Review: Taming Her Forbidden Earl

Title: Taming Her Forbidden Earl
Series: Lady Lancaster Garden Society Series, #1
Author: Catherine Hemmerling
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Scandalous)
Release Date: December 2, 2012
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Everyone knows William Bredon, the earl of Pembroke, has a reputation as a captivating rogue, determined to never marry until his duty to produce an heir requires it. So when he invites Lady Hannah Rochester to dance, Hannah vows to keep her distance. But the undeniably gorgeous William, with his dark humor and seductive gaze, draws her in nonetheless.

Of course, Lady Hannah is not completely what she seems, either. A member of the dowager Lady Lancaster’s Garden Society, she secretly spends her days solving mysteries and uncovering intrigues, and when she brings William into the fold, a sinister plot develops that brings the two closer together. William’s protective nature ensures he remains by Hannah’s side, but he will not surrender his anti-marriage stance.

Can intrigue, passion, and maybe even a little bit of scandal reform the most notorious of rakes?

Review

This book was quite overwhelming in the beginning. The language was definitely a little bit too much when the book opened. However, the more I read into it, the more I started enjoying it. It still fascinates me to this day how different things were for women back then.

• Women were not allowed to read, or even see, touch, or buy a book.
• People of the ton had maids and butlers at all times to be at their service. They even need assistance taking a bath and putting on their clothes and combing their hair! Hah!
• Two people of the opposite sex walking in public without a chaperone (maid or otherwise) must be married immediately!

That's only some of the society rules back then. I still can't believe how far we've gone now. Anyway, that's not the point of this review. This book was very enjoyable. I loved that there was intrigue and that the heroine was strong-willed and determined to be part of the plan. I also loved that Lord Pembroke respected Hannah enough to treat her as an equal instead of as a child as most others do to women.

The romance was not as apparent in this story until towards the end. However, the sexual tension was more than enough to make up for it. I love their little mission and the improvisation they had to do to carry out the plan. Lord Pembroke's realization towards the end was awesome. As predictable as it was, I still enjoyed it.

The climax of the story was even better. I thought someone was really going to get hurt! Fortunately, someone was only threatened to be hurt. The way that person escaped the danger was also very interesting. I bet women were not supposed to be able to do that as well! 

Overall, I recommend this book if you like historical novels. However, I would not recommend this book for readers just starting to get into historical romance because the language might be a little intimidating, unless you naturally enjoy the old way people converse with each other.

Check out this funny scene!

   William entered the room with Alexander and Lichfield at his side. He had been listening to the two of them bicker the entire way to the Hargreaves home. Alexander was holding William to his promise about being the best man at his wedding. Also true to the deal, Alexander insisted on being the one to break the news to Lichfield.

   William's good friend was too pleased with the turn of events to care one way or the other about being the best man, but he couldn't resist having a little fun with Alexander.

   Therefore, the two had been going back and forth about their virtues--growing ever more exaggerated by the minute, as reason they should be best man over the other.

   "I am quite certain I have... satisfied many more women than you, Lichfield!" Alexander hissed heatedly.

   "I find that doubtful, young Bredon," Lichfield responded airily.

   "I find you--" Alexander began, when he was cut off by William, who had had quite enough of both of them.

   "Will you two cut it out? Why don't you just pull them out to measure once and for all?

   The two men looked at William in stunned silence for a second, before Lichfield raised an eyebrow to Alexander and said, "I'm game if you are."

   Alexander shrugged and said, "Fine by me." William watched as his brother and best friend headed off to look for the nearest empty room. I really need to work on enlarging my pool of friends, William thought dryly.

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Interview/Giveaway: Cassi Carver

Hi everyone! Today we have Cassi Carver visiting for an interview and to promote her newest release, The Silverwing's Sorceress.

Title: The Silverwing's Sorceress
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #2.5
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: December 11, 2012.
Pages: 110
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

His wings were made to protect her…but her heart is a no-fly zone.

Abbey Sellers has to get out of town for a few days while trouble at home sorts itself out. A getaway to her family’s mountain retreat with her friend, Jaxon, is exactly what she needs to relax and forget the wound etched into her stomach. Except since the scorching kiss they shared, spending time with Jaxon isn’t as relaxing as it used to be.

Grounded warriors, secret tunnels, and an ancient Book of Death are only part of the problem. How does any woman with a pulse stay “just friends” with a man who spent a hundred years honing his lovemaking skills in a harem? Besides, he’s immortal, and she has a shelf life. Jaxon, though, isn’t listening—or taking no for an answer.

Jaxon Hex finally knows what he wants, and he won’t let anything stop him from making Abbey his. Not even the devastating secret he’s been hiding from her. With the coven out to assassinate the woman he loves, and Abbey dabbling in death magic that could get her killed, his own blood could be the one thing that heals her—or separates them for all eternity.

Warning: This book contains a warrior with needs, a woman with willpower issues and a cabin that’s not what it seems. Watch out for no-holds-barred sex and a love that can move mountains…literally.

Interview

1. Do you ever get into arguments with your characters because they are out of control or don't want to listen to you?

Ha! Great question. And the answer is no. I plot my books and the characters do what I tell them to do. That being said, when things grind to a halt on a project, it’s usually because I’m having a character do something that goes against his or her nature or takes the book in the wrong direction. So when I get stuck, I have to step back and figure out where I went wrong. I think it’s always better for the character when I grapple with the issue and then figure out how to fix it.

