Title: Scandalous Endeavors

Author: Amanda Mariel

Published by: Three Worlds Press

Date published: Dec. 12, 2014

Genres: Historical

Book Length: 137 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Lady Amelia & Lord Goldstone

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” I could visualize everything that was going on which is really good. Some books can be boring and not get into the storyline.”~Karen

Lady Amelia has only known the comfort of life in mid-eighteenth century English aristocracy. But when first her mother and then her father die, she finds herself alone, grief stricken and….. not of age. Her appointed guardian, an American uncle, has ordered her travel to his plantation where she must remain for at least two years when she will come of age.

With the help of Lady Grace and Lady Sarah, Lady Amelia gets her uncle to agree to give her four weeks to settle her affairs and unbeknownst to him…find an English lord to marry so she can remain in her beloved England. Despite her mourning period she endeavors to trap one of London’s eligible bachelors in matrimony.

Lord Goldstone, Lady Grace’s nephew is devilishly handsome, but a Scottish Duke and so entirely unacceptable as a possible husband. After all Scotland is not her beloved London and environs. He also has a nasty habit of showing up at all the wrong moments and thwarting her carefully laid plans to ensnare a suitable husband. Sparks fly as the pair find themselves at odds with each other and drawn to each other at the same time. Can they find a way to stop arguing long enough to explore their growing passion? Is it strong enough to make Lady Amelia give up her English home after all? Or will Lady Amelia find a suitable English lord and avoid social exile in America? Time is running out.

Lady Amelia – Viscountess of Everthorne was extremely sad after her father died. Her mom also passed on when she was young. She was now parentless. What was she going to do? She didn’t want to leave her townhome or London for that matter. Amelia’s Uncle Lewis, (her mother’s brother), from America has come to get her. She has only 1 week to get all of her affairs in order

A week? How is this even possible?

This is definitely not enough time to pack, close the townhome, and let the servants go. Lady Amelia visits her friend Lady Sarah to get a plan in order.The plan is to find an English husband for Amelia within a week!

Is this possible? Will It actually work? What will Amelia have to do so she can stay in London and not go to America with her Uncle Lewis?

Lady Sarah and Amelia together visit Lady Grace Abernathy who has been good friends with Amelia’s Dads’ side of the family. There’s no way she would say no, or would she? Will Lady Grace become a chaperone for Amelia? Of course, an approval would be needed too by Uncle Lewis!

Lady Sarah’s brother; Lord Roseington is single and she would most definitely would like Amelia to be part of her family. They have been friends forever. They plot that at an upcoming ball, Lady Sarah will ask her brother to retrieve a book from the library that lady grace will lend to her where Amelia will be sitting as well to make a commotion by falling in the lap of Lord Roseington to have a kiss planted between them. This will cause major chaos!

Someone overhears the plan that is set forth in action? Who is it? What does this person do? How will Lady Amelia react to this?

Lord Goldstone is visiting in town. He is the nephew to Lady Grace. Amelia goes to her horse ruby by the stables is trying to put her thoughts together but says them out loud. She thinks she is alone but someone is there and startles her. She gets alarmed! She is being laughed at by Lord Goldstone. Even though she looks him in the eye she must admit there is an attraction there that she just can’t figure out and even why! He is a Scottish Lord, not an English Lord!

Scandalous sensations went through Lady Amelia’s body when she relived Lord Goldstone kiss between them. It sent shivers through her body.

What I liked about this book?

It took me 2 days to read and finish this book! I could visualize everything that was going on which is really good. Some books can be boring and not get into the storyline. I didn’t have this problem here. I kept reading as I wanted to know more of what was going on and happening! I do wish there is a part 2 Sequel of this book! I think there is more to write about with these Characters: Lady Amelia, Lady Sarah, Lady Grace, Uncle Lewis, Lord Roseington, and Lord Goldstone!

What I didn’t like about this book?

I was looking for more Scandalous sections! I didn’t find a lot of Scandalous activity here. That was a little bit of a disappointment. 

And there you have it! Head on over to Amazon and give it a go!

~Karen L. (Guest Reviewer)

Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. Her hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, traveling, photography, and spending time with her family. Some of Amanda Mariel’s favorite places in the continental U.S. are Harper’s Ferry West Virginia and Sea Brook New Hampshire. She loves the history that surrounds them and visits them every chance she gets.

Amanda Mariel lives along the Lake Huron shore line in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a long standing love affair with sugary junk food.

Title: Love Overcomes

Author: Angela Schroeder

Published by: Anaiah Press

Date published: Nov. 4, 2014

Genres: Contemporary

Book Length: 205 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Arabella & Jeremy

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“Love Overcomes is a sweet romance that had me laughing and crying and begging for more. I seriously found myself wishing that this book was part of a series! ” ~Becca

Going to Hollywood was supposed to be something that would change Clara Mackenzie’s life forever.

Her younger sister, single mother Arabella, never imagined that going to California with her sister would have such a huge impact on her life. Now, she needs to try to overcome her past and try to trust again or be doomed to be single forever.

Arabella Mackenzie and her son Liam have never wanted or needed anyone other than their family. When Arabella meets Jeremy Fowlis she begins to have feelings for a man for the first time since before her son was born. Shy, Clara begins to fall for an actor of her own when she meets dashing Jake.

Jeremy is not use to women who do not want to date him because he is an in-demand actor let alone a woman who does not even recognize him. He finds he wants to know more about her but is not sure if he can handle the fact that she is a single mother and has a past that seems to be shrouded in mystery.

Can Arabella and Jeremy both overcome their doubts, fears and past in order to find love?

Love Overcomes is a sweet romance that had me laughing and crying and begging for more. I seriously found myself wishing that this book was part of a series! 

Arabella and Clara are sisters. When Clara gets the chance to work on the movie set for her book Arabella offers to go with her for support. Bringing her young son along for the fun adventure the sisters never expected to find themselves falling for two amazing men. I loved how beautifully written the story is. It has a focus on growth and healing while keeping in enough romance to keep things rolling and interesting.

I think my favorite thing about this book is that there is a clear focus on the romance and the lives of the characters. Yes, Christianity is a part of the book. However, while the characters show a great love for Christ and want to share that with the people they love, the story isn’t over taken by the religious aspect of things. There is mystery, there is romance, and there is danger all of which blends perfectly with the religious aspect of things. A lot of books that want to add a religious aspect to the story take things too far. They make it so that the focus is solely on God and not on the story itself. I felt that Love Overcomes honestly had a larger impact on me religiously because it didn’t shove it in my face. It flowed well and had just enough to add to the story instead of take away from it. 

The characters are very well developed and absolutely realistic and lovable. The story line is amazing, however, sometimes I felt like the narrative style of the writing kept pulling me away. I suppose I have just gotten used to reading stories that are written a little bit differently. The book switches between characters a bit and we get to learn not only about Arabella and Jeremy’s romance but Jake and Clara’s as well.

The romance side of the book was a little lack luster…but it is a sweet romance and not a steamy one. I felt that the dialogue was a bit forced and hard to tell who was talking (they didn’t have their own voice or style…) and the few romantic moments between characters were very minimal and not really mentioned much. I get that this is a Christian romance and there for I didn’t expect there to be sex…however, I did expect there to be a bit more romance. A few more kisses or heated scenes. 

