Author: In The Key Of Love

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Heather Hallman will award a $25 Amaon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

ENJOY THIS PREQUEL TO THE TOKYO WHISPERS SERIES

In the Foreign Quarter of Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan, Victorian England is alive and well. Manners and etiquette are as valuable as gossip and deceit. Men are more rakish than ever – so far from home, societal rules seem to be relaxed. But courting young women still requires a deft hand, a smart wit, and a man with something to offer.

INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL

Intent on being an international journalist of repute, Evelyn Prescott will do what it takes to make her mark.

It doesn’t hurt that her father has built a newspaper empire, but finding a scandal in Japan is no easy task.

As much as she hates to admit it, she is forced to meet with the owner of the Tokyo Daily News, Ned Taylor, also an Englishman.

Ned holds a deep-rooted dislike of Evelyn’s father’s approach to journalism, and Ned, a notorious rake, pushes her to see just how far Evelyn is prepared to go to get her story.

From Reedsy Discovery: “Written as a prequel novelette to her forthcoming Tokyo Whispers series, “Scandals of Tokyo” drops readers into the immigrant quarter of Meiji era Tokyo, with hints of all of the glitz, the temptation, and the salacious gossip one could wish. At just under 30 pages, Hallman has a lot of ground to cover, introducing characters and a world that will be expanded on in future novels, but if “Scandals” is just a taste of this series, then it’s going to be huge.

Lovingly researched and brilliantly detailed, Hallman knows the place and time she’s writing about and it shows! Turn of the century Tokyo is alive and well on her pages and in her characters, and it is certain to delight.”

Read an Excerpt

Tokyo 1896
Foreign Quarter of Tsukiji

Evelyn rested an elbow along the stone balustrade separating the Hotel Metropolis terrace from the glistening waters of Tokyo Bay and contemplated the man holding court near the hotel bar. “Are you positive that’s him?”

Aunt Prissy raised a fan between them for privacy’s sake as guests strolled past, their various languages lending a cheerful symphony to the evening atmosphere. Evelyn doubted they were inclined to pick up English phrases muttered between her and Aunt Prissy, but to make sure, she shifted nearer until they were shoulder to shoulder.

Aunt Prissy nodded at the man in question. “Without a shred of doubt. That’s Ned Taylor.”

Among tables filled with hotel patrons and waiters scurrying by with trays of champagne and sake, Mr Taylor stood beneath one of the terrace gas lamps, its light catching on his grin, which spread from his lips to the corners of his eyes and left affable creases atop his cheeks. His Japanese companions leaned forward as though to bask in its glow, pure and genuine as a freshly minted sovereign.

Invariably, the most accomplished charmers had that smile. Evelyn had met enough newspapermen in her twenty-two years to know. They lit up a room. Or the Hotel Metropolis terrace, apparently.

But the man not far from her couldn’t be older than thirty, which was too young to own a newspaper. Back in England, Papa hadn’t purchased his first broadsheet until he was nearly forty. Ten years later, he had more newspaper distribution outlets across the United Kingdom than one could count on two hands. Of course, Papa had been obliged to work his way through the ranks before investors were willing to back him. Ned Taylor, on the other hand, was the nephew of a duke, and nephews of dukes didn’t have to wait as long as sons of Hampstead brewers to establish themselves at the helm of their city’s foremost papers.

About the Author:

Heather Hallman writes witty, sensual, contest-winning romances set in Meiji-era Japan (1868-1912). She is the author of the Tokyo Whispers series that includes Scandals of Tokyo and Talk of Tokyo.

She is fluent in Japanese language, history, and culture, and earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology based on fieldwork research in Japan. She lives in Tokyo with her professor husband and two young daughters. In her free time, she can be found translating ancient Japanese poetry and observing the passing of seasons while sipping green tea. Just kidding, she has no free time. But she does watch something that makes her laugh while she does the dishes.

Perennial obsessions include the weather forecast (she checks three different apps at least three times a day, as no single app can be trusted), Baltimore Ravens football (hometown obsession), and making smoothies that taste like candy bars.

Feel free to chat her up about any of her obsessions, or, even better, about historical Japan—any era is fine, she loves them all. She also enjoys exchanging book recommendations, discussions about the craft of romance writing, and stories about life in present-day Tokyo.

Website
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Amazon
Boroughs Publishing Group
iBook
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/10/nbtm-worlds-of-fire-blood-red-moon-by.html

Deborah A. Bailey will be awarding a $40 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Author Interview: Deborah A Bailey

1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?

