Monday, December 19, 2016

~ You'll Find LOVE AT LAST in the Pages of Sharon C. Cooper's Latest Book! ~








Please help me welcome back one of my more frequent guests. Of course, I don't play favorites. But if I did, Sharon would be one of them! ;) Here is Miss Sharon C. Cooper with LOVE AT LAST! ...

Love at Last

A Jenkins Family Christmas

By Sharon C. Cooper



Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published by: Amaris Publishing LLC

Release Date: December 2, 2016

Length: 115 Pages




Blurb ~

Carolyn Jenkins has never had a problem getting a man, but keeping one is another story. After two failed marriages and numerous short-term relationships, she’s ready to wave the white flag and give up on love. Yet, with Christmas quickly approaching, she dreads spending the holiday alone. Will a chance encounter with a handsome stranger make all of her Christmas wishes come true?

After thirty years of a nearly perfect marriage, widower Lincoln Richwood struggles to move on with his life. The idea of dating at his age seems daunting … until he meets the vivacious Carolyn Jenkins. Normally a straitlaced kind of guy, there’s just something about the woman that tempts him to walk on the wild side.

Opposites attract, but will their differences derail their relationship and keep them from embracing the love they both desire?








Excerpt ~


“Okay, you’re up. I have a feeling you’re going to knock down all the pins this time and break a hundred.”

“Yeah, we’ll see.” Lincoln lifted the bowling ball as if it weighed nothing. Standing in front of the pins, his height and broad shoulders were on full display making him appear even taller than his six-foot-plus stature. Though she felt bad that he wasn’t bowling well and at times seemed frustrated, she hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

Lincoln moved forward and released the ball. The power behind his roll and the sound of the pins slamming together was like a roar of thunder shaking the building. Even after all of that, only five pins fell.

Carolyn burst out laughing.

“It’s not that funny.”

“Yes, it is. You roll that ball so hard, it’s a wonder all the pins in the building didn’t fall.”

He ran a hand over his head and again frustration showed on his face. “Any tips?”

“Maybe don’t roll the ball so hard. You’re confusing the pins. They’re bumping into each other unsure of what to do. Instead of falling they spin and wobble but remain standing.”

His brows dip. “You’re not serious. Confusing them? They’re damn pins. You’re talking like they have a mind or something.”

Carolyn laughed again, unable to help herself. She moved closer. Her hands gripped his thick biceps and she dropped her voice to almost a whisper and her mouth brushed against his ear. “Treat those pins like you would treat me if you were trying to bring me pleasure. I imagine you would take your time kissing and touching every inch of my body with your big, strong, powerful hands. Stroking … caressing … loving on me with authority, but also with a gentleness that would have me whimpering your name and begging for more.”

A tingle crept up Carolyn’s inner thighs as her words evoked erotic thoughts of what it would feel like to have Lincoln buried deep inside of her. Her heart pounded hard against her chest as she held onto him tighter, struggling to press down the desire suddenly raging within her. The last thing she should be thinking about was getting intimate with him while hanging out in a bowling alley, but if they ever made love, no doubt it would be deliciously intense.

His hand moved to her hip and he pulled her against his body, staring down at her lips. He lowered his head, excruciatingly slow, causing her to pant for what she knew was coming. His mouth, only a breath from hers, suddenly stopped. “You might be on to something.”

Carolyn tsked when his hand slipped from her body, immediately missing the heat from his touch. He grabbed his bowling ball like a man on a mission. She watched each measured step he took. It was as if a different person was bowling. The ball glided smoothly down the alley, picking off each pin one by one, giving him a spare. Since it was the tenth frame, he bowled again and got his first strike of the night.

Carolyn jumped up and cheered, “Yes! Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Lincoln walked back to her with purpose and didn’t stop until he had her wrapped in his arms. “You should’ve given me that sexy-ass tip nine frames ago.” His mouth devoured hers, again. She succumbed to the forceful domination of his lips, neither caring that they drew attention from the other bowlers as he aroused a passion rivaling their earlier kiss.

