Monday, July 14, 2014

Book Blast: The Tesla Gate by John D. Mimms - Excerpt & Giveaway

Tesla GateThe Tesla Gate

John D. Mimms

When a cosmic storm enters Earth’s atmosphere, scientists are baffled by its composition and origins, but not nearly as much as they are by the storm’s side effect – anyone who has died and chosen not to cross over is suddenly stranded here, visible, and can interact with the living. With the world thrown into chaos, Thomas Pendleton is eager to make up for many broken promises to his six-year-old son, Seth. Soon after the storm, they set out on a road trip to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, completely unaware of the social and political maelstrom they’re heading into that will change their lives forever.





Excerpt (The prologue)

The day the storm hit, the world was changed forever. Its severity would not be measured in property damage or loss of life, although the latter could be argued. This storm’s impact turned man’s beliefs completely upside down; the social upheaval would be worse than the aftermath of any storm in history. 

Though this storm did not bring hurricane force winds, driving rain, cyclones or even floods, its effects would be far more subtle … but the impact every bit as palpable. This storm had unique origins and, unlike most weather events, it was not relegated to one geographic area. Indeed it covered the entire planet; no one was left unaffected. Living or dead.


john mimmsAuthor John D. Mimms

John D. Mimms is a business owner, paranormal researcher, and author. John served as the Technical Director for the Arkansas Paranormal and Anomalous Studies Team (ARPAST). During his four-year tenure with the organization, he helped supervise over 100 investigations and wrote more than sixteen technical articles. One of John's articles, titled "A Christmas Carol Debunked," was read live on Parazona Radio by Paul Bradford of Ghost Hunters International fame. John also wrote the ARPAST technical/training manual which is a comprehensive guide on equipment usage, investigation protocol, and scientific theory for paranormal research. In 2009 John decided to couple his knowledge of paranormal phenomena with his lifelong love of literary fiction. Among his titles are The Great Keep, Death Theory, and The Lemonade Girl. John is currently working on book two of The Tesla Gate trilogy.


book blast buttonBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/7/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Tour Finale: A Perfect Secret by Donna Hatch - Tour Links & Giveaway

To post this Grand Finale and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter, 
email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with "A Perfect Secret" in the subject line.

A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the THE REGENCY TOUR Grand Finale for
A Perfect Secret
by Donna Hatch

Did you miss any of these fabulous tour stops? Here are snippets from each of them:

Launch
What do you hope readers take with them when they read your book?
I hope they will believe that love is real and it can help us find the courage to do what we believe is right. I also hope they will question what they think they know about people and let go of prejudice, and even help them forgive those who have hurt them.

Cherry Mischievous - Excerpt
Six-year-old Christian Amesbury stood in the churchyard, trying not to crush the flowers he’d brought to put in front of the family crypt where they’d laid his brother to rest, the brother he loved, the brother he killed. Alone in every way, he stood, shaking, as his last taunting words to Jason echoed in his head. Christian had wanted to prove he was brave and strong. Instead, his brother, best friend, and advocate, was dead.

Kelly P's Blog - Historical Romance, the Perfect Escape
In a recent survey, 80% of people who called themselves avid readers listed historical novels as one of their top three favorite types of books to read. I wasn’t really surprised, since historical fiction, especially historical romance fiction, is my favorite genre. But it got me thinking; why the broad appeal?

I Am A Reader - Jane Austen's Influence
Who is the greatest fiction author of all time? That question would no doubt be greeted by a host of answers and responses, and would largely depend on the type of fiction each person enjoys reading. For many of us who enjoy historical romance novels, our resounding answer is: Jane Austen.
Jane Austen

"Historical romances are pretty much my favorite (type of romances) especially the ones that get it all right- from the rather formal language, to the courting and the calling upon and the mannerisms. You get the picture, right? Well, A Perfect Secret lived up to all of it!"

Bookworm Lisa - British Tea
I am a total history geek. I freely admit this. My geekiness started way back when I was a child pouring over the pages of the Little House series, both the books and the TV series, among other historical stories. Later, it grew out of necessity when I decided I wanted my stories to take place during Regency England. Obviously, this means copious amounts of research. But research has grown into an extreme fascination all its own.
Review
"The writing in this book is wonderful. Donna has done a wonderful job at pulling me in the story. Her characters are believable and I actually cared about what happened to them."

