Beware! You May Leave This Blog Post SCARRED!

Good morning! Today I am welcoming friend author Alicia Dean. Alicia's story SCARRED is part of a Halloween anthology that was recently released. She brought with her SCARRED's hero, Simon Cordell.

So, Simon, tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? Why? 

I own a lobster fishing charter boat business in Maine. That’s what my father did, and it suits me. Especially since the accident. I can run the business from home, which fits in with my recluse lifestyle.

Okay. If you were to pick one tangible object to symbolize you, what would it be?

My mask. It was special made to hide the disfiguring scars on my face.

How did you and Natalie meet? What was your first impression of her?

We met in junior high. It feels like I’ve known her my entire life. My first impression was that she was exceptionally pretty and had a maturity beyond her years.

Good qualities! What else do you like about her?

I love that she has sort of a vulnerability, yet resilience. As if she’s been knocked down and may be again, but she will rise above it. That might be a little complicated, but that’s the best way I can describe her. It’s just…Natalie.

Simon, what is it that you want out of life?

I want to somehow atone for the life I’ve taken, although I know that’s impossible.

So life has handed you some major disappointments?

Yes, many. My first disappointment was when Natalie left me fifteen years ago. Her absence opened a hole in my heart.

I'm sorry to hear that! Let's talk about something happier. How about, if you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

My days are mostly free, but if I could spend the day any way I pleased, I would turn back time, before I began dating Jessica, and before I killed her.



http://www.amazon.com/Mysteries-Macabre-Halloween-Alexa-Day-ebook/dp/B014LZ6T6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445811803&sr=8-1&keywords=alicia+dean

Blurb ~

Sometimes, the most haunting scars are the ones beneath the skin. 

When Natalie Jayne moved away from her home town ten years earlier, she left behind painful memories, along with Simon, the man she loved. Now, she's back on Halloween night to attend a memorial marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of her childhood friend, Jessica. Rumors that Simon was responsible for Jessica's death unnerve her. Even more disturbing is her unsettling attraction to a masked stranger she meets at the event. Her gift may be the key to unlocking the truth, but will it also lead to heartbreak?

Excerpt ~

Simon debated slipping out the door without listening to the speech. There was nothing Kristopher Martensen could say that he wanted to hear. He would no doubt extol Jessica’s virtues, paint her in a perfect light. But Simon knew the truth, as did Kristopher. Although he’d loved Jessica, he’d learned her true nature the night of her death.

But he didn’t want to leave Natalie, not just yet. They stood side by side, the warmth from her body reaching out to him, keeping him in place as firmly as a steel cable.

Kristopher stood on a small stage at the end of the ballroom. He wore a white tux with a black tie, his blond hair glowing like a halo, although the image was deceiving. The man was as duplicitous as Satan himself.

He spoke into the microphone, his voice booming throughout the cavernous room. “I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming tonight, to not only pay tribute to Jessica Thacker and her death, but to celebrate her life.” He grew silent and cleared his throat. When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse. “She was a special person, a beautiful soul who loved people, loved life. She would be honored to see the number of people who gathered to pay homage.”

The crowd erupted in cheers. When they quieted, Kristopher said, “While this is a night of reverence and honor, it’s also a night to remember the brutal, senseless way that she died. Although the monster responsible is free, we must never forget, never let him live in peace. Simon Cordell is free to live his life, while our beloved Jessica lies in a cold grave.”

Author bio ~

Award-winning, multi-published author Alicia

Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 11, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who happened to share the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.



Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.


Find Alicia here:



Website: http://aliciadean.com/

Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

~ Bringing You a Little CAPER MAGIC for Halloween! ~

I'd like to welcome Annunciata [Nunie] Doyle to the blog. Nunie is from author Veronica Lynch's “Caper Magic” , a romantic novella, part of the Hauntings in the Garden Anthology out of the Wild Rose Press. Due for re-release in gift sets [along with other Hauntings novellas] in October 2015.

I hope you are comfortable, Nunie. Let's start off with an easy question. Annunciata is an unusual first name. Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in the north of Ireland, Belfast.

Wonderful! I just got back from the area. Now, please tell us about your childhood. What was it like growing up in Northern Ireland? 

