Monday 30 July 2012

Head Shy - Guest Blog and GIVEAWAY by Katherine Wyvern

Please give a warm welcome to my guest today, the wonderful Katherine Wyvern. She's telling us about her new release Head Shy. Don't forget to leave a comment to be in with a chance to win a copy.

Take it away, Katherine :-)


*****


Head Shy is a short story and it’s the third book in the Cydonian Tales series which started in December 2011 with Black Carnival. It is however a prequel to my debut novel, and can be read before the other books, as a little glimpse in the world of Cydonia.
Head Shy is the story of Lune and Laz’law, the two Sand Riders who appear already in Black Carnival. In that book we don’t see much of Laz’law, but he was always my favourite character from story; he tickled my narrative curiosity as no other and I wanted to write a story about him, and the way Lune came to love him. This story was written very quickly, at least for my standard, because the characters really wrote themselves.  It was also a world of fun. My editor commented, when working on Black Carnival, that Lune could come across as a bit chilly and distant. It was fun to write a story where he is completely tongue tied with love!
I hope you enjoy this brief teaser, and if you leave a comment and a contact, you might win a free pdf copy of the book!





Blurb:
On the desert planet Cydonia, Lune, a naturalist and explorer, is assigned a new trainee. The young Rider is supposed to follow him everywhere to learn the skills of his trade.

Lune would gladly be spared the trouble, especially when informed that the boy has been formerly apprenticed to a vicious and abusive Rider, and likely to be difficult and traumatized. But when Laz’law, a stunningly beautiful, fiercely touchy creature enters his life, Lune has no choice other than to employ his horse-whisperer’s patience to earn his trust and win his love.

Excerpt:
When Lune entered the small locker room by the stable yard he was a bit disappointed to hear the water running in one of the showers. He was tired, dusty and sweaty, and he really just wanted to scrub himself clean and then go home. The thought of meeting somebody and having to chat and be social made him feel vaguely sick.
He wondered who had stayed at the yard so long. It was a holiday, after all. He unbuttoned his shirt quickly and stuffed it into his locker, hoping to hide in a different shower before whoever it was came out, but it was too late. The water stopped, and the shower door opened. He turned to look and nearly keeled over senseless when Laz’law, of all people, stepped out of it. He had a towel around his middle and was dripping wet. He had a dark, combative look in his eyes, but he relaxed somewhat when he saw Lune.
“Oh,” he said, “it’s you. I had no idea you were even around today.”
Lune sat down on a bench and with some effort said, “Came to trim some horses. For a friend. Thought you were off with your pals.”
“Oh, no,” said Laz’law, “I didn’t go after all. Too busy. I studied, and then I came to play with the mare for a while. Trustworthy, see? And by now I can tell you anything you could possibly want me to know about every bleeding plant, beast, and bug that lives between here and Arnia. You’ll have to take me with you. I’m your living encyclopedia. You’ll need me.”
He flipped the towel off his waist and began rubbing his head with it.
“Mh-h,” said Lune, out of general considerations that this wasn’t a good moment to trust his voice. He watched Laz’law in something like a stupor while the young man rubbed the towel on his head, face, and throat. He was lean and sculpted like a racing thoroughbred, with not an inch of softness about him, and every muscle bow-string-taut under the shiny, wet, dark skin. His chest bulged out exactly enough, strong without heaviness; his stomach was as neatly and squarely lined as a chocolate bar, and his cock …
Laz’law took the towel off his head and looked at him.
“Come on, man, ask me any question! Test time!”
“Uh …” said Lune, looking down. Don’t look into his eye, he thought. Never let a shy horse know you are after him. Never cross his path. Approach sideways, make for the shoulder. Keep your head down. Don’t look into his eye. Don’t look into his eyes. Don’t look into those damned eyes, Lune.
He swallowed. “I don’t know. Tell me about snakes, to begin with.” He bit his lower lip. Snakes? he thought. Can’t you be a bit more obvious, you demented old sucker? He crossed his legs tightly to keep his fast-growing hard-on from showing.
Laz’law launched into a fast-paced description of every living species of snake known on Cydonia, specifying size, coloring, habitat and distinguishing features. He did sound like a living encyclopedia. Lune wondered when he had done all this reading, but then, like so many other rebellious youngsters he had known, he was scarily keen when he put his mind to it.
“And these are the snakes you can eat,” Laz’law said proudly, before rattling out the whole bleeding list of them. Lune bent down to lean his elbows on his knees and his forehead on his palms, aiming for an overall look of weary but concentrated attention and peering at him sideways, from under his thumb. It would keep the bulge in his pants out of view, but he was going to die of it. He made a mental note to wear somewhat softer trousers next time he was around Laz’law.
Oh lord, he thought, shifting painfully, so this is the day I get a sprained cock, yes?
Laz’law stood there talking, exhibiting his nakedness now with the total forgetfulness of the true sportsman. He had toweled his breast dry, and his skin was like matte bronze. But some water still clung in the hollow of his throat, and one drop began a shiny descent along his torso, outlining every perfect bulge and groove of his chest and belly. He had two twin silver-derm tattoos on his chest, paw-prints of sorts, as if a particularly loving and artistic panther had dipped its feet in silver paint and then laid them on his breast, side by side. Lune swallowed again. Another drop of water ran down Laz’law’s body. He toweled the inside of his legs and his narrow, perfect hips. He passed the towel under his balls, and round his cock, which fell back and bounced around, inviting…
Links:
Head Shy @Evernight:
Head Shy on Amazon:
Katherine Wyvern on Facebook:
Katherine's Blog:
Katherine Wyvern @ Evernight:
Katherine Wyvern on Amazon:

Sunday 29 July 2012

Six Sentence Sunday

It's been a while and I'm glad to be back. Today's six come from my shortie The Dating Game, part of Evernight's Lover Unexpected Sappho Anthology, which releases August 10th.




