Laura Kaye's Blog, page 45

WIN GC, #HardInk Swag & Ornaments in the Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop

Welcome to my post for the Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop! As you can see from the graphic, I'm not only offering a giveaway here, I'm one of the sponsors of the hop who contributed toward the grand prize gift card and ebooks!

I'm celebrating the hop with a short excerpt from my new release, Hard As It Gets. Here's what it's about and where you can find it!

Excerpt from Hard As It Gets:

In his room, Nick came to the bottom corner of his big bed and tossed Becca to the mattress in the darkness. She screamed and laughed as she bounced against the messy covers, still rumpled from how they’d left them this morning.
Damnit all to hell, but that felt like a million years ago. He removed the gun from the back of his jeans and settled it on the nightstand as he turned on the lamp. Her eyes found him immediately, and she smiled. God, she was so damn pretty. And the way she looked at him sent him soaring.
Sometimes you plodded through life with nothing changing from one month to the next no matter how much you yearned for a revolution to erupt beneath your feet. And sometimes your whole world imploded and rebuilt itself in a matter of seconds. In the past, those instantaneous changes had almost always ignited with pain and loss.
Not this time.
This time, a woman had performed the simple act of walking through his front door. She’d sent his life spinning off on a whole new trajectory of rebuilding. Reclaiming. Maybe, even love.
Returning to the foot of the bed, Nick found that Becca’s gaze was equal parts humor and heat. Hands behind her calves, he hauled her toward the edge of the bed, undid the fly of her jeans, and tugged them over her hips. She lifted her legs, helping him remove them, and a twinge of pain shot through his back again as he yanked them off.
Rixey didn’t mind the discomfort. It was a drop in the bucket compared to the soul-deep pleasure he felt, and, anyway, he was used to it. But it reminded him that she’d been injured, stabbed. “Shit, Becca. Did I hurt your side when I threw you?” He leaned his upper body between her thighs until he hovered over her, reminding him of the fast frenzy of this morning.
She stroked his cheek with soft fingertips. “No. It’s not too bad. But thank you for thinking to ask.”
Relief flowed through him, drawing him to taste her. He leaned into her slowly and kissed her. And, damn, he could still taste himself in her mouth. It was a fucking rush, knowing she’d pleasured him so freely, so selflessly.
His hand skimmed up her belly, tugging at the cotton and caressing her breasts. She arched into his touch, allowing him to pull her shirt to her throat. “Lift,” he whispered, and then he removed it altogether. A flick of his hand behind her back bared her completely to his gaze.
Jesus, she was beautiful, soft perfection. Natural and real. With lots of curves and peaks and valleys and hidden places for him to explore. Her hands fisted in his shirt and dragged it up his stomach. With one hand, he reached over his shoulder and hauled it over his head.
And then he was on her. Kissing her mouth in urgent, aggressive twists of lips and tongue. Sucking and nipping down her neck and collarbones to her breasts. Teasing and tormenting her nipples. Becca writhed under him, her fingers plowing into his hair and trying to grip the short length. He’d actually worn it longer in Afghanistan to blend in with the locals, so he wasn’t opposed to growing it out again just so she could really pull it. The biting tugs against his scalp fucking turned him on because each one reflected her pleasure, her desire, her slow slide into abandon.
Easing onto his knees, he kissed her stomach, her hip bones, the inside of one soft thigh. “Put some pillows under your head, sunshine, because I want to watch your face.”
“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!”~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets
About Hard As It Gets:

*A USA Today Bestseller! *Nominee for Best Romantic Suspense of 2013 in the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards! *A B&N Romance Pick for December!
Five dishonored soldiers.Former Special Forces.One last mission.These are the men of Hard Ink.
Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...
Read an Extended Excerpt  of  Hard As It Gets  Add to Goodreads
Buy at
  Amazon  | Amazon.ca | Amazon.uk | BAM | Kobo |  B&N  |  iTunes

Prizes Here:1 $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card1 Large Hard Ink Swag Pack10 Hard Ink Ornaments and Holiday Cards

Thanks for hopping!

Laura

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcing the #HardAsItGets Blog Tour Winners!

Guys guys! I feel like Santa around here because I've got WINNERS! Seven lucky people won prizes in the Hard As It Gets blog tour, and they are:

Kindle Paperwhite 3G Grand Prize Winners:Rita LukenMaria Theresa Santos
Signed Hard As It Gets Paperback Winners:Chris GrossCandi WrightTabitha HoytDenise (esined615@)Shawndra Dias

“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!” ~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets 

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...

Read an Extended Excerpt  of Hard As It GetsBuy at  Amazon  |  B&N  | iTunes | Kobo | BAMAmazon UK | Amazon.ca
Thanks for reading!
Laura

Welcome Guest Author Afton Locke! #UnderHollysStockings #Erotic

Welcome Guest AuthorAfton Locketo the blog!
I'm very excited to welcome fellow Maryland Romance Writer Afton Locke to the blog today. She's celebrating a new holiday erotic romance with a fun post, an excerpt, and a giveaway! Read on...

Thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited to talk about the Simon game, a special holiday gift I once received, and my latest release, Under Holly’s Stockings, a holiday erotic romance.

The Gift That Never Was
When I was in high school, my parents disagreed one Christmas about which gift to give me. My mother wanted to get me the Simon game I asked for. It tested memory by lighting up colored quadrants in various patterns that the player had to duplicate. It started slow and got faster with skill. My father, on the other hand, wanted to get me a pair of ice skates. During the winter, the creek by our house froze over. It was a little bumpy in spots, but we used to slide over it in our boots and play hockey with makeshift pucks and sticks with the dog.
They couldn’t afford to get me both. My mother won, but my father’s prediction that I’d soon get tired of Simon came true.  Years later, I ended up buying my own ice skates, and a boyfriend taught me how to ice skate. Looking back, I can’t help wondering: what if I’d gotten the skates instead? Would I have injured myself? Or would I have been inspired to try out for the Olympics? Even now, I’m so busy with writing and work I haven’t had time to ice skate yet. Maybe I should make the time.
In my story, Holly and Michael have agreed to spend Christmas Day together, but what about the future? If it ends, Michael might feel more comfortable about not getting hurt again, but won’t he always wonder what if?
Have you ever almost received a gift but didn’t? Do you wish someone would give it to you now, or did you buy it yourself?
About Under Holly’s Stockings

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave PublishingRelease Date:  11 December 2013eBook ISBN #:  978-14199-49340Buy eBookStay tuned for reviews and more

After being stood up at the altar last Christmas, Michael dreads the holiday. When a woman wearing sexy red stockings on the subway propositions him with a day of sex, seems there’s no time like the present to get back into the spirit of the season!

 Having just lost her mother, Holly will do anything to avoid being alone on Christmas. But when Michael arrives, nothing goes as planned. Despite the joy of exploring each other’s bodies with all the holiday trimmings, her emotions get in the way.

 When Michael realizes the way to get under Holly’s stockings is through her heart, he’ll have to put the ghosts of his Christmas past to rest.

Excerpt (explicit) Rose, Exposed - Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2013 - All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
When a westbound metro train on the orange line came to a screeching stop in Rosslyn, Virginia, Michael Tyler hurried inside and grabbed a seat near the window. Thank God there’s no music in here, he thought as he placed his briefcase by his feet on the orange carpet. If he heard one more tired Christmas song, he swore he’d be ill.
Everywhere around him people rattled shopping bags. Women chattered about the gifts they’d bought for their kids, or what they planned to cook for Christmas dinner. Year after year, it was the same old thing. Wasn’t anyone else tired of it by now?
Michael loosened his tie with relief when the doors closed and the train glided into motion. The sooner he got home, the sooner he could get this rotten holiday over with.
At the next stop, he blinked with surprise when a tall girl fell into the seat next to him. It was a miracle she didn’t drop all of her bags in the process. Who in their right mind did all their shopping on Christmas Eve? If he had decided to celebrate this holiday, he would have shopped online at least a month early.
“Hi! Merry Christmas!” she announced with sickening cheer.
Disgust rolled through his stomach. Why hadn’t he put his briefcase on the seat? Without looking at her, he returned the greeting in a tone of voice that warned her to mind her own business.
He noticed she had long, black hair and kissable lips coated with shiny, red lipstick. Her short, wool coat fit snugly, hinting at high, perky breasts.
Look away, damn it! But no, he had to torture himself with the reminder he hadn’t been with a woman in over a year. Her plaid skirt was so short he could hardly see it. What he did see were a pair of long, shapely legs encased in bright-red stockings. Lust, long dormant, kindled to life in his groin.
Maybe this was his Christmas gift. He could jack off in his condo tonight while he fantasized about those legs. After all, she was a complete stranger and looked nothing like Marcie…
He stared out the window, counting the lights passing by in the dark tunnel as the train pulled into the next stop, revealing an arched, honeycomb ceiling. The woman fussed with her bags, rattling them until Michael thought his head would explode.
A small, glittery Christmas ball rolled out of one of her bags, making a soft thunking sound on the carpeted floor.
“Whoops!”
The innocence of her voice aroused him more than a hand on his cock. He reminded himself she probably had a husband and five kids waiting at home. Doing his gentlemanly duty, he bent to pick up the ball for her.
At the moment, the train lurched into motion, causing him to fall across those warm, scarlet legs.
His nose filled with subtle feminine musk. Was it the soap she might have rubbed on her long legs this morning while she shaved them? Or was it the sweet aroma of her cunt, tucked inside that short skirt—a gift for him to open?
Hard and throbbing, his cock surged inside his trousers while he scrambled off her. He longed to spread those long legs and unroll the red stockings, inch by inch, down her legs. Instead, he allowed his palm to brush the back of one shapely calf.
With sweat coating his brow, he slumped against his seat. He definitely needed to jack off tonight. Repeatedly.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “Uh, did you manage to grab the ball?”
Her brown eyes glinted with mischief at his words and then saddened. “It rolled away.”
Her face, on the verge of crumpling, reminded him of a child who had just learned there was no Santa. Probably the same way his face had looked last year during the worst Christmas ever.
As if the lust weren’t enough to deal with, his chest swelled with something else. Protectiveness. For some reason, he experienced the sudden urge to turn the train car upside down to find her Christmas ball.
His stop wasn’t far away. He’d never see her again. Instead of the relief he expected, he felt regret.
“Looks like you have big holiday plans,” he found himself saying.
A brave smile battled with the sadness on her face as she nodded. “I’m going all out this year. It’s probably silly because I’ll be alone.”
He blinked with surprise. “You? Alone? I mean, that’s not so bad. I’ll be alone too…working.”
It was a half truth. He didn’t have to work tomorrow, but he’d brought home plenty of paperwork to get him through the day.
She glanced out the window as the train stopped again. “Oh! My stop is next. I have a proposition for you.”
Great. She must be a call girl. He might be horny right now but he wasn’t that horny.
With a trembling hand, she brushed back a long, silky lock of hair. “I don’t want to spend Christmas alone. Will you come to my apartment and celebrate the day with me?”
Indecision seized Michael’s throat. “I-I don’t even know you.”
She clasped his forearm. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
Coming Soon
Entrance to Ecstasy , my paranormal print anthology, will release from Ellora’s Cave on 24 December 2013.
~~~
Stripper With Spice is coming soon from Ellora’s Cave.
Getting back on her feet after unemployment, Janice Sullivan, a financial analyst, treats herself to an erotic romance convention. Winning a two-hour fantasy date with Carlos Aguilar, a young Mexican-American stripper, she decides to have a one-time fantasy fling.
When Carlos entices her back to the bedroom—and a few public places—for more sizzling sex, he unleashes her passions, including a secret desire to be a chef. Janice learns there’s more to this heartthrob than a hot body, but job security comes first.
To convince her he’s more than a fantasy, he teaches her trust with his body. But when that trust is finally tested to the limit, will she cling to safety or take a chance on a whole new life?
~~~
I’m excited to be part of the Tall, Dark& Alpha boxed set that will release in March 2014.
He makes your heart pound and melts your resistance away. He promises you a world of passion and you find it impossible to resist his dark charm. When he catches your eye across the room, you know he means business. He could be an executive, cop, shape shifter, or a bad boy looking for a little fun. Once he has you in his sights, you can't get away—and after one sizzling night in his arms, you won't want to. He’s Tall, Dark & Alpha. The alpha male is the ultimate indulgence…the richest dark chocolate…and we’re offering him to you in abundance.
Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.
Where readers can find Afton?Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads
ContestThis post is part of the Under Holly’s Stockings Blog Tour.              The grand prize for the tour is a surprise pack of holiday stocking stuffers (U.S. shipping address only).To be eligible, COMMENT on this post. The comment should include a memory about a holiday gift you gave or received -- preferably related to the gift described in this post.The tour winner will be announced on Afton's website on December 16th.What’s in YOUR stocking?
Thanks for reading!Laura

