Book Blast & Giveaway - Cooking up a Seduction - Jenna Bayley-Burke & @GoddessFish

Cooking up a Seduction

by Jenna Baylet-Burke

The Deets...

Love never tasted so sweet...

Sexy venture capitalist Cameron Price takes the helm of the Seattle branch of the firm to prove he has what it takes to lead the entire company. Unfortunately, his boss thinks what it takes for a workaholic like Cam is a wife!

To fend off the matrimonally inclined, Cameron has to think fast. Inspired by the dazzling green eyes of the gorgeous caterer, he proposes the kind of innovative arrangement he's known for. If Lauren Brody will spend a few weeks on his arm networking at events, she'll be able to raise the profile of Come For Dinner catering and book more clients than she ever dreamed.

But Lauren has a plan of her own and tempts Cameron to play along. She convinces Mr. Buttoned-Up-Tight they can have some serious fun on his piano, in his kitchen, and behind closed doors. But it's dangerous to keep a lid on something so hot. And a relationship was never on Cameron's agenda...

WARNING :: Indulge at your own risk! Cravings for exotic fruit, decadent delights, erotic fashion & steaming hot nights of pleasure have been reported.

Sneak Peek inside Cooking up a Seduction.

The door made no sound as Cameron pushed it open. Stepping onto the cold tile of his kitchen, he froze. His breath caught and he became agonizingly aware he wore nothing but his black cotton boxer briefs. Underwear that had no hope of hiding his reaction to the fiery woman with her back to him as she shimmied, cleaning something off the counter with a towel.

Really, he should clear his throat and let Lauren know he was there. Or run. Yes, running would be good. Straight upstairs where he could put on some clothes.

Before he could escape she turned, her eyes widening in surprise. Maybe the celebratory toasts had more of an effect than he realized, because his anxiety vanished and he started to laugh.

“I thought you’d gone home.” He crossed the kitchen and stood next to her at the counter. “Since you could never be in a relationship with me and all.”

“Cameron,” she turned to face him, but from the tremble in her lips he knew she suppressed a smile. “This isn’t a joke. Playing for one night is one thing, but a relationship is another.”

“Oh, I don’t think Anders was joking. He’s probably contracting someone to draw up our prenup right now, just to ensure every party I throw is as good as this one. You did a wonderful job.”

“I could never marry someone who thinks marriage requires an escape hatch.”

“What?” Cameron laughed again. She certainly had a fresh way of phrasing everything. With a smile, he started looking about the kitchen for some sign of sustenance.

“A prenuptial agreement. I’ll never sign one, or marry someone who’s not fully committed to making a marriage work.” She stood taller, pulling her creamy shoulders back.

“Before you get too indignant about it, I have to have one. It’s part of my employment agreement so divorces don’t affect the other partners.” He stepped closer, and then closer than he knew he should. She’d had her hands on him all evening. Had it been just for show, or could there be more to it? “But then that’s not really the issue here.”

“What are you doing?” Her bottom lip trembled in a completely different way.

“I’m not sure yet.”

Lauren’s breath caught in her throat as she stared into his darkening blue eyes. Oh no, he was going to kiss her. And heaven help her, in spite of everything, she wanted him to. Had since before he walked into the kitchen without a shirt on. Or pants for that matter. Not that she’d allowed herself a peek south of the border.

Available at

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble:  

The GiveAway

Jenna will be awarding $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter duringthe tour, use the rafflecopter form to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who is Jenna Bayley-Burke...?

College confused me. I went in determined to become an orthopedic surgeon, and  came out with a triple major – Psychology, Religious Studies, and English. Thank goodness organic chemistry mystified me, or my life might have turned out completely different. Or not. I always wanted to write, it just seemed like a far away goal – a someday not a today.

After managing department stores and executive recruiting, I got lucky and had my first of three children. After two years of fertility treatments, I wanted to be with him as much as I could and opted to stay home. I started writing then, and developing recipes for magazines like Cooking Light and Better Homes & Gardens.

