Review: A Taste of Trouble

Title: A Taste of Trouble
Author: Gina Gordon
Publisher: Entangled Edge
Release Date: February 25, 2013
Pages: 216
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

When Liv Crawford decided to pursue her dream of owning her own bakery, it was no surprise that she forgot to add “maintaining a serious relationship” to her business plan. Not when she believes a cupcake can fix anything, even loneliness.

Jake Miller isn’t concerned about being lonely. He’s cast aside his playboy lifestyle to pursue something more meaningful, his passion for photography. So, when his boss asks him to pursue a beautiful woman and coerce her to his office for a disguised meeting—no matter what it takes—in exchange for the opportunity to turn his hobby into a career, he jumps at the chance. At first sight, Liv awakens his long-buried desire for commitment, but his secret mission could ruin his hopes of keeping her.

Despite Liv’s commitment to swear off relationships to run her bakery, Jake quickly becomes her number one distraction. Yet, even her misgivings can’t tame the heat as they straddle the line between love and ambition.

Review

"For the love of all cupcakes, please don't let this man take my heart..."

This book was so sweet (pun intended)! In the beginning, I wasn't impressed. The cover was hot, but the scenes, not so much... I spoke too soon. The more I read, the more I fell in love. The scenes became hotter, and the emotions became more raw.

Jake met Liv under false pretenses. One thing he didn't expect was the all-too-real feelings that he developed for her. He tried to show her the honest side of him, the one who loved photography and held fundraisers to support a cause close to his heart. All of that was not enough when Liv found out his real intentions...

Liv was the queen of cupcakes. "There's nothing a cupcake can't fix." I love that quote! I love baking, but decorating cupcakes just isn't my forte. Reading about Liv's passion with baking was what made this book an enjoyable read. Add sex to those cupcakes? Well, then, we've got a winner ;)

I also loved that Liv had such an amazing support system of friends, and the same with Jake and his friends. They all looked out for each other and were very loyal. My favorite part was when Jake was making amends and his friends provided reinforcements based on their own specialty. My favorite was a mathematical formula on why Liv and Jake should be together. I would have loved to actually see what that formula was!

Overall, I would recommend this book!

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Blitz: Fatal Promises

Title: Fatal Promise
Author: Kelly Gendron
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Buy Link: Amazon | BookStrand

Blurb:

When Rainey Ann McKenna's dying husband asked her always to be there for his brother, Tex McCoy, she had no idea that five years later her promise would bring a murderer into her home. According to the conditions of his release, for the next three months Tex will be on house arrest before starting his probation. Obligated by a promise, Rainey takes the gorgeous but dangerous felon in.

Tex McCoy may have gone to jail for murder, but after almost a decade of being incarcerated, he too is dead inside. Resurrecting any of Tex's feelings-including the ones he once had for Rainey Ann McKenna-could not only be hazardous to her heart, but fatal to her body.

But beyond his crime, Tex has many other secrets, and with a single word spoken from the killer's mouth, Rainey's ordinary life will be changed forever...

Excerpt:

But being left alone with Tex McCoy, the murderer, she found it difficult to summon her characteristic stubbornness. She glanced up at him and saw him gazing out the window. With him filling it, her normally decent-sized kitchen suddenly appeared small. It seemed to shrink even more when his eyes slithered from the window to her—so much so that it seemed to become devoid of oxygen, and her breath caught in her throat. He took a step toward her. At that point, her breathing seized altogether. His hand came out, nearing her face. Or was he going for her throat? She panicked and gasped for air as if his hands were already around her neck and squeezing. Was he going to…strangle her? She slapped his hand away. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

He shoved his hand into the pocket of his jeans. His eyes, if at all possible, became darker, almost black, but his expression remained impassive. “You have dirt on your face,” he said flatly and remotely, as if he’d expected her impulsive reaction.

“Oh.” Her hand went to her cheek, the one he had planned to innocently wipe off for her. She rubbed it, wondering if she’d overacted. What was she going to do when he freely walked around her house, took a shower in her bathroom, or slept in the bedroom below hers? Was she going to jump with every step he took? Was she going to lay awake all night? And the shower—her shower. Rainey decided thinking about Tex McCoy naked in the shower wasn’t a good idea. He was a killer. But he already served his time, right? Was he…reformed? Wait, was she really trying to rationalize here? It was manslaughter, not murder, right? And he did claim self-defense. Right. Then why’d he brutally stab Curtis Watson multiple times?