Welcome Guest Author After Locke! #UnderHollysStockings #Erotic

Welcome Guest AuthorAfton Locketo the blog!
I'm very excited to welcome fellow Maryland Romance Writer Afton Locke to the blog today. She's celebrating a new holiday erotic romance with a fun post, an excerpt, and a giveaway! Read on...

Thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited to talk about the Simon game, a special holiday gift I once received, and my latest release, Under Holly’s Stockings, a holiday erotic romance.

The Gift That Never Was
When I was in high school, my parents disagreed one Christmas about which gift to give me. My mother wanted to get me the Simon game I asked for. It tested memory by lighting up colored quadrants in various patterns that the player had to duplicate. It started slow and got faster with skill. My father, on the other hand, wanted to get me a pair of ice skates. During the winter, the creek by our house froze over. It was a little bumpy in spots, but we used to slide over it in our boots and play hockey with makeshift pucks and sticks with the dog.
They couldn’t afford to get me both. My mother won, but my father’s prediction that I’d soon get tired of Simon came true.  Years later, I ended up buying my own ice skates, and a boyfriend taught me how to ice skate. Looking back, I can’t help wondering: what if I’d gotten the skates instead? Would I have injured myself? Or would I have been inspired to try out for the Olympics? Even now, I’m so busy with writing and work I haven’t had time to ice skate yet. Maybe I should make the time.
In my story, Holly and Michael have agreed to spend Christmas Day together, but what about the future? If it ends, Michael might feel more comfortable about not getting hurt again, but won’t he always wonder what if?
Have you ever almost received a gift but didn’t? Do you wish someone would give it to you now, or did you buy it yourself?
About Under Holly’s Stockings

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave PublishingRelease Date:  11 December 2013eBook ISBN #:  978-14199-49340Buy eBookStay tuned for reviews and more

After being stood up at the altar last Christmas, Michael dreads the holiday. When a woman wearing sexy red stockings on the subway propositions him with a day of sex, seems there’s no time like the present to get back into the spirit of the season!

 Having just lost her mother, Holly will do anything to avoid being alone on Christmas. But when Michael arrives, nothing goes as planned. Despite the joy of exploring each other’s bodies with all the holiday trimmings, her emotions get in the way.

