VBT - Interview with Charles Sheehan-Miles with a contest

Interview with Charles Sheehan-Miles.

Welcome to Romance Book Craze Charles. I am happy to have your here.

What inspired you to write your first book?

When I was in the seventh grade, I wrote a horrible fan-fic novel based loosely off Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Darkover series. I was a huge fan of her work, and at that time, in the mid eighties, DAW books published a series of fan written short stories based on her world. I so much wanted to be part of that.

Later on, in my senior year in high school, I wrote my first full length novel, which was inspired by the breakup of my circle of friends during junior year. It went like this: one person slept with the other person (the wrong person) and then drama, and then more people slept with the wrong people, and my group of friends splintered and fell apart. The novel, loosely based off that group of friends, centered on the idea of one of them secretly being a psychotic killer. Yes, really.

By that time, I knew I wanted to be writer full time one day.

How much of the book is realistic?

I try for realism in my books as much as possible. A Song for Julia is grounded in a number of real life themes and problems many of us deal with: autism, family stress, rebellion against parents. The settings are as real as I could make them, and given that the book was set in 2002, I was careful to set it as accurately as possible.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

This wasn’t a message book. However, it’s impossible to divorce my beliefs, my life experience, my emotions from what I write. I write about things that matter to me. In this case, it was the nature of love, of self protection and isolation, depression, suicide, autism.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished reading Miss Me Not by Tiffany King, which I highly recommend. It’s a young adult novel dealing with themes of suicide, among other things, but she handles them very sensitively. I love her work.

Next up is Sophie’s Choice, which I’m told is a massive tearjerker, and was a gift from a Secret Santa. I can’t wait to get started on it. I’m mentally preparing to write my next book, which is going to be both difficult and emotional, so I need to get in the write space for it.

Who is your favorite author and what do you like about them?

It’s impossibly to pick just one. I read very widely. In the last year, that’s been indies (or former indies) like Colleen Hoover (who I LOVE!), YA authors including John Green and Gayle Forman (both made me cry like a baby), Timothy Hallinan, who wrote a fantastic series of thrillers based in Thailand, many others. Occasionally I’ll read nonfiction, mostly military history, and I love historical fiction: my favorite series was Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome (because her characterization is fantastic!) and John Jakes’s North and South trilogy (Jakes tells stories of historical events in a way that is absolutely grounded in humanity). In short, I’m all over the place.

Blurb

Everyone should have something to rebel against.Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Prize Info:

Charles is offering one commenter from this stop a digital copy of JUST REMEMBER TO BREATHE. All you have to do is comment with your email and your entered. Winner will be chosen on 12/24 and announce shortly thereafter.

Charles is also offering one commenter throughout the tour a grand prize of a $250 Amazon gift card. This winner will be chosen and announced on 12/26. Just fill out the rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VBT ~ Breaking the Nexus by Lindsay Avalon

Welcome to the official release tour for Breaking the Nexus by Lindsay Avalon! This action-packed paranormal romance will be released on 12/12/12 on Amazon in ebook and print!! To celebrate, Lindsay will holding giveaways throughout the month and a release day party filled with games and plenty of prizes!

The blog tour runs from Dec 1-31 and there are over 40 blogs participating! Join her on each stop as she shares exclusive snippets from the book, answers interview questions, or guest posts, and leave a comment to enter for your chance to win prizes!  Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter grand prize giveaway while you’re at it! Prizes include Breaking the Nexus swag, ebooks, custom jewelry, and more!

For a complete list of blogs participating, dates of special giveaways, the grand prize rafflecopter, and a list of the amazing authors generously donating books and swag, check out the special page on Lindsay Avalon’s blog: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com/p/breaking-nexus-blog-tour.html

Blurb:

Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they?

Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now.

For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide.

The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.

Excerpt:

As he walked up a set of stairs, the movement jostled her. If her lips just happened to brush against his neck when her head moved against the crook of his shoulder, it wasn’t her fault. She watched his throat work as he swallowed hard. Good, she was getting to him. Served him right when he’d gotten under her skin.

“Stop that,” he ordered, the command holding no heat. He shifted her weight for a moment while he unlocked the front door and pushed it open.

