Monday, July 29, 2013

A Winning Streak ~ Tea Cooper + Choice of Giveaway!

Today I have the lovely Téa Cooper on my blog with her latest release, A Winning Streak, which has wrathful gods and goddesses! What's not to love?

 And Tea is kindly offering one of her previously published romances to one lucky commenter - a choice of either Lily's Leap or Matilda's Freedom!



A Winning Streak by Téa Cooper

Blurb:

Will the path of true love incur the wrath of the virgin Goddess Artemis?

Abandoned at birth, Atalantê, protégé of the goddess Artemis is forced into an untenable position by her estranged father, the King of Arcadia - renege on her vow of virginity or condemn her suitors to a sacrificial death.   The aristocratic courtier Melanion, cannot believe anyone would be foolish enough to put their life on the line for the dirty little predator whose reputation for speed and cruelty are legendary. That is until he falls under Atalantê's spell. 

Consumed by desire and jealousy Melanion is determined to win Atalantê’s hand or die trying. He calls upon Aphrodite to assist him, little realizing that her noisesome brat, Eros has the pair of them in his sights and is determined to inject a little spice into their life. Spice that will devastate the path of true love and incur the wrath of the virgin Goddess Artemis.
Digital Edition: $2.99 | ISBN: | Length: 21,000 words
Publication Date: June 14th, 2013 | PDF – MOBI – EPUB |Timeless Line
Breathless Press



Excerpt:

The sixth day of Thargelion
Mount Parthenius, Arcadia

Purple thunderclouds swirled, and lightning slashed the sky. Artemis the Huntress, goddess of the forests and the hills, stood astride the mountaintop, staring in fascination at the frail human figure edging its way to the cave.
The figure gazed around furtively, then placed a tightly wrapped bundle beneath the shelter of the rocky overhand before stepping stealthily away through the glade of moon-white cyclamen flowers.
A flash of lightning illuminated the interior of a cave. Bounding effortlessly down the mountain, Artemis raged at the folly of mankind.
"Great Zeus above!"
Impossibly huge cerulean eyes stared up at her—the epitome of perfection. Artemis reached down and picked up the swaddled bundle. The scent of the fresh, sweet skin and the flawless rosebud mouth tugged at her heart as she cradled the tiny body close to her breast and raised her fist to the heavens. "This I vow, my little one, you shall become fleet of foot, a huntress, second to none and guided by my ever-watchful eye."
Pulling back the tightly wrapped swaddling, she gazed in awe as the plump, perfectly formed limbs pounded the air. "I name you Atalantê, my princess, for we are as one. In perfect harmony you will grow in my image, your maiden divinity never to be conquered by Eros."
Artemis listened as in the valley below, the Arcadian people held their collective breath. She stilled the lightning and dismissed the thunderclouds. Finally, when the pale sun rose, the frustrated cries of Lord Iasius filled the palace. "Gods! Take back your girl. Give me a boy to inherit my kingdom!"
The acts of men are rarely unheeded by the gods, and Artemis vowed compassion for her little foundling, seeing to her warmth and nourishment until the girl grew tall and nimble, slim of hip—a virgin huntress, in her own image.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Keeper of My Pleasure ~ BDSM Erotic Romance + Special Giveaway!



Today I am absolutely delighted to showcase Kayelle Allen's debut Ellora's Cave release, Keeper of My Pleasure. Kayelle is the mastermind behind the fabulous Marketing for Romance Writers, among many other things, and I'm in awe of her drive and energy and dedication in helping fellow authors :-) 

So without further ado, here is the lowdown on Keeper of My Pleasure, which released from EC on July 24th!


Rai trusts Koo to submit. To keep him, she must trust her heart.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora's Cave

This book is in the Taboo line -- one of the Ellora's Cave Quickies



A recent college graduate, Koo hires Rai as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it's hers, if only she'll let him give it.


A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she'd always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she's a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn't stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Inside Scoop: Our hero willingly submits to his Dom lady love and all her toys in their BDSM play, including whips and bindings and more.

