Thursday, February 28, 2013

Book Trailers: Beth Ciotta and Ellery Adams

I love book trailers...little mini-movies designed to entice book buying :)

I've recently come across trailers for two new March releases, both second books in series that I've been eagerly anticipating.

First, Ellery Adams' Peach Pies and Alibis, the second in her Charmed Pie Shoppe mystery series, to be released 3/5/13:


Second, Beth Ciotta's The Trouble with Love, the second in her Cupcake Lovers novels, to be released 3/26/13:

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop


Welcome to my stop on the Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop!

There will be a different book given away at each of the stops. At the bottom of this post are all the sites participating in the book hop. Make sure to visit (and follow) everyone and enter their giveaways :)

So, on to my part in the hop!

I'm giving away two brand new mystery paperbacks released this week: Black Sheep by CJ Lyons and Heart of Ice by PJ Parrish. Simply leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you...I'll award additional entries for anyone who chooses to follow my blog, Facebook page, or Twitter. Good luck and have fun!!!

 


Waiting on Wednesday #6


“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

My picks today are two upcoming mysteries with a horse theme. I was one of those horse-crazy little girls that never grew out of it, even though I've *gasp* never been on a horse in my life! I'm a big fan of Michele Scott and Laura Crum's horse mysteries, so I'm really excited for these two releases.

Foal Play: A Mystery
Blurb:  Fire Chief Colleen McCabe enjoys working with her men at the firehouse and sharing a home with her border collie Sparky. But when a dead body washes up on shore, she knows trouble has arrived in Corolla.

Colleen is ready to start work on the investigation, but much to her irritation her best friend, Sheriff Bill Dorman, makes it clear he doesn’t want her butting her nose in or poking around. The stubborn Colleen, however, is not so easily deterred. When a man with a gun is spotted lurking around the lighthouse and her former school teacher’s house explodes with the teacher presumably inside, she adds arson and a second suspicious death to her informal investigation. Colleen soon finds herself juggling her job, amorous advances from the town’s developer, and intrusions from the local press, all while keeping information from Bill. Her secret sleuthing quickly comes to an end, however, when a bigger threat enters the picture.

  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Publication date: 5/7/2013


  • Murder, She Rode
    Blurb: Tink Elledge, an expert horse trainer, discovers the motives behind a mysterious death and a disappearance during the Brandywine Three-Day Event. An adept horse trainer and former champion rider, Tink Elledge is a woman with a mission: to see her prized horse take home the victory at the prestigious Brandywine Three-Day Event. Tink is whip-smart, headstrong, and used to making her own way - so when an accident forces her onto the sidelines, giving the ride on what may be her last horse to a protégé for the first time in her career, she struggles with the realization that her peak days as a horsewoman may be behind her. Then, before the event can begin, a truck accident kills a respected horseman. And when a young rider disappears, what began as a seemingly freak accident reveals sinister roots that lead directly to the tightly-knit equestrian community and that Tink, in her newfound and uneasy role as a spectator, can't help trying to uncover. During the three-day event, horses will perform with inspiring grace. Their riders will navigate treacherous obstacles. And Tink will unravel a plot that threatens the reputations - and lives - of the very men and women she hopes to defeat on the course.

  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Publication date: 8/13/2013
  • Tuesday, February 26, 2013

    Author Chrystle Fiedler's Favorite Scents/Scent to Kill Giveaway



    SCENT to KILL, my latest Natural Remedies Mystery, is a fun combination of a cozy story and tips about aromatherapy, which is the practice of using essential oils to improve health and well-being. Aromatherapy can ease stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, aches and pains, and more. Three of my favorite scents are lavender, jasmine and roses, so I thought I’d share a few simple tips on how to use them today.