 I suppose I was as happy as most Catholic girls, raised in the North midst poverty and religious bigotry, with no future except to marry an unemployed drunkard, then push out ten to twelve babes. I was ten when my parents were murdered after a faction of the UVF [Ulster Volunteer Force] bombed a local pub because they served Catholics. Thereafter, I was sent to live with my grandparents in Tuam, a cathedral city in the western part of the Irish Republic. Because I was a handful, they sent me to the local convent in hopes the nuns would teach me a skill. This was a situation which has come to be known as the Magdalene Laundries. The Tuam facility was in the news about a year ago when the remains of several young women and infants were discovered.


Oh, my! *Ahem.* Where do you live now? 

I've been in northern New York state in Cape Brendan, a small tourist town on the eastern most edge of Lake Ontario where it bleeds into the Saint Lawrence River. We are best known for two things: ship building and Caper Madness, a month long celebration of all things Halloween.

Ahh. What a perfect time to have you on then. What do you do for a living there? 

I am a retired social worker. At the height of my career I was Director of Crime Victim Services in Syracuse New York.


Do you enjoy retirement, or is there something you'd rather be doing? 

To supplement my rather meager retirement checks, I model for an agency, La Vrai Beaute, which is known for its older and large size models. Come winter, when the Cape is often as cold as a Mother Superior's heart, I like spending a few weeks in places where it never falls below 80 degrees, showing off fabulous clothes by talented designers.


Sounds fantastic! What's going on in your life right now? 

I am harboring a woman and her children while they wait for a judge to decide on permanent custody of these delightful kids. The husband and father . . . is less than upstanding shall I say. His attorney, a posturing, skeeving git if there ever was one, is arse deep in illegal machinations to ensure his client wins the suit to regain custody of his children. My fear is the judge might be having a bad hair day or is pre-menstrual and rules against the woman. If that happens, it will be my job as part of the underground movement to immediately move her and the children to a safe place. If this man, the husband I mean, is granted custody, he will kill her and the children, or worse.


Goodness! Maybe a safer question would be to ask if there is someone special in your life?

Nicholas Forrester came to Cape Brendan to assist Henri Pierpont, his elderly uncle, with the coordination of Caper Madness. After Hank's health takes a swan dive, he asks me to assist Nick with managing the events. Nick is having a significant amount of difficulty adjusting to me as well as the quirks and foibles of the Capers as the locals call themselves.

You don't say. Well, what's his family like? 

His uncle is Nick's only living relative. Henry and his deceased wife Genny cared for Nick and his sister after their parents took off for better pickings when the children were very young. Nick adores Henry and feels guilty for not spending quality time with Henry, and Genny while she was still alive. Neither of us had it easy growing up.

I'd say not! What is one thing could you do that would make you feel like the relationship will work out? 

Since Nick works for the skeeving git attorney I mentioned before, I suppose I could turn them over to him and the predator husband. That will never happen. Also, I'm not certain I want another relationship. Around here I'm known as the Black Mamba primarily for the four husbands or fiances I've buried either shortly before or right after the weddings. I'm not what they'd call a safe bet. Plus, I can't imagine any man in his right mind who would want me after learning my background.

Well, I'm sure that's not true, Nunie. Do you have any last comments for our readers? 

Caper Magic is the first in a series of stories set in Cape Brendan. Characters from previous novels of mine will come back to life and create new lives for themselves on The River.

Very good! Thank you for joining us! Now here's a blurb for CAPER MAGIC. 

Blurb ~ 

P.I. Nick Forrester comes to Cape Brendan ostensibly to assist with Caper Madness, a month long celebration of everything Halloween. In reality he is tracking a woman on the run. Within days he is confronted by Annunciata Doyle, a vivid reminder of a pain-filled past.

After retreating to Cape Brendan in defeat and humiliation, Nunie Doyle's only hope was to make the best of forced retirement. There, in this quaint tourist town on the shores of Lake Ontario, she earned the love and respect of new friends and neighbors—and put her talent for helping women to good use.

With the mutual goal of making Caper Madness the best ever, Nick and Nunie fight tooth and nail on the personal level, each discovering a new side to the other, sides that make them consider making drastic changes for the rest of their lives.

This attraction: complete madness—or sheer magic? 

Excerpt ~

Hank let out a holler just before a huge toothy grin spanned the borders of his gaunt cheeks. “Top o' the marnin' to ye, Missus!” he cackled to someone exiting the front door of the stone cottage next door.

Taking the concrete steps to the sidewalk in two lithe moves, a woman in a slinky dress the color of ripe tomatoes glanced their way and responded in a distinct Irish brogue. “And the ass end of the day to ye, Mistur Pierpont.”

