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.

Ellora's Cave 

Amazon 

 

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!

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

Harlequin Escape

Amazon
iTunes

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 contradictions—rich and poor, the glamorous and the debauched—and 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 society—and 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—’

A Hawk Enslaved ~ Venetia Green

I'm delighted to showcase fellow West Australian and Historical Hearts author Venetia Green's debut romance, A Hawk Enslaved, from Ellora's Cave Blush line. Hot Vikings! What's not to love?

As well as dark and sensuous romances set amongst the fjords of Viking Age Scandinavia, Venetia also writes sizzling erotic romance set in the back alleys of medieval London. 

Title: A Hawk Enslaved

 

Author: Venetia Green

 

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing

 

Buy Links:

 

Ellora's Cave  

 

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Website 

 

Goodreads 

Blurb

 

A beautiful hawk tamer enslaved by Vikings.

 

Ragnar Ulfsson must find his king a concubine. His solution is Isolde, captured while climbing the sea cliffs for falcons. Enslaved in his own way, Ragnar has few qualms about binding another to his lord for the greater good. After all, it is an honour to share the bed of a king.

 

Isolde does not view slavery so complacently. Like a hawk caged, she is frantic to escape. The king’s hall is a bubbling stew of political intrigue and Isolde is an essential ingredient in the mix. Her only hope is Ragnar, who captured her but also promises to free her—eventually. But there is something strange about this dark Viking, oddly withdrawn and controlled, and their growing bond will lead her into greater danger still.

 

For Ragnar doesn’t touch women. For good reason.

Excerpt

 

The king’s hand had not left her throughout. At times it stroked her hair, or as if tired, rested on her shoulder as she sat huddled at his feet. Strangely, she did not mind. It was not a roaming, invasive hand. Instead it felt vaguely reassuring. For a fleeting instant she was glad she belonged to this king rather than becoming an ordinary thrall. The image of the serving-woman’s face stayed with her, that expression of dull endurance as a drunkard mauled her breast for all to see. Was that all such a woman had to endure? Isolde moved her eyes carefully away from the trestle of warriors and their attendant women. Things were getting steadily less inhibited down there. She would like to think those girls were there of their own will.

She became aware of a disturbance toward the queen’s end of the dais.

“You doubt our lord’s manhood, Lars?”

An ox of a man had semi-risen from his seat and was leaning over the board to bellow at a warrior across the aisle. The second man waved his hands in a calming motion and said something inaudible.

“That is not good enough, by Thor! I wager he will prove his ability before us all tonight!” The ox thumped the table. “And then you will retract your limp assertions.”

“And I wager he will not, not of course because he cannot. I would never imply such a thing,” the second man said in dry but carrying tones.

Others were paying attention now. Isolde noticed heads turning, could practically see the ears pricking.

“What will you wager, Lars?” the oxlike one was demanding. “Your mouth is foul but your silver is fair enough. Here!” He wrenched an arm ring off one hairy arm, waving it about. “I wager Bothvar will give all true men a fine example of how to sow their crops tonight!”

The trestle around them broke into an uproar as warriors, bolstered no doubt by ale, added opinions and bets of their own. Isolde felt the king’s hand stiffen on her shoulder.

“Ja, who throws doubt on our king’s capacities! One fine woman is not enough for his appetite, but he must have another!”

“The queen has not entered her lord’s bedchamber in months now.” Spoken in a low voice.

“How know you this? Besides, who’s to say he don’t give it to her someplace else!”

Guffaws and suggestions of alternative locations.

Even those at the far end of the hall were listening now. The atmosphere had turned curiously tense, and many shot considering glances from king to queen. Isolde could feel the tension invading her blood, seeming to freeze it to sluggish thickness in her veins. Surely nothing would come of this ridiculous wagering? It was just the pastime of men in their cups, something no dignified ruler would take seriously. Unable to stop herself, Isolde sought out Ragnar’s face, seeking some clue.

It was no comfort. He too listened to the ruckus of wagering warriors. His face had a strained look, eyes seeming darker and more fathomless than ever. But he did not move.

Growing more agitated, Isolde swung back to the warriors. More were standing now, and the volume had grown. Snatches of words caught at her ears.

“Wouldn’t be a man if he didn’t.”

“He’s only got one son, after all…”

“I’d do it myself if…”

“There! I wager my lance against the performance of the king’s!”