When he finally let her up for air she said, “Well, hell. If I knew you’d kiss me like that, I would’ve.”

Copyright © November 2016 by Sharon C. Cooper 



Author 
Bio ~




Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life.

Sharon writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She’s been nominated for numerous awards and is the recipient of an Emma Award for Romantic Suspense of the Year 2015 (Truth or Consequences), Emma Award - Interracial Romance of the Year 2015 (All You’ll Ever Need), and BRAB (book club) Award -Breakout Author of the Year 2014.

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 her on the Web.


WebsiteBlogGoodreadsTwitterFacebookPinterest


Giveaway ~



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Novel Book Tours



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

~ Pay Close Attention To SEASIDE WHISPERS! ~








Please welcome back New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster with her latest release, SEASIDE WHISPERS. Now let's find out what the hunk above's story is...


Blurb ~

Seaside Summers is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

Having a mad crush on her boss's son, Matt Lacroux--an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy--is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt's life is hours away from Mira's home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt's publishing contract couldn't have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, seductive Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to white-hot passions and midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt's sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira's not saving his father's company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever? 




"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

"Like Nora Roberts, Melissa Foster has captivated me with her fantastic, sexy, romantic stories." K. Winning

***

WANT MORE SEASIDE SUMMERS? All Seaside books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:

SEASIDE SUMMERS

Seaside Dreams (Bella)

Seaside Hearts (Jenna)

Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)

Seaside Secrets (Amy)

Seaside Nights (Sky)

Seaside Embrace (Hunter)

Seaside Lovers (Grayson)

Seaside Whispers (Matt)







***

Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:


SNOW SISTERS

THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)

THE REMINGTONS

THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)

THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)

SEASIDE SUMMERS

WILD BOYS AFTER DARK


For a complete reading guide, family tree, checklists, and more, visit Melissa's website.

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23655979-seaside-whispers

Links ~

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2eSz9Vb

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/seaside-whispers-love-in-bloom-seaside-summers

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/seaside-whispers-contemporary/id1109521363?mt=11

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Melissa_Foster_Seaside_Whispers_Love_in_Bloom_Seas?id=nv4VDAAAQBAJ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/634121

Amazon Paperback (US): http://www.amazon.com/Seaside-Whispers-Love-Bloom-Summers/dp/194148056X


Author Bio~

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary's Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Newsletter: http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Foster/e/B002LTT7U2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1461949188&sr=8-1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/melissa_Foster

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



Monday, November 28, 2016

~ Curl Up With A CORNER OF HER HEART! ~





Hey, all! We're kicking off a blog tour for Claire Yezbak Fadden and her new release, A CORNER OF HER HEART. Let's see what it's all about...



Blurb~

Monica Morgan finally lands the job she covets—stay-at-home mom to her four sons. Her joy is short-lived, however, when a casual comment leads to the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. The news sends her reeling, grasping for understanding and skeptical of everything she once thought she knew. While she struggles with the deceit and questions her faith, her youngest child receives a devastating diagnosis, plunging her into deeper despair.


Unsure of how to move forward, Monica must reevaluate her options and determine what truly matters most. But will her decision ultimately destroy her family or will it make them whole again?

Reviews:

I had a hard time putting this book down. I found myself wanting to know what was to happen next with Monica and Brad. Cheering for them but being angry at Brad's poor choices. Claire definitely has a flair for writing. She describes things in such great detail that you're able to feel the pain, heartache and hope that this family experiences. Thank you, Claire! I'm looking forward to reading more from you!


* * * * *
Such a good book! Couldn't wait to see how it ended!!! I think Brad truly loved his wife and kids. He definitely wanted to put the past to rest and rebuild his marriage. He was torn between telling his wife about his daughter, or not, only because he was finally gaining back her trust. He wanted so desperately for his marriage to work! Love truly did win out in the end!