2. What kind of research have you done for the Shadow Slayers series?

The most time consuming part of my urban fantasy writing is the world-building. I research setting information, such as location, weather, time change and such, but making sure I have logical rules to my paranormal world and then ensuring I don’t break them takes by far the most effort.

3. How do you write your steamy scenes? Do you have a nice mug of hot liquid or maybe a rich sweet delicacy to get your creative juices flowing?

If a beverage is nearby during the steamy scenes, it’s usually Diet Dr Pepper or a cup of black tea. Usually I don’t need much inspiration to write sex scenes because by the time I get to them, there’s really a feeling of the characters “deserving” that bit of intimacy and happiness. Sex scenes are some of my favorite things to write because although some can be visceral and raw, especially in The Shadow Slayers world, as the series goes on, those scenes provide some of the sweetest times of intimacy for the characters.

4. Do you write your own blurbs? Is it difficult? How is it done?

I do write my own blurbs! At least, that’s how it starts out. I have to provide my publisher with a blurb of about two hundred words and then it goes to the blurb editor for fine-tuning. It then comes back to me for approval and more tweaking, and we work on it together, trying to compromise until we find something that works for us both.

5. Anything you'd like to ask our readers?

Yes! And I’d like to give away a digital copy of The Silverwing’s Sorceress to one person who comments. Why do you read urban fantasy or paranormal romance? What are some of your favorite elements of those stories?

Arianne's Note: This giveaway will end midnight of January 5, Pacific Standard Time. Make sure to leave your email in the comments so I can contact you if you win.

Thank you for having me as your guest today, Arianne!

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Review: Shameless

Title: Shameless
Series: Nashville Nights
Author: Cheryl Douglas
Self-Published
Pages: 187
FREE ON AMAZON RIGHT NOW!

Blurb:

Trey Turner may be topping the country music charts but his life has been going downhill since his wife left him five years ago. He’s desperate to make amends for the mistakes he’s made and convince Sierra their love deserves a second chance.


Sierra Brooks is happy for the first time since her divorce. She has a career she loves and a fiancé who loves her.


Unfortunately, her fiancé isn’t the only man professing his love. He may be able to offer her safety and security but will she decide to risk everything for another chance with the man who broke her heart? 

Review

I really enjoyed this book!

I love the conflict between the two characters, Trey and Sierra. They struggled to make their marriage work and did not really try hard enough to make it work. It was interesting how Trey was the desperate type in the beginning. That's unusual for a man, I think. He was just so in love with his (ex) wife that he was willing to beg even after the divorce was final and it had been five years since they'd last seen each other.

It was also interesting how Sierra kept trying to walk away despite the fact that she would always love Trey and no one else. It was kind of gross how she was engaged to a judge. I won't spoil it, but I mean, seriously? The judge can't even compare to Trey!

I think my favorite part was when Trey threatened the judge. I love the sense of power that his status held for him. That guy may have been a judge, but Trey was famous and had much more power using his fans and his influence. I just loved that. He sounded very macho during that scene.

Towards the end, Trey and Sierra finally realized they were repeating their mistakes and tried to make it work this time around. I love that despite their flaws, they still loved each other no matter what.

Overall, this book was quite a roller coaster for both characters, but it's definitely enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next book!

About the Author:

Cheryl began her professional career as a nutritionist, but her love of books started at an early age. She studied writing for many years before she decided to pursue her passion as a full-time career. After receiving constructive criticism from several well-known authors, Cheryl finally had the confidence to write her first romance novel.

The first book in the Nashville Nights series, Shameless, was a book that had been dwelling in Cheryl’s subconscious for years. For her, the surprise came when the manuscript began taking on a life of it’s own. Characters came to life, secondary characters became more prominent, outlines were forgotten, and a single title evolved into an eight book series, and another eight book spin-off series entitled Nashville Nights, Next Generation.

One word would aptly describe Cheryl: workaholic. She lives and breathes her writing, when she’s sleeping, watching TV, driving, reading… it’s always in the periphery of her mind. Her imagination rarely takes a holiday, even when she escapes to a sandy beach with her husband and son, she’s planning, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming.

Cheryl feels blessed to be able to get up every day and do something she loves. The thousands of fans who have embraced the Nashville Nights have made that possible. She writes for the readers who ask for more, she writes to satisfy the muse residing inside of her, but most of all, she writes because she couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her life. It took her thirty-seven years to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, but now that she knows, she’s convinced she’s found her purpose.

Website: www.cheryldouglasbooks.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheryldouglasbooks

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5761770.Cheryl_Douglas

Blog: http://www.cheryldouglasbooks.com/updates.html

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Happy Holidays!

Hi everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful holidays with your family. I will be spending it with my family, possibly going shopping (again). We'll see how it works. I'll be back with a new post on December 26 :)

Let me know in the comments what foods you ate and what gifts you've received!

Arianne

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Review: The Spanish Billionaire's Hired Bride

Title: The Spanish Billionaire's Hired Bride
Author: Rachel Lyndhurst
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: October 14, 2012
Pages: 150
Buy Links: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

He bought her with cold, hard cash, but can she stop him from stealing her heart?

