Thanks for stopping by! For this leg of the blog hop I'll be introducing you to The Parting Gift. My first publishing venture, co-written with Rachel Van Dyken and originally published by Astraea Press (now CleanReads.com).

Here's the blurb:

Blaine Graham lost his mother when he was the tender age of eleven. Grief over the loss drove a wedge between him and his father, and soon proved too difficult for him to deal with. At the age of sixteen, he falsified his papers and made the trip across the border into Canada with his best friend to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and enter the war in Europe as a pilot. Ten years later Captain Graham finds himself flying commercial jets in Boston – his estranged father and his past life all but forgotten, until the day he receives a telegram from his dying father asking him to come home.

The persistent Mara Crawford, a live-in nurse, has experienced her fair share of loss as well. Her attachment to Blaine’s father drives her desire to bring reconciliation between the two men before time runs out for her patient. But her best laid plans didn’t include falling in love again.

Check it out at: Amazon         Barnes&Noble

Enter the giveaway in the margin. Have a wonderful day!
Please check out the next link in the blog hop.

Bad Boy Anon Blog Hop

Welcome to the blog hop!

This may be dating me, but when I was a kid I used to LOVE watching 'Happy Days' re-runs. The Fonz. Seriously. The ultimate Bad Boy. He could snap his fingers, and girls would literally come out of the woodwork and fall all over themselves to get to his side. There's just something about the bad boy.

And let's face it.

Some of us are more addicted than others.

Allow me to feed your habit! I have three ebooks to giveaway today. Each one with a bad boy hero to satisfy your craving.

Just leave me a comment below with your favorite Bad Boy of all time (don't forget contact info so I can let you know if you win!). I'll draw three names at random to give away one of the three following books (winners' choice).

The Picture by Stephanie Taylor

Sophie lives her life as a hospice nurse running from her past and over-compensating for her sins. She wants nothing more than to help others the way someone once helped her. But she never expected to get so attached to one of her patients. Nicholas is suddenly looking for more meaning in his life than money, fast women and flashing lights. Life as a rocker has left him empty. Only Emily filled the gaping hole in his heart and with her death, his soul is broken into pieces. When two lives collide, Sophie and Nicholas know they'll never be the same. Together, they try to figure out a message Emily has left behind. Can they succeed before the realities of life tear them apart?

Beguiling Bridget by Leah Sanders & Rachel Van Dyken

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother’s challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Don't forget to follow the hop! Lots of Bad Boys to be had! :)

Spotlight: Rachel Van Dyken

Today's spotlight is on Rachel Van Dyken, the author of the Seaside series, the London Fairy Tales series, the Wallflower trilogy (co-authored with me), the Renwick House books, and several other widely-read titles.

I don't know if you know this or not, but Rachel has a recent release (August 12, 2013) entitled Ruin, which she wrote for her uncle who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. All proceeds for the first two weeks of sales from Ruin will be going to help out with his medical bills. That alone is an excellent reason to check this book out.

BUT...

If you needed another reason to induce you, I have read Ruin and can tell you it is one of her best books to date, so it is well worth both your time and the minimal amount it will take to make this book yours!

We want to help out Rachel's uncle as much as possible, so to that end I am going to post the buy links for Ruin here, and then ask you to Tweet, FB, and spread the word as much as possible. To thank you for all that helpfulness, I have two signed uncorrected proof paperbacks of Ruin to give away.

In order to be eligible for the drawing for one of these two books, just leave me a comment below letting me know you shared the links (and an email where I can reach you if your name is drawn).

Here are the details about Ruin:

FROM THE COVER:

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that the shroud of depression has become my only comfort. Ignorant, I was content in the darkness… until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally, that every second that ticked pass was one closer to the end of something that was starting to mean the end of myself.  He tried to warn me and promised me what he was able to offer, each moment as it came, but it would never be enough.

Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.  And when you think it's the end, the final curtain, sometimes that’s only the beginning.  Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't… I wouldn't ever be the same. And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon              Barnes & Noble                Smashwords

Also available in the iTunes store!

REMEMBER: If you are interested in entering the drawing for one of two signed paperback copies of Ruin (uncorrected proofs), just leave a comment below to let me know you shared the buy links. I'll draw for the two recipients on Monday, August 27th.

