Karen Swart's Blog, page 14

New Release!! The Amber Voyeur by @blushingravyn

Title: The Amber Voyeur

Series: Gem Apocalypse Book Two

Author: Ravyn Rayne

Publisher: Blushing Books

Genre: Dystopian Erotica

Expected Release: July 20th, 2015

   No longer safe in Brayleigh, Aria and James travel by ship to find refuge and discover what’s left of the world. Dangerous seas and pirates lurking are only the start of their troubles. Forced off the boat with nothing but the clothes on their back, the crew and passengers make it to a nearby island, only to be abducted by the Knight Tribe, a clan of romantic warriors with a voyeuristic culture and a taste for nightly entertainment. Get swept away in this dystopian erotic adventure, brimming with romance, spankings, and betrayal.   Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Blushing Books

   ExcerptThe hum of the engine died, and Aria heard the scream of unfamiliar words in a language she didn't recognize. Shots were fired in every direction forcing her to duck, throwing herself onto the floor of the ship. James lay right beside her, covering Aria with his body, shielding her from danger. She didn't have the courage to ask what happened. The warmth and security Aria felt from James vanished. A man covered in tattoos, his arms a canvas of ink, grabbed James by the arm and dragged him across the room. The second man accompanying him lifted Aria from the floor and escorted her up the stairwell. James walked just a few feet in front. The man dropped his hold on her as the passageway narrowed. A gun pressed into her back, a constant reminder of danger. Aria couldn't fight without risking her life. She hoped these men would steal what goods they came for and then leave. Forced outside, the lifeboats were just a few feet away. The sun began to set, and the sky twinkled like a sapphire without a cloud in the heavens. Even at dusk, beads of sweat trickled against Aria's forehead. Her black shirt stuck to her back, the cargo pants she wore were too hot for this climate. She didn't dare ask where they were; she didn't believe anyone would answer. They were forced against the wall. Would the lifeboats even float anymore? The old luxury cruise liner's paint faded from years of sun exposure. What would it have been like fifty years ago, before the devastation and destruction that their parents created, taking a luxury cruise? She would never know. The Gem Apocalypse had resulted in a war with only survivors, no heroes. "Move!" the man behind Aria said. His gun dug further into her back, and she pushed forward on James's heels. "Down!" They got down onto the ground with the other crew and passengers. Six men towered over them with guns. Aria was unfamiliar with the weapons, as they were larger than the ones the guards carried at the palace. "We'll be okay," James said as he sat beside Aria, reaching for her hand. Aria wanted to ask him how he could know that without a doubt. Hope shrank like a beacon of light fading in the distance. These men were thieves. She could smell the treachery and greed from where she sat. How did they end up here?      Grab the First Book in the Series  The Emerald Virgin Gem Apocalypse Book One Author: Ravyn Rayne Publisher: Blushing Books Published: June 19, 2015 Emerald – a girl with green eyes and a rarity after the horrific genocide that slaughtered millions.  After the war, King Gideon rose in power. A lust-filled and greedy king that believed in the power of slavery. At eighteen, women were required to come before King Gideon and his four sons, to offer themselves as a courtesan. The princes took only those they found most attractive and alluring. The rest were returned to their homes with a brand on their wrist proving they had been through the process and rejected. Ignoring the ritual was punishable by death. Aria Stone had been kept hidden from the princes and the ceremony, because she was an Emerald. At twenty-three, the royal guards storm her home, murder her mother, and drag her to court. She must face the four princes. A dystopian erotic adventure. Amazon | Blushing Books | Barnes & Noble About the Author Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can’t wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be. Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don’t make her choose between the two, she loves them equally. Although BURNING DESIRE is her debut romantic erotica novel, it is not her first published book. She has been published professionally since 2013. You can find her other books here. Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Tsu | Goodreads

Book Blast - Team Tomás – Saints Team Series # 2 by Ally Adams @allyadamsbooks @sparklebooktour