Begin Again Series
By Claire Yezbak Fadden

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iBooks


Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release Date: October 11, 2016

Length: 266 Pages


Excerpt ~


Monica lifted her head from the pillow. That was a mistake. Why did I order that third pitcher? Her head, heavier than a bowling ball, pounded as though she had used it to throw a strike. Voices seeped through her bedroom door. Joyful sounds of Brad and the boys playing. She licked her lips, hoping to get the saliva moving. No luck. Cotton balls would fall from her mouth at any moment.

She didn’t remember much after Kate brought her home, except Brad holding her hair while she hugged the toilet. Tequila is not my friend.

Monica forced herself up and reached for a water bottle Brad had left on her nightstand. She slowly sipped, listening to what sounded like bodies bouncing off the walls. Definitely a sock war was underway. Monica would find her sons’ socks, now rolled up into balls as ammunition, for days. Guys could make a game out of anything.

She gingerly placed her feet on the carpet and ambled toward the family room. A cobalt-colored orb Monica recognized as part of Burke’s soccer uniform flew past her nose.

“Mom,” nine-year-old Burke shouted, “get back, you’re in the battle zone.”

“Cease fire.” Brad appeared from behind a chair and waved his arms. “Hi honey. Feeling better?”

“A little. What time is it?”

“About three,” Brady answered, stepping in from the hallway, “Dad kept us quiet all morning.”

“I asked to play sock war,” Bodie said, his voice barely higher than a peep. “Dad and me are a team.”

Monica moved to where Bodie sat and joined him on the couch. “Are you winning?”

“I think so,” Bodie replied, pointing to an arsenal of socks.

These moments made Monica’s life. Her sons enjoying each other, laughter rising throughout her home. Getting drunk last night was an escape, but she couldn’t escape her obligations. She didn’t want to. God blessed her with four sons to love and guide into manhood.

She soaked in their faces, sweaty and innocent. How could she steal this life from them? Monica would never forget what Brad had done. Still, she had to find a way to forgive him and make their family whole again. Her sons’ childhood depended on that.






Author Bio~




When she’s not playing with her granddaughter, Pennsylvania native Claire Yezbak Fadden is writing contemporary women’s fiction. Her books feature strong women who overcome life’s challenges, always putting their families first.

There’s a special spot in Claire’s heart for carousel horses – quite possibly the result of watching “Mary Poppins” 13 times as a young girl. She loves butterflies, ladybugs and confetti! Just ask anyone who’s received a birthday card from her.

Claire cheers on the San Diego State Aztecs, her alma mater, and she is a Black & Gold fan — Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. The mother of three, she lives in Orange County, California with her husband, Nick and two spoiled dogs, Bandit and Jersey Girl.Claire’s work as an award-winning journalist, humor columnist and editor has appeared in more than 100 publications across the United States, Canada and Australia. A Corner of Her Heart is her debut novel.


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



Giveaway ~
$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Novel Book Tours

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

~ After She Meets This DELTA FORCE Hunk, Someone May Need To Be RESCUING HARLEY! ~








Blurb ~ 

Video game coder, Harley Kelso, thought a tandem skydive would help her make her latest game more realistic. Instead, it literally put her in the arms of the sexiest man she's ever seen. Geeky to the core, Harley is the polar opposite of big and burly Beckett, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to play more carnal games with the sexy soldier.

When Beckett Coach Ralston offers to fill-in at a friend's skydiving club, he doesn't suspect he'll meet a woman who will change his life and he definitely doesn't expect her to save it. But that's exactly what happens when an accident mid-air forces Harley to land them both safely. She's earned Coach's complete gratitude, and even more, sexual interest. 

Until she disappears without a trace.

With Harley missing, a happy ending might not be in the cards for the man who loves her especially when he becomes the main suspect.




