In the vein of Philippa Gregory, Mary Hart Perry tells the riveting story of an extraordinary woman—a princess who refused to give up on her dreams, including her right to true love.
The Wild Princess
by
Mary Hart Perry
Blurb
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children; four were girls. In this first book of the sensual historical romance series, Princess Louise, known as the "wild child" of the royal family, marries amidst scandal and threats against the Crown from Irish radicals. But when Louise discovers love, it isn't with the man the queen arranged for
her daughter to wed.
To the court and subjects of Queen Victoria, young Princess Louise—later the Duchess of Argyll—was the “Wild One.” Proud and impetu¬ous, she fought the constraints placed on her and her brothers and sisters, dreamed of becoming an artist, and broke with a three-hundred-year-old tradition by marrying outside of the privileged circle of European royals. Some said she wed for love. Others whispered of a scandal covered up by the Crown. It will take a handsome American, recruited by the queen’s elite Secret Service, to discover the truth. But even as Stephen Byrne— code name the Raven—vows to risk his life to protect the royal family from violent Irish radicals, he tempts Louise with a forbidden love that could prove just as dangerous.
About the Author
Mary Hart Perry lives in Maryland with her husband and two feline writing partners: Miranda and Tempest. She teaches at The Writer's Center in Washington, DC and is an inspiring speaker for international and regional organizations interested in the joys of history and fiction writing. She is an advocate for teen and adult literacy. You can reach her Here. She invites you to "like" her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. Don't forget to check out her Website.
Grab Your copy of The Wild Princess here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Romance Junkies 2012 Writing Contest
Taking the plunge into Indie Publishing contest!
Would you like to publish one of your manuscripts on Kindle, Barnes and Noble? This contest will give the winner the tools they need to make a successful launch. The winner will receive all of the services necessary to publish and promote their book.
So pull out that book from your backlist that is no longer available for sale, that manuscript you have under the bed, or your new release that doesn't seem to fit with your normal publisher, and put that puppy up yourself!
If you are already an Indie Pub author, use this contest to launch your next title.
At the end of the contest, we will be adding the Authors writing name and any links to buy the books. So even if you don't win readers will still be able to find your book when you put it out.
Contest Schedule
July 1st– September 1st-- Take in Entries
Change - September 1st– thru November 14th–
Post entries (every week a group of entries are posted on the contest page to be voted on by readers)
November 30th– Winners Announced
For more info and to learn how to enter go HERE
REMINDER Authors After Dark
conference will be happening in 11 days!!
Ali and I would love to take you all with us but
unfortunately that's impossible so we've
thought of the next best thing.
Is your favorite author attending AAD?
Is there a question you would love
to ask an AAD author?
Simply Ali
will give you the chance.
Ali and I will be doing live interviews on camera
with as many authors as possible.
Leave your questions below or email me HERE and we will ask your questions for you! And don't worry we will be bringing back swag from New Orleans to share with the beautiful Simply Ali readers!!
The list of AAD Authors is posted below bring on the questions readers!! :)
Authors
Will Devlin Kinney’s Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be shamrocked into next week?
SHAMROCKED, Irish Kisses book 2, is OUT NOW in most major ebook stores.
JoAnne Kenrick is super appreciative of all the support her readers have given
SWEET IRISH KISS.
That same support managed to get Sweet Irish Kiss onto several different bestseller lists in several different online retailers, Amazon Kindle being one of them.
She would love to see Devlin's story garner even more success by getting him in the top 100 bestseller list on Amazon. So… If you buy Shamrocked from Amazon Kindle,
SCROLL DOWN for the rafflecopter and fill it in with your receipt/reference number amazon emails you after you make your purchase
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A KINDLE FIRE OR A NOOK TABLET.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
YOU SHOULD SEE A RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY widget here. If not, then try waiting a minute. Sometimes it can take a while to load. If that doesn't work, it could be the browser you are using. You can enter using the alternative rafflecopter on my facebook page found here: www.facebook.com/joannekenrick. Quite often, rafflecopters don't show up on mobile devices, either.
IF you cannot see the rafflecopter in either instance, msg me your reference/receipt number amazon gives you after a kindle purchase VIA FACEBOOK joanne.kenrick.50@facebook.com . I will manually enter this on your behalf.
Contest Terms and Conditions
> Kindle Fire and Nook contest is open to USA residents only. Sorry. International for the giftcards, though.
> The Nook/Kindle reader prizes mentioned will only be awarded IF Shamrocked reaches amazon's top 100 bestseller chart SO SPREAD THE WORD to your friends.
> amazon GCs will be awarded regardless.
