N.J. Walters's Blog, page 138
June 14, 2016
Guest Blog--Who is My Favorite Antihero?
Who is the antihero? He's that character who lacks traditional heroic attributes. Romance novels are full of them--men who are morally ambiguous according to societies dictates, but have a code of their own. They're dark characters, compelling and unforgettable. They'll never be anyone's Prince Charming, they're more Beast from Beauty and the Beast. But often become heroes in spite of themselves.
Who is your favorite antihero? Want to know mine? Stop by KATE HILL'S COMPELLING BEASTS BLOG and find out.
Who is your favorite antihero? Want to know mine? Stop by KATE HILL'S COMPELLING BEASTS BLOG and find out.
June 8, 2016
Throwback Thursday--Book Edition (Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall)
DARKNESS DAWNS is the first book in Dianne Duvall's Immortal Guardian's series. If you love paranormal romance with dark heroes and kickass heroines, then you MUST read this series.
BLURB:
Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control . . .
In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible -- when it mean forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.
BLURB:
Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control . . .
In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible -- when it mean forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.
Uncovering Annabelle--On Sale for Limited Time
UNCOVERING ANNABELLE is on sale for 99-cents for a limited time. ($1.01 on Amazon and $1.26 Kobo). BUY LINKS:Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01CPPBGPK Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/621303ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-uncoveringannabelle-1997239-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nwflrC
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/uncovering-Annabelle The first book in the sexy Summersville Secrets series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author N. J. Walters! Days fueled by desire . . . Annabelle Lee is content to spend her days as a quiet and staid librarian, revealing her true desires only at night, when she indulges in the rich erotic life that lives only in her fantasies. It is there she dreams of Mike Sloan, the rugged handyman who stirs her passions and ignites her erotic nature. Nights filled with pleasure . . . Mike has always yearned to get a peek behind Annabelle’s demure nature, knowing there is far more there than she shows. When he finally gets her alone, they unleash a passion beyond any late-night fantasy. Limited only by their imaginations, they set out to explore even their deepest desires, with Mike hoping to win Annabelle’s heart in the process. This is a fully revised edition of a book originally published in 2004 as Annabelle Lee.
June 7, 2016
Writer's Wednesday--Rosanna Leo
Welcome Rosanna Leo to Writer's Wednesday!
“THE ANTI-HEROINE”
I’d like to offer a big thank you to N.J. for hosting me today. I’m excited to be here.
Recently on social media, I heard another author pal bemoan having to read about yet another “perfect heroine. You know the type. Flowing locks, perfect skin, no visible imperfections and a bland personality. I found myself completely in agreement with this author. I like my heroines realistic. When I pick up a new book, I want that heroine to reflect traits I might find in my friends or (gasp) myself.
And I ain’t perfect.
I’ve never identified with Barbie doll girls. I certainly don’t resemble one. And for as long as I can remember, I’ve craved book characters who are more like the people with whom I associate every day. I like them flawed and I like them to look like real people.
In writing Predator’s Rescue, the seventh book in my Gemini Island Shifters series, not only did I want to give my readers an imperfect leading lady, I wanted them to wonder if she was even redeemable. You see, heroine Fleur Bissette is a former bad girl. In a previous book in the series, she torments the good guys. However, we learn why and I believe the readers will feel true sympathy for her. Yes, she is a shape shifter and is blessed with many physical talents, but Fleur is very real as well.
Fleur grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (and I mean wrong). She has made many mistakes as well. Hero Jani calls her “petulant.” She doubts herself, and her journey to self-confidence is a tough one. This is a young woman who wears scuffed Even anti-heroines fall in love and when they do, they fall hard.
I hope you’ll get a chance to explore this series.
PREDATOR’S RESCUE BY ROSANNA LEO
BLURB AND EXCERPT
Blurb:
Tiger shifter Jani Fodor should have washed his hands of Fleur Bissette long ago. However, when she disappears from the shape shifter sanctuary on Gemini Island, he can’t forget her, and launches a fraught two-week search to find her. He thinks she’ll be grateful but the petulant she-wolf resents his intrusion in her life.
Jani recently liberated Fleur from a vicious cult of shape shifters, where she was brainwashed by the sadistic August Crane. The wolf shifter terrorized their friends at the Ursa Fishing Lodge and Resort on Gemini Island. Labeled a “bad girl” all her life, Fleur knows she’ll never fit in with the good guys at the Ursa, no matter how much Jani tries to convince her of their regard. Besides, she can’t stay with Jani. Although he’s the closest thing she’s ever had to a friend, their chemistry is explosive in the worst way.
