Monday, December 15, 2014

Sweet Deception with Angel Nicholas

Her boring existence seems perfect until a charming detective threatens Ally’s heart and lethal contract killers jeopardize her happily ever after.


I'm thrilled beyond the stratosphere to have the uber-talented Angel Nicholas on my blog today, with her brand new release from HarperImpulse, Sweet Deception! Check this excerpt and links below to find out more!

~ * ~

Ally Thompson’s life is perfect. Calm, quiet, some might even say boring. The sole survivor of a tragic accident, she’s not the adventurous type—something she’s decided to change.

One roller-coaster ride…

A murder and a detective in disguise shatter Ally’s first attempt at “fun.” Detective Greg Marsing is everything Ally knows better than to want. The gun-totting, tattooed scumbags trying to kill her are almost a welcome distraction from her pointless attraction.

Blows her world wide open…

A contract on Ally has every lowlife for miles gunning for her. Sparks fly while she and her unlikely hero scramble to unravel clues. As the deadly game escalates, Greg has to decide if self-preservation rates higher than a love worth dying for.

Excerpt

Oh, God! He was shooting at her. Actually shooting. In broad daylight. In her neighbor’s backyard. Didn’t they have rules about that sort of stuff?

Nerves shredded, Ally gritted her teeth. Three more feet. Two. Another crunch. She swore the heat of the bullet singed her shoulder. Arms extended, she jumped for all she was worth. Up, braced her arms and pushed off. She landed with an oomph on the other side, followed by another crunch and a hole in the wood fence.

For a split-second, she crouched panting, staring in disbelief at the fence towering over her head. Had she really done that?

Cursing from the other side got her up and moving again. Squealing tires and a revving engine brought her head around. A car tore into the alley and raced toward her. More bad guys? Had he called in reinforcements?

Ally froze.      

Did I do something horrible in a past life to deserve this?

Truly, I’ll help the poor. Serve food at the soup kitchen. Go to church every Sunday. Donate money to the shelter. I’ll even babysit my friend’s bratty kids.

Just please, please, please get me out of this alive.

The shiny black Camaro careened to a stop with the driver’s side door facing her. Heavily tinted windows revealed nothing. In a last desperate bid for freedom, she darted past the door. Strong arms encircled her waist and dragged her back toward the idling car.

“No!” Ally screamed like a banshee, flinging out her arms and legs, scrabbling for purchase. Hard hands sent her flying across the front seat.

“Ally.”

“Let me go!” She dove for the door handle.

“Ally!” He grabbed her elbow and pulled her back, away from the passenger door. “Damn woman, you are way more trouble than you’re worth.”

Almost blind with panic, she twisted around and crouched on the seat, prepared to draw blood.

Shocked hazel clashed with furious aqua. Her mouth fell open. Muttering under his breath, Detective Marsing threw the car into gear and spun out of the alleyway. She whipped her head around in time to see a blocky head pop up over the privacy fence as they disappeared around the corner. She’d done it. Escaped. Stayed alive. Like an atomic bomb, the events of the past hours and the emotions she’d worked so hard to control mushroomed up, exploding inside. Tears stung.

“Can’t you stay out of trouble for five minutes?”



BUY LINKS:  Amazon    Barnes & Nobles    Google play    Kobo    iTunes 
 
Author Bio
The only girl in the midst of four brothers, Angel Nicholas spent her childhood hiding behind romance novels. Now the mother of four overly-energetic children, a Whimsy kitty and slobber-flinging Great Dane, fiction is still her refuge. Excessive caffeine fuels her typing, stiletto heels maintain her sass, and the splendors of Idaho alongside its gregarious people inspire her muse.
 
Find Angel on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and on her website! You can also favorite her Amazon Author Page to receive emails when new books are available!

 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Mystic Hearts with Cait Jarrod!

I'm thrilled to be hosting the talented Cait Jarrod today, with her fabulous new release...

Mystic Hearts
 
Whoo Hoo! Take it away, Cait!

I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for having me.

