A Moment with Nona Raines

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

Thanks so much for having me here today. I'm a former school librarian who enjoys all kinds of books, but especially romances. I've been writing off and on for a long time. But a couple of years ago I became determined to actually complete a manuscript.

Now I spend my days writing, reading and researching, hanging out with my pets and trying to ignore the dust bunnies that just grow bigger and bigger…

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s? 

I love to read, and think it’s so important for authors to keep doing it, even though it's hard to find the time.  Some of my favorite authors are Joey W. Hill, Lorelei James, and Cari Quinn. For less erotic romances, I love Mary Balogh and Lisa Kleypas. And though they write YA rather than romance, I also enjoy the works of Walter Dean Myers, Jacqueline Woodson and Virginia Hamilton.

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

That's a tough one. I might take a break, read something, do a little housework (when I'm really desperate), take a walk.  Anything to re-energize the brain cells. Sometimes I try to write free-form and just let words spill out, even if they don't seem to make sense. Or I'll skip over a scene that's hard for me and work on something more appealing. Of course, you finally do have to go back to fill in the blanks, lol! Sometimes you just have to soldier on.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

There are so many possibilities, but I think it would be delightful to spend time in one of those amazing luxury Adirondack resorts. You get to enjoy the scenery of the Adirondacks while being pampered. If I had a couple thousand to spend per night, I'd be right there! 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

The sex scenes! Once in a while I'll get on a roll and they'll flow smoothly, but often they're difficult because you want to get the right balance of hot and sweet. You want the reader to feel the heat, but have to remember the emotion as well. You're writing a ROMANCE, after all! Then of course, there's the little matter of making sure everyone's body parts are in the correct place and you're not having your characters do anything that's physically impossible, lol! 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I'd have to say Tania Talcott, one of the heroines of my latest release, Irresistible Impulse. She's  impulsive, gutsy and not afraid to say exactly what she thinks. In other words, all the things that I'm afraid to be! 

Let me share a little more about the story:

Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but she lost a stupid bet. Checking out the slim pickings, she's convinced the evening will be a total bust--until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot.

Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately--and strongly--enticed by the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?

Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know the beautiful woman. Latisha is drawn to Tania as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

What is life without indulging? Indulgence to me equals hot lattes, delicious chocolate and kicking back to attack the TBR pile on my Kindle or an old-skool paperback. To me, that's the lap of luxury! 

Thanks again for having me here today!

Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com

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Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but the stupid bet she'd lost forced her to be there. Checking out the slim pickings, Tania's convinced the evening will be a total bust— until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot.

Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately—and strongly—drawn to the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?

Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know this beautiful woman. Latisha is attracted as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?

Genre: Contemporary sensual romance F/F

Buy Link - http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=900 

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript. 

Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.

Website / Facebook

Excerpt:

As they chatted and laughed Latisha again felt that sensation vibrate through her body, that combination of nerves and sexual longing. She was light-headed with anticipation and weak with fear. 

Of course, the alcohol didn’t help. But as Tania shared some funny stories about her experiences working with the public, all Latisha could think about was leaning forward and pressing her lips to Tania’s pink mouth. 

Don’t go there. 

Tania grew blurry as Danielle’s face floated in front of her. “I’m not in love with you.” The words echoed in her memory. 

Tania’s voice brought her back to the present. “Latisha? You all right?” 

“Excuse me.” Latisha stood so abruptly she bumped the table and made the glasses jiggle. “I need to use the bathroom.” 

“Is everything okay?” Tania’s eyes were wide with concern. “These drinks are delish, but they pack a pretty good kick.” 

“I’m not drunk.” 

“I never said—” 

She had to get away. “Excuse me.” 

She brushed past a waitress with a tray of drinks and several others in her rush to the Ladies’ Room. Once there, she washed her hands and patted her cheeks with a damp paper towel, trying to collect herself. 

A Moment with Liz Grace Davis

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I’m Namibian but was born in Angola. I’ve lived in a total of five countries. I’m now settled in Vienna, Austria with my husband. Books are my life. 

