Devika Fernando's Blog, page 78
December 6, 2014
Featured - Second Nature by Marie Lavender
I'm very happy to spotlight a book I really loved and that satisfies my craving for good vampire fiction. Ladies and gents, give it up for awesome author Marie Lavender and her latest release with the fitting title "Second Nature".
Second Nature by Marie Lavender About the Book
Blurb
She never expected it…
Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.
She was unlike any other…
Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.
Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late
Excerpt
Desiree had just shut off the faucet when the lights suddenly went out, shrouding the room in darkness. “Shit!” she muttered. She fumbled for the light switch, but nothing happened.
Now, where were the candles? Her hands groped the surface of the counter, catching things that spun to the floor. She tried to remember what direction she must walk. Right. She walked slowly along, and cursed when she stubbed her toe on a table leg. Her hands found the hard wood surface and then there was nothing, just air. She kept walking little by little, her arms outstretched until her palms met cold glass. The sliding glass doors to the patio.
She was startled by the light for a moment, a hazy purple glow. It dawned on her then. Her solar-powered lamps had come on. She froze suddenly as a thought dawned on her. Oh, God! They were motion-activated! Her mind raced with the implications of the invasion. Had someone been in the yard? Cut the power to the house? A claw danced up her spine at the thought. Goosebumps prickled her arms. Peering into the semi-darkness, she sucked in a breath as she saw a pale face on the other side of the glass. She screamed, stumbling back. With the dim light shining, she was able to locate the butcher knife off the block and raise it in the air. Her senses strained, she crept back towards the glass, but there was nothing there now.
She frowned. Had she imagined it, the ghostly figure from before? She wanted it to be just coincidence that her power was also out, but realistically she knew that she couldn’t be that lucky. Was this somehow related to the incident upstairs last week?
With her knife poised, the muscles in her arm now shaking with tension, she scanned the patio. Still nothing, but someone was there. She felt it. Hairs rose on the back of her neck. Time ticked by, too slowly for comfort. She felt a weird tingle in her skin, but she ignored it. Her eyes burned now from the effort of peering.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. She swung, her heart pounding in her chest, and sought the source of the motion. Still nothing. She could hardly tell what the danger was over her loud heartbeat. But she still sensed it, like a deer that knew a predator was close by. She thought she would go mad with the waiting. Then she saw the dark figure at the end of the hall. On impulse, she turned, ran to the glass doors, slid one open and raced across the patio. She gripped the knife until her fingers felt numb.
Suddenly she was tackled to the ground, a heavy bulk falling on top of her. She sucked in a breath to scream, but a hand covered her mouth. She bit down hard, but there was no response. Her assailant grasped her hand and shook it wildly until her grip on the knife loosened and it fell away. He pressed into her, his arousal evident. Her eyes bulged in panic, her breath coming in short bursts. His teeth latched onto her neck, and she was shocked at the rush of desire, the heat low in her belly. She shook her head even as he bit her, clamping a hand down on the back of her neck to keep her in place. She bucked beneath him, did what she could to fight, but he was on her backside. He was too powerful.
He flipped her over, resuming his primal bite. She fought harder, trying to claw his face, his neck, anything she could. That was when she heard the voice inside her mind. It teased at her with a cool sensation across her forehead.
Stop fighting me, Desiree. I won’t hurt you.
She froze and he seemed to still as well. When he lifted his head, his face was in shadow, but she sensed his eyes on her.
She realized it wasn’t his command that had stopped her, but his voice. She suddenly came back to herself then. What on earth was she doing? She was beneath a man that had attacked her. She shook her head and opened her mouth.
Don’t scream, the voice came again. I won’t hurt you.
Buy Links
Amazon pre-order: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23622109-second-nature
Marie Lavender About the Author Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.
Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
A list of her books and pen names are as follows
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things
Author Links
http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourReturn
https://www.facebook.com/MagickMoonlight
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourHonor
https://www.facebook.com/WritingintheModernAge
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00JTKTODG
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00IRKN5P2
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00I0D9LQ8
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos

Blurb
She never expected it…
Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.
She was unlike any other…
Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.
Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late
Excerpt
Desiree had just shut off the faucet when the lights suddenly went out, shrouding the room in darkness. “Shit!” she muttered. She fumbled for the light switch, but nothing happened.
Now, where were the candles? Her hands groped the surface of the counter, catching things that spun to the floor. She tried to remember what direction she must walk. Right. She walked slowly along, and cursed when she stubbed her toe on a table leg. Her hands found the hard wood surface and then there was nothing, just air. She kept walking little by little, her arms outstretched until her palms met cold glass. The sliding glass doors to the patio.
She was startled by the light for a moment, a hazy purple glow. It dawned on her then. Her solar-powered lamps had come on. She froze suddenly as a thought dawned on her. Oh, God! They were motion-activated! Her mind raced with the implications of the invasion. Had someone been in the yard? Cut the power to the house? A claw danced up her spine at the thought. Goosebumps prickled her arms. Peering into the semi-darkness, she sucked in a breath as she saw a pale face on the other side of the glass. She screamed, stumbling back. With the dim light shining, she was able to locate the butcher knife off the block and raise it in the air. Her senses strained, she crept back towards the glass, but there was nothing there now.
She frowned. Had she imagined it, the ghostly figure from before? She wanted it to be just coincidence that her power was also out, but realistically she knew that she couldn’t be that lucky. Was this somehow related to the incident upstairs last week?
With her knife poised, the muscles in her arm now shaking with tension, she scanned the patio. Still nothing, but someone was there. She felt it. Hairs rose on the back of her neck. Time ticked by, too slowly for comfort. She felt a weird tingle in her skin, but she ignored it. Her eyes burned now from the effort of peering.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. She swung, her heart pounding in her chest, and sought the source of the motion. Still nothing. She could hardly tell what the danger was over her loud heartbeat. But she still sensed it, like a deer that knew a predator was close by. She thought she would go mad with the waiting. Then she saw the dark figure at the end of the hall. On impulse, she turned, ran to the glass doors, slid one open and raced across the patio. She gripped the knife until her fingers felt numb.
Suddenly she was tackled to the ground, a heavy bulk falling on top of her. She sucked in a breath to scream, but a hand covered her mouth. She bit down hard, but there was no response. Her assailant grasped her hand and shook it wildly until her grip on the knife loosened and it fell away. He pressed into her, his arousal evident. Her eyes bulged in panic, her breath coming in short bursts. His teeth latched onto her neck, and she was shocked at the rush of desire, the heat low in her belly. She shook her head even as he bit her, clamping a hand down on the back of her neck to keep her in place. She bucked beneath him, did what she could to fight, but he was on her backside. He was too powerful.
He flipped her over, resuming his primal bite. She fought harder, trying to claw his face, his neck, anything she could. That was when she heard the voice inside her mind. It teased at her with a cool sensation across her forehead.
Stop fighting me, Desiree. I won’t hurt you.
She froze and he seemed to still as well. When he lifted his head, his face was in shadow, but she sensed his eyes on her.
She realized it wasn’t his command that had stopped her, but his voice. She suddenly came back to herself then. What on earth was she doing? She was beneath a man that had attacked her. She shook her head and opened her mouth.
Don’t scream, the voice came again. I won’t hurt you.
Buy Links
Amazon pre-order: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23622109-second-nature

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
A list of her books and pen names are as follows
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things
Author Links
http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourReturn
https://www.facebook.com/MagickMoonlight
https://www.facebook.com/UponYourHonor
https://www.facebook.com/WritingintheModernAge
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00JTKTODG
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00IRKN5P2
http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00I0D9LQ8
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos
Published on December 06, 2014 01:24
December 3, 2014
Featured - Naughty & Nice: A Holiday Collection

Naughty & Nice: A Holiday Collection Featuring: J. S. Scott, Ruth Cardello, Kathleen Brooks,
M Malone, Skye Jordan, Sawyer Bennett,
Lynda Chance, Melanie Shawn, Cali MacKay,
Jean Oram, & Evelyn Adams Genre: Holiday Romance Release Date: December 2, 2014


*** LIMITED EDITION ***
Brought to you by 11 NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors Grab it before it is gone. Over 1000 estimated pages. 18+ Only

Mine For Christmas by J. S. Scott:
Will the emotional distance between a married couple with an infant daughter tear the two lovers apart? Or will a precious gift from Santa help them heal their misunderstandings and have the merriest Christmas they’ve ever had?
Twelve Days Of Temptation by Ruth Cardello:
Kate Hale is about to find out what happens when you ask Santa Claus to put you on his naughty list. Brock Foster has wanted Kate for a long time and is not above using deception to fulfill her steamy Christmas wish.
Secret Santa by Kathleen Brooks:
It wouldn't be Christmas in Keeneston without a party! Everyone's invited, even Santa…
Kenna's court docket is full, Dani's hiding from her in-laws, Paige and Annie are about to burst from pregnancy, and Marshall is breaking up fights at the PTA Christmas Concert. The sweet potato casserole is made, the ham and biscuits are on the table, and men are losing their shirts - and not because of bets placed with the Rose Sisters! All the while, the entire town is wondering one thing: who is the Secret Santa that showed up with special gifts for everyone?
Christmas With The Alexanders by M. Malone:
Kaylee Wilhelm knows what she wants for Christmas—for Elliott Alexander to notice her. Unfortunately, he doesn’t like her much, so she’s spending the holidays with her disapproving parents. When Kay’s car skids out of control on Christmas Eve, she’s forced to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her.
Rumor by Skye Jordan:
A year ago, former Navy SEAL Josh Marx fell for his teammate's ex, and his strict moral code demanded he get as far away from her as possible. But when he finds out she's in trouble, that same code pushes him to change his Christmas plans and check in on Grace Ashby—uncovering feelings they both thought they'd buried....
Off Season by Sawyer Bennett:
Irish lass, Cady Dunne, wasn’t looking to fall for professional hockey player, Zane Kavanaugh during a visit to the States. But she did… and now an ocean stands between them. Can a Christmas miracle bring them back together?
Staking His Claim by Lynda Chance:
When twenty-one year old Elaina Ruiz meets Raul Vega, she recognizes his ruthless intensity and chooses not to correct him when he mistakes her for a teenager. The moment Raul sees Elaina, he knows he will have her, even if it means waiting for her to grow up.
My Love by Melanie Shawn:
A surprise twist on their spur-of-the-moment holiday trip will leave Bobby and Sophie Sloan's lives forever changed. Sexy weekend getaways don't get much better than this.
A Mermaid Isle Christmas by Cali MacKay:
Aidan Nordson just wants to be left alone to live his life and deal with his demons, but when a Christmas blizzard strands Chloe Madison at his door, the gorgeous and feisty brunette stirs feelings in him he’s not ready to deal with. Forced together by fate and circumstance, can Aidan let go of the past that haunts him so he can learn to love again, or will the storm in his heart swallow him in its darkness?
Eggnog and Candy Canes: A Blueberry Springs Christmas Novella by Jean Oram:
From enemies to lovers. Nurse Katie Reiter’s nemesis, Dr. Nash Leham is back in Blueberry Springs and he came for one thing—Katie. Will their battles turn to stolen kisses in the midst of a Christmas storm or will Katie find her happily ever after in the arms of another?
Wrapped by Evelyn Adams:
Julie Blake thought she’d gotten over her first love, but when a business deal gone wrong brings her to his restaurant on Christmas Eve, she falls right back into his arms. Celebrity chef Eric Auxtres may have seduced the only woman he's ever loved into his bed again, but can he find a way into her heart or will she walk out of his life as unexpectedly as she walked in?




J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way!
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to Rhode Island. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.
She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm, riding her horses, or connecting with her readers online.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass Series and follow-up Bluegrass Brothers Series feature small town charm with quirky characters that have captured the hearts of readers around the world.
Kathleen is an animal lover who supports rescue organizations and other non-profit organizations, such as Friends and Vets Helping Pets, whose goals are to protect and save our four-legged family members.
Kathleen has a new bestselling series out called Women of Power. This series follows the lives of successful businesswomen as they fight off dangers to their lives and careers while searching for true love. After all, behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her!
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ New Release Email

NYT & USA Today Bestselling author M. Malone lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her three favorite guys, her husband and their two sons. She holds a Master's degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she's using her expensive education.
She's now a full-time writer and spends 99.8% of her time in her pajamas.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Sometimes fun. Sometimes naughty. Always romantic.
I am a New York Times Bestselling Author writing under the pseudonym Skye Jordan for my more ... sexually heated ... works.
My Skye Jordan novels are all about enjoying that little wild streak we all have, but probably don't let out often enough. About those fantasies we usually don't get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, playing naughty and maybe even acting a little wicked. They're about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.
And, yes, even love. Because even as Skye Jordan I'm just a happily ever after kinda gal.
Thanks for reading!
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USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, Cold Fury Hockey series and the Last Call Series.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Lynda Chance lives in Galveston County, Texas with her husband. When she's not writing, she's reading, even though she should be cleaning.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn is the writing team of sister duo Melanie and Shawna. Originally from Northern California, they both migrated south and now call So Cal their home.
Growing up, Melanie constantly had her head in a book and was always working on short stories, manuscripts, plays and poetry.
Shawna always loved romance in any form - movie, song or literary. If it was a love story with a happy ending, Shawna was all about it! She proudly acknowledges that she is a romanceaholic.
They have joined forces to create a world where true love and happily ever after always has a sexy twist!
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Cali MacKay is a NY Times bestselling author who lives in New England with her husband, two girls and their crazy mutt. When not tapping away on her laptop and getting her characters into trouble, she can be found playing around on Photoshop, wrangling her girls, and splicing DNA. She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and horrible gardener. For more information, please go to http://calimackay.com.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Jean Oram grew up in a small town that inspired several of the characters (especially the schnapps drinking ones) in her Blueberry Springs romance series. While she grew up in an old schoolhouse on a bee farm, so far none of her characters have. Eggnog and Candy Canes (her giveaway prize) is the fourth book in the Blueberry Springs series and can be read as a standalone romance. She lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, and two pets where she likes to pretend she's an Olympic downhill ski racer. You can give Jean some small town love on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jeanoramauthor, stalk her on Twitter (she likes that) www.twitter.com/jeanoram or stop by her website to see what she's giving away today: www.jeanoram.com.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Evelyn Adams lives in her own little Garden of Eden with her three children, a handful of God's creatures and the man of her dreams. If she's not writing steamy romances, she's chasing kids, gardening or reading other authors' steamy stories.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway


Published on December 03, 2014 23:00
December 1, 2014
Teaser Tuesday - In Deep Water
I used NaNoWriMo to write the contemporary romance novel "Saved in Sri Lanka". Now I want to focus on Book 2 of the 4 Elements of Love series again, "In Deep Water". I have about 5 chapters written and at least another 5 to go. Here's a snippet from my WIP for #TeaseMeTuesday.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come down with you?” Calder asked, his voice laced with an emotion she couldn’t place. Worry?
Wendy looked up from her place in the boat where she was putting her flippers on, realizing with a jolt that he was standing right in front of her and staring at her with a serious face and a searching gaze. She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, and as usual it made her react too harshly.
“I’m not a baby, I’m a goddamn marine biologist. Don’t you worry your stubborn head off, I’ll be perfectly fine.”
Not the least bit nettled by her biting remark, he squatted down to study her even harder, his face inches away from hers, his gaze as piercing as if he had opted against the contact lenses.
“The thing is, you never look perfectly fine when you surface from your dives. There’s always an air of wariness and confusion surrounding you, and you sound as if you’re hiding something from me when you answer my questions.”
Her breathing sped up at his words. Why had he be such a good observer? Why did he care? Because it was his job to make sure she didn’t hide anything?
You can read another excerpt here.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come down with you?” Calder asked, his voice laced with an emotion she couldn’t place. Worry?
Wendy looked up from her place in the boat where she was putting her flippers on, realizing with a jolt that he was standing right in front of her and staring at her with a serious face and a searching gaze. She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, and as usual it made her react too harshly.
“I’m not a baby, I’m a goddamn marine biologist. Don’t you worry your stubborn head off, I’ll be perfectly fine.”
Not the least bit nettled by her biting remark, he squatted down to study her even harder, his face inches away from hers, his gaze as piercing as if he had opted against the contact lenses.
“The thing is, you never look perfectly fine when you surface from your dives. There’s always an air of wariness and confusion surrounding you, and you sound as if you’re hiding something from me when you answer my questions.”
Her breathing sped up at his words. Why had he be such a good observer? Why did he care? Because it was his job to make sure she didn’t hide anything?
You can read another excerpt here.
Published on December 01, 2014 23:13
November 30, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday
It's time for another Sneak Peek Sunday excerpt. This snippet is from my latest release, the contemporary romance novel 'Kaleidoscope of Hopes'.
Lucas leaned back and folded his arms. “You are my choice.”
God, why did he make this sound like a declaration of love?
If Nadia hadn’t been sitting, she’d have sunk to the floor because she could feel her knees go weak. Her pulse was racing, more with how many positive things he had to say about her than with the urge to get out of this situation. Had he actually told her he found her beautiful? But…but what if it was all just flattery and a means to get her to accept?
As if doused with a bucket of icy water, she awakened to reality and raised her chin defiantly.
“I can’t go.”
“You can, and you will.”
Stubborn and stubborn stared at each other, and she knew she was in no position to win the battle.
“I don’t want to. Lucas…”
This had to be the first time she consciously used his name, and that in such a pleading tone. Some secret fire flickered in his eyes.
“Nadia.”
Oh yes, hearing him say her name worked wonders too...
You can find more excerpts here, and buy the book here.

Lucas leaned back and folded his arms. “You are my choice.”
God, why did he make this sound like a declaration of love?
If Nadia hadn’t been sitting, she’d have sunk to the floor because she could feel her knees go weak. Her pulse was racing, more with how many positive things he had to say about her than with the urge to get out of this situation. Had he actually told her he found her beautiful? But…but what if it was all just flattery and a means to get her to accept?
As if doused with a bucket of icy water, she awakened to reality and raised her chin defiantly.
“I can’t go.”
“You can, and you will.”
Stubborn and stubborn stared at each other, and she knew she was in no position to win the battle.
“I don’t want to. Lucas…”
This had to be the first time she consciously used his name, and that in such a pleading tone. Some secret fire flickered in his eyes.
“Nadia.”
Oh yes, hearing him say her name worked wonders too...
You can find more excerpts here, and buy the book here.
Published on November 30, 2014 03:04
November 27, 2014
FIRE Friday
Here we go, I'm sharing another Fire Friday excerpt from my paranormal romance novel "Playing with Fire". This snippet is from the first chapter.
“I’m all right. I’m not in shock or anything. There’s no reason to worry about me.”
Felicia hoped she sounded as reassuring and self-assured as she wanted to.
The man’s frown deepened. Crouched down so close beside her, he leaned forward, and peered into her face as though he wanted to look through her eyes into her soul.
She shivered involuntarily. The man laid his other hand on her shoulder, softly yet firmly.
“Are you in pain?”
She felt like laughing because what she felt was so unlike pain, but she choked the laughter back down and worked hard to sound innocent and calm and confident.
“No, I’m not. Please stop worrying and let me go.”
He dropped his hands abruptly, but didn’t seem to believe a single word she was saying.
“It must be the shock. The pain will register soon enough, I’m afraid. Even if you feel perfectly fine, I’d prefer it if you could sit there until the paramedics have a look at you. They’ll be on their way together with the fire brigade. It won’t take long. Try to stay calm. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Hearing him mention the fire brigade and medics sent her inner alarm bells ringing. She had to get out of here! If she understood the situation right, he had saved her from the burning house and wanted to know she was taken care of.
She had to run.
Now!
To read more Fire Friday excerpts, click here or here.
To buy my book, click here.

“I’m all right. I’m not in shock or anything. There’s no reason to worry about me.”
Felicia hoped she sounded as reassuring and self-assured as she wanted to.
The man’s frown deepened. Crouched down so close beside her, he leaned forward, and peered into her face as though he wanted to look through her eyes into her soul.
She shivered involuntarily. The man laid his other hand on her shoulder, softly yet firmly.
“Are you in pain?”
She felt like laughing because what she felt was so unlike pain, but she choked the laughter back down and worked hard to sound innocent and calm and confident.
“No, I’m not. Please stop worrying and let me go.”
He dropped his hands abruptly, but didn’t seem to believe a single word she was saying.
“It must be the shock. The pain will register soon enough, I’m afraid. Even if you feel perfectly fine, I’d prefer it if you could sit there until the paramedics have a look at you. They’ll be on their way together with the fire brigade. It won’t take long. Try to stay calm. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Hearing him mention the fire brigade and medics sent her inner alarm bells ringing. She had to get out of here! If she understood the situation right, he had saved her from the burning house and wanted to know she was taken care of.
She had to run.
Now!
To read more Fire Friday excerpts, click here or here.
To buy my book, click here.
Published on November 27, 2014 23:57
November 25, 2014
Blog Tour - Disturbingly Beautiful by J. & L. Wells

Disturbingly Beautiful by J. & L. Wells Series: A Paradox In Time, #1 Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel Release Date: November 13, 2014


Is it really possible that somewhere in time, the perfect paradox could be created? Does romance really stand a chance, and could it ever flourish amidst so many intricacies and broken lives? How can a nineteenth-century governess unknowingly cause so much devastation?
As Nell’s world opens up, we follow her on a complex journey, on which she discovers love, loss and betrayal, and is forced to play a dangerous game from which there appears to be no escape.
An intricate family plot slowly begins to unravel, in which she finds herself centre stage. She was never supposed to leave Haunchcroft estate, and he will do everything in his power to keep her there…
Could a possible rip in time be the salvation that Nell seeks?
“I find you disturbingly beautiful,” are the contradictory words bestowed upon the governess by her master.
Mr Buchannan’s infatuation is a shadow from which Nell cannot escape. The feelings he holds for her are not reciprocated, and though his lust soon turns to love, Nell’s feelings towards him turn to hatred. Dreams and a love of literature are Nell’s only escapism from the downtrodden life she leads as a governess in the nineteenth century.
One night, an intruder on the estate catches Nell off guard, but she gives chase; a decision that leads her through an opening in time between the centuries, where she finds equality, true friendship and a completely different outlook on life.
Despite using this to her advantage to escape the advances of her unwanted suitor, she is somewhat perturbed when she unexpectedly finds him at her side in the twenty-first century. Will love conquer all, or will time always stand in their way?


Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ iTunes

Laura Wells is a swimming teacher, with a love of books, animals and, of course, Jane Austen. Once a national swimmer, she now runs three swim schools of her own. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and two mad Shiba Inus. She lives in Staffordshire, England.
Judy Wells works at a school; in her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and novels, and spending time with her animals. She also lives in Staffordshire, England.
Laura and Judy are a mother and daughter duo; with Judy's love of poetry and writing and Laura's ideas, they work extremely well together. Time-travel and historical romance novels are their passion, and they hope that after you have read their books, you will feel the same.






Monday, November 24 Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog (Promo) Nat’s Book Nook (Promo) Smut Fanatics (Promo) Dying to Read and Weaving Tales (Promo, Excerpt) Just The Write Stuff (Promo)
Tuesday, November 25 Author Sandra Love (Promo) Chicas Love To Read (Promo, Dream Cast) Snugglebooks (Promo) We Stole Your Book Boyfriend (Promo, Excerpt, Dream Cast) KT Book Reviews (Promo)
Wednesday, November 26 Padme's Library (Promo, Excerpt, Dream Cast) A One-click Addict's Book Blog (Excerpt) Room With Books (Promo, Excerpt, Dream Cast) My Life Loves and Passion (Review) Confessions of a Book Whore (Promo) Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels (Promo)
Thursday, November 27 A Closet Full of Books (Excerpt) Pinky's Favorite Reads (Promo) Em & M Books (Promo) Inspire to Read (Promo, Excerpt Dream Cast, Author Interview) Book Groupies (Promo)
Friday, November 28 Amanda's Blog! (Promo) Girl with Pen (Promo, Excerpt, Dream Cast) Kim Book Blog (Review) Page by Page Book Obsession (Promo, Excerpt) Tamara Philip, Author (Review) Rock Out With Your Book Out (Promo, Excerpt) Page By Page Inside-Out Reviews & Promotion (Promo, Excerpt, Dream Cast)


Published on November 25, 2014 20:43
November 21, 2014
Poem - Ode to Autumn
I certainly don't miss the cold, but I do miss autumn / fall the way I experienced it in Germany for 19 years of my life. There's something about it that holds promises of magic (unless you get soaked to the bone or slip on a layer of wet leaves)... So here's an autumn poem I wrote today.
Autumn scenery close to Schlatt, Germany (own photo) Ode to Autumn
Your art of falling with grace
Your talent of morning haze
They leave me in a daze
You are proof that every end has a beginning
And that nothing can last forever
Not as shy and delicate as spring
Not as confident and alluring as summer
Not as dominant and icy as winter
Yet every bit as fascinating as a season
You prove that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
You charm with warm and homely hues
You’re shrouded in mist like a recluse
You inspire festivities as a muse
And I fall in love with autumn
You are proof that every beginning has an end
And that singing in the rain is fun
From ombre to ochre
From russet to rouge
From gold to grey
You wear your costume with pride
And prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes
© Devika Fernando

Your art of falling with grace
Your talent of morning haze
They leave me in a daze
You are proof that every end has a beginning
And that nothing can last forever
Not as shy and delicate as spring
Not as confident and alluring as summer
Not as dominant and icy as winter
Yet every bit as fascinating as a season
You prove that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
You charm with warm and homely hues
You’re shrouded in mist like a recluse
You inspire festivities as a muse
And I fall in love with autumn
You are proof that every beginning has an end
And that singing in the rain is fun
From ombre to ochre
From russet to rouge
From gold to grey
You wear your costume with pride
And prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes
© Devika Fernando
Published on November 21, 2014 20:14
November 20, 2014
FIRE Friday
It's time for another FIRE Friday excerpt from "Playing with Fire", Book 1 in the 4 Elements of Love series. To make it more special, today's picture to go with the snippet is one of my own drawings / designs.
One of my abstract sketches - Fire Dragon
Where to start? What had happened the day she had set the doll on fire? What triggered her special ability? How much heat could she actually handle? How much heat could she cause?
Hesitantly, she leaned forward, one hand stretched out toward the water, the other bracing her body on the rock. She thought of the heat traveling inside her body, and of how sometimes it would increase and radiate, making her skin glow or letting others think the room temperature had risen.
Taking a deep breath and exerting pressure, as though she wanted to push something from the inside out, she imagined her heat emanating from her body.
Did she trick her eyes or was a soft, golden-russet glow lighting up her skin, contrasting with the cool, silvery moonlight from above?
She bit her lip in concentration, leaned toward the river, and dipped her faintly glowing hand into the water.
First there was a shock of wet cold. It made her want to pull her hand out. She could feel the current and insistency of the night water against her fingers that had lost their heat. How to fight back? Where was the fire to draw on?
She remembered the moment when he had kissed her and she had shone as if with an inner light bulb. Holding on to the moment, longingly drawing it out, she closed her eyes and exerted pressure again.
And suddenly, the water didn’t feel cold to her anymore. When she opened her eyes, she could see her fingers glowing under water. With a soft whoop of delight, she pressed harder, her teeth buried so deep in her lower lip that she drew blood. The sharp prick of pain fueled her fire. In another moment, she had heated up much more. Wisps of steam coiled up from the place where her hand lay submerged in the water.
To read more Fire Friday excerpts, click here.
To buy my paranormal romance novel, click here.

Where to start? What had happened the day she had set the doll on fire? What triggered her special ability? How much heat could she actually handle? How much heat could she cause?
Hesitantly, she leaned forward, one hand stretched out toward the water, the other bracing her body on the rock. She thought of the heat traveling inside her body, and of how sometimes it would increase and radiate, making her skin glow or letting others think the room temperature had risen.
Taking a deep breath and exerting pressure, as though she wanted to push something from the inside out, she imagined her heat emanating from her body.
Did she trick her eyes or was a soft, golden-russet glow lighting up her skin, contrasting with the cool, silvery moonlight from above?
She bit her lip in concentration, leaned toward the river, and dipped her faintly glowing hand into the water.
First there was a shock of wet cold. It made her want to pull her hand out. She could feel the current and insistency of the night water against her fingers that had lost their heat. How to fight back? Where was the fire to draw on?
She remembered the moment when he had kissed her and she had shone as if with an inner light bulb. Holding on to the moment, longingly drawing it out, she closed her eyes and exerted pressure again.
And suddenly, the water didn’t feel cold to her anymore. When she opened her eyes, she could see her fingers glowing under water. With a soft whoop of delight, she pressed harder, her teeth buried so deep in her lower lip that she drew blood. The sharp prick of pain fueled her fire. In another moment, she had heated up much more. Wisps of steam coiled up from the place where her hand lay submerged in the water.
To read more Fire Friday excerpts, click here.
To buy my paranormal romance novel, click here.
Published on November 20, 2014 20:31
November 18, 2014
Blog Tour & Review of Bet on Us by Rachel Higginson


SYNOPSIS
All Ellie Harris wanted was a life of her own.
In a shortsighted decision, she follows her high school boyfriend to college, only to get cheated on and then dumped. And to add insult to injury, her overprotective family is suddenly clinging to her again, fighting to control every part of her life.
Bad luck follows her hasty decision and when her roommate steals her identity and leaves town, Ellie is left to clean up a gigantic mess.
Fin Hunter insists Ellie owes him seven thousand dollars from an online poker game and he won't stop until he collects it. Determined to keep her family out of her life, Ellie agrees to work for Fin in his illegal online poker operation. He's given her six weeks to pay off the debt.
Soon sparks are flying between them and the only thing keeping her from falling for him is the debt she still owes and the money she doesn't have.
At the end of those six weeks, Ellie will have to pay the mistaken debt or bet that her feelings for Fin will be worth more than the money. This book was previously titled Bet in the Dark.
BUY LINKS
Bet on Us for Amazon
Bet on Us for iBooks
Bet on Us for Barnes and Noble
Bet on Us for Kobo
AUTHOR
I am so grateful to every reader who picks up one of my books! And so thankful that you cared enough to stop by!
I love hearing from you and interacting with you, so here are all the ways to get in touch with me!
Email me: rachel.higginson@live.com
Facebook me
Tweet me
I have a Pinterest Page for each of my series where I post pictures of places and actors that I envision playing my characters! It's a lot of fun!!! Check it out!
Rachel on Pinterest
Tumblr
Weheartit
And
Find me on Goodreads
I'm also on Instagram! @mywritesdntbite
Website http://www.rachelhigginson.com/
Come join me author Rachel Higginson on November 24th for an author take over at Twin Sister's Rockin' Book Reviews!!!! It's going to be oh so fun!! We'll talk books. And book boyfriends. And the upcoming season of Love and Decay! And The Redeemable Prince!!! And Five Stages of Falling in Love. And really everything you want to talk about!!!! We can discuss Gone Girl and how it's making me question my sanity. Also there will be giveaways!!!!!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/999555330059792/

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/shar...
Hosted By:

Review I don’t normally read much YA or NA, and college romances are something new to me – but I’m very glad I got a chance to read “Bet on Us” by Rachel Higginson for this blog tour. I loved it!
Most of all, I enjoyed reading about the heroine, Ellie. She was a refreshing change from all those either weak-willed or slow-brained heroines that abound these days and are only governed by their body and physical attraction. I loved it that she is intelligent and different from the others, sort of the bookish underdog that suddenly realizes she has a wilder side to her. Her friend Britte was perfect too, just the kind of friend I think she would and should have had in real life. And kudos to the author for writing such an interesting family background for Ellie. Her beefy brothers and overbearing mother are pieces that fit the puzzle very nicely and give the story depth. Like the main characters, the secondary cast was brilliantly fleshed-out and credible. It’s one of the reasons why I felt like watching a movie instead of merely reading a book.
And let’s not forget Fin, the absolutely adorable hero. Gorgeous, dark, dominant on the outside and caring on the inside, he’s every girl’s (and reader’s) dream and a perfect match for Ellie. While it seemed at the start that they couldn’t be more different, they were indeed meant for each other, and I love all the twists and turns that kept them from falling all over each other too soon.
If you like NA romances that have plenty of steamy scenes, great dialogues, likeable and authentic characters, and a tight plot filled with suspense, humor and emotions galore, then you’ll love “Bet on Us” as much as I did. I think I have to pick up more books by Rachel Higginson…
Rating: 5/5
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on November 18, 2014 17:50
November 16, 2014
Featured - Lord of Fire by Flossie Benton Rogers
High time to feature another amazing author friend of mine, Flossie Benton Rogers, with the latest release in her Wytchfae Series. Have a look at the title and cover, and you'll know why I couldn't resist! ;-)
Lord of Fire by Flossie Benton Rogers About the Book
Blurb
When The Hawk meets his Wytchfae, the result is spontaneous combustion.
Garnet McAnna chases the demon responsible for attacking and enslaving innocent fae familiars. She never expected to run headlong into a mesmerizing stranger known as The Hawk. Nor did she anticipate the way his masculine power kindles a womanly flame within her.
Exiled from an elite warrior's brigade, Lord of Fire Gabriel Hawk guards his heart and his solitude. He wants nothing to do with the world of men or the realm of fae. Then a beautiful Wytchfae bursts into his life, stirring desire and sparking need. Garnet is on a dangerous mission, and he can't let her face the evil alone. What else can he do but fight beside her? When she disappears, he raises hell to find her. Will he be too late? Will darkness conquer this couple or will love burn their souls into one?
First Line Teaser: She’d catch the demon tonight if it killed her.
Memorable Quote: “Garnet McAnna, you’re the hottest woman in thirteen worlds.”
Excerpt
Wanting to disturb his personal space as little as possible, she breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of an ice-blue button down dress shirt on a hanger. It fell to her knees but covered all the pertinent areas rather like a robe. It would do fine.
Only after buttoning it did she catch the smell that lingered on the shirt—his scent—lime and the clean outdoors with an undertone of erotic male. He had worn it recently. Her nipples puckered. Damn, she wasn’t used to having such an immediate attraction to a man.
Stuffing her mutilated clothes into the bathroom trash, she was standing at the counter refilling her cup with coffee when he returned.
His gaze raked down her legs to her bare feet and then swept back up to meld with hers.
An electrical spark surged between them.
He moved closer. The heat he generated encircled her, making her ultra-aware of her body and the sinfully handsome male standing beside her. His nearness had a hypnotic effect on her.
His fingertips tugged at the collar of the shirt she wore. “You’ve taken a bath.”
“A quick wash. I hope you don’t mind…I borrowed…” The breath left her.
“I don’t mind.” His voice slid like rough silk over her skin, brushing the nerve endings into action.
She should take her coffee and sit down, but her legs refused to move.
A warm finger traced the curve of her chin. “No more smudges.” His fleeting smile melted something in the region of her heart.
Buy Links
Video Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTifE-174mE
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1nzt1Bs
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://bit.ly/1FKwWBu
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wytchfae-5-flossie-benton-rogers/1120627377?ean=2940046361803
Bookstrand http://www.bookstrand.com/wytchfae-5-lord-of-fire
All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wytchfae5lordoffire-1654243-149.html
Flossie Benton Rogers About the Author
Flossie Benton Rogers is the author of the Wytchfae paranormal romance series. She is Sagittarius with a Libra ascendant and Taurus moon, or a 5th generation Floridian and freedom loving mystic. She pursues her passion for mythology by writing romances with fairies, goddesses, ghosts, angels, demons, and other magical beings. The Wytchfae world brims with dimensions parallel to our own. Some are welcoming, others dangerous and forbidding. Through the darkest night and the fright of unchained chaos, love will always shine.
Connect with Flossie:
Website: http://flossiebentonrogers.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FlossieBentonRogersAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FrostFyre
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/Wytchfae
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/flossiebentonrogers
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553203.Flossie_Benton_Rogers
Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/flossiebentonrogers
Win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb
When The Hawk meets his Wytchfae, the result is spontaneous combustion.
Garnet McAnna chases the demon responsible for attacking and enslaving innocent fae familiars. She never expected to run headlong into a mesmerizing stranger known as The Hawk. Nor did she anticipate the way his masculine power kindles a womanly flame within her.
Exiled from an elite warrior's brigade, Lord of Fire Gabriel Hawk guards his heart and his solitude. He wants nothing to do with the world of men or the realm of fae. Then a beautiful Wytchfae bursts into his life, stirring desire and sparking need. Garnet is on a dangerous mission, and he can't let her face the evil alone. What else can he do but fight beside her? When she disappears, he raises hell to find her. Will he be too late? Will darkness conquer this couple or will love burn their souls into one?
First Line Teaser: She’d catch the demon tonight if it killed her.
Memorable Quote: “Garnet McAnna, you’re the hottest woman in thirteen worlds.”
Excerpt
Wanting to disturb his personal space as little as possible, she breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of an ice-blue button down dress shirt on a hanger. It fell to her knees but covered all the pertinent areas rather like a robe. It would do fine.
Only after buttoning it did she catch the smell that lingered on the shirt—his scent—lime and the clean outdoors with an undertone of erotic male. He had worn it recently. Her nipples puckered. Damn, she wasn’t used to having such an immediate attraction to a man.
Stuffing her mutilated clothes into the bathroom trash, she was standing at the counter refilling her cup with coffee when he returned.
His gaze raked down her legs to her bare feet and then swept back up to meld with hers.
An electrical spark surged between them.
He moved closer. The heat he generated encircled her, making her ultra-aware of her body and the sinfully handsome male standing beside her. His nearness had a hypnotic effect on her.
His fingertips tugged at the collar of the shirt she wore. “You’ve taken a bath.”
“A quick wash. I hope you don’t mind…I borrowed…” The breath left her.
“I don’t mind.” His voice slid like rough silk over her skin, brushing the nerve endings into action.
She should take her coffee and sit down, but her legs refused to move.
A warm finger traced the curve of her chin. “No more smudges.” His fleeting smile melted something in the region of her heart.
Buy Links
Video Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTifE-174mE
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1nzt1Bs
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://bit.ly/1FKwWBu
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wytchfae-5-flossie-benton-rogers/1120627377?ean=2940046361803
Bookstrand http://www.bookstrand.com/wytchfae-5-lord-of-fire
All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wytchfae5lordoffire-1654243-149.html

Flossie Benton Rogers is the author of the Wytchfae paranormal romance series. She is Sagittarius with a Libra ascendant and Taurus moon, or a 5th generation Floridian and freedom loving mystic. She pursues her passion for mythology by writing romances with fairies, goddesses, ghosts, angels, demons, and other magical beings. The Wytchfae world brims with dimensions parallel to our own. Some are welcoming, others dangerous and forbidding. Through the darkest night and the fright of unchained chaos, love will always shine.
Connect with Flossie:
Website: http://flossiebentonrogers.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FlossieBentonRogersAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FrostFyre
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/Wytchfae
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/flossiebentonrogers
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553203.Flossie_Benton_Rogers
Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/flossiebentonrogers
Win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on November 16, 2014 20:53