Character Spotlight: Malena Troutman

Hi. My name is Malena Troutman and I’m a mage-shifter. Gee, that sounds like a twelve-step program starter. Though that’s not a bad idea for my kind. It seems that there are a lot more of us than I ever thought.

Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. Lion’s Choice is a story about me and the alpha who saved me. You see, where I grew up—in the canyons of Washington state—mage-shifters were not accepted. Covens didn’t want us—meaning me—because I could shift. Shifters didn’t want me because I could do magic. I was an unpure hybrid, abandoned when I was a baby and tossed from one family to another, never belonging.

Then I met Stefan Wyemore and wow, did things change. He was the new alpha of the Northwest territories and he was making some changes—changes that some people didn’t like. So he had to fight. A lot. But most people liked his changes. He was bringing prosperity to the prides and packs. He was making it so hybrids were accepted. Felines could fall in love with canines (didn’t happen often, but it did happen). And he not only accepted my abilities, but he told me he loved me. And I fell for him. Hard. He is amazing. He’s not only a powerful alpha from an even more powerful family, but he’s a mage-shifter too. 

Anyway, this story is about how Stefan and I met and what happened with the prides when he took me as his mate. Though it’s just the beginning of our story. I can’t wait to see what comes next for us. It’s sure to be exciting. I hope you enjoy our story.

BLURB:
Stefan the Black, alpha of the northwestern territories, needs a strong mate. It’s the only way the prides and packs will continue to follow him, but he hasn’t found the right one yet. Then Dr. Malena Troutman literally runs into him and he and his beast know that she is the one.

The problem is convincing her.


EXCERPT:
“Is there a problem?”
Malena looked up—something that didn’t happen too often—to find a man with raven hair and eyes the color of deep sapphires looking down at her. She immediately recognized him. She could never forget that face or his scent. Her lion grew restless, and Mali fought to stay in control. He wore cut-off jean shorts and a deep blue tee, exposing impressive muscles, but not body-builder bulk. These were the lean, long ones of a lethal animal.
“Oh! Alpha Stefan, it’s nothing. Just a computer mix-up with Miss Troutman’s reservation. I’m sure we can find someone who will take her in.”
Alpha Stefan? Damn. Of course he would be the alpha. “That’s Doctor Troutman, and I’d rather not be crammed into someone’s family room with screaming kids running all around.” Mali let a little of her irritation show in her voice.
“What about a separate bedroom with a private bath and no screaming kids?”
She hesitated the briefest of seconds before nodding. She wondered if he had orchestrated this glitch, along with the invitation. “That’s what I was hoping for.” Not only did her lioness approve, but so did the witch side of her. That in itself was odd enough for her to pay attention.
“Where are your bags, Doctor Troutman?” He smiled at her, a grin of both invitation and consideration.
“Just this.” She indicated a regulation-sized pull-along. “The rest are still in my truck, though I have no idea where that is at the moment.”
“In the parking area. I can have one of the valets retrieve your things for you if you wish.”
“Thank you. They’re rather important, and some need to be handled with care. I’m teaching a class here tomorrow. If you could show me my room, and where my truck might be, I’ll get them myself.” She hesitated. Damn. She’d given orders to the alpha. Could she stuff her foot any further into her mouth? Her face grew warm. “My apologies, Alpha Stefan. If I’d known—”
“If you’d known, I think you would still need to handle your bags with care. Shall we?” He offered his arm and took her bag in one hand.
“I can carry that myself,” she said, not wanting to put the alpha out any more than she already had.
“I’m sure you can. I was merely being polite.”
She blew out a sigh and took his arm. “Thank you, Alpha Stefan. I appreciate the help. So where is this room I can have?”
He stepped into the elevator and punched the button for the fifth floor. “My apartment.”
 ***
Stefan enjoyed the look of pure shock on the woman’s face. As soon as he’d told her where they were going, she’d dropped her hand and stepped away from him. This was not a woman who used feminine wiles to capture a man. She wanted nothing to do with him. It showed in her stiff shoulders, crossed arms, tight mouth, and narrowed eyes. He kept a neutral look on his face but smiled inwardly. She intrigued him on many levels. He discovered he was actually looking forward to the challenge she offered.
Malena Troutman. The lion within him was practically purring, and so was the man.

Available from Liquid Silver Publishing, Amazon, B&N, and other fine sellers
Where to find me: http://burkholv.wordpress.com 
http://thewholeshebangsite.wordpress.com

Book Spotlight~ Chantal Verlaine's Miami Steam

Miami Steam by Chantal Verlaine

GENRE: Erotic, suspense novella.

PUBLISHER: Liquid Silver Books.

Miami Star reporter Rebecca Challenger desperately needs a big story on the serial killer terrorizing the city in order to get a promotion to features writer. Her main source, lead homicide detective Rick Gonzalez, despises reporters. As the pair spar over the story, they’re both jolted by a white-hot current of mutual attraction. They overcome their mistrust to start a promising love affair, but overheard gossip causes Rebecca to shy away. Baffled and hurt by Rebecca’s sudden rejection, Rick vows to forget her. That is, until the serial killer, enraged by Rebecca’s story about him, kidnaps her, and Rick must rescue the woman of his dreams. Can true love endure in the face of misunderstandings and a psychopath’s wiles?

