December 19, 2014 by Tina Williams

AUTHOR INTERVIEWS with Mel Teshco, Christina Phillips and Cathleen Ross, authors of Taken by the Sheikh

The attraction of captor/captive romances, inspiration for their Hot Desert Sheikhs and scorching scenes and more………

I am SO excited to share with you the interviews with the three bestselling authors who each wrote one of the books which make up the TAKEN BY THE SHEIKH boxed set. When I was given the opportunity to quiz them on these hot alpha men and the women they decide to make their own I jumped at the chance! I also asked them about their collaboration on the scorching erotic series, ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives’ their writing process and their future projects. Scroll down to read the interview and be sure to visit us on 22nd December when we will be sharing more information about the release and details of a Rafflecopter giveaway! Tina 🙂

Three desert Sheikhs. Three captive brides…

Bound by duty to honor their father’s dying wish, three royal brothers must marry their destined brides… by whatever means necessary…

Q&As with Christina, Mel and Cathleen

1. Where did the idea for writing the boxed set, ‘Taken by the Sheikh’ come from?

Mel – Cathleen had the idea of the boxed set and working with other authors, when she asked if I was interested I couldn’t say yes fast enough! I love trying new concepts and ideas. As for the sheikh idea – I just happened to have started a sheikh story of my own and so we ran with it!

Cathleen – I’ve seen authors have great success with boxed sets, so I decided to pick two writers whose work I love and felt I could work with. I think these two things are essential for a project.

Christina – It was funny because I’d wanted to get involved in a boxed set for a few months but had no idea how to begin the process. So when Cathleen contacted me with her idea I was thrilled! I’d also never tackled a Sheikh hero before so the challenge was irresistible. 🙂

2. I see that you have also collaborated on writing the ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives series.’ In terms of working together, to what extent did you bounce ideas off each other before, during and after writing the first draft? Also have you any tips on what makes such a collaboration a success?

Mel – I think we relied more on our editor (Tracey O’Hara) who was kind of the anchor for this series. When I wrote my housewife, Camilla, when interactions with other characters occurred to me – I’d talk to Tracey and/or the other author of that character and ensure it all came together seamlessly and made sense.

Cathleen – For Taken by the Sheikh – We have three brothers who have to marry fast because their parents have been assassinated and their country’s stability is at risk. That’s the basic premise. From that point we each wrote out story but we had to check things with each other re: continuity. For any project there has to be some give and take and we all were prepared to do that.

Christina – In my Secret Confessions book, Willow, whenever I brought in one of the other housewives I’d contact that author and run my scene by them to ensure they were happy with what I’d done. With our Sheikh books it was more a case of hammering out our world and the brothers’ backgrounds so we were all on the same page before we started, and then ensuring the continuity ran smoothly. I think it’s essential that each author in this kind of project is willing to be flexible to accommodate each other’s story threads.

3. Why do you think that the captor/captive theme in romance novels has such an everlasting appeal?

Mel – I think it’s because it’s so alpha and illegal and bad, and let’s face it we all love a bit of a bad boy – it trips that little flutter button inside us.

Cathleen – Mel and I love writing forced seduction whereas Christina prefers romance. She’s the rose writer between two thorns. I think as a romantic trope the sexy dark commanding sheikh is here to stay because he’s the ultimate alpha male.

Christina – I think it’s the whole forbidden/fantasy aspect that’s so appealing. I love reading about these take no prisoner Alpha heroes but in real life I’d probably smack him around the head.

4. Where do you get your inspiration from for your male/female leads?

Mel – I’m a very visual person, my characters form in my head and come together as I write – their looks and their personalities. If I’m really organized I’ll do a character chart and even a bit of a plot, but I find letting everything come together on its own and layering as I go works better.

Cathleen – I always see my hero first and the initial situation. This sheikh is dark, secretive and dangerous. I don’t plot. I write and it flows out like a movie.

Christina – I’m really not sure. It’s all in my mind and they are so real to me. I don’t pick out photos of celebrities or anything like that – although it’s a strange but true fact that many of my heroes do closely resemble Henry Canvill!

5. You have probably been asked this many times already, but where do you get your ideas from for your smoking hot/erotic scenes? lol

Mel – My husband would love to say I practise everything on him, but I guess it’s mostly that I have a good imagination LOL

Cathleen – My husband is convinced it’s all about him and his moves. Me? I have a never ending supply of stories that demand to be written. Some come to me in dreams, some characters catch my attention and demand their own stories. If I don’t write them they bug me at three in the morning so I just get on with it.

Christina – Writing hot love scenes is just part of the way I enjoy writing my romances. To me they’re an essential part of the story where the characters are laid bare – in more ways than the obvious. So as far as where do the ideas come from, they are kind of organic to the hero and heroine of that particular story, just as every other scene is.

