A Song at Twilight by Pamela Sherwood guest post and a GIVEAWAY! (updated)

I am delighted to welcome Pamela Sherwood today.  She has a brand new historical romance release and I am happy that she has taken the time to visit!  Sadly, I haven't had the time to read A Song at Twilight but it is definitely on my TBR pile.


                                

Guest post from Pamela Sherwood:

Thank you for hosting me today, ELF!

In Which the Course of True Love Fails to Run Smooth--And Thereby Hangs a Tale

by Pamela Sherwood

A second chance at love is one of my favorite romance themes, right up there with friends to lovers and partners in crime. Because most of us probably have had a relationship in our past that didn’t work out the way we hoped, about which we’ve wondered: “What if?” What if we’d been older and wiser, what if we hadn’t had that stupid misunderstanding, what if we hadn’t let someone come between us, what if we’d taken another path?

Second chance romances are all about the road not taken. And about trying to fix something that went wrong in the past. Whether the original split occurred because of misunderstandings, interlopers, or just damned bad luck, the estranged couple receives the rare opportunity to reclaim their lost happiness . . . if they have the courage to fight for it and for each other.

I didn’t know what Robin and Sophie’s story would be when I first introduced them as supporting characters in my first book, Waltz with a Stranger. What I did know was that Sophie was young, idealistic, and deep in the throes of her first serious attachment. And that Robin had a number of secrets that made him a less than ideal matrimonial prospect. When I began resolving the various complications in Waltz with a Stranger, I left Robin and Sophie’s situation open-ended. The potential for a future happy ending was there . . . and so were the seeds for disaster.

And there was the plot for my next book right in front of me. A plot that would allow both characters to grow, mature, and even suffer in the cause of true love. That would put them through hell and bring them out the other side, stronger and more determined to be together. That would make them understand on a visceral level just what it takes for a relationship to succeed against the odds: mutual trust, commitment, and teamwork.

Getting to that point with Robin and Sophie was almost as hard on me as it was on them. For one thing, I discovered early on that their love story needed to unfold in a nonlinear manner, that I would have to alternate between the past and the present to give the most complete picture of their relationship, to illustrate the reasoning behind their choices, and to show the contrast between them then and now. The process wasn’t smooth by any means, full of stops and starts as I mapped my couple’s emotional trajectory. But by the time I wrestled it into submission, I felt that I had a story that might just strike a chord with anyone who’s ever loved, lost, and longed for a second chance to make things right.

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BLURB

Late in England’s Victorian age, the world is changing–new freedoms, new ideas, and perhaps a chance for an old love to be new again…

A love too strong to let go …

Aspiring singer Sophie Tresilian had the world at her feet–fame, fortune, and true love–until the man of her dreams broke her heart. Now she’s the toast of Europe, desired by countless men but unwilling to commit to any of them. Then Robin Pendarvis walks back into her life …

Four years ago, Rob had hoped to make Sophie his bride, but secrets from his past forced him to let her go. Seeing her again revives all the old pain–and all the old passion. It might be against every rule, but somehow, some way, he will bring them together again…




EXCERPT

(Author’s Note: One of the most heart-stopping moments for me in any second chance at love story is the first meeting between the hero and heroine after the split.  Especially when the circumstances dictate that they conduct themselves with discretion, even as their conflicting emotions--pain, passion, desire, anger--simmer and seethe below the surface. Here, after a triumphant performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Sophie comes face to face with Robin for the first time in four years.)
   
    Like one in a trance, she watched him approach, cutting through the crowd with the swift, purposeful stride she had loved in him. A few of the fashionably dressed throng glanced at him in mingled curiosity and irritation, but none attempted to deter him. And then he was before her, close enough to touch if she stretched out her hand… as she must not do, lest she lose herself once more. Someone of her own, a voice half-wry, half-mocking whispered in her head. Except that he hadn’t been—or only for a little while.

“Miss Tresilian.”

His voice was the same, deep and resonant, its slight Cornish burr more of an intonation than an accent and much fainter than her own when she’d first come to London as a wide-eyed debutante. Nor did he look so different from the way he had four years ago. Thirty-one now, and no longer in his first youth. Perhaps a little leaner, with some faint lines about his eyes and mouth. But his dark-brown hair was still thick, his eyes still blue and piercing. A visionary’s eyes that saw how things might be and strove to transmute them into reality.

And how she’d loved that in him.

The only thing he hadn’t been able to envision, at the last, was a future for them, together. But that had been her decision as much as his. No rancor between them, ever—she’d been determined on that score—but regrets enough to last a lifetime, aching continually, like an old wound in inclement weather.

She was still staring, tongue-tied and transfixed. Remember who you are, Sophie told herself. If not a diva, she was still a professional singer of some note, no longer a schoolroom miss to be thrown into confusion by a chance encounter. Shaking off the paralysis, she swallowed dryly and managed to summon a response. 

“Mr. Pendarvis. Good evening. You are looking very well.”

The angular planes of his face seemed to relax at her words. “As are you, Miss Tresilian, and sounding even better. Magnificent, in fact. I congratulate you.”

Sophie found she could smile, though the expression felt strange and unfamiliar on her face. “Thank you.”

His eyes warmed, their cool blue brightening to a hue that reminded her of a sunlit summer sky. “I can’t say that I’m surprised, however. I knew you were destined for a great future from the moment I first heard you sing.”

Memory stirred, seductive and dangerous as a siren’s song. “Thank you again,” Sophie said hurriedly, “but I still have so much to learn. I am… glad to see you here tonight. It’s always good to see a familiar face. What brings you to London?”

His face grew remote again. “Some business, of a personal nature.”

“I see.” Sophie tried to sound neutral. “Well, I am honored that you found the time to attend this concert.”

A smile softened his features. “I would not have missed it for the world.” He paused, his eyes intent on her face. “Miss Tresilian, I wondered if we might have a private word.”

Sophie felt her pulse quicken, along with a strange flutter of what was either excitement or apprehension just behind her midriff. “A private word?” she echoed faintly.

Robin nodded. “About something that may concern us both—”

He broke off, glancing over his shoulder as the hum of conversation around them suddenly intensified. Following the direction of his gaze, Sophie saw more visitors coming in. Soon it would be impossible for that private word, if it weren’t already. And from the look she saw on Robin’s face, he’d come to the same realization.

Turning back to her, he asked almost abruptly, “Miss Tresilian, do you still ride in the mornings?”

She moistened her lips. “I do. When I can, that is.”

“In Hyde Park?”

She nodded confirmation, aware of the press of people around them, the escalating buzz of countless voices praising, exclaiming, criticizing…

He leaned in, his voice pitched for her ears alone. “The Rotten Row, then? Between the hours of nine and ten o’clock?”

“Yes.” The lone syllable emerged more as a breath than as a word, but he appeared to have no difficulty hearing it.

He drew back, spoke in the same low tone. “Until then, Miss Tresilian.”

A sketch of a bow, then he was gone, threading his way through the crowd. Hemmed in by the throng, Sophie could only watch as he attained the doorway and disappeared through it.

As completely as he’d disappeared from her life four years ago.

Song at Twilight (Amazon buy link)

And don't forget the first book, Waltz With a Stranger


 
Waltz With a Stranger (Amazon buy link)


AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS

Pamela Sherwood grew up in a family of teachers and taught college-level literature and writing courses for several years before turning to writing full time. She holds a doctorate in English literature, specializing in the Romantic and Victorian periods, eras that continue to fascinate her and provide her with countless opportunities for virtual time travel. She lives in Southern California where she continues to write the kind of books she loves to read.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY:

One lucky person in the U.S. or Canada will win a print copy of A Song at Twilight!   Please leave a comment with a valid e-address and tell us what you love the most about historical romance and whether you have a favorite era.  Winner will be chosen using random.org after October 19, 2013.

Wind and Shadow (spotlight, excerpt and GIVEAWAY)

                                                


Tori L. Ridgewood’s new book Wind and Shadow: Book One of the Talbot Trilogy, published by Melange Books, was released on June 20, 2013.



Blurb:


After a series of misadventures including being accused of attempted murder in high school, Rayvin Woods, a photographer and natural witch, left her hometown of Talbot in Northeastern Ontario, hoping to start her life over and never return.

Ten years later, circumstances force her back to face her past and her former crush Grant Michaels. 
 


Malcolm de Sade, a cunning vampire, escapes from an underground prison looking for vengeance. His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town.

Rayvin’s power is all that stands between de Sade and his domination of Talbot, and beyond.



Grant Michaels, a police officer, thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger... but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it's too late?



Rayvin didn't count on rekindling a lost love or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life when she came home to Talbot.

 Facing the past can be a nightmare… It’s worse when a vampire is stalking you.






Excerpt from Wind and Shadow: Book One of the Talbot Trilogy, by Tori L. Ridgewood

The pain in her eyes was tearing him apart. “You want to make amends?” She laughed, and looked away.

“You could put it that way . . . Rayvin. Look at me. We connected once, remember? When we were kids? I’ve missed that in my life. I didn’t realize, before you were gone, how much I needed you in my world.” He leaned forward and reached for her. “How can I make you believe me?”

“Why?” She jumped up, staring down at him. “What’s changed since yesterday that could possibly have reversed an opinion you’ve had of me for years? I don’t understand! You’re not making any sense.”

Grant’s face burned. “You don’t know what I think of you. You’re not a mind-reader, Rayvin.”
 
“I don’t have to be. I’ve seen how you look at me. Yesterday, you wanted to run me out of town, and now look around you.” She gestured wildly. “Candles, blankets. You don’t want to ‘start fresh’, you just want to get laid.”
 