I’ve always been interested in science fiction and fantasy for as long as I can remember. For a long time, I only read books in those genres. Writing about magic and magical creatures is a way for me to use my imagination to tell stories that can occur in any world at any time. I got the idea for this story because of my interest in the mythology of the phoenix birds that regenerate. It took a while but eventually, ideas came to me where I could write about phoenix shifters who regenerate and open portals to other worlds.

2. Writers write what they know and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world?

Actually, I’m an “only” child which meant that I spent a lot of time around adults. Of course, I also had friends and cousins my age, but I think being around adults gave me a maturity that happened relatively early for me. I’ve always been told I’m an “old soul” and I’m not sure if that would’ve happened otherwise. But I did learn a lot about observing people and listening. Often people will seek me out to tell me details about their lives. Maybe it’s because they sense that I’m a good listener. But my ability to listen and learn has helped me a great deal in my storytelling.

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

Since I’m currently working from home (as a tech writer) I have my personal laptop set up next to my work laptop. I’m usually at my dining table where I can look out the window. So even though it’s also a workspace for my less imaginative work, it’s also a comfortable space for my fiction writing as well. But to be honest, I could write just about anywhere if I have my laptop. As long as I have some music in the background and a nice view.

4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?

I don’t like it at all! But I realize that at times things have to be cut. Sometimes I save those bits in a separate folder in case they come in handy for future stories. Or they can be jumping-off points for other ideas.

5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?

That favorite author would be science fiction author Octavia E Butler, who passed away several years ago. She’s been an inspiration for me, and I wonder what she’d be writing today. Her books were so prescient and when you read them you’re immersed in her worlds. My burning question would be what would she be working on today? A new book? Another book in one of her series? So much of what she wrote years ago has come to pass today and I wonder what her vision of the future would be.

6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.

I once considered becoming a musician instead of a writer. Years ago, I played the clarinet in school bands in middle school and high school. I had a choice to continue and perhaps make a career of it. But in the end, I knew it wasn’t my calling, so I didn’t pursue it.

7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?

Interesting question! One thing would be a copy of Octavia E Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy because I’ve re-read that many times over the years and I’d hate to be without it. My music, of course – so maybe I’d have to have my phone with me. And of course, my solar charger because I have to keep the music going – and perhaps I could call a passing ship if there’s a cell tower around!

8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?

I’d like to be able to fly. I could travel quickly and be able to see a lot of things from above. I have a fear of heights so maybe flying might be a bit stressful. But hopefully, I’d overcome that after a while.

9. Favorite snack?

Barbeque potato chips with extra heat. I had some recently and they were delicious.

10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going, or do you drive the speed limit?

I know how to get where I’m going. In life I’m more of a sprinter than a marathoner, so once I’ve decided where I want to go, I’m on my way.

Worlds of Fire: Blood Red Moon

by Deborah A. Bailey

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Romantic Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Out of the ashes, a new beginning…

When his family and most of their kind were destroyed by the Guild, Derek inherited the position of Vampire Lord. Alchemists held the keys to creating portals to other worlds, knowledge they passed down to phoenixes. Their utopian society was crushed when the Guild invaded, intending to unlock the powerful secrets phoenixes possess. Lovers Derek and Avani met the night their city was sacked and after the city succumbed, they were lost to each other.

Love will be resurrected in blood and fire…

Having lost her memory, Avani became a protégé of the Guild Master, conditioned by magic to believe shifters and vampires were evil. Eventually, she was made Seeker, tasked with finding the Vampire Lord in order to gain access to phoenixes.

When Derek finds Avani, he neutralizes the magic that’s kept her from remembering who she is. However, the Templars have almost certainly made a pact with the enemy of all supernatural creatures, in order to gain access to the portals. Only a phoenix can save the world from utter ruin now, but that was precisely the asking price…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“You’re thinking about the Guild, aren’t you? They don’t deserve your thoughts, or anything else.” Derek was standing next to the tub, undressing.

How had he known? Could he read my thoughts? Another thing I’d heard that vampires could do. As if in response the stabbing pain increased, like something within me was fighting to get out. Each stab cut deeper and deeper and I doubled over.

The water was shut off. I felt pressure on my back, moving me forward. Then splashing as Derek joined me in the tub. He sat and braced his legs on either side of me. He put his arms around me, holding on as I shivered. 