> By entering this contest, you are signing up to JoAnne Kenrick's Quarterly Newsletter.
>You have 48hrs to respond to the notification if you win, or a new winner will be drawn.
>No Purchase Necessary.
>This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, or Blogger/Google. You are providing your information to JoAnne Kenrick and not to Facebook, Twitter, or Blogger/Google. JoAnne Kenrick is the only person who will have access to the information you provide, and it will not be forwarded or sold to any third parties (except the publisher if an ebook is the prize).
> We have the right to refuse any entry.
>If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned we have the right to terminate the contest without picking winners.
> You must be over 18 (or 21 depending on your State/country law legal age for viewing/reading adult material) to enter.
This contest is not affiliated with Simply Ali. We are simply sharing the opportunity with our readers.
Shamrocked
by
JoAnne Kenrick
Blurb
Devlin Kinney is focused on his Irish Rock band, Shamrocked. Between that and tending bar at Bell’s Irish Pub, he’s rushed off his feet. Still, he’s envious of Shaun who found his perfect woman through Madame Eve’s exclusive agency, 1Night Stand. Pushed for time, he follows his friend’s lead and hopes to be matched with a woman ballsy enough to share in his fetish for things that go buzzzz.
At the event of the year for soap stars, Elizabeth Grant meets Devlin and mistakes him for her soon-to-be The EastEnd co-star. Before she has a chance to confess she’s not his 1Night Stand as he seems to think, the silver-tongued smooth dancer proves irresistible. He seems perfect…for one night of pleasure. She’s ready to play the role of her life!
Excerpt
Surrounded by bridesmaids—the hottest guy in the place. His thick Irish brogue carried over the chattering wedding crowd and bad party songs.
Swallowing any signs of stage fright, she checked her fake hair in a mirrored wall, plumped her boobs, and plastered on a smile before making a beeline for her drop-dead gorgeous, future co-star.
She waded through the rough sea of pink-chiffoned up women, snapped out her arm, and took his hand like one of those shaking weight things. Thought she’d blown it until his mouth tilted up into a tempting smile. Dimples. Oh, my. He would be popular with the ladies. Might even help get her noticed by movie producers. Dating this hottie would get her on every front page known to the British public.
“Liz.” She fought to keep focused on his face rather than his thick muscles and rhythmic movements. She couldn’t recall ever seeing a man who could make dancing to All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie so goddamned sexy. His jig was infectious—her arm swayed in beat with his, their hands still clasped together.
“As in Elizabeth?”
“Uh-huh.” The swarm of bridesmaids knitted their brows and pursed their lips. One even stamped her foot. Liz couldn’t help but turning on a sweet smile. “Buh-bye, ladies.”
Grab Your Copy of SHAMROCKED here...
Amazon / Amazon UK / All Romance / WHSmiths / Barnes & Noble / BookStrand / Decadent Publishing
Want your Kindle copy signed by JoAnne Kenrick? Find out how here...
Kindlegraph
Want to learn more about the 1NS series...
1 Night Stand About the Author
JoAnne Kenrick, an ex-Ghost Tour Guide turned Romance Author, is a Welsh lass who has lived in various countries around the world. She now calls North Carolina her home, where she lives with her husband, two children and two cheeky cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading or baking up a British favorite in her N.C. kitchen. That is, when she isn't writing or chatting up a storm on social networking sites. Travel across the pond and faraway…with JoAnne Kenrick.
Learn more about JOANNE here...
Website
Take a look at
Author
Candace Havens
Paranormal Release
TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP
TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP
by
Candace Haven
Entangled Publishing
Imprint: Covet
Paranormal Romance
Blurb
Vampire Nick Christos might have been born in the Middle Ages, but those days seem tame compared to the last eight years spent ruling the Supernatural Council. The only respite in his long days of governing is with his sweet neighbor Casey Meyers. Sure, he’s forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but no way will he risk anything more with a human. Not with his blood thirsty ex on the prowl and out to ruin Nick’s life.
But when said crazy ex shows up at the ball and flies her freak flag high, Nick has more to worry about than keeping his hands off his neighbor. He’ll have to stay closer than ever if he hopes to keep her alive, but will she want to leave him forever when she learns the truth?
Grab Your Copy of TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Make Me Stay
by
Ella Jade
Blurb
Can the sub teach the Dom to play?
Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other.
Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship.
Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a "Master" who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she's back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him.
But after hearing all that she's experienced, Cade now wonders if he's dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be?