"I really, really enjoyed this book. It was an awesome escape from reality and I literally devoured this book in a day. I love when that happens."

Mel's Shelves - Review
"This is a clean read, but be prepared for serious issues rather than fluff. I loved it, though, and had a hard time putting it down. This is the third book in this series but I thought it worked well as a stand alone. You can tell there's history between the characters but it doesn't interfere with the storyline of this book. This is a series I plan to read from the beginning so I can get more of a feel for all the Amesbury siblings, their relationships with each other and how they each find their happy ending!"

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews - Regency Ladies Clothing
The Regency era brought dramatic changes in women's fashion. Those huge hoop skirts and pinched waistlines popular in the Elizabethan Era disappeared in favor of the Roman style gown with high waistlines and lighter fabrics.

The Written Adventure - Interview
6) What made you decide to write in the Regency England?
Honestly, when I write my first rough draft of a historical romance, I wasn’t sure what time period it should take place in. So I did some research into the manners and mores, the clothing and fashions, what was going on politically. I eventually narrowed it down to either the Regency or Victorian Era. But in the end, I chose Regency for two reasons. First, it was a good niche market. A lot of people know what Regency means, especially if I add, the time of Jane Austen. It’s sort of an instant “in.” Secondly, and probably most importantly, I love the people who lived in that time. The people who lived then were so driven by duty and honor. In Regency England, duty and honor were everything. If a man said he’d do something, especially if he gave his word, he meant it, and others could count him to follow through, even at great personal cost.

     “Let him stay,” Jason urged again. “He’s not bothering anyone.”
Grant let out a snort. “You’re too soft on him.”
     Cole, highest in the tree and holding a paper he’d rolled up into the shape of a spyglass, let out a long-suffering sigh. “You can be the cabin boy. Ahoy there!”
     A ship, today.
     From his perch on one of the lower tree limbs, Jason leaned down and held out a hand. “Come on up, Chris. I’ll help you.”
     Christian shook his head. “I can do it by myself.”
Can we expect to hear more from these characters in the near future?
There are four brothers in the Amesbury family, and three of them have stories already written so I have one more to go. I’ve actually started the fourth brother’s story and he’s really a tough nut. I still don’t know most of his secrets. He may or may not tell me very many of them by the end of the story. There are also two sisters in the family whose stories I have loosely planned.

Deal Sharing Aunt - Excerpt
     He’d done this. He’d torn apart the family. It was his fault. Mama cried constantly and some days didn’t get out of bed. Father never smiled. Two months later, Cole and Jared left for the sea. Jason was gone forever. Grant never spoke to him, only shot him murderous glares that left Christian constantly looking over his shoulder, half expecting to see a knife plunging toward his back.
     Christian squared his shoulders and strode with dignity he didn’t feel past gravestones and monuments. As he passed Grant at the gate, his brother spoke his first words to Christian in three months.

     “I wish you were the one who had died.”

     "This book adds the twist of a jilted lover, turned rescuer, turned true love...OH. SO. GOOD!
     And what one woman will do to protect her family's name and reputation...becomes her own "perfect secret."
     Don't miss out on this one!"

Colorimetry - Marriage in Regency England
     Ah, the ringing of wedding bells! A lovely, romantic sound. It always conjures in my mind true love and happily ever after.
     The hope of a bright future awaiting the couple probably isn't much different now than it was centuries past. But the way people married has evolved over the years.
     In Regency England, a couple could get married one of three ways: they could marry in a church after the reading of the banns, they could obtain a common license, or they could marry by special license. They could also elope and go to Scotland, but that’s a topic for different post.

The Bookish Fairy - Excerpt
     From the moment she first saw Christian Amesbury, Genevieve knew she’d never love another man. It wasn’t merely the shy, sweet smile he gave when their eyes met across the room, or the intensity of his gaze as they were introduced, or even his stunning good looks akin to the mythical Adonis. No, there was something supremely familiar about him, and when he finally asked her to dance and she placed her hand in his, an almost audible click sounded from inside Genevieve, as if fate had placed a key piece into the puzzle of her life.
     By the end of the evening, she’d vowed she’d marry him and no other.

Wishful Endings - Review
"If you enjoy reading this genre, then I would recommend A Perfect Secret. It was sweet, engaging, intense, and included everything you would expect from a Regency romance."

