Rebecca Trogner on Tour: The Last Keeper’s Daughter

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The Last Keeper’s Daughter by Rebecca Trogner

Rebecca will be awarding a $50 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-excerpt-tour-last-keepers.html

Blurb:

Born into old money, Lily Ayres lives at Waverly, her family’s estate situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Paris, Virginia.  She is a strange, small, almost mute, young woman who has no idea that her father has given her to the Vampire King Krieger.  Walter Ayres is the King’s Keeper and part of a secret society of historians who unearth, preserve, and attempt to understand relics of long forgotten civilizations.

Lily has never felt comfortable in the human world, but after she suspiciously falls down a flight of stone steps, and is healed and claimed by Krieger, she realizes there is another world.  In this Other Realm she feels a sense of belonging, and begins to untwine the mysterious event which left her mentally and psychologically damaged.  When Walter disappears in England, Lily works with human and supernatural beings to uncover his whereabouts.  With each new discovery, she is pulled deeper into the vortex of magic, intrigue, and dark desires that permeates the supernatural world.  The revelations revealed unfold a story of deception and betrayal that threaten to tear the thin veil between the supernatural and human world asunder.

Cover for Last Keeper's Daughter

Excerpt:

For many centuries Krieger had kept himself aloof from matters of the heart. Now, with this small slip of a woman, he felt the desire to understand her as well as possess her. She was a puzzle to him. She seemed contained in her own world, with not a care for him. Even now she brushed her delicate fingers over the books as if they were lovers.

“Have you read all these?”

“Yes.” Krieger looked around the room. “Some more than once.” He paused, thinking of how to proceed. “You’ve had so little time to get accustomed. I had wished to show you my estate tonight. Unfortunately, there are matters that must be discussed between us.”

She turned to face him with her hand still resting on a book. The glow of the fireplace lit her face.

“Like that I’m your Sanguis Ancilla.”

He sat down on the sofa facing the fireplace and Lily, enjoying the view of her. “My royal blood lives within your body. It is the highest honor I can bestow without making you vampire.”

“I know Latin. It means blood slave. I’m not your slave, and I didn’t ask for your blood.”

“You are mine, my woman, my slave, my blood.” He should have been gentler with her, but the effect of her scent was overpowering.

“I didn’t agree to that.” She placed her hand over her abdomen. Her expression was one of confusion.

Rebecca Trogner Picture

Author Bio and Links:

Rebecca Trogner lives in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, and frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains that were the inspiration for Krieger’s home. She always dreamed of being a writer, but got sidetracked by the day-to-day adventures of life. With the encouragement of her family, she has finished her first novel and is currently writing the next book in The Last Keeper’s Daughter series. Rebecca lives with her husband and stepson, and a rescue dog named Giblet. To find out more about the author visit www.rebeccatrogner.com.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Trogner/e/B00BF1OTMI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-last-keeper-s-daughter?store=allproducts&keyword=the+last+keeper%27s+daughter

Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Last-Keepers-Daughter/Rebecca-Trogner/9781939173119?id=5645776099709

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17252265-the-last-keeper-s-daughter

Twitter: @RTrogner

Website:  www.Rebeccatrogner.com

Blog: http://blog.rebeccatrogner.com

Grace Elliot on Tour: Verity’s Lie

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Verity’s Lie (The Huntley Trilogy #3) by Grace Elliot

Historical (Regency) Romance

Publisher: Self/Indie

Release Date: July 14, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 300 pages

Link to Schedule: http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/08/booktour-veritys-lie-huntley-trilogy-3.html

Giveaway Info:

Prize is 3 eBook copies (1 each to 3 winners) of “Verity’s Lie (The Huntley Trilogy #3)” from Grace Elliot. Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends August 27. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

Description:

Charles Huntley, Lord Ryevale, infamous rogue…and government agent.

In unsettled times, with England at war with France, Ryevale is assigned to covertly protect a politician’s daughter, Miss Verity Verrinder. To keep Verity under his watchful eye, Ryevale plots a campaign of seduction that no woman can resist– except it seems, Miss Verrinder. In order to gain her trust Ryevale enters Verity’s world of charity meetings and bookshops…where the unexpected happens and he falls in love with his charge.

When Lord Ryevale turns his bone-melting charms on her, Verity questions his lordship’s motivation. But with her controlling father abroad, Verity wishes to explore London and reluctantly accepts Ryevale’s companionship. As the compelling attraction between them strengthens, Verity is shattered to learn her instincts are correct after all – and Ryevale is not what he seems. If Lord Ryevale can lie, then so can she…but with disastrous consequences.