Content Warning: graphic sex, BDSM themes
Excerpt
Ten minutes later they were seated at a quaint restaurant in the center of town. Cade had requested a quiet table in the back so they wouldn't be interrupted. He was confused enough and didn't need any distractions. Being a well-known businessman, he was always running into people who wanted to have a drink with him. Gracie's return would probably be the talk of the town in a matter of days.
Once they ordered dinner and the waitress poured their wine he'd had enough small talk. He wanted answers.
"Why did you come back?"
"I told you." Gracie sipped her wine. "I took a job here."
"Do you think I'm stupid?"
"Of course not." She lowered her head.
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Just look at me." He was puzzled over her return and her elusiveness frustrated him.
She quickly raised her gaze, meeting his eyes.
"You walked away from this town without a trace. I don't believe you would come back after all this time to consult. Something isn't right."
"You told me to leave."
"Me!" He tapped his chest. "I told you to leave me. I never expected you to disappear. I thought I'd know where you were and what you were doing." Even though he told her to go, he'd always intended to take care of her.
"Without you, there wasn't anything here for me. You were everything. I had no family.
I lived in your house. Where did you expect me to go?"
"We could have figured it out together. I would have made sure you were taken care of." She'd always been his responsibility and when she left he panicked she'd end up on the street.
"I needed to go. I had to figure out who I was. That's what you wanted."
"I wanted you to be happy."
"I am." She smiled. "I told you, I met someone who helped me."
"Then why aren't you with him?" He didn't like to think about her with another man. It infuriated him to know someone else touched what was his, even if he did let her go.
"Are you running from him? Is that why you're back here? Do you need my help?"
She laughed. "I could never run from Martin."
He hated knowing his name. "So, Martin was your boyfriend?"
"Not really." She took another sip of her wine.
Her mysterious behavior pissed him off. She'd better start talking and fast.
"Your husband?" He felt his blood boil. Could she have gotten married?
"Cade," she said as she reached for his hand. "I don't want you to freak, but Martin was my Dom. I was his submissive."
Is there an author that makes you go all "fangirl?"
Not really. I enjoy so many authors but I’m not overly excitable.
If you could co-write with another author who would it be and why?
Nora Roberts. She creates such memorable characters and spins a love story like no other. I developed my passion for writing romance novels from her. I also learned how to build a solid series from reading her books.
The world is under attack and you are forced to run for your life. You only have room for one book in your survival kit, what book do you take?
Hmm… that’s a hard one. Can’t I take my Kindle? That’s lighter than one book and it will take up less room. Lol
Who are your favorite literary characters? (Yours or someone else's)
I’ll go with mine since I created them, and I know what makes them who they are. In my latest novella Make Me Stay, my main couple, Cade and Gracie, left a lasting impression on me long after I put the pen down. The emotional connection between these two is not only solid but stands the test of time. They both sacrifice for the other and in the end, it all work out for them.
If you friends were asked to describe you in one word what would it be?
Indecisive… I couldn’t even decide which book to take when the world was under attack in question #3. Lol
Where do you do your best work?
Usually at night when everyone else is asleep. I crawl into the guest bed and write for a couple of hours. The house is quiet and I can think.
Do you find it harder to write a full-length novel or novellas?
Novellas are tougher for me because I’m so wordy. I like to create back stories and develop the characters. I have a few novellas but they are part of a series, so it gives me time to go where I need to with all of the characters.
When did you fall in love...with writing?
I’ve always been a writer. As a child, I would create characters and places and write down as much as I could. As an adult, the stories got more intricate. I never thought I’d be able to do anything with them, but that all changed when I discovered the eBooks industry.
Are you a plotter or fly by the seat of your pants writer?
I start out as a plotter, but sometimes I have to let the characters take me in the direction that’s best for the story. I listen to what they have to say and I go with it.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of writing?
Spending time with my husband and two boys.
Favorite colorSilver Favorite food Mexican
Boots or heels boots
eReader or Print eReader
Social Media: Love it or Hate it? Love it when used properly. I’m not into kids using it to bully other kids.
Beer, Liquor or Wine Martini (berry flavors)
Favorite place to get it on besides the bedroom In the family room by the fireplace, but that doesn’t happen often since I have kids.
Favorite TV Show Storage Wars
Favorite Book series (besides your own) Twilight
Pj’s or Lingerie PJ’s
Vampires vs. Shifters Vampires
Favorite Genre BDSM Romance
About the Author
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.
Learn more about ELLA JADE here...
Website / Facebook / Twitter
Today we have 3 GREAT Prizes going to 3 AWESOME WINNERS!!
First out HOT JOCKS OF JULY WINNER IS...
JET
Jet said...
Great book choices! I have read the first one and loved it!
