Heather Gunter's Blog, page 65

Cover Reveal: Give Me Strength (Book 2-Give Me Series) by Kate McCarthy

We are so excited to be sharing with you the gorgeous cover for Give Me Strength (book 2 in the Give Me Series) by Kate McCarthy.
Here it is!

Title:  Give Me Strength (Give Me #2)Author:  Kate McCarthyGenre:  Romantic Suspense 18+Publication Date:  September 16, 2013Cover Design:  Okay CreationsEvent Organized by:  Literati Author Services

Quinn Salisbury doesn't think she's cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she's found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that's kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken.

Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac.

From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense.

When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life.

Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?





Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.

She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.

She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.


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Book Blitz: Anywhere With You by Kaylee Ryan

Scheduled for release: 27 August 2013

Allison Hagan has not lived the life of a normal teenager. Her parents died in a car crash when she was ten and she has been living with her elderly grandmother who happens to be her only living relative ever since. Allison became best friends with the boy next door Aiden. Aiden’s family has taken her in as part of their own, which is why when her gran insists that she live in the dorms at college Allison chooses to attend the same school as Aiden. 

Liam MacCoy is a college senior and quarterback of his college football team. Liam is rumored to be first round draft pick for the NFL following graduation as is his best friend Aiden. Liam has one focus and that’s football that is until his little sister introduces him to her roommate Allison. Since he met her he hasn't been able to think of anything else.

Liam is not a relationship kind of guy and Allison wants it all. She wants the romance and the family that she grew up without. Will Liam overcome his fear of relationships as well as the tangle of friendships to give Allison everything she wants?










Liam’s POV




            I stop in front of the bathroom door and lean my forehead against it, I can hear her soft cries.  I knock softly, “Allison, it’s Liam. Can you let me in, sweetheart?”
            “Just give me a minute, I’ll be fine,” she chokes out.
            “Please,” I whisper.
            I hear her shuffling towards the door, and then hear the handle move.  When she pulls the door open, her face is blotchy and her eyes are red and swollen.  Without even thinking, I step inside and shut the door.  I pull her close to me and wrap her in my arms.  I kiss the top of her head, and as I do she begins to cry harder.  I’m not sure how long we stay like that, but while I am holding her, I lose a piece of myself to Allison Shay Hagan.
            She pulls away from me slowly. “Sorry about your shirt,” she whispers.
            I pull her chin up with my thumb and forefinger so that she is looking me in the eye. “Are you okay?  Do you want to talk about it?”
            She shakes her head no. “I feel like such a baby.  It was years ago, I should be able to talk about it.”
            “Is there something in particular that upset you?” I ask softly as I pull her back into my chest and slowly rub my hand up and down her back.
            “Not really, it’s just…” She sniffled.
            “What, baby? What happened?
            “It’s just family dinners.  I miss those. For the last eight years it’s just been Gran and me.”
            I can’t find the words through the lump in my throat.  My only reply is to pull her tighter.  As I do, she in turn wraps her arms tight around my waist.  After getting my emotions under control, I pull away from her and cup her face in my hands.  I wipe her tears away with my thumbs.  “You are amazing, you have so many people who love you, Aiden, his parents, Hailey.  My parents adore you.”  I swallow back my emotions. “You have me,” I whisper never tearing my eyes from hers. 
            “Liam,” she murmurs.
            Her plea sends me over the edge, I slowly bring her face to mine as I lean down.  I stare at her lips and then back to her eyes letting her know my intent.  I need to kiss her more than I need my next breath.  I wait, as my intentions set in. I can see when understanding flashes across her face and she licks her lips.  I lean a little closer, closing the space between us.  Hesitating, giving her the opportunity to stop me, she doesn’t.
            When my lips touch hers, I feel the tremor in my hands that are gently holding her close to me.  She must have felt it to because she places her hands over mine as I continue to caress her cheeks while I kiss her.  She opens her mouth and I slip my tongue inside.  The taste of her on my tongue causes me to release a deep moan. As I do, Allison slows the kiss and rests her forehead against my chest.
            “Liam.”
            “Mmm,” I am again at a loss for words.  I have kissed my share of girls and not once did any of those kisses elicit this kind of reaction from me.  I have never in my life felt this kind of connection with any other human being.
            “What are we doing?”
            I kiss her forehead as I pull back to look into her eyes. “I was kissing the most amazing girl I have ever met.” I need her to know that she is different.
            She blushes. “I want more, Liam.  Not that I expect a proposal next week, but you’ve already made it clear that you won’t make a commitment, so what are we doing?”
            I shake my head and pull her back to my chest. “I don’t know, baby.  All that I can tell you is that kiss was incomparable to anything I have ever felt.  You wreck me, you know that?” I ask searching her face for understanding. 
            “Well, since that was officially my first kiss, I don’t have anything to compare it to, but this feeling.” She grabs my hand and lays it over her heart. “This connection that makes my heart race is uncharted waters for me.  I wish that I could hold onto it and never let go.” She sighs, “But I need all of you, Liam. I don’t want to share you, and I can’t just be a fling.  My heart can’t take it.”  She brushes her hands across my cheek.  “If you ever decide that you can give me all of you, you know where to find me.” She lifts up on her tip toes and gives me one last chaste kiss on the lips.  “Thank you for listening, and for the kiss,” she says as she turns and walks out of the room.

