FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Sex on the Slopes by Susan Lyons

Book Interview with Susan Lyons in December 2010

Q: The first book, SEX ON THE BEACH, was set in Belize, and this one, SEX ON THE SLOPES, is set in Whistler, British Columbia. How did you come up with the settings? What made you choose these places?

I like writing about places I've been. Belize was actually one of the inspirations for this book, because when I visited there a few years ago, I saw how popular destination weddings had become. So, when I had the idea of writing SEX ON THE BEACH, it was natural to set it in Belize. That was my first contracted book with Berkley, and then it was option proposal time. I brainstormed with my editor about several possibilities and we both agreed it would be fun to do another book set around a destination wedding. This time, I thought the opposite setting would be fun: winter and snow rather than sunny beaches. The snow country I know best is just up the road from me, in Whistler, and at the time Whistler was gearing up for the Olympics so I figured the setting would appeal to readers as well as to me.

Q: Noticed that there's going to be a third book and it's going to be set in the Greek Islands. Where did the idea for this series come about? What is the unifying theme for all three books?

Yes, HEAT WAVES (July 2011) is set on a Greek island cruise (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc.). Greece is one of my favorite places in the world, and I've always wanted to write about it.

I didn't actually start with the idea of a series, just with the concept for the first book. It intrigued me that so many brides and grooms were picking holiday destinations for their weddings (not just their honeymoons), and inviting their families and close friends along for the celebration. A destination weddings is romantic and sexy...

To read more, click here.

SEX ON THE SLOPES is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Susan Lyons is giving away a copy of SEX ON THE SLOPES!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Write a comment or question to Susan in the comment box at the review site (link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31;

AND/OR

2. Check out our contest page from December 20 to 22, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance to win).

The winner will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Jeweled by Anya Bast

Book Interview with Anya Bast in December 2010

Q: How did the idea for this book come about?

I have always been intrigued by the French and Russian revolutions and wanted to write a world flavored with elements of both. That's where the seed for Jeweled came from. Then, like all my books, little by little, the seed sprouted and grew, fed first by Evangeline. Then came Anatol and Gregorio. After I had their conflicts worked out, the plot started to take shape, all set in the world I wanted to write.

Q: Your worldbuilding is fabulous! What kind of research went into creating the world (customs, political system, magic system, etc) of Rylisk?

Thank you! I did some research on the French and Russian Revolutions. Gregorio is, of course, the charismatic and intellectual figure who inspires the poor and downtrodden to rise up and throw off the yoke of their oppressors. Evangeline represents the privileged who are taken down a notch (or a million). Really, though, most of the worldbuilding came from my own imagination.

Q: What interesting thing have you unearthed in your research that you've incorporated in the world of Jeweled?

You're going to be sorry you asked that...

To read more, click here.

JEWELED is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Anya Bast is giving away an autographed copy of JEWELED!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Post a comment or question to Anya in the comment box on the review site (click on this link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010;

AND/OR

2. Check out our contest page for the book JEWELED from December 8 to 10, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance each to win).

The winner will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVAWAY: In the Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

Book Interview with Katie MacAlister on December 2010

Q: Who are the Dark Ones and why is it important for them to find that woman who is their Beloved?

Dark Ones are my take on vampires: dark, tormented men who can be redeemed only by one woman. They came about after I was possessed with a need to write my own version of vampires?I picked some of the aspects of typical vampire lore that I liked, such as the need to drink blood to survive, an aversion to the sun, and a dark nature, and then twisted it around and added a few other elements, such as the ability for a woman to redeem the vampire's soul and make him whole again. They also all have a pretty good sense of humor, something I found lacking in a lot of darker vamp books.

Q: What was your inspiration behind the series?

When I was a brand new baby author at Dorchester, one of the ladies who took me under her wing was Christine Feehan. I adore Christine, and loved her vampire books, and one day, I told her I wanted to write my own version of vamps, and duly tottered off to do just that. There are lots of subtle Christine references in the books, in gratitude for not only her friendship, but her Carpathian stories that got me writing my own paranormal books.

Q: What is IN THE COMPANY OF VAMPIRES about?

ITCV is a bit of a reunion book in that it brings into the adult world characters from two Young Adult Dark Ones books that were published five years ago...

To read more, click here.

IN THE COMPANY OF VAMPIRES is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Katie MacAlister is giving away 3 copies of LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Post a comment or question to Katie in the comment box in the review site (link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010; AND/OR
2. Check out the contest page for the book LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS from December 6 to 14, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance to win). Click on this link.

