Marked By the Alpha by Natalie Aejaz

Marked By the Alpha

One night with her, and everything changed. I’d never needed a female until I met Angie, but now she’s taken over my damn mind.

Shaun, an unmated wolf shifter and property magnate, is interested in females for only one thing. Sex. But after a one-night stand with the human Angie, he can’t get her out of his head. He wants her, but there’s one problem. His latest property acquisition, which has come to him courtesy of the mob, also happens to be her family business.

That night with the hot shifter was just what Angie needed to get over a broken heart, and now it’s time to put her past behind her and focus on getting her family business back from the mob. After discovering that Shaun is the one standing between her and the property, she should hate him, but instead finds herself fighting her feelings for the shifter.

As the attraction develops into something that means more than sex, will they be able to get past their dispute and find a way to be together?

Welcome to the world of Blood Moon, full of sexy males, feisty heroines and hot romance. Don’t miss MARKED BY THE ALPHA, the first book in the paranormal romance series. This wolf shifter romance contains steamy sex scenes, a happily ever after and no cliffhangers. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

Read an excerpt:

If she planned to play the demure maiden, what was she doing at a club like this? “Relax. I won’t bite.” 

“I’ve heard that you guys do bite, when you—” She struggled with her words, staring at the carpet. It was supposed to be a bloody joke. His kind did bite during sex, but only when they wanted to mark someone as their own. In her case, no chance. “Sorry. It’s my first time—” 

“You’re not a bloody virgin, are you?” 

Her cheeks flushed pink, an unexpectedly cute look on her. “No, I don’t mean that. I mean…” She was so flustered, she was making him nervous. “I’ve never had a one-night stand before…and I’ve never, you know, with a shifter—” 

If she was so scared of his kind, what the hell was she doing here? Typical human, couldn’t help but come to take a look at the beast. But there was no way he would stick around to struggle with this weeping willow. “I don’t think this will work.” 

As he reached past her to the door handle, she placed her hand on his arm. “Please don’t go. I—I want to try this—” 

He sighed, turning to her. “Look, I said I’m not up for it—” 

But her lips landed on his, sending a jolt to his libido. The human…knew how to kiss. Her breathing was shallow as she pressed her body against his. Damn, but she tasted good. When she moaned, soft, he ached for her. 

Where the hell did this reaction come from?

Available on Amazon 

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About Natalie Aejaz

I love making things up!

I am Natalie Aejaz, an author who enjoys travel and make-believe.

While managing a plethora of other activities, I focused on a series of social novels over the past few years. I wrote my first paranormal romance a few months ago, unexpectedly becoming addicted to the fun and freedom of creating universes. The opportunities for play were as limitless as my imagination and since then, I write in this genre.

Aliens, shapeshifters, vampires and witches … they are on their way in my future books.


CONNECT WITH ME:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/natalieaejaz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieaejaz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/natalieaejaz.writer

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Melody DeBlois, author of That April in Santa Monica, on her journey to becoming a writer

Every author has her own story about how she became the writer that she is today. Melody DeBlois is sharing her personal journey with us today. There's also an excerpt from her new novel That April in Santa Monica. Follow the tour for more and let her know what you think along the way. And of course, there's a great giveaway at the end!

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My Journey to Becoming a Writer

When my youngest son went off school, I sat at the dining room table and wrote a book called Waiting for the Magic. It was about a young French girl who gets a dollhouse for Christmas, and it comes to life. I put every story I’d ever imagined into the manuscript, and after it was finished, I sent it, wrapped in Christmas paper, to Bantam books. They responded with a short, sweet letter. “May you have the continued joy we find in your writing.” It was a polite way to reject a book that I couldn’t have known then had no structure and no character depth. Nor did I realize, that single cheer would take me down what would be a thirty-year path toward publication.

My second book was The Kid and the Ghost of Rocco Moretti. The premise, a boy goes to live with his grandmother in Chicago only to find the house haunted by the man who built Al Capone’s vault. That young-adult debut went to a Harper and Row editor, turned literary agent, who I’d talked into taking a peek. She informed me that the storyline wore thin because I hadn’t learned to write introspection.

For the next ten years, while employed in book shops, I worked on a novel called The Ghost of Antonio Corradini. It was full of over-the-top scenes that went nowhere. Still, when I called Donald Mass, he was still young and hungry enough to be at his agency on a Saturday. I asked why he’d rejected my manuscript, and he said, “You didn’t have a genre. There’s no place for it on the shelf.”

