N.J. Walters's Blog, page 195
July 31, 2013
Read A Romance Month
Romance. I write it, I read it, I love it. But as a genre it's often ridiculed and criticized.
August is READ A ROMANCE MONTH. Many of your favorite authors will be telling you why they think romance matters. Be sure to check out the link above to read author posts every day in August. While you're there, be sure to enter the contests.
Be sure to celebrate all August long. And if you've never read a romance novel now is the time to try. There are many different subgenres and heat levels for you to choose from. You can try historical, paranormal, contemporary, romantic suspense, steampunk, mystery, fantasy or science fiction. You might like your romance sweet, sexy, spicy or smoking hot. Whichever way you like it, there's a romance novel waiting for you.
And if you want to check out my romance books, you can go to my WEBSITE and click on the "Books" page.
Why do you love romance?
August is READ A ROMANCE MONTH. Many of your favorite authors will be telling you why they think romance matters. Be sure to check out the link above to read author posts every day in August. While you're there, be sure to enter the contests.
Be sure to celebrate all August long. And if you've never read a romance novel now is the time to try. There are many different subgenres and heat levels for you to choose from. You can try historical, paranormal, contemporary, romantic suspense, steampunk, mystery, fantasy or science fiction. You might like your romance sweet, sexy, spicy or smoking hot. Whichever way you like it, there's a romance novel waiting for you.
And if you want to check out my romance books, you can go to my WEBSITE and click on the "Books" page.
Why do you love romance?
Wordless Wednesday
Book video for Masked Cowboy by Sarah M. Anderson. This is one of the best book videos ever!
July 30, 2013
Tuesday Teaser: Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III
This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from the ELLORA'S CAVEMEN: SEASONS OF SEDUCTION IIIanthology, and my story "Sunshine for a Vampire." The best way to describe this story is Cinderella for vampires.
TEASER:
He snaked his tongue out and licked the fingers that were still covering his mouth. Her hand jerked away and she laughed. She closed her fingers into a fist as if capturing his touch. He smiled at her. “Since you will not tell me your name, I will call you Sunshine.” He finally broke through to the center of the labyrinth, which was little more than a grassy square. There was no bench or seating of any kind. Damn! He’d have to make do.
She stiffened in his arms as set her down beside him. “Why did you choose that name?”
He reached behind her and plucked the jeweled pin holding her hair in its elaborate twist, sucking in a breath as the mass of blonde cascaded all the way to her hips. “That is why.” His voice was husky as he slipped the pin into his coat pocket. “You are like a ray of sunshine in the darkness that is our world.”
“What should I call you?” He wanted to tell her his name, wanted to hear her call it as she cried out in ecstasy, but he didn’t know if she’d recognize it or not and he was loath to break the easy companionship of the moment. He gave her a wicked grin. “You may call me ‘my prince’ or ‘my love’. I will answer to either.” She laughed, even though he was deadly serious. He was a prince in his homeland and he longed to make her his princess.
BUY FROM AMAZON
TEASER:
He snaked his tongue out and licked the fingers that were still covering his mouth. Her hand jerked away and she laughed. She closed her fingers into a fist as if capturing his touch. He smiled at her. “Since you will not tell me your name, I will call you Sunshine.” He finally broke through to the center of the labyrinth, which was little more than a grassy square. There was no bench or seating of any kind. Damn! He’d have to make do.
She stiffened in his arms as set her down beside him. “Why did you choose that name?”
He reached behind her and plucked the jeweled pin holding her hair in its elaborate twist, sucking in a breath as the mass of blonde cascaded all the way to her hips. “That is why.” His voice was husky as he slipped the pin into his coat pocket. “You are like a ray of sunshine in the darkness that is our world.”
“What should I call you?” He wanted to tell her his name, wanted to hear her call it as she cried out in ecstasy, but he didn’t know if she’d recognize it or not and he was loath to break the easy companionship of the moment. He gave her a wicked grin. “You may call me ‘my prince’ or ‘my love’. I will answer to either.” She laughed, even though he was deadly serious. He was a prince in his homeland and he longed to make her his princess.
BUY FROM AMAZON
July 27, 2013
Night Owl Reviews Top Pick for Strands of Love
Night Owl Reviews has given STRANDS OF LOVE5 Stars and a Top Pick rating! Here's a snippet from this amazing review.
"I have loved Ms. Walters' Tapestry series since the beginning. Always emotive, powerfully seductive, this is a series that has had me addicted and engrossed, Only Ms. Walters can deftly return the reader to Javara so many times without being in anyway formulaic...I am sad that this is the last book in the series. Perhaps Ms. Walters could be persuaded to revisit Javara in a novella featuring all the previous characters, hint, hint?"
~CYD, Night Owl Reviews
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
"I have loved Ms. Walters' Tapestry series since the beginning. Always emotive, powerfully seductive, this is a series that has had me addicted and engrossed, Only Ms. Walters can deftly return the reader to Javara so many times without being in anyway formulaic...I am sad that this is the last book in the series. Perhaps Ms. Walters could be persuaded to revisit Javara in a novella featuring all the previous characters, hint, hint?"
~CYD, Night Owl Reviews
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
July 23, 2013
July 22, 2013
Tuesday Teaser: Three Swords, One Heart
This week the Tuesday Teaser is from THREE SWORDS, ONE HEART, a ménage a trois/fantasy novel I wrote as part of the Torrid Tarot series for Ellora's Cave. This book is a stand alone read.
TEASER:
She licked her lips and Malik was unable to pull his eyes away from her pink tongue as it traced the contours of her full mouth. He was filled with the urge to taste those lips, to discover their shape and their texture. And he would. Patience was the key and he was an excellent hunter.
Slowly, her hands went to her waist and she unbuckled her sword belt, laying it carefully aside. Then she slipped her hands beneath her tunic and a moment later her leggings fell to the ground. Carefully, she tugged off her short boots and kicked the leather leggings aside. She drew in a deep breath as her shaking fingers pulled on the laces of her tunic. The leather parted and she drew it over her head, holding the garment in front of her. Her eyes gleamed in the firelight in a combination of longing and fear.
He held his hand out to her. “Come.” He almost howled with pleasure when she dropped the tunic, ignoring it as it fell to the hard ground at her feet. Quite simply, she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever beheld in his life.
AMAZON
This is the amazing new cover for the print version of the book, also available at Ellora's Cave and Amazon books.
TEASER:
She licked her lips and Malik was unable to pull his eyes away from her pink tongue as it traced the contours of her full mouth. He was filled with the urge to taste those lips, to discover their shape and their texture. And he would. Patience was the key and he was an excellent hunter.
Slowly, her hands went to her waist and she unbuckled her sword belt, laying it carefully aside. Then she slipped her hands beneath her tunic and a moment later her leggings fell to the ground. Carefully, she tugged off her short boots and kicked the leather leggings aside. She drew in a deep breath as her shaking fingers pulled on the laces of her tunic. The leather parted and she drew it over her head, holding the garment in front of her. Her eyes gleamed in the firelight in a combination of longing and fear.
He held his hand out to her. “Come.” He almost howled with pleasure when she dropped the tunic, ignoring it as it fell to the hard ground at her feet. Quite simply, she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever beheld in his life.
AMAZON
This is the amazing new cover for the print version of the book, also available at Ellora's Cave and Amazon books.
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Pride of the Lion earns a Top Pick Rating
Night Owl Reviews has given PRIDE OF THE LION a 4 1/2 star Top Pick rating!
Here's a snippet of what the reviewer has to say:
"I have to admit this book was so good I had to go back and buy the first two after I read it so I'm ready for the fourth installment. Hade's Carnival is entertaining and captivating. The characters are well defined and the story original and well written. The pace just right and the sensual love scenes perfect for this couple. I read it in one sitting and could not get enough of Araminta and Leander. I was sad to see their story end but thoroughly satisfied with their happy ending." ~Valerie, Night Owl Reviews
READ REVIEW HERE
Fresh Fiction has also given Pride of the Lion a glowing review.
