBook
Kobo
Samhain Publishing
Last thing before we let you leave, I promise :) 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. Citrus Grilled Pork – Slice pork loin in long strips, use one tablespoon of lime juice for each pork loin, mix in a teaspoon of splenda for each pork loin strip and add three cloves of garlic diced to all of it. Marinate for about eight hours, then baked at 375 for 60 to 80 minutes (checking the pork for completeness). They are YUMMY. Below are also book 8 and 9 from the Always a Marine Series !!
The Two and the Proud (Always a Marine #8)Release Date: January 25, 2013
Genre: Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Roger Michael Easton IV, better known as Rowdy, flouted the family’s Naval tradition to enlist the Marines—not as an officer, but a ground-pounding grunt. He never expected to see as much combat or valor as he did in the field, but every engagement furthered his commitment to his brothers in arms. Now, with an offer to end his contract early on the table, Rowdy has to take a long look at the life he left behind, the life he’s built, and the future he longs to have.
Rowdy wants a woman who gets him.
Inactive Marine, Kim Wakefield, continues to serve her country as a Naval Criminal Investigator. She’s hard on the grunts and sailors because she is one of them—and they didn’t sign up for easy. Tired of the seedier side of military life—picking up drunk Marines, AWOL sailors, busting drug running operations, or worse, sending drug addicted servicemen to court marshal and treatment. She longs to have her faith in her fellow Marines restored.
Kim wants a man who knows what she needs.
Thrown together by chance on a 1Night Stand, these two jarheads have a combustible chemistry—but do they have what it takes?
A Marine and a Gentleman (Always a Marine #9)Release Date: February 8, 2013
Genre: M/M, Military Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Lieutenant Brenden Fitzpatrick is a dedicated Marine, loyal son, and devoted uncle but he’s lonely. When he went Marine, the rule was don’t ask, don’t tell. His brothers-in-arms pretty much didn’t ask and didn’t care. Watching so many friends settle into long-term relationships highlighted the absence of someone to come home to in his life. When his unit encourages him to give the 1Night Stand service a try, he asks for the impossible—a night with the one man he almost gave up the Marines for in the first place. A man he called best friend but let time and distance carry away.
Liam Gardiner grew up on the same Boston block as his best friend, Brenden. Unlike Brenden, Liam always accepted that he was gay—a fact he didn’t mind flaunting to all the bullies and naysayers in school. It got his ass kicked more than once but Brenden always had his back, rescuing him time and time again, until the day Brenden left for the Marines. He missed his buddy—the crush he never confessed, lest it cost him the precious friendship—so when Madame Eve’s invitation arrived to meet Brenden, Liam faces uncertainty for the first time.
The series can be found HERE. Heather, thanks so much for sharing with us today !! Readers, don't miss this fantastic series...trust me you won't be sorry !!! Until next time, happy reading ! Krista
April 18, 2013
Author, author... spotlight !
...read all about it !!!
