I Got the “Yes, Ma’am” Shivers – Melissa Cutler

Melissa Cutler here, and I’m thrilled to be on RR@H Novel Thoughts talking about cowboys. It’s been a whirlwind month spreading the word about COWBOY JUSTICE, my latest western romance, and the icing on the cake was my six day adventure in Las Vegas last week.

 

Guess who was also in Las Vegas last week? Cowboys! More specifically, professional bull riders and their huge, awesome fan contingency. While many of the fans in attendance of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) World Finals were cowboys themselves, there were a huge number of women who love romance novels. Imagine my delight!

 

For three days, I manned a booth at the PBR Fan Zone—along with fellow western author Laura Drake and the Barnes & Noble reps selling our books—and introduced romance readers to COWBOY JUSTICE and THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS. I felt like a romance genre ambassador, and couldn’t have been more proud to declare to each and every woman (and lots of men) who walked by our booth: “I’m a romance author and I’d love to talk to you about my books.”

 

 

Sure, we got the occasional snickers from poor, unfortunate souls who are ignorant about our wonderful genre, and, yes, if I’d done a shot of whiskey every time someone asked me how my books compared to Fifty Shades, I’d be dead. And there’s always that guy who has to ask if we practice the sex scenes with our husbands (oy), but, by and large, people’s responses were enthusiastic and supportive…and I got my books into the hands of lots and lots of romance novel lovers.

 

As a bonus, everywhere I looked I saw cowboy hats and Wrangler butts. And, I must admit, I got the “yes, ma’am” shivers more than once when talking to the many polite, gentlemanly cowboys I met. I learned to recognize a bull rider swagger coming from a mile away and grew to appreciate the kind of event that offers shots of Jack Daniels for purchase at the concession stands. If you ever get the chance to attend a PBR event, I highly recommend it. I guarantee you won’t be the only romance novel (or cowboy) lover there taking in the sights and excitement.

 

From the Back Cover of COWBOY JUSTICE:

She can’t help but fall for the sexy sheriff—again…

Rachel Sorentino’s first regret about shooting at the vandals targeting her property is that her aim wasn’t better. Her second is that when bullets started flying, it was Sheriff Vaughn Cooper’s number she dialed. Vaughn is the mistake she keeps on making, and no matter how inconvenient their attraction—for his career, her tangled case, and their already battered hearts—there’s no denying what feels so irresistibly right…

 

COWBOY JUSTICE is in Stores Now:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZN8Bqb

B&N: http://bit.ly/Zn2yvl

iTunes: http://bit.ly/12jejAv

Kobo: http://bit.ly/17xaXMX

Walmart: http://bit.ly/151XfBS

 

Giveaway: I’m giving away a 2014 Sexiest Cowboy Calendar I picked up at the PBR World Finals to one commenter (US residents only, please), so tell me who YOU think the sexiest cowboy is—living or dead, fictional or real…

 

 

My thanks to Fatin and RR@H Novel Thoughts for hosting me today. I love hearing from readers and am really easy to find at www.melissacutler.net, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MelissaCutlerBooks ), and Twitter (@m_cutler). And you can always email me at melissa@melissacutler.net or sign up for my newsletter (http://www.melissacutler.net/newsletter/ ) to find out about my latest books and upcoming events.

 

Bio: Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, and Kensington Books. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.

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Sarah Morgan – Guest blog and giveaway!

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green’s favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year.

Jackson O’Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family’s resort—it’s in his blood, and he can’t let it fail. Now that he’s got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus.

Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she’s out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it’s terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

sarahmorgan.com

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

 

Thanks so much for having me here today!

 

I love ‘fish out of water stories’, where characters who are completely confident in their own world and surroundings are suddenly transplanted somewhere else.

I love watching characters struggle, grow and ultimately change as they face new challenges.

 

Kayla, the heroine of my first full-length contemporary romance, Sleigh Bells in the Snow, is a city girl. She’s a public relations expert working for one of the fastest growing firms in Manhattan and her best friend is her phone. Christmas is her least favorite time of year so when sexy businessman Jackson O’Neil invites her to spend the holidays at Snow Crystal Resort in Vermont to advise on a new marketing strategy for his ailing family business, she immediately agrees.  A log cabin in a snowy forest should provide the perfect sanctuary for a Santa-hating workaholic.

 

But the only experience Kayla has had with snow is to kick it off her boots and brush it off her coat. She likes ice in her margarita, but suddenly it’s under her feet and she’s spending too much time flat on her back. But it isn’t just the environment that challenges Kayla, it’s the whole O’Neil family and, specifically, hot, sexy Jackson O’Neil.

 

She is used to working out of her sleek New York office, but at Snow Crystal meetings are held in the kitchen and the whole family are there – Grandpa, Grandma, Jackson’s brother and even the dog. It’s mayhem and it totally throws Kayla.

 

I loved exploring the relationship between the characters, not just the developing love story between Kayla and Jackson, but also the dynamic between the three O’Neil brothers and the rest of the family, like this scene where she turns up for the first meeting and is overwhelmed by the O’Neils.

 

She walked into the house and stopped in surprise as she took in the details of the room and saw the number of people crowded around the large table.

“Oh, I—this is—” She turned to look at Jackson, confused. “This is the kitchen.”

“That’s right.”

“The kitchen leads to your meeting room?”

The kitchen is our meeting room.” He closed the door on the cold and Kayla felt a flash of panic as she turned back to face her audience.

They were holding this meeting in the kitchen?

She glanced around and saw shiny saucepans and stainless steel. Bunches of herbs hung drying above the range. Surfaces gleamed, but this was no showroom kitchen. It was lived in and loved. There were boots of various sizes lined up by the door and shelves stacked with recipe books. It was easy to imagine the three O’Neil boys rushing in from the snow, hoping to grab some freshly baked treats.

A woman hefted a large blue casserole dish into the oven and gave them a welcoming smile.

“You must be Kayla. We’ve heard so much about you. I’m Elizabeth O’Neil, Jackson’s mother. Alice and Walter, his grandparents—” she nodded her head in their direction “—and Tyler, Jackson’s brother. Jess might join us later but I’m sure you won’t mind that. Now come on in and let me take your coat.” She closed the oven door and hurried over, the smile still on her face, her arms outstretched.

Kayla took a hasty step backward, and the sharp heel of her stiletto drove hard into Jackson’s foot.

He swore under his breath and then his hands closed around her arms and he steadied her. “Do you have a license for that weapon?”

She didn’t answer. Terrified she was about to be hugged, Kayla thrust her hand out, almost winding his mother in the process. “Pleased to meet you.”

Jackson released her. “My mother is British, so you have that in common.” He smoothed over the potentially awkward beginning. “Thirty-five years ago she arrived to cook for a winter season and never left.”

“Why would I leave? I never saw anywhere more perfect than this place, and I’m sure Kayla agrees.”

Kayla was ready to agree to anything in order to get out of this Christmas grotto as fast as possible. “Absolutely. It’s stunning. Good to meet you, Mrs. O’Neil.”

“Call me Elizabeth, dear. We’re not formal.” Warm and friendly, his mother took Kayla’s coat, frowning as she hung it up. “It’s wet. Is it snowing again?”

“No. I fell.”

“You let her fall?” Elizabeth O’Neil turned reproachful eyes on her eldest son. “You didn’t hold her arm? Shame on you, Jackson.”

“It was my fault,” Kayla said stiffly. “I’m not used to walking on ice, but it won’t happen again.”

Elizabeth nodded approval. “Because next time you’ll hold his arm.”

“No.” Kayla had already promised herself she was going to keep physical contact to a minimum. “Next time I’ll be wearing better boots. I’m going to sort that out first thing tomorrow.”

Jackson’s grandmother made a sympathetic noise. “I’m not surprised you fell. It’s so icy. I’m afraid to go out in winter since I had my hip done and as for the cold—” Alice O’Neil peered at Kayla from across the table. “Are you wearing thermal underwear under that sweater? The wool looks thin. And your skirt is quite short. We don’t want you catching cold while you’re here. Jackson, you should take Kayla to buy underwear.”

Kayla felt heat rush into her cheeks. “I—” How was she supposed to respond to that? She was used to small talk that involved observations on the weather or the traffic in Manhattan. Occasionally people touched on the economy. No one ever mentioned underwear. “I’m warm, but thank you for your concern.” She shot Jackson a desperate look, feeling like a deer circled by a pack of hungry wolves. “Shall I begin my presentation?”