In this scene the old friends are reunited, and Tirath is clearly in some sort of trouble. Rosie offers comfort.



Rosie allowed herself one precious moment of pulling Tirath tighter into her. She inhaled deeply, stroking her hands up and down Tirath’s sides in an effort to soothe her anxiety, ruthlessly ignoring the tingles of awareness travelling up through her finger tips at the contact of silky, bare skin when her hands settled on her exposed back. Tirath sighed and snuggled in deeper for a second, her breasts brushing against Rosie’s, before she shook her head and stepped out of Rosie’s embrace.
Heat stained her cheeks and she didn’t look at her.
“I’m sorry, that was mean of me. I don’t… I mean… oh fuck it all.”


Do make sure you check out the other authors participating in Six Sentence Sunday here.
Have a great Sunday, folks! 

Saturday 28 July 2012

Jackie and her Loose Talk (Naughty Fairy Tale) - Guest blog by Jorja Lovett

I'm hopping with excitement today, because I have a very good friend and critique partner on my blog today with Evernight Publishing's latest Naughty Fairy Tale, Jackie and Her Loose Talk.

One of the best things about being a crit partner is the privilege of being right there at the conception of a great story. I recall getting the whip out and 'forcing' Jorja to share the start of this story, when she first came up with the idea. She refused at first, but we wore her down, and then adopted our best bullying...I mean encouraging tactics to keep her writing.

I fell in love with Victor when I was red penning Jorja's manuscript, and I'm sure the readers will too. So without further ado, take it away, Jorja :-)

*****



Thanks for pimping me today Doris J
I have you to thank for putting the idea for Jackie and Her Loose Talk in my head after I read your fabulous Naughty Fairy Tale, ‘Last of His Kind’, and my mind drifted off to Fairyland lol.
The idea at the start seemed so outrageous to me to have this glamorous kiss-and-tell queen chasing down a reclusive billionaire and still keep a connection to the original story but, as ever, you got the whip out and made sure I finished it!
I’ve posted a taster that I hope everyone will enjoy. I sure as hell had fun writing it.


Blurb

Jackie Thompson is the kiss and tell queen, prepared to sleep her way to fame and fortune. Her latest escapade with two footballers is on course to secure her future but she trades it for a handful of magic beans…or in this case, the address of a reclusive billionaire.
Scarred by his past, Viktor Torok hides away from the outside world. When Jackie barges into his life he lets her get away in an effort to protect his privacy. But he hasn’t counted on the unwanted attraction that rages between them on their second meet.
Can she break through his walls and help them heal each other?

Excerpt

A gentle tug on his wrist woke Viktor from a heavy slumber. Through sleepy eyes he could make out Jackie’s blurry form at the top of the bed. “What are you doing?”
            “I thought you’d never wake up.” Another tug on his other wrist and he tried to sit up to see for himself. With both arms above his head, he couldn’t move.
“What the fuck?” He tried again but found both wrists tied to the brass headboard with two of his silk ties.
Jackie straddled his waist, teasing his barely awake cock with her smooth pussy. “We’re going to work on a little trust exercise.”
“This doesn’t tally with the ‘fall back and I’ll catch you’ scenario we were taught on the training courses. I think I’d remember the ‘tie you naked to the bed and give you a boner’ version.” She leaned forward to test the knots, her breasts rubbing him into semi-arousal.
“Much more effective I find.” A little wiggle of her hips coaxed him into a full hard-on and she couldn’t hide the smile in her eyes. “Now, why are you so reluctant for me to go down on you?”
He admired her direct approach; it didn’t leave room for lies. “It’s a delicate piece of my anatomy which I am reluctant to put anywhere it could get bitten off.”
Jackie eyed his swollen manhood. “It doesn’t look very delicate to me. In fact, not too long ago I think it tried to nail me to a tree trunk. So, have you always had this phobia of blowjobs?”
“You should have been a therapist you know. Although I think you need the glasses and hair in a bun to pull it off effectively.”
She slapped his thigh but rather than chastising him, the sharp sting excited him further. “I’m serious.”
“Since Carmen, I don’t trust anyone not to hurt me, physically or otherwise.” The truth finally emerged as Viktor came to terms with his fucked up view of the world and everyone in it.
To his relief, Jackie kept her business-like manner rather than pity him. “A wise man once told me to lie back and enjoy. So—” A wave of her hand shooed him back onto the pillow.
“Is this you acting out some sort of Domme fantasy?” Smart-mouthing her was the only stalling technique in his armory right now as panic set in. Am I ready to give myself over so completely to another woman?
“Now you come to mention it…” She took his cock in hand and rubbed the crown against her slit.
“Shouldn’t we have a safe word or something so you stop when I say?” Cold sweat broke out on his forehead at being totally at her mercy.
She let go so his cock slapped back on his belly. “You’re right. Hmm, what about Beanstalk?”
“Beanstalk?” He wasn’t sure whether to be offended or not. What size of Beanstalk?
“Yeah. Because it leads to such wonderful treasures.” Not giving him time to preen, Jackie bowed her head and took his cock deep into her mouth.
He fought his bindings, and curled his toes; desperate to take charge of his own body but Jackie’s mouth was definitely calling the shots. The swirl of her tongue around his shaft and the soft lips circling his girth threw his idea of careful control into turmoil. While he tried to form a coherent plan to dominate the situation, the blinding white light of impending orgasm obliterated all thoughts except the party going on between his legs.
Just as Viktor started to go with the flow, Jackie drew back from the base of his shaft and slowly slid him free of her tight hold. “Here ends lesson one.”

