Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Review: Baiting the Boss



Title: Baiting the Boss
Author: Coleen Kwan
Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence
Release Date: October 14, 2013
Pages: 137
Buy LinkAmazon

Blurb:

For years Grace Owens harbored a secret crush on her boss, Jack Macintyre, the heir to the Macintyre Corporation. But Jack relocates to a remote tropical island after tragedy upends his life, cutting off all contact. Now Grace’s new boss issues an ultimatum: return Jack to the family fold or pack her briefcase and move on.

When she turns up at Jack's bungalow, he can’t deny his attraction to the fiery woman determined to lure him out of his tropical paradise. Little does she know that returning is the last thing he wants—he’s nobody’s boss, and he likes it that way.

If he stays, she'll lose her job. If he goes, she'll lose her heart.


Review

Loved this book! Both character were both indecisive!

Grace was a city girl who was tasked in convincing Jack to come back to Sydney and take over the Macintyre Corporation. Little did she know that it was her charm that would entice Jack to consider her mission.

"Come on, Grace. Just admit you enjoyed the hot animal sex we had last night."

When Jack first met Grace, she was a freshly graduated assistant who was very eager and shy. She was efficient and determined to succeed. There was a fire in her that Jack noticed early on. They spent lunch together at Chang's where they seemed to have bonded more than they realized.

Jack had lived in an island for three years after he "ran away." I loved Grace's fierceness when she came to see Jack and he was a jerk to her. Her fire was very appealing to Jack. Because of Jack's rudeness toward her, she decided to prove him wrong. She volunteered to help him out with his construction work. Jack purposely gave her the toughest job, and then felt guilty afterwards when he saw her blisters. Confused much?

Jack: "I shouldn't have done that."
Grace: "Didn't you enjoy it?"
Jack: "Of course I bloody well enjoyed it. That's the problem."

I liked the little banter between Jack and Grace. I thought they were very clever and I usually got a chuckle out of them. Their flirty banter was what won me over.

Grace: "I don't know whether to believe you or not."
Jack: "Would I lie to you?"
Grace: "Probably. You're a man, aren't you?"
Jack: "Glad you noticed."

Finally, I enjoyed the vulnerability and resolve of the characters, especially Grace. She was a smart woman and she knew that Jack didn't want a serious relationship. She didn't pressure him for anything, even though her heart was breaking. She was noble and admirable.

"I'm determined to make you say yes. What if I become your sex slave for a week. Will that convince you?"

Check out this hot, teasing little excerpt!



"You like that?" he murmured.

She nodded, pulses hammering.

"Say it, then, Grace."

"Yes...I like that." The naked hunger in her voice made her gulp. She kept her eyes shut, hardly daring to breathe as she wondered what he would do next, where he would caress her.

The tip of his hot tongue whisked across one sensitized nipple.

She gasped, arching her back, desperate.

"Do you want more?" His velvet-gravel voice wrapped itself around her spine.

Damn, he was making her pay for running away from him.

And she would pay if only he would touch her, take her. Quickly.

Hard. Now. "Yes, I want more."

"How much more?"

The last vestiges of her pride evaporated. "Everything." She heard him inhale.

"Okay then." The mattress bounced as his weight suddenly lifted off the bed. "You know where to find me." The air around her felt horribly cold. She blinked her eyes to see Jack backing away, a triumphant curl to his lips.

"What?" she stammered, thoroughly confused.

"You heard me. If you want me, I'll be in the bedroom across the hall." He opened the door.

Monday, November 11, 2013

ARC Review: Poisoned Web



Title: Poisoned Web
Series: The Deizian Empire, #2
Author: Crista McHugh
Self-PublishedRelease Date: November 11, 2013
Pages: 278
Buy LinkAmazon

Blurb:

The fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…

As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies.

Modius Varro’s thirst for knowledge caused an uproar in Emona three years ago and exiled him to the border town of Madrena. But when Titus falls victim to the same poison, his expertise in medicine becomes essential in solving both the riddle of the former emperor’s death and finding a cure to save the current one. His search leads him to far reaches of the Alpirion realm, to an ancient culture shrouded in secrets, and into the arms of one slave who must break her silence to save the empire.


