Halloween has arrived! I hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s Halloween celebration and found some interesting books from some new and favorite authors.
We’re closing out this year with features from C.J. England, Kimberly Dean, Mariposa Cruz, Kate Hill and Saloni Quinby.
Thank you for stopping by.
Happy Halloween!
Kate/Saloni
Author: CJ England
A Favorite Autumn Treat: Cranberry Stuffed Apples
Featured Book: Luck Be a Lady
Blurb:
When Lara Kincade inherits a gambling boat from her long lost Uncle, she thinks her luck has changed. And since Halloween is just around the corner, she knows just how to celebrate her good fortune. A costume gambling cruise.
Justin Savage has another idea. He and his friends have been stuck on the Lucky Lady for over a century, destined to sail the ocean until someone can break the curse they are under. The last thing he needs is some girl planning parties on his ship.
It’s a Halloween to remember when passion flares between this stubborn couple. And only by putting their cards on the table, will either of them have a chance of winning at love!
Excerpt:
“I am the last Kincade, Justin. There are no more Kincade sons left for you to haunt.”
There was a flicker of something in his eyes, but it was quickly gone. “You are still a Kincade. Your family stole my life, my ship and the lives of innocents. I can never forgive that.”
Her chin went up. “Did it ever occur to you I’m an innocent, too? The same as Lottie or Charlie. How is what you’re doing anything different from what Bridget did?”
Justin cursed loudly. “I am nothing like that witch. My revenge is just. I only take back what was taken from me.”
“I didn’t take anything from you.”
“You play at words, Lara Kincade. But your name tells me what I need to know. You are my enemy.”
Her bottom lip trembled—he could see it in the moonlight. Some unknown emotion stirred, but a century of hate squashed it.
“I won’t make it easy for you like my uncle did,” she finally murmured softly. “And I’m not going anywhere. I will make this ship beautiful again. With your help or without it.”
He had to admire her grit. “It will be without. And I will do everything in my power to sabotage your efforts.”
Anger and sadness warred in her chocolate eyes. “Then I guess it’s war.” She held out her hand to him. “I won’t wish you luck.”
Automatically, he took her hand, noting while it was small and feminine, it was also callused and strong. Without thinking, he bent and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I don’t need luck.”
Her gasp made him go very still. Abruptly, he realized what he had done. Holding onto her, he looked closely into her face. Lara’s eyes had dilated in shocked arousal, and awareness hit him like a sledge hammer. He wasn’t the only one experiencing desire. She wanted him, too.
When her lip trembled again, Justin gave up worrying about the curse. He forgot about the ship and the knowledge she was his enemy. Standing before him was a beautiful, sexy woman, and he wanted her desperately… if only to see if her lips were as soft as they looked to be. Why wait any longer?
Without any more hesitation, he pulled her against him and bent his head. He slanted his mouth over hers with a voraciousness that made her gasp. Justin took immediate advantage of it, by thrusting his tongue between her lips to taste the sweetness he knew was within.
A groan rumbled up from his chest. He’d been right. She tasted of woman and sex and desire. Flavors he’d almost forgotten. Holding her tighter, he explored her secrets, instinctively wanting to know her in every way possible.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Be-Lady-CJ-England-ebook/dp/B015DGRTF4/
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/luck-be-a-lady-7
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-luckbealady-1889622-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/cj+england?fs=0&_requestid=499798
Author Bio
CJ England credits her passion for writing to her second grade sweetheart, Steven, a blond haired cutie with dimples, who dumped her for a girl who could swing on the monkey bars. She wrote her first story about love and loss after that tragic episode.
She is a gypsy, due to her curiosity and “itchy feet”, spending time in forty-three countries, and has visited all fifty states in our own. Even raising three kids didn’t slow her down.
Married to her own personal hottie, Jonathon, who is her inspiration, lover and bestest friend, she travels the world with Cirque du Soleil, writing about all the places they visit.
She is known on the internet as a bestselling, award winning, author who can bring sensuality and romance together in ways that require you keep a fire extinguisher and a box of Kleenex handy. Described as having ‘innovative story lines’, ‘a whiz at character development’ and ‘quite simply a genius!’, CJ wants her books to spark the imaginations of her readers. So they will begin to believe anything can happen if you…Follow Your Dreams.
Links:
Chat Group: http://tinyurl.com/q79z2oj
Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/pxnbezm/
Living Dreams Blog: http://cjslivingdreams.blogspot.com/
FREE READ Blog: http://cjenglandsfreeread.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CJ.England.author?ref=profile
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CJ_England
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/CJ-England/e/B002BLLFBE/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135200.CJ_England
Author’s Den: http://www.authorsden.com/cjengland
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorcjengland/
Email Address: womanofthewind1@yahoo.com
Author: Kimberly Dean
A Favorite Autumn Treat: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Featured Book: Dream Walker
Blurb:
Research scientist Shea Caldwell has always had a thing for security consultant, Derek Oneiros. He’s smart, handsome, and built like a Greek god. As attracted as she is to him, though, she’s afraid to let him into her bed – because she’s dangerous when she sleeps.
Derek is known among his brothers as “The Machine,” yet his carefully cultivated control is put to the test whenever he’s around Shea. The woman is as beautiful as she is intelligent, but they’ve always kept things professional – until Derek learns why. Shea is sleepwalking again, but what she doesn’t know is that he may be the only one who can help her. For he is a Greek daemon, and he’s charged with protecting her dreams.
With Shea threatened, Derek makes things personal, and their nights together turn steamy and intimate. He’s ready to battle against the Somnambulist that’s been controlling his lover in her sleep, yet is the night creature really causing all the harm? When Shea’s groundbreaking research notes are stolen, it’s clear that other evil forces may be at work.
Excerpt:
It was cold, the kind of cold that worked its way deep into a person’s bones… and woke them from a dead sleep.
Groggily, Shea reached for the covers. She let out a soft grumble when she couldn’t find them. Rolling onto her side, she wrapped her arms around herself and drew up her knees. They bumped into a soft, lumpy cushion. A warm cushion. Gratefully, she nuzzled closer. The well-worn fabric brushed the tip of her nose, and she settled back down.
Only something wouldn’t let her sink back into the slumber from which she’d been pulled. Why was it so cold? It was summertime. But it was dark. It was always cold in the shadows.
Darkness.
With a sharp inhale, she jackknifed upward. The prickles she’d felt running down her spine became something else, and the air she’d inhaled threatened to choke her.
Where was she?
It was so dark, she couldn’t see a foot in front of her face. In that split second, she went from being half-awake to being so alert it hurt. She hated the dark. Hated it. And the pitch-blackness surrounding her was the worst. Trying not to panic, she jerkily felt for her surroundings.
“No,” she whispered, her throat tight.
She was on a couch, but not the soft microfiber one in her living room. Her shivers turned to shudders. The only other sofa she owned was the old one she’d stored in the basement. The cold, dark, eerie basement.
Her feet hit the cement floor hard. Fighting against the fear, she inched along, waving her arms overhead. Where was that damn light? She was breathing so fast, her throat hurt from the dryness. She took another step forward, and something jabbed into the ball of her foot. With a hiss, she pulled back—only to let out a high-pitched yelp when something brushed her hair.
The light cord.
Spinning around, she batted at it with both hands until she got a good grip. One quick yank, and light from the naked bulb flooded the room.
A whimper escaped her. Being able to see should have comforted her, but it didn’t. She stared wide-eyed at the shelves, boxes, and flower-patterned couch in front of her. She was in the basement of her condo.
Unnerved, she rubbed the goose bumps on her arms and double-checked all the corners. There were no monsters lurking, no intruders.
Except for herself.
“Please,” she whispered. “Not again.”
She’d thought she’d gotten past this.
Slowly, she glanced back to the staircase and followed the steps, one by one, upward. Dread filled her when she saw that the door at the top was closed tight.
“It can’t be happening again.”
Yet as much as the idea scared her, apparently it was. For the one thing she knew for certain was that she hadn’t started out the night here. When she’d fallen asleep, she’d been in her comfy queen-sized bed, two floors up.
“God help me.”
Her worst nightmare was back.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KzdvAI
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=4RGCCgAAQBAJ
Author Bio
When taking the Myers-Briggs personality test in high school, Kimberly was rated as an INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging). This result sent her into a panic, because there were no career paths recommended for the type. Fortunately, it turned out to be well-suited to a writing career. Since receiving that dismal outlook, Kimberly has become an award-winning author of romance and erotica. She has written for seven publishing houses, both domestic and international, and has recently focused her efforts on the exciting world of self-publishing. When not writing, she enjoys movies, sports, traveling, music, and sunshine. In her mind, a beach, some rock ‘n’ roll, and a good book make for a perfect day.
Links:
Website: http://kimberlydean.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Dean_writer
Author: Mariposa Cruz
A Favorite Autumn Treat: Pumpkin Bread
Featured Book: Package Deal
Blurb:
Widowed attorney, Liz Grant, buries her grief in a deluge of paperwork. On whim she takes a free dance lesson at the club Eclipse where the mojitos are cold and the Salsa is hot. She falls for Salsa’s spicy rhythms and Patrick Cavanaugh’s sexy grin. But can Liz handle the dramatic change of tempo in her well-ordered life?
Patrick has all the right moves, but struggles to keep his balance as his adult daughter spins out of control. Will their love survive off the dance floor?
Excerpt:
Jon announced the end of the lesson and the dance floor pulsed with lights and music. Most of the couples returned to the dance floor, while several headed toward the bar. Liz moved aside, reluctant to leave. She’d watch for a couple of dances, then tell Georgia and Sam goodbye. More couples poured onto the dance floor and Liz soon lost sight of them in the crowd. Liz anxiously scanned the club for her friends. Her heart sank when she spotted Georgia across the room, engaged in an animated conversation with Stuart, both staring in her direction. Why would Georgia think that creep was Liz’s type? If she didn’t act fast, she’d be in Stuart’s clammy grasp. Patrick, her first dance partner, leaned against the bar only a few yards away.“Would you like to dance?” she asked Patrick, who looked startled, but soon recovered.
“Sure, can always use the practice.” He gently took Liz by the elbow and guided her toward the dance floor. He led her in the basic step, his broad hands easily guiding her forward and back. During a turn, Liz stepped on his foot.
“I’m sorry,” she exclaimed. Patrick grinned.
“I used to box; you’ll have to hit me harder to hurt me.” No wonder he was light on his feet.
“Do you miss boxing?”
“I prefer dancing; my partners are prettier—though it is still a contact sport.”
Purchase Links:
Author Bio
Mariposa Cruz writes, works and dances Salsa in Reno, Nevada.
Links:
Blog: http://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mariposa.cruz.180
Author: Kate Hill
A Favorite Autumn Treat: Pumpkin bread.
Featured Book: Hungry Novice
Blurb:
Blair and May are supposed to be living their happily ever after, but for them it’s not that easy. Lately the only place they’ve been able to get along is in bed. May wants to join
Blair’s vampiric family in their battle against evil, but he wants nothing more than to keep her safe. Unable to reconcile, Blair sets May free, but when he’s captured by enemies, the tables turn and it’s up to May to defend him — possibly to the death. How far will a newly-made vampire go to test her powers?
Excerpt from Hungry Novice
Hamilton rose and took a step toward Blair who pulled him into a snug embrace.
“Thank you,” Blair repeated.
“Congratulations. Your first blood child.”
“And my last, I think.”
“Maybe.” Hamilton stepped back but continued gripping Blair’s shoulders. “Or maybe not. None of us know what the future holds. I suppose that’s what makes life exciting, even for vampires.”
“Blair.”
At the sound of May’s voice, both men turned to the doorway through which she had stepped, looking well rested and radiant in her pale pink dressing robe.
“Darling, are you well?” Blair strode toward her and took her in his arms.
“Well doesn’t begin to describe how wonderful I feel.” She smiled, hugging his neck. She gazed into his eyes and said, “We truly did it.”
“Yes we did.”
“Welcome to our world, May,” Hamilton said. “Ariel’s bloodline has a new daughter.”
Purchase Links: http://www.kate-hill.com/hungrynovice.html
Author Bio
Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.
When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets. She also writes as Saloni Qunby. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com.
Links:
Website: http://www.kate-hill.com
Blog: http://www.kate-hill.com/blog
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Hill/e/B002BLS7OW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16157.Kate_Hill
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katehillromance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katehillsaloniquinby
Compelling Beasts Blog: http://www.kate-hill.com/compellingbeastsblog
Compelling Beasts Blog Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/compbeastsblog
Author: Saloni Quinby
A favorite Autumn Treat: Pumpkin Cookies
Featured Book: Accursed
Blurb:
At the request of his aunt, Medium Maxim Thomas travels to the London mansion of actor Ian Northhill to search for paranormal dangers. The first-born sons in Ian’s family have all died on their thirty-fourth birthday, and Ian’s is just around the corner. The problem is, he doesn’t believe in ghosts, demons or curses.
When Maxim and Ian meet, they’re overwhelmed by lust, but great sex doesn’t change Maxim’s bitterness toward actors or Ian’s loathing of “phony” psychics. Unable to ignore their desire for each other, the men try to overcome their prejudices. While Ian performs a retelling of Jekyll and Hyde on stage, a real life Jekyll and Hyde plots to destroy him. Will Ian trust Maxim enough to allow his lover to save him from the family curse?
The following excerpt from Accursed is for readers 18 and over.
Maxim hadn’t been quite sure what to expect from the play. He didn’t always care for variations of classic books, but it didn’t take long for him to become deeply involved in this fresh version of Jekyll and Hyde. Ian was absolutely amazing as both the quiet, bookish doctor and the passionate Mr. Hyde. As both characters, he had kissing scenes with the leading lady. Maxim wasn’t sure which kisses were sexier — the raw, hungry ones of Mr. Hyde or the tender ones of the good doctor. Though he knew Ian was only doing his job, Maxim couldn’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy. Mr. Hyde had two lively fight scenes as well. In one, his shirt got torn off, giving the audience a view of Ian’s sculpted torso.
Maxim scolded himself for being so taken with Ian. He reminded himself that he was just a guy. This was his job. Yet it was easy to be swept away by his performance.
After the show, Maxim was a bit surprised when a member of security came to escort him to Ian’s dressing room.
“Hey.” Ian beamed as Maxim stepped in. His blue eyes glistened with a post-performance high. Ringlets of damp hair clung to his forehead and neck. He wore an undershirt, pants and socks, as he had apparently just removed his costume.
The guard closed the door, leaving them alone in the rather cramped room. There was a sink, a couch and a table with makeup and other items, including lots of photos and cards with written notes.
He reached for Maxim, who embraced him tightly, enjoying the feel of Ian’s hard, warm body beneath his sweat-dampened shirt.
“Did you enjoy it?” Ian asked, holding Maxim at arm’s length and gazing into his eyes.
“It was amazing,” Maxim said sincerely.
“Really? I was so fucking nervous about you being here tonight.”
Maxim was taken aback. “You were nervous about me?”
“Yeah.” Ian released a pent-up breath, though his smile never faded and he kissed Maxim again. “Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for having me. Next time I’ll be fighting off your fangirls for a ticket before they’re sold out.”
Ian laughed. “Let me finish changing and we can get out of here, but first.” He shoved Maxim onto the couch and straddled him, a playful look in his eyes.
“Should we be doing this here?” Maxim asked, glancing toward the door.
“We did it in your backroom. It’s only fair we do it in mine. Do you have any idea how fucking turned on I am right now?”
“I bet not as much as me. There’s something about that Mr. Hyde. Sadly, he only likes women.”
“Only on stage. Don’t forget, I know his back story,” Ian said with a teasing grin.
Maxim grasped the back of Ian’s neck and ran his tongue along his lips before kissing him hard.
Purchase Links: http://www.kate-hill.com/sqaccursed.html
Author Bio
The child of a painter and a psychic dreamer, Saloni Quinby feels spirituality and storytelling go hand-in-hand. She loves the scent of gardenia, the sound of wind chimes and the taste of honey. By listening to what isn’t said, she creates works based on unspoken desires. Saloni prefers blurred gender lines and many varieties of romance. In a world where passion must at times be restrained, she believes erotica is a pleasure to be shared. With her stories she would like to make her fantasies yours and hopes you enjoy the ride. She also writes as Kate Hill. She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com.
Links:
Website: http://www.kate-hill.com
Blog: http://www.kate-hill.com/blog
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Saloni-Quinby/e/B00J9FA7G4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1439131045&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5037108.Saloni_Quinby
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katehillromance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katehillsaloniquinby
Compelling Beasts Blog: http://www.kate-hill.com/compellingbeastsblog
Compelling Beasts Blog Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/compbeastsblog
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Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Halloween! 🙂
Thank you, Colleen! You as well!