Intrigued by rich tone of her voice, Nick craned his neck and found one of the witches from yesterday's parade—minus the droopy velvet hat—passing within steps of Hank's porch. A bulging garment bag hung over one arm; she looked headed in the direction of the pier at the end of Vincentian Lane. Damned if right then a wind didn't jump up off the lake and mold the filmy length of scarlet against each curve of her body. Long black hair—and there seemed to be a good ten pounds of it—flowed over her shoulders, caressing her body like a lover as she marched toward Dingle Pier. As his heart bumped into a trip hammer beat, Nick reminded himself to breathe.

“Ferget yer broom, Missus?” Hank called out to her retreating back.

“In the repair shop,” she replied over one shoulder, winging that glorious onyx hair away from lips painted to match her dress. “Gettin' fitted with a couple of those fancy turbo boosters, it is.”

Hank chuckled, then went back to his coffee. “Turbo boosters. That Nunie Doyle; sure is a pistol.”

An invisible fist reached down to grab Nick's gut in a vise. As recognition flared, long buried rage took a slow crawling path up his spine.


Ooh! Intriguing! Why is that Nick's reaction? I guess we'll have to read it to find out! 

Author Bio ~

Writing under 

the names Kat Henry Doran and Veronica Lynch, author Kathy Cottrell uses her experience as a nurse, victim advocate and insurance investigator for background in her award winning novels and novellas. Her stories are set in her favorite places to visit: the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains as well as the Saint Lawrence River in the historic Thousand Islands region of Upstate and Northern New York State.

When not writing, or chasing grandchildren, Kathy spends her time designing and making tote bags and aprons to custom order.

Visit her at: 

www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com and www.ApronsWithAttitude2.blogspot.com
Buy link: www.thewildrosepress.com 

(Click on Caper Magic OR Veronica Lynch, author. That will bring up prompts to purchase the story. ) 

And Veronica is giving away an apron from Aprons With Attitude to one lucky reader who comments below and leaves an email address so we can contact them! I am fortunate enough to own a couple of these aprons and I love them, so be sure to comment and leave an email!

Thanks for joining us, Veronica. Come back anytime!

Be Touched By Midnight, Nancy Gideon-style!

Please help me welcome back the phenomenal Nancy Gideon! This time Nancy brings with her newest series, Touched by Midnight...

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series. 

Blurb ~

For Book 1 ~ MIDNIGHT KISS

A dark curse...

Miss Arabella Howland is content to forgo the London marriage mill to assist her father in his research, especially when it comes to his intriguing patient, Louis Radman. But it’s not long before Bella’s curiosity alerts her to the danger of her father’s work . . . and to the fact that Louis is not who or whathe seems. 

A bright promise...

After centuries struggling with his vile existence, Louis Radman will soon be free of his affliction, thanks to his very capable physician. Unfortunately, his heart is less secure around the man’s tempting daughter. His yearning to walk in the light once more is complicated by his desire for the delightful Bella, who is as intelligent as she is fearless. But if history has taught him anything, it’s not to tempt fate. 

An unforgiving past...

Still, happiness has a price and Louis is soon reminded that mortality comes with unfortunate limitations. To protect his new bride, he must face the demons from his past who wish to pull him back into their vampiric fold. 

Yet, if he’s forced to return to his midnight world, will he lose his beloved Bella forever? 

Excerpt ~

In those dreams that were more like memories, she’d hear his voice.

Arabella.

She’d awaken, or dreamed that she did, and sit up with covers clutched beneath her chin. And across the floor up to the foot of her bed came a stream of silvery moonlight. From that pale, ethereal beam, particles began to shift and swirl, like fanciful motes, collecting, growing denser, taking shape and the form of a figure, of a man. That man was Louis Radman.

There he’d stand, his eyes transfixing her, shining with a glitter of gold. There was something hypnotic in his total stillness. Then he would say, though his lips would never move with the actual speaking, Arabella, call to me. And she would, dropping the sheet from her bosom, stretching her arms outward in invitation.

“Louis.”

And he’d come toward her, as silent as a drifting shadow, gliding with no real effort of movement. With the mere gesturing of one hand, the covers stripped from her, fluttering down, as if carried on some mystical breeze, to settle at the end of her bed­stead. She couldn’t move. She didn’t want to.

“Louis, love me.”

