As the Pages Turn

Guest Post + Giveaway with Heather Long author of Brave are the Lonely

2012-03-02T19:27:00.000-06:00

A Few Good Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Brave Are the Lonely

Thank you Ing for letting me hang out on your blog today and share with you my reasons why you should read Brave Are the Lonely. I’ll be honest, I’m not always the best salesperson where my books are concerned, but there is something about the Fevered Hearts series that enchanted me from the moment I conceived the story to the day I finished the first book.

When I started work on the second, it was a journey back in time to see old friends and to ride with them again. So without further ado or boring you with my own sense of nostalgia, here are a few good reasons to read Brave Are the Lonely.

1. Marshal of Hel Dorado offered something new for fans of the old west, cowboys, and the paranormal. Readers and reviewers alike responded to Sam and Scarlett’s love story and all their brothers.

“Don’t miss these men of the old west!” – For the Love of Reading

“If you love westerns AND the supernatural, you’ll want to pick up this book.” – Romancing Rakes

“When I started reading Heather Long's "Marshal of Hel Dorado" I thought it was a straight up Western Romance maybe with twist or two included. I am happy to report that due to the exciting storyline and paranormal elements, I could not put this book down until I reached the very last page!” - Selma in Texas.

“So if your feeling a bit adventurous and want to saddle up for ride into a paranormal, this is my recommendation for you. Happy Reading - xoxo” - Dawn at Day Dreaming Blog

2. The hero is wild, tragic and loyal.

Cody’s lived most of his life as man and wolf. He begins this book barely hanging onto his humanity and looking to die, but his own loyalty won’t let him.

“If you like your men little rough around the edges, honest and handsome - with handsome brothers! - and your stories with a paranormal twist then this book is for you!” - For the Love of Reading

3. The heroine must become more than the sum of her upbringing.

Meet Mariska, a bright and promising Gypsy princess, raised by her wise grandmother and cagey father. She’s always lived in the back of wagon, always on the move and she embraces her life and rich culture with tradition and honor, but one hasty decision turns her world upside down and leaves her at Cody’s mercy.

4. Because the paranormal elements add a little more wild to your wild, wild west.

I’ve always loved programs about the old west and reading novels about the old west. I grew up playing cowboys and Indians, but I also love witches, werewolves and the supernatural. So when you marry the supernatural to the history, geography, people and folklore of the old west, you get a whole new world to build and explore.

5. Because action, adventure and romance parallel beautifully in the old west.

When Cody followed Kid on the younger man’s western exodus, his only goal was to end his pain. The wolf mourned his mate, but Kid’s need kept Cody going. The love and loyalty between brothers is as vital to the story as the discovery of real love and passion with Mariska. Meeting her began the slow, agonizing process of waking up his dying heart. The challenges are only worsened when an unexpected and ugly threat from the past darkens their back trail.

6. Because stories thrive on conflict, internal and external…

The Fevered Hearts series is about more than just the couples. It’s a story of family, brotherhood, challenges and dangers. In a desperate time, when everything from the weather to the landscape to the people who live there were hard, the Fevered must rely on their own to survive.

Brave Are the Lonely takes us deeper into the world of the Fevered, from Texas to the recently acquired Territory of New Mexico in late 1850. Anything is possible, but it’s up to Cody, Mariska and Kid to make it happen.

You can read the first two chapters via Heather’s website. Brave Are The Lonely will be available on March 6, 2012.

Blurb:

When the spirit fever struck a town, a village or an outpost, it left few if any survivors. The white man blamed the Indian saying they used their mojo on them. The Indians blamed the white man for angering the spirits. The survivors knew it didn’t matter. The Fevered were forever changed.

When death seemed preferable…

Mourning his mate drove fevered wolf shifter Cody out of Texas, but a brother’s need drags him back from the brink.

…and good deeds never go unpunished…

Gypsy princess Mariska only wants to protect her people and her freedom, but a dangerous choice puts her on a collision course with an angry wolf.

…the best thing that could happen to him…

When Cody touches Mariska, his wolf cannot escape the hunger that fills him. For Mariska, Cody’s touch brings her a pleasure she never imagined, but is it enough to heal his fractured soul?

…was the last thing he expected.

As danger stalks all three of them, they must confront who they are or risk losing Cody forever.

His wolf. His woman. His way.

Purchase Link: All Romance eBooks

Blurb:

In the shadows of the Old West, that untamed land, live bands of outlaws and outsiders. In a time when fevers could fell whole towns, these few survivors are marked. Marked…and forever changed.

Sam Kane is the oldest brother, the steadfast son and the confident marshal. He’s never met a problem too hot to handle until a gang behind a string of robberies across the territory set their sights on his town. Now with the bank’s gold inexplicably missing from a locked safe, the town hunting the elusive thieves and a passionate redhead with a fiery secret in his jail, Sam has his hands full.

Scarlett Morning Star lived in seclusion in the mountains of West Texas most of her life. She longs for adventure, but with seven very protective older brothers, adventure is hard to come by. When she tags along uninvited on their latest escapade, she is left behind during a bank robbery and finds herself in the custody of the very sexy town marshal.

The town wants to lynch her, the Marshal wants answers and her brothers want her back, can Scarlett keep it together or will her explosive secret burn them all?

Her life. His badge. Their fight.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Smashwords / All Romance eBooks

About Author:

Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-copy of both Marshal of Hel Dorado and Brave are the Lonely up for grabs
MUST leave e-mail address in comment field
MUST answer question: Which of the reasons above makes you want to give this author or either books a try?
Giveaway ends Mar 7th

Cover Reveal - The Carny by Brooke Moss

2012-03-01T08:43:00.001-06:00

Last year I fell in love with Brooke Moss's debut novel The "What If" Guy. The book had it all from funny and endearing characters to a once in a lifetime romance and small town fun. I have the pleasure of helping Brooke pimp out her next book. This one sounds fun you all. If you haven't read her you need to and make sure you add this book to your upcoming books to be on the lookout for.

Two people from opposite worlds, one unforgettable kiss. You
can't judge a carny by its cover.

The Carny by Brooke Moss

Publisher: InkSpell PublishingGenre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 7th, 2012
Format: eBook and Paperback
ISBN: Print: 978-0-9851483-1-7
Ebook: 978-0-9851483-2-4

Blurb:

At a town fair on the coast of Oregon, handsome Native American carny, Vincent Youngblood, bestows an unforgettable kiss on shy, awkward teenager, Charlotte Davenport. Then disappears without another word, leaving her baffled and enamored.

Ten years later, Charlotte is still living in the small fishing town of Astoria, while being trained to--reluctantly--take over for her philandering hotelier father when he retires. After all, who else will do it? Her two perfect sisters are busy being married to their flawless husbands and having cookie cutter children, while Charlotte remains single, childless, and every bit as mousy as she was a decade ago.

As Charlotte struggles to climb out from underneath her judgmental parents thumb, the carnival rolls back into town, and Charlotte finds herself face to face with Vin again. He's back to run his father's carnival, walking away from a promising career in medicine he started in Chicago. Will her biased and judgmental family accept her relationship with a man who is not only a Native American, but works as a carny for a living? And what unsavory secrets bind the well-educated and seemingly superlative Vin to that ramshackle carnival? After all, you can’t judge a carny by its cover.

*********

What do you all think? I love the concept of a hero that's a carny. Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one!

Feature + Giveaway: Forever Romance Contemporary Blog Tour - Hope Ramsay & Bella Riley

2012-02-28T08:46:00.001-06:00

Good morning ATPT peeps. Some fantastic reads up for grabs today courtesy of the fine folks at Forever Romance an affiliate of Grand Central Publishing.

Title: Last Chance Beauty Queen / Excerpt

Series: Last Chance series #3

Author: Hope Ramsay

Purchase Links: Amazon (paperback) / Amazon (Kindle) / B&N (paperback) / B&N (Nook)

Blurb:

Dear Reader,

Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty?
Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same.
Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

********************

Title: With This Kiss

Series: An Emerald Lake novel #2

Author: Bella Riley

Purchase Links: Amazon (paperback) / Amazon (Kindle) / B&N (paperback) / B&N (Nook)

Blurb:

Love can find you when you least expect it . . .

Fireworks. That's what innkeeper Rebecca Campbell wants. And no matter how close their friendship, she and her former fiancé never shared that. Now, with a broken engagement behind her and a promise she's vowed to keep, Rebecca is determined to make a new life for herself in Emerald Lake. She just never expected sparks to fly this quickly . . .

Coming home and falling for his little brother's girl wasn't Sean Murphy's plan. Rebecca's sweet smile and kind heart make Sean feel at home-something he's never felt before. But a secret lingers between them, and no matter how powerful their attraction, Sean can't give his heart to a woman he can't trust. Or can he?

As the days pass, Rebecca and Sean find it harder and harder to deny their desire. And they are in beautiful Emerald Lake, the perfect place for falling in love . . .

Giveaway Details:

US/CA residents only
THREE sets of each book up for grabs
No P.O. Boxes
Books are shipped directly from the publisher
Winners are subject to one copy per household rule
Giveaway ends Mar 3rd

Guest Post + Giveaway with debut author Tamara Morgan author of Love is a Battlefield

2012-02-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Why We Love the Regency Era

When you look at a complete list of historical romance novels, there is a hugely disproportionate amount of attention given to the Regency era. This brief blip in history (which ranges anywhere from ten to thirty years, depending on how you count) is one that readers and writers have been obsessing over for quite some time…and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

Never mind that the practice of bloodletting was still common during this time, or that a large chunk of England’s riches came from slavery in faraway British colonies. We want dukes and spies and ladies. We want tight breeches and cravats and low-cut gowns.

I’m just as guilty of this phenomenon as anyone else, and I’m not ashamed of it. There’s something about this decade or two in human history that appeals to the romantic inside me.

If we take Jane Austen’s word for it (and so many of us do), men and women had clearly defined roles as far as relationships went during the Regency era. A woman was chaste and witty and could only better her situation through a good match. A man was expected to do all his wooing during the carefully guarded moments of a ball, family gathering, or party. And that’s the whole game. With these strict parameters in place (and a guardian or two thrown in for good measure), men and women were somehow expected to navigate the wonderful and messy and sexually-charged path to love.

I like to think of it as one big chess match. I mean, people have been playing chess for centuries, yet it’s the same sixty-four squares on the board and the same pawns and kings and rooks handed out ahead of time. There are only so many moves you can make.

But as a game, it persists—not because it’s innovative or new, but because there is a challenge in going up against other players, in finding ways to best your opponent in accordance with the same rules that pertain to everyone. No matter how many times you set up the board, the outcome is going to be different.

Regency romances are like that. You’ve got the same setting and the same general players and the same rules of society, but each story is unique.

My own take on the Regency romance in Love is a Battlefield isn’t very traditional, but I’ve kept a few of the key ingredients: namely the ideology that a man should act like a gentleman and a woman should, whenever she can possibly help it, put on a high-waisted gown of muslin and silk.

Because let’s face it—no matter what else appeals to you about the Regency period, those dresses look great on just about everyone.

Blurb:

It takes a real man to wear a kilt. And a real woman to charm him out of it.

It might be modern times, but Kate Simmons isn’t willing to live a life without at least the illusion of the perfect English romance. A proud member of the Jane Austen Regency Re- Enactment Society, Kate fulfills her passion for courtliness and high-waisted gowns in the company of a few women who share her love of all things heaving.

Then she encounters Julian Wallace, a professional Highland Games athlete who could have stepped right off the covers of her favorite novels. He’s everything brooding, masculine, and, well, heaving. The perfect example of a man who knows just how to wear his high sense of honor—and his kilt.

Confronted with a beautiful woman with a tongue as sharp as his sgian dubh, Julian and his band of merry men aren’t about to simply step aside and let Kate and her gaggle of tea-sippers use his land for their annual convention. Never mind that “his land” is a state park—Julian was here first, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Unless that challenge is a woman unafraid to fight for what she wants...and whose wants are suddenly the only thing he can think about.

Warning: The historical re-enactments in this story contain very little actual history. Battle chess and ninja stars may apply.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Samhain Pub / Books on Board / Kobo

About Author:

Tamara Morgan is a romance writer and unabashed lover of historical reenactments—the more elaborate and geeky the costume requirements, the better. In her quest for modern-day history and intrigue, she has taken fencing classes, forced her child into Highland dancing, and, of course, journeyed annually to the local Renaissance Fair. These feats are matched by a universal love of men in tights, of both the superhero and codpiece variety.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-copy of Love is a Battlefield up for grabs
MUST leave e-mail address and thoughtful comment in comment field
Giveaway ends Mar 7th

Monday Man Candy #41

2012-02-26T23:02:00.000-06:00

Happy early Monday morning (technically Sunday night). I wanted to post Monday Man Candy a bit early since I have a fun guest stopping Monday morning. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Be sure to stop by this week. I have the following fun lineup!

