Series Review and Giveaway - The Daring Debutantes by Jerrica Knight-Catania

This is a sweet Historical Romance series with creative premises, great characters and dynamic love stories. Pop over to Eargasms to see my reviews and a chance to win a copy of the first book for yourself! (CLICK THE BOOK COVER TO GO TO EACH REVIEW)

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Character Interview & Giveaway - Jenna Jaxon- ‘Betrayal’

Jenna Jaxon- ‘Betrayal’ Portfolio

Title: Betrayal

Genre: Historical erotic romance

Flame rating: Scorching

Released: 1/31/2014

Publisher: Rising Phoenix Publications

~~~CHARACTER INTERVIEW~~~

Character Interview Questions – THOMAS

1.  What was your first impression of your writer?  My first impression of Ms. Jaxon was that she knew what she wanted.  She knew what she needed.  And she was going to get it the most direct way possible. I was actually a very minor character in the first few chapters of Time Enough to Love.  If you’ve read Betrothal, you know that I was Alyse’s love interest until she and Geoffrey came to an understanding and fell in love.  Then, early in the chapters that became Book 2, Betrayal, Ms. Jaxon needed a way to get a message from Geoffrey to Alyse.  I spoke right up and said, “I’ll do it!” And that’s how I became a major player in this romantic triangle, because once she had me under her thumb, Ms. Jaxon decided to make our lives much more complicated than the original outline called for. *shakes head ruefully*  All because I volunteered to be a messenger.

2.  How did you and the heroine meet? *chuckles*  She was a new courtier, so of course she was of interest to all the men.  I could have seduced her, but I took pity on her innocent state. *winks* I tend to prefer a well seasoned dish to plain fare.  The first time I think we spoke more than mere pleasantries, was after her betrothal to Geoffrey.  Imagine my astonishment to find the lady had a well honed wit and stabbed me with it. *grin* ‘Twas great fun to bait her, and to watch Geoffrey glower because of it.

3.  What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?  How have they shaped your life? I believe my greatest strength is a sharp wit.  I can fight with a sword, but more often the tougher challenge is to prevent a fight by outwitting your opponent.  My greatest weakness is likely letting emotions rule me.  When I can remain detached, I can usually win any confrontation. Unfortunately, I can’t always do that, as I so blatantly proved in Betrayal.

4.  What first drew you to your heroine? Her spirited wit and her sweetness.  An odd combination, perhaps, but she both challenged me and soothed me.  Alyse is a very formidable heroine.

5.  So, in your story, what was the most memorable moment for you? *grins* That would be telling, I’m afraid.  It would not do to give that much away to the readers.  However, I will say the most memorable moment for me was…very memorable.

6.  What do you do for fun?  I ride, I joust, I engage in hand to hand combat.  Indoors there are other, less combative pastimes, although they are just as vigorous--dancing, for one.  Or chess. Among other things.

7. Would you like for your writer to create a sequel for you?  Why or why not?  Betrayal is the middle novella of a series of three, all comprising a larger work called Time Enough to Love.  So technically there will be a sequel to Betrayal.  And I believe there are several other books in the planning stages that utilize the characters in Betrothal and Betrayal.  I look forward to spending more time with Alyse and Geoffrey…rather more with Alyse, if truth be told.  But it is always satisfying to remain in good company.

8.  What is your greatest fear? Being dishonored.  Mine is an old name and I cannot entertain the thought of it being disgraced for any reason.

9.  What do you wear when you go to sleep? *laughs* Why would one wear anything to bed?  It would only impede the major activities one undertakes in a bed.  And it is too much trouble to don a shirt once one has finished those activities.

10.  What is most attractive to you about the opposite sex? Soft rounded curves, a winsome face, and intelligence.

11.  What’s your favorite animal?  My horse, Falcon.

12.  What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy afternoon? Linger in bed.  There is nothing better than a rainy day spent in bed with a willing woman.

Spotlight - Viscount's Prize by Patricia Bates

The Viscount's Prize by Patricia Bates

The rogue spy and his sheltered courtesan must fight to find a far more ephemeral reward than mere passion – they must try to survive falling in love in a time when love isn’t fashionable.

Excerpt:

Frederique’s gaze slid past the queen as he knelt. His heart lightened when he recognized one of the queen’s maidens. “Elisabeth.” The name slipped past his lips in a soundless whisper. Shock reverberated through his body as she drifted into court a few steps behind her majesty.