Do you believe in ghosts?
In the romantic suspense Mystic Hearts, I touched on the idea that ghosts exist in Greenwood Manor in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Spotsylvania and the nearby city Fredericksburg are counties some of the Civil War battles were fought.

A sneak peek into the sightings mentioned in Mystic Hearts:—
The Madison Hand was a fictitious scare tactic by my oldest brother. He loved to scare and tease me. The Madison Hand, as I described in the book, was taken from one of the many things he invented to torment me. I can smile now with fond memories, but then…not so much.

As for the other item I mentioned, the white patch flowing through the sky was not another tactic constructed by my brother. Each time I saw the bizarre shape and movements, my brother wasn’t home, so I can’t blame or accuse him…
I’m not alone. Others have witnessed peculiar sightings in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas.

People either believe in ghosts or they don’t. Many rationalize the strange phenomena as a freak of nature or their eyes playing tricks on them for a brief moment. Others wholeheartedly trust their sight and know what they saw.
Whatever you believe, I hope you enjoy the websites I’ve listed below.


Mystic Hearts
The Band of Friends series, Book 2
Editor’s Pick!
Print coming soon.
Buy on ebook:

Coming soon to print 

 

Nothing is as it seems….
Temptation landed at Special Agent Larry Newman’s feet—literally. Charlene Smith captured his heart after he rescued her from terrorists two months ago. A failed relationship and being an abused child have turned him into a loner and workaholic. The scars weigh heavy on him and keep him from pursuing her. So what’s a guy to do when the woman he pines for passes out in front of him while working a case?

Battling psychological wounds from abduction is easier than coming face to face with the sexy FBI agent she’s fantasized about for months. A single mother, avoiding the drama that dating would bring to her son’s life, she allows Larry close only in her dreams. Now, she's second-guessing her decision. Should she have a relationship with this man who makes her feel alive just by being close?

Catch up with Cait:
 

Facebook Page
Facebook Profile
Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Email: cait.jarrod@aol.com
Pinterest

 
Sign up for her quarterly newsletters or when a new release comes out at http://caitjarrod.com/contact-cait-andor-signup-for-news-from-cait-newsletter/.
From writing ‘every girl’s dream heroes’ to ‘strong, down-to-earth heroines,’ Cait Jarrod twists ‘cliff hanging plots’ and ‘clever, unpredictable sub-plots’. She loves diving into a good book as much as she loves writing one.

Mother of three gorgeous daughters, she’s married to her best friend, hangs out with the WWC, a great group of women, and loves a good glass of wine.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Tempt the Night Cover Reveal!!!

I AM THRILLED TO HOST DIXIE LEE BROWN'S
UPCOMING NOVEL!
 
Announcing the amazing cover reveal for... 

TEMPT THE NIGHT
by Dixie Lee Brown from Avon Impulse 

 
Trust No One, Book 5
~Available February 24th, 2015~

Former Navy Seal Jim Brady works best under pressure. At least he used to. Now, fighting flashbacks from his time in Iraq, he’s given up everything that’s familiar to him in order to protect the innocent…from himself. His mission in Alaska is simple—find a mother and reunite her with her son. Piece of cake. Except…the woman he finds isn’t the one he’s looking for. This one is pressing a gun to his ribs, and she’s covered in someone else’s blood. Not a great first impression.

Samantha “Mac” McCallister barely believes her own tale of dirty cops and murder that lands her in the same house at the same time as Brady. One minute, she’s enjoying a ride-along in her best friend’s cruiser. The next he’s dead, and she’s wanted for his murder. Brady is involved somehow. At the very least, he may have information she needs. Mac never expected to be hiding out from the law, but if Brady can be trusted, she just might survive long enough to clear her name. Too bad trust isn’t the only thing she’s feeling for the handsome stranger.

