Night Owl Romance

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The Night Owl Reviews blog has moved. Find us at: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Blog

Lorie O’Clare - Slow Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a book from Lorie O’Clare!

***
Lorie O’Clare comments on her new book, SLOW HEAT
by Lorie O'Clare

How does an assassin, who has killed countless men and women during his career, retire and convince a woman he’s not a murderer and worthy of her love?

When I started writing SLOW HEAT, I thought I knew Micah Mulligan (aka Micah Jones) fairly well. He is a quiet man, having been trained that emotions are a liability. Micah is also incredibly good looking, stands over six feet tall, and also due to his training, is built like John Cena. Or better yet, the Rock (Dwayne Johnson) since Micah is dark haired and nicely tanned. He doesn’t like standing out in crowds, but what woman wouldn’t turn her head for a second look at such an incredibly sexy man? So I also knew that Micah avoided crowds.

I saw immediately that it wasn’t Micah’s fault that he was such a difficult man. He was raised by his father and uncle and brought into the family business when he was a teenager. Not that his father and uncle wanted him to join them as assassins and eventually earn his ranks on the FBI’s most wanted list. But they didn’t have a choice. Micah was too good at what he did. He has never missed his shot.

I got into the book. At maybe a hundred pages or so, Micah had completely let me in. Yes, he was an assassin; the best in the world. Micah chose his clients. He never focused his mil-dot on anyone who didn’t deserve to die. Micah was paid to kill the ultimate scum of the earth. Wanted criminals, rapists, pedophiles—those who didn’t deserve to live. He didn’t think of what he did as murder. He was more a savior for people trapped with a nightmare that the system couldn’t get rid of—or that would take too much of the tax payers’ money to convict them of their crimes.

You and I know someone who has killed almost a hundred people is a mass murderer. Maggie O’Malley knows this, too. She also knows that she is solely responsible for taking her uncle’s dive of a night club and turning it into a successful, money making business. When her uncle is arrested, misses his court date then takes a nice vacation out of the country, the bounty hunters that come after him are tipped off that he might not be the brains behind the money laundering going on in his club. Maggie is hauled in for questioning.

I didn’t blame Maggie a bit for being so seriously pissed off. I also didn’t blame her for not knowing how to react when the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen in her life tackled her to the floor before hauling her to the police car. Maggie is a level-headed woman. Her books are squeaky clean. Her family—all four of her brother and sisters and mom and dad—are telling her she’s got a major law suit against the city. Maggie gets what they are saying, but being a typical half-Irish, half-Italian red-blooded American woman, she wants to see whoever framed her for this crime burn in hell. She wants her pound of flesh. And who better to help her find the person, or people, behind this operation than the man who tried having her arrested for it in the first place? It has nothing to do with the way Micah’s body molded against hers when he sprawled on top of her on the nightclub’s floor.

Like I said, Maggie is level-headed. She wants the police off her back. But she is also willing to learn more about this bounty hunter, and not just professionally. After all, she’s invited him into her life, into her personal affairs, so he can learn more about her in order to hunt down whoever is putting her through this nightmare. Maggie isn’t a criminal. She does her job by the book and is proud of what she’s accomplished. For someone to even suggest she’s a dirty accountant is beyond humiliating. It makes her see red.

Micah is immediately digging into everything work related, and personal, about Maggie. She doesn’t mind. After all, this is what she’s hired him to do. Micah’s only means of transportation is a Harley Davidson. When he picks her up, riding on the back of it, pressed so close to his powerful body, the moment she wraps her arms around him, she feels more than a sense of security.

I love the part of the book where Micah and Maggie fall for each other. Both of them present arguments as to why they are better off single. I let them wage their personal battles. But forgive me, I’m a goner when it comes to two people falling in love. Micah and Maggie are goners the moment they touch each other. The sex scenes between these two are mind blowing. It gets just as hot when they fight with each other. Through Micah’s investigation and Maggie’s coming to terms that all wasn’t as she thought it was in her world, they grow even closer. I let the two of them decide when they would admit they loved each other.

Maggie gets that Micah is a complicated man. She lets him know on more than one occasion that his past isn’t going to bother her. She sees how Micah is today and that is all that matters.

What she doesn’t know is Micah’s past is a lot darker than he is showing her. You see, Micah has a problem. Falling in love isn’t an option. It is the big, major emotion that would be the worse liability of all. Now he has to save Maggie from the nightmare she has found herself in, but keep his feelings from evolving to a point where he can’t walk away. If he doesn’t leave her soon, he will resolve the nightmare that is currently interrupting her life, then she will be drawn into the nightmare that is his life. Maggie is too good of a woman to get involved with the true monster that Micah fights not to show her. However, it doesn’t take long for Micah to see he can’t live without Maggie.

I was challenged by Micah and Maggie more so than many other characters I’ve worked with while writing their story. Micah is bad. My God! He’s killed SO many people! It’s in his nature. Not to mention, no matter how well he hides, he will always be wanted for murder. On the other hand, Maggie is good. She comes from a strong Irish and Italian Catholic background. Her priest knows her by her first name. She believes she has fallen for a bounty hunter, who obviously has a few skeletons in his closet. People like Maggie don’t meet fugitives wanted by every law enforcement agency in the country. They certainly don’t fall in love with them. The moment Maggie learns the real truth about Micah, she is going to hurl whatever she can get her hands on at his face and storm out the door.

How do I keep these two together so they can ‘ride off into the sunset’? When my character is a fugitive at large, there is only one way I can see his that his many crimes will be accepted by the reader, and me. Micah led the way, but I agreed with how he decided to end his story.

Micah and Maggie make appearances in my next book, HOT PURSUIT, which releases 3/27/13. Once you read SLOW HEAT you will definitely want to know what happens next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

All my life, I've wondered at how people fall into the routines of life. The paths we travel seemed to be well-trodden by society. We go to school, fall in love, find a line of work (and hope and pray it is one we like), have children and do our best to mold them into good people who will travel the same path. This is the path so commonly referred to as the "real world".

The characters in my books are destined to stray down a different path other than the one society suggests. Each story leads the reader into a world altered slightly from the one they know. For me, this is what good fiction is about, an opportunity to escape from the daily grind and wander down someone else's path.

Lorie O'Clare lives in Kansas with her three sons.

Learn more about Lorie on her “About Lorie” page on her personal website. http://www.lorieoclare.com

ENTER THE CONTEST

1. You MUST be a member of the NOR website to enter. Only Open to the USA.
2. Leave a meaningful comment on the post to get entered.
3. Ends - 12/14/2012

L. Anne Carrington - Age is Only a Number

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an eBook copy of Beautiful: Four Short Stories of Curvy Woman Love!

***
In Love, Age is Only a Number
by L. Anne Carrington

Let me ask you readers a question:

Why does no one raise a stink when a 60-year-old man dates/marries a 25-year-old female, yet a woman of 50 is on the receiving end of everything from raised eyebrows to looks of contempt when she dates/marries a man only a dozen years younger than she?

I’m 50, but my current significant other is 38. Bet you all are thinking “toy boy,” right?

Far from it. He has a great career (therefore earns his own money), owns his home and both cars, is educated, articulate, and intelligent. While his looks won’t land him on the cover of GQ anytime soon, they won’t break mirrors or scare old people either.

He likes my cooking, treats me well, and while not a cat lover, he’ll tolerate mine.

Here’s the funny part: We initially met during a football training camp in 1998 when I was 36 and he 24. Both of us worked at Three Rivers Stadium at the time - he in concession during the games and me in one of the offices - but we never encountered each other until that fateful August afternoon in Latrobe, PA.

When I left my job at Three Rivers, we lost touch and I never heard from him again until I got a friend request on Facebook in late June 2012. I added him - even though I’m usually wary about adding anyone I don’t know or haven’t done business with - but sent a message asking who he was. Imagine my surprise when it was my old training camp friend!

The rest, as they say, is history. We’ve been together a little over three months and counting.

Ladies, if you want to have a relationship/fling/whatever with a younger man, I say more power to you! During my years as a single woman, I dated men ranging from my own age to several years older, but my current relationship has been the most satisfying thus far.

If your girlfriends are giving you headaches about your younger lover/husband, chances are good they’re either jealous or admire your guts to break the tradition of “woman being younger than her man.”

Why is there so much emphasis on age when it comes to us women dating? Like weight and dress sizes, we should see age for what it is - a number.

Chances are good if your man is anything like mine, he won’t care about the age difference. You had some special appeal for him to date/marry you in the first place.

Here’s a morsel: My mother was only a year older than my father. Granted, that age difference raised few eyebrows, but imagine if my mother had instead been twelve years older than my father when they married in 1946.

While times have changed, we can partially thank Hollywood for the older woman/younger man phenomenon. It’s been around for decades, just not as prominent as it’s been in recent years.

Love knows no limits, no dress size, no economic class, and especially not age. Toss aside prejudices and stereotypes of others and ask yourself if the young man who is in love with you is indeed “the one.”

Only you are in charge of your love life, and no matter what the age difference is between you and your partner/spouse, the important issue is you being happy.

In love, age is only a number.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L. Anne Carrington is a writer whose previous work covered topics from fiction to news stories, human interest features, and entertainment reviews. A descendant of silent film star Rubye De Remer and criminal justice reporter/author James G. Baldwin, she wrote The Wrestling Babe internet column for seven years, is a former music reviewer for Indie Music Stop, and pens several other works which appears in both print and Web media. One of her freelance articles, An Overview of Causes of Hearing Loss and Deafness, was bought by Internet Broadcasting Systems, a company that co-produced NBCOlympics.com for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics in addition to being the leading provider of Web sites, content and advertising revenue solutions to the largest and most successful media companies.

In addition to the December 2010 publication of her bestselling novel The Cruiserweight by Night Publishing, Ms. Carrington is a staff member and blogger for Authors on Show and a book reviewer for Free Press, (an imprint of top publisher Simon & Schuster).

Ms. Carrington resides in Pittsburgh, PA, where she continues to write.
www.lannecarrington.com

ENTER THE CONTEST

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3. Ends - 12/14/2012

Anna DeStefano - Mimosa Lane

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! One Day Contest.

***
Hope For The Holidays with Anna DeStefano’s Christmas on Mimosa Lane

Thanks to my readers and fans who’ve already made Christmas on Mimosa Lane a #1 Amazon best seller. There’s so much to love about this story, and the reader response on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and my author blog as been overwhelming. And some of the more mainstream elements are my favorite things to revisit this holiday season: such as the Emily Dickinson poetry that opens the novel, and the snippets of her verses that launch each chapter.

Emily Dickinson charmed me with the very first poem of hers I read as a little girl: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul..." There's something about the way she puts words together that mesmerized me. There's a loneliness to her thoughts, but also a bravery. A sense that isolation drives her to create, but that she's also dreaming of the day she'll be set free. Her internal journeys spoke to mine, I guess, and they still do today.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.

Do you see what she does here?

Hope is alive, even when it's merely a captive in our hearts. It may not have a voice yet that we can hear, but it won't stop. It won't be silenced. It's perched and waiting to soar just as soon as we'll let it.

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That would abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

Okay, we'll put the symbolism aside for another day (which she's a master at with a few simple, sparing, painstakingly selected words)--because otherwise this post would never end. I'm talking ED once a week on my blog and Pinterest board, so you can always tune in there for more.

But poetry and theme and metaphor aside, look at what she's saying here... Hope is there for us when things are at their worst. It's a sweet sound from the gale that's trying to silence us. A warmth, waiting to be discovered.

Doesn't that describe PERFECTLY that hint of second wind that comes to us in those darkest moments where we buckle ourselves in and decide to fight instead of go under? I know. I gush. But why we decide to rally isn't the point--Emily Dickinson's point is that we do rally, because hope is always there with us, in our souls, never stopping, always singing, fighting along with us.

I heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

With these last few phrases what I hear is not just that hope is always there and always fighting through the cold and strangeness of what tries to take us down in life. It's also that hope is selfless. A soaring selflessness that we can draw from when we need it most, and then give away to others.

Our hope doesn't want anything in return for seeing us through our darkest times...except that we pass it on to others once we're stronger. In the end, that's what this poem (and most everything ED penned) says to me. It's why I chose her hope poem to introduce my Christmas on Mimosa Lane.

I write emotional things that take the reader on a journey through many ups and downs, because the hope running through stories like these (the ones that drive our hero and heroine through the sorest storm and to the chillest land before landing them safely on the calm shore of a romance's happily ever after) is what inspires me to create.

As I believe Emily Dickenson has from that very first poem (this poem) I read of hers as a little girl...

To celebrate Christmas on Mimosa Lane's release and Night Owl’s awesome promotion for this first book in my Seasons of the Heart series, I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate today!

To enter, read this excerpt and answer the following question in the comments: Which character in the opening scenes needs the most hope to get through this holiday season?

I also have a contest currently running on my author blog, where tons of folks are sharing poignant holiday and family memories like the ones Mallory and Pete and Polly share in my novel, and we're having a blast. The winner over there will receive an amazing vintage Trifari Rudolf pin like one of the treasures little Polly cherished from her mother's collection in COML. So scoot over and enter there as well, and tell us a bit about your Christmases past...

And before I go, here's another glimpse of Christmas on Mimosa Lane.

***

Anna DeStefano presents a touching Christmas story about love, loss, and healing—and the joys of coming home…

"A terrific read...by this standout author!" ~~ 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Times

"Furls around your heart like a Christmas ribbon." NYT Best-selling Author Lori Wilde

"A charming, tender delight. Anna DeStefano is a treasure." NYT Best-selling Author Teresa Medeiros

A childhood spent on the streets leaves Mallory Phillips longing for a normal life and a perfect Christmas. Now an elementary school nurse in Chandlerville, Georgia, Mallory’s dream to blend into the picturesque community isn’t working out. She’s once more living a loner’s existence. Then an emotionally fragile seven-year-old appears in her living room in the middle of the night, and Mallory’s isolated world is turned upside down.

This is Polly Lombard’s first Christmas without her mother, and she won’t utter a word to anyone—except Mallory. She believes Mallory holds the key to helping her father overcome his sadness. Despite Pete Lombard’s lingering grief over his wife’s death and concern for his daughter, his resistance to their mysterious neighbor crumbles as he spends more time with Mallory and falls for her amazing heart. But when her past returns to haunt her, is Mallory strong enough to keep the Lombard family in her life? And can the spirit of Christmas heal these broken souls and bring them all the joyous, loving holiday they deserve?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna DeStefano is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than sixteen novels. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes. With a rich blend of realism and fantasy, Destefano invitesreaders to see each of life's moments with emotional honesty and clarity. The past president of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW), she has garnered numerous awards for her writing, including winning the RT Reviewer's Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She has been a finalist in the National Reader's Choice and Book Seller's Best Awards. DeStefano lives in North Georgia.

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3. Ends - 11/27/2012

Christy English - A Willful Wife Must Do

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Enter to win a print copy of How to Tame a Willful Wife!

***
5 Things A Willful Wife Must Do
by Christy English

1. Keep a sense of humor. No matter how demanding or unreasonable your husband is, if you can keep laughing, you win.

2. Never give in. You might choose to let him think that he’s won, but in the end, do as you please.

3. Fight for what you want. Your needs are just as important as his. Stick to your guns…or your knives…

4. Don’t go to bed angry. There’s a lot more fun to be had in bed than reveling in angry silence.

5. Love him. As long as he loves you back, and treats you like a goddess. “With my body I thee worship” is the best wedding vow.

An Excerpt from HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE

I had the best time writing this version of The Taming of the Shrew. Of course, Caroline Montague is no shrew, and she is nowhere near tame. Here's the scene when Caroline and Anthony first meet:

Caroline strode into her sitting room, slamming the door behind her. The sound gave her a small measure of satisfaction. The long evening, with its endless dinner and its games of charades felt interminable. Her suitors had not come alone but had brought their sisters and mothers with them. All London women wanted to talk about was fashion and one another. She hoped her father chose a match for her soon so she could get a moment's peace.

After years of living in a society of fewer than twenty families, the influx of London nobility into her world was more exhausting than she would have believed possible. Southerners, with their superior ways and nasal accents, grated on her nerves. How could they talk so much without really saying anything? And yet she was honor bound to marry one of them. Why her father could not find her a decent man from Yorkshire, she could not imagine.

She stopped fuming then, for in the shadows of her bedroom, she found a man sitting in her favorite armchair.

"Good evening, Caroline."

She opened her mouth to scream, but reminded herself she was not a fool, nor was she a swooning female like those in the novels she read. She closed her mouth again, the voice of her mother rising from her memory, telling her that open mouths catch only flies. "Who are you?" she asked, working to keep her voice even and calm.

"A friend of your father's."

"I've never met you before. If you were Papa's friend, he would have presented you along with the rest of my suitors."

The man laughed, his chestnut eyes running over her body. His black hair brushed his collar and was tossed back from his face to reveal a strong jaw. Dressed in a linen shirt and dark trousers, he had cast off his coat, and it lay beside him on the arm of the chair. His green-and-gold waistcoat gleamed in the candlelight, his cravat loosely tied.

His large body was too big for her delicate Louis XVI furniture, but he sat with one ankle casually crossed over the other knee, as comfortable as he might have been in his own drawing room. "I am your friend, too, Caroline."

"You are no friend of mine."

He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. She thought it foolish to call a man beautiful, but she could not deny it. And clearly, he agreed with her.

In spite of his arrogance, this man was worth ten of every fool she had spoken to that day. There was no doubt in her mind that if he had entered the archery contest that morning, she would not have beaten him.

There was a latent power in his gaze, in the stillness of his posture that made her think of a lion set to devour her. Instead of frightening her, the thought gave her a moment's pleasure. She had never before met a man who seemed to be as strong-willed as she was. She wondered for the first time in her life if this dark-eyed man might be her equal.

She dismissed that thought as folly. No matter how beautiful, whether he was her equal or not, a man alone in her room could be there for no good reason. The heat in his chestnut eyes warmed her skin, but she forced herself to ignore that, too. She would be ruined if anyone even suspected she had spoken with a man alone in her room. He might be there to kidnap her for the ransom her father would pay.

As if to echo her thoughts, the stranger spoke. His words were like cold water on her skin, waking her from the madness of her attraction for him.

"I've come to claim you, Caroline."

She did not look at him again but reached into her reticule. No man would claim her. She would be damned if her father's work, and her own, would come to nothing. Not this man, or any other, would touch her that night.

She took a deep, calming breath. Her father's men had trained her for just such a moment, when she would be alone and threatened. Now that the moment had come, she was ready.

"You'll 'claim' me only when you pull the last weapon from my cold, dead hand." She drew her knife from her reticule and threw it at him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After years of acting in Shakespeare’s plays, I am excited to bring the Bard to Regency England in my next novel HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE, a re-telling of The Taming of the Shrew. Please click on the book cover on the right to find out more. http://www.christyenglish.com

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3. Ends - 11/30/2012

Holiday Guide 2012 P1 R

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Enter to Win Your Own Banned Books Mug. Leave a comment about an item on the Holiday Gift Guide!

As booklovers we are always looking for cool inspirational gifts. As the holiday season gets started we wanted to share some of these very cool products with you. We at Night Owl read a lot, drink coffee a lot and dare I say snack a lot. So included in the list are things we are inspired by and think are useful products as well as some whimsical items and things that have us fighting cravings.

FOR ALL AROUND BOOKLOVERS AND SNACKERS

Banned Books Mug

This mug says a lot and shouts it out loud...we love books...all books.

Boldly displays the title of some the world's most famous banned books, from Galileo's Dialogo to Rushdie's Satanic Verses and 22 titles in between. Titles include: 1. Ulysses 2. Nineteen Eighty-four 3. The Origin of Species 4. Catch-22 5. Kritik der reinien Vernunft (Critique of Pure Reason) 6. And Tango Makes Three 7. To Kill a Mockingbird 8. Lady Chatterly's Lover 9. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 10. Howl 11. The Satanic Verses 12. Tropic of Cancer 13. Madame Bovary 14. Animal Farm 15. Naked Lunch 16. Du Contrat Social (The Social Contract) 17. ?????? ?????? (Doctor Zhivago) 18. Uncle Tom's Cabin 19. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding 20. Falun Gong 21. Les Miserables 22. Lolita 23. Diaolog di Sopra i due Massimi Sistemi del mondo - (Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems) 24. The Catcher in the Rye

PURCHASE

Great First Lines of Literature Mug

This is a nice size mug. Fill it up and read for at least a half hour...then fill again.

Featuring opening lines of some of the greatest works of literature from "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" to "Call me Ishmael" and 22 more. It'll give you the literary inspiration to tackle your day.

PURCHASE

BOOK LOVER Street Sign

A great road sign for booklovers everywhere. This is great for a personal library or reading space.

This sign is 4"x18" and made with an exterior grade PVC plastic and printed with the best inks in the industry. Perfect for outdoor use for over 5 years or will look great inside. No rusting or fading indoors or out. The sign come with round corners and 2 holes for easy mounting. We carry 1000's of different signs to choose from. You can't go wrong with a ZANYSIGNS Street Sign, the ultimate gift for any occasion!

PURCHASE

Lifesavers Hard Candy Christmas Sweet Storybook

Lifesaver books have been a popular items in our homes for many years. They are a great stocking stuffer.

Lifesavers Christmas Sweet Storybook ~ A past time favorite of Lifesavers sweet storybook of "The Little Christmas Tree".

PURCHASE

Chocolate Caramel Dipped Apples for Christmas

These are Harry and David Dipped Apples. Harry and David is one of our local companies and produces some of our favorite sweets.

We love apples. Surely you've figured that out by now. But we also love our caramel and chocolate. So, naturally we combined the two. We dip gourmet apples in caramel that is handcrafted from the finest ingredients available and our premium chocolate blend. It's like your classic caramel apple, but with a little twist. Gourmet caramel and a top secret blend of premium gourmet chocolate. This treat is quickly becoming an all time favorite. Mix it up with a caramel and chocolate dipped apple.

PURCHASE

Godiva Chocolatier Gold Ballotin

YUMMM. We love Godiva in all it's forms

Signature assortment of classic Belgian chocolates. In each piece you will discover exquisitely rich, velvety chocolate, with fascinating flavors and intriguing textures. Our most classic deliciousness in milk, dark, and white ganaches, pralins, caramels, fruits, and nuts. 19 pcs. (7.2 oz)

PURCHASE

Jelly Belly 50 Flavor Sampler Gift Box with Recipe Book

This gift box is great for finding your favorite Jelly Belly flavor. Tammie favorite is Pear and Andrew's is Cinnamon.

50 Flavor Gift Box features every bean in the Official 50 flavor line-up including Very Cherry, Buttered Popcorn, Green Apple and all the rest. There's also a flavor guide on the inside lid that names each flavor.

PURCHASE

MEN

Required Reading Necktie

This sweet bookish tie presents the world with a splash of color and insight into the wearers love of lit.

Did you know? William never published any of his plays. We read his plays today only because his fellow actors John Hemminges and Henry Condell, posthumously recorded his work as a dedication to their fellow actor in 1623, publishing 36 of Williams plays. This collection known as The First Folio is the source from which all published Shakespeare books are derived and is an important proof that he authored his plays. This 100% silk necktie features these notably classic plays, as they appear in book, on a navy blue background.

PURCHASE

Batman First Issue Comic Book Cover Cufflinks

This pair of cufflinks makes a huge statement about the wearer. Go Batman!