Grant got to his feet. “Really? Is that what you think?”
 
“What else have men ever wanted from me?” she responded, wearily. “You know what, it was a noble gesture for you to drive me home, and help me with Andrea. But now I’d really like you to leave.”
 
“No. We need to talk; we have to figure this out.” Grant moved closer to her. Rayvin’s teeth were bared, but she held her ground as he approached. She infuriated him, she insulted him, but she didn’t back down, and by God he admired her for it. “I know you’ve been hurt, but I’m not him. Not all men are like that. I’m not like that.”
 
“I’ve felt your desire, Michaels. I know that you want me. Maybe we should just get it out of the way, so we can move on with our lives.” Her eyes glittering, she closed the distance between them and ran one finger down his chest. Behind her, in the fireplace, the flames on the candles flared and elongated. Grant’s body responded immediately to her touch; his breath quickened as his manhood swelled. Her laugh sounded like a sob. “But I have better things, more important things to do with my time. I’d rather not fulfill your adolescent fantasies tonight. I’m telling you again to please leave.”
 
Looking into her eyes, a breath apart, dozens of possibilities flashed through his mind, most of them involving the shedding of clothing and the quilt on the floor. Maybe they should fulfill their physical needs, and move on. But that wouldn’t leave him satisfied. Grant needed more from her, and he strongly suspected that she needed him, no matter how much she denied it. He saw the plea in her gaze, the sorrow and the anger. Taking a deep breath, he raised his chin and stepped back.
 
“Point taken. But there are a few things you should know.” He picked up his jacket from the edge of the couch. “Yes, I want you. I’ve fantasized about you for years, ever since we were in the tenth grade and you walked past me in your parka. It wasn’t your body that really caught me, though, Rayvin. It was the way you smiled when you pulled the furry hood up around your face. God, I wanted you to smile at me like that. I wanted to give you pleasure like that. So I guess the past does matter, in a way. I can’t let go of how I felt about you, and how I still feel. I don’t want to, because I have never felt for anyone the way I do for you.”
 
Grant put on his jacket. “That was the first thing. The second is this: I believe there is a reason for everything. You chose to come back here, no matter what you decide to tell people. You weren’t driven here, you could have gone anywhere. I think you might be punishing yourself for some reason. You want people to hate you, because that will justify rejecting them. So don’t blame the citizens of this town for making your life miserable. That’s all on you.”
 
He walked to the front door.
 
“Is that it, Michaels?” Rayvin called out. He turned around, his hand on the doorknob. She hadn’t moved, but the candles in the fireplace had almost completely burned to their stands. Her face was cast into shadow by their brilliance.
 
“No, there’s one more.”
 
Grant strode forward, crossing the room in three long steps to take her in his arms. Rayvin’s eyes burned into his for a moment, before he leaned down and tucked her into his chest. He held her close, feeling the beats of their hearts together, inhaling the scent of her hair, just breathing. Slowly, her hands moved to his back. They pressed gently. He sighed, moving a ticklish lock away from his face.
 
Behind them, the flames dwindled into tiny points of light, before they extinguished themselves.
 
“Whatever else you tell yourself, Rayvin Woods,” he whispered, kissing just above her ear. “You have to believe that everything will be okay.”
 
“I tell myself that all the time.” Her voice was muffled by his shoulder. “I’m just so tired of being alone. And now . . . there’s no other way. There just isn’t.”
 
He released her, letting his hands move down to clasp her fingers. “You’re wrong, Ray. There’s always a choice.”
 
Grant pressed his lips to her forehead, and went back to the front door.
 
He opened it, not expecting to step into madness.
 
Hands with sharp claws grabbed him by the neck and shoulder, hauling him forward and up; it was so sudden he couldn’t react. By chance, his right hand caught the doorframe as he was being pulled out. Impossibly, his assailant was on the roof. He gagged on a stench that invaded his nose and mouth, taking his breath away. Whoever had grabbed him had impressive gymnastic skill: he jumped down, flipping in the air, double-jointed arms maintaining their hold on him, and dug his heels into the lawn to gain purchase. Grant tried to call out, but his shirt collar was tightening around his throat, cutting off his air supply.


 
Rayvin’s mouth had opened in warning, too late. She watched, horrified, as filthy claw-like hands reached down and yanked Michaels nearly off his feet. A rage she did not know she possessed boiled up in her blood. She flew across the room in a heartbeat, grabbing Grant and holding on with all of her strength. She pressed the hand he’d wrapped around the jamb so hard that her nails scraped against the painted wall, and winced against the pain of ragged paint chips digging into the quick.
 
