N.J. Walters's Blog, page 218
October 23, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: Unmasking Kelly
This week, the Tuesday Teaser comes from my Ellora's Cave Quickie Unmasking Kelly. Since the story takes place on Halloween night, I thought it would be appropriate for this time of year.
TEASER:
Liam worked his way down the bar, serving up tall, cold mugs of beer and mixing drinks until he finally reached her far corner. “Welcome to Brannigan’s, pretty lady. What can I get you?” His smooth, deep tones rolled across her skin like a caress. He stood in front of her with his hands on his hips and a twinkle in those deep blue eyes. His shirt was open at the top, emphasizing the strong column of his neck and offering her a tantalizing glimpse of his impressive chest. Really, the man was too sexy to be let out amongst the regular population.
She frowned when she realized he was staring at her. Glancing down, she had a quick peek at her cleavage to make sure she hadn’t fallen out of the bustier. It was close. Her breasts swelled against the lace trim, but her nipples were still covered. Barely.
Her head jerked up when she felt his fingers beneath her chin. But instead of releasing her, his hand cupped her jaw and he leaned closer. For a moment she thought he might kiss her. Her lips parted in anticipation. His breath was warm on her moist mouth. He was close. So very close.
“What can I get you?” His voice was so soft and seductive it took a few seconds for her to process the meaning of his words. She jerked her head back in embarrassment, her cheeks heating. While she’d been all but undressing the man with her eyes, he’d been waiting for her to order.
“White wine, please.” Her tone was briskly matter-of-fact and Kelly wanted to bang her head against the bar in frustration. She wasn’t supposed to use her regular voice. She’d practiced lowering her voice and speaking more slowly and sensually. But Liam had turned away to fill her drink order, giving no indication that he recognized her. Good. All wasn’t lost. She could do this. She knew she could.
Buy the Book
TEASER:
Liam worked his way down the bar, serving up tall, cold mugs of beer and mixing drinks until he finally reached her far corner. “Welcome to Brannigan’s, pretty lady. What can I get you?” His smooth, deep tones rolled across her skin like a caress. He stood in front of her with his hands on his hips and a twinkle in those deep blue eyes. His shirt was open at the top, emphasizing the strong column of his neck and offering her a tantalizing glimpse of his impressive chest. Really, the man was too sexy to be let out amongst the regular population.
She frowned when she realized he was staring at her. Glancing down, she had a quick peek at her cleavage to make sure she hadn’t fallen out of the bustier. It was close. Her breasts swelled against the lace trim, but her nipples were still covered. Barely.
Her head jerked up when she felt his fingers beneath her chin. But instead of releasing her, his hand cupped her jaw and he leaned closer. For a moment she thought he might kiss her. Her lips parted in anticipation. His breath was warm on her moist mouth. He was close. So very close.
“What can I get you?” His voice was so soft and seductive it took a few seconds for her to process the meaning of his words. She jerked her head back in embarrassment, her cheeks heating. While she’d been all but undressing the man with her eyes, he’d been waiting for her to order.
“White wine, please.” Her tone was briskly matter-of-fact and Kelly wanted to bang her head against the bar in frustration. She wasn’t supposed to use her regular voice. She’d practiced lowering her voice and speaking more slowly and sensually. But Liam had turned away to fill her drink order, giving no indication that he recognized her. Good. All wasn’t lost. She could do this. She knew she could.
Buy the Book
October 20, 2012
8th Anniversary Contest--Final Winner
CONTEST WINNER:
The eighth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Suzy Roy. Suzy has won a print copy of Legacy Found!
Thank you to everyone who entered! Keep watching my website for a new contest coming soon!
The eighth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Suzy Roy. Suzy has won a print copy of Legacy Found!
Thank you to everyone who entered! Keep watching my website for a new contest coming soon!
October 18, 2012
Authors Against Bullying
Growing up in a small town, I started kindergarten with most of the same kids I graduated high school with. I was very lucky in that there was little bullying going on. Sure, there was some, but it wasn't nearly as common back then as it is now, and friends usually picked up for other friends so it wasn't so bad. I only had to deal with the regular teenage angst of not feeling as though I belong and that no one understood me. And that's hard enough without adding bullying to the mix.
That was long before cell phones and social media were even a thought. Okay, Star Trek had communicators, but that's the closest thing there was to a cell phone unless you count walkie talkies. Nor could you take a photo and upload it in seconds so hundreds of others could see it.
