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CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:
Ends May 19: 1 signed paperback copy of "Dream Student (Dreams #1)" from J.J. DiBenedetto
Ends May 19: $10 Amazon Gift Card from Allison Merritt
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Ends May 22: $50 Amazon Gift Card from Kenya Wright
Ends May 24: $10 Amazon Gift Card, $10 Starbucks Gift Card AND an eBook copy of "Worth the Risk" from Anne Lange

CURRENT CBLS PROMOTIONS SPECIAL:
Receive $5 OFF a 10, 15 or 20-Stop FULL SERVICE VBT package AND be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a FREE Promo Blast (a $25 value), now through May 31. Go HERE for package details and sign-up.

Friday, April 22, 2011

GUEST BLOG: What is Simply Delicious About a Menage, by Cassandre Dayne

What is Simply Delicious About a Menage?

Well, in my opinion, everything. Have you ever tried one? I’ll hold my tongue here except to say I am very lucky writing erotic romance because I have to do plenty of research. (my evil grin is growing) All kidding aside, for a loving relationship that is either completely monogamous or a kinkier couple that regularly enjoys a third, it can be a tremendously exciting experience and something that spices up your love life.

I enjoy allowing my characters to experiment with many aspects of eroticism including voyeurism, public displays and copious uses of toys. I also have them delve into steamy clubs that cater to sex and glorious bouts of BDSM, but my absolute favorite tasty treat is either a threesome or even a foursome. What is so exciting about it to me is the ability for a couple to trust in their relationship enough to bring someone else into their bedroom. Let’s face it, we all have fantasies and hungers that go beyond our everyday life and that’s completely okay in my book.

It’s not cheating even if you desire another man or woman. It’s simply exploring the notion that you want to taste. Going further without your partner’s complete okay is another thing entirely here and we’re not going there. I am talking about developing a passionate evening or weekend in which you draw that third person into your life. Can you honestly tell me that there isn’t another man or woman you wouldn’t enjoy tasting if the opportunity magically appeared? Uh huh…be honest here. I’ll say it, hell yeah. And yes, when I was single I enjoyed experimenting and my special man trusted me enough to share me with…a couple others. I completely enjoyed several men pleasuring me everywhere and in every way.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a shimmering pool in the middle of nowhere. Warm air is wafting, the water is tepid, pulsing disco music is coming from the outdoor speaker system, the champagne is cracked and it’s just you and four luscious carved hunks in several flavors ready to service your every need. Slip into the pool, naked and wade to the waterfall. Will they follow? Will they tease? Now you are able to enjoy as you watch them undress, your pussy tingling in anticipation of exactly what they will do to you. Now think about how they are going to ravage your body. While one licks your nipples, pinching and squeezing until they are rock hard, the other three will caress the entire length of your body.

Finally one will slide their fingers into your wet heat as another feathers the tip of his finger down the crack of your ass, telling you in no uncertain terms that he will claim you there first. Feeling the heat? Hungering to taste a creamy French vanilla or a dark chocolate delight that might just rival Godiva? Mmmm…

Just released and hot off of Rebel Ink Presses is my new release, Wicked Wager Among Friends. This one is the first in a new series, "Tales from Lucifer's Lair," about all things naughty that happen at the man cave inside of the Flamingo Rustler. It's saucy and imagine what would happen if you lost a wicked wager. What would you have to do?

BLURB:
Veronica has craved all of Travis for years. They are best friends and nothing more, but she decides it’s time to turn up the heat. The only problem? He’s in an on again, off again relationship with Jonathan. Then again, what’s wrong with enjoying two men that also ravish each other? Absolutely nothing.

Veronica Spelling was used to getting what she wanted, but not with men. She had long desired her best friend, Travis Hunter, for years. Golden, masculine and perfect, her mouth watered for him. And while they had admitted their kinky proclivities over long nights and tasty margaritas, he had never indulged. So she decided to take matters into her own hands and kick up the heat one wild night, suggesting a wicked little wager of pool. The prize? If she ended up the winner then she would receive her most heavenly desired wish, to be taken in the ass by a man for the first time. If he did, then she would become his sex slave for twenty-four luscious hours.

The only problem? He was decidedly gay, had only been with a woman once and was in a casual relationship with their mutual friend, Jonathan. Then there was that itching little problem of whether he could get it up or not. Against the odds, Travis finally determined his true feelings about the luscious vixen and won the bet. During those twenty-four hours, he fulfilled her most erotic fantasies. As morning dawned and reality set in, the question about Jonathan’s acceptance settled into their reality, and Veronica was left with a haunted feeling. Unsure of what to say, they left each other without further words. Could their combined friendship survive the blatant sensual act or would their entire world be turned upside down forever?

ADULT EXCERPT:
Travis watched her with fascination sensing a growing level of frustration. She didn’t like to wait. Then again, neither did he. “Oh, I agree.” He yanked the soft silk shirt off his shoulders, as Jonathan stood completely naked. Watching. Wanting. On that night, Travis was going to be in complete control. He looked down the length of his male lover’s stunning carved body, perfected from days of exercise, and his cock ached from the now desperate need.

