Guest post by Theresa Meyers + Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure to welcome back to Ex Libris the lovely Theresa Meyers, who is celebrating the release of her brand new Entangled Bliss release, The Switched Baby Scandal, the first in her new Scandals in San Sebastian series! And being a true daddy's little girl, Theresa's post made me smile and call up my dad at the end to tell him how much I love him :-D So please give Theresa a warm welcome and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end to win a fantastic prize pack. ;-) 

Five Fabulous Things that Make a Great Dad
by Theresa Meyers

I know Father’s Day is already come and gone this weekend, but it really got me to thinking about what makes a great dad. My latest book THE SWITCHED BABY SCANDAL has a character who is a dad to the core. He’s so wrapped up in wanting to take care of his daughter, that Reece Wallace will do anything for Emily, even though he’s only just met her. So, based on Reece, my dad, my step-dads, my daughter’s friend’s dads and my own amazing hubby, I’ve come up with a list of five things that make dad’s great. See what you think.

5. A Dad Who Listens

A lot of times as parents we get so caught up in just keeping the bills paid and food on the table and shoes on little feet that we forget that our kids just need us to listen. Listen with our whole heart, not just half an ear. They need to know we value the things that are important to them, even if they seem outlandish or silly to us. Dads who take time to listen to their kids explain in detail their entire Lego town, or listen over dinner to all that’s happened during the day in sixth grade without trying to fix it – just listen, are amazing!

4. A Dad Who Makes Things Happen

Kids have a lot of dreams. Some of them are small and some of them are huge. For example: At age three my daughter wanted to ride horses. Seriously the kid could whinny before she could speak real words – a regular horse whisperer. By age six she wanted a horse. We had the land, but not the place. My husband hand dug post holes, put up a fence, built a shelter and made a place for her first horse. She’s had one ever since. He put a lot of blood (literally), sweat and effort into making his little girl’s dream come true. And I’ve seen so many dads who do this. They put their kids’ dreams first. When I asked my husband why, he had a simple answer: “They’re only kids for such a short time. I want her to grow up believing anything is possible.”

3. A Dad Who Protects You

Especially when we’re young and through the early teen years, having a dad that will stand up for you and intervene to protect you is a big deal to kids. It’s even more important when it isn’t just playground or friend issues, but bigger stuff, like bullying. I think that’s why when I was writing Reece, it was so incredibly important for him to protect Emily. Even though he hadn’t met his biological child before age four, he was still a great enough dad to want to protect her no matter what. Now his case was extraordinary in that he’d already lost his wife and the little girl he believed to be his daughter in a drunk driving accident. But I believe that deep grief and survivor’s guilt honed his drive to be the best dad he could be to Emily. It was his second chance. And if there’s one thing dad’s can do better than anyone else, it’s protect their families.

2. A Dad Who Knows How to Laugh

It’s one thing for dad to be a great example, and another for him to be a strong authority figure, but don’t be fooled – one thing that’s really important for kids is to be able to laugh with their dad. That sense of humor makes the rough edges and occasional fatherly lecture easier to take. Plus it has the added bonus of acting as a bonding moment. I’ve never seen my kids happier than when they are laughing with their dad. And aren’t those the memories we want to create with our kids anyway? The fun things where we could laugh together?

1. A Dad Who Lets You Know How Much You’re Loved…No Matter What

Even though dad might lay down the law now and again, as long as kids know that they are loved and the rules are for their safety and well-being, it’s all good. Knowing we are loved unconditionally is the biggest gift dads give their kids and in so many cases it lays down the foundation of their self-worth. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen it over and over again, both in my own teen years and now as a mom—girls who know their dad loves them no matter what are always more stable and have less issues than those who doubt it, or feel they don’t matter to their dad. And it’s the same with boys! (Working at a junior high gives you all kinds of insights into teens.) And that’s why my number one thing that makes a great dad is a man who lets his kids know how much they are loved no matter what.

So what about you? What would your fab five be? Who’s your favorite fictional dad in books, movies or TV?

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories despite dyslexia that made it difficult for her to write and read until the fourth grade. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books.

She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, two cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd dog, a parakeet and an out-of-control herb garden.

She collects teapots, teddy bears and steampunk gadgetry, and when not writing can be found sewing, painting, canning, baking, or hiding out in a comfy chair reading a wonderful book. On occasion, you might find her scuba diving or riding her white quad with hot pink flames on the sand dunes. Her favorite television shows are Supernatural (Dean Girl), The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time and Grimm (is it any wonder she writes fiction?).

You can find her on line at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers

Book #1 in the Scandals of San Sebastian series

His child. Her daughter. One monumental mix-up.

Single mom Taylor Lawrence just discovered that the hospital sent her home with the wrong infant five years ago. Now the headstrong and handsome biological father wants his child back. But Emily has always been her daughter, and Taylor won’t give her up without a fight.

