Online links

Dangerous Associations is available at:

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501062905

Smashwords  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/493239

Website  www.ritaleechapman.com

Other books by Rita Lee Chapman

Missing in Egypt
http://www.amazon.com/Missing-in-Egypt-ebook/dp/B007JOUIIE/

Winston — A Horse’s Tale
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G9QOZGE

 

Merry Christmas and welcome to my contribution to the Scorching Book Reviews Christmas Blog Hop. We've been asked to post something literary that we want for Christmas. In my case, it's actually more than one something.

To begin with, I want Santa to bring me what just about every author wants: people who'll buy my books. Sure, there are some who write just for themselves, but I'm certainly not one of them. I want folks to stay up all night reading my work because they can't bear to put it down. And I want readers to be sad when they reach the end because they've fallen in love with the characters, the story and the setting. Pretty simple, right?

Building a following is anything but. There are so many authors out there and so many books, especially now with the relative ease of self-publishing, that it's difficult to figure out how to stand out among the crowd. Advice abounds from lots of so-called experts, but there's no easy formula. Marketing is one of those time-consuming but necessary tasks authors must find time for, and the challenge is balancing that with our primary goal of writing books people will want to read.  

I'd also like Santa to bring me the inspiration to get back in the groove on my work-in-progress, Shore Feels Right, Book 3 in the Gulf Shore series. It's coming along, just not as quickly as Books 1 and 2. But I'll get there. And it'll be worth it because, as happy as I was with The Shore Thing and Shore Feels Right, I think Book 3 will be my best yet.

On a less personal note, I want Santa to deliver a load of reading material to everyone who loves to lose herself or himself in the pages of books, be they fiction or nonfiction. 

For my characters, I wish them all love, happiness, good health and prosperity. Come to think of it, that's what I wish for all of you reading this, too.

And last but definitely most important, I wish that my dear friend Charlene Allison could be here, just in general but also to read my first novel, Getting Her Money's Worth, which she inspired and I dedicated to her. I hope she knew how much she meant to me and so many other people whose lives she touched in a positive way.

Charlene died in June 2012 after a failed bone marrow transplant. She suffered through four cancer-related illnesses but never lost her zest for life and her sense of humor. Whatever challenges she faced at a given point in time, she always thoroughly enjoyed herself whenever we set out on one adventure or another. She truly knew how to live in the moment, something I tried to do but often failed to achieve.

After one of our outings, whether it was a canoe trip or dinner at our favorite Japanese restaurant, my husband would remark, "That Charlene, she always gets her money's worth." It was that quality I tried to capture and celebrate in my book.

So now you know what I want for Christmas, at least as it relates to books and writing. What are you hoping to find beneath your tree on December 25? Please leave a comment below and I'll pick two people to win a free digital copy of my first Gulf Shore novel, The Shore Thing.

Merry Christmas everyone. And I wish you all good things in 2015.

Click on the button below for more on the Christmas blog hop, including links to other participants.

Seven of today’s hottest paranormal authors have come together to bring you a boxed set guaranteed to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. Do shifters make you howl? Or do you prefer the bite of a vampire? Perhaps the controlling hand of a demi-god is more your style. Paranormally Yours has a story—or seven—to set your pulse racing. Here's what you get in the set.

The Reluctant Gift by
Sotia Lazu

Salina has earned her one-year vacation on Earth, damn it! She’s been an exemplary sentinel for her pack and saved all the universes. Too bad she hasn’t been very effective at kicking Aherin to the curb. She had one little lapse in judgment—sleeping with the annoyingly persistent vampire—and now he just won’t leave.

As if that wasn’t enough, her holiday plans are spoiled, her world is turned upside down, and she’s going to miss out on a yummy family dinner, all because she’s kidnapped on Christmas Eve.

By Santa.

Excerpt

“What the hell is going on here?” Aherin hadn’t expected to find anyone other than Salina waiting for him when he kicked his door open. Hers had been the only scent to reach his nostrils as he approached the tomb that had become his home.

But of course, Santa and his elves only smelled faintly of candy.

“Care to explain?” He arched an eyebrow at Saint Nicholas, and was about to go on a tirade about property law, when he took in Salina sitting on the ground. Forgetting his questions, he rushed to her. “Salina? What happened to you?”

He was kneeling down next to her when she turned and punched him in the nose. The momentum of her whole body fortifying her left hook landed him on his ass.

“Like you don’t know them.” She hopped to her feet and assumed the fighting stance that always made his desire for her soar. Legs spread at shoulder width, knees slightly bent, her weight perfectly balanced. She held up her fists, emerald eyes sparkling dangerously.

Finding his footing just as gracefully as she had, he raised his hands, palms facing her, to show he posed no threat. “I know them. Well, him.” He pointed at Santa, who apparently saw that as his cue to cut in.

“Are you one”—he pushed his glasses a bit further up the bridge of his nose—“Aherin the Resurrected?”

So he had a nickname now? Cool. Still… “Oh, cut the fancy formalities, Nicholas. You know full well who I am. You wouldn’t have met the Missus if it weren’t for me doing the introd…”

He trailed off at Salina’s stunned look.

“I’m a romantic,” he said to her. “They were both jolly and both single. It was an obvious match.”

Her eyes remained wide as saucers, but she waved at him impatiently. “Just tell me what is going on here. Who is he?”

Santa answered before Aherin could. “I am the Santa Claus, Ms. Crest. Feel free to call me Santa.” He glared at Aherin. “Both of you.”

