Feature: Psychic Seductions Anthology

A hot, new anthology that's sure to seduce your senses and it's on SALE for 99 cents as a special LIMITED RELEASE price. 

 When it comes to love, sex, and seduction, these psychics break all the rules. Seven sexy stories and seven gifts of insight that will make you a believer.

Always You by Ella Jade

Aurora Mills has moved back to her hometown after a messy divorce which has left her penniless. Her friend Clara offers her a job at their family's pub, and within days Aurora runs into Clara's older brother Caleb. Aurora has always been attracted to him—there's something about him that just draws her in.

Caleb Larson has spent the past few years coming to terms with the tragic deaths of his parents and struggling with the guilt of not being able to prevent it. His gift of premonitions should have allowed him to see their future. After Aurora returns to town, whenever he's in her presence, he can sense that they have a deep connection of some type. Then he has a powerful vision from the past, and he knows there's even more to his feelings than he thought. Can these two lost souls find peace in each other's arms?

A Hint of Heaven by Nola Cross

Firefighter Jake Manley is a no-nonsense kind of guy. So when his little sister goes to see pet psychic Carrie Westfield, he lets the beautiful medium know he's got a watchful eye on her. But somehow she does seem to know more than she should, including painful secrets from his past. When the helpful spirit of his boyhood dog shows up, things get even stranger, making him question everything he thought was true. Can Jake accept that life doesn't end with death and let go of the guilt he's carried all these years? More importantly, can he let Carrie Westfield into his heart?

Cupid and Cupcakes by Jacquie Underdown

In a snowy, sleepy town is a quaint cupcake shop. People travel from miles away to visit this sugar-scented store because they think it's magical. They're not entirely wrong. But it isn't the shop, or the cupcakes it sells, that's magical…it's the owner.

Penny loves her little store, but people don't visit Cupid and Cupcakes solely for her cakes. They have an ulterior motive—they're seeking love. Penny is a matchmaker, a modern-day cupid, and she's great at it. Never wrong. Unfortunately, Penny's gift doesn't work where her own love life is concerned. That is until Jonathon reappears in her life. He's her best friend's brother, utterly wrong for her, and completely off-limits. Or is he?

Psychic Set-Up by Lacey Wolfe

During a drunken night of self-wallowing over his failed love life, Parker Evans wanders into Psychic Set-Up to see what a matchmaking psychic can do for him. But once he meets the luscious psychic he's not interested in anyone else.

Willow Webb is an aura reader who plays matchmaker for a living. While she has tremendous success matching up others, her own love life is nonexistent. Men aren't able to handle being involved with a woman who can read their every emotion. But she finds herself drawn to her handsome new client. When it comes time to match him up, will she do her job or keep him for herself?

Something in the Water by Lisa Knight

Kindergarten teacher Jill O'Halloran does her best to disregard the visions she sees in pools of still water, having learned from a young age that it wasn't something that happened to normal people. But when images of Darcy Albright in the throes of passion keep appearing, they prove too difficult to ignore. Jill can't understand why she's so drawn to Darcy. Sure he's gorgeous, but she doesn't do relationships.

When Darcy's ex-wife drops a bombshell, Jill discovers that he's all too familiar with futuristic visions. But is the prospect of learning more about the gift she's denied for so long worth the risk of falling for him?

Indigo Stars by Stephanie Beck

Indigo's ability to create light with her mind was always a fun parlor trick, but since her cancer diagnosis, the parlor has closed for business. On the brink of major health failure, she can't help but wonder when her good luck ran out.

Dr. Lee Russell believes in healing by any means necessary. He uses his psychic powers in special cases when modern medicine just can't help. Indigo's case is special. She's like him, yet she wastes her gift creating stars. He heals her, but doesn't expect much, not until he gets sick himself and only Indy's touch can ease his pain. He's never seen himself as anything more than a healer, but to save his own life, Lee will have to mentor Indigo to reach beyond the stars and use her gift in ways she never imagined.

Taming Fury by Ellen Cummins

Holly is a mind-moving Fury who electrifies all human flesh she touches. Even her own family has sent her packing. She moves things with her mind, manipulating fire with the flick of her finger, but she burns for the one thing that has never been an option for her—love.

When she catches sight of the handsome man helping her new neighbor move in she longs to take a chance and introduce herself…to pretend to be normal just once. It could easily end in disaster, but surprisingly, when she shakes his hand, no mind-blowing electrocution follows, and she begins to hope. But it turns out that her touch has affected Jacob in a way she never imagined, and it will change his life forever.

Content Warning: these stories contain sensual sex scenes

You can grab an excerpt for each story here

Psychic Seductions is available now. 

Beachwalk Press

~ * ~

  

Trailer

 ~ * ~

 REVIEW

4 stars!