After my second son was born I had a health crisis, and as I lay in the ER I worried about what my boys would make of the things I’d left behind. Stories started and never finished, notes on novels never written, not to mention the rolls of film I’d yet to develop and put in albums. Grateful for life and high on pain meds, I was making some brave decisions. Like writing a book in a month for National Novel Writers Month (NaNoWriMo).

That book (after much editing) became my first romance novel, JUST ONE SPARK, published by Mills & Boon in 2006. COOKING UP A STORM followed, as have a series of single-title romances from Samhain Publishing (HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX, PAR FOR THE COURSE, COMPROMISING POSITIONS, PRIDE & PASSION, PRIVATE SCANDAL, FOR KICKS, and DRIVE ME CRAZY).

COMPROMISING POSITIONS will always hold a special place in my heart, not because it sat atop the Amazon Bestseller list for two weeks, but because it was the story I was writing when I got sick, the half-finished book I worried my boys would find and wonder why I hadn’t completed it. Nothing compares to showing my kids that when you have a dream you chase it, catch it, hold on with both hands, and never let go.

Connect with Jenna

Website | Blog 

 Erin

Follow the Tour!!!

April 14: Queentutt's World of Escapism
April 14: Stories of Romance
April 15: Literary Lunes Magazine
April 15: Romance Novel Giveaways
April 16: Behind Closed Doors
April 17: For the Love of Bookends
April 18: All I Want and More 
April 21: It's Raining Books
April 22: Aly's Miscellany - Review
April 23: Wicked Readings By Tawania
April 24: Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears - Review
April 24: Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - Review
April 25: Susana's Morning Room
April 28: Sarah Says Read Romance - Review
April 29: Rachel Brimble Romance
April 30: Reviews By Molly
May 1: i love lady porn
May 2: Booker Like a Hooker
May 2: Zee Monodee - Author's Corner - Review
May 5: Books Are Love - Review
May 6: Musings and Ramblings
May 7: Booklover Sue
May 8: Room With Books
May 9: Beyond My Writing Space - Review

Book Review: The Hourglass by Sharon Struth

I'm not sure how many books feature main characters who are reaching middle age or features the obvious signs of aging but I do know I've never read anything like The Hourglass before. 

Last weeks Friday Feature is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The main characters Brenda and CJ meet and clash at a writer's conference,  and after being a stubborn assed jerk, CJ has to rely on Brenda to help with his next book. Both Brenda and CJ have demons. Things which haunt them from their past and prevent them from moving on with their lives.  But meeting one another means they have to face the ghosts that haunt them.

It's not so much their journey that makes this novel, because I didn't find it to be the fastest or the most gripping novel to read, however it is a page-turner and the chemistry between the two main characters is fun. They challenge one another, make each other face truths in the other. Things they've been running from for so long. They're engaging and with so many near misses I found myself waiting for the first kiss.

In the books ive read in the past, characters of a certain age dont seem to make a big deal of it. But Struth handles the gradual aging process beautifully.  The insecurities of the male and female characters from wrinkles to unexpected loss of a spouse and taking steps to move on,  and the biggest one of all guilt. 

I loved it all the way to the last word! 

Friday Feature, The Hourglass by Sharon Struth (@GoddessFish Blog Tour, Excerpt and GiveAway)

Today, I'd like to welcome both fiction and non-fiction author Sharon Struth to Beyond My Writing Space. Sharon Struth is the author of the multi-award finalist for her unpublished title Share the Moon. But today, my Friday Feature is the award winning The Hourglass, a novel which I am immensely enjoying right now! 

Sharon Struth is be awarding a $20.00 Amazon GiftCard to a randomly drawn commenter during her tour. So don't forget to leave your thoughts on this post.

The deets .... 

Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?

Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.

Sneek Peek inside the pages

She’d jabbed him a little, but wasn’t sure why, since this type of egging on was usually reserved for those closer to her. She rose from the sofa and followed him to the kitchen. Leaning against the doorjamb, she crossed her arms.