EXCERPT

“What do you feel like eating?” Rick looked up from leafing through the book. He stared at her, almost as if it was the first time he had seen her.

Rebecca grabbed her purse. You, she wanted to say, you. “You like sushi?” she said instead.

 “Sure, whatever.” He stood, wiped the palms of his hands on his trouser legs, and waited for her to pass. As she walked by him, he grabbed her by the waist and swung her to face him. Her mouth opened in surprise, and he seized the moment to plant his lips on hers. His tongue darted out, seeking its counterpart.

Rebecca dropped her purse and raised her arms behind his neck to rifle her fingers through his coal-black hair. His touch immediately detonated charges of desire in the tips of her breasts. They ached to be devoured.

She pressed against him, pushing her distended, sensitive nipples against the solid wall of his chest. He locked his arms around her back in a full embrace. They kissed ferociously, savoring each other as they couldn’t in the parking lot. Rebecca finally pulled away, breathless. She could feel the blood draining back into her lips. She looked into his eyes, trying to gauge if he felt the same depth of desire that she did. She guided him to the couch, and they sank into the cushions.

He bent over her again; this time, he kissed her lightly all over her face and down her neck. His hand cupped her breast as his forefinger explored and found the peak of her petal-soft nipple. He thumbed it lightly, hardening it into a nub of sparking nerves. A guttural moan escaped Rebecca’s throat. She reached down and felt his cock through his pants. It was a ramrod. She slipped his belt through the buckle, undid the button and zipper, and pushed her hand down to find the head of his member, bold and tight. She slid her hand down the shaft. The skin was as fine as gossamer but underneath was hard, like satin covering a steel rod. It was long, thick, and ribbed with engorged veins. His balls were drawn up tightly into his nest of coarse curls. She palmed one and manipulated it gently so it bobbled in its sac. Rick groaned; his mouth parted in pleasure. Then she did the same to the other. Making an O with her thumb and forefinger, she slid her hand back up the shaft to the head, which was now slick with pre-cum. She cupped her palm over the head of his penis and spread the liquid over the glans slowly, rubbing her thumb along the ridge of his cock head and frenulum. He moaned again, more strongly this time.

She stood, wordlessly took his hand, and led him to her bedroom. They collapsed onto the bed locked in a tight embrace. Dinner was just going to have to wait.

BUY LINKS

http://www.amazon.com/Miami-Steam-Chantal-Verlaine-ebook/dp/B00CT5RWZA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

http://www.lsbooks.com/Chantal-Verlaine-c73.php

AUTHOR

Chantal Verlaine has been writing stories since she was six years old and firmly believes that every good story deserves a romance. A global nomad, she most recently was a Miami transplant to Los Angeles, which has many more good hair days than South Florida, but she still misses Miami's tropical nights, bathtub-warm ocean and Cuban rocket-fuel coffee.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7326910.Chantal_Verlaine

Talking with Kimber Vale/Giveaway

Curse of the Do-it-Yourselfer By Kimber Vale 

Hi, my name is Kimber, and I am a do-it-myselfer. Superficially, that sounds pretty damn awesome, right? I save money. I proudly show off the bathroom light switch I replaced when my friends come over. Yeah, I power washed and painted my own deck, dug our fish pond out by hand, and sewed the cloth napkins that wipe the mouths of approximately six families I can think of offhand.

The problem for the consummate do-it-yourselfer is that sometimes you get overwhelmed with all the crap you wouldn’t dream of paying someone else to do. And it isn’t that we can’t afford it. It’s this twisted thing inside that won’t allow me to call someone else to do something I’m smart enough to do and physically capable of. I think that being a stay at home mom for a number of years has made me value my time less and feel like a penny saved is a penny that I, personally, have earned.

The thing is, since I started writing in earnest, my time has become tremendously valuable to me.

I look at the pair of pajama pants my husband wanted me to put a button fly on and I laugh and drop them in the giveaway pile.

Change the broken faucet in the kitchen? I can figure that shit out. I’ve got all the tools. I bought a replacement and opened the instructions. They didn’t scare me too badly. Of course the estimated 90 minutes it would take to do it (provided the stars are all aligned, and trust me, the stars are never fucking aligned. Ever) now that scared me. New faucet sits in the box in my family room at the moment, waiting for me to have at least half a day to dedicate to it (and a plumber’s number at the ready). We just keep living with the wonky broken faucet.

I can organize my own blog tours. Why wouldn’t I? For this one, my accountant hubs even showed me how to make a spread sheet to replace my crazy paper version (don’t laugh—I see you laughing at me). So, I even learned a new trick. Bam!

But as I agonize over my messy handwriting and worry that I’ve forgotten to mark something down. As I write blog post after blog post after blog post I start to wonder if maybe next time around I take the pay-someone route.

The problem is I like to be in control. I realize that, accept it, and work within my personal issues to live happily. But being in control of everything sure takes a lot of time and energy. I tell myself that it’s non-negotiable, though; something that must be done, come hell or high water. Come late nights and scratchy eyeballs, I need to do this blog tour thing. It’s my job. Suck it up and get through to the next step, Kimber.

My lead character in Double Takes, Gio Savale, is much the same in that respect. He finds himself in a number of distasteful situations (not that writing blog posts is distasteful, mind you ;-) but Gio does whatever it takes to try to find a happy ending. He needs money and takes a job he doesn’t like. He has to be home to show that he’s a reliable parent, so he puts off touring for a year. Gio’s motto is “Do it for Marco. Make the grade and get paid,” all in the name of love for his son. When Gio’s boyfriend, Lance, insists on lending him money so he can buy his way out of his television show contract, Gio is really uncomfortable about it. He convinces his manager to book them for a week long local tour so he can pay Lance back ASAP. He may be a famous rock star, but he’s a pretty righteous dude.

I wish my motives were so noble. Nah. I just want to be able to brag on Facebook that I installed my own faucet.

Someday…

Blurb:

Ah, the life of a rock star. Everyone thinks it’s nothing but sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Not for Giovanni Savale.

For the lead singer of Three Deaf Mice, a band that reached its pinnacle in the late nineties, it’s nothing but an ugly divorce with a custody battle, money trouble, and now the nightmare exposure of starring in a reality television show. When his producer decides to cash in on an infamous interview Gio did years ago, and give the self-confessed bisexual rocker an onscreen boyfriend, things really hit the fan. Gio is certain his sexual experimentation back in his drug-abusing days meant nothing — after all he’s been married for nine years, clean and sober for nearly as long, and he has a son. And Gio is not remotely attracted to Kyrie, the funny, flamboyant actor they choose for his love interest. Of course, Lance Garrett, the mysterious and sexy owner of the local antique shop, Double Takes, is a whole different story. The guy has Gio planning out a future he never imagined. With the threat of losing all custody of his ten-year-old son, ghosts from the past returning for revenge, and the cameras rolling, can Gio keep his head above water and his heart from getting broken?

Excerpt:

Lance’s hand on top of his stopped Gio from silencing the irritating voice.

Gio sat down heavily next to Lance, one hand still burdened by his dinner plate and the other sandwiched between Lance’s palm and the remote. He didn’t dare pull it away, and Lance apparently wanted to see the entire commercial because he kept Gio trapped there until it finished.

“What was that all about?” Lance’s warm fingers slid from Gio’s, leaving his hand cold.

“Ah, it’s dumb. The world’s most degrading way to make a paycheck.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Lance stared at something past Gio’s shoulder.

“The producers took some stupid poll and found out the viewers want to see me…” Gio paused in search of the right word. What the hell did people want to see? “They wanna see me squirm. They want to see a supposedly bisexual man drowning in the same-sex dating pool. It’s all bullshit—just for ratings.”

“So, you’re not really dating that guy?”

“No! Well, yeah, I have to for the show. But not really. It’s just a publicity stunt, you know?”

“So, you aren’t bi, then?” Lance cocked his head and skewered Gio with those intense hazel eyes.

“Yeah! No! I mean … it’s not like I…” What the fuck was he even trying to say? You’ve screwed around with guys before, ass munch.

The confused squint of the eyes staring back at him—moss-green with spikes of brown radiating from his pupils—told Gio his answer didn’t exactly make sense to Lance, either.

“I always wondered if those rumors were true before you got married.” Lance made it sound like a question.

“Well, you know how it is … when you’re young, and you party too much. Sometimes you do shit you wouldn’t normally do if you weren’t fucked up, right?” Gio gave a weak laugh.

Lance’s face was introspective and finally he shook his head. “When I was young and I partied too much, I never ended up in bed with a woman, so no … I don’t know.”

Hold the fucking phone. Something skipped inside Gio’s chest. It was nauseating and exhilarating all at once. Like a rollercoaster when it crests the top of a hill. He knew he was about to drop, he craved the intoxicating free fall, but was scared shitless at the same time.

Lance placed his dinner on the coffee table and turned to Gio.

What is going on? How do I even respond to that?

“So…?” Gio began, but then Lance’s right hand wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer to those amazing eyes, his mouth closer to Lance’s flawless one.

Lips, soft yet firm and unbelievably full, pressed to Gio’s and his eyelids dropped like they were weighted. Fingers carded the hair at the back of his head and lured him to kiss back. Or maybe it was the faint spicy smell Gio now associated with Lance that made his lips pucker and nibble against the other guy’s delicious mouth. Gio detected a hint of lemon poppy seed dressing as he sucked a voluptuous bottom lip between his own.

Lance’s tongue darted out to lick Gio’s closed mouth, and Gio opened to suck in a surprised breath. Gio’s tongue had a will of its own. It touched Lance’s wet tip and they swirled together, exploring each other’s taste, marking new territory in the other’s domain.

A low rumble came from somewhere; Gio wasn’t sure if it was he or Lance who groaned. He wanted to grab the man sitting next to him, wanted to slide his hand up the inseam of his jeans and stroke his dick into dripping hardness. Gio’s own cock was filling, twitching against the constraints of his pants with each meeting of their tongues.

Oh my God, what the hell am I doing? Nothing about this kiss—hot slippery tongues meshing and soft bristles tickling his cheeks—nothing about it was like his memories of other men. Those were hazy and unreal and this was vibrant—electric. His conscience had long ago associated those fleeting, drugged sexual acts with perversion. He had swept them under the carpets of history along with his ancient addictions. But this kiss didn’t make him think of sinfulness and mistakes. It felt right, like nothing before ever had. It flooded his senses and his prick and had him aching for more, everything Lance had.

Gio pulled away from his thoughts and from Lance’s lips. His breath came in shallow gasps that exposed him as much as the bulge in his pants did. Lance slid his warm hand off Gio’s neck and took a shaky inhalation. Gio swallowed hard as he swiped his hair back with trembling fingers. His plate was still in the other hand, tilting precariously but fortunately not dumped all over the floor. He set it down on the table just as a cheer went up on the television.

The Red Sox had scored a home run. I only got to first base, but man I was close to dropping to my knees and knocking this one out of the park. What the fuck?

Lance took a long pull off his water. Gio watched him out of the corner of his eye while he pretended to be enraptured by Big Papi jogging the bases. He had no clue what he should do or say. I’m not really into guys didn’t seem at all right anymore. Lance made it easy for him.

“Hey, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to freak you out. Just wanted to give you something to think about and you can get back to me on it.” He gave a half smile that was sexy as hell.

Find Double Takes:

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Double-Takes-Shooting-Stars-Vale-ebook/dp/B00JTNT4MO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398112227&sr=8-1&keywords=Double+Takes+K.+Vale

At Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/double-takes-p901.php

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-doubletakes-1484498-149.html
 

Barnes & Noble Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-takes-k-vale/1119275663?ean=9781622100996
 

Watch the Double Takes book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBF5EZ2Qcrk

About the Author

Kimber Vale writes romance of all stripes, from hot hetero stories to mouthwatering men falling in love (under the name K. Vale). Keep up with Kimber’s news and follow all her tour stops on her blog: http://www.kimbervale.me  and friend/follow her on Facebook and Twitter @KimberVale. Come for the sex. Stay for the story. 

http://www.authorkimbervale.com 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION~Kimber has a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice) up for grabs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Kimber Vale today

It’s a Man’s World: Pet Peeves in M/M Romance by Kimber Vale

All readers have pet peeves when it comes to specific genres. I’m no exception. I’ve noticed many M/M readers share some of mine (and also have their own). I thought it’d be fun to list a few of the biggies.

I’ll start with one of my most hated ones: Just about every guy who shows up in the book is gay. This drives me nuts. I know that authors love to have series, or spin-offs. I get it. You need a few gay guys to write a gay romance (or two). But for corn’s sake, throw some straight dudes in there! Toss some chicks in, too! This is the real world we’re reading about, right?  Well, at least if it’s a contemporary or historical. Those fantasy/sci-fiers can get away with different shit. Lucky bastards.

Here’s another that makes me put a book down: Insta-love. This goes for romance across the board. Insta-lust? Yes. Insta-sex? Oh, I’ve been guilty (writing and otherwise). But please don’t try to sell me insta-love. I’m not buying.

Men who act like women. We’re different. We’re really, really different! Don’t substitute one of your dudes for a chick with a dick.

So, those are my top three. How about you? Any M/M—or romance in general—common pitfalls that piss you off? Lay ‘em on me. In honor of the season of giving, my favorite pet peeve (not already mentioned) gets a copy of my M/M “Forever is Now.” Ho. Ho. Ho.

Kimber Vale writes erotic romance of all stripes, from hetero sci-fi to hot man-love (under K. Vale). Come for the sex. Stay for the story. Find her on Facebook and Twitter @KimberVale, and check out her website for new releases, occasional freebies, and info spiked with excessive f-bombing (on the blog). www.kimbervale.com

Kimber Vale on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kimber-Vale/e/B006HMAY06/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Blurb for “Forever is Now”

If you love someone, set him free. If he steals something of yours, hunt him down and make him sorry.

Alex Bremen is over Chance Ralan. Ever since his high school boyfriend ditched him nine years ago, Alex has barely thought of Chance at all. Sure, Alex attended a concert or two when his ex’s band, Armageddon Showdown, was in the area, but that was more curiosity than anything else. Who wouldn’t want to see firsthand how his once clean-cut boyfriend transformed into a pierced and tattooed heavy metal god?

But when Chance has the nerve to record a love song Alex wrote for him years ago, Alex crosses the country to confront him. Revenge becomes a dish best served sizzling hot. The two men lock horns, but find the chemistry between them has only intensified with time, and occasionally love needs to do some growing up before it can be done right.

Excerpt:

“So, once again, I lose to the band, huh? It’s classic Chance. You fucked me over for your career already! Years later, with an entire country between us, you do it again? I let you go, Chance. You should do the same.”

“Did you really?” Chance turned toward him, closing the distance between their bodies. Alex smelled sweat and leather, and Chance’s breath held the essence of liquor as he spoke. “You want to tell me you didn’t think about me at all this whole time? Is that why you never tried to find me? Never called?”

“Are you fucking serious? Is that what I was supposed to do?” Alex clenched his fists, torn between wanting to hit him, and dying to know if his lips, his tongue, tasted like vodka, or beer, or both.

“It woulda shown you cared.”

“I see the world still revolves around you. Nice to know some things never change.”

“Yeah, some things don’t. Your eyes are still that same amazing blue.” Chance leaned closer and the tip of his tongue flicked out to smooth his lips. “I still feel like I could just … dive into them and drown.”

Fuck. A shiver of excitement rumbled through Alex’s body. He had come here to yell at him, to make him realize what a self-centered prick he was. Hopefully shame him, at least a little. After that he was going to leave.

Instead, he leaned in, and his lips were on Chance’s. And, good lord, he tasted and smelled just the way Alex remembered underneath the burn of booze. Chance’s face was rougher against his chin and cheeks, not like the smooth-faced boy Alex used to steal kisses from. Damn, if the man wasn’t so much hotter. He licked the seam of Chance’s closed lips and the guy groaned beneath Alex’s onslaught while his mouth opened in response. Their tongues met, and Chance molded his warm body against Alex’s.

Christ, he feels almost too good.

Alex’s hand wrapped around the back of Chance’s neck. He loved the thatch of hair at Chance’s nape. Different color, but still reassuringly soft. Threading his fingers through the silky mass, he pulled Chance’s mouth closer, his tongue deeper into his own moist heat.

Alex smiled against Chance’s mouth as the rocker ground his hips upward into Alex’s throbbing groin. The guy’s cock was hot and hard, wrapped in buttery leather. It surged against Alex’s hard-on.

Not everything changed.

The squeak of the outer door being tugged open broke the love buzz, and Chance wrenched guiltily out of his arms.

_________

Find “Forever is Now” at these online stores:

Liquid Silver Books - http://www.lsbooks.com/forever-is-now-p827.php

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Now-Shooting-Stars-Book-ebook/dp/B00F2M2YSM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-

text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386987257&sr=1-1&keywords=Forever+is+Now

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-is-now-k-vale/1116943932?ean=9781622100361

All Romance - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-foreverisnow-1291116-149.html

Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/forever-is-now

Welcome Danita Minnis today

Give a warm welcome to author Danita Minnis today as we chat about her latest release, Love Entwined.

  To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
My paranormal romance Love Entwined was released on September 9^th. It is the story of a witch and warrior, soul mates but eternal enemies. It is a Cardiff Novel in which the family fights the il Dragone demons. This is the second book in the series and explains the Cardiff family’s history with the murderous demons.

How would you describe yourself using only five words?
Ambitious, complicated, romantic, humorous, homebody

 Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Chocolate, cheese and dimples!
 
If we asked your muse to describe you using five words, what do you think they would say?
Stubborn, idealistic, ruthless, romantic, emotional

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I love driving my car in the rain and the sound of the windshield wipers against the glass. Makes me feel like I’m cleaning my car.

 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Rouen, France. It is quaint and full of history.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write? 

      Were done right!
I watch old suspense or horror movies.  Daydreaming about my characters in the early morning just before I open my eyes helps me build their world.

Love Entwined by Danita Minnis

A Cardiff Novel, Book Two

Liquid Silver

Historical Romance

Run, little witch…

AMELIE LAURENT is on her way to the top of the jewelry designing world with no time for men. Her orderly life is about to come undone when playboy and jewelry tycoon ROMAN CARDIFF steals her away on assignment to a remote English estate. Roman wants Amelie all to himself but St. Clair Manor’s resident ghost has been waiting for her much longer than he has.

Run home…

An unseen gunman takes a shot at Roman and he blames a business rival. But Amelie and Roman are to blame, for falling in love 200 years before in a time neither of them remember.

From the heartbreak of pre-Revolutionary France to modern day corporate wars, Amelie and Roman uncover a history of blood jewels, lust and demons.

Good witch, bad witch, you must decide…

When Amelie discovers her inner witch she learns the real reason she was summoned to St. Clair Manor. Il Dragone will kill to get her back. Amelie will kill if they do.

Tagline: A Love Entwined. Jewel wars…the blood will tell.

EXCERPT

Opening the sketchpad to the first page, she focused on the sketches she’d drawn and was already so proud of. He would love them. “I think the canary diamond with sapphire accents is very dramatic set in yellow gold.” She flipped through several pages, pausing to give him time to imagine what she saw so clearly in her mind. The man who stumped her with an answer to everything had become very still. Mr. Cardiff was staring at the sketches. “You don’t like them?”

“Where did you get these?” he asked.

“I drew them.”

Mr. Cardiff picked up the sketchpad. “You mean you created them?”

“But of course I created them. They are mine.”

“Do you remember ever seeing anything that may have given you the idea?” Now he was staring at her.

She stood up. “Mon Dieu! I do not copy designs.”

Mr. Cardiff stood and took her by the shoulders. “It’s just that these designs look so much like the family heirlooms.”

“How dare you accuse me of this?”

“Amelie.” Mr. Cardiff rubbed warmth up and down her arms with large, but gentle hands. Goose bumps rose where he touched her.

“No.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” His hands stroked her bare back, and she shivered. “Amelie.”

She closed her eyes at his deep, soothing tone and there was a moment of vertigo when his hands moved around her waist, drawing her closer. She could feel him lean toward her, knew his lips hovered over hers, beckoning. She was on the edge of a cliff, where her fantasies waited so far below. One move and she would be in her dream, in that lamp-lit cabin. If she lifted her chin, their lips would meet, and she would fall.

She tilted her chin up. Mr. Cardiff did the rest.

Warm, full lips moved over hers in that confident ownership that was in his every move.

She leaned in to the languorous slide of his tongue against hers. This was her dream.

She looked into his eyes and Mr. Cardiff picked her up against his chest. Her legs dangled in the air as his mouth traveled over her, suckling her neck, licking the cleft in her collarbone, searching, and finally finding the sensitive spot between her breasts.

It seemed he was trying to reach her soul. He did.

She fell over the cliff’s edge.

Running her fingers through his hair, she pulled his face up to kiss his dimples, his cleft chin and finally his mouth. When she wrapped her legs around his waist, he groaned.

The Cardiff Novels

Love Entwined at Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/love-entwined-p828.php

Love Entwined on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pcelupp

Love Entwined on Amazon UK:  http://tinyurl.com/nq44wn8

Falcon’s Angel at Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/falcons-angel-p225.php 

About the Author

Danita Minnis grew up singing and once thought she would do that all her life. She soon found writing just as fulfilling and writes paranormal romance. She loves mystery, mysticism, the fantastic and the fey. She has published The Cardiff Novels, a series about one family’s trials with vengeful demons, a legacy of ghosts and mysterious blood jewels. She is currently working on the third novel in the Cardiff series, which introduces the Cardiffs’ connection to ancient vampires.

Danita is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is a lover of chocolate, a good, scary movie, kittens and pups - especially Siberian Huskies. When she is not writing, she exercises her lungs at her son's soccer matches and their favorite theme park, because everyone knows it's easier on the stomach to scream your way down a roller coaster.

LINKS

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Danita-Minnis-Romance-Author/433534206657385?ref=hl

Facebook Cardiff Novels Page: https://www.facebook.com/DanitaMinnis?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danita_Minnis

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111389861535772698079/posts/p/pub

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/danitaminnis/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6154485.Danita_Minnis

Website: http://danitaminnis.com/Home_Page.php

Blog: http://blog.danitaminnis.com/

Networked Blogs: http://www.networkedblogs.com/user/1345144572

Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9937015/

Getting to know Angela Plowman

Please give a warm welcome to author Angela Plowman, who sat down and chatted with me.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

I’ve made a bit of a departure from my usual Victorian Gothic Historical and gone all SF.  Well, sort of.  It’s more a thinly disguised late Victorian age which happens to be on another planet.   My main character, Will, could easily be a Victorian gentleman but his reserve soon gets broken down when faced with the over whelming temptation in the form of a beautiful young man in his bed.  He’s not stupid – he knows a good thing when he sees one.

This book is rather dear to me as it was the first one I ever wrote.  I think I took “putting things on a back boiler” a bit far as it has been simmering on and off for about 4 years now – I think it must be stuck to the bottom of the pan by now.  I finally had to give myself a definite deadline of getting it finished by September this year and by the time this is posted I hope to have a publisher for it.

It also combines two of my great lifelong loves – Egyptology and SF – yes, I loved the “Stargate” movie.  I know it has been done before but hopefully I give it a sexy twist.

While that’s with the publisher I am going to try not to rest on my laurels.  I’m firmly back in Victorian England for my next Gothic horror.  I’ve got this character running around in my head who wants me to tell his story.  He is a very naughty boy and is going to get up to all sorts of naughtiness – in a graveyard!

If we asked your muse to describe you using five words, what do you think they would say?

Get me out of here! (Twisted, perverted, procrastinator, appalling speller.)

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

By Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s side?  What a man!  That smile….. That bum….

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

I stand over myself with a big stick and look threatening.

Where do you find the inspirations for your stories?

Victorian Gothic literature.  I am mad about Saki, M R James, Lovecraft.  Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books.

Movies and pretty men do it for me.  The above mentioned Jeffrey Dean Morgan was the inspiration for my Highwayman.

I love listening to talking books and letting the language flow around me.  Poetry soemtimes works for me.

I am also a very vivid dreamer and get loads of my ideas from dreams.  A character or situation may stand out or soemtimes I can dream a whole plot. 

With the new book I am hoping to write next it was just the name of the character which came to me and then he started inhabiting bits of my mind and a story started to form round him.  You know when a blob of mercury shatters and then pulls itself back together again?  One little spark acts like a loadstone and pulls things in.  To mix my metaphors.

Is there any books coming that you are itching to read (either electronic or print) from your favorite authors?

Katrina Strauss just emailed me to let me know she has started on Blue Ruin 5.  Now I am totally tormented and will be until I have it in my grubby little paws.  When the last one came out I stopped up until Midnight UK time to get my copy.   Book 3 came out when I was on holiday (in Egypt) so I had to take my net book on holiday with me so I could get it the day it came out.