Jonathan crawled onto the bed and pressed her legs apart while he gave Travis a mischievous grin. “Isn’t she magnificent?”

“Indeed. Eat her, but do not allow her to cum.” It was interesting how their relationship had changed since the introduction of Veronica into their life. Travis relished in the fact that he had become even more of the dominator with both of them sexually and while Veronica enjoyed playing the submissive, he knew damn good and well that she was the one in control, of their hearts anyway.

“Gladly, my love.” Jonathan turned and smiled seconds before he jerked her legs into his arms and pressed his face into her heat. Licking her furiously, his fingers dug into her flesh.

“Oh sweet lord!” Veronica whimpered, a slight smile bubbling across her lips as she clawed the bedspread.

Travis finished undressing and stood quietly for a moment simply enjoying the two lovers in their slice of passion. He gazed down her body in admiration of how deliciously it responded to the raw sexual current that filled the air and then turned his sultry look to Jonathan’s sinewy form. They fit together so well and simply watching them was a dazzling moment. Damn, both his lovers were hot and he was horny. “I must admit, you both look good enough to eat.” He glided toward the bed and slid his hand around Jonathan’s waist to cup his cock, kneading the throbbing erection as he pushed back toward him.

Jonathan grunted and swirled his tongue around her clit in slow methodical circles. Tasting. Savoring. He pressed his fingers down and across her stomach to the edge of her pussy, slipping them inside.

“Oh…my…you boys are…incredible.” Panting, she opened and closed her eyes, continuing to watch Travis. Licking her lips, she beckoned for him.

“In time sunshine.” Travis smiled and held Jonathan’s cock, tugging gently while he stroked his muscular back delighting in the way she stared at him. She loved watching them fuck and since the first time they had enjoyed their very wicked game beginning in the darkened bar, she wanted nothing more than to see them together. Her wild little men, she so liked to call them. He continued rubbing and stroking until his own hungers became too raw. He slid his finger into his mouth, drawing them in and out while she watched, her lust evident. Removing his finger with a loud pop, he traced a line down Jonathan’s firm cheeks to the edge of his opening. He parted his ass and brushed his finger across the rosy hole, teasing. “I’m getting hungry.”

“Be careful our boy toy.” Jonathan purred as his fingers continued pulsing inside her pussy. In and out he worked with his tongue and mouth in a wondrous orchestration while her whimpers became frantic. He pinched first one nipple and then the next.

“God, oh God!” Her ragged cries floated toward the ceiling as she tipped her head and whimpered.

“Pain and pleasure my woman, remember that,” Travis cooed.

“I want to cum,” Veronica begged, her voice barely a scattered whisper.

“Not yet. You know the rules.” Travis hissed as he inserted the tip into Jonathan’s ass. “Oh, you are tight my lover.” He pressed his finger in as Jonathan wriggled and continued his near assault on her pussy. Travis pulsed in and out gently while Veronica’s sighs became more anguished. She was trying to concentrate on not cumming. In and out he pushed and the magical dance became more frenetic. Hypnotic. He continued stroking Jonathan’s cock as he slid another finger inside. Hearing their combined moans, his cock throbbed. His balls became heavy and full of seed, aching to the point of anguish.

“Pppplllleeeeaaasssee!” Her rattled moans became wilder. Hungrier.

“No!” Travis dropped to his knees, taking Jonathan’s ass cheeks into his hands. He parted them gently and leaned forward to trace his tongue down and across his ass circling the tight opening.

Jonathan froze. “Shit man! Don’t tease me, fuck me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I’ll allow your imagination to think about what else happens. Don’t you think you might enjoy a ménage or perhaps something even more wicked? I hope you enjoyed and I loved guest blogging here today. Please contact me any time and you can purchase all of my very saucy releases at All Romance eBooks, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Bookstrand and Coffee Time Romance.

Enjoy a tasty video treat:



Kisses XXX
Cassandre
Website | Blog | Email | Twitter

Thursday, April 21, 2011

GUEST BLOG: A Romance by Any Other Name, by Nina Pierce

A Romance by Any Other Name

Like so many writers, I’ve read lots and lots and lots and lots of books. I read titles in a variety of genres from science fiction to historical, medical thrillers to mysteries, but I always come back to my all time favorite—romance. The wonderful thing about today’s romance is that it comes in all subgenres.

I’ve been finding blogs and twitter posts recently from readers who were incensed that the paranormal or urban fantasy book they were reading was classified as a romance. They were disgusted that the world was too well developed to be a romance, appalled the plot was too deep for romance or that the characters were too multi-dimensional to be romance. And I just want to scream. What the heck are they thinking about romance stories?

I’m a well educated woman. I’m neither lonely nor bored (though I’d happily suffer through a night of boredom *g*). I’m happily married to a wonderful man who fulfills my every need, often and on a regular basis. LOL! The point is, I don’t read romance to fill a missing void, I read romance because I enjoy it. *gasp* Yep, let me repeat that, romance stories offer me every subgenre I enjoy and I seek them out at the bookstore.