12:33 AM CDT
Jet wins her choice of one title from Jaci Burton's Play-by-Play series!!
Thank you once again to Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews and Under the Covers Book Blog for hosting the event!!
Next, The Winner of PROMISE ME by Tara Fox Hall is...
MARIA D.
Maria D. said...
Good interview! Promise Me sounds like a book I would enjoy (what's not to love about sexy, dark vampires). I also think it's great that you were inspired by an author to learn about taking care of yourself - which lead to you learning about guns - I really think it's something a lot of women should learn about. Thanks for the giveaway!
8:41 AM CDT
Thank you TARA for the great interview and
sharing PROMISE ME with us!!
Finally, the GET SWEET WINNER is...
MELISSA B.
And this is the comment that won her the prize...
Melissa B said...
I can't wait to read Santiago & Roxy! And I've had so much fun seeing who'd you cast for your characters...lol, it never matches who I've got in my head, but I love them!
This is such a fun idea!
Thanks for the cool blogs, guys!
10:27 AM CDT
Melissa wins all Four of Laurie London'sSweetblood Prints signed, swag including Romance Trading Cards and this super-cool SWEETBLOOD MUG!!
Thank you to Laurie London for all the time and effort she put into helping us make GET SWEET into a fabulous event!!
Congratulations to everyone!! Thank you for continuing to support
Simply Ali!!
All of these winners were chosen using Random.org. The winners have been notified and have 72 hours to respond before new winners will be chosen.
Thanks everyone!! Spread the Romance Love!
Maiden Behind the Mask
by
Tara Chevrestt
Blurb
When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she'll never be a damsel in distress again. Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving damsels from robbers and rough handling.
But scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry. Not immune to each other's charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina's nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband's amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever.
Ricardo is not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.
Excerpt
She tore her gaze away from the horse and said firmly.
"Cinco pesos. And only because this caballa has fire, not because of your terms. Selena, pay him."
Selena's hand shook, but the pesos were transferred to the dirty palm. The man laughed with glee, the crowd dispersed, and Catalina was left with a dirty, starving horse.
"We'll get you fed and cleaned up," she promised the horse, patting its neck. A cloud of dirt rose in the air, and Catalina struggled not to cough. "I shall call you La Reina, because once in my establo, I shall treat you like a queen. Your body may be beaten, but your spirit is not broke."
"Catalina?" Her maid's voice tentative as it interrupted her quiet chattering.
"Whatever possessed you—"
"Fetch me a mozo," Catalina interrupted her. "Take the remaining pesos and fetch me a groom. La Reina is going to her castle." She wasn't offering more explanations than that. She didn't owe anyone an explanation. She'd done what was right.
As her maid turned to comply, heading toward the livery, a loud pffffht rendered the air. Catalina stared at the mare in surprise, aghast.
Selena froze and swung around to admonish her charge. "Senorita! Your behavior has been questionable enough this day. Mind yourself." She shook her head and her finger both before turning back the task at hand.
Catalina heard her muttering as she sashayed away. She was too surprised and too tired to defend herself, but the breeze picked up, and a waft of foul air assaulted her. Catalina immediately tugged a delicate, lace handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it over her nose as she glared at the horse.
La Reina snorted and pawed the ground. Catalina could swear the horse was laughing at her. She merely shook her head. "Dios mio, and you let me take the blame for that?"
Pffffhht. Pfffht.
La Reina whinnied and bared her teeth as though she was smiling.
Grab Your Copy of MAIDEN BEHIND THE MASK here...
Amazon / Barnes & NobleAbout the Author
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, a dog mom, a reader, and a motorcycle and airplane buff. She worked as an aircraft mechanic for eleven years before turning to a career in writing. When not chasing her dogs around the house (or writing about them!), she battles over her laptop keyboard with her alter ego, Sonia Hightower.
Tara never knows what a story is going to turn out to be. Whereas Tara writes historical or contemporary romance, humor, young adult, and even a memoir, Sonia pens erotic noir or bdsm. Be it a Tara or a Sonia book, you're sure to find something that interests you.
Learn more about TARA here...
Website / Blog / Facebook
Seeking Pack Redemption
by
Eve Langlais
Pack, Book 3
Blurb
Sometimes even outcasts can earn forgiveness.
Thrust into a nightmare, Thea thinks all hope is lost, until an unexpected rescue by three strangers. Forget returning to her old life though, because not only does a psycho vampire want her back, a trio of wolves wants to claim her as their mate.
What started out as a search for his missing sibling, turns into a rescue mission of a woman who makes his inner beast howl. Trent knows it wrong to want his dead brother’s mate, but he can’t help himself, and neither can his friends. However, danger stalks the one they want and they’ll have to face true evil before they can set her free.