I’m obsessed with her Dom – Derek.  He is just gorgeous!  A total dream of a man.  I love spending time with him and his unsubby sub.  I love the details of their domestic life just as much as I like the juice details of their sex life.  Katrina could do a whole chapter of Derek and Blue cook Ramen for tea and I would love it.   Though of course knowing those two it would involve Blue being bent naked over the counter and getting spanked with the wooden spoon and then Derek coming up with some devious use for the noodles.  I think mostly I just want to BE Derek – he’s so cool and sophisticated and a little bit vulnerable.

Everyone watch LooseID – Katrina is one sexy lady.

What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know? 

Like a lot of people I used to dream about being a published author - then I realized that to get a book published you actually have to sit down and write one.  So the most important thing is you have to actually write that book.

"Dear Lord, Please.  Let me get a book published." 

   The man goes home and nothing happens.  So the next day, the man returns to church, gets down on his knees and prays to God:  "Dear Lord, Please!  I am begging you!   Please!  Let me get a book published!" 

   The man goes home and again, nothing happens.  So the next day, the man goes back to church, gets on his knees and prays to God:  "Dear Lord, If you don't answer my prayers soon, I am going to give up.  Please!  Please!  Let me get a book published!" 

   Suddenly a big, booming voice from above answers, "Meet me half way!  Write the darned book!"

Wolf in the Fold

Loose Id

Vampires & Shapeshifters, LGBT, BDSM & Fetish, Fantasy & Paranormal

Available at Publisher

When dissolute romantic Henry Garrett enjoys a hot night of illicit sex with a hired whore he thinks it will end there. What he does not expect is for his one-night stand to follow him home and turn his life upside down, leading him down a path of self discovery with consequences quite beyond his wildest romantic imaginings.

Gabriel is wild, sexy, knows what he wants and is not afraid to bend over to get it but he could be more of a danger than even Henry thinks. Because there is something dangerous in the woods of Garrett Hall, and it just could be that Henry’s wild lover is a threat to more than his lifestyle. Sado-masochism may not be the only secret pretty Gabriel was hiding.

Note:This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, male/male sexual practices.

Teaser Excerpt:

 I had in my time seen some beautiful young men, mostly in artists’ studios or houses like this one, though of better repute, in London itself. But I had never seen a youth like this.

A thick mane of hair so dark as to be almost black fell to his shoulders. At this distance I could not tell the color of the eyes beneath thick, dark brows, but they were remarkable and piercing. His nose was well made and straight above a mouth so full it was deserving of the title sensuous. He had a certain insolent look to his face and something half wild to his countenance.

He wore a long, dark riding coat, and with no more ado than shutting the door behind him and dropping the latch, this he let fall to the floor to reveal that he wore not a stitch of clothing beneath. He was slender with the look of a youth who had recently outgrown his coltishness. Well-toned, he looked fine and fit. There was little hair on his body, but I took him to be not far out of his teens if out of them at all.

His limbs and body were a golden brown that spoke of being outdoors much, but he was too smooth and lithe for farm labor and the tan too uniform. He had been under the sun and naked there too. He could have been a stable lad who sun bathed naked on his days off, but he looked more like a wild thing that had strayed in from the forest.

His member was already semierect, reaching from its nest of dark curls, slender and long. I swallowed at the sight of this pagan vision. Even the god Pan had not been cut from nature’s own cloth the way this youth was. He was beautiful in his raw, untamed state.

“Do you like what you see, sir?” he asked with a twist to his lip as if already certain of the answer.

“You’ll do,” I replied, but he was too sure of himself for his smile to fail.

To show I was not daunted by his confidence, I approached him. He was a little below my own height, but if I hoped to intimidate him with my added stature, I was to be disappointed there. In fact, he raised a hand to my chin.

“You’re a fair one yourself,” he responded, and I could not help but feel a little pleased. I had been told I was good-looking, but it should not matter to me what this hired boy thought. His fingers were long and clever, uncalloused. More and more intriguing.

Up close I could still not quite tell the color of his eyes, as they seemed to change in the reflected firelight. I would say they were hazel, but a color so light it bordered on gold. His face was smooth and youthful. I could see he was a little older than I had first thought but still some years below my own age.

“What’s it to be then?” he asked as he ran his hand down the front of my shirt under my cravat and started to loosen the buttons he found there. I could not place his soft accent. His speech was working class but not coarse or unpleasant. Mayhap he had been educated to be more pleasing to his clients, thought it was unlikely many of them bought him for his speech.

What indeed? This fascinating creature was mine to do with as I pleased this night.

I trailed my fingers down the valley of his arse.

“I already prepared myself,” he said.

Now that was a sight I wish I had seen: this wild youth kneeling on a chair, perhaps, as he reached between his own legs, those clever, long fingers oiled as he stretched and prepared his entrance for me. I was rapidly nearing full hardness behind the placket of my trousers.

Not wanting to appear too eager for him, I turned away and moved to the side of the bed, loosening my cravat and sliding it from my neck. I finished the work he had started on my shirt buttons and pulled the garment from my shoulders. I heard no movement, but suddenly he was at my back, reaching round to the fastening of my trousers. He paused to palm the thickness beneath the material, outlining and shaping my member.

