Author Spotlight on Amanda McIntyre

Hello all! Before you read my recent interview with author, Amanda MacIntyre, I would like to give you some background. I had the great fortune of meeting this talented lady last year at my first Lora Leigh's RAW conference in Flintstone, Maryland. Pretty much from the get-go I hit it off with her. Our friendship continued after that amazing weekend and I got to spend a great deal of time with her at this year's RAW in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amanda is so friendly and welcoming. Give and take is so easy with her. She is also such a talented author. I fell in love with Tortured, which was my very first read by her and quickly became engrossed with her fabulous Time Travel/Western, Wild & Unruly. Her character, Sheriff Jake Sloan is one of my ultimate heroes still. I hope you enjoy this interview, and if you have any questions, please just ask. I am sure that Amanda would be very happy to answer them.

1.      1.  What inspired you to write?  Need. I’m an artist at heart—oils, sculpting, and sketching foremost. But the need to tell a story came as a healing mechanism to me in a very difficult time in my life. Perhaps it was the need for escape. Perhaps the need to house my emotions into the vessel of a fictional character in order to put a measure of objectivity to my experiences.  Either way, I had something to say and I spent all night writing my first story—by hand, mind you. Very Shakespearean, don’t you think?;)  I think most of us are inspired at first by an event, or an experience that moves us enough to need to get the demons, the joy, or what-have-you, out on paper.

But what inspires me still is something that I’ve always said when asked, “what do you write?”  I write about ordinary people who discover through circumstance, experience and love--how extraordinary they really are.

2. Did you have problems with finding a publisher? Finding them? No. Getting published? Absolutely!  I take heart in the fact that even the greatest authors of our time had difficulty getting published—John jakes, for example was rejected something like 68 times before he was published. JK Rowling, too was rejected several times before someone took a risk on her now multi-million dollar imagination.  You don’t go into writing with the idea of becoming rich quick—or even slowly. ;) It’s not easy to write. Despite how effortless it appears, it a very difficult and often times hermit-like existence.  I was fortunate in many ways to work with a number of e-book and small press companies—learning from each and every experience, before landing my first contract with Harlequin Spice. In fact, I’d nearly decided just before that to give up writing and to be honest, it wasn’t the last time the thought has crossed my mind;) But it always comes down to what else would I do that brings me as much joy as when delving into my proverbial paint box , creating colorful characters and taking them on a journey of my imagination!

The industry has changed remarkably even in this past decade. What major players in the publishing world once claimed wouldn’t survive, has now become a reality. And while I still enjoy frankly, the smell of a bookstore or library (even more than holding the book in my hand) the truth is that e-Books have become to readers, what cell phones have become for communication. I took an impromptu survey the other day and discovered that many folks have more than one e-reader that they use, even if they continue to purchase print books.

It’s affecting every facet of our society making it easier and a little less expensive for college students with textbooks.  Many of the classic books we all read in school are now offered free at many sites, new authors are being discovered daily through self-publishing program sites like Amazon and all of these things  have encouraged a whole new generation to read again.

It’s a new dawn out there in the publishing industry. Very , very few authors, unless deeply established with a specific publisher, are likely to stay with the same publisher to build the 25-35 year careers that our predecessors have known.  It happens, but in my opinion, it’s rare. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been advised by people in this industry, not to “put all your eggs in one basket.”  Diversity is a good thing. Even well-established authors are publishing their own backlists in e-book, as well as testing the waters with new pen names and different genres.  Places like Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble online-now offer a multitude of sumptuous reading material at the mere click of a button. Okay, now I’m climbing down off my soapbox….

Perhaps more important, insofar as writing, whether, small press, big press, or self-publishing, you have to be savvy, aware of the changes (as much as is possible) believe in your gift, and hone your craft. Never stop learning. A valuable lesson from the big players on down to us simple storytellers. ;)  Put simply-don’t write for the market. Write your story.

