Thursday 31 October 2013

Spotlight: Enchanted Waves by Ciara Lake

Enchanted Waves by Ciara Lake



Tabitha Lock's mundane life changes when her future walks out of the sea into her arms.

Attorney Tabitha Lock has put her career before everything, including her love life. Exhausted from too many late nights, early mornings, and endless days spent in court, Tabitha is at the end of her rope. Add to that the sensual dreams and voices that haunt her sleep, and she's driven to the edge of her sanity.

Jax Aquila, Mer prince and son of Poseidon, is ordered to locate a mortal female in the twenty-first century. Although this woman is unaware of it, she has vampire heritage, but her immortality was forsaken to her due to the sins of her ancestor. Old hatred and prejudice toward vampires push Jax toward pursing his own agenda and avoiding his assigned task.

When Jax meets Tabitha, he has no idea this enticing woman is the one he was sent to find. The magic of their attraction drives him to pursue the beautiful woman. When he discovers the truth, can he accept Tabitha for what she is? And can Tabitha accept herself? As they struggle with the issues at hand, an ancient evil stirs, waiting in the darkness to reclaim their lost position among the immortals. When the evil ones make their move and Tabitha's life hangs in the balance can Jax find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?



Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

Excerpt: 

A wisp of air blew Tabitha's curls around her face. The urge to scream boiled up within her. "Leave me alone. Don't talk to me while I'm wide awake too. Give it a rest." She gritted her teeth. "This is only my imagination." She watched her lips say the words.

Unexpectedly, a buzzing rang out, and she jumped, her heart fluttering.

"I'm going to faint from fright." She leaned against the counter top, breathing heavily. She pointed at herself in the mirror. "Get a hold of yourself. The buzz is only my cellphone alarm." Tabitha shook her head, tossing her hair all over her head. "I look like a mad woman. Oh yeah, I am one." She laughed almost hysterically.

Going back to her nightstand, she checked the time on her cellphone.

"Oh no, it's after eight AM already. Damn, I didn't hear the first alarm." I'm going to be late, again.

She tossed the phone toward the bed. It bounced off. She moved to catch it, but missed. It nearly hit the floor then without her touching it, it stopped, moved midair, and landed on the bed.

Tabitha stared at it for several seconds. "No way. That didn't happen. I prayed for these crazy things to end." She buried her face in her hands and sat on the edge of the bed.

I've got to get to work. Pulling her nightgown over her head, she tossed it to the floor. Her energy drained, she plopped back down on the bed.

"I've gotta focus on work. I must be strong." She stared at a painting on the wall. "Not again. I won't go through this stuff again." She allowed her mind to relax, and as she studied the beautiful colors of the painting, her eyes shut.

A cool breeze blew across her heated skin. "My child, all is not forsaken to you."

"Shut up! Do you hear me?" Tabitha put her hands over her ears and shook her head wildly. "Just shut up." The thunder rumbled again as if to emphasis her words.

I have to get up now, I'm late. Tabitha rushed to the shower. The glass door slammed behind her. She turned the water on then leaned against the tile wall and closed her eyes.

The hot water and steam was soothing—it felt wonderful. As the water washed over her, she thought of the reoccurring voice and the dreams which felt too real. The voice had spoken to her on and off all throughout her life, but for the last three years, it had been silent. The dreams, however, had continued throughout the years, and as of late they'd been more intense, more sensual. The dreams were far more disquieting than the voice.

Suddenly, her shower stopped, and her world went into a spin. She was falling, hurtling to the ground. She reached out, desperate to grab hold of something to stop her. There was nothing to catch onto before she hit bottom.

Complete darkness made her blind. The smell of the damp earth surrounded her, filling her lungs. No longer was she in her bathroom. "Help me, let me out of here. Help me, dear God help me," Tabitha screamed. She pushed at the ground above her, the walls next to her. "No, this can't be happening."