The winner will be announced in the comment box on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Inside Out by Lauren Dane

Book Interview with Lauren Dane in December 2010

Q: What prompted the idea for the Brown Siblings' series?

Originally I'd planned to write a book with three interconnected novellas, one for each sibling. But when I started writing Erin's novella (Book 1 in the series, LAID BARE), I knew her story would be too big to do justice to in 30K words.

I'd always planned to give each sibling a story, I wanted that Seattle connection. I love it here, love the art and music scene and I wanted to try to capture that flavor in this series. And then Ella just needed her HEA and who better to give it to her than Cope?

Q: In INSIDE OUT, I noticed that once again the heroine is a survivor. And this time, it's someone fans of the Brown Sibling series will recognize--Ella. What drew you to using females who had survived different forms of harm at the hands of men?

First and foremost, each woman in the series is a survivor. They've been through some rough times, rougher than many can imagine, but they all came back from it and refused to let life beat them. For Elise (heroine of Book 2, COMING UNDONE), it was her child and her need to give Rennie a better life. Rennie was her reason for getting up every day until she could make it about herself. For Erin, it was her family, and for Ella, it was her way of thumbing her nose at her ex.

I love the strength of each woman in the series and that's really the core of their character. I didn't write them to have issues, it's just that everyone has issues in one way or another and these ladies have been dealt a far bigger challenge than most. All kinds of people deserve a HEA!

Q: Cope, the hero, has been the background playboy up until now. What prompted his change?

Without a doubt, it's Ella. She sees him straight to the bone. He can't NOT be Andrew with her because she wouldn't allow anything else. He loves that, appreciates that...

To read more, click here.

INSIDE OUT is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Lauren Dane is giving away a copy of any book in her backlist, including INSIDE OUT!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1.Post a comment or question to Lauren in the comment box on the review site (click on this link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010;

AND/OR

2. Check out our contest page for INSIDE OUT from December 15 to 17, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance to win).

The winner will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Vampires Not Invited by Cheyenne McCray

Book Interview with Cheyenne McCray in December 2010

Q: Nyx is such a unique character. How did you come up with the idea for her?

I wanted a strong heroine who had it all together. Someone who was loyal, strong, capable, beautiful, independent, and sexy. As the series developed, her character evolved. I wanted to bring out other qualities that anyone would feel? Fear, emotions, doubt, vulnerabilities and introspection that some of her ideas about the world and people might not be correct.

I thought readers would connect with her better. She had these qualities we all have, but she had the resolve to overcome them and not give in. I thought these were qualities readers would relate to in some area and also respect.

Q: How do you come up with such great secondary characters like Ice (a fellow Night Tracker) and Nadia the Siren?

I try and develop characters that would be complementary to the story and interesting to readers. Complementary does not mean the characters get along. Often times it is the personality conflicts which draw interest to them. If you look at what I write, it is in some respect similar to a real work situation. If it is a team of investigators in real life, you would expect to have the "class clown", the cocky, the serious, the sarcastic personalities. I just try and bring a mix to the story that will create interest and add to it.

Q: Do you know their personalities from the beginning or do they develop as you are writing?

Mostly from my imagination from the beginning. They come to me almost fully formed. I find most of the characters stay true to form in many ways, but some of them often develop depth and complexity. I actually come to like certain characters a great deal . . .

To read more, click here.

VAMPIRES NOT INVITED is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Cheyenne McCray is giving away 3 print copies of NO WEREWOLVES ALLOWED (Book 2 of the Night Tracker series)!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Post a comment or question to Chey in the comment box on the review site (link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010; AND/OR
2. Check out our contest page for the book NO WEREWOLVES ALLOWED from December 13 to 21, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance each to win).

The winners will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Pleasure's Edge by Eve Berlin

Book Interview with Eve Berlin in December 2010

Q: I can't help but note that Dylan, the heroine, is an erotica author. How much of you did you infuse into her?

I think there's part of me in all of my heroines, but I definitely drew on some aspects of my own personality in creating Dylan. Yes, I'm a bit of a control freak-LOL! And a creative person. And her friends, Mischa, CJ and Jade, are based on some of my closest real life writer friends, although CJ and Jade didn't make as much of an appearance as originally planned. There are some little details that are purely me: a lot of her clothes are things I would wear—the simple lines and solid-color fabrics, that she likes to drink tea, her tattoo and its meaning relate to one of my tattoos, the black and white photography that decorates her walls (I'm a huge art geek, and I especially love photography). And Dylan's apartment is my dream home, her car my dream car!

Q: Dylan admits to having control issues. How has this shaped her life thus far?

Well, I think when you have control issues (not that I'd know anything about that…*G*), it translates into how you handle every aspect of your life. That need to be in charge is very difficult to overcome, and it's never more obvious than in your intimate relationships, because that's where we have to get vulnerable. And getting vulnerable requires letting go, which is something Dylan hasn't really ever been able to do. That's why the BDSM plays such a powerful part in Dylan's personal growth, as well as her relationship with Alec. Those more extreme sexual practices require an enormous amount of trust, the ability to truly give yourself over to another person.

Q: I felt Alec, the hero, very clearly. It was so easy to slip into his skin. How do you go about writing a Dominant male character when clearly you've never been in his shoes? What kind of research went into writing Alec's character?

Some of what goes into writing male point of view is always a combination of what I know from my own experiences with men, from talking to my brothers, male friends, and my boyfriend about how a man thinks. I also think that I was a psychology major has helped a lot. And I'm very open about the fact that I've had some personal experience in the BDSM lifestyle...

To read more, click here.

PLEASURE'S EDGE is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Eve Berlin is giving away a set of ebooks: WINTER SOLSTICE and SUMMER SOLSTICE!

Mechanics of the contest:

You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Post a comment or question to Eve in the comment box on the review site (click on this link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010;

AND/OR

2. Check out our contest page for the book WINTER SOLSTICE from December 14 to 16, 2010 to enter your email address (1 chance each to win).

The winners will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2. 

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Living Nightmare by Shannon K. Butcher

Book Interview with Shannon K. Butcher on December 2010

Q: For those new to The Sentinel Wars series, how would you describe your books and the importance of each Sentinel finding the woman who can save his soul?

I usually describe the books as being filled with hot, tattooed, sword-wielding warriors and the women who make their lives interesting. Basically, the concept for the Theronai?one of the three Sentinel races?is that the men house huge reserves of power that grow over time because they can't access it?they can only store it. After a few centuries, that power grows to the point that it begins to kill them. If they don't find a woman who can wield the magic inside of them and funnel some of that energy away, they are destined to either take their own lives or become like the monsters they fight.

Q: Where did you find the inspiration behind the series?

I'm a big ol' nerd, so years of tabletop role-playing games and bad sci-fi movies have given me tons of inspiration. I also find that music with a heavy emotional component does a lot to fuel my creativity.

Q: Please tell us about LIVING NIGHTMARE.

LIVING NIGHTMARE is a story I've been waiting a long time to tell. Rough, foul-mouthed Madoc has been trying to protect Nika from himself since the moment he met her. He wants her, but knows that she's too fragile and innocent, and the two of them can never be together. Nika believes differently...

To read more, click here.

LIVING NIGHTMARE is available at Amazon (print, Kindle).

Shannon Butcher is giving away a print copy of the following books (signed and personalized!):

1. The first three books in the series (Burning Alive, Finding the Lost and Running Scared) as a set
2. Love You to Death
3. No Escape

All prizes include a handmade glass bookmark that Shannon personally made in her glass kiln!

Mechanics of the contest: You can do either or both of the following to enter the drawing:

1. Post a comment or question to Shannon in the comment box on the review site (link) (2 chances to win) from now to December 31, 2010; AND/OR
2. Check out our contest page for the following books to enter your email address (1 chance each to win)

BURNING ALIVE – from December 6 to 8, 2010
NO ESCAPE – from December 13 to 15, 2010
LOVE YOU TO DEATH – from December 21 to 23, 2010

The winners will be announced in the comment box on the review site on January 2.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry

The Guardians of Destiny series
Book #3

Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective.

Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .

Available at Amazon.

Other Books in the Series:

About Kate Perry:

• I'm a Master in the art of Kung Fu San Soo. Plain and simple, I kick ass.
  
• I teach, lots of different things. Against my will. Sigh. I don't love teaching—at least the prep work involved—but the universe seems to want me to do it. Some of my current topics: tai chi, kung fu, the occasional gym class, writing, and cooking (to friends).
  
• I'm a social butterfly. Going out? Dancing? Dinner with friends? I'm so there.
  

To learn more about Kate, check her out at her website.

I was so charmed by this essay that Kate has written that I have to share it with you!

Interview with a Guardian

When I met Gabrielle Sansouci, I was, uh, surprised.  I knew she was a Guardian--one of the only five Guardians in the entire world who kept the mystic Scrolls of Destiny from the hands of mere mortals.  I pictured--well, let's just say I pictured someone a little different than this woman who sat down next to me.

And I think she noticed my goggling expression, because before I could introduce myself, she grinned, and said, "Kind of disappointing, isn't it?"

Hardly.  She was hot.  Tall and lithe, the perfect mix of Chinese and French.  Casual in jeans that molded to her.  But funky, with blue streaks in her long black hair.  I wondered how the bright color would look in my hair.

And, of course, I made a great first impression.  "Are your eyes really blue or are they contacts?"

She laughed as she took off her jacket.  "Is that an official question, or are you building up to it?"

Oh right.  The interview.  I cleared my throat and looked down at the list of questions in my lap.  "So, Gabrielle--"

"Call me Gabe."  She wrinkled her nose.  "Only my father calls me Gabrielle."

Frowning, I scanned my notes.  "I thought your father was dead?"

"Oh."  She shifted uncomfortably, her brow furrowed with three fine lines.  "Right."

Strange.  But I shrugged and got on with it.  "I understand you're a Guardian of Destiny.  Can you tell me--"

To read more, click here.


GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail.

CONTEST RULES:

1. Be a follower! (GFC and TRR review site)

2. Leave a question or a comment for Kate, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

Additional Chances to Win:

1. Each time you spread news of this contest (via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.

2. The Romance Reviews review site has launched! on October 12. Commenting on the review site earns you two additional points.

CONTEST ENDS: December 15, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: December 2010

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee

Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.

Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love. 

Available at Amazon

Previous Title: Countess of Scandal

About the Author:

LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. 

From Laurel McKee: 

Awhile back, I read a book by Paul Collins called Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books that stated that a writer’s characters can no more take over a story than an eggplant can take over a kitchen.  I had to laugh at the image of a bossy eggplant marching into my kitchen (and I sort of wish it could take over in there, because I’m a terrible cook), but I have to disagree about the characters.

Sometimes we’re lucky enough to meet a character who comes so vividly to life in our imagination that their story must be told—and they insist it has to be told their way!  One such character for me was Lady Anna Blacknall.

Anna was the sister of Eliza Blacknall, the heroine of my first “Daughters of Erin” book, Countess of Scandal.  When I started writing that first novel, I knew Anna would have her own story, but I wasn’t sure yet what it would be.  Then I really “met” her, and she was so many things that I wish I could be: blond, tall, extroverted, a good card player.  Even worse—she was really nice.  She practically sat down by my desk and told me what her story would be.  I just had to find the right hero for her, and he presented himself as the dark, strong, mysterious Duke of Adair.  A good match for the passionate and rebellious Anna, and the two of them were more than a match for me.  She told me their love story, and I just had to keep up and write it all down just as she wanted.  

Writing Duchess of Sin was a wild ride, and I was so sorry to say goodbye to Anna and Conlan at The End!  (Luckily we’ll see them again in the third book, Lady of Seduction.  You can also find excerpts and historical background on the books at my website, http://laurelmckee.net.)

GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

CONTEST RULES: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, TRR review site)

2. Leave a question or a comment for Laurel, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

CONTEST ENDS: December 12, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: December 2010

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

Romantic Holiday Giveaway!

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL

by Cara Elliott

Available at Amazon

A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step.

A TOUCH OF SCANDAL

by Jennifer Haymore

Available at Amazon

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

BOUND TO PLEASE

by Lilli Feisty

Available at Amazon

FROM FANTASY TO ECSTASY

Ruby Scott is a beautiful, quiet event planner who leads an oh-so-respectable life. Yet the things that go on in her secret fantasies are anything but. She has every intention of keeping her hidden desires under wraps-until she meets a gorgeous, hard-muscled man ten years her junior.

Mark St. Crow is a gifted, up-and-coming musician who collects erotic art and loves to "play" women as much as his piano. After one night of uninhibited passion, Ruby realizes there's no turning back. But as she surrenders to her deepest needs and lets Mark control every forbidden thrill, her passion for him builds. Can the wild, intoxicating nights they share lead to a love that will last forever?