From her vantage point at the doorframe, the vampire’s bared fangs seemed only a few inches from Michaels’ face. He grunted, straining his neck to keep away from the snapping jaws. The creature had both arms around the policeman’s upper body in a tight grip. Rayvin reached out with her other hand and hauled back on Michaels’ shoulder, heaving with as much power as she could muster. The thing hissed at her, digging in with his heels. Michaels’ hand slipped under hers.
 
“Hold on!” she cried, bracing herself against the wall.
 
Time seemed to stop in her desperate tug of war. Sweat broke out on her body with the effort it took, helping Michaels resist the unnatural strength of the bloodsucker. Anger fuelled her reserves as it occurred to her that he was toying with them. Amid the grunts, Rayvin heard the distinctive rip of clothing being torn. 
Michaels’ hand slipped a little more; now, she was only anchoring his fingers. She’d lost hold of his shoulder when his jacket gave way under the vampire’s claws. She lunged forward to get another grip and felt her own sweater tear under an elongated canine as she found a handful of shirt. Michaels’ feet were leaving marks on the concrete step as he was dragged forward. The monster laughed at them, sneering, his black eyes narrowed and dirty, demonic face twisted in a maniacal grin.
 
Rayvin felt the fabric of Michaels’ shirt starting to give. In another moment, his fingers would slip out, lubricated by their combined sweat. Her heart broke as he ground out a command to her, between his teeth. “Let go, Rayvin! It’s okay, just get inside!”
 
“Yes, let go, Rayvin,” the creature mocked, using Michaels’ body to creep closer to her. He leaned over the big man’s back like a sinister gargoyle. She smelled his disgusting breath, the odours of dead things and rotting flesh making her gag. Michaels fell to one knee under the weight, which the vampire used to his advantage, moving towards Rayvin until only inches separated her panting lips from his malevolent grin. She couldn’t look away from the fathomless black eyes. In the back of her mind, she heard Michaels crying out for her again, ordering her to save herself, but she was losing herself in the chasm of the vampire’s gaze. She blinked, and the reality of the present disappeared . . .
 
 
Wind and Shadow (The Talbot Trilogy) (Amazon buy link)

Author bio:

After her first heartbreak, Tori found solace in two things: reading romance novels and listening to an after-dark radio program called Lovers and Other Strangers. Throughout the summer and fall of 1990, the new kid in town found reading fiction and writing her own short stories gave her a much needed creative outlet.

Determined to become a published author, Tori amassed stacks of notebooks and boxes of filed-away stories, most only half-finished before another idea would overtake her and demand to be written down. Then, while on parental leave with her second baby, one story formed and refused to be packed away.

Between teaching full-time, parenting, and life in general, it would take almost seven years before the first novel in her first trilogy would be completed. In the process, Tori finally found her stride as a writer.

At present, on her off-time, Tori not only enjoys reading, but also listening to an eclectic mix of music as she walks the family dog (Skittles), attempts to turn her thumb green, or makes needlework gifts for her friends and family members.

She loves to travel, collect and make miniature furniture, and a good cup of tea during a thunderstorm or a blizzard. Under it all, she is always intrigued by history, the supernatural, vampire and shapeshifter mythology, romance, and other dangers.

Links:

Website
Twitter


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GIVEAWAY

One lucky person will win a Kindle copy of this exciting book.  Please leave a comment with a valid e-address and tell me what you find most appealing about books with vampires.  A winner will be chosen after October 19, 2014 from those who comment and leave their e-mail address using random.org.   I always appreciate new followers so if you would like to be informed of other great titles or fun giveaways, please do join the blog.

For Love or Vengeance, spotlight and review

                                          


For Love or Vengeance by Caridad Pineiro is part of the 'Reborn Vampire' series.


Blurb:

FBI Special Agent Helene Alexander is a goddess.  An actual frickin’ goddess. And her mission is clear, see that justice is served at all times or her days as a goddess are numbered.

Helene’s new FBI partner defines good-looking, but Miguel Sanchez, wants nothing to do with her ends-justify-the-means attitude. He knows through experience the type of guilt her actions can bring and Miguel wants nothing to do with Helene’s careless ways. Even if she’s so damned hot she makes him burn with the need.

When the serial killer they’re tracking strikes again, Helene and Miguel are drawn into a case that will challenge their most fundamental beliefs about justice and vengeance. But it’s the passion between them that forces a goddess to choose: eternal life with all her powers...or death—to save the man she loves.


Excerpts:

“My job was to protect her,” he finally said through a tightness in his chest that threatened to strangle him.

To his shock, she reached up and cradled the side of his face. Her palm was smooth. So smooth. So warm and…comforting. He had never expected that a woman as hard as Helene could offer comfort, but there it was, adding yet another intriguing layer to his partner. That sensation coursed through him, freeing up the tension in his chest so he could breathe again.

“It was her time. Nothing you did could have changed that,” she said with absolute certainty.

Her words resonated within him, bringing unexpected peace as if she were a priest who had just granted him absolution.

He brushed his hand against the thick waves of her hair and urged them away from her cheek. Then he dug his fingers into their softness, cupped her jaw, and tracked his thumb along the edge of her mouth.

“Thank you,” he said, at a loss to find any other words to express what he was feeling. Knowing in his gut that there was only one thing that might.

He leaned forward until her warm breath spilled against his lips. Her gaze filled with part surprise and part anticipation. A heartbeat later, he allowed insanity to take over.

* * * *

Helene’s breath became trapped in her chest as Miguel closed the distance between them and covered her mouth with his.

Craziness, she thought for a millisecond before all that he was—all that goodness and honor and sexiness—made her lose her head. Her supposedly more powerful refined goddess senses didn’t stand a chance against the wonder of his kiss.

He moved lightly against her mouth, an invitation rather than a command, as if knowing the latter would have been refused. Tentatively she accepted, meeting the sweep of his lips and deepening the contact. She opened her mouth to taste him and permit his exploration as he eased the tip of his tongue in to graze hers.

She moaned with need and the unexpected desire he aroused. The sound was loud in the quiet of the room. So loud it awakened them from whatever insanity had possessed them, breaking them apart.

They were both breathing heavily as she stood there, her fists clenched against the desire to reach for him again.

Someone walking in might have assumed they were fighting. And maybe they were. She was definitely fighting—for control.

He spoke first. “I’m sorry, Helene. That was out of line.”

“No need to apologize. We’re both adults and desire is a natural thing,” she said, attempting to downplay her fear that it had been much more than passion that had brought them together.

It worked. Miguel wasn’t the kind of man who indulged in desire just for desire’s sake. That would be too shallow. His lips—those mobile, engaging lips that had only seconds before brought her such pleasure—became a pencil-thin line.

“It won’t happen again,” he said, and before she could utter another word, he stalked from the room.

Author Bio:



New York Times and USA Today bestselling paranormal and romantic suspense author Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and over a decade later, Caridad is the author of almost forty published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista.


Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads


Buy Links: 
For Love or Vengeance (Amazon buy link)
Barnes and Noble


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My review:


“For Love or Vengeance” by Caridad Pineiro is part of the ‘Reborn Vampire’ series and is an intriguing paranormal tale that mixes Greek mythological characters with contemporary situations.  The goddess Nemesis is seeking to escape the horrific attentions of her father, Zeus, and is on earth to exact justice, in this lifetime by posing as FBI agent Helene Alexander.  She is not the only newbie at her new field office and her newly assigned and reluctant partner Miguel Sanchez is also trying to settle in at his new location.  Their uneasy partnership will have significant challenges, not least of which is the race to catch a serial killer before another murder takes place.  Helene can’t reveal her primary directive but gradually her prickly partner causes her to realize that she may need to change her priorities and learn to depend on someone other than herself. Unfortunately the partnership may be forced to end before it really begins.

This entertaining story that combines a goddess and the procedures of the FBI provides an exciting tale as the search for a serial killer intensifies.  There are hints of the presence of various immortals but the action centers primarily on Nemesis in her human-seeming incarnation who has some trouble displaying human emotions.  There are a few disturbing elements (especially Zeus’ unnatural interest in his daughter) and some unexplained occurrences that aren’t quite resolved but the overall story is a fun read.  I am not quite sure how this relates to the Reborn Vampires but I surmise that subsequent stories will address that.  The emotional obstacles that both main characters have to overcome provide a nice depth to the story and I hope that we get more of their adventures.  I look forward to more stories by this fun author.

A copy was provided to me for review.
Review offered to Night Owl Reviews.

Entangled Teen release

Today we're celebrating the release of Entangled Teen's October books! Read all about them and enter to win the giveaway below!

Allure by Lea Nolan

                                         


Worst. Summer. Ever.

Emma Guthrie races to learn the hoodoo magic needed to break The Beaumont Curse before her marked boyfriend Cooper’s sixteenth birthday. But deep in the South Carolina Lowcountry, dark, mysterious forces encroach, conspiring to separate Emma and Cooper forever. When Cooper starts to change, turning cold and indifferent, Emma discovers that both his heart and body are marked for possession by competing but equally powerful adversaries.

Desperate to save him, Emma and her twin brother, Jack, risk their lives to uncover the source of the black magic that has allured Cooper and holds him in its grip. Faced with the horror of a soul-eating boohag, Emma and Jack must fight to resist its fiendish power to free Cooper long enough to join their strengths and face it together, before it destroys them all.

Allure (The Hoodoo Apprentice #2) Amazon buy link
Barnes & Noble link
 Indiebound

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Made of Stars by Kelley York




When eighteen-year-old Hunter Jackson and his half sister, Ashlin, return to their dad’s for the first winter in years, they expect everything to be just like the warmer months they’d spent there as kids. And it is—at first. But Chance, the charismatic and adventurous boy who made their summers epic, is harboring deep secrets. Secrets that are quickly spiraling into something else entirely.

The reason they’ve never met Chance’s parents or seen his home is becoming clearer. And what the siblings used to think of as Chance's quirks—the outrageous stories, his clinginess, his dangerous impulsiveness—are now warning signs that something is seriously off.

Then someone turns up with a bullet to the head, and all eyes shift to Chance's family. Hunter and Ashlin know Chance is innocent...they just have to prove it. But how can they protect the boy they both love when they can’t trust a word Chance says?

Made of Stars (Entangled Teen) (Amazon link)
B&N
Indiebound
Kobo


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Evanescent by Andria Buchanan

                                     


Trapped in the deadly land of Nerissette, Allie has all but given up on any return to the mortal realm. Unless she can find the two elusive artifacts that have the power to get her and her friends back home.

But she’s got even bigger problems as the newly crowned queen of Nerissette: she must unite her people in the midst of a civil war and capture the Fate Maker—the evil puppet master responsible for the conflict—before he can find another army willing to return him to power.

On top of it all, Allie is just a normal teenager. Her feelings are growing for the guy she’s certain is her true love, and balancing her personal life while being the queen isn’t as easy as it sounds. Allie must learn the true meaning of bravery, love, and kinship, regardless of the world—and danger—around her.

Evanescent (The Chronicles of Nerissette #2) (Amazon buy link)
Barnes & Noble
Indiebound
Kobo


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Sidelined by Kendra Highley




After being pushed to excel her entire life, high school basketball star Genna Pierce is finally where she wants to be. University scouts are taking notice, her team is on its way to the state tourney, and Jake Butler, the hot boy she's daydreamed about since ninth grade, is showing some definite interest. When he asks her out and their relationship takes off, Genna believes things can't get better.

Then, it's over.

A freak accident ends her career before it's even begun. Her parents are fighting more than ever, her friends don't understand what she's going through, and she's not sure who she is without basketball. And while he tries to be there for her, Genna doesn't understand how Jake could ever want the broken version of the girl he fell for.

Her life in a tailspin, Genna turns to the only solace that eases her pain: Vicodin.

Sidelined (Entangled Teen) (Amazon buy link)
Kobo


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GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the launch of these books, Entangled Teen is giving away three ebooks. Check out the Rafflecopter for more information!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget the Entangled in the Wild Giveaway!

Another promotion that Entangled is running is for a mini iPad!
Please see details at this link.

And, as always, I appreciate those of you who join as followers either through e-mail or Google!  I do my best to have giveaways when possible and this way you can remain informed of the new ones as they come up.

Dana Marton spotlight, excerpt, FREE READ and giveaway!

           



Dana Marton has a deft hand at writing intriguing romantic suspense.  I had the pleasure of reading her 'Broslin Creek' series which includes Deathscape, Deathtrap, and Deathwatch and I am under the impression that the next title (Deathblow) should be released in December (yay!).  These tales artfully combine thrilling adventures with a enhancing element of paranormal that adds to the chills up one's spine (perfect for this time of the year!).  My posts about these titles are at the following links.  Deathscape (review on GR), Deathtrap, and Deathwatch.  Deathwatch takes place first chronologically so should be read first.

Deathwatch (Broslin Creek) (Amazon buy link) 
Deathscape (Broslin Creek) (Amazon buy link)
Deathtrap (Broslin Creek) (Amazon buy link)  (NOTE:  Free on Amazon on October 4, 2013!)





So, not content to have just one exciting series, Dana Marton has a Harlequin series, 'HQ:  Texas' that includes the titles My Spy:  Last Spy Standing, Most Elilgible Spy, and the soon to be released Spy In the Saddle




                                        


An excerpt from My Spy: Last Spy Standing

He held still as she moved his pant leg up. He knew what she would see: cold steel alloy, nothing human, a well-engineered machine. 

He’d received his prosthetics as a major favor from a friend of the colonel his team reported to. It was the best technology Olympic athletes used, taken up another notch. A prototype, the first and only set to receive the designation: combat ready.

“Fancy hardware,” she commented as she covered up his left leg and moved on to the right. “How did this happen?”

None of her business. “Car accident.” He said the first thing that came to mind.

“I would have thought war injury.” She finished and straightened, expertly sliding her hand into his pocket and retrieving his wallet. 

“You move like a soldier.”

And suddenly he had enough of her prying into his business. He twisted his wrist to expose the link on his metal watchband that he kept sharp. Another twist, applying pressure to the right places, and he was free.

 He reached for her as he turned, caught her by surprise and had her trapped against the wall in a split second, holding her hands at either side of her head, preventing her from going for her weapon.

Their faces were inches from each other, their bodies nearly touching. She stared at him with wide-eyed surprise that quickly turned to anger, then back to calm strength again, the transition fascinating to observe.

God, she was even more beautiful up close—those sparkling blue eyes and all that flawless skin.

“Not a smart move,” she said calmly, the words drawing his gaze to the crease in her bottom lip that begged to be kissed. “I call out and there’ll be half a dozen officers in here in a second.”

“Why don’t you?” He knew the answer, the exact same reason why he hadn’t given her the number to call Ryder at the office. She didn’t want to embarrass herself.

Her cell phone rang in her pocket.

He thought about kissing her, which was really stupid. He held her for another long second before he stepped back and let her go as a gesture of good faith, but took his wallet back.

She pulled her phone with one hand, her gun with the other, pointing it at the middle of his chest.

She glared at him as she took the call. “Yes. Yes, sir,” she said, the look on her face stunned at first, then quickly turning speculative. She lowered her gun. Her sparkling blue eyes narrowed when the call ended and she turned her full attention back to him.

She stepped around to put the desk between them once again. “Want to guess who that was?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Homeland Security. I’ve been ordered to release you immediately, without any further questions. Want to tell me what that’s about?”

He winced. He would rather have that nobody know about his brief time in Brianna Tridle’s custody, but hell, he’d take whatever break he could get at this stage.

He sauntered by her on his way to the door. “Looks like you won’t get to keep me. Life is full of disappointments, Deputy Sheriff.”

(yum!)

Buy links

My Spy: Last Spy Standing (HQ: Texas) (buy link)

 Most Eligible Spy (HQ: Texas) (Amazon Buy Link)

Spy in the Saddle (HQ: Texas) (Amazon buy link)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with.

Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.

She would love to hear from her readers.

In her own words:

Okay, the above version is the glamour version for press releases. The truth is that my path to publication was nothing but unglamorous. I wrote for 13 years and completed 4 books (as well as having others in various stages of completion) before I finally received a call from a Harlequin editor. I was beginning to wonder if I was being tenacious or just too dense to know when to quit. But it all worked out at the end! J 

I love, love, love writing and would spend all day in front of the computer if I could just break my family of the habit of wanting to eat and wear clean clothes. What’s up with that? But I must get up from the desk now and then, if only because my Internet connection goes down or my ancient PC overheats. Then I do enjoy cooking, knitting, hunting for treasures at the flea market, our Beagle, Peanut the Destroyer, and gardening. 

I’d love it if you picked up one of my books and emailed me to tell me what you thought of it. I’ve been known to name characters after readers. Just ask Princess Judi. 


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GIVEAWAY

Dana has very generously offered a paperback copy of the 2-in-1 MY SPY/LAST SPY STANDING for the giveaway for U.S. residents only.  Please leave a comment about your favorite spy and a valid e-mail address.  A winner will be chosen from commenters on October 12, 2013 after midnight using random.org

Wild Cards (Simone Elkeles)

                                    

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles is a young adult title but I think it is for pretty mature young adults!  I definitely feel my age when I read what the teens seem to think is perfectly acceptable behavior and I have to admit that I am very relieved that I do not have to guide an impressionable youngster through the dangerous shoals of interpersonal relationships and expectations when I read books like this.  There are great scenes in this book which shows the untapped potential available in youth--now if only older wiser heads could convince them to apply that creativity to something constructive, lol.

I had the pleasure of listening to the author speak a couple of years ago at a conference and was delighted with her quirky way of approaching obstacles (she had a great story about how she convinced these hunky stars to pose for the covers of her books) and impressed by her desire to touch teens and give them positive things in their lives.

My review:

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles is a young adult title that explores the trials and tribulations faced by a pair of teens who suddenly are part of a reluctantly blended family.  Derek Fitzpatrick isn’t thrilled when he is expelled from Regents Preparatory Academy for a prank but that’s nothing compared to the news that he is moving from California to Chicago with his stepmom who isn’t that much older than he is.  Ashtyn Parker hasn’t really forgiven her sister for leaving, especially since their mother abandoned them and her father isn’t terribly supportive of her position as kicker on her high school football team so she’s really dismayed to suddenly acquire an attractive step-nephew who threatens to make her re-evaluate her relationships and her goals.  Maybe they’ll be good for each other...or maybe not!


This engaging young adult title covers some pretty intense subject matter and is a little more graphic than I had anticipated but definitely offers an entertaining read.  The complex and often painful lives that the main characters have experienced have molded them into occasionally defiant but definitely individualistic personalities who are fascinating to read about.  I like the unconventionality and determination displayed and the sense of humor that balances some of the somber subject matter such as teen sex, bullying and discrimination.  I still chuckle at the numbers painted on a set of pigs but am bemused by the concept of being allergic to the color purple and, although I thought some of the solutions were a bit disingenuous and a little too pat, I greatly enjoyed the story.  Naturally, there is plenty of angst and confusion about relationships but I think that is a reflection of the challenges in the lives of teens and although some of the characters could use a little more depth, it is my impression that this is the start of a series so I imagine there will be subsequent improvements so that some of the secondary characters are less stereotypical.  I look forward to reading more works by this entertaining author.



submitted to Night Owl Reviews

Wild Cards (Amazon buy link)

The Sheik Retold (VIrtual Book Blast, excerpt and book giveaway) Adult title

The Sheik Retold
by Victoria Vane and E. M. Hull is an ADULT title that is an imaginative retelling of the classic story The Sheik by E.M. Hull.

