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Boots vs Suits Book Tour and Giveaway

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Boots vs Suits Book Tour and Giveaway

Boots vs Suits

Boots Vs. Suits Blog Tour

 Which do you prefer: a romance hero that wears boots or one that dons suits? Boots bring to mind images of rough and ready cowboys and the hard muscles of a man who knows how to work with his hands. But suits … well, there is nothing like a suave and sophisticated gentleman, dressed to impressed and ready to treat his lady to an amazing night!

If you just can’t decide which type of hero is your favorite, authors Samantha Chase, Andrea Laurence, Victoria Vane, Jamie Beck and Ruth Cardello are here to help. Today they are stopping by to make their case for why you are sure to fall in love with their suited and booted heroes. Take it away ladies!

•••••••••••••••••••••

 

Meant For YouSamantha Chase, author of MEANT FOR YOU:

A man in suits or a man in boots…hmm. There is something to be said about each choice.  How about a man who wears a suit all day but puts the boots on at night?! On a personal level, I think I prefer a man in boots. There is just something sexy and rugged about a man who you know works with his hands. But in the perfect world of fiction, you can make your hero be a little bit of both.

One of the things that makes suit-wearing Ethan Reed from Meant For You so sexy is that he doesn’t really act like you expect him to. He’s not a womanizer, he’s not a playboy. He’s just a man who is living his life on his own terms – even when that means staying away from the woman he loves (for all the right reasons, of course). Lucky for us he knows when to lose the suit and put on the charm!

Want more of Ethan? You can pick up a copy of MEANT FOR YOU here: http://amzn.to/1yyeciG. And join in a romance conversation with author Samantha Chase on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub.

 

Feeding The fireAndrea Laurence, author of FEEDING THE FIRE:

I think a man in boots – firefighter boots in particular – is sexier. A fireman like Grant Chamberlain from Feeding the Fire is a real hero. He saves lives, putting his own in danger every day for creatures great and small. To me, there’s nothing sexier than that kind of selflessness.

Grant is on sale now…ehem…his story is on sale now. His story. Get it here: http://amzn.to/1I2PKyw. And head over to the author Andrea Laurence’s website to say hi! http://andrealaurence.com/

 

Rough RiderVictoria Vane, author of ROUGH RIDER:

With boots always comes a pair of well-fitting jeans. Statistics show that most women appreciate a nice pair of buttocks on a man. Throw in ice blue eyes he’ll make just about any woman’s pulse race.

Here’s a taste of my boots wearing hero from Rough Rider:

With her heart lurching into her throat, Janice watched as the cowboy of her dreams swaggered up to the holding pens. He was clad in ass-hugging denim with leather chaps flapping, white Stetson shadowing his ice-blue eyes, and rigging bag slung over one broad shoulder. She watched him throw his rope over the coral panel in preparation for his ride. It wasn’t just his rugged good looks that made her palms sweat, there was something about Dirk, besides his long and lanky physique that put him head and shoulders above the rest.

If you are looking for a man in well-fitting jeans, Dirk is ready for you to pick him up at your local bookstore and online here: http://amzn.to/1F16jVo. And make sure to visit author Victoria Vane on her Facebook page to ask her about more cowboys coming your way! https://www.facebook.com/victoria.vane

 

Untitled-5Jamie Beck, author of WORTH THE WAIT:

The question is, what doesn’t make David St. James from Worth the Wait sexy? Model-caliber good looks—check. Dior Homme suit—check. Fluent in two languages—check. But most importantly, he’s highly intelligent. A near-photographic memory combined with intellectual curiosity kind of brainpower. David can enthusiastically discuss a multitude of subjects with authority, which means the object of his affection will never be bored. I don’t know about you, but for me, scintillating conversation is one of the most stimulating things a man can offer.

If you want to “meet” David, make sure to get your copy of WORTH THE WAIT, available now: http://amzn.to/1F15ko0. And visit author Jamie Beck on her website http://www.jamiebeck.com/ for more stimulating conversation!  

 

Tycoon TakedownAnd finally, we hear from Ruth Cardello, author of Tycoon Takedown:

Charles Dery from Tycoon Takedown is a man who knows what he wants. He’s stubborn. He wants you on his terms. He’s sexy. And if you give in to him, how he makes you feel. 

He’s sexy in a suit. He’s delicious in jeans and a cowboy hat. But he’s his best with nothing on at all.


If you are getting ready to take down your own tycoon, you will want to pick up a copy of Ruth Cardello’s newest romance here: http://amzn.to/1CKVABo. And learn more about the book and Charles on the author’s website: http://ruthcardello.com/.

giveaway

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN !!

Giveaway #1:  ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe will WIN all 5 books featured in the  BOOTS vs SUITS promotion

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Follow Samantha Chase Fan Club on Facebook.

7. Follow Andrea Laurence Fan Page on Facebook.

8. Follow Victoria Vane on Facebook.

9. Follow Ruth Cardello on Facebook.

10. Follow Jamie Beck on Facebook.

11. Giveaway open to US and CANADA only

12. Giveaway runs from April 6-10, 2015

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NOTE:The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

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Craved by an Alpha (Eternal Mates 5) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book Barrage and Giveaway

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Craved by an Alpha (Eternal Mates 5) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book Barrage and Giveaway

Craved by an Alpha Banner

Craved by an Alpha, the fifth book in New York Times best-seller Felicity Heaton’s hot paranormal romance series, Eternal Mates, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY at her website and sharing sneak peeks of the book.

Find out how to enter the Craved by an Alpha international giveaway (ends February 8th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 5 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/craved-by-an-alpha-paranormal-romance-novel.php

craved by an alpha

Craved by an Alpha
Eternal Mates #5
by Felicity Heaton
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance
Release Date:January 27, 2015

Amazon.com / KOBO / ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2015

Having turned his back on his snow leopard pride, Cavanaugh has been counting the days until he’s free of a role he never wanted—one that separated him from his fated female and stands between him and the future he craves with her.

Just days from the night he will finally be free to be with the low-ranking beauty who stole his heart, she walks back into his life and threatens to destroy everything he’s worked towards in the five long years they’ve been apart.

Eloise has traveled across continents searching for the male who was once her best friend and so much more to her, but was now her pride’s true alpha. Desperate to fulfil a promise to her kin to save them from the tyrant he left in charge, she convinces Cavanaugh to return to his pride, but as they journey to Bhutan, doubts bloom and old feelings resurface, tearing her between duty and her deepest desires and impossible dreams.

