Interview & Giveaway: Fiery Pursuit by Jean Hart Stewart

Original Title: Fiery Pursuit
Series: Passionate Pursuits #1
Author: Jean Hart Stewart
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Release Date: February 10th 2012
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal, Historical

When Lars uses his Elfin power to rescue Sophie from a slave market in Constantinople he knows instantly she is meant to be his mate. But the murderer of Sophie’s father still pursues her, and Lars must all his strength to try to save her. And convince Sophie he is what she wants.

The villain who sold her into slavery reappears and Lars needs all his Elfin strength. When his power mysteriously weakens, can Lars get it back? And will it be enough to save them both?

EXCERPT

“I’d as soon bargain with the devil himself.”

With pride and relief, Lars heard his beloved’s voice and he knew he’d been in time. He ran down the hall on silent Elf’s feet, toward the auditorium, anxious to confront Mallory. On a quick whoosh of admiring breath, he realized she was expressing her contemptuous disdain of a man capable of killing her where she stood. One who’d do so without a qualm. He didn’t need to see her to know she was standing straight and proudly, her magnificent eyes flashing only scorn, not fear.

As he leapt toward the door to the meeting room, he heard Mallory’s growl.

“You’ve just killed what little mercy I felt toward you, you arrogant bitch. You’re no match for me. This time I’m going to take my pleasure of your body being bound and at my mercy. Then I’ll use this cane to whip your back to shreds. And then I’ll give you to Smythe. There’s no one now to protect you, missy.”

Sophie stared at him, refusing to lower her eyes or her proud stance. He might as well kill her as do what he threatened. But she’d never, ever show her fear to such a rutting beast.

And Lars stepped through the door, his tall powerful body held in readiness, as were his fists.

INTERVIEW WITH JEAN HART STEWART

     1.  Tell us something about your book that is not part of the book description (blurb).

A.  The love scenes obviously couldn’t go in the blurb. This is my first frankly erotic book, and I found it fun to write. Mostly it’s a matter of sexier words than I used in my other books.  And being a little more specific about what goes where. I’ve always  written pretty sensual stuff, since that’s a part of true love.

2.  Who is your book cover designer and what do YOU think about the cover?

A.   Dar Albert. He’s one of the best for Ellora’s Cave and I felt lucky to have him. LOVE the cover.

3.   What are your current literary works?  Any sneak peaks?

A.  I have two other books released this month. Love’s Magic is out from Passion in Print. Spies and Roses, a sexy historical, is out from MuseItUp.  I’ve got the sequel to  Fiery Pursuit,, Stormy Pursuit, being edited, am doing final checks the next book, Dark Pursuit. Reluctant Pursuit, book four in this eight part series called Passionate Pursuits is well-along. Can’t quote anything from Stormy since it’s under editing, but here’s a snippet from Dark Pursuit.

“As he headed toward shore he could pay more attention to his swimming. Going this direction he was helped by the tide. He put his head down and enjoyed one last, fast swim.  When he reached shallow enough water he stood and shook some of the moisture off and started toward the other swimmer. He was standing with a towel in his hand near a big rock, his back to Aidan. Drying his hair with vigor, hair that now showed more than a little red. Hair that nearly touched the sand when he leaned over to towel the thick mass. Hair that crowned a figure that was definitely not a man’s. A shapely, deliciously curved female, with grace inherent in every motion. She wore a plastered-to-her bathing suit that left each curve outlined and unbearably provocative. Long, sun tanned legs. And when she turned to face him, the features of a Madonna come to life. A Madonna who looked him over and laughed.

Aidan bristled at first and then remembered his naked state. No wonder she was chuckling. Here he was, without a stitch on him and nothing he could do it until he retrieved his clothes. Which naturally were at the opposite end of the beach. By the magic of all elves, she was magnificent. He couldn’t resist running his gaze over those perfect curves once again. He felt his cock start to rise, and saw her eyes widen and her beautiful face grow sober.He took a step toward her. When she grabbed at the towel to cover herself a little, Aidan found it was his turn to chuckle. “

4.      What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

A.    I know you’ll think I’m crazy but I seldom go to the movies. Just not enough time. Books, any book by my favorites. Mary Balogh, Susan Johnson, Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, and etc and etc. In fact almost any book.

5.      If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

 A. Mary Balogh, Shakespeare, and my children.

6.      What's the craziest writing idea you've had? 

A.    Maybe my elves…Although I do have some very erotic love scenes waiting to be written. They might turn out even crazier.

7.      Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 

 A. Because it will take you on a sensuous journey and leaves you with a reaffirmation of how        powerful, how wonderful love can be.           

8.      Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

 A. My family’s complete support, even though they secretly wish I didn’t write so much about sex.

9.      What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors.

 A. Write, rewrite, and then polish. Then send it to a trusted beta editor before correcting it and     submitting it. Be sure it’s the best it can be.

10.  If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which. would it be?

 A. I’m currently intrigued by the world of 1898, when Fiery Pursuits takes place. Such an    interesting time, especially in British history.

11.  If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

 A. ”She’s Lucky and She Knows It.”

12.  What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?

A. When Lars scoops Sophie up and carries her to bed for the first time. I love it because of     the passion and because of his inner acknowledgment he is hers for the rest of his life. That she doesn’t know this and wouldn’t believe it if she did makes it more poignant to me.

13.  What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

A. I love Susan Johnson’s erotica books. I can’t think of anybody I would be ashamed to admit   it to, though.

14.  What is one book everyone should read (apart from yours)?

A. Pride and Prejudice. So much insight into human nature and so cleverly written. Especially at a time when women were not accepted as writers.

15.  What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?

A. Reading and writing, like most of my other days. If it’s nasty enough to make me feel self-  indulgent then I’ll read more than usual.

QUICK ANSWERS

Favorite place?

Hawaii

Best christmas present?

Can’t pick, sorry

Favorite book?

Pride and Prejudice

Favorite author?

Oldie, Jane Austen. Newbie, Mary Balogh

Favorite smell?

Fresh air

Favorite series?

The Bridgertons by Julia Quinn.

Nickname?

Jeanie

Favorite writing spot?

My comfortable chair in the living room

Favorite movie?

“Somewhere in Time”

Favorite dish?

Mexican Salad

Favorite color?

Blue

Favorite quote?

All things happen for a purpose.

A bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?

Whichever comes with the most love.

Your best trait?

Optimism

Your worst trait?

Grudging someone something.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Love living in California, even though I’m a transplant. Love writing and all it entails, crazy characters demanding to be let loose on the page, long hours of research, every bit of it. I raised two children and spent about twenty years in real estate before I summoned the courage to quit and do what I always wanted to do, WRITE! While he was alive my husband was my first-stop editor and biggest fan. Now that my children are accustomed to my writing sexy novels they’re equally supportive.

I’m currently finishing my 24th book, tentatively named Double Pursuit and I have four books coming out this year. My Mage series is finished and I’ve started a new series where the new hero has Elfin blood. He’s fun, as well as tall, lithe and gifted. I think I’m blessed as well as lucky. Do write me with any questions. I love to hear from readers!

GIVEAWAY

At every stop, Jean will give one commenter her choice of a book from Jean's backlist which can be found at www.JeanHartStewart.com At the end of the tour, one random commenter, as well as the host with the most comments will win their pick of Jean's books in print, plus a Fiery Pursuits t-shirt.

Anonymous and Name/URL commentors - please comment WITH your mail ID.

Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends July 6th 2012!

Guest Post & $10 Gift Card Giveaway: No Matter When by Nancy Adams

Original Title: No Matter When
Series: Out of Time #1
Author: Nancy Adams
Publisher: Total E-Bound Publishing
Release Date: September 12th 2011
Genre: Erotic Romance

Standing on the battlements of a 16th century Keep was the last place Gabriel Sutherland should be. Then again, being ‘shifted’ to 1503 seconds before a rocket blew his ass to bits wasn’t something he had envisioned either. Still, he was surviving the only way he knew how, as a soldier. Then Lilly arrived. Sweet, innocent Lilly. For a genetically superior soldier whose life had entailed of nothing but serving King and country, the arrival of Lilly proves too much for Gabe to ignore. For the first time in his life, Gabe can have a woman of his own and Lilly is the one.

Lilly Marten lives alone, her quiet life the result of a highly sensitive photographic memory. That changed when she arrived in the year 1503 seconds before Toronto’s popular C.N Tower came crashing down on top of her. Now she was never alone. Gabe was always near. With his unbelievably perfect features and intense green eyes, he is not a man easily ignored. Yet, uncertainty about her new life leaves Lilly with no choice but to put faith in a man she fears and whose strong physical presence causes her to desire more than just his trust.

EXCERPT

 “What changed?”

 “My perspective.” He looked seriously at her. “It’s you. You’re what’s changed, for me. I haven’t thought about the life I used to have since you arrived.”

Gabe lowered his mouth to the centre of her chest and pressed his lips to the skin above her heart. Lilly was the reason his perspective had changed. She was the reason he wanted to stay here. Her sweet innocence and natural beauty were only two reasons he no longer craved the life he used to have. “If you left…” He had to be careful how he explained what he felt without scaring her. “I’d be very upset.”

 “You’d be upset if I went home?”

 “You can’t go home, Lilly.”

He sighed when she slid her eyes away from his. She didn’t get what he was saying, or rather trying to say. He tried another tactic. “I came from a time when love was unimportant. People were matched together according to their genetic profiles—the goal was to produce a generation without health-related issues who excelled in all academic and physical tests.”

 “The perfect human?” Her lashes lifted like two small wings.

 “Yes, the perfect human. There wasn’t any type of attraction or love in my life. I never thought about it, never worried about it—until now. I won’t allow you to get lost, out there”—he nodded to the world beyond the room, then touched her temple—“or in here. And if by some chance it happens, I’ll find you and bring you back.”

10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

- Guest post by Nancy Adams

Hey there, here’s my list of ten – may hap slightly bizarre - things you don't know about me.

1)      I secretly enjoy watching Phineas and Ferb on the Family Channel... and yes on occasion I have watched without my kids in the room.

2)      While on our honeymoon in Provence, France, I almost convinced my husband to stop the car so I could run through a field full of Lavender...in the nude.

3)      This would be a good time to mention, I have an unhealthy infatuation with Lavender.

4)      If I had to choose between chocolate chip cookies or Gerard Butler…I would choose the chocolate chip cookies.  (Unless Gerard planned on feeding me those cookies, then I might reconsider.)

5)      My name is Nancy and I am addicted to 600 thread-count Egyptian cotton bed linens.

6)      I have no problem paying a small fortune for a pedicure.  Why not, right!  Sitting in a massage chair being pampered…who wouldn’t pay for that?

7)      A few nights ago, my husband and I sat down to watch a movie.  The choices were a touchy feely love story or the new Navy SEALs’ movie.  I chose the SEALs.

8)      Once when a telemarketer called my house, instead of saying No thanks to whatever product he was selling, I encouraged his sales pitch so I could listen to his sexiest southern accent.

9)      I feel deep down that everyone must have something to believe in.  That’s why I faithfully embark on monthly pilgrimages to IKEA, I believe in the Swedish.

10)  Nancy does not camp! Unless I’m in a field of Lavender and Gerard Butler is feeding me Chocolate Chip Cookies…

That was a lot of fun, thanks for having me!  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy’s addiction for a good trash novel began in her late-teens when her grandmother gave her a bag of Harlequin Romance books. She was hooked and spent the next few years lurking in the dark corners of used bookstores searching for her next fix. Until, one marriage and two kids later, her own ideas had her jumping up at 3 am (much to her husband’s annoyance) and typing them into her laptop. Beside her husband and children, Nancy has three passions, rearranging furniture, buying bed linens and, of course, writing. Nancy lives in Eastern Ontario with her family and two over sized lap dogs.

AUTHOR ONLINE: Facebook | Total E-Bound

GIVEAWAY

Nancy will be awarding a $10 GC to Total-e-Bound Publishing or Amazon to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a $20 GC to Total-e-Bound Publishing or Amazon to the host with the most comments.

Please enter your comments in this post to enter this giveaway.  Anonymous and Name/URL Comments SHOULD have email ID in their comment.

Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY and ends July 23rd 2012.

Guest Post and Giveaway: Patchwork of Me by Gregory Allen

Original Title: Patchwork of Me
Author: Gregory G. Allen
Publisher: ASD Publishing
Published Date: April 15th 2012
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Rating: PG13

A product of the foster care system, Sara Butler spends her early thirties hiding from her past while striving for a normal life with her small group of quirky friends in Arizona. Seeking treatment for an invisible rash and abnormal dreams, her therapist helps her unlock a heinous past that she is unsure she wants to open. To patch her life back together, she realizes she must travel across country to Maine to confront that past in order to plan for a future.

What readers have said

"Allen weaves an intricate tapestry of characters, successfully transporting the reader into his world...a compelling read." - Joanne Huspek Blogcritics

"A page-turning, thought provoking, and addictive tale. Allen's vivid characters are rich and real and thoroughly enjoyable." - Spencer Seidel Author of Dead of Wynter

"It's Allen's wisdom and insight - the hopeful message that it is up to us to shape our life and our future - that truly makes this book special. With Patchwork of Me, Greg Allen has made my short list of favorite authors!" - Terri Giuliano Long Author of In Leah's Wake

"It's a kaleidoscope of unexpected twists and turns, emotional and psychological. It's soul-searching; self-discovering, humorous and romantic!" - Arthur Wooten Author of Leftovers

"This book is for anyone who treasures friendship, asks big questions, looks for the truth, or simply enjoys a great story." - Pamela Milam, MA, LPC Author & Columnist

Connect with Gregory Allen on Twitter & Facebook

Website http://www.ggallen.net/#/

HOPELESS ROMANTIC

- Guest Post by Gregory Allen

So when I started writing “Patchwork of Me”, I wasn’t ever sure if I was writing a true romance. I was writing a book about a woman in search of herself and IF a man happens to play into that- sweet! I knew the rules for ‘chick-lit’ and thought “hmmmm….I’m not playing by the rules.” But I seldom do. My books have twists and turns that cause traditional publishers to throw their hands in the air and get upset with me. Yet I believe life is that way. It’s not always perfect and safe and laid-out smoothly.

Nor are the worlds I create. And yet, I believe in love and romance. I enjoy seeing someone wooed and courted. I think I’ve watched every date movie there is. Love Nicholas Sparks and where he takes us in stories. And my all time favorite movie (and the book it is based on) is “Somewhere in Time”. To show what a true romance geek I am – I wrote a musical based on that movie years ago. Only I wasn’t able to get the rights (and now, 20 years later I hear they are working on one for Broadway). I also took a trip to Mackinac Island where the film was shot and was completely swept up in the magic of it all. Yes, I am a romantic at heart even if the characters that I tend to write about are going through major adversity in their lives.

I think the feeling of being in loved (and being loved) can get us through so many difficult times in our lives. Both those that are tragic when you need that person to cling to and even those that are comical when you think “I want more than anything to share this with x”. And when someone says ‘it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all’, I know that many scoff at that. But I tend to believe it true. To have known that amazing feeling. To have shared life with another. To have had that special person (even if gone) so you know what it is you are looking for the next time around. I say it is all worth it.

Everyone should get to experience the amazing joy that is love. When you’re ready for it. When you’re ready to give it. When all of those things align (or in the world of writing: when my character is truly ready for it) – I believe it can happen.

So yes, Virginia…there is a Santa Claus and some men believe in romance. There…I’ve said it! And I didn’t have to use a fake pen name to be able to stand up and share that.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of this book to 3 winners.  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to enter.  If you have trouble viewing Rafflecopter, please refresh the page.

The giveaway ends July 16th 2012 and is open INTERNATIONALLY!

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ARC Review: The Pack - Retribution

Original Title: The Pack: Retribution

Series: The Pack #2

Author: LM Preston

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

Release Date: September 28th 2012

Genre: Science Fiction, Young adult

Revenge doesn't have a name, but has chosen a victim--Shamira. But she's never been the type to lie down and let someone hurt her family or her friends. In order to find the mastermind behind the threat to all she cares about, she must give up the one person who's found his way into her guarded heart, Valens. Valens refuses to back off easily, and neither will Shamira's friends. They join forces with her in order to deal with a new enemy who seeks to kill everyone in Shamira's life that dared save the missing kids on Mars.

REVIEW

*** A copy of this novel was provided by the author for review purposes. ***

This novel is set up in a different world - actually its Mars.

"The criminals in Earth that could be rehabilitated with hypnotic software that would remove the subject's desire to commit crime were released into the Mars relocation program.  Others that were too violent and twisted were put to death by electrical drowning in the Waters."

Shamira and her friends were in the training program for Security Force Elite Officers.  When their trainer was killed in an ambush, Shamira sets her mind to get to the killer, no matter what it takes.  Once blind, Shamira had very few friends.  But now, she has a sweet boyfriend and many loyal friends.  This training team was one of the reasons I loved this book.

Well thought-out plot, good world building and deeper characters made this book more enjoyable.  The theme is new.  The action, romance, revenge and technology played good in required sequences, which gives you something to think about, when you take a break from reading.

I had trouble understanding the first few pages.  But, that may be due to the fact that I am reading second book in the series, without reading its previous book.  The only other problem I faced was narration.  It could have been better.  Creating such an idea and a plot surrounding that idea is not an easy deal.  But, those efforts may not be recognized without proper narration.

*** There were a few sentence formation errors and the e-book had some bad formatting.

This is one of the very few science fiction novels I enjoyed.  My lack of interest in science always made me avoid science fiction novels.  But, this was easy and understandable.  Thanks to that!

3.5 stars!