Guest Post + Giveawy with debut author Tamara Morgan author of Love is a Battlefield
Review + Giveaway of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris
Contemporary Forever Romance Tour - Feature + Giveaway of Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsey and With this Kiss by Bella Riley
Guest Post + Giveaway with Heather Long author of Brave are the Lonely

Now for this week's Monday Man Candy I offer you Josh Ohl. He's an American male model. He's a cuttie you all. Enjoy him and as always drool bibs to the side. Have a great Monday.

Guest Post + Giveaway with Glynnis Campbell author of Passions Exile

2012-02-24T08:43:00.001-06:00

TOP 10 REASONS TO CHECK OUT PASSION'S EXILE BY GLYNNIS CAMPBELL:

1) The story is an homage to "The Canterbury Tales" (but set in Scotland, with a romance at the heart of it), so if you bluffed your way through the classic in high school, now's your chance to see what you missed!

2) If you like the humor, romance, and high adventure of the novels of Sarah McKerrigan and Kira Morgan, you'll LOVE this book by Glynnis Campbell (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)!

3) Sir Pierce, aka Blade, a self-exiled mercenary, is bitter, hopeless, haunted by his past, and possibly the darkest, most intriguing hero I've ever written.

4) My heroine, sweet, innocent Rose, is Blade's polar opposite--on the run from an abusive bridegroom and seriously considering a quiet, chaste life as a nun.

5) Blade has 10 days to convince Rose she isn't convent material.

6) Rose has 10 days to convince Blade he's worthy of redemption.

7) The abusive bridegroom has 10 days to really eff things up.

8) Medieval thrills to tide you over until "Game of Thrones" Season 2 begins!

9) Find out if it's true that I write "stories to keep you up all night!"

10) 10 days on the road, 20 pilgrims in tow, a hero with a loyal sidekick, a heroine with a crippled falcon, separate quarters--How will they ever find time alone to, ahem, interact?

Blurb:

Haunted by an unforgivable crime, the once noble swordsman, Sir Pierce of Mirkhaugh, now wanders Scotland as the sword-for-hire known as Blade. His latest mission—to unmask two assassins among the pilgrims bound for St. Andrews—goes awry when spirited Rosamund of Averleigh joins the entourage, tempting Blade from his solitude and making him believe in redemption. What he doesn’t know is that Rose is fleeing for her life. With an abusive bridegroom tracking her, her only hope is to seek refuge as a nun...until she meets Blade, who awakens her passions and destroys her best-laid plans.

Purchase Links: Amazon (Kindle) / B&N (Nook)

About Author:

Born in Paradise, California, Glynnis Campbell has embraced her inner Gemini by leading an eclectic life. As a teen, she danced with the Sacramento Ballet, worked in her father’s graphic arts studio, and composed music for award-winning science films. She sang arias in college, graduating with a degree in Music, then toured with The Pinups, an all-girl rock band on CBS Records. She once played drums for a Tom Jones video and is currently a voice-over actress with credits including “Star Wars” audio adventures, JumpStart educational CDs, Diablo and Starcraft video games, and the MTV animated series, “The Maxx.” She now indulges her lifelong love of towering castles, trusty swords, and knights (and damsels) in shining armor by writing historical romances featuring kick-arse heroines. She is married to a rock star, is the proud mom of two grown-up nerds, and lives in a part of L.A. where nobody thinks she’s weird.

Website / Facebook

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-copy of Passion's Exile up fro grabs
MUST leave e-mail address in comment field
MUST answer question: Which reason above makes you want to give this book a chance?
Giveaway ends Feb. 29th

Guest Post + Giveaway with Camelia Miron Skiba author of A World Apart

2012-02-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

Music in a Book

I can’t imagine life without music. I listen to it in my car, at work, at home, in the shower. Regardless of my mood, a good beat, a good melody always makes me see the world in better colors.

For me each book has its own playlist. It’s like finding the right soundtrack for a movie. Each character has a favorite genre, band, artist. It gives the reader an idea what type of person that particular character is. Does he/she like opera? How about jazz or R&B? Do they listen to music when they go to sleep? How about when they drive, does the music blast through their windows?

For my latest characters, Cassandra and David, music is what brings them together the first time. It’s how they meet, singing along on an improvised stage at the chow hall at joint-unit base Mihail Kogalniceanu. Two lonely hearts a world apart. She sings and plays the guitar. David plays the piano. I gave Cassandra my love for this amazing Romanian band called Compact. Their music lulls and inspires me still and has since I was 16. Even now Compact is part of all our gatherings. I didn't bring many things from back home when I moved to the US, but I did bring all their CD's. Whenever they release a new album, my parents know to send it over without my asking. To this day their music gives me goose bumps (sometimes makes me cry). Compact's music had been my generation's escape from the Communists, giving us hope of a better day, a better life. It's hard to understand such a concept, but it's true. Their lyrics hold no cursing, no bad messages, just talk of love and being in love.

About six months into writing the book, I decided to contact Compact and ask for permission to use their lyrics. I also contacted Roxette (another favorite band of mine) for the same reason, but received no answer from them. I sent more messages, but Roxette had never gotten back with me, so I decided to not use their lyrics since I didn't have their permission. Several days later I got a message from Paul Ciuci, Compact's lead singer, allowing me to use their name, the song's title and lyrics. I couldn't be happier! We stayed in touch ever since, and, although we don't talk very often, once in a while we send each other notes. They tour most of the year and so their schedule is incredibly busy. What I love about their concerts is that everyone in the audience knows the lyrics and ALWAYS sings along. Paul has an autographed copy of my first novel "Hidden Heart" and I just sent him a copy of "A World Apart", tying our names forever. He also agreed to do an interview on my blog. Another dream comes true…

Blurb:

In a war that’s not hers, she loses everything. Everything she loses is because of him. Forgiveness is not an option.

Or maybe...

Lieutenant Cassandra Toma, trauma surgeon in the Romanian National Army starts her deployment at a joint-unit air base on a wrong foot, clashing on her first day with her new commander, Major David Hunt. Her rebellious nature and sassiness rival her excellent performance in the operating room—the only reason why she's not reprimanded, or maybe not the only reason.

They meet. They clash. A forbidden passion consumes them with the intensity of an erupting volcano, leaving her heartbroken and him with tarnished honor and pride as an officer. The only way out for David is disappearing into the dangerous war zone in Iraq. Their flame was supposed to be over when destiny brings them back under the same roof, this time with a common goal—to find Cassandra's brother, Maj. Robert Toma, kidnapped by insurgents while on patrol.

To rescue Robert, Cassandra and David put aside their resentments, uniting forces against a common enemy. Trying to forget the painful past, Cassandra opens up to give David—and their love—another chance. What she doesn’t realize is that her anguish is the result of David’s impetuous action—one reckless choice he made for which she may never forgive him.

His mistake, his secret, could cost them both the love they've finally found.

Excerpt:

“You need to calm down,” David inched closer to Cassandra, fixing her with such intensity her face caught fire.

“Calm down? You want me to calm down?” she snorted, jutting her chin up, hands on her hips.

“Yes. You need to calm down. What was that all about? Why are you so furious?”

“You want to know why I am so furious?” Cassandra grounded her feet apart and pushed her chin forward. “You really want to know? I’ll tell you why. I’m so sick of your bigheaded attitude, of your ‘I’m an American—I do whatever I want’ arrogance!” She shoved a finger at David’s chest, poking it and leaning forward. Her gaze locked on his, their faces close. “You act like some god on our grounds, like you’re doing us a big favor, honoring us with your royal presence as if we are a bunch of idiots you cannot stand. Anything that comes your way that is Romanian, you dismiss with such vehemence one might think it’s poisonous. Nothing we do or have is good enough for your nose.

“But let me tell you something, my friend. My people might not have everything so technical and so advanced, but they are good and hard-working people. They have good hearts and above all, they have dignity. When you live for generations under communism and are treated the way we were, maybe only then you can understand what it means to be so ‘primitive’. To be given nothing and be expected to work wonders. Your standards and ours obviously don’t match, but who are you to judge us? What do you know about us that gives you the right to treat us this way? Huh?

“And for your information, in case nobody had the courage to tell you, this is not our war.” She made a large circle with her arms. “We haven’t asked for it and we are doing you a favor allowing all of you to be on our soil. And not vice versa.” Cassandra straightened her back, pushed away a curl that fell on her face and held her arms up. “Here you have it, I said it.”

She walked around David, opened the door and before leaving, said without looking back, “And don’t forget to write me up.”

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon (Kindle) / Amazon (Paperback) / B&N (Nook) / Smashwords

About Author:

I WRITE. I LOVE. I DREAM. I WRITE.

I’m Chris’ wife, Patrick’s mom and Bella’s owner. During the day, I’m the assistant to the Director at SESE at Arizona State University, and romance’s slave at night.

I moved to the U.S eight years ago, following my heart and the man who stole it. I love comedies, historical dramas and happily-ever-after stories. English is not my native, not my second, but my third language.

Some fun facts about me:

Each year I participate in one big event that requires me to physically train. My biggest sportive accomplishment was the 3-day 60-mile Susan G. Komen Walk.
Annually I pick a color I decree my favorite (this year it’s salmon).
I refused to text until 2010, always preferring to hear voices rather than sending emotionless messages. Politic bores me to death and I have no tolerance for arrogance.
“A World Apart” is my second book. My debut novel “Hidden Heart” came out March 2011.

Website-Blog / Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-copy of A World Apart up for grabs
MUST leave e-mail address in comments field
MUST answer this question: Who/What artist or songs would be on your playlist if you were to write a book?
Giveaway ends Feb. 29th

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY WITH BONNIE BLISS AUTHOR OF WHEN LILLY MET BRYN

2012-02-22T13:00:00.000-06:00

What is erotica?

Oh, isn't it such a hot box topic as of late? And yes, I'm going there. Not only because the labeling of my books as erotica has affected MY bottom line as an author, but many other women that I respect.

I'm not going on a soap box here. I just want that to be perfectly clear. I would like to clarify, why erotica can be romantic. And why most of it treads a very fine line. My books, specifically my Lilly books, are considered erotica. I have had to think this over for a long time, because for me, Lilly really does love Bryn. Is not romance if you are in love? Because I don't follow proper publisher's guideline of a 'mainstream' romance, my characters can't be just as happy at the end of my books? Lilly is a hot blood wolf and is totally fueled by her animal nature. Therefore, I felt, for me writing a creature that is sexually charged during her mating cycle, was appropriate. Therefore, my books are erotica. They can't be romance because my books are in the same pool as books that cross the line of erotica pornography. We have honestly put so many labels on our romance, that when, as a reader, I go to tag books in my Goodreads, I am ending up with 13 different tags for something I should simply be putting down as 'romance'. I find any story that ends with two people, ending up together, happy, content, and totally in love as a happily ever after.

I read a total of 147 books last year, most had a romantic theme to them. A lot of them are books that have recently been brought into question. I happen to be a huge fan of a series by one author about a girl who falls in love with her best friend's father. Using the word dad in the title seems to draw mostly negative attention these days. However, for me, as someone that is married to a man 17 years older, I find the story between an older man and younger woman refreshing. I learn so much from my husband, because of our age differences. However, that is a ban worthy book and not romance? It has a great storyline, sizzling sex, and on each installment I buy the books, I have even gotten weepy at the end of one installment!

So because a book is labeled as erotica, should it really be deemed as 'officially unromantic'? I have to disagree with that. My characters, whether in an Urban Fantasy, erotic romance, or erotica setting tend to fall in love, I am such a sucker for a happily ever after. I get angry when books don't end up in the two leads favor. I am just as much a reader as I am a writer. And my reading tastes don't always fall in line with everyone else's reading tastes. What someone else sees as romantic, may not be what I see as romantic. Do I say 'that book should be ban and not called romance?' Absolutely not! Whether it be sweet, erotic, or erotica, every genre of romance needs to be acknowledged as such. As readers we all love what we read, we buy it, we suck it up, and we become emotionally involved with characters. If some of that joy is taken away from us, then what?

Blurb:

Lilly Foster was just like every woman her age. She longed for independence, freedom, and a chance at real love, unimpeded by the clichés that marred society. She was a woman that took control. If you didn’t take a chance, you could miss a great opportunity. That was, until she met Bryn Cummings, and he took over, commanding her lust and love. He collided into her life like a landslide, sucking her into his Alpha male arms. Totally lost, and suddenly submitting to this powerful man, she found that there was nothing that could stop her from experiencing all he had to offer.

Bryn Cummings has been biding his time for twenty four years, waiting in the wings for his mate to come into maturity. Having marked her at birth and on her sixteenth birthday as his, he sent his most trusted guard to stay by her side as she grew into the woman he more than lusted for. He wanted to love, dominate, and bring her to his side to rule his pack. Without shame, or fear, he swept into Lilly’s life, when she least expected it, and pulled her into a blanket of need that overwhelmed the very ground she would walk on.

In this short story, you learn about the woman that seems to lust for every wolf in the pack. Come behind the scenes to when Lilly and Bryn first met, and how the power of love, lust, and connection, create one of the most powerful Alpha mates in Europe.