            I stand there trying to regain control of my emotions while her words race through my mind.

Kaylee has had a passion for reading since she was a little girl. That passion has slowly led to spinning romantic tales, and a one-click addiction. When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in her kindle or fingers glued to the keyboard, you can find Kaylee hanging out with friends and family. She loves all genres of music, enjoys scrapbooking and is a huge football fan. She lives in Ohio with her husband (her real life happily ever after) and their rambunctious little boy.
Kaylee is releasing her first book Anywhere With You August 20, 2013.




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Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble August 27, 2013

Cover Reveal: Letting Go by Danielle Taylor

Today we get to share with you the cover for the newest title by Danielle Taylor
Letting Go.





She'll steal his heart...but is he ready to love again?

Violet Simon has spent her entire life preparing to take her father’s place at the head of their multi-billion dollar automotive parts company. Shortly before her twenty-fifth birthday, she decides to take a month-long vacation and do a few things well outside of her comfort zone.

Morné Styger still isn’t over his wife’s death, but he’s attempting to make a fresh start in Los Angeles. When the enigmatic Violet calls hims up at Adventures Inc. seeking a month of thrills, he’s eager to impress his first high profile client. But with her violet eyes and innocence, Morné has a hard time trying to keep things professional.

Neither of them could have been prepared for the forceful attraction they shared, and neither will back down from their dreams. So where does that leave love?


Danielle Taylor has lived in and travelled to many countries. She enjoys many different genres – both writing and reading – and always seems to have a project on the go. Feel free to like her page on Facebook and don’t be afraid to drop her a line.




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Cover Reveal: Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland

Today we get to share with you the cover for Vi Keeland's latest ...  Worth the Fight  and it's a stunner!

Title: Worth the FightAuthor: Vi KeelandPublication date: October 3, 2013Cover design: RomConSummary: Standalone, HEA

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit.  Nico Hunter would never be the same. 
Elle has a good life.  A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half.  But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way.  Too many emotions are dangerous.  Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.
Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them.  But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common?  A lot more than they bargained for.

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!


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Made for You: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

Belong to You: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

First Thing I See: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

Cover Reveal: Love Lost by Maria de Souza

Today we get to share with you the cover of Maria de Souza's Love Lost.



Expected Release Date: September 30th, 2013
Cover Model is Joe Marvullo
Cover Designer: Rochelle McGrath from Shamrock Cover Designs
Photographer - Front Cover: Jubert Gilay
Back Cover: David Page
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Love can come into your life in an instant, and leave just as quickly....


Jason Straiz is a New York detective working on a case to bring down a major crime lord.
He keeps his life simple. Work. Family. Friends.
Until he meets Selene.