Of course this doesn’t surprise readers of romance. I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know. I guess it’s just some of the general public out there that are very confused. I’ve heard people accuse romance writers of trying to disguise the true genre of their book through clever blurbs that boast rich characters and twisting plotlines. Yeah, whatever. We lovers of romance know that our reading tastes are based on good writing, solid stories and a love of the happy-ever-after, not a desire to fulfill an otherwise solitary existence. (Though a hunky hero or two never ruined my love of the romance genre. *wink*)

So tell me, what’s your favorite subgenre of romance?

~Nina Pierce


Nina’s most recent romance release, Blind Love, is available for Kindle lovers and in all other formats at Smashwords.

BLURB:
He’s a shock jock looking to reform. She’s an accountant hoping to cut loose. Can love open their eyes to forever?

Uptight CPA and oldest sister, JULIE TILLING, is the glue that binds her family. Everyone depends on her to do the right thing. When her friend from high school dies and Julie is the only one who believes he didn’t commit suicide, she takes it upon herself to investigate his death.

DAMON COREY didn’t come to Maine to become a shock jock. But when his dream career of becoming a concert pianist seems unobtainable, the radio station’s offer is too good to pass up. When mysterious brunette Jewel, hooks up with him at the night club run by a college frat brother, their one night fling wraps around his heart and makes him believe in love at first sight.

But can Damon expose his inner soul without pushing Julie away or will his enigmatic shock jock persona become Julie’s sexual undoing and reveal him as the missing piece that solves the puzzling questions surrounding her friend’s death?

EXCERPT:
“You ever ride a motorcycle, Julie?”

She pulled off the helmet and fluffed her hair. The corkscrew curls of copper fit her cute features much better than the black wig that had overpowered them.

“Not one this fast,”

He bit back a smile. “No, I meant any motorcycle.”

“Was it that obvious?” Color rose from her chest and deepened her already flushed cheeks.
“I like to be a woman’s first.” Shit. Even clean shaven and wearing his glasses, Demon’s persona had a bad habit of popping up at inopportune moments.

Julie stopped contemplating her toes and stared straight at him. Emotions moved over her face and clouded her eyes, but he didn’t know her well enough to read between the lines. He’d just met this wonderful woman. He hadn’t intended to scare her off.

“Julie, I—”

“No, Damon. You don’t have to apologize. I get it.”

He hadn’t thought her cheeks could become redder, but he was wrong.

“You have a lot of women available to you,” she said, quietly. “I’m sure they’re much more experienced than me.” She shrugged and filled with the strap of the helmet. “I’m sure you realize I don’t usually let go the way I did last night. And I know you weren’t really expecting the person you found at the family homestead?” She emphasized the last two words as if they were obscenities. “The Jewel of last night was more your speed. I get that.”

Oh, hell no. “No, Julie, I—”

Her hand flew up between them. “No, Damon, seriously, you don’t owe me anything. Obviously my father dragged you into an uncomfortable situation. Well, you’ve done your social obligation. I’m home safe and sound. I didn’t mean to disappoint, but I have a hard time living up to everyone’s expectations of who I should be. So, thanks. I get it. Good night.” The helmet landed in his lap.

“No, Julie, really, you don’t understand.” He yelled at her retreating back. “Julie, wait.” Damon attempted to jump from the bike, but the stand wasn’t down, and he had to juggle the extra helmet. “Damn it all to hell. Julie…” He finally managed to extricate himself from the bike and the helmets and caught her just as she pushed open the front door. “Please. I think you’ve misunderstood. Just give me a minute to explain. Then I’ll leave.”

Her arms knotted across her chest for protection. A wounded heart? He’d have to tread carefully. The emerald eyes shimmering in the waning light telegraphed her pain and embarrassment, but her lips were pursed thin with determination. The woman was a walking enigma. Damon suspected she had no idea how damn sexy she looked standing there, inviting him to explain himself—daring him to breach her defenses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Award-winning erotic romance author, Nina Pierce, grew up in a house full of readers. So becoming enamored with books was only natural. She discovered romance stories in her early teens, falling hopelessly in love with knights in shining armor and the damsels who saved them.

Eventually, reading about alpha males and the journey to find their happy-ever-after endings wasn’t enough. She needed to pen her own stories of fated loves and soul mates. Nina’s discovered the passionate side of romance with her sexy stories. For her, it’s all about the sweet scent of seduction mixed with the heartwarming aroma of romance.

Nina resides in the northeast with her high school sweetheart and soul mate of twenty-seven years, their three grown children and several very spoiled cats who consider her “staff”. 

When she's not reading or writing, you can find Nina at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

PROMO & GIVEAWAY: Dream Weaver, by Lisa Beth Darling

Dream Weaver
by Lisa Beth Darling

Blurb:

Love wrote a novel and her whole life changed.

Elizabeth Love is a wife and mother who loves her daughters dearly but has been trapped in a sexually and physically abusive marriage to her husband, Scott Travers, for the last two decades. Lizzie turns to writing stories for her favorite TV show Through the Mirror to escape the trials of her life; her husband, his friend Randy "The Adonis", the crazy clients in the law firm where she works, the bickering amongst her girls and the ever-increasing stack of bills which she lives under.

Michael Gray a/k/a Dennis Johnson of Through the Mirror fame has just lost his job. The show has been canceled after 10 years on the air and he is now faced with the unenviable task of looking for work as he tries to break out of the genre of science fiction and being type cast as the 'nerdy geeky doctor'. Married to the diva Gabriella Phideaux for the last four years, they have two children whom Michael adores but Gabby could do without.

With the her favorite show going off the air, Lizzie writes an original novel "The Shaw Street Strangler" which is quite out of character for her and the darkly erotic material she's come to write about Dennis over the years. Breaking out of the mold the book is a smash but not everyone is happy when Lizzie is forced to stop writing her Through the Mirror stories and soon the threats pour in to the offices of Pauline Depoix, a high-powered literary agent who's taken Lizzie on as a client. When the novel hits, Michael sees his way out of second-rate roles on second-rate television shows. He jumps off the page and into Lizzie's life as he helps her write the movie script. Much against the warnings of her husband, Scott, and Lizzie's better judgment, romance blossoms under the hot California sun.

All is not well as the Masked Panty Raider, a huge fan of Lizzie's Through the Mirror stories for the past several years, sets out to get her back. Adopting the persona of Eddie from Elizabeth's novel he stalks her over the Internet and into the Real World, following her from her home in Connecticut to British Columbia and a cozy cabin where Michael and Lizzie are snowed in alone together for three days. Finally The Masked Panty Raider follows her to Hollywood and the set of "The Shaw Street Strangler".

But who is the Masked Panty Raider? Just some whack-job from the Internet? Someone from Lizzie's past? Scott? Randy "The Adonis"? Or is it....perhaps....Michael?

Sweeping romance combined with drama and suspense will keep you turning pages until you find out Whodunit.

Excerpt:

Without warning, a rough hand landed on the back of her neck as it gripped her with a great amount of authority. "Ow," she cried out as she cringed and tried to back away from the harsh hold, her purse and laptop went spilling to the ground.

"Bitch!" A male voice hissed in her ear just before he tossed her into the cinder block wall as though she were nothing more than a rag doll.

Everything happened so fast she didn't really have time to react as her head met the cold cinder block and then bounced off leaving a bloody smear behind. Lizzie's head buzzed and then her eyesight fuzzed as she felt her knees go weak. She crashed to the ground. Looking up she thought she saw a man with long black hair walking away from her but she couldn't be sure.

"Oh my stars! Are you all right, Miss?" A woman with a mid-western accent asked. "Did you see that? Stop that guy!"

It was too late, he faded into the crowd as the woman helped Lizzie back to her feet and then to a nearby seat. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like that." She said as she stood over Lizzie. "Are you ok?"

"Fine I guess." Lizzie stammered even though her skull was throbbing and her vision had yet to return to normal. Security came over and took her to the First Aid station where she received seven stitches just above her left eye. The airport insisted that she make out a report on the incident even though Lizzie said she couldn't identify the man or know why he'd want to toss her into a wall. Just another Crazy Person wandering around Planet Earth. By the time she boarded her flight to Vancouver she had a pounding headache and an agonizing crick in her neck. That was all right, it went with the rest of the aches and pains she was suffering. She popped two Anti-depressant just as the plane took off and slept for most of the flight even though the attendant kept waking her up. Before she boarded the airport doctor informed the crew Lizzie shouldn't sleep until they landed at O'Hare and she made the connecting flight to Vancouver. Every fifteen minutes or so one of them came over and shook her lightly to wake her. Lizzie didn't consider that good customer service. If they knew about the time she'd had last night they wouldn't hesitate to let her sleep head injury or not.

Landing in Vancouver, she was still groggy as she stumbled off the plane and looked around for Michael who said he would pick her up even though she told him she'd take a cab to her hotel. Looking at the sea of people she didn't see him among them. Standing on her tiptoes in an attempt to see over, around and through the crowd wasn't helping her current condition and Lizzie decided to sit down until the crowd dispersed. She'd been looking forward to seeing Michael again and was disappointed he wasn't here. Perhaps he was tied up in traffic or he forgot, she hadn't called or emailed him to remind him. If he didn't show up in a few moments then she'd make her way to the baggage claim and then to a phone where she could call for a cab.

Sitting across from her in a hard plastic chair was a man and he was staring at her. For all she knew it could be the very same one who pushed her into the wall back in Connecticut. He had the same long black hair and blue jeans. What if it was him? What if he'd been on the same plane with her and she didn't even know it? He could have been that's for sure. Lizzie flew First Class for the very first time in her life and that man could well have been in the Coach section of the very same plane.

"What happened to your head?" The man asked in a steely voice.

Lizzie touched the bandage near her eye lightly and looked away from his uncomfortable stare. She tried to ignore him hoping he'd just get up and go away.

"What's the matter? Are you too good to talk to me now that you're a famous writer and all?" The man in the leather jacket asked with a sneer as uncrossed his legs and leaned forward with a cold stare.

Where's Michael? He's supposed to be here. Nervously she looked around but she didn't see him anywhere. The longer the man stared at her, the more vulnerable she felt as the people around her took off to points unknown. Lizzie no longer felt safe. Even though it took a great deal of effort on her part, she got up to walk away from him.

"That's it?" He asked. "You're just gonna walk away?"

"What do you want?" She stammered in a high-pitched voice and clutched the laptop tightly to her as turned to look back at him.

"Hello would be nice," the man said and stood up. "Liz, it's me."

Lizzie looked closer at him. "Oh my Gods! Michael?" She asked in disbelief. No it couldn't be. He looked exactly like Eddie!

"Hey, she remembers me." He smiled and when he did, she was certain it was Michael. "I guess that's a good sign." Michael opened his arms. "C'mon, gimmie a hug, I haven't seen you in months." The last time he saw her had been on his computer screen back near the end of July.

Still staring at him she took hesitant steps toward him and then hugged him lightly. "I didn't recognize you." She whispered. "You really look like Eddie." Lizzie reached up to touch the long black hair on his head. She gave it a little tug. The last time she saw it, it had still been still his natural sandy color and it had been at least two inches shorter.

"I'm an actor, remember?" He asked and brought her in close for that hug. "Just getting into my part. Did I scare you? You looked scared for a minute."

"A little." She said relieved that it was Michael and not some homicidal maniac. With her arms around him it was easy to feel his new bulk and muscle. Yes, he was definitely getting in to his part and taking to working out quite a bit from the feel of it. Before she could indulge in that particular sensation too deeply she stepped back from him and broke their embrace.

"What happened to your head?" Michael asked again and then listened as Lizzie related the story of her little mishap at Bradley International while he slipped her carry-on over his shoulder and they walked to the airport baggage claim. "You're kidding me? Do you know who it was?" Without thinking, he kissed the bandage on her head. "Are you all right?"

"Seven stitches," Lizzie mumbled then went on to answer his questions. "I have no idea but he also looked like Eddie…well, from the back…from what I saw which wasn't much." She tried to explain and held a hand to her head. "That's who I thought you were when you started to speak to me. I thought he was on the plane with me."

--

Buy Links:
Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

Lisa's Contact Info:
Blog | Facebook | Mailing List | Moon Musings

--

*GIVEAWAY*
Three -- count 'em, THREE! -- lucky commenters will each win one copy of Dream Weaver in their choice of PDF, Adobe, Nook, Kindle or iPad formats. Be sure to include your email address in your comment so we can contact you if you win. Contest ends 11:59 PM (EST) Friday, April 22, 2011. Winners to be picked at random via Random.org. Good luck!!

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop
Hosted by:
and


Over 260 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another.  The hop runs from 12:00 AM (EST) Wednesday, April 20th through 11:59 PM (EST) Monday, April 25th.

I have an awesome giveaway for y'all. I'm offering up what I have dubbed a "C&R Pamper Pack". It contains two historical romance novels by Scottish Romance Author, Deborah MacGillivray, and an 11 ounce 100% Pure Soy Candle scented in Night Blooming Jasmine, hand-crafted with love by yours truly. (Novels were purchased by me, are part of my personal paperback library and are in gently used condition.) What better way to spend a little "me" time than relaxing in your favorite spot with a good old-fashioned paperback romance novel and the heady scent of Night Blooming Jasmine permeating your senses?


A Restless Knight (Dragons of Challon #1)
by Deborah MacGillivray

Blurb:

~ A Defiant Lady ~
In Scotland's darkest hour, an English warrior dressed all in black has come for her. Blessed with the kenning, Lady Tamlyn MacShane foresaw this day, when the ruthless Lord Julian Challon would conquer her land -- and her heart. She is determined to resist him...but she is no match for his strength...or his sensuality.

~ A Resolute Lord ~
To Julian, the proud Scotswoman should be nothing more than a captive. Yet Tamlyn's fiery Beauty ensnares him, body and soul. Now, the warrior known as the Black Dragon is in danger of falling under the spell that cannot be broken---the spell of love.


In Her Bed (Dragons of Challon #2)
by Deborah MacGillivray

Blurb:

~ Dream Lover ~
Damian St. Giles has woken up before with a sore head from imbibing too much mead, but finding himself naked and shackled to a bed is an entirely new experience. As if in a dream, a flame-haired enchantress appears and offers him a brew to ease his pain...and enflame his desire. He soon realizes this Highland beauty has given him a potent aphrodisiac and she is fully prepared to take all his body has to offer.

~ True Desire ~
Lady Aithinne Ogilvie knows she must treat this man as nothing more than a stud, for that is what he is to her...a means to get her with child and thus produce an heir who will save her inheritance from ruthless Scottish warriors and greedy King Edward. Yet she cannot deny the instant bond she feels for this handsome stranger--and the feeling that it will be the prisoner in her bed who will end up laying claim to her heart.

This book is the sequel to A Restless Knight. The second book in the Dragons of Challon series.



11 oz 100% Pure Soy Candle
Hand-Poured by Me (Liz)
Scent: Night Blooming Jasmine
Retail Value: $13.00




How to Enter:
* Follow this blog
* Fill out the following form

Optional Extra Entries:
* Follow C&R Review Blog (+5)
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*THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED*

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

PROMO & GIVEAWAY: Sucker for a Hot Rod, by Joselyn Vaughn

Sucker for a Hot Rod
by Joselyn Vaughn

Blurb:

Bryce Halloway only dates a woman once. No exceptions.

It gives him the reputation of a heart-breaker, but he can handle that as long as it keeps his mother, Dinah, from trying to marry him off. Judi Montgomery and her tempting ponytail finagle their way around official dates with car problems and driving lessons. She worms her way into his heart and entices him to want more from his life.

When health issues causes his father to retire, Bryce inherits the family-owned tractor repair shop. Can Judi’s love and encouragement give him the courage to break tradition and pursue his dreams of owning a custom hot rod shop?

Excerpt::

Judi climbed out of the tow truck and surveyed the yard. Tractors and other farm implements lined the lot. Rust crusted over the Kelly green and faded red paint on the worn parts of the machines. There wasn’t a car in sight. Had Tom been spray painting this morning?

“Hey, you can’t unload that here!”

A man in coveralls with the top half pushed down around his waist and a John Deere hat perched on his head came out of the garage. His face showed dark stubble as if he hadn’t shaved in a day or two. He wiped his hands on a greasy rag and stuffed it in his back pocket. Grease spots marred the legs of the coveralls and the white T-shirt he wore underneath them. He had a lean, muscular body and tanned skin. Maybe Halloways’ wasn’t such a bad idea.

“You can’t unload that here,” he repeated. “We’re not a car shop.”

Hank stopped the winch. Judi scowled at him.

The man in the coveralls glared at her and shot a questioning look at Hammerin’ Hank. Hank rolled his eyes and folded his arms over his gut. The man’s green eyes swung to her car and gleamed. He was intrigued. She felt a tiny glimmer of hope. He adjusted his hat and smirked. Dimples popped out on his cheeks.

Okay, he was cute, but kind of a jerk. Story of my life, Judi thought. She slung her purse over her shoulder and tried to head him off. “Are you Bryce Halloway?” she called.

He gave her a slow once-over. “Who wants to know?”

“Tom from the collision shop told me you could fix this.”

He crossed his arms over his chest which emphasized his muscular biceps. “Don’t know why he’d say that. We work on tractors and farm implements here.”

“But Tom recommended you. Look, you’re my last resort.” Judi hated to sound whiny, but if Bryce could fix her car, she needed him to do it. “He won’t work on it anymore and I need it fixed. By Monday.”

“What do you want me to do about it?” Bryce’s eyes strayed to the car again.

She ignored the ‘junk yard’ Hank covered with a cough. “Tom said you might be able to work on it.”

“I don’t fix cars.”

Judi gave him her best teacher stare, guaranteed to make most second graders toe the line. Bryce didn’t flinch; he also didn’t give in. Guess she needed to practice it on people taller than forty-eight inches.

“I’ll pay you,” she said, trying a little honey since her coercing needed some work. Maybe a few extra dollars would sugar the deal. “But I need to get to work on Monday.”

Bryce strode over to the car and ran his hand along the curved fender. “What is it?”

“A 1972 Datsun 240Z. Nothing happens when I turn the key.” Judi scurried after him as he strode around the vehicle. She was sure he wanted to get under her hood, but something was holding him back. The clang of metal against metal echoed out of the garage door of the shop.

“This is in great shape.” He knelt beside the wheel well and cocked his head to look under it. “Barely any rust. How’d you manage that in Michigan? Garage it every winter?”

“It was my dad’s. He lived in Florida. I haven’t driven in it in snow yet.”

Bryce nodded. “Rear-wheel drive is rotten in the snow and ice.”

“What does that mean?”

Bryce stopped his perusal of the car and scowled at her. “You’re either a race car driver or you have a winter car.”

“Unfortunately, neither.” She eyed the car and bit her lip. One more problem with this car. She sighed. It was old. It was small. It was temperamental. And now she couldn’t drive it in the snow. She shouldn’t have kept the car as her last memento of her dad, but she needed the transportation.

She peered at Bryce through her eyelashes. He gave her an appraising look and mumbled something that sounded like “too good to be true.”

He wiped his hands against his coveralls. “I could take a look at it. I can’t promise anything and I can’t do it here.”

--

Want more? Get it here: http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=3028826 OR comment on this post and be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Sucker for a Hot Rod directly from Joselyn! Be sure to include your email address in your comment so we can contact you if you win.

Good luck!!

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Monday, April 18, 2011

GUEST BLOG: Adding The Froo-Froo, by Renee Vincent

Since this is a blog for all things coffee and romance, I decided to share some of my favorites among both those indulgences.

I'm a regular coffee drinker, but my husband calls it "froo-froo coffee" as I always add things to my cup to make it taste less like coffee. My favorite Starbucks coffee is a Cafe Mocha with a shot of vanilla, double whipped cream. So yeah, I like my coffee sweet.

But I also like a good Irish coffee as an after dinner drink. There are many variations of it, depending on the "stoutness" of the brew with the addition of whiskey. I, however, love Bailey's Irish Cream, as well, to help tone down the whiskey flavor. Here's my recipe for a great Irish coffee (though realize it is not an authentic Irish Coffee.)

Renee Vincent's Irish Coffee
1 large mug of coffee
1 shot of Jameson Whiskey (or your favorite brand)
1 shot of Bailey's Irish Cream (they do have non-alcoholic Bailey's now too)
1 tsp. of brown sugar (or you can just coat the rim of the mug)
whipped cream (optional)

Through my search, I've also found some other delicious coffee recipes that I think you might like.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee
1/4 cup ground coffee
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups water
2 teaspoons half-and-half cream, or to taste
1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste

Jamaica Coffee
3/4 fluid ounce dark rum
3/4 fluid ounce coffee flavored liqueur
1 cup brewed coffee
2 tablespoons whipped cream
1 chocolate covered coffee bean

Like my coffee, I'm not into writing plain-Jane romances either. I like spice between my hunky heroes and ambitious heroines, and my romances all have a twist at the end - some unexpected flavor if you will. So today, I thought I'd share a little snippet of my new release, SILENT PARTNER, which has that added "froo-froo" we all seem to crave.

Hope you enjoy!

*And remember to leave me a comment on this post with your email address so you can be entered in my Blog Tour Giveaway! The prize includes an autographed print book from my backlist (winner's choice), assorted bookmarks, and a $15 gift certificate to Amazon! See HERE for contest details.

Silent Partner

Available Now At:
Kindle | Nook | ARe | Smashwords | CTR | BookStrand

Blurb:
Grayson Anders has it all. He’s the co-owner of a happening nightclub in downtown Boston, he’s wealthy, and women practically throw themselves at his feet the moment he steps on the dance floor. But profiting from these obvious benefits is not his desire. His passion is dancing and he wants nothing more than to find the perfect dance partner.

Chloe LaRoche is a talented artist, but a failing entrepreneur. Her once thriving studio is now on the brink of foreclosure and unless she paints the next Van Gogh Starry Night, she’ll have to cut her losses and say goodbye to her quaint little gallery. Fearing her career is at an end, she drags herself to the local hot spot, determined to drown her worries in the bottom of a shot glass. At least that was the plan…until she lays eyes on a wickedly sexy, swarthy dancer in the club—Grayson Anders.

Unable to resist, Chloe finds herself in Grayson’s arms, indulging in a passionate, out-of-control, one night stand. And when they awaken the next morning, they are both consumed with inspiration.

Grayson finds his perfect dance partner and Chloe finally finds her muse. But, will her secret destroy both their dreams?

Excerpt:
Chosen.

It seemed like a stupid concept, given the countless options he had in this meat-market. She could only wonder why he had opted for her.

She was not a loose woman. Anyone could see that simply by her choice of attire. She was dressed in a modest denim skirt—no where near as short as the other girls in the place—and her blouse was silky, buttoned up to the top. Not a hint of cleavage to be seen.

Yet, as he found an open spot on the floor and turned, his eyes drenched over her as if her clothes were not even there.

He jerked her into his arms, her body slamming into the solid wall of his chest, his smile consuming his chiseled face. “Hold on tight, sweet thing,” he said with a wink as he snatched her hand, establishing a strong frame between them. “I’m about to sweep you right off your feet.”

He wasn’t lying.

She felt his forearm tighten on her lower back, and he swung her around in a quick spin, his hips never breaking contact with her body. With his eyes holding fast to hers, she was lost in his gaze, the commanding force of his arm holding her attention more than the flashing lights and the crazy club atmosphere around her.

Though she could feel the deep, grave tone of the loud bass vibrating against her, helping her to judge when to step into him and when to withdraw, she was oblivious to everything else. His lean, hard body felt so good pushing into hers, guiding her into the next steps of their dance.

She knew her way around the idea of a closed dance position, their bodies parallel, touching, each of their movements placating on the advancement and withdrawal of an equal and opposite step. He was so well-skilled in his timing and technique, that he could make anyone in his arms look like a professional.

He released his arm from around her back and threw her body to the side, holding her hand as she spun away from him. With their arms extended to the fullest, she looked back at him, and he smiled, showing his immense delight before he recoiled her into his arms.

They locked hands again and he stepped into her, his pelvis jutting forward. Together, they stepped across the floor, carving a wide circle within the tight group of dancers, opening their space. Everyone seemed to oblige, though they didn’t do so happily.

Scorns and sneers from envious women were flashed in Chloe’s direction, and for some odd reason, it didn’t unsettle her. As far as she was concerned, she was enveloped in the arms of a highly prized man and no one, but her, was having the chance to partake in such a pleasure.

At least not tonight.

Though she knew in her heart he was only having his fun, toying with her emotions, and trying to see how far he could get with her, she put her cynical thoughts aside and decided to indulge in this one delight.

Not very many times would a wickedly sexy man pick her out of a crowd and dance with her as though he had yearned for this chance all night, especially when there were more promising choices at his disposal. But the look on his face said he didn’t give a damn about his other options. He was with her and that was all he seemed to care about at the moment.

Through the rest of dance, his look never wavered. If anything, she saw a deeper longing in his tawny seductive eyes, an amber glow of fire burning into her. The heat of his enthralling stare spread across every inch of her body, smoldering in places where his touch lingered.

The palms of her hands.

The small of her back.

The sensitive area of her pelvis crushed against his.

He was a tango tornado on the dance floor as he led her body into a provocative prance. If that didn’t whip her thoughts into a frenzy, then what happened next certainly did.

He released her left hand and dipped her over his forearm, dragging his free palm down her vulnerably exposed neck and between her breasts, his thumb and pinky brushing over the tight tips of her nipples through her blouse.

Chloe shot up straight, a quick gasp filling her lungs. She had never been groped in such a way before, and even though she knew she should haul off and smack him, she couldn’t. She enjoyed it too much.

She could still feel the lingering sensations of his bold touch, the exact path his fingertips had blazed down her breastbone beneath her shirt. He wasn’t in the slightest regretful of his aggressive move—the coy smile, fanning across his lips, proved that.

Her heart skipped.

Her skin blushed as it felt like every drop of blood in her body had pushed its way through the narrow veins of her neck and flooded her face. She was shocked, to say the least, by his daring maneuver, but, of all things, she couldn’t find the resolve to punish him for his indecency.

What was even more bizarre, was the fact that her body craved for him to do it again. To feel his hands all over her. Not just a slight brush of his fingertips as before, but a heavy spread of masculine hands stroking across her hungry flesh.

She knew his hands were just perfect for the job, especially since he had ignored her look of disbelief and jerked her closer by her waistband, enveloping her with a formidable embrace around her back.

She glanced down at the dark complected hand still gripping her denim skirt, the hard knuckles of his fingers pressing temptingly against the soft skin of her stomach. He tormented her. Easily. And he knew it.

Shit, it’s hot in here.

She doubted it had anything to do with the physicality of their once fast-paced dance. For a moment, she started to blame the amount of alcohol she had consumed, thinking her body had finally absorbed it and was now feeling the unfavorable aftereffect. Once she felt his fingers move slightly across her skin, she quickly reneged on that theory.

The heat flushing her body was more likely due to the practiced man who held her in his arms and stared at her with an insatiable lust. It was, by no means, unfavorable. He was gorgeous, she admitted, and the only thing she could think of was how beautiful he must be when stripped of his clothing.

She imagined he was like a Greek statue—a modern day Adonis—his body chiseled, hard, and stunningly streamlined. Every part of him was straight out of an Acropolis Museum exhibit, from the beauty of his unforgettable handsome face to the perfection of his male physique. He actually made her want to try her hand at sculpting clay instead of painting.

She had never sculpted before, but it was easy to envision her hands molding over his chest and arms, kneading and shaping every bulge of muscle on his torso. She even dared to think of her hands forming the tight orbs of his cute little ass, how she’d enjoy spending a lot of time casting his entire body with precision, down to the finest detail of his supple lips and the slight shadow of facial hair around them.

Chloe found herself staring at his well-groomed goatee, though one could hardly call it that since it seemed more elusive than anything. His thin, dark mustache accentuated his full luscious lips, while the vertical strip of hair from his lower lip drew her toward his strong chin and jaw.

She could tell he must have spent a lot of time trimming his beard in that fashion and she assumed he did so because it was a part of him he wanted women to notice.

She noticed all right.

His mouth was so alluring, so inviting, so…coming closer!

Automatically, her face drew back. She stiffened and looked him in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, a tinge of a smile creeping into one corner of his mouth. “Not into public displays of affection?”

What was wrong, she asked herself? She came here with the intent of forgetting her troubles. And letting Mr. Gyration kiss her would no doubt erase all memory of that. And then some.

Hell, he was making her forget things now.

Like the fact that she should not get caught up in this ‘player,’ because, frankly, that was all he was. She’d be nothing to him but another oat sowed, a tally on his board, a number on his scorecard…and come morning, he’d never think twice about her.

So, why did those reasons, all piled up, not come close to the height of her curiosity?

She didn’t know. All she knew was she wanted him more than anything. More than another shot of Patrón, more than trying to figure out a way to save her business. She had only one thing on her mind and that was him all over her.

As if he read her mind, he moved into her, backing her up until she hit the wall behind her, his body pressed soundly against hers.

“I’m with you on the privacy thing,” he said coyly. “Because once I kiss you, I’m not going to stop, and no one else needs to see me tear off your clothes.”


If you missed the first two blog spots on my Blog tour & Giveaway, you can go there now:

Sunday, April 17, 2011

And the Winner Is...

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
"Loveangel132"
This week's Winning Wednesday Giveaway winner!!

"Loveangel132" is the lucky winner of an eBook copy of
Grace Elliott's, A Dead Man's Debt.


Please contact me at
coffeeandromanceblog@gmail.com
within 48 hours to claim your prize.