I jumped at the chance to read Psychic Seductions simply because I am a big believer in psychics, and those with gifts, and also fate; that and the fact that I am a fan of Ella Jade's work. I found the anthology refreshing, and it was so cool to see that each story contained a character with a different type of psychic ability from the last. 

Although I enjoyed all seven short stories I have to say my favourites were Always You by Ella Jade - what? I did say I was a fan of her work - and Cupid and Cupcakes by Jacquie Underdown. Personally, I would have loved if these two stories were longer and I feel that if the authors wished too they could write more set in these worlds. And for the record someone sooo has to open a Cupid and Cupcakes store! I'd be there in a flash ;) A few tears came to my eyes reading A Hint of Heaven by Nola Cross. Pet owners and animal lovers be warned, you might get teary too.


 The anthology is packed with interesting, sweet, heartfelt, funny, and most definitely hot stories. So if you like stories about those with psychic abilities, hot romances, and moving stories, you should definitely give this anthology a try.

~ * ~

GIVEAWAY

The authors of the Psychic Seductions Anthology are giving away 2 $20 Amazon Gift Cards to celebrate the release of this spectacular collection. 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6c6c72bf13/?

RBTL Tours: Visions by Kimberly Readnour

Title: Visions

Author: Kimberly Readnour

Series: The Mystical Encounters Series (Book 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Mystery

Publisher: Rae-Allen Publishing {Self}

Release Date: Dec 15 2014

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Blurb/Synopsis:

“Since problems don’t exist in the euphoric world she envisions, my life will never measure up because it will always be problematic.”

Heather Reiner isn’t your typical teenager. With abilities reaching far beyond the norm, she’s just beginning to discover the possibilities.

Growing up different from her peers hasn’t been easy. From being ridiculed by classmates to her mother’s unwillingness to accept anything paranormal, life’s been rather difficult.

At an attempt to escape their past, her mother moves them to another state. Heather soon realizes though, you can’t run from a problem that begins inside yourself.

A guy from her new school, Barry, is captivated the first time he sees her. Determined to know her better, he soon learns her layers of complication run deep. With persistence, he chips away at her shield until each protective layer starts unveiling itself.

 Heather wants a chance at an ordinary life, one where her abilities remain hidden. But secrets never stay hidden forever. They have a way of surfacing, revealing themselves when you least expect.  Is normalcy obtainable, or will the mystery about herself be discovered? And if discovered, will Barry be like everyone else and turn away?

Book Links:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Print
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads

~ * ~

Excerpt:

A faint sound – perhaps a whimper – echoes faintly in the background of my mind. Seconds, or maybe hours later, the sound returns, ringing annoyingly through my head. I’m desperate for it to go away. It takes a few more moments for me to realize the annoying sound is coming from my very own mouth. Something isn’t quite right, but I’m too unfocused to figure out what.

I wonder where I am while mentally questioning what happened to me, but I’m groggy and confused.  I feel dominated, trapped by the total darkness surrounding my mind. I can’t move, rendered motionless from my semi-conscious state on the hard, unfamiliar surface. It’s as if my brain can’t process what I’m lying on, making me question my location, and how I even got here – wherever here is. Though I can’t seem to remember anything, deep down I know I’m not here by choice.

An urgent need to know where I am is overpowering as my brain finally registers the necessity of opening my eyes. If I could see my surroundings, then perhaps I’ll be able to recognize where I am. Taking a deep breath, I use what little strength I have to force them open. They barely budge. Defeat washes through me as I realize my eyelids are heavy, the simple task of opening them is impossible. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I move?

Part of the problem is my head… my head is pounding, it hurts so bad. It feels as if someone’s taking a drumstick and beating on top rhythmically. Boom… Boom… Boom… If I bring my hands to my forehead, I could apply enough pressure that may disperse the pain. I try raising them, but my arms won’t cooperate. I can barely lift them off the ground. Where did all my energy go?

I’m not sure what to do next because this pain isn’t leaving. I inhale a deep breath and hold it while reopening my eyes. A sharp pain darts straight across my head, landing right between them. It takes all my strength to not wince while closing them tight in hopes of helping, having little success.

Deflated, I lie perfectly still for a few more minutes, taking slow, even breaths. I begin to realize I have two options. Either continue to lay here without moving, or try to figure out what’s happened to me. After a few seconds of debate, I opt to go with the latter. 

With yet another deep breath, I force my eyelids open as far as I can manage, trying my hardest to ignore the agony, but everything’s dark and blurry. Deep in my chest, a burning sensation emerges, as if any minute the suppressed panic that has been simmering is going to burst out. I squeeze my eyes shut again, for the pain has become unbearable. Another soft whimper escapes.