I will say that there were one or two moments where I honestly stopped and said “What in the world? Why is he/she…”.

**SEMI SPOILER ALERT**For instance, Jeremy and Arabella ‘break things off’ for ten days….just ten days…and in those ten days he is spending time with another woman?? Umm…sorry but that doesn’t work for me! I know that he doesn’t ‘do’ anything with the other woman, or at least if he does it isn’t mentioned. However, it really bothered me that he even tried to move on that quickly.

Over all, I really enjoyed this book and do recommend that you read it. The story is fun and kept me wanting more. 

Angela was born and raised in Iowa, in a river town known for its pearl buttons. Having four siblings, she never lacked for someone to play with. As she grew older, she found herself pulled into books and writing more and more. Her parents are her heroes, her siblings her confidants and tormentors, and her children her wonderful blessings.

Do you like to read Christian romance novels?

Title: Stolen Innocents

Author: Addison Kline

Series: Shadow Series (Book 2)

Publish Date: October 24th

Book Length: 464 pages

Rating: Sweet

Genre: Mystery/YA/NA

Main Characters: The Families of Elkhart

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“I implore you to check this series out. You will NOT regret it – Addison Kline is one of the best.” – Jen

Everybody in Elkhart has a secret and if they say they don’t, they’re lying. Three years have passed since Tristan Morrow returned home after her harrowing kidnapping ordeal with her former English teacher, Bernard Kendricks. A sense of peace has taken over the Morrow Manor, but it will not last forever. A killer of women is on the loose in Elkhart and has already claimed the lives of two young women. Will DiNolfo and her officers catch the killer before a third victim is claimed? When their three main suspects turn out to be innocent, the Elkhart Police Department is at a loss until a citizen comes forward with some crucial information: Tristan Morrow knows who is responsible for the murders. But does the information come too late? And how does this relate to the murder case of Tiffany O’Mara? Tristan soon learns that not even the dead can keep their secrets buried forever.

Holy Mystery! I am astonished at Addison”s ability to cross genres so eloquently. I am an avid romance reader – I have never had an interest in any other type of book. Until this series. This is not a romance book. This is an adventure into the amazing world of Thrilling Mystery. You may ask why I decided to read and review this book and it’s predecessor Shadow Dancer… Well, it’s because I love Addison’s work. All of it. She is an amazing author and her genius over captivating her audience is sublime.

This book takes place 3 years after Shadow Dancer. Giving us a deeper look into the sadistic mind of Bernard kendricks. The asshole sociopath in Shadow Dancer. It shows us how his corruption of a young girl had ill effects on her psyche.

Angela O’Mara’s character was incredible! Thats all I can say without spoiling anything… lol. Tristan Morrow has got to be the best young heroine in any book I have read in a long time. She has a good head on her shoulders despite the turmoil she suffered in the last book. She takes everything a day a time and doesn’t let the past hold her back. The Morrow Family is one to aspire to. Their values and strength and support they carry for those they love is admirable. The changes in their lives and everything they have overcome, it gives you a sense of knowing… a sense that everything works out even after the bleakest of times.

I implore you to check this series out. You will NOT regret it – Addison Kline is one of the best. I am so glad I gave this series attention…. I am also glad that Addison writes and releases quickly, I hate waiting too long for the next book in a series. I wonder if she has more in store from the town of Elkhart

Addison Kline is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who resides in Philadelphia with her husband and their children. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reruns of Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead and Sons on Anarchy, traveling with her family and reading to her heart’s content. She has published a total of 7 books and had many more in the works… Keep your eyes out for her ladies!

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 What are some your favorite books outside the ROMANCE world?

Title: Surviving Goodbye

Author: Morgan Parker

Date published: August 21, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery

Book Length: 304 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Elliot & Veronica

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“I loved this book. It’s not steamy, super sexy, or sweat inducing. It’s sweet, sad, thoughtful, embarrassing, hilarious, lusty, anger inducing, and desire filled. I laughed and cried, and cussed all the characters out.” ~Jen

In the final hours of her life, Elliot Fitch’s wife confesses that he is not the biological father to their 16-year old daughter.

Surviving Goodbye follows Elliot’s collision course with Fate as he embarks on a journey to locate his daughter’s real father. When Elena, now seventeen years old, announces her unplanned pregnancy and the father’s unwillingness to play a role in their child’s upbringing, Elliot faces an ironic dilemma about the true meaning of parenthood and the roles we play in the lives of others, particularly those we love and who love us in return.

What can I say about Surviving Goodbye without spoiling it? Hmmm… Okay here goes nothin!

Elliot Fitch loves his wife more than his next breath. Karen has been his entire world since the day they met and he was hers. Or was he? Did they really have the fairy tale marriage he always thought they had? Or has this all been a ruse? Revealing a secret on her deathbed, she crushes the man who adores her every breath with a few simple words. The day Karen dies is the day Elliot’s soul ceases to thrive. And not only because the love of his life is no longer alive…

Suffering through blinding anger for the better part of a year, Elliot decides to try and piece together this unspeakable travesty that Karen left for him. But it may be too little too late. He loses his job and has a teenager with a serious attitude problem. Life continues to get even more difficult when his 16 year old daughter Elena reveals a secret of her own. Had he really been so out of it this past year he neglected to help his baby girl grieve the right way? Leaving her to seek solace in the arms of some degenerate asshole that’s only going to take off? Of course he was – Anger and betrayal had taken over his life – leaving Lena to fight for herself. But no more. He will find out the truth even if it kills him. 

A chance meeting by way of his “adventurous” daughter, brings a new spark of life into Elliot’s world. Veronica is young – (too young for his 42 he thinks) – she is spunky and determined… And a survivor. Doing her best to care for her 5yr. old daughter alone – she stumbles upon Elliot’s door while delivering a “package”. He tries to convince her the “package” was ordered by his daughter… Leaving this beautiful delivery truck driver extremely skeptical. Chemistry flows freely between the two even with their awkward introduction. Even with everything going on in his life he can’t stop thinking about Veronica. But Elena needs her father right now. More so now than ever before. He is determined to support her through what is sure to be the most difficultly beautiful experience of her life.

Finding comfort in Veronica’s presence, Elliot shares his plans for his wife’s revelation with her. She decides to help him embark on his heartbreaking journey to find the truth left behind by his dead wife. Throughout their “investigation” things heat up between the two and their sexual desire for each other burns hotter than the sun. He remains leery in trusting her completely though. Something just doesn’t feel right. Maybe it’s nothing… But maybe it isn’t.

For each breakthrough they have there is a roadblock waiting. Can these two powerfully broken souls come together and be what the other needs? Will the secrets of the past and present tear this new beginning apart before it even has a chance?

Elliot will redeem his behavior – for his daughter – for Veronica – and for himself damnit. He has been defeated before, and that is not an option anymore. Does his redemption happen in time to change the course of his ending? Can love really conquer all? Or does his journey to find the truth lead him in circles for too long? With one final confession from Karen revealed by someone from her past… Elliot finally breaks. Will he understand her reasoning before he loses everything again? Can he build a future around the magnetic pull that is Veronica? Or will she be the biggest “what if” of his life?