Presented by Sparkle Book Tours
 


 
Team Tomás – Saints Team Series # 2 by Ally Adams  
Audience: New Adult (college age +) - Genre: Contemporary Romance - Format: E-book - Publisher: Atlas Productions - Cover by: Atlas Productions - Editor: Sally Odgers - Words: 74,000 words ebook - ISBN: 978-0-9943762-0-6 - ASIN: B010IGD67O - Date Published: 1 July 2015  
“I’ll remember, until my dying breath.”
Tomás Carrera didn’t expect Alice Peterson to rock his world.
Growing up with a single mom and as the eldest of five siblings, Tomás has had to be responsible all his life. Now his super star soccer status has provided for his family and allowed him to let his hair down… and that’s just what he’s doing.
Signed to the Santa Ana Saints, Tomás is catching up for lost time with fast women, a fast Ducati motorcycle and a bevy of adoring fans. That is, until he loses his heart to Alice and is torn with wanting her and his independence.
Next in the series: Team Nik
Netgally / Amazon / Goodreads Open your eyes... no, no wait. Okay, deep breath, ready... almost. I might have had a bit too much to drink last night, fine then I was pissed, but so was Tomás, I think. Actually I can’t be sure about that either because Tomás ‘Pez’ Carrera—the gorgeous goalkeeper for the Santa Ana Saints soccer team—has a lot more experience than me at having a drink or ten. And now I was lying in a room that definitely wasn’t mine; in a bed with someone next to me; and, it was time to turn and face the music. On the upside, at least I was still wearing my underwear.
God please let it be Tomás next to me—I’ll go to church every Sunday for a month, honest. Good grief, now I was attempting to bribe God... I had sunk to a whole new low. It was the hangover or at least I think I had a hangover... can you get a hangover from four or five margaritas? I wasn’t a big drinker and I had never really been absolutely shit-faced drunk so a hangover would be a first.
I consoled myself that it had been a night of firsts, but I kept one of the firsts for another time. Damn it. I took a shallow breath so I didn’t wake the person next to me. Just get it over with.
I rolled over slowly and... what the fuck?
 

Ally Adams is a journalist who lives in coastal Victoria, Australia with her husband and furry friends. She is a literature major, romance reader and writer.
Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Atlas Webpage / Atlas Facebook

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Dancing to an Irish Reel by Claire Fullerton @cfullerton3

 

Dancing to an Irish Reel

Claire Fullerton

Genre: Literary Fiction

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing

Date of Publication: March 3, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9903042-5-8

ASIN:

Number of pages: 220

Word Count: 63,000

Cover Artist: Elaina Lee for the Muse Designs

Book Description:

Twenty five year old Hailey Crossan takes a trip to Ireland during a sabbatical from her job in the LA record business. While there, she’s offered a job too good to turn down, so she stays.

Although Hailey works in Galway, she lives in the countryside of Connemara, a rural area famous for its Irish traditional music. When Hailey meets local musician, Liam Hennessey, a confusing relationship begins, which Hailey thinks is the result of differing cultures, for Liam is married to the music, and so unbalanced at the prospect of love, he won't come closer nor completely go away.

And so begins the dance of attraction that Hailey struggles to decipher. Thankfully, a handful of vibrant local friends come to her aid, and Hailey learns to love a land and its people, both with more charm than she ever imagined.

Available on Amazon for Kindle and Print

There’s an energy that hangs between strangers even in a crowd. Call it interest, or attraction, or the knowledge of things to come. It is awareness, and I was aware to the exclusion of all activity around me that Liam Hennessey was watching me. He was sitting at the corner of the bar by himself, and because I could feel his gaze upon me like an electrical current, I froze. I did not move an inch because I sensed I didn’t have to, that something would come about with little prompting from me. I don’t know how I knew this, but I was right, it came about within the hour. It began as a series of introductions to people near Liam, and drew itself closer until Liam was introduced to me.

Right before Leigh left, claiming she had to get up early the next day to drive to Cork, Kieran pointed out that the Irish traditional musicians playing in the corner were the father and older brother of the lad sitting at the end of the bar.

“That’s Liam Hennessey at the bar there,” Kieran gestured to my right. “He’s the best box player in Connemara – even in the whole of Ireland, many say. His family is long in Connemara; they’re all players, so. That’s Sean Liam, his da, and his brother Anthony there on the guitar.” Kieran seemed proud to know the facts. He next took my arm and led me straight to Liam.

“I’ve the pleasure of knowing this American here, her name is Hailey,” Kieran announced to Liam.

I had an uneasy feeling. It’s one thing to suspect you’ll cross paths with someone again, and quite another to be fully prepared when it actually happens. For some unknown reason, I kept thinking it was strange to see Liam this far out in the country from Galway, but then again, what did I know? I didn’t know anything about him.

Liam looked at me with large dark eyes and smiled brightly. He was different than I had imagined: he was friendlier, more candid. I assumed because he looked so dark and mysterious, there would be a personality to match. I assumed he would be reserved, aloof, perhaps arrogant in an artistic sort of way. I was paying close attention, and there was none of that about Liam. In seconds, I realized he was a nice guy. I moved a step to my right as an older man approached the bar.

“Would ye give us a hand there,” the man said to Liam, and for the next few minutes, Liam handed pints over his head to a group of men too far from the bar’s edge to grab the glasses themselves. Just then, Kieran said something that set off a chain of events and put the rest of the night in motion.