6. Why do you enjoy writing romance?

Mel – I just love writing a happily ever after and seeing two people (or sometimes more!) get together despite seemingly impossible odds. There’s nothing quite like a love story with undercurrents of danger.

Cathleen – I’m passionate about the craft and trying to improve and try different things. I write in different genres which so the challenge is always there for me. I love reading a well-crafted romance and getting the satisfaction of a happy ending.

Christina – I love crafting seemingly impossible conflicts and then discovering how my hero and heroine overcome them to reach their happily-ever-after. I love my HEA. There should be more of them. 🙂

7. When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

Mel – Reading, going to the cinema and watching brilliant movies, catching up on series like The Walking Dead, watching a little too much reality tv, and having a few drinks in the afternoon with my hubster.

Cathleen – Reading, walking my puppy. I’m obsessed with the Walking Dead, going to my little farm and growing vegetables, hanging out with other writers, cooking and having my friends over.

Christina – I like to sleep! LOL! Apart from that I love reading, catching up on missed shows and movies on DVD, being a devoted slave to my kitties and of course spending precious time with my gorgeous family.

8. Finally, what works have you in the pipeline?

Mel – Where to start! I’m continuing writing for the ES Siren series with Denise Rossetti and Shona Husk, and I also have a longer length sub with a publisher that’s pretty different to what I usually write. I’m also working on another longer ms in first person point of view – a mutant story set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world.

Cathleen – I’m finalising a zombie apocalypse novel set on a navy base for my publisher, I have two boxed set projects to do with Mel and Christina, my publisher has given me to the go ahead for an Aussie outback type novel and people keep asking me for BDSM novels after the success of ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives series.’ I’m also writing my next Highlander story as Highlander Romance is selling so well.

Christina – I’m currently writing three linked books for Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line about three bad boy brothers. This is the first time I’ve set books in the States so this is another challenge for me. Next year I plan to self publish a sexy contemporary and write another boxed set with Cathleen and Mel.

Thank you for taking time out to answer my questions, Christina, Mel and Cathleen. We wish you the very best on the release! Tina and Caroline ❤ ❤ ❤

Capture Taken by the Sheikh at the special low introductory price of $0.99 for six weeks only!

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Connect with the Authors

Mel: Facebook Twitter

Christina: Facebook Twitter

Cathleen: Facebook Twitter

December 19, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR ~ Noah and Me, by Beckie Stevenson (includes excerpt and giveaway)

RELEASE DATE: 15^th December 2014

SYNOPSIS:

“So you fix broken hearts, do you?” I ask. “Seems a little ironic.”

Noah Carter is one of the best cardiothoracic doctors in the country. He’s incredibly intelligent, funny, kind and he’s a beast in the bedroom. He has scars that drizzle down his chest and painful memories of an unforgettable night that plague his every waking hour.

Seven years ago, Noah stumbled upon me at the side of a grave and saved me in one of the most compassionate ways another human being can save another. I will always love him for that. Always.

He loved me in a way that no man has ever loved me since, and I gave him everything. I gave him it all until my secrets and lies tore us apart, forcing me to shatter his heart into a thousand little pieces.

Seven years ago he loved me, but now he hates me. And I hate that he hates me. Leaving Noah is my biggest regret in life – and I have a lot of things that I regret. A lot.

I’m Ariel Miller and this is the story of Noah and Me.

Goodreads

Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Smashwords

EXCERPT:

I narrow my eyes at his back.

“Alright,” says Ben. “But I’m still going to make my own mind up about her. After all, people can change, can’t they?”

“I’m still here,” I remind them.

“Unfortunately,” mumbles Noah.

I turn to Ben. “Some people can change,” I say, “but some people still act like idiotic teenage boys.” I nod towards Noah.

Neither of us says anything after that, and with each floor we pass, the tension and awkwardness grows between us. I decide to stare straight ahead and sip my coffee. I know he’s pissed off with me for just leaving him like that, but what else was I supposed to do? I was doing it for him. Surely after all these years he can see that.

The lift pings and the doors slide open. None of us move.

“I think this is your floor,” says Ben.

I look up and see the signs for the labour ward. “Oh,” I say.

“See you around,” calls Ben. “Hope your first day goes alright.”

“Okay,” I reply. “And thank you.”

I don’t look at either of them as I walk out of the lift. When I hear the doors close behind me, I feel my shoulders sag in relief.

“Ariel,” says Noah.

I jump at the sound of his voice. I hadn’t realised he’d followed me out of the lift. “What?” I snap, turning around to face him. I wish I hadn’t. Now that he doesn’t have an angry scowl smothering his features, his handsome face is like a slap to my own. All those images I have of him in my memory don’t begin to do him justice. His blue eyes look like a snapshot of a midnight sky, complete with twinkling stars. They stare into me, but my gaze has travelled from his eyes down to his angular jaw. He’s got a twitch in in it, just underneath his ear, which means he’s grinding his teeth. Wow, he’s still really angry.

