Karen Swart's Blog, page 62

Book Blast & Giveaway: The Deadline by @LEckhart

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – The Deadline SERIES – The Friessens: A New Beginning AUTHOR – Lorhainne Eckhart GENRE – Contemporary Romance PUBLICATION DATE – March 13, 2014 LENTH (Pages/# Words) - 158 PUBLISHER – INscribe Digital COVER ARTIST – Steven Novak BOOK SYNOPSIS In THE DEADLINE, Andy Friessen has packed up everything and moved his family two states away, to Montana, to protect his wife, Laura, his newborn babies, and his stepson, Gabriel, from the threats of his mother. What Andy doesn't know is that they'll soon face a new threat, one he never saw coming. Gabriel is sick, and a trip to the doctor confirms Laura and Andy's worst nightmare: Without a lifesaving transplant, their son won't survive. What Andy doesn't count on, as he tracks down the young man who fathered Gabriel, as well as Laura's estranged parents, is that a whole host of problems are about to be unleashed. AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLES / ITUNES / KOBO / GOOGLE / ALL ROMANCE

Chapter 1 How do you describe the feeling you get the first time you drive down a long, winding road to a place that is all yours? To Andy Friessen, this wasn’t just a house or a piece of land: he had staked a claim in another state, in another part of the county, uprooting his family and selling everything, all for a brand new beginning. Andy took in the miles of vast hillside and the cleanest pastures he’d ever seen. The green grass swayed in the wind and, for the first time, he sensed the sun, the moon, the stars and the changing of the seasons more deeply than he ever had before. This was a part of the country he had never travelled, but it felt like coming home. He glanced over at his wife, Laura, asleep in the passenger seat, her head resting against the door, her breath whispering softly in and out. He always knew when she was overtired, as she snored in her soft, delicate way. This time, she stirred a bit before settling into a deep sleep, as if her body had finally run out of steam. She was on edge and had been for some time, but that wasn’t unusual for a mother of newborns. For Andy and Laura, there was twice as much stress with their six-week-old twins, Chelsea and Jeremy, who were sound asleep in the backseat of the truck. Their five-year-old big brother, Gabriel, Laura’s son from a pregnancy at fifteen, sat beside them. Laura was so young but had lived through more heartache, rejection and struggle than most people would in a lifetime. As a teenager, she had been tossed out onto the street by her judgmental parents, who thought she was a bad influence on her younger brothers. Laura had only mentioned it once to Andy, and only when he pushed. He wanted to know what had happened, to know everything about her family, but he saw the deep hurt like a tread mark on her soul. No matter what he did, he wondered if that was something she’d never be able to make peace with. Andy wouldn’t, not in this lifetime. In fact, George and Sue Parnell were the first people Andy had ever hated without even meeting them. They had come so far, Laura and him. At first, the only reason he had married her was to save her son when the state took him away. Laura and Gabriel had been living in her car, and Andy had married her because he felt responsible for the entire mess. After all, it had been his mother who fired Laura from her position as a maid in the Friessen house. Andy had treated her horribly at first, but so much had changed since then. He loved her—his child bride, as everyone teased him. She had recently turned twenty-one, legal in every state, and Andy would soon be thirty-three. Andy pressed the brakes to slow his pickup as the ruts deepened on the driveway. The horse trailer rattled, and he glanced in the side mirror and rolled down his window just as his three-year-old buckskin mare, Ladystar, nickered. Apparently, she’d had enough of this two-day trip, leaving North Lakewood behind and moving two states away to a seventy-two-acre spread Andy had purchased outside of Columbia Falls, Montana. “Where are we?” Laura said. She didn’t open her eyes as she yawned. Her short bob was a tangled mess, but it was cute. Andy had been irritated when she cut off all her hair, saying it was easier to look after. Maybe so, but he liked her long hair. “Andy?” she said. The leather seat rustled as she sat up. Andy had to clear his throat. “We should be close.…” He stepped on the brakes when a sprawling one-story ranch house came into view. It had a light wood finish and a post-and-beam front deck, but something about the place didn’t look right. The railing appeared broken, with pieces of wood scattered here and there. Everything looked unkempt. Piles of debris littered the yard, including a rusted-out pickup with missing wheels parked in waist-high grass that was now weighted down by the melting snow. Maybe he had the wrong place? He eased on the gas pedal and started up the slight incline that circled the house. It was similar to the photos he had seen, but the house in the photos had been newer than this. A couple of the shutters were hanging sideways, and the fence surrounding the house was falling down, as was the corral, but it was the junk, the debris, the plastic, garbage and scattered metal parts, that pissed him off. “What the hell is this?” He’d bought the place unseen. The Montana realtor had sent photos of the exterior and interior, and maybe Andy should have asked when they had been taken, but he’d been in a hurry to get Laura and the kids as far away from his family as he could. He parked in front of the house and spotted the red and white realty sign leaning against the front step. “Andy, this doesn’t look like the pictures the realtor sent,” Laura said. “Are you sure this is the right place?” One of the babies started fussing, and Ladystar nickered from the trailer. “Andy, are we here?” Gabriel called out from the backseat, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah, just stay there, bud,” Andy said as he opened his door. Laura was reaching over to unbuckle Jeremy from his car seat, his tiny hands flailing. “He hungry?” Laura appeared so tired as she nodded. “I think so. Wet, too.” She patted his bottom and rested him on the seat. “Andy, can you reach the diaper bag on the floor in the back?” She had already unfastened his sleeper as Andy lifted the blue bag, shut the back door and set the bag on his seat. “Just stay in here until I check things out,” he said. Laura glanced up with a weary smile. “Okay.” He shut the door and stepped around the truck, taking in the mess. Ladystar nickered again. “Okay, girl,” he murmured, unlatching the horse trailer and leading his horse out before tying her to the side and bringing out a flake of hay for her. “Better find you some water, too,” he said, pulling out his bucket. Around the side of the house, he found a barn with a missing door, another gated pasture, and a round ring. As he stepped closer, he noticed the round pen appeared intact, with no missing posts and all the rails up. It was probably a safe bet for tonight, at least for Ladystar, until he got a better look around. He found a water tap at the back of the house and turned it on, but rusty water poured out. “Crap!” he muttered, waiting for it to run clear before he filled the bucket. When he took it back to the trailer where Ladystar was tied and eating, Laura opened the door of the truck and called out, “Andy, Gabriel has to go to the bathroom, and so do I. Can we go inside?” Andy took in what was supposed to have been a ten-year-old sprawling rancher, with a wraparound deck where they could spend evenings and mornings looking out over their spread. Instead, it resembled the kind of house his cousin Jed would have picked up for a good price to gut and renovate—not something Andy was interested in doing. “All right,” Andy said. He opened the back door and lifted Gabriel, who was already unbuckled and waiting. “Stay here, Gabriel. Hey, Laura, Chelsea is still sleeping.” Andy lifted his very quiet daughter from the car. Laura slid down, carrying Jeremy, who was fussing again. She had on just a beige sweater. “Ooh, it’s cold,” she said. She reached in the truck for her tan jacket and pulled it out, holding it out to Andy so he could help her as she juggled the baby. Laura started up the steps, and Gabriel and Andy followed. At the sound of a vehicle coming down the road, they both turned to see a newer pickup truck flying over the ruts and then pulling in just behind the horse trailer. A woman with a round face, bright smile, and dark hair tied back in a ponytail stepped out, wearing a sheepskin coat and blue jeans. Laura shrieked behind Andy. He turned just as the screen door Laura had pulled fell over and crashed to the front deck. Chelsea, who had been sleeping, whimpered and then started howling along with her brother.

Lorhainne Eckhart is a 2013 Readers Favorite Award winner, frequently a top 100 bestselling author on Amazon in Romance, Westerns and Police Procedural. Author of over 25 titles which includes novels, collections, and short stories. She writes three genres, western romance, romantic suspense and military romance and has sold more than 250,000 eBooks since her bestseller The Forgotten Child landed on the Amazon Bestseller list for Westerns and Western Romance. The German Foreign rights for The Forgotten Child have since been acquired by a major publisher, retitled The Forgotten Boy and released March 18, 2014, now a top 100 overall bestseller on Amazon. Lorhainne lives on sunny Salt Spring Island with her family where she is working on her next book. AMAZON / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOOGLE+ / PINTEREST GIVEAWAY PRIZES Epub or mobi of The Outsider Series: The Complete Omnibus Collection Epub or mobi of Walk the Right Road: The Complete Collection a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cover Reveal: Project Lexi by @LisaSurvillas

Title – Project Lexi Series – The Lexi Series Author – Lisa Survillas Genre – NA/Contemporary Romance Publisher – Lisa Survillas Cover Artist – Cover design by Kimberly Knight Photographs for cover by Geanette Trumbull of www.TLCbyG.com BOOK SYNOPSIS: Lexi Crandall’s, world is turned upside down junior year of high school. Her confession tears her family apart and leaves them broken. Looking for escape, she heads out of town for college. Wracked with guilt and shame, she keeps to herself, befriending only her roommate, Paige. Derek Fressen experiences one tragedy after another. After learning to cope with being raised by a single mom, he and his sister, Tiffany, become closer than ever. When Tiffany escapes Seattle for college, Derek takes the opportunity to leave his past behind as well. San Francisco State University is where Lexi and Derek find themselves junior year, thrown into the most uncomfortable situation possible, a group project that requires each to open up about their past. Their grade depends upon the ability to prove to the professor through a class presentation that they truly learned about one another. Painful memories and terrifying tests of courage propel Lexi to learn how to take baby steps in the healing process and give her hope of one day feeling normal. Although he feels he’s pretty well healed from the horrible events of his past, Derek is lonely and longing for a life of more. Will they be able to share enough of their lives with each other to pass this class? How much will Lexi let Derek help her in the process? Are their tragic pasts too much to overcome, or will love be in their future?

