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Showing posts with label #HistoricalRomance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #HistoricalRomance. Show all posts

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Pre-Order Alert with $25 Giveaway: The Earl Next Door by Amelia Grey

The Earl Next Door Tour Graphic
The Earl Next Door
Series: First Comes Love # 1
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: May 28, 2019
One fiercely independent widow.
One honest proposal.
One unconventional game of love.
When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband's sudden death, she realizes she's free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Finally, she can have the life she has always dreamed of. She doesn't need, or want, to remarry. Especially not the supremely dashing Earl of Lyonwood, who makes Adeline yearn for his desire . . .
Lord Lyonwood, son of a philandering marquis, will not be like his father. He wants to run his estates and watch them flourish - and find a wife who brings love to his life. When he meets spirited and self-reliant Adeline in a case of near-scandalous mistaken identity, Lyon feels he's met his match. But Adeline isn't interested in a marriage proposal. She will only accept becoming his lover - and Lyon finds it hard to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline's resolve . . .

Excerpt

“You’re much younger than I assumed the owner of this establishment would be,” Lyon confessed. “And as beautiful as you are in your crimson and gold, and in any other circumstances, or another location, I would be happy to pay whatever fee you charge to fulfill my needs. However, this is a respectable neighborhood and I cannot and will not sit by and allow a madam to move in and set up her business here.”
A trio of thumps resounded in Adeline’s chest and then a few more. The pendulum on the clock must have ticked a half dozen times. Her brain seemed to freeze before the air swooshed out of her lungs. Shock roared through her. Her whole body stiffened before she felt her eyes narrow in outrage.
“Just where do you think you are, sir?”
“A house of pleasure, Madam.”
Outrage quickly morphed to fury which flowed hot and fast, consuming her. Oh yes, she knew about such disgraceful, secret places. She’d overheard her late husband and his small group of gentlemen friends talk about visiting them. And this man thought her house was one of them
Adeline was skilled at holding in her emotions but this stranger had gone too far. With only one step she stood toe-to-toe with him. Lifting her face, she rose up on the ball of her feet and edged her nose closer to his. “You think this is one of the many private underground brothels hidden from all but Society’s most elite gentlemen?”
“Isn’t it?” he asked huskily.
There was no time to consider what her next move should be. Stiffening her spine and taking a step back, she proclaimed, “I am the Dowager Countess of Wake and you have trespassed too far. How dare you burst into my house and speak to me the way you have. You, sir, are an abomination to the term gentleman.”
She fought to regain every ounce of her normal calm, her abiding restraint, her guiding sense of decorum in any unpleasant circumstance. But then she accidentally looked at his mouth, felt that long suppressed surge of yearning. Adeline didn’t want this unusual mix of longing and angry dizziness to control her. She hated the truth of how womanly and desirable it made her feel to see hunger for her in his eyes. Hated the truth of how she was presented.
And then, in a moment of insanity, she thought of the very real possibility of those full lips on hers stirring with passion, and reason was gone.
Unable to do anything else before she lost herself completely, she drew back her hand and struck him soundly across the face. It was that, or kiss him.
Perhaps she chose the wrong one.

About Amelia Grey

Amelia Grey
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen. She’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since.
Amelia has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.
She is a two-time winner of the prestigious Booksellers Best Award, and she has also won the Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill awards. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the Maggie Award. Amelia’s books have been published in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan. Several of her books have been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.
You can email Amelia at AmeliaGrey@comcast.net.
Follow her on FaceBook at https://www.FaceBook.com/AmeliaGreybooks, or visit her website at https://www.AmeliaGrey.com
Be sure to sign up to Amelia's newsletter here.

Giveaway

WIN $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
The Earl Next Door Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Contest runs from May 23- 30, 2019.
In partnership with
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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

New Release with Giveaway: To Gamble on an Earl by Diane Dario

To Gamble on an Earl Tour Graphic
To Gamble on an Earl
Series: Men of Waterloo Book 2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Nazzaro and Price
Publication Date: January 18, 2019
Can Phoebe and Foxington overcome the odds against them to gamble one more time for love?
Evan, The Earl Of Foxington, had only one mistress, Lady Luck. When she deserted him at the Battle Of Hougomont, he was left scarred in more ways than one. Lady Phoebe Collins has loved Foxington since she and her best friend, his sister, dogged his footsteps as children. When she received a request from him for a tryst at a ball, what seemed to be the answer to her dreams turned out to be a nightmare. Will Foxington be able to overcome the thrill of gambling to earn Phoebe’s trust? Will Phoebe ever learn to feel safe enough to live again?

Purchase Links

Excerpt

Lady Phoebe Collins backed into the alcove, stopping when she bumped against the floral wallpaper. She was safely hidden in the shadows, away from the ballroom and its dancing couples. She took the note from her reticule and her heart skipped a beat as she read the words written in a strong hand, “Meet me in the sitting room, two doors beyond the stairs, at half past eleven. —Fox.”
Putting the note back into her reticule, she smiled at the familiar form of address in the signature and moved down the hall to the specified room. Why did Foxington want to meet her? Was he having regrets about what had happened when they’d been snowed in on Christmas Eve? Or was he planning to continue what they’d started on that magical night? His nickname, “The Fox” implied an intimate relationship, and her pulse fluttered again at the thought. She walked down the hall, her mind going over every detail of the night they were trapped together by a snowstorm one year earlier.
Foxington approached offering to escort her home after a dinner party where Ravenstone had surprised everyone by asking Lady Lettice Durham, Foxington’s sister to marry him. The trip home had gone terribly wrong, an unexpected storm piling so much snow on the road that they’d had to unhitch the horses and finish the journey to Elkhorn Hall on horseback.
Foxington had taken her up behind him, and the intimacy of the situation had encompassed them, lingering after they’d arrived and been cared for by the intrepid housekeeper, Mrs. Brown. Food and dry clothing had been provided for everyone, including Foxington’s aunt, who had also been in the carriage as chaperone.
After Foxington’s aunt departed the room, Phoebe walked around the space, picking up pillows from the sofa and fluffing them, only to put one down before picking up another.
“I would say this evening was a success in regards to Lady Lettice and Lord Ravenstone. You accomplished what you set out to do. Your sister is now betrothed, and to a fine gentleman.” Phoebe looked up at Foxington with a smile.
The earl moved swiftly toward Phoebe, reached for the pillow she was holding to her chest, and threw it back onto the sofa before placing one arm around her waist. He cupped her cheek, bent down, and kissed her.
The urgency in his kiss surprised them both, and for a moment she didn’t react. Then, as if giving in to some inner debate her body relaxed against his, she returned the pressure of his lips, and her legs moved against the confines of her gown to arch slightly against him.
He paused slightly, then kissed her once more, gently. He set her back from him with his arms stiff and his breathing ragged.
“Phoebe?” he asked softly, his deep voice thick. With concern, she’d thought.
She stared at him, realizing he was just as shocked as she at their encounter.
“You—you kissed me,” she whispered.
“I certainly did.” A devilish grin quirked at his lips. “And by all accounts you kissed me back. Care for another one?”

Other Books by Diane Dario

Be sure to also check out Book 1 in the Men of Waterloo series.
An Earl's Christmas Embrace
An Earl's Christmas Embrace (Book One)
The Earl of Ravenstone, is haunted by memories of the war. When he agrees to help his friend find a husband for his unconventional sister he is spellbound by the paintings he sees when he comes to call.
Do the answers lie in Lettice’s paintings, or in An Earl’s Christmas Embrace?
Buy Link: Amazon.com

About Diane Dario

Diane Dario
I have been reading romance novels since the age of fourteen and never turned back. I have my Mom to thank for my interest in romance novels and my Dad for my love of history.
Regency romances have always been my all-time favorite era to read (grand ballrooms, dinner parties while sitting next to a grand duke or war hero just returned from fighting against Napoleon and the French, hey I girl can dream, can’t she).
When I am not reading (or writing the stories which dance around in my head) I enjoy the joyful moments with my growing family, the ballet, long walks, travel and romantic movies.
Writing has always been a great passion of mine and I am glad to be doing what I like best. Connecting with readers is a bright spot and always a happy moment for me knowing my books touched someone and they took the time to let me know. Each and every reader is the reason I continue to write Regency Historical romances and you are the ones who keep me at it.
Social media links: Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

WIN FREE TO GAMBLE ON AN EARL EBOOK
To Gamble on an Earl Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
Two TO GAMBLE ON AN EARL eBooks
Contest runs from Feb 26 - Mar 3, 2019.
In partnership with
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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

New Release with $25 Giveaway: The Pirate's Jewel by Ruth A. Casie

The Pirate's Jewel Tour Graphic
From USA Today Bestselling Author
Ruth A. Casie
The Pirate's Jewel
Series: Pirates of Britannia Connected World
Genre: Historical Romance, Pirates, Medieval Romance
Publisher: DragonMedia Publishing
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Deception and family honor are at stake and her heart as well.
Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.
Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.
When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Purchase Links

FREE for Kindle Unlimited member! 99 cents promo for non-members.
Grab your copy today!

Excerpt

Wesley got a good look. Justin. The man’s clothes were stained, his hair greasy. His sunken eyes were threaded with scarlet so densely they appeared pink.
“Look who’s here. The witch.” Justin said.
Darla didn’t move. She didn’t flinch.
Curses fell from Wesley’s lips as he raced forward.
“Come on. Leave her alone.” Justin’s friend pulled on his arm, but Justin wiggled out of his hold.
“Are you afraid of a little spell? I tell you all we need is a bit of her blood, dab it around the boat, and we’ll be protected. You can’t back down now. You hold her. Justin took out his knife and waved it at her.
“As above so below. As within so without,” Darla chanted her hands raised and fingers stretched toward them. “Let me see, how to finish the curse. I can make you into toads. No, that won’t do. You’d give the little creatures a bad name. Something more particular to you.”
The two men grew paler by the minute.
“Ah yes. I can make your ballocks fall off. Of course, I’m not proficient with this spell, so you’ll never know when it will happen, when you bathe, relieve yourself, or other more intimate moments.”
A well-practiced evil grin spread across her face that left no doubt she enjoyed the torment she inflicted. She stretched her arms and flexed her fingers reaching toward the two men.
“Yes, that will do.”
Justin’s friend took off running down the lane. Darla lowered her arms.
“Oh, what a pity he’s gone. The curse is specifically for two people.” Her brow wrinkled. “Ah, but I’m sure I can refocus it all on you.”
Darla raised her hands again. This time she pointed at Justin’s crotch. Her expression intense.
The drunk squirmed. His eyes lit with fear. Slowly, he lowered his knife.
Wesley took advantage of the man’s preoccupation and worked his way behind him. As soon as he was in place he tapped the drunk on the shoulder.
Justin gave a small yelp. When he turned, Wesley threw a right fist across his chin and laid him flat. Satisfied the man was out, he marched over to Darla and grabbed her hand.
“Where are you going? What were you thinking? And what is this nonsense about casting a spell?”
“You sound like my father. In what order do you want me to answer those questions?”
Her angry tone startled him. Did she think she could stop Justin’s attack with words?
“What I do is none of your concern.” She turned to move on.
Wesley caught her elbow and hauled her around to face him. She stared at him and said nothing. He didn’t move. He could be just as obstinate.
“He thought I was a witch so I obliged him.” She shook her hand free and stormed away.
“One minute, I’m not done.” He caught up with her.
“Ballock,” Wesley’s voice was low. “What do you know about, about ballocks?”
She stopped so abruptly he bumped into her.
“It’s a man’s most valued possession. Threatening that would make him reconsider his actions.”

About Ruth A. Casie

Ruth A. Casie
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/ marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.

Giveaway

WIN $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
The Pirate's Jewel Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Contest runs from February 12 - 18, 2019.
In partnership with
Book Unleashed Logo

Friday, January 11, 2019

New Release with Giveaway: The Highland Renegade by Amy Jarecki

The Highland Renegade Tour Graphic
The Highland Renegade
Series: Lords of the Highlands Book 5
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Hachette/Forever
Publication Date: January 8, 2019
Meet Robert Grant, the Fiercest Highlander in Scotland
She is the daughter of his sworn enemy.
Famed for his fierceness, Laird Robert Grant is above all a loyal Highland clan chief. But when redcoats capture his rival’s daughter, he sets aside their feud and races to her rescue. Aye, Janet Cameron is beautiful, cunning and so very tempting, but a Cameron lass is the last woman he should ever desire.
He is her one hope for happiness.
Janet refuses to meekly surrender, not even when surrounded by foes. She takes every chance to escape, first from English soldiers and then from the wickedly handsome Robert. Yet with each day they spend together, his unexpected gallantry chips away at her will little by little. As danger and treachery loom, can she trust him enough to choose love over vengeance?

Excerpt

“We could wager kisses.”
Covering her mouth with her fingers, Janet turned scarlet. “Sir, you are brash.”
“We’ve kissed before. I rather enjoyed it, and if I had to guess, you enjoyed kissing me as well.”
“I’ll not lie, but we mustn’t.”
He slid a finger along her forearm. “Whyever not?”
Her breath caught as those brilliant blue eyes met his gaze. He took her chin in the crook of his finger. “A wee kiss never hurt a soul.” His heart thrummed faster while he slowly savored her beauty, dipping his chin until plied her mouth with a single peck. “See,” he growled, “That was not so wicked.”
“I beg to differ. I daresay even a simple kiss from you is unquestionably wicked.” Her eyelids fluttered closed as she pursed her lips, clearly wanting more.
But she might be even more tempted if they played the game he planned—one he couldn’t lose.

Other Books by Amy Jarecki

The Lords of the Highlands takes you on an epic adventure through the perils of Jacobite Scotland. Passion and danger sear the pages of each stand-alone book with gripping love stories and action-packed plots. For detailed info, visit https://amyjarecki.com/series/lords-of-the-highlands/
The Highland Duke
BOOK ONE
The Highland Commander
BOOK TWO
The Highland Guardian
BOOK THREE
The Highland Chieftain
BOOK FOUR

About Amy Jarecki

Amy Jarecki
Multi-Award winning and Amazon All-Star author, Amy Jarecki likes to grab life, latch on, and reach for the stars. With a black belt in karate, she’s married to a mountain-biking pharmacist and has put four kids through college. Reinventing herself a number of times, Amy sang and danced with the Follies, was a plant manager, and an accountant for Arnott’s Biscuits in Australia. After earning her MBA from Heroit-Watt University in Scotland, she dove into the world of Scottish historical romance and hasn’t returned. Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com.
Social media links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

WIN THE HIGHLAND RENEGADE SIGNED PRINT
The Highland Renegade Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
Five (5) Signed Print of The Highland Renegade
Contest runs from January 9 - 15, 2019.
In partnership with
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Tuesday, January 8, 2019

New Release with Giveaway: The Saffron Conspiracy: A Novel by Marilyn Baron

The Saffron Conspiracy: A Novel Tour Graphic
The Saffron Conspiracy: A Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Historical
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: January 7, 2019
Love blossoms after a chance meeting between Austrian Botanist Andreas Bauer and Charleston Heiress Savannah Sutherland at the Bahnhof St. Valentin. But dark family secrets and an explosive, centuries-old conspiracy cast deadly shadows and threatens to derail their romance.
Botanist Andreas Bauer, passionate about saffron, plans to reintroduce organic farming of the world's most expensive spice to a region of Austria now known for its wine. Meeting resistance from vintners, he does research in a local abbey and discovers a dark secret regarding a king's ransom gone astray hundreds of years before. Heiress Savannah Sutherland is on her way to learn the wine business from her uncle, who owns one of the largest vineyards in the area. She has no idea she is expected to marry the heir of a neighboring estate to expand her uncle's empire.
Sparks fly when Andreas sets eyes on Savannah, and he knows they're destined to be together. But their growing attraction is threatened by her uncle--and by whoever orders a deadly attack on Andreas. Dark family secrets and a dangerous, centuries-old conspiracy cast deathly shadows over the love Andreas and Savannah share.

About Marilyn Baron

Marilyn Baron
Marilyn Baron writes in a variety of genres, from humorous women’s fiction to historical romantic thrillers and romantic suspense to paranormal/fantasy. The Saffron Conspiracy: A Novel is her 24th work of fiction. She’s received writing awards in Single Title, Suspense Romance, Novel With Strong Romantic Elements and Paranormal/Fantasy Romance and was The Finalist for the 2018 Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) in the Romance Category for The Alibi and The Finalist for the 2017 GAYA Awards in the Romance Category for Stumble Stones: A Novel. She is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers and a member of Atlanta Writers Club. A public relations consultant in Atlanta, Marilyn graduated with a BS in Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Florida. She is co-chair of the 2018 Roswell Reads Steering Committee and serves on the Atlanta Authors Committee. Read more about Marilyn at www.marilynbaron.com.
Social media links: Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

WIN AN ORANGE SHOP PRINT AND SAFFRON GIFT BAG
The Saffron Conspiracy: A Novel Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
1) Print of The Orange Shop by Florida artist Sharon Goldman
2) A Saffron Gift Bag
Contest runs from January 7 - 13, 2019.
In partnership with
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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Book Promo Alert with $25 Giveaway: Christmas Novellas on Sale

The Duke and Miss Christmas Tour Graphic
Two heartwarming Christmas novellas
ON SALE at $1.99!
BOOK # 1
The Duke and Miss Christmas
Series: The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Book 4
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 13, 2015
Crispin, the Duke of Hurst, has never met a woman he couldn't handle--until he's hit over the head with a basketful of mistletoe by a young lady who mistakes his intentions. When he gets into a tussle with her--and she can hold her own--Crispin knows he has finally met his match.
Miss Gwen Prim is mortified that she attacked a duke, but even more concerning is the way her resolve melts when she's near him. She's never felt this way about a London gentleman in her life. And with the magic of Christmas in the air, she may end up with a proposal she didn't expect...

Purchase Links

SPECIAL PRICE PROMO @ $1.99!
BOOK # 2
Mistletoe, Mischief, and the Marquis
Series: The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Book 5
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: November 29, 2016
The Marquis of Wythebury, is expecting an ordinary Christmastide at Hurst—until he is set upon by a beautiful miss who takes him to task for not allowing his young nephews to play outside. In his mind, a five and seven year old needn’t get chilled in the snow; better to plop them in front of the fire with a book. Few people have ever been brave enough to challenge him over anything, much less the rearing of his wards. The cheeky Miss Prim has no such compunction. No matter how fetching he finds her, he can’t give in to his attraction…for she is the sister of his best friend.
Growing up the middle child of five rambunctious girls, Lillian Prim doesn’t understand why two young boys visiting Hurst don’t know how to play until she meets their dashing guardian. The Marquis of Wythebury is commanding and intensely serious-minded. To her surprise, she’s captivated by him. It’s all she can do not to give into her feminine fantasies about her kissing him. Lillian has no intention of falling in love with the Marquis, but she will create Christmastide mischief and teach the boys and the handsome Marquis how to play.

Purchase Links

SPECIAL PRICE PROMO @ $1.99!
The Duke and Miss Christmas Teaser

About Amelia Grey

Amelia Grey
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen. She’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since.
Amelia has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.
She is a two-time winner of the prestigious Booksellers Best Award, and she has also won the Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill awards. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the Maggie Award. Amelia’s books have been published in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan. Several of her books have been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia loves to hear from readers.
Social Media: Facebook

Giveaway

WIN $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
The Duke and Miss Christmas Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from November 5 - 11, 2018.
In partnership with
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Friday, June 22, 2018

Featured Interview with $25 Giveaway: Untamed Hearts by Colleen O'Connell

Untamed Hearts
UNTAMED HEARTS
Colleen O'Connell
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2018
Two destinations lead to one destiny
Fleeing her wavering feelings for her fiancé, Taryn Ashford boards a westbound train to visit relatives. Her journey awakens unbridled passion with the dangerously handsome, Jared King. When Jared is accused of murder, she is faced with providing him an alibi at the risk of her own reputation. Did he use her to save himself or can she trust her heart – and him - to discover the truth? A truth they must work together to reveal.
Gunman, shooter, the brand is Jared King’s life. His skill with a gun creates an existence forever searching – searching every face for the bounty hunter in constant pursuit, for the settled life he is certain he will never find and for one woman’s love. Taryn Ashford jeopardizes his need to remain emotionally detached. She represents the happiness denied him, but if he pursues her, will he risk both their lives?

Purchase Links

Interview with Colleen O'Connell

Today I have the pleasure of hosting an interview with Colleen O'Connell, author of Untamed Hearts. Hope you enjoy this!
  1. What's your daily routine when you are working on a book?
    My ability to be more creative occurs in the evenings so I tend to do more writing at night. Like any writer, there are times when the dreaded, ‘writer’s block’ takes hold. Those are the times I take a break knowing it is useless to fight it. To minimize the potential for the block, I try to end my writing for the day by stopping when I know what the next sentence or scene is going to be. It helps if I can pick back up the next day with a quick start without the need to stare at a blank page as though waiting for it to talk to me.
  2. Have you always aspired to be an author?
    Writing was always something I enjoyed, but it wasn’t as though I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was a child. It developed naturally out of my love of reading, thoughts of how I would have made changes in the plot after finishing a book and then ultimately attempting to see what I could do if I tried my hand at developing my own stories. Once I starting writing, I knew this is what I wanted to do.
  3. What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now?
    The biggest challenge was pushing through the rejections of work submitted. After all the hard work of actually completing a manuscript and then the seemingly endless process of trying to send it out for consideration only to receive the generic rejection letter was certainly frustrating. It seems trite, but it is true that persistence pays off. What I learned was that each rejection (after a few disheartened tears) only strengthened my resolve to work that much harder to make the story better. I had continually received positive feedback on the storylines I submitted. It was a matter of fully understanding the technique of writing.
  4. What keeps you passionate about being an author and continuing to write books?
    I constantly have plots filtering through my mind. I may only have an idea about a general storyline, but I love creating the characters that will bring the story to life and finding out how the story will develop as I write. There are times I’m writing a scene and suddenly an aspect of a character will surface that I hadn’t considered. Even as the writer, I find myself surprised with the different turns the story takes from my original conception. That is what holds my interest-the anticipation of what comes next.
  5. If there is one thing you can tell readers on why they should pick up this book, what would it be?
    I believe readers will find a few unexpected twists. I don’t like when plots are too predictable. I keep that in mind when I write. When I’m reading a book, I like being pleasantly surprised when I anticipate something occurring in a scene and then it takes a different direction. I know it makes me want to read more. I hope readers experience the same with Untamed Hearts.

Book Tour Schedule

Join our upcoming book tour from June 12 - 25, 2018.
Join us and visit each tour stop daily as we share more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and and other extras about the book! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Untamed Hearts Book Page at Book Unleashed.
Untamed Hearts Tour Graphic

About Colleen O'Connell

Colleen O'Connell
Colleen has been an avid reader her entire life and has a particular love of the historical romance genre. Having enjoyed reading romances early on, she began writing them herself when she wanted the stories to take a different turn and determined the only way to achieve it was to craft her own. She currently lives in Northern Kentucky and has a background in Human Resource Management.

Giveaway

WIN $25 GIFT CARD AND MORE
Untamed Hearts Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
1) $25 Amazon Gift Card
2) Bookmark of Untamed Hearts
Contest runs from May 17 - June 25, 2018.
In partnership with
Book Unleashed Logo

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Featured Book with Excerpt and $25 Giveaway: It's All About the Duke by Amelia Grey

It's All About the Duke
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE
New York Times Bestselling Author
Amelia Grey
Series: The Rakes of St. James Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
He could be a rake if he means only to steal a kiss but steals your heart as well.
Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal, but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise…
Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desire. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

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Excerpt

Marlena felt the duke’s fingers touching her bare skin. She couldn’t have been more surprised, more intrigued, more fully engaged if his lips had actually been on hers instead of his warm touch under her chin. He wasn’t looking at her face but on his task at her throat.
She should have been frightened but it wasn’t fear she felt. It was something else.
Something far more worrisome.
It was attraction.
Inexplicable sensations stirred restlessly inside her. She didn’t know exactly what was happening. He wasn’t choking her, but she couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t hurting her, but she trembled. She wasn’t in pain, yet she had the most intense yearning and urgency inside herself for something she couldn’t describe.
“What are you doing?” she whispered, unable to look up at him.
“Kissing you deeply, madly, and thoroughly,” he mumbled and continued with his undertaking.
“What?” Her gaze flew up to his face.
He smiled down so innocently at her that for a spark of a second she thought he might be serious.
“That’s ridiculous,” she said, reclaiming her good sense. “How can you say something like that? It’s so outrageously untrue. You’re doing no such thing and you know it. You aren’t kissing me. You’re untying the knot in my ribbon which is highly inappropriate.”
He centered his attention on his job at hand again. “If you knew what I was doing then why did you ask?”
She didn’t know. How could she think properly when the duke was this close to her? The tips of his fingers touching her. She had to say something.

Book Tour Schedule

Join our ongoing book tour from June 1 - 21, 2018.
Join us and visit each tour stop daily! Discover features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and other extras about the book! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the It's All About the Duke Book Page at Book Unleashed.
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About Amelia Grey

Amelia Grey
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen. She's been a devoted reader of love stories ever since.
Amelia has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.
With more than thirty books published, she is a two-time winner of the prestigious Booksellers Best Award. She's also won the Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill Awards. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the Maggie Award. Amelia's books have been published in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan.
Several of her books have been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.
Official website: http://www.AmeliaGrey.com

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Monday, June 4, 2018

New Release with $25 Giveaway: Untamed Hearts by Colleen O'Connell

Untamed Hearts
UNTAMED HEARTS
Colleen O'Connell
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2018
Two destinations lead to one destiny
Fleeing her wavering feelings for her fiancé, Taryn Ashford boards a westbound train to visit relatives. Her journey awakens unbridled passion with the dangerously handsome, Jared King. When Jared is accused of murder, she is faced with providing him an alibi at the risk of her own reputation. Did he use her to save himself or can she trust her heart – and him - to discover the truth? A truth they must work together to reveal.
Gunman, shooter, the brand is Jared King’s life. His skill with a gun creates an existence forever searching – searching every face for the bounty hunter in constant pursuit, for the settled life he is certain he will never find and for one woman’s love. Taryn Ashford jeopardizes his need to remain emotionally detached. She represents the happiness denied him, but if he pursues her, will he risk both their lives?

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Excerpt

“Jared please…don’t.” The contact consumed her, chipping away her control.
He kissed her cheek, then pulled back. He encircled her waist with both arms, drawing her body slowly to his. “Why do you deny your feelings?”
She tilted her chin upward. “I’m not feeling anything.” She wanted her words to sound indifferent, a pathetic attempt when her breathing was so pronounced.
His brow shot up in question. “No?” His mouth swooped down over hers to prove her wrong, to entice her.
She pushed him, trying to disengage his hold before she allowed the feeling to take complete control. He would have none of it. Passionate and demanding, he continued to kiss her. When she would turn her head away, his hand reached up, his fingers holding her jaw. Her heart pounded wildly, her senses reeling as she felt herself weaken. She must resist. She should think of Brad. He was her fiancé. In one final attempt, she shoved him hard staggering back herself as the support of his arms fell away. Righting herself, taking deep breaths, she returned his gaze, shaking her head. “I don’t want you to kiss me.”
“You want more than kisses from me, Taryn.” His eyes blazed with passion. “If there were a decent bed to be found, I’d show you how much you want.”
“How dare you! I don’t want anything from you, including your kisses.”
A muscle in his jaw tensing, his eyes narrowed. He caught her chin holding it firmly in his hand. A slow smile formed on his face. “As I said once before, you lie extremely well.”
He turned, walked back down the aisle, leaving her to consider his words. She never experienced such an arrogant and insolent lack of manners. Stomping on each rung of the ladder back into her berth, she mumbled her irritation with him. Her fury prevented sleep. Punching her pillow, she tossed and turned. How she despised him. The words raged repeatedly in her mind, but her heart felt the truth.

Book Tour Schedule

Join our upcoming book tour from June 12 - 25, 2018.
Join us and visit each tour stop daily as we share more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and and other extras about the book! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Untamed Hearts Book Page at Book Unleashed.
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About Colleen O'Connell

Colleen O'Connell
Colleen has been an avid reader her entire life and has a particular love of the historical romance genre. Having enjoyed reading romances early on, she began writing them herself when she wanted the stories to take a different turn and determined the only way to achieve it was to craft her own. She currently lives in Northern Kentucky and has a background in Human Resource Management.

Giveaway

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Prizes up for grabs:
1) $25 Amazon Gift Card
2) Bookmark of Untamed Hearts
Contest runs from May 17 - June 25, 2018.
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