Will Eloise be able to resist the burning need that Cavanaugh reignites in her and remember her place in the pride? And can Cavanaugh find a way to save his kin and claim the future he craves with the woman he loves?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: CRAVED BY AN ALPHA is the fifth installment in Felicity Heaton’s adult, contemporary Eternal Mates erotic, paranormal romance series. This is snow leopard shifters Cavanaugh and Eloise’s storyline-a second chance at love for destined mates. CRAVED BY AN ALPHA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from third person point of view, the storyline focuses on reluctant alpha and snow leopard Cavanaugh as he is tasked, by his cautious mate, with returning to his homeland to claim what is rightfully his-the leadership of his pride and a mate he has not seen for close to five years. Eloise has been searching for Cavanaugh for two years hoping to convince the man that she loves to return to their village and accept his position as alpha. Cavanaugh left the pride to protect the woman that he loves only to learn that the male who assumed leadership has left the pride decimated, destroyed and fearing for their lives.

CRAVED BY AN ALPHA follows Cavanaugh and Eloise on their trek back to their homeland. Their time is running out-Cavanaugh has eight days to reclaim his position as alpha or the mantle goes to the current male in charge. What ensues is a journey of flight and foot, through the jungles and over treacherous mountain terrain where our hero reflects on family, his life and the past ten years. Cavanaugh never claimed his mate leaving her to defend for herself against a tyrant and sadistic murderer.

The majority of the storyline is a reflection; a narration that reveals Cavanaugh’s emotional pain and history with his pride. As the reluctant heir and alpha, Cavanaugh tired of the constant battle for leadership and feared placing his unclaimed mate in danger. Leaving the pride was the worst move Cavanaugh could have made.

The relationship and former friendship between our leading couple has already been established but the years under a tyrannical rule have left Eloise fearful and submissive. The sex scenes are erotic and provocative but Cavanaugh had yet to claim his mate-the woman he has never stopped loving.

Felicity Heaton takes the reader on quest; a pilgrimage to the homeland where the scenery and beauty of the land adds to our couple’s wants and needs. There are moments of heartbreak and anguish; romance and love. Because most of the storyline is a reflection, the communication between our couple is limited. The previous history and current dilemma are revealed through contemplation, consideration and internal dialogue. Saying that, Eloise is reluctant to reveal the true nature of her journey and the frightening conditions back home.

Felicity Heaton writes addicting storylines of strong alpha males and the women they love. Her $ex scenes are erotic and seductive; the relationships are emotional and intense. The ETERNAL MATES series and CRAVED BY AN ALPHA are imaginative, enchanting and a rewarding read.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

 

 

 

“I’m going for a swim.”

Eloise barely had time to register those words before Cavanaugh was stripping off his charcoal fleece, tugging the dark t-shirt he wore beneath off with it too. He dropped them on top of his pack and she stared at him, unable to drag her eyes away as they slowly glided down over the hard slabs of his pectorals to the ropes of his stomach.

An ache started low in her belly and only got worse as he tugged off his walking boots, pulled off his socks, and unbuttoned his dark grey trousers. He pushed them down, revealing long toned legs, and stepped out of them, his muscles shifting with the action, mesmerising her.

He truly was a majestic male.

For a moment, she feared he would crush her strength to resist him by stripping completely, but he turned away from her, his black trunks still in place. They hugged the twin globes of his backside as he walked and she stared at them, loving the way they dimpled and flexed with each stride he took towards the water.

When he looked back at her, she dropped her gaze to her pack.

She felt his eyes leave her and lifted hers back to him, drinking in the sight of him. He waded into the water and barked out a sharp noise that echoed around the lush green valley and the mountains beyond.

“Fuck, that’s freezing.” He didn’t turn around as she had expected. He shuddered and kept wading out into the river, his shoulders hunched up and fingers flexing at his sides.

She smiled.

And hid it when he looked back at her.

He grinned, his grey eyes bright with it, a light she hadn’t seen in them for a long time. Too long. This was the gorgeous male she had grown up with, always an air of mischief surrounding him, a sense that he was going to live his life to the fullest and take every adventure in his stride.

Seeing him like it again only made her feel worse about making him return to the pride with her and only made it hit home how much he had changed when he had become their alpha. She had never thought he would smile again as he was now, full of energy and happiness. She had never thought she would see the Cavanaugh who had been her best friend, her closest companion, and so much more than that.

For her at least.

She studied him, spotting all the changes that she had failed to notice, ones that were startlingly clear to her now and told her that things had been hard for Cavanaugh at the village after he had become their alpha. She could see now how much it had weighed on him and she cursed herself for being so wrapped up in her own hurt to notice his struggle. Her heart whispered that it wasn’t only his duties as alpha that had made life at the pride hard for him and she tried to ignore it, afraid to listen to it and believe that his struggle had in part been because they had been separated and couldn’t be together.

She refused to get caught up in that fantasy.

She refused to surrender to her pressing need to question him too, because she feared the answers he might give her.

He bravely dipped lower in the water, kicked off and began to swim in the deepest part of the river, entrancing her as he ducked his head under the cold water and surfaced again. He slicked his silver-white hair back and rivulets ran down his sculpted cheeks and rolled along the strong line of his jaw. He still made her heart beat hard and still drew her to him even though her memories of him were tainted by everything that had come afterwards.

The women.

The warmth that had been building inside her stuttered and died, leaving her ice cold.

Cavanaugh swam towards her, but his smile no longer affected her. The sight of him no longer made her want to rush into his arms and listen to his deep voice as he told her stories of the outside world. The pain of watching him from a distance for five long years crushed that need and the pain of being separated from him and everything she had endured destroyed her softer feelings.

“Join me, Eloise,” he hollered, his smile widening. “It’s not bad once you get used to it.”

“No.” That word came out far colder than she had intended and he frowned at her, his smile disappearing as he stopped swimming.

She looked away from him, unable to bear seeing the hurt as it crossed his face, tearing at her. She hadn’t meant to reject him so cruelly. It had been wrong of her, and not because he was her alpha and she had been disrespectful. It had been wrong of her to hurt him when deep inside she had wanted to take him up on his offer.

She wanted to swim with him, but she couldn’t shake the memories that were bombarding her, replays of the five years she had watched him from a distance as he had acted as their alpha.

She couldn’t shake the flashes of the women who had been all over him, seeking his attention.

Eloise pressed her hands to her chest as her heart hurt and tears threatened to fill her eyes. She sniffed them back, unwilling to let them fall. She had spilled enough tears in her life over everything that had happened. She was done with them now. She was stronger than the woman she had been, the one shaped by events she’d had no control over.

The one who had been torn apart every night when Cavanaugh had gone to his house, a trail of women following him.

It was the right of pride alphas to take their pick from among the females of status, satisfying as many partners as took their fancy. The females vied for the attention of their alpha because sharing his bed might elevate them into the role of his sole female.

Cavanaugh had never chosen one from the many. His father had been like that too, bedding numerous females, never settling on one.

His father had even slept with the females without status, the ones who could never be selected as his sole female.