Word count: 7170
Genre: BDSM Romance
ISBN: 9781419946592
Author: Kayelle Allen
Editor: Victoria Reese
Cover art: Ellora's Cave
Publisher: Ellora's Cave



 

Music is "Road Adventure" from iStockPhoto, used with permission.

Inside Peek: Keeper of My Pleasure ~ A Special Giveaway from Kayelle!

This free, illustrated eBook provides insight about the book, its characters, and its creation. When you click the link, it will either offer you a download, or open in a new window, depending on your settings. To read it, you need Adobe Reader, available free. http://is.gd/meet_Rai_and_Koo

About the Author



Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, EPIC Award winning author. She writes Contemporary Romance, Gay Romance, Erotic Science Fiction Romance, Mainstream Fantasy, BDSM, and non-fiction. She likes to attend Science Fiction conventions, and has been a speaker at DragonCon, Outlantacon, and Gaylaxicon. Kayelle is the founder of the author-mentoring group Marketing for Romance Writers, and manages the successful Romance Lives Forever blog. She is a US Navy Veteran, and founded the graphics and eBook conversion company The Author's Secret. Kayelle is married to her personal hero, and makes her home in the southeast.
 
 You can keep up with Kayelle at the following online hangouts :-)

Monday, July 22, 2013

COVER REVEAL!! Northman's Pleasure - Hot Viking Alert!



I'm delighted to welcome fellow Ellora's Cave author today, Kate Hill, with her latest release, Northman's Pleasure. This is the second book in Kate's hot Viking series and both books sound absolutely wonderful :-) Who can resist sexy warriors!

And here is the gorgeous cover for Northman's Pleasure! 



Don't forget to check out the excerpt below!













Northman's Pleasure
by Kate Hill
Coming in July 2013
From Ellora's Cave

Blurb:

Legend is Grim Hammerhand is half wolf. Vowing never to marry, the muscular, red-haired warrior saves his passion for the battlefield and the forge. That is, until the woman he secretly lusts after is abducted.

Asgerd has loved Grim for years, only to be ignored by the object of her desire. She has eluded the bonds of marriage, hoping that someday Grim will notice her, but her dreams are shattered when she is captured and defiled by the brutal warrior Stein.

After the king sends Grim to rescue his daughter and claim Stein's land, the passion between the couple finally ignites. In the end, Grim's mistrust of all women could destroy their one true chance for happiness.


Behind the Book

Northman's Pleasure is the sequel to my erotic Viking romance, Northman's Passion. In Northman's Passion, Grim and Asgerd were introduced as secondary characters. Grim, half brother of Erik, has always been a "lone wolf." He never feels like he quite belongs anywhere. Asgerd, sister of Erik's wife, Bera, has admired Grim for what seems like ages, but he appears to have no interest in her.

At the end of Northman's Passion, Grim was sent to rescue Asgerd who had been captured by a brutal warrior. His concern for her proved that he had noticed her and their story needed to be told. Northman's Passion delves into Grim's heart, proving that despite his reputation, there is a man beneath the warrior.

When I was writing Northman's Passion, Grim had so much that he wasn't revealing in the story. His secrets made him an interesting character to write about and I wanted to explore him further. After receiving several notes from readers who expressed an interest in reading more about Grim, I really looked forward to writing the story I had planned for him. I hope you enjoy it!


Excerpt from Northman's Pleasure

Other than curtly answering a few questions from his men, Grim ate in silence. When his mead ran low, Asgerd approached to offer him more.

"I've had enough," he said. "It's been a long day. I'm going to sleep. Are you coming?"

She moistened her full lips and said, "After I help clean up."

Grim had the feeling she was using domestic duties as an excuse to avoid him. Slaves could finish clearing the table.

"Don't be too long," he said. "I don't like being disturbed when I'm sleeping."

