Book Tour for The Pirates of Vampire Island by Phoenix and Lover Boy (Promo & GIVEAWAY)

Talk about eye-catching titles!  This book caught my eye right from word one and I knew I had to bring it to you.  So keep reading to learn more about this book as well as giving you the opportunity to win a copy.

The Pirates of Vampire Island by Phoenix and Lover Boy

Pretty Jane O'Doherty always chooses the wrong kind of guys. Her specialty seems to be guys who have serious flaws and who break her heart.

Her last breakup was a year ago and still she can hear his final words, "I'm sorry, Jane. I've found someone else."

A 30-day cruise through the exotic Indonesian Islands with her best friend seems like the perfect distraction to mend her broken heart.

On board, she meets devastatingly gorgeous Nick, who attracts women in droves, including our lovely Jane.

And she meets Peter, who is the cute geek with puppy dog eyes.

Will either one just lead to another broken heart?

Should she run the other way from them both and just enjoy the cruise?

But before Jane can decide, the ship is attacked by modern day pirates.

Unlike the pirates of old, these guys are vampires and are more interested in human treasure than gold and jewels.

They take over the ship and take twelve women hostage.

And the handsome pirate leader—with eerie chalk-white skin, and red eyes, is looking for a special prize. He wants a woman for his mate and queen . . .

Jane catches his eye, but she, along with Nick and Peter, manage to escape in a lifeboat and onto the open sea.

They drift for fourteen days before finally finding an island.

But the fates are cruel, and their island turns out to be the home of the pirates and the lair of the Vampire.

The Pirates of Vampire Island is non-stop action . . . filled with adventure, suspense . . . and steamy romance.

EXCERPT:

A warm wind fanned my face. I watched the colorful flags wave in the breeze, as our sleek cruise ship, The Jakarta, cut through the Southeast Asian waters.

We had boarded the cruise in Bali. Yesterday, we stopped at Komodo Island for diving, sightseeing, and ogling the famous Komodo dragons. Now we were sailing due east through the Flores Sea. I was so looking forward to seeing some of the thousands of large and small islands, each exotic and mysterious, with strange creatures, amazing fish and birds, impenetrable rainforests, and people who still lived in the stone age.

The ship was a small luxury liner that held ninety passengers and a crew of thirty. And though the posh thirty-day cruise was a beacon for singles looking to be pampered, the main billing was its stops to scuba-dive off a few of the seventeen thousand islands of the Indonesian Archipelago – our ultimate destination the Forgotten Islands in the Banda Sea.

They would even teach us how to scuba for free; I had always wanted to learn. I tried it yesterday and was hooked.

I left the deck and went back to my cabin, which I shared with my best friend, Remy. She had dresses and shoes all over her bunk. I plopped down on mine and sighed.

"What're you going to wear tonight?" she asked as she grabbed another dress and held it up to her, turning this way and that in front of the mirror.

"I don't know. I don't feel very social today. Maybe I'll just order something and eat here. And read."

"Which one?"

"Which one, what?" I asked.

"Dress … dress."

"Oh yeah, dress. I like the red one on you. Looks great with your blonde hair."

"Done." She started hanging the other gowns. "Wasn't that guy last night tasty?"

"Who? The one every girl's eyes were glued to?"

"No. No. Who can be interested in a guy who attracts woman in packs? No, the one last night at dinner. With the green eyes and sweet smile. Zack."

"Oh, yeah. Nice." Actually, the guy who attracted every female on the ship had also attracted me. I had seen him by the pool with his ever-present fan club. The guy had it all. A classic Greek face, black curly hair, olive complexion – probably never visited by a zit. Fabulous build. He seemed to be charming the knickers off every young woman aboard. Maybe that's what my bad mood's about, I thought. Being attracted to the gorgeous guy started me thinking about Tony again – and the phrase that runs over and over in my head – "Jane, I'm sorry. But I've found someone else."

I hadn't been attracted to a man since my fiancé left me for another girl a year ago. You get burned, and you stay away from the stove.

I sighed. I had to stop this. I jumped off my bed. "I need to shake this off. How about a swim?

"Sure."

AVAILABLE AT:    AMAZON    B&N

To learn more about this book visit the other blogs hosting this tour listed HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in California. I came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree is filled with rugged people: rough coal miners, pioneers, and farmers living in log cabins in the early west. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, but like to write in several genres.

Lover Boy (aka my husband) was born and raised in Anaheim, California and wishes to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want anyone to know he likes to write romance novels. (Let's keep his secret.)

We wrote THE PIRATES OF VAMPIRE ISLAND, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller (Steamy Voyages #1). And we are working the sequel to Steamy Voyages and a dystopian thriller, The Trash Pile People. We live in Hollywood with our ornery tomcat, Snickers.

Website: http://www.fictionbyphoenix.com
E-mail: read@booksbyphoenix.com
Twitter: @PhoenixRead
Goodreads: Phoenix Reads
Facebook Page: Fiction by Phoenix
Facebook Profile: Lee Jordan
Pinterest: Lee Jordan
Amazon Author Central: Amazon.com/author/phoenixread
Amazon Reviews by Phoenix Profile Page: http://amzn.to/P8T5QD

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature & Follow Friday...

Hello all, it's that day of the week where we learn new things about each other and discover new blogs along the way.  We also help each other by becoming followers of one another.  Normally that following would be through GFC (which would be great if you'd still take a few seconds to do), but with that being eliminated for certain blogs (a big boo-hiss to that) I now ask that you follow through a RSS Feed (or Twitter, FB, or email) which you can find to the right.  I want to thank all of you ahead of time who choose to become a follower and make sure to let me know in the comments if you're new so I doubly make sure to follow you back.  And now for this weeks get to know me question....

Q: Best cover? What is the best cover of a book that you've read and loved?. 

