#NewRelease from Judith Sterling - RETURN OF THE RAVEN

Judith Sterling joins me today for a look at her newest release, RETURN OF THE RAVEN, Book 5 in her Novels of Ravenwood historical/time travel series. Best of luck with this book, Judith!

Blurb:

Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.

Haunted by his parents' sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She's hard to resist…and harder to set free.

The heart's desire and history's demands don't always agree. Yet true love is eternal.

Excerpt:

Dressed in blue-striped pajamas, Griffin stood in front of his bed. His gaze shifted back and forth between two books. Usually, he was a decisive reader, but tonight was different. He’d had Margaret on the mind the entire time he perused the library shelves, and even now, the sound of her bathwater filling the tub next door plagued his focus.

Nevertheless, he’d narrowed the choice to two books: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles or Dennis Wheatley’s The Devil Rides Out. He’d read both before and enjoyed them immensely, so he couldn’t go wrong with either one.

So what’s it going to be? Murder on the moors or black magic on Salisbury Plain?

Margaret’s clear-toned voice penetrated the wall between their bedrooms. She was humming the first part of the sonata he’d played tonight. Not only did she have an ear for language; she also had one for music. She had perfect pitch, too, as did he, which allowed him to discern that she hummed the exact same notes he’d played on the Steinway. Her singing voice was just as lovely as he’d imagined it might be.

His brow furrowed. He had no business imagining anything about her, least of all her naked body slipping into a warm bath and—

Stop! He huffed and rubbed his mouth with his hand. Then he refocused his attention on the books for the umpteenth time. Come on now. Murder or magic? Magic or murder?

“Griff!” A note of panic tinged her voice.

Meg! In trouble!

He dashed into the hall and into her bedroom, then flung open the bathroom door. She stood in the bathtub, clad in bubbles whose brethren spilled over the side of the tub onto the floor. Luckily, the white foam covered all but her neck, head, and one shoulder.

“There’s too much of it.” She gestured to the mess and sent a cluster of bubbles flying through the air.

“I can see that. Are you hurt?”

“No, just unnerved. They kept building and building until I feared they might cover the entire chamber.”

“First, let’s turn off the water.” He reached into the sea of foam, found the faucets, and twisted each one in turn. “How much of the soapy liquid did you use?”

“The whole bottle.”

His eyes widened. “Well, that explains it. Only a small amount is necessary.”

“When Hannah showed me how to use it, she simply turned the bottle upside down to demonstrate pouring. I assumed all of the liquid was needed.” With a rueful expression, she looked around her. “Obviously not.”

She was adorable. And underneath those bubbles, she was nude. Time to go!

“Well, I’m glad ʼtwas nothing serious. I’ll just be going now.” With an about face, he headed for the door.

“Wait.”

Uh oh. What does she want now? He turned back around.

“I must know something, and you’re the only one who can help me know it.”

A warning bell pealed in his mind and urged his heart to quicken its pace. “What do you want to know?”

“Earlier, you called me attractive, but you haven’t seen all of me.”

Only by the grace of those bubbles! Did she intend to bare all? No…modesty would prevent that. But the look in her eye—that steady gleam of determination—made him nervous. “Surely you don’t mean—”

“I do. All of my married life, Evoric has mocked me and deemed me unappealing.”

“To him mayhap.” Or eunuchs. Otherwise…

Adamantly, she shook her head. “To all men. Or so he says.”

He is such a sleaze. “He’s just trying to make excuses for his own failure.”

“That may be, but I’ll never know for certain unless you look upon me yourself and give me your honest opinion.”

Dear God. How did I get myself into this mess? “I really think ʼtis better if—”

“Griff.” Her violet eyes pleaded with him. “I know I’ve asked a lot from you, but I need this. Otherwise, I’ll wonder about it the rest of my life.”

How could he deny her the chance to rebuild her self-confidence? He took a deep breath, pushed it out, and braced for what would come. “Very well. Show yourself to me.”