EXCERPT I can’t get her to look at me, I think she’s ashamed that she has no experience to go with. When I’m finally begging, she looks up and I can’t help it. She looks so lost, so sad. I know that she just needs the courage, but how will she ever find it if she doesn’t know what the reward is like? So I lean over, I place my hand on her cheek, and my lips on hers. She doesn’t freak out, so I use my tongue to entice her. I run it along her lower lip. I feel her breathing pick up and I’m nervous she’ll push me away, but when she doesn’t I try to coax her lips apart so I can really kiss her. When she opens them, her tongue meets mine and I have to keep repeating to myself, “Slow, slow, slow,” or my body might take over and try to push her past her limits. She’s not ready for more than this. I don’t let myself linger too long. I would love to kiss her all night, but she needs baby steps. I need to give her that or this won’t work. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself, but I should’ve made sure it was okay first.” I say it knowing that she needed the surprise of it or it would’ve never happened. Her response takes me by surprise, “Don’t. Be. Sorry.” She is breathing hard and can’t form a sentence. I love it. That means she loved it. When she brings her hand up to touch her lips, I know I can make this better for her. I stop her hand with mine and leaving the other on her cheek, I lean back in for a deeper kiss. She responds immediately. I make this one longer, but not much. This time when I pull back, we are both panting for air. “Wow.” A simple statement from her confirming that she liked it.

AUTHOR BIO: I'm Lisa. I live in sunny southern California with my wonderful husband and two teenage children. Hubbyis a high school PE teacher and is the coach of three different high school sports. With two kids in high school and involved in activities both inside and outside of school, I have a lot to juggle. When home, I lock myself inside the office to write. I've always loved to write, but life always seemed to be too busy. When inspiration finally hit, I made the most of the time hubby and kids were busy and published my first book in February 2014. It's a teen/young adult book and the first in a series. I'm currently working on a New Adult/Contemporary Romance series with the first book due out end of June 2014. Be on the look-out for more. FOLLOW LINKS: AMAZON  /  WEBSITE  /  FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  GOODREADS

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Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Dark Summer Dreams by @DanubeAdele

 

 

Dark Summer Dreams

Dreamwalkers

Book 2

Danube Adele

Genre: Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Sci-fi, Romance

Publisher: Carina Press

Date of Publication: June 9th

ISBN: 9781426898457

ASIN: B00I15VL5E

Number of pages: 341

Word Count: 137,000

Book Description:

I freed him from imprisonment, only to become his pawn.

I, Shandria Langston, last remaining daughter of the leader of the Sunan, was charged with an impossible task. I had to rescue Kraggon Dragmor—sworn enemy of my people—from the death chamber. If I refused, our world as we know it would be destroyed.

Oh, but was he happy with my sacrifice? No. Instead of being properly appreciative of this selfless act, of being grateful that I tended to him through a deathly illness, the bastard’s kidnapped me. I’m “a symbol of retribution for his people.” The man has no heart.

I have only one advantage in captivity: I can read Kraggon’s thoughts. I know that he can’t afford to admit that I empathize with his people. He can’t afford to admit that I am more beautiful than any woman he’s ever seen, or allow me to fire his blood with every look…and he can’t afford to admit that he’ll do anything to save me, that I’ve become his heart.

Amazon BN Google Play Kobo Fantasic Fiction

 

Prologue

Shandry, quit being so damn polite and just give a mad-ass Viking battle cry to the fucking world at large. You need to kick ass and take names. Seriously, it would be totally therapeutic.

A Viking battle cry? I grinned at Taylor Lane, my new, somewhat warped, friend. Would I need to wield a large ax? Maybe do some raiding and pillaging of villages nearby?

Smartass. She said it with affection before turning back to the rock wall she was painting.

Can I see what you’re doing?

Pausing, she gave me a narrow-eyed look and pointed her drippy paintbrush at me. Keep your Picasso-ey self over there. I don’t need a professional looking over my shoulder while I work. Get me all nervous. Make me mess up.

Not even a peek?

Will you give me a mad-ass battle cry right now?

I half snorted my short laugh. Of course not.

Then, no.

Taylor’s dreamwalking visits were always a great time. I never knew where we would end up or what was going to come out of her mouth. Usually, it would be something shocking to my Sunan sensibilities, but I loved it. I needed it. She was completely outrageous without apology. Just being around her made me feel more daring. She represented possibilities, which felt like a lifeline to me at this point. And she was going to be part of the family soon.

One day she’d popped into one of my dreams and said she was my brother’s new hottie, for, like, ever, and in a flash took me to Venice Beach where she said she lived with my brother. Not only was she joining with Ryder, but now she had all these new powers to harness, which allowed her to take us to the Gods’ plane when she visited my dreams. The downside was once I left this plane, I never remembered her until we returned.

I’ve complained about this, of course, but she always says something like, I just do what I’m told, or even better, when she told me she was just being a tool. Somehow, the Gods control what she’s able to do because we haven’t officially met on the human plane. Yet.

No, seriously, Shandry. Get up in people’s faces. Take a stand. Make them your bi-atch. I promise, you’ll be a lot happier. She said this matter-of-factly as she continued to paint the rock wall with a few large, sweeping strokes that looked quite dramatic from where I was sitting. I craned my neck to see if I could catch a peek, but she noticed what I was doing and gave me a stern look, shaking her finger at me.

Well, fine, I grumbled good-naturedly. I didn’t want to see it anyway. But I really did. For some reason.

Why in the worlds wasn’t she going to let me look? I tried to brush it off and focus on the last nonsensical word she’d uttered. Bi-atch. And this was… Nope. Didn’t get it.

Okay, you’ve got me on this one. I shook my head. What does that even mean?

It means you have to demand what you want, when you want it and put your foot in someone’s ass when they blow you off. You’re too nice.

How can being too nice be wrong?

You ask that? Really? Look in the mirror. She gave her own unladylike snort as though I were being obtuse.

First of all, I have no mirrors, and second, that makes no sense.

Taylor gave me a knowing look. It makes perfect sense, and deep down, you totally get what I’m saying. You have too many resentful yeses in you when you need to find some good, coldhearted, queen of the kingdom no’s. When was the last time you got what you wanted?

My sigh held exasperation.

The lighthearted feeling I counted on with Taylor, the sense of fun and adventure, began fading around the edges. It was turning into something more serious and real. If I’d wanted real, I’d be awake. Real life needed to remain in reality, not follow me into my dreams.

Forcing a smile and a light tone, I tried to get this little interlude back on track. Everything’s great. My art is coming along. I’m doing the best work I’ve ever done. I’m trying new mediums. There was this block of marble that—

She shook her head, already smacking my words down.

You’re alone living in the middle of nowhere. You have no friends. You don’t get to meet anyone. You talk to no one other than your little animal buddies and Dreya. Don’t get me wrong, I love your grandmother to death. She’s a lovely woman, but you’re too young to let your family limit your interactions to a woman in her seventies. I bet you’ve never even thought about what kind of guy you’d like to meet! As she hammered each point home, my smile fell by degrees until I was frowning.

That’s just not true. But it was. The familiar burn of resentment slapped at me, and as always, I did my best to tamp it down. There was no way to fix my situation, but it was getting harder to accept.

I wanted more. My life had felt flat and colorless for a long time. Nothing ever changed.

Images of experiences I desperately wanted fluttered rapidly through my mind like I was thumbing a well-loved book: the warmth of spontaneous laughter with good friends; shopping with a confident, carefree spring to my step while not having to look over my shoulder in fear; travel to new and exotic places, and the heart-pounding excitement of romance. Meeting someone. A first kiss. What kind of guy would I like?

I thought of Sixteen Candles and Jake Ryan, when the theme music plays in the background and he’s standing there just waiting for Samantha at the end of the movie. That one still had the power to make my heart ache for what wasn’t happening in my life.

There were so many things I didn’t understand. Too innocent. Too unknowing. Wasn’t twenty-five too old to have so much to learn? At some point, innocent became flat out ignorant. And the years were now ticking by. Before long, I’d be twenty-six, then twenty-seven. What about my life?

I’d seen pictures and books and movies that Ryder brought me from Earth. Taylor had taken me places during our dreamwalking dates.

But what I craved more than anything was for my life to have meaning. I needed a place to belong. Who counted on me for anything of importance? Who needed my opinion on important matters? No one. Who needed me for any kind of responsibility? Who counted on me to get things done that affected others in serious ways? No one. Did I do anything of significance that was crucial to anyone else? Not at all. No responsibility for my own life. I may as well still be a child.

You’re missing out on some important life experiences, Shandry.

Didn’t I know it?