The questions swarming through Rainey’s head were undoubtedly the same questions the jury had asked. Their answer to that question had earned Tex the maximum sentence of fifteen years. The unanswered question that remained was why Tex McCoy and Curtis Watson, a hired hand who’d worked at the McCoy ranch three years prior to the murder, had gotten into a brawl outside of the bar in the first place, the scuffle that eventually led to Curtis’s death.

 For the sake of her son, Rainey had to believe Tex was reformed. She had to trust he had no other choice and that he had a damn good reason for killing Curtis Watson.

“Uh, I’ll show you to your room,” she said, diverting her eyes from his so she could start down the hallway. She couldn’t hear him behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. He was right there, near and looming, with all the prowess and silent pursuit of some sly, predatory panther. Her heart slammed into her chest wall. She straightened her back, valiantly suffering through another panic attack. When she reached the spare bedroom, she opened the door and walked in. “This used to be my grandmother’s room. Nobody’s stayed in here since she died, but it has a queen-sized bed, an empty dresser…” She stopped and turned, practically bumping into him. Swallowing her insistent fear, she took a step back. “You do have clothes, don’t you? I, um…well, I don’t see any luggage or a duffle bag.”

“Yeah, I have clothes,” he said and moved forward, recapturing the distance she’d intentionally placed between them. “My things will be dropped off later.”

“Oh,” she breathed, backpedaling until she hit the wall. “Good.” Her body went still. He was standing just inches from her. He wasn’t touching her, but she felt pinned against the wall just the same.

He lifted his hands and placed them alongside her head, resting them on the wall. Now, she was literally pinned. His eyes drifted to her mouth, and every nerve trembled from the inside out. She wanted to run. Her breathing seized, and her heart had stopped midbeat. Fear was winning.

 He leaned forward, and his dark lashes lifted until his eyes met hers. “You look scared,” he said, in a voice so low, ominous, and deep that it shook her insides.

She stood there, speechless.

Ever so slightly, like his menacing approach, his lip curled up. “That’s good,” he said, swaying dangerously closer. “You should be, Rainey Ann.” His eyes ran over her face. “In fact, you’d better take that fear and hold it real close.”

His hand came from the wall, dark lashes lowering once more. He gazed at her lips. They were quivering, but at that moment, Rainey couldn’t have cared less if he saw it. She was terrified. Warm fingers scraped her shoulder, slithered up her nape, and gripped around her neck. His fingers indented her skin, and being strangled came back to mind.

“Or,” he said, tilting in toward her ear, their bodies bordering lethal contact, “you could give in to that fear right now and scream.”

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Promo/Giveaway: Satin & Steel

Title: Satin and Steel
Author: Mahalia Levey
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Buy Links: B&N | Smashwords | Amazon | Decadent Publishing

Blurb:

Amaranta Costa uses her Kanima as an avoidance tactic, until the one person she cherishes most is taken from her. When Gavin Ford enters the fray uninvited, she’s forced to accept the help of his pack to find her mate.

Trusting others isn’t her forte. Though her inner jaguar accepts him hands down, the woman in her fights his dominating, take-control nature. Unlike Marisol’s soft personality, Gavin’s wolf challenges her at every turn. She can find no escape. His abrasiveness both sets her on edge and pleases her. She finds being in Marisol’s arms isn’t enough; the all-consuming need to be his burns to her core. There’s no denying the chemical attraction arcing among the three of them.

Will she reach out, and accept the love and support waiting for her?

Excerpt: 

The raucous wails intensified and the crunch of tires entering her private drive grew louder. Amara pressed on, breaking through the foliage into her large back yard to see uniformed officers walking the perimeter of her house.

“Excuse me?” Amara padded across her back yard, aware of her nudity and one enforcement officer leering at her. The other looked uncomfortable. Humans. Why do they find nudity unacceptable, since everyone born into the world came without clothes? How she hated the restricting fibers and longed to live in nothing but her skin. Maybe a blanket for times when the cold bit into her, chilling her to the bone.

“Ma’am, your alarm system activated. We called and no one answered. Are you harmed?”