Twitter @jorjalovett

****

What did I tell you?  Now I know you can't wait to get your hands on him, right, so here are the all important buy links:







Friday 27 July 2012

Book Spot Light - Sable by Dariel Raye

I have Dariel Raye in the spot light today with book one in her Dark Sentinels series, and will you just look at that awesome cover!



Sable, a sentinel wolf shifter, is captured and locked in his wolf form until Akila, a veterinarian, tries to tame him and unleashes a 6'5" baby blue-eyed surprise.
Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…

Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.

Who Are The Dark Sentinels?

They lived millions of years ago, fatalities of fear and prejudice. Now, answers to a prayer for survival, they are among us again. Other shifters were nearly extinct, murdered by the thousands at mostly human hands. Capable of shifting at will, without the aid of the moon’s phases, they were born to protect them. Bigger, stronger, faster, and longer living, with highly developed preternatural abilities, they are prized outsiders among their packs. Prized for their ability to protect, yet destined to live as outsiders because of the very differences necessary to prevent the pack’s extinction.
Born to stand at the crossroads between pack-members and their slaughterers, Sentinels quickly learn that they are on their own – a different species. Born human, only two are born to each pack, male and female alphas, brother and sister. Pack members deny them mating privileges within the pack based on fear. No female wants to bear a sentinel because their lives are constantly at risk. When danger comes to the pack, they are on the front line, considered expendable.
When they reach mating age, they leave the pack for a time to find a mate – another sentinel. What happens when a sentinel develops feelings for a human? What happens when malevolent scientists learn how to strengthen humans by using sentinel blood?  As you can imagine, with their feral nature barely beneath the surface, Dark Sentinel passions run high. Touch, affection, and loyalty are necessary for their survival, and they are willing to go to extraordinary measures, risk everything, and break every rule for love.

Buy Links:  AMAZON    B&N



Where to find Dariel:

 Blogs: 



 Goodreads:


 Twitter: 



Wednesday 25 July 2012

Interview with K.Williams - Snow White And The Hitman

There is a new Fairytale in the Evernight Collection, and needless to say I had to snare its author and pin her down to answer my nosy questions!



Darcy King has had enough. With a sexy distraction, she manages to escape from the guards at North Tower, where she has been a virtual prisoner since her stepmother sent her there nine years ago. After wandering through the forest, she encounters seven outrageous drag queens begins dancing at their night club under the stage name Snow White.
Aric Hunstman was hired to kidnap Darcy, but finds he is helpless against her beauty. He changes his ways and when Darcy’s friend, Nick Prince, discovers that Darcy just might be the rightful heir to her father’s fashion empire, he dedicates himself to helping her claim her birthright. After a poisoned martini nearly derails their plans, Nick and Aric can’t seem to get over their disagreement about which one of them deserves Darcy’s affections.
Darcy is tired of others directing her life and decides to finally start taking what she wants.

****


Now, doesn't that sound great? On with those questions.



Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

K: Sure! Well, I’m twenty years old. A lot of people are surprised by that, so I guess I look and act older than I am. I grew up in a small town in Texas and I’m the oldest of three girls. I recently married a soldier and he’s very supportive of my writing. I’ve been writing for a few years, primarily M/M but I like to try different things.

Q. What made you write ‘this’ story?

K: Evernight Publishing’s Naughty Fairy Tale line just intrigues me and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I just didn’t know which fairy tale I wanted to do. This story started when I went to the movies and saw (obviously) Snow White and the Huntsman. I figured out my spin on it, had the plot in my head before the credits rolled, and a week later it was done.

Fantastic. Love it when stories happen like that.

Q. Describe a typical day’s writing for us

K: 20% writing, 40% procrastinating, 25% music, 15% declaring myself a failure as a human being. Hopefully that adds up to 100. I’m a writer, not a mathematician.

LOL!

Q. If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

K: I’m currently in school for my social work degree, so that’s what I’ll be doing, regardless of if the authoring thing works out or not.