I could not help but sigh a little at the warmth of his palm seeping through the cloth. I hardened fully at just that touch. He moved to undo my trousers, then slid his hands down my hips to slide the material of breeches and undergarments together from me. I lifted my feet to aid removal, and he went to his knees in front of me and reached up to my erection.

I looked down, and through that wild tangle of hair, with those feral green-gold eyes, he grinned up at me before swiping his tongue along the length of my member.

I tried to lock my knees, but I confess I trembled slightly. It was not as though I indulged this sin very often and never with a wild-looking beauty such as knelt to my service now.

He grinned again and then licked more, swirling his tongue around me before planting a brief but hard suck to the tip.

“Let’s get you to the bed,” he said, standing up, much to my disappointment, though I could see the logic. I didn’t really want to be falling on my backside in the middle of the room and doubted my legs could hold me up.

Copyright © Angela Plowman

About the Author

Angela Plowman is a small town English girl who has lived her whole life within eight miles of where she was born. Even so, her imagination has roamed the universe. She loves to travel, but remains conflicted between her love of new places and sites, and her love of staying at home. She loses herself in books, both reading and writing them, and is passionate about 19th century art and literature.

Angela currently lives with a demented cat called Elwood, in a village in the middle of England.  Her partner,  has a permanently indulgent/bemused look on his face when he is not laughing at her typos. She takes inspiration where she can get it and loves movies that inspire her, books she can get lost in, manga, and things that are just a little bit different.

Website

Book Spotlight/Giveaway~ Danita Minnis's Love Entwined

Love Entwined by Danita Minnis
A Cardiff Novel, Book Two
Liquid Silver
Historical Romance
Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/love-entwined-p828.php
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pcelupp
Amazon UK:  http://tinyurl.com/nq44wn8

Run, little witch…

AMELIE LAURENT is on her way to the top of the jewelry designing world with no time for men. Her orderly life is about to come undone when playboy and jewelry tycoon ROMAN CARDIFF steals her away on assignment to a remote English estate. Roman wants Amelie all to himself but St. Clair Manor’s resident ghost has been waiting for her much longer than he has.

Run home…

An unseen gunman takes a shot at Roman and he blames a business rival. But Amelie and Roman are to blame, for falling in love 200 years before in a time neither of them remember.

From the heartbreak of pre-Revolutionary France to modern day corporate wars, Amelie and Roman uncover a history of blood jewels, lust and demons.

Good witch, bad witch, you must decide…

When Amelie discovers her inner witch she learns the real reason she was summoned to St. Clair Manor. Il Dragone will kill to get her back. Amelie will kill if they do.

Teaser Excerpt:

“Amelie, I was just calling you. Harold wants to see you in his office.”

Amelie came to an abrupt stop in front of the closed door and swiveled toward Suzie, who sat back in her chair and blinked.

“Good, I want to see him, too.” Amelie pushed the door open, and walked right up to Harold’s desk.

“I am sorry Harold, but I can’t do the Sweet Life…”

“Amelie Laurent, may I introduce you to Roman Cardiff.” Harold gestured toward the Burberry divan in the corner.

Amelie closed her mouth and turned, hand extended. The apology died on her lips.

Dieu. He was a Greek god in a dark tailored suit. Very tall. Different in reality. Cooler than she expected. There was arrogance in his square jaw. His aquiline nose and thick, black brows made him look like a predator.

His expression would have seemed harsh except for the warmth of the sky blue gaze traveling slowly up her body. The eyes gave his features a seraphim quality. They leisurely toured the peachy-pink lacquered toenails peeking through the front of her navy pumps, and then moved up the curve of her hips. She felt those eyes like a puff of warm breath when they grazed the swell of her breasts above the white silk blouse.

She was an innocent doe being circled by a panther that was higher up on the food chain and more resourceful.

Clearly, he wanted to take a bite out of her. His imperial stance said it was his due. His nostrils flared as he inhaled her scent.

Amelie looked down at the large hand holding hers. Warm, like a glove.

Finally, his gaze met hers.

She did not move, but something sinful shivered inside her. It was the part of her who knew this man. But these feelings weren’t hers—they belonged to that other woman. The one who waited for him at night in her bedroom.

He is real. But he could not be her dream lover.

With an unholy smile, Mr. Cardiff lifted her hand. Full lips moved over her skin in a warm caress, and she was filled with craving.

Amelie jolted out of her reverie, tried to pull away, but he held her there. Her hand relaxed in his.

Stop this, you don’t know him!

About the Author

I should have known I would end up here...

My sisters and I walked ten blocks to the library every Saturday morning and picked up books to read for the week.

When I was older, I spent a couple of hundred dollars at Barnes & Noble and my mother thought I was crazy. I couldn't deny it - I just had to read (but I became sort of a closet-book-buyer after that).  I started writing poems first.

 Song writing was next, when I realized I had a singing voice, then singing with local bands. It wasn't long before I just knew I was going to be the next singing sensation.

And now, here I am, a shower-singer (the enclosed tile room is almost as good as a studio mike) and happier than I’ve ever been, writing paranormal romance with a healthy portion of mystery, murder and reincarnation. It's romance through the ages. 

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