“Why do young girls wear so much black?” Walter O’Neil added his contribution from the far end of the table. “When I was young, black was for funerals.”

“I love color. You’d look pretty in green, Kayla.” Alice held out a ball of yarn to Kayla, who stared at it as if she were being offered a grenade.

Jackson’s brother gave a slow, wicked smile. “We’re very pleased to meet you Kayla. And I love the skirt. Don’t change anything about it, especially not the length—unless you want to make it shorter.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t a nice skirt,” Alice said stoutly. “I said it was short and with the weather like this—”

“She’s warm, Grams. Don’t worry.” Jackson put his hand on Kayla’s back and urged her into the room. “And she looks smart in black. If people would listen for a moment, you’d discover she’s smart in other ways, too.” He pulled out a chair and offered it to Kayla, who sat gratefully.

They’d done the small talk now, so hopefully they could move on to business.

 

I’m giving away one signed print copy of Sleigh Bells in the Snow so leave a comment for a chance to win.

 

 

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Winners!

Marina, martha lawson, and AmandaS

wins a digital copy of Waiting for Wren by Cate Beauman

*

Timitra

wins a kindle or nook copy of Everything You Need to Know by HelenKay Dimon

*

Congrats! To claim your prize, please email mad @ romancereaderatheart.com (without the spaces). You have 48 hours to email before a new name is chosen.

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HelenKay Dimon – Guest blog and giveaway!

Welcome to Need to Know—Because a Woman Can’t Be Too Informed

Dating in D.C. is like navigating an apocalyptic wasteland populated by men in expensive suits with zero mating potential. Need to Know provides all the information a savvy single woman like you needs to avoid dating disasters.

By night, Jordan McAdam is the proprietor of a popular website that rates D.C.’s hottest bachelors—everything from how quick they email you back to their skills in the sack. She’s been burned once too often to accept any man at face value. By day, her job as an office temp puts her in the perfect position to do a little fact-checking on her rich and powerful subjects. When her latest assignment brings her face-to-face with the sexy but mysterious Forest Redder, Jordan decides to do a little “hands on” research of her own. To Jordan, he seems like the perfect man—but she knows there is no such thing. Moreover, there’s a big problem: Forest knows Jordan’s the woman behind the scandalous site—and Jordan knows he knows. Will he expose her secret—or find his own posted on Need to Know?

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

Thank you for having me here to talk about my latest, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, one of the launch titles from the new Cosmo Red-Hot Reads by Harlequin line.

People talk about the “meet cute” in a romance novel, that first time the hero and heroine cross paths. A lot of times it’s an accidental meeting or they see each other across the room. In EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, Jordan and Forest meet in an office. She’s the temp for a businessman – not a very nice man – Forest is coming to see for a meeting. Forest and Jordan see each other, an interest sparks and they move on.

 

It’s the second meeting that really sticks. He makes an impression. He’s in a tux, after all. And this time he doesn’t let her walk away without moving in:

 

Early Saturday evening Jordan stood at the open bar and drank a silent toast to the bride, the newly minted Elizabeth Savory-West. Jordan could almost picture the personalized stationery. It would probably be in the same bright pink as the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Jordan had a harder time figuring out the bride, since Jordan had never actually met her. She stood now and watched Elizabeth swish around in her fluffy white dress, surrounded by tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of pink and white roses and her thirteen bridesmaids. Because that was a rational number. Jordan could barely come up with thirteen people she’d want at her wedding, never mind acting as bridesmaids.

She scanned the Highwater Observatory, the fancy room housing the reception. It was one of three ballrooms at the tony hotel on the edge of Georgetown. Jordan had to fight the urge to grab her phone and figure out how much the room rental cost. Something with skylights and “observatory” in its name couldn’t be cheap. Add in the paneled mahogany ceiling, glitzy chandeliers and rich golden fabrics and you had a very expensive few hours of dancing and cake.

She didn’t know one person in the room. That’s what happened when you crashed a wedding to scope out a groomsman. Word was Nick Asher enjoyed sleeping with bridesmaids—any bridesmaid—and sometimes skulked around weddings looking for sex partners. Sex, as in having it, then sneaking out before the hotel-room bill was paid.

He was a real classy guy, this Nick. Just went to show money couldn’t buy manners.

Right now she watched him move, circling a petite brunette and following her as she walked out the towering doors to the terrace. Jordan guessed it was time she got some fresh air, as well. She pivoted around one of the fancy columns at one end of the room and came eye-to-mouth with a guy.

At least it was a hot mouth, and the rest of the face…well, damn.

“How do you know Bitsy?” Forest stood there, dressed like James Bond, all sleek in a tux that fit him as if some dude stripped Forest naked and measured him for it.

Jordan felt all the blood leave her head. It had to be a reaction to the impressive outfit. No way was she responding to him. “What?”

“Bitsy.”

Clearly the rushing sound in her ears drowned out part of the conversation. “Is that a person or a thing?”

“She’s the bride.”

Jordan decided this would teach her not to do more investigation on the bride and groom before crashing a wedding. She’d gotten a tip about Nick being a groomsman and showed up without any planning. It was a hotel, after all. Not exactly a security-protected event.

But none of that solved the six-foot-something problem in front of her. Damn, she couldn’t see anything past Forest’s broad shoulders. That couldn’t be normal.

She waved her hand and gave a chuckle. “Oh, sure. Bitsy.”

He shifted as he folded his arms over his chest. “No one calls her that.”

Shifty bastard. “Why did you?”

“To see if you knew her or were even invited to this event.”

“What makes you think I’m not supposed to be here?” Other than that being the truth, of course.

“You’re not talking to anyone.”

Jordan snorted before she could stop it. “So?”

He put his palm against the column behind her head and leaned in. “You were hiding behind the post and ducked when the bride walked by. You’re not giving anyone eye contact and I haven’t seen you talk or eat or even sit down, probably because you don’t have an assigned seat.”

“Yeah, that’s not creepy or anything.”

“What?”

“Your stalking problem.”

The corner of his mouth lifted but just as quickly flatlined again. “You’re not exactly engaged in normal wedding-guest behavior.”

“Clearly you don’t go to many weddings.” Jordan had been to seven for her mother alone, so she considered herself a bit of an expert. And, really, hiding was the only way to get through them.

 

It’s not their first meet and not all that cute, but it starts them down the road…and it’s a very fun road. 🙂

 ~~~*~~~*~~~

For more information visit helenkaydimon.com. And for a chance to win a Kindle or Nook copy of Everything You Need To Know, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

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Waiting For Wren by Cate Beauman – Excerpt and Giveaway!

Cate Beauman’s newest release is available now through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Visit www.catebeauman.com for more information and to read excerpts from her best selling series The Bodyguards of L.A. County.

 

 

When the past and present collide…

Wren Cooke has everything she’s ever wanted—a thriving career as one of LA’s top interior designers and a home she loves. Business trips, mockups, and her demanding clientele keep her busy, almost too busy to notice Ethan Cooke Security’s gorgeous Close Protection Agent, Tucker Campbell.

Jaded by love and relationships in general, Wren wants nothing to do with the hazel-eyed stunner and his heart-stopping grins, but Tucker is always in her way. When Wren suddenly finds herself bombarded by a mysterious man’s unwanted affections, she’s forced to turn to Tucker for help.

As Wren’s case turns from disturbing to deadly, Tucker whisks her away to his mountain home in Utah. Haunted by memories and long-ago tragedies, Tucker soon realizes his past and Wren’s present are colliding. With a killer on the loose and time running out, Tucker must discover a madman’s motives before Wren becomes his next victim.

The Unofficial Waiting For Wren Soundtrack

As I have discussed with previous book launches, music plays a huge part in my writing process. I typically listen to Pandora or YouTube and compile a collection of songs that I feel represent my characters or the situations they face as the novel unfolds.  Here are a few of the songs that I had on “repeat” while I created Tucker and Wren’s story!

The soundtrack, of sorts, for Waiting For Wren:

• Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips
• Lego House by Ed Sheeran
• Wanted by Hunter Hayes
• What Would Happen If We Kissed by Meredith Brooks
• Trying Not to Love You by Nickelback
• Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth Ft. Emeli Sande
• I Hate How Much I Love You by Rhianna Ft. NeYo
• Be Still by The Fray
• All Along by Remedy Drive
• Clarity by Zedd
• Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
• To Build A Home by Cinematic Orchestra

 

Read an excerpt from Waiting For Wren:

 

She pulled in her drive, dropped her phone, and gripped the wheel with trembling hands as heat from the vents rushed over her. She stared at her darkened front steps in the shadows cast about from the neighbors’ tall trees. What if he was here? His texts weren’t threatening, and technically neither were the flowers, but Rex wasn’t healthy. In the two years she’d owned her home, she’d never been terrified to get out of her car and go inside like she was now.

This is what he wants. He wants you to be afraid while he plays his games. Steeling herself, she grabbed her phone and got out with her key fob clutched in her unsteady hand. The cool rush of wind tossed her hair in her face, and she swiped wavy locks behind her ear as she strained to hear over the rustling leaves. She walked quickly, her eyes darting everywhere.

She just had to get to the door and step inside. The panic button was in the entryway if she needed it. The police would come help her, along with whoever was fielding calls at Ethan’s company tonight. “I’m almost there. I’m almost there,” she whispered, flinching, blinking, startled as the sensor lights flashed on to brighten the walkway. The security lights. It was just the security lights. She forgot she reactivated the feature the night of the gala. She took another step forward and saw the blood by the pretty pot of red mums. “Oh my god. Oh my god.” A black cat lay on her step, decapitated and bloated in a pool of dark, congealed crimson. “Oh my…”

Her breath rushed in and out as she stumbled back. The cellphone in her clammy hand rang, and she screamed. Blindly, she pressed “talk.” “Hell—hello?”

“Do you like it?” someone whispered.

She whirled, scanning, searching for Rex. He was here, somewhere. He had to be.

“Why won’t you call me?” The whisper turned into a pathetic whine. “Why won’t you call me, Wren?”

“Stop,” she shuddered out as she hurried to her car, looking over her shoulder from time to time, sure he was waiting to pounce. “Stop doing this. I’m calling the police.”

The whining stopped abruptly and turned into mad, riotous laughter. “They won’t believe you! They won’t believe you!”

“Leave me alone!” She hung up, gasping for air. Tears poured down her cheeks, and her hand shook as she opened her door, took her seat, and locked herself in. She had to get out of here. She had to get away. It took her two tries to shove the key in the ignition as she glanced at the bloodstained step once more and backed out with a squeal of tires. She sped off, heading toward Ethan’s until she remembered he was gone and a quarter of his house had been gutted for the new edition. All of them were gone—Ethan, Hunter, and Austin. She pressed ‘one’ on her speed dial, listening to the repetitive ringing. Ethan’s smooth voice told her to leave a message, but she hung up instead. She turned down another street, taking her farther from her home, and punched in Ethan Cooke Security’s twenty-four hour assistance line.

“Ethan Cooke Security. This is Mia.”

“Mia, it’s Wren.”

“Wren, are you okay?”

“Yes.” Her voice broke, and she shook her head as she clutched the wheel with one hand. “No. No, I’m not. There’s a dead cat on my porch.”

“Oh.”

That didn’t exactly describe the horror she’d just backed away from. “Someone killed a cat and left it on my front step.”

“Oh my god. Where are you?”

“In my car.” She sniffed. “Driving around. I don’t want to go back to my house alone.”

“Of course not. Let me patch you through to Tucker Campbell. He’s on call.”

Tucker? “No, wait—” But it was too late. Soothing music played in her ear.

“Wren?” Tucker’s deep voice hummed with concern.

Her lip wobbled, and tears began to fall again. “Yeah, I’m here.”

“What’s going on? Mia said something about a dead cat?”

“Someone chopped some sweet cat’s head off and put the body on my front step.”

He muttered a swear. “Are you there now?”

“No, I’m in my car, driving around. It freaked me out. I don’t want to be at the house by myself.”

“I don’t want you there either. Come to my place until we get this figured out.”

If choking fingers of terror didn’t have her by the throat, she would’ve refused, but Tucker was offering his help. She needed help. “I don’t—I don’t know where you live.”

“Ocean View Apartments, off Highway One.”

“What if he follows me? He might be following me right now.” She glanced in the rearview mirror and cringed as headlights trailed behind her.

“Who?”

“Rex.”

“Who the hell is Rex?”

“The crazy bastard who left the dead cat on my porch.”

“Son of a bitch, Cooke. Don’t stop. Don’t’ pull over. Drive on a flat tire if you have to. Just get here. I’ll be waiting outside.”

“Okay,” she sniffed, too afraid to be prideful. “I’m about ten minutes away.”

Did you enjoy the excerpt?  You can read the first three chapters on my website, www.catebeauman.com.

About the author:

Cate currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernard, Bear. She is the author of the best selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County.  Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.

“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, two years later, I’m working on my sixth novel and I’m an Amazon best selling author.  I’m very grateful for the support and success I have had.  – Cate “

 

 

E-Book Giveaway Contest

 

Three lucky readers will win an ebook of Waiting For Wren. For a chance to win, just leave a comment below.

 

Contact Cate

 

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM/

Social links:

www.catebeauman.com

www.facebook.com/CateBeauman

www.goodreads.com/catebeauman

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Winners!

Margaret Fraleigh

wins a digital copy of Drawn to Jonah by Jennifer DeCuir

*

SharonLaDuke

wins the Historical Hookup Giveaway

*

pam eveland

wins a swag pack and mug from Carrie Ann Ryan

*

Congrats! To claim your prize, please email mad @ romancereaderatheart.com (without the spaces). You have 48 hours to email before a new name is chosen.

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Carrie Ann Ryan interviews Hunter from An Unlucky Moon

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

He’s spent the last few years in hell fighting in the demon games and doing things that would haunt even the fiercest of men’s nightmares. But now Hunter Brooks is back in the human realm, ready to take on the Pack that left him behind…and take the mate he’s just met.

 

Becca Quinn is one of the seven lightning-struck women—a human who isn’t so human and only needs to find her true half to unlock all that she could be. Hunter, the dangerous, sexy wolf, has saved her life twice, and yet she knows nothing about him—only that she wants to know everything she can.

 

Between the Pack’s council and strangers who could take everything away from them, Becca and Hunter have more to fight and everything to fight for. Hunter’s dark past takes over their courtship, and just when he thinks all his lost, he’ll find that Becca’s more than he—or she—ever thought.

 

Warning: Contains a sexy wolf who broods with the best of them, a woman who defines the term unlucky, and a chemistry that’s sure to make the wolf howl in all of us.

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

An Interview with Hunter

 

Hi everyone! Sometimes I just like to sit down with one or two of my characters and interview them. I spend months writing their story and when it’s time for the book to be out on shelves, it’s nice to come back to them to see how things are doing. Today I’m sitting down with Hunter, the heroine of An Unlucky Moon.

 

Carrie Ann: Hi darling! I’m so glad we had time to sit down.

Hunter: *leans down and kisses her cheek* Thanks for having me.

Carrie Ann: *blushes* Uh, what were we doing?

Hunter: *grins* We were going to sit down for an interview.

Carrie Ann: *clears throat* Oh yeah. So, tell me about life before you met Becca.

Hunter: Empty.

Carrie Ann: Oh honey. I’m sorry.

Hunter: I’m filled now. I lived for years in hell, killing demons for sport because my Pack betrayed me. Now that I have Becca, I’m better.

Carrie Ann: Thank God. Okay, tell me more about Becca.

Hunter: Mine.

Carrie Ann: You’re really good at those one word answers you know. How about you elaborate though so readers won’t think you’re some Neanderthal.

Hunter: I’m a wolf. That should answer all.

Carrie Ann: Hunter…

Hunter: She is perfect. She’s my mate. She’s my reason for living, yet so much more. I love the way she smiles, the way she laughs. The way she fights. I love her curves and the fact she’s not one to cower to anyone. I love the way she fits into my Pack and how she knows every single person, even down to the infants and cares for them all. I love that she’s still immersed within her inner circle of six friends and calls them her family. I love the fact that her best friend is a dragon who can kill anyone who looks at her wrong if I’m not there. I love the way she makes me a better person because I would do anything for her. Anything.

Carrie Ann: *blinks*

Hunter: Better?

Carrie Ann: *swallows hard and wipes away a tear* Yes, honey. I love you. Just saying. Okay, a fun question. Chocolate or vanilla?

Hunter: I’m not vanilla.

Carrie Ann: *giggles* You know that’s almost exactly what Becca said. Thank you so much for sitting with me. And readers? You should totally read their book if you want to know more about Hunter. Just saying. *wink*

 

An Unlucky Moon Excerpt

 

Hunter frowned. “I know I will have to court her. I plan to ask you and your mates for help.”

Balin blinked, his hand on the door. “You’re going to ask for help? I thought you were an Alpha wolf.”

“I’m the Beta of my Pack, but I’m a dominant. That doesn’t mean I don’t know how to ask for help when it’s necessary. Becca isn’t of my Pack, and I want her to remain safe. Bringing her into my Pack right now would be dangerous without all the facts, and I don’t plan on forcing her to be with me.”

Balin snorted then opened the door, leading them into the bar. “You’re saying all the right things, but I have a feeling you’ll act all wolf and think she should bend for you.”

Hunter clenched his fists. “I’m not as enlightened as some. Fate made her for me, and the course has been set. I will not break from that.”

The sweet scent of mate and woman filled his nose, and he turned to see the goddess of his dreams. She’d put her curly red hair in a tangle on the top of her head so little ringlets fell down her neck. Those pieces seemed to beg for his touch, and he had to remember not to reach out to her just yet. Her long neck would be perfect for his tongue, as would her ample breasts. There were more than a handful, and he wanted to know the color of her nipples.

 

About Carrie Ann

USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

 

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.

 

 

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

 

Website | Facebook  | Goodreads | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan |

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GIVEAWAY!

For the chance to win a swag pack and an An Unlucky Moon mug, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

 

 

 

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Historical Hookup Giveaway – Hoyt, Dreyer, Delamere, Barton, and Dalton

“Do you have a historical romance novel that you read that inspired you to write in the genre?”

Elizabeth Hoyt, DUKE OF MIDNIGHT:

No, but I remember being blown away by Stephanie Laurens’s DEVIL’S BRIDE.

 

Eileen Dreyer, ONCE A RAKE:

Not one. I’ve been reading historical romance, especially Regency historical romance for years before I decided to write in it. I can tell you that one author inspired me to write the kind of historical romance I write, which I call historical romantic adventure. That would be Patricia Veryan. She wrote three series in which the heroes find themselves beset by history and the world of nefarious spies. She was also an author who loved wounded heroes. And yes, if you read any of my books, be they historical romance contemporary romance or suspense, I’m pretty tough on my heroes(it’s a great stress reliever).

 

Jennifer Delamere, A LADY MOST LOVELY:

My inspiration comes from a mix of sources. For starters, there are the classic novels of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell (whose North and South was made into a wonderful mini-series with Richard Armitage). I try to blend those sensibilities with the more intense focus on the romance between the hero and heroine that today’s readers expect. My hope is to engage readers’ minds as well as their hearts.

 

Anne Barton, ONCE SHE WAS TEMPTED:

There’s not one particular book, but Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series captivated me. How I longed to be Bridgerton! (Still do.) I’d change my name to Isabel in a second—to be next in line after Hyacinth. If only I could be an honorary sibling…

 

Lily Dalton, NEVER DESIRE A DUKE:

Shanna, by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I did not start reading romance until I was out of college, married and on maternity leave with my first child. My mom gave me that one to read and yowza! It was completely different than anything else I’d ever read. So passionate and exhilarating! I felt as if I’d been set free. That book got me started reading romance, and thinking about writing my own.

*****

A LADY MOST LOVELY by Jennifer Delamere

September 24, 2013; Forever/ Mass Market; $8.00; 978-1-4555-1896-8

Socialite Margaret Vaughn agrees to marry a rich man to save her family’s estate, but then her fiancé turns out to be just another poor social climber. Even after amassing a fortune, Tom Poole hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings. Taken with Margaret’s beauty and grace, Tom offers her financial assistance—but his interest is not strictly business. Can he convince the proper, refined lady that they despite their social differences, they are a match made in heaven?

*****

NEVER DESIRE A DUKE by Lily Dalton

September 24, 2013; Forever/ Mass Market; $6.00; 978-1-4555-2401-3

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, the Duke of Claxton, who has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined their marriage. After nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he’s ever truly loved. He’ll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. Can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

*****

 

ONCE SHE WAS TEMPTED by Anne Barton

October 29, 2013; Forever/Mass Market; $8.00; 978-1-4555-1330-7

In desperate need of money for her sick mother, Daphne Honeycote had posed for two scandalous portraits. Now she must hide her secret to save the Honeycote family name. Benjamin Elliot recognizes the stunning beauty from the beauty the instant he meets her. His possession of the painting makes him an insufferable thorn in her side—and yet he may be her best chance at finding the canvas’s companion. As she becomes drawn to the dark-tempered earl, can Daphne risk laying bare the secrets of her heart?

*****

 

DUKE OF MIDNIGHT by Elizabeth Hoyt

October 15, 2013; GCP/Mass Market; $8.00; 978-1-4555-0834-1

By day Maximus Batten is the Duke of Wakefield, a powerful member of Parliament. But by night he is the Ghost of St. Giles, prowling the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the man who brutally murdered his parents twenty years ago. When he rescues Artemis Greaves and her cousin, the fiery young woman discovers his secret and threatens to expose Maximus unless he uses his influence to free her imprisoned brother. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn’t without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire—or the temptation of his embrace?

*****

 

ONCE A RAKE by Eileen Dreyer

October 29, 2013; Forever/Mass Market; $8.00; 978-1-4555-1932-3

Accused of trying to kill the Duke of Wellington, Colonel Ian Ferguson is now a fugitive—from the law, the army, and the cunning assassin who hunts him. Wounded and miles from his allies, Ian finds himself at the mercy of an impoverished country wife. Lady Sarah Clarke knows she should turn him in, but a single, delirious kiss shatters her resolve…and awakens a passion that neither of them can escape.

*****

 

For the chance to win all five books, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

*Giveaway open to U.S. residents only

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Jennifer DeCuir – Guest blog and giveaway

Quinn is an artist who has lost her way in life.  Divorced because she cannot have children, she feels she is broken.  Moving back to her hometown of Scallop Shores, she is looking to reconnect with the family she’d pushed away years ago, and rediscover her purpose in life.  Jonah is the town handyman and a doting single dad to Lily, a precocious 4 year old.  He wants so much more for his little girl, but it’s hard to find a well-paying job when you’ve never learned to read. Tragedy forces the two into a close arrangement and Jonah finally works up the nerve to share his secret with Quinn.  She’ll teach him to read, and maybe, just maybe two lonely, broken adults and one little girl who believes in them both, will become the family they all need.

 

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I Believe

I keep a tiny pewter fairy on my writing desk to remind me of the innocence and wonder that is such a huge part of childhood.  When I look at it I think of Lily, the precocious little tot in Drawn to Jonah.  Lily’s love of fairies is the glue that binds her to Quinn and eventually helps Quinn to rediscover her passion for sketching.

This little fairy statue also reminds me of my own daughter, and her fascination with the world of fairies.  A few years ago a neighbor turned us on to a class given at the local nursery on how to build a fairy garden.  I found it especially interesting that there were more women than little girls in attendance.

My daughter set her fairy garden box up in the front yard, where it would get plenty of sun.  We spent a small fortune on fairy-size accessories, sure to draw fey crowds from far and near.  She made pathways and houses, swings and furniture.  She envisioned the most elaborate celebrations going on at night – because that is when the fairies come out to play!

With the help of some fun-loving neighbors, I did my part to help fuel these childhood fantasies.  We’d take turns sprinkling glitter (fairy dust), rearranging furniture and causing general mischief.  We would even leave behind special little trinkets, like pretty shells, marbles, rose petals or a length of fancy ribbon.  My daughter was convinced it was the fairies’ way of thanking her for her hospitality, and how they were making this garden their own little retreat.

This year saw a decline in my daughter’s interest in her fairy garden.  I have to say I wasn’t as diligent in remembering to “cause mischief” each night.  But I am grateful for the memories we have made over the last three years.  I have kept all my daughter’s fairy sketches, just as I am sure Jonah keeps Lily’s.  Being able to share in this childhood ritual has put me in touch with my own inner child.  There is a whole world of excitement and wonder if we can just remember to keep our eyes and hearts open.  I’ll always believe in fairies.

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For more information about Jennifer, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferDeCuirauthor

http://www.jenniferdecuir.com/

https://twitter.com/JenniferDeCuir

http://www.pinterest.com/mzdecuir/boards/

And for a chance to win a Kindle or Nook format copy of Drawn to Jonah, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

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Winners!

deshieldss

wins Dandelion Wishes by Melinda Curtis

*

Sheila

wins a print copy of Rocky Mountain Angel by Vivian Arend

*

Congrats! To claim your prize, please email mad @ romancereaderatheart.com (without the spaces). You have 48 hours to email before a new name is chosen.

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