 When Michael realizes the way to get under Holly’s stockings is through her heart, he’ll have to put the ghosts of his Christmas past to rest.

Excerpt (explicit) Rose, Exposed - Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2013 - All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
When a westbound metro train on the orange line came to a screeching stop in Rosslyn, Virginia, Michael Tyler hurried inside and grabbed a seat near the window. Thank God there’s no music in here, he thought as he placed his briefcase by his feet on the orange carpet. If he heard one more tired Christmas song, he swore he’d be ill.
Everywhere around him people rattled shopping bags. Women chattered about the gifts they’d bought for their kids, or what they planned to cook for Christmas dinner. Year after year, it was the same old thing. Wasn’t anyone else tired of it by now?
Michael loosened his tie with relief when the doors closed and the train glided into motion. The sooner he got home, the sooner he could get this rotten holiday over with.
At the next stop, he blinked with surprise when a tall girl fell into the seat next to him. It was a miracle she didn’t drop all of her bags in the process. Who in their right mind did all their shopping on Christmas Eve? If he had decided to celebrate this holiday, he would have shopped online at least a month early.
“Hi! Merry Christmas!” she announced with sickening cheer.
Disgust rolled through his stomach. Why hadn’t he put his briefcase on the seat? Without looking at her, he returned the greeting in a tone of voice that warned her to mind her own business.
He noticed she had long, black hair and kissable lips coated with shiny, red lipstick. Her short, wool coat fit snugly, hinting at high, perky breasts.
Look away, damn it! But no, he had to torture himself with the reminder he hadn’t been with a woman in over a year. Her plaid skirt was so short he could hardly see it. What he did see were a pair of long, shapely legs encased in bright-red stockings. Lust, long dormant, kindled to life in his groin.
Maybe this was his Christmas gift. He could jack off in his condo tonight while he fantasized about those legs. After all, she was a complete stranger and looked nothing like Marcie…
He stared out the window, counting the lights passing by in the dark tunnel as the train pulled into the next stop, revealing an arched, honeycomb ceiling. The woman fussed with her bags, rattling them until Michael thought his head would explode.
A small, glittery Christmas ball rolled out of one of her bags, making a soft thunking sound on the carpeted floor.
“Whoops!”
The innocence of her voice aroused him more than a hand on his cock. He reminded himself she probably had a husband and five kids waiting at home. Doing his gentlemanly duty, he bent to pick up the ball for her.
At the moment, the train lurched into motion, causing him to fall across those warm, scarlet legs.
His nose filled with subtle feminine musk. Was it the soap she might have rubbed on her long legs this morning while she shaved them? Or was it the sweet aroma of her cunt, tucked inside that short skirt—a gift for him to open?
Hard and throbbing, his cock surged inside his trousers while he scrambled off her. He longed to spread those long legs and unroll the red stockings, inch by inch, down her legs. Instead, he allowed his palm to brush the back of one shapely calf.
With sweat coating his brow, he slumped against his seat. He definitely needed to jack off tonight. Repeatedly.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “Uh, did you manage to grab the ball?”
Her brown eyes glinted with mischief at his words and then saddened. “It rolled away.”
Her face, on the verge of crumpling, reminded him of a child who had just learned there was no Santa. Probably the same way his face had looked last year during the worst Christmas ever.
As if the lust weren’t enough to deal with, his chest swelled with something else. Protectiveness. For some reason, he experienced the sudden urge to turn the train car upside down to find her Christmas ball.
His stop wasn’t far away. He’d never see her again. Instead of the relief he expected, he felt regret.
“Looks like you have big holiday plans,” he found himself saying.
A brave smile battled with the sadness on her face as she nodded. “I’m going all out this year. It’s probably silly because I’ll be alone.”
He blinked with surprise. “You? Alone? I mean, that’s not so bad. I’ll be alone too…working.”
It was a half truth. He didn’t have to work tomorrow, but he’d brought home plenty of paperwork to get him through the day.
She glanced out the window as the train stopped again. “Oh! My stop is next. I have a proposition for you.”
Great. She must be a call girl. He might be horny right now but he wasn’t that horny.
With a trembling hand, she brushed back a long, silky lock of hair. “I don’t want to spend Christmas alone. Will you come to my apartment and celebrate the day with me?”
Indecision seized Michael’s throat. “I-I don’t even know you.”
She clasped his forearm. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
Coming Soon
Entrance to Ecstasy , my paranormal print anthology, will release from Ellora’s Cave on 24 December 2013.
~~~
Stripper With Spice is coming soon from Ellora’s Cave.
Getting back on her feet after unemployment, Janice Sullivan, a financial analyst, treats herself to an erotic romance convention. Winning a two-hour fantasy date with Carlos Aguilar, a young Mexican-American stripper, she decides to have a one-time fantasy fling.
When Carlos entices her back to the bedroom—and a few public places—for more sizzling sex, he unleashes her passions, including a secret desire to be a chef. Janice learns there’s more to this heartthrob than a hot body, but job security comes first.
To convince her he’s more than a fantasy, he teaches her trust with his body. But when that trust is finally tested to the limit, will she cling to safety or take a chance on a whole new life?
~~~
I’m excited to be part of the Tall, Dark& Alpha boxed set that will release in March 2014.
He makes your heart pound and melts your resistance away. He promises you a world of passion and you find it impossible to resist his dark charm. When he catches your eye across the room, you know he means business. He could be an executive, cop, shape shifter, or a bad boy looking for a little fun. Once he has you in his sights, you can't get away—and after one sizzling night in his arms, you won't want to. He’s Tall, Dark & Alpha. The alpha male is the ultimate indulgence…the richest dark chocolate…and we’re offering him to you in abundance.
Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.
Where readers can find Afton?Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads
ContestThis post is part of the Under Holly’s Stockings Blog Tour.              The grand prize for the tour is a surprise pack of holiday stocking stuffers (U.S. shipping address only).To be eligible, COMMENT on this post. The comment should include a memory about a holiday gift you gave or received -- preferably related to the gift described in this post.The tour winner will be announced on Afton's website on December 16th.What’s in YOUR stocking?
Thanks for reading!Laura

