Marie Astor joins us today to introduce us to her contemporary romance THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE, and I’m excited! This book was selected for the first round of Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel contest this year, so it’s a great one to get to know. *grins* Let’s take a closer look!
THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE | blurb
Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet, it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises – and who could fit the prerequisite better than the stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in love with another woman.
A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell, has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation, most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one’s perfect match – sometimes following one’s heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.
THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE | excerpt
Alec put down the paint roller and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. Man, he was beat – he had forgotten how grueling physical labor could be. Sure, he worked out six days a week, not to mention daily dance practice, but painting walls made him discover muscles he did know he had. Every bit of his body throbbed, but at least he had gotten the job done – the south wall was painted red, and the other three were white. Now, all he needed was wait for the paint to dry so that he could add a silhouette of a tango couple against the red background – that ought to complete the ambiance.
He opened the small fridge and reached for a bottle of orange juice. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat; holding the now half-empty bottle, Alec walked over to the window to check out his new view. All in all he was happy with his new digs: the rent was reasonable and the view was not bad either – from the top floor he had an unobstructed view of Second Avenue – not exactly the poshest of locations, but it would do. In a couple of days, once the paint smell would air out, he could move in.
Alec was not picky when it came to living quarters, as long as he had plenty of open space, which was why when the real estate agent showed him the top floor converted loft on Second Avenue and Eightieth Street, he signed the lease immediately. One thing he had not counted on was fussy neighbors. Alec smiled, thinking of the unexpected visitor from the morning. “Claire,” he mouthed her name, remembering her tousled chestnut hair and hazel eyes – even that bulky bathrobe she had been wearing could not conceal the shapely outlines of her body.
Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What was all that about? he wondered – as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think of a way to become more neighborly.
“Think of the devil,” Alec murmured, taking another gulp of orange juice as he spotted the subject of his thoughts exiting the lobby. Someone must have a hot night planned, he thought, his eyes examining every detail of Claire’s outfit, which was far more flattering than the bathrobe he remembered from this morning. Now, she was dressed in a little black number that fitted her body to a T – his instincts had been right, from long, shapely legs to firm, flat stomach to wonderfully full breasts, her body was downright perfect, and the way her chestnut mane bounced down her back made Alec want to get to know his neighbor better. Heading out for a night on the town, Alec mused – it was Saturday night after all, and he was glad to remark the absence of a male companion by Claire’s side. Suddenly, his new building looked even more appealing.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is a love story about finding one’s perfect match – sometimes following one’s heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.
This Tangled Thing Called Love, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.
Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Dance Me to the Stars, On the Rim of Love, and Lucky Charm. Marie Astor has also authored a collection of short stories A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.
Marie’s latest contemporary romance novel, Dance Me to the Stars, has been selected in the first round of entries in the General Fiction category in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest this year.
Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – a first installment in her romantic suspense series.
There is a tour-wide giveaway with entry via Rafflecopter, but since free WordPress won’t play with Rafflecopter *at all* I am directing you to the main tour page to enter the giveaway. Click here to go to entry form. But before you go, check out what you can win!
Those are gorgeous! To follow the rest of the tour, please click here for the complete schedule. Marie, it’s been a pleasure having you visit. Readers, thank you all so much for being here, and we look forward to your comments. ;c) Have a fantastic day, everyone!
Get lost in the Mac Coinnich Time Travel Series! Click image for more information.
Catherine Bybee is back, and she’s brought an e-copy of her best-seller HIGHLAND SHIFTER to give away to one lucky reader. I have to tell you guys, I *loved* this book (you can read my review here) and it’s a real thrill to welcome Catherine so she can introduce this story to you all. Just brace yourselves — this first question holds some pretty mind-blowing stats. *grin* Shall we?
Welcome, Catherine! Yep, I’m going to say it. You are a (*deep breath*) New York Times Bestselling Author, USA Today Bestselling Author, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, and #1 Indie Reader Bestselling Author. Even with that staggering list of accomplishments, it *can’t* get old, LOL. So how did it feel to add each of these outstanding titles to your list of accomplishments?