    Lavender


    Not only does Lavender (the Latin verb lavare means “to wash”) smell terrific, it’s calming and soothing and good for cuts and burns, insomnia, diaper rash, tension headache, PMS and cramps (use with clary sage and Roman chamomile). The phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals linalool and linalyl acetate) in lavender are absorbed in the skin and in the membranes inside your nose, slowing nerve impulses, and reducing stress. An easy way to start using lavender is to put five to ten drops of essential oil in your bath. Add the oil after you have filled the tub so you can enjoy the full benefits of this wonderful aroma.

    Jasmine


    The aroma of jasmine (Jasminum officinale v. grandiflorum) is intoxicatingly sweet, exotic, and floral. It’s also incredibly therapeutic for a variety of conditions. Jasmine essential oil eases mild depression, anxiety, and tension. It also balances energy and helps you feel more optimistic. It calms coughs and laryngitis, soothes sore muscles, stiffness, and sprains. You can apply it topically, use it on a warm or cool compress, put it in the bath, inhale it from your palm, or put it in your diffuser. It will make any room an oasis.

    Roses


    I love the rich, sweet floral bouquet of roses and the approximately 275 compounds have a myriad of therapeutic uses. For example, if you apply it topically, rose oil can help banish eczema, wrinkles, and acne. If you feel blue, rose essential oil will naturally lift your mood. If you have painful periods, it helps to balance hormones (just put the oil on a warm compress and apply to your lower abdomen). Rose oil also eases nervousness, anxiety, anger, sadness, and grief and can be helpful if you have respiratory problems such as allergies and hay fever. You also use rose oil to help you sleep better and feel happier. For all these conditions, simply put some on your palm and inhale it or put rose essential oil into a diffuser. Your bedroom will smell like an English garden.

    Here’s the scoop on Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery



    Willow McQuade, naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she'll be holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market & Café.

    Before the party is over, Roger Bixby one of the producers is dead and the police suspect murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of Willow's ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis.

    After Willow leaves the party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow's ex becomes the prime suspect. Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.

    To find the killer, Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this spooky mystery.

    As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better in mind, body and spirit!

    For a chance to win a copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here about your favorite natural cure.



    BIO:
    Chrystle Fiedler is the author of SCENT TO KILL, (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, DEATH DROPS: A Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO NATURAL REMEDIES (Alpha, 2009), co-author of BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW! (Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW!COOKBOOK (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and THE COUNTRY ALMANAC OF HOME REMEDIES (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health, Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy. Visit www.chrystlefiedler.com andwww.killerhobbies.blogspot.com every Monday for more natural remedies, book news and other cool stuff!

    Chrystle Fiedler
    208 Monsell Place
    Greenport, NY 11944
    631-477-2256
    cfwrites@optonline.net
    www.chrystlefiedler.com
    www.chrystlecontent.com
    Follow Me on Twitter: @ChrystleFiedler
    Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery (Gallery/Simon & Schuster Feb 2013)
    Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery (Gallery/Simon & Schuster)
    The Country Almanac of Home Remedies (Fairwinds Press 2011)
    Beat Sugar Addiction Now! (Fairwinds Press 2010)
    The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies (Alpha 2009)

    Monday, February 25, 2013

    Cat Trick by Sofie Kelly

    Currently Reading

    Blurb: Kathleen Paulson enjoys her life as a small-town librarian with two extraordinary cats, Owen and Hercules, who provide companionship during the quiet times and have a remarkable talent for sleuthing when murder disturbs the peace....

    The local businesses of Mayville Heights hope to convince Chicago-based company Legacy Tours to sell a vacation package for their town. Legacy Tours partner Mike Glazer grew up in Mayville Heights, but he’s no longer the small-town boy people once knew. Even the local bootlegger has an issue with the bossy loudmouth Mike has become—until someone shuts him up for good.

    When Kathleen discovers Mike’s body on the boardwalk, she can’t help but get involved in the investigation—even if her beau, Detective Marcus Gordon, would rather she didn’t. Now, with a little help from Owen and Hercules, it’s up to Kathleen to make sure the killer is booked for an extended stay in prison before someone else takes a permanent vacation.