When a new menace arises, in the form of a vicious drug dealer with a grudge, Jani is adamant Fleur accept his help to rehabilitate her addict mother and remove her from the influence of her dealer. Fleur accepts Jani’s assistance but as they work together, friendship erupts into passion. Neither can deny their lust-struck spirit animals and before long, they realize their connection runs deeper than they ever expected.
Despite the threats posed by the drug dealer, the worst danger of all dwells inside Fleur. Haunted by the spirit of August Crane, Fleur is inundated by visions that torment her. She is consumed by guilt and plagued by old hostilities. Can this bad girl make good? And is Jani’s love enough to save her from her demons?
Excerpt:
Once again, Jani’s temper flared but he swallowed his simmering rage. He stood and raised his voice so he could be heard over Loretta Lynn’s tinny warbling as it emanated from the jukebox. “Now I’m going to ask everyone in this shithole one more time. I’m looking for Fleur Bissette. Where is she?”
There was a crash and a feminine cry from behind one of the closed doors. Jani didn’t hesitate. He launched himself off his stool and toward the door, already on the verge of shifting. His tiger hairs danced in anticipation under his skin, ready to burst through his pores.
The two men who’d approached him grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him back.
“Hey, asshole,” the grizzly man shouted. “You’re not allowed back there. Private parties only.”
Jani glanced at the hand on his shoulder and then at the man. “One warning. Take your hands off me.”
The idiot snorted and looked at his pal. “Why waste your time lookin’ for Fleur anyway? That girl’s nothing but trouble. Trouble loves her. In fact, she’s probably spreading her legs to trouble right now.”
Jani reached for the man’s arms and spun him around. “What did you say?”
“It’s all the bitch knows how to do. That’s all women like her are good for anyway.”
Jani reared back and let his fist fly, cracking it against the man’s face. The grizzly shifter flew across the room, hitting the back wall, collapsing to the floor. The grim satisfaction of seeing the man crumple overrode any pain in his knuckles. In fact, it felt so good to hit the jackass he had to hold his hand behind his back so he wouldn’t hit him again.
No one, no one, insulted Fleur. The man was lucky Jani didn’t kill him for the slight. Fleur had been called too many names in her time, and he’d made it his mission to see she was never belittled again.
Jani nodded toward the other men. “Don’t even think of stopping me.”
He tried the closed door, relieved to find it unlocked. He flung the door open and his tiger senses homed in on her immediately.
Fleur had clearly been serving drinks to the small group of shifter bikers inside, but one of them had gotten a little too close to the new waitress. Her tray of drinks lay on the floor, smashed, and one of the men had her over his lap. His large hand caressed her ass as she squirmed in his grip.
As time seemed to freeze for Jani, Fleur turned to glance at him. She mouthed his name.
The silent plea made his heart twist in his chest. Had she actually spoken aloud? He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t hear her voice. His ears were ringing too much as his tiger roared her name.
Her dark eyes seemed to grow darker, black with emotion, but he didn’t take time to analyze the sentiment flitting behind her irises.
With a noise that must have sounded more animal than man, Jani raced toward her and pulled her off the man’s lap. He moved her toward the door, so she wouldn’t be hurt in the melee. He then turned to the shithead who’d grabbed her, a growl emanating from his furious core.
The biker, startled and likely drunk, didn’t react quickly enough to shift. Jani hauled him off his chair and thrust him toward the wall.
“Jani,” Fleur called, her voice loud and clear now. “Don’t. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“His hand was on your ass. I know enough.”
One of the other men was foolhardy enough to try to stop him. He tried to yank Jani away but Jani snapped his arm back, using his elbow to hammer the man in the face. Cradling his bloody nose, the man retreated.
Jani turned his attention back to the shifter who’d groped Fleur. “That was the last time you ever touch her.” Bracing himself, he head-butted him. A sickening crack sounded in the room. The man moaned, his eyes rolled back, and he dropped to the floor.
Ignoring the pain exploding through his forehead, Jani marched toward Fleur, picked her up, and hauled her over his shoulder.
“Hey. Put me down! You have no right.”
No right. He might have laughed if he wasn’t concerned about getting her out of there in one piece.
Holding out his free arm to warn off any others who might consider having a go at him, Jani carried the writhing Fleur out of the room and out of the bar. His heart thumped against his chest just from holding her. Granted, he hadn’t quite envisioned holding her like this, her ass high in the air near his face, but it pleased him more than he cared to admit out loud. Something about the scenario made his inner caveman very happy.
