FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Breathe Me In by Lex Valentine

Q: I just love it when inspiration struck. Wilson North, former lover of Seth and Corey (from book 6), finally meets his match in Garrick Forrester. Why is Garrick perfect for him, when things didn't work out with his former lovers?

Garrick is a Dom but he has a lot of fears about who he really is. He's gay but he's not really out of the closet. He pays for sex or gets it at his BDSM club. He has family – a brother, parents – but he's very much a loner, isolated, and driven.

Will is his exact opposite. He's a sexual submissive (not trained though) and even though he has no family, he longs for one, longs to not be alone. He's got a great career but he's just drifting along in it with no real purpose. Garrick inspires Will to be more than he is and Will pushes Garrick to come out of the closet and be who he truly is. No partner had ever done that for either of these two heroes. They were meant to be together...

Read more.

Lex Valentine is giving away a copy of Breathe Me In or any book in backlist (winner's choice of digital or signed print)!

Mechanics:

Simply write a comment or ask a question [click here] to be entered into the giveaway!

Contest ends April 30.

Winners will be announced in May.


Check out other Featured Book Interviews:

A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot
To Kill A Vampire by Julianna Sage
Always Remember by Rita Hestand
The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham
Tender Mercies by Mary Manners
My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley
Taking Back His Widow by Kerri Williams
Wicked Wager Among Friends by Cassandre Dayne
The Pleasure Garden by Amanda McIntyre, Kristi Astor and Charlotte Featherstone

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley

Q: What is your favorite line of exchange or scene in the book?

Well, I have lots of favorites, but one highlight is in Chapter One when Mara and Jordan see each other again for the first time in twelve years…not exactly a happy reunion…!

Here's a short scene:

"Mara." He condescended to a dutiful nod when she was right in front of him, the crowd jostling her closer to him than she had any desire ever to go again.

The sound of her name on his tongue made her flinch. How dare you speak to me? 

"Lord Falconridge," she replied in a frosty tone. She meant to keep going without so much as slowing down, but he spoke again, flicking a rudely approving glance over her figure. "You're looking well."

Gracious, this bold appraisal from Lord Holier-Than-Thou quite astonished her! He had always been--or pretended to be--the model of knightly virtue when they were young.

Perhaps he'd changed. Perhaps he'd given up the act of chivalry at last. Good. The world did not need any more hypocrites.

"Thank you," she clipped out. Again, she meant to walk away, and again he stopped her with another comment--seemingly in spite of himself.

"I did not know you collected art."

There's a lot you don't know about me, you prick. "I don't, my lord. Good day."

"Mara--"

Read more.

Gaelen is offering a signed copy of MY IRRESISTIBLE EARL for giveaway!

Mechanics:

Simply write a comment or ask a question [click here] to be entered into the giveaway!

Contest ends April 30.

Winners will be announced in May.

Check out other Featured Book Interviews:

A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot
Breathe Me In by Lex Valentine
To Kill A Vampire by Julianna Sage
Always Remember by Rita Hestand
The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham
Tender Mercies by Mary Manners
Taking Back His Widow by Kerri Williams
Wicked Wager Among Friends by Cassandre Dayne
The Pleasure Garden by Amanda McIntyre, Kristi Astor and Charlotte Featherstone

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot

NOMINEE: BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE IN 2010 AT TRR

Lessons from a kissing guru.

Celeste stretched on tiptoe, all sweetness and curiosity she brushed her lips against Ranulf's. She was reaching up, threading her fingers through his hair, pulling his mouth closer. Inexperienced as she was, parting her lips, beckoning, welcoming his intrusion, her willingness excited him further, igniting warmth into fire.

He found himself kissing her with urgency, as if his life depended on it. There was joy in his touch at the ripeness of her pink mouth, as his tongue slid over lips that parted in response. Sparks of joy made him giddy, excited as some green boy with his first kiss….

Celeste's first kiss – an excerpt from 'A Dead Man's Debt' 

Lucky for Celeste that her lover wasn't tutored by the Victorian writer, Henry Theophilus Finck. In 1887 Finck wrote a book to guide the uninitiated in the mysteries of romance. Titled 'Romantic Love and Personal Beauty' ,it was a bestseller in its day, so let's take a sneaky peek to see what we might learn from his wisdom.