Her gaze sought Cavanaugh and tracked him as he swam away from her, the distance between them eating at her. How many females had he bedded in the five years he had served as their alpha?

How many more would he sleep with after he returned to that role?

He would return to it. He had no choice. He would become their true alpha again when he set foot in the village, and she would go back to her quiet life, away from the pride. As much as it hurt her, it was how things had to be. She wasn’t bringing him back for her sake. She was doing it for the pride.

Eloise watched him, a deep need growing inside her again, one that she struggled to deny.

Asking Cavanaugh for the truth about how many women he had slept with and whether he had ever cared about her would only end with her being hurt again. She wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t brave enough to lay her heart on the line like that. Her stomach rebelled at the vision of him looking her right in the eye and telling her that he had bedded the females and that she had meant nothing to him, that what had happened between them had been nothing more than satisfying a biological need for him.

She wasn’t strong enough right now to hear that. Seeing him again, speaking to him for the first time in almost a decade, and being close to him had her muddled and off balance, liable to fall apart and make a fool of herself.

Cavanaugh began swimming back towards her and the resolve she had mustered crumbled again. She trembled on the brink of casting aside all the rules and swimming with him. Part of her demanded she seized this moment with him, before he was taken from her again, but the rest warned that it would only make things worse. Giving herself to him again now would make seeing him with other females unbearable. The knowledge that he could again take something precious and special and treat it as if it was nothing would destroy her.

His gaze swung her way and his expression suddenly went cold.

“Eloise!” He shoved out of the water, spraying it everywhere and startling her.

He rushed across the wet rocks, his footing sure as he sprinted towards her, leaping with agile grace from one boulder to the next, his muscles working hard as he closed the distance between them.

Her eyes widened and she turned slowly, her heart thundering against her breast and cold prickles crawling over the nape of her neck.

She wasn’t alone.

Her eyes met the huge tiger’s ones as it stalked towards her from the edge of the forest, already close enough to pounce.

 

 


about the author

Felicity HeatonFelicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

 

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk

Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Find all the links, a fantastic 5 chapter downloadable sample of the book, and also how to enter the giveaway and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/craved-by-an-alpha-paranormal-romance-novel.php

Books in the Eternal Mates paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Kissed by a Dark Prince
Book 2: Claimed by a Demon King
Book 3: Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Book 4: Hunted by a Jaguar
Book 5: Craved by an Alpha
Book 6: Bitten by a Hellcat – Coming February 17th 2015
Book 7: Taken by a Dragon – Coming March 10th 2015

 

giveaway

Felicity is graciously offering an ecopy of any ONE book in her Eternal Mates Series of
either *Kissed by a Dark Prince*, *Claimed by a Demon King*, or *Tempted by a Rogue Prince* (international) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

 

1. If you have not previously registered, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

6. LIKE Felicity Heaton on Facebook

7. LIKE Felicity Heaton on TWITTER

8. Sign up for Felicity Heaton’s NEWSLETTER

9. Giveaway open Internationally

10. Giveaway runs from January 28  to 31, 2015

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Blind Faith (Sin Brothers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti-Promotion, Interview and Giveaway

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Blind Faith (Sin Brothers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti-Promotion,Interview and Giveaway

Blind Faith Banner

Blind Faith
Sin Brothers #3
by Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: adult, contemporary, suspense, paranormal
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Paper back release : January 27, 2015

Blind Faith

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 6, 2014

A betrayal he couldn’t forget . . .

For Nate Dean, love is a four-letter word. As part of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be ruthless soldiers with an expiration date. They were loyal only to one another . . . until Nate laid eyes on the woman who stole his heart and blew his world apart. Now, years later, his family is still paying the price for his mistake. But as time runs out, there’s only one person who can save his family: the very woman Nate swore he’d never trust again.

A love she couldn’t deny . . .

The moment Audrey Madison spies Nate across a crowded ballroom, she can barely breathe. He’s just as undeniably sexy as she remembers, yet there’s an edge to him now that’s as irresistible as it is dangerous. When he asks for her help, Audrey can’t refuse. But she has secrets of her own-secrets that, if Nate ever discovers them, may cost them both their lives .

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BLIND FAITH is the third instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult, action suspense, slightly paranormal Sin Brothers Series focusing on Mattie, Shane, Nate and Jory Dean- four genetically engineered brothers who were created to become the perfect super soldier. This is Nate Dean and Audrey Madison’s story. Audrey is the ‘daughter’ of the doctor who, along with the commander, has helped create the ultimate warrior of destruction. The commander is still determined to bring the brothers back into the fold but there are only a couple weeks remaining on the brothers’s expiration date.

As the series continues, it is Nate’s turn to hunt down the people responsible for their creation but someone from Nate’s past has popped up on their radar and Nate needs information and answers to many questions. Audrey is the only woman whom he has ever loved and she is the daughter of the woman who is directly responsible for his brothers’s impending demise. It has been close to five years since Audrey and Nate last had contact and many things have changed in the ensuing time. Not only have they both lost someone they have loved but they will be pulled together by a secret neither one ever knew.

The relationship between Audrey and Nate is sexual, sensual and has lost none of the powerful attraction since they last met. Nate is determined to keep Audrey in his life but Audrey has other plans-she is determined to take down the commander on her own.

All of the previous storyline characters play a secondary role including Mattie and Shane Dean. The world building continues as the brothers hunt for the code to deactivate their death sentence but the people responsible continue to elude capture or meet their end. The search for the youngest Dean brother continues with a glimmer of hope that Jory may still be alive and in this, the brothers’s storyline will continue, at least, for one more chapter.

BLIND FAITH is a fast paced story of action, suspense and drama. Rebecca Zanetti has written a compelling and intriguing series about four brothers brought together by DNA, power and abuse and, circumstance. It is their continuing search for the code that pulls the brothers together. These are their stories of love and loss; betrayal and heartbreak; family and connections.