He reached into the refrigerator.

“CJ?”

He pulled out the bottles and glanced over. “I would have brought it to you.”

“I know. Listen, I’ve never done anything like this before. My role in this project is a little unclear to me.”

“We’ll figure this out.”

“What if we can’t? I tend to be direct. Maybe you’d rather find someone more accommodating. I sure don’t want to be added to your list of challenges.”

He moved toward her and stopped, just a little too close. Brenda couldn’t move, trapped by dark chestnut irises that silently commanded her attention. The room seemed to pulse around them. Brenda’s breath bottlenecked at her throat.

“You won’t.” His answer carried quiet confidence. The smooth baritone timbre of his voice grew soft. “Something tells me you’ll be on a list all your own. The way you are is fine. I’d like it if you’d stay.”

Brenda’s breath vanished. Who was this man? It certainly wasn’t the same CJ she had met at the conference. “All right,” she mumbled.

“Besides,” CJ continued, sporting a grin capable of making a nun reconsider her vows, “I climbed Mount Everest. I’m pretty sure I can handle you.”

He handed over a bottle of water. She wanted to twist off the cap and splash some on her face, just to be certain this new and improved version of CJ wasn’t a dream.

Giveaway

Here's you chance to enter the $20.00 Amazon GiftCard giveaway. Let the author know your thoughts, and follow the tour. The more comments you make the better your chances are.

The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-reviews-tour-hourglass-by.html?zx=8e5bdf7f6c14e213

Who is Sharon Struth? 

Novelist Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit http://www.sharonstruth.com.

Connect with Sharon

Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Blogs at"Life in the Middle Ages” | THE HOURGLASS Webpage and Trailer 

 Buy at Amazon  |  Buy at Barnes&Noble |  Buy at All RomanceEbooks  |  Buy at Kobo  

Coven Leader by @PattiLarsen (HCN#19)

Warrior Bride

I felt Liam reach for me, turned again, train of worry broken, beaming, full of joy. And for a long, seemingly endless moment, it was he and I and the magic singing between us.

Congratulations, Ameline's mental voice broke through my happiness and slapped my temper so hard my demon howled in fury. For saddling yourself with further baggage. She laughed coldly. Well done.

I cut her off, Liam's power thrumming with concern as I shook my head, wedding night mood ruined.

The bitch.

Syd’s made her choice, marrying Liam, much to the pleasure of the High Council and her family. But her honeymoon is cut short when Fate comes calling at last. Syd’s final confrontation with the Brotherhood leads her into more danger than she’s ever faced—and throws her headlong into a last battle even her power might not be enough to overcome…My Swearword!

Coven Leader Review

I confess I wasn't overly impressed by Syd's choice. My preference is the vampire clan leader, Sebastian. But until now he's been awaiting Syd to rescue him from the clutches of the Brotherhood's inference with his clan. But Coven Leader opens beautifully and yet again Patti Larsen had emotions clogging up my throat. But the newlyweds are soon interrupted as Syd rescues Sebastian and no sooner is she home she's called into action again, leading her friends into the Enforcer Stronghold. Only to have Meira call to her from the Demon Plane.... And this is only the beginning of Coven Leader.... Yikes!

I'm warning you, you won't want to put this one down once you pick it up and you won't notice the hours sliding away because Coven Leader is a heart stopping, action packed, roller coaster. Syd finally joins forces with
Ameline to face their destiny. But Syd's family, the coven and the extended "family" in the other magical races she's adopted throughout her journey, which have become equally important to her, are threatened with tragedy beyond the Brotherhood. Syd's family and destiny collide in such away that Coven Leader is a painstakingly bittersweet investment worth every second .... And every teardrop. (Kleenex at the ready!) 