Show off your superhero fandom with these Batman First Issue Comic Book Cover Cufflinks. Each cufflink measures approximately 5/8 of an inch by 3/4 of an inch, are constructed of enamel and gunmetal plated base metal, have one piece fixed backings, and are Officially Licensed DC Comic Cufflinks. They make a great gift so get your pair today!

PURCHASE

WOMEN

The Reading Woman 2013 Calendar

Women through history have found books to be a blessing. Enjoy seeing women reading on your wall all year long.

This is a great full size calendar that showcases pictures of women reading and with books.

PURCHASE

I Read Banned Books Bracelet_ adult titles

Another great accessory for the reader who wants to make a statement.

This bracelet is inspired by books that have been banned in libraries. Titles: Huck Finn, To Kill A Mockingbird, Color Purple, Howl, Alice in Wonderland, Go Ask Alice, and Annie on My Mind.

PURCHASE

Go Away I'm Reading T-Shirt

We all need our reading time and this shirt makes it clear.

This humorous one-size-fits-most women's sleep shirt is 100% cotton and screen printed with the words: "Go Away - I'm Reading." White background with shirttail hem and detailed with a girl reading, surrounded by a pile of books and a beverage close at hand. Comes with matching carrying bag. Machine washable.

PURCHASE

Sterling Silver Book Charm Bead Fits Pandora Chamilia Biagi Bracelet

Pandora takes the book bling to a new level. How cool is that?

This Sterling Silver Book Charm Bead Fits Pandora Chamilia Biagi Bracelet.

PURCHASE

SCI-FI / FANTASY

Anomaly / Ultimate Augmented Reality™

We got in an advanced copy of Anomaly and were blown away at how cool this illustrated title is. It's much more than just an illustrated novel as it is also a ground breaking augmented reality title. Anomaly is ground breaking as it combines illustrated novels with augmented reality and beings the book to life with 3D and audio. Readers can use their smartphones to open up extras like 3D interactions with the pages. It's just too cool to fully explain...you've got to see it to experience all this new technology has in store for the next generation of books. Check it out now

PURCHASE ANOMALY

Harry Potter The Definitive Movie Posters

These posters are a nice size for framing and keeping the stories alive.

Demonstrating Harry Potter’s global reach and unparalleled visual impact, Harry Potter: The Definitive Movie Posters features the most dramatic national and international movie posters created during the entire eight-film run. This elegant, large-scale format captures the magic of the films with forty artfully selected, display-worthy posters. Fans will get a sense of the mounting excitement that surrounded the screenings worldwide. Beloved characters, powerful emotions, and thrilling moments leap from the page.

The posters are printed on glossy cardstock inside a protective cover. Easily removable as full sheets, they’re crease-free and perfect for displaying. Featured images include the iconic depiction of Hagrid and young Harry looking up at Hogwarts castle; the all-knowing gazes of Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall; the romantic Yule Ball costumes; the chilling face of Voldemort; and many others. You’ll want to display each and every image!

PURCHASE

Harry Potter The Quintessential Images

This beautiful poster book captures the magic of the Harry Potter films in an exciting new format. Harry Potter: The Quintessential Images comes with forty large-scale, display-worthy posters, featuring your favorite Harry Potter characters in striking poses — from Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley to Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, Bellatrix Lestrange, and even Dobby the house-elf. The posters span all eight feature films, celebrating pivotal moments and highlighting each character’s evolution through the years.

The posters are printed on glossy cardstock and adhesive-bound inside a protective cover. Easily removable as full sheets, they’re crease-free and ideal for displaying. Whether your display of choice is Harry and Ron in full Quidditch gear; Hermione dressed for the Yule Ball; Cedric Diggory in his Hufflepuff robe; the ever-malicious Malfoys; or dozens of others — you’ll find a fun and colorful array in this keepsake collection.

PURCHASE

DragonArt Fantasy Characters: How to Draw Fantastic Beings and Incredible Creatures

Bring fantasy to life with this cool fantasy art drawing book.

Dragons may terrorize fantasy worlds, but they need peasants to munch on ... heroes to confront ... elegant elves, shrewd sorcerers and dreaded demons to battle. Following on the wings of the ferociously popular DragonArt, this book shows you how to conjure up your own fantasy realms by drawing inspiration from fairy tales, legends and (if you dare) things that go bump in the night.

PURCHASE

NATURE / ANIMAL LOVERS

Fierce Beauty

Big cats are beautiful and this book showcases them in living color. It's a nice size to keep on the living room table for friends and family to flip through.

Fierce Beauty is a celebration of tigers, leopards, lions, ocelots, and other wild cats that inhabit The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS), a wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The institute’s fifty acres are home to more than one hundred rare animals, from ligers (a hybrid cross between a male lion and a tigress) that stretch nearly twelve feet long to cheetahs capable of running seventy miles per hour.

Featuring dozens of exclusive new portraits from preeminent nature photographer Tim Flach, Fierce Beauty depicts the beauty, power, and grace of these remarkable creatures as never before. And with more than 300 images of wild cats and essays by such distinguished conservationists as zoologist and TV personality Jim Fowler, Dakota Zoo director Terry Lincoln, and a foreword by renowned actor Robert Duvall, Fierce Beauty enables readers to experience the vibrant form, bold markings, and striking personalities that make wild cats unique cohabitants of mankind.

PURCHASE

FOR WRITERS / REVIEWERS

Dream Essentials Nite Note, Night Time Notepad with Fisher Ball Point Space Pen

Inspiration strikes in the dark and in the light. Make sure to have Nite Note near by for those times when you are in the dark.

The amazing new Nite Note is perfect for all those late night ideas that come to us just before we fall asleep. Use it to jot down important night time thoughts without disturbing your partner's rest. If you wake in the night with a creative flash or you don't want to forget that amazing dream you just had, just pull out the pen the pad will light up and quickly jot down whatever is on your mind. Just replace the pen and the light goes off.

PURCHASE

LED Pen, the Pilot's Pen, LED Powered Ink Penlight Night Writer

This little light up pen is sure to come in hand for those times when it's dark..movie, car trip, bedside.

See where you write at night! Ideal for anyone who needs illumination when writing. Great for authors, reviewers and readers.

PURCHASE

FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

Magnetic Poetry Kids' Chinese Kit

Get the kids started on a foreign language early in life...plus add some poetry to the mix.

Flippable magnets (magnets are printed on both sides and stick both ways); simplified Chinese characters and pinyin pronunciations on the white side flip to English on the black side. You can learn vocabulary with individual magnets or arrange them into sentences. Contains over 140 double-sided word magnets. Break the magnet sheets into separate tiles and stick them to your fridge, locker, cookie sheet or any metal surface. Use the magnets like flash cards for your fridge or arrange the characters into simple phrases and watch a love of learning the Chinese language emerge.

PURCHASE

Doodle Diary: Art Journaling for Girls

This is a great artsy journal to inspire girls to write, draw and work with color.

Doodle Diary is an interactive guide to doodling that teaches girls how to combine images with words and art journaling techniques. In the tradition of Keri Smith (Wreck This Journal, This Is Not a Book), Dawn DeVries Sokol has created a fun, easy artist's journal to get kids started with the basics.

Beautifully illustrated in full color, Doodle Diary: Art Journaling for Girls provides clear explanations, instructions, and inspirations. Every page prompts a different project using a different artistic medium. For example, the Extreme School Makeover page directs you to paste a photo of your school on the page and then doodle over the image to remake it. Another page is for your movie reviews, but don't forget to add your recent movie stubs or photos from ads to enhance the page. Whether you want to doodle about your day, make lists of your favorite things, or just write down goals and daydream, Doodle Diary is a great way to learn about art while having fun.

PURCHASE

My Fabulous Look Book: Fashion Drawing Made Easy

Girls just want to have fun and be styling. This book can inspire ideas.

Young fashionistas get to design their own outfits, makeup, hairstyles, and accessories with our 75 pages of lightly printed outlines of faces, figures, and fashionable extras. The grand finale to the fashion show is the Look Book portfolio of keepsake album pages with die-cut frames, perfectly sized to display your best work.

PURCHASE

Guidecraft Reading Center

This reading bench is super cool for a children's area. It has room to sit and read as well as store books. Help your kids store their books and inspire them to become booklovers like us.

PURCHASE

JANE AUSTEN FAN INSPIRED

The Wicked Wit of Jane Austen

This is a great little book for Jane fans.

Lauded for her eloquence, observation and wry humour, Jane Austen was a novelist who was highly regarded and greatly celebrated in her own time. However, her appeal is as great as ever, and her insights remain as fresh and relevant today as when they were first published. This delightful volume offers thematic extracts from fiction and correspondence; featuring quotes from her celebrated and best-loved novels, alongside extracts from Austen's letters to her sister and confidante, Cassandra. This beautifully packaged book contains a host of quotations displaying Austen's sharp - indeed, often wicked - social observation and satirical wit, which will be enjoyed by fans of the author as well as readers who are new to her writing. It is a charming tribute to a writer whose work will resonate for centuries to come.

PURCHASE

List To Be Continued...

ENTER THE CONTEST

1. You MUST be a member of the NOR website to enter. USA Shipping Only. One winner between the two NOR holiday blog posts.
2. Leave a meaningful comment on the post to get entered.
3. Ends - 12/14/2012

Nico Rosso - Steampunk Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

ONE DAY BLOG TOUR CONTEST: Enter to win 3 books leading up to Nights of Steel in the Ether Chronicles series by Nico Rosso and Zoe Archer (Night of Fire, Skies of Steel, and Skies of Fire)! Plus get entered for a NOR goodie package.

***
An Inside Look at Thanksgiving, Ether Chronicles Style
by Nico Rosso

The steampunk Ether Chronicles, written by husband and wife team Nico Rosso and Zoe Archer, has been loved by many series fans and the fourth book hit shelves on November 6th. Each book is written solely by each author. What a creative couple!

San Francisco, California

“That’s a hell of a view.”

“Ain’t it?” Anna had never been this high up in San Francisco before. The windows of the restaurant’s private corner room revealed the modern city. Brick and stone buildings climbed the hills, connected by busy streets and aerial cable cars. More than one dirigible circled overhead, dark ovals contrasting against the ceramic blue sky and white clouds.

“I was talking about the bird.” Her man, Jack Hawkins, stood with his hands on his hips, grinning at a large roast turkey at the center of the table. “Was getting mighty tired of pemmican on the road.”

“Then we’re more than happy you were able to join us.” Even out of uniform US Cavalry Second Lieutenant Tom Knox kept his military bearing. With a hint of roughneck swagger.

“Of course they would join us.” His wife, Thornville sheriff Rosa Campos-Knox, fussed with her trim coat. It was the first time Anna had seen her in something that wasn’t suited for a gunfight. “What a stroke of luck to have them in the city at the same time as our meetings with your brass.”

A gruff voice interrupted from the corner of the room. “Lucky for y’all.”

Jack took a half step toward the man who sat, wrists bound, alone on the other side of the room. “You know better than to interrupt our Thanksgiving supper, Blake.” For extra emphasis, Jack pointed at the man with his half-mechanical hand. The brass stood out in contrast against his dark skin. Even in the finer clothes, his muscles and broad shoulders showed how dangerous he was.

Blake blanched whiter than the parsnips on the table. He tried to struggle against his shackles, but the automatic spring wound the tension tighter. Jack gave him one more don’t make trouble or else look, then turned back to the table.

“Ladies.” He pulled out a chair for Anna.

She didn’t feel completely ladylike as her backup pistol knocked into the chair. “Awful polite for a ruthless bounty hunter.”

Jack gave her a wink, promising a dessert for after dinner when they were alone. “I can be silk.” He tapped his metal fingers on the table. “I can be iron.”