His presence surrounded me like the water. A vampire. My enemy. A dangerous predator who I’d been taught to fear and hate.

Derek pulled my hair back and bared my neck. Soon he would sink his teeth into me to save me. Or he would have his revenge for what we’d done to his people. Maybe that had been his plan all along. I’d be less trouble dead.

In the cooling water, his touch melted me as he glided his tongue over my neck. The pain in my chest slowly subsided. Not gone but not dominant anymore. My body was becoming attuned to him. My gasps of pain lessening as my breathing matched his. In and out. In and out. Steady. Deliberate.

The Vampire Lord and the Seeker. Finally, together at last. But not in the way I’d always thought we’d be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Deborah A Bailey’s Paranormal & Science Fiction Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery, and a lot of romantic heat.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. She’s the author of non-fiction books and articles for various online publications.

Visit her site https://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks for more information and subscribe to the newsletter here: https://eepurl.com/bokGdX so you’ll be the first to find out about giveaways, book launches and sneak peeks.

Social media links

https://www.instagram.com/AuthorDeborahB

Tweets by AuthorDeborahB

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahAB/

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/deborahannbailey

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/deborah-a-bailey

Universal link to buy this book from any vendor:  https://books2read.com/BloodRedMoon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/12/blitz-tour-in-plain-sight-by-alison.html

Alison Packard will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

In Plain Sight

by Alison Packard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Contemporary Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Romance writer Maya Lange is stuck in the small town of Two Forks, Wyoming. It’s not the happily ever after she wanted for herself, but neither was dating a man who runs a criminal enterprise or witnessing a murder. Now she’s in witness protection, with a new name she hates and a permanent mistrust of men. That doesn’t keep the sparks from flying with her neighbor, Josh Madsen, though she suspects he’s hiding secrets of his own. She’s right to be wary. Josh is actually Jace Reed, a former undercover NYPD officer hiding from the mob. Jace knows his beautiful and mysterious new neighbor isn’t who she seems. Is she there to spy on him or to kill him? All he knows for sure is that she’s tempting him to do things he hasn’t thought about in years. How can either of them learn to trust when surrounded by so many secrets?
 
Former bull rider Ryan McCallister has returned to Two Forks with one goal in mind: to win back his childhood sweetheart, local bakery owner Katie Crawford. Ryan left eight years earlier for all the right reasons, but Katie doesn’t know that. All she knows is that he broke her heart. Can she trust him enough to take a second chance on love?  

As Katie befriends Maya, and Jace works with Ryan on his ranch, their lives become entwined in ways none of them ever expected. Will their shattered pasts destroy the hopes any of them might have for a happy future? The truth is hiding in plain sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“You just move in?” he called out, lowering the drill to his side. The move made him look like a gunslinger, albeit a modern-day one without a shirt.

“Yes,” she said, her mouth dry for no good reason. Okay, maybe the reason was the way his broad chest tapered down like a vee to lean waist. His jeans were faded, and rode low on his hips. Yeah, that was probably why her mouth was dry, and another part of her anatomy wouldn’t be if she stared at him for much longer.

“You need any help?”

“No. I’m good.” She wished she could see his face more clearly. If his face was half as impressive as his body, she might need to jump into the lake to cool off. “But thanks for asking.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything, let me know.”

“I will,” she said. “What’s your name?”

He wiped his brow. “Josh.”

“I’m Sara.” She wished the feds had given her any other name besides the name of her high school nemesis. The horrible girl made her life miserable for four straight years, and while it wasn’t rational, she’d hated the name ever since. “How long have you lived here?”

“About six months.”

“And you’re still here?” she asked. Why would a gorgeous specimen live in such isolation? Unless he wasn’t alone. A man that hot most likely had someone in his life.

“It’s not so bad,” he said after a few seconds. He lifted the drill. “I’d better get back to this before the sun goes down. Let me know if you need anything.” He turned back to the railing and powered on the drill.

A bit disappointed their conversation was over, Maya’s gaze lingered on his muscular back. Maybe Two Forks might not be as dull as she’d initially thought. But then, a man was the reason she was living smack dab in the middle of the country, in a town with only one main street and no Starbucks. She turned on her heel, walked back to the deck and into the house. It would be a cold day in hell before she ever trusted another man. No matter how damn hot he was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in the Southwest with her adorable rescue dog, Bailey. She writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a dash of spice and loves chocolate, reading, and taking Bailey for walks at their favorite park.

