Blurb:

Paolo D’Allesandro has been content living in his older brother Marco’s shadow since they both left Italy for the United States. But he’s getting a little older now and realizing he doesn’t want the same thing as his brother–to be a professional bull rider. He’s never made his own decisions, though, and finds himself having a crisis of confidence.

Savannah Harrington is a grad student working on a thesis. Her topic is adrenaline junkies, and she’s joined the bull riders tour for a few weeks to study the men and their motivation behind willingly taking part in a dangerous sport. She meets Paolo on her first day and both feel an immediate pull. Savannah recognizes quickly that Paolo isn’t happy, though, and tries to draw him out even as the two of them draw closer physically. She can’t stay away from the sexy Italian, but knows the relationship can’t last. After all, she’s going back to school and he’s staying on the bull riding tour to be with his brother while he figures out his next step.

Both Paolo and Savannah wish their circumstances were different, but Paolo doesn’t think he has anything to offer Savannah, and Savannah doesn’t want to pressure Paolo into another life decision that will make someone else happy, but not fulfill him. As her time to go back to school draws closer, they need to figure out how to get their highest score yet–in the game of love.

The first books you read always stay with you!

Okay today I am celebrating the release of my first novella of the Billionaire’s Club series, Claimed by Him. This is a super sexy story about a powerful and elusive billionaire, Graves Buchanan, and the girl he’s vowed to stay away from (also his best friend’s little sister) Chloe Lexington. I just love this story and can’t wait to hear what readers think about it. And while we’re discussing romances, today I really want to pay tribute to those books that hooked me in on romance in the first place. Long before I became a writer, I was a reader—and still am, a very avid one, at that! And yet I will honestly never forget those amazing books I used to read late at night, when the entire household was asleep except me & the hero and heroine of the book I was reading. So here’s a list of the ten books that I read growing up and will never, ever forget.

1.       Shanna, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

2.        Whitney, My Love, by Judith McNaught

3.        A Knight in Shining Armor, by Jude Deveraux

4.       Something Wonderful, by Judith McNaught

5.       Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon

6.       The Lion’s Lady, by Julie Garwood

7.       Prisoner of My Desire, by Johanna Lindsey

8.       Heather and Velvet, by Teresa Medeiros

9.       The Black Lyon, by Jude Deveraux

10.   Man of my Dreams, Johanna Lindsey

What about you? What got you hooked into reading? Share your favorite first books, I’d love to hear.

Emily will be awarding a hand blown pint glass that her husband (a third generation glassblower) made for the launch of her first novel, UNLEASHED, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Insatiable

by Emily Kimelman

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BLURB:

INSATIABLE is the third novel in my Sydney Rye Series of dark murder mysteries. This series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

INSATIABLE begins with private detective Sydney Rye living a simple, disciplined life in London, but when a dangerous man from her past calls, Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains that the daughter of a powerful friend has gone missing and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange he offers her something she had given up hope of ever having; freedom from her past.

With her dog, Blue, at her side, Rye meets up with her new partner, a handsome man she’s not sure she can trust. Heading for Mexico City, they go undercover, posing as husband and wife. After meeting with the bereaved parents, Rye starts to sense that there is more going on than just a missing girl. But it isn’t until they arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, hot on the girl’s trail in Paradise, that all hell breaks loose. Sydney has to reach out for help from old friends and deal with the consequences of her past, if she’s going to find the girl and keep them all alive.

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 Excerpt Two:

Around the next bend a chicken was in the road. Jimmy saw it and swerved into a rut to avoid it. It was a wild, out-of-control move and I grabbed at the door trying to steady myself. The Jeep jerked down and then up again as Jimmy powered us out of the ditch and back onto the road. “What the f*ck!” I yelled.

“There was a chicken.”

“Next time f*cking hit the chicken!”

That’s exactly what the guy in the black Jeep did. I turned around to see the feathers exploding with a mix of blood and guts against the guy’s grill. He drove through the chicken into the shade of a tree and I saw him. I saw Blane. He was wearing wrap-around sunglasses – the kind douche bags think look cool. His mouth was a straight line, his face made of stone.

I rested my new gun on the shoulder of my seat and tried to steady my aim as we raced back past the Home Depot. Jimmy swerved around other cars, at times facing oncoming traffic, to further our escape. It was impossible to get a clear shot. I turned back around as we crested a hill and we could see the town below us.

Traffic became congested as we got closer to town. I turned around and saw that Blane was stuck several cars behind us. There was no way he could fire off any rounds with all these people around. We stopped at a red light and I waved to Blane. He raised a gun and I dropped down in my seat as I heard a window shatter. It wasn’t our car but the one right behind us.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Emily Kimelman lives on a boat in the Hudson Valley with her husband, Sean and their dog Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone). Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.