Review

Out of this world greatness!

Crista McHugh strikes again with another masterpiece! I enjoyed this book very much - it was sexy and intriguing!

I loved that Izana was brave and courageous, even when there were times her life was put in danger. She was a very loyal slave to her mistress and she would do anything to do her duty regardless of the consequences.

I also liked Modius's strong presence. He affected Izana by inspiring her to pursue him based simply on natural attraction. This time, Izana wasn't forced to keep him company. I also enjoyed reading the exchange between him and his father. The awkwardness in the beginning gave way to camaraderie, trust, and pride. Scenes between him and his father put tears in my eyes!

Modius: "I won't let you down, Father."
Varro: "You never have."

Just as in the first book, Marcus was once again the comic relief of this book. I just could not wait for his own story! Alas, some things are worth the wait, and I also have no choice. Hopefully, his own story will create itself soon.

Modius: "By the way, I noticed some of the glances your men were giving her."
Marcus: "I've already spoken to them about it. They're to keep their hands off of her or answer to Lady Azurha. It's amazing how just mentioning punishment from the Rabbit will keep a crew in line."
Modius: "The Rabbit? Is she really the Rabbit?"
Marcus: "Want to piss her off and find out?"
Modius: "Not really."

"You two lovebirds are almost as nauseatingly cute as Titus and Azurha. It makes me want to drink until I'm numb."

Speaking of the Rabbit, I absolutely enjoyed the power the name possessed. Knowing that the Rabbit was a woman was even better. I just love badass women ;)

Another thing I loved about this book was the real emotions it evoked. Being a slave did not produce happy memories. There were times when Izana would talk about herself and my heart would just break into pieces. I couldn't imagine how Modius must have felt. (Yes, I'm acting like they're real people!)

"I'm nothing more than a stupid slave whose only talent lies in making men come. And when I was faced with a life or death situation, I fell back on what I do best."

I also enjoyed the medical knowledge that Modius possessed. The way he attacked the enemy and the way he saved a life were both so inspiring. He was incredibly smart and was not afraid to take a risk, if it meant saving a life.

Modius: "I need a drill."
Varro: "What are you talking about?"
Modius: "I need to drill a hole in her skull to relieve the pressure."
Varro: "Are you mad?"
Modius: "No, I'm a healer, Father, and I know what I need to do. Now get me that drill."

Finally, the honorableness of Azurha and Titus put tears in my eyes, too. They were such just leaders, they did what they thought was best for their people, without overstepping their bounds. I especially enjoyed the part when Azurha said she could not give her slave to Modius as compensation. I couldn't help myself; I choked. It was such a beautiful scene!

Want to find out more? Check out my interview with the author below!

Interview

1. Where did you get the idea for the Deizian Empire series?

I came up with the idea while changing the channel from Stargate to a documentary on Caligula. It made be wonder if I could create an alien world based on Ancient Rome (rather than Ancient Egypt). I loved the intrigue of the period, and it was an environment ripe for a fantasy world.

2. What kind of research did you do to write the book?

I did lots of research into Ancient Rome to write Tangled Web, but as I expanded the empire, I also included some research into Roman Egypt. The great thing about writing fantasy (as opposed to historicals) is that I didn't have to get all the details perfect, but I still wanted to include enough to create an general atmosphere.

3. Did you make up the word "Deizian", "Alpirion", and "Elymanian", or were they based on something from history?

I created the word Deizian from the word deity, since that race was seen as godlike in their ability to use magic. I created the names of the other two races from small Roman cities I'd stumbled across in my research. I wanted to capture some of the environment without it being so well known that people would come into the world with preconceived notions. 

4. How did you choose the names for your characters?

For the Deizian and Elymanian characters, I prowled Nova Roma's website for Roman names. The Alpirion names were derived from Arabic and Egyptian words

5. Do you have a specific way of choosing your book titles?

For this series, I wanted all the books to have one word in common, so I stuck with Web. Thankfully, I was able to come up with titles that reflected the plot, too. Usually, though, I stress over titles - sometimes choosing a title is harder than writing the book.

