Layna Pimentel: Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)

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Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)
by Layna Pimentel
Erotic Historical Romance
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 29,852

Available at:
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Scandal-Vauxhall-Pleasure-Follies-ebook/dp/B00DQBEM9K/
ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-scandalatvauxhall-1225891-340.html
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scandal-at-vauxhall-layna-pimentel/1115888553
BookStrand – http://www.bookstrand.com/scandal-at-vauxhall
Secret Cravings Publishing – http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&products_id=641
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333461

 

Description
The love and happiness Isabel Salisbury expected in life when she accepted the proposal of the Marquess of Stoughton takes an unexpected turn when he leaves on a mission for the war office and her parents marry her off to the Duke of Brimley.

Nathaniel Thompson, the Marquess of Stoughton, is devastated to learn upon his return that Isabel has married the duke. When news of her husband’s death surfaces, Nathaniel sets out to make amends and will stop at nothing until she’s his marchioness.

But when London learns of a promiscuous tryst between them in the Daily, their credibility is at stake. They soon discover that nothing in life is simple, nor private, and all is fair in love and war.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

 

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Excerpt
“What haven’t I heard?” she asked. Her breath hitched and her pulse raced. What could I have missed?

“Come away with me to the terrace. I wish to speak to you in private. We can’t have half of London listening in.”

She followed Lady Coxley outdoors, leaving behind the sounds of merriment to be embraced by the shrouded darkness of night and silence.

“They say the marquess will not marry until he’s found her.”

“Until he’s found who?”

“The one who broke his heart. But in all honesty, everyone knows it’s you. With any luck, perchance some horrible fate will happen upon Henry.”

If I were only so lucky. “You shouldn’t talk like that! And for the record, the marquess and I were done long ago. Remember, he’s the one who left me.”

“Isabel, you cannot expect me to believe that you haven’t thought about that man—at least once or ever—during the course of this sham of a marriage of yours. The haute ton in its entirety knows where he is right now. And you’d be a fool to think Henry gives two ninnies about your welfare.”

The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them.

“Excuse me, ladies, but I was wondering if perchance I could steal Her Grace for a dance.”

Good grief. Did he hear any of our discussion? I cannot believe he’s actually here. Heat coursed through Isabel at the thought of holding him once again. She nodded and held out her gloved palm for him to take. “I’d be honored, My Lord.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace.”

Leaving behind Lady Coxley, she followed his lead inside for a waltz.

“It’s been too long, Isabel. I’ve missed you terribly,” he whispered as they took a turn about the dance floor. Nathaniel bowed and took her hand. His touch warmed her, and the gentle squeeze that followed reassured her that the flame they once had was still there.

She and Henry hadn’t danced since their wedding and even then, he quickly discarded her to dance with the Duchess of Downsbury. If she’d only known her dismissal that evening would be the first of many others. For the most part, her husband had two left feet, but Nathaniel whisked her away gracefully to the tune. She wished to kiss him again and remind herself of their time together. Good heavens, Isabel. You’re married. Enough of this foolishness!

Isabel felt him pulling her closer as his arm at the small of her back pushed her in. His head dipped down, and, naturally, she looked up at him, ignoring every stare and whisper as they moved together. She finally cringed and mustered the courage to ask him the one thing weighing heavily on her mind. “Why did you take so long? Why didn’t you come sooner? Nathaniel, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought of you.”

As the music wound down and the dancers departed, Isabel locked her eyes on his and felt a tear escape. “You’ve been missed greatly, My Lord.”

His thumb swiped away the drop. “My dear, there hasn’t been a day, hour, or dream you haven’t occupied.”

Her chest tightened with his admission. Could he have really wanted me all this time?

“Nathan—”

 

About the Author
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters. Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut.

 

Connect with Layna Pimentel
Website – http://www.laynapimentel.com/
Blog – http://laynap.wordpress.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaynaPimentel
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LaynaPimentel

Arial Burnz: Vampire Chronicles

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Bonded by Blood: Vampire Chronicles                                                                                    by Arial Burnz

Arial will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her Virtual Book Tour. Also, at every stop a randomly drawn commenter will be awarded a 5-Star Short Story eBook, Romance Trading Card set & signed Bonded By Blood series post card. A $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card (winner’s choice) will be awarded to a randomly drawn host between both tours.  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-nbtm-tour-bonded-by-blood.html

 

I love getting into the heads of erotic romance writers, especially those who write about vamps! Welcome Arial Burnz to the blog with her exciting Vampire Chronicles. Before we get to those vamps, Arial answers my ten.  

 

Arial Burnz  Interview                                                                                                      Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your wonderful blog! I’m just thrilled to be here!!! 

Woohoo! You are a published author. Describe a strong character trait you possess, good or bad, and how it helped you become a published author.