Salina looked at Aherin and appeared to believe him when he nodded his confirmation. “And what do you want?” she asked Nicky—sorry, Santa. “Is it another curse thing? Did a reindeer go missing or something? ’Cause I’m supposed to be on vacation on this plane, and I’m not even the Balancers’ favorite. Maybe you wanna check in with my sister? She’s the one who usually takes on the hero stuff.”

Even as she spoke, Aherin could see her assessing her surroundings. He’d seen her fight her way out of a couple extremely sticky situations and knew she was about to wipe the floor with red velvet.

“Nothing like that, child.” Santa’s tone was casual now. “I’m here on my usual business, delivering Christmas presents. You”—he turned to Aherin—“were a very good boy-mpire this year!”

“Boy-mpire?” Salina snorted. “That’s not even a word.”

“I would not throw stones, dear. We have all heard your vocabulary, and I do not mean back when you were a cub.” The playful glint in his eyes belied the stern voice. “As I was saying, because of your being a very good boy-mpire, and helping avert the destruction of all universes, the Balancers have decided you deserve a present. I am here to deliver you that present: Salina Crest, if you will have her.”

Author links

Twitter @justsotia
Website www://sotialazu.com
Blog www://sotialazu.wordpress.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sotia-Lazu-Author/506067129453183
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4597070.Sotia_Lazu
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Sotia-Lazu/e/B006ZXWZYK/


Dreaming of a Wolf by Sofia Grey

Alun was Olivia’s first, and he was supposed to be her forever. After a tragic accident steals him away, Olivia wonders how she can ever be whole again.

When he starts talking to her in her dreams, she has to ask herself: Is she going mad with grief, or is there still a chance for their forever?

Excerpt

I lay on my side in bed, facing Alun, knees bent, our hands linked between us. He was cooking up some mischief, I was sure. The devilish glint in his eyes was usually a precursor to some wild idea. Driving twenty miles in the darkness of very early morning to watch the sun rising from a particular hilltop. Throwing clothes and toiletries into a backpack for an impromptu weekend hike. Kite flying on a windy beach.

I’d never been so impulsive before I met him, or as bold.

He squeezed my fingers. Here we go. “You are going to marry me, aren’t you, Olivia Tanner?”

He asked me every time we got together, and I couldn’t help giggling. “You know I am, but not yet. We graduate first, figure out where we’re going to live, and then we get married.” I rubbed my knees against his and watched a smile spread across his face. “What’s the rush?”

“You’re my Mate, Cariad.” The Welsh endearment sounded beautiful the way it rolled from his tongue. “I’m impatient to share my life with you.”

I blinked, and he was gone. My heart skittered, and I took a rapid breath. Had I been asleep?

Cautious, I stretched out one hand to where he’d been lying. The sheets were cold. He’d looked real. Felt as alive as he always had. You’re my Mate. I’d never heard him call me that before. 

Author links

Website www.SofiaGrey.com
Catch me blogging with Allyson Lindt at www.GeminiGirls.com
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6906923.Sofia_Grey
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Sofia.Grey.Romance.Author
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/sofiagrey1/
Twitter @SofiaGreyAuthor   https://twitter.com/SofiaGreyAuthor 
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/sofiagrey


Red Dawn by Ann Gimpel

Llyr is a whale shifter with a big problem. The seas are dying, poisoned by heavy metal contamination and barrels of trash. In a bold and desperate move, he and his mate, Galatea, the Sea Witch, hatch up magic to allow him to spend as long as he needs to on Earth.

 Masquerading as a marine biologist, Llyr signs on with a firm whose mission is to save the oceans. When his boss turns out to have malevolent underpinnings, Llyr returns to the sea for answers. With death lurking behind every corner, he and Galatea find themselves boxed into an impossible situation.

Excerpt

 Llyr stood on a rocky, deserted shore on an unnamed island south of New Zealand. Cold, damp wind sent shivers along his arms. Galatea moved from where she squatted a few feet away and closed her arms around him. “Do you need a break?”

He shook his head emphatically. “No. I can make this work. I know I can.” He watched with disgust as one of his arms shimmered into half a flipper.

Galatea blew out a frustrated sounding breath. “Let’s start over from the beginning.”

“Let’s not. We’re here on land. I don’t want to retreat to our whale forms again. We’ve done that, and it didn’t make this any easier.”

“All right.” She let go of him and stepped back, eying him appraisingly, as if she were taking his measure.

Llyr straightened. It was important she not find him lacking—on any front. He crinkled his brow in thought. “I have an idea.”

She crooked a finger his way. “Out with it.”

“You have two types of magic. The sort all whale shifters have, which you discovered, and your Sea Witch power. You’re trying to use your witch powers, and my magic is fighting you all the way.”

He glanced askance at her. “You’re the first Sea Witch to pick a mate. Men had sex with them and then ran the other way. No one ever wanted to get much closer than that.”

Galatea rolled her eyes. “Yeah, we scared the crap out of everyone because of Circe.” Breath whistled from between her teeth. “Idiots! If we’d wished to sow harm, we wouldn’t require proximity.”

He strode to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You make it sound like we overreacted.” Llyr took a measured breath. “Circe and her nymphs turned Odysseus and his men into animals. Remember? They had to roust Hermes to save them.”

“Your point?” She screwed her mouth into a moue.