6. Anything else you want to ask our readers? Any other news we should know about?

The next book in the series, Deception's Web, comes out in December. Then, in 2014, I'm launching a sexy contemporary romance series that's my twist on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Adam's book, The Sweetest Seduction, comes out in January and will be followed by Ben's book in February and Caleb's book in March. I'm also going to be releasing the next installment of my fantasy series, The Elgean Chronicles, this summer. 

Make sure to check out this series! You won't be disappointed!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Promo: All Shook Up






Title: All Shook Up
Series: It Happened In Vegas, #1
Author: Jacy Oliver
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Pages: 288
Buy LinksAmazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

Kate Cook thinks she got a steal on a cheap dependable car. The only catch, she has to fly down to Las Vegas to pick it up. When she arrives at the dealership, she runs into a problem, the kind that threatens to ruin more than just her day.

Fortunately, she is rescued by Coulter Holt, a businessman with problems of his own. Namely, a vindictive step-mother who will do anything to get Coulter to see things her way. Which includes destroying his relationship with his father, jeopardizing Coulter's million-dollar conglomerate.

Feeling she needs to repay him for rescuing her, Kate agrees to help him thwart his step-mother by pretending to be Coulter's fiancée. But under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas where anything is possible, Kate feels the sparks began to fly between her and Coulter, and she realizes this favor might wind up costing her more than just time, it might just steal her heart.


Excerpt


“Hey,” I hear a male voice say. But I’m sure he isn’t talking to me so I ignore him.

“Hey you!”

Hearing the clear irritation in his voice. I look up and without thinking, I snap back “What?”

The guy behind the wheel of a bright red convertible sports car—wait—the super good looking guy behind the wheel, smiles at me and says, “are you Katie?”

I blanch. I have to think—is my name Katie? Duh Katie, yes it is. But only my family calls me Katie. To friends and everyone else, I’m Kate or Katherine. I look behind me to make sure he isn’t talking to someone else. Nope there’s no one behind me.

“What?” I say again just to make sure that the stress from today’s events haven’t made me delusional.

The guy behind the wheel shakes his head “You’re Katie Cook?”

Oh he is talking to me? Was that a question or a statement? I’m not sure.

He gets out of his car and comes around to me. I stare opened mouthed. He is drop dead gorgeous. His hair is dark brown and curly, slightly tousled from the wind. He is clean shaven; his jaw is strong and square. His lips are perfectly carved, they look soft and subtle, completely kissable. He starts walking toward me with broad shoulders and slender hips. He is wearing dark, blue jeans, a collared white and blue, striped shirt with a dark, blue V-neck sweater that is rolled and scrunched at his elbows. He looks like an ad for sex, the hot steamy, never get— enough kind.

He stands in front of me, giving me a million dollar smile. His perfect white teeth gleam in the sun. It looks like he’s just gotten done shooting a tooth-paste ad. I have to crank my head all the way back to look at him.

“You want a ride? He asks and cocks his head to the side, still smiling.

I raise my eyebrows. Do I want a ride? My thoughts go south, to some very naughty places. I say the words in my head again, do I want a ride? Katherine Cook, I scold myself. My eyebrows scrunch, and I can feel my cheeks flush. That’s it! Its official! I have lost my mind. This is not real. I press my fingers into my forehead, relieving the ache that has formed. I’m going to open my eyes and Mr.—only in my dreams—will be gone. I open my eyes to a pair of large round, blue-black eyes covered with thick dark lashes, staring at me. I’m dumbfounded. My fantasy is still here. The synapses between my brain and mouth are misfiring, and I’m unable to find the words to speak. He smiles at me, oh those lips, then stands. He picks up my small, carry- on suitcase, and I watch him take it and stow it behind the driver’s seat of his car.

“Are you going to get in?” He asks, and he gets back into the car. I blink, and take a breath, trying to regain my senses. “How do you know my name?” I stammer, finally managing words.

“I owe a favor to Aaron, and he’s cashing it in.”

