Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Anna Randol

What I Learned About Romance from my High School Crush.

I can remember avoiding (nicely, I swear) two or three boys who were interested in me while I was in high school. It wasn’t that I thought I was too good for them, and it wasn’t even that I was scared of boys. Instead, the moment a boy started to like me, I was suddenly convinced there was something deathly wrong with him, otherwise, why the heck would he like me?

So to compensate for my lack of dating, I perfected the talent of crushing on a boy from a far. One particular boy, in fact. We were friendly, but not friends. I was subtle. But while it definitely didn’t help my social skills, my crush did teach me a few key concepts that I’ve used when writing romance.

1. Good heroes aren’t cookie cutters.

My crush was a total cliché—my high school quarterback. I know, eyes rolling already. But that was the thing. He wasn’t just that. He was also in all the AP classes our school offered. He was sweet and unfailingly polite. He helped out with his family business.

Your hero might start off as an archetype, but don’t leave him that way! When I wrote my hero for A Secret in Her Kiss, Bennett may have been a battle-weary army major, but he also tried to enter a poetry contest when he was twelve. He has a younger sister he’ll do anything to protect. He has a weakness for dares. He finds solace behind doing his duty rather than chafing against it.  

2. Details make them real.

So I swear I wasn’t more of a stalker than any fifteen year old girl, but I did notice a lot of things about my crush. He chewed his pencil erasers. His front teeth were a little crooked. He had a five o’clock shadow all the other high school boys envied.  He was broad shouldered but a touch too short to go on and play at a higher level. He never slouched in his chair—not once.

Bennett might be tall, blond, and handsome, but he has a hand scarred from powder burns and a finger callused from pulling the trigger. His eyes are a solid, honest blue, no flecks, no swirls. He has rather girly eyelashes. He wears his uniform even in the Ottoman heat.

3. It’s the personal moments that seal the deal.

My crush knew my name. He’d nod to me in the hallway, but the thing that enthralled me completely? When we started racing on our AP History questions. Our History teacher would put up essay questions on the overhead every week, and we’d write them down in our notebooks to take home. Apparently, I was a fast writer. I never really paid attention to that until one time I looked up and saw my crush grinning at me and shaking his hand as he tried to keep up with me. From then on, every time the teacher put up the questions, we would lock eyes and go for it.

One of the first times, Bennett and Mari really connect is when he walks into her rooms and sees the intricate frescoes she’s painted all over her walls. In his astonishment, he compliments her and lets a poetic phrase escape. He immediately backtracks and tries to cover it up, but it’s too late. She’s intrigued and that first crack has been made in her indifference.

 So readers, what lessons did you learn from your first crush/love? Once lucky commenter will win a copy of A Secret in Her Kiss! (Open to US residents only. Winner selected randomly.  Void where prohibited. Please leave your email address so we can contact the winner.

Blurb for A SECRET IN HER KISS:

A rare beauty, raised in the exotic heart of the Ottoman Empire, Mari Sinclair knows it’s time to end her career as a British spy when she narrowly avoids a brush with death. Unfortunately her employers think otherwise—and they are not above using blackmail to keep Mari in the Game.

Saddled with a handsome, duty-obsessed “minder” to ensure that she completes—and survives—one last mission, Mari is incensed…for her guardian, Major Bennett Prestwood, is simply too dedicated, too unbending, and too disarmingly attractive. But in the face of dark secrets and deadly treacheries, as the true peril to Mari is slowly revealed, loyal soldier Bennett realizes that, to save and win this extraordinary woman, he will have to do the unthinkable and break the rules—rules that passion and desire have suddenly, irrevocably changed.

Bio:

Anna lives with her family in Southern California. She writes sultry, adventurous Regency romances for Avon. Her debut novel, A Secret In Her Kiss, is set in Constantinople and earned a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, who called it a “...masterful debut…[that] spins a tale replete with mystery, espionage, and memorable romance.” When she’s not plotting fun, sexy storylines, Anna’s usually eating dark chocolate, having wild dance parties with her kids in the living room, or remodeling her house one ill-planned project at a time. She loves hearing from readers at her website www.AnnaRandol.com or on Twitter at @AnnaRandol!

