Blog Tour + #Giveaway: Juliet & The Initiation by Kailee Reese Samuels @KRSamuels @XpressoTours

Juliet
Kailee Reese Samuels
Publication date: December 20th 2016
Genres: Erotica, Romance

To have and hold, love and cherish, til death do us part…

When an unexpected twist of fate hands Iris her worst nightmare, the world spins out of control. As she falls apart, Iris finds comfort in her unpredictable behavior. With mysterious clues hidden by her husband, Iris drives away from her life to uncover the world he kept hidden for years.

Small town Sugargrove, Texas is unlike anything Iris has ever experienced. Foreboding, dark, and sensual, the enchanting Juliet academy lures Iris with hopes of discovering who she really is. Making friends and meeting people, she delves into the treacherous world of her surrender. But when she encounters Salvatore Raniero, the sexy alpha male ignites her in unimaginable ways, haunting her every thought and showing her a new kind of high.

As she learns Sal is more than the mischievous sexual provocateur of Juliet, revealing a composed and thoughtful side, Iris wonders what else is hiding behind his mesmerizing ebony, emerald eyes. Pushing her into an even deeper erotic journey, Iris soars with her newfound freedom in the collar.

The secrets unfurl as the web of lies continues to grow, and Iris realizes she is not the girl she once was. Trapped between a lonely past and an unknown future, she is left with the daunting task of deciding what she truly desires and who she wants to obey.

A love story doesn’t always go the way it should, sometimes the path to forever is a twisting, spiraling, and flying ride.

—

JULIET is Kailee Reese Samuels full-length debut novel.
THE INITIATION book 1 is set within the Juliet world and provides further glimpses into Salvatore Raniero’s character and history.

Kailee Reese Samuels writes contemporary, romantic, and suspense, with an erotic flair. Let her words whisk you away, escaping with delicious guys, toe-curling kisses, and addictive stories.

WARNING: This book contains graphic BDSM, strong sexual situations, and explicit language. Contents intended for MATURE readers 18+ ONLY.

Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / iBooks / Smashwords

--

The Initiation
Kailee Reese Samuels
Publication date: April 20th 2015
Genres: Erotica, Romance

Five years ago, Sal Raniero was a loyal son and responsible friend. Giving everything he had to his family and friends, he was on his way to becoming the man everyone expected. But he harbored a dark secret.

He needed pain…a lot of pain.

With his masochism searing through his veins when the offer is put before him to push his servitude further, he cannot resist. Between praying and playing on his knees, he is confronted with the last thing he expects.

His heart.

Torn between becoming the golden boy of Juliet and just another guy with a fetish streak, he makes a decision that will chart the course for the rest of his life.

Take the journey with him and discover what made the boy into the man.

THE INITIATION is part of Kailee Reese Samuels’ series of novellas. Scenes from Juliet are all new companion books to Juliet. These are not excerpts from Juliet, but further glimpses into the characters, backstory, and behind-the-scenes. While they can standalone, they would be better enjoyed with the preliminary reading of Juliet.

Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / iBooks / Smashwords

Interview with Kailee Reese Samuels

What inspired you to write Juliet?

I was inspired to write and publish Juliet after a long illness. The now or never mentality took over. I had the idea of a young woman completely decimated and being tossed into a world she didn’t even know existed. From there I decided I really wanted to focus on the relationships within the BDSM school Juliet. I fell in love with my main characters, Sal and Iris, and I wanted to delve into their journey and follow them for a whole series e-books.

When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I knew I loved writing at age five when I first started composing poetry. Eventually my love of words evolved into short stories and later, novels. Deciding to actually publish my words is where the real challenge came into play.

What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

Oh gosh, I have been an avid reader my whole life. I had lots of children’s books which my mom still has. I loved Charlotte’s Web as a child, but I was probably about eight or so when I read it. And I also had a serious collection of Nancy Drew.

What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

I read mostly new adult, romantic suspense, and horror/dark erotica.

What is your favorite book?

I actually have two.

R. Lee Smith The Last Hour of Gann - I love long books and being able to really get to know the characters. Meoraq and Amber are unforgettable, and I had a horrible book hangover after I finished that book.

Molly Weatherfield Carrie’s Story - I love the narrative and the journey Carrie undergoes. It has become my gold standard by which all other erotica is judged.

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Aside from the two previously mentioned, I really love J.A. Huss. I have yet to read anything by her that I haven’t gone completely goo-goo over. I love her ability to weave and tell a story.

If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

Oh gosh! This is a tough one. I would love to spend some serious time in Japan or the English countryside, and I would love to have dinner with Anais Nin. As for back in time, I love the notions of June Cleaver and the clothing of the fifties/early sixties – which I sort of give a nod to in my upcoming book Tea for Two.

When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

The writing is the easiest part. I work the books in my head until I can outline them. After the formation of the basic structure, I come back and color it in. For some scenes, I will do all the dialogue first or all the detailed descriptions. It really depends on my mood and the scene. Rarely do I ever write a clean scene from beginning to end. In Juliet, I think I wrote one scene all together with dialogue and description. The words and writing are like a painting, layer upon layer.

Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Do I! We have 20 some chickens, 2 mini horses, 1 pot-bellied pig, 2 chameleons, 6 dogs, and a whole slew of barn cats. My writing partner is a champagne colored Pekingese Nikki. She is usually on my feet.

What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

Frittata with potatoes, eggs, and parmesan. Or fresh alfredo with broccoli and carrots. I have a serious love affair going on with bacon.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

My best advice is to forgive yourself for all the mistakes you are going to make. The only time any of it matters is if you quit. Otherwise, make the mistakes, turn them into lessons, and keep writing!

Thank you so much for the time! I really enjoyed this! – XO, Kailee

Author Bio:
Embracing diversity. Coffee addict. Mango lover. Blueberry fetishist. Sweet peach tea crazy. Red wine devout. Whiskey deviant. Tattooed & pierced. Loves shoes. Collects rosaries. Fanatical organizer/cleaner/list-maker. Never sleeps. Hermit and recluse. 

Storyteller. 

KAILEE REESE SAMUELS has been spinning tales since she can remember. Her books are contemporary fiction with a no-holds-barred attitude. She adores listening to her characters ramble and putting them into situations that push the boundaries. 

Creativity is the way to change. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Review: A Bend in the Willow by Susan Clayton-Goldner

A Bend in the Willow

by Susan Clayton-Goldner

Published: January 18, 2017

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

Genre: Contemporary, Historical

Blurb:

Willowood, Kentucky 1965 - Robin Lee Carter sets a fire that kills her rapist, then disappears. She reinvents herself and is living a respectable life as Catherine Henry, married to a medical school dean in Tucson, Arizona. In 1985, when their 5-year-old son, Michael, is diagnosed with a chemotherapy-resistant leukemia, Catherine must return to Willowood, face her family and the 19-year-old son, a product of her rape, she gave up for adoption. She knows her return will lead to a murder charge, but Michael needs a bone marrow transplant. Will she find forgiveness, and is she willing to lose everything, including her life, to save her dying son?

Add to Goodreads

Buy Link:

Amazon

My Review:

  

Robin Lee Carter had a very loving and caring mother whom she loved very much and two brothers whom she also loved and adorned very much as well. Robin Lee left home just shy of her eighteenth birthday. She left because of a tragic accident that could put her behind bars for a very long time.

When Robin Lee left home she had her name changed met a wonderful man Ben Henry whom she fell in love with and married and had a little boy Michael. Now Catherine has a wonderful life and has put her past behind her. Until one day Michael has an accident and is sent to the hospital. While at the hospital they discover that he has a chemotherapy-resistant leukemia and needs a donor.

Catherine has told so many lies over the years about her past and now it may all come tumbling out. To save Michael’s life Catherine may have to return home and face her past and the people she left behind.

How will she ever tell the man she loves that she has lied to him about who she truly is and what she did all those years ago. How will the people she left behind on that tragic day except her now? What is going to happen to Michael? What will happen to Catherine when she returns home to face the music? Can she save her son? Will her marriage be left behind this time?

Robin Lee/Catherine is one very strong woman to have endeared all that she lived through her whole life. With never having gone through anything even close to what she did there is no way I can identify with her. There is no way I can ever say that I know what you are going through or I know how you feel because there is no way I ever could. I can feel for her; have compassion for her but I cannot know how she feels.

Michael is a very strong, loving and compassionate person as well. He is so adorable. I loved what he told his Uncle Kyle when he met him in the hospital. Kyle was a very strong and loving man as well and has very big heart and a soft spot for children.

With A Bend in the Willow Susan Clayton-Goldner had me from the summary not the first page. Once I picked it up and started reading I didn’t want to put it down.  Although there were times I couldn’t see the pages for my eyes tearing up. A Bend in the Willow will grab a hold of your heart and squeeze and squeeze and squeeze until you think you can’t handle anymore. A Bend in the Willow is one of those stories that will stay with you forever and forever; never letting go.

Interview with Susan Clayton-Goldner

What inspired you to write A Bend In The Willow?

While the book is definitely fiction and a product of my imagination, I was inspired to write this book by some events in my own childhood and the way, as a child, I wanted to reinvent myself. Writing Robin Lee and Catherine’s story enabled me to do that. I think the possibility of losing a child is one of the most fearful things that could ever happen to a parent. When my children were young, it was my worst nightmare. Writing about Michael’s leukemia helped me face that fear.

Can you tell us a little bit about the next books or what you have planned for the future?

My next book will come out in May. It is entitled Redemption Lake and is a story of love and betrayal. It’s about truth and lies, friendship and redemption, about assuming responsibility, and the risks a father and son will take to protect each other. The detective in this story, Winston Radhauser, reappears in my next novel, a kidnapping story entitled When Time Is A River—scheduled to release in the late fall of 2017.  I plan to write a third book utilizing Winston Radhauser as my detective and then move onto Unforgettable—the story of a young priest who falls in love with one of his married parishioners. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in A Bend In The Willow?

 I generally try to orchestrate my characters by making them opposites. In A Bend In The Willow, Catherine is lying about her past. She has good reason to do so, but her husband, Ben, suspects nothing until after Michael is diagnosed with a chemotherapy-resistant leukemia. Ben is a stickler for honesty. He was five years old when he fled Nazi Germany with his parents. He saw what Hitler’s lies did to his family and friends. Ben values truth above all other virtues. When a writer sets up her characters this way, they are ripe for conflict.

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Jodi Picoult is my favorite contemporary author. I love the way she takes an issue and shows both sides. In her novel about the school shooting she did such an amazing job of showing us the shooter that the reader actually understood what drove that tormented boy to commit those heinous crimes.

If you could time-travel would you travel to the future or the past?  Where would you like to go and why would you like to visit this particular time period?

I would go back in time to Concord, Mass and talk with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. We’d get in a rowboat on Walden’s pond and I’d have quite a few questions for the two of them. Maybe we’d invite Emily Dickinson to join us.

Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

We have always had pets. Dogs and cats. When we had our ranch, we had house cats, porch cats, and barn cats. Our most recent cat, a beautiful ragdoll named Topaz, died of congestive heart failure last year, we were devastated. She was only five years old. And my constant companion. We have not gotten over our grief enough to adopt another cat, but I’m sure we will.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us today.

Thank you so much for the interview, Nancy.

AUTHOR BIO:

Susan Clayton-Goldner was born in New Castle, Delaware and grew up with four brothers along the banks of the Delaware River. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona's Creative Writing Program and has been writing most of her life. Her novels have been finalists for The Hemingway Award, the Heeken Foundation Fellowship, the Writers Foundation and the Publishing On-line Contest. Susan won the National Writers' Association Novel Award twice for unpublished novels and her poetry was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies including Animals as Teachers and Healers, published by Ballantine Books, Our Mothers/Ourselves, by the Greenwood Publishing Group, The Hawaii Pacific Review-Best of a Decade, and New Millennium Writings. A collection of her poems, A Question of Mortality was released in 2014 by Wellstone Press. Prior to writing full time, Susan worked as the Director of Corporate Relations for University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. 

Susan shares a life in Grants Pass, Oregon with her husband, Andreas, her fictional characters, and more books than one person could count. 

Author Link:

Website

Read More

Book Tour + #Giveaway: The Order by A.C. Donaubauer @AC_Donaubauer @SDSXXTours

The Order

The Order Book 1

by A.C. Donaubauer

Genre: Epic Fantasy

A clumsy step, the wrong branch to hold on to and a bump on the head to leave her unconscious – no more than that causes Eryn’s life to turn upside down and to suddenly find herself in the capital city as a prisoner to the king.

She is determined to keep her magical abilities a secret in a kingdom where magicians have only ever been male as long as anyone knows. That doesn’t work out that well, though. The Order, the governing body for magicians, and the king seem to have their own plans with her, none of them caring in the least that she just wants to leave that blasted city behind and return to the peace and quite of her profession as a healer.

And then there is Enric, a high ranking magician in the Order thanks to his considerable strength, who seems to find watching her struggles an amusing diversion.

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * iTunes

Watch the Youtube Trailer Here!

https://youtu.be/TM0EIOATN4U

Commitments

The Order Book 2

Ram'an has, to Enric’s great relief, left Anyueel again to return to his home country - which leaves him to figure out the challenge that Eryn still presents to him in more than one area of his life.

Eryn is restless, unnerved by the Order’s demands and her own urge to do something useful. Thus an expedition into the woods to teach the herb gatherers in the city how to provide her with acceptable goods seems just the thing to do to pass the time until the new healer’s place is ready for use. Ten peaceful days of collecting plants far away from the city. Or at least that’s the plan.

Goodreads * Amazon * iTunes

Schemes

The Order Book 3

After the delegation's return not only the Old Kingdom has to face changes as a consequence of the contact with the Western Territories. Eryn and Enric, too, realise that their recently established bond is not without side effects. Eryn centres all her hopes on the healer from Takhan who is supposed to aid her for a few months and who is bound to arrive soon...

Goodreads * Amazon * iTunes

Astrid Christine Donaubauer - that’s me.I don’t normally use my middle name for any purpose whatsoever, but I thought that two initials look better on a book cover than just one. And thus, after more than 30 years of being either ignored or a nuisance when I had to fill in forms, my middle name has finally turned out to be useful for something.I was born and raised in Austria (not Australia, mind you – no kangaroos!) and still live there with my husband. You might have heard of that small country somewhere in the middle of Europe; we are known for Sound of Music, Lederhosen, Arnold Schwarzenegger and, lately, Christoph Waltz. Another recent claim to fame: In The Big Bang Theory Austria was mentioned as one of the countries that look like a Wiener... Isn’t that lovely. I haven’t managed to look at a map without giggling since.I would call writing a hobby, yet I am not sure if hobbies are supposed to drive you crazy and haunt you at night if you don’t give in to them. Calling it a vocation sounds a bit grand for my liking, so let’s just say it’s what I spend a lot of my free time on.In real life (I like to consider my writing activities as kind of a double life; not quite as grand as Batman’s secret identity, but you get my drift) I earn my keep as a freelance trainer and translator, pursuing the quest of helping people to improve and develop their communication and language skills.I have no wish to make writing my primary occupation – I am convinced that in my case sitting down and letting my fingers type what is going on in my head has so far only worked because I am not bound by any deadlines or financially dependent on producing anything halfway enjoyable. That’s how I would like to keep it.

Website * Facebook * Google+ * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

PROMO Blitz + #Giveaway: Shadow Heart by Pamela Taeuffer @PamelaTaeuffer @RABTBookTours

Broken Bottle Series, Book 1

Coming of Age, Family Saga, New Adult

Date Published:  February 2014

Publisher: Open Heart Books

What if you were afraid to even turn the doorknob to your front door when coming home because of what might wait inside? What would it take to make you step out of your shadows, to once and for all break free from the twisted security of familiarity, and take a chance, a little risk, that could change everything?

Nicky Young is a woman who has come of age and is beginning to realize the first layer of her fears carried through her childhood from growing up in a family battling alcoholism. They have impacted her severely when forming relationships.

Abandonment, devaluing, fear of everything good ending—all are why she has been happy to stand back in the shadows. Watching. Observing. Stepping out only when safe. Until Ryan Tilton, a professional baseball player who also has abandonment issues of his own, promises her a relationship that could be like no other.

Now, in order to transition into a life she'd always imagined, she needs to take the first steps of risk to embrace the rise and fall, the love and heartache, and joys of life. Through small steps she struggles to trust, most importantly herself, but also others, enough to let them a little closer. The rage of her father's addiction pushes and pulls her back, but with all her heart she wants to break free and start a life that is brilliant and unafraid of failure. But can she?