She hit the hard, damp ground. It hurt her hands but she continued to slam against the hard earth. I hate dark, cold places. Her fingers bled, the coppery smell filling her prison. This place could be her grave. Am I dead?

Then an overpowering smell of salt water mixed with her blood took over her senses, making her gag. "What's happening?" In a flash, she was back in her shower, on the floor with the hot water running over her. Stunned, she got up and sat on the shower's bench. Her legs were wobbly. "God help me." She moaned, rocking back and forth to soothe herself.

Reluctantly, she stood to rinse herself off. Shaking, she stepped out of the shower as if in a trance. What am I going to do? I can't tell anyone this is happening to me. I'd be committed. She picked up a towel and dried herself. Again, her world went dark, and she fell, hitting the tile floor. Her head slammed into something hard.

Silky sheets entwined between her legs. A fire crackled nearby. Warm, strong arms embraced her, pulling her tight. Wake up, I've got to wake up. Her mind grasped for reality.

"What troubles you, my love?" A man kissed her shoulder. "I need you, my mate, you make me whole." The man whispered soothing words to her. His voice, his words, made her tingle to her very core. Her womb ached with the need to have him fill her. He spoke to her with such love it made her yearn for more of him.



Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press




About the Author:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.
In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.
A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.
My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.
  Author Links:     Site      Facebook



Tuesday 29 October 2013

Spotlight: Aroused by Angelina Rain

Aroused by Angelina Rain
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 17, 2013


Blurb:
Can two wrongs make a right? Nadia's happy home became a prison cell
when a tragedy visited her family and ended her marriage to the man of her
dreams. Now six months after he left, she is still wearing his ring and
recalling all the wrongs that happened between them. All she wants is to
forget him, to encounter a complete stranger who would arouse her to the
point she would abandon all thoughts and only think with her body. When a
handsome customer at work proposes a night of passion, Nadia battles with
the choice to give in or walk away. Is a moment of pleasure worth more pain
that would follow? As the hours tick away, his sensual teasing leads to a
blissful fulfillment she'd never imagined. When desire and emotions collide,
she realizes she's not the only one in pain, and not the only one living with
past hurts. Can a single night of sexual awakening heal both their hurts? Or
will it only result in more pain?

Excerpt:

"Tell me this is what you want." He kissed her collarbone as his hands dipped beneath her

shirt. "Tell me."

Yes, yes, she wanted him to bend her over and bury his cock inside her. She wanted him to

touch her, grab her, and explore her body like a thing of wonder and amazement. But admitting it out

loud was a different matter altogether. What of the consequences? There were always consequences to

such things. Was a moment of pleasure worth a much longer time of pain?

"I guess I was wrong," he said and stepped away from her. "I thought you wanted me as much

as I want you. But if you don't, you're free to go."

This was her out. Her chance to go home to her empty bed, her boring vibrator, and the photo

of the man who left her behind. It made perfect sense for her to get in the car and leave, but her legs

betrayed her. Her body was no longer loyal to her mind, and it sided with the need he instilled within

her.

"Good girl." He smiled at her and the grin made her melt. "But now you must be punished for

making me doubt your desire."

"Pu—Punished?" Her voice cracked on the word and she cursed herself silently for showing him

just how unnerved she was.

"Yes, punished." He leaned toward her and kissed her lips, her neck, and nibbled on her

ear. "You see, I originally planned to undress you, massage you, and kiss you all over until you couldn't

take it anymore. But now, I think I'll change it up a bit." His hands roamed over her body, circled over

her breasts, but didn't dip below her shirt.

Nadia arched her back into him, until her pelvis rubbed against his erection, but he ended the

contact and stepped away. Her body was buzzing with the electrical currents of having his hands on her,

and the need to feel it once more.

"Do you want me to touch you?"

She nodded.

"Speak. Tell me you want me to touch you."

She should be turned off by the way he spoke to her, but instead, Nadia found herself complying

as her nipples strained and pussy ached. "Touch me."

The man made a tsk, tsk, tsk sound and shook his head as though disappointed. "You didn't say

the magic word."