Working with a fugitive isn’t really in Brady’s plans for this lifetime. Still, something about the blue-eyed beauty tells him she’s not the source of the trouble—she’s running from it. Deep down he knows he’ll protect her no matter what…but can he protect his heart? That’s another story.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY:  AMAZON / B&N

 
Dixie Lee Brown lives and writes in Central Oregon, inspired by what she believes is the most gorgeous scenery anywhere. She resides with two dogs and a cat, who make sure she never takes herself too seriously. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, movies, and trips to the beach.

 
 

Other ways to connect with Dixie

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Monday, December 1, 2014

Cover Reveal: Time Out, Valentine by Melinda Dozier!



 
Time Out, Valentine
by Melinda Dozier
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: January 2015

And here's the amazing Time Out, Valentine cover ...



BLURB


Lexi’s life is one big dump. Or so she thinks. To keep her mind off her latest breakup, she stays busy with work. It’s no big deal, since writing for Time Out Portland Magazine is a blast…except for the one small snag – Grant Reeds. Grant, a shy but sexy computer geek, is new to Time Out, working as the Networking Director for the online magazine. Even though Lexi thinks he doesn’t notice her, he sure as hell does. The owners have a plan for their upcoming Valentine’s Special, pairing up the two to explore romantic date ideas around the city. Soon, Lexi and Grant learn that the old adage, “Opposites Attract,” can ring true.


EXCERPT

Grant sipped his beer and surveyed the room around them—anywhere but at the siren next to him, with her fancy drink, an umbrella hanging off the side. Overhead lights strobed the room, gleaming in all directions. The DJ announced a new song and a new crowd rushed to the dance floor, leaving them more alone in the back of the room. Thank God.


It was stifling hot. He tugged his collar from his neck and rolled the sleeves of his white button-up. His glasses slid down his nose, forcing him to take them off and put them in his shirt pocket.

Luckily in that part of the room, the music wasn’t so loud that they had to scream to converse. He only raised his voice a fraction to ask her the question he’d been wondering since they set foot in the place. “So, you think this is romantic enough for a Valentine's date?"
 

She batted her long lashes in his direction and smirked. “There’s low lights.”

“Yeah and loud music, people all around.” To help prove his point, someone bumped him in the back, pushing him closer to Lexi. His hand circled her waist and rested on her hip.

She sipped the drink, moving the umbrella with her other hand, then licked her lips. “It’sthe place to be. All trendy couples find their way here.” She cocked her head. “What would make it more romantic? Kissing?”

 
A slow smile formed and he faced her. Not a bad idea. “Actually, yeah.” He placed his bottle on the table behind them, cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck.

She laughed nervously, putting her weight on another sexy as hell foot. “What? You’re gonna kiss me? For real?”

“We need romance.” He grabbed her cup and put it next to his bottle. His gaze dropped to her mouth.

“You kissing me won’t—”

He placed his thumb on her lips. “Shhh. Stop talking so we can be romantic.”


AUTHOR BIO


After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband/ college sweetheart who brings "mucho amor" to her life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda's guilty pleasures include reality t.v., traveling, blogging and playing Zynga games.


LINKS
The Wild Rose Press: http://goo.gl/F3IG1W

Sign up for Melinda’s newsletter HERE.


GIVEAWAY
Melinda will be giving away a $5 Barnes and Noble or Books a Million eGift Card.



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Say Nothing of What you See by Christy Effinger!

I'm thrilled to be hosting the talented Christy Effinger today with her lastest release, Say Nothing of What You See, out NOW from The Wild Rose Press!

Say Nothing of What You See by Christy Effinger
Published by The Wild Rose Press
Released August 29, 2014
Genre: Paranormal New Adult
Length: Novel  

When her aunt steps off a grain elevator into the emptiness of a prairie evening, Mira Piper loses her one protector. Chloe, her flighty mother, impulsively drags her daughter to Bramblewood, an isolated spiritualist retreat in northern Michigan, run by the enigmatic Dr. Virgil Simon.

Chloe plans to train as a medium but it's Mira who discovers she can communicate with the dead. When her mother abandons her, Mira discovers a darker aspect to Bramblewood: the seemingly kind doctor has a sinister side and a strange control over his students.