Other Books in the Broken Bottle Series:

Broken Bottle Series, Book 2

My heart is on fire. For the first time in my life I am awake and the desires I’ve pushed down are smoldering. The shadows of my youth are daring me to step away from them, and new visions are circling through my head that include having intimacy in a way I never dreamed of.

My name is Nicky Young. This is my coming of age story and family saga. I have begun to understand if I want to live differently than my parents—an alcoholic father and co-dependent mother—I need to love, forgive, trust and live with an open heart. As I look in the mirror, I am seeing a new woman emerging—one I’m not sure of and trying hard to discover.

Through family dysfunction and by the lack of affection in my household I learned not to get too close. Rage and violence lurked when we became vulnerable and the way I learned to protect myself was to build high and thick walls of defense around my heart. I dream about having a full, open, and intimate relationship. I want a real adult romance with every beat of my heart. But I can’t trust anyone enough—especially myself.

That was until I met Ryan Tilton, a very sexy professional baseball player who lost his father at only fourteen. In many ways we seem to be ancient spirits. He promises to hold me in his arms like I’ve never been held, and is offering me a chance to step out of fear and experience what is like to ask for what I want without being afraid. I feel my heart opening. I feel . . . joy.

This is my battle: A fight to break generational chains of dysfunction and addiction, to understand the choices of my parents, to love and trust myself, so that I can love and trust another. This story is about transitioning into joy. I invite you to follow me on my journey and the struggle I’m desperate to overcome.

Broken Bottles Series, Book 3

Swept into a romance with professional baseball player, Ryan Tilton, we've just had an evening of dreams—until I wouldn't have sex with him. I couldn't risk it. To me, sex means marriage. It means love and forever. I tried to explain. I didn't hide it. But to him, it means love, acceptance, and that he wouldn't be abandoned the same way he was when a boy of fourteen and his father was killed in the Middle East. He's pleaded with me to tell him my feelings and openly tells me he loves me. I can't repeat the words. Once I do, he'll abandon me just like my parents—discounting my feelings because they can't deal with their own. I couldn't risk it. I knew he'd leave.

Dad battles his alcoholism. Mom embraces her co-dependency. They've gambled with their daughters' mental and physical safety multiple times over the years.

I'm at a crossroads trying to understand this threshold of being an adult, yet emerging from childhood. It's as if a tornado has taken me into it's roar spun and tossed me around, breaking me away as I cling to the twisted security of my family—even the word "secure" sends a shiver through me. I've never been.

Being raised in an dysfunctional family battling alcoholism whispers, stay hidden in the shadows, be safe, don't be noticed or share too much.

I know this is it.

I need to take a risk.

I need to let go of old fears, forgive my parents, embrace intimacy and move forward. I need to trust—especially myself—so that I can transition into joy.

Broken Bottles Series, Book 4

It's Amazing, but for the first time in my life I have let go of the control. I've battled so hard to hold onto the twisted security of my family's battle with alcoholism—it's what I've known—never risking too much, holding back, so the hurt didn't cut too deep. Now?

I feel a new life

An unknown.

Vulnerable.

It's magnificent.

It's . . . intimacy, being held, letting someone see into my dark places so the light, hidden since a little girl, can finally become brilliant.

It's amazing. I'm about to shout my love for a man who seems to understand me like no one ever has. After I do, will everything fall apart? In my heart of shadows, the fear of being abandoned beats inside my head with regular rhythms.

"Please take me in your arms," I say silently. "Accept my dark places. Help me understand you won't leave me." Maybe I'm dreaming when he says, "Whatever path we choose, whatever arises, we'll overcome our fears."

Have a finally been set free from generational mistakes that are passed forward in our family? Dare I ask for what I want and trust myself enough to share my thoughts, wishes, dreams . . . dare I actually hope in another person? Will he break his promises like my parents did to me? Can I really, really, be alive, be vulnerable, open and reach for deep, sensual intimacy? Can I take a risk and transition into joy?

Excerpt

I always prayed the same way at night: “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Please bless my mother, father, sister, everyone in the world, and me. And please make my father quit drinking.”

As a child growing up in a family battling alcoholism, this is what I know:

Something bad is coming; it always does.

                         I can’t ask for help; I’m too ashamed.

                             I can’t talk about our secrets; no one understands.

                                         I can’t trust anyone; they always leave.

The evening begins when I am eight and my sister, eleven. We were trying to finish dinner before he'd unraveled. Within minutes, I’m hiding under the dining room table, cowering; praying that he won’t see my hiding place.

I hear my sister face the wrath of our father’s anger.

My small body curls into a ball.

It’s as if the desert storms from our mother’s childhood have come to us, their thunder and lightning crashing. I pray, "Please, God, protect me from the monster in my house.”

Tonight, we try to avoid our dad’s drunkenness and count down the minutes until Mom comes home from her night shift at the Juvenile Hall in San Francisco.

These evenings occur frequently in our house. Jenise and I are caught in a spider's web, wrapped in our father’s terrible addiction.

We prepare for the coming terror.

My sister has refused to eat a scoop of creamed corn, given to us for dinner without a second thought of how we hated it.

Once he’s done with Jenise, I know he’ll turn to find me.

I clench my teeth in fear. I'm shaking under the dining room table.

About the Author

My passion is writing books that tell a love story and family saga of leaving old fears behind as the characters embrace intimacy and transition to joy. My first series, Broken Bottles, details those fears of growing up in a family battling alcoholism. Along with the struggle and pain of a parent's rage, there is intelligence, strength, and survival. How to love intimately in all relationships is the challenge. For children of trauma, it can take years to let another person come close. When they do? It's like rainbows cover their heart.

Slowly, you'll read how my characters become vulnerable, reach for deep, sensual intimacy, and try desperately to let go of their fears. They struggle and risk everything to trust others—and themselves. My stories are about daring to take the baby steps that let them really come alive and in every way, experience and give love.

MAKING MONEY TO CREATE: The small, vacation rental/ property management company I run with my husband and son in Sonoma County, California allows me to have the money for my creative life. I love that I was born and raised in San Francisco. My father introduced me to baseball when I was six. I've rung a cable car bell, and went to concerts in Golden Gate Park with my sister where Jimmy Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and Santana once played.

WHAT I'VE DONE/AM DOING – IT'S A JOURNEY OF DREAMS: Broken Bottles is a four part series. Two books, Shadow Heart and Fire Heart, are ready. Soon to follow are Jagged Heart and Amazing Heart. I'm honored to have 3 poems in an anthology called The Beats Go On, and a story in Sisters Born, Sisters Found. I have released the first book in a series for Introverts called The Introverts Guide to the Galaxy: Attending Conferences.

My Dream? To create beautifully decorated and custom journals with gorgeous paper that accompany each book series: The Introvert's Journal, A Family Saga Journal, My Body's Journal, and Trauma: You Can't Stop Me Journal. Journaling was a lifesaver for me. I was in shock. You may be in shock. Don't let that keep your heart frozen!

Contact Links

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Promo Link

Purchase Links

Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Blurb Blitz + #Giveaway: The Other Twin by Nan Dixon @nandixonauthor @GoddessFish

The Other Twin

by Nan Dixon

GENRE:   Contemporary Series

BLURB:

Who can resist a neighbor in need?

Nathan Forester doesn't know the first thing about kids. So when the daughter he never knew existed arrives on his doorstep, he needs help, fast! His unlikely ally is next-door neighbor and single mother Cheryl Henshaw. Nathan and Cheryl don't exactly see eye to eye, but neither can say no to a helping hand.

Renovating Fitzgerald House is Nathan's chance to finally prove he's no longer the unreliable twin—and it seems possible with Cheryl by his side. Suddenly their practical arrangement has become something much more. Trust isn't easy, but they're stronger when they work together.

Excerpt:

“If you trust me with your key, I’ll make the bed,” Cheryl said.

“Thanks.” Nathan was so relieved, he yanked her into a big hug.

The bag of bedding dropped to the floor with a thump. Her arms clutched his waist.

It wasn’t a move on his part. He was thankful for her help. But her breasts pressed against his chest. She stared up at him, her eyes going dark.

“Let go of my mom!” Josh stormed into the room. He pummeled Nathan’s leg with sharp jabs.

“Hey, slugger.” Nathan let go of Cheryl and she staggered back.

“Don’t hurt my mom.” Josh kicked him.

“Josh, stop.” Cheryl caught his hand and pulled him away. “Nathan was thanking me for helping him.”

“He touched you!”

“Not in a bad way,” she insisted.

Nathan slumped onto Issy’s bed. What the hell was happening? Had someone touched Cheryl in a bad way?

“Is...is everything okay?” Are we okay?

She knelt next to Josh. “Apologize to Mr. Nathan.”

“He shouldn’t touch you.” Josh stuck his chin out.

“It’s fine.” Nathan ran his hands through his hair. He nodded at Josh. “He was protecting you. That’s good.”

Josh glared back.

Cheryl looked at Nathan. “It’s never okay to hit someone.” She squeezed her son’s shoulder in silent communication.

“Sorry.” The kid spit the word out like it was venom.

“I understand.” Nathan nodded. “It’s a guy thing. We have to protect our moms, right?”

Josh didn’t answer. Thank goodness the kid didn’t have superpowers or Nathan would have been incinerated by the fire in his eyes.

AUTHOR BIO:

Nan Dixon spent her formative years as an actress, singer, dancer and competitive golfer. But the need to eat had her studying accounting in college. Unfortunately, being a successful financial executive didn’t feed her passion to perform. When the pharmaceutical company she worked for was purchased, Nan got the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to pursue a writing career.  She’s a five-time Golden Heart® finalist and award winning author, lives in the Midwest and is active in her local RWA chapter and on the board of a dance company. She has five children, three sons-in-law, two granddaughters, one grandson on the way and one neurotic cat.

Author Links:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Buy Links:

Website ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Read More

NBTM + #Giveaway: Luke's Redemption by Anni Fife @AnniFifeAuthor @GoddessFish

Luke’s Redemption

by Anni Fife

GENRE: Contemporary Erotic Romantic Suspense

BLURB:

Chased by her criminal kingpin father, Katya Dalca runs to New Orleans and straight into the arms of Luke Hunter. Sucked into the carnal world of the French Quarter, she succumbs to Luke’s potent sexuality. He not only steals her breath, he steals her heart and the only leverage she has against her father. She is left with no choice except to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life alone.

Undercover DEA agent Luke Hunter thought his newest assignment—recover a stolen flash drive to gain the trust of the Russian mob—was like any other. But his target brings him to his knees, and after one taste of her intoxicating beauty, he's in too deep. Doing his job means walking away, leaving his heart behind with nothing but a promise to reunite. It's a promise he can't keep.

When Katya's past reaches out and her world unravels, her only hope is the one man she is most vulnerable to—Luke.

Excerpt:

The smell of beignets wafted up and distracted, I lifted the bag and took a deep breath. Whoosh! Fine sugar blew up out of the bag and coated me.

“Shit, honey, you look sweet all over.”

Oh, just great.

Blinking sugar out of my eyes I looked up. And up. He was tall, well over six foot. Midnight-blue eyes rimmed by a deeper blue-black smoldered lazily down at me. “You’re holding the best beignets in the world. You gonna stand there or you going to take a bite?”

“Umm.” Jeez, Katya. Say something.

“Here, let me hold that for you.” He took the coffee from my hand. “Go on, babe. Take a bite. It’ll be the best thing you’ll ever taste.”

Still struck dumb, I did what he asked and lifted a beignet out of the bag and took a big bite. Oh! It was like sinking my teeth into a sweet pillow of ambrosia.

“Good huh?”

I nodded and stared back at him. Then, without uttering a word, I stuffed the rest of the beignet into my mouth. He grinned at me, shaking his head. “Want to wash it down with this?” He held out my coffee.

My fingers brushed against his. Yikes! I couldn’t stop the slight tremor caused by his touch. I took a gulp of coffee - half rich chicory, half hot milk - and finally found my voice. “Would you like one?” I offered the bag of beignets to him.

“Would be like taking candy from a baby,” he grinned. “But don’t worry, I’ve got my own.” He dangled a packet like mine in front of me.

Then we both stood there and smiled at each other while we gorged on sugary donuts. He would reach for my coffee to free my hand. Then after I ate some fluffy yumminess, he’d hand it back to me so I could take a sip. We swallowed the last of our beignets and licked our fingers.

I didn’t even know his name, yet I was more turned on than I had ever been in my life.

Interview with Anni Fife

What inspired you to write Luke’s Redemption?

I began writing Luke’s Redemption in June last year. It was one month after I packed up my city life and relocated to the beach, changing my life forever. It was also the first book I had ever written, or even attempted to write. I always had a secret passion for steamy romance so my choice of genre was easy. My storyline came flowing into my head a few nights before my departure. It was around midnight. I don’t know what triggered my muse, but suddenly I could hear Katya’s footsteps beating a desperate rhythm down a dark cobble-stoned road in the early hours of the morning. It was deathly quiet. New Orleans was hung over from Mardi Gras. As I watched her, I realized I was looking through the scope of a sniper lens. Was I her hunter or her hero? Or both? My story unfurled at such a rapid pace that I spent the next hour typing manically on my iPhone. When I turned off the light, I had the beginnings of my novel.

I wrote Luke’s Redemption for my own tastes. So if you like contemporary erotic romances with a lot of angst and some suspense; hot alpha heroes with damage; smart sassy heroines, also with some damage; and burning chemistry that drives lots of conflict, and even more heat—then why don’t you give this story a go?

When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Never! I always loved making up stories in my head, but I never believed writing novels was a feasible career choice. I’d daydream about it, but my decision to follow my passion was sudden. A confluence of life events and opportunities came together and allowed me to make a life-changing decision. I shut down my business, cancelled my apartment lease, and packed up my city life. A month later I arrived in a small seaside village, and began my new life…as an author.

What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

I think I was around three or four. It was a pop-up book of Sleeping Beauty. I loved that book! I read it over and over until the pop-ups were in tatters. Maybe that’s where I got my love of romance and HEA’s…

What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Contemporary Romance. Thrillers and Adventure. Mainstream quality fiction. Absolutely NO horror!

What is your favorite book?

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

I have two. They are in completely different genres but both have the ability to move me to tears. The first is Wally Lamb. The man takes years to finish each novel, and no wonder. His characters are filled with such a depth of humanity that I can only aspire to reach a fraction of his brilliance in my own writing. The other is the inimitable Kristen Ashley. When she releases a new book, I turn it into a day of celebration. Out comes the red wine, chocolates and a comfy pillow. Then I curl up and spend the whole day alternatively laughing and weeping—and, of course, crossing my legs to contain the delicious tingles of desire. Her alpha heroes invade my dreams. Her heroines are funny and beautifully accessible. And her stories are both heartbreaking and uplifting.

If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

I’d stay exactly where I am. It took me forever to find where I wanted to be, why would I want to go somewhere else?

When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Both. The story and character development and dialogue comes easy for me. But crafting the prose takes a lot longer. Longer than I ever anticipated. I think this comes from my lack of experience. I’m hoping that by the time I get to book ten, I will be a whole lot quicker.

Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Sadly not. My current home does not have a fence, so I have to make do with enjoying my friends’ dogs.

What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

Pizza—with ham and mushroom and extra avocado—and a glass of red wine, or two, or three…

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Oh no, I couldn’t possibly advise another author. I’m still a beginner. I’m in awe of how so many romance authors pump out books at a rate faster than I can down a bottle of red wine. Ask me again in five years time.

AUTHOR BIO:

Last year, Anni Fife closed the door on a twenty-year successful career in television production, to fulfill her lifelong passion, writing. In the space of one month, she closed her business, packed up her city life and moved to a small seaside village. ‘My writing has always been constrained by client briefs,’ Anni says. ‘Now, I finally have the opportunity to write to the beat of my own heart.’ LUKE’s Redemption is Anni’s debut novel and she hopes you enjoy it as much as she loved writing it. Anni loves to spend hours walking on the beach searching for pansy shells, more hours drinking red wine with her gal posse, and the most hours writing romance novels filled with women you can relate to and men you love to dream about. She is currently working on her second novel, GRAY’s Promise.

Anni is published by The Wild Rose Press.

Join Anni’s Posse and get regular updates and Bonus Treats

Author Links:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookstrand ~ Kobo ~ iTunes ~ The Wild Rose Press

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon or B/N GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Read More