**Author Note** This is a short story. It only tells of the first meeting of Lilly and Bryn and how they mated for the first time. It is not a full length story and more books will be following in the Lilly and her Wolves Series completing the story that began with Double Trouble.

When Lilly Met Bryn is now available at these eBook retailers:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Lilly-Bryn-Wolves-ebook/dp/B0078OK5GA/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329506534&sr=1-8

All Romance: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whenlillymetbryn-720094-139.html

1Placeforromance: http://1placeforromance.com/erotica/when-lilly-met-bryn/prod_6921.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133022

Contact Bonnie:

Website: bonnieblissauthor.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Bliss/211871872196018

Twitter: @bonnie_bliss

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5136240.Bonnie_Bliss

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-book copy of When Lilly Met Bryn up for grabs
MUST leave e-mail in comment field
Giveaway ends Feb. 29th

CHARACTER GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY WITH MATTHEW ANDERSEN HERO FROM HIDDEN THREAT BY SHERRI HAYES

2012-02-21T20:03:00.000-06:00

Matthew’s 10 Things Not To Do While Protecting The Boss

Don’t flirt with your boss over lunch.
Never make out with your boss on the kitchen counter.
Do not dream about having sex with your boss on your desk.
No parking in a deserted area alone.
Don’t daydream about how it feels to run your fingers through your boss’s hair.
Never let the housekeeper find you in a compromising position.
Do not get jealous when you see your boss dancing with another man.
No having sex with your boss in your bed…
Or on her couch.
And whatever you do, do not fall in love with your boss.

Blurb:

Cali Stanton has one goal in life, being a doctor. She does not intend to run the family business. But when her father gets injured and tells her that she’s the only one he trusts, Cali finds herself behind his desk at Stanton Enterprises.

Matthew Andersen and his brother Jason have spent the last two years managing security at Stanton Enterprises. But when someone threatens the company and its CEO, challenging Matthew’s abilities, what seems like an easy task, becomes a big problem.

Cali and Matthew must fight their growing attraction for each other to avoid a potentially damaging office romance. As the threats continue, they must work together to keep the company running and discover who is behind the threats.

But when things escalate to violence and Cali becomes the latest target, things get personal. Can Matthew find the Hidden Threat before it’s too late?

Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / TWCS Publishing

About Author:

Sherri is the author of two novels, Hidden Threat and Slave (Finding Anna Book1), and a short story, A Christmas Proposal. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and three cats. Her mother fostered her love for books at a young age by reading to her as a child. Stories have been floating around in her head for as long as she can remember; however, she didn’t start writing them down until four years ago. It has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found helping her husband in his woodworking shop...

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog #1 / Blog #2 / Blog #3

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT
ONE e-book copy of Hidden Threat up for grabs
MUST leave e-mail address in comment field
Giveaway ends Feb. 29th

UPCOMING TV SHOWS AND MOVIES I'M ANTICIPATING

2012-02-21T09:51:00.000-06:00

Author Sherri Hayes will be dropping by tomorrow instead of today. So I thought I'd take today to highlight upcoming TV shows and movies that I'm looking forward to.

First up we have The Lucky One a movie based off bestselling author Nicholas Spark's book The Lucky One. I love my cheesy, sappy and over the top romantic movies. They just make my little heart go pitter and patter. I stopped reading Spark's book awhile back but I still love to watching the screen adaptation of his books. I feel so wrong saying this but Zac Efron is looking mighty fine. This looks really cute. It comes out April 2012.

I love Jason Segel and Emily Blunt so I was so excited to see them pairing up for The Five Year Engagement. Watching the trailer got me excited because I literally sat here giggling. This looks like a great comedy romance. I hope I can convince the hubby to check it out me. This movie comes out April 2012

Ok love the Bourne Legacy movies. I'm going to miss seeing Matt Damon play Jason Bourne but I have to tell you I am absolutely excited about Jeremy Renner taking over as a new lead character and following his story. Jeremy was brilliant in both The Town and Hurt Locker. So I'm excited for this one to come out in August 2012.

Next up is a TV show I saw being advertise on the Starz network. I love the Starz network BTW (Just saying you all). Jeffrey Dean Morgan hottie from PS I Love You and Grey's anatomy. Magic City will premiere in April 2012 and its a show set in the 1960's era. This looks real promising.

I'm really looking forward to GCB (Good Christian Bitches) premiering on ABC next month. Looks like a great cast of characters and some hunky eye candies. That Annie Potts cracks me up. Glad to see David James Elliott back on TV. Talk about yummy.

Do any of these shows or movies seems interesting to you all? I'm hoping they'll satisfy all my TV and movie cravings. So what are you looking forward to or watching now that you think everyone should check out? I know I love my Spartacus - Vengeance and I'm actually watching The Voice this year. Unforgettable is good as well and still loving Castle. Smash is another one I'm enjoying.

MONDAY MAN CANDY #40

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning ATPT peeps. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Last week was a blur. I'm hoping this week is a bit better. Please be sure to stop by this week and visit with the following authors:

Guest Post + Giveaway with Sherri Hayes author of Hidden Threat
Guest Post + Giveaway with Camelia Miron Skiba author of A World Apart
Guest Post + Giveaway with Glynnis Talken Campbell author of Passion Exile

Now for this week's Monday Man Candy I offer you Adam Ayash. This absolutely stunning man is Lebanese and American model. He's a beauty ladies. Enjoy as always. Drool bibs over to your left. Have a fantastic Monday.

Umm..yea!

Looky at that bubble butt..yum

Dear Santa this is what I want for X-Mas

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY - COUNTDOWN TO BORN TO DARKNESS BY SUZANNE BROCKMANN

2012-02-17T07:21:00.000-06:00

Cast of Born to Darkness

So ummmm...yea ATPT peeps I have "THE" Suzanne Brockmann visiting the blog today. If you haven't read her books before then you are missing out. Suz is the beloved author of one of my favorite series, Troubleshooters. I'm so happy to welcome here this morning and to be a part of her countdown to her new Fighting Destiny series.

Suz is here this morning to give us the 411 on her upcoming book Born to Darkness the first book of the Fighting Destiny series. I hope you all enjoy learning about this upcoming book and new series from Suz. Take it away Suz...

I’m doing something fun and new to promote the release of BORN TO DARKNESS, my next book, which hits the stores on March 20th. (link to book: Born to Darkness Page)

See, BtoD isn’t just my next hardcover romance novel, it’s also the very first book in a brand new series called “Fighting Destiny.” And even though this new series contains many of the same elements of my reader-favorite Troubleshooters series (the hero is a former Navy SEAL!), BORN TO DARKNESS is a parnormal, with urban fantasy and SF elements, which makes it a little bit different than my other fifty-something books.

So I wanted to go big with my promotional efforts!

I always do a countdown where I post a new page on my website, every Monday through Friday, in the month leading up to my latest hardcover’s release. Blogs, interviews, Facebook chats, links to cool websites (like this one!), recommended reads, contests, quizzes, excerpts from the book. . . These are all things I’ve done in the past. (link to countdown main page: Countdown to Born to Darkness Page)

But for BORN TO DARKNESS, it occurred to me that the question, “How would you cast your book?” is so frequently asked by readers for a very good reason – because try as we might to describe the characters in our books, a picture is worth a thousand words. Isn’t that how that old saying goes?

With that in mind, I set out on something that I’ve called my “Born to Darkness Project,” where I actually, literally “cast” the book. With this cast of actors, I held a photo shoot, where I got hundreds of terrific photos and even some video footage, too. I’ve been making a series of amateur book-trailer-videos, as well as releasing the photos on my website during my BtoD countdown. I’ve also made this really fun 9-piece set of BORN TO DARKNESS trading cards. Check it out at my website at Born to Darkness Trading Cards

Anyway, I have some experience in producing plays and movies, so I used those skills to set up auditions and find actors who looked like the characters who appear in the movie-version of BtoD that plays endlessly in my head! (Or TV series. I think it’s probably more accurate to describe what goes on inside of my head as a “Fighting Destiny” TV series. )

Last fall, I held auditions to cast two of the main characters in the book: the former Navy SEAL hero Shane Laughlin, and the kickass but petite heroine Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie. The other four major supporting roles of Dr. Elliot Zerkowski, Stephen Diaz, Dr. Joseph Bach, and Anna Taylor are all played by actors I’ve worked with in the past, including my very talented son, Jason.

I held the auditions in New York City, just a few days in advance of my scheduled photo shoot with Shirin Tinati, (www.shirintinati.com) who is one of New York’s most talented and creative professional photographers.

Several weeks in advance of my NYC trip, I reserved a rehearsal space over at Theatre Row Studios, and sent out a casting notice to a website called “Actor’s Access.”

Here’s the “character breakdown” that was sent out to the tens of thousands of actors who use Actor’s Access to find auditions:

Breakdown of roles:

Shane Laughlin (age 25 - 30), former Navy SEAL officer; romantic lead; romance novel hero type, honorable and true, alpha male; blond, light brown or red hair; muscular with a youthful face. Must be willing to be photographed in a tank top or shirtless. Dresses in cargo pants and snug-fitting T-shirts, clunky boots.

Dr. Michelle "Mac" Mackenzie (age 22 - 30), the second-in-command of a rescue team run by a scientific R&F facility called the Obermeyer Institute; romantic lead; tough, muscular Lt.-Starbuck type; a petite (under 5'6") but strong and confident woman, possesses telekinetic powers and a don't mess-with-me attitude; short hair; pretty but quirky; a real warrior. Dresses in cargo pants, clunky boots, a sports bra and tank top.

******************

After this notice went out, I then received, via the Actor’s Access website, hundreds of headshots and resumes from a wide variety of actors.

And it was kinda amazing how often my character descriptions were ignored. I got headshots from actors who were much too old or much too bald or much too tall, in the case of the women. Mac had to be shorter than the actor I’d already cast to play Anna. She just had to be. (I was less fussy about the length of her hair. True, in the book, Mac has short hair, but long hair is “in,” particularly in NYC. I decided early on that I was not going to ask any actor to cut her hair. I didn’t think that would be very nice of me. )

So I waded through the hundreds of submissions, not just looking at the headshots and other photos, but also checking resumes for height.

One actor, Briana Pozner, stood out to me, right from the start. For me, it was all about her eyes. She was fierce, and to me, she had the perfect intensity for Mac. But she didn’t list her height anywhere on her resume! Which meant that she was probably 6’2”, right?

My husband Ed was acting as my producer for this project, so he was in charge of emailing or calling the actors who had the “right look,” and scheduling an audition for them, and making sure they were available on our already scheduled shoot date.

So he emailed Briana to ask, “Hey, how tall are you?”

Well, when Briana got that question, she was sure it was because we were looking for someone tall, and it was with great resignation that she let us know that she was, in fact, quite petite! We quickly scheduled her, she came in, knocked the audition out of the park, and we hired her, close to on the spot, to be our Mac.

The young man who plays Shane is an actor named Aubrey Grant who also came to our New York audition. He was wearing cargo pants, a T-shirt, and clunky boots when he showed up – and he walked into the room in full-on former Navy SEAL mode. That was impressive!

So Aubrey and Briana joined a cast that already included Eric Aragon, Apolonia Davalos, Jason T. Gaffney and David Singletary, and together those six actors brought the characters in BORN TO DARKNESS to life.

You can see some of the pictures already on my website at Suz's Website (surf around, you’ll find them!) and you’ll see more if you drop as my countdown continues. And don’t forget to send in an SASE to get some of those trading cards – they’re shiny and gorgeous, and they make great book marks!

Thank you, Ing, for letting me blog here today! I’ll be dropping by throughout the day in case anyone has any questions!

Love,
Suz

P.S. I’ve got a few book signing in the New York City area in March and April, and I’ve persuaded Aubrey (Shane), Briana (Mac), and Diaz (David) to come to these events to schmooze with readers. And Jason (Elliot) will be with me at my California event! Check out my complete schedule of book signings at Suz's appearances page!

Blurb:

Dishonorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin is down to his last ten bucks when he finally finds work as a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute, a little-known and believed-to-be-fringe scientific research facility. When he enters the OI compound, he is plunged into a strange world where seemingly mild-mannered scientists—including women half his size—can kick his highly skilled ass.

Shane soon discovers that there are certain individuals who possess the unique ability to access untapped regions of the brain with extraordinary results—including telekinesis, super strength, and reversal of the aging process. Known as “Greater-Thans,” this rare breed is recruited by OI, where they are rigorously trained using ancient techniques to cultivate their powers and wield them responsibly.

But in the depths of America’s second Great Depression, where the divide between the haves and the have-nots has grown even wider, those who are rich—and reckless—enough have a quick, seductive alternative: Destiny, a highly addictive designer drug that can make anyone a Greater-Than, with the power of eternal youth. The sinister cartel known as The Organization has begun mass-producing Destiny, and the demand is epidemic. But few realize the drug’s true danger, and fewer still know the dirty secret of Destiny’s crucial ingredient.

Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie knows the ugly truth. And as one of the Obermeyer Institute’s crack team of operatives, she’s determined to end the scourge of Destiny. But her kick-ass attitude gets knocked for a loop when she finds that one of the new test subjects is none other than Shane, the same smoldering stranger who just rocked her world in a one-night stand. Although Shane isn’t a Greater-Than like Mac, as an ex-SEAL, he’s got talents of his own. But Mac’s got powerful reasons to keep her distance from him—and reasons that are just as strong to want him close. She’s used to risking her life, but now, in the midst of the ultimate war on drugs, she must face sacrificing her heart.

Click HERE to read an excerpt of Born to Darkness

Pre-order links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Wanna signed copy of Born to Darkness then click HERE

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT residents
THREE copies of When Tony Met Adam (e-short story from Troubleshooters series) up for grabs
MUST answer this question: If you could cast your favorite book who are some actors/actress do you have in mind? Also be sure to leave questions for Suz that you have about her upcoming book and series.
MUST leave e-mail address in comment
Giveaway ends Feb 22nd

A WHOLE LOTTA WINNERS

2012-02-16T21:35:00.000-06:00

WINNERS! OH WE HAVE WINNERS!

Winner of She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath:

Lolarific

Winners of A Secret in Her Kiss by Anna Randol:

IdentitySeeker
marybelle

Winner of A Town Called Valentine by Emma Cane:

shadow_kohler

Winners of Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow:

Keira Soleor
VampedChik

Winner of an e-copy of Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox:

mwilson

Winner of an e-copy Game Misconduct by Bianca Sommerland:

Helen Peter

Winners of the My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop:

3 books of choice - jeanette8042
2 books of choice - icha
2 book of choice - Reading (e-mail starts off readingroman...)

E-mails will be sent out. If you don't see an e-mail from me by tomorrow night go ahead and e-mail me at asthepagesturn@gmail.com. You have until Feb 18th to respond back with an address. Be sure to check your SPAM or JUNK box if you do not see any e-mail from me.

Thank you everyone who participated. Big congratulations to the winners.

NOTE: Winners were picked by using random.org

CHARACTER Q&A + GIVEAWAY WITH ORIANA DELGADO HEROINE FROM GAME MISCONDUCT BY BIANCA SOMMERLAND

2012-02-10T07:38:00.000-06:00

Interview with Oriana Delgado

Ing approached the front desk on thefourth floor, smiled sweetly at the pinch-faced secretary, and opened her mouthto introduce herself. Before she could speak, heels clicking swiftly on thetiles behind her brought her attention to a young woman with a sleek, bronze up-do.Her lovely face was flushed, but her expression was warm and welcoming.

"Sorry, I hope I'm notlate?" The woman held out her hand. "I'm Oriana."

"I just got here." Ingalways tried to be on time for interviews, but the atmosphere—buzzing withenergy as game time approached—and the men . . . Well, needless to say, she'dgotten a little distracted on the way up. "And I have to be honest, thisisn't at all the type of interview I'm used to. You said we could watch part ofthe hockey game from the press box?"

Oriana nodded. "Yes. So much ofwhat I'll tell you revolves around my family's love for the game. It's in myblood, but I think if you watch the game you'll get a feel for why it's soimportant to us."

Nodding, Ing took her notepad fromher purse and followed Oriana to the elevator. "Your father owns theDartmouth Cobras, right?"

"Yes." Oriana pressed thebutton for the first floor, her hand shaking a little before she stuffed it inher pant pocket. "It was his dream to create a franchise in the Maritimes.At first he had partners who were all excited about the potential profit, butthe population can't support a get-rich-quick kind of team. The profits aremodest, even after five years. But fans are loyal and the team is growing inpopularity. Some players turn down bigger contracts for a chance to play herebecause they'd never get the chance to prove themselves anywhere else. Or . . ." She paused and her cheeks reddened slightly. "They would have tohide an important part of who they are."

Ing arched a brow as the elevatordoors opened and stepped quickly to keep in pace with Oriana. "Are youreferring to the fact that the GM offers contracts to men who are . . .kinky?"

Hand on a door which barely muffledthe sounds of perhaps a hundred people speaking at once, Oriana nodded."There are sadists, swingers, Dominants and sub-missives, all very skilled,but hampered by one very basic thing." She took a deep breath. "Theirlifestyles aren't accepted by themasses. To make their old teams' PRs happy, some of these men dated thecelebrities their agents shoved at them, denying rumors of them being seen atcertain clubs with women—or men—openly involved in BDSM. With the Cobras, atvery least, the can be open with their teammates. None will go on record openlystating their preferences, but really, is it anyone's business?"

Oriana's tone had become a littledefensive. Ing palmed her pen and looked over at her. "Please let me knowif any of my questions make you uncomfortable. That's not at all my intention."

"Oh, don't worry about me."Oriana flashed a shaky smile. "My father isn't happy with me anyway. But .. . ." She lowered her voice. "This interview won't be in the localpapers or—"

"I'll only post it on myblog," Ing said. She ran her finger down her notes and frowned. "Mynext question is a little more personal. Are you okay with that?"

"That's fine." Pushing thedoor open, Oriana stepped aside to let Ing in. "Tim, the assistant coach,had his brother save us a spot near the end. Just avoid the cameras."

The room was a media circus. Dozensof reporters stood in front of the glass wall that separated the room from thebleachers and the rink below, all chiming off stats and gesturing towards theelevated screens as they predicted the game's outcome. Ing followed Oriana pastthe rows of seats, ignoring the curious gazes from the prominently masculine attendees.They looked slightly envious. Oriana probably didn't do many interviews.

"We're playing the Broad-streetBullies—Philly, even though the name doesn't really fit anymore—and most of thereporters came down to make a big deal over some healthy rivalry. They don'thave anyone like The Hammer, or Bobby Clarke, but they have the legacy, whichfills the stands because the Cobras won't back down from anyone."

"Including your lover . . .." Ing checked her notes. "Dominik Mason? He's the enforcer, right?Which means . . . ."

Oriana grinned. "Which means I'mwilling to bet he calls out Philly's tough guy about five seconds after thepuck drops. He likes making his point early in the game."

Beyond the glass of the well litroom, the stadium lights dimmed. A small woman with a subtle French accent sangthe anthems. The puck hit the ice and sure enough, number 6, Dominik Mason,motioned towards a man across the ice from him.

But they didn't get a chance tofight, the team's captain, Sloan Callahan, darted between them and shoutedsomething over his shoulder to Dominik. With carefully restrained, violentgrace The Cobras advanced on Philly. Sloan snapped the puck towards the net.

The goalpost rang and Oriana winced."He's still recovering from breaking his hand earlier this season."

Ing nodded slowly, watching Sloandirect the men as Philly went on the attack. "I read a bit about him—heseemed to have a bit of a temper, but now . . . ."

"He's the epitome of calm andcontrol as Captain, but as a Dom there's always that hint of danger under thesurface . . . ." Oriana bit her bottom lip. "Like you're never surewhen he'll snap."

"Do you think he'd snap?"Ing's gaze trailed the big man, able to ignore his good looks since his helmetand visor obscured them, and focussed on his sheer size. He could really hurtOriana. "Are you afraid of him?"

"No." Oriana didn'thesitate for a second before answering. "He's Max's best friend and Itrust Max's judgement. Besides, Dominik wouldn't be training him to be a Masterif he thought he was unstable."

"So you don't think he'd everhurt you?"

Oriana put her hand to her throat andshot Ing a nervous smile. "I didn't say that. He is a sadist afterall."

"And you're okay withthat?"

Nodding slowly, Oriana moved up tothe glass and held her hand out, as though to touch on of the player. All herlovers were close together on the ice,so it was impossible to tell who she was focussing on. "More than okay.I've learned a lot about myself recently. There are things I didn't think Icould accept—"

"Like Max being a voyeur?"

"Yes. Exactly." Orianafolded her arms under her breasts and leaned against the glass, a wistful smileon her face. "I wish I'd known sooner how . . . precious and desirable hewould make me feel. I experience more pleasure with just his gaze caressing my fleshthan I ever felt with any man before." The soft curves of her cheeksreddened. "And then, with Dominik and Sloan . . . ."

The room seemed to have gotten alittle hot. Ing fidgeted with her collar and stared down at the ice as thoughthat could cool her down. She felt a surge of excitement as Max passed the puckback to Dominik and the big man took a shot. And scored!

"Would you like to stay for thegame?" Oriana asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ing nodded, then paused and glancedat her notes. "But the interview—"

"Enjoy the game. When it's over,I'll tell you a bit about what happened this weekend."

Smiling, Ing tucked her notes intoher purse, turning back to the game. "I'd like that."

"Then maybe you can meet theteam."

A deep, deep breath and another nod."I'd like that very much."

Blurb:

The game has always cast a shadow over Oriana Delgado's life. She should hate the game. But she doesn't. The passion and the energy of the sport is part of her. But so is the urge to drop the role of the Dartmouth Cobra owner's 'good daughter' and find a less...conventional one.

Playmaker, Max Perron, never expected a woman to accept him and his twisted desires. Oriana came close, but he wasn't surprised when she walked away. A girl like her needs normal. Which he can't give her. He's too much of a team player, and not just on the ice.

But then Oriana's father goes too far in trying to control her and she decides to use exposure as blackmail. Just the implication of her spending the night with the Cobra's finest should get her father to back off.

Turns out a team player is exactly what she needs.

Warning: This ebook contains material not suitable for readers under 18. In also contains scenes that some may find objectionable, including BDSM, ménage sex, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, double penetration, voyeurism, edge play, and hockey equipment being used inappropriately.

Excerpt:

Grinning,Sloan bent down to lick a drop of beer from her bottom lip. "Does thatmean you're coming back?"

Ratherthan answer, she set the beer on the bar and gave him a little nudge. Before hecould get out of her way, she eased off the stool and let her body glide downhis. He groaned when she wiggled her hips.

"I'llthink about it."

Heflipped up the bottom of the jersey and dug his fingers into her ass. "Youkeep that up and I won't wait."

"Youcan't do anything here." She hiked her chin up, shoveling defiance overrampant desire. This guy was way too cocky. Time to bring him down a notch."Save your threats, Mr. Callahan. I'm not scared of you."

Timcleared his throat. "Just a suggestion, Oriana, and then I'm out ofhere." He laughed when she tried to twist away from Sloan. "Tauntingyour Dom is a bad idea. Especially when he's a sadist."

Orianagulped when Tim walked away. She suddenly realized Max had released her handand stepped away from her to finish his drink.

Leavingher alone to deal with Sloan.

"Iwas joking." She pressed her hands against Sloan's chest and gave him themost innocent look she could muster. I'llbe good. I promise. "You're not going to hurt me, are you?"

Hisanswering smile didn't bode well. "Oh, I'll hurt you," he said."But not here. And not tonight." He picked her up and dropped her onthe stool. "Finish your beer."

"But—"She shut her mouth when his eyes narrowed. Okay, maybe she was a little scared of him. The rush of adrenaline in her veinsmade her skin cold. With a shaky hand, she brought her beer to her lips.

Sloanplaced his hands on her upper thigh and framed his thumbs along the rim of herpanties. She choked on a mouthful of beer as her clit throbbed.

Max'spresence behind her made her insides clench with need. He patted her back."Breathe, darlin'."

Shegasped and tried to close her thighs. Solid hips worked between her knees. Hands clamped just above them.

Alittle whine escaped her as she realized whose hands held her open. "Max .. . ."

Sloan'sthumbs stroked her pussy.

"Oh!"She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head. "You can't—"

"ButI am." Sloan nibbled along the side of her throat as his fingers slippedinto her panties. "And you want me to. You're so wet, babe. Be honest,you'd let me fuck you now if I wanted to."

Yes! Oh god yes! She shifted her hips forwardand pressed her face against his chest to stifle her moans as one thick fingerpenetrated her. Part of her mind objected to letting him do this, here, whereanyone could see. Reason made her say the words out loud. "We'll getcaught."

"That'spart of the thrill." Sloan strained to fill her with another finger evenas he picked up his beer. If anyone was looking, they'd assume he was having anintimate conversation, his face betrayed nothing more. "Would you likeanother drink?"

~~~

BuyGame Misconduct

Amazon / All Romance Ebooks / Smashwords

Formore of the Dartmouth Cobras, visit their website:

Website: The Dartmouth Cobras / Author Website / Twitter / Facebook

Giveaway Details:

Open to US/INT resident
ONE ebook copy of Game Misconduct up for grabs
MUST leave an e-mail in the comment
MUST tell me what part of this post makes you want to read this book
Giveaway ends Feb 15th

Be sure to stop by and visit the other blogs hosting this tour. The more comments you leave at each tour stop the better your chances are to win a $25 GC that Bianca is giving away as part of the tour.

February 8th	Romance Book Junkies
February 9th	The Forbidden Bookshelf
February 10th	As the Pages Turn
February 13th	Seriously Reviewed
February 14th	Kinky Book Reviews
February 15th	Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Q&A + GIVEAWAY WITH TORY RICHARDS AUTHOR OF MERCENARY WAY

2012-02-08T22:40:00.000-06:00

Ing: Hello Tory! Welcome to ATPT! I’m happy to have you join me today. Can you tell the readers in your own word a bit about Mercenary Way your latest release? What can the readers expect plot, sexiness, length wise.

Tory: Thank you for that warm welcome! I’m thrilled to be here today. What readers can expect from The Mercenary Way is an action packed, steamy romance. It’s a full length story that goes something like this; mistaken
identity gets heroine kidnapped, hero rescues heroine, bad guys chase them through the jungle.

Ing: Can you tell us a about Clint? What about this ex-navy seal turned soldier of fortune do you think will draw the readers in and make them love him?

Tory: He’s big and tough, maybe a bit arrogant, but he has scruples and a softer side he tries to hide. Sarah brings out his protective instincts and the animal lust in him, in spite of the fact they fight like cats and dogs in the beginning. And who isn’t attracted to a hero that lives a dangerous, mysterious life?

Ing: Now tell us a bit about the heroine Sarah? What about Sarah do you think will draw the readers in and make them love her?

Tory: She’s a fighter, even when she’s frightened. Clint’s the exact opposite of the kind of man she’s attracted to, yet his rugged sex appeal excites her into losing control when she’s in his arms.

Ing: Why are these two perfect for each other? What about them individually makes them so drawn to each other? Why do you think the readers will fall in love with this couple?

Tory: Opposites attract? Though they don’t know it at first, they need each other.

Ing: What was a scene that stood out or was memorable for you when writing Mercenary Way? Why did this scene stand out for you?

Tory: They finally made it to the other side of the island, and they’re waiting for the plane that’s scheduled to pick them up. It’s then they begin to realize their time together is coming to end and they have to say goodbye. The feelings that have developed between them remain unspoken, yet they both seem to know they exist.

Ing: What is a character that you are getting lots of e-mails about? Any plans to write a story for this character?

Tory: I’ve received several comments about Harold, in All the Right Moves. But he’s a talking mynah bird.

Ing: What else can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2012? Could you give some details on these upcoming projects?

Tory: Well, I usually have a few things going on at the same time. Right now I’m sexing up two mainstream romances at the request of my publisher. They want to re-release them in their erotic line. They will keep the same titles but receive new book covers. I also have a couple short erotic romances started, and one werewolf.

Ing: Now on to questions about you. We want to know more about Tory Richards. What are 5 things you could never do without?

Tory: Just five? LOL. Ok, since you said things I won’t include my family and cats, so here goes. My laptop, eye glasses, my old rocker recliner, my cell phone, and chocolate.

Ing: Where is your favorite place to write and why?

Tory: My old rocker recliner. It’s comfortable and when I get tired all I have to do is push it back so that I’m practically lying flat. It’s the best place for an afternoon nap.

Ing: What was the best advice that you’ve ever received from someone in the writing industry that has stuck with you?

Tory: Not everyone is going to like your book. Don’t take it too hard when you receive a bad review. Sure it hurts, but it’s just the opinion of one person.

Ing: If you weren’t writing what else would you be doing right now for a career?

Tory: Well I love to sing so I’ll say singing. Unfortunately I can’t carry a tune.

Ing: Tory thanks so much for stopping by today! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Do you have any last words or questions you would like to pose to the readers of this blog?

Tory: Nope! The questions were fun. If anyone is interested in finding out more about me and my books please visit my website at www.toryrichards.com. You can also write me at tory.richards@yahoo.com

Thank you for letting me spend the day with you.

Blurb:

When a ruthless gem smuggler mistakes Sarah for her best friend Susan, she's kidnapped and stashed on an island. Her only hope of rescue is Susan's cousin Clint -- a soldier-of fortune whose my-way-or-else attitude is as infuriating as his muscular body is distracting.

Clint, ex-Navy SEAL turned mercenary, desperately needs a vacation. Rescuing a kidnapped woman from an island paradise isn't what he had in mind. And when he encounters Sarah's sassy mouth and tempting ways, he soon realizes he's the one in trouble.

Excerpt:

He settled behind her, positioning his legs on either side of her before pulling her back to rest against him. He knew immediately it wasn’t the smartest move he’d ever made. He had to ignore how good she felt nestled against the lower half of his body or he was going to go insane fast. Using his hands like paddles, he started steering the boat in the direction of the other side.

“Would you like me to help?” The alluring quality of her voice alerted his senses to a thousand possibilities. He steeled himself not to react, but it was damn hard to do with the boat rocking gently beneath them, causing her bottom to move against his fly. Clenching his teeth, he tried to think of anything that would keep his thoughts off her and what she was making him feel.

Nothing came to mind but the tantalizing thought of sinking his cock inside her tight hole and screwing her until she couldn’t walk. Tomorrow wouldn’t come quick enough. It would be a miracle if they made it off the island before he tasted more than just that impudent mouth. It took every ounce of strength he had not to reach around and take hold of the mounds stretching his T-shirt out of shape, massaging them until he got her out of his system.

“Clint?”

Shit! He quickly slammed on the brakes, but there was nothing he could do to cool the heat rising between his legs. Or the friction against his zipper.

“Just relax,” he advised. “We’re almost there.” He had half a mind to get out of the boat and swim the rest of the way, damn whatever might be lurking in the depths. He’d stand a better chance of keeping his common sense that way, and it sure as hell would cool him off.

For a change, Sarah did as she was told, but he was the one suffering the consequences. She relaxed fully against him until there was no way she couldn’t know he was as hard as steel against her ass.

About Author:

I'm a fifty-something author who discovered my passion for writing and story telling at the ripe old age of thirteen. Before I received my first manual typewriter, with pencil in hand, I would jot my stories down on notebook paper. Later, after receiving that desired typewriter I spent hours in my bedroom, where my parents thought I was doing homework. Writing turned out to be a kind of therapy for me, something I didn't realize until years later.

I also hold down a full time day job. So basically I'm working all the time. Only writing is a hobby for me, something I do during the quiet of the evenings and on my weekends. My goals are simple and realistic. By the time I retire I'll be happy if I'm just making enough "mad money" from it to be able to travel a little, and spoil my grandchildren. I'll travel any place a cruise ship will take me. I've been to: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Alaska just to name a few places. I don't like to fly, even before I found myself on a plane on 9/11, but I will if I'm given enough legal drugs. I collect antiques and art, and I love chocolate, who doesn't? And I'm addicted to good coffee and sweet ice tea. For a while life got in the way of my dreams. A few years ago I decided to get serious and haven't looked back!

Find Tory and her books at:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Bebo / Wild Rose Press

Tour Giveaway Details:

Tory will be awarding a $20.00 e-gift certificate to Bath and Body to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more comments you leave the better chance you'll win. Be sure to visit the other blogs that are a part of this tour. See other blogs participating below and click on their name.

February 6: AsianCocoa's Secret Garden
February 7: Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog
February 8: Bab's Book Bistro
February 9: As the Pages Turn
February 10: Louisa Bacio -- Love Knows No Bounds
February 13: Realmantic Moments
February 14: Christine Young Romance Writer
February 15: Roz Lee
February 16: The Muse
February 16: REVIEW ONLY Reviews by Molly
February 17: Kacey's Kreations

CHARACTER GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY - RIDE WITH ME BY RUTHIE KNOX

2012-02-06T22:35:00.000-06:00

Good morning ATPT folks. I have two very exciting guests stopping by ATPT this morning. The wonderful and exciting hero and heroine from debut novel Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox is visiting.

Please give a warm welcome to Tom Geiger and Lexie Marshall. I asked them both to tell me what their definition of an ideal riding companion would be. I think you all will enjoy this post. Enjoy and have fun getting to know these two.

My Ideal Riding Companion
A Play in One Scene by Tom Geiger and Lexie Marshall

TOM: Frankly, I’d rather ride alone than with a buddy. I don’t really do buddies. But if you have to have a companion, you ideally want to find one who doesn’t talk much. Somebody who can enjoy the scenery without commenting on every damn plant and hawk along the way.

I mean, I guess for some people, it’s like they see something good, but they haven’t really seen it until they’ve talked to somebody about it. That’s not how I’m wired. I want to get out there on the road and take in the sights and just be alone with them. I like to ride and think, or let my mind go blank. It gets too crowded if somebody’s talking at me all the time. Plus, I don’t want to have to keep saying, Yeah, that’s really something, or Sure, let’s stop for a snack or whatever every two miles. I want to get somewhere.

LEXIE: Right.

TOM: What? Don’t give me that look.

LEXIE: I’m not giving you a look.

TOM: You are. You’re giving me that Tom’s-such-a-hypocrite look.

LEXIE: Well, you are a hypocrite. [grumbles in a low voice] I don’t really do buddies. I just want to get somewhere. I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel.

TOM: Did you just quote Pee-wee Herman at me?

LEXIE: Yep. I’m not ashamed, either.

TOM: [shaking his head] Go on, then, Trouble. Tell these good people what I really think.

LEXIE: Well, you like telling people what all the plants and animals are. You’ll point off to the right when you see something, and if I don’t respond, you’ll be all, See that, Lex? Red-tailed hawk.

TOM: You hate missing stuff.

LEXIE: Mm-hmm. I’m sure that’s all it is. You loathe commenting on the scenery, but you do it because you can’t bear my unhappiness. It couldn’t be that you actually like talking about plants.

TOM: It’s really your department.

LEXIE: What about that time in Idaho that you spent three days mumbling, What the hell’s the name of that flower?

TOM: It was bugging me.

LEXIE: Exactly. You wouldn’t drop it until you’d asked, like, seven people, and finally somebody could tell you. And you like stopping for snacks, too. And leaving the route to check out side trips. All the way across the TransAm, you were constantly saying stuff like, C’mon, Lex. Let’s go check out the biggest ear of corn in Kansas.

TOM: [shaking his head] It wasn’t nearly as big as I’d expected.

LEXIE: C’mon, Lex, let’s go to the Broward County Fair and pet the bunnies.

TOM: The fair was your idea.

LEXIE: Yeah, but you were the one who wanted to pet the bunnies.

TOM: . . .

LEXIE: Admit it.

TOM: Okay, yeah. I liked the rabbits.

LEXIE: You called them “bunnies.”

TOM: Quit emasculating me in front of these folks.

LEXIE: I will when you admit you’re a blowhard.

TOM: I’m not even sure I know what a blowhard is, babe.

LEXIE: You don’t have to, honey. Just tell them, My ideal riding companion is a woman who loves to talk, tell stories, and follow the road wherever it takes her.

TOM: My ideal riding companion is Lexie Marshall.

LEXIE: All right. That’s acceptable.

[They kiss. Curtain descends.]

Ride with Me, available from Loveswept on February 13, 2012!

Blurb:

In this fun, scorching-hot eBook original romance by Ruthie Knox, a cross-country bike adventure takes a detour into unexplored passion. As readers will discover, Ride with Me is not about the bike!

When Lexie Marshall places an ad for a cycling companion, she hopes to find someone friendly and fun to cross the TransAmerica Trail with. Instead, she gets Tom Geiger — a lean, sexy loner whose bad attitude threatens to spoil the adventure she’s spent years planning.

Roped into the cycling equivalent of a blind date by his sister, Tom doesn’t want to ride with a chatty, go-by-the-map kind of woman, and he certainly doesn’t want to want her. Too bad the sight of Lexie with a bike between her thighs really turns his crank.

Even Tom’s stubborn determination to keep Lexie at a distance can’t stop a kiss from leading to endless nights of hotter-than-hot sex. But when the wild ride ends, where will they go next?

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / iBookstore

About Author:

Ruthie Knox figured out how to walk and read at the same time in the second grade, and she hasn’t looked up since. She spent her formative years hiding romance novels in her bedroom closet to avoid the merciless teasing of her brothers and imagining scenarios in which someone who looked remarkably like Daniel Day Lewis recognized her well-hidden sex appeal and rescued her from middle-class Midwestern obscurity. After graduating from Grinnell College with an English and history double major, she earned a Ph.D. in modern British history that she’s put to remarkably little use.

These days, she writes contemporary romance in which witty, down-to- earth characters find each other irresistible in their pajamas, though she freely admits this has yet to happen to her. Perhaps she needs more exciting pajamas. Ruthie abhors an epilogue and insists a decent romance requires at least three good sex scenes.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / GoodReads

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Open to US & International residents
One lucky commenter will be randomly chosen to win a digital copy of Ride with Me. Winners will pick up their copy through Net Galley.
MUST answer this question: What is some things you'd look for in a companion if you went on a bike adventure?
MUST leave e-mail address in comment
Giveaway ends Feb 11th

MONDAY MAN CANDY #39

2012-02-06T07:20:00.000-06:00

So anyone watch the Superbowl last night? What a great game. Congrats to any NY Giant fans out there. They won me some money so I'm a happy girl!

I have some fun authors stopping by this week so be sure to come check them out. Also if you didn't notice I still have some great giveaways that are open. Be sure to enter them if you haven't yet! :)

02/07/12: Debut author Ruthie Knox - Guest Post + Giveaway
02/09/12: Tory Richards - Q&A + Giveaway

Now let's move on to my favorite part of Mondays. I present David Blakeley. Hottie, actor, English and former British military man! He is just hmmmm! Enjoy and have a wonderful Monday!

Love the scruff - yummy

LOTSA WINNERS

2012-02-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

WINNERS! OH WE HAVE WINNERS!

Winners of bracelets from Sidney Bristol and Jodie Becker are:

marybelle
Catherine Lee

Winners of Spartacus - Blood and Sand (Season 1) are:

throuthehaze
Ce-Ce

Winners of ebook copy of After Midnight by Sarah Grimm are:

Heather E
PaParanormalFan

You two should have received an e-mail notification directly from Sarah.

Winner of week #8 and #9 random romance novel from Random House Publishing:

ML (e-mail starts off mljf...) (week #8)
StacieD (week #9)

E-mails will be sent out. If you don't see an e-mail from me by tomorrow night go ahead and e-mail me at asthepagesturn@gmail.com. You have until Feb 8th to respond back with an address. Be sure to check your SPAM or JUNK box if you do not see any e-mail from me.

Thank you everyone who participated. Big congratulations to the winners.

NOTE: Winners were picked by using random.org

ETERNAL WOLF CLAN SERIES - DIRE WARNING BY STEPHANIE TYLER E-BOOK GIVEAWAY

2012-02-05T14:35:00.002-06:00

e-Special novella prequel to Stephanie Tyler's Eternal Wolf Clan series

Blurb:

A breathtaking new tale of the Dire Wolves, from the bestselling author of Dire Needs…

Immortal and invincible, Rifter is the head of the last surviving pack of Dire Wolves—a band of Alpha brothers charged with protecting the Weres. But now that witches have joined forces with nefarious weretrappers, it’s a perfect storm for double trouble. When the murder of a human points to a wolf—along with the threat of the packs being outed to the world—the Dires fear that something even more dangerous is out there hiding in the dark, something waiting for the right time to show itself.

Includes a letter from the author and a teaser chapter from Dire Needs.

Excerpt:

Brother Wolf loved fast. Rifter, almost as much. This close to a full moon, the need for it was magnified.

Unlike the Weres, the Dires weren’t forced to shift during a full moon, and they could remain unshifted for a lot longer than the Weres without any harm. The Dires generally had more control over themselves, their first shift occurring at twenty-one rather than the Weres’ sixteen.

The Dires and their Brother Wolves were equals, inhabiting the same body, respectful of the other’s needs and wishes. And Rifter’s Brother Wolf was more than a little pissed he hadn’t been allowed to fight.

“I’ll make it up to you,” Rifter told him when he stopped the bike off the main trail through the woods and parked it where it wasn’t easily spotted. He stripped and threw his clothes over his bike. Didn’t matter that the temp was below zero—Brother Wolf always ran hot. For a long moment, he took in the quiet of the woods around him, before his brothers and no doubt some Weres arrived. And then it would become rowdy and raunchy and Rifter could get into that, too.

But the feeling that everything was about to change, that’s what sent shivers of a different kind through him.

He’d been around for a hell of a long time, watched eras come and go. He’d seen great leaders and watched the horrors that humans inflicted on one another. Most times, he’d had to numb himself, and they’d always fought on the side of good.

But this . . . something was happening in his world. Surrounded by supernatural beings his entire life—Weres, Vamps, other shifters, witches, demons—most of the time, they kept to their corners.

He’d prayed to the Elders for any kind of help, the way he’d done when he’d been captured but he’d refused to continue because it only made him more frustrated. The mystical clan of four who watched over the Dires, all created by Hati, son of a god who chased the moon, was unattainable; they believed in letting the Dires work out their own problems.

Don’t think on that now, he warned himself, and Brother Wolf agreed enthusiastically.

He shifted, letting himself revel in the pleasure and pain of the process, the impossibility of which had been widely documented by doctors and scientists alike. He felt sorry for those tied so closely to logic that it left them so bound to rules, to black and white, that they missed out on a lot of life and its messy, unexplainable, follow-no-rules beauty.

For Rifter, being a Dire meant everything. There were many things he regretted over the course of his extended lifetime, but being a wolf had never been one of them.

So Stephanie Tyler whom I just love to pieces has an exciting new series coming out in March 2012. She has a special prequel novella coming out February 7th that will introduce the romance world and give them a peek at her wolvies! They're bad, hot, large and in charge. I think you are gonna LOVE THEM!

Anyway Stephanie was kind enough to let me offer up her eSpecial novella Dire Warning up for grabs today. Now if you are interested in taking a peek at her wolvies here's your chance!

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & International residents
3 e-book of Dire Warning up for grabs
MUST leave your e-mail address in the comments field
Giveaway ends ~~Feb 8th~~ Feb 6th

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY WITH DEBUT AUTHOR HEATHER SNOW - SWEET ENEMY

2012-02-02T23:44:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Reasons You Should Read SWEET ENEMY

Hi! Thank you so much, Ing, for having me today. My name is Heather Snow, and my debut Regency with a twist of mystery will be released next Tuesday, February 7th. Since I’m a brand new author, I thought I’d give you my top ten reasons why YOU should take a chance on SWEET ENEMY.

1. Because #1NYT Bestselling author, Julie Garwood (yes, THAT Julie Garwood! Isn’t she awesome???) says you’ll love it!

"Historical intrigue and heart-pounding passion make Sweet Enemy a great read. Romance fans will love it."

~#1NYT Bestselling Author JULIE GARWOOD

See? However, Julie’s not the only one who gives her “thumbs up”.

"Heather Snow combines sizzling tension, witty dialogue and achingly raw emotions for a passionate love story you'll remember long after the last page."

~Kathryn Smith, USA Today Bestselling Author of “When Tempting a Rogue”

"I have a new go to girl for my historicals. Heather Snow brings a fresh take on nobility, adding her quick wit to her writing."

~Book Obsessed Chicks

“Not often do I pick up something that sucks me in so thoroughly that I have no concept of anything else but the world in the book I am reading. Thank you, Heather Snow, for transporting me somewhere else for a much needed escape!”

~The Book Reading Gals

“In the first in the Veiled Seduction series, newcomer Snow makes a mark on the genre…The plot, with its tinge of mystery, matchmaking and a bit of mayhem, will warm readers’ hearts.”

~ RTBookReviews 4 stars

And guess what? NONE of them are related to me

2. You love to try new things, and new authors!

“Whenever I read a debut book from an author I go into it a bit excited and a little hopeful that I will have found a new favorite, only to be disappointed too many times to count when it did not quite hit the spot for me. Well I am happy to say this is not one of those times! I picked up Sweet Enemy and at first thought it sounded a little familiar but that feeling ended after page 3, the next thing I know I am almost done with the book, could not put it down!”
~ TheBookReadingGals

3. Because it features a heroine who is not your average London Miss.

Meet Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge.

4. Because the hero not only of the book, but the hero of a cause.

Meet Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford, a war hero and rising political star. He never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers.

5. Because you like a little mystery with your romance, where people are not always what they seem and where there is a secret that could ruin everything…
When Liliana receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father. Geoffrey finds himself drawn to the tempting houseguest, although he has no way of knowing she holds a secret from his past that threatens not only his freedom and everything he’s worked for…but his heart.

6. Because even though you like some mystery with your romance, you also like to laugh out loud when you’re reading…
Between Geoffrey’s match-making mother and Liliana’s match-making aunt, and Liliana and Geoffrey’s own schemes, our poor hero and heroine are thrown into some pretty interesting situations.

“Fast paced and well written; witty and fun; sensual and mysterious and I loved the laugh-out-loud moments so much I had tears in my eyes!”

~Melanie, Bookworm2Bookworm, (on Facebook)

7. Because you love stories with a Happily-Ever-After, even if they are filled with so much conflict, you wonder how the hero and heroine will ever find their way to it…

But of course, they do…

8. Because you are looking for a book that will have you staying up all night to read it!
"If I stay up until after 5 to finish a book you know it's good. Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow was worth staying up for. Now I want bk 2! :)"

~ThisBlondeReads

“I am hooked! I started reading it yesterday and stayed up until almost 3am (despite having to come to work today) just to read it.”

~Stella, BookLover’s Inc., on Goodreads

9. You hated chemistry in the classroom, but you’re a big fan of it in the bedroom!

Yes, our heroine does get to blow things up in the story. However, once Geoffrey decides he want the little scientist in his bed (and as his wife) he decides to use her natural curiosity and experimental nature to bind her to him, first with kisses and then with more…

10. Because your Significant Other will be happy you read it…

Psychology Today states that women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don´t. I’m guess that it’s because a healthy fantasy life spills over into the bedroom, and that will keep your partner with a huge smile on his face! Maybe he’ll even want you to read the fun parts aloud…

Well, there you have it. Thanks again for having me today. If you’d like to read the Prologue and First Chapter of SWEET ENEMY, you can find it here.

Blurb:

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom…and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Purchase Links:

Rainy Day Books (Heather's local Indie) / Amazon Kindle / Amazon (Paperback) / Books-a-Million / B&N / Indiebound / iBookstore

About Author:

Heather Snow is a historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who discovered she much preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. She is forever trying to wrangle her left and right brain to work together (some days with more success than others!), but if her two sides had to duke it out, left would win every time—which can be a creative challenge. Luckily, she loves challenges…she just goes about solving them analytically.

Heather lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat. She sincerely hopes you find her stories have just the right chemistry…

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / GoodReads

Giveaway Details:

US/CAN residents only
TWO copies of Sweet Enemy up for grabs
MUST tell me which reason # listed above makes you want to give this book a chance, why?
MUST leave your e-mail address
Giveaway ends Feb. 8th

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY WITH EMMA CANE AUTHOR OF A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE

2012-02-02T07:47:00.000-06:00

Hello! My name is Emma Cane, and my debut contemporary, A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE, hits the shelves this week. Emma Cane isn’t the first name I’ve written under. I also write historical romance as Gayle Callen. And although I’ll keep writing historicals, I was dying to try something different. So I gave great consideration to what is popular right now, including vampires. I’ve read a lot of vampire novels, and I’m a huge fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” But…something was holding me back from writing paranormals. I read a lot of contemporary romance, and I discovered that small-town settings are growing in popularity. And who doesn’t love a cowboy? I realized I could set one of them in my small- town romance. So I had a lot of thinking to do—cowboys vs. vampires. Here’s the Top 10 Reasons why I chose cowboys.

10. Cowboys aren’t afraid of a little sunlight and their teeth look nicer.

9. No transfiguration to a small winged mammal. As a side benefit, no need to worry about rabies.

8. When a cowboy talks about his maker, he’s talking about God, not a demon.

7. Do you really want to be touched by something that’s dead?

6. A cowboy won’t be taking any of your blood.

5. You don’t have to worry about a cowboy tell you how hot your great-great-grandma was in her time.

4. You can wear a cross necklace without burning your boyfriend.

3. Get bit by a cowboy, and you’re having a good time. Get bit by a vampire, and you’ll wake up buried alive.

2. A cowboy has better things to do during the day than slink around in the shadows .

1. A cowboy can keep your bed warm at night—and you don’t have to worry about a casket.

So there you have it, the reasons I chose cowboys over vampires. Which do you prefer? And remember, a lucky commenter is going to win a free book!

Blurb:

Emily Murphy never thought she'd return to her mom's rustic hometown in the Colorado Mountains. But after her marriage in San Francisco falls apart, leaving her penniless and heartsick, she returns to her old family home to find a new direction for her life. On her first night back, though, a steamy encounter with handsome rancher Nate Thalberg is not the fresh start she had in mind...

Nate has good reason not to trust the determined beauty who just waltzed into town--he's no stranger to betrayal. Besides, she's only there to sell her family's old property and move back out. But as Nate and Emily begin working side-by-side to restore her time-worn building and old family secrets change Emily's perception of herself, both are about to learn how difficult it is to hide from love in a place known far and wide for romance, family ties, and happily-ever-afters: a town called Valentine.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Books-A-Million

About Author:

Emma Cane was born in Erie, a small Pennsylvania town on beautiful Lake Erie, where the sunsets are some of the best in the world. Though Emma enjoyed figure skating and skiing (good sports in the northeast), she brought a book everywhere she went, usually science fiction and fantasy. Yes, Emma was a Trekkie. Early in her teen years, she decided maybe she could be a writer, and wrote passionate stories of teenagers in space, first by hand until her fingers cramped, and then on her dad’s manual typewriter, that she still can’t bear to give away. In high school she discovered historical romances, starting with Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Shanna, and Emma never looked back. The first romance she ever tried to write was a historical Western, but now she’s changed to the 21st century, where cowboys can ride pickup trucks as well as horses. Emma fell in love with small-town, heartwarming stories, and created the fictional town Valentine Valley, a small ranching community in the Colorado Rockies, where she sets her novels. A Town Called Valentine is the first in her new series.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Contact

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & Canada residents only
One copy of A Town Called Valentine up for grabs
MUST answer Emma's question: Which do you prefer vampires or cowboys? Why?
MUST leave e-mail address
Giveaway ends Feb. 8th

MY BOOK BOYFRIEND GIVEAWAY HOP (FEB 1ST - FEB 5TH)

2012-01-31T23:50:00.003-06:00

My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop

Welcome ATPT peeps and new visitors to the blog to this fun and exciting hop! This is hop is co-hosted by me (Ing) As the Pages Turn & Crystal from Reading Between the Wines Book Club.

The giveaway hop will run from 12:01 AM February 1st through to 11:59 PM February 5th, 2012.

What better way to celebrate the month of LOVE then with your favorite book boyfriend? Whether you have a valentine or not, the swoon worthy heroes we find in romances can’t be matched anyway! So why not put on those naughty underwear and curl up with one of these steamy reads this year instead? Make you Valentine’s Day perfect by joining the My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop where fellow bloggers offer you the chance to win some of their favorite book boyfriends!

Let me tell you I had a hard time choosing a book boyfriend. There are way too many sexy romance heroes out in romanceland that I heart. I decided to give you the choice of choosing which books from my book boyfriend collection you'd want to give a try. I have boyfriends from the past, from the demon world, from small towns, military and so forth. Some of these books are older titles and some are newer titles. See the list of books up for grab below.

One winner can pick any 3 books from the list below
Two winners can pick any 2 books from the list below

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & International residents where Book Depository ships to
MUST leave a comment with your e-mail address and your three choices of books from the list

Be sure to drop by the other blogs that are participating in this hop! Good luck and have fun!

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas	One Night with a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries
Branded as Trouble by Lorelei James	Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Changing the Game by Jaci Burton	Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman by Lorraine Heath
Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James	Sweet Possession by Maya Banks
Dawn's Awakening by Lora Leigh	Scandalous Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt
Dream Man by Linda Howard	See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson
Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis	Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson
Highland Outlaw by Monica McCarty	Sin Undone by Larissa Ione
Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty	The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
How to Woo a Reluctant Lady by Sabrina Jeffries	The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas	The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks	The What If Guy by Brooke Moss
Virgin River by Robyn Carr	Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft

Q&A + GIVEAWAY WITH DEBUT AUTHOR ANNA RANDOL AUTHOR OF A SECRET IN HER KISS

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Ing: Welcome Anna, to ATPT this morning! Anna is a debut author and her debut novel A Secret in Her Kiss is must read. I absolutely fell in love with this book. Anna, can you tell the readers in your own words a bit about the book and what they can expect plot, sexiness, length wise.

Anna: Born to a Greek mother and British father and raised in the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Mari Sinclair doesn’t owe allegiance to anyone. A shot exploding above her head convinces Mari to cease spying for the British and return to her work as a naturalist. The British government, however, refuses to let her go and instead blackmails her into continuing. To make matters worse, they saddle her with Major Bennett Prestwood, an overbearing, battle-weary soldier, ordered to ensure she fulfills her part of the bargain. As her assignment progresses, it becomes clear that her identity has been compromised. Yet even once that fact is certain, she’s given one last task—to draw the specifications of a new Ottoman fort in the heart of an area so perilous two agents have already perished in the attempt. Despite Bennett’s claims to be her protector, he demands her cooperation. When passion flares between them, Mari must decide if she can trust her heart to man who obeys orders at all costs…even if the ultimate cost is her life.

After fighting Napoleon for twelve years, Major Bennett Prestwood knows that without duty, life would be chaos. Yet when he’s ordered to travel to Constantinople to protect a spy, he hesitates. Too many family obligations await him in England to waste time protecting a foolish woman who cares nothing for her own safety. But a good soldier always obeys orders, and he accepts the mission. Despite his expectations, Mari Sinclair tempts him to look beyond his assignment and pursue her for himself. When the full extent of the danger toward her is revealed, he must call upon all his expertise to discover the person behind the plot against her life before it's too late. As always, duty must take precedence over his wishes. But what if that duty forces him to sacrifice the life of the woman he loves?

A Secret in Her Kiss is a steamy, sultry read, but not over-the-top hot. It’s 384 pages.

Ing: I really enjoyed getting to know Bennett Prestwood the hero of your novel. His character is downright yummy. Can you tell the readers a bit more about Bennett? What in your opinion do you think will draw the readers in and make them love Bennett? What are his weaknesses and strengths?

Anna: Bennett is such a big sweetheart. He’s a tough warrior, but there’s a sensitive side to him I think readers will love. He’s always willing to put the heroine’s needs before his own, which I think is very sexy in a hero!

Bennett’s a younger son, so he knew from childhood that he’d be destined to join the military. Even though he secretly yearned to be a poet, he did his duty without complaining. Duty and honor are how he defines himself. They make him a strong and noble man, but he’s clung so tightly to duty that it has become a shield, a way for him to justify the horrors he was ordered to do as a soldier. That makes it doubly hard for him to give up and for him to understand how my heroine, Mari, might not see things the same way. But I think readers will also come to understand that he’s a man who cares deeply. He won’t let anything hurt the ones he’s sworn to protect.

Ing: I adored Mari Sinclair, your heroine. She is not your traditional historical heroine and I really liked that. Can you tell the readers a bit more about Mari? What in your opinion do you think will draw the readers in and make them love her? What are her weaknesses and strengths?

Anna: Mari is an incredibly strong heroine, a situation forced on her when her father became addicted to opium when she was young. She’s had to rely on herself for so long that it’s a bit difficult for her to rely on anyone else. But I think readers will see right away her complete loyalty to her friends, family, and the cause she believes in. Also, she’s never one to wait on the sidelines, if there is a problem she will be the first one trying to solve it.

Ing: What was a scene that stood out or was memorable for you when writing A Secret in Her Kiss? Why did this scene stand out for you?

Anna: I love the scene later in the book where Bennett finds out Mari has read his book of poetry. Even though he regards his writing as an embarrassment, he can’t resist trying to find out what she thought. I love this little bit of vulnerability from such a strong, decisive hero!

Ing: I loved the setting of this book. Not too many historical romances are set in the exotic Ottoman Empire, Constantinople. I would love to hear the back story of how this book came to be set here. Did you pick the place first and then the story came along or was it the other way around?

Anna: I think it was some combination of both. While I was researching information for an earlier manuscript, I came across the letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, wife to the British ambassador to Constantinople. Her descriptions of the city were lush, witty, and exotic. I fell in love with the Ottoman Empire through her eyes. As I read the plot of A Secret in Her Kiss emerged in my thoughts. While it may not be a typical setting for a Regency, as I developed my plot, it became clear Constantinople provided the ideal combination of colorful intrigue and dangerous deceptions—a perfect backdrop for Mari and Bennett.

Ing: What else can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2012? Will we get a story for any of the other secondary characters in this book? Could you give some details on these upcoming projects?

Anna: In June 2012, readers will be able to see what happens to Bennett’s younger sister in her own e-novella. Sophia Prestwood is just rediscovering her own strength, but it’s a knowledge she must quickly claim as she faces off with a maddeningly handsome magistrate who thinks she’s guilty of murder.

Then, in August 2012, my next novel, Sins of a Virgin, will be released. To secure her future, former spy Madeline Valdan announces she’ll auction the one thing no one suspects she still possesses—her virginity. But Madeline’s no fool. She won’t entrust her precious commodity to just anyone. She hires Gabriel Huntford, a Bow Street Runner, to protect her virginity until it’s properly paid for. Although the passion Huntford inspires is unlike anything she’s ever known, Madeline knows better than to give herself away for free. She also knows the man she hired is hiding a dangerous agenda of his own.

Ing: Now on to questions about you. We want to know more about Anna Randol. Who are some of your auto buy authors that you read now?

Anna: I love Joanna Bourne. She has an amazing ability to have her French characters speaking English and yet still sounding French. I also love Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, and Julia Quinn.

Ing: What was the first romance book you ever read? Do you still have the book on your shelf?

Anna: I wish I could remember! My older sister started reading romances before I did, so I would sneak books from her collection. The first romances I remember getting from the library were Georgette Heyer novels because they were hard back and I could look for them without being seen at the paperback romance shelves.

Ing: What was the best advice that you ever got from anyone in the writing industry that has stuck with you?

Anna: Just keep writing, you can always fix it later. I think is helps me immensely to remember not to get stuck on a scene that isn’t working out. Usually by the time I come back to it, I know how to tweak it until it’s the scene I envisioned.

Ing: If you could be one of your heroines for a day, which one would you be and why?

Anna: I would love to be Madeline Valdan in my August release, Sins of a Virgin. In real life, I’ve never been the type of girl who has men falling over at her feet. I think for one day that would be a blast.

Ing: If you had a dinner party and could only invite 5 characters from any romance book out there including yours who would they be?

Anna: Major Bennett Prestwood (A Secret in Her Kiss), Gabriel Huntford (Sins of a Virgin), Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Diain (Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase), Sir Mark Turner (Unclaimed by Courtney Milan), and Lord Ian Mackenzie (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley).

What? No one said I had to share my dinner guests…

Ing: Anna thanks so much for stopping by today! Let me just say that I loved your debut novel and look forward to more of your upcoming work. And OMG I love the cover of A Secret in her Kiss. That cover model is so yummy! Anywhoo—thanks again and I wish you much success. Do you have any last words or questions you would like to pose to the readers of this blog?

Anna: I love my cover model, too! So if you were writing a romance, who would you pick to be on the cover yours? (One lucky commenter will receive a signed copy of A Secret in her Kiss!)

Blurb:

She would gladly relinquish her life of intrigue…

A rare beauty, raised in the exotic heart of the Ottoman Empire, Mari Sinclair knows it’s time to end her career as a British spy when she narrowly avoids a brush with death. Unfortunately her employers think otherwise—and they are not above using blackmail to keep Mari in the Game.

Saddled with a handsome, duty-obsessed “minder” to ensure that she completes—and survives—one last mission, Mari is incensed…for her guardian, Major Bennett Prestwood, is simply too dedicated, too unbending, and too disarmingly attractive. But in the face of dark secrets and deadly treacheries, as the true peril to Mari is slowly revealed, loyal soldier Bennett realizes that, to save and win this extraordinary woman, he will have to do the unthinkable and break the rules—rules that passion and desire have suddenly, irrevocably changed.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Indie Bound / Books-A-Million

About Author:

Anna Randol was raised in Southern California. When she was eight, she decided her diary was too dull and decided to write as if she lived on a raft in the Amazon with her imaginary dog, Cream Puff. At twelve, Anna decided racing down rapids with only a dog for company might get rather lonely. Handsome British heroes began to appear on her raft, and her love of adventure-driven romance was born.
Don’t believe it? See for yourself!

Anna currently lives with her family in Southern California, where she loves eating chocolate, making plans for remodels she never intends to do, and drawing pictures in the sand at the beach to baffle future archaeologists.

Website / Twitter / Blog / Contact

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & Internationl residents where book depository ships to
TWO copies up for grabs. One copy courtesy of Anna and one copy courtesy from me. Loved this book so I want to spread the love! :)
MUST answer Anna's question: Who would you choose be your cover model on your romance novel if you write one?
MUST leave e-mail address in comments
Giveaway ends Feb. 8th

MONDAY MAN CANDY #38

2012-01-30T22:31:00.003-06:00

It's a late edition of Monday Man Candy. Lots of things happening this week at ATPT. You do not want to miss out on all the activities. I have the following authors stopping by this week so make sure you come by and check them out!

Jan 30th - Guest Post + Giveaway with Lorraine Heath author of She Tempts the Duke
Jan 31st - Q&A + Giveaway with debut author Anna Randol author of A Secret in Her Kiss
Feb 2nd - Guest Post + Giveaway with Emma Cane author of A Town Called Valentine

Then I'll be co-hosting my first blog hop with Crystal from Reading Between the Wines Bookclub. There will be tons of giveaways from fellow bloggers and authors. It'll be fun so mark your calendar for Feb 1st. The hop will be up until Feb 5th so hop around and enter to win books and book related items!

Now onto your candy for this week. I present this hottie Brazilian model, Erasmo Viana. OMG...this boy makes me drool just staring at him w/out me realizing it. :) He's muy caliente! Enjoy all.

GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY WITH LORRAINE HEATH AUTHOR OF SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE

2012-01-29T23:22:00.000-06:00

Things Not to Do When Trying to Avenge Your Lost Youth and Dukedom

1. Don’t choose the most well-attended ball in London to rise from the dead.

