Monday, February 27, 2017

Discover Darcy Burke's So Right and Enter the Kindle Giveaway

Meet Darcy:

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats.

Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect with Darcy: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

Kelsey McDade realizes that her love life is one and done. Her last—and only—relationship left her broken and afraid and more than ready to be alone for the long haul. But sexy-charming vineyard manager Luke Westcott pushes all of her buttons in the right way and makes her wonder if she ought to try again.
In nearly twenty-eight years, Luke’s most successful romance has been with the outdoors. Currently single, he’s happy to pour all of his energy into his new winery until Kelsey provokes feelings he didn’t know he was capable of. He can envision their future together—if she’ll let down her guard.
When the ghost of Kelsey’s past causes her to slam on the brakes, Luke is ready to fight for her, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process. Convinced she’s only made wrong choices in the past, Kelsey must decide if Luke—and their love—is worth the greatest risk of all.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo
Add to Goodreads

EXCERPT TEASER:

Excerpt #1:
Luke started up the trail, and Kelsey fell in beside him. “So your grandmother might be moving here, maybe because of George. Do I have that right?” he asked.
“I don’t know about the George part. We haven’t discussed it. I suppose I should ask. I just didn’t want to intrude. Relationships are just…personal.”
Another thing they had in common. He recalled his conversation with his mother the other night. She seemed to want specific answers about why things hadn’t worked out with Amanda, but none of it was any of her business. Hell, he didn’t like thinking about it, so why would he talk about it?
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said.
They walked down an embankment to the creek, an unnamed offshoot from the larger Gales Creek. “What a cute little bridge,” she said.
He paused and waited for her to cross first—it was very small. “This was my brother’s Eagle Scout project.”
She turned when she reached the other side. “Really? That’s so cool. What was yours?”
He walked across. “Also a bridge. On a different trail.”
“Oh, you’ll have to show me some time.”
Really? “I’d love to. Maybe next Monday. We could make a real habit out of this. At least as far as our jobs would allow.”
She pivoted, and they continued along the trail. “I don’t think I can do that. Definitely not next Monday. I’ll need to catch up from playing hooky today.”
“You should cut yourself some slack. The work will always be there.” Had he really said that out loud? How many times had people told him the exact same thing and he’d told them to mind their own business? He winced. “Wow, that was an obnoxious thing to say.” He reached out and offered her his hand. “Hi, Kettle? I’m Pot.”
She laughed and took his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Again, the connection with her spread through him like an unchecked wildfire—hot and dangerous.

Check out the other books in Love on the Vine series:

Giveaway:

  • Kindle Fire
**US shipping ONLY**

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Friday, February 24, 2017

Discover The Sun God's Heir and a Giveaway

Welcome to the 1-Week Book Tour for The Sun God's Heir: Return, Book 1.


About The Sun God's Heir: Return, Book 1:

The Sun God’s Heir is a swashbuckling series, set at the end of the seventeenth century in France, Spain and northern Africa. Slavery is a common plague along the European coast and into this wild time, an ancient Egyptian general armed with dark arts has managed to return and re-embody, intent on recreating the reign of terror he began as Pharaoh. René Gilbert must remember his own former lifetime at the feet of Akhenaten to have a chance to defeat Horemheb. A secret sect has waited in Morocco for three thousand years for his arrival.

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For three thousand years a hatred burns. In seventeenth century France two souls incarnate, one born the child of a prosperous merchant, the other, determined to continue an incarnation begun long ago.

In ancient Egypt, there were two brothers, disciples of the pharaoh, Akhenaten. When the pharaoh died, the physician took the knowledge given and went to Greece to begin the mystery school. The general made a deal with the priests and became pharaoh. One remembers, one does not.

The year is 1671. René Gilbert’s destiny glints from the blade of a slashing rapier. The only way he can protect those he loves is to regain the power and knowledge of an ancient lifetime. From Bordeaux to Spain to Morocco, René is tested and with each turn of fate he gathers enemies and allies, slowly reclaiming the knowledge and power earned centuries ago. For three thousand years a secret sect has waited in Morocco. 

After ages in darkness, Horemheb screams, “I am.” Using every dark art, he manages to maintain the life of the body he has bartered for. Only one life force in the world is powerful enough to allow him to remain within embodiment, perhaps forever. Determined to continue a reign of terror that once made the Nile run red, he grows stronger with each life taken.