    My Review: This is one of those series that the more time you spend with Kathleen and her magical cats, the more they feel like good friends. With each book her relationships with friends Maggie, Roma, and Rebecca, her co-workers, and Marcus grows and the quaint town of Mayville Heights comes alive in my eyes.

    In this book the town is planning an art show and food tasting to coincide with the arrival of Legacy Tours' Mike Glazer, a hometown boy they hope to sell a vacation package to, who manages to annoy everyone he comes into contact with. When Hercules finds Mike dead, sitting in a plastic lawn chair under one of the tents, an old friend asks Kathleen to look in to his death. She ends up discovering Mike has a few skeletons in his closet involving the suspicious death of his brother many years ago and some shady goings on at Legacy Tours. In spite of her love interest Detective Marcus asking her to keep her nose out of his case, Kathleen once again dives in full force, with a little help from her fur babies, of course. Both of these cats have completely stolen my heart. While Hercules seems more the cuddlebug of the two, Owen and his funky chicken escapades just crack me up.

    I simply adore Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats mysteries!


    Check out Sofie Kelly's fun website, which even features the recipe for Owen's Stinky Crackers!

    I received a copy of this book from the publisher with the request for a review.

    Sunday, February 24, 2013

    The Sunday Post #30















    The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
    Happy Daytona 500 morning!!! Go #29!!!
     
    Don't you just love receiving unexpected books? On Tuesday I received two books completely by surprise, one in my mailbox, the other in my inbox:
     

    For upcoming blog tours:
     

    Author Review Request:


    NetGalley:
      

    Audible $4.95 Sale:
      

    Bought/Downloaded/Freebies:
    A Curious Affair by Melanie Jackson
    The Body in the Boudoir by Katherine Hall Page
    A Death in the Family by Caroline Dunford
    Death by Cucumber by Lisa Ammerman
    Witch Way by Caroline Mickelson
    Lady in the Mist by Alicia Dean
    Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie
    High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner
    Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas
    The Face in the Mirror by Rhys Bowen
    Happy Hour by Michele Scott
    Living with Miss Scarlett by Sandy St Clair

    Saturday, February 23, 2013

    Page Turner Bonanza Tour: River of Love by Rosanne Bittner


    River of Love {Book 3 ~ Savage Destiny Series}



    Amazon (Book is exclusive to Amazon)

    Zeke Monroe will do anything to protect his Abbie and make sure she is happy, which is why he opts to settle into ranching and build his Abbie-girl a home of her own where they can begin raising a family on the plains of Colorado along the Arkansas River.

    But the encroachment of white settlers and its affect on Zeke’s Cheyenne brothers begins to threaten his and his family’s safety, and the paradise he and Abbie find is short-lived. Still, nothing can kill the devotion these two share toward each other, and it’s love that holds them together through heartbreaking adversity outside their private world.


    Excerpt
    “Come back to bed, Zeke,” Abbie told him softly. “You know how I hate storms. Come and hold me.”

    The rain started pelting the roof then, and he came back beside her. Both were naked, for that was the way they always slept. … She pulled the buffalo robe over them, snuggling close to him, finding perfect shelter from the storm that frightened her. She was afraid of nothing when Zeke was beside her. He was like a rock, indestructible, strong, hard, never afraid. She lifted her face to his. Then his lips covered hers and she had no defense against the way he had of enticing her, as if his manliness and his touch were not enough. …



    Portrait 1



    Author Bio:
    I’ve been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800′s and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine’s love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America’s western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

    I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site at www.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books! I also have an author site at Amazon.com.

    Author Links:
    Website
    Blog
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Goodreads

    btb_button

    Friday, February 22, 2013

    Romancing the West Blog Hop




    Why do we enjoy writing and reading about the West? What is it about cowboys that is just plain irresistible? Over thirty authors and bloggers tackle these and other questions by explaining why we love Romancing the West.


    But that’s not all, as you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.


    ***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO QUALIFY***


    Grand Prize: A swag pack which includes books (both ebooks and paper), Amazon gift card, custom made butterfly jewelry, book cards, magnets and much more all tucked away in a keepsake box. (Available to US residents only. Winner will be announced on February 26 at 10 PM EST)

     
    My love for the west began at an early age with Little House on the Prairie. I freely admit that to this day Michael Landon is the hero I picture in any romance novel that I read. From there I followed him to old Bonanza reruns, more the "classic" western of days gone by. It was only natural that as I got older I started scouring bookstores for western romance. My preference is definitely historical, I'm not really a fan of contemporary romance at all. To me there is something magical about reading of the past...I find it much more romantic than anything modern day. I love my historical westerns in all heat levels...I read everything from Love Inspired's inspirational historicals to the erotic westerns of Gem Sivad and Beth Williamson.
     
    My favorite subject matter to read about is wagon trains, probably because of that opening scene of the covered wagon in LHOTP. I can't imagine what those pioneers went through as they made their way west to carve out a new life for themselves, with only their dreams for a better life driving them forward. Isn't that the quintessential American story?
    
    Last spring I was shopping at Tractor Supply and stumbled upon the cutest covered wagon planter which now sits in my living room and holds my collection of Little House books. It expresses my love for a genre that is essentially the story of our heritage.





    Thursday, February 21, 2013

    Three Sisters by Helen Smith


     

    Blurb: Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this popular new British mystery series.

    Emily has been invited to a party in the big house at the end of her street in London. How could she know, as she left her house that evening, that she was making an appointment with death?

    My Review: This is just about the most unusual cozy mystery I've ever read...completely unique. Emily Castles is mourning the death of her beloved golden retriever Jessie when she's invited to a neighborhood bonfire party at her new neighbors' flat in London. She doesn't know she's about to experience the craziness evening of her life as her hosts have hired a performance troop complete with knife throwers and fire jugglers. Who and what is part of the act and what isn't? Emily starts to think her grief is causing her to imagine things when she's sure she witnessed a murder, only to moments later see the "victim" alive and well.

    This is an extremely clever mystery and I'm anxious to see what further adventures await Emily.




    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Baked Alaska Book Blast


    Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack

    An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.




    Praise for Baked Alaska
    Josi Kilpack has done it again. You would think that all these events that occur in Sadie's life wouldn't be natural, but Josi Kilpack has a way of making you believe that it just "happens" and it is normal. I have grown to love Sadie's character, even if she is a busybody, you can't help but cheer for her as she attempts to solve a mystery or crime. One of my favorite series. :)
    ~Goodreads Reviewer Lacey McNeill









    Author Josi S. Kilpack

    Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until she was thirteen and her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped since. Her seventh novel, Sheep’s Clothing, won the 2007 Whitney Award for Mystery/Suspense, and Lemon Tart, her ninth novel, was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist. Josi was the Best in State winner in literature for 2012 and currently has two books (Banana Split and Tres Leches Cupcakes) as finalists in the 2012 Whitney awards.

    Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her family.




    Tour Schedule




    Book Blast Giveaway
    $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
    Ends 3/17/13

    Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Wednesday, February 20, 2013

    Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights: Linda Lael Miller Westerns

    Cambria Hebert

    I'm excited to be participating in FIERY HOT READS FOR ICY COLD NIGHTS! This event is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Love of Books,Mostly Reviews, Rainy Day Ramblings, and Cambira Hebert.

    For my post, I'm featuring one of my favorite western romance authors, Linda Lael Miller, and one lucky reader will receive a Kindle copy of her story Resurrection.

    ************************************

    There's a reason why Linda Lael Miller is known as the "First Lady of the West"...whether it's historical or contemporary, LLM writes western romance like no other. The author of over 100 novels, her body of work is astounding. Today I've picked a few of my favorites to share with you.

    I'll start with my favorite, Willow. This is one of the first westerns I ever read and it has stayed with me ever since. Read my review here.


    In 1883, the railroad had only recently come to Montana Territory, and outlaws still lurked in the hills. Willow Gallagher, who spent her early childhood in an outlaw camp until her father finally found her, is torn by divided loyalties. Newly married to handsome railroad baron Gideon Marshall, she finds fiery passion in Gideon’s embrace, until she discovers he is on a mission . . . a mission to capture Willow’s outlaw brother, Steven. Now Willow must choose—betray her brother, or risk the love she has found with Gideon, the love she has dreamed of all her life, to save Steven. It is a choice that could break her heart. . . .
    I haven't read Banner O'Brien yet, but it's patiently waiting in my TBR pile. Because of my love for Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, I love westerns about lady doctors in the Old West, so this one certainly calls out to me.


    In 1886, lovely Banner O'Brien overcame every obstacle and won her coveted medical diploma. Still she longed to escape from Oregon...and the nightmares that left her shaking, screaming one man's name.

    Banner fled to the Washington Territory to accept a position with Dr. Adam Corbin...arrogant, handsome and rumor said, violent. Although Banner respected his skills, she was unnerved by the very nearness of this moody, powerful man, His past was a mystery that would challenge her to her utmost...for Banner wad determined to win Adam Corbin's heart.
    And of course, no list of favorites would be complete without a Christmas story or two...
    Currently Reading
    With his wild heart, Sawyer McKettrick isn't ready to settle down on the Triple M family ranch in Arizona. So he heads to Blue River, Texas, to seek a job as marshal. But in a blinding snowstorm he's injured—and collapses into the arms of a prim and proper lady in calico.

    The shirtless, bandaged stranger recuperating in teacher Piper St. James's room behind the schoolhouse says he's a McKettrick, but he looks like an outlaw. As they wait out the storm, the handsome loner has Piper remembering long-ago dreams of marriage and motherhood. But for how long is Sawyer willing to call Blue River home?

    As the gray skies clear, Piper's one holiday wish just might bring two lonely hearts together forever.
    Read my review here.
    The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and 25 year old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won't give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can't fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there's a new marshal in town, and she's living under his roof.

    With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….
    Read my review here.
    ******************************
    How about a giveaway? Do you love western romance as I do? Leave a comment with your email address...I'll be giving away a Kindle copy of LLM's story Resurrection.
    Available as a stand-alone eBook for the first time ever, #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller's charming Western short story about an abandoned bride in search of a love she thought forever lost.

    In Resurrection, the writer whose “talent knows no bounds” (Rendezvous) travels back to 1880s Montana, where an abandoned bride searches for a love she thought forever lost in a story that makes it easy to see that “the sweetest kind of magic comes from the pen of Linda Lael Miller!” (The Literary Times).

    Tuesday, February 19, 2013

    Treacherous Temptations Blog Tour

    victoriavaneblogtour-2 (1)



    Today I'm thrilled to be interviewing author Victoria Vane about her wonderful new historical romance, Treacherous Temptations, from Entangled Publishing's Scandalous line. Check out the Rafflecopter below to enter a tour wide giveaway. All stops on Victoria's tour are listed here.



    Welcome, Victoria...can you tell us a little about Treacherous Temptations?
    I'd be delighted! Treacherous Temptations is a dark romance between a thoroughly debauched hero who seeks revenge for his family's ruin through a plot to seduce and force into marriage an innocent country girl who is a very reluctant heiress.

    The plot was loosely inspired by the fictional book/film Dangerous Liaisons but my characters are modeled after real people who lived in the era in which the story is set.
    Hadley is modeled after Philip, the dissolute 1st Duke of Wharton, and Mary closely mirrors a true heiress, also named Mary Edwardes.

    How did you come to be a part of Entangled's new Scandalous line?
    I had heard a great deal about Entangled over the past year and was very excited to discover they were starting a historical imprint. I submitted my partial for this manuscript last May and heard from acquiring editor, Erin Molta, shortly thereafter. The rest is history.

    What kind of research goes into the writing of your historicals?
    Because I am a true-blue history geek, I do extensive research on everything I write. Treacherous Temptations opens on the heel of the South Sea Scandal in 1720, which was equivalent to the Wall Street crash of 1929. The events that followed are based on fact, although slightly fictionalized to suit my story. As I mentioned above, I frequently use real people in my stories as secondary characters and/or model my primary players after real people which also requires a great deal of research but I think this obsessive attention to historical details serves to set me apart from many other historical authors.

    Why are historicals your chosen genre?
    Because historical suit me so well. My natural writing voice is a bit formal which lends itself very well to the era in which I write. Historicals also fit my geeky personality!

    Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
    I think may aspiring writers ask for too much critique. My advice is to find just one person whose opinions you respect and work from there. Finish what you start and never quit if you truly love to write.

    Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
    Whatever book I am writing is always my favorite! But I think my favorite character will always be Ludovic DeVere. He's one in a million!

    What are some of your favorite books/authors?
    Too many to list, but here's just a sample of my favorites: Venetia by Georgette Heyer, The Masqueraders also by Georgette Heyer, Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, MacKinnon's Rangers series by Pamela Clare, Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, Nobel Satyr by Lucinda Brant.

    Anything you'd like to reveal about yourself that your readers might find surprising?
    I'm an insomniac, so I keep very strange hours and do most of my creative writing late at night typically between 8PM and 2AM. I'm also a bit obsessive/compulsive, claustrophobic, acrophobic, and have an unusual abhorrence of pigs and clowns!

    What are you working on now?
    Thanks so much for asking! I have many irons in the fire at present. First off, I am deliriously happy to say that my entire DeVere series is currently in production for audiobook. It's been so much fun to hear my stories come to life through professional actors. This very much compliments the custom artwork and character portraits I have commissioned for the series that readers can enjoy on my Devil DeVere fan site: http://thedevildevere.com

    As far as new writing projects go, I have several more DeVere books coming this year and am also nearly finished with my first contemporary romance. It is set in Montana with a cowboy hero, and a heroine readers will readily relate to. I love the story!

    As for historicals, they will always be my first love. I have many more titles cluttering my computer desktop that I hope Entangled will wish to add to the Scandalous line. I hope readers will follow me to keep up with my forthcoming projects.



    ABOUT VICTORIA VANE
    A lover of history and deeply romantic stories, Victoria combines these elements to craft romantic historical novels and novellas for a mature reading audience. Her writing influences are Georgette Heyer for fabulous witty dialogue and over the top characters, Robin Schone , Sylvia Day, and Charlotte Featherstone for beautifully crafted prose in stories with deep sensuality, and Lila DiPasqua for creative vision in melding history with eroticism.

    AWARDS & ACCOLADES 2012:

    THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES- Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012
    LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
    A Wild Night's Bride
    • Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
    • Amazon Top 100 Best seller The Virgin Huntress
    • Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
    The Devil You Know
    • Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
    • The Romance Reviews Top Pick
    • LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
    The Devil's Match
    • Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
    • The Romance Reviews Top Pick
    • LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
    • Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
    • LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
    • Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
    A Breach of Promise, December 2011 Ellora's Cave
    • Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
    • Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
    • TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
    • LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
    • The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
    • TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

    CONTACT: 
    victoria.vane@hotmail.com
    Web: http://authorvictoriavane.com
    Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com
    Twitter: @authorvictoriav


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Free eBook Alert: Lady Gone Bad by Sabine Starr

    The saloon singer known as "Lady Gone Bad" is the most drop-dead gorgeous outlaw the West has ever seen. Lady has never met a cowboy she couldn't entice, or a lawman she couldn't outrun. But when Lady tangles with a sexy U.S. Marshall, she's tempted to stick around long enough to watch him lay down the law - in her bed. U. S. Marshall Rafe Morgan wants to lock up Lady Gone Bad for good - and he won't let his attraction to her slow him down. But when his attempt to bring Lady to justice goes awry, Rafe is nearly hanged - and by dawn, his face is plastered next to hers on every "Wanted" poster in Texas. Now on the run together, Rafe and Lady find themselves in very close quarters - and even more compromising positions. As Lady surrenders to Rafe's touch, she slowly begins to reveal all her secrets - including her real name. Maybe "Lady Gone Bad" isn't beyond redemption after all. Either way, Rafe is in for one wild ride...

    Download this book for free on Amazon from February 19-25; and it will be free for Barnes & Noble Nook on February 22.

    Check out my review here.

    ************************
    I'm already anxiously awaiting the second book in this series, Angel Gone Bad, which will be released on March 7 and can be pre-ordered here.
    Angel Gone Bad
    A Good Plot
    By day Angel Morgan reads her thrilling dime novels about the Wild West to the corseted members of the Red River Book club. But when the sun sets on the Texas border her own life proves to be stranger than fiction, especially when a friend’s life depends on her utilizing her many secret talents…

    A Surprise Ending

    Rune Wulfsson is no stranger to Angel Morgan’s talents—the ones that left him burning for more and the ones that left him wrongfully locked up in jail. Now that he’s no longer behind bars, he’s riding hard for some good old fashioned revenge. But first he needs Angel’s help in hunting down some horse thieves, kidnappers and killers. Tough enough without Angel and Rune’s hands all over each other. It gets worse. But sometimes, bad is good…

    Sunday, February 17, 2013

    The Sunday Post #29














    The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
    Thank you all so much for the sweet comments on my new blog design, I really appreciate it. I hope you all had a wonderful week and a special Valentine's Day! If you haven't yet, you still have a chance to win a paperback copy of The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin through the end of the week. And did you get a chance to read Amanda Flower's guest post by Gigabyte, the Siamese cat in her Appleseed Creek Mystery series? What fun!!!

    This week is going to be crazy busy here! Victoria Vane will be stopping by on her Treacherous Temptations blog tour; I'll be telling you about a special deal on Sabine Starr's Lady Gone Bad and a preview of her upcoming Angel Gone Bad; and I'll be getting to indulge my passion for western historicals with stops on the Fiery Hot Reads for Icy Cold Nights and Romancing the West Blog Hop. PLUS a review of Helen Smith's Three Sisters and a book blast for Josi Kilpack's Baked Alaska (which I finished this week and loved...review to come!)

    Bought/Downloaded:
      
    Death on the Aegean Queen by Maria Hudgins
    The Rancher by Kelli Ann Morgan
    Complete Kitten Care by Amy Shojai
    Kiki Lowenstein and the Empty Heart by Joanna Campbell Slan
    Mail Order Mayhem by Kirsten Osbourne
    Lantern in the Mist by Liliana Shelbrook
    It's a Catastrophe by Sibel Hodge
    Letters to Bert by TH Waters
    Alaska Virgin Air by Izzy Ballard
    Trail of Hope by Heidi Vanlandingham
    Mysteries of Holt House by Marja McGraw
    Rumble on the Bayou by Jana Deleon
    Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte
    All Booked Up by Terrie Curran
    Sweet Tea, Seduction and Murder by Kathleen D'Antonio
    The Heart You Own by Diane Jewkes
    A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray
    A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
    Murder at the War by Mary Monica Pulver
    Insatiable by Emily Kimelman
    The Bridegroom by Linda Lael Miller
    Summer Desserts by Nora Roberts

    NetGalley:
        

    Audible Valentine's Day Freebies:
    Undead Sublet: A Free Story from 'The Undead in My Bed' | [Molly Harper] Romeo and Juliet (Dramatized) | [William Shakespeare] Love in the Afternoon | [Alison Packard] Pride and Prejudice | [Jane Austen]