Links ~ 

Amazon (Kindle) : http://amzn.to/2asKl8r 

B&N (Nook) : http://bit.ly/2afMYHK

iBooks : http://apple.co/2a1N8aD

Kobo : http://bit.ly/2fr7mJE

Google Play : http://bit.ly/2fr875F


Author Bio ~ 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country. She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

Website

http://www.stokeraces.com

Mailing List

http://www.stokeraces.com/contact.html

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8247140.Susan_Stoker

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Stoker/e/B00KEZX468/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1454714340&sr=8-1

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker/?fref=ts

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Susan_Stoker



Monday, November 14, 2016

~ ASCENDERS: Learn The Lessons of an After-liftime! ~





Please welcome C.L. Gaber to the blog with her release, ASCENDERS! Love the subtitle on this one: HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE RECENTLY DEPARTED! There is so much to love about this book. It has a great premise to start with, but I also like where C.L. goes from there. The blurb alone will sell you!



Blurb ~


Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand-new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences.

Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.

She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.

These high school kids are now caught in a strange "in-between" zone where life hasn't changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie.

Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice.

There is no homework.

No tests.

No SATS.

You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24.

By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next.

"Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says.

* * * * * * 

Walker Callaghan has just arrived at the Academy after a tragic car accident. "Is this heaven or is this high school?" she asks.

She finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He's looking for a portal to return back to the living realm.

He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve.

Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him.

Have they learned enough to outsmart dangerous forces while transporting a young child with them? Can their love survive the fragmented evil parts of themselves that are now hunting them down as they try to find a way back to the middle?

At the Academy, you learn the lessons of an after-lifetime.

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25392606-ascenders


Links ~


Amazon Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/2eo7zgH



Author Bio ~




C.L. Gaber writes YA fiction from her home in Nevada where she lives with her husband Ron, bonus daughter Sabrina and two unruly dogs.

Author Links:

Website: http://ascenderssaga.com/

Newsletter: http://ascenderssaga.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7854535.C_L_Gaber

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C.L.-Gaber/e/B00HXVMFOI

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CLGaber


Graphics:

http://bit.ly/2eZGwI6




Tuesday, November 8, 2016

~ She's Ba-ack! And Melissa Foster is TRU BLUE! ~







Please welcome back New York Times Bestselling Author Melissa Foster with her newest ~ TRU BLUE!

Blurb ~



TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.




TRUMAN "TRU" GRITT is one hard-ass, loyal bastard. There's nothing he won't do to protect his family--Including spending a decade in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Tru steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Tru's hard, he's damaged, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Tru's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.




Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30073199-tru-blue



Links ~



KINDLE US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZ4017I

NOOK: http://bit.ly/2f1Ph7f

KOBO: http://bit.ly/2fp2vbk

GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2fjU7xw

iBOOKS http://apple.co/2fp0Hij

SMASHWORDS: http://bit.ly/2fjHOys



Author Bio ~

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary's Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.





Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Newsletter: http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/melissa_Foster

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29rpfIE



Wednesday, October 19, 2016

~ Just Call It A Raven Thing ~ A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS by Lila Bowen ~









It seems I have a bird thing going on this week! First, A RAVEN'S HEART. Now, A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS. Actually, it's more than just a bird thing, it's a raven thing. Next I'll be becoming a Baltimore Ravens fan! Well, enough babble. Let's find out a bit more about Lila Bowen's A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS...

Blurb ~



The sequel to Wake of Vultures, where a rich, secret world is hiding beneath the surface.

Nettie Lonesome made a leap -- not knowing what she'd become. But now her destiny as the Shadow is calling.

A powerful alchemist is leaving a trail of dead across the prairie. And Nettie must face the ultimate challenge: side with her friends and the badge on her chest or take off alone on a dangerous mission that is pulling her inexorably toward the fight of her life.

When it comes to monsters and men, the world isn't black and white. What good are two wings and a gun when your enemy can command a conspiracy of ravens?