"I love the stories about these brothers!! I must admit, I was curious about the brother they always called "Perfectly Perfect Christian." I imagined him to be almost a saint and maybe destined to become a priest. However, I was surprised to learn that there are reasons for him to be the way he is and he's not as perfect as everyone thinks. He's still a great guy, but he's human and humans make mistakes and are often hard on themselves."

Mommynificent - Review
"The emotions the characters go through in the book are heart-wrenching and are extremely well-written. It was easy to immerse myself in the lives of the characters and really feel what they were feeling."

Pieces of Whimsy - REGENCY QUIZ
If you love to read Regency romance novels, you probably have picked up a few facts and some terminology along the way. But how much do you really know about the Regency Era? Take this quiz to find out. Email the answers to me and I'll enter you in a contest to win a free digital story you can read on your smart phone or ebook reader. Email your answers to donnahatch29@gmail.com.

"Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and the characters had a large part in that. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes clean regency romance or historical romance."

     "A Perfect Secret was romantic, scary, and an all around good book.
     I love a good historical romance especially when I know its going to be a good one. I’ve read Donna Hatch before and she doesn’t disappoint. I know that I’ll be attached to the characters, their will be tension between two lovers that will be steamy yet sweet, and a story that will stay with you forever."

     “Of course it’s her concern.” Wickburgh began swinging his walking stick, narrowly missing a flower-filled vase atop a Chippendale side table. “You see my dear, your father was about to find the means by which to settle a debt with me.”
     Genevieve narrowed her gaze. “I doubt very much my father owes you a gambling debt since he seldom gambles.”
     “Oh, but he did, a wager of the worst kind—with fate.”



Southern Chelle - Review
"This was an excellent example of regency books without the risqué that is included in a lot of them. It was a quicker read a couple of days, reading an hour or so a day. The story will capture your heart and you will fall in love with Christian and Genevieve and the Amesbury family just like I did."

"From the moment I began reading this book, I was convinced that this was “my kind of book.” And indeed it is. There is no profanity nor bedrooms scenes–I am so grateful for that! It is set in the 1800′s in England, and it is a romance that includes all the elements that most readers would require in a historical romance in this vein."

A Perfect Secret  (Rogue Hearts, #3)
A Perfect Secret
(Rogue Hearts #3)
by Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, 348 Pages
December 14 2013              

Desperate to protect her father from trial and death, Genevieve breaks off her engagement with Christian Amesbury and marries a blackmailer. After a year of marriage, she flees her husband's violent domination only to have fate bring her back to Christian. Just when she thinks she's started a new life of safety and solitude, her husband tracks her down, stalks her, and threatens everyone she loves.

Still brokenhearted over Genevieve's betrayal a year ago, Christian can't believe she's come back into his life--and worse, that she's done it on the anniversary of his brother's death, a death that haunts him. Though tempted to throw her back into the river where he found her, he can't leave her at the mercy of the terrifying man she married.

When her husband torments Genevieve and puts his family in danger, Christian will do anything to protect those he loves...anything except give Genevieve another chance to break his heart.

My passion for writing began at the tender age of 8 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Of course, I also wanted to be an actress and a ballerina, but one out of three isn’t bad, right?

In between caring for six children, (7 counting my husband), my day job, my free lance editing and copy writing, and my many volunteer positions, I manage to carve out time to indulge in my writing obsession. After all, it IS an obsession. My family is more patient and supportive than I deserve.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and an ebook (INT) or print copy (US Only) of A Perfect Secret OR The Stranger She Married (winner's choice)
- 5 ebooks of A Perfect Secret
- Open Internationally
- Ends July 20th

Prism Book Tours

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Book Blast: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore - Excerpt & Giveaway

Becoming Lady LockwoodBecoming Lady Lockwood

Jennifer Moore

A Regency Romance

Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she'd never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother's sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man's world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry . . . William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia's marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family's estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous Lady to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation . . . Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together?