Unable to resist pushing him a little further, she brushed her lips against his skin once more. “Stop what?” Sha gazed up at him, the heat of his eyes making her melt. Those metallic eyes shifted and swirled unlike anything she’d ever seen, even among the Metallum Sorceri she’d met over the years.

He let her body slide down his, hands settling on her hips, holding her body close against him for a moment. “You’re playing with fire,” he warned.

“That’s alright, lucky for you, I’m an Infernum.”

“Really? And what does that mean?” Although he towered over her, his head was bent and she thought she might be able to reach his mouth if she stretched

“It means I happen to like playing with fire,” she whispered, standing on her tip toes to brush her lips to his.

She’d intended it to be a brief kiss, more of a tease than anything else. They hardly knew each other and had just escaped from a potentially deadly situation, after all. But the moment their lips met, all rational thought became impossible, incinerated by the flash of desire that swept through her.

One hand slid into her hair and fisted, pulling her head back to give him better access to her mouth. His tongue swept over hers, drawing a low moan from her. By the flame, his taste. Her hands grasped his coat as she pressed her breasts against his chest, pressure building low in her core. He was staking his claim on her, and she wanted more. Frantic to feel him, she pushed her hands beneath his shirt, running her fingers along his chest through the dusting of hair on his chest. Too soon he broke away, both of them breathing heavily.

“That—that probably shouldn’t have happened,” he said after a moment, stepping back to put some distance between them.

Sha touched her lips, swollen from their passion. Kissing him had electrified her senses, energizing her more than when she tapped a node, a direct line to power. It would be all too easy to become addicted to him. “That’s funny, I was thinking it should happen again.”

“Sha, I’m serious. I’m supposed to protect you, not make out with you on my porch.”

“Connor, I’m serious,” she mimicked. “I can protect myself and I don’t know what ‘make out’ means, but if it makes you feel better, I kissed you.”

His hand smoothed over her hair, brushing it from her face. “You’re a witch, aren’t you? Say it again.”

Confused, she cocked her head to the side. “Huh?”

“My name. I liked hearing you say it instead of ‘Detective.’”

Her heart melted a little. She had to tread carefully or she’d end up falling for this man. “Connor. And I’m not a witch, I’m a Sorceri, there’s a difference.”

I am a wife, a programmer, and now an author. I have an adorable mini Schnauzer and more books than I have room for. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. The day I met my husband was the day I truly began believing in happily ever after. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true      
                                                                                    calling is to be an author.
My sister drilled into me an appreciation for fantasy and mythology, something I try to bring to my books. My debut novel, Breaking the Nexus started as a book written for NaNoWriMo and has grown to so much more. It was the conduit that introduced me to a fantastic group of independent authors who have changed my life in unimaginable ways.
When I’m not writing, I’ve found a passion for blogging and interviewing fellow authors. I also love reading (of course!), baking, crochet, sewing sock monkeys, playing video games, and all sorts of random crafts. I have an incurable love of rubber duckies and stuffed animals, and I believe nobody should have to grow up if they don’t want.


Connect with Lindsay:

Blog: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com

Amazon Author: http://amazon.com/author/lindsayavalon

Facebook Author: http://www.facebook.com/author.lindsay.avalon

Twitter: @LindsayAvalon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chloe’s Double Draw by Fiona Archer ~ Release Day Blitz

Chloe's Double Draw by Fiona Archer

Available today!!!

Chloe Morgan fled to King’s Bluff, Wyoming, to start a new life. With a past that haunts her, the shy schoolteacher must make a choice. She can hide away and protect her secrets or embrace the acceptance of the small community. 

Noah King and Flynn Taylor have traveled the world as members of Australia’s elite SAS. They’ve earned scars, both inside and out. Now powerful influencers in King’s Bluff, a town founded by Noah’s ancestors, the men have made a haven from the ranch Noah inherited. 

One look at Chloe convinces Noah and Flynn she’s worth pursuing. Introducing her to BDSM and the ménage lifestyle accepted by the town will be a hard sell. She’s scared, skittish, and refusing their advances. 

As the two Doms fight to gain her trust, Chloe’s past crashes in on them, threatening their futures. When a man obsessed with her tracks down his prey, nobody could have imagined how high the stakes would go.

