Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour - Visit from Jess Haines

Welcome Jess Haines - and I could not think of any one better to help us talk about the Sexy Vampires we all love....she has one of my favs in her series. Not only do we get some insight in her inspiration but she has a great giveaway for us.

Sexy Vampires Who Provided Inspiration for the H&W Investigations Series

By Jess Haines

Hello there! Jess Haines here. I’m the author of the H&W Investigations series—urban fantasy novels about Shiarra Waynest, a human private investigator in an alternate, present-day New York. Somehow she keeps getting pulled into supernatural troubles way above her pay grade…

Since Jennifer is all about the sexy stuff here, I thought you might like to hear about some of the smokin’ hot vampires that have inspired me over the years.

5) Deacon Frost (from Blade)

Frost is such a delightful asshole. He has no qualms standing up to vampires more powerful than himself, a vision for how to drag himself up the ranks, and the guts to follow through with the plan to get what he wants no matter the obstacles. All while doing it with style and attitude.

It’s really too bad he’s so evil.

On the bright side, he did help provide a plotbunny that resulted in the formation of more than one of my own bad guys. It’s a good thing when your villains are well-rounded and know what they want, and stick to their guns to get it.

4) Blade (from Blade)

Man, that guy can pull of a trench coat but good. Dark, mysterious, broody—he’s everything a vampire should be.

Too bad he’s not quite a vamp.

Blade was more of an inspiration because he was a vampire hunter, rather than because of his nature. If you know me, you may have heard me mention this before, but I originally came up with the idea for the heroine of the H&W Investigations novels, Shiarra Waynest, when I saw a trailer for the first Blade movie in theaters ages ago.


3) Selene (from Underworld)

Strangely enough, Selene served as an inspiration for the opposite of how I wanted Shiarra’s adventures to start out. Selene is a strong, capable, and kickass vampire. Shia has her own strengths, but as a human, she can’t go toe-to-toe with a vamp or werewolf and expect to survive. What it made me think of was backstory. How did Selene reach the point of being so competent as an enforcer?

That was what I chose to explore for Shiarra. Not starting her in the boots of the ass-kicking heroine, but taking the opportunity to use the series to grow her into them.



2) David (from The Lost Boys)

A classic vampire movie, The Lost Boys set the tone for what I was shooting for in my books. At times frightening, others hilarious, I wanted a mix of camp and horror that wasn’t afraid to feature the absurd while also exploring the serious sides of dealing with supernaturals. On that count, David is playful and seductive, but undeniably dangerous. Just like I wanted the main vampire of my series, Alec Royce, to be.

1) Spike (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Where, oh where, would I be without a mention of Spike? Proving that even an immortal can feel emotions deeper than most mortals, that even a vampire can grow and learn to be more than a monster, that a killer can love with burning passion, Spike embodies so many of the things a vampire could and should be. All while pulling off hilarious one-liners and looking damned fine in leather, if I may say so.


Oh, and for the hell of it, even though I wouldn’t exactly call him inspiration for any of my characters, enjoy some Eric Northman!




So, who are some of your favorite sexy vamps?

For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official FORSAKEN BY THE OTHERS blog tour calendar !

You can also visit me on the web:
www.JessHaines.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor

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

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

Thanks again for having me, Jennifer!


Jess, you are always welcome here! You are killing me for the next book - and thank you for this great giveaway below.
We've got the details on Forsaken by the Others - out this July 2nd.
Forsaken by the Others Book Description:

The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…


Hurry up and buy soon - you won't regret it

Buy Links:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Powells
Indiebound

Enter the US giveaway here -

a Rafflecopter giveaway


International followers are not forgotten - enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit our other blog friends on the tour here - Forsaken by the Others blog tour

Giveaway and Blog Tour from Jamie Magee for Witness

We have the pleasure of once again being a stop on Jamie Magee’s Blog Tour.  This time she is touring to promote Witness - - this is Book 2 in the series, quickly following on the heels of SEE.  You will find the summary of both books below and our review for SEE can be read here 


Look today here on the blog, for our review of Witness as we also had the pleasure of reading it ahead of time and you can too!!!  