Because I was working in a funeral home, I decided to write a Gothic horror novel. Consequently, ten years later, I sent Blood Vault out for publication. An acquisitions editor at Chyzine Publications pulled it out of the slush pile. She was wild about the manuscript and passed it on to the publishers. Three years later, Sandra Kasturi rejected it, telling me she didn’t like the voice. She thought it had a breathless quality. My husband is still pushing me to get Blood Vault out there. Of all my novels, this was his favorite.

Next, I completed a time travel romance called For Love. The story question was, what would happen if a Romantic poet traveled up in time and encountered email and text messaging? I never tried to publish this book, but I did use it as a completed novel that I sent to RWA (Romantic Writers of America) to achieve Pro status.

A year later, I wrote a 55,000-word draft in a month for NaNoWriMo. The book went through two-years’ worth of incarnations. I won first place in a contest, where I was presented with a beautiful crystal. At the writer’s conference. I pitched to an editor at Source Books and she wanted to read the manuscript. Months later she rejected it, saying she couldn’t identify with the characters. I made the heroine poorer and heavy instead of too thin. Then I sent a pitch to another editor at Source Books who rejected it. She thought the hero wasn’t manly enough because he was a yoga teacher. I didn’t listen this time but sent it to Wild Rose Press. Josette Arthur liked it and passed it on to the senior editor. This time, it was a go!

I ended up with a three-book contract. I feel very fortunate to have gotten in with the incredible staff at The Wild Rose Press. I’ve learned more in the past eight months about writing than in all thirty years. Sometimes I think the reason I finally got published was I never gave up. On my darkest days, I kept seeing my freshly published book in my hands, and any day now, it will be a reality.

That April in Santa Monica

Madison receives acclaim for running a talent agency for people with disabilities, but she doesn't know how to take care of herself. When her altruism becomes life-threatening—a matter of either develop healthy habits or die—she joins a reality TV show that pairs her with hot, raven-haired Brandon. He is witty, sexy, and her teacher. That makes him off limits.

After a successful run on a soap opera, Brandon stepped away from empty fame and now focuses on his work as TV's most noted health teacher. He has one fast rule—never fall for a student. But when he meets Madison, their chemistry is combustible. There's no hiding their conflict or their attraction, especially when it's all caught on film.

Read an excerpt:

On the beach, Madison started to gather energy, so that when they went into downward-facing dog, he discovered, with her well-earned agility, she didn’t bend her knees as usual.

“Madison, you’re touching the ground!”

She beamed up at him. “I am!”

She was unimaginably beautiful. The way the sun seized the golden streaks in her red hair, the way the natural wave framed her angular face, distracted him. He had his fantasies about her, and this was one of them. The two of them by themselves on the beach, doing yoga. The only problem? The usual. They were not alone.

Warrior pose brought with it an expression of victory on her part, and child’s pose caused her to fold up within herself like a flower after sunset. No woman had ever done the positions with as much raw sensuality. Being with her made him, the yogic practitioner, forget how to move and how to breathe.

This day she stood taller and bent farther. The muscles in her arms supported her with effortlessness. Even her hands seemed stronger than before. She balanced herself with greater ease, like a goddess surveying her kingdom by the sea. Brandon closed his eyes against the gush of erotic pictures she evoked in him. He had been with her too long, yet not long enough.

When they finished, she purred, “I just might learn to love this.”

“You did well.”

“Do you think it was the fancy yoga outfit?”

He shook his head. “Nah, I think it was the woman.”

Available on Amazon 

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About Melody DuBlois

Born in California, award winning author, Melody DeBlois follows the sun. When she isn’t swimming laps, she’s writing sweet and sassy romances. Her heroines are self-reliant and smart and her heroes are kind by nature and love dogs. She lives in California during the summer and spends winters in Arizona with her husband. She has plotted her novels while hiking the beach or trekking across the desert. Her most treasured possession is family.

Website: https://www.melodydeblois.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Melody-DeBlois/e/B07XBV66Y8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/That-April-Santa-Monica-Beach-ebook/dp/B07XDP155H/ref=sr_1_1

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48106063-that-april-in-santa-monica

https://www.facebook.com/melodydebloisbooks/

https://twitter.com/DeBloisMelody

Melody DeBlois will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Taken by the Outlaw by Tory Richards

MC Suspense Romance

Date Published: 10/15/19

She was on the run.

He might be her salvation.

