Upcoming giveaway!

To celebrate the release on my book, Borderland Bride on the 21st March, I will be doing a fab giveaway. Keep any eye on this blog for your chance to win a gorgeous necklace, two sets of earrings as well as some ecopies of my One Knight Collection. Take a look at the the gorgeous necklace I'll be giving away. Following on from my very popular medieval neckalce giveaway, I realised people love a bit of jewellery. This isn't medieval themed but it is certainly a romantic piece of jewellery.

So stay tuned on the 21st for your chance to win!

Author Spotlight: Kevin Travis

Please welcome back my friend, Kevin Travis who is sharing with us his latest release. Here's a bit more about it:

Skyler thought her life couldn’t get much better, or sillier, after a very special Christmas. The pretty, sweet, smart, athletic girl who has long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes, got to meet Santa, who gave Skyler some Magical Christmas Dog Biscuits. The biscuits gave her dogs, Rowdy and Tasha, the ability to talk! The next Christmas, Santa gave Skyler some Magical Christmas Candy Canes. Just what made those candy canes so magical? That’s what Skyler wanted to know! When she licked one, she found out. Let’s just say Santa isn’t the only special person Skyler meets. It all leads to more silly adventures for Skyler, Rowdy, and Tasha.

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About Kevin

Kevin Travis has been an award-winning journalist for over twenty years, mainly as a sports writer/editor. He lives in St. Louis with his beautiful wife and best friend, Allison, step-daughter, Katherine, and two dogs, Thor and Tasha.

Born in Ohio, where he graduated from Hudson High School and then Bowling Green State University, Travis moved to North Carolina in 2000. He enjoyed the beaches and the warm weather, often swearing that he would never again move to the Midwest or a cold climate.

But, love prevails. When his wife accepted a new job in Missouri, he quickly followed.

His hyperactive dog, Thor, a Golden Retriever, provided him plenty of material, and headaches, for his first book, Home Run from Heaven.

Both Thor and Tasha played parts in his second book, Skyler's Magical Christmas.

The crazy dogs also played a part in his third book, Skyler's Magical Year.

You can purchase Skyler's Magical Year on Amazon and find out more about Kevin on Facebook.

Book Tour Stop and Review: A Baron in Her bed by Maggi Anderson

Welcome to Maggi, who generously provided me with a copy of A Baron in Her Bed. Read on for my thoughts. 

Maggi will be awarding the winner's choice of a backlist eBook to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter so be sure to comment!

~My review~

A great, fun, intrigue filled read!

A Baron in her Bed was a lovely mix of nice description  chemistry, intrigue and romance. Horatia is headstrong, if a little silly at times, and Guy is a good mix of rake and gentlemen. Their initial meeting, with Horatia disguised as a boy was fun and started the story nicely. I was glad this wasn't played out for too long either - Guy fairly quickly discovered she was a woman and it lead to some great chemistry-filled scenes.

Intrigue-wise, the story is fairly driven by the various threats to Guy's life as well as some questions about his past but the romance still remains in the forefront. The final scenes are exciting and the plot is creative enough to hold your attention without becoming too involved. I wouldn't say it kept me on the edge of my seat but I always like a bit of suspense and it gave me enough to keep me satisfied.

Interestingly I connected more to the hero - I think because his rakish ways were fairly quickly put behind him but he still managed to retain his charm. Horatia was feisty but she did have a knack for getting herself into trouble and at times I wondered why she didn't, for once, listen to her father or Guy. She comes across a little silly at times.

But for a nice Regency flavour without the usual - the Almacks, the dinners etc - this was a fun, captivating read. I enjoy Regency reads but often feel like I'm reading the same thing and this was a real, refreshing departure from that. I would expect most fans of Regency romance to enjoy this.

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London, 1816. A handsome baron. A faux betrothal. And Horatia's plan to join the London literary set takes a dangerous turn.

Now that the war with France has ended, Baron Guy Fortescue arrives in England to claim his inheritance, abandoned over thirty years ago when his father fled to France after killing a man in a duel. When Guy is set upon by footpads in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while travelling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. He escapes only to knock himself out on a tree branch.

Aspiring poet Horatia Cavendish has taken to riding her father's stallion, "The General", around the countryside of Digswell dressed as a groom. She has become bored of her country life and longs to escape to London to pursue her desire to become part of the London literary set. When she discovers Guy lying unconscious on the road, the two are forced to take shelter for the night in a hunting lodge. After Guy discovers her ruse, a friendship develops between them.

Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore is behind the attacks on his life. He has been ensconced in Rosecroft Hall during the family's exile and will become the heir should Guy die. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. But when Guy proposes a faux betrothal to give him more time to discover the truth, she agrees. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter will finally wed, Horatia's father allows her to visit her blue-stocking aunt in London. But Horatia's time spent in London proves to be anything but a literary feast, for a dangerous foe plots Guy's demise. She is determined to keep alive her handsome fiance, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.

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Maggi Andersen and her lawyer husband are empty nesters, living in the countryside outside Sydney with their cat and the demanding wildlife. Parrots demand seed, possums fruit, ducks swim in the stream at the bottom of the garden, and the neighbours chickens roam their yard providing wonderful eggs. She began writing adventure stories at age eight. Three children, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree later, her novels are still filled with adventure and suspense, but are also passionate romances. Georgette Heyer among others, brought inspiration to her seductive Regencies and she also writes darker, Victorian novels, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult.

She supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.  Find Maggi online here and buy A Baron in Her Bed here.

Dare the Devil by Elaine Raco Chase: March Sale

Yippee ki yay! March Madness ebook sale:  Just 99 cents! Nook/kindle/kobo/AllRomance!

One sexy cowboy + kickass stuntwoman + zany movie crew + modern day rustlers and you get reviewers saying: "5 stars isn't enough" "Cam is in my top 10 favorite heroines"  "fun premise, fast solid read, bad guys, a neat chase, decent action on all counts"  "great read for both men & women" "Great action, great romance, great writer" "Lots of humor and enjoyment in this one guys opinion."

About the audiobook: " This was a really appealing audio book and I absolutely recommend it. Not a classic, but totally a great hear." "The difference between this audio book and others is - the overall production is spectacular!"

You can purchase Dare the Devil on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Audible.

Author Interview: Irina Shapiro

Please welcome Irina, a fellow historical romance author (though in Irina's own words - with a twist)

What is your name and where do you live now?
My name is Irina Shapiro and I live in New Jersey, USA.


First off, how has your week been?
My week has been great, thank you for asking.  


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Marketing, which has very little to do with my writing.  I’ve been writing for a few years now, and have completed seven novels to date.  


Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I’ve always been a voracious reader, but I never thought I had what it took to actually write a book.   I think I surprised myself more than anyone else when I completed my first novel.  When I was a child, I fantasized about becoming an archaeologist.  I love history and thought it would be fascinating to sift through the past and unearth clues about the people that came before us.    


What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it what would you say?
My latest book is A World Apart.  It’s the third book in the Hands of Time Trilogy.  A World Apart is a tapestry of romance, adventure, and history, with a sprinkling of suspense and a dash of fantasy.   That’s all I can say without giving the plot away.

Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?
The original idea for the Hands of Time Trilogy came from a Katy Perry song.  I was listening to it in the car while driving and she kept repeating the phrase “in another life.”  I thought, “Hmm, what would I do in another life?”  It took off from there.


Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
The first book is set against the volatile political climate of seventeenth century England, and the failed Gunpowder Plot.  The rest of the story is a product of my fertile imagination.  

Did you learn anything from writing your book?  What was it?
I learned that sometimes characters simply refuse to leave.  You think you are done with them and can move on to another project, but they have other ideas.  I had to write a sequel to the Hands of Time because the characters just continued to talk and plot in my head as if the book was still being written.


Are your books available as eBooks? Were you involved in that process at all? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?
My books are available as e-books.  I used to love printed books until I got a Kindle for my birthday.  I will never go back.  


Did you have any say in the title / cover of your book?
All the covers were designed by me.

What does your protagonist think about you? Would they want to hang out with you, their author and creator?
I think my protagonist would love to hang out with me; after all, she’s my secret twin.  I based her largely on my own personality, and her responses to situations are derived from what I would do in her place.


How does your family feel about the book?
My family is proud of my book, but my husband refuses to read anything I write.  He’s terrified of finding out what really goes on in my head.  He might never recover.

When you started your book, did you plan on writing it as a series, or did it just grow into one?
I never planned to turn the book into a series, but as I mentioned in a previous answer, the characters simply wouldn’t be silenced.


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I think the main message is that no matter what happens you have to just go with it and make the best of it.  You never know where it might take you, and it might be more wonderful than you ever imagined.


How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
I can write a book in a few months.  It’s the revisions and editing that take the longest.


What genre would you place your books into?
My books are historical romance with a twist.


What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I like stories with a hint of supernatural and fantasy.  I don’t discount the possibility that our spirit lives on or that some day time travel may be possible.


How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
The names of places are generally real, and the characters tend to name themselves.  It’s like a neon sign that flashes in my head with a name.  I might try a different name, but always come back to the first one.


Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
The characters develop as I go along.  I find that sometimes they turn out quite different from what I planned.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s challenging to keep creating new plots and situations without unwittingly going back to certain themes and situations.

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Irina Shapiro was born in Moscow, Russia, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of eleven.  She earned a business degree from Bernard M. Baruch College, and worked in Advertising and Import/Export before trying her hand at writing.  She has just completed the third book of the Hands of Time Trilogy, and is working on an idea for her next book.  Irina incorporates her love of history and travel into her books, and creates an exciting and textured backdrop for her characters.  

Irina Shapiro lives in New Jersey with her husband and children.

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When a young woman vanishes without a trace from a quaint fishing village on the coast of England only one person knows the truth, but he remains silent allowing the authorities to search for her in vain.  

Meanwhile, Valerie Crane finds herself transported to the year 1605.  Terrified and confused, she turns for help to the Whitfield brothers, who take her in and offer her a home.  Both Alexander and Finlay Whitfield fall in love with the mysterious woman who shows up on their doorstep, creating a love triangle that threatens to consume them all.  Valerie must make her choice, deciding between the brother who will lead her down the path of destruction or one who will give her a love she couldn’t find in her own time.

Purchase The Hands of Time on Amazon and find out more about Irina on her Facebook page.

Excerpt: Borderland Bride

I am sharing a little excerpt from my latest book, due for release on the 21st March. Enjoy!

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Carefully, he pulled aside her tresses. His heart gave jolt at the sight. She had taken a beating, one side of her face swollen and puffy. Great purpling welts circled her neck, fingerprints clearly visible. He cursed again. Had he just come across some murderous outlaws rather than the harmless peasants he had thought them to be? Anger boiled inside of him. If he had but given chase, he could have brought at least one of them to justice.

God’s blood, he dare not imagine what her last moments must have been like.

His throat tightened. What to do with her? He could not just leave her to rot in the woods. Jake studied her face once more with a sigh. A shame so fine a beauty should meet such an end. Even with the swelling in her face, it was clear she had been blessed with striking looks. Her unmarred cheek offered up smooth and creamy skin, and her dark lashes stood out in stark contrast. A slight scattering of freckles marched across her nose, just visible under the dried blood. Jake smiled sadly. He never understood why most women hated freckles. He thought them wonderfully enticing.

Brushing a finger across her cheek, Jake was surprised at the warmth of it. God’s teeth, if he had only come across her moments before he could have stopped such an atrocity. He pictured the men’s faces and swore he would avenge her. He would bring the outlaws to justice.

As he drew his hand away, an eyelid fluttered open. His heart leapt. Her other eye couldn’t open - it was too swollen to do so - but he could see the immediate panic in her expression. She struggled to turn onto her side to escape him, her injuries hampering her movements.

Fearing she would do herself further damage, he spoke soothingly to her. “Have no fear, lass. I’ll not harm you.”

Either her fear had consumed her or she didn’t understand him, because she continued to try to scrabble her way across the leaf-strewn ground, the dried foliage crunching as her hands clawed desperately at the soil.

Hastily, he wrapped his large hand around one arm, attempting to keep her still. She continued to struggle, in spite of her obvious pain, but her movements were limited and had little effect on his strong grip. Unsure of how to reassure her of his intentions, he grabbed at her other arm, trying to get her attention.

“Calm down, lass. I wish to help. You’ll do yourself an injury.”

She fell limp in his arms, not relaxing under his assurances, but seeming to tire of her exertions. The fear remained visibly etched on her face, but Jake took the opportunity to tuck an arm under her legs and the other under her neck so he could pull her into him. Jake thought she would scream, her mouth worked as if she meant to, but no sound came out. 

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In the wilderness of 14th century Northumbria, Lady Isabel discovers just how dangerous the borderlands can be. With the loss of her voice and her hearing, there is little hope left for her. But when a brooding knight rescues her, she vows never to become a victim again and buries the secrets of her past in the hope that those hunting her will never find her in the borderlands.

Jake is astonished to come across the beautiful Isabel, near to death, on his brother’s lands. Bringing her back to his brother’s home, he finds himself longing for something more from the courageous woman, something that he thought he would never want again. Isabel works her way into his scarred heart and opens Jake up to loving once more. But will Isabel’s secrets destroy their bond? And with his charismatic brother, Dominic, charming her, does he even stand a chance?

Book Spotlight: Last Call by Sarah Ballance

I'm welcoming Sarah to my blog today who is sharing a nail-biting excerpt from her romantic suspense novel, Last Call. This is getting added to my TBR list!!

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In a perilous game of trust, a shocking betrayal deals a dangerous hand.


An accidental witness to a murder-for-hire, ex-cop Rhys Clark becomes the target of ruthless killer—one determined to silence her at any cost. Playing dead seems to be the most likely way to stay alive, but when her protection comes in the form of mega-sexy former adversary Nick Massey, Rhys can think of  a few fates worse than death.


Nick Massey may have walked away from his troubles, but he never got past wanting Rhys. Once paired undercover, they’d been nothing but fireworks until a botched assignment ended her career, sending his into a tailspin. Now a mysterious client threatens Nick’s life if he doesn’t keep Rhys safe, but it isn’t until fate takes a critical turn that he realizes the devastating truth: he’s been her greatest threat all along.

LAST CALL is available from: For the Muse Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords

~Excerpt~

Rhys Clark swore and jerked her foot from the murky puddle that had just claimed one of her new running shoes. Perfect. The day was now officially perfect.
She blamed Nick Massey.
Blaming him was easy enough. She didn’t know which required more nerve on his part—leaving town or crawling back—but both events left her bitter and raw. And wet, she grumbled inwardly. With the sky spitting rain and the occasional pellet of sleet smacking her face, she should have skipped her evening jog. The street was little more than a concrete alley of shuttered businesses, and the bleak weather amplified the emptiness. But tonight, with Nick hot on her mind, running through the cold was her last ditch effort to return to her senses.
It hadn’t worked.
Another blast of icy air howled through the narrow street. If she hadn’t been standing still, she probably wouldn’t have heard the shouting that followed.
A few months ago, an altercation wouldn’t have been unusual in this part of town. But the whole area was under reconstruction. Local crime dissipated to nothing with the razing of several apartment buildings, and until now Rhys had long found her route to be a place of solace. She glanced around as the voices drew closer and more intense. Rapid footsteps smacked the wet pavement. Then the echo of a gunshot cracked the night.
Where fear left her paralyzed, instinct insisted she get out of sight. She looked around and found an unbroken expanse of concrete wall offering few options. Heart pounding, Rhys ducked into the recessed doorway of a vacant storefront and hoped the deep shadows would keep her concealed.
Terrifying seconds passed. The sound of her own suppressed breath roared in her ears.
Voices came, clearer this time. Close.
“If we screw this up…” The words, terse and hushed, were encapsulated in panic.
“Shut up,” demanded a second voice. “No one messed up. He’s as good as dead.”
“You think you’re going to sell that without a body? We didn’t get paid to lose him.”
“He took one to the gut. He won’t get far. We’ll find him.”
“He’s leaving a trail. Blood. We got the big bucks for a clean—”
“Shut up.”
A hit? Rhys shuddered, fear scaling her spine. A professional hit would have been silent—something not accomplished by the gunshot or the ensuing conversation—but in this game, experience wasn’t always a prerequisite for willingness to pull the trigger. Two years of undercover work had taught her as much.
So had a bullet.
Rhys froze, waiting for the voices to pass. But luck was not on her side. Rather than drawing away, the footsteps ceased.
“Well, well, well,” said the confident one. “Looks like our little game of hide and seek is over.”
Hope crumbled. The voice was far too close. Had they seen her?
She dared not move. Through her lashes, she saw nothing in her narrow view of the dimly lit street but dirty puddles and the occasional bit of trash plastered to wet pavement. She prayed they didn’t look her way should they walked past.
Grunts erupted nearby, followed by the sound of sneakers scuffling on concrete. Then two shots fired, and all sounds of struggle gave way to profane celebration.
In the same instant, a man fell to the sidewalk in front of Rhys. His eyes, sightless and familiar, bore into her.
She choked a gasp.
A man stepped into her line of sight, his weapon at the ready. Before she could stop herself, she locked eyes with him. Big mistake. The decision threw her into a cloud of emotional shrapnel, the past flying at her in shards. She’d been shot once before.
It hadn’t ended well.
The gunman opened his mouth and formed an ugly grin, his breath coming in visible puffs through yellowed teeth. “Looks like a double header tonight, T,” he said, never taking his gaze off Rhys.
“Whaddya mean?” came the reply. The voice . . . she blinked until the second man shifted into focus.
She knew him. From where? She couldn’t think.
She glanced to the dead man, and her vision wavered. Panic shifted her world into a screen of jarred pixels, the flashback jagged and severe.
“Rhys! Stay with me, Rhys. Do you hear me? Rhys!”
Blood. So much blood.
“Nick.” She touched his face, feeling stubble beneath her fingertips. Then the weight of her arm was too much; as gravity won he slipped away. The world twisted into a sickening spiral until all that was left was his voice, the desperation in his tone bringing warmth to the darkness.
“Rhys!”
Motion jarred her to the present.
The gunman gestured. “Our witness here is about to have an unfortunate accident.” He raised the weapon, aiming for the kill.
It was a short view down the barrel at point blank range. She expected that.
What she didn’t anticipate was the speed with which he pulled the trigger.
Or how quickly the pain hit.

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