First, thanks again for having me here, Sarah. I love being on your blog.
Okay…let me see if I can capture how this all felt (*deep breath*) Holy Mary Mother of…Son of a witches…You’ve got to be flippin’ kidding…Damn! – Kinda like that. It doesn’t get old. At least not yet. I hope I never forget how amazing these past few months have been. Just think, the last time I was on your blog I was asking yours and my readers to give a Bybee contemporary a chance. Boy did they! It’s amazing, Sarah. And I do think with all the changes happening in publishing there will be more and more writers making these lists.
I’m totally living through you. (No worries. I’ll wipe the drool off my chin before I get too close, lol.) That’s awesome, and I love how gracious you are. I’m thrilled to see your success! Are you a full time author, or do you have a “day job”?
Oh, no…I write full time now!
Living the dream, woman! LOL. Can you introduce readers to HIGHLAND SHIFTER? Share with us something we won’t find in the blurb!
Highland Shifter is the first part of my next three time travels. Because Simon grew up in the first trilogy my fans wanted to read his story. And as my readers know, I can’t just let my previous characters fade into the background so everyone has a part in my time travel books. It’s like a family reunion.
And I will personally vouch for the fact this story stands alone. Readers don’t need to read the first three books, but I’m betting they’ll want to keep going by the time they finish, LOL! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of HIGHLAND SHIFTER?
I think my readers will be shocked at how the story ends. Not only do I leave a HEA, but I leave a big hint about the next book. All of which will be worth waiting for!
Definitely a great ending! And I totally agree with your assessment. Let’s have some fun with HIGHLAND SHIFTER. What’s the first sentence?
Current Day, Los Angeles…
Energy buzzed down Helen’s spine until she shivered with the electrical current her gift created.
Plenty of reasons to keep reading there, LOL! What’s your favorite line in the book?
Oh, that’s easy!
Her kilt wearing, animal talking, fire starting, druid, gorilla-man had figured out how to move them back in time.
Followed quickly by the next two lines…
Which meant Helen was about to experience medieval Scotland for a second time. Oh, joy. The first was so much fun. Why not do it again?
LOL! Those are really good, especially consider how the first trip went. (For those not in the know, let’s just say it was harrowing. *grin*) How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!
Didn’t I just do that? Oh, okay…another one it is! *rolls eyes* Sarah is so demanding! Keep in mind that Simon is a shifter.
…when a deep, rumbling purr filled the room, Helen couldn’t control herself any longer and glanced over her shoulder.
In the middle of Simon’s kilt and discarded shirt, stood a two hundred pound black panther.
Helen’s heart raced to her throat.
Oh, yeah. That’s an amazing moment in the story. On the flip side, which scene of HIGHLAND SHIFTER was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The scene when Amber says goodbye to her family. I cried like a baby. Why…because breaking her away from the family was needed, and painful all at the same time.
I totally sobbed while reading that. I kept thinking of my own kids and … well, meltdown. And you know it’s beautifully written to to evoke such emotion. *grin* Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?
I think the panther scene above from Helen’s POV would be steller!
Um, yeah! LOL. What inspired the title of HIGHLAND SHIFTER?
Duah…Highland Shifter. Speaks for itself. LOL
That it does! Throw some more titles at me … what are you currently working on?
Married by Monday, my follow up to Wife by Wednesday. But then I have a fantastic story coming in October with a publisher. Details to follow, but it has a Christmas/Holiday theme. Hint, hint…and of course Amber’s story. I’m busy, what can I say?
Great news for your readers! And let’s make ‘em happy right now … here’s a closer look at the featured book.
HIGHLAND SHIFTER | blurb
Helen Adams has a knack for finding lost objects, but the Simon McAllister she finds isn’t what she expected. The missing California teen is now a grown man—a kilted, sword wielding, Highland warrior.