Blackmailed to marry against his will, Ricardo Almanza needs a wife before he’s thirty, and time is running out. A notorious playboy, marriage is the last thing he wants, but his stepmother’s sexy, debt-ridden personal assistant is the perfect solution. He makes her a business deal she can’t refuse—one million euros for three months as his wife. He might even enjoy being married to her … if she doesn’t kick the crap out of him again.

Helen Marshall can’t believe she’s considering Almanza’s outrageous proposal, but she must help clear her parents’ debts or they face financial ruin. The small print on the marriage contract changes to read three months as his wife in every way—including in the bedroom. Has she gotten in too deep, or will she need a new contract addendum, extending their marriage forever?

Excerpt

"Dios, this place is a dump!" He quickly looked around the tiny living room. "How much are you paying for this?" "It's the cheapest I could find." The half smile on her face disappeared as she followed his eyes around the shabby interior. "I've been waiting for my day off to have a bit of a tidy up." "I don't think there's much you can do with it, frankly," he said, flicking the flat of his hand roughly across her back. "Damn!" she exclaimed when she registered what he was doing. "I must remember not to touch the walls. There's bloody paint peeling off everywhere in here." "It would appear so," he agreed, allowing his hand to rest a moment longer than necessary on her shoulder. "So, er, did I leave something in the car?" She picked up a pile of mail and pretended she was sorting through it. "It could have waited until tomorrow, I'm sure." "No, it couldn't. It's been a long day and I'm starving. I wondered if you'd like to go for something to eat." "Oh." She hesitated a moment. It was a tempting offer. "That's very kind of you, but no, I really--" "You really planned a lavish meal at home?" He flung open the battered fridge with one hand and a Formica cupboard door with the other sending her a withering look. "A tin of sardinas, some rather dubious looking bread, and I'll bet there's not a drop of wine in the place." He slowly closed each door and turned to face her. "I thnk you just ran out of excuses, so are you coming or not?" He had her cornered. And she was hungry. "Okay, I'd love to." There was no going back now. "But we split the bill." "Go halves?" Ricardo sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Do you think I'm poor? Or mean?" "Neither," she said flatly with a warning glare of defiance. "I'd prefer it that way, that's all." "You really are annoyingly independent, aren't you?" He looked around the shambolic kitchen area once again. "As you wish, pay the whole bill if you must, but let's get out of here. I need to eat."

Review

Very humorous and romantic, The Spanish Billionaire's Hired Bride is a must-read!

I was entertained from beginning to end. As you can tell from the excerpt, the type of humor is definitely one I enjoyed. I love how Ricardo was so arrogant in the beginning, probably to cover up the vulnerability inside. He bought everything with his money, and he obviously had more than enough to get everything he wanted.

Helen, on the other hand, had nothing. Her family was in deep debt, and she could barely live on her own. She probably starved most of the time. I do love her independence. She was so proud, even the slightest help from Ricardo was unwelcome. As it was, desperate times called for desperate measures. Against her will, she married Ricardo to help her parents.

Whether she liked it or not, the man oozed sex. He was dangerous and enticing, a brooding presence that put ordinary men in the shade.

Their honeymoon was just full of passion. I love their first night and the days and nights after that. One of my favorite scenes was when Ricardo was teaching Helen how to cook and he was speaking to her with loads of innuendo. I love that he tried to prove to her that he wasn't like most men; he wasn't just after the sex. That in itself was very honorable :)

"What?"

"I don't keep condoms in the kitchen, my darling, and I'm supposed to be teaching you how to cook."

"But--"

"And I'm not just after one thing like all the others." He kissed the top of her shoulder lightly. "I want to prove that to you."

"Don't you want to, here on the kitchen table? It would be so incredibly erotic."

"Later," he said and gave her a look of mock admonishment. "Build the excitement, layer by layer. It's more fun that way. For both of us."

"You're cruel," she whispered, but rewarded him with a provocative smile.

"But I'm always right."

Eventually, I really enjoyed it when Ricardo revealed his vulnerable side. I really appreciate that in my alpha males :)

"...I've even had girlfriends who went through my wallet and helped themselves when I wasn't looking, you know. They didn't need to. If they'd only asked..."

Before I start to spoil the story, I'll end this review. Just trust me when I say you would not want to miss reading this book. It's totally worth the purchase :)

Check out my favorite scenes!

"You look and smell wonderful."

"Thank you," she murmured. Color tinted her cheeks, spreading like pink ink dropped in water. "You have immaculate taste in toiletries."

"I have immaculate taste in everything," he said silkily. "Especially where women are concerned." Helen frowned playfully and pulled her hand away. "I bet you say that to all the girls, you feckless swine."

Ricardo chuckled. "I love it when you insult me like that, wife."

Helen closed her eyes for a second a breathed in the unctuous steam coming from the plates. "Oh my God, they both smell amazing. Which one's mine?"

"We're starry-eyed lovers. We share."

He was unshaven, hair matted to his head, raindrops trickling over his sharp cheekbones, glistening against the stubble on his jaw. Dressed in a black leather jacket and black jeans, his white T-shirt was splattered with mud and his breath formed short bursts of mist in the damp air.

"It's disgusting out there, if you hadn't noticed. Your bloody farmyard is covered in crap and I've been running."

"Running?" Helen said, suddenly seeing the funny side of a dirty Ricardo Almanza, but feeling instinctively wary. He had no good reason for being here. "I didn't think you'd know how. Don't you have people for that sort of indignity?"