Book Information:

Title: The Sun God's Heir: Return, Book 1

Author Name: Elliott Baker

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Release Date: January 2, 2017

Amazon Link:  

Visit the Blogs Participating in the Book Tour:

Praise for The Sun God's Heir: Return:

A great read! From the first sword fight I could not put it down. Adventure, romance, action with just the right amount of his history and mysticism. The main character Rene displays all the qualities a true hero should; loyal, smart, humble, and a ferocious warrior all opponents will fear before their end. I could not help but feel fully immersed in the story. One of the best reads I can remember, I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!! ~ Jason Battistelli

The Sun God’s Heir is a page turner. The development of the characters made you really care what happens next to each person, good or evil. The descriptions of the ships, homes and countryside transported me into the era and made me feel like I was one of the onlookers or a part of the story itself. The moment I finished I had to have the second book to see what happens next. Fabulous!” ~ Karyn Krause Cumberland, Esquire

The Sun God’s Heir is a fascinating combination of historical period fiction, sci-fi, and political intrigue. Elliott Baker weaves a tale that one would have to be catatonic not to enjoy. The character development ranks among the best I’ve read; truly, by halfway through the book I found myself thinking like Rene (the main character) in my own daily life. This is the sign of mastery of character depth which is so often lacking in contemporary fiction. And the pacing! Rarely does a book seem to move at the speed of a movie without feeling haphazard. I applaud Elliott for pulling that off, as only an experienced screenwriter or playwright could. If you like a quality story that bridges traditional genre boundaries, then the Sun God’s Heir is for you! ~ Joshua Bartlett

Meet the Author:


Award winning novelist and international playwright Elliott B. Baker grew up in Jacksonville, Florida but has spent the last thirty-five years or so living in sunny New Hampshire. With four musicals and one play published and produced throughout the United States, in New Zealand, Portugal, England, and Canada, Elliott is pleased to offer his first novel, Return, book one of The Sun God’s Heir trilogy. Among his many work experiences, Elliott was a practicing hypnotherapist for seven years. A member of the Authors Guild and the Dramatists Guild, Elliott lives in New Hampshire with his wife Sally Ann. 

You can find Elliott at the following places:





Thursday, February 23, 2017

WRITERS WRITE... WRITING PARTNERS FEUD ~ SEDUCING THE DARKNESS, Darkness, I by Shiela Stewart



FROM THE DESK OF
DONA PENZA TATTLE, ESQ.
AND
ASSOCIATE WRYE BALDERDASH

Greetings,

Another review from our Love of Literature Leaping duet.

SEDUCING THE DARKNESS, Darkness, I by Shiela Stewart, a futuristic paranormal romance.

The duet land in the year 2025 and another captivating piece of fiction.

Work with Basil Hawthorn ? Trinity Ford thought not! He was the vampire who turned her into a night creature, stole her heart, and then slept with another. He was the last man, vamp, creature, whatever, she ever wanted to see let alone work with.

Well, she did have a choice about the vamp thing. But she fell hard for Basil, a dark prince, and since her parents and sister had died, she was alone in the world. Choosing the mesmerizing Basil was an easy choice, and she’d probably do it again. Becoming a vampire gave her the strength and ability to protect the humans in Jacob’s Cove, where she lived. She was a computer geek by day, and a protector by night, and of late, a heartbroken one.

Basil still loved Trinity, and continually watched over her. He deliberately created a scenario to send her away, for a prophetic dream had him believing being with him put her in lethal danger.

Still, as much as he didn’t want her involved, and she wanted to avoid Basil, humans needed both of them if the world as they knew was to survive. Long ago, Basil had exiled his father to the Realm of Dark Mystics and now there were rumors of King Avadur’s return, and a plan to blot out the sun. Plus, too many young girls were missing. Too many police officers were leaving the force, fearing they were too ill-equipped to battle that which they refused to believe existed. Trinity had to band with Basil for the good of her town, but it still hurt to be around the one she loved and couldn’t have.

Choas, their mutual adversary and the darkest, most heinous vampire that currently existed was gathering a following. Choas had plans that involved the King and the ultimate enslavement of humanity. Along with Trinity and Basil, Dante Vega, an interesting and provocative investigator with an eye toward the stunning Trinity ends up aiding the vampire duet. He had started out trying to find Olivia, the missing young girl of a wealthy couple and his own brother, with little luck. While battling the endless supply of blood-lusting vampires and trying to find the missing people, they also try to figure out Chaos ultimate ritual to bring back the King.


Only, with darkness encroaching and Choas' minions growing, Basil and Trinity might not survive long enough to love again.

“Wow!” Tattle spun about and let out a gasp. “That was one wild ride. This is an exceptionally fast-paced book that is unrelentingly captivating.”