Maybe I should just continue to lie still. Focus on something other than torment. Breathing… I need better control of my breathing, for it has accelerated to the dangerous level of hyperventilating. I keep telling myself to calm down and get a grip. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths. The more I breathe in, I realize, the more I’m nauseated. Ugh… That smell.  It stinks of stagnant, damp air, mixed with stale cigarette smoke. I force myself to pace my breaths anyway, cringing at the scent while the question of my location lingers in my mind.

~ * ~

Author Information:

I have always enjoyed reading books, but within the last five years discovered my passion for writing. Ever since childhood, I dreamt of writing a novel, but never took the time to pick up a pen.  Oops, showing my age… I mean laptop. When my daughter reached her teenage years, I found my reason to start composing those stories.

I worked for fifteen years as a Registered Nurse before hanging-up my stethoscope. Now, I run my own business while continuing to write during any downtime.

I’m blessed with a wonderful husband and two children. The dynamics in our household changed when my oldest left for college, but I can’t say it was bad. Different, but definitely not bad. When she returns, we enjoy hiking, camping, and simply hanging out as a family. Each stage of life has been amazing, as to which I’m truly grateful.

My debut novel titled Visions was released Dec 15 2014. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Author Links:
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Page
G+
Goodreads
Twitter
Website

~ * ~

Review

4 Stars

Visions is the first book in the Mystical Encounter Series by Kimberly Readnour.

I don't read a lot of YA books, but being a believer Clairvoyance etc and an individual who enjoys reading and watching stories/shows that  are based around psychic investigation, I decided I wanted to give Visions a try.

I'm glad I did. Heather is a likeable teenager with a very wonderful gift that has unfortunately made her the "outcast" in society. She takes the approach most teenagers, or well people, might take when she has a gift that closed-minded people can't wrap their head around, and closes herself off. An approach that has served her well up until her mother decided to move them to another state.

Luckily - and in the long run - the move of area proves to be a good choice - even if it seems to be a difficult and sad choice for a while - and Heather soon discovers that there are some open-minded people in the world.

Barry, her first real friend, is a sweet, lovely, funny seventeen year old lad who just gets her from the beginning and encourages her to be herself, even if he can't always relate to her. Barry proves to be a good and supportive influence that comes in to her life and is able to not only pull her out of her shell, but give her the strength she needs when she feels like she is flagging.

Nicole is a sweet secondary character who backs-up the theory that there are some believers in the world, and proves to be extra support for Heather in a way that Barry can't be.

The visions - Heather's visions - are subtle and skilfully placed throughout the story, never breaking flow or pace; you always know where you are at when she sees something. The link that brings and eventually bonds all the characters together - though gruesome and sad - made the serious and heavy plot deeper, sweet, and more heartfelt. You really feel for everyone and when the book reaches its climax and justice is served you can't help but feel satisfied for all involved.

Visions is a great read. The pace is great, it doesn't drag or get confusing; everything flows and you just want to keep reading. The last couple of chapters hint to possible matters and discoveries, which will hopefully take place in book two of the series, Deceptions. Not to mention the teaser of a vision Heather has in the final chapter which indicates that the next book is sure to be as interesting as the first. I for one can't wait to read it.

(This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review.)

Hot Tree Promotions: Broken Lights by Dianna Hardy

Title: Broken Lights

Series: None. Standalone

Author: Dianna Hardy

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction

Norman Smithson is at the end of the line. His wife left him, women don't look at him, he was made redundant, and at forty, he could be just that little bit slimmer. He would be a has-been if he'd ever been a 'was' in the first place. He's not the Alpha male of the 21st century – or of any century. He was the chubby oddball who used to sit silently at the back of the class so he wouldn't get picked on.

Rosa is a dreadlocked, tattooed and pierced twenty-something, who uses her image as armour to keep everyone away from every broken thing about her. But her past is about to catch up with her ... at the exact moment Norman finds himself in completely the wrong place, at the worst possible time.

One gunshot, one scramble for life, one unlikely couple, one very long night ... can one damaged woman and one ordinary man, find the extraordinary in the very last second they're given?

Broken Lights is a standalone story of what's really worth fighting for, when one second is all you have left.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon AUS ~ Smashwords

All book info and further buy links: http://www.diannahardy.com/broken-lights.html

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website

Dianna Hardy is the international bestselling author of The Witching Pen series and the Eye Of The Storm series. She combines a titillating mix of contemporary and paranormal romance into her writing, as well as urban and dark fantasy, to bring you stories that are action-packed, fast- paced and not short of heat, with the focus on both character development and the plot. She writes full-length novels and short fiction.

She currently lives in Surrey (United Kingdom) with her partner and their daughter, where she writes full-time.

~ * ~

Review

5 stars!

