Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 42

Thursday's Threads with Laryn Ford

Today's Thursday spotlight is on Laryn Ford's book, Rescued. Come read an excerpt from this sizzling paranormal romance.

Blurb:
Fiercely independent and determined to be taken seriously in a man's world, PI Rose Baxter will do whatever it takes to find the kids who are disappearing from the streets and bring them home safe, even teaming up with PI Marty Brown, a man hot enough to burn whatever part of her gets too close--her fingers, her sheets, her life, and her other nature's whiskers.
But her other nature knows whiskers grow back and will accept nothing less than this man as her mate for life, a plan Marty is all in on. Sparks fly when she refuses to be the little woman. Besides, those kids need her and their time's running out. But thrown together 24/7 can she fight it?

Excerpt:
Rose heard the unmistakable sound of duct tape stripping from its roll. Her hands, bound together behind her back and another piece loosely secured the bag around her neck. Her memory of stored scents identified Mabel and Stan even before they spoke.

"Take her to the lab. I'll stash her car." Mabel's footsteps hurried away. As soon as the front door closed behind Mabel, Rose stiffened her body and formed an impossible to move statue. Her arms flexed and ripped the tape to separate her hands. Stan grabbed for her to regain his grip. She spun around to deliver a kick toward the sound of his astonished breathing. He collided with the floor and skidded to a stop when he smacked into the cabinet doors. As he scrambled to right himself, the knives rattled in the butcher block on the kitchen counter.

She ripped the tape from around her neck and yanked the pillowcase off her head in time to see the man lunge toward her. She side stepped his attack.

Shouting rang out from the living room. "Let go of me!" One sniff confirmed Logan and June had entered through the front door. Mabel would cause no more trouble.

The kitchen windows vibrated. The backdoor burst into splinters as Marty stormed through. His roar rattled the dishes stacked in the drainer when he spotted Stan holding a knife on his mate. "Nooo!"

Before she could blink, Marty swung one arm and backhanded Stan, sending him crashing thorough the window and out onto the patio. The stunned man scrambled to his feet, hobbled around the side of the house to his SUV, and hightailed it out the driveway.

Marty gripped Rose gently by the shoulders and turned her to face him. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" His eyes were intense. "Rose, answer me?"
 
"I'm fine. Did they catch Stan? I heard a vehicle leave." She turned to the living room where Mabel sat in a huff.

"Oscar just called. The SUV's have left the park and headed west out of town. I've called the police to come and pick her up. I'm assuming you'll be pressing charges for kidnapping?" Logan had handcuffed Mabel and planted her in a chair. June stood ready in case she tried to escape.

"I want a few minutes with her first." Rose turned to Mabel. Her nostrils flared and the fire from her inner animal flashed in her eyes. No, as much as she'd like to, she wouldn't inflict the bodily harm this woman so deserved for her part in this whole scheme. She'd like to body slam the bitch to the floor, but her daddy had taught her the self-control she needed to work this job and work it right.

Getting some answers now was her primary concern. She wanted answers. While she wouldn't physically injure the woman, she wasn't above scaring the crap out of her to get the information she needed.

Mabel sneered at her and rolled her eyes. "And just what do you intend to do with your few minutes? Do you think I'm afraid of a mousy little thing like you? Oh, help, the little mousy girl is going to scare me," she humphed in a mocking tone.

"Oh hell," Marty said. He adjusted the hat on his head, glanced Logan's way with a y'all best look out expression, and stepped back out of the way to give Rose room to work.

"June bug. Move back, honey," Logan said as he steered his wife to the corner by the door and positioned his body, brick wall style in front of her for her own safety, just like an alpha male. Everyone read Marty's message loud and clear.

Mabel's expression changed from glaring sarcasm to certain fear as she watched the woman she had labeled as little make her way slowly toward her.

Rose's eyes narrowed and focused on the woman. Her hands flexed from tight, curled fists to stiff, extended fingers, and back again. Her nails lengthened, exposing her razor sharp claws as she stepped over to the mouth woman. Her eyes never left her target.

She leaned down to bring herself nose to nose with the evil before her. "Where are you really taking those kids and what are you going to do with them?" She spoke in an even voice, accentuating every syllable.

An increasing layer of fear replaced the smug expression on Mabel's face. "You- you don't scare me," she stuttered. "I'm not telling you anything." She attempted to bring her tough side back to the surface but was less than convincing.

Rose placed one petite hand on Mabel's shoulder and pressed down. She held back to a mere vice-like grip. Not the bone crushing strength she was more than capable of using.