Author Bio:

As a child, Angelina Rain wanted to be a fashion designer, artist, lawyer, psychologist, cop, and

everything else known to man. It wasn’t until high school that she had a dream where she was a

bestselling author. Awoken from the dream, Angelina knew what she wanted to do with her life.

The young divorcee dreams of some day finding her very own hero and a happily ever after just like

the ones she writes about.

She resides in the southern suburbs of Chicago where she lives with her spoiled puppy.



Website

http://www.angelina-rain.com/index.html

Spotlight: Project Terminal: Devil's Virus by Olivia starke


Project Terminal: Devil's Virus by Olivia Starke


Max must put old heartaches aside and trust Reed to help her while she develops the cure for the devil's virus.

Dr. Maxwell Straight once committed her life to sparing families the pain of losing loved ones in war. While she had the best intentions for her role in Project Terminal, her twin sister, Dr. Marguerite 'Doc' Straight, had different ideas. When Max suggested using a deadly virus to help speed healing to super soldiers injured in the field, her sister turned it into a horrific weapon of mass destruction instead. Now Max must trust a man who broke her heart to keep her safe while she develops a cure for what she started.

Adam 'Preacher' Reed saw what was coming in Project Terminal long before anyone else. When his warnings fell on deaf ears he turned away from the project, and Max, for good. He'd given his body to science, but he wouldn't sell his soul. Now Max needs his help to stop the spread of the undead plague, and he'll do anything to see the project fall. What he doesn't count on are the feelings he still holds for the scientist who chose her twisted work over him. Can he keep Max alive long enough to develop the cure? Or will his worst fears be realized—losing his heart to Max, and their lives to the project?

Content Warning: graphic sex, strong language, and violence


Excerpt: 

Reed growled, lifting her from her feet. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he sat her on a lab table. The cold metal top chilled her as he stepped back. His eyes burned a trail down her torso. He leaned in, bracing his hands on each side of her hips, trapping her between. He stared into her eyes.

"This is a serious complication, Max." The words sounded forced.

Max had to clear her throat. "It will definitely get in the way."

"We need to stop right now."

"Yes, we do." She hung suspended, both fearing he'd move in or back off. Neither option seemed satisfactory with the war going on between head, heart, and loins.

"Max, I—"

A huge crash reverberated through the room, shocking a scream from her lungs. Reed whirled toward the noise, bracing his feet wide. Raspy breathing sounded from down the hallway, and Max's heart thundered.

"What the hell is that?" she whispered.

Footfalls slapped down the hall, bare feet hitting the tile flooring. Max held her breath, unsure what to do while Reed dove for his rifle. The undead appeared in the doorway, the sad remains of a woman. Her mouth hung agape, foam dripping from her lips. Reed aimed, but it ducked down, disappearing behind the rows of tables.

"Damn it." Reed jumped on a table and shot Max a glance. "Stay where you are."

Max stood on the table, searching the murky corners. The thing's breathing echoed, making the woman impossible to pinpoint. Reed jumped tabletop to tabletop, keeping his rifle trained on the floor. It seemed the undead was more clever than Max realized, keeping just out of sight. She searched for a weapon, feeling defenseless and useless to provide assistance. Nothing handy presented itself beyond a few microscopes within reach. She focused on Reed who didn't look the least bit panicked. He moved silently without any wasted movement. He paused, and fired, the loud pop making her jump. She heard the scraping of nails on the tile and Reed shot again. All fell silent.



Buy Links: Beachwalk Press






Book One: Project Terminal: Legacy


Zombies and super soldiers? Laura is the one hope for a world gone Hollywood crazy.

In only a matter of hours Laura Swift has been bitten by a zombie, rescued by Mr. Tall, Dark, and Foreboding, and thrown into a world gone Hollywood crazy. She has no choice but to follow Damian into his underworld of manipulated viruses and genetically altered super soldiers. Even as her life hangs in the balance, she can't deny the attraction she feels for the incredibly sexy and thoroughly imposing Infantryman.