Determination. I’m not one to give up on something I believe in. I wrote MIDNIGHT CONQUEST over twenty years ago and I’ve never given up on getting it published.

Sometimes an author begins writing a story before they are aware of its genre. Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you?

I most definitely chose the genre. I’ve been a lover of vampire fiction—both romantic and paranormal fantasy—for over 30 years. My other favorite genre is fantasy—dragons, unicorns, hobbits, wizards, etc. You can be sure to see those books coming down the pipe once I’m done with my Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles.

The plot thickens, or does it? Which one are you, a pantser or a plotter?

I’m a total plotter. I have to be, especially when writing a series. I love to add layers to a storyline and characters and the overarching plot of the series. There are many things I’m planting all the way back in the early books that won’t even come to complete manifestation until Book 6 and beyond, so I have to plan everything out to insert those little Easter eggs. However, that doesn’t mean my characters don’t take on a life of their own. I plot my stories for a general guide, but my characters will often do things unexpected and will actually improve upon the original ideas. I love it!

Fear 101: As writers it is our duty to make our characters face their fears. Have you ever included one of your own fears in a storyline?

Oh, that’s for certain. Writing is almost a form of therapy for many authors, and I’m no different. Literary revenge for those people who did me wrong often emerges as villains I tear to pieces in my books. Fear of not being accepted and loved for who I am is the theme for Book 2 – MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE.

Fear 102: Yes, deadlines are terrifying. Have you conquered the juggling act between writing and the rest of your life? What do you do when it feels like the balls are dropping all around you?

I’ve just recently overcome this obstacle. There was the fear of not making enough money to pay the bills, so I tended to overload myself with business endeavors that took time away from writing. My husband and I are finally in a situation where I’ve been able to clear my plate of those time-consuming projects. I’m focused on writing, cover design and recording audio books…the three things I love to do. Very rewarding. As for what I do when I feel the balls dropping around me…sit back and take inventory of what’s really important, and sometimes I just have to say no to certain things, or put them off for a while, and focus on what matters most—writing. I would die if I couldn’t write, so that’s #1.

Switch positions with one of your main characters in a scene. What is the outcome, disaster or divine intervention? 

Broderick MacDougal holds his silver-plated Wootz blade, an impressively decorative but deadly sword, ready to do battle with Angus Campbell, his clan enemy and also immortal. Angus stands at the ready, face snarling and shoulders hunched for battle.

Insert Arial Burnz with sword in hand and Broderick steps out. Angus advances with growl and Arial screeches, dropping the sword and batting Angus away, screaming like a ninny. Angus stops, jaw unhinged, and shakes his head. Only with Arial’s well-timed hysterics and cowardice is she able to stun Angus into inaction, giving her the moment she needs to run for her life!

Yeah…that’s about the size of it.

Where is your favorite place to write? Add that one comfort food that you can’t do without.

It’s nothing romantic for me or what some people might visualize for “the writer.” I have my own home office and it’s my day job. And I don’t have comfort foods like I used to. My favorite used to be macaroni and cheese with tuna and peas…lol…but I’m over that. There is, of course, sushi. And I do love dark chocolate. It’s just not a life necessity.

Writing inspirations?

My primary inspiration is my husband. He’s shown me what true love is, that love worth dying for, the love Broderick and Davina share. I hope my books are able to give people a taste of what that really feels like. THAT’S something I cannot do without.

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

LOL! This just happened and it was a disaster. I didn’t really have any burning question, though. I finally met Anne Rice in person at the RT Book Lover’s Convention in Los Angeles. I handed over my large, silver-coated tome of her Vampire Chronicles for her to autograph…and I bawled. Well, not BAWLED, but I got so choked up I could barely talk to her. I was a mess and she was a sweetheart. 

I’ve gone mad – why don’t you come with me? Some people just don’t understand us writers. Name a quirky, writer-thing you do that friends wish you didn’t. 

I love to blurt out in public places that I write about hot sexy vampires performing erotic love scenes. That tends to get my family and friends blushing or laughing nervously. One thing they definitely don’t like me doing is staying home all the time, writing. Many people insist I need to get out more. But I can’t write when I’m “oot and aboot!”

This has been fun! Thanks so much for the opportunity to be here and share this information!! You’ve been a doll!

 

Arial, the pleasure is all mine. 🙂 Now for those vamps!

 

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Blurbs:

Midnight Conquest 

Masked in a Gypsy guise, Broderick MacDougal hides his vampiric identity while seeking to destroy the man who slaughtered his family. When an old Clan rival ensnares Broderick in a trap using an enticing widow, he is compelled to discover if she is bait or an accomplice, and the cinnamon-haired beauty is his next conquest.