Broken Lights is a beautifully realistic and raw story about two individuals who have had very different lives, but are brought together in such an unexpected, and indeed, life changing moment.

I adored Norman from the first sentence. He is your average guy, and that is not a bad thing. I know we are all attracted to the alpha male; they are exciting, but - and Dianna Hardy has touched upon this subject in some of her guest posts for this book - not necessarily, well, in real life they don't always turn out to be as great as they are in fiction. Whereas you're everyday kind and funny male has to take the back-seat in romance stories. Well, I have to say despite the fact I love a good macho male, I fell for Norman straight away because of the way he thinks about what is going on around him, and of how he feels about what's going on, but most importantly the way he reacts to those around him and what life has thrown on him. He is the most realistic male I have ever read about. So relate-able, sweet, considerate, caring, and he has a really great sense of humour, which I personally love in a man.

I mean, Norman isn't having an easy time at this particular point in his life. Such circumstances could ruin a person, make them bitter, and though he does do what any of us would do when we hit rock bottom - indulge in a couple of drinks - he has a good heart, which unfortunately gets him injured in this collision meeting with Rose, but he is just your every day man with no particular power, but regardless of the danger facing him when he stumbles into a situation with Rose, he selflessly helps her.

And then there is Rose, you can't not like Rosa. She has had such a horrible life, but she has spunk. And she is such a strong character in a way that she doesn't even realize. Despite everything she keeps going, she keeps pushing forward, and, as with Norman, your heart does go out to her. You want her to find her way into the light. You want her to know she can have a better life, and for her to gain that, because even though it is so clear to see she doesn't believe there is hope, she still has it inside her, buried in the darkness.

I love Dianna Hardy's work, no matter what the genre. She is a very talented and wonderful writer, so there was no way I wasn't going to love this story. Dianna has a beautiful voice and has that wonderful ability to hook you within the first paragraph. What I loved most about this story is how the events that take place lead the characters to this life changing moment. I personally believe in fate and that everything in life happens for a reason - which is not a nice belief when horrible things happen, I know, and I apologize for how that sounds - that you never know what is round the corner, and that life can indeed change in an instant, or rather a second. So, that aspect of the story was a big pull for me, but I loved that the characters were everyday people thrown together in a moment of horrific madness, and were able to rediscover their strengths and themselves through meeting one another. They do say we meet people in our lives for a reason; that everyone will make an impact on us in one way of another, and is wonderful to see how a selfless act of kindness can make such a difference to someone's views; not to mention how having your life hanging in the balance can really make you stop and look at what you really want and what is actually important in life.

I love that this story is the turning point in two individual's lives; the next phase of discovering themselves, rather than the beginning or a new relationship, which it is, but it's a fresh start all around. You don't see that a lot in romances so it was a nice change of pace.

Broken Lights is a beautiful story that not only proves that life really can change within a second, but that we all have hidden strengths and capabilities beyond our own beliefs. That we have the power to make a difference in other peoples life as well as our own.  

(This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review.)

Release Day: Stepping Stones

It's release day! Okay, so technically release day isn't until tomorrow, but Stepping Stones has been on sale at the Decadent Publishing site for a few days and it went up on sale at Amazon yesterday.

I awoke this morning to find that it had already hit a best sellers list on both Amazon US & UK and had received a lovely 5 star review from Lynn at Book Reviews by Lynn. So, although release day isn't officially until tomorrow I'm still squeaking and dancing and shouting out that it is. : D

The book release tour kicks off today starting on Not Just A Stiff Upper Lip - and yes, you will notice that this blog post is exactly as the same as the one over there. I'm afraid I have copied and pasted it lol - and will finish on July 2nd. There is a tour wide giveaway; I will be giving away 2x copies of Stepping Stones as well as 2x Swag Packs (picture to the left) to take part and be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is leave an entry - or a few - on the rafflecopter at the end of the post.

So, I shall leave you with an excerpt and all the details of where I will be over the next two weeks. : D

~ * ~

Stepping Stones
(Sweet Contemporary Romance)

By Elizabeth Morgan

Blurb:

There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family together....

If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Length: Novella (32,000/91 pages)| Content: Sweet Romance/Contemporary| Publisher: Bono BooksBuy Links:
Bono Books/Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=951&osCsid=e2dar3t5o9536og1f3jn2fu1c3

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Stepping-Stones-Elizabeth-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00L05BKBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402915742&sr=1-1&keywords=Elizabeth+Morgan+Stepping+Stones

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stepping-Stones-Elizabeth-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00L05BKBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402915804&sr=1-1&keywords=Elizabeth+Morgan+Stepping+Stones

~ * ~

Excerpt:

“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.
“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”
 My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”
“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”
Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”
“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”
“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.
“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”
“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.
“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”
Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”
Oh God, did my voice just go higher?
“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.
Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….
“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”
Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”
I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”
“Maggie?”
My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.
“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.
I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.
“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.
“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”
“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.
More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.

