It's in His Kiss

I've got these old love songs rifling through my mind. Yes, I should be working on homework and edits, but I just need to take a few minutes and celebrate the man that is Courtney Williams. He is a huge romantic. The kind of man who never forgets my birthday. Even if he only gets me a card, he never forgets. Even when he was away, he still managed to romance me, through texts, letters and phone calls. So I appreciate the romance you bring to my life.

Brianna by Linda Andrews

Love, lies, and an ancient Egyptian curse. Brianna Grey holds the key to mankind's destruction and someone is willing to kill for it. Having spent most of her life dying, one man's kiss has resurrected her desire to live. For US Treasury Agent, Duncan Stuart, love means death. He works alone, lives alone and plans to die alone until he meets Brianna again. Under the harsh Egyptian sun, Duncan will break all his rules to save her but will it be enough to overcome the secrets that could get them both killed?

Excerpt:

“Brianna, can ye hear me?” Panic fed the primal rage bucking through Duncan. He bound the fury. A treasury agent had nerves of tempered steel, control of iron. A white lock rested on her pale cheek. Peppermint-scented breath slipped past pink lips. She was fine. She had fainted, nothing more. Nothing more.

Yet she had not wakened.

“I had thought she would be accustomed to violence, especially after the tales she told of Arizona.” Miss Phillips’s whine sliced through his musings. 

A man had been murdered, poisoned in front of a roomful of wealthy, influential witnesses. August would have been the likely suspect—it was his valet, after all. Except, he couldn’t have known his servant would be in the room, let alone would drink from the glass. So who was the intended victim?

He laid Brianna on the plush carpet and knelt beside her. He brushed her bangs out of her eye, sweeping aside the feather headdress. 

And who was the poisoner? 

He might have spied something if he hadn’t dallied over his evening dress, and what had his delay accomplished? Not a bluidy thing. His hair still stuck up a little in front. As for the noose around his neck, he could feel the ends brushing his jaw. 

“Damn it, Brianna, wake up!”

“Señor Stuart?” Esmé pried apart the Van Sargents. Worry pinched her features, increased the pitch of her voice. Two men in ship’s uniform squeezed through behind her, parting the assembled crowd. An elderly man in a somber suit appeared and set a black bag on the table.

Ignoring the newcomers, Duncan leaned close to Esmé’s ear. “Has Brianna eaten anything tonight?”

Shock flashed in her brown eyes. Her gaze flicked to the corpse before meeting his. 

“No, señor. The dinner, it has not been served.”

He nodded. Relief flooded him.

“I believe she has fainted.”

“There are smelling salts in our room.”

“Get them.”

“Are you a doctor, sir?” Curry and garlic permeated the air as the elderly man who’d arrived with the ship’s crew creaked to a stop beside Duncan. He leaned over Brianna with his ear near her mouth. “Peppermint,” he whispered, straightened then peeled the glove off her left hand. His index finger settled comfortably against the inside of her wrist. “An admirable heartbeat.”

“I’m nae a doctor.”

“Hmm, yet your prognosis is undoubtedly correct.” The man peered at Duncan over the gold rims of his spectacles. “The ladies do like to lace tightly, don’t they?” His Adam’s apple bobbed in the wattles of his throat. “Smelling salts should set Miss to rights. You’ve sent the companion to fetch them, hmm? ”

“That won’t be necessary.” Sir Reginald stepped forward. “Mrs. Van Sargent, the salts, if you please.”

Duncan grabbed the small glass bottle—he didn’t trust the missionary any more than he did the others. Glass scraped glass as he plucked the stopper free. Ammonia invaded his nose, stripped the moisture from the back of his throat. Definitely smelling salts. He shoved them under Brianna’s nose.

She winced, turned her head and coughed. Her eyes flickered open.

“Duncan. Wh-what happened?”

“You fainted.”

“You are very much mistaken.” She shoved herself into a sitting position, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and straightened her bodice. “A Grey does not faint.”