“Stay away from me,” he says, breathing his minty toothpaste breath all over my face.

My eyes flash down to his hand, but there’s no ring. Hmm. What happened there then?

“So you fix broken hearts, do you?” I ask. “Seems a little ironic.”

I see a flicker of confusion on his face before he composes himself and then frowns at me. “Ariel,” he warns. “I don’t want to talk to you, I don’t want to see you and I don’t want to hear about any of your antics from my mates.”

How does he know about my antics?

“Stay away,” he says again.

“That’s exactly what I was intending to do nearly seven years ago, Noah.”

“Is that so?” he says. “Well, you shouldn’t have come back.”

“You weren’t supposed to be here,” I tell him, and now he’s the one that looks as if he’s been slapped in the face.

AUTHOR BIO:

Beckie’s real name is Rebecca, but she get’s called (and answers to) any of the following…Beckie, Bek, Becca, Rebecca, Pip, Pippy or Stevo. Beckie is the author of ‘Sorrow Woods,’ the ‘Existing’ series and ‘Noah and Me.’ She is due to publish more YA and NA novels in 2015/16. She lives in Staffordshire, England, with her partner and two children.Beckie likes putting music on in the house and dancing around like a mad woman. When she isn’t playing with her children, doing housework, dancing around the house like a mad woman, walking, cycling reading or writing, then she can be found working in an investment bank. Or sleeping.

You can find Beckie here…

Twitter: @BeckieStevenson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeckieStevensonAuthor

Instagram: BeckieStevo

Blog: http://beckiestevenson.blogspot.co.uk

RAFFLECOPTER:
HTML: a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Tempting His Mistress, by Samantha Holt

Sensual Victorian Romance

Book Blurb

What could possibly induce at woman to follow in the footsteps of her mother and further sully her reputation by becoming a mistress?

Lilly Claremont is well used to being at the centre of gossip. Being the illegitimate child of a rich businessman never failed to titillate the gossips and while she cared little about the wagging tongues she never intended to reinforce their opinions of her by ruining herself completely.

But it seems Lord Hawksley is determined to make the fascinating Lilly his mistress…

Evan has no doubt her bold tongue and beautiful body could keep him entertained for some time. Captivated by her, he must find a way to burn through his desire for her. He cannot marry a woman of such social standing so why not make her his mistress?

After the murder of her father, Lilly is searching for answers and they lead her directly to Lord Hawksley. But will they also lead her to his bed…?

My Review

A Sensual Delight!

Loved, loved, loved Samantha Holt’s foray into Victoriana! Tempting His Mistress has a strong hero and heroine and a sensual and suspenseful plot. It also touches on a number of burning social issues of the day pertinent to women and their role in society and how much their lot in life was controlled by men.

The heroine Lilly, as an illegitimate child of a businessman and his mistress, is in a real pickle and I felt for her immediately. Her mother is deceased and she has no one to support her after her father’s sudden and violent death, having to rely upon the charity of others. She is introduced to Lord Hawksley, aware of a rumour of his involvement in her father’s demise. Immediately wary, at the same time she wants to find out if he is guilty or not. Sparks fly when they meet and I adored the repartee between the couple!

Lord Hawksley is entranced by Lilly’s open and forthright manner and mutual attraction sizzles. When his brother, a married man, mentions making Lilly his mistress, Lord Hawksley cannot contemplate the thought of her being ruined by his own brother and makes the offer himself. At first shamed and angered by his proposition Lilly, conscious of her penniless state, acquiesces. She also hopes that she will be able to find out the truth about Lord Hawksley’s involvement in her father’s death.

What starts out as a business arrangement develops into something stronger and emotions come to the fore. Lord Hawksely recognises that it will be difficult to let her go once their arrangement is over. Marriage between a lord and a social outcast such as Lilly is, of course, unthinkable. Not only that but he has his own reasons for not wanting to marry….

Lilly discovers that there is a lot more to the sardonic lord than she thought and she knows that he has secrets. When danger threatens will the couple be drawn together or forced apart? Also how can they find a HEA given the social mores of the time?

Samantha Holt deals sensitively with the role of mistresses in Victorian Society and the plot explores other issues pertaining to women, which are at the forefront of political debate at the time, such as women’s education and their place in wider society. The double standards experienced by Lilly as a lord’s mistress are particularly heartbreaking.

The sizzling scenes (of which here are many) are divine and the relationship between Lily and Lord Hawksley is strong and believable. The couple are just made for each other – a tortured alpha male with secrets and vulnerabilities, and a woman, although viewed as below him in social station, is one who calms and excites him like no other.

The supporting characters are well drawn and it is clear that the author has done a great deal of research into the social issues of the time to give the novel just the right amount of colour without detracting from the plot and the central romance.