Q. Do your characters ever surprise you?

K: All the time. I usually outline a plot and I imagine that they laugh as they take me off on wild detours.

Q. Do you have a favourite quote?

K: It’s not really writing related, but it’s mostly just my philosophy in life. “Just because I can't change everything, doesn't mean I shouldn't try to change anything at all." - Tim McIlrath

Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

K: All the time. It’s a serious problem for me. I honestly don’t know how I ever finish anything.

Q. And finally can you share an excerpt with us?

Darcy was tired, despite having been asleep for so many days. She had a slight headache, but counted herself lucky that that was the only lasting effect. Nick and Aric looked as tired as she felt, but she knew neither of them would be the first to suggest stopping. She didn’t want to be the one to do it either, but she knew that it would be for the best.
“I think we should get some rest,” she said. “There’s no point in rushing to get there tonight. He won’t be in his office. We should get some sleep.”
Aric nodded and turned into the parking lot of the first hotel they passed. Aric went into the lobby and flashed a charming smile to the woman attending the counter. He talked his way into a room, even though they had no reservation. Darcy was looking forward to a shower more than anything else. Her hair was still gunky with hairspray and she was sure that she smelled less than ladylike. Darcy immediately went to shower the moment they had checked in.
****
The tension in the room after Darcy left was a tangible thing. “I still don’t trust you,” Nick said as soon as the sound of running water came from the bathroom.
“It doesn’t matter if you trust me or not,” Aric replied.
Nick encroached on Aric’s personal space in an attempt to intimidate him. “I know you had something to do with all this. What did you put in her drink to make her sleep like that?”
“I couldn’t have done it and you know that.”
Nick cringed. He had his suspicions about what had gone on when the two had talked before and now Aric was throwing it in his face. He didn’t want to think about Darcy with Aric. “Don’t tell me what I know.”
Aric sighed and leered down at the shorter man. “Are you really going to make me spell it out for you? I have an alibi.”
Nick and his wounded pride backed away, but he still attempted to retaliate. “Stop playing with her emotions.”
“She doesn’t seem to need you looking over her shoulder all the time. You’re just making yourself look pathetic.”
The comment stung and Nick desperately hoped it wasn’t true. He was confident that Darcy would never think that of him, but he still feared that it was true, that he was just making himself look like a love-struck fool when he was just trying to protect her. “She’s just a girl. She’s been locked away for so long. I’m not going to stand by while you use her. Back off!”
****
In the heat of their argument, neither of the men had noticed that the shower had stopped and Darcy was in the room, dripping wet and wrapped in a cheap hotel towel. “Both of you need to get a grip,” she said, her voice shaking with anger. Nick looked ashamed and started to explain himself, but Darcy silenced him with a glare. “I can’t believe what I just heard. Both of you are acting like you know what’s best for me. That’s bullshit. How many times do I have to say it before you’ll realize I make my own decisions? I didn’t run away from North Tower just to have you two fighting over me in a hotel room like I’m some doll you can just do whatever you want with.”
“I just don’t think he’s good for you,” Nick said softly.
“You don’t get to make that call, Nick!” Darcy snapped. “It’s my life. I get to decide. I like both of you, even though you were both just acting like childish pigs. Don’t you understand? I’m not some prize you can fight over.”
Aric nodded. “I apologize, Darcy.”
Nick sighed. “Yeah, I’m sorry too. I just want what’s best for you, but it’s not my job to decide what that is.”
Her anger faded and she moved between them, placing a kiss first on Aric’s lips and then on Nick’s. “I accept your apologies. Now, can we all behave like grown-ups or do I need to spank you?” she teased.
Nick smiled. “I’ll be good.”
Aric lifted his hand. “I’d like the spanking.”
Darcy laughed and even Nick had to crack a smile at the joke.  “See, now isn’t it better not to fight?” Darcy whispered. She pulled both men closer to her by the belt loop and her towel started to slip. “I think we could find a way for all of us to get along.” She grabbed Aric’s hand and placed it on her ass while she pressed herself against Nick and started to kiss his neck.

BUY LINK

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/snow-white-and-the-hitman-by-k-williams/

Find Kaytlyn on the web here:



Tuesday 24 July 2012

Blog Hop winner and news

Good morning all. The sun is streaming in through my curtains, the kids are screeching, and I am sitting here, desperately trying to wake up.

It's the summer hols and my lovely brood is in full, fighting form. The first week is always the most trying, as they all adjust to each other being home.


United Nations Peace keeping has nothing on me! Hence I'm nursing the coffee, cause late nights is the only time for me to get anything done, that requires concentration, let alone peace and quiet...

Gotta love school holidays!

So, forgive me for being slightly late in announcing the winner of the BDSM unleashed blog hop, which is...

Christine :-)

(chosen with the help of random.org)


Hope you enjoy my tigers!

In other news I am incredibly excited to be able to announce that my debut novel Lure Of the Blood   is now available in print!



*dances*

You can purchase it here and I'm told it will be available through Amazon within a week. I must admit I can't wait to hold an actual physical copy of my book in my hands. A dream come true.

