Spotlight feature of Tempted by His Touch box set

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A boxed set with ten sizzling historical romances from ten bestselling historical romance authors. Fall in love with fabulous tales of intrigue, suspense, wit, and passion featuring dukes, rogues, alpha heroes…and the women who can’t resist them. JUST 99 CENTS from July 27 – Sept. 21—then it disappears FOREVER!

Scoundrel Ever After by Darcy Burke – Once upon a time there was a very bad boy who met a very nice girl….

Lady of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle – Educating a man in the art of love takes time. Lots of it.

Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson – Passion and secrets simmer against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity.

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans – What’s a lady to do when a notorious rake wins her estate in a game of cards?

Undone by Lila DiPasqua – One steamy, emotionally charged retelling of Rapunzel…Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning…

The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke – Elizabeth Spencer needs a man. She doesn’t need to like him—because while she needs a man, she doesn’t particularly want one.

A Dangerous Invitation by Erica Monroe – Daniel O’Reilly returns to win back Kate Morgan’s heart and prove he’s innocent of murder.

Once Upon a Duke by Eva Devon – A widow looking to get seduced. A duke more than willing to oblige.

Great & Unfortunate Desires by Gina Danna – A marquis with a guilty past takes a bride in a world where love is fatal.

Dark Surrender By Erica Ridley – Trapped in darkness…. Their passion burns bright!

How about a little peek into ONCE UPON A DUKE
Everything is going swimmingly for Kathryn Darrell. She’s got an annuity of a hundred thousand a year, her lecherous-heart breaking husband has had the good graces to pop off, and best of all, she has her freedom—something she has every intention of reveling in to the fullest. And who better to revel with than Ryder Blake, the infamous Duke of Darkwell?
Excerpt from Eva Devon’s ONCE UPON A DUKE (Used with permission © Eva Devon 2014)
If she could only get him alone, perhaps they could truly talk again and more. It was so strange. There were many men here tonight, but only the duke’s presence awakened her excitement.
She glanced towards the hallway. “Your touch is quite provocative,” she said, in a low tone. “Particularly your mouth,” she added, amazed at her own wanton words.
Her comment met with stony silence, and she took a small step forward, determined not to let him send her off again. “This time, I intend to return the favor.”
 
 

 

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burke-35-small2 About Darcy Burke:

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and two Bengal cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Find out more about Darcy and her books here:  WebsiteFacebookTwitter GoodreadsNewsletter

 

About Bronwen Evans:bronwen-evans

USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 201,2 and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

Find out more about Bronwen and her books here: Website Facebook TwitterGoodreads| Newsletter: sign up at the top of Bronwen’s website

 

liladipasquaAbout Lila DiPasqua:

Lila DiPasqua is a multi-published, national bestselling author of historical romance with heat. Her novels are published by Penguin/Berkley, as well as having self-published works.

She is best known for her critically acclaimed Fiery Tales series. Her books have been featured on Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.

She lives with her husband and three children in Canada and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after.

Find out more about Lila and her books here: Website | Facebook Twitter Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up on the sidebar of Lila’s website

 

About Delilah Marvelle:DElilah Marvelle pic (1)

Delilah Marvelle is the winner of the Reviewer’s Choice for Best Sensual Historical Romance of the Year and had Booklist name her historical romance ‘Forever and a Day’ one of the TOP 10 Romances of the year. When she isn’t writing, she’s digging through inappropriate research books that include anything in history having to do with courtesans, brothels, sexual contraptions that were never properly used and other fascinating forms of dirty history that didn’t make it into college textbooks. She includes all of her research in her books to ensure countless hours of entertainment and continues to take pride in knowing more about dirty history than most people feel comfortable with.

Find out more about Delilah and her books here: Website |Facebook TwitterGoodreads Newsletter

 

erica_webtransAbout Erica Ridley:

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

She is the author of three Gothic romances, Too Wicked to Kiss, Too Sinful to Deny and Dark Surrender, the vampire romance “Never Been Bitten” in the paranormal romance anthology Born To Bite, contemporary paranormal romances Charmed and Midwinter Magic, and the holiday fantasy romance Let It Snow.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: WebsiteFacebook TwitterGoodreads | Newsletter

 

About Emma Locke:6749632 (1)

Emma Locke is a writer and engineer living in the Pacific Northwest, where she loves hiking with her dog, hot yoga and riding out the annual 330 days of rain. Hiking and yoga give her time to plot, the lack of sun makes for perfect writing weather, and as for her day job, the dichotomy seems to work: her analytic side ensures her passionate, satisfying love stories don’t mulch under her bed, and her author side forces her to keep writing more.

Find out more about Emma and her books here: Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up at the bottom of Emma’s website

 

7141882About Gina Danna:

Gina has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play.

Find out more about Gina and her books here: Website FacebookTwitterGoodreads

 

About Erica Monroe:7280359

Erica Monroe is a bestselling author of emotional, suspenseful romance. Though she has a Bachelor’s degree in writing, she’s been a secretary, a barista, and a retail assistant. Now Erica spends her days crafting lovable rogues and feisty heroines for her historical and new adult series. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina, and the Beau Monde Regency Romance chapter. When not writing, she is a chronic TV watcher, sci-fi junkie, lover of pit bulls, and shoe fashionista. She lives in the suburbs of North Carolina with her husband, two dogs, and a cat.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: WebsiteFacebook | TwitterGoodreads | Newsletter: sign up on Erica’s website sidebar

 

About Eva Devon:

Author of sexy and laugh out loud funny Regencies, I’m also Maire Claremont, creator of dark and angsty Victorians!

Find out more about Eva and her books here: Website | Facebook Twitter | Goodreads Newsletter

 

About Anthea Lawson:2436762

Anthea Lawson, called “a new star of Historical Romance” by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

Find out more about Anthea and her books here: WebsiteFacebook Twitter GoodreadNewsletter

 

 Follow the whole tour HERE

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

 Grand prize: iPad Mini (16GB) with surprise bonus print books [Open to US/CA]

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Gold-Diggers, Gamblers and Guns by Ellen Mansoor Collier

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JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM:

TIPS FOR RESEARCHING HISTORICAL NOVELS

By Ellen Mansoor Collier,

Author of the Jazz Age Mystery Trilogy

Researching historical novels can be both exciting and exhausting: exciting because you never know when you might uncover fascinating facts and tidbits that you can use in your novel, but also exhausting because there’s the chance of “overkill” (especially in a mystery). You don’t want your novel to sound like a history book, but you do want it to be realistic and accurate. Often it’s hard to let go of research since interesting new information may suddenly surface on the next page. Give yourself a deadline so you can stop researching and start writing.

As a journalist, I prefer reality-based stories because I feel like I’m learning something new while I’m reading and researching. However, don’t limit yourself to Internet research: I dug up old newspapers, magazines, postcards, photographs, yearbooks, store catalogs, even menus to get a feel for the era. If possible, try to visit the area and locate buildings and places that can serve as backdrops for different scenes, or even inspire new ideas.

At first, I used to go overboard doing research, like a typical journalist: At the Rosenberg library, I pored over endless copies of The Galveston Daily News, reading old stories and looking for headlines to fit each chapter. I pulled out original lay-outs of trolley car lines to make sure the trolley stops and routes were accurate. Sadly, many of the landmarks mentioned in my novels are gone so I spent hours looking for old photographs, including ones of mob-owned speakeasies like the Turf Club and the Hollywood Dinner Club. Finally, after much time and frustration, I realized that readers mainly want a sense of the time and place—they don’t need a blow-by-blow description or blueprint of actual places or events.

To give your readers a backstory or introduction, you may want to include a short preface, as I did in my “Jazz Age” historical mystery series, set during Prohibition in 1920s Galveston, Texas. While researching FLAPPERS, I was intrigued when I found out that Al Capone tried to muscle in on Galveston’s gangs. I included this fun fact in the preface to show the powerful reach and reputation of Galveston’s gangsters, little known outside of Texas.

I enjoyed watching old silent movies, period dramas and documentaries, especially noir films featuring gangsters and mobsters, noting the settings (furniture, lamps, clothing, music, etc.) and jotted down expressions and bits of conversation.  When writing dialogue, be careful not to use too much slang because it can sound corny and outdated. (I admit, I’m guilty of overusing “Jazz Age” sayings so I included a glossary of slang in the back of my novels.)

While researching BATHING BEAUTIES, I was delighted to find old news clips of the actual parade down Seawall Boulevard with the pretty contestants twirling and posing for the cameras—many standing precariously in open cars!  Of course I studied the infamous yard-long black-and-white photographs of the bathing beauties lined up by the Seawall, but was careful not to use their real names since several were involved in some dangerous deeds.

Since I write about real people (and gangsters), I have to be careful not to write anything too offensive or incriminating since much of the information was undocumented.  A disclaimer can usually cover the bases and prove sufficient.

In GOLD DIGGERS And GAMBLERS, my main villain was an actual mobster named Johnny Jack Nounes, who headed the Downtown Gang in Galveston.  Little was known of his personality and shenanigans other than he was a flamboyant, reckless con man who once partnered with Al Capone’s right-hand henchman, Frank Nitti. So I played up that fact, creating a larger-than-life persona for the brazen gang leader. Much of the ending takes place at the Galveston Yacht Club that I  created, based on old photographs of actual yacht clubs in similar locales. The booze drop occurs at the actual spot called Rum Row off the coast, where rum-runners and bootleggers liked to deposit their contraband cargo.

To save time, you can always ask a local librarian or historian to help confirm or track down certain facts, as well as provide additional data and materials. Newspaperarchives.com is a vital research tool, although the old print can be hard to read. Good luck.

About the Author:

Ellen-picture-deco-croppedEllen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of national magazines. Several of her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World. During college summers, she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine and as president of WICI (Women in Communications).

FLAPPERS, FLASKS AND FOUL PLAY is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, BATHING BEAUTIES, BOOZE AND BULLETS, released in May 2013. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper’s life in Galveston during Prohibition.”

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During Prohibition, Galveston Island was called the “Free State of Galveston” due to its lax laws and laissez-faire attitude toward gambling, gals and bootlegging. Young society reporter Jasmine (Jazz) Cross longs to cover hard news, but she’s stuck between two clashing cultures: the world of gossip and glamour vs. gangsters and gamblers.

After Downtown Gang leader Johnny Jack Nounes is released from jail, all hell breaks loose: Prohibition Agent James Burton’s life is threatened and he must go into hiding for his own safety. But when he’s framed for murder, he and Jazz work together to prove his innocence. Johnny Jack blames her half-brother Sammy Cook, owner of the Oasis speakeasy, for his arrest and forces him to work overtime in a variety of dangerous mob jobs as punishment.

When a bookie is murdered, Jazz looks for clues linking the two murders and delves deeper into the underworld of gambling: poker games, slot machines and horse-racing. Meanwhile, Jazz tries to keep both Burton and her brother safe, and alive, while they face off against each other, as well as a common enemy. A soft-boiled mystery inspired by actual events.

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Kissin’ the week of July 21st to July 26th Goodbye

7.21.14

Character Interview with Amanda McIntye & Tour Wide Giveaway 

Natasha reviews Legend by Marie Lu

Kelly & Kimberly review Desired by Stacey Kennedy

7.22.14

Interview & Giveaway with Jennifer Estep

Release Day Blitz with Stacey Kennedy + a giveaway 

Kimberly reviews Shifter’s Claim part 3 by A.C. Arthur

Natasha reviews Prodigy by Marie Lu

What releases the week of July 21st? Check here!

7.23.14

Natasha reviews Champion by Marie Lu

Kelly reviews Shattered by Kevin Hearne

7.24.14

Spotlight feature of Jennifer Apodaca’s Her Temporary Hero + a tour wide giveaway

Natasha reviews Vanished by Kendra Elliot

Natasha reviews Burn by Julianna Baggott

Thursday’s Thought…

7.25.14

Jennifer reviews Autumn In The Vineyard by Marina Adair

Jennifer reviews Talk Dirty To Me by Dakota Cassidy

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

7.26.14

SINsational Saturday Series

 Skye Jordan’s Renegade series

Skye Jordan’s Renegades series

Reckless

Renegades #1

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A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker makes Lexi realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success and one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life. When that touch fills far more than just Lexi’s physical needs, she finds herself torn between the career she needs and the bad-boy she craves.

Jax Chamberlin gave up the superficial life of acting for the thrill of running his own stunt company years ago. But a recent betrayal proves he’s still too close to the limelight to find a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping-stone to success. When the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle, and Jax isn’t willing to change his ways. Especially not when he discovers who she really is. Because if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the other gold-diggers. And this time, it’s not just his bad-boy reputation at risk, but his heart, too

*****

Rebel

Renegades #2

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Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

*****

Ricochet

Renegades #3

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After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to the first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.

Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

wildirisWelcome to my tour stop for Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne. This is an adult contemporary romance published by Harlequin.

The tour runs July 21-31 with reviews, author interviews and guest posts.

Make sure to check out the Tour Page & Schedule.

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Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

Release: July 2014

Imprint: Harlequin HQN

ISBN: 978-0-373-77859-1

Pages: 352

Description:

A big-city, high-powered advertising executive and a small-town firefighter learn that no matter where you started or what you’ve lost, if you open your heart, you can find joy and love again. WILD IRIS RIDGE is the latest book inUSA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne’s charming Hope’s Crossing series.

Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common.And it’s likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan’s late wife, Jessie—and Lucy’s best friend—who’d brought them together in the first place. And since Jesse’s passing, Brendan’s been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he’ll steer clear of her. She’s always been trouble with a capital T.

Lucy couldn’t wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she’s back in Hope’s Crossing to take care of the Queen Anne home her late aunt has left her, she figures seeing Brendan Caine again is no big deal. After all, she’d managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering…

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | The Book Depository

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Best-selling author RaeAnne Thayne

Author bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. This led her to a fifteen-year career in journalismas a newspaper reporter and editor. But through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best, romance, and has since published more than 40 titles. RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains, where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website,RaeAnneThayne.com.

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Giveaway:

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Jennifer’s Review of Wild Iris Ridge

Review (4.5 Stars): I love small town romances and the Hope’s Crossing series is one of my favorites.  In Wild Iris Ridge, Lucy Drake has come home to pick up the pieces of her life after losing her aunt and her high-paying advertising  job in Seattle.  She has a plan to renovate her aunt’s home into a bed and breakfast and then hire someone to run it while she returns to the big city to try to achieve her career goals.  What she finds in Hope’s Crossing is a lot of memories and the one man who she can’t stand to be around, Brendan Caine.  Brendan was married to Lucy’s best friend, Jessie, and even though they have known each other a long time, they can’t forget the one night where they shared a special kiss before he met Jessie. Now, they have the opportunity to see what happens when fate keeps putting them together for a second opportunity to rekindle the flames of that special night.

Wild Iris Ridge is a well-written romantic tale about two lonely people who find a chance at love when they feel they have lost so much in their lives. I love how honest and genuine these characters are and I think that this is one of my favorite couples in the series. Lucy and Brendan are both trying to rebuild their lives after loss and I couldn’t help but want them to find their happy ending together.  I’m a little sad to see that this is the final book in the series but I’m looking forward to Ms. Thayne’s new romance series that is due out later this year.

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Spotlight feature of Jennifer Apodaca’s Her Temporary Hero + a tour wide giveaway

Her Temporary Hero

by Jennifer Apodaca

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Former beauty queen Becky Holmes and her baby are on the run from her dangerous ex. With her dreams of love and marriage destroyed, she’ll do anything to protect her child…even agree to hide out in her boss’s cousin’s house while he’s away.

Wealthy, sexy, and emotionally haunted Logan Knight needs a temporary wife to get his land, per his dad’s rules. No wife, no inheritance. But when that wife lands on his doorstep and comes with a baby, his darkest memories are triggered. He tries to keep his distance, but his efforts are shattered when he starts to have real feelings for his fake wife and child.

Just as Logan begins to think he may have a future with Becky, his attempt to have it all backfires into a betrayal that forces Becky into a heart-wrenching choice no woman should ever have to make.

 

jenniferapodacaAbout the Author: Jennifer Apodaca is an award-winning author and an unrepentant coffee-and-book addict. She’s written mysteries, romances, paranormals and grocery lists under the names of Jennifer Lyon and Jennifer Apodaca. She loves creating powerfully sexy alpha heroes and the heroines who tame them.   You can learn more about Jennifer and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @JenniferLyon | Goodreads

Learn more about Entangled Indulgence here: Facebook | Twitter: @IndulgenceBooks | Steals and Deals

Make sure to check out all the stops on Jennifer’s tour HERE

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Release Day Blitz for Stacey Kennedy’s Desired + a giveaway

Happy Release Day to Stacey Kennedy on book 3 of her Club Sin Series. Please read on to learn more about Stacey and Desired.  

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staceykennedyA little about Stacey:

STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy.

Website  | Facebook Twitter @Stacey_KennedyLoveswept website

 

*****

DESIRED

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Publisher: Loveswept (Random House Publishing Group)

ISBN: 9780553391183

Release date: July 22, 2014

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“Characters you care about in a fast-paced story . . . one heck of a sexy read!”—New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black

Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey are sure to love Desired, Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.

Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Desired is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

DESIRED EXCERPT: (used with permission from Stacey Kennedy © Stacey Kennedy 2014)

Forgive me.

Ella’s shoulders slumped and she sighed at her phone. Laughter and joy surrounded her, music and happiness, but her stomach plummeted as she read her husband, Rory Snow’s text. When would he give up? Didn’t a domestic violence protection order say This relationship is over?

As the band played a slow song, she ran her fingers over the scar by her right eye. The mark was a constant reminder of Rory. Every day she looked in the mirror she saw it and thought of him.

All she wanted was to forget. Heck, she’d been doing exactly that. Rory was the jackass who couldn’t let it go. Ella knew she should probably call the Savannah police department to inform them that Rory was contacting her, but she was so damn tired of it all. She had moved on and put Rory into her past of big mistakes.

She’d hoped Rory would do the same.

That didn’t look like it was going to happen anytime soon.

With a grumble, she slipped her phone into her dress pocket and zipped it closed. She scanned through the crowd on the dance floor and her gaze landed on the bride. Aidan’s new wife was beautiful. Thin and elegant, Cora belonged on a magazine cover.

Ella’s heart twisted in the midst of memories of her wedding. Her day hadn’t been so lavish. Rory hadn’t rented out an entire resort at Lake Las Vegas for the event, ensuring their guests had a place to stay. Her wedding had cost all of two thousand dollars, but it had been enough for her.

She’d loved the high school sweetheart she’d met when she was fifteen and married five years later. Had loved him. Right up until Rory started drinking and drowning himself in booze.

Sober Rory was a good man.

Drunk Rory had a violent side.

That violence had shoved Ella face-first into a table. The night she’d got the stitches was the night she’d walked away from him. Six months later, she had left her life in Savannah. She moved to Vegas for the excitement, landing herself an amazing job at Knight Law Firm, working as the assistant for a highly respected defense attorney.

Ella enjoyed working for Aidan, and actually liked him as a person, too. He paid her almost triple what she had made in Savannah. Her professional life couldn’t get any better. It was the personal side of things that remained murky.

As she watched Aidan twirl his new wife around, dancing proudly for all to see, Ella tried to find her smile, but it remained hidden behind pain. Even if ten months had gone by since the night of the abuse, she couldn’t ignore the dark thoughts and her failed marriage.

It took six months to find the courage to file divorce papers, and another four months since leaving Savannah to pull herself together again, but she was over Rory in every sense of the word. She refused to let him ruin this special occasion. Grabbing her wineglass, she downed the remaining contents.

Tonight she hoped for a little liquid happiness.

When she lowered her glass to the table, a tingling sensation spread across her skin. Lifting her head, she gazed across the patio, and sitting at one of the patio sets was one of Aidan’s groomsmen. She’d never seen him before today, but that wasn’t a huge surprise, since she didn’t know most of the people at the wedding.

Except for a bunch of lawyers from the firm and Aidan’s parents, everyone else was a stranger. Aidan never mixed pleasure with business, and in the four months she had worked for him, she’d never met a single friend of his. Heck, she hadn’t known Aidan was dating. One day she’d thought he was single; the next he told her he was getting married.

Oddly enough, she was drawn to Aidan’s groomsman. Staring into his warm blue eyes, pins and needles and other sensitive feelings traveled up her body, settling between her thighs. She squirmed against her seat, avoiding the heat, and the side of his mouth curved. Her heart tripped and she glanced to her high-heeled shoe dangling off her toe.

Geebus, if he didn’t stop looking at her with those piercing eyes, she would combust. All night he’d been sneaking glances at her. They weren’t simple interested looks, either; they were outright assaults on her hormones. But a man’s attention was the last thing she was looking for.

No, thank you.

When she still sensed his gaze, she peeked to discover she wasn’t wrong. His intense stare was right on her. The power of it sucked the air from her lungs. Though she’d never believed in lust at first sight, perhaps it was because she had never experienced it.

Whoever he was, he was hot!

“More wine, miss?”

Ella gasped, looking up to the waitress standing next to her holding a bottle of white wine. She gave a shaky laugh. “To the top, please.”

The waitress smiled, filling the glass to the rim. “Why aren’t you dancing?”

“I look like a dying fish when I dance,” Ella said with a laugh. “I have two left feet.”

“We’ll need to work on that, won’t we?”

The waitress was looking over Ella’s shoulder with wide eyes. And something in that masculine voice made Ella stiffen in her seat. The tone was low and seductive, but mischievous all the same.

Then he was there.

The groomsman who’d been staring at her from across the patio now stood in front of her. Ella’s mind went blank. He smelled of sandalwood, and the rich scent puckered her nipples. From afar she thought he had blue eyes, but up close she realized they were a blue-green color. Pretty. In fact, the whole package was beautiful, especially covered in the tux.

He leaned down toward her and offered his hand. His messily styled light brown hair dangled over his forehead. He was tall, much taller than she, and he filled out his tux nicely.

Hell’s bells!

“Dance with me,” he said.

Ella quivered under his clever smile, and a slow heat slid through her. He happened to be one of the hottest guys she’d ever seen. Well, in person and not on some magazine she figured was Photoshopped. Though, hot or not, there was still a problem. “I’m sorry, but I can’t dance.”