Buy links:
Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/predators-rescue-p1125.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Predators-Rescue-Gemini-Island-Shifters-ebook/dp/B01CC2JRX4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rosanna_Leo_Predator_s_Rescue?id=ffSaCwAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/predators-rescue/id1088029644?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/predator-s-rescue
ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-predator039srescue-1981154-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/predators-rescue-rosanna-leo/1123469527?ean=9781622103386
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451478-predator-s-rescue
Author Bio:
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance. Rosanna blogs at www.rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com
Author Links:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rosanna-Leo/e/B007X5P4I8Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826852.Rosanna_LeoTsu: http://www.tsu.co/RosannaLeoPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosannaleo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rleoauthor1Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LeoRosanna
“THE ANTI-HEROINE”
I’d like to offer a big thank you to N.J. for hosting me today. I’m excited to be here.
Recently on social media, I heard another author pal bemoan having to read about yet another “perfect heroine. You know the type. Flowing locks, perfect skin, no visible imperfections and a bland personality. I found myself completely in agreement with this author. I like my heroines realistic. When I pick up a new book, I want that heroine to reflect traits I might find in my friends or (gasp) myself.
And I ain’t perfect.
I’ve never identified with Barbie doll girls. I certainly don’t resemble one. And for as long as I can remember, I’ve craved book characters who are more like the people with whom I associate every day. I like them flawed and I like them to look like real people.
In writing Predator’s Rescue, the seventh book in my Gemini Island Shifters series, not only did I want to give my readers an imperfect leading lady, I wanted them to wonder if she was even redeemable. You see, heroine Fleur Bissette is a former bad girl. In a previous book in the series, she torments the good guys. However, we learn why and I believe the readers will feel true sympathy for her. Yes, she is a shape shifter and is blessed with many physical talents, but Fleur is very real as well.Fleur grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (and I mean wrong). She has made many mistakes as well. Hero Jani calls her “petulant.” She doubts herself, and her journey to self-confidence is a tough one. This is a young woman who wears scuffed Even anti-heroines fall in love and when they do, they fall hard.
I hope you’ll get a chance to explore this series.
PREDATOR’S RESCUE BY ROSANNA LEO
BLURB AND EXCERPT
Blurb:
Tiger shifter Jani Fodor should have washed his hands of Fleur Bissette long ago. However, when she disappears from the shape shifter sanctuary on Gemini Island, he can’t forget her, and launches a fraught two-week search to find her. He thinks she’ll be grateful but the petulant she-wolf resents his intrusion in her life.
Jani recently liberated Fleur from a vicious cult of shape shifters, where she was brainwashed by the sadistic August Crane. The wolf shifter terrorized their friends at the Ursa Fishing Lodge and Resort on Gemini Island. Labeled a “bad girl” all her life, Fleur knows she’ll never fit in with the good guys at the Ursa, no matter how much Jani tries to convince her of their regard. Besides, she can’t stay with Jani. Although he’s the closest thing she’s ever had to a friend, their chemistry is explosive in the worst way.
When a new menace arises, in the form of a vicious drug dealer with a grudge, Jani is adamant Fleur accept his help to rehabilitate her addict mother and remove her from the influence of her dealer. Fleur accepts Jani’s assistance but as they work together, friendship erupts into passion. Neither can deny their lust-struck spirit animals and before long, they realize their connection runs deeper than they ever expected.
Despite the threats posed by the drug dealer, the worst danger of all dwells inside Fleur. Haunted by the spirit of August Crane, Fleur is inundated by visions that torment her. She is consumed by guilt and plagued by old hostilities. Can this bad girl make good? And is Jani’s love enough to save her from her demons?
Excerpt:
Once again, Jani’s temper flared but he swallowed his simmering rage. He stood and raised his voice so he could be heard over Loretta Lynn’s tinny warbling as it emanated from the jukebox. “Now I’m going to ask everyone in this shithole one more time. I’m looking for Fleur Bissette. Where is she?”
There was a crash and a feminine cry from behind one of the closed doors. Jani didn’t hesitate. He launched himself off his stool and toward the door, already on the verge of shifting. His tiger hairs danced in anticipation under his skin, ready to burst through his pores.
The two men who’d approached him grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him back.
“Hey, asshole,” the grizzly man shouted. “You’re not allowed back there. Private parties only.”
Jani glanced at the hand on his shoulder and then at the man. “One warning. Take your hands off me.”
The idiot snorted and looked at his pal. “Why waste your time lookin’ for Fleur anyway? That girl’s nothing but trouble. Trouble loves her. In fact, she’s probably spreading her legs to trouble right now.”
Jani reached for the man’s arms and spun him around. “What did you say?”
“It’s all the bitch knows how to do. That’s all women like her are good for anyway.”
Jani reared back and let his fist fly, cracking it against the man’s face. The grizzly shifter flew across the room, hitting the back wall, collapsing to the floor. The grim satisfaction of seeing the man crumple overrode any pain in his knuckles. In fact, it felt so good to hit the jackass he had to hold his hand behind his back so he wouldn’t hit him again.