Damian Gonsalves believes he has a cure for the virus changing innocent people into bloodthirsty undead. Within Laura is the key to stopping the horrific plague. All he has to do is keep her alive and safe, and stay one step ahead of those pursuing them. Her stubbornness frustrates him to no end, while her body drives him to distraction.

When they discover the secret behind Project Terminal, will they survive long enough to help stop the unleashed horror? Or will they just be two more victims of a virus threatening all of humanity?

Content Warning: graphic sex, strong language, and violence

Buy Link:    Beachwalk Press   



About the Author:

Olivia Starke calls the Ozarks home. One of the most beautiful areas in the country, she loves hiking trails with her dogs, kayaking on the numerous waterways, and enjoying southern Missouri's fresh air and sunshine.

She's also 'Mom' to four dogs, a growing number of kitties that show up at her door, and four VERY spoiled horses that do little to earn their keep. Not that she'd ever hold that against them.

She's a HUGE fangirl of Doctor Who and to a lesser extent Supernatural, and has a pretty interesting love triangle (or square?) going on in her head between the Doctor and the Winchesters.


Author Links:   Site     Twitter     Facebook


 Giveaway:

Olivia is giving away a $10.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card plus an eBook copy of either Project Terminal: Legacy or Project Terminal: Devil's Virus




Entangled @covetbooks October releases.

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's October releases!!



Bad Cop by Angela McCallister
Bad Mouth Sequel

A cop who tosses the rulebooks to get his way…

Vampire Ian McCready doesn’t care for Alice Capshaw’s opinions about his version of justice. Her humanity makes her off-limits, but that does nothing to lessen his overwhelming desire for her. To Alice, Ian is just another bad cop as detestable as the one who destroyed her family. She’s attracted to him, yes, but he threatened his way into her agency’s murder case and has too many secrets.

When a new case resurrects ghosts Ian believed long dead and buried, his law-bending ways might result in his execution. The second Alice becomes a target, his cold heart flares into blinding existence. But following the law for her sake may end with devastating results.




Four Weddings and a Werewolf
Seattle Wolf Pack #2

To have and to howl…

Logan Black, former Marine and bodyguard for the Seattle Wolf Pack, hates weddings and has no plan to walk the path to matrimonial misery. But when he’s hired to protect a hot-to-trot wedding planner with a werewolf stalker, he’s forced to put his feelings aside. Not such an easy task when the damsel can turn him on with a single smoldering glance.

Wedding planner Veronica Vale knows werewolves exist, but hates them. One bit her sister, changing their lives forever. When a sexy Marine shows his gorgeous face at one of her wedding appointments, Veronica finds it hard to focus on the task at hand.

The chemistry drawing Logan and Veronica together seems fated, but with Logan’s playboy attitude, Veronica’s hatred for werewolves, and a stalker lurking in the shadows, these two need more than passion to keep them together.




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Sunday 27 October 2013

Review: Falling for the Marine by Samanthe Beck @BrazenBooks

Pretending to be in love has never felt so sexy.

USMC helicopter pilot Michael McCade has two goals: Get his damn back into alignment and keep his nose clean until his commanding officer clears him to fly again. The doctor-recommended massage therapy seems like a necessary step toward returning to the cockpit, but when his too-hot-to-handle neighbor, Chloe Kincaid, turns out to be his masseuse, he strays from the straight and narrow in a major way.

Chloe Kincaid is looking for a simple, no strings attached, ego-boosting hook up. But when her positively panty-melting neighbor, USMC Major Michael McCade, (aka “Major Hottie”), shows up on her massage table, she lets desire get the better of professionalism. Now they’re pretending to be engaged to avoid a whole lot of unanticipated consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment. But can a girl who avoids attachments at all costs fake an engagement to a straight-arrow soldier without falling hard?


Review:

Samanthe Beck has done it again. I am so in love with these McCade Men. 

