Dana Delamar's Blog, page 17
August 26, 2013
MALAVITA is FREE August 26th - 28th!
Hi everyone! I'm very pleased to announce that Malavita (Blood and Honor Prequel) is FREE on Amazon August 26th - 28th! Download your copy now and tell your friends!
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Praise for Malavita
"I just love Dana's writing, the plot is very well thought out, fast paced and full of action, and as I've said before with her work, every word is relevant. The story has everything, romance, revenge, 'blood', 'honor', suspense, action, you name it this book covers it. Dana Delamar is definitely an author to watch." - Lindsay and Jane's Views and Reviews blog
"...once I got started with Malavita, I could not, would not put it down. The storyline is captivating from the beginning.... Not only do you have a fantastic love story, but the Mob is involved...I felt dirty (in a good way) just reading it. Written expertly. Exciting, fun, action, suspense, love, honor, loyalty....just fantastic!!" - Liz Cabrejos, Amazon reader
What's it about?
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace.
Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Praise for Malavita
"I just love Dana's writing, the plot is very well thought out, fast paced and full of action, and as I've said before with her work, every word is relevant. The story has everything, romance, revenge, 'blood', 'honor', suspense, action, you name it this book covers it. Dana Delamar is definitely an author to watch." - Lindsay and Jane's Views and Reviews blog
"...once I got started with Malavita, I could not, would not put it down. The storyline is captivating from the beginning.... Not only do you have a fantastic love story, but the Mob is involved...I felt dirty (in a good way) just reading it. Written expertly. Exciting, fun, action, suspense, love, honor, loyalty....just fantastic!!" - Liz Cabrejos, Amazon reader
What's it about?
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace.
Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
August 2, 2013
Win Books and a $150 Gift Card at the Hot August Nights Reads Giveaway Event (August 2-4, 2013)
Welcome to the Hot August Nights Reads Giveaway Event (August 2 - 4, 2013)!
Summer, beach, a great book. What could be better? We are over 40 authors who are giving away a ton of great ebooks and prizes. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Hot August Nights Reads Giveaway Event
Have you joined our event on FaceBook yet? Please take a moment to do so and invite your friends. We are using the event page to highlight the books that are being given away on our blogs. We're also having some games you can play to earn additional entries in the giveaways. Come on over so you don't miss out on anything!
Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/584686211573614/
Book Prizes
We have almost 50 ebooks to give to our readers! You can win one of these eight wonderful ebooks, right here on my blog.
PRECIOUS EMBRACE by Dana MasonA second divorce and a new baby wasn’t the vision Alison Hayes had for her future. Now a single mother with two young boys, she wants to focus on her kids and what’s left of her stagnant career.When Detective Johnny Rhay Bennett breezes into her life with his country-boy accent, she wants to run. She doesn’t need another man in her life, or another reason to make people talk. But when her worst nightmare becomes a reality, Johnny is the only person who can pull Ali out of her despair, forcing her to stay strong and not give up hope of finding her missing child.
Who falls in love after a one-night stand? Johnny Rhay doesn’t believe it’s possible until it happens to him. With Nashville in his rear-view mirror, he’s determined to convince Alison she loves him too, even if it means moving to the West Coast.
Ali’s not easy, and she’s living on just this side of bitter after her divorce, but Johnny doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge. At least, he believes he’s up for it until baby Micah is stolen right out from under his nose. Now Johnny has to keep it together and get that sweet little boy home safe before his dreams of having a family vanish too.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Sapphire Star Publishing Author page | Goodreads Author Page
PORTRAIT OF OUR MARRIAGE by Martha Emms Memoirs of Love, Family, the Internet, and Obsession ~
Nicky's life had changed incredibly since she met Brett. Handsome, athletic, sexy, and simply amazing, he was the man of her dreams. After a whirlwind romance, adventures, and an incredible wedding, Nicky's life was finally on her own terms. She had overcome the harsh strictness of an oppressive upbringing and was on the road to truly knowing herself. Passion, sex, fun, love, marriage, and family, life was good UNTIL Brett's casual interest in pornography becomes an obsession that affects their life.
The book to read, deals with the addiction of our time. Often hidden, denied, and rarely discussed, porn addiction affects many couples today.
How does a woman deal with this issue? Is it her fault? What will people say? Who can she talk to? What should she do? What would you do?
Portrait of Our Marriage is a fictional memoir that was inspired by an episode from The Oprah Winfrey Show, dreams, research, and very personal information shared by 8 women who were living with and facing this issue.
A roller coaster ride of emotions. A blatantly realistic read of what goes on behind closed doors.
Sexy★Romantic but not a romance novel★Dark★Psychological Drama★This is no fairy tale!
Amazon US | Amazon print | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | KOBO
Twitter | Pinterest | Author FB Page | BLOG | FB Book Page | Amazon Author page | Goodreads
THE UNSEEN PROMISE by Ellen Mae FranklinThe Unseen Promise marks the struggle between god and man, magic and infinite evil. Wild Magic floods a world on the brink of chaos. Even on a good day, life on Tarkennia can be tenuous.
Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Sony
Twitter | Website | Blog | Facebook
STRIPPED BARE by Susan Mac Nicol Matthew Langer hadn't been looking for a relationship. In fact, he'd been avoiding it altogether. But when he meets the sexy escort and master hacker Shane Templar, his personal firewall is breached beyond repair.
One reviewer said ‘Bloody hell that was one sexy raunchy read and I loved every moment between
Shane and Matthew, good and bad, and I have fallen in love with them both.’
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA
Website | Publisher site | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook book page | Pinterest | LinkedIn | Blog | Amazon Author Page US | Amazon Author Page UK | Goodreads
THE MISTAKEN by Nancy S ThompsonTyler Karras wants only two things: to avenge his wife’s death and free his brother from the Russian Mafia. When one provides means for the other, he jumps on the opportunity, pledging the woman who destroyed his family as payment for his brother’s debt. But when Ty mistakenly targets the wrong woman, he’s forced to protect them all from the very enemy’s he’s unleashed, because with the Russian Mafia, even two out of three makes for very long odds.