And for an outcast wolf, the path to redemption is lonely. Can Jaxon ever atone enough to be welcomed back to his pack and into the arms of the woman he loves?
Excerpt
The house phone rang, the digital display showing a number she didn’t recognize. Bailey answered. “Hello.”
Nothing. A silence broken only by static hummed in her ear, but of more interest, the scar in her lip tingled. “Jaxon?” she whispered, her heart stuttering to a halt. “Is that you?” For a moment, only more static greeted her. Then . . .
“Hi, sweet cheeks.”
Suddenly boneless, she slumped into a chair. For a moment, pure shock kept her silent. Not for long. “Oh, my god. You’re alive. I knew it. I knew you didn’t die. But where are you? Where have you been? Why haven’t you called?” she accused. Left unsaid was why didn’t you return. They both knew how impossible that was.
“I’ve been here and there. Trying to atone for my actions. Not succeeding as well as I’d hoped.”
Closing her eyes, she let herself drink in the sound of his voice. He spoke with a weariness that made her ache, ache for the man who used to laugh all the time, the man who sounded so alone. “Are you the one who’s been killing rogues before the extermination teams arrive and spoiling everyone’s fun?”
A chuckle rumbled through the earpiece, and she smiled at this ghost of his former self even as tears filled her eyes at the wry twist. “Maybe.”
“It’s dangerous.”
“It’s necessary,” he countered. “I would do anything to help keep you safe.”
He’d already proven that when he dove off the cliff with Roderick, saving her and the others. “I miss you, Jaxon. I miss you so much, and I know they won’t say it, but the guys miss you, too.”
“They miss the fact they haven’t been able to kill me yet.”
“No! They—”
“You don’t need to lie, sweet cheeks. I know they hate me, and with good reason. I betrayed them and you. Because of me, you got hurt. You could have died. I’d hate me, too, if I were in their shoes.”
“Isn’t there a way to fix this? I want you to come home. To me. Although you might not be too impressed. I’m the size of a house now.”
“I bet you look beautiful no matter your size,” he softly whispered. “And I miss you, too. I dream of you every night. But that’s all we can have now. Dreams. There is no forgiveness for me, only revenge against the one who did this, which is why I’m calling. I know I don’t have the right to ask, but I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
“There’s a girl.”
“Really?” Bailey couldn’t help the jealous lilt of her question.
“Not my girl, so don’t start growling, sweet cheeks. She belongs to some friends I made. She was Roderick’s prisoner until we rescued her.”
“Oh, the poor thing.”
“Yeah. She’s a little traumatized, but strong. Thing is, we think Roderick did to her what he did to you. Somehow, he’s woken her wolf side.”
“Has she changed yet?”
“No. And she won’t for a while, I’d wager, because she’s also pregnant.”
The news rocked her. Bailey had suffered in Roderick’s care, the vampire somehow bringing forth a heritage she’d never known existed. The first time she shifted was not an experience she wished on anyone. The poor girl. “Who’s the father?”
“He’s dead. It was his brother and his buddies that rescued her when they came looking.”
“Are you talking about Trent, Marc, and Darren? Wyatt and Gavin came back from a meeting with Nathan a while ago talking about how this guy and his friends left to look for his brother. Nathan had to declare them rogue because of it, which seems kind of extreme.”
“That’s them. And Nathan had to do it. He’s the one who advocated the curfew and combining of the packs for strength. To have someone leave in blatant disregard for the decree would have made him look weak.”
“He could have sent a squad of fighters with them.” Although Bailey respected Nathan as a leader, not an easy position to maintain with the large number of males, testosterone making some of them brash, she didn’t always agree with his decisions.
“And they would have gotten in the way of the search. Roderick’s smart. He’s got spies, obviously, because how many of our raids has he escaped from? Trent’s best bet was going as a small group. Distract the rogues, a quick in-and-out, taking out a few rogues on the way.”
“What happened to the brother? You said he was dead.”
“Yeah, he didn’t fare so well as the object of Roderick’s mind games and killed himself before Trent found the vampire’s lair. I met up with Trent and his buddies about a day after I located their camp. We were too late to rescue David, but we managed to rescue the girl and we’ve escaped for the moment. But—”
She finished his sentence. “Roderick will want her back. We can’t let him have her, Jaxon.”
“I know, which is why I’m calling. Trent’s talking to Nathan right now. We’ve got a plan, but I want you to do something for me.”
“Tell me what you need.”
“I need you.”
The soft admission whispered across the phone line, and her heart stuttered.