IslandBound by Kiru Taye Genre: Holiday, Multicultural, Contemporary, African Publisher: Decadent Publishing Format: Ebook Length: About 24,500 words Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Book Description:
When Christy Inemi-Spiff discovers that the man she vowed to love and honor has no such feelings for her, she is determined to cut her losses and move on with her life. A quick, quiet divorce is all she wishes…. However, Joshua has other ideas. He’s not ready to walk away yet, especially when he doesn’t understand why Christy wants out of their marriage. So he demands she agree to spend a quiet Christmas on a remote African Islandwith him, hoping they can salvage their relationship. If she still wants a divorce after these two weeks, he will let her go. But not before he’s had his fill of her. But with the sparking tension between them, and the secrets behind the disintegration of their marriage threatening to explode, will either of them get their wish? Or will this season of good will show them what really lies at the bottom of their hearts? Excerpt: “Why are you doing this?” she challenged. Her emotions rolled, making her feel unbalanced. It had been a long three months. And it seemed like today was only going to get worse. “Christy, you know the reason. If you stopped long enough and thought about it hard, in your heart, you’ll know.” “You can stop this.” She struggled to contain her anger. “You started this; you can end it.” “I know, but I won’t.” “You, you—” Enraged, she lifted a hand to slap him. Joshua caught her hand midair, held it tight. Before she could react, he pushed her back against the wall, pinning her to it with his rigid body. Christy felt every bit of him, his strength, and his physical nature that he never bothered to hide. “I think I have the perfect answer for all your bottled-up rage,” he said as he parted her thighs with his leg. “Move,” she ordered, her throat dry and croaky, betraying her increasing apprehension. Joshua had it easy. He was a man at home with his masculinity. She had never been able to resist him. He could have any woman he wanted. Sometimes, she wondered if he had, especially during their separation. She shouldn’t care if he’d been with anyone else. After all, her goal was a divorce. Still, she couldn’t suppress the intensity of her feelings. Perhaps her anger and hatred drove the concentration of her emotions. “We have to get a few things sorted out first,” he replied. He moved closer, his body flush against hers; his chest crushed her breasts, his thighs pressed against hers. Though she wore cotton trousers and a tank top, all of him stroked her. “What are you doing?” she asked as she pushed against him. He didn’t budge. “Just trying to relieve some of your frustration. That’s what all your aggression has been about, isn’t it?” “Rubbish!” “Such vehement denial, when the evidence is so obvious.” Her face stung with revealing heat as warm blood rose in her body. Mortified, she tried to move to shake him off, but only managed to get her body even more entangled with his. Her breathing came in short snatches. She became more aware of Joshua, his hardness and heat. “I hate you.” Her voice sounded strangled. Blistering white rage swept through her. “You lie, sweetheart.” He lowered his head, trailing his lips against her cheeks in a tormenting caress. “You love me.” About the Author: Kiru Taye writes historical, contemporary and paranormal romances. Her stories are sensual and steamy, her characters passionate and sassy and her settings atmospheric and exotic. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with family/friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UKwith husband and two children. Website|
IslandBound by Kiru Taye Genre: Holiday, Multicultural, Contemporary, African Publisher: Decadent Publishing Format: Ebook Length: About 24,500 words Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Book Description:
When Christy Inemi-Spiff discovers that the man she vowed to love and honor has no such feelings for her, she is determined to cut her losses and move on with her life. A quick, quiet divorce is all she wishes…. However, Joshua has other ideas. He’s not ready to walk away yet, especially when he doesn’t understand why Christy wants out of their marriage. So he demands she agree to spend a quiet Christmas on a remote African Islandwith him, hoping they can salvage their relationship. If she still wants a divorce after these two weeks, he will let her go. But not before he’s had his fill of her. But with the sparking tension between them, and the secrets behind the disintegration of their marriage threatening to explode, will either of them get their wish? Or will this season of good will show them what really lies at the bottom of their hearts? Excerpt: “Why are you doing this?” she challenged. Her emotions rolled, making her feel unbalanced. It had been a long three months. And it seemed like today was only going to get worse. “Christy, you know the reason. If you stopped long enough and thought about it hard, in your heart, you’ll know.” “You can stop this.” She struggled to