Praise for Becoming Lady Lockwood

"Moore does a lovely job of showcasing sizzle in this must-read for fans of regency and historical romance." ~ Foreword Reviews

Excerpt

     The crew released more sails as the breeze quickened, and Amelia watched, craning her neck as her island home, Jamaica, the pearl of the Antilles, gradually became no more than a small green mound on the horizon. A wave of homesickness washed over her. The ship rolled on the larger ocean waves, and she realized that her discomfort was not strictly limited to nostalgia. She was growing increasingly seasick.
     Just as she reached this realization, she heard steps coming toward her and turning saw Captain Drake approaching.
     “Miss Becket, you are looking most unwell. I must insist you take to your quarters and lie down.”
     Even though he was completely correct, and her stomach was threatening to empty itself, the lack of compassion in his demeanor put her on the defensive.
     “Indeed, Captain Drake. While I am touched by your concern for my well-being, I have no intention to retire, as I am feeling quite well.” The ship pitched again, and Amelia’s stomach pitched along with it.
     “I assure you, my concern is for the deck of my ship and for my crew charged with keeping her in shipshape condition.”
     Did the man’s arrogance know no bounds? Amelia felt her head spin in a wave of dizziness, and the captain grabbed onto her elbow.
     “Your face is green, Miss Becket. I insist you take to your berth.” He spoke sharply, turning to the marine next to her. “Corporal, fetch Dr. Spinner to Miss Becket’s quarters.”
     She wrenched her arm from his grasp. “Captain, I am not in the least ill.” She spoke through clenched teeth, afraid that if she opened her mouth, the contents of her stomach would make a most unwelcome appearance. She rested her hand in a manner that she hoped appeared casual against the netting of hammocks lining the rail of the ship. But truthfully, besides her determination not to allow the captain to order her about, it was the only thing holding her up.
     Amelia nearly swooned with relief as Sidney Fletcher hurried toward them. “Miss Becket, are you unwell?” He held her elbow in the same manner as had Captain Drake a moment before, and Amelia leaned against him. “Will you allow me to escort you to your quarters then?”
     “Thank you, Mr. Fletcher. That would be most welcome. How very gentlemanly of you.” She looked toward Captain Drake and narrowed her eyes.
     A slight smile tugged at the corner of the captain’s lips, and Amelia found that it infuriated her. But when she opened her mouth to tell him so, her stomach betrayed her, and she was horrified to see her breakfast splatter over Captain Drake’s shiny boots.
     Amelia and Captain Drake stared at each other in disbelief for one mortifying instant before she felt her stomach clench again and pressed her gloved hands against her mouth.
     A bucket!” Captain Drake bellowed.


Jenny MooreAuthor Jennifer Moore

Jennifer Moore is a Passionate reader and writer of all things romance, helping her find balance with the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family. You can learn more about her at authorjmoore.com. The author's first book, Becoming Lady Lockwood, is a regency romance centered on the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.





book blast buttonBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/5/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Book Blitz: The Naughty 9 Romantic Suspense Boxed Set - Giveaway



The Naughty 9
Boxed Set

Romantic Suspense Anthology
July 8, 2014

Amazon * B&N


The Naughty Nine -- Where Danger and Passion Collides

Included in this box set collection:
* Stop in the Name of Love by New York Times Best Selling author Nina Bruhns
* Deathblow by New York Times Best Selling author Dana Marton
* A Girl, A Guy And A Ghost by Patricia Mason
* Everything He Never Wanted by Mary Leo
* Red Rock Rises by Taylor Lee
* Dirty Little Secrets by New York Times Best Selling author Julie Leto
* One Night To Kill by Rita Heron
* Saved by Lorhainne Eckhart
* Snowbound by USA Today Best Selling author Karen Fenech
* Secret Identity by New York Times Best Selling author Jill Sanders

Stop in the Name of Love by Nina Bruhns

When an undercover cop must cozy up to a suspect’s pretty neighbor, things don’t go as smoothly—or seductively—as he’d hoped when she tells him she hates cops and wants nothing to do with him or his damn assignment. 

Red Rock Rises (The Red Rock Series, Book 1) by Taylor Lee

A fiery former undercover agent, as tough as she is beautiful , fiercely independent, she is the Rock. Few see the vulnerable woman beneath. No one messes with Red Rock until she meets the handsome Police Chief. 

Dirty Little Secrets by Julie Leto

Marisela's sexy ex lures her into a treacherous underworld of arms dealers, hit men & sinister double-crosses. Has she descended into hell or finally found kick-ass heaven? It’s the perfect setup to break her heart. Again. 

Saved by Lorhainne Eckhart

Growing up I had dreams that one day I'd fall in love, marry & start a family. Then one night I was taken. I survived, escaped, I was saved. Eric didn't see me as damaged. He didn't see my baby as a monster. He protected me, kept me safe ... he saved me. 