For more information on Alison’s upcoming releases, you can sign up for her newsletter at alisonpackard.com; follow her on Twitter: @alleyfics, and Facebook: http://bit.ly/2uERElk

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Iegcb8

Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3Dkmxyd

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3DniRf4

Apple:    https://apple.co/3EoOHcF

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/12/vbt-brass-tabby-by-rowan-helaine.html

Rowan Helaine will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Author Interview: Rowan Helaine

1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?

I’ve always loved romance and chick lit, so there was never any question about what I wanted to write. The problem for me was that I am a happily independent childfree woman, and I didn’t see a lot of examples of that in romantic fiction. It sometimes feels like the entire genre exists in a time warp, where marriage and babies are presented as the only pathways to a woman’s happiness. I wanted to read a book where two people could come together as partners, without needing a baby to consider their happiness complete. I have no interest in fixing the genre since there are a lot of people who genuinely enjoy those stories. I just think we need to expand it to include stories for the people who feel left out.

2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world?

I was a first-born child raised in a less-than-ideal environment. I was independent by nature and empathetic by necessity, which makes it very easy for me to put myself into other people’s headspace.

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

Someplace quiet and free of distraction.

4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?

Sometimes you have to lose people you care about to live a happier, more peaceful life, and sometimes you have to do terrible things to tell a good story. In art as in life, I walk away and refuse to justify my choices.

5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?

I bought Vamped By David Sosnowski almost by accident. It was am impulse buy, and I hadn’t even read the inside dust jacket. I read it and immediately went out and hunted down his other book, Rapture. That book was life changing for me.

6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.

Sometimes I wear bright red lipstick (Loreal True Red) around the apartment because it makes me feel powerful. I also buy way too much fancy lingerie and occasionally drink sparkling apple cider from a Champagne flute because it makes me feel fancy. I’m very much a proponent of indulging in frivolity if it makes you feel good about yourself.

7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?

A  solar recharger pad, a satellite phone, and sunscreen.

8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?

The superhuman ability to make mean people cry with just a quirk of my eyebrow.

9. Favorite snack?

Homemade lye-boiled sourdough pretzels with yellow mustard.

10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?

I’m good as long as I have gas in the tank and there are no speed traps on the horizon.

Brass Tabby

by Rowan Helaine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Contemporary Romance (Dark Comedy)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

It’s loathe at first felony for the man with no future and the girl with no past.

Left blind and gruesomely scarred following a horrific accident, former golden boy Grant Harcourt isn’t looking for new friends when a snarky ball of hellfire dives into the back of his chartered car. Scrappy street artist Enola Fothergill is just trying to survive, and she definitely doesn’t need the attention that association with the Harcourt clan could bring. A bungled carjacking sparks a slow-burning passion, but when Nola’s murky former life catches up with her, they’ll both have to decide how far they’re willing to go for love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Howling At The Moon:

Grant craned his neck to inhale the dry tang of an approaching electrical storm, feeling an unexpected thrill go through him. She didn’t seem like the type to check the weather before doing anything, so there was a strong possibility that if she didn’t head home, the rain would keep her in one place. As embarrassing as it was to admit, she never really left him anyway. If she hadn’t shown up when she did, he would have spent the last four hours before sunrise staring up at the ceiling and thinking about her before he finally fell asleep. “So. How was work?”

“Long,” she said. An instant later, she tipped back her head and let loose with a sonorous howl. The sound carried for a while, across the broad expanse of the lawn before it echoed off the tightly packed cedar hedge at the edge of the property. He could hear the way the sound struck the trunks of the trees and bounced back, barely a whisper on the return.

Grant laughed, genuinely laughed, for the first time he could remember. “What the hell was that?”

She responded with another howl, louder this time, projecting her voice into the sky. Leaning against him, she nudged him with her shoulder. “Go ahead. Try it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Born and raised in New England, Rowan is currently leading a semi-nomadic existence in the company of her aggressively affectionate hound dog Filburt and a hardy Finnish sourdough starter. She enjoys solo travel, rescue animals, men, and carbs.

Author website: https://www.rowanhelaine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rowanhelaine

http://www.twitter.com/rowanhelaine

https://www.instagram.com/rowanhelaine/

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Tabby-Slow-Burn-Comedy-Romance-ebook/dp/B09JQPQWYC/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/11/vbt-widow-wore-plaid-by-jenna-jaxon.html

Jenna Jaxon will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Author Interview: Jenna Jaxon

1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?