Nook | US Kindle | US Paperback | Canada Kindle | UK Kindle
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
THE BREVITY OF ROSES by Linda Cassidy LewisJalal Vaziri has looks, money, women—and a habit of running from reality. When he abandons Wall Street and reinvents himself as a poet in a California beach house, he’s convinced he’s only running from a father who hates him, a career mistake, and endless partying. A fresh start is all he needs. Then Meredith, an intriguing older woman enters his life, and he believes all his dreams are coming true. But too soon those dreams dissolve into nightmare. Jalal flees again. He’s nearing the point of no return when the young and feisty Renee blocks his retreat and challenges him to finally face the truth about what he’s trying to outrun.
In The Brevity of Roses, a contemporary tale of love, loss, and redemption, a desperate man discovers his salvation lies in an unlikely source.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA Website | Facebook fan page | Twitter | Amazon author page | Goodreads | Pinterest
FINDING THE RAINBOW OVER LAND AND SEA by Irene KuehFinding The Rainbow Over Land And Sea is the third book in our Land And Sea (with Lane and Shelby) series.
In this picture book, Lane and Shelby will be introduced and they are the main characters. It all started when Lane and Shelby wake up and find out that the rainbow is gone. They search over land and sea and find one color of the rainbow at a time in a different location. In the end, when all seven colors are collected, the rainbow comes back and everyone is happy especially Lane and Shelby.
Amazon US
CURBCHEK SECOND EDITION by Zach FortierCurbchek is the story of a damaged cop, Zach Fortier. Fortier worked in the police department for the city where he grew up. One foot in the world of the cops, courts and legal system. The other in the world of gangs, drugs, thugs and street violence. Where the laws and rules are made by the strongest, the schemers and most brutal. Read about the transformation of Fortier from a green rookie to a damaged paranoid veteran seeing danger in every situation. Follow along as he walks this tightrope. Trying to make difference, breaking the laws he promised to enforce. This is a story of law and order uncensored.
Amazon US
Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
Here's how it works : There are six of us who are featuring the giveaway books on our blogs. The books will be won individually so your chances of winning are very high. Be sure to go to all six blogs to maximize your odds.
To enter: Fill out the Rafflecopter below. The more actions you do, the more entries you get!
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Grand Prize
Now for the grand prize. We are also giving away a $150 Amazon gift card!
To enter: Fill out the Rafflecopter below. Complete as many of the actions as you can to increase your odds of winning!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What Now?
For more great ebooks to win, please return to the Hot August Nights Reads Giveaway Event page. We'll be highlighting more ebooks and the blogs where you can go to win them.
Thanks for joining us!
Dana
July 30, 2013
EVERYTHING BARED Release Day: Come meet Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor! (Giveaway)
(Giveaway information later in this post)
Hi everyone. I’m Kristine Cayne, the author of the Six-Alarm Sexy series. SeattleZine recently named William Caldwell IV Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor, and I thought you'd enjoy their exclusive interview with him, which takes place just before the events in Everything Bared. I hope you enjoy this insight into what makes William tick.
Seattle’s Most Eligible Bachelor: William Caldwell IV!
Vital StatsAge: 30Height: 6’ 1”Weight: 200 pounds
Astrological sign: LibraCurrent position: Chief Financial Officer, Caldwell Fine Furnishings
William Caldwell IV, CFO of Caldwell Fine Furnishings, tops our list of Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelors this year. This is his second year appearing on our list, and given his popularity, this may be the last year he qualifies for it!
This handsome, very eligible, bachelor is next in line for the CEO position at CFF. He’s a popular fixture among the who’s who of Seattle, and always has a beautiful woman on his arm, but so far none of them has captured the ultimate prize: William Caldwell’s heart. Let’s find out what makes Seattle’s Most Eligible Bachelor tick.
SZ: You’ll soon be CEO of Caldwell Fine Furnishings, the Northwest’s premier maker of custom-design furniture. What are your plans for the company?
WC: In the past decades, the focus of the company has been on our unique, award-winning designs. My goal is to bring these designs to more people by broadening our sales base. I want the Caldwell name to be as well-known in furniture design as Gucci is in fashion.
SZ: So where do you see yourself personally in five years?
WC: I plan to no longer be eligible for this list! *laughs* I see myself married with at least one child on the way, living in a family friendly neighborhood here in Seattle. I’m thinking a four-bedroom Craftsman with a view of the water.
SZ: Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out! So tell us more about your dream woman. What’s she like?
WC: I’m looking for a strong woman who can back me in my professional life, as well as my personal life. An equal partner who shares similar priorities and interests. And of course she’s got to want to have a family. I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to children; I’d love to have mine raised by us, not primarily by nannies.
SZ: You’ve had quite the string of socialites on your arm these past few years. Is there any particular one you have your eye on?
WC: I’ve whittled the selection down to a short list of candidates.
SZ: Sounds like they’re applying for a job!
WC: *blushes* That came out all wrong. I’m not quite so mercenary. But I do have a clear picture of what I’m looking for. Let’s be honest. Whoever I marry will be in the spotlight, so she has to be someone who will reflect well on me and my family, and who also will be an asset to me as CEO. So she’s got to be strong-willed and able to handle the role. She’s also got to enjoy entertaining and traveling, and be independent enough to run the family, as I’ll often be away on business.
SZ: Hmm... That sounds a bit like a 1950's view of what a wife should be. Is that really what you want?
WC: It’s what I need.
SZ: So let’s take away the business side of your life, and suppose you could have any type of woman you want. How does the picture change?
WC: If I could have the best of both worlds, I’d love a sassy, adventurous woman who’s strong and afraid of nothing.
SZ: Let’s get more specific. What turns you on?
WC: *blushes again* Oh, all the wrong things.
SZ: For example?
WC: Well, I do love a woman in uniform.
SZ: What kind of uniform? Police, military, nurse, flight attendant? I hope you don’t mean a school uniform!
WC: *snorts with laughter* Certainly not. I like my women legal.
SZ: You haven’t answered the question.
WC: *grins* I’m aware of that.
SZ: Your brothers are firefighters. Perhaps you have your eye on one of their female colleagues?
WC: If I did—and I’m not saying I do—I wouldn’t pursue her. We’d both just end up hurt.
SZ: You look a little sad about that.
WC: I’ve been entrusted with a lot of responsibility, and I’m determined to live up to it. I’m sure I can find someone suitable who will make me happy and who I’ll make happy in return.
SZ: Judging by our photo shoot, I think you could make any woman happy. So here you have it, ladies: Send in your applications now!
The release day for Everything Bared has finally arrived. Welcome to the celebration! Be sure to read all the way through to win some great prizes!