No one, no one, insulted Fleur. The man was lucky Jani didn’t kill him for the slight. Fleur had been called too many names in her time, and he’d made it his mission to see she was never belittled again.
Jani nodded toward the other men. “Don’t even think of stopping me.”
He tried the closed door, relieved to find it unlocked. He flung the door open and his tiger senses homed in on her immediately.
Fleur had clearly been serving drinks to the small group of shifter bikers inside, but one of them had gotten a little too close to the new waitress. Her tray of drinks lay on the floor, smashed, and one of the men had her over his lap. His large hand caressed her ass as she squirmed in his grip.
As time seemed to freeze for Jani, Fleur turned to glance at him. She mouthed his name.
The silent plea made his heart twist in his chest. Had she actually spoken aloud? He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t hear her voice. His ears were ringing too much as his tiger roared her name.
Her dark eyes seemed to grow darker, black with emotion, but he didn’t take time to analyze the sentiment flitting behind her irises.
With a noise that must have sounded more animal than man, Jani raced toward her and pulled her off the man’s lap. He moved her toward the door, so she wouldn’t be hurt in the melee. He then turned to the shithead who’d grabbed her, a growl emanating from his furious core.
The biker, startled and likely drunk, didn’t react quickly enough to shift. Jani hauled him off his chair and thrust him toward the wall.
“Jani,” Fleur called, her voice loud and clear now. “Don’t. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“His hand was on your ass. I know enough.”
One of the other men was foolhardy enough to try to stop him. He tried to yank Jani away but Jani snapped his arm back, using his elbow to hammer the man in the face. Cradling his bloody nose, the man retreated.
Jani turned his attention back to the shifter who’d groped Fleur. “That was the last time you ever touch her.” Bracing himself, he head-butted him. A sickening crack sounded in the room. The man moaned, his eyes rolled back, and he dropped to the floor.
Ignoring the pain exploding through his forehead, Jani marched toward Fleur, picked her up, and hauled her over his shoulder.
“Hey. Put me down! You have no right.”
No right. He might have laughed if he wasn’t concerned about getting her out of there in one piece.
Holding out his free arm to warn off any others who might consider having a go at him, Jani carried the writhing Fleur out of the room and out of the bar. His heart thumped against his chest just from holding her. Granted, he hadn’t quite envisioned holding her like this, her ass high in the air near his face, but it pleased him more than he cared to admit out loud. Something about the scenario made his inner caveman very happy.
Buy links:
Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/predators-rescue-p1125.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Predators-Rescue-Gemini-Island-Shifters-ebook/dp/B01CC2JRX4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rosanna_Leo_Predator_s_Rescue?id=ffSaCwAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/predators-rescue/id1088029644?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/predator-s-rescue
ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-predator039srescue-1981154-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/predators-rescue-rosanna-leo/1123469527?ean=9781622103386
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451478-predator-s-rescue
Author Bio:
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance. Rosanna blogs at www.rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com
Author Links:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rosanna-Leo/e/B007X5P4I8Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826852.Rosanna_LeoTsu: http://www.tsu.co/RosannaLeoPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosannaleo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rleoauthor1Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LeoRosanna
June 2, 2016
Weekend Book Club--In the Boss's Bed by J. Margot Critch
This week I read IN THE BOSS'S BED by Harlequin Blaze debut author J. Margot Critch. If you enjoy a sexy office romance this is a book for you. It's fun and sensual. The setting is a bit different as the story takes place in both Montreal and Vegas, which will appeal to readers on both sides of the border.
BLURB:
Hot for the boss…
Maya Connor was already embarrassed after a dare—and a shot of vodka—resulted in one seriously sexy kiss with an even sexier stranger. She had no idea that the man she made out with was hotel magnate and reputed playboy Jamie Sellers. Or that she would soon be working for him…
Maya won't let anything get in the way of her ambition. And she's determined to be taken seriously as she begins her career—and not give in to the heat that's constantly driving her to distraction. Lust, that's all it is. The more Maya and Jamie ignore it, the stronger it gets. But ending up in the boss's bed won't just be Maya's wickedest fantasies come to life…it'll be the end of her dreams.
BLURB:
Hot for the boss…
Maya Connor was already embarrassed after a dare—and a shot of vodka—resulted in one seriously sexy kiss with an even sexier stranger. She had no idea that the man she made out with was hotel magnate and reputed playboy Jamie Sellers. Or that she would soon be working for him…
Maya won't let anything get in the way of her ambition. And she's determined to be taken seriously as she begins her career—and not give in to the heat that's constantly driving her to distraction. Lust, that's all it is. The more Maya and Jamie ignore it, the stronger it gets. But ending up in the boss's bed won't just be Maya's wickedest fantasies come to life…it'll be the end of her dreams.
