Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Release Week Blitz & Giveaway - Never Entice an Earl by Lily Dalton


A Deception Most Reckless
Lady Daphne Bevington would do anything for her maid Kate-including masquerading as Kate and sneaking around the wrong side of London to settle the poor girl's debt. Yet her innocent ruse takes a scandalous turn when "Kate" runs into a handsome gentleman on a secret quest of his own. A moment of passion could cost Daphne her reputation, but how can she ignore the stranger's searing kiss?

 
An Arrangement Most Wicked
Lord Cormack Northmore is determined to find the immoral peer who ruined his sister. So when he learns that the irresistible woman he knows as "Kate" is the Season's most sought-after debutante, Cormack plans to use her connections to help him set a trap. Now, the closer Cormack gets to uncovering the villain who haunts the ton's ballrooms, the more he realizes that the lovely lady is in danger herself. Will he abandon his quest for revenge-or risk losing his one chance at love?



Excerpt

The heat in his gaze intensified. He leaned toward her, his handsome face commanding her full attention. “So tell me, Kate, in addition to being a dancer to pay off this debt, and not a very talented one at that, did you also entertain patrons?”

“Entertain?” She blinked, flustered by his proximity, and his overwhelming maleness. Had he truly said she was not a good dancer? And wait… he had said patrons. She frowned. “I beg your pardon?”
Certainly he did not believe…well, she supposed he might, given the sordid circumstances in which he’d found her.

One dark eyebrow lifted. “The Blue Swan is a brothel.”

“Never,” she blurted, heat rising to scald her cheeks. “This was my first night ever to go to that place, and it was not at all what I’d expected.” She spoke the truth now. Not all her words were lies. “All I had was the address on a scrap of paper, and instructions that I would be a model in the tableaux.”

A sudden fear came over her, a dreadful worry that in her naivety she’d misjudged the stranger beside, that he wasn’t a gentleman, but instead just like the others who had crowded against the stage, mindless with lust. He could easily overpower her, and satisfy whatever male urges he wished.
But he did not. He instead eased back into the seat until shadows obscured his countenance, all but his sensual lips, which pursed and frowned. She sighed with relief

“Good.” He nodded. Below his breath, he muttered, “Yes, good…I suppose.”

He conveyed a mixed message, one of approval but also disappointment. What if she’d answered yes? Would he have sought to make use of her services? All the wicked things Sophia had described came to her in a vivid rush. Her mind entertained a fleeting fantasy, one of tangled sheets, muscled limbs and bare skin.

The very idea of being intimate with a stranger, with this stranger— She exhaled, bemused. --was not as appalling as it ought to be.

Perhaps it was the graveness in his eyes, above lips that she suspected always carried some semblance of a smile that made her heart contract and her blood run hot.
He really was nonpareil. No man in her social circle compared, but that was because he obviously wasn’t a nobleman. No nobleman would travel about London in a shabby, half-destroyed carriage nor converse on such familiar terms with their driver.

“Who are you, Cormack?” she asked.

“Just…a man.”

“Are you a newspaperman? A store owner, or a sea captain? Please tell me, I want to know.”

“I…er, a merchant actually. Saltpeter.”

That answered her question. After tonight, she most certainly would never see him again. A merchant would never be allowed into the ballrooms of the haute ton. Even if he was deliriously rich, which he obviously wasn’t, given the condition of his equipage, the upper echelon of the beau monde, to which she had been born, simply did not intermingle with men of trade.

Her adventurous nature awakened. No, she didn’t intend to ever marry, but…what would be wrong with kissing a handsome, intriguing stranger she’d never see again?

Everything inside her soared and spiraled and exploded into sparkly stars at wondering. Again, her gaze settled on his mouth, which slowly, as if it read her mind, turned up at the corners, making her catch her breath.

At that moment, the carriage made a sudden turn and tilted steeply. Daphne toppled, the whole of her weight crushing into Cormack. His arms came round her, seizing her in place against his chest. The carriage bounced down again, and continued on, to the sound of Jackson cursing at another driver, but Cormack didn’t release her. How she wished she wasn’t wearing the coat, which smelled of damp wool. He, on the other hand, smelled delicious, like rainwater and soap.

“How unexpected,” he murmured, his mouth so close his breath feathered across her lips. “But not unwelcome.” 