Buy Links:

Amazon https://amzn.com/B08RYD2GW8

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8

Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-of-the-raven-judith-sterling/1138556276

Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/return-of-the-raven/id1547199256

Author Bio:

Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Whether penning medieval romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) or young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), her favorite themes include true love, destiny, time travel, healing, redemption, and finding the hidden magic which exists all around us. She loves to share that magic with readers and whisk them far away from their troubles, particularly to locations in the British Isles.

Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.

Social Media Links:

Website – https://judithmarshallauthor.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling

BookBub –  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judith-sterling

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MT3KB7L

The Wild Rose Press – https://www.thewildrosepress.com/authors/judith-sterling

#BackListThursday - FIRST AND AGAIN

Here's a look at FIRST AND AGAIN, which came out in 2013. I hope you enjoy the blurb and excerpt!

Bridget Grant is back in Paradise. Paradise, North Dakota, that is.

She’s swallowed her pride and moved back to her hometown with her daughter after her divorce and the loss of her catering company. Now she’s trying to navigate the strained relationships she’d left behind – including her first love, Jack Davison.

Jack never forgot Bridget, or the day she left town – and him. When Bridget caters a lunch at Jack’s tourist ranch, old flames reignite. They have more in common than ever – Jack’s also a single parent. Though they both try to keep things casual, Bridget, Jack and their girls are starting to look a lot like a family.

But Bridget’s only planning to stay in Paradise until she’s saved enough to relaunch her business. Jack’s invested too much in his ranch to leave. And with their daughters involved both have a lot more at stake than heartbreak. How can they risk falling in love?

Excerpt:

Memories flooded back. Clapping madly as Jack Davison scored the winning touchdown for their high school football team. Her heart racing when he singled her out to dance at the Fall Ball. The sweetness of their first kiss. The thrill of her first love and the anguish when it ended. When I ended it.

His gaze locked with hers and she wondered how he remembered it, if he remembered it at all.

Jack looked lean and fit and very attractive. His sandy-colored hair was free of gray, and though a few lines etched his face, they only made him more handsome. His eyes, fringed by thick, dark lashes, were still the same shade of cornflower blue she’d always loved. Back in the day, one look from those beautiful eyes could turn her knees to water.

Damn it, why did he still have to look so good?

“Hello, Jack.” She extended her hand.

“Hello.” He clasped her hand in a firm shake.

Nerves skittered down her spine. “So what are you doing in Paradise?” Celia had told her years ago that he had married a girl in Houston. Her telephone conversations with her sister had been brief over the years, mostly centering on their husbands and children. She hadn’t wanted to hear news of her old life. “Are you here visiting Celia and Gavin?”

“No, I moved back to Paradise a few years ago. Gavin tells me you’re going to be living here for awhile.”

“Yes.” She started gathering empty glasses from the table, aware of the interested glances from Celia and Gavin’s friends. For the most part, they weren’t being malicious, just curious, but her private life was just that; private.

Tina smiled and leaned forward. “And you’ve been living in San Francisco all these years, Bridget. It must be exciting to live in a big city. What did you do there?”

“Lots of things, but mostly I helped run my ex-husband’s business.”

“Bridget’s being modest,” Celia said. “She’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. She was head chef of the catering company she and her husband owned.”

“Really?” Bridget detected a slightly mocking tone in Tina’s voice. “I imagine you catered a lot of fancy affairs.”

“A few.” Was the emphasis on affairs some kind of dig, a double entendre? She rejected the idea. How could Tina know about Ben’s affair? She glanced toward her mother, mentally willing her to call so she’d have an excuse to leave. Unfortunately, her mother was engrossed in conversation with some older patrons, leaving her no means of escape.

“So why did you leave your catering company?”

“Tina, maybe Bridget doesn’t want to talk about it,” Celia said, a note of warning in her voice.

Tina had always had a knack for finding her weak spots and going straight for the jugular. Bridget’s only hope was to show no fear.