Reading Order
1. Forgotten Sins
2. Sweet Revenge
3. Blind Faith (May 2014)
4. Total Surrender (March 2015)

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

“Let’s dance.” He turned her toward the dance floor.
She balked. “No.” God. She couldn’t dance with him, couldn’t be touched by him.
“Yes.” His hold slid down to the back of her elbow, and he ushered her toward where the orchestra was playing “I Will Wait for You” by Michel Legrand. The warmth in Nate’s touch flared her nerves to life in an erotic need she’d worked hard to overcome.
“Nate—”
“Shhh.” He tightened his hold and drew her into an impressive erection.
She gasped, her face heating, her sex convulsing. Blinking, she glanced up in confusion to see if he was as affected as she was and stilled at the look in his eyes.
Furious. The man was truly furious. Even with the contacts masking his eyes, his anger shone bright.
She tried to step back and didn’t move. Yeah, she knew she’d hurt him when she’d ended their relationship, but after nearly five years, he shouldn’t still be so mad. He’d had freedom for five years, which was a hell of a lot better than she’d had. She’d had pain and fear and uncertainty. She blinked. “What is wrong with you?”
His impossibly hard jaw somehow hardened even more. “Oh, we’ll discuss that shortly.” Threat lived strongly in the calm words. “For now, we’re going to finish this dance. Then you’ll take the north exit and meet me in my car so we can talk.”
“If I don’t?” she asked quietly, wings fluttering through her abdomen.
His hold tightened imperceptibly. “I know where you live, I know your daily routine in working for Senator Nash, and I know where you go when you need time alone. You can’t hide, you can’t outrun me—and you know it.”
The hairs on the back of her neck rose. “How long have you been watching me?” More importantly, why hadn’t she noticed?
“A week. Long enough to know the two apes toward the doorway are following you, too. What’s up with that?” His hold tightened just enough to show his strength.
She shrugged. “They haven’t made a move, so I’m not worrying about it.” Not true, and by the narrowing of Nate’s eyes, he could still smell a lie a mile away. “The commander is having me followed.”
Nate’s jaw clenched. “Why?”
“Dunno.” They didn’t have time to discuss it. “You should go now.”
“No.” He spun her, easily controlling their movements.
Her leg hitched, and she stumbled against him.
He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” None of his damn business, that was. “What do you want to talk about?”
His gaze narrowed, and he spun her again. She tripped again. Her damn leg didn’t move that way. She glanced toward the doorway and the two soldiers watching her. They’d straightened to alert stances. Damn it.
“What’s wrong with your leg?” Nate asked, brows furrowing.
Oh, they were so not going into her injuries on the dance floor. “You almost sound like you care.” She threw his words back at him, gratified when his nostrils flared in irritation.
His gaze probed deep, wandering down her neck. He blinked several times, his chest moving with a harsh intake of breath. “I like your dress,” he rumbled, his voice a low whisper.
With his tight hold, she had no doubt the tops of her breasts were visible. “Nathan, don’t—”
“Don’t what?” His gaze rose to her lips. A light of a different sort filtered through his angry eyes. She knew that look. Her body heated and her thighs softened. His erection jumped against her, and she bit down a groan.
“One kiss, Audrey.”
Her eyes widened to let in more light. “No,” she breathed. One of his hands held hers, the other pressed against her back. Thank goodness. He couldn’t grab her and kiss her, no matter how appealing the thought. “Bad idea.”
“I know.” Nate didn’t need hands. His lips met hers so quickly, she never saw him move.
His mouth covered hers with no hesitancy, no question—as if he had every right to go deep. His tongue was savage and demanding, holding nothing back and accepting no evasion. He tasted of loneliness, anger, and lust. Hard, needy, demanding lust.
The men at the door were watching.
But her body didn’t care—instantly igniting instead of pushing away. Her heart thundered in her ears, and she fell into his heat, uncaring of whether or not he caught her. He wrapped around her, his unyielding body holding her upright. He caressed her with his tongue, and she met him thrust for thrust, fierce pleasure lighting her on fire.
She forgot where they were, who they were, everything but the desperate need he created.
He broke the kiss, blatant male hunger crossing his face. His breath panted out even as he moved them in tune with the music.
She softened against him, allowing him to lead so she didn’t collapse. Her mind whirled, and she shook her head to regain reality. “Nathan, what do you want?” The question emerged as a breathless plea she couldn’t mask.
That quickly, all hints of desire slid from his face. His chin hardened. “Want? I want to know what happened to the child you were carrying five years ago when you ripped out my heart. Where’s my baby, Audrey?”


 
Interview

Rebecca ZanettiTRC:  Hi Rebecca and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the paper back release of BLIND FAITH book three in your amazing Sin Brother Series.

Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Rebecca: I’d have to say Nora Roberts. I mean, I loved mysteries and teen paranormals, but the first romance I ever read was a Nora Roberts, and I was hooked for life.

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Rebecca: It depends on the time of year. In the summer, we go to our lake cabin, and I’ll just kick back with the kids in the sun. In the winter, we go to a mountain cabin and snowmobile…or hang out by the fire with warm drinks. I relax with family and friends every chance I get.

TRC: Is there any profession that you would have liked to enter but never had the opportunity?

Rebecca: Oh my gosh, what a great question! Yes! I would love to go back to school and study either quantum physics or genetics. Or maybe both. I think being able to conduct research and experiments would be tons of fun.

Blind FaithTRC: BLIND FAITH is the May 2014 release in your Sin Brothers series-would you please tell us something about the premise?

Rebecca: The Sin Brothers is a series about a band of half-brothers genetically enhanced in test tubes and raised as soldiers. They learned early on that family is all that matters, and they fought for each other until finally gaining freedom from their creators. Now, all bets are off, they’re heading back to take out the people who created them…while finding love on the way.

Blind Faith begins with the hero having to hunt down the woman who’d broken his heart years ago in order to save his brothers from the kill chips embedded near their spines. He finds her, and while there’s definitely tension, he instantly feels the protectiveness toward her that he had when they were together.

Total Surrender March 15TRC: March 2015 with mark the release of TOTAL SURRENDER –the final book in your Sin Brothers series? Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Rebecca: The premise of Total Surrender is that the three older Dean brothers finally find out what happened to their younger brother, and hopefully they all get reunited. (They totally do). Jory, the smartest brother, is on a quest to destroy the kill chips embedded near their spines, but his damaged, and he’s not sure if he’ll survive. Piper Oliver, the heroine, is determined to help him…yet she has her own agenda, too.

TRC: How do you feel about the series coming to an end?

Rebecca: Well, I was really happy to finally tell Jory’s story, because it was time for that reunion. And, to be honest, I’m working on a spin-off series right now, because I’m not ready to let those Dean Brothers go quite yet.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular storyline and series?

Rebecca: For this storyline and arc, I had to research biology a little bit to deal with the kill chips. I’m not going to lie – I took quite a bit of artistic license. LOL! Plus, I hounded a few doctors for ideas, and that ended up being a lot of fun.

TRC: How do you keep the plotline unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Rebecca: If I can surprise myself as I write, I figure I can surprise readers, too.

There are quite a few surprises in both Blind Faith and Total Surrender that I had no clue about until they ended up on the page. Of course, then I have to figure out how the plot works around those surprises, but that challenge makes the whole process more enjoyable.

Sin Brothers

TRC: Do you believe that the book cover and image plays any role in the reader’s selection process?

