Have a lucky Friday the 13th!!!
Guest blogger: Tawny Weber
Getting Lucky on Friday the 13th
Do you think Friday the 13th is bad luck? Or good luck?
Personally, I think Friday the 13th gets a bad rap. For me, its always been a lucky day. Sort of a make-dreams-come-true day. One year, the guy I’d crushed on forever suddenly, out of the blue asked me on a date. I’ve gotten promotions on Friday the 13th,
This Friday the 13th is a fun one for me because we’re leading up to the big release of my latest book, FEARLESS, this Sunday. I am SO excited to be a part of the launch of the new Cosmo Red Hot Reads by Harlequin line.
Gia Reynard, the heroine in FEARLESS, manages to get pretty lucky, too. Even without a little extra Friday the 13th lucky mojo. But she does have a great posse of girlfriends, and their Girlz Guide, to help her make her fantasy come true. Here’s a little peek at how they make that happen…
“Which brings us to the final question,” Sara said, setting aside her glass and leaning forward in preparation for getting to the down and dirty. “What’s it going to take to make this happen for you? What do you need to go for it?”
A miracle?
Hiring a street gangster to kidnap Luke and leave him tied to her bed?
A hell of a lot more vodka.
“Las Vegas,” Caryn yelled out, clapping her hands together as if she’d just won a prize.
Gia exchanged baffled looks with the other women before arching a questioning brow. “What about Vegas?”
“Luke’s attending the CES convention in Vegas next weekend to work the Tri-Solutions booth and schmooze with potential clients.”
“You want me to go to Vegas and seduce him?” Gia asked faintly. She’d rather crawl under her couch and hide. Talk about double intimidation. Vegas was the land of strippers, showgirls and pay-by-the-hour kink. Oh, yeah, she’d really stand out there.
“It’s perfect,” Caryn insisted. “You can have your fantasy, with your fantasy guy, and not jeopardize your job. Or your ego if anything goes wrong.”
“Are you throwing in fat-free chocolate and calorie-less whipped cream?”
“I don’t have to. All you need is a makeover.”
Two sets of jaws dropped right along with her own. Gia was glad to see the other women were just as baffled as she was.
“Since when did makeover and orgasms go hand in hand?”
“How will a facial and haircut get her fantasy sex?”
“I don’t look good enough to get a guy like Luke Monroe?”
“Don’t be silly. You’re gorgeous. But those silly rules mean you can’t haul the guy into the company supply closet and ride him like a wild stallion. So you need a cover. A fake persona. You can make yourself into the woman you are in your fantasies, and he won’t have a clue the woman blowing his, um, mind is someone he works with.”
“Oh, I like this,” Sara said, all but rubbing her hands together. “It’s easier to get into the role if you’re in costume. The makeover not only protects your identity, it lets you shed your inhibitions. You can do anything you want, because you’ll be someone else.”
Anything?
Excitement flamed in Gia’s belly. Suddenly it seemed as if blurting out her secret had been a good thing.
Nerves warred with the excitement, and doubts screamed warnings in her head. But the vision of being tied to a bed and having whipped cream licked off her body by a very naked, very aroused, very worshipful Luke Monroe made those easy to ignore.
Well, that vision and the second chocolatini.
“I could do it. I really could,” she said, pressing her fingers to her lips to try and hold back her excitement. “And, really, where better than Sin City to go wild.”
Other than right here, in her mind, where she couldn’t be rejected or make an idiot of herself. Or worse, find out she wasn’t fantasy-sex material.
“There’s no way we can pull all of this off before next weekend, though. Can we?” She didn’t know if she wanted them to say no way or that it was a slam dunk.
But when the women started tossing around makeover ideas, everything from temporary hair color to extensions to wardrobe options, Gia couldn’t stop grinning.
This was like her birthday, Christmas and a naughty-toy party all rolled into one. But she was going to be blowing something a lot bigger than a candle.
So…. What do you think?
Would you take your friends up on a plan like this?
And what’s your Friday the 13th shaping up like? Is it a good luck day, or a bad luck day?