Well, I was a history major as a college undergrad, so writing historical romance was kind of a no-brainer, especially as I read it when I was a teenager. I’ve always been fascinated with history, with wondering how people lived before they had all the innovations we have today, or when they had lots of restrictive rules, or had to abide by stringent social mores. So after reading Kathleen Woodiwiss’s historical romance Everlasting, I literally put the book down, said aloud, “I think I could write something like that,” and sat down and began to write a medieval historical romance.

Ultimately, I wrote The Widow Wore Plaid because the Weather Girls came on the radio as I was driving in to work one morning singing “It’s Raining Men.” The song made me wish women of the Regency could have women’s clubs so they could have access to men—so it could rain men for them. So I came up with the idea of six friends who’d become widows after the battle of Waterloo who are now wanting to marry again and have house parties where they can entertain men. Jane, the heroine of The Widow Wore Plaid is the 6^th and last widow of the group.

2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world?

I’m an only child, which I think is different from first, middle, or last. Only children, in my experience, come from a perspective of privilege. Many times, and certainly in my case, I pretty much had stuff handed to me that my friends with siblings didn’t. And again, in my case, it shaped my view of the world to be self-centric. Not that I think/thought the world revolved around me, but I tend to look at the world as though my perspective and experience is the norm when it certainly is not.

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

Well, now that changes, sometimes from book to book or season to season. I actually love to write at Starbucks. The people around me act as white noise that I immediately tune out and focus on writing. In the summer I visit a friend of mine in upstate New York who has a cabin off-grid. I spend a week up there with her visiting and writing and it’s been some of the most peaceful and productive times of my career. So I think either one of those could be considered my favorite place to write.

4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?

I’m reluctant, as most writers are, to kill those darlings. But I usually follow the advice of my editor and get rid of them. Depending on what they are (isolated scenes, a series of scenes, or full chapters) I simply delete them, although if they are something I think is really interesting on its own, I’ll stick them in a file on the computer. Fun little scenes can always be used after the release of a book as attention getters for readers—deleted scenes are like catnip to readers. One entire chapter I was told to cut out of the first book of one of my series became the first chapter of the last book of the series, as it introduced the hero to the heroine of that book.

5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?

I did meet my favorite author several times at RWA conferences. Jo Beverley was a very gracious lady, who hugged me and told me she’d heard of my work. After that, I was no good at all and couldn’t have thought of a question if I’d tried.

6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.

That’s kind of hard as I’ve been writing about myself for a lot of years, in interviews and on my blog. But something that people probably don’t know about me is that I was the Fencing Club’s candidate for Homecoming Queen in high school. I didn’t win, but it was kind of surreal that I was even a candidate, so I didn’t mind losing at all.

7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?

A complete set of the Outlander novels, a top-of-the-line Swiss Army pocket knife, and a satellite phone.

8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?

The power to turn back time. To go back and savor the past a little more with my family members who have passed on, and maybe do some things a little differently.

9. Favorite snack?

Zapp’s Voodoo potato chips

10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?

I drive the speed limit—and pay attention to the signs. I have a notoriously bad sense of direction. If I have to choose right or left, I will inevitably choose wrong. And if I try to second guess and say, “I want to choose left, so I’ll go right”—then left would have been correct. LOL

The Widow Wore Plaid

by Jenna Jaxon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Historical Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The Battle of Waterloo made them widows, but each has found new happiness. And Jane, Lady John Tarkington, intends to keep her freedom, even if love—and one particular gentleman—are determined to claim her heart  . . .

It is a truth rarely acknowledged—at least in public—that a wealthy widow is free to pursue a great many adventures. For two years, Jane has privately enjoyed her independence. Why should she remarry, even when the gentleman proposing is as wonderful as Gareth, Lord Kinellan? She entreats him never to ask her again. But as her Widows’ Club friends—now all joyfully remarried—gather at Castle Kinellan, Jane begins to wonder if stubbornness has led her to make a terrible mistake . . .

Kinellan needs a wife to give him an heir, and he wants that wife to be Jane. They are perfect together in every way, yet she continually refuses him. Just as he is on the point of convincing her, a series of accidents befall Gareth and point to an enemy in their midst. He has promised Jane a passionate future filled with devotion, but can he keep them both alive long enough to secure it?  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Throwing up his hands, he groaned and sagged against the wall, his banyan sliding half off him. “Have your way with me, woman. I surrender myself into your hands. Do with me what you will and I swear I will enjoy it.”