Available Now!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
Everything Bared is the story of Dani Harris, a firefighter on Jamie Caldwell's technical rescue team, and William Caldwell, Jamie's younger brother. Both Dani and William appear in the earlier books in the series, and the tension between this oil-and-water pair sizzles from the start.
DescriptionTwo polar opposites—she’s kinky, he’s uptight—discover they share a taboo desire that may destroy both their futures.
Firefighter Dani Harris has always wanted a family, but doesn’t think it’s possible because of her demanding, high-stakes career. Her sex life is as high-adrenaline as her job, and that’s just one more thing that makes her unsuitable to be a wife and mother. Her secret kink—exhibitionism—has gotten in the way of more than one relationship. Will she ever find a man who not only shares her wild fantasies, but loves her for them?
Burdened with ensuring the success of the struggling family business, William Caldwell IV needs a wife suited for a CEO—one with money and connections, who can manage his busy social life and raise their 2.5 children. He’s got everything all mapped out, but when he meets Dani, a woman who’s nothing but every kind of wrong, she taps into desires he’s only half-recognized and long-suppressed. Suddenly his carefully crafted five-year plan feels as confining as a straightjacket.
As Dani and Will’s sexual experimentation escalates, they test the limits of polite society by baring all and risking exposure—an exposure that could cost them their reputations and careers.
Contest
Because Kristine loves her readers and because she is thrilled to be releasing Everything Bared, she's giving away two prizes!
1) One Six-Alarm Sexy T-shirt designed by the incredible Laron at Ninth Moon (http://www.ninthmoon.com)
2) One Under His Command custom-made bookmark created by Swagmaster Designs
Would you like to win one of these celebration prizes? If so, fill out the rafflecopter below to enter. Contest ends Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific time.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Other Books in the Six-Alarm Sexy Series
Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)
When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)
Firefighter Jamie Caldwell is desperate to save his failing marriage earn the trust—and the sexual submission—of his controlling wife in the most pleasurable of ways.
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Or Get Both Together!
Six-Alarm Sexy, Volume One
For the first time ever, enjoy Aftershocks, the prequel, and Under His Command, the first book of Kristine Cayne’s award-winning firefighter erotic romance series, in one convenient volume. And at a discounted price!
Available from: Amazon | Amazon Print | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | B&N | Kobo
Thank you all for coming out and joining us in celebrating the release of Everything Bared. Best of luck to everyone who is participating in the giveaway!
Hi everyone. I’m Kristine Cayne, the author of the Six-Alarm Sexy series. SeattleZine recently named William Caldwell IV Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelor, and I thought you'd enjoy their exclusive interview with him, which takes place just before the events in Everything Bared. I hope you enjoy this insight into what makes William tick.
Seattle’s Most Eligible Bachelor: William Caldwell IV!
Vital StatsAge: 30Height: 6’ 1”Weight: 200 poundsAstrological sign: LibraCurrent position: Chief Financial Officer, Caldwell Fine Furnishings
William Caldwell IV, CFO of Caldwell Fine Furnishings, tops our list of Seattle's Most Eligible Bachelors this year. This is his second year appearing on our list, and given his popularity, this may be the last year he qualifies for it!
This handsome, very eligible, bachelor is next in line for the CEO position at CFF. He’s a popular fixture among the who’s who of Seattle, and always has a beautiful woman on his arm, but so far none of them has captured the ultimate prize: William Caldwell’s heart. Let’s find out what makes Seattle’s Most Eligible Bachelor tick.
SZ: You’ll soon be CEO of Caldwell Fine Furnishings, the Northwest’s premier maker of custom-design furniture. What are your plans for the company?
WC: In the past decades, the focus of the company has been on our unique, award-winning designs. My goal is to bring these designs to more people by broadening our sales base. I want the Caldwell name to be as well-known in furniture design as Gucci is in fashion.
SZ: So where do you see yourself personally in five years?
WC: I plan to no longer be eligible for this list! *laughs* I see myself married with at least one child on the way, living in a family friendly neighborhood here in Seattle. I’m thinking a four-bedroom Craftsman with a view of the water.
SZ: Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out! So tell us more about your dream woman. What’s she like?
WC: I’m looking for a strong woman who can back me in my professional life, as well as my personal life. An equal partner who shares similar priorities and interests. And of course she’s got to want to have a family. I’m a little old-fashioned when it comes to children; I’d love to have mine raised by us, not primarily by nannies.
SZ: You’ve had quite the string of socialites on your arm these past few years. Is there any particular one you have your eye on?
WC: I’ve whittled the selection down to a short list of candidates.
SZ: Sounds like they’re applying for a job!
WC: *blushes* That came out all wrong. I’m not quite so mercenary. But I do have a clear picture of what I’m looking for. Let’s be honest. Whoever I marry will be in the spotlight, so she has to be someone who will reflect well on me and my family, and who also will be an asset to me as CEO. So she’s got to be strong-willed and able to handle the role. She’s also got to enjoy entertaining and traveling, and be independent enough to run the family, as I’ll often be away on business.
SZ: Hmm... That sounds a bit like a 1950's view of what a wife should be. Is that really what you want?
WC: It’s what I need.
SZ: So let’s take away the business side of your life, and suppose you could have any type of woman you want. How does the picture change?
WC: If I could have the best of both worlds, I’d love a sassy, adventurous woman who’s strong and afraid of nothing.
SZ: Let’s get more specific. What turns you on?
WC: *blushes again* Oh, all the wrong things.
SZ: For example?
WC: Well, I do love a woman in uniform.
SZ: What kind of uniform? Police, military, nurse, flight attendant? I hope you don’t mean a school uniform!
WC: *snorts with laughter* Certainly not. I like my women legal.
SZ: You haven’t answered the question.
WC: *grins* I’m aware of that.
SZ: Your brothers are firefighters. Perhaps you have your eye on one of their female colleagues?
WC: If I did—and I’m not saying I do—I wouldn’t pursue her. We’d both just end up hurt.
SZ: You look a little sad about that.
WC: I’ve been entrusted with a lot of responsibility, and I’m determined to live up to it. I’m sure I can find someone suitable who will make me happy and who I’ll make happy in return.
SZ: Judging by our photo shoot, I think you could make any woman happy. So here you have it, ladies: Send in your applications now!
The release day for Everything Bared has finally arrived. Welcome to the celebration! Be sure to read all the way through to win some great prizes!