I loved this book. It’s not steamy, super sexy, or sweat inducing. It’s sweet, sad, thoughtful, embarrassing, hilarious, lusty, anger inducing, and desire filled. I laughed and cried, and cussed all the characters out. The blanket of emotions this book just blessed me with, is definitely going to leave me with a serious book hangover. The barrage of all that is Elliot and Veronica has left me smitten that’s for sure! 

Give this book a shot ladies – sometimes the unexpected leads to what you didn’t know you were missing. Morgan will have you yearning for another book – you’re going to want more – so be warned now… Sometimes HEA’s don’t happen the way we want them too… Or maybe they do – and we don’t know it until it happens!

Morgan Parker is the pen name for a shy and introverted banker. He currently divides his time between Toronto, Canada and his imagination. When he isn’t writing or working with clients or relaxing at Balzac’s with a medium non-fat cappuccino, Morgan Parker enjoys spending time with his family. And sleeping, preferably on a bed (the left side) but depending on the day, he can pretty much curl up anywhere. No, he is not currently accepting applications for cuddling partners.

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Books by Morgan

Surviving Goodbye / Sick Day / Non Friction / Textual Encounters / Textual Encounters 2 

His current work in progress – Violets & Violence is due to be released in December 2014

What would you do if everything you had ever known for the entirety of your love life turned out to be a lie?

Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads. Fast forward 15 years, and the Morrow family still doesn’t know the truth behind Catherine Morrow’s disappearance. When 15 year old Tristan is required to write a biography on her mother for a school assignment, she learns the truth about her mother’s fate, and is hell-bent upon finding out who was responsible for her death. But when Tristan herself goes missing too, everyone is suspect, even her own father and boyfriend. Set in rural Fox Hollow, PA, Shadow of Morrow unravels a web of lies, deceit, madness and corruption. Can investigators crack the case before Tristan meets the same fate as her mother? And who is responsible for the disappearances? There is much uncertainty as the investigation unfolds, but there is one thing that is certain: Tristan Morrow holds the master key to the entire riddle.

 

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Title: Exsanguinate

Author: Killion Slade

Series: World of Blood (#1)

Published by: Draconian Publishing – Spirit

Date published: December 9, 2013

Genres: Paranormal, Horror/Thriller

Book Length: 302 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet-Steamy

Main Characters: Cheyenne & Khaldon

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“The romance mixed in with the drama and mystery was not too much and not too little. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by explicit sex scenes or feel like I missed out on the romance. The story line is seriously deep and pulls you in to make you fall in love with the characters and the world in an amazingly short amount of time!” ~Becca

“They can’t touch you. What could possibly go wrong at Orlando’s beloved Global Studios Halloween Scream Nights theme park? Cheyenne O’Cuinn’s task is to study fear even though she is the biggest chicken on the planet. In order to carve out a slice of the billion dollar scare industry for her online role-play company, she researches what causes people to run screaming out of haunted attractions.

Determined to face her own fear of Oldhouseophobia, Cheyenne confronts her bloodcurdling obsession – the dreaded haunted house. Her worst nightmare manifested, Cheyenne is brutally attacked and left for dead by a rogue vampire. Splattered across the front page of the Orlando Sentinel, Cheyenne discovers her sisters are missing while she recovers in the hospital.

The ransom call from the kidnapper sets into motion the rabbit hole of a parallel supernatural reality she invades to rescue her family. In a race against the hourglass, Cheyenne confronts a double-agent vampire, a cyberchondriac werewolf, and a mafioso dragon. Can they be trusted to help her, or are they a part of the twisted scheme?

With her sister’s lives on the line, Cheyenne has no choice but to beat the kidnappers at their own game and ensnare them with her own brand of deception. ”

I want to be sure that I say this upfront and get it out there….I downloaded the sample of this book and was hooked from page one! I have never read a book that was a gamer style genre…never really read a lot of horror novels if I’m being honest. However, that will certainly change when it comes to this series!

I heard from some people and reviews that the book was “too scary” or “I just couldn’t read it” but guess what?!? Those people are crazy!

While, this book was scary it was also an amazing story! I was addicted and begging for more before I knew what happened! I am going to do my best to do a quick review without any spoilers! Not always an easy task!

I can say that I have never been reading a book and never wanted it to end…but couldn’t stop reading all at the same time! It was so frustrating! I still can’t figure out how I read this book soo quickly…well actually I can…it involved one entire night of NOT SLEEPING!

My hubby and I are HUGE gamers so the fact that the main characters (which just happen to be awesome women) are programmers and game lovers just appealed to me even more. I loved that this book managed to mix what we know of as reality with things that most people believe don’t exist. This lead to an interesting level of acceptance for the story line. I honestly felt like these things could be taking place somewhere in the world and people have no clue! Let’s just say that I laughed my tail off at all of the hints at cyber sex and online romance! I mean seriously…the iVibrate? hahahaha Love it!!

I can honestly say that I read a TON of paranormal romance/urban fantasy style books….some are good and some are not so good. I mean seriously..I may have a problem lol but hey if you are into paranormal romances and read like I do be sure to check out I Love Vampire Novels for a ton of FREE ebooks each week! This one is definitely up among my favorites!

The romance mixed in with the drama and mystery was not too much and not too little. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by explicit sex scenes or feel like I missed out on the romance. The story line is seriously deep and pulls you in to make you fall in love with the characters and the world in an amazingly short amount of time!

The story line is epic and unique. There are twists and turns and some unexpected out comes (to say the least)! I adore how Exsanguinate manages to blend humor and horror along with a touch of romance so smoothly! I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is the strong female characters. These women are not wimps in any shape or form!

Another cool aspect of the book is The Super Market. This is just the coolest place ever! Trust me when I say you do not want to miss reading about all of the craziness that takes place within these walls!

I still can’t get over how amazing this book is and my only problem with it is that I am already begging for book 2!!

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered how on earth a certain actor or actress was cast AND then how could you ever see someone else playing that role?  As writers, we often times have a certain person we can identify with as we envision our characters.  For me, having a visual makes all the difference!  For others, they never give it a second thought.  I thought it would be fun to share with you our dream cast for Exsanguinate – A Vampire Urban Fantasy Series (World of Blood Book 1) .

Tell us who you think would be awesome at any character role for Exsanguinate. We’d love to hear your thoughts

Killion Slade’s Exsanguinate Dreamcast

Amy Adams as Cheyenne O’Cuinn	Reese Witherspoon as Sheridan O’Cuinn	Emma Watson as Dakota O’Cuinn
Christine Baranski as Aisling O’Cuinn	Selma Hayek as Amicula Darkrose
Luke Evans as Khaldon Seters	Ryan Kwanten as Harris Archer	Simon Pegg as Torchy Gravenor
Morris Chestnut as Tony Briggs	Gabriel Byrne as Kiernan O’Cuinn	Gary Ross as Dream Director
James Newton Howard as Dream Composer	Carter Burwell as Dream Composer

Killion Slade is a married writing team who met in the virtual realms of Second Life and virtually enjoy everything. Mrs. Slade writes and crafts the stories, while Mr. Slade formats and publishes. Members of the Horror Writers Association and the Paranormal Romance Guild, they storyboard their characters inside Second Life as their avatars reveal their stories. Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Montana, they stay busy chasing kids, corralling horses and cats, and enjoying the harvest from their garden. Married on Halloween – they love to live life to the fullest and embrace one another each and every day.

Killion Slade can be reached at the following:
Email:  Killion@killionslade.com   Facebook   Website   Amazon Author Page   Google+   Twitter

We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

I love it when equally there is a hero and heroine in a story.  Jewel of the Nile or Mr. & Mrs. Smith come to mind.  That is what I wanted for the World of Blood series.  Since I knew this wasn’t going to be a stand-alone one book, it gave us the opportunity to delve deeper into the two heros.  I can’t say that they are built on any one person other than our own avatar imaginations inside of Second Life.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

We fell in love with Ravven when I came across her artwork on Facebook.  She is an expat who lives in the UK and she’s a gamer to boot.  Her artwork is clean, sexy, and inventive. http://www.ravven.com/  We love her mostly because she is truly genuine person and such an amazing artist.  She has a way of embedding such detail when you look at the cover up close, but ti doesn’t look too garbled.  Her lighting and textures are simply magnificent.  We can’t say enough good things about her.

What are two of your favorite characters in your books/series?

That is a tough question!  It’s like asking which child is your favorite.  On certain days you can answer that question, but usually you love them all for their weird quirks and snark.  I would have to say I truly enjoy Dakota’s character because she can truly say what is on her mind and get away with it.  Whereas, Cheyenne and Sheridan have to be provoked a bit more before they lose their grasp of hold the tongue before thou speaketh.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

In Exsanguinate I enjoyed writing the scene ambiance as Cheyenne walked into the Halloween Horror Park.  So much of writing these days is show, not tell  – but be sure and don’t stop your action or the reader will get bored.  I had so much visual imagery to work from with Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Gardens HalloScream that there wasn’t enough room in the book to write down everything I wanted to include. This is why we decided on having the interactive features in the book so readers could enjoy extended scenes if they wanted.

It’s kinda funny – there have been a couple people who didn’t understand the QR codes or the ebooks links into the website.  They thought the code links were ads or dvds to a game.  But then there are others who totally grooved on finding the hidden easter egg gems we have stashed away for fun on the website.

Silly stuff

Are you the driver or a passenger in your book? (Are you in control of where the story goes or does it sort of just happen?)

This is a fantastic question, Becca!  I would have to say both.  Often times I have paved the road they are walking down, given them props and people to play with and then often times, they’ll surprise me with the words that come out of their mouths.  Sometimes it’s shocking what they do! 

You’re having a party. What character from your book do you hope attends? Why?

Oh, I totally want Dakota, Harris and Beano to show up! Those two are forever getting their snark on and who can resist a loveable Beano puppy?

What character do you hope doesn’t attend? Why?

I don’t think I would want Edric.  He is truly a bad dude and just the thought of him totally creeps me out!

Characters often find themselves in situations they aren’t sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of and what did you do?

That is a truly relevant question and quite timely.  My editor, Mary Ann Peden-Coviello, tore me a new one recently.  It would seem as if my personal life was taken out on a few characters and I did some irreparable damage to the cast.  If I had published the story with some of the unkindness which spewed from Cheyenne, she would have lost respect from the readers and you can’t do that with your protagonists.  I’m thinking we will publish the “off the wtf were you thinking” scene onto the website.  That way readers can see how I almost destroyed the entire cast!

My editor knows my characters so well that she called me out on it immediately and said, “WTF were you thinking?”  LOL – Literally!  SO after we discussed what I was trying to accomplish [can’t tell cause it’s a spoiler for 2^nd book], who was in the scene, and they needed to react realistically – I rewrote the scene in two parts.  One portion from Cheyenne’s point of view [POV], and the other from Khaldon’s POV.  So the scene carries out two simultaneous conversations from each here’d point of view.  It was an extremely difficult chapter, but one that is critical to the growth of both my protags.

Who is your favorite “Book Boyfriend”? What series is it from and who wrote it?

Awww, man!  I think you’ve got me there.  I think it would have to Bones from the Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress Series.  I fell in love with his voice narration on the audiobooks and it made me love the written character even more.  He is a tender- hearted bad ass and he makes my toes curl up!

What books are on your nightstand or by your chair?

I’m not so sure what this says about me, but do grammar and self-editing books count?  The emotion thesaurus is an absolute must as well.  I have a kindle fire on my nightstand, so I literally have hundreds available to me at any given moment.  My TBR list is longer than my to edit list…

What’s next for you?

We are deep into Book 2 for the World of Blood series – not sure yet of the launch date, but we are striving for a winter 2014 release.

Don’t have time to read a paperback or don’t have a kindle?  Never fret!  We are deep into production for Exsanguinate the audiobook version which is due to release in November 2014!  We are very excited about this project because it truly brings the characters ALIVE when you can experience them in the venue. CLICK HERE for a FREE sample containing the prologue and chapter one of Exsanguinate.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

We get asked this question quite a bit.  Is there a real Beano? And the answer is Yes!!!  In the book however, Beano is portrayed as a male puppy dog, but our beloved Beano is female.

“If you want to find your precious Sheridan and Dakota, you need to login to ExsanguiNation. Go find the haunted barn by the cornfield. Do you understand, my pet?”

“What does the game have to do with this?” I ran my hand through my hair frantically pulling it out of my face.

“Everything! You have one hour to find it and follow the instructions. If you don’t find it, then you’ll receive body parts from Fed Ex to your condo.”

Afraid of what he might say next, I gulped. He knew where I lived. Vampire or not, I wasn’t safe anymore. Maybe I never had been.

“Okay, okay I’ll be there. Where is the haunted barn? I’ve never programmed a barn in the game.”

“Of course you haven’t, idiot, I did.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Tut tut tut, that’s no way to talk to a fellow vampire now is it?”

My eyes grew wide in horrific understanding.

“Cheyenne, GC 89 – we’re alive!” Dakota screamed into the phone.

Bile crawled up out of my stomach and creeped into my throat as my hands covered my face.

“Please, hold.” The phone filled with oldies Muzak.

As fast as Dakota’s voice emerged, it was gone again.

Oh My God – they’re alive! Did I hear her right? GC 89? What does that mean?

I jumped out of bed and paced back and forth in the room. The hold music turned off, and Ludovic came back to the line.

“Please let me talk to her. Please don’t hurt them.” I cried into the phone, “I’ll do whatever you want. What do you want, money? Just give me till tomorrow afternoon and I’ll get it.”

“Thank you for holding, Miss O’Cuinn. I don’t need your money. I want you in exchange for your sisters. Be at the red, haunted barn in one hour or you’ll live with their deaths on your bloody hands the rest of your pathetic existence.”

My mind raced for comprehension. It had been a little over a week since the attack and Ludovic was just now contacting me. How does he know I’m home? Are there any cameras in my house?

I’m bugged!

“Padme, awake!” My computers instantly came online. Logged in into the portal, I typed ‘red haunted barn’ into the search field of the game. No results returned. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Padme, mute!” I thought for a moment. “Padme, are there any external cameras added to the system? Any hidden communication or transmission devices?”

“Scanning. Negative. I detect zero unauthorized sensors.”

“Padme, unmute.”

“Ludovic, how did you know I was home?”

“Wouldn’t you love to find out, my pet?” His voice slimed over me.

“There aren’t any haunted barns coming up in the search engine parameters.”

“Have you checked for any external worlds that aren’t on your simulators?”

“You hacked into my game? You fecking … hacker … you.”

“Tsk tsk tsk. Such foul language from a lady. Keep it up and you’ll lose another ten minutes.”

“What do you mean lose another ten minutes? You said I had an hour.”

“You’ve taken enough of my time today. To answer your question however, good news travels fast through the grapevine. Oh, and one more thing. Don’t bother calling your dear father or the cops. If you’re not careful, even more loved ones will be joining your sisters. Goodbye, Cheyenne.”

The phone went dead.

“Wait! What? Hello, hello? Ludovic!”

Dammit!

“Padme, run a reverse lookup on that number and dial it back.”

“Locating.”

Lightning crashed again as sheets of rain pummeled the windows. The palm fronds on the trees outside looked as if the wind were at least a hurricane Cat 3. The power inside the house flickered on and off.

“Unverifiable.”

Dammit to hell!

I grabbed my cell phone off the charger and called Harris. He was the only person I could trust.

Damn voicemail!

“Harris, call me back as soon as you can. I’ve been contacted about Kota and Sher. Please call me as soon as you get this!”

I paced back and forth a few moments.

Breathe. Use logic to figure this out. You can do this.

Okay, so what did I know?

Ludovic knew I was home.

I’m not bugged.

He knew my house line.

Dakota and Sheridan are alive.

Dakota yelled out GC 89.

Ludovic hacked into my game.

I grabbed a picture frame of my mother and hugged it to my chest.

THINK!

Who can help me track this guy? I need another hacker.

I swallowed hard and pulled Khaldon’s card out of my pocket.

I sure hope he plays video games.

Khaldon answered on the third ring. “Cheyenne, is everything okay?”

“How did you know it was me?”

“I don’t give out this number to just anyone.”

“No, everything is not okay. I just got a call from Dakota’s boyfriend.” Khaldon’s calm voice pushed me over the edge. “He’s the one who kidnapped them. He’s holding them hostage.”

“Okay. Hold tight. What can I do to help?” His voice was smooth and collected.

“He wants me to play, inside my game, to find a haunted barn where I will find further instructions. I was hoping you could track server side to determine his location. I have less than an hour to find it, or he said he would start sending body parts in the mail.”

Don’t forget to check out our Monthly Giveaway page to see what else is included in this awesome giveaway!

Killion Slade is giving away a signed copy of Exsanguinate as well as a surprise swag pack from the Super Market!

How do you feel about mixing a little horror with your romance?

Title: Runaway

Author: Renee Donne

Published by: Anaiah Press

Date published: July 29, 2014

Genres: Historical

Book Length: 

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Marianne & Aaron

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 “By this point I was totally attached to Aaron with his chivalry and southern boy charm and Marianne with her sweetness and willingness to do things she never thought she would.” ~Becca

After Marianne discovers her bankrupt stepfather sold her into marriage to the highest bidder, she flees Philadelphia and heads west to start a new life.

Unfortunately for her danger follows. First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen, hired by her spurned would-be husband, are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.

Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome, cowboy who offers temporary refuge. Knowing she can’t refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?

This was my first Historical Romance and I was very nervous about reading it. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to give it the review it deserved due to my hesitance to read it. I’ve never been a big history buff and generally won’t be caught dead watching a western! That being said, the synopsis grabbed me and had me willing to give it a shot.

The story starts off very well and definitely gets your attention and makes you care for Marianne and her circumstance. I can’t imaging being thrown into  the situation that she is in with this prearranged marriage. I quickly became engrossed in the characters so much so that I just had to keep reading and see where it would lead. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story line and setting. It was a nice change of pace to read about carriage rides and gun fights in the most beautiful of settings. Even though the synopsis gives you a pretty good idea of where the book will go, Renee Donne manages to fit in a few twists and turns that are a little unexpected. I did find myself wishing that there had been a bit…well just MORE to the story. I found myself wanting to drag out the book, learn more about the individual characters and their lives, I wanting to get some details during the “courting” process! I really just feel that the author could have taken the book to a whole new level had she expanded on the story a bit.

There is a HUGE Christian theme in Runaway. Basically, Marianne’s life is guided by God’s hand and she is put where she needs to be, with who she needs to be, at the time she needs to be there.  This is even taken a step further by Aaron and his unwillingness to “court” someone that hasn’t found the Lord and doesn’t pray. There were a few times that I honestly felt like this was a bit “in your face” and not so much a back set or part of the book. I think that it could have been worked in a bit more smoothly and gotten the moral across a little better. In my opinion the focus often fell on the religious side and not the side of romance. 

Let’s talk about this romance a bit. There isn’t a ton I can say without spoilers, so this will be short, sweet and to the point! This is a historical, western romance and as such it follows how things would have been done in that time. Things flow slowly, but it seems to fit. While Marianne and Aaron’s bond grows from strangers into a friendship of sorts there are absolutely NO “steamy” bits to be found. This means that the most romance you will see here is a hand holding or two and a few private talks on the porch and at the creek. When things finally progress past the point of friendship (Some major things happen in the story line that I can’t say here…but read it and you will understand!) Aaron asks to “court” Marianne! Here is where I got excited! My first thought was, “YAY! Now we get to watch them grow from friends to romance!” 

Sorry to disappoint you guys…that doesn’t happen! We don’t get ANY of the “courting”! It flashes from the scene above to a quick Epilogue where we still don’t get so much as a kiss I was very saddened by this! By this point I was totally attached to Aaron with his chivalry and southern boy charm and Marianne with her sweetness and willingness to do things she never thought she would. Dang it, I wanted to read about at least one sweet kiss! lol

Okay, enough about my disappointment with the romance, no kiss issue. Overall, this was a sweet and quick read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story line, which totally threw me for a loop! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much! I say head on over to Amazon and give it a try, it’s definitely worth the read.

Renee Donne is a native Floridian with a penchant for writing books with a western theme. In her head she’s a world traveler and an amateur chef. In real life, she’s a hometown girl with an affinity for fine wine and good friends. Her favorite place to write is sitting on her veranda, overlooking the beach.

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Describe your book/series in 15 words or less!

Fleeing an arranged marriage, Marianne flees west to start a new life. Danger follows.

​

Tell us about your protagonist? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

Halsted is a lecherous old man, who will stop at nothing to possess Marianne as his bride. He is pure fiction, but easy to depict.

​

Who is your favorite character in the book? Why?

I think I like Aaron best. He is a strong Christian and lives his beliefs, a real hero. And, he is handsome.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I guess it would be the final chapter, where everything comes to a head. But, I don’t want to give away too much.

Are you the driver or a passenger in your book? (Are you in control of where the story goes or does it sort of just happen?)

I am definitely the driver.

​

What books are on your nightstand or by your chair?​

The Bible, my devotional, and I am currently reading Full Disclosure, by Dee Henderson

​What’s next for you?​

I have a YA that is scheduled for release this fall,with Anaiah Press, and I am currently working on a Romantic Suspense.

Chapter One

Marianne leaned against the wall and tilted her feet so her weight balanced on the outer edges of her soles. Her legs, from the knee down, were killing her. Dancing always did that to her. She watched the other guests circulating about the room, which was bright for such a late hour. Was she the only one there who found the whole thing tedious? She’d rather have been curled up in an armchair, reading. But her stepfather insisted she come to Maxwell Halsted’s Constitution Day ball.

As if conjured by her thoughts, Halsted came up behind her and put an arm around her slender shoulders. The contact made her uncomfortable. Something about the way he touched her reminded her of a cat toying with a mouse. She tried to pull away, but his hand tightened on her shoulder, his fingers digging in almost painfully. She dared a glance up at him. He was tall and slender with wavy, silver hair and piercing blue eyes. But something cold lurked in those eyes, something that made her wish to never be in a room alone with the man.

“Come, my dear, dance with me.” He guided Marianne toward the center of the dance floor. It was more a command than a request, but he was very wealthy and probably quite used to people acquiescing to his every want, however unreasonable. He was an accomplished dancer, and Marianne almost enjoyed the waltz. Until his hand started a slow roam in the direction a gentleman’s hands should not go. “I must admit, I had considered offering to make you my mistress, but when Jacob approached me with the proposition to bail him out of debt in exchange for your hand, I could not refuse. You will make me a happy man as my wife.”

Halsted’s words hit home just as the dance ended. Taking advantage of the swell of people leaving the dance floor, Marianne pulled out of Halsted’s arms and insinuated herself into the crowd, out of reach. Then, she set out to find Jacob. This could not be true; Halstead was at least sixty years old, and a letch to boot!

She found her stepfather standing on the terrace, staring out at the landscape below. The lines of his face looked harsher than usual, the circles under his cloudy, brown eyes darker. The tense hand he lifted to stroke through his greying, blond hair was thin and bony, gaunt.

At the moment she reached him, the confrontation began. “Is what Halsted just told me true? How could you?”

“Surely you know what a beautiful girl you are, Marianne?” It was more a question than a comment. She nodded, and he continued, “Over the last few years, many men have expressed interest, asked permission to court you.”

That was news to her. Not once had Jacob ever mentioned any suitors. Men had spoken to Jacob about courting her? Why was he just now telling her this?

He cleared his throat and looked so much like he was mustering courage. “You must have noticed the changes lately. I’ve lost quite a bit of money, and it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the lifestyle we are accustomed to.” That explained why he’d released the entire staff save for the housekeeper.

Jacob continued, “I devised a plan that would enable us both to continue living in the comfortable style we have always enjoyed. I put the word out that I was looking for a suitable match for you, but this was not to be the typical arrangement. Rather than me providing a dowry for you, your hand would be given to the one who offered the highest sum of money. Maxwell agreed to settle all my debts, and then some.”

Marianne’s world tilted on its axis. “No, I won’t do it. We can sell some things, move to a smaller home, but I will not be sold!”

Jacob was calm. “The matter is settled. I provided for you for these last fifteen years after marrying your mother, but she’s dead now. I have continued to care for you as though you were my own child, giving you a life filled with luxury. Now it is your turn to repay the favor.” 

What do you think? Do you like to read Historical Romance?

Title: Seven Day Fiancé

Author: Rachel Harris

Series: Love & Games

Published by: Entangled: Bliss

Date published: Oct. 14, 2013

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comdey

Book Length: 211 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet/Steamy

Main Characters: Cane Robicheaux & Angelle Prejean

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“Seven Day Fiance is a super sweet and yet a teeennyy bit steamy! The things that Rachel Harris manages to put into your mind while the characters stay behind closed doors is incredible! I was very quickly sucked into Cane and Angelle’s story of a Cajun Princess and a sexy playboy with a bad reputation.” ~Becca

Well, I may quite possibly have read these books in one whacked out order…but they did not change how amazing they are! Luckily, each of the 3 Love & Games books can be read as a stand alone

Seven Day Fiance is a super sweet and yet a teeennyy bit steamy! The things that Rachel Harris manages to put into your mind while the characters stay behind closed doors is incredible! I was very quickly sucked into Cane and Angelle’s story of a Cajun Princess and a sexy playboy with a bad reputation. When these two are pushed together by some pretty interesting circumstances (Mmmm, I may never view a Santa hat the same way again!), a romance like no other blooms and all hell breaks loose!

I think what I loved most about this story was the glances into their pasts. Both Cane and Angelle are scarred from past experiences and it was wonderful to watch them come out of their “shell” and share their deepest moments with one another. Rachel Harris managed to show readers that no one has a perfect past but that doesn’t mean you have to let it make you a different person than you want to be. While the best friend’s hot brother fantasy has been done before, Rachel Harris made it unique, fun and an all out wonderful romance!

Alright, enough rambling…what about the characters? Let’s start with Cane, he is the sexy, tattooed bartended/business owner playboy. He has had an itch to scratch when it comes to the beautiful red head for months, but she just won’t give him the time of day. While Cane is all of those things, he also has a side that he keeps to himself, a side that most people will never know about! Angelle is a sweet, loyal, clumsy, cajun girl that is determined to ignore her attraction for her best friend’s brother and NOT become just another notch on his bedpost.

Angelle has quite a few secrets of her own, one of which is pretty freaking major! I still can’t believe she waited that long to tell him!! Anyways, no spoilers I know!

Somehow over the course of 7 days (duh…title!) that Cane and Angelle spend together they manage to find a deeper connection to one another than they ever thought possible. Angelle finds that there is more to the playboy than meets the eye and Cane finds that Angelle makes him want to forget about his past and take a chance. The chemistry between these two is unforgettable! Just wow! For a closed door romance there is quite a bit of STEAM to be had! I often found myself blushing while reading this book…and that is definitely saying something! This was a total SWOON ROMANCE for me! 

This book has amazing characters, steamy romance that flows PERFECTLY, a story line that draws you in and won’t let go, and an ending that will have you in tears! Trust me when I say that if you are looking for a book that will make you grin like an idiot while blushing and hoping no one is reading over your shoulder…this is definitely the book for you!

Check out the other books in the series

Award-winning and best-selling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.

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Title: Accidentally Married on Purpose

Author: Rachel Harris

Series: Love & Games

Published by: Entangled: Bliss

Date published: July 14, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comdey

Book Length: 209 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Sherry Robicheaux and Tyler Blue

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“OMG I love Sherry…even if she is a blasphemous chick that hates country music! She said, and I quote, “Any man more interested in the health of her investment portfolio than the size of her rack had to be good people!” Sherry is a girl after my own heart!” ~Becca

Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what’s happened in Vegas staying there.

Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers.

Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.

The SHAME! I am reading a book about a blasphemous chick that doesn’t like country music?!? What is the world coming to lol

At least it’s a dual POV! Oh my gosh, how I adore a book that I get to read both sides of the story. In my opinion it just makes things so much more relatable.

When I first started this book, I honestly did not realize it was part of a series. I’m a little disappointed in myself on my research here…if I had done it a little better, I may have realized, before I hit 50%, that I have read book 1 in the Love & Games series! OMG I adored this book! If I had known there were more out there…I would have read them a LONG, LONG time ago! Oh well, now I get to go back and read book two! lol

So let’s talk story line for a minute. Tyler Blue is the sexiest man on Earth and a country music star. Sherry Robicheaux is a caterer looking for one last fling before starting her new, more responsible, life. After a night of alcohol fueled fun and some closed-door passion that neither can remember they both find themselves in a Vegas hotel room…with a veil and matching wedding rings!

With neither Tyler nor Sherry looking to be married they quickly work out a plan on how to fix their “problem”. Little does Sherry know that the man she is now married to is a bit more famous than she originally thought! Once Tyler’s true identity comes out and Sherry figures out she is now Mrs. “Sexiest Man on Earth” they come up with a new and more elaborate plan that can shed them both in a favorable light.

That is about as much story line as I can tell you without adding in spoilers! So let’s move on to the characters and their chemistry!

OMG I love Sherry…even if she is a blasphemous chick that hates country music! She said, and I quote, “Any man more interested in the health of her investment portfolio than the size of her rack had to be good people!” Sherry is a girl after my own heart! She holds nothing back, I’m pretty sure that she is quite like me in that the filter between her brain and her mouth is broken! She is hilarious, passionate, spunky, and has an absolute heart of gold.

Thanks to Sherry, I would like to announce that I now have a new favorite word: “oopsident”!

Tyler, well let’s just say that Tyler is a total hottie! He is the lead singer in a big time country music band, plays a guitar, and is apparently in love with the post-it note! There are so many moments that he steps up and shows that he is a true southern gentleman, even if the media does paint him as a playboy! He is always there for a heartbroken Sherry and finds cute ways to get around her rules.

How about chemistry? Was it there? As you know, this is an Entangled Bliss series, which means that all sex happens behind closed doors. While I did miss having those scenes, Rachel Harris manages to add in enough steamy romantic scenes that I honestly didn’t mind. There are some of the sweetest scenes I have ever read in this book! I can’t get over how attached I am to these characters! Their chemistry was there from the first time their eyes locked and it never dulled!

There was a nice steady build up to the relationship, which made the book flow well and made me want to keep reading. Tyler and Sherry slowly learn more and more about one another and their friendship is immense. The connection that they build during their month together is so strong that I can’t believe they ever doubted how the other felt!

I really loved it when Tyler got to meet Sherry’s crazy family! BTW this was the point that I realized I had read book 1! I believe that a series of books that manages to touch on what is happening with past characters without letting them take over the current romance is amazing! After finishing this book, I can honestly say that I adore this series and will be reading/reviewing books one and two very soon! 

While I’m not sure where Rachel is going next with her books, I know that, after reading, I would love to read story about Charlie! He seems like a really dynamic character that could lead to an awesome story!

So, in a nutshell, if you are on the look out for a sweet, romantic series of books, I can’t think of a better series to read. Rachel Harris has a way of writing that draws me in and makes me feel like a part of the story. Her stories flow perfectly (throughout the book and the series), her characters are lovable and addictive, and there is enough chemistry and build up that you forget about the lack of sex and focus on the love story!

What are you waiting for? Go grab these books and get started already!

Check out the other books in the series

Award-winning and best-selling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.

Website     Facebook     Twitter     Tumblr     GoodReads     Instagram

I am most definitely the driver! I plot my books out completely before I even begin. That’s not to say I don’t change certain things as I go, or allow room for surprises, but I’m way too much of a control freak to just let it happen

Definitely Sherry! She is a blast and she knows how to throw the ultimate party. Just look at the King of Abs Bachelor of Auction in Seven Day Fiance! As for which character I hope doesn’t attend, I’d have to go with Tammy Paxton for now, the gossipy journalist from Accidentally Married on Purpose. But I do think she should get her own story one day, so that may change

From opposite the long table of food, the brunette gave him a blatant once over as he came to a stop in front of her, twirling a strand of purple hair around her fingertip. When she reached his lucky belt buckle, her sinful lips twitched.

“If the words, ‘Come here often,’ leave your mouth, I swear I’ll laugh you straight back to roadie-ville.” Her words were harsh, but the smile that sprang free was playful, and Tyler found himself mesmerized by the familiar twang of her southern voice.

So much so that he’d almost missed what she said.

“Roadie-ville?”

“Sorry, do you prefer techie?” Her cute nose wrinkled as she stuck her hands in her back jeans pocket. “I heard someone else say that earlier, but I swear that sounds like a computer nerd.” She looked him up and down again, this time her gaze lingering around his hips. Slightly south of the belt buckle. Hot damn. “I think roadie fits you better. Sounds sexier.”

Tyler scratched the side of his jaw. Was she messing with him? He’d heard a hell of a lot of come-ons since making it to Nashville and had been propositioned in every way possible. But this was a first. The woman stared back, smiling that damn seductive smile, and he realized she honestly had no clue who he was. For some reason, he was in no hurry to correct that just yet.

He couldn’t recall the last time he’d gone anywhere without being recognized, much less his own concert. But since the room was swarming with crew, Tyler could understand the confusion…if she weren’t a hardcore fan, and clearly, this woman wasn’t. Tyler swiped a hand over his mouth, hiding a smile.

“Sugar, you can call me anything you like,” he drawled, laying it on thick even to his own ears. Her pretty lips parted, and he grinned. “And what can I call you?”

Her smile twisted into a smirk. “Who said you could call me at all?”

He laughed, shocked again, and for the first time in a long time, speechless.

She winked. “I’m Sherry.” When she said her name, she looked right into his eyes as if he should remember it, and he had no doubt that he would. The confidence pouring off her was sexy as hell. “And…you are?”

“Tyler,” he replied, glad she’d gone with just her first name so he could do the same. The rest of the world simply referred to Tyler as Blue, the front man for the band bearing his last name. Even so, he stood back and waited for a sign of recognition.

It never came.

When it became obvious she really had no clue who he was, nor would she guess any time soon, Tyler felt a knot of tension release between his shoulder blades.

“So, Sherry, you planning to watch tonight’s show?”

She pulled a face. “I’m not much for country, other than the line dances. All those songs about trucks and trains and whiskey and dogs, though that last one I can forgive.” Her smile softened and Tyler moved closer, wanting to be nearer the genuine warmth of it. “No offense to your boss or anything,” she added with a slight grimace. “I heard he’s pretty hot…even if he is the man-whore of country music.”

A shocked laugh burst from his lips. “Excuse me?”

She waved her comment away, as if she hadn’t just insulted him to his face—which, he guessed, she hadn’t really. At least not on purpose. “Just a theory I have. I’m sure he’s a perfectly adequate boss.”