June 1, 2016
June Newsletter!
The June 2016 issue of AWAKENING DESIRES—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available.Lots of exciting news to share! Be sure to check out all the latest news and an excerpt from Lily's List, book 3 of the Summersville Secrets series.
As always, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.
May 31, 2016
Writer's Wednesday--Cecilia Dominic
Welcome Cecilia Dominic to Writer's Wednesday!
Thank you so much for hosting me today, N.J.! I’m really excited to be able to share Aether Spirit with your readers. Although it’s the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. If you do want to catch up, now is a great time to do so because the first book in the series, Eros Element , is currently on sale for 99 cents at all ebook retailers. This was a fun book to write because the heroine is a neuroticist, or psychiatrist specializing in neuroses, in an alternate history 1871. I’m a psychologist for my day job, and I love medical history, so I got to do some fun research to make Claire believable. Her love interest, Chackwick Radcliffe, is biracial, so he has a lot of challenges of his own professionally. Claire and Chadwick have a history, but she was in a steamcart accident, and the trauma, head injury, and manipulation by some of Europe’s leading psychiatrists have caused her memories of him to be erased. Aether Spirit is a second chance love story and the tale of a young woman who fights to reclaim her past and herself. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it!
Aether Spirit Forgetting her is impossible. Remembering him could kill her. When Chadwick Radcliffe arrives at Fort Daniels to assume the position of medical chief, the prejudice against his mixed heritage is no surprise. But he never expected to encounter the one woman who’s beyond his reach—medically and emotionally. A steamcart accident stole three years of Claire McPhee’s memories, and now as she helps soldiers cope with combat-related neuroses, she secretly hopes to find the key to filling that gaping hole. There’s something vaguely familiar about Dr. Radcliffe, but every time she comes close to determining why, he pushes her away—and her hypnosis-induced memory blocks explode with pain. Chadwick knows the Eros Element can heal, but its unintended side effects are too dangerous to risk using it to bring Claire’s memories out of the shadows. But with the key to the Union’s victory buried in Claire’s mind, Chadwick and Claire are forced to push past the boundaries others have placed on them—even if rediscovering their love risks their lives. Warning: Vast amounts of Victorian mental health geekery and copious amounts of tea were poured into the writing of his book. No matter how pretty the aether is, the author cautions readers not to try using it to manipulate others’ emotions. The side effects could be atrocious. Excerpt: Claire sat straight up when she heard a voice ask, “What is that awful noise?” She looked around but couldn’t see anything amiss in the room. A whine in her ears made her press her fingers to them. “Is someone there?” she asked. Her hands shook, but she finally lit the lamp on the bedside table. The cheerful yellow decor struck her as jaundiced, not happy, and she tried not to let her mind stray to the fact that the room had belonged to a young woman who died. No, her mind was going to think those spooky thoughts no matter how hard she tried not to have them. Claire thought about what to do. Disturb Mrs. Soper in her room? With what? A strange voice asking a question that might have been Claire dreaming, although she was fairly certain she hadn’t been asleep. She turned the switch on the side of the lamp to douse the light and curled up on her side. She was almost asleep when the voice woke her again. “The noise, Miss. Don’t you hear it? It’s coming closer!” A hand shook Claire by the shoulder, and through her nightgown, its fingers felt like icy death. Claire scrambled away from it and over the side of the bed with a thud. She couldn’t recall how later, but she made it into the hallway and stood—with her robe and shoes on—face-to-face with Mrs. Soper. “Thank goodness you’re awake!” She grabbed Claire’s hand. “We need to get to the back of the base, quick. We’re under attack, and their shells don’t go that far. Or they won’t unless they surround us, but our boys won’t let that happen.” Claire blinked the fog from her brain. A low rumble like that of thunder turned into a screeching and an explosion nearby. The entire house shook, and tinkling told Claire it had been close enough to shatter the windows. “They’re attacking us? In the middle of the night?” “Yes, and we’re going after them right back. Don’t you worry. Our boys’ll get them.” “Are you sure we can make it to the back of the base?” Another explosion nearby made Claire clutch the banister so she wouldn’t fall down the stairs. Mrs. Soper gestured for Claire to follow her. “There’s a tunnel. The general had it built so his family would be safe when this happened. We’ll end up in the hospital.” Claire nearly stopped. She was in her nightclothes, for goodness’ sake. But she didn’t have much of a choice. Being fully dressed wouldn’t help her if she ended up dead. “Hurry, Miss.” The voice was at Claire’s elbow now. “Hurry, or the Rebs’ll get you.” “Do you hear that?” Claire whispered to Mrs. Soper, who led her by the hand across the living room. “Yes, and just be glad she likes you. Others haven’t been so lucky.” Her words gave Claire as many goose bumps as the ghost had, but she had no choice but to follow and hope the spirit would continue to be helpful. They ended up in a broom closet with a false back that