Widower Reece Wallace believed his life was over when a drunk driver killed his wife and daughter. So when he learns of the baby switch, he sees this child as his ultimate salvation. But he never anticipated the fiery woman on the other side of this custody battle or how shed stir feelings in him long dormant.

As the media storm surrounding the hospitals mistake intensifies, Taylor and Reece find there’s more to sort out than custody of Emily they must work together to protect her while grappling with their growing attraction. Can they pick up the pieces of two broken families and meld them into something new?

Read an excerpt

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Goodreads

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Theresa is hosting a tour wide giveaway and one lucky reader will win a Scandalous Bliss Bath Experience, featuring a set of four bath bombs and bubble bars from LUSH, chocolates and candles to make their reading bliss complete!

To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and tell us: So what about you? What would your fab five be? Who’s your favorite fictional dad in books, movies or TV?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 7 July 2013!

Good luck!

Guest post by Nancy Fraser & Patti Shenberger + Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure to welcome to Ex Libris the author duo behind one of Entangled's latest Scandalous saga: Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger who pen the McCade Legacy series and who stopped by today to give you all the info about the books and characters in the series, so take a seat and get to know  the McCades and their friends and lovers. :-) 

Meet the McCades … or How to Create a Series Out of a Single Idea!
by Nancy Fraser & Patti Shenberger 

Many years ago (we’re definitely dating ourselves), we were at a writer’s conference in Washington, D.C. Patti had an editor pitch and wanted my input. The story idea was about an 1860’s riverboat gambler (think Maverick and a young, less-jaded Mel Gibson) who is content with his unattached, free-wheeling lifestyle. Enter the heroine, a woman from the future who accidentally finds herself in 1866 Mississippi and in the arms of a man she’s hated her entire life! The more we delved into what would make these two tick and click, the more we realized there were options for a number of delightful characters, and at least another two or three books. At that point, we decided … why not write this together? Neither of us had ever written as a team, but we were willing to give it a shot! We started with an ever-evolving family tree, an outline of who we wanted to feature and then began writing.

In addition to the initial characters of Matthew McCade and Miracle (Miri) Johnson, we introduced Matt’s cousin and best friend, Jackson (Jake) McCade. The moment Jake took hold of our imaginations we knew he needed his own book. The original story sold back in 2007. Unfortunately, that incarnation is no longer available. We do intend to re-issue the book later in the Legacy as a prequel with new scenes and new characters. It will be the next-to-last book and will lead up to the dramatic, heart-wrenching ending of the series.

Now that we’ve found a home with Entangled Scandalous, the series is already contracted for books two and three, and outlined for five additional full length novels (including the prequel). We purposely chose the time period and setting because there aren’t a lot of historical romances in the post-Civil War era, and we wanted to give those survivors a voice. After so much turmoil, it was invigorating to create a bit of romance out of the ruins of war.

We’d like to share with you a few tidbits from the current book, and some insight into the next two.

Book 1 of the Legacy Series: Gambling on Love (available now)

Hero: Jackson (Jake) McCade, 28, six-foot-one, medium brown hair and as hunky as all get-out. After having had his heart stomped on, he’s a confirmed bachelor. (And we all know how that goes!) He’s the current owner of the River Maiden, the best darned paddle-wheeler to ply the Mississippi! Above all, he’s a McCade, which makes him trustworthy, compassionate and loyal.

“What could you have possibly been thinking to dress yourself up like a boy and make off with property belonging to Franklin Beaumont? Your father’s reputation as a shrewd businessman with important contacts is legendary. He’ll not stand by and allow someone to steal from him, even his willful daughter.”

Heroine: Felicity Beaumont, 20, five-foot-four, chestnut hair (which she cuts off with a hunting knife in the opening scene), violet eyes and as beautiful as a freshly-grown rose. Felicity is full of compassion and takes it upon herself to free her father’s illegally indentured slaves by selling family heirlooms and booking passage for them north on Jake McCade’s boat, a plan that doesn’t work out nearly as well as she’d hoped.

“I’m truly sorry about that, Jake McCade, but Mrs. Porter’s Finishing School for Young Women failed to offer a course in the art of pleasing a man.”

Some of our recurring supporting characters:

Matthew McCade, Jake’s cousin and business partner. When he married and settled down, he and Jake traded businesses. He took over running Jake’s hotel in Vicksburg and Jake took over the River Maiden.

“You got it all wrong. Jake’s not interested in some rich man’s daughter. Now, if it were the man’s neglected wife…”

Miri McCade, Matt’s beautiful wife. Pregnant when the story begins, she gives birth to a bouncing baby girl named Molly! (Hmm … we smell a new series set in the 1890s!)

Virginia McCade, Matt’s mother, Jake’s aunt, and the very picture of a gracious southern belle. Virginia deals out wisdom with a firm hand and is the keeper of the family secrets.

Joseph Johnson, Miri’s father and a favorite of ours. He’s always teasing Jakey-boy and driving both Jake and his son-in-law Matt crazy.