Panting, she stepped back from him, seeing the sculpted muscular form, strong arms, and dark eyes glazed with smoldering desire as if for the first time. This man wanted her, or had wanted her to be his wife for a long time. No one would ever make her feel this way again, no matter how many lovers she might take. She could look for the rest of her life and not find a man as kind or generous or loving as he. And she had all but thrown his love away with both hands. The revelation devastated her and she hung her head.

“Jane?” Kinellan straightened, peering into her face.

Sobbing, she threw her arms around him, laying her head on his broad chest, the only place she wanted it to be. Tears pricked her eyes. The fast beat of his heart beneath her ear should have given comfort, but did not, for her own heart was tearing asunder. The trickle of tears became a flood.

“Darling.” He slipped his arms around her, cradling her close. “What is wrong?”

“I…I don’t want to leave.”

“Sweetheart.” He cupped her chin and turned her face up to his. A thundery frown marred his brow. “Who has asked you to leave? Was it Aunt Prudence? Fiona?”

“N…no.” Jane sniffed, trying to blink back the tears and regain her composure.

“Someone else?” His frown grew darker.

She nodded. “You.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling author of historical romance, writing in a variety of time periods because she believes that passion is timeless. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories.

She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets–including two vocal cats, one almost silent cat, two curious bunnies, and a Shar-pei beagle mix named Frenchie.

Blog:  www.jennajaxon.wordpress.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jenna.jaxon

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon

Instagram: passionistimeless

LINKS:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091MJ1C8M/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i6

BARNES & NOBLE:   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-widow-wore-plaid-jenna-jaxon/1139126668

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-widow-wore-plaid

APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-widow-wore-plaid/id1561405266

GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781420149784

PRINT COPIES AVAILABLE AT:

AMAZON

BOOKS-A-MILLION

BARNES & NOBLE

BOOKSHOP.ORG

HUDSON BOOKSELLERS

INDIEBOUND

TARGET

WALMART

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/11/vbt-seduction-of-duke-by-j-r-salisbury.html

J R Salisbury will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Author Interview: J R Salisbury

1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?

I started out writing contemporary romance, but always leaned toward historical romance. For Nanowrimo (where you write a novel in a month) I wrote my novel “Dealing with the Duchess” and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I got the idea from a particular scene from a movie and it just sort of ran away on its own.

2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world?

I am the firstborn. I’ve never thought of this much, but I am looked up to or others come to me. Unfortunately, I’ve become a wee bit cynical over the years.

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

In my office where I can shut the door and have complete silence.

4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?

I try not to and the few who have are given a proper burial. LOL

5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?

Isabel Allende is my favorite author. I did meet her in Atlanta at the Atlanta History Center. If I’d been allowed to ask a question it would have been, do your stories come from actual historical events or are they completely your imagination (she has written books surrounding her late daughter, etc.- but her others such as The Japanese Lover – I’d love to know)

6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.

Hmmm…I co-wrote a song that was supposed to have been in a movie. Well, something happened with financing. The movie was almost done, but never was released.

7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?

Toothbrush, a huge notebook with pens and Red Vines!

8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be?

Invisibility!

9. Favorite snack?

Lay’s potato chips (nobody can eat just one)

10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?

It all depends on the circumstances – usually I know where I’m going and drive according to the traffic flow.

Seduction of a Duke

by J R Salisbury

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Historical Romance (Victorian)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

You never know when cupids arrow is going to strike…
Lady Cora Keats, the only daughter of the Duke of Dover is not only beautiful, she’s confident, self-assured and sometimes a wee bit outspoken. She knows one day she’ll have to marry and settle down – her father constantly reminds her. Cora has other plans – she doesn’t want to marry…at least not now. She’s grown into an independent woman with an occupation few women dare pursue. She cannot…no she will not give up a successful business for a man. Not even if he’s an obscenely handsome duke who shares her interests.
Sebastian Steele, Duke of Hightower was sought after by all the eligible young women. Tall, muscular and stunningly good-looking, the former rake has quietly begun his search for a wife. Drawn by Lady Cora’s uniqueness and confidence he realizes through all their bickering there is something more lying beneath the surface.
Can these two opposites put aside their differences and work together for the greater good or will pride and stubbornness rule?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“Move your arse! Move your bloody arse!”

Sebastian Steele, Duke of Hightower watched in fascination at the young woman standing at the rail yelling and making a fool of herself. Fascinated because he’d never seen a woman get so animated about a horserace. It was undignified and certainly unbecoming of a lady. Where was her husband?