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26038869-conspiracy-of-ravens

AUTHOR BIO ~

Lila Bowen is a pseudonym for Delilah S. Dawson, who writes fantasy, horror, young adult, comics, and romance. She recently won the Steampunk Book of the Year and May Seal of Excellence from RT Book Reviews. Delilah loves fancy boots, trail rides, adventures, and cupcakes and lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, children, a Tennessee Walking Horse named Polly, and a floppy mutt named Merle.

You can find Lila here: 

Website: http://www.whimsydark.com/
Newsletter: http://www.whimsydark.com/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2desnG1
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dsrnkQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelilahSDawson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelilahSDawson
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/delilahsdawson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/delilahsdawson/


You can buy CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS here:

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2dx1uic
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/2drvXlt
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2d30rYc
iBooks: http://apple.co/2desdhY
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2dx1ZIM



Previous/Other books in the Shadow series

Wake of Vultures 
The Shadow Book I

Blurb ~
A rich, dark fantasy of destiny, death, and the supernatural world hiding beneath the surface.

Nettie Lonesome lives in a land of hard people and hard ground dusted with sand. She's a half-breed who dresses like a boy, raised by folks who don't call her a slave but use her like one. She knows of nothing else. That is, until the day a stranger attacks her. When nothing, not even a sickle to the eye can stop him, Nettie stabs him through the heart with a chunk of wood, and he turns into black sand.

And just like that, Nettie can see.

But her newfound sight is a blessing and a curse. Even if she doesn't understand what's under her own skin, she can sense what everyone else is hiding -- at least physically. The world is full of evil, and now she knows the source of all the sand in the desert. Haunted by the spirits, Nettie has no choice but to set out on a quest that might lead to her true kin... if the monsters along the way don't kill her first.

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24819482-wake-of-vultures

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

~ You Need to Know the Way to A RAVEN'S HEART! ~






So happy to have my friend K.C. Bateman back! Kate is one of the most talented writers I've ever met, and you'll love her "kick ass heroines with interesting jobs," as she liked to describe them. She was on a few weeks ago, sharing an interview with us and the first in her Secrets and Spies Series, TO STEAL A HEART. Now she's back with Five Fun Facts about herself and the second in the series, A RAVEN'S HEART, released today!

Five Fun Facts

1) I have a not-so-secret double life as a TV antiques expert. In addition to writing historical romance, I am also a Director of my own auction house in the UK - Batemans. Many people know me from my work as an antiques expert / appraiser on several British antiques-related TV shows; Bargain Hunt, Flog it! and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

2) I once kissed the policeman guarding the door of No 10 Downing Street after attending a reception with the Prime Minister. I’m not saying any more about that!


3) I couldn’t live without teabags and a kettle. I really like a nice cup of English tea!


4) If I could live anywhere in the world I’d go to Italy. The landscape! The food! The wine! The art! I’d choose to live in a massive crumbling Italian castle perched on the edge of a cliff with a view of the sea and a lovely garden, scattered with good-looking Italian groundsmen and gardeners, of course! The fact that I don’t speak Italian would only be a minor inconvenience.


5) I can’t touch dry cotton wool – it sets my teeth on edge. And I hate writing on lined paper. I only buy square paper to make notes for my novels on; somehow the pages never seem quite as empty and daunting!


Now let's hear some more about A RAVEN'S HEART!



Blurb ~


When a bookish codebreaker and a dashing spy are reunited in this steamy historical romance from the author of To Steal a Heart, their lives depend on their ability to resist temptation. But fate is a mistress who cannot be denied. . .

England, 1815.

In the war against France, Heloise Hampden is a high-value asset to the Crown. When she cracks the enemy’s most recent communication, French agents are sent to kill her. But it’s the agent assigned to protect Heloise who poses the greatest threat to her heart: William de l’Isle, Viscount Ravenwood. Heloise has quarreled with the man they call Raven since childhood, yet always maintained a chaste distance. She’s sure nothing will change, thanks to the disfiguring scar on her face.