“Liam, will you watch Hailey for me, I’m off to join the sessiun.” With that, Kieran produced a harmonica from his shirt pocket and walked off to join the musicians in the corner.

I stood at the bar and waited for the next thing to happen. The world seemed to operate in slow motion. All the noise in the room subsided, and the only thing I knew was I was looking directly at Liam Hennessey. I searched his face for imperfections. I had never before seen such beauty in the face of a man. I hoped my thoughts didn’t show on my face. He was so good looking, I wondered why other people in the room weren’t staring at him, then I realized most of Hughes’ patrons knew him and were probably used to the way he looked. I was reticent, unsure of how to speak to Liam, unfamiliar with how provincial he may or may not have been. Words tend to get in the way in moments like this, but they lay in wait just the same.

“You’re an American, yah?” he asked in that way the Irish have of answering their own question. “I’ve been to America,” he said.

“Where in America?” I encouraged.

“Boston, New York, Chicago. My cousins live in Chicago. I even went all the way to Niagara Falls.”

“Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Niagara Falls. What’s it like?”

“Not much, mind you, it’s a nice enough place, but ten minutes after I saw the falls, I was asking where I could get a nice cup of tea.”

“I imagine it would take a lot to be impressed after living here,” I said.

“I’d never want to live anywhere else. Everything you could ever want is here in Connemara.”

And it is, I thought. Connemara has a sense of peace I’ve never felt before.

“Are you long in Ireland?” he asked.

“I live here,” I said. “I live in Inverin.”

“Ah, so you’re just up the road. Me too.”

At 27-years-old, Liam lived with his parents in the house in which he grew up.He was a world-class Irish traditional musician that traveled often to places like Germany, Austria and New Zealand. He was in demand as a player in touring bands because he was a master at playing the button accordion. As such, he was more than a musician: he was the bearer of a torch that represented the history of an old culture. He brought the language of Irish music to regions that otherwise would have never been enlightened.

Being an Irish traditional musician is a feat not easily arrived at. Rather, it is a feat painstakingly achieved. Most of the tunes in a traditional player’s repertoire have been memorized through listening and repeated execution, as opposed to memorization by reading musical scores. Traditional music has been passed down through generational lines, and with Liam’s family, there had been no interruption. His father was a player, and the world in which Liam grew up was one of constant exposure to traditional music as if it were a language. I came to realize much later that Liam’s first language was music, his second language was Irish, and his third was English.

“So, you must be another American looking for their roots, then,” Liam stated.

If that was a question, then it’s a fair one, I thought.

“Actually, I’m working at the Galway Music Center,” I said, then I followed with my poetry aspirations, hoping to impress upon him I was not just passing through.

Character Name: Hailey Crossan

Character Bio: Hailey Crossan is an American living on the west coast of Ireland. She brought her experience in the Los Angeles record business to her job at the Galway Music Centre, where she represents Irish musicians along with a vibrant cast of Irish characters who work beside her in the historic, small city of Galway. Her entire Irish experience can be found in the book, “Dancing to an Irish Reel.”

 

Describe yourself what is your worst and vest quality?

Although I am a bit impatient, I am adventurous and open minded. Although I am an American outsider to Ireland, I am willing to understand the Irish cultural nuances. Although I am confused at the behavior of Irish musician, Hennessey, I am so attracted to him that I am willing to keep seeing him. Although I am funny, I need to make sure my sense of humor doesn’t come out as sarcasm. Although there are times when I still look at everything from my American frame of reference, I am gaining a love and understanding of the Irish ways that I know will color the rest of my life.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

I am very sensitive and have deep insight.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

That I am in love with Liam Hennessey and absolutely overwhelmed. I’ve never seen a man more beautiful- his “black Irish” looks and courtly ways undo me! I am also so confused over Liam Hennessey’s behavior that I can’t see straight!

What are you most afraid of?

That Liam Hennessey will always be confused over me, and our relationship will never go any further.

What do you want more than anything?

For Liam Hennessey to get over his fear of love and admit he’s in love with me.

What is your relationship status?

I am single, but in the throes of new love. At least I hope I am!

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

I left my fashion sense behind when I moved from Los Angeles to rural Ireland. In Ireland, nobody cares about fashion! It’s all about dressing for the weather! I wear jeans, sturdy, waterproof walking shoes, a wax jacket, and an Aran Island cable knit “jumper” (they call sweaters jumpers in Ireland.)

How much of a rebel are you?