A mysterious Druid book and Helen’s sixth sense send her to Scotland in search of a missing boy. After being attacked by strange men dressed in medieval garb, a handsome, desirable hero answering to the boy’s name rescues her. No one is more surprised than she to find herself in sixteenth century Scotland. Unable to deny the reality of time travel, Helen discovers smoldering passion with a man destined to leave her.
Simon has lived his Druid life in two very different worlds, two vastly different times, and when Helen practically lands in his lap, he knows his life is about to change forever. There are enemies in California lying in wait for her, and an army in Scotland closing in on his family. Simon is the only person who can protect her. But when she learns his most guarded secret, will she still want him? Can Helen love a Highland Shifter?
CATHERINE BYBEE | bio & links
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California.
She loves hearing from her readers so feel free to visit her at:
As promised, there’s an e-copy of HIGHLAND SHIFTER going to one lucky reader. To enter, simply comment with your email address and random.org will select a winner at the close of the giveaway. And just for fun (not required to enter), share with us the time and place to which you’d most like to travel in time. What draws you there?
On that note, I’d like to thank you all for being *here* today, and I’m really looking forward to those answers! ;c) Catherine, as always it has been a true pleasure. Thanks so much for sharing this fantastic story with us. Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Have a little RENDEZVOUS of your own! Click image for more information.
Ready to kick off another week? Today we’re joined by Lynne Connolly and her erotic romance novella RENDEZVOUS AT MIDNIGHT. Y’all, I saw the blurb for this story and I was hooked. Anything that starts with “A haunted ocean liner” is sooo on my wish list, and I think after you read this guest blog you’ll agree this sounds like a fascinating story. Lynne, welcome, and take it away!
Lynn Connolly: A Haunted Ocean Liner – how ridiculous!
Q: Lynne, what inspired you to write “Rendezvous at Midnight”?
My inspiration for “Rendezvous at Midnight” came from a real life example!
Years ago I saw a TV program called “Most Haunted,” a UK program where the participants went to a reputedly haunted location and had a tour, and then a séance. The program usually ended with a lot of screaming, and towards the end was more about sensationalism than true investigation.
However, it was amusing, and occasionally thought-provoking. One of these took place on the old “Queen Mary” and in particular, they claimed to have discovered wet footprints on the site of the old plunge pool. That remained with me, and when I wanted to write a ghost story, I finally got to use it.
Q: But you put the child of a vampire into the story! Where did he come from?
I’ve written about vampires for years, and created a world that is consistent over all my paranormals. “Rendezvous at Midnight” gave me a chance to write about an aspect I’d wanted to cover for years – ghosts and what the children of vampires who aren’t vampires themselves do. In my world, there are no hybrids, so if a vampire makes love to a mortal, they could have a vampire child, or a mortal one. Michael is a non-vampire, but the children of vampires have another gift, which some claim is a curse—they can see and communicate with ghosts.
Q: Do you believe in ghosts?
I certainly do! As a child, I lived in a haunted house!
Q: How chilling! Tell us more!
We had a shop in the city of Leicester that was made of three houses, and was across the road from St. Margaret’s Church, a fifteenth century church that had a lot of influence at one time. We used to hear footsteps where there was nobody, and hear noises. In our bathroom, a converted bedroom, a strange light used to appear on the wall. I hated that light, and I used to have very fast baths!
Q: So you used your knowledge of ghosts in the book?
Not really. I decided to incorporate ghosts into my paranormal world, so I decided that ghosts are sometimes restless spirits who needed closure. Michael Scott is a medium who helps them get that closure, but he needs to earn a living, so he works for a TV franchise, “Ghosts at Home,” which visits haunted locations and compiles an hour long TV program on them. There are several teams of camera, presenter and mediums. Lisa Perez is the presenter, and someone Michael has wanted for a long time. Once she has ended her current relationship, Michael sees his chance, and moves in.
Q: How does Lisa fit in to the story?
Her mother died aboard the “Gem of The Sea” and Lisa wants to find out what happened, as she was never happy about the outcome, which involved a prominent politician. She’s always suspected a coverup. However, she doesn’t suspect that her mother is one of the ghosts!
Q: So the story is ghosts, vampire children, and…?
Hot sex. Yes, there is some coming together in this book. Quite a lot, really. Michael has wanted Lisa for a long time, and Lisa has been thinking and fantasizing guiltily about Michael, so when they finally get it on, it’s action all the way!
RENDEZVOUS AT MIDNIGHT | blurb
A haunted ocean liner, a woman with a family mystery to solve, and a man who can talk to ghosts—what do they have in common? A timeless love and the very real threat of murder, that’s what.
Lisa, a host for the TV program Ghost at Home, and Michael, a medium also for the program, share a past together. But it remains to be seen if they have a future….
When the program gets offered to spend a weekend of ghost-hunting on The Gem of the Sea, Lisa sees her chance to discover what really happened to her mother the day she died on the great ocean liner. But over the course of one passion-filled weekend, Lisa and Michael must fight a malevolence the likes of which neither has encountered before.
Will they win or become two more of the unquiet spirits haunting the old ship?
I was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!
My mother’s side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven’t any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I’ve always had an interest in the paranormal and it’s been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
Sarah here: Lynne, what a fantastic post! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing this story with us. (And I wasn’t kidding … you had me at “haunted ocean liner,” LOL!) Readers, I hope you’ll welcome Lynne with your comments. *grin* Have a wonderful day, everyone!
In this six, Holden approaches the beach house where he believes Julia is held by a killer.
Keeping to the ornamental grasses and what little bit of cover the landscaping offered, Holden crept closer. When he was out of hiding spots, he darted to the first of several pilings holding the house a dozen feet off the ground. He drew several deep breaths. It occurred to him (BLEEP) might not even be inside, but Holden didn’t dwell on the possibility—especially considering a property search in neighboring counties didn’t turn up a thing.
Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her … and this time he’s got a gun. UNFORGIVEN … click image.
Congratulations to nancy777ca(at)etc, this week’s gift card winner! If you’d like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You’ll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.
Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they’re thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime.
Here, Riley has just walked into her house for the first time since days before when Gage showed up in her living room, an encounter that ended with shots fired, shattering her front window. Now she’s dealing with the reality of losing him all over again.
Riley tucked her bag to her side and hugged her arms to her chest. She didn’t want to go in the front room, but she knew she’d never sleep until she put that particular task behind her. From her position in the doorway, the broken glass reminded her of the bullet that took a chunk out of Gage and her heart lurched, her emotions sprawling like the shards across the floor.
The window beckoned.
Glass crunched underfoot, but she kept her attention to the outdoors. She scanned the woods, the hairs on the back of her neck drawing to attention when she thought of a murderer there, waiting. He’d probably watched her drive up that day and let herself through the front door. Why hadn’t he killed her then? Chills raced down her spine, electrifying her limbs. The thought of dying didn’t bother her nearly as much as the thought of dying without knowing Gage again. What she wouldn’t give to have the past twelve months back.
She backed from the window, and her gaze swept the bloodstain Dawson left on the floor. In the waning light, it gaped black and threatening. Unsettled, sickened by thesight, she gasped and backpedaled, stumbling over her own feet in an attempt to put distance between her and the bloodshed.
For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.
UNFORGIVEN
Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he’s got a gun.
When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage’s former lover, Riley. He and she didn’t part ways on good terms, and he’s not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he’s got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.
A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options: trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.
Sarah here: Today I’m thrilled to welcome author Angela Aaron to the stage with her newest release, THE FIRE OF BELTANE. I’m about halfway through this book and I’ve got to tell you all, the writing is just exquisite. I hope you all enjoy this introduction to this captivating story. Angela, take it away!
ANGELA AARON
Feel good romance at its barest. Feel the heat.
***
THE FIRE OF BELTANE
When the impossible becomes possible and dreams do come true…literally
When Aedan is denied his soul mate that fateful Beltane night, he is given the gift of immortality, permitting him to wait for her prophesized return. Reunited after eleven-hundred years, he is disheartened to learn his true love holds no memory of him.