Mrs. Soper made open by tugging on a mop. “There’s a torch just inside. I’ll come behind you and close the door.” Claire looked into the gloom. She lit the torch with a match from a tin, and a dirt passage like a mine tunnel spread out in front of her. Its downward slope ended in darkness, and she hesitated. “Go on, now. I’ll be right behind you.” Claire took a step but stopped when a male voice called out. “Mrs. Soper! Doctor McPhee! Where are you?” “It’s that fool Longchamp,” Mrs. Soper said. “Go on, child. The tunnel goes just one place. Let me take care of him, and I’ll come find you at the hospital.” “But…” Claire spoke to the door, which closed in her face. She fumbled the torch but managed to catch it without lighting herself or her nightclothes on fire. She turned to see the young woman who had given her directions at the women’s quarters, and pressure stuffed her ears again. She now recognized the nightgown and head wrap as belonging to an invalid. “It’s all right, Miss. I won’t hurt you.” She smiled, but her teeth had the crooked yellow appearance of a corpse’s. “Follow me.” She turned and walked down the tunnel. Claire didn’t want to, but she was trapped. She looked down. Wrapped around her hand were golden filaments like the ones that had spread between her hand and the aether orb in its glass cage. She heard a voice whisper, “Trust” in her ear. With a deep breath, she stepped down the passage. The ground shook, and a jumble of rocks fell where she had just been standing. She held on to the wall to keep from falling, and the torch extinguished. “Corn biscuits and gravy!” she swore into the dark. Even the ghost had disappeared. The word “Trust” came from the darkness again, and a faint light flickered in the tunnel ahead. Claire squinted at its golden glow, too far for her to make out exactly what caused it, but she walked toward it. What else could she do? There was no way to go but forward. She hoped that what she walked toward would be less harmful than what she had escaped. Buy links:Samhain: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5801/aether-spiritAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aether-Spirit-Psychics-Cecilia-Dominic-ebook/dp/B01BW59U5WBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aether-spirit-cecilia-dominic/1123459685Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/aether-spiritiBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/aether-spirit/id1085123559Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=WWqVCwAAQBAJ Other books in the series: Noble Secrets, a prequel novella – also currently on sale for 99 centsA dangerous man from her past.A handsome duke in her present.Secrets that threaten their future. Discover the Aether Psychics series, in which science has no limits and love overcomes even the highest boundaries, in this 94-page prequel novella (no cliffhanger). After tragedy hits and danger moves in, Pauline Donahue flees London, searching for sanctuary and a way to start over. A job at a small university provides the escape she needs. Keeping recalcitrant professor Edward Bailey on task after a shattered heart renders him broken and destroyed becomes her daily routine. But when the same vicious man from her past sets his malicious sights on Pauline, her safe haven comes crashing down. Duke of Waltham, Christopher Bailey, never counted on the gentle commoner, Miss Donahue, to save his brother--and himself--from broken pasts and a lifetime of mistakes. But she does just that. As their love blossoms, danger closes in, threatening Pauline and Christopher's lives. Together, they are forced to face their biggest fears, revealing secrets that could ruin them both. Buy links:http://www.amazon.com/Noble-Secrets-Cecilia-Dominic-ebook/dp/B01DEJH9NY/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/noble-secrets-cecilia-dominic/1123610529https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/noble-secrets/id1096979681https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/noble-secrets Eros Element, Book One (currently on sale for 99 cents electronically)If love is the ivy, secrets are the poison. Aether Psychics, Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety. Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether. Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin. Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts. Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free. Buy links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Element-Aether-Psychics-Cecilia-Dominic-ebook/dp/B00Y05TWDCSamhain Publishing: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5545/eros-elementBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eros-element-cecilia-dominic/1121969555?ean=9781619230002Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cecilia_Dominic_Eros_Element?id=hR51CQAAQBAJKobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/eros-elementiTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781619230002 Light Fantastique, Book Two:At the Théâtre Bohème, danger decides who takes the final curtain call. Aether Psychics, Book 2 Hailed as the most talented actress of her generation, Marie St. Jean has something more to her ability than mere talent. She loses a bit of her soul to each role. When the ghostly spirit of the theatre promises her an easy fix, she’s tempted by the chance to finally live a normal life. Unfortunately, the man she’s drawn to is the last one to settle for normal. But with the Prussians surrounding Paris, there’s no escaping that temptation, either. Violinist Johann Bledsoe thought he’d left his disgrace in England, but a murder outside the Théâtre Bohème makes him wonder if he’s