 

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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Joyce Proell: A Deadly Truth

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Joyce will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

 http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/blurb-blitz-tour-deadly-truth-by-joyce.html

A DEADLY TRUTH By Joyce Proell

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Blurb:  

Tainted in the eyes of Victorian society by his wife’s suicide, Doyle Flanagan turns a deaf ear to the baseless gossip and harsh rebukes. Ignoring his shattered reputation, he goes about his business, making money and enemies, and doing good works whenever his conscience gets the best of him. Arrested for murder, he is forced to rely on a feisty school administrator to solve the puzzle. As he struggles to prove his innocence, he realizes gaining the trust and loyalty of Cady Delafield may be more important than his freedom.

On a quest to locate a missing student, school matron Cady Delafield enters a stranger’s house and discovers the woman murdered. Driven to see the murderer brought to justice, she is determined to prevent any further tragedy even if it means joining forces with the very man accused of the atrocity. Against the wishes of her powerful family, she risks her job and reputation to learn the truth. But will the truth, once revealed, drive her away from the man she has come to love?

Passion and murder collide in 1880’s Chicago as they race to keep one step ahead of the police who want Doyle to pay for his crime. As the attraction between Cady and Doyle sizzles, they battle suspicions, lies and lethal actions to uncover the murderer before he destroys them both.

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Author Information:

Joyce Proell grew up in Minnesota and attended college and grad school in Chicago. After working in mental health, she retired at a young age to write full-time. Her first book, Eliza, was published in 2012.  When she isn’t writing mysteries or historical romances, she loves to travel, walk, read, and do crossword puzzles. She and her husband make their home in rural Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie.

 

Visit her website: www.joyceproell.com

www.facebook.com/JoyceProellauthor

Buy links:

www.champagnebooks.com

www.amazon.com

www.kobobooks.com

www.barnes&noble.com

Rosalie Rousseaux on Tour: An Easy Dare

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An Easy Dare (Big Easy Series #1) by Rosalie Rousseaux
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self/Indie
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Heat Level: Sensual
Word Count: 60,000 words

http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/07/booktour-easy-dare-big-easy-series-1-by.html

Available at:
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Dare-Crescent-City-ebook/dp/B00DTV0DLI/
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/NOOK-Book-eBook-store/379003094/

Prize is a copy of “An Easy Dare (Big Easy Series #1)” from Rosalie Rousseaux. Contest is tour-wide. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Description:

Cat loved Gabe from the time she was five years old. She thought it would be easy: fall in love with your childhood sweetheart, get married and live happily ever after. But as the years go on, the fairy tale soon falls apart. At twenty, Gabe – penniless, unable to find work, and drinking himself into a bad reputation – leaves New Orleans, believing that Cat is better off without him.

She doesn’t hear from him for three years.

Not until her bachelorette party, when he sends her a $400 bottle of Champagne the night before she’s set to marry Cort Belrose, a wealthy restaurateur that Gabe despises.

It seems the past three years have treated Gabe well. He’s now mysteriously wealthy and the picture of a perfect Southern gentleman – a gentleman who is quietly seeking vengeance on the man who forced him out of the city, took three years of his life, and stole the woman he loved.

With Gabe’s return, the sweltering heat of New Orleans becomes even more stifling as Cat struggles with the truth about her malicious husband and her consuming lifelong love for the vengeful and troubled Gabe.

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:

This was our place, the park. This was our bench. When we were kids we would stand on it and throw bread crumbs to the ducks. When we were teenagers we exchanged kisses here – secretly at first, then openly because we didn’t care. I dare you to kiss me in front of everyone, he’d say, and I would. It was an easy dare.

In the wayward days after high school, when we had nowhere important to go, we would sit here, under the sweltering heat of the New Orleans sun, and lay against each other until our longing led us to his backseat—an unromantic bed in theory, but a passionate scene in practice. I remember how his sweat felt against my body. I remember how his dark hair glimmered in the afternoon heat. There was nothing about Gabriel Augustine that didn’t burn itself into my memory and linger there, even after he left me.

Especially then.

Things should have been easy. You fall in love with your childhood sweetheart. You give him your first kiss, your heart, your virginity. He loves you back. You get married and live happily ever after. That’s how I thought it would be. But there are other things that make up a real life—things that aren’t in the fairy tale. Things like fathers, expectations, obligations. Families and money and futures. Love gets tucked away somewhere and forgotten. Love is for movies and books. Love is for fairy tales. Instead of happily ever after, your childhood sweetheart loses a job, drinks too much, becomes a victim of his own unhappiness and disappears, thinking you’re better off without him when you know that’s not true. When you know—in your heart—that love could win. Would win if he would just let it. But he doesn’t believe enough. Despite what he said on those mornings when you’d wake up sweaty and tired and euphoric from lovemaking, or on the nights when your face was wet from his kisses and your body breathless from his love, he didn’t believe enough.

And you decide: I don’t believe, either.

Because you have to in order to survive.

 

About the Author:

Rosalie Rousseaux is a proud Louisiana girl who thinks New Orleans is the most enchanting city on Earth. This is her first novel. Visit http://rosalierousseaux.wordpress.com for book trailers, contact information and more about AN EASY DARE.

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Charming Hero Hop: From Yorkshire with Love

Charming Hero Hop

Welcome to the Charming Hero Hop! Join us authors this weekend, August 3rd and 4th as we share our heroes in a Facebook hop. Tell me what kind of man is your hero for a chance to win my giveaway, a $5 Amazon gift card.  Remember to leave your email address and a comment, and then click on the picture above to visit other Charming heroes on the hop.

 

Dreaming of Prince Charming? Your Knight in Shining Armor? You’ve come to the right place. Yorkshire, England to be exact.

At times, Roman Cardiff is the charming hero. This Englishman can be a gentleman, or not. At the helm of Cardiff Jewels, he rarely hears the word no. He gets what he wants and now he wants jewelry designer Amelie Laurent. He’ll do anything to have her.

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Whisking her away to the wilds of Yorkshire on assignment feels like kidnapping to Amelie, but to Roman it is more of a melding of the minds. She’ll come around.

However, fairytales often have a dark side. At St. Clair Manor in Yorkshire, Roman and Amelie are in the heart of an ancient battle. A warrior and a witch. Which one of them is a killer? Which one of them will stay alive? In this jewel war,  the blood will tell.

Rubies on black surface

 

 

Love Entwined, A Cardiff Novel Book 2 releases with Liquid Silver Books on September 9th. Like ghosts and demons and undying love?

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Love Entwined Blurb

Run, little witch…

AMELIE LAURENT is on her way to the top of the jewelry designing world with no time for men. Her orderly life is about to come undone when playboy and jewelry tycoon ROMAN CARDIFF steals her away on assignment to a remote English estate. Roman wants Amelie all to himself but St. Clair Manor’s resident ghost has been waiting for her much longer than he has.

Run home…

An unseen gunman takes a shot at Roman and he blames a business rival. But Amelie and Roman are to blame, for falling in love 200 years before in a time neither of them remember.

From the heartbreak of pre-Revolutionary France to modern day corporate wars, Amelie and Roman uncover a history of blood jewels, lust and demons.

Good witch, bad witch, you must decide…

When Amelie discovers her inner witch she learns the real reason she was summoned to St. Clair Manor. Il Dragone will kill to get her back. Amelie will kill if they do.

 

Catch up on the Cardiff series. Read an excerpt of Falcon’s Angel, A Cardiff Novel Book 1 here.

Jessica E. Subject on Tour – Another Night, Another Planet

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Another Night, Another Planet (1NS) by Jessica E. Subject                                             Erotic Sci-Fi/Futuristic Romance                                                                              Categories: Action/Adventure, Interracial/Multicultural                                                    Publisher: Decadent Publishing                                                                                          Release Date: June 14, 2013                                                                                                  Heat Level: Steamy                                                                                                                  Length: 36 pages

Available at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Another-Planet-1Night-Series-ebook/dp/B00DCYO1OW/

ARe – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-anothernightanotherplanet-1220763-143.html

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/another-night-another-planet-jessica-e-subject/1115621909

BookStrand – http://www.bookstrand.com/another-night-another-planet

Decadent Publishing – http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=794&osCsid=0f01h838pkuqh8a6h3dm3eiqc3

Kobo – http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Another-Night-Another-Planet/book-NBWvPinunUeZsaCZacWrAw/page1.html

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/325913

GIVEAWAY INFO: Prize is 15 “Another Night, Another Planet” swag packs (1 pack each to 15 winners) from Jessica E. Subject. Contest is barrage-wide, open to US and Canadian residents ONLY and ends August 5. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

Description

Limited by status…

Ava is a housekeeper aboard Star Spirit, a luxury cruise ship travelling between the Milky Way and the Belvarian System. Coming from a middle-class family on Earth, she is considered by passengers as nothing more than an object to be tossed away when they’re done with her.

Shunned because of his lineage…

Banned from several planets across the universe, Nate struggles to run his interstellar shipping business. But the DNA of an exterminated race runs through his blood, giving him a diluted form of their powers, and leaving him labeled as a terrorist.

Both searching for the one…

Through her 1Night Stand dating service, Madame Evangeline matches these two together for a celestial escape on the pleasure planet, Elatia.

Will Ava and Nate find what they’re looking for, or will their date be just another night on another planet?

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 

“Run, Nate, run!”

Natazekiel, well aware of the stupid remark he’d made, bounded out of the pub behind his friend. As he rushed past, he toppled tables and chairs on their sides to slow his pursuers. Slamming into the doorframe, he lost his footing. He spun around, catching sight of the burly, blue-skinned Otarians lumbering after him, veins throbbing in their thick necks.

Regaining his balance, he scrambled down the street. He spotted Wyn ahead of him, rounding a corner. But the men he’d pissed off remained on his heels. If he followed his friend, they would chase him, too. If Wyn reached their star cruiser first, Nate hoped he would find a way to rescue him.

A beam of red light slammed into the road in front of him, blasting chunks of concrete all around him. Shit!

He faked to the right, pretending to follow his friend. Then he weaved left. The cursing from behind made him pause, but he valued his life too much—even if no one else did—to turn around.

Ornate stone pillars decorated the front of the tall, posh building ahead of him. An Otarian man stepped out of the entrance, and Nate raced to catch the door before it slammed shut. Inside, he glanced down the long hallway—lit by lavish sconces—at the multitude of doors lining either side. Would he find a way out behind any of them?

With his heart pounding, he grabbed each large brass-colored handle as he rushed by. None of the doors opened for him.

“There he is. Shoot him!”

Nate glanced back to see multiple laser guns aimed at him. Crap, he needed to escape. Fast. He slammed his shoulder into the next door. It flew open, revealing a luxurious suite full of silks and tapestries from the planet Earth. Not a suite he would ever receive an invitation to visit. He darted into a smaller room, finding a slender Otarian woman, naked save for a thin strip of cloth across her breasts and between her legs.

She drew a finger along her delectable blue curves. “Are you my date?”

“Date?” How he wished.

“Yes, did Madame Eve send you?”

For a second, he considered saying yes. Too much time had passed since he’d gotten laid. But with the barbarians after him, he wouldn’t have the chance to satisfy her the way any honorable man should. “Um, no. He’s a lucky man, though. Sorry to intrude.”

He sidestepped to the lofty window, yanking it up. Propping himself on the ledge, he somersaulted through the opening then, dropping farther than he’d expected, crashed to the ground. He didn’t have time to survey his injuries, as a beam blasted the frame above him, sprinkling bits of mortar on his head. Poor woman to have those brutes in her room. 

Jumping to his feet, he glanced back and forth down the alley he’d landed in. He raced away from the busy street at one end into darker, unfamiliar territory. Best not to have his pursuers blast innocent bystanders.

After rounding another corner, he ducked behind an immense steel bin, expecting to have lost the bulky, determined men chasing him. A few moments passed in silence. Nate peeked around the edge. Nothing. He’d lost them.

Ready to get the Claustrum off Otaria, he crept farther into the darkness. Even with the sun high in the sky, very little light permeated this space. Pipes from the buildings and holes in the ground released steam around him. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, stinging his eyes. He wiped the moisture away then picked up his pace. A radiance shone ahead. Freedom? Once he returned to the main streets, he would locate Wyn, and their ship.

A beam shot past his head, singing the tip of his ear. Too close. He shot off again, bursting into a cluster of Otarians. He skidded around the next corner toward the open port. His ship was supposed to be there, but the dock where he’d parked it lay empty.

Shit. Where is Wyn?

He searched the skies, spotting the star cruiser barreling toward him. What in Claustrum? His friend would kill him and everyone on the streets. Nate continued running to the field and a line fell from the ship. His chest tightened. No way! I have to climb that? Yeah, right. He didn’t do stunts.

Dirt shot up around him as more blasts came from the men wanting him dead. Guess I have no other choice. Time to be a daredevil. He darted toward the dangling rope, praying to the gods Wyn’s stunt would work. Lifting his arms, he reached for the knot at the end and grabbed hold, asking for the strength to maintain his grip.

In an instant, he lifted off the ground, clinging to the lifeline. A few more laser beams shot past. All at once, the burly men below lowered their guns, staring at him. And his denims rested around his ankles, exposing him for all to see. Well, that explains the sudden breeze.

“Told you mine’s bigger than yours,” he shouted.

When another beam burnt a hole through his pants, he pulled his knees up, trying to save his vital organs. He spun around, hanging on tight while Wyn circled back, racing him away from danger.

Beyond the docks of the port, Nate dropped the line. He yanked up his still smoking jeans, waiting for Wyn to land. Once the door to the ship opened, he rushed inside.

“Go, go, go.”

He swung into the second seat, his heart hammering, as he helped program a course out into space.

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About the Author

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn’t reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers.

 

Connect with Jessica E. Subject

Website/Blog – http://www.markofthestars.com/

Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/eX1Zw

Twitter – https://twitter.com/jsubject

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject

Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-E.-Subject/e/B007BG6E10

Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/jsubject

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

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http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/07/blogbarrage-scandal-at-vauxhal-pleasure.html

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!

 

MidnightCaptive

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!

AuthorPic_arialburnz

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

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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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.