Widow of an abusive husband, Davina Stewart-Russell clings to the only image that gave her strength during those dark times—the Gypsy rogue who stole her heart as a youth. After nine years, she is finally face-to-face with him again, but reality clashes with fantasy as she is confronted with Broderick’s passionate pursuit.

When Davina’s past returns to haunt her, Broderick is forced to reveal a dark secret worse than anything Davina thought possible. The challenge before them has fatal risks and neither of them is prepared for the sacrifices expected for the sake of eternal love.

 

Midnight Captive 

Cailin MacDougal has lived a dangerous life being the adopted daughter of vampire Broderick “Rick” MacDougal, so she had no choice but to learn to fight in order to protect herself. However, such behavior is hardly desirable in a dutiful wife who’s supposed to embroider and run a household. This aggressive side of her behavior should be easy enough to hide from her betrothed…shouldn’t it?

After being away at fencing school for seven years, James Knightly has returned as a master swordsman, ready to captain his own ship and finally wed his childhood sweetheart, Cailin MacDougal. What he finds waiting for him is a dagger-toting hellion for a bride, an immortal father-in-law, and an enemy bent on extracting revenge by threatening the family James holds most dear–the MacDougals.

Broderick MacDougal is lured away from his family with the promise of-at last-learning a way to protect those he loves from his clan enemy, Angus Campbell. Broderick knows he’s headed for a trap, but the bait is too tempting to resist…and he unravels the beginning of a prophecy that will lead to redemption for all vampires. The cost of such redemption, though, may be the very soul of the woman he would die for…his wife, Davina.

 

Excerpt:

Midnight Conquest

Seeing the erotic images she entertained in her mind, mimicking his dream, was his undoing.

With a groan, he dashed around the table, and before she could gather her wits, he pulled her to her feet, wrapping her in his embrace and crushing her arms between them. Davina’s hands upon his chest spread warmth over his body. The wild thumping of his heart beneath her palms matched her own heart’s cadence, pounding in his ears. Davina stared up at him with parted lips, full and tempting, begging to be tasted, and his mouth descended upon hers. With a dexterity that surprised him, she dodged him.

“Stop!”

Amusement played havoc with his features and he eased the tension of his embrace just enough to allow Davina some breathing room. His voice purred, “Stop? You are ripe and ready, lass. What say we indulge in each other in a more private atmosphere?”

Davina stepped out of his embrace and cracked her hand against his cheek.

“What in—” Broderick’s brow scrunched in confusion, and then smoothed as he tipped his head back and hearty laughter poured out of his mouth, his fists planted on his hips. Oh, I like her!

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Author Bio and Links:

Arial Burnz has been an avid reader of both paranormal and fantasy fiction for over thirty years. With bedtime stories filled with unicorns, hobbits, dragons and elves, she had no choice but to craft her own tales, penning to life the many magical creatures roaming her mind and dreams. And with a romantic husband who’s taught her the meaning of true love, she’s helpless to weave romance into her tales. Now she shares them with the world. Arial Burnz lives in Rancho Cucamonga, California, with her husband (a.k.a. her romance novel hero)—who is also a descendent of Clan MacDougal—along with their dog and two cats.

 

Links

Website: http://www.arialburnz.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorarialburnz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arialburnz

Buy Link (Amazon Author Page where all my books are listed and available):

http://amazon.com/author/arialburnz

Untameable Heat Tour: Dariel Raye and Kathryn Edgar

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Today I welcome to the blog not one author but two: Dariel Raye and Kathryn Edgar! They are on tour, on fire with new releases. Enjoy!

 

Untameable Heat Kaden's Reprieve

Kaden’s Reprieve Blurb

Tanya has been running for her life for two years, but when Ms. Lillian, owner of the exclusive “Heaven’s Touch” match making service, graciously gives her a week’s stay at her private bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, she seizes the opportunity to escape to a possible hideaway.

Kaden is of a rare and precious race prized for extraordinary abilities. He is also half-demon, remanded to Kushiel’s custody centuries ago. Allowed to leave Hell twice a year, three days each time – Beltane, and Samhain, his life thus far has been filled with slavery, torture, and despair, and he is nearly convinced that his soul is beyond redemption. Still, he longs for freedom. Can Tanya redeem him? Can Kaden dare hope for a reprieve?

“Untameable Heat” FB event          “Untameable Heat” Rafflecopter

 

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Lilith’s Freedom Blurb

In the dark alleys of the St Louis riverfront sits a club known only to those evil enough to enter.   The club is called The Master’s Lair.  It is frequented by the evil underbelly of the supernatural world.  Lilith is a beautiful succubus entertaining nightly in the Lair.

Lilith has grown bored with her life.  She is ready for more.   The Master has promised her release from her succubus bonds is possible, except the price may be higher than she can afford.