It's a Party: Rachel Got the Contract! Celebration Blog Hop

It's a Party!

May 15-19

Congratulations to one of my best friends and favorite writing partner, Rachel Van Dyken! She was offered a four book contract with Grand Central Publishing for The Bet duo and her Eagle Elite duo. I am so excited for her! She deserves every bit of those accolades.

If you haven't read them yet, what are you waiting for? Here's a little info about the two books that already available:

The Bet

"I have a proposition for you..."

Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. Instead, she made a deal with the devil in hopes of putting her past behind her once and for all.

Four days.

She could do four days!

But she wasn't counting Jake’s older brother Travis being there to witness their farce of an engagement.

One thing is for certain.

One brother is right for her.

One wants a lifetime.

And one is in league with the devil.

She should have gotten Jake’s signature in blood.

Elite

When I won the annual Eagle Elite College Scholarship lottery, I was thrilled. After all, my grandma had just died and I wanted to take care of my aging grandpa — he couldn't be a farmer in Wyoming forever. And graduating from Eagle Elite meant opportunity.

But I wasn't counting on meeting Nixon.

Nor was I counting on the rules of the Elect.

1. Do not touch The Elect.

2. Do not look at The Elect.

3. Do not speak to The Elect.

And worst of all? Don't discover the secret they hide, because in the end, you may just realize... it's about you.

You can find these and Rachel's entire list of books for sale on these sites:

Amazon  Barnes and Noble

Be sure to check out the four books she and I co-authored. They're my favorite (but I might be a little biased.)

As long as you're in the market for a good read, allow me to suggest:

All We See or Seem

Gryff’s orders lay unopened on the table.

The silent tension caused Gem to bite her lip. She tucked a loose strand of auburn hair behind her ear and shifted uneasily in the chair. Wide-eyed, Gryff sat stiffly beside her, regarding the envelope. He was like a statue—hands on his knees—staring interminably at the table.

Finally, Gem cleared her throat. Gryff jolted as if in a daze and turned to look at her. A look of uncertainty hung in his eyes. She swallowed the dry, sticky taste in her mouth and reached for his hand. It felt cold…clammy. Gem could feel the faint tremor of his fear radiating through his fingers. She took Gryff's hand between her own and squeezed, trying to infuse heat and reassurance at the same time.

"Sometimes they come back," Gem's voice was barely a whisper. It was a feeble attempt, but she was grasping at straws here.

Everyone knows.

They don't come back. Never whole, anyway.

All We See or Seem is a mild sci-fi, coming of age romance. Check it out!

Amazon   Barnes and Noble

Wanna free book? Leave me a comment below and I will enter you to win one of three giveaways. Your choice of any one of my ebooks, including those co-authored with Rachel Van Dyken! Make sure to leave me an email so I can contact you about your free book.

Next up on the Blog Hop: Another amazing author and friend (who happens to also be Rachel's sister), Kristin Vayden!

Need to find your way back to the blog hop list? Here you go!

A to Z: Quixotic

Webster defines quixotic as "foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals;especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action".

Sir Colin Wilde was a man who aspired to be a rake. To become a good one, however, he enlisted the help of a friend: former notorious rake, Anthony Benson, Viscount Maddox. And he needed a lot of help.

Always blundering, never knowing what to say or do. Just like Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac.

Unfortunately, Maddox misled Wilde at every turn, frustrating his quixotic notions and leading him into epic failure every. single. time.

****

“She loves chocolates,” came the unmistakable voice of Viscount Maddox on Colin’s right.

“What the…?” He turned around and came face-to-face with Anthony. “What the devil are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” Anthony grabbed Colin’s arm and pulled him away from the door. “I agreed to help you with your first seduction.”

“This is not my first—”

“Do you want my help or not?” Anthony demanded.

“I do.” Colin sighed his resignation. Though he was certain this particular girl wouldn’t take much convincing. He examined his friend, who seemed to be sweating profusely. “I say, are you all right?”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “Just thinking about my final resting place is all.” He sighed and straightened his shoulders. “Lady Priscilla is very sensitive. You must not offend her.”

“Right.” Colin nodded.

“Begin by comparing her to Lady Hawthorne. She adores her and has always aimed to be just like her in every aspect of life.”

“Cordelia? Ambrose’s wife? Truly?” Colin wasn’t entirely convinced.

Anthony scratched his head and looked away. “It is all truth. Also, and do not forget this lest you lose her before you even try to seduce the woman…” Anthony leaned in and whispered, “She loves poetry.”

“Poetry?” Colin repeated. “But I am no poet! I hate poetry!”

“Make it up.”

“Do you know me at all? I cannot simply make something up on the spot. I’ll look like an idiot.”

Anthony began to pace. “Allow me to help.” He cleared his throat and took a stance in front of Colin. “Your hair is like a cloud.”

“A cloud?” Colin interrupted.

“Have patience. I’m not finished,” Anthony ground out. “Your hair is a cloud, dripping with rain. Oh, if I were grass that I could drink up the water. You would soothe my soul and make me… smile.”

“It does not even rhyme!” Colin shouted.

“Poetry does not have to rhyme,” Anthony argued.

~ from Taming Wilde (Rachel Van Dyken & Leah Sanders)

A to Z: Kissing Scenes

You may as well know up front, writing kissing scenes makes me blush. Which is why when I'm working with my writing partner, I will typically set her up to write them. Works out. She rocks the kissing scenes.

Sometimes though, she makes me do one... I think she's trying to stretch me, but she might just be messing with me because she likes to see me cringe when I write one.

Here are some of our kissing scenes from the Waltzing with the Wallflower series (See if you can tell which of us wrote what):

from Waltzing with the Wallflower (Book 1)

Her breath hitched. He noticed, because the instant it happened his eyes darted to her parted lips. He leaned in, lightly inviting her mouth to taste his. She seemed unsure, frozen in place. He lifted her chin and ever so gently brushed a light kiss across her lips. If lightning would have struck him where he stood, he wouldn’t have been shocked, for the minute her innocent lips came into contact with his, he was a changed man.

An electric current hummed between their bodies. Without asking permission or thinking of their current situation, or the bet for that matter, he laid claim to her lips again. She didn’t push against him. Instead she sighed as he pressed his body against hers and used his tongue to part her lips further. Lust shot through him at alarming speed as Cordelia let out a sensual sigh, entangling her fingers into his hair. With a little tug, she had his complete devotion and attention. In fact, he was quite ready to ruin her and be done with it. Tentatively, she tasted him as he had her. At that moment the fires of Hades couldn’t have put a stop to his sensual exploration of her mouth. His hands slid down her waist memorizing every line of her body…

“Ahem, I can see I’m interrupting. Good thing too, considering the circumstances.”

from Beguiling Bridget (Book 2)

“Many gentlemen feel as I do. They simply lack the courage to confess it aloud.” He was moving toward her now, and she felt trapped as she tried in vain to inch away from him, finally finding herself backed up to a cold marble column. “You might find this hard to believe, but men are often afraid intelligent women will reject them.”

“And yet they keep trying. Don’t they, my lord?” He was too close. He was far too close. No matter what he said, Bridget promised herself she would not concede the field. Defense strategy. That is what she needed. And the best defense was often a good offense.

She offered him a sinfully sweet smile and waited for him to stop in his tracks. He didn’t. Instead, he sauntered closer, slow but constant, until his face was inches from hers. Her breath quickened, and suddenly it seemed that air was in short supply even outside on the balcony.

“Yes, some of us don’t understand the word defeat.”

“Even when it comes in the form of strawberries?” Bridget asked, fighting to control her breathing as the man drew nearer.

“Even when the lady threatens to push us in front of oncoming carriages and feed us the most grotesque fruit known to mankind. Even then, my lady. Even then.” His smile dazzled her as he inclined his head and bestowed a soft lingering kiss on her lips.

The warm sensation of his tender kiss seeped into her bones. His lips were soft and hypnotic as they lightly moved across hers. A battle raged within her, and she couldn’t decide if she should pull him closer or slap him across his perfect aristocratic face. So she waited, hoping the answer would come on its own.

She didn’t have to wait long. As he withdrew, the victorious sparkle in his eye and the triumphant smirk spreading wide across his lips brought her the realization — he thought he’d won.

And then her hand flew on its own.

from Taming Wilde (Book 3)

“I may be a fool, but at least I am not a coward.” Her eyes narrowed. She leaned forward, her chin nearly resting on his chest.

“Coward?” Minutes ago Colin had wanted to kill Anthony; now he was grateful, for at least he knew how to use his rakish charms against Gemma. Allow her to believe in his cool indifference when really all he wanted to do was reach out and touch her, pull her into his arms and never let go.

“Yes, I believe that is what I said. You are a coward.” Gemma’s blue eyes were glossy with unshed tears.

“I see.” Colin slowly inhaled her scent and reached to tilt her chin toward his mouth. Before he lost his nerve, he crushed his lips against hers, relishing the memory of their first kiss. The day that changed everything. The day she abandoned him and chose her family over love.

Her mouth was so soft, softer than he remembered. It was everything he wanted — everything he needed. For a minute the darkness didn’t seem so dark. The hole seemed not so deep. But it was an illusion, for she could not be trusted — not as a friend and surely not as a lover. She would stomp on whatever was left of his heart and leave him in utter darkness, even deeper in the hole of his own making.

With a laugh, he pushed her away. “Still as innocent as I remember. Thank you for reminding me, dear Gemma.”

She stared at him in breathless shock. “Reminding you of what?”

“What I’m missing, of course.”

A to Z: Jilted

Colin Wilde was in love with Gemma Reynolds. The problem? After sharing one intimate moment with her, she absconded to the country with his heart.

He knew her family did not approve of him, but he still held onto the hope that she would choose him over their wishes.

Then the letters arrived. Letters that cut like a rusty knife through his chest. She didn't love him. She didn't want him. And she would never see him again.

Colin was left a shell of the man he once was with only one option to dull the pain of Gemma's rejection. His goal? To become the most notorious rake Society has ever seen.

Surely that would numb his aching heart.

Can you guess how well that works out for him?

Check out Taming Wilde, the third book in the Waltzing with the Wallflower series to find out.

A to Z: G

(as in the letter not a slang term for a dude with baggy pants, you get what I mean)
G
Gee
G-e-e

Naturally, the first thing I thought of when I decided to do a post on G was, God. I mean when you see a capital G it's just where your mind goes, am I right? (Hey goes is a g word too! YAY!)

BUT...the more I thought about it...

And the more I wrote it...

I realized...G could be for things like garbage, gangs--you know not good things...


And then I saw this really nice picture of a model who shall not be named...and I thought WOW sometimes in my books I go..."Good golly gracious---that male character is sizzling off the pages."

He's Grrrreat! Like Tony the Tiger only not so annoying. So in honor of male characters everywhere...let's do a countdown of some of the GREATEST leading men...

1. Superman (he has powers, no arguing)
2. Spiderman (he was bit by a spider and lived, enough said)
3. Mr. Darcy (People STILL write fan-fiction about this man)
4. Edward (Notice how I didn't say Jacob? That was on purpose.)
5. Iron Man (How can you say no to him?)
6 Thor (Put in for Rachel Van Dykens benefit, she has a figurine of him on her kitchen table)
7. George Clooney (He has gray hair and women still want him)
8. Elvis (I swear my grandma still thinks he's alive)
9. Brad Pitt  (HAH just kidding, I mean did you see that Chanel commercial?)
10. Justin Timberlake (He brought sexy back)
11. James Bond (He's British and HE still has nice teeth and dresses like a stud)
And finally # 12

Sir Wilde, from Taming Wilde...I say this only because he can throw the best left hook I've ever seen. If you don't believe me read the book...I shall not tell a lie...;)

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR H! One can only imagine how crazy things will get...

Release Day: Taming Wilde!

Being level-headed and even-keeled is a thing of the past. Sir Colin Wilde’s broken heart has sent him over the edge. And he is convinced the only way to get over the loss of Lady Gemma is to lose himself in debauchery.

Taking his cue from the private bachelor journal of Viscount Maddox, he presses forward in his quest to become the most notorious rake the ton has ever seen.

Prim and proper Lady Gemma isn't about to let him soil his reputation, especially over a misunderstanding. In spite of the propriety ingrained in her since birth, she throws convention to the wind and sets about to do the impossible... seduce a rake and tame Wilde.

AVAILABLE TODAY from these sellers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Astraea Press

Also available, the first two books in the trilogy:

     

Leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing for 1 of 3 Wallflower swag packs!

(Be sure to leave contact information.)

Thanks for stopping by to help us celebrate our newest release!

Another Look: Lady Gemma Reynolds

Lady Gemma Reynolds

An accomplished pianist and well-bred gentlewoman of the ton, Lady Gemma has spent her life endeavoring to be the perfect lady, the perfect daughter, the perfect sister. The very thought of scandal makes her blood burn with embarrassment.

When her family pressures her to marry someone she has never met... an old duke with lots of money, she rejects the idea with every fiber of her being.

Lady Gemma is in love with someone else. A man her family would never approve.

Taming Wilde, the third installment of the Waltzing with the Wallflower trilogy, is releasing tomorrow! Look for it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

Sweet Saturday: Gemma's One Regret

Gemma scanned the room for a glimpse of Sir Wilde. Her brother had only just allowed her to return to London this week. For whatever reason, he had convinced her parents of the necessity of the prolonged absence. They fully agreed that she should retire to the country estate for a time, to recuperate from her episode with the man they deemed below her station.

She wished she had never told her lady’s maid of what had transpired between her and Sir Wilde. The disloyal girl had turned right around and passed the information directly to Gemma’s brother, Hawke. Enraged, he had stormed from the house to find the offending gentleman to teach him some manners.

To Gemma’s recollection, Wilde’s manner was altogether perfect. She closed her eyes and remembered, replaying the stolen moments they had shared. A wistful sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it.

“My lady, please,” Hawke whispered beside her, tightening his grasp on her arm. “Remember yourself.”

“I am remembering, my lord.” She cast a sidelong glance at her brother and wriggled her arm against his grip. “If you don’t mind, I am quite certain I no longer require your assistance, and you are hurting me.”

His cold stare warned her against giving any sign of impropriety.

Hawke knew what buttons to push with Gemma. Her sense of propriety was ingrained in every fiber of her being. In fact, it was that cursed sense that had mortified her so desperately when she and Wilde had first been caught in the embrace. She’d reacted with utter shame and disgrace at the time. But her long visit to Brookshire had given her ample time to consider the matter.

Looking back on it, Gemma was certain the only thing she would have done differently was insisting Wilde lock the door. That would have solved everything.

Sweet Saturday: Taming Wilde

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I bid you goodnight."

The words cut like a hot blade straight into her heart. The memory of his lips burned on hers, but his eyes were smoldering dark steel.

Gemma could say nothing to him in response. The thick emotion in her throat made speech impossible, even if she could piece together a suitable response. They say the line between love and hate is a thin one. Colin had crossed over. She saw it in his eyes. He hated her. And she hated that she loved him still.

Swallowing back the inevitable sob, Gemma spun on her heel and fled.

She couldn’t stay there. Not another moment. She would find Hawke and make him take her home.

Back inside the ballroom, she scanned the dancers for signs of her brother. He was nowhere to be seen. Twirling about, she searched the outskirts of the room. Again, no Hawke.

The irony served only to nauseate her further. He had been keeping such a close eye on her every moment, so much so that he had suggested following her to the ladies’ lounge, and yet now when she truly needed him, he had disappeared into oblivion.

Groaning inwardly, she knew she would have to return to the corridor. She only hoped she would not encounter Colin once more. With a deep breath, she resolved to find her brother, no matter what it took.

Perhaps if she hadn’t been so lost in her despair, she would have sensed someone behind her before turning abruptly, slamming straight into the broad chest of Lord Maddox, the husband of Gemma’s bosom friend, Bridget. He grunted at the impact.

“Pardon me, my lady,” he muttered breathlessly.

“Oh Lord Maddox! I am so sorry!” Gemma felt overwrought. All she wanted was to find her brother and leave that place.

“Lady Gemma?” He grasped her elbow to steady her on her feet. “Are you injured?”

“No, my lord. Only embarrassed. I should have taken more care with my direction.”

“No harm done, my dear.” Lord Maddox glanced around them as though searching out the reason for her haste. “Is anything amiss? You seem rather distraught.”

“Everything is well. I was just on my way to find my brother. Have you seen Lord Van Burge, perchance?”

“Yes, indeed. I just came from the tables where I persuaded him to take my place in the game. He is there still. May I escort you to him?”

“No. Thank you, my lord. I can manage.” He released her and nodded, but as he stepped away, a sudden fear gripped Gemma. If she were to meet with Colin again, she would be alone. She needed someone to provide a buffer between her heart and the man’s scorn. “Lord Maddox!” Her voice faltered into a frantic squeak.

He spun around to face her. His expression betrayed his concern. “Yes?”

“I… I would like you to escort me. Thank you. For offering.”

Sweet Saturday: A Challenge

"Get up. Get up, you wretched cur!" Van Burge's eyes were alive with fury. He threaded his fingers into Colin's cravat and tugged him roughly up from the floor. "You and I will settle this. Today! Else I shall have you descried a coward! In one hour, Jackson's. Do not fail." He spat every word into Colin's face, as he gripped him by the throat.

Van Burge released Colin with an emphatic shove, then he spun on his heel and stormed out, spewing threats and curses all the way.

"Lovely," Colin moaned and swiped at the blood dripping from his lip with the back of his hand.

Two hands appeared before him, no doubt a belated offer of futile help from the traitors he once called friends.

Colin lifted his eyes to the double image of Hawthorne and Maddox, the treacherous twin spawn of Satan. He shook his head and took one of the offered hands.

"Van Burge seems in earnest," Maddox said. An irritating mocking smile lifted the corners of his mouth.

"In earnest, Anthony? Truly? Whatever gave you that idea?" Hawthorne snorted with disdain.

"What will you do?" Maddox ignored his brother and bit straight into the heart of the matter.

"Do? Why, I shall go home, set my affairs in order, and make my way to Jackson's for the bloodbath."

"You mean to go through with it then?" Hawthorne asked. Concern was etched in his expression.

"Of course. What alternative do I have?"

~Taming Wilde (Waltzing with the Wallflower #3)

Another Look: Sir Colin Wilde

Sir Colin Wilde

Being level-headed and even-keeled is a thing of the past. His broken heart has sent him over the edge. And he is convinced the only way to get over the loss of Lady Gemma is to lose himself in debauchery.

Taking his cue from the private bachelor journal of Viscount Maddox, he presses forward in his quest to become the most notorious rake the ton has ever seen.

Will Lady Gemma manage to do the impossible — coax him back to sanity and tame his wild heart?

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Waltzing with the Wallflower

The Season has only just begun, but already Ambrose Benson is bored…until his brother offers him a challenge. Something worthy of his particular talents.

The object: The girl hiding behind the plants—the one in the horrible dress.

The goal: Turn her into the envy of the ton. A lady suitable for a duke.

But there is just something about the lady—in spite of all her social misgivings—something that draws him like a moth to flame and makes him want to waltz with the wallflower.

Beguiling Bridget

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother’s challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

Taming Wilde

Being level-headed and even-keeled is a thing of the past. Sir Colin Wilde’s broken heart has sent him over the edge. And he is convinced the only way to get over the loss of Lady Gemma is to lose himself in debauchery.

Taking his cue from the private bachelor journal of Viscount Maddox, he presses forward in his quest to become the most notorious rake the ton has ever seen.

Prim and proper Lady Gemma isn't about to let him soil his reputation, especially over a misunderstanding. In spite of the propriety ingrained in her since birth, she throws convention to the wind and sets about to do the impossible... seduce a rake and tame Wilde.

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this series? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. (Taming Wilde is yet to be released, but you will receive the third book as soon as it is available.) Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Blaine Graham lost his mother when he was the tender age of eleven. Grief over the loss drove a wedge between him and his father, and soon proved too difficult for him to deal with. At the age of sixteen, he falsified his papers and made the trip across the border into Canada with his best friend to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and enter the war in Europe as a pilot. Ten years later Captain Graham finds himself flying commercial jets in Boston – his estranged father and his past life all but forgotten, until the day he receives a telegram from his dying father asking him to come home.

The persistent Mara Crawford, a live-in nurse, has experienced her fair share of loss as well. Her attachment to Blaine’s father drives her desire to bring reconciliation between the two men before time runs out for her patient. But her best laid plans didn’t include falling in love again.

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for The Parting Gift? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Benedict Devlyn, Duke of Banbury, has one thing on his mind and it isn't marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when his menacing and aunt throws a hitch in his plans to remain the most sinful and talked about man in the ton. After all, a man cannot keep the reputation of being The Devil Duke when he is leg-shackled to some simpering spinster.

But his aunt, bless her heart, thinks she's dying, and believes her nephew’s behavior is the only thing standing in the way between her entrance to heaven or hell. So she very lovingly and selflessly sets him up. With his childhood nemesis.

A young woman who, though she claims it was an accident, has nearly killed him thrice through her lack of grace and manners. It matters not that the minute he sets eyes on her at the Christmas ball, his blood boils with lust. He refuses to allow himself to fall prey to his aunt’s ministrations.

That is, until he is compromised and stuck in an engagement to a girl who claims she'd rather jump from a moving carriage than marry him. Funny thing that, for the very minute she says no, he finds his heart very much wants to say yes. When she doesn't leap at the chance to marry him, he sets about to not only prove that he's worthy of her favor, but also worthy of her heart.

Happy New Year to Pam, the recipient of the Eighth Day of Christmas giveaway!

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this book? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

A Regency Christmas

Thanks for stopping by this leg of the Regency Christmas blog hop presented by Astraea Press! For my part, I'd like to introduce you to my Christmas Regency Two Turtledoves, the story of Baldwyn Sinclair and Anastasia Trent.

Baldwyn Sinclair, the Duke of Paisley, returns to London in the dead of winter at the request of his overbearing grandmother to find she has made a betrothal contract on his behalf... without his knowledge. Now he is to be married to none other than the girl who used to throw mud at him in order to gain his attention.

He is not happy about the prospect, but he is nothing if not devoted to duty.

Anastasia Trent has been in love with the Duke of Paisley since she was seven years old and has spent her life pining for him, fantasizing about the moment they would see each other again. But when he makes it clear that her imaginings are in vain, her disappointment drives her into the arms of a dangerous man.

It is up to Baldwyn to rescue her once again, to save her from herself, and to find perhaps, along the way, exactly what his own heart was looking for.

Now for the giveaway! In order to qualify for an entry, leave me a comment about your favorite Christmas tradition. On December 10th, I'll choose three winners at random to give a free ecopy of Two Turtledoves. Already read it? Never fear! I'll let you pick any of my other titles as an alternate. Thanks again for stopping by!

Say hi to Astraea Press's New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken for me! She's next on the blog hop!

One Year Already?

Last year on Black Friday I made my author debut with a co-authored Christmas novella entitled The Parting Gift. Since then I have released five other books -- two other cooperative efforts with Rachel Van Dyken and three solo works. It has been a busy year to say the least.

On this anniversary of my debut book and the blogaversary of inklings I'd like to celebrate the occasion with a giveaway of the book that started it all.

Interested? Leave me a comment below and I'll enter you for a chance to snag an ecopy of The Parting Gift. I have three of them up for grabs! I'll do a random drawing for three winners on December 1st.

Thanks for making my first year so amazing!

FROM THE COVER:

Blaine Graham lost his mother when he was the tender age of eleven. Grief over the loss drove a wedge between him and his father, and soon proved too difficult for him to deal with. At the age of sixteen, he falsified his papers and made the trip across the border into Canada with his best friend to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and enter the war in Europe as a pilot. Ten years later Captain Graham finds himself flying commercial jets in Boston – his estranged father and his past life all but forgotten, until the day he receives a telegram from his dying father asking him to come home.

The persistent Mara Crawford, a live-in nurse, has experienced her fair share of loss as well. Her attachment to Blaine’s father drives her desire to bring reconciliation between the two men before time runs out for her patient. But her best laid plans didn’t include falling in love again.

Time for Christmas Stories!

It is that time of year again! Get into the Christmas spirit with some good reading. Astraea Press has eleven Christmas regencies releasing this month (including Two Turtledoves and The Devil Duke Takes a Bride). Check out these titles on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!