Though women did attend horse races with their husbands, they never behaved like this. She appeared to be a peer, well dressed and mannered, except for this outburst. Could it be her husband’s horse she was carrying on about? 

She continued watching the race, cheering them on. In the sun red hues sparkled off her mahogany hair. She wore dark green dress with charcoal piping along with a peplum jacket and skirt. The collar hugged her chin and was trimmed with black lace. The jacket closed with small black buttons on the front.

He turned his attention from the dark-haired woman to the race, which was winding down. The horses were headed into the homestretch, and his own entry, Apollo’s Gold was proving once again to be a disappointment, holding at a good distance behind the winner. The stallion had shown great promise up until the last two races. Something was missing. He needed to send Apollo to someone who could salvage this horse’s future before he ruined it.

“Better luck next time,” Crispin Allgood, Earl of Yorkshire said, clasping him on the shoulder

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amazon bestselling author J R Salisbury divides her time between the U.S. and U.K. with her aging Yorkie, Rocco.

When in the U.K. she finds herself shrouded in history, making an author’s imagination come alive.

J R writes Victorian era and Scottish historical romance with perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, sassy heroines.

Website:  www.jamiesalisbury.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JRSHistoricalRomance/?RFF-Bookmarks

Instagram:  AuthorJamieSalisbury

Twitter:  @JamieRSalisbury

Seduction of a Duke Amazon Link (offered in KU as well – so Amazon is the only link):  https://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Duke-Love-Devotion-Book-ebook/dp/B09LD9NT1W/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Bossed Up
//informal//
to go after something/someone with determination. To put your entire soul into achieving a desired outcome.

Life had dealt me so many curveballs, Struggle became my middle name.
Wouldn’t it be nice for once not to have to fight for what I want?
Enter: Mr. Perfect Stranger.
He promised me a time to remember.
I can safely vouch he kept his promise. All. Night. Long.
Trouble is, his family bought the company I work for.
And his first order of business was to remind me that I left him…
Without saying goodbye.
But that’s not the worst of it.
He wants to pick up where we left off.
Last time, I barely escaped from falling. Who’s to say that this time, I’ll be the one asking him to stay?

Bossed Up by the Billionaire is a dual POV Contemporary Romance with no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.

Read an Excerpt

From the chapter əˈwɛːnəs

His fingers are back on my neck, caressing the blemish he’d made with his teeth. His eyes are both intense and sad, like the end of a movie when the hero dies. “Answer me, Sin. Did I hurt you?”

You will. You really will when you leave. Especially if you keep acting like you care.

I shrug, stepping away so his hand falls. Putting a healthy distance between us so I don’t get hurt. “No, it’s fine. Really.”

“Then, can I do it again?”

There’s no mistaking the lust in his eyes. I lick my lips, trying to wet them from their sudden dryness. I mentally scold myself, given that I’m already throbbing in anticipation.

Royce’s suggestion has put all sorts of thoughts into my head and stupid and pathetic and you shouldn’t be doing this are not any of them.

But hell yes, right there, and more please, are.

“You want to get out of here?”

He rocks back on his heels, eyeing me like he can read my mind. “Yeah.” He swallows thickly. “Yeah I do.”

“I’m here with Natalie—”

“—I’m here with friends.”

We say in unison, “Do you have a car?”

We laugh, and as always, it’s so damn easy to keep each other going. Tears spring from our eyes, and I’m touched again when he wipes mine away.

About the Author:

VK Holt has been creating stories since the age of six. An author of steamy contemporary and fantasy romance, she includes both humor and angst when writing about the strong men and the sassy women who come to love them.

If she isn’t baking, she is reading, writing or walking her Chihuahua. And drinking coffee, too. Can’t forget about that.

Facebook
Instagram
BookBub
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads
Newsletter

Buy Link:

Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Men Wanted—because sometimes love matches need a little magic.

Andrew ‘Duff’ Wagner goes straight to the gods to get his love match made. He relies on Men Wanted, the matchmaking service run by Apollo, Artemis, and Eros to find his perfect match. He’s in love with a certain lawyer, but there can’t be enough magic in the cosmos to get them together, right?