A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS

by Paula Quinn

Available at Amazon

Defending Her Was His Duty

Skilled with a sword and quick with her wit, Scottish rebel Claire Stuart cannot be tamed. And nothing can deter her from rescuing her beloved sister and saving them both from arranged marriages--not even the handsome Highlander who vows to protect Claire. His scorching gaze and fiery kiss bring her to the brink of surrender, but she belongs to no man...

Seducing Her Would Be His Reward

Graham Grant has had his share of lasses. But he has never met one as headstrong or as bonnie as Claire--or one with such desperate, dnagerous plans. Helping her could betray his honor, his country, and more. Graham can't claim her. Yet everything in him says: Take her, make her yours, teach her pleasure, and never let her go. 

There are three (3) sets up for grabs! US/Canada only, and no P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win in two or more contests, you will receive only one set of the grouped giveaway in the mail.

How to Enter: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, TRR website)
2. Comment.

Additional Chances to Win: 

1. Each time you spread news of this contest (via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.

2. The Romance Reviews review site has launched! on October 12. Commenting on the review site earns you two additional points. 

Contest Duration: December 1 to 31, 1159pm EST 

Contest Winner Announcement: January 2011

The winner will be selected via Randomizer.org. Be sure to come back and check the Winner Announcement post because instructions to claim your prize will be written there.

Winners: Montana Glory and Stronger Than Sin

The winners are...

2love.stephanie

Alexa

VirginiaC

elaing8

teamjones5

Congratulations!

The winners are...

alterlisa

Teril

lenikaye

jackiebookaholic

rhoneise

Congratulations!

Please send me your name and mailing address, no P.O. Box, please. Send to caroletrr(@)gmail.com Thanks!

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

GIVEAWAYS: Incredible Dreams, Cupid's Enchantment, Talker

Contests end on different dates for the following three books, but needless to say, go and enter before you're too late! International. Join here.

 * TRR Top Pick!

Incredible Dreams is the story of a modern-day ghost whisperer who travels through time to save the life of a WWII fighter pilot and ends up jeopardizing her own existence.

Izzy Miller prefers to call herself a spiritual therapist because she thinks it makes her sound more professional than plain old ghost-whisperer. She expects her latest project to be quick and easy because exorcising military personnel is pretty routine.

But there's nothing easy or routine about Captain Jack Baker—he's a rather forgetful spirit and somewhat mischievous. And even though he's intrigued by the US Government's latest attempt to remove him from the only place he can ever remember being...he has no intentions of going anywhere.

Plans to exorcise Jack are quickly sidelined when Izzy discovers a portal into the past inside her dreams and sets out to change his fate. Trouble is...when she gets back there, she can't remember anything but her name. She still sees ghosts, but is far less accepting of her gift. And, to make matters worse, a demonic force pretending to be the forgetful heroine's sister has her own plans—to steal Izzy's soul.

Contrary to popular belief, Cupid is not a cute little cherub. And he'll take revenge on any who say differently. Just ask Ilar, Commander of the Lycaon guard…

Lady Rhiannon's beauty is distracting suitors from her older sister and ruining her chances at marriage, so her father has her locked her away in a tower. Believing she is going crazy from the isolation, Rhiannon hears a frightful voice. The next thing she knows, she's waken up in a strange forest pursued by mythical wolf men. And, worst of all, their leader is taking her home with him.

Ilar is irritated to discover an enchanted female—a human, their ancient hunters—disrupting his Lycan Guards. One sniff of this mortal's enchantment and the men go insane, trying to kill each for her hand. Only in making her his lover can the spell be broken. Ilar has no choice but to claim the female for his own. But who knows what will happen when Cupid's Enchantment is broken.

 
Tate "Talker" Walker has spent most of his life hiding his scars under a bright punk facade, and until he sat next to Brian Cooper on a bus, it worked. But Brian has spent his whole life being the invisible man, and he's used to looking below the surface. What he sees in Talker is a fragile and lovable human being. Brian is outwardly straight, but Talker is desperate for love, and when Talker's behavior leads to some painful consequences, Brian is forced to come out of his closet--in dramatic fashion. He'll do anything to make sure Talker sees that he's the Prince Charming Talker has always needed.

REVIEW: The Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent

My enjoyment of the book was definitely enhanced by Alison Kent's superb writing which flows so effortlessly. She brilliantly captures all the subtle nuances in Michelle and Todd's relationship: sharing, respect, trust, commitment, intimacy and passion. Her narrative is so evocative and she is able to paint such wonderful pictures with her words. For example, I love Todd's impressions of Michelle when he first meets her and I could just imagine his mouth watering at the sight before him!

Read more.

GIVEAWAYS: The Barbarian Prince and American Cool

Contests run from Nov 17 to 19, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Breaking up was never so hard...

Going undercover at Galaxy Brides as one of the prospective mates to these Viking-like barbarians, Morrigan has no intention of getting chosen to stay. But when Ualan of the Draig picks her to be his wife with the aid of his mystically glowing crystal, it is all she can do to say no.

Waking up from a drug-induced night of torturous and unfulfilling pleasures, Morrigan discovers her spaceship has left without her and Ualan is claiming she is his wife. It's not exactly the story this reporter had in mind. And to make matters worse, Ualan refuses to take no for an answer.

Being cursed by the gods was never so frustrating...

Prince Ualan is like all others of his race on the male dominated planet of Qurilixen. He is raised to trust the mystic powers around him and when it comes time to marry, he is ready to follow those powers to choose his life mate. When the stubborn, yet achingly beautiful, Morrigan refuses to accept their shared fate and his supreme authority over her, it is all he can do not to break her lovely neck.

When characters meet every roll of the dice with grit, humor and determination, is it enough to change the stakes?

Enter the world of American Cool, where risk, rejection, romance are played to win. In these stories you'll discover …

Lana, a tough gangster's daughter who's out to vanquish the ghost of her father's legacy while on a winning streak in Vegas. To separate herself from his violent past, she'll have to sever all ties to her future.

Miguel, a minor league ballplayer with a penchant for choking in pressure situations. When he meets the girl of his dreams, will he botch that play too?

An aging singleton, Marie, who's tired of being passed over for her pretty friends. But succumbing to the lure of plastic surgery may scar her psyche.

GIVEAWAYS: Perfect Score and Alaska Bride on the Run

Contests run from Nov 11 to 13, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Feckless, exasperating Alex Finch is a rich, handsome and talented singer/songwriter who longs for two things: a career as a professional rock singer, and to have his love for Sam Barrowdale reciprocated. But drifter Sam's two aims are simply to earn enough money to pay his sister's medical bills and to hide from the world his reading/writing and speech disability. At this time the word "dyslexia" is generally unknown so to most people he's just a "retard". From the severe knocks life's dealt him, Sam's developed a tough outer coating and he has no time for a spoilt, selfish guitar player.

Despite his defects, Alex's love for Sam never wavers and when Sam unexpectedly disappears, Alex begins a somewhat bungling quest to find him, only to discover that Sam has a fearful enemy: Alex's powerful and influential yet sociopathic uncle.

As Alex spirals downwards towards alcoholism, many questions need answering. Just why did Alex's evil uncle adopt him at age eleven yet deny him any affection? And what's the mystery behind Alex's father's death?

When he advertises for a bartender, Harrison Rowlan doesn't expect a woman in a torn wedding gown to apply! He couldn't save his own wife, but he's determined to protect this damsel in distress.

Willa Somerset desperately needs to find safety, and the sleepy Alaskan town of Eagle's Cliff seems like the perfect refuge. Only now she's in danger of falling for her knight in cowboy boots and denim.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Stronger Than Sin by Caridad Piñeiro

Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists. She won't let them harm other innocent victims, like her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete had the best hands in the NFL . . . until an injury forced him to undergo Wardwell's experimental gene therapy. Now Jesse's gorgeous body is superhuman-but his strength comes at a price.

With Wardwell threatening his family, Jesse can't tell Liliana all he knows. Yet he can't resist her compassion . . . or her healing, erotic touch. As their passion flares, Jesse's body becomes dangerous and volatile. For evil men are plotting to change the face of humanity-and will destroy whoever stands in their way.

Availabe at Amazon (print, Kindle) and Book Depository.

Caridad Piñeiro® is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of the written word developed when her fifth grade teacher assigned a project – to write a book that would be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since.

On crafting the idea for the SINS series, she said, "I was a science major in college and took some courses in genetics.  I loved the subject and even after college, I kept up on what was happening, especially since I saw that there was a lot of concern about genetically modified organisms and their introduction into the human food chain. My brain immediately started wondering what would happen if someone decided to create the ultimate genetically modified organism – a human with special powers. I thought about the immense power someone would have if they could create a stronger and nearly perfect human and that’s how the basic premise of the SINS series began."