Then one winter's day Troy Farrington arrives, to fulfill his mother's dying wish and deliver her letter to the doctor. But calamity strikes and he finds himself a captive, tended by a sympathetic Mira. Haunted by her dead aunt and desperate to escape Bramblewood, Mira makes a devil's deal with Dr. Simon. But fulfillment comes with a steep cost...betrayal.
~ * ~

“You are absolutely stunning, Mira.”

I stole another glance in the mirror. The material was a rich, shimmery gold that fell from my shoulders in folds of liquid light. It looked like something a Greek goddess might wear. Oh, how I wished the girls from Amberville High School could see me in this dress!

“When you came here,” said Dr. Simon, “I had a vision of you like this. I looked at the girl before me, but I saw the woman you are now.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, gesturing toward the piles of clothes on my bed. “You’ve been so generous. I know you’ve spent a good deal of money on me—”

“Money means nothing,” he interrupted abruptly. “I have more than I could ever spend, more than I know what to do with. Don’t consider the cost.”

His tone was brusque, and I wondered if I had offended him.

But the next moment Dr. Simon smiled. “I think of you as my charity case. You were like a doll thrown out in the garbage. I simply rescued you from the trash, cleaned you up, and dressed you in something decent. But the beauty was present all along.” He touched my cheek. “Here.” Then he touched my forehead. “Here.” Then he touched my chest. “And here.”

I knew he was referring to my heart, but even so, his hand on my chest made my face warm with discomfort.

“You blush so easily,” he laughed. “You’ll never be able hide anything, Mira, with such a transparent face.”

“That’s all right,” I said, taking a small step back. “I don’t have anything to hide.”
 
~ * ~
Say Nothing of What You See is available NOW!

Christy Effinger’s poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in various print and online publications. She lives near Indianapolis. Her website is www.christyeffinger.com.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

COVER REVEAL: The Golden Key Legacy

I'm so excited to announce the fabulous cover reveal for...
THE GOLDEN KEY LEGACY
a fantasy romance serial novel from HarperImpulse

 
The Golden Key Legacy, Book I: A Furious Muse
~Available November 27, 2014~

Since the day of her birth, Princess Faedrah Austiere has been defined by he place within the kingdom. As the single heir to the half-blood gypsy king and his prophesied white queen, she is fiercely protected, shuttered inside an ivory castle and well-trained in the art of war. Yet neither her obligations as future queen nor the black infestation threatening her kingdom fail to hinder the mysterious pull of the antique armoire hidden in her parents' bedchamber. And stealing the golden key for a leap through time is the only way to confront the dark lord haunting her dreams.

One face. The image of one defiant, relentless woman has been stuck in Rhys McEleod’s head ever since he was old enough to paint her luscious curves on the canvas. But the day she walks into his life off the street—sexier than hell and itching for a fight—he’s not convinced she’s the same women he’s envisioned since childhood. That is, not until he spots the golden key around her neck—an object he’d never fully shown in any of his paintings.

Now if he could just persuade his lovely muse he’s not the enemy. Unless the elusive Faedrah Austiere learns to trust him, he’ll never have her in his bed—the one place he’s convinced she belongs.

PRE-ORDER YOUR $0.99 COPY TODAY:  AMAZON / AMAZONUK

The Golden Key Legacy, Book II: The Sacrifice
~Available December 18, 2014~

The second Faedrah Austiere walked into his life off the canvas, everything in Rhys McEleod’s world stopped making sense. Not only does her story sound like a Grimm’s fairy tale, evidently he’s been cast as the villain. If that isn’t enough, the mirror inside that old, beat up armoire at her uncle’s condo is supposedly a doorway to another world. Ever since the pathway opened, something inside him has seemed…off. If what his muse says is true, they are headed for an epic showdown, but he isn’t about to let her go. Nothing is more important than Faedrah’s protection, even if her parents refuse to accept him.  

