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Giveaway!! Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Unbeautifully (Undeniable: Book Two)
by
Madeline Sheehan

Warning: This is not a story about fate or destiny. This is a story about pain, sorrow, and suffering. This is an impulsive whirlwind romance between two lovers that are not meant to be together. Theirs is not a world with sunshine and roses. Instead, their love blossoms in a secret world full of crime, violence, and death. Their story is about what can be born from nightmares.

Danielle “Danny” West is the daughter of Deuce West, President of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. A sweet and beautiful girl, she loses her way, searching for things that are always out of her reach. Erik “Ripper” Jacobs is the Sergeant of Arms in the Hell’s Horsemen. Once a man who always had a smile on his face, his life takes a turn for the worst when a tragedy befalls him, leaving him scarred and broken. During a midsummer night, Danny and Ripper’s paths cross, forever changing their lives. Hastily, their lust turns to love until another tragedy forces them apart. On a journey that is marred with ugliness and chaos, Danny and Ripper must discover if their unforeseen connection can find the beauty in their world.

This is Danny and Ripper’s story.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.
Because without ugly, there would be no beauty.

Excerpt
The first time I fell in love it was with a pair of blue eyes and a wide dimpled grin.

“Your old man loves ya, Danny girl,” He whispered. “You never ever forget that, yeah?”

I never did. And I never thought I could ever love any man as much as I loved my father. But as we grow, we change, we begin to make our own decisions and thus become independent and self sufficient and start turning away from our parents and turning to others. We form friendships, strong bonds and ties and begin experiencing life outside of the bubble we grew up inside of. And we fall in love…a second time.

The second time I fell in love it was with a badly scarred face, the stuff of nightmares; the sort of disfigurement that mothers steer their children away from. Ugly, jagged slashes marred the skin from the top of his skull, down over his right eye, an eye that had been dug out of his face with a serrated blade. The scars continued across his cheek, over his lips and down his neck, ending at the top of his shoulder. His chest was a hundred times worse; scar tissue as far as the eye could see.

“Baby,” He said gruffly, “Man like me got no business with a girl like you. You’re nothin’ but fuckin’ beauty and I’m a whole lot of fuckin’ ugly who’s already halfway to hell.”

But he was wrong.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.

Because without ugly there would be no beauty.

Because without beauty we would not survive our pain, our sorrow, and our suffering.

And in the world I lived in, the world he lived in, a secret world within the world, a world of of constant crime and cruel, cold, death, there was almost nothing but suffering.

“You may not be beautiful the way you were before,” I whispered, placing my hand on his hard chest. “But you’re still beautiful. To me.

Grab your copy of UNBEAUTIFULLY here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Madeline Sheehan, a Social Distortion enthusiast and devoted fan of body art, has been writing books since she was seven years old. She is the author of The Holy Trinity ebook trilogy and Best Selling Undeniable series. Homegrown in Buffalo, New York, Madeline resides there with her husband and son.

Learn more about Madeline here...
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Madeline is giving one lucky reader a $30 Gift Card (Tour-Wide)

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GIVEAWAY! Lorelei James Redneck Romeo Release Party!! Day 3!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Lorelei James is celebrating the release of REDNECK ROMEO with a SEVEN day party. SEVEN great giveaways, SEVEN different posts. Stop by all the amazing blogs participating in the party to increase your chances to win!!! Each blog will post a special REDNECK ROMEO post all seven days (no weekend posts).

Redneck Romeo (Rough Riders)
by
Lorelei James

The last McKay standing is knocked to his knees…

Three years ago, Dalton McKay looked across the altar and saw the woman he knew he’d love for the rest of his life…only it wasn’t his bride. That’s when he took the McKays’ love-’em-and-leave-’em reputation to new heights—fleeing the ceremony and Wyoming.

Now a family issue has brought Dalton back to Sundance, giving him a chance to prove to everyone—especially the woman he thought he lost—that he’s a changed man.

Aurora “Rory” Wetzler has fallen for cowboy hottie Dalton’s smooth-talkin’ ways too many times. So he’s determined to convince her he’s playing for keeps this go around? Fine. She’ll call that bluff—she can’t ignore their intense chemistry or resist smokin’ hot sex, but she’s not willing to gamble her heart again.

Dalton has plenty of fences to mend with the McKays, but his biggest fear is that Rory doesn’t believe they have a future. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to show her they belong together for the long haul.

Warning: Contains a sexy cowboy who tames his sassy lady love with his romantic and his kinky side. In explicit detail.

Excerpt
Copyright © 2013 Lorelei James
All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication

Bang bang bang. “Dalton! Come on man, open up. I know you’re in there.”

Dalton cracked one eyelid and cast a bleary eye at the alarm clock. Seven a.m. He yanked the quilt over his head and mumbled “f*** off” to Boden Hicks, the idiot beating on his door.

“McKay. I’m not f***ing around. This is an emergency.”

That hauled Dalton’s ass out of bed. He unlatched the old-fashioned bolt and opened the door. “What’s the emergency?”

Boden hustled inside but a gust of snow followed before he slammed the heavy oak door shut. He stamped his feet. “Damn snowstorm came from out of nowhere.”

“You better not have tricked me out of bed to complain about the goddamned weather.”

Boden shuffled over to the woodstove to warm himself, but it’d been a good ten hours since Dalton had loaded it up. “It’s like a damn freezer in here.”

“That’s because I was sleeping. In my own bed, after roughing it on an elk hunt, remember?”

“Yeah, I remember. I’m just glad the hunting party made it out before this storm hit.” Boden unzipped his parka and pulled out Dalton’s cell phone, still attached to the wall charger. “Normally I could give a crap if you stay in bed a week after a hunt, but you left your phone charging at the lodge last night. The thing’s been buzzing like crazy. When I unplugged it, I noticed you’ve got twenty-seven missed calls. So it’s gotta be something important.”

Dalton’s stomach knotted. Since he had little to no cell service in the mountains, he forgot he even had a cell phone most of the time. Few people had his number—just his brothers, his mother, his cousin Sierra McKay, his accountant, his banker and his investment guys.

“Gimme that.” Dalton scrolled through the missed calls. Twelve from Brandt, twelve from Tell, three from Sierra.

Had to be bad news if his family had reached out to him.

The family he hadn’t seen in three years.

“What’s going on?”

He glanced up at Boden. “No clue. I haven’t bothered to set up my voice mail on this phone so I’ll have to call to find out.”

Boden sighed. “Speaking of…I wanted to make sure your two-way is charged. Since you have an issue with technology that allows people to get in touch with you.”

“It’s charged. I laid in a store of food before the huntin’ trip so I can ride out the storm.”

“Good. We’re supposed to get a foot of snow today and maybe more tonight.” Boden crouched in front of the woodstove and chucked kindling in the cold embers before setting the torch to the pile. “Might be a couple days before you can get out, if you need to go home.”

Home. It didn’t have the same connotation it once did. When it was all he’d known. “I’ll let you know what’s goin’ on as soon as I know.”

Boden piled several small logs in the black box before he stood. “You worried?”

Dalton shrugged.

But Boden didn’t buy his act; he never had, which was why they’d become such good friends. “You want me to stick around?”

“Nah. I’ll put on a pot of coffee before I call my brother.” He smirked. “Get on back to the lodge. Bree would jam my nuts in a vise if you got snowed in with me instead of with her.”

“Your nuts ain’t ever gonna be anywhere near my wife’s hands, McKay.”

He laughed. “I know your kink doesn’t extend to sharing.”

“Damn straight.” Boden zipped up his parka and slipped on his gloves. “You need anything, buzz us. If we don’t answer right away—”

“I’ll assume you’re tied up. Or rather, you’re tying Bree up.”

As soon as Boden left, Dalton started coffee. Then he stripped off his long johns and took a cold shower. That ensured he’d be fully awake.

The main room of the three-room cabin had warmed up by the time he’d dressed. After downing two cups of coffee, Dalton stood by the window in the kitchen and called Brandt.

His oldest brother answered on the fourth ring. “’Bout damn time, Dalton. Where the hell have you been that you can’t return a phone call?”

No doubt Brandt thought he was f***ing off someplace. Little did he know how tiring it was leading a ten-day hunting party into the mountains. But Dalton no longer explained his life choices to anyone. “What’s goin’ on? I had twenty-four missed calls in the last twelve hours.” No one knew Sierra had his number. His brothers would be pissed if they knew Dalton kept in better contact with Sierra than with them.

“Dad had a stroke.”

Silence. Finally Dalton asked, “Is he okay?”

“He’s alive, if that’s what you mean. He’s havin’ difficulties talkin’. They’re not sure if it’s permanent. They’re not too sure of anything at this point. So we—me’n Tell—are asking you to come home.”

Dalton closed his eyes. He didn’t want to play nursemaid to the man who’d made his life hell. Especially not after the last conversation they’d had, which was the biggest reason Dalton had left Sundance for good—not that he’d told his brothers or anyone else about what’d gone down. “I don’t know if I can.”

“Can’t? Or won’t?” Brandt demanded.

“Why do you want me there?”

“Hey, bro. Brandt put you on speaker phone,” Tell said. “Look, we need you to help us make some decisions about Dad’s care.”

Dalton let his forehead rest against the frosted windowpane.

“We haven’t seen you in over three years. It sucks that something like this had to happen for you to even consider comin’ home. But we do need you here.”

He pictured his brothers, Tell leaning against the window in the cab of Brandt’s truck, his restless fingers tapping on his leg. Brandt seated behind the steering wheel, his posture stiff, arms crossed over his chest.

“When did this happen?” Dalton asked.

“Brandt got a call from the hospital in Spearfish yesterday morning. They wouldn’t let us see him until late afternoon. Soon as we had some information, we tried calling you.” Tell paused. “You ain’t gotten any better at returning calls.”

“But I did return it. Not fast enough for you?” he asked sharply. Jesus. Within two minutes of talking to his brothers he’d reverted to the defensive guy he’d left behind. He exhaled slowly. “Sorry. Cell service here is spotty.”

“Where are you?”

Don’t feel guilty they don’t know. “Alder, Montana. We’re in the midst of a blizzard so it might be a couple days before I can make it out of the mountains.”

Silence.

“Has the doctor given you a time frame on how long he’ll be in the hospital?”

“No,” Brandt said. “But when Dad is discharged, it’ll be to the rehab wing in a nursing home.”

That oughta make Casper even more the patient from hell. “Sounds like it won’t matter then if I’m not there for a couple of days. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way.”

“Sure. Will you be staying with one of us?” Tell asked.

“Nah. I’ve got it covered. Thanks though.”

Neither of his brothers asked where he’d be bunking down, although he sensed they wanted to.

“Okay, then. I guess we’ll see you when we see you.”

“Yep. Later.” Dalton hung up.

He stared out the window for the longest time, even though he couldn’t see sh** through the swirling snow.

But this storm wasn’t anything compared to the one he faced in Sundance.

The blizzard lasted two days. On the morning of the third day Dalton packed up his stuff, closed up his cabin and headed down the mountain.

Once he had a clear cell signal, he gave Brandt a heads up he was on his way. Brandt said they’d moved Casper to the rehab wing and to meet them there.

Then he placed a call to Sierra.

She answered with, “I swear every time I call you and I don’t hear back I live in mortal fear that you’ve disconnected from the world completely and you’re out in the forest running naked with woodchucks and sh**.”

“Not hardly. I returned the calls in order of importance.”

“So you’ve talked to your brothers?”

“Yeah. I’m on my way to Wyoming right now.”

“They giving you grief about…well, everything?”

“They both knew it wouldn’t take much for me to refuse to come back.” He flipped on the defroster. “How’d you find out about Casper’s stroke?”

“Keely. I knew your brothers would get a hold of you first, so my call isn’t about your father.”

“Then why did you call?” Dalton heard her take a deep breath and he went on full alert.

In a rush, Sierra said, “You’ve got to promise me that you won’t get mad at me for what I’m about to tell you.”

“No conversation ever ends well that starts that way.”

“True, but I want you to remember I was only following your parameters. And I kinda hoped someone else would tell you about this, so I didn’t have to. But then, you’d have to actually talk to someone who lives there, and we both know that’s a rarity, so I guess it falls to me.”

“You been drinkin’? ’Cause you ain’t making a lick of sense. Quit dancing around the subject, college girl, and spill it.”

“Rory is back in Sundance and working for Wyoming Natural Resource Council.”

Everything switched into slow motion. Dalton couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. He had to pull onto the shoulder so he didn’t wreck his truck.

“Dalton?”

“You said Rory is livin’ in Sundance.”

“Yes.”

“With her fiancé?”

“No. She, ah, broke off the engagement.”

“When?”

“Six months ago.”

This was not happening. Sierra had not kept this information from him about Rory for half a goddamned year.

“Dalton. I know your head is about to explode—”

“Jesus, Sierra, do you f***ing think? Why are you just telling me this now?” he roared. “Do you have any f***ing idea—”

“That you’ve been holed up in the middle of freakin’ nowhere moping because Rory got engaged to someone else? Why yes, I was completely aware of that little factoid, cuz.”

Silence.

“Besides, you were doing your lumberjack gig and completely off the grid when Rory ended the engagement. I’ll remind you of your zero tolerance policy—me not talking about Rory or sharing information about Rory’s life was your edict, Dalton. I was just following your parameters. And now the parameters have changed.”

“Seriously not f***ing amused. Will you just get to the point?”

“I really have to point out that you and Rory will actually be in the same place for the first time in over three years?”

“Three years? Try ten years since she’s lived there. I’da been in Sundance six months ago if I’d known she was there without some other asshole’s ring on her finger,” he snarled.

“Whoa. Take a step back, wolverine. I’m telling you now because maybe you’re smart enough to handle it the right way this time.”

“This time?” Dalton repeated sharply. “Don’t make this out to be my fault. I offered her—”

“Don’t snap at me or interrupt me again or I will hang up, understand?”

“Yeah, yeah, keep talkin’.”

“Rory is my sister. You’re my business partner and one of the few people I trust. I hate that I’m pulled between you two. It’s time you manned up, Dalton. And don’t remind me that you did that once three years ago after you walked out on your own wedding. Even you can admit it was piss poor timing on your part.”

“But that bad timing didn’t stop her from giving me an edict, did it?”

“Like I’ve told you ten thousand times, that wasn’t an edict. Two years was a time line for Rory to finish grad school and a frame of reference for you to understand how important that was to her. You shouldn’t have taken it as gospel.”

“Then she shouldn’t have given me false hope.”

“Then you shouldn’t have turned tail and run again,” Sierra retorted. “Especially after you gave her false hope that things might finally change between you two.”

Like he needed that reminder. “Does she know about Casper?”

“Doubtful. She’s been out of town and she stays out of McKay gossip completely.”

Then Rory wouldn’t suspect Dalton was on his way back to Sundance. The element of surprise might work in his favor. “What’s the best way to approach her?”

“She bartends at the Twin Pines on the side. She’s working tonight. Anything else I can do for you besides making your day with this news?” Sierra asked sweetly.

Making his day? Hell, she’d made his life, because now he had a shot at getting the life he wanted. “Where are the keys for the house in town?”

A pause. Then, “Why?”

“I need a place to stay.”

Sierra heaved a put-upon sigh. “They’re under the back deck on a key hook. But there are two conditions before I’ll let you stay there. First, you don’t tell anyone I own it. No one.”

“Deal. And FYI, that’s why we have a silent partnership.” He’d supplied Sierra with some capital to start her own business last year and he also wanted it kept on the down low. “What’s the second condition?”

“I need a handyman to do some things. Okay, a lot of things. You’re handy, you’re there and voila—you’re selected. I’ll FedEx my repair list today but anything else you see that needs fixed just go ahead.”

“I’ll do it but I want to be reimbursed once a week for whatever I buy. You don’t get to pull that sixty day wait for payment bull crap like you money people usually do.”

She laughed. “That’s how we become money people. We hold on to money as long as possible. Be warned, some of what needs done will be major costs.”

“I ain’t a carpet installer,” he warned. “Nor will I put in windows.”

Sierra sighed again. “You are a handy handyman, right?”

“Guess you’ll have to trust me, huh?”

“I’ll be keeping tabs on you.” Another pause. “I’m sorry about your dad. If you need to talk about anything—except for Rory—call me.”

By the time Dalton crossed into Crook County hours later, he had a plan in place.

Patience. Perseverance. He would not blow this chance.

Rory Wetzler was his. His. She always had been, she always would be.

And he’d do whatever it took to prove it.