“No, not at all.” She crossed her arms under her breasts. Their eyes roved over her and the one speaking seemed to lose his voice. They appeared confused as to why she paraded around like she did.

“Sir, the house is clear.”

“I’m sure it was just a false alarm.” Amara whipped her head to the left, addressing the female officer entering through her veranda doors.

“Are you certain? We found your front door wide open when we pulled up the drive. The perpetrator may still be in the area. Ma’am, would you mind putting on some clothes?”

Of course there wasn’t an intruder in the house; she’d feel the presence. She weighed the probability of Mari forgetting to lock up behind herself. No other lingering scents clung in the air. No dark aura. Seething in anger at her girlfriend’s lack of awareness, she stalked to her door, leaving the officers to follow her indoors. “I do mind dressing on my own property. I like being naked—”

“Still, ma’am…talking to you’d be a lot easier if you wore clothing.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Amara glared at the unwanted guests.

“She’ll put on some clothes if I have to drag her to her room myself and dress her.” Gavin’s authoritative voice entered into the standoff.

“I will not. This is my place. If they don’t like my appearance they can leave.” Amara whipped around and stared down Gavin’s steel wall of unwanted authority. “What are you doing here?” She’d never seen the man anywhere but at The Delightful Kitty. In his cargo pants and T-shirt, he looked damn good standing in her house.

“Heard the call on my scanner. Wanted to check on you and Mari. Go put on some clothes, babe. I’ll keep the five-oh company.”

Amara opened her mouth to speak and switched outlets.

How do you know where I live?

Drake told me. Now go put on some clothes. Though I don’t mind staring at you, not one bit.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Being smart and sassy with a great sense of humor comes easily for Mahalia Levey. An avid reader of books, she found herself enchanted with disappearing completely into the worlds authors created. One day she vowed to herself she'd be one of them. Then family life came, and college right after. Swayed from her childhood course of action, it took many years for her to get back to that place she held dear as a child. Now she is running full steam ahead to keep up with the many ideas flowing freely. She plans on taking her work to higher levels and expanding her genres. Her main focus is giving her readers variety. Her works in progress include paranormal, fantasy and mainstream romance. Taking characters and watching them grow past what she’s imagined is her true passion.

Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Blog

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Review: The Summer He Came Home

Title: The Summer He Came Home
Series: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake, #1
Author: Juliana Stone
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Pages: 384
Buy Links: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started...

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It's been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O'Rourke makes him wonder if he's missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie--single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake--love is a luxury she just can't afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.

Review

This was such an enjoyable book!

I love the way the author played with the stereotype of rock stars and then showed the truth through the character Cain Black. Even his own mother didn't believe in his worth to be someone's partner. That's got to hurt.

Cain Black was a superstar in his small town Crystal Lake. He came back to attend a funeral of a dear friend, one of the bad boys of Crystal Lake. There, he found a little boy trying to hide his neck tie, and a mother who took his breath away. The rest, as they say, is history.

I love the direction that the story went. I enjoyed the conflict and the sincerity of the characters. Their issues seemed genuine and realistic. I also enjoyed that Cain was the one who realized he fell in love before Maggie did. We don't see enough stories where the man is head over heels while the woman tries to run away from it all.

This book was refreshing and definitely a must-read!

My favorite quote was:

"The things I'm going to do to you, Maggie, just might be illegal in some states."

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Promo: Party Crasher

Title: Party Crasher
Author: April Angel
Publisher: Etopia Press
Release Date: Febryart 20, 2013
Pages: 72 pages
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | ARe

Blurb:

She crashed his party and became his prize…

According to one annoying Drex Callum, Chris is a “nosy reporter.” And maybe she is. She’s heard of the super secretive event known as the Seduction Party, and she won’t be content until she finds a way in. The last thing she expects to find is that Drex is the host. She’ll never get an invitation from her nemesis—unless she finds a way to get one herself. And breaking into his house is nothing if it means getting the scoop. But what she gets instead is an eye-full of the man himself, half-naked and more than she’d ever dreamed he could be in all her teenage fantasies.