“The only teats I’m thinking about stroking is the ones on these three ladies here in my hand.”

Zack McCade, another cousin who just happens to be a drop-dead-gorgeous lawman.

Suzanne Martindale, M.D., an anomaly for the time period, a female physician and surgeon.

“I’ve sworn an oath as well, Marshall McCade, a Hippocratic oath to protect my patient. And, under the circumstances, I’d say my oath takes precedence ten times over.”

And, a sneak peek at Books 2 and 3:

Book 2 of the Legacy Series: The Lawman’s Agreement (working title) – Fall, 2013

Hero: Marshall Zack McCade, 30, six-foot-two, dark brown hair, with a sexy Cajun accent!

“I’m not a machine you can turn on and off at will. I have a tendency to become aroused every time I kiss you, cher. So, if we have to schedule our lovemaking, we may also have to rethink our kisses, both for our audience and ourselves.”

Heroine: Dr. Suzanne Martindale, 26, five-foot-seven, blonde hair, extremely long silky legs that go on forever, and sexually astute (much to Zack’s pleasure).


And, Book 3 of the Legacy Series: The Barrister’s Temptation (working title) (Spring, 2014)

Hero: Tanner Carmichael, 26, six-foot, brown hair, warm brown eyes, and he’s a lawyer.

Heroine: Cassie Maguire, 21, five-foot-two, auburn hair, amber eyes, and daughter of saloon/brothel owner, Fancy Maguire.

Book 3 favorite quote so far (and subject to final editing, of course):

Miss Lillie (one of the brothel’s working girls):

“You can forget old Sam. He lasted about as long as a pint of whiskey in a five-handed poker game.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed our insight into the McCade Legacy series, and welcome your comments.

Nancy Fraser has been writing since she was a child, most often on walls and with crayons or (heaven forbid) permanent marker. Since first becoming published in 1996, Nancy has received numerous five star reviews for her futuristic, time travel romance. She's also published in short contemporary, historical romance and vintage historical romances set during the Golden Decade of Rock & Roll (1955-1964). When not writing fiction, Nancy likes to spend time with her grandchildren and is excitedly awaiting a new addition to her grand-family in July, 2013.

Connect with Nancy at her website - Facebook - Twitter 

Patti Shenberger has been writing since she could put pen to paper. An active member of the Romance Writers of America, along with her local chapter, the Greater Detroit RWA, she currently serves as the Chapter President and the Booksellers Best Award contest chair.

Patti lives in Michigan with her husband of over thirty years. She's a mom to a grown daughter and son, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and her first grandchild is due in August. Rounding out the family are two fur babies, a cat and dog.

When not writing, Patti can be found reading, traveling with her husband, or spending time with friends.

Connect with Patti at her website - Facebook - Twitter

Gambling on Love by Nancy Fraser & Patti Shenberger

Book #1 in the McCade Legacy series

Felicity Beaumont is a rich man's willful daughter with a heart of gold who wants more than anything to free her father's illegally indentured workers.

When she devises a plan to move them north with the help of Jake McCade, owner of the gambling boat known as the River Maiden, she finds she's run afoul of not only her father but of the man she's duped into helping her.

As her plan begins to unravel, she and Jake are forced into a marriage for the sake of propriety and soon discover the most important thing to them both is the life they're now building together.

Read an excerpt

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Name the Hotel Giveaway!

As part of a tour-wide giveaway the authors are offering one lucky winner the chance to not only name the hotel which will appear in the second McCade Legacy novel, but will also have their name used as a character in the book as well! The winner will also receive a copy of Gambling on Love and a copy of the second book when it becomes available.

To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and tell us: Which character sounds like he/she could become your favourite based on the introductions/quotes above?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 21 June 2013!

Good luck!

Guest post by KM Fawcett

Please give a warm welcome to K.M. Fawcett, author of the exciting brand new Forever Yours release, Captive, the first story in her Survival Race series! Read on to discover more about the series, Captive and how the idea struck K.M.! 

Hello Ex Libris readers! I’m K.M Fawcett and I’m excited to be here today to tell you a little about my debut paranormal romance novel, CAPTIVE. To celebrate the publication of CAPTIVE, as well as the last day of my blog tour, I thought I would do something special. The below is an excerpt from CAPTIVE plus some behind the scenes knowledge of how and why I wrote CAPTIVE. I hope you enjoy!

Captive by K.M. Fawcett

Book #1 in the Survival Race

AN IMPOSSIBLE JOURNEY

The last thing Addy Dawson remembers is a blazing inferno and freezing river water overtaking her lungs. When she awakens, Addy finds herself on a strange, alien planet, trapped in a cell with no doors, no windows-- and to her horror-- a naked warrior who claims to be her mate.

AN UNDENIABLE PASSION

An alpha gladiator, Max is forced to breed and produce the finest specimens for the Survival Race, a deadly blood sport created by the alien rulers of Hyborea. To rebel means torture - or worse - yet Max refuses to become the animal his captors want him to be. But their jailors will not be denied, and soon Addy and Max find themselves unwilling players in this cruel game. Pushed to the limit, they will risk everything for the chance at a life free from captivity. And though fate brought them together as adversaries, Max and Addy will discover that when they're together, there's nothing in the universe that can stop them.

Buy at Amazon - Kindle - Book Depository US -  Book Depository UK

Excerpt of Captive by K.M. Fawcett

Max stopped eating and looked her square in the eye. He dropped his shoulders slightly and leaned toward her. “If I explain everything, do you promise not to flip out?”

She nodded slowly, unsure if she’d be able to keep that promise.

“Okay. The Hyboreans want babies. They take people, put them naked in a room together and let Mother Nature take her course. There is no escaping. Ever. If you do what they want, you’ll survive. If you piss them off, you won’t.” He spoke as if he were explaining the rules of a card game.

Addy scooped another cube of fruit from the bowl and ate it, hoping this basic life function would ground her in reality. She had to keep her wits in order to figure out where she was and how to escape. “So what do the Hyboreans do with the babies?” She really didn’t want to know but had to ask.

“Sell them.”

“This is a baby ring? You mean instead of kidnapping newborns, they enslave adults to make the babies for them? Oh my God.”

She couldn’t wrap her brain around the idea. It was so crazy and disgusting—like that fertility doctor who gave his patients his own sperm in order to save money. “People are sick,” she spat the words in disgust.

“Oh my God,” she said again, covering her mouth. The weight of the conversation finally hit her full force. This wasn’t some campfire ghost story. This was real.

She’d been kidnapped. By a baby-selling cult!

Tears prickled behind her eyes. Her throat constricted. Her breathing sped up. She was a Forest Service cop. A tree cop. She wasn’t experienced in handling human trafficking. This was totally out of her jurisdiction. “There really is no escaping, is there?”

The sudden sadness in his eyes said it all. She was trapped here, probably until she died. Or until they killed her.

She’d never be set free. The cult couldn’t risk anyone telling the FBI or the United Nations or whatever organization one informed about international kidnapping and slavery. Her body tingled with a cold numbness. She hugged her knees to her chest and rocked. She’d never again see her friends, her father, her home.

Shaking from the swelling rage bubbling inside, she wanted to scream. She wanted to pound on the wall. She wanted to demand they release her. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t stand that pain they’d shot through her yesterday. And she couldn’t stand her vulnerability. A good cop knew how to manage her emotions under stress. So she just sat there, sitting and rocking and wondering how this had happened.

Dazed, she reached for more food, hoping it might fill the hollowness inside. Max snatched the bowl away and she flinched.

“Lesson number two: don’t eat all your food at once, in case they forget to feed you.”

She felt her eyes widen. She wanted to ask if that happened often, but was too scared to hear the answer. Instead, she asked, “What’s lesson number one?”

He reached for her, hooked a finger around her choker and drew her to him. His piercing cat eyes, inches away from hers, held a stern seriousness that penetrated her body and stopped her heart. This lesson was crucial.

“Don’t piss off the Hyboreans.”

Buy at Amazon - Kindle - Book Depository US -  Book Depository UK

The idea of CAPTIVE popped into my mind when…

While watching the rescue of mistreated horses on an episode of Animal Cops, I wondered how people would feel if they were penned up and abused. The idea for CAPTIVE (the Survival Race) was born.

Max is the ultimate alpha hero because…

The Survival Race is a blood sport in which the last gladiator alive wins. Since the hero must be an athlete possessing speed, endurance, agility, and strength, I decided to make him a decathlete.

Inspiration for CAPTIVE came from…

I used a combination of American and Scottish folklore to create the alien race in CAPTIVE.

Thank you, Ex Libris, for having me on your blog today!

K.M. Fawcett was a born romantic. At six years old, she would beg her parents to take her to a restaurant with, “Soft music and candles” where she could drink Shirley Temples and twirl on the dance floor. As she grew, her desire to be whisked into a romantic adventure by a knight in shining armor also grew – to the point of annoying her friends and family. When she received A Knight In Shining Armor (a novel by Jude Deveraux) for her eighteenth birthday, she fell in love…with the romance genre. Now K.M. writes sci-fi/ paranormal romances, and enjoys stories filled with adventure and strong, kick butt heroes and heroines.

K.M. holds the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in both Isshinryu Karate and in Ryukonkai (Okinawan weapons). She and her husband own Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo in NJ where they teach karate, weapons, and self-defense.

When not working out at the dojo or writing, K.M. is home with her two children and two cats.

Connect with K.M. at her website - Goodreads

Guest post by Robin Covington + Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure to welcome back to Ex Libris Robin Covington, who is celebrating the release of her brand new Entangled Brazen release, Playing the Part, the first in her new Playing Around series! So please give Robin a warm welcome and by leaving a comment you could even win a copy of Playing the Part. 

