Sunday, June 23, 2013

Sexy Sunday - Ilsa Madden-Mills


Well, we took a break last week but it's time for another Sexy Sunday! Today I'm featuring Ilsa Madden-Mills! Her new novel is Very Bad Things, available September 10th everywhere ebooks are sold. You can get more details about the book as well as Ilsa from my cover reveal post from a couple weeks ago (don't miss checking out the trailer!)...then enjoy a little R-rated excerpt below. 





Excerpt:


Scene:  Leo bumps into Nora at the movies

The movie previews started and we sat companionably for a few minutes, but I kept cutting glances at her, watching her as she stared at the screen.  I’d thought at the open house she wasn’t beautiful.  I was dead wrong.
“Didn’t your mama ever tell you it’s rude to stare?” she asked, taking a sip of her soda. 
“Me?”
“Yeah, you.  I don’t see anyone else,” she said with a grin.
“Not staring, Buttercup.”
“Uh-huh, sure.”
“Maybe I was looking at that spider crawling on your seat,” I lied, wanting to shake her up a bit.
“Liar,” she said.  “You’re trying to figure me out.”
I laughed out loud.  “You can’t blame me. The most intelligent girl at Briarcrest Academy did spray paint my fifty thousand dollar car.  It’s a mystery as to why.”
She immediately looked embarrassed, and I felt bad for reminding her of that horrible night.  After a few moments, she cleared her throat and said, “So, what have you learned so far about me?”
“Do you care what I think?”
 She blinked.  “Yeah, of course.  You kept me from going to jail.”
My gaze roamed over her face.  “I think you’re scared sometimes, but mostly you’re fierce as hell.  You’ve got guts.”
She laughed softly.  “I sound dangerous.”
The lights dimmed and the movie started, but I barely noticed.  “And, I like you,” I muttered out, unable to stop the insane words from spilling out of my mouth.
 “Why?” she whispered with wide eyes.
I contemplated not answering and ignoring her, but in the end, I looked her dead in the eyes and said what I thought. “You’re like a Lamborghini in a parking lot full of Kias.”
Her lips parted and I stared at them.  She’d worn this deep red lipstick that matched her hair and damn, I liked it.  She licked her lips, and I wanted to kiss her, even though I knew it was a big fucking mistake.
She was not meant for me.  No matter how hard my cock got, I could never touch her.
Yet, I kept looking at her pouty mouth.  It would taste like pure, sugary sweetness, and I wanted to lick it, nip it, suck it, own it. 
I was panting to give her a kiss she’d never forget.
I closed my eyes, inexplicably thinking about first kisses all of a sudden.  Yeah, I might be unromantic and an ass to girls, but first kisses got me cranked up.  I studied her and thought of that rush you get when you ride a rollercoaster, how it climbs higher and higher and then does crazy twists and turns, and you feel like you might fly right out of your seat.  Would a kiss with Nora be like that?  Would her mouth taste like the cherries on her dress?  Would our hearts pound frantically as the adrenaline and anticipation coursed through our bodies?  Would the first flick of her tongue against mine send a bolt of pure lust straight through me?  As we kissed, would her eyes lock with mine or close sweetly?  Would she whisper against my lips how much she wanted me?  Would the rest of the world fade away as we created our own?  Would her skin smell like peaches?
I groaned and pictured my lips taking hers, and then later skimming across her breasts, my mouth playing with her nipples, rolling that piercing around my tongue. 

I leaned in a tiny bit closer.  If I could taste her lips one time, maybe I would be content and…hell, who was I kidding…just a simple kiss would never be enough for me.  I’d want to fuck—and I felt my phone buzz.  

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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Blog Tour - "Shattered Into Beautiful" by Mel Ballew

Excited to be a stop on Mel Ballew's blog tour for her new paranormal romance novel, Shattered Into Beautiful. Check out the excerpt below and don't forget to enter the giveaway!





Do you LOVE this cover or what???


Synopsis:

Her Magick is destined but true love forbidden.

After beautiful Sylver Kyllienne Brady meets death at the hands of her boyfriend, Roland Parks, she transcends into Summerland. There, she reunites with her mother and finds her soulmate, Zander. Pulled back to the earthly plane, she must embark on a journey of discovery. She uncovers a truth. She is the descendent of a long lineage of powerful Witches. She must learn to control her power, protect the family’s Amulet and Book of Shadows. Sylver has no idea what awaits her. And, this is only part of her discovery.

Lives unravel as secrets are discovered and mysteries unfold. 

Everything changes when she meets Zander Emmett –a vampire. Zander is gorgeous, exotic, sexy and unbelievably wealthy. He is also the one person a witch, such as Sylver, must avoid. Their love is forbidden but their souls draw them together like a magnet. Their bodies ignite, passion soars and their souls are left discovering, not only each other, but their destiny. His life holds secrets and enticing mysteries of his own that propel the parallels of their worlds to climaxing heights. 

Will their colliding worlds separate them? Will Sylver embrace her destiny? Will realizing what is expected of her and falling soul-fully in love with Zander - the vampire she is forbidden to love, just leave her breathless? 