Mabel sucked in a pained breath and flinched back, drawing on her last bit of resolve. "We know you're not normal. You're some kind of freak with super blood. Don't think we won't come after you again." She let out an injured cry from the pressure applied to her shoulder. "You'll pay for this!"
                                       * * *
Contact me links:
Website/blog: http://www.larynnford.com/
Twitter: @LarynnFord
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/larynnfordau...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Larynn-Ford/e/B...

Book Buy Links:

In My Wildest Dreams http://www.amazon.com/My-Wildest-Drea...

Christmas Blessings in All I Want for Christmas Is A Soul Mate http://www.amazon.com/All-I-Want-For-...

Rescued: http://www.amazon.com?Rescued-Laryn-F...

Happy Book Release Day, Caroline Warfield!

Welcome back to Bits n Bobs, Caroline.  Is this the actual release day for Dangerous Works?

It is! Soul Mate Publishing has made it available on Amazon. I’m delighted to finally have it out there for readers.  Here is the buy link:

http://tinyurl.com/lsaryjx





Congratulations! Now, tell us a bit about the story. What works are so dangerous?

Women in the regency era led pretty constrained lives. Some people (ok some MEN) believed too much education would actually harm their delicate sensibilities. My heroine, Georgiana, despises that attitude. When she gets deep into the poems with the help of a very attractive tutor, however, she begins to understand why some people might think her work is dangerous. A little Greek is one thing; the art of love is another. Before she knows it her heart is in danger alongside her virtue.  

What is your favorite scene?

There is a scene in which she is furious with the hero for taking steps to publish their work without consulting her. She stomps up the stairs to his study thinking up every insult she can hurl at him only to fall into his arms at the top of the steps.  

Where did you get the idea for a story about woman who translates Greek poetry?

I love the Regency era but I try to avoid the conventional London drawing room.  I’m always looking for settings and stories about smart women. Women scholars now study women writers in the classical era. I asked myself what a woman would have faced in the early 19th century if she attempted that research.  She would have been barred from the best universities and libraries. It was fun to put her in Cambridge.

Your hero is pretty beaten up.  Where did that come from?

I have a weakness for damaged alpha heroes.   In this case I needed a reason for a soldier to be returning home to a university town. Georgiana uses his injuries as a way to insinuate herself into his life and manipulate him into helping her with her work.           

Are you looking for settings for your next book?

Dangerous Secrets will be out next winter, also from Soul Mate Publishing. It is set in Rome in 1820, when Keats and Shelley lived there.    The hero is another veteran of Waterloo, this one down on his luck and hiding out.

Another intriguing story! Thank you so much for sharing with us today! I wish you much success as a writer!

Thursday's Threads with Dawn Ireland's Georgian Romance, The Perfect Duke

Please help me welcome Dawn Ireland to this week's Thursday's Threads. 


Genre: Historical Romance (Late Georgian Era)

Heat Level: Sensual  



Back Cover Blurb:  

Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke.  Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important.  

Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder?  

Excerpt  
“The horse seems to know you.”
"He should. There was a time when I practically lived in the stable. Storm was my favorite.”
“What happened?”
“I became a duke.”
“Oh.”
He straightened and forced his features into a mask of indifference. “So, Rachel loves horses.” He turned to face Cara. “I can appreciate my niece’s fondness, but I can not allow her to frequent the stable.”
“Why not?”
“It is not proper for young ladies of her station.”
“Garret, she’s a child.”
It was the first time she’d used his name, and somehow, Rachel visiting the horses didn’t seem like such a large request. “I will only allow it if she uses the passageway. At least I can keep the knowledge of her visits to a minimum. If you come with her, you will need to use the tunnel as well.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She blushed and turned away. “I’m afraid.” She said it so quietly, he wasn’t sure he heard her.
“Afraid? Of what?”
“Dark, enclosed places. Even as a child, I fell asleep with a candle burning.” She faced him and gave a small smile. “Perhaps I’m afraid that a beast will gobble me up in the dark.”
“There are no beasts at Belcraven, Miss McClure. I would not allow anyone to hurt you.”
“Anyone?”
“Never.” He started toward her and stopped. Damn, it would be better if he didn’t get close to her. As he left the stable, her whisper followed him.
“Not even you?”
                                                         * * *

Links:
www.dawn-ireland.com
www.authordawnIreland.wordpress.com
www.smpauthors.wordpress.com