3. Who are your mentors? Too many to name. From every editor I’ve worked with. Every author, seasoned and aspiring that I’ve met, the authors whose books hold a special spot on my re-reads shelf, to the talented friends I have the pleasure of knowing as a result of my writing, to my family and close friends who encourage me daily and remind me of what’s really important.

4. What does your family think about you being an author?  They encourage and respect what I do. They certainly have a greater understanding of what is involved in the process of writing and publishing a book. All four of my kids have fabulous imaginations and bright, creative gifts and are avid readers. I like to think that maybe I had a little influence in that;)

5. Does your husband read your work? Not usually. But I can’t tell you the number of times he’s been asked if what I write is based on fact or fiction. Honestly, he’s a sci-fi kind of guy, but bless his heart, he will listen to my plot storming and sometimes offers advice—he’s great for research as well. This is a guy you don’t want to come up against in Trivial Pursuit, you know? But more often he patiently listens and then with a look somewhere between marvel and curiosity will say, “I don’t know how you come up with these ideas.”

7. Dream job?  Living the dream;)

8. Who are your favorite authors? Books? I’m seriously eclectic in books and music…my “keeper’ shelf is very limited, however. Christina Skyes’ “Christmas Knight,” Anne River Siddons, “Colony,” Robin T Popp’s, “Nightslayer series,” Jennifer Blake’s, “Roan,” Suzanne Forester’s “Morning After”,Stella Cameron’s “Guilty Pleasures” Stef Ann Holm’s Pink Moon, Donna Kauffman’s “Your Wish is My Command.”—these a but a skimming of the cream… I also read a number of books (In several genres and mixed genres) from my peers, but won’t list them all, lest I should forget one;)

9. I haven't watched TV in over 4 years but I am curious to know if you have a favorite show: Not really. I’m not much of a TV person. I do however get into the BBC when they run their fabulous series—I’ve just watched the Crimson Petal and White and really into Copper every Sunday night. I’m also catching up on Season one of Torchwood. I desperately want to see The Romantics (about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood) and I loved (still love) The Tudors. (in cooperation I believe with the BBC) Does this make me an anglophile? I don’t know…

10. How do you have time to balance all that is being Amanda McIntyre? I have learned (still learning) to make time. You have to set goals, but you have to realize what matters, too.

11. Who are your favorite characters from your books? Interesting question and I’d have to say to some degree, all of them. Because truly there is a part of me--of what I was going through, dealing with at that time, or my ideal--that is engrained in them. I love Tess and Gabe from my first novel (Unfinished Dreams) both down to earth, ordinary people dealing with the left curve that life tossed to them. I loved Cozette (Diary of Cozette) for her tenacity and surviving amazing odds. Darcy Cunningham (Tides of Autumn) for her courage to follow her dream and the love for and of  her family. Thomas (Master & the Muses) and Grace-both twisted & torn who find out how powerful and real love really is.  Sheriff Jake and Miss Lillian( Wild & Unruly) for their loyalty to one another. Angel (Fallen Angel) for her old soul that while tarnished still believed in the magical power of love,--and that’s just a few…I really do love them all, with exception of a few secondary bad seeds tossed in to make life interesting for the main characters. But I’ve also written a number of secondary folks that I truly adore as well.

12. Do you attend author conferences? Which ones? Your favorites?  When time and finances afford it, sure! I abhor flying, let me say that upfront;) So if I can drive somewhere, all the better. My first Romantic Times Convention was in the Fall just after the tragedy of 9/11, which made this last spring’s convention my eleventh consecutive attendance. I’ve been to RWA once and Lora Leigh’s RAW weekend and attended Heather Graham’s Writer’s Workshop in New Orleans. More smaller conventions are popping up and next year I’ll be a featured author at August 2013, Authors After Dark in Savannah, Ga. Certainly there is no limit to the number of small and large conferences available. I like the smaller ones because that’s where I get to meet and get to know the readers!

