Cate Beauman – Guest Blog and Giveaway

Cate Beauman is back with the sixth installment in her bestselling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Justice For Abby will be available for Amazon pre-orders starting March 27th and on sale through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes starting April 10th!

Cate is hosting a pre-order party on her website complete with giveaways. Winners will be selected on April 10 so be sure to stop by http://www.catebeauman.com before then for your chance to win!

NOWHERE TO HIDE…

Fashion designer Abigail Harris has been rescued, but her nightmare is far from over. Determined to put her harrowing ordeal behind her and move on, she struggles to pick up the pieces of her life while eluding the men who want her dead.

The Mid-Atlantic Sex Ring is in ruins after Abby’s interviews with the police. The organization is eager to exact their revenge before her testimony dismantles the multi-million dollar operation for good.

Abby’s safety rests in the hands of former US Marshal, Jerrod Quinn. Serious-minded and obsessed with protocol, Ethan Cooke Security’s newest agent finds himself dealing with more than he bargains for when he agrees to take on his beautiful, free-spirited client.

As the trial date nears, Abby’s case takes a dangerous turn. Abby and Jerrod soon discover themselves in a situation neither of them expect while Jerrod fights to stop the ring from silencing Abby once and for all.

 

Read an excerpt from Justice For Abby:

The black bag was ripped from her head, along with several strands of her hair. Abby blinked against the bold light of the naked bulbs hanging from the low ceiling. She glanced around the dingy space in shock as her gaze traveled from girl to girl—six young teens, dirty, bruised, and malnourished, staring up at her through bland eyes while they sat or lay on filthy mattresses on the dirt floor. “What—”
“In.” Victor shoved Abby into a small, windowless room, slamming the door, locking her in with a rusty scrape of something sliding against the heavy metal barrier.
She walked on shaky legs to the wooden chair in the corner and collapsed to the uncomfortable seat, clutching her arms around her waist, shivering as she bit hard on her bottom lip while tears rained down her cheeks. Where was she? What was this place? She shuddered, remembering six sets of listless eyes holding hers. Nothing good was happening here.
She covered her face with trembling hands and gave into her sobs, relieving the worst of her dread, wishing for nothing more than to be home with Lex and Livy. Thinking of her sister and niece, she forced away her tears, taking several deep breaths of stale air. If she wanted to see her family again she needed to pull herself together. She couldn’t get herself out of this—whatever this was—if she didn’t think. There had to be a way out. Her eyes darted around the barely lit space, searching for a weapon, another exit, anything.
The door opened, and she rushed to her feet as a tall, well-built man stood haloed in the beam of light from the room beyond. Abby blinked as he stepped forward. “Renzo?” She bolted from the corner and fell against her friend’s firm chest as a wave or relief flooded her. “Oh, thank god.”
His strong arms wrapped around her.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what’s going on. I need help. Can you help me?”
“What happened?” He eased her back some, but she refused to release him from her grip.
“My family—we were on our way home from Virginia Beach. We stopped at a rest area, and two men grabbed me and brought me here.”
“You were with your sister and niece?”
“Yes, Alexa and Olivia. I think they’re okay, but I need to call and make sure. Will you get me out of here?”
“Of course.”
She could hardly believe she was leaving. “Thank you. Thank you.” She hugged Renzo again as tears of gratitude flowed free. “I knew this had to be some sort of mistake.”
“Come on, let’s get you home.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked with her to the door. “Oh, wait.” He stopped.
“What?”
“I can’t let you go.”

Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, http://www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!
The Inspiration Behind Justice For Abby

Justice For Abby is one of my favorite stories in The Bodyguards of L.A. County series (Okay, they all are, but I really love Abby and Jerrod!). I truly enjoyed writing their adventure. Oftentimes I found myself caught up in Abby’s rollercoaster ride as she heals from her experiences as a survivor of the Mid-Atlantic Sex Ring. At times I cried with her, and at others, I laughed. She’s so strong and sweet, but she’s vulnerable and struggling. Enter Jerrod Quinn, the perfect man to provide her protection and help her overcome her ordeal in his own quiet way.

Although Abby’s story is one of fiction, sex trafficking is a very real crisis for millions of young women, men, and children all over the globe. My idea for this novel came after a night in front of the television watching crime television. A segment showcasing the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Amy Bradley bothered me greatly. She vanished from a cruise ship in March of 1998 while vacationing with her family. Unfortunately, Amy has yet to be found, but she is believed to be alive, stuck in the horrific world of human sex trafficking. I immediately began my research into this very troubling epidemic and shortly after wrote Forever Alexa, the story of Abby’s sister dealing with the aftermath of Abby’s disappearance. My readers have requested Abby’s story, and I felt the need to share her experience.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Abby and Jerrod as much as I enjoyed writing these two fantastic characters.

~Cate
The Unofficial Justice For Abby Soundtrack

Music always plays a huge part in my writing process. With two boys and two dogs in the house, music helps me “get lost” in my story. I typically listen to Pandora or YouTube and put together a playlist of songs that I feel represent the 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 Jerrod and Abby’s story! You can listen to them on my website http://www.catebeauman.com.

The soundtrack, of sorts, for Justice For Abby:
• Applause by Lady Gaga
• Safe and Sound by Capital Cities
• She Is by Ben Rector
• I Should Go by Levi Kreis
• The Other Side by Jason Derulo
• Why Don’t You Love Me? by Hot Chelle Rae ft. Demi Lovato
• We Owned The Night by Lady Antebellum
• Stars Go Blue by Tim McGraw
• Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol
• Come Back by Pearl Jam
• By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
• Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran

 

About the author:

Cate currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. 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, three years later, I’m working on my seventh novel, Saving Sophie, 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

For the chance to win a digital copy (mobi or epub format) of Justice For Abby by Cate Beauman, just leave a comment below. Three winners will be drawn of Sunday. Good luck!
Contact Cate

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

Social links:
Twitter: @CateBeauman
www.catebeauman.com
www.facebook.com/CateBeauman
www.goodreads.com/catebeauman

The Bodyguards of L.A. County

Read Full Post »

Cover Reveal – All Fired Up by Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy

Welcome to the DreamMakers trilogy. A new collaboration from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy, author of the bestselling Out of Uniform and Killer Instincts series.