Though certain their fates are bound by more than the golden key Princess Faedrah wears around her neck, it is paramount Rhys’ true identity be kept secret. Should news of his bloodline ever reach her kingdom, their entire quest to save her people could be lost. Their only hope to prove his loyalty is to steal the map to the dark lord’s Crystal Crypt. Yet her a plan endangers her beloved more than the accusations he faces in her kingdom and, to escape evil’s grasp, she and Rhys must take a leap of faith beyond her wildest imagination. 
 
PRE-ORDER YOUR $0.99 COPY TODAY:  AMAZON / AMAZONUK

 
The Golden Key Legacy, Book III: A Wizard Rises
~Available January 29, 2015~

The homecoming celebration held in honor of Princess Faedrah is fraught with perilous frustration. Her nightmares have returned thricefold and, to her horror, a horrendous blight has spread like a plague throughout the kingdom. Compounding her worries, Rhys’ arrival in her world has been welcomed with the exact horror-filled reaction she expected. Her beloved has been cast into the dungeons, and no amount of arguing with the king and queen will prove he’s her fated love.

Magical powers were supposed to be a gift, or so Rhys McEleod had always believed. Too bad the second he landed in Faedrah’s world the legacy he inherited slammed into his body like a weight. He’s got zero control and his constant visions of Faedrah fighting an evil entity aren’t helping. At least her parents made the right decision and stuck him away someplace safe. Until he can figure out his next move, prove himself an ally and uncover the clues to stopping Faedrah’s nightmares, he’s got no choice but to wait…and learn exactly what he’s become.
 
PRE-ORDER YOUR $0.99 COPY TODAY:  AMAZON / AMAZONUK

The Golden Key Legacy, Book IV: A Time of Reckoning
~Available February 26, 2015~

Rhys had one job to do. One measly errand that shouldn’t have been a problem, given the nature of his powers. But when an old enemy reappears, detailing the result of his actions, Rhys is forced to make a choice between a future with Faedrah or dying before his time. Frustrated and out of options, he agrees to her suggestion they to leap forward in time to the future…even though a good chance exists his powers will be nothing but a memory in his world. Flying blind on a wing and a prayer, they prepare to fight for everything they love against a wizard of insurmountable power.

Faedrah does her best to gather their closest allies. The sides are squared in a war to control the future of both worlds. With the stakes so high, only one advantage has been cast in their favor. The sigil of utmost protection inherent in Rhys’ signature. If not enough to thwart the evil awaiting at the Austiere gates, she could find herself imprisoned in the future, while her kingdom and all those she has sworn to protect are lost to the mists of time.

PRE-ORDER YOUR $0.99 COPY TODAY:  AMAZON / AMAZONUK
 
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS GOLDEN KEY!
 
Join AJ's Golden Key Chroniclers STREET TEAM 
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Bridesmaids' Tales and the release of ROCK SOLID by Lisa Olech!

I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to be hosting Lisa Olech today, with a post about being a bridesmaid and in celebration of her new release, Rock Solid, Book II in her Stoddard Art School Series out NOW from The Wild Rose Press! Whoot! The floor is yours, hon! Take it away!

~ * ~

Fall in New England is one of the most beautiful times to get married. It seems everywhere I turn there is a wedding going on. Backyard, harvest-themed. Elegant autumnal events. Stunning scenic spectaculars. And no matter whether the bride is wearing the latest Marchesa gown, or sporting cowboy boots, there is one common element…BRIDESMAIDS.

Something happens to a woman when she’s planning her wedding. For some reason she feels the need to rope all of her friends into her madness. Sisters, cousins, old college roommates, BFF’s, none are immune! Have you seen some of those hideous bridesmaid dresses? I’ve been in several weddings, and thankfully the brides have behaved themselves and not asked me to wear anything with a huge butt bow, but I was always told the same thing…oh, you’ll be able to shorten this and wear it as a cocktail dress! Never happens! That dress you paid way too much money for in a color that only looks good on the mannequin will end up in the back of the closet along with their matching shoes, parasol, and hats.