Grab your copy of REDNECK ROMEO here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ten Tidbits About
Dalton McKay

1) He's eaten rattlesnake, bear, lizard, and grasshoppers--the last one not by choice thanks to his 3 older brothers who loved to trick him into eating weird stuff or held him down and force fed him

2) When Dalton sings...with that deep voice of his he sounds like Trace Adkins

3) He's wrecked 3 dirt bikes but no cars

4) Dalton would rather do all ranch work on an ATV than a horse

5) The first song he learned all the words to --Driving My Life Away by Eddie Rabbitt

6) The blue heeler dog his brother Luke gave him for his 18th birthday was the best present he ever got

7) He cheated on a math test in 9th grade and felt so guilty he spent the summer relearning everything he'd missed during the school year

8) His favorite fruit are plums

9) Dalton hates wearing pajamas

10) Someday he'd like to create a piece of art using his chainsaw

Prize List:
1) Redneck Romeo charm bracelet
2) Kindle fire
3) Basket of goodies, including a McKay brand fleece blanket and other McKay branded stuff and conference trinkets
4) Full set of signed Rough Riders books
5) 1 of a kind handmade small Western purse
6) Arc of TURN AND BURN
7) $100 gift card to amazon.com

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Interview & Giveaway!! LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL BY JAYNE FRESINA

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:30:00 +0000

We are very happy to welcome
Sourcebooks Author
Jayne Fresina
and her latest novel
Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal!!

Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal
by
Jayne Fresina

When a Perfectly Proper Lady...
Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It's what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she's obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there's one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can't rein in; whose chaos she can't contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue...
Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn't mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people's business. And it just so happens that Mercy "Silky Drawers" Danforthe still owes him a wedding night...

A Scandal's Never Far Behind!

Grab your copy of
LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL here...
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Is there an author that makes you go all "fangirl?"

I would love to have met Jane Austen, but sadly that's too late. I'm not really the "fangirl" type, although there are a lot of authors I like and would love to meet. I'm a bit too shy and goofy and would probably not dash up to one and ask for an autograph or anything.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be and why?

I think it must be a lot of fun, but also quite a challenge to work on one story with another writer. Everyone has their own style and trying to meld two together smoothly can't be easy! I'm in awe of those who do it well. If anyone asked me to do it with them, I'd certainly dive in and give it a spin. I do like a challenge and enjoy pushing myself as a writer. I even LOVE getting edits back just for that same reason. When you think something is the best you can make it and then someone (an editor, for instance) steps in and says "well, what about this, or this?" then I think it helps you be a better writer. Working with another author must be like that.

The world is under attack and you are forced to run for your life. You only have room for one book in your survival kit, what book do you take?

Well, right now I'm enthralled by Jennifer Worth's memoirs "The Midwife" - also published as "Call the Midwife" since they made a TV series out of it. I would hate to have to leave that behind now I started it, so it would definitely have to be that.

Who are your favorite literary characters? (Yours or someone else's)

Gabriel Oak and Bathsheba Everdene from "Far From the Madding Crowd". I love how honest and loyal Gabriel remains throughout his hardships and Bathsheba's journey to finding and appreciating his love seems completely real with all the mistakes she makes along the way. I think they're very memorable.

If your friends were asked to describe you in one word what would it be?

Filthy.

Where do you do your best work?

At my cluttered desk, very early in the morning while the house is quiet and I have my first coffee in hand.

Do you find it harder to write a full-length novel or novellas?

Novellas used to be much more difficult to me, because I was used to writing too much! The first manuscript I ever completed and tried to submit to agents was over 500k words! I had no idea about word count and what was expected. So, as you can imagine, I had quite a shock when someone finally told me that the romance genre is usually 90k to 100k words. I really had to work on editing myself and not being so wordy. The first novella I wrote (Last Rake Standing) was actually a challenge I set myself to see if I could write a fulfilling story under 30k. It turned out to be the first book I ever contracted to a publisher.

I enjoy writing novellas now, but it's always wonderful to be able to sink into a full-length novel again!

When did you fall in love...with writing?

I don't remember. I've always been scribbling stories. The love of reading came first. Escaping into a book was like going to another world. Then when I found out that I could make my own worlds and characters to inhabit them, that was it for me. I'd found what I wanted to do in life.

Are you a plotter or fly by the seat of your pants writer?

A bit of both, but mostly a pantser. The characters always come first and I often write out little scenes of dialog between them before I start properly. It helps me know them and they take off with the story.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of writing?

Playing with my dogs, eating, reading, running (to clear my head - sort of like defragmenting the brain hard drive!)

Please tell us a bit about your latest release.

LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL is about a couple from two different classes in life, who have really become acquainted by mistake. They should never have even shared a conversation, let alone kissed, but they eloped for a three-hour marriage when they were very young (it was annulled.) the book takes place five years later, when they're both trying to get on with their lives, but find themselves thrown together again, forced to face up to their forbidden attraction.

Will you be attending any conferences this year?

Not sure, but I don't have any plans. I'm hoping to attend a few next year.

Favorite color
Apricot

Favorite food
Anything with marzipan. Or tiramisu.

Boots or heels
Boots WITH heels!

eReader or Print
A reader recently told me she loved the smell of my books and I laughed, but I have to agree that I still love to feel a book in my hand. It's taking me a while to get used to my e-reader. I spend so much time looking at a screen, it feels more relaxing at night to open a book.

Social Media: Love it or Hate it?
Love to hate it. Hate to love it (spend wayyyy too much time on Facebook and Twitter).

Beer, Liquor or Wine
Wine in a BIG glass.

Favorite place to get it on besides the bedroom
Aisle six of Home Depot.

Favorite TV Show
Call the Midwife and Midsomer Murders

Favorite Book series (besides your own)
Midsomer Murders by Caroline Graham.

Pj’s or Lingerie
Lingerie!

Vampires vs. Shifters
Neither. I prefer witches!

Favorite Genre
Historical Romance - any era.

About the Author
Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four girls. Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Look for the fourth book in the Sydney Dovedale Series, Miss Molly Robbins Designs a Seduction in March 2014. For more information, please visit www.jaynefresina.com.

Learn more about Jayne here...
Website / Email

Jayne and Sourcebooks are giving one lucky reader

The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne
by
Jayne Fresina

WHEN A SCANDALOUS LADY...
By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking schemes and dreams up torments for her childhood nemesis—the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley. Her latest prank: "winning" the Hardey diamonds in a card game from James's mistress.

STEALS FROM A NOTORIOUS RAKE...
James finally has a lead on the thieving Count de Bonneville, tracking him to a disreputable inn. He bursts in on none other than the brazen, irritating, nearly naked Ellie Vyne. Convinced she is the count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep his enemies close. Very close. He must get those diamonds back, and seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait.

IT CAN ONLY END IN A WICKED WEDDING

Leave a comment to enter and
come back here on Sunday to see if you won!

Thank you to Jayne & Sourcebooks
for joining us today!

Giveaway! SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

We are excited to be hosting the
SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows
Tour today!

SEAL of Honor (Hornet)
by
Tonya Burrows

Hornet, Book 1

Entangled Select

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

Grab your copy of SEAL OF HONOR here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

5 Reasons to Love Gabe Bristow
by Tonya Burrows

Okay, confession time. I read romances for the heroes. Yes, I love spunky, strong-willed heroines, but if I don’t find her hero absolutely panty-melting, I’ll have trouble getting through the book. And, usually, when I’m plotting out a new story, the hero comes to me first. Gabe Bristow, the hero of my recent release SEAL OF HONOR, was no exception, but he was different than most of my other characters. He’s the only one who has ever appeared to me fully formed, with a set personality and history. He just popped into my head one day and demanded in his no-nonsense way that I write his story. Ever since, I’ve been putty in his fictional fingers.

So, today, I want to take the opportunity to introduce him and list the 7 reasons he was one of my favorite characters to write.

1.) He’s snarky. He has a great deadpan sense of humor that he uses to its full advantage.

2.) He accepts, loves, and respects his brother even though the rest of the Bristow family turned their backs on Raffi when he bucked their father’s dictatorial rule and came out as gay. (Shh…don’t tell Audrey, but I fell irrevocably in love with him for this.)

3.) He knows how to take charge. When the guys get out of line, he’s able to put them back in place with minimal effort. All it takes is a sharp word and a glare…

4.) He protects others with no thought to his own safety. Audrey thinks he has a Superman complex and, yeah, maybe he does. But how can you not love a guy who will throw himself in front of a gun for you?

5.) He hides it well, but he has a vulnerable side. Despite what everyone thinks, he’s not always 100% sure of himself, although he’d most definitely eat a bullet before admitting that out loud.

6.) He’s loyal. Once you have his trust, you have it for life. Just ask his best friend, Quinn.

7.) He’s sexy as hell. 6 foot 4 inches tall, dark hair, hazel eyes, and a chest that makes a girl want to rub against him and purr.

There are my main reasons for adoring Gabe. For those of you who have already read SEAL OF HONOR, what about Gabe (or any of the other guys) made you swoon? And if you haven’t read it, what qualities do you like to see in your romance heroes in general?

About the Author
Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven't stopped since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I'm now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.

When I'm not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let's be honest, I'll take a bad horror movie too!) I'm a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I'm also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.

I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. We live in a small town in PA, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.

Learn more about Tonya here...
Website / Facebook Hornet Page / Tonya's Facebook Page / Twitter

One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of
SEAL OF HONOR, swag, and will even have a character in one of Tonya’s future releases named after them!
Giveaway ends 6/30.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour HERE to increase your chances of winning!
Now lets take a look at Tonya's June 10th release from Entangled's Brazen line!

Wilde Nights in Paradise (A Wilde Security Novel) (Entangled Brazen)
by
Tonya Burrows

Wilde Security, Book 1

Entangled Brazen

He’ll guard her body all night long.

Former Force Recon marine Jude Wilde’s motto has always been “burn bridges and never look back,” so nobody is more surprised when Wilde Security is hired to protect assistant district attorney Libby Pruitt, the woman he loved and left. Although she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Jude, they’re forced to fake a relationship for her safety. He can’t ignore the heat still simmering between them, and when her stalker’s threats escalate to attempted murder, he’s left with no choice but to whisk her away to a friend’s safe house in Key West, FL.

Cooped up in paradise together, Jude begins to chip away at Libby’s resolve to hate him. But even as she gives in to his proximity and her body’s demands for his, she refuses to fall for his charms again. Maybe a torrid affair in the sun is exactly what she needs to get him out of her system. But when her stalker tracks them down, can they escape the steamy Key West night without anyone getting hurt?

Grab your copy of WILDE NIGHTS IN PARADISE here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ali is giving one of today's lucky commenter's
a digital copy of Tonya's
WILDE NIGHTS IN PARADISE

Come back here Sunday to see if you are a winner!

Giveaway! Hidden by M. Lathan!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Hidden (Hidden Series)
by
M. Lathan

Sixteen-year-old Leah Grant has given up on being normal. She’d settle for stopping the voices in her head, intrusive visions of the future, and better odds of making it to her seventeenth birthday.

That’s the thing about pretending to be human in a world where magic used to exist – at any moment, her cover could be blown and she’ll be burned to death like the rest of the witches.

Everything changes when she loses control of her powers and flees the orphanage she grew up in. She desperately wants to be invisible but finds her face plastered on every news channel as humans panic over the possible resurgence of her kind. And now the hunters won’t give up until they find her.

Making friends for the first time in her life and falling in love with one of them drives her to discover why she is unlike any being she’s ever met – human or otherwise. The dangerous powers inside of her that would repel Nathan, her new, handsome reason for living, are priceless to some. The locked up forever kind of priceless. And to others, they are too dangerous to allow her to live.

Let’s hope she can stay hidden.

Excerpt
A far second to oranges, the song I sang in the shower every night had a way of soothing me. More than anything, it made me tired enough to fall asleep. With Whitney gone, I didn’t have to whisper it.

The stars are out,
It’s time for bed.
Now close your eyes,
And rest your head.
May angels shield you with their wings,
As you dream your little angel dreams.

I didn’t recall composing that song, but apparently, I used to think I was good and perfect like the angels. I knew better now.

I stepped out of the shower and tugged a brush through my unruly brown tangles. I stared into the mirror over the sink as I started the song again. My skin screamed winter. I should be a warmer tan; I looked less creepy in the summer. Maybe that was why the girls had been digging into me so hard. I looked rather witchy. The unease that made them mock me was probably their souls warning them, urging them to notice I was different and dangerous.

At my worst, it feels like the fire that could easily shoot from my palm is raging inside of me. My heart picks up, more than when I’m scared. It pounds, I can’t hear. My blood dances, taunting me, begging me to hurt whoever’s hurt me. And I know that I can. I feel that I can.

But I don’t. I breathe and pray and let the magic cool.

Grab your copy of HIDDEN here...
Amazon

About the Author
M. Lathan lives in San Antonio with her husband and mini-schnauzer. She enjoys writing and has a B.S. in Psych and a Masters in Counseling. Her passion is a blend of her two interests – creating new worlds and stocking them with crazy people. She enjoys reading anything with interesting characters and writing in front of a window while asking rhetorical questions … like her idol Carrie Bradshaw.

Learn more about the author here...
Website / Twitter

One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Increase your chance of winning by following the tour HERE

GIVEAWAY! Lorelei James Redneck Romeo Release Party!! Day 2!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Grab your copy of REDNECK ROMEO here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY! Lorelei James Redneck Romeo Release Party!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Grab your copy of REDNECK ROMEO here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blitz & Giveaway!!Hotter Than Texas by Tina Leonard!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek)
by
Tina Leonard

"Perfection takes time, but desire waits for no man. Or woman "

"Pecan Creek, Book 1"

With more than one skeleton rattling in her closet, Sugar Cassevechia hopes The Most Honest Town in Texas will be the perfect place to start an online business. As soon as her mother remembers the family recipe that'll get hotterthanhellnuts.com off the ground.

In the meantime, no way is Sugar letting their new landlord get away with renting them a run-down house that s decorated like a rich widow s orgasm. Even if he s the biggest hunk of hot she s ever laid eyes on.

Jake Bentley would love to do nothing but sit back and be amused as the Cassevechia women unwittingly stir up trouble in his uptight town. But something about them thaws out his frozen rescue complex. Especially Sugar s long, chestnut hair and sassy mouth.

Right about the time Sugar figures one steamy night in Jake s bed won t hurt, another skeleton joins the party in the form of a dead body in the Belle Watling room. And Sugar must decide if her family s reputation and her own heart are safe with Jake.

Warning: No sex in this book. Nope. None. Nada. Honest. Now, if you believe that, the author has an iceberg in Texas to sell you. Better hurry before there's none left to cool the fevered dreams generated by this book.

Grab your copy of HOTTER THAN TEXAS here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Blitz to increase your chances of winning!
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Winners, Winners & More Winners!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:18:00 +0000

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful Father's out there!

To say that I'm a little behind announcing Winners would be an understatement! I apologize for taking so long to announce our
Simply Ali Winners

I truly hate being behind and I never thought that planning two trips in a months span would really make me get so far behind. I thought I had planned well for these trips but I never counted on getting sick or exactly how tired I would be from my vacation. Those people that say you need a "vacation" after your vacation are so right!! Since the cruise was my first true vacation I can now attest to the truth of that statement :) I will have some pictures and adventures and a few goodies to share with you all this week ;)

Now on to what I know you truly want to know :)
Let the massive WINNERS post begin...

We have Five Weekly Winners to announce...
Ingeborg, Lacey T., Allison W.,
Susie Q., & Rana Adams
Each Weekly Comment Winner will receive a $10 GC!

Our May Reader Love Winner is...
Ellen Thompson

The Melissa Schroeder SANTINI Winner is...
Sanda
Sanda wins a $50 GC!

The Tessa Bailey HIS RISK TO TAKE Winner is...
KOG
KOG win's a digital copy of
HIS RISK TO TAKE by Tessa Bailey

The DARK NIGHTS DANGEROUS MEN Winner is...
Kristen85
Kristen is getting a $15 GC!

Our PaperWhite winner is...
Elizabeth Hyatt

Our $20 GC Winner is...
Ashfa Anwer

Grand Central is giving
Anita H.
a copy of
What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling
and
The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore

Ali is giving a $10 GC to
Dayna Janzen

Our Vicky Dreiling Winner is...
Lucy Waterhouse
She wins a print copy of
WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS!

Our Rebecca Zanetti Winner is...
Angela Love
Angela will receive a digital copy of Rebecca's UNDER THE COVERS!

Our Kyra Davis Winner is...
LGM52
LGM52 wins a digital copy of
JUST ONE NIGHT: BINDING AGREEMENT

Our Mia Marlowe Winners are...
Janice Hougland
Janice wins a Print of
WAKING UP WITH THE RAKE

Valerie R.
Valerie wins her choice of Mia's
Rock*it Reads!

Our Carolyn Brown Winners are...
Marlene Breakfield & Helen L
Marlene & Helen both win their choice
of a print or digital copy of
Carolyn Brown's BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY!

The Winner of Joan Strasbough's
A LIST LOVER'S GUIDE TO JANE AUSTEN is...
Mary Preston

Thank you to everyone for waiting patiently for the latest Winners update! We intend to go back to our regular schedule of weekly Sunday winners from now on.

If you are a Simply Ali Winner please email us HERE or copy & paste this email address simplyali.romance@gmail.com !