She’d say those words without reluctance, without restriction, because this was a dream and that’s what she’d always wanted to say to him. That’s what she’d always wanted from him. And he’d sit on the edge of her bed, though there was never any actual give to the mattress in the acceptance of a man’s weight. She’d lie back into her bank of downy pil­lows, wanting him to come down to her, encouraging him with the wanton undulations of her body, with the wicked, wanting entreaty of her gaze.

“Touch me, Louis. Kiss me. Make me yours.”

Soon . . .

And as if he couldn’t bear to leave her in such a desperate state of unfulfilled desire, his hand moved casually, never quite touching her, floating, skimming above the outline of her nightdress. And all along her skin, she felt such a flood of heat, a melting warmth that rippled and teased her to the edge of rapture. He was seducing her with his mind, loving her with his thoughts, and she writhed and arched with the delight of it until all at once a sense of focus returned, a sense of reality. And she would find herself alone in her bedroom, panting, perspiring within the twist of her nightclothes, so sure, so sure that he’d been there, that he’d somehow provoked the illicit magic without ever once putting a hand upon her.

But that, of course, was impossible. 

What People Are Saying About It ~

“Dark and compelling, Gideon's novel will appeal to those who enjoy the vampire novels of Anne Rice.” — Library Journal

“A colorful and hauntingly beautiful tale of otherworldly love . . . destined to become a classic!”— Affaire de Coeur 

“Incredible, spellbinding reading!” — Rendezvous 

Buy it here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

Blurb ~

Book 2- MIDNIGHT TEMPTATION 

A wicked legacy...

Terrified by her unusual strength and frightening urges, Nicole Radouix’s sheltered country life is shattered when she discovers her family’s secret— she’s the daughter of a mortal mother and vampire father. Stricken, she flees to the seductive lure of the city to discover the truth about who and what she is. But the turmoil of post-revolution Paris is no place for an innocent. 

A wild desire...

Finding herself under the protection of noble ex-patriot Marchand La Valois, Nicole is pulled into deadly underworld struggles, both political and vampiric. As their passions ignite, Marchand soon realizes the lovely Nicole is more predator than prey and may be more of a threat than the unruly streets outside. 

An unthinkable dilemma...

Desperate to control her dark desires, Nicole accepts an offer of guidance from a hypnotic enemy, ensnaring both her and Marchand in a dangerous web of centuries’ old revenge. To escape their deadly nighttime games, Nicole must embrace her immortality. But will it cost her Marchand’s eternal love? 

Excerpt ~

He wasn’t sure what exactly happened. One moment she was all clinging vulnerability and the next, her purpose shifted to an aggressive. Grasping fingers began a hard kneading pressure along the muscles of his back and shoulders while her supple body pressed against him. He almost pulled away—not because he didn’t like it, but because it was such an unexpected change. 

Her breathing stroked along the side of his neck in light, panting whispers. He held his own suspended then it gusted out in an explosive sigh when he felt the first soft brush of her lips there, just below his ear, followed by the lingering rasp of her tongue. Her fingers had come up to rub along his jaw in a demanding passion, then clamped with a paralyzing sharpness into the cording on the other side of his neck. In a brief spike of surprise, he realized he couldn’t move. Then he didn’t want to. He forgot about struggle. He wasn’t thinking about making love to her, or even of how to respond to what she was doing. He was lost, hypnotized by the seducing caress of her breath upon his throat. Beneath the urgent press of her mouth, his pulse was lulled into a seductive sluggishness. He was aware of his eyes closing, of the world darkening. Mon Dieu, was he going to swoon? 

Suddenly, Nicole shoved away from him, forcing him to scramble for balance. He shook his head, trying to free his mind from its odd lethargy. 

“No,” she cried out in anguish. “I won’t. I can’t.” 

What People Are Saying About It ~

“A treasure trove of unearthly delights! Readers will want to induct Ms. Gideon into the vampire storyteller’s Hall of Fame!”— Romantic Times


“An extraordinary, moving and sensual tale of supernatural love powerful enough to defy death. Nancy Gideon is a bright artistic star of epic proportion in the supernatural galaxy. Five Star!”— Affaire de Coeur


A fast-paced, surprisingly believable look into a dark and mysterious world where only the greatest of loves can flourish!”— The Literary Times

Buy it here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

Blurb ~

Book 3 MIDNIGHT SURRENDER

A reckless quest...