Selene is a lawyer on a mission.
Her goal is to bring down the monster that has been terrorizing her for years.
When she meets Jason, the attraction is intense.
When Selene realizes Jason is after the same person she is, he becomes a complication.
When his case and her mission collide, will her secrets destroy a future they could have together?
Can he handle the truth about her?

Can love truly conquer all or is there a limit?


I am a 31 yr old NJ native, not to be mistaken for the craziness that is the NJ Housewives or Jersey Shore! J I have two children, who are my life and family that makes me want to scream at times, but I love them. I started my affair with reading and writing at a young age. I loved where books took me, and wished for the day when I would meet my dream boat. (Yes, I referred to my future man as a dream boat. Child of the 80s here!) I grew up on Stephen King, Nora Roberts, and anything my library would let me borrow. I would always grab a notebook and start writing about the books I read because I wanted the story to continue. I never took it seriously until I had a friend a few years ago tell me that I needed to publish my work after I wrote down a short story. My reaction was…yeah, right! The words stuck with me and I was constantly asked, “Did you write more? Are you done?” A back injury put my writing on hold for almost 2 yrs and last year, I found the WIP file and started reading. Then, I started writing and adding to it. That little dream turned story will be my debut novel, Love Lost. 


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Blog Tour: Ruined by S.Pratt

Today we get to share with you Ruined by S. Pratt.  






Title: Ruined Author: S. Pratt Genre: Contemporary Romance Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets 




“So I live my life according to the rules of others while my secret festers its way through my body. It bleeds slowly out of my heart and into my veins. Each word of my secret pulsing through me as it gets closer to the surface. I imagine one day it will get so close to the surface it will spring forth from my lips and reveal the monster I really am.” – Ruined.

Bailey Michaels is living a lie. She has a handsome and successful fiancé, a great job and a house in a town she adores. Her friends and family know her as the perfectly crafted individual she has created in their minds. Her deception knows no bounds when it comes to keeping the truth from everyone else. But it’s not enough. She craves the love of the one man she can’t possibly have – the only one who shares her secret.

Despite her angst over continuing her forbidden affair, nothing can keep her from Angel.

His dark looks, chiseled jaw and broodiness make it impossible for her to ever deny him anything. So when presented with a choice, Bailey knows she finally has to make a decision. Keep living the lie with her fiancé, Carron, or finally be with Angel – the man who’s had her heart since she was fifteen.

The funny thing with life though; just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, fate has a way of stepping in and turning the best laid plans to ruins.



‘Do you like it?’ His voice is whispery, floating from his mouth and then touches my ears gently.

‘Why would you do this for me?’ I am referring to the decorative state he has transformed the gymnasium rooftop. There are little pink and blue LED lights twinkling around the edges of the brick ledge. It looks magical, and I feel like Rapunzel at the top of her tower. He lets me break free of his touch as I walk to the center of the area he has cordoned off with the lights. It’s like our own prom, right here on the roof.

‘I hated my prom too, but I still wanted you to enjoy yours. I wanted this to be magical for you.’

‘It is,’ I whisper as I take it all in. There are flower petals, scattered all over the floor and there is a little table set with a white table cloth and two plastic champagne glasses and a bottle.

‘How did you get all this up here? Is that Champagne?’

‘Ah it’s nothing and, no, that’s not Champagne. That would be irresponsible.’ I look in his eyes, and we both burst out laughing at the irony. We finish our fit of giggles and calm as we stare deeply into each other’s eyes. We can hear the music booming underneath us, the air ducts on the ceiling offering an amplified acoustic as the lyrics float up towards our own private dance floor.

‘Would you like to dance young lady?’ One arm hides behind his back as he bows towards me, his other hand extended to ask for a dance.

‘Why thank you kind sir, I accept.’ He pulls me into his arms and twirls me around just as ‘The Miracle of Love’ starts to play hauntingly beneath us.

‘I love this song,’ I say.