Would you give yourself to a stranger? Gwendolyn Myers never thought about it until she runs into Marcus 'Bowie' Ford at the Pink Pussy. A run-down hotel at the edge of town. She's on the run, but one taste of the sexy biker convinces Gwen that her running days might be over!

Purchase Links

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo  * iBooks  * Smashwords  

Excerpt

I watched his hand slowly descend but before it reached my cheek another hand shot out, out of nowhere, clamped around the drunk’s thick wrist, and stopped his arm in mid air. Heat radiated off a presence behind me and I slowly turned, catching my breath. My eyes locked onto the narrowed, fear-provoking gaze of my savior, the hunky biker. His warm, whiskey laced breath bathed my forehead, and my gaze fell to his mouth, which was way too close. For a crazy second I wondered what kissing those sensuous lips would taste like.

Realizing that I was staring I glanced up at him.

"Run little girl, things are about to get fucking ugly."

I shook my head. "I don't want to cause any trouble."

"Then you should have heeded to my warning.” His tone said he was annoyed that I hadn’t. “Now get the fuck out of here."

I opened my mouth to speak but his expression darkened even more. I shivered from the intensity, realizing that his anger was directed at me as much as the drunk. I didn't know this man, and it occurred to me that I didn't want to. He might be hot as hell, but danger dripped from every pore.

He looked determined, and dangerous.

I don't know why I listened to him, but suddenly my arm was released, and I was heading toward the door. On my way there I dodged other bikers who were quickly heading toward the bar. I heard a loud commotion start but didn't turn around. Once I hit the door and was outside, I took a deep breath, not realizing until then that I'd been holding my breath.

Fuck! My heart was racing a mile a minute. That was…intense, and had happened so fast. I couldn't recall ever striking anyone before. My reaction to the biker's command pissed me off because Greg had always told me what to do. I didn't need some stranger taking his place, even if it was my fault for jumping when he said jump. If I was going to make it on my own then I needed to exert myself.

I checked for traffic before crossing the road to the hotel. I made it all the way to my door before remembering that I'd forgotten my damn sandwich. Crap! Well, I wasn't going back. The cheese and crackers I’d picked up at a convenience store earlier would have to do until morning. I unlocked my door, and headed straight to the bathroom, thinking about a nice long soak in the tub.

*Some of this book has been previously published. New cover. New title. New and updated content.

About the author:

Tory Richards is an Amazon bestselling author who writes smut with a plot. Born in Maine, she's lived most of her life in Florida where she went to school, married, and raised her daughter. She's retired from Disney and spends her time with family and friends, traveling, and writing.

Contact Links

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How Sara Ohlin, author of Handling the Rancher, Crafts Her Fictional World

Setting is just as important to a story as the characters and story development. Each author has her own way of crafting that fictional world. Today, Sara Ohlin takes us into her process and makes you want to go to Graciella. I also have an excerpt from her latest book, Handling the Rancher, and a great giveaway for you! Be sure to follow the tour and let her know what you think along the way.

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Crafting My Fictional World, Graciella

I love crafting my fictional world more than any other part of the story, aside from the characters’ emotions. Setting has always spoken to me as a reader, from the English cliffsides in Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels to Gloria Naylor’s island, Willow Springs, in Mama Day. Even Bleak House by Dickens (which I might never have the patience to read again) sucks you in to a dark, cold, bitter world from the first page. It’s as if the setting is its own character.

Often times a character will come to me first and I’ll think, Now where would you live? Or, What kind of a world do we find you in? Then I try to craft the perfect place full of texture, scents, sights, sounds, feelings, even tastes, all in technicolor. I can always see the fictional world perfectly in my head. Getting it down on paper that way is a challenge.

I’ve lived on the West Coast of the US for many years and there’s a beauty and a wildness to it from sweltering Southern California all the way to the towering fir trees overlooking the Pacific along Washington’s coast. When I wrote Handling the Rancher, I knew I wanted the rocky, steep coast similar to some parts of Oregon and Washington, as well as the lush green, rolling farmland. Idyllic, romantic and a bit rugged at the same time. And not well known, sort of a hidden gem.

I hoped to illustrate how much the land and the sea air seduces the characters into falling in love. Cruz is returning to a place he loves, and that salty, fresh air and the rawness of the farm help heal him. And Miranda has lived a life lacking in richness, in friendship, in love. Graciella’s fog, the scent of the water, even something as simple as apple blossoms, a baby horse being born, the kindness of a new friend help open Miranda’s heart and she realizes what she’s been missing. More importantly Graciella’s beauty helps her realize she deserves a life full of love and connection.