Rebecca: Sure. I’ve picked up a book with a cool cover just because of the cover before, haven’t you? There are some amazing covers out there, and I’m always so excited when I first see one of my covers. I love the ones in the Sin Brother series.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Rebecca: I’m totally addicted to Trivia Crack right now. I’ll text and harass my sisters if they haven’t played in a while and I’m waiting for them to play.

TRC: Thank you Rebecca for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

Rebecca: Thanks so much, and I really appreciate being invited here to play today. The interview questions were awesome!

Website: http://rebeccazanetti.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Author.FanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaZanetti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4149342.Rebecca_Zanetti

giveaway

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN !!

Giveaway #1:

The PUBLISHER is offering a fantastic Rafflecopter giveaway which includes a grand prize of all three books in the series, plus an ARC of TOTAL SURRENDER, a “Who Shot Jory Dean?” T-shirt and a Blind Faith dog tag:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveway #2: Exclusive to The Reading Cafe

To celebrate the paper back release the PUBLISHER is offering a paper copy of BLIND FAITH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Rebecca Zanetti on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from January 27-30, 2015

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Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

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Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

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Silver Thaw
Mystic Creek #1
by Catherine Anderson
Genre: mystery, suspense, romance
Release Date: January 6, 2015

Silver ThawAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. But she’s having a tough time providing for herself and her six-year-old daughter. Writing her secret yearnings on slips of paper and sending them into the wind helps her cling to the hope that things will get better…and that she can find happiness again.

Jeb Sterling has no idea that the handwritten messages he finds scattered across his land are the first hints that his life is about to change. Nor does he understand why he feels so compelled to help Amanda Banning and her daughter when a cold snap leaves them temporarily homeless. Maybe he’s inspired by Amanda’s courage or perhaps by her beautiful brown eyes. Either way, the man who once renounced love suddenly finds himself willing to do anything for the pair. Amanda seems to have given up on her dreams, but Jeb refuses to quit until he makes her every wish come true…

 

 

Review:

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson is the 1st book in her new Mystic Creek series. After finishing this book, I am totally hooked and look forward to more from Anderson and Mystic Creek. Silver Thaw was such an awesome story, with a little bit of everything..danger, suspense, small town atmosphere, family, abuse, adorable child, animals, love and romance. I could not put this book down; the further I got, the more I needed to know what was going to happen.

We meet our heroine Amanda Banning and her cute 6 year old daughter Chloe, right at the start. Amanda has only lived in Mystic Creek for a few months, working a part time job, but she barely is able to provide for the both of them, living in an old broken down cabin. We learn quickly that she is in hiding from an abusive husband, whom she ran away from. Every night, when Chloe is asleep, Amanda writes little wishful notes on a pink piece of paper and lets it blow away into the wind.

Jeb Sterling is our hero, and he has lived in Mystic Creek all his life. Jeb has a big house, where he lives alone with his dog, Bozo, a mastiff. While feeding the farm animals, he begins to see pink notes on his land. As he reads them, Jeb senses a woman who is in dire need, and she is running away from something. But he has no idea who the woman is.

That is until a terrible ice storm hits Mystic Creek. Jeb and many residents go out to the homes of the local seniors to see if they need help. He comes across on his last stop, the small cabin, and meets Amanda and Chloe. The house has lost power, they are freezing, and it is too dangerous for them to stay there. Jeb insists they come to his house until the storm is over, and despite her misgivings, Amanda agrees for one night. It doesn’t take long for Jeb to realize that this woman is the one who was writing those notes.

All of this is early on, and what follows is wonderful story that will grab you from the start and never let go until you have read the very last page. This is a sweet romance, that builds slowly, so nicely done. Amanda in not in any shape, physically or mentally to trust any man. But Jeb is such a great hero, as he was so sweet and kind to both Amanda and Chloe. He begins to fall for Amanda, and Chloe, as does Bozo. Jeb understands what Amanda has gone through and is very careful with her. It not only is a great romance, as he slowly tries to help her, but the last third of the book is very exciting. Just when Amanda begins to let her guard down, her horrific past will rear its ugly head.

I loved Jeb and Amanda together, how she began to know what true love was all about. I loved Chloe, as she was adorable, and at the same time, sad as she saw too much of the past. I do not want to give spoilers, but this is a must read. I loved every moment of it. Thank you, Catherine Anderson for this wonderful story, and I can’t wait to return to Mystic Creek.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway

Catherine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of SILVER THAW to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU.

7. Please LIKE  CATHERINE ANDERSON on FACEBOOK.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from January 5 to January 9, 2015

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Dangerous Alliance (Pure Sin #2) by Kyra Davis-Review and Giveaway

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Dangerous Alliance (Pure Sin #2) by Kyra Davis-Review and Giveaway

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Dangerous Alliance
Pure Sin #2
by Kyra Davis
Release Date: December 30, 2014

Dangerous Alliance

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The beautiful, angry Bell has revenge in her heart and Lander Gable in her sights. She’s seduced her way into his arms with the intent to destroy his wealthy family. But now that she’s there, lust and passion have begun squeezing out that desire for vengeance. It’s a dangerous game Bell is playing, and sex, mystery, and lies are the most intriguing game pieces of all.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

For Adoncia Jimenez a.k.a Bellona Dantes, it’s about revenge. Her mother was not only wrongfully convicted and sent to jail but she died while in jail. Adoncia is after bringing down the ones responsible and to make things more interesting, why not make the murderers of Adoncia’s mother rich and powerful Edmund and Travis Gable? Don’t feel too bad for Adoncia just yet because she has help. She has the help from the one and only Lander Gable as ironic as that sounds. Even though Lander is a Gable, he is also after Edmund and Travis for his own reasons. A combination of a family member with access to everything the family owns and a determined girl bent on revenge posing as the personal assistant to Travis’s wife makes for a force to be reckoned with.

What also rivals that forced to be reckoned is the sex scenes with Lander and Adoncia were not only on the explicit side to the point I have to applaud Adoncia’s flexibility but some of it was on the symbolic side. The author showed the beauty of sex being used for iconic symbolism rather than the typical couple acting on their desires. The first sex scene was a good example. Lander and Adoncia were doing their research on how to bring down Edmund and Travis with papers ranging from documents, emails and pictures strewn all over the table. Flirting happened and then they start going at it on the table on top of all the papers and stuff. The scene went on to say they vow to crush and rise above their adversaries.