“That’s okay, Celia,” she said. She turned to Tina with what she hoped was a composed expression on her face. “The business went under.”

“Really? What a shame. What went wrong?”

The massive lawsuit might have had something to do with it. “It was probably the downturn in the economy.”

“That’s too bad. And I understand your husband left you after that.”

Her heart dropped into her stomach. She lifted her eyes to Tina’s and in that moment she hated the woman. Though Tina’s face was the picture of innocent inquiry, the predatory gleam in her eyes revealed the enjoyment she took in asking these humiliating questions.

“It was an amicable split.”

“But to leave you without any money and then to take up with a younger woman. Well, that’s just too much.”

She heard her sister’s sharp intake of breath before an embarrassed hush fell over the group.

“Knock it off, Tina,” Jack said.

Tina gave him an indignant glare. “I was just trying to express my sympathy for Bridget’s situation.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Sympathy, my ass.”

Bridget glanced at the horrified expression on her sister’s face. In a moment of weakness, she’d phoned and confided the circumstances of her divorce to Celia. How could Tina have known Ben had left her for a woman fifteen years younger unless Celia had told her? Was this how sisters treated each other? Did one betray confidences and then sit back and watch while the other was publicly humiliated and ridiculed?

She could never trust her again.

Gavin coughed self-consciously. He and the others at the table appeared uncomfortable, but she was past caring about anyone else’s discomfort. Anger welled up inside her, anger at Tina, at Celia, at Ben, at the world in general.

“It’s okay, Jack. Tina’s right. My husband did dump me for a younger woman. But hey, my life’s an open book. Maybe there are other details of my personal life you’d like to discuss.  Perhaps you want to know my bra size or maybe my bank account balance, though I’ve got to warn you, neither is very big. Go ahead, ask me anything.”

They stared at each other for what seemed like ages until Tina shook her head, looking chastised.

“You’re right, it’s none of my business,” she said, sounding remorseful. “I just wondered what brought you back to Paradise after all these years.”

There were many reasons for coming home—poverty, hopelessness, a broken heart. But she had no intention of baring her soul to Tina Wilson.

“I came back to Paradise because I need some space. And plenty of privacy.”

She turned away, her hands shaking as she clutched the empty glasses, but not before she caught what looked like amusement in Jack Davison’s eyes. His expression made her even angrier. How dare he laugh at her?

The glasses clinked together as she haphazardly loaded them into the dishwasher behind the bar. One night in Paradise and she’d already been humiliated. Welcome home, Bridget. If she had enough money for gas and if she thought her old Chevy could withstand the return trip, she’d pack up her daughter and their few meager possessions and head back to San Francisco. Why on earth had she ever come back here?

The answer was simple. She had no place else to go.

:Carina Press | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B & N | Kobo US | Kobo CA | Chapters/Indigo | iBooks | GooglePlay | BAM | Scribd | Walmart

Margaret Ann Spence: JOYEOUS LIES #NewRelease

Fellow Wild Rose Press author Margaret Ann Spence is my guest today. Her new release, Joyous Lies just came out a few days ago and sounds like an intriguing read. I've had the pleasure of reading some of Margaret's short fiction and I can tell you it's wonderful! Welcome Margaret!

Thanks for having me, Jana, as I celebrate the launch of my second novel. Joyous Lies released February 15!

A story of family secrets set on a commune and organic farm in Northern California, Joyous Lies allowed me to learn more about plants, and about farming, too. 

I loved doing the research for this book. Trees do communicate! Michael Pollan’s book, The Botany of Desire, about the amazing power of plants, sent me on a quest to learn more. Richard Powers’ The Overstory made me think about how we carelessly destroy forests, which, emitting oxygen, we need to breathe. That led me to think about political activists, and those Vietnam War resisters who fled up into the woods to escape the draft all those years ago. What actually happened to the hippies? All kinds of thoughts bounced around in my head about idealists who want to make a better world, and the cost of doing so. And so my book was born.

Blurb: 

Maelle Woolley, a shy botanist, prefers plants to people. They don't suddenly disappear. Raised on her grandparents' commune after her mother's mysterious death, she follows the commune's utopian beliefs of love for all. Then she falls for attractive psychiatrist Zachary Kane. When Zachary claims her mother and his father never emerged alive from his father's medical research lab, Maelle investigates. What she discovers will challenge everything she believes, force her to find strength she never knew she had, and confront the commune's secrets and lies. What happened to love? And can it survive?

Excerpt:

The plants, she hoped, would have something to say. 

With the door to the laboratory closed and the sound barriers in place, Maelle fixed acoustic sensors onto two potted plants, situated side by side in a glass dome so even the vibrations of her breath could not disturb them. Above one, she played a recording of the sound of a caterpillar munching leaves. The noise, when magnified so humans could hear it, sounded like the march of eager feet over rough terrain. After twenty minutes, she removed the recording, put on her earphones, and waited. 

She heard it, a faint clicking sound. 

The plants were talking to one another. 

Readers’ Favorites Early Review: “Joyous Lies is a wonderfully written, heartfelt exposition of the way in which families will often bend the truth or outright lie to protect reputations or to soften the blow of mistakes for those who follow behind.” 

To buy the book: https://books2read.com/u/me7RoR

Author Bio:

Born in Melbourne, Australia, I’ve lived in the United States since the age of 23. I worked in publishing, public relations, journalism and in real estate before realizing writing fiction was more fun. My first novel, Lipstick on the Strawberry, also published by The Wild Rose Press, won the 2015 First Coast Romance Writers 2015 Beacon Contest, and in 2019 was a finalist for two book awards.

Having lived on both East and West Coasts I now enjoy Arizona winters. When not at my desk I tend an unruly garden, cook up a storm in the kitchen, and cherish time with my family.

Follow me on social media:

https://www.margaretannspence.com

https://www.facebook.com/margaretannspence

https://www.twitter.com/margaretannspence

https://www.goodreads.com/margaretannspence

#BackListThursday!

 This Thursday I have four books on my backlist to tell you about! The e-book versions of all 4 books are on sale for 50% off the regular price at Amazon. But hurry! Sale ends tomorrow, February 19. 

All three books in my Left at the Altar Series are 50% off!

Her Best Man

Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? How is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Even worse, how can she keep from falling in love with him? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Best-Man-ebook/dp/B004I6E4ZY

There Goes the Groom

Eight years ago Tony left Olivia at the altar, sure she didn't really want to marry him. Now he's back, and they're forced to work together.

Coming home isn't easy for Tony. The choices he’s made with his career and his life have resulted in an uncomfortable relationship with his father. Even before Tony's return, Olivia began questioning the depth of her love for her fiancé, a man she chose because he was safe and reliable. The last thing she wants is a faithless marriage like the one her parents suffered through.

When Tony, who never stopped loving her, insists her fiancé is the wrong man for her, Olivia sets out to prove him wrong. But the sexual chemistry between them is still strong, and so are her feelings for him. Even so, how can she break her engagement, hurt her fiancé as she was once hurt? And how can she trust Tony not to abandon her like he did before?

If anyone does the jilting this time, she will.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/There-Goes-the-Groom-ebook/dp/B00CUQR7RG

Always a Bridesmaid

Dani Dipietro has always considered herself an ugly duckling in a family of swans. She's the bridesmaid her friends count on, but never the woman any man wants for his bride. So she plays the funny girl and guards her emotions, and her secrets, closely.

When Zach Morrison was dumped at his wedding, Dani was there to help him through the humiliation. A year later they meet again and once more Zach needs her help. To fend off the unwanted attentions of his former fiancé, he asks Dani to pretend to be his girlfriend. They play their roles a little too well, and make believe turns into reality. But their relationship comes crashing down around them when Zach's trust issues cause him to accuse Dani of cheating. Telling the truth means that Dani will betray a friend, something she will never do. But keeping her secrets means she may be destined to remain a bridesmaid forever.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Bridesmaid-Left-At-Altar-ebook/dp/B00HX34F94

And one more book! A LONG WAY FROM EDEN will also be 50% off until February 19. Get your e-copy now!

Zane Martin's teenage daughter is pregnant. Meg Evan's son is the baby's father. Because Zane grew up not knowing who his father was, he'll be damned if he'll let his grandchild live with that shame. Meg was forced into an abusive marriage because of an unplanned pregnancy, so she knows that love is the only good reason to marry. Neither Meg nor Zane expects or welcomes the attraction that sparks between them. As they await the impending birth of their grandchild, old wounds open and long hidden family secrets come to light. The young couple builds a newer, stronger relationship, while Meg and Zane reach for a love passionate enough to overcome the past--if they're strong enough to trust it...and each other.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Eden-ebook/dp/B004I6E80U

#NewRelease in the Spirited Quest series by Julie Howard

Julie Howard makes a return visit to Journeys with Jana. She's here to celebrate the release of Spirit in Time, a new addition to the Spirited Quest series. Welcome Julie!  

Blending fact and fiction 

There’s a lot of truth embedded in my latest ghost story. Spirit in Time is set in 1872 Sacramento, California – post-Gold Rush and at the dawning of the Gilded Age. I chose a real setting, the Crocker Museum, a lovely building I loved to roam when we lived in that city. Part of the attraction of the museum to me – aside from its stunning collection – was its unusual history. Two of the three buildings that comprise the museum were once the home of the wealthy and powerful Crocker family.

At least one member of that family, Amy Crocker (who later changed her first name to Aimee), professed to having seen a ghost in the mansion. Amy, a fascinating character who went on to marry a series of European princes and appears as a young precocious girl in my story.

My characters, of course, are completely fictional. And their interactions with the real people in this story must be fictional too. But I read enough about the family, and especially Amy, to create a few brief scenes that are faithful to the spirit of the people involved.

Amy Crocker wrote a memoir called “And I’d Do it Again. The Extraordinary Adventures of an Edwardian Heiress.” In it, she professes to also have married a Hawaiian king, lived in a Sultan’s harem, and escaped headhunters in Borneo. Certainly, she was an heiress and a rule-breaker in a time when women of her class were expected to marry a man of power and take their place at the highest level of society.

Amy defied expectations. She traveled the world, had numerous affairs and adventures, and settled in New York to throw wild bohemian parties that involved snakes and elephants.

Fictional glimpses of Amy as a little girl appear in my story. She plays a side role in the plot. I enjoyed weaving a bit of this wonderfully outrageous person into my latest novel.

Spirit in Time released this week, and is the third in my Spirited Quest mysteries series.

Blurb:

Time is not on her side.

Time travel isn't real. It can't be real. But ghost-blogger Jillian Winchester discovers otherwise when an enigmatic spirit conveys her to 1872 to do his bidding. 

Jillian finds herself employed as a maid in Sacramento, in an elegant mansion with a famous painting. The artwork reveals another mystery: Why does the man within look exactly like her boyfriend, Mason Chandler? 

Morality and sin live side by side, not only in the picture, but also within her. As her transgressions escalate, she races the clock to find the man in the painting, and hunt down a spirit with a disconcerting gift. 

But will time be her friend or foe?

Excerpt:

“Are you a ghost?” A young girl stood where the guard had been only minutes before. She spoke matter- of-factly, her dark eyes alive with curiosity. 

The house was still whole, she was alive, and the world hadn’t ended. Jillian scanned the room for damage, then blinked. This must be a dream. The long dining table—bare just moments ago—was now laid for a meal. Glasses sat upright, forks and spoons lined up in perfect order, and a tall flower arrangement appeared unscathed. A crystal chandelier above the table remained perfectly still. 

The guard and Asian man were nowhere in sight. 

The girl, dressed neatly in a calf-length white pinafore embellished with pink ribbons, didn’t appear rattled by the cataclysmic jolt. 