*****
FEARLESS
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Promising career: check
Amazing apartment: check
The best of friends: check
Sex life: MIA
There’s just one thing missing from Gia Renyard’s life: sexual adventure. And the one man she’d like to have it with is her hot co-worker, Luke Monroe. If only company rules didn’t prohibit her from asking him out. So Gia comes up with a plan: make herself over into a fantasy seductress, follow Luke to a convention in Sin City, and have her way with him for one erotic weekend. The man will never even know who did him.
Everything is going according to plan—until Gia discovers that Luke is perfect for her outside the bedroom too. And suddenly she’s no longer content to let what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas…
Bio:
USA TODAY Bestselling author of over twenty hot books, Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first Harlequin Blaze hit the shelves in 2007. A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrapbooking and hanging out on Facebook.
Readers can check out Tawny’s books at her website, www.tawnyweber.com, or join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, complete first chapter excerpts, recipes, insider story info and much more.
You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
Email: tawny@tawnyweber.com
Fearless: http://tawnyweber.com/books/fearless
FEARLESS Launch Party: http://tawnyweber.com/a-fearless-launch
Kimberly reviews Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez
TITLE: Dead Sexy Dragon
SERIES #: Dragon Heat #1
CHARACTERS: Cora & Stig
AUTHOR: Lolita Lopez
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last thing dragon shifter Stig Wyvern needs is his dead friend’s kid sister showing up on his doorstep. He’s just minutes away from entering a mating phase. Sharing his isolated house with the young woman he’s desperately lusted after for quite some time is a recipe for disaster.
But Cora Cardenas has nowhere else to go. She’s in deep trouble with some really nasty people and Stig is the only one who can protect her. That he’s deliciously sexy and makes her tingle with the simplest of smiles is just a bonus.
Cora quickly realizes Stig is hiding something from her. To make matters worse, she’s plagued with breathtakingly naughty dreams starring a shadowed lover who bears a startling resemblance to her host. And just what the hell is going on down in the basement at night?
Stig needs to get Cora out of his house but his inner beast has other ideas. He’s found his mate and she’s not going anywhere.
REVIEW:
This is a very short story of only about 70 pages but the story is interesting. I honestly have never read a shape shifter book about a dragon so this was a different kind of story for me and I found I enjoyed it.
The writing is well done and the story is complete. The sex scenes are written well too and not overwritten. I look forward to the next in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Going Through The Notions Blog Tour and Giveaway
I have the fabulous Cate Price here today to talk about her new book, Going Through The Notions.
1. Tell me about your new release Going Through The Notions.
Daisy Buchanan is a former history teacher who took early retirement and moved with her husband, Joe, from New York to the quaint village of Millbury, PA. While Joe settled happily into country life, Daisy was somewhat restless, until one night she bid on a steamer trunk at a local auction. It turned out to be stuffed with exquisite antique linens and sewing notions, and was the inspiration for her store, Sometimes a Great Notion.
The story opens when Daisy Buchanan sees her best friend, Angus the auctioneer, arrested and charged with murder. One of the auction regulars was bashed in the head with a barn beam, and a collection of valuable fountain pens is also missing. Daisy is sure Angus didn’t do it, but as the evidence mounts against him, his state of mind becomes increasingly fragile. Everyone in town seems convinced of his guilt, and when Daisy discovers that the detective on the case holds a bitter grudge against Angus, she feels as though she’s the only one who can save him.
2. Where did you come up with the idea?
An editor at Berkley Prime Crime came up with the idea for a series based on a vintage sewing notions store. My agent thought that my writing style would be a good fit and recommended me for the job. I was given the guidelines and wrote a proposal consisting of the first three chapters and a synopsis. The editor loved it, I signed a three-book deal, and I was off and running!
3. Did you have to do a lot of research for this book?
I did quite a bit of research on fountain pens, vintage sewing notions, quilts, auction procedures, and Bucks County, PA, where the series is based.