Finck starts promisingly enough;

'Kissing comes by instinct and yet it is an art which few understand properly.'

Fair enough, new tricks can keep a relationship fresh, but reading on things take a worrying turn;

'A lover should not hold his bride by the ears in kissing her…' (Oh my!) 'As appears to have been customary in Scotch weddings of the last century [1700's].'

To remedy this Finck offers helpful advice.

"A more graceful way, and as effective at preventing the bride from getting away, is to put your right arm round her neck, your fingers under her chin, raise the chin and gently but firmly press you lips to hers."

Ok, so apart from trying to stop the woman running away, this sounds OK up to a point, as the thoughtful Theophilus goes on to offer reassuring words for those doubting the effectiveness of this new technique.

"After a few repetitions she will find out it doesn't hurt and will become as gentle as a lamb."

Hmmm, I think he might be missing the point somehow! How about making the woman feel desired, wanted and beautiful? So, when it comes to kissing,  who would you choose -  Theophilus Finck or Lord Ranulf Charing ?

Restrained power trembled through his body. Closing her fingers she drew Ranulf toward her until his hot breath tickled her bare neck. His skin smelt warm and musky as she melted into his arms.

Then the dam holding back passion burst. His hands in her hair, bruising lips seeking hers as her body responded willingly, greedy, eager to learn more of the heat that flooded her body. His tongue parted her lips, teeth bumping, his masculine presence filling her senses. He pulled the pins from her damp hair, sending long curls tumbling about her shoulders and back. Ranulf sucked in a breath.

'So beautiful…'

Excerpt from 'A Dead Man's Debt'.

"Historical romance at its best." Once Upon A Chapter

"Totally engrossing…sensual and evocative writing." Fiction Books.

"Breathtaking sensuality…page turning drama…a wonderful talent." The Romance Reviews.

'A Dead Man's Debt' - Grace Elliot

Celeste Armitage has a plan…and it doesn't include marriage.

Celeste's despairing parents exile her to the country, where she finds a sketch book of nude studies and is shaken to find the artist is her hostess's son, Lord Ranulf Charing. This cynical lord is the exactly sort of dissipated rogue she despises most…if only her blood didn't heat at the sight of him!

Lord Ranulf faces ruin as a blackmailer uses his late brother's debts to destroy the Charing's reputation. When Ranulf unexpectedly falls for the rebellious Celeste he must chose between true love and family duty…but Ranulf underestimates Celeste's resolve to clear his name and unwittingly places his soul mate in mortal danger….

If you would like to find out more please visit my blog at:

http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

or

www.graceelliot.webs.com

'A Dead Man's Debt' is available from Smashwords, Books on Board, Amazon and most eBook stores, price $2.99 / GBP 2.14

US link:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Dead-Mans-Debt-ebook/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1298137532&sr=1-1

UK link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Dead-Mans-Debt/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298137608&sr=1-1

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: To Kill A Vampire by Julianna Sage

NOMINEE: BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE IN 2010

Q: In TO KILL A VAMPIRE, we are introduced to a completely different kind of vampire. What inspired you to come up with your own take on vampires? What makes them unique from the other vampires in the genre?

My vampires are humans who "share" their bodies with demons, and it is the demon who craves the blood. It is very much a symbiotic. The demon allows the human control, but they share their thoughts and physical sensations. I liked the idea that vampires were redeemable, that a possibility existed that they could return to their human forms.

Q: How has Erik's (the hero) past and experiences shaped him to be the man/vampire that he is?

He's very smart and very passionate about everything in his life. Once he decided to defy the order to kill Angelica, he threw himself into saving her with the same intelligence and commitment that he faced everything in his life...

Read more.

Julianna Sage is giving away a digital copy of TO KILL A VAMPIRE!

Mechanics:

Simply write a comment or ask a question [click here] to be entered into the giveaway!

Contest ends April 30.

Winners will be announced in May.