Her eyes flashed and Grim nearly smiled. She'd been so passive since Stein's death. He'd wondered what happened to the woman who had so bravely fought her captor. It seemed she just needed a little goading to bring out her spirit.

He rose and walked to the bed closet. It was tidy, and as requested, Stein's belongings had been removed, except for his weapons. The sword, daggers and axe hung on the wall. The women had been right to leave them. Extra weapons were useful and these were of a decent quality.

He removed his armor and weapons and placed them on the bed. Then he opened the wooden trunk at the foot of it. Finding only women's clothes inside, he couldn't resist touching the fabric, knowing it belonged to Asgerd. His stomach tightened. They wouldn't be sharing merely a bed closet, but their lives.

A sobering thought.

He pulled off his boots and placed them in the corner, then he undressed and put his clothes beside Asgerd's in the trunk. Naked, he climbed beneath the furs. Sighing, he closed his eyes and tried to relax, but couldn't. He had too much to think about.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed before Asgerd entered the bed closet. Apparently she thought him asleep since she moved so quietly that even he, with his keen senses, could scarcely hear her.

When she slid beneath the furs, his heartbeat quickened. He waited for the sensation of her warm curves against his. The bed was fairly small so she was bound to touch him. Yet she didn't.

Grim turned toward her and found her lying close to the edge of the bed, her back to him.

"Everything cleaned up?" he asked, unsure of what else to say. He wanted to talk to her, but Grim wasn't much of a conversationalist, especially with women. Talking to his men or his brothers was different. They had common interests and shared duties.

Even the few women he'd bedded simply to release tension, he hadn't spoken to. Most of them hadn't wanted to talk either. The only woman he'd engaged in extended conversation was his sister-in-law and there was no attraction between them. Asgerd was different, in particular because tomorrow she would be his wife.

"Yes."

"You don't have to sleep so far away you know."

He heard her draw a deep breath before she turned to face him. Her eyes glistened in the fading lantern light. "You expect to have me tonight so you can call off the wedding tomorrow."

Typical that a woman would think of something deceitful.

"Why would I do that?"

"Why not? Why should I believe you want to marry me when you've never shown an interest in me before?"

"I had my reasons."

"Maybe because you thought my father would try to force marriage upon you. Now, after what Stein did, I don't matter anymore."

"You matter very much to your father. Why else would he have sent me and his best warriors to avenge you?"

"Was he avenging me or showing the world that he wouldn't be taken advantage of by the likes of Stein?"

"Probably both."

She snorted. "Well that was honest."

"I'm an honest man. Get used to it."

"Then why the sudden interest?"

He reached out to touch her cheek. It was so soft and smooth. He wanted to touch the rest of her, but held back. Stein had hurt her in spirit as well as in body. Unfortunately he knew from experience the former was harder to heal.

"Maybe the interest isn't sudden," he admitted. "You're a beautiful woman. A man would have to be dead not to notice you."

About Kate

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

Kate also writes under the pen name Saloni Quinby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com

Friday, July 19, 2013

Lily's Leap ~ Tea Cooper Excerpt PLUS Giveaway!

I'm delighted to welcome back the lovely Téa Cooper with her latest release, Lily's Leap! And Tea is kindly offering a giveaway of one of her other recently published books to one lucky commenter!! The winner can choose between  A Winning Streak or Matilda's Freedom so don't forget to leave a comment :-)




Lyrical Press

Amazon 

iTunes

B&N
 


 Blurb 

Born into privileged society, Lilibeth Dungarven finds herself married, widowed, and much to her distress, back under her father’s rule, all before her twenty-first birthday. But this feisty and independent young woman has a dream: she is determined to breed the perfect racehorse and restore the family’s flagging fortunes. An accomplished rider, she takes matters into her own hands and sets out to restore Dungarven horse stud to its former glory.



When the devastatingly attractive Captain Tom and his mismatched band of bushrangers stumble across a mob of the best horses they’ve ever seen, and the daughter of the famed Dungarven stud, they know their fortunes have changed. Their catch is worth a king’s ransom. Surely it can’t be too difficult to contain this beautiful young woman with violet eyes and skin-tight riding breeches for seven days?

