Yesterday People by Teri Herman-Ponce (Excerpt tour and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Yesterday People
by Terri Herman-Ponce

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BLURB:

David Bellotti’s only focus is to find his abducted twelve-year old daughter. When he sees her on a news segment with her captor, a renowned archaeologist who’s made a major discovery, David sets out to bring her back home. But the search leads him to a secret message that could alter man’s history forever.

A message David and his daughter inscribed twelve-thousand years ago.

A message that will prove dangerous in the wrong hands.

Protecting this powerful information seems simple until David realizes some people will use his daughter against him to get it, at whatever the cost. Now David must make a choice. Protect mankind from a secret past that must remain hidden, or save his little girl.

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EXCERPT

“They’re heading west on Fairfax. Turn. Now.”

I jammed the Camaro into fourth, floored it, and threw the car left. Tires screeched and the car fishtailed over ice, and the Jag I’d been chasing slammed its brakes then took a hard right. I swerved, smelled the sharp tang of burning rubber, heard tires grinding on packed snow, and clipped a curb.

Nat’s disembodied voice broke in over Bluetooth. “Jesus, D-Man. You’re gonna kill the ride.”

The car was the least of my problems.

The Jag blew through a green light that turned yellow. I hit the gas. A Ford pulled out in front and I swerved to avoid it and a bicyclist, and threw the gear into fifth. The Camaro went airborne, barreling through the intersection and over a pothole.

“Christ!” Nat cut in. “You’re gonna be useless to Ada if you’re dead!”

“Just keep a lock on Ada,” I said, pursuing the Jag onto the highway and wondering what in the hell the driver was thinking. An open road was no match for the supercharged Camaro. “I’ll worry about the rest.”

I’d been chasing the Jag for almost fifteen minutes, and trying to find my twelve-year old daughter for the last four weeks. First in White Rain, Australia, then through the back roads in Germany, and now across a remote area of snowy Massachusetts. Each lead brought me closer to her, but this had been the closest I’d gotten to Ada yet.

The speedometer inched toward one hundred.

Keep your head, Bellotti. Your daughter is in that car ahead of you.

I was moving in. Closer.

Closer.

A face peered up from the Jag’s back seat. Black haired. Sad-eyed. Focused on me.

It was Ada, and she was shaking her head.

My foot hesitated over the accelerator long enough to give the Jag a momentary lead.

Ada shook her head once more, emphatically this time, telegraphing that she didn’t want me to follow, and swiped her arm over her eyes and nose. She was crying.

The Jag took off.

Like hell. I would not lose my daughter again.


Buy Link:

Amazon



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Terri looks for any opportunity to make stuff up. She thinks anything that can’t so easily be explained is worth an extra look and often makes a great story. She loves red wine, scotch, sunrises, Ancient Egypt, the beach—and a host of other stuff that would take too much real estate to talk about. The youngest of five children, Terri lives with her husband and son on Long Island. And, in her next life, if she hasn’t moved on to somewhere else, she wants to be an astronomer. Terri’s fascinated with the night skies almost as much as she’s fascinated with ancient Egypt.

Terri is a member of member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and you can read about her at http://terriponce.com/.

If you love social media, you can also find Terri on Facebook and on Twitter.

Come visit. She’d love to hear from you!






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The Duke of Dark Desires by Miranda Neville (VBT, review and GIVEAWAY) TBT

The Duke of Dark Desires

The Wild Quartet # 4 By: Miranda Neville
Releasing December 30th, 2014
Avon


Blurb

Wanted: Governess able to keep all hours…

Rebellious Julian Fortescue never expected to inherit a dukedom, nor to find himself guardian to three young half-sisters. Now in the market for a governess, he lays eyes on Jane Grey and knows immediately she is qualified-to become his mistress. Yet the alluring woman appears impervious to him. Somehow Julian must find a way to make her succumb to temptation…without losing his heart and revealing the haunting mistakes of his past.

Desired: Duke skilled in the seductive art of conversation…

Lady Jeanne de Falleron didn’t seek a position as a governess simply to fall into bed with the Duke of Denford. Under the alias of Jane Grey, she must learn which of the duke’s relatives is responsible for the death of her family--and take her revenge. She certainly can’t afford the distraction of her darkly irresistible employer, or the smoldering desire he ignites within her.

