Book Tour: Blood Lust by Charity Santiago Spotlight

Genre: Paranormal romance 

ASIN: B00CBWEZL0

Number of pages: 95

Word Count:  37,550

Cover Artist: Charity Santiago

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/EhcU78pr0y8

Amazon

Book Description:

Eve came to Rapid City to escape her parents' messy divorce, but what she finds in South Dakota exceeds her wildest dreams- and nightmares. After Eve is attacked by a wolf outside her grandmother's house, she stumbles into a new and frightening existence as an alpha werewolf. Fated to lead the pack and obligated to choose a beta to lead beside her, Eve still cannot bring herself to forget Jericho, the mysterious vampire who saved her life. Will the wolves force Eve to choose between her destiny and her soulmate?

Excerpt:

 His eyes were molten silver, burning through me as he leaned closer. He stopped less than an inch from me, eyes boring into mine.

“Eve,” he whispered, and I lurched forward, bumping my forehead against his as our lips crashed against each other. His hands came up to bury themselves in my hair, his grip steadying me as I tried to keep my balance on the bed.

He tasted impossibly clean, his mouth a revelation of sweetness. Desire unfurled within my belly, and I moaned against his lips. He responded with a low growl, pushing against me. For some reason I reacted instinctively, fighting his dominance, refusing to retreat as he pressed closer. His hands were rough in my hair, and I responded by placing my own hands against his chest and pushing.

He didn’t give. Instead he pulled his hands from my hair and wrapped them around me. He moved us sideways on the bed, shifting together, and he lay down with me. We lay on our sides, facing each other, and his hand trailed down my back, sending shivers up my spine. I wanted to be closer, and I tried to maneuver so that I could climb on top of him, but his hand was firm on my hip, refusing to allow me to move.

Frustrated, I let the tip of my tongue caress his lower lip, and I felt him shudder against me. He crushed my hips to his, his hand moving even lower, gliding over the back pockets of my jeans before he pulled my thigh up and draped it over his hip.

He was pressed so insistently against my core that I was finally the one who gave in, groaning as I pulled him on top of me. It wasn’t so much a submission as an admission of trust, and I felt his lips still against mine as his hips settled between my legs.

When he pulled back, I wondered if I’d done something wrong. “What-“

“Shhh,” he said, putting one finger against my lips. He leaned down and kissed the corner of my mouth gently. “Eve, don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say.”

What? How was I supposed to respond to that? “That depends on what you say,” I replied, and my voice was stronger than I’d expected it to be.

A smile played around his lips. “You have no idea how much I want you,” he muttered, and lowered his mouth to my neck. His tongue traced a line along my collarbone, and silvery trills of desire shot through me. I brought my legs up to lock around his waist, and nearly cried out when he bit down gently at the curve of my shoulder.

He rolled off me suddenly, breaking the physical contact, and I was left feeling cold and empty, like I’d been doused with a bucket of water.

For a few moments the only sound was my shallow breathing as I tried to calm my racing heart.

His fingers laced with mine, holding my hand as we lay side-by-side.

“I don’t want to rush this, Eve,” he said at last, and raised my hand to his lips, kissing my wrist. “I’m not going to push you into anything you might regret. We need to take our time.”

I pulled my hand from his and rolled onto my side, propping my head up on my fist and staring incredulously at him. “You think I’d regret being with you?”

He raised a hand to trace a finger along my cheekbone. “I think you need to get to know me better before you decide to give me something so precious.”

I felt myself blushing, and averted my eyes. He talked about me like I was some kind of rare treasure- a far cry from the boys I’d dated back in New York.

Jericho leaned up to press his lips to mine again, and this time the kiss was pure and innocent, as chaste as any kiss between lovers could be. “Lie with me,” he murmured against my lips, and laid back, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

I snuggled into the crook of his shoulder, resting my hand against his chest. “You could at least take your shirt off,” I said hopefully.