Digital Edition: $3.99 | ISBN: 9781616504588 | Length: 43,000 words
Ebook Page Count: 122 | Publication Date: May 6, 2013 | PDF – MOBI – EPUB
Excerpt 


Lily could see the pale ribbon of road below cutting through the trees and the bright blue expanse of sky wide-open in front of her. “Nero. You can do it,” she whispered into his sleek, shiny neck and he snorted in response. Her thigh muscles burned as she tightened her grasp on his flanks. His muscles tensed in response, attuned to her body. She gritted her teeth and willed her shaking hands to steady. “We can do this, Nero. We have to.” Her heart hammered so hard in her chest she thought it might leap right over the culvert and down the hill ahead of them.



With barely a moment’s hesitation she dug her heels into the stallion’s flanks and urged him down the hill. The last trees cleared and the sudden heat of the sun stung her face, then she crouched low over Nero’s neck. The clatter of his hooves on the sandstone surface told her they had reached the road. The blood raced through her veins, pulsing in her ears, a violent and excruciating pounding raged through her body.

“Stop.” Tom’s command echoed around her as the blocks of the convict hewn, sandstone walls reared ahead of her. Surely it wasn’t such a huge jump for a horse like Nero?

She leaned forward in the saddle and her cheek brushed the dampness of his neck. Time slowed. With her eyes squeezed tightly shut she sucked in a great gulp of air and clenched her teeth tightly together. Nero lifted into the air. His muscles bunched beneath her and he flew over the chiseled blocks and down the slope. Her knees gripped the saddle and she dragged the reins almost vertical as they plunged down. Tufts of wiry grass and small rocks littered the route. She flinched as Nero’s hooves crashed across them. Gasping in a quick breath, she prayed for the terrain to level off.

Her lungs contracted like bellows and what little air remained, whistled out through her pursed lips. Nero tensed and she shuddered as he stumbled and then regained his balance. Her heart leapt to her throat and her wrists twisted as she wrenched on the reins to slow him. He quivered to a halt. Silver spots danced in front of her eyes and she gulped in a breath to feed her starving lungs. Nero’s muscled body trembled and quaked beneath her and white froth flecked his muzzle.

“We did it, darling Nero. We did it.” The salty tang of his body filled her nostrils as she leaned over his neck murmuring endearments. She swayed with exertion and forced her rubbery muscles to respond as she squinted into the sunlight. Figures on horseback towered above her, stalled on the road. She had an overwhelming urge to wave her hand and shriek in triumph.

But she resisted; this was her opportunity and she had no time to waste. She cut away to the right praying her memory of the maps was correct as she searched for the track leading her to Laguna.

“Lil-eee. Lil-eee.” Tom’s call bounced off the sandstone walls. Shading her eyes with her hand she stared back toward the culvert wall. It was empty.

“Lil-eee. Lil-eee.” The sorrowful echo reached her, resounding somewhere deep in her gut. Her sweat-soaked curls clung to her face as she shook her head, raging at her ridiculous foolishness. After such an exhilarating and successful leap for freedom why did she suddenly feel so melancholy? Her heels bruised Nero’s flanks and she urged him away in a fast canter.


 And now a little about Tea!
 
Téa’s always knew that one day she would write a novel. It probably started with a rather risqué story in the back of an exercise book at boarding school featuring the long suffering school gardener - not really the stuff romantic heroes were made of but it was before she knew any better.

Life and few heroes of her own showed her the error of her ways and with a baby under one arm, a husband and a half built house she entered a Mills and Boon competition. To her absolute earth shattering amazement she won second place – the prize was a bottle of perfume! Next time she determined she would do better.

But it was still the stuff of fantasy and her family, a herd of alpacas, a protea farm and teaching intervened until one day she decided it was time to do or die. No more procrastination. The characters and plots that had lived in her head for so long were clamoring to escape.

In August 2011 she got serious and joined Romance Writers Australia, entered the Harlequin Mills & Boon New Voices competition and to her horror wasn't discovered. Not even a bottle of perfume this time. But in reality she had won. Procrastination was conquered and determination set in. It was time to get serious.

Her first contemporary romance novel Tree Change was published in November 2012 followed by The Protea Boys and Passionfruit & Poetry in 2013. She has also written two historical romances - Lily's Leap and Matilda's Freedom - inspired by some of the fascinating characters haunting her local museum and a novella set in Ancient Greece.

When Téa is not in the museum she can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads or you can email her at teacooperauthor@gmail.com


Social Media links -  

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Twilight Tea Time Treat with a Bloodlust Denied Vampire

Bloodlust Denied is spotlighted over at Tea Cooper's Tea Time Treat today! There is also an excerpt from the book where Morana realises the duke is more than she bargained for :-)

Would love to see you there ~ and ~ there's the chance to win a copy of the book :-)


 

Monday, July 15, 2013

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT ALERT! + LASR Interview & Giveaway!

Join me today over at the wonderful Cassandra Carr's blog, where I share an exclusive excerpt of Bloodlust Denied! It's the scene where Alexius has just abducted Morana from an assembly room, and bundled her into his carriage for nefarious purposes :-)

I'm also interviewed over at Long and Short Reviews. where I reveal lots of riveting little tidbits! There's also the chance to win a copy of Bloodlust Denied by leaving a comment :-)






Friday, July 12, 2013

Interview with a Vampire Author... that would be me :-)

Join me today over at my good friend Shelley Munro's blog, where Shelley interviews me about my latest release, Bloodlust Denied! Find out which part of the writing process I find the most challenging ~  and ~ I managed to squeeze in one of my fave quotes as well! Can you guess which one?

There's also the chance to win a copy of this dark Regency romance by leaving a comment on Shelley's post. See you over there!







Tired of the thin-blooded aristocrats in 1815 London, Alexius yearns for better sport. He is drawn to a dark-haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his commands. Entranced by such novelty, he denies his bloodlust and decides to keep her to warm his bed.

 Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before, but the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms.

Neither one can deny the pull of the other, but there is something beyond the lust—a recognition neither can put a name to. The past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

Inside Scoop: Silk makes much softer shackles than iron, but is just as binding as our lovers engage in light BDSM sport with spanking and mild submission in this risqué Regency story.
 
Read Chapter One ~ Over 18s Only

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Digital First Read-a-Thon with BLOODLUST DENIED + Giveaway!

It's all go this week and there's another chance to win an e-copy of Bloodlust Denied over at The Book Reading Gals! This is part of the Digital First Read-a-Thon and is great fun, with heaps of giveaways on offer!


Tired of the thin-blooded aristocrats in 1815 London, Alexius yearns for better sport. He is drawn to a dark-haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his commands. Entranced by such novelty, he denies his bloodlust and decides to keep her to warm his bed.

 Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before, but the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms.

Neither one can deny the pull of the other, but there is something beyond the lust—a recognition neither can put a name to. The past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

Inside Scoop: Silk makes much softer shackles than iron, but is just as binding as our lovers engage in light BDSM sport with spanking and mild submission in this risqué Regency story.

Read Chapter One 

“I was very happy when I read the blurb, as I am a fan of paranormal, erotica, and I love a good regency romance.  Phillips gave me all three, so how could I not be absolutely thrilled!“  4 Stars  Vampire Romance Books

“I wanted to figure out what was going on and why the two had such fiery chemistry: their sex scenes (and they were frequent) leapt off the pages to tickle and entice in all the right places like a giant steam bath.”  4 Stars The Jeep Diva


Monday, July 08, 2013

A Tasty Nibble of Something Wicked...






