Best Laid Intentions by Talia Carmichael

When it all comes together
By: Talia Carmichael

Creating a new book is exciting and I love each part. From looking at that blank page then adding the first words to it. Then taking the journey with my characters through their story. I follow where they lead and they surprise me when they take twists and turns. With each word I get to walk along with the characters as they journey toward their happy ever after. And that is the goal—to be a part of their book.


As I write I feel this zing as the story works as it comes together. I know deep within that I've succeeded in what I set out to do. Create a story that brings it all together. I love that sensation and I can't wait to get into that spot in the book when I know it.  After I get the book as I want it, then comes the next parts – submitting, then the waiting. The waiting can…keep you on edge. Then when you hear yes or no at least it is something. If it is that wonderful yes, then comes the editing process.  I enjoy the journey of getting my books ready for publication.


It is interesting to experience all the various steps in the process. From editing, blurbs, cover art and all the in between bits. Finally, the end point of the process—the actual publication of the book. (grin). Once it registers I get mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety. Fellow writers have told me that this is an experience they also get when their book is coming out. You put a lot of work into the story and when it's time to release it to the world it can be wonderful and frightening all at once. But no matter I still love it.


I'm at that stage right now—the excitement of recently released book and butterflies in my stomach. My latest book Best Laid Intentions (Impressions #6) just came out. :) All the processes to get the book from that first blank page to being released were a journey that I have taken before. Yet each time I still get those feelings I mentioned and I know that no matter how many books I get published I will always have those sensations. And I enjoy each and every step. I’m looking forward to it and all hopefully having this feeling often. (grin). I love when it all comes together.


About Talia Carmichael:
Talia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.

Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real… to fill the craving.
Check out more about Talia at http://taliacarmichael.com  or
 http://taliacarmichael.com/blog. 
Contact her at http://taliacarmichael.com/blog/contact
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/pages/Talia-Carmichael/247134751977720.
Twitter:  @taliacarmichael

Blurb for Best Laid Intentions:
This is book six in the Impressions series, see the full series listing here

Taking a risk and going after what he wants leads a man to the most pleasurable of results…
Taylor Noble decides to take a chance on pursuing Savage. Savage makes him crave but Taylor knows that anything beyond the physical would be foolish. He has too much on his plate for a relationship. But he can have a good time… After all, there’s no way Savage would want more. And Taylor certainly doesn’t either… Yet, as he gets to know Savage, Taylor finds himself questioning his plans for fun with no strings.

From their very first meeting, Savage Griffin is drawn to Taylor. There’s something Savage cannot define that’s so different when he sees, thinks or talks to Taylor. Knowing Taylor is interested gives him the opportunity to explore more about this man who has captured his attention. Savage plans to take advantage of it. Each and every moment—sexual and platonic—brings him closer to Taylor, who captures all his senses. Now it’s just a matter of convincing Taylor that what they share goes way past the physical to the emotional. Yes, emotions are messy but Savage is ready, willing and able to get Taylor to change his best laid intentions and make some new plans.

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Like the sound of Best Laid Intentions?
Buy it here:  https://www.totallybound.com/best-laid-intentions?utm_source=literarynymphs&utm_medium=blogtour&utm_campaign=bestlaidintentionsblogtour

Claim by Sierra Cartwright

Bond Series

Sierra Cartwright

Hi, Literary Nymphs! Thanks for having me...I appreciate the time and the space.  I do appreciate the insightful comments you make in your reviews and your overall respect for the genre. Thanks!

Real life influences my writing, often in ways I never imagined, and that definitely happened with the Bonds series from Totally Bound.

When I began exploring the idea for book one, Crave, I knew that Reece had a very close friend who was a bit eccentric. So I wanted him to have a bit of an unusual name, one that might reflect his heritage. Sometimes I struggle with naming characters. I’ll change a name half a dozen times during the first chapter, just to be sure I get it right. This time, though, I didn’t hesitate. I knew his name was Julien Bonds.

But I didn’t know how the two met.

Around the time I had the idea for the series; I packed up, moved, and became a resident of Texas. I quickly learned that college football teams receive a lot of attention. Every weekend in the fall, I would see people wearing Longhorns T-shirts or hoodies. Team apparel is even sold at the airports.

My husband is a sixth-generation Texan. And he was constantly regaling me with stories of his college days. So it was natural that I would have my hero and his friend attend the University of Texas at Austin. I did a bit of research and learned that UT is well-respected for business as well as engineering degrees. So it was the perfect fit.

And of course, I figured Reece and Julien had more friends, all of whom would have been attracted to UT at Austin. I’ve never enjoyed writing more than I did when the college friends all get together for Julien’s birthday party.

Naturally all of these men have strong beliefs and have charted a course for their futures. That is, until women come along and makes them question everything they think they know. (We women have a talent for doing that!)

Claim features Kennedy Aldrich, a hero who is a bit of a rebel and an ultra-successful business man. He’s never been interested in getting married. In fact, he’s made an art of dodging the marital noose, until he runs into Mackenzie at a local BDSM club. Suddenly a relationship doesn’t seem like a bad idea. The trouble? Mackenzie has sworn off men, especially those as rich and powerful as Kennedy. One thing she hasn’t counted on is Kennedy’s relentless determination and her own desires to submit to his seductive dominance.

Blurb for Claim:

This is book two in the Bonds series; see the full series listing here

It had to be her. He won’t be satisfied until he claims her.

Kennedy Aldrich has perfected the art of dodging any romantic entanglement that will lead to marriage. That is until he sees Mackenzie Farrell at a BDSM gathering.

When they meet, he’s entranced by her intelligence and submission, not to mention her stunning good looks. For the first time, he has met a woman who captivates his interest on every level, someone he wants to share his life with.

Mackenzie is overwhelmed by Kennedy’s attentions. A failed marriage taught her to distrust men, and she’s vowed never to walk down the aisle again.

It takes all her resolve to resist the devilishly handsome Dominant. After all, the whole world knows of his legendary reputation with women. Every feminine instinct warns that this man will demand more than she can offer.

But she hasn’t counted on Kennedy’s determination to claim her and prove that love is worth any risk.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of anal play.

Like the sound of Claim? Buy it here. 

About Sierra Cartwright:

 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR

Sierra Cartwright was born in Manchester, England and raised in Colorado. Moving to the United States was nothing like her young imagination had concocted. She expected to see cowboys everywhere, and a covered wagon or two would have been really nice!

Now she writes novels as untamed as the Rockies, while spending a fair amount of time in Texas…where, it turns out, the Texas Rangers law officers don't ride horses to roundup the bad guys, or have six-shooters strapped to their sexy thighs as she expected. And she's yet to see a poster that says Wanted: Dead or Alive. (Can you tell she has a vivid imagination?)

Sierra wrote her first book at age nine, a fanfic episode of Star Trek when she was fifteen, and she completed her first romance novel at nineteen. She actually kissed William Shatner (Captain Kirk) on the cheek once, and she says that's her biggest claim to fame. Her adventure through the turmoil of trust has taught her that love is the greatest gift. Like her image of the Old West, her writing is untamed, and nothing is off-limits.

She invites you to take a walk on the wild side…but only if you dare.

You can find Sierra on Facebook, follow her on twitter and check out her page on Tumblr.

Website:  http://www.sierracartwright.com/

Enter Totally Bound’s competition for the chance to win a copy of Claim and two books from Sierra’s backlist:

https://www.totallybound.com/competition/sierra-cartwright-claim-giveaway

TAG by Shari J. Ryan

Title: TAG

Author: Shari J. Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Suspense

Publisher: Booktrope 

Release Date: November 7, 2014

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1nrtplQ

B&N: http://bit.ly/115zxGm

ITUNES: http://bit.ly/1uKX9MR

Book Description:

What if your family had a big secret . . . a life changing secret. My dad, the bigwig CIA agent, was always on the run, whether he was being chased or doing the chasing. I missed him. 

Then my mom passed away, and my sister was murdered. I turned my solitude to strength because the alternative was too bleak.

But my luck seemed to turn: I met Tango. And while I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my twenty-two years, danger lurks around every corner and I simply can’t take the chance of it finding me.

But his tattoos, his smell, his darkness, and his body— that marine has taken over my every thought. But, what if he too isn’t what I think? A ticking time bomb isn’t going to leave me much time to waver. Even the bravest person can be in need of a miracle.

Before she was gone, my mom warned me to know everyone and trust no one. But what was I supposed to do when I found out I am the one not to be trusted? 

Turns out, I was always the bait in this conspiracy.

In author Shari J. Ryan’s New Adult novel, TAG, the canyons hold secrets, the waterfalls provide safety, and romance has a pesky way of showing up when you are sweaty and dirty and least expect it.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23072524-tag

Excerpt:

I’ve been seated among the dozens of other passengers for the past two hours, watching the gate times change a number of times before I see the plane actually arrive. Just as I’m powering my phone down, preparing to board, an awful stench burns my nose from a few inches away. A middle-aged man with greasy black hair and a thick lip-covering mustache who smells exactly like the inside of a port-a-potty has found a reason to sit directly beside me in a row of empty seats.

When my eyes unfortunately meet his, he takes the opportunity to speak to me.

“Heading to Boston?” he asks.

I raise my eyebrows and force a tightlipped smile. I simply follow that with a nod and give him a no shit look. 

“I heard winter’s coming early this year,” he continues.

“Cool,” I mumble with a sigh.

 I pull a magazine out of my bag and open it in front of my face, hoping to block my vision of the man’s blackened-stained grin. But it’s only seconds before I’m taken back when his finger sweeps down the bare skin of my collarbone.

“What does that mean?” he asks, pointing to my tattoo.

With a smooth motion, I lay my magazine down onto my lap and place my hand over his, giving him the false notion that I’m a gentle person. I take the opportunity to offer him a slight smile before I twist his forefinger backwards as far as it will go before the expectant snap. 

“I’m sorry,” I say sweetly. “Did I tell you it was okay to touch me?”

I pull down a little harder, and he smiles in response to the pain. But as I hold my hand there, I see the smile begin to fade.

“It’s a free country, chicky,” he sputters as his tongue knocks around between his bare gums.

“Why would you think it's okay to touch me?” I ask again, keeping my voice calm, yet stern. He licks his lips and looks me up and down, responding with only a look. 

“Do you go around touching girls half your age because you feel it's okay?”

He clears his throat and looks around to see who’s watching or listening, but I don’t move my eyes from his. 

“Why not?” he says, shrugging his bony shoulders. 

“Besides, you’re definitely asking for it.”

He thinks I’m asking for it? I’m wearing a fucking scoop neck, black long sleeve shirt, jeans, and combat boots. 

“The only reason it's okay, is because no one has ever probably told you no. But it occurs to me that after I snap your finger off your hand, you won’t be able to touch people inappropriately anymore, will you?”

He hoots with laughter, dragging in attention he probably shouldn’t want. “You think you could break my finger, little chicklette?”

I pull his finger a little further, and his smile grows. “Ow, stop. You’re hurting me,” he puckers his lips and winks at me.

“Oh, look, it’s your right hand. You a righty?” 

I turn his hand over and see deep callouses bubbling on his palm. 

“Yes, you are. So, if I rip this thing off, you wouldn't miss it, right?” 

I turn his hand back over and glare into his beady eyes. He’s questioning my words. He’s unsure of my capabilities. And that’s fine. 

“Sound okay to you? Or are you going to leave and stop touching people?” 

His smile fades and his eyes widen. I release his hand and offer him a smart-ass smile.

“Oh, and the tattoo means death. It’s a Maori Warrior symbol. They used to eat their enemies once they slaughtered them. Cool, huh?”

I see his Adam’s apple struggle to move. He lifts his bag from the ground and nearly trips over his own feet, darting away.

I reopen my magazine to the page I was reading and refocus my attention on an article as I hear a soft chuckle coming from the other side of me.

I turn to see who was enjoying the free entertainment and I’m faced with a man who looks to be either a wrestler or in the military—black shaven hair, stiff jaw and bulging muscles on every inch of his arms.

His eyes are currently focused on a book, and I suppose he could have been laughing at that, rather than me. But as I question it, his large shamrock green eyes lift and look right at me. A slight grin tugs on the corner of his lips, and he winks so quickly I’m questioning whether it was me who might have blinked. Before I can react, he stands up and walks away.

I swallow hard and refocus my attention on the magazine once more. Stupid attractive man causing a moment of feebleness. I didn’t react, though. He winked at me. I think. And I didn’t make a snide comment or scowl. Weakness.

I let out a few short breaths, regaining my composure. He’s gone. It’s fine.

 Shari J. Ryan:

Shari J. Ryan hails from Central Massachusetts where she lives with her hubby and two lively little boys. Writing has become Shari’s great escape from the real world over the past few years. After a bout of postpartum depression with her first child, Shari was determined to occupy her brain enough to eliminate some of the blue moments in life.

When she found writing to help as a newfound therapy, she started her first book. Her books brought her out of postpartum depression and helped her overcome it when her second son was born. Shari likes to think writing saves her mind. She even used one of the characters in the book (the main character’s protagonist mother), to veer away from the type of person she refuses to become.

Shari has two happy little boys and the Schasm series to show for her unorthodox therapeutic method.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShariJRyan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsharijryan

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sharijenn82/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ShariRyan

Author Website: http://sharijryan.com/

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b0b485fc117/

A Bite In Time: Orbus Arcana Book 2 by Viki Lyn & Vina Grey

 Literary Nymphs Interview

Title: A Bite In Time: Orbus Arcana Book 2

Author: Viki Lyn & Vina Grey

Publisher: ViVi

Genre: MM paranormal romance; LGBT romance

Release Date: August 2014

 Do you write in more than one genre?

Vina: Not anymore.  A few years ago, I wrote male-female paranormal romances but it takes a lot of time and energy to develop and world and sustain it, and I since I love writing m/m so much I focused on these stories. In the future? Who knows? Never say never is an adage I live by.

Viki: I have a couple of m/f historical romances published, but I I love reading and writing about men loving men, and so I follow my passion by sticking mostly  with the m/m romance genre. Within the m/m genre, I write contemporary and paranormal stories and someday would love to write a ‘true’ mystery.

What if any, is the hardest part of writing for you?

Vina: Finding a book title. Honest! I go crazy trying to come up with and then finalize a title. And last names for my characters - hate that one, too. And it never fails that the ‘perfect’ title or name (for that day anyway) comes to me when I’m driving or in a meeting. I go through some gyrations trying record my thoughts on my phone (thank you, Apple!).

Viki: I hear you Vina! Book covers can be difficult because I’ve already envisioned how my character looks. Finding a model to fit a character is almost impossible, but I have to say that Winterheart Design did a fabulous job with the Orbus Arcana covers. I can’t wait to reveal our third book cover, but that’s for another time! Another challenge is keeping the pacing tight, especially in the middle of the story. We want our readers to keep turning the page.

What inspired the story?

Vina: Sitting in a coffee-shop one hot, sunny day in Arizona (are you getting the vibe here?), Viki and I were drinking our poisons. To my right, a big glass window…and I said, what if a car crashed in here right now? Viki, choking on her coffee, raises her brow at me (she does that quite well by the way). I continue…what if the driver was dead…sputter, sputter, double shot latte misses mouth and cup…what if the barista was a vampire who hadn’t fed in weeks...Viki swipes coffee off her chin, shakes her head and says…we have a story here, don’t we? The rest, as they say, is history.

Viki: Ok, Vina IS exaggerating. *cough cough* True, we were in Arizona, and true, Vina did ask the question about a car crashing through a plate glass window. But sputtering out my precious latte, seriously, I don’t think so. And, she forgot to mention we found a cupcake bakery we visited practically every day during our writing retreat. I refused to step on the scale for a week after I returned home.

EXCERPT:

For the Bite of It Excerpt:

Their fingers touched, curled, clasped. Under the lights, John’s hair gleamed bright. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and the openness on his face called to Vince. They came together in a rush, bodies slamming together, mouths seeking blindly.

John’s lips locked onto Vince’s. John’s taste filled Vince’s mouth. Dio. He heard the pulse of blood pumping in John's veins. He barely held back the dropping of his fangs. His bloodlust was coming on him fast and furious and stronger. He needed to put distance between them, but he couldn't let go.

But there was more than the bloodlust between them. Holding John felt like coming home. Like a winter fire on a cold alpine evening. Like everything warm and comfortable Vince treasured.

Drawing on his strength, he fought back the bloodlust and focused on John. He didn't need John's blood to satisfy him. He would find other ways to nourish.

Pulling away, he traced John's lower lip. “Give me a minute. Don't go away.”

“Sure. But don't be too long.”

_________________

For the Bite of It Excerpt: An Amazon bestseller!

A vampire, a cupcake, plus one sexy cop, is a recipe for trouble: welcome to the Orbus Arcana series! Vince is a lonely exiled vampire prince running a cupcake shop when he’s caught in a human murder investigation being run by John. Human cop John has kept his sexuality quiet but his attraction and feelings for Vince make him reconsider. While John and Vince begin an erotic dance, Vince’s vampire world of the Orbus Arcana is at a crossroad and the intrigue will change their relationship forever.

What are some of your other favorite activities?

Vina: I read, read some more, drink coffee, write, read, coffee, write, coffee, read. Broadway. Traveling. Occasionally I surface for mundane activities such as grocery shopping, dinner with my family. My only other vice is traveling. We do one or two major trips a year to lands as far away as possible.

Viki: Travel, art, writing, reading, anime, RPG’s, coffee, bowling, British mysteries...just about anything involving breaking bread with friends and family. Obsessions: I have over 300+ yaoi stuffed in my back closet.

Where can we find your website?

Vina and Viki share a cyber home at www.vikivinaromance.com. Please stop by if you have chance and read, for the first time ever, fun facts about the Orbus Arcana world.

Vincent by D.B. Reynolds

Vincent

 Vampires in America Book #8

Author: D.B. Reynolds

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: ImaJinn Books

Release Date: November 1, 2014

D. B. Reynolds – Literary Nymphs – Vincent blog tour

I get asked a lot about what music I listen to when I’m writing. The truth is that I don’t.

Music is very important to me, all kinds of music. But I have one of those brains that automatically starts memorizing the lyrics or rhythm or melody to any song it hears. That’s too distracting when I’m trying to write, since I need to disappear into my story in order to do it justice.

But that’s not to say that music doesn’t affect my writing. It absolutely does. Sometimes when I’m writing a particular scene, I can hear a song playing in the background. Or I’ll hear a song by one of my favorite artists and the emotion it inspires brings to mind a scene that I just have to write and incorporate into the book I’m writing, or maybe the next one.

So, here are a few songs that have inspired me emotionally when writing certain scenes. In some cases, I’ve indicated the specific scene or book.

Desperado (Linda Ronstadt) (should be Raphael’s theme song when we meet him)

It Doesn’t Matter (Alison Krauss & Union Station) (Raphael – Cyn’s theme song!)

Someone Like You (Rod Stewart) (Jabril – but it’s Cyn’s song)

Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye (The Casinos) (Raj and Sarah’s wedding dance - Vignette)

Iridescent (Linkin Park) (Duncan – Emma at the funeral)

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long  (Otis Redding)  (Betrayed)

Love Don’t Die (The Fray)  (Vincent  - end of the final fight sequence)

 (These are among the songs on my action/fight scene playlist – the only time I sometimes listen to music as I write)

Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)

Radioactive (Imagine Dragons)

Castle of Glass (Linkin Park)

Burn It Down (Linkin Park)

Blurb:

Sinaloa, Mexico . . . haunting deserts, hot nights, and vampires, who’ve been there for hundreds of years, watching from the shadows, playing their games, manipulating humans, and surviving at any cost.

Vincent Kuxim, powerful and charismatic, was made vampire by an ambitious leader looking for soldiers to pave his way to the rule of all Mexico. But more than a century later, Vincent’s Sire is looking over his shoulder as Vincent closes in for the kill, ready to claim the title Lord of Mexico for himself.

Lana Arnold is a bounty hunter, smart, beautiful, and determined to chart her own future. So when the most powerful vampire lord in all of North America enlists her help in tracking down a very old and elusive bloodsucker, Lana sees nothing but opportunity. 

There’s only one catch. The client wants her to take Vincent—a vampire she neither knows nor trusts—along on her hunt. Then again, maybe it’s herself she doesn’t trust, because Vincent Kuxim is sex walking in a pair of tight black jeans.

Thrown together by circumstance, Vincent and Lana soon find themselves battling an evil they didn’t know existed in a fight that makes Vincent all the more determined to destroy his Sire, seize Mexico for himself . . . and keep Lana by his side forever.

Buy Links:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Vincent-Vampires-America-Book-8-ebook/dp/B00O35KHBU/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1414826429

Amazon Print http://www.amazon.com/Vincent-Vampires-In-America-Volume/dp/1611945550/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1414826429&sr=1-1

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vincent-Vampires-America-Book-8-ebook/dp/B00O35KHBU/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414826994&sr=1-1&keywords=vincent+db+reynolds

Amazon UK Print http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vincent-Vampires-In-America-8/dp/1611945550/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1414826994&sr=1-1

About the Author:

D. B. Reynolds is the RT Award-Winning author of the popular Vampires in America series of Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy and an Emmy-nominated television sound editor. 

She lives with her husband of many years in a flammable canyon near the Malibu coast, and when she’s not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else’s. 

Visit her blog at www.dbreynolds.com for details on all of her books, for free stories and more. 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dbreynoldswriter

Twitter https://twitter.com/DBReynoldsWrite

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2898479.D_B_Reynolds

D.B. Reynolds Giveaway

1^st Prize a copy of VINCENT e or print (signed) winner's choice, plus a $25 Amazon gift cert

2^nd Prize a copy of VINCENT e or print (signed) winner's choice, plus a $10 Amazon gift cert 

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/da76ce7e44/ 

11/01/2014      RomFan Reviews

11/10/2014    Deanna's Tidbits

11/11/2014    Literary Nymphs Hot List

11/13/2014    KT Book Reviews

11/15/2014    The Pen and Muse Book Reviews

11/17/2014       Vampires, Werewolves, & Fairies, Oh My.

11/21/2014    Sizzling Hot Books

11/30/2014    Literal Addiction

In Pursuit of Miriam by Helen A. Grant

 Title: In Pursuit of Miriam
 Author: Helen A. Grant
 Publisher: Arrow Publications, LLC
 Genre: Historical Regency



 Buy Links:
 Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1x2geLf
 B&N:  http://bit.ly/1usxede
 Kobo:  http://bit.ly/10TDuOs
 iTunes: http://bit.ly/1sf5T7Y





Blurb:
Dragged by her aunt for a season in Bath, the Honorable Miss Miriam Knightly promises to make herself agreeable to any unmarried man she meets. All in the hope that one of them will overlook her lameness and offer marriage.

Vincent, the Earl of Chantry, needs a wife in order to inherit the funds he needs to prolong his merry London lifestyle. What better candidate for a marriage of convenience than an unfortunate lady with little prospects of gaining a husband? Miss Knightly. He happily foresees planting her at his country estate while he returns to London.

However, Miriam, a lady of independent character and means, secretly refuses to fall at the feet of the gentlemen who do propose—including the handsome Earl of Chantry. His proposal couched in cold business terms, distresses her. For already, his very touch makes her pulse race. Can she accept his proposal and live in hope that one day he will come to care for her?

Excerpt:
When Miriam returned to the entrance of the opera house cloakroom, she looked around to see if there was anyone who could assist her to return to her seat, but she did not recognize anyone.
Never mind, she thought. I will take it slowly and get back on my own. Thus resolved, Miriam started to walk and was progressing well until she reached the stairs. She rested for a short time at the bottom of the stairs before starting her ascent. She felt a little nervous because people all around her were hurrying to get back to their seats before the start of the second act. She managed the first step without problem, but just as she stepped onto the second, someone inadvertently brushed against her, causing her to lose her balance and begin to fall backward.

To her surprise her fall was halted before she hit the floor by two large hands that encircled her waist and steadied her back into a standing position. She turned her head to see who had rescued her and found herself looking up into the handsome face of Vincent Mount-Parker, who still held her in his arms. She could feel her face reddening with embarrassment at the same time her heart pounded in her ears. She could feel the heat of his hands through her gown and her body felt scorched where he touched her.

“Th-thank you,” she stuttered. “I appear to have lost my balance.” For goodness’ sake, talk about stating the obvious. He would think her a simpleton.
The earl did not release her. “I am glad I was here to catch you. If you take my arm, I will see that you get back to your seat without further mishap.”
“Oh, please do not trouble yourself,” Miriam implored. “I make very slow progress and I fear you would miss the start of Act Two.”
He shrugged. “’Tis no trouble. I do not think I will suffer too greatly if I miss the start of the next act.” Vincent frowned. Did she not consider the insult to him, as a gentleman, should she refuse his assistance? He purposely steered her upward.

Miriam was about to protest further but took one look at his face, which was set in a stubborn manner, and placed her hand on his arm.

“I am sure you cannot mean that!” exclaimed Miriam. “The opera is enthralling and the characters interesting. The sisters are played so well and the singing is beautiful.”

“In general, I do enjoy the opera. However, I think the first act of this opera may have more appeal to ladies than gentlemen.” A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth.

Miriam found herself entranced by his mouth. What would it feel like, she wondered, to run her fingers over those well-defined lips? Would they be soft? Firm? Cool or warm to the touch?
Miriam caught herself with difficulty. What in heaven’s name was wrong with her? She brought her mind back to their conversation. Smiling up at him, she agreed that he might well be right, and they both laughed.

“Do you visit the opera house frequently?” asked Vincent. For some reason he found he really wanted to find out a little more about the mysterious Miriam Knightly.

“There is a beautiful opera house in Buxton, close to where I live, that I attend, but this opera has not played there as yet. Have you seen Venus and Adonis? I think it’s my favorite!” Miriam was finding Vincent very easy to talk to.

“I have seen more than one production of that opera. I enjoy it all the more for its being in English,” was Vincent’s honest observation.

In what seemed to be very little time they reached the top of the stairs. By now Miriam found she was having to lean quite heavily on the earl, but this did not seem to bother him in the slightest. In fact, he had shown great consideration; he had not rushed her and had allowed her to set the speed of their ascent. Miriam realized that the second act had indeed already started.

“Please do go ahead,” she begged him again. “You have already missed the beginning of Act Two.”
“It is you I feel will suffer for having missed it more than I, so please think no more of it,” Vincent assured her, knowing this to be the truth. “Do you want me to take you into your box or will you manage from here?” He had quite enjoyed her company and would have been happy to prolong the encounter.

“I can manage well and thank you again for your assistance.” She removed her hand from his arm and gave a small curtsy. He bowed in return before they moved apart.
Miriam slipped back into the box and resumed her seat beside her aunt. But she found she could not settle in to watch the opera. Instead, she kept remembering how it had felt to have strong arms catch her when she had fallen…

Helen A. Grant:
Helen A. Grant lives in the county of South Yorkshire, England.

Having been introduced to Jane Austen novels while in high school she developed a life-long passion for historical novels.

With two grown children who have now left home and a lots of storyline ideas Helen has now found the time to pursue her dream of writing historical novels. When she is not writing, Helen works part time as a community nurse with people with learning disabilities.

In Pursuit of Miriam is her first historical novel.

For updates on novels yet to come, visit Helen’s website at
https://sites.google.com/site/helenannettegrant/home

Follow her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Grant/701817713172221), twitter (@helen_a_grant), and Linked In.

Readers can contact Helen via e-mail at helenannettegrant@gmail.com.

Save the Last Dance For Me by Candy Caine

Title: Save the Last Dance For Me

Author: Candy Caine

Publisher: Arrow Publications, LLC

Genre: Interracial

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1t5ciSB

B&N: http://bit.ly/1GcYuQi

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1GcYgs9

ITUNES: http://bit.ly/1A2f5FV

Book Description:

Evie Bennington and Dillon MacAllister sizzle on the dance floor. And between the sheets. The green-eyed hunk professes his love for Evie and promises never to leave her. Then suddenly, inexplicably, Dillon disappears. Evie is devastated and wonders if her mother’s warning about trifling white men is true after all.

In time Evie picks up the pieces when a handsome, bronzed EMT named Ty woos her. She determines to forget about her passionate love affair with Dillon and give Ty a chance. Then Dillon reappears. The circumstances surrounding his earlier disappearance are tragic. And he wants her back. But even though just the sight of Dillon makes her quiver with longing for his lovemaking, how can Evie choose between two men who mean so much to her?

“—A story about real relationships…the romance between Evie and Dillon is electric. Candy Caine’s writing is impressive.”

Latrivia S. Nelson, Bestselling Author of The Ugly Girlfriend

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23471528-save-the-last-dance-for-me

 Excerpt:

She couldn’t understand why she was unable to forget Dillon. He was only a guy. She had been okay before she met him and should be able to go on without him. But that thought appeared to be easier said than done. Especially when he haunted her dreams. Thoughts of him crowded her mind. There was little room for anything else. If she wanted to get on with her life, she’d have to exorcise him from her soul.

Finally, she came to the conclusion she needed to talk to him one last time if she intended to get on with her life. She had no idea what she might say to him, but assured herself she’d know when the time came. That was, if he’d agree to see her. There was always the chance that he wouldn’t want to talk to her. But she had to find a way to see him. She realized she’d have no peace until she did. Therefore, she’d have to press the issue and give him no choice.

Evie knew Dillon’s schedule. He was in class now and she had some time before the start of her next class. She would wait outside his classroom and try to talk to him then. If she left her dorm now, she could be there a few minutes before the class ended. Grabbing her coat, purse and keys, she rushed out of the room. Now running, she headed toward the building where his class was being held. As she pushed through the door of the building, she collided with a person walking out. They fell together in a heap.

“Dillon!”

“Evie? Unbelievable!”

They both began to laugh. They laughed until the tears came. Finally, Dillon helped her to her feet. He gathered her into his strong arms and held her tightly against him. “I couldn’t eat or sleep. You were always on my mind,” he said.

She turned her head and looked at him. Her soft-brown eyes were moist and glistening in the fluorescent lights. Gently, her fingers skimmed his face. “I was wrong. This is where I should be.”

Dillon took her hand and kissed her palm. Their eyes met and held a beat before their lips came together for a long feverish kiss that conveyed what words could not. 

Classes ended and the hall began to fill with people. Both Dillon and Evie had to go to their classes.

“To be continued,” he said, as he started to let her go.

“Yes. Call me later.”

One last quick kiss before they separated. They reluctantly pulled away from one another. As they slowly parted, Evie couldn’t help but marvel how fate kept bringing them together. 

Yes, it had been her objective to meet him at his class, but instead they collided in the hall. Was this some kind of proof that they were destined to be together? 

Evie knew she cared for Dillon. But could that caring be much more? Could what she felt be love? Why else couldn’t she forget him? 

And how was she going to tell her mother about Dillon?

H. D'Agostino:

Whether she’s writing a short story or novel, Candy Caine will make her interracial romances hot and spicy. Always striving to entertain her readers, Candy tries to breathe life into her characters, making life often interesting for her husband, Robert back in their home on Long Island, NY. And both are trying to teach their fifteen-year-old yellow Lab, Sammy, new tricks. 

Candy loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at candy@candycaine.com.

Visit her website at www.candycaine.com.