If you have won something from Simply Ali and have yet to receive your prize please email us and we will see what we can do to make sure your prize lands in your hands soon! :)
We want to keep our readers happy.
We will have lots of fun things coming up soon at
Simply Ali so stay tuned!

Giveaway!! Midnight's Captive by Donna Grant!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

We are very happy to welcome back
Author Donna Grant
and her new Dark Warrior Release
Midnight's Captive!!

Midnight's Captive (Dark Warriors)
by
Donna Grant

July 2, 2013

ENSLAVED BY DESIRE
Laura Black knows her boss is a man of many secrets—haunted by some unknowable force, driven by some unspeakable destiny—and yet it makes her crave the devilishly handsome, roguishly charming Charon all the more. When she uncovers a betrayal that will send her into a world of magic, she turns to the only one she trusts – Charon. Even when she’s in jeopardy of losing her heart…

UNLEASHED IN FURY
Charon Bruce endures a relentless yearning to have Laura for his own, an ache he knows will never be fulfilled. After the town he has protected for centuries is targeted by a ruthless Druid, he has no choice but to reveal his secret to Laura. He must fight the deadliest foe he’s ever known if he’s to keep her safe. But when Laura is captured by his nemesis, he must choose between winning the battle of good verses evil – or losing the woman he loves…

Excerpt
Before he could see his building, his enhanced hearing picked up the strings of music from the tavern as well as his nightclub next door. There was a third set of music. This one he knew came from his office.

Laura loved music, and he had given her access to his collection. Every day she picked something different. He had long ago stopped being surprised by her love of vastly different music. It nearly matched his own.

Her choices also told him how she was feeling on any particular day. There were days when he knew she was troubled by the slow, soulful melodies she chose. Whether she was in the mood from missing someone or just loneliness he didn’t know. And never asked.

He wanted to, and there had been times he’d almost looked into her past. But a past was a past. If she wanted him to know, she’d tell him. The days her green eyes took a faraway look were the hardest for him to keep his distance.

Charon liked her, but he knew better than to get too close. He’d made that mistake too many times before and watched friends grow old and die. Now, he did everything he could to keep his distance. From everyone.

She was an enticement he’d sensed the first time he saw her. Still, he’d been unable to turn away from her. The next thing he knew, he was offering her a job. She was dependable, reliable, and so damned pretty there were days it hurt just to look at her.

He paused as he reached the clearing behind his building. His gaze was drawn upward to the second story where he heard the unmistakable rhythms and lyrics of Whitesnake. Without meaning to, his gaze sought out Laura. She wore a dress of sapphire that hugged her form, outlining every wonderful feminine curve. Her wavy chocolate hair was pulled away from her face with a Celtic silver clip at the back of her head while the rest of her long locks fell down her back.

With the chorus starting, she closed her eyes and did a little spin. There was a bright smile pulling at her delectable lips when she opened her eyes.

He had often found himself wanting to trace her mouth with his finger. With eyesight as sharp as a falcon’s, Charon let himself look at his leisure.

Laura had the look of nobility about her, as if it were inbred in her DNA. She walked with confidence women rarely had. Every move she made, every action she did was done with elegance without her even meaning to.

Her smile was infectious, her laugh irresistible. She had a stubborn streak he recognized by the way her nose scrunched a heartbeat before she said anything, as if she was debating it.

But her eyes, her striking pale green eyes, were the windows to her soul. One minute she let him see every emotion, and then the other it as if a wall came down, shutting him out.

She was stunning, but that wasn’t why he hired her. Her beauty had almost made him turn her way. But then he had seen something in her eyes. Hope. And sorrow.

Charon

(Charon pronounced: K-AR-on)
The shrewd one. Forced to betray fellow Warriors by Deirdre. He has a life that’s been waiting for him, and he intends to have it. The fate of the world be damned.

Born: February 1365
Turned: 1390
God: Ranmond, God of war
Warrior Color: Copper
Abilities: Disintegration of objects

Grab your copy of MIDNIGHT'S CAPTIVE here...
Amazon

Midnight's Captive is book six in the

Dark Warriors Series!

Let's take a look at Book Five, Midnight's Kiss!

Midnight's Kiss (Dark Warriors)
by
Donna Grant

June 4, 2013

Dr. Veronica Reid is a world-renowned archeologist whose Druid abilities help her to unearth ancient magical items. The arrival of the all-too-attractive and charismatic Arran MacCarrick puts her on the defensive when he begins to question how she really finds her artifacts…until an unknown foe attacks and Ronnie discovers that Arran has a secret as great as her own. Together, they unleash an all-consuming passion that won’t be denied…

Immortal Warrior Arran is on a mission to find the spell to bind the god within him. But one look at the impossibly beautiful Ronnie and he knows there is more to her than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Arran must reveal who he is to keep Ronnie from his nemesis. Now he is left with no choice but to fight—or fall—for the woman he loves…

Grab your copy of MIDNIGHT'S KISS here...
Amazon

Check out the hot covers of Donna's next
Dark Warrior novels!

About the Author
Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels and novellas spanning multiple genres of romance.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.

Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.

Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.

Learn more about Donna here...
Donna Grant / Facebook / Dark, Deadly and Divine / Goodreads / Twitter

Donna is giving one lucky reader a tote bag, water bottle &
signed copy of MIDNIGHT'S WARRIOR
Open Internationally!
Comment to win!

Guest Post & Giveaway! Heather's Redemption by Missy Jane

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Today we welcome a very talented author
and her latest release
Heather's Redemption
by
Missy Jane!!

Heather's Redemption
by
Missy Jane

Available June 14th

Not mixing business with pleasure is easier said than done when working fourteen hour days nearly every day of the week. However, after Heather’s recent office affair ended in disaster she is determined to stick to her guns and ignore her attraction to the new guy Zach. Her ready smile and bubbly personality make it hard for most men to believe there is anything of substance between her pretty ears, but she is determined to rectify past mistakes and put her love life on the back burner.

Zach knows falling for Heather Wellington is professional suicide, but resisting the intriguing and intelligent beauty is much harder than expected. She is quickly proving to be everything he wants in a woman despite the rumors circulating about her past. Now all he needs to do is prove to her she is worthy of a second chance and more than capable of redemption.
A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Back in January when I decided to set down goals rather than resolutions for 2013, I reflected on what I had done in the past. My major writing goal was to have more books released this year than in any other to date. In 2008 I signed my first contract. My first two books were actually published in 2009. Up to January of 2013 I hadn’t had more than three books published in one year. So my goal was one per quarter, or four for the year. On June 14, 2013, when Heather’s redemption is released, I will have met my goal.

January brought the first release of the year, Too Hard to Break, book three in my Love Beyond Barriers series. Then in April my first cougar story came out, Lunchtime Sex. In May the final book in my Love Beyond Barriers series, Too Much to Lose was released. Now this month Ellora’s Cave is releasing the sequel to Resignation, titled Heather’s Redemption. Not only is it my fourth book of the year, it’s also my tenth title with Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

To celebrate this awesome benchmark in my writing career I’m having a contest. I’m giving away a $10 virtual gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice). To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post. You can also earn additional entries here:

A Rafflecopter Giveaway!!

Missy Jane
*Make reading a guilty pleasure…*

About the Author
Ms. Missy Jane is the alter ego of a Texas mother of four who has been married to the same wonderful man for over sixteen years. A few years ago Missy finished reading a book by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory, titled The Outstretched Shadow, and thought “Now, what if…” and a monster was created.

Missy now spends most of her time lost in worlds of her own making alternately loving and hating such creatures as vampires, shape-shifters and gargoyles (to name a few).

When not writing, she spends her time reading, taking photos of her four beautiful daughters and training her husband to believe she’s always right.

Learn more about Missy here...
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

Giveaway & Guest Post! For Love or Money Blog Tour! Featuring Cathy Perkins!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Ali and I are very excited to welcome
Entangled Publishing Author
Cathy Perkins
and her latest release
For Love or Money!!

For Love or Money (Entangled Suspense)
by
Cathy Perkins

Entangled Suspense

When Holly Price trips over a friend’s dead body while hiking, her life takes a nosedive into a world of intrigue and danger. The verdict is murder—and Holly is the prime suspect.

Of course, the fact that the infinitely sexy—and very pissed off—cop threatening to arrest her is JC Dimitrak, who just happens to be Holly’s jilted ex-fiancé, doesn’t help matters.

To protect her future, her business...and her heart...the intrepid forensic accountant must use all her considerable investigative skills to follow the money through an intricate web of shadow companies, while staying one step ahead of her ex-fiancé. She better solve the case before the real killer decides CPA stands for Certified Pain in the Ass...and the next dead body found beside the river is Holly’s.

Grab your copy of FOR LOVE OR MONEY here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes

When Romantic Suspense Isn't Romantic Suspense
by Cathy Perkins

Mystery and suspense stories are my favorite reading material, at least partly because the genre covers such a wide range of moods, themes, and degrees of darkness. Within that universe of suspense, romantic suspense has its own sweep – varying percentages of mystery/suspense and relationship/romance.

For purists, romantic suspense is the combination of two genres – romance and suspense. Does that mean every suspense novel that includes a relationship is considered romantic suspense or every romance novel with a suspense subplot is romantic suspense? My answer is “no.”

Take a look at the two pieces of the romantic suspense genre. With a romance, a man and woman meet and are attracted to each other, but an issue (preferably one that can't be solved with one grown-up conversation) keeps them apart. Once the conflict is resolved, they live happily ever after. The individual ingredients—how or where they meet, what keeps them apart, and what brings them back together— vary from book to book, but the reader expects the couple to ultimately fall in love and reach a “happily ever after” ending.

In the suspense genre, readers expect a plot with danger, a mystery or threat, and a villain. The villain does something horrible and usually continues to do terrible things throughout the book. In a good thriller, the stakes will increase until the hero, heroine, or both are in mortal danger. With a thriller/suspense, even if the hero/heroine were to stop investigating, the villain(s) would keep coming after them or attempting to destroy the world (or something equally terrible). The resulting “ticking clock” not only keeps the hero/heroine chasing after the villain, it can also ramp up any relationship tension.

Where the proportions of relationship and intrigue should fall is a personal choice—both for readers and authors. For me, romantic suspense includes suspense and relationship in equal parts, with each element dependent on the other. While some stories vary the proportions and focus on the relationship—some are sexy hot reads with a little suspense to keep things moving, or rather, the plot moving I guess I should say!—my favorite stories balance the romance and suspense, with the plot helping bring the hero and heroine together, while the characters' relationship deepens the reader's connections to them and raises the stakes in the intrigue.

So when is a romantic suspense not a romantic suspense? Often the label is added by the publisher or marketing department rather than the author. Managing reader expectations of the relevant genre becomes a challenge. The novel may be a suspense with a dash of relationship or a romance with suspenseful overtones, neither of which is a true romantic suspense. Or the story can be a romantic mystery. In a romantic mystery, the romance is secondary to the mystery, which is the key plot element. The relationship aspect serves to provide depth to the main characters. Since mystery readers love a series, the romantic mystery may end with a “happy for now” or a “working toward a happily ever after” rather than a wedding.

FOR LOVE OR MONEY is a romantic mystery (released this past week from Entangled Publishing's Suspense imprint). My other books are dark mysteries, so to lighten things up, I shifted to the amateur sleuth end of the spectrum for this novel. Written from Holly Price’s perspective, the mystery romps through eastern Washington State with its rivers, wineries, Native American casinos, and assorted farm animals. The relationship, with some wicked fun chemistry between the CPA (“Certified Pain in the Ass”) amateur sleuth and a Franklin County detective, is an important element in the story but early reviewers indicate they love the characters and the twisty, keep you guessing mystery plot.

About the Author
Cathy Perkins’ suspense writing lurks behind a financial geek day-job, where she learned firsthand the camouflage, hide in plain sight, skills employed by her villains. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her work-a-holic husband and a 75 pound Lab who thinks she’s still a lap-puppy.

Learn more about Cathy here...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Kindle Paperwhite Giveaway
Cathy Perkins is offering a Kindle Paperwhite to one lucky winner as part of the For Love of Money Blog Tour celebration! Simply fill out the rafflecopter form provided below for your chance to be entered. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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UPDATE GIVEAWAY!!Celebrating 200 Years of Pride and Prejudice! with A List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen byJoan Strasbaugh!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We are happy to celebrate
200 Years of Pride and Prejudice
with Sourcebooks
A List Lovers Guide to Jane Austen
by Joan Strasbaugh!

The List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen
by
Joan Strasbaugh

NonFiction

The Jane you thought you knew…

Jane Austen comes to life for the first time in list form

Have you ever wondered what books Jane Austen read? Or what her #1 pet peeve was?

Find the answers to these questions in The List Lover’s Guide to Jane Austen, coming this June 2013. Released just in time for the 200th Anniversary of Pride & Prejudice, author Joan Strasbaugh is a “hard-core fan” and known in Jane circles around the world.

Strasbaugh creates a portrait of this beloved author as a living, breathing human being; The List Lover’s Guide is perfect for any 18th century Brit lit buff. Austen aficionado or student of literature.

Lists like “Her Social Circle” and “Balls and Dances She Attended” weave a seamless portrait of the woman that Austen was — not based on her fictions, but on her facts.

While including extensive background information on the author (down to the very flowers she grew in her garden), the book also features juicy details like:

· Possible Suitors
· Who Broke Her Heart
· The Hearts She Broke
· Her Morbid Sense of Humor
· Jane’s Royal Ancestors

Excerpt
Who Broke Her Heart

Tom Lefroy
“You scold me so much in the nice long letter which I have this moment received from you, that I am almost afraid to tell you how my Irish friend and I behaved. Imagine to yourself everything most profligate and shocking in the way of dancing and sitting down together. I can expose myself however, only once more, because he leaves the country soon after next Friday, on which day we are to have a dance at Ashe after all. He is a very gentlemanlike, good--looking, pleasant young man, I assure you. But as to our having ever met, except at the three last balls, I cannot say much; for he is so excessively laughed at about me at Ashe, that he is ashamed of coming to Steventon, and ran away when we called on Mrs. Lefroy a few days ago.”
—Jane to Cassandra, January 9, 1796

The next Friday:
“At length the Day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, & when you receive this it will be over-—My tears flow as I write, at the melancholy idea.”
—Jane to Cassandra, January 15, 1796

Three years later in a letter to Cassandra she confides:
“Mrs. Lefroy did come last Wednesday, and the Harwoods came likewise, but very considerately paid their visit before Mrs. Lefroy’s arrival, with whom, in spite of interruptions both from my father and James, I was enough alone to hear all that was interesting, which you will easily credit when I tell you that of her nephew she said nothing at all, and of her friend very little. She did not once mention the name of the former to me, and I was too proud to make any enquiries; but on my father’s afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise.”
—Jane to Cassandra, November 17, 1798

Grab your copy of A LIST LOVER'S GUIDE TO JANE AUSTIN here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Joan Strasbaugh has been a proud Janeite for half of her life. She now works as the senior editor of Abbeville Press in New York, and notably organized the Jane Austen in the 21st Century Humanities Festival at the University of Wisconsin. A former publisher at Jones Books, Strasbaugh also holds a membership to the Jane Austen Society of North America.

**UPDATED GIVEAWAY**
One lucky reader will win a copy of
A LIST LOVER'S GUIDE TO JANE AUSTEN
by
Joan Strasbaugh!!

Comment to win!

Giveaway!! Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are taking a look at
Author Carolyn Brown's
latest release
Billion Dollar Cowboy

Billion Dollar Cowboy
by
Carolyn Brown

Cowboys and Brides

Sourcebooks Casablanca

A Billionaire Can Buy Anything...

Colton Nelson was twenty-eight years old when he won the Texas Lottery and went from ranch hand to ranch owner overnight. Now he's desperate to keep the gold diggers away. It shouldn't be too hard to find a pretty girl and hire her to pretend to be his one-and-only.

Or Can He?

Laura Baker's got mixed feelings about this—she's on the ranch to work, not to be arm candy. On the other hand, being stuck for a while in the boondocks with a gorgeous cowboy isn't half-bad.

What neither Colton nor Laura expects are the intensely hard lessons they have to learn about the real cost of love...

Excerpt
Chapter 1
It was just supper, for God’s sake; it wasn’t an inquisition. They weren’t going to take her out in the yard and stone her to death if she ate with the wrong fork. Andy had said they were just like family, and since she was his assistant she should meet them, but she didn’t want to get all friendly with the “family.” She just wanted to work off her debt and get out of Ambrose, Texas. She’d managed to avoid most of them for a whole week and thought she could do so for months, but oh, no, Andy decided it was time for her to break bread with them that very evening.

Laura sat up straighter in the chair and pushed her glasses up on her nose. She hated going back to glasses after years and years of wearing contacts. She could wear her contacts on special occasions, but not more than a couple of hours. Tonight didn’t qualify for that in her opinion.

“We are glad that you came to supper, Laura,” Maudie said.