“No,” she whispered. “Not…unwelcome.” 

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About Lily Dalton


Lily Dalton grew up as an Army brat, moving from place to place. Her first stop after relocating was always the local library, where she could hang out with familiar friends: Books! Lily has an English degree from Texas A & M University and after graduation worked as a legal assistant in the fields of accident reconstruction and litigation. She now lives in Houston, Texas, with her family. When she isn't at work on her next manuscript, she spends her time trying out new recipes, cheering on her favorite Texas football teams and collecting old dishes, vintage linens and other fine "junque" from thrift stores and flea markets.

Find her on the web



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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Launch Day Blitz & Giveaway - The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken





"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake—so be it.


But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . . 





Excerpt

“Kace!” Travis strolled into the room, absolutely shirtless and wearing nothing but pajama pants. Was her tongue hanging out of her mouth? Oh God, she was beginning to sweat. Geez, at least turn the air on in this place. 

Averting her eyes, she managed an awkward laugh. “What’s up?” 

“Movie night.” He threw a pillow at her and went to the DVDs. 

“Um, is it naked movie night? I’m not sure I got that memo.” 

She looked him up and down when he turned around. 

“I’m sorry. Does my masculinity frighten your prudish nature?” 

She snorted. “Please. I just don’t want to get last night’s skank on me. I hear diseases travel through too much skin contact.” 

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll put on a shirt if you take off yours.” 

How tempting that was . . . “Take off my shirt? So you can finally see my boobs? Oh gosh, Travis. Let me think. Give you the fantasy you’ve been dreaming of for years or keep my pride? Yeah, I think I’ll keep my pride.” 

He shrugged. “Suit yourself, but it really isn’t a slumber party if you’re not naked.” 

“What the hell kind of slumber parties were you subjected to as a child?” Kacey asked. 

Travis grinned shamelessly. “Only the good ones. Now seriously, go change into sweats. I’ll wait.” 

“Fine.” She hopped off, her heart beating erratically out of her chest. This witty banter had to stop. 

For crying out loud, they were adults! Not teenagers! She grabbed some short Victoria’s Secret shorts and a black tank and put on her slippers to make it look less . . . seductive. Not that she was seducing him. Her stupid skin betrayed her in the mirror as it turned a very nice crimson color. 

She really needed to start dating more. 

Taking the stairs two at a time, she went back down to the living room and saw Travis opening a bottle of wine; thankfully he had put a shirt on. She wasn’t sure she could handle any more of his glistening muscles that evening. “Thought you could use this, even though it’s not good for the baby.” He winked. 

“I would drink that whole bottle if I knew it wouldn’t get me completely drunk. I miss wine.” 

“Um, you haven’t had it for one night, and you miss it?” 

“Clearly, you underestimate my relationship with wine and what I do on the weekends when I’m by myself reading.” 

“You wild thing, you.” Travis nudged her and filled her glass to the brim. He should be sainted, immediately. 

Their fingers brushed slightly as he handed the wine over. His eyes flickered to her shorts, and he cleared his throat. “Those are nice.” 

“Thanks.” She inwardly smiled. 

“Are they shorts or underwear?” 

Was he being serious? “Shorts, you ass. Now, what movie are we watching?” 

“Guess.” 

“Not in the mood, not near enough wine in my system for me to embark on such a strenuous activity.” 

“Ah, pregnancy brain, it does it to ya; it really does.” Travis got up and turned off the lights, then pressed Play. “I thought you might want to watch a horror movie.” 

“Horror movie?” 

A cartoon popped up on the screen. Kacey blinked as the music came on, then nearly fell out of her seat. “Oh my gosh, we can’t watch this, Travis. I can’t watch this. It’s been forever and . . .” 

“Conquer your fears, Kace.” 

Kacey scooted a little closer to him, just in case some of the cartoons did in fact decide to
pop out and devour her. 

He pressed Pause and laughed. “Kace, really? I thought you’d be over this fear by now.” 

“It’s not a fear.” Kacey drank her wine faster. “It’s a scary movie!” 

“It’s Alice in Wonderland.” 

Kacey shook her head a few times and drank some more wine. 

“Damn that Cheshire cat.” 

Travis held up his wine. “To conquering old fears?” 