“Aaron who?” Even though I know, okay, I hope he is talking about Aaron Reed, the guy who tried to help me buy a car, I still have to ask.

He tucks his chin down, giving me the eye, silently saying— you know who I’m talking about.

Okay, so I’m going to hope it’s my Aaron as I look down at my phone— still no call from my dad.

“Get in the car Katie,” annoyance in his voice.

I sigh. “My parents told me never to get in cars with strangers, what’s your name?” I smile at him and give him the same head cock. He shoves his aviator sunglasses on, and gives me that megawatt smile again. “Get in the car, and I will tell you.”

Oh, he wants to play a game. I’m in no mood for games. I cross my arms in defiance. Could this day get any worse?

“Tell me first, and then I will get in your car,” I push my sunglasses down on my face and smile, showing my teeth.

“Get in the car Katie. I have your suitcase,” he says in a playful tone, but I can tell he’s serious. Oh shoot, why did I let him take it? I feel my insides tighten, and my stomach is doing a continuous somersault in my belly. My knees feel weak, and my body buzzes with a hyper-awareness. My gaze flits from the car to him and back again. I’m too nervous to keep looking at him, but too scared he’ll disappear if I don’t look back. I’m completely and so utterly turned on. I pick up my bag and take a step toward him. Am I really going to get into the car with this guy, he could be a serial killer for all I know. He could have gotten my name from somewhere— I don’t know where—Facebook? I feel my phone buzz in my hand which pulls me from my silent babble. I look down at the caller ID, it’s my dad.

“Hello…okay…yes...” I look up at the gorgeous stranger in the car, I can feel his eyes on me, “okay…all right...” I feel a bit brave behind my sunglasses, so I give a wry smile and arch my eyebrow at him… “Sound goods…okay…I will…you too…bye.”

I shoulder my bag and step up to the car. Mr. Tooth-paste ad leans over, opens the door for me, and I slide into the seat, sitting my bag on the floor between my legs. We sit for a minute until I look over to him confused. “I’m in the car, you can go now.”








About the Author:

Jacy Oliver, has always had a thing about writing. She is a graduate of Idaho State University and when she’s not writing she spends most of her days working the family business and even then sometimes she writes. She is highly sarcastic and loves to laugh and have a good time. ‘All Shook Up’ is her debut novel.



Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Review: I'll Be Home For Christmas

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Title: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Series: Coming Home, #2.5
Author: Jessica Scott
Publisher: Forever Yours
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Pages: 126
Buy LinkAmazon

Blurb:

There's nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke . . . except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war . . . and from his own darkest fears.

As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband's tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic's bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.


Review

It's finally here! I've waited for Carponti's story for so long! :)

I definitely enjoyed this book because of the humor that is unique of Vic Carponti. He always joked around and never took anything seriously, or at least that's what it looked like. He put on a show for everyone because he knew it was what they needed. A little laugh here and there got them through the hardest of times, including his wife.

"Bad things happen when I'm not making jokes. It upsets the cosmic order of the universe or something."

He kept saying in the book that his biggest skill was making his wife laugh. I absolutely loved his easy-going demeanor, especially when he knew the people he was dealing with, whether it was Randall or Iaconelli, was about to pop a coronary or have a heart attack. 

Iaconelli: "You'll do things that way I say we'll do things. This is the army, not a democracy."
Carponti: "Were you potty trained at gunpoint? Come here, big guy, let me give you a hug."

Nicole was the perfect wife. There were times when she was afraid, but she stayed strong for Vic. She was there with him through thick and thin, and she never left his side nor lessen her support. Vic was so lucky to have her. Spending time together on Christmas despite the circumstances were a beautiful scene.

One thing I did wish that was in this story was how Nicole reacted when Vic accidentally overdosed. I remember reading it in Sgt. Garrison's book. Anyway, I probably shouldn't ask for too much. Having a book for Carponti is enough :)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Interview: How to Handle a Highlander

Title: How to Handle a Highlander
Author: Mary Wine
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Pages: 320
Buy LinksAmazon (Paperback) Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

In a Land of Warriors Playing a Deadly Game...