Buy Coven Leader (Hayle Coven Novels: Book Nineteen) at Amazon 

Erin

Enforcer by @PattiLarsen (HCN#18)

Difficult Choices

Erica Plower’s eyes widened as she set her cup aside, glancing sideways at Mom. The former second of my coven, now my representative on Council, wasn’t exactly on my side. “The law is clear, Syd,” she said, blonde hair, once a cute bob, now grown out to rival my mother’s long, black locks. “And you’ve broken it. We’ve pushed our willingness to accept a little leeway, but with the approach of conclave…” She sat back as the others—minus Mom—murmured their agreement. “You must get married.”

So that’s what this was about. They’re worried about saving face? I sent the tight mental question to Mom.

Witches are always worried about appearances, she sent with a heavy dose of laughter in her voice.

Nice to see someone found my imminent doom amusing.

Conclave approaches, a full two months after Syd’s twenty-first birthday. With no husband decision in sight, she instead focuses on the gathering of witches come from the four corners of the globe to debate and create law. Her plan to scour all of witchdom for Brotherhood influence encourages Miriam to open the proceedings to every magical race. But, in doing so, she leaves the door gaping for the enemy to come knocking...

Enforcer Review

 This is probably the best Hayle Coven Novel so far!

 Enforcer sees the entire magical kingdom descend on Winding Springs for a conclave to secretly scout out the true effects of the Brotherhood thrall. As we know, diplomacy and politics are not Syd's strengths. She's overwhelmed with the goddess worship from others, boredom, and not to mention that small matter of the responsibilities, duties and expectations of her cover leader role. Syd's running out of time to choose between the men in her life who want to marry her and the one who loves her, doesn't want her to marry anyone else and yet won't marry her himself. It's a good thing the Brotherhood have a few tricks up their sleeves to keep Syd and her allies occupied. It's time for the rest of the magical kingdom to wake up and taste the bitter Brotherhood coffee Sydlynn Hayle style.

 Syd and her egos are totally on form, I giggled so much through Enforcer. Once again I've devoured the entire book in one sitting, lost time (because its early hours and I'm sure that much time couldn't have passed since I picked up my kindle). I love the way Larsen pulls surprises on you, as much as I thought I knew where the plot was heading the words 'I so did not see that coming' crossed my mind quite a few times. Even Syd's choice of husband surprised me. There's so many great things I could tell you about Enforcer, but I don't want to spoil it. It's another magical must read for everyone. 

The preview first chapter of HCN 19: Coven Leader is a mixture of heart warming and heart breaking, its torture. I still feel a little emotional. I can't wait to get my hands on it. :)

Buy Enforcer (Hayle Coven Novels: Book Eighteen) at Amazon.

   

Erin

#FridayFeature - Dark Promise by Patti Larsen (HNC #13)

Friday's are about the end of the working week. They're about clocking off at the end of the day and knowing its the weekend. So each week I aim to bring a #FridayFeature that showcases a book or an author you can to enjoy at the weekend (or at any other time).

This weeks feature comes in the form of my all time favorite series Patti Larsen's The Hayle Coven Novels. I got my paws on Dark Promise less than 12 hours ago and here's why I recommend it for this weekend. 

Dark Promise - Hayle Coven Novels (Book #13)

Just before Christmas, tucked away in the back of Queen of Darkness (HCN#12) the sneak peek at Chapter One of Dark Promise revealed college student and all round supernatural super witch/demon/vampire/sidhe princess Sydlynn Hayle had been unwillingly ripped from the earthly plane, across the veil to the demonic plane and to her dying Grandmother's side, just in time to figure out the ruler of all Demonicon was murdered! 

My fan-girl brain went in speculation over drive! The power dynamics in Demonicon are so complex, Syd herself could possibly become the new ruler of the demon planes. If not then her dad, Harry, would become ruler and all hope of him telling Ahbi where to shover her second seat and going back to Miriam is lost. And if that is the case, there's the future stepmom and the half-siblings. .... These last six weeks have been the longest. Ever!

So I wasn't disappointed when Syd was accused of Ahbi's murder!  