My other bit of news is that I'm in the process of re-writing book three of the Giovanni, which has involved scrapping 20 K of work. Painful? You bet, but it wasn't working the way it was going, and hence it had ground to a halt. I'm feeling quite positive about the changes I'm envisaging, though I get the impression this will be a slow process. Not helped by the school hols. You do not want to know how long it took me to just write this simple blog post.

*headdesk*

And with that I best wade back into the warring masses. You would simply not believe what they can argue about! It's quite an art form, I tell you.

Have a great week, folks, and enjoy the sunshine, if you have some. It's gloriously hot here in the UK for a change.

Monday 23 July 2012

Awakening the Inner Siren - Guest Blog by Grace Elliot



            Hello and thank you Doris for hosting me!
My name is Grace Elliot and as well as being a veterinarian, I write historical romance. 'Hope's Betrayal' is a new release, the story of a smuggler, Hope Tyler, falling in love with the man who captured her, Captain George Huntley. Of course nothing runs smoothly and with the prospective lovers living on different sides of the law, they face an impossible choice between family and career.
            One of the reasons I love writing historical romance is that in the regency era, there were so many social restrictions to overcome - it makes for great sexual tension. Not only that but women must have had the same needs and desires as we do today, but they weren’t allowed to express themselves, which gives the writer huge scope for allowing the heroine to discovering her sensual side.

            Hope did as was bid and felt the weight of his hand on her back. His touch was delicious as she luxuriated in his ministrations as one by one the seed pearl buttons was undone. Even through her chemise she could feel the heat of his hand and it made her weak, with slow lingering movements he undid one after the other in sweet torture. She threw her head back, suddenly craving the feel of one of those large hands about her waist. The want of his touch was excruciating and yet the buttons released he seemed lethargic once more.
            “My stays? If you wouldn’t mind?”
            “Hmmm? Oh, yes.”
            His hand brushed the bare skin of her neck, as he pushed aside a stray curl of hair. Her body ignited, she flushed deep down her neck and silently gave thanks that the candlelight hid her unmaidenly lust, for she would not want Huntley thinking that he had married a wanton. With imperceptible movements, so slow as to be torture, George undid her laces, loosening the stays until with a wriggle of relief she tossed them aside. Only now she sat there exposed in  her chemise. With a sudden movement she shook out her hair, letting it tumble down her back, forming a dark curtain over her thin chemise.
            With shy demureness she turned to her husband.
            “Better?” He said, rolling onto his side, leaning up on an elbow. His sudden activity surprised her and then she noticed the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile.
            “Why you…!”
            Hope swallowed hard. He had been playing her along all this time, acting the goat so that she didn’t feel alarm. Part of her felt very pleased indeed, but she wasn’t going to let him know…not just yet. Two could play that game. With a prim pucker she nodded to his clothes.
            “Do you always go to bed fully dressed?”
            He glanced at her artfully. “No, but after all that standing I am a little sore. Perhaps, if you could help me…”
            Dry mouthed Hope nodded, after all, with her in nothing but her underclothes it seemed only fair.
            “Your shirt?”
            Huntley sat obligingly. Hope moved closer and tugged it over his head. Throwing the garment aside, her first sight of his torso made her gasp. He was beautiful. Spare and lean, not an ounce of fat, his sculpted chest made her shiver with desire. She couldn’t help but place a palm against it, and the hardness beneath the skin made her eyes dilate. It was her turn to close her eyes as she explored his body with touch, marvelling at the sateen softness over rigid muscles, her touch lingered, feeling the catch of his breath as tentatively she stroked a dark nipple. She wondered at her brazenness and stopped.
            “Go on.”
            She swallowed. George didn’t seem to mind, in fact just the opposite if the swelling in his breeches was anything to go by.

            If you fancy losing yourself in a sensual feast, then why not give "Hope's Betrayal" a go?

*****


Hope's Betrayal (#2 The Huntley Trilogy.)

One wild, winter's night two worlds collide.
Known for his ruthless efficiency, Captain George Huntley is sent to stamp out smuggling on the south coast of England. On a night raid, the Captain captures a smuggler, but finds his troubles are just beginning when the lad turns out to be a lass, Hope Tyler.
With Hope as bait, the Captain sets a trap to catch the rest of the gang. But in a battle of wills, with his reputation at stake, George Huntley starts to respect feisty, independent Hope. Challenged by her sea-green eyes and stubborn loyalty Huntley now faces a new threat - his growing attraction to a sworn enemy. But a love where either Hope betrays her own kind, or Captain Huntley is court-marshaled, is not an easy destiny to follow.



BUY LINKS.
Amazon US

Amazon UK

Smashwords.

Kobo

*****


            Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace believes intelligent people need to read romance as an antidote to the modern world. As an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work.
            Grace lives near London and is addicted to cats. The Elliot household consists of five cats, two teenage sons, one husband, a guinea pig - and the latest addition - a bearded dragon!


Social Links.
Grace Elliot (blog) "Fall in Love With History." http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

Grace Elliot website

Grace Elliot Facebook

Twitter
@Grace_Elliot


******


Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Grace. 