"PRIDE OF THE LION is the fast paced, action packed third book of the Hades Carnival series. I read the first two and wondered what could author N.J. Walter possibly do to make this one different and I was amazed...The heat generated in this book will leave you in little doubt of their compatibility. I also got a feeling in each of the previous books that Mordecai just might not be all bad and I want to see what the author has planned for him. I can't wait for the next book to see how the wolf makes his escape." ~Annetta Sweetko
READ REVIEW HERE
Here's a snippet of what the reviewer has to say:
"I have to admit this book was so good I had to go back and buy the first two after I read it so I'm ready for the fourth installment. Hade's Carnival is entertaining and captivating. The characters are well defined and the story original and well written. The pace just right and the sensual love scenes perfect for this couple. I read it in one sitting and could not get enough of Araminta and Leander. I was sad to see their story end but thoroughly satisfied with their happy ending." ~Valerie, Night Owl Reviews
READ REVIEW HERE
Fresh Fiction has also given Pride of the Lion a glowing review.
"PRIDE OF THE LION is the fast paced, action packed third book of the Hades Carnival series. I read the first two and wondered what could author N.J. Walter possibly do to make this one different and I was amazed...The heat generated in this book will leave you in little doubt of their compatibility. I also got a feeling in each of the previous books that Mordecai just might not be all bad and I want to see what the author has planned for him. I can't wait for the next book to see how the wolf makes his escape." ~Annetta Sweetko
READ REVIEW HERE
July 20, 2013
Eliza Knight--The Rebound Pact Blog Tour
I'm pleased to welcome Eliza Knight to my blog today!
Meet Eliza Knight
Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance, time-travel erotic romance, and now contemporary romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.
About THE REBOUND PACT
The Rebound Pact is “An intoxicating blend of wine, food and smoldering sex!” ~Christi Barth, acclaimed author of Planning for Love.
Description
Just one taste is never enough...
The attraction between Gabrielle and Holden still sizzles on the surface even after all these years since their last encounter. Having just experienced serious relationship breakups neither one is ready to start again. Instead, they make a rebound pact. Casual sex, no strings attached—and rule #1? Don't fall in love. Problem is, with each scorching encounter, Gabrielle and Holden find themselves falling hard and fast.
After college, Gabrielle Dane makes one terrific mistake. Thinking she's sneaking into her crush's bedroom at an all-night party, she ends up sleeping with her older brother's best friend. It’s only when the sun comes up that she recognizes Holden Bellamy. Mortified, Gabrielle leaves to train with a renowned chef in France, vowing never to return to her hometown and the awkwardness of her one night stand mix-up. But several years later, she finds herself doing just that, and she runs smack into the delicious man who makes her catch her breath.
Holden Bellamy, owner of Belle Ami, a critically acclaimed vineyard, has always had a thing for his best friend's little sister...even if she was off limits. Waking up to her in the morning several years back was a remarkable surprise, one that crashed and burned when she left town without a word. Now he's face to face with the woman he never stopped wondering about.
A Sneak Peek at THE REBOUND PACT
As she neared the exit, a sign caught her eye with a picture of purple grapes inside a wine glass, below it said: Belle Ami Vineyards.
“Perfect,” she muttered.
A stop at the vineyard to purchase a couple bottles of wine and then she’d head to her Dad’s place. She wasn’t ready for the conversation he’d want to have regarding Len. She stared at her empty ring finger on the steering wheel, tears already stinging her eyes. Her finger still showed the lines of where her ring had been.
Gabrielle followed the signs for the vineyard, pulling into a nearly empty parking lot, her tires crunching over the gravel. There were only three other cars parked.
Damn. She hoped they hadn’t closed already. She’d forgotten how everything in the town of Mount Airy kept farmer’s hours. She climbed out of the car and walked toward the entrance. The door opened easily when she pulled, but she didn’t see anyone. She walked up to the bar and picked up the tasting menu.
Gabrielle loved wine. Had even volunteered at many a wine tasting event, pouring glasses, talking shop to wine enthusiasts, and even turning some non-winos into vino connoisseurs.
The Belle Ami merlot looked right up her alley with a tangy bouquet of pomegranate and cocoa. She turned in a circle, her fingernails tapping against the “green” pressed bamboo counter.
“Can I help you?” a smooth, sensual, very male voice said from behind.
Oh. My. God.
Gabrielle turned around slowly, unable to breathe. She came face to face with Holden Bellamy. His face itself was perfection in the flesh. Chiseled. A wide square jaw, cheek bones she’d kill for, kissable lips and a nose that spoke of good genes. Dark brown, nearly black hair cut short enough to be in style, but still rugged, a few strands falling over his forehead. Her entire body stilled as she gazed at him, wide-eyed.
He was just as alluring, if not more so than he’d been before.
A jolt of longing wracked her. Her belly fluttered. Goosebumps rose along her arms making her skin tingle. Memories came flooding back of their one night together. Her body hadn’t forgotten, even with the passing of time, and neither had her mind. But with those memories and the pull of her attraction came regret. For what she’d thrown away. For the hurt she’d caused him. For not telling him the truth.
He wore a tight black t-shirt with the winery’s logo on his right pec. His jeans looked to be designer and if he turned around… She gulped, gazing at his flawless physique and then back up into his crystal blue eyes that seemed to delve right into the center of her soul. A light bulb sparked inside her mind. Bellamy… Was it possible this was his winery? A play on words?
“Gabrielle?”
He remembered her. Her stomach tightened. Of course he remembered her. She’d known him for years. Her body trilled a tune, as if her flesh remembered the way he’d touched her. He flashed her a smile, showing white, faintly imperfect teeth. Teeth that had skimmed naughtily over her flesh.
“Yes, hi, it’s been so long…” She trailed off, feeling awkward at showing up here six years after walking out on him.
Buy Links
Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Find Eliza Knight
History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor
Twitter: @ElizaKnight
Meet Eliza Knight
Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance, time-travel erotic romance, and now contemporary romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.
About THE REBOUND PACT
The Rebound Pact is “An intoxicating blend of wine, food and smoldering sex!” ~Christi Barth, acclaimed author of Planning for Love.
Description
Just one taste is never enough...
The attraction between Gabrielle and Holden still sizzles on the surface even after all these years since their last encounter. Having just experienced serious relationship breakups neither one is ready to start again. Instead, they make a rebound pact. Casual sex, no strings attached—and rule #1? Don't fall in love. Problem is, with each scorching encounter, Gabrielle and Holden find themselves falling hard and fast.
After college, Gabrielle Dane makes one terrific mistake. Thinking she's sneaking into her crush's bedroom at an all-night party, she ends up sleeping with her older brother's best friend. It’s only when the sun comes up that she recognizes Holden Bellamy. Mortified, Gabrielle leaves to train with a renowned chef in France, vowing never to return to her hometown and the awkwardness of her one night stand mix-up. But several years later, she finds herself doing just that, and she runs smack into the delicious man who makes her catch her breath.
Holden Bellamy, owner of Belle Ami, a critically acclaimed vineyard, has always had a thing for his best friend's little sister...even if she was off limits. Waking up to her in the morning several years back was a remarkable surprise, one that crashed and burned when she left town without a word. Now he's face to face with the woman he never stopped wondering about.
A Sneak Peek at THE REBOUND PACT
As she neared the exit, a sign caught her eye with a picture of purple grapes inside a wine glass, below it said: Belle Ami Vineyards.
“Perfect,” she muttered.
A stop at the vineyard to purchase a couple bottles of wine and then she’d head to her Dad’s place. She wasn’t ready for the conversation he’d want to have regarding Len. She stared at her empty ring finger on the steering wheel, tears already stinging her eyes. Her finger still showed the lines of where her ring had been.
Gabrielle followed the signs for the vineyard, pulling into a nearly empty parking lot, her tires crunching over the gravel. There were only three other cars parked.
Damn. She hoped they hadn’t closed already. She’d forgotten how everything in the town of Mount Airy kept farmer’s hours. She climbed out of the car and walked toward the entrance. The door opened easily when she pulled, but she didn’t see anyone. She walked up to the bar and picked up the tasting menu.
Gabrielle loved wine. Had even volunteered at many a wine tasting event, pouring glasses, talking shop to wine enthusiasts, and even turning some non-winos into vino connoisseurs.
The Belle Ami merlot looked right up her alley with a tangy bouquet of pomegranate and cocoa. She turned in a circle, her fingernails tapping against the “green” pressed bamboo counter.
“Can I help you?” a smooth, sensual, very male voice said from behind.
Oh. My. God.
Gabrielle turned around slowly, unable to breathe. She came face to face with Holden Bellamy. His face itself was perfection in the flesh. Chiseled. A wide square jaw, cheek bones she’d kill for, kissable lips and a nose that spoke of good genes. Dark brown, nearly black hair cut short enough to be in style, but still rugged, a few strands falling over his forehead. Her entire body stilled as she gazed at him, wide-eyed.
He was just as alluring, if not more so than he’d been before.
A jolt of longing wracked her. Her belly fluttered. Goosebumps rose along her arms making her skin tingle. Memories came flooding back of their one night together. Her body hadn’t forgotten, even with the passing of time, and neither had her mind. But with those memories and the pull of her attraction came regret. For what she’d thrown away. For the hurt she’d caused him. For not telling him the truth.
He wore a tight black t-shirt with the winery’s logo on his right pec. His jeans looked to be designer and if he turned around… She gulped, gazing at his flawless physique and then back up into his crystal blue eyes that seemed to delve right into the center of her soul. A light bulb sparked inside her mind. Bellamy… Was it possible this was his winery? A play on words?
“Gabrielle?”
He remembered her. Her stomach tightened. Of course he remembered her. She’d known him for years. Her body trilled a tune, as if her flesh remembered the way he’d touched her. He flashed her a smile, showing white, faintly imperfect teeth. Teeth that had skimmed naughtily over her flesh.
“Yes, hi, it’s been so long…” She trailed off, feeling awkward at showing up here six years after walking out on him.
Buy Links
Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Find Eliza Knight
History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor
Twitter: @ElizaKnight
July 18, 2013
Book of the Week: The Seen Trilogy by Cynthia Sax
The Seen Trilogy is an amazing new three-part series by Cynthia Sax featuring billionaire businessman Gabriel Blaine and poor, hardworking Anna Sampson. Slowly, carefully, these two hurt and wounded people reach out to one another. Trust builds slowly, but when it does, it's magic. This is one emotional and sexy series. And at $1.09 for each one on Kindle it's a real bargain too!
HE WATCHES ME
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
HE TOUCHES ME
His touch enflames her desires.
Anna Sampson has allowed billionaire businessman Gabriel Blaine to watch her, all of her. And looking is all he's done—until now. After giving him permission to touch her, Anna realizes she won't be satisfied until she has all of this handsome and secretive man.
Soon she tempts him, shreds his control, and pushes him too far. Blaine's reluctance to take her virginity frustrates Anna. He fulfills her fantasy, but what is their reality together?
HE CLAIMS ME
A billionaire's desires and a virgin's wish to be claimed come together.
Two men want Anna Sampson. Gabriel Blaine is powerful, intelligent, the CEO of a successful company, and a billionaire. He's watched her, touched her, encouraged her to become a strong, independent woman, a woman unafraid of her desires.
Now secrets from the past are exposed, threatening Anna's freedom and safety. Will the man she loves stand by her side, or will he desert her, leaving Anna once again to face the future alone?
What are you reading this week?
HE WATCHES ME
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor's yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn't pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn't plan to stop. That's all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn't allow him and she certainly shouldn't want more, but she craves Blaine's attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
HE TOUCHES ME
His touch enflames her desires.
Anna Sampson has allowed billionaire businessman Gabriel Blaine to watch her, all of her. And looking is all he's done—until now. After giving him permission to touch her, Anna realizes she won't be satisfied until she has all of this handsome and secretive man.
Soon she tempts him, shreds his control, and pushes him too far. Blaine's reluctance to take her virginity frustrates Anna. He fulfills her fantasy, but what is their reality together?
HE CLAIMS ME
A billionaire's desires and a virgin's wish to be claimed come together.
Two men want Anna Sampson. Gabriel Blaine is powerful, intelligent, the CEO of a successful company, and a billionaire. He's watched her, touched her, encouraged her to become a strong, independent woman, a woman unafraid of her desires.
Now secrets from the past are exposed, threatening Anna's freedom and safety. Will the man she loves stand by her side, or will he desert her, leaving Anna once again to face the future alone?
What are you reading this week?
July 17, 2013
Digital First Read-a-Thon
I'm part of the second annual DIGITAL-FIRST READ-A-THON over at BOOK BINGE. Be sure to enter the contest at the end of my post for a chance to win a download copy of Mark of the Bear.