Another must read for romance fans from this author.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

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Author Links

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK

Check out Samantha Holt’s Once Upon a Rake, also set in Victorian England.

Amazon UK Amazon US

December 17, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ Second Debt (Indebted #3), by Pepper Winters (includes giveaway)

What an AMAZING series! Feast your eyes on the cover reveal for *Second Debt* book 3 in the Indebted series, an addictive dark read from Pepper Winters! You can also read the blurb for the other books in the series and check out the super giveaway. Enjoy! Tina ❤

Title: Second Debt (Indebted, #3)

Author: Pepper Winters

Genre: Dark Erotica

Release Date: Early 2015

Blurb

“I tried to play a game. I tried to wield deceit as perfectly as the Hawks. But when I thought I was winning, I wasn’t. Jethro isn’t what he seems—he’s the master of duplicity. However, I refuse to let him annihilate me further.”

Nila Weaver has grown from naïve seamstress to full-blown fighter. Every humdrum object is her arsenal, and sex…sex is her greatest weapon of all.

She’s paid the First Debt. She’ll probably pay more.

But she has no intention of letting the Hawks win.

Jethro Hawk has found more than a worthy adversary in Nila—he’s found the woman who could destroy him. There’s a fine line between hatred and love, and an even finer path between fear and respect.

The fate of his house rests on his shoulders, but no matter how much ice lives inside his heart, Nila flames too bright to be extinguished.

Indebted series

Debt Inheritance (Indebted #1) Available Now: Amazon | iBooks

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

First Debt (Indebted #2) Available Now: Amazon | iBooks

“You say I’ll never own you. If I win—you willingly give me that right. You sign not only the debt agreement, but another—one that makes me your master until your last breath is taken. You do that, and I’ll give you this.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Stolen, taken, and bound not by monsters but by an agreement written over six hundred years ago, she has no way out.

She belongs to Jethro as much as she denies it.

Jethro Hawk’s patience is running out. His inheritance gift tests, challenges, and surprises him—and not in good ways. He hasn’t leashed her but he thinks he might’ve found a way to bind her forever.

Debts are mounting. Payment waiting.

Pre Order on iTunes!

Second Debt (Indebted #3): http://bit.ly/1zXK8y4
Third Debt (Indebted #4): http://bit.ly/1vTF3I0
Fourth Debt (Indebted #5): http://bit.ly/1ySNH9p
Final Debt (Indebted #6): http://bit.ly/1yl7HPd

About the Author

Pepper Winters is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestseller. She wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Her Dark Erotica books include:

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1) – http://amzn.to/1lROLYN

Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2) – http://amzn.to/1qB27Zh

Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3) – http://amzn.to/1olkxsD

Debt Inheritance (Indebted Series) – http://amzn.to/1As8P4X

Her Grey Romance books include:

Destroyed – http://amzn.to/1w9f6Vr

If you would like to be the first to know of upcoming releases please fill in her newsletter (Pepper promises to never spam or chat aimlessly http://bit.ly/YrpOsO

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Christmas in the Cotswolds, by Jenny Kane

Super Seasonal Read

A seasonal easy read romance, Christmas in the Cotswolds is Jenny Kane’s festive sequel to Another Cup of Christmas. (It can also be read as a stand alone story.) (@JennyKaneAuthor)

Blurb

Izzie Spencer-Harris, owner of the Cotswold Art and Crafts Centre, is due to host the prestigious Cotswold Choir’s annual Christmas carol concert in her beautiful converted church. Or at least she was, until a storm smashed a hole right through the chancel roof.

Days from Christmas, Izzie suddenly finds herself up to her neck in DIY, with her last dodgy workman having walked off the job. She does the only thing she can … calls in her best friend Megan to help.

Leaving Peggy and Scott to run Pickwicks Café in her absence, Megan heads to the Cotswolds for Christmas. Within minutes of her arrival, she finds herself hunting down anyone willing to take on extra work so close to Christmas. It seems the only person available to help is Joseph Parker – a carpenter who, while admittedly gorgeous, seems to have ulterior motives for everything he does …

With Izzie’s bossy mother, Lady Spencer-Harris, causing her problems at every turn, an accident at work causing yet more delays, and the date for the concert drawing ever nearer, it’s going to take a lot more than Mrs Vickers’ powerful mulled wine to make sure everything is all right on the night …

Extract

Izzie closed her eyes and counted to ten as the door of the Cotswold Arts Centre slammed shut.

There was no point in panicking. She simply didn’t have time for such luxuries if her converted church was going to be ready to host a Christmas carol concert by the renowned Cotswold Choir in nine days’ time.

Bored of being propositioned by men who weren’t remotely interested in her until they discovered she was a daughter of the gentry, Izzie had ejected the carpenter through her front door before he’d quite had time to work out just how insulting her rejection of his latest lurid suggestion was.