The first book, SINS OF THE FLESH, is about Caterina Shaw, whose days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.

 

Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.

Caridad further revealed that "there is no overall plot per se. Instead there is the constant reminder of the battle of good versus evil and the reader discovering that the “demons” in the books aren’t necessarily the genetically altered people, but rather the humans seeking to control them.  Ultimately, the battle to save each person in the book is also about the battle to save humanity and restore what we know is right about the treatment of other people."

In the second book, STRONGER THAN SIN, Liliana and Jesse "are truly perfect for each other, although a lot stands in the way initially. Jesse Bradford is a lonely man who has lost his way and all that he knew when he allowed the cult of celebrity to overwhelm his family values. But as the story develops, we come to know that Jesse is a loving man and still embraces many of those values and is deeply attached to the family that has disowned him.  Liliana’s life is one of responsibility, family, honor and loyalty. She is strong and compassionate and although she’s had a hard life, she’s never doubted the basic values with which she has been raised – until Jesse comes along.  Jesse represents all that she sees as wrong in society – materialism, selfishness and violence.  But as time passes and the real Jesse emerges, it turns out that they have many of the same values about family, honor and loyalty and many of the same wishes.  That just made them perfect together!"

To do research on the Jersey Shore, Caridad spent many a weekend traveling around the various towns in which Stronger Than Sin is set.  You can check out the photos of the locations here and here.

More Fun Facts on STRONGER THAN SIN.

More info on Caridad and her books at Caridad's website.

GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

CONTEST RULES: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, TRR review site)

2. Leave a question or a comment for Caridad, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

CONTEST ENDS: November 22, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: November 23

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

WINNERS: True Vows and Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway

Hey folks, sorry for the delay, but finally we have the winners for the set of True Vows books and the Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway!

*drum roll*

TRUE VOWS set of books winner....

PoCoKat! 

Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway...

dor
Lustee
Stephanie G


Congratulations, and thanks to all for participating!

Winners, please send your name and mailing address to me at caroletrr @ gmail.com 

US/Canada only, and no P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win in two or more contests, you will receive only one set of the grouped giveaway in the mail.

GIVEAWAYS: Space Junque, Shuffle Up and Deal, and May Day

Contests run from Nov 8 to 11, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Space Junque is a paranormal space opera romance.

Char Meadowlark accepts an invitation to visit the Imperial Space Station from Mike Augustine, her dead sister's fiancé. While she's in orbit eco-terrorists start a planet-wide war.

Stranded above the earth, Char and Mike are thrown together. He wants more from her than friendship, but she can't stop thinking about Jake, the man who saved her life.

Jake Ardri is the bastard son of the Emperor's favorite courtesan. He hates politics and keeps to himself, running the rich and powerful to off-planet vacations in his shuttle, the Space Junque. When Mike Augustine asks for yet another favor, Jake thinks nothing of it -- just see that Mike's friend gets off planet safely. Jake doesn't expect to fall so hard and fast for the privileged "blue-carder" he finds in his Junque.

But is love even possible in flagrante apocalypto?

Meet Izzy Santillo. She's a charming-but-lonely thirty-four year old woman who loves poker and harbors a secret crush on the reigning king of Hold 'em.

Meet Nick Nolan, the reigning king of Hold 'em. On the tables, he's fast and loose and almost always wins. But when it comes to women, playboy Nick holds his cards too close and always loses.

When Izzy and Nick meet in embarrassing fashion at a Las Vegas poker tournament, Izzy's secret dreams turn into a public nightmare. But despite her humiliation, she may have finally sparked Nick's interest in something other than cards.

Before long, Nick takes a gamble on Izzy and raises the stakes when he offers to help her sharpen her game. But Izzy's convinced that Nick is bluffing and will fold his hand. Then a string of outrageous proposition bets and steamy trips on the poker tour, from Vegas to Miami, make these two fierce competitors realize that it may be time to put all their chips on the table. Will Izzy and Nick pair up? Or will they lose it all if they go all-in for each other? Sit down and ante up as Nick and Izzy get ready to Shuffle Up and Deal.

His forty-ninth birthday approaching, Ed is expecting nothing more than his usual stiff drink and an anonymous fuck in the back room of Yancy's Crossings. What he never expected was to be picked up by two college students and taken for a ride that would change his life forever.