Sunday 28 February 2016

Author Spotlight New Release Vikki Vaught 'Miss Kathleen's Scandalous Baron'


I’m very excited about my new release, Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron, Book 2 in my Honorable Rogue series. It is set in 1803 and is the story of Alex’s sister, Kathleen and Lord Billingsley. It is a light-hearted read with another honorable rogue. Albeit, Andrew, Baron Billingsley, is a bit scandalous. I hope you will enjoy the romance between Kathleen and Andrew as much as I enjoyed writing their love story. Happy reading!
 
Logline:

When an innocent young miss from Baltimore meets the scandalous baron, Lord Billingsley, will she manage to reform him, or will he lead her astray?

Tagline:

Must Kathleen choose between love or duty?

Book Blurb:

When the young American debutante, Miss Kathleen Hawks, arrives in town for the London season, the last thing she expects is an attraction to the scandalous Lord Billingsley. He’s the kind of aristocrat she detests, one who only cares for his pleasures.

Andrew Grainger is handsome, young and very wealthy. He loves carousing with his pack of friends from his school days. When he stumbles across the prim, yet charming Miss Hawks, he should avoid her at any cost. After all, she’s an innocent young miss, barely out of the schoolroom. But…there’s just something about her he finds irresistible.

When a chance encounter leads to scandal for the pair, they must choose to brave the Beau Monde, or give into its dictates. Is there any possibility that what appears to be a match made in Hades, could turn into a match made in heaven instead?   
 

Excerpt:

Kathleen Hawks fumed all the way to her brother’s study. Alex must have talked to their mother. Again, she had allowed her emotions to overrule her actions. When she arrived at the door, her heart fluttered, but knowing she had to get this over with, she tapped on the door.

Her brother’s voice bade her enter. She purposefully turned the knob and opened the door as she inhaled and exhaled slowly to prepare herself for what she suspected would be an unpleasant conversation. “Good morning, Alex. You wanted to see me?”

Her brother moved behind his desk. “Please, take a seat.” His set features shouted his displeasure.

Once she settled back in her chair, Alex sat in the chair behind his large desk. “Kathleen, I spoke with Ma and she told me the two of you argued at breakfast. She’s concerned over your defiant attitude, and she feels I may have made a mistake regarding Mr. Jones.”

Oh, dear, when will I learn to control my tongue? “I’m sorry I was disrespectful, but she made several derogatory comments regarding my betrothed. I let my temper get the best of me.”

 Her brother’s stubborn expression did not bode well, and she waited for the proverbial axe to fall. “I agree with Ma. I want you to reconsider your betrothal to Mr. Jones. You’re only eighteen, and he’s ten years older than you. I don’t believe you are well-suited. Your temperaments are vastly different. His only concern seems to be his responsibilities at his father’s bank. You were always so playful and vivacious. You’ve changed since you began spending more time with him, and I do not like it.”

She gripped the arms on the chair. The last thing she needed to do was agitate her brother, but she couldn’t sit passively by while another member of her family spoke ill of William. “You’re wrong, Alex. So what if we have a few differing interests? We love each other and that is what is important. You gave William your permission for the marriage before we left last fall.”

Alex stared her down. “I realize that. However, I should never have given it. As you well know, I had quite a few grave issues to deal with at the time. I should have taken more time to consider a decision that involves your future happiness. I’m seriously contemplating sending him a letter telling him I am withdrawing my consent.”

She clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. It was all she could do to remain seated. “Please, you can’t do this to me. I love William, and he loves me.” Then, throwing caution to the wind, she stood and shouted, “I. Know. My. Own. Mind!”

“Kathleen.” Alex’s flushed face resembled a storm cloud as he stood and placed his powerful hands on his desk. “I will not tolerate your disrespect, young lady. Ma is ashamed of your behavior, and so am I. When you arrive in London for the season, you either promise to take full advantage of this opportunity the Barringtons are offering you, or I will write the letter withdrawing my consent today.”