Wrye blotted his brow and gave a whistle. “Talk about hot! Trinity is gorgeous, but her real appeal exists in her love for humanity. Shiela Stewart fashioned a vampire with a caring spirit and tender head despite her kick arse disposition, a rarity in that particular race.”

Tattle pressed a finger in the air, and then shook her finger as if having pressed something hot. “It certainly has enough sizzle to satisfy the erotic hunger, but that isn’t the only thing that keeps the heart pumping. The entire book has a tempo, like listening to a drummer who doesn’t let up. It keeps getting louder and faster. Sometimes, you have to remind yourself to breathe. My ole heart nearly couldn’t keep up.”

“I like my paranormal, but not everyone can write a tale that is this enjoyable while maintaining unrelenting drama, intensity, complexity, and sexy characters with engaging personality. It is a well told story and has you yearning to gobble up the next in the series. If you haven’t read it, read it. If you have read it, get the next book in the series. To paraphrase a starlet of years gone by, “It’s a wild and crazy kinda of vamp ride.”
***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.



Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com










Monday, February 20, 2017

Guest Author Day with Kelli A. Wilkins

New Release: Midwinter Night’s Delights — Hot Historical/Fantasy Romance
By Kelli A. Wilkins
Hi everyone,
Today I’m highlighting the second book in my Naughty Nobles trilogy, Midwinter Night’s Delights. The series includes Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night's Delights, and Ultimate Night's Delights. Although the books are connected, each stands alone as an individual read.
In a previous blog, I wrote about Midsummer Night’s Delights. This novella introduced readers to repressed newlyweds, Julian and Annabelle. They are strangers trapped in an arranged, sexless marriage. To loosen them up, Julian’s father sends them to the Marquis of Demby’s estate to attend a Midsummer Ball. (And this type of ball isn’t for dancing!)

The second book in the series, Midwinter Night’s Delights, picks up six months after the last story and follows the continuing sexual adventures of Annabelle and Julian. (And yes, this novella is just as hot—if not hotter— than the first one.)

In the sequel, we discover that Annabelle and Julian have taken what they’ve learned and gone wild. Ever since the Midsummer Ball, they have been overindulging in all sorts of lewd activities. Instead of being shy and repressed, they are more than eager to give in to their desires whenever (and wherever) the mood strikes—even if it’s at a formal dinner party. Needless to say, Julian’s father sends them back to Vincent’s estate to be disciplined and learn self-control.

Although they have been invited to the Midwinter Ball, there’s a catch. Before Sabrina and Vincent allow them to participate, they need to learn how to control their insatiable appetites and undergo certain “punishments” along the way.

So, how did this sequel come about? At the end of Midsummer, I left the door open to a follow-up story, hoping that readers would want more. And they did! Readers and reviewers were interested in learning more about the characters and seeing what other erotic escapades awaited them.

Some people wanted a prequel—a story devoted to how Sabrina and Vincent met and where they learned to play their wicked games. Others wanted a follow-up story to find out what happened to Annabelle and Julian and wondered if they would still play games with Vincent and Sabrina.

This story satisfies both camps. I let Sabrina explain her sexual history and how she became educated in playing naughty games. Julian and Annabelle learn about self-control as they become Vincent and Sabrina’s submissives and take their “punishments” in stride.

Midwinter Night’s Delights is more intense than the first book. From the outset, readers know that Julian and Annabelle are learning lessons and being disciplined—but it’s all for their own good. I even sprinkled in some BDSM throughout the story to make things very interesting.

And what about the third book? At the end of Midwinter, I saw the potential for another, final, chapter in the saga. I’ll share more about Ultimate Night’s Delights in another blog, so stay tuned.

Here’s the summary and a spicy excerpt:


Midwinter Night’s Delights
Julian and Annabelle are back for another naughty ball!

The Marquis of Demby’s Midsummer Ball transformed Julian and Annabelle forever. No longer shy about satisfying their sexual urges, the young newlyweds give in to their wanton desires whenever—and wherever—the mood strikes. Anything goes in their open marriage, and they’re not ashamed to share their passions with others.

But everything changes when they are sent to Vincent and Sabrina’s estate to be disciplined. Before they can participate in the Midwinter Ball, they must learn self-control. Carnal punishments and sensual lessons are just a few of the erotic surprises awaiting them… before the ball even begins!

Bonus! This e-book includes a sneak peek at the third book in the Naughty Nobles trilogy: ULTIMATE NIGHT’S DELIGHTS.