I really like Adoncia’s character. Not only was she such a clever and courageous woman but she was a woman with a lot more honor than she gave herself credit for. When she ran into the cop that arrested her mother at a bar, she set out to murder him in cold blood with rat poison but didn’t at the last minute. When she met up with Lander afterward, she went on an emotional tirade on how unfair life is and how Edmund, Travis and Sean all deserve to die. It showed me how human Adoncia really is under her mask of cold aloofness that she does hurt, grieve and yes miss her mother. It showed me the very human side of wanting to hurt someone who hurt you or someone you hold dear to suffer the way you suffered or whatnot. Yes revenge isn’t good but the fact of life is that the emotion can get the better of us. As for Lander, I wanted to like him I really did but I felt like he lacked honor and I found myself turned off by that. I really did not like him in the end where he changed the plans to achieve his own objective, it was a selfish dick move. Seriously, making all these empty promises to Adoncia that her mother will be avenged and then turn around on that. Sorry but I have a big thing against people who say they are going to do something but turn around on the promise. It’s a big deal breaker and a surefire way to get on my bad side. I can only hope Lander will redeem himself in the next book.

Jessica however I was really surprised by her. She was that wildcard I did not expect. As a drunk and chronic pill popper, it was very easy to under estimate her. I admit I should’ve given her more credit and realized she was a lot smarter than she appeared after the whole thing in the bathroom with Adoncia and Jessica during the political party. And in the end, she was the one who gave Adoncia a priceless gift of justice. I have to admit Travis made one worthy bone-chilling villain. Not only he was always cool and collected that nothing ever ruffled his feathers but it always seemed he had the calculative evilness shining through those ice blue eyes of his like he was a powerful man to be feared.

I really enjoyed the book and I like where the story is going but I felt like the story at times was a little difficult to follow with several references that had to come from the previous book. So in all honesty, the book was not a very suitable stand-alone book. I loved the end of the book with a confrontation between Adoncia and Travis. It was pretty intense to see Adoncia’s determination and strength shine through while Travis is unwavering in his confidence that rich and powerful men like him won’t get put into jail. The cherry on top was when Adoncia gave Travis a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo which is really suitable which is a classic book about being wrongfully accused and being out for revenge. I wonder too if this book was inspired by this classic novel. After all the main themes of both books are the same, Travis’s Father’s name is Edmund when the main character in The Count of Monte Cristo is named Edmond and both last names of the main character’s alias in this book and The Count of Monte Cristo is Dantes. So it just makes me wonder if the author made little Easter eggs or not. I look forward to the next book and hope that Adoncia will get her justice served to her. Who knows maybe Travis will get his just like she wants. Stay tuned on this adventure of corruption, intrigue and suspense.

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied by the publisher

About The Author Black and Blue

kyra-davis-authorFollow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook Fan Page

I’m the internationally published author of the Sophie Katz mystery series, and So Much For My Happy Ending. My first Erotic Fiction Trilogy will be released in January 2013.

Aside from that, I’m a single mom; I’m addicted to coffee and True Blood (the show, not the drink). I’m happy with who I am yet I’m always striving to be better; I have more bad hair days than good ones, I love a challenge but I am not fearless, I’m….well…just me.

 

Giveaway-Black and Deep Blue

Kyra’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Please LIKE Kyra Davis on Twitter or her Facebook Fan Page

8. Giveaway is open to USA/ Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from January 4-7, 2015

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Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

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Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

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Darkness Unbound
Scimitar Magi – Book #3
by Zoe Forward
Release Date: November 21, 2014

Darkness UnboundAmazon / Kobo

Description:
Covert op partners Astrid Scarre and Kane Langford click on a level that defies logic. Astrid wants to say yes to the sexy Kane. But the guy who stole her heart and then shattered her soul twelve years ago shows up. Seeing the Dragon magus, Zannis, again ignites a wild physical attraction, but doesn’t eliminate her simmering hatred. Astrid is torn between her physical need for Zannis and her emotional connection to Kane.

Kane will never turn his back on Astrid, even when she gets inducted into the Scimitar magi, an organization he knows well and respects. His gorgeous ex-spy partner might push him away at every turn, but that’s too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her life and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this right, you don’t let it go.

 

Review

Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward is the 3rd book in her Scimitar Magi series. Having read and enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was looking forward to this book. Astrid is our heroine and she is the only female magus. Astrid is a great new kickass heroine, who over the course of the book continues to become even more powerful. Her covert op partner, Kane has been her friend, backup and the one she dreams about at night. But when Astrid becomes a Scimitar magi, she has to leave Kane. In case you have not read my reviews or this series, the Scimitar Magus are immortal warriors, who are guardians to protect humans against the evil Daemons.

12 years before, she met Zannis a Dragon magus, who came out of nowhere to comfort her, as he recognized something about her. What followed was a wild night of passion, with each knowing they were meant for each other. Zannis shortly disappeared into his time, and when Astrid met up with him again through a portal, which only she has the ability to open, he stabs her through the heart with a sword.

In present time, when Astrid is in danger fighting Dameons, she crys for help and opens the portal. Zannis with her invitation comes to her rescue. He explains what happened before when she was hurt was out of his control, and the fires between them ignite again. But when Zannis go back to his time, Astrid finds out he was killed.

The opens the door for Kane to join the Scimitar Magi, and work again with Astrid. Rather then give spoilers, there is more to this relationship between Astrid and the two men, Zannis and Kane. Interesting concept, which did confuse me at first. There are quite a few twists here.

Besides the hot sexy scenes between Astrid and her two men, this was an exciting action packed story. We follow Astrid as she must prove herself to the other members of the Scimitar Magi, as well as the leader, Ashor, who was the hero in the first book. Besides her ability to open portals, allowing them to escape bad situations, Astrid learns from other gods about her other powers and her true destination.

It was great to see Ashor, Kira, Shay, Dakar, and the rest of the team again. There was some fun moments, sexy moments, and an overall exciting story. I really enjoy this series, as Zoe Forward does a fabulous job of continuing the flow and excitement with each new story. If you have not read this series, I suggest you do so.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

theauthor

Zoe ForwardZoe Forward is a hopeless romantic who can’t decide between paranormal and urban fantasy romance. So, she writes both. In addition to being a mom to one rambunctious kindergartener and wife to a conservation ecologist who plans to save all the big cats on the planet, she’s a small animal veterinarian caring for all the small furries, although there is the occasional hermit crab.

When she’s not madly typing at her laptop, she’s tying on a karate belt for her son or cleaning up the newest pet mess from the menagerie that occupies her house. She’s madly in love with her globe trotting husband of ten years and happy when he returns to their home base in North Carolina.

 Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads



giveaway

Zoe is graciously offering an e-copy of DARKNESS UNBOUND to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE  Zoe Forward on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from November 21- 25,  2014

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My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

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My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

 

My Highland Spy Day ONE

Amazon.com | Barnes and Noble  | IndieBound | !indigo | iBooks

 

I’m so excited that The Reading Café is the first stop on the My Highland Spy Teaser Tour! Thanks so much for having me back. I hope you’re all enjoying your summer.

My Highland Spy is the first book in my new Highland Spies’ series, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. These four English sisters are definitely going to give these Highlanders a run for their money.