Just One More
by
Stephanie Beck
Blurb
Two is enough, but three could be everything.
Kit and Adam Jacobs know what their marriage needs—Gavan Karik. He's the one man they both want and the only one who can make their relationship complete.
Making Gav part of the family comes with a price. Family, infidelity and self-worth issues plague Gav, but Adam and Kit are willing to tackle those issues if Gav is willing to commit.
For every problem they conquer, another one pops up. Not only are the three adults working to meld a broken family into one, they're also struggling with a blackmailer threatening to out the two men's sexuality and issues with the kids being mistreated at school. With each battle all three have to decide if the vision each sees for the future can match and if the reward is worth the fight.
Content Warning: Strong language, graphic sex, and explicit incidents of laundry washing within.
Excerpt
"And the sleeping arrangements?" Gav asked.
Adam knew this question had been weighing on the other man. Gav had played thirds in relationships before. Usually, the third was a plaything, in for pleasure, out for the intimacy.
"You'd be in our room. The 'our' would include you," Adam told him. "I'll steal your t-shirts to wear to bed, and we'll share the task of warming Kit's cold toes every night. We'll have amazing sex when we're all in the mood together. We'll have nearly as amazing sex in pairs if the third is in the mood to watch or sleep. There won't be favorites, but, because we've been together so long, Kit and I might slip up there on occasion. You'll have to be patient with us, Gav."
"And once our open relationship includes you," Kit said, "it turns into a closed one. We don't cheat or lie, and we tell each other if our needs change."
Adam watched to see what Gav's reaction to that big rule would be. It was one he supported wholeheartedly. Within the terms of their relationship, he and Kit had never once cheated. They were open, honest, and made the decisions and compromises needed to keep them happy. But his heart was hers. Always. If Gav decided to take the plunge, Adam's heart would grow to include him, and he would never cheat on him either.
Loyalty and faithfulness in an open relationship seemed like oxymorons, but not the way he and Kit worked. They were a unit, a family. If Gav chose, he could be the piece that had been missing from the start.
Gav covered his face and rubbed much harder than Adam would have rubbed any place on his lover's body. He didn't like to see Gav being so rough with himself. He hated when the other man treated his body harshly. It was because no one else had cared for him. He saw himself as worth less than most and acted on that vision. If he'd quit being stubborn, Adam would try every day to prove him wrong. There would be fabric softener for Gav's clothes and something sweet for him when he wanted a treat. It was the little things Adam knew he and Kit took for granted that would make the most difference with Gav.
"I don't know." Gav didn't look past his hands at either of them as he spoke. "I'll think about it. There's nothing in there I don't think I can do, I just…I need to think."
"That's fine, Gav," Kit said gently. "Time is something we have, and we'd never rush you."
"I know that." His sigh was heavy and haggard. "I know all the good things about you guys, and Kit, it's nothing in you that's missing. It's me. You have to know that. No matter what happens, it's not you. It's me."
"But I love you just the way you are," she replied. "So that means there's something amazing in you if you'll let it out."
Grab your copy of JUST ONE MORE here...
Beachwalk Press / Amazon /
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Available in Print and Digital
Writing…when not actually writing by Stephanie Beck
Yesterday I packed up my three kids and headed west to North Dakota where we’ll be moving this summer to be near my husband. He got a rocking promotion and I’m so proud of him…but my pants would be on fire if I said I was super thrilled to deal with all the things involved with moving a family of five cross country. But I digress.
This blog is actually about the thoughts running through my mind during the eleven hour drive. On about hour three, the kiddos started quieting down and I was finally out of big city traffic so I could drive…and think.
I had a great dream a few weeks with a fantastic paranormal bent. I can manipulate my dreams (thank you high school senior psychology) and I often use the skill to plot out stories. Well, this one had so much world building involved that I’ve shied away from it. It’s going to take massive amounts of planning and work and attention to detail.
Well, what did I really have going for eleven hours on Interstate 94? I’ll tell you: tons.
As I let the inner dialog go, I got a handle on my characters’ motivations. I know what they think, what they like, what keeps them where they are when things aren’t fair or ideal. I know what they like to eat, why they cry, and yes, now I know what they name their babies—because it turns out they are going to have twins!
I don’t have time right this second to write this story, but unlike before, I’m no longer actively ignoring it, I’m just waiting for the time to be right. Which might be tomorrow!
About the Author
Even before she understood what all the thrusting meant, Stephanie Beck loved reading romance. When the stories didn’t end the way she wanted, writing her own was the perfect solution. From ridiculous humor to erotica, Stephanie loves being transported within a story. When she’s not elbow deep in words, her husband and three children command her attention. After they are sleeping she knits or bakes cookies…or squeezes in more writing.