Light and Shadow by @PattiLarsen (HCN#11)

 Come the Brotherhood. 

You must be careful. I turn toward the voice, see a shape floating next to me in the dark, glowing softly iridescent, all the colors of the rainbow and others for which I have no names.

Of what?

The sound and feel of the shape is feminine. She lifts her arm and points. I see them then, below and before me, two vast armies stretching out over an empty gray plane, facing each other. But they've not yet begun to fight. I recognize witches and vampires, Sidhe and demons, other creatures I've never laid eyes on, crowding one side. On the other side are humans, feeling empty and cold, though their power crackles around them like electric fire.

You must be ready. My companion's voice is very sad, makes tears rise in my eyes. The war is coming and you only have a little time left to prepare.

When Syd dreams of a terrible battle between sorcerers and all other magical races, she is tasked by a mysterious maji with protecting the Light and the Shadow, a pair of teenagers she rescues from the veil. Forced to track down the Chosen of the Light for assistance against this new threat, Syd teams with an unlikely foe turned ally in a stand against the rise of the sorcerer’s Brotherhood. 

Light and Shadow Review

Once again I'm lost to Wilding Springs until the small hours of the morning and left bereft when I'm finished. What am I supposed to do until the next installment? Syd and her family are so familiar now that it's like catching up with an old friend. :-)

Although, I do not have any friends with a life as quite as exciting as part sidhe, part demon, part vampire, and all over super witch Sydlynn Hayle. She's already been through the typical coming to age teenage angst stuff. She's pushed everyone away and rejected the world around her. But this time the fate of the all magical planes rest on her helping someone else through theirs. A brother and sister whose destinies are greater than Syd's. One to save the world from destruction. The other to destroy it. Did you just get chills?

Once again were treated to Syd against the rest of the world with her usual tenacity and style. But she's also realizing the limitations of those around her, like her mom, her dad, the lack of willingness to act in matters which do not affect them, and she's seeking ways of protecting the coven rather than her reckless old ways.

It was nice to see her outgrow her predetermined destiny with Quaid, let him go and be happy. And I have to admit I'm definitely on board with vampire clan Sebastian as a love interest. If this is where the developments within Light and Shadow are going. What with Meira's Kidnapping and Syd's retrieval of the vampire essence she now carries inside to save him from it in past Hayle Coven Novels, they've had a long dramatic history and unlike Quaid, yummy Sebastian isn't bored with the action in Syd's life.

Love Syd! LOVE The Hayle Coven Novels. Excited about the pending release of the Queen of Darkness. :-)


Erin

Posts You May Have Missed

First Plane - by Patti Larsen - Hayle Coven Novels #10

OH.

MY.

GOD.

Stop everything you are doing right now

GO READ THIS BOOK!

I know I only posted on book 9 of the HCN series, Divided Heart, last week but I was holding out until I'd finished my uni work and eventually caved in to read it. And even though I didn't love it, it was still an excellent read.

And after reading First Plane I've a million more questions and speculations about what is to come but this time I'm not sharing. I don't want to spoil First Plane for you.

We left a broken hearted Syd at the beginning of her first semester at college, with best friend Liam pinning for her to feel for him the way he feels for her. She has the vampire essence playing nice and the rest of the witch community running scared because she defeated a blood magic user. But she's got a new gang of witch friends and alls going good in her life. Even the relationship with her crazy busy high council leader mom is settling down.

Princess of the second plane?

Its Christmas and Syd has returned to Wilding Springs when her Dad crosses over from the demon plane and tells Syd and Meems he wants them to cross to the demon plane they have a whole family they dont know anything about, including their Grandmother who is the ruler of Demonicon and she would like to meet them.

Upon arriving in Demonicon Syd and Meems are assigned their ranks within the demonic world. They are now at risk of attack from other demons wanting their status and power. If they are to survive this world they most learn the ways of their demonic heritage and fast. 

Syd and Meems tag teaming and kicking demon ass is a book not to be missed! 