Available Now!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
Everything Bared is the story of Dani Harris, a firefighter on Jamie Caldwell's technical rescue team, and William Caldwell, Jamie's younger brother. Both Dani and William appear in the earlier books in the series, and the tension between this oil-and-water pair sizzles from the start.
DescriptionTwo polar opposites—she’s kinky, he’s uptight—discover they share a taboo desire that may destroy both their futures.
Firefighter Dani Harris has always wanted a family, but doesn’t think it’s possible because of her demanding, high-stakes career. Her sex life is as high-adrenaline as her job, and that’s just one more thing that makes her unsuitable to be a wife and mother. Her secret kink—exhibitionism—has gotten in the way of more than one relationship. Will she ever find a man who not only shares her wild fantasies, but loves her for them?
Burdened with ensuring the success of the struggling family business, William Caldwell IV needs a wife suited for a CEO—one with money and connections, who can manage his busy social life and raise their 2.5 children. He’s got everything all mapped out, but when he meets Dani, a woman who’s nothing but every kind of wrong, she taps into desires he’s only half-recognized and long-suppressed. Suddenly his carefully crafted five-year plan feels as confining as a straightjacket.
As Dani and Will’s sexual experimentation escalates, they test the limits of polite society by baring all and risking exposure—an exposure that could cost them their reputations and careers.
Contest
Because Kristine loves her readers and because she is thrilled to be releasing Everything Bared, she's giving away two prizes!
1) One Six-Alarm Sexy T-shirt designed by the incredible Laron at Ninth Moon (http://www.ninthmoon.com)
2) One Under His Command custom-made bookmark created by Swagmaster Designs
Would you like to win one of these celebration prizes? If so, fill out the rafflecopter below to enter. Contest ends Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific time.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Other Books in the Six-Alarm Sexy Series
Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)
When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)
Firefighter Jamie Caldwell is desperate to save his failing marriage earn the trust—and the sexual submission—of his controlling wife in the most pleasurable of ways.
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Or Get Both Together!
Six-Alarm Sexy, Volume One
For the first time ever, enjoy Aftershocks, the prequel, and Under His Command, the first book of Kristine Cayne’s award-winning firefighter erotic romance series, in one convenient volume. And at a discounted price!
Available from: Amazon | Amazon Print | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | B&N | Kobo
Thank you all for coming out and joining us in celebrating the release of Everything Bared. Best of luck to everyone who is participating in the giveaway!
July 9, 2013
COVER REVEAL and GIVEAWAY: Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book Two) by Kristine Cayne
COVER REVEAL: Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book Two)by Kristine Cayne
Hello, everyone! The time has finally come for the cover reveal of Everything Bared, book two in Kristine Cayne's award-winning Six-Alarm Sexy series. Kristine hopes to have this new book out by the end of July. Without further ado, here it is—the cover of Everything Bared!
This beautiful cover was designed by Judi Fennell at www.formatting4U.com, using an image from Jenn LeBlanc at Illlustrated Romance (http://jennleblanc.photoshelter.com/).
Everything Bared is the story of Dani Harris, a firefighter on Jamie Caldwell's technical rescue team, and William Caldwell, Jamie's younger brother. Both Dani and William appear in the earlier books in the series, and the tension between this oil-and-water pair sizzles from the start.
Description
Two polar opposites—she’s kinky, he’s uptight—discover they share a taboo desire that may destroy both their futures.
Firefighter Dani Harris has always wanted a family, but doesn’t think it’s possible because of her demanding, high-stakes career. Her sex life is as high-adrenaline as her job, and that’s just one more thing that makes her unsuitable to be a wife and mother. Her secret kink—exhibitionism—has gotten in the way of more than one relationship. Will she ever find a man who not only shares her wild fantasies, but loves her for them?
Burdened with ensuring the success of the struggling family business, William Caldwell IV needs a wife suited for a CEO—one with money and connections, who can manage his busy social life and raise their 2.5 children. He’s got everything all mapped out, but when he meets Dani, a woman who’s nothing but every kind of wrong, she taps into desires he’s only half-recognized and long-suppressed. Suddenly his carefully crafted five-year plan feels as confining as a straightjacket.
As Dani and Will’s sexual experimentation escalates, they test the limits of polite society by baring all and risking exposure—an exposure that could cost them their reputations and careers.
Contest
Great news! The incredible Laron at Ninth Moon (http://www.ninthmoon.com) designed this gorgeous Six-Alarm Sexy T-shirt.
Would you like to have one? If so, fill out the rafflecopter below to enter. Contest ends Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific time.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Other Books in the Six-Alarm Sexy Series
Very soon, Aftershocks and Under His Command will be released in a brand new bundle: Six-Alarm Sexy, Volume One. It will be available in ebook and print. Stay tuned. This should happen any minute!
Also by Kristine Cayne
Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)Firefighter Jamie Caldwell is desperate to save his failing marriage earn the trust—and the sexual submission—of his controlling wife in the most pleasurable of ways.
Available from: Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords
Thank you all for coming out and joining us in celebrating the cover reveal of Everything Bared. Best of luck to everyone who is participating in the giveaway!
MALAVITA is FREE July 9-10th!
Hi everyone! I'm very pleased to announce that Malavita (Blood and Honor Prequel) is FREE on Amazon July 9th-10th! Download your copy now and tell your friends!
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Praise for Malavita
"I just love Dana's writing, the plot is very well thought out, fast paced and full of action, and as I've said before with her work, every word is relevant. The story has everything, romance, revenge, 'blood', 'honor', suspense, action, you name it this book covers it. Dana Delamar is definitely an author to watch." - Lindsay and Jane's Views and Reviews blog
"...once i got started with Malavita, I could not, would not put it down. The storyline is captivating from the beginning.... Not only do you have a fantastic love story, but the Mob is involved...I felt dirty (in a good way) just reading it. Written expertly. Exciting, fun, action, suspense, love, honor, loyalty....just fantastic!!" - Liz Cabrejos, Amazon reader
What's it about?
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace.
Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
Praise for Malavita
"I just love Dana's writing, the plot is very well thought out, fast paced and full of action, and as I've said before with her work, every word is relevant. The story has everything, romance, revenge, 'blood', 'honor', suspense, action, you name it this book covers it. Dana Delamar is definitely an author to watch." - Lindsay and Jane's Views and Reviews blog
"...once i got started with Malavita, I could not, would not put it down. The storyline is captivating from the beginning.... Not only do you have a fantastic love story, but the Mob is involved...I felt dirty (in a good way) just reading it. Written expertly. Exciting, fun, action, suspense, love, honor, loyalty....just fantastic!!" - Liz Cabrejos, Amazon reader
What's it about?
