Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance Showcase

 

Forward Pass, Waiting for a Girl Like You, Making a Comeback & Out of Character

 

 

Title: Forward Pass
Author: Desiree Holt
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle/Paperback

 

Get Ready to Play Rough

 

Shay Beckham grew up idolizing her brother’s best friend, star quarterback Joe Reilly. There was no one in their Texas town who had the moves to match Joe on or off the field. Years later, he’s still a player who has what it takes to drive any hot-blooded woman wild. But Shay isn’t a kid with a bad case of hero-worship anymore. She’s grown-up and independent, with her feet on the ground and a serious head on her shoulders. If she could just say the same for Joe.

 

It’s been fifteen years, but Joe Reilly hasn’t forgotten the skinny little kid who used to follow him around like a shadow. What he can’t get over is that the skinny shadow has grown into one hell of an incredible woman. One any man in his right mind would kill to get his hands on. And one who seems to be completely immune to him. He knows he and Shay could have something special together. If he could only convince her he’s about more than just the game.

 

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

 

Forward Press is available for pre-order at  Amazon, B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

 

 About the Author

 Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”

 

For More Information
Visit Desiree’s website.
Connect with Desiree on Facebook  and Twitter.

 

 

Title: Waiting for a Girl Like You
Author: Christa Maurice
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle/Paperback

 

They could make beautiful music together…

 

Hoping to dodge a scandal that could destroy her personal life and her career, Alex fled grad school for a summer job in tiny Potterville, West Virginia. She didn’t expect the town cupids to orchestrate a “chance” meeting with Marc—a sexy, brooding rock star who appreciates her love of poetry. But Alex doubts he’ll want anything more if he discovers the indiscretion she can’t forgive herself for…

 

Marc came to Potterville to get some space from his band and clear his head. But before he knows it, he’s intrigued with the waitress at the local diner. Alex is not only smart and beautiful, she’s inspiring his songwriting and taking it to the next level. Soon he’s falling for her—and then she runs away. For the first time, Marc is chasing after a woman—and giving both himself and Alex a chance to heal past hurts and take a chance on the future…

 

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Waiting for a Girl Like You is available for pre-order at  Amazon,  B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

 

About the Author

 

 

Christa Maurice is a serial obsessionist, but she has been obsessed with rock stars since early childhood when her older brother started randomly quizzing her on rock trivia. How many first graders know who the headliners were on the Black and Blue Tour? Christa did. (Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.) In college she harnessed that intellect to spend lecture classes writing about the adventures of Touchstone in the margins of her notebooks. Now, thanks to an iPad, she can do the same thing more effectively during staff meetings and everybody thinks she’s taking notes.

 

When not listening to music and/or writing, she enjoys traveling, reading and science fiction. She liked to play a personal game of six degrees with television and movies (Amanda Tapping was a regular on Supernatural, before that she starred on Stargate SG-1. Marina Sirtis did a guest appearance on Stargate, but before that she starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation. All so on Star Trek was Colm Meaney. The man who played at her wedding went to school with Colm Meaney.) Yes, she probably should get a life, but at the moment she is living on an oasis in the middle of the desert in a place that is so very like Tatooine that she frequently expects to see banthas and sandpeople coming up over the dunes.

 

For More Information

Visit Christa’s website.
Connect with Christa onFacebook 

 

 

Title: Making A Comeback
Author: Kristina Matthews
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle/Paperback

 

With a divorce in the works, Annabelle Jones heads out to Southern California, the land of sun and starting over. She wants to prove to herself and her young daughters that she still has what it takes to turn heads as a swimsuit model—that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her. Until an accident forces her to rely on the hunky, yet mysterious man next door…

 

Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now he’s a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ball…

 

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Making A Comeback is available for pre-order at  Amazon, B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

 

About the Author

Kristina Mathews doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn’t until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.

 

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she’s remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member, or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books. She proudly tells her students she writes romance novels that they can read when they’re older.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. As a veteran road tripper, amateur renovator, and sports fanatic, she hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors, and someday throw out the first pitch for the San Francisco Giants.

 

For More Information

Visit Krista Matthews’s website.
Connect with Krista on Facebook  and  Twitter.

 

 

 

Title: Out of Character
Author: Diana Miller
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Kindle/Paperback

 

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be hazardous…

 

Denver, Colorado, ER doctor Jillian Rodgers has never done an impulsive thing in her life. But all that changes when she meets the man of her dreams on a ski vacation. Within twenty-four hours, they’ve spent a passionate night together and Jillian is convinced she’s halfway in love. After all, she figures the worst that can happen is she’ll go home with a broken heart…

 

But the man pretending to be an ordinary guy is far from it. In fact, he shouldn’t get anywhere near Jillian. Yet there’s something about her he can’t resist—and she’s perfect for his cover. Besides, he’s sure he isn’t endangering her. Unfortunately, they’re both wrong.

 

When someone uses their chairlift for target practice, Jillian ends up wounded—and her dream man promptly disappears. Within days, her car explodes. Just when things can’t get any worse, she’s kidnapped at gunpoint. Soon Jillian’s running for her life, and the only man who can save her is the one who deserted her. Or is he just trying to protect her? And can she survive long enough to find out?

 

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Out of Character is available for pre-order at  Amazon,  B&N,  Kobo and Google Play

 

About the Author

When she was eight, Diana decided she wanted to be Nancy Drew. But no matter how many garbage cans she dug through, conversations she “accidentally” overheard, and attics she searched, she never found a single mysterious letter, hidden staircase, or anything else even remotely mysterious or suspenseful. She worked as a lawyer, a soda jerk,a stay-at-home mom, a hospital admitting clerk, and a conference host for events ranging from Lutheran music to the International BB Gun competition. She spent long hours volunteering in a nineteenth century mansion allegedly full of secrets and a few ghosts. Still no luck.