His chuckle rumbled against my ear. “Go to sleep, Eve.”

It was nearly an hour before I fell asleep like that, secure in Jericho’s arms.

About the Author:

I first discovered the world of self-publishing in February 2011, when my 7-month-old son was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory issues. During his stay in the hospital, I tried to keep us both entertained by downloading several books on my Kindle and reading them out loud.

                                     

I read a number of self-published books and realized that I had an opportunity to share my writings with the world. I soon decided to quit my full-time job in the insurance and financial services industry, stay home with my son and write. It was the best decision I've ever made. My son's health has improved drastically, and I've never been happier.

I prefer to read and write YA fantasy, romance, and paranormal romance. The next book in my Rapid City Wolves series, “Blood Oath,” will be released for Amazon Kindle on June 1, 2013.

Blog: http://charitysantiago.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charitysantiago

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cinephilemama

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4733058.Charity_Santiago

Book Tour: The Cowboy's Email Order Bride by Cora Seton

 

BLURB:

Ethan Cruz should be mending fences on his Montana ranch, but instead he’s driving to the Chance Creek, Montana, airport – to pick up the bride he didn’t know he had. This latest salvo in his ongoing practical joke battle with his best friend, Rob Matheson, has gone too far, and Ethan plans to send his “bride” right back home, then get busy plotting his revenge. One look at Autumn Leeds changes his mind, however. Perhaps he needs a bride, after all. A breathtakingly beautiful city bride.

Autumn Leeds needs a story – fast – or she’s going to lose her lucrative contract with CityPretty Magazine, so when she sees the crazy video plea for a modern mail-order bride for a cowboy, it sounds like the story of the century. Making a video of her own, she casts herself as the perfect mail-order bride for a rancher, but when she finally reaches Montana, she’s surprised to find Ethan’s the perfect cowboy husband-to-be. Against her better judgment, her plan to keep her handsome groom at arm’s length disintegrates into a night of passion spent in his arms.

Ethan knows he can’t keep playing this game – he has to come clean with Autumn and tell her the truth; about the practical joke and about the state of his ranch. He’s about to lose it all because of the debts his mother racked up before his parents’ deaths. Now his sister, Claire, wants to sell the ranch and collect what little money they can. He’ll be out of a home and a job, and in no shape to support the bride he desperately wants to marry, after all.

Autumn’s in bigger trouble than ever. Not only has she fallen in love with the subject of her expose – she might be carrying his child. If she doesn’t write this article and secure her job for another year, she’ll lose everything – her career, her apartment, and more importantly, her family’s approval. The only alternative is to stay and marry Ethan. But how can she trust a man she’s just met when she knows too well that men always let you down?

Can a love based on lies last?

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

EXCERPT:

 “Want to see her?” Cab pulled out a gadget and handed it over. Ethan held it gingerly. The laptop he bought on the advice of his accountant still sat untouched in his tiny office back at the ranch. He hated these miniature things that ran on swoops and swipes and taps on buttons that weren’t really there. Cab reached over and pressed something and it came to life, showing a pretty young woman in a cotton dress in a kitchen preparing what appeared to be a pot roast.

“Hi, I’m Autumn,” she said, looking straight at him. “Autumn Leeds. As you can see, I love cooking…”

Rob whooped and pointed. “Look – there she is! I told you she’d come!”

Ethan raised his gaze from the gadget to see the woman herself walking toward them down the carpeted hall. Long black hair, startling blue eyes, porcelain-white skin, she was thin and haunted and luminous all at the same time. She, too, held a cell phone and seemed to be consulting it, her gaze glancing down then sweeping the crowd. As their eyes met, hers widened with recognition. He groaned inwardly when he realized this pretty woman had probably watched Rob’s stupid video multiple times. She might be looking at his picture now.

