Book Tour: Hunted by Ellie Ferguson Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB:

When Meg Finley’s parents died, the authorities classified it as a double suicide. Alone, hurting and suddenly the object of the clan’s alpha's desire, her life was a nightmare. He didn’t care that she was grieving any more than he cared that she was only fifteen. So she’d run and she’d been running ever since. But now, years later, her luck’s run out. The alpha’s trackers have found her and they’re under orders to bring her back, no matter what.

Without warning, Meg finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with the trackers in a downtown Dallas parking garage. She’s learned a lot over the years but, without help, it might not be enough to escape a fate she knows will be worse than death. What she didn’t expect was that help would come from the local clan leader. But would he turn out to be her savior or something else, something much more dangerous?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

I turned my attention to my host, relieved my brain was finally starting to work. He’d moved across the small kitchen and, with his back to me, was staring out the window over the sink. Watching him, my jaguar stirred--as did a lust I’d not felt in a very long while--and I swallowed hard. Long muscular legs led up to one of the finest examples of a male ass that I had seen in a very long time. They led up to a narrow waist and broad shoulders. Then he turned and I fought the urge to lick my lips.

Oh... my.

My jaguar was so close to the surface, I was surprised to look down at my hands and not see the shift starting. I’d felt drawn to other males of our kind before. There were too few of us for our animals not to be attracted to one another. But this was different. Never before had that pull been so strong. If I had to guess, my cat not only recognized his shifted form but she was willing to admit his dominance and that was something she had never done before.

No, that wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t that she recognized his dominance. She recognized him as her equal and that was--interesting. It was also a complication I didn’t need. Nor did I need him guessing what was going through my head. That would be more than embarrassing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I’m older than 20 and younger than death and that’s all you’ll get from me about my age. After all, it’s not polite to ask a woman how old she is. I’m a mother, a daughter and was a wife. I’ve spent most of my life in the South and love to travel. The only problem with that is my dog always thinks I’ve abandoned him when I do and it takes weeks to reassure the poor thing and my cat resents the fact I came back before he could figure out a way to kill the dog and hide the body. My house is haunted — it is, really. I swear it. What else explains the table that plays music and the light that comes on by itself? — but it’s mine and I love it. Okay, I’m a little strange. But that makes life interesting.

If you enjoyed Hunted, please check out my other titles available through Naked Reader Press:

Free Surprise in Every Box (short story)

All she wanted was her morning coffee and sugar laden cereal. That's all. Was it too much to ask? Instead, she gets the surprise of her life and a new appreciation for the thickest phone book she could find.

Predator or Prey (short story)

Every teacher has had that one student she can't seem to get through to. Worse, there always seems to be that one set of parents who feel their little darling can do no wrong. That makes the mandatory parent-teacher conferences an exercise in endurance. But what happens when the conference becomes an exercise in survival?

Wedding Bell Blues

Weddings always bring out the worst in people. Or at least that's the way it seems to Jessica Jones as her younger sister's wedding day approaches. It's bad enough Jessie has to wear a bridesmaid dress that looks like it was designed by a color blind Harlequin. Then there's the best man who is all hands and no manners. Now add in a murder and Jessie's former lover -- former because she caught him doing the horizontal tango on their kitchen table with her also-former best friend. It really is almost more than a girl should be expected to handle. . . .

Links:

My website/blog:  http://www.ellieferguson.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ellie.ferguson.1297?fref=ts

Naked Reader Press (my publisher):  http://nakedreader.com

Product links:

Amazon:  Hunted (http://www.amazon.com/Hunted-Hunters-Moon-ebook/dp/B00CGS10MQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367348595&sr=8-1&keywords=hunted+by+ferguson)

Kobo:  Hunted (http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Hunted/book-Gcf6KAV7kk6p5Wo288ipDA/page1.html?s=QXS3UJnwzUeAeaHAgxiqgg&r=1)

All Romance E-books: Hunted https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hunted-1169662-139.html

GIVEAWAY:

Ellie will be awarding a digital copy of her romantic suspense novel, Wedding Bell Blues to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-hunted-by.html

Book Tour: Just Perfect by JoMarie DeGioia Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB:

William Chesterton, the Earl of Chester, might be the perfect gentleman, but his feelings for Constance Bridgewater are anything but gentlemanly.

Constance Bridgewater, the daughter of the late Earl of Bridgewater, might be the perfect lady, but her feelings for the Earl of Chester are anything but ladylike.

They both know that if they were together, everything would be just perfect.

So what is keeping them apart?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“You can’t deny the party last night was delightful, Constance.”

Constance read the extreme interest in her cousin Sarah’s countenance. Her eyes were almost wild.

“I believe I told you it was so,” Constance said.

“And what of the gentlemen there?” Sarah persisted. “Do you deny that you enjoyed dancing with them?”

Constance took a measured breath, keeping her pique from her own features. “Why ever would I deny that? I enjoyed myself immensely and fancied each gentleman who took my hand in his. There, are you satisfied?”

Sarah blew out a breath and leaned back. “You’re always satisfied.”

Diane Plymouth, their close friend, let out a sigh. “I’m not.”

Constance studied Diane, certain she had heard her incorrectly. “What do you mean, Diane?”

She waved a hand. “I’m unable to settle on a gentleman, I’m afraid. I want to marry and settle down, like our other friends have.”

Constance quelled her feelings. She so wanted that as well, but it wouldn’t do to appear as desperate as these two. It wasn’t in keeping with her image of the cool and perfect young society miss. This morning she was immensely chafed by that mantel.

“It’s a pity so many eligible men have been snatched from the marriage market.” Sarah sighed, then suddenly brightened. “There are still several left for the taking, Diane. Don’t give up hope.”

“True, but I don’t know where to set my cap,” Diane said. “I have a few men in mind, but I just can’t decide.”

Constance didn’t want to ask, she truly didn’t. Burning interest in the social swirl of the season was expected, however.

“Which gentlemen are you considering?” she asked Diane.

“Well, there are several,” Diane said, her eyes bright as she warmed to her topic. “Take Lord Kanewood’s circle.”

Sarah snorted. “Two down, two to go.”

Diane nodded. “I chose that particular group of gentlemen to demonstrate my sad state.”

“Really?” Constance said, curious despite herself. “Why those particular men?”

Sarah nodded, leaning forward. “They are such diverse gentlemen, in looks and temperament.”

“Exactly,” Diane said. “Take Lord Kanewood.”

“Yes, please,” Sarah put in.

Constance laughed. “He’s married, Sarah. And quite happily.”

Sarah grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Go on, Diane.”

“He’s the leader of their circle, commanding and very handsome. Yet he was caught.”

“And gone from the market.” Sarah sighed.

“Now, take Lord Leed,” Diane went on.

“Yes, please,” Sarah said again.

“Sarah,” Constance said with another laugh.

“Lord Leed,” Diane went on, her face dreamy now. “Dark and brooding and so . . .” She sighed.

“Yes,” Constance said. “Another gentleman happily married.”

“Oh, but Lord Roberts!” Diane gushed now. “He’s still available. And so charming and attentive toward me.”

“As he is toward most every lady.” Sarah pouted. “A girl can’t count on his charm to land on her alone.”

“But I’ve seen his sparkling gray eyes in my dreams,” Diane said.

Constance silently allowed that there wasn’t a more charming man of their acquaintance than Lord Roberts, not that she’d seen his particular eyes in her dreams. No. It was one particular pair of warm, brown eyes that made her body ache, in and out of her dreams. Not to mention his thick, blond hair. It looked so soft . . . she shook herself back to her boring, wakeful existence.

“Lord Roberts has gone to the country, Diane,” she said. “And will no doubt remain there for some time.”

“Yes, his father has reportedly taken ill,” Sarah said. “Pity that, though it might lead to an elevation in his station from viscount to earl.”

“Sarah!” Constance said. “How can you wish such sadness on Lord Roberts?”

“Oh, I don’t, not really,” Sarah said. “I just wish he was in town this season. He’s one of the few unattached gentlemen who draws my attention.”

“Your attention is drawn to every handsome face with a title and fortune,” Diane said. “I daresay I would take Lord Roberts with neither.”

Sarah snorted in obvious disbelief. “Be that as it may, he’s well and gone from London and we’ll have to set our caps for different gentlemen if we have any hope of marrying before this new season ends.”

The two other girls grew quiet, which unsettled Constance more than their chatter had. It was inevitable, the new course their conversation would take. She braced herself for the realization to strike the two of them.

“There is at least one who is available and quite attractive,” Diane said.

Constance’s hands fluttered in her lap and she fought to keep them still. “Which gentleman?” she asked, as if she didn’t know.

“Hmm, yes,” Sarah mused aloud. “There is always Lord Chester.”

And there it was. The mention of the very man Constance couldn’t get out of her mind. “L-Lord Chester?”

“Oh, yes, Lord Chester!” Diane cried. “He’s quite handsome and most pleasant. Though I can’t quite sketch a true picture of his character.”

Constance knew what she meant, for he was always so perfect in every social situation. Saying the right thing, dressed the right way, acting in the right manner. Aside from those blessed moments he’d held her in his arms at Leed Manor, that is.

“He has done work for Lord Kanewood. That is certain,” Sarah said. “During that business with the earl’s brother, at least.”

Diane shivered. “Horrid, that. Stealing funds and attempted murder?”

Sarah nodded, her eyes bright. “It’s rumored that Lord Chester has worked with the government, but no one can say in what capacity. He’s well-respected and his opinions count in Parliament. He’s affable and most pleasant, I’ll allow. Well-connected and wealthy, and welcome wherever he goes.”

“A perfect gentleman,” Diane concluded.

Constance could practically see the interest sparking in the girl’s mind. She wouldn’t let it smolder into flames of desire, however. Lord Chester wasn’t for Diane, or even Sarah for that matter. He was for her.

She alone had seen the dark glint of intent in those deep brown eyes of his as he stole glances at her from across the ballroom. She alone had encountered the tenseness of his firmly muscled body as he held her sedately during the dance. She alone had felt the impact of his intriguing smile, curved with heat instead of politeness as he’d nearly kissed her.

Yes, she knew there was far more to the Earl of Chester than the well-connected perfect gentleman. Far more.

And she would die before she let another lady steal him from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 JoMarie DeGioia has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and has spent years giving voice to the characters in her head. She’s known Mickey Mouse from the “inside,” has been a copyeditor for her town’s newspaper, and a bookseller. She writes Historical and Contemporary Romances, along with Young and New Adult Fantasy stories. She divides her time between Central Florida and New England. You can contact her at JoMarie@JoMarieDeGioia.com

Buy Link:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Dashing-Nobles-Series-ebook/dp/B00DDEH2OM

GIVEAWAY:

JoMarie will be awarding Loose Tea and chip nuts to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-super-book-blast-just-perfect.html

Book Tour: The Dysus Dreamer by JA Garland Excerpt & Giveaway

Book Two, The Halfling Chronicles

JA Garland

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Release Date: July, 2013

"A powerful half-demon is kidnapped, bloodthirsty werewolves are on the rise, and a planet is dying. A demon warrior and dark elf joining forces are the least of their worries."

Demon warrior, Slade Aesus, is determined to destroy the werewolves controlling his cousin. But a beautiful elf, consumed by her own vengeance, finds the wolves first. Botching her assassination attempt, Annwyn has the most powerful Packs in the world biting at her heels. Both fiercely independent, can the two join forces long enough to fulfill their missions and stay alive?

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/M0qIjt_iBxU

Amazon   Omnilit  BURST Books

INSTINCT

Book One, The Halfling Chronicles

JA Garland

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 9781927454442

Released: September 4, 2012

Amazon

"When war erupts among the Shadow creatures, can enemies become allies?"

Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows. Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber's relationship surges into more than either of them had bargained on. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is forced to do the unthinkable, or watch Amber become a slave for his species.

In the battle against Shadows, demons and all variety of monsters come out to fight. Can one wolf learn to trust in time to save them all?

Excerpt:

A solid assassination operation takes one part opportunity, two parts discipline, and three parts disposition. Having two out of three this chilly Seattle evening, Slade considered himself in abundance of good fortune.

Parked in front of a solitary office building, in the zone clearly marked “No Parking,” Slade cleared his mind of distractions consisting of the little here and there that could creep in and throw him off, just a hair, but enough to jeopardize his mission. Satisfied, he slid out of the rental car and re-tucked a stylish black golf shirt monogrammed with “Constantine Vineyards” into a pair of crisp, steel gray slacks. In this particular scenario, image was crucial.

Tonight, the element discipline presented itself by his waiting for the precise moment to strike. He made a living analyzing people and their habits, so he knew his targets relaxed around the holidays and were less likely to see the danger lurking behind his smiling façade. The current festivity du jour was Christmas, and coupled with his gift, destined Slade a popular man. I'm counting on it.

He moved around to the trunk, where he heaved free a slatted, wooden case. It smelled of musky oak. The peaceful scent hinted at candlelit dinners shared with a long time lover. His jaw clenched. Not in my past and not in my future.

Slade lugged his precious cargo toward the sprawling metal office building. Immense, the structure stabbed farther into the heavens than any other in the area, yet fell short. Just like my target. Outwardly, Joe Larsen appeared a dedicated family man, a real pillar of the community whose flourishing internet and telecommunications business, ProCom, employed hundreds. In reality, the werewolf belonged to the Dirty Dozen, a group of the twelve most ruthless wolf Packs roaming the earth.

How ironic. I was once your target. A year ago, the Dozen kidnapped his cousin Amber, a half-demon, half-human. Able to keep a shifter from shifting, Amber's ability proved irresistible, since more times than not, the Dozen's meetings devolved into an unproductive, fur-flying brawl. We saved Amber, but left behind some unfinished business. Starting with Larsen, the wolves would learn a lesson...a demon’s memory rivals the most scorned woman, and paybacks were indeed a bitch.

About the Author:

Writing urban fantasy under the pen-name J.A. Garland, Jennifer is a professional firefighter in the state of California. Jennifer is married and has two children, both of whom are as different as night and day. A graduate of Cogswell Polytechnical with a degree in Fire Administration, Jennifer always knew she wanted to be an author. (Except for a brief two month period after watching the movie "Top Gun," when she wanted to be a fighter pilot). 

Jennifer admits she is an addicted trail runner, mostly because she is a devout consumer of all things cheese puff. If she misses you at the next mud run, you can come back here to see what's new in the world "where fantasy becomes reality."

http://jagarland.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/J_A_Garland

https://www.facebook.com/jagarlandurbanfantasyauthor

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour: Penalty Clause by Lori Ryan Interview & Giveaway

BLURB: 

***First Place Winner Romance Category, Lucky Cinda Publishing's Annual Global Writer's Contest, 2013***

To keep her, he'll have to gamble it all!

Andrew Weston and Jill Walsh had to be the two most unlikely people to fall in love. When Jill's first husband's love for her simply fizzled and died, Jill knew she'd never trust that love could last again. After Andrew's first love betrayed him in the most brutal way possible, he knew he might fall in love again someday, but there was no way he'd ever make himself vulnerable again by confessing those feelings if he did.

Fate had a different ending in mind for these two, though, and when Andrew discovers his love for Jill, he knows the only way to get her to stay with him forever is to offer her an iron clad penalty clause in a prenuptial agreement. He stays with her forever or he loses everything he owns. The millions he's worked for, his property, his cars, everything. Now he just needs to hope that's enough to hold onto Jill forever.

Five out of Five Stars "Lori Ryan has done it again...I am just drawn in. On the hook. I want to know what is going to happen next. There were times when I really was physically holding my breath!"

Five out of Five Stars "I've been waiting for this book and wasn't disappointed. Great story and great characters. Andrew is sexy and steamy and hot!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Jill watched Andrew over her mug, and made idle small talk with him about New Haven but her heart rate was going a mile a minute. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. That dirty blond hair that was just a tad too long. Scruffy chin and strong jaw. And, those eyes. Those eyes that that were so steamy and sinful, they made Jill feel like she could melt in a puddle at his feet if she didn’t look away.

Just last night Jill had wondered what Andrew would be like all grown up and here he was in the flesh as if her thoughts had conjured him out of thin air.

And oh, what incredible flesh his was. Jill had guessed Andrew would be good looking as an adult, but good looking didn’t begin to describe the perfect model of manliness sitting before her. Jill casually let her eyes drop to his chest and was amazed at the hard expanse of it, evident under the snug fit of the sweatshirt he wore. Andrew’s jeans hugged lean hips and long legs and Jill suspected there wouldn’t be an ounce of fat under those clothes.

The soft, faded material of Andrew’s jeans tugged tightly across his thighs as he raised his feet onto the rungs of his kitchen stool. Jill swallowed a groan and dragged her eyes away from his lap. Except her gaze caught on other parts of his lap as she tried to pull away and she couldn’t prevent the quick glance at his zipper or the imagined images of what lay beneath it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERVIEW:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel? This one was the product of a lot of brainstorming with a friend. I wanted a story with Andrew, one of the characters from the first book in the Sutton Capital Series, Legal Ease. We started with the idea of him having to go stay at his grandmother’s and then just started adding factors in from there. Once we had Jill next door, the book just took off from there. Not a very exciting genesis, but that’s how it went this time!
2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title? I came up with the title and it hasn’t changed. There were times when I thought about changing it, but then decided against it. The penalty clause that Andrew comes up with is really pivotal to the story and it’s the only thing that Jill has to hang onto for a while so it made sense to have that as the title.
3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it? It’s what I read the most of so it made sense. I also spent a lot of time thinking of idea for romance novels when I’m reading them. Things just kind of pop into your head. At some point I want to write some erotica and some mysteries but for now I’m very happy with my handsome leading men and sexy leading ladies.
4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? This book won first place in the romance category in the Lucky Cinda Publishing Global Writing Contest. That was a fund day!
5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read? I’m in the middle of Sins and Scarlet Lace by Liliana Hart and love it. It’s fast paced and sexy and emotional. I haven’t finished it yet, but I have a feeling I’ll give it five stars when I’m done.
6. What is your writing process? I tend to do a complete outline on paper and then begin to write scenes in my head. When I’m writing, if I get to a part that I haven’t acted out in my head yet, I usually have to stop. So, basically, I’m writing my book when I’m in the shower or doing the grocery shopping or sitting in traffic. When I get to the computer, what I wrote in my head just comes out.
7. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? I haven’t done one yet! I’m a new author so I haven’t had any book signings yet, but if I ever do, I have a feeling I’ll have a hard time coming up with new things to write. But, I’ll try!
8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I have no idea. That’s probably a good question to ask my husband.
9. How do you react to a bad review? I go and read reviews of authors I really love and respect. They get bad reviews sometimes, too. That reminds me that there will always be someone who doesn’t like your work and that’s really okay! My work in the past as a lawyer and then as a dog bite expert was a lot more stressful than this. There was a lot of pressure to fix things for people when you couldn’t always do that. Writing is easier. Sure it hurts if someone trashes you, but in the end, if someone doesn’t like the book, that’s really okay.
10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? Well, I’m self-published so it wasn’t like I had this big sale to a publisher. But, it was pretty neat to see the sales start to roll in. During the first hour, two books sold. One was to my husband! 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lori is an award winning author and stay-at-home mom. Her second book, Penalty Clause, won first place in the romance category in Lcuky Cinda Publishing’s Annual Global Writer’s Contest in 2013.

Lori has had a number of careers before embarking on her newest adventure of writing novels. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Law, she practiced law for three years, working primarily in the areas of utilities law and intellectual property litigation.

More recently, Lori owned and operated a dog training business in Austin, Texas, where she specialized in aggression and became an expert in the field of dog bite analysis. Lori sold her dog training business in 2013 and is now a full time writer and mother of two. 

Lori still lives in Austin with her husband -- who is endlessly supportive of her changing career paths -- and her two children, one cat, and three dogs. 

How can your readers follow you?

To follow me on Facebook, visit: http://www.facebook.com/loriryanromance

To visit my website, visit: http://www.loriryanromance.com/

Want to be a part of my online street team? Email me at Loriryanauthor@gmail.com and put the words ‘street team’ in the subject line. I’ll email you back with directions for joining my team.

To join my email list to receive updates and news, including sneak peeks and free giveaways or contest news, visit http://www.loriryanromance.com/#!join-my-mailing-list/cdpp.

To buy my books, visit my author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/loriryan.

GIVEAWAY:

Lori will be awarding a Giana Bernini Handbag to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (US ONLY)

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-nbtm-tour-penalty-clause-by.html