Now, her hasty tongue having deprived her of a desperately needed pair of tradesman’s hands, Izzie sat with a heavy thump onto the nearest pew. She knew she had to find fresh help, and fast. A task that wouldn’t be easy so close to Christmas.

‘Although,’ Izzie addressed the image of Noah, who smiled benevolently at her from his stained-glass window, as if grateful he hadn’t been smashed to pieces by the tree branch that had come through the top of the chancel and caused so much seasonal inconvenience, ‘I’m damn sure I’m not asking my mother to help out ever again!’

Reaching for the offending package of invitations that had arrived by courier first thing that morning, Izzie emptied it onto the table. The invitations were supposed to have been posted by now. As soon as she’d seen them, Izzie understood why her mother had left them to the last minute.

Unfussy, cost-effective, and with a medieval Christmas flavour in keeping with the spirit of the converted fourteenth-century church where the concert was to be held. That’s what she’d asked for.

What she’d got was decadent Victorian-style gold-edged invitations which weighed so much, Izzie was sure that posting them alone would break the bank. And if that wasn’t bad enough, her mother had done the one thing that she had expressively forbidden. She’d put Izzie’s full name on the invitations.

Lady Perdita Spencer-Harris had been unable to comprehend why her daughter didn’t want to use the family name to help sales. She simply didn’t understand that Izzie wanted people to come to hear the choir for its own sake, or because they wanted to see what she’d done in her art centre; not because she was a young and single female member of the landed gentry.

Miss Isadora Spencer-Harris

cordially invites you to a magical festive evening at

The Cotswold Arts Centre, Chipping Swinton

to hear the renowned Cotswold Choir’s

Christmas Carol Concert

Saturday 21st December

7 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. start

£25 per ticket

Refreshments provided

RSVP by 18th December to Harris Park

Wrapping her stripy woollen scarf more tightly around her neck, Izzie breathed warm air over her cold fingers. Deciding it wasn’t cost effective to heat the church this late at night just for her, she gathered up the invitations, and with one last check that the polythene sheeting would keep the rest of her chancel roof in place overnight, Izzie headed home.

Izzie scooped up three Christmas cards from her doormat. A smile replaced her frown as she opened the first envelope to see a cartoon robin wishing her a Merry Christmas. Inside, beneath the seasonal greeting, her friend Megan had written Must meet up SOON! I’d love to see your new art centre.

‘Should I?’ Izzie was sure her dearest friend from college would help. Megan always helped. Izzie addressed the picture of the robin, ‘But won’t she be hugely busy at Pickwicks café this close to Christmas?’

Switching on her laptop, Izzie started to hunt for a replacement tradesman to help repair her church roof. Half an hour of searching later, and her quest was looking increasingly hopeless by the minute.

It was no good, if she wasn’t going to be forced to ask her parents to bail her out – which was an ‘over her dead body’ situation as far as Izzie was concerned – she needed alternative assistance. Izzie picked up her mobile before guilt at disturbing her friend’s life at Christmas overtook her.

‘Megan, thank goodness you’re there! How can I put this … help!’

Buy links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Bio

With a background in history and archaeology, Jenny Kane should really be sat in a dusty university library translating Medieval Latin criminal records, before writing research documents that hardly anyone would want to read. Instead, tucked away in the South West of England, Jenny Kane writes stories with one hand, while working for a Distance Learning Company with the other.

Jenny spends a large part of her time in the local coffee shops, where she creates her stories, including the novels Romancing Robin Hood (Accent Press, 2014), the best selling contemporary romance Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press, 2013), and the novella length sequels Another Cup of Christmas (Accent Press, 2013) and Christmas in the Cotswolds, (Accent Press, 2014)

Jenny’s next full length novel, Abi’s House, will be published by Accent Press in 2015.

Jenny Kane is also the author of quirky children’s picture books There’s a Cow in the Flat (Hushpuppy, 2014) and Joe’s Letter (Coming soon from Hushpuppy)

Keep your eye on Jenny’s blog at www.jennykane.co.uk for more details.

Twitter – @JennyKaneAuthor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JennyKaneRomance

Jenny Kane also writes erotica as Kay Jaybee. (www.kayjaybee.me.uk)

December 15, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Noah and Me, by Beckie Stevenson (includes excerpt and giveaway)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:

SYNOPSIS:

“So you fix broken hearts, do you?” I ask. “Seems a little ironic.”

Seven years ago, Noah stumbled upon me at the side of a grave and saved me in one of the most compassionate ways another human being can save another. I will always love him for that. Always.

Seven years ago he loved me, but now he hates me. And I hate that he hates me. Leaving Noah is my biggest regret in life – and I have a lot of things that I regret. A lot.

I’m Ariel Miller and this is the story of Noah and Me.

Goodreads

Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Smashwords

EXCERPT:

“I need to shower,” he says.

I nod. “Me too.”