Thank you Anna for stopping by!!!

Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Lorraine Heath

FIVE THINGS ABOUT SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

1.     1.  SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE is the 1^st book in an exciting new trilogy—The Lost Lords of Pembrook—about young three brothers who are forced to run for their lives in 1844.

2.      2. At fourteen, Sebastian Easton is the oldest, by twenty-two minutes and, therefore, next in line to become the Duke of Keswick.

3.     3.  Sebastian’s best friend is Mary, the girl who lives on the neighboring estate. She is the one who helps them escape. For her trouble, she is sent to a nunnery.

4.     4.  As the three brothers ride into the night, into the darkness, into the unknown, Sebastian vows that he will one day return to Pembrook to claim all that belongs to him. Nothing matters more than that. It is a vow that will shape the man he is to become.

5.      5. Twelve years later, three dark and dangerous men arrive in London, determined to reclaim their birthright. One raised on the streets, one hardened by a life at sea, and one toughened by his regimental service. But each will discover that nothing they endured prepared them for being brought to their knees by love.

TEN FACTS ABOUT LORRAINE HEATH YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

1.         Lorraine Heath is known for her deft characterizations, mastery of small moments and exquisitely rendered love stories.

2.         SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE is Lorraine’s 29^th novel.

3.         “[Her] characters are larger than life . . . and Heath has more than enough talent to handle them.” —Publishers Weekly starred review

4.         Lorraine has had 6 novels and 1 novella nominated for a RITA^® award, Romance Writers of America’s highest honor. She has had 1 novel honored with the prestigious award.

5.         18 of her novels have been recognized as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Top Pick and 16 of her heroes have been honored with a K.I.S.S. (Knight in Shining Silver). She has received a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best British-Isle Set Historical and one for best Americana. She has also received a Career Achievement Award for Americana Historicals.

6.         Lorraine was born in England. Her mother was a British beauty, her father a Texan who served in the air force. Lorraine was 18 months old when she moved to Texas. Her heritage is the reason that she enjoys writing about Texas and English heroes.

7.         Lorraine collects musical carousel horses. She has one that is 3 feet tall.

8.         Lorraine’s favorites include:

·         Movie: Love, Actually.

·         Book: Morning Glory

·         Song: George Strait’s I’ll Always Be the Man in Love With You

·         Author: Anna Campbell

·         Color: Red

·         Wine: Opened

·         Food: Fried Shrimp

·         Vacation Spot: Anyplace with a spa

·         Last Read Book: Baby It’s Cold Outside by Addison Fox

9.         Lorraine has dipped her toe in the social networking waters. You can find her at facebook/LorraineHeathBooks and at twitter @Lorraine_Heath

10.     Lorraine’s website is http://www.lorraineheath.com/.

What is the last book that you read that you would recommend others read?

Lorraine will giving away a copy of  WAKING UP WITH THE DUKE to one lucky person. Good Luck!!!


Thank you Lorraine for stopping by!! It was a pleasure to have you :) 

Review: Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian

Reviewed by Lynelle:

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order--a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike--to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach--until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .

Review:

Darker After Midnight is the 10th book in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series and this book is just.. Wow. I’ve been following this series from the beginning and have loved each and every book. I was especially looking forward to this book as throughout the series Chase has found a special place in my heart with all the turmoil he’s been in throughout the series with how far he had fallen and in the last book that led to him being removed from the Order that has become his home and family.

I absolutely loved Chase. He is willing to sacrifice himself of the rest of his Order brethren, and even when he feels himself isn’t worth saving, he continues to do what he can to help out in the overall mission against Dragos, he doesn’t hold Tavia back and he allows her to do her part to help out. I also loved Tavia, and thought that she was a very good match for Chase and she is able to help keep him grounded. She was put through many changes and when her entire world is turned upside down and inside out, yes she freaks out, but she handles it with strive and she was totally kick-ass. I love the relationship between Chase and Tavia, and how it develops from anger and
mistrust, to smoking hot passion ;) to love.

I thought that Lara did a great job keeping us informed with the developments with the other characters and wrapping up conflict with Dragos. The book had a great pace and I’m sure if I had been able to read this book straight through and not put it down, I would have (darn work getting gin the way). This book left me smiling and satisfied with the conclusion and I CAN NOT WAIT to see what Lara has in store for us with future books!