Twitter.com/AuthorDIreland
Facebook.com/DawnIrelandAuthor

The Perfect Duke
ASIN: B00BT0NGOC
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT0NGOC

Short Dog Press

Meet the new Security Officer and PR person, er, dog for Short Dog Press. They are honorary titles, but you gotta admit these guys are cute!I will be entering the Indie Publishing arena with my next novel, The Highlander's Tempestuous Bride., and decided to create a publishing imprint to house my future books. In honor of my two trusty companions, I named it Short Dog Press.
In case you are wondering, Dixie, the fluffy corgi on the left, is the security officer. Don't let her sweet face fool you. She can detect illicit activity of any kind, or, if things are too dull, make some up. Nothing, from the 1/2 mile away train to the hapless laggard squirrels in the backyard, escape her notice.
Ben, the wee red-haired lad on the right, is head of PR. He goes to all Celtic events with me, endures the cannon fire and ignores the bagpipes. But he eagerly greets every single person with enthusiasm bordering on bad manners. He even held up the checkout line at the local pet store yesterday, performing trick after trick- as long as the treats held out.
Yes, they both can be bribed.

Thursday's Threads with Neva Brown's contemporary western romance, Casey's Courage

Love hunkers down and hides but abides until Casey and Tres realize life without love is just existing not really living.

Just as accomplished horse trainer Casey Mason, PhD feels she’s earned her independence, disaster strikes and her life is forever changed. She must put her life back together bit by piece. The obstacles and her old beliefs seem insurmountable; making her wonder if love can conquer all.

Jordan Spencer III (Tres) inherits Spencer Ranch where Casey, the riding buddy of his youth, still lives. Casey, a beautiful, complex woman, slips into his mind and heart. Bitter experiences make him shy away from a serious relationship with a woman; yet he and Casey have a special connection. As she struggles with her rehabilitation, he micromanages her life with quiet efficiency until he pushes her past some invisible line. When Casey disappears from his life, he learns more about himself than makes him comfortable. Coming to terms with the past so he can move on to a future with Casey is a challenge that tests his mettle..

                                            * * *

Neva Brown, a retired secondary teacher/administrator, now enjoys the challenge of writing romance novels and doing editing for other romance writers. She has even ventured into the social media world of Facebook, Twitter and Google+ as well as having a website; nevabrown-author@weebly.com .
Her family accepts her eccentricities with equanimity. Neva spent most of her life on West Texas ranches and uses that culture and environment in many of her stories. She and her husband now live at Rio Concho West in San Angelo, Texas. They enjoy visits from their two sons and their families, are always delighted to hear from old friends, and are amazed at how well they have adjusted to ‘city’ living. Neva loves to hear from her readers. She can be reached at joneva@suddenlink.net .

Thursday's Threads with S.C. Mitchell and his paranormal romance, Son of Thunder

The son of Thor has a lot to live up to, and no time for love.

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat: Sizzling

The Heavenly War begins!

A prophecy centering on a mortal woman, makes her the focus of events that could lead to Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Norse Gods and the end of the world.

Know this.; The Son of Thunder and this daughter of Midgaard will venture to the lands of Svartalheim and Jotunheim, to the very bowels of Utgard Keep. The power of the three artifacts will be reunited and the old ways will pass. A secret from the past is the key to the future, but a life must be freely given if the Golden City is to be saved.

From the icy wastelands of Svartalheim, land of the dark elves, to the towering peaks of Jotunheim, home of the frost giants, and right to the golden gates of Asgaard, the saga begins as war ravages the heavens.

Son of Thunder is the first in the Heavenly War Series, a combination of fantasy, mythology and romantic adventure. 

Blurb:

The man looked like a god. Then again, he was one. . .

Jord Thorson was a god– the son of Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. In his search to find his missing father, Jord seeks out the mortal, Meghan Larson, who is in possession of his only clue–Megingjörð, Thor’s magical belt of power.

But when the belt decides to take matters into its own hands, locking itself around Meghan’s waist, Jord and Meghan are plunged into the middle of a massive conflict that rages across the heavens.

Giants, magical artifacts, and a golden city in the clouds weren’t exactly what Meghan Larson expected when that amazing belt arrived at her museum. Now Megingjörð is stuck around her waist and talking to her in her head. She’s got to be dreaming, but with the wonders around her and hunky Jord Thorson at her side, Meghan’s not sure she wants to wake up.
                                          * * *

Son of Thunder, available at: http://www.amazon.com/Son-Thunder-Heavenly-Series-ebook/dp/B00BJ64GPY

S. C. Mitchell is also the author of Swiftly Beats the Heart , There’s no such thing as Werewolves , The Forsaken Templar , and Seeds of Immortality .

Find him at:

Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW

Cover Reveal! Dangerous Works by Caroline Warfield

Caroline is excited to share her new cover with us- and it looks wonderful! Due to be released September 3, 2014, Dangerous Works is a Regency Romance you are sure to enjoy! Take a moment to read a bit about it and let us know what you think.

Blurb:
Even poetry, with its musical lyrics and sensual traps, can be dangerous when you partner with the love of your life.  In Regency Cambridge it can lead a lady quickly past improper to positively scandalous. 

A little Greek is one thing; the art of love is another.  Only one man ever tried to teach Lady Georgiana Hayden both.  She learned very young to keep her heart safe.  She learned to keep loneliness at bay through work. If it takes a scandalous affair to teach her what she needs to complete her work, she will risk it.  If the man in question chooses not to teach her, she will use any means at her disposal to change his mind.  She is determined to give voice to the ancient women whose poetry has long been neglected.

Some scars cut deeper than others. Major Andrew Holden returns to Cambridge a battle scarred hero. He dared to love Georgiana once and suffered swift retribution from her powerful family. The encounter cost him eleven years of his life.  Determined to avoid her, he seeks work to heal his soul and make his scholar father proud. The work she offers risks his career, his peace of mind, and (worst of all) his heart. Can he protect himself from a woman who almost destroyed him? Does he want to?

 

Guest Author, Cynthia Owens

Please help me welcome Cynthia Owens back to the blog today. She has a special treat in store for us as we meet the heroine of her newest Irish romance, Everlasting.

Hello, Cathy, and thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today! I must admit I’m super-excited about being here to introduce you to the heroine of my August release, Everlasting, Book IV of the Claddagh Series. It’s wonderful to be back in Ballycashel again!
Those of you who read Coming Home (Book II) might remember Shannon Flynn. She’s the oldest of Tom Flynn’s three daughters, and when last seen, the fifteen-year-old girl was enjoying a budding romance with Mike Donovan.
But time passed and Shannon grew up to face a sudden, shocking tragedy. Now she’s filled with bitterness and determined to exact revenge on the man she holds responsible for the loss of her fiancé.
So allow me to introduce you to Shannon Flynn, all the way from Ballycashel, County Galway, Ireland.

Welcome, Shannon.

(A gracious nod.) Go raibh maith agat. Thank you.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy long walks in the woods. I sometimes draw. (A wicked smile) I draw lovely pictures of crows in flight. Just ask Lord Bennington. And I walk by the sea…and remember.

Remember?

Aye. Remember. Remember how it used to be, when all of us were young. (An aching sigh) ‘Twas the three of us, d’ye see? Meself, Mike and Sean O’Brien. We’d go wading in the strand, catch a fish or two in the river. I loved Sean, so I did. But I loved him like a brother. We were born on the same day, and I grew up alongside him. Sure, wasn’t I in and out of the Big House as if ‘twere me own home? Sean was a brother, but Mike… (Her eyes fill with tears, and she glances away for a moment before forcing a smile) Those were good days, happy days, when we were children and nothing could hurt us, nothing could separate us.

It sounds like you had some wonderful times together. What is your greatest fear?

(Her lashes drop, she studies her hands) Losing the people I love. (A pained pause) I lost Sean. I loved him so much, but sure, wasn’t he involved with the Crow Boys? He and the boys were determined to help set old Erin free, and they thought burning Bennington House was the way to do it. Instead, they were almost caught by the Constabulary. When it was all over, my da’d been shot and Sean fled. He’s in America now, living with his sister, Katie, and ‘tis said he’s done well for himself. But, sure, he’ll never see Ireland again. Son of the landlord or no, there’s a price on his head. (Her eyes fill with tears) And then I lost Mike. The only man I’ve ever loved.

What is your most prized possession?

Sure, for a poor Irish tenant, possessions are few and far between. But I cherish my slingshot. Sean made if for me. Said I might need it one day to fight off the boys. (Her eyes glitter with defiant pride) Well, sure, I never used it for that, but didn’t it come in handy on another occasion? But ye’ll have to read my story to find out about that particular incident.

What’s your most vivid memory?