I was fortunate to be offered this book for review, and I jumped at the chance, because the blurb reminded me of the old swashbuckling movies I used to like to watch as a teenager. What I didn't expect was the depths of emotion and surprising twists this book had. The author surprised me on several occasions by taking the story along an entirely different path to the one I was expecting. And I do like to be surprised! The love story ambles along at a gentle pace, entirely in keeping with the time period, and I was completely drawn into the conflict, and willing them to resolve it.

The hero undergoes quite an emotional journey throughout the book and the author did a brilliant job at conveying this, and the tension between the H/H had me on the edge of my seat at times. As did some of the action scenes, it has to be said. In fact, I recommended this to my hubby, and he is now completely engrossed in the story too!

I really enjoyed this book, even if the ending left me shouting, "Oh, you tease!" LOL, but that was just me being greedy.

Ms Elliot has a lovely, easy to read voice, and I have bought the first book of this trilogy to read, as I was left intrigued at the other brother's stories.

If you like a sweet, historical romance then you will enjoy this one. And even if your taste normally runs to hotter stories, like mine does, you will still enjoy this tale. It was simply a lovely read.

Sunday 22 July 2012

Book Spotlight and GIVEAWAY - Blessed Homecoming by Lorraine Nelson

Welcome back, Lorraine! Lorraine is stopping by on her blog tour for her inspirational romance, Blessed Homecoming. Check it out and don't forget to leave a comment to be in with a chance to win a copy of this lovely tale!




The hometown girl and the handyman both carry emotional baggage. Are they destined to remain friends or is there room in their hearts for more?

***

Wendy Danforth is preparing to be a single mom, her ex-husband in jail for spousal abuse.  She returns to her hometown, to renew her faith and to heal. Caught off guard by the handyman in residence, attraction hits, swift and piercing, but she quells her unruly emotions, in no hurry to get involved in another relationship. Besides, at almost nine months pregnant, she wasn’t exactly looking her best.

Jake Roberts, hired to renovate the Danforths’ house, took one look at his employer’s daughter and wanted to run far and fast. He hadn’t possessed an ounce of faith or been around a pregnant woman in three long years, not since his wife and unborn son died in an auto accident.  They become friends, and when her ex-husband escapes custody, he steps up to protect Wendy and her unborn child. Will the danger and close proximity test their friendship? Or will it lead to more? Can Jake regain his lost faith, or will it elude him forever?

Excerpt:

 

Jake found it hard to believe what he'd overheard, what that sweet, caring woman had endured at the hands of a man who had vowed to cherish and protect her. He'd been heading down to retrieve a package of wood screws when he heard Wendy crying and didn't want to interrupt. He didn't want to eavesdrop either, but her pain-wracked voice kept him an unwilling captive as she relayed events.

Broken bones, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder and bruising over seventy-five per cent of her body. Then to heal and find out she was pregnant! Why would she be so happy about having that man's baby? Surely, she couldn't still love him after all that.

Hearing her speak of her faith in the midst of all that suffering struck a rusty chord inside his gut. Somehow, deep down, her quiet acceptance and determination spoke to him in ways that expensive therapy had not. She was a survivor, he'd give her that, but if her friend hadn't found her—no, he wouldn't go there. He couldn't. Divine intervention, she'd called it. He called it lucky.

She'd come home to heal and build a new life for herself and the baby. Surrounded by family and friends, she'd never have to fear for her life again. Although he'd barely known her twenty-four hours and had a definite aversion to getting involved in her problems, he'd do what he could to help her adjust to living in a small town again. If the gossips wanted to pair them off, so be it. He'd been through worse—much worse.

He sat on the step with his head in his hands, undecided whether to let her know he'd overheard or pretend ignorance. How could he ignore the pain she'd suffered? More surprisingly, he realized he wanted to be there for her, to prove that not every man was prone to acts of violence. Although, like her father, he'd had some thoughts on what he'd like to do to her ex if he ever had the chance.
She took the matter out of his hands when she sat a couple steps below him and, placing a hand on his knee, asked, "How much did you hear?"

His head jerked up and he searched her eyes, expecting to see anger and disgust at his audacity, but there was none. "Pretty much all of it. I'm sorry, Wendy. I didn't intend to eavesdrop, but I didn't want to barge in on you either."

"Are you all right?"

"You're asking me? After all you've suffered, I should be asking you that question."

"My suffering ended the day he was found guilty. All that's left now is the sentencing in two weeks' time and I don't need to be there for that."

"But you're expecting his child. How is that not suffering, considering what he put you through?"

"Every life is a gift from God. I don't always understand His methods, but at least I have one good thing resulting from a failed marriage."

"Did you love him that much?"

"At first, yes, very much. He was the man I'd always dreamed about, kind, caring and it didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot." She smiled at the memory, then sobered. "The love died a slow death when the abuse started. He always made me feel like it was my fault, until the day I ended up in the hospital with a broken arm and didn't go back. I realized then my dreams of a happy ever after were never going to happen."

"What did you do? Where did you go?"

"A social worker at the hospital made a couple of calls and arranged a bed in a shelter for abused women. My arm being broken meant I couldn't work for a couple weeks, but when I returned, I found out from my boss, Emma, that he'd been haunting the place, waiting for me to show up. She'd had to call the police on a couple of occasions.