He took his seat next to her and they were joined by Tom and Rosa at the table. Along with the turkey and parsnips, in front of them were bowls of mashed potatoes, peas, and roasted squash. Against the wall of the private room, an oven chugged with steady heat.

Shaped like a column that reached from floor to ceiling, the device ticked with well oiled clockwork machinery. Without a human hand helping, the oven made dessert to be ready at the end of the meal. Automated whisks combined ingredients from hoppers. Rotating out of the bottom of the column, a flat disc took the dough while rollers flattened it. The dough slid onto a pie plate, then disappeared into the center of the oven.

The waiter had already opened wine before leaving them in peace, but Tom struggled with a different bottle. Jack waved for it and Tom handed the bottle over.

With the familiar click-clack of his mechanical knuckles, Jack wrapped his hand around the top of the bottle and forced out the stubborn cork. The aroma of sweet apples and fiery sugar rose from the neck.

“Applejack.” Tom grinned. He took the bottle back and poured everyone some in small glasses so dainty it seemed the alcohol would devour them. “Perfect start to the meal.”

The buttery crust in the automated oven smelled wonderful. In a little while the shell would rotate out of the oven, get filled with pumpkin custard, then spiral back into the heat for the final bake. Anna looked forward to the end of the meal. And the late night snacks she’d take with Jack back at their hotel room.

Tom lifted his glass of applejack. “I’m thankful my beautiful wife is such a sure shot.”

Rosa smiled at her husband. “I’m thankful the Hapsburgs aren’t stupid enough to try anything that would interrupt our meal. And let them keep their heads long enough for me to enjoy this mild weather with Tom.”

The front lines had been quiet for a bit, but there was still a war on and they all wore their guns.

Jack started, “I’m thankful—”

“You missed my turn.” Blake sneered from the corner.

Anna saw any polite notions disappear from Jack as he balled a fist and started to stand. She put a hand on his arm and whispered, “State police office will be open after supper, we’ll be rid of him and it’ll be just you and me.”

He seemed to like that idea, eyes warming on her.

She turned to Blake and spoke louder. “You ought to be thankful we kept reading your bounty papers. Could’ve stopped at ‘Wanted: Dead.’” The former fugitive’s sneer disappeared and he eyed the ground sheepishly.

Again, Jack raised his glass. “I’m thankful for Anna Blue. Without her, this globe would have no color.”

Heat ran through her, as if she’d already taken the shot of liquor. “And I’m thankful for Jack Hawkins, the only hunter good enough to catch me.”

They all clinked their glasses and downed the applejack. A comfortable warmth spread through her. It only had a little to do with the drink. Having Jack with her gave the world a new shape, with more adventure and less adversity. And to share that with two people who were clearly as in love as Tom and Rosa made the day that much brighter.

Yes, they were the perfect family to be spending Thanksgiving with. Tom proved it by leaving the fancy carving set on the table and slicing into the turkey with his bowie knife. It was going to be a great meal.

-My question to you is: This Thanksgiving, will you have a particular toast at the table?

Jack and Anna’s story takes place in Nights of Steel.

Tom and Rosa’s story takes place in Night of Fire.

Purchase Titles

BOOK BLURB

Nights of Steel: Bounty Hunters Looking for Love
Book 4 of the Ether Chronicles!

Nico Rosso turns up the temperature in his sexy, steampunk romance

Enter the world of The Ether Chronicles with Nico Rosso’s latest sexy steampunk offering, Nights of Steel (Avon Impulse; on-sale 11/6/2012; e-ISBN 9780062201102; $1.99).

“Wild” West takes on a whole new meaning in Rosso’s version of America: airships roam the skies, and genetically engineered Man O’ Wars wreak havoc—and that’s nothing compared to the rising tension between bounty hunters Anna Blue and Jack Hawkins. This book is all about action—of every kind—and between the cool-as-heck characters, the surreal steampunk landscape, and the electrifying chemistry between the two protagonists, Nights of Steel is a must-read for fans of romance with an action edge!

Bounty hunter Anna Blue always finds her fugitive. But her latest mission is filled with mystery-a high price for an eccentric inventor. And her biggest rival, Jack Hawkins-a startlingly handsome, entirely unsettling man whose abilities match her own– is hunting the same bounty. Neither will back down.

When a rogue Man O’ War flies his airship into the California skies, guns blazing, Anna and Jack are forced to team up or die. But it isn’t the danger that has them ready to flare like gunpowder. They’ve circled each other for years as competitors only. Fighters and outsiders, they never thought they’d find a kindred soul. But as hot passion, and raw need draw them together, can they survive this mission long enough to track the most elusive fugitives…their hearts?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NOR Author Page

Nico Rosso was a writer in search of a genre until his wife, Zoe Archer, brought romance into his life in more ways than one. Through her he learned the romance genre was filled with vast opportunities for storytelling. He created the sci-fi romance Limit War series, sweeping readers off Earth to an interstellar conflict. Closer to home, he set off the apocalypse with The Last Night. And starting with the Ether Chronicles, he gets to write closer than ever with his wife. They created the steampunk world together and trade off, telling the romance tales that span the globe. You can find him on the web at www.nicorosso.com, Twitter, and Facebook.

ENTER THE CONTEST

1. You MUST be a member of the NOR website to enter. Only Open to the USA.
2. Winner for the book package to be selected from he overall comments from the full blog tour. Plus 1 NOR commenter will win a NOR Goodie Package.
3. Leave a meaningful comment on the post to get entered.
4. Ends - 11/22/2012

Stephanie Queen - The Hot Shots

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:01:00 +0000

Enter to win a Print copy of The Throwbacks - Book one in the Scotland Yard Exchange Program series!
Ends - 12/14/2012
***
The Hot Shots
by Stephanie Queen

Maybe there is a little bit of me in Sophia “Pixie” Alano, the heroine from THE HOT SHOTS. Except that I’m not short. I don’t have red hair. I’m not a decorator. And no one but the folks at the old folks home would call me a spitfire (after all I’m a writer who has a chair permanently attached to her…well you get the idea). Come to think of it, the only part of me that’s in any of the heroines of my novels is my imagination. But that’s what makes writing novels such a hoot—I get to be anyone I can think up and live their imaginary life! What a gig! No wonder I put up with the part about the permanently attached chair…

EXCERPT from THE HOT SHOTS, Scotland Yard Exchange Program, Book 2

Chapter 1

“I have a favor to ask. I need you to pick up David’s latest recruit from Scotland Yard. At Logan Airport. Today. And keep him busy for the day. Show him around,” Grace said from behind her desk, looking up at her with a smile.

Although she appeared to be her usual bubbly self, Sophia felt the urge to applaud her boss’s performance at playing innocent. Instead, she played along.

“Is that all?” she asked.

Grace nodded.

“You can’t be serious?” Sophia felt her control slip. “You’re asking me for a favor on the eve of my possible career breakthrough?”

Grace nodded again with her smile still in place.

“That’s crazy talk. Tomorrow’s the shoot for the audition tape.” She knew that Grace knew this since Grace helped set it up for her, but she felt it was worth mentioning the obvious. She was worried because a “favor” for one’s boss, even if she was one’s best friend always needed to be taken as seriously as an order.

“Yes. I know. And a distraction is exactly what you need to keep your nerves at bay.”

“My nerves are fine.” If her dam voice hadn’t squeaked at that moment, she’d have been more convincing. Something was up.

And Sophia would never admit it to Grace, but she did feel a bit edgy if edginess meant nausea, headaches and sleeplessness.

“I know you.” Grace paused and gave her the serious-yet-loving older-sister type look. “This will be good for you and…and I’d really appreciate it.”

Grace was playing dirty pool now with that appreciation bit, but Sophia still didn’t buy it. “And what if I didn’t have time today? Were you going to tear me away from my project?”

“Actually, yes. I wasn’t going to mention it, but some of the men were complaining about your presence at the site and asked me to have you back off just a smidge.” Grace crinkled her face. “But don’t worry, they think you’re wonderful. It’s just lately...”

“Great. That’s great. I got painters and paperhangers and carpenters talking to my boss behind my back.” This was not good. She plunked herself on the edge of Grace’s desk and folded her arms. She tried staring at the stack of fabric samples on the other side of the office so Grace wouldn’t notice if a tear slipped out. Because, damn it, she might be on the brink of crying.

Grace picked up the box of tissues and handed it to her. “You’ll be alright, Pixie honey. This is the perfect way to get your mind off everything to do with decorating and the design show audition and TV cameras. I’m asking for a one-day one-shot favor.”

Grace’s voice sounded a little too sweet, even for her, and “Pixie honey” or no “Pixie honey”, that was cause for suspicion. She blew her nose. Okay, so maybe she needed a break, but she wasn’t convinced that playing tour guide to some British guy fresh off the boat...or rather airline--was the way to go.

“I’m saving up my vacation time and I don’t think you have the authority to assign me to pick up some random guy at Logan Airport and show him around town while I’m on the clock. We’re in the decorating business.”

She remained seated on the edge of Grace’s desk, tossed the balled-up tissue in a basket halfway across the small office and re-folded her arms.

“Besides it doesn’t even sound safe.” She blew the blunt-cut bangs off her forehead for emphasis.

Grace looked at her with that smile and said, “He’s from Scotland Yard, honey. Of course it’s safe. It’ll be fun. I don’t know what you’re worried about.” Her face brightened and she added, “You don’t have to use vacation time. Consider it a client recruitment assignment.” Grace went back to the sketch she’d been working on.

Sophia looked at her best friend and boss with a suspicious squint. What it sounded like to her was another one of Grace’s blind date set-ups in disguise.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Once upon a time, there was a young story teller in the kingdom...er, queendom. Then she grew up and... er, no... she never actually did grow up. That's not to say she didn't get old, or more old, but not terribly old, more like middle-aged really. Okay, so she was no longer short and cute.

But really, I always did like to make up stories. Still do. Still live in my own little world--where I'm Queen. Of the Queendom. Hence, the name. (Or whence the name?) Oh, what's in a name anyway.

Now I'm sure you're wondering how I manage to live, but I assure you I am quite competent. Except I couldn't get the crown to actually sit on my head in the picture to the left. Still learning...

Oh, about me. I love cats. I have a girl cat, a princess technically. Named Kitty. No, I'm serious. Long story. No, I don't have time. Or space.

Okay, so I do not have the inclination.

More about me. I spend hours, days, weeks, months (you get the picture) sitting at my desk, looking out the window of my castle/bedroom and writing complete fabrications in a romantic whimsical vein. Alright, if you insist, you can call the writing quirky. But I do keep myself amused.

Yes, it's true, and entirely believable, I do have a college degree. I'm not saying when I obtained said degree, however. Go UConn!

Where do I live (for real) you ask? Among the picturesque lake-filled hills and dales (not sure what a dale is) of New Hampshire (the Granite State) (Live Free or Die) (Tough choice, but there's a lot of tough people around here).

What else do I do besides write presumably fabulous "R"omantic stories with noble heroes and amazing, warm heroines who you want to be just like? As if that's not enough, I sometimes deign to teach, cook for the two gigantic very well-muscled sons and try to make sure Kitty doesn't take over the house while I'm away in the Queendom. (That's no joke. The cat's a control freak.)

I actually have a very rich non-imaginary life. Right at the moment, however, I can't think for the life of me what else it's all about. Maybe I'll think more about it later and get back to you...

http://www.stephaniequeen.com

ENTER THE CONTEST

1. You MUST be a member of the NOR website to enter. Only Open to the USA.
2. Leave a meaningful comment on the post to get entered.
3. Ends - 12/14/2012

Bronwen Evans - Regency Series

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win the Wicked Wagers Trilogy in eBook format – To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone, and To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood

***
Regency Series
by Bronwen Evans

Hi everyone!