My Highland Spy - Promo Image

 

excerpt

Excerpt One/Chapter One:
London, England, 1609

She had made a deal with the devil, King James to be precise.

Lady Ravenna Walsingham silently cursed her liege as she stood huddled against the darkened wall of an alley near the London docks. She closed her eyes as a light rain misted her face. Although she felt miserable, she knew the information she sought would assist the Crown in discovering the latest conspiracy against it.

She pulled her heavy cloak tighter around herself, shivering from a sudden chill. The cold could have been due to the scantily clad clothing she wore under¬neath, but she quickly pushed back the thought. All she needed was to catch a glimpse of who dastardly Lord Cobham was conversing with in the latest string of unsavory establishments.

She wiped the drops from her face and had just taken a step forward when a couple of drunken men walked out of the Devil’s Tavern. As the sound of laughter approached her, she backed hastily into the shadows. The men passed her and she studied them closely. To her regret, neither man was Lord Cobham. Although the light barely illuminated their features, she knew the man she sought was shorter—at least a head shorter than she was.

The rain hardened as Ravenna quivered against the wall like a drowned rat. Lord Cobham was more than likely not coming out any time soon. That’s when she decided to hurry things along and make her move. Besides, if she didn’t meet her driver, George, within the hour, he would undoubtedly come looking for her. The faster she could determine the person or persons with whom Lord Cobham was conspiring, the better. She was tired, cold, and wet, and wanted to be home where a warm bed awaited her.

She made her way toward the back of the brick building. The stairs leading to the door were dark. Of course they were. Was it too much to ask for at least one assignment that worked in her favor? She climbed the steps carefully and tried not to stumble over her own two feet. Fumbling for the door, she found the latch and discreetly entered.

The small room looked like a crowded hovel, and she suddenly had a strong desire to bathe. More than a handful of women readied their hair in the looking glass as the sound of boisterous laughter came from the adjoining room. The women wore little clothing, which reminded Ravenna to remove her cloak. She tossed her protective garment into the corner and placed her arm over her chest. She suddenly felt very open to the view of others—not to mention that her laced bodice left very little to the imagination.

A large-bellied man came into the room and waved the women out. “Make haste, ladies. My customers need to be served. You can’t do that if you spend all your time in here pampering yourselves.” As one of the women walked by, the burly man slapped her on the bottom. He looked up, and his cold, dark eyes met Ravenna’s. “You’re the new girl, but you will quickly learn your place. Don’t just stand here staring at me. Get out there.”

Ravenna nodded and rushed past the man, feeling his gaze upon her. She followed the lead of the other women and picked up a tray from the table. As she looked around the smoke-filled room packed with men, she noted the large barrels and ship masts built right into the structure. Being so close to the River Thames, she could see why. The tavern was often frequented by men of the sea, but she knew not to be fooled.
The Devil’s Tavern held many secrets.

About The Book: Release Date September 2, 2014
My Highland Spy
Highland Spies #1
by Victoria Roberts
Genre: historical, romance, Highlander

This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown

Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him…

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn’t betray him first

Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

About The Author

Victoria RobertsVictoria Roberts writes sexy, award-winning Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young adult novella at 16 years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt wearing Highlander wielding a broadsword? Victoria lives with her husband and their two beautiful children in western Pennsylvania. Visit her at
Website: http://victoriarobertsauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.roberts.395
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763317.Victoria_Roberts

Buy MY HIGHLAND SPY at:Amazon.com | Barnes and Noble  | IndieBound | !indigo | iBooks

Tour Schedule

8/18 – The Reading Café
The Reading Cafe

8/19 – Books-n-Kisses
books-n-kisses

8/20 – Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

8/21 – Long and Short Reviews
Long and Short Reviews

8/22 – From The TBR Pile
From The TBR Pile Blogspot

8/25 – SOS Aloha Book Blog
SOS Aloha Book Blog

8/26 – The Bookish Babe
The Bookish Babe

8/27 – Fresh Fiction
Fresh Fiction

8/28 – Harlequin Junkie
Harlequin Junkie

8/29 – Urban Girl Reader
Urban Girl Reader

Giveaway

Victoria and her publisher are offering a paper copy of MY HIGHLAND SPY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

Please answer the following question: Name your best summer vacation spot.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Follow us on Goodreads

6. Like Victoria Roberts on Facebook

7. Giveaway open to USA and Canada only.

8. Giveaway runs from August 18 to 29, 2014

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Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper-Review, Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper-Review, Interview and Giveaway  with the Author

 

Better Homes and Hauntings Banner

Better Homes and Hauntings

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2014

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS is a stand alone, paranormal romance storyline from the amazing mind of Molly Harper. A ghost story with humor, sarcasm, friendship, love and a HEA, our intrepid crew have been hired to update and renovate the nineteenth century Whitney family owned mansion-known as Crane’s Nest- on a private island near the New England Coast.

Better Homes and Hauntings follows landscaper Nina Linden, billionaire Deacon Whitney, organizer Cindy Ellis, architect Jake Rumson and Deacon’s cousin Dotty Whitney as they forage through old diaries looking for clues to the death of Catherine Whitney-the original wife of Gerald Whitney –presumably murdered by the man that she loved. The stories surrounding the ghostly spirits that haunt the old mansion come to life as each of our characters will fall victim to memories of the past.

The storyline focuses on the building relationship between Deacon and Nina-a relationship that is plagued by nightmares, ghostly apparitions and someone else’s memories. We follow organizer and cleaner Cindy as she toys with the affections of Deacon’s best friend and architect Jake-a man who doesn’t recall the first time he met the vivacious Cindy Ellis; and the eccentric Dotty Whitney-a woman who is determined to write a biography of Gerald and Catherine Whitney-the original inhabitants and owners of Crane’s Nest whose reputation and deaths have followed the Whitney family legacy to the present day.

Molly Harper pulls the reader into a storyline of ghostly hauntings, angry spirits, mystery, possession and missing family heirlooms. As the ensemble cast of friends begins to uncover the secrets of the past, the spirits will step up their game until one of them finally breaks-possession is a nasty way to seek revenge and the truth.

BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS is an entertaining storyline of mystery, suspense and romance where the ghosts of the past refuse to move on. It is a story of one family’s tainted past; a past that has haunted the descendants throughout the years and a past that is seeking revenge for a murder that was never solved.

Molly Harper’s remarkable storylines blend humor, love, friendship and family in a lively, spirited and clever presentation that everyone will enjoy.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Interview

CATCHING UP with Molly Harper at The Reading Café

Follow Molly at : Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter

TRC: Hi Molly and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on all of your success since last we talked.

Molly HarperMH: Thank you for having me!