“Let me go first,” he says. “I know that’s not very gentlemanly of me, but I’m filthy and I don’t like being dirty.”

He really shouldn’t have a job as a gravedigger then. “Okay.”

He turns and walks out of the bedroom. I sit up, watching him go into the bathroom that’s directly opposite and notice that he hasn’t shut the door properly. I hear the shower switch on, and then without really thinking about what I’m doing, I creep towards the bathroom. I peep through the opening and see a modern-looking bathroom suite that looks kind of odd compared to the rest of the house, which creaks like an old lady’s hip. All that I can see is the mirror and sink, but the mirror shows me the rest of the room. And him.

He grabs the bottom of his black t-shirt and pulls it up to reveal a grid of muscles that are splattered across his stomach and chest. My eyes want to devour each and every single one of them but are stuck to his chest for a completely different reason. From the top of his right shoulder, a stream of scars starts. As they near his nipple, the stream becomes a river. Then, as it falls down his side, it turns into a waterfall. I wonder what could have happened. They look like burns and they look painful. I shake my head, trying to ignore the fact that I care if he’s been hurt. Why do I care? He’s a complete stranger that I’ve only just met. I don’t care. I’m just being curious.

I look back over his chest, ignoring the scars, and concentrate on his muscles. I’ve seen pictures of men looking like that, but I didn’t think normal guys were capable of getting so buff. He lets the t-shirt fall to the floor with a huff and then his hands undo the button of his jeans before he slides them down his muscular legs.

He looks like a swimmer. His broad, round shoulders spread outwards before morphing down into a narrow waist, complete with inner rib muscles. He must be good, I think. You don’t get muscles in those sorts of places naturally without doing a lot of sport. And you wouldn’t do that much sport if you weren’t good at it. Or maybe it’s all the twisting he must do when he’s digging holes in the ground.

He rubs his hands down his face as if he’s stressed and then pushes his boxers down his legs.

Oh.

My.

God.

AUTHOR BIO:

Beckie’s real name is Rebecca, but she get’s called (and answers to) any of the following…Beckie, Bek, Becca, Rebecca, Pip, Pippy or Stevo. Beckie is the author of ‘Sorrow Woods,’ the ‘Existing’ series and ‘Noah and Me.’ She is due to publish more YA and NA novels in 2015/16. She lives in Staffordshire, England, with her partner and two children. Beckie likes putting music on in the house and dancing around like a mad woman. When she isn’t playing with her children, doing housework, dancing around the house like a mad woman, walking, cycling reading or writing, then she can be found working in an investment bank. Or sleeping.

You can find Beckie here…

Twitter: @BeckieStevenson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeckieStevensonAuthor

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December 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen

Regency Historical Romance

Inspirational/Christian Read

Book Blurb

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley’s secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

A Beautiful Romantic Read

The Silent Governess is a beautiful sweet Regency romance, with Christian undertones by Julie Klassen. It is reminiscent of the novels of Victoria Holt in that is has a Gothic flavour.

It is expertly researched and has an ingenious and page turning plot, containing plenty of mystery and suspense pertaining to the hero and heroine including family secrets and threatening characters. I rooted for the heroine, Olivia, from the off. She is a strong and thoroughly likeable young woman who is fleeing a crime scene. Her actions greatly assist the emotional journey that the hero embarks on as he comes to terms with new found secrets from his own past.

The hero, Lord Bradley, is a handsome, honourable and competent young man, however, he is very much the product of his aristocratic upbringing and his actions towards the heroine are not always kind. He did grew on me a great deal as the story progresses and he comes to learn a great deal about what really matters in life.

The characterisations are excellent and the romance, central to the plot, evolves realistically, over time. Olivia is quickly attracted to her employer but Lord Bradley, although increasingly fascinated and drawn to her beauty inside and out, shies away from admitting his attraction to himself, due to the differences in their station. Yet he comes to realise that in reality there is not much that separates them after a series of unexpected plot twists. Their evolving romance is truly beautiful to behold.

The read expertly illustrates the social mores of the time, including the perceived gulf between the upper classes and those in service. It is especially instructive in painting a realistic picture of the lonely life of a governess. It also documents the rural society around the great houses and the ties between the church, village and the role the aristocracy played in managing their estates. I particularly loved how each chapter has a contemporaneous quote from the era reflecting the times.

This is the first book that I have read by Julie Klassen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Silent Governess transported me to the Regency era and swept me away into the emotions of the characters. I recommend it to romance lovers who like a sweet romantic read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Buy Links

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December 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

BOOK BLITZ ~ City Nights: One Night in Edinburgh, by Charlotte Howard

18+/Erotic Read

City Nights: One Night in Edinburgh by Charlotte Howard (@Shy_Tiger)

Blurb:

Chloe Shard has travelled to Edinburgh to meet up with a potential client, and has just twenty-four hours to convince them to sign her contract. But when she meets the delicious Ethan, he proves to be so much more than an enticing distraction. It’s not long before Chloe has some life changing decisions to make, and less than a day to make them in.

