Thursday, April 25, 2013

Guest Post- Author Kathleen Harrington


Happy Thursday! Today I am handing my blog over to author Kathleen Harrington, her latest book Lachlan's Bride is scheduled for release on April 30th.  WELCOME KATHLEEN! 


THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY


People have played games from earliest times. The Greeks and Romans engaged in sporting events, as did the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It must be a natural human instinct. Down through the centuries, almost every culture developed playthings to entertain their children. Even baby animals play with each other, rolling around, wrestling and nipping.

I almost always include scenes in my stories in which the characters play games with each other, especially the hero and heroine. I like to show them at play before I allow them a love scene, because their behavior in sport will predict their playfulness and integrity in bed. My characters have played field hockey and Cheyenne ballgames. They've engaged in archery contests and horse races. 

In THE MAC LEAN GROOM, the first book of my Highland Lairds Trilogy, Rory MacLean and Joanna Macdonald play a game of dodge ball, except she's lobbing everything she can lay her hands on, including apples, oranges, balls of yarn, and a bowl of walnuts. She's attacking a man who's been trained in the art of war. Dodging swords and dirks has given Rory ample practice in thrusting, feinting and rushing his adversary, but the game is far too enjoyable to end it too soon. The prize being, of course, the bedding of his vivacious wife.

I also enjoy adding a wager to a game or sport, just to give it a bit more tension. One of my heroes, the duke of Eagleston, was foolish enough to bet his magnificent horse in a race with Jennifer Elkheart, a Cheyenne princess. What was he thinking? Clearly, he knew nothing about the Cheyenne and their fleet buffalo ponies.
Naturally, I had to include a game in my latest release, the second book in my Highland Lairds Trilogy,. Set in 1503, the Late Middle Ages just at the beginning of the Renaissance, the story of LACHLAN'S BRIDE is woven around the historic journey made by Princess Margaret Tudor to wed King James IV of Scotland. Lachlan MacRath has been given the task of guiding Lady Francine Walsingham and her party safely to Edinburgh.

At that time, every wealthy palace and castle had a manicured bowling green for the entertainment of guests. Lawn bowls differed from the bowling game we're familiar with today, which consists of knocking down ten pins with a round ball. In lawn bowling, the aim is to roll an asymmetrical bowl as close as possible to the jack---a white ball used as the target.

Lachlan MacRath, earl of Kinrath, takes advantage of an offer to play a game of lawn bowls by challenging Lady Francine to a wager. But Francine is, herself, a master player. Taught by her father, she's played since she was a child. She's certain she can best the Highland laird and agrees to the bet.

Here's an out-take from the original manuscript, cut because the entire scene was too long and needed to be shortened. It will give you a feel for the game.

Francine could hear her father's voice instructing her, just as he'd done when she was a child.

Take you time, Francie. Make a pendulum swing, back and forward, along the intended path of the bowl. Keep your eye on the line of aim, not on the jack. Release the bowl as close to the ground as possible, just skimming the grass.
Her bowl flew across the green in a graceful arc and came to a stop in the exact middle of the rink, only inches in front of the target.
It was a perfect shot.

"Very, very nice, my lady," Kinrath said.

"Thank you," Francine answered politely. She bit her lower lip to keep from grinning. In addition to teaching her how to excel in bowling, her father had taught her to be modest in victory. She dipped a gracious curtsey before moving aside to let the Scottish earl take his turn.


****************************************************************
I'm presently working on the third book of the Highland Lairds Trilogy, with the tentative title of KEIR'S STORY. I'm looking forward with excitement to the release of LACHLAN'S BRIDE, an Avon Impulse, on April 30th.



Thank you for inviting me to share my thoughts with your readers. I can be found at the following places:
Twitter@kathleensbooks



Friday, April 19, 2013

Homerun by Ruth Roberts
Review & Giveaway!

Spring is in the air and I am obsessed with baseball sports romance books! 

I received an invite to join the Tasty Book Tour for Homerun by Ruth Roberts I jumped at the chance, after reading the other reviews on Amazon and the excerpt, I was hooked! 

Blurb:

Cynthiana, beautiful, intelligent, and by all appearances, a spoiled socialite, finds herself as chair of the Inner City Youth League Charity Gala.  Her Co-Chair, Roberto Luque, is Major League Baseball’s newest playboy from the Dominican Republic.  Far from being in the League of men her parents expect her to choose from, which is just fine with her since she has sworn off playboys.  But, as they work together she discovers his devotion to the inner city children and wonders if there is more to him than his playboy reputation.  Will she break her no playboy rule long enough to find out? 

Roberto fought his way into the Majors.  Now, a successful pitcher for the Texas Rangers, he is living the life he always dreamed of.  Until he faces off with a bad-tempered, blue-eyed, red head that is not his type.  So, why is he drawn to her?  The Charity Gala gives him a chance to find out.  What he finds beneath that socialite veneer captivates him, heart and soul. 