A savage killer stalks the dark streets of turn-of-the-century New York. To keep her father’s newspaper afloat, publisher Cassie Alexander chases the story. But what she catches is a madman’s attention. 

A dark deception...

When her reclusive neighbor Louis Radcliffe rescues her from an attack, Cassie finds her vow of independence shaken by the strong attraction between them. It’s an attraction Louis denies, even as the invalid grandmother he cares for pushes to bring them together—for reasons that will break both their hearts. 


An inevitable sacrifice...

Determined to hide his secrets from her, Louis soon becomes the cornerstone of Cassie’s investigation. He can’t allow her stubbornness to place her life—and his immortal soul—in danger. But as much as he tries to keep her safe in his arms, it soon becomes evident that Cassie’s become a target. And Louis has no choice but to find out if their love is strong enough to withstand the truth . . .

Excerpt ~

“Take my money,” she panted, throwing her handbag out into the misty street, half hoping they would go after it. They didn’t.

“It ain’t your money we want, missy.”

She tried to slap the one closest to her but her hand was intercepted and crushed until she moaned in pain. These men meant to hurt her . . . or worse. And there was nothing she could do to prevent it from happening practically on her own doorstep.

Then, amazingly, her attacker was gone, yanked back into the fog by an incredible force. She staggered, clutching at the fence for balance. A terrible wail came from out of the mist, then silence.

The other man lost all interest in her. He’d pulled a knife, a long thin-bladed weapon that he bandied before him with murderous intent as he whirled to face the gray-cloaked street. He took a cautious step off the curb, the mist sucking at him, veiling him partially. He gave a sudden shout and drove his knife forward with all his might at some target Cassie couldn’t see. Then he, too, was lost in the swirl of evening haze.

Cassie leaned back against the rails, breath rasping from her, panic and pain shaking her knees together. She’d dropped her papers and her slick-soled shoes slipped on the spill of them on the walk beneath her. Sobbing softly, she started to pull herself along the fence, afraid to take her eyes from the spot where her assailants had disappeared.

She screamed hoarsely as one of them lurched into view.

He was stumbling, reeling, his hands up at his neck. Blood gleamed black in the faint reach of the closest street lamp. He made a gurgling sound and reached out for her with one wet hand. She couldn’t move. His hand caught on her sleeve, tugging as he began to fall. Frantically, she jerked back to free herself as he slid down silently into the low curtain of mist.

Movement brought her frightened gaze up from the cloud that had swallowed him. She shrank against the unyielding bars, small sounds of terror escaping her with each labored breath.

A lone figure approached from out of the icy clouds. A face, familiar yet unlike any she’d seen before. Pale as the wisps of mist. With eyes like fiery coals.

“Do not be afraid.”

Yet when he spoke that soothing sentiment, two monstrous teeth were exposed: sharp, animal-like fangs tinged with crimson. Cassie tried to scream, but the noise suffocated in her horror-constricted throat.

“I will not harm you.”

He reached out a slender hand, the gesture an offer of aid, not threat. It cupped beneath her elbow just as the strength in her legs gave way, and he held her up without effort. She was aware of her own fear, of how it fluttered about a heart gone mad, but was helpless to act upon it even as he placed his other hand gently against the tangled disarray of her blond hair. His touch was cold, so cold it made her tremble.

Then the shock of the situation overcame her. Consciousness gave way before a numbing swoon. And just as she sank into its embrace, she felt his hand pass across her eyes and heard the low croon of his voice.

“Remember nothing.”

What People Are Saying About It ~

“Gripping! Readers are pulled into a whirlwind while surrendering their souls!”— Gothic Journal


“Darkly sensual and suspenseful Midnight Surrender is nothing short of special! Lovers of vampire romances take notice!”— The Literary Times


“Gideon mesmerizes with this chilling tale. You’ll read it and read it again. Superb!”— Rendezvous 

Buy it here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books

Author Bio ~

Nancy Gideon is the author of over 55 novels ranging from Regencies, historicals and contemporary suspense to dark paranormal romance, with a couple of horror screenplays thrown into the mix. 

​When not at the keyboard or working full time as a legal assistant in Southwest Michigan, she can be found feeding her addictions for Netflix and all things fur, feather and fin, enjoying Grammy time (usually watching The Avengers), and meeting new friends and readers through her GoodReads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group. Her books can also be found under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings.