Amidst it all the queen sat serene in her thick white fur. She did not appear at all disturbed by the deluge of innuendo. Her face was calm and pale as ever, the hint of a smile playing over fine lips. As Isolde watched, Hvíta turned to look directly at Bothvar, wintery eyes boring into his over Isolde’s head. She could not see the king’s expression, but Isolde shrank back against his leg. Hvíta’s meaning was plain. She had thrown a challenge at Bothvar, one he was bound to answer.

“My lord, this is getting out of hand. Would you have me quieten their wagging tongues?”

Ragnar stood behind the king.

“What?” The king hesitated then shook his head. “No…no. It has gone too far.”

Ragnar looked down into Isolde’s upturned face. “You would do as they wish then, my lord?” His voice was quieter than ever.

“Do I have a choice? She is behind this. She will not back down, and so neither can I.”

“What? Before them all? What of…” Ragnar did not finish the sentence.

“No. Not here. In my quarters.”

“Please…” Isolde found her voice at last. They were talking in riddles but she was dreadfully afraid she was beginning to catch their meaning. She looked pleadingly up at Ragnar. Never mind the disgust she had felt for him earlier.

Both men observed her in silence.

“I-I do not want…” She could not make the words come out.

Bothvar squeezed her shoulder. “This is not what I had planned, my dear. But,” he straightened suddenly, seeming to shrug off his years, “I have a kingdom to rule. And men must respect their king.”

Full Bloom ~ Bianca Sarble

I'm so happy to spotlight the lovely Bianca Sarble today to help celebrate her debut release Full Bloom! Congratulations, Bianca!

Today is the day!! First I’d like to say a big thank you to Christina for helping me celebrate the release of my first book – Full Bloom.

Step into the world of Freewill, Wyoming, the town at the center of Decadent Publishing’s Western Escape line. A place where the locals are friendly and the cowboys are hot!

I hope you enjoy Full Bloom and I’d love to hear from you!

BLURB

Tash Hathaway has moved back to Freewill to open her own flower shop—Freewill Flower Garden. She is actively seeking a man to fill her Mr. Right vacancy and has even signed up to find him online. But when she finds duds instead of studs Cassi, Tash's best friend, convinces her to take a break and live a little, make some of her cowboy fantasies come true before settling down.

When his riding partner is injured, Nathan Davis goes home for a break from the PRCA circuit. He returns to find his life changing in ways he's not ready for. Nor does he expect the distraction of a beautiful small town girl who fulfills his wildest fantasies.

Tash and Nathan collide in a lust-filled bubble, but neither of them are prepared when things get serious. Can love come to full bloom between two people determined to have a temporary bit of fun?

Excerpt

“Tash Hathaway.” He clicked his fingers. “Now I remember. You were a couple of years behind me at high school. How’s things?”

Oh my God. He’d remembered her. “Um, things are great. I own the flower shop in town.”

“So, you own that pretty little pink thing?”

Pretty little pink thing? What?

“Oh, the van!” Tash glanced over her shoulder at the bubblegum pink delivery van. “I bought it secondhand from a mobile hairdresser and haven’t taken it to get painted yet. I’m kinda getting used to the pink. So, what brings you back to town?”

“My traveling partner came second to a bull and wound up with a broken leg. By the time I helped get him settled in Texas, I’d fallen behind in the points, so I thought I’d spend some time at home. Come see the family, help out a bit. Lucky I did because my mom fell in the barn yesterday and broke her wrist.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. I hope she’s okay.”

“Yeah, she is, thanks.”

His voice sounded so smooth, but with a bit more twang than she remembered from high school. He’d certainly changed from the shy rancher’s son into a hunk of smokin’ hot cowboy.

“My dad’s bringing her home today, but it’s going to be tough on her.” Nathan half snorted. “Not one of the best things to do in a barn.”

Tash couldn’t resist trying out her newly rediscovered flirting skills with a man that not only flipped her switch but lit up the whole damn box. She hit him with her sexiest smile. “And I bet you’re an expert in all the best things to do in a barn.”

Nathan rubbed his chin as he looked her up and down. “Looking for some lessons?”

Don’t shoot your hand in the sky and say, “Pick me! Sign Me Up!”

She cocked her head as she ran her gaze over him, taking him in from the hair she wanted to run her fingers through, to his rather large buckle. She’d put him a little over six foot, which made him her idea of a perfect fit. Being a tall, lush woman, Tash liked the feel of her lover surrounding her as they made love, and knowing he wasn’t going to drop her when he had her pinned to the wall, banging her brains out.

“That depends. Are you skilled enough to be a teacher?”

An arched brow and curved corner of his delicious mouth hinted at his cautious curiosity. He came a step closer, their bodies separated only by inches. “Oh, I’ve got the skills. I’m a professional cowboy, which means I like to perfect every ride, every time.” Nathan leaned in close to her ear. “Which can take hours of practice.” He ran his fingertip up her arm as he slowly moved back and met her eyes. “And what kind of a cowboy would I be if I didn’t know my way around ropes? That’s a skill I’m very, very good at.”

 

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It Happened One Night ~ Phillips Ashley

Today I'm delighted to showcase It Happened One Night, the latest fabulous release by my good friend, Phillipa Ashley. Look at this gorgeous cover!

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

Phillipa Ashley

Published as an e book by Piatkus Entice on June 6^th 2013

Blurb:

Sophie McBride has been in love with Adam Templar for as long as she can remember. Talented, brilliant and sexy, he shines like the sun over the tiny Lakeland village where she's grown up. Now, at eighteen, she has her own big ideas and what's more, Adam is home from university and has finally noticed her . . . really noticed her. When he asks her to a party, she dares to hope that all her dreams can come true, but what happens that night sets off a chain of events that bring heartbreak for Sophie - and lead to Adam leaving Langmere under the darkest of clouds.

Ten years later, no one is more shocked than Sophie to find him back in the village. Now an up-and-coming film director, he's returned to make a drama about a notorious local poet and brought his glamorous cast, crew - and girlfriend - with him. As the on-screen drama plays out, can Sophie and Adam lay the past to rest or will history repeat itself?

EXTRACT

21 year old Adam Templar has finally made 18 year old Sophie McBride’s young life complete and asked her to spend the night with him at his younger sister’s birthday party – where he’s supposed to be in charge…

                                                                                                                 

Adam emerged from the en suite, hurriedly buttoning up his Levis, “I have to go downstairs and make sure no one’s been killed in the past half-hour,” he said, shrugging on his T-shirt. “You stay here.”

“What, in bed?” asked Sophie, knowing exactly what he meant but wanting to hear him say it because it turned her on.

 “Yes, in bed. Where else? You don’t think I’m wasting the fruits of the Bell’s condom machine, do you?” He sat down on the bed next to her, tilting her chin up in the cradle of his fingers. “This is going to sound crazy but I want you to know something. I didn’t just get you up here for a shag. I mean, of course I got you up here for a shag but I also want you know that this has meant more to me than a one-night stand.” He smiled and she held her breath. “Or even a two-shag stand. The truth is I’d like to see you again over what’s left of the summer.”

And then what? She wanted him to carry on. What would happen after the summer? She wanted so much more than a one-night stand too, no matter how much she’d convinced herself that having sex with him would be enough. Over the past few hours, hopes and expectations had somehow stolen into the room, no matter how hard she’d tried to keep them out.

“I’d like to see you too,” she said, marveling at how calm she sounded, while wanting to explode with happiness.

“Good. That’s great but . . . the thing is that, in a few months, we’ll both have to go away and it’s going to be bloody miserable and I don’t know how to fix that.”

She waited for him to carry on, hoping that he’d suddenly come up with some way to “fix it” and say they could carry on seeing each other once they were at university. She hoped he would say that he would drive up to her uni from Oxford every Friday or that she could come down on the train to his college. That he’d like her to meet his friends and wander the ivy-clad quads with his arm around her and that afterwards they could make love in his rooms all night, but he stayed silent and pushed back her wayward hair from her face in a way that Sophie should have found tender but instead found disappointing. She realised that he probably wasn’t going to offer to do any of those things – not tonight anyway but maybe, she thought, he might at the end of summer when they knew each other better.

“Then don’t worry. Let’s empty the machine at the pub and have a good time,” Sophie said brightly, hoping it was what he wanted to hear.

As if to remind them both, there were loud shrieks from outside in the garden.

 “You’re right of course. We should just enjoy now, but we both know it’s not going to be that simple.”

He smiled. She wasn’t sure if he was relieved or not, but he seemed happier.

The music ramped up a notch and the floor of the room felt as if it was throbbing. The shrieks and screeches grew in volume. It sounded as if the whole of Langmere was out in the garden, which was probably almost true.

“Adam!” A girl’s voice screamed through the door.

‘For God’s sake. What now?’

There was hammering on the door. “Adam! Open the door!”

“Wait a minute!”

The door flew open and Tarnyah dashed into the room. Sophie dived under the sheets as Adam swore loudly. “Get out!”

Before Sophie had time to expect the girl to giggle or point or shriek in embarrassment at finding her and Adam half naked, Tarnyah started shouting. “They’re in the lake. They’re in the lake. Come quick.”

