Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Guestblog by Teresa D'Amario, author of Visions of Fire and Ice, giveaway too



Teresa D'Amario was kind enough to guest post for me! :D

What makes Egyptian mythology different?

When I first decided to write a book about Egypt, I knew it would mean some references to Egyptian mythology, but not to the point it has become. The problem is, Egyptian mythology is convoluted and difficult to figure out who is who, so I was stuck. I purchased a few books, and every one said different things about the same gods and goddesses. How can that be?

It wasn’t until I found one that explained that each area had their own religion, and each changed the gods and goddesses to support their needs that I understood what was happening. Each single author I’d read to this point was looking at ONE aspect of the entire mythology. As I began digging deeper, I realized that the aspects of each god was completely different, depending on who was writing the book. On top of that, the age of the book played a big part as well. For example, books written before the 1970’s seemed to indicate Set, the god of chaos, and Apophis, the snake who fought against Ra to try to keep the sun from rising, were one and the same. I’m not sure when this theory was adjusted in theories of ancient Egyptian mythology, but now we know that Set, the god of chaos, was said in most stories to have fought against the Aphophis in protection of Ra.

So how do you take such a wide and varied field and apply it to a romance setting? It’s easier than you might imagine. Because I, like the Egyptians, create my pantheon based on what I need them to be. For instances, we all know the stories of Set, Horus and Isis. Or do we? There are so many variations. In some, Set is a good guy, in others, a bad. In some, he is fighting because he wants Isis for his wife, in others, he fights for power. In some, Isis kills Set, in others, he’s provided two wives, and left to control the deserts.

What about Isis? We think of her as the all powerful mother goddess. She protects women, and children. She brings children back from the dead. But if so, why is it when Horus is killed by a scorpion sting, she cannot save him and must turn to Thoth? And why does she very nearly kill Ra just to learn his real name? When you read the mythological stories, Isis is very deep. She is very protective and loving. But she is also power hungry and cunning.

So which traits do you use? It depends on what I want them to do.

I don’t want to give any secrets away about book 2, so I won’t tell you who my next god is to make contact with our little family from North Carolina, and with the race of the Petiri from another world. That would just not be fair, but secrets abound in all THREE camps, so keep reading, and watch for even more excitement within the world of the Petiri and the Egyptian gods and goddesses.


About this Author:

Born in Atlanta, the daughter of an Army Soldier during the early stages of the Viet Nam war, I spent my childhood traveling from state to state, finally ending up overseas in Germany where I graduated high school six months early. 

My writing career however began as a young Airman in the Air Force, writing monthly articles for the weekly base paper. The articles ranged from climatological data to full center fold articles on the destructive forces of hurricanes. As I increased in rank, my writing changed to more technological instruction, including such works as WSR-88D Doppler Radar Data Interpretation Guide for North Carolina Stations, and Station Operating Procedures.

But my early writing wasn’t limited only to the technological side. I’ve written multiple dog training and behavior articles for canine websites such as Sonora Canine Freestyle, and also the Ask Blackjack column, a fun training column in the voice of my labrador retriever, then a young pup.

My first book, SheWolf, won 2nd place for Best First book in RWA’s PFF&P Prism awards.

I’m married to a wonderful man named Doug, who is also retired Air Force. We live in North Carolina with our two dogs.

Website * Twitter * Facebook


BLURB:

Trapped on a planet not their own, the Petiri spend their lives hiding the natural gifts that set them apart from the world. They live long and unfulfilled lives, unable to find their soul mates on this backward planet known as Earth. That is until the night Ramose comes face to face with Tamara, a woman whose gifts rival his own. Determined to find why this human is in possession of an ancient magical Petiri relic, he arranges a meeting.

But Tamara, embittered from past events, is wary despite lifelong dreams of Ramose and a sure knowledge he is her soul mate. Before long the couple find themselves ensnared in a battle that has raged for millennia in Egypt’s desert. Set, Egyptian God of Chaos, is determined to take his just due: the throne of Osiris.

The only way to stop him is for Ramose to put his trust in Tamara, but first must gain the same from her. The ensuing sensual relationship is filled with romance, lust and love. Their relationship is tested by an unnatural evil. Will her powers over fire, combined with his ice be enough to win the day? Or will the ancient gods and goddesses of Egypt destroy more than just their love?

 
Purchase Links:

Amazon 

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Freya's Bower





Excerpt:

Tamara pulled out the costume with a grin. It was red. Fire red. Small bits of orange peeked beneath the folds, enhancing the image. This would be perfect for her youngest sister who always teased her about the fire she herself wielded. She held the costume before her, judging its size. A spark of energy caught her attention, and she raised her eyes to Ramose. He was moving toward her, his muscles tight, his face pale in the darkened light. But his eyes, they burned with unfettered need.