“Circe was the first Sea Witch, which makes you a direct descendent.” He tightened his grip on her shoulders. “I’ve always been proud and honored you broke tradition and mated with me.”

A corner of her mouth twitched. “Maybe I was relieved I wouldn’t have to spend hundreds of years by myself. Not that you weren’t the best looking whale I’d ever seen,” she grinned archly, “but you were also the only one who wasn’t scared of my power.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “So can we try my idea?”

“Sure. Give me a moment.” She turned away from him, and the air around her glittered in diamond tones, some clear, some yellow, some a watery rose. When she turned, she nodded sharply.

Llyr reached deep to where his own magic dwelt and threaded a tendril outward to weave with hers. Muted triumph flashed through him when his power braided neatly with hers. He gave the spell time to mature, feeling the difference as it filled him.

Time dripped past; the sky shaded to deep purple as night approached. Clouds heavy with moisture peppered the horizon, and a light snow pelted down, but Llyr wasn’t cold anymore.

“Gala?” he ventured as the last of the dying day washed over them.

She opened her eyes. “Yes.”

“This will work.”

“I thought the same, but there’s a price.”

Llyr’s stomach tightened. “Tell me.”

“When I use the witch power, I can do more, much more. My own magic is closer, more personal. What we’ve created is draining me. I can maintain it, but not hold my human form at the same time.”

“What do you want us to do?” Llyr asked.

The edges of her body became insubstantial as she struggled to maintain her shifted shape. “Since our first efforts didn’t work, we’ll do it this way. I’ll see if I can’t figure out a way to keep both my magic and our combined spell afloat at the same time, but for now I must return to the sea while I can still get myself there…”

Author links

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/author/anngimpel
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/anngimpel.author
Twitter @AnnGimpel
Website http://www.anngimpel.com
Blog http://anngimpel.blogspot.com
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4747003.Ann_Gimpel


Courting Mortality by Loralie Hall

Eli’s spent eternity thwarting the same family curse that granted his brother, Loki, ever-lasting fame. Eli kind of got screwed in that one. His plan to stay single and detached has worked for several millennia. And then he meets Marley. She's making him abandon all his resolutions, except the one that never lets him forget the curse. Falling for her means her death, and he won’t let that happen.

 Excerpt

 As you are, for all of time

To taste neither love nor death

When you find the one worth more than life

She’ll draw her last mortal breath

 “At least tell me Mister Last-night didn’t do what the previous guy did.” His teasing laugh fell short, and he snapped his mouth shut when her head shot up.

Please don’t let him be talking about… “Which last guy?”

He glanced in her direction before turning back to his cable. “The one who wanted pictures.”

She never should’ve given him so much detail after that date. She’d done it because she liked the idea of him making a similar request, and had been trying to judge his reaction, but that didn’t mean it was a good idea. “It wasn’t like that.”

He put down what he was doing and gave her his full attention. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” She turned back to the cable, crimping as furiously as possible while still being accurate. She wouldn’t look at him from her spot on the counter, pretending it wasn’t a big deal.

Eli extracted himself from the spindle and snakes of wires, and crossed the room. He took the crimpers from her hand and set all of her work aside too. “Except you just crimped an RJ45 onto that cable instead of an RJ12. What’s up?”

Oops. She never made mistakes like putting a network connector on a phone cable. Her pulse raced through her veins at his light touch, making it hard to think. She needed to look away, but his gaze held her captive. If she’d been drawing a blank before, it was nothing compared to now. He’d put the thought in her head. The reminder one of her dates had asked for pictures when he’d dropped her off. Told her if she wasn’t going home with him, she at least owed him a topless shot to keep him warm that night. And now part of her was hung up on the thrill of doing that for Eli.

The temptation of turning him on, without ever touching him. “You’re telling me you can’t guess?”

The corner of his mouth pulled into a lazy smile. “I’m telling you I don’t want to guess.”

She couldn’t ignore the mental images of what it would feel like if he leaned in and kissed her. “I just… It’s not as though I had a problem with the request from Mister Send-me-pictures. Just with the requester.”

There, that hadn’t been so bad. They could gloss over it, laugh about it, and go back to work. Except she’d rather they took a break and got down to other things instead.

“Really?” His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. Did he know he was doing that? She sure as hell did. The feather-light sensation spilled through her, desire growing between her legs. He stepped closer. “Who would it take, then? Just out of curiosity.”

They needed to get this project done. To step away from this line before it was too late. Who was she kidding? It had been too late months ago. At least for her. “Well, I’d have to like the guy first. Actually being attracted to him helps.” Would Eli have any idea she was talking about him? What the hell was wrong with her? And why couldn’t she stop?

His voice dropped an octave. “And I would assume you can’t dive straight into things. You’d want seduction. Teasing. The right words to set the mood…”

Even as she told herself to back away now, images raced through her thoughts, of stripping in front of the camera, one piece of clothing at a time, knowing Eli was her audience. A hands-off, private show where she’d caress herself, pinch her nipples, slide her fingers between her legs, and get off on the idea that she could turn him on that way.

The vivid image wouldn’t leave. Her sex whimpered for attention, and her breasts ached to press into his palms.

Author links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LoralieHall 
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/aszreal 
Blog http://blog.apathyshero.com 
Website http://urielsfall.com


For Heaven’s Cakes by Diane Saxon

Twelve years of living in Ireland smoothed Beau’s rough edges, and hard work as a construction worker made him a wealthy man. The call of his pack is stronger than he can resist, though, and he isn’t averse to returning to show his small hometown in America what he’s made of himself.

What he doesn’t anticipate is meeting the local pharmacist’s daughter — in his wolf form. By day, he renovates the pharmacy and tries to cajole the lush assistant into having dinner with him. By night he watches Catherine bake her fantastic creations and blossom through her art.

 Sleeping on her bed each night in his wolf form isn’t exactly ideal, but how does he tell her the wolf she’s come to love is the man she lusts over?

Excerpt

The cracked, peeling paint looked different from the way it had twelve years earlier when Beau had been a regular visitor to the pharmacy. His younger brother obviously still was from the way he strode inside, allowing the door to bump against the stopper and bounce back. It creaked and groaned at the stress and almost hit Beau in the face. He shot his arm out to stop the door with the heel of his hand, feeling the crackle and splinter of the paint against his skin while he observed the quick grin on his brother’s face as Zeke glanced over his shoulder at him. Bloody kid, never would grow up. Zeke would have just laughed if he’d managed to break his nose for him. Always one to challenge the supremacy of the pack, he’d probably ruled the town in the absence of his two older brothers.

Zeke had taken pride in showing him around. A lot had changed, fast-food restaurants had sprung up -- they’d filled their bellies in one, enjoying the rich taste of the promised breakfast.

With a shake of his head, Beau wiped the shards of old paint from his hand and stepped inside.

Doc Tyler must still own the place from the way the shelves were stacked -- exactly the same as they always had been. Beau tracked his gaze around the pharmacy, noted the perfect placement of each item, not a speck of dust in sight, unlike the outer shell of the building. On a closer look, the shelves had deteriorated, some of the screws had pulled loose and not been fixed back into the wall.

He’d bet his life the old boy still kept the condoms behind the counter so he could monitor the teenagers and scare the shit out of them for daring to think about having sex. Doc Tyler should have been proud of them, at least they were the responsible ones, those who bought condoms instead of risking unprotected sex.

He glanced at the counter and expected to see skinny Doc Tyler, eyebrows pulled low as he glared over the top of his half-moon glasses. Beau had thought he was old twelve years ago, he was probably ancient now. The guy had scared the ever-loving crap out of him when he was kid, but looking back, there was no one who’d shown him more charity than the Doc. A tough word and a soft heart.

Instead of the old boy, a curvaceous brunette stared at him with eyes the color of cinnamon. Her startled gaze caught and held his with stunning luminosity and a hint of familiarity in them. His automatic reaction to the sight of a beautiful woman was to smile, but she ducked her head and applied herself to serving the middle-aged lady who struggled to keep a pair of lively young boys in hand.

Zeke made straight for the counter, leaned his elbow on it, and cupped his chin in his hand while he stared at the delicious, buxom morsel on the opposite side. With a flick of her hair, she lifted her nose and ignored him completely while she addressed her customer.

“Thank you, Mrs. Porter, I hope it helps.”

She gave a stiff smile while she kept her attention on the older lady who scrabbled with her package and hastened her two boys from the shop as though she believed Zeke’s wild boy attitude was contagious. Beau glanced at Zeke, who stared with puppy dog eyes at the assistant. Perhaps it was.

“Hey, kitty cat.”

Beau tried not to roll his eyes, but his brother was so predictable, his deep Irish voice smoothed the way for the next woman to take her place between his sheets.

“Zeke.” All cool business, the woman raised an eyebrow and Beau sidled in closer, unable to resist the soft curve of her mouth, the wide invitation of her eyes.

“What can I help you with today?” The slow roll of her husky voice gave his breath a sharp hitch.

Beau imagined she’d practiced the line so many times in an attempt to avoid all the connotations and interpretations his bad brother could spin on it. Still, Zeke leaned in, gave her his undivided attention and a wolfish grin, “I need a party pack. What would you recommend?”

She drew in a long breath through her delicate nostrils and Beau watched with increasing interest as her ample bosom expanded. She blew out through beautifully sculptured lips and his mouth watered.

“Zeke, I think you know we don’t carry adequate stock for your requirements,” Beau almost spluttered out his appreciation of her cheerful rejoinder, but she held up one long, elegant finger “…but I can offer you these.”

As she turned to the shelf behind her and bent over to reach the condoms, Beau stretched onto his toes to get a good look at her over the counter. The rounded globes of her ass were nicely enhanced by the tight stretch of her black skirt. His pulse kicked up and he gave an uneasy swallow. He lowered himself back down as she straightened and turned. The quick flick of her gaze caught his again before she gave her attention to his brother.

“Here you go, Zeke. I placed a special order just for you.”

A soft choking sound came from Zeke as he picked the blue box up from the counter. Face blank, the pretty assistant stood stock still. The only giveaway was a rapid blink of her eyes as she waited patiently.

“You are an evil woman.” Zeke managed to splutter out as he studied the box, then waggled the condoms at her. “I have never bought extra small condoms in my life.”

Unmoved, the corner of her mouth kicked up in a small smile that dimpled her soft rounded cheek. Beau crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his shoulder against the display rack to better appreciate the show. It had been a long time since he’d witnessed someone get the better of his younger brother. He may have been away for a while, but he imagined from the darkened stain on Zeke’s cheekbones it still didn’t happen often.

From their exchange, it was plain the pair knew each other very well and took great enjoyment out of taunting each other. Her smile widened to light up her pretty face. Beau dropped his gaze to her cleavage as she leaned closer to his brother to give a conspiratorial whisper, “Perhaps you should check you’re not putting yourself and your many partners at risk by using the wrong size.”