Everything He Never Wanted by Mary Leo

Billionaire, Antonio Milani, came to London to recover what is his: a rare, signed copy of Oliver Twist. Instead, finds himself falling for the woman he suspects is involved in an international ring of book thieves. 

A Girl, A Guy and A Ghost by Patricia Mason

A sexy psychic private eye could help her find a ghost... or turn her into one. 

Deathblow by Dana Marton

Former small-town football hero turned cop, Joe Kessler never met a linebacker, perp, or a woman he couldn't handle. Then a troubled single mom walks into his life, & the only place this hot jock will ever see 'easy' again is in the dictionary. 

One Night to Kill (Seven Nights, Book 1) by Rita Herron

A military man must use his leave to play bodyguard to the General’s sexy daughter! 

Snowbound (The Protector Series, Book 2) by Karen Fenech

FBI Agent Mallory Burke, injured and on the run for her life, is stranded in a snowstorm with a reclusive and secretive cop she's not sure she can trust but is falling in love with. 

BONUS Novella: Secret Identity by Jill Sanders

Carter always had a thing for his best friend Eve. He hired her to boost his business & it’s never run more smoothly. When an opening presents itself, he takes a chance at happiness that could end up destroying their friendship.


Excerpt From SNOWBOUND: The Protectors Series — Book Two by USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Fenech

What was that? Gage Broderick turned away from the frozen dinner he was nuking. Sounded like a knock at the door. Impossible. It was a blizzard outside, and he was in the middle of nowhere.

But the sound nagged. Ignoring the beep from the microwave signaling that his meal was done, he made his way across the rough-hewn plank floor of the cabin to the equally rough door and opened it.

A woman fell into his arms. Gage caught her against him as a cold gust of wind blew inside. Snow swirled in the air, the crystal flakes dancing then landing on the wood floor and instantly becoming puddles of water.

The woman was unconscious, wet, and so cold, goose bumps rose on Gage’s own flesh from merely touching her.

The last thing he wanted was company. He felt a surge of anger at the intrusion. He had an instant—a flash—of just leaving her where he’d found her. He went still. He closed his eyes. It was a near thing but he wasn’t that far gone. He hadn’t completely lost his humanity. Yet.

He lifted the unconscious woman into his arms and carried her inside, kicking the door shut behind him. With the door closed, the wind was gone. More than the absence of cold, the cabin was again quiet other than the sound of the clock on the mantel ticking and the groans and squeaks of the old wood as he made his way into the living room.

He placed the woman on the leather couch and checked her pulse. Slow but steady. There was blood along her hair line. He parted her thick, brown hair gently and found a long gash at one temple that looked raw, enough to hurt but not severe enough to be life threatening. He probed further, but found no other cuts. He thumbed open her eye lids. Pupils were normal. Not concussed, then. He’d clean the head wound, but that was no longer his first concern.

Her hair was tucked in the collar of her T-shirt. Oddly, she wore no coat. Her face had little more color than the white shirt. He had to get her warm.

The snow on her skin was melting and droplets of water glistened on her face and in her hair. He got a towel from the linen cupboard and gently dried her skin, then moved on, drying her hair as best he could with the cloth.

Tossing the towel aside, he made short work of one boot, dropping it onto the floor, but as he tried to remove the other, it held. He ran his fingers gently over her lower leg and felt swelling in her ankle. Broken? He needed to free her leg. He estimated that the woman had been inside with him for about three minutes. She hadn’t stirred in that time. Better that she hadn’t. The way her boot had molded to her ankle, when he forced it, it was going to hurt.

With her boots off, he saw that her white socks were soaked through. He peeled them off carefully. Her right ankle was swollen, all right. Swollen but not broken, he judged and on its way to getting one hell of a bruise. He figured she’d had enough ice on that foot, thanks to the snow. Nothing he could do for it.

Her jeans were wet. Her T-shirt soaked through. No help for it, he was going to have to remove them. By the time he’d taken off the garments, he’d broken into a sweat. Not the result of shifting her slight body weight the few times needed to remove the clothing, but from what had been revealed to him. A tight, sexy body now clad only in a lacy bra thing and matching bikini panties.

Gage rubbed a hand, that was no longer steady, down his face. Her underwear was also too wet to leave on and would have to go as well . . .

Blitz-Wide Giveaway

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Blog Tour: Heart of War by CL Foster & E.R. Rada - Excerpt, Top 10 & Giveaway



Heart of War
Lady & Knight Chronicles #1

CL Foster & E.R. Rada

Historical Romance
June 6, 2014

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords



The Hundred Years War rages around Adalira Mortimer's life and country, but she is not what is expected of a Lady; instead of dresses and tea, she dreams about weapons and war.