Stephanie loves to hear from readers. Contact her HERE Website / Twitter / Facebook
Today is the final day of
Simply Ali's
Get Sweet Event!!
I'm so sad to see it go but ecstatic to share
the phenomenal SEDUCED BY BLOOD
with you all!!
I never imagined a character could get me as revved up
as Jackson from TEMPTED BY BLOOD
but Santiago from SEDUCED BY BLOOD
sends me into overdrive!!
SEDUCED BY BLOOD is a truly fantastic story. Santiago and Roxy burn up the pages with their passionate chemistry and no-nonsense attitudes. It's been over a month since I read SEDUCED and I can still feel the echoes of the story. This one is powerful, seductive and completely unforgettable!
Seduced by Blood
by
Laurie London
Sweetblood, Book 4
HQN
Blurb
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions:
Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….
Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface—a skill that serves him well as the Guardians’ region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can’t read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories.
Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous killer in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side—and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both…
Santiago & Roxy are Sexual, Emotional and Simply Perfect together!!
"Who'd Play Who"
with
Laurie London
For Santiago, I'd cast Galen Gering when he's in his serious mode. In most of his photographs, he's smiling, but Santiago isn't really a smiling kind of guy, but his smoldering dark look is perfect!
For Roxy, I'd cast Robin Wright because she's beautiful and has a mature confidence about her.
SEDUCED BY BLOOD is a July Recommended Read at Joyfully Reviewed!!
PreOrder your copy of SEDUCED BY BLOOD here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
The Sweetblood series is known for it's Sexy Guardians and their super cool weapons! So we asked Ms. London to tell us a bit about her characters weapons of choice.
Sweetblood Weapons
Each Guardian in the Sweetblood world has his or her own signature weapon. If a warrior falls, it’s traditional for the family to be presented with his weapon in a grand ceremony. Such a ceremony happens in Seduced By Blood.
Santiago has a very special weapon, the blade Misery. Centuries ago while in a mercenary group called the Madrid Seven, he had it forged by a master weapons craftsman from Santa Muerte silver (meaning Holy Death), a pure form of Mexican silver that is more deadly to vampires than any other. Most Guardian blades are made from this silver.
Excerpt from Seduced By Blood:
Misery hung heavily beneath his coat. He pulled out the blade, placing the point just inches away from the guy’s eye. Most Darkbloods wore sunglasses to hide the fact that the whites of their eyes were black, but this one didn’t. Either that or he’d lost his during the chase.
“Don’t kill me. I swear to God, I don’t know.”
“I’m not planning to kill you.” The guy relaxed ever so slightly and Santiago smiled, flashing his own set of fangs again. “But don’t think I’m being nice. I don’t do nice.”
His phone vibrated in his pocket but he ignored it. Instead, he let Misery’s razor sharp point prick the skin and a small bead of blood teardropped down the guy’s cheek.
“Please, no,” the bastard pleaded.
The blade wanted to go deeper and Santiago considered letting it. No one fucked with his people. No one.
Take a look at Santiago's Misery
Dom uses a brindmal, a bullwhip-like weapon made from silver laced rawhide that he keeps coiled at his hip.
Excerpt from Bonded By Blood:
But Dom was ready. With his left hand, he threw another blade then grabbed the rawhide handle of the brindmal with his right. He swung the coil once over his head, flicked his wrist and sent the long tail of the silver-laced leather flying.
Alfonso’s weapon of choice is a pair of kunai, small throwing knives.
Excerpt from Embraced By Blood:
He scanned the darkness and unzipped his coat with quiet precision. From a leather sheath strapped to his chest, he eased out two silver kunai and held them by their rope-twined grips. The custom-made weapons, small but deadly, were designed to be thrown. They fit perfectly in his hands, like the contours of a lover.
Take a look at Alfonso's Kunai Knives
Lily’s favorite weapon is a butterfly knife.
Excerpt from Embraced By Blood:
Did she have everything? She surveyed the contents of her bag. Knives. Check. Guns. Check. Silver-lined handcuffs, brass knuckles, and ammo. Check. Out of habit, she flicked her wrist, clicking her butterfly knife open and closed a few times, before slipping it into her pocket.
“Jeez, Lil, you could poke an eye out with that thing,” Dom said.
She glanced at the brindmal coiled at his hip and gave him a cool smile. “Okay, Indy, thanks for the tip.” He rarely went anywhere without that silver-laced bullwhip, so who was he to talk.