Her stomach clenched as she tried to rein in her anger. Alex was serious, and if she was to have any hope of continuing with her plans to marry William, she had to placate him. “Please, don’t write the letter. I’ll go to London, and I promise I will participate fully in the parties. I’ll even keep an open mind.”

Alex resumed his seat. “Good. That’s more like it. I do have your best interests at heart, Darlin’. I want you to be sure Mr. Jones is the right man for you. He’s the first man to show you any attention. Please take this time to be sure of your love for him. That’s all I ask.”

Whenever her very American brother grew angry, their mother’s strong Virginian upbringing took over, and his southern drawl came through. Now that he had to spend much of his time in England, he had worked hard to minimize it.


“I suppose it can’t hurt, but I will not change my mind. Now if you will excuse me, I’ll return to my packing, so I will be ready when the duke and duchess arrive tomorrow.” She stiffened her spine, turned, and left his study.

 

Author Bio:

Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Ever since then, the stories keep coming and writing is now her passion. Over the last five years, she has written well over a half dozen romances and is presently working on her next, while fighting off the other future characters shouting my turn!

Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in her Regency novels.

 

While all her books are love stories, she has also written contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances using the pen name of V.L. Edwards.

 

For the last decade, Vikki has lived in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she is not writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.

 

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Monday 22 February 2016

Author Spotlight 'Capturing the Last Welsh Witch' J.M. Davies


INTRODUCTION

Hello everyone, I would like to start by giving a big shout-out to Holly for letting me host this week’s addition on her blog. I am Jennifer Davies. I'm originally from Wales, but I’m now settled on the East Coast in New England. I have been married for nineteen years, and I’m a mother of four boys who make me laugh and cry. I have two cats, and a puppy called Ella.  

I have been very lucky that for the past seven years, I have been able to devote my time to writing romance and I get a huge thrill out of pushing myself. I completed my first YA romantic fantasy Children of Annwn: The Promise in 2013. In 2014, I  signed with Secret Craving Publishers to complete the trilogy (Children of Annwn: The Battle & Power of the Gilgamesh) which I finished in September 2015 under the name Jennifer Owen Davies. Unfortunately, my publisher closed and shortly after I started self-publishing.

The last several years have been amazing and even in difficult times; my love of writing has kept me going. When I knew the YA series was ending, I wanted desperately to explore my desire to write an adult romance, and I knew I wanted to attempt to write a paranormal story as I love reading them. CAPTURING THE LAST WELSH WITCH is published under my pen name J.M.Davies, and I was inspired to write Ella’s story based on the real-life story of the first Welsh witch to be hung in Wales and the rest came from reading, research, and my imagination. I have received some wonderful five star reviews and one glowing one from the Paranormal romance guild!

I’m toying with the idea of writing a sequel, but in the meantime my second adult romance is due for release in June 2016 The Vineyards of Allegretti! I also have another book hopefully to be out by the end of 2016. It is going to be very busy this year…

   A couple of quick facts about me, I love anything coated in chocolate. I love talking about my journey in writing, and I believe hard work is the answer to achieving your dreams.


CAPTURING THE LAST WELSH WITCH:  I loved writing this book and creating the chemistry between Ella Masters and Marcus Drayton, both strong but damaged characters because of their past. If you enjoy strong alpha males and stubborn heroines, a plot with plenty of twists and turns, sizzling chemistry, and steamy scenes this is a must read for you.      

                              PLACE THE  PICTURE OF ELLA &   MARCUS

                                    Blurb for Capturing the Last Welsh Witch
 
 

Ella Masters’s soul is five hundred years old and in each life, she has been fatally betrayed by men. This is her fifth and final life, and legend says she must meet her true love or this time death is eternal. Wanted for the murder of her latest boyfriend and on the run from the FBI, as well as the ruthless group the Elusti, it doesn’t bode well for any would-be suitors. 


Marcus Drayton has a sixth sense when it comes to knowing people, which has helped in his career as a special agent for the FBI, as well as his previous stint as a Navy SEAL. His latest assignment is to deliver Ella Masters, the Witch, which will give him the prized promotion in New York. After he meets the mysterious Ella, and realizes the Elusti are involved, the ghosts of his past force him to seek the truth, making every one he loves a target. 

As she runs for her life and freedom, Ella needs to discover whether Marcus is the warrior she needs. And can she trust him with her heart and soul before it’s too late? 


                                       PICTURE OF THE BOOK COVER

                          Snippet from Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

A muscle in Nate’s cheek twitched and he shot a sharp stare at her before he repositioned his hands on the wheel, which he gripped until his knuckles blanched white. Despite his coolly delivered speech, she affected him and she smiled at this awareness as she stared out the dusty window. A lot had changed in twenty-four hours—that was true—but what was the same was the fact she was his prisoner, even though he had called her sexy. That needed to change and fast, but where on earth were they headed? As she puzzled over her next move, his deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

“That kiss was a mistake it won’t be repeated, but I’m glad you’re awake. You had me worried for a while. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to take you to the emergency room when you fainted. I thought you had been shot.” He briefly turned his intense gaze toward her before he turned back to the traffic.

Hearing his words and the implication, Ella bolted upright and adjusted her coat. She shivered with the cold and noticed that her jacket was unzipped, revealing her lacy camisole and her heaving bosoms beneath. Her cheeks flared with heat. Suspicious of his words, she flicked a furious glare at him.

“And how did you know that I wasn’t?”

“Before I became an FBI agent, I was a Navy SEAL. I’m used to checking bodies for injuries. Ella, trust me, I have seen a woman’s anatomy before.”

Her cheeks scorched with the knowledge that his large and capable hands had roamed across her flesh while she lay unconscious.

“Not this woman. Well, I hope you enjoyed your grope, because it’s the last one you’re going to get.” She pulled the thin velour jacket closer, as if to save her modesty, even though she knew that it was too late.

He smirked and turned the heater on full blast. “Ella, I’ve never needed to resort to seducing an unconscious woman. Ever. Women like what they see and as I happen to like women, a lot, I’m never without a supply of willing partners.”

God, he was unbearable. So arrogant. “Women like what they see.” Ha. Ella opened her mouth, ready to protest, but as she tried to be shocked, she wasn’t. Soaking in his features, she had to admit, he was a gorgeous hunk of controlled strength and masculinity with his square jaw, straight nose, and dark, intelligent eyes. She stared as his suntanned hand, which combed back his closely cropped but thick hair, and noticed the light stubble scattered across his chin and above his lips. It made him even more handsome and dangerous-looking. She believed him when he said women liked what they saw. She did. Ella also imagined that he knew exactly how to please them in every possible way, which made her mouth water. Swallowing away her growing desire, she reminded herself that she needed to figure out a way to get rid of him, and to escape.

Life was never fair.

 




BOOK TRAILER FOR CAPTURING THE LAST WELSH WITCH
https://youtu.be/3Y6xuhiZEsk

 

LINKS FOR THE BOOK
AMAZON UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Capturing-Last-Welsh-Witch-Davies-ebook/dp/B018S3VY0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1449684071&sr=1-1&keywords=capturing+the+last+welsh+witch
AMAZON USA
http://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Last-Welsh-Witch-Davies-ebook/dp/B018S3VY0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1449688058&sr=1-1&keywords=capturing+the+last+welsh+witch

WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH
FB Author page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Davies/1421409368089313
                           https://www.facebook.com/J-M-Davies-516414605190041/

Web-site            http://www.jenniferowendavies.com/
Email                 Jendaviesuk@gmail.com
Twitter              
https://twitter.com/jendaviesuk

 

 

Sunday 7 February 2016

Susanne Matthews The White Iris


The White Iris

The White Iris is the third book and final book in the Harvester Series. While all three books can be read and enjoyed on their own, reading the three books in order will add to your reading enjoyment.


Book One, The White Carnation, begins the hunt for a serial killer kidnapping pregnant women, murdering them, and then vanishing with the newborn infants. But there is much more to the crime than the detectives on the case can possibly imagine.


Book Two, The White Lily, continues the hunt, but the Harvester is angry, determined to reclaim what he sees as his, not caring how many have to die for him to achieve his goal.


