This Week's Special Guest - Tory Richards

Tory Richards describes herself as a grandma who likes to read and write smut. She's also a mother, daughter, aunt, sister, friend and author. After losing her soul mate of seventeen years, and retiring from Disney, she moved in with her daughter and her family. Sharing her woman-cave with four felines whose main goal in life is to get as much hair onto everything that they can. So far they're doing a stellar job!

Tory has been writing since the dawn of ages, which for her began in 1955. She discovered at the ripe old age of ten that she liked writing stories, beginning with pen and paper until receiving her first manual typewriter at thirteen. Shortly after boys and life got in the way and her typewriter and many unfinished stories got pushed to the back of her closet.

The years went by, blah, blah, blah, until the day arrived when Tory bought her first computer. She took up writing again, updated many of her yellow-paged stories, and submitted to a publisher after her family encouraged her. She just wanted to shut them up, really! And the rest, as they say, is history. The end.

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COVER REVEAL!!

Look what’s coming next from Tory Richards! Wild Marauders MC is a full length, erotic romance between one bad-ass biker and a woman who is literally dumped at his feet.

Blurb - When a prospect kidnaps Kat thinking she's a doctor, Kat finds herself under the protection of the club's president. Lynch likes Kat's spunk and full curves but when she steals his Harley to escape he has no choice but to follow club rules and deal out punishment. Tempers erupt between them, passions explode, and punishment becomes the sweetest ecstasy!


Teaser -

I waited for him to speak.

“I hope you’re going to be a good little girl until I sort this shit out.”

I stiffened. I was anything but little. Sure, I was short, which made for a fuller figure than I would have liked. At twenty-seven I was comfortable with it, until someone brought attention to it by making a comment. In the old days I'd run away to cry in a corner somewhere when the skinnier girls, like the stuck-up cheerleaders I’d gone to school with, had called me fat. These days, a reference to my full figure didn’t bother me. It was the “good little girl,” part that fired me up, and if I was going to be honest, my unwanted attraction to him.

I tossed my long hair over my shoulder. “Then maybe you’d better take me home now and save yourself some grief. I’ve never been a good little girl, and I don’t intend to make things easy for you.” It was a threat and we both knew it. They were only words, empty meaningless words that I knew deep down I couldn’t possibly back up. The only thing I had going for me was my smart mouth, brains, and a nature that wouldn’t let me give in without a fight.

The slightest curve of his sensuous mouth didn’t fool me into thinking that he’d found my comment funny. His gaze zeroed in on my boobs, and I felt an immediate and unwelcome response from my nipples. Traitors! If that wasn't bad enough, something warm and wet flowed from my core to my panties.

“I’m not afraid of you,” I said, drawing his attention back to my eyes. I was only afraid of what he made me feel. I couldn't understand where it was coming from, but I had a feeling that he had this affect on every woman.

The corners of his mouth turned up even more. “Don’t piss me off,” he said in a deep, even tone. “Or you’ll find out what I’m capable of, and I promise you, you won’t like it.”

Another threat? “I’m sure you’re very skilled in all kinds of violence against women.”

He remained quiet for a moment, and I felt a flash of unease. “I’m also very skilled in all kinds of different ways to fuck a woman.”

A flush of heat spread over me but I refused to let him see how his blunt words turned me on. How sick did that make me? He dropped his arm and I quickly joined Wizard, where he was patiently waiting. As we walked down a hallway Chicken took a turn, which I assumed was to the office, while Wizard and I kept on walking. I followed him up a flight of stairs and down another hallway until he paused at one of the doors. I watched him reach above the door jamb, extracting a key that he used to unlock the door. He pushed it open for me and motioned me inside.

“My prison.” I took a few steps into the center of the room, and then stopped and turned to face him.

“Shouldn’t be here long,” Wizard said in his grizzly tone. “It’s for your own safety that Lynch wants you locked up.”

Book due out on 1/15/15 on Amazon

Tory Richards Website - http://www.toryrichards.com

Author’s Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Tory-Richards/e/B002DBFNUQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1415816760&sr=1-2-ent

This Week's Special Guest - Erin Nicholas

Erin Nicholas has been reading romance since her mom first let her into her book cupboard when Erin was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber... they took Erin's 'happily ever after' ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

She's been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with her head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. She'll confess that her very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by her father's love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, Erin's sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn't long until Erin started writing about true love and that's where she's been ever since.

She's so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you and hopes that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, She hopes that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Erin loves to hear from readers! Please write her at Erin@ErinNicholas.com


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This book is extra special. Not only is the first published solo project for me, but it's about a physical therapist. I have been a physical therapist for more than twelve years. Physical therapy is more than a job, it's a part of who I am. Every day I get to help people do things that they've had to give up or avoid because of pain or weakness, because of injury or illness. Every day I get to witness the incredible ability of the body to heal and compensate as well as the ability of the human spirit to overcome. It's truly a blessing. Writing a book about a passionate, intelligent, confident physical therapist who comes into a family's life and shows them that they can be and do more than they ever imagined, was so fun and was a kind-of tribute to the profession I love and the people I share it with.

