BLB Ebook Tours - Review of Torn Asunder by Kiki Howell

Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland. Edmund goes after her only to be hit by Aubrey's confusion and anger when she magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation. However, it is when Edmund's lust mysteriously turns him back into a man that the couple are forced to deal with a family secret and untold of powers. Now, Edmund must learn to shift himself into the beast in order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic. Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.



My Review:

I was so excited to read this novel.  I was first introduced to Kiki's writing with The Sorcerer's Song,  which I absolutely loved,  and she brought the same brilliance to her first full length novel in Torn Asunder.

Aubrey Griffen was sent to live with her cousins,  Lord and Lady Sanderly,  to learn her magic.  When she meets Edmund Bryant,  the Marquess of Dalysbury,  a love blooms beyond anyone's belief.  Edmund's mother has other intentions for him though,  arranging for him to marry The Lady Elizabeth Ward,  daughter of the Duke.

Edmund continually defies his mother's wishes and sneaks off to secretly be with his true love.  It is when his mother threatens Aubrey,  forcing her to leave London to give Edmund the chance to marry who is best suited for his social status,  that Edmund realizes he cannot live without her.  Giving her money and the threat to expose her family for what they are,  witches,  Aubrey agrees and flees to the island Triaill Brimuir,  a place her ancestors once inhabited.

Edmund leaves in search for his love,  finding his way to the island.  Out of fear for her family,  Aubrey uses her magic to transform Edmund into a beast,  willing him to return to his homeland with no success.  To both of their surprise,  Edmund carries a secret of his own.  Fearful and angry,  Aubrey tries to ignore the love that her and Edmund share,  feeling that Edmund purposefully kept this information from her.  Only after much plea and convincing,  does she return to London to face Edmund's mother.

Learning of his true Father,  the plot only thickens as Edmund fights to save his true love from the man he never knew,  and figure out who he truly is.  Will white magic and true love be enough to conquer the dark forces that so blatantly try to tear them apart?

I was so blown away at Howell's imagination.  I was drawn into this novel from the first chapter,  and as I neared the end the action picked up so much,   forcing me to read it until I knew what the outcome would be. I greatly enjoyed this read and would recommend this to anyone that loves a good romance with a fantasy twist.  If it weren't for the steamy sex scenes,  I would even recommend this to a younger audience.  It's that great that anyone would enjoy it,  but because of the sex,  it must be for 18 and above.

  If you would like to learn more about Kiki Howell and her other books,  please visit her online at http://www.kikihowell.com 

    












Until next time,

Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BLB Ebook Tours - Giveaway & Interview with Sarah Ballance

Today I'm

Author Sarah Ballance

Welcome to the Round Table Sarah.  May I offer you a beverage before we begin?

Sarah:  Mmmm … Tantalizing Tea!  And make it a double. ;c)

Here's your tea with a little extra shot of something special :).

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today.  It's so nice to have you at the Round Table.

BK:  Please tell us a bit about yourself....

Sarah:  I'm a stay-at-home mom of six kids, ages 12 years down to 11 months.  We homeschool, so needless to say I stay busy.  I never wanted to write fiction at all, but once I realized it offered a unique escape from the day-to-day grind, I was hooked!

BK:  Wow.  Six kids,  I guess that would keep you busy.  Especially homeschooling.  God love ya.

BK:  What inspired you to pen this novel?

Sarah:  My husband and I went for a walk on the beach one night after dark.  It was just the two of us.  There was a storm off shore so the beach was deserted.  The waves were huge and tons of foam flew around the beach.  I was so freaked out!  I just knew someone could walk up behind us and we'd never hear them on the sand, especially not over the sound of the water.  That creeped-out feeling carried the mood of RUN TO YOU, and as for the plot itself, I dreamed it over the next couple of days.  It was quite a week!

BK:  What draws you to write in this genre?

Sarah:  I love the added tension in the story that comes from danger – it really amps up the sexual tension when the stakes are high.  And, to be honest, I just love toying with my characters a little. ;c)

BK:  How do you keep your writing different from all the other novels in this genre?

Sarah:  My novels have a bit of humor tossed in.  My characters take good-natured verbal jabs at one another—it's fair to say they've inherited some of my tendency for finding humor in the oddest places.

BK:  Who is your favorite character and why?

Sarah:  Gage, from my WIP UNFORGIVEN, is my favorite.  I think that's my trend – to love the new character in my life – but he wins the prize because he's a one-woman man and he experiences some angst over that.  It makes for some pretty amusing thoughts and conversation.  Besides, who doesn't love a man who admits his woman is his weakness?  *swoon*

BK:  Which character would you most invite to dinner?

Sarah:  Wyatt, from RUN TO YOU.  He's a laid back guy who loves to hang out on the beach.  He and my hubby would have a lot to talk about. ;c)

BK:  What is your favorite part about writing?

Sarah:  Being able to go anywhere and do anything. No matter what's going on in my (most often chaotic) life, I can lose myself in the pages and really experience the world I've created for my characters. It's like an instant vacation!

BK:  Did you find any particular challenges during the writing of this novel?

Sarah:  Only one:  I was pregnant and sick almost the entire time.  It's really, really hard to feel creative or excited about a story when you are literally throwing up several times a day.  Looking back, I want to kick myself.  Months in bed and all I managed to spit out was a 55k manuscript?  At first I think *slacker!* but then I remember I also created a human life, so maybe I did okay.

BK:  Yes that would put a damper on things.  Thank God, especially for us,  you got through it :).

BK:  Did you learn anything about yourself as a result of writing this novel?

Sarah:  I learned I could pull off writing suspense.  Once I realized it was my dream to write suspense, I immediately worried I wouldn't be able to pull it off.  Getting that first manuscript finished was amazing, and it gave me confidence to keep going in the genre.

BK:  Are you currently working on any projects?

Sarah:  Yes.  UNFORGIVEN is book one in a new suspense series.  At this point, no one knows the whole plot but me and I'm dying to dish with someone, but that would ruin the suspense.  Writing is a lonely world, indeed!  LOL.  When the story opens, my hero is pointing a gun at his former girlfriend and he's got compelling evidence that she just killed his brother.  Believe it or not, things go downhill from there.

BK:  Any advice for new aspiring authors?

Sarah:  Find a crit partner who will tell it like it is.  Writing is not a sport for the faint-hearted—you'll either hear about your weaknesses from a crit partner, or you'll hear about them from readers, en masse.  Your call.  ;c)

BK:  Excellent advice and very true.

BK:  Where can readers find you?

Website: http://www.sarahballance.com/
Blog:  http://sarahballance.wordpress.com/
GoodReads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4103362.Sarah_Ballance
Facebook Friend:  http://www.facebook.com/author.sarah.ballance
Facebook Fan:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Ballance-author/125956520788499
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/SarahBallance

Thank you so much for being at the Round Table today.  It's been such a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you much success in the future.

Sarah:  Thank you so much for having me!  I see a lot of new faces, and it's great to get to know you all.

Sarah is kind enough to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a tee shirt with the cover of Run To You on it,  and that's one hot cover.  Simply leave a comment with your email addy so we have a way to get in touch with you.  

Extra Entries: (separate comment so it gets its own number)

Friend Sarah on Facebook
Fan Sarah on Facebook
Follow Sarah on Twitter
Fan/Friend Sarah on Goodreads
Follow Sarah's Blog Email Subscription or RSS
Visit Sarah's Website and Tell me one thing you loved
Follow This Blog - Old or New

Blurb:

Mattie James can't pinpoint exactly when she lost control of her life, but the moment she decided to take it back made the front page of the local paper. Desperate to dodge the fallout— and the tabloids—she jumps at the chance to spend an off-season week in a tiny resort community by the sea. Making the trip with her ex-lover is a complication she can live with; coming face to face with a dead woman is not.

The last thing Sheriff Wyatt Reed expected to find on the storm-ravaged beach was a beautiful blonde with a jealous sidekick, but one look at Mattie left him wanting more. Their first date takes an ominous turn when he gets the call that a woman was found murdered. With a killer on the loose and a troubling lack of suspects or motive, Wyatt has to put his feelings aside to focus on the case. But his vow not to become personally involved is shattered when he discovers Mattie's life is on the line, and this time the truth leaves her with a deadly choice . . . and nowhere to run.

Buy links:
EPUB, PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, & Microsoft Reader:  https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=214
Amazon Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003WKYEJI


Author Bio:

Sarah lives a charmed life as the mother of six incredible homeschooled children, all of whom are completely adorable when they're asleep. Her husband of many years (long, long years, he calls them) is the kind of guy who could teach those heroes from the books a thing or two about romance, not that he'd readily admit it. Completely supportive of her addiction for writing fiction, he's generously offered to help with any necessary research for "the good parts." She's never had to ask twice.

When Jack Gellar returns to Jefferson Heights after five long years and an unforgettable betrayal, is his appearance the last thing Molly Coleman needs in her tragedy-stricken life . . . or the first?

Molly just lost her entire family, and now her home and business are both on the line. An unexpected encounter with the one man who can put the pieces back together leaves her reeling, for he can just as easily destroy what little she has left. Jack has a lot to prove to win her back, but when a lapse in judgment turns into an ultimatum he can’t refuse, will his choice bring them together or tear them apart for good?


Until next time,

Thrilling Thursdays #5 & Twitter Hop - Come join me

Hello all my lovely Peeps.  I know I've been out of the loop a bit and not carrying out my promised weekly features,  but I've been busy as heck.  I've not lacked on giving you something to read though lol.  Did you check out the Blog Tour de Force Cage Matches last week?  Holy Crow!  They were a blast!  Plus I got to meet some awesome new authors and read their magnificent books!  YAY ME!

Anyways,  we've got a busy schedule coming up the next few months.  I will try to keep my weekly/daily features on target,  but when I have an author scheduled,  I don't like to take away from their post on that day,  so please bare with me :).  I will try to post the feature right before the author post,  like today.

So for those of you here for the first time,  welcome to Immortality and Beyond.  Thrilling Thursdays is a weekly feature I run for a book cover that caught my eye during the week.  I will share with you that book with a synopsis and a why I like the cover.  If you want to join me for this feature,  simply copy the picture above and then leave me a comment letting me know you're participating so I can hop on over to your blog and check out the book that caught your eye during the past week.

This week:

I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . . .




I just think I'm really attracted to red lol.  The crimson colors really draw me and check out that dagger/knife man.  I bet this chic is really kick ass!  Well of course she is,  she's an assassin.  I loved the synopsis of this book as well,  is definitely on my TBR.

Today's Hop:

Hosted by Society of Socialpreneurs

To join me in this hop simply link up your twitter name using the linky found at the link above.  A great way to gain Twitter followers and I have to say they like to talk back too.  I've made a few friends on this hop, it's fun and a great way to meet new people.

Don't forget to check out my interview with Kane and enter for a chance to win a copy of his thrilling new paranormal - Aleron.  You will find the link by clicking his book cover in the right side bar.

Thanks for stopping in today and until next time,

Author Interview & Giveaway - Aleron by Kane

Aleron arose from his slumber and she was gone. Aleron was alone—his heart empty for his maker had deserted him. The only reminder was an ancient book he can’t decipher and Minea’s ever faithful human servant, Eliza.

Minea watched him closely, she knew he would be the one, her new King—Aleron. She made him in secrecy and for decades she has nurtured him in the ways of the Vampire. He must be strong for she knew the time would come for her to leave him. Her beloved Aleron.

Vlad’s temper was growing. How dare Minea disappear for decades? He is the beginning, the father of them all, no Vampire dare to defy him. Those who have tried no longer bare the mark of immortality.

Pandora will not bow down to Minea—for she was made first. Minea will not garner the respect of queen, not from her nor from her personal coven. Pandora knows Minea is hiding something. She has seen for herself. Something Vlad has strictly forbidden.

Today please welcome Kane to Immortality and Beyond.  Kane is the author of Aleron and has taken time out to chat with me today,  and to offer you a chance to win a copy of Aleron in PDF. 

Welcome to the Round Table. May I offer you a beverage before we begin?

Absolutely. Dirty Martini (Filthy). Do you mind if a very special guest joins us tonight?

He needs no introduction. Simply call him Aleron and he’s not thirsty....for a beverage.

For you Kane.

For you Aleron...Our special select.....wine.  Welcome and enjoy.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's so nice to have you both at the Round Table.

BK: Please tell us a bit about yourself....

Kane: I would have to say I am an infant compared to the information unearthed by my new friend. I now understand that my years in corporate America, my degree in mathematics and psychology mean very little to life. I thought I was living; however I was wrong.

BK: What inspired you to pen this novel?

Kane: Getting to know my new friend and learning of his travels and experiences have left me awe struck. I live now to share this information with all who will listen. Besides, would you tell a vampire no?

BK:  I see your point.

BK: How do you keep your writing different from all the other novels in this genre?

Kane: Simple, I’m a good listener. People want to here fantastical stories that are believable. I also listened to the unspoken we they speak.

BK: Who is your favorite character and why?

Kane: My favorite character would have to be Aleron himself. He was taken from humanity and forced into darkness where he thrived and adapted to a life of death eternal. And though he is tormented by the longings of his heart, he continues to persevere.

BK: Which character would you most invite to dinner?

Kane: I must say Raya. She’s my kinda girl, so to speak.

BK: Any advice for new aspiring authors?

Kane: Never stop writing and look everywhere for inspiration.

BK: Where can readers find you? (Facebook, twitter, website, blog, etc.)

Kane: FaceBook: Aleron Kane, Twitter: Aleron11, www.aleron.co, Author’s Den

    BK:  What inspired your book to be a series? More tales to tell.

Kane: The life and struggles of immortal beings are monumental and need to be told.

    BK:  How difficult is it to write a series?

Kane: Simply takes more time and more character development.

    BK:  What is your favorite part about writing?

Kane: Writing allows me to withdraw from what is normal and typical of life’s rat race. I can tell fantastical tales from the perspective of a narrator with little twist and turns that I add.

    BK:  Do you have a favorite book in the series?

Kane:  Nope.

    BK:  Who is your favorite character? Which one would you most likely invite to dinner?

Kane:  I would invite Sinaa. Nuff said!

    BK:  Are you finding yourself running into any challenges while writing this series?

Kane:  Keeping it to only five books.

    BK:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Kane: The world of the undead has been an interest of mine for many years. Only now it is all I think about.

     BK:  How did you come up with the title for your series?

Kane: Strigoi embodies them. They are the undead, thus Strigoi.

BK. What do you like to read when you're not writing?

Kane: Greek Mythology

BK. Do you have a favorite author/book?

Kane: Anne Rice’s Memnock the Devil

BK. What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?

Kane: I only sleep between 10am-Noon

BK. What do you like to do for fun?

Kane: Wouldn’t you like to know. Lets just say carnal dancing.

BK. What is your favorite food and restaurant?

Kane: I enjoy a medium rare rib eye from Kevin Rathbun’s

      BK:  Do you have any special announcements or events you would like to share with readers today?

Kane: Stay plugged into aleron.co for updates on The Nephilim Project.

BK. Can you tell us about any projects you are currently working on?

Kane: I am writing the screen play for Aleron. I am also writing the Strigoi Series Book 2 along with another book entitled Nephilim.

BK. Where can readers find you?

Kane: They only have to look over their shoulder’s and I will be there.

Links: GOTO www.aleron.co/ for purchase info and reviews.

FUN FACTS

BK: Fantasy or Horror?

Kane: Both

BK: Day or Night?

Kane: Night

BK: Favorite Drink?

Kane: Dirty Martini (Extra Dirty)

BK: Favorite Movie?

Kane: Silence of the Lambs

BK: What is a must have to write?

Kane: Vivid imagination, determination and discipline. In addition to plenty of your favorite cocktail.

BK: If you could possess a supernatural power, what would it be and why?

Kane: Immortality. Infinite life.

BK: Favorite Book?

Kane: Memnock the Devil by Anne Rice.

BK: Favorite Author?

Kane: Anne Rice

BK: Favorite Song?

Kane: Slept So Long

BK: Favorite Saying?

Kane: “If love is, then blood is.”- Aleron

BK: Sometimes while reading a book we visualize a certain actor/actress playing the part. If your book were being made into a movie, which actor or actresses do you see playing the part(s)?

Kane: Mynea - Aishwara Rai; Pandora - Angelina Jolie; Eliza - Charlize Theron; Raya- Riyanna; Sinaa - Natalie Portman; Vlad - Christian Bale; Aleron - Himself

BK: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?

Kane: I sleep 2 hours a day. Only during the day.

BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever done?

Kane: If I tell I will go directly to jail. I won’t pass Go and I won’t collect $200!

BK: If someone could describe you in one word, what would it be?

Kane: Smartass!

Thank you so much for being at the Round Table today. It's been such a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you much success in the future.

Giveaways:

If you would like to win a copy of Aleron for your very own, simply leave a comment with your email and answer this question - Would you like to live on the dark side?

Extra Entry and must be left in separate comment so it gets its own number:

Visit Kane & Aleron's Website and tell me one thing you loved about it.
Friend Aleron Kane on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

It has been such a pleasure having you both at the Round Table today (not making eye contact with Aleron,  looking directly at Kane).  I cannot wait to read all about Aleron and I wish you both much success in the future.

Until next time,

You can view the full schedule for Aleron's Book Tour by Visiting the VBT Cafe' Blog.  There will also be more chances to win this awesome title.

Sign Up for Katie Salidas Immortalis Series Tour

We are now taking sign ups to host a tour for Katie Salidas with her Immortalis Series.  If you would be interested in reviewing any of her books during the month of June,  or participating in her Blitz Tour in July,  please sign up at The Virtual Book Tour Cafe'. 

During the month of June you will be able to participate in reviewing Carpe Noctem and/or Hunters & Prey with a giveaway.

During the month of July,  we will be holding a One Day Book Blitz Tour for Pandora's Box,  the newest release in the Immortalis Series,  where you can choose your feature - review, author interview, guest post, giveaway.

Sign up and refer another host,  have them mention your name,  and you will be entered into a drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Just for signing up,  all hosts will be entered into a drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

Grand Prize Drawing the day of the Blitz for all 3 books signed by Katie Salidas in paperback for one lucky commenter.

Sign up today at The Virtual Book Tour Cafe'.

For full details,  click the link above.

Thanks,

Hoppy Easter Winners!

Thank you to everyone that stopped in during the Easter Hop.  It was so much fun,  so many blogs and prizes to be won.  Hope you all had a fantastic Easter.  I was happy because my kids were happy :).  It was great!

So here are our winners from the hop...

#2 DarkAngel_1988 - Dares And Dreams

#20 Crystal C - Immortyl Kisses

#32 Linda2060 - Dares And Dreams

#22 Shannon Johnson - Immortyl Kisses

#12 Bakin_Goddess - Dares And Dreams

Please watch your emails and please, please send me a confirmation once you receive it :).

Until next time,

Guest Author Cara Marsi - Murder Mi Amore'

Cara Marsi is a former corporate drone and cubicle dweller who left the corporate world to write the stories that feed her romantic soul. She craves books with happy endings and loves to write about strong heroes and the feisty and equally strong heroines they love.

She credits her love of romance to the old Thirties and Forties romantic comedies she watched on late night TV growing up. In her teens, she discovered romance novels and decided she wanted to tell her own love stories. Cara is published in romantic suspense with The Wild Rose Press and has also published numerous short romance stories. Cara and her husband enjoy traveling and she loves to write about the places they've visited. They share their house with a fat black cat named Killer.

MURDER, MI AMORE'

ITALY

DANGER

SEX

AND A SWEET GIRL CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

What if someone you loved and planned to marry betrayed you? To heal, and get a little revenge, you sell the jewelry he gave you and treat yourself to a month in Italy. You’ll eat, sightsee, and maybe even have a fling with a sexy Italian guy. But what if jewel thieves, terrorists, and murder intrude on your Roman holiday? And what if you have your fling with a very sexy guy, but that guy isn’t quite what he seems?

This is the premise of my romantic suspense novella set in Italy, Murder, Mi Amore, from The Wild Rose Press. I love Italy. I’ve been there twice, once many years ago with my parents, and the second time in 2006 with my husband. I wanted to write a story set in that beautiful, amazing country. When The Wild Rose Press announced a new series of romantic suspense stories that could be set anywhere in the world, but had to involve a blue diamond, I had my Italy story.

I love tales about innocent, ordinary people caught in extraordinary, even dangerous, circumstances. And my heroine, Lexie Cortese, finds herself in a world of danger.

Here’s the blurb for Murder, Mi Amore':

            Lexie Cortese is in Rome to forget. The last thing she expects is to meet a sexy Interpol agent who suspects her of being part of a terrorist plot involving a stolen diamond. Suddenly thrust into a world of murders, muggings, and kidnappings, Lexie doesn’t know what to think—or who to believe.

            Dominic Brioni’s assignment is simple. Befriend the American and bring her to justice. Only Lexie seems the most unlikely terrorist Dominic has ever met. Sweet, determined, and direct, she faces life with courage and fire, a fire that sparks his protective instincts and a longing for something more—something he allowed himself to hope for only once before.

            But that woman betrayed him, and his boss isn’t about to let him forget it. With his career on the line and Lexie in danger, will Dominic learn to trust his heart before they both get killed?

We all know Italy is filled with art, history, great food, and stylish men and women. But every city and country has an underbelly. I used my imagination to interject this dark side onto the touristy Italy I visited. All four of my grandparents came from Italy, from the province of Abruzzo. So I have more than a passing interest in the country.

Writing Murder Mi Amore allowed me to relive our trip. I pictured the places we’d seen, then imagined putting Lexie into danger in those very places.

As I wrote about Lexie and Dominic meeting for the first time at Trevi Fountain, I could hear the chattering of the crowds and the snap of cameras and feel the sun’s heat. I could almost taste the wine Lexie orders. But underneath this holiday atmosphere is the constant threat of crime. Rome teems with pickpockets. During our trip, when my husband set his digital camera on our table near Trevi, our waiter told him to put the camera away as thieves like to run by and snatch valuables off the tables. I used this idea when Lexie’s new designer handbag is stolen - the handbag that starts her spiral of murder and mayhem.

Every location in Murder, Mi Amore is authentic. When Lexie is dragged through dark and narrow streets by her would-be kidnapper, I pictured the little alleyways dotting Rome. Like mosquitoes, motor scooters swarm through the city, sometimes even on sidewalks. Dominic is almost run over by a scooter when he and Lexie are attacked by a mugger (or so they think he’s a mugger). No one is my story is exactly what he seems.

I even have a chapter set in my grandparents’ hometown of Ripa Teatina. On our trip we traveled the same mountainous road between Rome and Abruzzo that Lexie and Dominic traverse. Only we weren’t chased by someone trying to kill us.

Lexie’s decisions - to travel to Italy alone, to buy a way-too-expensive handbag - have consequences. Determined to change her ways from a woman who does what others expect to a woman who does what she wants, Lexie is thrust into a dark world she could only imagine. Instead of letting fear rule her, she faces the danger with courage. When the police don’t believe her, she refuses to back down. I loved seeing Lexie grow as the story progressed.

Having raised his younger sister, Dominic is protective of women. Although his job for Interpol is to bring Lexie to justice for her alleged involvement with terrorists, she appeals to his protective instincts. Lexie isn’t afraid to fight her own battles, but Dominic is by her side, fighting with her. She knows he’s hiding something, but finally decides to trust him. On the morning they trust each other enough to make love, Dominic learns some disturbing news about Lexie that makes him question everything he feels for her.

I loved writing Murder, Mi Amore. I liked writing the villains too, and they are some very bad guys. Think of all the Mafia movies you’ve seen. I loved putting Lexie and Dominic in danger, in Italy and again in Las Vegas.

Dominic is a warrior, but so is Lexie. Together they’re formidable. I hope my readers think so too.

BK, thank you for having me as your guest today. If any of your readers have questions, I’ll be glad to answer them.

You can visit me at www.caramarsi.com

Buy links: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Amore-Jewels-Night-ebook/dp/B004GEAZWY

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/murder-mi-amore-p-4345.html

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolynmatkowsky

Twitter: http://twitter.com/caramarsi

Watch the video for “Murder, Mi Amore:”

Thank you so much for stopping in today Cara.  It's been a pleasure having you.  I wish you much success in the future.

Until next time,

Winners for our Book Giveaways

#7 Wanda Flanagan

#1 Debbi - twoofakind

#9 Marissa - kallosmango

#4 Robin K

Harvey Brings Bessie to Cage Match 5 - Blog Tour de Force

 

Welcome to Cage Match #5 - Ann Charles VS Gary Ponzo!  Looks like old Harvey has joined us with his sweetheart Bessie!  

BK:  Harvey,  now Bessie can't be here during a cage match!

Harvey:  Well I promised to protect Violet and that's what I'm gonna do!

BK:  Harvey,  Violet isn't in the cage match,  Ann is.

Harvey:  Well Doc told me that Violet was going to be in a fight today.  I grabbed ol' Bessie and rushed right over.  I'm true to my word,  and this won't even cost her a dinner date!

BK:  (Shaking head)  Oh Harvey.  Please take a seat and enjoy the show.

Harvey:  (Looking between me and Gary Ponzo) So Violet will be okay?  (Slowly lowers Bessie)  Ann?  That's the one that created us right?

BK:  That's right Harvey.  You can relax.

Harvey:  Alright then,  but no hanky panky Ponzo boy!  I got my eye on you!

That was Harvey,  one of the characters in Nearly Departed in Deadwood.  He's a little set in his ways lol.  Today we have the lovely Ann Charles VS Gary Ponzo with A Touch of Deceit.  Again,  you can gain an entry to win a brand new Kindle by visiting Blog Tour de Force and signing up for their newsletter (5 Entries)  and also by visiting each authors blog and leaving them a comment,  where you can also win a copy of their book and be entered for some awesome gift baskets. 

Who will you vote for?

A Touch of Deceit by Gary Ponzo

Winner of the Southwest Writers Novel Contest, Thriller category!

FBI agent Nick Bracco can't stop a Kurdish terrorist from firing missiles at random homes across the country. The police can't stand watch over every household, so Bracco recruits his cousin Tommy to help track down this terrorist. Tommy is in the Mafia. Oh yeah, it gets messy fast. As fast as you can turn the pages.

Nearly Departed in Deadwood by Ann Charles

The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass.--Violet Parker

Irony is having a big ol' fiesta and Violet Parker is the piñata.  Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet's daughter could be next.  Short on time and long on worry, she's desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.  But with her jerkoff co-worker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending creepy love poems, and a sexy-as-hell stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, Violet just might end up as one of Deadwood's dearly departed.







I asked Ann why she thinks she should win this cage match.  Here is what she had to say:

Because I’m older, and I’m wiser, and I look better in a red sash than Gary would ... not really. The red would look better with his tanned skin, whereas my Seattle paleness would make it look gaudy. He might have a few years on me, too, and since his kids are older than mine, he’s definitely wiser. HOWEVER, I’m hell bent for leather and I refuse to give up. Most importantly, I should win because I still have my own teeth, and that has to count for something after years of taking jabs from the big publishers. I’m pulling out the big guns for this one. Cross your fingers I don’t get a hernia lifting them (they’re very heavy).  For all of you who comment on my blog, I’ll be sending virtual ice cream cones. Close your eyes and pick your favorite flavor and how many scoops. Me? I’m ordering fudge with peanut butter ripples—four scoops. Yes. Four! Yum. Vote for Ann and Deadwood Violet!    

 My Review of Nearly Departed in Deadwood:

Fast paced,  from the very first sentence I was hooked on this book.  Charles is a phenomenal writer!

Violet Parker is a single mother of twins.  Wanting to start a new life and raise her children in a safe environment,  she decides to go back to her childhood days,  moving in with her Aunt Zoe,  in Deadwood.  Trying her hand at being a real estate agent,  she has one month to sell a home or she is fired and her rival's nephew gets her position.

This is where she meets Harvey.  She pulls into his driveway to talk to him about selling his farm and is greeted by Bessie,  a 12 guage shotgun.  Harvey demands she get off his property,  but Violet is on a mission.  To save her job and provide for her children.  Once Harvey realizes she's not a bank,  he invites her in.  Violet accepts his terms in order to get a contract signed,  this includes going to dinner with him once a week.

Back at the office,  she is constantly patronized by her co-worker Ray,  who wants Violet to fail so his nephew can move in.  When a hot looking man comes in and wants Violet to sell his mothers home,  Ray tries stealing the sale right out from under her.  Things are looking up though,  as Wolfgang only wants one person selling his property.

Violet lucks out again,  when the neighbor to her office wants her to help him find a home as well.  The problem,  she's finding herself attracted to both Doc Nyce,  the neighbor,  and Wolfgang.  Vowing never to date a client,  Violet can't help but to accept a dinner date with Wolfgang,  while feeling an immense attraction to Doc.

In the midst of it all,  there are little girls ending up missing from Deadwood and Violet fears for her daughters safety,  wondering if she made the right choice by bringing her children here.  Investigating into these abductions,  she finds much more than she bargained for,  and it hits a little close to home.

I loved every single character in this title!  Violet was independent and strong,  with a huge sense of motherhood and morals.  Harvey was just plain old hilarious,  Doc was very intriguing.  I loved the sexual tension that Charles portrayed and built along with a phenomenal plot.  It was all amazing and I cannot,  absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in this series.  Beautiful work Ann!

This has been such a fun week!  I hope you all got your entries in for some free books and your chance at that Kindle!  Today you can get either book by visiting the authors website,  just click on their names above.  Who will you vote for?  I'm dying to know what you think,  and what your thoughts are about this entire Cage Match Edition.  Dying here lol.  Comment me haha.

Thank you Ann Charles for allowing me to review your work and offering up a guest post.  You ROCK!