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Romancing with the Banditas

Fun times ahead today as I party with the fabulous Anna Campbell and the Banditas!

Join me over at Romance Bandits where I talk about bad ass vampires and sizzling hot warriors. I also spill the secrets of my wonderful crit group, the Tiara Girls! *And* there's a copy of both Bloodlust Denied and Betrayed up for grabs!

The Border Laird's Bride ~ Allison Butler

I'm delighted to showcase fellow Historical Hearts author Allison Butler onto my blog today with her debut release from Destiny Romance, The Border Laird's Bride. I met Allison at the RWA conference at the Gold Coast last year and am looking forward to catching up with her again in August :-)

Allison writes gorgeous medieval romance about sword-wielding, swaggering men and the daring, determined women who capture their hearts.She is also married to her very own Scottish hero!!!

Book Title and Author - THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE by ALLISON BUTLER

Publisher - Destiny Romance - Published February 2013

  

Blurb - To fulfil his father's dying wish, border laird Jamie Graham must marry and sire a legitimate heir. But his marriage will be one of convenience, for he has vowed never to open his heart for betrayal. While guarding his cattle from thieves, Jamie catches the spirited daughter of a neighbouring laird stealing his horse.

Despite viewing an arranged marriage as a death sentence, feisty Kenzie Irvine has no choice but to wed the domineering laird. But she has sworn an oath never to bring a child into an uncaring world ...

Excerpt - The air shifted and the fine hairs on her nape stood on end as Jamie moved close behind her. She resumed petting the long, brown nose under her fingertips, reminding herself she wasn’t here for the joy of visiting the horses alone. She was here to salve her guilty conscience for misjudging Jamie regarding Davina. She was here to discover more about the man she’d married.

His voice broke into her thoughts. ‘You’re fond of horses?’

Her fingers paused. ‘Aye,’ she said with a final stroke before reaching for the next. ‘They have the prettiest eyes, don’t you think?’ The pads of her fingers skimmed the short, coarse hair on the nose pushing into her hand.

Jamie replied by clearing his throat.

‘As long as they are fed and watered, they never complain, despite all the hard work they do.’ She made her way along the barrier, careful not to miss gliding her hand down every nose thrust over the enclosure. ‘They always welcome you as if they’ve missed you, and they never ignore you.’

Silence reigned for several heartbeats and Kenzie feared she’d said too much.

‘Ailsa said you liked to chatter.’

‘Did she?’ Turning, Kenzie looked up into his handsome face. ‘Ailsa has always been a special friend to me. Having her here is a great comfort.’ She peered into the darkness for a moment then looked back at him. ‘But I think you knew she would be. Thank you for bringing her.’

Light from the lantern he carried tinted his hair and cinnamon lashes gold.

‘So you know she wasn’t dragged here to force you to marry me?’

She’d just admitted as much hadn’t she? ‘Aye.’ She lowered her gaze to hide her annoyance at having to say it, but also to conceal her shame for assuming otherwise.

Warm fingers cupped her chin. A quick breath rushed in at his touch. He tilted her face up.

'Dare not think I wouldn't have used your friend to gain your consent, Kenzie.'

The shadows were too deep to see his eyes, but his firm yet careful grasp spoke loud and clear.

‘I do not believe you, Jamie Graham.’ Stepping away, she broke his gentle hold and pretended to concentrate on the remaining horses.

Teeming rain filled the thickening silence. Jamie crowded her against the stall wall, touching her with naught but his masculine heat. ‘You doubt my determination?’

Low, close, his warm breath tickled her ear. She closed her eyes until the tremor rippling through her had passed. ‘Nae, I simply question your methods.’ Pleased she sounded unaffected by his nearness, she stroked the last horse in line.

‘My methods?’ A hint of frustration fractured his deep voice.

Did she frustrate him? It was only fair considering how easily he muddled her thinking and her beliefs.

‘Aye,’ she said, strolling on to pause in front of a wide, empty stall. ‘Why are there no horses here?’

‘'Tis best to keep an empty stall between my mount and the others. De Brus can be surly at times.’

‘Like his master?’ Kenzie glanced at him over her shoulder and saw him frown at being compared to his mount. She quickly turned back before the smile she fought to hide broke free.

‘Never mind the horses. I believe we were discussing my methods.’

‘Oh, aye,’ she said, moving to the last enclosure. He followed close at her heels. ‘Your honour far outweighs your determination.'

Silence, then:-

'What in God's name are you talking about?' Frustration rang in his voice.

