Melissa Snark's Blog: The Snarkology, page 105

Barbara Bettis's SILVERHAWK @BarbaraBettis

Blurb:He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.
Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.
Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape.
Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate.  But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.
Excerpt:

Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight. Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn't hide his handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he joined his foster father on King Richard's crusade. If only he'd returned, she'd be wed now, with the family she craved. She sighed, reached for a leaf on her patient's cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she'd ever seen. His mouth moved; she leaned forward.“What is it?” she murmured.“Before...I...die,” came the hoarse whisper.“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food? A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren't gray, but layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.“To...kiss...a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers. His warm mouth robbed her of breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with inborn reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I've killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.At least he died with a smile on his face.

Silverhawk is available for purchase on Amazon. The book will be in wide release in November.

Author Bio:Award winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she briefly considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math.
She now lives in Missouri, where by day she’s a mild-mannered English teacher, and by night she’s an intrepid plotter of tales featuring heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.
Where to find Barbara Bettis on the Internet: Website
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Alison Henderson's UNWRITTEN RULES

What Do Spies, Bodyguards, and Meddling Grandmas Have in Common?
They’re all in the mix in my brand new book Unwritten Rules. After publishing three historical romances, this is my first contemporary, and I had a fantastic time writing it. I loved writing the kind of offbeat characters and snappy banter you usually don’t find in historicals. The story is one part romantic suspense and one part contemporary romance, with a big dollop of comedy thrown in for good measure.
Here’s the blurb: Things aren’t going Madelyn Li’s way. Her bodyguard agency is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, her grandmother keeps hatching plots to marry her off, and someone is trying to kill her latest client. All she wants is to safely escort thriller writer and former CIA agent Carter Devlin on his cross country book tour and collect her check, but two obstacles stand in her way: a shadowy assailant and her own growing attraction to her dashing client.
Carter Devlin has agreed to accept the beautiful and determined Ms. Li as a bodyguard primarily to appease his publisher. After all, who would want to kill a beat-up, retired ex-spy on a book tour? But when the attacks turn deadly, he soon learns there’s more to Madelyn than a pretty face and tempting body. Will the spark become a flame before a killer snuffs it out?
And here’s a snippet to give you a taste:

“Come here.” The words hung between them in the still night air.“I’m fine where I am.”“I’m not. I need you closer.”“I told you before—”“I’ll be a perfect gentleman and keep my hands where you can see them.” He tapped his fingers on the rim of the spa.Did she dare? Go on. Do it. Her pulse fluttered. She glided through the water like an otter, stopping just beyond arm’s reach.“Closer.”“Why?”“I want to kiss you.”“With your hands up there? That won’t be easy, even for you.”“I don’t need my hands to kiss you. Of course you’ll have to do most of the work.” Challenge glittered in his eyes.His proposition tantalized her. Emboldened, she drifted closer. “Close your eyes.”He did as she ordered and waited. She touched his lips with a kiss as soft as dandelion fluff. When he tried to respond with more pressure, she floated out of reach. He stilled, and she returned, warming his cheek with her breath. Then she pressed a kiss to his earlobe.He growled and gripped the side of the tub. Her breath caught in her throat. Had she pushed him too far? What was it Grandma Li used to say about teasing a dragon?But Carter didn’t roar, and he didn’t bite. He waited.Just one more. Then this madness must stop.She returned to his lips and allowed herself a long, slow kiss. He met her halfway, and she didn’t back off. But kissing was difficult with nothing to hold onto. Before she could stop them, her hands grazed his ribs. The muscles tightened beneath her fingers, and she sucked in a sharp breath. She shot out of the water, snatched her robe, and wrapped it around herself with shaking hands. She’d come so close to risking everything.His eyes flew open. “What are you—”“No complaints. You got what you wanted.” She silently cursed the waver in her voice. She needed to stay strong, now more than ever.“Not even close.”“I stand corrected. You got what you asked for.”“I’ll have to be more specific in the future.”“I’ve told you why we can’t get involved. It’s not my fault you refuse to believe me.”“You and your precious rules.”“My rules keep everyone safe.”“Safety can be overrated.”“Not in my line of work.” She tightened her belt with a jerk.“We’re not talking about work.”“Yes, we are. Now get out of that tub before you turn into a lobster and go to bed.” She shoved the heavy glass door aside and headed for the bathroom.

Available for purchase: 
Amazon

I had tremendous fun writing this book, and I hope you’ll have just as much fun reading it! Thanks for stopping by.
Alison Henderson
Author Bio: I haven't always been a writer, but I have always embraced creativity and relished new experiences. Seeking to expand my horizons beyond Kansas City, I chose a college in upstate New York. By the time I was twenty-one I had traveled the world from Tunisia to Japan. Little did I suspect I was collecting material for future characters and stories along the way.

I began writing when my daughter entered preschool (she's now a full-fledged adult) and became addicted to the challenge of translating the living, breathing images in my mind into words. I write romance because that's what I like to read. The world provides more than enough drama and tragedy. I want to give my readers the happily-ever-after we all crave.

I've been married to my personal hero for more than thirty years. After decades of living in the Midwest, we've recently heeded the siren call of sun and sea and moved to the most breathtakingly beautiful place imaginable - the gorgeous central coast of California. I look forward to the new stories this place inspires.
Where to find Alison Henderson on the Internet: WebsiteBlog

The Football Fantasy

Mr. Snark has spent the last week preparing for some sort of football fantasy league draft. Apparently, it has required hours of research every night. The "draft" starts tonight at 7PM PST so Mr. Snark returned home from work hours in advance to spend more time doing research.

Mrs. Snark has been commanded to deliver her man's dinner two hours in advance of the normal dining time so that he

WICKED FIRSTS Book Blast/Excerpt Tour & Excerpt

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State of The Snarkology

I took August off but now I'm back. Forgive me if I ramble for a moment...

Writing news:

In July, I signed a contract for a paranormal erotica novel with The Wild Rose Press. THE MATING GAME is a 79,000 word novel, which should be available in paperback as well as ebook. No release date yet.
My first blog tour with Goddess Fish is scheduled for September. I'll be touring my paranormal series,

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Book Monster Presents: Jennifer Lynne's IMMORTAL SEDUCTION #Giveaway @JenniLynnAuthor

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Goddess Fish Presents: Gold Manor Ghost House by Merry Brown

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A Chat with Author Rachel Leigh

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Book Monster Presents: Loving Lachlyn by R.E. Butler

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