Divided Heart by Patti Larsen (HCN #9)

Oh my! We left Syd in Wilding Springs as the new co-coven leader of the Hayle Coven and about to embark on college. With no first chapter I had no idea what to expect from Divided Heart. 

So ... Here comes Harvard. Syd is looking forward to a life where being a witch is normal. People won't reject her and trouble won't follow her. But hey, c'mon this is our Sydlynn, perpetual trouble magnet wearing sore thumb. Almost immediately Alison's echo is stirring up trouble trying to get the Vampire virus that feeds her life force. Then a series of teacher lead embarrassments, a jealous stand off, arguments, witchy slap downs, the Dumonts twins, Vampire nests, jerky boyfriends, pouring out true feelings from best friends and Syd is having a really tough couple of days.

Syd's old school friends are here too. Maths genius simon and Mia's ex-Blood but they soon get involved with witches and Syd is concerned. And rightly so, they're normals. But this time no one has her back. Her mom is doing everything by the book. Quaid is being a jerk about everything and the only people Syd can rely on is Sass the Cat, Grams' advice and Liam. And then Syd is attacked by vampires also after the vampire essence. It breaks free of its prison and settles in Syd. Cool new power or poisonous virus?

Poor Syd is learning just how tough being an adult and a coven leader really is. 

I really love this series

Full Circle by Patti Larsen - Hayle Coven Novels #8

Patti Larsen always puts the first chapter in the back of the last book and when I read Miriam had been arrested by the crooked enforcers of the High Council I've been on the edge of my seat for WEEKS waiting for this book!  

So let me share with you my pre reading speculations: Syd's Mom is dead for sure!

The last 3 books have been about preparing Syd for taking over the coven, the challenges are getting harder, Syd's taking on more responsibilities, she's realizing her potential and her capabilities. Everyone in the coven is accepting her as the next natural leader.

There is NO WAY ON THIS PLANET is Syd leaving the paranormal witch centre of America known as Wilding Springs for the greener college pastures, especially not with The Wild sleeping in her back garden! 

Full Circle was definitely worth the wait ! ! !

Yet again Syd's quest for something normal, on this occasion a simple date, is hijacked by the magical world. This time it's her Mom who's in danger. All these end of the world events have finally caught up with the leader of the Hayle Coven and we all know the words 'witch trials' aren't a good thing. Syd has to take the place of coven leader and make friends with the other coven leaders in order to expose the corruption rotting deep within high council before her coven is no more and her family magic is consumed by an old enemy. Syd has to save her Mom's life.

After reading so many of Patti's novels, and speculating for so long, I honestly thought I knew which way this was going but ... OMG! The plot twists I didn't see coming got me at least three times! Once again I was kept guessing right until the end. Although all the usual characters make an appearance this one focuses on Syd and Grams, and their banter had me chuckling throughout the night. Love Grams! 

What I loved here was we saw what life would be like for Syd and Quaid. All powerful coven leader and the stay at home dad, Quaid really steps up and helps Syd out with Meem's and everything now their Dad's back in his own demon world. Loved Syd's Demonic Super-Dad crashing in, trying to save the day and scaring the crap out of all the witches. 

Love Syd's humor. She may be all grown up with responsibilities but she's still got a smart tongue and her commentary always makes me giggle. Her voice is like one of an old friend you don't talk to for ages but the second you pick up the book its like you spoke just yesterday.

There are 12 more in the Hayle Coven Novels but Full circle is this last in this quartet.So there are a few story lines that are closed up here, including Quaid's family, Syd's friends and Uncle Frank horrible torture at the hand of the Durmonts. There's also the return of some old faces. 

So am I wrong does Syd save Miriam? Or Am I right and does she give up college to become the new leader of the Hayle Coven? Well ... That would be spoiling it for you but I will tell you there are tears to be shed at the end so you may need tissues.

So sad that I have to wait months for the next one. 

Erin

Buy Full Circle at Amazon

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