13. What's the most difficult thing about being an author?  The actual business of writing—submitting, keeping up to snuff on the industry, marketing, budgeting and promoting on so many different levels—it’s time consuming and yet so necessary to your work.  I find it hard sometimes to find the balance between the creative and the business side.

14. Hobbies? Musical theater, concerts, (rock or classical) gardening, road trips, watching Iowa State football and the fabulous ISU marching band, researching for my next story. Oh, yes and I’m a taphopile, (gravestone enthusiast) with an avid top ten list of cemeteries I’d like to visit—the older the better.

15. Final thoughts, any message to readers? Thank you for how you inspire us as writers to tell our stories, take risks and think outside the box! I love hearing what you think about my books, what you’re like to see more of. True story, Masters & the Muses came about on an email I received from a reader who read Diary of Cozette and wanted to know Thomas’s story (a secondary character in that book)  Lots of readers have been my inspiration in one way or another!

OUT NOW!!!!!

COMING SOON!

Amanda McIntyre on the Web: http://www.amandamcintyre.net/
Amanda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amanda.mcintyre.author
Amanda on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandamcintyre1
Amanda on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519786.Amanda_McIntyre

JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH by B.J. DANIELS

Years after leaving Cardwell Ranch on poor terms with his family, a very different Jordan Cardwell returns to Big Sky, Montana.  Not necessarily to make nice with his sister, Dana, who has run the ranch since their mother's death, but to investigate the apparent suicide of his best high school friend twenty years ago after receiving an urgent phone call from another former high school friend, relating that the suicide was not all that it was deemed. Upon his arrival, another murder takes place, making Jordan a suspect, spurning his interest and that of the Deputy Marshal to investigate many of their former high school mates.

Deputy Marshal, Liza Turner is heading up the investigation, while her boss, Hud Savage, looks after his very pregnant wife, Dana,Cardwell Savage. Liza also remembers the old Jordan and is quite surprised with the apparent changes in the man. Trying to be very wary of Jordan, Liza is attracted to the brooding male at the same time. Both Liza and Jordan attempt to unravel the mysterious web of deceit and jealousy that goes all the way back to high school to solve the suicide/murders that are at the forefront in Big Sky's history. Not only the intrigue of crimes committed feed Jordan's need to find out all that happened, but his attempt to come to terms with his own past make Justice At Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels, a must read.

I loved this book. B.J. Daniels' awesome sense of storytelling made me continually turn each page until the final one was read. I literally could not put it down. Her strong and interesting cast of characters make you want to be a part of the story. When you think you have the mysteries solved, the evidence takes you on a roller coaster ride you can't stop. Sharing the Cardwell families highs and lows is a pleasure I hope B.J. continues. I highly recommend this book.

~KIMBERLY~

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)

B.J. Daniel's Website: http://www.bjdaniels.com/

B.J. Daniel's on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BJ-Daniels/127936587217837

B.J. Daniel's on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjdanielsauthor

B.J. Daniel's and I at 2011's RWA NYC

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY!!! Hot Ride by Kelly Jamieson

Courage is feeling the fear... then pouring on the throttle.
Abandoned or betrayed by everyone she ever loved, Sera Manning’s life spiraled out of control until a near death experience left her with a mission. Now a DEA agent, her sole focus -- and her first undercover assignment -- is to take down a drug cartel that’s manufacturing seductive, deadly angel sugar.
To do it, she needs access to Operation Black Abyss to establish a connection between the cartel and the Death Angels outlaw motorcycle gang. Which means she must pose as a couple with another agent who’s already deep undercover.
ATF agent Ryan Thomas desperately needs a female agent to maintain his cover in the gang, but the last thing he wants is a rookie agent jeopardizing his op. Especially one that is a sexy reminder why it’s a bad idea to get involved while on a case.
Living together, surrounded by crime, pretending their sizzling sexual tension is just for show is getting harder by the day. But as the mission comes to a head, the two fiercely independent warriors must decide which fear is worse. Losing their quarry... or losing each other.
Warning: Features a badass biker hero and kickass heroine who go at it undercover -- and under the covers. 