 

A:  I LOVE Lorraine Heath and think she's the Queen of Historical Romances!  The cover for her book Never Love a Cowboy really draws me in.  There's something majestic about it and reminiscent of movie posters for Gone With the Wind.   

 

Review for Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee

In the fall of 1946, grieving war widow Sarah goes to the carnival with her friends and is riveted by the tattooed man in the freak show, sporting head to toe body art. Later she discovers him hiding in her hayloft, escaped from virtual imprisonment since childhood by the carnival's evil owner. She shelters him on her farm, fighting a powerful sexual attraction while learning about his mysterious past and gentle nature. When a local child goes missing, Tom uses his psychic gifts to locate her, but his assistance in the case doesn't allay the town's mistrust of such an exotic stranger in their midst. Small-town prejudice tears the lovers apart and a very real threat from carnival owner Art Reed endangers them. Can they rise above obstacles of fear and hate to create the family both have always craved?

******************** 

I've read a few of Bonnie Dee's other books and have always admired her unique main characters that are less-than-perfect in the eyes of others but are amongst some of my favorites and extremely memorable.  Bone Deep continues in that vein by presenting a young man with unique psychic talents whose body is forced into being an artistic canvas and put on display in a traveling circus.  Tom has never been away from the circus and is kept uneducated by the smarmy circus owner so as to keep him dependent on him, until the night a dream sends him on a search for love and family. 

Widower Sarah has lived her life in a bubble of routine and loneliness.  A chance encounter at the circus leads to a momentous change, not only for her but for those around her as a mysterious man brings love and happiness to her life once again.  Sarah is a strong woman stuck in the throes of sadness thinking her life is over.  Everyday she's just going through the motions until Tom comes and gives her a chance at happiness.  With him she lets loose and will fight for him no matter what it takes or against who.  I admired her resilience in the face of the town's prejudice and was happy Tom had her standing up for him and his rights.

 

Tom had a profound affect on me and was a well-written character but I wish we'd gotten a deeper look into his psyche considering everything he'd gone through in life thus far.  The tattoos on his body told a much bigger story with many of the images a reflection of his life.  These images spoke louder as to Tom's inner thoughts than he himself did.  He was a gentle soul but willing to fight for the woman he's come to love.  Unfortunately the town's prejudices towards his psychic talents and to his looks led to him and Sarah constantly fighting for their right to be happy together.  These small town prejudices were expected, albeit stereotypical, and provided the majority of conflict to this couple's HEA.

The time period for this story is one not seen very often and I thoroughly enjoyed the look and feel of Sarah's world.  The lack of modern-day technology added to the small town feel and helped immerse me into the story.  The only problem I had with the story was the rather out-of-the-blue ending.  The villain's reasoning and actions felt tacked-on and a bit over-the-top.  The purpose seemed to be to make Tom and Sarah more sympathetic to those townspeople who had been the cruelest and to get them to admit their love for each other and finally grab on to their future together.  

Barring this, I fully enjoyed Bone Deep from start to finish and the larger-than-life character of Tom.  The sexual interludes were extremely sexy and progressed believably from their initial meeting.  With its vivid atmospheric feel and intense emotions this book has me wanting to read more from Ms. Dee while savoring what Bone Deep has to offer.  Those readers looking for an exceptionally unique character in a distinctive setting need look no further than this memorable read from Ms. Dee.

My rating for this is a B+.

*I purchased this book for my own personal library.

Book Tour for Out of Her League by Ava Archer Payne (Promo & GIVEAWAY)

Fans of the erotic will find much to satisfy them in this sexy historical read from Ava Archer Payne.  Out of Her League features two characters from different social hierarchies and their struggle to find happiness.  So keep reading to find out more about this steamy read and sign up to win a copy.

OUT OF HER LEAGUE by Ava Archer Payne

Captain James Lancaster, formerly one of London’s most notorious rakes, returns to England a broken man after a brutal tour in the Crimea. He is wounded in body and spirit, his badly injured leg leaving him unable to walk without crutches.

Nurse Katherine Riley has spent her entire life caring for others, but lately she finds herself longing for more. On a whim she indulges in a secret cache of provocative lingerie—just a little something to make her feel beautiful beneath her drab gowns, even if no one else can see it.

When James glimpses the erotic beauty hidden beneath Kate’s prim and proper façade, he introduces her to a sensual array of forbidden delights. Healing takes on an entirely new meaning. As Kate nurses James to a full recovery, their liaison opens her eyes to an enticing new world. How will she ever return to the staid life she once knew?  

EXCERPT:

Thunder rumbled and the rain that had been threatening all morning began to pour down in earnest. Kate watched the heavy droplets strike the glass panes, softening and blurring the outside world. She tried to focus on the storm, but that proved impossible. Every fiber of her being was attuned to the overwhelming presence of man beside her. His scent, his height, the broadness of his shoulders, the rich timbre of his voice. Alone with James in the large room, she felt enveloped in a cocoon of strained intimacy, caught in a current that swept her inexorably toward him.

“Something wrong?” His voice was a low murmur in her ear.

“You need drapery,” she blurted inanely, just to have something to say to break the tension that hung between them.

“True.” He cocked his head to one side, considering the room. “I was thinking of scarlet.”

“Scarlet?” she choked out, feeling heat rush to her cheeks. “Surely that’s an odd color to suggest.”

“Is it?” He studied her with a playful smile. “But it’s such a passionate color, don’t you think? Brazen, bold, irresistible. In fact, now that I’ve considered scarlet, I can’t seem to get the color out of my mind. These past few nights, it’s all I could think of as I was falling asleep.”

She squared her shoulders and brought up her chin. Even leaning as he was on his crutches, he was still a full head taller than her. “If you’re referring to what I think you’re referring to, a gentleman wouldn’t refer to it.”

His lips quirked. “That’s a lot of referring. Are you certain I’m not simply inferring?”

“You’re interfering, certainly.”

“Must be infuriating.”