Wishing for a distraction from the winter doldrums, Aislinn never expected to be caught up in a whirlwind of magic and danger with a man she has spent her whole life dreaming about. What he asks of her tests the very reality she holds dear.
Now, as Beltane approaches, and with time running out, Aedan and Aislinn must reach Ireland to pledge their love to one another. But in order to live out their destinies, they must overcome an ancient foe determined to see an end to their fated love.
Eleven hundred years he waited for her. He could lose her in a single moment.
Content warning: Sizzling graphic love scenes, ancient public fertility ceremony
A Note from Angela:
Hi. Thanks for inviting me to introduce my newest Erotic Romance, The Fire of Beltane.
Imagine this: It is 6:30 a.m. on a freezing February morning. The air is biting crisp and the sky is clear. It is “nose-hair-sticking” cold. There isn’t another soul around as I pull into the parking lot of work. I have no desire to get out of my warm car and instead decide to finish my coffee and mumble about the winter doldrums. I look to my left and there is the biggest, brightest full moon I’ve ever seen and it captivates my full attention. Being the hopeless romantic I am, found myself wondering how much magic that moon really has, and wouldn’t it be grand if I walked inside the building and stepped into an adventure with a handsome alpha hero. Well, the whimsical thought came and went and I eventually braved the cold and headed into work. As I entered the building the thought came to me that I should write down what I was just thinking and make a story out of the experience. That’s how The Fire of Beltane was born.
I spent the next few months observing and jotting down notes and ideas that kept flooding my brain. I developed my characters from watching the people around me. My heroine, Aislinn (pronounced Ashlynn) is the combination of 3 different people and my Hero Aedan, on the other hand is pure made-up alpha fantasy. I love to write strong but flawed and terribly perfect heroes because that is what I like to read. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
The Fire of Beltane is a story full of sizzling romance, magic and mystery; where the impossible becomes possible. It’s a story where dreams come true…literally.
It is a feel good story at its barest! The love scenes are hot-hot-hot, but it can be no other way for Aedan and Aislinn.
And yes…I did write the “moon” scene into the story.
THE FIRE OF BELTANE | Interview with Aedan
Sarah here. We have a special treat today, as Aedan has agreed to join us for a few questions. (*whispers* You guys are going to LOVE this!) Aedan, welcome!
Hi Ya Lass,
Thanks for havin me on yer blog. Ms Aaron spoke verra highly of ya, and suggested I give a few questions a go. So…I’m ready and willin (and I do have a twinkle in me eye sayin that!)
The pleasure is all ours, Aedan! I have to say, I love your story. You waited so long for Aislinn. How did you not lose hope?
Eleven hundred years is a verra long time to be waitin on someone. I dinnae think it ‘twould be that long. I did start loosin a bit of hope toward the end, just before meeting Aislinn. I became restless and frightened the magic wouldnae last. I feared my existence was destined to be eternal and empty. But now I ken the restlessness was my spirit awaking, preparing me for once again meeting Aislinn.
Now, donnae go thinkin me a saint. I’m nae even close. I am a mon after all. I did have lasses warmin me bed on occasion. They were a wee bit of comfort on lonely nights but nothing more. My heart always did and always will belong to Aislinn.
What was the moment like when you saw her for the first time? How did the feelings compare to when you first met her in her previous life?
Och, Ms. Ballance. Ye have to ken when I met Aislinn in the past, I already had a sense of her in me heart from the age of eight. She was always a part of me, as I was a part of her. When me brother destroyed our union and she taken away, her feelins vanished from inside me. I was so empty I didnae ken if I would be able to survive. I missed her so much. But ’twas the promise of one day finding her that kept me goin. When I saw her again, standin in the gift shop, all the sensations of her came flooding through me with such force, for a moment I dinnae ken what was happenin. I could feel her again. That warm “thrum” inside me that would only grow and entwine with my soul with the coming Beltane. There are nae words to describe how that feels. ‘Tis magic.
When did you first find out of your brother Brennis’s intentions?
I hadnae done any magic for a verra long time. Your world isnae so accepting, you ken. But ’twas necessary that night on the beach at Aislinn’s grandmare’s cottage. I had to find out who was trying to harm Aislinn. I scared her that night, with the power I wielded, but because of that power, I was able to learn Brennis was alive and continued to plot against me. I should have known he’d continue to torment me long after he should have been dead.
Looking back over everything you went through to get back to Aislinn, is there anything you’d do differently?
Och, Christ Lass, I wouldnae have waited so long! I would undo all the pain and heartache Aislinn went through, but ’twas not in my power to change any of it. Only the Lady knew when the time would be right, when our destinies would meet.
Are ya satisified with these answers, Ms. Ballance? I’m needin to get back to my woman, now. She’s givin me a verra hungry look and I’m thinking I can quench her appetite.
Oh, dear. Have at her, Aedan. (And don’t mind Ms. Aaron taking notes over there in the corner while you’re … quenching. It’s an author thing. *wink*) As for the rest of us, let’s indulge in a little excerpt, shall we?
THE FIRE OF BELTANE | excerpt
Aislinn nervously peaked out the window for the hundredth time to make sure she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Surely, no one would find her up here. But every little noise made her jump. She was having second thoughts about her decision to flee Aedan’s hotel last night. This seemed a pattern with her, fleeing when things
seemed too impossible. And impossible they were, and unlikely, and unreal, and unbelievable and all the other “uns” she could think of.
She paced across the small living room, stopping to warm her hands by the fire and to turn over her jeans, which were hanging over a chair drying out. She hadn’t planned this little escape very well and hadn’t prepared for such rough arrangements in the tiny cottage with no heat and no electricity. All her belongings were still at the hotel except for her wallet, which she’d had sense enough to grab, knowing she would have to buy food on the way here. God, this was déjà vu.
The key still resided over the doorjamb where Gram always kept it, and there were a few logs cut and stacked in the backyard; she’d trudged through the drifts and carried them in for a fire. She placed the leftover food in the snow bank out the back door and hoped the raccoons didn’t discover it. Water trickled from the faucet, so the pipes were not totally frozen.
She could make do, she thought.
She chided herself for not seeing to the upkeep of the cottage after Gram had passed. But she hadn’t the heart. There were a lot of memories here, and it was extremely difficult for her to come here. Still, the small house would feel more comforting if she had a lantern, candles, or even batteries in the flashlight, now, as darkness approached.
Making a mental list of everything she should do tomorrow, such as shovel the walkway, bring in more wood, and make sure her car wasn’t stuck in the snow covered driveway, didn’t really keep her thoughts from straying to Aedan.
Weird, but she felt safer when Aedan was present. She wished with night approaching, he was here, regardless of who or what he was.
Aedan was definitely imposing enough to discourage anyone from harming her, but that didn’t seem to stop the man yesterday. She reminded herself. However, he was dead, right?
Unbelievable.
She shook her head. Dead guys on the television, a man from the past, public fertility ceremonies, warriors, battles . . . .
Aislinn paced and peered outside again, thinking any sleep tonight probably out of the question. She hadn’t slept at all since being shot and learning Aedan’s story. She was functioning on pure adrenalin.
Aislinn picked up the poker from the fireplace and sat on the floor between the couch and the hearth, perched for any would-be attacker. She would have to face the fact some time and admit she hadn’t stopped tingling since the intimate interlude in the living room of Aedan’s hotel.
His whole body covered hers and wrapped around her so possessively. He would have taken her, pinning her right there against the window with his hard, muscled thighs, and lord knows she was going to let him if not for the whole “I’m from the past” thing creeping into her thoughts at that very moment. Very little conversation passed between them after he’d been so intimately pressed against her.
By how tense and irritable he’d acted the rest of the evening, he had been obviously frustrated by the abrupt halt she’d called to their lovemaking.
She couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him. The attraction pulsed so strongly within her, she could hear it. She couldn’t seem to come to grips with everything else he’d explained though.