contain her anger. “You started this; you can end it.” “I know, but I won’t.” “You, you—” Enraged, she lifted a hand to slap him. Joshua caught her hand midair, held it tight. Before she could react, he pushed her back against the wall, pinning her to it with his rigid body. Christy felt every bit of him, his strength, and his physical nature that he never bothered to hide. “I think I have the perfect answer for all your bottled-up rage,” he said as he parted her thighs with his leg. “Move,” she ordered, her throat dry and croaky, betraying her increasing apprehension. Joshua had it easy. He was a man at home with his masculinity. She had never been able to resist him. He could have any woman he wanted. Sometimes, she wondered if he had, especially during their separation. She shouldn’t care if he’d been with anyone else. After all, her goal was a divorce. Still, she couldn’t suppress the intensity of her feelings. Perhaps her anger and hatred drove the concentration of her emotions. “We have to get a few things sorted out first,” he replied. He moved closer, his body flush against hers; his chest crushed her breasts, his thighs pressed against hers. Though she wore cotton trousers and a tank top, all of him stroked her. “What are you doing?” she asked as she pushed against him. He didn’t budge. “Just trying to relieve some of your frustration. That’s what all your aggression has been about, isn’t it?” “Rubbish!” “Such vehement denial, when the evidence is so obvious.” Her face stung with revealing heat as warm blood rose in her body. Mortified, she tried to move to shake him off, but only managed to get her body even more entangled with his. Her breathing came in short snatches. She became more aware of Joshua, his hardness and heat. “I hate you.” Her voice sounded strangled. Blistering white rage swept through her. “You lie, sweetheart.” He lowered his head, trailing his lips against her cheeks in a tormenting caress. “You love me.” About the Author: Kiru Taye writes historical, contemporary and paranormal romances. Her stories are sensual and steamy, her characters passionate and sassy and her settings atmospheric and exotic. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with family/friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UKwith husband and two children. Website| Author, author... Kharisma Rhayne post & giveaway
...read all about it !!
Today I'd like to welcome back the wonderful Kharisma Rhayne
Thanks so much for being a stop on the Bound Tour.
*still making everyone wait on that Jacob & Isa excerpt*
Today I’m going to introduce you to what will be the final book in the Bound by Seduction Anthology Series.
PART 1: JARED & BEKKA
Jared and Bekka, two people with a huge conflict. He's FBI, she's the prosecuting attorney. Him in his high class suits with attitude to match, her with an uptight personality and a virgin to boot. Watch the sparks fly from the office to the bedroom as these two go head to head and flesh to flesh.
PART 2: JARVICK & ARABELLE
Arabelle finds herself at the gym on a Friday night and ends up working on more than her cardio with oh so hot stranger, Jarvick when he guides her to his truck for some cuffed experimentation. Just how well will these two fit together?
PART 3 MYKAL & KRISTYNA
The third installment in the Bound by Seduction series finds that Mykal has admired Kristyna for quite some time. He knows there are dangers with bringing her into his world. After a time, he decides to try to become friends, leading them right into relationship territory and landing them right into his bed. But what price will she pay to be his forever?
PART 4: SHANE & KASEY
Shane has a special surprise for Kasey on their date. He's been out of town for a while and wants to show her how much he's missed her and push their boundaries.
Kasey is surprised when she opens her door and sees a dozen roses outside. She's even more surprised to see that they're bound together with rope. The note attached to it has her anticipation rising.
Will Shane's planned evening go off without a hitch? Or will the tables get turned?
PART 5: JACOB & ISA
Jacob liked Isa, maybe even loved her, but if she couldn’t accept everything, it was time for them to both move on. Would she accept what he was about to tell her?
OVER THE EDGE (Which is becoming Book 5 will include books 21-25)
**WARNING: Edge Play -- gun play, knife play, etc**
--NOTE: These are not final blurbs & are subject to change--
Book 21: Blake & Avery
Coming 2015
Blake likes to live on the edge. He likes fast cars, motorcycles, racing and professional fighting. He’s also a perfect shot when it comes to guns and rifles. Will Avery accept his love of firearms?
Book 22: Zahn & Shelden
Coming 2015
When you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned. Zahn figures you’re going to ignite with passion thought. Can he teach Shelden to share his love of fire?
Book 23: Elijah & Aspen
Coming 2015
Aspen loves being on the edge. She loves her men to show no fear and take pain as pleasure. Elijah’s been her most willing partner to date, but when he’s at the knife’s edge, will he use the safe word?