All Fired Up
DreamMakers, Book 1

He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

~~~~~~~~~~

Available April 22^nd, 2014

Want to be notified when it’s available for release? Click this link to sign up for a one time notification!

Read Full Post »

Winners!

Cheryl Ricin

wins a $50 GC from Shannon Stacey

*

Lil

wins a digital copy of Joshua’s Mistake by A.S. Fenichel

*

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.

Read Full Post »

A.S Fenichel – Guest Blog and Giveaway

Today I’m so thrilled to talk about Joshua’s Mistake and how on earth I came up with the idea of a paranormal division of a government law enforcement agency. Well, to start with, I’m a little nuts. It’s good for you to know this right off the bat.

 

Joshua’s Mistake is the second book in a series. Book one, Kane’s Bounty was written for the ON THE HUNT call from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. EC was looking for stories about bounty hunters. As soon as I heard the call, I had a picture in my head of a bar in Savanah, Georgia. I saw two bounty hunters going after the same fugitive. There was something missing, and I wanted to do something a little different. I thought about how intense a hunt and a relationship would be if the bounty hunter was able to read his marks mind. Well if one hunter had certain telepathic skills, maybe there was an entire division of bounty hunters, who could read minds.

 

At the time I never thought of writing another book along the same lines.

 

Joshua is Kane’s Brother. The brothers were separated very young and Joshua was placed with the government. He’s intense, serious, insightful and the most powerful psychic in the world. Readers loved him and kept asking when I was going to write a book about him. After a while, the idea took hold and I had a great story about Joshua Lakeland and other books for some of his friends too.

 

I’m excited to bring you Joshua’s Mistake, published by Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

 

Here’s the blurb:

Accused of treason and the murder of her Psychic Special Forces team, Tessa is in the custody of the FBI. She’s shocked and terrified when the most powerful Psi Agent in the world shows up to probe her mind and discover her guilt or innocence.

 

Joshua never expected to find a victim of one of his probes attractive, but he can’t seem to leave her behind when all hell breaks loose. Saving the stunning blonde means being drawn into a psychic war that will definitely end his career—and likely both of their lives.

 

The rhythm of their psychic auras hums to perfection and neither can fight the bond, but it’s all ripped away by a madman with a grudge. Tessa falls into a coma, and Joshua will have to risk his heart and soul to pull her back from the brink.

 

 

http://www.asfenichel.net/

https://twitter.com/asfenichel

https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel

 

Buy  links:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joshuas-mistake-as-fenichel/1118974687?ean=9781419991042

http://www.amazon.com/Joshuas-Mistake-A-S-Fenichel-ebook/dp/B00J8N6SXS/

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/joshua-s-mistake

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

For the chance to win a digital copy of Joshua’s Mistake by A.S Fenichel, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

Read Full Post »

Shannon Stacey – Guest Blog and Giveaway!

Hailey Genest has seen most of her friends marry and have babies, and she’s happy for them, but it was a lot easier before she hit forty. She’s spent her entire life in Whitford, Maine, and if she hasn’t found her Prince Charming by now, she has to accept she’s probably not going to. When a new friend suggests they go on an adventure and embrace being single, Hailey agrees.

Surviving in the woods is game warden Matt Barnett’s idea of a relaxing vacation. But when he meets two women in need of help, he leads them back to safety—a task that proves more fun than expected, thanks to a certain hot blonde. He can’t resist pushing her buttons, even though she’s made it clear that the rugged, outdoorsy type just isn’t for her.

Hailey is glad to see the back of her tempting-tour-guide-slash-pain-in-the-ass. When he shows up in her life again, she’s determined to avoid him, no matter how good he looks in his uniform. But that’s easier said than done in Whitford, especially when he’s renting the house right next door…

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

Meet Bear

There are two things that set TAKEN WITH YOU apart from the first seven books in the Kowalski series. I guess the first, and most obvious, is that neither the hero nor the heroine has the last name Kowalski. But Hailey, the heroine, has been a big part of the series and, not only did readers want her to have a happily ever after, but I did, too. And there are plenty of Kowalskis running amok in the book.

The other major difference is Bear. He’s a black Lab and, if you’ve read the blurb and know Matt Barnett (the hero) is a game warden, you might think he’s a K-9. He’s not. Bear just doesn’t want to work that hard. He does, however, have the distinction of being the first pet in the Kowalski series.

I never gave any deliberate thought to the having or not having of pets in the series. Two of my non-Kowalski holiday novellas have pets—Kojak the German Shepherd in Holiday Sparks and Moxie the cat in Mistletoe & Margaritas—but for some reason none of the Kowalski books have had four-legged secondary characters.

Matt Barnett, the new game warden in Whitford, came to me complete with his sidekick, again without any deliberate consideration on my part. Matt and Bear were a package deal and that was that.

I have pets, so it surprises me a little there aren’t more furry friends in my books. I have two cats (Gizmo and Jinx) and two dogs: a Shih Tzu (Mini) and a Bolo-Noodle (Taz). (He’s Bolognese and toy Poodle.) But there’s also a part of me that thinks juggling romance and animals is not easy.

There’s a good chance if I’d had this crew before I met my husband, I’d still be single. Cats are notorious for not liking strangers, and mine are no exception. They also like to walk by your mug of fresh, hot coffee and give themselves a good shake. My husband is not really a cat person and is very much a coffee person, so that could have been the end right there. And little white lap dogs are notoriously excitable and resistant to training. Mini obeys one command: “Get out of my seat” and Taz responds to “Get your ball” (though not to “Drop the ball”) and “For goodness sake, Taz, let her finish peeing first!” It takes many, many visits to my house before the incessant yapping stops. They also own the bed, so that’s a problem. And Taz demands any and all affection be given only to him. The last time my husband gave me a quick hug, he got bit in the butt by a very jealous Bolo-Noodle. I can only imagine trying to set a romance in my house would lead to the hero yelling “What is wrong with you and your dogs? And your cats?” and leaving.

It’s probably no accident my two fictional dogs have been a German Shepherd and a black Lab. I’ve known and loved several dogs belonging to those breeds, including the real Kojak, who was my aunt and uncle’s Shepherd, and Dixie, my sister and her family’s Lab. Great dogs. So awesome and well-behaved. They don’t freak right the heck out if you tell them to go to their beds so you can have a little cuddle time with your man. (Also, they have their own beds because they’ll settle for less than owning the master bedroom.)

While I wouldn’t trade my babies for anything, I did find myself wishing a few times while writing TAKEN WITH YOU that Bear was real. And mine. When I first started writing, I had a note on my plotting graph that said in big letters DON’T FORGET THE DOG, but I needn’t have worried. Bear’s a great dog and the book wouldn’t have been the same without him. I hope you all love him, too!

How do you feel about pets in books? Do you like them? Dislike them? Neutral? And do you have a preference of dogs or cats? Goats? Ferrets?

 

~~~*~~~*~~~

GIVEAWAY

For the chance to win a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice just leave a comment below answering Shannon’s question. Good luck! And to read an excerpt and find buy links for Taken With You, visit shannonstacey.com.

Read Full Post »

Guest Review – Beyond Jealousy by Kit Rocha

Oh, WOW!! Dirty, yummy, HAWT – did I say dirty?? – the pages of Beyond Jealousy SEETHE with sexual tension, emotion and almost BREATHE into life. I’ve got all the books in this series, but I started with this, book 4… the author clearly states you are best suited to read these in order when you begin the book, but lemmee just tell you, it didn’t matter to me. This book was FABULOUS!!

There is nothing I love better than a love triangle…and here we got us a love triangle where Rachel is smoldering over two men – two men who smolder for one another! Ace and Cruz both have a past with Rachel (and this is what you’re missing out on if you haven’t read the past books)

and you can fell how much it hurts when they know Rachel is hurting, but each is so twisted and torn up with jealousy of the other that it’s hard for them to look past that and see that all three of them want one another in a desperate way. It’s a beautiful, base thing!

