Devika Fernando's Blog, page 80
November 2, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday - New Release 'Kaleidoscope of Hopes'
October 30th was release day for my third book, the contemporary romance novel 'Kaleidoscope of Hopes'. Let's celebrate with another Sneak Peek Sunday snippet from the book!
“What did I do?” Lucas asked.
“What?” Nadia dared a quick glance at him.
His hands were gripping the steering wheel tighter now. His jaw was set in a stubborn, firm line, and there was a frown between his eyes.
“What did I do to earn such a reaction? We’re out of office, it’s raining cats and dogs, and I’m offering you a lift in my car. All I get is stony silence and waves of hostility radiating off you. I’d have expected at least politeness, if not more.”
His tone was calm and neutral, but his tense body gave him away. So it nettled him to be given the cold shoulder? In all honestly, how big was this man’s ego? She wasn’t sure whether he really had to ask because he was clueless or whether he was playing with her. Careful not to let any emotions shine through or allow her gaze to linger on him, she took a breath and steeled herself for what was to come. Part of her wanted to launch into a tirade of accusations, but she settled for one terse question.
“You don’t remember the kiss?”
“I do.”
Something in his voice gave the incident importance, but she had no idea whether it meant pleasant memories or unpleasant ones. Truth be told, she didn’t know whether her—all too clear—memories were pleasant or unpleasant.
Want to read more? The eBook is available now!
Amazon
Smashwords
“What did I do?” Lucas asked.
“What?” Nadia dared a quick glance at him.
His hands were gripping the steering wheel tighter now. His jaw was set in a stubborn, firm line, and there was a frown between his eyes.
“What did I do to earn such a reaction? We’re out of office, it’s raining cats and dogs, and I’m offering you a lift in my car. All I get is stony silence and waves of hostility radiating off you. I’d have expected at least politeness, if not more.”
His tone was calm and neutral, but his tense body gave him away. So it nettled him to be given the cold shoulder? In all honestly, how big was this man’s ego? She wasn’t sure whether he really had to ask because he was clueless or whether he was playing with her. Careful not to let any emotions shine through or allow her gaze to linger on him, she took a breath and steeled herself for what was to come. Part of her wanted to launch into a tirade of accusations, but she settled for one terse question.
“You don’t remember the kiss?”
“I do.”
Something in his voice gave the incident importance, but she had no idea whether it meant pleasant memories or unpleasant ones. Truth be told, she didn’t know whether her—all too clear—memories were pleasant or unpleasant.
Want to read more? The eBook is available now!
Amazon
Smashwords
November 1, 2014
Book Club Blog Tour - Spotlight on The Ekkos Clan by Sudipto Das
The Ekkos Clan by Sudipto Das
The Blurb "The Ekkos Clan" is the story of Kratu’s search for the killers of his family, his own roots and the mystery behind his grandmother’s stories.
It’s the fascinating account of Kubha and the basketful of folklore she inherited from her ancestors. The eventful lives of Kubha and her family span a hundred years and encompass turbulent phases of Indian history. The family saga unfurls gradually, along with Kubha’s stories, through the three main characters – Kratu Sen, a grad student at Stanford, Kratu’s best friend Tista Dasgupta, and Afsar Fareedi, a linguistic palaeontologist.
Afsar hears about Kubha’s stories from Kratu in a casual conversation, but she figures that these stories are not meant to be mere bed time tales – they contain rich linguistic fossils and layers of histories.
In a bizarre incident Kratu miraculously survives an attempt on his life. His sister and uncle had not been so lucky. Were these murders acts of revenge, or a larger ideological conflict connected to Kubha’s stories which conceal perilous secrets that should be suppressed?
Afsar, Kratu and Tista travel across continents to unravel the mystery of Kubha’s roots and the origin of her stories.
At a different level, the novel subtly delves into the origin of one of the oldest civilizations of the world and the first book written by mankind.
Buy @
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Meet the Author
Sudipto was born in Calcutta to a family which fled Bangladesh during the partition riots of 1947. He grew up listening horrid stories of the partition, something which he has used extensively in his debut novel The Ekkos Clan. He completed his engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 1996. He lives in Bangalore.
You can stalk him @
Wikipedia
Media Mentions
"A promising debut in the growing realm of modern Indian fiction" - Jug Suraiya
"An Indian thriller inspired by Dan Brown & Harrison Ford!... fast-paced thriller, replete with murder and miraculous escapes" - Telegraph
"If you are a history buff and a thriller aficionado, then [it] might just be the book for you" - The Hindu
"A tale of the Indian civilization and culture... takes you on a roller coaster ride" - The New Indian Express
"An interesting read for an afternoon... One feisty woman's partition story" - Bangalore Mirror
"Should be read for its sheer aspiration and the intelligent handling of historical material" - The Sunday Guardian
"Is essentially a mystery novel, but is grounded in a substantial base of research and exploration into our past" - newsyaps.com
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October 31, 2014
Book Review - The Cure was Love by Reet Singh
There is so much I love about this new release that I don’t know where to start. “The Cure was Love” is the first book I have read by Reet Singh, and I will definitely check out her other books like “Scorched by his Fire” too.
“Cure” tells the story of Indian medical student Simi who spends some time in New York to study. She meets Rudy under the most hilarious and thrilling circumstances. This is the opening scene, and I’ve rarely read any better ones. The author deftly sets the scene, introduces all the conflict potential and manages to characterize the protagonists – and all that while having sparks fly and chemistry sizzle right from the start. I’m usually not so happy with romance novels where it only takes a few pages for the hero and heroine to be all hot and bothered, but this book is a welcome exception. The instant attraction grabbed my attention, was totally believable, and stayed throughout the book as a steaming undercurrent that makes the reader burn along with them.
As for burning, I just love Rudy. He’s beyond gorgeous in the physical sense, and I adore his character too. He makes for a hunky hero with a heart, and those are sadly few and far between. In a literary world of cold, cruel doms and implausible fairy-tale princes, Rudy is THE hero I’d been looking for. He’s strong and stubborn yet also sensitive and sensible. I was feeling the same as Simi almost all the time, and I understood his fascination with her too.
As for Simi, she’s a wonderful heroine too. Brainy and beautiful, a little shy and yet full of hidden temperament, and a magnet for terrible (or should I say terribly funny and awkward?) things happening to her.
This is a masterfully woven love story that you can read in one breathless go. I liked all the twists and turns, and that we got a look into the characters’ thoughts. Singh has created two awesome family backgrounds for the protagonists that enhance the story and made me smile throughout the novel. I believe in true love, so the deep connections between Indians and Americans touched my heart.
As for the happy end, you’ll squeal with glee about it although the author lets you suffer beforehand. I had guessed it correctly and was immensely satisfied that these two lovely characters got their chance.
Rating: 5/5
The book was released today. You can buy it on Amazon and Infibeam.
“Cure” tells the story of Indian medical student Simi who spends some time in New York to study. She meets Rudy under the most hilarious and thrilling circumstances. This is the opening scene, and I’ve rarely read any better ones. The author deftly sets the scene, introduces all the conflict potential and manages to characterize the protagonists – and all that while having sparks fly and chemistry sizzle right from the start. I’m usually not so happy with romance novels where it only takes a few pages for the hero and heroine to be all hot and bothered, but this book is a welcome exception. The instant attraction grabbed my attention, was totally believable, and stayed throughout the book as a steaming undercurrent that makes the reader burn along with them.
As for burning, I just love Rudy. He’s beyond gorgeous in the physical sense, and I adore his character too. He makes for a hunky hero with a heart, and those are sadly few and far between. In a literary world of cold, cruel doms and implausible fairy-tale princes, Rudy is THE hero I’d been looking for. He’s strong and stubborn yet also sensitive and sensible. I was feeling the same as Simi almost all the time, and I understood his fascination with her too.
As for Simi, she’s a wonderful heroine too. Brainy and beautiful, a little shy and yet full of hidden temperament, and a magnet for terrible (or should I say terribly funny and awkward?) things happening to her.
This is a masterfully woven love story that you can read in one breathless go. I liked all the twists and turns, and that we got a look into the characters’ thoughts. Singh has created two awesome family backgrounds for the protagonists that enhance the story and made me smile throughout the novel. I believe in true love, so the deep connections between Indians and Americans touched my heart.
As for the happy end, you’ll squeal with glee about it although the author lets you suffer beforehand. I had guessed it correctly and was immensely satisfied that these two lovely characters got their chance.
Rating: 5/5
The book was released today. You can buy it on Amazon and Infibeam.
October 28, 2014
Book Club Blog Tour - Spotlight on Full Circle by Yamini Vijendran
Full Circle by Yamini Vijendran
The Blurb Outwardly, Malini is a contented, sixty-something grandmother with a loving family and everything a person could wish for. But Malini has lived her entire life with a secret confined to the deepest recesses of her heart.
Haunted by the past, she travels to Kumbakonam, her native town, which she had left years ago. There, she comes face-to-face with her long-lost love.
After forty years, will Malini be able to reclaim her own life, when love comes knocking at her door once again?
Buy @
Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Indireads
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Meet the Author
Yamini Vijendran (@saimini) is the author of ‘Full Circle’, a romance novella published by Indireads. After being a Software Professional for 7 years, Yamini has been freelancing from home for the past 3 years. She loves to dabble in fiction and romance and drama are her favorite genres. Her short stories have been published in ‘Love Stories That Touched My Heart’, an Anthology published by Penguin India, New Asian Writing and Six Sentences. Yamini also likes to pen poems when inspiration strikes, and her poetry has been published in The Indian Review, Contemporary Literary Review of India and ‘A World Rediscovered’ a poetry Anthology by Cyberwit Publications. Yamini draws material for her stories and poems from the world around her. When she is not converting her experiences to stories or poems, Yamini reads, plays with her toddler, and fools around her laboratory, that is, the kitchen.
You can stalk Yamini Vijendran @
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October 27, 2014
Featured - Black is the Colour by Nicole Hurley-Moore
I'm happy I can spotlight another book whose cover - and story - I love. Ladies and gents, please give it up for Nicole Hurley-Moore's new release "Black is the Colour"!