Jamie is giving away 1 ebook each of SEE and Witness to one lucky commenter.  Did you hear that?  BOTH BOOKS!!! Witness is not released until the 19thof this month so you will also get to read it early!  Of course, Jamie never stops just there, she also has some awesome swag, bookmarks and  guitar picks to giveaway along with the ebooks.  Wonder the significance of guitar picks???  WELL READ THE BOOKS :) you’ll be hooked.  


To win for the giveaway here on our blog, leave a comment below, tell us if you’ve read on of Jamie Magee’s books in either series, ask a question, or just let us know you say hi.  Make sure you are a follower over to the right  leave your email address and we will be choosing a winner on July 8th.  (international too :) )


THAT STILL ISN’T ALL!! Jamie brings us awesome books and packs in the giveaways.  She will be choosing a winner from all the commenters on the entire tour to win printed copies of both SEE and Witness, along with a $25 gift card to Amazon (swag bookmarks and picks too) and this is also international.  So you can see the list of participants below and make sure to visit and comment on their blogs for more chance to win.


THAT’S 2 GIVEAWAYS in 1 POST !


Thanks Jamie – as always it’s a pleasure to have you come by, love your books and helping promote you any time.   Next time maybe you can bring Draven by or Drake  you know they hold a special piece of my heart.


Visit Jamie at one of these links – she’s lots of fun, and I still wonder how she pumps out these works and has time to do anything else.  AMAZING!




Face Book http://www.facebook.com/Insight.Jamie.Magee 
Twitter http://www.facebook.com/Insight.Jamie.Magee
Blog http://authorjamiemagee.blogspot.com/
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Magee/e/B004DAU5JY

Summary of SEE 
Forgetting who you are, your ambitions, your passions is crippling….but remembering – embracing your purpose with a new sense of determination is more than empowering….it's life altering. Charlie Myers is on a life altering path that will cause the dammed to humble in silence.
One night…just a few friends, how could it go so wrong? That was the question seventeen year old Charlie Myers was asking when she found herself in the ER. Outwardly nothing was wrong with Charlie, she was a vision of perfect heath, internally she was battling a raging headache…one the doctor told her she would overcome shortly, but Charlie knew something else was wrong …very wrong.
Part of her had been stolen…she was missing memories. Those memories were sacred. They held the key to her sanity. They told her that the sinister whispers, the shadows that came to life before her were not as ominous as she felt they were. They held the bond with her late father, a famed musician. They caused her to forget the one talent that allowed her to face the darkness that haunted her every waking hour. They also masked a much deeper bond, the face of the one that had stolen her heart, long before the age of seventeen.
Sitting in the ER with her angry mother she couldn’t figure out what she was missing, or even how. Her thoughts told her that she needed to protect Britain, a friend of hers, but that didn’t make any sense – Britain didn’t need to be protected from anyone, he was strong, young, and absurdly wealthy. Charlie also knew that even though her friend Bianca called Charlie her best friend, she didn’t trust her …she was almost sure she despised her, but she couldn’t figure out why, or understand how random thoughts were telling her that she adored both Britain and Bianca – that they were her saviors – that they brought silence to the unstoppable whispers, but the silence scared Charlie. In her mind anyone or anything that could bring silence to something that dark could not be good.
Charlie wanted to stay in NY, figure out what she was missing, why, and who was behind it all, but her mother had other plans. Against her will, Charlie was sent to Salem to live with her sister, within that small town Charlie found her memories and so much more.
Her story begins now.


Summary Of WITNESS 

Forgetting who you are is hard, but not as hard as remembering. Remembering that you have no idea how to face your demons, how to save the lost.
Charlie is at a sacred threshold.The ‘glass box’, as she calls it, is slowly falling. Her childhood has ended. The moment she has yearned for, the moment where she can go and do anything, anything at all without seeking permission is now. She’d dreamed of this time, all of her friends had, but now that it’s here, she doesn't know which way to run, or if she should even run at all.
Charlie knew that running would be a goodbye forever, and she didn’t want that, she wanted to freeze the time she was in, to stay in the calm before the storm, the illusion that she could out wit the ones who seek her, hold the one she loves, and play the music that gives her passion. She’ll soon discover no one can hide from their fate, that time does not stop in place, and that whether she chooses to perceive it or not, the darkness has come.
What Charlie feared most, losing him, is a threat now more than ever. A realm, a dark and twisted dream world has called him, and now she must fight to save him, and others like him. Standing in her way is a soul from another life, a boy that promises that he will destroy her world, to save her life. With this threat in hand, with the dark path that her friends are on, Charlie must fight to find a way to leave, to trust that beyond her dimension there are souls that can help her, help all of them. The only question is, will she find them before it's to late, and if she can't, how is she going to use her gift, the gifts they all share to save them.




BLOG TOUR MEMBERS -


July 6th Seduced By Books - http://seducedbybooks.blogspot.com/ 


July 7th The Shadowed Realm -  http://xtheshadowrealmx.blogspot.com/


July 8th The Cozy Reader - http://thecozyreader.com/


July 11th MoonStars Fantasy World - http://moonstarsfantasyworld.blogspot.com/


July 12th The Reading Geek -  http://thereadinggeek.blogspot.com/


July 13th Lovey Dovey Books - http://www.loveydoveybooks.blogspot.com/


July 14th The Lovely Books - http://jessicaslovelybooks.blogspot.com/


July 15th Sassy Book Lovers -  http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/


July 15th  Delphina Reads Too Much - http://www.delphinareadstoomuch.com/


July 16th  Page Flipperz - http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/?zx=6ba9dca96e7fe7b5


July 16th Between the Lines -  http://www.betweenthelinesbookblog.com/


July 18th Paranormal Reads - http://paranormalreadsreviews.blogspot.com/


July 19th WITNESS RELEASE DATE


July 19th Better Read Than Dead - http://www.angelsdemonsandvampires.com/


July 20th Book Reader Addicts - http://bookreaderaddictsgiveaways.blogspot.com/


July 20th Parnormal Books Fan  http://paranormalbookfan.blogspot.com/


July 21 Taking it One Book at a Time - http://takingitonebookatatime.blogspot.com/


July 23rd Insane About Books - http://insaneaboutbooks.blogspot.com/


July 24th Lovey Dovey Books - http://www.loveydoveybooks.blogspot.com/


July 25th D's Bookworld - http://ds-bookworld.blogspot.de 

Awakening by Scarlett Valentine

Ysbail of Ellesmere is a pawn in her guardian's war. For decades there has been unrest between the marcher lords and Owain Gwynedd ap Gruffydd, King of Gwynedd. The most recent war had been the bloodiest she could remember in her eighteen years. Madog ap Maredudd, Prince of Powys, and his allies lost untold numbers of men at the hands of Owain's soldiers. When a settlement of truce is presented to Madog, it's at Ysbail's expense. She is to marry Bedwyr ap Owain, one of King Owain’s bastard sons, and his most notorious henchman. If all the rumors and stories she's heard are true, she knows her marriage will be rife with horror and fear.


Since proving himself worthy with his sword, Bedwyr fights at his king's side. He's shed oceans of blood and sent untold numbers of men to their graves. He's become what his name foretold—the grave-knower. He's afraid of nothing, least of all death. All men fear him, including those who fight at his side, and sometimes even his own king. Terror of him lives within women's hearts; only the bravest of whores accept him into their beds. And children weave their own tales of the monster they hear him to be, embellishing the details to their own gruesome degrees.

When King Owain informs Bedwyr that he's to marry Ysbail of Ellesmere as part of a peace settlement with Madog, Bedwyr is furious. A man such as Bedwyr can only survive on the battlefield. For without love, hatred will send a man like him to the edge of insanity. Then push him over. But when Bedwyr sees Ysbail for the first time, blood-thirst turns to blood-lust, and he vows to show her that she should have no fear of him. (cover blurb courtesy of the author)


This book definitely does not lack heat! Valentine is kicking off her ABC’s of S-E-X series with a hit. I loved how our leading hottie (Bedwyr) warms up his girl and meets his match. My favorite scene has to be our Ysbail owning it and putting the servant girls in their place and when she learns her man is as good in bed as he is in battle.

Valentine has a big win for me here. The book is quick, fun, and hot. I was immediately wrapped in, Valentine definitely starts the book right where you can't think to put it down.  There was not a break for me at all - It was the right amount of story and interest and definitely over the top with the S-E-X.  You can not go wrong with this series – pick up book 1 and you’ll be ready for the winter nights!



Come back tomorrow as we have our very own visit from Ms Valentine here at the blog.

Paige the Vampire Talks About Sunrise at Sunset

Here as part of the Romancing Your Dark Side tour - 

PAIGE TURNER 
from Jaz Primo's Sunset Vampire Series

Paige: Hi, everybody! I'm Paige Turner from Jaz Primo's Sunset Vampire Series. I'm introduced in the first novel of the series, Sunrise at Sunset. *smirking* I show up about mid-way through the novel, actually. It's a little later than I would have preferred, but then, there it is. I'm not the writer, after all.

*Footsteps grow louder as someone rushes into the room*

Jaz: Paige! I happen to think that you show up at just the right time in the novel.

Paige: *shrugging* Whatever. I'm just sayin'.

*Jaz sighs and shakes his head*

Paige: Any-hoo...of all the vampires in the series, I think you'll find that I'm by far the most charming and witty in the bunch.

Jaz: Oh, good grief.

Paige: Hey! *wagging her finger at Jaz* Who's blog posting is this supposed to be anyway? You practically begged me to do this, you know.

Jaz: *Holding up his hands* Yep, you're right. Okay...sorry.

*Paige frowns at Jaz*

Paige: *whispering* Listen, Mr. Creativity, don't you have somewhere else to be, or maybe some editing to do? I've got your back here. Let me handle this, okay?

Jaz: Mm-hm, sure.

Paige: Come on, beat it!

*Paige rapidly pats and slaps her palms against Jaz as she ushers him towards the exit.*

Jaz: Okay, okay, it's all yours!

*Paige smiles with satisfaction and waits for Jaz to exit*

Paige: Please pardon the interruption, folks. Jaz is kind of a hands-on author, if you know what I mean. Still, he's a talented writer and a guy with a big heart, as well as a positively tasty neckline. Let's start this blog posting again from the top. And this time, I'll do my best to curtail any unnecessary interruptions.

So, here's the scoop with Sunrise at Sunset. I know that Jaz would get all artsy with you and try spinning his heavy wordsmith skills on you, but that's not how I roll. Personally, I think people appreciate the straight scuttlebutt, am I right? There's this really nice guy named Caleb. He's a history professor at a community college in Atlanta, Georgia, and he meets up with this rather heavy-handed, red-headed vampire named Katrina.

*thoughtful pause*

Okay, so maybe I shouldn't use the term "heavy handed" for Katrina. I mean, she's my best friend after all. Aww, hell, the truth is we go way back...she's almost like a sister to me. I don't know where I'd be today if it wasn't for her. The point is, she's always been what you might call a dominant sort of person. She likes to steer the ship...rule the roost...handle instead of being handled. In the vampire world, we call her an alpha. The sea sort of parts when she walks through a crowd of vampires, even among many of the older ones of our kind. Her previous history and reputation precedes her, you see. It's not her fault, really. A lot of bad things happened along the way for her. She means well, after all. Who knows. Maybe if I'd had a hard past like she's had, perhaps I'd be like her too.

Either way, she loves Caleb like nobody I've ever seen love someone. It's pretty impressive, really. He's good for her, I think. But then, the boy has his own issues, so she's good for him, too.

*chuckling*

Although I think I have an impact on him, as well.

*Furrowed eyebrows*

Where was I?

Oh yeah.

So, Caleb and Katrina meet when she enrolls in the college history class that he's teaching. Um, well, maybe that's not entirely correct. Katrina actually met him one day when he was just eight years old. Only, he doesn't remember that because she hypnotized him to suppress the memories from that day. Boy, didn't that turn into a real hoot!

*frowning*

Oh, yeah. I'm about three more novels ahead of you folks, so you don't know about that yet. Hey, don't shoot the messenger...this stuff is just like recalling real life events for me. You don't break your life up into neat little books, do you? That's a weird thing for me to get used to.

Anyway, you'll definitely want to read the second novel, A Bloody London Sunset. I show up quite a bit in that one!

*grinning*

But let's get back to Sunrise at Sunset. So, there's a real crazy vampire bitch from Katrina's past who's trying to get back at her for some "sins of the past" kind of crap. Katrina's not afraid of anyone, but this broad tries use Caleb to get back at Katrina. It's really ugly stuff, but you'll learn all about it if you read the novel.

*Extending her fangs*

Rather, that's WHEN you read the novel, right? I'm not just standing around here talking to you to hear my own voice rattling away, got it?

*Retracting her fangs*

Anyway, I get called in to help protect our boy, Caleb.

*smiling*

Katrina really hates it when I call him our boy, by the way.                

But enough about all that. Suffice to say that it's an adventure and a love story, and you definitely want to read it.

*glancing at her watch*

Um, listen, I've got a hot date for some dancing at a local club tonight, so let's get on with this. Jaz mentioned that the blog moderator, Jennifer, also wants to know some stuff about him.

*frowning*

Hey, I wonder if he said that just so that I'll talk about him? You know, I wouldn't put it past him. These author types are so vain sometimes. But he's a good kid, and just in case it's true, here goes nothing.

*slipping an index card from the back pocket of her jeans*

"Jaz is an author, history buff, pun-master, and all-around lover of all things vampire and--"
Wait a minute, who wrote this crap?!

*slapping her forehead*

I bet he did. Geez, Jaz...we need to talk, bucko.

*ripping up the index card and casually tossing the pieces to the floor*

Forget all that bunk. Let me tell you some really interesting stuff about my creator that you won't find out in some lame press kit. Did you know that he doesn't know how to swim?

Yep, he sinks like a rock in open water!

*pausing*

Hey, his favorite snack when writing is salted cashews or almonds. He also like the chocolate covered ones, I noticed. And the little brainiac chugs down Coca-Cola and iced tea like its water!

*giggling*

Hey, wait a minute. Granted, iced tea is mostly water, but you get the point.

Jaz loves chocolate, too. Oh, and he listens to alternative rock while he writes. I have to admit, he's got some great taste in music: Muse, Land of Talk, Interpol, Gliss, The Kills, Boxer Rebellion, The National, etc. All my favorites, actually!

*whispering* 

Personally, I think it's partly due to the positive influence that I have on him...

All-in-all, I'd say Jaz is a pretty cool guy. Okay, maybe a little nerdy, but it's kind of cute.

Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for the opportunity to chat with you for a little while.

*grinning*

Hey, before I go, I have one more tidbit of awesome news to share with you. Yours truly ends up on the cover of the third novel, Summit at Sunset! You should check it out when you get the chance...

Chow, babes. I hear a dance floor calling my name.

Wait, Jaz told me to close with this...

Peace.

*wink*

*Paige speeds from the room in a blur of motion*

The teaser for Sunrise at Sunset follows.

-----------------

When is a bloodthirsty predator the best protection against a psychotic killer?

When the predator is both a vampire...and the woman you love.

“We vampires are focused and tend to shape our own realities.”

My name is Katrina Rawlings, and I am a vampire. I declare that with neither pride nor ego. I am simply nature’s most dangerous predator. On occasion, it’s a very valuable quality. It helped me protect Caleb Taylor one day when he was very young. But that single, traumatic day is behind him now; wiped from his memory, or so I hope.

Caleb has finally matured into a rather striking young man, and believe me, I like what I see. I’ll readily admit that there are issues for us to confront and overcome, though a sense of mutual commitment isn’t one of them. I’m feeling hopeful for our future together, in fact. But an adversary from my past has returned to haunt me, and she’s trying to get back at me through Caleb. That was her first...and last...mistake. I’ll protect my Caleb at all costs, and I’ll make her regret the day she was born.

So, I suppose that I’m not just a vampire. I’m about to become someone’s worst nightmare!

-----------------


Hope you enjoy that as much as we did - Paige is one of my favorite characters in the series and I'm so glad Jaz let her do this post because you can see how fun she is.  Comment below to be entered to win a Kindle in the Romancing Your Dark Side tour - and also our 1st blog-iversary contest.


Thanks again to www.vbtcafe.com and Book Reader Addicts for organizing

Eve Langlais is here with BUNNY and the BEAR

Eve Langlais to the blog today 

– be sure you make it down to the end -

Hello everybody, my name is Eve and I am a Canadian romance writer. I am also a mother of three who has been married to my very own alpha for over 11 years now.

From highly sensual to outright erotic, my stories cover a variety of areas--paranormal, science fiction, fantasy and more. My stories have widely different heroines from shy, chubby and glasses wearing to outspoken, sassy and confident. My men all have on thing in common though, they are powerful and HOT!

Looking for dialogue and action driven fun, then check me out. For info on upcoming releases and to read excerpts, please visit me at http://www.EveLanglais.com

Warning: My stories often blur the line between good and evil, and in some cases stomps all over it.

What’s a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

Bears and bunnies aren’t supposed to mix, or that’s what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won’t stay out of his business—and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her—naked in his grasp—a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda’s on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol’ bear. Staying focused on the job isn’t easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn’t count on a bear’s curious nature—and possessive need.

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?

We are fortunate that Eve is giving away to one lucky commenter – a download of Bunny and the Bear for their very own.  Please comment below and make sure you are a follower to be entered to win.  We will draw a name tomorrow at the end of the day – September 7^th and notify the author of the winner.  Remember the more visits you go to the more changes you have to win. 

The tour dates can be found here at Goddess Fish Promotions:    

To read our review of Bunny and the Bear click here.

Thanks once again for Goddess Fish Promotions allowing us to partner with them

ROMANCING YOUR DARK SIDE TOUR Kick Off PARTY!!

We are so excited to be participating in the Romancing Your Dark Side Tour starting this Friday, August 5th.
(hosted by Book Reader Addicts and Virtual Book Tour Cafe)

7 Authors are coming together for the next 3 months to blog, giveaway, interview and promote - HOORAY!

We'll have three stops on the tour scheduled (check back to see if we get more):

Sept 1 - Jamie Magee - Guest Blog & Giveaway - Jamie is the talented author of the Insight series - Book 1 Insight and Book 2 Embody - check her website out here and click for our reviews for Book 1 and Book 2.

Sept 7 - Jaz Primo - Guest Blog & Giveaway - Fun, witty, and author of the Sunrise Vampires series - Jaz Primo will be visiting us - if you haven't found his page - click here - currently 2 books - Sunrise at Sunset (click for review) and A Bloody London Sunset.

Oct 27 - A. Jacob Sweeny - Guest Blog & Giveaway - inspiring author joining us for some fun - check out her book here - Pulse of  Heroes Book 1 in the Pulse Series. 

In addition to all the FUN - Many of the Authors are doing Giveaways not just on our site, but along the tour ride.  AND 1 LUCKY WINNER will win a NEW Kindle - the comments from the posts on each site will be entered in a random drawing. 

We'll be promoting this tour throughout the 3 months.  For the tour schedule - be sure to check at Virtual Book Tour Cafe and get to commenting starting Friday :)

Good Luck - see you back soon
Amy & Jenn

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

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 -

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)