ARC REVIEW: Sweet Stuff (Cupcake Club #2) by Donna Kauffman

"Double Fudge. . .Toasted Coconut. . .Key Lime. . .Strawberry Cream. . .
Every bite is a mouthful of heaven.
And the women of the Cupcake Club are bringing their appetites . . .
Riley Brown never imagined she would find her bliss on Georgia's quiet Sugarberry Island after years of Chicago's city life. With a new career and fantastic new friends, she's got it all--except for eligible men. But a gig staging a renovated beach house delivers a delicious treat--six feet of blue-eyed, gorgeous writer as delectable and Southern as pecan pie. Quinn Brannigan has come to Sugarberry to finish his latest novel in peace, and suddenly Riley has a taste for the bad boy author that no amount of mocha latte buttercream or lemon mousse will satisfy . . .

Riley's friends are rooting for her to give in to her cravings and spice up her life, but it's Quinn who needs to learn that life's menu just might include love, in all its decadent, irresistible flavors. . "

Paperback

Expected publication: January 31st 2012 by Brava

ISBN 0758266367 (ISBN13: 9780758266361)

edition language English

series Cupcake Club #2

 

Review: 

   

This story isn’t just about sweets and romance, but friendships that are built to last. Could it get any sweeter?

Riley Brown left her life in Chicago because it had been destroyed. Now that she has moved away from the people and the town she is ready to start all over in Sugarberry. This town happens to be on the quite side and Riley is finally getting another chance at happiness. With a new career and great new friends what could wrong?

Quinn has returned to Sugarberry to get some peace and quiet in order to make some big decisions about his career. The only problem is that he has a novel to complete and he doesn’t have the time for Riley who just so happens to bring some feelings in him that he has only written about.

They find it very hard to deny the attraction between them both, but the first thing they both must do is find out how to move on from their past so that just maybe they can move on to the future.  With the help of some friends they will figure out what needs to be done and what a wonderful life it could really be.

This is only the second book in the series but I can tell this is going to be a promising one. Kauffman touches on trust, desire, friendships, and a promising new love that just needs a little tlc to grow into something amazing. The emotions behind the characters were a big part of the story that kept me intrigued and wanting to find out more. It was a very enjoyable read and I just fell in love with the characters. Every single character made this story more than enjoyable but also delightful.

I can’t wait until book 3 comes out. I am excited to see who will be next to fall in love in the town of Sugarberry. This book was refreshing and a very sweet treat. It made me want to travel there to be swept away.

ARC REVIEW: Destiny (Serendipity #2) by Carly Phillips

"Nash Barron may be cynical about love, yet even he likes a good wedding. But the only good thing about his brother's wedding is Kelly Moss. Nash can't help but admire her confidence and beauty, but he's forced to keep his distance because getting involved with Kelly could destroy his relationship with his newly discovered half sister, Tess...

Kelly came to Serendipity to give Tess--her half sibling as well, thanks to an illicit affair--a second chance at life. She learned long ago not to rely on anyone but herself. Besides, she doesn't want to upset Tess's life by pushing for a fling with Nash. Except the more she gets to know him, the more vulnerable she becomes to the kindness beneath his gruff exterior, and the less she's able to stay away. But she has other reasons for keeping her distance. Like the secret from her past she knows Nash will never forgive..."



Review:  

I was really on the fence about Nash from the first book and I was hoping Carly could redeem his character in Destiny which she did. Nash had a lot of making up to do and had to finally find peace with his family. Throughout the book you get into the mind of Nash and why he is the way he is. I couldn’t help but feel for him when some things start to come to light. His emotions took you on  wild ride from page to page.

Nash was holding a grudge on his older brother Ethan for taking off and leaving Dare and him alone after their parents passed away. When Ethan returns to Serendipity, Nash makes it real hard on Ethan so he doesn’t forget what he has done. Now it is time for Nash to heal and try to understand why things happened the way they did. The question is will he finally be able to move on and put these things behind him?

