WORDS THAT BIND by Ash Krafton: Excerpt and Giveaway

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share Words That Bind by Ash Krafton, a paranormal romance released last month from The Wild Rose Press. This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Ash will be awarding a $25 gift card to Amazon or BN as well as a unique handmade book-inspired keychain to a randomly drawn commenter and to a randomly drawn host. Click on the banner to visit other stops on this tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Words That Bind by Ash Krafton

 

Social worker Tam Kerish can’t keep her cool professionalism when steamy client Mr. Burns kindles a desire for more than a client-therapist relationship—so she drops him. However, they discover she’s the talisman to which Burns, an immortal djinn, has been bound since the days of King Solomon…and that makes it difficult.

Ethical guidelines are unequivocal when it comes to personal relationships with clients. However, the djinn has a thawing effect on the usually non-emotive Tam, who begins to feel true emotion whenever he is near. Tam has to make a difficult choice: to stay on the outside, forever looking in…or to turn her back on her entire world, just for the chance to finally experience what it means to fall in love.


EXCERPT

“So. You’ve destroyed a stereotype for me. A genie who lives in a library. Different.”

“When in Rome, no?” He stirred his cup before setting down the spoon with a light clink against the saucer. “Or, I suppose it is more accurate to say when in human form. When I am Burns, I prefer here.”

“Human form.” It didn’t sound right. Who said things like that, and meant it? “Can you change into anything you want? Any shape at all?”

He stretched out his legs and cocked his head, sliding his gaze up and away. “I suppose I could. I’m getting old and set in my ways. There’s this…” He swept his hands down the line of his body.

Her eyes were unable to keep from following, not even when he lingered over his midsection. Even lounging, his shirt was tightly tucked into his beltline. No belly fat there.

He tilted his head and gave her an upper-teeth smile, nibbling gently at his lower lip. “And apparently this form is pleasing to the eye, so I wear it often. But there are others. Tiger, a favorite. Savage and regal and the colors of flames in the night. Fearsome to behold, but very useful when dealing with physical conditions in which a human form may be outmatched. Plus, I can lash my tail.”

His voice took a teasing, conspirator’s tone. “I love my tail. You’d love it too, if you saw it.”

She trained her eyes firmly upon his. No way would she give him the pleasure of checking out his tail.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ash Krafton is a speculative fiction author from northeastern Pennsylvania. Krafton’s first novel, Bleeding Hearts was published in 2012 as part of an urban fantasy trilogy The Books of the Demimonde (Pink Narcissus Press). An urban fantasy novella, Strangers at the Hell Gate, was published by Wild Rose Press in 2013. Her newest release, Words That Bind, won first place in the HeRA RWA “Show Me the Spark” 2013 competition as well as a Zebulon award in 2014.

Krafton also writes New Adult speculative fiction novels under the pen name AJ Krafton. Upcoming titles include The Heartbeat Thief, Face of the Enemy, and the award-winning Takin’ It Back. She is part of a YA/NA collective known as the Infinite Ink Authors.

In addition to novel-length fiction, Krafton enjoys writing poetry and short prose, some of which earned distinctions in various writing competitions. One of her poems was also nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She’s a proud member of Pennwriters, Romance Writers of America, and Pikes Peak Writers. Krafton also writes for the Query Tracker Blog and the Prose and Cons blog.

She resides with her family in northeast Pennsylvania.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ashkraftonauthor

Blog: http://ash-krafton.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ashkrafton

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/Ash_Krafton

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/demimondeash

Purchase the Book: The Wild Rose Press | Amazon

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Book Blast (Excerpt & Giveaway): Hell’s Bounty by Kayden Claremont

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share Hell's Bounty by Kayden Claremont, a paranormal erotic romance released on October 10, 2014 from The Wild Rose Press.

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kayden will be awarding $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during this tour and the Review Only Tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


Hell’s Bounty by Kayden Claremont  
Raven Hart, a succubus bounty hunter for Hell, is on a hunt. With her query in sight, she hits a brick wall, or rather the very hard chest of a giant sexy man. She might have lost the prize for now, but she's a winner when the hottie wants to get physical.

Marcus Dionysius, a Nephilim working for Heaven, has one mission—to prevent Hell’s beauty from stealing souls meant for the higher plane. But he soon realizes he’s met his sexual match. She’s naughty enough to tempt his senses, but her innocence means he can’t walk away when she needs him most.

Working together to discover who’s snatching souls from Heaven, they realize the true danger is falling in love.


EXCERPT

Raven looked over at him. “Marcus, this is the coroner, Doctor Hill. Doc, this is my new partner, Detective Marcus Dionysius.”

Marcus extended his hand to the doctor, but he just paced back and forth, ignoring the proffered handshake. “Oh, my dear, you shouldn’t see this.”

“Doc, I’m a detective. There isn’t much I haven’t seen.” Raven’s no-nonsense tone had no effect on the doctor. “No, dear, not this time.” He took her by the elbow and led her a few feet away from the body. Shaking his head, he continued, “This time it’s too personal. You don’t need to see this.” He pointed at the body on the ground. “It’s Stephen, my dear.”

Marcus watched shock flash across her face for a moment before she got control again. She wasn’t expecting to see her late partner. She hadn’t done this, but that didn’t clear her of the other attacks.

The captain was sleazy. Everyone in heaven and hell knew it. And everyone thought that because Raven worked so closely with him, she was part of his plan. Marcus hoped the sexy succubus wasn’t connected with hell’s mess. He moved closer to the body.

Doctor Hill glanced at him and stopped talking.

Clearing his throat, Marcus said softly to Raven, “I’ll handle this if you’re not up to it. The captain can assign another detective to work the case with me.”

Raven looked up at him, anger flaring in her eyes as she answered, “What do you think I am? Some fragile female who can’t do her job?”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps.

Her paranormal erotic novella, Hell’s Bounty is published by The Wild Rose Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime International; Sisters in Crime Toronto; Sisters in Crime Toronto Executive; Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers.

When she’s not at her day job she’s crafting more tales of love or spending time with her husband and children.

Visit her at:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/kayden.Claremont

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaydenClaremont

Email at: KaydenClaremont@bell.net

Blog: KaydenClaremont@wordpress.com

Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon (ca) 

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A Woman of Honour by Marlow Kelly: Excerpt and Giveaway

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share A Woman of Honour by Marlow Kelly, an historical romance released on August 27, 2014 by The Wild Rose Press.

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Marlow will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Remember, the more stops you visit, the more chances you earn to win.

A Woman of Honour by Marlow Kelly

Duncan Campbell wakes to discover he is imprisoned with a woman in his enemy's dungeon in the Highlands of Scotland. The disenchanted warrior hopes his last few moments on earth will be spent in the arms of the sweet-voiced Isabel. If only she will cooperate.


Isabel Douglas has no intention of obliging the crude captive. The penniless noblewoman considers herself too tall and thin to be desirable. She intends to become a nun. But first, disguised as a boy, she must deliver an important letter to Scotland's hero in hiding, King Robert the Bruce. 


Together, the pair make a daring escape that plunges them into the bleak countryside in the middle of winter. In the struggle to survive, they learn the true strength of their feelings for each other. But when Duncan's animosity towards the king becomes evident, Isabel must decide between her heart and her country.



EXCERPT

“And even though we’re going to die, you still can’t find it in your heart to forgive me?”


“Maybe if you were very nice to me and warmed me with your sweet, little body, I could see my way to absolving you.”


She gasped and he couldn’t help but smile at her outraged reaction. He had no idea why he enjoyed baiting her, but he couldn’t seem to stop.


“You’re the most sinful man I’ve ever met. I take it back. I don’t want your absolution. How can you think about your carnal needs at a time like this?”


The ire in her voice made him want to continue their argument, but his headache was worsening by the minute.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


After being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her ideas to paper. Her need to write about strong women in crisis drives her stories and her curiosity regarding the lives and loves of historical figures are the inspiration for her characters.


Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter

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Spirit of the Knight by Debbie Peterson: Author Interview and Giveaway

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share Spirit of the Knight by Debbie Peterson, a paranormal romance available now from The Wild Rose Press.

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Debbie will be awarding one Art print, inspired by the novel, and signed by the artist and an ebook copy of Van Locken's Witch and Shadow of the Witte Wieven (books one and two in the Wieven series) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Remember, the more stops you visit, the more chances you earn to win.

Spirit of the Knight by Debbie Peterson

 

She fell deeply in love with him in the early days of her childhood. And in return, she captured his heart the moment he first cast his gaze upon her...

Renowned artist, Mariah Jennings hired to paint a thirteenth-century Scottish castle, gets the shock of her life when she encounters the handsome knight who has dominated a lifetime of portraits and sketchbooks.

But Sir Cailen Braithnoch is no ordinary ghost, nor did he suffer an ordinary death. Magic of the blackest kind cast a pall over the knights centuries ago. As the ghost and his lady seek to unravel the paradox surrounding his death, black arts, otherworldly forces, and a jealous rival conspire against them.

Will those forces tear them apart, or is their love destined to last throughout the ages?



EXCERPT

Did he find her “bonny” then? A blush stole across her cheeks as she shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of the creatures.”

“Kelpie are water horses that are uncommonly strong. Their shiny coat comes in colors of both black and white. They have a mane and tail that never dries. No matter how long they remain on dry ground, th’ hair will drip water constantly from th’ ends. Although their skin shines like silk in th’ sun, it feels cold as stone when ye touch it no matter how warm th’ day. These ghostly horses use trickery to keep themselves hidden from your eyes or they simply transform into any normal creature, includin’ th’ shape of a comely man or woman. ’Tis in this way they lure ye to them. And, ’tis also said that once they take ye captive, they might never let ye go back to the surface.”

“That’s a very interesting story. Have you ever seen a kelpie yourself?” she asked.

Cailen chuckled as he shook his head. “Nay, I cannae, in all honesty, tell ye that I have.”

“So then you don’t really know if these ghostly creatures carry women off or not,” she challenged.

The look he gave her quite literally stole away her breath. He turned his body fully toward her then and moved closer still. His eyes bore into hers. “Nay, but th’ danger still exists of other ghostly creatures that might."



AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I am excited to be here on your blog, so thank you very much for inviting me over for an interview!

How much of a story did you have in mind before you started writing Spirit of the Knight?

Sir Cailen is actually a minor character in my previously published novel Spirit of the Revolution. He was a fun character to write and as I completed the chapter in which he appeared, I knew he had to have a full story of his own.


What was your favorite chapter (or part) of Spirit of the Knight to write? Why?

I don’t really have a favorite because I truly enjoyed writing every single page. However, I found it great fun to write the scene wherein our astonished heroine comes face-to-face with the fourteenth century knight she has sketched and painted her entire life.


What about your characters surprised you while writing the story?

I would have to say Cailen’s attitude and Mariah’s spunk.


Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

That deep and abiding love will always find a way, regardless of hardship and seemingly impossible obstacles.


What is on your “keeper shelf” of books?

Now that's a loaded question! I have well over a thousand books in my personal library. But, if something terrible destroyed that library and I had to begin again, I would have to replace the classics first…

How did you know that you should become an author?

My husband’s faith in me that I could actually do it.


What was your biggest challenge in getting published?

Not giving up on myself and implementing all I learned as I waded through a plethora of rejection letters.


What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

That I wouldn’t trade away any of those rejections letters, because in all reality, they made me a better writer.


What project are you working on now?

I am currently doing some revisions for a fantasy romance which takes place in a kingdom lost to history.


If you could travel in a time machine, would you go back to the past or into the future? Why?

I would definitely travel backward in time. I love history and there are so many people I would love to meet and events I would love to witness for myself.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie has always had a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. Stories of love and make believe filled her head for as long as she can remember. However, it was her beloved husband who encouraged, cajoled and inspired her to take up a pen and write some of them down. Her journey to published author could fill quite a few pages. However, in June of 2010, she submitted her debut novel “Spirit of the Rebellion” to her wonderful, patient, editor at The Wild Rose Press and the rest is history. She now has five published novels to her credit.

When she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, Debbie spends time with the members of her very large family, within the lovely, arid deserts of southern Nevada. She also pursues her interests in family history, mythology, and all things ancient and historic.

Connect with Debbie:

Website: http://dk-peterson.com/

Blog: http://debbie-peterson.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebbiePeterson1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Peterson-Author/214882805206529?ref=tn_tnmn

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/debpeterson1/


Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lockens-Witch-Wieven-Debbie-Peterson-ebook/dp/B00FWWXBES/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_4

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-lockens-witch-debbie-peterson/1117524840?ean=9780991068210



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The Art of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside: Book Review and Giveaway

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share The Art of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside, a 342 page romantic suspense book released May 2, 2014 from The Wild Rose Press. 

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Brenda will be awarding a $20 gift card to The Wild Rose Press to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.

The Art of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside

Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn't what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life.

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.

Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past...until Chance's connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?



Excerpt

Lacy quickened her pace. The footsteps behind her did the same. As fast as her feet touched the bricks, her heart beat twice that speed. If only she could clear the narrow alley, step onto the lit sidewalk… Like a magnet, the street light pulled her forward, and she lunged out of the darkness. Her hand slammed to her chest. After a hard intake of breath and a fast exhale, she cast a furtive glance over her shoulder. With the strap of her purse in a tight fist against her breast, she whirled around to cover the last block at a trot.

She didn’t see him until too late.

As if she’d hit a cement wall, she careened off balance, but his hands grabbed her shoulders keeping her upright. She gasped and reared back and out of his arms. Her fisted purse became a weapon as she hurled a defensive blow to his chest. Her knee came up, landing a jab to his thigh. “Ehhh,” she cried out from the pain of contact.

“Lady, I’m not going to hurt you.” He held his ground and loomed over her, his hands at his chest fending off the swing of her fist.

Her vision filled with the imposing figure, and a chill shivered her body. Run screamed in her head. This time the swing of her purse missed her target when she turned to escape. His hand caught her arm and pulled her close.

“Help, help me!” Her voice came high and hysterical.

“I am trying to help.”

Both hands gripped her shoulders now, and her feet came partly off the ground, forcing her to look into his face.

“What’s wrong? Are you in trouble?”

Her head swung side to side, but the empty street and sidewalks could have been a ghost town. In the distance, a jazzy tune drifted through the air with voices too far away to help. She gulped.

He waited.



Book Trailer





My Rambles

The first thing that drew me to the book was the cover. I really like the couple - setting combination on the front. The cover colors are warm and eye-catching. I was delighted to discover that the story was set in Arizona. The author does such a good job of describing the setting that it is almost like a character in the book.

Lacy Dahl heads to Flagstaff, Arizona because she wants to learn more about some art that she inherited. She encounters danger from the very start of her journey. After eating dinner at a Mexican restaurant on day of her arrival, Lacy senses that she is being followed on her way back to her hotel room. Unfortunately (or fortunately), her sense of flight or fight kicks in right as she runs into Chance Meadowlark. Literally runs into him (see the excerpt above). A scuffle ensues and we get a glimpse of the first sparks of interest between Lacy and Chance. These are sparks that neither intend to flame. Lacy's path continues to cross with the handsome Mr. Meadowlark during her stay. When Chance (widower and local sheriff) realizes that the danger Lacy feels is real, he can't help but get involved. Their undeniable attraction lights up the pages as Lacy pursues the truth about the art and her past.

The characters are where The Art of Love and Murder excels. It is a character-driven story whose plot style reminded me of the premise of television show Motive. It is a fast-paced, suspenseful storyline where you know who the bad guy is upfront. The "mystery" is revealed in finding out the motives of players involved.

If you enjoy love stories mixed with mystery and intrigue like I do, I think that you'll find The Art of Love and Murder an interesting read. It is a story of deception and second chances. I read it over a weekend. This is the first book that I have read by the author. I look forward to reading more of Brenda Whiteside's works.


Side note: I have been reading a lot of new adult stories recently so I really appreciated that the characters in The Art of Love and Murder were over forty.



About the Author

Brenda spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love. The rest of her time is spent tending vegetables on the small family farm she shares with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Together, they’ve embraced an age-old lifestyle that has been mostly lost in the United States - multiple generations living under one roof, who share the workload, follow their individual dreams and reap the benefits of combined talents.

Although she didn’t start out to write romance, she’s found all good stories involve complicated human relationships. She’s also found no matter a person’s age, a new discovery is right around every corner. Whether humorous or serious, straight contemporary or mystery, all her books revolve around those two facts.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.

Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/brendawhitesid2

She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

She blogs about writing and prairie life at http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/



NOTE: This post is part of the The Art of Love and Murder virtual book review tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Super Book Blast: The Mating Game by Melissa Snark

Kinky Vanilla Romance is pleased to share The Mating Game by Melissa Snark, an erotic paranormal romance novel released on June 20, 2014 from The Wild Rose Press.

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Melissa will be awarding a Nordic Lights Dolphin Triskilian Pendant for Guidance and Inner Peace to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour, as well as a signed paperback copy of The Mating Game to two randomly drawn winners (US ONLY).

Two males…two friends…a competition for the right to claim The Heart of the Iron Stone Pack.

An alpha female at her core, Theresa Sanchez struggles to protect her young daughter, but rivalries and politics create volatility in the pack. As Theresa comes into heat, lust and need rule her body. Her pack demands only the most virile male have her. How can she choose only one mate when her body craves two—the virile beta and the man she loves?

Zachary Hunter will do anything to take Theresa as his mate, even if it means killing his best friend. However, Robert Blane is just as determined to ascend to Alpha. Both their beasts howl to mark her flesh, but only one can survive to claim her. But with enemies circling, they must fight…for the pack, for Theresa, and for a future together.

Warning: Book contains wolf shifters, pack politics, gritty fight scenes, offbeat humor, and sizzling sexual adventures between a ménage of partners.

Enjoy an excerpt:

“Do you have on panties?”

“Oh, Zach.” Theresa sighed into the phone. The sound of her weight shifting atop fabric reached his ears. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I could offer all manner of suggestions.” Zach’s mouth went dry and his voice had acquired a sultry tone, deliberately suggestive, a hint of the lewd.

“Oh, you. Stop!” She giggled with delight and there was nothing in her attitude to make him believe she meant anything but the opposite.

His slacks had become tight in the crotch so he unfastened the sliding tabs. As a rule, he went commando because it made undressing to shift forms easier, but he happened to be wearing black silk boxers under his suit. With one hand, he shoved his boxers down to mid-thigh and his aroused shaft sprang into his hand. His balls were swollen and tender, and the slightest pressure felt exquisite. He muffled a moan.

“Where are you, Theresa?”

“In bed.”

“Tell me what you’re wearing.”

“Zach!” Theresa sounded scandalized, but he also detected the note of intrigue in her voice. Her breathing grew rapid and uneven. “I’m wearing a white robe. I just got out of the shower.”

“Is it silk?”

“No, you know I can’t afford silk, silly. It’s cotton.” His gaze flickered to the gift he’d bought her and he licked his lips. His hand stroked his engorged member, fingers and thumb encircling the girth. “Anything else?”

Fast Facts About Melissa Snark:

• Melissa Snark is published with The Wild Rose Press & as an Indie author with five unique titles: A CAT'S TALE, THE MATING GAME, LEARNING TO FLY, THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON.
• Her Loki's Wolves series includes THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON AND BATTLE CRY (to be released in 2014).
• She lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children and a glaring of cats.
• She is a professional cat herder and unrepentant satirist who blogs about books and writing on The Snarkology.

Connect with Melissa Snark:

Author Website
http://www.melissasnark.com/

The Snarkology
http://www.melissasnark.blogspot.com/

Email: melissasnark at gmail.com

Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/melissasnark.author

Twitter
https://twitter.com/MelissaSnark

Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/MelissaSnark

Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0076EEQIU


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