Tamara swallowed. Hard. Never in her life had she expected to see any man, much less Ramose, look at her the way he did now. What had she done to trigger such a response? Maybe he thought shopping was sexy. Hell, it didn’t matter. He had the look of a man ready to cross to the next level in their relationship. No, not the next level. He looked ready to leap all the way past and into a new relationship. His eyes were filled with need, but other emotions glimmered beneath the surface. Possession. Relief. Stark, irreversible hunger.

Before she could utter a word, he was there, pulling the dress from her fingers, handing it to the shopkeeper still standing beside her.

He spoke in rapid Arabic, handing the man cash. The store owner protested loudly, probably hoping for a good bartering session.

Ramose totally ignored him, his focus glued only on her. Never had he seemed so tall. Powerful. And even imposing. Tamara stepped back. Just moments before, he’d stood across the room, silent, watching. Now his scent whispered over her, dark and sensuous. Her blood rushed through her veins, heating her body in response. She bit her lip at the sudden onslaught of emotions and need building inside her. Inside, her heart fluttered in panic, while the rest of her body yearned for him. She was part rabbit, part tigress. She was terrified. She was starved.

“I can….” She could what? Pay for it herself?

Ramose leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ears, his breath feathering across her neck.

“Nanik,” he whispered fiercely.

Mine, her mind translated.

Tamara’s heartbeat spiked, and her knees weakened. She grabbed the clothing rack and struggled to breath, yet it was impossible. Not with him so close. So hungry. Did he suddenly recognize her as his soul mate? Did he have that skill as well? She tipped her face to meet his gaze. Heat coiled low in her belly. His scent stripped her of her desire for control. The fear fluttered inside her, yet she ached for more, to feel his lips against her flesh.

The hard lines of his jaw, shadowed by the late afternoon beard, combined with the power surging from his being, gave him the look of a warrior of old. Demanding. Powerful. And sexy as hell.

Her body moved of its own accord, leaning forward, blending his heat with her own. Muscles inside her softened, melting, while others drew taut, hungry for his touch. Her lashes fluttered, her eyes heavy, her mind and body drugged by this man’s desire.

“Ramose—”

But he wanted none of her words. His eyes silenced her, as though he were afraid she’d reject him. Long, warm fingers closed over hers. It was the first touch of what she hoped was soon to be more. The pulse in her throat beat a rapid staccato message. Need. Fear. She wasn’t even sure which held more power.

When the shopkeeper returned, Ramose held out his hand, not even looking at the man. His fingers closed around the plastic bag, and, without a word, he turned, escorting her out the door.

Once outside, they moved past the small shop, pressed inward by the throngs of people surrounding them. He didn’t seem to care. He stopped, right in the middle of crowd, tugging her hand until she turned to face him. His eyes raked over her, searching. With calloused fingers, he brushed away the wisp of hair now falling in her face. The heat from his fingers burned her flesh, regardless of his gift of ice.

“Kha-Ib.”

The word was so soft, so worshipful, she had to strain to hear it. Tamara shook her head. “What, Ramose, what is it?”

“Nanik,” he whispered again, his gaze softening, offering her a smile of wonder.

Oblivious to the crowd surrounding them, Tamara’s knees wobbled. She should be running, racing to her hotel to block away the world. This was too fast. Too dangerous. And, yet, the sudden possessiveness in his response only built the hunger inside her. Her gaze moved to his lips.

She wanted to feel him. Against her mouth. Hungry. God, what was wrong with her? His arm hooked about her waist, and, as his head lowered, she tipped her face to meet him. Wanting. Breathless.

His gaze held hers, even as his face inched closer.

When at long last their lips met, her heart, the one she was sure had quit beating, exploded in her chest, pounding as though to crack her ribs. The exquisite heat of his lips burned against hers. Oh, God. Please. Please what?

He groaned when she wrapped her arms about his neck, drawing even closer to him. He swept his tongue over her lips. She needed no further encouragement. For the first time in her life, she didn’t hesitate when a man touched her. She opened. And, when their tongues met, it was divine.

The inside of his mouth was hot and hungry, his taste an explosion of wild masculine heat, and, yet, he swept in slowly, as though in wonder, tasting her. The chill of his mouth drew her, cooling the overwhelming heat burning inside her. The combination of need and gentleness sent a shudder of hunger through her body, and she wanted more, needed to crawl even closer.