A spicy excerpt:
“Wake up, Julian.” Someone was touching his bare chest. He grunted. Was it that horrible woman again? He couldn’t bear to hump her one more time. His poor penis felt like it was worn down to a nub. Someone squeezed his balls, and he snapped awake. Sabrina stood over him holding a bed tray.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I think so. The servant washed me and tied me to the bed. Then I fell asleep. I was exhausted after servicing your dinner guest.”
“Good. She had nice things to say about you. She said you were a good screw, and she wanted to have more time with you, but we had to refuse. Annabelle got an excellent report, too. The man she was with wanted to buy her.”
His heart skipped a beat, and he sat up, his arms jerking against his restraints. “Buy her? You didn’t. You wouldn’t. Where is she? I want to see her, now. She’s my wife.”
“Don’t worry.” Sabrina dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand and uncovered his tray. “She’s with Vincent. Why are you pretending to be concerned about her?”
“I’m not pretending,” he argued. “She’s my wife. I have a duty to protect her. I love her.”
Sabrina tittered. “Is that why you screwed her in public? To show the world how much you love her? Did you pass her around to the gardener to show him how eager she is, or because you like to watch?”
“It wasn’t like that. We were having playing games. You and Vincent do it.”
“Yes, but our games are not reckless, they’re controlled.” She unfastened one of his arms and handed him a fork. “Eat while you can. You’ll need your endurance for later.”
He ate an egg and a slice of toast before he spoke. “Later? Aren’t the punishments over?”
Sabrina sat on the edge of the bed. “No, not yet. Perhaps this afternoon you will have passed your tests and can be rewarded. But for now, you are still being disciplined. You do seem more docile this morning. Did having Lono’s spike up your ass break you down?”
“No, humping Annabelle with my prick on fire did. Why did you make me do that?”
“You like plowing your wife in front of other people at parties. I thought you’d enjoy it,” she replied, smirking.
“Don’t mock me.” He sipped his tea. Despite Sabrina’s elegant beauty and grace, she had a cold streak running through her.
“It was part of your punishment. Did you learn anything?”
“Yes, that I hated it. Those people talked about us like we were being judged in a horse show. Then we were given away as party favors.” He shook his head. “I had no control over what happened to me, or to Annabelle.”
Sabrina nodded. “Well, that’s a start. You’re learning, Julian. Just be glad it was you with Annabelle on the settee. Annabelle must be a tigress. That man offered a lot of money for her…”
“Stop saying that. She’s my wife. I love her.”
“Then prove it,” she barked. “Stop bending her over for every man you meet while you whack off. Stop asking her to suck cocks that you can’t suck.”
He bowed his head. Sabrina wasn’t one to waste words. She knew how to cut him down to the quick.
“You need to control yourself. You cannot go around taking Annabelle, or anyone else, just because you get hard. Your insatiable urges need to be calmed.”
“I think I am calmed,” he said, glancing at his groin. “My penis is sore from yesterday. I still haven’t climaxed, and my balls are as hard as rocks.”
She reached under the bedclothes and cupped his sac. “Oh my, they are full, aren’t they?”
Sabrina squeezed him, and he pressed his eyes shut. Was she going to torture him, or pleasure him?

Order your copy of Midwinter Night’s Delights here:



Need to catch up? Get Midsummer Night’s Delights (Book 1 of the Naughty Nobles trilogy) here:


I hope you’ll check it out. This erotic novella is a great way to heat up a cold winter night! Look for Book 3, Ultimate Night’s Delights, coming later in February.

Be sure to follow my blog for the latest updates and visit me on social media.

Happy Reading,                                                     

Kelli A. Wilkins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

Midsummer Night’s Delights and Midwinter Night’s Delights, the first two books in the Naughty Nobles trilogy of erotic historical/fantasy romances, were released in February 2017.

Loving a Wild Stranger was published in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.

Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.

.
Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative non-fiction guide based on her years of experience as a writer. It’s filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.

Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.

 


CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ How the Other Half Lives






Length: 20,000 words



Blurb

Compulsively neat freak meets chaotic slob: can their living space survive the conflict?

Martin Harrison keeps himself to himself and his Central London flat as neat as a new pin. Maybe he should loosen up and enjoy more of a social life, but in his mind, that’s tantamount to opening the floodgates to emotional chaos. He agrees, however, to join the flat-sitting scheme in his building and look after another tenant’s flat in exchange for a similar watch over his when he’s travelling for his work.

A floor away in the same building, Russ McNeely is happy with his life as a freelance cook and a self-confessed domestic slob. He also joins the flat-sitting scheme, both to be neighbourly and to help keep his flat in order, as Russ also travels for his work.