Giveaway

In the spirit of the holidays, I'd like to give away a Kindle copy of this book. Just leave me a comment telling me why you want to read this book OR what kind of Alpha male is your favorite. This giveaway will end December 28 at midnight, Pacific Time. Make sure to leave your email address in the comments. Your entry won't be valid without one.

Good luck and happy holidays!

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Review: Tangled Web

Title: Tangled Web
Series: The Deizian Empire, #1
Author: Crista McHugh
Publisher: Entangled Select
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Pages: 352
Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

The deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close to her target…

Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.

Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors—magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people—but his father’s death has left him no choice. Rule the Deizian Empire and attempt to right his ancestors’ wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.

More than just Titus’ ideas hold Azurha captive. Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost, and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage. As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision—complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.

Review

One of the best books I've read this year!

I haven't found many books this year that caused me to have a headache for reading too much. I found that this book was so good, I just couldn't put it down, despite my eyes being so tired.

Azurha and Titus were such a gem together. Titus was so gentle, so respectful, and so noble towards Azurha that I fell in love with him from the beginning of the book. He was very naive, though. If Azurha didn't fall for him, he would have been dead within their first time alone.

One frustrating thing about the book was the time it took for Azurha to tell her secret. I was so frustrated waiting for her to just spit it out already. Of course she'd wait until she was almost dying to reveal it. Women. They are usually unsuspected of crimes, but when it comes down to it, they're still women, talking in riddles and driving men to madness :)

This book was quite long but every page was worth reading. I love the well-developed characters of Varro, Galerius, and Marcus. I also enjoyed the names of Titus's bath pools. Quite entertaining how they were named based on their temperature: TEPIDarium, FRIGIDarium, CALDarium :)

Overall, I think Crista McHugh just earned her spot in my favorite authors list. I most definitely recommend adding this book in your MUST-READ list.

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Friday Freebies (5): Collective Mix

This week I got a few free books from Amazon. I'll caption the books that are still free as of today! Go and get your copy by clicking the image!

Free

Free

$2.99

Free

Free

Free

While I was searching these books on Amazon for their links, I also found the books below for free! Just click the links!

Have you read any of these books? Which ones did you get? Or did you get them all?

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Blitz: A Marquess for Christmas

A Marquess for Christmas
Vivienne Westlake

Genre: Regency, erotic romance, historical romance
Cover Artist: Vivienne Westlake

Book Description:

A proper widow. A rakish marquess. He rescued her from thieves, but will she be able to save him from himself?

 When Violet Laurens is rescued from highwaymen, the furthest thing from her mind is that her heart might tumble next. She loves her independent life, no matter her lonely bed. The handsome stranger reawakens the passion she thought buried along with her husband, pushing her to new heights of desire. But she knows it’s only a matter of time before he remembers his name and leaves her.

 The dissolute Marquess of Kittrick has vowed never to marry, causing a rift in his family that sets him on the road just in time to do battle with ruffians intent on stealing a lady’s coins—and more. Discovering the fiery wanton beneath the widow’s oh-so-proper demeanor makes him want nothing more than to forget who he is for just a bit longer. Maybe forever.

 When Kit is forced to acknowledge who he is, will the truth trump their shared passion, and the love they can’t quite admit to? Or will Violet overcome her fear—and Kit his dissolute ways--and be able to lay claim to A Marquess for Christmas?

