Unwrapping: Review of HUSH by Carey Baldwin

Last August, four lovely authors - Tessa Dare, Leigh LaValle, Courtney Milan, and Carey Baldwin – came together to create an anthology of stories, THREE WEDDINGS AND A MURDER, to benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This anthology was available for only a short time but if you were lucky enough to get a copy, the proceeds were donated and you, the reader, were treated to four fabulous stories. One of those stories, SOLOMON’S WISDOM by Carey Baldwin, and one of my favorites, has been rewritten and is now available. It has been re-released as HUSH by Carey Baldwin, and I couldn’t have been more excited when she asked if I would read it and share my thoughts with you. A romantic suspense novella of around 95 pages, I believe it reads even better than before - which surprised me because I already loved it.

***eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for HUSH:

Reformed bad boy Charlie “Drex” Drexler returns to his hometown of Tangleheart, Texas hoping to make peace with his dark past and make amends to those he’s wronged. He’s also looking to reconnect with an old flame. But Anna won’t cooperate, new questions tear open old wounds and his best friend’s wife and baby disappear. Can Drex and Anna mend their broken hearts while fighting for their lives and racing to bring mother and baby home safely?

*                      *                      *                      *                      *

Anna Kincaid was, and still is, in love with Charlie Drexler, but she’s also so angry at him for leaving her without so much as a good-bye that when she meets up with him again, she is determined to resist his charm and her heart’s pleas to forgive him. When her sister, Simone, and her husband, Nate bring them together for a homecoming party, Anna is angry that her own sister would trap her that way. But something cracks in that hard shell she’s erected around her heart, when Simone tells her that it was Charlie who made up the guest list, and that she was the only one on it.

Charlie will do anything to win back his best friend, the only woman to ever claim his heart, and the woman he loves, so when he finally convinces Anna to listen to him, he thinks he’s got her charmed. She's ready to submit to his pleas for a second chance, but he's nearly defeated by his other best friend, Nate Carlisle.

Distraught, a bit drunk, and desperate, Nate barges into Charlie’s living room and pleads with Anna to tell him where his wife has gone with their infant son. Anna, as shocked as anyone, finds it hard to believe that Simone would disappear like that, especially with her young son. She begs the police to assist but the sheriff insists they’ll show up eventually. With the insistence that he be allowed to help, Charlie and Anna set out to discover what has sent her sister into hiding.

HUSH by Carey Baldwin is the early version, SOLOMON’S WISDOM, made incredibly better. With some minor character changes, stronger backstory and an expanded mystery, this suspenseful romance is everything I wanted and expected from the talented Carey Baldwin. From the beginning straight through to the mystery’s reveal, Carey keeps us on our toes with complex twists and turns. Danger lurks around every corner as someone tries to keep Anna and Charlie from finding Simone. Is it Nate? Is it someone more sinister? I love a good mystery and Carey gives it to us, all the while treating us to a wonderful second chance romance at love that renews our faith in being happily in love ever after.

I highly recommend HUSH by Carey Baldwin to anyone who loves a wonderful second chance love story that may or may not happen if the bad guys have anything to say about it. HUSH is exceptional, suspenseful, and happily, a wonderful, sexy, and sweet second chance at love.

Happy Reading Everyone!

HUSH by Carey Baldwin, self-published through Amazon Digital, available now at Amazon in ebook format. 

***click on the link or cover below for purchasing information.

   

A Tasty Book Blurb Tour for REALITY HERO by Ashlynn Monroe

Welcome to my stop on the Tasty Book Blurb Tour for REALITY HERO by Ashlynn Monroe. Stick around for the #Giveaway! Enjoy!

Blurb for REALITY HERO:

Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?

Dina Dell's career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she's ever loved—Zane Blair.

Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina's sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the "normal" one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.

Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?

Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina's plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.

***Content Warning: graphic sexual content

*              *             *             *              *

To enjoy an EXCERPT from this contemporary romance, which released June 17, 2013 from Beachwalk Press, please click HERE.

Author Info:

Ashlynn Monroe is a busy wife and mom. She enjoys writing about anything and everything paranormal or fantasy related.  She spends most of her time daydreaming up her next tale of romance.