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BLURB:

A haughty young heiress for whom the world is a playground…
A savage son of the Sahara who knows no law but his own…


When pride and passion vie for supremacy…
Blistering desert days are nothing compared to the sizzling Sahara nights…

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EXCERPT

Restless, I moved about the tent, listlessly examining objects that I already knew by heart, and flirting over the pages of some French magazines. I should have been elated at his unexpected absence, yet in my perversity, I was strangely unstrung with anticipation of his return. Now the utter silence only oppressed me.

Where was Gaston? Even the servant's company would be preferable to my own. I guessed he must have gone with his master or perhaps he was long retired. I went to the flap of the tent and gazed out into the night. The camp, large and spread out was covered mostly in a blanket of blackness, broken by the occasional glimmer of a sparking fire.

I had dreamt for years of this experience, of a month spent in the desert and now here I was. I had longed for adventure. It is what I had sought, so why could I not turn this tragedy to my advantage? I had food and shelter that was far superior to any I could have provided for myself. And I was surrounded by hundreds of armed men. Whether I viewed them as my captors or my protectors was only a matter of perception—a matter of choice.

I knew I was safe. I had seen the depths of deference, the authority of the Sheik's command. Any man outside of himself who dared to touch me would suffer death. Of that I had no doubt. The only thing stopping me from enjoying my adventure in this vast oasis and my freedom in the Sheik's camp, was my own desperate desire to cling to a state of chastity I truly cared nothing about. It was only my pride that stood in the way of my pleasure, and my refusal to allow him to take it from me.

I chewed my lip as I gazed up upon the stars glimmering in the heaven like countless brilliant diamonds shimmering against a backdrop of black velvet. I wondered if in the great scheme of things, my pride was a bit over-rated.

This entire evening I had bucked with resentment against the pretense that I was a willing guest here, but had I met this same Sheik in Biskrah, in more conventional circumstances, if I had only been properly introduced, would I not have willing, even gratefully accepted an invitation to his camp? Only a week ago I would have jumped at the chance. What now prevented me from embracing that role? From enjoying that status— for as long as I had planned? I smiled to myself. Yes, it was all just a matter of perception—except for the bartering of my body— the Sheik's expectation in return for his hospitality.

My smiled dimmed.

I could enjoy my month of holiday as planned, as long as I would willing serve his needs—and all that implied— in his bed.



The Sheik Retold (Amazon buy link)

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Victoria Vane is a multiple award-winning romance novelist, cowboy addict, and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. Look for Victoria's sexy new contemporary cowboy series coming from Sourcebooks  summer 2014.

CONTACT:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.victoriavane.com
Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com
Twitter: @authorvictoriav
Facebook: Author Victoria Vane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky4_cEWZxsQ

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Prize:


Victoria will be awarding one copy of A Wild Night's Bride or A Breach of Promise to randomly drawn commenters at each stop.  Please leave a comment about which of the genres that she writes in that you are addicted to, and why, along with a valid e-mail address.

Other tour stops are:


1: Bunny's Review
2: Farm Girl Books
3: Harlie's Books
4: Queen of the Night Reviews
5: Booklover Sue
6: Sharing Links and Wisdom
7: Books and Other Spells
8: Wickedly Wanton Tales
9: Perusing Princesses
10: Ever After Romance Book Blog
11: It's All About The Romance
12: Snarky Mom Reads...
13: Wicked Readings by Tawania
14: The Book Tart
15: Sugarbeat's Books
16: Fantasy Powered by Love
17: Books to Light Your Fire
18: The Sinner Author
19: Wake Up Your Wild Side
20: Renee Luke
21: The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat
22: Author Jinni James
23: Sexy Lady Anita Philmar
24: Full Moon Dreaming
25: Sexy Adventures, Passionate Tales
26: Romance Novels in Color
27: Writer Wonderland
28: Renee Entess's Blog
29: Love Saves the World
30: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
31: The Hedonistic Minimalist
32: Erzabet's Enchantments
33: A Generous Helping of Romance
34: Becky Flade Author
35: Reading, Writing, and Roses
36: Tamaria Soana
37: Tina Donahue Presents
38: Krystal Shannan - Where Love and Destiny Collide
39: Reviews by Crystal
40: Desiree Holt
41: Long and Short Reviews - review only
42: United By Books