Alex is hell bent on revenge.  An angel that watched his sister die in the clutches of a goblin drug ring, his main mission is to end their reign of death.   Going undercover as a fallen angel he throws himself into danger going inside The Master’s Lair.

Meeting the beautiful Lilith wasn’t part of his revenge plan.  Yet, something in him wants to be her redemption.  Alex wonders if he can be the one to help Lilith attain the freedom she seeks or will he endanger them both?

 

 

Hot Paranormal Nights Tour – One Dark Alley and A Drafty Old Place

                                                                                                 It’s the Hot Paranormal Nights Blog Hop! This summer we’re celebrating things that go bump in the night. What are your favorite things that go bump in the night? Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card. Click the Hot Paranormal button above to visit all stops on this hop and enjoy!

Two of my favorite things that go bump in the night? One Dark Alley and a Drafty Old Place.

 

Excerpt from Falcon’s Angel, A Cardiff Novel Book 1

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One Dark Alley in Naples, Italy…

What the hell?

Something flitted overhead, darker than the darkness in which he now stood alone. He pointed the Glock upward even as a figure walked up the side of the building. It looked like a black cloud but more solid than it should be.

Before he could get off a shot, the darkness disappeared over the side of the roof.

Staring at the dead end in front of him, Falcon put his gun away. No doors or windows on either side.

Where is the guy? Must be a hidden door somewhere, he’d check it out later.

Falcon turned back toward the girl. Beyond her, across the street, the man he had been chasing got into a car.

“No way,” he murmured as the car sped off. No way could the man have gotten past him in the alley.

The girl had both arms wrapped around the violin case in front of her. She was leaning against the church wall, crying.

A street lamp flickered on above them, belatedly bathing the passage in revealing light. She did not seem to realize that he was there.

“Did he hurt you, Signorina?”

She looked up. He lifted his gaze from her heaving chest.

“Grazie,” she whispered, wiping her face with the back of her hand. She shook her head. “I am fine.”

There was blood on her closed fist.

“Are you hurt?” He moved closer.

She moved her hand behind the folds of her skirt and backed into the wall.

He waited, leaning his hand against the wall above her head, inhaling her perfume. A beguiling combination of … amber, apples and musk. The scent suited her, organic, delicious. He wanted to lift her skirt right now and take her against this wall, those long legs wrapped around him.

Angelina examined the buttons on his shirt that were in such close proximity. Stepping away from him would be cowardly, and he would guess she was made of sterner stuff. When she looked up it was with the defiance he expected from a cornered tigress.

He held her gaze, reaching behind to bring her fist out from the folds of her skirt.

The bloody gold in the center of her palm was a heavy medium-sized loop engraved with a stylized dragon. She had pulled it from the man’s ear and he had not made a sound.

“A memento?” He whispered in English close to her lips.

“I don’t want it. You can have it,” she answered in her native tongue. Now, that was the truth. Her British accent was tinged with a weary sadness. He wanted to pick her up against his chest and carry her home.

She had courage. Even while his mind worked to figure out what her role was in the mystery of the Stradivarius, he admired that.

He couldn’t leave her alone now. Not on a street where men escaped him when cornered in an alley and black clouds slid up church walls.

 ***********

Excerpt from Love Entwined, A Cardiff Novel Book 2 Available 9/9/13 from Liquid Silver Books

A Drafty Old Place in North Yorkshire, England…

Across the green was the mansion. The floodlights lit up the old limestone, making the imposing high stone walls seem even older than they were. Large bay windows dotted the beautifully preserved façade.

My dream house.

She turned to Roman, who stared at her.

“What is it?”

“This is…” She could not speak, should not speak the words in her mind, and returned her gaze to the window. “It is like an ancient monument.”

He looked over her shoulder. “This drafty old place is over two hundred years old.”

He stopped when she wanted to hear more, anything that would explain why her dream house was here in England, why she was here, why they were both here together, she and her dream lover.

He was watching her again.

She sat back and tried for a lighter tone. “So many windows must bring warmth to the interior in the summer.” She had only just arrived and was already being seduced by the thought of summer in the English countryside.

The car drove up a road as wide as a two-lane highway in New York City. There was a hush over the place that drew her and with it came a deferential awareness.

St. Clair Manor was encapsulated in its own golden age, as if it preferred the gothic influences of the Georgian era.

Amelie shifted on the seat. A manor couldn’t prefer anything. It wasn’t alive, after all.

She was holding her breath and let it out slowly. Now the dark windows of the manor seemed to be eyes focused on her, hundreds of them, witnessing her arrival.