The Price of Celebrity
by Robin Covington

My latest book, PLAYING THE PART, is centered around a mega action movie star, Mick Blackwell and a successful romance novelist, Piper James. The story came to me as I looked over my favorite celebrity blogs and reviewed article after article that feed the almost insatiable need for the public to know everything about their favorite stars.

I fully admit that I love to see what glamorous clothes actresses wear to a premiere and I will take a peek to see who is currently an item under the big Hollywood sign. Its fun to see how the “other half” lives and to picture myself on the red carpet or accepting an Oscar (come on- haven’t we all made an acceptance speech in bathroom mirror?).

And, yes, I believe that the perks that come with Brangelina are pretty damn awesome—but the downside is just as real.

I’m not just talking about the paparazzi (which can be pretty scary at times) but the reality of the entertainment business being a BUSINESS. A business with a bottom line. A business which expects actors to maintain a certain image in order to support sales and publicity. It isn’t an unbearable burden but it is a real one . . . and that inspired me to dream up Mick Blackwell.

Mick is at the top of his game, the first biracial actor to carry a hugely successful action movie series, a former child star and son of Oscar-wining Hollywood royalty. Mick doesn’t complain about the reality but he wants to shape his future and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. He gladly (understatement) revels in the perks of being named America’s Sexiest Man two years in a row . . . yeah, women . . . lots of women.

Piper is more cautious. Once part of a Hollywood power couple, she was burned when it all fell apart and she’s gun shy t get involved with Mick. But, she just can’t help herself . . .

When the reality of Hollywood intrudes into their relationship the question becomes if they will be able to survive.

It was so much fun exploring the glamorous world of the movies and I can’t wait to return to the setting with Book Two in the Playing Around series when I get to explore the hard-living, hard partying life of rock-n-roll with Mick’s best friend – rock star Lincoln St. John.

Thanks for having me Stella!

Robin

Robin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance. A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut was nominated by RT Book Reviews for the 2012 Best Contemporary Romance from an Indie Press for bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she's not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Mangianello.

Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, a Goddess at The Naked Hero,  and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today.

You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter (@RobinCovington).

Playing the Part by Robin Covington

The harder they play ... the harder they fall

After publicly self-destructing over a heartbreak a year ago, bestselling romance writer Piper James is now making nice with her publisher by agreeing to teach Hollywood's favorite action star how to act like he's in love. Only playboy Mick Blackwell has no clue what love looks like.

When a seductive heat ignites between Piper and Mick, she jumps at the chance for a bit of fun between the sheets, but with two stipulatons: she's kept out of the public eye and things end when she returns to New York. Only Mick keeps changing the rules on her. Tempted by America's favorite bad boy, Piper is wondering how far she's willing to bend...

Read an excerpt

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes

Excerpt of Playing the Part by Robin Covington

“I’ve never been in love.”

Piper peered at him in the lowlight, and he shrugged. Her face was partially in shadow, but he could see the questions stewing in her brain just behind the cute little furrow between her eyes.

“Never?”

“Nope.”

“But—” Piper inched over a bit in her seat, leaning over the center console, which gave him a birds-eye view of the soft curve of her breasts peeking over the edge of her top. “But you’ve been with so many women!”

“That’s sex. Not love.” Mick turned to fully face her, his arm brushing hers. Electricity practically sparked between them in an arc. He should lower the convertible roof and let out some of the heat burning him alive. He forced his brain to focus on the current conversation, a confession slipping out before he could stop it. “I thought I was in love once.”

“What happened?”

“She slept with my dad.”

Piper gasped, her closing her hand over his own, fingers twining together with an ease that hitched his breath for a moment. “You’re dad slept with your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, well, that’s my dad.”

“That’s totally screwed up.”

“Since I was seven years old, I’ve spent more time pretending to be other people than I’ve been myself. My life isn’t exactly normal.”

“Okay. Fair enough.”

She bit her lip and Mick pulled his eyes away before he closed the distance and claimed that plump morsel with his own mouth

“Do you talk to your dad?” she asked.

“Yeah, we’re actually pretty tight.” At her incredulous look, he let out a laugh. Apparently, this wasn’t the usual thing in wherever her Deep South, happy suburban childhood took place. Maybe not even in the Big Apple, where he knew she lived. Welcome to Hollywood. Love wasn’t for people like him. Besides, he had no problem finding a willing partner when he needed to let off a little steam. Why mess up his life by throwing a relationship into the mix? “He’s my dad. He’s never been able to keep it in his pants.”

Her only response was a firm squeeze of his hand, and he looked down to where his fingers linked with hers. She followed him when he tugged her closer, hormones and naked desire overriding his earlier decision—and hers, apparently. Her hair brushed against his lips just before he pressed a tender kiss against the soft skin of her temple. She nuzzled him back. Mercy.

Piper raised her face, her tongue gliding along her lower lip, leaving it glossy and inviting. Her dark eyes were huge, drinking in every detail of whatever she saw in his face. She opened her mouth to speak, gave a little shake of her head, and then shocked him to his core by closing the distance between them.

Mick’s first reaction was to reel backward and make sure the work thing was laying flat. But who was he kidding? He was one big walking “id,” and Piper James was beautiful, smart, funny, and kissed him like a porn star. Game over.

He angled up over the center console, weaving his hands roughly in her hair as he pressed her back against her seat. She moaned under his assault, opening up to allow him to sweep in and taste the sweet, tender recesses of her mouth. She dug her hands dug into his shoulders, twisting the material of his shirt and holding him captive against her body. Their kisses were rough, hungry, forcing them to take ragged breaths between the bruising press of lips and tongues.

Mick sucked in a huge lungful of air into his tight lungs and lowered his head to dive back in, Piper’s hands pressed firmly against his chest as she pushed him away with determined strength.

“What…” Mick struggled up from the haze of lust to figure why they’d stopped when the good stuff was just beginning. In shock, he watched as Piper climbed over the center console, then reached down to release the lever and push the seat back as she straddled his body.

With a sensuous half smile on her lips, she gazed down on him from her vantage point, reached up, and removed her glasses, tossing them in her seat while she shook out the silky waves of her hair. It was as if she’d opened up his brain, lifted out his kinky little librarian fantasy, and decided to give him the Dirty Harry treatment and make his day.

“What are we doing?” he choked out.

Piper smiled a little wider, then leaned down whisper against his mouth, “Giving you something to use on set tomorrow.”

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Robin has generously offered an ebook copy of Playing the Part to a lucky commenter!

To be entered just leave a comment and answer Robin's question: Who is your favorite celebrity to stalk . .. umm . . . follow?

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 28 June 2013!

Good luck!

Guest post by Mary Buckham + Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to Mary Buckham, who on her worldwide blog-tour celebrating the release of Invisible Magic, the first book in her Invisible Recruit series, is here today to share with us some of the most memorable characters in well beloved stories. And if you tell us about yours, you could even wina  copy of Invisible Magic! :-) 

As a reader and a writer I am fascinated with how some authors create powerful, memorable characters and others have ho-hum, so-what characters. Have you ever read a book and a character comes so alive to you that long after you set the book down you feel that character still lives? Still exists outside of those pages? Harry Potter, Hannibal Lecter, Lisbeth Salander with her dragon tattoo, Scarlett O’Hara all come to my mind. The authors of these novels have managed to create characters that readers want to root for. Not characters that are perfect by any means, in fact for three of my references above the characters have several less than sterling qualities. So what makes a character come alive in a story?

Characters who are willing to make hard choices and to fight for what they believe in make it easier for the reader to root for them. Especially in commercial fiction, meaning mysteries, romances, SciFi, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, etc., all fall under the heading of commercial fiction where readers want the protagonist to struggle and overcome obstacles. We want characters that are going to do what we might secretly wish we’d do in the same situation.

Bella in the Twilight series, for a lot of her passive tendencies, fights to be with Edward. Scarlett O’Hara is willing to take on the Union Army and marry not one but two men she doesn’t love, or even care for, in order to protect Tara, her ancestral home which represents a way of life. If the author has done their job well we can relate to the qualities in the characters that fight the hard fight, often at great personal sacrifice or risk, but are still willing to try.

In the Invisible Recruit series I’ve created several characters, most notably Alex Noziak in INVISIBLE MAGIC and the upcoming INVISIBLE POWER novels, who must fight for what they believe in, with choices that are less than easy. Alex, as a part-witch/part-shaman is often forced to embrace what she values most for the sake of a greater good, or for the sake of others. She does what I as a reader would hope I would/could do faced with impossible situations.

How about you? Who are your favorite story characters? Have you ever wondered why they resonate for you?

Invisible Magic by Mary Buckham

Book #1 in the Invisible Recruit series

Hidden from a world unaware of magic, a recently and only partially trained group of operatives known as the Invisible Recruits are the only ones willing to stand between mankind and those powerful preternatural factions seeking to change the balance of power and gain world domination.

Alex Noziak, part witch/part shaman, anticipates facing dangerous preternaturals out for blood . . not fashion week. But when the rookie agent is sent undercover to find out who, or what, is behind a series of world-wide thefts of top-secret intelligence, Alex tangles with the Seekers.

Seekers hunt gifted human individuals like Alex and her squad whose rare powers can keep the balance between human and nonhuman squarely on the side of the humans. Her simple assignment turns into a battle of survival for everyone involved when she crosses Bran, a mysterious warlock, who might be her only ally or worst enemy.

To save the innocent, Alex must call upon her untested abilities, but at what cost?

Buy at Amazon - Kindle

Award-winning author Mary Buckham credits her years of international travel and curiosity about different cultures that resulted in creating high-concept urban fantasy and romantic suspense stories. Her newest Invisible Recruit series has been touted for the unique voice, high action and rich emotion. A prolific writer, Mary also co-authors the young adult sci-fi/fantasy Red Moon series with NYT bestseller Dianna Love. Mary lives in Washington State with her husband and, when not crafting a new adventure, she travels the country researching settings and teaching other writers. Don’t miss her latest reference book Writing Active Setting.