I assume it’s starting to get a tad cold in the northern hemisphere. I’m just enjoying the start of summer here in New Zealand. I’m back out pounding the streets, okay walking, but it’s up some pretty steep hills. I’m trying to lose the winter weight! It always happens. Those extra pounds sneak on as you eat comfort food. When it’s 3c outside, a salad just isn’t appealing.

I’ve often wondered if I picked Regency England to set my romance stories in because of the female body shapes of the era. Womanly curves were the flavour of the time period and the word voluptuous was the highest form of compliment.

So, while I try to eat well, I don’t hate myself for having the odd delicious bowl of pasta. I keep reminding myself, with my curves I would have been very sort after in the Regency period.

My heroine, Amy Shipton, in my latest Regency release, TO CHALLANGE THE EARL OF CRAVENSWOOD, is definitely voluptuous and my hero, Henry St. Giles, the Earl of Cravenswood can’t keep his hands off her...

They reached the fountain and both had to shield their eyes from the water’s glare. They stood staring around them trying to ascertain where the next clue could be found.

“I see it,” Amy cried. She pointed at the statue in the middle of the fountain, “there’s a piece of paper tied around Aphrodite.”

She looked at Henry expectantly and he gallantly offered, “I’ll retrieve the clue, shall I?”

“That would be super, thank you.”

With a sigh he sat on the edge of the fountain. “You’re going to have to help me remove my boots.” She chewed her bottom lip, looking adorable. “I’m not ruining my best boots for a silly treasure hunt.”

She nodded in agreement. “I’ll do it instead.” She sat beside him and said, “Look away.” She shooed him with her hand. “Hurry, we don’t have time to get those boots off. I’ll get the clue.” Amy stared pointedly until he turned his head away. He heard her slippers plop to the ground and the rustle of skirts as she removed her stockings. Then a squeal as her feet hit the cool water.

Unable to help himself, Henry turned at the excited sound. The sight of creamy skin greeted him and made his throat dry and his groin heat.

Amy waded determinedly toward Aphrodite her skirts hiked up and her long, slender limbs on display. The sun gave her white skin a sparkling glow. She looked like a pagan goddess. His own flesh and blood Aphrodite. She was exquisite.

She glanced back at him over her shoulder. “Are you peaking? Stop it.”

He could no more stop drinking in the arousing sight of her than he could stop breathing. “Amy,” he said his voice raw with need. “Do you know what a stirring sight you are? You’re a water nymph.”

He couldn’t look away. She grabbed the clue from the statue and turned to wade back.

She would not look at him. It was scandalous the amount of flesh she was displaying but she liked to win and it was not only a test of brain-power but of speed. They had to beat the other teams. When she reached the edge of the fountain she risked at quick glance at him.

His hand was extended to help her from the water but that would mean letting her skirts get wet. He saw her predicament and swept her into his arms, lifting her clear of the water.

Amy should shout, protest, tell him to put her down but the words died on her lips. She could only watch dazed as he carried her to the grass and gently slid her down his body until her bare feet touch the fresh earth. All thoughts of winning the treasure hunt vanished like a ghost racing the dawn.

Her breath came in short, rasps.

She couldn’t look away from the blatant desire etched on Henry’s handsome features. They stood looking at each other, heat and need rising with each blink of their eyelashes.

Henry’s eyes darkened as he cupped her face. “So, beautiful,” he whispered.

The look in his eyes was one she would never forget. Such longing. More and more she wished she knew his heart.

Leave a comment telling me what you love about the Regency period and be in to WIN eBook copies of my three novellas in the Wicked Wagers Trilogy – To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone, and To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood.

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood. Open internationally.

ABOUT BRON:

New Zealander Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She’s always indulged her love for story-telling, and is constantly gobbling up movies, books and theatre. Her head is filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer?

She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon 2012 Readers Crown Best Historical and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 2012. Look out for her first Entangled Publishing Indulgence release in late 2012, The Italian Conte’s Reluctant Bride.

Bronwen loves hearing from avid romance readers at romance@bronwenevans.com You can keep up with Bronwen’s news by visiting her website www.bronwenevans.com

SECONDARY GIVEAWAY: $30 Gift card from Amazon or Barnes and Noble - Click to Enter

ENTER THE CONTEST

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2. Leave a meaningful comment on the post to get entered.
3. Ends - 11/30/2012

Keri Ford - Let Us Be Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a Print copy of Honor Bound by Jeanette Murray!

***
Let Us Be Thankful
by Keri Ford

Happy Almost Thanksgiving for the U.S. peeps! Why am I bringing up this holiday early when it’s about to be everywhere?

First off, the pie.

Thanksgiving and pie is like chocolate and peanut butter in a Reese Cup. Stuff just works. So tell me, what better thing can you do than read part of series that has featured a lot of pie during PIE SEASON?! The Roughnecks! The girls are always in their pie eating contests.

Next reason, the giving thanks.

Heroine of Rough Tumble, Tonya wants more. Not material things. She could care less about those things. It’s the emotions. The family. Oh, god, she wants the husband and kids and stuff so bad, she can hardly stand it. Her friends are moving on in their life and she’s left behind like a third wheel. She gets a little lost in hoping for that future that she forgets all the great things she has right in front of her at times.

Finally, the family.

Trent Iverson is the oldest of four brothers. He’s always had a sense of duty to round them up and keep them all in line. In a lot of ways, he’s had to be the father more often than the great older brother.

So there you go. By pure accident, the perfect book for Thanksgiving…releasing right here at Thanksgiving!

Tell me something you’re thankful to have in your life. Winner will get a print copy of The Officer Says, “I Do!” It’s written by my critique partner, Jeanette Murray and is such a sexy and great contemporary romance!

Rough Tumble, last in The Roughnecks Series, is now available!

Having her fiancé admit through email that he married another girl while away was humiliating enough. Telling the small town the truth was something Tonya just couldn’t face yet. With him in the military, it seemed easy to let everyone think they were still together. Just for a little while. Fast-forward through time a few months and Tonya’s restless, lonely, and unsure how to fix her lie. To add to that, she’s finding her best friend, Trent Iverson, more and more attractive.

When Tonya confesses the truth, Trent feels like his life is finally on the right path. Everything is smooth sailing until old fears that makes him controlling surface. He has to face the mirror and see his controlling ways if he wants to keep Tonya.

$2.99 at Amazon Kindle | B&N Nook | AllRomanceEbooks | TMP | Smashwords

Coming soon in print and B&N

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keri Ford was raised in South Arkansas on a farm surrounded by family, horses, cows, donkeys, ostriches, emus, chickens, ducks, Canadian Geese, and enough dogs one would think they were a pound…and then she bought a Cosmopolitan when she was twenty-two. She doesn’t recall the fantastic sex tip that drew her to the magazine, but she vividly remembers reading an excerpt of Christina’s Skye’s Code Name: Princess. One elevator scene and quick thought of, I didn’t know people wrote stuff like this… and her life would never be the same.

For the latest information on Keri and her books at Website http://bit.ly/Heo4Vr
**My New Newsletter!!** http://eepurl.com/rHoAv
Twitter http://bit.ly/HRgGgu
Facebook http://on.fb.me/HenzL0

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16131231-rough-tumble

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Larissa Ione - The Final Book

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a Full set of the LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series!

LOD TWITTER PARTY: 11/19/12 - 1 TO 3 PM EST

***
The Final Book

Larissa Ione ends her thrilling paranormal series with another five star title. Rogue Rider is set in the Demonica world and takes readers on a thrilling ride along with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Our reviewers Robin, Aemelia, Debra and Reese have all enjoyed this series. We encourage you to take a look at this phenomenal series.

Set in the Demonica world…The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to usher in Doomsday…or prevent it.

The Premise

They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

Rogue Rider

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

Review Quotes:

"Rogue Rider is author Larissa Ione's crowning glory. Reseph's story is all about redemption and his triumph over Pestilence. Reseph has been saved from the bowels of hell by Reaver and dumped in the middle of nowhere (buck naked in a snowdrift) . Yummy!" ~ Debrataylor of Night Owl Reviews on Rogue Rider

"Lethal Rider is one of those books that had me so caught up in the action and characters that I completely lost track of time. Larissa Ione's writing has me so deeply involved in these characters that I feel as if I know them..." ~ Aemelia of Night Owl Reviews on Lethal Rider

"This is the second installment in Ms. Ione's Lords of Deliverance series. If you are looking for a great new series to read, this is the one. Ms. Ione delivers a great story with passionate characters. The interaction between the characters will keep you turning the pages until the last page is read." ~ Robin of Night Owl Reviews on Immortal Rider

"Ares character is the kind of hero that will make you sigh. Ione seamlessly integrates characters from the Demonica series and we get to see some prime action and great lines from Wraith and others." ~ Reese of Night Owl Reviews on Eternal Rider

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe. http://larissaione.com

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COVER WARS 2

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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Prize: NOR Goodie Package!

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Sascha Illyvich - Male Erotic Romance Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an ebook copy of Stuck

***
Interview With Male Erotic Romance Author Sascha Illyvich

Hi Sascha. Thanks for joining us today. There are few male romance authors and we want to get your perspective.

What's your latest title and what is it about?

My latest is a re-issue entitled STUCK. We changed the cover at Sizzler Editions to reflect a much better image of the book, the changing face of the industry .

Kandy is a young, free spirit. Not afraid to live life, she pushes her body and soul to the limit, hitting all the loud metal concerts, knocking back drinks with the best of them, and coming home hung over to Ian Richards, the man who has taken her under his wing since she came to live with him after her parents died years ago. Of course, Ian has a past too. He and his ex-wife parted on friendly enough terms, but he still feels guilty for their breakup. It seems to him that his sexy little roommate, who happens to be nine years younger than him, was a part of their problem. Only, his concern for her seemed fatherly until she comes home one night after a Slipknot concert and decides to seduce him. After all, she's old enough.

For someone her age, she's wise beyond her years, which even Ian can give her, but still. Can Kandy show Ian that in order to grow, he has to get his priorities straight? Can he get out of his head and let go of the past long enough to see just what he has under his nose? Or will he cling to memories of the past failures and remain stuck?

As a male erotic romance author what inspired you to write in a genre heavily made up of female authors?

The fact is, I enjoy a good love story. Perhaps I'm seeking something I've never thought I could have or deserve but what I DO know is that this genre has allowed me to explore other deisres, like lust, passion, anger, rage, and get them out in a healthier manner. I really get into the heroes and heroines heads if the author has done their job right. And as a male, we're always hiding things, like inner feelings and deep desires, which, as I get older, I tend to do. Just like a lot of the heroes I'm reading now.

What do readers get from you that they probably don't get from the female authors?

Good question. I'd like to say readers get an experience unlike any other, when they read my books. The number of times a reader has commented on the reality of my world, of my characters has been a testament to the fact that I can rock this genre well.

Do you think you write the male perspective better?

Of course *wink*

How do you approved the female perspective?

The female perspective is always easy on the eye. Now if you mean approach...that's a different story. The trick is to put on my best lingerie and get that glass of red wine, with some soft candle light in the background, and quiet symphony and...wait that's just the fantasy we all have of what we do. Reality is, I take it the same way I would anything else. My heroine's feelings may run deeper, faster, but they're still emotions and need dealing with.

What is it like attending reader and author events.

As my name grows in popularity and I become more well known, it's a little overwhelming. But, the readers who can deal with the cigar smoke are always entertaining!

Do you have an author recommendation?

JR Ward. Jennifer Leeland. Alexandria Rayne

What is next to be published?

THAT is up to my agents. I'm represented by the Corvisiero Literary agency and those two have titles tied up in revisions right now. I'm HOPING it'll be Burning for Derrick, my paranormal erotic romance featuring an ex spy, shapeshifters, a witchy chick and some awesomeness!