Buy it at

Contest Information:

Fiona is giving away a $10 Gift card to either Amazon or B&N to one lucky commenter. Please fill out the rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VBT ~ I Need You For Christmas by Leah Braemel

Please welcome author Leah Braemel to Romance Book Craze. I am so happy to have you. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write the way I talk. (I just wish I could edit what I say as easily.)

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I Need You For Christmas

Copyright © 2012 Leah Braemel

Excerpt:

The scent of bacon and cinnamon and coffee penetrated Meg’s consciousness long before she convinced her eyelids to open. Accompanied by Ryan’s off-key warbling of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, she stretched beneath the duvet and planned out her day. Which consisted of…what? Staying in bed all day was tempting, but that probably wasn’t an option, especially since she’d promised Amy she’d help her do her annual Christmas-cookie-making marathon.

Grumbling about having to get up, yet excited to be spending the day with Ryan, she tossed back the covers and padded to the washroom. Once she’d had a shower and dressed, she wandered out to the kitchen where Ryan was frying bacon wearing only a T-shirt and butt-hugging briefs. Standing in the doorway, she stayed quiet, appreciating the sight of his long legs with their muscular thighs and calves from miles of riding his bike over the hilly gravel roads in the area. Legs that had clenched around her the night before, the rough hair tickling her cheeks when she’d gone down on him. Then later, they’d brushed the insides of her thighs when he’d ridden her until they were both out of breath, sweaty and sore and thoroughly satisfied.

The music changed to “Silver Bells”, or as he sang it, Silver Balls. Guys. For such a talented artist, talk about tone deaf.

“Aren’t you worried about grease splatter?” She grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee.

Ever the wise man, he waited until she’d had her first full hit of caffeine before taking the cup and placing it on the counter. As she was about to protest, he wrapped his arms around her. With one hand firmly cupping her butt, he kissed her until they were both breathless.

“I wasn’t expecting you to wake up so early. You were sleeping like a log when I got up.” Ryan’s satisfied smile told her he knew full well he was the reason she’d slept soundly. “I was planning on bringing you breakfast in bed.” His hand squeezed her behind then released her. “But now you’re up, you sit your butt on the couch while I finish here.”

“You spoil me.” She picked up her coffee and headed to the couch, but not before stopping off to admire the seven-foot live pine taking over the corner. Nestled among the original blown glass ornaments and metal pieces Ryan created were a dozen or more embroidered pieces. They’d been his mother’s creations—he’d told her that until his father remarried and his new wife moved in, his mother’s needlework adorned just about every surface in the house.

She stroked the long needles; the scent of pine brought memories flooding back. “Do you remember our first Christmas tree?”

He chuckled. “Not the tree itself, but I remember trying to impress you by driving you out to Shewchuk’s tree farm and getting stuck in the ditch. Not my finest moment.”

“I was remembering what happened after we brought it home.” How they’d made love after they’d decorated it.

“I’ll never forget that part of the day, babe.” His voice was soft.

While she’d always loved the spirit of Christmas, she’d seldom found it at her family’s home. For some reason her parents fought more over the holidays, and the Christmas carols she’d play seldom drowned out the shouting matches. Though she hadn't told him, she suspected Ryan had when he had invited her to his family’s place for Christmas their first year together and included her on the tradition of picking out the family’s tree.

If she hadn’t already been falling in love with him, he’d sealed the deal when he’d said he loved her that afternoon.

*HARLEQUIN COVER ART: Cover Art Copyright© 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. © and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

How did you come up with the title for your current book?

I didn’t. I’d originally submitted the manuscript with a working title of The Art of Love (since Ryan is an artist) but my editor wanted it to be more seasonal, so after much discussion and deliberation she came up with the title.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I based the story upon the theme from O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, that the best present isn’t something you buy, but the love behind the present, the sacrifice you are willing to make.  

How much of the book is realistic?

I think it is fairly realistic – especially for couples who are forced to be apart for whatever reason. As for the surprises/presents they have planned, I always had it in my head that they had discussed the fact that Meg wasn’t going to be able to get a transfer near Ryan, so their decisions were realistic even if it might have been good idea if they’d mentioned something to the other. 