Society was different back then too. I don't know exactly when it became "cool" to be mean. I see it all the time on reality shows, and even on entertainment shows, if you can call them that. Used to be entertainment news was just that--news on upcoming movies, tv shows and music. Now it's a nasty mix of gossip and criticism. Is it any wonder the kids of today think it's okay to be mean. It's what they see every day.
Please, thank you, and basic manners seem to be a thing of the past. And having respect for others seems to have become a lost art. I've never understood why everyone can't just get along. Call me naive, but I'd rather be that than jaded.
The last few years have been filled with news stories about people, especially teens, who have commited suicide because they can't deal with the pressure of bullying any longer. That is so sad it makes my heart weep. This bullying is no longer limited to school, but spills over into all aspects of life thanks to social media. This can not go on. There needs to be a dialogue between parents and children, between all members of society, that teaches tolerance.
We need to celebrate our uniqueness and differences. I don't want to live in a society where everyone looks and acts the same or has the same set of beliefs. How boring would that be. As long as a person isn't hurting another, there is nothing wrong with being different.
As for the ones doing the bulling...I feel sorry for them. You only feel the need to bully others when you have no self-confidence or sense of self worth. Those kids need help too. They're only acting as they've been taught.
This is not a school problem, but a society problem. And, unfortunately, I fear more kids will die before we figure out how to fix it.
Mandy M. RothYasmine GalenornLauren DaneMichelle M. PillowKate DouglasShawntelle MadisonLeah BraemelAaron CroccoNJ WaltersJax GarrenShelli StevensMelissa SchroederJaycee ClarkShawna ThomasElla DrakeE.J. StevensAshley ShawJeaniene FrostRachel CaineKate RothwellJackie Morse KesslerJaye WellsKate AngellMelissa CutlerPT MichellePatrice MichelleJulie LetoKaz MahoneyCynthia D'AlbaJesse L. CairnsTJ MichaelsJess HainesPhoebe ConnJessa SladeKate DaviesLynne SilverTaryn BlackthorneMargaret DaleyAlyssa DayAaron DriesLisa WhitefernRhyannon ByrdCarly PhillipsLeslie KellyJanelle DenisonGraylin FoxLee McKenzieBarbara WinkesHarmony EvansMary EasonAnn AguirreLucy MonroeNikki DuncanKerry SchaferRuth Frances LongJulie Chicklitasaurus
October 17, 2012
Her Last Day by Kat Holmes and L.J. Holmes
Authors Kat Holmes and L.J. Holmes are here today to celebrate the release of the new book Her Last Day, releasing from MuseItUp Publishing tomorrow, October 19th. Congratulations, ladies!
BLURB:
The date was August 24th 79 A.D. and it started like every other day in Pompeii. But the clock is ticking and disaster is about to strike. Daria, the wife of a selfish businessman, is about to find out that there are worse things than a loveless marriage. But through it all, is there any cause for hope?
EXCERPT:
August 24th 79 A.D.
Pompeii
7:30 A.M.
Daria woke. Her body twanged. Every morning she prayed not to see the sun, but every morning she woke and the sun’s rays mocked her.
Sliding from her bed, liberally festooned in silks and the finest lines money could buy, she bit down on the wince from bruises not yet coloring her pale skin.
She knew Titus expected her to wait for her personal slave to dress her for another day in her own private hell, but Daria wanted no one to see the remnants of the night she’d just endured at her husband’s mercy. Not even her personal attendant, the slave Iola.
Iola arrived in time to help her into her breakfast shawl.
“I won’t need your help until after I break my fast,” Daria said.
The older woman did not respond. She met Daria’s eyes, nodded, and then bowed her way back out of the bedchamber. Iola always knew what her mistress hid beneath her breakfast wear, she’d seen it many times, but there was nothing Daria could do to change what was.
Slipping her tiny feet into her silk slippers, she checked the reflecting glass. Titus would find no cause to chastise, unless she didn’t get to the dining area and was demurely waiting for his arrival. Like the slaves, she had expectations to meet.
Taking one more steadying breath, she schooled her features to show no emotions, and headed for breakfast with a man she detested the most in the entire world.
About the Authors:
L.J. Holmes & Kat Holmes are a mother/daughter team who decided their love of stories should culminate in a joint effort. They each write separately but also team up on occasion and enjoy working together. Buy The Book
BLURB:
The date was August 24th 79 A.D. and it started like every other day in Pompeii. But the clock is ticking and disaster is about to strike. Daria, the wife of a selfish businessman, is about to find out that there are worse things than a loveless marriage. But through it all, is there any cause for hope?
EXCERPT:
August 24th 79 A.D.
Pompeii
7:30 A.M.
Daria woke. Her body twanged. Every morning she prayed not to see the sun, but every morning she woke and the sun’s rays mocked her.
Sliding from her bed, liberally festooned in silks and the finest lines money could buy, she bit down on the wince from bruises not yet coloring her pale skin.
She knew Titus expected her to wait for her personal slave to dress her for another day in her own private hell, but Daria wanted no one to see the remnants of the night she’d just endured at her husband’s mercy. Not even her personal attendant, the slave Iola.
Iola arrived in time to help her into her breakfast shawl.
“I won’t need your help until after I break my fast,” Daria said.
The older woman did not respond. She met Daria’s eyes, nodded, and then bowed her way back out of the bedchamber. Iola always knew what her mistress hid beneath her breakfast wear, she’d seen it many times, but there was nothing Daria could do to change what was.
Slipping her tiny feet into her silk slippers, she checked the reflecting glass. Titus would find no cause to chastise, unless she didn’t get to the dining area and was demurely waiting for his arrival. Like the slaves, she had expectations to meet.
Taking one more steadying breath, she schooled her features to show no emotions, and headed for breakfast with a man she detested the most in the entire world.
About the Authors:
L.J. Holmes & Kat Holmes are a mother/daughter team who decided their love of stories should culminate in a joint effort. They each write separately but also team up on occasion and enjoy working together. Buy The Book
October 15, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: Stefan's Salvation
This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from Stefan's Salvation, book 3 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series. It is part of the series, but is a stand alone novel. Stefan is my favorite Dalakis brother. What can I say? He's the youngest and was the most difficult of the bunch.
TEASER:
The beast inside him rumbled to life. Every heartbeat in the room pounded in his ears. He could hear the swoosh of their blood pumping through their veins. The sensation was hypnotic. He licked his lips, almost tasting the tang in his mouth.
He was hungry and they were sustenance.
Closing his eyes, he willed the beast back into submission. It wasn’t easy. He could feel the sweat trickling down the back of his neck. As the nights seemed to grow longer, it had gotten harder and harder to even have the will to fight his very nature. It would be so easy to take what he wanted with no consequences.
Taking slow, steady breaths, he ignored his throbbing erection and centered himself until he was back in total control. He opened his eyes and carefully scanned the room again. Nothing had changed. No one here knew the battle that had just been fought and won. No one knew that their lives had just been spared.
The beer was cool and the bottle sweaty in his hand as he took a long pull. He welcomed the bitterness of the brew as it slid down his throat to his belly. It did nothing to still the hunger within him.
Stefan's Salvation is also available in print. The print copy of this book actually has a different cover. Love it!
TEASER:
The beast inside him rumbled to life. Every heartbeat in the room pounded in his ears. He could hear the swoosh of their blood pumping through their veins. The sensation was hypnotic. He licked his lips, almost tasting the tang in his mouth.
He was hungry and they were sustenance.
Closing his eyes, he willed the beast back into submission. It wasn’t easy. He could feel the sweat trickling down the back of his neck. As the nights seemed to grow longer, it had gotten harder and harder to even have the will to fight his very nature. It would be so easy to take what he wanted with no consequences.
Taking slow, steady breaths, he ignored his throbbing erection and centered himself until he was back in total control. He opened his eyes and carefully scanned the room again. Nothing had changed. No one here knew the battle that had just been fought and won. No one knew that their lives had just been spared.
The beer was cool and the bottle sweaty in his hand as he took a long pull. He welcomed the bitterness of the brew as it slid down his throat to his belly. It did nothing to still the hunger within him.
Stefan's Salvation is also available in print. The print copy of this book actually has a different cover. Love it!
Let There Be Light
Hubby and I bought a pole lamp on Saturday at Walmart. It's a simple, inexpensive one with three adjustable lights and will fit nicely beside the new chair we purchased a few weeks back.
We brought it home and he put it together. It was only then we realized--no lightbulbs. lol So Sunday we went out and I bought lightbulbs. We get home and I go to put one in only to find it's too high a wattage. *g*
Moral of the story? Always read the label on the light before buying lightbulbs. Hopefully, later this week we'll get to a store and I can buy the right bulbs for the light.
October 13, 2012
Book of the Week--Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall
One of the books I've read in the past week is Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall. This is the third book in her Immortal Guardians series. I highly recommend going back to read the first two--Darkness Dawns and Night Reigns--not because you have too, but because you'll want to. If you enjoy paranormal romance you have to give this author a try.
BLURB:
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire.
Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different--and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question--he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him...
BLURB:
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire.
Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different--and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question--he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him...
October 12, 2012
Contest Reminder and Winner #7
CONTEST WINNER:
The seventh winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Loretta Lindi. Loretta has won a print copy of Discovering Dani!
There is still one more print book to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!
The seventh winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Loretta Lindi. Loretta has won a print copy of Discovering Dani!
There is still one more print book to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!
October 10, 2012
All in a day's work
It's been a busy, productive day so far. Started work on a new book today, which is always exciting, and wrote 4K. Since then, I've done the laundry (in-between writing), dusted, vacuumed, swiffered, wet mopped and ironed.
Now I'm ready to kick back and read. I have the new Dianne Duvall, book Phantom Shadows, and it's calling out to me. Have an excellent Wednesday!
October 9, 2012
Tuesday Teaser: Beyond Shadows
What happens when an immortal shapeshifting warrior from the Shadow Realm is tasked to save a very independent accountant who is on the run from an organized crime boss? The result is Beyond Shadows. Can I just say how much I love Blade!
TEASER:
He was sitting on the edge of the coffee table, patiently waiting for her to look at him. For a brief moment, Jac wished she’d never asked for a light. Darkness was preferable.
Her assassin was gorgeous.
Even though he was sitting down, she could tell he was tall. His shoulders were encased in leather and appeared solid and very wide. His jaw was square and covered with a light stubble that made him look sexy. His skin was swarthy, whether it was tanned or part of his heritage, she couldn’t be sure, but if she was a betting gal, she’d bet he was of Mediterranean descent. His nose was straight, his cheekbones high. But it was his eyes that captured her.
Dark and fathomless, they seemed to look within her all the way to her very soul. They were like the sea on a moonless night, cold and unforgiving. She shivered.
He reached out and she flinched back in spite of her resolve to be brave. He didn’t touch her. Instead, he grabbed the blanket that had been tossed to the end of the sofa in their struggle. Shaking it out, he tucked it carefully around her without actually touching her.
“Who are you?” She could hear the slight quiver in her voice and hated herself for it. She didn’t want to appear weak.
“Blade.”
That didn’t tell her much, except that maybe she was right about his profession. Blade was the perfect name for an assassin. It suited him somehow. Maybe it was all the black leather and his sharp features.
His hair was past his shoulders and tied back at his neck. When he’d reached for the blanket it had fallen over his shoulder. The light had shined on the black mass, highlighting some strands that appeared to be almost a midnight blue.
She shook her head to clear it. “That doesn’t tell me much.” She was proud that her voice was steady this time, her reply almost tart in tone.
He raised his hand and slowly moved it toward her. This time she didn’t flinch, but met his gaze straight on. His fingers cupped her chin, his thumb stroking over her bottom lip in a sensual caress.
TEASER:
He was sitting on the edge of the coffee table, patiently waiting for her to look at him. For a brief moment, Jac wished she’d never asked for a light. Darkness was preferable.
Her assassin was gorgeous.
Even though he was sitting down, she could tell he was tall. His shoulders were encased in leather and appeared solid and very wide. His jaw was square and covered with a light stubble that made him look sexy. His skin was swarthy, whether it was tanned or part of his heritage, she couldn’t be sure, but if she was a betting gal, she’d bet he was of Mediterranean descent. His nose was straight, his cheekbones high. But it was his eyes that captured her.
Dark and fathomless, they seemed to look within her all the way to her very soul. They were like the sea on a moonless night, cold and unforgiving. She shivered.
He reached out and she flinched back in spite of her resolve to be brave. He didn’t touch her. Instead, he grabbed the blanket that had been tossed to the end of the sofa in their struggle. Shaking it out, he tucked it carefully around her without actually touching her.
“Who are you?” She could hear the slight quiver in her voice and hated herself for it. She didn’t want to appear weak.
“Blade.”
That didn’t tell her much, except that maybe she was right about his profession. Blade was the perfect name for an assassin. It suited him somehow. Maybe it was all the black leather and his sharp features.
His hair was past his shoulders and tied back at his neck. When he’d reached for the blanket it had fallen over his shoulder. The light had shined on the black mass, highlighting some strands that appeared to be almost a midnight blue.
She shook her head to clear it. “That doesn’t tell me much.” She was proud that her voice was steady this time, her reply almost tart in tone.
He raised his hand and slowly moved it toward her. This time she didn’t flinch, but met his gaze straight on. His fingers cupped her chin, his thumb stroking over her bottom lip in a sensual caress.
