Author of the Month: J.R. Ward

Dear J.R. Ward

I know you hear this all the time, but I am your number one fan, I have a little shrine for you and everything!
Your Black Dagger Brotherhood series is my favourite series, I am head over heels in love with all your characters, especially Wrath, is it crazy to scratch out Beth's name and write my own each time...? But as well as the vivid and mouthwatering Brothers, I also love your writing style, it leaves me on the edge of my seat, has me laughing and crying and always eager for the next page, chapter and book. So I beg you, please write faster, BDB is an addiction I will never quit and I am jonesing for another hit!

Your Number One Fan

Suzanne

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Dear JR. Ward

I’ve read a lot of books, but if I had to choose one series to read for the rest of my existence, I would pick the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. You see, I used to be a good little girl and read only classic romances and the occasional thriller. But when I picked up one of your books on a whim, I instantly got turned on by the dark, evocative nature of your books. I read one book and then the next and then another and now look at me! I’M A SLUT! I couldn’t stop reading about these big vampire warriors and even years later, I’m still pining for my very own Brother to call my own. In the meantime, Rhage and Rehv have kept me happy. And as long as you keep writing, I’ll remain happy.

Yours truly,

Ann

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Dear Warden,

I have to say that you are a woman with superior skills in writing and creativity.  Because of you, I am now hooked to the world of reading for the pure reason of pleasure and not for academic requirements. You are definitely a woman of worth and I love you! *wiping tears*

A BDB fan and a closet Wrathaholic,

~Angela

★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰★ ☆ ✰ ☆ ★

Dear J R Ward,

Even though I discovered your books a bit late (read them for the first time in 2010) compared to others who had their first taste of paranormal with your series, I have become one of your greatest fans.  The special way in which you write can transport me to the world you describe in an instant.  Reading one of your books is a treat to me, one that I never want to end and that I wish would come sooner!  Your books were the first books that I have EVER re-read.  And I may have a slight obsession with your men, you don't mind do you?  I especially love John Matthew, even though he's cheating on me with Xhex.  Thank you for your amazing work!

Your biggest fan,

Francesca

Signings for Lover Reborn

Author Bio:
J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Blog Tour with Hope Ramsay and Bella Riley

Hey Maidens! Today we are taking part in the Hope Ramsay and Bella Riley blog tour with Forever Romance publishing. Under the Covers got the chance to ask a couple of quick questions with Bella Riley, the author of WITH THIS KISS, the second book in the Emerald Lake series. Check out what the awesome Ms. Riley had to say!

Tell us three things that readers would be surprised to know about you.

1. I’ve been an opening act for Jewel and Santana.
2. I’ve dragged my kids to a David Archuletta concert instead of the other way around. (Which they loved!)
3. I don't particularly care for chocolate.

Do you have a writing process? Do you have to listen to music, have complete silence, write only on a full moon?

I do love listening to music while I write. Sometimes I’ll get obsessed with one particular song and listen to it over and over again, especially if it helps meet get into the headspace of a character. “Last Kiss” by Taylor Swift was the song I listened to most often while writing WITH THIS KISS.

Thanks for your time, Bella! Both Hope Ramsay and Bella Riley are great contemporary romance authors, so if you haven't had to chance to check out their books, you can find more information about them on their websites: Bella Riley | Hope Ramsay

 

With This Kiss

(Emerald Lake # 2)

by Bella Riley

Rebecca Campbell, the innkeeper at Emerald Lake has always dreamed of finding everlasting love. When she sees how deeply her friend, Andi has fallen for her soon-to-be husband, Nate, she realizes that the love between her fiancé, Stu isn’t like that at all.

Upon this realization, she finds Stu to tell him how she feels. However, Stu has some words of his own that he wants to share. It turns out that Stu doesn’t want to get married anymore. He has found someone new and when you read this book, you’ll realize that this isn’t necessarily an asshole move. It was clear from the beginning that Stu and Rebecca got along well. They laughed, shared many memories together, but that didn’t translate to sparks that lit up their worlds.

When Stu asks Rebecca to keep his secret while he tries to figure out where his life will take him now, Rebecca shows her love for Stu by promising to keep their inn running even though they won’t be getting married anymore.

It is then that Sean Murphy, Stu’s brother comes along, hoping to attend his brother’s wedding. When he learns it’s been called off, he becomes very suspicious of Rebecca.

WITH THIS KISS is a sweet romance that has the ability to lift spirits and make you fall in love. It was really easy for me to enjoy this book because Rebecca is such an admirable character. She was strong when she needed to be, sure of herself even in the most confusing of times, and loving as she showed Sean what her heart was capable of.

Similarly, Sean was also a great character. He has this scar on his face that makes him feel dangerous, but not overly so that you are intimidated by him. He rarely smiles which makes you want to squeeze that little smirk out of him and grin like a fool when he does. What is great about Rebecca and Sean was that they seemed like genuine people who slowly learn to trust each other and eventually, fall in love.

Bella Riley does a great job of bringing the atmosphere of Emerald Lake into her books. The writing is smooth, light-hearted and felt like a great escape, almost as if you were at Emerald Lake on a little vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to return to Emerald Lake soon! WITH THIS KISS is the perfect weekend read.


*ARC provided by publisher

 

 

 Purchase Links:

Dear Reader,
Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty?
Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same.
Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

*Blurb taken from Hope Ramsey site 

Purchase Links: 

 

Forever Romance is graciously giving away three US RESIDENTS both books! So to enter, please:

1. Be a follower

2. Fill out the form below

Author Override: Laurie London

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Maidens, we are thrilled to have the amazing, Laurie London here today. She's written an exclusive teaser especially for UTC for her latest book TEMPTED BY BLOOD. So without further ado, have at it, girl!

Thanks for having me on today to celebrate the launch of TEMPTED BY BLOOD, the third book in the Sweetblood series. I thought it’d be fun to head over to a bar with a few friends. Grab your drink of choice and come join us!

(In case you don’t know Jackson, he’s the playboy charmer hero of TEMPTED BY BLOOD. The events here occur before the book opens…just so you’re clear he’s not a total ass.)

****
Jackson enters Big Daddy’s Pub and looks around. Given that it’s early evening, the place is only half full.

Not normally his kind of hangout—he prefers the Pink Salon with all the beautiful people, not bars like this one that cater to the male, blue-collar crowd right after work—he’s surprised when a human waitress catches his eye. Her black mini and ankle boots make her legs go on forever and her sultry dark hair skims her shoulders. She’s curvy in all the right places and he finds himself wondering if she likes to party.

Maybe coming here tonight isn’t a bust after all.

He drags in a deep breath but can’t get a read on her blood type, instead smelling stale beer, burgers, and old cigarette residue from when the indoor smoking law changed. Not noticing a ring on her finger—he’s made that mistake before and it sure as hell wasn’t going to happen again—he heads in her direction to say hi, to see how late she’s working. He can almost see her nametag. Francesca?

“Hey, over here.” Mitch, his partner, is waiving from a table near the dartboards.

Jackson hesitates. He’s really been trying to appear “normal” to his peers. No one needs to know how hard he’s been working to keep his dark nature under control. He casts one last glance at the woman then heads over to where several of the Guardians from the Seattle field office are sitting.

Since it’s before 9pm, the bar is open to minors, so maybe it’s for the best that the waitress doesn’t have this section. His thoughts and potential actions would not be appropriate with children present.
He glances at Mackenzie holding her squirming son on her lap. Miguel looks like a mini version of his father, Dom, who is cutting the food on his plate into little bites. Alfonso, Dom’s brother, is sitting next to his daughter Zoe and they’re playing some kind of game on his phone.

Funny how these two vampire warriors who probably have a multitude of weapons strapped to their bodies at this very moment can be such devoted, loving fathers.

No, thank you. Settling down is the last thing Jackson wants or needs. In fact, whenever a woman gets too attached to him, he moves on. He grabs a chair next to Mitch, turns it around and sits with his arms folded over the seatback.

“Jacks, what’s up, eh?” Lily tosses a handful of straws on the table that she must’ve gotten from the bar, unwraps one and puts it into her beer.

“Not much. Mitch and I are on duty tonight later. Got a line on some Darkbloods who might be selling Sweet down at the Market around midnight.”

“Bast— I mean, jerks.” Lily says, correcting herself. She’s been trying to watch her language around their daughter, but it’s obviously not working. If it hadn’t been for Alfonso, the girl would probably be speaking like a truck driver by now.

After a dinner of burgers and fries, Mackenzie stands up, holding Miguel. “It’s been fun, but someone I know needs to get to bed.” Dom pushes away from the table, but she puts her hand on his shoulder.  “You stay here with everyone. It’s important that you spend time like this with your Guardians that doesn’t involve killing Darkbloods.”

Jackson takes a long drink from his beer and notices Alfonso and Zoe whispering. All this family togetherness, while white-picket-fence nice, makes him feel…awkward. It’s something he knows he’ll never experience.

“Aunt Mackenzie,” Zoe says, “we’ll take Miguel back if you want to stay.”

Lily nods. “I’m not working tonight, so we planned to head back early anyway.”

Mackenzie looks at Dom who shrugs, then she turns her attention back to their son. “What do you think, mister? Want to hang out with your cousin tonight?”

A big grin cracks the little boy’s face, making his fat cheeks look even fatter.

“I guess that means yes,” Mackenzie says, laughing. “Thanks, it’s been a while since Dom and I have spent time with just adults. It’s not like I know a lot of people willing to babysit for—” she looks around to make sure no one is looking “—vampires,” she mouths.

Alfonso grabs his worn leather bomber jacket, but Lily stops him. “Why don’t you stay too? I can take Zoe and Miguel. It’d be good for you to hang out with the guys and have fun.”

“No offense to the them, but I don’t need them like I need you.” Alfonso kisses her.

“Gross,” Zoe says.

“You don’t like when I kiss your mom?” Alfonso dips Lily dramatically, her blond ponytail almost grazing the ground, and kisses her again.

An uncomfortable sensation knots Jackson’s stomach as he realizes just how out of place he is.
“Hey man,” Mitch says under his breath. “Want to head out of here soon?”

Jackson can always count on his partner to watch his back. “Yeah, all this love and tenderness is a little much.”

“Unless you’d rather stay,” Mitch counters. “Check out the two women over there.” Mitch nods his head toward the bar.

The dark-haired waitress is standing next to another waitress, one with silky long black hair and a mischievous dimple that promises more than a heaping plate of fries.

Jackson smiles back at them and the first one waves. “On second thought, maybe we should stay after all.”

*****
You can find Laurie online at:
www.laurielondonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/laurielondonauthor
www.twitter.com/laurieblondon
and my newest obsession, Pinterest. www.pinterest.com/laurielondon

Laurie London is giving away a signed copy of TEMPTED BY BLOOD. 

This contest is open to everyone.

READ OUR REVIEW

To enter, please:
1. Be a follower
2. Fill in the form below

Covers to Covet

Two HOT titles in paranormal romance have new covers!  

And I can't wait to read either one of them!!  

What do you think about these?

Eternal Beast

by Laura Wright

(Mark of the Vampire # 4)

Seduced by Blood

by Laurie London

(Sweetbloods # 4)

ARC Review: Tempted by Blood by Laurie London

Tempted by Blood

by Laurie London

(Sweetbloods # 3)

Laurie London delivered another great installment of the Sweet Blood Series. Ms. London’s world of the Vampire Guardians vs. the Dark Bloods continues and this book is no different from the rest, outright addictive.

Jackson Foss has been one of my most anticipated characters. From the first time I met him in Book 1, Bonded by Blood, I knew there was more to him then just a plain brute. I remember him specifically when he helped Dom set up some road signs for Mckenzie and when he was flirting with Lilly in the Gym flexing his muscles. Jackson is a bad boy; this guy is very hot (hence the cover, whom I pictured the whole time reading this book), inked, well endowed and well accessorized.*cough*. Unfortunately, Jackson has gone to a point of reverting (blood addiction) and well, sh*t around him is falling apart. One of the Sweet Bloods he protected has somehow fallen into more danger than usual. Do you remember “Krystal with a K" from the previous book? She is one of the Sweet Bloods Jacks had rescued. I actually expected her to be our heroine. Boy, was I wrong.

Arianna Wells is Krystal's cousin and guardian. She is also our hard headed, smart and very independent heroine. I like her. She's a straight shooter. She figures out what she wants and tries very hard to achieve or acquire it. She'a good for Jackson, someone who is not a push-over and will keep our hero in check.

They meet in an unfortunate incident as both Arianna and Krystal were being attacked by Dark Bloods. Jackson protects them but his protection would need to go beyond his usual task.
Their attraction was strong from the get go. But both had trust issues, not quite a love-hate relationship but hurdles with a "should-I-stay-should-I-go" syndrome. Although it was frustrating, it makes their love scenes super intense and leave you wanting more! And the ending was a tear jerking surprise.

My only complain and note that this is a personal opinion; I felt certain parts of the book were a bit wordy and the parts I wanted more of were cut short. Nevertheless, I look forward to the next installment of this series. 

Lovestruck Blog Hop: Sign Ups

<a href="http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/lovestruck-blog-hop-sign-ups.html"><img src="http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/utcgraphics/Misc/lovestruck5.jpg" border="0" /></a>

LOVESTRUCK GIVEAWAY HOP
Hosted by Under the Covers and Bona Fide Reflections

Blog hop runs from 12:01 AM June 15th through to 11:59 PM June 22th, 2012.

Love-struck: (adjective) having a passionate or overwhelming feeling of love; smitten

Is there a book or a series that you have read which has left you completely smitten? A hero/heroine that makes other heroes/heroines pale in comparison to the feelings you have for your “true” love? Are you left feeling dissatisfied because there is just nothing else that can compare?

We want to you share this special character or book/series with us and your followers. Tell us about them: share pictures, passages, quotes, excerpts, etc. Then offer that book as a giveaway to share the love. We all want the chance to be besotted, carried away, and/or charmed. So, introduce us to that special character that has left you love-struck.

To sign up:
1. Add your information to the Linky List at the end of this post.
2. Grab the hop badge code (above) and add it the side panel of your blog.

To participate:
 1. Make a blog post announcing your giveaway right before the hop starts (by 12:01am June 15).
2. On the giveaway post, make sure you indicate clearly whether your giveaway is international, US/Canada or US only.
 3. This must be a giveaway specifically for this hop and needs to run from 12:01 am on June 15th and end at 11:59 pm on June 22nd.
4. Make sure the blog hop badge (above) is included in the post.
5. Please keep extra entries to a minimum of 5. No daily entries.
6. Include the linky list to participating blogs on your post (you will receive this code by email closer to the start of the hop). If not, please add a link to this post which contains the list of participants.

NO MORE ENTRIES AFTER June 14.

At the beginning of the hop we will be visiting all blogs. Entries will be deleted if the post is not up by the deadline or if the post is difficult find.
Sound good? Interested in joining?

SIGN UP HERE:
Add your linky below! Enter your blog name along with whether your giveaway is US, US/CA, Int.
Ex: Under the Covers (Int.) Make sure you enter a valid email address.

ARC Review: Crave by Felicity Heaton

Crave

by Felicity Heaton

(Vampire Erotic Theater Romance Series # 2)

Ms. Heaton has delivered another scorching hot novel for us to enjoy. This book can be compared to 9 ½ Weeks and Indecent Proposal combined with Erotic PNR. It truly exceeded my expectations and as the title of the book, it made me CRAVE for more.

Callum is another vampire who co-owns Vampirerotique with four other vampires. He is searching for new talent for a new show. Instead, he finds the experience of a lifetime that leads him to get his HEA. Oddest thing is he finds it in the most unexpected place and species. In a bar and a female wolfe. Callum was not what I expected at all, I always saw him as this reserved very quiet vamp but just not in the bedroom. This guy can rock one’s world and take note my favorite place “behind the curtains”. (You will see what I mean).

Kristina, a Wolfe on the run from her pack leader in avoidance of the Neanderthal act of claiming her to bear his pup. She is “…a vixen, a real predator as she glanced over every man, even those with partners…” and a very liberated wolfe who won’t have it. So she swore off any contact with her pack and has been on the run since then.

Callum and Kristina meet and instant attraction hits them. An odd pairing as they belong to two different worlds, a forbidden lust and cravings they cannot ignore. Callum offers her to stay with him for a week to get to know each other, and get-to-know-each-other they did! It was a very hot week until Kristina goes missing. I do not want to give too much information but there will be a fight, confrontations, rescuing, we will see other characters and more will be introduced.

It is a pleasure to see a different light of Antoine. Seems like there is more to him then meets the eye, definitely something to do with family issues (my guess). We also see a bit of my love, Snow. I have this thing for him you see, had even attempted to catch his attention through social media. Although, he did not answer I am sure he had taken notice. #inmydreams *cough*. Anyway, we see more of Snow, his temper, dangerous side and another bit of his humanity, which is rare for a pureblood such as him. Both Antoine and Snow’s book will be just as amazing as this one, no doubt.

*Standing ovation from me to Ms. Heaton* Job well done yet again!!! 

*ARC provided by author