Maudie was tall, thin, with salt-and-pepper hair, and not nearly enough wrinkles to be Colton’s grandmother. She’d never be worth a damn in a poker game because Laura could easily read her through her green eyes. She’d popped in and out of the office at least once a day, so Laura had met her, but saying a brief hello and sitting at the supper table with her were two different things.

Laura’s smile was strained at best. “Thank you.”

Andy clapped his hands once. Conversation stopped and all eyes were on Laura. She sincerely thought about crawling under the table and hiding, but she refused to let anyone intimidate her. Not even the people who lived in a house so big that it took her breath away when she first saw it. It had turrets and wings and tall windows, a deep wraparound porch, and would put Tara from Gone with the Wind to absolute shame.

“Introductions!” Andy said with a sweep of his hand. “Maudie is the only one who has met Laura, who has been getting settled into the apartment and the job this week. As you all know, she is my distant cousin so I’ve known her since we were both kids.”

Laura nodded at Maudie even though saying hello from behind a desk and computer was far different than knowing them.

“And,” Andy went on, “that feller over there with the platter of steaks in his hand is Rusty. He’s the ranch foreman and the person who knows what’s going on in any corner of the ranch. The kid beside him is Roxie, our new resident teenager.”

Rusty smiled. “I’d begun to think you were just a figment of Andy’s imagination or that he’d hired a robot. Welcome to the ranch. If I can help you with anything, you just holler. The apartment suiting you all right?”

“Yes, sir. It’s great,” she said.

Roxie looked up and Laura’s heart went out to her. There was something in her blue eyes that said she wasn’t real sure of her place in the world or where she’d fit in if she figured out that she even had a place.

“Hello,” Roxie said in a soft Southern drawl.

Laura saw herself at sixteen when someone new came to dinner at Aunt Dotty’s ranch. Trying to remember her manners and not talking too much, but being friendly. It was an awkward age at best. Andy had already mentioned that Roxie had just recently come to the ranch on a full-time basis and was more than a little bit shy.

Andy pointed in the opposite direction. “The cowboy at the head of the table that looks like shit is Colton.”

“Thanks a lot, Andy, for telling your kin that I don’t run my own ranch and that I look like shit. He’s a real good best friend, Laura. I want to thank you for taking on the job of working with Andy. It can’t be easy as picky as he is about everything,” Colton growled.

“I’m pretty much a perfectionist too. It must run in the family,” Laura answered.

Andy picked up a basket of hot rolls and passed it to Rusty. “Laura is a whiz kid on computers, so she’s kept her nose to the grindstone this week. We’re catching up, though, so you’ll see more of her from now on. I had to twist her arm to get her to come to supper. She’s never been shy before, so I don’t know what her problem is.”

Roxie caught her eye and smiled. The girl had blond hair pulled up in a ponytail, crystal clear blue eyes, and a flawless complexion. She was so tiny that she looked fragile, but Laura would guess there was a tough interior hiding inside her soul that would surface in a hurry if someone pushed her too hard.

“What’s the matter with you, Colton? You look like you’ve got a hangover. You never pass up hot rolls. Are you sick?” Maudie looked genuinely worried.

Colton passed the green beans on to Rusty. “I think I was drugged last night.”

Laura glanced toward the end of the table. She’d seen Colton from her second-story window several times and with his swagger, boots, and hat, she’d thought he was handsome. Sitting at the table with him proved that he went beyond handsome even with the slightly green cast around his mouth and bloodshot eyes. Biceps stretched at his shirt sleeves that had been rolled up to just above his elbows. His dark brown hair was feathered back away from his face in a perfect cut. His light green eyes left no doubt that he had the mother of all hangovers. Before he’d settled into his place at the table, she’d seen the way he filled out those jeans and she could well understand the problems he’d have with the women even if he was just a poor dirt farmer. Add a bank account that would stagger Fort Knox and it was no wonder that the man was the most sought after bachelor in all of northern Texas.

“Good thing I was there,” Rusty said seriously.

Colton nodded. “No telling where I’d be today if you hadn’t hauled me home, but dammit! I hate needing a babysitter everywhere I go. Why do women act like that?”

“I’m not your babysitter. I’m your bodyguard,” Rusty said.

“Money! That’s why women act like that. You don’t remember one bit of it, do you?” Maudie asked.

“I remember drinking one beer and looking out over the crowd. Then I ordered another one and didn’t even finish it,” Colton said. “I’m going up to my room. Maybe later I’ll make some toast or feel like having a milkshake. Right now my head hurts too bad to even chew. Nice meeting you, Laura. I’m real glad that Andy hired you. Now maybe he’ll stop whining like a little girl about how much work he has to do.”

Laura looked up from her plate and pushed her glasses up again. “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Sorry that you don’t feel so good.” Maudie looked at Rusty. “Two beers? Really?”

He shrugged. “We hadn’t been there thirty minutes so he’s probably telling the truth. A tall blonde and a brunette sat down on the bar stools, one on either side of him. She was sneaky about it so I could never prove it, but I do think the blonde put it in his drink while the brunette distracted him.”

Maudie shook her head slowly from side to side when Colton was out of the room. “Now they are drugging him? What are we going to do? One of them is bound to kill him if we don’t think of something.”

Andy laid his fork and knife down and sipped sweet tea. “Money sure brings out the monsters.”

Laura knew a little about the money and the monsters, but from the other side of the fence. She wouldn’t be sitting at the table with Andy that evening if she didn’t, but she did feel sorry for Colton. Andy had told her that the poor man hadn’t had a normal life since he’d gotten rich and that things went from bad to worse every day.

Rusty nodded seriously. He was Andy’s opposite. Where Andy was medium height, overweight, and barely thirty with a full head of curly blond hair and pale blue eyes, Rusty was tall and lanky, had graying hair, and brown eyes set in a face with a ready smile and enough wrinkles to testify to lots of experience.

“I barely got him in the house and on the sofa in the den. I pulled his boots off and threw a cover over him. That the way you found him this morning, Maudie?” Rusty asked.

She shook her head. “He was in his room, passed out on top of his covers. I tried to wake him for breakfast, but it didn’t work. Must’ve been something powerful that the woman dosed him with. He’s strong as a bull.”

Laura had been hired to help Andy in the office, not to sit at the table and hear all about the family’s problems. So the rich cowboy had major issues with the women wanting to lasso him. She had problems with a sister who wouldn’t or couldn’t fight her addiction to gambling. Everyone had their own sad tale of woe, but she didn’t have the time or energy to get involved in Colton’s.

“He’ll live. Enough about our family problems. Laura, please join us for any meals that you want. We want you to feel right at home here on the ranch.” Maudie looked across the table at her.

“Thank you.” Laura squirmed in her seat. She damn sure didn’t plan on eating three meals a day in the big house.

“And what did you do before Andy hired you?” Rusty asked.

“I worked at a greenhouse in Amarillo. The owner sold it and the new owners brought in their own staff. So, Roxie, what grade are you in?” Laura deliberately turned the conversation in a different direction.

“I’ll be a junior this fall,” she said.

“She’s in summer school to make up classes she missed when she skipped school,” Andy said.

Roxie looked at her plate. The gesture reminded her so much of her sister, Janet, that it shot a pang of homesickness through Laura’s heart. “And what are you going to be when you grow up?” Laura asked.

Roxie raised her eyes. “A fashion designer or an interior decorator.”

“That takes college and to go you’ve got to have good grades in school,” Laura said.

“What you ought to do is take lots of computer classes and go to work for the ranch. You’re really good with technology,” Andy said.

Roxie gave him a shy smile. “That’s what Dillon says. Maybe I will change my mind, but right now I just want out of Ambrose. I want to go where nobody knows me.”

Laura had felt the same about Claude, Texas, and there had been two summers that she had to do makeup work at school. Not for skipping classes but for being too shy in those days to raise her hand to answer questions. Janet was the one who had to attend summer school for skipping, and Aunt Dotty had given her extra chores as punishment.

They talked about crops, church, and Roxie’s class schedule, but Laura only listened with one ear. She wondered what Janet was doing that evening. It had been a whole week since they’d hugged and said their good-byes. It would be a long time before they saw each other or even had phone privileges again. If only she’d had another way to get the money to bail Janet out one more time, but she’d had no other recourse than biting the bullet and going to Andy. She just hoped that Janet was holding up her end of the bargain.

At first she was angry at Andy for laying down such rules. She and Janet were sisters and adults. He didn’t have to be such a hard-ass about loaning her the money, but the more she’d thought about it that week, the more she realized that he was a genius. Janet would never stop gambling if she could run to Laura every time she got into trouble.

Andy’s rules had been simple. Number one: they could have no contact, not even phone, emails, or texting until the debt was paid in full. Number two: they could not see each other until the debt was paid in full. Number three: Janet had to stay out of casinos, bingo halls, anything that had to do with gambling, and she had to go to Gambler’s Anonymous twice a week.

Laura shook the rules from her mind and pushed back her chair. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you all. Thank you for supper. I’ll be getting back to the office now to finish up the day’s work.”

“We are glad to have you here on the ranch. Feel free to take any of your meals with us. There’s buffet breakfast and lunch and we sit around the table at supper.” Maudie waved her away with a flick of her wrist.

“Thank you,” Laura said, but she sure did not intend to eat three meals a day with the family. No sir!

“Don’t let Andy chain you to the computer in that office,” Rusty said.

“I’m sure I’ll be out and around more often as soon as we get caught up,” Laura said.

She escaped across the foyer and down the hallway to the small office that she shared with Andy Joe. She flopped down into her office chair, leaned back, laid her glasses on her lap, and pressed her thumbs into her temples. Thank God for Andy and his offer to come to her rescue, but she’d be damned if she made that supper thing a nightly affair. A tuna fish sandwich with peace surrounding her was a lot better than all those eyes on her.

“Hey.” Andy poked his head into the room.

She sat up so quickly that the room did a couple of spins before she got it all under control. “I was just resting my eyes for a minute.” “It’s been a long day, Laura. We’ll finish up those reports tomorrow morning. We’re trying to figure out some things in the dining room. You missed dessert so I brought you a slice of pecan pie.”

“Thank you. Maybe I’ll get a run in tonight before I go to bed,” she said.

“If you get lost in the big town of Ambrose, call me and I’ll come get you. Believe me, Claude is a metropolis compared to Ambrose.” He grinned. He turned off the lights and set the pie on the fax machine. “See you tomorrow morning.”

She stuck her glasses on top of her head, ate every bite of the pie, and headed back toward the kitchen to put the dirty plate away. She could hear the soft drone of voices floating down the hall and stopped in her tracks when she heard her name. She tiptoed closer to the open dining room door and plastered her body against the wall.

“That’s crazy. She’ll never do it,” Rusty said. “And neither will Colton.”

“How do you know? We could at least ask them,” Maudie said.

“I vote that we don’t ask. We just orchestrate it and see what happens,” Andy said.

“I think it’s mean,” Roxie said.

Laura was amazed that the girl spoke up, but what in the devil were they talking about. It had to do with her and Colton and something they’d both never go for… but what?

Rusty’s deep voice carried better than Roxie’s when he said, “She will pitch a fit when she finds out. You might be her cousin, but you’ll be in big trouble, Andy. She don’t fool me one bit hiding behind those glasses. She’s a fighter.”

“Yes, she is. She’s always had to be, but I can handle it,” Andy said.

“It sounds like a good plan, and the only way it will work is if you blindside them with it,” Rusty answered.

“I vote we at least give it a try. Raise your hand if you are with me,” Andy said.

She couldn’t see the vote but rustling said that they had cast their vote and were on their way out of the dining room. She hurried down the foyer and out the back door before she got caught eavesdropping.

“Damn!” she whispered as she climbed the steps to her apartment. They were up to something that involved her and Colton together and she’d sure like to know what it was before it happened.

Her apartment was the upper floor of the old carriage house that now garaged three of the family’s pickup trucks. The sun hung above the treetops like it didn’t know whether it wanted to set that night or just look at the world a while longer. Laura looked at the clock when she opened the door. If she hurried, she could get in a run before dusk.

In Amarillo, Laura had a schedule that included running three times a week in addition to the exercise she got at the greenhouse. And she didn’t eat three huge meals a day. Breakfast was usually yogurt in the middle of the morning, dinner was a salad or a sandwich that she brought from home, and supper was one of those lean frozen dinners that she popped into the microwave.

She changed into her favorite old gray sweat suit, put on her running shoes, and did a few stretches in her room. The night air was pleasant, not too hot for the first week in June, which could be getting close to triple digits hot. She’d started to work for Andy on Saturday morning, the first day of June, and now it was a full week later. The sun dipped behind the tall pecan trees lining the lane as she took off in an easy warm-up trot on the gravel road. By the time she reached the road leading into Ambrose, she had built up a good speed. She didn’t see anyone, not until she reached the T in the road and turned north into Ambrose. Then a rusted-out old pickup slowed down behind her. The driver honked, stuck his hand out the window, and waved as he went on by.

Calling Ambrose a town was a far stretch of the imagination. It had a population of less than a hundred people, and the post office had long since been shut down. Now the mail came out of Bells on a rural route. The old school was the color of the formations at the bottom of the Palo Duro Canyon not far from Amarillo and was now a community center. The yard looked unkempt and she visualized a few lantana plants and iris bulbs along with some coleus set back in the corners to perk it up.

She was about to rest a minute on the community center porch when she noticed the church off to her left. It looked far more inviting with its deep shade and freshly mowed yard. Surely God wouldn’t mind if she caught her breath before she ran back to the ranch. The roses were lovely, the sweet williams were thick and luxurious, and the hedges had been clipped, and the smell of fresh clipped grass filled the evening air. She sat down on the porch steps, leaned forward, and put her head on her knees.

She’d barely taken three good long breaths when the church doors creaked open. Her first thought was that whoever took care of the yard should spray some oil on the hinges. Then she looked up to see a short man in faded jeans, a red bandana rolled up and tied around his forehead, and a big smile on his face.

“Hello. You lost or out for exercise?” His big booming voice sounded like it should have come from a six-foot cowboy like Colton, not a yard man for the church.

“Exercise,” she gasped.

He sat down beside her. “I’m Roger Green, the preacher here at this church. Don’t think I’ve seen you around. Are you new to Ambrose?”

Running in heat must have killed the brain cells that pertained to sight and hearing. The man said he was a preacher? Preachers did not wear sweat rags made from bandanas, and they didn’t wear faded jeans and a red knit shirt with a hole in the sleeve.

“I’m Laura Baker. I work at the Circle 6,” she said.

“Well, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Expect you’ll be in church tomorrow morning with the family?”

Laura didn’t want to lie and say that she’d be sitting on the family pew the next morning, but she wouldn’t make a promise that she had no intention of keeping. “I’m not sure,” she hedged as she stood up and stretched. “Sorry to rush but got to get back to the ranch before it gets dark.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing all y’all tomorrow.” His voice rang out behind her as she sped away.

Church!

Damn!

Did Andy go every single week?

Andy said that since she’d be on a ranch she could wear her jeans and boots. She had brought three or four sundresses for days when jeans and boots were too hot to wear to work, but they weren’t church clothing. Aunt Dotty had always insisted that she and Janet be dressed proper on Sunday morning and that meant sleeves, panty hose, and closed-toed shoes.

She was still worrying about what to wear when she turned the corner into the lane and slowed down to a fast trot to the house. She’d barely sat down on the top porch step to cool off when Colton came out of the house and sat down in the swing.

“Looks like you’ve been running. So what did you think of Ambrose?” he asked.

“What makes you think I ran into town? And I thought you were sick.”

“Preacher called. Said he met you and invited you to come to church with us tomorrow morning. And I’m feeling better.”

“Damn!” Her most overworked swear word slipped out slicker than boiled okra.

“Does that mean no?”

“It means I didn’t bring things for church. I just packed working clothes for the most part.”

“You got a dress?”

“Couple of sundresses.”

“What’s it look like?”

“It’s blue and it doesn’t have sleeves and it only comes to my knee.”

“Sounds fine to me. Wear it and you’ll look great or wear jeans and boots,” Colton said.

She looked over at him. “You must be feeling better.”

“I am, but the thought of heavy food gags me. I’m thinking a snow cone might taste good. You want one?”

He was just being nice, but a rainbow snow cone did sound wonderful. “How far is it to get one?”

“Seven miles over to Bells. They’ve got a place that makes wonderful snow cones. You look hot and I’m ready to put something in my stomach. You might as well ride over with me.”

“Okay,” she said slowly. Was this part of what the family was talking about in the dining room? Had they already let him in on the proposition and now it was just a matter of being nice to her so that she’d get on board? There was only one way to find out.
***
Bells is six miles south of Ambrose on a little two-lane farm road. Colton could easily get there in less than ten minutes, but he poked along at forty-five miles an hour. Laura wore the same jeans and shirt she’d had on at supper. She had changed from boots to running shoes and had rolled the legs of her jeans up to right under her knees. Even with the glasses and the bandana tying all that blond hair back, she was still attractive in a hauntingly cute way. She reminded him of someone but he could not put his finger on it. Maybe it was a woman he’d seen in a bar.