Excerpt

“He still sleeps fitfully, my lady.” Avery put his hand to the man’s head. “A little warm. We should get some ice and keep his temperature down.” “And you have checked his bandages?” The bleeding had stopped, but the chance of infection was high. She stood by the four poster bed, looking down at her savior, who lay still and quiet, despite the people in the room. “Yes, the wound is not healed, but neither is it as gruesome as it was yesterday.” “And he has not awoken?” “He tosses and murmurs and has managed the chamber pot a couple of times, but he does not speak and his eyes are glazed and unfocused.” It had been two days since the incident. She prayed it was the laudanum keeping him so dazed and not his injury. But they could not be sure yet. “If he does not awaken in the next day or two, we shall have to fetch Doctor Littleton. For now, let us keep him cool and make sure that someone checks on him every hour.” Violet went to the window and opened it. The sky was cloudy and the ground covered with a thin layer of snow. “The fresh, cool air should do him good.” She rang the bell then went back to the bed and sat down. The man’s hands felt hot under hers, but she raised them to her cheek to be sure. Definitely too warm. “My lady?” Miriam entered the room. “Go and fetch some ice please. If there’s no ice, send a footman outside and gather snow. We need to keep him cool until his fever breaks.” She leaned over to the small bedside table, dipped a cloth into a small ceramic basin, and wrung it out. “I will see to him for a while, Avery.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you.” Gently, she took the cloth and wiped the man’s face, always conscious of the bandage. She hummed as she worked. It was a very old song that she’d learned as a girl. Sometimes her mother would sing it as she stitched. “Come live with me and be my love and we will all the pleasures prove. The hill and valley, dale and field, and all the craggy mountains yield.” She washed his arms, noting each twist and turn of muscle. She even tested it with her finger to see if it was as firm as it appeared. Nothing about him was soft-- except for his lips and the silky threads of his hair. She brushed the towel over his neck and down to the exposed skin at the opening of his tunic. The hair there was thin and fine. She couldn’t help but stare as she swept over his chest. His nipples were wide, but tightened into little nubs when she touched them. What would it feel like to run her palms over them? Would they react to her as they did to the damp cloth? What about her mouth? Violet turned away and blushed. She closed her eyes and willed herself to remember him fighting off the thief and the moment when he’d taken the fateful blow. She needed to focus on her task and not on the yearnings she felt for a man she barely knew. She might be fantasizing about a man of base morals or a man with a wife and four children. Or, what if he was a clergyman? That she doubted considering his skill with weapons and his readiness to fight, but what gentleman would watch an innocent woman get attacked by thieves and not come to her rescue? A man does what needs must. Even a man of the cloth will take up a pistol if his life or his country demanded it. She had seen boys barely old enough to carry a gun with gaping holes in their chest and villages ravaged and burned in the war. And this man would die like the rest, if she did not do her duty to him. He’d saved her and now she must do the same for him. With such thoughts distracting her, she didn’t realize she’d paused her singing until she heard a low, gravelly voice. “Sing.” She looked down to see dark eyes watching her. “You are awake!” “Sing,” he repeated, but he’d barely finished the word when a ragged cough took over his body. “A belt of straw and ivy buds, with coral clasps and amber studs, and if these pictures may thee move, come live with me and—” “Be my love.” His voice was hoarse, even more than she expected for someone who’d slept for two days. She lifted from the bed to pour water from the pitcher into a cup. When she lifted the cup to his lips, he coughed and it dribbled down his chin. “Easy.” They tried again, but still, most of the water ended up down his chest. His tunic absorbed the excess liquid and clung tightly to his body, so she could see every line and curve. His nipples hardened again. “Let me try this another way,” she said. This time, she dipped her fingers into the cup and let the water drip into his mouth. He opened wide for more. She leaned closer, her bosom near his face, and poured more water from her fingers. After the third time, he put her two fingers to his lips and sucked them. A flash of heat shot through her limbs. If she’d been standing, she would have faltered and lost her balance. His mouth was hot and she suspected it had little to do with his fever. “More,” he whispered. He stared at her and she could not move, could not speak. There was a knock behind them and that jolted her out of her frozen state. Miriam stood in the doorway with ice and more water. The man groaned. She motioned for the maid to come in. As soon as the girl was close, Violet took a tiny chip of ice and put it in the man’s mouth. The ice would help his thirst, but she also was afraid for him to speak. The need in his eyes was too real, too close to the desire that she felt. But he was a stranger. A beautiful, dark, bewitching stranger who had risked his life for her, yet she knew almost nothing about him. A fact that she could remedy. No. What was she thinking? He was wounded, disoriented, and who knows if he mistook her for his wife or some mistress. A sharp pang twisted in her gut. Did he have a mistress? She’d already considered that he could be married, but she hadn’t thought about the possibility of a mistress. He was a virile, handsome man with a body any sculptor would worship and carve into stone. She’d seen it all, every wicked inch of him. The thought of that body being pleasured by some other woman made her ill. “Do you or the gentleman need anything else, my lady?” “Perhaps the cook has some broth. But please make sure it is tepid, not hot.” Miriam set down the tray of ice and curtsied before exiting the room. He rubbed his temples, then when Miriam was gone, he turned back to her. Though he whispered the word, “Water,” his eyes said something else. She plopped another ice sliver into his mouth. He sucked on it, watching her still. She felt a flush run down from her ears to her belly. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought his fever was catching. A foolish part of her longed to demand if he had a mistress, but she bit her lip. That was not the first question she should ask him. And, he was so weak, it was better if he didn’t speak at all. She put her hand to his mouth. “Do not try to speak, sir. You are weary and hoarse.” He opened his mouth and before he could argue, she fed him another ice chip. “You have a fever and you need to rest.” His forehead was still warm. It could be a long night if his fever didn’t break. But he was at least alert for now, which was a good sign. She stood up, intending to move aside the blankets and leave him with the sheet, but he reached for her arm. “Don’t.” Under his stare, she froze again. “Do not. Leave.” Though the words were gravelly and low, it was a command, not a plea. “Very well.” She pulled aside the blankets, careful not to touch his thighs, and moved a chair close to the bed. The mere foot of space between her seat and the bed seemed much farther. Every little movement made her aware of the hard chair beneath her and the cool air brushing over her skin. She missed the heat of his body next to hers.

About the Author:

Vivienne Westlake has been reading and writing romance since the age of fifteen. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and when she’s not plotting stories about sexy heroes and sassy heroines, she’s buying a book on British history, watching the latest teen vampire show, doing an art project or singing karaoke with friends. Vivienne is an active member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Divas, and Indie Romance Ink.

http://www.viviennewestlake.com

http://www.viviennewestlake.com/blog

http://www.twitter.com/vivwestlake

http://www.facebook.com/viviennewestlakeromance

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Promo: Perfectly Matched

This book releases tomorrow! I hope you will check it out. Liz Reinhardt is one of my favorite authors!

Blurb:

Benelli Youngblood is dedicated to her family. Unlike her unpredictable, selfish siblings, Benelli plans to do what's expected of her: get married to a good, stable man who will help her father save his floundering business. And she's sure her current boyfriend is that man.