I am not a rebel on purpose, just confident in my own way of being in the world.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

All I did was walk into the Galway Music Centre to look around- to see what this music centre was all about, and amazingly, within twenty minutes, I was offered a job right there on the spot because of my experience in the Los Angeles record business! It was incredibly fortuitous.

What is your idea of happiness?

Long walks through the Irish bog, or walks through the gray-stone partitioned fields to the sea in front of this place I rent in the Irish countryside. I love Irish traditional music and a good seat by the fire with a hot cup of tea.

What is your current state of mind?

Happiness, wonder, amazement, hope; all of these combined.

What is your most treasured possession?

The Celtic ceramic plaque inspired from the Book of Kells that I bought yesterday in a little antique shop on Galway’s Mill Street called The Dragon’s Liar.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Physically, I have very long blond hair. As for personality, I am easy going and quick to humor.

What is it that you, most dislike?

The Irish way of avoiding conflict by talking in circles! Why won’t the Irish just come out and say what they mean? This seems to be a cultural malady, and is very frustrating for an American.

Which living person do you, most despise?

Any living person who would ever hurt a dog!

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t ask Liam Hennessey to just say what was on his mind! I should have swallowed my pride and drawn it out of him.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Subtlety, artistic achievement, a certain deep soulfulness, just like Liam Hennessey.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Loyalty, honesty.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

Tom Wingo, from Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides”

Which living person do you most admire?

The author Donna Taart, for handling her incredible career with humility and grace.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

My propensity to jump to conclusions! Maybe if I didn’t have that, Liam Hennessey and I would understand each other a lot better!

What is your motto?

“Never lay down, never give up!”

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Claire Fullerton is the author of Paranormal Mystery, A Portal in Time. She is an award winning essayist, a contributor to numerous magazines (including “Southern Writers Magazine) a former newspaper columnist and a four time contributor to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series.

She hails from Memphis, TN. and now lives in Malibu, CA where she is working on her third novel.

www.clairefullerton.com

https://www.facebook.com/clairefullertonauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7388895.Claire_Fullerton

@cfullerton3

Book Blast: The Emerald Virgin by Ravyn Rayne @blushingravyn

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – Emerald Virgin SERIES – Gem Apocalypse Book One AUTHOR – Ravyn Rayne GENRE – Dystopian Erotica PUBLICATION DATE – June 19th LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 25k words PUBLISHER – Blushing Books COVER ARTIST – Blushing Books BOOK SYNOPSIS Emerald - a girl with green eyes and a rarity after the horrific genocide that slaughtered millions. After the war, King Gideon rose in power. A lust- filled and greedy king that believed in the power of slavery. At eighteen, women were required to come before King Gideon and his four sons, to offer themselves as a courtesan. The princes took only those they found most attractive and alluring. The rest were returned to their homes with a brand on their wrist proving they had been through the process and rejected. Ignoring the ritual was punishable by death. Aria Stone had been kept hidden from the princes and the ceremony, because she was an Emerald. At twenty-three, the royal guards storm her home, murder her mother, and drag her to court. She must face the four princes. A dystopian erotic adventure. BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – GOODREADS EXCERPT "You are a handful. I should have known that's why Henry walked right on by without so much as a second glance. For a brother that likes gems, he must have known the trouble one would cause." Aria sneered at James. "Tell me you don't believe it." Emeralds, people with green eyes, are known to be power and money hungry. Does James think that about her? It's not true. No part of the belief system created to destroy the world in genocide was true. How could James think of her like that? She may not be easy or pleasant at times, but she wasn't what the enemy said. James shifted in his seat. "Of course not, but you are trouble. I can see it in you, the rebellious streak. My father will beat it out of you." "So what? I'm supposed to pretend it doesn't bother me that he ordered the execution of my mother and dragged me from my home, drugged me, stripped me naked, and stole my freedom? No part of what you and your father are doing is okay." James grimaced. "I am sorry about your mother. I can't change our world, but I can protect you here." AUTHOR BIO Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can’t wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be. Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don’t make her choose between the two, she loves them equally. Although BURNING DESIRE is her debut romantic erotica novel, it is not her first published book. She has been published professionally since 2013. You can find her other books here. AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK – TWITTER

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Book Blast: The Burning by Susan Squires @susansquires