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace.
Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle DE | Kindle FR | Kindle ES | Kindle IT | Kindle JP| Kindle IN | Kindle BR
July 4, 2013
RETRIBUTION is a semifinalist for the 2013 Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Book Awards!
I'm excited to announce that Retribution is a semifinalist in the Romance category of The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards! http://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2013-book-awards/
To celebrate, Retribution is on sale now for 3.99/£2.50 (regularly $4.99)!
Amazon US (Kindle) | Amazon UK (Kindle) | Amazon CA (Kindle) | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Barnes & Noble (UK) | Kobo | OmniLit | Smashwords
June 27, 2013
Guest Post: Natalie Owens and Zee Monodee: Do Mash-Ups Work?
Today I have the pleasure of hosting my friends Natalie Owens and Zee Monodee. These two creative and hard-working writers tell us about the creation of their new series, "The Eternelles," and what happens when you put a bunch of supernatural creatures together.
Take it away, Natalie & Zee!
Do mash-ups work?
The Eternelles series follows the adventures of two immortal women who find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that will ultimately destroy their world. The nucleus of the supernatural world is the town of Shadow Bridge, where all kinds of otherworldly creatures co-exist. In book one, INESCAPABLE, we introduced the myriad characters—witches, fae, werewolves, vampires/vampyres (two different factions of this race), demons, soul stealers, Greek and Egyptian gods. And of course, there are the protagonists, Sera and Adri—the first, the product of phoenix and gypsy blood, the second, the daughter of Dionysios, Greek god of wine and revelry, and a maenad. The men in their lives also have different origins, and this in itself complicates matters. This list of sups is by no means exhaustive, and we’ll be introducing more as the series continues.
One could say that reading about so many types of creatures in one book would induce a splitting headache, right? Information overload? We didn’t think so.
The key for us was to do a slow and gentle reveal of the lay of the land and the people inhabiting it. Our world-building isn’t thoroughly put in place in the beginning, but with each chapter comes a new revelation, a fresh and clear perspective, always from the eyes of Adri and Sera. Over the course of this series, the reader will know the town of Shadow Bridge like the back of their hand.
Every supernatural race in Eternelles has its role and function. Territories exist for each of them—like Besom Forest for the witches, and an Amish-type community for the fae. The vamps own the nightclubs, while the werewolves are naturally macho and have great investigative skills—perfect fit for the Shadow Bridge police. Greek gods have a definite role in the plot, while other characters, such as demons and soul stealers, appear to stir things quite a bit.
A mash-up of myths and species works here because Shadow Bridge is what one could describe as a global village in the supernatural world. The TV series “Supernatural” and “Charmed” inspired us to a great degree. In these shows, mash-ups are a given, and we wanted that same vibe for Eternelles. Every thread is weaved into the story in a way that doesn’t leave the reader confused—we worked really hard on making the complex both simple and exciting, with readers in mind. Hopefully, we’ve achieved our goal and welcome feedback from all readers.
Thank you so much, Dana, for the opportunity to talk about our new series!
***
Intrigued? Here’s a sneak peak into INESCAPABLE, the first in the Eternelles series:
An immortal born from an unlikely alliance...
Beautiful mythic Greek heiress Adrasteia "Adri" Dionysios has roamed the world for millennia, taking her pleasure where she wanted. Until one night, when Fate drops a baby wrapped in fire into her arms. Motherhood is a formidable challenge, but so is figuring out the identity of a mystery man who makes her pulse race.
A vampyre’s obsession…
Seraphine "Sera" Dionysios' origins are shrouded in mystery. Torn between a mother whose blood saved her life, and a man who now possesses her soul, the only thing Sera can still cling to is her heart.
One rule matters above all others: Always protect the portal…
When Evil comes to Adri and Sera’s hometown of Shadow Bridge, a place where the mortal human world ends and the supernatural realm starts, it’s up to them to stop a prophecy as old as time itself...or die trying.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iBookstore | Goodreads
The two short prequels to this series, ADRASTEIA and SERAPHINE, are also available now from all major online retailers. Both are free everywhere except on Amazon. Other channels coming soon.
ADRASTEIA:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes US | iTunes UK | Kobo | Smashwords
SERAPHINE:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes US | iTunes UK | Kobo | Smashwords
About the authors:
Zee Monodee
Author, smitten wife, in-over-her-head mum to a tween boy, best-buddy stepmum to a teenage lad, bookaholic, incompetent housewife desperate to channel Bree van de Kamp & Nigella Lawson (and failing miserably!)... Zee hails from the multicultural, rainbow-nation island of Mauritius, in the southern Indian Ocean. Shamelessly addicted to Supernatural, Glee, and Gossip Girl, she did put her brain to good use by getting a degree in Communications Science. Romance remains her big love, though, and she likes nothing more than writing strong, kick-arse heroines. Find out more about Zee and her work at http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com.
Natalie G. Owens
Pink velvet and black lace. Light and darkness. A world of contrasts exists in Natalie’s stories because every rose has its thorn. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy. Married, with one son, she now calls the beautiful island of Malta home after eleven good years in Atlanta, GA. When she’s not working or writing—or muttering to herself about it like a batty old maid—she enjoys spending time with family and friends (both online and offline), reading, cooking, watching a good movie, taking trips, and ogling shoe store displays. Find out more about Natalie and her work at http://www.nataliegowens.com.
Take it away, Natalie & Zee!
Do mash-ups work?
The Eternelles series follows the adventures of two immortal women who find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that will ultimately destroy their world. The nucleus of the supernatural world is the town of Shadow Bridge, where all kinds of otherworldly creatures co-exist. In book one, INESCAPABLE, we introduced the myriad characters—witches, fae, werewolves, vampires/vampyres (two different factions of this race), demons, soul stealers, Greek and Egyptian gods. And of course, there are the protagonists, Sera and Adri—the first, the product of phoenix and gypsy blood, the second, the daughter of Dionysios, Greek god of wine and revelry, and a maenad. The men in their lives also have different origins, and this in itself complicates matters. This list of sups is by no means exhaustive, and we’ll be introducing more as the series continues.