About The White Iris


Time’s running out for Special Agent Trevor Clark and his FBI task force. They’re no closer to uncovering the identity of the Prophet, a dangerous serial killer who has been murdering new mothers and vanishing with their infants. If Trevor can’t unlock the clues, the killer’s threats to unleash what the FBI suspects is biological warfare could mean death for all of them. His only recourse is to swallow his pride and reach out to his former fiancĂ©e, the CDC’s renowned virologist, Dr. Julie Swift.

Two years ago, Julie ended their engagement after Trevor abandoned her when she needed him most. Now, faced with the possibility of the greatest epidemic since the Spanish flu, she has to put her faith and her safety, as well as that of countless others, into the hands of a man she doesn’t trust. Can they set aside their differences to stop the Prophet, and in doing so, will they find the love they lost?

From the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska, this thrilling conclusion to the Harvester Series takes several turns you won’t see coming!

Sensuality Level: Sensual


Excerpt from The White Iris:

Ellie was right. If Julie had seen him two years ago, after she’d sent back the ring, she could’ve been happy by now—might even have fallen in love again and started a family. Dr. Dalton Rush, a visiting oncogenomics expert from the White Iris Foundation, had asked her to consider working with him on a joint virology-oncology project. The thought of working on a cure for something instead of a preemptive measure appealed to her, but it would mean leaving Atlanta for Nevada. Maybe it was time to bite the bullet and accept his offer. If this Prophet nutcase did deliver a bomb, the last thing she wanted to do was be with the CDC working with Trevor as Brad had decreed.

“You’re right,” she said, keeping her voice steady, accepting the inevitability of the situation. “A crazy man with whatever the hell he has in mind is far more important than our past.”

“That’s not true,” he said. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I volunteered to come down here. I’ve missed you.”

“Then you have a funny way of showing it.” She couldn’t hold back the fury in her voice. “Not one phone call in two years, not even an acknowledgment that you received the ring or my request to talk…”

“I wanted to call, but I didn’t know what to say, and I knew what you wanted to talk about. I didn’t think there was anything left to say, but I’m sorry I hurt you…”

“That’s always been your problem.” The words erupted from her mouth, her frustration and pain too great to stop them. “For a smart man, you just don’t think. You didn’t know what to say? Ha! You could’ve told me the real reason you wouldn’t come to Carson Creek, the reason you lied to me time and time again. But it doesn’t matter anymore.” The emotional storm blew itself out as quickly as it had arisen. “That’s water under the bridge. As far as coming here, considering the level of secrecy involved, who else could’ve done it? But I’ll bet you didn’t count on having to see me.”

“Count on it? No, but I’d hoped. I’m really sorry about the way things ended between us. If anything could’ve been different—if I could’ve told you … You have a right to be angry…”

“And I suppose you still can’t.” She shook her head when his face told her she was right. “Fine. I’m not angry, Trevor, not anymore. I was furious, then hurt, and finally disappointed, but I’m over it. We got lucky. We learned that we weren’t compatible before we made a mistake that would’ve been costly.”

Liar, her conscience screamed, but she wouldn’t listen. Shutting down her emotions, just as he’d shut down his, she retreated into the science that served her well, giving him a quick tour and outlining the safety protocols for the most dangerous virus samples they had on hand. Mechanically, she ran through the radiation handouts, discussed what could be done in the event of exposure, and showed him the necessary gear while the words, he’s only here because of the case, repeated themselves in her head.


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About the Author:


Amazon bestselling author Susanne Matthews was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. She is of French-Canadian descent. She’s always been an avid reader of all types of books, but with a penchant for happily ever after romances. A retired educator, Susanne spends her time writing and creating adventures for her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.

Not content with one subgenre, Susanne writes romance that ranges from contemporary to sci-fi and everything in between.

When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traveling to interesting places she can use as settings in her future books. In summer she enjoys camping with her grandchildren and attending various outdoor concerts and fairs. In winter, she likes to cuddle by the fire and watch television.


Follow Susanne on her:  Website    Blog    Facebook page    Twitter @jandsmatt


Amazon author page    and    Goodreads author page