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I love reading and try to fit it in as much as I can. I read a lot of different genres (romance, suspense, fantasy…) and books from various authors. I really enjoy reading Jodi Picoult, Marian Keyes, John Grisham, and Nicholas Sparks’ novels. 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I put a distance between myself and the manuscript that’s giving me problems. I usually read a good book and just relax with a bowl of cherries. Sometimes I might read a chapter from my WIP that I’m particularly proud of. It reminds me that I can do it, one letter at a time.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Maldives. White sand + sparkling water + clear skies + fresh air + a beautiful bungalow + great food=HEAVEN on earth. Ooops, I forgot my hubby. Please add him to the equation. 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

When my characters are going through a rough patch, I suffer with them. It’s hard to write then.

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I’d be Nora. I too sometimes tend to do things just to make other people happy, even if I’m not. While writing the novel, Nora had shared some of her courage with me. The courage to stand up for what I believe in, what makes me happy, and to follow my dreams.

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

I soak in a hot tub with a wonderful book and a bowl of cherries. 

Thank you so much for interviewing me. I really appreciate it.

At her pre-wedding dinner, Nora Darkin, the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, discovers her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. As her father hoists his glass to toast them, she makes an announcement: there will be no wedding to her father's right-hand man.

Due to the fresh rift driven between her and her father, Nora escapes to the quaint town of Dreara. Determined to live her life her own way, she makes new friends and pursues her lifelong desire of becoming a chef. Ethan Danes, a neighbour with his own broken heart, helps soothe hers. 

Just as Nora discovers what it means to be happy, and she begins to fall in love with Ethan, a woman from his past re-enters his life…

Buy Link: Amazon

Excerpt:

Nora turned her attention back to the reality in front of her. She hated arguments; sometimes she wished she could hide somewhere, just wait them out. Unfortunately, life was not like that.

She lifted her eyes to meet Liam’s. The ice in his eyes had not melted. She dropped her gaze.

Instead of flirting with her appetite, the large marinated tiger prawns made her stomach queasy, and the oriental noodles looked like neglected yarn left out in the rain. From the way he dissected his steak, Liam’s appetite was just fine. She gritted her teeth as his knife scraped the porcelain plate.

Unable to bear the silence between them, she leaned forward and whispered, “I hate it when you ignore me.” 

“What do you want me to say?” He chewed the last of his food and waved for the waiter. “We’re done.”

The waiter nodded and scuttled over to remove their plates.

When the waiter was out of earshot, Nora hissed through clenched teeth, “I wasn’t done.”

Liam took a swig of water, probably wishing it were something stronger. “You didn’t look like you were hungry.”

“Stop treating me like a child,” she snapped. 

“Stop acting like one.”

Nora’s cheeks heated. She contained her anger with difficulty. “That’s really insensitive.”

“What do you want from me, Nora?” A vein pulsed in his neck. “What exactly do you want me to say?”

“Say you want me to be happy.” Her eyes brimmed. “Don’t ask me to get rid of my best friend.” 

He loosened his tie—and then slammed his fist on the table, knocking over Nora’s glass of water. The silver stream raced straight for her lap.

The waiter appeared as if from nowhere to replace the white tablecloth with a new one. Nora forced a smile and whispered an apology. The waiter nodded, and a minute later he left. 

Ignoring the curious looks they got from the other diners, she dabbed at the moisture on her black jeans. “You can’t always explode every time I refuse to do what you want.” 

Liam ignored her. “Ask to pay. I want to leave.” 

Nora flinched, but abided. Paying wasn’t so bad—so long as it was fair. On their first and second date, he paid. On their third and a few more after that, they went Dutch. After one year, he asked her to pay for an occasional meal until it became an unspoken arrangement between them. The only thing Liam had paid for himself in three years was her engagement ring. 

About the Author:

Liz Grace Davis grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Germany. She now lives with her husband in Vienna, Austria. 

Growing up, Liz spent most her days in libraries, diving into the world of books. In her spare time she reads a lot, travels, creates jewelry and designs digital scrapbooks. That's of course when she's not weaving stories. She's in her element whenever she is doing anything that requires creativity. 

Liz is the author of a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi's Teardrops, and a romantic women's fiction novel, Chocolate Aftertaste.

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Book Spotlight-Micah's Blessing by C. L. Williams

There must be another way.

Pastor Micah Daniels has grown weary with his well-doing, even worse he’s losing faith in what God has for his life. The only solution Micah can see is to step down from his position as pastor of Revival Tabernacle. Maybe some time away from the parish can restore his ailing heart.

Lord, please help me. I can’t keep living like this.

Delilah Rivers utters this plea as she stares at a handful of pills. Despondent at the shambles her life has become, Delilah tries one final tactic before ending her life, she goes to church.

What God hath joined together...

Micah is the last man she expects to treat her with care and respect. His compassion and understanding move her as nothing else can. God wouldn’t send a humble, devout man to cherish someone like her. Her past is sordid, her flaws many, but will she be able accept a better way to love and be the blessing Micah needs her to be?

Excerpt

“Excuse me? Were you just singing?”

She met a pair of warm brown eyes and froze. Her heart sank and pounded all at the same time. It was him. He was so much more handsome up close. She moistened her dry lips by pressing them together and tried to think of an answer, but being this near to a man whom she’d fantasized, lusted after, especially a man of God, was just too much. Even his scent, a subtle blend of spice and man, tempted her.

No! Don’t think like that. She peered at the floor, only to be reminded she was wearing jeans and a tank top in his church.

As if sensing her discomfort, he said, “What you have on is fine. All are welcome here.”

She snapped her attention to his face and read sincerity in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to mess up the rehearsal!” she blurted. “I just got caught up.”

He smiled. “So that was you singing?”

She nodded. His easy manner untangled the knot of unease in the pit of her stomach. If she still believed in fairytales, she could fall for a guy like him. She ruthlessly squashed the sentiment. Good men like Micah Daniels didn’t want loose women like her. “I-uh, yes. I should be going.” She moved toward the front door.

“Why?”

The questioned stopped her. She swung back to face him. “I don’t belong here.”

“Why do you think that?”

Why did she think that? Had he taken a good look at her? Her eyes narrowed, searching his face for any type of deception. All she found was open curiosity, as if he genuinely wanted to know why she didn’t feel she belonged in the building. She drifted her gaze over his athletic form. He was tall, taller than she’d expected. Today he wore a black and green short-sleeved polo. The cotton stretched over his broad chest and was tucked into the waistband of his well-worn jeans. The denim molded to his powerful thighs and... She jerked her focus back to his face. She couldn’t allow her thoughts to follow the same path her eyes traveled. His face seemed like a safe alternative, with its firm lips and square jaw, but what drew her attention the most were his eyes. She could get lost in the caramel depths, so expressive and caring. Why had she never bothered to see him up close?

“Do you always avoid a direct question?”

A nervous laugh slipped out. She’d been staring at him, just staring like some love-struck teenager. What was wrong with her? “Are you always like this?”

He shrugged. “My congregation tells me I am. Has someone said something to you to make you feel like you don’t belong?”

She caught the slight edge in his voice and couldn’t stop a grateful smile from creasing her lips. He was ready to do battle on her behalf. All she had to do was say the word.

“No, everyone has been really kind to me,” she said and realized she meant it.

“Have you enjoyed the services you’ve attended?”

“I have. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been coming. When I do, I feel like my life makes sense. I feel at peace.” She wanted to stop talking, but the words tumbled out. There was something about him that made her want to talk. “And things haven’t made sense in a very long time.”

He guided her to a nearby chair. She glanced around. They were still in full-view of anyone who cared to look. It eased some of her anxiety about being with him. He wasn’t trying to get her alone. She settled into the chair, and he sat in the one across from her.

“I’m glad you were able to find a small measure of solace at this church. I hope you keep coming.”

“I would like that,” she murmured. “I would really like that.”

He extended his hand. “Micah Daniels,” he said with a self-deprecating smile. “I will claim being pastor of this humble temple.”

She chuckled. “Delilah Rivers.” Her small hand was engulfed in his. When a sudden jolt of electricity flashed up her arm, she swallowed. She sat there, holding his hand, not wanting to break the contact.

She was unprepared for the spark of excitement or the ripple of awareness dancing along her palm and up her arm as her hand settled in his. She forgot where they were and savored the strength of his grip. A cymbal crash from the sanctuary, shattering the connection.

 Micah coughed and was slow releasing her hand. “Sorry, I—your skin is very soft.”

Heat tinged her cheeks at the compliment. With him no longer holding her hand, Delilah had no choice but to place it in her lap. 

He widened his eyes as realization struck. “Oh, I didn’t mean...well, I did...but...”

She chuckled at his obvious faux pas. He shifted in his chair, a sheepish grin on his lips. If she didn’t know any better, she almost believed he was flirting with her. She brushed a curl behind her ear.

“Are pastors supposed to flirt?” she teased. “I didn’t think they were.”

He had the grace to blush. “Was I? I truly apologize.” He stood.

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Book Spotlight-Finding Baby J by Lorraine Nelson

One lonely woman, a doctor afraid of commitment... Will finding Baby J help them find each other?

Shana Davis knows what it's like to be unloved and unwanted. Her childhood involved being shuffled from one foster home to the next. One night, as her shift at Mercy hospital comes to an end, she hears a forlorn, mewling sound and finds a newborn baby boy left in a dumpster. The abandoned baby appeals to her soft heart and her immediate attachment to the child—dubbed Baby J—leads to her spending a lot of time in the Maternity Ward in the company of the handsome Dr. Daniels.

Dr. Kagan Daniels is heart-sore and commitment-shy due to his failed marriage and past experiences with selfish, cold-hearted women. But he sees a gentle, caring soul in Shana and is drawn to her. Despite his reservations, he realizes he wants to get to know her better and finds excuses to spend time in her company.

Having always wanted to be a daddy, Kagan adopts Baby J. As he and Shana grow closer, Shana feels she's found her own private heaven. She has Baby J and the man of her dreams. What more could a woman want?

But a conniving woman, a manipulative mother, and a man from Shana's past threaten to come between them. Will the lies spewed by others separate them forever? Or can their love win out over all?

Kagan held her hand as he guided her into the house. They walked through to the foyer to ascend the magnificent staircase leading to the second story. Once there, he preceded her into his personal suite of rooms. The main area had a bay of windows opening out unto a balcony. The view overlooked the back lawn and gardens then meandered down to the river where a boathouse and dock were just visible in the moonlight. 

"Your home has such beautiful views."

"Nothing compares to the beauty of you. I especially like looking at you as I undress you, exposing that gorgeous body, one piece of clothing at a time." 

He matched his words with action, starting with her sweater, looped casually around her shoulders. Then turned her into his arms for a deep, passion-filled kiss. She felt that melting sensation that happened every time he kissed her. Her insides fluttered and took wing then settled into a delicious knot of anticipation. She stroked her hands down his chest and felt the ripple of firm muscle, enjoying the opportunity to explore his body more fully. Her inhibitions completely deserted her. Though he hadn't said the words, she felt he was making a commitment to them and not just playing the field. 

He led her to the bed where he continued to strip her bare. Night had fully descended, moonlight reflecting off the water, illuminating the room enough so they could see each other. 

Her hands were busy with the buttons on his shirt, shaking so much from anticipation they refused to work properly. In her haste, she ripped the remaining ones free and delighted in running her fingers through the coarse chest hair; the texture so different that when she rubbed her breasts against him, the tingles went straight to her groin. Heavenly days! The sensations this man evoked in her were rocking her world.

Naked at last, they fell to the bed in a jumble of arms and legs, laughing, kissing, and caressing each other. She'd never thought of sex as fun, only as a necessity to consummate a relationship, but this sense of sharing and bonding between them filled her with a glorious awakening of her power as a woman. She delighted in arousing him, of being able to turn him on with the merest look or touch, as he did her.

Soon, all playfulness disappeared in the passion of the moment as their bodies joined together, working toward a common goal, that of pleasuring each other to fulfillment.

Buy Links:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=309&zenid=6dr2jui3dqllkertkjusurk4f7

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-findingbabyj-932996-149.html

http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Baby-J-ebook/dp/B0097B818G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347110139&sr=8-1&keywords=Finding+Baby+J

Book Spotlight-Waking Up in the Wrong Bed by Natalie Anderson

From the back of the book:

When film location scout Ellie Summers sneaks into a colleague's hotel room with seduction in mind, she's thrilled by her own daring!

But the smug morning-after glow morphs into red-faced mortification when she wakes in the arms of a total stranger! Ruben Theroux might be fine with the situation, but a flustered Ellie most definitely is not.

Ellie's only defence against this very attractive guy is to insist they're friends only--strictly no benefits! But Ruben isn't a successful businessman for nothing--they'll be good together, and he's happy to play dirty to get what he wants....

[After making the most mortifying mistake of her life, Ellie has been determined to keep Ruben at bay. Especially now she knows who he is and how he’s completely wrong for her… She’s determined to put him on the ‘friend’ level—only trouble is Ruben is resisting that assignment and Ellie’s hormones are totally on his side!]

“You can’t resist it can you?” she teased as she came out of the pool house, ready to join him. She too had showered. Now his clean shirt was clinging to her wet body beneath.

Ruben pressed the spa bubbles on full to hide how horrifically extreme her affect on him was.

“Resist what?” he asked vaguely. Thinking about sex all the time? Hell he wished he could get her out of his head, or at least get some other woman in. He’d never been unhealthily fixated on one lover like this. He blamed it on the absolute excitement of waking to discover a hot, perfect lover straddling him. Pure fantasy come to life. 

Of course he couldn’t help thinking of it and nothing but. Of course he’d had to finangle a way of getting her back in his bed – even just for a weekend. Only it wasn’t proving to be as simple as he’d planned.

“Seeking out pleasure,” she shook her head and shivering as she stepped carefully into the steaming water.

“I work hard so why shouldn’t I enjoy play time?” He sent her a sideways look and jeered lightly. “Nothing wrong with relaxing and celebrating and enjoying pleasure. We should appreciate it when something feels good.”

“Don’t think you can get me to yes by glamorising hedonism,” she answered equally flippantly.

“But you know how good it was. You told me how good it was.” And he’d loved hearing it. “The best ever.” And he couldn’t get past it now, not when she was doing the wet tee-shirt thing in a hot tub.

“It’s bad form to compare lovers,” Ellie said primly sitting on the opposite side of the spa from him and determinedly not looking at his bare chest. She didn’t believe for a second that he actually felt the same way – she hadn’t been his best lover ever as well.

“I’m not doing that,” he laughed. “I’m merely reminding you that that night with me was the best sex of your life. I can’t understand why don’t you want a repeat of that.”

“Because it wasn’t real,” she said simply.

“It wasn’t real?” Ruben’s tease vaporised. “Wasn’t real?”

In a heartbeat the relaxed, teasing atmosphere snapped to stormy. Ellie’s suddenly feverish temperature couldn’t be blamed on the bubbling water.

“No, it wasn’t real,” she insisted.

He stared at her. “It was the best sex of your life,” he declared again, almost defiantly daring her to deny it.

“Okay I’ll give you that,” she cleared her throat. “But don’t you think that’s because it was such a fantasy? Like a dream?” Her half dreaming state had made the memory even better. “So good it couldn’t have been real.” 

His obsidian gaze narrowed in on her, compelling more of an explanation from her.

“I didn’t know you. You didn’t know me,” she faltered. “We can’t ever recreate that scenario.”

“So you think our being together again would be a disappointment?” he asked, incredulous.

“It would have to be,” she muttered. “Don’t you think?”

“No I don’t. You’re not curious to know for sure?”

“I…” Of course she was curious. It was hard containing that curiosity. But she didn’t want to taint that memory with disappointment, nor did she want to mess up her opportunity at work.

“You liked fantasy sex.”

“So did you,” she defended.

“Yeah,” he admitted with a wolfish grin. “There are other kinds of fantasy sex.”

She swallowed. “I’m not into kink.”

He chuckled. “I can come up with many, many simple, sweet fantasies if you like.”

She licked her lips before realizing what a revealing piece of body language she’d instinctively performed. She put her hand to her mouth and rubbed – as if she could deny the yearning there.

“Ellie.”

Oh help, that had her toes curling, but the rest of her was paralysed. She couldn’t walk, couldn’t run. She just waited as he took the two paces through the water. So close she had to tilt her chin to maintain eye contact – which she was damn well determined to do. So close she could feel his breath, could feel her own muscles weakening as excitement erupted.

He inclined his head, lowering it almost enough. “You want fantasy?” his lips barely moved as he challenged.

Waking Up In The Wrong Bed is available from: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Wrong-Harlequin-Presents-Extra/dp/0373528809/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342816014&sr=8-1&keywords=waking+up+in+the+wrong+bed

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waking-up-in-the-wrong-bed-natalie-anderson/1109150710?ean=9780373528806

And will be on the shelves in bookstore from Mid-August.

USA TODAY bestseller Natalie Anderson writes fun, frisky, feels-good contemporary romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon and Entangled. With over twenty books published, she’s also been a Romantic Times Award nominee & a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year). She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband, four children and what feels like a million ducks. Find out more at her website http://www.natalie-anderson.com  and be sure to sign up for her newsletter there as she often has subscriber only eTreats!

She’s also on Twitter @authornataliea and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authornataliea

Book Spotlight-Married by Monday by Catherine Bybee

Carter Billings: 

Sandy blond hair and Hollywood good looks, Carter Billings could have any woman he wants. However, when he makes his bid for the Governor's seat in the state of California, he needs to settle down and become a family man. Eliza, the woman he secretly adores, embodies the perfect amount of spice and passion to suit his marital needs, but she’s not interested in becoming Mrs. Billings. She can't even stand to be in the same room with him.

Eliza Havens:

It’s much easier to drive Carter away than to give into desire. Matching couples is how she earns a living, but getting married isn’t an option. The secrets she carries are too dangerous to entangle anyone else. When her hidden identity and past threaten her future, she’s left with little choice. Carter is quick to offer solutions to both their problems, but saying yes could mean endangering the man she’s growing to love. 

Author of New York Times Bestseller, Wife by Wednesday presents, Book Two in the Weekday Bride Series

New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California. 

She loves hearing from her readers so feel free to visit her at: 

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Excerpt: 

He folded his arms over his chest. “I suppose you could say I’m following Blake’s lead. Marriage solves a few fundamental problems in my career path.” 

She stared at him full on now, not trying to look away. “Your problems. Not mine.” 

“Problems you helped play a role in.” He saw the spark in her eye before she managed her first syllable of defense. 

She sat the tea down and placed a hand on the counter. “That’s low, Carter.” 

“And true or you’d be the first to tell me I’m wrong. If I had a choice, I’d be married by Monday to help dispel all the media crap created by yours and Gwen’s night on the Texas town. I thought I could come to you and obtain a little bit of cooperation.” 

“A little bit of cooperation. Marriage is a tad more than a little bit of anything.” Her voice rose and her knuckles started to grip the counter. 

“Yet you earn your living arranging marriages or partnerships on trite reasons less important than mine.” How dare she follow a moral high ground. Maybe she’d forgotten how well versed he was on her and Samantha’s business. 

“You forget that our clients have to approve of the relationships we arrange. They have to like the person—” 

He laughed, interrupting her. “Do you really want to pretend we aren’t friends to prove your point?” 

Her cheeks grew rosy which he had to admit was a much better than the pasty color she’d been sporting when he walked into the house. He felt the fire burning inside her as she shot daggers with her eyes.

“You’re my best friend’s husband’s friend. If you’re looking for a wife you might peek into your little black book, or whatever it is you use, and draw another name.”

Carter let his arms drop and took two steps closer. The angrier she became, the more his blood churned. His body responded to her outrage, but not in anger. “I don’t want to draw another name.”

Book Spotlight-Truly, Madly, Deeply You by Cecilia Robert

Book Blurb

Four days before Valentine’s Day, Liese Hansfeld is determined to shut the door to her house, as well as her heart, for her annual four days of mourning her one true love. Little does she know her best friend Freytag Meier is just as determined to keep her from her ritual. He’s ready to pick the lock to her apartment door and camp in her living room if that’s what it takes.

What Freytag isn’t prepared for is the surge of deep-rooted emotions he feels for Liese, but two things stand in his way: the grief and guilt she still clutches close to her heart, and a man who threatens to snatch Liese from under Frey’s watchful eye. Frey is determined to distract her into forgetting her pain. But is that enough to ease her grief, or help her see he can be more than her best friend?

Book Excerpt

“You all right, Li?”

She nodded as her eyes swept the room, then back at him. “Really, Frey, you didn’t have to do all that. I was going to clean after the four days.”

He  shrugged. “No worries, sweetheart. What are friends for?” He smiled and beckoned her to him with his free hand. She followed the delicious smell of food more than she obeyed him, and stood beside him. He smiled at her, and pulled her into one arm hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Feeling better?”

She nodded, peeking inside the pot. “Yes, I am,” she said, hoping her voice came out cheerful. She didn’t want to have him worried. “Smells good. What’s this?”

“Healthy food.” He turned his attention to the pot of whatever delicious concoction he was cooking and continued stirring.

Liese glanced around for something to do while he went about preparing the meal.  She frowned, as her gaze zeroed in on the sofa.

“Er, Frey, what’s that?”

He glanced up from the pot, and followed her pointing finger. “Oh, that. My overnight bag,” he said nonchalantly. “Didn’t I tell you I’m staying here for those four days? No? Well, I am.” He turned, unconcerned, and continued stirring, dipped two fingers inside the array of bottles of spices in front of him, pinched small amounts and sprinkled dashes into the pot. He repeated the action a few more times before he grunted in satisfaction.

She glared at his back, watching the rise and fall of the muscles there. “No, you’re not.” She glanced up, then poked his arm with her finger to make her point. “You can’t do this to me, Frey. Another time, but not these four precious days. I need to be alone.”

Frey tilted his head slightly, his midnight blue eyes gentle and kind as they’d always been. “Sorry, I’m not leaving. Get used to the idea, Li. Besides, I have five votes from your mom and dad. We voted who should come over and stay with you. I won.” He grinned, and turned away to stir what she now saw was red sauce. The scent of mint filled the air, and her stomach grumbled. 

She ignored it and twisted out from under his arm. He snatched her back and held her snug and tight against the length of his body. She leaned into his soothing touch, savouring the comfort of his fingers as they caressed up and down her arm. Her body began to relax. “If I needed you, I’d have called you and asked—”

“Eat, and then if you want to talk later, we’ll talk.” Frey pecked her on the forehead once again, then brought his hand to her face and tucked a few strands of her wayward curls behind her ear. He let her go. “Now sit over there like a good girl.”

She grunted in frustration and stalked away, well, as much as her weakened body would allow her to stalk without losing her pride. She plopped down on the sofa. “You’re no better than my parents.” 

He chuckled. “You bet I’m not. I’m worse.”

Author Bio

Cecilia Robert enjoys the play and weave of words that make up a good story. She enjoys creating fantastical worlds and getting lost in them. She often meets a prince, a princess, a pirate, ordinary and badass boy or girl who take her through the wonderful world of dreaming and fantasy.

 She doesn't have particular leanings to any kind of story as long as it captures her attention She reads and enjoys urban/dark fantasy romance,  paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi, mystery or horror as much as her children's school books.

 Some nights, you can find her reading Puss in Boots for her daughter, or trying to understand how to read Manga comics from her son.

Important Links

Author Website:

http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/CeCeMR

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaMRobert

Publisher Website:

http://inkspellpublishing.com

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13358709-truly-madly-deeply-you

Pre-order: 

http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/4/post/2012/01/truly-madly-deeply-you.html