What is the coolest thing you have come across while doing research? Hmm...I have no clue really unless you count the whips I own and research done in pursuit of purchasing them...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NOR Author Page

Proclaimed by the Publishing industry as the Bad Boy of Romance, I started writing thirteen years ago. My erotic romances have been listed under the Night Owl Romance and Road to Romance's Recommended read list, as well nominated for a CAPA by The Romance Studio

I host the Unnamed Romance Show on Radio Dentata and continue to write for Sizzler Editions and Total E-bound. Readers can find my work, plus free reads at http://saschaillyvichauthor.com

I edit for Sizzler Editions Intoxication Erotic Romance line and I'm also part of the WriteSex Panel, a blog group defining erotica for writers in any genre! Find us at http://www.writesex.net

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3. Ends - 11/30/2012

Jennifer Delamere / Cara Elliott

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win Print copies of An Heiress at Heart and Too Dangerous To Desire!

***
Checking in With Jennifer Delamere and Cara Elliott - The Naughty or Nice Blog Tour

JENNIFER DELAMERE

Jennifer Delamere's Current Release is An Heiress at Heart.

She says "It’s a tale of “identity theft” in Victorian London. A woman with a dark past masquerades as a missing heiress, only to fall in love with the one man whom, in her new identity, she can never marry.".

Jennifer is your hero naughty or Nice?

He’s nice, but he’s just fallen in love for the very first time, and it’s leading him to some naughtier thoughts...

What's the best give you have ever gotten?

The best gift I ever received was when I was 13. We were living in Virginia Beach, and my parents allowed me to spend the holidays with my best friend’s family in New Hampshire. It was my very first white Christmas, and my first time on skis. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ll never forget it.

I’m afraid I’m not the world’s best gift giver. Instead of exchanging gifts, my husband and I usually spend the money on a vacation. So it’s difficult to think of one thing that stands out, except perhaps the time I gave my sci-fi loving dad a USB hub that looked (and made noise!) like Dr. Who’s Tardis!

What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?

I love to re-read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I highly encourage anyone who hasn’t actually read the book to do so—or even better, listen to an unabridged audiobook. It’s short and only takes about 4 hours to read. I love how it celebrates the time of year when people make an effort to be kinder to one another, and that no matter what has come before, hope is always renewable.

ABOUT JENNIFER DELAMERE
NOR Author Page / Purchase Titles

My husband and I currently reside in North Carolina, where we are active in our local Christian fellowship as Bible students and teachers. Learning the practical keys to Christian living and seeing the victories that come to pass when we believe the promises of God can provide the most wonderful adventures in life.

-------------------------------------------------
CARA ELLIOTT

Cara Elliott's Current Release is Too Dangerous To Desire

Cara, what's your book about?

It’s all about youthful passions and the past mistakes that drove the hero and heroine apart. When a present threat brings them together again, they must decide whether they dare join forces to defeat an old enemy—or whether the risk of rekindling the old flame is the greatest danger of all.

What about your hero, is he Naughty or Nice?

Oh, like all intriguing heroes he’s a little of both! On the outside, he’s tough, hardbitten rogue. But on the inside . . . well, he’s a real softie at heart!

What's the coolest present you have received and given?

My Swiss grandmother gave me an amazing wooden chalet penny bank when I was six—and I still have it! As for giving a cool gift, when I was in college, I gave my boyfriend at the time a huge tin canister filled with homemade gingerbread men. (I knew he would share them!)

Do you have a favorite thing about the holiday season?

You mean aside from the cookies, cake, chocolate and champagne? (Ha, ha, ha!) Actually food and drink does play a large part in my favorite holiday thing. On Christmas Eve, I go to my brother’s house and help him and his family prepare a big festive dinner for a gathering of old friends. We all love to cook, so the kitchen is bustling and filled with shared laughter and the wonderful aromas of special treats. Then we all sit down and celebrate being with the people we love.

ABOUT CARA ELLIOTT
NOR Author Page / Purchase Titles

I began my writing career at age five with a number of lavishly illustrated Westerns, which were lovingly preserved for posterity by my first fan (Thanks, Mom!) As you can see, I believe in immersing myself in the mood and character of my stories!

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Lila Munro - And the Nominees Are

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a $10.00 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

***
And the Nominees Are…
by Lila Munro

I’d like to give a great big thanks to the gang here at NOR for having me by today! It’s also a joy and pleasure to swing by and chat it up with the readers here. I’m currently in a blog marathon writing spree as the holidays are approaching and it’s my full intent to be caught up and pre-posted on my own blog until the first of the year as I’m having company and want to spend as much time with them as possible. So, instead of a technical article of some sort or a diatribe on writing processes, I thought I’d share something fun today…

A top ten list of movies. :) And here goes…Lila’s top ten movie picks.

Number ten: Out of Africa…Love, love, love this movie. And the clarinet solo from the theme song earned me a one at the regional band contest my senior year. J Yeah me! Also, it was the first grown up movie a date ever took me to. Poor guy had to go out to smoke twice while I sat glued to the screen…thank you, Jim!

Number nine: Driving Miss Daisy…A simply wonderful feel good movie and testament to real friendship.

Number eight: Fried Green Tomatoes…Taught me to be wary of ground meats and showed me the power of woman, hear her roar!

Number seven: Good Fellas…Okay, there’s no other reason to love this movie except for your mafia fix and all the good looking men involved.

Number six: It’s a Wonderful Life…Christmas classic and Jimmy Stewart is among my top ten favorite actors of all time.

Number five: Gone With the Wind…God as my witness it is one of my favorites and I got to see it on the big screen once. Superb!

Number four: Casablanca…OMG! Saw this during the 75th anniversary year on the big screen. Oh, Bogey, Bogey, Bogey how I love thee.

Number three: Steel Magnolias…Always good for a good cry and I love Sally, I really do!

Number two: The Goonies…I know how do I hop from classics to that? Well, this was the first movie my husband rented for us to watch and he picked it because I was a single mom of a six year old and he wanted to make him feel special and included. One of the reasons I married the man!

Annndddd…Number one: Lady and the Tramp…It’s “our” movie. I of course and Lady and my husband is Tramp. We watch it every year on our anniversary. At least when he’s not out saving the world. :)

So, what are some of your favorites and why? Leave me some comments with some contact information. I’ll be giving away a $10.00 winner’s choice Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card.

Have a realmantic day!

Lila’s latest release comes out November 17, Assumed Calling, Book Five Identity Series…

Like the beat of a primal drum whispering the rhythm of an ancient dance, the lifestyle calls…

At the seasoned age of fifty-six, Allen Bourke has resigned himself to the fact he’ll probably never find someone to top he can also love. While he’s had wives and lovers, none of them endured and he’s come to the conclusion the clock’s ticking and age is working against him. Then a very intriguing Nicki Cartwright pings on his radar at what Allen determines will be his last house party. He can’t help but notice while he and his friends are getting older, the players emerging on the scene are forever getting younger. Nicki's no exception. Determined to resist the vibes humming between them, he only agrees to service her after his old friend, Kyle Montgomery, convinces him it's entirely feasible. Then it’s brought to Allen’s attention who Nicki really is. Knowing their pasts are forever intertwined, as hard as he tries to ignore his heart, he finds himself yielding to the tides of fate.

Born to senatorial royalty, Nicki Cartwright has spent her entire life trying to shield her mother from her father’s wrath while drifting further and further into a world where panic is normal and anxiety is always on the edge of her reality. Tired of burning the candle at both ends and forever trying to live up to the picture of All-American perfection her father James Cartwright touts as his ace in the hole during election cycles, Nicki finds herself on the path of self-discovery in search of relief from the stressors continually swamping her mind. What she doesn’t expect is to find who she thought she was is truly just a shadow of the person she really is. And what scares her most is the fact Allen, the only person she thought she could trust, has been holding a secret since before she was born which could destroy her entire family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012-2013 and has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13. Ms. Munro loves to hear from her readers and can be found at Realmantic Moments Facebook Goodreads Twitter You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com and you can find all her works at: Amazon ARe Nook Bookstrand

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Jianne Carlo - Malice Striker

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a NOR Goodie Package!

***
Malice Striker
by Jianne Carlo

A few years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Jianne in person. We all were attending the Romantic Times convention in Orlando, Florida. Jianne made a big impression on us and we ended up taking a look at her books and getting in contact. Years later Jianne has quite a few more books out and her latest is Malice Striker.

BLURB

Can a mere mortal Viking tame the daughter of a goddess?

When Scotland’s King Kenneth orders his death and kidnaps his sister, the Viking Brökk—the Malice Striker—plans his vengeance: he’ll steal the king’s bastard daughter from Sumbarten Abbey and use her to buy his sister's freedom. But his schemes go awry when his liege lord commands him to wed Skatha—and when he finds five women instead of one at the Abbey, none will claim the King as father.

When the Viking abducts Skatha and her women, she’s bewildered. Why did Brökk seize her? Why does he want her for his wife? She weds him willingly enough when he threatens to kill her companions, but she vows to control her own destiny and escape. For if the Viking discovers her secrets, the laws of his people will force him to cast her aside…or kill her. And even Skatha, daughter of a goddess, might not escape the Viking’s wrath…

Purchase This Book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jianne’s an Iron Chef America and Law and Order addict, who loves to cook, eat, read, and write. She wishes a body could burn a ton of calories being sedentary and eating. Don’t you? If only…

Married for 34 years to an amazing man who still manages to sneak up on her every single day, she’s also the proud mama of three fantastic sons, all of whom are now of legal age. Now if only they’d stop changing majors in college…

Growing up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad where the population is representative of almost every race and nation on the planet, multiculturalism oozes from her pores. Though she attended an all-girl Catholic convent run by nuns, all religions, Hinduism, Muslim, Buddhism, were taught and all feast days celebrated (a ton of delish foods go with religious holidays).

Alpha males, strong heroines, exotic locations, and cultural differences are her forte.

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Sam Cheever - Hexually Obsessed

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:22:00 +0000

Enter to win a NOR Goodie Package!
(Contest Closed)

***
Hexually Obsessed
by Sam Cheever

Sam Cheever has a new book out and it's a fantasy paranormal time travel erotic romance from Ellora's Cave. This comes in as a short novel for size and is part of the Hex Appeal series. Each book in the Hex Appeal series is a stand alone and written by a different author.

BLURB

Ardith is a time-traveling witch—a member of the Epoch Mages. Draigh is a Sorceri bounty hunter. And they H-A-T-E each other. Thrown together by the elders to chase a rogue witch and save the world from flesh-eating zombies, they bounce back and forth through time, battling not only evil but their own stubbornness in trying to deny their blistering desire for each other.

Ardith and Draigh immediately discover that, while their minds may tell them they don’t like being together, their bodies don’t agree with that at all. In fact, if lust were flames, there would be some serious scorch marks across the ages!

Purchase Hexually Obsessed

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award winning author Sam Cheever mixes in a little fun, a little adventure, and a little real-life spice to create her sexy fantasy and romantic suspense stories. Sam's fictional peeps fight their way through a dizzying array of challenges without letting little things like treacherous villains, vicious monsters, or manipulative gods dampen their zest for life and hot love!

To find out more about Sam and her work, please pay her a visit at any one of the following online hot spots: her website, her author page on Facebook, or her blog.

She always loves to chat with readers

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3. Ends - 11/27/2012

Olivia Cunning - Cool Band

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a Print copy of Double Time!

***
5 Things That Make a Cool Band
by Olivia Cunning

The first thing you need to make a cool band is a cool name. Even The Beatles, who sound like they are named after uninspiring insects, made themselves cooler by using an alternate spelling. You want something unique. Something catchy. Something not lame. Do you have your cool band name picked out? Okay you may proceed to step two.

Second, you need an awesome, attention-grabbing band logo. Something that is instantly recognizable as yours. Think “Rolling Stones” and their mouth logo. Think the lightning bolt between AC and DC. Are you with me? And please choose a font other than Times New Roman. Do you have your logo designed? Proceed to step three.

The third component of your cool band is… instruments. It also helps if you know how to play them, but regardless of your talent, splurge on the unique paint jobs. Flames! Spirals! Bulls-eyes! Stripes! Or go for a spiral, flaming bulls-eye. You also need fancy inlays in the guitar fret board. Mother of pearl skulls, anyone? Be sure to have that logo you designed in step two put on the skin of the bass drum. Better yet, have three or five bass drums, all with the logo, even if you don’t play but one of them. Are your instruments ready? Move on to step four.

Now you need leather. Don’t give me that, leather is so 1985. I don’t care. You need leather. Leave the spandex at the door, however. That really is 1985. If you can’t splurge on leather or are concerned that it doesn’t “breathe” at least go with some denim—the more distressed the better. T-shirts with pithy comments on them work well. Don’t forget to accessorize. Chains. Bandanas. Fedoras. Neckties. Obnoxiously nerdy glasses. A jacket. You need something to set you apart from all the other cool bands in leather and/or denim. Are you all dressed up? Don’t forget to do your hair and make-up. Pile it on. You look amazing! There’s only one thing left to make your band cool.

Groupies! Jeez, no self-respecting band can claim to be cool unless they have groupies. Imagine your groupies. Picture them. You’re up onstage looking down at the audience. You’re backstage surrounded by people who think you’re God’s gift to the world. What do they look like? Young or old? Male or female? Is your music so cool that it transcends demographics and everyone loves you? Or perhaps teenaged girls faint at the mere mention of your name and the rest of the world wants to drown you in corn syrup. It doesn’t matter who the groupies are. If you have them, you’re automatically cool.

So now you have all the makings of a cool band. You’re going to be a smash sensation!

But first, you should probably come up with some songs.

Who do you think is the coolest band to ever exist?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians.

Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own.

Sinners on Tour: Backstage Pass was released by Sourcebooks in October 2010 and Rock Hard in April 2011. Double Time will be released in November 2012. http://www.oliviacunning.com

Olivia also writes paranormal and fantasy romance under the penname, Olivia Downing.

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3. Ends - 11/16/2012

Lillian Grant - Why You Do It

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an eBook copy of Male Review!

***
It’s not what you do it’s the why that you do it
by Lillian Grant

I recently had a full day training session about marketing. The purpose was to teach a bunch of accountants to understand that marketing is not about asking ‘do you want fries with that?’ No one wants to upsell, to convince someone to buy something they really don’t want. I used to sell Avon door to door when I was in my teens. Believe me, saying to someone. “It’s okay, you don’t have to buy it if you don’t want,” is NOT a sales pitch that works. So, how do you do it? How do you let people know what you have on offer without making it sound like a sales pitch?

What is it about the big success stories like Apple that have people lining up to buy their products the minute they are available? Do you really need that iPod, iPad, Macbook? Aren’t there dozens of other similar products that work just as well?

Apple have a secret that leads to success. Come closer and I’ll tell you. The answer is why. They don’t tell you what they’re selling; they tell you why they made it – why you really DO want it. Once you know what motivates them, you want to buy into the dream and become part of their brave new world.

So, if I want you to pick my book over the tens of thousands of others, you need to fall under my power. Do you want to be a part of my dream?

Do you know what motivates me?

Is it the fame? Really, have any of you ever heard of me before? Would you know me if you bumped into me in the street? No, I didn’t think so. It must be the money then. The wads of cash I have stuffed in my mattress. Nope, not that either. The day job pays the bills and I write in my spare time. Most mornings I am rushing out the door with a head full of plot and a handful of toast as I got carried away writing and forgot the time. When lunchtime comes along I forgo eating. Instead I break out my netbook and bang away in my office, and at night I sit with it balanced on my lap and pretend to listen to my husband making small talk.

Before I was published I wrote for friends. I would send them a chapter as I finished it and then wait to see if they enjoyed it. I have always loved to make people laugh. When I was at high school I was the class clown. Since high school I’ve tried lots of forms of entertainment. I’ve done drama, I’ve sung in a band and I even won a talent contest doing stand up comedy. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing people laugh. Royalty statements are lovely but an email from a reader telling me they snorted a beverage all over their Ereader, were stared at as if they had gone mad on the train, or had to put a pillow over their face so that their laughter didn’t wake their sleeping partner, gives me the biggest thrill on earth.

When I got the idea for book one in my Reigning Men series, Male Order it was going to be a one book deal. However, the characters grabbed me. Meg, a heroine with a less than stellar sexual past, Sam my hero intent on waking Meg’s sleeping libido, Meg’s octogenarian, nymphomaniac, great aunt Maud, and frigid mother Vivienne had too much comedic potential to stop after one book. So, I created a second stand alone story. I felt sure Male Review was the end but Irish male stripper, Michael Monaghan had different ideas. So all of the characters are back to tell Michael’s story in Hot Male due out on Christmas Eve.

And you know, it has been proven that laughter is a great stress relief. People who laugh regularly are happier, healthier and – on average – live longer. So buying into my dream, my why, is good for your health, which isn’t a bad return for a few bucks.

One last word of warning, though, if you get a new E-reader under your tree, or in your stocking, and feel the need to snort a beverage all over it, I would avoid Coke. That stuff really clears out your sinuses and that is no fun at all.

You can find out more about Michael and my upcoming release at www.michael-monaghan.com

Male Review

A nymphomaniac octogenarian great aunt, a frigid mother, and a BDSM male strip club, what could possibly go wrong?

Sam Stephens and Meg Riley are in love, and finally on the cusp of sex anytime, anywhere, anyhow. That is until Meg’s Great Aunt Maud, the octogenarian nymphomaniac, gets tossed out of the old folk’s home and moves in with them, closely followed by her polar opposite, Meg’s scarily frigid mother.

When Meg’s best friend Laura convinces Aunt Maud to invest in Male Review, a BDSM themed male strip joint, it seems to be just one more step along the path to madness. Laura’s last venture ended with Meg being arrested as a pimp. When former prostitute Michael is hired as the bar manager the whole thing is surely destined for disaster. He’s to blame for the crazies invading Meg’s home and even worse, he still has the hots for her.

If she wants to get her life back all Meg needs to do is find a new home for Maud, resolve the dispute between her warring parents, keep Michael at arm’s length and rescue her relationship with Sam before it disintegrates completely. Male Review appears to be just one more problem to deal with, but perhaps it could provide an unexpected solution.

Find me at www.lilliangrant.com

My books can be found at Amazon, Liquid Silver Books and All Romance Ebooks.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and bred in the UK, my whole life was turned on its head when, at the tender age of eighteen, I met and fell instantly in love with my darling husband. I knew the minute I met him I was going to marry him and, fortunately, he came to the same conclusion less than six months later.

My husband has shown me the world, starting by bringing me to Australia. The country we now call home, and where we have raised our two boys. It didn’t take me long to turn native, becoming a citizen and dropping the British accent. However, our wanderlust didn’t stop there. We have moved from state to state, always ready for a new adventure. We have also visited many destinations around the world.

My stories reflect my love for travel and exotic locations, along with my quirky British sense of humor. Well, you can’t give up all of your heritage now can you?

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3. Ends - 11/16/2012

Eliza Knight - Under His Kilt

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an eBook ecopy of THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST!!!

***
What Does a Highlander Wear Under his Kilt?
by Eliza Knight

This is a question I often get, and believe, all my Highland heroes wear their kilts authentically. *wiggles brows* Nothing hotter than a man in a kilt.

At a recent reader event, my husband dressed in a kilt I’d made for him to promote my new Stolen Bride series. He knew without a doubt people would ask him if he was dressed “authentically”—and not regarding what clan colors he was wearing (which was none because they are copyrighted and can only be worn by their clan members). So he looked up some answers, because he wanted to be witty like that.

Naturally, this is a question a question that a Highlander will gladly answer! These were some of the fun answers:

~Nothing, lass!

~Nothing is worn, everything is in perfect working order!

~Good girls don’t ask, bad girls find out.

~My claymore…and it’s in need of a good polishing.

~Nothing but what God gave him.

~His manhood.

~The future of Scotland.

~Lipstick.

So tell me, are you a good girl or a bad girl?

And for the record, I shall not tell what my real life hero wore under his kilt… but he sure did have fun answering!

ABOUT THE BOOK: The Highlander’s Conquest
Book Two: The Stolen Bride Series

What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?

Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor—and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.

And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?

Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self—he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.

Surrender never tasted so sweet…

“An author with a natural gift for story telling…” ―Victoria Roberts, acclaimed author of Temptation in a Kilt

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

EXCERPT:

From Chapter One — Copyright 2012 © Eliza Knight

Late Fall

Northern England, 1297

A violent banging at the manor door startled Aliah from her studies and set Frosty, the family’s monstrous Irish wolfhound, to barking ferociously. Aliah jerked backward against the oak chair she sat in, hitting her head against the ancient wood and stifling a harsh word beneath her breath.

Her father, Baron de Mowbray, had left a small contingent of men to protect her while he escorted her older sister Arbella to her bridegroom in Scotland. These men would fight to keep her safe until their very last breaths.

But who was to say they hadn’t already taken that last shuddering inhale?

Aliah glanced around the room, filled with memories, but not with people. Today, her maid Glenda was her only companion. Well, Frosty as well—who in fact was a far superior protector than her maid. Swallowing her fear, she rubbed the ache from the back of her head and squared her shoulders. Strength. That was what she needed, even if the sound of someone knocking made her want to run to the opposite end of the manor and hide.

Her father should have returned a month ago. The only news she’d managed to garner was that a battle took place at Stirling Bridge in Scotland—the very place her sister was to marry.

Had the battle now come to her own door?

Aliah jumped as a strong fist once again slammed the door.

“Glenda, would you answer the door?” Aliah asked.

’Twas Saturday morning and most of the servants had gone to tend family or to enjoy themselves in whatever way they did, leaving Aliah quite alone—and at the mercy of whoever stood outside her door. Could they have dispensed of her father’s guards so quickly?

Glenda, afraid of her own shadow, started to shake her head, but Aliah gave her a stern look. The woman had been driving her mad since she was a babe and ever since Arbella left, Aliah had little patience for the older woman’s nonsense.

Aliah set down the book of Gaelic she’d been studying—she was determined to learn the language because she secretly believed the Scots would soon invade. Understanding their barbaric conversations was crucial. Aliah smoothed her gown and stood tall.

Glenda scurried toward the door, Frosty a foot ahead of her.

Aliah tried to find comfort in the fact that perhaps the guards had allowed whoever came knocking through the manor gates. She’d heard no clanging of metal or yells of pain. Aye, the only conclusion that made sense was, they were not enemies, but friends.

She could use a good friend. The comfort of someone she knew. Aliah frowned. She had few friends, and seldom was it that they dropped by.

So who had the audacity to practically beat down her door?

“Wait!” Aliah shouted just as Glenda touched the wooden plank barring the door.

She hurried to retrieve her bow and an arrow from beneath her chair. As swiftly as possible, she cocked an arrow and aimed it at the door. Taking a deep breath, she nodded for her maid to open it. If her father’s enemies dared to come after her, they were in for a big surprise, she wouldn’t surrender so easily.

An interminable amount of time seemed to pass before the door was fully open. Aliah stepped back, speechless. Standing before her was the most staggeringly handsome man she’d ever seen—and he was quite alone. Frosty growled for only a moment, quickly silenced by a motion the stranger made with his hand. What? How had he done that? Aliah struggled to keep her mouth from falling open at the man’s effortless command of the dog. The animal had favored her sister, but since Arbella had left, Frosty refused to leave Aliah’s side.

She felt a certain amount of betrayal at Frosty’s easy acceptance of this stranger. Who in the name of God was he? And why didn’t one of her father’s men escort him? She’d have to speak with them about that later.