He bit back a groan. Could she be running her own scam on him?

Andy said that she was his cousin and that she needed a job and a loan to get her sister out of gambling debt. She had worked in a greenhouse for eight years but got laid off when it sold; however, she was an expert computer geek just like him. Andy would never lie to him, not in a million years. They’d been friends since day one of kindergarten and Colton would trust Andy with his life. The cousin, not so much! At least not until she proved that she wasn’t pulling the wool over his eyes and poor old Andy’s!

“Look!” His forefinger grazed her breast when he reached across to point out a big buck and his harem of half a dozen does just over the pasture fence.

Heat shot from the tip of his finger through his entire hand. He slapped it back on the steering wheel. It didn’t look like he’d held it over an open campfire, but it damn sure felt like it. He’d been without a woman far too long, but hell’s bells, trusting didn’t come easy even for a casual relationship.

“Wow!” she mumbled.

She pointed up at a flock of ducks coming in for a landing on a farm pond. “They are so graceful. Janet says I was born with no grace at all.”

“Whoever Janet is, don’t believe her. You are very graceful,” he said.

“Janet is my sister,” she said tightly. “Yeah, right! I’m a nerd. I know it. I accept it.”

He changed the subject. “So you have a sister, you worked at a greenhouse, and you like snow cones?”

She continued to look up at the last of the ducks floating down from the sky to the pond.

“Yes, to all of the above.”

“Let’s play the old twenty questions,” he said. “I’ll ask five and then you can ask five. That way I’ll get to know who my best friend in the world has hired and you can get to know your boss.”

Her brows knit together and a veil dropped over her clear blue eyes.

“I thought Andy was my boss. And besides, it takes too long to play twenty questions so let’s just play five questions.”

“He is your immediate supervisor. I’m your boss,” Colton said.

Why didn’t she want to answer simple questions? What was she hiding anyway?

He looked across the cab of the truck at her. “Hey, it’s not bare-thy-soul confession time. Just answer with the first thing that comes to mind. Favorite flower?”

“Daisies.”

“See? That wasn’t so hard. Favorite food?” he asked.

She smiled and the tension between them eased. “Breakfast. Love pancakes, eggs, gravy, sausage, biscuits, bagels, all of it.”

He grinned. “Three more and then it’s your turn. Favorite color?”

She asked, “For what? My favorite color is different for painting my living room than it is for what I would buy to wear or what I like in nature.”

“Nature, then,” he said.

“Emerald green.”

“Why?”

“Because three years ago my sister and I drove to Florida and spent two days on the beach and that’s what color the water was. It reminds me of peace and eternity.”

She sounded as wistful as a child with no money standing in front of the snow cone stand.

“Eternity?” he asked.

“Yes, and that’s your fourth question.” She nodded. “I sat on the beach and looked out across the water and there was nothing but water and sky. I felt like God lived way out there where the emerald green water met the sky. Your eyes are the color of that water, Colton.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Number five, and yes it is. My turn. I already know that your favorite food is steak, so I don’t have to ask that.”

“It is not! It’s pizza.”

She giggled.

He slapped the steering wheel. “That was sneaky.”

“I didn’t ask, so I still have five, but since I did trick you, you can have one more.”

“So what is your sister’s name?”

“Janet Elizabeth Baker.”

“Is she as pretty as you?”

“That’s question six, but I’ll answer it. Janet is much prettier than I am. Now it’s my turn for real. Do you pout when you don’t get what you want?”

He fought the urge to step on the brakes and ask her what kind of question was that anyway. Instead he thought about it and said, “No, I’m not the pouting type.”

“Did you have serious relationships before you got rich?”

Mercy! She was skipping the small stuff and getting right into the heart of the matter.

“A couple,” he answered softly.

“If you could go back and not buy a ranch but travel and enjoy life with your money, would you?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m doing exactly what I want to do. I wouldn’t change any of it, except maybe this problem I’ve got with women.”

“Well, you are sexy and you are a billionaire. That comes with the territory. Now what is it about ranching that you like?”

“All of it! I like plowing and cows and the smell of hay. I like finding a litter of kittens snuggled down in the hay barn. I like new baby calves and all four seasons on the ranch. So you think I’m sexy?”

She pointed. “There is the Bells sign. We are here and that was only four questions so I get another one sometime in the future. Right now I want to eat my first snow cone of the year and think about nothing but how good it tastes. And Colton, I may wear thick glasses, but I’m not blind.”

She’d popped those questions off so fast he scarcely had time to think. If they’d been playing poker instead of twenty questions she would have taken him straight to the cleaners.

He pulled up to the drive-by window on the side of the small snow cone stand and studied the list of flavors. “See something that you like?”

“I want a rainbow with cherry, banana, and grape,” she said without looking at the menu.

If there was a doubt in his mind that she was about to fleece him and Andy both, it disappeared when she ordered the snow cone.

“How did you know that?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

She leaned across the seat and looked at the chart. “Know what? It’s what I always order. Don’t they have those flavors?”

“I heard the lady, and for you?” the teenager asked from the other side of the window.

“The same,” he said.

“You are kidding, right?” Laura said.

“I swear it’s what I always get. Cherry on one side, grape on the other, and a thin strip of banana in the middle.”

He was onto her and she wouldn’t get away with it. She and her sister had cooked up something and dragged poor old Andy into the middle of it. There was no better way to get suckered into a first-class con than inviting it to come live in the house.

“So where to now?” he asked.

“To the school yard to eat them while we swing,” she said.

Yes, sir, that girl had done her homework.

Laura was cute as a bug’s ear and as unimposing as a child with those thick glasses and her big blue eyes, but there was no way that it was coincidence that she ate the same flavor snow cone as he did or that she liked to sit on the school yard swings while she did.

He drove to the elementary school and parked in the lot beside the playground, got out of the truck, and was rounding the backside of it when she opened her own door. She slurped up a mouthful of cherry syrup from the side of the cone-shaped paper cup and headed toward the swings.

Her lips and tongue were stained bright red from the cherry syrup. Colton kept stealing glances toward her full mouth after they’d sat down on the swings. Would they be warm and inviting or cold as the snow cone?

“I love rainbow snow cones even better than ice cream, and I really, really love homemade banana ice cream,” she said.

“Aha, and I didn’t even ask what your favorite dessert is.”

“That’s not my favorite dessert. It’s just something I like.”

“I’d ask you the question, but then you’d want to ask one, right?”

She nodded. “Tit for tat.”

“So you worked on a ranch, did you?”

“I lived on one until I was eighteen,” she answered. “Now I get to ask one. Why are you asking?”

“Just thought that when Andy gets caught up that you might drive a tractor or whatever else needs done. There’s always room for extra help during the summer and after this month the computer business slows down a little,” he said.

He waited for her reaction, expecting her to stutter and stammer her way around the fact that she didn’t know a blessed thing about real ranch work. Sure, Andy said that she’d lived on a ranch with her great-aunt, but that didn’t mean she’d done any work there.

“Sure. I’ll do whatever needs to be done until I can get Andy paid,” she said. “It’s just like riding a bicycle. It all comes back to a person. I kind of like getting outside to work.” Her tongue was turning purple now that she was working on the grape side.

“I’ll talk to Andy. He’s been a lifesaver even when the women started hounding me. Guess a billionaire sounds better to gold diggers than a plain old millionaire.” Using the straw/spoon combination, he shoveled a bite of pure banana into his mouth. “I just want to go to the feed store without worrying about a paternity suit. He said that he was working on a plan to help me out, but he didn’t want to tell me the details just yet. I just hope he’s not sending off to Russia to buy me a wife from one of those places you hear about on the Internet.”

She smiled. “Is it really that bad?”

“Worse.”

She giggled. “What would you do if he did?”

“Fire his sorry ass. That’s where I draw the line. You don’t buy people and I sure don’t want a woman that I didn’t pick out or one that I can’t understand.” He laughed with her.

She looked so danged cute with a purple tongue and cherry red lips.

“Andy wouldn’t do that for real anyway. I was just joking,” Colton said.

“You must feel better,” she said.

She pushed out of the swing and carried her empty paper cone to the trash can. He followed her and together they walked back to his truck. He opened the door for her and she hiked a hip up onto the seat. He reached across her to fasten the seat belt like a gentleman and looked up right into her mesmerizing blue eyes.

He cleared his throat and stepped back quickly. He had doubts about her and he’d be damned if he played into her scam by kissing her.

They were back on the ranch in less than an hour. She bailed out of the truck before he had time to open the door and hurried toward the carriage house, throwing a word of thanks over her shoulder for the snow cone.
***
The sound of her boot heels on the wooden steps leading up to her tiny apartment made the same sound that they did when she climbed the steps to her apartment in Amarillo. Janet lived there now and hopefully she’d keep the rent paid and the place clean.

Laura had learned to like the rut she’d fallen into the past week. It would work really well until she was ready to leave. No commitments, except to hold up her end of the bargain with Andy. No friendships, except with Andy, and she’d been his friend since they were kids.

She went into the office at eight every morning, ate a sandwich while she worked at noon, and then took an hour break at supper before going back to finish up for the day. Andy said that once they got caught up, she’d have Saturdays and Sundays off each week, but they’d worked all day on Saturday and Sunday afternoon when he got home from church the first weekend. The one redeeming thing about working so many hours was that she could pay off her note to Andy faster with all the overtime.

She flipped a switch just inside the door and wished she had never agreed to go to supper that evening. Less than four hours had already turned her life around.

First there was supper with the family, then meeting the preacher, and going for a snow cone. And she still didn’t know what Andy was talking about when he and the rest of the family were discussing her and Colton. She really believed the snow cone trip had been a spur-of-the-moment thing. She was very good at reading people and he couldn’t have had an underlying motive or she would have seen it.

A single lamp illuminated the small efficiency apartment. A bank of cabinets covered the south wall of the apartment. A small sink, apartment-sized stove, and under-the-counter dorm-sized refrigerator made it into a kitchen. The queen-sized bed took up a chunk of the remaining area. A rocker/recliner faced a television at the foot of the bed, and a doorway right beside it led into a bathroom.

That is where Laura headed, leaving clothing and running shoes in her wake. She turned on the water in an old cast-iron claw-foot tub and crawled into it as it filled. She leaned on the sloped back and shut her eyes. Had she missed a nuance in Colton’s actions? He’d changed slightly when she ordered the rainbow snow cone, but that’s what she always got. He’d ordered the same one, so what was the big deal? Then he’d had a strange expression when she wanted to go to the school playground, but again, that was her favorite place to go.

It always reminded her of summertime in Amarillo. When Aunt Dotty finished at the feed store and the grocery store, she would let Janet and Laura have a snow cone—if they’d been good that week. And she’d take them to the school playground to swing while they ate it. That was the highlight of their Saturday afternoons when they were kids.

She worked her toes around the faucet handle and turned off the water without sitting up. Andy said the old tub was still in the apartment because they’d have to take a wall out to remove it. She was glad no one had wanted it gone because it had become her refuge—the place where she escaped to each evening while she tried to convince herself that keeping her promise to Andy was the right thing to do when she wanted to call Janet so badly. Just hearing her voice would be enough, but she’d agreed not to even talk to her.

Knowing that Andy was right didn’t make it a bit easier. After all, Janet was her sister and Andy was just a distant cousin. True, without him, she might not have a sister. But she’d always taken care of Janet. Could she really, really practice tough love, as Andy called it, this late in the game?

She leaned back and stared at the ceiling, her thoughts going back to the broken bits of conversation she’d overheard and the snow cone incident. She had moved past that and was thinking about a new computer firewall program when she dozed off, awaking a while later to chill bumps on her bare arms and a kink in her neck. She quickly sat up and pulled the rubber plug, letting the cold water drain as she got out and wrapped a towel around her body. She dried off on the towel and draped it over the side of the tub. She had just finished pulling her favorite tattered old flannel robe over a faded nightshirt when someone knocked on the door.

No one had ever come to visit before. It wasn’t fair to get her first visitor when her clothing was strewn from door to bathroom and a wet towel was crumpled on the floor. Lord, she hoped it wasn’t Colton.

“Hey, Laura, you in there?” Andy yelled.

She slung open the door. “Come in.”

Andy’s grin brightened the room. He’d always been a teddy bear—slightly overweight, wearing his jeans below his belly, and addicted to T-shirts from country music concerts. His curly hair never looked like it had been cut, and his round face always looked slightly scruffy but his blue eyes were as honest as an angel’s. She’d always known that Andy would do anything for her. That’s why she called him when she had no other place to turn.

“Naw,” he said. “I just come to invite you to church with me tomorrow morning. Sorry, I didn’t think about it last week. Ambrose is just a little bitty place, but we got a pretty nice congregation. It’ll get you out and into the community.”

“I met the preacher this evening when I was out jogging. I sat down on the church steps to catch my breath. He asked me to come to church tomorrow but I skirted the issue. That’s my day to do laundry and catch up on my housework. It takes a lot of work to keep a place this size clean,” she said.

He leaned against the doorjamb. “I remember when I first came to the ranch and lived here. Man, it took me all of fifteen minutes every Sunday morning. You can do your laundry tomorrow afternoon after church. The utility room is available in the afternoon as well as the morning.”

“We work on Sunday afternoon,” she said.

“Not this week. We’re going to church and you are going to do laundry and then maybe catch up on some rest. Pick you up at ten thirty. Church starts at eleven. Oh, and Maudie says to ask you to eat with the family from now on,” Andy said.

The skin on the back of Laura’s neck prickled, kind of like when Janet looked at her with a deer-in-the-headlights stare that said she was in trouble again. She tried to think of an excuse not to go to church but nothing, not one thing, came to mind. Yet, that little voice in the back of her mind kept screaming that Andy had something hiding behind that teddy bear facade. She told herself that she was seeing demons in the shadows because of what she’d heard that evening. Hell, nothing could happen at church. All those righteous people, the preacher, and even God would be there.

“I’ll be ready,” she said and immediately wished she could cram the words back into her mouth. But truth was, she owed Andy big-time and if he wanted her to go to church, then she’d go.

“That’s great. Preacher Roger delivers a good sermon and you’ll love the singing. See you in the morning, then.”

She stood in the open door and watched him all the way across the yard and into the back door of the house. Was he going to try to fix her up with a preacher? Well, he could just wake up and smell the coffee. She didn’t have time for romance. And even if she was looking for a relationship, it wouldn’t be with a preacher.

Copyright Carolyn Brown & Sourcebooks Casablanca

Grab your copy of BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY here...
Amazon Print / Amazon Digital / Sourcebooks

About the Author
Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages . As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter ... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. Then my daughter started sleeping at night and my writing got shoved into the corner until all three kids were grown. I drug it back out and pursued my dream. Fourteen years after I sold my first book, under the pen name, Abby Gray, I made the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists with my 50th book.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren. (Note: I was a very young grandmother!) Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata of Folio Management Agency, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my fabulous editor, Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks and the editors of Amazon Publishing, who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!
Carolyn Brown

Learn more about Carolyn here...
Website / Email / Sourcebooks Author Page

Ali is so excited about this release she is giving two lucky readers their choice of a digital or print copy of
Billion Dollar Cowboy
by
Carolyn Brown

Leave a comment below to be entered

Stay Tuned to Simply Ali Giant Winners List to be announced soon!!

Giveaway & Cover Reveal! Beauty Bites by Mary Hughes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

We are excited to reveal the cover of
Author Mary Hughes latest release
Beauty Bites

Beauty Bites
by
Mary Hughes

Biting Love, Book 6

Beauty is skin deep…but the beast goes all the way.

When top Minneapolis ad man Ric Holiday is asked to design a campaign for a quaint little town, his first reaction is absolutely not. Meiers Corners is too near Chicago, home of the vampire who turned him as an orphaned boy.

Then the city sends an angel-faced med student with a body made for sin to plead their case. Synnove Byornsson is the ray of sunshine Ric hasn’t felt since he was human.

Armed with determination and a micro miniskirt, Synnove is prepared to crash Holiday’s penthouse cocktail party—and to dislike him on sight. But Mr. All-Style-No-Substance turns out to have a deadly smile, a barely restrained, feral strength, and piercing blue eyes that look at her—not at her cleavage.

Unfortunately Synnove has competition in the form of a sly temptress with a counterproposal. For the first time in her life, Synnove must cash in her genetic lottery ticket and fire back with some sizzle of her own—or her beloved Meiers Corners could become the new Sin City.

Warning: Contains a doctor with a bod for sin, an ad exec with a chip on his shoulder, sarcasm, sex, and a cabin full of annoying friends. Secrets are revealed. One heart-stopping, horrific moment leads to the ultimate of happily-ever-afters.

Excerpt
It was all fun and games until the gun hit my skull.

Thud. A bright pain cracked in my brain, telling me the mountainous hostage-taker had brought his own weapon to bear.

Almost immediately something heavy plowed into us, spinning me away from the gun. I staggered to a stop.

