Cover Reveal: Silk and Scorn by Cassandra Dean

No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance# and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur #for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him. His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to. Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?

The Silk Series, Book 2 Early Victorian Sweet Romance
Coming 19 February 2014 Decadent Publishing

   

Excerpt:

15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall. He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established. At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth. Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome. Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.” Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.” “Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.” Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall. Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?” With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk. Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck. Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.” The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no. The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized. Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.  


  Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born. So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels. The love affair exists to this very day. Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

You can find Cassandra at: CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 

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NEW RELEASE: Stealing Cupid's Bow by Jewel Quinlan

Stealing Cupid's Bow 

by Jewel Quinlan 

Recently heartbroken, Raine Daniels arrives home in Las Vegas, Nevada, to help with her parents' fortieth anniversary party only to discover they are planning to separate as soon as the last guest walks out the door. Everything she thought she knew — her very foundation is rocked to the core. 

When she learns that Alexander, the sexy stranger she’d sat next to on the plane, is really the god of love, Cupid—she asks for his help, but he declines. The god of love, now long divorced from Psyche and living on earth among mortals, no longer believes in love. 

Raine decides to take matters into her own hands, even if a god tells her she’s wrong. With her life falling apart around her and the solution seemingly within her reach she dares to try and make everything better. Unfortunately, she’s unprepared for the consequences of stealing Cupid’s bow…

You can pick up a copy of Stealing Cupid's Bow for only $0.99 right now at Amazon or purchase a copy directly at Decadent Publishing . 

Author Bio: 

From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels.  She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and Penny.

For more information visit her website and blog or you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Excerpt: 

From the corner of her eye, the back of a blond head, paired with broad, strong shoulders, caught her attention.

She knew who it was instantly.

Alexander was walking up ahead of them in the same direction. Her entire being zeroed in on him at once and she felt her pulse spike.

Jane was saying something to her, but all of her attention was tied up with trying to see his face. He’d moved off to the side now, and it looked as though he was watching someone intently. Actually, a couple of someones—a man and a woman. On the surface it looked like he was strolling along casually, but she could not mistake the intensity of his gaze on them. It seemed almost…predatory. Was he following them?

Both her mom and her aunt walked so slowly it was almost an agony for her. She didn’t want to lose sight of him. But there was nothing she could do. If she tried to make them hurry, it would spark questions from all three. And the most likely result of her telling them why would be her mother flagging Alexander down in a loud voice, which would be embarrassing.

Jane continued to chatter away, but Raine still couldn’t focus on her cousin.

Up ahead she saw that the man and woman had stopped next to a fountain. The man was saying something. From the look they shared, it seemed to be one of those special moments. Alexander stopped, too. He was leaning casually against a pillar watching the couple.

The man Alexander watched sank down on one knee while retrieving something from his pants pocket.

Alexander changed his stance at the same time. Out of nowhere a bow appeared in his hands. He quickly notched an arrow from the right side of the quiver on his back. He drew and took aim, gazing along the shaft of the arrow.

From what she could see there was only one target apparent in that direction: the woman.

As he released the arrow, a scream rose from within her, but the sound caught in her throat. The gleaming shaft streaked across the space and sunk deep into the woman’s chest, emitting a shower of golden sparks on impact. A second arrow struck the man as well and another cloud of gold erupted. She stopped walking and, since their arms were linked together, Jane did, too.

“Did you see that?” Raine asked.

Jane glanced at her. “See what?”

She pointed in the direction and her cousin peered up ahead.

“What is it, Raine?”

Her cousin wasn’t reacting at all and neither had either of their mothers. And none of the people that had passed right by the scene of the crime were disturbed. She looked again at the couple, afraid of what she might see…and blinked.

There was no blood. No body lay on the floor. No arrow shaft stuck out from either of them. Quite the opposite. The woman was unharmed and glowing with happiness. She had accepted the ring and the man was now swinging her around in joy.

“Did you mean the couple getting engaged?” Jane asked. “Oh yes, it happens all the time here.”

Raine was stunned. Her eyes found their way back to Alexander.

January 2014 Reading List

I'd like to think I've opened 2014 with a bang. My slogan for the year is: The Year of the Writer. But with the amount of stories I'm consuming maybe I should call it 'The Year of the Reader/Writer'. Regardless, there's a lot of good books coming out from some of my favorite romance authors and some new ones. Though my goal is to read at least 1 nonfiction book and 2 non-romance books this year.

Here's what I've locked eyes with so far:

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz
Crazy, Stupid Sex by Maisey Yates
A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh
Bad Boy Billonaire's Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale
Wulfe Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Vampire Most Wanted by Lyndsay Sands
Live by Mary Ann Rivers
Nocturnes by Kendall Grey
The Greatest Lover Ever by Christina Brooke
Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein

Twelve for the month doesn't seem a bad way to start. I didn't bother tracking my reading numbers in 2013, but I'm interested in keeping count again.