His attention wandered to the other women in the royal procession and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the last woman in line. Dressed in silver, her hair was swept up into a loose pile of curls atop her head. Powdered to perfection, it had a pale glow to it. Her clear, stunning blue eyes swept the room with curiosity and a touch of anger. Artfully applied cosmetics highlighted her high cheekbones and small nose. Her red lips were tilted in a smile that did not reach her eyes. A small black mole decorated her upper lip in the fashion of the times. A fan hung from her hand, and the ruffles along the edges of her skirts fluttered like butterfly wings with each step. Her breasts seemed near to bursting out of the lace of her bodice. Ribbons and bows cascaded over the gown in simple splendor compared to the queen’s lavish bejeweled gown.

His body tightened as she bowed before the king and her full breasts pushed against the confines of her bodice. The king’s expression bore no hint of lust. Indeed, the king barely acknowledged her before turning to assist his wife into her seat. With the queen settled next to him, he motioned to the fair haired beauty standing a few steps beyond the dais.

Buy Links:  Carnal Passions  

About the Author:

Currently I have over 20 books under contract under my own name and under my pen name Elise Whyles in multiple genres. My goals this year are simple to continue putting out stories my readers love, books they can relate to and characters they can identify with. For the full list of my books please check out my books page.

Author Links:  Site     Twitter    Facebook

Guest Post & Giveaway - Leigh LaValle's THE ROGUE RETURNS

GUEST POST BY LEIGH LAVALLE

The Lure of the Road Trip Romance

There are many popular tropes, or story ideas, in romance novels. Personally, I love them all!

Friends-to-Lovers

Older-Brother’s-Best-Friend

Pretend Marriage

Secret Baby

The Ugly Duckling

The Bodyguard

Road Trip Romance

My newest release, THE ROGUE RETURNS, is a Road Trip Romance. It features a cross-country excursion by horseback and lots of adventure. One of the elements I love about this theme is that the hero and heroine are thrown together and often have to rely on each other for their very survival. There is no going home to their own beds, no running about in their daily lives, and no separating when they are annoyed at one another. They are stuck together, for better or for worse. This makes for some interesting conflict and lively humor.

The other great element of Road Trip Romance is that there are so many opportunities for exciting and unexpected twists in the plot. Throw in a storm, a pair of robbers, an inquisitive pedlar…the possibilities are endless! My debut novel THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS (first in the Nottinghamshire Series) features a lawless heroine who is being held prisoner by the law-abiding hero. Most of the book takes place within the confines of the hero’s estate. I made lots of revisions, attempting to keep the tension high between the hero and heroine as they are having tea, or arguing in his study. While I loved how the book turned out (think LOTS of sexual tension) I really wanted to write a story where every scene was wild and in new location—thus, THE ROGUE RETURNS was born.

What are some of YOUR favorite romance tropes? Comment below and enter to win a digital copy of THE ROGUE RETURNS.

SERIES SPOTLIGHT INFO:

Review - The Convict & the Cattleman

The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt

Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb: His love is the key to her release.

Sentenced to seven years of servitude in the penal colony of New South Wales, Bridgit Madden is thrust into a world unlike anything she's known, dangers she never imagined and enemies with their own interests at heart. Certain that the conviction has ruined her chances of ever having a real family, she is fearful of her future.

Despite his reluctance to take in a convict, Jonah Andrus, a grazier and pioneer cattleman, needs a servant to care for his orphaned niece. When presented with Bridgit, who is far too beautiful and distracting, he initially tries to refuse. However, with a busy cattle station to oversee, he needs help right away.

Upon her first meeting with Jonah's niece, Bridgit immediately falls in love with the girl and becomes entwined the mystery surrounding her birth. As she gets to know her employer better, Bridgit makes it her mission to remind him that family is priceless. When it seems as though she might have found the place she truly belongs, their love is threatened by lies and deceit, and both of them might lose everything they hold dear for a second time.

~~~~~~MY REVIEW~~~~~

The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I generally prefer my historicals to be Regency era but every now and again I try something new. This is also a new location for me, Wales in the 1800s is an interesting location. I was really interested in the penal colony angle, seemed like something different. I was really interested in the historical bits of this book, might have to do a little research on penal colonies now, cause I am curious.

I really liked the whole story, it is a quiet sweet sort of romance. No big bangs or whistles, just a couple of people who are attracted to each other and fall in love. Not as much passion as I usually like but definitely warms you up. The side stories with the baby and the theft are interesting and help keep the pace moving right along.

If you are looking for a quick sweet read this is the book for you. Really great storytelling and engaging characters. I just wish there were a touch more heat.

*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

View all my reviews

Spotlight & Giveaway - The Viscount's Vow by Collette Cameron

The Viscount’s Vow -  Synopsis

Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a viscount and a  gypsy noblewoman to marry in this Regency romance, sprinkled with suspense, humor, and inspiration.

Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.

When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.

At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.

“A brilliant tale combining Regency romance with exotic Romani culture.”

Goodreads Book Link - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300575-the-viscount-s-vow?ac=1

Spotlight - Enslaved to Love: Never Forget

Enslaved to Love: Never Forget

Blurb: Marie Bernard is sent to France with the feeling of Déjà vu. Catching the eye of two men, Yves and Leonce, she is determined not to succumb to the advances of Yves, the mysterious man who seems to ignite a burning desire inside of her. Torn between two men, will the past and present collide and will she risk it all to be with the love that she could never forget?

Genre: Historical Romance, Multicultural Romance

Links

www.soleilberlin.com, www.bookistapublishing.com

http://www.amazon.com/Enslaved-Love-Forget-Soleil-Berlin/dp/1492785725/ref=la_B00EZ6KB5E_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383098063&sr=1-1 ,

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enslaved-to-love-soleil-berlin/1116859119?ean=2940148702511

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/353450

http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000353450/Berlin-Soleil-Enslaved-to-Love-Never-Forget/1.html

https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/soleil-berlin/enslaved-to-love-never-forget/_/R-400000000000001118855

https://www.createspace.com/4452131

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enslaved-Love-Forget-Soleil-Berlin/dp/1492785725/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383100127&sr=8-2&keywords=soleil+berlin

Spotlight & Giveaway - Venice in the Moonlight by Elizabeth McKenna

Take a vacation from the London ton and visit Venice in the Moonlight!

A Story of Vengeance, Forgiveness, and Love

Considered useless by his cold-hearted father, Nico Foscari, eldest son of one of the founding families in Venice, hides his pain behind gambling, drinking and womanizing.

After her husband’s untimely demise, Marietta Gatti returns to her hometown of Venice in hopes of starting a new life and finding the happiness that was missing in her forced marriage.

When Fate throws them together, friendship begins to grow into love until Marietta learns a Foscari family secret that may have cost her father his life. Now, she must choose between vengeance, forgiveness, and love.

Elizabeth McKenna’s latest novel takes you back to eighteenth century Carnival, where lovers meet discreetly, and masks make everyone equal.

Excerpt – Venice in the Moonlight by Elizabeth McKenna – Copyright 2013

Nico shrugged in the French wingback chair they had placed by the fireplace for his portrait. He looked regal in a black silk suit trimmed in gold and a waistcoat of burgundy and gold leaf-patterned brocade. It seemed Raul had excellent taste in men’s fashions.