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – The Burning SERIES – The Companion Series AUTHOR – Susan Squires GENRE – Regency Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – July 21, 2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 122,752 words PUBLISHER – Independent COVER ARTIST – Rebecca Poole, Dreams2Media BOOK SYNOPSIS Award-winning, bestselling author Susan Squires brings you into a world of erotic temptation that comes alive at night and thrives on our darkest secrets and longings. Take the journey to an unforgettable place in the heart of darkness and desire… A FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION… It is 1821 and all who know the beautiful, mysterious Ann Van Helsing believe she is insane. Yet Ann’s curse is the deep psychic ability that shows her everything about another human being—their history, thoughts and desires—simply by touching them. Overwhelmed by a power she can barely control, Ann roams the quiet woods and caves near her estate, searching for an elusive peace. Here she encounters the man who will change everything… LEAVES HER YEARNING… To atone for an unforgivable transgression against his own kind, vampire Stephan Sincai has become a vigilante who must hunt and kill those whom other vampires have made. When Ann discovers Stephen bleeding in her cave, she reaches tries to help him. The moment she touches him she knows every fiber of Stephens being—and the knowledge is at once frightening and irresistible… FOR ETERNAL FULFILLMENT… Ann and Stephen are drawn together by a powerful force. As they fight against the evil surrounding them, an enemy bent on destroying them will make them choose between what they love and what they fear the most…. GRIPPING AND UNFORGETTABLE... Romantic Times (4 ½ star review) on The Companion BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK AMAZON PAPERBACK – SMASHWORDS – iTUNES EXCERPT

TRANSYLVANIA, PROVINCE OF THE HAPSBURG EMPIRE, SEPTEMBER 1820

They ran their hands over his body. There were three of them. Their palms rubbed his chest, his hips and thighs, and the bulge of his biceps where his wrists were bound above his head. The nails scraped lightly, threatening. He knew what was to come. The stone bench on which he lay was hard against the bare flesh of his buttocks and shoulders, but the room was warm. They loved heat. It was a true luxury in the winter of the Carpathian Mountains. The only illumination came from the fire licking at the logs in the great stone arches. Above him, their faces hung, unreal in the flickering light. Their eyes glowed red. Now they would compel him. Their low moans filled the little room cut into the rocky heart of the monastery. He knew every crevice in its stone by now. This room held his torment and possibly his salvation.

“Test him well, tonight, sisters,” one of them whispered. Her breasts brushed his belly. “Is he worthy of our father’s trust?" another breathed into his ear.

He felt his loins throb, tight with a need he dared not indulge. He had no idea whether they compelled that need, or whether it belonged to him. A tongue found his nipple. He could not help but arch up into it. The chains clanked. A hand cupped his balls. He felt the scrape of canines at his throat. They wanted blood tonight. He waited for the pain. How would he bear their ministrations in the long hours ahead?

You deserve this, he told himself. A thousand years of torment would not atone for your crimes. You have one chance at redemption and they will help you to it.

He breathed as they had taught him. He focused inward, searching for an island of control. His shoulders relaxed. All emotion drained slowly away. The piercing of his carotid was a fact of pain, no more. One of them sucked at his throat while the others kept him roused.

But now he was ready for whatever they might do to him. He would become what was required. No matter the cost, he would atone.

AUTHOR BIO Susan Squires is a New York Times bestselling author known for breaking the rules of romance writing. Whatever her time period, or subject, some element of the paranormal always creeps in. Susan’s work has won multiple contests including the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart and the Book Buyer’s Best Award and reviewer's choice awards from RT BookReviews. Publisher's Weekly named Body Electric one of the most influential mass market books of 2003 and One with the Shadows, the fifth in her vampire Companion Series, a Best book of 2007. Time for Eternity, the first in the DaVinci time travel series, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach in Southern California with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three very active Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboarddddddddddddddddddddddd. AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK TWITTER – GOODREADS – OTHERS– Mailing List

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Cover Reveal: The Burning by Susan Squires @susansquires @MyFamHrtBookRvw

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – The Burning SERIES – The Companion Series AUTHOR – Susan Squires GENRE – Regency Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – July 21, 2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 122,752 words PUBLISHER – Independent COVER ARTIST – Rebecca Poole, Dreams2Media BOOK SYNOPSIS Award-winning, bestselling author Susan Squires brings you into a world of erotic temptation that comes alive at night and thrives on our darkest secrets and longings. Take the journey to an unforgettable place in the heart of darkness and desire… A FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION… It is 1821 and all who know the beautiful, mysterious Ann Van Helsing believe she is insane. Yet Ann’s curse is the deep psychic ability that shows her everything about another human being—their history, thoughts and desires—simply by touching them. Overwhelmed by a power she can barely control, Ann roams the quiet woods and caves near her estate, searching for an elusive peace. Here she encounters the man who will change everything… LEAVES HER YEARNING… To atone for an unforgivable transgression against his own kind, vampire Stephan Sincai has become a vigilante who must hunt and kill those whom other vampires have made. When Ann discovers Stephen bleeding in her cave, she reaches tries to help him. The moment she touches him she knows every fiber of Stephens being—and the knowledge is at once frightening and irresistible… FOR ETERNAL FULFILLMENT… Ann and Stephen are drawn together by a powerful force. As they fight against the evil surrounding them, an enemy bent on destroying them will make them choose between what they love and what they fear the most…. GRIPPING AND UNFORGETTABLE... Romantic Times (4 ½ star review) on The Companion BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK AMAZON PAPERBACK – SMASHWORDS – iTUNES EXCERPT