Find her here: 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are You Up For a Little Friendly Engagement? Right This Way--->

Please welcome back Christine Warner to the blog! Christine has her contemporary romance, A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT, on sale for just 99¢! Here's what it's about--->

Blurb ~

What's a little engagement between friends?

Omar Esterly is married to his job. But when Omar sets his sights on a potential, family-oriented client, his confirmed bachelorhood becomes a problem. Fortunately, his friend and employee, Devi Boss, has the perfect plan...

Okay, so it wasn't exactly Devi's plan to become her friend's fake fiancée. Lies aren't her style. However, Omar offers her a big, beautiful raise - enough to track down the missing father she's never known - and Devi reluctantly agrees to the whole engagement hoax...

This was supposed to be a no-strings-attached win-win for both Devi and Omar, but when they cross the line between friendship and...well, something more, Devi realizes she's made a huge mistake that just might cost her both job and friend - falling for her fiancé.

Excerpt ~

“You’re game for anything, right?”

Devi compressed her lips and studied Omar through a narrow gaze, taking in the way his overly bright eyes concentrated on her face as if memorizing every pore. Her gaze traveled south to the non-existent rise and fall of his chest and how he pushed his suit jacket aside as he placed his hands low on his hips. He’d stopped breathing while he waited for her reply. That made her more nervous than anything. “Normally I am game for anything, but considering the man asking the question, I’m a little nervous.” She licked her lips.

Omar shook his head, swallowing her hands in the warmth of his. “No. This is a great idea. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.”

“I’ll hold back on saying I’m glad I could help until I know what you’ve got pinging around your brain.” She tried to pull free of his grip, but he only grasped her fingers tighter. Her inner voice told her whatever plan he’d cooked up included her and she wouldn’t be thrilled with the role.

“Bartow wants a family-first firm. He wants a planner who is married, blah, blah blah.” He dismissed his unfinished words with the thrust of his chin.

Devi nodded, her mouth going dry. Was he planning to hire a wife, or about to propose?

“I might not be married, but what if I were engaged?”

She didn’t want to jump to conclusions about the proposal so she pasted on a tight smile. “Do you have a serious girlfriend hidden away I don’t know about?” The thought unsettled her, but she pushed aside the heaviness in her gut. Omar and relationships mixed like fire and ice. Not that women didn’t find him attractive and vice versa, but his true love would always be work. Most sane women wanted something more than a workaholic commitment-phobe.

He shook his head a bit too vigorously. “No. No.” His grip tightened, and she flexed her fingers so he’d loosen his hold. “Hear me out before you shoot me down.”

“I’m more curious than ever.” Again, she threw sand over that niggling feeling in her belly. She never jumped to conclusions. Living by the seat of your pants didn’t allow it, but…

Why start now? She rolled her shoulders in an effort to relax. Omar pulled her off to the side and out of the crowd moving past them on the sidewalk. His hands shook with excitement, and he swallowed hard before clearing his throat. Always calm and collected, his buildup unsettled Devi, and she tugged one hand from his grip and pressed it against the gurgle growing in her stomach.

“How about we announce our engagement? I could pull in some favors and have it in the press Monday morning. That’d still give Bartow enough time to invite us to the meet and greet. And—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Devi’s stomach did a nosedive, and she yanked her other hand from his death grip and stepped back. She twisted one of the bangle bracelets on her wrist. “Our engagement? First off, I didn’t even know we were dating. And second, I am not going to help you get ahead by lying.”

Author Bio ~

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, Christine enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her website.

You can find Christine here:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter | Street Team | Amazon Author Page

You can buy A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

And stay tuned for Book 2, A FRIENDLY ARRANGEMENT, coming October 26th! --->

Blurb ~

What happens when your plus one becomes "the one"?

Holly Haggerty and Roth Esterly are two besties with everything in common--they're neighbors, career-driven, and commitment-phobes. Tired of always being set up on dates by well-meaning friends and family, they take matters into their own hands: they will be the other's plus one--a little friendly arrangement between friends.​

Easy…until a steamy night where they cross the line. But that's okay, they'll add an addendum--one that includes a little action between the sheets…on top of the sheets…and without the sheets. But there are rules. Dating and sex are exclusive until one of them decides to terminate the agreement. No slumber parties. And if either party becomes emotionally involved they will break things off with no hard feelings.

When unexpected news changes their plans and turns their fun arrangement into something more serious, Holly and Roth must come to terms with what's more important--what they thought they wanted, or what they really need.

