GUEST SOPHIE JORDAN on STEAM!!! (New Release-WICKED IN YOUR ARMS)

Put down your books for just a minute - and give a huge welcome to
 SOPHIE JORDAN - 
here promoting her latest release in historical romance -

WICKED IN YOUR ARMS

Not only does Sophie give us some insight to how she gives us that 'wicked' chemistry - and let me tell you, Sophie Jordan knows how to do the chemistry - she's also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter - be sure to read below on how to enter and check out all the blogs on the tour for more chances to win - after that, GRAB THIS BOOK!

Sophie Jordan on “All About The Steam”

    

I was recently lecturing at a workshop on the importance of chemistry and tension in a romance and someone asked me how one creates chemistry if you’re not writing an actual sex scene. The question surprised me a little because some of my favorite steamy scenes don’t involve characters engaging in sex at all. I define chemistry and “steam” – as the hero’s and heroine’s physical awareness of each other. And that’s the chemistry I strive for on every page – the struggle between a hero and heroine who are achingly, physically aware of each other when they shouldn’t be … or can’t be … or don’t want to be. That’s what happens in WICKED IN YOUR ARMS (book #1 of my Forgotten Princesses series).

            Grier, an illegitimate heiress, is not the type of bride a crown prince would consider, but the hero, Sevastian, can’t stop thinking about her - or finding himself alone with her either (yep, opportunity for those steamy scenes). And Grier has no desire to wed an elitist prince who looks down his nose at her. Total opposites, ill-fated … there’s nothing that should attract the pair. And yet, well… that just raises the stakes and heightens the tension.

            Here’s just a taste of the chemistry between this ill-suited pair:

                         Grier felt the clear shape of his hand, each press of his fingers over her arm. Awareness of their closeness, the intimacy of the situation, came crashing down over her. Her gaze flicked around the empty music room with its lonely instruments.  

Her skin snapped, awake and alive. In fact all of her felt alive.

More alive than she had felt in quite some time.

            Her gaze drifted, settled on his perfectly carved lips. Temptation incarnate. A man’s lips should not look so beautiful. He was as seductive as the princes of all her girlhood fairytales. For a moment she allowed herself to forget that this prince lacked the heroic qualities to go along with such looks, that he thought her unsuitable, a mere nobody rubbing elbows with her betters.

            With a deep breath, she let herself forget all of that. She let herself step outside her numb self and dive into life.

Before she could regain her common sense and think to stop herself -- before she could let him think enough to stop her -- she stood on her tiptoes and slid a hand around his neck, delighting in the sensation of his silky hair against her fingers.

            This. She’d have this before sentencing herself to a cold marriage of practicality, to a life of loneliness.

To check out more steamy goodness, you’ll have to check out Grier and Sevastian’s story yourself and see what I’m talking about! And look for Cleo’s book, Grier’s sister (another of my Forgotten Princesses) next summer! ;)

        (First in Forgotten Princesses series) Prince Sevastian Maksimi needs a wife. An heiress with the breeding and dowry to breathe life into his kingdom. After years of fighting a bloody civil war, Sev has wrested his country from revolutionaries and looks to England for a bride who will replenish both his royal coffers and the royal nursery. He knows what it’s like to put the needs of his country before his own desires. Only duty matters. Only the most acceptable female will do. Attraction does not signify … especially his vexing hunger for the bold and brazen Grier Hadley. While he cannot consider the unseemly female as a bride, the enticing chit is the only woman he wants in his bed.
       The bastard daughter of a man renowned as the lord of the London underworld, Grier Hadley might possess one of the season’s plumpest dowries, but she’s a far cry from the pedigreed debutantes out to land a husband. A truth that becomes glaringly obvious when she overhears a certain prince mocking her lineage. What makes the handsome wretch think she would even want him for a husband anyway? He might, however, be the perfect candidate for an illicit liaison.

Sophie and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour!

Must be a new or old follower of our blog and 

be sure to leave your email in your comment

Visit all the blogs on the tour.

July 25: Grace Elliot
July 26: Book Junkie
July 27: Reading Romances
July 28: Seduced by Books
July 29: Black Velvet Seductions Readers Blog

Stay in the know with Sophie Jordan (aka Sharie Kohler)
http://www.sophiejordan.net/

Thanks to Judy and Marianne 

Hugs from Amy and Jenn

Siren Song by Jenna Black

When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it’s no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead. But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told . . .

The journey through Faerie is long—and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard’s son, Keane, just can’t seem to get along, and Kimber’s crush on Keane isn’t making things any easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time . . . and makes it clear that he hasn’t given up on making her his own.

Arriving at Titania’s beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania’s granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives. Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court—or, worse, the Erlking—catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?(courtesy of Amazon)

Siren Song is the third and last planned in the Faeriewalker series (from what I've seen).  I am very sad to see this story end, but beyond pleased with the ending.  

From the moment I cracked open glimmerglass, I was in the midst of a crazy adventure as Dana leaves her mom in hopes of a better life with her dad.  As Dana has journeyed in these three books, she's becoming even more mature.  One thing she never gives up is her loyalty to protect her friends and family.  Almost to a fault, Dana puts herself in dangers way to ensure their safety.  I LOVE the deal she had with the Erlking (whom by the way I would like a book about all his own). 

Dana's character shows young adult readers about willpower and control.  Ethan shows them the kind of quality you need in a guy - the willingness to wait when you matter to them.  Keane and Kimber are a great set of supporting characters for Dana.  About the only bad thing I could see is that there isn't more of this series with twists and turns to keep us riding along.  

Siren Song is definitely full of mystery and although there is a lot of travel in the book, it's needed as Dana and her entourage are uncovering more of themselves to bring forward a complete ending.  

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

The New York Times bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series delivers her first novel for adults, a story about the living, the dead, and a curse that binds them.

Rebekkah Barrow never forgot the tender attention her grandmother, Maylene, bestowed upon the dead of Claysville, the town where Bek spent her adolescence. There wasn't a funeral that Maylene didn't attend, and at each Rebekkah watched as Maylene performed the same unusual ritual: three sips from a small silver flask followed by the words "Sleep well, and stay where I put you."

Now Maylene is dead and Bek must go back to the place--and the man--she left a decade ago. But what she soon discovers is that Maylene was murdered and that there was good reason for her odd traditions. It turns out that in placid Claysville, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected. Beneath the town lies a shadowy, lawless land ruled by the enigmatic Charles, aka Mr. D--a place from which the dead will return if their graves are not properly minded. Only the Graveminder, a Barrow woman, and the current Undertaker, Byron, can set things to right once the dead begin to walk.(courtesy of Amazon)

Melissa Marr started out with a YA series (Wicked Lovely) that is – OFF THE CHAIN.  So when I saw she is giving us an adult series, I couldn’t get the book fast enough.  Whoo – Marr has set up an interesting, to say the least, town with a history that defines unique.  It’s truly necessary to mind your graves in this cemetery – and once you’re born here, you just don’t want to leave. 

Marr seems to love destiny as well as romance in her books.  This book had quite a bit going on as we’re setting up what I hope is a series.  I couldn’t get enough of the blend of goodness going on in this book – crossing over after you pass, what happens if you don’t mind the grave, the mysterious deaths….there’s not a piece I can find lacking in one of Marr’s books.  The chemistry climaxes right where and when you need it.  I wanted only one thing from our leading lady – to relinquish a little bit of her stubbornness – but that only was selfish on my part as I was driven by my desire for a specific outcome :) and Marr knew exactly how to do it!

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him. 

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.(courtesy of Amazon)

Larissa Ione takes her magnificent Demonica series to a whole other level as she opens the world of the Lords of Deliverance series with Eternal Rider.  Ione is probably the one author that made sure Demons were top on my list of faves.  Second only to my weres/shifters – demons/angels can’t possibly get any hotter than when done by Ione. 

Ione has a foresight in creation of her worlds that deliver seamless writing.  The Demonica world started our path, and drives us into these 4 key characters.  Still she takes the world even further, intricately wrapping the classic tales of Lilith.  As the first seal keeper is broken.  The two brothers and one sister must come together to protect their seals.  Never expecting romance to be an option Ares meets his hearts match.  One of the best shower scenes out there *wink*.  Cara takes in stride her world being completely turned over, and she fights tough.  Since this spins from the Demonica Series, I recommend reading those first (some characters are brought in), don’t get discouraged that you have 5 books to read before you can get to this one, because you will be thoroughly glad as you read them.  Ione writes with action, suspense and smut at the right levels – HOT. 


There is not a time when I'm reading one of Ione's books that I feel something is missing or lacking.  Whether it's a battle or a tup, Ione hits a home run everytime. 

One Week by Liz Strange

It only takes one week to turn your world upside down.

Shannon McCallister, gets an unexpected opportunity to advance in her career when her supervisor decides to send her to London to close an important business deal. While there, she has a chance encounter with an attractive and much younger man, which opens the door to the most exciting week of her life.

Each day brings Shannon a sexual fulfillment she has never known before, and that at forty-one she never expected to have. Even more surprising are the feelings being stirred up, which linger long after they’ve left the bedroom and she's returned home.

One week suddenly doesn’t feel long enough--but is it long enough to fall in love?(courtesy of Amazon)

A short hot 7 days for SURE! Liz Strange keeps thrusting her erotica in the right direction.  When you only have 7 days to get through you gotta start off right in the bedroom – Strange is on my 'gotta read' list.  This is a quick story and I was thrilled when Strange sent it our way because let me tell you – you want heat, read this one J

This is well worth the read, just remember it's a quickie that packs lots of heat.

I have also enjoyed her Dark Kiss trilogy.  Books 1 and 2 are already out, Book 3, is on it's way as well as a spin off with one of our favorite characters. 

Make Sure You Catch the Next Tour - July 28th

Coming this week - Sophie Jordan is touring and promoting her next book - Wicked In Your Arms - one of her adult historical romances :)
We're lucky to host her Thursday July 28th - be sure to stop by!!!

July 25: Grace Elliot
July 26: Book Junkie
July 27: Reading Romances
July 28: Seduced by Books
July 29: Black Velvet Seductions Readers Blog

Promotions and organizations for this tour - Courtesy of Goddess Fish -

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

An Impossible Romance.
Bitter Rivalries.
Deadly Choices.

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love? (courtesy of Amazon)

Sequel to Firelight – the YA paranormal series by Sophie Jordan (aka Sharie Kohler) who drives us crazy with her heat in the Moon Chaser shifter series and I have yet to try her steamy historical romances.  Sophie will actually be visiting our blog next week (July 28^th).

You can read my review of Firelight here – While the book maybe about younger characters – just about out of high school – what they are facing has nothing to do with ‘high schoolers’ and it doesn’t mean the books are voiced for your 12 year old niece.  YA still gives you chemistry and intrigue, it’s just not stuffed full of erotica.  Throw a good YA at me and I’m a happy girl.  Well, Jordan definitely tosses me a smashing great read. Jordan manages to give you desire and passion mixed in with action to say the least.  

Literally picking up where Firelight stopped, Vanish tosses you right in the middle of a getaway.  I thought the turmoil both between the hunters and the dragons as well as with the emotions of our lead Jacinda are so well written they dig right to your heart.  And to devotion of her ‘admirers’ is just amazing. Cassian and Will, that’s a damn hard choice. Jacinda's sister, Tamra,  has been avoided and looked over all her life, and now she's revealed her biggest asset. 

Twisting and turning, Jacinda is backed into a corner, she's a fighter and won't lay down.  Choices she's forced to make don't kill her passion, you are literally on pins and needles the whole book, and again, Jordan ends it with you dangling by your finger nails off the cliff.  Well Done.  Now I just need my hands on the next book :) Look for this release Sept 6th.    

Smokin Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. 
Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. (courtesy of amazon)

Maybe the hottest Plum book yet – I’m telling you now – I Love Ranger – Morelli has good points too, but the bad boy vibe from Ranger goes straight to the right places when he says BABE.  Evanovich is on 17 – with a couple of in betweens we’re over 20 – and she’s coming stronger than ever.  Stephanie is definitely in the middle of the Shasta – catching her skips and trying to stay alive at the same time.  And don’t forget her family drama – I’m just not sure how Evanovich manages to give us such a blend of sex, mystery, humor, and action.  She needs to bronzed!

The best scene for me was in a Porsche – when you read this book, you’ll know you hit it J  Not trying to give too many spoilers, but Evanovich continues to top it as she drives Steph into the middle of someone out to kill her and her family out to find her a husband.  I laugh out loud most of the book, the other parts I'm wrapped in a nice amount of steam (wink, wink) and then trying to figure out the mystery.  If you have never tried on the Plum series, you’re in for a treat – It’s one EVERYONE loves.  At book 17, It’s only getting better.  I’m thrilled to know that we get 2 this year – 18 is due out in November. I’m just hoping we’ve got Ranger and Morelli going strong.

I hear the movie is coming soon!

Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton

A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect "monsters" are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, U.S. Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.(courtesy of Amazon)

Book 20

If you’ve read my page (Jenn) on this site then you know Anita Blake (Laurell K Hamilton) is one of my favorite series/chics/authors.  If you are up to Book 20 in this series, you know how far we have come. I’m not delusional, I know there were a few books in the series that were out there, but overall I love Anita and her boys. 

Hamilton takes a small/petite woman and gives her a personality of a bull, add in that she can back the attitude up with some kick ass fighting and killing skills and you can’t go wrong with Anita.  Now – Anita has evolved and sacrificed her virtues for love.  Let me tell you – I love her boys – she’s collected them, and while some people think it’s too many, (hell, Anita thinks she’s got a lot) I say – HECK YEA!  Bring them on!  I’ve got my favorites – Micah, Jean Claude, Nathaniel, Jason! Anita is one lucky girl, but it has not come without a price. 

Ok, back to this book – Hit List – Edward and Anita are friends – they will never be lovers, and that’s the way I think it needs to stay.  Regardless, they work together like a well oiled machine.  Who better for the US to have on their side to catch the monsters?  As Edward and Anita are brought together to solve the mystery – Anita is at the center of a threat – so they have to find the killers and keep her safe.  This book keeps largely to the mystery and suspense of the storyline. (Those of you that did not like all the erotic yummies of past books will get a small reprieve) Edward brings in his trusted ‘friends’ Olaf and Bernardo to aide.  Olaf tops himself in this book.  Although I do love the crazy love fests, I wasn’t disappointed in this book.  Hamilton does a stellar job of feeding the plot. 

As they work together they learn that perhaps Marmee Noir is at the front of the threat on Anita.  Marmee wants her body.  Bring in some of Anita’s trusted body guards (not all her lovers) and Anita thinks she is safe.  Marmee pulls out all the guns and Anita is face to face with losing herself.  Finally embracing her heart and herself Anita has to see if she can stay alive.  Hamilton ends it with an intense twist.  Holy crap – as if he isn’t bad ass enough, Olaf tops it…

If you edged out of the series – COME BACK!  It’s only getting better and better.

GUEST VISIT - The H&W Team Discuss White Hats by Jess Haines

Hello there!  Jess Haines here.  I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series (HUNTED BY THE OTHERS, TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, and the recently released DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS.  I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to some of the cast—Shiarra Waynest, the lead character, Chaz, her on-and-off werewolf boyfriend, Alec Royce, a vampire Shiarra meets in the course of her adventures, Sara, Shiarra’s business partner, and Arnold, a mage and Sara’s boyfriend.

Today the cast of the H&W Investigations series are going to talk about those who hunt the Others.  Over to you, Shia!

____________________

Shiarra:  White Hats are boring.  Why don’t we talk about something like contracts or what makes Others scary or whatever?

Chaz: I think it’s been done.

Royce:  To death.

Sara:  Heh.  To death?  Isn’t that a little cliché coming from a vampire?

Arnold:  Clichés never stopped us before.  Anyway.  I don’t think the White Hats are so bad.  Once you get to know them, most of ‘em are pretty cool.

Shiarra:  Except the ones who think it’s all fun and games to burn down businesses, start riots in the streets, attack innocent people in their own bedrooms in the dead of night…

Royce:  I did tell you to inform me if the White Hats had harmed you.  I’d be happy to make arrangements on your behalf for something to be done to counter any activities you find unpleasant.

Sara:  Is that code for “Hey, look, I’m putting on my mob boss pants and will make these guys disappear” or something?

Royce:  There is an art to subtlety, Ms. Halloway. My statements fail to carry the proper note of menace if you insist on dissecting them like that.

Chaz:  You’re a vampire.  Of course you’re menacing.  You don’t even have to open your mouth to drive people away. Though it certainly helps.

Arnold:  Actually, I heard there was some men’s fashion mag that had record sales last month after it featured a picture of him on the cover. 

Shiarra:  Much as I agree with Chaz, that one doesn’t count.  I saw it on the stands at the supermarket.  Royce was smiling and showing fangs.  It was a pretty good pic, actually.

Chaz:  Whatever.

Sara:  Um.  Is the werewolf actually pouting? 

Shiarra:  Oh, Chaz, don’t pout.  You know I find you sexier than a gross, old vampire.

Chaz:  I am not pouting!

Arnold:  Cool it, man.  It’s not that big a deal.  None of us care, anyway.

Royce:  Ms. Waynest, you are one of the few humans I have encountered who find me more frightening than attractive.  I’ve yet to determine why that is.

Shiarra:  The White Hats are right about one thing.  Because you’re a scary son of a—

Sara:  Ahem!

Shiarra:  …yeah.  Anyway.  You’re an evil, soulless, walking corpse.  No wonder the White Hats hate you.  You’re rich, successful, charming, and women flock to you like you’re the greatest thing since Ryan Reynolds’ abs.  

Arnold:  I thought they hated him because of the walking corpse part?

Chaz:  They hate that he can flaunt all the hot babes and probably that he makes more money than they do.  Drinking blood doesn’t help.

Royce:  I’m hardly a corpse.  You’ve felt my touch—

Chaz:  WHAT.

Shiarra:  Shush!  Not like that.  Ugh.

Royce:  As I was saying.  Ms. Waynest, you’ve felt my touch, known the comforts of my home, and availed yourself of my generosity before.  The unkind words are uncalled for.  I may no longer be human, but I am not truly dead, either.

Arnold:  Hence the walking corpse thing.  Or did you miss that?

Royce:  Considering you seem to be delighting in repeating yourself, of course I haven’t.  Have you noticed that corpses have no need to eat, nor move about under their own power, or hold conversations as we are doing now?  I hardly think it’s fair to discuss me as such.

Shiarra:  Shall we call you a sunlight-impaired American, then?  C’mon.  Stop being such a pedant. 

Sara:  I bet that’s part of why the White Hats hate him, too.

Chaz:  They hate werewolves, too.  My pack has lost a few to hunters.

Arnold:  Seriously?  I thought they stopped hunting werewolves after that guy in Kentucky got mauled.

Chaz:  No, made it worse.  The ones in New York are mostly pissed about vampires, but in the southern and central states, the Weres have a tougher time of it with the hunters.

Sara:  I think it’s about time to wrap this up.

Shiarra:  Okay, let’s recap.  Anything with fur or fangs equals bad to White Hats.  Anything with fangs equals creepy beyond measure to me.  Any questions?

Royce:  Yes. Why is it—

Shiarra:  Okay then.  We’re done.

Royce:  Hey!

____________________

Err… right then. You can learn more about Shiarra and the rest of her friends in HUNTED BY THE OTHERS.  What do you think?  Are you afraid of vampires or werewolves?  Would you side with the White Hats or the Others?

Visit me on the web:

www.JessHaines.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jess-Haines-HW-Investigations/199575306328?ref=search&sid=100000426805820.1600836246..1

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Jess_Haines

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Fan Forum: http://jesshaines.freeforums.org/

Thanks again having me and the gang over, Jen! 

It was our pleasure Jess - always glad to have you.  

I definitely give this series 5 slices overall - XOXO (Jen)