Golden Ankh Nominated TAINTED @MySexySaturday Hot Warrior #Historical

Welcome to this week's My Sexy Saturday! This week we're all about the sexy for those characters who have survived a war or great loss, and have found love again.

This week I'm sharing 7 paragraphs from Tainted, the fourth book in my Forbidden series. Both Gawain and Antonia have suffered in the past due to war and the loss of loved ones, and neither believe they will ever fall in love. This scene is when Antonia keeps her word to meet with Gawain for an illicit liaison, a decision that will change both their lives forever :-)

Tainted and Bloodlust Denied have been nominated in the Historical Section and Twilight (Other) Section for the Ellora’s Cave Golden Ankh Awards for Favorite E-Book of the Year!

If you enjoy my books I would love your vote You can vote from now until 23rd July for your favorite books on the EC Survey

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the EC RomantiCon

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

A door opened to her left and she turned to see Gawain stroll in from the bathhouse. Her heart thudded against her chest, making it hard to draw breath, and the pit of her stomach trembled with strange, liquid heat.

He looked utterly foreign, a savage warrior, and sunlight glinted on the barbaric jewelry around his throat and at his ear. He smiled, a slow, seductive smile that sent tremors through her blood and did nothing to ease the constriction in her breast.

Except for Elpis, she was alone with a strange man, a man she had virtually propositioned in the street. A native of a conquered land who made no secret of the fact he despised her people. And yet it wasn’t derision that glowed in his eyes. It was lust.

For her.

“Lady Antonia.” His smoky voice wrapped around her senses, as potent as though he had wrapped his arms around her naked body. “You kept your word.”

“Did you doubt I would?” She scarcely recognized her voice. She sounded like a sultry seductress. Perhaps, after all, Gawain would never guess what a novice she was when it came to playing such dangerous games.

He stopped in front of her, so close that the amber flecks in his dark eyes mesmerized her. “No.” The word sank into her blood, igniting sparks of pleasure that skittered across her exposed flesh. “You want this as much as I do.”

Excerpt      Reviews

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Hop over and check out the rest of the authors participating in My Sexy Saturday this week!

Erotic Historical Romance TAINTED #MySexySaturday Enemies to Lovers

This week I'm sharing seven paragraphs of my erotic historical romance, Tainted. The hero Gawain is a Celt warrior and against everything he believes in he's fallen hard for Antonia, a Roman patrician. In this scene Gawain is expecting a friend - but it's Antonia who's come to him. And he knows that now he will never be able to let her go...

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

  Tainted~ a 2013 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Erotic Romance

"Enter,” he growled when it became apparent she had no intention of opening the door until he invited her to do so. How unlike her normal disregard for his privacy. The door slowly opened and his heart jackknifed against his ribs at the familiar silhouette.
 

Antonia.

She stood at the threshold. In the distance behind her was the newly constructed villa that encompassed her Roman world. And if she took a single step forward it would bring her into his.

Time slowed and his breath tangled in his chest. She was a vision in her pale blue gown with her blonde ringlets framing her face and dusting the elegant curve of her shoulders. Beyond the door, sunlight cast a golden glow and dark shadows across the wild grasses and ancient trees, somehow enhancing the absolute stillness of the woman caught between two opposing cultures.

He couldn’t drag his mesmerized gaze from her. And yet with every thud of his heart the sordid baseness of this wattle and daub roundhouse—his hut—dug deeper into his heart.

No matter how noble his heritage or that the blood of the gods ran through his veins. He could never offer her the kind of lifestyle she was accustomed to. Even with slaves or servants to undertake the menial tasks of living, they would never possess the type of wealth patricians took for granted.

For a moment, his conviction wavered. But only for a moment. Antonia was his light in a world of dark and he would not leave her behind.

Read Chapter One of Tainted

“Phillips’ ability to spark utterly irresistible tension between her characters is showcased in full force in her fourth Forbidden novel.” 4 Stars  Romantic Times Book Reviews

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 Don't forget to enjoy the rest of the My Sexy Saturday Hop!

Triple Finalist in ARRA Awards for Fave Erotic Romance 2013!

This morning I woke to the very exciting news that not one, not two-- but three of my erotic historical romances had finaled in the Australian Romance Readers Awards for Favorite Erotic Romance in 2013!

Voting is open until 5th March for all ARRA members and the winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 22nd March 2014 at Cello's Restaurant in Sydney. Unfortunately I won't be able to make the dinner but will be biting my nails back here in WA on the night :-)

Betrayed

“Definitely recommended for lovers of great writing, well fleshed out characters and hot, beautiful romance.” 5 Stars Love Lust and Lipstick Stains

 Tainted

“Phillips’ ability to spark utterly irresistible tension between her characters is showcased in full force in her fourth Forbidden novel.” 4 Stars  Romantic Times Book Reviews

 

 Her Savage Scot

 

  “…spellbinding historical romance with a superb erotic read, which will keep you panting for more. ” 5 Stars A Readers Review

4 Star Review for TAINTED from RT Book Reviews

I'm absolutely delighted with the 4 star review that RT Book Reviews gave Tainted.

"Phillips’ ability to spark utterly irresistible tension between her characters is showcased in full force in her fourth Forbidden novel. In this taut enemies-to-lovers story, the chemistry is blazing from the first scene and, as their secrets and hidden scars are slowly revealed, the depth of emotion that develops make this story a well-rounded success. Rife with historical detail and a pinch of ancient mysticism, this will surely delight Phillips’ fans and new readers in equal measure."

 

Full review can be read here 

 

 

Read Chapter One of Tainted

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Historical Romance Week at Reading Between the Wines

Today I'm over at Reading Between the Wines where there is a week long celebration of Historical Romance :-)

Pop over and join me as I give a low down to the background to Her Savage Scot, the first book in my Highland Warrior Chronicles and which hits the cyber shelves next Wednesday!

There's also the chance to go into the contest to win an e-copy of my sizzling hot Roman/Druid romance, Tainted.

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Six Pack Stud-a-Thon & Chris Hemsworth Inspiration

Welcome to the first annual Six-Pack Stud-a-Thon!

I don't often have a specific actor or model in mind when I write my heroes, but Gawain, the tough Celt warrior of my latest release, Tainted, reminded me of the gorgeous Chris Hemsworth, especially in his Thor role :-) So when I received the cover I was pretty excited - look at those biceps! What's not to love  :-)

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

"To say I loved this book is an understatement.  This book is a must read!  5 books!!!” I Feel the Need, the Need to Read

“Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance…” 5 Stars  A Readers Review

“…If you like raw, erotic but romantic stories with a hero you are bound to fall for and heroine you can’t help but admire, then I highly recommend Tainted” 5 Stars Love, Lust and Lipstick Stains

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The men of LaBare Dallas, Del Green, Justin Whitfield, Jeremy Mooney along with a host of other models/trainers will be warming your screens with sexy pics and yummy prizes! They are working with this blog tour in exchange for social media love. In payment for their delicious bodies being pimped out they are donating prizes for the Grand Prize:

Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter contest below to be entered into the Grand Prize and leave a comment (with your email address) to be entered into my drawing for a copy of my erotic vampire romance, Bloodlust Denied!

 

Romantic Times BOOK Review 4 Stars

“The dangerous, addictive passion that singes the main characters is all-encompassing…”

“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


"Sultry and seductive, Bloodlust Denied is both intriguing and romantic." 4 Stars You Gotta Read Reviews

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And here's the link to all the other fabulous bloggers who are taking part in this sexy hop! 

My Sexy Saturday ~ TAINTED ~ Enemies to Lovers

This is my first week participating in My Sexy Saturday! Every week published and unpublished authors share 7 words, 7 sentences or 7 paragraphs from a work-in-progress or an already published book.

I'm going to share seven paragraphs from my recent release, Tainted, an erotic romance between a tough Celtic warrior and his beautiful Roman noblewoman. This is the first time Gawain and Antonia meet, and illicit passion ignites between them :-)

A dangerous love Rome will never allow...

Once again he smiled, but this time it was a smile of masculine satisfaction without a trace of his former mockery. Strange little darts of desire attacked low, between her thighs, and disbelief spiked through her as decadent warmth slid sensuously through her damp channel.

Her fingers twitched as the outrageous notion to push her hand between her thighs and press against her throbbing core fluttered through her distracted mind. Desperately she tried to concentrate on their conversation and not the exquisite sensations cascading through her breast and belly. But the man before her was the cause, and she could not look away.

“I have no wish for you to fear me, Antonia.” She scarcely registered his lack of deference for her rank as the tip of his finger traced over her wrist. “I would never hurt you.” His finger trailed along the back of her hand, perilously close to where her fingers clutched her gown on her lap.

Paralyzed, she stared at him and imagined, instead, how it would feel if Gawain slid his hand between her tightly pressed thighs. The thought scorched her senses and another exquisite wave of damp lust teased her swollen folds.

Did he know the affect he had on her? It was a mortifying thought. She struggled to regain control of her senses, the use of her voice. And only then did the scandalous impropriety of his touch finally occur to her.

She should pull her hand away. Stand up. Put distance between them. He might be a kin of her hostess, but he had no right to touch her so. No right to cause such shocking sensations to ricochet through her body with little more than a smoldering glance.

But the shameful truth was, she enjoyed his touch. Even if all it comprised was the tip of one finger tracing across her knuckles. Where, earlier, his lips had also caressed.

Read Chapter One of Tainted

Available from

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Don't forget to check out the other fabulous authors participating in My Sexy Saturday!

5 Star Reviews for TAINTED!

Tainted has received two fabulous 5 star reviews!


"I was captivated with the time period and the characters… To say I loved this book is an understatement.  This book is a must read!  5 books!!!” I Feel the Need, the Need to Read

“Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance… 

“The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love.  As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. 

“… Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot…
“I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.” 

 A Readers Review

Release Day for TAINTED! Forbidden Love & Deadly Secrets...

 Tainted is the fourth book set in my mystical Roman/Druid world, and this time I mixed things up a bit. The hero is a tough Celt warrior, who had a minor role in the first two books, Forbidden and Captive. I always loved Gawain and wanted to find out what happened to him, and this is his story.  I knew for a long time that when Gawain fell in love again it would be with a woman so unlike any he had known before that his world would turn inside out. And much to my delight, this is exactly what happens when he meets Antonia, a beautiful Roman noblewoman :-)

 

A dangerous love that Rome will never allow...

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Celtic warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she ignites his passion like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt whose touch stirs a desire she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. With Gawain she learns the pleasure of sex and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Inside Scoop: This medieval romance dabbles a wee bit in the paranormal.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy from Ellora’s Cave 

Tainted has received its first review!

 

 "I was captivated with the time period and the characters... To say I loved this book is an understatement.  This book is a must read!  5 books!!!” I Feel the Need, the Need to Read

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Seduction Blog Hop Winners!

Congratulations to the Winners!

Valerie Rhodes won the $75 GC and  7 books 

Michelle Penden Vasquez won the 10 book bundle!

 

 

And the winner of an e-copy of  

Bloodlust Denied

is

 

Kathy Osborn

 

Congratulations Kathy! I will be emailing you very soon :-)

 

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and joined in the fun!

 

Don't forget to join in my Cover Reveal Blog Tour to celebrate the 28th August release of 

Tainted

my sexy Roman/Druid romance :-)  

 

     

TAINTED Cover Reveal & International Giveaway!!!

I'm so excited to finally reveal the absolutely stunning cover for the fourth book set in my mystical Roman/Druid world, Tainted. The hero Gawain and heroine Antonia are just how I imagined, and the details on the cover, that showcase both Gawain and Antonia's opposing cultures, are perfect :-)

To celebrate I'm participating in a month long Tainted Cover Reveal Blog Tour - details below.

What do you think of the cover?

        Blurb

A dangerous love that Rome will never allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Celtic warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she ignites his passion like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt whose touch stirs a desire she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. With Gawain she learns the pleasure of sex and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Inside Scoop: This medieval romance dabbles a wee bit in the paranormal.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Read Chapter One of Tainted

ISBN: 9781419940734

Release date: 28th August 2013

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Tour Wide Giveaway Details

One Prize (International):

E-copy of the previous book set in this world, Betrayed

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Swag – Bookmarks, Postcards and Fridge Magnets

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5 Star Review for BETRAYED

I was thrilled to receive the link to this review of BETRAYED a couple of days ago, from Tina at areadersreviewblog. Here is an extract, and the full review can be read at areadersreviewblog.


"Nimue is a fantastic heroine, not only brave but also possessing great knowledge as she is an acolyte to the goddess Arianrhod. She seeks guidance and enlightenment in some mystical scenes which take place throughout the novel. She is also a skilled healer and archer. She is loyal to her people and wants to free them from the indignities she sees them suffer. She knows that Tacitus will view her actions as the ultimate betrayal and also what will happen to her if she fails. She also carries a secret burden and heartbreak from her past.

Tacitus is a wonderful hero, masterful and passionate. A complex and honourable individual, he does not always conform to Roman views. He has never taken a slave and will not force himself on a woman. Tacitus is entranced by Nimue, who is open and confident in her sexuality and is amused that she, a slave, gives him orders. He strives to understand her customs and beliefs. However, what will he do when he discovers that she is not just a Celt, but a Druid who communes with the gods, let alone one who is hell bent on betraying his trust?

The author creates a world full characters that jumped of the page. I am no scholar of ancient Britain but she appears to have done a lot of research into the customs, religion and medicinal uses of various herbs etc. of the time. The erotic scenes are beautifully executed and you could really sense the growing connection between the lovers, who, despite being sworn enemies were a perfect foil for each other. I feared that I, along with my Kindle, would spontaneously combust whilst reading it!

I recommend this novel to all lovers of erotic romance, especially those who like a historical theme and a strong heroine and a leading man who is the embodiment of male sexuality and virtue. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Tainted."

Read Chapter One of Betrayed

Steamy Excerpt of Betrayed

 

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Hot Warriors, Vampires & Sizzling Sex

The last few months have been hectic writing wise, and I thought I'd just give a quick update on what I've been up to.

At the end of February I handed in Tainted, the fourth book set in my Roman/Druid world. I should be getting revisions on that in the next couple of months. I've also filled in the cover art form and will be sending that off shortly.

At the beginning of last week I received edits on Bloodlust Denied, my dark Regency romance with a vampire duke, and sent them back at the weekend. Thankfully my editor loved them so this book has now been passed up the chain and we should be getting a release date soon. I'll keep you posted!

Her Savage Scot, the first book in my Highland Warrior Chronicles, is also with my editor and she hopes to get to this one within the next few months. I've already sent the cover art form off for this and can't wait to see what Ellora's Cave come up with. A hot sexy Highland Warrior I hope!!

A few days ago I was over at the Cafe at All Romance E-books having a chat about how some heroes just won't take no for an answer, and refuse to leave until their story has been told. And don't forget there's only three more days until the 50% rebate on all EC books at ARe finishes!

Congratulations to the Winners of a Copy of BETRAYED!

A big thank you to everyone who joined in my blog tour to help celebrate the release of my debut Ellora's Cave romance, Betrayed. It was great fun chatting to everyone on the different blogs! And what's more, in a few months time we can do it all again with Bloodlust Denied and Tainted!!!

So without further dilly dallying, here are the winners:

Dark Side Downunder           Mary Preston

Lucky in Love Blog Hop         Kamla

Phillipa Ashley                       Tina Williams

The Romance Reviews           Heather Robinson

Historical Hearts                    Mari Watson

Shelley Munro                        Nessa                                          

Tina Donahue                         Mannouchka                                     

I Smell Sheep                         Amanda R                              

Congratulations!

And if you enjoy reading my books, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads!

Thank you!

Spilling Hot Secrets!

Today I'm a guest over at In Shadows with Brynna Curry to help celebrate her Heart of Romance Valentine's celebrations and I spill some secrets about my upcoming books, BETRAYED and TAINTED :-)

An Update on my Sexy Warriors

With publishing, it seems like forever can go by without very much happening and then all of sudden everything comes at once (rather like buses in England!!!)

I spent most of November and December last year doing revisions on my next Roman/Druid book, Betrayed, for my fabulous editor at Ellora's Cave. I sent that off to her on 18th December and she was very happy with the results, much to my relief.

In the New Year I gave my Regency Vampire novel, Bloodlust Denied, a thorough edit before sending it to my editor, who had requested an updated copy. Then I went back to Tainted (book 4 in my Roman/Druid series) and my gorgeous hero Gawain, and his Roman noblewoman heroine Antonia.

The current status on that book is - I am soooo near the end that I can taste it! I have about two more scenes plus an epilogue to write before I go back to the beginning and revise. The deadline on this book is 28th February so I should be OK.

However! Last night I received an email from my new developmental editor at Ellora's Cave, to let me know she would have the edited manuscript of Betrayed ready to send me on Monday. She also said how much she loved the story! That totally made my night :-)

So hopefully I might soon have a release date for Betrayed, which will be very exciting! It's been almost two years since Captive (book 2) hit the shelves and I am so looking forward to Nimue and Tacitus's story finally seeing the light :-)

Partying with the Banditas!

Happy Friday!


Today I'm in the Lair over at the Romance Bandits  with my good friend Regency romance author Anna Campbell. I'm not only divulging secrets about the second Archangel book in the series but also books 3 and 4 in my Roman/Druid world, Betrayed and Tainted, and there's a tantalizing glimpse into the world of my Regency Vampire, Alexius, from Bloodlust Denied. There's also an international giveaway of a copy of Archangel of Mercy for one lucky commenter!

Here's something delicious and decadent

that I had the other night!

Almost as yummy as Gabe :-)

BETRAYED & TAINTED

I heard from my editor a couple of weeks ago when she let me know she was reading Betrayed. So I'm looking forward to edits landing any time now on that! And when I say I'm looking forward to them, I kind of mean it. I love having input from editors, and working on their suggestions to make the book as strong as it possibly can be.

I received the cover a little while ago and will be unveiling that shortly! 

Betrayed

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion, she’s determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king.

But the tough Roman warrior who saved her life is far from the brutal barbarian she fears. His touch inflames and passion burns and against everything she believes in her heart surrenders to her enemy.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. He’s determined to make her his, whatever it takes.But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.

I'm currently a third into writing the fourth installment of my Roman/Druid world, Tainted. This book is set in what is now Colchester in the UK. This time the heroine is a Roman noblewoman, Antonia, and her hero is a tough barbarian warrior from one of my previous books in the series. Maximus and Carys, from Forbidden, feature a lot in this book and I've loved finding out what's been happening to them during the two years since they first fell in love.

(This blurb is likely to be tweaked when I've finished writing the book!)

Tainted

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Druid warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. But despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt who ignites a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. She knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. But when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

 

SOLD! To Ellora's Cave!

I'm beyond delighted to share that books 3 and 4 in my Forbidden Roman/Druid series have been contracted to Ellora's Cave! I have my fingers crossed that book 3 will be out later this year or early next year. I'll keep you posted!

Here are the (unedited) blurbs to give you a taster:

Betrayed

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion, she's determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king.

But the tough Roman warrior who saved her life is far from the brutal barbarian she fears. His touch inflames and passion burns and against everything she believes in her heart surrenders to her enemy.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. He's determined to make her his, whatever it takes.But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he's ever believed in.

Tainted

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Druid warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. But despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt who ignites a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. She knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. But when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she's grown to love.

I've also sold a Regency Vampire novella and an exciting Highland Warrior series to Ellora's Cave. More details on those books coming soon. Looks like a busy year ahead!