Moira Fraser has been given an ultimatum—marry the elderly Laird Achaius Morris, or risk another deadly clan war. She vows to do the right thing, as long as she can steer clear of the devilish charms of one stubborn Highlander...

How Do You Avoid Becoming a Pawn?

Gahn Sutherland knows there's a dangerous plot behind Moira Fraser's wedding, and will stop at nothing to foil it. But where a hot-headed, fiery Highland lass is involved, trust and honor clash with forbidden attraction, threatening to blow the Highland's sky-high.

Author Interview

1. Which countries/states have you traveled to do research?

I love to travel. My husband is forever making fun of me because he’ll look over at me on a family vacation and say…”You’ve got that look in your eye, you’re plotting a book!”. It’s usually true.

2. How did you choose your character names?

I love my characters to have names from their world. Many of my Highlanders have Gaelic names. I search through old church registries and do research into the time. When you’re talking about some of these early eras, some of the best resources are tax records. But it’s also important to know what the name means. In these eras, people did name their children for what they felt they looked like, or the circumstances that they were born into. An example of that might be the name ‘Regan’, it means ‘noble born’ and was often used for girls who were fathered by noble men on mothers of lower station. It was actually a bit of privilege to have the name because it meant your blood was better than those around you.

3. Do you keep journals of your research for reference?

Yes, yes and yes! I’d be lost without my note books. I like to put twists and turns in my books, so it important to keep all the details straight.

4. Is there a specific time of day that you write?

I feel very strongly about being disciplined. I get up with my boys and drop them at school. Then it’s to the writing cave. One of my greatest challenges is many of my friends who get it into their heads that ‘I just work at home’, so that means I can just get up and take care of other things. No. It’s my work and I’m doing it, while the rest of the family is doing their work. But it is a smashing good fun sort of work!

5. Do you have an outline of your story or do you write as you go?
I always make an outline. However, I often turn in a book that needs a new outline because the story just went in a different direction. But if I don’t have that outline, I tend to sit there looking at the blank page.

Excerpt



“Inspecting yer new possession?”

She recognized Gahan’s voice instantly. It was slightly unnerving how swiftly she identified him.

“Yer sister would have found it beneath her,” he added.

Gahan parted from the shadow of a doorway. The hall was farther behind her than she’d realized; the setting of the supper table was now only a dim buzz. A strange twist of excitement went through her belly, startling her. But it also left a bitter taste in her mouth, because she realized she preferred Gahan to her groom.

It was knowledge she could have done well without.

“Nae that I’d expect any less of any woman wedding such an old man,” Gahan informed her.

His tone was condescending at best, and it irritated her. He was her better. The fine weave of his kilt and the silver buttons running up the sides of his knee-high boots showed off just how much his father gave him. She should have kept her mouth shut, but her pride flared up and she propped her hand onto her hip.

“And will yer father give ye any choice when he contracts a bride for ye?” She questioned boldly “Or will ye turn yer nose up no matter who is depending upon ye to do yer duty? Like a spoiled child who knows naught of the way alliances keep a clan safe?”

His eyes narrowed. For a moment, it looked like he was considering what she said, almost as if she’d surprised him somehow.

“Nae if me duty includes making sure me kin can start a feud.”

“I have no such desire.” She shouldn’t snap at him but just couldn’t squelch the urge. “A contented man”—she had to stop to swallow the lump lodged in her throat—“is happy to stay at home.”

He studied her for a long moment, one that felt far longer than it really could have been. She felt like he was looking at her thoughts, his gaze cutting past her realistic reasons, to see her true feelings.

“So what is it that draws ye to a man old enough to be yer grandfather? The title? I suppose I can believe that. Yer sister was certainly enchanted by titles.”

“Half sister.” She paused, realizing that what Bari had so often used to insult her was something she prided herself on.

“And I’m bastard-born,” he replied softly. “Which changes nothing when it comes to me loyalties. Or, I doubt, yers.”

He was trying to intimidate her, but instead, his words somehow impressed her. There was something in his dark eyes that intrigued her, and she stared into the dark orbs, trying to decipher it.