Zeke slapped the package down on the counter and pointed to the shelf behind her. “Just give me the damned normal condoms.”

She opened her eyes wide, tilted her head and gave an innocent blink, sending Beau’s pulse rate into overdrive. He pushed away from the rack and stepped in closer to get a better view, but the woman’s attention centered on his brother as she fisted her hand and rested it on one curvy hip. The husky gurgle of her laughter warmed his belly.

“But Zeke, last time you came in here you demanded king size. Now you think normal will do?” She leaned forward, sympathy oozed as she raised her free hand to press it against her opulent breasts and mock whispered, “Are you okay? Do you think you need to speak to the Doc?”

Beau gave a wide grin, delighted to see his brother getting a run for his money from the delicious babe.

“Did someone call?”

Author links
 
Website http://dianesaxon.com
Blog http://www.dianesaxon.com/blogspot.html
Facebook  www.facebook.com/authordianesaxon
Twitter  @Diane_Saxon
Goodreads profile  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19843221
Amazon   http://www.amazon.co.uk/Diane-Saxon/e/B00DDL4C5W/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0


Uncaged by Christy Gissendaner

Mixed-breed vampire shifter Gabe Moncrief has made a name for himself in the Cage, an arena where only the strong survive. He’s training for the fight of his life—and vengeance—when Rain Pettis appears. As an Elemental —a supernatural being descended from Zeus himself—she holds the key to his future in the Cage.

As much as she loves her brothers, Rain needs to break away from their overwhelming influence to become her own person. Gabe is the only shifter capable of standing up to them. But when Rain learns a secret that tests her loyalty to her family, she has a decision to make. Does she risk it all for love? And can she bear watching Gabe endanger his life within the Cage?

Excerpt

An ill-timed crack of lightning singed Gabe’s eyebrows. He ignored the sizzle of energy and landed a final punch. His opponent’s eyes rolled back into his head as he sank to the ground. The elemental effects of the arena disappeared. Gabe once again stood in the center of a dirt ring. No rain drummed on his head. No dust clouds or lightning threatened.

Gabe didn’t wait for the announcement of the knockout to echo across the arena’s sound system. He strode to the center of the ring and lifted both arms into the air. A chorus of screams reverberated in the arena, bounced off the rafters, and grew to a deafening roar.

He lifted his gaze to the owners’ box. The tallest of the three figures lingering within the glass structure lifted his hand in salute. Gabe tilted his chin and moved his gaze, zeroing in on the lone female within the box.

Rain Pettis was a force to be reckoned with, both literally and figuratively. Unlike her eldest brother, she didn’t acknowledge him as the victor of the fight in any way. She was strictly professional, always dressed in form-fitting black business suits, with her blonde hair swept into a tight bun. The tiny black glasses she wore weren’t prescription. Elementals had perfect vision, courtesy of their godly sire. The glasses perched on the end of Rain’s perfect nose were merely a costume piece for the role she played as the unattainable ice princess.

She didn’t fool him one bit. He’d seen the looks she gave him when she thought he wasn’t paying attention. She was interested—no doubt about it. But he’d always steered clear. To mess with the youngest Pettis would be akin to having a death wish. Rumor had it her brothers were overly protective, even going so far as to threaten any man that dared touch their sister. The risk didn’t stop Gabe from sweeping his gaze across her oval face, luscious lips, and lower, down to the tiny hint of cleavage displayed by her lace-trimmed blouse.

Nice. He was enough of a vamp to consider flying up to the box for a closer look. Only the dangerous warning vibes her brothers sent his way kept his feet grounded in the dirt.

A sudden shower of cold rain washed over him. He swiped his hand over his damp face and grinned. Apparently she’d caught him staring. A cold shower was definitely what he needed. Nothing got to him quite like a woman determined to play hard to get.

 Author links

Website http://christygissendaner.webs.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/christygis
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/christygis
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/christygissendaner


Pursuing Grace by Anita Cox

Though Grace McGovern just graduated from college, she’s restless, has no idea what to do with her life and to top it off, she finds herself single and unsatisfied with relationships in general.

Roman intends to claim Grace and make her his mate and part of his pack. He’s searched for her for five years and now she’s within his longing grasp, apart from one minor problem. She has no idea she’s a wolf.

As Grace tries to identify and cope with her inner wolf, she also needs to figure out the unprecedented and undeniable pull Roman has on her. Could he finally offer her the fulfilling relationship for which she’s been yearning?

 Excerpt

When Grace woke again, Roman’s fingers were tangled in her curls. She was back in her human body, naked under piles of hospital blankets. A few strands of hair broke as she tried to untwist his fingers.

“You’re awake.” Roman sat up, blinking. His dark hair in a knotted mess around his face.

 “I feel pretty weak,” Grace said with a croak.

 The doctor came into view. “Grace, hello. You’ve been through quite a lot in the last twenty-four hours.”

“How’s my wolf?” Tears stung her eyes as the words came out. She had no idea about the wolf before this, but felt wholly responsible for the animal’s decline.

“There’s no need to cry. Your wolf is regaining her strength. I’m going to suggest you go back to the main house, get plenty of food and rest. Try not to shift again until you’re back here, so we can tend to your wolf right away.” The doctor handed her a pair of sweats. “Your clothes were destroyed, so you’ll have to wear this for now.

“Does she need bed rest?” Roman asked.

The doctor shook her head. “Bed rest would be overkill, but nothing more intense than a stroll through the woods.”

Roman patted Grace’s leg and stood. “I’ll give you privacy to change.” He stepped outside of her room and closed the door.

 "He’ll be a good mate.”

Grace shook her head as she heard the words inside her head. “I can’t think that far ahead. Let’s get you healthy first.”

“He’s strong and he loves us already. He’ll be a good provider and a great pack master.”

Grace chuckled. “You move a little fast for me.”

“Talking to your wolf is good,” the doctor said with a smile. “But you don’t have to do it out loud. You can talk in your head. Just think the words.”

Grace looked at the doctor, red faced. “I need to say it out loud for now. This is all new to me. I already feel like I’m going crazy.”

Doctor Maryann laughed. “Yes, but remember when you need those private moments, you don’t have to speak. For what it’s worth, he will be your mate.” She didn’t wait around for Grace to argue. She called over her shoulder, “You can go whenever you’re ready.”

“You get some rest now,” she said to her wolf, “we can talk later.”

Outside, Roman leaned against the wall in the hallway. “I’ll walk you back.”

Grace offered a weak smile. “It appears like my wolf isn’t the only one who needs rest. You look exhausted.”

Roman shrugged while gazing at the ground in front of him. “I’m fine.”

They walked back to the main house in silence. Grace’s legs were weak and shook slightly. It felt like she’d run a marathon.

The sun was setting in the distance, the air cooled. Grace took deep breaths of the country air appreciating its cleanliness, purity and the quiet surrounding her.

When they walked through the back door to the house, the kitchen was buzzing with three women cooking. Grace ducked her head, knowing she looked like a mess.

“Oh you poor dear,” an older woman rushed over to Grace’s side. “Let’s get you into the shower. Come on, there’s a back stairwell, so no one sees you until you’re ready.”

“Uh, thanks.” Grace looked over her shoulder at Roman.

“I’m Wendy, Colin’s sister.” The woman spoke as she pushed Grace up the back staircase. “These were the servants’ stairs back in the day…” She pointed to the left, “turn here.” There was a hidden doorway that led to the main hall in the second floor. “Here we are.” She opened Grace’s bedroom door and pushed her through.

Grace turned to face her and slow the older woman down. “Ma’am.”

“Wendy.”

Grace looked at her, her blonde hair wound in a tight bun, worry lines forming on the sides of piercing blue eyes that were full of warmth as she smiled at Grace. “Thank you for sneaking me up here. But my legs are so wobbly and you’re really rushing me…”

Wendy smacked her hand to her forehead. “I’m sorry, it’s just that everyone is coming to dinner tonight. I know we women are so hard on ourselves, and you’ve been through so much and feeling out of sorts and a mess would only…”

“Wendy!” Grace couldn’t help but giggle. “Slow down. You’re right. I need a shower and my own clothes. But don’t worry so much. I’m not as fragile as your brother seems to think.” Grace smiled and walked over to her suitcase, which was empty.

“Your clothes have all been ironed and hung in the closet,” Wendy said a little slower. “We wanted to help. I hope it doesn’t feel like an invasion of privacy. It was only Tiffany and me in here.”

Though it made her uncomfortable, she knew their heart was in the right place. “That was sweet. Thank you.” Her clothes were arranged by type and color. It was the most OCD arrangement she’d ever seen. She snagged a pair of jeans and T-shirt. “Uh, where are my underthings?”

Wendy chuckled. “In the dresser out here. I’m sorry.”

Grace crossed the room to the dresser. “You really have to stop apologizing. I’m going to need a bit of privacy. I’ll be down as soon as I can.”

Wendy nodded and fled the room before she could apologize again.

Grace leaned against the dresser and took a deep breath. She was exhausted and very hungry. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.

She gathered her things and went to shower. It took all of her energy to stay upright and not sit on the floor of the shower stall. As soon as she was reasonably clean, she toweled off and dressed.

Staring at herself in the mirror, she could see her wolf in her conscience. It looked better. Still weak, but its head was perked up and looked like it was smiling back at her. “How are you feeling, girl?”

Weak but much better, thank you. Please go down to dinner. We need to eat.

Grace smiled. “Yes, well, I can’t meet everyone looking like this.” She quickly applied a light layer of tinted moisturizer, a bit of blush and a thin layer of mascara. “What do you think?” she asked her wolf.

Go eat.

She made her way down to the dining room, following the sound of voices, plates and silverware scraping against dishes. When she walked into the vast dining room, her heart leaped in her throat. There were so many new faces.

Roman was at her side before she could even look for him. “I have a seat for you over here.”

Author links

Newsletter  http://eepurl.com/U99P9
Website  http://www.authoranitacox.com/
Blog  http://authoranitacox.wordpress.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaCox
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/anitacox
Google https://www.google.com/+AnitaCoxAuthor

Excerpt

 “Why don’t you take some time out, laze around the pool, and relax.” He shot her a blinding smile, white teeth flashing and dimples winking on either side of his delectable mouth.

Relax? Easy enough for him to say. How could she relax when his pheromones were wreaking havoc on every system in her body? Right now, she didn’t want to relax. Right now all she wanted to do, ached to do, was touch. To let her fingers trail over all his tanned, smooth skin. To discern those powerful muscles as they flexed and shifted.

