Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her ... and this time he's got a gun. UNFORGIVEN ... click image.

Congratulations to Hildie Mcqueen, 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, 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.

Time froze, but the flames did not. Through the smoke and the squalor, the fire inexplicably licked both of the room’s doorways—one near the front of the house, and the one Riley and Gage had entered near the back.

It made no sense. What kind of fire started everywhere at once? Gage jerked around, his attention immediately drawn to a window. He tugged on the back of Riley’s shirt.

She spun, eyes wide. She’d already pulled her shirt over her mouth and nose, but the dry fabric wouldn’t help long.

He pointed to the window and without waiting for a response, waded through the junk, falling twice, fighting coughs, and trying not to breathe. An upended wooden chair made for a nice battering ram; he grabbed and shoved it through the glass. Then, without missing a beat, he yanked the flimsy metal curtain rod from the wall. He ran the pole across the bottom of the pane in an effort to knock out the remaining shards of glass, grateful the cheap casements held one big thin panel, which saved them valuable time.

With the escape route as clear as it was going to get, he turned to Riley. The flames were spreading fast, the smoke so thick he didn’t see her at first. One, then two desperate steps back and he saw her, crouched near the floor. He waved at her to approach, then ushered her ahead to their improvised escape.

Riley pushed her feet through the opening, kicking loose glass off the sill as she went. Seeing that she’d rolled to safety, Gage followed after her. The drop was meager, but the shock of fresh air was almost startling—as much as he wanted to stop and feast on it, he didn’t. Instead, he stayed on Riley’s heels, first crawling, and then fleeing the burning house.

“Trees.” Still gasping for breath, he choked on the word. His gunshot arm burned as much as his lungs did. He focused on staving off a coughing fit. Just get to the woods, he told himself. Then we can worry about the rest. He was no expert on fires, but he’d bet his good arm there’d been an accelerant in that house—even with the boxes and papers all over the place, fire didn’t simultaneously land in two spots at once—and he wasn’t taking chances an explosion wouldn’t follow.

Something more than coincidence triggered that fire. Tom Rigby had something to hide, and he was doing an impressive job of hiding it.

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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.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Indulge in COMING UP FOR AIR by TD Jones - click image for more info!

It’s time for another Texas invasion! Yep, not only is it Friday, but we’ve got author T.D. Jones here with a copy of her new book COMING UP FOR AIR up for grabs. To find out how you can win it, you’ll have to keep reading. To find out more about T.D., you’re in exactly the right place!

Welcome T.D.! Before we get into COMING UP FOR AIR, I’d like to ask a bit about your background. You’re a Texas girl and your stories are set in small Texas towns. Will readers see a personal glimpse of your life in your books?  

I’m sure they will. I love small towns, where people know everyone. As a kid my hometown Odessa was a small town but now it’s getting to be a big city but people still have that small town thinking about them.  I usually try to add something in each story in my book that reminds me of home.

I love the sense of community in a small town. That alone draws me to your books! ;c) In COMING UP FOR AIR, Maggie’s ex comes back to town with a pregnant fiancée. Kevin is engaged to a woman who is carrying his child, but falling for Maggie again. It’s one thing for Maggie to harbor feelings for Kevin after all these years, but how did you make him a sympathetic character considering his circumstances?  

Kevin is like a lot of guys, he knows what’s going on around him but doesn’t care to rock the boat…but when he sees Maggie again it’s either sink or swim!

Oooh, well said! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of COMING UP FOR AIR?

That it’s a very simple love story with a lot of drama.

I can definitely see how that whole pregnant fiancee thing might lead to some drama, LOL! Let’s have some fun with your book. What’s the first sentence? 

Maggie Dawson ran her hand over the large belly of her patient.

OMG! I’m putting two and two together here … and I’m hooked! What’s your favorite line in the book?

Maggie’s mother had taught her manners and she would not find it proper for Maggie to jump this girl and start pulling out the fake Christie’s’ long, blonde hair, so Maggie decided against it, just out of respect for her dead mother.

LOL! That’s a good one. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!  

Maggie kept her eyes closed and let out a sigh. She would keep this memory stored, and when she thought of Kevin she would bring this one up. Forget all the other memories of him. This is the only one she wanted to remember now. She was finally coming up for air.

Fantastic tie-in to your title — that was a neat surprise. (And clever!) Which scene of COMING UP FOR AIR was most difficult for you to write? Why? 

I think where Maggie and Kevin are at the house together. I wanted them both to show their feelings but not say anything they truly regretted saying.

That’s often a difficult line to write, but it seems as if you’ve put a lot of thought into it. ;c) Which scene of COMING UP FOR AIR would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV? 

I think the dancing scene from Maggie’s POV. I’m not a great dancer and would love to be able to twirl around with my favorite guy.

Good one! (I SO cannot dance, LOL!) What are you currently working on?

I have Salem’s World coming out in late Feb. I have Wrangled Hearts coming out in March and A Dangerous Game being released this year sometime. I’m working on a wedding series, a mystery series and a a single fiction called  Summerhouse Blues, and a how to writer’s book…I think I might be a bit crazy!

WOW. You might be a bit crazy, but you’re such an inspiration. That’s amazing, and so is your new release. Let’s take a closer look. ;c)

COMING UP FOR AIR | blurb & linkage

Maggie Dawson was left at the altar at the young age of eighteen. Now years later Kevin Walker is back in town and Maggie’s life is turned upside down. She is determined not to fall in love with this guy for a second time. He broke her heart once, she is not letting him do it again or is she?

Kevin Walker comes back to Clover, Texas to sell the family ranch and never expects to run into Maggie, who is now the town doctor. He starts to fall in love with her again, but will she let him in?

Maggie always had a secret thought deep down in her heart that someday Kevin would come back to her. He would say he was sorry for leaving, and everything would be wonderful. They would live happily ever after like in the fairy tales. Never in the fairy tale did she dream that her prince would come back to town, and bring his pregnant fiancée with him.

More info & buy @ XoXo Publishing | Amazon

 T.D. JONES | bio & links

I’m a West Texas girl and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to see the blue sky and all the open space. At night you can walk out and see stars for miles. There’s nothing like sitting on a porch and watching the Texas sky on a warm, summer night.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a published writer and finally decided two years ago I was either going to make my dream come true or give it up. Luckily Melange-books decided I was worth giving a chance and published Hot Days. My dreams seem to becoming more of a reality since I will have my second story published in July 2011 and more to come out soon.

I love writing about characters who aren’t perfect. They have problems and have to figure out ways to make their life better. Humor is sprinkled throughout my stories. It always surprises me that I’m able to write humor because I don’t really find myself funny. I’m known to worry about things and stress out easy so maybe that’s why I love writing humor, at least my characters are having fun!

Writing feeds my soul and I want to do it forever. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

**GIVEAWAY**

I’m going to let T.D. tell you about her giveaway herself. You’ll have to be quick for this one! *Grin.*

T.D. Jones: I have one Amazon gift codes for kindle to give away for Coming Up For Air. Just be the first to respond to this interview. Be sure to leave your e-mail address.

Sarah: I’d like to thank you all for being here today. T.D., it’s been a pleasure getting to know you and I wish you all the best with your sales. Thanks so much for your generosity. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone, and good luck!

Take an incredible JOURNEY IN TIME with Chris Karlsen's exciting release! Click image for more info and buy links.

Today’s guest has a fascinating bio. Not only has she spent 25 years in a really cool career, but she’s traveled so extensively it blows my mind. And if that’s not awesome enough, she brought with her a set of e-books to give away, so hang with us until the end of the interview to find out how you can win. But first, dear readers, please welcome Chris Karlsen!

Welcome, Chris! I stalked your bio a bit, and I have to say it’s amazing. Twenty-five years in law enforcement, and you’ve been to some of the most storied places in the world. Which stand out the most in your memories?

There are several. The Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Gloucestershire, Paris, Loire Valley, Istanbul, Ephesus ruins in Turkey, Bodrum, the ruins of Troy, Rhodes, Malta.  I could go on and on but those are a few.

*Jaw on ground.* I feel like I just saw all the cool brochures at a travel agency! What a life experience unmatched by any other. That’s just astounding! (Yes, I like to travel, LOL.) Moving the focus to your book: JOURNEY IN TIME sounds like a fascinating read, and the reviews have been wonderful. Can you introduce our readers to the story?

Shakira, the heroine, is a mysterious woman. Alex, the hero, dances with at a charity ball in London. He tracks down her identity and finds out she’s an attorney with respected firm. Through a misunderstanding he becomes her client. Because of that she refuses to date him for awhile. Eventually she agrees to go horseback riding in the countryside near the cottage he owns. They’re caught in a freak storm and transported back to medieval England, an England preparing to go to war with France.

Alex has a strong tie to the time, which comes as a shock to Shakira. He’s thought to be Baron Guiscard, a baron who was killed in battle during the war with France. If they can’t return to the modern world, he will sail with the army in place of the baron and to certain death. History can’t be changed and history doesn’t care which man it takes. Without Alex, Shakira will be left in a medieval world without a protector or means to care for herself.

In spite of the terrible problems they must struggle with, and the obstacles thrown in the way, they discover how much they love each other. They find that their love is stronger than all the good and bad in the world around them and everything that threatens to tear them apart.

That’s a really cool plot! Having him destined to die is such a clever was to add urgency to the story, which goes really in depth. How did you research 14^th century England? Were you able to find any personal accounts of the time period?

I’ve had a fascination for medieval English history most of my life, along with a few other time periods. Over the years, I’ve collected many books on the subject. I had much of what I needed in my library to begin with but I also bought additional books on armor and clothing and the Hundred Years War.

I did find a book called, “The Life and Campaigns of the Black Prince,” from contemporary letters, diaries and chronicles, including Chandos Herald’s—“The Life of the Black Prince.”  This book was edited and translated by Richard Barber. Chandos Herald was the Black Prince’s official chronicler and I thought myself very lucky to find Barber’s book.

In some of the books I have, I found lists of kitchen stock or household records from various nobles, which was interesting.

Wow, how COOL! I’d love to see that collection. ;c) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of JOURNEY IN TIME?

I think they’ll be amused by Shakira’s arranging a medieval rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” and Cole Porter’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” using instruments from the time. I also believe they will be pleased with how much of a fighter she is, especially when she’s attacked by a royal favorite.

I hope they’ll be moved when Alex reveals a private torment and the source of a repeating nightmare.

I think they’ll be surprised and pleased with the scene where the science of time-travel and a possible theory for Shakira and Alex’s experience is discussed.

This sounds like such a thorough plot! I love how many layers you’ve portrayed to us. Let’s get to know JOURNEY IN TIME a bit better with some fun questions. What’s the first sentence?

“It’s late. I’d like to go,” Alex said.

 That immediately draws me in, wondering where he is. *Grin.* What’s your favorite line in the book?

“You’ve no idea how medieval I can get, especially with what’s mine,” he whispered against her lips.

Oh, wow. I love that possessiveness! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

“No.” She refused to move. “I want to go home.”

He looked ill, green around the gills, like he was sea-sick.

“You can’t.”

Enticing excerpt, Chris! Which scene of JOURNEY IN TIME was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The scene in his bedchamber in the castle where he explains they’ve gone back in time and how he’s connected to the time. I had to find the language and attitude for Alex that I would need to see and hear if I was in Shakira’s place that would convince me he was telling the truth. I couldn’t gloss over the situation or treat the scene with a light hand. As much as I might be attracted to someone, they’d have to go a long way to make me believe a story like the one Alex is relating.

I second that! And I have a lot of respect for the thought you put into such a difficult — and significant — situation.  Which scene of JOURNEY IN TIME would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

Wow, difficult to choose. I really liked the love scenes and her POV there but I have my real life hero. Having said that, I would like to experience the jousting scene and from her POV. I’d love to try jousting.

Now *that* is an original answer, LOL! Okay, give us the scoop. What are you currently working on?

I just started book 3 of my “Knights in Time,” series. “Journey in Time, “ was book 2 and book 1 was “Heroes Live Forever.” Book 3 is titled, “Knight Blindness,” and the hero is the knight Stephen from “Journey in Time.”

Next month I have “Golden Chariot,” coming out. It is book 1 of a new series called “Dangerous Waters.” It is a romantic thriller set off the coast of Turkey, near Troy.

I *so* love your exotic settings! And you bring such unique experience to your stories through your travels — I bet it really shows through your work. Let’s take a closer look at today’s featured title, shall we?

JOURNEY IN TIME | blurb & links

Journey in Time—Right woman…right man…Trapped in the wrong place and the wrong time.

London attorney, Shakira Constantine, finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14^th century, and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guiscard…a baron who died in the upcoming battle.

If they can’t find a way to return to the 21^st century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.

MORE INFO & BUY @ BOOKS TO GO NOW | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

CHRIS KARLSEN | bio & links

I’m a retired police detective.  My father was a history professor and my mother was and is an avid reader. I grew up with a love of history and books. After I retired, I finally had the time to pursue writing, something I longed to do since I was a teen.

I’ve traveled extensively wanting to see the places I read about. I’m an animal lover. My husband and I live with four rescue dogs and have one rescue Thoroughbred.

LINKS @ WEBSITE | PUBLISHER | AUTHOR | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

**GIVEAWAY**

As promised, Chris comes with a VERY generous giveaway! She’s offering one e-set of her books — HEROES LIVE FOREVER and JOURNEY IN TIME — in PDF or as a gift from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Is that incredible or what? If you’d like a chance to win, please comment with your e-mail address. A winner will be chosen at random. Your tweets and shares of this post are greatly appreciated, so please tell your friends. Chris, it’s been an honor getting to know you today. Readerly types, thank you all so much for joining me today, and good luck!

To learn more about Desi's books, click image above.

My pal and fellow Noble Romance author Desi Moon is here today talking about her upcoming release … and she brought goodies! So hang out, get the scoop on ACCIDENTAL INTENT, and stay tuned until the end when Desi opens the *floor* (ahem) for a pretty awesome discussion for her giveaway. (When I answer her question, you guys will laugh me out of blogosphere. Trust me.)

ACCIDENTAL INTENT is slated for release next month. Since we have to wait, can you whet our appetites a bit and tell us a little something about the story?

My “tag line” for  Accidental Intent is a romantic murder mystery that has gone to the dogs, and some really killer footwear.

(Sarah interrupts to say LOL!)

Lucy is a mild mannered dog trainer who finds her somewhat calm existence thrown for a loop when she gets sucked into a murder investigation by an arrogant albeit handsome detective.

It will be released on March 17^th.

Love the tag line, and the book sounds great! Did this plot hit you and demand to be written, or did something else inspire an idea that grew into the story?

Oh gosh, Um, well the story started with a phone call, and blossomed from there. I am a dog trainer, so it was a natural leap for me to make my “heroine” one. Accidental Intent was supposed to be another contemporary romance, but then a dead body emerged, and Nicolai (Lucy’s love interest) stepped forward telling me he just happened to be a homicide detective. It just snowballed from there.

I am SUCH a sucker for romantic suspense, so I happen to love your snowball. *grin* Let’s have some fun with ACCIDENTAL INTENT. What’s the first sentence?

Conversation filled the large meeting hall, glasses clinked, laughter mingled with the perfumed air, and Lucy Lafferty stewed.

Oooh, I love it! What’s your favorite line in the book?

“Seriously? You think he’s capable of murder?”

“Seriously? You think he planted the bomb because flowers are too cliché?”

LMAO! That’s a good one. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

Lucy ushered Nicolai out the door and closed it behind him.

Her fingers went to her lips, oh he was good.

This could lead to something very, very bad.

Wow, woman, you have a way with words! I love your style. ;c) Which scene of ACCIDENTAL INTENT was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The climax, because it is after all a mystery, I would hate for the reader to invest themselves in the story, get to the climax and be irritated because it made no sense.

That’s an excellent point, and it’s something I have in the back of my mind as I careen toward the finish line of my books, LOL. Okay, Desi, let’s open up the backlist. If a reader is unfamiliar with your work, which of your books would you suggest he or she read first?  Why?

OH Summerland, definitely! One of my favorite authors, Christopher Moore, crosses characters in his books, I like that and decided to do something similar. Summerland characters do get mentioned in Accidental Intent and Accidental Intent characters will be mentioned in my current WIP Hometown Blues. Tis the circle of my warped mind.

Oh, very cool! It’s a great way to get readers to pick up the next book, too. *grin* Let’s dig a little.  Have you ever battled with any of your characters over their personality traits?  If so, who won – you or the character?

Did you just see my eyes roll????

It all goes back to Aunt Genie who made her “introduction” in Summerland. She showed up three chapters early and decided all on her own to throw a pool party. Yes she won, and got the stupid party. And yes, I admit the scene turned out so much better than what I had planned, but still! She does occasionally pop into my head while I am writing to give me her two cents.

Oh, I love her already! LOL!  What are you currently working on? 

I have a short story coming out for Rebel Ink’s Father’s Day Anthology called “For the Love of Mac”.

The story is about a man who is pushed into fatherhood when he “inherits” a four year old girl. Trading adult activities for play dates, Mac realizes love and family are not as bad as he once thought and opens his mind to the possibility of a stable relationship.

Hometown Blues is a contemporary romance. Dylan thought she had it all, lived in New York City, loved her high profile job, dated an incredibly successful man. But as we all know all good things must come to an end. When Dylan’s world crumbles around her she is forced into the decision to go back home, to the place she swore she would never return.

They both sound so good! You’ve got some clever plot bunnies, Desi. Let’s take a closer look at ACCIDENTAL INTENT.

ACCIDENTAL INTENT | blurb

The most exciting thing to happen to Lucy recently is the new flavor of coffee at the Howling Moon Cafe, but when her best friend stumbles upon a dead body, a new coffee is the least of Lucy’s concerns.

The seemingly quiet life that Lucy has grown to love unravels the moment her on again/off again lover begins to imagine a relationship that doesn’t exist. It grows even more complicated when she meets Nicolai Petrovski, a handsome detective who makes her blood boil, her knees weak, and her fingers itch to grab a fistful of jet-black hair.

When Lucy finds her name on the killer’s short list of victims, her first concern is for her furry four- legged family. Her second is for the closely guarded secret hidden in the back of her closet.

Between conference calls and coffee dates with her best friends, Lucy wades through the complicated world of love, honor, betrayal and the allure of a very hot man. But is there enough coffee to keep her one step ahead of the killer and as far away from Nicolai as she can get?

Coming March 17 to Rebel Ink Press

DESI MOON | bio & linkage

I have been a freelance content writer for four years, but a fiction writer since I could hold a pencil. My first story written at the age of seven was a historical piece ala Little House on the Prairie.

I reside in beautiful Boulder, Colorado with my writer/game designer husband, two incredibly energetic children who keep me on my toes, three very entitled cats and one hopelessly neurotic, but none the less lovable dog.

A bit of sweet, a touch of steam and a lot of laughter, my contemporary romances are called “sweet” but they do offer a bit of grit.

When not cajoling or arguing with the voices in my head (ie. my characters)

I work as a dog trainer, am an all around coffee snob and Project Runway junkie. I also love to bake decadent desserts and am a kickboxing addict.

LINKAGE @ BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

**GIVEAWAY**

Desi is going to introduce her contest today, so I’m gonna move and stare sheepishly at my feet while I do it.

Well since I suggested that Summerland be read first I would like the opportunity to give away a copy—but since we are talking about Accidental Intent, let’s discuss shoes and favorite shoe designers! I’ll go first, I am a Jimmy Choo fanatic  J

Click image to indulge in Kenya Carlton's SWEET AS SIN!

If your TBR list was getting a little light, I’ve got great news for you! Kenya Carlton is here showing off two new books, and you’ll get the inside scoop on each one from the author herself. Let’s get to know the backstory, then you can indulge on the blurbs following the interview. ;c)

Welcome, Kenya! You’re here to share with readers TWO fantastic releases, SWEET AS SIN and JADED. To which of these books do you connect most strongly?

Since the books are so vastly different, I wouldn’t be able to pick.  Jaded is a contemporary ghost story and Sweet as Sin is a historical paranormal with witches and wolves.  It would depend on what I was in the mood for.

Oooh, great variety! Which of the two heroes do you find most attractive? Why?

Wow! Good question and the answer is…Another draw.  Gabe from Jaded is the guy you laugh with over a mug of beer, and I don’t even drink beer.  Drake is the chauvinistic sexy mutha that takes forever to fall in love with you, but when he does watch out!

How deliciously enticing … times two! LOL. Let’s have some fun with SWEET AS SIN and JADED. What’s the first sentence?

Sweet as Sin

Sienna Caldwell stopped what she was doing as a subtle breeze blew through her cottage window.

Jaded

Something moved!  Jade Demarro turned towards the door and listened to the sounds of the manor but heard nothing new.

First sentences are so much fun, and those are great ones! ;c) Which scene of SWEET AS SIN was most difficult for you to write? Why?

Sweet as Sin as whole was a bit of a challenge; there were so many characters, and I had to keep them all very distinct with their own voices.

A large cast of characters can be very difficult, indeed. I’m always impressed when an author can handle them well. (Mine tend to make me want to hide, LOL.)  Which scene of these books would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

For both books, I would have loved to been the guys when they laid eyes on their love interest for the first time.  I think Gabe in Jaded was so arrogant he figured it would be a breeze to sleep with Mia. Drake from Sweet as Sin was just taken off guard by his attraction for Sienna at first glance.

Those first moments can be SO amazing! I love it when my heart quickens right along with the characters’.  If a reader is unfamiliar with your work, which of your books would you suggest he or she read first?  Why?

Jaded, I wrote it first and the twist and turns are very contemporary.

Twists and turns — I love reading a story packed with them!  Have you ever battled with any of your characters over their personality traits?  If so, who won – you or the character?

I would have to say Grey from Sweet as Sin.  I imagined at some point Grey would get a conscience or turn good, but his will was stronger than mine, so he just became defeated.  Grey was one weary bastard at the end.

LOL! That sure makes me want to check out his story. *grin*  How do you keep track of plot elements or twists?

I’m a plotter.  So the outlines for the chapters are already done and if some new development arises that I didn’t anticipate, Post-its on the computer are quite helpful.

I’m amazed by how many authors use Post-its! I’m impressed, but darn if I’m not starting to feel defective, LOL. What’s next for you, Kenya?

I’m close to finishing the follow up to Sweet as Sin; it’s a tad different from the original. I’m curious to see how people will take it.

Awesome! We’ll look forward to that one, and in the meantime your readers can indulge in your new releases. *grin* Let’s take a look.

SWEET AS SIN | blurb & links

The rich and available Captain Drake Devilin had the biggest body count in World War I.  Injected with serum that turned him into something unnatural, Drake’s troop annihilated the enemy, but once his tour ended, Drake was plunged into a world of family tragedy and financial ruin.

Sienna Caldwell is stunning to even the biggest cynic; with her exotic looks and rich brown skin, the playboy wasn’t exempt from her charms.  Buckling under the pressure of his financially strapped inheritance, Drake makes a deal with the devil to marry the prosperous landowner in order to protect her.

After one year, he can return the black beauty back to her island and collect on the fortune that will save his family’s reputation, but the task proves far easier said than done.   The war may have made Drake into something lethal, but he soon finds his new bride was born more powerful than he could ever imagine.  Not only does Drake have to figure out away to keep his hands off his alluring wife, but also he has to make sure she stays alive. BUY LINK

JADED | blurb

War correspondent Mia James is back on US soil and ready to tackle a juicy political story that could make national headlines.  A politician’s aid goes missing, and the son of the wealthiest family is the only suspect.

Determined to take down the mayor of the small seaside town, Mia comes up against an angry ghost with her own agenda.

Afraid she may be suffering from post traumatic stress Mia figures that she’s way over her head and enlists the help of resident black sheep Gabe Montgomery.  Now, she must solve the mystery of her not so friendly ghost, stop herself from falling in love with the mysterious winery owner, all while making it out alive. BUY LINK

UNDRESSED | blurb

Undressed Inc., the women you meet are an eclectic bunch. The connection? The melding of sexual desire and any means necessary to satisfy it. Sit back and enjoy the ride! Four sexy stories bring readers front and center as four dynamic women enjoy every drop of pleasure they can get. BUY LINK

KENYA CARLTON | about the author

Kenya has a B.A. in Mass communication, Television and Radio. She has fifteen years in production of television and film and five in television engineering. In 2009 Kenya Produced Dawn a short film and Executive Produced Destination Everywhere the pilot for a travel series through her production company Black R.O.K Productions established in 2008. WEBSITE

Readers, you all get to take your pick today! I hope you’ll find at least one you just have to have. *grin* Thanks so much for being here and, as always, we welcome your comments. Kenya, it has been a pleasure. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

So, a week or three ago I was browsing the pre-made covers from Elaina Lee’s For the Muse Designs, which I had no business doing to begin with. I am not sitting on a bunch of free time and I have a long line of stories to write, so really, I just got busted loitering, but I digress. I SAW THIS COVER, YOU GUYS! I saw it, and I loved it. I WANTED it. I tried to back away, but it got ugly. I started obsessing. I left the tab open on my computer, and every time I restarted my computer it was THERE. I looked at it NONSTOP. It got kind of crazy, so in an act of utter defiance, I finally closed the tab. My stomach tingled. I worried. I wondered if someone bought the cover. (She only sells each cover one time, so once it’s gone it’s gone.) It got uglier. (My fretting, that is — NOT the cover, LOL!) Finally I told Elaina I HAD to have the cover and in that moment the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. Except ….

When I see this cover, I see a historical. That’s what I FEEL, so that’s what I’m going to do. Which means … I have to write a historical. YIKES! Thanks to my husband I have a plot (he doesn’t read romance but rocks at plotting) and thanks to Elaina I have a ton of inspiration in this GORGEOUS cover, but I’m still so nervous. Writing a historical romance really pushes me out of my comfort zone, but I believe we all need to push those boundaries every now and then. Last time I pushed myself I wrote HAWTHORNE, so it can’t be all bad, right? LOL. (By the way, that, too, was Elaina’s fault!)  Anyway, I’m excited to show you all the cover that held me CAPTIVE from the moment I saw it, and I give Elaina all the props in the world for creating it, then making it beautifully mine. When she added my name and title I thought I’d fall out of my chair. I LOVE THIS!

*fans self* OMG, I LOVE IT! *clears throat*

So stay tuned (or run … run fast!) because I’m going to push myself to a whole new level with this one. I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to update you with the progress once this officially becomes a WIP. *silly grin* I’m working on the blurb next, so before too long you’ll have the first glimpse into the plot of this story.

In the meantime, my romantic suspense TIDE OF LIES is coming April 2 to Noble Romance, and LAST CALL follows in both ebook and *print* later this spring from For The Muse Publishing. SQUEEE!

Have a fantastic Monday, everyone!

Can’t wait for this one? Check out FAMILIAR LIGHT(only $3) to get the early scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the LIES! Here’s today’s snippet between Holden and Julia, ex-lovers who haven’t seen one another since she disappeared years ago without a word of explanation. He’s just confronted her about one of her secrets, something which forced him to come clean about his own deception from their past.

The first line of speech is Holden’s.

“Ten years ago I found something with you, and I haven’t found it since. I don’t know what that means, exactly, but it matters to me. A lot.”

This time, she couldn’t hold back the tears. She’d braced for a myriad of possibilities, but acceptance hadn’t been among them. “Me, too,” she said in a faint whisper.

TIDE OF LIES – romantic suspense coming April 2012 to Noble Romance (excerpt subject to the wrath of my editor)

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her ... and this time he's got a gun. UNFORGIVEN ... click image.

Congratulations to franchie15_nina(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, 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. Last time they tracked down someone who might offer answers, but found his house didn’t look lived in. So Gage peered through the windows and found something *very* interesting inside, and it wasn’t all the junk you’ll see here, LOL!

Riley took a deep breath, this time sucking in more than the scent of vermin. “Gage, I smell smoke.”

The scent grew stronger with every passing second. There hadn’t been a trace of it when they walked through the back door, and already the odor was unmistakable.

He paused, his hand on a stack of papers. “Me, too. Out, now.”

She whirled around, swallowing panic when she saw the sea of boxes and junk they’d climbed over blocking the way to the door. Smoke navigated the ceiling-high stacks like clouds maneuvering mountaintops, the acrid scent thickening and growing heavy in the air.

Seconds later, flames followed, attacking both exits from the room at once.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

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.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more than 170 other giveaways all linked from a single page, click the image above.

Friday, February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and the party is here! Well, to be more accurate the party starts with I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and is co-hosted by Read for Your Future, but I do get to be a stop on the hop. Wanna know what you can win? Of course you do! *grin*

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED** Congratulations to Brenda D, who was chosen by random.org as the winner!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

I am giving away a PDF or Kindle gift version (winner’s choice) of HAWTHORNE, a paranormal romance that hit #51 on Amazon’s bestselling paid Kindle ghost stories and spent several days in the top 100. And if the winner is also a blog **email** subscriber at the time of the drawing via random.org, they will also receive a $5 gift certificate to Amazon to be delivered via email.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter to win a copy of HAWTHORNE, simply leave a comment with your email address. If you’d like to qualify for the $5 Amazon gift card, subscribe to my blog by **email** and please be sure your entry email address matches that of your subscription for verification purposes. (All blog email subscribers are automatically eligible for my weekly giveaways as well. Click here for more info). Winner will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the blog hop. If the winner is also an **email subscriber** a $5 Amazon gift card will be awarded in addition to the PDF or Kindle gift copy of HAWTHORNE. The email subscription box is located on the top of the left hand sidebar.

HAWTHORNE | paranormal romance

After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home.   She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace.  In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything.  What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?

READ AN EXCERPT | BUY FROM ASTRAEA PRESS | AMAZON KINDLE | B&N NOOK

Click here to return to the blog hop!

For more information about AN ALPHA'S PATH and the rest of the Redwood Pack Series, please click image.

Today I’m really excited to welcome Carrie Anne Ryan, an author I’ve gotten to know through Six Sentence Sunday. Her “six” (six sentence excerpts) always impress me, and I’m betting you guys will love her as much as I do. AN ALPHA’S PATH is the first in a seven book series for Carrie Anne, so let’s settle in and learn about the book, the series, and the author herself. *grin*

Welcome, Carrie Ann! It’s great to have you here. ;c) Congratulations on the release of AN ALPHA’S PATH. Can you tell our readers a little bit about the book?

Thanks so much Sarah! An Alpha’s Path is the first book in the Redwood Pack series and kicks off my werewolf world.  What happens when a lonely chemist goes on a blind date and finds out her date is actually a werewolf – and claims she’s his mate? What does Melanie do? In order to have a HEA sometimes we need to sacrifice.

That is one heck of a predicament (and a great hook), LOL! The Redwood Pack series features seven titles. Did you plan all along for AN ALPHA’S PATH to kick off a series, or did the characters (or readers, LOL) demand it?

When I first started writing it was just a short story – not even a novella and was called The Alpha and the PhD. Then when I went back into it and wrote another scene I added Kade’s family. That’s how the series was born. And boy am I thankful.

I love how it just happens like that sometimes! The tiniest twist of fate and it literally changes your career. ;c) Let’s take a closer look at AN ALPHA’S PATH. What’s your favorite scene from the book? Why?

Kade and his brother Jasper talking about Kade’s date. This is how I met Jasper, the hero of the second book in the series, A Taste for a Mate, out now. Those boys had way more fun than I thought they would and really made me want to write more about the Jamensons. So I did.

Oh, wow. Those characters who walk on set and demand their own books amaze me! Which book in the Redwood Pack series do you most look forward to writing? Why?

Maddox’s story. He isn’t for a while yet and I don’t even have a title. But I know who his mate is. J I feel I love with him the first time I wrote his name on paper and I needed to find out his back story and who he’d fall in love with. I’m sooo excited about it, but I have a few more books to write before I get to him. Since I’m doing two series at once, characters need to wait their turn. J

LOL! I can certainly relate to that. There just aren’t enough hours in the day, and so many great stories and ideas clamoring for attention. ;c) Let’s dig in to your list of stories a bit. If a reader is unfamiliar with your work, which of your books would you suggest he or she read first?  Why?

An Alpha’s Path is the first book I’ve ever released LOL. But it’s the first book in the series and is a novella. A Taste for a Mate is the second book and is a full length novel. The rest of the books in the seven book Redwood Pack series as well as the seven book series Dante’s Circle will have full length novels.

It’s a great idea to open with a novella. Go ahead and hook your readers with a taste and leave them salivating for more! ;c) Let’s put you on the other side of the book. Which genre are you drawn to as a reader?  Do you prefer to read in the same genre as your WIP or do you mix it up?

I actually read all romance. Paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi, western, ménage, gay – all of it. LOL. But paranormal was the first one I read because of Twilight. *sigh* It was my gateway drug LOL.

I think I am the only person on the planet who has yet to read or see anything Twilight, LOL! But what a way to kick things off for you! And on the topic of love at first sight, take a look back over all of the intimate moments you’ve created between characters. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself?  What makes it so alluring?

Oh my. *blushes* Kade and Mel’s first experience in the hotel room was so sweet and darned hot that I wouldn’t mind. LOL

Carrie Anne, you TEASE! LOL. (I think that’s our cue to go read it for ourselves, LOL.) Have you ever battled with any of your characters over their personality traits?  If so, who won – you or the character?

Melanie. I didn’t realize she’d be so sarcastic until she came across on paper LOL. But I love her.

Some of the most difficult characters manage to become the most endearing. (I wonder if it works that way with children? LOL!) Have you ever made big changes in your story because someone – your crit partner, a friend, or beta reader – really didn’t like it?  Are you glad you did (or didn’t)?

In my second book, A Taste for a Mate I actually went back and fixed up Willow some. I wasn’t happy with her because she hid from me, and my crit partners knew that. So they helped me open her up. I’m very pleased with the result.

Yay for awesome crit partners! That extra eye is invaluable, for sure. How do you keep track of plot elements or twists?

I’m an outline queen. I have color coded spreadsheets and outlines for the characters, worlds, series and books/chapters. J

Gulp. Did you say *color coded*? WOW. *covers my own paper* LOL! Which of your novels most reflects who you are as a writer?  Why?

Trinity Bound. It’s the third book in the series and my first attempt at m/m/f (but not my last *wink*) I really got into my groove and decided what I would do with the overall series arc and how I could work. I’m still finding things new about myself, but I found myself here. And as it turns out, I was the same person in An Alpha’s Path and A Taste for a Mate. Nice.

Ooooh, very nice! Great answer. ;c) Okay, before we break to check out your blurb and bio, give us the scoop on what you’re working on now.

A Taste for a Mate just came out. J I’m in edits on Trinity Bound and that comes out in April. I’m also starting a new series called Dante’s Circle. I’m in the middle of writing the first book, Dust of My Wings now.

SO much fun!

Fun and busy, woman! Let’s check out your book. ;c)

AN ALPHA’S PATH | blurb

Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she’s to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she’s to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie’s analytical mind goes into overdrive.

CARRIE ANNE RYAN | about

Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Her first book, An Alpha’s Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website | Blog | Facebook Author Page | Facebook Friend | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan | Goodreads

Thank you so much for being here, Carrie Ann! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your work better today. Readers, as of Feb. 15 AN ALPHA’S PATH is ranked #234 on all of Amazon paid Kindle books and has romance genre rankings of #3 (Fantasy, Futuristic, & Ghost) and #8 (Fantasy & Futuristic). AND it’s only 99 cents, so grab your copy and check it out! Click here, but before you go please welcome Carrie Ann with your comments. Thanks, everyone, and have a great day!