You can preorder it here:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

Giveaway ~

And be sure to enter Christine's giveaway! 

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~ You Know What You Need? A DOSE OF PASSION! ~

Please help me to welcome back the wonderful Sharon C. Cooper! Sharon, someday I'm going to have to ask you how you do it. I've been fortunate enough to spotlight several of your releases over the past couple of years and you continue to pump out quality reads time and time again. This time we're featuring A DOSE OF PASSION. Read on, my friends!



Blurb ~



A prescription for sweet satisfaction…

Pediatrician Macy Carter has been so busy expanding her practice she’s had no time to build the family she craves. Her late, much-loved surrogate father apparently had some matchmaking in mind when he arranged for a sexy architect to take over his home and company. Too bad Derek is a single dad who’s been there, done that, and intends to remain unattached. Their priorities are totally out of sync. Their chemistry? Unbelievably potent.

Thanks to his former mentor, Derek Logan just inherited an architectural business, a house and the gorgeous client next door. He’s keeping away from forever relationships, but this doctor’s sensual touch is addictive. Helping Macy build her dream medical complex awakens Derek to how much more he now wants out of life. But has he hesitated too long to prove he’s ready for and deserving of her love?

Excerpt ~

“What?” Macy finally found her voice. Derek was sending so many mixed signals she didn’t know what to think.

“I’m leaving for Miami Sunday morning for a meeting. We have a huge project starting there soon and I need to go over some logistics before we start.” He leaned against her kitchen counter and faced her. “I’m taking the company’s jet and there is more than enough room for you. Come with me. We’ll do a little sightseeing Sunday after we land, and then we can have a nice romantic dinner Sunday night. And before you say you have to work, I already know you’re off Monday and Tuesday.”

Macy didn’t know what to say about the unexpected offer. She wanted to say yes, but she wasn’t looking for an affair. She was ready to settle down. Settling for a sexual partner, even with someone like Derek, wasn’t enough.

“I can’t.”

He approached her and wrapped his strong arms around her waist, the scent of his cologne making her weak in the knees.

“Why not?” His voice had dropped an octave and desire glistened in his intense brown eyes. The man was wreaking havoc on her body and probably had no idea just how he affected her.

“I want more than an affair, Derek.” Her hands rested on his solid chest as she fingered the collar of the T-shirt he had hastily slipped into. “I deserve more than just an affair.”

He dropped his forehead to hers and blew out a frustrated breath. “I know you do, baby, but right now—” he lifted his head “—this is all I can give you.”

She pulled out of his arms. “Then whatever this is between us can’t happen.”

Copyright © 2015 by Sharon C. Cooper




Author Bio ~

Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a sheet metal worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

Find Sharon at: 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Mailing List | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Buy A DOSE OF PASSION at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books

Giveaway ~

Sharon is giving away a $5 Amazon e-gift card AND an autographed copy of Sin City Temptation (Harlequin Kimani) to one lucky winner. NOTE: For U.S. entrants only

Sin City Temptation (Kimani Hotties)


Former police officer Trinity Layton will do anything to keep her personal security business afloat—even babysit professional poker player Gunner Brooks. Bizarre incidents have been plaguing the poker tour, and Trinity has been hired to keep Gunner safe. But when the gorgeous playboy convinces her to pose as his girlfriend, she might be the one who needs protecting, as their passionate charade quickly becomes all too real.

A gambler in the game of life, Gunner has made his fortune playing for the greatest prizes. The last thing he needs during this tournament is a bodyguard hanging around, especially one as alluring as Trinity. And being together 24/7 just tripled their odds of falling for one another. Now, as Gunner prepares for the championship of his career, he's playing for the highest stakes of all: Trinity's heart.

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Bewitching Author Maureen Bonatch!

Please help me to welcome author friend Maureen Bonatch to the spotlight today! Isn't she lovely?

So Maureen, being an author can be very demanding. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

This is an ongoing challenge. I get up earlier each day (around 4:45) and bring my laptop with me everywhere so I can sneak in time during my lunch break or kids activities. I don’t watch much television, but do sit in the living room with the laptop so technically I’m not neglecting my family. ;)


Hmm...sounds familiar. Share with us a little about your family. 

I’ve been married for twenty years and we have twin fourteen-year old girls. We also have a 2-year-old shih tzu, Scruff, and two guinea pigs. (Wow, that’s a lot of 2’s) The guinea pigs accepted Scruff because I believe they think he is a giant guinea pig, lol.