Something shifted between them then. His eyes, though it was dark, seemed to be hiding something, as if he were talking about more than her stupid phobia. She leaned in, now completely relaxed from downing half her wine already, and whispered, “To conquering old fears."


 Buy a copy



About the author


Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.

Find her on the web



Giveaway




Live Chat with author Shelley Coriell


Forever Romance is hosting a live Spreecast chat with The Broken's author, Shelley Coriell, TONIGHT! Shelley is ready to chat with fans about her newest book The Broken.

Link to the chat:  http://www.spreecast.com/events/live-chat-with-shelley-coriell It starts at 7pm EST

To learn more about Shelley Coriell or The Broken check out my blog tour stop from yesterday!


Monday, April 28, 2014

Top 5 List & Giveaway with Shelley Coriell - The Broken Blog Tour



Please help me welcome author Shelley Coriell to the blog today! She is here to share the Top 5 reasons The Broken's Kate Johnson can't resist FBI hero Hayden Reed.


Top 5 Reasons Kate Can’t Resist Hayden
1. At heart, Hayden is a man of hope.
2. Hayden’s broad shoulders look exquisite in his fancy handmade shirts and snappy custom suits but even better when draped only in moonlight.
3. Under Hayden’s gaze, Kate feels beautiful. He refuses to focus on the scars...the ones that crisscross her body and mar her past.
4. A criminal profiler and forensic psychologist, buttoned-up Hayden claims to be a head guy. But Kate knows he’s all heart. She sees it in his work and in her bed. 
5. In the comfort of Hayden’s arms, the world feels a little less broken.

___________________________________________________

 About the book

Three years ago Kate Johnson was an ambitious, justice-seeking broadcast journalist. She was also the victim of a vicious attack. Stabbed 24 times and left for dead by a serial killer later known as the Broadcaster Butcher, Kate is the only person who has actually survived the killer. She's also the one person who can help FBI profiler Hayden Reed solve the case.

With the Butcher on the loose and Hayden on her tail, Kate can't hide anymore. Not from the nightmares she's worked hard to forget. Not from the madman looking to kill again and not from the sexy FBI profiler trying to get into her head and eventually her heart. Together Kate and Hayden join forces to hunt down the Butcher and stop the bloody killing spree, a journey that forces Kate to face the monsters of her past and accept the woman she now sees in the mirror, scars and all.

 
Excerpt from The Broken

A glacial cold, like the waters of the lake outside her window, washed over her. “The Butcher’s still on the loose.” 

“And he won’t stop until he—” 

As Hayden’s voice broke off, something hovered at the far edges of her mind. For nearly a week she’d lived and breathed this case with Hayden, who now stood before her, his face twisted in anger and something more unsettling: fear. 

“Kills me,” she said with a gasp. “He has to break all the mirrors. He has to finish the job.” Her finger slid along the scar on her neck to the scar on her breast. “I’m the job he never finished. He has to kill me.” 

Hayden didn’t argue. He couldn’t. He intimately knew the Butcher. 

Adrenaline shot through her legs. After a few hours of precious peace, it was time to head back to the shadowy back roads where the Butcher couldn’t find her. 

Before she could make a run for the door, Hayden reached for her. 

Her feet tensed. Her hands fisted. Ready to fight. Ready to flee. 

She expected the jingle of cuffs. Instead, skin brushed against skin as he slipped his arms around her. Every muscle in her body tightened. It would be so easy to smack away his arms, to head-butt him in the chin, to duck and run. She pulled back her arm. 

His lips brushed against the top of her head, and his arms dropped to his side. 

The unexpected freedom left her off balance. She grabbed the bedpost. This was one of his head games. He was giving her a choice, giving her power. Right now she could walk away, duck into the shadows. 

She shifted from one bare foot to the other. But that wouldn’t stop the Butcher. He would continue to kill, continue to hunt for her because she was the one who got away. 

She took a single step, not toward the door but toward Hayden, and rested her cheek against the crisp coolness of his shirt, his heart beating calm and steady. 

Click. His arms locked about her. Then came his words, delivered with a heat that surprised her. “This is one job he’s not going to finish.” 