And now, here she sat, with no more answers, and no more in control of anything than before, equally as frustrated at how her body betrayed her mind.
Now dark was descending, and she was scared, and even if he was only a figment of her dreams, she’d give anything for that figment to be here. She didn’t know what to do if someone came at her with a gun again, and she didn’t like feeling so frightened and alone.
She stiffened, hearing a noise outside. Her grip on the fire poker tightened. She stood quietly while the seconds ticked away, then tiptoed toward the small kitchen where she thought she heard the sound. She tried to look out, but the darkness
prevented her seeing anything. She heard the noise again, and raised the poker above her head.
The door suddenly burst open, and Aislinn squeezed her eyes tight and brought the stick down with all of her might. The rod halted mid-stroke, jolting her arms in their sockets. The poker was yanked from her grasp. Aislinn let out a scream.
“God’s blood, woman!” Aedan bellowed loudly, easily catching the iron rod in his large hand. “I’m tryin’ to protect ya, and I cannae do that if ya run away from me.”
Relief crossed Aislinn’s face at recognizing Aedan’s voice. She patted her heart, trying to slow the frantic beating. Aedan hurriedly pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
“Donnae run again.” He commanded, resting his chin on the top her head, reluctant to let her out of his embrace. “Och, ’tis good yer safe, lass,” he whispered into her hair.
“You scared the shit out of me.” Aislinn pulled out of his arms and stepped away.
“Ya looked a might fine and brave, screaming and waving that wee stick around.”
“Stop teasing me. I can take care of myself.”
“Och, Christ. Not that again.” He rolled his eyes as Aislinn jerked the poker from his hand, scowling at him.
“Where are yer trews?” Aedan’s eyes deliberately raked slowly down her long, shapely legs, then as slowly back up, lingering where the juncture of her thighs hid under the hem of her shirt.
“Uh?”
“Yer pants, lass? Why are ya runnin’ around in yer underwear? Not that I mind—makes the drive up here weel worth it—but you’ll catch a chill.” He smiled smugly.
She squirmed from his bold admiration of her body.
“Drying out. I spent half the day bringing in the wood and I got soaked. I didn’t bring anything else with me.” Aislinn stepped to the couch and grabbed a blanket, wrapping it around her waist affording him no more opportunity to leer.
“I’ve got yer bags in my car.” He said, moving his gaze from her to the room.
“The cottage is a bit primitive,” Aislinn apologized.
Aislinn watched Aedan’s keen sense of observation firsthand, as he glanced around making mental notes of the layout of the cabin.
“‘Tis sturdy enough. Is there no light?” Aedan asked, inspecting a lantern on the table and checking for fuel.
“No lantern fuel.” Aislinn shrugged.
“‘Twill be warm enough if we stay by the fireplace tonight.” He rubbed her arm reassuringly. “In the morning, I’ll check the propane tank,” Aedan said, apparently at ease with the simplicity of all he saw and the lack of comforts the modern world took for granted.
“I’ll get our bags from the car. I think there is enough wood for the night; tomorrow, I will gather more…
Want more? Read the entire first chapter for free at Noble Romance (no registration required).But before you go, check out the video trailer and let Angie know what you think. We’re looking forward to your comments!
It’s almost the weekend, guys, and what better way to kick it off early than by spending some time with D. Dye, a fellow Noble Romance author who comes bearing gifts, including the kick-butt book you see to your right. But that’s not all you can win, so stay tuned for the deets. For now, let’s get the party started with D. Dye!
**Giveaway closed** Congrats to the winner, BN!
Welcome! I’m so glad to have you here. Can you tell us a little about how you became a writer? When and why did you decide to pursue publication?
A nightmare and fabulous language arts teacher started it all. I’d jotted down a rather extreme nightmare as my chosen class project. She’d loved it and encouraged my writing. In my early twenties wrote a full-length novel then sat on it. I dabbled with fan fiction, built a small following, was encouraged by friends as well as an author I adore to do my own thing.
Get off my arse, pull up ma big girl panties and submit. Take the chance!
Oooh, that’s the first time I’ve heard of a nightmare starting it all! What kinds of stories can readers expect from you?
Stories that help one escape real life for a bit. Quirky paranormal adventures that I hope leave the reader smiling when done. Heat level? All my stories have heat but it depends on my characters as to what level. Some want the nice romantic champagne and bubble bath heat and some like the leather and toys, hard and rough heat!
With all this talk of heat, it’s getting hawt in here! LOL. Seriously, I love an author who writes for all audiences. *grins* Today you’re here to talk about Zapocalypse-The Midnight Special. Can you introduce us to the story? Tell us something we won’t learn from the blurb!
Zapocalypse-The Midnight Special, part of a special call through Noble Romance publishing features music, lots of it! Now, Gina and Ginger love some old school CCR (Creedance Clearwater Revival) but they also love all those great B horror flicks from the 80′s. Maybe that’s what gives them the edge, when the dead get back up with midnight munchies from hell!
I love those 80s horror flicks! Like, really love them. (See how I’m eyeing your book now? You’ve totally hooked me, lol.) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of Zapocalypse-The Midnight Special?
That when the zombie apocalypse hits, no one is going to care who’s doing who! So many think this is a story about lesbians. It’s not. This is a zombie story where the heroines happen to be lesbians. Gina and Ginger rock and rock out!
Have I mentioned how much I love your enthusiasm? Because I *so* love your enthusiasm! LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!
“Butch?” I whispered, slowly taking the gun from Ginger and leveling it at his heart.
“FucpfBitcsst.”
“What the fuck did he call us?” Ginger held a hand over her nose. “Gah, dude! Breath mint pa-leeze.”
If the whole story has this awesome playful tone, I’m loving it already! What inspired the title of Zapocalypse-The Midnight Special?
Creedence Clearwater Revival! Love them and when I heard the requirement of the call was music cranked em up, and thought Zombies + Apocalypse=Zapocalypse and ohhh, The Midnight Special. J
Absolutely perfect! Before we show off the book a little more, can you tell us what else you’ve got going on?
Many of the other wonderful authors participating have features there as well. LOL Come to find out we each have very different takes on Zombies, so truly there is a Zombie tale for everyone in this fun series.
And let’s start with this one, shall we? *grins*
ZAPOCALYPSE-THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL | blurb & linkage
Who knew that two lesbians stranded in some hick-ass town deep in the swamps of southern Georgia would become local legends, heroes in their own right? Gina and Ginger sure as hell didn’t.
But that’s exactly what they became on the night of The Midnight Special.
Battling redneck hypocrites on a nightly basis at the diner was bad, but battling those same inbreds turned zombie was a whole different breed of stupid. Yet with their iPods jacked up and blasting Creedence Clearwater Revival, that’s just what they’re doing: kicking some serious zombie ass!
With half the town looking out their back doors and the other half dreading that bad moon a’rising, Gina realizes she and Ginger have been thrust into a fight for the town as well as their lives.
Like prizes? Just tell me, if you had to chose only ONE person to battle beside you during the Zombie Apocalypse…who would you chose and why?
*Winner to receive a copy ofZapocalypse-The Midnight Special (ebook only) AND (2) songs (your choice) from Zapocalypse’s soundtrack. (CCR or George Thorogood)!
Sarah here: Okay, that sounds like wicked-fun. What a great prize, and I am *so* looking forward to reading your responses. I’d like to thank you all for being here and D. Dye for the awesome giveaway. Now let’s see those answers!*grins*
Marie Astor joins us today to introduce us to her contemporary romance THIS TANGLED THING CALLED LOVE, and I’m excited! This book was selected for the first round of Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel contest this year, so it’s a great one to get to know. *grins* Let’s take a closer look!
Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What was all that about? he wondered – as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think of a way to become more neighborly.
MARIE ASTOR | about the author
RENDEZVOUS AT MIDNIGHT | blurb
ZAPOCALYPSE-THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL | blurb & linkage