Drex has been fantasizing about Chris forever, and now that she’s a grown woman, he still has a hard time treating her like one. So when she shows up at the Seduction Party—on the auction chair!—he’s got no other choice but to teach that nosey woman a lesson. He never dreamed sex could be like this, with Chris in his room, tied to a bed, asking him for stuff that blows his mind…


But when things turn ugly, it becomes clear that someone wants the nosey reporter dead. And Drex will have his hands full trying to keep his prize safe…

Excerpt

Chris was ready to kill somebody, preferably one Drex Callum. He’d made it a point to ignore all her calls for help. She’d twice sent a man to find him and all he’d said was, “Mr. Callum apologizes, but he is busy at this time.” What the hell was his problem with her? He knew she was there and now some guy had bought her for the night. But he had looked so sexy in the tux. The tight points of her nipples ached and swelled. Disgust over her body’s reaction to him made her growl. She was tied to a bed for fuck’s sake. On the positive side, at least they hadn’t stripped her of the tiny dress and her legs were still free. The sound of the door opening had her jerking her gaze to the entrance. There, looking so good it should be illegal, was Drex, and he was smiling at her. “Oh, thank God it’s you. Hurry up and get me loose before whoever bought me gets here.” Alarm filled her. She hadn’t finished speaking, and he was already shaking his head in a negative. “You know I can’t do that. We have rules here. I told you not to come tonight. Told you not to do anything you’d regret.” He smiled, locked the door, and then removed his tux jacket. As usual, temper got the best of her. “I don’t regret coming, you dick. What I regret is thinking you were here to offer some kind of help. So…what? Are you just going to leave me tied here for some jerk to try and fuck me? At the mercy of the sick bastard who bought me?”\ Was it wrong to wish he hadn’t noticed how hard her nipples had gotten as soon as he’d walked in the door? Fire shot through her veins at his proprietary look. He raked his gaze up and down her body before fastening on to hers. “Hmm, yes. I think I will.” While watching her, he took off his cuff links and dropped them on the dresser. Lust shot straight to her cunt. “What…what are you doing?” He formed his lips into a feral grin. “Undressing.” He popped open buttons and slid the white shirt off to reveal his wide, powerful chest. He shifted, his muscles flexing under his smooth bronzed skin. Her fingers itched to touch. He threw his shirt to the side, which left his top half fully revealed. Moisture pooled in her pussy. “What…why?” Heat pricked under her skin. Her gaze drifted to his waist, where he was unbuckling his belt. She gulped and looked up at him. He twisted his lips into a devilish grin. “I’m the sick bastard who bought you and the jerk who is going to fuck you.” Well, damn. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever come up with this scenario. Sure, back when she’d been a teenager she’d had a stupid crush on Drex, but then he’d turned into a jerk and she’d quickly gotten over it. Now though, he was not acting the jerk. In fact, every deliberate move he made only enticed her to want to know what else he planned to do. Excitement hurled through her body. “Don’t be stupid. You don’t even like me. Quit messing around and let me loose.” The words ended in a small whimper as he continued to strip. Her body hummed in need the moment his pants came off. Arousal slapped her in the gut when she saw his long, thick erection pointing straight up. He strolled to the bed. His muscular, powerful legs flexed with each stride. There didn’t seem to be a single ounce of fat anywhere on him. Unbidden thoughts of checking out his ass made her crane her neck to the side. “I never said I didn’t like you.” He trailed his long fingers up her foot, calf, and higher to her thigh with every step he took, “In fact, I want you. Have wanted you for a long time. More than want you.” Shivers crawled up her spine. She whimpered softly. “Don’t tease.” He hovered above her, only inches from her face. Rugged masculinity oozed from him. “I plan to do a lot more than just tease you.” A quick flutter of their lips was her first taste of him. Looking for a deeper touch, she lifted her head off the bed, but he moved his lips to nuzzle her neck. Her lids dropped as his warm mouth trailed up her ear. “I’m going to fuck you for all the times I’ve wanted to but didn’t. Fuck you until I am the only man your body recognizes.” She moaned as his words turned into images of their twined bodies in her head. He licked the shell of her ear, twirling his wicked tongue in circles. “Do you want me to? Want me to fill you until you can’t see straight?” For the first time since she’d been an infatuated teenager, she wanted to be his. Past her lips before her brain had enough time to stop it, she groaned the answer. “Yes, please…I want you.”

About the Author:

Want to know about me? April Angel (aka Milly Taiden) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter and Dianne Duvall among others.