When she catches said boyfriend sleeping with his secretary, she hops the first plane to her family's summer house in Hungary armed with a list of eligible men from solid families to go on dates with so she can find the perfect marriage partner. It may sound old-fashioned, but it's what's always worked for her family, and it's how she'll mend her shattered heart.

What she doesn't plan on is falling for Cormac Halstrom. The witty, sexy professor with no interest in business or marriage couldn't be further from the right choice for her. But his hot kisses and sweet words make her feel something she hasn't in years; she finally feels like herself.

When things go too far with Cormac and her family shows up unexpectedly, Benelli will have to decide if she's going to listen to her heart or her head when it comes to finding her perfect match.

PERFECTLY UNMATCHED is a new adult novel that contains mature language, sexuality, and adult situations.


Doesn't that sound like a good book? The book is beautiful, too! Hope you all will check it out when it releases tomorrow!
Also, if you haven't checked out Liz's young adult Brenna Blixen novels, I suggest you go and do that. Click the images of the books to go to their Amazon page.

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New Release: Under His Command

Today, I want to share a very special book. I was lucky to beta read this book and provide some feedback on how I thought it could be improved. Oh my gosh, the story itself was so amazing! I will go ahead and nominate this book for the Best BDSM Romance category in the Sizzling PR awards. Yes, it's that good!

Title: Under His Command
Series: Six-Alarm Sexy, #1
Author: Kristine Cayne
Self-Published
Release Date: December 17, 2012
Buy Links: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

Blurb:

A firefighter desperate to save his failing marriage earns the trust—and the sexual submission—of his controlling wife in the most pleasurable of ways.

After an explosive one-night stand results in pregnancy, Jamie Caldwell is thrilled to marry the perfect foil to his Dom side. But when his submissive wife starts cringing every time he gives a command, Jamie shackles his dark desires. A bout of rough, frenzied reunion sex makes him wonder if now he should free the Dom he’s kept in chains and teach Erica the joys of submission and sexual surrender.

Erica Caldwell secretly loved every sinful thing Jamie did to her on their first night together. However, terrified she’ll become a codependent doormat like her mother, she repeatedly rejects Jamie’s dominance, despite craving the kind of release only he can give her—the release that comes from yielding to Jamie’s every demand.

Hoping that the trust required by BDSM will help them rebuild their faith in each other, Jamie and Erica embark on a journey of sexual exploration. But is it too late to repair their crumbling marriage?

Two-Sentence Beta Review

Jamie was hot, Erica was willing. They both had to work so hard to make their marriage work.

I will post an official review of this book when I read the finished copy. I'm so excited! It's going to be so amazing and full of good moments! It is like a different spin to BDSM because this book is actually ROMANTIC compared to other BDSM stories.

If you are looking for a new addiction, I suggest getting this book RIGHT NOW.

Giveaway

The giveaway is now closed. The winner is Debra!

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Guest Post/Giveaway: Temperate Warrior

The Temperate Warrior
Book 1 of the Warrior Sagas
Renee Vincent

Genre: Historical, paranormal romance, Viking
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Pages: 206

Cover Artist: Erin Sendelbach

Purchase Links: Kindle | Nook | All Romance Ebooks | Smashwords | Turquoise Morning Press | Book Strand

Blurb:


He was her champion. She was his weakness.
Together, they loved with wild abandon.

Gustaf Ræliksen lives by the blade of his sword. After avenging his father’s murder and reuniting with his family, he wants nothing more than to settle down and have sons of his own. Only one woman will do—a fiery redhead he saved from the spoils of war.

No longer forced to warm the beds of the men who've taken everything from her, Æsa has nothing to offer the noble warrior but her heart.

When someone with a deep score to settle seeks revenge upon her, Gustaf's world is torn asunder. He has but one vow—saving the woman he loves from the ignorant fool who dared to best the temperate warrior.

Guest Post

Why Vikings?

“Why not?” As readers of romance, we like our heroes to be bold, sexy, sometimes brazen, and always chivalrous. What better group of heroic men can give you all that and more than the brave warriors of the North?

As most everyone has learned, Vikings were a formidable race of men, practiced in the skill of raiding and evading. We were educated to believe that they were greedy pillagers, marked by lack of compassion and extreme brutality in their pursuit for gold and riches. No one was safe from their torment, especially the unarmed monks of the European world.

But as I sat and listened to my teachers describe this particular Scandinavian race of adventure-seeking seamen, I couldn’t help feeling that something was amiss. Could an entire class of people be that barbaric? Did every person—man, woman, and child—set their sights on wreaking havoc over their distant, and some not so distant, European neighbors?

In my pursuit to set the record straight, I struck out to research this race on my own. In reading many research books on the subject, I came to find that most were written by men, laden with facts, dates, and events. To be truthful, it was a huge bore.

Until…I found a book entitled Everyday Life In The Viking Age by Jacqueline Simpson. She went beyond factual statistics and delved into the core of the Vikings’ life. She spoke of their unparalleled unity of family and brotherhood, independence and honor. It was the first nonfiction book I’d ever read cover to cover.

In great detail, she explained how most were simple craftsmen and merchants looking to make an honest living with trade, or farmers aiming to settle upon lush lands following the depletion of Norway’s natural resources—while still upholding the role of a warrior if the duty arose. For me, there was something to be said about the fearless men who bravely picked up their families and left their homelands to journey on an open sea in the hopes of making a new life for themselves.

I also found that along with courage, these men made and kept oaths of loyalty, both with their gods and their brothers in arms. It was not likely that oaths were broken, as doing so would have called to question one’s honor, and during this time, a man’s character was either his glory or his shame.

These men were also family men; a people who stood closely together, sometimes living together in the same longhouses and raising each others’ young as their own. While they held a high regard for kinship, they also harbored an untamable desire for exploration. Their vitality for adventure, as well as their unsurpassed nautical intelligence, helped them to perfect the most versatile sea vessel of their time.

In truth, this was the spirit of the Northmen and the reason why I enjoy writing them into my historical romances. I’ve always said I would love to have been born in the 10^th century so I could set my own eyes on a few tall, fair-haired, muscled warriors and witness their passionate exploits on the bows of their impressive dragon ships. Hey a girl can dream, right?

I hope I entertained you, if not enlightened you, about why the Vikings are a logical choice for the burly Alpha male heroes we want in our romance novels.

And now for the fun stuff….an excerpt from my latest Viking romance, THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR.

Excerpt

Gustaf’s hearty laughter echoed around her. It was a rarity she had come to cherish. With their troubles far behind them, she could only hope it would be a common occurrence, especially after they became husband and wife. She longed to be the source of his joy for the rest of his days and imagined giving him the sons he’s always wanted. Their conversation on Skúvoy circled back into her thoughts. “I want to fill our house with many sons.” “And daughters?” “Aye, and daughters. I can only hope they resemble your beauty and speak with fire on their tongues.” “And if they do not?” “I shall love them anyway for they will come from your womb.” She envisioned him cradling a babe in his arms and teaching the youngster all there was to know about the new world he’d been born into. That was, if she could provide him a child at all. Given that no man’s seed from her sordid past had taken root, she worried her womb was barren, incapable of even producing Gustaf’s heir. “What are you thinking?” His voice broke apart her sullen thoughts and she struggled to fabricate a credible answer to his question. “I was thinking of us and you as a father.” A half truth was better than a blatant lie, and she’d only disappoint him with mentioning such nonsense, especially since they’d yet to give conception a fair try. “I am eager to be your wife and the mother of your children.” Gustaf tipped his head in surprise. “From where did that thought come?” Another bout of spirited shouts erupted, followed by a considerable splash as if some poor bloke had hit the water. “I suspect it came from the devious seven we already have in our company. It would bring me great pleasure to birth that many or more with you.” “Seven children, you say?” Gustaf nodded as he considered the thought. “You do realize I am a man of mature age. ’Twould require a considerable amount of lovemaking to acquire that number of offspring.” “I am willing if you are,” Æsa stated, leaning up on one elbow. Gustaf scooted closer and inclined his body across her torso, bracing his weight on one arm at her side. His dark blond hair fell over his shoulder and hugged the sharp angle of his jaw shadowed with soft scruff. She dared to reach up and stroke the soft curls of his thick mane, but the serious look in his eyes had her hesitating. “I am most willing,” he said softly, “as long as it makes you happy. For the rest of my life, I will do whatever it takes to ensure it. As my wife, you will not want for anything. What you desire, I will provide.” “I desire only you, m’lord.” He bent to kiss her, but stopped midway. “Would I disappoint you if I said I wished to wait until we returned to Inis Mór to marry?” The warmth of his breath across her lips caressed her starved skin. The blue of his eyes sparkled like the depths of the crystal sea. He was a beautiful man and it still seemed hard to fathom that he was all hers. She could barely contain her emotions as she lay motionless in their near kiss. “You could never disappoint me, Gustaf. Knowing you are eager to share our union with your family is more than I could hope. I have been without a family for so long and to be united with yours is an honor I cannot put into words.” His smile stroked her all the way to her soul and the anticipation of his mouth meeting hers consumed her whole being. Nothing mattered except this moment, this kiss that made her keenly aware of her heart beating in her chest. Her entire body tingled as his lips finally made contact and her will to tolerate much more of this deliberate torture disintegrated in an upwelling of exhilaration. She arched into him, craving the feel of his hard body against hers. It had felt like forever since he’d touched her intimately, despite that it had been only a few days. She hated going a single moment without his touch and drew toward him like a delicate flower in desperate need of warm sunlight. He forced his body over hers and cupped the underside of her breast as he ground his erection into her sex, now swollen and aching with need. There was so much passion in this one little kiss that it seemed to surpass all others in comparison. She shifted beneath him and opened her legs, eager for him to pull up her tunic and bury his rock hard shaft inside her. As she felt his arousal more prevalent against her flesh, she was reminded of the previous promise he’d made to her: This will not be last time you feel my arousal at dawn. One morning when we are without eyes, I will have you. She hoped this very morning was the instance he’d relinquish his vow. Wrapping her legs around his back, she encouraged him, giving him permission to take her in the fashion she knew he longed for. “Throw your temperance aside, m’lord. Please.” He drew in a sharp breath and shuddered, his hands fisting the fabric of her kirtle at her hips, ready to hike it up. The hard scrape of his knuckles demanded his need for more persuasion. “Aye, Gustaf. Take me.” “I cannot,” he finally spat, breathing heavily. His jaw clenched and his eyes closed. The pain he endured of restraining himself cut across his face. “We are not alone. My men.” His clipped words resounded in her head. “I was hoping you forgot about them.” Gustaf sighed and let his forehead rest on hers. “All of me wishes I had.” He nudged himself against the open area of her thighs. “All of me.” In one swift shove, he propelled his heavy body off hers and faced the fire, his breathing weighty and intense. Reaching between his legs, he shifted his burdensome erection and groaned. His chin fell to his chest and a long sigh heaved from his lungs. “Odin’s blood, you are but wicked temptation for the weak.” Æsa sat up, feeling the strain of her sore muscles in the process. She ignored the sting of her aching back and touched his cheek, stroking his hair away from his tormented face. “Wicked enough to be punished?” Gustaf stared at her, his eyes boring into hers. “Punished?” She drew her finger over the hard angle of his jaw, down his neck and back up into the thick of his hair. “Call it what you will, but there is a fine line between punishment and pleasure. I have known great pleasure under the tenderness of your touch, but I long for more. I yearn to feel the wrath of the unchained warrior. To know what the abandonment of your restraint feels like between my thighs.” She saw the column of his throat bob as he swallowed. Her words had struck him as hard as any blow to the gut, but she knew they likely caressed him like a warm tongue up his throbbing length. “Perhaps having to abstain from your urges will force the wild animal from its barred enclosure when the time comes.” “Perhaps,” he repeated, his voice cracking under duress. She smiled and threaded her hands through his hair, wrenching his face closer to hers. “I can only hope.” With lust still blazing in his eyes, she took his lips and plundered his mouth with her tongue. As fiercely as she began the kiss, she broke away, capturing his wanton stare. “Sooner, rather than later.”