Stop giving yourself the creeps, Amelie.
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Author Spotlight: Rhonda Laurel & MVP

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MVP (Sequel to “For the Love of the Game”)                                                                           by Rhonda Laurel                                                                                                                     Contemporary Romance                                                                                                     Categories: Interracial/Multicultural                                                                                 Publisher: Etopia Press                                                                                                             Release Date: June 21, 2013                                                                                                   Heat Level: Sensual                                                                                                                  Word Count: 35,930

Prize is a $25 Gift Card from Rhonda Laurel. Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Sept 6. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/07/booktour-mvp-sequel-to-for-love-of-game.html

Available at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DI9WD3W

ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mvp-1223875-149.html

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mvp-rhonda-laurel/1115743510

 

Description:

The game has just begun…

Morgan Reed-Blake discovers that being the wife of MVP quarterback Seth Blake has its perks…and its challenges. Thrust into Seth’s high-profile world, she must wade through the celebrity, status, and the ghosts of girlfriends past. So when Seth takes Morgan home to his ranch in Texas and introduces her to his family and friends, she’s not surprised when his high school sweetheart comes to call. Morgan suspects she wants to rekindle the flame, and how can she blame her? Distraught over the changes their relationship has caused for Seth, Morgan wonders if maybe he’s better off without her.

Pro quarterback Seth Blake is elated that his wife Morgan is giving their “fake” marriage a real chance. But he doesn’t anticipate running into the woman who broke his heart years ago. He hasn’t told Morgan about the complicated relationship with his ex, but as he guides Morgan through the maze of his celebrity lifestyle, can he convince her the past is in the past? The MVP does not accept defeat, and he’s determined not to lose. But winning Morgan might be the most difficult game of his life…

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EXCERPT

Morgan Blake took one more sip of her wine before placing the glass back on the silver tray. She looked out across the five-thousand-acre ranch from her seat on the veranda, but her view was suddenly obstructed by two strong hands covering her eyes.

“I’ve got another surprise for you,” Seth purred in her ear.

Another surprise? They’d only been in Texas for six hours but she’d taken a tour of the Twelve Horse Shoes ranch, met Seth’s mom, Teri-Lyn, and got her first riding lesson on her new horse, Reed’s Fire. Then Seth had suggested they stay for the rest of the week. What more could he give her?

“Will it be better than finding out the ranch hand I was talking to earlier was actually your mother?”

“Don’t worry, you’re gonna like it,” he drawled, as he led her into the bathroom. Candles surrounded a huge claw foot bathtub that sat in the middle of the room, filled with bubbles and rose petals.

“Want to take a bubble bath with your husband? Take your mind off lunch with momma tomorrow?”

“Only if you wear the hat.” The minute she had seen him wearing that Stetson on the ranch, her heart had skipped a beat.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Morgan shivered at the feel of Seth’s big, strong, calloused hands as he undressed her. Seth took his time removing each piece of clothing from her body before removing his own. He then gathered her into his arms and placed her into the tub, without getting a drop of water on his Stetson.

The hot bath felt like heaven, soothing her aching muscles and washing away the dirt from touring the ranch. But it was all worth it, especially getting to ride her brand new horse for the very first time.

“Reed’s Fire is a beautiful horse. I think we made a connection.”

“Well, that’s what I was going for, a love connection between you and the horse.”

“I read this book…”

Seth’s chest rumbled against her back. “What a surprise.”

“About animal totems.” Morgan flicked bubbles onto his nose. “It was interesting. Animals come into our lives at different times as a way to teach us a life lesson. It’s a very interesting and spiritual topic. I’ll bring a book home for you to read. Your bookcase could use a little diversity.”

“Hey! I have some pretty good biographies.”

“And they’re excellent reads, if you want to be a general in the military or a pro athlete.” Morgan rolled her eyes at him.

“I can’t remember the last time I had the time to just read a good book.” He kissed her shoulder.

“Well, you could read at night before you go to sleep.”

“Reading a book is the last thing I think about when I’m in bed with you.”

“Good point. But when you come to the bookstore, you browse around and I never see you reading anything.”

“That’s because I’m distracted by the owner. She’s really hot. Can’t take my eyes off her.”

“I’m serious. There’s so much we don’t know about each other.” Morgan sighed. She had agreed to give their relationship a chance but the nagging doubt still lingered in the back of her mind that she would wake up one day and it would all go away. Seth didn’t want to talk about their differences and insisted their whirlwind romance wasn’t a flash in the pan. She wished she had his unwavering confidence in their marriage.

Seth nibbled on her ear. “We have plenty of time to learn those things about each other.”

“What genres do you like?”

Seth thought about it for a moment. “Hmm. I like spy thrillers. And I am a history buff. What about you?”

Morgan picked up her wine glass and took another sip. “Spy thrillers, absolutely. History, yes. I also like horror but it scares the crap out of me.”

Seth chuckled. “So why read it if it scares the crap out of you?” “Because a good horror book is supposed to do that.” She shrugged.