Currently she is neck-deep into writing an Urban Fantasy series centered around five women drafted to combat preternatural beings agitating for world domination. The INVISIBLE RECRUIT series combines a fantasy/paranormal element with high stakes and the pace of action adventure stories. Mary loves creating thrills, spills and spells as she follows the ups and downs of fascinating characters starting with Alex Noziak, the heroine of INVISIBLE MAGIC, INVISIBLE FATE and INVISIBLE POWER.

Connect with Mary at her website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Mary has generously offered a paperback copy of Invisible Magic to TWO lucky commenters!

To be entered just leave a comment and tell us: How about you? Who are your favorite story characters? Have you ever wondered why they resonate for you?

Giveaway is open to US only and ends on 28 June 2013!

Good luck!

Excerpt: Goal by Bellamy Black + Giveaway

Goal by Bellamy Black

Jenny Wales is a local television star who has everything she needs: good friends, a great career, and a gorgeous apartment with an outstanding shower. The only thing missing in her life is love, something that she hasn’t made time for in her quest to be the best reporter in town.

An international soccer star, Paolo Gutierrez is a reluctant celebrity looking for a quieter life away from the glitz and glamour of Europe. He longs for chance to remember the game he loves and build a life for himself far from the paparazzi’s lens.

When Jenny and Paolo meet, it’s love at first sight. It should be a simple story of boy meets girl, but the team, the town, and the entire world seem to have an opinion on their love affair. Up against a losing streak, Victoria Beckham wannabes, and the risk of losing their careers, Jenny and Paolo will have to fight to win this game of love.

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Smashwords - Goodreads

Excerpt:

Jenny’s lips fall open as she stares at the man formerly known as Paolo. “I,” she says with some disgust, “am the worst reporter ever.”

Paolo reaches out, places a gentle finger under her chin, and shuts her mouth. “You are not the worst reporter,” he says softly, willing his cheeks to not turn red. He grimaces at her expression;, she looks so dismayed, adorable but dismayed. “I am just good at evading reporters.” He shrugs helplessly, giving her what he hopes is an apologetic yet winning smile. “I’ve had to be.” It does not seem to be working. “I’ve had a lot of experience over the years.” Paolo tries not to shrink back as her expressions changes from dismay to fury.

“Well.” She leans toward him with an angry light in her eye. “I’m sure you’ve had a lot experience with that — fifteen years, I believe.” She hisses through her teeth, “Juan Carlos ‘the Assassin’ Gutierrez.”

Paolo gazes at her in awe, mesmerized by the fire in her eyes. She is really something. Gorgeous. He draws back as she squints at him. And a little terrifying. I like it. “Actually.” He chuckles weakly. “It is Juan Carlos Paolo Gutierrez. The Spanish press like to drop the Paolo and replace it with Assassin. It drives my mother crazy.” He chuckles again.

“And you pronounced it excellently.”

“Well, thanks,” she snaps, folding her arms. “I got tips from an expert.” Her knee bounces in agitation. “Right now, I don’t know if I’m more aggravated with you…” Her angry gaze flies around the room, landing on the leader of the Conga.
“Or with that wooly mammoth over there who has been masquerading as my best friend.” Jenny’s eyes narrow to slits.

Across the room, Rocky stumbles, nearly falling into one of the men he’d told Paolo were called the Wonder Twins.

“Prepare for extinction.” Jenny starts to rise.

“Wait.” Paolo places a hand on her knee, not wanting her to leave. “I am sorry for misleading you. It was my fault.” He confesses, “He had no choice. Please don’t be upset with Rocky.”

“He had no choice? Rocky?” She seems dubious but she slumps back onto the sofa, her eyes flitting between the hand on her knee and his eyes. Paolo smiles at her gently and her eyes narrow again but she makes no attempt to remove his hand. “What was it — the Guy Code?”

“No.” He scoffs. “Nothing as silly as that.” Paolo sighs, squeezing her knee almost absentmindedly as he gathers his thoughts, trying to find the best way to explain his friendship with Rocky. He squeezes again and Jenny lets out a little giggle. Paolo pretends not to hear her as he turns his eyes to her and holds her gaze, wanting her to see his sincerity and honest regret. “It was a handshake and a spit oath.”

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Smashwords - Goodreads

Bellamy Black has enjoyed the written word long before she could actually read it. This initially one-sided relationship has blossomed into a lifelong love affair filled with adventurous governesses, brave women, and determined warriors. An East Coast girl, living an East Coast life, when she is not writing or working her corporate day job, Bellamy enjoys spending time with friends, a nice glass of Shiraz, and the occasional bit of mayhem.

She will also never turn down an opportunity to catch a rerun of the Golden Girls.

Connect with Bellamy at her blog - Twitter - Goodreads

GIVEAWAY RULES:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Goal. Two winners will each win 1 e-copy of Goal by Bellamy Black.

To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

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Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 23 June 2013!

Good luck!

Guest post by Tiffany Allee + Giveaway

You know what a big wedding romance fan I am, so I am happy to tell you about another new release, which besides being a light and funny wedding romance is also a paranormal novel! So if you'd like to check out a wedding bells and vamps combo, read on to discover Tiffany Allee's brand new Sons of Kane series and the first book in the series, Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid!

The Sons of Kane Series
by Tiffany Allee

First of all, a huge thanks to Stella for having me here today to talk about my new Entangled Covet series, Sons of Kane. The Sons of Kane series revolves around three vampire “sons” of a very old vampire named Kanehito. The first book, Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid, is about vampire Noah, and his human next door neighbor, Alice.

While Alice and Noah have admired one another from afar for several years, and have chatted casually, they don’t really know each other. Alice, for example, has no idea that Noah is a vampire when she decides to try to drag him on a cruise ship for her sister’s wedding as her pretend boyfriend. Alice doesn’t want to look like a loser in front of her ex, who will be at the wedding since he is the groom’s brother. Luckily for Alice, Noah needs to get out of town in a hurry, too.

I absolutely love these two characters together, partially because they’re such opposites. Noah is generally serious and a tad broody, while Alice is optimistic and cheerful—but certainly no push over. I think the characters illustrate themselves best, so I’ve decided to share some of my favorite chats between them. Enjoy!

Excerpt #1

“You’re right. We aren’t right for each other.”

Anger flashed through her, fanning her desire in a most annoying way. The greatest defense is a good offense. “We’re not. In fact, I can’t think of anyone less suitable for me.”

“Oh?” He quirked an eyebrow at her and she ignored it. How could he look so scrumptious and be so annoying at the same time?

“No. Besides, I’m not looking to be tied down.”

A feral grin blossomed on his face. “Don’t worry, Miss Shepard, if I tied you down I’d be sure to untie you in the morning.”

Excerpt #2

“I can’t help it if I’m discerning, Miss Shepard.”

Miss Shepard. God, he was such a jerk . “Discerning? With the line of models you’ve had through there? More like scared.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Scared?”

“Yes. Of commitment.”

“’Til death do us part is a long time.”

Excerpt #3 (During a Salsa dancing lesson)

“Do you think you could make it any more obvious you don’t want to dance with me?” she said, knowing her tone sounded bitchy, but not caring. “I mean, maybe you could stick a chair or something between us so you don’t accidentally touch my repulsive body.”

His gaze met hers and desire, plain as day, flashed in his eyes. There was nothing cold nor distant in his expression. Her stomach flip-flopped and she momentarily stopped breathing. They both stopped dancing, andanger warred with passion to dominate his expression.

“You think I don’t want to touch you?” he whispered angrily.

“It sure doesn’t seem like you do.” She shouldn’t challenge him, something instinctual in her gut told her that was a bad idea, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. “What’s the matter, Noah? Afraid you’ll like it too much?”

Don't Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

Book #1 in the Sons of Kane series

Alice Shepard needs one thing: a date for her sister's wedding. And not just any date. A hunk who will make her fiancé rue the day he left her for her best friend. Her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor fits the bill—even if he is a bit quirky and never comes out during the day—and Alice has downed just enough appletinis to ask him. But she makes it quite clear that there will be no funny business.

Spending a week on a cruise ship full of humans while sleeping close to his sexy next-door neighbor sounds like a helluva bad idea to vampire Noah Thorpe. But his friends need time to get him out of a shotgun wedding—a vampire bonding that will tie his fate to a female vampire he's never met. And Alice's offer comes at just the right time.

What could possibly go wrong?

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes

Read an excerpt

About the Author

CPA-turned-romance-author Tiffany Allee used to battle spreadsheets in Corporate America, and now concentrates on her characters’ battles to find love. Raised in small-town Colorado, Tiffany currently lives in Phoenix, AZ, by way of Chicago and Denver. She is happily married to a secret romantic who tolerates her crazy mutterings.

She writes about ass-kicking heroines and the strong heroes who love them. Her work includes the suspense-driven From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency series which revolves around a group of paranormal cops solving crimes and finding love, and Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid, a lighthearted paranormal romance (Entangled Publishing).

Tiffany has an MBA in accounting and nearly a decade of experience in corporate finance. All super useful stuff for a writer who spends far too much time trying to figure out fun ways to keep her characters apart, and interesting ways to kill people (for her books—of course!).

Connect with Tiffany at her website - blog - Facebook - Twitter

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Entangled Publishing has generously offered a $25 Amazon gift card to a lucky reader!

To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and tell us: Do you enjoy wedding romances? OR What supernatural creature would you like to see in the next book of Tiffany Allee's new light PNR series?
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Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 21 June 2013!

Good luck!