4. Are your characters based on people that you know or did you envision certain actors as you were writing?
I don’t really picture actual people when I write and the characters aren’t based on anyone specific. There are probably traits and quirks from many people I’ve known. Luckily for me, I know some funny characters!
5. What are you working on now?
I’m working on Book Three in the series, which will focus on antique needlework samplers. (Book Two is turned in and awaiting copy edits).
6. Any advice for aspiring writers?
I was fortunate enough to join Romance Writers of America when I first decided to get serious about finishing a book about ten years ago. The local chapters all run writing contests and I received some great feedback which helped improve my work. I also found my first critique partner at a monthly meeting. I belong to Sisters in Crime now too, and I think getting together with other writers can be very inspirational and educational.
I’d also recommend getting into the habit of writing every day, even if you can only spare a few minutes. I used to have the mindset that I couldn’t write unless I had a big block of free time (which didn’t often present itself), but it’s important not to let your story “get cold.” If you touch it every day, it’s so much easier to pick up where you left off.
And of course, read as much as you can. That’s the best teacher of all!
About the Author:
Cate Price was born in England and came to the U.S. when she was sixteen. She is a regular sight on the streets of her home town walking her two amazing rescue dogs, and enjoys gardening, yard sales, and cooking with friends. Her previous (unpublished) books span the genres of romantic comedy, romantic suspense and murder mysteries, and have finaled in numerous contests, including the prestigious Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
Writing the first book in the Deadly Notions mystery series proved to be rather an expensive project, because while researching auction houses, she also became addicted to bidding on box lots. She is currently hard at work on the next book in the series, A DOLLHOUSE TO DIE FOR.
Jennifer’s Review of Going Through The Notions
TITLE: Going Through The Notions
SERIES #: A Deadly Notions Mystery
CHARACTERS: Daisy Buchanan, Joe and Sarah
AUTHOR: Cate Price
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/13
BOOK SYNOPSIS: A retired schoolteacher–and yes, daughter of a Fitzgerald fan–Daisy Buchanan has found her calling in the village of Millbury, Pennsylvania. While her husband endlessly renovates their old house, Daisy happily presides over Sometimes a Great Notion, a quirky shop that sells sewing bits and bobs, antiques and jewelry.
Daisy has her eye on an antique dollhouse and a classic Singer Featherweight at the local auction–until her friend and mentor, auctioneer Angus Backstead, is led away in handcuffs. It appears he bashed in the head of a drinking buddy who stole a set of fancy fountain pens. Daisy’s sure the sprightly old-timer couldn’t have done it. But if she can’t stitch together the bidder truth–and soon–Angus will be going once, going twice…gone forever.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars
REVIEW: I really enjoyed this mystery involving a quirky cast of characters and which gave me more insight about the world of collectibles. Daisy Buchanan is a retired schoolteacher who has opened up her own business selling antiques and collectibles. She enjoys attending auctions so when she finds out that her good friend is arrested for murder at a local auction, Daisy makes it her mission to find out who the real killer is. Daisy was a fun character because she just seemed so genuine and went out of her way to help people. I also liked the fact that Daisy was married and in a loving relationship compared to other heroines in mystery novels. This small-town mystery was entertaining and I’m looking forward to reading more from Cate Price.
Giveaway
There are two giveaways with this tour, one that is tour-wide and one with each tour stop. I’m excited to give away a copy of Going Through The Notions. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by September 16th, answer me this question in the comments:
Do you collect anything and if so, what?