~ * ~

Where I'm at & Tour Wide Rafflecopter Competition!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/767f405/

BTS Tours: Fairy in the Flesh by Katalina Leon

Title:  Fairy in the Flesh

Author:  Katalina Leon

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Length:  121 pgs

Sub-Genre: Erotic, romance, paranormal

Blurb: 

Maya Rousseau’s fantasy vacation in Avignon France heats up when an eccentric enchantress tricks her into drinking mojo-laced absinthe.

An unexpected encounter with the green fairy causes Maya’s reality to have a serious melt down. She travels back in time and wakes up naked in the bed of her favorite bad boy Bohemian artist, the tall, dark and mysterious André Bosco. There’s nothing wrong with that except it’s 1903.

For André it’s love at first sight. He begs Maya to become his cherished model, muse and lover. The chemistry and shared passion between them is overwhelming. André’s a generous-hearted dream man but there’s a catch. Every hour they spend together bonds them tighter and time is running out. The same powers that flung Maya back to 1903 are preparing to snatch her back.

With a hundred and ten years separating these soul-bound lovers it’s uncertain if they can find a happy ending without the help of a little magic and La Fée Verte.

Note: Story contains super hot sex with an unattainable man, enchanted hallucinatory beverages, mischievous time-twisters and green fairies.

  

Buy Links:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Flesh-Katalina-Leon-ebook/dp/B00EQ88XJC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382017032&sr=8-1&keywords=fairy+in+the+flesh

EC: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fairyintheflesh-1271355-340.html

BandN:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fairy-in-the-flesh-katalina-leon/1116777778?ean=9781419945557

~ * ~

Excerpt:

Maya opened her eyes to a sunny, cluttered room that carried the distinct scents of male musk, linseed oil and turpentine. A warm breeze blew through an open window. She rolled onto her side, realizing she was lying on a rumpled bed—naked.

She gasped in shock, clutched the well-worn linen sheets close and darted a furtive glance around the room, wondering where the hell she was.

An ornate, painted Oriental screen blocked her view of all but the bed, which was surrounded by stacks of books, puddled candle stubs and bits of interesting things like iridescent peacock feathers, a scrimshaw pipe and a tortoiseshell comb.

“Miss, are you all right back there?” a deep male said with caution. “You’ve been lying down a long time. The morning light is nearly gone. I’d like to get some work accomplished. Will you be able to model today or not?”

She recognized the voice. It was the same voice that had coaxed her upstairs. It was André Bosco. She knew he spoke French but there was none of her usual struggle to comprehend and translate what was said. It was as if French were her first and only tongue. His words flowed with ease through her mind.

She leaped to her feet, wrapped the sheet around her and peeked over the screen. In the corner, a man who looked exactly like the sketch of André Bosco sat near an open window, furiously shoveling oil pigments from tiny jars with a blunt knife and daubing them onto a glass palette.

Her mouth gaped wide.

Bosco glanced toward her. The sunlight lit his eyes a brilliant shade of golden- green. He grinned. “At least you’re standing—that’s a good sign.” He returned his attention to the palette. “For a while I was convinced I’d wasted my money on you.”

“What?” she gasped.

“I paid you in the square. I don’t usually work with models. They’re a luxury I can seldom afford. You inspired me to try something different and insisted I give you a day’s pay upfront before coming here. I admired the unusual coppery glint of your hair so I willingly paid. I prepared a canvas, got my hopes up and then you simply fell down and passed out.”

“No I didn’t.” Maya dabbed her forehead with her palm, exploring for signs of injury. This had to be a delirious hallucination. A small amount of absinthe couldn’t possibly provoke an effect this strong. Her heartbeat was steady. The room felt solid and Bosco certainly felt real. What the hell was going on?

She peered out the window. A horse and buggy clattered past on the street below. The horse snorted. “The streets are full of buggies and carts—where are the cars?”

“The what?” Bosco looked puzzled.

“The cars, catering trucks, the hip-hop dancers grinding on the pavement with their boom-boxes. The streets were full of television crews, parked vans and people taking pictures with their cell phones at the summer arts festival. I could barely move down the street. Where is everyone?”

“What in God’s name is a hip-hop boom-box? I can’t make sense of such garbled nonsense.” Bosco stared at the colorful cone-shaped piles of paint heaped on his palette with a look of regret. “I’ve wasted my paint today, haven’t I?”

He appeared to be stewing in thought. The steep angle of Bosco’s dark brows lifted and grew stormier by the second. He suddenly bolted forward, snatched a scant handful of clothing from a tabletop and pressed the clothes into her arms. “This is why I never paint women from the square. I should have known better. You’re drunk, aren’t you? I won’t work with a model who passes out cold or talks nonsense all day. There’s no point. I thought you were something special but apparently you’re not. Please get dressed and leave. You can keep the money—just go.”

He looked at her with genuine hurt simmering in his eyes. “I wanted to paint you. I had several canvases already planned in my mind. This is a crushing disappointment.”

“I’m not drunk. I promise you. I was just...” How could she possibly talk herself out of this one? Her idol was cross with her and it stung. If this was her hallucination why couldn’t it be a happy one? This gorgeous man was looking at her with reservations, as if she were a drunken idiot. It was not exactly the stuff of fantasy. She felt her lip tremble. “Why are you so angry?”

“I have an important salon showing next week. I’m under a lot of pressure. I don’t have enough completed canvases and I can’t afford to waste time.” Bosco raked his fingers through his wavy mane of coffee-black hair. “I hoped for your cooperation. Instead you fell down and passed out behind the screen. When you awoke I couldn’t make sense of a single thing you said. I have to assume you’re drunk. This is quite unprofessional. You have modeled before, haven’t you?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Why were you standing in models’ square? You agreed to come here. My paints are laid out, the light is perfect and I find your type of beauty inspiring.” He paced across the room in agitation. “What a shame to squander it all. I won’t detain you against your will. If you’re not prepared to work, please go!”

BTS Tours: Everlasting by Tmonique Stephens

Author Name:  Tmonique Stephens

Title:  Everlasting

Release Date:  July 9, 2013

Publisher:  Tmonique Stephens
Content Rating:  Heat level:   heat level 4, 4 Not PG-13 – Lots of sex but some details left to the imagination; Rating 4 M/F consensual sex. No Menage. No BMSD;

Word and Page Counts:  114,576 words 470 print length

Blurb:

Kill the beast.

Save your brother.

Win your freedom.

No problem.

Falling in love with the cop trying arrest you?

Problem.

To save his twin from death, Reign Nicolis will have to bargain with Goddess of the Dead, and once more become what he despises, El Mortem, The Scourge, a killer trained to show mercy to none. But he is haunted by those who have fallen beneath his blade. Their ghostly shapes dog his footsteps, relentless in their torture to make him suffer for what he was put on this earth to do two thousand years ago. Saving his twin ensures Reign’s enslavement to the Goddess. She may own his body, but never his heart. 

Detective Alexis Lever’s career is in shambles. Her only chance at redemption is to discover what happened to the body of Daniel Nicolis. To do that she’ll have to thwart two men: Reign Nicolis and Roman Nicolis. Both belong in jail. But one has stolen her heart. 

~ * ~

Excerpt:

Alexis parked in her grandmother’s driveway. The protective shield around her vanished. Her shoulders slumped. Keeping Reign out of her mind exhausted her more than running around New York City all night.

Stiff and sore, she climbed off her bike and stretched the kinks from her protesting muscles. A shower, food, and sleep were what she needed. Her chances of getting all three were slim.

Mrs. Kelly waved from her porch. She’d read that the elderly didn’t need much sleep, but why was the woman up so early when she didn’t have to be?

Alexis returned the wave and climbed the porch stairs. The door opened as she reached for her keys. Reign’s big frame blocked the entrance.

God, I’m too tired for this. If only she could shove him out of her way. She had about as much chance of doing that as she did moving a mountain. He stepped to the side, clearing a path into the dim recesses of the house. Sunlight filtered through the sheer ivory curtains hanging in the living room, beating the gloom back and lifting her spirits.

“Anubis.” The word hung in the air.

Alexis turned. Reign stood in the middle of the room. Hands at his sides, his body, an immense unyielding wall.

“The god in the moving images you showed me, his name is Anubis. He is a lesser god, son of SET and Nephythys.”

She noticed he snarled the last name.

“There is no love between mother and son or son and father. Daniel Nicolis is his pawn. I was sent here to stop him.” He stepped closer to her. “I apologize for my deceit. It was meant to protect.”

She studied the drawn brows above his deep blue eyes and the tight lines of his face. He seemed earnest. But then the best liars were. And if he lied about one thing, what else could he be lying about? “I’m not going to let you kill Daniel.”

“I have no intention of killing him.”

At least they got that settled. “I don’t need your protection, Reign.”

“Yes, you do. I am all that stands between you and those animals.”

There was no arrogance in his statement. Just truth. She did need him. She also needed him to be honest. “And that’s the only reason you're here? To stop the beasts?”

“I came to save my brother. But he does not need me.”

“And afterward? When we find a way to stop those things, what then?”

“…I find a way to leave you.” Tight voice, his rigid face held no emotion.

“Good. The sooner, the better,” she mumbled through the lump in her throat.

His eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

“When you leave, do you go back to Chemmis?”

A cold wave hit her. His lips thinned into an angry line and his hands fisted. He nodded once. Hmm? He held no love for the place.

“I need to sleep.” She walked around him and his fingers brushed the back of her hand. A jolt of sorrow caused her entire body to seize.

Then his fingers slipped into her palm. A dull ache welled in her center and spread to every cell, leaving a void in its wake.

The pain wasn’t hers.

Alexis canted her head at Reign. To the world, he was a six foot eight inch warrior. Deadly to his enemies and her sense of self-preservation. Still, watching his bowed head, feeling the desolation seeping from his palm into her, she saw the truth.

Their gazes locked. Longing lay naked in the depths of his eyes.

“Reign—”

He claimed her lips with a scorching kiss. Raw and hungry, her head reeled. A hand cupped her head. Another gripped her hip and gave a gentle tug. She didn’t fight him guiding her closer or the desire he ignited in her blood. His knee slipped between her thighs and he lifted her until she hooked a leg around his waist. Chest to breast, abs to abs, groin pressed against groin, she felt him lengthen. Her core blossomed. Alexis moaned and his tongue slid into her mouth. He tasted like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, Christmas morning, and Midnight on New Year’s Eve, while his body promised Disney World. His biceps flexed as his hand slid under her shirt and stroked up her back. 

She moved her hand up his chest, feeling the cotton fabric, the tense muscles beneath, and the thud of his racing heartbeat. Then her fingertips brushed the bare skin of his neck.

A bundle of conflicting emotions slammed into her. Passion warred with frustration and a simmering rage. Terror and loneliness mixed with a profound hunger and a darkness no sun could penetrate. Betrayal had tainted his memories, leaving an anger that stretched centuries. All of this was woven together by bitter regret.

Questions cleared the lust from her mind. She tore her lips away, aching from pain belonging to Reign. Briefly, his hands tightened on her body. His head dropped into the crook of her neck before she could search his face for answers. Warm breath fanned her collar. She bit her lip to keep from protesting when his hands dropped to her hips and he set her on her feet.

Alexis darted up the stairs to the safety of her grandmother’s bedroom. She stripped off her jacket and refused to think about the man camping in her living room. Yeah, right. As if she could order herself not to still taste him on her lips, remember his hands on her body and his tongue stroking her mouth.

How could she feel him, know his intimate thoughts? The good and the f’d up ones. There were a lot of f’d up ones. So many, he was a toxic stew, churning endlessly until he almost dragged her under.

Alexis gritted her teeth. She didn’t have time to decipher The Reign Riddle when Egyptian Gods roamed New York, resurrecting bodies, and wild animals were running loose. If she read it in a novel, she would’ve pitched it into the nearest incinerator. 

But those things needed to die.

Period. 

BTS Tours: Loup-Garou For You by Katalina Leon

Title:  Loup-Garou For You

Author:  Katalina Leon

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Length:  156 pgs

Sub-Genre: Erotic, romance, paranormal

Blurb: 

Bayou Country, 1834. Aubert Marston awakens on the eve of his twenty-seventh birthday to discover he’s undergone some disturbing physical changes. His body is bigger, stronger and hairier than it’s ever been, and burns with the lust of a beast. To make matters worse, a hundred guests are about to arrive for the plantation’s annual ball.

A mysterious young woman named Corrine appears in his home, temping Aubert to unleash the inner lycan, and family secrets from a medieval past surface. Corrine lures Aubert to a bayou camp of Cajun Loup-Garous—werewolves, But Aubert’s wealth and good looks are no advantage here. He must surrender to his feral nature and fight tooth and claw against another male pack member to claim Corrine as his own.

Inside Scoop:  This story contains mild bondage, southern hospitality, consensual sexual torment, f/f, m/m, anal play, cage fighting and unfettered animal lust. Enjoy!

A Romantica® historical paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Ellora’s Cave Publishing: http://www.ellorascave.com/loup-garou-for-you.html

Buy Links:

Ellora’s Cave Publishing:

http://www.ellorascave.com/fairy-in-the-flesh.html

http://www.ellorascave.com/loup-garou-for-you.html

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-in-the-Flesh-ebook/dp/B00EQ88XJC/ref=la_B00BIXI8BQ_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380595539&sr=1-8

http://www.amazon.com/Loup-Garou-for-You-ebook/dp/B00FGUIA4W/ref=la_B00BIXI8BQ_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380595539&sr=1-7

ARE:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fairyintheflesh-1271355-340.html

~ * ~

Excerpt:

Prologue       

With clockwork precision, in the restless hour before dawn, the oppressive leviathan of a nightmare rose from the depths, grabbed Aubert and yanked him down.