But as Jane discovers more clues about the villain she seeks, she’s faced with a possibility more disturbing than her growing feelings for Julian: What will she do if the man she loves is also the man she’s sworn to kill?


                                          



Link to Follow Tour:
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Author Info

MIRANDA NEVILLE grew up in England before moving to New York City to work in Sotheby’s rare books department. After many years as a journalist and editor, she decided writing fiction was more fun. She lives in Vermont. She loves hearing from readers and may be reached through her website.




Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads





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My Review:


The Duke of Dark Desires by Miranda Neville is the concluding story to a collection of tales that center around Caro Townsend and a group of her friends.  This particular novel focuses on the aftermath of one young man’s quest to acquire a formidably impressive art collection owned by the Falleron family and the sobering aftermath of betrayal and upheaval that accompanied the French Revolution.  Julian Fortescue has unwillingly taken on the mantle of leadership in his household, complete with three half-sisters, but never imagines the tie he shares with the alluring woman who applies to be their governess.  His active pursuit of the woman he knows as Jane Grey may have unexpected consequences, which could result in his paying a far greater price for her affections than he ever imagined.

This intriguing historical romance tale blends fact and fiction in a story that is slightly uncomfortable to contemplate, given the basis for Jane’s quest.  Reflecting the horrific events that accompanied the overthrow of the aristocracy and the harsh choices facing a young woman who has lost everything, the heroine’s decisions and search for justice provides a poignant counterpoint to the hero’s somewhat charmed path.  I found it difficult to be totally sympathetic to Julian, since his actions don’t quite paint a picture of a truly penitent and unselfish person, but the story does a great job of showing his gradual evolution into a hero to match the heroine.  The gradual revelation of the clues to solve the mystery behind the life-changing events that took place in the story provides an exciting conclusion to the series and gives an interesting perspective about art and where it should be showcased.

Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy (promo/excerpt) TBT

Blood Assassin  (
The Sentinels # 2)
By: Alexandra Ivy
Releasing December 30th, 2014
Zebra


Blurb
They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned…

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again…

INTO THE FIRE 

Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secret sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger—and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?







Excerpt


“True.”  Fane tried to dismiss the problem from his mind.  Soon enough he would be in the seclusion of the monastery and the dangers of the world would no longer be his concern.  Right?  “It sounds like you have it covered.  I’ll send you more warriors when they’ve completed their training.”
 
“Dammit, Fane...”  Wolfe bit off his words as the atmosphere in the gym abruptly changed.
 
Both men turned to discover what had happened.
 
Or rather...who...had happened.
 
“Shit,” Fane breathed, a familiar ache settling in the center of his chest at the sight of the beautiful female who sashayed into the room.
 
Serra Vetrov had the habit of changing the atmosphere in rooms since she’d left the nursery.
 
Hell, he’d seen men walk into walls and cars drive off the road when she strolled past.
 
An elegantly tall woman with long, glossy black hair that contrasted with her pale, ivory skin, she had lush curves that she emphasized with her tight leather pants and matching vest that was cut to reveal a jaw-dropping amount of her generous breasts.
 
Her features were delicately carved.  Her pale green eyes were thickly lashed, her nose narrow and her lips so sensually full they gave the impression of a sex kitten.  
 
Although anyone foolish enough to underestimate her, was in for an unpleasant surprise.
 
Serra was not only a powerful psychic, but she was a rare telepath who could use objects to connect with the mind of the owner.  Over the years, she’d used her talents more than once to find missing children or to track down violent offenders.
 
On the darker side, she could also use her skills to force humans, and those high-bloods without mental shields, to see illusions and could even implant memories in the more vulnerable minds.
 
Still, it wasn’t her dangerous powers that made grown men scramble out of her path.  Serra had a tongue that could flay at a hundred yards and she wasn’t afraid to use it.
 
Wolfe sent Fane a mocking smile.  “It appears I’m not the only one who listens to the grapevine.  Good luck, amigo.” 
 
Turning, he strolled toward the cluster of Sentinels who were watching Serra cross the gym like a pack of starving hounds.   
 
Bastards.
 

###

Serra kept her head held high and a smile pinned to her lips as she marched past the gaping men.  She was female enough to appreciate being noticed by the opposite sex.  Why not?  But today she barely noticed the audible groans as she took a direct path toward her prey.
 