“Everyone can dance.” His potent stare held hers and his hand never lowered. “It’s all about who is leading.”

Persistent sexy man.

Under his intense scrutiny her insides went mushy. The power this man exuded burned through her, reminding her she hadn’t felt this way in a long time. The attraction was intoxicating, and something needy inside her unfurled, yearning to explore it.

No, her mind argued.

At her pause, one sleek brow arched. “If you wait any longer to take my hand, you might give me a complex.”

The waitress hadn’t moved, watching the exchange. Even if Ella hated dancing and wasn’t looking for a relationship, she couldn’t refuse the urge to be squished up against him. Besides, what was a dance? This hunk was the perfect way to get her mind off Rory and onto something a lot better.

As she rose and slid her fingers into his warm grip, his gaze remained on hers. Heat stormed into her, spiraling low in her body with a wicked thud. She didn’t doubt that smile got him into many women’s beds.

It had power and charm.

He tightened his fingers around hers, and something passed in the air between them, so hot and so damn unforgettable, her body all but liquefied. He tugged her closer and she felt something odd inside awaken, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Something she wanted to lose herself in.

A sensation that made her mind shut off.

He led her into the middle of the crowd on the dance floor, pulling her tight against him as if she belonged right there in his arms. He had no hesitation about placing his hand low on her back, quite close to her bottom, and sandwiching their bodies together.

Ella swallowed and avoided his gaze, staring at the band as they played a classic song. She wasn’t blind to the glaringly obvious fact that the groomsman had an erection. She thought she should be offended or something, but found herself fighting against the desire to rub against him.

“Ella, right?”

She cleared her throat, angling her head. His face was chiseled and smooth, but his eyes were what made this man sexy. They held mischief with a sense of confidence. “Yes, and you would be?”

“Kyler Morgan.”

Of course, the sexy man came with a sexy name. She swayed her hips, trying to follow his movements, only feeling more uncomfortable. Not a second later, she stepped on his foot. “Oh, shit!”

He chuckled. “It’s a foot. I’ve got two, so it’s okay.” He pressed his hand tighter against her back, erasing the distance. Then he shook their clasped hands. “Stop fighting me. Relax.”

Ella sighed. I suck at this!

He leaned down, placing his mouth near her ear, and whispered, “So you work for Aidan, yes?”

His voice raised goose bumps across her flesh, and she shivered. “Yes.” She glanced to the others on the dance floor. It pleased her that no one was watching her horrible dancing skills. Then she stared up into Kyler’s handsome face, since he didn’t allow her any room to do otherwise. “Since you’re Aidan’s groomsman, you must be a good friend.”

A low noise hummed in his throat, and the sound spoke to her on a level she couldn’t have anticipated. It warmed her from head to toe, and her muscles went lax. His fingers slid across her lower back, squeezing her against him, and the heat of his touch burned to her core. “Been good friends for a long time now.”

Good grief, the man seemed not to care they were strangers. He touched her as if they were well acquainted. In the midst of that confidence, Ella forgot the world around her. Her mind focused on him and the way he moved her across the dance floor.

He continued to guide her movements and never once took his eyes off her. “I didn’t see a date with you tonight. Are you unattached?”

Her insides somersaulted with his question, as he appeared interested in finding out if anyone stood in his way. She pondered whether to spill out the details that she was in the process of getting divorced and not looking for another relationship. Well, she would be if Rory’s lawyer stopped dragging his feet. But why tell that depressing shit to a smoking-hot man sandwiching her against the hard planes of his body? “Nope, not attached.”

His chin dipped, bringing his mouth within centimeters of hers. “A good thing for me, Ella, since I’m enjoying this.” The music soared through the air, and as her hips swayed with his, his erection pressed against her stomach.

Trapped in his intense gaze, her body flushed as desire simmered. Holy Jesus, she hadn’t felt this aroused in the presence of a man. No one had ever made her burn with a dance, a look, or the sound of his voice.

Ever.

Kyler’s mouth twitched as he ran his thumb over the top of her hand. “See, sweetheart, you can dance.”

She blinked, realizing she had completely relaxed in his hold, and he was moving her around the dance floor, effortlessly. She leaned in to him, consumed by the strength of his hold. “Apparently, you’re a good teacher.”

He winked. “You bet your pretty little ass I am.”

 
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Interview & giveaway with Jennifer Estep

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful Jennifer Estep to the blog today to chat about being author, life and her newest release Poison Promise (Elemental Assassin)

Jennifer Estep author photo.Jennifer, can you please share with us a little about yourself

JE: My name is Jennifer Estep, and I’m the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

JE: My mom used to take me to the library every Saturday when I was a kid, so that’s how I fell in love with books and reading in the first place. So I think wanting to write my own stories and be an author grew out of that love of books and reading.

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

JE: Some of my favorite writers are Robin McKinley, Donald Westlake, David Eddings, Ian Fleming, Lisa Kleypas, and too many others to name.

Every time I read a really great book, it always inspires me, and I hope that I can write something just as good one day.

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

JE: I’ve always enjoyed fantasy stories and strong heroines, so writing urban fantasy seemed like a natural fit for the kind of stories that I wanted to tell. I also write young adult and paranormal romance.

I have ideas for books in different genres, and I’d love to write a western or a heist book someday. But I will probably always write urban fantasy just because I enjoy it so much.

What are some of your writing rituals?

JE: I know a lot of authors listen to music while they write, but I don’t do that. It’s just me and my computer with no distractions. I always joke that the only thing I need to write is dead silence. LOL.