Marietta rolled her eyes before she settled in a chair behind the easel. “Please keep still while I draw.”

“May I talk?”

“I’d rather you didn’t.” Looking at him was going to be enough distraction. She didn’t need to listen to him also.

He ignored her request. “I have to ask—why Palladino?”

Marietta blew out an exasperated breath. “I can’t sketch you properly if you talk.”

“You could have chosen any man at the Consul’s villa. Casanova himself expressed interest in you, yet you leave with that pig.”

“It’s not what you think.” She compared her drawing to Nico and frowned. His shoulders were no longer in the same position.

“You didn’t have to suffer the man’s dismal lovemaking. What were you thinking?”

“We did not make love,” she replied through clenched teeth.

He continued as if not hearing her. “You’re the first woman in years that he didn’t have to pay, though he would never admit to his need for courtesans. I just don’t understand how you could find him appealing.”

“We did not make love.” She practically shouted it this time. “I’m not attracted to Palladino or any other man for that matter.”

This silenced him, gratefully, but only for a few moments. “Well, in that case, I know of a few courtesans that can accommodate you. I am told they are quite beautiful and skilled.”

Marietta threw down her charcoal and marched over to him. She grabbed his shoulders and repositioned him. “That is not what I meant and you know it.”

He smiled up at her innocently. “I didn’t mean to offend you, but you have refused my charms, so what should I think?”

She glared at him for her own benefit, knowing it would have no effect on the man. “You need to stop talking and moving.”

When he didn’t respond, she said, “That’s better.”

He lasted almost fifteen minutes. “So, what kind of man are you attracted to? Perhaps, I could suggest a few potential lovers.”

“How about one who has fewer conquests than fingers and toes? Or one that values honesty and fidelity over all else? Do you know any like that?”

From the thoughtful look on his face, he took this as an earnest question. “I’m afraid a man like that will be hard to find in Venice, especially this time of year.”

“Well, then, I guess I’ll have to go without.”

“How depressing. What will you do for amusement if you don’t take a lover?”

Marietta rubbed at her temples and decided she deserved more than the coins she’d already been paid. “There’s more to life than pleasuring oneself.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Signore, really.” She placed her stub of charcoal on the easel’s tray and rolled the stiffness from her neck and shoulders. “That is all for today. I have another appointment.” It was a lie, but she felt the need to rest and the bed in the corner was tempting her tired body.

Elizabeth McKenna works as a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. Though her love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read romance novels until one Christmas when her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). She had always wanted to write fiction, so she combined her love of history, romance and a happy ending to write her debut novel Cera's Place. Her short story, The Gypsy Casts a Spell, is available for free on her website http://elizabethmckenna.com/. She hopes you will enjoy her latest novel, Venice in the Moonlight, as much as others have enjoyed her previous works.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn't writing, working, or being a mom, she's sleeping.

Venice in the Moonlight Ebook: $.99 (US) at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Venice in the Moonlight Paperback: $6.99 (US) at CreateSpace and Amazon

Cera's Place E-book: $.99 (US) at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, Sony and Diesel.

Cera's Place Paperback: $10.99 (US) at CreateSpace, Amazon and Infibeam.com.  

The Gypsy Casts a Spell (short story): Available for free.

“Like” Elizabeth McKenna and Cera’s Place on Facebook

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HER SAVAGE SCOT: Cover Reveal & Giveaway

The Highland Warrior Chronicles

From the Kingdom of Dal Riada, Scots warriors Connor MacKenzie, Cameron MacNeil and Ewan MacKinnon pledge to keep the peace in the wild Highlands of Pictland. But each man is destined to fall in love with a Pictish princess - three cousins who are determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders. Instead they lose their hearts to their wild foreign warriors.

Book 1 ~ Her Savage Scot

Book 2 ~ Her Vengeful Scot

Book 3 ~ Her Defiant Scot

Blurb for Her Savage Scot

When tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

 Excerpt - Adult