Hey, whatever it takes for them to get along, right? Speaking of animals, if you could be any animal, what animal would you choose, and why?

I would be Scruff for a day. Besides the fact that he is the happiest creature I think I’ve ever seen, and that he sleeps a large portion of the day, I’ve often wondered just what is going on in his little, furry, inquisitive mind. 

Might be shocking! With the Halloween around the corner, give us a little insight into life of the young Maureen. When trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you didn’t like to get?

Popcorn balls. We didn’t have much candy at home when I was growing up, but we had popcorn. The last thing I wanted was a ball of popcorn as a treat. I was out there for the chocolate, darn it! 

I'm with you there, my friend! Now, modern day Maureen...what one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

My laptop. Besides it being practically an extension of my arm, my handwriting is terrible. If I had to hand write my stories I would be doomed because I couldn’t even decipher my own notes. 

I know! I go into a completely illogical panic whenever my laptop goes down. I just can't cope! Here's a fun one, what are your three favorite smells?

Is clean a single smell? But you know what I mean, when you walk into a place and it just smells, fresh. A second would be crisp, autumn air- the scent in Scruff’s fur when he comes into the house in the evening. My third would be something cooking in the crockpot- because I know dinner is done and I have more writing time. I feel as if I made this a difficult question, lol. 

Ya know, you are in the spotlight, and I ask the difficult questions. It's my thang. Here's another hard one, name your favorite children’s story.

It’s not quite a children’s story, but the first series I loved was the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Oh, me, too! I always wanted to grow up to be Mary Ingalls! Thanks for joining us today. It was nice getting to know you a little better. Now let's hear about your latest work...

She's a witch hunting a spell. He's hunting witches and falling for her.

Blurb ~

Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.


Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

Excerpt ~

…once she’d started Carman couldn’t stop,

the book beckoned. Pressing its spine against her palm, begging her to search within the pages to find the answers she’d unconsciously sought her entire life. As she lifted the book, her scalp tingled and her hair elevated like a halo.

“Whoa.” Dylan shielded himself with his hands. “Put it back, slowly, because this is reminding me too much of the incident with the chest. Having my apartment blown up from magic isn’t covered in my rent.”

The plastic evaporated in a puff of smoke in Carman’s hands and the book unsealed with a sigh. She smiled, the welcoming warmth emanating from within its pages against her palms. Why had Mother kept her from this? This is what she’d been waiting for.

As curiosity overtook his common sense, she detected Dylan’s cautious approach. He stood close enough to peer over her shoulder into her book, but far enough away to avoid touching her.

After the shockwave the last time their skin met, he probably worried he’d ruin another pair of pants. Carman closed her eyes, absorbing the power from the book. The delicious feeling evoked a sensation like melting chocolate, sweet and satisfying.

“I remember hearing about her, Esmeralda Wrath. I wonder if this was her book?” Dylan’s warm breath caressed her shoulder.

Carman opened her eyes and examined the page. To stare right at a photo of the most powerful witch of all time…her grandmother.





Fun Facts about Grandma Must Die:



· The inspiration for the church/library and the town in the story are located along a bike path the author frequents.

· A church that now operates as a bar the author has visited inspired the interior of the church/library in the story.

· The heroine, Carman, is obsessed with sexy, stilettos

· No real Grandmas were harmed in the making of this fictional story. In real life everyone loves Grandmas (unless, of course, they’ve been infected with a nasty spell).

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Grandma-Must-Die-Touch-Magic-ebook/dp/B014T4WQ2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441398219&sr=8-1&keywords=grandma+must+die



The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6408

Author Bio ~

Maureen realized later in life everyone didn’t have characters telling stories in their heads, or weren’t envisioning magic and mayhem within the everyday. This, and long walks in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania spawned a love of writing.

Therefore she’s chased other interests, though none-the-less-daring, but closer to the ground, such as belly-dancing, becoming a self-proclaimed tequila connoisseur, fulfilling her role as biker babe to her alpha hubby and surviving motherhood to twins (so far).

Penning stories boasting laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world.



Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Maureen-L.-Bonatch/e/B00KHY1KK8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch

Blog: http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/

Website: http://www.maureenbonatch.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/1AV4L

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureenlbonatch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3103486.Maureen_L_Bonatch

Contact Info: mbonatch@yahoo.com