and to enter the tour-wide giveaway enter the Rafflecopter below:
Spotlight Feature of Free Fall by Tess Oliver
Freefall
by Tess Oliver
Amazon | B&NAfter leaving high school, with a hard won diploma and the title of most likely to break hearts, Alexander “Nix” Pierce has left his wild, out of control years mostly behind him. A small inheritance from his grandfather has given him the funds to open up his tattoo shop, Freefall, and he has started to pull his life together. Aside from trying to keep his best friend, Dray, from killing himself in the fight ring, and his slight obsession with a pin-up model he’s never met, Nix’s life is going smoothly . . . until Scotlyn James, the object of his obsession, walks into his shop.Ever since a tragic accident killed her family and left her alone in the world, Scotlyn James hasn’t spoken one word. Up until now she didn’t care that she had no way of talking to people. Her awful aunt would never have listened, and Lincoln Hammond the arrogant, selfish man who pulled her from the streets of Los Angeles wouldn’t hear her words if she could speak. But when Lincoln insists she get a tattoo to cover up a scar on her side, Scotlyn meets the artist, Nix Pierce. And now she longs for her voice. Now she has found someone who will hear her.(
A little about Tess:
Tess Oliver is a USA Today bestselling author of young adult, new adult and adult romances. She lives in southern California on a mini-suburban ranch with her husband, kids and a lot of adorable animals. She’s also a teacher with a Masters in curriculum and instruction. She loves any movie set in 19th century England, any book written by Jane Austen, any food containing chocolate and any song sung by Eddie Vedder.
Visit her at:
Interview & Giveaway with Shana Galen
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shana Galen to the blog.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
SG: Of course! Thanks for having me back. I write adventurous historical romances set in the Regency period and featuring spies, pirates, courtesans, and the like. I live in Houston, Texas, and I write full time. I live with my husband, two cats, and my daughter.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
SG: I didn’t know that author was a profession until I was about 28. Even then I never thought of writing books for a living (and it was a good thing I didn’t expect that!). I did always have stories to tell, stories in my mind that needed to get out. If you don’t believe me, ask my little sister. I used to make her stay awake and listen to my stories when we were kids and shared a room.
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
SG: In the historical genre, I read Anna Campbell, Vanessa Kelly, Kate Noble, Robyn DeHart, Margo Maguire, Sophie Jordan, Kieran Kramer, Erin Knightley, Katharine Ashe, Theresa Romain, Miranda Neville, and Sarah MacLean. Contemporary favorites are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, and Tera Lynn Childs. Marsha Canham, Joanna Bourne, and Julie Garwood have really been the largest influences on y writing style.
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
SG: Oh, I blame it on Julie Garwood. I picked up one of her historicals and had to read them all. When I finished, I didn’t know what else to read, so I wrote my own. Yes, I would like to write in other genres, but right now I don’t have much time since I have a young child, plus I have a lot of historical books contracted.
What are some of your writing rituals?
SG: I like to write early in the day. I have difficulty focusing in the evening. If I can sit down at my computer when it’s still dark outside, sip some coffee, and write a thousand words before everyone wakes up, I’m happy.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
SG: TRUE SPIES is the second in the Lord and Lady Spy series. It’s about Winn and Elinor, who are married but estranged. Winn is a spy, and Elinor has no idea of his secret identity. If it sounds a bit like the movie True Lies, that was the inspiration.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
SG: Readers asked for another book in the Lord and Lady Spy series, so I started re-watching some of my favorite spy movies, and I knew True Spies was one that would translate well to the Regency period.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
SG: I’m actually writing the third in the Lord and Lady Spy series, LOVE AND LET SPY. It’s a nod to the James Bond films, except the heroine is Jane Bonde.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
SG: Here you go. In this scene Winn (Baron) is consulting with Adrian, the hero from LORD AND LADY SPY, about what to do about Elinor.
Baron raised his brows, looking skeptical.
“All you have to do is talk to her.” There. Adrian folded his arms across his chest. He felt rather proud of himself, actually. Sophia wasn’t the only one who could be sympathetic or solve others’ personal problems.
“Talk to her?” Baron said, sounding less than enthusiastic about Adrian’s advice. “And tell her what? I overheard her chatting about bedding another man?”
“I don’t know that I’d take that tack…”
“Oh, perhaps I should reveal I’m a member of the Barbican group. Even if I hadn’t pledged to keep that a secret, I can imagine her reaction when she realizes I’ve been lying to her for years.”
“Yes, well—”
“Or how about this idea? I go find this Rafe and beat the hell out of him…”
What would you be if you were not an author?
SG: A frustrated author. I’d have all these stories in my head, driving me nuts.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
SG: I was asked to read an advance copy of Vanessa Kelly’s SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD. I cannot wait to get to it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
SG: Thank you so much for having me again!