TRANSYLVANIA, PROVINCE OF THE HAPSBURG EMPIRE, SEPTEMBER 1820

They ran their hands over his body. There were three of them. Their palms rubbed his chest, his hips and thighs, and the bulge of his biceps where his wrists were bound above his head. The nails scraped lightly, threatening. He knew what was to come. The stone bench on which he lay was hard against the bare flesh of his buttocks and shoulders, but the room was warm. They loved heat. It was a true luxury in the winter of the Carpathian Mountains. The only illumination came from the fire licking at the logs in the great stone arches. Above him, their faces hung, unreal in the flickering light. Their eyes glowed red. Now they would compel him. Their low moans filled the little room cut into the rocky heart of the monastery. He knew every crevice in its stone by now. This room held his torment and possibly his salvation.

“Test him well, tonight, sisters,” one of them whispered. Her breasts brushed his belly. “Is he worthy of our father’s trust?" another breathed into his ear.

He felt his loins throb, tight with a need he dared not indulge. He had no idea whether they compelled that need, or whether it belonged to him. A tongue found his nipple. He could not help but arch up into it. The chains clanked. A hand cupped his balls. He felt the scrape of canines at his throat. They wanted blood tonight. He waited for the pain. How would he bear their ministrations in the long hours ahead?

You deserve this, he told himself. A thousand years of torment would not atone for your crimes. You have one chance at redemption and they will help you to it.

He breathed as they had taught him. He focused inward, searching for an island of control. His shoulders relaxed. All emotion drained slowly away. The piercing of his carotid was a fact of pain, no more. One of them sucked at his throat while the others kept him roused.

But now he was ready for whatever they might do to him. He would become what was required. No matter the cost, he would atone.

AUTHOR BIO Susan Squires is a New York Times bestselling author known for breaking the rules of romance writing. Whatever her time period, or subject, some element of the paranormal always creeps in. Susan’s work has won multiple contests including the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart and the Book Buyer’s Best Award and reviewer's choice awards from RT BookReviews. Publisher's Weekly named Body Electric one of the most influential mass market books of 2003 and One with the Shadows, the fifth in her vampire Companion Series, a Best book of 2007. Time for Eternity, the first in the DaVinci time travel series, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach in Southern California with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three very active Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboarddddddddddddddddddddddd. AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK TWITTER – GOODREADS – OTHERS– Mailing List

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Book Blast: One Winter by Natalie-Nicole bates @BatesNatalie

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – ONE WINTER AUTHOR – Natalie-Nicole Bates GENRE – Contemporary Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 5/2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 60,000 words PUBLISHER – Books To Go Now BOOK SYNOPSIS After her mother’s sudden death, Rory Lane is home again. It has been fifteen years since she escaped Mount Pleasant and everyone and everything in it. Now she must oversee the closing of her mother’s affairs. The only bright spot is Rory’s blossoming friendship with boarder CJ Rausch. Rory senses that CJ just might be her soul mate, but the handsome excavator is somewhat of a standoffish loner. After an unthinkable event, Rory’s life spins out of control, and she must deal not only with her grasping, selfish sister, but also a manipulative, wannabe suitor. CJ offers Rory a way out, but at what price? Beware: Everyone has secrets in Mount Pleasant…And they enjoy them! BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE US – KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK  AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK  BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – SMASHWORDS EXCERPT

Looking into the mirror, he wondered what Rory saw when he took off his sunglasses. Her initial reaction had been similar to most people when they saw his eyes for the first time.

As a child, he was viciously teased for having what the kids called “vampire eyes.” They were eyes he would never have wished for, but inherited from his mother. His eyes were so green and sensitive they hurt when exposed to bright sunlight without sunglasses, further purporting the rumor he wasn’t really human, but some kind of vampire or creature from space. But he was a man, pure and simple. The blood running through his veins was red like everyone else.

All he wanted was to find a nice comfortable life and enjoy it to the maximum, and if he could find someone special enough to share it with, so much the better. But with this want came a nagging fear. Having lost his mother so early in life and sharing a distant, even guarded relationship with his father, he wasn’t sure he knew how to love anyone in the way they needed and deserved. It wasn’t because he was cold or cruel; he honestly didn’t know how to express his emotions, and that scared him.