I forced my smile back in place and tried to ignore the burn of frustration over what I couldn’t control and repeated to her what I’d repeated to myself, over and over, using a light tone as though that would make it more convincing somehow. I think you’re exaggerating. Everything is great. I really like being on my own, in my own place. There’s no one else I need to worry about or check in with, I go for long walks in the forest, and I work in my garden. I help my grandmother harvest her sele` flower crop in the fall, and it’s kind of funny, but part of the reason my art is selling in the market place is because I’m so reclusive and mysterious. It’s beautiful. Certainly. I’ve worked hard. Incredibly hard. It’s taken me years to reach the level of mastery that I’m at, but my art is also the only evidence of my existence. Who knew that would help? I couldn’t be busier or more fulfilled. Orders are coming to me from all over the nation through the encrypted messaging system, the EMS, Ryder set up for me. Too much to do. I don’t have time for anything else in my life. I’m very content.

As I actually said these words outside my own head, even I could say it sounded like blah, blah-blah, blah-blah—a bunch of excuses. But it wasn’t. Not really. It was survival.

Taylor threw me a frown. You are a fraud. Being introverted is a natural state of being for some people. It’s a front for you. It’s fake. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. You need to find you.

I huffed a sigh, negating what she was saying. She didn’t understand. I couldn’t let myself go there. You don’t get it, Taylor. It doesn’t even matter. You know what’s important? I’m right here. I’m happy, healthy and safe. I’m lucky to live in the middle of a beautiful place. Have you been to the Blue Sage Forest? It’s gorgeous. What can I really complain about?

Shandry—

Taylor, I’m a target. Our enemies want me dead, and I still managed to carve out my own space in this blasted world. I practically had to give a blood oath and install all kinds of security measures to move, but that’s part of the price. Did you know that when I was a kid, there were attempts on my life? The fear of those moments was still fresh, and my heart skipped, remembering. I took a breath to calm it. My isolation keeps me and others safe. I have to stay out here, Taylor. There are no other options.

Besides, I’d asked my father if I could go to Earth last year, and he hadn’t let a second go by before stating in his no-nonsense voice that it would be impossible to keep me safe there. When would the threat be over?

Tamp tamp tamp. Tamp it down. There’s nothing you can do. Don’t drive yourself insane. I watched the movement of her paint strokes, which was kind of soothing and let me catch my breath. I didn’t want to get mad at Taylor over this stupid stuff. She didn’t deserve that from me.

There are always options, Taylor finally offered cryptically and resumed painting. She must have noted the tension in my voice because she gave me a moment before adding, My friend, you have got to find your inner badass bitch-on-wheels.

We’re not all made like you, Tay. I tried to say it teasingly, recapture the lightness of spirit we’d started with, but my smile was having a hard time coming back. You are one of a kind. And she was. Cute and strong and sure of herself, she was fearless when it came to speaking her mind. I envied her that.

Compliments will not distract me today. Wasn’t it Emerson that talked about giving a barbaric yawp over the mountaintop or something like that? She looked up thoughtfully, thinking hard on it. This was in Dead Poet Society. Made him yawp in class. Very cool. I loved that movie. Why can’t I remember? But anyway, you seriously need an attitudinal adjustment.

An attitudinal adjustment?

Yup. Attitudinal adjustment. I don’t go dream-hopping for nothing. You need me here, especially seeing as how this is a sensitive issue for you.

I just didn’t want to talk about this anymore. Why couldn’t that be okay with everybody? I need an attitudinal adjustment? You need an attitudinal adjustment. You won’t even let me see what you’re painting.

Taylor gave me a curious look. Why do you even need to see it?

That gave me pause. I don’t know. I guess I don’t. But the painting was…calling to me? Reaching out to me? So dumb. I was definitely not going to say this out loud. What I need is some fun, Tay. What nasty medicine did you have to take today?

Truth serum.

I rolled my eyes and snarked, And it was Walt Whitman, not Emerson.

Wow. She threw a quick, face-splitting grin at me. Love the attitude.

I was being awful. I never talked this way, ever, and this was Taylor… Sorry. I’m not usually—

I mean it! You need attitude in this life. Bring it!

I took a deep breath, wondering why nothing made sense anymore. There was no reason for me to be resentful. There really wasn’t. What good was attitude going to do for me?

Taylor saluted me with her paintbrush. Okay. I stand corrected. Whitman said it. Whatever. Some dead white guy said it, and the message is still valid.

Okay. Fine. Whatever. I didn’t want to talk about this stuff anymore. Where are we now? Is this place on Earth?

A strong breeze whipped the end of my auburn ponytail across my face, and I tilted my head back to enjoy the feel of the sun, needing a balm for my spirit. Usually I would have had to worry about exposure, having the blasted redhead’s everlasting curse of pale skin, but in this place, the Gods’ plane, nothing could hurt me.

You brought me here, Taylor said succinctly as she concentrated on her painting once again, which had me scowling. She was being so difficult. It was just a painting. I took a deep breath, trying to refocus on the conversation, though my eyes felt like they were being dragged to what she was doing. Then her words caught me.

I brought us here? I looked around with some confusion, about to deny it, but then paused. It somehow was connected to me. I sensed it.

Someone did. I don’t know. I just know I didn’t. The Gods don’t always tell me what’s happening. I think I should lodge a complaint with management. I had to give it to her. Taylor was handling being an instrument of the Gods better than I would if I was only being handed bits and scraps of information. My grandmother suffered from the same problem. It meant anything could happen. There were no rules. Clearly.

Normally I wouldn’t have been able to bring anyone to a place I hadn’t seen, yet here we were. It was a picturesque valley and we sat at the mouth of it, against the rocky slope. I wondered if this was all a figment of one of our imaginations (I hoped not) or if it was truly a place within the Sunan nation.

Romantic, rocky crags jutted up behind us. Tall green grasses with yellow clover flowers swayed with the faint breeze in the valley before us, and the clear, blue sky blanketed us with sweet smelling air above us.

To actually visit here would be grand, but I knew I never would, which frustrated me more than usual in this moment since Taylor had decided it would be a fabulous idea to start picking at my scabs, so to speak. I couldn’t just be normal and make my own decisions about things, now could I? It was all about keeping me safe. If I was even considering doing something out of my norm, all kinds of people would up and protest.

But…there was cause.

As usual, any hints of anger or resentment that cropped up I immediately smothered. Didn’t need to start that fire burning.

Tamp, tamp, tamp. Things were as good as I could make them.

What good would it do to feel frustrated? It only sapped energy from me, and there was no one around who would actually listen to a complaint. My father had wanted to protect me. I was lucky to have been able to live with my grandmother. When I felt old enough to need to be on my own, I’d made it happen. It was the one time I’d argued for my own life, and though it had cost me in some ways, I got what I wanted. My little home was far away on the outskirts, just beyond where our civilization claimed borders, in a secret place, but still close to Dreya. At least it wasn’t underground. There was no way I could ever return to living underground, which my father had initially tried to make me do.

See? It was all for the better. There was nowhere else I could handle going anyway. There wasn’t another place I belonged…more. The frustration began to ease. I was able to take a deep breath of fresh air.

Are we talking about Shandry? Asily gave me an artful smile as she suddenly appeared on a rock near mine. I heard you guys talking about shouting off the mountain top or something like that.

Where have you been? I’ve been trying to lecture your sister on some serious shit, and you just up and left.

Didn’t you see that little curly-haired toddler running? He asked me to chase him. Very cute. I lost him in the crowd.

Nope. Didn’t see anything, I replied with a quick look around. Asily, there’s no one here.

Of course there is! Asily laughed. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t here. It’s actually very busy here. Can’t you feel them?

Taylor was impatient. I feel lots of things.

I don’t, I groused a bit sourly.

Asily’s tone was more of an understatement that lost its lightness. Well, trust me. There’s a lot happening here these days.

I was ready to tell them both they needed help, but realized that I was feeling a thread of something. I didn’t know what it was.

Taylor gave an as-I-was-saying look and continued, I was telling her to be more like a Viking and roar out her pissed-offness.

I thought we were done with this, I grumbled.

Who? Shandry? Asily laughed outright, which made me scowl at her. Shandry doesn’t have it in her to say boo at a mouse. In fact, she’d probably befriend it, start feeding it, and help it name its children. She doesn’t have a rude bone in her body. She’d never be able to shout off a mountaintop. Shandry’s always been the good one in the family.

Gods bless it. That familiar twinge of resentment—ah, there it was—that I was trying to get rid of pinched at me once again, hearing the certainty in my sister’s voice. I had the sudden urge to shove her off her rock. I could be rude. I could be barbaric if I wanted to. I could yawp.

Besides, I usually communicated with birds and squirrels, not mice.

You are so wrong, Asily. She’s hiding out. I’m telling you. She’s playing possum or something. This isn’t who she really is, and I can’t wait to see the real Shandry stop denying herself and finally step forward to demand the life she really wants.

You two are crazy, I said lightly, to sort of put the lid on the discussion, but Taylor just had so much to say. Bless the spirits.

Not even. You, Shandry-girl, are spiritually clogged like nobody’s business. I know I sound all hippy-love-child fruity when I say this, but I can totally feel your energy. You, girlfriend, have some deeply seated emotional issues. Trust me. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s deep, emotional issues. Am I right, Asily?

Taylor paused in her work to look questioningly over at my sister.

Yes, you are right. You have deep emotional issues, Asily repeated dutifully.

Taylor smirked. You’re a funny girl, Asily. I like that about you. But really, back a girlfriend up, here. Can’t you feel it? Shandry needs to just let it all go. Let it all hang out. She absolutely needs an attitudinal adjustment before she completely blows her lid.

Tay, I don’t have the same gifts you have, Asily responded with a shrug. I can’t see the same things you see. As far as I can see, she’s just perfect. Her dark blue eyes contrasted dramatically with her blue-black hair. Glancing at me mischievously, she winked. She’d always been so striking, just like our brother, Ryder, and our father. I’d taken after our mother, who had milky skin and red hair. My eyes seemed to be my own. The palest blue.

This is good counseling, Taylor groused as she continued her work. People usually have to pay good money for this. No kidding. So anyway, let’s not lose the point here. The point of this lecture is to help Shandry recognize that she is beautiful and talented and has a lot to offer the world. Maybe there was a time when you needed to hide, but that time is gone.

I wished.

But she doesn’t even like being around people, Asily offered. She only likes doing her art.

Says who? Since when did I actually get the choice?

I’m not buying it. Taylor turned to me again. We need to think of a way to let you open up more. It would be good for you.

I gave an I-have-no-idea kind of shrug. At this point, I didn’t know what she was talking about.

Taylor turned back to us with this sudden, huge smile. Okay. I have an idea. I dare you to yell “cocksucker.” And you can’t say it quickly or quietly. You have to say it with gusto and mean it.

I’m not going to do that, I gasped, which had Asily grinning, which again, really bugged me for some reason. She was seriously close to getting that proverbial foot placed somewhere on her anatomy, just as Taylor suggested. Big sisters could seriously be pains.

Watch. I’ll do it first. Taylor balled up her paint-brush-free hand into a fist for added support, took a deep breath and yelled as loudly as she could, Cocksucker! She made it echo three times down the valley and laughed with delight. See? From the diaphragm. Trust me! It’s absolutely freeing.

I can’t say that. I shook my head with amused horror, though really, there was secret, sneaky part of me that was intrigued. Considering. Wouldn’t it be nice to show everyone, including my sister, there was more to me than just the good girl who did what she was told? I was tired of feeling so innocent and unknowing. I wanted to wipe that smile off Asily’s face.

So many different combinations, it boggles the mind. Okay. Try this one, then. Fucking asshole. Or goddamn motherfucking asshole. Please? Pretty please?

No. Dual feelings of humor and horror battled for precedence on my face.

Part of me is just dying to hear this phrase coming from your mouth.

But why?

You’re just so innocent. You’re like this cute doll I had when I was a little girl. I swear. Her smile broadened. It feels like I’m corrupting Pollyanna.

I could probably use some corruption. I’d spent too much time alone. Maybe Taylor was right. Something needed to change before I started going insane.

I’m not even kidding, Shandry. You want to see a girl fall on the floor? Come up to me and tell me I’m a mother-fucking-cocksucking asshole, and I will be L-M-A-O, you hear me? It would be so Linda Blair from The Exorcist.

I’d scared myself silly with that movie. My brother got me hooked on Earth’s entertainment out of some misplaced sense of guilt that he was somehow responsible for me being exiled. The problem was, he only brought me PG, or at the most, PG-13 rated movies, but I soon moved on to a few of the R without letting him know. I found a means of pirating—yes, I said it!— movies that I thought would be more interesting, not that I didn’t love The Lion King. Of course, this led to many more questions that I had no answers for. And probably a few nightmares as well…

Taylor wasn’t finished being funny.

She gave me an arch look.

You know, there are other ways of letting off steam, and trust me, you have some steam to let off. Ever heard of porn?

Porn? I frowned, shaking my head. I hadn’t heard the word before.

Yeah, porn. Video images of people having loud, raunchy sex.

Tay-lor! I gasped my surprise and felt my cheeks get hot. At the same time, I wondered if people were really having sex in a video or if it was, like, faked… I shut the thought down quickly. Was it wrong to be so intrigued? My desire to ask her questions about sex battled the natural Sunan reserve I’d grown up with.

Disappointingly, I let my conservatism win out and gave her a good, miss-ish frown. I wasn’t ready yet. Just wasn’t ready to be so open with my curiosity.

Really, Shandry! It’s very educational. Seriously. A good “O” can work wonders, let me tell you.

Taylor—

I’m not trying to get up in your business or anything, I’m just saying…Taylor flung some paint at me playfully from her brush.

I shielded my face. I can’t believe you’re talking about this.

You won’t remember anyway.

I always end up remembering something of what we talked about even if I don’t remember you! It somehow ends up working its way into my life—

Taylor looked like she’d just had a Eureka! moment. Well, shit. If that’s the case, I’m going to say you have to know your body. Go exploring. I’m not even kidding. Get naked, think of a hot guy, and see what happens next.

Geez, Taylor. I am not going to have this conversation with you. I won’t. Go exploring? What did that mean? Touch myself? My mind secretly latched on to this. I was sure Taylor would answer any question I put to her, but I was too embarrassed to ask. So, I kept my mouth shut.

Okay, okay. But someone needs to have this conversation with you. It’s time you learned about the birds and the bees.

Asily suddenly narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the painting. A little more shadow on the left.

I’m getting there, I’m getting there, Taylor grumbled good-naturedly, reluctantly turning her attention back to her painting on the rock wall. She got to work with a vengeance, then. Adding daubs here and there. Going back to outline this part or that part to make it darker, clarify lines and shapes.

Don’t be a perfectionist, Asily complained.

Don’t be a backseat driver, Taylor replied without heat, though she was looking up at the wall questioningly.

What in the worlds are you painting? I needed to know.

Truthfully, I’m not sure yet. Taylor looked up at her wall with uncertainty. I just work here, you know, and do as I’m told.

Bless the spirits, Taylor. You’re just standing too close to it. Back up and take a look. And then get out of the way so we can all see. Asily suddenly hopped off her boulder and joined Taylor some distance away, looking at the image with her head cocked consideringly.

Is he anyone you know? Taylor asked Asily.

No. No one I know. Shandry? Asily beckoned me over.

Finally! I jumped off my rock, and a few quick steps had me standing next to the two of them. I got my first full glance at the larger-than-life face Taylor had painted on the wall and felt my heart stutter wildly in my chest.

He was beautiful. Striking. Strong, square jaw, full lips and an arresting pair of deep, soulful eyes that seemed to be looking just at me. Whispering to me. Reaching out to me. It was like he was there, somehow. The heat of his energy reached out to mine with provocative tendrils wrapping around me, pulling me in, beginning to warm me from the inside. With some fear, I wondered what was going on. I suddenly felt the need to catch my breath and still my madly pumping heart. I tried to pull back, strengthen my mental shield against him and breathe normally again.

I—I don’t know him, I stuttered quietly, calmly, though my face was definitely heating up yet again. I wondered if Asily or Taylor knew what had just happened.

Well, he’s a totally hot guy, Taylor offered. If I weren’t completely over the top for your brother, I’d be getting me some of that. Believe you me.

Embarrassment complete.

She knew. The heat to my cheeks only increased, radiating like a beacon.

You don’t need to be embarrassed, Shandry. Taylor frowned at me. You’re a healthy, twenty-five-year-old woman who’s alone out in the boondocks.

That’s silly, I protested, my voice sharper than usual. I’m perfectly content with my life.

This time I agree with Taylor, Asily said quietly, her young face looking wiser

than her years as she studied my expression. You’ve put your life on hold long enough. It’s time.

Time for what? I asked hesitantly, afraid I knew the answer.

Time for you to wake up.

 

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

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write, but it always seemed like one of those fantasies that wouldn’t ever come true. Throughout middle school and high school, I would often look like I was diligently working away at my desk all period, and I would be. On a story. Usually, I’d have my assigned work finished pretty quickly and would have moved on.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

Getting to the end of my first full length novel and being able to actually know I completed something gave me the confidence to say I was a writer. Up until then, I’d played at it off and on in high school, in college, but then, life goes on. Grad school, marriage, kids all had a hand in keeping me joyfully occupied, and writing took a back seat because I was so busy. Only after my kids had gotten to a point where they didn’t need me as much, only when I got through writing this wonderful story, only when I wrote “The End” after my first book did it feel truly symbolic.

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

While working full-time, and still having a family I needed to show up for, it took me a year and a half to write my first book. It was truly a luxurious experience. I had no deadline, and I could come and go as I pleased. There was no stress involved, and I could tinker to my heart’s desire. Once I considered it done, which was the summer of 2012, I submitted in the fall and was informed by spring of 2013 that Carina Press was interested. They contracted me for three books, and Quicksilver Dreams was released Jan. 6th, Book #1 of the Dreamwalkers series.

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

Dark Summer Dreams is Book #2 of the Dreamwalker series. Tasked with saving a sworn enemy, Shandria risks life and limb, only to be kidnapped by the warrior for retribution.

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

Carina Press is my publisher.

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

Dark Summer Dreams was written under a deadline, which was my first experience with one of those. Definitely a stresser and a motivator simultaneously. From beginning to end, it likely took me about eight months to thoroughly plot the chapters, write, and edit. 

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

The Dreamwalkers series has approximately five books, which will end this story. So many ideas jump into my mind throughout the day, but once I finish this series, there’s a futuristic, sci-fi romance that’s just dying to find its way onto paper. I’m already putting ideas down so I won’t lose any of it. Most of my ideas tend to be of the paranormal/sci-fi romance genre. It’s hard for me to think of a story where the setting or the characters don’t have some sort of fantastic possibilities.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I’ve always loved the idea of people having special abilities or special powers. As a kid, I remember windy days when the Santa Ana’s would blow the bejeezus out of the neighborhood, and my little friend and I would do our best to run down the long expanse of grass in her front yard flapping our arms wildly to see if we could fly. Of course, we remained earth-bound, but I love the idea that the sky’s the limit when you’re making up new worlds.

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

I’ve enjoyed all of the characters I’ve created, but I have to say that Taylor Lane, from my debut novel Quicksilver Dreams, is one of my very favorite characters because she was the first complete character I ever created. She came to life for me and let me experience the full joy of creation. I could see her. I knew what she would say in any given situation, and I was so proud of how she was able to work her way through the conflicts she faced, both internally and externally. She’s about to host a column on my blog, critiquing reality TV shows.

 

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

I grew up watching my mom write. She introduced me to one of my first novels Irish Thoroughbred by Nora Roberts, which got me totally hooked on the romance genre. She was always either writing or reading. I can still remember her lessons on editing a sentence. She’d cut out the extra slack and let me see what an exciting sentence could look like.

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

I love sitting in the front room of my house with my laptop on my lap. It’s a pretty room, a quiet room, and there are windows covering two walls that let in natural light. Checking my emails and social media have to happen first or I’ll not be able to fully engage in my writing. Finally, I’ve started wearing earplugs. Being able to tune out all of the extra noises from my kids, my husband, the TV in the other room, the dog barking out in the yard, seems to be very beneficial.

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

Advice I’ve been given by seasoned authors is to avoid reading reviews for a number of reasons. I can’t seem to follow that advice. I’ve read every review I’ve discovered and done my best to take any criticism in light of how it’s given. It’s also allowed me to see that, truthfully, different reviewers love different things. Many reviewers loved, loved, loved something while another might say they thought it was okay. That’s actually been helpful as I start out in this industry.

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

The title came after the book was written. We work on a title worksheet at Carina Press where the character’s motivations, the plot, the settings, the tone, the themes are all discussed. Based on this information, we start throwing titles around, trying to figure out what best represents the book, and in my case, the series as a whole.

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

Coming up with character names from other planets can be fun. I love starting with a traditional name. From there, I can reorganize the letters and add a few. I rework the name until it rolls off my tongue in a way that sounds right. An example of this from my first book is Ranik, one of the bad guys. That started out as Frank, and in fact, Frank is a name he also uses while on Earth.

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

The character comes out of the name. The name will have a culture or backstory attached to it that helps shape who the character is, how they speak, and what values they hold. For example, Kraggon Dragmor is the true leader of the Brausa, a culture of people who have suffered tremendous loss in Dark Summer Dreams, and his name had to feel strong to me. He had to be bigger than life in some ways, so his people would want to be led by him, but at the same time, he needed to have wonderful flaws that worked to keep him from what he wanted most in life.

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

The character itself informs the action and dialogue. Before I can start writing, I need to do an in-depth analysis of who my characters are, what are their backstories (even the bad guys). This speaks to motivations, internal/external conflicts, why they do what they do, and what they’re hoping to achieve. I want my characters to feel truly three dimensional. I was stuck in place on my latest project and spoke to a writer friend about it, and her comment was that she thought I needed to do more homework on backstory. She was absolutely right. As soon as I figured some things out about the character’s background, the story moved on, and I knew what needed to happen.

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..")

There are always themes in a story, but no clear-cut moral lessons. However, finding personal strength, recognizing self-worth, recognizing manipulation, and knowing when to trust are all issues that come up.

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

I love all formats of books as long as they tell a good story.

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

There is absolutely no way I could come up with just one title. There are so many books that are like old friends. I revisit them depending on what mood I’m in. Maybe I’m looking for some justice, so I get out one of Christine Feehan’s books from the Ghostwalker series. Sometimes I feel like revising the Mallory family, so I reread one of Joanna Lindsay’s books. When I’m looking for fantastic creatures of all kinds, I look to Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. That’s just naming a few.

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

There have been some book to movie transfers that have been decent, but by far, it’s a hard thing to do. An example of a good transfer would be the Lord of the Ring trilogy. I thought that was fantastic, even though they did end up leaving out some bits and parts. Time, energy and effort was put into getting that movie right. I’ll say that I was not entirely happy with how the new version of The Great Gatsby was portrayed. I’ve read that book a number of times, and didn’t like some of the poetic license that was taken, or the updated music. As you can imagine, having enjoyed dancing swing/Lindy Hop/Shag, I’m a huge fan of the actual music of the time.

Your favorite singer/group is?

I am a glutton when it comes to music. My mood tells me what feels good in a moment, and I have hugely eclectic tastes that range from the 80s, to the oldies, to some country, to some classical, to some modern. I was a lindy hop dancer for a number of years, so any music from the 20s to the 50s is also a favorite of mine and can get me doing a shag where I stand. (Shagging is the name of a particular dance style, though I’m fully aware that it has other meanings as well.) (-;

Your favorite color is?

Burgundy is one of my very favorite colors. It was the color of my bridesmaids’ gowns at my wedding as well as the color of my flowers. I had a lovely ceremony at The Castle Green in Pasadena, CA. A December wedding, which made it absolutely perfect for the season.

 

 

5 ebook copies of Dark Summer Dreams

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Danube Adele wrote her first romance at the age of seven when she penned the story of her dogs falling in love and having puppies. She’s been dreaming up romantic tales ever since. A lifetime resident of southern California, she spends time playing at the beach, camping in Joshua Tree National Park, and hiking Mammoth Mountain.

Always a lover of adventure, she and her husband took their sons on a cross country road trip to Florida and back in an old VW Westfalia, that had no A/C, in the month of July, and still, it continues to be the best trip they ever took.

Extensive travel and trying new things has kept the creative spark alive. Danube lives in Claremont with her biggest fans, her loving husband, amazing and wonderful identical twin sons, and a teddy bear of a Rottweiler.

Her debut novel, Quicksilver Dreams, Book 1 of the Dreamwalker series, was released January 6, 2014, and Dreams of a Dark Summer, Book 2 of the Dreamwalker series, is set for release June 9, 2014. She’s currently working the next book in the Dreamwalker series, which is set to come out in December, 2014.

www.facebook.com/Writer.D.Adele

www.danubeadele.wordpress.com

www.twitter.com/DanubeAdele

www.google.com/+DanubeAdele

www.goodreads.com/author/show/7340150.Danube_Adele

Series Blast & Giveaway: Stone of Destiny Series by @LauraHoward78

TITLE – Stone of Destiny SERIES – The Danaan Trilogy AUTHOR – Laura Howard GENRE – Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – April 21 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 170 pages PUBLISHER – Laura Howard COVER ARTIST – Najla Qamber Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever. Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix. Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan? AMAZON KINDLE / AMAZON PAPERBACK / BARNES & NOBLES NOOK / SMASHWORDS / ITUNES

I led him into the foyer and shut the door behind him. He followed me to the dining room and when I sat, he took the seat beside me. He caught my eyes and raised his brows expectantly. “Niamh asked me to go to Tír na n’Óg with her and Liam.” “What, you mean go right now?” Ethan asked. I nodded. “She doesn’t want to wait until Aoife makes a move. In a way I agree with her.” “Did you tell me you needed to talk so you could just tell me you were leaving?” I glanced up at him. “Yes, I hoped you’d understand.” “No Allison. I don’t understand,” he said, jumping up so fast the chair nearly fell over. I hesitated. “Niamh came by after you left last night. I know there’s a lot going on here, but I’ve thought about it all night. The sooner we take care of the threat Aoife poses on all of us, the better.” Ethan stared at me, his face hard. “I understand that part. But I told you whatever happens, I’m coming with you.” “What?” I said, shaking my head. “You can’t.” “Like hell I can’t.” He crossed his arms, eyes narrowed. “You’re not leaving me behind this time.”

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. AMAZON / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOOGLE+ / PINTEREST / GOODREADS GIVEAWAY PRIZES 1 set of Paperbacks of books 1&2 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Organized By:

Book Blast & Giveaway: OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: The Ultimate Workplace Romance Box Set

 

 

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD:

The Ultimate Workplace Romance Box Set

Publisher: Penning Princess

Publication Date: June 2, 2014

ASIN: B00KHZALKW

Contributing Authors: Eve Langlais, Cathryn Fox, Mandy Harbin, Parker Kincade, Cassandra Carr, Ann Mayburn, Ros Clarke, Lilly Cain, Delilah Devlin, Cari Quinn

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My Secretary, My Mistress – Eve Langlais
Can a boss let go of his inhibitions and let his secretary take charge of him in the bedroom? 

To learn more about Eve Langlais and her entire book list please visit her website:

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Yours to Take - Cathryn Fox
Revenge takes on a sexy twist when a powerhouse lawyer is stripped of her control by the handsome multi-millionaire she once took down in the courtroom. 

To learn more about Cathryn Fox and her entire book list please visit her website:

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Against Company Policy – Mandy Harbin
Cassie Tucker and Ian Cope know they should keep things professional on their new assignment, but when desire is faced with physical boundaries and company policy, it’s time to get a little creative…and a little kinky. 

To learn more about Mandy Harbin and her entire book list please visit her website:

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White Collar Cowboy - Parker Kincade
Lauren Delgado has had a crush on Gavin Mathis for years, but has a strict “hand-off” policy with the men she works with. When her life takes an unexpected turn, there’s nothing to stop her from accepting Gavin’s invitation to his vacation home on Galveston Island … where she learns the policy is definitely hands-on. 

To learn more about Parker Kincade and her entire book list please visit her website:

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Seducing Chase - Cassandra Carr
When a doctor disappears with millions, can Val and Nate set aside their explosive attraction and save the hospital? 

To learn more about Cassandra Carr and her entire book list please visit her website:

http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com/

First Kiss - Ann Mayburn
Ryan will never forgot that night in high school when he kissed Emma and lost his heart to her forever. Years later he finds Emma again, but now she’s a pro-Domme that refuses to fall in love. Ryan begins a campaign to win her reluctant heart, one night at a time. 

To learn more about Ann Mayburn and her entire book list please visit her website:

http://www.annmayburn.com/

Flirting with the Camera - Ros Clarke
Brilliant, beautiful and bigger than your average plus-size model, Hattie Bell can do anything she sets her mind to. After all, she's just landed her dream job, modelling for top photographer, Tom Metcalfe. So her next goal should be a piece of cake: getting Tom to break his strict rule against workplace romances... 

To learn more about Ros Clarke and her entire book list please visit her website:

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No Restraints - Lilly Cain
Bad girl Selene Carter will do anything to save her business, even team up with the cop who stole her heart. But can Detective Tom Barker help when he knows she's no innocent? 

To learn more about Lilly Cain and her entire book list please visit her website:

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Pleasing Sir - Delilah Devlin
Raelie might be a submissive in search of just the right Dom, but she’s not the kind to sit back and wait for the right man to happen. When she gets the chance to fill in as Bryce Caldwell’s executive assistant, she decides some subtle seduction is needed to see if he dominates the bedroom the same way he does the office. 

To learn more about Delilah Devlin and her entire book list please visit her website:

http://www.delilahdevlin.com/

Shadowboxer - Cari Quinn
She's in for the fight of her life...with the man who only wants to be her lover.

To learn more about Cari Quinn and her entire book list please visit her website:

http://cariquinn.com/

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Eve Langlais - My Secretary, My Mistress

Isabelle stood in front of a slack jawed Grant wearing her finest leather dominatrix outfit, which consisted of a black corset that laced up the front and pushed her breasts together creating a shadowy cleavage. Barely covering her private parts was a black leather skirt that did nothing to hide her garters and the edge of her sheer stockings. To top off the outfit, she wore bitching, supple leather knee high boots replete with three inch stiletto heels. And beneath it all, she wore no panties—which Grant couldn’t tell just by looking, of course—but she knew, and it made her feel deliciously wicked.

And sexy, especially as she noted his eyes riveted on her body.

Reaching up, Isabelle pulled out the pins that held her hair in its chignon, letting its silky mass tumble around her bare shoulders. She knew he liked her hair loose. She knew a lot of things about Grant, even things he thought were secret.

Licking her lips, a sensuous motion that made him visibly swallow and the crotch in pants swell, she laughed. “You’ve been a bad boy, Grant. And you know what? I’ve got a special punishment for bad boys like you.” Just saying the words sent a shiver throughout her body, and moistened her sex.

She wasn’t alone in enjoying the dirty talk. A tremble wracked his body, and the bulge in his pants twitched. Isabelle strutted around the chair holding him prisoner. She stopped and stood behind him. Grabbing his thick, dark hair, she forced his head back before she lowered her lips to his ear, and whispered, “I'm going to make you sorry, Grant. Sorry you didn’t try and keep me when you had a chance.”

She bit his earlobe and chuckled throatily at his cry and jerk of pain. This is going to be fun.

 

Occupational Hazard's $100 Gift Card Giveaway

New Release!! Savannah’s Journey by Kathleen Ann Gallagher

Presented by:

Title: Savannah’s Journey
Series: City Lights
Book #/Vol #: 1
Author: Kathleen Ann Gallagher
Audience: Adult
Genre: Contemporary romance
Formats: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Beau Coup Publishing
Pages: 216 pages
ASIN: B00KPIPUSE
Publishing Date: June 3, 2014
 
 

 

Savannah Mason, the career minded journalist, spends long hours at work, hoping to take the spot as anchor. She continues to fight for independence and refuses to allow her demanding father to take control of her life, despite his wish for her to take over his surgical practice. On her darkest day twelve years ago, she agreed to give her baby up for adoption. Now, on her daughter’s birthday, a chance encounter gives Savannah an opportunity to explore a corner of her heart she thought was lost forever. Rob Sinclair a renowned surgeon and NY Times best-selling author has a new release and needs a promo spot on the television show, The News Stop. When Savannah gets to conduct the interview over the senior reporter, a door opens to her future. However, first she must face the unsettled issues in her life, before she is free to accept love. The last thing she wants is a relationship, especially one with a divorced, doctor who happens to have two small children. A man, who seems all wrong for her, slowly weaves himself into her heart. Can he accept her when he learns about her past? Rob’s commitment to climb the ladder of success and provide a good life for his family, keeps him on the road for days at a time. When he meets the assertive newswoman, desire and passion awaken his broken spirit. How will he ever be able to trust another woman? Savannah and Rob’s strong attraction is undeniable as they journey to a place where honesty and the power of forgiveness, can guide them both home. Will it be enough to heal the scars of the past and allow them another chance for love?



Amazon       “Would you like to come inside for coffee or tea?” Savannah “I’d love to,” he answered without hesitation.
Once at her doorstep, she fumbled for her keys. One part of her didn’t want the night to end.
Rob followed behind her and broke the silence. “So, this is what the inside of a newswoman’s place looks like.” He glanced around.
If only she’d straightened up earlier in the day. The dining room table looked like a cyclone hit it. Between the newspaper pile, junk mail, and paper plates you couldn’t even see the table. “I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Tell me about it. My kids constantly complain how many hours I work. I’m lucky if I can spare a moment at the end of the day to myself.”
The mention of his children reinforced the reason why she should put a halt to the playful flirtation. The wall she had set up to keep her safe from sorrow and guilt hit her in the face. She retreated to a safe place inside her heart, whenever she came close to a reminder of her past. Savannah was skilled at putting her feelings aside and instead put a smile on her face.
“Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Do you prefer regular or decaf or how about organic green tea?”
“Tea sounds good to me. Green tea carries health benefits, too.”
“I’ll be right back.” How cute, a medical reference. A fresh brewed tea took a few minutes in the new system she’d purchased at a specialty shop. A bag of oatmeal cookies made with all natural ingredients came in handy and she reached for them along with the cups. When the tea was done, she put a few cookies on the tray and carried it to the living room. The last thing she expected was to play hostess.
“Here you go.” She placed it down on the coffee table.
Rob patted the spot next to him. “It’s time to relax. You’ve had a tiring day.” He took a few sips of tea and placed the mug down on a coaster.
His doting words reminded her of the typical thing a doctor would say, but his caring nature appealed to her. With Rob sitting so close, her hands shook. They exchanged playful glances. Rob stood and went over to the sliding glass doors. “You have a great view from here.”
She got up and slowly moved toward him. Her chest tightened with each step. As she approached him and admired his broad shoulders, it dawned on her he could be a candidate for People’s sexiest man alive. Control yourself.
“I’m happy here,” she admitted. “I love it when the morning light shines on the water and it mimics fine pieces of crystal.”
Rob slowly approached her. His gaze fixed on her, sent shivers from head to toe. Afraid of what might happen next, she turned away. They were too close for comfort. An electric energy surged between them. Before she could stop him, Rob reached for her and pulled her up against his chest. “You’re an amazing woman, Savannah.” His lips met hers and he cradled her head in his hands as if she was a precious jewel. It all happened so quickly, she didn’t have time to react. The warmth of his touch sent waves of heat down her stomach and in between her legs as the world stood still. When Rob’s hands moved slowly across her back, it took her to a level of arousal she never expected. She found herself spellbound by the feel of his rock hard body pressed up against her chest. All of the emotions she’d kept inside emerged when Rob held her tight. When they finally parted, she stood frozen in shock with her heart pounding and her ears ringing.
His expression made him look as if he broke the law with his eyes practically popping out of his head. He quickly took a step back. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry for my rude behavior.”
“You weren’t rude. I didn’t stop you.”
 


Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation. I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging, and rewarding, to be such an integral part of so many other’s daily struggles. I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old historic beach town where we take a step into the past, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, still dutifully stands guard at the house. We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons.
Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater. However, spending time with my family is most important to me. Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.



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New Release: Breaking Free by @brandylrivers

BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – Breaking Free SERIES – Others of Edenton AUTHOR – Brandy L Rivers GENRE – Adult Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 6-10-14 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 67k PUBLISHER – Brandy L Rivers COVER ARTIST – Brandy L Rivers       They say that dreams can come true, but as a dreamwalker, Devlin had yet to experience anything but nightmares. Then again, the druid had been held by sadistic vampires and dark mages for twenty years, forced to do their bidding. Newly escaped, he stumbles upon a dreamrealm where he can’t resist a little werewolf. Jamie just wants someone to call her own. She feels like she’s been waiting for an awfully long time, when a man who teases her memory begins to visit her while she’s dreaming. From the moment she feels his turmoil, she’s drawn in, wanting nothing more than to heal his broken soul. Before Devlin can decide what to do, he has to make a trip to Edenton. His first goal is to make sure someone who can’t remember him is safe and happy. The little werewolf of his dreams happens to live there, and she’s even more irresistible in real life. When you’ve been taught all your life to run, what will make you change? Can Jamie convince her mate to stay and fight? Will he risk everything to have what he needs? Or run to save them all?

The moon shone bright over a crystal clear lake. Thousands of stars were reflected, like floating diamonds sparkling. The breeze blew gently through red cedar, pine, and maple. The clean mountain air reminded him of camping with his family when he was a boy. It had been so long since he had the liberty, and desire, to enjoy nature. The water called to Devlin. Carefully, without a sound, he pulled the clothes from his body and placed them on the stump beside him. With a slow breath, he walked into the gentle ripples, creating larger crests of his own. Warm water greeted him. He dove under, swimming deeper. A splash caught Devlin’s attention. He broke the surface to find nothing, and no one. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his senses. A lone werewolf was close. Panic flared through him, and he started for the shore, but a woman surfaced before him. A slow smile spread on her face when he flailed back, splashing her in his surprise. “Your heart’s pounding.” Amusement sparkled in her pale blue topaz eyes as she placed one small hand over his chest. Warmth washed through him offering a calm he couldn’t remember ever feeling. Yet, he was terrified the Dales were tracking him. A dream, nothing more than a dream. They can’t find me, he reminded himself. “You startled me,” Devlin replied. “Hmm.” Her foot brushed against his calf, sending a shiver through his entire body. She tapped her finger to her chin. “You remind me of someone, but I can’t figure out who.” Intrigued, and certainly heading toward aroused, he asked, “What makes you say that?” One corner of her shiny pink mouth lifted impishly. “Don’t know, but you do.” Her voice had taken on a husky purr which effectively made his blood pump faster. A dream, just a dream, he told himself. Then he did something bold, something he hadn’t done in so long he was sure he’d fail, even in a fantasy. “What’s a sweet little wolf like you doing out here all alone?” Her giggle was melodic as her already dazzling eyes lit up. “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” As if on cue, his resistance broke. Her tiny waist fit perfectly in his hands, her hips flared in a way that made him groan. Devlin propelled them closer to the shore, until his feet touched bottom. Before he could make his move, her legs locked around his hips and her fingers caressed up his shoulder and neck to delve into his hair. She grazed her lips over his. Afraid to take things too far, he slid his hands up her back, pressing her full breasts against his chest. Needing more of her taste, he deepened their kiss. Devlin felt more alive than he could remember. A dream, just a blasted dream, his brain chimed in. The knowledge didn’t stop him from sweeping his tongue into her mouth when she opened to him. Her body undulated in tune with his, and her heated core slid against his hardened length. The urge to bury himself in her was too much. Pulling back, he panted, “Your name? Need your name, Precious.” “Precious?” She licked her lips as she stared back at him with something like awe in her big blue eyes. He tipped his forehead to hers and breathed in her wild but seductive scent. “You’ve set me free of my old life. You’ve given me something to look forward to.” He didn’t know where the words came from, but he didn’t dare take them back. They felt right. “Jamie Abrams. You better come to me.” There was a command hidden in her sweet sassy voice, one he truly wanted to obey. “I’ll be waiting.” He nodded, rolling her name through his head like a fine wine over his tongue.

Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton Series. There are more Others of Edenton in the works. She is also working on the first couple books in the Others of Seattle series. As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out there eventually. She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is already working on the future stories in the series. AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOOGLE+ / PINTEREST / TUMBLR / GOODREADS    

Tour Organized By:

Cover Reveal: Sweet Dreams by @jsenhaji13

Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours & Promo Stars Services❤

Synopsis

Meet Jenna Morris or Jen to her friends - the clumsy, bug phobic, music loving owner of Sweet Dreams Café in the small town of Maple Grove. Jen spends most of her time working, occasionally dating and is generally content and happy. Life is good in Maple Grove. When Jen unexpectedly finds herself in an elevator one day with Jacob Walker, A-list actor and sexiest man alive, she catches her breath, smiles politely, wishes him a good day and amazingly keeps the encounter with the megastar to herself. That night she indulges in one if his films on DVD at home wondering what he could possibly be doing in her small town. Showing up a month later one morning at SweetDreams, Jake orders a coffee and blueberry muffin to go from Jen herself leaving her dumbfounded and feeling like an infatuated fangirl. Soon he becomes her regular early morning customer stopping in almost every morning for coffee and conversation while shooting his latest movie on location the next town over. The two form an unlikely friendship as sparks fly and the chemistry builds between them. Knowing Jake won’t be in town forever, Jen keeps her attraction and her feelings for Jake to herself. She knows once he finishes filming he will leave and life will go on as usual. Or will it? Under different circumstances could the friendship between Jen and Jake blossom into something more or is it all just Sweet Dreams?

Genre Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication Date July 7th 2014

__________________________________________________________________

Playlist

Music mentioned in Sweet Dreams La Tortura- Shakira and Alejandro Sanz La Camisa Negra- Juanes Suavemente- Elvis Crespo Harlem- New Politics I Love Rock and Roll- Joan Jett and The Blackhearts International Love- Pitbull Crash Into Me- Dave Matthews Band Fade Into You- Mazzy Star Three Little Birds- Bob Marley Son of a Preacher Man- Dusty Springfield Numb- Lincoln Park Sail- Awolnation Wave of Mutilation- Pixies Mambo Italiano- Dean Martin Con Te Partiro- Andrea Boccelli Soul Meets Body- Death Cab for Cutie Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye Sweet Surrender- Sarah McLachlan Ho Hey- Lumineers Do I Want To Know- Arctic Monkeys Danza Kuduro- Don Omar La Vida Es Un Carnival- Celia Cruz Anything, Anything- Dramarama

Sultans of Swing- Dire Straits

__________________________________________________________________

About the Author

Jennifer Senhaji was born and raised in San Francisco, Ca and now lives in Walnut Creek, Ca with her husband and two children. Music is an addiction and she can often be found in the car singing along at the top of her lungs to whatever is playing. At home she enjoys reading, writing and watching movies. Jennifer is a habitual quoter - lines from films and TV shows will pop into her head and she will quote her favorites back and forth with her kids, who are the only ones that really get it. Jennifer is an only child and so of course she married a man who is one of ten children. Other than English, Jennifer speaks Spanish, Moroccan and a little French. Traveling and experiencing new and different cultures is extremely important to her as a wannabe world traveler. She also craves quite time by herself which is rare. Growing up in foggy San Francisco, she now enjoys the sun and trees of her suburban life. Sweet Dreams is Jennifer’s first novel.

Connect with Jennifer Senhaji!

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: The Traveller by @melissadelport

 

 

The Traveller

The Traveller Series

Book 1

Melissa Delport

Genre: Sci-fi romance/action

ASIN: B00IVKXJ7M

Number of pages: approx 253

Word Count: 89500

Available on Amazon

Book Description:

Seven years ago, Rachel gave her heart to a dark, intense stranger, who left her broken and alone.

Every day since then Rachel has thought about Dex, her memories refusing to be silenced.

Now, Dex is back, but this time he is not alone. He has brought a formidable army – their sole purpose to conquer. Fate will bring Rachel and Dex back together, but on opposing sides of a war that threatens to obliterate her world.

Pitted against the power of the elements, Rachel and her friends must survive tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes and fire, all the while being hunted by a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to pillage her planet.

Fleeing for her life amidst the chaos of a raging, burning city, Rachel realizes man’s only chance of survival lies in the hands of the very person who betrayed her all those years ago.

Earth is destined to fall, but Rachel is determined to save mankind, no matter the sacrifice.

Prologue

He was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen. Although 'boy' was not really the right word - he was slightly too old to be called a boy, but he was still beautiful. I remember that above all else, although what followed should have erased that thought from my consciousness. His hair was black - jet black - and he was tall; well over six feet. I was laughing with Kimberley when I first saw him, lounging against a lamp-post, as though he was waiting for someone. I suppose in hindsight he was. In the instant that our eyes met and that secret smile crossed his face, I could almost imagine that it was me, that I was the one he was waiting for. Of course that was not the case. I know that now.

I had to cross the street close by where he stood, watching me intently, and as I passed I couldn’t help but glance over at him again. His eyes stopped me, literally, in my tracks. They were green; the most startling green eyes I had ever seen, but there was something different about them. It happened so quickly I thought I was imagining it, but, for just a moment, those eyes seemed to glow, an iridescent, brilliant emerald that left me speechless and standing in the middle of the street staring open-mouthed at a beautiful stranger.

“Can I help you?” The deep, rich baritone of his voice was hypnotic and I couldn’t reply – I simply stood there, unable to tear my gaze away. I would have placed him at around twenty-five years old, far older than any of the boys I usually hung around with; far too old for me. At seventeen, in my senior year at High School, what little I knew about boys I had learned from popular culture not real life. He was dressed in black – all in black - and as I stared a sly grin crossed his face.

“I said; can I help you?” he repeated, sounding somewhere between amused and annoyed and my cheeks flushed with mortification.

“No!” I managed eventually, the word ringing out across the empty street. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, willing myself not to act like a fool. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”

He nodded at me, his eyes thoughtful and I remember wondering why he didn’t look away. My parents always said that it’s impolite to stare but that is exactly what he did. He seemed to look right through me with absolutely no embarrassment, and I fought the urge to look away.

“What is your name?” he asked, although it didn’t sound like a question. It sounded like an order, like he demanded to know. I had been taught never to give my name out to strangers but I found myself answering anyway, as though I had no control over my own responses.

“Rachel.” It was barely more than a whisper but I knew that he could hear me. Even from there. Even from thirty feet away. I shouldn’t have been talking to him at all, particularly with the feelings I was having; he was far too old for it to be appropriate. Still, I couldn’t seem to tear myself away.

He was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen. How could I have known the monster that lurked beneath?

Chapter 1

“Rhodes!” Bill Parish barks across the expanse of the enormous mahogany desk interrupting my reverie and snapping me back to the present. I shake my head, focusing my attention back on my portly, overbearing boss. It is always like this when the memories flood back, memories that will not be silenced. I get lost in them, swept up in the emotions that I have so long tried to repress. Even after seven years I still think of that summer, of the boy I met and the precious few weeks we shared. I still see his eyes in my dreams, those vivid, mystical green eyes. It makes me angry that he invades my thoughts; he has no right. He left you, I remind myself firmly.

“I hope we’re not boring you?” Bill stares down at me; his glasses perched crookedly on the end of his long nose which has never mended properly after being broken so many times. Bill was a broadcast journalist for almost twenty years before he was offered the role of News Director at the American Broadcasting Company, New York Office. The rumor is that he turned it down at first, preferring the thrill of being out in the field, but when his much younger third wife threatened to leave him for never being at home, he realized the time had come to settle down. Two failed marriages reflected badly enough and, despite the difference in their ages, Bill adores his current significant other. Now, at 56 years old, Bill is in charge of the news department. As far as everyone in this room is concerned, he is the be all and end all of the network; the only people who wield more power than he does are the company’s presidents, none of whom we have ever met personally.

“Not at all, Bill,” I smile sweetly, and he narrows his eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I know that Bill, despite his gruff exterior, favors me among the motley crew of newscasters, photographers, editors, reporters and studio crew who make up our team. I produce work of exceptional quality, as a result of my four-year degree in videography and camera operation and the further two years I have spent here at ABC proving my worth. I had managed to secure this job straight out of college thanks to a glowing recommendation from my professor who had worked alongside Bill in his glory days. I love my job. I love the ever-changing work environment and the unpredictability of the diverse subjects I film. In news, you never know what you’re going to get.

“Rachel’s day-dreaming again,” Jason Masters sighs beside me, rolling his eyes. Jason is my newscaster, or 'anchorman'. Typically, we work on assignment as a pair, covering assigned events and breaking stories outside the office. We are a dynamic duo, but Jason drives me nothing short of crazy. He is possibly the most arrogant man I have ever met. At twenty-seven, he is only three years older than I am and is handsome in the traditional sense – blond, blue-eyed, with a strong jaw-line and a great body. Unfortunately he is all too aware of this, and he oozes charm and lives for flattery. Jason is so slick he has slept with half the women at the table, and, sadly, most would all too willingly have him back in a heartbeat if he so much as batted those ridiculously long eyelashes at them. I think part of the reason he is so patronizing towards me is that I refuse to sleep with him……….continues……

 

 

Character Name: DEX

Character Bio: A Prince of Venon, Dexon is tall, dark, handsome, and not of this world. He can manipulate our elements and control electrical storms. Seven years ago he ventured to Earth and fell in love with a human girl. Now he is back – his sole purpose to conquer our planet. Until Rachel finds him and his memories of her come flooding back. Now, Dex is torn between the girl he loves, and the King he serves – his own father.

Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?

 My worst quality is an innate cruelty, something that all Venites possess, we are not a sympathetic race. It is something I fight everyday.  My best quality is the fact that despite my upbringing, I feel compassion for the humans. Rachel is the key to my redemption.

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

 That I oppose my fathers rule, and only pretend to abide by his laws in order to save those that I care about.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

I am planning to overthrow my father. If anyone found out I would be charged with treason, the punishment for which is death.

What are you most afraid of?

 Rachel getting hurt.

What do you want more than anything?

For Rachel to be safe - even if this means I have to leave her.

What is your relationship status?

 Complicated. Very, very complicated.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

 Black is the new black.

How much of a rebel are you?

 On a scale of 1-10, I would be a 14

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

 Saving Rachel and her friends from my own kind.

What is your idea of happiness?

 I have only been truly happy once – seven years ago, when I spent time with a human girl that allowed me to forgot the horrors of my mission. I can only hope that one day I will experience that again.

What is your current state of mind?

 Vengeful, angry, fearful.

What is your most treasured possession?

 Material things hold no value for me.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My ability to control Earth’s storms. An ability that I share only with my father, and my brother.

What is it that you, most dislike?

 Being controlled through quintessence

Which living person do you, most despise?

 My father

What is your greatest regret?

 That I could not stand against my fathers will, but I will not make that mistake again.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

 Courage

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Compassion

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

 Your heroes could not possibly stand against me and my family. They are weak and unremarkable. 

Which living person do you most admire?

 Rachel for her courage of conviction and my sister Voka for her loyalty.

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

I would have been born human. I may have been weak, and perished in the attack, but at least I would have played no part in the murder of innocents.

What is your motto?

 Protect the innocent, punish the guilty

 

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Wife, mother of 3, businesswoman by day and author by night, Melissa Delport is the author of The Legacy Series and Rainfall. She graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bachelors Degree in English in 2000. She currently lives with her husband and three children in Hillcrest, South Africa.

Her first novel, The Legacy, published in 2013, is the first in The Legacy Series trilogy, and is followed by the sequel The Legion. The final book, The Legend is due out in 2014. She has also written an independent novel entitled Rainfall, a psychological romance, and a science-fiction, action-adventure called The Traveler.

An avid reader herself, Melissa finally decided to stop “watching from the sidelines” and to do what is her passion.

“I was driving home from work when inspiration struck, and a storyline started unravelling in my head. For a few days, it was all I could think about and eventually I realised that the only way to get it out of my head, was to put it all down on paper. I started writing, and that was that.”

Website: www.melissadelport.com

Twitter: @melissadelport

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheMelissaDelportBookClub

Blog: www.melissadelport.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/melissadelport/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MelissaDelport

Publisher’s website www.traceymcdonaldpublishers.com

Book Blast & Giveaway: The Pirate Princess by @KaryRaderauthor

 

 

 

The Pirate Princess

Reign of Light

Book One

Kary Rader

Genre: Fantasy – Supernatural – Paranormal - Romance

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Date of Publication: May 27th 2014

ISBN: 9781941260180

Word Count: 64,400

Book Description:

For a pirate, nothing is forbidden...except love. To gain her freedom, Charlee must seduce the prince. To save the pirate, Prince Petra must win her heart.

BY HONOR ALONE

A handsome war hero, Prince Petra can have his pick of any lady in the kingdom. A man of virtue, he's saved himself for just the right one. But when the corrupt emperor of Isa Vis kidnaps a duke's daughter to force her into an alliance, Petra sacrifices himself—and his dreams of love—to save her. Betrothing himself to the distant captive, he leads a daring rescue across the stormy South Sea.

But The Light has other plans. On the voyage, Petra runs afoul of Charlee. Once a prisoner, now a pirate captain, the sultry siren holds him captive with more than just her sword. And when she offers a seductive wager—if he takes her body before they reach the City of Light, she wins absolution for her crimes—it is all he can do to hold firm. While he has every reason to bring Charlee to justice, he’s also finally found a woman he wants more than honor. And he can no more trust her than he can trust himself.

Available at Amazon ARe BN

Keynote: To gain her freedom, Charlee must seduce the Prince Petra. To save the pirate, the prince must win her heart.

LOVE & WAR

“I’ll race you there.”

Charlee’s mind spun in a whirl. She’d never been one to resist a challenge, which Petra well knew. She’d also never been one to play fair.

She softly took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. As soon as he released her, she leaned toward him. His eyes widened and filled with desire. She let a playful smile touch her lips and licked the bottom one with her tongue. Petra sucked in a breath, but before he could make a move, she shoved him back in the sand and took off running as fast as she could, more laughter spilling from her lips—laughter conspicuously sounding like giggles.

She reached the west side of the pool at nearly the same time Petra crested the cliff of the falls. That sneaky prince had found an alternate route.

Their eyes met and locked. She took one step into the water as he dove from the cliff. Her breath caught in her throat. She froze for several heartbeats, the ripples from his splash washing over her toes. Then, out of nowhere, a strong arm rose in front of her, grabbed her leg and pulled her in. She screamed and tried to pull away.

He surfaced in front of her, his arms securely wrapped around her waist. She tried to push and wiggle free, but his arms locked around her more tightly. She tried to splash him, slap him and even butt him with her head, but he captured her hands. Their eyes met unguarded and full of passion. His warm body pressed against hers….

 

 

 

A ten-book subscription to Boroughs Publishing’s Lunchbox Romance line sponsored by the publisher

1 Prize Pack US Only:

A Sword Pendant Necklace

Signed Copy of

"Queen of Jastain"

1 $25 Gift Card to either Amazon or B&N Gift Card (Winner's Choice open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Kary Rader is a part-time Twitter sage, stay-at-home mother of three, and slave to the characters and worlds inside her head. Always creative, she's drawn to stories with fantastical worlds and creatures.

With a little bit of magic and divine guidance, there isn't anything that can't be accomplished with words. It's the power of words that creates and destroys.

Vanquishing evil and injustice while finding eternal love in the process is all in a day's work. With the help of her critique partners and master cartographer imaginary places come to life.

 

www.karyrader.com

www.karyrader.com/blog-3/

www.facebook.com/KaryRaderauthor

www.twitter.com/KaryRader

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998567.Kary_Rader