Boldly, hand shaking, she reached out and tentatively stroked down the lines of his bird tattoo, over his pectoral muscle and down toward his nipple. He followed her progress with hooded eyes, and when he looked up, his expression blew her mind.

Predatory didn’t come close to describing it. He didn’t look like he wanted to catch her. No, he looked like he’d already caught her and wanted to eat her alive. Desire zipped through her, a lightning bolt shooting from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She squirmed for a second, startled by the power of the sensation. With a move so sudden she didn’t see it coming, Luke snaked out one hand and grabbed her wrist, stilling her exploring fingers. He covered her hand with his, and she felt his heartbeat, strong and sure, beneath her palm.

His gaze cleared, focused, as if he’d snapped out of a daze. He gently laid her hand on her knee, thumb stroking the inside of her wrist for one long beat, before he let go completely and stood.

“Let me fix you breakfast.” He stretched and flexed his muscles.

“No. I’ll fix breakfast. After all, you’re all so friendly, letting me stay so I can see more of Will. Besides, I make a mean hash brown.”

His stomach rumbled noisily and he glanced down with a smile. “It’s Pavlovian. Mention hash browns and I’m all yours.”

Oh, if only it were so easy.

 

Fellow Liquid Silver Books author Jessica Cale is taking over my blog with her interview of Sally Green, the heroine of Jessica’s new historical romance. Tyburn, The Southwark Saga, Book 1, is available starting today. Happy release day, Jessica. Have I said how much I love your cover?

The Tangier, Covent Garden, 1671

Sally Green is tired. When she meets me at a table in the corner of the Tangier in Covent Garden, she sinks onto the stool heavily, clutching a glass of anise seed water. She leans on the table, her weariness making her appear much older than her 20 years. Her gaze darts nervously through the tavern. “I don’t have long,” she says. “Can we start now?”

What’s your idea of a good marriage?

Why would you ask me something like that? My experience is limited to the husbands of these “good marriages,” and I’m not at all certain that’s something I’d want.

Not what generally is considered to be a good marriage, but if you, Sally Green, could get married and have your perfect marriage, what kind of a marriage would that be?

That’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought to. I find it pains me to dream of impossible things, so I try to avoid dreaming at all.

What sort of a man do you like?

I don’t like a lot of men. The only man I ever fancied the way I think you mean is dead.

You’re talking about Claude Duval. How did you meet him?

We meet when we very young back in Normandy. Well, I was very young, and he was perhaps 14. Already gorgeous, mind you. He was the nephew of Madame Toulouse, the matron of the kitchen where I was raised. He lived all over, Paris, England, but he would stop by on occasion. We grew up together, I suppose.

What was it that you liked about him?

I don’t look. I see the bad, mostly, and I find that I rarely have any desire to see anything else. Claude was gallant, courteous, and brave. He snuck me out of France on the back of a horse when he knew full well that he could be killed for it. In all his years on the highways, do you know that he never hurt a soul? Not a single soul. Not that some of them didn’t deserve it, but that takes a certain chivalry that you don’t often see, I think. I always admired him for that; I don’t think I could be so...reserved. (She nods to the door behind me.) They showed his body there after he was hanged. That’s what mercy gets you.

Describe your perfect man.

My life is hard enough as it is without dreaming up impossible men. No one is going to save me. Who would want someone like me? I’m a whore. Do you understand what that means? How people see me? I’m not even a person, let alone a woman a man would consider spending longer than about five minutes with. My best friend is a syphilitic molly, and I am stalked by a madman who likes to poke holes in anyone I spend too much time with. No man in their right mind would want somebody like that!

What if things were different? What if you were free and you could have anything you wanted?

I suppose I would go back to Hyde Park. There’s a highwayman there I’ve met a time or two. He is like Claude, and not like Claude. He is chivalrous and kind, and he smells wonderful. If I could have anything I wanted, I suppose I’d run away with him and never look back.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Yes. Things aren’t different. My life is no fairy story. I will find a way out of Covent Garden, and when I do, I will put things right. Tell Wrath I’m coming for him first.

 Tyburn blurb

Sally Green is about to die.

She sees Death in the streets. She can taste it in her gin. She can feel it in the very walls of the ramshackle brothel where she is kept to satisfy the perversions of the wealthy. She had come to London as a runaway in search of her Cavalier father. Instead, she found Wrath, a sadistic nobleman determined to use her to fulfill a sinister ambition. As the last of her friends are murdered one by one, survival hinges on escape.

Nick Virtue is a tutor with a secret. By night he operates as a highwayman, relieving nobles of their riches to further his brother’s criminal enterprise. It’s a difficult balance at the best of times, and any day that doesn’t end in a noose is a good one. Saving Sally means risking his reputation and may end up costing him his life.

As a brutal attack throws them together, Sally finds she has been given a second chance. She is torn between the tutor and the highwayman, but she knows she can have neither. Love is an unwanted complication while Wrath haunts the streets. Nick holds the key to Wrath’s identity, and Sally will risk everything to bring him to justice.

Unless the gallows take her first.

Excerpt

Darkness had fully settled over the forest and he was in no danger of being seen as they headed for the city. There were no new street lamps so far out of town, and as often as she glanced at his face, all she could see was the outline of his profile by the light of the moon. He moved soundlessly through the night as criminals must, the warmth of his hand in hers the only reassurance she had that he was still beside her.

They reached the edge of Hyde Park and Sally felt Tyburn looming near before she saw it, the residual tragedy of the gallows rippling along the field in a mournful, near perceptible howl. Because she could not look away, she turned toward the evil and saw the fearful silhouette of the triple tree dark against the violet sky.

This is your future, they seemed to whisper.

In her heart, she answered, I know.

She heard the brutal crack of Claude’s strong, young neck reverberate through the darkest corners of her memory, felt his cold lips against hers once more in a terrible promise, and in her bones she felt the stillness of one who is certain they are about to die. She was immediately aware of the unique texture of every breath she drew, the sweet sigh of the breeze whispering through her hair, and the dirt, the calluses, the very fingerprints of the hand in hers.

So little of Sally’s life had been left up to her.

She might have days, hours, mere moments left, but she would be damned if she wasted them.

Buy links

Amazon http://amzn.com/B00PQV6H9Q

Liquid Silver Books  http://www.lsbooks.com

Through Dec. 6 -- I’m giving away a diamond ring to a lucky commenter over on my blog, Rants and Raves of KaLyn Cooper, https://kalyncooper.wordpress.com/

Also through Dec. 6 -- I’m one of 10 authors in the Hottie Hunt blog hop. You can read my interview of Karl, the hero of Tara Quan’s Dec. 22 release, A Christmas Together. Visit all 10 blogs, be sure to comment, then follow the instructions to enter to win eBooks and a $10 gift certificate.

Through Dec. 31 — The $100 Hottie Holiday Bonanza runs the entire month. Sixteen authors have chipped in to create a pile of prizes including a $100 gift card. All you need to do is follow the link and you’re automatically entered. Comment and you get extra entries.

Dec. 6-10 — Hot for the Holidays. The lovely ladies at Love, Lust and Laptops each will be giving away prizes on their individual blogs and jointly we have even more, so there will be LOTS of winners! 

I’m also blogging on several sites. If you comment on them, you’re entered to win a pair of diamond earrings to be given away Dec. 31. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter to find out where I’ll be next.

Whew! Lots to do, but I love it.

Now, tell me your holiday plans. Parties? You hosting or attending? Where do you plan to spend Christmas? Did you buy anything really unusual as a gift? (I’m always hunting gift ideas.) Comment at the end of this post and you’re entered to win those diamond earrings!

Christmas in Cancun blurb

Busy building a new career with his catamaran company, former SEAL Jack Girard had all but forgotten about his grandfather’s quest to find the golden Mayan goddess statues until his brother’s beautiful widow, Jillian, and adorable daughter, Addison, arrive in Cancun with the research materials. Jack’s need to complete the family mission is almost as strong as his desire for Jillian.

Between raising her daughter alone and finishing her doctorate in Mayan anthropology, Jillian doesn’t have time for a man in her life. Although, after mourning her husband’s murder for two years, she’s ready for a man in her bed.

An underwater Virgin Mary statue and centuries-old manuscripts lead the two of them through the Mayan Riviera and directly into danger.

During steamy Caribbean nights together, will they develop the ability to move on and discover that the real treasure isn’t gold?

 Excerpt from Christmas in Cancun

Her husband. His brother.

Dead.

Nothing left but ashes and memories. He closed his eyes to hold in the water that threatened to leak. He couldn’t cry. He had been a fucking Navy SEAL. Every part of his body had been tested from his muscles to his fortitude to his brain. Every part except his heart.

Somehow, Jillian had touched that part of him. Sure, she was a beautiful woman with curves in all the right places and he wanted her, but it was more than lust. No. She had reached inside him and with gentle fingers brushed his heart. She’d done it in mere hours.

How had she managed that? How had he let her?

Had he been reaching for a connection to Jimmy? She’d been his wife, and Addi was part of him. Maybe that was it. But Jimmy was gone, and this afternoon he would help his sister-in-law lay his brother’s remains to rest. He needed that closure.

That was it. She was a tie to his brother, and he’d been seeking a connection to Jimmy. Missing him. That’s all. This afternoon’s trip to the reef would sever their tie, and he wouldn’t need Jillian and her child to fill that void.

 He had to keep his distance from her in the meantime.

 Metadata tags – Christmas, Romance, Suspense, SEALs, Military, Cancun, Mexico, Vacation Romance, Holiday, International Romance, Wealthy Romance, Erotic Romance, 

KaLyn Cooper bio

KaLyn Cooper’s romances blend fact and fiction with blazing heat and heart-pounding suspense. Twenty-two years as a military wife has shown KaLyn the world, and 30, years in PR taught her that fact can be stranger than fiction. She leaves it up to the reader to separate truth from imagination. She, her husband, and bird dog live in Tennessee on a micro-plantation filled with gardens, cattle, and quail. When she’s not writing, she’s at the shooting range or on the river.

Buy links  

Print

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cancun-Volume-KaLyn-Cooper/dp/1503004236

 eBook

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cancun-KaLyn-Cooper-ebook/dp/B00PD61SQG

Liquid Silver  http://www.lsbooks.com/

Barnes & Noble   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-cancun-kalyn-cooper/1120731116?ean=9781622101733

Kobo   http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/christmas-in-cancun

iTunes/iBooks  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/christmas-in-cancun/id940858520?mt=11

Author links

Website: www.KaLynCooper.com

E-mail: KaLyn@KaLynCooper.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalyn.cooper.52

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kalyncooper/

Twitter: @KaLynCooperbooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23526697-christmas-in-cancun?from_search=true

Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kalyncooper