Hopefully my readers will find themselves immersed in the beauty of Graciella too.

Handling the Rancher

What’s a sexy rancher to do when an uptight accountant falls into his lap?

Already reeling at having inherited the family farm on his father’s death, photojournalist Cruz Brockman returns home to the Oregon town of Graciella to receive another blow—accountant Miranda Jenks is there to audit the books because the IRS suspect his late father of tax fraud. To their astonishment, sparks fly between the passionate Cruz and the career-focused Miranda upon first meeting, and the heat rises with every encounter.

Threatened with losing everything his family has worked for, Cruz has no choice but to be completely open with the uptight Miranda, something that doesn’t come easily to him, just as focusing on her own needs is foreign to her. She’s buried her own desires all her life, but the longer she spends with the captivating rancher, the more she wants to dive into a passionate affair with him.

An intense, toe-curling physical connection is one thing, but exposing their hearts is another. As Miranda finishes her audit and the clock counts down to her leaving, can the reluctant rancher and the shy accountant conquer their fears and fight for their love?

Read an excerpt:

Shouldn’t things seem easier between us? He’d apologized. They’d cleared the air on that whatever-it-was that had happened in the library. ‘Kiss’ was too mild a word. He’d practically blown all the fuses in her brain. He’d devoured her. Nothing felt easier. Instead the space seemed to shrink and she felt as though someone had sucked all the oxygen out of the barn. She started walking backwards toward the barn door.

“I should go.”

“I need to get—”

They spoke at the same time. He laughed and let a breath out as he faced her. “Miranda.”

“Yes,” she said, caught in his gaze.

“I’m not sorry for that kiss,” Cruz said, his face serious again as he pinned her with that look of desire. He took a step toward her. “I’m sorry for being rude, for putting you in an awkward position.” He continued walking closer. “But I’m not sorry for that kiss, for feeling what I felt. You confuse me.”

“Bossy accountant not your type?” She tried to joke, but the words came out jagged.

His strides were long. In an instant he’d caught up to her so their bodies were almost touching. “I don’t know what my type is.” His voice deepened. “I haven’t been in one place long enough or spent enough time trying to figure out if I have a type. The only thing I’ve ever been sure of is my work and this land, the farm, the people.”

He tucked a stray hair behind her ear. The intimacy startled her more than his gaze. She felt raw inside with need. She only had to stretch up a little to meet him. Her lips could be on his again. That delicious fire could consume her, which was exactly why she took a large step back and kept going.

Buy links

Amazon.com *  Amazon.co.uk *  Kobo.com *
 Barnesandnoble.com * Totally Bound

About Sara Ohlin

Puget Sound based writer, Sara Ohlin is a mom, wannabe photographer, obsessive reader, ridiculous foodie, and the author of the upcoming contemporary romance novels, Handling the Rancher and Salvaging Love.

She has over fifteen years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, (http://www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/afact-005.html), Feminine Collective (http://www.femininecollective.com/?s=Come+Back+to+Me+Lemon), Mothers Always Write (https://mothersalwayswrite.com/map-of-flaws/), Her View from Home (https://herviewfromhome.com/the-joys-and-lessons-learned-through-team-sports/), and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.

If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story.

She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart.

Website: www.saraohlin.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/SaraOhlin222
Instagram = http://www.instagram.com/saraohlin222
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/saraohlinwriter/
Pinterest = http://www.pinterest.com/saraohlin/

Sara Ohlin will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Halloween $25 Amazon Gift Card #Giveaway Ends 10/27

I live in the north. It's cold. That means I am spending a lot more time wrapped up in a blanket with my Kindle. I need some new hot reads to make me feel better. What would you buy with $25 to Amazon?

Head below to enter to win! Giveaway is open to US &CAN and ends on on 10/27 at 11:59pmEST. Must be 18yo to enter.

Good luck!

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Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to US & CAN , must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact  Elia At Conservamom

Interview with Wicked and Gwen from Wicked Night by Evi Rhodes

Character interviews are my favorite! And this one is fantastic. Enjoy a conversation with Wicked and Gwen from Wicked Night by Evi Rhodes. Let her know what you think in the comments. And then follow the tour for more fun and reviews, plus a great giveaway.

“Are you sure you want to do this? We don’t have to.” I asked Wicked as he ran his hand through his hair for what felt like the millionth time.

“No we made the commitment and beside the council wants me to start embracing the public figure portion of the job.”