Her Sydney Rye series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

Website/blog: https://emilykimelman.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ejkimelman

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4832911.Emily_Kimelman

Morrigan

Laura DeLuca

Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigandoesn’t know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.

Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír Na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morriganhas been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Smashwords

Excerpt:

“Guardians!” A low snarl emanated from the back of his throat. “What are you doing with Guardians?”

“Stop it! Sit down!”

Morriganwasn’t sure who she was addressing, the man or the animals. Luckily, they both obeyed her command. She stepped in between them to avoid any further confrontations. The cats took a seat on either side her legs, but their posture hardly relaxed. They still glared warily at the newcomer, even though their hisses died down to an occasional soft growl.

“Dirty, filthy beasts!”Tiarn snarled as he climbed to his feet. “I hate Guardians.”

“They’re just little cats,” Morrigan told him. “What’s the big deal?”

“Just cats! Hah!” He was standing at a careful distance, even though they had started licking their paws nonchalantly. “They are much more than simple cats! Though even those I find distasteful.”

Morrigan narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Never mind. It does not matter.” Tiarn dismissed her question with a wave of his hand. “They are not coming with us.

“They most certainly are coming!”

Tiarn growled again. “I beg to differ with you, Your Highness. They would only get in the way.  Possibly even get killed.”

Danu raised her head from her grooming to hiss at him again, as though she had taken that last statement as a personal threat. The strange reaction of her faithful sidekicks made Morrigan wonder again just how much Tiarn could be trusted. She also wondered why, when she wasn’t sure she could trust him, she still felt the undeniable urge to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him.

“If they stay here alone, they’ll definitely get killed or at least sent to the pound,” Morrigan told him. “I can’t let that happen. So, they’re coming. End of story.”

Tiarn’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he looked like he wanted to argue, but thought better of it. “Very well, Princess. Bring your mongrel felines. Just keep in mind that Guardians and lycans do not mix well.”

“Lycans?”Morrigan repeated.

A sick feeling started to settle in her stomach, as the truth of his words sunk in. It all started to make sense—his hairy arms and chest, his reaction to the cats, even his earlier comment about smelling her out. Her dark knight had a much darker side than she had ever seen in her dreams.

“Why yes, Your Majesty. Did you not realize? You are a witch and a sorceress. And I, your faithful traveling companion, am a lycan—a werewolf.”

About the Author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Her Wolfen Destiny

Dakota Trace

Braden Donnghal, the first American born, Irish-Scottish werewolf is packless after the death of his parents. In an effort to get back into the good graces of his parents’ former pack, he has to prove his worth by escorting the Alpha’s intended mate back to the pack. It seems easy enough – all he has to do is deliver her untouched by the next full moon for her claiming. He’s prepared to avoid the roving enemy soldiers, bombs and even Emma’s father, the feared MacDonald, but what he isn’t prepared for his reaction to the high-spirited but seductive Emma MacDonald. Or his unrelenting desire to claim her as his own. But if he does, he’ll be exiled if not killed on sight.

Emma MacDonald has been told since birth that her destiny is to give birth to the saviors of her race, twin russet wolves, in an upcoming racial war with the humans. But being a woman raised in the midst of the Great War, she is tired of war and vows to flout her father’s decree that she marry the neighboring Alpha of the Donnghal clan. When Braden arrives to escort her to the Donnghal Alpha she unprepared for his awakening of her wolf, which can only mean one thing.He’s her mate and her escape from her betrothal. If he mates her she doesn’t have to marry his uncle. Her hopes are dashed however when Braden cruelly rejects their bond. But that ceases to matter when the pack which Braden hopes to join turns on him.

 Buy Link

About the Author:

Dakota is a simple Midwest girl, who has found her passion in storytelling at a young age. Her father always said she made up the craziest stories.  Most remained unwritten though as writing wasn’t Dakota’s strong suit. That all changed in junior high when she took her first typing class. Problem solved for the dyslexic Dakota. There was no stopping her after that. She wrote her first novel her freshman year about a girl who could speak to animals on an old electric IBM typewriter her dad found at a garage sale. Now writing in several different genres, she is a published author with multiple books under her belt.  When she isn’t writing, she’s the crazy mom of three wild Indians who are posing as her children, a loving wife to the man of her dreams and a full time Graphic Design Major at IADT.

Website /Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

Moving further into the solar, Emma looked around apprehensively, taking in every minute detail of her surroundings. Sniffing the air, she could scent nothing more than old books and the wood stacked next to the fireplace. Her father hadn’t been in the room for several hours it seemed. Thank God, because the book lined solar was her refuge from everything – the one place she could find peace.  Latching the door behind her, she slipped around one of the two high winged back chairs. Tossing the thick lap-robe up and over her body, she settled into the chair. Her plan had seemed so simple when she’d plotted with Lettie – find  a wolf to mate with – one that would bind her to him, but it seemed that each man she approached did nothing for her wolf.  The bitch continues to lay dormant no matter which male comes sniffing around. If I didn’t know better I’d think she’s an omega – hiding from all.   The low growl erupting from her throat told her of her wolf’s obvious feelings on the matter. She sighed – tired of trying to find a solution to a problem which wasn’t solvable. Perhaps running away would be best.

But even as she thought it, her wolf grunted. Strong and pure, the alpha bitch residing inside her would run from no man or beast – even if she didn’t deign to meet any of the prospective suitors Emma had paraded in front of her.

Snuggling deeper into the plush cushions, she continued to study the flames in the fireplace, and was just dropping off to sleep when the most intoxicating smell she’d ever scented teased her nostrils.  With the hint of nutmeg and pine, her inner wolf’s ear perked up as she sniffed the air. Mate?  Exhilaration chased away the lingering weariness.  Turning her head, she got her first glimpse of the man who was her mate standing next to her father.

Tall and broad shouldered, his closely cropped dark hair and neat appearance smacked of time spent in the military but the bruising and swelling around his left eye and nose attested to the fact he’d been in a recent altercation.  Then the scent of another female hit her nose.  A low growl built in her throat at the idea. Her wolf began to pace in agitation and it was all she could do to keep her from springing on the unsuspecting man.

The Great Mac’s head swung in her direction.

“Emma-girl, there you are. Your mother has been looking all over for you.”

She rose with a low snarl before skirting around the wingback chair. The rumbling in her chest grew louder the closer she stalked to the pair. The stranger shifted a bit as he took in every detail of her. She felt the heat of his eyes stroking over her form and if she’d been a normal woman she’d have preened under his gaze. But she wasn’t, and with the musky scent of another aggravating her wolf, all Emma wanted to do was mark the man. He was hers and soon he’d accept the fact. She watched as his nostrils flared before he inhaled sharply. Immediately the knowledge of what they meant to each other washed over his face. His fists clenched as she closed the distance between them, but he held his ground despite the increasing noise her bitch was making.

“What’s wrong, lass? This is your betrothed’s surrogate. He’s here to marry you in his Alpha’s stead. You have no reason to be hostile.”

Her father’s whisper was ignored as she stopped with only inches separating her aching body from the male in front of her.  She looking up into deep blue eyes, her fingers curling hesitantly against the broad expanse of his chest. He relaxed under her touch as she gave him a warning smile – his first mistake. One  she was sure he’d be leery about in the future. Everyone in her pack knew to tread softly when Emma smiled in a certain way.  It usually meant she was plotting bodily harm – and this time was no different. Her mate had allowed another to touch him – to take what was rightfully hers and it didn’t matter to her wolf that it’d been before her – she demanded that Emma show the man the error of his ways.

With her wolf’s first heat upon her, triggered by her mate’s presence, her fingernails grew into razor sharp talons as her voice became raspier. “Mine!” she hissed, before piercing into the heavy chest muscles under her palms – marking him. He stiffened as if he’d been hit by lightning as a low moan passed his parted lips. She flexed her fingers, digging deep – needing to impress upon him severity of giving another what she considered as hers.

“Fuck.” His head tipped back as his torso arched away from her – his lower body swayed towards hers. Against her stomach she felt  an unfamiliar hardness  – one  which would’ve had her wolf purring – if wolves purred.

“Emma Rose MacDonald! Release him!” Her father moved closer – too close for Emma’s wolf’s comfort. She bared her teeth at her sire. As an alpha bitch, she cared less about pack policies when it came to her mate. He had no right to interfere.

“Mine!” She snapped at Liam. He froze before a low rumble of his displeasure filled the room.

A Vienna Holiday

Hi everyone!

The holidays are here and this is one of my most favorite times of the year. I love the chill in the air, the snow on the ground and just knowing that the Christmas tree will be put up by all.  Now, I’ve gone from having a typical US Christmas in the southwest where most of that didn’t happen to being in Vienna, Austria where I ask daily if it’s going to snow. My husband and I came here in May of 2011 so he could have his dream job.

One of the ways that I decided to get used to where I now found myself living is to write books set in this area. I won’t lie, at first it was hard and I wasn’t sure if I could do it. But with the events of the past year, I was ill for quite a while, I decided that I needed to enjoy my new venue. And I’d start with my favorite season. So far, I have five books planned here and when you get the Christmas book, you will get a sneak peak of the next book, Night Train.

My Christmas book, which is coming out on Christmas Eve, goes into great detail about the Viennese Christmas.  In this book I talk about the Christkindlemarkts and Adventmarkts where all manner of holiday goods are sold. There are food booths as well as the important hot drink booths as it can get quite frigid here during the winter. These drink booths have all manner of libations, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. People meet each other here for a cup of holiday cheer many times during the season, me included.

My friends in the States have told me that these markets are considered some of the best in the world and I can vouch for that in some ways. They certainly are beautiful. The cover of my forthcoming Christmas book, A Viennese Christmas, has the Rathaus in the background that I see every time I go there. There are many booths – both drink and food, as well as decorations galore. The tree is beautiful and the building is a sight to behold as it is lit up very brightly.

I can’t imagine a more romantic place or time to fall in love. Here’s a little bit about the book:

Blurb: Sign language interpreter, Amanda Kranz, wants to find her soul mate but fears her chance has past due to the death of her childhood sweetheart. Finding sexy historian Henry Wakeman during an outing in her new home of Vienna, Austria, may have been a stroke of luck. When his ex-fiancée shows up just as their relationship starts to sizzle, Amanda must decide if standing up for what really she wants will give her lifetime happiness. Or will she be destined to spend life alone?

Now, I know writers are told to write what they know. A NYT bestseller told me that was incorrect thinking and that I should write about what I could imagine. I’ve taken his advice to heart with this story. I am learning all about Vienna, so it’s becoming something I know and love.  I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from the story.

Excerpt ~ A Viennese Christmas

Her disappointment must have been plain on her face as she found herself suddenly gazing into the greenest eyes in a very handsome male face. A question in German followed as she tried to ascertain just what he said.

“I’m sorry,” she stated, her confusion obvious. “I’ve only picked up a word or two since I’ve been here. Do you speak English?”

“You’re American?” he questioned without the accent most Austrians possessed.

“Don’t make it sound like such a curse. There are a lot of us, you know.” Her indignation evident in her tone.

His rich laughter filled the space, warming her to her bones in ways she hadn’t expected. “Sorry. I guess one does pick up the attitudes of where they live.”

She looked at him puzzled. “That’s that supposed to mean?”

“Henry Jager, American, at your service ma’am.” His sweeping bow brought a smile to her lips.

“Amanda Kranz and I hardly think I qualify as a ma’am.” She stuck her hand toward him. His firm grasp sent an electric sensation as she felt the spark deep within her. She swore he felt it too as his eyes darkened.

“Do you prefer Amanda or Mandi? I know there’s not much of a choice with Henry.” His serious gaze spot of his interest.

Laughter bubbled up in her, the first such emotion in weeks. “Henry is a fine, strong name. And it doesn’t matter much with mine.” His hot look made her want to shiver in anticipation of what she could only speculate.

“Really? I would have thought your business associates would call you Amanda. Now your intimate contacts I expect call you Mandi.”

She gazed at him. Intimate contacts, now there was a misnomer. It had been years since she’d had any intimate contacts of the male persuasion. “Sounds good to me.”

“You gave in too easy.” He reluctantly let go of her hand as his look took on a more serious aspect. “Are you meeting someone?”

She shook her head. “No one to meet.”

“Good.” He grabbed her hand again, placing it in the crook of his arm. “Have you ever been to one of these before?” Henry expertly meandered around people, baby carriages and more as he led her to the next booth.

“Not really. I saw them last year but being so new to the city, I couldn’t bring myself to go to one alone.” She gazed at the Rathaus beyond them, remembering how intimidated she’d been by building even though it had a Christmas tree in front.

His eyes narrowed. “Sounds like you’re still a relative newcomer.”

“I suppose so. I got here in November of last year.”

“Ah – your impression?” His brows lifted when he drew back as if to study her face.

“Very commercialized. I expected something more – ” she struggled to find the right word. “– more homey, more authentic – more Austrian.”

Henry gazed around a moment before looking back at her. “I see your point. This is probably the one Christkindlemarkt that’s got the least to offer in specialized, authentic goods in my opinion except it does have a certain ambiance. And of course, there’s the skating rink as well as the park decorations.”

Her brow arched in amazement. She really hadn’t expected anyone to agree with her. All the women she knew gushed over every one of them. “You agree with me?”

His naughty smile was breathtaking. “Most definitely. This is the one where most of the tourists come. While there are some very Austrian things here hidden amongst the drivel, most are not unique or special in any way.”

“My thoughts exactly. Where exactly does one find more traditional items?” Astonishment spread through her. She had not once heard anyone say a negative comment about Vienna. All her colleagues gushed over the city but as far as she was concerned, it was just another place to live.

They stopped in front of a food booth, the aroma tantalizing. “Would you like something hot to drink?”

The brisk breeze nipped at her cheeks and she felt the cold through her coat. She definitely could use something to warm her up. “Sure.”

Hope you liked this little foray into a Viennese Christmas. Look for it at all major ebook outlets (Amazon, Smashwords, ARe and more) on Christmas Eve.

Lynn Crain