She became my best friend. Emma encouraged me to lay charges and file a restraining order against him, which I did. I also filed for divorce. He didn't show up in court, didn't contest it, so the judge granted the petition based on the abuse."

"I would think so," he huffed in agreement.

"I saw Clyde around from time to time after that, and he never made any effort to approach me, for which I was thankful. But the night before the divorce became final, he showed up after I got home from work. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Can you really put it all behind you that easily?"

"Believe me, Jake, it hasn't been easy. Easy started yesterday when Mama met me at the bus stop with her arms wide open. Until then, I'd hoped, but wasn't at all certain of my welcome, circumstances being what they are."

He placed a hand over hers where it still rested on his knee. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. You are one remarkably strong lady and I'm honored to be your friend."

"My faith is what's strong. I had to believe the Lord has a purpose for me in this life. That's when I decided it was time to come home. I'd been away too long." She gently disentangled her hand and rose to her feet, slightly wobbly at first, causing him to reach out and grab her upper arms to steady her. "Thank you."

*****

Thank you for helping me celebrate this new release. Please follow along on my blog tour and comment daily for several chances to win a free download of Blessed Homecoming. Remember to leave your email address so I can reach you. :) Winner to be announced on July 31st.


I so love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:
http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca                         





Thursday 19 July 2012

Guest blog and GIVEAWAY by Lace Daltyn and her Forever Men


Hello everyone, 

if you're here for the BDSM Unleashed hop please click on the graphic ------->>>

I'm delighted to have Lace Daltyn on my blog today. She has agreed to hold a Giveaway and she's telling us a bit more about her Forever Men. Over to you, Lace :-)

*****

I’d like to thank Doris O’Connor for having me here today as a guest on her blog. As well, mega-congratulations to her on the recent release of Tiger Scars, a powerful story.

(Thanks, Lace!)

I’ve been writing romance for a few years now, but Forever Men is my first foray into the erotic realm. Strangely enough, I found this novella quite different to write from straight romance because you have to keep the tension high even as you allow them to have their fantasies. And that’s really what erotic fiction is all about, isn’t it? It’s about giving the character what they desire most in the world, be it a release from some private hell or a fantasy they never dreamed they could have.

Normally, I have an idea for a story, then create characters around it. It was different with Alec, Desi, and Matt. They all sprang to life in my mind at the same time and I knew I had to give them a story. They made it fun to write.

Speaking of giving stories, we’re giving a copy of Forever Men to one lucky commenter, so be sure to leave a message!



Blurb

Walls crumble when you build a forever love.
 As a couple, the deep, sensual connection between Desi and Alec is imaginative and limitless, even though Desi’s fear that love is transient keeps her from telling her man how she feels. Fun-loving Alec, who lost his parents in a tragic accident, has found that kind of forever love again. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep it, including giving Desi the one thing he lacks—a partner with a serious side.
 With their fledgling construction company headed for the skids if they don’t finish the job on time, Desi and Alec are frantic to catch up. Enter Alec’s friend, Matt, a man haunted by the “dull and unimaginative” label his ex-fiancé pinned on him.
 Working side by side, a thirst grows that seems unquenchable and each must come to terms with old hurts in order to consider possibilities never before imagined.

Excerpt

Desi tugged at Alec’s chest hair, laughing. “Okay, so maybe I did need a break.”
Alec reached up and pinched a taut nipple between his fingers. “Anytime you need help relaxing, babe, I’m your man.” He looked at his watch. “You might want to get dressed, though. I found us some help. He should be here soon.”
She yelped. “Soon?” Desi jumped up, grabbed for her clothes and headed for the most secluded part of the second floor.
“Why didn’t you tell me someone was coming?”
“I figured we had enough time.” He grinned. “Looks like we did.”
Alec pulled his jeans on and walked over to lean against the framework. He saw the truck tucked back almost out of sight and grinned. With a wave of his arm, he motioned Matt in.
While Desi pulled herself together, he went downstairs to greet him. Seeing the bulge in his friend’s jeans, Alec’s grin widened.
“See anything interesting?” he said, slapping Matt on the back.
“Shit, man. Couldn’t you have gotten a room?”
“Hey, there are two floors of them, right here.”
“A room with walls, man. Walls!”



Where you can pick up this novella:

Where to find me:

*****

That excerpt had me giggling! Don't forget to leave a comment, folks!



Monday 16 July 2012

Book Spotlight - Love In The Land Of Fire by Rebecca Brochu


I have the lovely Rebecca Brochu in the book spotlight today with Love In The Land Of Fire. Go check it out!

If you're here for the BDSM Unleashed blog hop, please scroll down, or click on the graphic ------>>






In a world where one is either the ruler or the ruled Enforcer Josiah Marx, a dominate who’s almost given up on finding a partner, takes a case and finds himself drawn to Rafe Zweil, a submissive with a complicated past.  Can the two overcome all the obstacles that stand before them and between them to find love in the Land of Fire?


EXCERPT:

“Shit!”  Josiah immediately holsters his gun, wraps one hand around Rafe’s shoulder and spins him around until they’re face to face.  Anger flares through him, anger at himself for not recognizing the other male sooner, anger at Rafe for not being where he was supposed to be in the first place.  It all comes spilling out of him before he can think twice about it.
     “What in the fuck were you doing?  What in the hell possessed you to leave the apartment?  I’ve seen your test scores, Zweil, so you’ve got no excuse for acting like a fucking idiot!”
     Josiah shakes Rafe hard once before letting go of the submissive as if burned.  Raking a hand through his blond hair he stalks towards the nearest switch and turns the dial all the way up until the apartment is flooded with light.  In the now bright room he can see Rafe’s face clearly, can see an anger that matches his own rising up in the man, which is at odds with the mostly meek behavior he’s shown to Josiah since they’ve been together.
     “I wasn’t aware that I was a prisoner, Marx, or that you’re apparently my warden.  Although I suppose that was a foolish assumption to make.  After all a cage is still a cage even if the bars are pretty this time around.”
     “Damn it all to hell, Rafe, that’s not what I meant and you fucking know it!”
     “Are you sure about that, Josiah?  Do you really not want to keep me locked away, hidden from the outside world like every-fucking-body else seems to?”
     Josiah has no control over himself as he lunges forward, buries one hand in Rafe’s silky hair and yanks the submissive forward.  Their lips meet harshly, all teeth and no finesse and Josiah runs his tongue roughly along the seam of Rafe’s mouth, a pleased growl rumbling in his chest when the he opens for him.  Josiah sweeps inside, his tongue tangling hotly with Rafe’s even as he begins to crowd the submissive against the nearest wall.
     They fit together perfectly, the long lean plains of Rafe’s body slotting into the more thickly muscled valleys of Josiah’s as if they’d been carved from the same single piece of stone, broken and divided and only now reunited.  Josiah groans low in his throat at the feel of Rafe pressed against him and his cock hardens instantly at the combined sensations of touch and taste.  Rafe echoes his groan and the sound of pleasure from the submissive doubles Josiah’s arousal, making him helpless to do anything but press closer, driving their bodies together and Rafe further against the wall.
     Their tongues slide against and around each other, spit slick and eager to taste, to consume one another.  Josiah knew it would be like this, knew it would be perfect and all-consuming the moment he laid eyes on Rafe.  His hand loosens its tight grip in Rafe’s hair and slides slowly through the cool, thick locks to curl firmly around the back of the submissive’s neck, unable to control the impulse to completely dominate the other male.  Rafe breaks the kiss, gasping for air and moaning openly as his head tips back, pressing deeper into the grip on his neck and exposing his throat and collar to Josiah’s hungry gaze.
     It’s an instinctual move, the desire to show off for a dominant, the urge to entice a fitting and worthy partner with his unclaimed status, and the sight of it has Josiah practically snarling in victory.  Rafe wants him as well, wants to be claimed on some level as much as Josiah wants to be the one doing the claiming.  If he didn’t, if their desires didn’t match to some degree, Rafe would not respond so beautifully, would not be showing off his collar and trying to entice Josiah into claiming him.
     His hand tightens slightly, as his head dips down until he can taste Rafe’s neck, can rack teeth and tongue across the tempting expanse, and suck tiny bruises into the vulnerable skin.  He runs his tongue across the smooth surface of the collar, tongue flirting with the inlaid rubies and dragging lightly across the sensitive area where silver meets skin.  Rafe bucks against him and Josiah tightens his hand in reprimand, pleased and aroused when he can actually feel Rafe’s knees weaken at the silent command even as the submissive obeys and stills.
     Josiah pulls himself away from the mesmerizing taste and feel of Rafe, dragging his lips and tongue up across the exposed side of his neck so that he can whisper hotly in the submissive’s ear.
     “Such a good boy, Rafe, such a sweet, beautiful boy.  You were made to be ruled, made for me to own.”
     He claims Rafe’s mouth in another searing kiss, reveling in the breathless gasp and shaky moan it prompts.
     “You’ll be so pretty for me, won’t you?  So sweet and delicious when I have you begging, wanting what only I can give you.  I can’t wait to have you bare and spread open before me.”
     Rafe shudders, a full body tremor that Josiah can feel perfectly, and it goes straight to his cock.  He urges Rafe’s arms above his head with his free hand before grasping them both tightly and pinning them back against the wall.  He feels Rafe go still against him, the tiny, almost unnoticed rocking of his hips stopping abruptly, but it doesn’t really register with him, doesn’t penetrate the fog of lust and need that’s slowly taking him over.
     “P-Please, Josiah.”
     The plea comes out quietly, almost too quietly, and when Josiah hears it he takes it as a plea for more, more touch, more sensation.  Just more.  So he rocks his body against Rafe’s again as he mouths at the sensitive skin behind his ear.  He loves the feel of his cock rubbing against the submissive’s, even muted as it is by the multiple layers of leather and cloth.  It’s a heady feeling, something he wants more of even though it’s enough to drive him mad.  He wants Rafe bare, wants to feel all of that silky skin against his own as he takes the other man down and apart.
     “Oh the things I’ll make you do.  I’ll make you love me and what I can give you.”




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