How could you sustain a relationship if you didn’t know how to make someone happy, or live up to their expectations of you? His parents barely tolerated each other’s presence until they divorced. Even though he was young at the time, it stuck firmly in his memory how unhappy they really were, and how they made every effort to make each other as miserable as possible, before they finally separated.

AUTHOR BIO Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author. Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia. She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos. Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS Goodreads – Tsu – Facebook Fan Group – Twitter  Facebook – Blog – Street Team Sign Up – Amazon Author Central Page

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Book Blast: Dating Wars by Ravyn Rayne @blushingravyn @MyFamHrtBookRvw

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – Dating Wars SERIES – Federal Agent Chronicles Book Two AUTHOR – Ravyn Rayne GENRE – Romance, Crime Thriller PUBLICATION DATE – July 6, 2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 25k words PUBLISHER – Blushing Books COVER ARTIST – Blushing Books BOOK SYNOPSIS Finding love in all the wrong places. When a serial rapist and murderer targets women on an online dating website, FBI Agent Leslie Hunter must pose as a potential match at a bar. How hard could it be? She's been dating online for years. While undercover, Leslie meets a handsome gentleman. She can't tell Kevin her profession without ruining the investigation. How long can she keep this man out of danger without revealing she's an FBI Agent? A taste of pole dancing, phone sex, and spankings combined with a lick of danger. A romantic erotica story that's sure to leave your heart racing and pleased afterwards. BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK EXCERPT

“Hey sexy.” I hear Kaitlyn’s voice and my eyes widen glancing up, as the dancers are once again on the bar.

“Kai?” I can’t stop myself from calling her by name. I’ve always seen the dark-haired agent in a pants suit, one rare occasion a skirt. This is something else entirely.

Kevin removes his drink from the bar. “You know the dancer?”

Kaitlyn is up there wearing nothing more than a red g-string bikini. Her brunette locks cascade down her back and her makeup looks like a hooker must have put it on her. She’s got thick turquoise eyeliner and lime green glittery eye shadow.

“Long story. We used to work together.” It’s not a lie but in the way Kevin’s mind is ticking, he must think I had been an exotic dancer. Not the case! Though, what harm could come from him believing it to be true? It is safer for everyone, than Kevin knowing I’m working undercover.

Kevin laughs and his cheeks redden. I’m guessing it’s the beer. He’s looking over Kaitlyn a little too intimately and long for my pleasure.

“Quite a story, I bet,” Kevin says. “Maybe you can share it on our second date?”

AUTHOR BIO Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can't wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be. Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don't make her choose between the two, she loves them equally. Ravyn also writes young adult fiction under the name Ruth Silver. AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK – TWITTER

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Fantasy writing contest!! "Hither and Thither" is open for submissions @Inkitt

 

Fantasy writing contest "Hither and Thither" is open for submissions at Inkitt!

Inkitt is a free writing platform that aims to help writers achieve their fullest potential. On July 13th the site launched a new Fantasy writing contest:

Hither and Thither

Submit your best original fantasy fiction stories of any length. As always, there is no entry fee. Old and previously published stories are also eligible.

Help us escape reality with your most fantastic fantasy stories yet! Submit accounts of beasts, pixie dust, and witches, or enchant us with spells and poisons. We want to read tales that are so lifelike they make us forget we aren't surrounded by kingdoms and dragons.

Contest guidelines

Authors will retain all rights to any and all works submitted in the contest.
Submissions close on August 10th, but voting will continue for an additional week

Original stories of any length are accepted.

Entries must be posted on the Inkitt contest page to be considered eligible.

The top 10% based on reader votes get the chance to be picked by the Inkitt staff for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.

All entrants will have the chance to show their work to a rapidly growing community of authors and readers hungry for high-quality fiction.

Submit your stories here: www.inkitt.com/hitherthither

You can also read more fantasy stories for inspiration in Inkitt's fantasy section.

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Space Cowboys and Indians by @lisamedley

 

 

Space Cowboys and Indians

Cosmic Cowboys Series

Episode 1

Lisa Medley

Genre: Sci-fi Adventure Romance

Publisher: Big Cedar

Date of Publication: July 15, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9908856-8-9

ASIN:

Number of pages: 135

Word Count: 38K

Cover Artist: Sweet and Spicy Designs

Book Description:

How can the chance of a lifetime go so horribly wrong?