He was teasing her, and she was determined to resist him. Resist his smile. Resist the twinkle in his deep blue eyes. Resist the urge to lift her hand and push back the chestnut curl that fell so appealingly over his forehead.

 “A gentleman wouldn’t mention what he saw.”

“True. A gentleman wouldn’t. Therein lies the problem. The glimpse I had of your breasts in that scarlet corset was the loveliest thing I’ve seen since my return to London. Hell, that’s not accurate. The loveliest thing I’ve seen in years.” He watched her for a moment in silence, then reached out and softly stroked her jaw. “It’s not my intention to embarrass you.”

“What are you intending?”

“Damned if I know.”

“This certainly isn’t proper.”

“Damned if I care.”

To her utter astonishment, Kate wasn’t entirely certain she cared, either. She’d played the part of dutiful daughter, dutiful sister, and dutiful nurse her entire life. Now, at the age of three and twenty, she was coming to the realization that the role didn’t entirely suit her. She’d lived her life as though crammed into a pair of shoes that had been pinching and cramping her for years. Here was an opportunity to try something scandalous and new. An invitation to see what she’d been missing, if only she had the courage to reach for it.

She moistened her lips, tipped back her head, and closed her eyes.

For a fraction of a second time stood still. Kate was overwhelmed by the horrifying certainty she’d misread his intentions. Then James’s lips brushed hers. The pressure on her mouth was light and gentle, allowing her the opportunity to change her mind, to slip away if she wanted to. So, a gentleman after all. The gesture, touching as it was, was wasted.

Kate stepped closer.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON here.

To learn more about this book visit the other blogs hosting this tour listed HERE.

Q&A WITH AVA ARCHER PAYNE:

Q:  What exactly is a ‘Hot Historical’?

A:  A ‘Hot Historical’ is a classic historical romance—only shorter and steamier! Hot Historicals are perfect for fans of traditional romance who occasionally like to spice things up. One of my readers calls them a secret indulgence ;)

Q:  Many of your novels are set in Victorian England. What attracts you to that time period?

A:  I love playing with the exquisite manners of the day. What does our heroine do when she finds herself completely in lust with an utterly unsuitable man? That creates such lovely sexual tension.

Q:  How long have you been writing romance?

A:  I’ve been writing historical romance for 15 years under a variety of pseudonyms. I’ve been published by several mainstream houses, but with the advent of ebooks, I’m able to place my work directly in the hands of readers. What a fabulous privilege for an author!

Author Email - AvaArcherPayne@gmail.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/avaarcher.payne

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review for Out of Her League by Ava Archer Payne

Captain James Lancaster, formerly one of London’s most notorious rakes, returns to England a broken man after a brutal tour in the Crimea. He is wounded in body and spirit, his badly injured leg leaving him unable to walk without crutches.

Nurse Katherine Riley has spent her entire life caring for others, but lately she finds herself longing for more. On a whim she indulges in a secret cache of provocative lingerie—just a little something to make her feel beautiful beneath her drab gowns, even if no one else can see it.

When James glimpses the erotic beauty hidden beneath Kate’s prim and proper façade, he introduces her to a sensual array of forbidden delights. Healing takes on an entirely new meaning. As Kate nurses James to a full recovery, their liaison opens her eyes to an enticing new world. How will she ever return to the staid life she once knew?

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

Out of Her League, for being a rather short and quick read, packs a lot of emotions and super hot sexual encounters amongst the pages.  From the likable characters to the nice balance between sexy encounters and character development this ends up being a satisfying read that will appeal to fans of the historical genre as well as erotica.

Katherine Riley's family used to socialize with the uppercrust until her father's passing and her brother's vices squandered their inheritance, forcing them to live in a more meager fashion.  The last ball she attended before their financial fall left her with many dreams of the handsome soldier she watched from afar all night.  Fate has brought her back into the company of that soldier to help heal his war wounds and this time around he gives Katherine his undivided attention and changes her life completely.  Changing her life is a big part of the story.  Katherine has taken care of her brothers for so long that she's lost herself and the possibilities for her future.  She's made them weak by not making them care for themselves and their responsibilities.  It's an unconventional impetus that makes Katherine stand up for herself and the scene where she finally declares her independence is not only humorous but empowering.  I admired her familial dedication at the start and admired her even more for asserting herself.

War hero James Lancaster seems depressed when we first meet him and desperate to get his body back to the way it was.  Stuck with an uncaring almost-fiance he's struck by his immediate connection to Katherine and the promise of future happiness he sees in her eyes.  He immediately turns on the charm and I can see why Katherine's immediately smitten and willing to carry on such an unconventional relationship.  She seems like the perfect match for him on many levels and the connection between them evolves quickly and intensely.  This leads to many creative and erotic encounters that are perfectly spaced throughout the story and keep the level of sexual tension running high.

My only issue with this story is how quickly it's wrapped up.  Considering their differences in social status I expected more problems from society regarding their relationship.  Their relationship seemed to progress too easily which didn't seem realistic.  The story is still immensely enjoyable and has me wanting to read more from this author.  Those wanting lots of steamy encounters from an extremely likable couple will find themselves wanting to pick this book up.

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesdays #80

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title &; author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

OUT OF HER LEAGUE by Ava Archer Payne

....from location 828 of 1635.

-She'd fallen into a fog of obedience and lived her life in a stupor.  It had taken James to finally shake her awake.  To make her realize she wanted so much more.

Book Barrage for Sugar Walls by Mysti Holiday (Promo & GIVEAWAY)

Mysti Holiday is bringing a bit of sexy to the blog today with her new release, Sugar Walls.  So keep reading to learn about this hot new book and its likable characters as well as having the chance to win an Amazon gift card.