If you’d like to learn more about Ashlynn, feel free to visit her author page at Amazon or Goodreads, and follow her at Facebook, on Twitter, and Kindlegraph.

Ashlynn is also offering up two (2) digital copies of her exciting contemporary romance to two lucky people tour wide so feel free to use the Rafflecopter below to enter and Good Luck. If you'd like to follow the rest of the tour, please click HERE.

Happy Reading Everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REALITY HERO by Ashlynn Monroe, Beachwalk Press, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobobooks, and BeachwalkPress.

***click links or cover below for purchasing information.

   

Wacky Wednesday: A Tasty Book Tour Cover Reveal for EVERLASTING HUNGER by Brandy Dorsch

Such excitement is to be had – one of my Avon Addict Sisters, Brandy Dorsch, is on the cusp of publication and I’m proud to join in the reveal of her gorgeous cover for her upcoming paranormal romance, EVERLASTING HUNGER. Also, today is Brandy's birthday so be sure to send her best wishes.

Blurb for EVERLASTING HUNGER:

Temptation, thy name is Ian Lochlan.

That was the thought running through Ellie Dawson's head when her boss offered to escort her to a local vampire bar. Who would suspect that it was owned by him and that he would be the one to introduce her to all the pleasures of a vampire's kiss?

Passion is a different beast when vampires are involved and Ellie faces love from two very sensual creatures. Tragedy strikes and Ian relinquishes her into the arms of his best friend - Jasper. Ellie struggles with the feelings aroused in her by both men but she knows nothing can stop the Hunger.

Can she survive loving two men and the past that continues to haunt her?

Excerpt from EVERLASTING HUNGER:

WARNING:  This is a spicy romance novel intended for MATURE readers 18+.  Graphic sexual situations and language are used at the writer's discretion. 

Kissing her on the forehead, he says in a rough voice, “You are sin, Ellie and we might as well do it right.” 

He leans down and begins to kiss her, teasing her lips with little nibbles asking for entrance.  Ellie opens her lips and sighs as Jasper deepens the kiss.  

Tugging the pins from her hair so it cascades over his hands, he reaches for the clasp of the dress at the base of her neck.  He pulls both her dress and bra down to her waist leaving her breasts exposed to the cool air.  Instantly they pucker and strain toward the sexy vampire that is devouring her mouth like a thirsty man.  Bringing his hands up to grasp her breasts, Jasper begins to pull and pinch the nipples almost to the point of pain then soothes the peaks with a gentle stroke of his thumbs.  Ellie groans with the pleasure of Jasper’s touch and arches into his hands begging for more. 

Pulling back from her lips, he looks down, sees the glazed look of passion on her face, and is envious of Ian at having the passion of this luscious woman. 

--EVERLASTING HUNGER

About the Author:

Brandy lives in North Dakota and dreams of running away and being an extra on The Vampire Diaries.  She is a die hard reader that can't breathe without adding something to her TBR list. She loves anything romance but has a special place in her heart for all things vampire related.  She works and goes to school but her favorite activity is spending time with her husband and two sons. 

To learn more about Brandy Dorsch, feel free to visit her at her Author Page, contact her by email, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, visit her blog, and blog Facebook Page.

***This book is not yet for sale but you can keep a watch out for a publication date at Goodreads.

Special Unwrapping: Cover Reveal of WULFE UNTAMED, a Feral Warrior Novel by Pamela Palmer

Feral Warrior Fans have been waiting such a long time for Wulfe’s love story.  He deserves every little bit of happily-ever-after that he achieves … but Pamela Palmer doesn’t make it easy on our wolfishly hunky Warrior! In fact, every single one of the Ferals is in danger of losing their immortality … and their lives.