A Welsh Wolf in Wellington Blog Tour #AHandfulofWolf

Welcome Guest AuthorSofia Greyto the blog!
I'm very happy to have Sofia Grey here today talking about her new book, A Handful of Wolf. She's got a fun story on the setting today, a great excerpt, and a video trailer. Read on...
Wellington City
Since most of Sasha’s story takes place in Wellington, the compact and thriving capital city of New Zealand. I though it would be fun to feature a different part of the city – especially those mentioned in the book – on each tour ‘stop’. Come and join me on a truly unique virtual tour of Wellington J
According to the people that know what they’re talking about, wild wolves are found worldwide, except for New Zealand, Madagascar and some other islands. The only wolves you’d expect to see here, would be the American Football team (Wellington City Wolves).
That’s certainly what the shifters would have you believe. Ultra-secretive, keeping their animal selves hidden is a way of life for them. As packs grow and spread, so the risk of exposure is greater.
You should try Googling the following search phrase:Does anyone know any wolves in New Zealand? It has an… interesting… result.
Connor, the Alpha of the Wellington Wolf Pack, is described by Jake Bledri as being “a naturally suspicious bastard,” but he maintains control over his pack and protects them. It astounds Sasha that Jake has trusted him to start diplomatic talks with Connor. It’s not a responsibility he wants.

Excerpt
For once in his life, Sasha was trying to be responsible. His wolf was frustrated at not being allowed to run free and he’d thought longingly of taking off into the hills for the weekend, but instead he was taking care of Pack business. His cousin and Pack Alpha, Jake, spoke encouragingly down the phone line to him.
“Just play nicely, Sash. I’m trusting you to be an ambassador here, to start networking with the New Zealand wolves. You’re representing the Snowdonia Pack. Don’t fuck it up.”
“Such trust,” he grumbled. If nothing else, it was a waste of a beautiful summer evening. He’d have to sit and make small talk with a group of native wolf shifters and be on his best behavior. Jake would normally take care of business like this, but he was thousands of miles away in their home territory. Sasha’s mind flashed to the mountains and forests he called home. It was winter now in Wales. It felt odd to be hanging around in hot sunshine, while Jake had snowdrifts. By the time Sasha finished his contract here, it would be spring. He’d never missed a winter in all his twenty-four years.
“I’ve got to go, Sash. Good luck tonight, and email to let me know how it goes. Okay?”
Something tugged at Sasha’s senses and his wolf lifted his head, intent and focused. A scent he recognized. He opened his mouth slightly and inhaled, the wolf very much in control. Caramel and spice. The girl with the scarf.
“Yeah, will do.” He finished the call, shoved his phone into a pocket and turned around. There she was. The brunette stood a short distance away on the edge of a car park and he feasted his eyes on her. Business clothes had been replaced with a short stretchy black skirt that hugged her curves and a shiny, gleaming top that begged to be touched. Dark hair tumbled down her back, a few strands falling onto her face and she brushed them back with one elegant hand. Her scent called to him and his wolf whined, needing to get closer.
He took a step toward her. He’d apologize for taking advantage earlier, offer to buy her a drink. Maybe try another kiss later when she’d forgiven him. He still had plenty of time for the Pack business, and a little fun first would satisfy his wolf. Confident, he took another step, but then stopped.
She was with someone. A guy. Sasha’s wolf growled when the guy held out his hand to her, and then quieted again when she refused. This was stupid. He didn’t even know her. One kiss was all they shared. Yeah, and what a kiss. She was a gorgeous, hard-assed girl and it stood to reason she’d have a boyfriend. All the same, for whatever reason, she didn’t want to hold the guy’s hand and that was enough of an excuse for Sasha to look out for her. When the couple walked into a waterfront restaurant, he followed.

Sasha's not a looking-to-the-future kind of guy, but he's made an exception with his plans to travel and meet lots of pretty girls. Too bad his Pack Alpha, fate, and reality have other ideas about his trip abroad. He's pretty sure he didn't sign on to be a diplomat for the Snowdonia Wolf Pack. Or to find a Mate. Especially not a human Mate.

 Megan knows better than to let a sweet-talking charmer get under her skin, but Sasha's sexy playfulness is making her forget all her rules. Except one: she's not willing to risk her heart by falling in love. The gorgeous boy from Wales can only be a fling, especially since her over-protective brothers hate him on sight. 

 In the midst of a wolf uprising, a hesitant Mate, and Megan’s complicated family ties, Sasha learns that sometimes impulsiveness is dangerous and even lethal. Can he show Megan why they belong together before it all comes crashing down around him and he loses his Mate forever?

Available at Amazon | AllRomance eBooks
Video trailer

GiveawayI’m giving away 3 copies of A Handful of Wolf, to 3 lucky commenters across the tour. Just leave a comment at whichever site you visit, and you’ll go into the draw. The more comments you leave, the more chances you get to win!

Connect with Sofia Around the Web:Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Blogging at Gemini Girls 
Blog Tour details
25-November – www.GeminiGirls.com27-November – Silken Sheets & Seduction27-November – Facebook Party!28-November – Rosanna Leo29-November – Barbara Elsborg30-November – Love, Lust & Laptops1-December – CoverReveals2-December – Daisy Banks Advent Calendar3-December – Sotia Lazu4-December – Lissa Matthews5-December – Kimber Vale6-December – Tina Carreiro8-December – Layne Macadam10-December – Laura Kaye

About AuthorRomance author Sofia Grey spends her days managing projects in the corporate world and her nights hanging out with wolf shifters and alpha males. She devours pretty much anything in the fiction line, but she prefers her romances to be hot, and her heroes to have hidden depths. When writing, she enjoys peeling back the layers to expose her characters’ flaws and always makes them work hard for their happy endings.
Did you have a favorite line from the excerpt? Thanks for reading!
Laura

#HardAsItGets is a December B&N Romance Pick!

You guys! This week has been an amazing one for Hard As It Gets! As if hitting the USA Today Bestseller List for release week wasn't cool enough (squee!), I just found that Hard As It Gets is a Barnes & Noble Romance Pick for December!!! Jules Herbert is B&N's romance expert/buyer, and this month he's selected just nine books to highlight, including mine! How cool is that???

Have you had a chance to read Hard As It Gets yet? Here's what it's about:

“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!” ~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets 

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...

Read an Extended Excerpt  of Hard As It GetsBuy at  Amazon  |  B&N  | iTunes | Kobo | BAMAmazon UK | Amazon.ca
Thanks for reading!
Laura

Welcome Guest Author Christi Barth #TinselMyHeart #Holiday

Welcome Guest AuthorChristi Barthto the blog!I love holiday stories, so I'm doubly pleased to share my good friend Christi Barth's newest release, Tinsel My Heart. She's here today with a great excerpt - check it out!
Becca Huntley’s produced the Lyndale Park Player’s over-the-top Christmas pageant for ten years. The beloved Minneapolis tradition is the theatre’s main fundraiser. But this year’s production is almost canceled when their director disappears into rehab at the last minute. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.Jack Whittaker wiped the Twin Cities off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler’s promise to direct the show. Even though it means working side-by-side with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.It’ll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack’s heart toward Becca’s favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They’ll both discover that Christmas is about making each other's dreams come true. But will doing so destroy their chance at a happily-ever-after together?Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Carina PressExcerpt:She picked up the end of her braid and tickled his cheek. “Told ya.”The silken hair set off a chain reaction in his body. Blood pounded south in great, galloping leaps and bounds to pool in his crotch. Jack hadn’t experienced an insta-hard-on like that in years. He quickly shifted the black script binder across his lap.“You’ve changed, Becca.”“Since high school? I would hope so.” Then her lips pursed. “Okay, you’ve piqued my curiosity. Exactly how have I changed?”“You’ve grown from a pretty girl into a beautiful woman.”“Oh.” Her pale cheeks turned the color of ripe strawberries. It made Jack wonder if her nipples were the same color. Or would turn that color after he used his lips on them. “Um, thank you. And let me just say that adding a few pounds of pure muscle didn’t hurt you any, either.”Interesting. Might as well push a little harder, see what developed. “Here I thought you were going to comment on my righteously masculine goatee.”As if lifted by marionette strings, her hand rose, scraped along the end-of-day stubble on his cheeks to trace the outline of the goatee. “It, ah, makes you look devilish.”“Want to dance with the devil?”“What?” Her gaze flew up to meet his as her hands dropped to her lap. “You want to dance?”Super literal people made flirting much more difficult. Jack sighed. “Metaphorically.” When she still looked bewildered, he continued. “Forget it. Do you want to have dinner with me?”She blinked, rapidly. Looked down at her hands twisting together. “That depends.”It wasn’t a complicated question. Jack didn’t want her take on the crisis in Syria. Why would a simple dinner invite come with conditions? “On what?”Becca looked over both shoulders, as if to check they were still alone. Or as alone as you could get in a three hundred-seat theatre full of people milling about from the lobby to the dressing rooms. “Are you just lonely, Jack? Because of Ty?”“I’m a grown-ass man. I can eat by myself,” he growled.“I know. I guess my real question is, do you want to have dinner with just anyone? Or do you want to have dinner with me?” She fluttered her hands up to cover her heart.Now he got it. Well, he didn’t get why she had the crazy female insecurity, but at least he knew what she was driving at. “I want to have dinner with you. Only you. Not because we used to be good friends. Not even because we’ve slid pretty well back into those roles. And not just dinner.” Jack grasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You’re a beautiful woman who heats me up every time you slide those cool lake eyes over me. With enough talent and know-how and passion for my business to make for interesting conversation. So what I want from you, Becca, is a date.”To his utter surprise, she didn’t blush again. Or look away. Or for that matter, look flustered at all. Instead, she mimicked his pose, putting her hand to his mouth. Rubbed her soft thumb in a slow glide across his lower lip. Her eyes darkened from the clear blue of Lake Harriet in the summer to the darkness of a winter’s night.“Well, why didn’t you say so? Of course I’ll go out with you.”No matter how many he tried on for size, women never failed to confound him. Jack didn’t know what he’d said to peel off her timidity. Didn’t care, either. Just looked forward to an evening filled with more surprises from the woman he was discovering he liked even more than the girl he used to adore.