 



This sounds interesting to me. ;-) 

What do you think?



Thank you for commenting! Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. The link can be found at the top of the page!

Monday, December 30, 2013

This Much Is True by Katherine Owen Promotion Event including a giveaway

Purchase Links:

Amazon * B&N

Kobo * iTunes





New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance


Published by The Writing Works Group


Fate brings them together. Fame & lies keep them apart. One truth remains...

She's become the Paly High girl with the most tragic story...

At 17, Tally Landon just wants to graduate and leave for New York to pursue ballet. Her best friend Marla convinces her to attend one last party--a college party--where she can be among strangers and evade the whisperings about her heartbreaking loss that follows her everywhere she goes. While at the party, she meets Lincoln Presley, Stanford's famous baseball wonder and has a little fun at his expense--when she lies about her age and who she really is--intent on being someone else for the night and escaping her tragic story.

His only focus is baseball, but he can't forget the girl he saved on Valentine's Day...

At 22, Lincoln Presley's star is on the rise; he's about to finish at Stanford and expected to be taken early in Major League Baseball's upcoming draft. His cousin's party serves as a welcome distraction. But then, he sees the girl from Valentine's Day he saved from that horrific car accident; and he can't quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him and not remember him at all. He vows to learn her name at least before he leaves. What's the harm in getting to know this girl? What's the worst that can happen?

Fate soon tests these two star-crossed lovers in all kinds of ways...

And yet, despite the lies being told to protect the other, and the trappings of fame that continually separate them, and in lieu of the deception by those they've come to trust the most; one truth remains.

This much is true.

This Much Is True is a Best seller on Kindle in the following categories: Holiday Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction Romance, Women's Fiction Literary, Women's Fiction Psychological, Hot New Releases, Top Rated Sports Romance, Top Rated Holiday Romance.

Author's note: THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Excerpt from Chapter Six

The effects of spiked punch begin to descend upon me. I again glance over at covetous actions of Charlie Masterson, who is now having a heated discussion with my best friend on the other side of the room, gesturing this way and that towards the more-than-casually-interested first guy, who gyrates on the dance floor by himself.

I start towards Marla, but she waves me off. Unsure of what I should be doing, I find myself in the middle of the dance floor. Alone. To hide my embarrassment at being caught up alone in the middle of the room, I pretend to take an ever-increasing interest in the sparkling lights that someone has meticulously trailed along the ceiling’s edge. A little glazed now, the lights shimmer at me; I swill my drink in salutation. The interested guy from earlier stands in front of me again.

Tall. Dark. Handsome. He is the cliché for sex on a stick, but he’s kept me company during the past half-hour. I brazenly take in this male-model look he has going on with his dark-brown wavy hair and his devastating, too-white smile and his tall lean body. Sure. Okay. Bring it on.

“I’m Linc,” he says during a respite from the loud music.

“As in President Abraham—”

“Not funny.” He sighs and shakes his head side-to-side and gets this disconcerted look. “Lincoln Presley.”

“Elvis is in the building then,” I deadpan.

He looks taken aback now. “What did you say?”

“I said…” I lose my train of thought because he is stunning—so good-looking, in fact—that these warning bells seem to go off in my head. I shake it to try to shut them off. “Never mind.” His look is weirding me out as if I know him from somewhere. “You remember,” I say softly. “Elvis?”

“I remember,” he says slowly and gets this expectant look. “Do you remember?”

I’m just staring at him open-mouthed. “No. My mom loved him when she was a teenager. I like a few of his songs…” My voice trails off because he looks disappointed by my answer, and I’m not sure why.

“Don’t you remember?” he asks again.

“Remember what?” I look at him blankly and then break his gaze and start toward the punch bowl for a fifth round.

He takes the glass from my hand and then hands me bottled water. “Drink this. That stuff has Everclear in it. You shouldn’t have any more of that unless you’re going for anesthetization.”

“Gallant. How noble of you,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can. Then I shake off his concerned hand on my arm, uncap the bottled water, and drink it down. “Happy now?”

He nods slowly and eventually smiles and then proceeds to take me in from head-to-toe in one long, practiced, seductive move. Smooth. I laugh because he’s so blatant about his interest in me now.

“How are you?” he asks when the music stops playing for a few welcome seconds.

Odd.

An odd thing to ask of a stranger.

“I’m fine.” I give him a bewildered what-the-hell-are-you-asking-me-that-for? look.

He leans in. “Who are you?”

“Oh.” I half-smile. “Holly,” I say with an airy wave of my right hand. The lie comes so easily to my lips that I surprise myself with the ease in which I tell it.