Website     Facebook

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Promo: My Body Series

Title: My Body - His

Series: My Body, #1

Publisher: Fanny Press

Release Date: November 15, 2012

Pages: 246

Buy Link: Amazon | BN | Smashwords | Kindle

Blurb:

Jane Stiles is successful in business but bored with her socially mundane existence. One night at a party, she meets an intense and compelling stranger named Luke. This fateful encounter prompts her predictable life path to veer into uncharted territory, sweeping her along on a frightening erotic journey into the world of bondage, domination and submission.

Jane had never experienced genuine desire, and now passion consumes her life, robbing her of free will. Her new lifestyle creates an emotional chasm between her and her old friends. Will they understand why she has abandoned her high ideals and long-term plans for a traditional wedding?

What society considers right or wrong no longer matters. Prepared to surrender everything to Luke, she wonders if her everything will be enough. She now needs his discipline as much as she craves his love and approval. How far down this dark path is she willing to go?

Jane's pilgrimage into domination and discipline has created a war between her mind and her body, and her body is claiming victory.



Title: My Body - His (Marcello)
Series: My Body, #2
Publisher: Fanny Press
Release Date: March 15, 2013
Pages: 264
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:


Jane Stiles has embarked on an intense odyssey into the world of domination and submission. She no longer recognizes herself. She has quit her job, surrendered her possessions and agreed to a wedding where she is the only one naked, all for the sake of the elusive Luke--a man so compelling, she can deny him nothing. Now there is no going back. Her new life will revolve around Luke, his friends and clients.

Hovering in the background is Luke's best friend Marcello, whose ego is as towering as his stature. Marcello has set his sights on Jane. She is drawn to his power, his masculinity, and the challenge he represents, even though she fears and dislikes him. After Luke discovers that Jane has breached one of his many "rules," he sends her to Marcello for punishment and lessons in Dom/sub culture. What happens there will change her forever.

Jane and Luke reconcile, and even find a rhythm that includes not only bondage and punishment but genuine love-making. Just when Jane is convinced that the happiness and devotion she has always craved is within reach, Luke pushes her beyond endurance, and she rebels in a way her harsh husband cannot forgive. From there, her life spins out of control. But Jane has a strong spirit, and she will prevail.

About the Author:

Blakely Bennett grew up in Southeast Florida and has been residing in the great Northwest for over seven years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her particular interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. She is an avid reader of many genres of fiction, but especially erotica and romance. Writing has always been her bliss.

She is attracted to stories of self-struggle and ultimate recovery. Blakely is married to a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, also a writer, who helps to keep her grounded. She is a mother, a communitarian, a lover of music (always on while she is writing—thank you, Pandora), and a good friend.

An advocate of love and female empowerment, she is a facilitator for a women’s group. She loves to walk and hike for exercise and finds that, since moving to Seattle, WA, she is now one of those “crazy” people who walk in the rain. You can find Blakely on the Web at: www.BlakelyBennett.fannypress.com  

Author Blog: www.blakelybennett.fannypress.com

Twitter @BlakelyBennett

www.goodreads.com/author/show/6551789.Blakely_Bennett

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Body-Trilogy/359307324147300

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New Author: Big Bad Bite

Check out this new book that was recently re-released! :)

Title: Big Bad Bite
Author: Jessie Lane
Pages: 348
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

What would it be like to live in a world where you are considered abnormal to those who are above the norm?

Jenna O’ Conner has been taught her whole life to hide from everyone. Never to let anyone to close enough to know that she would prefer a shotgun for her birthday over of a bouquet of roses. She’s been smothered by her over protective family so that no one learns what she truly is. Which is not human. Nor, is she considered the norm for the supernatural Other community that is benevolent enough to share this world with the humans.

In a desperate attempt to live her own life away from the small town she was raised in, Jenna obtains her dream job as the newest member on the Wilmington Police Department’s SWAT Team. What she didn’t predict was that she would run into trouble her first day on the job, in the form of a deadly, mouthwatering man named Adam McPhee. Who is also not human, but more like a wolf walking around in human skin. He’s determined to figure out exactly what Jenna is, which unbeknownst to him, could very well put her life in danger. He’s also determined to have her all to himself.

As if that wasn’t enough for Jenna to deal with, bad news blows into town. A group of extremist Shifters who think humans are cattle and factions of Others worldwide should stay within their own species - never to intermingle. Chaos ensues. Jenna has to find a way to shut them down, but in the process of trying to do that, discovers things about herself that even she never thought was possible.