Buy Links:

Tirgearr Publishing Amazon UK Amazon US Smashwords

Excerpt:

Chloe squeezed her eyes shut as the plane’s wheels bumped along the tarmac, and her stomach lurched into her chest as the brakes were applied. Her ears flooded with the sound of her own heart beating louder than the squealing and screeching of the landing gear. Pressure built in her cheeks as she clenched her teeth together. The worst hour in her life was almost over.

“Welcome to Edinburgh,” said the captain over the speaker system. “We hope you had a pleasant journey and enjoyed the flight. Please remain seated with your seat belts fastened until the light is turned off.”

A chuckle emanated from nearby. Chloe opened one eye and peered at the man in the seat across the aisle from her. “You can breathe again,” he said in an American accent, flashing her a grin.

“I think I’ll wait until my feet are actually on the ground if it’s all the same to you,” she replied, leaning back into the headrest.

A loud ping was followed by a Mexican wave of clicking as the passengers released their seat belts and fought to get their bags and rush off the plane. Chloe undid her own belt then hurriedly squished herself into the seat as an oversized belly, violently stretching at a pale green shirt, began its invasion of her breathing space. Her shoulder was nudged as the impatient woman beside her stood up, hunching under the overhead compartment. She waited for the plane to empty. The impatient woman started huffing and tutting. Chloe looked up apologetically, but was met with a hardened glare.

“Here,” said the man from opposite. She turned her gaze towards him and was grateful to see him holding back a herd of cattle desperate to depart. She drank him in for a second. He was broad enough to act as a barrier between her and the crowd. A very attractive barrier. From the way his T-shirt stretched over his biceps, she could tell that his width was certainly not due to being overweight. Ink spiralled around his skin from beneath the short sleeve, tracing down to his elbow.

“Thank you.” She stepped into the aisle. Immediately, the woman from beside her shoved herself through the gap, knocking Chloe into the man’s chest with an oof!

“I’m so sorry!” she said, stepping back and turning to the overhead compartments, feeling her cheeks heat. Her fingers tingled with the memory of his muscular chest beneath them.

Author Bio:

British author Charlotte Howard, was born in Oman and spent much of the first part of her life flitting between Oman, Scotland, and England. Now settled in Somerset, Charlotte lives with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets.

Her career as a writer began at an early age, with a poem being featured in an anthology for the East Midlands. Since then Charlotte has written many short stories and poems, and finally wrote her first full-length piece of fiction in 2010.

During what little spare time she has, Charlotte enjoys reading and writing (of course), spending time with her family, and watching action movies whilst eating curry and drinking tea.

Charlotte is an active member of Yeovil Creative Writers.

Social Media / Website links:

http://www.charlottehowardauthor.co.uk

http://choward2614.wordpress.com

http://facebook.com/charlottehowardauthor

http://twitter.com/Shy_Tiger

Instagram: Choward_author

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/choward2614

December 13, 2014 by Tina Williams

BOOK BLITZ for Shannon (Angelis Vampire Series #1), by Shane North (includes Author Interview)

Introducing an Exciting New Paranormal Romance Series!

Today we are honoured to welcome author Shane North to our blog. Shane has recently released his first novel, Shannon, book 1 in the Angelis Vampire Series, a paranormal romance. Scroll down to read the book blurb and an extract for what promises to be a magical and fast paced read with a heroine who finds romance in pursuit of her destiny.

Shane has also very kindly taken some time out from his busy schedule to tell us a little about himself and his work and share some of his experiences of being a writer. The transcript from this interview follows the book blurb and extract. I hope that you enjoy reading Shane’s thoughts as much as I did. Tina 🙂

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Amazon US Amazon UK

Book Blurb

Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives. Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

Extract

The best part of my life was when I dreamed of my Simon. Simon was a figment of my imagination. He was my sidekick, my lover, and fought beside me to help me defeat my demons. In my dream tonight, I saw his handsome face and my eyes opened wide. I loved Simon, I’m not sure how or why. He was my life in this strange world of immortals I dreamed about almost every night. I was wearing a white flowing gown. Simon, in his black leathers, looked sexy. “Simon, there you are, finally.” He pulled me close… his scent was fresh as an ocean breeze… his kiss melting my pain away. My red lips were moist from his kiss. I licked them slowly, to taste his essence “Shannon, you are so beautiful. I want you!” Simon slid his hand inside my gown; a small moan slipped from my lips.

Author Interview

1. Hi Shane. Thank you for being with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks Tina.

I have always wanted to write. I waited until I was retired to start my first book. I’ve been with my life mate and my best friend for over thirty years. We met in college and became best friends. We have four children and eight grandchildren. The grandkids are amazing and they go home when we are done spoiling them. I love the night and paranormal has always been one of my passions. I love to hear that bump in the night.