TRUE SPIES
by SHANA GALEN
IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2014
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Chapters/Indigo | iBookstore Sourcebooks
He’s Getting Tired of Deception…
Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him…
She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue…
Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shana Galen is the author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the Lord and Lady Spy Series, the Jewels of the Ton Series, as well as the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time, and is working on more regency romance novels! She’s happily married to the Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
Thursday’s Thought…
Kimberly reviews Run To You by Rachel Gibson
TITLE: Run To You
SERIES: Lovett Texas #4
CHARACTERS: Stella & Beau
AUTHOR: Rachel Gibson
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rachel Gibson, New York Times bestselling author of Rescue Me, returns to Texas with a tale of what happens when a tough guy meets his match—and falls harder than a ton of red-hot bricks .
There’s nothing like fleeing Miami to ruin a girl’s day.
Stella Leon’s bartending gig was going fine until gorgeous ex-Marine Beau Junger decked her mob-connected boss, spirited her out of the city, and claimed that Stella’s half-sister—the one with the perfect life—sent him. Now Stella has no choice but to go along for the ride . . . and seduce Beau’s military-issue socks off . . .
The Marine Corps was Beau’s escape from his old man’s legacy of naval heroism and serial philandering, but no amount of training could prepare him for the day he looked in the mirror and saw his father staring back. The answer: swear off meaningless sex. Oh, and find a way to make Stella Leon quit being so damn hot . . .
REVIEW:
Very cute short story. The chemistry between Stella and Beau is immediate and fun. While this is part of the Lovett Texas series it can certainly stand alone. There was a bit that didn’t seem finished but it still seemed to work out well. Beau is a great character and while Stella is a mess she is truly fun.
This is a adorable read to have available for one of those rainy days curled up with a cute book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Resilient by Patricia Vanasse Blog Tour and Giveaway
Book Description:
Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier.
Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone.
Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.
Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.
About the Author:
Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, Law School, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength – believes that everything is possible.
Website/ Twitter/ Facebook / Blog
TITLE: Resilient
CHARACTERS: Livia and Adam
AUTHOR: Patricia Vanasse
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/13
BOOK SYNOPSIS:Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier. Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone. Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart. Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars
REVIEW: I was very impressed with this book since I recently learned that it was Ms. Vanasse’s debut novel. I thought that it was very entertaining and had an interesting storyline about two teenagers that learn they have some not so normal abilities. I liked Livia because she was a very sweet girl that was able to feel every emotion of the people around her which prevented her from having any close relationships. This all changed when she met Adam, who was the very first person whose emotions she couldn’t feel. The more time that they spend together, the closer they become and they both learn that they have special abilities that neither of them can explain.
I didn’t like Adam in the beginning of the book because he seemed like a jerk but I liked how he was with Livia and he definitely started to grow on me by the end. The mystery in regards to their backgrounds was very intriguing and had me spellbound until the very end. Patricia Vanasse has created a great fantasy world with Resilient that I couldn’t help but enjoy. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Vanasse because I’m sure it will be just as entertaining as Resilient.
Cover Reveal & giveaway tour of Christina Phillips Tainted
*****
Tainted
A dangerous love that Rome will never allow…
Release date: 28th August 2013
Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe
Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Celtic warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she ignites his passion like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.
Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt whose touch stirs a desire she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. With Gawain she learns the pleasure of sex and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.
Inside Scoop: This medieval romance dabbles a wee bit in the paranormal.
A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Excerpt:
Gawain waited just inside the tavern and watched Antonia as she approached. Even in this back street, where no patrician lady should set foot, she had an aura of confidence in her step and a smile tugged his mouth.
When he’d seen her across the square, as she left the Roman baths, something had tightened in his chest. He wasn’t sure why. He had been certain that she would turn up so it couldn’t have been relief.
He leaned against the open door jamb and saw her face light up as she caught sight of him. In that moment, she looked so young, so carefree, as though she was not risking her good name by meeting him here this day.