She felt a tiny surge of amusement as the thought of Fane being anyone’s prey.
 
The massive warrior was two hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle and raw male power.  He was also one of the rare few who was completely impervious to her ability to poke around in his mind.
 
Which was a blessing and a curse.
 
A blessing because it was impossible for a psychic to completely block out an intimate partner, which was a distraction that would make any lover cringe.  There was nothing quite so demeaning as being in the middle of sex and realize your partner was picturing Angelina Jolie.
 
And a curse because Fane was about as chatty as a rock.  His feelings were locked down so tight Serra feared that someday they would explode.
 
And not in a good way.
 
Or maybe it would be good, she silently told herself, gliding to a halt directly in front of his half-naked form.
 
There weren’t many things worse than watching all emotions being stripped away as you approached the man you’d loved for the past two decades.
 
Especially when she was a seething mass of emotions.
 
She wanted to grab his beautiful face in her hands and kiss him until he melted into a puddle of goo.  No.  She wanted to kick him in the nuts for being such a prick.  
 
Maybe she’d kick him and then kiss it better.
 
To make matters worse she was on a lust-driven adrenaline high.
 
Just standing next to his half-naked body coated in sweat made her heart pump and her mouth dry.
 
God.  She was so fucking pathetic.
 
Accepting that her companion wasn’t going to break the awkward silence, she tilted her chin up another notch.
 
Any higher and she was going to be staring at the ceiling.
 
“Fane,” she purred softly.
 
His dark gaze remained focused on her face, resisting any temptation to glance at her skimpy vest.  Of course, if it hadn’t been for the rare times she’d caught him casting covert glances at her body, she might suspect he hadn’t yet realized she was a woman.
 
“Serra.”
 
On the way to the gym she’d practiced what she was going to say.  
She was going to be cool.  Composed.  And in complete control.
Instead the fear lodged in the pit of her belly made her strike out like a petulant child.
 
“You’re leaving?”
 
He gave a slow dip of his head.  “I’m returning to Tibet.”
 
The fear began to spread through her body, her hands clenching at her sides.  “Did you ever intend to tell me?”
 
“Yes.” 
 
“When?” she snapped.  “On your way out the door?”
 
“Does it matter?”
 
Oh yeah.  He was definitely getting kicked in the nuts.
 
“Yes, it damned well matters.”
 
He remained stoic.  Unmoved by her anger.  “What do you want from me?”
 
She lowered her voice.  It wasn’t that she gave a shit that they had an audience.  Living in Valhalla meant that privacy was a rare commodity.  But she had some pride, dammit.  She didn’t want them to hear her beg.
 
“You know what I want.”
 
Something flared through the dark eyes.  Something that sliced through her heart like a dagger.
 
“It’s impossible,” he rasped.  “I’ll always care for you, Serra, but not in the way you need.”
 
She should walk away.
 
It’s what any woman with an ounce of sense would do.
 
But when had she claimed any sense when it came to this man?
 
Instead she stepped forward, bringing them nose to nose.  Well, they would be nose to nose if he didn’t have six inches on her.
 
“Liar.”
 
He frowned, the heat from his body brushing over her bare skin like a caress.  Serra shuddered.  Oh god.  She’d wanted him for so long.
It was like a sickness.
 
“A Sentinel doesn’t lie.”
 
She snorted at the ridiculous claim.  “Maybe not, but you can twist the truth until it screams.  And the truth is that you’ve always used your duty to Callie as a shield between us.”
 
His fists landed on his hips, his eyes narrowing at her accusation.  

“My duty was more than a shield.”
 
Okay.  He had a point.
 
His bond with Callie had been very real. 
 
But that didn’t mean he hadn’t hidden behind his obligation as a guardian.
 
“Fine.”  She held his gaze.  “And now that duty is done.”
 
He was shaking his head before she finished speaking.  “My duty to Callie is done, but my duty to the Sentinels remains.”
 
She clenched teeth.  It was true most Sentinels never married.  But it wasn’t against any rules.
 
Niko had just returned to Valhalla with a wife who promised to be a valuable healer, and Callie had recently married Duncan who’d recently become a Sentinel.
 
It might demand compromise and sacrifice on both sides, but it could be done.
 
So why was Fane so unwilling to even give it a try?
 
“I assume that’s going to be your new excuse?” she forced between gritted teeth.
 
Without warning his expression softened and his fingers lightly brushed down her bare arm.
 
“Serra, I don’t need an excuse,” he said, the hint of regret in his eyes more alarming than his previous remoteness.  She was used to him pretending to be indifferent to her.  Now it felt like...goodbye.  Shit.  “I’ve never made promises I can’t keep,” he continued, his tone soft.  “In fact, I’ve been very clear that you should find a man who can give you the happiness you deserve.”
 
For one weak, tragic moment she allowed herself to savor the brief touch of his fingers.   Then her pride came galloping to her rescue and she was jerking away with a brittle smile.
 
She would endure anything but his pity.
 
Hell no.
 
“Very generous of you.”
 
He grimaced at her sarcastic tone.  “I know you don’t believe me, but all I’ve ever wanted was your happiness.”
 
“And you assume I’ll find it in the arms of another man?”  She went straight for the jugular.
 
The hesitation was so fleeting she might have imagined it.  “Yes.”
 
She leaned forward, infuriated by her inability to read his mind.  Dammit.   Just when she needed her talents the most she was flying blind.
 
Was this how humans felt?
 
This maddening helplessness?
 
It sucked.
 
“It won’t bother you at all to know that I belong to another?”
 
“I will be...”  He took a beat to find the right word.  “Content.”

 
Goodreads

Buy Links
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Author Info:

 ALEXANDRA IVY graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons. To stay updated on Alexandra’s Guardian series or to chat with other readers, please visit her website.

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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Two Worlds, Two Men by Joy Frawley (Guest post, VBT, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) GFT

I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post from author, Joy Frawley.

How hobbies can enrich your writing

by Joy Frawley

    The storyline for my book, Two Worlds, Two Men, literally came to me while walking my dogs.  To some people that may sound odd or even unbelievable. But for me it only goes to show that nature offers the most incredible inspiration that a person could hope for. I’ve considered myself an outdoor person my entire adult life and it seems that I find it even more beneficial since I began to write.
    It all began when I was in my early twenties and got a dog. A BIG dog whom I named Peko. He was an 85 pound Lab and German Shepard mix who was built like a tank. Anyways, I would take the tank, Peko, for walks twice a day around the neighborhood. His girth occasionally scared small children, but I pursued my goal for both of us to get exercise anyway. However, I came across an added bonus as the years passed whenever I engaged in walking outdoors. I found myself inspired. I was inspired by the colorful flowers or the fluffy clouds. I was inspired by the crystal-like drifts of white snow piled high in front of the neighborhood yards. Sometimes it was the Christmas lights glittering in the dark night. Whatever it was and in whatever season, I realized that walking outside made me reflect and see the good around me.
    Today that same reaction glows in me whenever I walk outdoors and appreciate nature. Except now I utilize walking as a release of the mental and physical stresses that go along with writing for long periods of time. As writers, it is not uncommon for us to sit and type for 2-4 hour intervals. Our brains are transposing our brilliant dialect and characters at a pace that can be extremely, if not painfully, fast. Whenever I find my back aching or my brain ready to split open and burn like an egg on a griddle I try to take a walk. The physical movement brings release in my aching muscles and the surrounding nature invigorates my sense of smell and sight. All of this allows me to reengage back into whatever writing project I am working on regardless of what it may be. I feel a sense of appreciation to be doing what I do. I can begin to see my work in a new light. Whatever it may be that the activity of outdoor walking does to me, I can only say I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
    The next time you find yourself writing for long periods of time, consider including a walk outside in your writing process. There is more than just the physical benefits in it. It can bring clarity that writers desperately need to pursue onward. Plus, your own tank, or Peko dog, will love you for it!

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Two Worlds, Two Men

by Joy Frawley

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BLURB:

Jocelyn and Neely are having a perfectly pleasant dinner at the Sheep Heid Inn when it happens: Jocelyn suddenly finds herself sitting across the table, not from Neely, but a strange man dressed in medieval garb. This man is no apparition. His eyes, the deepest brown, clearly look on her in intimacy; his touch causes her pulse to rise.  Jocelyn realizes two things: from his clothes, he is clearly an aristocrat, and that she, Jocelyn Stewart, seems to be in some sort of romantic relationship with him! Minutes later Jocelyn returns to Neely, in the present day, weak and terrified.

Together they begin to unravel the forgotten past and find themselves facing the reality of medieval Scotland. A strange world steeped in folklore and superstition; where life begins and often ends with the sword. As Jocelyn travels back to medieval times she learns that the man she keeps seeing is no other than Sir Colin Campbell of the powerful Campbell Clan. When Jocelyn is with Colin, she wants never to leave his side; then she returns to the present and cannot imagine herself with anyone but Neely. Jocelyn struggles with a choice. Which man will gain her heart when both offer such different love? She is in love with two different men in two different worlds.


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EXCERPT

Jocelyn looked around for the driver who was supposed to be waiting for her arrival with a sign. She had hired someone to pick her up because, as an American and first-time visitor to Scotland, she had figured it would be less stressful.

She didn’t see the driver anywhere; then, just as she started feeling nervous, she saw a man holding a sign with her name on it. And what a man he was! He was broad shouldered, strong and had dark brown hair with reddish tints. He exuded masculinity like some cologne, and even across the airport, she thought she could smell it. Smoothing her unruly hair, she started to walk over to him.

The man, seeing her approach him, took a step toward her. “Are you, Jocelyn?”

When he spoke her name, she found herself frozen in place unable to respond. She’d heard this voice before; she knew this voice. This man spoke her name exactly like the dream she had had all those years ago! She had been stirred awake in bed by a voice of a man, who spoke her name with a Scottish accent. His voice was gentle and low; as if he wanted to gain her attention, but not cause her alarm. Jocelyn had clutched the sheets to her chest and stared out into the darkness of her bedroom almost feeling his intimate presence beside her. She lifted her hand up to her ear having sworn his warm breath had brushed her skin. Jocelyn remembered she had turned her head, anxiously, toward the pillow next to her and almost thought she would be looking into the eyes of a stranger; yet she had not been frightened. This man, his voice, somehow comforted her.

Now, she stood in the airport and caught her breath as she faced the man before her. Her eyes searched his face for something; though what it was she wasn’t sure. Jocelyn felt her heart beating so fast she was certain the man could hear it as memories flooded her mind of that night so long ago when he or someone spoke her name in the darkness. Was that the reason for her vacation to Scotland? Was she unconsciously trying to find the man?


Buy links:


Amazon buy link

Resplendence Publishing



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 Joy Frawley is an author and writer of the upcoming romance novella; Two Worlds, Two Men that released on October 2014 from Resplendence Publishing. Joy lives in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan relishing in living the life of the classic “townie” with her two dogs Piggs and Diggs. You can reach her at joyfrawley@gmail.com  or joyfrawley.com.



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Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor (review)

I am pretty chary of giving out 5 star reviews.  My index is whether I get caught up in the story every time I pick it up...even if I am just flipping through for some reason (like trying to write a review, lol).  Those are the ones that I go back and re-read passages because I like them so much...this was one those...and it was serendipity, I saw an excerpt somewhere and was intrigued enough to look for the blurb...even though I had tons of books already in line on the review mountain...


                                           


Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor is the delicious first novel in the ‘McKinney Brothers’ series which details the interactions between recently widowed Abby Davis, who is not only six months pregnant, but is also juggling taking care of her four children during their vacation at the beach. SEAL Matt McKinney is torn between the promise he made to his best friend and his growing desire to continue his successful house-flipping enterprise and settle down. His serendipitous encounters with the captivating Davis family only intensifies his dilemma, especially given the conflicting signals he receives from the prickly Abby. His training taught him to never give up, but can he find a path that will allow him to be at peace with all of his decisions?


This impressive contemporary romance features an unlikely heroine who is just as strong in her own right as the hero is. Oddly enough, even though I tend to not like overly self-effacing women, Abby just resonates with me because she doesn’t wallow in the negatives, just keeps pushing on. The adorable children serve as both an emotional addition and a great source of lighthearted interludes in this heart-tugging story. This was an emotional rollercoaster, as I alternated between surreptitiously sniffling and giggling uncontrollably as I read, captivated by the adventures of characters who were so vivid to me that I was actively willing them to let down their walls and admit how vital they were becoming to each other.