2. Don’t notice that the girl with whom you raced over the green hills of Pembrook has grown into an enticing—and distracting—woman.

3. Don’t study her intently searching for the freckles that she had as a child. They’re gone.

Well, except for the one just above the low bodice of her gown. Staring at it and wondering how it came to be there will only serve to warm you to the point of needing to remove your jacket.

4. Don’t play silly parlor games because watching her smile and hearing her laugh will only tighten your gut and make you realize she is absolutely unattainable. She’s betrothed for God’s sake.

5. Don’t keep the potted fronds company at the next ball you attend so as not to expose anyone to your hideous scars.

6. Don’t allow the loveliest lady at the ball to persuade you that you can dance even with your limited vision. You’ll only step on her hem and cause her gown to rip so you must apologize for being such an ungracious clod.

7. When you’re trying to make a discreet exit through the garden, don’t stop when she calls out to you.

8. Definitely do not kiss her in said garden.

9. Don’t try to save her reputation by suggesting you play cards with your brothers to determine who will become her champion.

10. Don’t fall in love with a woman who deserves your complete and undivided attention. Loving her will leave little time for revenge.

SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE is the story of a man who is obsessed with revenge until his obsession is in danger of causing him to lose the one thing he can’t live without. What one bit of advice would you give to a man falling in love?

Blurb:

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Books-A-Million / Indie Bound

About Author:

When Lorraine Heath received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence; a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction; a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Americana as well as Best British Isle Set Historical; five Texas Gold Awards; the Golden Quill Award; the Rising Star Award; and many other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.

At the invitation of Laura Bush when she was the First Lady of Texas, Lorraine served on a romance panel at the Texas Book Festival in 1998. She gave a presentation at the Texas Library Association Conference in 1999. She also served on a panel during RWA's 2001 Librarian Appreciation Day. She often speaks at local libraries, to writers' groups, readers' groups, and at small conferences.

The author of more than 30 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers. Under the name Rachel Hawthorne, she writes popular contemporary romance for teens readers.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / E-Mail

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & Canada residents only
One copy of She Tempts the Duke up for grabs
MUST answer Lorraine's question: What bit of advice would you give to a man falling in love?
MUST leave e-mail address
Giveaway ends Feb. 8th

MYSTERY GIVEAWAY WITH ROMANCE AT RANDOM PUBLISHING #9

2012-01-27T22:09:00.000-06:00

Welcome to week #9 of the Romance at Random mystery giveaway! It's the last Friday that this will be up! It's been fun hosting this giveaway with Random House Publishing. Thanks to Random and all of you who've participated.

Now...let's get on with this. If you aren't aware every Friday until Jan 31st I'll be hosting this giveaway on my blog courtesy of the awesome peeps at Romance at Random. Drop by every Friday and join in the fun to be entered for a chance at winning a romance novel from Romance at Random. The catch here is you won't know what romance novel you are trying to win! It's a guessing game! :) Giveaway is open only to US residents.

Now for this week's question: What are some romance books that you re-read over and over?

RULES AND DETAILS

Open to US residents only
You MUST leave a comment with your e-mail address if it's not on your profile so I can contact you if you win.
You MUST answer this question above.
Giveaway ends Feb 1st

Q&A + GIVEAWAY WITH SARAH GRIMM AUTHOR OF AFTER MIDNIGHT

2012-01-26T06:47:00.000-06:00

Ing: Welcome Sarah, to the blog! We are here to pimp out After Midnight. Can you tell the readers in your own words a bit about the book and what they can expect plot, sexiness, length wise.

Sarah: Plot: She wants to forget her past. He wants to reclaim his. Sometimes the moment that changes everything comes After Midnight.

Length: Around 80,000 words

Sexiness: Well, the publisher rated it HOT which has the warning that includes words like explicit and detailed, but I prefer:

Warning: this book contains hot as hell rock stars and sex that will straighten your hair.

Ing: Can you tell us about the sexy Noah Clark? What about this sexy musician do you think will draw the readers in and make them love him?

Sarah: Who doesn’t love a sexy rock singer? LOL Seriously, Noah Clark is the ideal romance hero: sexy, patient, and totally committed to Isabeau. However, that doesn't mean he's perfect -- Noah is also stubborn, bull-headed and determined to save Isabeau from herself, even if it's the very last thing she wants.

Ing: Now tell us a bit about the heroine Isabeau Montgomery? What about Isabeau do you think will draw the readers in and make them love her?

Sarah: Isabeau Montgomery is the owner of Izzy’s Bar, a child prodigy, piano phenom—a woman who is hiding behind a lie of her own making. She's just so very tortured, her past so full of tragedy it's hard not to connect to Isabeau. Yet she's strong, stronger than even she realizes -- you'd have to be to survive what she's been through.

Ing: Why are these two perfect for each other? What about them individually
makes them so drawn to each other? Why do you think the readers will fall
in love with this couple?

Sarah: Noah and Isabeau are drawn to each other right from the first moment they set eyes on each other. It’s not just sexual attraction, though God knows they have that in spades, but something else, something neither of them can name. Isabeau is wounded, in some ways nearly broken by her past. Noah is older, has lived the crazy rocker life and is over it. He’s patient enough to break through her walls, and mature enough to handle her past.

Ing: What was a scene that stood out or was memorable for you when
writing After Midnight? Why did this scene stand out for you?

Sarah: The most memorable scene for me when writing After Midnight was the scene where Isabeau’s step-father (for lack of a better name) sits Noah down and tells him about losing Izzy’s mother in the car accident, followed by immediately losing Izzy in a court battle and how those events shaped Isabeau into the woman she is today. Putting myself in her step-father’s shoes, feeling what he must have felt as he told about knowing, deep in his gut knowing, what was happening to her after the court took her away and not being able to do anything to stop it…it was a traumatic scene that was emotionally draining for me to write.

Ing: What is a character that you are getting lots of e-mails about? Any
plans to write a story for this character?

Sarah: I get a lot of emails and comments about Noah’s best friend and bassist, Dominic Price. I have to admit that I fell hard for Dominic myself while writing After Midnight. Hard enough that I knew I had to give him his own happily-ever-after, which I’m writing now.

Ing: What else can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2012? Could
you give some details on these upcoming projects?

Sarah: I’ve been getting such positive feedback, not just on Dominic but also on another of the book’s characters. So what began as one book has expanded into four – the Midnight series. I’m a writing Midnight Heat (book two) right now and hope to have it released by the end of 2012, followed closely by Chasing Midnight & Midnight Shadow.

Ing: Now on to questions about you. We want to know more about Sarah
Grimm. What are some of your auto buy authors that you read now?

Sarah: Linda Howard and Tess Gerritsen are auto buys. Other authors I enjoy are Sandra Brown, HelenKay Dimon, and Rachel Gibson.

Ing: What was the first romance book you ever read? Do you still have the
book on your shelf?

Sarah: I’m not certain if Forever by Judy Bloom is considered a romance, but to my pre-teen self, it was. I don’t have a copy, no.

Ing: What was the best advice that you ever got from anyone in the writing
industry that has stuck with you?

Sarah: It’s impossible to please every reader. Sooner or later you’re going to get a bad review. When that happens just remember, bad reviews are not the end of the world, but part of the game.

Ing: If you could be one of your heroine for a day which one would you be
and why?

Sarah: During the book or after its completion, because it definitely makes a difference. I wouldn’t want to be any of my heroines at the beginning of my books. I’m cruel to my characters. Downright mean to them. The things I put them through before they get their happily-ever-after—the heartache and loss, the physical suffering—I wouldn’t switch places with any of them.

If I can choose to be one of my heroine for a day after the stories completion, then it would be Isabeau Montgomery. Having Noah Clark all to myself for 24 hours? Oh, yeah!

Ing: If you weren’t writing what else would you be doing right now for a
career?

Sarah: My day job is Office Manager/Bookkeeper at a local farm. Eight months out of the year I also oversee the farm store and the college kids that work there.

Ing: Sarah thanks so much for stopping by today! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Do you have any last words or questions you would like to pose to the readers of this blog?

Sarah: Thanks, Ing, for having me. I’m so happy to have had the chance to chat! My question for the readers is this, with the huge selection of books out there, how do you discover authors you’ve never read before, and what makes you give them a chance?

Blurb:

Thirteen years—that's how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother's life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar...

Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal--one that doesn't include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won't be easy, but he can't get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head.

Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness?

Warning: This book contains hot as hell rock stars and sex that will straighten your hair.

Purchase Links: Amazon / WildRose Press / B&N

About Author:

As a young girl, Sarah Grimm always had a story to tell. At times they were funny, other times scary, but they were always happily-ever-after.

Sarah spent years scribbling in notebooks, filling the pages with partial chapters and the margins with titles and story ideas. She told friends that the characters spoke to her, and that she was compelled to get their stories on paper. Eventually, she sat down at a computer and wrote her first tale of dangerously sexy suspense. That book, Not Without Risk, is a 2011 Readers Favorite Award Winner.

Sarah lives in West Michigan with her husband, two sons and three miniature schnauzers. Between mom's taxi service, parts runs, and answering the phone for the family marine repair business, Sarah can be found curled in her favorite chair, crafting her next novel.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / E-Mail

Giveaway Details:

Open to US & International
Two e-book copies of After Midnight for grabs
MUST leave e-mail address and answer the authors question in the comments field
MUST answer Sarah's question: With the huge selection of books out there, how do you discover authors you’ve never read before, and what makes you give them a chance?
Giveaway ends Feb 1st

MONDAY MAN CANDY #37

2012-01-23T06:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday morning folks. Another start to a long ass work week. Today I'm over at Zina's blog Sea Witch Reviews from the bookshelf. I'm helping her celebrate her hubby's retirement from the Navy and their move to West Virginia. Be sure to stop by I'm offering ONE lucky commenter a copy of Changing the Game by Jaci Burton, Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione, The Viper by Monica McCarty, and Scandalous Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt.

For this week I have one guest stopping by. Be sure to drop by on Jan. 26th to get to know author Sarah Grimm as we pimp out her book After Midnight. Now onto the candy for this morning. I offer you Jonas Sulzbach. He's a hottie from Brazil. He has the cutest smile. I hope you all enjoy and that you have a fantastic Monday.

GIVEAWAY - IT'S BACK: SPARTACUS - VENGEANCE SEASON 2

2012-01-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

So one of my favorite shows is back, for it's long awaited second season. That's right Spartacus - Vengeance is back. Season 2 will premiere on the Starz network on January 27th. We last left Spartacus and his brothers in the ludas after they killed literally everyone in the House of Batiatus and made their bloody escape.

Season 2 will pick up and tell the story of how Spartacus and his fellow gladiators deal with their freedom. Season 2 is set to bring back all the things that fans have grown to love such as the gruesome and bloody fighting, scorching in your face sexuality, and bad ass villains and unorthodox heroism.

In celebration of Season 2, I'm offering 2 readers of the blog a chance to fall in love with this show. I'm offering the first season up for grabs.

Giveaway Details:

Open to US residents only (Sorry to the international followers I can't afford the shipping fee for this)
You MUST leave a comment with your e-mail address if it's not on your profile so I can contact you if you win.
Giveaway ends Jan 27th

Now enjoy some images from the second season:

MYSTERY GIVEAWAY WITH ROMANCE AT RANDOM PUBLISHING #8

2012-01-20T17:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to week #8 of the Romance at Random mystery giveaway! If you aren't aware every Friday until Jan 31st I'll be hosting this giveaway on my blog courtesy of the awesome peeps at Romance at Random. Drop by every Friday and join in the fun to be entered for a chance at winning a romance novel from Romance at Random. The catch here is you won't know what romance novel you are trying to win! It's a guessing game! :) Giveaway is open only to US residents.

Now for this week's question: Tell me who your top 5 romance novel heroes are?

I'm getting ready for My Book Boyfriend Hop and I'm having such a hard time figuring out who are some of my favorites. Too many heroes I tell you so I would love to hear who some of yours are.

RULES AND DETAILS

Open to US residents only
You MUST leave a comment with your e-mail address if it's not on your profile so I can contact you if you win.
You MUST answer this question above.
Giveaway ends Jan 25th

WINNERS OH WE HAVE LOTSA WINNERS!

2012-01-19T08:02:00.002-06:00

WINNERS! OH WE HAVE WINNERS!

Winners of Crash Into You by Roni Loren are:

Judi L (e-mail starts off boomer...)
Francesca (e-mail starts off fmg_2...)

Winners of A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant are:

Filia Oktarina
joanne (e-mail starts off e.bali...)

Winner of Callum by Melissa Schroeder is:

BookAddict (e-mail starts off eliza...)

Winners of Amazon Heat by Rayna Vause and Melinda Leigh are:

ReneeRearden
*yadkny*

Winner of week #6 and #7 random romance novel from Random House Publishing:

paranormalromancefan (week #6)
romance reader enthusiast (week #7)

E-mails will be sent out. If you don't see an e-mail from me by tomorrow morning go ahead and e-mail me at asthepagesturn@gmail.com. You have until Jan. 22 to respond back with an address. Be sure to check your SPAM or JUNK box if you do not see any e-mail from me.

Thank you everyone who participated. Big congratulations to the winners.

NOTE: Winners were picked by using random.org