Buy a copy




About Shelley Coriell


A former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and restaurant reviewer. These days Shelley writes smart, funny novels for teens and big, edgy romantic suspense. A six-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, she lives and loves in Arizona with her family and the world's neediest rescue Weimaraner. When she's not behind the keyboard, you'll find her baking high-calorie, high-fat desserts and haunting local farmers markets for the perfect plum. 


Find her on the web


 
Shelley also is hosting a Book Birthday Bash giveaway of signed books from her favorite thriller/romantic suspense authors. The contest runs through May 11 and is open to US/Canada. Fans can enter here: Book Birthday Bash & Book Giveaway.

 
 Giveaway!
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Friday, April 25, 2014

Review: A Man to Hold On To by Marilyn Pappano

Therese Matheson doesn't know if she'll ever get over losing her husband in Afghanistan. Surviving Paul's death has been hard, but raising his sullen son and his thirteen-going-on-thirty daughter alone has been even harder. All they need is a fresh start, and Tallgrass, Oklahoma, could be the perfect new beginning . . . especially when Therese meets Sergeant Keegan Logan. The sexy combat medic and single dad soon awakens a desire she'd thought long buried.

Keegan always wanted to be a father . . . someday. So when his ex-girlfriend disappears, leaving her daughter in his care, Keegan's hands are tied. He has to find the girl's father. His search leads him to Tallgrass and to a beautiful brunette widow who has no idea her husband was ever unfaithful. What begins as a friendship soon ignites into something far more and gives him the courage to be the kind of man-and father-he always dreamt he could be. But his secret still stands between them. Can Keegan reveal the truth and convince Therese they share something too special to lose-a love that can bring two families together? [Goodreads]



My thoughts:

A Man to Hold on To is the second book in Marilyn Pappano's Tallgrass series. I haven't read the first yet and had no difficulty or confusion while reading this one. 

As a military wife of 11+ years you would think I would want to read about something besides cute men in uniforms and life on base, but that isn't the case. With that said, rarely do I pick up a novel that actually does this life I love (and sometimes loathe) justice. Most books are riddled with inaccuracies and stereotypes. A Man to Hold on To was amazingly accurate right down to locations (including my old stomping grounds of Fort Polk). I kind of loved that about this book.

I fell in immediate love with both Keegan and Therese. Their story is one that made my heart both ache and flutter. The author did an amazing job of making these characters feel real, and giving them a story they deserved. The pacing and plot couldn't have been more perfect. She weaved a tale that made me want keep reading and reading (and reading). I loved sitting back watching this bittersweet story unfold. I need to read more from this very talented author. And soon!

__________________________________________________

Visit Marilyn Pappano's website to learn more about her and her books!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Release Week Blitz & Giveaway - Nova and Quinton: No Regrets by Jessica Sorensen







Today is the first day of Quinton Carter's new life. The toxic guilt of his past left him in pieces-but one girl unexpectedly put him back together. Thanks to Nova Reed, Quinton can finally see the world with clear eyes. She's the reason his heart is still kicking behind the jagged scar on his chest. And he would love to have her in his arms every minute of the day . . . but he's not ready yet.
   
Playing drums in a band and living with her best friends are just some of the highlights of Nova's life. But the best new development? Talking to Quinton on the phone each night. She wishes she could touch him, kiss him, though she knows he needs time to heal. Yet shocking news is on the way-a reminder of life's dark side-and Nova will need Quinton like he once needed her. Is he strong enough to take the final leap out of his broken past . . . and into Nova's heart?


Excerpt

“I have to tell you something else, but it’s not good—it’s bad.” Before I can chicken out, I hurry and sputter, “Someone gave me a bag of meth today and I have it underneath my mattress.” As soon as I say it, I wonder why the hell I thought this was a good idea, throwing this on her. I need to stop relying on her so much—need to stand on my own two feet. 

I’m about to hang up, because really it’s the only choice, but then she says, “Did you do any of it?” 

“No.” My voice shakes as I grip the side of the mattress and battle to breathe evenly. 

“Do you want to?” she asks calmly. 

“Yes.” My voice is full of desperation. 

“Are you… are you going to?” There’s a hint of worry in her tone. 

“I’m not sure,” I admit. “I want to, but I also want to throw it away.” 

“Then throw it away,” she says, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. 

“I don’t think I can.” My hands quiver just at the thought of it and I rest my forehead on the mattress, still on my knees “It feels fucking impossible.” 