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

There are a lot of my own experiences and bits of my area in the book. For instance, the mill that Ryan is restoring is based on a real one close to where I live, though I’ve made it a bit fancier.  The story of how Ryan slid his car into the ditch when they were going to get their very first Christmas tree together is based on something that happened to hubby and I our second Christmas together. The pulled pork poutine in a local town is definitely based upon a dish I ate in a restaurant in Haliburton, the area Porter’s Mill is based upon. And the dragon art that Ryan works on is inspired by a dragon by a local artist too.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I’ve been blessed to have several wonderful authors give me advice throughout my career – Red Garnier and Vivian Arend to name two.

What book are you reading now?

Shiloh Walker’s Stolen.

Thanks again Leah for visiting Romance Book Craze!

I NEED YOU FOR CHRISTMAS available 12-3-2012

Blurb:

Ryan Porter is a sculptor, and beneath his callused hands, even the most rigid metals bend to his will. So, too, does his girlfriend Megan--a confident, strong woman who delights in submitting to Ryan's dominance in the bedroom.

Megan is a Mountie, and she's spent the past few years in the Arctic following her career dreams. Family obligations kept Ryan at home, but their love survived the distance thanks to several hot visits. A Mountie always gets her man, and Megan is bound and determined to keep Ryan.

Now Megan's with Ryan for the holidays...but how long will this visit last? She's always been willing to do anything Ryan desires, but will he finally tell her that all he needs for Christmas is her?

Buy Links: 

Carina Press  

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

Contest Info:

Comment below for a chance to win a book from Leah's backlist. Please leave your email so we can get in touch with you. Winner will be chosen and contacted at the end of the tour. No email = no entry.

Also be sure to head over to Leah's website to join her 

"I Need A Kindle for Christmas" giveaway.

Thanks for visiting!

Midnight's Warrior by Donna Grant ~ Excerpt and Contest!!!

Defenders against evil. Bound by the gods. The Dark Warriors are taking their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world—where a woman’s love can set them free…

A HEART IN HIDING
For ten long years, Tara has been a woman on the run, hiding from the magic-wielding Warriors and Druids of modern-day Scotland. Now, as a tour guide at a remote Highland castle, she hopes to finally escape her past—until one impossibly gorgeous man enters her life…and exposes her wildest secrets.

A WARRIOR IN LOVE
For centuries, Ramsey MacDonald has concealed his strength and skill as part Warrior, part Druid, for fear of unleashing the full force of his power. But when he takes Tara into his arms—and seals their fate with a kiss—Ramsey will have to fight for her love…though it may mean losing control of the magic inside him.

Midnight’s Warrior

Dunnoth Tower

Northern Scotland


Tara tapped her toe beneath her desk as she discreetly listened to “Part of Me” on her iPod in one ear. She quite enjoyed her job as a booking agent, tour guide, bookkeeper, and anything else they needed at the castle.

She hadn't thought about where she would go when she left Edinburgh after that disastrous run-in with the Warriors and Druids. She’d driven and driven and driven until the road led her to the sea and Dunnoth Tower.

Tara had stopped at the medieval castle to eat and stretch her legs. She’d been instantly taken with the structure and took the tour of it. To her surprise there had been a position open, and she’d applied. She’d started work that very day.

It had only been a few weeks, but she was thoroughly enjoying her time at Dunnoth, which she hadn’t expected after teaching. Yet, she found the quiet and peace of the castle and the North Sea helped to settle the turmoil inside her.

It also helped that the owners were pleasant, her co-workers friendly, and the tourists so eager to learn about the castle that they weren’t much of a problem to handle.

Although tourism in the middle of January in the far north of Scotland wasn’t much to talk about. Most tourists were at the ski resorts, but come summer, the castle was going to be very busy.

Tara looked forward to it. For now, she was reading over the accounting books to make sure everything was in order, and taking bookings for the castle for the summer months.

A door opened to her left and in walked the newest member of the castle employees. Tara’s mouth had dropped open the first time she saw the tall, black-headed hunk with the amazing gray eyes that seemed to see right into her soul.

That had been the day before. And now, she found herself staring at him again as he walked across the entryway and began to work on the electrical outlet that had shorted out months ago.

Though this time she did manage to keep her mouth closed and not make a complete fool of herself.

He filled out the navy short-sleeved tee to perfection with his thick shoulders and muscular arms. Yesterday evening they’d been hit with a rain and snow mix, and he’d gotten caught it in. When he’d come rushing into the castle with his shirt plastered to his abs, she’d been able to count each and every muscle in that washboard stomach of his.

The sight of it had made her wish she could see him without his shirt on to get a good glimpse of that tanned skin and ripped body.

Tara smiled. She’d always been a sucker for a man who knew how to take care of himself. But with Ramsey it wasn’t just his body.

It was his long, black hair that hung past his shoulders with just a hint of a wave to the shiny locks. He kept it pulled away from his face in a ponytail, but she longed to see him with it down.

Then there was his face. She sighed. And what a face it was. Sculpted jaw with just a small shadow of whiskers, square chin, strong nose, and a high forehead with black brows slashed over his eyes. His lips were full and wide, and he had eyelashes so thick, so black, that any woman would be envious. His steel-gray eyes held a hint of laughter in them, as if he knew far more than anyone around him, and he wasn’t going to share.

“Good morn,” Ramsey said in his deep baritone voice.

A shiver raced over Tara’s skin every time he spoke, as if her body were dialed into his husky voice. 

“Morning, Ramsey.”

“What are you listening to?” he asked. He stopped at the wall and bent to open his toolbox and pulled out a couple of tools.

Tara blinked. “Huh?”

Ramsey glanced at her and smiled. “Your music, lass. What are you listening to?”

“Ah…Katy Perry,” she answered, still baffled that he had known she had her iPod on. She had turned it down low enough so that no one would hear, and the cords to her earplugs were hidden by her hair.

Tara’s heart began to pound as her mind raced. Had the Warriors found her again? She knew their senses – hearing and sight – were enhanced, and there was no way a normal person could hear her music the way she had it. Tara scooted her rolling chair back, prepared to grab her purse and keys and run.

Until she spotted the white cord against her black sweater.
She looked at Ramsey to find him staring at her. After a moment, he shrugged and turned his back to her.

Tara released a long sigh and put her elbow on the desk before she dropped her head into her hand. She was so paranoid. She hated living her life this way, but for her, there wasn’t another way.

Because she was a Druid. And not just any Druid.

She was a dangerous one.

Tara squeezed her eyes closed and thought over the past ten years of her life. It wasn’t that she’d had a good or bad childhood. It had been average, just like her grades in school.
Hell, she had been average. Average height, average looks, average clothes, average everything.

She had known since she was a small child that she had magic. It ran strong through her family, and it never worried her. That is, until the day of her eighteenth birthday and she learned far more about the Druids than she had ever been told before.

Her family had lied to her all those years before, telling her that all Druids were the same. 

Not only were there two different kinds of Druids – mies, the good Druids, and droughs, the ones who dabbled in black magic and gave their souls to the Devil – her family were all droughs.

That wasn’t what bothered her. What had made her run from her family was their insistence that she become drough as well. They demanded she give her soul to Satan, which would have condemned her to Hell when she died.

For some odd, inexplicable reason, that didn’t bother anyone in her family. Just her. And they didn’t understand her. Not that they ever had before.

Tara hadn’t wanted anything extraordinary out of life. She had just wanted a simple life. A husband who loved her, children surrounding her, and a house filled with lots of laughter.
Instead, she now couldn’t stay anywhere too long before she had to leave again. Already she had spent ten years in Scotland, which was most likely ten years too long. She should have left and gone somewhere else when she ran away from her family, but she loved Scotland too much to leave.

However, she knew this was her last stop in her beloved land. She was going to have to leave. And it saddened her.

It was just five days until her birthday. She had always thought by the time she reached twenty-eight she’d have at least two children.

Instead, she was alone.
She didn’t even allow herself to make friends, because friends asked questions and became curious about her past. And she hated lying. So, she kept to herself.
There had been one time she made the mistake of thinking someone was a friend. But Declan Wallace had been anything but.

To this day she didn’t know how he had found her in that pub in Aberdeen, but his good looks, charm, and silver tongue had done the trick for a scared, confused eighteen-year-old who had run away from home.

Tara should have known what kind of man he was, but she blamed her emotional state for having overlooked it. She had stayed at his mansion for a month before she learned he was a Druid.

When he didn’t push her to undergo the ceremony to become drough, she worked with him on strengthening her magic for several more months. Tara had been careful about how much she used her magic. No one, least of all her, understood why her magic was so out of control.
But Declan had pressed her to use more of it, to learn to control it. He hadn’t understood her reluctance, and she hadn’t told him. Nothing had worked, yet he hadn’t been upset. He seemed to enjoy the fact her magic was all over the place. If her emotions were high, she could blow up a lightbulb without even trying.

Then, one night, she hadn’t been able to sleep and she’d ventured downstairs to get something to eat when she’d overheard Declan’s plans for her.

Once again Tara was on the run.
She knew eventually she would be caught. Would it be by her family? The Warriors hunting her? Or Declan? Who among them would end her life? Would they come in the middle of the night, or in the light of day? Did it even matter anymore?

“Tara?”

She jerked at the feel of Ramsey’s hand on her arm. “Yes?” she asked as she tugged the earphone out of her ear.

“Are you all right?” His brow was knit, his gray eyes full of concern.

“Yes,” she lied.

He raised a thick black brow and flattened his lips. “I doona believe you’re telling me the truth, but I willna press you.”

The heat of his body seared her skin through her sweater where his hand was, but it didn’t hurt. What it did was cause her blood to heat and made her think of leaning close and pressing her lips against his.

She cleared her throat and looked away from his hypnotic eyes. “I’m fine. Really,” she said, and plastered on a smile as she glanced at him.

He released her and stepped back. Instantly she missed his nearness, his touch, and his heat. How he could walk around in a short-sleeve tee in this frigid January weather, with the snow outside several feet thick, she didn’t know. But she wished she could do the same.

“How long have you been at Dunnoth Tower?” he asked as he once more knelt in front of the outlet on the opposite wall.

She hated when people asked her questions, but for some reason she wanted to answer Ramsey’s. Which wasn’t a good sign for her at all. 

“A few weeks.”

He pulled the outlet from the wall and inspected it before he twisted a few wires. “Hmm,” he responded.

“What brought you here?” She licked her lips, refusing to wonder what made her ask her own question. She never did this. It made it appear as if she were interested in him when she needed to keep her distance.

But there was something so alluring, so fascinating about Ramsey that she couldn’t help herself.

“Chance, maybe.” He shrugged and tightened a wire. “Who knows? How about you?”

“I was driving and the road took me here.”

He looked up and met her gaze. “Definitely chance on your part.”
She grinned as she leaned her forearms on her desk. She had no idea what had come over her, asking and answering questions. And she even left her answer open so Ramsey could ask something else.

But he didn’t.

Because he didn’t, it gave her the insane urge to inquire about something else. Thankfully, the phone rang, saving her from making an utter fool of herself.

Tara kept glancing at Ramsey as she looked at the calendar to book a company conference. She grew agitated at the woman on the other end of the line because Ramsey was finishing up with the outlet and she was still on the phone.

And then Ramsey closed his toolbox and stood. He gave her a smile and walked away.
Tara sighed. “I beg your pardon, ma’am. I didn’t hear that last bit. Could you repeat it?”
As she wrote down the dates in the calendar and calculated the deposit, Tara told herself now wasn’t the time to find a man she was interested in.

The problem was there was never a good time for her to get involved with anyone. 

Buy the Book

bn
amazon
kindle
ibook
indiebound
powells
smp

Find Donna Here ~>

Twitter ~ @donna_grant

Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant

Good Reads ~ http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels and novellas spanning multiple genres of romance.
She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.
Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.
Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.
Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.

Contest Info:

For a chance at a set of all three DARK KINGS books by Donna Grant, comment below WITH your email. I will pick a winner at the end of the week.

Oh and don't forget to head over to Donna's blog for her HUGE Midnight's Warrior Contest!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Leagh's Review: The Secret Santa Wishing Well by Nikki Lynn Barrett

The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn't seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish...

Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter's existence and doesn't provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben's kind actions lead a stranger to them.

Ah, but it's Christmas time and the magic has begun.

When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.

With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.

Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.

The perfect Christmas read about the true meaning of Christmas.