There are tales of brides using their maids as wedding staff. “Volunteering” them to spend hours stuffing Jordan Almonds into little bags or hand-lettering three hundred and fifty place cards or plucking roses apart an hour before the wedding so the flower girl has something to scatter. How about that bride with the frothy princess skirt that fills the aisle and trails behind her for yards? Who do you think holds all that tulle while the bride uses the ladies room?

In my new book, Rock Solid, my heroine, Emily Baskins is coerced into being Bridesmaid #6 for her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The bride actually asks her to wear platform shoes and a wig so she won’t ‘stick out’ in the parade of tall, willowy brunettes the bride has purposely chosen to accompany her down the aisle.

What about you? Have you been a bridesmaid? Worn a butt bow? I’d love to hear your stories of weddings gone wrong. I’m not going be a spoiler and tell you what happens to Emily. You’ll have to read that for yourselves!

MAXIMO VEGA is a “rock” star! The media proclaimed him 'The Sculptor for the New Generation,' but he’s a reclusive artist ensnared by fame. Driven and intense, his isolation only adds to his mystique. Couple that with his smoldering good looks and rich Italian accent… Fans sigh his name.

EMILY BASKINS is a gifted graduate student at the Stoddard School of Art. To land an internship at the Vega Studio is her golden ticket. All she has to do is follow the rules. And stay out of trouble. Two things Emily has never been able to do.

As Max becomes trapped in the glare of the limelight, he discovers his greatest muse. He teaches Emily to breathe passion into clay and give marble a soul. But is their fiery relationship as rock solid as they believe? Or will a lie shatter the illusion?
 
~ * ~
 

Maximo Vega gathered his composure. He wore a black T-shirt, gray across the shoulders with dust, worn jeans, and heavy boots under a thick leather apron that reached to his knees. Hanging his head and bracing his hands on his hips, he was a study in frustration. The sleeves of his shirt hugged defined muscles of steely arms. And his hands…they were artist’s hands. Sculptor’s hands. Beaten by stone and scarred by tools. They spoke of years of rugged, blistering work
He was tall. His shadowed jaw, rigid with anger, cut sharply against the tanned column of his neck. Maximo slapped the chisel on his leathered thigh. “I pay you. You find me good hands! Not idiota!”
“I’m sorry, Maximo. He’s gone. You’ll never have to work with him again.”
“Good.”
The great artist’s gaze slid over Emily. His eyes stopped at the white-knuckled hold she had on the large black portfolio.
He waved a hand toward her. “What are you?”
Emily’s throat slammed shut.
“A new intern possibly,” offered Dante. “She’s here from the Stoddard School of Art.”
Deep brown eyes the color of rich coffee, no cream, speared her beneath frowning brows. He flipped his hand toward the portfolio. “Come. Show me.”
Emily shot a look to Dante. He gave her a tiny nudge, like a parent pushing a frightened child toward Santa’s lap.
“Come, come, come.” He snatched the portfolio from her numb fingers, unzipped it and laid it open across a crowded worktable. He used the rag in his hand to wipe the sweat from his lip as he flipped through photos and sketches of her latest works.
“Nice. Hmm. No.” A nod for this one. A shake of the head for another. “Yes. This one is good. Good.”
He looked away from her sketches and gave her a hard stare before looking down the full length of her and back again in a slow appraisal. Emily released the breath she was holding.
“Let me see your hands.”
She held them out and he grasped her wrists and examined first her palms before turning them over. “Cold,” he said just loud enough for her to hear.
The smell of the heat of his body and the spice of soap drifted past her.
“Nervous.”
He lifted a quick eyebrow. “Good.”
~ * ~
AMAZON / B&NTWRP (E-BOOK) / TWRP (PAPERBACK)
 
Lisa A. Olech is an artist/writer living in her dream house nestled among the lakes in New England. She loves getting lost in a steamy book, finding the perfect pair of sexy shoes, and hearing the laughter of her men. Being an estrogen island in a sea of testosterone makes her queen. She believes in ghosts, silver linings, the power of a man in a tuxedo, and happy endings.



You can find her at:  www.lisaolech.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lisa.A.Olech.Writer
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LisaOlech