For a while, the very dissimilar men never meet. Martin is horrified at the mess at Russ’s flat, while Russ finds Martin’s minimalist style creepy. But in a spirit of generosity, each of them starts to help the other out by rearranging things in their own inimitable way.

Until the day a hiccup in the schedule brings them face-to-face at last.

Welcome Author Vonnie Hughes

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre to both write and read. Nowadays there’s an overlap between ‘suspense’ and ‘romantic suspense’ as most suspense novels contain a certain amount of romance. Once, well-known male writers seemed to have decided at the last second, “Oh, don’t forget my female readers.” And they hastily shoved in a little liaison. Or perhaps their publisher gave them a nudge. But often those interludes seemed forced. However over the past few years they’ve become much more adept at the romantic aspect e.g. Harlen Coben and James Patterson.
And hey, haven’t female authors got gutsy and down and dirty lately when writing suspense? Huh? I just love Karen Rose, Tami Hoag and Anne Stuart. Their background knowledge shines for me because it’s not overly technical as if it’s saying: “Hey, I did my homework!” But the romance is peripheral to a darned good story each time.

I’ve had two romantic suspenses published over the past couple of years and there’s another in the works. I’ve much enjoyed writing them, even though I’m known more for my Regencies. Anyway, here’s something about LETHAL REFUGE, set in New Zealand:

LETHAL REFUGE
 
I was born in New Zealand and spent most of my life there, although our family now lives in Australia. The two main differences between Australia and New Zealand are the weather (warmer over most of Australia if you discount Tasmania which is very blue/green like New Zealand because it’s wet and often cold), and the fact that NZ has 4 million people and B-I-G Australia has 21 million residents. Yup. Australia is vast. It is the sixth largest country in the world and has a whole continent to itself. It’s not the sort of place where you get in your car and zip over to Auntie Flo’s. If you hear an Australian say, "It’s just down the road," you know they lie. Sure, it’s just down the road, but the road is a 2,000 kilometer dust-encrusted two-lane bitumen highway straddling two states, millions of curious kangaroos, hundreds of racing emus trying to beat your car, some wild camels, a million gumtrees, several townships and a couple of rivers if you’re lucky. Nor is it the place to get lost in the bush, since much of the bushland looks the same. You can go around in circles forever.

When they say, "It’s just down the road" in New Zealand, they mean it’s down a one-lane bitumen highway that goes for ten kilometers then switches to a gravel road that finishes at Jessop’s farm with 1,000 sheep dotting the peaceful hillsides. And at the back of that farm is bushland, tight, green and impenetrable. In the winter it drips with damp and in the summer the cacophony of cicadas screams in your ears.

But I digress. They say ‘write what you know’ and because I know more about the NZ Police than I do the Australian system, I based LETHAL REFUGE on the NZ system. But I took liberties with the truth. Of course I did. It’s fiction, for heaven’s sake. But think of the British Police and you’ve got a handle on the NZ Police Service which was originally based on the British system.

In LETHAL REFUGE, Célie Francis, a prickly young woman, self-reliant to the point of being irritating, witnesses the aftermath of a murder and is stalked by the murderer. When she is placed in the witness protection program, she can no longer be self-sufficient. She is at the mercy of a bunch of people who want to help her, for God’s sake. And then there’s Brand Turner, the police psychologist with a vulnerable intellect as high as the sky who has an annoying habit of demanding trust from the relocatees. When the murderer seems to track their every move, Célie finally realizes she can’t do stuff on her own any more.

Here’s a link to my Amazon page where you can find it in both paperback and as an e-book:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Vonnie+Hughes&x=18&y=20
Who can you trust if you can’t trust your own mother? Through the clammy fog, Celie Francis hears the chilling message. "I know who you are, Celie. I know where you live." And in the terrifying aftermath she reconnects with her dysfunctional family in ways she had never imagined.
 
I have attached two pictures to show just how impenetrable the New Zealand bushland can be. The house is Brand’s next door neighbor’s place. Steve and his wife don’t miss much and Brand’s low profile gets shot to hell by Célie’s behavior. The other picture shows the type of area that Célie stumbled around in, right on nightfall. Creepy, huh?


Neighbor's house


If you have any more questions or would just like to say hi, email me on
In the meantime, have a great day!


Discover Good Half Gone today!

  GOOD HALF GONE Author: Tarryn Fisher ISBN: 9781525804885 Publication Date: March 19, 2024 Publisher: Graydon House 18.99 US | 23.99 ...