Bastian Kyros is not typical royalty. Being a warrior is in his blood, not paperwork and peace-keeping.

Tradition drives their families. She is expected to don her manners and win a worthy husband, and he is expected to drop his sword and do what's right for the sake of his family's name, land, and future.

Their chance meeting at the party of the season may offer them both the chance to find what they desire. Brought together by their longing for battle, their greatest fight may be in winning over their families and conquering their own pride.

A lull in battle does not mean there is peace. The greatest of wars are fought in the heart.


Excerpt
"Dare I say you are enjoying yourself, your Grace?"
"I've only arrived a moment ago and am ready to leave already. Does this appear enjoyable to you?"
Bastian's droll stare made Iason chuckle. "You can pretend all you like, but I can see your amusement."
"I am amused at the lengths people will go to in order to snare themselves a worthy spouse." Bastian smiled and straightened his clothes. His new red tunic made his tanned skin look even richer. The silver trim accented in a way he didn't expect before. He was thoroughly impressed with the pieces when they were presented to him. When he saw them hanging in the woman's shop, he scoffed and commented on how they were too dainty and girly. She merely waved him off and told him to try them on. The moment the fine silk slid across his skin, he sighed. None of his battle clothes felt that way. The pants fit just right as well. He felt slightly out of place with such finery on, but he could admit that he wasn't hating the clothes.
"Yes, well, some people enjoy the finery more than others." His knowing smile made Bastian huff an annoyed breath.
"I couldn't very well come in here looking like I just slayed a dragon, now could I?"
"That doesn't work for most women, no," Iason agreed. He reached up and straightened Bastian's silver mask. "The red gems on this thing look terribly sparkly, your Grace. Are you sure you aren't feeling girly yet?"
Bastian swatted his hand away. "Unless you are making certain my face remains covered, step away. You're blocking my view."
"Your view of what?" Iason asked excitedly as he turned and took a step back so he was standing with Bastian.
"There," Bastian nodded his head to the right,  "a group of matching clothing. Why do people dress to match as if they have no personality or thought process of their own? It seems silly to me."
"You mean the flock of green down there beside the dance floor? Yes, I agree. That does look a bit overly dramatic when they all do it, though I find it endearing when couples do it. Even when it's slight. Almost announcing that they planned to arrive together and are, in fact, together. It's beautiful."
Bastian rolled his eyes. "What a romantic you are. I'm sure your wife will one day enjoy that terribly."
"I don't plan to marry."
"No?" Bastian asked. He kept his question light and his attention on the people.
"I mean, I would love to have a family one day; some sons, a beautiful wife that I can worship properly, a place that is only mine, but I don’t think that life is meant for people like us."
"Like us?" Bastian kept his eyes wandering over the crowd. "You plan to worship your wife? That is something I could never do."
"You know, we are warriors. All of this," Iason waved his hand in a gesture to include everyone and everything in the room, "isn't us. I mean, it's you and your people, but I'm just a regular man." He chuckled then continued, "Worship is the right word. Have you seen the female form? It is certainly something to dedicate some time to, sir. You should try it sometime. You'd be a lot less stressed and stern all the time." He elbowed his friend playfully.
"It's not for me either. The only reason I would agree to marry is to protect my family name. I have no interest in all of that."
"I have lots of interest in it. It appeals to me on many levels, but I don’t know if my lifestyle and standing will allow for it. I hope it does, though." Iason looked around and then slapped Bastian's arm. "Look, there. The brunette with the purple gown. Tell me you wouldn't love to roll over and see her every morning."

"Aye, she's a fine lady, I'm sure," he nodded tightly. "but as you can see, she has two gentleman callers already and certainly wouldn't want to roll over and see my face every morning. That is where the problem lies."
Top Ten Lists by CL Foster and E.R. Rada

Top Ten fictional places you'd like to visit

CL: As you can see from my answers…… I am a nerd. LOL! >.<
1 ~ Rivendell/The Shire (cant pick one)
2 ~ X-Mansion
3 ~ Midgar (Final Fantasy ;) hehe)
4 ~ Diagon Alley
5 ~ Wonderland
6 ~ Atlantis (I know this one is up for debate, I still wanna go.. find it, let’s take a trip!)
7 ~ Vice City
8 ~ Mount Olympus
9 ~ Gotham City
10 ~ Asgard

ER:
1 ~ Dragaera
2 ~ Middle Earth
3 ~ A steampunk world
4 ~ Where the Cortez sisters from Imprint Series live
5 ~ Skyrim
6 ~ Alagaësia
7 ~ Murnau
8 ~ Asgard
9 ~ Pern
10 ~ Spira

About the Author

CL Foster-
CL is eclectic, geeky, positive, nature-loving and completely non-"normal" (just the way she likes to be). She has been a fan of literature since she was a small child and finally decided to take her dreams (both waking and sleeping!) and do something positive with them.

CL has lived all over the world and has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found! She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them any day of the week.

CL's voice is boisterous, sassy, and not finished yet! Stay tuned!

Links-

E.R. Rada-
E.R. Rada is a NY native who's mind is in a constant battle with reality and fiction. He's been penning his tales while expressing his inner most demons and heartfelt wishes since he was able to rhyme.

Poetry and fantasy are his weapons of choice as his inner-most wish to be a dragon-riding, sword-wielding warrior has yet to come to fruition. E.R. knows there is no time limit on greatness, so he continues to float on his constant state of flux; learning, growing, and improving as time goes on.

E.R. is a battle worn soldier who will quickly compare apples and oranges, simply because he's told he can't. Never one to conform, he embraces his nerdy/geek tendencies and is well known for creating new and interesting ways to do things (see: stubborn/the hard way). In doing things his own way, he has earned his way through life with plenty of battle scars, knowledge, and memories.

Links-

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Blog Tour: The Wolf Who Played With Fire by Sarah Makela - Excerpt & Giveaway

The Wolf Who Played with Fire photo TheWolfWhoPlayedWithFire_zps3e80a7ed.jpg



The Wolf Who Played with Fire Cover photo SarahMakela_TheWolfWhoPlayedwithFire800-1_zpsb34b10e7.jpgThe Wolf Who Played with Fire ~ (Cry Wolf #2)

Sarah Mäkelä

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance 18+ Publication Date: June 20, 2014
Publisher: Kissa Press, LLC
Cover Designer: Kim Killion
Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Some magic can’t be unspun…

Meddling in magic… If Mia Brooks could turn back time, it would be to when she used her fledgling magic to craft a potion for an injured werewolf. It nearly killed the Pack Alpha, and now the lives of her witch mentor, Jessa, and her soldier boyfriend, Ethan Parker, have been changed forever. Jessa is in hospital after a vicious werewolf attack. And, Ethan, having being bitten, is becoming a werewolf himself.

A wolf at the door… Mia can’t turn back time, but she can try to make things right with the two people she cares about most. She’s keeping Jessa’s shop, Eternally Magick, open, and she’s there for Ethan as his inner wolf grows. But, by the next full moon, his transformation will be complete. Can she really be the mate of a half-man-half-wolf, living within the law of the Pack?

Under his spell… Struggling to contain his new lupine senses, Ethan goes missing on active duty. When Mia realizes her werewolf lover has been abducted, she knows must harness every magic power she possesses to get him safely back…