Jacob is hurting really bad, his sister is sick and his Christmas spirit is shattered until a brave little boy walked into his life and changed it forever. Cheyenne is a single mother of two beautiful children, the father isn't in the picture the way he should be and she is financially struggling to make ends meet. There is no end in site, until one fateful day at the mall. When the two of them come together because of one sweet little boy, they have a Christmas they will never forget. 

This book is incredibly sweet and emotional. The characters were well developed and the story line was strong and flowed well. There were a few spots that were a bit jumpy but other than that the story read well. Cheyenne is such a strong women and you can tell she is a wonderful mother. Her son Ben is an amazing boy, who is always wanting to help others and little Desiree is such a sweet little girl. Just let me say that heroes aren't the only fantasies in romance books, lol, this little boy is one any mother would be proud of.  
Jacob is the perfect guy *sigh* He swept into Cheyenne's life with a fierceness that will bring tears to your eyes. He accepts the kids as he would his own and he accepts Cheyenne and all of her responsibilities, doubts, and imperfections, all the while suffering a silent torture of his own. I was torn between wanted to smack him and hug him. 

All in all this book is very well put together with strong characters, a strong plot, and enough emotion to make the strongest person weep.  I would highly recommend this book but be prepared to have your tissues ready. Great read!

VBT - Embracing my Submission by Jenna Jacob

Today I would like to welcome Jenna Jacob to the blog. She just released her debut novel called Embracing My Submission. I have had the opportunity to read this book. Although I cannot review it because I am Jenna's personal assistant, I can say it was a solid 5 stars and a recommended read!

Here is a little bit about Jenna and her book!!!

Author Bio:

Jenna Jacob is married and lives in Kansas. A lover of music, cooking, camping and riding Harley’s on the open country roads. When she was thirteen she began writing and not on a stone tablet as her youngest son often teases. There is always a plot bubbling inside her head that has to be written.

With four grown children she finally has time to paint pictures of her twisted mind, with words. Outgoing with a sassy sense of humor, she’s never once been accused of being shy or introverted. With nearly twenty years of experience in the dynamics of the BDSM lifestyle, she strives to portray Dominance and submission with a passionate and comprehensive voice

Contact Jenna:

Webiste link to book excerpt and buy links: http://www.jennajacob.com/embracing-my-submission.html

Website: http://www.jennajacob.com

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jacob/236316889830812?fref=ts

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jenna.jacob.author?fref=ts

Blurb:

Haunted for years by dreams of a savage, amber eyed Dominant with lips so enticing my soul ached in frustration and lust. None of the Dominants at Genesis, my local BDSM club ever stirred me in such blistering ways. While I tried to fill my submissive desires vicariously through interactions at the club, I attempted to convince myself it was enough. But it wasn’t. My dream Dom made certain I hungered for more.

Forced beyond what I could bear, my passion and frustration exploded. I threw in the towel, determined to stop chasing a dream and gave up completely on finding submissive surrender. But fate intervened when two gunshots split the night. Forced to confront my desires and insecurities, I was shocked to realize that my dreams may have held a deeper meaning. Were they compelling me to finally embrace my submission?

Giveaway Details

Jenna is offering up 5 copies of the EMBRACING MY SUBMISSION and a GRAND PRIZE of a $25 Gift Card to bookseller of choice. Just fill out the rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal ~ Breaking the Nexus by Lindsay Avalon

First of all, thank you so so much for participating in my cover reveal!! Breaking the Nexus is my baby and I’m beyond ecstatic to finally be able to release it! This gorgeous cover was designed by Miranda Stork, and I’ve been dying to show it off to everyone

On November 11, 2012, please post the following information.  I’ve included all of my links, the cover image, book blurb, and a short intro.

INTRODUCTION

My debut paranormal romance, Breaking the Nexus, is coming 12/12/12!  This gorgeous cover was designed by none other than Miranda Stork and I’m proud to share it with the world! Breaking the Nexus is the first in a series featuring the Mythrian Realm, and will be available from Amazon.com in ebook and print form on 12/12/12. Don’t miss your chance to discover what happens when mythology blends with reality!

BLURB

Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they?

Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now.

For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide.

The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.

LINKS

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.lindsay.avalon

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LindsayAvalon

Blog: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com

Amazon Author: http://amazon.com/author/lindsayavalon

GIVEAWAY

Contest will run from November 11 to November 13. Fill out the rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway