Friday, February 28, 2014

#BookReview ~ Salty ~ Action/Romance

Title: Salty
Author: K.S. Thomas
Genre: Action/Adventure Romance
Rating: 4 stars!


http://amzn.com/B00IHRQBE2

My Review: 
This is my first read by K.S. Thomas and I'm happy I was able to read it as a beta reader shortly before publication.

Salty is smart, sassy, and funny, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I have to admit that the male lead, Finn, quickly captured my heart, even if Salty wasn't sure about him at first. When they are forced together for her protection, things are rather rocky for a while. Pirates and cops don't really mix, but somehow they are able to work together to go after the gangs and protect Salty's family.

The action is fast paced and exciting. I would say this book is more tilted toward action than romance, but I liked reading both. The ultimate baddie was a surprise to me, but everything tied nicely together in the exciting conclusion.

A fun read! Will be on the lookout for more from Thomas.

Happy reading!!
~~ Chantel ~~

Friday, February 21, 2014

#NewRelease ~ Salty ~ Romance




Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Author: K.S. Thomas


Synopsis: 

Tritonia ‘Salty’ Casavant has spent her entire life out at sea on her parents' sailboat. Raised by a marine biologist and her mother’s extended family of modern day pirates, her perception of the world isn’t exactly normal.
Now a single mother herself and living alone on the boat her parents left her, she enjoys her private paradise as she cruises back and forth between the Islands of Hawaii.
Everything changes when a local gang begins using her strip of ocean as a dumping ground for smuggled drugs and firearms. Soon Salty is in the middle of an all-out turf war she inadvertently started and the only way out is through Detective Finn Murphy.