The visitor wore an intriguing cap of deep burgundy, a dark feather jutting from the side, held on by some sort of medallion. A thick black wool cloak lay open to reveal a matching tunic, and leather studded armor. White hose outlined the shape of his legs in a way that drew her eyes from his intense dark green gaze. His boots were made of soft, expensive-looking leather, and the gilded belt at his waist held a gleaming, sharp sword that was hard to miss.

Aliah allowed her gaze to travel over the length and breadth of his solid form, before getting ahold of herself.

“Will you shoot me, my lady?” His voice was deep, raspy, and stroked along the ends of her nerves in a way that made her want to run away and kiss him at the same time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.

Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor. Twitter: @ElizaKnight

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J. Lynn - Tempting the Player

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an eBook copy of Tempting the Player and Tempting the Best Man!

***
Tempting the Player
by J. Lynn

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs. When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend. Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together…or in love.

Review Quote: Tempting the Best Man

"I really enjoyed how well paced and eventful the story is and the amount of sexual tension that sizzles right off the pages." ~ Yadkny of Night Owl Reviews on Tempting the Best Man

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. Lynn (also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout) is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of the Young Adult Lux and Covenant series, among other books. She writes steamy and fun New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. You can find her Twitter @JLArmentrout or at her website www.jenniferarmentrout.com

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Jennifer Probst - The Marriage Mistake

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win a Print copy of The Marriage Mistake!

***
The Marriage Mistake
by Jennifer Probst

The highly anticipated final installment in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy by “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA TODAY), Jennifer Probst

Busted…

Carina Conte has had a crush on her brother Michael’s best friend, Max Gray, since she was a teenager. Now she’s earned her MBA and come to work at Michael’s new venture, America’s fastest-growing bakery empire. But some things never change: her family still treats her like a child. With three drop-dead gorgeous siblings, she’s still the ugly duckling of the bunch. And Max, the company’s new CEO, still barely notices her.

Max knows Carina Conte is strictly off limits. But hot-blooded lust wins out at a conference when the two share a scorching one-night stand—and are busted by her mother! Now, forced by old-world Italian tradition into a marriage he’s not ready for, Max is miserable—and Carina is furious. Her new husband is about to realize that hell hath no fury like a woman transformed….

Prior Series Titles:
THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN - Book 1
THE MARRIAGE TRAP - Book 2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. At twelve, I took a pen in hand and wrote my first love story. I haven’t stopped since. Those heroines taught me valuable lessons that served me well. I learned to keep my head up high and surge forward when I was afraid; I learned to demand respect in a relationship; I learned about compromise and dreams and independence. Those are the stories I want to write, and I can only hope I give back some of the joy I received over the years. http://jenniferprobst.com

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Naomi Bellina - What Mood Are You In

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Enter to win an eBook from Naomi Bellina's Backlist. Winners choice!

***
What Mood Are You In?
by Naomi Bellina

Have you ever been really depressed, and can't drag yourself out of the pits of despair? I think we've all been there, wallowing in those nasty pits. Hopefully, the last time you visited, you didn't hang out long, and you managed to return to your normal state of being in a short time. One good thing about being despondent, it helps us empathize with others who are sad. Some people are depressed a good deal of the time, for various reasons, and I have the utmost sympathy for them.

In my latest book, Out of the Ordinary, we join Star Lite (she had creative parents!), as she finishes teaching a school term. She's not sure if she'll have a job next year, she's out of food and cigarettes, her love life sucks, and her future looks bleak. Needless to say, she's depressed. Despite all this, Star is a tough cookie, not giving in to tears easily. When she does finally cry, she creates quite a mess with her makeup, and of course, this is when she has a close encounter with our hunky hero, Adam.

I recently said goodbye to my furry companion of nineteen years, Sammy the cat. I've cried buckets of tears, and thankfully, my hunky hero understands, and doesn't tease me about my smeary eyeliner, the way Adam does with Star. The pain of my broken heart has eased, but I found during those sad times, it helped to write, and you know what? I wrote some good stuff.

I'm not saying we should purposely bring distressing events to our lives so we can experience angst. Unfortunately, most of us will have enough sad times without putting any effort into that endeavor. What we should do, as when life gives us lemons, is make lemonade, or art. If you're a writer, write those emotions. If you're a painter, get out your canvas or sketchbook and let the passion flow. Even if you don't consider yourself a creative person, you can use this energy in every aspect of your life.

Do you like to cook? If you're feeling wild and creative, buy some interesting ingredients and head for the kitchen. You'd be surprised what you can come up with when you listen to your heart. Do you have kids? The next time you're feeling kooky, join with them in a game or activity, and bring a little of your mood with you. Sometimes a bit of strangeness from you is fun for them.

This principal is also true for those times you are deliriously happy. Quick! Grab a pen, sit at the keyboard, pull out a lump of clay. Transfer those rays of sunshine into something tangible. Call a friend who needs to be cheered and eat pancakes for brunch. Are you suffering from PMS, or just plain grouchy? Attack the dust bunnies under the bed, tear up the soil for that garden, sand a piece of furniture that's been waiting for your attention. Make the most of your moods and learn to live with whatever emotion you're feeling. This is life.

Thank you Night Owl Romance and readers for allowing me to share my thoughts and my books with you. I'm giving away an Ebook from my backlist for my contest, so please leave a comment, and tell me what mood you're in right now. Come visit my website, and join me on Facebook and Twitter. Good luck at the contest, and happy reading to you!

You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life. ~ James G. Bilkey

Blurb for Out of the Ordinary:

After a devastating fiasco on her wedding day, still-single Star Lite longs for peace and quiet to nurse her broken heart. Instead of the uneventful summer vacation she has planned, she's transported to a strange planet with even stranger inhabitants, and an irritating but sexy man named Adam who claims he's a magician. Star senses danger in this place, and her suspicions are confirmed, as the two humans witness a bizarre display of power from a mad king. They form an uneasy bond and work past their differences as they look for a way to escape, and attempt to reason with two sensuous pixies, who are trying to protect their ruler. When the king makes a foolish decision, danger threatens the entire planet. Not one to give up without a fight, Star reluctantly agrees to a sexual experiment, where she discovers her untapped power of magic, and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

Short excerpt from Out of the Ordinary:

All seemed quiet below in the large, open room, but just as Star made her way to the arched entrance, a clap of thunder sounded and right after that a loud commotion could be heard from the courtyard area.

Star hurried to the entry and hid behind a curtain in the doorway. Poking her head around the corner, she saw a huge chariot, complete with horses and driver. Not exactly horses, though. From what she could make out in the fading light, the animals had four legs, a tail and a head, but they were short and squat, as was the driver. The animals bellowed and thrashed and the driver pulled the reins, frantically trying to control them.

“What’s going on?” he yelled as several of the pixie guards came running.

Riveted with the scene, Star jumped and yelped when a hand touched her shoulder. It was Adam.

“Move over, I want to see what’s happening. That’s an interesting look for you, by the way.”

Star scooted to make room for him behind the curtain. Interesting look? Then she realised her makeup must be smeared all over her face from crying. Well, so what? Despite her body’s reaction to this sexy man, she didn’t feel the need to impress him. She hadn’t taken pains to primp for any man since that awful day. Besides, with any luck, she would either wake up or somehow this would all end soon. It did, however, feel good to have a warm body so close to hers, and she picked up a faintly spicy scent emanating from him, which she found oddly calming and arousing at the same time.

Standing in her bare feet next to Adam, she guessed him to be a good head taller than her. His tunic shirt showcased muscular, hairy forearms and broad shoulders. He felt solid leaning against her and the heat she’d noticed before ran through her body when they touched.

“Move over, I can’t see,” Adam said, attempting to scoot her out of his way.

“You move! I was here first. Get behind me, you’re taller anyway.”

“Don’t be difficult. It’s important for me to see what’s going on. And be quiet, someone’s going to hear you.”

Difficult? She would show him difficult. Who did he think he was, giving her orders, the arrogant bastard? They shuffled about for a moment till they reached a position they both agreed on, then stuck their heads around the corner.

The animals reared their short front legs and the driver brought his crop down on the guards as the pixies tried to grab hold of the reins. Star would have found this comical were the situation not so dire.

“I have a bad feeling about this place. We need to try to get out of here,” Adam said.

“My thoughts exactly. Maybe we should make a run for it now, while the guards are distracted. How did you get out of your room, anyway?”

“I’m pretty good with locks as well as ropes. How about you?”

“The servant left the door unlocked. I’m pretty good with getting lucky sometimes.”

“What are you doing down here?” A voice startled Star and she jumped, landing on Adam’s foot. Vesta stood glaring at them both.

********

Buy Out of the Ordinary

Naomi Bellina
Adventurous erotic romance to tickle your fancy and unleash your libido

http://www.naomibellina.com
http://www.facebook.com/NaomiBellinaAuthor
https://twitter.com/#!/TheGoddessNaomi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naomi lives in beautiful sunny Florida with the love of her life and a magical black cat. She writes for various fiction and non-fiction markets, but finds she is drawn to erotic romance because her characters insist on canoodling, and sometimes even falling madly in love. So she lets them. Occasionally, however, they go to dark and strange places. She lets them do this also. Most of her stories will surprise readers with unexpected twists and turns, because isn't that what makes life exciting?

Her interests include dancing, hula-hooping, drumming, and creating healthy meals. She takes the opportunity to play, have fun, and indulge in the pursuit of passion whenever possible. She hopes you enjoy her stories and would love to hear from you at naomibellina(at)live(dot)com.

Her motto: Never pass up the opportunity to have an adventure!

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COVER WARS 1

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:11:00 +0000

The Score: Her Sky Cowboy 204 Votes / Rogue Rider 180 Votes

Cathy Maxwell - The Scottish Witch

noreply@blogger.com (Tammie - Night Owl Reviews) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:17:00 +0000

Enter to win one of two print copies of The Scottish Witch!

***
The Scottish Witch / The Chattan Curse
by Cathy Maxwell

Cathy Maxwell returns to her Chattan Curse trilogy with a second installment. You have a chance to win this book by commenting. Entry details are below. Now for the cool part...details on the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In THE SCOTTISH WITCH, (Avon Books; Publication date October 30th 2012; $7.99; ISBN 9780062070234) New York Times best-selling author Cathy Maxwell returns with the second romantic and enthralling installment in the Chattan Curse trilogy.

Strong, resourceful Portia Maclean lives in Glenfinnan, Scotland with her mother and legendarily beautiful sister Minerva. Twenty-seven and dowry-less, Portia feels doomed to spend the rest of her life as a spinster. On a fated night beneath a silver moon a bold ruse changes Portia’s and Harry Chattan's lives−forever.

For two hundred years, a curse has ruined the lives of generations of Chattan men. Harry Chattan has come to Scotland in pursuit of the crafty witch Fenella, the only one who can break the curse’s spell. The deadly curse is honing in on Harry’s newlywed brother Lyon, and soon he’ll be out of time. The spell will threaten Harry also, should he ever fall in love, but Harry isn’t terribly worried about himself; he loves his women, but isn’t the romantic type. Not until he meets Portia−the woman who changes everything.

Armed with a book of spells and determined to fight for their love, Portia and Harry, aided by Harry’s feisty sister Margaret, won’t give up until they track down the wicked Fenella in time to save Lyon, spare Harry’s own life from doom, and thwart the deadly Chattan curse once and for all.

REVIEW QUOTE

"Both the hero and heroine are believable and engaging. Harry comes across as brash and dashing but as we learn more about his motives we realize he’s just desperate to save his brother. The pace is perfect, the setting well developed and the story itself very engaging. A thoroughly enjoyable read." ~ 4 Stars / By Valerie of Night Owl Reviews

Read the Full Review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Maxwell is the New York Times best-selling author of nearly twenty-five Avon romances. She is a former US Navy officer. She lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her children, two dogs, a cat and two horses.

Learn more at www.cathymaxwell.com

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