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

MH: I had a number of really fantastic English teachers when I was in high school. I was a weird, smart aleck kid with no apparent talent. I was a decent student, but I couldn’t sing, couldn’t draw, and despite being a six-foot-tall freshman, couldn’t play a sport to save my life. So the usual avenues that kids have to get praise and attention in school were unavailable to me. (In the case of sports, really, REALLY unavailable.)

But my freshman English teacher, Mr. Werner asked us to write an introductory essay so he knew something about us as the year started. I called mine, “Fence Posts and Tree Stumps” and wrote about the dinner table debates I had with my Dad about politics, news, science, etc. Mom told us that Harpers should argue with fence posts and tree stumps, because only inanimate objects could survive the circuitous, endless discussion. Mr. Werner loved it and had me read it aloud to the class. That was something I had never done before, sharing my writing with non-relatives. Like many girls my age, I had my Secret Notebook of Horrible Unicorn Poetry, but it was hidden beneath many Christopher Pike paperbacks under my bed.

Mr. Werner told me I was funny, and had a unique voice, like Erma Bombeck. And once I looked Erma Bombeck up in the library and realized he’d paid me a compliment, I started thinking about writing as a possible career. I’d always written stories, but it never occurred to me that I could make a living with it. There weren’t many published authors in Paducah, Ky.

But, knowing the odds of becoming of a full-time novelist weren’t awesome, I read more of Bombeck’s essays and looked into degree programs that would help pursue a career as a newspaper reporter. I wanted to write columns like Bombeck and Dave Barry and Lewis Grizzard, people who didn’t necessarily teach their readers life lessons, but made them laugh and brightened their day.

Throughout high school, that little spark of writer’s hope was encouraged by Mr. Werner, Mr. Toy, Mrs. Rafferty and Mrs. Campbell – wonderful English teachers who put up with a considerable amount of snark to help me find my writing voice and polish some pretty rough grammatical skills. I still live in the small town where I grew up. Every once in a while I see them, and I’m sure to thank them and tell them what a profound influence they’ve had on my life.

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

MH: I started studying martial arts about a year ago. I started with Brazillian jiu jitsu and recently earned my yellow belt in karate. (So I now have the fighting skills of your average seven year old.) It’s a cool bonding activity for my family as my husband has studied karate for most of his life. He’s black belt and teaches at the school where I am a student, along with our daughter, Darcy, 9.

Darcy is about four belt rankings above me and LOVES that she is better at something than her mom. When we spar in class, she shows me no mercy. It’s a humbling experience to be punched in the face by your pre-teen under sanctioned circumstances.

I am bruised. So very bruised. But we have a lot of fun and it’s a chance to spend time together. How many families can say, “We spent a couple of hours learning nunchuk techniques on Tuesday.”

And I like the idea that if confronted, I have at least a twenty percent chance of survival. Before starting classes, there was an excellent chance I would trip over my own feet and knock myself unconscious while running away.

TRC: Are any of your characters similar in nature or personality to you or anyone you know?

MH: I was pretty shameless about injecting my own personality into Jane Jameson. We have the same fondness for Jane Austen, the same social clumsiness, the same tendency to spout random trivia when nervous. But unlike me, Jane tends to make rash and emotional decisions when in crisis. I’m more of a hyper-rational over-thinker when panicking.

I don’t know anyone like the vampire Dick Cheney. Which makes me sad.

Better Homes and HauntingsTRC: June 24, 2014 marks the release date of your latest novel BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

MH: This is my first standalone paranormal romance and my first haunted house story, so I am doubly excited. I ventured past my Southern comfort zone and set the story on a remote island off the coast of New England. The Crane’s Nest is a Gilded Era mansion that never quite thrived as a family home as Gerald Whitney, the business tycoon who built it was accused of murdering his wife shortly after it was completed. The murder mystery and inevitable stories of hauntings and family curses followed the Whitneys throughout the generations. Deacon Whitney, a social media mogul who has managed to rebuild his fortune, wants to restore the house to its former glory and finally put the supernatural rumors about his family to an end. The team of experts he assembles to remodel the house is contracted to live there over the summer while the work is completed, a measure he had to take after mysterious noises and cold spots chased away previous teams.

Landscaper Nina Linden is hired to rehabilitate the gardens and she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex-partner. She never expects that her new client would see more in her than just a green thumb. But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

TRC: HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF was your December 2013 release in the Naked Werewolf series. How many books do you have planned for the series?

Naked Werewolf Series

MH: As of right now, there will be three books in the series. HOW TO RUN is the third. But you never know what could happen.

TRC: Have you considered a spin off for the Naked Wolf series similar to Nice Girls and the Jane Jameson series?

MH: Sure, if the idea ever came up, I could see that happening.

TRC: What are your thoughts on writing a series and ending an installment with a major cliff hanger?

MH: Sometimes, it’s necessary, particularly if you’re writing a thriller series. I’ve never done it because I’m not really a “cliff hanger” writer. But as long as the author has plans to continue the series and no major health problems, I don’t see how it’s a bad thing.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

MH: It’s a mix of both. I start with a basic outline of what I want in the plot and then write the first and last chapters. Anything that happens in the middle is directed by character and my sick, twisted sense of humor.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

MH: I think the reader needs to see a little kernel of themselves in the character, something sympathetic so they can root for the character or at least feel compelled to find out what happens to him or her. That doesn’t necessarily have to mean the character is likeable. You can hate a character and still want to know how they end up. (The J.R. Ewing Principle.)

I think some writers make the mistake of trying to explain the character’s emotions in detail instead of just letting them happen. It’s a classic “show, don’t tell” issue that I struggle with sometimes, too.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

MH:

I would like to finish the young adult manuscript I have been torturing for the last six months.

I would like to break onto a bestsellers list.

I would like to speak in public without getting really nervous.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

MH: I am addicted to sushi, as in, having it for lunch at least twice a week. I started a pretty serious diet a few years ago and it meant a complete nutritional overhaul. I had to replace the stuff I was eating with food that wouldn’t kill me someday. And sushi became my indulgence. I could eat green dragon rolls every day.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

MH: I will be writing several more spin offs to the Half Moon Hollow series. I could tell you what they’re about, but then I would have to send Ophelia after you.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

MH: If you enjoy audiobooks, BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS will be released by Audible on the same day that it is released in print and ebook.

Also, my Half-Moon Hollow Christmas short story, I’M DREAMING OF AN UNDEAD CHRISTMAS, will be available in ebook on November 3, 2014.

And third book in the Bluegrass contemporary series, SNOW FALLING ON BLUEGRASS, will be released on September 22.

TRC: Thank you Molly for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS. We wish you all the best.

giveaway

Molly and her publisher are offering a signed paper copy of BETTER HOMES AND HAUNTINGS and a $10 Starbucks Gift Card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

Better Homes and Starbucks

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Like Molly Harper on Facebook

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from June 23 to June 27, 2014

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