(Shannon is silent for a long time, a look of utter sadness crossing her face) ‘Twas a cold January day when food was scarce and the hunger ran deep in all Lord Bennington’s tenants. Mike was one of those tenants, and sure, he couldn’t bear to see his brothers and sisters go hungry. My da offered to take him fishing—Da’s been fishing the sea since he was a lad, and his da and his grandda before him.
But a storm blew up without warnin’, and the boat was destroyed. Da managed to swim ashore, but Mike— (a single tear streaks down one cheek)—sure, Mike couldn’t swim. The sea took him. We never even found his body. I say a prayer for him every night, as I have since we lost him, and didn’t I tie a rag to the Rag Tree in the hopes that God would bring him home?
(She squares her shoulders and blinks away her tears, a small smile curving her lips.) I’ll always remember Mike. Sure, wasn’t he me own first love? But I’m happy now, happier than I ever dreamed possible with my Liam and our children.

Shannon, thank you for being here with us today.

Ah, ‘tis I should be thankin’ ye. And may I be offerin’ yer readers a wee Irish blessing?
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Go raibh maith agat. Thank you, Shannon and Cynthia for the wonderful interview. Everlasting promises to be a wonderful story, and Shannon sounds like a feisty, heart-melting heroine. I look forward to reading it soon!

Thursday's Threads with Cerian Herbert

Welcome to this week's Thursday's Threads featuring Cerian Herbert's steamy contemporary romance, Going, Going, Gone

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E00RUW2

BLURB: When Nell Moreno returns to her small hometown after a lengthy absence, she’s not too surprised no one recognizes her, she’s certainly not the overweight teenager she used to be. While hiding her true identity, Nell “wins” hunky fireman, Elijah Knight, at a charity auction and she’s determined to give the one-time bully a little payback for the misery he caused her when they were teens. However, over the next few weeks she discovers he’s changed a lot too and as they fall in love, Nell is left with the dilemma of how to admit she’s lied to him about who she really is.

EXCERPT:

“That was a pretty generous bid you made,” Eli said.

His gaze stayed locked with hers, a trait she approved of. Most of the men in her acquaintance tended to have wandering eyes. It was difficult to have an intelligent conversation with a man who was more interested in her cup size.

“It’s for a good cause. Besides, I have plans for you. I’ll get my money’s worth.”

Eli chuckled and shifted his feet. “What kind of plans? One thousand dollars is a lot of dinners.”

With a shake of her head, Nell smirked. “Actually, that’s not what I had in mind. You look like a strong guy and a good worker.” She reached out and touched the tip of her finger to his bicep. Just as she thought, hard muscles rippled beneath the dark blue fabric of his dress shirt. Flirting with him was good. She’d probably get more out of him if she came on to him.

Nell brushed away the wicked little thought and contained the smile pulling at her lips. “The truth of the matter is, Gwen needs help with her mom’s house before it can go on the market. You look like you’re good with a hammer and paintbrush.”

“That’s it?” Eli looked down at her fingers, which traced a fold in the fabric of his shirt. “You don’t want a home cooked meal?” He sounded rather relieved. “You know what kind of auction this is, don’t you?”

“Honey, I’m not looking for a date.” Nell dragged her gaze up and down his body.
“Though if I were, I’d definitely consider you. But I don’t plan on being in town too long.”

“My loss.”

The way his dark eyes seemed to meld with hers heated her whole body up. He was good-looking, but she wasn’t prepared for the extent of the attraction she felt. Everyone else in the crowded gym faded away into an inconsequential, gray fog.

Get back in the driver’s seat, Nell, she thought.

www.cerianhebert.com

https://www.facebook.com/Ceriansbooks

https://twitter.com/CerianHebert

Thursday's Threads and a Book Sale!

This week's Thread is a dark Paranormal, Fallen Redemption, by RB Austin, and it's on sale for only $0.99 until July 27!

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat Level: Sizzle

Buy Link: Fallen Redemption (The Trihune Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by RB Austin. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. 

Blurb:

Cade committed himself to saving lives before he learned the full consequences of his life-altering decision. It wasn’t until he was tending his sick wife that he learned the enormity of what he’d done and he was unable to save her from the monster he had become. Consumed with guilt and praying for absolution, he threw himself into killing every Fallen he could find to save the humans he’d sworn to protect. But then Emma, deliciously mortal and completely forbidden, swept into his world, stirring an overpowering desire. Now he’s not only fighting soulless creatures, but also his inner cravings, trying to maintain his distance and continue on his path to forgiveness. He won’t lose control again and lose another love.


Media Links: Website: RB Austin

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rbaustinauthor

Twitter: RB Austin (authorrbaustin) Twitter