“Well, those nights you get scared, I’ll make sure to check all the closets and under the beds.”

“Deal.”

“What did I tell you? We have a lot in common.”

“I’m glad you like taking baths but I never pictured you as a claw foot bathtub kind of guy.” Morgan put the glass back on the tray and relaxed against Seth’s chest.

“I am not a claw foot bath guy. You love the tub in the penthouse so I had one installed here.”

“You what?” Morgan splashed water on the black marble floor with her lightening quick turn. Seth assailed her with kisses to mute her practical protests about the tub. His hands ran along her rib cage, palming her breasts, then torturing her with his thumbs making lazy circles around her taut nipples.

“Why did you do that?”

“Because I knew it would make you happy.” Seth held her in place so she’d stop squirming.

“It did but—”

“Morgan Blake, are we going to fight every time I try to do something nice for you?”

“No.”

“You finished fussing with me, woman?”

“Yes,” she sighed. “That was very nice of you to have the tub installed.”

“Glad you’re beginning to see things my way,” he drawled as he continued his sensual exploration of her body.

 

About the Author:

Rhonda Laurel is a contemporary romance writer whose two great loves are writing and landscape photography. She uses both as a vehicle to convey the complexity of the human spirit and the beauty of the world around her. Her writing career has recently gained momentum in 2012 with her debut novella, Ebb Tide. Contemporary, multicultural/interracial romance is her ‘thing’ in the form of short stories, novellas and novels, but the author also writes poetry, inspirational quotes, designs greeting cards and the occasional essay. Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Masquerade were released in 2012. Shutter, Memories of You and Star Crossed in 2013. MVP, released June 21, 2013. The print anthology, ‘The Rhonda Laurel Collection’, featuring Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Shutter released June 2013. California Bored and Tourism will be released July 2013. The author is happily building her backlist.

 

Connect with Rhonda Laurel

Website – http://www.rhondalaurel.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel

Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/rhondalaurel/

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Hot Summer Romance Tour Winner (on Hammock Day!)

 

What a fun hop! I enjoyed all of your posts about summer plans whether it was jumping in a pool or relaxing with a good book. 

Reading in a gently swinging hammock is summer heaven for me. 🙂 

By the way, did you know today July 22nd is Hammock Day? Here’s a cool pic for all you lovely readers to celebrate.

You are here:

Hammock-Day

Congratulations Carly W., you won my sites prize for the Hot Summer Romance Tour! Enjoy. 🙂

Helen Harper: Blood Destiny Series

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Helen will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/name-before-masses-tour-blood-destiny.html

Helen Harper Interview

Do you ever wish you were someone else? Who?

No, I really don’t ever wish I was someone else.  There are many elements of other people who I deeply admire: for example, the tenacity that JK Rowling showed in getting her books published in the first place, as well as her determination to hold onto a lot of the decisionmaking process when the Harry Potter series took off.  When I was a teenager, I was desperate to be like Kate Adie, who was a very visible war correspondent for the BBC, but I didn’t ever want to be her.  I think that where I am today and the life that I have now is a result of my choices and my decisions, both good and bad, and that I need to own up to that.  If there’s something in my life that I am unhappy with then I strongly believe that it’s down to me to change it.  Wishing to be someone else or to have someone else’s life is, in my humble opinion, a cop out.
What did you do on your last birthday?

It was very quiet!  I don’t remember doing very much at all, just a few drinks with some friends.  I regularly do bootcamp in the mornings before I start work, and it’s a tradition with them that, if it’s your birthday, you have to do the same amount of burpees as you have years; I think I pretty much managed to side-step that as well and sneak off before anyone realised!

 

 

Do you have any tattoos?  Where? When did you get it/them? Where are they on your body?

I have a tattoo of a dragon on my right shoulder.  Given that my current Blood Destiny series features dragons, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the two were somehow related, however I had it done back when I was a university student (which was too long ago to admit to), and mainly because I just liked dragons.  I did tell several people that it was because I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which is true, but that wasn’t really the reason I had it done!

At the time, I thought that I’d been very cautious about getting the tattoo done, and that I’d considered the advantages and disadvantages very thoroughly and was sure that I’d never regret it.  Typically, I now do wish it wasn’t there anymore.  I suppose I’m fortunate that it’s on my back so I rarely, if ever, have to see it.  That’s not to say that I dislike tattoos on other people: I lived in Japan for several years and was frequently awe-struck at the very high level of artistry that went into the genuinely unique designs some of my friends had done.  It’s just that the one I have is somewhat ordinary, which somehow seems to defeat the purpose of having a tattoo done in the first place.

 

BLOOD DESTINY SERIES by Helen Harper

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Blurb

Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.

 

Excerpt

I jogged along a small brook until it curved upstream towards the hills, then hopped over it and headed towards where I knew John would be.  I finally found him crouched in a clearing, not far from the edges of the moor.

“You sound like an elephant running through those trees,” he complained.

I put my hands on my hips and raised an eyebrow.  “Is that the thanks I’m getting for interrupting my run to come and investigate the over-energetic dalliances of some bunny rabbits?”

“That was one time.”  He straightened up.  His salt and pepper beard and bald head, along with the laughter lines around his eyes, hinted at the wisdom and experience contained within that smart mind of his.  John had been alpha in Cornwall for thirty-two years, and was universally liked and respected by the pack, but that didn’t mean that I couldn’t still have a little fun.

“So what is it this time?  Don’t tell me, I’ve got it, a sheep has gotten lost on the moor and its bleating is terrifying the farmers.”

He held out his palm.  There was a small shiny black object resting in the middle.  “I wish that’s what it was,” he said grimly.  “Take a look at this.”

I picked it up from his hand and rolled it through my fingers.  It was almost entirely weightless, and very smooth.  There was also something else.  I held it up to my ear and heard an odd chiming sound.

John looked at me sharply.  “You can hear it?”

“Sure,” I said surprised.

“Describe it to me.”

“You mean you can’t hear it?”  I was puzzled.  Compared to my own hearing, John could hear a leaf drop from fifty paces away.  “It’s like bells.  Only not, it’s more continuous than that.  Like a never-ending echo of a chime.”

He pursed his lips, clearly unhappy.  “It’s a wichtlein’s stone.”

“A mine fairy’s?  They knock three times and a miner drops dead?”

“You’ve been reading too many fairy tales.  Wichtleins do sometimes hang around old mines and tease the men that work there, but more often than not they are true harbingers of evil.  I don’t think one has been seen in the British Isles for more than a century.”

 

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Blurb

After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

 

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Blurb

Mack begins her training at the mages’ academy in the hope that, by complying, the stasis spell will be lifted from her old friend, Mrs. Alcoon. However, once there, she finds herself surrounded by unfriendly adults and petulant teenagers, the majority of whom seem determined to see her fail.

Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack finds it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel. But when she comes across a familiar text within the walls of the mages’ library, which might just provide the clues she needs to unlock the secrets of her background and her dragon blood, she realises that her problems are only just beginning…

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links

Helen Harper is an English teacher currently living abroad in Malaysia. As a long time reader of urban fantasy, she finally bit the bullet and began to develop her own series of novels.

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland. “I always loved the escapism provided by those genres,” states Helen. “No matter how bad life gets, you can always find a route out, even if only temporarily, in the pages of a good book.”

The growth of urban fantasy fascinated her – the mix of reality and fantasy along with strong heroic female characters appealed from the very beginning, and inspired her to write her own.

Facebook Author page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Harper/101590660022586

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarperFire

Amazon.com buy links:

Bloodfire http://www.amazon.com/Bloodfire-Blood-Destiny-1-ebook/dp/B00AU43ZXK

Bloodmagic http://www.amazon.com/Bloodmagic-Blood-Destiny-2-ebook/dp/B00AU0O00G/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Bloodrage http://www.amazon.com/Bloodrage-Blood-Destiny-3-ebook/dp/B00BQEFTPK/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

 

 

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Weekend Writing Warriors 7-21-13

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors. I missed a few weeks getting my new blog up and I’m so glad to be back with a snippet from my first novel, Falcon’s Angel, A Cardiff Novel Book 1. Here is Falcon at work. 

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Falcon walked over to the interrogation table. “Three days in Quajing Prison not enough for you? Sit down.”

Max stepped over the prone guard to sit back down in his chair. “Solitary confinement. You bastards…” he rasped.

Falcon took the seat at the other end of the table. “Max, tone it down or you are not going to like what happens here.”

Sore Neck got up from the floor and linked Max’s chain to the seat.                                

Blood trickled down Max’s face. He shook his head so it wouldn’t run in his eye.

Sore Neck gave the chain a malicious tug before he went to hold up the other corner of the room. Max licked the blood off his busted lip like it belonged to Sore Neck.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Want to know more about the Cardiff series? Falcon’s Angel, A Cardiff Novel Book 1 is available at Liquid Silver Books. Read an excerpt here.

Coming September 9th from Liquid Silver Books: Love Entwined, A Cardiff Novel Book 2. Read more about it here.

My Sexy Saturday

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I was MIA for a while, moving to my new blog, hanging curtains and finding just the right overstuffed comfy couch to read sexy romance – and missed a few weeks of My Sexy Saturday. It’s great to be back!

Hope you enjoy this snippet from my upcoming release Love Entwined, A Cardiff Novel Book 2, available at Liquid Silver Books on September 9th. 🙂

 

Love Entwined, A Cardiff Novel Book 2

She should protest—she did not know him. Instead, she sighed with the cool night air against her bare breast.

Warm hands drew her close, a comfort as much as a command. When he wrapped his arms around her, the bedroom walls fell away. She smelled the sea and the wind whipped around them.

She dug her fingers into his back and remembered … the way he nipped her neck when he sank into her, his deep, satisfied grunt when she clung to him, how he pinned her down, holding back the release until she thought she would die if he didn’t let her come right now…

She did know him. He was her capitaine. She molded herself against him and his chin dipped to rest on her head.

When he pulled back, a thick, black forelock winged away from his forehead. Full lips turned upward into dimples and moonlight shone in his eyes. “My love.”

She rubbed her nipples into the curls sprinkled across his chest and finally, he lifted her and laid her down on the water’s surface. His body, all hard planes and angles, pushed her down. She wrapped her legs around him atop a swelling wave.

He murmured approval as he cupped her buttocks, lifted her hips and drove into her all in one deft motion.

 

Want to start the Cardiff series? Read more on Falcon’s Angel, A Cardiff Novel Book 1 here

 

 

 

Author Spotlight: Tina Gayle and CFO’s Affair

CFO'sAffair

Tina Gayle: Taking the Plunge

The first cold plunge into a new situation can seem overwhelming and like most people I wanted to avoid the uncomfortable position.  So under normal conditions, I shied away from the unfamiliar encounters of meeting new people. However, when your passion for a dream pushes you to discovery a new path, what can I say, you get wet.

You see my dream is to be a bestselling author.

“No problem,” you might say, “It doesn’t take much to write.  Just sit down and do it.”

Yes, well, I did that, but I found that I got lonely. I discovered that I have this insatiable desire to talk, and talk, and talk some more.  It’s a terrible habit I can’t seem to break.

And what did I want to talk about?

Writing, and plotting, and characters and things.

“Oh my,” said my family and friends as their eyes gazed over in confusion.

Though they tried to encourage me, their interest didn’t fall into line with mine.  I had to look outside of my safe haven to find the support I needed.

The cold water of change washed over my feet.  I waded through several options, a critique group here, and a class there.  After years of meeting different authors, I’ve developed a close group of friends that I can call on for support. It has made a world of difference.

I now encourage everyone to follow their dreams and advise them not to let anything stand in their way.

 

CFO’s Affair

Blurb

Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman.  Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.

Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.

Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?

 

Excerpt

A knock sounded on the window beside her and she jumped. Her head swiveled around and she stared at the man looking at her through the window.

Vince Wilshire’s handsome face could make any woman melt with desire. With it so close to hers—the glass being the only thing separating them—a rush of adrenaline swept into her system. She leaned sideways in her seat and knocked her hand against the steering wheel. The horn beeped and she muttered, “Damn it, Knox, why did you…”

The sound of his laughter sent anger flooding through her, the muscles in her arms tightening with the need to strike out. She lowered the phone and clicked the disconnect button in retaliation to his attempt to manipulate her.

Vince opened the driver’s side door and cold air rushed into the car. “Hey, beautiful, are you heading inside?”

“What is this? Are you guys ganging up on me?” Sylvia ignored the man beside her and glanced in the rear view mirror, checking to make sure her tears hadn’t caused any lasting effect.

A warm hand landed on her shoulder and Vince toyed with her hair. “Not at all, I like the idea of entering the building with a gorgeous woman on my arm.”

“Right,” she protested and stuffed her phone into her purse before turning to stare into his bedroom-brown eyes. The spark in their depths had her reevaluating her impression of the man. Yes, he had the face and body to rival every other Casanova in the world, but he also had a sense of humor. That alone sent a shiver of awareness through her.

She fought the desire gathering in her stomach and waved her hand at him so he’d move out of the way, letting her exit the car. “Did Knox make you wait out here in the parking lot to make sure I would come inside?”

Vince grinned and held her door open while she stepped onto the asphalt. His gaze fell to her legs.

She stared at her new, high-heel, red pumps and silently prayed she wouldn’t land face first in the dirt when she tried to walk across the pitted parking lot in them.

A low whistled sounded beside her. “Man, are you ever hot.”

She ignored the comment and didn’t turn until she heard the car door slamming closed. “And there’s not a woman you’ve ever met you haven’t wanted.”

Buy Link is http://bit.ly/CFOaffair

 

 Tina Gayle Bio and Links

After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.
Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The first three books have been released and the last one is coming out in 2014.

Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.  She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both.

Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.

 

Find Tina Gayle everywhere

Home – www.tinagayle.net

Blog – www.tinagayle.blogspot.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle

Goodread – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle

Google + – https://plus.google.com

Linkin – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759