“Yes, you can.” She sounds so certain and I have no idea how she’s doing it—managing to sound so calm when I know she can’t be. “Just take it and dump it down the toilet. You can do this. I know you can.” 

“You have too much faith in me,” I say, slipping my fingers between the bed and the mattress, fighting the urge to hang up on her and turn to what’s only inches away from my fingertips. 

“No, I have the right amount,” she replies. “Now let me know when you have it and you’re headed to the bathroom. And don’t hang up on me.” It’s like she can read my mind. 

I sit there forever, going back and forth with what I want and need to do. At one point I grab the bag of crystal and put it back. Then pull it out again and open it, staring at the white crystals so close I can almost taste them. But I can also hear Nova breathing on the other end. Soft and full of concern. Acting calm, when I’m sure she’s freaking out. I want to throw them away just for her, but I have to wonder if it’s possible to care for someone so much that I’d give this up. Do I care for her that much?

After a lot of deliberating, I come to one simple answer. 

Yes. I care about her that much. 

I get to my feet and make my way to the bathroom, not speaking. Then I lift up the toilet seat and, shutting my eyes, I tip the bag over, pour the contents into the water, and flush them down. 

“Did you do it?” Nova asks at the sound of the flushing. 

I press my lips together, resting back against the bathroom wall, realizing how sweaty I am and how much I’m gasping for air. “I did.” 

“See, I knew you could do it,” she says with relief in her voice. “I knew you’d do the right thing.” 

The right thing? Is that what I just did? Sometimes it feels like it is, but there are other times when it feels like what I’m doing is so wrong and disrespectful to Lexi. But through the right and wrong, there’s always one thing that gives me hope and that’s Nova. She’s what keeps me going. 


Buy a copy



About Jessica Sorensen



Jessica Sorensen is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives with her husband and three kids in Idaho. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
 
Find her on the web
 
 
 
Enter the AWESOME Giveaway!
 
Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Launch Day Blitz & Giveaway - If You Stay by Courtney Cole


IF YOU STAY by Courtney Cole (April 8, 2014; Forever Trade Paperback; $12.00)

Twenty-four-year-old Pax Tate is an asshole. Seriously. He's a tattooed, rock-hard bad boy with a tough attitude to match. His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with an intense guilt that he doesn't understand. What he does know is that he and his dad were left alone, and they have never been close. Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the black void in his soul. He pretends that the emptiness isn't there and this has always worked . . . until he meets Mila.

Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air that Pax has never known in his life. He doesn't know how to not hurt her-but he quickly realizes that he'd better figure it out because he needs her to breathe. When the memories of his mother's death resurface to haunt Pax, Mila is there to save him from his overwhelming guilt. Mila restores his broken heart, even as she evokes his powerful, sexual desires. Now for Pax to keep Mila, he needs to work on his issues-and stop being an asshole. But is that enough to make her stay?




Excerpt

I am humming as I duck out of the shop to grab a sandwich for lunch. As I pause to lock the door, I notice Pax’s black car parked on the street twenty yards from my shop. My head snaps up and I stare at it, my fingers frozen. He’s not in it. I don’t know if I am relieved or not.

“Looking for someone?”

Pax’s voice is right behind me.

You’ve got to be kidding me. This is too coincidental. I slowly turn to find myself face to face with the very man who has invaded my thoughts. Pax smiles, a slow panty- dropping grin.

“Are you stalking me again, Miss Hill?” He cocks an eyebrow.

My heart hammers.

“What?” I choke out. “This is my shop.”

Pax shrugs. “And that’s my car. You were staring at it like you were hoping I would get out of it.”

I’m guilty of that. I can’t say a word in my defense. Instead, I stare at him like an idiot.

“What are you doing downtown?” I finally manage, changing the subject.

“I don’t cook,” he explains. “I’m making a food run. The bar down the street makes good burgers.”

“Oh,” I answer dumbly. “That’s what I’m doing too.”

He lifts his eyebrow again.

“Not the bar,” I add quickly. “I’m going to the deli, next door to the bar.”

Pax smiles again. “All by yourself? Haven’t you heard that there are some bad things going on in Angel Bay? Just a while back, some dumbass overdosed on the beach. Apparently, they’re letting all kinds of assholes in nowadays. It’s probably not safe for you to walk alone.”