Or, will she forever be Shattered Into Beautiful?


Excerpt:

Abruptly, his entire demeanor changes. He has already carried me through his front door and put me down on the tiled floor just inside his threshold. He is distant, colder and more standoffish. I know he can hear my blood rushing through my veins. I cannot make it stop — cannot slow it down.

Our eyes meet; his are rigid, icier. Instantly, I am fully aware he is combating every natural animalistic urge within himself demanding that he seize me, feed from me and possess me, taking my blood. I tense. Mysteriously, and as crazy as it may be, there is another part of me that is absolutely fucking aroused by this. I step toward him, gently allowing myself to inch to him. His face has hardened. His posture is stiff. Every single rational sense in me is screaming at me to run out of this door. I cannot.

“Zander...” I start to speak at the same time as his eyes close.

In one fleeting moment, before I have the opportunity to steady by breathing, they hastily snap open. Amber reds stare at me, replacing the dazzling greens. I find myself wanting to surrender the first time my blues locked with his. I freeze, inhaling a swift breath. “Kitten. You need to step away. I’m struggling to maintain control and right now, I want to shatter you. I want to devour you. I want to own you. Your blood is pulsing.” Thump...Thump...Thump. “It’s inviting me, summoning me. Please, Sylver, please, just do us both a favor and step away. Leave. Let me call you a cab but walk away from me before I do something we will both regret. I’m sorry, I should have known better. I should have stayed away. I should have known I wouldn’t be able to control myself around you. I have waited way too long to find you —to feel you. The longing, the waiting, the need of you has overpowered my senses.”

His plea goes unanswered as I place my petite hand upon his cheek, affectionately reassuring him. I reply, “Zander, I am already shattered. You cannot break what is already broken. You may be the reason my blood is pulsing but it is me that is inviting you. My body invites you. My heart beats increase for you. My soul longs for you. Please, Z, please do not push me away. Life is too short to live with regrets. I do not want to fall asleep tonight or awake in the morning and regret having walked away. Do not ask that of me...not now. Not after all this time.” 

I look up at him, giving the windows to my soul earnest permission to command him, convince him and starve the beast within him. I am not scared. I’m not. I reckon I should be.










ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Giveaway includes:

1 (ONE) GRAND PRIZE lucky winner will receive:
Modern Enchantment™ Arrangement  $59.99 value, plus tax & shipping/handling

“Sunflowers,” he spits out, as I make my way toward the door.  “What? What about them?”  I ask, confused. His entire face lights up, “You are my sunflower.  They always turn toward the sun to absorb its energy and light.  I’m glad you chose that as your safe word.  You are my sun, Kitten.  You are my ‘safe’; my sunflower.  That is why I give them to you.  In my darkness, you are my light. I just need you to know.”  (Zander to Sylver)


Like a field of burgeoning wildflowers, the simple, yet stunning beauty of our truly original sunflower, lavender and pink calcynia arrangement, accented with variegated pittsoporum, is enhanced by a stylish glass cube vase lined in yellow. Handcrafted by our expert florists and accented with a bright ribbon, it's a gift that makes an enchanting expression of your feelings no matter what the occasion. Vase measures 5”H x 5”D Arrangement measures approximately 10”H x 10”LOur florists select the freshest flowers available so colors and varieties may vary.

·          
On the rare occurrence this particular arrangement is not available for shipping to the winner's zip code locale, another similar style arrangement will be selected & shipped to their residence, equaling the same value as noted above. Due to shipping, US residents only for the arrangement. IF a grand prize winner is selected, the executive decision has been made to provide one Amazon gift card in the amount of $50.00 less the additional fees.


5 (FIVE) lucky winners will each receive:
Shattered Into Beautiful Coffee Mug™  $ 14.99/ea. value, plus tax & shipping/handling
·        1/ea, Custom made Shattered Into Beautiful Coffee Mug

5 (FIVE) lucky winners will each receive:
·        Shattered Into Beautiful Autographed Paperback copy - 1/ea

5 (FIVE) lucky winners will each receive:
·        Shattered Into Beautiful Ebook copy - 1/ea

20 (TWENTY) lucky winners will each receive:
·        Shattered Into Beautiful Autographed Postcard - 1/ea





Meet The Author:


Mel Ballew resides in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter, along with their two adorable cats. 

An avid reader, she has always had an equal passion for writing and has written her entire life, to date. Her mother initially birthed, inspired, and encouraged these loves. The two often discussed writing together but unfortunately, that dream never came to fruition.

Years later, this happened, that happened—life happened.

She stepped away from writing to place more focus on being wife and a full-time mom. Today, she would not have changed a thing. The day her daughter was born became the first day she realized a significant rhythm to her heart was also born. Her daughter, now preparing to go off to college, has grown into a beautiful and responsible young adult.

A twisted turn of events in September 2009 left Mel unable to work outside of the home. Forced to consider other options, and while embracing a therapeutic approach of transcribing all of the challenges facing her, post-accident, she returned to journaling. Once again, the writer within her has been re-birthed—awakened from slumber.

Mel is a hopeless romantic. Blessed, she has her very own soul mate, which she calls husband, best friend, and lover. 