Sugar Walls by Mysti Holiday

When Emilie is dumped by her boyfriend, best friend Jack Voss offers a shoulder and a place to live--the other side of his duplex. He’s always there, fixing her problems, her car, her sink. Emilie doesn’t know what she’d do without him, or with the feelings she’s having for him. His shoulder doesn’t just offer comfort anymore; his touch is a turn-on. Their shared wall is the only thing keeping them from sharing a bedroom—and fanning the flames might risk breaking something that Jack can’t fix.

EXCERPT:

Emilie hadn’t lied about the leak in her pipes.  Just  like she hadn’t broken her dishwasher, or the leg off her couch, or the alternator in her car on purpose. But, to be honest, it was almost a relief when those things happened, because they gave her an excuse to see Jack.

She’d called him first thing this morning when running water for her coffee had resulted in puddles beneath the sink. He’d come over the first chance he’d had and now he was on his hands and knees on the linoleum looking at the pipe that oozed moisture, oblivious to the woman behind him who was also soaking wet, albeit for an entirely different reason.

His ass looked good enough to take a big bite out of. Emilie couldn’t help herself; it was right there, sticking out from under her kitchen sink, and she had to clench her hands into tight fists to keep from grabbing it. Still, that didn’t keep her mind from wandering, and when one of his hands reached out for a wrench, she pictured it on her, cupping her breasts, thumbs circling the rosy buds. Instantly her nipples puckered, as tightly clenched as her hands, and her crotch dampened even more.

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS:

Mysti Holiday is the pseudonym of a very busy SAHM who dreams of warm climes and hot bodies.  Most people know she writes, but not what she writes about:  sexy men and the wanton women who love them.

She's married to a wonderful man who happily sacrifices himself for research, and she spends most of her days dreaming of interesting and unusual situations in which to place her characters.  But most of all, she's a sucker for a happy ending.

Publisher:  http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=89
Website:  http://www.menagerieauthors.com/
Blog:  http://www.menagerieauthors.blogspot.com/

**********GIVEAWAY**********

Mysti will be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one random commenter.

-Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE!
-To be entered, MUST leave a comment, ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDY.
-One commenter will be chosen randomly from all comments made throughout the tour, so the more tour stops you make a comment on the greater your chances of winning.  A list of all participating blogs can be found here.
-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 8/28.

Book Release Barrage for Perfect Mate by Mina Carter (Promo)

Hello book buddies!  Today is my lazy day where I soak up books and look at tons of fancy houses on HGTV.  This morning, while looking at recent and upcoming book releases, I came across a book cover that stopped me in my tracks and kicked in the ogling reflex.  I knew right then and there I HAD to give you the scoopy-scoop on this sexy looking/sounding book.  So keep reading on to discover what caught my eye.....

PERFECT MATE by Mina Carter

Monsters do exist...and they’re the good guys.

Lillian Rosewood leads an ordinary, boring life working as the manager of a psychiatric hospital. The highlights of her day, other than her skinny hot chocolate, are the hunky guards who work in the secure section. Until a late night emergency is wheeled in.

Captain Jack Harper is insane, drop-dead gorgeous...and just had his abdomen shredded. Despite the fact they're not an emergency room, Lillian can't turn him away and risk a death on her hands. Unable to get the handsome soldier out of her mind, Lillian sneaks into the restricted area to check on him. What she finds is beyond belief. Somehow Jack has managed to heal himself from a near fatal wound in mere hours.

When one of the doctors, Walker, attempts to rape her, things go from bad to worse. In the blink of an eye, Jack is loose and Walker is dead... and Lillian must accept a truth about her rescuer that will change her world forever. What if the patients aren't insane? What if their stories of secret government experiments and monsters are true?

Warning: Contains blood, mayhem and nude werewolves operating heavy weaponry. Large amounts of sarcasm, and smart-ass vampires may offend some readers. No civilian hospital staff were harmed in the making of this story.

EXCERPT:

She couldn’t believe she was crying. Lillian didn’t cry. Ever. She was tougher than that. Tougher than the stereotypical little woman who fell apart at the first sign of danger… Or the mother who couldn’t cope after the death of her husband and hightailed it to her lover with teary demands to “make the nightmare go away”. And conveniently forgot the fact she’d left her baby daughter behind.

She was not that woman, nor anything like her.

Once in the corridor, away from the stench of death and the sight of all that black, wrong blood, she stepped away from Jack and swiped at her tears with the back of her hand. Despite the fact he’d just killed a man, there was something about him that made her feel safe. Safe with a murderer. Okay, now she knew she was losing it. Perhaps insanity ran in her family and they’d just never told her?

“I’m sorry. I’m not normally like this,” she apologized as she looked up and offered a small, teary smile. Her mouth already open to explain, she stopped.

He was gorgeous.

She’d known that. When they’d brought him in, her mind had told her that he was sex on a stick. But he’d been injured, a patient. Even though she was the hospital manager, she was bound by the patient-doctor thing, surely? The one that said “thou shalt not lust after the patients”.

Now though, without all the blood and the ragged uniform—even in the hospital gown that did nothing for anyone—he was so good-looking it took her breath away. She shook her head slightly, waiting for the hidden cameras and some cheesy reality show host to burst out of the supply cabinet in the corridor next to them. He couldn’t be for real. Soldiers just didn’t look that good.

With warm amber eyes set above sharp cheekbones, his face was bisected by a strong, straight nose over sensually full lips. A severe buzz-cut merely highlighted his attractiveness, concentrating all attention on his face. He should be strutting his stuff on a catwalk, not getting down and dirty playing soldier.

Her eyes travelled downward, and the rest of him more than fulfilled the promise of his face. He was toned…hell no, he was ripped. Even his muscles had muscles. Tall and broad shouldered, he was built like a quarterback, and his life had obviously been one of violence. Old scars dotted his skin like a mad artist had gone to town with his body as the canvas.

“I know you’re not. You’re strong.”

His words drew her attention back to his face. His eyes were blue again. He smiled, which almost robbed her of reason, but she held onto the thought for grim death. No one’s eyes changed that fast. What the hell have they done to him?