I have to grin now, at his audacity.

“Oh, really? Wow. That does sound bad. Assholes are just running loose on our streets? I guess I’ll never know now when I’m going to bump into one.”

“How very true,” he answers softly, his golden eyes frozen on mine. Sweet Jesus. The man has beautiful eyes. So bottomless and warm. Like hot caramel. I gulp.

“Is this when you take your lunch every day?” he finally asks, breaking the silent stare.

“If I go out,” I answer. “Are you planning on stalking me again?”

We’re still standing in the middle of the sidewalk, but Pax doesn’t seem to care. Instead, he grins.

“Maybe,” he answers, before holding his arm out like a gentleman. “Since I’m here and you’re here and we’re both going in the same direction . . . I’ll walk you today. I’ll keep the wolves at bay.”

I stare up at him as I slip my fingers into the crook of his leather covered elbow.

“I thought you were the baddest wolf of them all?”

He grins again, wickedly. It lights up his eyes with a gleam.

“That’s probably true,” he admits. “Are you afraid?”

“I should be,” I tell him.

But I’m not.

He walks me to the deli’s door and steps away from me. I feel the absence of his warmth immediately.

“Have a good day, Mila Hill,” he tells me, his eyes flickering up and down the length of me. “Watch out for those wolves.”

And he’s gone. He disappears into the bar and I realize that I’m standing alone outside. I shake my head and sigh, going inside to order my sandwich. I have no idea what just happened, but Pax Tate is firmly in my head now. And I have the feeling he’s not going anywhere. My stomach flutters and I realize that I like that thought.

______________________________________

About the author:


Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives near Lake Michigan with her family.  She's always working on her next project... or staring dreamily out her office window.  To learn more about her, please visit http://www.courtneycoleauthor.com/

Find her on the web:




Giveaway open to US & Canada

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Monday, April 7, 2014

Top 5 List & Giveaway - Vampire's Hunger by Cynthia Garner Blog Tour





Please welcome Cynthia Garner to the blog! She is here to share her Top 5 Luxury Items She Would Hope to Have in a Post-Apocalyptic World.



 
1. Hair Dye
 
2. Sweet Tea
 
3. Chocolate
 
4. Tampons
 
5. Air Conditioning
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
About Cynthia Garner:

Cynthia Garner discovered her love for writing when her sixth grade teacher told the class to write a story that began "It was a dark and stormy night..." With that Cynthia's love for all things paranormal was born.  When she's not working her day job as a mostly mild-mannered Human Resources Manager, she's on her laptop writing or playing way too much Solitaire. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Cynthia now lives in the desert Southwest.

 
Find her on the web:



About Vampire's Hunger



VAMPIRE’S HUNGER  by Cynthia Garner (April 1, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; $3.99)

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, civilization no longer exists, and only the strongest survive. The few remaining humans must band together with supernatural beings to battle unspeakable evil-or all hope will be lost.

Kimber Treat is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift: she can raise the dead. As a necromancer who works with the police, she communicates with murder victims to bring their killers to justice. But after a normal session goes horribly wrong, Kimber realizes she's summoned something dark and sinister. She's unwittingly unleashed the apocalypse, and everyone blames her…except Duncan MacDonnough, the devastatingly handsome vampire she can't stop fantasizing about.

As society shuts down and flesh-eating hordes close in, Duncan vows to protect Kimber. He can keep her safe from others-but not from the insatiable carnal hunger he feels for her. Now racing to reverse the chaos she's unleashed, Kimber can't afford any distractions. But even as she succumbs to Duncan's seduction, she fears that he has a hidden agenda. And with the line between life and death starting to blur, his secrets might kill her-or worse…

Excerpt:

“What are you thinking?” Aodhán set his sword on the table and rested one brawny forearm along the back of the couch.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and blew out a breath. “What I’m always thinking about,” she whispered. “Them. And that it’s all my fault.”

“Do I have to tell you again what I’ve been telling you for six months, mo chara?” He leaned toward her and took her hands in his. His callused palms were warm against her skin. Aodhán had become her confidant, in spite of the fact he was buddies with a certain irritating vampire, and had taken to calling her “little friend” in his lovely lilting Irish Gaelic. Usually it served as a balm to her battered nerves. But tonight…not so much.

She didn’t need him to repeat the meaningless words. “No, because it didn’t happen to another necromancer, Aodhán,” she said. “It happened to me.” She pulled her hands away from his and stood up. She started to pace. “And I should’ve known…”

When she didn’t go on, he prompted, “You should have known what?”

She pressed her lips together and plopped sideways into the oversized recliner, letting her legs dangle over the padded arm. “There was something different about the Unseen that night. It seemed to…reach for me.” She met his bright blue eyes. “It’s never done that before. Maybe if I’d stopped, if I’d aborted the ritual…” She huffed a sigh and shook her head. “I dunno. I should’ve done anything different than what I did, which was just plow right ahead because I had a job to do. A reputation to maintain.”

He rested his ankle across the opposite knee and stretched both arms along the back of the sofa. “Hindsight is always the clearest. You had no way of knowing what would happen.” He leaned forward, his gaze somber. “And all the coulda-shoulda-wouldas in the world won’t change what happened.”

A smile caught her by surprise. She hadn’t felt like smiling in…forever, it seemed.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

She shook her head. “You are.” When he frowned, she held up one hand, palm up. “I just mean you’re centuries old, you’re a warrior—with a mighty sword, for crying out loud—and to hear you say ‘coulda-shoulda-woulda’ struck my funny bone. That’s all.”

“You know I’m right.”

“Knowing,” she said with a finger tapping her forehead, “and knowing,” she went on with two fingers over her heart, “are two different things.”

“Can’t argue with you on that one.” He reached for his sword and the sharpening stone he always left on the end table.

The key turned in the front door. Kimber and Aodhán both jumped up, he with his sword gripped tight in his right hand, instantly ready for battle.

Duncan walked in. He closed and locked the door behind him and quirked a brow at them. “You think zombies are going to have a key?”

“Shut up.” Aodhán sat back down and started sharpening his sword.

“Kimber,” Duncan said in greeting. He walked over and dropped down onto the end of the sofa. His dark hair was mussed, slight curls flopping onto his forehead. A tire iron hung from his belt loop.
Whatever the infection was that turned humans into zombies, it didn’t work on vampires, at least not from the aspect of turning them into shuffling undead. But it was just as deadly to vampires as it was to humankind, causing the infected vamp to die a horrible and agonizing true death. So they couldn’t use their teeth as a weapon like they would under other circumstances. They’d had to improvise, just like everyone else.

She glanced at Aodhán. He’d been pretty close-mouthed about whether the fey could get infected. She had a feeling they could, or maybe they didn’t know yet. When the Outbreak happened, most fey returned to their own realm, refusing entry to anyone not fey, leaving humans to deal with the problem or be overtaken by it.

At least vampires hadn’t completely abandoned them. Of course, that was probably because humans were their preferred food source. She turned her attention to Duncan and tried to ignore how delicious he looked. And realized that since he was here it meant it was dark outside. Already? Damn it.

“I hate this.” Kimber folded her arms across her chest. “Damned windows all taped up. We don’t know what freaking time it is anymore. We only know that it’s dark because you show up.” Her voice cracked. She cupped her hands around her elbows, not sure how much more of this she could take. It felt like the least little thing would shatter her beyond repair. She needed a good scream. Which she couldn’t have.

The next best thing would be a good cry. Which she wouldn’t do, especially in front of Duncan. She didn’t want him thinking she was weak. And immediately she grew irritated at herself for caring one way or the other what he thought. She didn’t base her choices on what Duncan would think. This wasn’t a What-Would-Duncan-Do world. She let loose a growl of frustration.

“Easy,” Duncan murmured.

She took a deep breath and held it several seconds. “I’m all right,” she finally said. She sat back down and looked at him. “Did you have any trouble getting here?”

He shook his head. “The area’s quiet. For the moment. We must be in between waves.”

Waves of zombies. Hordes. Herds. Gaggles. She stared at their blacked-out windows. She’d heard the living dead referred to in all of those ways, first in graphic novels, never really dreaming one day they would be a reality.

Well, reality sucked.