Book 24: Holden & Kira
Coming 2015
*blurb coming soon*
Book 25: Logan & Kenzie
Coming 2015
*blurb coming soon*
Buy Links: ARe– Amazon– Barnes & Noble
I’d love to hang out with everyone. You can find me at: Website – Blog – Facebook – Bound by Seduction
Twitter @KharismaRhayne
Please be sure to stop in and visit all the blogs on this tour (also, there should be daily direct links posted) http://www.kharismarhayne.com/2013/03/full-april-1-20-for-bound-by-seduction.html Don't forget to also enter the Tour Wide Print Book Giveaway with the Rafflecopter below :) or HERE
Print Book Giveaway Rafflecopter a Rafflecopter giveaway
Today I'd like to welcome back the wonderful Kharisma Rhayne
Thanks so much for being a stop on the Bound Tour.
*still making everyone wait on that Jacob & Isa excerpt*
Today I’m going to introduce you to what will be the final book in the Bound by Seduction Anthology Series.PART 1: JARED & BEKKA
Jared and Bekka, two people with a huge conflict. He's FBI, she's the prosecuting attorney. Him in his high class suits with attitude to match, her with an uptight personality and a virgin to boot. Watch the sparks fly from the office to the bedroom as these two go head to head and flesh to flesh.
PART 2: JARVICK & ARABELLE
Arabelle finds herself at the gym on a Friday night and ends up working on more than her cardio with oh so hot stranger, Jarvick when he guides her to his truck for some cuffed experimentation. Just how well will these two fit together?
PART 3 MYKAL & KRISTYNA
The third installment in the Bound by Seduction series finds that Mykal has admired Kristyna for quite some time. He knows there are dangers with bringing her into his world. After a time, he decides to try to become friends, leading them right into relationship territory and landing them right into his bed. But what price will she pay to be his forever?
PART 4: SHANE & KASEY
Shane has a special surprise for Kasey on their date. He's been out of town for a while and wants to show her how much he's missed her and push their boundaries.
Kasey is surprised when she opens her door and sees a dozen roses outside. She's even more surprised to see that they're bound together with rope. The note attached to it has her anticipation rising.
Will Shane's planned evening go off without a hitch? Or will the tables get turned?
PART 5: JACOB & ISA
Jacob liked Isa, maybe even loved her, but if she couldn’t accept everything, it was time for them to both move on. Would she accept what he was about to tell her?
OVER THE EDGE (Which is becoming Book 5 will include books 21-25)
**WARNING: Edge Play -- gun play, knife play, etc**
--NOTE: These are not final blurbs & are subject to change--
Book 21: Blake & Avery
Coming 2015
Blake likes to live on the edge. He likes fast cars, motorcycles, racing and professional fighting. He’s also a perfect shot when it comes to guns and rifles. Will Avery accept his love of firearms?
Book 22: Zahn & Shelden
Coming 2015
When you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned. Zahn figures you’re going to ignite with passion thought. Can he teach Shelden to share his love of fire?
Book 23: Elijah & Aspen
Coming 2015
Aspen loves being on the edge. She loves her men to show no fear and take pain as pleasure. Elijah’s been her most willing partner to date, but when he’s at the knife’s edge, will he use the safe word?
Book 24: Holden & Kira
Coming 2015
*blurb coming soon*
Book 25: Logan & Kenzie
Coming 2015
*blurb coming soon*
Buy Links: ARe– Amazon– Barnes & Noble
I’d love to hang out with everyone. You can find me at: Website – Blog – Facebook – Bound by Seduction
Twitter @KharismaRhayne
Please be sure to stop in and visit all the blogs on this tour (also, there should be daily direct links posted) http://www.kharismarhayne.com/2013/03/full-april-1-20-for-bound-by-seduction.html Don't forget to also enter the Tour Wide Print Book Giveaway with the Rafflecopter below :) or HERE
Print Book Giveaway Rafflecopter a Rafflecopter giveaway