She is a simple country gal, with a profound love of true simplicity. She is just as hopeless in her love of nature and regards many of her writing aspirations to appreciating its beauty, although every single story is birthed from her dreams. Sometimes, in life, simply enjoying a chilled glass of sangria on a warm summer’s eve or indulging in her love of chocolate and peanut butter is an expression of enjoying such simplicity. For her, these moments are truly d’vine.





Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Cover Reveal - 'Very Bad Things' by Ilsa Madden-Mills

So happy to be part of Ilsa's cover reveal today. Come on back on June 22nd, as I will be featuring her for Sexy Sunday!




Synopsis:

Born into a life of privilege and secrets, Nora Blakely has everything any nineteen-year-old girl could desire.  She’s an accomplished pianist, a Texas beauty queen, and on her way to Princeton after high school.  She’s perfect…

Leaving behind her million-dollar mansion and Jimmy Choos, she becomes a girl hell-bent on pushing the limits with alcohol, drugs, and meaningless sex.  

Then she meets her soulmate.  But he doesn’t want her.

When it comes to girls, twenty-five-year-old Leo Tate has one rule:  never fall in love.  His gym and his brother are all he cares about…until he meets Nora.  He resists the pull of their attraction, hung up on their six year age difference.

As they struggle to stay away from each other, secrets will be revealed, tempers will flare, and hearts will be broken.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy…where sometimes, the best things in life are Very Bad Things.


(click the image to get a closer look)









Meet The Author:

Ilsa wrote her first work at the age of twelve when she penned a little ditty about a handsome prince who had no sense.  Since then, she’s written plays, poems, and numerous short stories.

Very Bad Things is her first full-length novel and part of a new series called Briarcrest Academy.

She graduated summa cum laude with a master’s in English.  After graduation, she directed plays, worked with autistic children, helped start a children’s clothing company, and eventually had a family.  Now, she spends her days with two small kids and her Viking husband.  When she’s not typing away at a story, you can find her drinking too much coffee, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.

She loves to hear from fans and fellow avid readers.  You can find her on Facebook and a soon to come author website.



Saturday, June 1, 2013

Blog Tour & Giveaway - 'How To Catch Butterflies' by Samantha Fontien

Today I'm delighted to take part in my new friend Samantha Fontien's blog tour for her new novel, How To Catch Butterflies! I didn't have time for a review unfortunately, but I've got an excerpt for you, teaser pics AND a giveaway!




Synopsis:

For 7 years career girl Rebecca Keane had been stuck in an abusive relationship with David Rosenberg. Until one night fate intervenes, enforcing the strong minded Lucy Watters - Rebecca's long lost best friend - back into her life.

Will David Rosenberg let her go?

Together the two friends will embark on a journey of self discovery. Can they learn to trust or love again? Or will careers and life get in the way.

Can Rebecca and Lucy learn how to spread their wings and fly? Or will they fall into one of the men’s nets, and be caught forever?

Join these two London girls on their international journey of love in the first part of a series of Butterflies books, because "Girls should be pretty to see but hard to catch."


The excerpt below is rated PG-13


Excerpt:

It was then her phone started to ring, with her free hand she fished for the phone in her huge bag, which doubled as her briefcase.

“Rebecca Keane well I never, glad your home…did you miss me?”

Said the voice at the other end of the phone, “Open the door."

She was still moving to the tune, smiling to herself as she shimmied to the door. Don’t ask her why she did what she was told; she probably would have blamed it on the jetlag.

Upon opening the door, was her voice at the other end of her phone.

His eyes lit up at the sight of her, a smile forming on his hansom face as their gazes met. They continued to talk on their devices. He was standing there, one arm extended leaning against the door join. 

He was wearing a formal separate suit jacket with jeans and a simple fitted white T. Around his neck, a cashmere scarf which hung loosely over the lapels of his jacket. 

He looked gorgeous, as soon as she saw him as her heart started to pound. She could see his biceps through the outline of the fitted jacket. She wanted him, she could feel the ache within her grow.

He still spoke into his phone toying with her.

“Come here”, he smiled at her with his come to bed eyes that burned right through her. 

Mocking him she spoke.

“Uh uh, if you want me, you come here” as she pointed to the ground before her.

She looked back at him, defiantly. Jackson didn't have to be told twice as he moved towards her, sweeping her off her feet. His mouth firmly planted on hers.

“So Jackson, have you been a good boy while I've been away?” she asked.

“I Rebecca, have been a very good boy, while you were away. Its's been a long 2 weeks believe me. I want you as the song say’s ‘Right here Right now’” his lips caressing her neck tenderly. 

“Do you know how much I've missed you?” 

He pulled her hand down towards the bulge in his trousers. She laughed. 

“Are you sure?” 

She gave him a little squeeze. She could feel the need in him.

“Then let’s see how much.”

Rebecca grabbed Jackson's scarf, pulling him in the direction of her bedroom.














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Meet The Author

Samantha: I'm a happily married mum of two.  I LOVE music.  I am the daughter of musicians and was reared with a guitar in one hand and a pen in the other. This is my first book.