2. Please tell us about Shannon, your new release and what inspired you to write it?

Shannon is about a young South Beach girl who has a very happy life, except for her nightmares. She dreams of a violent war with vampires and werewolves. In her dreams she is leading the attack! Her constant companion in these dreams is a handsome man who she falls in love with. Her happy life ends when her step parents are brutally murdered and she finds out what she truly is. Her best friend Caitlyn and her father Keegan are werewolves. Her uncle, Damon, which she had never met is the vampire lord of Europe. And as for the man in her dreams, his name is Simon, Damon’s second in command. Her saving grace in the this immortal world is that during the time she worked for Navy Intel, she became very good at killing. My inspiration for Shannon was my oldest granddaughter and our talks while she grew up. The highs and lows of becoming eighteen, her feelings of confusion, and her determination to get it right.

3. Why do you think that you chose the paranormal romance genre in which to make your writing debut?

My love of paranormal and I love a good love story made the choice easy. I love happy endings and the fight to have them. The beauty of the paranormal world was perfect and the possibilities are endless.

4. How much research did you have to carry out for this book? What sort of research did you carry out prior to and during the writing?

I did very little research for this book. My locations, addresses, and such needed to be correct. As for the writing, I closed my eyes and became my story. I hope I did it well. This first part of Shannon’s journey was important. She had to grow as her story unfolds.

5. What is your writing process like? To what extent do you plan and how much do you just let the words flow?

Interesting question Tina. My process is mass chaos. I have so many thoughts racing through my head at one time. I have two more of Shannon’s books that I’m writing at the same time. My actual writing process is listening to music, eyes closed, and I try to visualize the scene and feel those involved. I hope it comes out with feelings and not just words.

6. What about the personalities of your characters – are they always fixed in your head before you start writing or do they develop a will of their own?

I like my characters to grow and develop with the story. I try to imagine my characters before I introduce them, but for me, they like to surprise me as the story unfolds.

7. What is the best thing about being an author? What do you find the most challenging?

The best thing is being able to write from any location. Home is great, but drifting along on Lake Erie on a sunny day isn’t bad either. For me, the most challenging part of this whole process was trying to learn everything that was needed to make this happen. My friend, Ally Thomas, worked very hard to make the process as easy as possible.

8. What type of books do you like to read? Have you any favorite authors?

My favorite books are paranormal romance. No one loves the way an immortal does. That being said, I read everything. I love the imagination that happens to someone when they write. I never give bad reviews to anyone, I don’t believe in it. That’s something that is too subjective to be honest about. Why destroy someones book because you had a bad day?

9. Can you tell us about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m working on Shannon’s next two books. Shannon has some growing up to do and she needs to get her revenge. I hear that Damon thinks she’ll be queen of the immortal race?

10. Have you any advice to give to aspiring authors?

Don’t wait as long as I did. If you feel it, close your eyes and write it down. Fulfill your dream and write. There are any places to get help.

11. And finally, have you a message for readers?

My message would be to love harder, find peace in your life, and never give up on your dreams because anything is possible if you believe.

Shane, many thanks for answering these questions for us. We wish you best of luck with Shannon, which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing very soon. Tina 🙂

Connect with Shane

Goodreads Amazon Author Page

December 11, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ Ruin and Rule (Pure Corruption MC #1), by Pepper Winters

We are delighted to be able to share the cover for Pepper Winters’ *Ruin and Rule* the first book in the Pure Corruption MC series, to be published by Grand Central next July. Feast your eyes on the cover and check out the blurb, teaser and pre-order links.

Tina and Caroline 🙂

RUIN AND RULE (Pure Corruption MC, #1)

Release Date: July 28, 2015

Publisher: Grand Central

Blurb

We met in a nightmare.

The in-between world where time had no power over rhyme, reason, or connection. We met. We stared. We knew.

There was no distortion from the outside world. No right or wrong. No confusion or battles from hearts and minds.

Just us. In our silent dream-world.

That nightmare became our home. Planting ghosts, raising fantasies. Entwined together in our happily skewed reality.

We fell in love. We fell hard.

In those fleeting seconds of our nightmare, we lived an eternity.

But then we woke up.

And it was over.

About the Author

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Her Dark Erotica books include:

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1) – http://amzn.to/1lROLYN

Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2) – http://amzn.to/1qB27Zh

Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3) – http://amzn.to/1olkxsD

Debt Inheritance (Indebted Series) – http://amzn.to/1As8P4X

Her Grey Romance books include:

Destroyed – http://amzn.to/1w9f6Vr

If you would like to be the first to know of upcoming releases please fill in her newsletter (Pepper promises to never spam or chat aimlessly http://bit.ly/YrpOsO