Excerpt

       Water slid over my body, and I lifted my face to the warm spray. Delicious soreness ached in my muscles as I reached for the shampoo. Crashing at Ethan’s house was dangerous, but the romantic rendezvous we’d shared had taken me to new heights of pleasure.
      However, not all good things last forever.
      My brother, Nolan, lived with Ethan, keeping an eye on the place while Ethan was deployed with the Army. Neither of us knew exactly when Nolan would arrive home from spending the weekend with his girlfriend, but he had work in a few hours. The chances of him swinging by were high. That meant I needed to leave as soon as possible.
      Part of me hoped I could slink away before Ethan woke up, but it was only a matter of time before he stirred. The fact he hadn’t yet indicated to me just how ‘active’ we’d been last night, since not only was Ethan a trained soldier, but now he was becoming more and more of a werewolf. That last part scared me.
      I leaned my forehead against the white tiled wall. Regret squeezed my heart like a vise. It would be so easy to blame Jessa, my friend and mentor, for pushing me into the werewolf debacle, and even easier to torment myself for having used wolf’s bane. If I’d gone with the common method of crafting the salve instead of making my own potent blend, then this would not have happened.
      Those thoughts led to madness. I balled my hands into fists. Neither Jessa nor I could’ve known what was going on.
      The supernatural world was one of magic and potions. Witches were real since I was one. Werewolves, on the other hand, were beasts of legend, not fact. That shocking revelation brought fear and pain crashing through my door and harmed those I cared about.
      Both Ethan’s and Jessa’s lives were changed forever, because I couldn’t protect either of them from the werewolf’s attacks. The ramifications of my failure were incomprehensible, especially for Ethan.
      Releasing a sigh, I focused on the bar of soap and reached within myself for my magic. Jessa made telekinesis appear so effortless. If I’d learned one thing recently, it was that I kept myself locked away, hoping others wouldn’t burn me at the stake. Being powerless wouldn’t help those I cared about, or me, when the time came to protect them.
      Fear and atrophy shriveled my magical muscles. While I still wasn’t convinced about using my power, especially not as openly as Jessa did, I refused to wait for the next disaster to hit before I acted. Something deep inside me knew we weren’t out of the woods yet.
      No matter how hard I concentrated, the soap remained rooted in place. Ugh.
      How could I measure up as a witch if I couldn’t even accomplish the basics? If my grandmother were here, life would be much easier. Instead, she rested in her grave.
      The bathroom door creaked open and my heart leapt into my throat. Panic pushed me to remain small and silent, even though the spraying warm water gave away my presence. If Nolan was home before work, I would be screwed.
      My brain scrambled for excuses about why I was here, much less why I was taking a shower.
      The mugging wouldn’t work anymore. Things had mostly gone back to normal. I spent more time at home whipping up potions for Jessa’s new age shop, Eternally Magick.
      With Jessa in the hospital, she couldn’t run the shop, and I needed to help. What family she had was several states away, and they couldn’t or wouldn’t take time from their lives to assist her.
      Besides, Ethan and I didn’t need to be as careful about Nolan coming around to my place. He rarely swung by these days, and when he did, he usually called first.
      “Mia? Everything okay in there?” Ethan nudged back the shower curtain, tension tight in his naked shoulders.
      Air whooshed from my lungs in a rush and my shoulders slumped forward in relief. “You scared me.”
      “Sorry, sweetheart. I felt a lot of energy buzzing in here. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” He let go of the curtain, and it fell back into place. The slightest twinge of sadness nibbled at me, but this was for the best. If he got in the shower with me, I might never leave.

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The Cry Wolf Series


The Witch Who Cried Wolf photo SarahMakela_TheWitchWhoCriedWolf800_zps6db62195.jpg Title: The Witch Who Cried Wolf (Cry Wolf #1) Author: Sarah Mäkelä
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publish Date: December 2, 2013
Publisher: Kissa Press LLC
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.  

~Synopsis~

Be careful what you wish for… 

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t even realize existed…

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush…

The power of love: Things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia...  

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 photo SarahMakela_ColdMoonRising1400_zpsf08316da.jpg
Title: Cold Moon Rising (Cry Wolf, #1.5)

Author: Sarah Mäkelä
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publish Date: Feburary 17, 2014
Publisher: Kissa Press LLC
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.    
~Synopsis~

  Passions flare when the cold moon rises…

Kelly: a normal college girl, who knows what she wants—to survive her final exams, and find someone to share her life with. Studying with Jacob is becoming too hot to handle; she’s falling for him, but he’s going too fast… 

Jacob: a not-so-typical frat guy, who hides a secret—he’s a werewolf. Whenever the moon is high, he’s driven to shed his human form and satisfy his powerful desires. He craves Kelly, but she’s pushing him away…

Fallout: Jacob can smell Kelly’s arousal, but she insists she doesn’t want sex. A wolf can only take so much before his natural instincts win out. When the tension between them explodes, Jacob has no choice but to walk…  

Kidnapped! Kelly is abducted by evil scientists who’ve mistaken her for a female werecat and, despite their differences, Jacob has to try and find her. But it’s a race against time and the lunar tides. The scientists have taken Kelly to their lab and turned her into a shapeshifter for real. The full moon is rising, and soon neither Kelly nor Jacob will be able to control their inner beasts. Who knows what the consequences will be when they are consumed by unquenchable animal lust…


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About the Author

Sarah Makela photo SarahMakela1_zps4cedd93d.jpg
Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she’s written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy… even a sweet contemporary romance!
A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies and Ghost Adventures, and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.


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