been exposed. Another reason not to stick around once the siege ends, even if Marie fascinates him. More murders, steam-powered ravens, and past and present secrets bring them closer to discovering just what lurks within the theatre, and who threatens from without. The only way to save themselves is to reveal their darkest shames—and use the Eros Element in a way that has already driven one man to the brink of madness. Warning: Processed in a facility where wine is used as currency and dessert is a reward. If you dislike French cooking and attitudes, move along. Things are cooking in this book, and it ain’t Julia Child. Buy links:Samhain: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5664/light-fantastique Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fantastique-Aether-Psychics-Cecilia-Dominic-ebook/dp/B014IR66T4 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/light-fantastique-cecilia-dominic/1122582600 Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=A-FxCgAAQBAJ&rdid=book-A-FxCgAAQBAJ&rdot=1&source=gbs_atb&pcampaignid=books_booksearch_atb iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781619233294 Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/light-fantastique Author bio: Cecilia Dominic wrote her first story when she was two years old and has always had a much more interesting life inside her head than outside of it. She became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop writing fiction. The first draft of her dissertation, while not fiction, was still criticized by her major professor for being written in too entertaining a style. She made it through graduate school and got her PhD, started her own practice, and by day, she helps people cure their insomnia without using medication. By night, she blogs about wine and writes fiction she hopes will keep her readers turning the pages all night. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, so she writes and blogs under a pen name. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with one husband and two cats, which, she's been told, is a good number of each. You can find her at:Web page: www.ceciliadominic.comWine blog: www.randomoenophile.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaDominicAuthorTwitter: @RandomOenophileInstagram: @randomoenophile If you would like to join her mailing list to find out more about her and for sleep and wine tips, sign up at: http://eepurl.com/bjz2yf
4 1/2 Stars for Wolf on a Mission
LONG AND SHORT REVIEWShas given WOLF ON A MISSION4 1/2 stars!"This is a cleverly plotted and written story. As the lives of both Ellias and Sue get tangled up slowly, it’s filled with love and family, and the need to protect them when they are in danger or hurt...Readers who look for a paranormal romance that centers around families should give this one a try. It hit all the right notes with plenty of romance and spice but mostly love."
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
May 27, 2016
Uncovering Annabelle--on sale for limited time
UNCOVERING ANNABELLE is on sale for 99-cents for a limited time. ($1.26 Kobo). BUY LINKS:Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/621303ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-uncoveringannabelle-1997239-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nwflrC
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/uncovering-Annabelle The first book in the sexy Summersville Secrets series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author N. J. Walters! Days fueled by desire . . . Annabelle Lee is content to spend her days as a quiet and staid librarian, revealing her true desires only at night, when she indulges in the rich erotic life that lives only in her fantasies. It is there she dreams of Mike Sloan, the rugged handyman who stirs her passions and ignites her erotic nature. Nights filled with pleasure . . . Mike has always yearned to get a peek behind Annabelle’s demure nature, knowing there is far more there than she shows. When he finally gets her alone, they unleash a passion beyond any late-night fantasy. Limited only by their imaginations, they set out to explore even their deepest desires, with Mike hoping to win Annabelle’s heart in the process. This is a fully revised edition of a book originally published in 2004 as Annabelle Lee.
May 24, 2016
Writer's Wednesday--Lynn LaFleur
Welcome to Writer's Wednesday!
Each week, I plan to feature one of my many writer friends. Hope you enjoy it. Maybe you'll even discover a new author or two.
Welcome Lynn LaFleur!
Overboardby Lynn LaFleur
Christopher Pritchard has been looking forward to his best friend’s visit for weeks. He bids goodbye to his live-in girlfriend, Joni Wagner, and takes off with Lance Fitzgerald for a three-day fishing trip.
Lance has been in love with Chris since their college days. Hiding the fact that he’s bisexual wasn’t easy during college, yet Lance had done it because he didn’t want to lose Chris’ friendship.
As night falls on the water and the beer flows freely, talk turns to sex. The talk turns into action the next morning when Chris awakes to find a naked and aroused Lance in his stateroom. Instead of ordering him out of the room, he invites Lance into his bed.
Chris is sure Joni is his happily-ever-after, yet he can’t deny the attraction he feels for Lance. He can accept his new feelings for Lance, or push him away and lose the best friend he’s ever had.
* * *
Lance lifted the case of beer off the dock and handed it to Chris on the boat. “You sure one case is enough?”
Chris grinned. “I already have a case on board.”
“Smart man.”
“I remember how you can put away the beer.”
“I remember having help from you with that beer.”
“Details.”
Chuckling, Lance reached for the grocery sacks. He and Chris had stopped at the supermarket on the way to the marina. Chris said he’d already stocked the galley cabinets, but wanted to walk through the aisles in case he forgot something. Lance hoped they’d catch a salmon they could prepare for dinner. To be sure they didn’t go hungry, he’d bought four huge T-bones. It never hurt to have a back-up plan.
“Here,” Lance said, handing the sacks to Chris. “That’s it, except for my duffel.”
“You didn’t need to buy steaks, man. Where I’m taking you, the salmon will jump in the boat. We won’t even have to use our rods.”
Chris turned with the grocery bags in his hands. Lance stared at Chris’ ass in the tight jeans. He could think of a way to use his “rod” that would be better than catching fish.
With a sigh, Lance collected his duffel bag and climbed on the boat. He had to be out of his mind to torture himself this way. Three days on a boat with Chris. He could look, he could drool, but he couldn’t touch the way he longed to. He couldn’t take Chris in his arms, tell him he loved him, and had since their freshmen year in college.
Unrequited love sucked.
He’d be a pal to Chris, just like he’d done for the last fourteen years, instead of the lover he so desperately wanted to be.
* * *
Lynn LaFleur was born and raised in a small town in Texas close to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Writing has been in her blood since she was eight years old and wrote her first story for an English assignment.
As well as writing at every possible moment, Lynn enjoys reading, scrapbooking, card making, and photography. She’s a romantic at heart and can’t imagine ever writing anything but romances. A full-time writer, she spends her days creating stories of people who find their happily-ever-after, sometimes with the help of an alien or psychic or vampire.
See a complete list of Lynn’s books on her website:
http://lynnlafleur.com/home/books/
Each week, I plan to feature one of my many writer friends. Hope you enjoy it. Maybe you'll even discover a new author or two.
Welcome Lynn LaFleur!
Overboardby Lynn LaFleur Christopher Pritchard has been looking forward to his best friend’s visit for weeks. He bids goodbye to his live-in girlfriend, Joni Wagner, and takes off with Lance Fitzgerald for a three-day fishing trip.
Lance has been in love with Chris since their college days. Hiding the fact that he’s bisexual wasn’t easy during college, yet Lance had done it because he didn’t want to lose Chris’ friendship.
As night falls on the water and the beer flows freely, talk turns to sex. The talk turns into action the next morning when Chris awakes to find a naked and aroused Lance in his stateroom. Instead of ordering him out of the room, he invites Lance into his bed.
Chris is sure Joni is his happily-ever-after, yet he can’t deny the attraction he feels for Lance. He can accept his new feelings for Lance, or push him away and lose the best friend he’s ever had.
* * *
Lance lifted the case of beer off the dock and handed it to Chris on the boat. “You sure one case is enough?”
Chris grinned. “I already have a case on board.”
“Smart man.”
“I remember how you can put away the beer.”
“I remember having help from you with that beer.”
“Details.”
Chuckling, Lance reached for the grocery sacks. He and Chris had stopped at the supermarket on the way to the marina. Chris said he’d already stocked the galley cabinets, but wanted to walk through the aisles in case he forgot something. Lance hoped they’d catch a salmon they could prepare for dinner. To be sure they didn’t go hungry, he’d bought four huge T-bones. It never hurt to have a back-up plan.
“Here,” Lance said, handing the sacks to Chris. “That’s it, except for my duffel.”
“You didn’t need to buy steaks, man. Where I’m taking you, the salmon will jump in the boat. We won’t even have to use our rods.”
Chris turned with the grocery bags in his hands. Lance stared at Chris’ ass in the tight jeans. He could think of a way to use his “rod” that would be better than catching fish.
With a sigh, Lance collected his duffel bag and climbed on the boat. He had to be out of his mind to torture himself this way. Three days on a boat with Chris. He could look, he could drool, but he couldn’t touch the way he longed to. He couldn’t take Chris in his arms, tell him he loved him, and had since their freshmen year in college.
Unrequited love sucked.
He’d be a pal to Chris, just like he’d done for the last fourteen years, instead of the lover he so desperately wanted to be.
* * *
Lynn LaFleur was born and raised in a small town in Texas close to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Writing has been in her blood since she was eight years old and wrote her first story for an English assignment.
As well as writing at every possible moment, Lynn enjoys reading, scrapbooking, card making, and photography. She’s a romantic at heart and can’t imagine ever writing anything but romances. A full-time writer, she spends her days creating stories of people who find their happily-ever-after, sometimes with the help of an alien or psychic or vampire.
See a complete list of Lynn’s books on her website:
http://lynnlafleur.com/home/books/