Today I'm hanging out with the absolutely lovely ladies over at I Smell Sheep where my hero, Alexius, from Bloodlust Denied, has graciously consented to be the Alpha Male Diner for the night. Try a tasty nibble of this arrogant vampire... if you dare :-)




I'm giving away an e-copy of the book, so hop on over and join in the fun!!

Friday, July 05, 2013

Enraptured by Mel Teshco

Today I'm so happy to showcase fellow Ellora's Cave author Mel Tescho's latest sizzling release, Enraptured! My goodness, look at that sultry cover :-) Mel and I have been online buddies for years, and finally met three years ago at the RWAus conference in Sydney (was it really that long ago!)




 Blurb

Kate grew up knowing how badly bullying could batter self esteem. That was why she never imagined herself as beautiful and sophisticated, Brandy, high-class call girl.
   
She loves sex, loves her job that gives her self-assurance, financial security. Being on the arms and in the beds of the most influential and powerful men in Australia doesn’t hurt, either.


When billionaire philanthropist Blaine starts taking more than a professional interest in her—both in and out of bed-- Kate has to decide whether to run, or stay and risk it all for the man she not only lusts after, but loves.

 Check out Mel's scorching Alien Hunger series!




Galactic Inferno
Ally Grayson believes she’s the last person on Earth after aliens arrived, bringing with them a deadly virus that wiped out most of mankind.
Somehow surviving the annihilation, she hides in a Sydney house with her dog, Bonnie. She knows she has to leave before the “eyes in the sky” detect her and have her captured, but she never expects an alien to save her and Bonnie from the jaws of a ravenous, feral dog. Never expects to be drawn to Renate, the alien male who seems more human than any man she’s ever known.
She fights an attraction she can’t win, and soon enough she’s in his arms, under his hard, amazing body. Except their unearthly desire might not be enough to keep them together when Renate’s alien comrades close in.
Galactic Burn
Humans have been almost wiped out. All the males are gone and only a few hundred females worldwide survived the devastation. The same deadly virus annihilated the female population of a mighty alien nation, and their three kings—Dar, Ezra and Maddox—are looking for one special female, Lillian, to capture and seduce.

Though Lillian survived, she has no memory and struggles with the fact that three alien men have become her lovers. One by one, they take her, make her burn for release and satisfy her every sexual need. She craves their touches, their kisses, their comforting embraces while forming strong emotional bonds with each. Lillian is falling for her sexy aliens and agrees to become their life mate in a special ceremony—her three males will make love to Lillian as all the surviving alien males watch.

But, as the ceremony nears, Lillian begins to remember. The aliens lied and covered up the horrible truth. Their happy, new life together might not be possible after all.
 
Galactic Flame

Eden isn’t meant to be the alien prince’s life mate; it’s her sister who’s been promised to him. But when Genesis comes to Earth and mistakenly believes Eden is his mate, she knows it’s the perfect opportunity to play the role her sister never wanted. And when she steps into the magnificent alien’s arms, and is taught unimaginable carnal pleasure, Eden knows she’s filched a priceless prize indeed.


 

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

July's Aussie Author Giveaway!

It's July which means we're into the second month of the fabulous Aussie Author Giveaway madness! Read on to find out how you could win a box full of books from Australian authors.

Enjoy paranormal romance? Fantasy romance? Urban fantasy? Post-apocalyptic romance? Steampunk romance?

Would you jump at a chance or two to win a box full of these sorts of books?

Who, what, where, when and how can I win? - I hear you cry!

Well, 9 Aussie paranormal romance authors have banded together and each have donated books and swag from their latest series to go into the Aussie Author Giveaway - three huge giveaway packages which will be on display at some of the specialty romance bookstores here in Australia.


 
This month's box of goodness is at Rosemary’s Romance Bookstore (Queensland) and will run through the entire month of July.

The third box of giveaway-fun will be with Galaxy Books (Sydney) over August 2013.

All readers have to do is order a book (or books) from these stores in the designated giveaway month - either in person or online. You'll earn one entry per purchase in the Giveaway. The prize winner will be drawn at the end of the month and the Aussie Author Giveaway box of goodies will be posted to you.

NB. Due to postage costs, entry is restricted to Australian readers.

So, come on Aussies, come on! Support your specialty romance bookstores, get to know some local Aussie authors - and you could find a huge parcel of books in your mailbox at the end of July!

Monday, July 01, 2013

Release Day for Matilda's Freedom ~ Tea Cooper + GIVEAWAY!

I'm delighted to welcome the lovely Téa Cooper to help celebrate the release of Matilda's Freedom today! Happy book birthday, Téa :-)

Not only do we have an enticing excerpt for you, but Téa is generously giving away a copy of one of her other historical romances - either Lily's Leap or A Winning Streak to one lucky commenter!

Exciting Update! Matilda's Freedom  is currently sitting at #6 in Top Paid Historical Romances on iTunes and #62 in overall romances!




Matilda's Freedom by Téa Cooper

Blurb:

An unconventional woman clashes with colonial society in this spicy and sweet Australian-set historical romance. 

His carefree bachelor days over, Christopher Matcham returns to Sydney to take responsibility for his mother, two stepsisters, and the family property. Fortune smiles on him when he is introduced to Matilda Sweet, a woman in need of work. Though unusual, Christopher senses that her fresh ideals and positive outlook can only benefit his sisters, so he hires her as a companion. 

By the time they arrive at Christopher’s family home, the two are fast friends. But Matilda’s unorthodox ways and her convict heritage make her a second class citizen to the family. Christopher has responsibilities, and they include an advantageous match. A breeches-wearing, fish-pond-swimming, plain-talking convict’s daughter will never fit in. After all, romance is a luxury the upper classes cannot afford…

Digital Edition: AU$4.99 | ISBN: 9780857990600| Length: 59,000 words
Publication Date: July 1, 2013 | PDF – MOBI – EPUB |Historical Romance
 Harlequin Escape
Excerpt:

Sydney, Autumn 1856

‘Paris is a city of contradictionsrich and poor, the glamorous and the debauchedand I loved every moment of it.’

Christopher Matcham turned his head as the girl’s breath caught, although he was uncertain whether the sound was from shock or delight. In another situation, he might have interpreted it as a sign of pleasure. Rocking back in his chair, he stared across the table at the delectable Miss Matilda Sweet.

Matilda radiated vitality and vivacity. In the flickering candlelight, her skin had an almost amber hue, highlighting her honeyed hair. Her wide eyes beckoned to him, and a tiny pulse flickered along her elegant neck. She might be a currency lass and of convict stock, but her looks were far from disappointing. She was so different from the women of Sydney societyand that of Paris.

‘Kit, I think you’re getting worse with age instead of better. Remember, there are ladies present.’

The delighted grin on Emily Bainbridge’s face belied her husband’s words. ‘Richard, don’t be such a stuffed shirt. I would love to hear about Paris. We get so little news from elsewhere, and I’m sure Matilda doesn’t mind.’

The girl smiled and lowered her eyes behind lashes that would have done a courtesan proud. Her hand fluttered to the column of her throat.

‘I am totally fascinated. I cannot imagine what Paris must be like. They say half the world visited the city for the Exhibition Universelle.’

Matilda’s low contralto rippled across his skin like a warm brandy, and the temptation to lean across the table and inhale her scent was almost overpowering. Clearing his throat, Christopher dragged his eyes away from her generous mouth and made an effort to pay due attention to his host and hostess.

‘Paris is certainly a fascinating city, full of intriguing layers. The upper classes cling to the skirts of the Emperor and Empress while on the seamier side, the commoners flex their muscles and enjoy life. The cafés are open day and night, and the entertainment is outrageous. La chahut dancers have claimed the streets as their own. Their acrobatic skills are phenomenal. The dancers kick their legs so high they can remove a man’s hat and then, of course, display delightful glimpses of their under—’