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  About the Author:

I am an author with a passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. I live in the rolling hills of Kentucky with my husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.

I am a sucker for a good cup of coffee (lots of cream and sugar...and whipped cream if I can get my hands on it), great conversation, and a lilting Irish accent. I love to read and I can't resist watching great epic historical movies.

From an early age, I've always had scenes playing out in my head. Whether it was a story with a moral or a tale with a twist, those ideas have never let me sleep until I wrote them out. And considering I have an eclectic ensemble of stories swarming in my brain at any given time, I write under a couple pen names to accommodate the various genre categories.

Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
Visit my website at http://www.reneevincent.com/

Gracie Lee Rose                               
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

Visit my website at http://www.gracieleerose.com/

Website: http://www.reneevincent.com/

Blog: http://pasttheprint.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

Romance Blog: http://www.deepintheheartromance.com/

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Promo: Say Yes

Title: Say Yes
Series: Naughty Sleepover
Author: Regina Carlysle
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Release Date: October 6, 2012
Pages: 38
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:
“I’ll make you famous.”

She’d spoken the words, clicked off a few pictures and then scampered off toward the rodeo arena leaving him more than a little dizzy with lust. J.D. Stone, owner of the Stone’s Throw ranch is in town for business but the sassy woman has him thinking of planting his boots under her bed. Luckily for him, the pretty Melissa Bell is staying at the same hotel!

At first, J.D. Stone looked like a ghost from her past but those long-ago imagines quickly disappear with the first touch of this sexy cowboy’s hands on her sex-starved body. The epitome of a man of the old-west, hard and strong, J.D. is everything she has ever wanted in a man but will a misunderstanding have him turning tail and running with the dawn? Not if she can help it.

Excerpt

“I’ll make you famous.” She’d lowered her camera after clicking off a series of shots, tossed a long, honey-blonde braid over her shoulder, and winked. A press pass swung from a lanyard around her neck and though things had happened too fast to catch her name, he knew she was a photographer. Tall, leggy, Miz Sexy-thang gave him one quick up and down look that had things tightening behind the fly of his jeans and before he could ask her name, she took off. Quicker than a jackrabbit, she’d trotted down the stadium steps, jumped onto the metal railing surrounding the arena, and done a mean balancing act as she clicked off shots of a bull rider from Hobbs, New Mexico. But J.D. wouldn’t let her scamper away this time. Unable to look away, he noted the curve of her lips as she sipped that chocolate stuff from a long-stemmed glass, her eyes closed in obvious pleasure. She wore her hair down and it hung straight and silky to just past her shoulders. Damn, she had a pretty, pretty face. From what he recalled the rest of her was downright mouthwatering too. Lush breasts pressed against a silky black tee and he suddenly had the wild urge to fill his palms with that soft flesh. Signaling Luke, he ordered up a glass of that chocolate wine, grabbed his beer, and then made a beeline to her. J.D. noted the widening of eyes the color of Texas Bluebonnets as he set the drink on the table and tipped the brim of his black Stetson. “Ma’am. Looked to me like you were enjoying that wine so much, I took the liberty of getting you another.” He smiled at her. Somebody had once told him he was too damn big and intimidating so he made the extra effort to put her at ease. J.D. wanted to get acquainted, not scare her to death. The way she’d gotten up close and personal with the biggest, most enraged bull on the planet didn’t mark her as a coward, though. He liked and admired her already. There was just something about a fearless woman that heated his blood and had him conjuring visions of hot, sweaty, pulse-pounding sex. She blinked at the drink then looked up, a slow smile blooming on her face. Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “Oh my. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to get on my good side, cowboy.” “And do you have a bad side?” The sassy thing took a sip of her fresh drink, hummed a little then grinned. “I’ll never tell. At least not until we get acquainted. . Care to join me?”

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