Excerpt 

As the challenger approached,
it became apparent that Chick was bringing visitors. Salty frowned as she
spotted two haoles standing at the helm. Even from where she was positioned she
could tell that they were cops. Given her life experience, she knew the type
inside and out. Then, having written those characters a hundred times over in
her stories as the antagonists and the nature of the heroine in her novels, it
was hard for Salty to muster any warm fuzzy feelings at the sight of the two
police men as they pulled up beside her sailboat.
     From the look on Chick’s face, she could tell that he wasn’t
thrilled either, although those feelings were probably partially directed at
her now that he had likely discovered Amaui’s identity.  Regardless of the reason, the strangers’
presence seemed to be a necessary evil for the time being, so Salty made her
way to the stern and waited for Hani to toss her a rope. Once the speedboat had
been securely rafted off the Salty Kisses, all four of the men aboard the A'ole
Aina found themselves standing on Salty’s front step.           
“Salty, this is Lieutenant
Pierce and Detective Murphy. They’re colleagues of Detective Mahelona’s.” Chick
made a face as he said Amaui’s name.
     “That’s nice. Why the hell did you bring them here?” Salty
replied, completely ignoring the two men wearing badges.
     “Because we asked him to,” Lieutenant Pierce interjected. “Ms.
Casavant, you were witness to a crime. We were hoping you could recount the
events that took place the night you met Detective Mahelona for us.”
     Salty eyed the man from top to bottom. He was almost as tall as
Chick, but considerably leaner. His hazel eyes had a youthfulness about them,
but the flecks of grey he had spread throughout his hair and goatee had Salty
gauge him to be at least in his early forties, forty-five at the most. Even
though he was a white guy, he had the distinct look of someone who had lived on
the islands for a very long time. With his loosely fit grey cargo pants and
navy blue polo shirt it was about as lax a uniform as you could find. Not
uncommon for Hawaii though. Pierce’s partner, on the other hand was as much of
an outsider as the tourists who trampled the beaches year after year, season
after season.
     Murphy was shorter than Pierce with dirty blond hair and blue
eyes that matched the surrounding waters. He was stocky and muscular and wore
his black pants and fitted blue button up shirt nicely. The sleeves had been
rolled up, but that was the only indication Murphy gave that he was aware of
the summer climate and its accompanying 83 degrees.
     Salty glanced back and forth between the two one last time,
trying to decide whom she would rather deal with, when she heard Murphy mutter,
“This is a complete waste of time.”
     “Whose time is that exactly, Detective?” Salty demanded.
     “Ours. We should be out following real leads, not wasting our
time taking boat rides out to see some modern day pirate princess who’s
probably been out at sea for so long she no longer has a real grasp on
reality!” Detective Murphy ranted at her.
While Salty had been sizing up
the two officers, Murphy had apparently done the same with her. Judging from
his little speech, he hadn’t been too impressed with what he’d seen. Maybe it
had been the fact that she was barefoot and wearing nothing more than her standard
shorts and bikini top. Or perhaps it had been the sight of her tattoos which
spanned the greater part of her body. Salty had to take a mental account of
what her hair might look like at that very moment. She had washed and brushed
it just that morning, but the ocean air and constant breeze wreaked havoc on
her long brown locks, and most days Salty found herself staring at a wild woman
anytime she came face to face with her reflection. She never bothered with
make-up, but her permanent golden tan, sparkling green eyes and wind burned red
lips had made it unnecessary anyway.
     “What are you doing, Finn? You can’t just insult these people!”
Pierce sounded appalled as he scolded his partner. He turned to Chick and
Salty, looking mortified. “I am so sorry. Please, let me apologize for
Detective Murphy.”
     Salty was starring daggers at Finn Murphy and he was locked onto
her returning fire.
     “No, I agree with your partner. This was a complete waste of
your time. You should go.” She turned on her heel and began to walk away. “For
what it’s worth, this wasn’t the first drop the Kakumei have made. I’ve counted
at least seven, always between the hours of midnight and 2am. By sunrise some
local fishing boat comes tugging along to retrieve the shipment. It’s never the
same boat, but twice I noticed they had the same colors. I was never close
enough to make out any lettering, but I could still give a pretty good
description if I needed to.” Salty didn’t know what had possessed her to
divulge all of that. Probably the part where that idiot Murphy had implied that
she was crazy and incompetent. It’s not like he could have known that it would
strike a chord with her, but it had…and not in a good way.
     So much for not getting involved, she thought. She could already
feel Chick’s glare burning through the bare skin of her back and she reached up
absentmindedly to rub the spot.
     “How do you know it was the Kakumei?” Murphy asked.          
“For starters, I’m not an
idiot. Just because I don’t spend my time on land doesn’t mean I don’t know
what happens there. It’s all about perspective, haole. When you’re standing
directly in front of a tree, all you can see is that tree’s bark. But, if you
back away a bit, you start to see the entire forest…or, as it is in my case,
the entire island.” Salty was slowly meandering back over to where the men
stood. “Look, if you don’t believe me, send a dive team out. Last week they
made a drop. Three times I heard something hit the water, but the next day the
crew only pulled out two shipments. I’m guessing whatever else they dumped is
still sitting at the bed of the ocean in hopes of never being found.”
     The officers exchanged a glance. Both Chick and Salty noticed.
     “What?” Salty asked. “You already know what it is, don’t you?”
     “Eric Choy’s father went missing ten days ago. He’s been a
prominent player in the business world for many years, not just on the island
but internationally. We think his shipping company may have been compromised
somewhere along the way…and we think the Kakumei had something to do with it,”
Pierce expounded stepping forward.
     “That explains what they were doing with Eric. How did Detective
Mahelona end up in the mix?” Salty wasn’t even sure why she wanted to know. If
nothing else it was potential material for her next novel.
     “Amaui’s his girlfriend. It was just an unlucky coincidence that
she was there when they grabbed him,” said Murphy. Pierce shot him a look
suggesting he zip it, but Murphy just shrugged and said, “What? Now we’re not
disclosing important information regarding our highly sensitive, open
investigation? My mistake. I was just following your lead, buddy.” For the
first time since meeting Finn Murphy, Salty had to fight back a smile.
     “Anyway,” Pierce continued, “any information you can give us
regarding that night, or any others involving these ‘drops’ would be greatly
appreciated.”
     Salty twisted her mouth from side to side as she mulled it over,
purposely avoiding eye contact with Chick as she did so. Finally she said,
“I’ll tell you whatever I can, but honestly I don’t see how any of it will
help. I mean, sure, I can identify boats, but not people. I doubt any of my
information will trump what Amaui already knows.”
     “That might be less than you think,” Murphy said, shaking his
head and turning away. Neither he nor Pierce elaborated on it any further.
So, Salty began to recount
everything that had happened, starting with the first night she had heard the
plane down to the night she pulled Amaui and Eric from the water. She was sure
not to leave out even the tiniest of details, not because she wanted to be
thorough, but because she simply couldn’t help herself. Details in descriptions
had become a hazard of the job a long time ago. Even Finn Murphy seemed pleased
with everything she was able to give them.
     “That was incredibly meticulous. Are you sure you don’t have a
background in law enforcement?” he joked.
     Salty snorted. “Not exactly. I write about a lot of cops in my
books though.”
     Chick chuckled.
     “Why’s that funny?” Murphy asked.
     “Because the cops I write about aren’t exactly the most
observant. They can’t be. I mean, it wouldn’t work very well for my heroine if
they were stellar members of the force,” Salty explained. She knew she wasn’t
coming off well, but then Murphy and Pierce had to have known when they were
coming on board that they wouldn’t be held in the highest regard. Cops and
pirates just didn’t mix.



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Meet The Author

Author K.S. Thomas



Dog Lover who likes her pastries
full of cream and sugar….oh…and I write some 

Aside from being an author, I
am also a mom to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. I tell everyone I named
her after my great-grandmother (because that’s the mature answer), but really,
I named her after my favorite princess – just so happens I got lucky and they
had the same name…If I wasn’t a writer, I would work on a horse ranch – I’m an
animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear
flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am
than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I’m
going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me
chocolate…or coffee…if you bring me both, I’ll probably love you forever.
A gypsy at heart, I write the way I
live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next
one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes
everything from Children’s Lit to Thrillers.
I happily reside in sunny Florida
(for now) and can be contacted via my
blog, my website  or the following social media sites ~

Twitter: @friedgatortail

Other Books by K.S. Thomas include ~


Upcoming Releases for 2014
Diner Guy
The Final Descendants “Et Calceum”
(Book Two of The Final Descendants Series)

Sign up HERE to stay up-to-date on all of her upcoming releases.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Cover Reveal - Honor Among Orcs




Honor Among Orcs
by Amalia Dillin 



Designed by: Melissa Stevens (Website)

Publication Date: April 1, 2014

Series: Orc Saga, Book One

Genre: Fantasy (18+)




After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained and trapped inside a magic mirror, Arianna cannot help but see a lasting freedom from her father's abuse.



Left to rot inside a mirror by the king, Bolthorn never imagined his prayers would be answered by a princess. Nor did he ever expect to meet so worthy a woman after knowing her father’s cruelty. He needs her help to escape the mirror before the king marches against the orcs, but all he can offer Arianna is ice and darkness in exchange for her aid.



If Arianna can free the monster behind the glass, perhaps she might free herself, as well. But once they cross the mountain, there will be no return, and the deadly winter is the least of what threatens them on the other side. Romance blossoms in this gripping fantasy adventure.





EXCERPT



He knew these woods, sparse as they had become, and when they broke, he knew the tundra of the foothills too. Just before dawn, he found the outcrop beneath which he had made a shelter his first night beyond the mountains, and though he did not dare to light a fire, the sedge made a soft bed.

After a meal of apples and cheese, the last of their food, Arianna curled against his side, sharing the fur, and rested her head on his shoulder. He tested her forehead for fever and breathed his relief when she did not burn against his palm.

She tugged his hand away, a small smile curving her lips. “You worry overmuch. There are still two days of warmth before I must fight your cruel winds. I will be well enough for your mountains by then.”

His fingers lingered against her skin and her smile faded. He traced the clan-markings on her cheek and her lips parted, her heart thrumming in his ears.

“Bolthorn –”

Up the bridge of her nose and over her eyebrow, the umber flaked from her skin, coloring his fingertip. Down along the line of her jaw, to the pulse point beneath. Her breathing hitched. He only wished the marks had reached her collarbone, to give him some excuse to trail his fingers across the smooth skin there.

“You make a beautiful orc.”

“Not a Vala?” she asked, her eyelashes sweeping across her cheek.

“The Vala cannot marry.” The sunlight caught in her hair, flashing reds within the rich brown and he smoothed the soft, wild strands from her face. “They cannot bear children, or know the touch of any kind of man after they have made their vows. They know only the ancestors and the mysteries they reveal.”

“Oh,” she breathed.

Oh. It was the first thing she had ever said to him, trembling against the stone. She trembled now, too. As she should, he thought, knowing herself within the arms of an orc. He closed his eyes and drew his hand back. This was a dangerous game to play with her so near, so vulnerable.

“Sleep well, princess,” he said, his jaw tight against his need. “You’ll want your strength.”

She made a noise in the back of her throat, but when he glanced at her, she had turned away.


About the Author


Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course. 

Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy from World Weaver Press, and the soon to be released Orc Saga, coming April 1, 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.amaliadillin.com


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GIVEAWAY


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

#BookReview ~ Taming Romeo, New Adult Romance


Title: Taming Romeo
Author: Rachelle Ayala
Published: February 12, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 Stars!!



“Second chance love is always the sweetest.” - Jessica Cassidy

“Sexy and funny, a unique take on love reignited.” – Racquel Reck

Buy it on:

Ebook: Amazon US India UK DE FR ES IT Canada Brazil Japan Mexico Australia

Barnes & Noble NookKobo BooksSmashwords

Monday I announced Rachelle Ayala's latest book. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy right before she published, and I loved it!
My Review:
Wow! I didn't want to put my Kindle down! Talk about a fun and sexy romp. Rachelle Ayala continues to entertain! Taming Romeo is different from her past romantic suspense books, being full on romance, but I loved it!

Evie has a lot of growing to do and a heartache to get over, but that won't stop Romeo from going after what he wants, full throttle. The chemistry between Evie and Romeo sizzles and the heat between them is a force that can't be denied. The author even threw me for a loop at the end with an unexpected twist that was great! Didn't want this one to end and I hope to see more from Evie's family in the future. Can't wait to see what Rachelle comes up with next! I highly recommend picking this up!


Rachelle wrote this book and published it in just under a month! So amazing. Many of you know she has been my writing partner from clear back when I started on Always & Forever. I saw such talent in her back then, but she has continued to amaze me with each new release as they just get better and better! This is a fun and sassy read that I recommend you pick up. 

No clue how long it will stay there, but right now Rachelle is practically giving it away for 99c! Don't miss this one! Such fun!

Monday, February 17, 2014

#NewRelease - Taming Romeo, New Adult Romance


Title: Taming Romeo
Author: Rachelle Ayala
Published: February 12, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance


Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak by working at her parents’ Filipino restaurant when in walks Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Only now, he’s a hot movie star surrounded by gorgeous actresses and adoring fans.

Bad boy Romeo Garcia never understood why Evie stood him up at the prom. When he rescues her from a flying coconut in the dumpster, he is determined to dig into her heart for the reason. Their mutual attraction and unresolved feelings ignite in a scintillating night of daring sex, and Romeo shows Evie what she’ll miss the rest of her life if she walks away again.

Evie lands a part as Romeo’s co-star and falls into her role, totally in love. He plays his part, too, with his romantic gestures and skillful lovemaking. But is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.

Taming Romeo is a contemporary romance featuring family secrets, delicious food, and hot, steamy loves scenes.

Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+.

“Second chance love is always the sweetest.” - Jessica Cassidy

“Sexy and funny, a unique take on love reignited.” – Racquel Reck

Buy it on:

Ebook: Amazon US India UK DE FR ES IT Canada Brazil Japan Mexico Australia

Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo Books, Smashwords


Friday, February 14, 2014

Promises in the Dark - Paranormal Romance

Book Title: Promises In The Dark
Series: Secrets of the Mystic
Author: Princess Racena McConell

Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Released:  November 17, 2013

Length:  345 Pages Print
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Julia Hendrix

 BLURB

What began as a casual dinner with friends quickly blossoms into a beautiful friendship for Rachel Adams and Derek Williamson. In time, it will develop into something much greater than either could have ever imagined. The pair have each had their share of tragedy and heartbreak that time has yet to heal. As their friendship evolves into something much more, Rachel begins to open up to the man she has fallen in love with about secrets that have consumed her life for so long.

Just when life seems to be opening up possibilities for the two of them, inexplicable and unsettling things start to happen. When these mysterious occurrences begin to invade their happiness, they are faced with the reality that they must find the truth about what haunts them. Will they survive as they uncover some of these long-kept secrets? Will the mystical forces that linked the lovers together so long ago be the same to destroy them in the end?


A Valentine's Date with Derek


Will you be mine? Is it possible to dream that I can have you in my heart forever?

If you will let me, I will love you beyond every realm you've ever imagined possible.

My lovely, when it comes to you, it's not about flowers, or candy, or romantic cards...it's so much more. It's about making you understand with my heart,my soul and my body what you are to me...and how you own me completely.

So I ask you again my love...will you be mine, not just for this day,but for eternity? I want this night to be the first night of forever for our love.

On Valentine’s Day, and everyday all I want is you…in my arms, and in my bed. I want to be inside of your head, inside of your heart, and more than anything…inside of you.

After I take your mind to another plane of ecstasy with my hot sweet kisses, I will drive your body wild with my magical fingers as you experience the hidden talents that a mystic man like me possesses.

I cannot wait to feel every depth of your hot, wet sweetness as you surround me. I want to taste your lips on my mouth, and when my lips travel to every part of your hot naked body; I want to hear you say my name again and again, as you beg me for more.

When I can’t resist you any longer and I thrust myself deep inside of you…baby you’ll hunger for all of me, you will be consumed by the mystical forces that are a part of me.

After I have loved your body and your soul, and after we have each found our sweet release over, and over...I will make sure I leave the imprint of my love in your heart forever.

My love is otherworldly, you will see.

You have never been loved by a man like me.

Book Links
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Secrets-Mystic-Princess-McConnell-ebook/dp/B00H6Q1UG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392075264&sr=1-1http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-in-the-dark-princess-mcconnell/1117649739?ean=9781494393625https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19378183-promises-in-the-darkhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/392994


AUTHOR BIO

Princess Racena McConnell( who has never and will never go by her first name) was born in Kings Mountain NC and now resides in the busy little town of Summerville SC with her husband of 32 years. She is the mother of 3 and grandmother to 4 with a 5th one on the way! "Promises In The Dark"; her debut novel—is part 1 of a story that has been in her mind for many years, and finally had to be told! She enjoys spending time with her family, and is so thankful they all live within 20 minutes! She also enjoys reading, writing and anything horror related. Her dream is to someday see her books splashed across silver screen!



Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/RacenaMcconnellhttps://twitter.com/PrmTjm1981http://princessmcc.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7538673.Princess_Racena_McConnellhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Princess%20Racena%20McConnell&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerankhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/mrs-princess-racena-mcconnellhttps://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Princess48


Presented by

GIVEAWAY
First Prize: Promises In The Dark Signed Paperback & Set of Earrings
Second Prize: Promises In The Dark eBook & Set of Earrings
Third Prize: Promises In The Dark eBook & Signed Bookmark

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

#NewRelease - Paranormal Shifter Romance

New Release Bash: “Dark Sentinels Prequel” by Dariel Raye

In response to readers' questions and requests, there's a new addition to Dariel Raye's award-winning "Dark Sentinels" series! "Dark Sentinels Prequel" is LIVE. Here's the cover and blurb for the new release as well as information about other available books in the series.  



“Dark Sentinels Prequel”
Sometimes a girl has to go the extra mile to capture the man she loves, especially when she’s a sentinel wolf shifter from Washington state with no possible mates for miles.

Orphaned in childhood, Dr. Syreena Adler learned at an early age to depend on her twin brother, Sable, and herself, but phone conversations with a Georgia sentinel she’s never seen spark unexpected desire.

Southern red wolf sentinel Cord Velasquez has spent his life atoning for the death of his entire family. He wants a life with Syreena, but when she surprises him with an impromptu visit, the realization of his greatest fear seems inevitable.

Amazon            Barnesand Noble

Dark Sentinels Book One: Sable 

Sable, a sentinel wolf shifter, is captured and locked in his wolf form until Akila, a veterinarian, tries to tame him and unleashes a 6'5" baby blue-eyed surprise.

Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…

Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.






“Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin”

When greedy land developers set their sights on Dark Sentinel land, Torin turns to attorney Stephanie Bates for help, but she’ll need his protection to stay alive long enough to save his land.

Real estate lawyer, Stephanie Bates, has risen to the top of her field through meticulous sacrifice and goal setting. She has no time for distractions – and that includes pets, messy relationships, and loose ends.

Torin DuMont is a forensic scientist who chose the profession to avoid dealing with people as much as possible. Raised by a stepfather who hated him, he’s been forced to live a life of solitude, fueled by anger and distrust. When wolves and shifters start turning up dead, Torin must battle an enemy bent on destroying those he was born to protect. His greatest challenge, however, is Attorney Bates and the surprising effect she has on his heart.




Prequel – B&N            Sable – B&N          Torin – B&N                       



                                          Jordan’s Wings – BandN       
                                              Here, Kitty Kitty Paperback

 On the Web
            
About the Author
Dariel loves books, animals, and all things paranormal. Dariel has written articles for The News Item of Mobile, and Black Health Magazine of Atlanta. A classically trained pianist and vocalist with a degree in piano and vocal performance and a master’s in counseling psychology, she completed studies for a Ph.D. with the exception of her dissertation. She is presently writing a shifter romance series, “Dark Sentinels,”  two Nephilim series with vamp-like heroes, “The Alerians” and “Children of Cain,” several erotic paranormal/fantasy romances inspired by blog flashes, and an erotic fantasy newsletter serial. Lives with a very spoiled Dobie/Coonhound and a passel of black cats. To learn more about Dariel and her books, visit her blog and join her newsletter.


Starts 2/13/2014 – check my blogger site for tour hosts!