When her powerful father threatens to tear them apart, destroying not only their love, but also Roberto’s hard won career, will he be willing to give it all up for love 

Excerpt: 
(This teaser made me want to read the book.. so I had to share the entire thing.)
Copyright © 2012 Ruth Roberts

"How could she have been talked into this? She was in way over her head. Cynthiana Davenport did not plan fundraiser Gala’s, she attended them. So how is it that she was now head of the planning committee? And for baseball of all things. She didn’t even like baseball, much less know anything about it. So what if her best friend had married a hunky major league baseball player last year. Just because Stacy had to learn about the sport didn’t mean she did. She was going to call her right now and tell her the deal was off. Someone else would have to take her place.

Cynthiana dug her phone out of her purse and was about to hit speed dial when she sighed in resignation and threw it back into her purse. Stacy was seven months pregnant with twins and on total bed rest. She couldn’t back out, Stacy didn’t need that kind of stress. The Gala was only a month away and everything was practically done. It would be a piece of cake. She could do this. Besides, it was only a big party and if there was one thing she was good at it was throwing parties. Sure, this one was a little larger than she was used to but hey, how much trouble could five hundred wealthy people and athletes be?

Not nearly as much trouble as managing her growing feelings for one very gorgeous, very charming baseball player with deep brown eyes and a killer smile who just happened to be her right hand on the planning committee. Roberto Luque. If she could just ignore his adorable dimples she might get through the next few hours. Roberto was a playboy and she didn’t date playboys. Ever. So she would just have to keep her feelings under tight control until the night was over. She had managed to do just that every time they had seen each other over the past year. Admittedly, it had been getting harder and harder, especially since he seemed to be stepping up the charm. A man like Roberto knew very well when a woman was attracted to him, but she was determined not to be one of them. So far she had been safe by provoking some sort of argument with him any time they were together, that usually cooled things down, but she hadn’t been able to do that since they started working together on the Gala. Thankfully they wouldn’t be alone, the rest of the committee would be there too. Which was a good thing since they were meeting at her house. Heaven only knew what would happen if the two of them were alone in a house together. Spontaneous combustion came to mind.

Her two story, red brick house on twenty-five acres in a small Dallas suburb gave her the privacy of having a slice of country while still close to the city. Deciding they would be more comfortable working in the living room she finished laying out the last of the Chinese food boxes on the coffee table. The door bell rang. Refusing to glance in the mirror by the door, she opened it to find Roberto. Just Roberto. It was dangerous to womankind for one man to be so handsome. That mischievous look in his dark eyes, a touch of humor on his full lips, dark tendrils of hair curled on his forehead and at his nape. How is it that the sight of him made her feel light headed? Get a grip girl, he’s only a man.

“Hi Princesa. I brought the wine and the guest lists as you ordered.”


“I don’t order, I request.” Defensive mode was her method of survival around him. She stepped back and let him in.

Roberto stood just inside and surveyed her house. Lots of windows let in plenty of sunlight. Sheer red curtains over white slatted blinds complemented the white carpeting and black leather sectional with red and white throw pillows scattered over it. Why was it so important that he like her home?

With a smile and a shake of his head Roberto said, “Nice. It suits you. Fiery yet warm. By the way, Jennifer and Raquel won’t be able to make it tonight.” He set the wine bottle on the table next to the wine glasses and the manila folder containing the guest lists on the sofa.

So much for her well laid plans. “Why not? We have a lot to do tonight, and why didn’t they call me?” She wanted to stomp her foot like a child. Fortunately, she was able to control that urge. Unfortunately her face felt as hot as stoked fire. Darn, why did she have such pale skin? Was it anger or the thought of being alone with him? Anger, definitely anger.

“Because they called me,” Roberto replied. “Between the two of us we can get everything done. Not to worry Princesa, hard work is not hazardous to your health.” "


This sounds good right? I want my husband to call me "Princesa". I started reading this and finished it in one sitting. It has a pretty happy feeling all the way through even with the drama. My only criticism is that the happy ending happened so fast I didn't see it coming and I almost missed it, but it was definitely there. It was refreshing to read a book where the hero/heroine don't give into the normal  assumptions, or try to sacrifice their relationship in order to save the other person.. to really understand this you need to read this book, and for the price of this book it is worth your time!

This is a great easy lighthearted read and for the price it is definitely worth your time!

Author Bio:
Ruth has worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives in Texas with her very own romantic hero of eighteen years, their teenage daughter and their dog, Kimi. Her hobbies are reading romance novels and writing them. Her family says she is addicted to books, in her opinion that's not a bad addiction to have. You can find her on Facebook or on the web at RuthRobertsRomance.com. You can also email her at ruthrobertsromance@yahoo.com. She loves hearing from fans!  

Click here to purchase Homerun at Amazon for only $1.99
Click here to purchase Homerun for $1.99 at BN.com





Author Ruth Roberts will be hosting a Tour Wide Giveaway of a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card to one Randomly Drawn Commenter. Please leave your valid email address below to be entered for a chance to win this gift card.
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COVER REVEAL: Plotting to Win by Tara Chevrestt

And here is the cover for Plotting to Win... 

This one sounds good and the cover looks even better!  Writer friends, what better to look forward to than a romance featuring writers?  I am a reading fanatic, and a reality show fanatic, this one has a little bit of everything I love! 

The release date is set for June 1st, so mark your calendars- I know I will be marking mine. My TBR pile is getting so big! Thank God for my Kindle, if I had real copies of all the books I have read or want to read my house would be a contender for an episode of Hoarders! 

Blurb: 
In New York City, seven Writers compete for a hundred thousand dollars, a publishing contract with Bright House, and the title of the next bestseller. One is Felicity James. one is Victor Guzman.

Drama, plagiarism and trash talk play out to enthralled audiences across the country as all seven contestants compete against each other in a range of heated challenges, with tensions reaching breaking points. As Felicity and Victor start up a show-mance, their relationship burns up the ratings.

Will this sizzling fling escalate into a vicious battle for money and fame, or will these two authors manage to write their own happy ending?  

Author Info: Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs and above all reading. That lead to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Here theme is Strong is Sexy. She shares a website with her naughty pen name:
http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index.html  and they have a Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877

Happy Friday! Until next time... Happy Reading!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Emma the Wild and the Wanton Edition Spotlight

I volunteered to host a Spotlight stop on the Tasty Book Tour for Emma the Wild and the Wanton, I haven't read this book yet, but I love Jane Austen.. and this was already on my  TBR list, so I volunteered for this spotlight!

What do you guys think, this sounds good, right?


BLURB:

Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley won the literary world’s heart 200 years ago when Jane Austen first penned the story of their friendship-turned-love.  Emma is the young, rich, beautiful heroine with too much time on her hands and an overactive imagination; Mr. Knightley is her long-suffering friend who is always trying to steer her in the right direction. 

Their love story is one of deep, dedicated affection blooming into passion. But what about all of that sexual tension that crackles in the subtext? In this Wild and Wanton edition of Austen's classic, Emma and Mr. Knightley burn up the pages as they give in to their baser natures. Discover the sexy scenes that readers of Emma have been imagining between Austen's lines since 1815. 

EXCERPT:
   "Mr. Knightley smiled, and Emma noticed that his lips were distractingly full.  It was the only thought she was capable of before he startled her by moving from the settee to the chaise to sit beside her.  The movement was slight and one he had often made in the company of others, but Emma was of a sudden reminded that she and Mr. Knightley had not been alone together, as decorum and Miss Taylor had dictated, since Emma was perhaps fourteen.  Perhaps decorum was in the right.  The moment they were alone, Emma’s thoughts were running rampant.
  
   Mr. Knightley leaned toward her slightly, and she unconsciously mirrored the movement.  She could feel his breath on her cheek as he spoke.  “Come,” said he a bit roughly, “you are anxious for a compliment, so I will tell you that you have improved her. You have cured her of her school-girl’s giggle; she really does you credit.”

   His words momentarily penetrated her focus on the way his mouth moved as he talked.  She realised he had complimented her.  Emma could not have anticipated the warmth she felt in her cheeks any more than she could have anticipated his praise.  He was not one to throw around flattery lightly.  “Thank you. I should be mortified indeed if I did not believe I had been of some use; but it is not every body who will bestow praise where they may. You do not often overpower me with it.”  The last had slipped from her lips unheeded, and Emma wished the words back again.  She could not tell what had driven her to reveal that thought, and in such a tone as to betray an injury Emma did not want to admit feeling.  

   Emma could only blame the odd state of her mind at present.  If she were to ever have hope of keeping her composure for the rest of Mr. Knightley’s visit, she must keep a tight rein on her thoughts. 

   Mr. Knightley gazed at her intently.  Those eyes that she now saw had flecks of green in them had heat swirling within.  He was sitting extraordinarily close.  The chaise was small and afforded no ample space.  She could feel the heat of his skin through his breeches and her skirts.  Her gaze dropped to her lap where her hands had fisted together quite on their own.  Oh dear, she thought as she felt her thoughts slip her control."

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 
Jane Austen is one of the most beloved authors of all time. She never married, and as far as we know, she died a virgin. More's the pity.

Micah Persell is the award-winning author of the paranormal romance series Operation: Middle of the Garden.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a double master’s degree in English pedagogy and literature, and she found particular delight in driving her professors to madness by imagining the characters’ salacious untold stories during class discussions of “serious literature.”  She is beyond thrilled that the object of her professors’ horror is now her profession.


Now for some fun! This tour is giving away an AWESOME Romance Basket to one Lucky Commenter!  Use this Rafflecopter to enter for your chance to win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time... Happy Reading!