About Christi: Christi Barth earned a Master’s degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.  A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning.  Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.  She is the award-winning author of the Aisle Bound series. Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband. Website | Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page |FacebookDid you have a favorite line from the excerpt?

Thanks for reading!
Laura

Spotlight on Stephanie Dray's Series Finale, #DaughtersoftheNile!

I'm super excited to be celebrating my good friend Stephanie Dray's new release, Daughters of the Nile, today! This is the third book in Stephanie's amazing series, so you should read this post then go check out all three books! Read on for more...

From critically acclaimed historical fantasy author, Stephanie Dray comes the long-awaited new tale based on the true story of Cleopatra's daughter.
After years of abuse as the emperor’s captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene has found a safe harbor. No longer the pitiful orphaned daughter of the despised Egyptian Whore, the twenty year old is now the most powerful queen in the empire, ruling over the kingdom of Mauretania—an exotic land of enchanting possibility where she intends to revive her dynasty. With her husband, King Juba II and the magic of Isis that is her birthright, Selene brings prosperity and peace to a kingdom thirsty for both. But when Augustus Caesar jealously demands that Selene’s children be given over to him to be fostered in Rome, she’s drawn back into the web of imperial plots and intrigues that she vowed to leave behind. Determined and resourceful, Selene must shield her loved ones from the emperor’s wrath, all while vying with ruthless rivals like King Herod. Can she find a way to overcome the threat to her marriage, her kingdom, her family, and her faith? Or will she be the last of her line?

Read the Reviews"A stirring story of a proud, beautiful, intelligent woman whom a 21st century reader can empathize with. Dray's crisp, lush prose brings Selene and her world to life." ~RT Book Reviews
"The boldest, and most brilliant story arc Dray has penned..." ~Modge Podge Reviews
"If you love historical fiction and magical realism, these books are for you." ~A Bookish Affair

Read an ExcerptBelow me, six black Egyptian cobras dance on their tails, swaying. I watch their scaled hoods spread wide like the uraeus on the crown of Egypt. Even from this height, I'm paralyzed by the sight of the asps, their forked tongues flickering out between deadly fangs. I don't notice that I'm gripping the balustrade until my knuckles have gone white, all my effort concentrated upon not swooning and falling to my death. 

And I would swoon if I were not so filled with rage. Someone has arranged for this. Someone who knows what haunts me. Someone who wants to send me a message and make this occasion a moment of dread. My husband, the king must know it, for he calls down, "That's enough. We've seen enough of the snake charmer!" 

There is commotion below, some upset at having displeased us. Then Chryssa hisses, "Who could think it a good idea to honor the daughter of Cleopatra by coaxing asps from baskets of figs?" 

The story the world tells of my mother's suicide is that she cheated the emperor of his conquest by plunging her hand into a basket where a venomous serpent lay in wait. A legend only, some say, for the serpent was never found. But I was there. I brought her that basket. She was the one bitten but the poison lingers in my blood to this day. I can still remember the scent of figs in my nostrils, lush and sweet. The dark god Anubis was embroidered into the woven reeds of the basket, the weight of death heavy in my arms. I can still see my mother reach her hand into that basket, surrendering her life so that her children might go on without her. And I have gone on without her. 

I have survived too much to be terrorized by the emperor's agents or whoever else is responsible for this.

If it is a message, a warning from my enemies, I have already allowed them too much of a victory by showing any reaction at all. So I adopt as serene a mask as possible. My daughter blinks her big blue eyes, seeing past my facade. "Are you frightened, Mother? They cannot bite us from there. The snakes are very far away."

I get my legs under me, bitterness on my tongue. "Oh, but they're never far enough away."