My sight cleared to Ric, wrestling the mountain.

The big goon seized Ric with one arm, hugging him close like he was going to give him noogies. But the gun in his noogie hand made reality more chilling.

Ric shimmered, and suddenly the mountain was holding a cloud of mist.

Vampire fighting technique? I cheered before it occurred to me to wonder why Ric hadn’t used it before and why the shadowman helping us hadn’t used it at all.

The edge of Ric’s mist caught a stray beam of sunlight. It instantly combusted—poof. My elation turned to horror.

Ric snapped back into being like a rubber band. His cheek was seared open, exposing red muscle surrounded by blackened, bubbling skin. But he lost no time raising his bound hands, swinging, and whacked the bad guy’s head with fists like a mallet.

The mountain swayed but didn’t go down. Ric spun, once, twice, winding up his whole body behind it, and whacked him again.

Still the guy didn’t go down. My heart tripped double time. The mountain swept his gun toward Ric.

I leaped at them. Went oof when I hit the shadow’s arm, stuck out like a bar. I folded over it like a cheap towel and staggered back.

Ric slid into the rifle.

The mountainous goon opened fire as Ric knocked the gun to the side—the side where the ogre-like head hostage-taker stood.

Ogre Face ducked and covered. A spray of bullets rat-a-tat-tatted a line where his head had been.

Ric chopped his forearms across the mountain’s right wrist. The mountain howled, both arms flying up in defense, right hand dangling with a protruding lump at the wrist presenting as broken. The gun fell to hang from its clip. The mountain groped for it with his left hand.

Ric grabbed the big man’s balls.

The guy shrieked. Ric wrenched. The mountain dropped, curling on the floor like a shrimp. Apparently Ric also had a grip like a nut crusher.

“Stop!”

I whipped around. Ogre Face pointed his gun at my head. He rasped, “You’re dead.”

Terror burned that instant into my head like a snapshot. I stood facing the ogre. About ten feet separated us. Behind me was the hostage-lined bank of windows, the shadowman already running toward them. A few feet to my right, the mountain goon curled on the floor, Ric breathing deeply over him.

Both Ric and I were too far away to stop the ogre from shooting.

“Down!” The shadowman pushed hostages to the floor, starting with the ones in Ogre Face’s direct line of fire. Well, if you didn’t count me.

Ric leaped.

My knees started to bend.

Ogre Face pulled the trigger.

Ric wouldn’t hit him in time, even though he’d leaped before the ogre pulled the trigger.

The gun went off. **** I turned.

Ric Holiday in his full sizzling glory was right on top of me.

I stepped back, spine hitting the edge of the elevator shaft. My nipples reached out as if trying to stay in touch. *The erection of the mammary papilla is due to muscle contraction, like the pilomotor reflex which causes goose bumps*—Stupid nipples. “What do you want?” I spoke a bit sharply, but his heat and heady scent had goosed my frustration into borderline rudeness. I flushed but held my place. Well, fused against the corner of the shaft, I had to.

He stared down into my eyes, his own frustrated too. “I want to explain.”

“You made it clear enough. Me and Camille at the O.K. Corral, one week from today.” I looked away. The elevator was leaving.

“Synnove.” He slid two strong fingers under my chin and urged my face back to him. The blue had softened. “I’m sorry.”

“Why? There’s worse?” I scowled, but I had to work at it. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? Why did his fingers have to be so gentle, so warm? “You’re going to make us bikini mud wrestle?”

“Ouch.” He smiled slightly. “I deserve that.”

“No,” I grumped. “You don’t. But you’re getting it anyway.”

The grin slowly widened, making his whole face edible. “The vaunted Byornsson honesty. I’m beginning to see the advantages.”

And I was beginning to see the advantages of hot sexy sizzle. But no way I was admitting that to him. Not lying, just omission, which is not a lie. Mostly. When my lips parted to say something that was not a lie and definitely wasn’t about how sexy he was, his eyes darkened. “Shh.”

He replaced the two fingers on my chin with two cupping hands, holding my face gently, like it was something precious. Like I was precious.

My lips stayed parted but no words came out.

In that moment of silence, he lowered his head. Slowly, so I could have stopped him.

Should have stopped him.

Did not want to.

He’s nothing but image.

Image and intense pleasure.

The lips have one of the highest density of nerve endings in the body…

Argh. Shut up and kiss him.

While I was arguing with myself his warm mouth settled on mine, tongue sliding deftly between my lips. It rasped my sensitive skin, rubbing my lips awake like a thorough toweling. A steamed towel, hot and wet.

Confused feelings fled. I gave a little moan and opened wider.

He swept inside, all spice and heat. He groaned, a sound of masculine hunger. His questing mouth, his hot kiss, said lust plain and clear. Yet his hands were tender on my face, his sweet caress speaking of something beyond sex, a closeness that transcended the physical.

Happiness blossomed in my heart. Our groans were intertwined, mutual. For this one moment, the battle was suspended and we were on the same side. His fingers tunneled into my hair, holding me firmly while his tongue drove deeper. He pressed closer yet, pinning me to the edge of the elevator shaft with his body, imprinting me with every muscle, every bulge, every place he was hard and primitive under his worsted.

I rippled against him and moaned softly in response. If he could generate this kind of pressure standing, how would the weight of his body feel, pressing me into a mattress?

At the thought I nearly exploded.

He shifted me, his powerful hands urging me away from where the corner of the elevator was digging into my spine and guiding me onto the wall. There he pressed me into vinyl wallpaper and kissed me like he was starving for me. The honest hunger in his kiss undid me. I grabbed his head and kissed him back with everything I had.

A big hand slid up my ribs, sparking a trail of heat, stopping under my breast. The mound throbbed, waiting, wanting, yearning for that hot hand to slide up the curve, to touch my delicate and private flesh. To brand it as his own. My soft moans shortened to whimpers, and I arched to thrust my breast more fully into his hand.

A deep rumbling started, a lion’s purr. His hand moved, fingers barely brushing the bottom curve. I stopped breathing. His fingers skimmed higher, circling nearer, nearer to the hardening tip. I twitched in anticipation, greedy for his touch on sensitive flesh barely covered by a thin blouse and the wispiest scallop of lace. Bless Twyla’s endless supply of sexy bras.

Finally, finally his thumb scraped my nipple. I shrieked into his mouth, jerking against him. My nipple furled instantly, wordlessly urging him again, more, now.

He opened his hand and covered my breast, his heat searing. Slotting the nipple between two fingers, he began to pump and tug gently, rhythmically squeezing, pulling. I thought I’d go insane from the sweet soft tugging.

Until he replaced the hand with his mouth.

His lips closed on my erect nipple through thin blouse and bra, breath wetting the material until he could have been sucking directly on flesh. It was the dream become real; it was better. More aroused than I’d been in my life, I grabbed his ears and beat my hips into him, not thinking at all, just moving. A pressure built between my legs, a hot, heavy throbbing that made me want him on his back and me naked and clamping him between my thighs.

A ding startled me; my eyes flew open. The elevator, which had gone and come back again, disgorged half a dozen professional-looking people.

About the Author
Hugs from Hughes!

I read a lot to balance the insanity of a couple tear-around-the-house grandcats (*crash* skitter skitter), a husband who reads anything and everything at the speed of light, and two adults who are still my kids.

My husband is my partner. I met him in high school music theory class. He walked in and I thought he was the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen, the Man of My Dreams. Then he opened his mouth and promptly got into an argument with another kid. Eventually I figured out real-life guys are much better than dream-guys—a lot more work, but worth it.

I've worked as everything from a cleaning temp to project manager for global clients. Currently I'm a musician, computer consultant and author. I live in the United States Midwest.

Learn more about Mary here...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Mary is giving one lucky reader a book from her backlist!

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Giveaway! A Buck A Book, Win A Nook from Decadent Publishing!! Featuring Author Arlene Webb!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Happy Monday Everyone! We are so excited to be hosting
Decadent Publishing's
A Buck A Book, Win A Nook Contest
but more importantly we are thrilled to welcome
Author Arlene Webb!

My name is Arlene Webb, and I’m a lucky author who has two stories currently in an amazing sale. If you haven’t read any of DP’s famous one night stand stories or the ones featured, now’s the time to check it out. Another series that just started this year, the Prepper romance, will hopefully grow to include hundreds of five star stories as well.

Last Request (1 Night Stand Series)
by
Arlene Webb

Secrets:
Joan not only knows how to keep them, she hoards information. After all, blurting truths could prolong her life and that’s not something she’s willing to allow.

As a renowned journalist, exposing lies is Wesley’s job, but being honest extends to revealing his own agenda as well. He admits on the application he’s been asked to write a story kicking up any dirt he can on Madam Evangeline’s dating service.

Desires:
Joan has a reputation to uphold. Labeled a promiscuous monster, authorities shouldn’t be surprised her offer to finally tell them where the skeletons are comes at a price. One date, one night, one final fling.

Wesley doesn’t need one date, one night, a simple fling. Women eyeball him all the time. He knows some hookup service can’t find him his heart’s desire, a sweetheart to cherish for a long and committed lifespan, but he won’t make it a slam-dunk for them by saying otherwise.

Warning Notice:
If secrets stay buried and desire is feared instead of embraced, electricity will flow and not in a good way.

Excerpt
May 15, 2035

Dear Madame Evangeline,

As you can see by my attached application, I am an ideal candidate for your matching service. Unless you believe in ghosts (ha ha), it’ll be impossible for me to breach contract by attempting to find anyone who wishes to remain a stranger after a one-night stand.

This would surely be a risk-free set up for any potential date. Please consider leaving out details of my identity, as I fear opportunistic journalists/news reporters. With that in mind, I left the preferred height, weight, shape, race, personality, and so forth options blank. Clean with an XY chromosome is more than I deserve, and all this sinner would hope for. If you’re wondering how one such as me could have the audacity to even contact you, well, what do I have to lose? I beg pardon for my crudeness, but seeing as electrocution is currently an acceptable form of execution in this sovereign state, I’ve fantasized for months about a bang the night prior to the roast.

I have the means to persuade the warden into allowing this rendezvous to happen. Authorities may agree just to avoid agitation between the anticipated media spectacle and me. There’s been much controversy concerning a woman in the electric chair for the first time in a decade, and the warden expects I’ll remain steadfast in my refusal to appeal or prolong the inevitable. With consideration of my right to exit this world sooner rather than later, I anticipate every home within a thousand mile radius will have their power off Saturday afternoon, two weeks from today.

I’ll be moved to the D ward shortly and unable to converse further with anyone but the chaplain and warden. Please consider this my last request.

Sincerely,
Prison number 24609
Joan Bennett

Grab your copy of LAST REQUEST here...
Amazon / Decadent Publishing

Falling for Water (A Prepper Romance)
by
Arlene Webb

Water.

What Cassi thought was a simple obsession with clean water has taken over her life. When she orders a distiller online to replace the one smashed by her abusive boyfriend, she gets more than she bargained for.

Enter a man with a badge, hunting a terrorist, and Cassi is his number one suspect. Not only is she struggling with her fixation on pure H2O, she has to prove she’s not the one he’s looking for—only she kind of wishes she was. Before she knows it, Cassi is in over her head.

Justice.

Ray had everything, until a random crime ends badly and he’s left to hold to his grief or make changes in his life. Charming his way into people’s personal business—slapping on the cuffs as needed—gives him reason to get up in the morning. When he falls headfirst into another chance at love, he must take the plunge without hesitation or risk losing more than his heart.

As the pair join hands, sparks fly as well as bullets, leaving Cassi and Ray to wonder if the universe could right itself. Will the past reach out and drown their chance for happiness?

Excerpt
He stared at her, his expression wary. “And I’m thrilled you’re so into evolution, variation, and moving toward different things. I…er…just wondered, do you have a problem with saliva?”

“Saliva? What the hell are you talking about?”

He smiled. Not slow and lazy, not sweet and gentle, but the wolf smile she’d seen at the bar. “You admitted a thing with water right away. So what I’m hearing is no, I love saliva. Go ahead and slap me, and…maybe I’ll stop.” He grabbed her, yanked her up, and took her lips with his.

Ray tried for gentle and slow, but the moment his lips locked onto hers it felt like he had to make this the kiss of a lifetime or she’d slip through his fingers and disappear. She’d either run screaming from yet another bully who took advantage of a vulnerable state, or she’d fall through the cracks of the justice system and out of his reach.

From his mouth to hers, he yearned to dive in fast and hard, plundering with his tongue until she opened more than her heart to him by confiding an intense trauma. He wanted the supple and beautiful body rolled over him as well.

He deepened the kiss, and his heartbeat pounded faster and faster as the tension left her shoulders. She melted into him, soft and sweetly yielding to his aggressive hardness, and she began kissing him back.

His careful exploration, the tip of tongue easing along the seams of her mouth, forced his lust into an easy, steady climb as lips meshed, escalating on the roller coaster scale to maybe a five, a first-time kiss like when a boy walks a girl to her door.

Forget that. It was no-hold-back time. He was too into the taste and feel of this woman to strive for less, and he had to bring her over the edge with him. Plunge down and down into the world-is-about-to-end type kiss. A kiss that’d stay with her, marking her as his own.

Grab your copy of FALLING FOR WATER here...
Amazon / Decadent Publishing

Thank you, so much, Ali for hosting me today. Happy reading!
Sincerely,
Arlene Webb

About the Author
Sci-fi, paranormal, thriller-mystery, indefinable, I’m an author who adds sweet and spicy layers of romance to any genre.

I was born in upstate New York, land of cows, snow, drizzle and sometimes a ray of sun. Mom played with bacteria as a lab technician, read many magazines and books, made up charts for chores, cooked and cleaned, and drank vodka upon occasion. Dad worked for the phone company, fixed things, built houses, decapitated chickens, shot deer, and drank vodka and beer as often as possible.

Second oldest with four siblings, I spent my childhood reading everything I could get my hands on. Adolescence found me questioning the validity of everything I read, along with acquiring the usual scars of high school.

Early twenties, I headed for the Pacific. A stop off to visit a friend in the desert turned into years in Tucson, Arizona. I worked as a waitress, bartender, greenhouse worker, greyhound trainer, while swapping a pysch major for one in plant sciences at the University of Arizona. Fired for skipping employee meetings at restaurants, employee gambling at the dogtrack, refusing to use live rabbits as bait, it fell to planting cacti and bartending to pay my way through college.

My late twenties found me running family owned greenhouses and florist shops in New York. When the reality of retail life became too mundane to handle, I began an obsessive love of creating more interesting worlds.

Learn more about Arlene here...
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

From now until June 30th if you buy any of the books below you are entered to Win A Nook! And it gets better...all of these awesome titles from Decadent Publishing are just a Buck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What a fun event Decadent Publishing is hosting! Thank you to Author Arlene Webb and Decadent for including us in their event. Don't forget to check out all the other authors as they make their way across the net...check out the schedule HERE

Like what you see...check out what other great titles Decadent has to offer!

Decadent Publishing

Interview & Giveaway! One Night With A Rake byConnie Mason & Mia Marlowe!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

We are very happy to welcome Author
Mia Marlowe
and her latest release
One Night With A Rake
to Simply Ali!!

One Night with a Rake (Regency Rakes)
by
Connie Mason & Mia Marlowe

For King and Country, Three Notorious Rakes Will Put All Their Seductive Skills to Work.
After All, The Fate of England's Monarchy is in Their Hands.

Since the death of his fiancée, Nathaniel Colton's polished boots have rested beneath the beds of countless wayward wives and widows of the ton. He's careful to leave each lady smiling, and equally careful to guard his heart. So seducing Lady Georgette should pose no problem. But the beautiful reformist is no easy conquest, and Nate's considerable charm fails to entice Georgette to his bed. To woo her, Nate will have to make her believe he cares about someone besides himself--and no one is more surprised than Nate when he realizes he actually does.

Praise for One Night with a Rake:
“Passionate interludes and scintillating twists and turns will entice historical fans.” —Publishers Weekly

“Mason and Marlowe pen another seductive winner... Lots of interesting characters, plenty of action and passionate, wicked adventures!” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Grab your copy of ONE NIGHT WITH A RAKE here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books a Million / IndieBound / Chapters/Indigo / Discover a New Love / Sourcebooks

What is your favorite scene from One Night with a Rake? Why?

The waltz scene. My heroine Georgette is something of a klutz and prior to an important ball at which she expects to receive a proposal from His Highness the Duke of Cambridge, her dance master has been putting her through her paces so rigorously, she’s convinced she can do nothing right. My hero Nate shows her how to waltz and restores her confidence in herself. The scene ends with Nate pressing her against the wall and kissing her thoroughly.

How has the way you read romance novels changed since you became a writer?

I’m constantly “going to school” on the work of other authors. I study how they OV shifts, pacing, plot points, etc. That’s why when I find an author who really sucks me into her story, who makes me forget I’m a writer too, I treasure her. She is writing for me.

What has been your most embarrassing or memorable moment since becoming a published author?