“Is this your idea of a disguise?” He tweaked the hood of her slave’s cloak that covered her pale gold hair. She laughed up at him and swayed toward him as if she intended to wrap her arms around him. But she didn’t.
“Who will see me? Only you.”
“Make sure it stays that way.” The growled words were out before he could prevent them. Gods. He didn’t usually care if his conquests fucked around with other men. But the thought of Antonia doing so did not sit well with him.
She raised her eyebrows. “I do believe we are talking at cross purposes.” She appeared to find that amusing if the quirk to her lips was anything to go by. “You have no cause to be jealous, Gawain.”
That was taking it too far. He wrapped his arm around her waist and propelled her into the dark tavern.
“I am not the jealous type,” he said against her ear as he led her to the room he had hired. But the image of Antonia sharing her charms with another goaded his mind. “But while you’re with me, don’t even think about taking another lover.”
Want another peek? Take a look at Christina’s Video for Tainted: http://youtu.be/vtZ7Ejrsa8Q
Bio
Christina loves writing dark tales of tough, sexy warriors who are brought to their knees by their heroines. A mystical touch of fantasy or paranormal usually weaves its way through her stories, although strangely enough this wasn’t her intention when she first starting writing her Roman/Druid romances. But when ancient gods and goddesses get involved, it’s best just to go with the flow J
She is published by Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pub waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the DarkSide Down Under Group Blog and Historical Hearts Group Blog.
Christina is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her family. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
Connect with Christina:
Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog
Tour Wide Giveaway
One Prize (International):
E-copy of the previous book set in this world, Betrayed
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Swag – Bookmarks, Postcards and Fridge Magnets
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright
TITLE: Sleigh Belles
SERIES #: Sassy Belles #3
CHARACTERS: Dallas & Cal
AUTHOR: Beth Albright
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her hair perfectly coiffed, nails freshly manicured and a heavy trail of perfume wafting behind her, local news reporter Dallas Dubois is sure she’s about to kick her career—and maybe her love life—into high gear. The director of the Tuscaloosa children’s Christmas play has fallen ill, and Dallas is ordered by her station manager to take the reins. Everyone is shocked—especially Cal Hollingsworth, who still remembers her as the Ice Queen from high school.
If nothing else, Dallas has never met a challenge that a little lip gloss and a Chanel knockoff couldn’t fix. But she has no idea how to relate to these kids, and their brutal honesty is giving her pause. Things are made even more complicated by the butterflies she gets whenever Cal is near….
But when long-lost family members re-enter her life, Dallas’s icy veneer begins to melt. And with Cal by her side, she soon realizes that it’s what’s under all the hair spray that counts.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I enjoyed this story all though it had many sad parts. I wondered if it really was a holiday story with home much sadness was going on. But in the end as with all holiday stories it has a happy ending.
Dallas is hard to like at first. She seemed so smug and stuck up but once the reader gets to know her and her story there is actually something that changes the way the reader sees her. Cal is a sweet guy and I enjoyed him but honestly this is not his story. It is Dallas’s.
I’ll be honest. There were a couple of things I did not like. I tried to figure out how to say it on here but it would be spoiler so I will not do that but lets say sometimes forgiveness doesn’t come with a bow. And I wish there had been a epilogue. I wanted to know what happened with Sara Grace. But maybe that will be told in the next book. But all that being said it ended up a heartwarming holiday story perfect for a winter day snuggled up in front of the fire that gets you into a holiday mood.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Interview & Giveaway with Roxanne Snopek
Welcome to Books-n-Kisses Roxanne, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Married with three daughters. We once had five cats, three dogs, three birds, a rotating population of hamsters and a couple of fish tanks. Now, one of our daughters has moved out, we’re down to one cat, one bird and one betta in a bowl. The hamsters are running joyously on that big wheel in the sky. Still have three dogs, but they’re not the same ones.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
I remember sitting in a coffee shop with a girlfriend, when I was about 20, telling her I would write a book one day. Didn’t know what it would be about, didn’t know anything about the business. But I loved to read and it seemed the epitome of existence, to belong to that club of people who created stuff to read.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Interesting? I’m so dull your teeth would fall asleep. But I do write in my car sometimes. Scares passers-by, I’ll tell ya!
http://www.roxannesnopek.ca/why-i-spent-five-hours-in-a-walmart-parking-lot-and-loved-it/
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Fake Fiance, Real Revenge is a (wait for it) engagement-of-convenience story with a side of revenge! (bet’cha didn’t see that coming). It features Mitch Granger, the estranged older brother of Carson Granger, from Three River Ranch. Hm. I guess that makes it a prodigal-son story, too. Anyway, Mitch needs a cover fiancée in order to land a business deal, and who better than high-school sweetheart Sabrina Becker, now the town midwife. Unfortunately, they didn’t part on good terms…
How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I had this one in my pocket, way back when I came up with the series idea. (Can’t remember where I put Snipe, my water-bottle – 15 times a day, I go Snipe-hunting – but a whole town of imaginary characters have real estate in my brain, that I can remember from five years ago. Sigh.)
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m wrapping up a novella for an Entangled Bliss Christmas 2013 anthology. It’s about a passionate do-gooder who “liberates” a bunch of what she thinks are reindeer, and gets caught releasing them, while trespassing, on Three River Ranch property. While it’s being house-sat by none other than the deputy sheriff. During a blizzard. Of course!
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Lordy. So many authors! I’ve got a group of favorite Barbaras – O’Neal, Freethy, Rogan and Kingsolver – some of whom I’ve already met, but all of whom I’d happily buy drinks for! (You listenin’ ladies?)
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Three pieces: Invest in yourself. Be patient. Hang in there.
I’ve been working at this for almost 25 years, first building a freelance career, then working on the holy grail of fiction. Even with all my experience, I nearly gave up my dream of being a fiction author. Then I gave it One Last Year. I submitted like crazy, went to three conferences, joined two or three more writers associations, submitted some more, took several on-line workshops, plus a couple of classroom workshops, submitted up down and sideways, took a position on the board of my local RWA chapter, entered contests, judged contests… in short, I spent money and time I didn’t have, so that IF I decided to give up my dream, I’d be able to say I’d tried, really, really tried.
About a month before my self-imposed deadline, I sold.
Oh, and do yoga. Sitting is more hazardous to your health than you might think!
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to visit the Galapagos Islands! I have a thing for turtles and tortoises. (Oh! I forgot, I used to have turtles, too! Did you know they carry Salmonella? Another story for another time.)
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m reading RaeAnne Thayne’s Hope’s Crossing series right now and it’s just great! http://www.raeannethayne.com
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I’ve gone on long enough! Thank you so much for having me, Kelly! I love to hear from readers so if anyone’s interested in dropping me a line, go to:
www.facebook.com/RoxanneSnopekAuthor
www.goodreads.com/RoxanneSnopek
Twitter @RoxanneSnopek
I’ve also got some pretty sweet cowboy pictures on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/RoxanneSnopek
PS: don’t forget to enter the contest – grand prize is an iPad Mini!
Real-estate tycoon Mitchell Granger has a problem. In order to secure a lucrative deal with an eccentric client, he told the teeny white lie that he was engaged…and now he needs to prove it. Even worse? The only name that came to mind was Sabrina Becker, the girl he was never good enough for growing up, and who still lives near his family ranch.
Sabrina doesn’t mind posing as Mitch’s fake fiancée—no, she doesn’t mind at all. One, she’ll make him pay with new construction for her business. And two, Sabrina’s got a plan to exact revenge on her first love, the boy who left her and Three River Ranch behind. She’ll pretend so well, he’ll fall in love with her…and then he’ll get a taste of what true heartbreak feels like.
But as Mitch sheds his corporate skin and picks up his dusty jeans and cowboy hat, will both his and Sabrina’s grand plans get derailed by love?
Buy Links
Fake Fiance, Real Revenge: AmazonB&NiBookstore
His Reluctant Rancher: Amazon
Three River Ranch: Amazon