###

Available now in print and e-book!Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Powells | IndieBound | Goodreads
Available now in print and e-book!Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Powells | IndieBound | Goodreads
STEPHANIE DRAY is a bestselling, multi-published, award-winning author of historical women’s fiction and fantasy set in the ancient world. Her critically acclaimed historical series about Cleopatra’s daughter has been translated into more than six different languages, was nominated for a RITA Award and won the Golden Leaf. Her focus on Ptolemaic Egypt and Augustan Age Rome has given her a unique perspective on the consequences of Egypt's ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion. Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the transformative power of magic realism to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Roman or Egyptian and has-to the consternation of her devoted husband-collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

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Thanks for reading!
Laura

Launch Party for Jennifer L. Armentrout's #BitterSweetLove!

I'm super excited to help my good friend Jennifer L. Armentrout celebrate the release of her new book, Bitter Sweet Love! Take a look at this great excerpt and go get your copy of the book today! Read on...

[image error] Jennifer L. Armentrout's amazing novella in her new The Dark Elements Series, BITTER SWEET LOVE, is out and we are excited to join in the release day launch for it. BITTER SWEET LOVE is the Prequel Novella for The Dark Elements Series and is full of Wardens, fantasy, and romance. The first novel in the series, WHITE HOT KISS, will be released February 25, 2014. Check out what we have for you today! There's also a fantastic excerpt for you to check out below!
EXCERPT:

Moving lightning fast, Dez shifted and I was suddenly underneath him. His arms were on either side of my head, caging me in. Our bodies didn’t touch, but I felt him to the tips of my toes anyway.                The teasing grin disappeared when I dragged in a deep breath and my chest brushed his. Everything changed in an instant. The playful mood faded, replaced by primal heaviness. Our gazes collided and locked. Neither of us moved. His closeness sent a series of shivers skittering across my skin and made it hard to take slow, even breaths. My body tensed when his gaze dropped to my mouth.                He tilted his head to the side. “I… I honestly have no idea what we were talking about.”                “Good. Neither do I.”                He shifted his weight onto one arm, bring him closer. “Have you enjoyed your trip so far?”                “Yes.” I felt as if I couldn’t get enough air into my lungs.                “Good.” He lowered his head. His breath was minty as it moved across my cheek and then my lips. “I’m glad.”                I wasn’t really following the conversation and I wasn’t sure that he was fully aware of what was coming out of his mouth. I searched my hazy brain for something to say and wet my lips. I-                The sound that came out of Dez’s chest rumbled through me. A stuttered heartbeat passed and then his lips were on mine. There was nothing slow about this kiss. It scorched my skin and caused my body to stretch tight like a bowstring. The kiss deepened, spinning my senses. I shuddered when his hand curved over my shoulder and drifted down to my waist, his long fingers spreading out under the hem of my shirt, grazing the bare skin of my stomach.                I gasped, floored by the raw sensations pounding through my blood. My skin felt as if I was about to phase. Maybe I was.                “Jasmine,” he whispered, the word falling against my lips, and then his body was pressing mine into the mattress, heavy, sweet and hard.*Amazon*     *Barnes and Noble*     *iTunes*


ABOUT BITTER SWEET LOVE (The Dark Elements #.5):
In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.
Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.
And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…
Don't miss White Hot Kiss, book one in Jennifer L. Armentrout's The Dark Elements series from Harlequin TEEN!
About Jennifer L. Armentrout:
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
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Links:Website
TwitterFacebookBITTER SWEET LOVE GoodreadsWHITE HOT KISS GoodreadsJennifer L. Armentrout GoodreadsJennifer L. Armentrout AmazonWHITE HOT KISS Buy Links:AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | iTUNES


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Did you have a favorite line from the excerpt?
Thanks for reading!Laura

Great Book One Deal! #LilyoftheNile is on Sale!

My good friend Steph has a deal of a message for you:
I'm so excited for this pre-Christmas sale on the book that started the series. Lily of the Nile is now, for a limited time only, on sale for all e-readers for only $3.99.

With almost 400 5-star reviews on Goodreads, this first book in the series is on sale in anticipation of the imminent release of Daughters of the Nile, on December 3rd, so if you start reading now, you'll be all caught up!
Amazon | Barnes Noble (Nook) | Kobo | iTunesRead an Excerpt | Go Behind the Story | ReviewsSynopsis:With her parents dead, the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is left at the mercy of her Roman captors. Heir to one empire and prisoner of another, it falls to Princess Selene to save her brothers and reclaim what is rightfully hers…
In the aftermath of Alexandria’s tragic fall, Princess Selene is taken from Egypt, the only home she’s ever known. Along with her two surviving brothers, she’s put on display as a war trophy in Rome. Selene’s captors mock her royalty and drag her through the streets in chains, but on the brink of death, the children are spared as a favor to the emperor’s sister, who takes them to live as hostages in the so-called lamentable embassy of royal orphans…
Now trapped in a Roman court of intrigue that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, Selene can’t hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her flesh. Nor can she stop the emperor from using her for his own political ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined honor her mother’s lost legacy. The magic of Egypt and Isis remain within her. But can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win or die?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble (Nook) | Kobo | iTunes

Check out this great deal! And thanks for reading!
Laura