This world Kit Rocha (Kit Rocha is actually two people—Bree & Donna, best friends who are living the dream) has built is sexy, dirty and packed with people who live by their emotions. The pages of this book writhe with passion, sex, jealousy, fear, angst…it’s filled up with all that I love best.

Oh, and when Ace, Cruz and Rachel finally DO cave to their wants and urges? Yeah. I had an ice cold bottle of water next to me while reading,and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to drink it or dump it over my head! YUM, peeps. I LOVED this book! I’m off to begin the series and catch me some sexy times that I missed starting here!

Read Full Post »

Beyond Jealousy by Kit Rocha- Spotlight Tour and Giveaway!

She’s been looking for the perfect man. She found two.

When Rachel Riley sacrificed a life in Eden to protect the O’Kanes, she earned her place in the powerful Sector Four gang. But the former crime princess is tired of being everyone’s sweet little sister . It’s time for her to get wild, to embrace her fantasies as only an O’Kane can—with a delicious exiled soldier and the gang’s wickedly sinful tattoo artist.

A saint…

Lorenzo Cruz is a warrior, taught by his commanding officers in Eden that involvement equals distraction. Emotion is a liability, and desire a sin.  In Sector Four, he finds decadence, shameless sex—and his own dark urges. No battle strategy prepared him for how Rachel makes his heart race…or the way his rival for her affections sets his blood on fire.

…and a sinner.

Ace Santana has a dirty reputation and a mind to match, especially where his new lovers are concerned.  He’s eager to help Cruz embrace his dominant side, and to explore the lines between pleasure and pain with Rachel. But corrupting them quickly becomes an obsession, a need he can’t deny—and a love he never imagined.

Three hearts on the line means a hundred ways their ménage a trois could go wrong. After all, even O’Kanes do forever two-by-two.  One of them could be the missing piece that makes them all whole…or a temporary diversion destined for a broken heart.

 

Kit Rocha is actually two people—Bree & Donna, best friends who are living the dream. They get paid to work in their pajamas, talk on the phone, and write down all the stories they used to make up in their heads.

Beyond Shame was their first dystopian erotic romance. They also write paranormal romance as Moira Rogers. You can find them on the web at the following places:

Kit Rocha

      

                                                  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click the above link to be entered in the giveaway for a set of signed books + O’Kane swag (a flask, keychains, bookmarks, and more!) Good luck!

Read Full Post »

Cahill winner!

Tammy M

wins 7 Minutes in Heaven by Rhian Cahill

*

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

Read Full Post »

Cover Goodness – Thompson & Sons series by Vivian Arend

Vivian Arend revealed the covers for her Thompson & Sons series this week and they are hot, hot, hot!

Currently available as part of the MARKED anthology with Lauren Dane and Kit Rocha

In June, Rocky Ride will be available for individual purchase.

~~**~~

He’s got a touch that’s hotter than hot

It took a hell of a lot of fast-talking and more than a few speeding tickets before Mitch Thompson convinced Constable Anna Coleman to take him for a ride. Only now that she’s loosened off her stiff RCMP uniform, it’s not nearly enough. Their secret sexual escapades are mind-blowing, but Mitch wants more than her body—he wants her heart.

Her world could go up in flames

It’s a dangerous road to walk, and Anna doesn’t know how far she can safely tread. Bad boy Mitch may have lured her wild side out to play, but giving in to their increasingly passionate desires could endanger her very civilized career. Somewhere between yearning and obsession there has to be a balance point.

Or they’re both going to get burned.

*

For more info visit www.vivianarend.com

Read Full Post »

Cover Goodness – Mercy and Only by HelenKay Dimon

HelenKay Dimon has a new series coming from Berkley Heat soon that is pure awesomeness. Former-criminal-turned-legit hero, spies, revenge, BFF’s little sister, sexy hero with glasses, plenty of smoking hot sexy times, and so much more! And the covers are a perfect fit.

 

After she infiltrated his business and betrayed his trust, a disavowed CIA agent must seek sanctuary in the bedroom of a man who will either help her, kill her, or bring her to her knees…

Becca Ford is on her own. Eight months after she headed up a sting operation to take down millionaire club owner Jarrett Holt, the other agents in her special ops team have been eliminated under odd circumstances, and she needs a place to hide.

Jarrett is a man who prefers darkness to light. He deals in the only truly valuable currency—information—and his supper club caters to an exclusive clientele. It was an uncharacteristic moment of weakness when he let a woman into his life. But it’s not luck that the criminal charges disappeared . . . as did the evidence.

When Becca returns to the club seeking his help, Jarrett doesn’t want to hear her story. But he does want her body, and demands that she give it to him. He’ll keep her safe—for now—but it’ll be in his bed and on his terms, until he says they’re done.

Available May 2014

*

He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…

Available October 2014

*

For more information, including a Mercy excerpt and pre-order links, visit www.helenkaydimon.com.

Read Full Post »