Knowing she could throw Jamie off balance with a few words restored her sense of control, something she sadly lacked in his presence. She owed him nothing, yet the need to explain had her turning into the light.

'Even if Ailsa were your last means of gaining my consent, you would never have harmed her. You would have found another way. I know that now.

Pity I hadn't known sooner.

She turned, reached for the latch and entered the stall.

'Two days and you think you know me so well?'

Light pushed the shadows back as he followed her inside. De Brus wandered toward her.

‘Nae. But I have watched and listened and learned much about you.’ She slowly lifted her hand to scratch De Brus’s nose. And about myself.

‘You called me a beast and now you think me a saint?’

Her lips twitched. ‘I would not go so far as to believe you a saint, but there is much kindness in you.’

'Kindness?' Exasperation coloured his tone. 'I threaten you with a noose about your neck and you think me kind?'

She'd been angry. Furious. But ... 'I did steal your horse.' She stroked his mount's neck, wondering why she offered reasons for his actions when she should be condemning him. 'And I know about Davina.'

Squeezing her eyes shut, she wished her words to perdition. She didn’t want to admit she’d been wrong, hated the shards of guilt swirling inside her, pricking her chest. Loathed knowing she'd turned his act of kindness into something sordid because she'd been - jealous?

‘Davina? What of her?’

She opened her eyes to find the shadows had moved in again. ‘I thought -’ Words stuck in her throat. She swallowed and started again. ‘She told me about your promise to dance with her the day you married.’

'And?'

'I had no idea she was lame. I saw you dancing with a beautiful woman and thought - but then I learned you'd made a promise to a weeping young girl years past and kept it. Many would have forgotten. Oh, but not you.’ She shook her head. ‘It is truly annoying to discover you are not the man I expected you to be.’

Why hadn't he beaten her when she'd escaped, or bedded Davina, giving her reasons to despise him?

Large hands grasped her shoulders and turned her about.

‘You see me as kind?’

She frowned. ‘You speak as if being kind is an insult.’

‘There are many ways I want you to see me.’ He leaned closer. ‘Being kind isn’t at the top of my list.’

She fought to draw a full breath, settled for small gasps of air. Her heart raced. ‘Kindness is a worthy quality -’

'I brought you to the stable to seduce you.'

Her heart jumped about in her chest. Heat pooled in her belly. If he was trying to frighten her, it wasn’t working. He’d stated his intentions. She should push him away. Remind him she wanted no part in this marriage. Remind him she planned to have it annulled. She licked her dry lips and whispered, ‘Yet you have barely laid a hand on me.’

A shudder trembled through his hands into her. He released her shoulders and speared fingers into her hair, cupping her face. His head lowered. His breath brushed her lips. 

‘God flay me alive for being remiss.’

Thanks so much for having me, Christina:)

It's been my pleasure, Allison!

"If all novels in this genre could be written in such a way then I would definitely read more of them.  Full marks to the author for writing such a pleasing piece." - Sue's Reviewing Corner

"I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down!" - Author Unpublished

 

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Are Vampires Sexy? Is this a Trick Question?

A double treat today! It's all things vampire and creatures that loom out of the shadows. Join me over at the Dark Side Downunder where I reminisce on the old Hammer Horror movies and how Dracula and Wuthering Heights influenced my early years :-)

I'm also partying over with my good friend Michelle Diener at Magical Musings where I let loose with a few more vampire tales!

At both stops there's a chance to win a copy of Bloodlust Denied. See you there! 

Sizzling Hot Books

Join me over at Sizzling Hot Books where I spill all sorts of dark and deadly secrets!

Sizzling Summer Reads & Hot Historical Hearts

The Romance Reviews is celebrating their Sizzling Summer Reads this month, with heaps of fabulous giveaways on offer, including a Grand Prize of a $100 gift card!

Today I'm over there today with my Q&A for the chance to win an e-copy of Bloodlust Denied. The question is super-easy and the answer can be found on my website by reading Chapter One of Bloodlust Denied :-) You need to be registered and logged in at TRR in order to join in the fun and games, and registration is free and easy.

I'm also on my group blog Historical Hearts today chatting about the Regency and vampires! A delicious combination :-) Hop on over and leave a comment to be in with a chance to win an e-copy of Alexius and Morana's story!

Unusual Historicals ~ Hot Warriors Giveaway

There's some background info on my Roman/Druid series over on Unusual Historicals today. I discuss the historical events that sparked the idea for the book and there's the chance to win a copy of Betrayed :-)

Read Chapter One of Betrayed

Steamy Excerpt of Betrayed

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