I think that I was most enchanted by the contrast of the powerful well-trained and capable SEAL and his ability to communicate on the level of each child, reach them so effortlessly and treat them so tenderly. There is a hilarious scene when a semi-clad doll’s modesty is being protected by her young owner while the hapless SEAL struggles to figure out how to restore the clothing, as well as a deliciously protective interlude involving a kid, chocolate and white pants! This is a story that I will read again and again, just for the sigh-worthy moments, and I anxiously await the explanations for some of the dangling threads that were adeptly woven amongst the adventures so capably described. Fortunately, Matt comes from a large family, and I look forward to learning more about the rest of the siblings!


© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 

In Deep and In Deeper by Kella McKinnon (VBT, guest post, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 It is my pleasure to share a guest post from author Kella McKinnon who lets us know...

What I want from a good romance…
  
    I may be an author, but I’m an avid reader as well, and I love a good romance!  But what is it about a great read that keeps us up all night turning the pages?  Here are some of the things that in my opinion a well-written romance must have to draw the reader in.

 An actual plot worth reading…  This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve probably all gotten bored with a book or two that had no story line other than the two main characters meeting and somehow ending up in bed together.  

Convincing chemistry between the main characters.  This can be very hard to write, but so rewarding to read.  There has to be a palpable tension and sizzle between the Hero and Heroine, or everything else falls flat.
 
An obstacle to overcome.  There has to be something in the way of the happily-ever-after.  Or maybe even several somethings.  Love can never be easy, or it wouldn’t be the ultimate reward at the end of the book.
 
An emotional journey.  Sex scenes without emotions are just sex.  It’s the emotional connection and growth of the characters, and the author’s ability to draw us into those emotions that makes a story stand out.
 
A believable and satisfying happy ending.  This is why we all read romance, right?  We can experience a whole range of emotions, including anger, fear, and despair, all the while knowing it will all be ok in the end.  

And here are some of the things I try hard to avoid in my own writing because they really annoy me as a reader:

Thesaurus over-use.  It can be difficult to avoid using the same word again and again, but using every synonym in the thesaurus is probably not the best solution.  Especially if those synonyms are not words you’d ever hear someone use in conversation.
Icky terms for male and/or female anatomy.  Yes, there are only so many terms for the ‘male member’, and most of them are just not sexy, but using descriptions that are downright silly or awkward really takes away from the ‘heat of the moment’, don’t you think?  


         



In Deep and In Deeper
by Kella McKinnon

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BLURB:

“I never thought it would go this far… that a man with such terrible secrets would steal my heart and make me want him so much, when his life of danger and lies should have made me want nothing more than to turn and run. I understood him, you see. I knew that beneath all of that money and power, and yes… violence, was a man in desperate need of love. So desperate that he took from me something I wasn’t ready to give: my future.”

Brielle Dalton thought the few months in Vegas she needed to finish her dissertation would also be a chance to have some fun before ‘real life’ took over. But she never counted on meeting Cristos Vicario, the irresistible but troubled owner of the Adagio casino. The attraction was instant and all-consuming, but in the beginning neither knew that their lives had crossed before, and the result had been nothing short of tragedy. By the time Brielle discovers who Cristos really is, and what he has done in a reckless attempt to keep her, it’s too late. She’s already in too deep.
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EXCERPT

In Deep

He leaned closer.  “You smell like chocolate.”
               
“I had a chocolate martini with Alexis earlier.”
               
“I thought you were going running.”
               
“I did go running.  Then I met Alexis.”
               
“Just Alexis?”
               
I didn’t like his tone, it was almost accusing.  I got the sneaking suspicion that he had been spying on me.
               
“That’s none of your business,” I countered, suddenly a little annoyed.  Almost annoyed enough to take away his bonus points.
               
He pushed a hand through his hair and shook his head a little.  “I want it to be my business.”
               
“What is that supposed to mean?”  Did he want to control who I spent my time with?
               
“It means that when I’m seeing you, I want to have you all to myself.  I don’t want to share you with anyone else.”
               
“We’re not seeing each other… you don’t date, remember?”
               
“Seeing each other is not the same thing as dating,” he said, pressing his lips into a thin line.
              
“Yes, it is.  And since we aren’t seeing each other or dating, you have no say over what I do with my time or who I spend it with.”  I had no idea why I was even arguing with him, because even if we were dating, I was only with Lexi and her friend Dex.  And Dex was only there for a few minutes after I arrived.
               
He went silent for a long moment, his jaw working as he hashed something out in his mind.  “I think I want to make an exception.”
               
“An exception to what?” I asked, exasperated.
               
“The no dating rule…  I want us to be dating.”
               
I looked up at him in surprise.  That was just about the last thing I expected him to say.  I wondered if this was just another ploy to get me into bed.  I also wondered if he’d make me sign a waiver first like Lexi had heard.  Really rich guys did that sometimes before they dated someone, didn’t they?  A kind of non-disclosure agreement in case of a bad break-up?  Or entrapment?  The thought almost made me smile but I bit my lip instead.
               
“I’ll think about it,” I said.
               
His jaw clenched tighter and he drew a breath in through his nose, as if he was trying to rein in his temper.  “Come on, I’ll buy you a coffee.”
               
I grinned at him.  “You’re forgiven.”
               
He laughed and took my hand, leading me away to the nearest Starbucks.  “You amuse me to no end, Brielle.  I like that.”
               
After coffee, he brought me to a really classy sushi place, and ordered a wide selection for me to try.
               
“You know, this is the third evening in a row you’ve taken me to dinner.”
               
He gave me a sexy look.  “That’s because we’re dating.”
               
“I haven’t agreed to dating.”
               
“I don’t care what you did or didn’t agree to. I say we’re dating.  In fact… I want you to move to the Adagio.  There’s a suite of rooms open on the floor below mine that would be perfect for you.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.  “Uh uh, no way.  I’m perfectly fine where I am.”

“Brielle, where you’re staying is dangerous, not to mention… unsavory.  I don’t want you there, not when I own an entire hotel.”

I rested my chin in the palm of my hand and gave him my most stubborn look.  “No.”


Amazon link for In Deep

Amazon link for In Deeper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Hello everyone!  Let me introduce myself.  Though I used to work in Boston in the biotech industry, I’m now loving life on a small farm in New England where my husband and I are raising our three children and lots of animals.  Between taking care of chickens and goats and shuttling the kids to dance class and piano lessons, I find the time to pursue my own interest: writing.  I relish creating stories and bringing my characters to life on the written page, and each book is a labor of love.  

I’m passionate about the romance genre because of the emotional journey a well-written novel can take the reader on, and my goal with each of my books is to do the same for my readers.  I would love to hear from you at kellamckinnon.com, or kellamckinnon@gmail.com.


Amazon author page
Goodreads
Website


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Happy New Year! Fresh starts...and non-resolutions

Here's wishing everyone a fantastic 2015, filled with GOOD memories and tons of wonderful books to read.  I decided last year that I wouldn't make resolutions.  I got tired of feeling guilty when I didn't keep to them...so, now I try to do things (like improve my cholesterol levels by eating more walnuts and less bacon and eggs, lol) but I don't kick myself when I occasionally stray.

Naturally, since I procrastinate...I am not ready with a post for today (yes, trying to do too many things at the end of the year!)...and I wanted to share some of my favorite titles that were nominated (whistles nonchalantly) in the Preditors and Editors poll and could use some votes!

http://critters.org/predpoll/

I am torn because I nominated a title in the Romance category and it turns out one of the stories that I edited is there as well...so, I will post them both...and, naturally, you must follow your own inclinations...but, if you don't have any particular preferences...I will share those I nominated and/or voted for and perhaps you will join me in supporting them!

Young Adult:
(I love strong female leads!)





The Bloodbound




Anthology:


                              

                           (ADULT titles)
              Hot Alpha SEALs: Military Romance Megaset


Romance

                                         


         Worth the Fall                               Sean's Sweetheart


Science Fiction/Fantasy
(be warned, this is an ADULT dark m/m tale...but very nicely done!)


                                       

                                        Moro's Price

Erotica:
(of course this is an ADULT title...and I have enjoyed all of the titles in this series!)




Divine Solace: 8 (Nature of Desire)

And, naturally, I think Night Owl Reviews is the best review and promotions site...but I guess I am biased, lol.

No matter what you vote for, it's worthwhile to wander through the choices, I am sure you will find new titles to add to your TBR list!