“What happened?” Jillian asked, still crouched on her knees. “Are you okay?” 

“You don’t belong here. Mother will be angry.” 

Even though the floor had ceased to shake, the roiling continued in her head. Might this very real looking girl be a spirit? Most apparitions wavered in some manner, their appearances paler and less there than the tangible world around them. This child appeared solid in every way, from the tips of her shiny chestnut hair to the toes of her lace-up black shoes. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LslC9S

iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781509235100

Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3qaFAF5

About the author:

Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime and Spirited Quest mystery series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild, editor of the Potato Soup Journal, and founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.

Website: http://juliemhoward.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Howard/e/B07D6CS4NQ/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-howard?list=author_books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward

Follow her on Instagram: @authorjuliehoward 

#BacklistThursday - CHILL OUT

 My .99cent sale on CHILL OUT continues, but only until February 12, 2021. Enjoy Renata and Noah's (and Spike's) Valentine adventure!

Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?”  Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.

Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead. 

As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?

Excerpt:

“I can’t let fresh snow like this go to waste.”

She let herself fall backward into the snow, then moved her arms and legs in a windshield-wiper fashion.

“What are you doing?” Noah asked.

“Didn’t you ever make snow angels when you were a kid?”

“Maybe when I was a kid.” His tone told her he thought snow angels were meant to stay in childhood. Didn’t he play anymore?

“Come on, give it a try. It’s fun.”

“Okay, but if one of my extremities freezes off, it’s your fault.”

With that, he fell backwards beside her. Renata laughed in delight.

“See? Isn’t that fun?”

Noah flapped his arms and legs in the snow with a huge smile on his face. “Yeah, it kind of is.”

“You know what else is fun?”

He turned to look at her. “What?”

Renata grabbed a mitt-full of snow. “Giving face washes.”

She pushed the snow into his face before jumping up. He sputtered for a moment and brushed snow from his face before leaping to his feet.

“Now you’ve done it!”

Laughing, Renata ran toward the cottage, but Noah was too fast for her. He caught her around the waist and spun her around.

“I should dunk you in the snow for that!”

“But you won’t. You’re too much of a gentleman.”

“You’d be surprised at how ungentlemanly I feel right now.”

Her breath stopped at the look in his eyes. He crushed her against his body and lowered his head to kiss her. The cold skin of his face contrasted with the heat of his mouth. He tasted sweet, like blueberries and sugar, and she swept his mouth with her tongue to taste every bit of him. 

Sale Buy Links:

Amazon  ~  B & N  ~  iBooks

RISE FOR ME, #NewRelease from Kristal Dawn Harris

Kristal Dawn Harris is my guest today with her new vampire romance, RISE FOR ME, which released February 1, 2021. Have a look at this steamy novella!

Blurb: 

Vampire and warlock, Roman Lee, spent centuries alone as ringmaster of the carnival. After befriending and healing a scarred, young woman, Roman realizes Mariah is his mate. He waits for her, but when she departs from his life, his torture knows no bounds. Now he's risen, unforgiving and angry, forced from his grave by the one woman who captured his heart, but will another secret and the call of his mate change everything?

The steady call of Roman's blood and the promise of peace brings Mariah Stone home to the carnival and the vampire she left behind. He ignores her until she forces him from the grave with her blood. His anger crushes her already broken spirit, but she is determined to win Roman's forgiveness and free him from their bond. Denied passion leads them down a path of magic and desire, while a devastating secret threatens eternal love.

Excerpt:

Mariah stopped directly over where she knew Roman rested. Her own blood surged in her veins every time she stepped on the worn plank. She tilted her head, listening to the call of his blood and the beat of his heart. Lizzie said he wasn’t feeding as much as he should, so there was one sure way to bring Roman out of his grave. She searched the room for something sharp until her gaze landed on a small, jeweled pocketknife. She grabbed it off the table and pulled the blade out of its slot. It was dull, but it would work.

Mariah placed the small blade against her left palm, then held it over the spot where she knew Roman rested. With one downward swipe, the blade pierced her flesh, opening a one-inch gash. Blood poured from the wound and dripped onto the rough, wooden floor planks. She crouched and held her palm over the crack between the boards, making sure the blood reached Roman. With a deep breath, she gathered her courage as her blood continued to splatter in droplets between the planks. The room seemed to groan, and every trinket vibrated when she finally called to the other half of her soul in a loud, demanding voice. “Rise for me, Roman Lee.”

Buy Link:

Rise for Me | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store! (books2read.com)

Teaser trailer:  Rise for Me - YouTube

Author Bio:

Kristal Dawn Harris is an award-winning, Rone nominated, American romance author. She has been married for 27 years and has two children. Kristal finished a degree from Miami University in Accounting Technology, but quickly realized she preferred words over numbers. She is an avid reader and, in particular, loves darker paranormal romance. Her hobbies include coin collecting, physical fitness, stained-glass art (beginner), poetry, and song writing.

Kristal primarily writes for her publisher, The Wild Rose Press, although it should be noted she has self-released several books. She writes paranormal, fantasy, erotic, as well as contemporary romance in different lengths.

You can find out more about Kristal and her books at www.kristalharris.com.

Social Media Links:

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#BackListThursday - CHILL OUT

 Just in time for the most romantic day of the year, CHILL OUT, my Valentine's Day novella, is on sale for .99 cents. Get your copy now!

Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?”  Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.

Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead. 

As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?

Excerpt:

“Dylan wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend, and in some ways, he was like a father. When our mother died, he petitioned the court to make him my legal guardian so I wouldn’t have to go into care. He made sure I studied, pushed me to apply to med school, helped me with expenses.”

“He sounds like a wonderful big brother.”

His lips curved in a sad smile and Renata’s heart ached for him. “He was, and I know he’s going to be an amazing father. I want this animosity between us to end. I want my brother back.” His voice cracked. “But I’m not sure he feels the same way. I said some ugly things…”

“Perhaps, with the baby coming, he wants to mend the rift between you as much as you do.” She hoped she was right.

“Maybe. I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m going to phone Dylan and try to arrange a meeting.”

“It’ll work out. You’ll see.”

He leaned toward her, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with his smile. “I appreciate the pep rally.”

“Well, I was a cheerleader in high school. Rah, Rah.”

He laughed softly, then cupped her face with his hand, his thumb idly stroking her cheek. Her breath hitched at his tender touch. “Thank you for making this easier for me, Renata.”

He leaned in and her heart pounded in anticipation of his kiss. When his lips touched hers, a firestorm of longing ignited inside her. She strained toward him, needing his kiss, needing to heal his pain. His lips parted against hers, and she opened her mouth eagerly, reveling in his taste as his tongue danced with hers. The world faded away, and nothing existed for her except this man and all the tenderness she felt for him. It felt so right to kiss him, so perfectly, completely right.

Sale Buy Links:

Amazon  ~  B & N  ~  iBooks

Love and Romance Book Festival

Calling all romance readers! It’s more than candy hearts, chocolates and flowers at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Love and Romance Book Festival. 46 romance books featured plus a chance to win one of the following:

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

Enter the Rafflecopter here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775095

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, CHILL OUT, will be featured on February 1. Wait until you read my romantic tip to enhance your love life. You won’t want to miss it.

Bookmark this festival and tell your friends:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/chill-out-lrbf

#NewRelease from Margot Johnson - LOVE LEADS THE WAY

My guest today is Margot Johnson, a fellow Wild Rose Press author, and  also a fellow member of my writing group, Saskatchewan Romance Writers. Her second book, Love Leads the Way, releases February 17, 2021. Meanwhile, her first book, Love Takes Flight, is on sale right now. Both books are at the sale prices until February 26. Best of luck with your new release, Margot!

Blurb for Love Leads the Way:

Single mom Tessa runs a successful leadership program at work and supports a mother with dementia. She can handle any challenge in her jam-packed schedule as long as nothing spins out of control…especially her feelings.

Engineer Mark is an expert on pipelines at the same company, but his interpersonal skills need a makeover. Advancing to an executive job requires enrollment in a leadership course he doesn't think he needs.

When their professional and personal issues entangle, life at the office gets a lot more complicated. Romance is impossible…or is it?

Excerpt from Love Leads the Way:

“Tell me what you know about Leadership Camp.” Tessa worked down the list of standard questions she always used to screen candidates for the program. Just because Mark earned executive endorsement didn’t mean he could skip the usual selection process. She remained alert for signs of his infamous, clipped attitude.

“I’d rather you describe it.” He gripped the chair arms.

“I’ll get to the details.” Tessa sipped water. His abrupt tone was just short of snappish. With a full hour booked, she wouldn’t rush through the process. “I always like to hear what people know about the program. If your learning expectations are way off my expectations, we have a challenge on our hands.” She plunked a palm on the table and flipped it for emphasis.

 “I really have no expectations. Liz and Don recommended it.”

“You must have picked up things from the class alumni?” She took time to breathe and examine his expression. Staring out the window, Mark’s eyes were icy pellets.

“People say the course is a big time commitment and starts with a retreat for a few days at an actual camp. The group meets four days a week for three weeks.”

Tessa nodded. “Yes, what else?” She fixed on his blue eyes.

“I gather you play games. Sometimes, people cry.” He raised his eyebrows. “I heard the class produces results. The people who participate are often the next ones to get promotions.” Mark swept a hand through the front of his hair.

“Oh, I see.” Tessa sized up his commitment. He appeared more human with a few hairs out of place. She had yet to see him smile. Under the surface, he either held a natural reserve or a trace of arrogance. Whatever the cause, no doubt, he was anything but excited.

Buy Links, Love Leads the Way:  Amazon.ca  ~  Amazon US

Blurb for Love Takes Flight:

After the devastating loss of her husband, Erin Humphrey is rebuilding her life. She runs the Canine Corner dog kennel in Moose, Saskatchewan. Then a prairie blizzard strikes just as Erin’s family arrives for the weekend, followed by a handsome but a difficult client, Drew Dixon.

 A daring jet pilot, Drew is a magnet for Erin’s young son Noah, upsetting Erin who is terrified of flying. Drew is at a crossroads because of a career-threatening mistake. Despite an icy start, the couple warm to each other, sparking an undeniable attraction. But will their secret fears keep Erin and Drew’s love from soaring?

Buy Links, Love Takes Flight:  Amazon.ca  ~  Amazon US

Sale details: both books on sale now to Feb. 26:

Love Leads the Way, will be released February 17. It's an office romance between leaders at home and at work who definitely need lessons in love! You can pre-order the Kindle edition now for just $3.81 / US $2.99.

Love Takes Flight is a fun, sweet romance between a daring jet pilot and a woman who owns a dog kennel business. This feel-good story explores themes of trust, resilience and pursuing your dreams. The ebook is on sale now for just $1.26 / US .99.

Follow Margot on Amazon: Amazon.ca  ~  Amazon US

Author Bio:

Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and is the author of two novels. 

Her newest book is Love Leads the Way, a sweet office romance that brings together clashing coworkers who are leaders at work and at home. They unlock new feelings as they deal with challenging work, single parenthood, and mothers with dementia.

 Love Takes Flight is her first novel, a fun, sweet romance between a daring jet pilot and a woman who owns a dog kennel business. This feel-good story explores themes of trust, resilience and pursuing your dreams. 

Before turning her focus to writing, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. When not writing, she connects with family and friends, volunteers with the Saskatchewan Writers Guild and SK Book Awards, and walks at least 10,000 steps a day. Her beloved golden retriever Sophie is the real-life inspiration for her loyal canine characters. 

Margot lives with her husband in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Social media links: 

https://www.facebook.com/MargotJohnsonAuthor

https://twitter.com/AuthorMargot