Spotlight Feature of Mistress of Passion by Harley DeLuca

Mistress of Passion

by Harley De Luca

 

In the realm of all things sexual, Rachel used her sexuality as a form of escape. She desperately tried to avoid her past to manipulate her future by delving into the dark recesses of all things kinky. With a fearful past, she turned her hurt, rage, confusion and unexplained passion into nothing but pure pleasure.  Being a Mistress came naturally for Rachel, she was good at being a Dom. Only one challenge stood in her way, would she able to accept her life the way it was now or was she secretly yearning for something more?

Dominic was your all around “grade-A” male. Had the job, the money, the title, but didn’t have the will to live, not until he walked into London Leather. Like most of the rich and famous he needed the escape of normality, needed to be reminded of who he was when he was stripped of everything. He had been stripped before but not like this. Would he be able to withstand all he was about to receive or would he have to resort back to his old ways and just pray for death?

About the Author:

With so many books to read and so many stories to write there is hardly enough time in the day to make up the perfect balance to get both accomplished! As she finished her first story for Hot Ink Press she felt victorious. She has been writing for fun-and for expression, for the past couple of years, but to now finally have something that will be produced for the whole world to read and enjoy is more than a goal she had set for herself-it was a MAJOR accomplishment.

Even though “life” had gotten in the way of her writing, she has recently come back to it so she can give her fans an excitement of pleasure they just can’t put down. Now residing in Kansas City, she strives to top herself with each story she writes. Practice makes perfect is one of her mottos and one that she values only to make her next story better than the last.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Interview & giveaway with Sandra Sookoo

Welcome back Sandra.  For those who missed you the first time you were on the blog can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m getting ready to turn forty, I live with a computer/gamer geek husband and I write romantic fiction. Plus I’m a foodie, a Disney nut and a lover of tea.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Ever since the day in the fifth grade I decided to either be a writer or a cake decorator. I completely fail at decorating cakes LOL

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Well, usually I start writing around nine a.m. That is unless I have errands to run in the morning. I strive for 1-2K a day but don’t sweat it if I don’t hit that goal.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Hearing from readers is the best part of writing.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

My latest story is an erotic Regency-era pirate story called ACT OF PARDON. It’s a story about a disenchanted missionary’s daughter who’s out to kill the pirate she thinks killed her father and fiancé. Captain Westerbrooke sails the seas on the Lady Catherine. He’s a hard man working a harsh profession, but when he meets Sarah at the gallows, his interest is captured. The bad thing? They’re both very stubborn and their viewpoints often clash… out of the bedroom.

Here’s the blurb: Retribution and sorrow can bring redemption and salvation if you look hard enough.

The year is 1814 and piracy is drawing to an end in the Caribbean yet Sarah Covington, a disenchanted missionary’s daughter, has a plan to kill the pirate who murdered her father and fiancé. When the assassination attempt goes horribly wrong, she’s taken aboard the Lady Catherine as prisoner. Though she’s forced to embrace a life of degradation and subservience by the very pirate she tried to kill, he stirs passions she never knew she harbored.

Adrian Westerbrooke captains the Lady Catherine but not by choice. Officially a privateer under England’s protection, he has his own agenda and will take down targets for the highest bidder. The only problem is the beautifully flawed Sarah. He’ll try everything in his power to break her spirit and make her bow before his. At sea, his word is law, no matter how much she intrigues his mind and inflames his body.

Yet Sarah possesses a stubbornness that matches his own, on deck and in the bedroom, and a battle of wills begins. As trust grows, so does their desire–whether they can survive the threats at sea while working through their differences is up to faith… and perhaps love.

Excerpt:

She shook her head and swallowed to alleviate her dry throat. He didn’t deserve her lustful curiosity or approval. He was evil and a murderer. She wanted him dead.

Again, her elbow was jostled.

“‘e’s a looker, ain’t ‘e miss? Cap’n knows ‘is way around a woman’s body, true.”

“Ain’t that a fact?” Another deeper, and no less smarmy, voice said from her other side.

The first man gave a bark of laughter. “Not’n gets a lady more filled with desire than seein’ a real pirate. Seems they all fantasize about the masters of the seas and bein’ takin’ by ‘em jest the same.”

“What I feel for him is not desire.” And why am I talking to either of these men anyway? Yet warmth ebbed over her skin. Her gaze slid down his torso, past the ragged red sash around his waist, to his tight-fitting breeches tucked into dusty boots. She frowned, as much from the flutters filling her stomach at seeing the faint outline of his manly parts as from the recognition of the excellence of his clothes. What quality fit and expensive Hessian boots for a pirate to own. Of course, he’d likely stolen them.

She tamped her response, angry that her body betrayed her so badly. He deserved to have the clothes and boots stripped from his dead body for all the crimes he’d committed. She closed her fingers around the dagger’s hilt. Almost time.

On the platform, the Spanish general read out what she assumed was a list of charges in his heavy, lyrical language. He paused as the British counterpart translated the charges: treachery, thievery, murder, treason, and a host of others.

John Westerbrooke—pirate—and a captain no less. Sarah bit her lip. An alias no doubt. She narrowed her eyes. Titled or not, he’d swing the same as any man. Once he was finally dead, she could begin to put the pieces of her life back together, such as they were. Perhaps she’d sail to a far-flung country. That thought garnered another snort. And do what? I’ve never been anywhere outside America, never had an adventure of my own. She shook her head. It did not matter. Even if she did manage to travel, she had no survival skills. Hadn’t her father told her time and again she needed someone to look after her? Her stomach pitched. While her future would be bleak, there’d be small comfort in the fact the pirate wouldn’t have one.

As the list of charges concluded, the British general asked, “Do you agree with these accusations?”

One of the pirate’s full eyebrows inched toward his hairline. “I disagree inasmuch as I had no choice with the bulk of them, but on a gentleman’s grounds, I would say yes, I am guilty.”

A collective gasp rose from the crowd.

A strained smile lifted the pirate’s lip. “However, these crimes do not fall squarely on my shoulders as a pirate never acts alone.”

Several nods and verbal affirmations circulated through the gathering.

The hangman touched the pirate’s shoulder. “Captain Westerbrooke, would you like the courtesy of a hood?”

The pirate glared at each man on the platform. “I refuse to assuage your consciences. If you wish to put me to death by hanging, then you can watch the proceedings in all their gruesome color and detail. May God have mercy on your souls.”

Sarah gasped at his daring. Put in the same position, wouldn’t she feel the same way? There was always a chance—however slim—the man wasn’t guilty. A snort escaped. If that were true, then why was he here, since he’d all but admitted to some of them? There must be too much truth that balanced the lies, yet she hated the tiny niggle of compassion she felt. I cannot forget he murdered my father. Ruthlessly ignoring everything except the bite of the metal in her palm, she concentrated on the activity around the pirate.

The hangman took a position near the lever that would release the trapdoor. The crowd strained forward, once again hushed. The other men on the gallows resumed their previous military posture; their gazes focused on the pirate. The olive-skinned priest opened his Bible and began to recite the Twenty-third Psalm in accented English. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”

Now!

Her heart lodged in her throat, Sarah raised her hand, and with a quick flick of her wrist, she let the dagger fly. The morning sun glinted off the blade as it arced sure and steady toward the platform. Any second now I’ll have my vengeance fulfilled. The priest chose that moment to move in front of Captain Westerbrooke. While he made the mark of the cross over the pirate, her blade embedded deep into the priest’s back. He staggered. The Bible tumbled to the wood as he fell to his knees.

Dear heavens, this wasn’t supposed to happen.

Pandemonium erupted, robbing her of the ability to think. Their sabers drawn, the men on the platform plunged down the wooden stairs. With nowhere to hide and no open path to flee through, she attempted to shrink within the confines of her cloak. Her heart slammed against her ribcage. I killed the wrong man.

 

You can buy the book at Amazon, All Romance e-books and Smashwords, or visit my website to be connected with buylinks.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Probably because I’ve always been fascinated with pirates. Part of the fun of writing pirates stories is doing the research. I love all the stories and legends.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Right now I’m working on a sci-fi piece when I’m not finishing off shorter pieces. I’m kinda taking it easy for the month of August and letting my brain have a break.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m actually waiting for the last book in the Wicked series by Gregory MacGuire. Such a great series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me back on your blog. It’s always a great time when I’m here. Also, I’m offering a $10.00 (ten) Amazon gift card plus book swag to a random commenter. Please remember to leave your contact information.

Want to connect with me online? Find me here:

Website:  http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Believing is Seeing blog:  http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

To enter for a chance to win the $10 Amazon gift card please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

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HelenKay Dimon is guest blogging & giving away a copy of “COPY THAT”

Thank you for inviting me here today to talk about my newest release, COPY THAT, from Harlequin Intrigue.

I love connected stories.  You know the ones.  They’re the books that share a common set of characters or a plot point or both. I’ve written those both in single title and for Harlequin Intrigue. I’m thinking it’s the idea of building a community that appeals to me.  You bring this group of people together – for me, “people” usually means men – and create a sort of Band of Brothers feel.  As a reader, I race through this sort of set-up.  As an author, I look forward to writing them.

So, naturally, I wrote COPY THAT as a standalone. The idea was to write a totally self-contained story. The plot would end.  The characters would be done at the end of the book. Some folks might email and ask about stories for other characters because that happens all the time, but I would be done. That’s what I did with all three of my Intrigue releases this year, this one and WHEN SHE WASN’T LOOKING (my May release) and SWITCHED (the one coming out in November).

In COPY THAT, the hero is a twin.  Jeremy and Garrett Hill are tough rescuer types. When Jeremy, the Border Patrol agent, comes under fire (literally) while on vacation at his brother’s house, the question is whether someone is coming after him or his Defense Intelligence Agency agent brother, Garrett. There is a twisty, double-cross kind of suspense, a main romance for Jeremy and a reunited-lovers romance for Garrett. I finished and loved everything about the Hill brothers, the women they fell for and how the suspense wrapped up.

And then it happened. See, there were these two guys who did contract work for Garrett.  Brothers working for one of the twins. The poor copy editor even wrote in the margin, “this story has two sets of brothers!” and – boom! – I was hooked. COPY THAT is a standalone, but I loved writing brothers so much that you’ll see two secondary characters here in their own books in 2013. The best laid plans…

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Returning from his latest Border Patrol assignment, Jeremy Hill seeks sanctuary in his twin brother’s home. The last thing he expects to find is an armed man already inside, or Meredith Samms, a gorgeous tenant caught in the cross fire. Then he discovers that the gunman’s attack is meant for his twin brother, who is nowhere in sight, and Jeremy must take matters into his own hands.

Searching for his brother while trying to protect this girl next door, Jeremy finds himself caught up in the danger he’d become all too familiar with. In his world, everyone’s a target and anyone can be a suspect, so Jeremy has no room for emotions. But what Meredith stirs within him may complicate this unexpected mission to the point of no return….

 

To enter for a chance to win a copy of COPY THAT, please fill out the Rafflecopter from below

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Interview with Lillian Grant

 

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lillian Grant to the blog today to talk about her newest book Male Review.  Lillian can you please share with us a little about yourself

I grew up in the UK and after meeting and marrying my lovely husband we emigrated to Australia. I have a very uptight boring day job but escape in the evenings and on weekends to the world of romance. I’ve done many creative things as a release from my everyday world, including singing in a band, but writing is it for me. Tapping away on a netbook bringing people and places to life is the biggest adrenalin rush I ever had, other than the time I almost threw up after going on Space Mountain at Disneyland, but I don’t plan to repeat that particular experience anytime soon.

Learn more about Lillian here:   Website / Facebook

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I never knew what I wanted to be but I always believed everyone had a book inside them. I often wondered if I could ever write anything but never tried until about six years ago. Now I am completely hooked.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

I love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, JD Robb’s In Death Series and I have just got hooked on JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

I think Janet Evanovich has been a big influence. She showed me that people who write comedy can be real writers. I thought I should be struggling to write something deep, dark and meaningful but actually it is perfectly fine to write something funny and still be an author..

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I love comedy. I love stories that make me laugh out loud. I have always had an ability to make people laugh so I think it was only natural my writing would lean toward the funny side. I have tired writing something darker but my characters won’t behave and the humor slips in even if I don’t want it to.

What are some of your writing rituals?

Music. I love to listen to music. I usually chose one song and put it on repeat. Different story, different song but always something to stir the blood and create the right mood.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

My latest book is called Male Review. It’s book two in my Reigning Men series. Each book can be read as a stand alone even though they all contain the same core characters.

If I had to sum this book up in a couple of lines I would say.  A nymphomaniac octogenarian great aunt, a frigid mother and a BDSM themed male strip club, what could possibly go wrong?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

For book one, Male Order, I got to wondering one day what would happen if a girl got involved in a male escort business without ever realizing it was a front for prostitution. I added in a great aunt obsessed with sex, a mother who didn’t believe in sex and a male flat mate, Sam, willing to show Meg how great sex could really be.  Then I tossed in a male stripper and newly hired prostitute, Michael, who takes a more than passing interest in my heroine.

I loved writing book one so much I wanted to see where the story went so I wrote book two, Male Review. The book shows the fallout from Meg’s arrest for pimping Michael and her desperate attempts to clean up the mess and prove her innocence. It also takes her and Sam’s relationship in a kinky new direction.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I have another book coming out in August called Go With the Flo. It’s a humorous romantic suspense set in the 1990’s.  When Florence notices her eccentric ex-boyfriend, Eddie, isn’t putting on his usual show in the front window on Friday night she decides to investigate.  She asks her best friend, Nelson Tyler, to help but he seems more interested in seducing Florence than in finding her personal flasher. Florence has no idea when she embarks on the adventure she will accidentally shoot an undercover policeman, or that her actions will lead to Nelson’s kidnapping.  Now with two men missing she has no choice but to continue and thwart the plans of a psychotic soon to be divorcee.  She needs to rescue Nelson because life without him is unbearable, especially since she’s discovered his long sensitive fingers are far more erotic than scissorhands.

I am also working on the sequel to Male Review. This is really Michael’s story and I am loving finding out more about him.

What would you be if you were not an author?

I’m only an author in the evenings and on weekends. During the day I’m a senior tax manager in an accounting firm. So, I guess, as there aren’t many openings for four foot ten super models, accountant would be it. Boring, but true.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I still have a few more JD Robb books to read and I am only three books into the JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Oh and I can’t wait for the next Stephanie Plum book.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only to thank you for taking the time to interview me and for letting me loose on your blog.

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Sam Stephens and Meg Riley are in love, and finally on the cusp of sex anytime, anywhere, anyhow. That is until Meg’s Great Aunt Maud, the octogenarian nymphomaniac, gets tossed out of the old folk’s home and moves in with them, closely followed by her polar opposite, Meg’s scarily frigid mother.

Meg’s best friend Laura convinces Aunt Maud to invest in Male Review, a BDSM-themed male strip joint. For Meg, it’s just one more step along the path to disaster, made even worse when former prostitute Michael is hired as the bar manager. After all, Laura’s last venture ended with Meg being arrested as a pimp. And Michael’s to blame for the crazies invading Meg’s home, and even worse, he still has the hots for her.

If she wants to get her life back, all Meg needs to do is find a new home for Maud, resolve the dispute between her warring parents, keep Michael at arm’s length, and rescue her relationship with Sam before it disintegrates completely. Male Review appears to be just one more problem to deal with, but perhaps it could provide an unexpected solution.

 

Excerpt: Chapter One

Meg rolled her eyes as a loud snort rent the air. She lifted her head, smashed a fist into her pillow, and glared at the comatose old woman lying next to her. This wasn’t how things were supposed to work out. Once Sam declared his undying love for her they should have ridden off into the sunset together. Instead, they jumped into her compact Korean car and hustled around to the old folk’s home to meet her mother.

Clearly it wasn’t her fault that St. Andrew’s had tossed Aunt Maud out. The whole disaster had been down to Laura and her stupid idea to start a male escort business. Meg went to the hotel to try and fix things. Given a few more minutes she would have un-cuffed Michael Monaghan from the bed and persuaded Aunt Maud elderly ladies had no need to use the services of a male prostitute. She might even have recovered Michael’s clothes so he could get dressed. Thank God her mother arrived at the old people’s home after the police left and she never got the whole story behind Maud’s eviction. Although, having her mother yell and show disappointment in her debauched daughter might have been a quicker and less painful punishment than agreeing to let Aunt Maud move in with her and Sam until she found a new home. To date, every old people’s home in Sydney, Australia had turned the crazy old lady away.

Meg’s mind turned to her new beau. They’d been on the cusp of sex any which way, anywhere, any time, and then, when Aunt Maud showed up, the sex fest was over. She couldn’t sleep in his bed because Maud would know what they were doing and Meg would be horribly embarrassed. How was he coping? Sam had needs. Big needs. Often needs. She hadn’t heard yips of “yee-haw” coming from his room since Aunt Maud moved in a month ago, so either he was suffering from a case of blue balls, or he’d learned to jack off quietly. The thought of him lying in his reclining chair naked with his fist wrapped around his hard, hot, heaving cock sent a heat wave through her body and a definite dampening in areas that had no business being damp when you shared a bed with your eighty-something great aunt.

Another loud snarl made Meg sigh loudly and check her alarm clock. She hadn’t planned on getting up until after eight as, on top of everything else, she didn’t have a job to go to, but sleep was impossible. Maybe an early morning snack would help. Yes, she was on a diet, but everyone knew calories consumed before seven in the morning didn’t count. Besides, she might check out the gym where Sam worked later, purely for exercise purposes. The thought of Sam and exercise wouldn’t cool her down, but Ben & Jerry were more than up to the job.

She climbed out of bed and dragged on her robe. One last look at Sleeping Beauty, sans teeth and wig, assured her Maud was dead to the world and she should get going while the getting was good. The door squeaked on its hinges, but Aunt Maud continued to saw logs. Meg pulled the bedroom door closed behind her and relaxed. In the last thirty days the only time she’d been without Maud was when either of them went to the bathroom. Except the hour she left her with Sam while she went to buy groceries. That hadn’t ended so well. She’d found Sam’s whimpering and begging never to be left alone with Maud again quite disturbing. The old girl seemed to think men were game for sex twenty-four seven, and Sam usually was, but not with octogenarians who had a penchant for pinching butts and ripping towels off freshly showered men.

Meg crept down the hall, through the living room, and into the kitchen. The place shone. No one would fault Maud on her work ethic. She had cracked the whip for hours, only stopping her nagging when Meg had cleaned every surface until they could eat off it. So, she was a bit slap dash about housework, and Sam was no better, but who cared. Now the place didn’t feel like home at all.

After retrieving a large spoon from the cutlery drawer, Meg opened the freezer and bent over to find her favorite flavor made by her favorite men. Just as she reached inside to pull out a tub of Chunky Monkey, two hands splayed across her back and something rigid buried itself in her arse crack.

She’d recognize Sam’s particular brand of foreplay anywhere. He had a thing about bending her over and taking her from behind, but she wasn’t so hot on the idea with her head buried in the freezer and Maud likely to walk in at any moment. The old lady would never believe she had a platonic relationship with Sam if she found him buried up to his testicles inside Meg. Once her mother found out she had taken up sleeping with her male flat mate Meg would be moved into a nunnery, or Sam tossed out on his ear before either of them had a chance to explain. Her mother didn’t do sex, and neither did the rest of the family, if she had anything to say about it.

*

God, Meg was beautiful. How she could think otherwise escaped him. The sight of her abundant curves sent Sam’s already thumping pulse rate higher. Unable to believe his luck at finding her alone, and in such a seductive pose, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her still bent form. He slipped his hands inside the front of her robe. The fingers of his left hand edged inside her panties on a seek-and-plunder mission between her thighs, while he used his right hand to tweak her left nipple into surrender.

Maud was a pain in the arse. All his good work at not only finally seducing Meg, but getting her to lose her inhibitions, was coming unraveled. He missed her. His cock missed her. The bed felt empty when she wasn’t in it. Never before had he felt this way about a woman, but Meg was the one. He’d fallen hopelessly and passionately in love with her and he wanted to show her … hard and often.

Heat spread through his body. Oh, she felt so good. He fingered the dampness between her thighs and brushed his thumb over her nipple. Her breast was heavy in his hand. Her womanly curves sent a rush of desire straight to his already straining dick. She was his perfect wet dream. Warm, soft, and the girl had a mouth to die for, but that could wait for next time. He had no idea when he would get another opportunity like this. He growled in her ear and tugged her robe up the back of her legs, desperate to bury himself inside her.

“Sam. Stop!”

She wriggled out of his grasp and he groaned his disappointment. His stallion bucked at the gate waiting for the starter’s orders. The feisty bugger would put an eye out if it broke free of his very tight white boxer briefs.

He took a deep breath. “I’m dying here.”

Meg glanced at his bulging erection.

“We can’t. Maud might come through.”

Sam growled, “Fuck Maud.”

A giggle escaped Meg. “I’m sure she’d be a more than willing partner and at least you could get some relief.” She popped the top off the ice cream and filled the spoon. Maybe she hoped the cool dessert would bring them both back to their senses. She offered him the first taste. “Here, have some ice cream instead.”

He took the spoon from her and slipped it seductively between his lips then pulled it back out and slowly licked the remaining dessert from the stainless steel surface. The way she licked her lips and swallowed showed his actions were getting the desired reaction. Encouraged, Sam reached out, took the tub, and refilled his spoon. He leaned forward and brushed his ice cream cooled lips against hers as he whispered, “Coming?”

Meg squeaked out, “Not yet,” then followed him as he disappeared through the house.

 

 

 

Guest Blogger: Katie Reus (&giveaway)

A great big thank you to Kelly for having me here today!

Years ago when I first heard of ebooks, I was hesitant and yes, wary of them. I thought they would never last. (I’m laughing at myself as I type this.) I’ve never been so glad to be wrong! Considering my views, it’s ironic enough that I got my start in publishing via digital first publishing and to date I have more ebooks than print books. And I also discovered many of my now-favorite authors through digital first publishers.

There are many reasons to love ebooks and here are some of mine:

1. I love being able to carry around an entire library in my kindle. I’m a busy mom and ebooks make daily reading so much easier.

2. Easy to purchase. I live in a small town and our one decent book store just closed down. I can drive to any of three surrounding towns to go to a bookstore but there’s no guarantee that what I want will be there. With my kindle? Chances are if I want it, I’ll be able to find it.

3. Not only is buying easy, it’s IMMEDIATE. Yes, I live in an age of ‘I want stuff immediately’ and while that attitude normally bugs me…I love being able to download a book right off my computer to my kindle without having to worry about shipping costs and waiting.

4. I can change the font size on my ebooks!

5. Without the ebook revolution it’s unlikely that my recent release, Lover’s Instinct, would be available (like how I slipped in some promo?). It’s book 1.5 in my Moon Shifter series and since it’s a novella with a traditional publisher, in the past it wouldn’t have been available except to be included in a print anthology with other authors. And since the probability of that happening is slim…it might not have ever been published.

Ebooks are fantastic for so many reasons because now readers and writers have more options! And I am all about options.

What about you? Do you like ebooks or print books better?  Leave a comment to be entered to win a print copy of Primal Possession (US only), my upcoming release in the Moon Shifter series! In the meantime, Lover’s Instinct is out now.

About Lover’s Instinct:

Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy woman who only views him as a friend. But when Nikan is assigned to act as Esperanze’s bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it’s the perfect opportunity to seduce her off her feet—away from the pack.

To put his plan into motion Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms, giving them time to get to know one another in a whole different way. But when a man from Esperanze’s past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of dangerous rogue shifters, all while trying to prove that they’re destined to be mates.

A little about Katie: I’ve been reading romance since a young age—ever since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.

Thanks again for having me and thanks so much to everyone who stops by!

Sizzling Summer Promotion with Zoe Winters & Kimberly Kinrade

Summer is heating up, and we’re making it even hotter with a sizzling summer promotion you won’t want to miss.

Win a Kindle Fire and six signed paperback books from authors Zoe Winters and Kimberly Kinrade, and get ready to enjoy some sexy hot reads while having fun in the sun.

From August 5-18th, Winters and Kinrade are giving away two sets of each of their paranormal romance series (all signed) to two lucky winners. The Grand Prize winner will also receive a Gift Certificate for Amazon.com to cover the cost of a Kindle Fire (but we won’t tell if you just want to buy $200 worth of books instead!)

Join us in celebrating the launch of the newest in Zoe Winters’s Preternatural Series, Life Cycle (how much do we love love love Tamara and Cain? So freaking much!) which now includes one novella compilation and three novels. If hot & steamy paranormal romance is your thing, then you’ll fall in love with all the hunks in this series, whether they be demons, vampires, werewolves or mages… they’re all so deliciously bad they’re good!

Life Cycle is book 4 in the Preternaturals series. However, new readers can read this installment first with no problems. Most of the books work as stand alones, and each book focuses on a different couple. The main theme of the Preternaturals is: “Everybody is the hero of their own story.” Some characters start out villains and become heroes. Some are heroes and turn into villains. Some are heroes to some characters and villains to others.

The series world has multiple dimensions, heaven, hell (which is earth), demon dimensions, and others. Magic, reincarnation, witches, vampires, demons, werecreatures of all sorts (called therians), gods, and angels all play an important role in the Pretverse.

It’s a world where blood is magic, authority is questioned, and soul mates always find each other, no matter how many incarnations it takes.

The Preternaturals contains a blend of snarky humor and angst that fans of the series have come to expect and enjoy.

As an extra bonus for this exciting launch, get signed copies of Kimberly Kinrade’s award winning Forbidden Series—a YA paranormal romance/thriller.

“…a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.” – Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

While light on sex (it is Young Adult after all) it’s packed full of romance and a fast-paced thrilling adventure. Think X-Men meets Dollhouse if Professor X has been an evil human trafficking geneticist.

Paranormal teens with unimaginable powers. An evil organization with deep secrets. When Sam, a girl who reads minds, meets a boy who controls minds, she discovers her future isn’t what she thought.

Together they must escape and free the others… or risk losing everything–and everyone–they love.

Learn more about Zoe Winters’s Preternatural Series here:

http://zoewintersbooks.com/books/

Book 1: Blood Lust

Book 2: Save My Soul

Book 3: The Catalyst

Book 4: Life Cycle

And more about Kimberly Kinrade’s Forbidden Series here:

http://kimberlykinrade.com/books/forbidden-series/

Book 1: Forbidden Mind

Book 2: Forbidden Fire

Book 3: Forbidden Life (coming Oct. 2, 2012)

About Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. Her favorite colors are rainbow and clear.

To receive updates on new releases from the author, send an email to: zoewintersbooks AT gmail DOT com with “Subscribe” in the subject line. Newsletters go out only when there is an actual new release or a big contest. Your inbox will not be cluttered, newsletters won’t go out more frequently than once a month, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

You can visit the author at: http://www.zoewintersbooks.com

Be sure also to visit http://www.theriantype.com for some fun supplemental material.

Twitter Page

Like her on Facebook

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Profile

About Kimberly Kinrade

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes all things paranormal and fantasy, including award-winning young adult and children’s books.

Visit her at http://KimberlyKInrade.com

Also visit http://IPIAcademy.com to participate in a fun fan-based site with swag and info on all things paranormal. You even get to be a secret agent!

Twitter Page

Like her on Facebook

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

 

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Kelly’s review of Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti

Consumed
Dark Protectors #4
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes You Mate For Life

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about–a man on the verge of losing his very humanity. . .

Sometimes You Mate To Stay Alive

For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising.

REVIEW:
As we begin Consumed we jump 10 years into the future after Hunted.  Katie is stilling dealing with the effects of the virus, but she has learned that she is good at hunting the werewolves that are created by the virus.  Katie has finally settled into her life, but the one thing she is missing is Jordan.  She has no illusions that Jordan will never be hers, he still sees her as a little kid.  But all of that is about to change.

Jordan has been fighting his feeling for Katie for years and years.  But now at the end of his time he realizes he needs to protect her from the monsters that she hunts, which means she needs protection from him too.

Really enjoyed Jordan & Katie’s story.  So much going on in this book.  So many twists and turns happening that will alter the future the characters.  I will say that I was just a little confused when I started to read until I realized that we jumped 10 years into the future.  Overall this was another great book by Rebecca.  I would suggest reading the books in order so that you have a better understanding of the world and the characters.

4 Hearts

Ursula’s review of A Bodyguard of Lies by Donna Del Oro

A Bodyguard of Lies
AUTHOR: Donna Del Oro
PUBLICATION DATE:   1-12-12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An FBI agent hunts for an infamous Nazi spy–and risks more than he bargained for.

Handsome FBI agent Jake Bernstein is recruited by MI5 to go undercover in England and Ireland and investigate a naturalized American grandmother. His task: Discover if she was the notorious Nazi spy, Hummingbird, who caused the deaths of thousands during World War II. His obstacles: A dangerous, Irish neo-Nazi organization, the woman’s lovely blond granddaughter, and sixty years’ worth of lies. His priority: Stay alive

REVIEW:
If you like history, then this is a must read book. The juxtaposition of past and present kept my interest for the entire story. At times, I almost wished they would stay in the past. All the action and details of what was going on in England in WWII was very fascinating to me.  I am not a person who has ever been overly interested in the history of WWII so for the author to have kept my interest means she did her job. The female spy was a cold hearted bitch. She was perfectly described and it was wonderful. You absolutely hated her. And in the present she isn’t much better.  Although the author manages to drum up some sympathy for her elderly, confused state, in my book it was too little too late. That bitch was clearly getting what she deserved.

As far as the present and the conflicts there, as the story went on, I was more and more intrigued. So intrigued in fact, that I didn’t mind when the author didn’t jump back to the WWII portion of the story.  I really was worried that the hero and heroine wouldn’t be able to solve their differences. I mean how do you reconcile the fact that the man you are falling in love with says your Grandma is a war criminal and wants to send her away for the rest of her life? Luckily they get it all figured out. I wouldn’t say exactly HEA but maybe a Happy As They Can Be. Read the book and you will see for yourself.

4 Hearts

Kelly’s review of West of Want by Laura Kaye

West of Want
Hearts of the Amenoi #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Recently divorced over her infertility and gravely injured, Ella still fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t saved him from betrayal and loss—worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt leads him to save her, but he vows not to get involved.

Ella’s honesty, empathy, and unique calming influence attract Zeph like no other, and he finds himself wanting…everything. Ella knows Zeph’s different and fears rejection, but falls for his otherworldly masculinity and ancient, sad blue eyes. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want—a love that can be trusted

REVIEW:
After almost losing her own life Ella finds herself face to face with a stranger.  A stranger that she is drawn to beyond explanation.  But Ella is a little gun shy she has been hurt in the past.  Trusted blindly and been burned.  So how can she learn to put her full trust into someone she just met?