Destiny kept me from wanting to leave my sofa so I could finish it. I couldn’t help but get invested in how things were going to work out for Nash. I found myself frustrated with him time and time again, but that only intrigued me more and more. I honestly couldn’t put it down.  I didn’t like the way Nash always put the blame on everyone else and he never took accountability for what he has done, but once I understood him better he became a much more lovable character.  

Kelly is just starting to make her life in this town so she can be closer to her sister since she has raised her.  The attraction between her and Nash was not only very unexpected, but complicated. Both are afraid to pursue what they are feeling. After the kiss I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to play out between them. With her past threatening her future in this new town made this story even more interesting. Carly couldn’t have picked a better heroine for Nash.  She was there to help him work through his problems and move on with her.

This is another wonderful read by Phillips!! She always makes you feel some real emotions through her detailed writing. This is a hard road to travel for the Barron’s but it is worth the read. I just couldn’t get enough. Now waiting for Dare will be a real killer but I am excited to see what road Carly takes him on. I loved this book. It will always be a re-read for me.

A wonderful second book in the series with promising future of Serendipity.

Lynelle Reviews: The Last Slayer by Nadia Lee

Reviewed by Lynelle 

"Ashera del Cid is a talented demon hunter, but when she kills a demigod's pet dragon, the hunter becomes the hunted. Her only potential ally is Ramiel, a sexy-as-hell demon. Now the two must work together to battle dragons and demigods...and the chemistry crackling between them.

Ramiel has his own reasons for offering Ashera his protection. He knows her true identity and the real reason the demigods want her dead. What he can't predict is how she'll react when she discovers he knew who she was all along...

Ashera is shocked to discover that she is the only daughter of the last slayer. To claim her destiny, she and Ramiel must join forces to face down danger and outwit their enemies. Only then will she be able to truly accept her legacy..."

Review: 

The Last Slayer is the beginning of a new series about dragons, hunters, slayers, and demons. This story starts off with Ashera, on her 27^th birthday, and after finishing a long week of hunting down demons all she wants to do is go home and have some quiet, time off. But she is talked into a last minute assignment to rid a client of a dangerous demon/incubus who has been draining them of Sex(which is a form of essence/magic to a person’s strength that is created during the act of sex and gathered, bottled and sold like a drug) through dreams. 

Ashera is quick to notice something strange and ends up fighting an unexpected demon who marks her(which she doesn’t comprehend what this means). When she comes out of the dreamscape after killing the demon she is faced with a handsome, seductive, powerful stranger who informs her he wants to save her and is very cryptic in what information he discloses and as quick as he came, he disappears. 

 

Ashera del Cid is a hunter, the best hunter when it comes to hunting demons and incubi as she is driven by a vow she made to herself to hunt down and kill the incubus who killed her first lover. Ashera has grown to believe that she was an orphan, dropped off and easier given up as a baby, and as she bounced around foster homes, this has shaped the type of person Ashera is. She is very blunt about her lack of good looks, but is easy to brush it off. She is a very take charge kind of heroine and I loved her humor and her witty comments. She has a hard time trusting others and this serves as a weakness for her throughout the story. 

She is soon thrust into a whole new world(and dimension) where she fits in more than she ever wanted to with Dragonlord, demigods, dragons, and incubi. Here she is able to team up with Ramiel (the sexy stranger from before) and she is able to learn about the origins of her true heritage and destiny, if she chooses to fulfill it. Ashera has a  very difficult time accepting any of these changes and it seems that whenever she has trouble believing something, or she has trouble with trusting Ramiel (which happens often) she is quick to run away back to the mortal world and try to ignore all that she has discovered. Ashera and Ramiel’s relationship isn’t easy, and she has many insecurities, they have poor communication, but when they make love, she feels that something just fits, but she has a hard time understanding those feelings.  

I had a little trouble getting into this story at the beginning, but I’m going to blame this on my kindle being dumb and deciding to restart itself over and over again. It was very frustrating, grrr. But once that stopped being a problem and could read without that interruption, I was able to get into the story quickly and I had a hard time putting the book down. I loved Ashera and thought she was a great kick-ass heroine with her blunt attitude. I was satisfied with where the book ended in the story but definitely left me hanging for the next book and I’m sure that I will be reading it whenever it comes out.