Some things you might not know about physical therapists:
Physical therapists attend 6-8 years of education after high school.
Pediatric physical therapy is one of eight recognized specialties in the profession.
Most physical therapists now graduate with a DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
There are 196 Physical Therapy programs in the U.S.
Jobs in the field of physical therapy is expected to continue to expand for the next several years!
You can find out more about physical therapists or find one near you at www.apta.org OR www.moveforwardpt.com



NO MATTER WHAT by Erin Nicholas

The Billionaire Bargains Trilogy Book One

The best doesn’t come cheap…and this time it could cost him his heart.

Handsome billionaire Adam Steele is good. Good at getting his way. If nothing else, money always works—until he realizes he can’t buy his daughter’s way out of her new wheelchair. Three private physical therapists later, he’s almost given up on Emily walking again. Then he meets Dr. Jaden Monroe. And his match.

Feisty physical therapist Jaden Monroe has never met a man quite like Adam. She’s not sure if it’s his I’m-in-charge attitude or the heat in his eyes when he looks at her, but she finds herself wanting to say yes to anything he asks. Like when he asks her to help his daughter walk again. Of course, the million dollars he offers—just enough to finish the pediatric rehab wing Jaden has been working for and dreaming of—is hard to say no to as well.

But Jaden didn’t anticipate a teen whose injuries are more than physical. Or a man so passionate and devoted—and as tenacious as she is. As she and Adam fight their attraction, the only thing harder than keeping her promise will be keeping a hold on her heart.

This book has been previously published and has been expanded from its original release.

Warning: Contains heated arguments that erupt only slightly more often than hot kissing, a new perspective on kitchen appliances, and sizzling sex occurring everywhere BUT the bedroom (though they eventually make it there).

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WIN - Leave Erin a comment this week here at the Tiki Hut and your name goes in the hat for a fun Erin Nicholas goodies package.  Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are this week's winner!  Good Luck!

This Week's Special Guest - Lucy Monroe

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 50 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England.

She's a passionate devotee to the romance genre and loves talking writing, the industry and books with other writers as well as readers. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten.

Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.

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Romi is probably one of my favorite characters I've ever written. She is fiercely loyal, delightful, unconventional and no pushover. Writing her and Max's story was by turns fun, emotionally draining and ultimately triumphant. If any two characters deserve their happy ending, it is these two. Max is a self-made tycoon with a lot of emotional baggage while Romi is an heiress who doesn't have a spoiled bone in her body. The combined pain of their past mixed with the challenges of their present made for a story that would not let me stop writing some days even when I was exhausted. It is my hope you can't put it down while reading.

A VIRGIN FOR HIS PRIZE by Lucy Monroe

Ruthless Russians - Book 2

Her awakening: San Francisco heiress Romi Grayson has only had a taste of Maxwell Black’s addictive brand of seduction and knows she should stay away...especially having discovered just how determined he is to possess her!

His proposal: Max prides himself on always being in control, yet somehow Romi sneaked under his cast-iron defences, then walked away. Now he is driven to finish what they started....

The ultimate prize! This Russian tycoon will stop at nothing, even blackmail, to have Romi warm and willing in his bed. And her innocence will make his long-awaited possession all the sweeter....

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Playlist for this book: Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, and Nat King Cole

Trivia: Romi is the nickname my oldest sister gave our baby sister when we were children. No one has called her that in decades, but I've always loved the name and was excited when it fit this heroine so well.

The original nickname for my hero was Van, until I realized I'd subconsciously named him after my mother-in-law!!! Lucky for me, the publisher wanted a different name too!

I wrote this entire book at The Gathering Place, a beach house retreat owned by two of my sisters in Ocean Shores, WA, one of my favorite places for peaceful relaxation on the planet.

WIN - Leave Lucy a comment this week and your name goes in the hat for an autographed copy of AN HEIRESS FOR HIS EMPIRE (Book 1 in the Ruthless Russians Duo!)

This Week's Special Guest - Tianna Xander

Tianna Xander is the author of several paranormal, time-travel and science fiction romance novels. She loves reading everything from romance novels, murder mysteries and encyclopedias, to handbooks on solar energy. Tianna is the first to admit she spends far too much time surfing the internet and chatting with her online friends and critique groups.

Having written several novels and working on at least one more at any given time -- Tianna still finds time for her family, friends and her many pets. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband, two children, three cats, two big dogs and one occasionally terrorized Netherland Dwarf bunny. Her life is anything but boring.

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In 2008, a secret faction of Paradise Montana’s paramilitary force, Tudra, took the hidden shifter town by force. The members of this previously unknown unit, prided themselves in being what the forefathers of the town had meant them to be—protectors of all.

These men, all with unquestionable honor and loyalty to the innocent people of Paradise, stamped out the corrupted council, and their force, putting the rightful alpha in charge once more.

Adam Greer, son of one of two ruling houses of Paradise, set out on a mission—to convince as many shifters as he could to return home, in an effort to restore Paradise to its former glory.

Their first mission—find TJ Michaels, bestselling suspense author and suspected grandson of the murdered Tudra commander, Theodore James Greenly. Instead of TJ, the men find his adopted daughter, Nina Bidel.

Writing as TJ since his untimely death, Nina is on the run from those who wish to silence TJ’s voice in paranormal suspense. It seems that Mr. Michaels knew too much about Tudra doctrine. The corrupt council put a hit on his life and ultimately killed him. Unfortunately for them, Nina inherited his computer and outlines and continued to write under TJ Greenly’s assumed name. The rogue Tudra, then shifted its attention to her.

Frightened and alone, Nina accompanies Adam and Nick back to their home, where they can easily protect her. This makes Nina the first stranger in Paradise in decades and is where the Paradise saga begins.

Though most of the stories of Paradise can be read as stand-alone books, to better follow the struggle of the men and the alpha’s attempt to restore the town, I’ve added the reading order below.

Reading order:

A STRANGER IN PARADISE

GATES OF PARADISE

RETURN TO PARADISE

TROUBLE IN PARADISE

ROAD TO PARADISE

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

NAKED IN PARADISE

SEDUCTION IN PARADISE

LOOKING FOR PARADISE

HEALING IN PARADISE

MELODY IN PARADISE

A SUMMER IN PARADISE

MEMORIES OF PARADISE

HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE

LOST IN PARADISE

VISIONS OF PARADISE

A FAIRE IN PARADISE

How the series began: Given a tarot card in the tarot series, I originally wrote, A Stranger in Paradise as a stand-alone book. After all, it was a part of the tarot series. After the story released, readers from all over the world wrote and asked when I would write another Paradise story. Several months later, Gates of Paradise followed as an add-in Halloween story.

I really had no intention of taking the series to where it is at 16 books. One or two holiday stories and the original tarot story was all I had planned at that point. Then, as I plotted and wrote Return to Paradise, the Sabbat Slayer made his first appearance.

I couldn’t have a serial killer with only one or two kills. How is that a serial killer? At that point, the true Paradise series was born, much to my readers’ delight. Now, after 6 years and 16 books, the Paradise series is still going strong. Some of the books are true stand-alone books, while others bring the conclusion of the romance, while continuing a serial type story that keeps the plot of what’s going on in the town in a particular point in time moving.

The first serial within the series was the Sabbat Slayer. Now it is the three carnival women. Milla, Alexa, and Nadya will all get their stories while moving a mini serial forward within the series. I’m sure this will upset some readers who will want instant gratification on the carnival folk, but what is a series without something to connect them all together? You have a bunch of books that have similar names, with nothing to tie them together other than a name. I can’t do that. I won’t do that.

Since everything in life ties one thing to another, it only makes sense to me, to tie the lives of my characters together. I apologize if this disappoints anyone, but I feel as though it takes people to make a town and the people of Paradise have become a family to me. I cannot, in good conscience not connect them the way a real small town would connect with the people who live there.

Pick a book, read their stories and see if Paradise is the kind of town where you could see yourself living your happily ever after. The heroes and heroines in my books come in all shapes, sizes, age, color and national origin. If you’re the type of person who loves to put yourself in the hero's or heroine’s shoes. I might just have the story for you.

Happy Reading!

Tianna

VISIONS OF PARADISE by Tianna Xander

Paradise Series Book 16

Can Milla finally settle down and have a family of her own or will the carnival be her life…forever?

Milla leaves the carnival where she made her living for twenty years, with visions of finding the perfect town where she could make a new life for herself. At forty-five years old, it’s too late to hope for children, but happiness is still within her reach. However, the owner of the carnival doesn’t want to lose his best fortuneteller. When he and his carnival follow Milla to Paradise, he discovers that his people aren’t the only ones with secrets.

Being bond mates never crossed Jonas’ and Mel’s minds. Hell, they don’t even like each other and barely get along. However, when they find a woman frightened and alone, they put their differences aside to help her secure the most basic of human, or shifter, rights—the freedom to choose.

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A FAIRE IN PARADISE by Tianna Xander

Paradise Series 17

What’s going on in Paradise? Apparently, shape shifters are real and they’re attracted to middle-aged plus-sized women.

At least that’s what Alexa finds when she gets to Paradise. She doesn’t expect to find her friend Milla there, happily dating two men. It doesn’t help matters when she finds out that all of the single guys are gorgeous and the town motto is to care for and protect all women and children. In fact, the whole thing sounds too good to be true.

When the townsfolk suddenly start shifting into wild animals in front of her, Alexa is certain she’s gone mad. Is she strong enough to stay in Paradise with its strange secrets and the two hot guys she’s falling for who insist she is their mate?

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This Week's Special Guest - Lucy Monroe

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 50 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England.

She's a passionate devotee to the romance genre and loves talking writing, the industry and books with other writers as well as readers. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten.

Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.

WEBSITE *** BLOG *** MYSPACE *** FACEBOOK *** TWITTER

I have always been fascinated by the brooding Russian hero, but somehow never actually wrote one. When the idea of writing the stories for two old-money but very unconventional San Francisco heiresses came to me, I'm not sure why, but I knew both needed her Russian-American brooding hero. Those are the heroes I love best, the men with their feet stuck in two worlds (the one they come from and the one they live in now). Viktor has a Russian heart (he denies even exists) with an American head and he drives Madison crazy, but that's nothing new for these two who have been circling each other for years. I adore the hero that decides it's time to make his move and makes it, so it comes as no surprise that's exactly what Viktor does.

Fun notes of trivia - I went on a research trip to San Francisco with my youngest daughter for this duo and we rode a pedicab from the warf back to our downtown hotel (much of it on sidewalks as the streets were clogged with traffic).

I bought my first pair of Juicy Couture earrings on this research trip. Little dangly elephants that I wear all the time.

The traditional Russian lacquer box mentioned in the book is one I saw in an antique consignment shop, which I later bought and gave away as a reader prize off of my FB page.

AN HEIRESS FOR HIS EMPIRE by Lucy Monroe

Ruthless Russians mini-series
Harlequin Presents #3274
October 2014 (09-16-14)

The story: Innocent debutante Madison Archer has hit the headlines for a scandal not of her making. Now, marriage to the unscrupulous Viktor Beck is the only way to save what’s left of her reputation!

The contract: Maddie has always featured in Viktor’s plans to take over her father’s company and expand his empire. The intense attraction between them only sweetens the deal he’s offered....

The secret: Though love doesn’t beat in Viktor’s heart, he’ll show Maddie just how hot their chemistry can be. But even this corporate shark is in for a shock—his wild socialite is still a virgin!



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WIN - Leave Lucy a comment this week here at the Tiki Hut and your name goes in the hat for a signed copy of A VIRGIN FOR HIS PRIZE (Book 2 in the Ruthless Russians duo.) - Please leave your email address so Lucy can contact you for your address if you are this week's winner!  Good Luck!

This Week's Special Guest - Lucy Monroe

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 50 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England.

She's a passionate devotee to the romance genre and loves talking writing, the industry and books with other writers as well as readers. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten.

Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.

WEBSITE *** BLOG *** MYSPACE *** FACEBOOK *** TWITTER

I absolutely love the tradition within the romance community (if not started by then very much brought to the forefront by Lori Foster) of authors and publishers donating their time, talents and often money to raising funds for charity. When I was approached about being part of the Hometown Heroes charity box set for Pets for Vets, I jumped at the chance. I believe in doing whatever we can to support our veterans and this charity box set was a fantastic way to say thank you. My story Change the Game is the re-titled, re-edited and revised with previously cut scenes ebook release of a previously published print book Come Up and See Me Sometime. Readers have been asking when this book would come out in ebook, so I feel like this box set with 16 stories for $1.99 is a gift to them as well. I'm delighted to be in a set with so many talented authors, some who are on my own autobuy list, and I hope you'll all take a chance on some new to you authors while raising money for a super worthy cause.

HOMETOWN HEROES: Hotter Ever After 

This Pets for Vets charity bundle is available for a limited time at a discount of $1.99.

Presenting a contemporary romance bundle of 16 novels with happily-ever-after endings, including previously published readers' favorites and brand-new material

They’re all hometown heroes, guys from small towns who’ve made a name for themselves, big or small, who’ve withstood the odds and risen to the challenge, who are heroes in their own right.

A LITTLE HARMLESS SEX by USA Today author Melissa Schroeder--When Anna falls for her best friend Max, it might be true love, or the biggest mistake of her life.

CHANGE THE GAME by USA Today author Lucy Monroe--Alex is looking for revenge. Isabel is looking for a relationship without those pesky things called emotions. Neither will get what they're looking for, but a whole lot more!

TROUBLE WITH A COWBOY by Sandy Sullivan--Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun...and a little more?

WILD RIDE (Changing Gears, Book 1) by USA Today author Nancy Warren--Trouble is piling up in the small town of Swiftcurrent, Oregon with hints of a treasure missing since WWII, a motorcycle riding bad boy history prof, a sexy librarian and a murder. It all adds up to a very Wild Ride.

HEARTBREAK ON A STICK by USA Today and New York Times author Sabrina York--When the man who broke her heart ten years ago suddenly returns to town—a hot shot movie star—Gina Fox is determined to avoid him. But for some reason, Jason Sherwood is pursuing her again.

MADRONA SUNSET by bestselling author Jami Davenport--Meet a wounded warrior suffering from paralyzing guilt and woman pining for her dead husband--both damaged souls craving comfort for a moment or a lifetime.

BRACE FOR IMPACT by bestselling author Allie K. Adams--Bush pilot Reid Cavanaugh’s life is turned upside down when he takes a fare that ends up driving his plane into the ground and him into the danger surrounding her.

HONORABLE SACRIFICE by bestselling author Destiny Blaine--Hired to protect an affluent family with embarrassing secrets, Audra McAllister reconnects with a small-town hero willing to risk everything to win Audra’s heart.

SHE'S WORTH IT ALL by bestselling author Cathryn Cade--Mase Barnett is a hometown hero with a secret. Natalie Cusco has a broken heart only a strong man can heal. Will this wounded hero risk everything to show her she's worth it all?

DECEIVING DANTE by award-winning author Kate Davies--A stolen car on her front lawn. A sexy cop - looking to arrest her favorite student. A principal ready to fire her. Could Ellie's Monday get any worse?

ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL by USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn and bestselling author Taryn Elliott--A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin-on-skin action is just what the rock star and his new wife ordered—until the future comes much quicker than they expected.

GRAVE DANGER by Golden Heart finalist Rachel Grant--An archaeologist digs up a murder victim in a Northwest archaeological site and must help the hunky local police chief solve the crime before she becomes the next victim.

TURNING THIRTY-TWELVE by award-winning author Sandy James--Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date with detective Mark Brennan turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined.

HIS ONLY DESIRE by Adrianne Lee-- Nick Rossetti married the wrong twin sister. Will the right one ever forgive him? Not if her stalker has his way.

EVEN HEROES CRY by Hildie McQueen--War widow Tesha Washington slowly draws Adam Ford out of the shell that used to be a man, and learns there really is such a thing as starting over.

THE VIXEN AND THE VET by bestselling author Katy Regnery--In a Beauty and the Beast reboot, an ambitious reporter tracks down a wounded war vet for a scoop and ends up falling in love with him instead.

BUY THE BOX SET

WIN - Leave Lucy a comment on this post and your name goes in the hat for an ebook copy of Win the Game (the follow on book to Change the Game in the charity box set).  Please leave your email address so Lucy can contact you if you are a winner.

This Week's Special Guest - Michelle Levigne

A story addict since an early exposure to Dr. Seuss, award-winning author of over 30 novels and novellas, Michelle Levigne has been creating her own stories, heroes and adventures since junior high. She ventures into many sub-genres of science fiction, paranormal, romance and fantasy, including Greek mythology, Narnia spin-offs and her futuristic universe, the Commonwealth.

Michelle writes something for everyone! After all, since she likes to read all over the board, why not WRITE all over the board?

WEBSITE *** BLOG *** FACEBOOK

A BOX OF PROMISES

Five dorm sisters contemplate the summer ahead of them and their plans and goals, and end up making a vow. They record it, put it in a box for safekeeping with their dorm supervisor, and head out on their individual summer adventures. Those who do not reach their goals must pay a forfeit: a pizza party for the others.

Between lifeguard duties at summer camp, multiple sessions of Vacation Bible School, short-term mission work in Mexico, docent work at the zoo, and interning at the local newspaper, the five friends have high hopes. Problems come up against them in terms of sunburn, broken limbs, gum in hair, temporary blindness, crazy customers, boring writing assignments, and tons of ... elephant poop! Somewhere along the way, they encounter some very interesting young men who, despite all the flaws the friends see in themselves, find the girls just as interesting. Who knows what the school year ahead will have for them, once they return to campus?


BOX is the 5th book in Year Two of the Tabor Heights series -- and the 17th full-length book altogether. Tabor Heights is a small town on the North Coast of Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and all the stories involve members of a local congregation and students/faculty of the university in town. Characters visit back and forth between the stories and the books overlap. There is no "right" starting place to begin reading the Tabor Heights books -- just pick up a title that interests you and dive in. Just like when you move to a new town, you get to know one person, who introduces you to friends. You get to know their stories, and from there meet more new friends and learn their stories. Some books take an entire year, while others take a month, and others cover stories that take many years to unfold. The Tabor Heights books take you to a friendly little town on Ohio's North Coast, where sweet, inspirational romance is always in the air.


A BOX OF PROMISES by Michelle Levigne

Tabor Heights Year Two

Meg, Andrea, Ray, Bergen and Casey -- dorm sisters with summer plans. Meg: help Mexican orphans. Andrea: publish newspaper articles. Ray: get Michael's attention. Bergen: work with wolves at the zoo. Casey: survive as head camp lifeguard. Those who don't reach their goals pay for a pizza party at the end of the summer.

Sunburn, bubblegum in hair, "mean girls," lunatic customers, temporary blindness, political games and other assorted problems detour the girls from their goals. Life sneaks up and surprises them with opportunities they never expected -- along with five men who find them more than interesting. Will they survive their summer and reach their goals? By the time they return to their dorm, the girls realize that life is what happens when you make other plans.

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This Week's Special Guest - Zenobia Renquist

Zenobia Renquist is an Air Force brat turned Air Force wife. She and her husband are owned by two demanding cats of the long-haired persuasion. Born in Europe and currently stationed in Maryland, Zenobia has been traveling all her life. "Where are you from?" is not a question she likes to be asked but will usually answer Virginia, because it's the one place that feels like home.

Zenobia's stories range from steamy to scorching and she writes whichever genre catches her interest at the time. When not coming up with ways to torture her characters, she enjoys knitting and crochet (both regular and Tunisian) as well as reading shoujo and yaoi manga.

WEBSITE *** TWITTER *** BLOG *** FACEBOOK *** NEWSLETTER

Wine Service by Zenobia Renquist (Professional Courtesy 1)

In an unspecified major city, Lexie works in an unnamed five-star hotel as a housekeeper. The story starts with her being propositioned to perform a sexual act for the viewing pleasure of a VIP patron. Everything escalates from there until Lexie is doing more and more daring acts all for the pleasure they give her and the titillation of being naughty during work hours.

WINE SERVICE is the start of the Professional Courtesy series. Each title will be a stand alone though some characters will be related from book to book. For instance, Franceska (Lexie's boss) is the aunt of the hero in the next book to come.

The theme of the series is simple -- working professionals who find granting their boss or clients sexual favors is suddenly part of their job descriptions. Of course all the hanky-panky is off the books, but each character finds compelling reasons to allow the exceptions to continue. The most compelling of all being pleasure.

At this time, I have no set number of books for the series, though I have two more stories on the docket. One story involves a sleepwalker who does some very interesting things in his sleep and the assistant who helps him keep the habit under control. The other is about a personal shopper whose boss takes the "personal" part of the job description to a whole new level. Look forward to them.



WINE SERVICE by Zenobia Renquist 

Professional Courtesy Book 1

She offers satisfaction above and beyond what is requested.

Lexie's job as a housekeeper at a five-star hotel doesn't normally include the unique and risqué form of room service that important hotel guest Mr. Malena has requested, nor the generous tip he's offered. Lexie can't resist, and what should have been a one-time thing turns into an introduction into the sensual world of customer satisfaction. She finds much enjoyment in her "work," but is it worth risking her job?

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Read first chapter online

http://drb1stchp.com/2014/08/wine-service-by-zenobia-renquist/

Excerpt

“So what else is there? Sex, right?”

“If you want, but not what I had in mind right this instance.” He chuckled. “I’m not as spry as I used to be. I need a little more time to regain my stamina.”

“You look plenty spry to me.” She eyed his semi-erect dick. It hadn’t gone limp after he came. A few well-placed licks would probably have it hard again in an instant.

“Bless you, dear girl. You are good for my ego.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back. “Now then. After riding the bottle comes drinking the wine.”

“I’m on the clock.”

“Not you. Me. And a little shouldn’t hurt your performance.” He gazed into her eyes. “Unless you’re a lightweight.”

“No, but I don’t want someone to smell alcohol on my breath either.”

“True. True. But you won’t be drinking.”

“So why do you need me?”

He kissed her hand again and ran his tongue up to her wrist. “You’re my glass.”

Lexie must be getting used to him. She didn’t flinch or pull away or become indignant. She was naked, for the second time, and this was the most Mr. Malena had touched her. Though the idea of being his glass meant that would change. “How do you mean?”

“I plan to pour wine over this”—he flicked a finger from his free hand against her right nipple, grinning at her soft coo—“hard bud and then lick it up.”

Lexie swallowed and rubbed her thighs together as her clit twitched. “And again for this one.” He flicked her left nipple.

“S-Sounds fun.”

“Indeed it is. Every part of your body the wine touches, I will follow with my tongue. I plan to bathe you in it.”

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This Week's Special Guest - Kate Richards

Kate Richards is a SoCal dweller with a beach-loving family. She spends as much time as she can in the Pacific waves, but when surf’s not up she enjoys writing, reading, and growing vegetables in her garden.

Writing erotic romance is a dream come true. Kate’s first release, Finally, My Love, was a loose, very loose, adaptation of when she met her beloved husband online nine years ago. Since then she has sold several other books, but Finally will always be close to her heart.

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Can Characters be Sexy of 30? 40? 50?

When I hang out in Loony Bean Coffee, Spellbinder Books or the other small businesses in the tourist-friendly town of Bishop, California, in the Eastern Sierras, the company often includes hikers either just back from or on their way to the trails. With mountains well over the ten –thousand foot mark , one might expect the average hiker to be a teenager, but, while there are many young trekkers, there is no shortage of those over fifty. Some into their eighties. It’s probably the secret to eternal youth.

And I am a sucker for the romance of the great outdoors. To me, a sleeping bag next to the glowing coals of a banked fire, with the wind soughing through the pines and the aspens rattling, is the sexiest setting on earth. Add the black velvet of a sky sprinkled with the white fire of millions of stars…or a heavy, golden moon…and I’m putty in my partner’s hands. And don’t get me started about cuddling together in a tent while rain pelts the canvas. My heart beats faster just thinking about it!

After all…the common wisdom is its warmer in the sleeping bag without clothes, and body heat can’t be beat. Practicality and sensuality!

I’ve been a hiker and camper all my life and don’t find my interests waning as I get older. Why should it? Or why should passion? The hidden lakes of the High Sierra certainly haven’t gotten any less breathtaking and neither has my appreciation for the strong arms of my husband. Or any other part of him.

So, why wouldn’t two people in their fifties—especially when they’ve regretted what wasn’t in their teens—have an explosive passion when they find themselves alone together in the great beauty of the majestic mountains of their youth?

 

This is the background on the cover, a photograph of the area where the story takes place taken by a member of my family to whom I am very grateful.

SIERRA SEDUCTION by Kate Richards 

Successful financier and conqueror of mountains Valiant Epstein has returned to the majestic Sierra Nevada range. He has spent the past thirty-five years building his career and raising a family, but with a divorce behind him, his thoughts return to the enticing camp counselor who got away in his youthful rush toward his goals. Memories of her haunt the aspen and pine-covered slopes, leaving him fantasizing about what would have happened if he’d been her first lover instead of stupidly walking away.

Photographer of beautiful naked men, Michaela Vanz travels the high trails on a regular basis, but the mountains more and more remind her of the man to whom she’s compared all others. Valiant’s hard work building trails through the mountains also built muscle. Handsome, smart, funny and incredibly sexy…how could she ever forget him? She’d spent that summer hinting and finally begged him to make love to her but he’d rejected her and left her to make a life without him.

A lifetime later, when they meet again in the High Sierras, Val is more than ready to say yes, but will their passion last only one day and night or have they found true love in the second half of their lives?

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This Week's Special Guest - Tim Smith

Tim Smith is an award-winning bestselling author whose books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. He is also a freelance photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those two careers, he can be found in the Florida Keys, indulging in his passion for parasailing between research and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

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I’m pleased to announce the release of my newest romantic mystery from eXtasy books, “The Dirty Blonde – Vic Fallon Book 3.” This is a noir-ish crime caper in the style of Chandler, Westlake and Parker but in a contemporary setting. All of the elements are here – tough wisecracking private eye hero with a soft spot for the ladies, a femme fatale client who may or may not be telling the whole truth, some shady supporting characters, vivid atmosphere, and snappy dialogue filled with sexual tension. The only thing missing is a cool jazz score by Henry Mancini or Quincy Jones, but we couldn’t format that into the book.

A tough private eye gets involved with a blonde beauty in a search for her missing husband – but how many more wives are waiting in the wings?

Former cop Vic Fallon is content to live in Sandusky, Ohio on his disability settlement and take the occasional private eye job when he isn’t fishing. He doesn't really want to get involved in a missing persons case, but when Amy Bergen arrives from Tennessee looking for her estranged husband who’s avoiding divorce court, Vic is taken in by her southern charm and agrees to help her. His search brings him in contact with a local gangster wannabe, a crooked cop and a gambling syndicate. When another woman shows up claiming to be the missing man’s wife, the case takes a bizarre turn. Can Vic find the wayward husband before all of his wives catch up with him? Will his feelings for Amy develop into something more than professional?

This is the third story in the Vic Fallon series, following “The Bundle” and “Lido Key” but the books don’t need to read in order. For the uninitiated, Vic Fallon was about to be let go from the Police force for making his point with his fists until he was wounded in the line of duty. He became a private eye but with a twist – he doesn’t really have to work and only takes a job when he’s bored or something intrigues him. He also gets involved with a different woman in each story, which keeps it interesting.

If you’re in the mood for a blast from the B-movie past with a contemporary twist, pour a glass of whiskey, prop your feet on the desk, tip back your fedora and enjoy “The Dirty Blonde.” It’s the stuff dreams are made of.

THE DIRTY BLONDE by Tim Smith

Vic Fallon Book 3

A tough private eye gets involved with a blonde beauty in a search for her missing husband—but how many more wives are waiting in the wings?

Former cop Vic Fallon is content to live in Sandusky, Ohio, on his disability settlement and take the occasional private eye job when he isn’t fishing. He doesn’t really want to get involved in a missing persons case, but when Amy Bergen arrives from Tennessee looking for her estranged husband who’s avoiding divorce court, Vic is taken in by her southern charm and agrees to help her. His search brings him into contact with a local gangster wannabe, a crooked cop and a gambling syndicate. When another woman shows up claiming to be the missing man’s wife, the case takes a bizarre turn. Can Vic find the wayward husband before all of his wives catch up with him? Will his feelings for Amy develop into something more than professional?

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WIN - Leave a comment for Tim and your name goes in the hat for a copy of his first Vic Fallon release, THE BUNDLE.  Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are Tim's winner! 

This Week's Special Guest - Desiree Holt

Known the world over as the oldest living author of erotic romance, and referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.


“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

“Desiree Holt is like the Nora Roberts of erotic romance.” USA Today Happy Ever After Blog

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People say that writing is a solitary occupation and to a great extent it is. I mean, no one can do the writing for you, nor would you want them to. But it also takes a lot of research, especially for me. I am known as Miss Picky because I go to great lengths to get things right.

When I was writing Finding Julia, there were some specific scenes in the story that I needed details on. For example, there’s a cabin in the woods in Massachusetts. I had to know if there was still open land outside Boston, where it was, how much open space, all that good stuff. I managed to find a real estate agent who was willing to take time out of her busy day to answer my questions, although I think she was secretly hoping I was actually looking for property to buy.

There is also a scene at a restaurant called Harry’s House. Now this is of course a fictional place but it’s based on a real restaurant, Little Harry’s, a French colonial structure in Detroit with a lot of ambiance. I lived in that city fir twenty-five years and Little Harry’s was a place where Detroit’s gentrified elite as well as their Mafia elite frequently dined. Media were strictly prohibited so it was a place where people could be assured of privacy, especially with the restaurant divided into small rooms.

Unfortunately it no longer exists. Singer Anita Baker bought it and planned to turn it into a recording studio. She ran into so much resistance she built an IHop instead. Kind of like when my late husband and I went to Texarkana to see some of the historic landmarks of his ancestors and at one spot found a Taco Bell.

Oh, well.

FINDING JULIA by Desiree Holt

Can a moment of passion outlast years of secrets and misery?

Sometimes life is not fair. For Julia Patterson meeting Luke Buchanan opened the door to a new life and brought her to life as a woman. In his arms she learns for the first time how real passion and emotion can enrich your life. He claims her body with the pleasure of erotic sex and his heart with unrestricted love. But Fate was laughing at Julia, just as she is about to step over the threshold into a wonderful new life. When her almost-ex-husband Charles is diagnosed with a fatal heart condition her divorce is put on hold along with the rest of her life. Turning her back on Luke and the intense passion and emotion they shared is the most difficult thing she’s ever done. But Julia has a secret, one that Charles has discovered and uses like a club. Thirteen years later when Luke walks back into her life the passion and emotion are just as explosive as ever. Will they finally have their chance at happiness or will her secret destroy it forever?



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Excerpt #1:

“Our executive vice president is tied up in a meeting right now,” Howard whispered as the executive staff filed in. “He’s the one who says yea or nay. He’ll join us as soon as he can.”


Great. Would he expect her to do it all over again for him?


She sighed and began her presentation again.


It was well into the afternoon and she was pulling out copies of the proposed budget to distribute when the door to the boardroom opened quietly, and Julia’s stomach dropped to the floor. She felt as if an electric surge slammed into her, plucking at every one of her nerve endings.


The man who silently took a seat at the end of the table wasn’t necessarily handsome, but he was one hundred percent male. Liquid brown eyes were framed by the thickest lashes she had ever seen on a man. She noticed the strong jaw and the lines of character etched on an incredibly masculine face. Straight brown hair, a hint of silver reflecting in the lights, was worn just a little long, giving him a slightly rakehell look.


The classic dark business suit barely concealed the power he radiated. More than that, he exuded an aura of self, of authority, of comfort in his own skin few men were able to attain. She could think of only three words to describe him. Dark. Edgy. Dangerous. In her entire thirty years, no man had ever affected her the way this man did. Certainly not Charles. She clamped down on her reaction, forbidding herself to let her thoughts wander into forbidden territory. As she’d learned, her judgment where men were concerned left a great deal to be desired.


“Let me interrupt a moment.” Manning jumped to his feet. “Julia, meet Lucas Buchanan, our executive vice president. He’s been in another meeting until now.”


“I’m pleased you could join us, Mr. Buchanan.” Julia pasted on her professional smile and hoped her voice sounded firmer to the others than it did to her.


Lucas Buchanan nodded at her. “Luke, please. Sorry to be late. Please don’t let me interrupt.”


She struggled to pick up the threads of what she’d been saying, her brain suddenly addled, and her hands unsteady. It took every ounce of personal discipline to keep focused on her presentation.


Excerpt #2

“Let’s hope,” he muttered. “All right. Be sure to let me know how things are. I’ll be worried about you. Here. Give me your cell phone.”


She pulled it out of her purse and handed it to him. He punched some numbers and gave it back to her.


“There. My private number’s in there. I’m speed dial number one. I’ll have my phone on all the time. Call me whenever.”


“Oh, Luke.” Her voice broke and she dug deep to get control of herself. “Why couldn’t we have met fifteen years ago?”


“I don’t think we would have been ready for each other then.” He kissed her one last time, then enfolded her in his arms. “Just remember. No matter what happens in your life, you will always be mine.”


“Yes, I will.” She was fighting tears and clinging to him as if she’d never let him go before taking a step back. “Goodbye, Luke.” And then she couldn’t help herself. “I love you.” She yanked up the handle of her suitcase and nearly ran into the terminal, dragging the luggage behind her.


Julia went through check-in and security as if in a fog. She bought herself another cup of tea and sat in the waiting area, sipping at the hot liquid, hoping it would ease the sudden chill invading her. The man sitting next to her was kind enough to nudge her when the call for boarding came. She entered the plane and took her seat like a robot, buckled in and leaned her head back.


Images flashed through her mind: she and Luke dancing, bodies moving slowly to the music, their first night together, the wonder of exploring each other’s bodies, the night in the cabin, warmed by the flames of the fire, their kiss at the airport, more poignant than sensual.


What a mess. The damn divorce papers still unsigned and now she had no idea when or how they would be. Luke had said he would wait but for how long? And how would the twins handle this? Their relationship with their father left a lot to be desired yet surely this would affect them emotionally. Her life was slowly being flushed down the toilet and she was left with a very inadequate plunger. Tears begin to trickle from the corners of her eyes, and her stomach knotted.


“Excuse me.” The flight attendant was leaning towards her, over the empty seat next to her. “Forgive me for asking but is something wrong?”


“No.” Julia sniffled, then tried on a smile. “Just fighting a cold is all.”


“Can I get you anything?” The attendant was obviously concerned.


“Some hot tea would be nice, if you could. And thank you.” Maybe she could drown herself in an ocean of the stuff.


“Tea it is. Coming right up.”


She realized as she sipped the hot liquid, she would now always associate it with Luke. She hoped she would still be able to drink it without crying. The tea seemed to settle her still-jumbled stomach enough so she could relax a little, but it did nothing to rid her of the feeling of despair creeping over her.


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WIN - Leave Desiree a comment this week and your name goes into the hat for your choice of FOUR ebooks from Desiree Holt's impressive backlist and an AuthorIsland Goodie Box filled with lots of fun goodies and a book or two!  Just be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're a winner!  Winner will be announced on Monday, August 18th.  Good Luck!

Just to give you an idea of what could be in your goodie box,
               this is a picture from one of our readers of a goodie bag we sent her!

Meet Melissa Schroeder

From an early age, Melissa Schroeder loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book.

Since the publication of her first book in 2004, Melissa has had close to fifty romances published. She writes in genres from historical suspense to modern day erotic romance to futuristics and paranormals. Included in those releases is the bestselling Harmless series. In 2011, Melissa branched out into self-publishing with A Little Harmless Submission and the popular military spinoff, Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance. Along the way she has garnered an epic nomination, a multitude of reviewer’s recommended reads, over five Capa nods from TRS, three nominations for AAD Bookies and regularly tops the best seller lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Since she spent her childhood as a military brat, Melissa swore never to marry military. But, as we all know, Fate has her way with mortals. She is married to an AF major and is raising her own brats, both human and canine.

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