Excerpt

Left alone at the bar, he wandered over to the table where Sera sat.

“Hey,” he said, dropping into a chair next to her. “How’s it going?”

She smiled at him, and the haze of marijuana smoke surrounding the table was almost enough to make him high. Shit. He’d forgotten about that.

He looked for the joint but it was nowhere to be seen. Done. She’d fucking smoked a joint while she was working. She was going to get them both canned.

He scowled at her. “You been smokin’, hon?”

“Um…yeah.” She glanced at Carly.

“You know I hate it when you stink like that shit.”

“I…I forgot.”

“Don’t fucking do it again, okay?” He made his voice low, menacing. She nodded, looking almost afraid.

“Yeah, sure, baby, I won’t.”

Carly looked worried, like she’d gotten Sera into trouble. “It was just one smoke, Tommy. No big?”

He nodded, still scowling, stroked his thumb over Sera’s bare shoulder. She’d taken off her leather jacket and wore a black ribbed tank top with the black jeans she’d changed into. For the first time he noticed the new tat on her upper arm. He stroked over it, examined the image. Jesus Christ. It looked like St. Michael. She was a walking death wish.

He gritted his teeth and said nothing. Later. They had lots to talk about later.

A.J. and Vince returned then, too quickly to have murdered someone, so he took that as a good sign. They said nothing about the former prospect.

“Wet T-shirt contest going on out there,” Vince said with a grin. He looked at Sera, eyes tracing over her tits in the snug tank top. “You should enter.”

She turned to Ryan, and the eagerness in her eyes almost undid him. “Can I?”

He stared at her, speechless. She was truly going to give him a heart attack.

“No!”

“Oh, Tommy. Come on.”

He almost choked. “No, babe.” He hardened his voice. “No one sees your tits but me. Got it?”

She pouted. “Okay. Fine.” She folded her arms across those contest-worthy tits. And hell yeah―he wanted to see them.

“Come on.” Vince urged them outside where the contest was taking place by the pool. Ryan shot Sera a fulminating glance and led the way outside, beer still grasped tightly in one hand, Sera’s small hand crushed in his other.

By the pool, girls had gathered where an emcee was encouraging votes by applause. Ryan took in the sight and the female attributes on display, glanced down at Sera by his side, who was grinning. “So you wanted to enter?” He slid his arm around her waist.

Her crystal blue eyes looked up at him. He could have drowned in those eyes, just like the sparkling blue pool to their left.

“Yeah,” she said, tossing her hair back. “I could’ve won.”

His breath caught in his throat and he felt like he was choking on a chicken bone. She grinned. Christ. Every time she did something like that it knocked him back on his ass. Amusement tangled with arousal and the urge to drag her up to their room almost overpowered him. He needed to take that mouth, taste it, he had to have her…

His cock hardened and lengthened in his jeans. Jesus, this was so bad. He was working, for Chrissake. He could not afford to be distracted by horny hormones. This had never happened to him.

Kelly Jamieson - Bio
I'm a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of my imagination. When I'm not writing I'm usually reading. I also like to cook and that means I like to read cookbooks and cooking magazines. In the summer I enjoy spending time gardening and in the winter I like to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues. I love lying on the beach or on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. I also love to travel. As you can see, pretty much all my activities involve reading somehow! Although I don't have as much time for it any more, I also love to shop, especially for clothes and shoes. Some think I'm obsessed with shoes but that is not true (although my husband would point out that there is no room left in our closet).
I love to hear from readers, so Tweet me on Twitter, leave me a comment on Goodreads or Amazon or my blog , or email me at info (at) kellyjamieson.com.

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Release date: September 11, 2012

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Buy Links :

Samhain - http://store.samhainpublishing.com/hot-ride-p-6981.html

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Ride-ebook/dp/B008L40O08/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346744213&sr=1-1&keywords=hot+ride+kelly+jamieson

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-ride-kelly-jamieson/1112120181?ean=9781619211230

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How to Capture a Countess (the Duchess Diaries) by KAREN HAWKINS

 Sixteen year old, Rose Balfour embarrasses her crush, Lord Alton Sinclair, AKA Lord Sin, by accidentally pushing him into a fountain after he gives the young lady a shocking first kiss. The handsome rogue, unused to being laughed at by his peers who dub him Lord Fin for his swim in the lily pad stocked fountain, blames Miss Balfour for his embarrassment.  Six years later, Lord Sin still seeks revenge from the humiliation he has endured since the incident.

Lord Sin's aunt Margaret, the Duchess of Roxburghe, just happens to be Rose's Godmother. When Sin finds this little tidbit out, he insists that Aunt Margaret invite his nemesis, Rose to one of  Margaret's famous yearly house parties, so he can commence his revenge. Once the Duchess meets her Goddaughter she is convinced that Rose will be a match for the stubborn Lord Sin. Noting that not one woman has ever raised Sin's ire as much as this unconventional girl, the Duchess teeters between throwing the two together and keeping them far apart during their stay in her home.

Soon enough, Sin realizes that there is so much more than he originally thought about this exasperating female, he can't decide whether to seduce her or strangle her. When he informs Rose of his plan to seduce her, Rose insists she can keep Sin at bay, But does she want to? So commences a three week long seduction that has Sin and Rose running circles around one another all in view of Duchess Margaret's guests who are an interesting cast of characters, and not the usual company at the Roxburghe residence.

Rose wishes to make peace with her past so as her sisters have a fair chance at finding husbands, Sin wishes to show Rose who has the upper hand in their budding relationship and Aunt Margaret wishes to give her troublesome nephew a lesson he won't ever forget. That and much more sets the tone in How to Capture a Countess, the first installment in the new Duchess Diaries series by the ever-talented author, Karen Hawkins.

Oh how I love this book! Yes, I am a rather huge Karen Hawkins fan. Her Regencies were the first of that genre that I read. Her humor, her eclectic but lovable characters keep me coming back for more.Rose's nervous habit of laughing when something serious happens gets her into some trouble and is something I can completely relate to. Watching Lord Sin evolve from a self absorbed brat to a man head over heels in love is an exciting journey I think all will enjoy.

I adore the meddling Duchess Margaret's journal entries at the top of every new chapter.  They make you feel an intimate part of the goings-on , add humor and something to think about as the next chapter is begun. The Duchess of Roxburghe finds a new hobby of matchmaking which I am eager to see in the next Duchess Diaries books. Her knowledge that her nephew is not perfect, not making excuses otherwise and her ability to reason with those around her makes her one of my favorite characters.

How to Capture a Duchess by Karen Hawkins is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to see the Duchess of Roxburghe's upcoming machinations.

~KIMBERLY~

Karen Hawkins

Karen Hawkins on the web: http://www.karenhawkins.com/index.php

The Goddess Blogs: http://www.thegoddessblogs.com/

Karen on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenHawkins

Karen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKarenHawkins

Spotlight on DELORES FOSSEN & The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch Series

Hello all! Today I would like to all to welcome author, Delores Fossen. As all my followers know, I am a huge fan of cowboy/western romance reads. In  the Spring of 2011, I contacted Delores about the Book Obsessed Chicks Annual BBQ and asked if she could spare some books for the raffle. Delores sent an entire box of signed books and gained a book club full of new readers. I recently sped through her awesome LAWMEN OF SILVER CREEK RANCH series and fell in love with her Ryland men. Here is a bit about Delores Fossen. I hope you enjoy the interview enough to comment and check out Delores' awesome reads.

When Delores Fossen was a child, she used to sneak around and collect fingerprints, hair strands and fibers left by family members and guests. At age eight, she solved a crime. Well, sort of. When someone nibbled off the ear of her chocolate Easter bunny , she searched for clues and soon discovered that her sister had chocolate bunny breath. With that "case closed," Delores believed she’d discovered her calling--she wanted to be a Texas Ranger or FBI agent. But after realizing that she just wouldn't be very good at chasing down bad guys, she opted for a slightly different career path--she creates fictional cowboy cops and other law enforcement officers. Writing romantic suspense is something she enjoys immensely, and it has earned her the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and Booksellers Best Awards, and she was a finalist for the prestigious Rita.

Married to an Air Force colonel and the mother of four children, Delores has lived in England and all over the U.S. She’s had a variety of careers and jobs: an Air Force captain, a special ed teacher and a rehab counselor. None was as fun or challenging as the time she’s spent as a stay-at-home mom. She still collects fingerprints, hair strands and fibers every time she dusts or vacuums, which isn’t very often.

1. What inspired you to write ?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had stories in my head. My grandfather was a wonderful story teller so maybe that’s what started things for me. Sometimes, the story will stay with me for a long time before I write it, and other times I have to write it immediately. It all just depends on how “loud” the story is.

2. Did you have problems with finding a publisher?

The first time I read a Harlequin Intrigue, I knew that’s what I wanted to write so I made it my targeted publisher. I read every Intrigue I could get my hands to learn what types of stories they were buying, and then I came up with several ideas. I finally submitted to the senior editor, Denise ZaZa, and she bought my first Intrigue, HIS CHILD. Needless to say, I was THRILLED.

3. Who are your mentors?

Author, Lori Wilde. I have learned so much from her, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for me.

4. What does your family think about you being an author?

They’re very supportive and give me the space and quiet time I need to write. I’m very blessed because they know how much I love what I do.

5. Does your husband read your work?

He doesn’t, and I haven’t pushed. J

7. Dream job?

I’m doing it now--writing for Harlequin Intrigue. For me, it doesn’t get better than that.

8. Who are your favorite authors? Books?

So many! To name a few: JD Robb, Lori Wilde, Julie Miller, BJ Daniels, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Gillian Flynn. I loved the Hunger Games Trilogy and the Twilight books, too.

9. I haven't watched TV in over 4 years but I am curious to know if you have a favorite show

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I love Justified and Dexter.

10. How do you have time to balance all that is being Delores Fossen?

Sometimes, I don’t balance very well. Lol. I have an intense writing schedule so I’ve had to give up things like most TV shows, but I still spend time with my family. I also love to travel and read. Lately, I’ve combined travel with writing conferences so it gives me the best of both worlds.

11. Who are your favorite characters from your books?

That’s tough, but for now I think it’s Mason from my current Intrigue, MASON. His story is the last of a 6-book miniseries, and I spent a lot of time with Mason and his brothers. They stayed in my head so long that they felt like family.

12. Do you attend author conferences? 

I love conferences! It’s a great chance to see author friends, my editor and to attend workshops. I attend at least two a year.

13. What's the most difficult thing about being an author?

For me, it’s not the writing. I love that part. It’s the other things that go along with getting a story into print—the copy edits and such. My husband says I never smile when I’m doing copy edits. lol

14. Final thoughts, any message to readers? 

I really hope my stories touch you in some way because I truly love writing them. I hope that love shows through in the books. Thanks also to anyone who’s ever read one of my books!

THE LAWMEN OF SILVER CREEK RANCH

Sheriff Grayson Ryland wasn't easily shocked. But then his old flame, Eve Warren, returns to Silver Creek for the sole purpose of asking him to impregnate her. And although he's never forgiven Eve for walking away and breaking his heart, her anguish is hard to watch. Before he can reject the most hardheaded—yet still impossibly alluring—woman in Texas, he has to protect her. An attempt on her life thrusts the two of them into a dangerous murder investigation—and an even more dangerous liaison. In the heat of the moment, Grayson may be able to forgive Eve…but is he willing to give her what she so desperately wants?

Kayla Brennan doesn't want Texas lawman Dade Ryland's protection. For one thing, his family hates her. For another, the attraction between them is too hot to handle—just like Dade. When the bullets begin to fl y, Dade shields her and her baby boy. But the question is, how long before Dade decides she's in on the crime?
Kayla's testimony is all Dade should want…especially since he suspects Kayla was involved in the death of a Ryland family member. Yet the fact that they're enemies only makes the animal attraction between them stronger. And more dangerous. For the killer is not who he seems, and is far closer than Dade ever imagined.…

On the day Lieutenant Nate Ryland's baby daughter is kidnapped, he finds hope in the most surprising of allies: Darcy Burkhart, a woman he never thought -- never wanted -- to see again. But Darcy's son has also been taken and there's nothing that will keep them from bringing their children home.

Unfortunately, this is no ordinary adversary and even someone like Nate, who's used to dealing with the worst of society, can't predict the enemy's next move. As the search continues, Nate finds himself admiring the woman he once considered his greatest opponent -- and desiring her in a way he never thought possible.

One look at the baby girl, and there was no question Kade Ryland was the father. For three months, Kade had posed as Bree Winston's husband at the Fulbright Fertility Clinic, while the two FBI agents investigated a trail of illegal adoptions and surrogates. Nine months later, a baby was dropped at his feet—and Bree was nowhere to be found. Now Kade had to reopen a case that had gotten way too personal and find Bree—fast. But if the two of them had never been a real couple, were they ready to be parents? Whatever the answer, Kade now had more than one reason to close this case once and for all.

He faked his death for good reason, but CIA operative Gage Ryland has a better reason to come back from the grave. Though they had a bitter breakup years ago, Gage wants to save his ex-wife—his very pregnant ex-wife—Lynette Herrington from a vengeful hit man. Obviously the baby proves she's gotten over Gage. Or has she? While on the run, Gage feels the attraction between them heating up and yet he knows he must undo a decade of hurt and separation before she'll put her trust in them again. But complicating his emotions is Lynette's pregnancy…and how, as she claims, her unborn child could be his.

It wasn't the first time danger had come to his ranch, but for Deputy Mason Ryland it was the final straw. Someone had been targeting his family for too long and the brooding lawman now had a new person to protect: horse trainer Abbie Baker.

His newest employee's arrival suspiciously coincided with the latest attack, and it wasn't long before he uncovered a decades-old secret between Abbie and the Ryland clan. But as much as that connection rankled, Mason couldn't ignore the fact that someone wanted beautiful Abbie dead. As an upholder of the law, he'd keep her safely tucked by his side through the investigation. As a man, he'd offer his personal protection through the endless summer nights.…

SINS OF A VIRGIN by ANNA RANDOL

Madeline Valdan, ex-spy and current courtesan, shocks all of London by setting up an auction for her virginity.... Yes, you read that right. The beautiful former British spy, who has men all over London falling at her feet has decided she wants to live very well after being let go by the British government with a pittance to show for her years of work. Madeline's beginnings were not very bright, but in her darkest hour she was given a chance to live, but in service to the crown. Never completely free and always surviving with deception. 

Gabriel Huntford is a Bow Street Runner ( London's first professional police force), who has an obsession with finding his sister's killer. In a attempt to curb Gabriel's seven year obsession, his superiors have given him the undesirable task of watching out for Madeline and "assisting" her in the quest to sell her virginity to the highest bidder.Gabriel is to investigate the eager suitors who bid in the auction and see whether they are financially able to follow their bids.

Gabriel insists he has better things to do, but when Gabriel finds Madeline in mortal danger, his innate sense of decency has him protecting Madeline at every turn. Once Gabriel spends time with Madeline, he finds that there is so much more to her than meets the eye, and their continued proximity to one another sprouts an attraction that could be hazardous to his state of being. 

I will honestly say, when I read the back cover I was a bit taken aback. The title itself made me hesitate, but once I picked it up, Sins of a Virgin was quite the enjoyable read. The depth that Anna Randol has taken Gabriel and Madeline keeps you rooting for the unconventional characters, even hoping that Madeline doesn't achieve what she has set out to do. The humorous and sarcastic banter between the two is highly entertaining as is the dark mystery that has Gabriel and Madeline on edge. I am looking forward to reading more by Anna Randol. I really enjoyed this story and I think you will as well...

~KIMBERLY~

4 Stars (Brilliant)

Anna Randol's Website: http://www.annarandol.com/Public/default.aspx
Anna Randol on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnnaRandolRomance
Anna Randol on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaRandol

In The Barrister's Bed by Tina Gabrielle

James Devlin has made the most of his life as the bastard son if a Duke. He has become a barrister and a damn good one too. In his own words, he never loses. Surprisingly enough to him, he evidently is not the bastard of the Duke of Blackwood, but the legitimate son of the Duke and a housemaid who his father ran off with and married. Jame's mother passed away and the Duke returned to his life in the ton, making sure his son was taken care of but never claiming him as his heir until on his deathbed he confesses to his mother, the Dowager Duchess. 

When his grandmother comes to tell him of his good fortune, he is in shock, but also eager to reclaim the only  place he ever felt close to his deceased father, Wyndmoor Manor, a small home that his father spent a few weeks each Summer with his son, where James felt like a son and not a bastard. When he finds that his home was sold off by his father before his death, James finds the man who purchased Wyndmoor Manor and reclaims it. Upon returning to Wyndmoor, he finds someone else in residence to his dismay.

The beautiful widow, Bella Sinclair, has survived seven years married to a tyrant. Her husband was physically and verbally abusive to his innocent and much younger wife. His death was a godsend, leaving Bella still with her youth and the determination to make something of her life. She has always wanted to be a writer. As luck put some money in her hands, she purchased Wyndmoor Manor and moved right on in. When James Devlin, Duke of Blackwood appears in her home, the two are at odds with one another.

First, the both retain a deed for the purchase of the Manor, evidently purchasing from the same seller. Second, they are both instantly attracted to each other, but Bella has been too much in her life to throw it all away. She is determined to prove that Wyndmoor belongs to her.

When James insists that he and Bella both reside at the Manor until the unscrupulous seller is found, against her better judgement, Bella agrees, hence begins a cat and mouse game with James, the brooding bachelor, who insists he never wants to marry, and Bella, the headstrong widow who even though feels her strong attraction to James,  wants to retain her freedom as well.

When Bella's past comes to haunt her, danger abounds as she could lose everything. When James finds there is much more than meets the eye to the enchanting widow, his protective instincts come alive and he finds himself doing things completely out of character, which in turn, leads to a riveting story.

This is the first book by Tina Gabrielle I have read, and to be honest I couldn't put it down. Not just a romance, In The Barrister's Bed has a great deal of mystery which leads to a great read. James a self proclaimed womanizer, turns out to be more honorable than you would think a barrister or a rake would be, and although Bella has been through a personal Hell in her marriage,she is no shrinking violet. I loved that. I adore James reforming his old ways, even if he hardly recognizes that he is. In The Barrister's Bed,  is a solid and exciting story that I recommend to all and now I am going to pick up all of Tina Gabrielle's previous reads and well as wait for all of her future ones.

~KIMBERLY~

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)

Tina Gabrielle's Website: http://www.tinagabrielle.com/index.html
Tina on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle
Tina on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaGabrielle