A Taste For A Mate Book Tour

Presented by Goddess Fish Promotions

Blurb: Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must. 


Guest Post: The Allure of Werewolves

Why do I find werewolves to be so alluring and romantic? Oh, well…I just love them! They’re so primal—so animalistic. So…mine.

They’re beyond sexy. Well, at least my Jamenson boys are. *wink* I love the fact that not only is there a man on the outside that I can fall for, but here is another crawling beneath the who can care for me too.

Two souls and two beings taking care of their mates? Yeah, that’s perfect. I love the growling and the protectiveness. I love the fact that their strong—and can teach me to be strong too.

I love the fact that their sense are heightened and can scent things that others can’t. That they can taste things that others can’t.

Jasper is a werewolf—a sexy one. And his mate is a baker. And Willow is a damn good one. So every time he eats something she prepares, the tastes burst on his tongue and becomes real to me.

Werewolves are mysterious. Their origins and presence hidden deep in secrecy in and in another culture. I want to know more and break that code. Find out what makes them tick.

That’s why werewolves are so alluring. They’re so much more than humans and something that I can dream of.

What do you think the allure of werewolves is? What do you love about them?
Excerpt:
The man of Willow’s dreams walked out the door, but this time was coming back for her. She had a date with Jasper. Her heart pound in her ears and she felt like jumping up and down like a teenager. She bit her lip, holding back a squeal. 

Jasper - the name suited him. Unique yet strong. Closing her eyes to savor the feel of his presence, she tried to recall every word he said, every move he made. The warmth from his fingertips against her cheek still tingled. She took a deep breath of his lingering scent and steadied herself before opening her eyes. An older couple stood staring at her with their lips pursed and brows furrowed. She must have been completely out of it not to hear the bell. 

“I’m so sorry. I’m just having one of those days. What can I get for you? I have fresh cinnamon rolls for you if you would like.” She couldn’t wipe the grin off her face and helped them to begin her day. 

Breakfast and lunch flew by. Cleaning the few tables inside her shop, she hummed to herself as she thought about the night to come. She had a date. The small mountain town they lived in had a decent selection of potential matches. But from what she observed, they were players or married. Sometimes both. Not until Jasper walked into her bakery did she noticed a man. And oh did she notice.  

About the author: Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werwolf mate.

Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first book in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens. 

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Website | Blog | Facebook Author Page | Facebook | Twitter

An Alpha’s Path: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A Taste for a Mate: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Author Giveaway: Carrie Ann will be giving away an autographed bookmark to one commenter at every stop and a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter and a $10 Amazon GC to the host with the most comments (excluding the host's and the author's). Find the tour dates here.

The Flirts! Name Before The Masses Tour

Presented by Goddess Fish Promotions

Blurb: Every volume of the Flirts! Collection features five sweet, funny romantic short stories, linked by a loose thread. It all ties up in a fab, fun ending, bringing together characters from all the stories in that collection. Each short story is 8,000-12,000 words long--the perfect length to squeeze in during your lunch break or kids' practices. Sometimes you need a little love! 

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

About the author: Lisa Scott is a former TV news anchor who now enjoys making up stories instead of sticking to the facts. The first book in her Willowdale Romance series will be released by Belle Bridge books in November 2012. In the meantime, she'll be releasing short stories linked to the Willowdale series, in addition to her Flirts! collections. 

When not begging her husband and two kids for a few minutes of peace to write her stories, she works as a voice actor and putters around in her koi pond and garden in upstate NY. 

Guest Post by Lisa Scott 
I am an idea junkie. I have so many ideas for stories it’s frustrating, because you can’t chase down every potential story line. Writing romantic short stories turned out to be the perfect solution for me. My shorts are a bit longer than most; Bermuda shorts instead of Daisy Dukes, you could say. Technically, I’m writing novelettes at 8,000 to 12,000 words each, but who’s ever heard of a novelette? So I call them shorts. Whatever they are, they’re the right length for me to get my ideas out and tell a fun little story, and long enough for someone to enjoy on a lunch break or during their kids’ practices. 

So where do all of these ideas come from? Everywhere—newspaper headlines, chats with friends, and even tidbits from strangers. I never totally copy the stories I hear, they merely serve as kindling for something I hope turns out to be sweet, funny and romantic. 

When my accountant mentioned his son and stepdaughter had gotten married, I nearly ran out of his office so I could spin that into a story. (And I did. You’ll find it in Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories.) I have a friend who has inspired so many stories, I’d be lost without her. Like “Never Been Dumped” in Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories. Its about a woman sick of dating because she’s always the one doing the dumping. (Which my friend once confessed to me.) In my story, a man in town for the summer promises to dump her when his visit’s over, and she agrees. But can they say goodbye? 