About the Author

Dark. Edgy. Contemporary. Romantic. Were we describing me? Or my fiction? Sorry.

I drink too much...coffee, not enough water. I swear too much for God and my mother, and I slip these into my fiction. Sorry.

I'm impatient, a perfectionist, a wordsmith, a dreamer, which ends up being good and bad. I'm a workaholic; ask my "fam-dam-ily".

I've written four novels in as many years: "When I See You, "Not To Us", Seeing Julia" as well as my latest release "This Much Is True" (which hit #1 on Amazon best seller lists for Sports Romance, Holiday Romance within a week of its release). Competitive; much, KO? Oh yes.

If you love angsty, unpredictable love stories, I'm yours. ♥ Connect with me at facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor.

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter * Website * Pinterest * Tumblr


This giveaway is open internationally! :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


What do you think?

Have you read it? Will you?





 Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Review ~ Intoxicated (The Intoxicated Books, #1) by Alicia Renee Kline

 Book Title: Intoxicated

Author: Alicia Renee Kline

Genre: Romance

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Purchase Links:

Smashwords

Amazon * B&N

iTunes * Kobo




Synopsis:

When everything she ever wanted turns out not to be enough…

Lauren Jefferies is on the verge of having it all. Hard work and determination have culminated in a promotion that promises to put her on track with her upwardly mobile boyfriend Eric. High school sweethearts and together for ten years, they are young enough to have their whole lives ahead of them, but old enough to have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with.

The news should be cause for celebration.

But taking the job means moving two hours away.

Instead of planning their reign as an up and coming power couple, they find their already tenuous relationship further damaged by their conflicting opinions. Eric doesn’t want her to leave. Lauren refuses to back down. In the end, she packs her things and heads up north to her new life, the abstract promise of figuring this all out later hanging between them.

Lauren settles into her new routine quite easily, thanks largely in part to her fast friendship with her roommate Blake. Blake’s companionship comes in a package deal with that of her older brother Matthew. One night over dinner, an innocent conversation leads to the discovery that the three of them have more in common than they’d ever imagined.

Ashamed of his role in the thread that ties them together, Matthew begins to withdraw. As Lauren devises a game plan to ease his torment, Eric inadvertently pushes them together with his selfish actions.

Lauren’s relationship with Eric continues to flounder. The distance is an issue, but Eric’s indifference does nothing to help. Every bright spot in their courtship is countered by darkness and bitterness. More often than not, Matthew is there to pick up the pieces that Eric leaves behind.

Prior to meeting Matthew, Lauren thought she knew what she wanted. Now that she’s just about to obtain everything on her list, she’s left to question if she ever really knew what that was.


Author Information:

Alicia Renee Kline has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her work has evolved from scrawling story ideas in spiral notebooks in loopy, middle school handwriting (complete with scribbles) to more professional looking fare via her laptop. She is eternally grateful for the "delete" key, so that no one can tell that she doesn't get everything right the first time.

She resides in Northeastern Indiana with her husband, two daughters, two cats and two hamsters. When she isn't being an author, she works full time in the insurance industry

Twitter * Website * Goodreads


My Thoughts:

I have to read the next book ASAP! I purchased it now but unfortunately I have to read a few other books for review before I can get to it. :-(

This book had great characters and one that I couldn't stand. I detested Eric. He had a great girlfriend and it seems to me that he wasn't all that serious about her until he thought that
 someone else might get her attention. That is NOT love! He was awful in my opinion. The fact that all of her friends agreed should have been a red flag for her but for some reason (which I couldn't see) she stayed with him.

When Lauren gets a promotion that requires her to move, she ends up renting a room from Blake. The two hit it off really well. She also becomes friends with Blake's brother Matthew.

Matthew seems to be everything that Eric is not and before long Lauren is mildly crushing on him. Matthew has issues though and one of them is a form of self hatred and unworthiness brought on  by mistakes from his past.

Lauren got on my nerves a little. She was too quick to defend Eric and too slow to open her eyes to his lack of worthiness. The book never showed Eric performing indiscretions but I had the feeling that he wasn't being completely faithful.

I would like to see her and Matthew get together. Their chemistry was awesome! :-) Also I thought Matthew was a great guy.  

The book was full of relationships, drama, charisma, doubt, decisions, romance, and disappointment.

The ending was unexpected and made me want to read the next book immediately. It wasn't a cliff hanger per say but it set up the next book and our desire for answers to the question of who she'll end up with or if she'll go it alone.

I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I thought it was compelling and emotional. I enjoyed it and can't wait to find out the answers to who, what, when and where!



Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Tracy Lee's PERSONAL EXPERIENCES Tour with a giveaway!



The Personal series, #1

Elleny Barker and Trevor McHale have loved each other since the second grade. Growing up in a small Georgia town, they had the same group of friends and they all had dreams of leaving Richland. Elle’s life was perfect; going to the perfect college, had the perfect life plan of becoming a doctor and had the perfect boyfriend going to college on a full ride football scholarship. Until the day Elle’s life was turned upside down; making a decision that she thought would be the best for both her and Trevor, she turned to the one man she thought would be willing to help her, Trevor’s best friend, Willie “Bear” Jackson. Seventeen years later; Elleny, brought on by violent abuse and still feeling the sting of losing the only man she’s ever loved; is a changed woman, for the worse. She has locked her heart away and refuses to give it to anyone. Then it happened, a millionaire, whose company just bought out the local plant where Elle’s husband is a foreman moves into town; or should I say BACK into town; turns out that it’s Trevor McHale. Secrets have kept them apart for seventeen years; will they end up keeping them apart for the rest of their lives? Life teaches us harsh lessons; Personal Experiences teach us life’s true meaning.

WARNING: contains some graphic, dark scenes that are not for the light-hearted including torture. BUT DOES CONTAIN A HAPPILY EVER AFTER! Discretion is advised!!!


Purchase Links:

Amazon * B&N

Kobo * iBooks

Smashwords





Book Trailer

 About this author:

“I am a lover of chocolate, an outspoken dreamer who cannot survive without chaos! Those who truly know me can attest that I am obsessed with chocolate peanut butter anything. I write about hot, alpha men and the women who love them and the only way that I can get anything accomplished is in a crisis.

I am no good in math; as a matter of fact, I suck in math. My true love is the English language. My children are my world that not even a hot man could come between. I am originally from outside Tampa, Florida but currently reside outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am digging the farm animals that live behind my house.”

Tracy lives with her husband and 4 children in a small town just outside Tulsa, Ok. Originally from Brandon, Florida she was a city girl at heart. Growing tired of living in the concrete jungle she wanted a change of scenery and pace; she packed her kids up and moved to Oklahoma where she met her husband. Now she’s seen snow, touched pigs and has cows and chickens in her back yard.

Being a stay at home mom she became an avid reader and part-time blogger; she decided to put the three of them together and try her hand at writing and fell in love. In between running kids from band practice to PTO meetings, she enjoys her “me time” working on her next book. She thoroughly enjoys head-banging heavy metal and a kickass game of Black Ops and will be your slave if you offer her chocolate.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - Linkedin - Instagram


“The Personal Series”

Personal Experiences Book #1 Elleny’s story

Personal Possession Book #2 Trevor’s story

“Untitled” Book #3 JoJo’s story

“Untitled” Book #4 Luc’s story


  a Rafflecopter giveaway



 


Here are the remaining tour dates:

12/23 Crazy Four Books

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

12/23 Snarky Mom Reads... (spotlight)

http://www.snarkymomreads.com

12/23 For the Love of Bookends ( Spotlight)

http://loveofbookends.blogspot.com/

12/24 Mythical Books (Guest Post) Topic: When is too late for second chances?"

mythicalbooks@ymail.com

12/27 Books Books and More Books (Spotlight/Review)

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

12/27 Inner Goddess (Guest Post)

http://www.innergoddessforum.com

1/1 Reader Girls (Spotlight)

http://www.readergirlsblog.com

1/1 You Gotta Read Reviews (Guest Post)

http://yougottaread.com

1/2 Miscellaneous Thoughts of a Bookaholic (Spotlight/Review)

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

1/2 Offbeat Vagabond (Guest Post) Topic: A guest post about your worst or best New Year's resolution

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

1/2 We Love Kink (Spotlight)

http://www.welovekink.com

1/2 A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner ( Spotlight)

http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com/

1/3 KT Book Reviews (Spotlight)

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

1/3 Liezel's Book Blog (Spotlight/Review)

http://liezelsbookblog.net

1/4 True Story Book Blog (Review/Character Interview)

http://www.truestorybookblog.com/


Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Book Blast post for Bianca D'Arc's RED featuring a giveaway & review




Tales of the Were: Rocky

On the run from her husband's killers, there is only one man who can help her now... her Rock.

Maggie is on the run from those who killed her husband nine months ago. She knows the only one who can help her is Rocco, a grizzly shifter she knew in her youth. She arrives on his doorstep in labor with twins. Magical, shapeshifting, bear cub twins destined to lead the next generation of werecreatures in North America.

Rocky is devastated by the news of his Clan brother's death, but he cannot deny the attraction that has never waned for the small human woman who stole his heart a long time ago. Rocky absented himself from her life when she chose to marry his childhood friend, but the years haven't changed the way he feels for her.

And now there are two young lives to protect. Rocky will do everything in his power to end the threat to the small family and claim them for himself. He knows he is the perfect Alpha to teach the cubs as they grow into their power... if their mother will let him love her as he has always longed to do.

 
Buy Now in eBook from

Amazon - Barnes & Noble 

Buy Now in Print from

Amazon - B&N - Powell's

Buy the eBook Bundle from 

Amazon - B&N - Smashwords





Tales of the Were: Slade

The fate of all shifters rests on his broad shoulders, but all he can think of is her.

Slade is a mystery. A warrior and spy who serves two masters - those in the human world and the Lords of the Were. They've sent him to Nevada to track a brutal murderer before the existence of all shifters is revealed to a world not ready to know.

Kate is a priestess serving the Goddess and the large community of shifters that have gathered around the Redstone cougars. When their matriarch is murdered and the scene poluted by dark magics, she knows she must help the enigmatic man sent to track the killer.

Together, Slade and Kate find not one but two evil mages that they alone can neutralize. It's a tricky situation because Slade finds it hard to keep his hands off his sexy new partner, the cougars are out for blood, and the killers have an even more sinister plan in mind.

Can Kate somehow keep her hands to herself when the most attractive man she's ever met makes her want to throw caution to the wind? And can Slade do his job and save the situation when he's finally found a woman who can make him purr?

Buy Now from 

Amazon - Barnes & Noble 

Kobo - Smashwords

Buy Now in Print from

 Amazon - B&N

Buy the eBook Bundle from 

Amazon - B&N - Smashwords





Tales of the Were: Grif

Redstone Clan #1

Griffon Redstone is the eldest of five brothers and the leader of one of the most influential shifter Clans in North America. He seeks solace in the mountains, away from the horrific events of the past months, for both himself and his young sister. The deaths of their older sister and mother have hit them both very hard.

Lindsey Tate is human, but very aware of the werewolf Pack that lives near her grandfather's old cabin. She's come to right a wrong her grandfather committed against the Pack and salvage what's left of her family's honor - if the wolves will let her. Mostly, they seem intent on running her out of town on a rail.

But the golden haired stranger, Grif, comes to her rescue more than once. He stands up for her against the wolf Pack and then helps her fix the old generator at the cabin, making it habitable for her while she completes her task. He's friendly and all too attractive, but she has a job to do, regardless of the cost to herself or her budding relationship with the local handyman.

When she performs the ceremony she expects will end in her death, the shifter deity has other ideas and turns the tables on them all. Grif's dual nature is revealed and Lindsey learns there is much more going on than she thought.

Thrown together by fate, neither of them can deny the deep and true attraction between them. They come together, but in the end will an old enemy rip them apart?

Warning: Cats are frisky and they get up to all sorts of naughtiness, including a frenzy-induced multi-partner situation that might be a little intense for some readers. You have been warned.


Buy Now from:

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

Smashwords 











Tales of the Were: Red

Redstone Clan #2

A water nymph and a werecougar meet in a bar fight... No joke.

Steve Redstone agrees to keep an eye on his friend's little sister while she's partying in Las Vegas. He's happy to do the favor for an old Army buddy. What he doesn't expect is the wild woman who heats his blood and attracts too much attention from Others in the area.

Steve ends up defending her honor, breaking his cover and seducing the woman all within hours of meeting her, but he's helpless to resist her. She is his mate and that startling fact is going to open up a whole can of worms with her, her brother and the rest of the Redstone Clan.

Trisha's had to hide her special abilities most of her life, but with her brother's Army buddy - the guy they call Red - she's finally free to be herself. He calls to her in a way she's never experienced before and while bad guys keep trying to abduct her, he's her safe port in the storm. But can such dangerous beginnings lead to a life-long love?



Buy Now from:

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

Smashwords 

Diesel










Tales of the Were: Magnus

Redstone Clan #3

COMING EARLY 2014

Magnus Redstone is the middle of five brothers. As a result, he's always had a little bit of a hard time forging his own identity. While he excels at martial arts, he didn't want to be a soldier like Grif and Steve, his two older brothers. He also doesn't have time for practical jokes like the younger two, Bob and Matt. No, Mag is probably the most serious of the brothers and he always has been. The only real moment when he threw caution to the wind was when he met one very special lady. A lady with fangs...



















Additional Series Info:

The Tales of the Were includes:

Main series: Lords of the Were, Inferno

The Others: Rocky, Slade

Redstone Clan: Grif, Red, and three more coming soon!

The Brotherhood of Blood series is related, and includes:

Vamps: One & Only (novella), Rare Vintage (novella), Phantom Desires (novella), Sweeter Than Wine (novel), & Forever Valentine (novella).

Wolves: Wolf Hills, Wolf Quest



Bianca D'Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of lower Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.

You can usually find Bianca on FacebookTwitter, or her Website.

Find out more about all of her books on goodreads.


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My Thoughts:

Another hit! I started this series a long time ago but then sadly, I forgot about it while waiting for more books to be written in paperback. The first book was really quite good and drew me in to this awesome new world full of shifters of all kinds, vampires, and priestesses too. It was called Lords of the Were.

I bought the second book and then I lost track of the series. I am sad to say that while I have Rocky on my Kindle, I haven't read it or any of the other books between the it and Red. :-(  I plan to but you know that I prefer paperbacks. Since I have the first two in that format, I'd like to have them all eventually!

Anyway, I digress. The book I read for this review was titled Red. I felt a tad lost because I kept trying to place all of the characters compared to the first two books which I haven't read for a long time. Other than my own curiosity getting the better of me, this book is a great stand alone read. I will say that I would still suggest reading them in order.

This book had a nymph as well as other supernatural beings, shifters galore, romance, action, mystery, action, steam and action  ;-)

This book was well paced and easily kept my attention. It wasn't overly long or too short.

The characters (for the most part) were great.

I would recommend trying this book and series if you haven't already. It is a dream come true for those of us who enjoy multiple creatures being featured in the same books. :-)

In case you haven't already figured it out, I really liked it. One of my New Years resolutions will be to catch up on this series.

I received an ecopy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.



Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Giveaway & Interview with Skye Warren, author of Don't Let Go


I interviewed author Skye Warren for today's post!!!

Here is what she shared:

What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love taking risks. It’s always an adventure for me to write a story, because I try out new storylines and settings. I know it’s really my subconscious, but it’s great when my characters surprise me.

On a scale of 1-10, (1 being a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and nothing else and a 10 being overdone like the National Lampoon’s Griswold family) How far do you go when decorating for the holidays?

Ohhh, I’m not sure I am quite dedicated enough to take it into overdone territory, but I do like to decorate for Christmas! It’s the one big holiday where I go all out. I used to a new theme for the tree each year, like a blue Christmas or vintage ornaments or something. My kid ended up putting a stop to that because he likes rainbow colored lights and ornaments every year. Alas, my stylish tree days are over but I have a happy kid.

What is your favorite holiday dessert or cookie?

Ooh, I do love brownies in every form. With some mint thrown in for holiday spirit.

What is your favorite holiday show or movie?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Well, it’s fitting that my favorite holiday show is the one with an anti-hero, since that’s what I write  I prefer the animated version. :-)

What is the most un-useful gadget ever created?

My house is full of gadgetry but my husband assures me that it’s all quite useful…

What is your least favorite thing to do?

Taxes.

What is your favorite splurge?

Popcorn. With melted butter. And extra salt. And a mind-numbing movie with good company.

How do you prefer to communicate ( in person, texting, email, or phone)? 

Email. Curse of being a writer, I guess 

Who is the first person you call with good or bad news?

My husband, for over a decade.

Are you more likely to wear a skirt or pants?

A skirt, always. Wow! Almost everyone says pants.

Who is your favorite author?

Gosh, stick a knife in me why don’t you, I can’t choose just one! One cool thing is I have a group project in the works for February of 2014, and I get to work with some of my favorite authors for that. These are top names in the dark erotica space. Stay tuned for information on that by signing up for my newsletter.:D

What food can't you live without?

Bread. (I’m a carbs fiend.) Oooh! I love carbs too. They taste so very good but are so very bad.

What are you working on and when can we expect it to be out?

Aside from the special project in February, I have a new book I’m working on that’s in the same crazy world as Wanderlust. I think it’ll be a lot of fun. Scary, but fun!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. :-)

Thanks for having me!

Author Bio:

Skye Warren writes unapologetic erotica, where pain and sex and love collide. The Forbidden Bookshelf called her “a true mistress of dark and twisted erotica.” Her dark erotica books have reached the erotica bestseller lists on Amazon and have been Top Picks at such sites as Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

"Dark, disturbing, haunting, and beautiful, Skye Warren will take you into the depths of depravity but bring you home, safe in the end." - Kitty Thomas, author of Comfort Food

Website - Twitter - Facebook



Book Information

Title: Don’t Let Go

Author: Skye Warren

Genre: Dark Erotica

Release Date: November 12, 2013

Purchase Links:

Amazon

B&N



 

Blurb:

Junior FBI Agent Samantha Holmes is assigned the case of a lifetime, along with an enigmatic new partner, Ian Hennessy. She's determined to prove herself to the bureau legend, but late nights and stolen moments lead to more than respect. They lead to desire, and soon she's fallen for the one man forbidden.

Together they hunt for the FBI’s most wanted man. A criminal. A psychopath. But when they get close, Samantha may end up prey instead. She must face her dark past to stay alive—and to protect the man she loves.


Excerpt:

There were lies people told you. Like when the case worker said, You’re going to love your new home, Samantha.

Then there are lies you tell other people. My father passed away. That was what I told people, even though he’d just turned fifty-two in a supermax prison. It was easier that way. Lies smoothed the way so we could go on pretending. They were the lube of life, and we all got a little messy in the process.

But the darkest lies were the ones you told yourself. They lurked in the shadows of your subconscious, undermining you and twisting your perceptions. They hid the answers in plain sight, right when you needed them most.

Spread out on my desk were piles of surveillance photos and notes taken over the past twelve months. I found it impossible to imagine that countless field workers and researchers had managed to miss his completely. Which meant this muddled collection of reports contained the information we needed. Hiding in plain sight.

Every image, from airport security cameras to public transportation cams to satellite imagery, showed a man with his head bent, facing down or away. As if he knew exactly where the cameras were, eluding us once again. The man looking the other direction, he could have been anyone. He probably was anyone, considering the pattern of times and locations didn’t add up. Carlos Laguardia wasn’t in a Chicago eatery known for mob connections one day, and then a Paris subway the next, and then a Florida University after that. We were grasping at straws—carefully planted straws designed to misdirect.

Only one image was different. A grainy black-and-white photograph showed a man standing still with people milling about him. Blurs brushing past a dangerous criminal. A monster. They’d run screaming if they knew all the things he’d done. I had chills just reading about it in this air-conditioned cubicle at the highly-secure FBI office.

Money laundering. Extortion. Murder. If there was a law against it, he’d done it. A wave of old pain washed over me. Men like that didn’t care who they hurt, whether it was the victims of their crimes or collateral damage.

I had been collateral damage once. Twelve years ago, I’d huddled under the coffee table when my father came home late, hands crusted with blood. I should have been grateful he hadn’t ever touched me, raped me, killed me. He did that to other little girls. And boys—he was an equal opportunity creep.

Until he finally made a mistake. A boy from my street had disappeared, and even at ten years old, I knew what it meant. I still remembered the heat of that August day and the cold bite of the chair beneath my legs. Static from the plastic seat zapped my skin while I waited in the police station. Horror and pity flickered over the policeman’s face as I told him my story.

I learned an important lesson then: criminals always make a mistake. Always.

If I could figure out Laguardia’s mistake, I’d have him. If I could find the little man with blue pants and a red striped shirt in this real life Where’s Waldo, he’d be mine. Unfortunately, the heavy stack of papers on my desk wasn’t talking.

This was the only image where he looked at the camera, but the resolution was too low for facial recognition software. I got the impression of patrician features—a broad forehead, a strong nose. Dark, curly hair peeked from beneath a thick skullcap. A bulky jacket obscured what looked to be a large frame of a man. Tall, compared to the people walking around him. Well, we’d always known he’d be physically fit and capable of fighting. But beneath his brawn was a mastermind who had run a global organization and eluded hundreds of trained law enforcement officers.

Not for much longer, though. The director had held an all-hands meeting last week.

“Laguardia has made a mockery of this organization,” he’d said, and at the back of the room, I’d silently agreed.

“Our ideals,” he’d continued, practically frothing at the mouth. “Our effectiveness. Even our dignity. A single man has turned us into a joke. That ends now. The time to get a gold star for effort has passed. It’s not good enough to look for him. You’re going to damn well find him. Use all the goddamn resources you need. I will find a way to get funding and support from legal, but you are the agents. You’ve got your eyes on the ground. It’s up to you to bring him in.”

That little speech had flashed me back over a decade, when I’d had my eyes on the ground. When I’d been the only one at the right time and place to capture a criminal, even if it had been my own father. Yes, I understood. Yes, I was on board, ready to catch him. Of course, as a junior agent, that would mostly involve getting coffee and making copies, but hey, that would be my contribution to bringing him down.


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Choose an interview question of your choice & compare your answer to Skye's, ask Skye your own question, or just leave a comment. :-)




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