Now, Tyler laughed for real. “Yeah, he’s…adequate.” Shaking his head, he propped his hip on the table. This was the most fun he’d had with a woman in months—and they both still had their clothes on. 

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Title: Taming Fate

Author: Amalia Dillin

Series: Fate of the Gods

Published by: World Weaver Press

Date published: June 24, 2014

Pages: 171

Genres: Adult Historical Fantasy

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Eve & Ryam DeLeon

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“it’s Dillin’s ability to create memorable characters like Eve and Ryam that will keep me reading her stories for novels to come.”

Dylan Quinn

For the first time in her many lives, Eve would rather be anywhere but home.

In 15th Century France, Eve would have burned as a witch if it hadn’t been for the too-timely arrival of the Marquis DeLeon to save her skin. But Eve didn’t ask to be rescued, and their hasty marriage is off to anything but a smooth start. As tensions in the town grow and plague threatens, Ryam DeLeon knows if he and Eve cannot find common ground, their first Christmas may be their last.

By Dylan Quinn 

Fate of the Gods Series

Amalia Dillin’s Fate of the Gods Series is epic. Though often considered a cliche reference to novels, epic is the only word I could come up with to do the series justice. It is larger than life in most instances, spanning thousands of years with tons of historical references mingled throughout. It was clear from the beginning that Dillin had done her historical homework, and even with my Master’s in English, I often felt challenged at many turns. That said, I’ve truly enjoyed the series.

The Fate of the Gods series revolves around the many lifetimes of Adam and Eve while Taming Fate focuses on one of Eve’s more challenging lives that later becomes a foundational element of the series. When Eve left the Garden of Eden with Reu, he was charged with her protection and the DeLeon descendents throughout time continue this legacy, becoming her family that she often returns to in future lives.

Taming Fate

Taming Fate begins when the Marquis, Ryam DeLeon gets word from Thor (yes, the Norse god of Thunder, a recurring character in the series), that Eve has been charged with Witchcraft and is facing a death sentence. This leads to Ryam’s rescue of Eve and a marriage in haste in order to calm the religious factions.Obviously Eve and Ryam do not marry for love, which begins their struggle from day one. And while Eve would generally be happy to return to her DeLeon family, Ryam quickly becomes challenging, and she finds herself frustrated and looking for an escape.

So here is my take on the situation. Eve is-well, Eve. She has seen and done it all, which can be intimidating to a strong-willed man like Ryam. Having lived many lifetimes, she is a strong, confident woman who is self-sufficient and not one to expect or depend on anybody for anything. Ryam, on the other hand, is very much a man’s man. A product of his environment, he lives in a time when there are certain expectations of men and woman, and their gender roles are clear and not to be altered. When Eve challenges everything Ryam knows about life and expects of a wife, he does not take it quietly and they find themselves fighting each other at every turn.

Taming Fate explores the challenges of a developing relationship between Ryam and Eve. From my perspective, the problem is not their differences, but rather their similar personalities. Both are stubborn with high expectations, and neither is willing to compromise. This challenges them both throughout the story, ultimately becoming a lesson of letting go of their individual needs in order to find common ground, while learning to love and respect each other along the way.

I love character-driven stories and Taming Fate did not disappoint. Eve is truly an impressive woman who, despite her already expansive lifetimes of experience, still manages to evolve. The ultimate female role model, Eve is a force to be reckoned with. I cheered for her happiness and in Taming Fate, for her relationship with Ryam. Her ability to sacrifice is what makes her a truly epic character, and it is Dillin’s ability to create memorable characters like Eve and Ryam that will keep me reading her stories in the future.

Amalia Dillin

Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn’t stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. Her short stories have been published by Daily Science Fiction and Birdville magazine, and she’s also the author of the FATE OF THE GODS series and HONOR AMONG ORCS, the first book in the Orc Saga. Amalia lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats — to pull her chariot through the sky, of course.

Before

In the Garden, life had been simpler. And even after, when Adam had turned them out into the wide savannah, hoping they might starve, Eve had feared little. She had walked hand in hand with Reu, the second man made, the man she loved, and they had lived by their own rules and God’s law, protected by the lions she had tamed.

It hadn’t been until much later that she had been forced to hide herself. When her children and grandchildren, and the children and grandchildren of the others who had been Created at the dawn of time had begun to spread throughout the earth, and more children were born in villages where she had never been, and where those who remembered the Garden, who remembered their journey from it, no longer lived. When the people no longer believed her, when she told them who she was. Eve, born again, to protect them, to serve them as she could. Eve, God’s daughter, the woman who had freed them from Adam’s cruelty.

They began to look upon her as some strange, broken woman, and she learned quickly that it was better to keep the truths she knew to herself. If she wanted peace. If she wanted to live among them, freely. All the more so after Michael gave them Scripture, and the blame for the loss of paradise fell upon her shoulders for the sin of being the first to eat of God’s Fruit.

Even then, it was not so terrible. She was born among her own family often enough, and they always remembered. Reu’s sons always remembered, and the lions always knew her, acting as another proof to her words. Among her family, her lions, she was always able to live as Eve, and she looked forward to those lives when she was near enough to find them. A lifetime of peace and love and honesty gave her hope for the lifetimes in which she lived by lies more than truth. But the older the world became, and the more people who lived within it, the less often she was able to return. Until she began to fear that they too, might forget her, and she had no choice but to send the lions away, for their own safety.

More than anything, Eve had always loved coming home to her House of Lions.

At least until the Marquis had found her.

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The man who sat across the table was a stranger. Dark hair, dark eyes, his face so familiar, and yet so different. The Marquis DeLeon showed more affection to his dogs and his horses than he did to his wife. It wasn’t that he hadn’t tried, Eve reminded herself. That he didn’t still try. But from the moment she had not thrown herself into his arms, weeping with gratitude and relief, he had been at a loss as to what to do with her, how to move forward.

Oh, they’d married, of course. And even consummated their vows, not that the Church had not been known to ignore such evidence when it suited them. Which was why the Marquis wished to have children, as quickly as possible.

And he believed simply by saying so, by announcing this desire to her, for the security of their marriage and her own personal safety, she would welcome him unreservedly to her bed. And why shouldn’t she? Weren’t children the entire point of her existence? Shouldn’t she wish to carry on her line, expand her family? She pressed her lips together to keep them from curling at the memory of his words. His entire attitude.

Arrogant, pig-headed, insufferable man. From someone else, she might have expected it, but from a DeLeon—from her husband, when he knew her for what she was, knew she was more than just Anessa, daughter of some minor nobleman from Avignon—it was all the more frustrating.

Amalia is giving away an eBook of her new release, Taming Fate from the Fate of the Gods Series as well as some SWAG! Be sure to check out the entire series-review to be featured here soon!

Fate of the Gods Series by Amalia Dillin

Forged by Fate (Fate of the Gods, 1)

Tempting Fate (Fate of the Gods, 1.5)

Fate Forgotten (Fate of the Gods, 2)

Taming Fate (Fate of the Gods, 2.5)

Beyond Fate (Fate of the Gods, 3)—Coming September 2014