As the crowd of passengers and relatives split around their party, she walked straight up to them and held out her hand. “Ethan Cruz?” Her voice was low and husky, her fingers cool and her handshake firm. He found himself wanting to linger over it. Instead he nodded. “I’m Autumn Leeds. Your bride.”

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle eight years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia.

Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a neglected one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini. Visit www.coraseton.com to read about new releases, locate your favorite characters on the Chance Creek map, and learn about contests and other cool events!

Website: www.coraseton.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/coraseton/

Twitter: @coraseton

Book Tour: A Life Less Ordinary by Victoria Bernadine Interview & Giveaway

 

BLURB:  

For the last fifteen years, Rose “Manny” Mankowski has been a very good girl.  Now, at the age of 45, she’s questioning her choices and feeling more and more disconnected from her own life.  When she’s passed over for promotion and her much younger new boss implies Manny’s life will never change, something snaps.  In the blink of an eye, she’s quit her job, sold her house, cashed in her pension, and she’s leaving town on a six month road trip.

After placing an ad for a travelling companion, she’s joined in her mid-life crisis by Zeke Powell, the cynical, satirical, most read – and most controversial – blogger for the e-zine, What Women Want.  Zeke’s true goal is to expose Manny’s journey as a pitiful and desperate attempt to reclaim her lost youth – and increase his readership at the same time.

Now, armed with a bagful of destinations, a fistful of maps, and an out-spoken imaginary friend named Harvey, Manny’s on a quest to rediscover herself – and taking Zeke along for the ride.

EXCERPT:

Darius was very sweet and charming, just eighteen, but he couldn’t pay his own way, and Manny wasn’t about to support him for six months. He’d shrugged and accepted her decision with an adorable smile and she offered to call Daisy’s boss, Max, to see if he had any work that Darius could do. Darius had thanked her and even paid for their lattes, and they’d chatted for a good forty-five minutes before he’d finally gone on his way. Yes, he would have been a good choice–and she might change her mind if she didn’t find anyone before she left in two weeks.

You can always go by yourself.

I know. But it would be more fun with someone else.

You’ll have me.

Manny glanced at Harvey sitting in the chair across from her. He was dressed casually in jeans and a button down shirt open at the throat to show the strong lines of his neck and chest.

You’re not real.

Harvey winked at her. Just checking.

She shook her head and Harvey blinked out of existence as the door opened and a darkly handsome man walked in. He paused in the doorway and removed his sunglasses as he glanced around the small room. Securely hidden in her corner, Manny considered him.

Tall; over six feet. Dark. Handsome, with large, dark eyes and full pouty lips. His black, tousled hair and dark stubble on his face gave him a sexy, scruffy appearance. He was slim, with broad shoulders, narrow hips and long legs encased in jeans.

I’ll bet he has a great ass.

I’ll bet you’re right.

He’s like a younger version of me.

Manny blinked at the man standing in the doorway and realized Harvey was right. Oh, they didn’t exactly look alike, but they had similar colouring, and a similar underlying confidence and arrogance in their stance. Probably something natural when you’re that naturally gorgeous, Manny thought ruefully, or, in Harvey’s case, that unnaturally perfect.

I’d almost be jealous...if I was real.

But you’re not–and he’s quite something. I wonder who he’s here to me...eeet.

INTERVIEW:

1.     Where did you get the idea for the novel?

It was pure wish fulfillment fantasy.  When I started the novel, I was 45 and I wanted to do exactly what Manny did:  quit my job and run off with a good looking guy.  I did eventually quit my job, but unfortunately, no road trip – and no good looking guy, either.  :(

2.     Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

It’s something I’ve whined – erm, said – many times to friends.  And no, I never changed the title; it just seemed to fit Manny’s journey.

3.     Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?

Genres tend to pick me – LOL.  For this story, the basic premise was based in the real world, there are romantic overtones, and there’s some humor to it as well.  “Chick lit” was really the only way the story wanted to go.  What I like about the genre is the ability to combine humor and drama.

4.     Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

Getting good reviews on Amazon from total strangers – I was giddy for days!

5.     What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

I just finished Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic Takes Manhattan.

6.     What is your writing process?

I don’t write sequentially and I don’t outline; I just write whatever comes into my head at that particular moment.  I also just get the words out and worry about editing later.  During the writing process, I will re-read what I’ve written and start to slot scenes in order, or cut them, or rewrite them, but the intensive editing is saved for when the bulk of the story is written.

7.     At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?

I haven’t had a book signing yet – hopefully if or when I do have a book signing, I’ll figure something out – LOL.

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

That there’s absolutely nothing surprising about me??

9.     How do you react to a bad review?

Hmmm.  I pout for a while, then I pull up my big girl undies and read the review again to determine if there’s something I need to address in either this book or in a future book.  I’ve been lucky (knock on wood) in that I’ve not yet received a completely bad review; I’ve mostly received thoughtful, constructive criticisms which help inform and improve my work.

10.  How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I squee’d a little bit and wondered if I knew the person who bought it – LOL.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Victoria Bernadine (a pseudonym) is, as the saying goes, a “woman of a certain age”. After twenty-something years of writer’s block, she began writing again in 2008. She began with fanfiction about a (now-cancelled) TV show called Jericho and particularly about the characters of Heather Lisinski and Edward Beck. From there, she expanded into writing original fic and she hasn’t stopped since.

Victoria enjoys reading all genres and particularly loves writing romantic comedy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. What those two have in common is anybody’s guess.

She lives in Edmonton with her two cats (The Grunt and The Runt). A Life Less Ordinary is the first novel she felt was good enough to be released into the wild.

Victoria can be contacted through Love of Words Publishing Inc. (loveofwords@shaw.ca) or through her brand new blog at http://victoriabernadine.wordpress.com/.

A Life Less Ordinary is available for sale on Amazon in both Kindle and hard copy formats at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AMJBOSQ. 

GIVEAWAY:

Victoria will be awarding a $25 (grand prize) gift card with two gift cards for $15 each; the cards would for either Amazon or Smashwords (winner’s choice). 

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/03/name-before-masses-tour-life-less.html 

Book Tour: Heart of Vesuvius by Sky Purington Interview & Giveaway

 

Genre:  Time-travel/vampire/paranormal 

Date of Publication:  March 29, 2013

Number of pages:  71

Word Count: 35 K

Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Amazon
 

Book Description:

Alexandria has no choice. She must flee to the last place she wants to. Straight into the arms of a vampire she was determined to forget.

Salvator finds this a clever fix to obtaining the one woman he has always desired, Alexandria.

Together, they must find a way to evade her powerful enemy, Salvator's brother Luciano. On the run, they struggle to understand one another. Denied passion ignites. Blood is spilled. Within the heart of Vesuvius, anything is possible.

When ancient Italy pulls them back in time, dark secrets are revealed.

All can be conquered. But will it be? Can wrongs be made right? History is the locked door. Forgiveness is the key. Time will tell if ancient love can once again flourish. 

Interview:

 1.     Where did you get the idea for the novel?

It actually came to me after I wrote the first book in the Forsaken Brethren Series, Darkest Memory. In it, Alexandria is sister to the hero, Gabriel and best friend to his heroine Calah. I enjoyed her character so much that I decided she deserved her own story in Heart of Vesuvius.

2.     Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

I came up with the title based on one of the main settings in the book. The title has always been the same.

3.     Which came first, the title or the novel? 

I had already written half the story when the perfect title occurred to me.

4.     Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

I would have to say hitting #49 in the paid Kindle store a few days ago with my MacLomain Series Boxed set. It was a pretty fun feeling hitting the top 50!

5.     What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. I’m a huge fan of the TV series, True Blood so decided it was finally time to read the books on which the series is based.

6.     What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?

*Brace yourself* It was titled Care Bears in Space. I was seven and the first second grader in the state of New Hampshire to win The Young Authors Award. Yep, I still have the book. In fact I recently read it to my seven year old son. Sort of a, “Look at what mom did at your age!” moment combined with a “You can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” message.

7.     What is your writing process?

I’m all about letting the characters lead the way. As long as they show me personal growth as they deal with their conflict, the book seems to write itself. Research is typically done as I write versus before.

8. Who are your favorite authors of all time?

I have so many favorites! Lisa Kleypas and Christine Feehan are right there at the top though.

9.     At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 

I typically like to use my reader’s name with a brief note then sign.

10. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Probably that I’m a huge Regency romance fan. Based on what I write, you’d never know it.

11.  How do you react to a bad review?

As a writer, I’m also a business woman. If the review touches on a genuine problem with my work, I pay attention. After all, mistakes can be made.

12.  How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

With my family. They’ve been my rock since the very beginning so I couldn’t imagine celebrating with anyone else!

I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks!

Excerpt:

Salvator smiled, white teeth gleaming through the darkness, midnight hair brushing his shoulders. "Now that is where you are wrong." When he stood, she instinctually shifted back against the headboard. "Clothing never suited you."

Her nudity suddenly felt underused and sumptuous. The thin sheet and velvet blanket like a caress of pure perfection. As he slowly approached her thighs spread, welcoming. She slammed them shut and refused to scowl.

Salvator dripped seduction. He walked it, breathed it, spoke it.

She knew better.

"Shhh," he whispered. His finger trailed up the bedspread, skimmed along her thigh, hip, waist, until it left and returned to his side. "I will not seduce you…yet."

For a split second, Alex almost said, "Why not?" She caught her tongue. Ancient vampires were very good at what they did and Salvator ranked amongst one of the eldest. But she had grown. After all, she had been made eight hundred years ago. Though not one of the more powerful of her breed she'd paid attention and learned.

"I demand respect. I'm old enough to request such," she said. His olive-skinned hand clenched and pulled tighter against his side. She met him eye to eye, did not shy away from his abnormally pale bluish-gray gaze as she had in the past. He was to fear, respect and worship. Tall and broad shouldered, inherently smooth, he owned a room when he entered it.

He had owned her once, almost.

Not now.

With a flick of his wrist, she felt the weight of clothing comfort her skin. Salvator hadn't lent glamour to it to purposely arouse her. He had honored the way of the vampires. In many ways she was shocked he had lent his aide to her at all. But he hadn't really. He had lent it to Gabriel, for purposes of his own. Though she would like to say Salvator was different than most vampires, he wasn't. There had to be a method to his madness.

She guessed vengeance.

Alex swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood. This put the top of her head at his shoulders. "You could have dressed me in something more acceptable."

Shifting slightly, he cornered her between the bed and night table. "Consider yourself lucky you are dressed at all."

She eyed the flaming red, form fitting, silk gown minus undergarments and muttered, "Barely."

Lightning fast, his hands lay on both sides of her waist. His imposing frame was far too close, beautifully proportioned face bent. Long, thick black lashes framed his icy eyes.

"You sought my protection. Your insolence incites me." His hands squeezed. "To not grant you the respect you feel due you."

Did he still think her the quivering novice? She would not pay him an unwarranted price for his shelter. She'd not be his whore.

With all of her power, she shot one hand forward. He fell back a few inches. Alex waited calmly for the expected counterattack, for it would be swift without doubt. Instead of the wallop she deserved for attacking an elder she witnessed an oddity.

He smiled and said, "You've changed, uccellino. You are no longer a cowering beginner."

About the Author:

Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky's Website, www.SkyPurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android.

Website- www.skypurington.com

A Writer’s Mind blog- www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com

Twitter- www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook- www.facebook.com/skypurington

Pinterest- www.pinterest.com/skypurington

Playlist for Heart of Vesuvius- http://tny.gs/1054gh4

Giveaway:

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