“Your eyes… What the hell are you?”

The smile turned cold, his features freezing around it and locking it into place. In hindsight, perhaps a demand for information wasn’t the best way to deal with this, especially after what had gone on in the room behind them. Walker was slumped, dead, but somehow she knew Jack wouldn’t hurt her.

He moved toward her. Only three steps, but with those blue eyes intent upon her, it seemed more like a stalk. With every movement he made, her instincts screamed “predator”.

She held her ground, tilting her head to look at him as he neared. He stopped inches away from her, so close the heat of his body beat at her skin even through her clothing and his gown.

“We don’t have time for this, Lilly.”

He lifted a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. As though he couldn’t stop touching her, he stroked a gentle finger down her cheekbone to the corner of her lips. It took everything she had not to turn her head and press into the small caress, but she held true to her purpose, her eyes on his.

“Make time.”

His lips quirked, and everything female in her went into meltdown. He had to know the effect he had on women, so she ignored the reaction and met him look for look.

“Stubborn little minx.”

She choked. “What did you call me?”

“Minx,” he repeated, lowering his head and brushing his lips over hers to silence her. As a tactic, it worked. The first touch of his lips, warm and firm over hers, was like setting light to kindling. Heat flared and caught, racing through her body like wildfire.

She moaned, unable to stop her lips parting automatically in invitation. No matter what her mind was screaming about the dead guy in the next room and the possibility the hunk stood in front of her wasn’t just human, her body knew what it wanted, and what it intended to get.

He didn’t pass up the invitation. Groaning, he moved closer and deepened the kiss. With a ruthless sweep of his tongue, he parted her lips farther and slid into the softer recesses of her mouth. She shivered, hot and cold chills chasing over her skin as he kissed her in the darkness of the corridor.

She’d been kissed before and, as she’d thought anyway, she’d been kissed well. This was something else entirely. He kissed her as if there was nothing else in the world. As if she was his sun, his moon and stars…his everything. He didn’t kiss her, he made love to her with his lips and tongue.

Abruptly he broke away, tearing his mouth from hers. With a groan of frustration, he leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers.

“I don’t want to let you go.” The tone in his voice pulled on her heartstrings. “When they brought me in, there was just pain and blood…so much blood. Darkness was coming for me, and I was ready. But an angel called my name… I had to come back to see if she was as beautiful as she sounded.”

His words reached deep inside her. She already thought he was gorgeous, but to have him spouting words that…romantic wasn’t the word. The claim he’d come back just to see her, that hit her deep down and resonated in her soul.

“And…?”

She almost dared not ask the question, and when she did, her voice emerged breathy and hopeful. Like a teen finally meeting and speaking to her film idol in the flesh.

“Oh yes, she was worth it.”

MORE INFO AND BUY LINKS: http://mina-carter.com/bookshelf/paranormal-romance/perfect-mate/

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS:

Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband and young daughter…the true boss of the family.

Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few.

A full time author and cover artist, Mina can usually be found hunched over a keyboard or graphics tablet, frantically trying to get the images and words in her head out and onto the screen before they drive her mad. She's addicted to coffee and Nutella on toast.

http://mina-carter.com
http://twitter.com/minacarter
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New Who In One Week!!

As a die-hard Whovian I mark my calendar by when the new seasons start and one week from today is the premiere of Season 7 of Doctor Who and the tearful farewell of the Ponds.  Amy and Rory have been a wonderful companion and juxtaposition to The Doctor's powers.  I'm sad to see them go, but excited for the wide-eyed innocence of the new companion.  Before we say goodbye to the Ponds during episode 5 (so the speculation says) there will be an online serial starting Monday through the remainder of the week entitled Pond Life.  So all you fellow Whovians, are you going to miss the Ponds?  And in all the history of Who, who's your favorite companion?  For me it was Donna.  Her and The Doctor had such an equal relationship, they were truly friends and I think she gave him the biggest run for his money, constantly keeping him on his toes.

To get you through the week, here's the latest trailer featuring bits from Season 7.  Catch the new season airing Sept 1st at 8 pm CST on BBC America!

Book Tour for the Secrets & Scandals series from Darcy Burke (Guest Post w/ GIVEAWAY)

Some of my favorite romance series have been in the historical genre.  There's something about that time and its bad boys that draw me in.  Darcy Burke has a new series out entitled Secrets & Scandals that I've been raving about for the last few days and that I'm introducing you to today.  So keep reading to sample the books in the series thus far as well as the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes.  First up is Darcy discussing book series.....

Thanks for having me on the blog today! Since I’m smack dab in the middle of writing my Secrets and Scandals series, let’s talk series!

For me, stories are all about character, and when you’re writing a series, you need a lot of them! Not just heroes and heroines, but a tapestry of supporting players who create a world readers want to visit again and again. Characters not only connect stories, they keep books fresh as you unravel their layers over time. The innocuous valet in book one might be an important part of someone’s story in book three. Or maybe a secondary character will pop up as a villain.

That said, you have to make sure the series is cohesive. A character can’t make an about face unless you develop that transition in a believable manner. For example, Jagger is a villain in To Seduce a Scoundrel, but he’ll be the hero of his own book*, Scoundrel Ever After. I’m looking forward to his journey over four books!

Introducing future heroes and heroines is very common in series, and I think really smart. How better to entice readers to keep reading? It also adds depth to your current story (provided you don’t spend too much time on tomorrow’s hero or heroine, which can be very tempting as their story begins to take shape in your mind and begs to be told!). Elizabeth Hoyt did this beautifully in her Maiden Lane series. In the first book, Wicked Intentions, you met the heroine’s sister, Silence, and a nasty river pirate, Charming Mickey. Something Very Awful happened between them, but you never got the details. I was positively salivating for their story (and she made me wait two books to get it!).

When writing a series, continuity is very important, but I don’t plot out the entire series. If there’s an overarching plot or thread, I pay close attention to it, but letting each book sort of develop organically as you get to it helps keeps things exciting, I think. For example, there are three books to come that will round out my Secrets and Scandals series. There’s an overarching plot that will tie those three books loosely together, but I’m not plotting the specific details of the last two books while I’m writing the current one. I have an idea of where things will go from here, but I like to follow twists and turns as they arise, just like a reader.

*I think redemptive heroes are very popular. One of my favorites is Sebastian in Lisa Kleypas’ Devil in Winter. He’s a villain in the previous book (It Happened One Autumn), but she does a wonderful job transitioning him into a hero in the very next book. And he’s utterly sigh-worthy.

What do you love about series? Do you have a favorite series and why is it your fave?

HER WICKED WAYS

SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.

EXCERPT:

She sighed, a sound of deep regret. “I told you, I have no money.”

“You’re lying. You reek of wealth.” Fox sniffed loudly to punctuate his statement and got a nose full of her alluring scent for his trouble.

“I know.” Her lips curved into a small, almost seductive smile. It stole his breath. Literally. When he finally remembered to take air, he did so quite audibly. Her mouth widened then, and her face shone like the sun on the brightest summer day.

What the hell kind of highwayman fixated on some chit like a cheap Byron impostor?

Fox reined in his wayward lust. “You must have something of value. A piece of jewelry? A quizzing glass?”

She arched a brow. “What do you take me for? A doddering dowager?”

Good God, no. Never that. If they’d been anywhere else, he would’ve laughed.

Instead, he called out to Rob, as much to distract himself from her as to determine his steward’s progress. “How are you doing over there?” He was careful to lower his voice lest Carmody determine his identity. Highway robbery shouldn’t be this bloody complicated.

“Coming along. Gent’s being quite accommodating.”

He returned his attention to the girl, disappointed she hadn’t sprouted a wart in the last few seconds. “I don’t have time to discuss the finer points of your doddering or lack thereof. Return to the carriage and retrieve whatever it is you have of value. I’d hate to have to use my pistol.”

Her gaze flicked downward. “Your pistol?”

Hell’s teeth, had she just looked at his crotch?

“You’re not even pointing it at me.”

She was quite maddeningly correct.

My review is posted HERE.

HIS WICKED HEART

IT’S HARD TO BE RESPECTABLE

Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time. But instead of shackling himself to an acceptable debutante, he indulges his baser needs. He joins a fighting club and pursues a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.

WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE WICKED

Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make her his mistress. Destitute and desperate, she agrees to one night with the dangerous lord, hatching a scheme to take his money and keep her virtue. However, Jasper uncovers her deception and vows to claim what he's owed—not his money, her.

EXCERPT:

Olivia stood taller and thrust her chin at him. “I came from Devon several months ago and took a position at the theatre as a seamstress. I only filled in onstage for an actress who left temporarily to care for a sick relative. It was then I had the misfortune of encountering—and being bedeviled—by you.”

Bedeviled? He’d show her bedeviled. Jasper closed the gap between them until they nearly touched. “And when is it exactly that you came from Devon?”

She tipped her head back, but didn’t shrink from him. An auburn curl loosened and grazed her ivory cheek. “March.”

He took in the graceful sweep of her neck, partially covered from his hungry gaze by the starched collar of her shirt beneath the deep sage green of her riding habit. His lust threatened to destroy any semblance of propriety, which, alone as they were in the gallery, was nonexistent. “So you really are from Devon.”

“Yes.” Her voice deepened, stirring his desire further.

He tucked the stray lock of hair behind her ear. “And your parents died last year. Were they ill?”

Her breathing hitched as his fingers skimmed the outer shell, and he felt a surge of triumph. “A coaching accident.”

“You said you didn’t own any horses.”

The flash of disquiet in her eyes confirmed the lie. She drew back, and his body regretted that his mind had pursued this course instead of kissing her senseless. “They’d borrowed someone else’s carriage.” A plausible excuse, but he still didn’t believe her.

So disappointing—both her dishonesty and his unquenched lust. “Ah, and therein lies the tragedy.”

She turned, quickly, before she showed him any emotion.

Liar.

My review is posted HERE.

TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL

A LADY ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.

A SCOUNDREL IN NEED OF SEDUCTION
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.

EXCERPT:

“Is that what you’ve been doing with your dance partners tonight? Husband hunting?” The notion filled Ambrose with a disturbing sense of nausea.

“Yes.”

They danced apart again and Ambrose took the opportunity to mentally review the men he’d watched her with. When they came together, he said, “That foreign boy…you danced with him out of obligation, not because you’re considering his suit?”

Philippa smiled up at him, her ale-colored eyes sparkling beneath the glow of hundreds of candles. “Oh, stop. I’m not considering his suit, but he’s perfectly charming.”

“Charm is your chief requirement in a husband?”

Her body moved with precision and grace. “Along with honor and kindness.”

“You might do better with a dog.”

She laughed as they danced apart again. Such a warm, lovely sound. He would miss it.

When they came together, she gave him a contemplative look. “Is there a breed you recommend?”

“Something loyal who’s ready to defend you.”

“Like you?” She gazed at him alluringly and he had to work to focus on the dance steps.

“That is not how I’d describe myself.” Unfaithful, selfish, arrogant…these were far more accurate adjectives.

“But your ability to defend me and my honor is well-established. And here you are with me again tonight.” She shook her head, her lips set firmly together. “I’m dubbing you loyal.”

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “Please, stop. You’re going to reverse my black reputation. I can’t have that.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Darcy Burke wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. An RWA Golden Heart® Finalist, Darcy loves all things British (except tomatoes for breakfast, or any other time of day, actually) and happy ever afters.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and three cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge. Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcy-burke.com, follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans.

**********GIVEAWAY**********

Darcy will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of the anthology Born to Bite (out in August), an ebook of The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle, and a Sara Ramsey ebook. (She is also running a contest on her website: sign up for her newsletter during the tour and you might win a $10 Amazon gift card.)

 -Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE!
-To be entered, MUST leave a comment ANSWERING DARCY'S QUESTION, ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDY.
-One commenter will be chosen randomly from all comments made throughout the tour, so the more tour stops you make a comment on the greater your chances of winning.  A list of all participating blogs can be found here.
-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 8/25.

Review for To Seduce a Scoundrel by Darcy Burke

A LADY ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.

A SCOUNDREL IN NEED OF SEDUCTION
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.

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

Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series just keeps pulling me in more and more as we dig deeper into the lives of the entertaining cast of characters she's created.  A character will be introduced that leaves a profound affect on me and then they'll be featured in the next book and make me fall in love with them even more.  Such is the case with Lord Sevrin who ruined his brother's fiancee and was there when his brother died.  The Ton has shunned him since then while being infatuated with his notoriety.  No one knows what really happened though and they certainly don't know the real Sevrin.  One moment changes all that and Sevrin soon has to show another side of his character and do everything he can to save the reputation of Lady Philippa.

Sevrin made this book for me!  I was drawn to every aspect of him and ached for every hurt he endured.  Ever since his brother's death he's felt responsible and the guilt has weighed on him to where he's gone out of his way to punish himself.  He's denied himself every happiness and I cheered when Philippa came into his life.  He thinks he's unworthy and incapable of loving and in so many subtle ways he showed the complete opposite when with Philippa and it brought a tear to my eye.  He's a charming man and oozed sex appeal and I too drooled whenever his shirt was off just like Philippa.

Philippa was the woman Saxton was to marry in the previous book before she denied him and what a great decision that was!  Her and Sevrin are amazing together and their relationship was one of healing for him.  She's a strong and caring woman, one unwilling to believe gossip.  For her, actions speak louder than words.  She's not afraid to go after what she wants and she wants love in her marriage.  After the coldness of her parent's marriage and their coldness towards her it's no wonder she wants love from someone else.  The slow build-up of romance and affection between her and Sevrin was satisfying and believable and resulted in a cheer-inducing conclusion, not to mention the super steamy sexual interludes.

To Seduce a Scoundrel is yet another winning entry in Ms. Burke's Secrets and Scandals series.  The characters are amazing and it's easy to immerse yourself in their lives.  There are many secondary characters that have me intrigued and dying to know more about, particularly Lockwood whose illicit party set Philippa and Sevrin on their path to happiness.  The other is fight promoter Jagger who continues to be a thorn in Sevrin's side but utterly fascinates me, as does Lockwood, through their mysteriousness and outer and inner scars that briefly show through.

This is a wonderful story and series reminiscent of the works of Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Hoyt and I highly recommend it to not only fans of historical romance but romance in general.  It's wholeheartedly satisfying and enriching and I can't say enough good things about what Ms. Burke has created here.

My rating for this is an A!

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Feature & Follow Friday....

Hello all, it's that day of the week where we learn new things about each other and discover new blogs along the way.  We also help each other by becoming followers of one another.  Normally that following would be through GFC (which would be great if you'd still take a few seconds to do), but with that being eliminated for certain blogs (a big boo-hiss to that) I now ask that you follow through a RSS Feed (or Twitter, FB, or email) which you can find to the right.  I want to thank all of you ahead of time who choose to become a follower and make sure to let me know in the comments if you're new so I doubly make sure to follow you back.  And now for this weeks get to know me question....

Q: Worst cover? What is the worst cover of a book that you've read and loved?.

A:  I have to be honest and say that if a cover is truly that bad (and I HAVE seen some truly repulsive covers) then I won't read the book at all.  Of all the books I've read thus far in my life none of the covers stand out as truly bad.

Book Barrage for Sun God Seeks....Surrogate? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (Promo Post & GIVEAWAY)

As a fan of the paranormal genre I'm always on the look out for something unique and Sun God Seeks....Surrogate? is right up that alley.  So let's learn about Mimi's latest release along with the previous books in this series.  Don't forget the great giveaway too....

When 24-year-old Penelope learns of a new miracle drug that could cure her ailing mother, it’s the answer to her prayers. Until she sees the cost. But for every door that closes, a window opens. In this case, the window calls herself Cimil, and she’s quite possibly the most insane person Penelope’s ever met. Could it be because this complete stranger just offered Penelope one million dollars to carry her wealthy brother’s baby?

But Cimil’s brother isn’t your everyday millionaire. In fact, he gives new meaning to the word hot.

EXCERPT:

Wondering which screw in her head had come loose this time, twenty-four-year-old Emma Keane strapped a parachute to her back in preparation for yet another fun-filled jungle mission.

“Dammit! Stop wiggling!” she barked over her shoulder. “And that had better be your flashlight!”

Well, actually, it was a cranky, rather large warrior named Brutus strapped to her back and wearing the parachute because she had yet to find time for skydiving lessons.

Dork.

In any case, looking like a ridiculous, oversized baby kangaroo wasn’t enough to stop her from making this nocturnal leap into enemy territory—Maaskab territory. She had scores to settle.

Emma sucked in a deep breath, the roar of the plane’s large engines and Brutus’s growls making it difficult to find her center—the key to winning any battle. And not freak out.

Funny. If someone had told her a year ago that she’d end up here, an immortal demigoddess engaged to the infamous God of Death and War, she would have said, “Christ! Yep! That toootally sounds about right.”

Why the hell not? She’d lived the first twenty-two years of her life with Guy—a nickname she’d given her handsome god—obsessed with his seductive voice, a voice only she could hear. Turned out, after they finally met face-to-face, their connection ran blood deep. Universe deep, actually. A match made by fate.

Emma rubbed her hands together, summoning the divine power deep within her cells. One blast with her fingertips and she could split a man right down the middle.

“Careful where you put those,” Guy said, cupping himself.

Emma gazed up at his smiling face and couldn’t help but admire the glorious, masculine view. Sigh. She knew she’d been born to love him, flaws—enormous ego and otherworldly bossiness—and all.

His smile melted away. “Please change your mind, my sweet. Stay on the plane, and let me do your fighting.”

“Can’t do that,” she replied. “The Maaskab took my grandmother, and I’m going to be the one to get her back. Even if I have to kill Tommaso to do it.”

Guy shook his head. “No. You are to let me deal with him.”

Emma felt her immortal blood boil. She’d trusted Tommaso once, and he’d betrayed her. Almost gotten her killed, too. But she’d known—well, she’d thought—it wasn’t Tommaso’s fault. He’d been injected with liquid black jade, an evil substance that could darken the heart of an angel. That’s why, after he’d been captured and mortally wounded, she’d begged the gods to cure him.

Then she did the unthinkable: she’d put her faith in him again.

Stupid move.

He’d turned on her a second time, the bastard. Yes, his betrayal—done of his own free will—was her prize on that fateful night almost one year ago when her grandmother showed up on their doorstep in Italy, leading an army of evil Maaskab priests, her mind clearly poisoned.

“If Tommaso hadn’t helped her escape, we could’ve saved her,” she said purely to vent, because she really wanted to cry. But the fiancée of the God of Death and War didn’t cry. Especially in front of the hundred warriors riding shotgun on the plane tonight.

Okay, maybe one teeny tiny tear while no one’s looking.

“Do not give up hope, Emma.” Guy clutched her hand. “And do not forget…whatever happens, I love you. Until the last ray of sunlight. Until the last flicker of life inhabits this planet.”

Brutus groaned and rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by the sappy chatter.

Emma elbowed him in the ribs. “Shush! And how can you, of all people, be uncomfortable with a little affection? Huh? You bunk with eight dudes every night. That’s gross by the way. Not the dude part. I’m cool with that. But eight, big, sweaty warriors all at once? Yuck. So don’t judge me because I’m into the one-man-at-a-time rule. That’s messed up, Brutus.”

Brutus growled and Guy chuckled.

In truth, Emma didn’t know what Brutus was into or how he and his elite team slept, but she loved teasing him. She figured that sooner or later she’d find the magic words to get Brutus to speak to her.

No luck yet.

Accepting a temporary defeat, she shrugged and turned her attention back to the task at hand. She took one last look at her delicious male—seven feet of solid muscle with thick blue-black waves of hair and bronzed skin. Sigh. “Okay. I’m ready,” she declared boldly. “Let’s kill some Scabs and get my granny!”

She glanced over her other shoulder at Penelope, their newest family member. Her dark hair was pulled into a tight ponytail that accentuated the anger simmering in her dark green eyes. Pissed would be a serious understatement.

Emma didn’t blame her. What a cluster.

“Ready?” Emma asked.

“You better believe it,” Penelope replied. “These clowns picked the wrong girl to mess with.”

Guy frowned as they leaped from the plane into the black night.

AVAILABLE AT:    Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Twenty-two-year-old Emma Keane has a secret friend. He’s powerful, mysterious, and devastatingly handsome. In her dreams, anyway.

In real life, he’s an enigma. Maybe just a teensie jealous. Definitely overbearing. He’s also a voice only she can hear.

So who or what is he? He won’t say. But if she wants to be free, to be normal, Emma will have to trek to the jungles once ruled by the Mayans and find the forgotten ruin holding the answers.

However, the ruthless deity she’s about to unknowingly unleash on the modern world might not be so easily extracted from her life. Bottom line, he’s got enemies, and now, so does she.

“If you love her, set her free. If she comes back, she’s yours. If she doesn’t…Christ! Stubborn woman! Hunt her down, and bring her the hell back; she’s still yours according to vampire law.”--Niccolo DiConti, General of the Vampire Queen’s Army.

THE DETERMINED VAMPIRE: Niccolo DiConti has faithfully served as leader of Her Majesty’s army for over a millennium, but he’d rather sunbathe in the Sahara than spend another grueling day under his demented queen’s command. However, no one has ever left her side and lived to tell. So when a powerful goddess prophesies he will meet his salvation—a human woman he must turn into a vampire with her consent—he eagerly rises to the challenge. After all, how hard could it be to seduce a human female into taking the immortal plunge? Harder than he thinks. Because his mate won’t be born for another three centuries, and when he wakes up in the goddess’ tomb, not only is his life a mess, but his destined female isn’t about to settle for a coldhearted vampire. Can he win her over before it’s too late? Not if his enemies have anything to do with it.

AN UNWILLING BRIDE: On the night Helena Strauss meets the fierce, devastatingly handsome vampire who saves her life in the jungles of Mexico, she knows her world will be forever changed. Because an attraction this mind blowing only comes along once in a lifetime—or existence. And when he claims she is his one true mate, destined to be his for all eternity, it’s a fairytale come true. So what if her knight in shining armor is a vampire? Nobody’s perfect. But discovering the powerful, overbearing immortal doesn’t “do love”? Deal breaker. Helena will flee and set out to accomplish the impossible…sever the otherworldly bond between them. And it turns out, Helena is just the leverage Niccolo’s enemies need to break the mighty warrior and wipe out his people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before taking up a permanent residence in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mimi spent time living near NYC (became a shopaholic), in Mexico City (developed a taste for very spicy food), and Arizona (now hates jumping chollas, but pines for sherbet sunsets). Her love of pre-Hispanic culture, big cities, and romance inspires her to write when she’s not busy with kids, work, and life…or getting sucked into a juicy novel.

She hopes that someday, leather pants for men will make a big comeback and that her writing might make you laugh when you need it most.

Website: www.mimijean.net
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/mimi-jean-pamfiloff/id498303364?mt=11
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MimiJeanRomance
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-Jean/218935048190356
Email: mimi@mimijean.net

*To learn more about this book visit the other blogs hosting this tour listed here.

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway