Book Bling-Elizabeth Alsobrooks

Thursday Thrills & Chills With Award-Winning Author Nancy Gideon!

6/23/2016

10 Fun, Fast & Funny Q & A
With Nancy Gideon!

1. Do you write naked? Only emotionally! Otherwise, I’d stick to my office chair.

2. What do you want your tombstone to say? “Here Lies Nancy Gideon, Skin and Bones at Last!” We didn’t see that on our trip to Tombstone, did we?

3. What secret talents do you have? I’m ambidextrous and have a photographic memory (film quality sometimes iffy as I age.)

4. What were you like as a child? Your favorite toy? I was VERY introverted in public but with my neighborhood group of friends, I was always the one who came up with the ideas of what to play. I LOVED to tell stories and create scenarios, especially when it came to my collection of toy horses. They all had names and roles in the horse hierarchy. My middle sister and I would take over the entire living room to act them out. My first exercise in world building!

5. Picture your favorite writing space. What are five objects you would find there? Laptop, comfy chair, cup of coffee, desert fountain, and wildlife outside the window (especially quails. Love those quailians!)- Gosh, sounds like our host’s office. Hmmmm. Got so much work done there when I visited.

6. In 5 words, please describe your ‘Romance Writing Style’. Fast-paced, suspenseful, steamy, dark and addictive.

7. What is your ‘girl vice’? ie getting your hair done? Nails? Shopping? Gossiping? Chick flicks?
Oh, girl. Nails!! I haven’t been able to get them done since I moved at the end of last year and I’m soooo missing it! And hair - No one will ever see my original hair color again!

8. If we snuck a peek in your purse right now, what would we find? Everything MacGyver would ever want or need! Umbrella, check. Tape measure, check. Crazy glue, dental pix, sunglasses, Honda Accord user manual, key to car, home, and office, scenes from upcoming WIP typed or on Post-Its. Hey, there’s my reading glasses! Pens from every places I’ve stayed since I bought my last purse, menus, paid receipts . . . Don’t get me started on what’s in my wallet. My purse (thanks to my D-I-L) could be checked as carry-on luggage.

9. Do you have any unique or quirky writing habits? Post-It notes! My office (home and work) and purse are littered with scraps of dialogue, play list songs, and synopses of scenes that come to me in the car on the commute to and from work or in the middle of the night. I write them down immediately so I don’t forget them.

10. What are your current projects? I’ve got a brand new release! I’m featured in my first paranormal boxed set, PARANORMAL ATTRACTIONS with 8 other authors. It’s on sale for just $0.99! My offering, REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT, is a pivotal book in my “By Moonlight” dark shapeshifter series. Because my hero has had his memories stripped from him, new readers can learn about his dark, intriguing world as he does. It anchors the spin-off I’m writing now called “The House of Terriot Foursome” which follows the dreamy, damaged and dangerous princes in a rival warrior clan. Book one, PRINCE OF HONOR, is being edited and Book 2, PRINCE OF POWER, is about 1/3 finished and is calling to me now . . .

Author Nancy Gideon

Nancy Gideon is the award winning author of over 59 romances ranging from historical, regency and series contemporary suspense to dark paranormal, with a couple of horror screenplays tossed into the mix, and is currently testing the “Hybrid Author” waters of self-publishing. When not at the keyboard, this central Michigan writer feeds a Netflix addiction along with all things fur, fin and fowl. She also has written under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings.

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"Nancy Gideon by Moonlight"

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18 Comments

Book Bling Review Her Highland Rogue by Violetta Rand

6/22/2016

4 Comments

Her Highland Rogue
Violetta Rand

Genre: Historical romance, Highlander

Publisher: Random House/Loveswept

Date of Publication: June 21, 2016

ASIN: B00XG9BWZE

Number of pages: 170
Word Count: 52,000

Cover Artist: Random House

Book Description:

Errol MacRae’s days of gallivanting across the Highlands are nearing an end. His father’s health has taken a turn for the worse, and rumors are swirling that the crown intends to transfer ancient lands into the hands of the MacKenzies, the clan the MacRaes are sworn to defend. Errol expects to lead his men into battle soon. So he isn’t pleased when his father instead sends him to retrieve a beautiful flame-haired lass who has fled into the mountains.

Orphaned as a young girl, Aileana vividly remembers how the MacRaes rescued her and welcomed her into their clan. For ten years, she has served them loyally—until the night she’s nearly despoiled by one of the laird’s captains. Aileana risks her life and her reputation to seek refuge in the snowcapped peaks of the Five Sisters, the one place that has always felt like home. But after the strong-armed, strong-willed Errol tracks her down in a blizzard, she finds herself tempted to risk something even more dangerous: her heart.

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Excerpt:
Aileana opened her eyes, confused by her surroundings. She’d fled the MacRae stronghold after Broc cornered her in the kitchen, long after the other women had gone abovestairs to sleep. She’d stupidly volunteered to keep watch over the remaining men in the hall in case they required more bread and meat—or in Broc’s case, more ale. Once she’d refilled his cup, even leaving a full pitcher behind for the great beast to finish off, he stumbled after her, smelling of sweat and spirits, and drooling on her neck.

She’d known him nearly all her life—at least for the time she remembered being alive. Before her tenth year, she held no clear memories. The occasional flash of a face or spoken word, but nothing that could connect her to a family or place. So she wandered through life nameless, though the MacRae laird had offered to recognize her as part of his clan. But whenever she considered it, something inside her warned not to do it. For once ye denied your name, whether you knew it or not, your fate might change. And she didn’t want to lose her only chance at true happiness. Deep down, Aileana knew there was more to her existence than being a bastard.

That’s what half the women within the MacRae keep called her. Behind her back mostly, but sometimes directly if she was blamed for burning the bread or spilling wine.

She kicked off the fur covering her from neck-to-foot, cold air sending a chill down her body. A fire burned at the opening of the rock enclosure, and she padded over to it, desperate for warmth. She stared beyond the flames, the world outside covered in white. Winter had come early to Kintail. And only by God’s grace had she met a woman last night in the hills. How could she turn down an offer of hot stew and a pallet to sleep on? So she’d walked quietly with the stranger to her cave.

As soon as she finished eating and drained her cup of wine, sleep overwhelmed her. That’s all she remembered. And now she woke up alone. But there was a loaf of bread and a cup of milk on the table by her pallet, hopefully meant for her to eat. Her stomach growled with hunger.

“Good morning,” Aileana heard as she reached for the cup.

She turned and met the woman’s smile. “Thank ye for allowing me to stay here last night. I’m afraid I have nothing to offer you, no money or goods to trade.”

The woman joined her, picked up the loaf of bread, then tore it in half. “I don’t remember asking for payment, child.”

“But your generosity must be rewarded in some way.”

“Aye,” she agreed. “Your company will do nicely.”

Aileana took a bite and it melted in her mouth, as tasty as what she cooked every morning in the MacRae kitchens. “Whatever you wish,” she said. “I prefer staying here. I wasn’t prepared for the snow. If ye hadn’t found me, I’m afraid I would have perished in the cold.” Though she had a fur cloak and thick-soled boots, she hadn’t had time to gather anything else before she ran away.

The woman sat down. “My name is Sgùrr.”

“Aileana.”

The woman studied her in silence, her dark gaze wandering more than once to her hair. “Who is your father?”

Aileana took another sip of milk, then put the cup down on the table. The idea of admitting to a stranger that she had no family was as humiliating as what Broc had done to her. “I don’t know.”

“And why were you roaming the hills alone? Surely someone will miss ye?”

“Laird MacRae is my guardian.”

“Your mother has passed?”

“I’m afraid I know nothing about my birth.” She walked the couple feet to her pallet and picked up her cloak. “Eight years ago a MacRae guard found me in the forest, cold and hungry, close to death I’ve been told. He bundled me in a blanket and took me home with him. I’ve lived there ever since.”

“Has the laird been kind and generous?”

“Laird MacRae is not only kind, but treats me as his own daughter. A day never passes without him greeting me. Sometimes I wonder what would have become of me if the MacDonalds or MacLeods found me instead.”

The older woman nodded. “Don’t put much stock in the affairs of men. Clan feuds are the last thing a lass needs to worry about. ’Tis your heart and charitable acts that define your character.”

About the Author:
Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science and policy before attending graduate school. Violetta then spent nearly a decade working as a scientist, specializing in soil and water contamination and environmental assessments.

Violetta still lives in Alaska and spends her days writing romance. When she's not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, and ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers.

Website: http://www.violettarandromance.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ViolettaRand

Errol MacRae, the Highland hero, is next in line to become the leader of his clan. His father has failing health and Errol is expected to marry and produce an heir to fulfill his duties. When he is tasked by his father to save a young maid, Aileana, from running away, he finally meets his match. No longer will women be mere playthings and exist for his amusement, or to attend to his personal needs.

Aileana has been a servant for the MacRae clan since she was taken in at 10 with no memory of her past. Disrespected by a clansman, she has run away and it's only fitting that Errol's father send his philandering son to fetch her back. Though Aileana first seems timid and unable to fend for herself, she grows and develops into a strong and more confident woman, discovering her history and lineage and becoming sort of woman able to hold her own with a future laird like Errol.
Amidst an historic Scottish Highland in turmoil, Ms Rand let’s the reader follow these two strong highlanders through some misadventures of their own and others making before finding their ultimate HEA. A fine start to this Wild Highland series, fans of kilts and brogues will not be disappointed.

Book Bling gives this 4 Stars!

4 Comments

Book Bling-9 Reviews! Paranormal Attractions

6/20/2016

7 Comments

Boxed Set Launch Day It's a Steal of a Deal! Don't Miss Out!

Paranormal Attractions-- Vampires, sexy ghosts, gargoyles, mummy’s curses and a secret magical society are some of the fabulous paranormal twists you’ll find in PARANORMAL ATTRACTIONS, a boxed set of 9 steamy romances brought to you by Amazon, Barnes & Noble bestselling, and award-winning authors. Lose yourself in these light and dark paranormal stories that are only around for a short time.

My Blood Runs Blue – Stacy Eaton. Officer Kristin Greene’s life is turned upside down when she begins to investigate a homicide and finds that killer is something out of her nightmares. What will happen when Julian and Alexander introduce Kristin to the world of vampires?

Paranormal romance meets murder mystery in My Blood Runs Blue by Stacy Eaton. A small-town cop who is also the widow of another Fawn Hollow cop, our heroine, Kristin, has a lot of baggage behind that tin badge. When she’s assigned to investigate the horrific murder of a woman she knows, the Vampire Military Force get involved because the throat wound isn’t from a knife. Hero number one—yes, I said one—is Alexander, the leader of this task force. Julian, hero number two, is one of his investigators, who lost his wife and daughter to the killer.

Take the main players, throw in some backstory in the form of past life relationships, and the plot twists just keep on coming as to who will end up with the girl, let alone whodunit. The police procedurals are authentic and interesting—as they should be, given that the author is a former police woman—so the murder mystery plot is solid and engaging. The vampire take is a bit off the normal track, but the world is created in a believable and well-defined way.

Though three different points of view offers an easy vehicle for adding depth to individual characters, it also adds more repetition than I enjoy. I really think I would have preferred the usual fare of dialogue, actions and internal dialogue to give the characters more depth. Sometimes, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
Book Bling gives this 4 Stars!

Instinct – J.A. Belfield Werewolf Sean Holloway treats the village marketplace like a sexual buffet, until his instincts guide him toward the unique scent of the nonchalant Jem Stonehouse. Despite his pack's rules, he wants her— an attraction that can bring only danger for Jem. Will Sean defy his own Alpha to save the woman he loves?

For obvious reasons, this story is in Sean’s point of view. It is a Halloway Pack prequel novella, and Sean is the hero from the Darkness & Light novel of that series. He’s quite the big bad wolf, and this novella is erotic in both flavor and scent. He meets his match, however, or shall we say mate, Gem. He has to use his wiles to get around his pack’s rules and Gem’s mother, a powerful witch who has no intention of letting her daughter near a werewolf. To tell more would be to give away the storyline. Short, fierce and passionate. A quick read.
Book Bling gives this 4 Stars.

Parlor Games – Bonnie Edwards. Carrie MacLean and Matt Crewe have secret needs when they arrive at Perdition House for a sexy bachelor auction. Can love survive the mesmerizing spirits of the hookers who once lived and worked in the haunted bordello?

I believe this is #4 in a series. I’m not sure. I am sure it’s short, so a novella. In this story the hero, Matt, puts himself up for auction, as research for his book. Carrie poses as a buyer to write an article and get a better job as a journalist, and make a name for herself. The ghosts in the house have their own ideas. This story mixes mystery, paranormal and erotic sex scenes, which is what one would expect in a haunted bordello in which men are being auctioned off for a weekend of sex-on-demand. A quick, steamy, read, sure to make you wish you could attend your own private auction.
Book Bling gives this 4 stars.

Love Set in Stone – Staci Troilo. Perched above Pittsburgh, a gargoyle spends centuries as a protector of humanity while he waits for the one who will break his curse and free him from his stone prison. When he finally finds her, her life is in jeopardy, and he realizes he may face eternal damnation to save her life.

Marketed as a paranormal romance, this novel has cross-over elements that I loved. It has a reincarnation-ish curse, angels, demons, gargoyles, urban decay, yup, definitely some urban fantasy creeping along the edges of this one. Love it. Don’t get me wrong, I love vampires or anything else that goes bump in the night, but I really liked the change of pace in this storyline.

In Love Set in Stone, Damien, the hero, is an ancient warrior who fought on the battlefields of France centuries ago—what’s not to love? He made a pack with not the devil but of all creatures, an angel, Anael, so now he’s a gargoyle by day—loved how he dives into the water to wash the bird doo off his head once he takes human form at night.

One night he sees Katarina (Rina) and saves her from an attacker, and realizes she’s his soul mate. But there’s the problem of how to tell her he’s a gargoyle. The plot flies fast and furious from there and the secondary characters are as fascinating as the H/H. The romance is handled beautifully, with a great tie-up, but I could see this becoming a strong series.
Book Bling gives this 5 Stars!

Romance Under Wraps – Michele Jones. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History gets an Egyptian installation, and it seems to come with the ubiquitous mummy’s curse. Death and destruction abound. But the real curse is on the mummy’s advisor— he must teach the mummy how to pass forty-three judgments or find the reincarnated queen and win her love— or they are doomed to continue reawakening every century to try all over again.

Well, you’d better be careful whenever you go to Pittsburgh. Between gargoyles that come alive at night (Love Set in Stone by Staci Troilo) and mummies that wake every century or so, you never know what you’ll find in the shadows. This novel’s blurb grabbed my attention right off. I love anything Egyptian or based on mythology.
A strong debut novel, this story has well-developed characters, a hot romance and a good plot line fueled by a mummy’s curse.
Book Bling gives this 4 Stars

Phantasm - J.L. Campbell. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Josette is convinced she's on the road to recovery— until Dwayne starts appearing to her in ways that take her to the edge of terror and back. Can Mario Browning, a persistent and perceptive man, save her from falling into a dangerous abyss between the world of the living and the dead?

Phantasm is a paranormal sweet romance novella. Josette is haunted by her husband’s ghost, which prevents her from falling for Mario Browning, a persistent man who doesn’t like to give up once he finds something he wants, and he wants Josette. But Mario has emotional baggage of his own, so the plot twists and turns as the two would-be lovers struggle to leave their pasts behind and find their happy ever after. This story is about love and loss and letting go. It’s about moving on and learning to love again. It’s about family and caring and trust. But mostly it’s about people and the struggles they go through as they live their lives.
Book Bling gives this story 4 stars!

The Beckoning of Beguiling Things - Calinda B. Can 24 hours really change your life in magical ways you never imagined? Marissa Engles is about to find out, when she heads to Las Vegas, meets sexy, Thunder and Lightning dancer Chris King and unwittingly unleashes the force of a secret, global, magical society known only as the Numina.

This is the novella that precludes the Beckoning series. If you want to find out where Marissa Engles got her powers, this is the place. So I guess you know what choices she made about Christ King and his beguiling come-hither passion. This is a fun little Vegas romp, worthy of its venue.
Book Bling gives this 4 Stars!

Remembered by Moonlight - Nancy Gideon The deadly leader of a shape-shifter clan with no memories of who he is and a dedicated cop hiding a heart-breaking secret face impossible odds in steamy New Orleans that conspire to pull them apart. Because the enemy they pursue . . . might be him.

Finally! Max and Cee Cee together again. And as if Nola isn't sultry enough, the push-pull of sexual tension felt on a molecular level only Gideon could deliver will make readers weak at the knees.

Max doesn't need to remember Cee Cee's name to quake from rigid resistance when he smells her come-hither scent, or notices, without letting her know, the comeliness of her short-skirt sway or high-heeled swagger. Cee Cee manages, with her hardened NOPD restraint, to keep her composure around Max, despite the love and desire she feels for him, and the heartache of knowing he doesn't even remember her face. Or their love.

Gideon delivers what may be the best storyline to date in her By Moonlight series. The plot rolls out like midnight fog in this what-if-Max-is-really-the-monster-both-he-and-Cee Cee-fear paranormal suspense.
Book Bling gives this 5 Stars!

Once Forbidden - Hope Welsh. Devlin wants her from the moment he sees her save a child in a fire, but it’s forbidden for vampires to change humans. Can he bear to let her go?

Once Forbidden is Book 1 of The Hunted Series. It’s a quick read that definitely fits into the naughty pleasures category. Vampire Devlin sets his sights on Sarah, one of the Chosen (meaning she could be turned into a mate for a vampire if it hadn’t been forbidden by the elders since vampires began to be “hunted” by humans. Sarah is brave and selfless, having been severely scarred after rescuing a child from a fire. Devlin witnessed this act, and already broke the rules by calling 911. He continues to follow and observe Sarah, and eventually becomes her lover and tries to convince her to “choose” to become his mate.

The plot thickens and twists and the sex kinks and steams as the two lovers continue to romp one step ahead of hunters and consequences. Vampire fans are sure to have fun sinking their teeth into this short but sizzling paranormal romance.
Book Bling gives this 4 stars!