Sometimes, the stories are inspired by the theme I’ve chosen for my collections. In Beach Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories, I came up with the titles for a few stories before I knew what they’d be about. I knew I had to write a story called “Ex on the Beach.” The title came first, and the story followed. Other times, the story finds me first. I knew I wanted to write a story about a woman who’d lost weight and hadn’t found the confidence yet to be comfortable at the beach. That grew into “She’s Hot Now.” I loved that title, because there’s a bit of a slam in there. How much that must hurt to hear, “Oh, you’re hot now.” 

The ideas come from everywhere. I could probably write more Flirts! collections for several years. But I’m also working on a series of romance novels set in fictional Willowdale, North Carolina. The first in the series, No Foolin’, due out in November from Bell Books, was born when I saw a really hot guy climb into a car with California plates in my tiny upstate New York town. I couldn’t stop thinking about why he was here. He looked like a movie star and he’d come out of a restaurant alone. What was his story? That eventually led to the plot for No Foolin’ where a small town girl poses as a movie star’s boyfriend to help him hide the secret that brought him to town. 

I’m not a people watcher so much, but I do love chatting up strangers and learning what their life is like. People really intrigue me. Some folks have been through so much and persevere. Others have had amazing, exciting things happen to them. So if you ever meet me, careful what you tell me. It might inspire my next short story. (Fine. My next novellete.)

"Washed Up"
excerpt (story #4) in the Beach Flirts! collection

He woke to darkness and pain, with a pounding head and churning stomach; but soft lips crushed against his, so the night couldn’t have been that bad. His mouth moved in response, and he reached to find the body attached to those remarkable lips. He wrapped one hand around the back of her neck, while the other trailed further south over her collarbone, cupping a round, firm…

Slap! His eyes opened to an explosion of light. Then he sat up and puked. Seawater spewed from his mouth and someone rolled him onto his side.

“He’s okay, but get the lifeguard!” a woman shouted. She rubbed his arm. “You’re fine. Everything’s fine.”

This wasn’t exactly his definition of fine. He blinked away salty brine and fell back on the sand. “What the hell happened?” He looked up at the woman—petite, with dark eyes, and long hair that glowed in the sun.

“I’m not sure. I found you washed up here.”

He winced at the familiar phrase. Just ask his agent, who hadn’t been able to land him so much as a mall opening in the past three years.

“And then you kissed me?” he asked. Crazy fans had tried worse. At least duct tape and handcuffs hadn’t been involved this time; an actor without his sense of humor might have pressed charges.

“Kiss you?” She rolled her eyes. “Ever heard of CPR? I was a lifeguard in high school. You kissed me, and then you tried…” she winced.

"The Hot Girl's Friend"
excerpt #1 from the Flirts! Collection

We boogied to the hip song of the moment and soon enough, a few gutsy gals left the security of the scattered tables and joined us. Then the drunker of the men crowded the floor, probably wondering if they should shoot for the top and approach Miranda or pick one of us “lesser” girls—like they could flatter us into bed by flirting with us first. For the most part, men at bars are idiots. Newsflash, I know.

“You with the hot chick?” a short, curly-haired guy asked, bumping his hip into mine in some pretense of a dance move.

I bumped back hard enough that he had to catch his balance. “If you mean the tall blonde, yes, I am.”

Out came another bad dance move, with him jiggling his hands like he was shaking a Martini. “She available?”

I shook my head and gave him the bad news. “Not exactly. She starts her prison sentence tomorrow. This is kind of a last hurrah.”

His bushy eyebrows scrunched as he recalculated his plan of attack, not quite ready to give up the chase. Perhaps prison stripes are a turn-on for some guys.

I shrugged. “I suppose she could use a pen pal. Although her ex might be writing to her, too. He seems to have gotten over the whole stabbing thing. You really only need one testicle, right?” I boogied away from him and started getting my excuses ready for the string of men who would soon be lining up to meet the second most appealing woman in the bar—the hot chick’s best friend. Always a good girl to know when trying to make your move. At least, that’s what the men seemed to think.

"Spooked by Love"
story excerpt #1 from Holiday Flirts!

“So, I’m invited to a grownup Halloween party next weekend. Would you like to come? We’ve already got fabulous costumes.” He waggled his eyebrows.

I blew out a long breath. My heart was shouting ‘yes,’ but my brain stamped its foot ‘no’—kind of like Chelsea often did. “I don’t think so.”

Jeff snapped his fingers. “Wait, just a minute. I know what the problem is. I’ll be right back.” He dashed over to the big cauldron of candy and goodies set up on a banquet table, dug through the treats inside, and hurried back. He sat down and stared at me, all serious. Then he smiled, showing off neon-green vampire teeth. “Do you ‘vant to go out ‘vith me now?” he said, with a deep, sultry, Dracula accent.

I laughed so hard I thought I might hiccup. “Because you’re wearing fake teeth?”

Frowning, he lost the accent. “I heard women are really into vampires these days.” He shrugged. “Did my sister lie to me about that?”

My lips twitched into a smile. This guy could’ve been a new hot member of the Cullen family from Twilight, but I still wouldn’t go out with him. “I’m sorry, not even the sexiest, pointiest, vampire teeth could tempt me.”

He leaned across the table towards me, lowering his voice. “I’m a police officer. Are women into police officers these days? I’ve got the uniform and everything.”

I giggled—and I am so not a giggler. “I’m sure plenty of women have a thing for police officers.”

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY:

Lisa Scott is giving away a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter and to the host with the most comments. Leave a comment below and you will be entered. If you follow the tour and comment along the stops, you will better your chances of winning. 

Find the tour dates here.

Author Spotlight: VANESSA BARGER

Author Spotlight Presented by Sizzling PR

Steaming by Vanessa Barger

Genre: YA Steampunk Fantasy

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 259 KB
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company (March 16, 2011)

Summary: At a time when most girls are worried about prom dresses, Lorelei Stamper is worried about losing her skin -- literally. Receiving a sealskin from her Aunt, her world is changed. Not only is she a selkie, but she holds the key to breaking a curse affecting all selkie. 

Now monsters are stalking her, forcing her to decide if she will end the curse before she even really understands what’s happening. When Declan, one of two bodyguards sent to protect her, wakes her sleeping heart, she must try to balance love, surviving her senior year, and deciding whether she wants to be human or not. No matter what she chooses, the fact remains that breaking the curse demands blood. Hers.

An excerpt from Steaming: 

Clockwork earrings highlighted the graceful curve of her neck. Red satin swirled around a tiny figure wrapped in a black suede corset. Dark eyes swept the room with only a hint of apprehension. Thick jet hair winked with stones as the angel turned toward me.

I nearly swallowed my tongue.

“Cornelius Latimer! What the devil is wrong with you?” My best friend, Anthony DeSalvo, frowned and followed my gaze. “Bloody hell.”

“That didn’t come from Hell,” I whispered. Around the crowded, gas-lit ballroom, other men stopped mid-sentence and faced the angel gracing the entryway. I was not the only man enthralled. The world paused and the throbbing pulse of distant steam engines mimicked my heartbeat.

Anthony snorted and tossed back his punch. “A pretty face that will be forgotten in a week.” He studied me, one eyebrow cocked at my lack of attention. He hooted with laughter. “Finally, one of the sacrificial virgins has caught your eye!”

I elbowed him. “I don’t mock you about your conquests.”

He chortled, straightening his silk waistcoat. “That’s because I have so many. This, this, is a special occasion.”

He remained silent a few more moments. I assumed he watched as she moved through the crowd like Moses. I spared him a glance, noting the intense stare he sent in her direction. Unreasonable jealousy clouded my senses. Just when I opened my mouth to comment, he pulled a large coin from his waistcoat pocket.

“I’ll flip you for her.” His tone turned serious.

That got my full attention. A strange gleam lit Anthony’s eye, one I had never seen before. “What?”

“You heard me. Even if she is your first crush, every man out there will be after her. At least if we’re both pursuing her, we’ll double our collective chances. But when we catch her, who will keep her?”

Slack Tide by Vanessa Barger
Genre: YA Steampunk Fantasy

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 343 KB
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company (July 19, 2011)

Summary: My name is Cornelius Latimer, and I have fallen in love.

The object of my affection isn’t tall and blonde with all the right curves. It isn’t even human. My love belches steam and breathes fire. My world runs on steam and hard metal, and I am a master of both. My Uncle, Rufus Harrison, has funded my expeditions. He’s gifted me with a lab containing all the parts and space I could possibly need. For weeks I have been toiling over my journals, crafting my biggest and best creation yet. It’s heady, this feeling of power. But I made a fatal error. I told a friend about my machine. And now someone who should not know, does. I should tear everything apart, but I can’t. Love does strange things to people.

An excerpt from Slack Tide:

Dear Lorelei,

This is a family heirloom. It’s sealskin from your great-great grandmother. Whatever you do, don’t lose it. Always keep it hidden, and above all else, never put it on.

Someday I’ll tell you the story behind it. Until then, keep it safe.

Love,
Aunt Celeste

I snorted and put the note aside. Sealskin? Why on earth would anyone wear it anyway? Wasn’t that illegal?

I peeled away the paper, revealing a soft, mottled brown pelt. As I brushed the short hair, a tingle moved up my hands, flowed over my body, as if I’d walked through a field of static electricity. The scent of the sea intensified, and I had the uncanny urge to pick up the skin and rub my face on it. It was like being handed a piece of a dream I couldn’t quite remember. But I knew I liked it.

“What did Celeste send this time? Something—” my mother, Miranda Stamper, stood, mouth hanging open, unable to finish her sentence. She stared at the skin like it was a snake, poised to strike.

“It’s sealskin. I don’t get it. Her gifts are usually weird, but this really tops all.” The nonchalance in my voice sounded strained, even to me. I offered the article to my mother, though I didn’t want to. My arms shook with the effort of ignoring the urge to cradle it to my chest.

“Put that back in the box, Lorelei. Never take it out again.”

My mother trembled, her eyes never leaving the fur in my arms. She looked fearful and backed up a step, brushing a hand over her eyes. Her voice shook. “I said, put it away.”

Shoving it back into the box, I couldn’t resist dragging my fingers over the skin one last time as I closed the flaps. As soon as it was out of sight, the compulsion to touch it lessened, but didn’t leave. I could still feel it, thudding like a strong bass beat in my chest.

About the author: I am a Young Adult author who teaches high schoolers all about technology education (and yearbook!) in rural Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay. I am the owner slave to one cat, Molly, who looks a little like a cow when she gets a haircut, and write in my free time. I am actively involved in the YA Fiction Fanatics critique group, which is dedicated to helping its members produce the best MG and YA novels they can write. I’m also a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

I’ve currently finished six manuscripts, and I’m working on several more. I love writing, and my goal is to be able to do this full time someday – or at least as a published author enjoy it as a second job. I’m always open to talking with readers (because I’m one of those too!) about not just my books, but books in general. I also love long walks on the beach discussing Shakespeare while sipping large fruity drinks with little umbrellas.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Release Day Party: Always You

Book Title: Always You
Author: Shilpa Mudiganti
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Publication Date: March 6th 2012
Format: eBook, Paperback, Kindle

Book Synopsis: Lyla has to move on. She’s been stuck in a rut since her heart was broken five years ago. Trying to decide about life with her fiancé, Nick, she resolves to finish one last project before moving to Spain and starting a new life. That is until she is face to face with the one man who broke her heart all those years ago, Alexander Knight.

Five years ago, when Alex and Lyla meet at his friend, Andrew's grave, they fall deeply in love. But, Alex is hiding a secret that will destroy his relationship with Lyla and does. What Lyla doesn’t realize is that Alex has changed since their break-up, because of her love, only she still has hate in her heart towards him. 

But now, fate has brought them together in such a way that they have no option but to remain dangerously close - dangerous enough for Lyla to fall in love with him again. How can she? Not after what she knows about Alex and what he did to Andrew.

Links: Publisher Website (print and ebook) | Amazon (ebook)
Nook |Barnes and Noble (print) | All Romance eBooks| Goodreads  

Author Website|Author twitter 

Author bio: Lyla has to move on. She’s been stuck in a rut since her heart was broken five years ago. Trying to decide about life with her fiancé, Nick, she resolves to finish one last project before moving to Spain and starting a new life. That is until she is face to face with the one man who broke her heart all those years ago, Alexander Knight.

Five years ago, when Alex and Lyla meet at his friend, Andrew’s grave, they fall deeply in love. But, Alex is hiding a secret that will destroy his relationship with Lyla and does. What Lyla doesn’t realize is that Alex has changed since their break-up, because of her love, only she still has hate in her heart towards him.

But now, fate has brought them together in such a way that they have no option but to remain dangerously close – dangerous enough for Lyla to fall in love with him again. How can she? Not after what she knows about Alex and what he did to Andrew.

It’s true that love can change people for the better. But is it enough? What will happen when two broken people with a past come together? Can they forgive and heal?

Giveaway: The contest is for 5 digital copies of Always You. Enter below.

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