Christian Foley knows exactly who he wants as his match, but he works with Men Wanted to find the perfect partner. He’s got a thing for Duff Wagner and won’t rest until he gets a date. Christian and Duff might have a chance if only Duff’s ex would stop butting in. When he finally hooks up with the sexy shop owner, they have to decide if their passion will go up in flames or start the fire to last forever.

br>

Read an Excerpt

©Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

“Why don’t we walk to the library? I’ve always loved the courtyard.”

“Sure.” Duff fell into step beside Christian, but said nothing until they’d walked the two blocks to the library.

The silence gave Christian time to think. He wanted Duff. Had since the quiet man walked into his law office. Back then, he’d told himself Duff wouldn’t want him. He was a lawyer. Who wanted to be with a lawyer? Not his ex-boyfriends.

Duff wasn’t his ex. He wasn’t anything yet. Just a match.

He gestured to one of the tables. “Have a seat.” He sat across from Duff. “First, I did contact Men Wanted. I told them I wanted a date and filled out the application. I answered those questions and told them I wanted this.”

“You did? This?” Duff stared at him. “Us? Or a date?”

Duff had the right to ask all the questions and want answers. The only time they’d been completely honest with each other had been concerning the will. Anything else personal hadn’t been discussed. He’d refused to let it happen. Now, he wanted to be with Duff. “I wanted to see you, yes. I wanted a date, but it seemed unwise to date someone who was a client. It was unethical.”

“I know.”

“But I never forgot how I felt when you walked into the room. I felt normal. I felt like you heard me.” He reached across the table. “When Men Wanted asked me about my regrets, I told them I regretted not trying to see you.”

“You told them that?”

“I did.” With no regrets. “Duff, you might have been my client then, but you’re not now.”

“I guess not.” Duff sighed. “Did you know Men Wanted would put us together?”

“No. I hoped they might, but no guarantees.” He squeezed Duff’s hand. “We were put together for a reason. Why not give us a chance? Why not try?”

About the Author:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Newsletter

Website

Blog

Facebook

Amazon Author Page

BookBub Author Page

Instagram

Goodreads

Twitter

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing

Books2Read

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/12/blurb-blitz-through-fairy-ring-by.html

Melissa McTernan will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Through the Fairy Ring

by Melissa McTernan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Alice’s life is falling apart. Her boyfriend cheated on her, she lost her job, and she managed to get herself lost on an ill-fated hiking trip. When she passes out in a small clearing in the woods she never imagined she would wake up in a new world; a world with beautiful people, amazing sights, and a sexy Fae stranger.

Wren is not accustomed to wanting. He has everything he needs: good friends, good food, good sex. And he has had it for decades. He’s forgotten what it is to want something, to need something beyond reason. He had forgotten, but when he meets Alice, the feeling creeps back in. He wants Alice and he can’t have her. And it hurts.

Can people from two different worlds figure out a way to be together, or will they be forced to live apart?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Go for a hike. Get out in nature. You’ll feel better.

Why did people say shit like that? Alice huffed and puffed as she walked along the overgrown trail. She did not feel better. In fact, she felt significantly worse. Now, not only was she unemployed and single, she was hungry, hot, and lost.

She let out an exaggerated sigh and wiped the sweat from her forehead. All of her harrumphing was significantly less satisfying with no one around to care. She suddenly felt sorry for that tree that falls in the forest with no one there to hear.

The sun was low enough in the sky to shine directly in her face and squinting was giving her a headache. The sun set in the west, that much she knew. Unfortunately, she had no idea if west was the direction she wanted to go. She glanced at her phone for the hundredth time, still no signal.

Her stomach grumbled menacingly, another wave of nausea rolling through her. Great, she would be the first hiker to die of low blood sugar. How did a two mile hike turn into this? She had the distinct feeling she was walking in circles, but every damn tree looked the same. How was she supposed to know!

Panic joined hunger in her gut. It was still unclear which would win out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Melissa McTernan writes paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is the author of two paranormal romance novellas Missing Maren and Through the Fairy Ring, and a contemporary holiday romance, Secret Family Recipes for Love and Butter Cookies. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely reading or wrangling her kids as a stay-at-home mom. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, kids, cats, puppy and full bookshelves. She writes romance to keep her sanity.

Follow her on twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads all @melissamcternan or check out her website for the latest updates! https://www.melissamct.com/

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Through-Fairy-Ring-Melissa-McTernan-ebook/dp/B09MCW6PFL/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michelle Major will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

At the stroke of midnight, a stranger’s kiss changes everything…

Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother’s New Year’s wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he’s stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she’s also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline’s side—for good…