Zephyros suffered betrayal and loss many times in his very, very long life.  So when he learns that he is the cause in almost killing a innocent human he does what ever it takes to protect her.  But Zeph never thought that he would fall for her.  But is he willing to put his heart on the line again?

Ella & Zephyros are two peas in a pod.  Both have suffered from loss and betrayal.  But can they both learn to trust each other blindly?  Because that trust is the only thing that will keep them safe from the Eastern storm that is heading their way.

West of Want is Laura Kaye’s 2nd book in her Hearts of the Anemio Series.  While I enjoyed this story I felt at times it was a little rushed.  I mean, I am all for the lust at first sight, but Ella really just jumps into this relationship with Zeph with both feet and never looking.  But other then that I really like this story a lot.  I love the world that Laura has created and I am looking forward to what is next for the Gods.

Kelly’s review of The Night Beat by Gini Koch

The Night Beat
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place — Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat

REVIEW:

A new book and a new series from the wonderful Gini Koch.  Okay I have to be honest.  This book was hard for me.  I am not sure if it is just the Urban Fantasy genre that messes with me.  But I have tried reading multiples of them in the last few months and I just have a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
That being said The Night Beat has all the classic Gini humor, twist, and bet you need to re-read that one more time moments.   If you are a Urban Fantasy fan I believe that you will love this book.  Gini Koch fans will surely enjoy this new book too.   I didn’t summarize the book, I felt the blurb gives you a great idea of what might or might not happen.  Please I know Gini lives spoiler free.  So it was hard for me to try to summarize without giving out spoilers.

Anya Bast’s Elemental Witches series

Witch Fire

Elemental Witches #1

by Anya Bast

Passion is all consuming…

Mira Hoskins doesn’t know she’s a natural-born witch who possesses the rare—and powerful—element of air. And she never expects to find herself tied to a mahogany bed frame, captive of a man who aches to fulfill her every desire and let loose the magick that dwells inside her.

Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAllister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drain witches of power…and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magick. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss—making seduction off-limits.

With Jack’s strong guidance, Mira is luring forth her inner magick. But his sense of duty is quickly swelling into insatiable hunger. He was warned about the natural attraction between air and fire. Now he risks being consumed by the woman he shouldn’t want—but can’t stay away from.

Witch Blood

Elemental Witches #2
by Anya Bast

Only lust burns hotter than revenge…

A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister—her only friend and emotional anchor—is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and its sacred rede: Harm ye none…

When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she’s running on pure rage and sorrow, channeling her pain into power—and trying to freeze the life out of a warlock she holds responsible for her sister’s death. Together, she and Thomas form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle’s dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had.

 

Witch Heart

Elemental Witches #3

by Anya Bast

Desire pulses within…

With a strange and powerful type of elemental magick, Claire isn’t destined to be a demon’s handmaiden. Yet this has been her fate since she was six, when her warlock mother brought her to Eudae. Now an adult, she’s about to discover her true power—and how far others are willing to go to take it away.

As part of a Coven mission, Adam Tyrell rescues Claire from her enslavement—and finds himself immediately taken with the beautiful witch. But this charming playboy soon learns that it’s easier to steal Claire from demons than win her heart, for her life as a servant has ravaged her spirit. But Adam’s determination to protect her from the warlocks who want to harness her magick for evil begins to weaken Claire’s resistance—and in the heat of danger they find themselves surrendering to the lure of their deepest desires.

Witch Fury 

Elemental Witches #4
by Anya Bast

Nothing’s worse than a warlock scorned…

Sarafina Connell is having the worst week of her life. It takes an even darker turn when an infamous playboy kidnaps her and reveals a world she never knew existed…

It’s a world where magick is real, and where Sarafina is given a chance to join a secret cabal that is bent on gaining absolute power. They could use a woman like her—a witch with an untapped gift for creating fire. But she isn’t about to get in league with the devil.

Rescued from her captors, Sarafina is introduced to a coven that is duty-bound to fight the forces of darkness. She’s pleased that her savior is the imposingly seductive Theo—until the trust between them goes up in flames. However, as the war between good and evil is waged, Sarafina and Theo realize they have no choice but to unite in the battle for supremacy—that’s getting hotter by the minute.

 

Micah’s Magick 

Elemental Witches #4.1
by Anya Bast

This is a free, follow-up short story to the national bestselling Elemental Witches series (Witch Fire, Witch Blood, Witch Heart, Witch Fury). It gives a happily-ever-after storyline to Micah, a character beloved by the readers of the series.

CONTAINS SPOILERS. Do not read this short story before you read Witch Fury, the final book of the Elemental Witches series..