Poison Promise - cover imageCan you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

JE: Poison Promise, the 11th book in my Elemental Assassin series, will be released on July 22. My heroine Gin Blanco has to protect someone who witnesses a horrific crime, so there’s a lot of magic, action, and adventure in the book. I hope everyone has as much fun reading the book as I did writing it.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

JE: Many times in the series, Gin finds herself getting into trouble because she’s trying to protect her friends and family, and that’s what happens in Poison Promise as well. Being a protector and watching out for people is one of the core things that drives Gin, so it sort of naturally leads to a lot of story ideas.

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

JE: Right now, I’m working on Black Widow, the 12th book in my Elemental Assassin series which will be published on Nov. 25.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

JE: In the first chapter of Poison Promise, Gin gets into a fight with a couple of vampires.

What would you be if you were not an author?

JE: Good question! I would probably still do something book-related, like be a librarian or work in a bookstore.

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

JE: I have about 40 books waiting in my TBR pile, so I’m looking forward to catching up on books/series by Katie McGarry, Sarah J. Maas, Alex Bledsoe, Scott Lynch, and several other authors.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

JE: Thanks for hosting me on your blog! I appreciate it.

If folks want more info on my books, they can check out my website at www.jenniferestep.com or follow me on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Happy reading, everyone!

Jennifer Estep author photo.A little more about Jennifer:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. Spider’s BiteWeb of LiesVenomTangled ThreadsSpider’s RevengeBy a ThreadWidow’s Web,Deadly StingHeart of VenomThe Spider, and Poison Promise, along with the e-shorts Thread of Death, Parlor Tricks, andKiss of Venom, are the other titles in her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. The Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series are her other works. For more on Jennifer and her books, visit JenniferEstep.com and @Jennifer_Estep.

Find Jennifer here: Website Blog | FacebookTwitter (@Jennifer_Estep) | Goodreads

 

 

 

*****

Poison Promise

Poison Promise - cover image

Pub Date:   07/22/14

Amazon | B&N | BAM| Indie Bound Simon & Schuster

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).
Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

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Amanda McIntyre interview with Inspector Mansfield

“Book boyfriends”—we all have fantasized about them at one time. Haven’t you thought about what it would be like to corner them for just a few minutes and have your wicked way with them? (Of course, I’m referring to all those questions you have burning inside to ask!!) Recently, I did exactly that with Inspector Randolph Mansfield, the dark, tall and handsome (did I say mysterious) member of Scotland yard’s elite criminal investigations unit.

Imagine if you will, a quiet English pub at the edge of town. The rich scent of leather and ale permeates the air, the small polished wood tables tucked discreetly in the shadowy interior, gleam under the glow of candles lit recently to diminish the dank, rainy day. The bartender smiles as I enter and nods towards a table in the back. There sits my interview, his tweed jacket flopped hastily over one of the chairs. His long legs, stretched out in front of him, ankles crossed as he studies a newspaper left behind, gives the impression that he is a man without a care in the world. He peers over the paper and pushes to his feet.

Inspector Randolph; thank you for meeting me here. It’s quite lovely, though a little difficult to find. Shall I call you Inspector Randolph, or Mr. Mansfield?

“Inspector Mansfield, will do.” He folds the paper and lays it aside, his dark brown eyes steady on me.

I clear my throat. “Inspector, I understand that you’re investigating a potential serial killer on the loose in London?”

He sighs and rakes a hand through his dark, wavy hair. “ I cannot confirm or deny that rumor and to date, it is no more than that.”

“But I just spoke to Miss Goodwin the other day and she said—“

“Miss Goodwin would do well to keep her thoughts on the matter to herself.” He responded glancing out the window before turning his attention back to me. “Please keep that betwixt us.”

“Indeed, can you tell me if Miss Goodwin is working with you on this case?”

He directs a tolerant look at me. “Scotland Yard and the CID are handling all cases pertaining to London, madam.”

“Well, perhaps we should speak on another less sensitive topic.”

He never blinked. Those mysterious, obsidian eyes held secrets I suspected far deeper than what I could gain from this interview. “How long have you been with the Yard, sir?”

He thought for a moment. “All of my life, it seems. I began as an errand boy of sorts. Worked my way up through the ranks.”

“You seem very dedicated to your work.”

“I am. And before you ask why that is, I will tell you it stems from a deep sense of justice for those who violate the law.”

“That is to say you have a strong belief in what is right and wrong, then?”

The corner of his mouth quirked. “What is legal is not to be confused with morality. The two may meet now and again, but morality is primarily based on judgment. My job is to uphold the law.”

“That’s a mysterious answer, Inspector. Almost as though you are alluding to some type of admission. Is there a secret part of you that the public is not aware of?”

He took a sip of what I garner was brandy in his glass. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask if you’d like something to take the chill off.” He glanced at me.

Even my rudimentary reporting skills tell me that his side-step of my question affirms that there is much more to the Inspector than he leads on.

“You’re a very interesting man, sir. I suspicion there is much more to you than meets the eye.”

He chuckles. “Perhaps you are right. Don’t we all carry a little secret side of ourselves?”

“I suspect. Does Miss Goodwin know of this “secret side” of you, Inspector?”

He stood suddenly and shrugged into his jacket. “Miss Goodwin and I have an understanding. She aspires to delve into investigative reporting and I must say, she has the stubborn tenacity to do so. However, I intend to prove to her that she may be not be as well versed in her investigation skills as she might think.”

My curiosity grows, but I know I have little time left with the Inspector. Something I’ve said and I daresay it pertains to Miss Goodwin has clearly touched a nerve in the Inspector. “Can you tell me sir, how you plan to do this—prove something to Miss Goodwin, I mean.”

“Let’s just say that I will use whatever connections I have to protect the public, and that includes the beautiful, thought stubbornly willful Miss Goodwin. Now, I must excuse myself, there is work to do.”

“Like finding a serial killer?”  I ask.

The comment stopped him in his tracks. “Amongst other things. I must ask, madam, are all American women as tenacious?”

“You’re comparing me to Miss Goodwin in that respect?” I smiled. “Only when we’re after something we truly want.”

That tempting mouth, enhanced by the shadowy scruff of a day old beard gifted me with an even smile though it did not reach his gorgeous eyes. “Strange, that is exactly what Miss Goodwin said when I asked her to leave this investigation to me.”

I quirked my brow.

“Which means I will need to be even more firm in my resolve.”

I thought a moment about the two of them going head to head against one another. “Inspector, if you pardon the observation. It would seem that the stubbornness is quite evenly matched between you two. That, coupled with driven tenacity, is an explosive combination. One that can either kill a man, or bring him to his knees.”

He returns to me, leaning down to look at me directly, the air around us stagnates. “I can be very persuasive, madam.”

And so the interview ended and I watched him cross the street and with a purposeful stride make haste around the corner. I didn’t know whether to feel sorry or be jealous of Miss Goodwin’s fate.

~*~ 

*****


The Dark Seduction Of Miss Jane

Amanda McIntyre

The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane Book Cover

A scandalous betrayal sets Miss Jane Goodwin on an unexpected journey to London to pursue her dream of being the first female investigative journalist, but she soon finds herself in a hotbed of murder and controversy. Seduced by the passions of a mysterious lover and stalked by a madman, tensions mount as Jane falls prey to her desires, only to discover a deadly secret that threatens more than just her trust in men.

Inspector Randolph Mansfield is one of Scotland Yard’s elite, battling the dark secrets of his past while trying to solve a rash of grisly murders threatening to mar Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. His respite is the anonymity he finds in the decadence of a private gentleman’s club, until a determined American journalist goes undercover in search of her stalker and he finds the lines between protection and passion blurred. But as tensions heat and her life is threatened, he must choose whether to reveal his true identity at the risk of losing her trust and his career.

Available for purchase at
   

 

 Excerpt:
My parents believed that women should be independent and
capable. What is your thinking along those lines, Mr. Hampton?” she asked,
purposely goading him.
He emitted a long-suffering sigh. “I do find a capable woman
refreshing, Miss Goodwin. I have no qualms with a woman who wishes to be
independent and, moreover, isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”
She slid him a glance. “Indeed, I think your aunt is
correct. You are a charmer.”
He shrugged. “A woman can profess to be independent in many
things, but there are still times when a man’s involvement is necessary.”
“That is quite enough, Wesley Hampton,” his aunt spoke.
“Name one,” Jane fired back as she crossed her arms.
“Jane!” Isabella turned in her chair and pinned Jane with a
shocked expression.
Wesley’s mouth curled into a wicked smile. He lifted his
brow and set down his cup. “A conversation left to another day
 

About The Author: 

Amanda McIntyre grew up the daughter of a father who was a distributor for a New York magazine publishing firm, and usually had her nose stuck in the latest issue of Vampirella magazine or a Hitchcock Mystery paperback. She has been called  “a true artist in the writing realm’ and her zest for life inspires her “character-driven” stories. Her passion is to take ordinary people and place them in extraordinary situations. She is a best-selling, multi-genre hybrid author and has received numerous awards and nominations for her work. Amanda is published internationally, in audio, e-book and in print. She currently writes sizzling contemporary cowboy romance and is about to release her first historical erotic thriller.

You can find Amanda here:
         
Giveaway
$100 Gift Card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble
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Book Spotlight & Review: Fatal Fortune by Victoria Laurie

317_Fatal_Fortune

When police show Abby surveillance video of her best friend and business partner, Candice Fusco, shooting a man in cold blood, she can’t believe her eyes. And when the cops tell her they think the victim has ties to the Mob—and perhaps Candice does too—she can’t believe her ears. Surely there is a logical explanation. But Candice is nowhere to be found.
Abby decides the only way to find out the truth is to go to Vegas herself—which may be the biggest gamble of her life. Once in town she begins to uncover a rigged game of dirty double-dealing where the stakes are no less than life and death. And if she’s not careful, Abby can forget about ever leaving Las Vegas…alive.

 

About the Author:
victorialaurie
Victoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books.  With two series in full swing, Victoria divides her time between The Psychic Eye Mysteries and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  As a professional psychic herself, Victoria knows all too well the tricky world of the paranormal in which her protagonists psychic Abby Cooper, and spiritual medium M. J. Holliday tackle murder, mayhem, and the occasional demon with plenty of plucky humor and determination.

 

 

Jennifer’s Review of Fatal Fortune
Review (5 Stars): I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and Abby is such an amazing character that I always look forward to spending time with her.  In this book, Abby gets a phone call in the middle of the night from her best friend, Candice, saying “you have to trust me. It’s not how it looks.” From that point on, this story is a race against time for Abby to find out the truth when she discovers that Candice is seen on video surveillance footage shooting a man in cold blood in an airport parking lot.

 

There were so many clever plot twists and turns that will have you second guessing to who the killer is and why the victim was killed.  Most of us have known and loved Candice from the very beginning and finding out that she could be a cold blooded killer shakes us to the core that someone we knew and trusted could have deceived us for so long.  I understood Abby’s situation that her beloved friend was implicated in a murder and her having doubts that the person she loved like a sister could be capable of this kind of violence.

 

I loved watching Abby’s and Dutch’s relationship in Fatal Fortune as they settle down in their life as a married couple.  As Abby was dealing with the stress of the investigation and subsequent manhunt for her friend, it was nice to see that having Dutch in her life helped her find that balance she needed. They have come so far in their relationship from the beginning of the series and you can see that their relationship just gets stronger and more loving as time goes on.

 

Fatal Fortune was a cleverly written mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. Victoria Laurie is such a talented writer that has created such a delightful series that gets better with each novel that she writes.  If you haven’t read any of her books, you should start with Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye to start from the beginning because this is one series that you should enjoy every moment of.

Kissin’ the week of July 14th to July 19th Goodbye

7.14.14

Masters of Seduction Release Day Post + Giveaway

Kimberly reviews Fake It by Jennifer Chance

Kelly & Kimberly review Ricochet by Skye Jordan

7.15.14

Natasha reviews Peanut Goes To School by Thea Harrison

What releases the week of July 14th? Check here!

Blog Tour & Review: Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen

Release Day Blitz for Carrie Ann Ryan’s Loving the Omega + a giveaway 

7.16.14

Guest Blogger Carrie Ann Ryan + giveaway 

Kimberly reviews Vampire Trouble by Sara Humphreys

Kimberly reviews Naughty Bits #4 by Joey W Hill

7.17.14

Interview& Giveaway with Coreene Callahan

Skye Jordan’s Ricochet Excerpt Tour + Giveaway

Kelly reviews Knight Avenged by Coreene Callahan

Thursday’s Thought…

7.18.14

Kimberly reviews The City by Dean Koontz

Kimberly reviews Shifters Claim Part 2 by A.C. Arthur

7.19.14

SINsational Saturday Series

Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin Series 

 

Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin Series

Poison 

Elemental Assassin 0.1

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 6 pages

This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager and is told from the point of view of  Finnegan Lane, Gin’s fos­ter brother.

*****

Web of Deceit

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 10 pages
This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager. It’s told from the point of view of  Fletcher Lane, Gin’s assas­sin men­tor, and focuses on

Gin’s first solo job as the assas­sin the Spi­der.

*****

Spider’s Bargain

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 9 pages

This short story takes place before the events of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the Elemental Assassin series. In “Spider’s Bargain,” Gin Blanco takes on a corrupt cop, but only one of them will be left standing in the end.

*****

Spider’s Bite

#1

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South — when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way — good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction…especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

*****

Web of Death

Elemental Assassin #1.5

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 8 pages

This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In “Web of Death,” Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.

*****

Web of Lies

Elemental Assassin #2

#2

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

 

I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired.

So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scount mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental — with a little Ice magic thrown in — but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man … dead or alive.

*****

Wasted

Elemental Assassin #2.7

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 12 pages

This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beau­ti­ful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trou­ble soon fol­lows.

*****

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most.

To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists.

At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life

*****

Tan­gled Dreams

Elemental Assassin #3.5

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 10 pages

This short story takes place in between the events of Venom and Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from the points of view of Jo-Jo Dev­er­aux and her sis­ter, Sophia Dev­er­aux. When a car­jacker fol­lows an injured Gin back to Jo-Jo’s beauty salon, Jo-Jo and Sophia join forced to elim­i­nate the threat.

*****

Tan­gled Schemes

Elemental Assassin #3.7

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 15 pages

This short story spans a period of time start­ing from the last chap­ter of Spider’s Bite and end­ing right before the begin­ning of Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from Detec­tive Bria Coolidge’s point of view and shows her search for her long-lost sis­ter Genevieve Snow. What Bria doesn’t know is what she’s going to do about the fact that Genevieve also hap­pens to be the as…more

 

*****

Tangled Threads 

Elemental Assassin #4

#4

I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead.

Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too.

The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . .

both dead. . .

*****

Spider’s Revenge

Elemental Assassin #5

#5

Old habits die hard. And I plan on mur­der­ing some­one before the night is through.

Killing used to be my reg­u­lar gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spi­der, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly mat­ters: Mab Mon­roe, the dan­ger­ous Fire ele­men­tal who mur­dered my fam­ily when I was thir­teen.

Oh, I don’t think t Old habits die hard. And I plan on mur­der­ing some­one before the night is through.

Killing used to be my reg­u­lar gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spi­der, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly mat­ters: Mab Mon­roe, the dan­ger­ous Fire ele­men­tal who mur­dered my fam­ily when I was thir­teen.

Oh, I don’t think the mis­sion will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more prob­lem­atic than expected. The bitch knows I’m com­ing for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters she hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keep­ing Bria safe is my first pri­or­ity. Tak­ing Mab out is a close sec­ond.

Good thing I’ve got my pow­er­ful Stone and Ice magic — and my irre­sistible lover Owen Grayson — to watch my back. This bat­tle has been years in the mak­ing, and there’s a chance I won’t sur­vive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s com­ing with me…no mat­ter what I have to do to make that happen.

 

*****

Thread of Death

Elemental Assassin #5.5

 

#5.5

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

*****

By a Thread

Elemental Assassin #6

#6

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

By a Thread (Elemental Assassin #6)

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation. Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

*****

Widow’s Web

Elemental Assassin #7

#7

I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town.

Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking.

Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

*****

Deadly Sting

Elemental Assassin #8

#8

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

*****

Kiss of Venom

Elemental Assassin #8.5

#8.5

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back…if her enemies don’t get her first.

When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life; if Owen can survive.

*****

Heart of Venom

Elemental Assassin #9

#9

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend. 

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out

*****

The Spider

Elemental Assassin #10

#10

The tenth book in the bestselling and “outstanding” (Romantic Times) Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series finally reveals for the first time the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadliest of assassins.

For the first time, the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadly assassin “the Spider” are revealed in full. In a story that pre-dates the other nine books in the series, Gin Blanco goes through her paces to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland

*****

Poison Promise

Elemental Assassin #11

#11

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight.

 

*****

Black Widow

Elemental Assassin #12

#12

Release date November 25, 2014

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan.

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.