Here's a look at Lily's Butterfly Knife
Lily's Butterfly Knife can be bought at BladeOps
Here is a video of Angelina Jolie using the Butterfly knife exactly as Lily would.
Jackson’s weapon of choice is a dragon blade.
Excerpt from Tempted By Blood:
Did all of them have favorite weapons? She knew Jackson’s was that dragon blade with the curved handle. It looked ancient, the hilt burnished smooth. When she’d asked him about the weapon, he confirmed that it was centuries old, but that was all he said. She had a feeling there was more to the story.
Isn't Jackson's weapon cool...you can actually purchase this one at Heavenly Swords
Ali: Is there an author that makes you go all "fangirl?"
Laurie: I fangirled over Gena Showalter last year at RWA. And just last week, I met Carlos Ruiz Zafon and had my picture taken with him. When he signed my book, he wrote, “To Laurie, a reader from heaven.” A play on the title, but still!
Ali: If you could co-write with another author who would it be and why?
Laurie: My grandmother, because she published a family genealogy book but never any of her stories before she passed away. She’d have loved knowing her granddaughters (me and my sister) are authors.
Ali: The world is under attack and you are forced to run for your life. You only have room for one book in your survival kit, what book do you take?
Laurie: Something by Carlos Ruiz Zafon because he writes complex, labyrinth-like stories that you can read over and over and get something new out of them each time.
Ali: Who are your favorite literary characters? (Yours or someone else's)
Laurie: I just read City of Thieves and LOVED Kolya. Eric Northman isn’t too bad either. Love Zsadist.
Ali: If your friends were asked to describe you in one word what would it be?
Laurie: Interested
Ali: Where do you do your best work?
Laurie: Anywhere quiet without any distractions
Ali: Do you find it harder to write a full-length novel or novellas?
Laurie: They’re both hard!
Ali: When did you fall in love...with writing?
Laurie: When I was twelve and wrote a story about a racehorse. Someday, I’m going to write a horse book.
Ali: Are you a plotter or fly by the seat of your pants writer?
Laurie: I’m a little of both. I loosely plot my stories, sometimes with the help of a plotting group I’m in, and then I just start writing. I have no idea what specific scene comes next, just the next major plot point. I do have a plot board and I’ll add scene ideas that come to me as I’m writing.
Ali: What is your favorite thing to do outside of writing?
Laurie: Wine tasting with friends
Ali: What's next? :)
Laurie: "I'm working on the next book in the Sweetblood world, but I don't have any news that I can officially share yet."
Favorite color blue
Favorite food salt caramels
Boots or heels boots
eReader or Print e-reader
Social Media: Love it or Hate? both
Beer, Liquor or Wine wine
Favorite place to get it on besides the bedroom in public ;-)
Favorite TV Show The Walking Dead
Favorite Book series (besides your own) BDB or Midnight Breed, though I’m way behind on both (haven’t read any vampire books since I started writing about them)
Pj’s or Lingerie PJ’s
Vampires vs. Shifters vampires
Favorite Genre paranormal
About the Author
A graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in Business Administration and a former tester/programmer for a Fortune 500 company, Laurie London now writes from her home near Seattle where she lives with her husband and two children.
Her debut book, BONDED BY BLOOD, A Sweetblood Novel, came out February 2011 from HQN Books. It was followed by HIDDEN BY BLOOD, an e-novella June 2011; EMBRACED BY BLOOD July 2011; “Enchanted By Blood,” a novella in the anthology A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS Oct 2011; TEMPTED BY BLOOD March 2012; and SEDUCED BY BLOOD August 2012.
Her writing has won and been a finalist in several prestigious contests including the Beacon, the Emerald City Opener, the Marlene, and the Orange Rose.
She is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Greater Seattle Area RWA, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
When not writing, she can be found running, reading, or riding and showing her horse. Someday she hopes to qualify for the Quarter Horse World Show – that is, if her horse doesn’t get hurt again.
Learn more about Laurie here...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Buy SEDUCED BY BLOOD here...
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
GIVEAWAY
Prize: Signed
BONDED BY BLOOD
EMBRACED BY BLOOD
TEMPTED BY BLOOD
SEDUCED BY BLOOD
Swag including Romance Trading Cards
AND
this awesome
SWEETBLOOD MUG!!
Leave a comment and you are entered to win!! Contest ends Sunday @ Midnight!
Thank you so much to Laurie London for putting in the time and effort to answer all of our Sweetblood questions!! The Get Sweet Event has been a joy to put together and we appreciate Laurie's participation and thank her for her wonderful prize!!
Everyone go out and GET SWEET!!
You won't be sorry!! :)
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