Brief Synopsis for WULFE UNTAMED:

Wulfe knows the end-game is approaching.  The Mage are preparing to free the Daemon plague and Wulfe’s own small strain of Daemon heritage has been awakened. Worse yet, the beautiful human he once rescued needs saving again. Though Mage sentinels are the ones after Natalie Cash, Wulfe knows his heart is what she really should watch out for. He’ll do everything he can to protect her…and keep his distance. Running for her life while trying not to fall for this gentle, wounded warrior, Natalie’s world’s been turned upside down. But when the Mage begin to free the Daemons, it becomes clear that the Ferals’ only chance of defeating them is for Wulfe to use Natalie to harness the dark forces-and risk becoming evil in the process. The future of the world hangs in the balance, but can Wolfe endanger the woman he loves to save her?

Excerpt from WULFE UNTAMED:

“It’s me, boy. This might hurt, but I’ve got to staunch your wounds.”

Her fingers pressed gingerly, burrowing through Wolf’s fur, as she sought the site of the stab she’d seen him take to the shoulder. Warm blood coated her fingers and she knew she’d found it. As gently as possible, she pressed one of the shirts against the wound, then started searching for any others.

“Poor guy,” she whispered. “You chose the wrong night to come see me, but you probably saved my life.” She needed to get him to a vet. The beautiful animal made no sound, gave no indication of consciousness. He might be alive, but for how much longer?

Something skittered across the floor downstairs, stopping her heart for another moment. Why hadn’t they followed her upstairs? For that matter, how in the heck had she fallen asleep on the guest bed in the middle of an attack on her house? None of it made a bit of sense. The last thing she remembered was hitting one of the nasties with the lamp and the other one grabbing her. Had he hit her, then? She didn’t hurt anywhere. Somehow, she must have stumbled up here and passed out.

As she probed the dog’s side, she felt more warm blood and knew she’d discovered another wound. If only she could see them. If only she had a flashlight. Or…a camp lantern. Yes. Her camping supplies were stored in the closet in this room. Rising, she dug the lantern out of the bottom of the closet and turned it on only a little, bathing the injured animal in a soft glow.

He had blood everywhere. Her gut cramped. How was she supposed to know how much of the blood was his and how much belonged to the men? They’d been dressed so strangely, like some kind of foreign army, in matching blue tunics. And swords.

She pressed tee shirts against the two wounds she’d found so far, knowing she had to find the others, yet wondering what she was going to do with them if she did. She only had two hands. And no telephone or suturing supplies.

“Hang on, Wolf. Just hang on for me. Sooner or later, they’ll leave and I’ll be able to get you to a vet. What are they doing down there?” She heard something roll across the hardwood foyer. Roll. Suddenly she remembered the way they’d broken down her front door and relief left her on a hard exhale.

“It’s not them, it’s the wind. Of course, of course.” Leaping to her feet, she stroked Wolf’s head. “This is going to hurt, boy, but I have to move you if I’m going to get you help.”

She scooted around to his back end and, as gently as she could, lifted his hips and lowered them again a few inches out from the door. Moving to his head, she did the same, back and forth, a few inches at a time until she nearly had him far enough from the door to open it. Once more should be enough.

Sweat beading on her brow, she took a deep breath, squatted at his tail, and lifted his hips one more time.

Suddenly, her hands were empty, the dog just…gone…exploding in a spray of colored lights.

Natalie fell back, landing on her backside, then stared, jaw dropping, as a man appeared out of thin air…a huge, naked man lying on the floor right where the dog had been.

She crab-walked back, the bed catching her in the shoulder blades. This isn’t happening.

The man groaned and began to stir. Natalie tensed, her heart pounding violently in her chest as she pushed herself to her feet, then sank onto the bed when her legs refused to hold her.

Slowly, the man sat up and leaned back against the door, his muscular body marred by half a dozen stab wounds, one on the shoulder…right where the dog’s had been.

This isn’t happening. Dogs don’t turn into men. They don’t!

But even as the argument roared in her head, her gaze took in the sight in front of her. The man was built, his waist narrow, his abs ripped, his biceps as thick as tree trunks, one adorned with a thick golden armband with what appeared to be the head of a wolf. His shoulders were easily half the width of her sofa. Her gaze continued up, reaching his face, and her heart clenched. Scars crisscrossed the flesh every which way, tugging down one of his lips, cutting across one eye. His body might be prime, but his face was made for nightmares. Within that ruined face, eyelids lifted revealing dark eyes that turned to her, contracting on a sheen of pain, radiating a dismay so raw it almost made her ache.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Natalie.” His voice was low and urgent as he struggled to his feet, grimacing. Towering over her—he had to be a full seven feet tall—he watched her with eyes filled with the same intelligence, the same gentleness she’d seen in Wolf’s. “I would never hurt you.”

She was shaking, her pulse racing, her stomach cramping from shock. But not from fear. Because as she stared into those dark eyes, she saw only truth and honor and kindness. And, odd as it was, she recognized the essence of the dog in the man.

“I would never hurt you,” he said again, his voice throbbing with sincerity and desperation that she believed him.

“I know,” she told him.

And she did.   

-  WULFE UNTAMED

P.S. -- I’m so very much looking forward to Wulfe’s story, how about you?

WULFE UNTAMED, a Feral Warrior novel by Pamela Palmer, Avon Romance, scheduled release date – January 28, 2014 – available for pre-order at Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

***click links to pre-order this book now.

Unwrapping: Review of HOTTER ON THE EDGE 2, an anthology by Erin Kellison, KC Klein, & Jessa Slade

I love science fiction! Blend it with romance and I’m in Seventh Heaven – well, that’s what you get when you dip into the anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE 2 with three fabulous stories by Erin Kellison, KC Klein, and Jessa Slade. This is a continuation of the stories introduced to us in their first anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE, which I reviewed over three days in February 2012. If you’re interested in reading my reviews, simple click on the author’s name above to go to the review of her story. Since I have limited time on the blog lately, I’m going to review all three today. I loved them all and don’t want to skimp on my thoughts so it might be longer than usual. By the way, the lovely Jessa Slade created this awesome cover.

***eCopy provided by authors in exchange for honest and unscripted reviews.

GOLD LIKE THE SUN by Erin Kellison

Blurb for GOLD LIKE THE SUN:

It’s the wedding of the millennium! Princess Pilar Sol and Hakan Frust are celebrating their union with sector fetes full of celebrity and pomp. Theirs is an arranged marriage to preserve the vital commerce of the Nyer Transit Hub, and yet Pilar is madly, unreservedly, passionately in love. She has all the excitement she has long dreamed of—and a little more than she bargained for when she discovers that Hakan’s grasping family wants her dead.

Hakan has done everything in his power to save his inheritance—the bustling but impoverished Hub—including marrying a wealthy princess for her dowry. His heart isn’t supposed to be part of the deal, but Pilar has all the beauty and joy his life lacks. When Hakan runs afoul of his uncle’s associates—criminal in nature, violent in approach—he refuses to risk Pilar, not for money, not even for his life.

But Pilar is not so easily cast aside, and negotiations turn into a gamble with the future of the sector in the balance. Hakan is about to learn about the high stakes his bride will hazard, as he now has far more to lose—and win—than he ever believed possible: a future brighter than gold.

                                              *                       *                      *

Pilar married Hakan because she loves him and believes he loves her not just because it’s a political union that will benefit both sides, yet Hakan has put her on a ship heading home to Sol in the midst of their wedding celebration. Not willing to just leave without giving Hakan a piece of her mind after his family tried to kill her, she and her trusted companion and protector, Reina, return to the Nyer Transit Hub and discover that Hakan has become the victim of his power hungry uncle, Victor. Now on the run, looking for aid from even Hakan’s less than trustful cousin, Barton, they are determined to learn exactly who is pulling the strings on Victor and why.

GOLD LIKE THE SUN by Erin Kellison is an action-packed adventure through the back streets of Nyer as Pilar and Hakan try to figure out how to save themselves, two worlds, and figure out whom they can truly trust. Their love for each other, their families, and their home worlds drive this story of forgiveness, discovery, and a future greater and safer than either expected for the innocent.

I highly recommend this exceptional scifi romance, filled with danger, and a bit of unexpected violence. It is a wonderful sequel to Erin’s story, ALL THAT GLITTERS, her original story in the first anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE.  It’s not an absolute necessity to read the first story, but I greatly suggest you do.

TO KEEP A WIFE by KC Klein

Blurb for TO KEEP A WIFE:

In the shards of civilization ruined by a global war, Lake has gotten the life she never dared dreamed of—a safe haven, and the love of a good man, her husband, Hudson Black Creek. But Lake’s hard-won happiness doesn’t last long when powerful Elders lay siege on Black Creek Manor in retaliation for a past defiance. As Lake watches everything she loves go up in flames, she sacrifices herself for the chance to keep Hudson and her brother alive. Syon, a diabolic Elder with his own agenda, will push Lake to her breaking point, forcing her to compromise—heart and soul— in order to survive.
Hudson wakes from a head wound to find that his whole world is reduced to ashes. With no memory of why he’s sacrificed everything for a woman whose name is tattooed on his chest, Hudson is determined to make his heart match the emptiness of his mind, and wipe out everything except the hatred for those who are to blame—the Elders and the wife he sought to protect.

As evil and fear spread across a war-torn land, Lake and Hudson are tested like never before, and both will have to forgive betrayals and risk greater heartbreak if they want a chance at saving their lives… and their love.

                                             *                         *                        *

We met Lake and Hudson in KC’s story in the first anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE, in TO BUY A WIFE. A man who has a wife is revered with respect, envy, and believed to have great prestige in this war-torn society. We catch up with Lake, Hudson, and Lake’s little brother, Vonn, in the midst of an attack on the farm. Lake realizes that the Elders want her and will stop at nothing, and will spare no one, to get her in their clutches. She convinces a wounded Hudson to protect her brother, let the Elders take her, and come for her later. Things don’t work out exactly how Lake had hoped. Now a prisoner of the maniacal Syon, too much time has passed for her to believe that Hudson is ever coming for her. It’s just her again, alone to fend for herself, and her unborn child.

This story covers so much in so short a time that you will almost feel like you’re watching a film in your head. Whereas I bullied KC about Lake being on her own too much in TO BUY A WIFE, in TO KEEP A WIFE, KC Klein weaves a wonderful story about the fear of loss, fear of abandonment, and the wonder of how love can pull back loving memories from the darkness and bring a family back together. TO KEEP A WIFE by KC Klein is a the perfect finish to a story that began with a match not exactly made in heaven but ends with a happy ending that will lead us on even more adventures. I hope.

I highly recommend the short story, TO KEEP A WIFE by KC Klein but only if you’ve read TO BUY A WIFE, without that lead-in, the fast paced action of this one might confuse and sully the wonderful intricacy of this tale. Please read TO BUY A WIFE in the first anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE. (It's only 99¢.)

PRINCE OF PASSION by Jessa Slade

Blurb for PRINCE OF PASSION:

When mercenary raiders targeted the empathic crystals that imbue the legendary l’auraly lovers with extraordinary sensual prowess, Icere, the last male l’auralyo, helped destroy the crystals. Rather than let the source of uninhibited pleasure be corrupted into a mind-controlling drug, he allowed his passionate destiny to remain forever unfulfilled. Now, Icere channels his fury into revenge. Tracking the raiders through the interstellar sheerways to a watery world infamous for its aphrodisiac liqueur, he finds a queen—as adrift and alone as he—forced for years into a fate she never desired.

Saya-Rynn inherited duty, command and control from her cruel grandfather and fought to transform her dangerous planet into a paradise for her people—but the price was literally a poison that runs through her veins. Though she feels as ancient as the seas, she finds herself awash in the hot male potency of the young Icere. Still, she resists the chance for indulgence she thinks has passed by her. But when the raiders strike again, Rynn must embrace her troubled legacy, and Icere will find his place as a lover and a fighter. Together, the reluctant ruler and the deposed prince of passion find common purpose, combating the mysterious entity seeking to rule the sheerways, and claim a love as bright as the infinite stars.

                                             *                        *                       *

Jessa Slade blew me away with the imagery and science elements in this story about a May/December romance that develops between a Queen and an outworlder friend of her son when he comes to her water world fraught with all kinds of natural dangers.

Icere is the last remaining l’aurylo – a being born, sculpted, and infused with the purest of passions through the l’auraly crystal. He has come to Saya-Terce because he suspects the mercenary raiders, who tried to steal the l’auraly crystals from his home planet resulting in their destruction and the end of life as he knew it to be, were now after the Malac liqueur. There is no end to the dangers of what the aphrodisiac liqueur might be used for in altered forms.

Rynn, the Saya of Saya-Terce is suspicious of anyone wishing to get too close to her, or her children, after her own husband betrayed her home world and so her instincts tell her to question this beautiful young man’s reasons for being in the midst of the Malac Festival, and so close to her son. What she doesn’t expect is how sexually charged she would feel in his presence. Nor the need to which they would succumb to, after an accident during the harvest places them together and under the influence of the Malac liqueur.

PRINCE OF PASSION by Jessa Slade is an amazing sequel to ENSLAVED BY STARLIGHT from the first anthology, HOTTER ON THE EDGE. It’s even more illuminated than the first, with amazing imagery, incredible characters  and creature creations, and the danger that makes Icere and Rynn band together to save Saya-Terce. Their romance is powerful, insightful, and naturally believable. Rynn is a beautiful and powerful ruler with unusual abilities that make her more than just a queen but rather a part of her world. Icere understands her, even if she doesn't understand herself. Two of a kind, both more connected to their home worlds than to others, Icere embraces her, and her talents, in the same way he relates to his own home world and the crystal that is so much a part of him.

I highly recommend reading PRINCE OF PASSION by Jessa Slade, working well as a stand alone, I still recommend you read this entire anthology. For the greatest reading pleasure, I also suggest you start with HOTTER ON THE EDGE, the first anthology, but if you only read the second – HOTTER ON THE EDGE 2 – be sure to read this beautiful, imaginative, and incredible story by Jessa. 

HOTTER ON THE EDGE and HOTTER ON THE EDGE 2 - awesome reading at low prices. Go for it. If you love exciting romance, these are exceptional. 

Happy Reading Everyone!

HOTTER ON THE EDGE 2, an anthology by Erin Kellison, KC Klein, and Jessa Slade, available in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobobooks, and Smashwords.

***click on links or covers for purchasing information. Awesome prices!

                                              

And Those Jess Michaels Books Go To...

THANK YOU EVERYONE

for taking the time to visit

with Jess Michaels and myself.

 

I realize this post was scheduled at a time when most of you

were busy with family and friends celebrating the 4th of July.

I hope you all had a great time.

Jess, thank you so much for visiting, you were

an absolute delight and you're welcome back any time.

  I absolutely loved doing this interview
and I'm sorry there wasn't more discussion
or comments as I can only assume all the folks who

did visit already had their copies.

I hope you all will all enjoy

reading Jess's newest release, TAKEN BY THE DUKE,

an amazing erotic historical romance
as well as her others, including INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE,

  and will be looking forward to the next
as much as I am. 

 As promised, two lucky commenters are

going to win one of Jess's books.
One lucky commenter will win a PRINT COPY of

INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE and one will win a

DIGITAL COPY of her newest release, TAKEN BY THE DUKE.

 

 Those two lucky people are:

The print copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE
goes to:
 

bn100

and

The digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE goes to:

kipha

 

 

 Congrats to you both! You've both been notified by email.

Please check your SPAM folders so you don't miss the messages.

Instructions on how to receive your book are included.

If I don't hear back from you by end of day, July 11, 2013,

I will have no choice but to pick a new winner.

 

 Thank you to everyone who visited and played.
I'll have more fun coming soon.

Happy Reading Everyone!



Wacky Wednesday: A Visit With Jess Michaels, author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book 1 of The Pleasure Wars

On June 10, 2013, I shared my review of TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels with you. Now available, I hope you’ll certainly consider reading it even if you're not a usual reader of erotic romance. You will be pleasantly surprised with how strong the story is even though it’s an erotic historical romance. Feel free to click on the title above to read my review of this first book in the new series, The Pleasure Wars by Jess Michaels. Hurry back!

Joining me today is the lovely and talented author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE as well as many other wonderful reads, Jess Michaels. I’m so excited about this new series – The Pleasure Wars – and can’t wait to read the next one.  Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella to Red Sage Press, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published (or has contracted to publish by the end of 2013) 37 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

Please join me in welcoming Jess Michaels, author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, to Unwrapping Romance …

Amy:  Welcome Jess, it's an absolute delight to have you with us today, and I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to join us. Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet. 

Jess:  Well, I write erotic historical romance set in the Regency period. I've written for Red Sage, Avon, and now Samhain, as well as some self-published projects. I'm married to my best friend and high school sweetheart. He does book marketing for a living so... I pay him in hugs. We live in Tucson with our two cats. I love reading, I'm a fan of UFC and cycling, I need to hike more and I love my two nephews like crazy. It's a really charmed life. 

Amy:  With a husband who’s willing to accept payment in hugs, you do have a charmed life and obviously, a romantic one - great environment to inspire you. So TAKEN BY THE DUKE is the first book in your new series, The Pleasure Wars. Would you like to share a bit of what the series has in store for us? 

Jess:  Sure! The Pleasure Wars is a series about two families who have been in a war for decades, one that heats up when the son of one family tries to run away with the daughter and they're involved in a terrible accident when her brother makes chase.  When she is killed, it sends the families on a pounding warpath toward each other. Only the one thing none of them expects is love. 

Amy:  Love conquers all – love it, that’s exactly what we look for in our romance reading, right folks?!

Jess, I envy your ability to write erotic romance. I don't think I'm brave enough to get that sexual in words. I'm curious about what inspired you to write such juicy romances.  Do you have a preference in your own personal reading? 

Jess:  I've always loved sexy romances so it was definitely a great fit. For me, the trick is to make sure that the sexy scenes are a real, strong part of the story. Otherwise, readers don't connect. 

Amy:  I think that’s exactly what I enjoy so much about your romances, I do connect with the characters, and the sexiness plays into that. So what do you enjoy most about writing erotic romance and what do you find the most difficult about writing erotic romance? 

Jess: I guess I don't sub-categorize it down to erotic or not erotic romance. I love writing romance because it's such an uplifting genre. I get great notes from readers who loved books and maybe the story brightened their day a little. That's a good thing every time. The most difficult is really more about publishing. I control so little of what happens when a story releases, and that is hard. 

Amy:  Always knowing there’s a happily-ever-after coming does make even the most heartrending story a bright spot in our days, I think, and it’s why we love the genre. I know TAKEN BY THE DUKE left me believing in the healing power of love.

Speaking of which, TAKEN BY THE DUKE is a wonderful story built around a kind of Romeo and Juliet style feud between two families but goes far beyond - in my opinion. There is a lot of emotion in this story, which is one of the reasons I loved it. What inspired you to pull so many different fractured emotions together?

Jess: I think Christian and Ava's story just naturally has so much emotional punch, it was easy to find a lot of it. Here he is, a man scarred emotionally and physically and looking to lash out at anyone to make it better. And she's her very own casualty of war, but she's still strong and empathetic and willing to fight for what she wants. She uses her kidnapping as a mission of peace and I loved watching her take control and heal Christian (and herself) with love. 

Amy: I couldn’t have expressed that better from the reader’s point of view. My dears, sincerely, whether you normally read erotic romance or not, this story will capture your heart. You’ll find yourself cheering for Ava. And if you’re like me, you’ll be in tears a few times. Do read it. I promise you’ll love it. 

Jess, you write both historical and contemporary, do you ever see yourself delving into any other genres?  

Jess:  As Jess, I've really only done a couple of contemporary books and I don't see myself doing any other genres. Right now, I'm focused entirely on erotic historical and my writing schedule and contracts for the next couple of years reflect that. Basically, if you like my Jess Michaels books, there are a LOT of books on the horizon, so sign up for my newsletter! 

Amy:  I know I’m all in for a LOT more of your erotic historicals. I love them – the Mistress Matchmaker series was one of my favorites, but it might get surpassed by The Pleasure Wars series. 

Well, it’s time for my last question for you and my personal favorite. If you could be ANY character in ANY book, who would it be and why? 

Jess:  I think I'd be Anne from Anne of Green Gables. Actually, I might be Diana so I could be FRIENDS with Anne. :) She's still my favorite character from my childhood and I would love to hang with her. 

Amy:  That’s a great answer and one I never considered before. Being friends with a favorite character would be a wonderful adventure. 

Jess, thank you so very much for joining us today, it was truly a delight having you with us.  Thank you also for sharing some wonderful insight into TAKEN BY THE DUKE with us. Congratulations on your new series. I’m already a big fan, but I hope everyone reads TAKEN BY THE DUKE and becomes as addicted as I am. 

Jess: Thanks you so much for having me!  

Amy:  Jess is offering up a paperback version of AN INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in her Mistress Matchmaker series to one lucky commenter. In addition, because I love this new book so much, I’m offering up a digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE to one lucky commenter as well. So folks, you have two opportunities to win today. I'll leave it to Jess for the question you’ll need to answer to enter. Jess? 

Jess:  I'd love to ask your readers,

WHICH HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD IS YOUR FAVORITE? 

Amy:  Great question. I’ve got far too many to pick just one so it’s a good thing I can’t enter our contest. If you'd like to learn more about Jess and her books, please feel free to visit her website, and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and at Goodreads.

Please read the Giveaway Rules carefully since you’ve got two chances to win and follow them exactly or you’ll be left out.  

GIVEAWAY PRIZES: 

PRIZE ONE:  One Print Copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in THE MISTRESS MATCHMAKER series by Jess Michaels to one lucky commenter – US & Canada entries only. 

Blurb for INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE:

An innocent lady’s education could be a gentleman’s wicked seduction.

Lysandra Keates is running out of options. Her father is dead, her mother is ill, and her efforts to find respectable employment have ended in failure. With her small savings bleeding away, she swallows her pride—and her terror—and turns to Vivien Manning, an infamous courtesan, to match her with a wealthy protector.

For years, Viscount Andrew Callis has lived a monastic existence at his country estate, hardening his body against the snobbish, lazy young man he once was, hardening his heart against grief over the deaths of his wife and infant son. When Vivien asks him to spend one month training a young woman in the ways of a mistress, his mind resists…but his body responds with an ache he thought long dead.

As Andrew begins his gentle tutelage, he finds himself falling under the spell of Lysandra’s innocent charms. And as they give in to the powerful hunger, the last thing Andrew ever expected, or wanted, forms between them. An emotional connection that could carry them well past the training period—if only Andrew can open his heart to the possibility of love.

PRIZE TWO:  One Digital Copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book one in The Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels to one lucky commenter -  open to all entries, International included. 

Blurb for TAKEN BY THE DUKE: 

An eye for an eye, a sin for a sin…

Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society’s gossip mill, one truth has stood out: House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.

Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle’s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.

Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim—after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.

Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands… 

Product Warnings: This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.

GIVEAWAY RULES: 

***This Giveaway is OPEN TO THOSE AS STATED WITH THE PRIZE. (void where prohibited)  

***Please note whether you are eligible for the prize. US & Canada are eligible for both prizes and if you have a preference you may state that. International entries are eligible only for the digital copy. 

***Please be sure to state in your comment whether you are US, Canada, or International. Thank you.

***For VALID ENTRY, commenter must leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS. Remember the Magic Formula for Entry:  

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR VISITING!

***This Giveaway will run until 11:30PM EST, Friday, July 5, 2013 at which time two lucky valid entries will be chosen by randomizer to each win a prize. One lucky comment will be chosen to win the print copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE and one lucky comment will be chosen to win a digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE. The winners will be notified by email, and announced in a special Saturday post. If the winners don’t respond by end of day Thursday, July 11, 2013, a new winner, or two, will be chosen by the same process.

Good Luck Everyone and Happy Reading!  

TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book one in The Pleasure War series by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.  

INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in The Mistress Matchmaker series by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in print and ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes &Noble, and Kobobooks. 

***click on links for purchasing information or covers below.