Who said the wolf was what you had to worry about?
Welcome to the real world.

Excerpt

Everyone climbs into their respective vehicles to follow Jenna to her house. She should have been worried about Kent’s lack of intelligence at smarting off to the most powerful wolf shifter in the United States, but she isn’t. She should have been worried about whether her Uncle Owen would snap her partner’s neck for getting into a pissing match with him in a public place, but she isn’t. She should have been worried about whatever the reasons are for having members of a slightly psychotic wolf pack running amuck in the new city she calls home, but she isn’t. No, suddenly Jenna is panicked about two things. One, does she have enough food in her house to feed two overgrown shifter males and a large, sneaky demon? Because she knows demon appetites border on ridiculousness that can empty a small grocery store once a week and that is, in a word, scary. However, she also has no idea if shifters carry the same kind of appetite, and if they do, then she’s, in another word, screwed. Somehow she doesn’t think her meager stash of pepperoni slices, cheese and crackers will go real far. Also, two, she really, really hopes that she has managed to pick up her dirty clothing from around the house. She has a terrible habit of stripping offending clothing off the moment she walks through the door. So it isn’t unusual to see her bra lying on the living room floor as she makes her way to the shower after getting off a shift from work. She also is not the tidiest person on the planet. In fact, her mama has repeatedly called her a hopeless slob of epic proportions if not kept in check. The absolute horror of her little brother—whom she didn’t even know existed until this morning—seeing her bras or panties is enough to terrify and humiliate her beyond words. Because she’s quickly discovering that the possibility of little brothers, even if they appear to be over the age of eighteen, seeing your undergarments equals two words. Total mortification.

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Guest Post: Drowning Rapunzel

Title: Drowning Rapunzel
Author: Annette Gisby
Publisher: Pink Petal Books

Blurb:

Recently released from a mental institution, Beth Gregory accepts a job as a live-in secretary/PA to the reclusive painter Josh Warrington. Beth's long red hair fascinates him from the first moment he sees her and Josh wants her to be his Rapunzel for a series of fairy tale paintings he's working on.

Beth has two major fears: that she will be sent back to the mental hospital and the visions which landed her there in the first place will return. They do; this time giving her glimpses of murders before they happen. Beth becomes the main suspect in the murder investigation and then she has the most disturbing vision of all: she will become the next victim...

Guest Post

Where did you get the idea for this book?

The germ of the idea started with a painting, La Belle Dame Sans Merci by Sir Frank Dicksee. We'd seen it in a gallery in London and bought a print of it in the gift shop on the way out. That picture is still in our bedroom and I'd been seeing it every morning and every night before I went to sleep and I was struck how beautiful it was. I can't draw to save my life, not unless you count stick figures, and I am in awe of those who can.

I started wondering about being able to paint. Could you make a living at it even if you were really good? In the end I wasn't so sure that you could, so the hero, Josh, was independently wealthy, but he did consider painting his full time occupation. It was probably more than full-time as sometimes he was so engrossed in his work that he forgot to eat or sleep.

I had the painter, now I needed his Muse, and that was Beth Gregory, our heroine who was to become his Rapunzel for his next painting. Gothic romances were one of my favourites, things like Jane Eyre, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier and nearly every book by Victoria Holt, so I wanted my book to have a bit of a gothic feel as well but with a modern slant. After that, I needed the setting, which was an old mansion called Holly Lodge, complete with bell tower and its own lake. It's an amalgam of lots of different stately homes we've visited in England over the years, but something uniquely its own too.

Of course, you can't have anything gothic unless there is a crime or some secret to be revealed. I n this case it's murder, with a skeleton being found in the lake and one of the guests murdered at Beth's birthday party in the grounds.

Once I had those elements in place, the story flowed from there. I had a detailed plan originally, with the 'baddie' and things like that in place. But when it came to the denouement, it wasn't him! It was a surprise to me who it turned out to be, but it worked so well that I left it in, even though it wasn't anywhere on my plan. I like to be surprised when I read mysteries so I hope my readers are too.

About the Author:

Annette Gisby grew up in a small town in Northern Ireland, moving to London when she was seventeen. She writes in multiple genres and styles, anything from romance to thriller or erotica to horror, even both at the same time. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cinema, theatre and travelling the world despite getting travel sick on most forms of transport., even a bicycle. Sometimes you might find her playing Dragon Quest or The Sims computer games and watching Japanese Anime. She lives in Hampshire with her husband, a collection of porcelain dolls, cuddly toys and enough books to fill a library. It's diminishing gradually since the advent of ebooks, but still has a long way to go.

http://www.annettegisby.n3.net

http://www.theromancereviews.com/annettegisby

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/252221.Annette_Gisby

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Blitz: Fire's Ice

Check out this blitz! The main character has my name... Wait... I know someone with the male lead's name, too... This is awkward... :)

Title: Fire's Ice
Series: Elemental Magic, #5
Author: Brynna Curry
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Release Date: June 13, 2012
Pages: 83
Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle) | BN (Nook) | BN (Paperback) | iTunes | ARe | CreateSpace

Blurb:

Ultimate power, or endless love? 

Born the son of a Scottish laird a thousand years ago, but now trapped by his cousin's spell, Devin McLoch has seen countless battles and death. The erstwhile thief has turned away from darker pursuits to lead a life of peace, protecting those he loves and considers part of his clan.

However, there is one woman he can never forget, who must be given a chance to change, to accept her heart and his.

Arianne Farrell is just as dangerous and intoxicating as her power. Imprisoned in an ancient stone dance more than a thousand years ago, her only chance at freedom from the spell is through love—a love she denied. When Devin asks for her aid to save another from imminent death, she realizes there is more at stake than just her freedom or her heart.

WARNING: Two stubborn sexy wizards using magic with no bounds, scorching love scenes, and happy ever after. Ever play with fire?

Excerpt

Dark, rich chocolate colored bedding echoed the tile framing the fireplace. Dainty furniture, curved legs and soft cushions, yet the poster bed was large and sturdy. She’d seen it before while she visited his dreams. Definitely Devin’s room. And remembering didn’t help the ache snaking through her body. Walking into the en suite, the first thing to catch her eyes was the floor-to-ceiling mirror covering one wall. Arianne studied her reflection. Her long, dark curls were mussed and tangled around a pale face. Her lips were pink and just a bit swollen from Devin’s kiss. The only thing she wore was a long white shirt. Sniffing the collar, she smelled the crisp, clean fragrance clinging to the material. His shirt, not conjured. Devin didn’t wear cologne, but the scent of his soap always stayed with her. He must have changed her clothes. What else had she missed? Because I love you. Men were ever a puzzle. Still, hadn’t she known? The dreams they shared had changed over time, slow and sweet instead of hot and fierce. A softness came over his face each night she visited his sleep, the same one she had seen this morning. Just that look was enough to have her quaking inside. She found a bottle of bubble bath on the side of the tub. Thanks to Devin's dreams and Allie's influence, she had knowledge of modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing. Turning the faucet on hot, Arianne poured two capfuls under the stream and let the water run until the big round tub filled. Reluctantly, she unfastened the shirt buttons and let the material fall away to the floor. Slipping into the frothy bubbles, she sighed and let the reality of her situation sink in. I am finally out of that wretched circle. True enough, but she was still in a prison of sorts. One with running water, walls, food that didn’t taste like air, and a sexy male witch bent on driving her to frustration. Not so bad, all things considered. Being trapped in the stone dance didn’t mean she hadn’t noticed changes in the world around her for a thousand years. She tipped her feet out of the water, waved toward them, and turned her toenails a bright fiery red. Allie brought her little things from the modern world. Mostly books filled with sweet love stories; more than a few of them brought a blush to her cheeks. What would Ryan think of his daughter’s taste in novels? Better not to head down that road. Allie had dreams of being a writer like her aunt and uncle. If what she liked to read was any indication, she’d write hot. Very hot. Speaking of hot, a soft tapping sounded at the door. Her maddening laird had returned. “Okay in there?” His voice sounded hesitant. “Breakfast is ready.” Time to ruffle the phoenix’s feathers a bit. “There is no need to be shy, Devin. You can come in.” ***** The sound of splashing water rippled past his ears. Temptress. Knowing Ari was just on the other side of the door, naked and wet, willing to succumb to every fantasy he could imagine, was a torment in itself. All he had to do was accept her sultry invitation and toss aside his plan. But she deserved a sweet slide into love, not the wild, mad rush of pleasure he craved. One palm rested on the door of its own volition, ready to comply. Not yet. Now, if only his traitorous body would listen to his heart. “That depends, sweetheart.” “Oh?” she called out from the other side. “On what?” Devin chuckled at the line, but he just couldn’t resist teasing her. “What are you wearing?” She laughed. “Bubbles. Lots of bubbles. Share them with me.” He saw it so clearly. Ari’s creamy skin peeking through the frothy bubbles. Open, welcoming. Need clawed under the skin, screamed at him. Why the hell not? Feeling a quiver of desire vibrate through his body, he called her bluff. “And what would you have me do with those bubbles? Hmm, Ari?” “Oh, I am sure you could think of something. Something deliciously wicked. I have shared your dreams. I know your fantasies, Devin.” Oh, you have no idea. His mind made up, Devin opened the door. She lay in his huge garden tub, feet propped up on the rim, eyes closed, waterfall of black hair piled on top of her head. A soft smile graced her face. So she was enjoying their teasing banter. “Have you changed your mind and decided to join me?” “Maybe.” No reason he couldn’t push them both to the edge. Pulling the t-shirt over his head, Devin tossed it into the corner. He laid his cellphone on the sink--out of danger--kneeled by the edge of the tub and dipped one hand into cooling water, using his magic to heat it. “Mmm. Nice.” He let his voice drop to a whisper as he leaned close to her ear. “I want to slick my hands over every inch of your skin until you shiver from the heat.” His fingers found the back of her knee in the water and trailed higher along the inside of her thigh. “And then…” A soft “Devin” slipped from her lips as Arianne’s eyes flew open. “And then…”

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Guest Post: Her Passionate Protector

Title: Her Passionate Protector
Author: Dilys J. Carnie
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Release Date: November 12, 2012
Pages: 150
Buy Link: Amazon | Secret Cravings Publishing | BN | Amazon UK | BookStrand

Blurb:

When Lucy meets Alex the owner of the new company her cleaning business has just picked up a contract for, her hard won self-preservation and quiet life flies out the window.

Smoldering heat ignites every time Alex comes near her.

He is confused by this independent, yet vulnerable woman and when her ex-husband returns, determined to hurt her, Alex fights for her life and their love.

Guest Post

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PROTECTIVE LOVERS?

A need to protect and be protected persists all through our life’s. In our hearts we search for someone to care for and be cared by. It’s a vulnerability that constantly beseeches us as human beings.

When a new relationship starts it comes easily, new love, new lust and is part of falling in love and having that aura of peace around you.  The ability of putting another’s feelings before your own makes us protective and marks the relationship as special.

Sometimes there are barriers that stand in the way and the course of true love is difficult and it takes energy and commitment to see those through. But oh boy once you get past all those pot holes of a relationship there is nothing more exciting than feeling a clock of protectiveness around you , that sensation of strength that comes from another person  reaching out to you for you .

Excerpt

“Give her time, Alex. She’s been through a lot.” The pressure of his friend’s hand was reassuring on his shoulder and he just nodded. It would take more than time. It was going to be one hell of an uphill battle. At that point, Jack came wandering into the kitchen, rubbing himself around Alex’s legs. “And what do you want, little one?” Alex picked up the cat, its purring hum showing he had settled down quite easily. “Do you want some cream, buddy?” He poured some into a saucer and put it down, watching as the cat lapped greedily. “Let’s take the coffee out now.” Alex picked up the try and followed Simon. After they went out on to the balcony, and he set the tray of cups and coffee on the table, Nic got up from where she had been sitting with Lucy on the wicker sofa and put her arms around Simon. Alex looked over at Lucy, her body hunched, the pain and sadness evident in her chocolate brown eyes.

About the Author:


I’m just an everyday kinda girl and I have lived on the Island of Anglesey in North Wales for thirty nine years. I have two grown up children Emma is a teacher and Christopher is involved in the family commercial business. I have three sisters; two of them live close by as does my mum.

 I am an avid health freak, a vegetarian who is manic about working out in the gym and doing Pilates classes. I love clothes, makeup, having my nails and hair done. I’m just a girl’s girl.

If I am not in my office pounding the keys I’m sitting in my favourite chair reading on my new Kindle.

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