“But national television? I mean…”

“We’ve got this,” he said smiling but I could still see the ghost of nervousness in his eyes as Carly began to go through the introduction.

“Welcome everyone! Thank you for joining us this evening for another exciting addition of your favourite talk show The Supernatural Collective. We have two very special guests joining us tonight. You would know him only as one of the warriors that protects all of us… I’m blushing getting ready to introduce them… for the first time ever we are getting to meet our future King and Queen in person! Now, of course, for safety reasons their faces have been blocked-out to our viewers; but don’t worry ladies I will describe, in detail, on my blog just how hot the vampire King is. Please join me in welcoming Wicked and his lovely fiancé Gwen,” Carly said as she smiled wide for the cameras and held her arm out to the side of the brightly lit stage.

“Thank you Carly for having us, I love anytime I get the chance to show off my beautiful fiancé,” Wicked said giving Gwen a wink before offering his hand to Carly who turned a vibrant shade of red as he gave her the most charming smile he could. Not that, that was exactly difficult, he oozed that otherworldly sexy without even trying.

Wicked wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head, playing up the enamored couple image for the viewers. “You two are just darling! Please have a seat. Now let’s get right to it, the questions have been pouring in ever since we announced you were going to be on the show. This first question is to you Wicked, don’t worry we will start off easy. A viewer would like to know, what is the funniest way you were ever injured?”

“Oh boy this is embarrassing, but when I was six I tried to use a plastic bag as a parachute and jumped off the top of my jungle gym and broke my arm, I still have a scar,” Wicked said showing off the thin line on his arm.

“I can just image how cute and troublesome you must have been. Okay Gwen this one is for you. What is the most terrifying event from your life so far and have you recovered from it?”

“Oh geez… well I guess I would have to say the night that Wicked proposed to me and we were attacked by wraiths. I was so scared for Wicked, I honestly don’t know what I would have done if he was injured or worse. I don’t know if you ever get over the thought of losing the love of your life.” Wicked grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips to kiss while Carly let out a sigh watching the small intimate interaction, making me want to bolt from the room.

“You two are killing me you’re just so adorable together. Alright Wicked, what would you say the weirdest thing about you is and are you ashamed or proud of it?”

“What, being the next vampire King isn’t weird enough for you?” Wicked teased and smiled wide flashing his fangs to Carly who is human and I thought she was going to faint as she fanned at her face. “I’m sure I have many strange things about me but I prefer to keep those between Gwen and I,” he practically purred and I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes.

Carly cleared her throat and looked down at the card with the next question. “Okay Gwen we will come back to you. If you and Wicked could go anywhere and do anything for your honeymoon, where would it be and what would you do? And by all means you don’t need to keep it PG,” she teased and I could feel myself getting hot all over with total embarrassment. Okay maybe it was me that was more nervous about doing this.

“Well I think that it would be nice to get away somewhere secluded and virtually untouched, maybe someplace like the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh or maybe the Congo. We could hike and explore all day and stay in remote beautiful locations with stunning views.”

“You want to hike our entire honeymoon?” Wicked asked raising an eyebrow at me.

“Well not the entire time, long days curled up with you sounds pretty amazing,” I said and then blushed a bright pink as I stared into Wicked’s heated look.

“Is it getting hot in here or what folks? Phew, I think I need some water thrown on me. Well now it’s time for some tougher questions. Wicked the viewers are dying to know, what would you have done if you hadn’t met Gwen? Would you have done what your bloodline expected and married Ice and what will happen if they continue to push for you to marry Ice?”

I looked up to Wicked and wondered what he was going to say, I’d been wondering this myself and was really too scared ask. “Well Carly, luckily by the grace of the goddess I don’t have to worry about not meeting Gwen, but if by some terrible fate we hadn’t met then no I wouldn’t have married Ice. As for the council pushing for me to not marry Gwen, the rumors have been greatly exaggerated and I have full confidence that they will support her to be Queen as I do once they get to know her better.”

“But correct me if I’m wrong, don’t you have to choose a mate to take the crown?” Carly asked not letting Wicked off with the half answer he’d given.

“Well yes, but…”

“Then what would you have done? Your people deserve to know.”

Wicked swallowed hard and then looked down at me briefly before answering. “Well Carly I would have chosen another wife but it wouldn’t have been Ice, I had another in mind.”

“Really?” I asked shocked as I stared into his eyes, this was the first I’d heard about this.

“Oh did we cause some trouble for the lovebirds?” Carly asked cheerily, obviously loving the drama.

“I think this conversation is better for us to have alone,” Wicked whispered and I nodded but now I wanted to know who was he going to choose? “That’s really all I have to say on the topic Carly,” Wicked said, his tone changing just enough to let the interviewer know that he meant what he said and he was liable to stand up and leave if she continued this line of questioning.

“Well poop… fine then, I will jump to the last question for you Gwen. We have heard that you’ve surrounded yourself by only strong men, has this been by choice, do you not like women or will you one day have a friend that is not of the tall and hunky category?”

What the heck, was all I could think as I stared at the woman. What kind of questions were these. “Um well, it certainly has not been by design and I definitely don’t have anything against women…”

“Yeah but doesn’t Wicked get jealous with all the time you spend alone with all these different sexy males? And aren’t you the least bit turned on by them?”

This was a touchy subject and she was catching me totally off guard, I wasn’t even sure how to answer this. I had my friend Chris but didn’t want to mention her name on national T.V. so she could be hounded, especially since I hadn’t even had a proper conversation with her yet about all this; and really what did it matter if most of my friends were male, I certainly wasn’t attracted to them romantically or doing anything inappropriate.

“I have nothing to be jealous about, Gwen is honest and honourable and if you invited us here to try and create a spectacle out of us on T.V., then I’m sorry but this interview is over,” Wicked said picking up on my immediate discomfort with the sudden turn in conversation. He grabbed my hand and we stood making our way back out the direction we arrived.

“Well there you have it folks, the perfect lovebirds have a few things to talk about, don’t you think? Join us next time for more sexy and scandalous news from all your favourite celebrities. Love you and good night!”

Wicked Night

Follow the journey of a strong, independent, yet caring woman as she navigates the supernatural world she is thrust into. Gwen steps out of a dysfunctional family life and into a world filled with danger she never realized lives at every turn, fiery passion, and a love that is ever binding. How will she handle her strange new surroundings as well as the man with the intense and overbearing personality who threatens to destroy the emotional barriers around her heart?

Wicked, the next in line to become the vampire king, is caught off guard when he grudgingly agrees to take on a charge, something he never wanted to do. He is unsure how to handle the fierce and vibrant woman with the unsettling green eyes. It doesn't take long for them to clash, but will it end passionately or burn down around them?

Read an excerpt:

His big body started to shake and he gave in and did something he hadn’t done in a very long time: he cried. He was hanging on to her for dear life as the sobs racked his body and still she just kept repeating how much she loved him, and she was there for him. As small as she was, physically, in comparison to him, in this moment she was the strong one; she was his rock. He needed her, he needed to wipe away what happened tonight; he needed to bury himself into her warmth and have her wash away the darkness with the strength of who she was who they were to each other.

He looked up into her eyes and he saw only love. There was no pity. There was no sadness or disgust at how weak he was being, there was only love for him and a strength of character that spoke of her virtuous nature. He took her face in his hands and crushed his lips to hers and she moaned in response, allowing him to completely dominate her as he ran his hands up her body and explored her mouth with his tongue. He broke away from the kiss only long enough to make sure the door was locked.

BUY LINKS

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Review the book on NetGalley 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Evi Rhodes has always had a passion for writing and likes to spend as much time as possible hanging out with the array of rescue animals on her farm in Ontario, sipping on a cup of coffee and typing on her laptop.

In addition to getting her degree in business as well as competing in her favourite equestrian sport, dressage, she is an entrepreneur, and has coached many of a riding enthusiast, but she has always found herself coming back to wanting to write full-time.

“I just want to be me and to be authentic. To tell a story that others can immerse themselves in and enjoy is what I have always wanted.”

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS
Website: www.awarriorspromiseseries.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/evirhodesauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evi_rhodes/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18662575.Evi_Rhodes

Evi Rhodes will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Arizona Caress by Bobbi Smith

Oh, western historical romance fans, I've got another one for you! Enjoy an excerpt from Arizona Caress by Bobbi Smith today. Follow the tour to check out even more from the book. Be sure to let Bobbi know what you think in the comments. And of course, be sure to enter the great giveaway!

Arizona Caress

A dashing man from back east meets an unconventional Native American woman and they join hearts against all odds in this spellbinding tale of passion and western adventure from New York Times bestselling author Bobbi Smith.

Chance Broderick has plenty of charm and more than enough wealth, and his life among the Boston Brahmins offers plenty of tempting distractions. But when he receives word that his brother is in grave danger in the Arizona Territory, Chance dutifully travels west to help. There he finds wild, vast lawless lands full of surprises. But his greatest shock on the frontier is when he discovers that the tracker he’s hired is not the brash young boy he assumed, but a beautiful young Native American woman, Rori.

Raised by her Native American grandfather after the death of her white father and her Pima mother, Rori is an expert tracker who knows how to fend for herself. Chance is fascinated but she takes an instant dislike to him and nothing will satisfy her more than showing the arrogant man from back east a thing or two about how things are done on the frontier out west. Nothing could satisfy her more, that is, except the pleasure of his searing touch, his soft kisses. For Rori can’t help craving Chance as fiercely as he desires her and as they overcome the worlds of indifference and hostility which threaten to separate them, they find true love is their one destiny.

Read an excerpt:

“Are you sure about this, Chance?” Doug asked his brother as they rode back to the Indian village.

“I’m sure. I made a promise to her grandfather to do my best for her, and I intend to do just that.”

A few villagers looked up as Chance and Doug rode back into the village and stopped in front of Rori’s lodge. Chance dismounted and strode forward to throw wide the door flap.


Rori was feeling sad and lonely. She was ready to pack up her few belongings and leave the Pima encampment, when she heard the sound of horses outside.


“Rori!” Chance called her name as he entered unannounced.

Rori never dreamed Chance would come back for her. His good-bye had been too final, too devastating. She stared at him in mute surprise, her defenses down.

Chance took one look around the lodge and knew he’d been right. She was unhappy and it was all his fault.

Rori was tired of fighting the loneliness that had haunted her since her grandfather’s death. For just that moment, she allowed herself to believe Chance had come back because he wanted her. She stared at him, her heart beating painfully. His next words to her were so callous and demanding that they jarred her from her young girl’s reverie.

“You’re coming with me,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.

At his commanding attitude, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. As much as she would have loved to throw herself into his arms, she refused to give in to the desire. She knew Chance, and she didn’t trust him.

“I ain’t going anywhere with you, Broderick!”

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

About Bobbi Smith

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982.

Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million copies of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, the USA Today Best Seller List and the Wal-Mart Best Seller List.

The rights to Ms. Smith’s books have been sold to China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Russia and Sweden. Bobbi has also written two faith-based contemporary novels – Haven and Miracles – using the pseudonym Julie Marshall.

Bobbi Smith will be awarding $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards by Joye Emmens

Welcome to the review tour for Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards, a romance that spans two continents. I have an excerpt for you today, as well as my thoughts and opinions. Let the author know what you think in the comments section and feel free to ask her any questions. Be sure to follow the tour to get more thoughts from other readers. And of course, enter the giveaway!

Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards

Will the rare love that comes once in a lifetime win her over? Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards is a compelling and enchanting novel set among vineyards in Southern France and Central California.

Spending summers at her grandparents’ vineyard, Clos de Harmonie, Olivia found her passion for winemaking and pursued a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Olivia accepts an invitation from a Frenchman to complete her master’s degree project at his family’s fifth generation biodynamic vineyard in France.

She and the French winemaker have an instant attraction. With her project complete, she struggles with the desire to stay in France and the knowledge she is neglecting her grandparents’ vineyard. Called back to California by an unforeseen turn of events, Olivia focuses on getting Clos de Harmonie certified as a biodynamic vineyard. Her dream is to make authentic, natural wine that captures the landscape and its essence in a bottle.

As she wrestles with her long-distance love interest, the challenges of reviving a rundown vineyard, and trouble with the landowner next door, Olivia finds strength in the human spirit and the need to prove herself in a sea of doubters.

An evocative story that awakens the senses, Crush captures the complex layers and enduring bonds of family amidst the dramas and joys of winemaking. The magic and mysteries of biodynamic farming come to life along with a colorful cast of characters in both France and California.

Read an excerpt:

Professor Clark, my graduate adviser, walked to the podium. The guest speaker followed. With his lean build, he glided across the stage. He stood tall and relaxed in a white linen long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. While the professor introduced him, he scanned the audience, and his eyes landed on me in the front row. I sat up straight and wished I’d worn something more flattering than jeans and a T-shirt. Mom always told me never leave the house without looking your best. His brown eyes met mine before he took the podium.

So, this was Lucien Laroche. I was to be his ambassador for the weekend. Professor Clark had asked me to take Lucien to consult with two wineries near Santa Barbara. Since I was going to my nana’s vineyard in the valley already, it worked out perfectly.

“Biodynamic agriculture springs from a spiritual worldview called anthroposophy,” Lucien Laroche stated. His French accent had me. “A biodynamic farm is a living system. A self-sustaining ecosystem that is responsible for creating and maintaining its health without any outside or unnatural additions. Each farm has its own unique characteristics.”

I followed his every move. His presence held my attention. My undivided attention.

Buy links:

Smashwords * Amazon * iBooks * B&N * Kobo

**My thoughts**

I love the cover of this book. I love the romantic notion of wineries in both California and France. I felt like the attraction between Olivia and Luke happened extremely quickly, especially considering he asks her to move all the way around the world to do her study on his French vineyard. I definitely could tell that Olivia had a crush on Luke and that he was attracted to her, but I didn't quite FEEL the initial attraction, if that makes any sense. But nevertheless, they want to make a go of it. And of course, it isn't going to be completely smooth sailing.

I loved it when Olivia got to France. She lands at the Marseille airport and spends time in villages not so dreadfully far from there. It transported me back to my exchange student days when I got to spend some time in that region, which was a warm and fuzzy memory.

And I loved learning about the winemaking. I live in a large wine region here in the US, but I do not know as much about it as I probably should. I feel better armed to go on some local regional wine tours now. Clearly Joye has either done her homework or has some experience in winemaking.

I cannot imagine trying to choose between the love of my life and my family. I was extremely close to my family and it was difficult when I moved 400 miles away from them, let alone all the way around the world. I do not envy the decisions that need to be made.

It's an interesting read. I recommend spraying your reading area with some lavender and keeping a variety of wines on hand to sip and sample as you read.

About Joye Emmens

Joye Emmens is also the author of She’s Gone. She lives in California with her husband.

Website: www.jemmens.com

Twitter: @joyeemmens

Facebook: joyeemmens

Joye Emmens will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Live Soldier by Liam Clay

Welcome! This book is for my fans of science fiction. Check out an excerpt and then follow the tour to see even more. Be sure to let the author know what you think in the comments section, or feel free to ask him any questions you may have.

Live Soldier

THE APOCALYPSE WILL BE TELEVISED.

You know what they call me.

Camera-eyed killer. Spawn of the ruins. Man who stole a city.

These are not the names of a saint. But every legend has an origin story. And because of what I am, you can experience mine in real-time.

Fair warning, though: my life contains instances of drug use, bio-terrorism, aquatic street fighting, unsolicited retinal surgery, advanced warfare, amateur sex and straight-up murder.

But if you're sick of sanitized heroes... then log in, lose yourself and become the Live Soldier. Because you've never met a marine like me.

Read an excerpt:

The balcony is moving, I realize dimly. No - the entire labyrinth is shifting, rearranging itself into a single great platform. A low dais now occupies its center, a ring of security guards creating a perimeter around it. But these alterations have nothing to do with the drug; robotics and stagecraft are at work here.

Then the world’s color inverts: white turning to black, blue become red etc. I’ve barely adjusted when direction follows suit, and now everything is upside down. Oh crap, this will be the Anex, how much did she -

A (to me) golden clad figure floats up (and therefore down) from nowhere, until her bare feet make contact with the dais. Fantastically tall and smooth cheeked with flint-grey eyes, purple hair pulled back from a sharp widow’s peak. Letiva made young again.

“Welcome,” she says, “to the newly completed set of my upcoming feature!”

The crowd is enthralled, but the Ladder is positively smitten. He takes a step in her direction, but his legs aren’t cooperating and - more distressingly - he has begun to emit a high pitched mechanical whine. I think it’s a hallucination at first, but the crowd can hear it too. Everywhere I look people are clapping hands over their ears, backing away from the Ladder as he careens straight for Letiva. Her security detail closes in -

- and I’m blown off my feet. Everything goes black, shifting abruptly to blue, a deep bass roar accompanying. Now I’m falling, spinning like a top, until an impact hits me with a façade of deep, gutsy red. This holds for some time, fading gradually into pearly white unconsciousness.

Available on Amazon

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About Liam Clay

Liam is a Canadian who recently moved to Australia after getting kicked out of England for apologizing too much. He works on the commercial side of design agencies as a job, where his seething jealousy of the creative staff boils over into writing.

Website: http://www.liamclay.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelivesoldier/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheLiveSoldier

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18795742.Liam_Clay

Liam is giving away $75 Amazon/BN Gift Card via Rafflecopter during the tour.

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