Black is the Colour - Nicole Hurley-Moore About the Book
Blurb
Ciana has loved Oran all her life and nothing, not even her father will prevent them from being together. But the Mayor of Stonemark has higher aspirations for his daughter than the village blacksmith. He engages the help of a witch and dark magic to bend Ciana to his will.
Oran knows that he doesn’t deserve Ciana. But their love is stronger than the metal he forges and welds. She has his heart and he will never turn from her no matter the cost.
Separated, Ciana will need all her strength to journey through the deep forest and save Oran from the witch’s curse. Alone and with only a trail of black feathers to follow, Ciana will fight against the odds and attempt to bring her lover home.
Round double, double you go,
Until black feathers upon you grow.
Beak and claw, talon and wing,
Now with raven’s voice you shall sing.
To the heavens you shall fly,
It is my will –
So say I.
Excerpt
Oran’s arms were around her, holding her tight. She snuggled against him to capture his warmth. Outside the wind had picked up. It caused the branches to scratch against the cottage walls. Ciana closed her eyes but there was something that wouldn’t let her sleep.
She tilted her head back and looked at Oran. His eyelids flickered for an instant before closing altogether. His dark hair had fallen forward and obscured part of his face. Reaching up, Ciana brushed it back.
“You should sleep. The dawn will be here soon enough and we have a long journey ahead of us,” he said as he tightened his grasp.
“I know, but I can’t settle... it’s as if...”
“What?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s as if something isn’t right.”
“All is well, my love,” he answered sleepily. “It was been an eventful day. You’re worried that your father will come after us but we will soon be far beyond his reach.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“We’ll be long gone before he even returns. Fear not,” he said as he kissed her shoulder. “We’ll be at Havensport in three days and the very thought of Stonemark will be far behind us.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” Ciana said as she closed her eyes and willed herself to fall asleep. But the wind shrieked and circled the cottage and Ciana could not shake the feeling of foreboding.
“Of course I’m right. There is nothing to worry about...”
The door burst open with a bang. The wind tore around the room, circling the bed. With it came leaves, sticks and debris from the woods. Oran threw himself over Ciana in an attempt to shield her from the maelstrom. The wind howled like a banshee and the bed shook, until she was sure that both of them would fall.
“What’s happening?” Ciana shouted.
“I don’t know – but nothing natural I’ll wager,” Oran said as buried his head above hers. “Just hold on, love and wait for it to pass.”
But it didn’t. The wind became stronger and rattled the cottage until Ciana thought the whole thing would blow away. Ciana wrapped her arms around Oran’s waist but let out a cry as a branch dragged across her forearm, scratching and snagging her flesh until it bled.
“Put your arms beneath me and keep down – I’ll protect you.”
“But who will protect you?”
“I’ll be fine as long you’re safe. Everything will be...” Oran broke off as the wind tugged at his body. It began to lift him up.
Ciana grabbed his arms and tried to anchor him to her. “You can’t have him!” she screamed against the circling wind. “You can’t have him!”
Oran held on to the rough wooden bed head and she felt his muscles strain and bulge as he gripped on. “Ciana, I...”
The vortex spun quicker around the room. Noise thundered in Ciana’s ears as she was buffeted by more twigs, leaves and black feathers. She held onto Oran until her knuckles were white and her nails dug into his skin.
“I won’t let you go.”
His dark eyes locked onto hers for a moment. “I love you.”
“Nay, I won’t let you go...” But even as the words fell from her lips her grip slipped.
The force of the wind lifted Oran off the bed. The leaves swirled around him and swallowed his body so only his outstretched arms and head were visible. The strength of the whirlwind wretched Oran from Ciana’s grasp, the bed head snapped and with one final look Oran was dragged off the bed, back through the open door and into the night dark wood.
Buy Link
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Colour-Hearthfire-Nicole-Hurley-Moore-ebook/dp/B00OXVA7TG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1
Giveaway
The author is running a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card (28th Oct - 21st Nov).
a Rafflecopter giveaway About the Author
Author Nicole Hurley-Moore Nicole has always been a lover of fairy tales, history and romance. She grew up in Melbourne and Central Victoria and has travelled extensively. Her first passion in life has always been her family, but after studying and achieving her BA in History and Honours in Medieval Literature, she devoted her time to writing historical, fantasy and contemporary romance. She is a full time writer who lives in the Central Highlands of Victoria with her family, where they live in the peaceful surrounds of a semi-rural town.
www.nicolehurley-moore.com
http://nicolehurley-moore.blogspot.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/nicole.hurleymoore.author
https://twitter.com/nhurleymoore
Black is the Colour - Nicole Hurley-Moore About the BookBlurb
Ciana has loved Oran all her life and nothing, not even her father will prevent them from being together. But the Mayor of Stonemark has higher aspirations for his daughter than the village blacksmith. He engages the help of a witch and dark magic to bend Ciana to his will.
Oran knows that he doesn’t deserve Ciana. But their love is stronger than the metal he forges and welds. She has his heart and he will never turn from her no matter the cost.
Separated, Ciana will need all her strength to journey through the deep forest and save Oran from the witch’s curse. Alone and with only a trail of black feathers to follow, Ciana will fight against the odds and attempt to bring her lover home.
Round double, double you go,
Until black feathers upon you grow.
Beak and claw, talon and wing,
Now with raven’s voice you shall sing.
To the heavens you shall fly,
It is my will –
So say I.
Excerpt
Oran’s arms were around her, holding her tight. She snuggled against him to capture his warmth. Outside the wind had picked up. It caused the branches to scratch against the cottage walls. Ciana closed her eyes but there was something that wouldn’t let her sleep.
She tilted her head back and looked at Oran. His eyelids flickered for an instant before closing altogether. His dark hair had fallen forward and obscured part of his face. Reaching up, Ciana brushed it back.
“You should sleep. The dawn will be here soon enough and we have a long journey ahead of us,” he said as he tightened his grasp.
“I know, but I can’t settle... it’s as if...”
“What?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s as if something isn’t right.”
“All is well, my love,” he answered sleepily. “It was been an eventful day. You’re worried that your father will come after us but we will soon be far beyond his reach.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“We’ll be long gone before he even returns. Fear not,” he said as he kissed her shoulder. “We’ll be at Havensport in three days and the very thought of Stonemark will be far behind us.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” Ciana said as she closed her eyes and willed herself to fall asleep. But the wind shrieked and circled the cottage and Ciana could not shake the feeling of foreboding.
“Of course I’m right. There is nothing to worry about...”
The door burst open with a bang. The wind tore around the room, circling the bed. With it came leaves, sticks and debris from the woods. Oran threw himself over Ciana in an attempt to shield her from the maelstrom. The wind howled like a banshee and the bed shook, until she was sure that both of them would fall.
“What’s happening?” Ciana shouted.
“I don’t know – but nothing natural I’ll wager,” Oran said as buried his head above hers. “Just hold on, love and wait for it to pass.”
But it didn’t. The wind became stronger and rattled the cottage until Ciana thought the whole thing would blow away. Ciana wrapped her arms around Oran’s waist but let out a cry as a branch dragged across her forearm, scratching and snagging her flesh until it bled.
“Put your arms beneath me and keep down – I’ll protect you.”
“But who will protect you?”
“I’ll be fine as long you’re safe. Everything will be...” Oran broke off as the wind tugged at his body. It began to lift him up.
Ciana grabbed his arms and tried to anchor him to her. “You can’t have him!” she screamed against the circling wind. “You can’t have him!”
Oran held on to the rough wooden bed head and she felt his muscles strain and bulge as he gripped on. “Ciana, I...”
The vortex spun quicker around the room. Noise thundered in Ciana’s ears as she was buffeted by more twigs, leaves and black feathers. She held onto Oran until her knuckles were white and her nails dug into his skin.
“I won’t let you go.”
His dark eyes locked onto hers for a moment. “I love you.”
“Nay, I won’t let you go...” But even as the words fell from her lips her grip slipped.
The force of the wind lifted Oran off the bed. The leaves swirled around him and swallowed his body so only his outstretched arms and head were visible. The strength of the whirlwind wretched Oran from Ciana’s grasp, the bed head snapped and with one final look Oran was dragged off the bed, back through the open door and into the night dark wood.
Buy Link
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Colour-Hearthfire-Nicole-Hurley-Moore-ebook/dp/B00OXVA7TG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1
Giveaway
The author is running a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card (28th Oct - 21st Nov).
a Rafflecopter giveaway About the Author
Author Nicole Hurley-Moore Nicole has always been a lover of fairy tales, history and romance. She grew up in Melbourne and Central Victoria and has travelled extensively. Her first passion in life has always been her family, but after studying and achieving her BA in History and Honours in Medieval Literature, she devoted her time to writing historical, fantasy and contemporary romance. She is a full time writer who lives in the Central Highlands of Victoria with her family, where they live in the peaceful surrounds of a semi-rural town.www.nicolehurley-moore.com
http://nicolehurley-moore.blogspot.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/nicole.hurleymoore.author
https://twitter.com/nhurleymoore
October 26, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday - Kaleidoscope of Hopes
It's high time to share another snippet from "Kaleidoscope of Hopes". The contemporary romance novel will be released on October 30th. Here's a little something to whet your appetite.
Part of her wanted to step back and flee, part of her wanted to lean into his strong body, and let him take over.
He broke the magic by stepping around her, only to take the heat level up a notch when he tied the apron around her from behind, his hands skimming over her hips ever so slightly.
As if that wasn’t enough, the apron had two ribbons!
She shivered when he brushed her hair away from the back of her neck, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin in the slightest of touches. Electricity zinged through her, fueling the need for him, and making her light-headed. Was the ribbon difficult to tie or did he prolong the process on purpose, using every chance to let his fingers dance tantalizingly against her skin?
Who would have thought being in his kitchen would mean risking heart-break?
More teasers can be found here and here.
Part of her wanted to step back and flee, part of her wanted to lean into his strong body, and let him take over.
He broke the magic by stepping around her, only to take the heat level up a notch when he tied the apron around her from behind, his hands skimming over her hips ever so slightly.
As if that wasn’t enough, the apron had two ribbons!
She shivered when he brushed her hair away from the back of her neck, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin in the slightest of touches. Electricity zinged through her, fueling the need for him, and making her light-headed. Was the ribbon difficult to tie or did he prolong the process on purpose, using every chance to let his fingers dance tantalizingly against her skin?
Who would have thought being in his kitchen would mean risking heart-break?
More teasers can be found here and here.
October 21, 2014
Ten Christmas Brides - Release Day Blitz
Ten Christmas Brides by: Ruth Cardello, Nina Bruhns, Donna Fasano, Rebecca York, Helen Scott Taylor, Patrice Wilton, Mona Risk, Annie Jones, Alicia Street, and Mimi Barbour Genre: Holiday Romance Release Date: October 21, 2014
Join ten New York Times, USA Today and National best-selling authors to celebrate the holiday season with a boxed set of stories brimming with emotion, holiday spirit and happy ever afters. From sweet to sexy, suspense to small town drama, travel from Belarus to Africa to the snowy Highlands of Scotland as Santa delivers our gift to you--love, laughter and happiness this Christmas!
Recipe for Loveby Ruth Cardello, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
All Madison Andrade wants for Christmas is a place to hide and she finds it in the home of a lusty French chef. Richard D'Argenson's recipes are famous, but they lack one necessary ingredient--love.
Must Love Santaby Nina Bruhns, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Detective Nick Palladin just needs to close one last case in Vice--going undercover as Santa--before getting his Christmas transfer to the K-9 Unit. But when a cute little fluffball and the knockout holding her leash stumble into the op and are attacked, Santa and his faithful dog come running to the rescue!
An Almost Perfect Christmasby Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author
Aaron Chase is desperate to give his daughter a perfect Christmas and elicits the help of Pediatric Nurse Christy Cooper to do it. When Aaron's impish eight-year-old talks them into a make-believe wedding, can the magic of Christmas make the vows stick?
Christmas Captive (The Decorah Security Series)by Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author
How did hard-driving businessman Jordan Campbell end up in a coma? And can nurse Hannah Andrews use her psychic talent to connect with him and trap his would-be killer? As she and Jordan work together, she knows she's putting her own life--and her heart--at risk.
The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby (The Army Doctor's Series)by Helen Scott Taylor, Award-winning and National bestselling author
Army doctor, Blair Mackenzie, secretly loves his childhood friend, Lorna, and protects her in the African refugee camp where they work. Lorna depends on Blair--he's her best friend, the only man she's ever loved. She longs to admit her feelings but a family secret from their past prevents her.
Kiss Me Santaby Patrice Wilton, National bestselling author
Widowed schoolteacher, Cindy Harris meets Brad Williams--posing as Santa--when she takes her young son to the mall. Imagine her surprise when he shows up as the hot-shot realtor selling her family home. Sparks fly between them. Can the magic of Christmas give them the best gift of all -- love?
An Unusual Christmasby Mona Risk, Award-winning and National bestselling author
Running away from Christmas celebrations and the demons of her past, Dr. Jillian has dedicated her life to saving third-world children. In Belarus, a baby girl, four little boys, and a handsome doctor may teach her the true meaning of Christmas.
A Cowboy for Christmasby Annie Jones, Award-winning and National bestselling author
A single mom who has pinned all her hopes on reviving a popular tourist dude ranch gets a Christmas surprise that may change everything when her son asks Santa for a new dad. And that very night a Christmas-skipping cowboy shows up at their door.
The Christmas Honeymoonby Alicia Street, Award-winning and National bestselling author
Quiet librarian Serena always loved Christmas, until she was jilted before her December wedding. A year later, while trying to rekindle her tarnished holiday spirit, she meets Damien, handsome daredevil--and a total Scrooge. Their unlikely mutual attraction brings on a challenge that leads to one very romantic Christmas.
She's Not Youby Mimi Barbour, National bestselling author
Sick and widowed, running scared from a man who insists she belongs to him, Belle is forced to let the charmer down the hall help out. Not just for her sake, but it's Christmas, she's in trouble and her little girl has decided their sympathetic neighbor is her special hero.
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Barnes & Noble Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ iTunes 
A Special Gift From the Ten Brides Authors!
A book full of delicious cookie recipes to share with the family this Christmas!
In this book you’ll find favorite cookies of the heroes and heroines in the Ten Christmas Brides romance-novel boxed set. Some are the treats our characters remember fondly from their childhoods. Others are the ones they enjoy today—or make to give as gifts. Here you’ll find everything from Almond Crescents, Coffee Pecan Delights, and Swedish Teacake Cookies to Rocks, Butterscotch Brownies and Scottish Shortbread. And each recipe comes with a note explaining how it fits into the author’s story, so you’ll have a little more insight into her characters and plot.
The recipes are the authors' gifts to you this holiday season. Enjoy these special goodies and have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes from the authors of Ten Christmas Brides!
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords ~ Kobo ~ iTunes (Note: Favorite Christmas Cookies should be free on all platforms, but please check the price before purchasing since Amazon and Barnes & Noble sometimes do not update their pricing on a timely basis.)
Ruth Cardello
Ruth Cardello is a New York Times bestselling author. She writes fast-paced, fun, sexy romances with hot alpha heroes and the strong women who tame them. She writes about Billionaires, Cowboys, and she is also getting into some spicier story lines. She likes to consider what she writes as bathtub reads. Sheer escapism.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter
Nina Bruhns
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nina Bruhns decided it was time to change careers and pursue her longtime dream of writing when fieldwork in Egyptology became too dangerous. Since then, Nina has achieved international bestsellerdom writing for Berkley, Harlequin and Silhouette, various epublishers, and now as an indie author with Cajun Hot Press. Nina has earned numerous awards for her thirty-plus books to date, including three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Best Overall Mystery-Suspense Book of the Year, three Rita nominations, four RT Bookclub Reviewers Choice Awards, a National Readers Choice Award, five Dorothy Parker Awards of Excellence, and two Golden Hearts.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter
Donna Fasano
USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano is the author of over 30 romance and women's fiction titles. Her award-winning books have been described as "emotional," "heartwarming," and "simply wonderful!" Over the course of her 25 year career, she has sold 4 million books worldwide. BigAl from BooksAndPals.com says, "Donna Fasano is a keen observer of human nature and creates characters that ring true to life."
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter
Rebecca York
New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-selling and award-winning author, Rebecca has written over 145 books and novellas. In 2011 she became the dozenth author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award for having written 100 romantic novels. Her Killing Moon was a launch title for Berkley’s Sensation imprint in June 2003. Five more books in the series have followed.
Rebecca has authored or co-authored over 65 romantic thrillers, many for Harlequin Intrigue’s very popular 43 Light Street series, set in Baltimore, and many with paranormal elements.
Her many awards include two Rita finalist books. She has two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times: for Series Romantic Suspense and for Series Romantic Mystery. And her Peregrine Connection series won a Lifetime Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense Series.
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Helen Scott Taylor
Award-winning author, Helen Scott Taylor is an award-winne, writes sweet contemporary romance set in the UK and Europe. Her contribution to Ten Christmas Brides is The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby, part of her Army Doctor series.
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Patrice Wilton
Patrice Wilton is a National best selling author of more than 20 books. Her best known series include The Candy Bar Series, Serendipity Falls series, and her returning war hero series, A HERO LIES WITHIN, HANDLE WITH CARE and AT FIRST SIGHT.
She lives in West Palm Beach with her retired PGA golf pro husband, and plays tennis and golf when she's not writing fun, sexy romance stories. She loves emails and will answer everyone the same day.
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Mona Risk
From Best Romance Novel of the Year at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll, to Best Contemporary Romance of the Year at READERS FAVORITE with two Gold Medals, and EPPIE award finalist, Mona Risk’s name was posted on Amazon.com in the 100 most Popular Authors in Romance list for several months and she recently received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
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Annie Jones
Award winning author Annie Jones loves Romance, Christmas and Route 66 so it seemed natural to combine them in A Cowboy for Christmas. The author of 40 books including romance and women's fiction, she lives in Kentucky with a houseful of family and a head full of ideas for more books.
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Alicia Street
Alicia Street is an award-winning author who often writes in collaboration with her husband, Roy. Her years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher are the inspiration behind her Dance 'n' Luv contemporary romance series. Many of her characters from this series cross over into her Holiday Luv series, which includes her sweet romance novella featured in Ten Christmas Brides.
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Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour is an Amazon best-selling author who's sold over 500,000 copies of her books world-wide. Her five romance series: The Vicarage Bench/ time travel at it's best, Angels with Attitudes / angels love romance, Vegas / fast-paced plotting, Elvis / make a song a book and her newest, Undercover FBI / with sizzling conflicts and lots of humor.
Mimi's been heard to say: "I'm an author who loves to read uplifting stories about romance. Add in some time travel, or maybe an angel, or even a little romantic suspense and it makes the story more fascinating because of the incredible possibilities."
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October 19, 2014
Evaluate Your Life Day
October 19th is Evaluate Your Life Day. I don’t want to bore you with an evaluation of my own life today – instead I thought it would be a nice idea to have the main protagonists of my first three books evaluate their (fictional) life. What would they think they have done right, and what would they change if they could?
Cathy from “When I see your Face”
(available here)
- I regret that I got married to the wrong person, and that I mistook attention for affection and infatuation for love.
- I’m proud that I don’t let my past and my non-supportive family pull me down.
- It’s my dream to start my own cake business, and not to depend on anybody for happiness.
Felicia from “Playing with Fire”
(available here)
- I regret that I have been hiding from myself and everyone else for so long.
- I’m proud to be different, strong, and independent.
- It’s my dream to experiment with my fire magic, and to lead an adventurous life.
Nadia from “Kaleidoscope of Hopes”
(available soon)
- I regret that I have so readily let others influence and control my life.
- I’m proud that I am creative, and that I never give up hope.
- It’s my dream to lead a fulfilled family life in White Rose Manor.
What about you? Would you like to go back and change something? Is there a big achievement in your life that you feel proud of?
Cathy from “When I see your Face”
(available here)
- I regret that I got married to the wrong person, and that I mistook attention for affection and infatuation for love.
- I’m proud that I don’t let my past and my non-supportive family pull me down.
- It’s my dream to start my own cake business, and not to depend on anybody for happiness.
Felicia from “Playing with Fire”
(available here)
- I regret that I have been hiding from myself and everyone else for so long.
- I’m proud to be different, strong, and independent.
- It’s my dream to experiment with my fire magic, and to lead an adventurous life.
Nadia from “Kaleidoscope of Hopes”
(available soon)
- I regret that I have so readily let others influence and control my life.
- I’m proud that I am creative, and that I never give up hope.
- It’s my dream to lead a fulfilled family life in White Rose Manor.
What about you? Would you like to go back and change something? Is there a big achievement in your life that you feel proud of?
October 15, 2014
Book Club Blog Tour - Against All Rules by Summerita Rhayne (Guest Post)
Guest Post by Summerita Rhayne
Question: As your book is titled "Against all Rules", do you believe in respecting writing rules, in breaking them, or in the middle way?
Hi Devika! Thanks for having me on your blog. I’ve visited many times and really liked the ambience. Finally I have a chance to have my say here!
But now that I have, I may be at the risk of getting dumbstruck – literally ;-)
Why is that? Folks, Devika here has asked me to answer this tricky question, whether or not I'm a rule breaker. You guess correctly...with a title like ‘Against All Rules’ out now, I probably had it coming my way ;)
Mmm...breaking rules is so much fun, isn’t it? Every child who’s missed on doing homework, knows the sheer – though short-lived – pleasure of thumbing nose at the system.
For me, when I’m writing, breaking rules is something like that secret delight. Especially with characters like Tahir and Samara who are determined NOT to break them! In Against All Rules, I had quite a time with them, I can tell you. They are both single-minded, normally so unwavering from their purpose. But passion has a way of forcing you onto paths you wouldn't normally tread. And that was much of the theme of the book. However much they tried to resist it, falling into desire, lust and finally love was something they had to break all their preset rules to do.
Speaking about myself – which I'd better tell you I'm not that comfortable with, being somewhat introvert-ish except when I'm having fun, like when I'm deep into writing – I must say, most of my life I have been a dyed-in-the-wool rule follower. I never spoke too loud or drew attention unduly to myself as a child in school. I never came home late as a teen. I've jumped traffic lights occasionally but most of the time I go linearly. Maybe that's why I love writing fiction because you can get characters to go against the tide...hmm, must have a think about that!
However, I have gone against the norms on occasion and the most prominent instance was when I took up romance writing. Coming from a traditionalist family, I can tell you, that was one brave thing to do! And I surprised myself because I am the kind who'd compromise rather than create a furore. But for this, I followed my heart even though I was terribly scared of upsetting people I love. When the choice was between writing and quitting, it wasn't an option. Surprisingly, family, after initial upheavals, has been supportive and have come to the point when they don't question my busy time over the keyboard any longer!
I guess when passion overtakes, be it in your vocation or in love, the stick-in-the-mud in you doesn’t stand a chance!
Lovely to be hosted by you, Devika! :-)
Against All Rules By Summerita Rhayne
The Blurb The efficient PA out of her depth...
Samara knows getting attracted to Tahir is like asking for trouble. Not only is he her boss but he’s got divorced recently and has sworn off any commitment. Short term is not on her list but temptation has never been stronger.
The man who doesn’t have faith in rainbows anymore...
Tahir doesn’t believe in enforcing a code of conduct he cannot follow. But Samara might just make him make an exception! An affair at the office might seem a solution to his troubles but how can he avoid treading uncharted territory…?
Against All Rules
…when fire is set, it’s hard to avoid the blaze
Buy @
Amazon.com | Amazon.in |
Watch It
Meet the Author
Summerita Rhayne loves to write sensual and emotional romance. There's no knowing when some quirky - or sometimes even not so quirky - happening in daily life might trigger her right brain and then she's off craving a new story. She loves writing characters who learn and grow and find their way out of their troubles and emotional hang-ups. Hot, sensual heroes and sassy but sweet heroines mostly fit the bill in her stories. She also believes that a touch of humor never goes amiss in a book.
She divides her time between family, job and writing - and loves winding down with music, movies and the internet!
You can stalk Summerita Rhyane @
Check out The Book Club Tour Schedule
This Tour is Hosted by
Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | Pinterest | Linkedin
Question: As your book is titled "Against all Rules", do you believe in respecting writing rules, in breaking them, or in the middle way?
Hi Devika! Thanks for having me on your blog. I’ve visited many times and really liked the ambience. Finally I have a chance to have my say here!
But now that I have, I may be at the risk of getting dumbstruck – literally ;-)
Why is that? Folks, Devika here has asked me to answer this tricky question, whether or not I'm a rule breaker. You guess correctly...with a title like ‘Against All Rules’ out now, I probably had it coming my way ;)
Mmm...breaking rules is so much fun, isn’t it? Every child who’s missed on doing homework, knows the sheer – though short-lived – pleasure of thumbing nose at the system.
For me, when I’m writing, breaking rules is something like that secret delight. Especially with characters like Tahir and Samara who are determined NOT to break them! In Against All Rules, I had quite a time with them, I can tell you. They are both single-minded, normally so unwavering from their purpose. But passion has a way of forcing you onto paths you wouldn't normally tread. And that was much of the theme of the book. However much they tried to resist it, falling into desire, lust and finally love was something they had to break all their preset rules to do.
Speaking about myself – which I'd better tell you I'm not that comfortable with, being somewhat introvert-ish except when I'm having fun, like when I'm deep into writing – I must say, most of my life I have been a dyed-in-the-wool rule follower. I never spoke too loud or drew attention unduly to myself as a child in school. I never came home late as a teen. I've jumped traffic lights occasionally but most of the time I go linearly. Maybe that's why I love writing fiction because you can get characters to go against the tide...hmm, must have a think about that!
However, I have gone against the norms on occasion and the most prominent instance was when I took up romance writing. Coming from a traditionalist family, I can tell you, that was one brave thing to do! And I surprised myself because I am the kind who'd compromise rather than create a furore. But for this, I followed my heart even though I was terribly scared of upsetting people I love. When the choice was between writing and quitting, it wasn't an option. Surprisingly, family, after initial upheavals, has been supportive and have come to the point when they don't question my busy time over the keyboard any longer!
I guess when passion overtakes, be it in your vocation or in love, the stick-in-the-mud in you doesn’t stand a chance!
Lovely to be hosted by you, Devika! :-)
Against All Rules By Summerita Rhayne
The Blurb The efficient PA out of her depth...
Samara knows getting attracted to Tahir is like asking for trouble. Not only is he her boss but he’s got divorced recently and has sworn off any commitment. Short term is not on her list but temptation has never been stronger.
The man who doesn’t have faith in rainbows anymore...
Tahir doesn’t believe in enforcing a code of conduct he cannot follow. But Samara might just make him make an exception! An affair at the office might seem a solution to his troubles but how can he avoid treading uncharted territory…?
Against All Rules
…when fire is set, it’s hard to avoid the blaze
Buy @
Amazon.com | Amazon.in |
Watch It
Meet the Author
Summerita Rhayne loves to write sensual and emotional romance. There's no knowing when some quirky - or sometimes even not so quirky - happening in daily life might trigger her right brain and then she's off craving a new story. She loves writing characters who learn and grow and find their way out of their troubles and emotional hang-ups. Hot, sensual heroes and sassy but sweet heroines mostly fit the bill in her stories. She also believes that a touch of humor never goes amiss in a book.
She divides her time between family, job and writing - and loves winding down with music, movies and the internet!
You can stalk Summerita Rhyane @
Check out The Book Club Tour Schedule
This Tour is Hosted by
Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | Pinterest | Linkedin
October 14, 2014
Teaser Tuesday: Excerpt from "Kaleidoscope of Hopes"
My new contemporary romance novel "Kaleidoscope of Hopes" will be released on October 30th, so it's high time for another #TeaserTuesday snippet.
“What about you, Nadia? Are you afraid of love?”
She stole a glance at Lucas, saw the intensity in his eyes, and anchored herself safely to the innocent white beads of the bracelet on her arm again. What a question to ask. She should refuse to answer. It wasn’t proper of him to expect one.
But why did a part of her want to take this conversation further? What was in it for her?
“I am,” she whispered, realizing only after she had spoken that it was the plain truth and one of the main reasons for her unhappiness.
“Why?”
Did she imagine it or was his voice soft as a caress?
She took a deep breath and let the words tumble out in a rush with the exhalation.
“Because I mistook infatuation and careless affection mixed with ulterior motives for love once, and got burned. Because I haven’t given it a chance ever since. Most of all, because I still want it and long for it, and am sure I’ll never have it.”
“You don’t strike me as somebody who’s unlovable. Quite the contrary. You should give it a chance.”
If you want a more visual teaser for the upcoming release, you can find one here alongside more snippets from the book.
“What about you, Nadia? Are you afraid of love?”
She stole a glance at Lucas, saw the intensity in his eyes, and anchored herself safely to the innocent white beads of the bracelet on her arm again. What a question to ask. She should refuse to answer. It wasn’t proper of him to expect one.
But why did a part of her want to take this conversation further? What was in it for her?
“I am,” she whispered, realizing only after she had spoken that it was the plain truth and one of the main reasons for her unhappiness.
“Why?”
Did she imagine it or was his voice soft as a caress?
She took a deep breath and let the words tumble out in a rush with the exhalation.
“Because I mistook infatuation and careless affection mixed with ulterior motives for love once, and got burned. Because I haven’t given it a chance ever since. Most of all, because I still want it and long for it, and am sure I’ll never have it.”
“You don’t strike me as somebody who’s unlovable. Quite the contrary. You should give it a chance.”
If you want a more visual teaser for the upcoming release, you can find one here alongside more snippets from the book.