He snorted at her. “Do nae try it.”

“Try what?”

He crossed his arms over his chest, and she suddenly realized just how close he was. There was no more than a pace between them now, and she jumped back, colliding with the hard stone of the wall. His lips twitched.

“I admit, ye play the innocent better then Sandra ever did, but ye’ll nae find it simple to seduce me.”

She straightened up, stepping away from the wall as her temper simmered. “Ye have no right to accuse me of nae being innocent. Or of trying to act like a harlot. Ye were the one waiting in the shadows.”

His lips parted to flash his teeth at her. “I knew ye had claws. Ye are a Fraser after all.”

There was a ring of triumph in his tone, which irritated her beyond every bit of self-discipline she had.

“What I have is the sense to know when I’m hearing naught but dribble. Son of an earl or nae, ye do nae have the right to insult me for obeying me laird. I do nae need the Matheson thinking I turned up me nose at their laird. Marriage is for forming alliances. I’m nae so selfish as to think an insult to a laird, like refusing his offer, will nae become a festering point of contention.”

But her voice lowered as she finished, and she had to push the last sentence past her lips because she just didn’t want to believe she was one day away from having to wed Achaius Matheson.

“And I was nae trying to seduce ye,” she added.

His grin remained arrogant and large, but he opened his arms, offering her a view of just how wide his chest was. “Ye were looking into me eyes.”

“And ye were looking into mine,” she countered. He was suddenly too large and the hallway far too compact to suit her. “Enough arrogance. Perhaps ye are accustomed to only the sort of women who like to seduce, but I am nae of that sort. I’m set to wed, and I do nae think it wise to be standing here acting like—”

“Like lovers flirting in the night shadows?” His voice dipped low and sent a tingle along her limbs. There was a gleam of mischief in his dark eyes.

She shook her head, her tongue feeling frozen with shock.

“Nay, we are nae acting like lovers, or are ye arguing that we are nae lovers—yet?” He pressed forward another few inches.

Something snapped inside her. She gasped and went to shove him away from her.

“Ye obnoxious urchin!”

She flattened her hands against his chest, but he didn’t budge. She’d used a fair amount of strength, but Gahan Sutherland only chuckled at her attempt to move him.

“Ye have no right to accuse me of such indecent things. Maybe there are plenty who would remind me that ye’re me better and can say what ye will, but I will do me duty.”

He closed his hands around hers, but he didn’t remove them from his chest. Instead, he trapped her there with her hands upon him.

“What if I told ye I would nae be opposed to becoming yer lover? I promise ye will find me bed more to yer liking.”

Her mouth dropped open, and her temper exploded. She never really thought about what she was doing; her body simply refused to remain still. With a snarl, she sent her knee toward his unprotected groin. One moment he was chuckling at her, and the next, she felt her blow connecting.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Promo: Awakening



Title: Awakening
Author: Elene Sallinger
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Pages: 224
Buy LinksAmazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

So Many Possibilities...

The minute Claire walked into his shop, she aroused every protective instinct Evan ever had. She looked so fragile, so lost. He ached to be the one to show her a world she's never dreamed of, to awaken within her the passion she was so ripe to share. It only takes one touch for him to see how open and responsive she is to his dominant side. But the truth test will be whether he can let go at least and finally open his heart...

Praise for Awakening:

“If Fifty Shades of Grey intrigued you, Awakening will take you to a whole new level of desire, submission, and unforgettable romance.”

—Judge, UK’s Festival of Romance Contest


“Exquisitely beautiful, touchingly heart-wrenching, and hedonistic enough to keep your body on fire.”

—Coffee Time Romance


About the Author

Hailing from Washington, DC, Elene Sallinger first caught the writing bug in 2004 after writing and illustrating several stories for her then four-year-old daughter. Her writing career has encompassed two award-winning children’s stories, a stint as a consumer-education advocate, as well as writing her debut novel, Awakening—a novel of erotic fiction that won the New Writing Competition at the Festival of Romance 2011. Visit Elene online at elenesallinger.wordpress.com.