Once the dream captured him there was no hope of being spared. Aubert’s heart pounded and sweat broke on his brow, but all he could do was endure the inevitable as it unfolded behind his closed lids. He willed himself to wake but there was no escape from the anguish that insisted on being relived each morning.

This had happened so often in recent days that it was more of a ritual than a dream. Aubert remained alert but helpless as a strange trancelike state dragged him along an unrelenting storyline seemingly written in stone.

He heard the familiar crunch of frost beneath his boots and felt the chill of a howling gale as he crossed a rugged mountain pass. He glanced down and saw the same sight he saw every morning—a rough woolen tunic covered in chain mail, bloodstained leather leggings and a dagger strapped to his hip. The details never varied. A jolt of insight raced through him that this wasn’t merely a dream, that this limbo realm was as solid as anything he’d ever known.

The rocky pass descended into a steep valley cleaved in two by a turbulent green river. Against an amber sunset a rustic cottage with curved walls and a conical thatched roof perched near the river’s edge. The cottage appeared neglected, without a trace of candlelight within or a comforting curl of smoke rising from the hearth.

He knew what came next and it didn’t lessen the emotional impact in the slightest. He’d memorized this part of the dream. Tortured thoughts tumbled through his mind.

She must be freezing. Why didn’t she light a fire? I left her enough wood for winter...

And indeed a well-stocked woodpile sat unused beside the cottage.

At that moment, true panic set in.

He had to reach the cottage and find her. There would be no peace until he knew. He ran so fast he slid and toppled on the icy path. The hilt of his heavy broadsword struck and bruised his leg. He stood and limped forward but he wasn’t moving fast enough.

He cast the sword aside in frustration, stripped away his clothing and fell to the ground on all fours. He scraped his fingers into the frozen earth, relishing the biting sting of ice beneath his fingernails, and watched as his hands transformed into gripping paws and his arms and legs morphed into the lean limbs of a wolf.

He sprang to his feet in the agile body of a wolf and loped down the path at great speed. As he approached the cottage, he stopped to sniff the air. Snow flurries stung his eyes as he squinted with suspicion through the cottage’s unlatched door. He sensed no movement in the shadows, nor did he catch the faint whiff of a freshly extinguished campfire, all disturbing signs that he was alone in this desolate place.

He padded inside the cottage, sniffing everything in frantic agitation, but only a faded hint of her hung in the air. In a crushing instant he knew she’d deserted the cottage weeks, perhaps months ago while he was on crusade.

Aside from a bed, table and a few practical things, the cottage was bare. Her colorful silk scarves, painted bowls and endless jars filled with dried herbs and magical talismans were missing—including her sacred book of truths, the possession of which was a virtual death sentence if discovered by the royal court.

Before he had left on the king’s errand into Saracen territory, she had warned him it would have to be this way when he returned and he had refused to believe her.

The harsh facts soured in his soul. The love of his life and his secret wife was gone. He knew she had fled east to distant lands, where his liege King Charlemagne forbade him to follow. By now she was far beyond his reach. Bitter emptiness unlike any tragedy he’d ever tasted sliced deep into his heart.

He hated her for leaving and wanted her back but he also understood why she had done it. She’d saved her life and his, and most likely the life of their unborn child. After the enchantment she’d cast on him, she couldn’t remain in France and expect to live.

For everyone’s sake, the secret had to remain hidden. In his heart of hearts he knew she had done the right thing, but it didn’t ease his grief. Now that she was gone he’d never again have what he desired most. Bleak days lay ahead. True love, passion and a piece of his soul were lost to him. There would be no replacing her. Any woman who followed in her wake would merely be a shadow of what had been.

He threw back his head and howled the low, mournful wolf wail of an abandoned mate.

There was no answer within the valley’s icy solitude.

In that abysmal moment he locked his heart, trapping loneliness and anger within, and pounced on the bed they had shared as lovers. In a vicious storm of flying straw and feathers, he tore into the mattress with fangs bared and shredded it, guaranteeing no one would ever lie on their wedding bed again.

~ * ~

Review:

Coming Soon!

~ * ~

About the Author:

I’m an artist, an author, mother and wife. I write for Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id Publishing and a couple new publishers to be announced soon. I try to bring a touch of the mystical and a big sense of adventure to everything I write because I believe there’s a bold, kick-ass heroine inside all of us who wants to take a wild ride with a strong worthy hero.

Website: www.katalinaleon.com

Ellora’s Cave: https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/katalina-leon/

Loose Id: http://www.loose-id.com/authors/a-f/amber-skyze-katalina-leon.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BIXI8BQ

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

Night Owl Reviews Author Page: http://erotica.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Authors/Katalina-Leon

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katalinaleon/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/katalina.leon.142?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter: Katalina_Leon