‘Me too. Eurythmics – they’re an oldie but a goodie.’ He says no more as he presses his body to mine. We dance slowly, both melting into the wonderful feeling. I rest my head on his shoulder as we sway under the stars. For some reason, they seem more brilliant than I ever remember them being from up here. The pink and blue lights blur into a stream of color as he twirls me around, leading the way in a dance he’s done before. I can hear the muffled sound of students in the hall beneath us, but I drown them out and only hear the words of the song.

The miracle of love, will take away your pain.

The words consume me and I feel overcome with emotion. As he holds me tight, a tear slides down my cheek.

‘Hey, you’re not crying are you?’ He pushes me away from him slightly, taking in my appearance.

‘No, I’m not,’ I lie.

‘You are!’

‘They’re happy tears.’

‘Happy tears?’

‘Yes. I think this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.’

‘Well, I wanted you to have your own private prom, away from people who don’t understand you like I do.’

‘Thank you. Really, you went to a lot of trouble to set this up and I’m truly grateful.’ He pulls me back towards him and wipes the tear from my cheek with his thumb.

‘You deserve it. I would do anything for you, you know?’ We continue our dance, the lyrics swaying us together. He pulls me close, desperate to comfort me.

I’m being roughly shaken. ‘Nooooo,’ I cry out. I’m pulled from my glorious memories to pitch blackness, Carron trying to wake me from my beautiful dream.

‘No!’ I cry out again, sorry that I am so rudely taken out of a memory I cherish so dearly.

‘You’re dreaming Bailey; it’s okay honey. You were just having a dream.’ His voice is intended to be soothing but I am cross at the intrusion. Damn it! I can’t even be with him in my dreams without having him snatched away from me!

‘I’m fine,’ I say as I roll over and turn my back on him. Carron scoots closer and cuddles me from behind. He is trying to be soothing, but all I want to do is go back to the dream. As I shut my eyes, I pray the dream resumes. There is nothing though, just darkness that fills the void after the beautiful memory. 


      Not available on Spotify: Forgiven by Nickleback

S. Pratt is a multi-genre author who lives on the east coast of Australia in northern New South Wales with her husband and two children. She has a choc Labrador, Scooby-Doo, and two little mice that the kids promised they'd look after. This is now Shelly's job, amongst other things. Things you may not know about Shelly? She has four tattoos and would love more, is only now in her 30's becoming a wine whore and is a fiercely, loyal friend.

Shelly's breakout novel, Ruined and companion novella, Ruining Angel are contemporary romance fiction books available on kindle and print from the Amazon store.

Sanctuary of Mine is her latest work in the New Adult Romance genre. (Graphic Design by Cover It Designs). Available NOW.

Beloved Soul by Shelly Pratt is available through Amazon and is published through Eternal Press. Please note that Beloved Soul's cover artwork, editing and publication are all done through Eternal Press.

All other novels are written and published by S. Pratt. Editing acknowledgements go to those who are listed on each individual book title.

You can find all the latest information about Shelly and her other books (in different genres) by visiting: Facebook | Web | Twitter



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(2) Winners – One Signed Paperbacks of Ruined per winner.
(10) Winners – One eBook of Ruined Angel per winner.
(2) $5 Amazon Gift Card


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Cover Reveal: Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorenson

Jessica Sorenson is one of our all time favorites so we are absolutely thrilled to be part of the cover reveal for her latest effort - Breaking Nova.
Here it is!!

Title: Breaking Nova (Nova #1)Author:Jessica SorensenExpected Release Date:  September 3, 2013Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance
Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?


Half way through it, Nova shuts her eyes and starts swaying her hips to the beat, her lips matching the movements of the singer’s. “I love this song,” she says with her eyes shut and her hands are on the back of her neck.
My eyes trace the curves of her body and the enthralling way she moves. “I love watching you,” I whisper so softly I know she can’t hear. I dig my fingertips into my palms, trying to resist the compulsion to place my hands on her hips and move with her.
As the song keeps playing, though, I become more and more hypnotized by her, and the way she lets herself go, when usually she’s so contained. For the briefest second I’m glad I’m there with her, which makes me feel confused and guilty, because I should want to be with Lexi. Thoughts are drifting through my head, in long sequences that don’t match, yet they do when they’re put together in a different order and suddenly, for a fleeting, guilty, irreversible moment I’m glad my heart decided to beat again.
I step forward, not sure what’s driving me, but giving in to it regardless. Then I wrap my arms around her and pull her nearer, closing my eyes as the sound of her voice caresses my ears. She leans back against me and we sway together as the music encases us. I wish I could keep my eyes shut forever because then I’d never have to go back to reality. I don’t try to kiss her or feel her up. I just hold her and let our bodies stay linked, wanting to know her and understand her more than I have with anyone . For an instant, I have something to hold onto again, a reason to keep breathing, to live.






The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.





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In the Spotlight: Forget Me Not by Sarah Daltry

Lily had a crush on her brother's best friend, Derek for years - which led to their steamy night ten months ago in her bedroom. Now, Lily is going off to college and she and Derek are still going strong. However, when school starts, she realizes it's hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn. Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can't stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it's Jack who is there to pick up the pieces - and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn't know she was missing. Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process? 


**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**


Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance. She's never happy staying in one place. Sarah spent a lot of time in school between college and nearly eight full years of grad school. One of these days, she’s convinced she will make some use of all those impractical classes. When she isn't writing, she's usually looking for new and creative ways to waste time. Right now, those include shooting virtual monsters on Xbox, searching the internet for cat pictures, and watching terrible reality TV.




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Cover Reveal: Greed by Fisher Amelie

We are so excited to be part of the Cover Reveal for Greed by Fisher Amelie.  
Greed is book 2 in the Seven Deadly series - in case you missed it, Vain was book 1 and we also get to share the revamped cover of that with you today.  
And as if that's not enough - we can show you the titles of the remaining 5 books in the series ... huge fan girl moment happening right now!!!
So, here it is ... the cover of Greed.



GREED (Book 2 in the Seven Deadly Series):
Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours...because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.



VAIN (Book 1 in the Seven Deadly Series):
If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.





VAIN (Book 1 in the Seven Deadly Series):Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

And here are the five remaining titles in the
Seven Deadly Series


Fisher Amelie is the author of The Leaving Series, Callum & Harper and Thomas & January. She began her writing career as a copywriter for an internet marketing company wherein one of their client's said, 'Hey! You're funny. You should write books'. Which in turn she said, 'Hey, get out of here! This is the lady's restroom.' While washing her hands and the embarrassment from her face, she thought they may have had a valid point. So, she took the thousands of hours of writing stories growing up, tucked them into her pocket and began writing and writing and writing.


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Cover reveal event organised by InkSlinger PR

In the Spotlight: Gilded Destiny and Jaded Touch by Nola Sarina

Today we are featuring Gilded Destiny and Jaded Touch (the Vesper novels) by Nola Sarina. 


                                            


Gilded Destiny
A woman's memory returns when she falls in love with the monster who took it from her.

Calli tattoos her skin to fill the holes in her memory, thanks to an accident that left her mind damaged and empty. But a nasty encounter with a fired employee leaves her in the arms of her unlikely savior: Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper on the run from his brutal master.

Nycholas’ clandestine world holds the secrets to mankind’s origin and survival… but he only wants one thing before his time is up: a few colorful nights with Calli, the fragile, tattooed, human woman he pursued and saved.

The more Calli learns about Nycholas, the more her own darkened memories return to her. Despite her haunted past, she loses herself to passion and desire with her immortal captor.

Now, Calli must overcome the demons of her past, or allow Nycholas to kiss her memories away and spare her the trauma of loving a doomed immortal. But each choice comes with dire consequences – some that endanger not only herself, but her family as well.



Gilded Destiny - 3.5 out of 5 stars


It's been a little while since I've read a paranormal novel and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy that genre.  The exposure to a parallel world in which immortal (or other supernatural) beings interact with humans, sometimes without the humans understanding exactly what it is they're dealing with; a reality that just verges on impossible to believe, but also has enough substance to it that you really can't completely discount it - I do love paranormal!!
Gilded Destiny introduced me to the Vespers.  An immortal, vampire like being with a history reaching back to the Garden of Eden.  The Vespers are an interesting 'race' and I found myself wanting to know more about them and their history.  What became apparent was the battle between the expectations of their 'maker' (Levitiqas) and their residual, human morals/beliefs.  While Levitiqas controlled the Vespers with violence, cruelty and by removing their memories, the Vespers, particularly Nycholas, retained enough of themselves to challenge the rules.
Calli is the 'female lead' in Gilded Destiny.  A strong woman, grappling with the aftermath of a serious accident and memory loss associated with that.  She encounters Nycholas one evening and her reality alters significantly.  I liked Calli, although I did think she handled some of the situations she faced a little too stoicly.  She was witness to some rather gruesome events and she managed to keep her composure entirely. While I appreciated in many cases her survival instinct was driving her reactions I did find it a little hard to believe.

Gilded Destiny is described as a novella - around 120 pages, so not long.  While I really enjoyed the pace at which the story moved, there were some sections where I would have liked a little more detail.  Of course not having the information printed on the page didn't stop my mind from wandering and creating my own scenarios!  

Jaded Touch
Three is tormented by the branding scars on her back, broken memories of her fallen creator, and the looming consequences of her secret friendship with Sychar - a male of her kind - a high crime in her world of serpentine guardians.

Then along comes Jack - the human train engineer she saves in an explosion. His touch weakens both her knees and her sense of duty. Now Three must choose between her immortal duties, her forbidden friendship, and her human lover.

With every choice comes a cost, but not every cost is hers to pay.




Jaded Touch - 4 out of 5 stars



I really enjoyed Jaded Touch.  I think there is definite value in reading Gilded Destiny first as it does provide the back story to the Vespers.  While I think you could still read Jaded Touch without it, there are some elements that will just make more sense if you do.
Three is a wonderful, head strong character.  Different from other Vespers in that she was not made by the original pair, but rather made by a ‘Gent’ (a male Vesper).  As a consequence she is taunted by other ‘Maids’ and susceptible to control should a Gent choose to impose himself upon her.  Unlike Levitiqas, Vashni the female Vesper queen, does not banish memories from the maids unnecessarily – consequently Three has some recollection of her origins and her maker, although his precise details have been expunged from her mind. 
Jaded Touch is well written.  The relationship that evolves between Jack and Three is fabulous.  The banter between the two is entertaining and charged with sexual tension, not to mention the underlying risk of death to them both should the Vespers discover their secret.  Jack was just wonderful – his willingness to confront Three, despite the consequences clearly conveyed the depth of his feelings for her. 
There are other wonderful characters in this story too, I particularly liked Sychar.  Despite all the rules and restrictions imposed by the Vespar culture Three and Sychar develop a friendship – something completely forbidden.  This was actually one of many transgressions from the rules by both Three and Sychar, and it had me wondering just how much control Levitiqas and Vashni really had.  It also had me wondering whether there would be a future story about some sort of Vesper revolt. 
As much as the Vespers are terrifying creatures I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Three and Sychar – clearly just wanting to have a level of comfort with their existence but this was simply not allowed.  The manipulation by Levitiqas and Vashni is extensive and it is not until almost the very end of the story that you understand its full extent.  I do hope we get a Sychar novella in the not too distant future.

There was enough in the two Vesper novellas for me to watch out for any further instalments.  Jaded Touch had a bit more substance to it for me and shows great promise for more in this series.



Nola is a mother, wife, writer, and giggle-a-holic, living in Canada and raising a pack of kids. She is represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. In her spare time she can be found geocaching, guzzling coffee, or tending to her garden.

WILD HYACINTHE, a paranormal romance co-authored with Emily Faith, about the incubus who must resist the girl he wants to save her life, will be published by Crimson Romance in winter 2013.

Nola's VESPER novellas are available on Amazon, with the VESPER novels on submission by her agent to publishers.

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Gilded Destiny:  Amazon
Jaded Touch:  Amazon