Excerpt: Letting Go by Maya Banks
Letting Go
(Surrender Trilogy, #1)
By: Maya Banks
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Published: Feb. 4, 2013
Genre: Erotica
Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.
Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.
When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.
Dash’s brow furrowed, and he made no effort to hide his concern. He reached for her hand as they stopped at a light.
“What’s going on with you, honey?”
His tone was worried and his eyes were boring intently into hers.
She gave him a half smile. “I’m having lunch with Kylie and Chessy. It’s time I stop with the grieving widow act every year on the same day. It’s been three years, Dash. He’s gone and he’s not coming back.”
She halted a moment, the pain of her statement momentarily stealing her breath. But it had to be said. To be acknowledged. And perhaps saying it aloud made it that much more real.
She could swear she saw relief flash in his deep brown eyes, but it was gone so quickly she was sure she imagined it.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come over after you have lunch with the girls?”
She shook her head. “No. It’s not necessary, Dash. You’ve babysat me for long enough. It’s time for me to stand on my own two feet. I’m sure it has to come as a relief to you that you don’t have to hover over me for fear I’ll lose it. I’m just sorry I’ve been such a burden to you for so long.”
This time a glint of anger flashed in those dark eyes. “You’re not a burden, damn it. Carson was my best friend, Joss. He—and you—mean a hell of a lot to me.”
She squeezed his hand as he accelerated after a car behind them honked angrily when Dash didn’t immediately go when the light turned green.
“And I appreciate that. I appreciate all you’ve done for me. But it’s time, Dash. I have to do this. He’s gone. I have to accept that.”
Dash didn’t respond. He directed his gaze forward, tension thick in the interior of the car. Had she angered him? She’d only been honest, and she’d sincerely thought he would be glad that he no longer had to treat her like a fragile piece of glass. That he could resume his own life without making her a priority in his.
When they arrived back at her house, she got out, as did Dash. He walked her to the door and she went in, turning back to tell him thank you and goodbye.
“This isn’t goodbye,” he said tightly. “Just because you think you no longer need me doesn’t mean I’m going to just disappear. Prepare yourself for that, Joss.”
With that, he spun on his heel and strode back down the sidewalk, leaving her staring open-mouthed as he drove away.
My name is Maya Banks and I live in Texas with my husband and three children and our assortment of pets. I’m more of a cat person, but my daughter became convinced she NEEDED a dog. So convinced in fact that it became her mission to convince her father and me. She prepared a two page handwritten proposal that detailed WHY she needed a dog, and well, after I sent her to her father (I knew he wouldn’t tell her no) we embarked on the search for the perfect dog. The journey that was two hours away and that I got pulled over for speeding while I was on the phone with my agent who had an offer from a publisher for one of my books… The officer wasn’t impressed. He wrote me a ticket anyway. Thus, I now tell my daughter that her dog turned into one very expensive concession! But isn’t he cute?
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Review: Need You Tonight by Roni Loren
Need You Tonight
(Loving on the Edge, #5)
By: Roni Loren
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: Erotica
Rating:
From foster kid to trophy wife, Tessa McAllen is about to reinvent herself all over again—and defy every insult her cheating ex-husband ever used against her: Selfish? She’s championing a charity. Stupid? She’s getting her degree.
Boring in bed?
Kade Vandergriff can help her with that one. When they encounter each other at a singles event held at one of his restaurants, Tessa blurts out that kink is for girls who try too hard, and Kade instantly wants to show this sassy stranger how thrilling a night under his command can be…but when he learns her name, the game changes for both of them.
In high school, Tessa was the popular girl who stuttering, awkward Kade fell for. But she chose another. Now, as she eagerly learns lesson after lesson, he’s going to make sure she never forgets him again.
Interview: Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Lifers
By: Jane Harvey-Berrick
Published: Feb. 7th, 2014
Genre: New Adult Romance
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living?
Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?
Is love a life sentence?
What is the most difficult part of the writing process for you?
Stopping. I’m an addict. I can’t wait to start in the morning and my husband has to peel me away from the computer late at night. I take breaks to eat and walk my dog. I occasionally I talk to my DH, too.
The characters become real to me. I take a notebook when I walk my dog because that can be the moment they ‘speak’ to me. I’m always getting stared at when I stand in the middle of the beach and start writing.
So I suppose the difficult bit is not getting too caught up. But isn’t that what writing is meant to do? Get you so caught up in the story that it takes you away from your own life? That happens when I read something wonderful, and I want it to happen when I write, too. I have typed through tears. For anyone who’s read ‘The Education of Caroline’, the letter that Sebastian wrote to Caro before he was sent on his final mission. And in ‘Lifers’, when Torrey is waiting in the hospital. I care about what happens to my characters. I sort of fall in love with them.
I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.
Turns out I can!
My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.
My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.
Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.
Readers can find bonus chapters for several of my books on my website.
Lull in Posts
I generally try to keep my personal life a bit personal with the exception of a random tweet here or there. However, I need to come out and address something since it will be affecting the blog. I recently went from part time to full time at my job. So whereas I used to have four wonderful days to catch up on reading, I now only have one since one of my off days will consist of running errands and what not. Needless to say, my reading habits have taken a huge nose dive over the last couple of weeks. I also found out last week that my fur-baby of 18 years had cancer.
Cover Reveal: Uncovering Me by Scarlett Edwards
Uncovering You
(Uncovering You, #1)
By: Scarlett Edwards
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: March 27, 2014
Genre: Dark Romance
A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning.
I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom:
J.S.Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice:
Resist and die.
Or submit, and sign my life away.
I’m Scarlett Edwards. I wrote my first book as a college sophomore. After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.
That was at the start of 2013. I’ve written more books since then.
It’s funny how quickly life changes. I used to think I’d need a degree to get a “Real Job.” Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I’m living the life as a full-time romance author.
Thanks to all my readers for making my dreams come true!
Review: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
How to Run with a Naked Werewolf
(Naked Werewolf, #3)
By: Molly Harper
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: Dec. 31, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating:
Down, Boy
Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger only to discover he’s really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don’t faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she’s known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham that’s a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him.
The problem is, Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a notquite-legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she’d like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle?
Anna’s been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she’s experiencing a strange new urge . . . to join Caleb in running with the wolves.
This was an interesting story. Anna’s been on the run from her husband for a while now. She’s learned to become resourceful and it also helps that she has a doctorate degree. So she’s been able to blend into the crowd and find jobs every time she’s moved. However, no matter how bad she wants to remain anonymous among the crowd, she can’t stand by and watch someone get killed. Little does she know that the guy she’s saving is a werewolf. A werewolf who’s also a bounty hunter.
“I was the ass-backward Red Riding Hood.”
I liked that Anna had previous experiences with werewolves and doesn’t take long to warm up to the fact that Caleb is one. In fact, she knows it the night she saves his life. She was a pretty strong character who had been beaten down enough and wasn’t going to take it anymore. She’s not only not scared of Caleb but she also isn’t intimidated by him to obey his every command. She ends up being quite the asset to Caleb and his work.
Caleb is a werewolf, so you expect some sort of possessiveness when it comes to Anna. However, his character was also consistent. He didn’t go from alpha male to whimpering pansy all because he found his mate. Nope, he stayed the same throughout the book and I really enjoyed it.
This was a great continuation of the story. You could technically read this one as a stand alone. I have only read the first in the series and jumped right to this one and had no problems following along. Granted, some of the characters from the first book come into play towards the end of this book, but the majority of the story focuses on Anna and Caleb. Maybe Anna played a roll in the last book? She definitely had a connection to the people from the original book so who knows. Either way, this is a great series for any paranormal romance lover.
“Note to self: Stop making comparisons between Dog the Bounty Hunger and Caleb. He wouldn’t find them amusing, and I couldn’t stop picturing Caleb with a libido-killing haircut. Also, I liked to think I was above calling him Wolf the Bounty Hunter – even behind his back.”
Excerpt: Rumor Has It by Elizabeth Grace
Rumor Has It
(Limelight, #1)
By: Elizabeth Grace
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: Dec. 2, 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance
All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.
But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.
There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.
The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason’s celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…
I stood in the corner of the pool as Mason crept toward me; going so slow his movements only caused the faintest ripple on top of the water. Those ripples reached me and splashed up over my breasts and I could feel my nipples tighten. Mason noticed, too.
His eyes moved from mine down to my chest and I saw his nostrils flare as he took in a breath.
To my dismay when he reached me he didn’t touch me. He lingered close enough that I could feel his body heat, only an inch or two away, and I wanted to launch myself on to him. I was desperate for the feel of his skin against mine.
He reached one hand up to the nape of my neck. I thought he would pull me in to kiss him and my body tensed, ready for it. Instead his other hand came up to my breast and moved the triangle of my bikini top to the side so that my breast was exposed. He’d done it in such a way that he’d barely made contact with my skin. I let out a small moan from the back of my throat out of frustration.
“Quiet. I want to take you in.”
Normally I’d be offended by a guy telling me to be quiet but he did it in such a way that it only made me hotter. He repeated the process with the other breast and I couldn’t help it. I let out a soft moan again.
“You keep making sounds like that and I’ll draw this out even longer. Is that what you want?”
“No. God, no,” I whispered.
He stood admiring my breasts. “Beautiful. God, you are so damn beautiful.”
I have a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a HOT spot for alpha males! I currently live outside Toronto, Canada with my hubby, two small children and cat spawned by the devil. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share my love of reading and writing with others. Things I can tell you that sum me up…I’m a sugar and carb addict, self-professed Gandy Girl, a disaster in the kitchen, a LOVER of all music, I enjoy reality TV and I’m an early riser! When I have a moment to breath you can usually find me typing furiously on the keyboard to get my next story on paper, or curled up reading about someone else’s HEA. The second book in my Limelight series, Picture Perfect, is set to release at the end of March 2014.