Since the weather's been awful, what better way to pass the days by then with a delicious read, something fancy to drink and a space heater.

Guest Post +Release Day: Many Strange Women by Parker J. Cole

So the last few days have been dedicated to Contemporary Romance. Today we're switching gears to welcome Parker J. Cole and her inspirational romance Many Strange Women. Before we talk shop, Parker has a few words on her 'rise from the slushpile'. 

Take it away Parker !

I think the word 'slush' isn't the right word I want to use in this journey on the road to publishing. The word is 'remains'. The remains of a poor helpless animal bitten by numerous bears that nipped at my flesh and left my carcass lying there in a heap in the middle of the forest floor.

Yeah, ‘remains' is a good word. 

That is exactly how it felt on this road to publishing. There I was-a lithe, agile deer with my dreams of publishing my book a simple, seemingly attainable idea. All I would do is present my work to the first publisher and I would get recognized in an instant. With my trusty rabbit--er, um agent, who's a smooth talker and faster than I with negotiating the trail, we set off. The first publisher we came across bit gently into my hind leg. It hurt but she didn't draw blood and I still had my pride. We continued forward on the trail. Some publishers never responded. Others swatted at us like nuisance flies. Still others roared at me like I was a lunatic. Each rejection that came cut at me in some way. Pretty soon, I was a dragging myself along the trail, head down, self-confidence somewhere behind me on the forest floor.

Yet, through this journey, my agent never stopped believing in me. My family knew it would happen and told me to be patient. My mate pushed me back up with his antlers and told me quit tripping out. The mate's never been good at soft encouraging words. I remember one rejection was particularly cutting to the point where I looked down at myself and wondered, "What in the world was I thinking!" When it finally happened, when a publisher offered me a contract, I was not the whole, lithe agile deer I had started out. In fact, my body was riddled with holes from the bears that scratched at my pride and belief. In fact, by the time it happened, when my turn for yes finally came, I did not believe it.

I learned some important things on the journey:
--Each rejection that tore into me created a wound. But let me tell you, wounds heal.
--The writer's journey does not have to be a lonely one. Always bring your friends and family with you.
--Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Ain't that the truth?
--Do not give up. Ever.

Those are excellent pieces of advice for the journey. My favorite would be number three. Something I live by every day. Now for more about Many Strange Women:

Solomon Greene made a deal with God--If He'd send him an unattractive woman, he'd marry her on sight and do what was spiritually right by God. After all, he needed an ugly wife to help him escape from his past.

Celeste Martin made a deal with Solomon. She'd be his ugly wife. All she wanted in return was his name. She was in love with her sister's fiancé and he would be the only man she'd ever love.

Solomon had no idea that he'd find his wife fascinating. Celeste didn't know that one taste from her husband's lips would have her wanting more. Yet many strange women were between them. 

Could Solomon ever escape from his past? Could Celeste ever love her husband? 

Purchase a copy at: eLectiopublishing

Author Bio:
Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and their beloved dog, Sarah. Visit her website at www.parkerjcole.com.

Guest Post +Release Day: Truth or Dare by Elizabeth Morgan

I so excited to be hosting fellow Decadent Publishing Author Elizabeth Morgan. She's discussing how she got started in writing, and the rise from the ever dreaded slush pile. Not to mention find out about her latest release: Truth or Dare

Although, I have been writing on and off since childhood, it wasn’t until I was studying Musical Theatre in college that I really started to get into it on a serious note. We often got assignments that involved us writing scripts as a group. Having to do this for college, I started to play about with my own ideas and produce my own work.

After reading one of my plays a friend suggested to me that I try writing a book as I could add as much detail as I wanted in to it. (She mainly suggested this, because I had gone and wrote a huge amount of background for both the world and the characters, and naturally to some degree, it wouldn’t be needed for a play.)

A year – and tons of other stuff later – I decided I would give it ago and sat down and started planning a book. It took me nine months to complete, and then after letting a few friends read it I ripped it to shreds and began re-writing it again. (That book was Cranberry Blood. My Urban Fantasy which I am re-releasing this summer along with its prequel She-Wolf.)

I think I got about roughly 60 rejections for the first three stories I wrote before being offered my first contract. Sadly the company shut down, and I found myself back at square one, but what can I say? I was determined that someone would like my stories, and I was right, February 2011 I got a contract offer for my modern fairy-tale re-telling of Rapunzel, Razel Dazzle, which was published in May 2011. (Razel Dazzle has since be self-published and re-released, and is available to buy from most online retailers.)

Since then I’ve had seven books published – I’ve had the rights to the three mentioned above, along with two others reverted back to me, either by request, or due to one of my publishing companies shutting down. All books have been, or will be re-submitted or self-published – and today: book number eight has released.

Truth or Dare? Is a naughty little erotic romance story that I whipped up after being inspired by a scene from the Big Bang Theory. (The scene where Lenard and Penny are drinking tequila? Yeah, that’s the scene. ;-P)

Ooh, now I've never watched the Big Bang Theory, but if it's that inspirational then maybe I should give it a shot, after I read this book.

Do you dare tell the truth?

A tequila fuelled game of Truth or Dare is not Dani’s idea of fun, but when Cameron, the jerk who rejected her a year ago is the one provoking her into playing, how can she say no? Not that he’s giving her the option in the first place.

Bravado compels her forward, but when the dares get physical and their friends leave them alone, Cameron’s questions turn to her feelings for him, and unfortunately, lying is not part of the game.

Will a dare give Dani the courage she needs to tell Cameron the truth?

Get your copy at:
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Amazon
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Author Info:

Elizabeth started life wanting to be an actress because she loved entertaining people. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh and to help distract them from reality for a few hours.

She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with story ideas, so she began writing plays. Slowly, over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channelling every ounce of her imagination into the written word.

Now here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit in her little cottage in Cheshire, England, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.

Author Links:
Website 
Blog 
Twitter 
Goodreads 
Facebook

Cover Reveal: Complete Me by Cate Peace

Check out this amazing cover from my buddy and fellow 1Night Stand author Cate Peace. This cover was made by another Decadent author Mina Carter. Tell us what you think.

Out of the dating game for five years, best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston is convinced that writing out the romances she’s always wanted is a lot safer than trying in real life. Then she receives the news that she’s been signed up for a 1Night Stand date “to give her something to talk about in interviews.” Nothing worse than a romance author with no romance to pick apart.

Former rock star Ty Krause has let his past rule him for almost a decade. Unable to let the former love of his life go for good, he spends his days writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him cut the other strings holding him back.

When the two meet, their instant attraction and connection muddy the waters a little too much. Will past hurts hold them back from each other, or will they be able to move forward and live out their dreams together?

I can't wait to read this one and it should be out in the near future. :) 

UPCOMING RELEASE: R is For Rebel by Megan Mulry

Yes, those are caps in the header and damn right I'm excited. R is For Rebel releases on February 4th, 2014 -- 14 days from today.

Megan is my secret light of power. I was lucky enough to meet her at the RT Convention Giant Book Fair in May of 2013. She got up out of her chair and hugged me! ME! She. Hugged. Me. Then I was gifted the privileged of being a part of her inner circle for a couple of hours of amazing. She is one of the most approachable author's I've met and amazeballs.

I'd read her debut release and hailed it marvelous. The lovely tale, A Royal Pain, featured a heroine that cussed as much as I do. No, I don't cuss on the blog because I'm protecting my public image, but in the bosom of my close friends and family the fuck's fly. I'm painfully aware this may make me less palatable in some eyes, but I digress.

Back to MEGAN! Because this post is all about her and not me. Since the debut of A Royal Pain, and the ever delicious mix of American Sassy-Cussy-Pants Bronte and the smokin' hawt Max, I've been addicted. While, I haven't had the time to review her subsequent releases, I've gobbled them up. Each one another testament to her witty prose, cutting dialogue, and re-awakening the desire in me for a modern day fairy-tale.She's an author who gives you sensory details. Details that will make you SEE, FEEL, TASTE, SMELL, and, by damn or thong panties, WANT all the things.

That being said if there's one book you need to order (besides all of them) go out and pre-order R is for Rebel .

Required Blurb:

Abigail Heyworth is a rebel heiress, bucking the confines of her royal family every chance she gets. After breaking up with her long-term girlfriend, she is inexplicably drawn to the sophisticated American, Eliot Cranbrook. Despite all their differences - he's a self-made businessman; she's a royal hippy - they fall hard for each other. When the intensity of the relationship escalates and Abigail is forced to look at the nature of her rebellion, she has to decide if she has an entirely different kind of courage. 

This book is for: 
- Women who love Historical and Contemporary Romance. Megan brings you the best of both worlds.
- Anyone who's been a rebel. I was a goth girl in high school. Chained wallets, fishnet shirts, black eye liner, Doc Martens, and plenty of hardcore/metal rock meant to cause your eardrum to shrivel up and die. I want to know Abigail based on the Rebel principle alone.
- Those who love strong heroines who still need to face their fears and downright sexy, unbelievably pervy heroes (there's nothing better in my opinion).