Friday, November 14, 2014

Book Spotlight on Great & Unfortunate Desires by Gina Danna





Great & Unfortunate Desires
by Gina Danna



Blurb:
Victorian England c. 1870

Operating as a British spy, Tristan St.James, the new Marquis of Wrenworth, barely escapes Afghanistan with his life in the spring of 1869. He plans to seek vengeance against the traitor who exposed him and for the agent he’s forced to kill. Returning to England, as a lord, he must marry. Haunted by guilt from the horrors of war, he avoids love at all costs, but finds himself drawn to the only woman who is disinterested in him.

Lady Evelyn Hurstine has waited over two years for the return of her love, a man who left for war in the East. But during that time, she suffered a brutal assault, resulting in a child and fear of any man touching her except for the man she once knew. The pursuit by the marquis scares her but her excuses against his proposal dwindle.

Their marriage strengthens into love until she discovers her husband isn’t the safety she believed but the one who killed the man she once loved. Caught in a world of intrigue and mayhem, Tristan must prove his love to her before the traitor destroys them both.


Excerpt:


Evelyn placed her mallet near the ball, ready to strike, when two sturdy male arms belonging to Andrew Huntington surrounded her. The viscount of Duke Huntington’s estate grasped her hands, adjusting the position of one of them.
“Take the handle like this,” he said loud enough for all to hear.
She froze in his arms. For a second, she shut her eyes, willing herself to relax. She’d known Andrew for most of their lives because their fathers were close friends. But the feel of his chest against her back, his arms and hands making direct contact, nearly sent her into a hysterical frenzy. Visions of another embrace flashed through her mind, and it took all her effort to ignore the past and remain in the present. Andrew wasn’t her enemy. But when his hands guided her own in swinging the mallet, it was difficult to remember that.
“And swing like this,” he continued, propelling her mallet. The strike against the wooden ball, sending it through the next set of arches successfully, resulted in a polite round of applause from those nearby. “Marvelous,” he congratulated her, and released his hold.
“Thank you, my lord,” she replied, a meager smile on her lips.
Andrew returned it with a smile of his own. He wasn’t a bad looking gent, she decided. Tall and lean, the viscount equaled her age of twenty and was not ready to truly court any lady, but it wouldn’t be long in coming. No doubt his father had hosted this event to introduce the young man to society and its conventions. But ice flowed through her veins at the prospect of being on the viscount’s list of possible brides. Not when even his friendly attempt to assist her game frightened her so. Granted, she hadn’t asked for his aid, but gentlemen sometimes assumed chaperoned events like this called for such chivalry.
But how would she find a suitable husband if she abhorred any man’s touch? She hoped she’d recovered from that night more than two years ago, but the longer she was in London, the more her nerves frayed. Her head throbbed. Marry or be married. Which was worse? Wed a man she chose or one her father did–both prospects made her ill.
Where was Richard? Why had he abandoned her? The thoughts whirled in her head, just as they always did when she allowed herself to think of him. Richard Reynard, son of the Earl of Brenwood, had been her friend and her intended for what seemed like years, but, in reality, it was only six months. They’d gotten along famously, or so it appeared. He was the second son and went into Her Majesty’s army, his first station being overseas. It was two years ago when he left. Before then, he’d asked her to wait for him. They’d marry when he returned. She remembered the words and his smile.
Her sister’s beau invited her for ices, to get Evelyn’s mind off Richard’s departure. That never happened.
Hell did.
The sound of fabric ripping carried across the breeze, reminding Evelyn of that night when her clothing was rent from her. Her heart skipped a beat before she saw a man near the refreshment table whose heel appeared to have caught on the linen tablecloth, tearing it. Despite having seen the source of the sound, she shuddered. However, Andrew was unaware of her reaction because he was laughing about something with Sarah and several others. Evelyn struggled to calm her nerves. This was not the time to dissolve into one of her tearful fits.
Stilling herself took so much effort she wasn’t sure how she’d survive the afternoon. That memory, of her dress being torn off, of being held against her will, flooded her mind. Suddenly that moment hit home, and Evelyn realized she needed a protector, one who would never leave her. Who’d keep her and Mary from harm. Their survival depended on it. Sarah was right. For herself and Mary’s sake, Evelyn needed a husband.
She had no idea why everyone was so merry, but Andrew’s eyes were locked on Sarah’s, and that made Evelyn happy. Her friend was exactly the right type for Andrew—and for most of the gentlemen present. Young, innocent, mannerly and pretty, Sarah would do well in any home of the ton.
Laughing hard, Sarah bent forward, her free hand grasping her corseted waist as she leaned on her mallet. “Oh, Evie, did you see that? What a truly crooked strike!”
Evelyn noticed the ball several feet off the playing field. She smiled. The nicely trimmed lawn hid the small divots that cradled the ball, a hidden aid that kept it from rolling too far away.
Andrew walked over behind Evelyn, his arms reaching around her again. “Let us see if fair Lady Evelyn can do better. Now take the mallet…”
Evelyn ceased to hear him the moment his body brushed hers. This is only Andrew! But the roaring in her ears threatened to deafen the voice of reason. She tried to concentrate on where his hands were directing her to hit the ball. She relaxed some but struggled to loosen her limbs.
“Pardon me, sir, I believe the lady is with me.”
The rich male voice interrupted their game. It startled Evelyn but quickly warmed her. She recognized the voice. Tristan. Her Adonis. Her stomach fluttered, as if she’d swallowed a hundred butterflies. It appeared he had surprised Andrew too. His body tensed as he stepped away from her. 
“I’m sorry, Lord Wrenworth, I did not think she needed a chaperone today,” Huntington stated flatly, his tone guarded and unfriendly.
“Hardly. I am her fiancée.” The man’s voice hard, a challenge underlining his statement.
Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat.

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About the Author:
 A USAToday Bestselling author, Gina Danna was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and has spent the better part of her life reading. History has always been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, always dreaming of writing one of her own. After years of writing historical academic papers to achieve her undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, and then for museum programs and exhibits, she has found the time to write her own historical romantic fiction novels.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream —her Arabian horse—With him, her muse can play.

Social media: 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GinaDannaAuthor
Twitter:  @GinaDanna1
Web:  www.ginadanna.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

RELEASE DAY- HIS WICKED SEDUCTION- LEAGUE OF ROGUES BOOK 2


His Wicked Seduction
by Lauren Smith
Series: The League of Rogues, #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover Designer: Kim Killion
Release Date: November 11, 2014



Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn't frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

Warning:  This book contains an intelligent lady who is determined to seduce her brother’s friend, a brooding rake whose toy of choice in bed is a little bit of bondage with a piece of red silk, a loyal band of merry rogues and a Christmas love so scorching you’ll need fresh snow to extinguish it.



“Charles, do think we’re being followed?”

Charles brushed off some snow from his gloved hands when it dropped onto him from a nearby shop’s eave. “What? What on earth for?”

“I don’t know. That carriage. It has been with us for quite a few streets.”

“Lucien, we’re in a popular part of London. No doubt someone is shopping and ordering their carriage to keep close.”

“Hmm,” was all he said before he turned his attention back to Horatia and her footman. One of her spare gloves fell out of her cloak and onto the ground, going unnoticed by both her and her servant. Lucien debated briefly whether or not he should interfere and alert her to the fact that he and Charles had been following her. When she continued to walk ahead, leaving her glove behind, he made his decision.

Lucien caught up with his friend still ahead of him on the street. “I’ll not keep you. Horatia’s dropped a glove and I wish to return it to her.”

“Plagued by a bit of chivalry, eh? Go on then, I want to stop here a moment.” He pointed to a bookshop.

“Very good. Catch me up when you’re ready.”

Lucien dodged through the traffic on the road and was halfway across the street when pandemonium struck.

Bond Street was turned on its head as screams tore through the air. The coach that had been shadowing him raced down the road in Lucien’s direction. Yet, rather than trying to halt the team, the driver whipped the horses, urging them directly at Lucien.

He was too far across the street to turn back; he had to get to safety and get others out of the way. Horatia! She could be trampled when it passed her. Lucien’s heart shot into his throat as he ran. The driver whipped the horses again, as if sensing Lucien’s determination to escape.

“Horatia!” Lucien bellowed at the top of his lungs. “Out of the way!”

He’d never forget the look on her face. The way her confused expression changed into unadulterated joy at seeing him, then to terror as she realized the curricle was headed straight for them.

Lucien crossed the street moments before the horses reached him. He tackled Horatia, knocking her to the ground in an alley between the shops. The curricle’s wheels sliced through the snow and slush inches from his boots, soaking them with icy water.

For a long moment, Lucien couldn’t move. She was alive. He’d made it. The curricle hadn’t run either of them over…

Then his body seemed to realize it had a woman under it. A woman with the finest curves God had ever made to tempt a man. Her bonnet was askew, revealing long lustrous curls of deep chestnut hair. Her dark eyes, so innocent, fixed on his face in wonder.

“My lord…” she murmured in a daze. Her gloved hands rested on his chest, holding him at bay. He felt the tremble of her hands all the way to his bones, and his body responded with interest.

“What in blazes?” Charles rushed into the alley, gray eyes alight with fury. “Did you see who was driving that curricle?” Charles paused and took in the scene before him with a smile. “Horatia, love, how are you? Not too bruised I hope?” Charles had never in his life bothered with titles or propriety. Neither did Lucien for that matter. So it didn’t surprise Lucien that his friend treated Horatia as he did.

“Oh Charles!” she exclaimed. She seemed to realize only now she was on her back in an alley just off Bond Street, with a street full of curious people peering in and Lucien on top of her.

Lucien gritted his teeth. “Oh Charles!” she’d said, but Lucien was always “My lord.” It grated his nerves that she didn’t offer such intimacy to him. It was his own damned fault. He pushed her away at every opportunity, just to keep himself from tugging her into the nearest alcove and kissing her. Something about her seemed to render him into the most barbaric state possible. He had little else on his mind other than how she’d taste, how she’d moan and sigh if he could just get his hands on her.

“Lucien…” Horatia stammered. His name on her lips was more erotic than a lover’s sated sigh. “What on earth just happened?”

“I fear someone just tried to run me over, and you were, unfortunately, in the way,” he explained, worried by the dazed expression swallowing her dark eyes.



Book 1: Wicked Designs



Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. Lauren loves hearing from readers and can be contacted through her site at www.laurensmithbooks.com.


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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Release Day Blitz for Tempest in Disguise by Riley Bancroft


Tempest In Disguise
by Riley Bancroft
Series: Darkest Faerie Tale, #1
Genre: Dark Erotic Urban Fantasy Romance
Cover Designer: Fiona Jayde
Release Date: November 6, 2014


Come join Riley and her guests on November 13th for a Facebook Party to celebrate the release of Tempest In Disguise!


Born the only hybrid between two warring factions, Mya's life is all smoke and mirrors. For twenty four years her true identity has been kept a secret inside the virtuous Seelie Court of the ancient Fae. But that time has come to an end. In one sudden blow, her perception of reality is irrevocably altered and her livelihood is stripped away. A dark and mysterious stranger has set his sights on her to possess, consume and claim her for himself. Mya must keep her wits about her to survive…or surrender to her darkest desires.

As one of the leaders in the infamous Unseelie Court, Cole is determined to seize the powerful and magickal hybrid from the enemy’s court on behalf of his people.  A battle is looming and they’re ready to end the war at any cost, but for Cole it’s personal.  The scar on his face is a daily reminder of the cuts marring his darkened soul and when he goes after the hybrid, a burning need to dominate and master her is far too great. Despite the consequences he faces for touching her, Cole's dark and twisted hunger is unable to resist her allure. He craves her full submission, but in order to do that, he must take everything away from her first.

Dark, Erotic Paranormal Romance with BDSM Elements…



The Darkest Faerie Tales

There are two sides of me. One is good. The other is bad. Sure, everyone has bad and good in them, but my two halves are constantly at war with each other—I’m either extremely virtuous or terribly wicked—there is no in between.

In ancient Gaelic myth, the gods and goddesses were sent to earth, becoming known as the Tuatha Dé, God’s tribe in the form of a supernatural race. For centuries, as immortals, they ruled on the earth above humans. Then the Great Atonement happened. As people of the mound, they were stripped of the Tuatha Dé title and turned into Aos sí. They became nothing more than magickal human beings who happened to live a little longer than normal mortals.

The Aos sí are divided into two sects…Seelie or Unseelie. Dualities of light and dark instilled at birth. Though they lived in a semblance of peace, everything changed right before I was born and the factions turned against one another.

I’m half Seelie and half Unseelie, the only mixed breed ever to exist. My parents went to great lengths to hide my true identity during the wars.

I was supposed to live a normal life, the whole white picket fence and everything, but it’s all changing now. The Unseelies seek to take down the Seelies and restore themselves into power, back to the way things were on the magickal island of Sitnalta, before the Great Atonement. However, the Seelies only want to pursue balance, harmony, in all things.

And me? I’m stuck in the middle, torn between two worlds.

This is not a faerie tale.




More Mya and Cole please!!! I cannot say enough how much I loved this book! It's the debut novel of Author Riley Bancroft and I know I can't wait for more from her!

This is a paranormal romance book full of action, adventure and steamy love scenes. I couldn’t get enough of the heroine Mya and her feistiness and the hero Cole’s seductive brooding. He was a swoonworthy hero and I’m so glad that this is a series because I’m in love with him already!  Mya isn’t just one of those heroines who is “kick butt” without a purpose, you get a sense of her character and her backstory from the first page, so her loveable snarkiness and attitude are endearing rather than grating.

Now I have to warn you, this book is not for the faint of heart. It’s a DARK ROMANCE, in the vein of authors like Anna Zaires and her Twist Me series. So be prepared for edgy erotic scenes, questionable consent and a bad boy with good intentions, doing all the deliciously wrong things. Tempest in Disguise is addictive and a total page turner, but what I think makes me love this book the most is the writing itself. Anyone can write a romance where you enjoy the story and like the characters, but Bancroft’s style is artistic, poetic, not full of purple prose. I savored each sentence and devoured each paragraph, hungrily re-reading my favorite parts way late into the night. Bancroft has set a high standard for anyone else out there writing dark fae books and I can’t wait for the next installment!





Riley Bancroft grew up in the heart of Texas. Ever since she was little she favored stories on the darker side, not just supernatural, but psychological as well. She penned her first erotic poems in college about the love of her life. The pursuit of her writing career began when she wrote a short story based on the intimate scene missing in Twilight, to share with her friends. They encouraged her to write her own novel. And so, she did.