Chloe and Michael set the sheets on fire in this one but they have some beautiful sweet moments too. When characters fall in love over a short period of time for me sometimes it feels forced but not this book. It just felt so natural the way Chloe and Michael gravitated toward each other.  Oh and the end I love Love LOVED it. Oh and I am always ecstatic when their is an epilogue and this one totally delivered.

Overall I give this 5 out of 5  



Saturday 26 October 2013

Review: Down the Aisle by Christine Bell @BrazenBooks

She thought their future together would be easy…

Lacey Garrity is about to have the wedding she’s always dreamed of. She and Galen had planned on a big family, but now fertility issues are turning that dream to ashes. When another setback comes to light a week before their wedding day, she wonders how she can marry him knowing that being with her might mean he can never have the life he imagined…

Galen Thomas loves his woman, and whether they have a big family or it’s just the two of them forever, he can’t wait to spend his life with her. With the big day coming, he’ll pull out all the stops to remind her how good it can be between them and that, together, they can do anything…if he can just get her down the aisle.



Review:

So for me as a reader nothing bugs me more when in the last paragraph the Hero/Heroine profess their love and then the book just ends. I love epilogues and being able to get a glimpse into to life after "I Love You". So novella's like this one are perfect for me going back to get a glimpse of what is happening in characters lives after.

This book in particular hit home for me.  As someone who has has troubles getting/remaining pregnant I know intimately the disappointment of not being able to have the family you want. Ms Bell dealt with it in such a wonderful manner all the while giving me the outstanding chemistry Lacey and Galen have always had.

Though a quick read it was the perfect cake topper to Lacey and Galen's story for me.

Overall I give this 4 out of 5

PS cannot wait for Rafe's book :)

Thursday 24 October 2013

Spotlight: Amanda in the Summer by Brenda Whiteside

Title: Amanda in the Summer
Author: Brenda Whiteside
Genres: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: 8/27/2013
Word Count/Length: 9300 words/55 pages
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18392119-amanda-in-the-summer?ac=1
Synopsis:
Three generations of women…and the secret that strengthens their love.
A line of women, all named Amanda, stretches back for generations. Each with her hopes, her joys, her pain—each pouring out her heart in correspondence with a dear family friend who shares their lives, understands their loves, and joins in their sorrows.
But within the correspondence lies a secret. And as the youngest of the Amandas retraces the journey through the years—beginning in post-war America and following through to modern day—the letters reveal, layer by layer, the Amandas who came before her. Soon, the truths and lies hidden in the letters lead her down a path of self-discovery that forges a bond between her past and future.
Author Info:
I was born and raised in Arizona. Outside of Arizona, my travels had only gone as far as California, Nevada, and New Mexico until I married a man doing a stint in the Army. If the Army offered nothing else, we at least had the opportunity to see a good part of the world. And we found we liked moving around.
Our frequent moves continued into our civilian life. Our gypsy lifestyle has finally landed us in the northern prairies of Arizona. We're transitioning from city people to country folk. We share our rambling farmhouse with our son the farmer, his wife, my granddaughter and three dogs. Together, we’ve embraced an age-old lifestyle that has been mostly lost in the United States - multiple generations living under one roof, who share the workload, follow their individual dreams and reap the benefits of combined talents.
Although I didn’t start out to write romance, I’ve found all good stories have to involve complicated human relationships. I’ve also learned, no matter a person’s age, a new discovery is right around every corner. Whether humorous or serious, straight contemporary or mystery, all my books revolve around 
those two facts.

EXCERPT TWO
July 28, 1968
Dear Auntie Tilly,
I didn’t get the whole of what happened while you
were here. You and my parents seemed all happy and
cool when you left though. You three are the most
important old folks in my life. What an odd threesome
you are to me, at times. You’re so very cool, freespirited
and groovy. Mom is—I don’t know what—
going through menopause? Daddy is Daddy and seems
to understand both of you. I felt some tension I’d never
noticed before, but I could’ve been projecting my own
insecurities into the atmosphere. Taking this step with
Kevin is huge, you know? Or maybe it’s just Mom’s
erratic behavior lately.

I can always count on you for the blunt truth. Like
when you told me that what I wanted with Kevin was
admirable. And regardless of how groovy I think the
way you lead your life is, I need to lead my own life. Of
course, I had no idea you’ve had a love relationship, of
sorts, all of your life…



Follow her on:
Blogs on 9th and 24th: http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

Blogs about Prairie Life and Writing: http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Release Day Blast @EntangledEdge


Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from our popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way. Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war. To find out more about our titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow us on Twitter, and like our Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's October releases!!



Dark Angel by TJ Bennett

When young widow Catherine Briton is washed ashore, the sole survivor of a violent shipwreck, all she wants is to go home to London. But injured as she is, she can’t escape when a shadowy stranger rescues her and takes her to his castle—where she’s healed with suspicious, almost magical speed.

The more time Catherine spends in the castle, the more her curiosity rises where her fiercely handsome new “master,” Gerard, is concerned. As she begins to investigate, though, her discoveries only bring more questions. It seems Gerard isn't the only one on the island keeping secrets…

The small town is full of strange mysteries and townspeople who know more than they should about her. And when a hulking beast that stalks the nearby hills and valleys catches up to her, Catherine must figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.



Far Too Tempting by Lauren Blakely

Jane Black has written the break-up album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband’s unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees—as long as her personal life is completely off-limits.

British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew’s the first guy Jane’s been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer’s block. How can the queen of the break-up pen the perfect follow-up when she’s seriously in love?



Hunter's Moon by Lisa Kessler
Moon #2

Sasha’s future was stolen from her the moment she was bitten. Now she's on the run from the Nero Organization that transformed her from a human detective into a shape shifting jaguar assassin.

When a rogue bounty hunter threatens her younger sister, she'll be forced to fight, and with nowhere else to turn, Sasha will need to trust the one man who has every reason to want her dead.

Aren is a werewolf with a secret. While protecting his twin brother and Alpha of the Pack, he found his one mate for life. Sadly she's also the jaguar assassin who tried to kill them both. Now Aren is struggling between his animal nature to love and protect her, and his loyalty to the Pack.



Undying Embrace by Jessica Lee
Enclave #2

Arran MacLain is a vampire on a suicide mission, driven to kill his former partner who betrayed him and the Enclave they served. But two things stand in his way: Gabrielle, the human female who holds his heart, and the past that won’t let him go. If only death was enough to cleanse his soul.

Gabrielle Steven’s sister is missing. Her hunt for clues brings her face to face with the one vampire she can’t forget. Their missions combine and thrust them into the heart of evil. Will their passion be enough to overcome the pain from their past, or will their dark desires destroy them both?



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Monday 21 October 2013

Spotllight: Seduction of Emily by Rachel Brimble

The Seduction of Emily
by Rachel Brimble
Historical Romance
Publisher: eKensington
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Length: 225 pages

Available at:

Description:
Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel. . .

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancé, Will's plan changes.

Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:
Nausea whirled in her stomach and tears burned hot in Emily’s eyes as his weight bore down on her. Panic coursed through her veins and her heart pounded relentlessly in her ears. She kicked her legs but it was futile, she could not move him. Her thoughts rushed to Will sitting feet away but entirely out of reach.
Cursing, Nicholas released her chin and she opened her mouth to scream but it was swallowed soundlessly when his mouth covered hers. Violent and possessive, his kiss was filled with hatred. His teeth grazed her lips; his tongue sought hers like a venomous snake. Saliva smeared her lips, his breath hot in her mouth. After a harried few seconds, he pulled away but his lips were immediately replaced with his hand, sealing her screams like a slamming lid.
Humiliation burned in Emily’s heart and dripped like poison into her soul as he grappled hungrily at her breast over the top of her dress. Terror hitched in her stomach, threatening to rise higher and higher. Sweat broke out on her forehead. His eyes bulged with feverish delight. He’d lost his mind.
He began to pant. His tongue stuck to his bottom lip in concentration as his hand left her breast to snatch and pull at her skirts. Fear and revulsion turned her blood cold. No! She would not allow this. Not here, not now with Will so close yet so far away.
She struggled and kicked and clawed at his hair and face, but he bucked and yanked out of reach time and again. It soon became clear this was not the first time Nicholas had overpowered a woman in such a way. The knowledge sunk into Emily’s heart, filling it with anger and murder. He would have to kill her before he touched her.

His icy-cold fingers touched her bared thigh and she strained with all her might against the suffocating weight of his hand. Finally managing to open her mouth, Emily bit down.

About the Author:
I live with my fantastic husband, our two young daughters and my beloved black Labrador, Max in a small market town near the famous Georgian City of Bath.  Having always ‘played’ with writing, I didn’t seriously sit down and write toward publication until I became pregnant with my second daughter – then I told myself to get my butt in the chair and get on with it before she grows up and I’m forced to get a real job!

Lots of short stories followed as did lots of rejections!  I took a few distance learning courses, joined some online writers groups and basically, learned my craft.  Finally deciding short stories weren’t working for me (they are an art form in themselves!), in 2006 I decided to embark on my first novel and voila Searching For Sophie was born!  Since then, my other books have followed each year.

And when I’m not writing? You’ll find me with my head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with my family.  And in the evening?  Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused.

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Spotlight: The Housewife and the Film Star by Doris O'Connor

THE HOUSEWIFE AND THE FILM STAR
DORIS O’CONNOR

Blurb:  When International movie star Sven Larsson meets young widowed mum of three, Sylvia, the sexual chemistry between them is instant and explosive, and plastered all over the papers. Sven needs to repair his damaged reputation. The last thing he needs is another scandal, but the Dom in him can't resist the challenge Sylvia represents.

Having survived an abusive marriage, Sylvia is not looking for another relationship, let alone a kinky one with a man of Sven's reputation. Her submissive side can't help but be drawn to him, however, especially once she gets to know the man behind the public image. This private, broken, Sven she cannot help but fall in love with, even if he doesn't do love.

With the paparazzi breathing down their necks at every turn, and past demons raising their ugly heads, will they ever be able to find happiness?

Excerpt:
"Like what you see?"
Sylvia wrenched her gaze upwards to meet his eyes. He was watching her reaction from under heavy lidded eyes filled with lust and a grim determination that frightened her a little.
"Sven, I don't think I could…"
Before she could even blink he was on the bed next to her, matching his long length to her much smaller frame. He grasped her wrists in one hand again and pinned her arms above her head. With a wicked smile he used just one finger of his free hand to slowly travel up the inside of her thigh. The slight pressure was torture, and by the time his thumb flicked her clit, she was a quivering mass of feminine excitement. How did he do that? Was it the unwavering focus with which he watched her reaction, or simply the way he once again had her pinned, unable to move?
"Trust me, baby, you can, and you will."
The kiss that followed seemed never-ending. In direct contrast to his earlier urgency, he took his time exploring the inside of her mouth with a breathtaking thoroughness that spoke of ownership. The more she tried to hurry him, the slower he went, pressing his heavy body on top of hers, until the whole word narrowed to just the feel of him. Every stroke, nip and suckle of his oh so talented tongue, stoked the slow burning fire in her core to fever pitch, and her hips bucked wildly, needing his touch.
He straddled her, effectively stopping her from moving and looked down on her.
"Take it easy, we have all night, my little firecracker. We'll do this my way, and unless you want me spanking that delicious ass of yours until it matches the color of your lips, you will not rush me."
Sylvia couldn't stop her sharp intake of breath, and Sven's gaze grew even more heated.
"Oh, I see, you like that idea, do you?"
"N-no … I don't."
"Liar." He whispered the word and lifted off her just enough to cup her swollen pussy. Sylvia swallowed her groan as he swiped his fingers through the wet evidence of her arousal, and then lifted his glistening fingers up for her to see.
He licked them clean and hummed his approval.
"Hmm, delicious. If you don't like the idea of my hand on your ass, then why are you this wet?"
Sylvia had no answer for that, so she just shook her head.
"I don’t know. I don't like violence."
She screwed her eyes shut and pushed the memories away. They had no place here, none at all, damn it.
"Neither do I, my sweet, but I think we need to do something to stop those thoughts swirling in your head. Look at me."
His voice had dropped an octave, the cadence of it so compelling that Sylvia had no choice but to comply.
"Bad memories?" he asked.
At her tiny nod he sighed and bent to kiss the tears off her face. She hadn't even been aware of shedding them.
"I can help you with that, if you trust me?"
He went so still towering above her, she couldn’t be sure he was even breathing, and when she nodded again his smile of approval made her worries float away.
"Good girl, now roll over."
He released her completely, and she felt suddenly bereft without his comforting presence. She awkwardly complied and jumped when he grabbed her ass and squeezed.
Instead of the hit she was expecting, however, he moved his hands up to her shoulders and kissed her neck. Tiny butterfly kisses followed down her exposed back until he reached the zipper of her dress. With agonizing slowness he peeled her out of her dress, murmuring encouragement when she helped him by lifting her arms and finally her hips, until she lay face down on the bed with just her bra still on.
Much to her surprise he left it in place and continued to run his hands up and down her back and over the curve of her ass. The strokes grew harder, leaving tingles of awareness in their wake, and the last of her anxiety fled.
Heat suffused her whole being, and she raised her butt into his hands, willing him to delve lower between her legs, where she practically ached for his touch.
He slapped her lightly on one ass cheek, and she froze.
"If this gets too much, just call red, and I stop, okay?"
She nodded, and a harder swat followed to her other butt cheek, which this time stung.
"I can't hear you."
"Yes, okay, errr, Sir?"
His laugh in answer confused her. He fisted his hand in her hair and pulled her head up to study her.
"Very nice, but that's not really a salutation I've earned yet, and this is just a little spanking. I don't think either of us is ready for anything else right now, are we?"
She blinked, and the red hot stab of disappointment coursing through her veins took her breath away.
"If we were to go down that route, we would have to discuss a lot of things first, my sweet. I'm not sure I want to do that. Let's not assume titles and just enjoy ourselves, shall we? Unless this is something you need to—"
"No, I don't. I mean, I'm perfectly happy with vanilla. I just thought that's what you wanted. I mean … I…"
Her voice trailed off when his expression darkened.
"I thought you don't read the papers, lady."
"I-I don't, but there's been rumors and, well, I do have some experience."
She mentally crossed her fingers at her fib. Sylvia had experience and then some, but he was right. She was so not ready to have that discussion now. It would dredge up a past she didn't need to remember, not now.
The tight set of his shoulders relaxed slightly, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She really didn't want to piss him off, and she was suddenly desperate to see if this would be as erotic as it had been—before Richard.
"So, you're familiar with the traffic lights then?" he finally asked with a small smile.
"Yes, Si… I mean, yes I am."                    
Heat rose in her cheeks under his quiet regard, and finally he nodded.
"So be it. I trust you to use it, not that I have any intention of being too hard on you, but I've fantasized about reddening that delicious ass of yours since I met you."
He laughed at her astonished snort in response.
"You have?" she asked, not really believing a word of it. He had to be kidding. "No need to humor me. In case you haven’t noticed I'm in your bed and a pretty safe bet by now, you know."
His expression darkened again, and her stomach dropped in delicious anticipation.
"For that inane comment you've just earned yourself some extra spanks. We'll have to work on that warped self-image of yours. You're a beautiful, desirable woman."

Authors Bio:
Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris... at least that's what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Writer of sensual, sassy, sexy romances
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