That would have to be a moment at the RT Convention back in 2007. I’d been waiting for the UP elevator for what seemed like ages. Finally, I decided I’d get in the next elevator, no matter whether it was going up or down. The door opened and revealed that it was filled with Ellora’s Cave Men. I crowded in and announced, “I’m going down with you guys.” The door whirred closed and silence reigned for about ten heartbeats. Then I said, “That did not come out right.” Being gentlemen at heart, the guys all laughed and agreed that it sounded just fine to them.

Now I tend to wait for the right elevator, however long it takes.

What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?

For Silk Dreams (coming August 2013) which is set in a harem, I took belly dancing lessons with one of my sisters. It was excellent exercise and really got me into the mind set of my epileptic heroine who’d been sold into slavery because her family believed she was “witched.” If you’d like to be notified when it comes out, I hope you’ll pop over to my website http://www.miaamarlowe.com and sign up for my newsletter.

I just got back from a 12 day cruise around the British Isles, which was partly to celebrate my being cancer free for 4 years and our wedding anniversary, and partly for me to do some hand’s on research for upcoming titles. I’m pleased to confirm that I’ve accepted contracts for more novels for both Sourcebooks and Kensington.

Do you have a book of the heart you haven’t yet written that you’re dying to write? Can you tell us about it, and why you’re drawn to the idea so much?

I love historical romance, but sometimes, I like to play with cross-genres. I have an idea for a paranormal Regency that’s sort of a “Leverage” type group meets Jane Austen in King George III’s Court. The series is called The Order of the Muse. His Grace, the Duke of Camden, has recruited (some say ‘coerced’) gifted individuals from all strata of society to join his Metaphysical Union of Sensual Extraordinaires. Their purpose is to protect the Crown from arcane weapons of a psychic bent. The duke fears that one such malicious object may have slipped by them and is responsible for King George III’s periodic descents into lunacy. There may be no help for His Majesty, but Camden intends to see that a similar fate doesn’t overcome “Prinny,” the Prince of Wales. If you’d like a taste of the story, I’ve posted the first 6 chapters on my Website!

About the Author
Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida. Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston. Together, they are working on the next book in the Royal Rakes series, Between a Rake and a Hard Place, which will be in stores in January 2014. For more information, please visit
Connie's Website, Mia's Website.

Leave a comment or question for Mia to be entered in the random drawing for a print copy of
Waking Up with a Rake.US/Canada only.
Mia would also like to offer a second commenter winner’s choice of one of her Rock*It Reads ebooks, (Check out her Books page for Mia’s many R*IR titles! Rock*It Reads ) open to readers internationally wherever Kindle books are available.

Thank you Mia for joining us today and offering our
readers a fab giveaway!

Vampire Elite Tour by Irina Argo!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Vampire Elite (Vampire Elite Series, Volume 1)
by
Irina Argo

How can you make a choice between saving your people and destroying the one you love?

A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing members of another race of immortal beings, the Amiti, forcing them to become their blood suppliers—bloodstock—and locking them in underground cells, where they are treated like livestock. Now, the few remaining free Amiti are making a final attempt to strike back. The Queen of the Amiti has been proclaimed a traitor and executed. Her death makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who becomes the last hope of her dying race.

Arianna totally embraces her mission and is ready to fight for her people to the last drop of her blood but encounters an unexpected challenge—the vampire King Tor. The Amiti Queen and the King of the vampires are drawn into a trap of love where each has to make the ultimate choice: to kill their loved one or risk the extermination of their people.

Vampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two peoples, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers.

Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

Grab your copy of VAMPIRE ELITE here...
Amazon

About the Authors

Irina’s world is dark. She works as a clinical psychologist in a Juvenile Correctional Facility dealing with the extremes of human behavior on a regular basis and takes care of her paralyzed husband who suffered a stroke several years ago. To bring light into her life she writes. Writing has always been her passion. She is originally from Russia where she was employed as a TV journalist.

Jo-An is a Leo, a lioness who has emerged to follow her dream, to someday write a book of her own. She owned a costume shop for 15 years and was able to satisfy and excel in her creative nature. She is an over-achiever and believes that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and ignore the nay-sayers. Her philosophy is based on Shakespeare “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” She currently resides in California with her 5 cats and 1 husband.

Learn more about the authors and series Facebook

Hot New Release! Interview + Giveaway! Just One Night: Binding Agreement by Kyra Davis!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

NOW ON-SALE
The intoxicating conclusion to the Just One Night series JUST ONE NIGHT: BINDING AGREEMENT by Kyra Davis!

Just One Night, Part 3: Binding Agreement
by
Kyra Davis

In this erotic trilogy from critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis, a buttoned-up businesswoman finds herself under the power of a mysterious and intensely sexy man, both in the boardroom and in bed.

Their one wild night in a Vegas hotel changed everything for Kasie. Sleeping with a powerful, sexy stranger made her rethink her impending marriage, and a whole lot more. But as her affair threatens her job and the sexy billionaire Robert Dade becomes more controlling, Kasie has to figure out if her passion is leading her down a path she really wants. She’s seduced by his gifts of power, success, and adventure, she’s overwhelmed by what he can make her feel with a single touch, the way he can make her ache for him with just a look. But is the cost of absolute power and pleasure a price Kasie can afford? And does she truly know this man who says he can give her everything…or is he still a stranger after all?

Grab your copy of JUST ONE NIGHT:BINDING AGREEMENT here...
Amazon

Check out books 1 & 2...

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger
by
Kyra Davis

Kasie knows who she's supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be. You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it's the dress, much shorter than she'd ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she's thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that's engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.

Grab your copy of JUST ONE NIGHT:THE STRANGER here...
Amazon

Just One Night, Part 2: Exposed
by
Kyra Davis

Part 2 of the Just One Night series. One passionate night with a stranger turned Kasie's world upside down, and just when she thought she was getting the hang of things, her fiancé finds out...You should sleep with a stranger--those words whispered in her ear by her best friend became a challenge Kasie took to heart. Suddenly, the man who gave her the most shocking pleasure in that upscale Vegas hotel--a man whose name she never bothered to find out--is her company's biggest client.

As this unknown man becomes Mr. Dade at the office, and Mr. Dade becomes Robert in the bedroom, Kasie discovers her true nature and begins to question the carefully controlled, modest image she has crafted to please her family and friends. But when her fiancé, Dave, finds out, his rage and desire to both keep her and punish her could cost her everything--including Robert, the only man who has wanted Kasie for who she really is and the only man who makes her feel truly alive.

Grab your copy of JUST ONE NIGHT:EXPOSED here...
Amazon

Is there an author that makes you go all "fangirl?"

I might freakout a little bit if I met Ann Rice, Terry Pratchett or Maya Angelou. Those authors are just on a whole 'nother level. That said, when I went to Bauman Rare Books and held a signed first edition of a F. Scott Fitzgerald book I almost fainted. Still can't get over that I got to touch something he touched.

The world is under attack and you are forced to run for your life. You only have room for one book in your survival kit, what book do you take?

Ooh, this is hard...I want to say Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow because I could read that book again and again, but then there's Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall which is not only beautifully written and engaging it's also very, very long. I gotta think that if you're going to only bring one book you want it to be a big one.

Who are your favorite literary characters? (Yours or someone else's)

I think my favorite literary character is The Vampire Lestat. I've had a crush on him since I was a teen.

When did you fall in love...with writing?

I've always loved to write but I didn't fall in love with writing until I went through my divorce. It was a really tough time and I desperately needed an escape. So I started writing a book to create that escape for myself. Somewhere along the line I realized that writing could be more than just an escape but also a new direction and in essence, a new dream. In other words, Writing was more than a rebound guy. That book I was writing was Sex, Murder And A Double Latte and it earned me a three book contract with a major publishing house. So Writing isn't just my Love, it's also my savior.

Are you a plotter or fly by the seat of your pants writer?

I'm both. I start by just writing by the seat of my pants. By the time I've written about 50 pages I have a better feel for the characters and what they will or will not do and then I write an outline, plot out the story, do a little rewriting and forge ahead.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of writing?

Hanging out with the people who fill my life with so much happiness. My son, my fiancé, my family and friends...they're the ones who make my life truly rich.

About the Author
I'm the internationally published author of the Sophie Katz mystery series, and So Much For My Happy Ending. My first Erotic Fiction Trilogy will be released in January 2013. Aside from that, I'm a single mom; I'm addicted to coffee and True Blood (the show, not the drink). I'm happy with who I am yet I’m always striving to be better; I have more bad hair days than good ones, I love a challenge but I am not fearless, I’m….well…just me.

Learn more about Kyra here...
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Gallery Books and Kyra are giving one lucky reader a digital copy of
JUST ONE NIGHT: BINDING AGREEMENT!!

Thank you!!

Comment below to Win!

Blitz & Giveaway Legal Heat bySarah Castille!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Legal Heat
by
Sarah Castille

Passion this hot should be illegal.

Katy Sinclair made it to the brink of partnership at her high-powered law firm with hard work, dogged determination, and the ruthless self-discipline to cultivate a conservative public image. But when she follows an evasive witness into a sex club, she can t deny herself a red-hot sexual encounter with the seductive bartender who sets her body on fire. She s sure no one will ever know about her indiscretion until she walks into the courtroom to find her dirty little secret is the opposing counsel in the most important case of her career.

As the managing partner in a struggling law firm, hot-shot attorney Mark Richards can t afford any mistakes that might cost him his biggest client. Like getting involved with his beautiful, determined opponent the mystery woman he hasn t been able to forget. But when Katy s quest for justice leads to death threats, Mark will sacrifice everything to protect her.

Now they re risking their hearts and their lives in a race to catch a killer. Little do they know, the greatest danger lies closer to home.

Warning: The book contains explicit sex, light bondage, violence, murder, steamy shenanigans in the courtroom, naughty sexytimes in the boardroom, and an exceptionally hot hero with a versatile tie. Any objections will be overruled.

EXCERPT
“What about you?” He folded his arms and cocked an eyebrow. “Did you come here with a secret agenda?”

“No secret agenda. When Valerie told me she worked at the club, I was curious so I agreed to meet her here instead of at my office.”

“Brave girl,” he murmured.

Katy cocked an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. She hadn’t been called a girl since she turned eighteen. “That was slightly condescending.”

His eyes crinkled and a smile played at the corners of his broad, sensuous mouth. “The correct response to a compliment is thank you.”

She walked over to another part of the collection and pulled out a dusty bottle. “I hardly think that was—”

“I’m waiting.”

Surprised by his warning tone, she turned to face him.

He sat back in his chair, long, muscular legs spread, corded forearms crossed, dark eyes calm and focused. But despite his casual manner, she sensed power and tension coiled in his lean body, like a cobra ready to spring.

A thrill of fear raced through her, followed by a sharp spike of arousal. She tempered it quickly. No way would she be pushed around even if secretly his commanding tone turned her on. She replaced the bottle in the rack. “I think we’d better get back upstairs.”

His voice softened. “Why are you running away?”

She spun around to face him. “I’m not running away. I…I’ve seen the wine cellar so I thought—”

“You’re afraid.”

Katy folded her arms. “Not at all.”

“Your body says otherwise.”

She froze and then sucked in a breath. “What do you mean by that?”

“Body language. You’re flushed, trembling. Your breathing rate has increased. Your eyes are wide. Your hands are clenched into fists. Your tongue…” He paused and his voice lowered to a husky growl. “Your tongue keeps darting out to lick your lips. If that isn’t fear, sugar, what could it be?”

Arousal, fierce and unfamiliar, shot through her like an electric current, flaming her body, burning a path to her core. Sweat broke out on her heated skin. Her mouth opened and closed but no sound came out.

Mark’s lips curled into a slow, sensual smile. “Come here, Katy-who-isn’t-afraid.” The sound of his voice, hard and low, sent a chill down her spine.

No, not a chill. A heat wave. A fever. Maybe she was ill. Maybe that’s why her cheeks burned and sweat trickled between her breasts. But that didn’t explain the deep yearning that had risen up within her. Oh, she wanted to go to him, tear his clothes off, climb onto his lap, run her hands over his broad chest and then lower. It was as if she had been starving for years and he was a banquet waiting to be tasted.

Maybe that was the truth of it.

Giving herself a mental shake, she willed the sensation to go away. What the hell was going on? Was she seriously contemplating having sex with a stranger in the basement of a fetish club?

She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Why?”

“Didn’t you want the Meursault?”

Katy nodded and her pulse kicked up a notch.

“Third row down, second bottle from the left.” He pointed above his head.

Katy raised an eyebrow. “A gentleman would get it for me.”

“I’m not feeling like a gentleman right now. Especially after your stirring performance upstairs and the way you’re looking at me now—like you want to devour me.” The heat in his eyes matched his voice, dark and sinful, like a rich Amarone. How long had it been since a man had gazed at her with such desire? After Justin’s birth, Steven had never once looked at her with anything more than mild interest.

Katy lowered her eyes. “I wasn’t… I didn’t mean…”

He cut her off. “Katy.”She looked up into amused brown eyes and then drank in the sight of his hard, muscular body sprawled across the chair; his long legs open and inviting.

Craving, deep and delicious, flooded her veins.

“Come here, sugar. I won’t bite.”

“It’s not the biting I’m worried about.” Nor was it him. Her gut told her he wouldn’t hurt her. If he had wanted to try anything, he wouldn’t have waited this long. No, it was her. She had lost control of herself and she had no idea what this new, lust-driven Katy Sinclair was about to do.

Still, his soft, cajoling voice drew her forward. Although she wanted the wine, she wanted him more. But after ten years on the bench, she didn’t remember how to play the game.

Her heels clicked on the flagstone floor as she closed the distance between them, stopping only a foot away. Even seated, he intimidated her. But God was he sexy. Her pulse raced and her throat turned dry.

He studied her for a long moment, his gaze intense and unwavering. “I’m beginning to wonder if we haven’t met before.”

Katy shook her head. “We haven’t. I’m sure of it. You’re not someone I would ever forget.” Or ever will. She stepped closer, her body now only inches from his. She caught the scent of his spicy aftershave and something raw and purely masculine. A quiver of fear ran through her followed again by the fierce rush of arousal.

“Good girl.”

“I’m hardly a girl.”

He reached out and put his hands on her hips, drawing her close, until she could feel the heat of his breath on her breasts through the thin cotton of her shirt. She bit her lip to stifle a moan.

“Most definitely not,” he murmured.

Inexplicable desires wracked Katy’s body. She wanted to thread her fingers through his hair, straddle his body and press her breasts against his full, sensuous lips.

Her briefcase dropped, unbidden, to the floor. She ran a tentative finger along the square line of his jaw, rough with stubble, but pulled away at his sharp intake of breath.

“Put it back.” He lifted her hand and pressed it against his cheek, trapping it with his own. His skin was warm, firm. So sexy. She felt the slip of arousal between her thighs and drew in a ragged breath.

Get a grip, Katy. This isn’t you.

She eased herself out of his grasp. “You’re going to have to move. I’m not reaching over you.”

“Shame.” He stood with the grace of a man half his size and pulled the chair out of her way.

Katy reached for the bottle. Too high. She looked over her shoulder. Mark’s gaze was fixed firmly on her…ass. She snorted a laugh. “When you’re done, maybe you could give me a hand.”

Mark grinned and walked toward her, stopping so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body across every inch of her back. He put one arm around her waist and pulled her into his broad chest.

“Where do you want it, sugar?” he whispered, his breath warm and moist in her ear.

Red, hot flames of need licked through her body. “Want what?”

“My hand.”

She could think of several places she wanted his hand. Places Steven had rarely touched. Emboldened by his obvious interest, and her own simmering arousal, she let her head fall back on his shoulder and looked up at him. “I’m not that kind of girl.”

His body shook with laughter. “What kind of girl?”

“The kind of girl who tells a man where she wants his hand.”

He stroked the curve of her waist and brushed his lips over her ear. “You don’t have to tell me, sugar. I know.”

Grab your copy of LEGAL HEAT here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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Book Tour & Giveaway! Love In One Night by Rebecca Royce!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Love in One Night (A Prepper Romance)
by
Rebecca Royce

Melanie is a woman who handles her anxiety by preparing for the worst. She’s ready for any scenario—except love. Griffith is a man who has seen it all. Nothing surprises him until he meets Melanie. Can two people prepared for everything handle the uncertainty of love at first sight?

Excerpt
“I married him because I got pregnant.” She put her hands on her hips. “And I won’t take his money because I won’t take money from the pharmaceutical companies. No offense.”

“Gee, why would I take offense when you meant to insult me?” Melanie’s face turned a lovely shade of cherry as he spoke.

“Truth is, I meant to say something nasty about Victor. I forgot, momentarily, what you do and who you do it for.”

He shrugged like he words hadn’t stung a bit. The pharmaceutical companies did both good and bad things. Griffith didn’t have to feel one-hundred-percent comfortable all the time to still know he worked on the right side of the law.

“Theft is theft. I give them back things they’ve lost.” He moved along the edge of the room. Melanie must be organized. Everything had a label, down to the box holding sponges. “And I’d bet when you get a headache, you take a Tylenol.”

“I’d try magnesium and zinc, but your point is taken. I shouldn’t be generalizing. I don’t like when it’s done to me.”

Griffith had to get out of there before he did anything really asinine, like give the blushing woman a hug. He pulled out his card. “If you hear from Victor or you think of anything, give me a call. I’ll be staying in Austin overnight.”

“Right.” She took his card. “I’m sorry you had to come all the way down here for nothing.”

“I’m not.” Her eyes widened, and he had a moment of sheer male satisfaction. He’d been able to shock her.

“You haven’t asked me why I do this. Why I’m so prepared for a disaster? You haven’t asked. Everyone does.”

“I’ve been a lot of places. I think preparing for things, even if they might never occur, makes pretty good sense. I guess we all have our own reasons for why we do what we do.”

She bit down on her lower lip, chewing on it as she regarded him with narrowed eyes. “So you want to know why I married Victor but not why I formed a whole community dedicated to organic farming in the desert, self-sustaining living, and disaster preparedness?”

“Melanie, if you want to tell me, I’d be really amenable to hearing.” Anything she wanted to say would be fine by him. She could read the phone book aloud, and he’d sit like a good little boy and listen to her.

“Maybe I could. Over dinner tonight.”

His heart skipped a beat. Had she actually asked him out? His mouth opened and closed. When he’d gotten off the plane in Austin, he’d had no idea he’d be stepping onto a sustainable farm, a converted bomb shelter, and asked to dinner by a hot redhead.

Grab your copy of LOVE IN ONE NIGHT here...
Amazon / Decadent Publishing

About the Author
As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They’ve just moved to Texas where Rebecca is discovering a new love for barbecue!

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

Learn more about Rebecca here...
Website

Rebecca will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour HERE to increase your chances of winning!!

Excerpt & Giveaway! Wounded Angel by Stacey Gail!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Wounded Angel (The Earth Angels)
by
Stacey Gail

Book three in The Earth Angels

A descendant of the Angel of Vengeance, Nate da Luca was gifted with an uncanny ability to find things. It made his job as a detective a breeze—until he learned the hard way that some things should remain hidden. After that, his powers vanished, along with his belief in himself. Which is going to make tracking down Gabriella Littlefield for his latest client a challenge.

Personal trainer Ella Little paid a hefty price for her life—now all she wants is to live it in peace. Then a sexy hulk of a man turns up in her gym, reigniting desires she thought she'd left behind along with her real name and hair color.

Desires she can't deny even after she discovers Nate's no stranger to her dark past.

Before he can convince her the attraction is mutual, Nate's going to have to earn Ella's trust. But a demon is playing for keeps in the world of humans, using Ella as bait, and the last thing they have is time…

Excerpt

The muted chime on his phone sounded just as he was tucking it into his coat pocket, and this time he brought it back out with more enthusiasm. There were very few internet message boards that grabbed his attention, but he’d stumbled onto this site after researching the loss of his own powers. One link had led to another, and after answering a complex questionnaire, he’d landed in carefully guarded territory—a web site created for the descendants of an ancient race of angelic-human hybrids known as the Nephilim.

In short, people who were just like him.

With a click, Nate opened the link to NeoPhilim’s RSS feed.

Attention Neo-Phytes!

Heads-up, y’all! We had a demonic event take place out west, though as this happened some time ago, it’s up to you to figure out if it’s important or not, okay? Cool.

ShadowmanZeke hit me with a story about a demon that had dropped in on an outdoor concert in San Francisco. Apparently this demon wasn’t much of a music lover, but he WAS loving the chaos he created by taking on the persona of a dead man and tormenting this deceased guy’s son into a knife-flailing frenzy. Luckily no one died, mainly because Zeke was Johnny-on-the-spot and tackled this hell spawn before it did any real damage. Not so luckily, the demon got away before Zeke could properly dispatch it.

For the record, Zeke said he has no clue if that incident had anything to do with what our fearless leader had to wrassle with here in Dallas this past summer (for those of you who don’t know the story, here’s the link to the blog we’re keeping), but since I asked for anything related to red eyes, Zeke thought he might as well pass this incident along.

And that leads me to my next PSA. Not to be a nag, but I need everyone out there who has a story relating to the demonic to give it up. Don’t be shy, boys and girls—SHARE WITH THE REST OF THE CLASS. Thanks to all the info that’s appeared on these boards so far, we now know that red glowing eyes means a demon; red-veiled eyes in a human means they’re possessed, and a faint flash of red means a human has become demonically corrupted by selling their soul.

Don’t forget why the people here at LSI started this web site. It exists for the sole purpose of giving the descendants of the Nephilim as much of a warning as possible. There’s no getting around the fact that some form of earthbound demon has targeted your kind for reasons unknown. Long story short—you’re on the endangered species list. So keep those lines of communication open and your senses sharp, okay? Not to be a drama llama, but your lives depend on it.

Type atcha later! Macbeth

Grab your copy of WOUNDED ANGEL here...
Amazon

About the Author
A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.

Learn more about Stacey here...
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Stacy will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour HERE to increase your chances of winning!

Giveaway! Under the Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We are happy to welcome back Author
Rebecca Zanetti
and her latest release from Entangled Publishing
Under the Covers!

Under the Covers (Entangled: Brazen)
by
Rebecca Zanetti

Opposites don’t attract. They ignite.

The small Montana town near the Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends and find out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding.

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something, and he’s determined to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

Grab your copy of UNDER THE COVERS here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day--or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Learn more about Rebecca here...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Rebecca & Entangled are giving away one digital copy of Under the Covers! WooHoo! Thank you!! Comment below to be entered!

Interview + Giveaway! 8 Days of Desire Blog Tour withVicky Dreiling & Jennifer Haymore!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:07:00 +0000

We are so thrilled to welcome two extremely talented authors to
Simply Ali!

I would like to first off apologize for not getting this post up when it was supposed to be early this morning. I mixed up the dates and haven't been feeling well but that's not a great excuse. Many people put their time into making these things work for the authors and I would hate for my mistake to take away from these two wonderful authors! Ali and I are huge fans of these ladies and feel honored to have them on the blog. Please give them a hearty welcome and enjoy their awesome work!

What a Wicked Earl Wants (The Sinful Scoundrels)
by
Vicky Dreiling

WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...

Grab your copy of WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent)
by
Jennifer Haymore

THE DUKE'S DESIRE

Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother's disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved-and the last woman he should desire . . .

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon's touch. But dukes do not long for lady's maids-or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer's web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family's future or break Sarah's heart.

Grab your copy of THE DUCHESS HUNT here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Vicky Dreiling’s Top 5 Favorite Historical Terms

1. Vexation. It makes me want to give the lady a glass of wine with her whine. :)

2. Parson’s Mousetrap – trapped into marriage

3. Bottle Ache – hung over

4. Set your cap – try to attract someone

5. Vapors – hysterics

Jennifer Haymore’s Top 5 Favorite Meet-Cutes

· #5 When they’re competitors pitted against each other (like two chefs in a cooking competition)

· #4 When one of them is in a precarious situation and the other rescues them (for example, the hero is surfing for the first time and gets rescued by the champion surfer heroine. :) )

· #3 When they hate each other automatically because one of them is cocky/arrogant/rude, etc., but the sparks fly anyway!

· #2 I’m a sucker for the hero and heroine meeting when they’re kids…

· #1 When one of them is trying to kill the other! Okay, maybe that’s not so “cute,” but to me, there’s nothing more fun than to watch the hero and heroine start with murderous intentions and end up together in their happily ever after.

Grand Central is giving one lucky reader a copy of both titles!
Thank you!!
Ali is giving another lucky reader a $10 Gift Card.

Leave a comment below to win!

Open Internationally!

Contest open until June 5th

Hot New Release + Giveaway!! What A Wicked Earl Wants byVicky Dreiling!

noreply@blogger.com (Randa) — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:09:00 +0000

Today we are so excited to share with you one of our
favorite Authors latest release!
Vicky Dreiling's Sinful Scoundrels Series has a new addition!
WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS!
Ali and I cannot wait to read this delicious book
and I am in love with the beautiful cover!

What a Wicked Earl Wants (Sinful Scoundrels)
by
Vicky Dreiling

Available Now!

WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...

Excerpt
Doubtless she was the only woman in London who had the temerity to refuse admittance to the Earl of Bellingham.

Laura Davenport, Lady Cheswick, suspected even the most genteel of ladies would flutter their fans and flirt outrageously with him. Since she was a vicar’s daughter, Laura liked to think she was made of sterner stuff. Unfortunately, she’d discovered last night that she was more than a little susceptible to the uncommonly handsome earl.

She would not think about the way he’d let his gaze travel over her body last evening at the ball. Most certainly she would not dwell on the way her skin had heated while he’d perused her with his astonishingly blue eyes. Above all, she would banish the naughty fantasies that had danced in her head while she’d tossed and turned in bed last night.

Even if she wanted to dally with the notorious earl, she would not dare, especially after receiving that scathing letter from her son’s guardian, Montclief. Yesterday, she would not have worried a jot about Justin’s uncle. Today, his letter had left her fearful that he would take Justin away if he heard there was even a hint of a problem.

Laura inhaled and exhaled slowly to steady her nerves. She would write a short letter to Montclief to reassure him that all was well in London. It would be an outrageous lie, for Justin had turned quite rebellious recently. She must impress upon Justin the necessity of steering clear of trouble. If he did not cooperate, she would have no choice but to remove him from London.

Another knock startled her. “Come in,” she said.

“My lady, Lord Bellingham asked me to convey this flask to you,” Reed said. “His lordship said it was imperative that he speak to you.”

Laura rose and frowned. How had he discovered her name and address? The thought bothered her more than a little. She had no idea why he’d sent up a flask of all things, but regardless, it did not signify. “Reed, I assume this is Lord Bellingham’s idea of a jest, but I will not accept his gift nor will I see him.”

“Yes, my lady,” Reed said. “I will inform him that you are not accepting callers.”

“Thank you, Reed.”

After her butler left, Laura released a shaky breath. They had not been formally introduced, and Lady Atherton had made it clear last night that Lord Bellingham was a rake. She most certainly did not wish to make his acquaintance.

Laura walked over to the window. The day was gray and cloudy, promising rain. She fingered the gold, silken ropes and tassels that tied the draperies. The wavy glass distorted the view somewhat, but that shiny black carriage below obviously belonged to the Earl of Bellingham. Any moment now, he would emerge from her town house. All she wanted was to see the back of him retreating.

Footsteps sounded outside the door. Another tap sounded. Certain it was her butler, Laura said, “Come in.” She kept her gaze on the street below, expecting to see Lord Bellingham striding toward his vehicle any moment. After the door shut, she said, “Reed, I hope you sent the earl on his way.”

“He tried, but I’m not easily dissuaded.”

The deep male voice startled her. Laura turned around with a gasp to find the earl standing in her drawing room. She pressed her hand to her fast-beating heart. For some reason he seemed taller than last night. One thing was clear: The man was far too bold. “My lord, are you in the habit of dispensing with the proprieties?”

His mouth curved sideways in a roguish grin. “As a matter of fact, I am.”

Her butler arrived huffing and puffing. “My lady,” he said.

She glanced at Reed. “I will take care of the matter.”

Her butler hesitated, and then he quit the drawing room.

Laura returned her attention to the earl. For a moment, she found herself captivated by his handsome face and artfully disheveled dark hair. In the daylight, his thick black lashes added to the allure of his brilliant blue eyes.

When he arched his brows, Laura recollected her common sense and gave him a withering look. “I made it clear that I am not at home to callers, and yet you persisted, even though we have not been formally introduced.”

“Lady Chesfield, I am honored to make your acquaintance.” He bowed. “Bellingham, at your service.”

Her temper flared. “How did you learn my name and address?”

“I asked Lady Atherton last evening,” he said.

The news physically jolted her. Lady Atherton was her friend. “I find it difficult to believe that Lady Atherton would give out that information.”

His brows drew together in a fierce manner. “She did not wish to tell me, but I insisted.”

“Why?” she said. “We are strangers. You can have no business with me.”

He held up a flask. “Actually, my business is with your stepson.”

She tensed, and within moments, a chill ran down her spine. Oh God, had Justin stolen it? She would not voice the words, because she couldn’t make herself do it. “How do you know him?”

Lord Bellingham shrugged. “I don’t know him, but I have encountered him and his friends loitering on the streets of London more than once. I don’t think they understand the potential dangers of footpads.”

“Thank you, my lord. I will discuss the matter with Justin.”

“Are you aware that he and his friends were drinking in the garden last night?”

“I did not hear or see them.” She had smelled spirits on Justin’s breath, but the earl did not need to know that.

“After you left the garden, they returned to the house,” Bellingham continued. “I followed and saw him push this flask beneath the stairs.”

“My lord, thank you for your concern. Now, if you will give me the flask, I will speak to Justin.”

He arched his brows. “It’s brandy, very fine brandy, in case you are wondering.”

Laura glanced at the sideboard. As soon as she got rid of His Haughtiness, she would check the brandy decanter.

He regarded her with an intense expression. “I don’t make a habit of intervening in other’s affairs, but I heard him lie to you about his whereabouts at the ball. It is clear to me that he’s pulling the wool over your eyes.”

How dare he insinuate that she was too naïve to parent her own stepson? “My lord, he is my son and my responsibility. I appreciate your concern and will speak to him.”

He took a step closer. “How well is that working?”

She drew in a sharp breath. “I owe you no explanations. This is none of your affair. Now please leave.”

He looked away for a moment, and then he returned his attention to her. “Call him to the drawing room. When he realizes that I and others have marked his wayward behavior, he will think twice before lying to you again.”

She had no intention of following his orders. Justin wasn’t even at home, but she would not tell the arrogant earl that. Laura bobbed a curtsy. “Good day, Lord Bellingham,” she said in an obvious dismissal.

He set the flask on a side table. “I beg your pardon for interfering. Despite what you may think, it was meant kindly.”

She recollected Lady Atherton’s advice about him last night. What he wants, he gets. Be sure it’s not you. No, he’d definitely not intervened out of kindness.

Footsteps and voices sounded outside the drawing room. “Sir, allow me to inform her ladyship that you have come to call,” Reed said.

“I do not require an announcement and will see her now.”

Laura gasped as she recognized the voice. She snatched the flask and hid it behind one of the rolled sofa cushions.

“What the devil?” Bellingham said.

She entreated him with her eyes. “It is Montclief, Justin’s guardian. Please, say nothing of Justin to him,” she said in a low tone.

“Why?” he said. “If he is the guardian—”

“Please,” she said, aware that her voice shook. “There is no time to explain. I will do anything you ask, but I beg you not to betray me.”

He arched his brows. “Anything?”

“Yes, anything,” she said, worrying her hands.

He snared her with his blue eyes. “Be careful what you promise.”

Grab your copy of WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Triple RITA finalist Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.” Vicky is a native Texan and holds degrees in English literature and marketing.

Learn more about Vicky here...
Website / Email / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

Ali is giving one lucky reader a copy of
WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS
by
Vicky Dreiling!!

Comment below to enter. Open Internationally!

Simply Ali

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GIVEAWAY! Lorelei James Redneck Romeo Release Party!! Day 2!!

GIVEAWAY! Lorelei James Redneck Romeo Release Party!!

Blitz & Giveaway!!Hotter Than Texas by Tina Leonard!!

Winners, Winners & More Winners!!

Giveaway!! Midnight's Captive by Donna Grant!!

Guest Post & Giveaway! Heather's Redemption by Missy Jane

Giveaway & Guest Post! For Love or Money Blog Tour! Featuring Cathy Perkins!!

**UPDATE GIVEAWAY!!**Celebrating 200 Years of Pride and Prejudice! with A List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen byJoan Strasbaugh!!

Giveaway!! Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown!!

Giveaway & Cover Reveal! Beauty Bites by Mary Hughes!!

Giveaway! A Buck A Book, Win A Nook from Decadent Publishing!! Featuring Author Arlene Webb!!

Interview & Giveaway! One Night With A Rake byConnie Mason & Mia Marlowe!!

Vampire Elite Tour by Irina Argo!!

Hot New Release! Interview + Giveaway! Just One Night: Binding Agreement by Kyra Davis!

Blitz & Giveaway Legal Heat bySarah Castille!!

Book Tour & Giveaway! Love In One Night by Rebecca Royce!

Excerpt & Giveaway! Wounded Angel by Stacey Gail!

Giveaway! Under the Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

Interview + Giveaway! 8 Days of Desire Blog Tour withVicky Dreiling & Jennifer Haymore!

Hot New Release + Giveaway!! What A Wicked Earl Wants byVicky Dreiling!

UPDATE GIVEAWAY!!Celebrating 200 Years of Pride and Prejudice! with A List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen byJoan Strasbaugh!!