Check out other Featured Book Interviews:

A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot
Breathe Me In by Lex Valentine
Always Remember by Rita Hestand
The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham
Tender Mercies by Mary Manners
My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley
Taking Back His Widow by Kerri Williams
Wicked Wager Among Friends by Cassandre Dayne
The Pleasure Garden by Amanda McIntyre, Kristi Astor and Charlotte Featherstone

How About a Wicked Game of Pool?

How About a Wicked Game of Pool?

An Introduction to the Flamingo Rustler

Cassandre Dayne

Have you ever gambled to get something tasty that you desire? Perhaps it's simply a friendly game to waste away a steamy rain slicked July afternoon or something you do on a Saturday night at your local pub with all your friends. Either way, it's just fun and games, right?

What if it was something else entirely? What if you decided that in order to win the heart and possibly the hot, sultry body of the guy you hunger for that you would do anything to try and garner his attention, even if that meant challenging him to a game he always bested you at? Think about the end game. Who would really win? Would you do it and what would you put up as stakes. Let's think about the sultry setting…

Imagine a darkly lit bar where mostly men enjoy the tasty treats that a man cave can offer. Glance across the room with me. Can you see the slight haze of smoke from the pulsing lights, the illegal cigarette smoke and the myriad of televisions blaring every sports related activity that ESPN could offer? Inhale deeply. Do you smell the hint of stale beer, the aroma of spicy wings and the wafting of chili? Take a step inside and brush your hand across the cool wood of the pool table, the warm softness of the emerald green felt. Glance around the room at the neon flashing lights advertising everything from Budweiser to saucy margaritas. Aren't you thirsty?

Now close your eyes and envision chalking the pool cue, getting it just right before you lean over, giving a seductive stance as you take the breaking shot. What did you hope for, solids or stripes? As you gaze down as the first purple ball twirls around the far right pocket, did you hold our breath until it dropped with a thud inside? Now, can you hear the approving grunts mixing with the electric rifts of Bon Jovi? Hmmm…I think you have the feel of Lucifer's Lair.

The man cave nestled in the heart of the Flamingo Rustler caters to all men rough and tumble style and their manly desires from sports to rich foods. It's the kind of joint that the liquor flows, the food is always tangy, the testosterone keeps everyone on edge…oh and women aren't allowed.

Well, except for that special someone. Would you dare allow the hungry men to watch your game, knowing they are betting on the outcome? I wonder if you could allow your inhibitions to be thrust aside. Take a moment to think about it. My bet is…you would.

I am often asked as a writer how I set up a scene for my books and have I ever been to some of the exotic locations. In truth, the internet and books are wonderful so you don't have to travel to distant shores to find that perfect secluded spot or the stunning beach with pearlescent sands and keening cerulean blue skies. One thing you do have to have is a bit of imagination. I love creating a setting that you the reader long to visit and whether it's real or it's make believe – it doesn't matter as long as you crave to be there.

Lucifer's Lair and the Flamingo Rustler happen to be backdrops for a new series – Tales From Lucifer's Lair and the first story about all things sassy that happen in the bar called Wicked Wager Among Friends. What I can tell you is that the restaurant and bar, while not real, is going to be not only in my erotic romance series but in my campy murder mystery series called Pinked based in a gated Community Association called Leopard's Pointe as well, so it's important to design and keep the bar exactly as it will be throughout both series and for both writers. To that end, I have bought the web address – the website will be up this summer; I have created drinks from scratch and recipes that will be daily specials on the website when completed.

You'll also get the opportunity to experience free reads as well. Here's the actual legend of The Flamingo Rustler.

Mick St. Simon was a lonely and hardened man. Fresh from the horrors of World War II and his heart having been broken by the woman of his dreams, he moved to the United States from his native Australia. Prepared to become an accountant, he chose instead on a whim to purchase the seedy pub at the end of the street. Turning it into Mick's Burgers, his Big Mick's burger and fries became an instant hit.


The entire establishment flourished, that is until the golden arches entered the picture. The big wig operation threatened law suits galore and squeezed him bloody dry. He needed a change desperately.  As the era of drugs and wild sex took hold, he leased his shop and moved to San Francisco, taking up residence with a hot blond stripper and a Harley. As the days became endless nights of wanton sex and psychedelic drugs, he knew his future was at stake.


Finally leaving the hedonistic life for the sanctity of his burger joint, he found it in complete disrepair. As his disillusionment for the Vietnam war held his mind and his love for bikes grasped his soul, he turned the joint into a biker bar, and the Flamingo Rustler was born. Years later, he learned of a single heir. His namesake, Mick St. Simons, was an ostrich farmer in the wastelands near Melbourne and the only man he knew that could carry on his dream. And so, he willed his bar to his grandson, Mick.

Sadly, succumbing to his injuries suffered in a horrific accident on a Harley trip with his best friends at 78, the will called out to Mick in his home country. The place left to him, the only caveat was that he had to own the establishment for five full years. Young Mick, a rogue by reputation, knew what to do. Bikers no more, he changed the place into a neighborhood bar and grill adding a man cave, Lucifer's Lair, in reverence to his grandfather. Many a tale could be told from the saucy darkened bar and hence the name...Tales from Lucifer's Lair.

Wicked Wager Among Friends – Tales from Lucifer's Lair is being released on April 20^th from Rebel Ink Press. I hope you will enjoy my cast of characters as they bring you into their worlds – some a bite sexy and others simply full of fun. Please join me in all my worlds where you just might….Dare to Take the Plunge.

http://www.cassandredayne.com/

https://cassandredayne.wordpress.com/

Email:  cassandre@cassandredayne.com

https://twitter.com/bethanyhalle

Check out Cassandre's featured book interview of WICKED WAGER AMONG FRIENDS [CLICK HERE]. She's giving a giveaway to one awesome commentor.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: The Pleasure Garden by Amanda McIntyre, Charlotte Featherstone and Kristi Astor

Q: Please share a favorite line of exchange or scene in the story.


Amanda: This is the opening of the story which I feel tells a great deal about where things are going to go from here. ;) Here's the scene:


Forbidden. The reality that Edmund and his friend, Gregory could be held in high treason of the English king was the last thing on Edmund's mind as he stared at the lovely creature walking through the crowd toward them. Fair-skinned, with luxurious red hair, she sauntered with ease, greeting vendors, charming all with whom she came in contact, offering them a smile from lips that Edmund found himself wanting to taste...


Read more.


Amanda and Kristi are each offering a copy of THE PLEASURE GARDEN for giveaway! Two copies for giveaway!


Mechanics:


Simply write a comment or ask a question [click here] to be entered into the giveaway!


Contest ends April 30.


Winners will be announced in May.


Check out other Featured Book Interviews:

A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot
Breathe Me In by Lex Valentine
To Kill A Vampire by Julianna Sage
Always Remember by Rita Hestand
The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham
Tender Mercies by Mary Manners
My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley
Taking Back His Widow by Kerri Williams
Wicked Wager Among Friends by Cassandre Dayne

Kerri Williams on Taking Back His Widow

Well where should I start for my first blog on The Romance Reviews?

How about from the very beginning with 13 simple steps I followed to publication. I believe they helped me with the journey to my debut novel— TAKING BACK HIS WIDOW.

I always found it interesting as a reader and a writer how authors found their way and so I decided why not share something of mine.

1. Finish your MS- If you write every day, you will get better at writing every day.

2. Edit- If it's boring to you, it's going to be boring to the reader.

3. Resist stereotypes in your writing and in real life.

4. Writers read, they read a lot. But try not to let it influence your true voice too much.

5. Make a list of all your favourite words, places, foods anything that you can use. Which leads me to the next rule.

6. Have a pad and pen with you ALL the time, even at your bedside table.

7. If you're at a flat point, have a bath, walk, read, dance and when your mind is fresh come back. If that doesn't work, try something new and refreshing.

8. There's not always a moral to a story. Sometimes, it is what it is.

9. Learn to tell both sides of the story. His, hers and the hidden truth.

10. Be proactive and get yourself out there. The internet has a vast amount of groups you can join. My motto 'google it'. That's how I found Romance Writers of Australia and through them, I found online and face to face groups and a massive amount of knowledge that's helped me.

11. Ask yourself, what is your goal? E-books, bookshelf at Big W, even Womans Weekly mag. Whatever it is, research your market. If you want HQN or Allen & Unwin, then read and enter their competitions and the same goes for all the other publishers. Check out forums and don't be afraid to ask questions.

12. When your MS is glowing from all your polishing— Send it. It's no good sitting in your hard drive or under your bed like a dirty porn mag. Lol.

13. This one is one of the most important of all, if rejected— DON'T GIVE UP!  Keep writing and take note of the feedback and learn from it.

So now I think I'll give you a sneak peak at TAKING BACK HIS WIDOW.

Eternal Press 7^th February 2011

Excerpt

She tried to say his name.

The words were there—Dean Stone. Only her throat restricted the sound.

"I knew it was you," he said.

She wasn't sure, but she thought she heard a hint of triumph or possibly accusation in his tone.

"It's been a long time, Livinia."

"Dean." It came out in a whisper and more like a question than a statement. After all this time, why is he here?

There was something tugging at her mind, something important she knew she should be more worried about than anything else, but her mind wouldn't cooperate. Before she could decipher what was so important, Dean's voice invaded the fog.

"Is that all you have to say to me?"

The dark, challenging look in his eyes made the blood simmer within her veins. Even in the dim light of the station's security lights, she found herself glued to his vivid brown eyes. Once upon a time, she would have bathed in their brilliant depths with love and passion, lured like a deer to headlights. Now, sadly and dangerously, was no different.

Oooh, I hope that got you intrigued. To buy a copy of Taking Back His Widow just follow the links on my website www.kerri-willams.com

I want to say Thank you to The Romance Reviews and the team for having me here today and to Eternal Press for believing in my work.

Happy reading and writing to you all.

Kez

Kerri Williams

Check out Kez's featured book interview of TAKING BACK HIS WIDOW here. She's giving a giveaway to one awesome commentor.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Shiver of Fear and Face of Danger by Roxanne St. Claire

The legacy that haunts her . . .
The mystery she must solve . . .
A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . .
and break her heart.


Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix.


The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can't . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won't live to try.

Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill . . . it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.


Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.


Check out Roxanne's website for more information on her books and excerpts!

Grand Central Publishing is giving away 3 sets of both books!

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

How to Enter:

1. Be a follower. (GFC, TRR Review Site)

2. Leave a comment below for Larissa.

3. Enter the contest here.

Contest ends April 26.

Winners will be drawn in May.

Good luck! 

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Never A Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer

HE HIDES HIS TRUE COLORS . . .

Miss Grace Fairchild is under no illusions about her charms. Painfully plain, she is a soldier's daughter who has spent her life being useful, not learning the treacherous ways of the ton. She may have been caught in a scandal with society's favorite rogue, but how can she marry him when it means losing herself?

WHILE SHE HIDES HER TRUE SELF . . .

Diccan Hilliard doesn't know which of his enemies drugged him and dumped him in Grace's bed, but he does know the outcome. He and Grace must marry. To his surprise, a wild, heady passion flares between them. Yet Diccan is trapped in a deadly game of intrigue Grace knows nothing about. Will his lies destroy Grace just as he realizes how desperately he needs her? And how can he hope for a future with her, when an old enemy has set his murderous sights on them both?

Check out Eileen's website for the excerpt!

Authors Unplugged Radio Show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsunplugged/2011/03/03/authors-unplugged--eileen-dreyer

BlogTalkRadio Interview - April 1 - HISTORICAL ROMANCE AUTHORS ROUNDTABLE:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/grandcentralpub/2011/04/01/historical-romance-authors-roundtable 

Grand Central Publishing is giving away 3 copies of the book!

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

How to Enter:

1. Be a follower. (GFC, TRR Review Site)

2. Leave a comment below for Larissa.

3. Enter the contest here.

Contest ends April 19.

Winners will be drawn in May.

Good luck! 

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Check out Larissa Ione's website for more information and for excerpts!

 

Grand Central Publishing is giving away 3 copies of the book!

Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

How to Enter:

1. Be a follower. (GFC, TRR Review Site)

2. Leave a comment below for Larissa.

3. Enter the contest here.

Contest ends April 16.

Winners will be drawn in May.

Good luck!