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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

One Night with an Earl by Jennifer Haymore Release Week Blitz & Giveaway



ONE NIGHT WITH AN EARL by Jennifer Haymore (April 1, 2014; Forever Yours E-Novella; $1.99)
Beatrice Reece, Lady Fenwick, has retired from polite society. Everyone knows her late husband treated her abominably, and she simply cannot bear the whispers of the ton. But it's the night of London's premier masquerade ball-and Beatrice's one chance to revel in anonymity. She hopes no one will recognize her beneath her mask, not even the sinfully sexy stranger across the room who holds her captive in his gaze . . . 

Andrew Sinclair would know beautiful Beatrice anywhere from the gentle sway of her hips, the richness of her hair, and the lushness of her body. When he asks her to dance, the attraction is instant and all-consuming. The only woman he's ever truly wanted is finally in his arms. But when the clock strikes twelve, will this one reckless night fade into the morning light?
Excerpt
He reached down and took her right hand in his own. He raised their hands as he slipped his other arm around her waist. She pressed her palm against the back of his shoulder and suppressed a shudder. They were so very close, in such an intimate position. She wanted more, wished she could press herself even closer to him. “I haven’t danced a waltz in a very long time,” she breathed.

In fact, though she had learned how to waltz, she had never officially danced one during her Season because waltzes were considered highly improper for young ladies.

“The waltz is my favorite dance,” he told her.

“Why is that?” she asked, thinking that if he was to keep holding her like this the whole way through, it might just become her favorite dance, too.

“I do not enjoy touching a great many people,” he said quietly, his glittering blue eyes locked on hers. His arm tightened around her. “I prefer to have my hands on just one woman at a time. And that woman happens to be you.”

It felt like the air in the room—already thin and difficult to breathe—was sucked away. For a moment, she felt light-headed, unable to speak. Then she managed, “But don’t you dance the other dances as well?”

“Yes, when it is necessary for me to do so.”

“Why, if you don’t like them?”

“Because it is expected. I have made a study of societal expectations. The study has allowed me to become quite skilled at meeting them, Persephone.”

And with that, the waltz began. It was a lively dance, and Mr. Bull took full advantage, his steps bold, his turns wide, causing her pleats to stretch open and her skirt to billow around her.

She held on tight and let him take her on the ride. She didn’t think about the steps—she didn’t need to. She learned quickly that she must allow her feet to move as they would, and as long as she did so, they fell into a natural, perfect synchronicity.

He took her into a wide, spinning arc, and she couldn’t help it. She laughed in delight. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so free.

He squeezed her hand very tight for a moment. “You have the sweetest laugh I’ve ever heard,” he said, gazing down at her.

Still smiling, she looked into his eyes as he spun her around yet again. “Thank you.”

“I believe you enjoy waltzing with me, Persephone.”

“I have not enjoyed anything so much in a very long time,” she admitted. “I wish…”They danced around a group of couples, steering clear of a flurry of colorful skirts.

“What do you wish?” he asked, his voice low.

“I fear this might be our only opportunity to dance a waltz,” she said. “And I wish that wasn’t the case.”

“I hope it isn’t the case,” he said.

“But it must be. Because I fear Persephone’s time here is limited.”

Soon enough, she’d need to leave the colorful rebirth of spring and return to the underworld. But it was true—something about being with this man felt like she was blossoming after a very, very long time spent underground. She loved that feeling…and she didn’t want it to end.

“My time is limited.” She gazed at him straight on. “But I intend to enjoy every second while it lasts.”

This time, his lips were easier to read, his smile slow and seductive, and his eyes narrowing the slightest bit through the sockets of the mask.

“And I intend to enjoy every moment with you.”

She felt so free. Spinning, turning, waltzing, a handsome man holding her as if she were his most cherished possession, her dress a cloud of blue linen around her, her heart soaring. Tonight, after living so long a prisoner, she was breaking free of the cage Fenwicke had built around her.

For the first time since long before his death two years ago, she felt free.

And until a person has been a prisoner, they never understand how truly sweet freedom can be.


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About the author


As a child, Jennifer Haymore traveled the South Pacific with her family on their homebuilt sailboat. The months spent on the sometimes quiet, sometimes raging seas sparked her love of adventure and grand romance. Since then, she's earned degrees in computer science and education and held various jobs ranging from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to acting, but she's never stopped writing. 

You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel. 
Find her on the web