“It’s alright, dear.” Mrs. Van Sargent tucked the bottle back in her purse. “I daresay, if Mr. Stuart hadn’t caught you you would have crashed right into the table.”

Movement caught his eye. At the doctor’s nod, the burly crewmen lifted the body. Duncan shifted his weight to block Brianna’s view. Her lips parted; her eyes grew round. He had acted too late. She had seen the corpse.

“That man.” She pointed to the blanket-draped body with her bare hand. “He...”

“He’s dead, dear.”

“Choked to death,” Van Sargent added with relish.

“Such a terrible tragedy,” said Miss Phillips, dabbing her dry eyes.

“Sir Reginald doesn’t think it will prolong our stay aboard the <i>Osiris.”

Duncan’s skin crawled as Mrs. Van Sargent beamed down at them like a goddess spreading her benevolence.

“But he—“ Brianna’s nails dug into Duncan’s arm.

”Choked to death.” He kept his voice firm, his tone final. Brianna had been around death most of her life, was intimately acquainted with most of its faces. He wouldn’t allow her knowledge to get her killed. 

Love on the Rocks

Thank you for hosting me today, Lynn! 

Let me tell you…I love this book!!! It's the one that set me on the path I'm now traveling.

Thanks to an infection in the bone of my thumb, it had to be amputated. In order to regain the flexibility in that hand and return to the full-time job, I began typing, but soon tired of typing tests and the like. An idea formed and I began to write, seriously write, an adult novel of the type I enjoy reading. Seven weeks later, Love on the Rocks was finished, although it's seen several revisions since that early, rough draft.

This story begins and ends at The Rocks at Hopewell Cape, NB. The stunning beauty of the rock formations is a sight to behold. Please join me as I share a little piece of my province.

I so love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:

http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com

http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com

http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author 

http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson 

http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 

Purchase Links:
30% off for a limited time.  

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=7&products_id=301&zenid=crki96t1shb272ct99v7jm3467

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-loveontherocks-907155-149.html

****Giveaway Alert****

Thank you for helping me celebrate my new release. Leave a comment below to be entered in the draw for a free download of Love on the Rocks. Winner to be drawn August 31^st.

When Sara attempts to save her daughter, she may also be escaping a fate worse than an abusive boyfriend…she may be running away from true love. The big question is: Which man will find her first?

Sara Compton, normally strong, independent, and fun-loving, is deeply distressed at having to abandon her baby, but she has neither money nor home and is hiding from an abusive and obsessive ex-boyfriend. The only way to keep her child safe is to give her up.

Anthony Jacobs has sworn off women due to a previous relationship gone sour. He finds the child, takes her home, and arranges care for her. When he places a public call for a nanny and a lovely woman arrives who seems to have a rapport with the abandoned baby, he hires her on the spot.

Sara is fraught with guilt and tension at the possibility of being found out. What will Anthony think of her if—or when—he finds out the truth? To add to her worries, trouble arises in the form of Sara’s ex-boyfriend, who appears on the scene with custody papers in hand. She makes a hasty escape, her daughter in tow, but in the process of avoiding the evil Elliot Saunders, is she leaving behind her one true love?

Love on the Rocks - Excerpt

"Since you slaved away to prepare such a feast, I insist on doing the washing up."

"What? No beeper?" Caroline chided.

"Not tonight. Guess I was too tired to arrange a get-a-way. I'll have to do better tomorrow," Anthony said with a wink and a chuckle.

Picking up Charity, she shot back, saying, "That figures. Oh, well, I'll enjoy tonight's respite and take our little princess upstairs to get her cleaned up. What do you think of that, sweetheart?"

"Fine with me," Anthony answered unexpectedly, then must have caught himself because he turned back to look at them as Caroline erupted into laughter. "Uh, you weren't talking to me just then, were you?" he asked sheepishly.

"No, but you sure do look good in red," she quipped, giggling at his embarrassment as she went on her way.

Anthony could hear her giggles as she went up the back stairs. To his astonishment, he had truly enjoyed thinking she'd called him 'Sweetheart,' and it had seemed so natural, too.

Oh, boy! Am I ever in big trouble, he told himself as he realized he'd fallen head over heels for the woman. What am I going to do now? How do I find out if she feels the same without bringing on a sexual harassment suit? Why did she have to be Charity's nanny...an employee...and a darn good one at that! He didn't want to scare her into running away. Think, Anthony! Think! He knew he'd figure out something. He'd just have to play it by ear and take a chance when the opportunity arose. 

To Honor, D.F. Krieger

It’s an extreme pleasure to have D. F. Krieger as my guest today. I first met Ms. Krieger while she wore her other hat, editor, and have garnered great respect and admiration for this woman. When I learned she was an author as well, we’ll just say her intimidation factor went through the roof.

Needless to say I’m very pleased to have her as my guest today. She’s pimping her new release, To Honor, now available from Secret Cravings Publishing. Let me tell you, have a box of tissue handy. I wasn’t halfway through the book before I had to take a moment and regain my composure.

Chef and Tyrell are at your service. There’s plenty of peanut M&M’s and Coca-Cola to go around and of course the buffet and open bar at your disposal.

Please tell the readers a little about yourself.

Wow, you go all out researching what a girl likes before you host them, don't you? Goodness! Well, since you bribed me with my favorite naughty treats, I'll let you in on a secret...I'm certified insane! Personally, I think I just have a low tolerance for bad things, but my diagnosis is what it is. The good thing is, as a writer I can pretend I'm making up plots and fleshing out my characters when really I'm engaging in a fantasy world to escape real life.

What was the inspiration for, To Honor?

To Honor was based loosely on some of my own bad experiences. My therapist told me I should find a creative way to express my pain, and so I wrote the book. Fortunately, Secret Cravings has a line dedicated specifically to illness and handicaps, and the fact you can still find love. This book was a perfect fit.

The cover is so emotional. How did you settle on that image?

I looked at stock photos for hours, inputing phrases like "couples fighting" or "couple emotional" before I found this one. The moment I saw it, I knew it was the one. It helps that our cover artist is one of the best and was willing to work with the image I asked for.

To Honor, truly rocked my world and left me gasping for air at some parts. Did you draw from personal experience?

I did. I will be very honest, I was in a psych ward in September of last year. I was there for trying to commit suicide. Within two years time I had experienced a car wreck that left me with amnesia of the incident and short term memory loss, my husband leaving on our first deployment, my mother's unexpected death, being diagnosed with cancer that caused me to suffer a miscarriage for seven months, and my husband asking for a divorce when his online girlfriend told him to. A person can only take so much and instead of reaching out for help like I should have, I attempted suicide. Like Derek in To Honor, my husband is working with me every day to heal the myriad of wounds that influence my daily life.

What advice would you give to someone who is teetering on the brink?

I guess the advice I can't stress enough is to remember you aren't alone. Not only that, but don't make it so that you are alone. Often, when we're suffering from the peak of an invisible illness, all we want to do is shut ourselves inside our houses and lay in bed. Then, we start thinking that no one cares when the truth is we've pushed those people away. People who usually don't understand how badly we need them and so they don't know to knock on our door and drag us outside, kicking and screaming.

And how are you today?

I won't lie, I have my good days and then I have very, very bad days. As I'm learning to identify my "triggers" (what sends me into worse bouts of anxiety/depression/PTSD flashbacks) I'm learning to rationalize through my pain and fear instead of letting it rule me.

TIP: Sit down with your family or partner and create a booklet that lists your "triggers." No matter how stupid they might be to someone else, they are a very real influence and your life. This will help your family or friends recognize when you need help the most.

Example: Babies. (Seeing a baby causes a lot of conflicting emotions in me. I feel so sad that I don't have my baby, but scared of ever trying to have one again because I might develop that cancer again.)

TIP: Get a notebook or journal and create what I call a "Happy Journal." List events, objects, or experiences that make you happy. When you feel down in the dumps, read over the book. Let it remind you that no matter how you feel right now, good things do happen to you.

Example: Today was my birthday! My family surprised me by taking me to a movie I really wanted to see and then taking me to my favorite restaurant. I had a lot of fun with them. I love my family.

What else is in the works for you this year?

I have several books being released this year. Everything from a non-fiction piece about my experience with animal rescue, to a hot sexy Native American shifter story being released in October. I also have several books in the works which can be found in the "In Progress" section on my website.

Could you share a little of To Honor?

“Derek?” Evelyn picked her husband’s cell phone up as she hollered for him. “Your phone is flashing. You got a text message.”

  When silence met her, she shrugged. A flick of her thumb across the screen brought up the message. She and Derek checked each other’s phones all the time. It wasn’t a matter of distrust so much as convenience. Moments later, the phone clattered to the ground as she stared at her hand. Surely he didn’t mean what he’d said.

I like talking to you better than my wife.

 Her husband walked in the room, took one look at her, and his face went red. Evelyn wasn’t sure if it was from anger or embarrassment, but it didn’t matter. A kind of numbness encased her while tears streamed down her face. She didn’t beg, she didn’t scream, she didn’t say a word. Even as Derek stood there, airing out a laundry list of reasons how she’d ruined their marriage, Evelyn never fought back.

He left, slamming the door behind him and a sense of peace washed over her. So many things had happened the past few months, terrible things. Events that left her awake at night, wondering how she was going to get through the next day. She’d stayed alive only because she loved her husband. Now she was free.

Links: 

Website: http://dfkrieger.weebly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/D-F-Krieger/177107165643929

Buy Link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=41&products_id=365

Thank you, D. F. for being so candid with your experience. I can't tell you how much this means to me and my readers.

A Moment with Patricia Bates

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I was born in a small community in northern British Columbia and moved a lot during my early years. Being the middle child I had to find a way to occupy myself and developed an amazing imagination. I have a wonderful little boy – whose teaching me about patience and understanding lol. Currently I live in Kamloops with two dogs, a leopard gecko, and four fish.

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 always find time to read. You can’t write well if you’re not reading. On average I read about 15 books a month. There isn’t much I don’t read except for mysteries and horror, just can’t get into them. Favorite authors, OMG do you have a week or two – lol? I love Kresley Cole’s Immortals after Dark Series. I enjoy Julie Garwood’s historicals, Lacey Wolfe’s books – I’ve read one and her free reads are fantastic… maybe it would be easier to say who I don’t like because my list is so long.

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

I start a new project. If a character isn’t talking to me, I’ll often start a new book or even do some fan-fic writing to recharge my creative batteries. 

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

Ireland and or Scotland. There’s something about the highlands, the history, the romance of the area that I love. 

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

The sex scenes…there are only so many ways to do the same thing – and figuring out a way to be creative and original with each scene is something I often struggle with. 

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

Do I have to? Most of my characters are survivors, people who are tough, rough around the edges but are stronger than you think. Any of them would be a joy to be, but I have to say picking just one to live the life of would be hard because of the depth and layers to them. 

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

Bubble bath and candles. With chocolate of course. Having time for romance is hard when you have two people working full time – but somehow we make the time.

Reading has been such a large part of my life. I cut my literary teeth on such author’s as Louis L’Amour, Nora Roberts and Janet Dailey. For me it wasn’t such a jump from reading the wonderful tales these author’s spun to imagining my own.  

Soon I was writing poetry, short stories and by junior high I’d written my first full length romance novel. Since then I’ve taken my love of history and my passion for writing and combined them into what I hope will continue to prove a successful career.

With six books contracted, four of which are currently available in print. All are available in electronic format with the last two ebooks due for a release in May and the other in the summer. I’m currently working on three projects, an erotic paranormal romance featuring a witch who lovesChristmas, another Ancient Ireland novel, rich in the history of the Irish Celtic peoples, and plotting out a Cowboy Series tentatively titled “The James Gang”.

Of course I’ve got a lot more on the go. I’m developing and growing my editing company with some amazing authors, working on getting the books that Blade had revamped to fit the submission guidelines for some other publishers and keeping up on my writing and being a full time mom, working outside of the house…its amazing what I can manage in a 16 hour day.

Sin's Bite: Lady Kora has spent three hundred years within the hallowed wallsof her ancestral home - now on the brink of becoming a full Vampire, she's faced with the hardest choice ever...claim her mate, one sworn to hunt her kind...or spend eternity alone.

Cowgirl's Christmas (reprint) For Holly Walker Christmas is about more than just flashing lights, it’s about having some sexy time with her husband. This year, however, she’s got a secret that could destroy everything…or save their future.

Firecracker: Widow Amy Harvard has spent years married to one man while lusting after another. Now she's free to follow her heart if only Bradley Harvard were more cooperative.

Phantom Pleasure: Forced into an arranged marriage, Frances MacKenny is murdered on her wedding night. After spending decades haunting her ancestral home, a handsome cowboy arrives. Shedding her one-hundred-fifty-year, self-imposed isolation, she decides to focus all her attention on the sexy male resident.

For the first time in years, Logan Harris has a shot at living his dream by owning the best horse ranch in Virginia. At first, everything appears to be lining up perfectly. But then strange things begin to occur. And when he finds himself longing for beautiful ghost, he fears he's losing his mind. Can true love transcend death?

Love Thy Neighbor: Rylee Parys, like her father and grandfather is a small time rancher with a big time problem. Embroiled in a bitter war over water and land, she stands alone against her neighbors who are dismayed to have a woman in control.

Ex-cavalry officer, Tom Duncan has returned home after the bloody civil war only to find himself in the middle of another war. Pitted against a slim, boyish looking woman, he’s uncertain who to believe. When the hostility boils over and becomes physical, Tom must make a stand.

As the clues add up these two bitter opponents must rely on each other to save not only their way of life – but the love that has grown between them.

Master's  Mistress: Sibling rivalry, deceit, and seduction flourish in Ancient Ireland as Amoda Ni Cormac struggles to free herself from the shadows of her enslavement.

His brother’s wedding brings Norse Prince Mykyl back to Bratthl’id Norway, and face to face with the proud Amoda Ni Cormac, a woman destined to be his oldest brother’s concubine. Driven by revenge, Mykyl steals the emerald eyed beauty.

Bound by duty, secrets, and lies, Mykyl and Amoda are caught in a battle for survival that will ultimately set them free.

Viscount's Prize: The rogue spy and his sheltered courtesan must fight to find a far more ephemeral reward than mere passion – they must try to survive falling in love in a time when love isn’t fashionable.

Bordering On Love:  With his future already planned out, US Marshall Marsden isn’t ready for the spitfire who interrupts his wedding - or the feelings she stirs on a wild chase to find his errant younger brother. For Marie Logan, defending her sister is just another day on the farm. That is until she finds herself falling for the one man she'll never have.

Sexy in Stilettos

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I’m a Ghanaian American romance author who currently resides in sunny San Diego with

Hubster, Bratlette, and Wonder Dog. I primarily write sexy superheroes paranormals and sexy

interracial contemporaries.  My idea of fun is curling up with my daughter as she pretends to read and I devour as much of a book as I can in the fifteen minutes that she’s occupied.

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 try to make that a priority, Sometimes with deadlines that doesn’t’ happen as much as I would like.  But every night before bed, I read something.  JR Ward and Misty Evans are often in my TBR list.  Also Kimberly Kaye Terry.

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

Hate to say it, but I park my but in the chair and write anything I can think of.  I can fix it later, but I hope to make writing my full time job.  Alas, if this were left to my muse being cooperative I’d never write.  When she’s there, it’s effortless.  When she’s not, it’s work, but the result is still the same.  I have to work hard and stay focused.

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

That one’s easy, I’d go on Safari.  My husband and I went on our honeymoon and it was the most majestic landscape I’ve ever seen.  I’m dying to go back.

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

Love scenes.  It’s hard keeping it fresh and not rehashing something you’ve already done.  I always take special care to make them tingling hot, but fresh and interesting.

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

I get asked this a lot.  I’m going to have to pick a character from Reluctant Protector, Cassie.  But just because she’s got such a bad ass set of super powers.  If not her, then Jaya.  She’s the most like me.  The one who’s skin I’m most comfortable in.

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

On rare occasions I indulge my inner diva and I’ll go do the whole beauty glam thing even if I have nowhere to go.  Helps me feel good about myself.  Hard to do with a little one running around, but I make time for that.

What’s worse than having to watch your sister marry your ex fiancé?  How about when that fiancé fires you from the family business?    

Hyper-organized, event planner Jaya Trudeaux is used to doing things by the book and never making waves.  It’s a strategy that’s served her well until she finds herself in failure alley with no fiancé, no job and her thirtieth birthday looming.  Maybe it’s time to change her methods.  Starting with an unlikely date to the wedding from hell.

The only thing that can tie carefree playboy, Alec Danthers down is his formidable step mother.  When she calls him home to help find his wayward brother, he never imagines an uptight, list making, sass- talking woman would make him think about putting down roots.

Can Jaya put the lists down long enough to enjoy the ride that is Alec?  Will Alec stop running long enough to recognize true love?

Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear.

Nana's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious thirteen.  She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since.  With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.  Though, until that ninja job comes through, you'll find her acting out scenes for hubby and puppy while catching up on her favorite reality television shows in sunny San Diego.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Publisher Spotlight-Rebel Ink

We’d like to thank our gracious host for having us over today. We’re happy to share with you a little bit about our blossoming company and you’ll get to know more about the team that makes the machine that is Rebel Ink Press run smoothly.

Rebel was born in August 2010, the brain child of five friends that envisioned a portal into the publishing world where writers were treated like people rather than a number.  A place where they could grow and learn and hone their skills, flourish, all while having an open line of communication with said publisher without fear of never getting an answer or being told not to worry. A couple of us were previously published and understood that worrying is a natural part of the publishing cycle on the part of the writer and isn’t to be taken lightly. After all, these works are writer's children, being sent into an often times critical world, and worrying is just a natural part of that. 

What did we know? Well, the short answer is we learned to fly so to speak pretty darn quick. Isn’t that what Rebels do? Strike out without fear? We used the old school trick of finding things out by trial and error. By our own experiences—tapping into what we knew would work and discarding what we’d learned was useless. The result is what you find today…Rebel Ink Press, where the writers come first and they are a face with a name and part of our family, not just another manuscript. Our philosophy sums it up best:

As a company, Rebel strives to provide readers with stories they want and while offering the services authors deserve. We're committed to good citizenship, fair business practices, and developing up and coming authors through editorial support, marketing and promotion--all of which help authors create their best works possible.

Our philosophy must be working because here we are a year later, Rebel strong! We now house over sixty writers and our inbox is a busy place. We currently have eighty plus titles available at ARe, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coffee Time Romance and Bookstrand, and we’re looking to expand our vendor list in 2012. Our release calendar is full and our first quarter of 2012 is busting at the seams. In fact we’re looking to double our available titles this year. Our writers are gleaning rave reviews and several are bestsellers at ARe, to date they’ve earned twenty-one of those coveted silver stars. 

At Rebel our promise to ourselves was to provide the Cadillac of customer service to our writers. Yes, our writers. They enjoy benefits under our roof not often offered through small presses, such as the services of a professional cover artist, marketing opportunities arranged through our public relations department, professional editing services by a half-dozen plus hand-selected editors, graphic arts help, and we have an in-house review coordinator. Our ARCs are sent out in advance of release to reputable and safe reviewers so we have feedback for our writers to grow on. As a result, we’re growing, too. By leaps and bounds.

Again we’d like to say thanks for hosting us today. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments section or email us at editor@rebelinkpress.com . We’d be happy to answer them.

For more information about us, our writers and their works, or for submissions guidelines please find us at: http://www.rebelinkpress.com . You can also follow us on Facebook, we’d love for you to find and follow us on Twitter @rebelinkpress and we just  opened our YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/rebelinkpress#p/u/0/6yjM3w8yZDs . 

Isn’t it time to get serious?

***If you’d like to post our corporate video, here is our trailer link:

http://youtu.be/6yjM3w8yZDs 

Book Spotlight-Hot Summer by Judy Powell

A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man - put them together and sparks fly!

After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica - and her world is turned upside down.

Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned - the tigress has tamed the lion.

If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.

Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant who lives in Ontario, Canada. Her works are diverse, featuring romance novels, a historical novel and non-fiction essays which have appeared in anthologies.  Her titles include ‘Hot Summer’ which placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition, ‘Hot Chocolat’ – the sequel to ‘Hot Summer’, ‘Some Like It Hot’ – a sensual multicultural romance novel, and ‘Coffee, Cream and Curry’ – a literary work which received the silver medal in a national creative writing competition.  

Judy is a great lover of learning which is reflected in the diversity of her studies which includes Masters degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature and Creative Writing and a BA in Foreign Languages & International Business. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (US Honor Society), Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writers and Editors Network of Canada.  She loves to travel and has lived in countries including Puerto Rico, the USA, France, Jamaica and Canada.  She likes to feature diverse cultures in her works.  

Website

EXCERPT 

As he spoke he leaned back into the couch and peered up at her through half-closed eyes. She turned away from his gaze and quickly opened the bottles and poured bubbling liquid into both glasses.

“Here you go,” she said with a smile and handed him the drink. She sat on the edge of the sofa beside him but as far away as was polite. She put the glass to her lips and sipped the sharp cold liquid, feeling the bubbles bursting in her mouth. 

She felt his eyes on her and gulped more liquid, then opened her eyes wide as it flooded her throat. Her eyes burned and she struggled to swallow but it was no use. Before she could cover her mouth she coughed violently, spraying her lap and the coffee table with soda.

Summer clapped her hands over her mouth, but too late. The damage was already done.  Her eyes grew huge with distress and she looked across at Lance, hot with embarrassment.

“Are you alright?” He’d quickly rested his glass on the table and was leaning towards her, a large white handkerchief in his hand. She took it gratefully, still coughing. Then the spasms gradually subsided and she was able to look at him again. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Are you crying?” He looked incredulous, almost out of his depth, as he raised his hand and wiped away a tear with his thumb.

Summer dabbed at her eyes, sniffed, then looked up at him again, her lips curling into a grin.  “Of course not, silly. I’m not crying. It’s the coughing that made my eyes fill up with tears.” Somehow, seeing him look so nonplussed had made her more at ease with him. 

“Silly, huh?” He smiled back at her.  “You’re the one who gulped down a carbonated drink too fast and ended up losing the whole lot all over yourself. So, who’s silly?”

While he was speaking Lance had rested his arm at the back of the couch right behind her head and had begun to gently stroke her nape with his thumb. Summer swallowed hard but couldn’t get the lump out of her throat.

 “I guess…I am,” she said, her voice breathless.

“Yes,” he whispered as he leaned forward to press his warm lips against the side of her neck, “you are.” 

Summer’s breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.

She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn’t realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.

“Relax, baby.” He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear.  “You’re so tense. Just relax.”

As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.

“Oh, God,” she breathed, “what are you doing to me?”

“What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones,” he whispered.  “Teach you what it means to be a woman.”

He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn’t.

She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness…

Some Like it in Handcuffs

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I am living my dream in rural Michigan along with my husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.  

Besides laughing until my sides hurt, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, writing—but no arithmitic.  I find it interesting and am a confessed people watcher.  You’d be surprised how many times this activity has given me inspiration for stories.  I love to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

I also have a new addiction.  I’m a girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned.  I enjoy meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and my website at christine-warner.com. 

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?

My reading time has sadly downshifted.  I love to read but find that I don’t have as much time as I used to.  As for what I like to read, I’ve always loved true crime books and enjoy everything written by Ann Rule.  I also LOVE contemporary romance and wouldn’t ever be able to pick just one author I enjoy…there are way to many.  This year I did vow to read books outside my comfort level, so although I don’t have a great deal of time to devote to reading, I do have some books loaded on my Nook that are paranormals, sci-fi and a few other genres.  I’m looking forward to reading them 

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

I don’t.  Does that sound odd?  If I’m having a hard time writing and my muse has taken a vacation, I focus on something else.  It will usually be something else writer related, but I don’t force myself to work on the story that is giving me troubles.  I find if I do that, I end up unhappy with what I’ve written and delete it anyway.  So, instead I will work on character sketches or outlines for another story I plan to write, or I will blog, play on facebook or if I’m totally desperate I’ll clean.  LOL

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

This is a tough question.  There are so many places I’d LOVE to go.  Alaska, Ireland, London, Barcelona…but some place I’ve dreamed of going since I was a little girl has been Hawaii.  Whenever I see pictures of those gorgeous islands I get the urge to pack up and go.  Hopefully I’ll make it there one day and if I do I just want to do the total tourist thing.  Visit all the sites, shop, go to a luau, walk around and if I am feeling adventuresome I might give a ride on a zip line a try.  Looks like fun! 

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

Fight scenes.  Not necessarily physical fights, but when the hero and heroine are having a major disagreement.  The emotion can get so intense.  I know emotion is off the charts when writing a romantic or love scene as well, but the energy when writing that is positive…whereas writing a fight scene is negative.  They can be really draining 

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

I’d have to say my heroine Sunny because I love that she speaks her mind, jumps in feet first before she totally thinks things through and takes chances.  Wish I could do that more often.  I tend to over analyze everything before I make a move…lol

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

This is simple.  Eat chocolate.  Lol  Especially Dove chocolate…yum!!

Some Like it in Handcuffs blurb:

Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case.

Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.

But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Jud soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.

Excerpt:

“This isn’t how I wanted it between us.”  Judson grabbed the neckline of her sweater, dragging her body to meet his with a solid thump.  Sunny licked her lips in answer to the question in his eyes.  He lowered his head to move his mouth over hers.  

Sunny closed her eyes, a small whimper escaping her lips.  She didn’t want it like this either, but that wasn’t possible.  Unable to resist her attraction she accepted it wasn’t an affair, or a long distance romance she craved, but for him to love her back.  It was all or nothing for her.  Her heart sank.  She accepted this as their goodbye kiss.

With no thought to what was happening upstairs, Sunny rose up on her toes demanding more.  Her lips pulsated against Judson’s.  When his hand trembled against her cheek in a soft caress she lost touch with reality.  

“Judson.” Sunny’s weakened body drifted farther into Judson’s as his fingers glided down her arms, pulling them to her sides where their fingers intertwined.  He forced them behind her before his tongue thrust into her mouth.  

Their bodies molded together, she heard her own heartbeat and his as well when he curved his fingers around her rear and squeezed.  

That’s when the click of the handcuffs against her wrist connected her to the handle of the locked cupboard.  

“What the hell…Judson?”  She looked up at him, her knees shook, her body still inflamed with fever.  

“Like I was saying, you wait here and I’ll go upstairs to check it out.  Backup’s already been called, so you’re safe until your brothers arrive.”  Judson winked before walking toward the steps to the third level.  Once he reached them he turned toward her and smiled.  “Gotcha,” he whispered with his notorious grin.

Some Like it in Handcuffs is available in print and digital format at:

http://thewildrosepress.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

And you can find me at:

My blog/website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to stay on top of what I have in the works: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

I love to hear from readers and other authors 

Thank you so much for having me…I had a great time!