Mining Engineer Cole Hudson signed up for NASA astronaut training, but after washing out short of getting his gold wings, he retreats to Alaska where he stakes out a gold claim. When billionaire entrepreneur Duncan Janson offers him an opportunity to join a mining team on an asteroid, Cole jumps at the chance.

But nothing is as it seems. Former NASA reject and rival classmate, Tessa Hernandez, is also a member of the team, and from the beginning of the mission test flight, things go wrong. They soon discover they’re not the only ones on the asteroid.

As they try to escape, they are pulled through a wormhole and back to the early 1800s New Mexico desert where aliens and Apaches may be the least of their problems.

Available at Amazon

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Writer was always in the back of my mind, but I was a grocery carryout, a waitress, a graphic artist,  a teacher, and a blood drive consultant first. At one point early on, I wanted to be a marine biologist until I discovered how much MATH was involved in that career path. I also wanted to be a rock star. Of course there was the pesky problem of an inability to carry a tune or play any musical instruments.  I want WRITER to describe the second half of my life.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

After I wrote THE END on my first novel, Reap & Repent.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

I was amazingly lucky with my first book. I entered into the Harlequin So You Think You Can Write contest six months after the books completion. I made it to the Top 28 of more than 700 global entries before I lost. The book was picked up by Harlequin’s new digital imprint and I was published six months later. Since then, my rights were reverted and I’ve indie-published all of my books. I love it!

Do you do have another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

My day job is working for a local blood bank organizing blood drives across nine counties. I’m responsible for collecting nearly 10,000 blood donations a year in our community. Yep, I’m a vampire.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

My latest release is Space Cowboys & Indians. Think a movie mashup of Cowboys & Aliens meets Six Days Seven Nights. It’s a sci-fi, adventure romance!

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

I am my own publisher and I publish under the imprint Big Cedar. It’s good to be Queen.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

It depends on the length. With a day job, writing time is hard to come by. Space Cowboys & Indians was 28 days of actual writing over three months. My four other novels took approximately 2-3 times that many actual writing days over six months.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

 There will be more episodes of the Cosmic Cowboys Series. I plan to write episode two next. Then it’s on to book four, Reap & Reckon, of my Reaper Series. I’m also subconsciously plotting a sequel to Haunt My Heart featuring the Brothers of Peril.

What genre would you place your books into?

The Reaper Series books are Dark Urban Fantasy. Haunt My Heart is straight paranormal romance and Space Cowboys & Indians is sci-fi, adventure romance.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I’ve always had a weakness for monsters and bad boys. Now I write them.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

Kylen, from the Reaper Series and Reap & Redeem specifically, is my absolute favorite so far. He’s dark and broken. Just how I like ‘em.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I started writing in July of 2011. I can tell you EXACTLY who inspired me: J.R. Ward’s book Dark Lover was the first paranormal romance I’d ever read. I read it on vacation the summer of 2010. I LOVED it so hard. I read everything she had out and went on a paranormal romance bender, reading more than a hundred books. Soon after it finally occurred to me…I could do that. So I did.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I have the most awesomest of writing caves. It’s upstairs away from the fray and noise of my family. I write mostly at night after everyone is in bed. I don’t sleep a lot.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Yep. Every. One. I love knowing what people think of my stories, and I appreciate when they take time to post reviews and even reach out to me via social media. It’s the best!

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I almost always choose the title first. It has worked out every time so far.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

I look at lists of baby names until something catches my eye. I mostly like simple, classic names.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

I always pick them before. Once I have the name, they begin to come alive to me.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

It’s always a surprise to me who my characters turn out to be. It really is like meeting a stranger for the first time.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

Good will always triumph over evil…it just might take a while.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I hate hardbacks. Too bulky and stiff. I was reluctant at first but now I prefer e-books.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

I’ve read two books more than once: Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine is the quintessential summer coming-of-age book. Stephen King’s The Stand is the ultimate and epic story of good vs evil. Love them both! I’ve read them both three or four times each.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Some do. I’ll almost always read the book before I go see the movie. I think the Harry Potter movies were superbly done. The worst and most disappointing movie adaptation I can think of is Eragon. That dragon sucked.

Your favorite food is?

Chocolate

Your favorite singer/group is?

The Black Keys

Your favorite Author is?

J.R. Ward

 

 

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Lisa has always enjoyed reading about monsters in love and now she writes about them, because monsters need love too.

She adores beasties of all sorts, fictional as well as real, and has a farm full of them in her Southwest Missouri home, including: one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees, and a guinea pig.

She may or may not keep a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times, including a machete. Just. In. Case.

FB https://www.facebook.com/lisamedleyauthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/lisamedley

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824406.Lisa_Medley

Website http://lisa-medley.com