Nothing has changed. Raven still wonders how Hell-cat Hampden’s lithe body would feel pressed against his, but for the mission he must remind himself that the woman takes more pleasure in ancient languages than she does in seduction.

His imprisonment six years ago broke him in a way that makes the prospect of love impossible—he’s a shadowed Hades pining for sun-kissed Persephone. Still, his heart beats like mad whenever he’s within ten paces of Heloise, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if that means taking her to Spain as an unwilling hostage. Protecting her from danger will be a challenge; protecting her from desire will be pure agony.



Excerpt ~

England, June 1816

“I’m a spy, not a bloody nursemaid!”

William de l’Isle, Viscount Ravenwood, glared across the desk at his mentor, Lord Castlereagh.

The older man shook his head, supremely unmoved by his outburst. “Miss Hampden needs immediate protection. Someone’s targeting my code breakers and whoever killed Edward could also have discovered her identity. I can’t afford to lose her, too.”

Raven narrowed his eyes. “Use another agent.”

Castlereagh gave him one of those level, penetrating looks he so excelled at. “Who? Neither of her brothers are here; Nic’s in Paris, and Richard’s following a lead on that French forger he’s been after for months. Who else is left?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’ve lost too many good men. First Tony got himself killed in France, then Kit disappeared. There’s been no news of him for months.”

Raven frowned. He refused to consider the distasteful probability that his friend was dead. Kit was like him, a master of survival. He could be deep undercover. But with every week that went by with no word it became harder and harder to stay positive.

“And now another good man, Edward Lamb, had been murdered,” Castlereagh sighed. “I don’t want Miss Hampden to be next.”

The older man was a master of applying just the right amount of pressure and guilt. He hadn’t made it to head of the Foreign Office without knowing how to manipulate people.

“You think I should entrust her to a less competent operative?” Castlereagh mused softly. “You’re not burdened by false modesty, Ravenwood. You know you’re the best I have. I was hoping you’d use your exceptional talent for survival to keep Miss Hampden alive, too.”

Raven sighed, well aware he was being backed into a corner. If it had been anyone else he wouldn’t have hesitated. But Heloise Hampden was the fly in his ointment. The spoke in his wheel.

A total bloody menace.

Hellcat Hampden had been the subject of his guilty daydreams for years. What had started out as adolescent musings had matured into fevered erotic fantasies that showed absolutely no sign of abating. He’d told himself the attraction was because she was forbidden, tried to lose himself in other, far more available women. Nothing had worked. And while he’d rarely paid much attention to the monotonous sermons preached by the clergy, he was fairly sure there was something in the bible that said “thou shalt not covet thy best friend’s little sister.” Or words to that effect.

He was the last person she should be entrusted to. He’d sworn to stay away from her. Had avoided her quite successfully—give or take a few blessedly brief skirmishes—for the past six years. Hell, he’d traveled to the far corners of war torn Europe to try to forget her.

And now here he was, drawn back to her by some malevolent twist of fate.

As if his life wasn’t cursed enough already.

Over the past few years they’d settled into an uneasy, albeit barbed, truce; it was a sad reflection on his twisted nature that he preferred sparring with her to holding a reasonable conversation with anyone else.

His blood thrummed at the prospect of seeing her again and he smiled in self-directed mockery. Few things increased his heartbeat anymore. In combat he was a master of his emotions, sleek and deadly and efficient. Fighting barely elevated his pulse. He could kill a man without breaking a sweat. But put him ten paces away from that slip of a girl and a furious drummer took up residence in his chest, battering away against his ribs.

He shook his head. Being near her was a torture he both craved and abhorred, but he had a duty to keep her safe. A duty to her family, to Castlereagh, to the whole damn country . Much as he’d like someone else to deal with her, he didn’t trust anyone else. She was his to torment.

Castlereagh, the old devil, smiled, as if he already sensed Raven’s grudging acceptance. “That’s settled, then. She’s safe at home right now. You can go over and get her in the morning.”

He rose and strode to the door of the study, then flashed an amused glance at Raven’s immaculate evening attire and the mask resting on the desk. “I apologize for interrupting your evening, Ravenwood. I’ll leave you to your entertainments.” 

What The Critics Are Saying ~
“The chemistry between Heloise and Raven is completely off the charts and their dialogue is just to die for. The highest compliment I can probably pay Ms. Bateman here is to say that many of these exchanges reminded me of Loretta Chase; they’re quick, snappy, witty, flirtatious, often quite revealing and, most importantly, feel completely natural and unforced.” Caz – All About Romance.


“Once you start reading it you do not want to put it down. I just can't wait for the next new book to come out by Ms. Bateman!! – Sissy’s Romance Book Review for You.



“Heloise and Raven make a fantastic pair -- the electricity is just zapping between them. I love that Heloise (Raven calls her Hellcat) is a code breaker and seems to be the brains while Raven is obviously the brawn. The juxtaposition of her light and his dark makes for a great story. This one sucked me right in and held me prisoner until the very end. A fun, sexy read.” Lisa – Goodreads Reviewer.

Author Bio ~


Kate Bateman (writing as K. C. Bateman) wrote her first historical romance in response to a $1 bet with her husband who rashly claimed she’d ‘never finish the thing.’ She gleefully proved him wrong with a historical set in the Italian Renaissance. Now writing for Random House Loveswept, her latest ‘Secrets & Spies Regency-era trilogy features her trademark feisty, intelligent heroines, wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to alternately strangle and kiss—all mixed up in the intrigue and turmoil of the Napoleonic wars.

When not traveling to exotic locations ‘for research’, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England and writes despite three inexhaustible children and a husband who has flatly refused to read any of her books ‘unless she hits the NY Times Bestseller list.’ It is—naturally—her fervent desire to force the semi-illiterate, number-loving cynic to do so. He still owes her that dollar.

Links~

You can find Kate here:


Author email: kate@batemans.com

Author website: www.kcbateman.com

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14785249.K_C_Bateman

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanauthor/

Twitter: @katebateman

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kcbateman1/



You can buy A RAVEN'S HEART here:
Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/K.-C.-Bateman/e/B016CDKH0G/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1


Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ravens-heart-k-c-bateman/1123105775?ean=9780804181518


iBooks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-ravens-heart/id1118732769?mt=11


Kobo

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-raven-s-heart


Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/K_C_Bateman_A_Raven_s_Heart?id=-3UkCwAAQBAJ


All Romance:

https://www.omnilit.com/product-aravensheart-2003611-162.html?referrer=sbtb 

It was a pleasure having you, Kate! 




Sunday, October 16, 2016

~ This Book Will Be BETTER Than Your Last! ~











Please welcome guest blogger author Melanie Jaynes!

WHILE I STOOD BY

By Melanie Jayne

Many years ago, I met my friend at a reader’s con. We were both there to meet one of the authors and became immediate friends. I thought she was full of life and so bubbly. I swore that I could hear a giggle in her voice whenever she spoke. We continued our connection after the con, sharing life’s ups and downs.

I noticed over time that she didn’t seem as bubbly and her sunny outlook had become greyer. I hoped that she would confide in me what was troubling her, if something was troubling her. This past spring I received a text saying that her husband was leaving her and their two children for another woman. He didn’t love her anymore.

I was worried, and she was devastated. I knew that many times couples separate and get back together so I was very careful about my comments. If the couple reconciled then I didn’t want to be the friend who said terrible things about him. I spent hours listening and hurting for my friend. I held countless conversations with my husband about whether or not I should book a flight to see her.

I listened as she went through the various phases of grief. Being a confidant as she began to examine how her life had been in the recent past, how she had given up so much of herself in order to appease her husband’s needs. She became the smoother, if she could keep things the way he liked it then their life ran better. If he became upset, then everybody paid.

I cannot begin to fathom how difficult that life must have been. I was a part of her life, I considered myself her friend and yet, I had no idea how badly things were going, how trapped she must have felt, if she had the spare moment to feel. It physically hurt to know that I had been clueless.

Throughout the summer, she shared more and more about what their marriage had been. How mental illness and addiction had stolen the man she had fallen in love with. The worst part was that she still loved that man, but she was starting to accept that he was no more.

Slowly there were little signs that my old friend was returning. One Friday night she sent me a text. She was enraged over a Facebook post, and I knew that she was hurting, but I was happy to hear her anger. No more hoping for his return, no thoughts on how she could change things so that their love could be rekindled. She then started to slowly make plans for her future. Changes small and large were itemized and she decided that their marriage was over.

I’m proud to say that as I stood by, I watched my friend be torn down, broken, and then build herself up. She is not only responsible for her life, but that of her two teens. She is the epitome of the Mama Lion, a protector and proud. Today the divorce papers were served upon him. I hope that she gets everything that she deserves, especially happiness and self-worth, because she is truly a phoenix.











Blurb~

I should have known better. Women like me, average and unseen, don't have our dreams come true. And the one chance I had for my dreams, I watched die in our doorway while I hid on the stairs.

Now I spend my days terrified for my life and my nights resigned to the fact that I'll be dead soon.

He can protect me. Forde has the reputation for handling cases that blur the line between right and wrong. Yes, he can help me, but he's asking for too much from me – my trust, my body and for the chance to make my dreams come true.

If I could… everything would be Better.

Goodreads:

(Link forthcoming)
Links ~ 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2dwWgSD


Author Bio ~ 

I live on a grain farm southeast of Indianapolis, Indiana with my very patient husband of twenty-five years and our two English Mastiffs, Buster Brown and Ginger. I graduated from Indiana University when it was the #1 party school in the country and I took great pride in helping the school achieve that ranking.

I haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I change careers every decade. I have worked in retail, a federal courtroom, travelled across the state closing loans, and behind the scenes in a casino.

I've always had an active imagination so when a good friend suggested that I try writing a book, I thought why not, it should be fun. It has, but I have had to work very hard to learn how to do it. I am so lucky for the outpouring of advice and education from so many in the industry, plus the hand-holding and cheerleading from My Gurls. I also have an incredible Ad-man-istrative Assistant, who tries to keep me under control. He rolls his eyes so much that I worry about a permanent condition.

When I ‘m not working or writing type stuff, I sleep, watch courtroom TV shows, and sports. I was a competitive pro-am ballroom dancer for ten years and I read as many books as I can.

I love to attend Author-Reader Conventions and look forward to meeting you.



Website: http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/

Newsletter: http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/contact-us.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13547924.Melanie_Jayne

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dqlOU5

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mjsmut




Previous/Other books in the A Change Series




A Change For the Good
Blurb ~ 

Two people starting over, making much needed changes in their lives.




Zoe Crawford has moved to a new city after being humiliated by her ex-husband. She is going to put her wants and needs first.




Tony Alessi has returned to his hometown to rehab his body and his soul, leaving his ATF career behind.




When Tony meets Zoe, he likes what he sees. Zoe is flattered but doesn’t want to pursue a cougar challenge. As she grows to trust Tony, she tells him some odd happenings about cars following her, call hang-ups, and a break-in.




When Zoe’s life is threatened, the couple hides in Tony’s cabin. They soon grow closer as they learn who they are and who they hope to be.




Will Zoe’s past ruin her chance to change her life for the good?

Goodreads:


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25671007-a-change-for-the-good
Links ~ 



Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2dsNMLs