One could say that reading about so many types of creatures in one book would induce a splitting headache, right? Information overload? We didn’t think so.
The key for us was to do a slow and gentle reveal of the lay of the land and the people inhabiting it. Our world-building isn’t thoroughly put in place in the beginning, but with each chapter comes a new revelation, a fresh and clear perspective, always from the eyes of Adri and Sera. Over the course of this series, the reader will know the town of Shadow Bridge like the back of their hand.
Every supernatural race in Eternelles has its role and function. Territories exist for each of them—like Besom Forest for the witches, and an Amish-type community for the fae. The vamps own the nightclubs, while the werewolves are naturally macho and have great investigative skills—perfect fit for the Shadow Bridge police. Greek gods have a definite role in the plot, while other characters, such as demons and soul stealers, appear to stir things quite a bit.
A mash-up of myths and species works here because Shadow Bridge is what one could describe as a global village in the supernatural world. The TV series “Supernatural” and “Charmed” inspired us to a great degree. In these shows, mash-ups are a given, and we wanted that same vibe for Eternelles. Every thread is weaved into the story in a way that doesn’t leave the reader confused—we worked really hard on making the complex both simple and exciting, with readers in mind. Hopefully, we’ve achieved our goal and welcome feedback from all readers.
Thank you so much, Dana, for the opportunity to talk about our new series!
***
Intrigued? Here’s a sneak peak into INESCAPABLE, the first in the Eternelles series:
.jpg)
An immortal born from an unlikely alliance...
Beautiful mythic Greek heiress Adrasteia "Adri" Dionysios has roamed the world for millennia, taking her pleasure where she wanted. Until one night, when Fate drops a baby wrapped in fire into her arms. Motherhood is a formidable challenge, but so is figuring out the identity of a mystery man who makes her pulse race.
A vampyre’s obsession…
Seraphine "Sera" Dionysios' origins are shrouded in mystery. Torn between a mother whose blood saved her life, and a man who now possesses her soul, the only thing Sera can still cling to is her heart.
One rule matters above all others: Always protect the portal…
When Evil comes to Adri and Sera’s hometown of Shadow Bridge, a place where the mortal human world ends and the supernatural realm starts, it’s up to them to stop a prophecy as old as time itself...or die trying.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iBookstore | Goodreads
The two short prequels to this series, ADRASTEIA and SERAPHINE, are also available now from all major online retailers. Both are free everywhere except on Amazon. Other channels coming soon.
ADRASTEIA:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes US | iTunes UK | Kobo | Smashwords
SERAPHINE:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes US | iTunes UK | Kobo | Smashwords
About the authors:
Zee Monodee
Author, smitten wife, in-over-her-head mum to a tween boy, best-buddy stepmum to a teenage lad, bookaholic, incompetent housewife desperate to channel Bree van de Kamp & Nigella Lawson (and failing miserably!)... Zee hails from the multicultural, rainbow-nation island of Mauritius, in the southern Indian Ocean. Shamelessly addicted to Supernatural, Glee, and Gossip Girl, she did put her brain to good use by getting a degree in Communications Science. Romance remains her big love, though, and she likes nothing more than writing strong, kick-arse heroines. Find out more about Zee and her work at http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com.
Natalie G. Owens
Pink velvet and black lace. Light and darkness. A world of contrasts exists in Natalie’s stories because every rose has its thorn. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy. Married, with one son, she now calls the beautiful island of Malta home after eleven good years in Atlanta, GA. When she’s not working or writing—or muttering to herself about it like a batty old maid—she enjoys spending time with family and friends (both online and offline), reading, cooking, watching a good movie, taking trips, and ogling shoe store displays. Find out more about Natalie and her work at http://www.nataliegowens.com.
June 25, 2013
My favorite books of 2013 (so far)
Last December, I shared my favorite books of 2012. Since I love sharing great reads with other people, here are my favorite books of 2013 so far. (Note that these are books I've read in 2013--that doesn't mean they're all new books, only that I've just now discovered them.)
If you read last December's post, you'll know that my hands-down favorite of the year was Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. The next in her series, Bring Up the Bodies, will most likely top my 2013 list as well--and I say that knowing the year is only half over!
Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel - Amazing follow-up to Wolf Hall. We all know the story of how Anne Boelyn came to grief, but somehow Mantel makes it fresh and exciting. She's a master at sketching a character through a few choice words. Cromwell remains a fascinating character; we're in his head the entire time, and yet somehow he's still a bit of an enigma, managing to hide essential bits of his character for long stretches, so that we're continually surprised and riveted by this man and what drives him. Ever pragmatic, ever clever, ever resourceful, Cromwell is also determined to better the lot of the poorer classes, while profiting handsomely from the foibles of the rich. He bends to suit the shifting winds, and yet he steadfastly plots in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to take revenge on those who've wronged him or those he loves. I can't wait for the final book!
I was a huge Stephen King fan as a teenager, and I dip back into horror from time to time when I want a change. One of the best I've read so far this year is Jack Kilborn's Afraid.
Afraid, Jack Kilborn - Super, super creepy story! I don't want to say much about the plot for fear of spoiling it (you kind of think you know what's it about, but you don't, not really, for a long time). I very much liked the main characters and rooted for them along the way; I even teared up near the end. And the bad guys are truly frightening. This story doesn't let you feel safe for even a minute; anything can (and will) happen.
A word of warning if you have a weak stomach; there's gore galore in this story, though the author does leave some of the worst stuff to your imagination (which is maybe worse). Very well done, and I highly recommend it to horror fans. I read this story all in one go; I couldn't put it down, even though I had pressing things to do.
My favorite in historical romance so far this year is Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle. She writes historical romance like no one else!
Forever a Lord, Delilah Marvelle - My favorite of the Rumor series! Nathaniel is a great hero--tortured, complex, and with his heart in the right place--and Imogene is a very relatable heroine. I also had fun learning more about bare knuckle boxing, which I knew nothing about. Once again, Ms. Marvelle treats us to a unique storyline and locations. I love her historicals because she manages to come up with fresh and interesting facets of history to explore. Looking forward to Ms. Marvelle's next series!
In paranormal romance, my favorite so far this year is Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones. The Charley Davidson series has rapidly become one of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Third Grave Dead Ahead, Darynda Jones - Wow, wow, wow. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one was even better. Charley and Reyes are quite the pair--scorching hot together, but oh, what a mess! I don't want to say much for fear of spoiling the story, but I will say one of my favorite things about this book is that it holds out some hope for Charley and Reyes maybe, possibly, having a future together one day... at the same time that it lets us know that future is very much in jeopardy. And did I mention this book is laugh-out-loud funny?
Somehow, I went on a bit of a gigolo romance kick (started by Showtime's Gigolos series--don't ask!). Here are three I enjoyed:
Escorted, Claire Kent - This book was a total page-turner for me, and I finished it in two days. The premise drew me in, but it was the characters that nailed it. Lori is interesting enough--she's a famous romance author, and yet almost utterly clueless about men and sex--but Ander, the male escort she hires, is something else altogether. He's an enigma for much of the book, with the sort of tortured back story that I love. The more we learn about him, the more fascinating he becomes. I like that the author didn't go all "Pretty Woman" with the story and instead made it relatively realistic.
My Gigolo, Molly Burkhart - I loved this book! The premise is entertaining in itself (concerned sister hires a gigolo for her sister who's been single too long, hoping this will spark the single sister into dating), but the characters and the writing made this book a truly compelling read. The story develops in a fashion I didn't expect, but that comes down to the characters. This isn't one of those books where you can predict every single scene in advance. Sure, you know they'll end up together, but how they get there is hardly clear and certainly not smooth sailing.
Most of all, the writing is compelling. Tight pacing and great character and plot development meant there was never a dull moment, and I could hardly put the book down. I love it when a book makes me late to appointments and makes me blow off errands because I don't want to stop reading. My Gigolo is that kind of read. It's a sexy book to be sure, but it has so much more going for it than just that.
Memoirs of a Gigolo (Vols 1-6), Livia Ellis - If you're looking for quality literary erotica, this is it. Tightly written and with a sexy, cynical, sharp as a tack, honest to a fault narrator in Oliver, the titular gigolo, this story sucks you in, and you won't put it down until you finish.
Volume 7 was just released, and I can't wait to dive into it!
And then a friend of mine got into M/M romance and shared some of her favorites with me. She recommended Aleksandr Voinov, even though what he writes is really best termed "gay erotic fiction," as he likes to call it rather than M/M romance. What he writes is unique, raw, disturbing, and somehow utterly addictive.
Dark Soul: The Complete Collection, Aleksandr Voinov - I'm not sure what to say about this book, other than "Wow." From the first sentence, I was drawn into this dark, disturbing, and amazing (and amazingly well-written) story. I went into it thinking it was M/M romance, but it's not. There is a love story, yes, but it's not a romantic one in the traditional sense. It's a twisted, violent, and raw story of flawed people coming together in a highly charged environment (the Mafia) and learning to love and care for each other. The characters are human, deeply human, and deeply real and imperfect.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. There's violence (including sexual violence) and other behavior that most people would consider immoral or disgusting. And yet, even if I didn't like everything that happened, I was able to understand it and why the characters had done it. Mr. Voinov is truly skilled; he made me empathize with these characters even when their behavior was so far removed from anything I'd ever consider "right."
Was this book perfect? No. Is it for everybody? No. Will I remember it for the rest of my life? Yes. Will I read more by Mr. Voinov? Hell yes. He's an incredible talent, and my hat is off to him.
Yes, I know this is an eclectic list, to say the least! I definitely like to switch it up.
If you want to see more of my recommendations, feel free to friend me on Goodreads.
And now it's your turn: What books have you enjoyed most this year so far?
If you read last December's post, you'll know that my hands-down favorite of the year was Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. The next in her series, Bring Up the Bodies, will most likely top my 2013 list as well--and I say that knowing the year is only half over!
Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel - Amazing follow-up to Wolf Hall. We all know the story of how Anne Boelyn came to grief, but somehow Mantel makes it fresh and exciting. She's a master at sketching a character through a few choice words. Cromwell remains a fascinating character; we're in his head the entire time, and yet somehow he's still a bit of an enigma, managing to hide essential bits of his character for long stretches, so that we're continually surprised and riveted by this man and what drives him. Ever pragmatic, ever clever, ever resourceful, Cromwell is also determined to better the lot of the poorer classes, while profiting handsomely from the foibles of the rich. He bends to suit the shifting winds, and yet he steadfastly plots in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to take revenge on those who've wronged him or those he loves. I can't wait for the final book!I was a huge Stephen King fan as a teenager, and I dip back into horror from time to time when I want a change. One of the best I've read so far this year is Jack Kilborn's Afraid.
Afraid, Jack Kilborn - Super, super creepy story! I don't want to say much about the plot for fear of spoiling it (you kind of think you know what's it about, but you don't, not really, for a long time). I very much liked the main characters and rooted for them along the way; I even teared up near the end. And the bad guys are truly frightening. This story doesn't let you feel safe for even a minute; anything can (and will) happen. A word of warning if you have a weak stomach; there's gore galore in this story, though the author does leave some of the worst stuff to your imagination (which is maybe worse). Very well done, and I highly recommend it to horror fans. I read this story all in one go; I couldn't put it down, even though I had pressing things to do.
My favorite in historical romance so far this year is Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle. She writes historical romance like no one else!
Forever a Lord, Delilah Marvelle - My favorite of the Rumor series! Nathaniel is a great hero--tortured, complex, and with his heart in the right place--and Imogene is a very relatable heroine. I also had fun learning more about bare knuckle boxing, which I knew nothing about. Once again, Ms. Marvelle treats us to a unique storyline and locations. I love her historicals because she manages to come up with fresh and interesting facets of history to explore. Looking forward to Ms. Marvelle's next series! In paranormal romance, my favorite so far this year is Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones. The Charley Davidson series has rapidly become one of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Third Grave Dead Ahead, Darynda Jones - Wow, wow, wow. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one was even better. Charley and Reyes are quite the pair--scorching hot together, but oh, what a mess! I don't want to say much for fear of spoiling the story, but I will say one of my favorite things about this book is that it holds out some hope for Charley and Reyes maybe, possibly, having a future together one day... at the same time that it lets us know that future is very much in jeopardy. And did I mention this book is laugh-out-loud funny? Somehow, I went on a bit of a gigolo romance kick (started by Showtime's Gigolos series--don't ask!). Here are three I enjoyed:
Escorted, Claire Kent - This book was a total page-turner for me, and I finished it in two days. The premise drew me in, but it was the characters that nailed it. Lori is interesting enough--she's a famous romance author, and yet almost utterly clueless about men and sex--but Ander, the male escort she hires, is something else altogether. He's an enigma for much of the book, with the sort of tortured back story that I love. The more we learn about him, the more fascinating he becomes. I like that the author didn't go all "Pretty Woman" with the story and instead made it relatively realistic.
My Gigolo, Molly Burkhart - I loved this book! The premise is entertaining in itself (concerned sister hires a gigolo for her sister who's been single too long, hoping this will spark the single sister into dating), but the characters and the writing made this book a truly compelling read. The story develops in a fashion I didn't expect, but that comes down to the characters. This isn't one of those books where you can predict every single scene in advance. Sure, you know they'll end up together, but how they get there is hardly clear and certainly not smooth sailing. Most of all, the writing is compelling. Tight pacing and great character and plot development meant there was never a dull moment, and I could hardly put the book down. I love it when a book makes me late to appointments and makes me blow off errands because I don't want to stop reading. My Gigolo is that kind of read. It's a sexy book to be sure, but it has so much more going for it than just that.
Memoirs of a Gigolo (Vols 1-6), Livia Ellis - If you're looking for quality literary erotica, this is it. Tightly written and with a sexy, cynical, sharp as a tack, honest to a fault narrator in Oliver, the titular gigolo, this story sucks you in, and you won't put it down until you finish.Volume 7 was just released, and I can't wait to dive into it!
And then a friend of mine got into M/M romance and shared some of her favorites with me. She recommended Aleksandr Voinov, even though what he writes is really best termed "gay erotic fiction," as he likes to call it rather than M/M romance. What he writes is unique, raw, disturbing, and somehow utterly addictive.
Dark Soul: The Complete Collection, Aleksandr Voinov - I'm not sure what to say about this book, other than "Wow." From the first sentence, I was drawn into this dark, disturbing, and amazing (and amazingly well-written) story. I went into it thinking it was M/M romance, but it's not. There is a love story, yes, but it's not a romantic one in the traditional sense. It's a twisted, violent, and raw story of flawed people coming together in a highly charged environment (the Mafia) and learning to love and care for each other. The characters are human, deeply human, and deeply real and imperfect. This is not a story for the faint of heart. There's violence (including sexual violence) and other behavior that most people would consider immoral or disgusting. And yet, even if I didn't like everything that happened, I was able to understand it and why the characters had done it. Mr. Voinov is truly skilled; he made me empathize with these characters even when their behavior was so far removed from anything I'd ever consider "right."
Was this book perfect? No. Is it for everybody? No. Will I remember it for the rest of my life? Yes. Will I read more by Mr. Voinov? Hell yes. He's an incredible talent, and my hat is off to him.
Yes, I know this is an eclectic list, to say the least! I definitely like to switch it up.
If you want to see more of my recommendations, feel free to friend me on Goodreads.
And now it's your turn: What books have you enjoyed most this year so far?
June 18, 2013
Win a Signed Copy of "Malavita" at Goodreads!
I’m doing a giveaway on Goodreads for my latest book, "Malavita," the prequel to my existing “Blood and Honor” romantic suspense series, about two warring Mafia families in Italy. Enter now to win a signed copy!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Malavita by Dana Delamar Giveaway ends July 10, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
Psst: Book 1, “Revenge,” regularly $4.99, is on sale now for only 2.99/£1.99!
Amazon US (Kindle) | Amazon UK (Kindle) | Amazon Canada (Kindle) | Apple | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Barnes & Noble UK | Diesel | Kobo | OmniLit | Smashwords| Sony
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Malavita by Dana Delamar Giveaway ends July 10, 2013. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
Psst: Book 1, “Revenge,” regularly $4.99, is on sale now for only 2.99/£1.99!
Amazon US (Kindle) | Amazon UK (Kindle) | Amazon Canada (Kindle) | Apple | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Barnes & Noble UK | Diesel | Kobo | OmniLit | Smashwords| Sony
June 10, 2013
"Malavita" (Blood and Honor Prequel) is here!
Hi everyone! I'm very pleased to announce that Malavita (Blood and Honor Prequel) is finally available at Amazon as an ebook and a paperback. Malavita will be available at all online retailers in September.
I hope you all enjoy this prequel to the "Blood and Honor" series. Some of the scenes that appear in Malavita were originally written for Revenge, but were cut for one reason or another. After hearing from several readers who wanted to know more about the origins of the feud between the Lucchesis and the Andrettis, I decided to write a prequel that tells the story of how Enrico came to be married to Antonella.
I know many of you are impatient for Antonio's story (Redemption), and I apologize for the extra delay, but if the reaction of my beta readers is any indication, you'll love Malavita and hopefully forgive me. :) And here's the good news: I'm roughly a third of the way through Redemption and plan to release it in the fall, so you won't have too much longer to wait!
Here's the book description:
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace. Two fathers intent on destruction...
Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | print US | print UK
To those readers who have written to me, reviewed my books, or come out to see me at a book signing, thanks so much for all your kind words and support! I truly appreciate it and am so glad to know that you enjoy reading this series as much as I enjoy writing it. On to Redemption!
I hope you all enjoy this prequel to the "Blood and Honor" series. Some of the scenes that appear in Malavita were originally written for Revenge, but were cut for one reason or another. After hearing from several readers who wanted to know more about the origins of the feud between the Lucchesis and the Andrettis, I decided to write a prequel that tells the story of how Enrico came to be married to Antonella.
I know many of you are impatient for Antonio's story (Redemption), and I apologize for the extra delay, but if the reaction of my beta readers is any indication, you'll love Malavita and hopefully forgive me. :) And here's the good news: I'm roughly a third of the way through Redemption and plan to release it in the fall, so you won't have too much longer to wait!
Here's the book description:
A son determined to avenge his family. A daughter desperate for peace. Two fathers intent on destruction...Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn't accept that he must marry the daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called "truce"--and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance--and possibly the Lucchesis?
After Antonella Andretti's father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance--achieved by her marriage to Enrico, the "golden boy" she's loved from afar--would be in everyone's best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé's behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico's true feelings about her--and what her father's actual plans are--will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | print US | print UK
To those readers who have written to me, reviewed my books, or come out to see me at a book signing, thanks so much for all your kind words and support! I truly appreciate it and am so glad to know that you enjoy reading this series as much as I enjoy writing it. On to Redemption!