 

Diana ultimately decided the only way she was going to inject any mystery or suspense into her otherwise satisfying life was by writing about it. A five time nominee for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award, she’s thrilled to be releasing her Golden Heart winner Dangerous Affairs, a romantic suspense novel that shows not everyone in her home state is Minnesota Nice.

 

As a way to avoid avoid housework, Diana mastered gourmet cooking and once roasted an entire turkey for her daughter’s kindergarten class. She now works out while watching the Food Network as motivation. In addition to food, Diana loves music, history, old movies, and traveling with her Norwegian-born husband.

Diana lives in the Twin Cities with her family and a Wheaten terrier puppy. She’s still on the lookout for some real life mystery and suspense.

 

For More Information

Visit Diana’s website.

Connect with Diana on Facebook   and  Twitter 

 

 

Espionage, Romance and Heroines we root for

The LURE of the MOONFLOWER

A PINK CARNATION NOVEL

by Lauren Willig

 

Praise for the novels of Lauren Willig:

“There are few authors capable of matching Lauren Willig’s ability to merge historical accuracy, heart-pounding romance, and biting wit.”

—BookPage

 

“Willig’s sparkling series continues to elevate the Regency romance genre.”

—Kirkus Reviews

 

“A merry romp with never a dull moment! A fun read.”

—New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh

 

 

For over a decade New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig has charmed readers with her genre-bending Pink Carnation novels. Readers eagerly await each new installment to the incredibly popular series, anticipating a tale of history, high-stakes espionage, biting humor, romance, and the fiercely independent heroines they love to root for.

With THE LURE OF THE MOONFLOWER (NAL Trade Paperback Original; August 4, 2015; $16), Willig delivers the epic conclusion to the much beloved series. The Pink Carnation is faced with her most dangerous mission to date—and that’s not including the sexy, rebellious spy she’s forced to team up with…

 

Jack Reid, the agent known as the Moonflower, is awaiting his contact in Portugal. But he never expected to be paired with a woman—especially not the legendary Pink Carnation.

All of Portugal believes that the royal family departed for Brazil just before Napoleon occupied Lisbon. Only the English government knows that Queen Maria was spirited away by a group of loyalists determined to rally a resistance.

 

It’s up to Jane Wooliston, known as the Pink Carnation, to find the Queen and ensure her safety. But she has no knowledge of Portugal or the language. Though she is loath to admit it, she needs the Moonflower. And she knows better than to show weakness around the Moonflower—an agent with a reputation for brilliance, a tendency toward insubordination, and a history of going rogue.
 

A brilliantly designed novel filled with espionage, suspense, intrigue, and wit—Lauren Willig never fails to deliver heart-pounding, swoon-worthy stories. THE LURE OF THE MOONFLOWER gives fans of the series a conclusion to remember and is a must-read for this summer season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT

 

To set the scene….  It’s 1807 and Jane Wooliston, aka the Pink Carnation, is on the trail of the missing queen of Portugal, with orders to find her before Napoleon does.  But to do so, she needs the help of Jack Reid, the agent known as the Moonflower.  He speaks the language; he knows the terrain.  She doesn’t.  But Jane doesn’t like losing control, so she decides to even the odds by having them travel in a way which gives her the upper hand: disguised as French soldiers, she an officer, and Jack her servant.

She doesn’t count on her “servant” sharing her tent….

“Daydreaming, Lieutenant?” Jack Reid let the flap of the tent fall back down behind him as he walked in as though he owned it.

“What are you doing here?” Hastily, Jane yanked her jacket back around her shoulders. As befitted an officer, the shirt beneath was made of fine linen. Too fine.

Jack tossed his hat onto her cot, where it spattered rainwater on her blanket. “We made less than five miles today. At this rate we’ll make Porto by spring.”

“Don’t be absurd. I’m sure we’ll pick up speed tomorrow.” Jane snatched the hat off the bed and thrust it back at him. “Don’t you have somewhere else you need to be?”

“The mule is settled and Moreau’s servant is short a week’s pay. Dice,” Jack explained helpfully, as he plucked Jane’s cloak from its peg and began rolling it into a makeshift pallet.

“How nice for you,” said Jane, with heavy sarcasm. Heaven help her, she was beginning to sound like him. She set her hands on her hips. “What are you doing?”

“Insurance.” Jack removed a pair of pistols and placed them by the side of the pallet. “Not to mention that it’s drier inside than out.”

He plunked himself down on Jane’s cloak, smiling seraphically up at her.

Jane blinked down at him. She hadn’t thought about where he would sleep. She had assumed, if she had thought of it, that the officers’ servants would have their own accommodations.

The tent felt very small with Jack Reid in it.

Jane narrowed her eyes at him. “You can’t bunk with one of the other batmen?”

“And leave you unprotected?”

There, at least, she was on firm ground. Jane reached beneath her pillow. “I have my own pistols.”

“Try not to point them at me,” said Jack, and settled back, using his camp bag as a pillow. “Would you mind blowing out the lantern when you’re done prinking? I don’t like sleeping with a candle lit.”

Neither did Jane, but that was beside the point. “What about ‘go’ and ‘away’ don’t you understand . . . Rodrigo?”

Jack propped himself up on one elbow. The lamplight picked out the strands of copper in his dark hair, dancing along the lines of his muscles beneath the folds of his shirt.

“Are you going missish on me, princess?” There was a dangerous glitter in his amber eyes. “Because if you are, tell me now and we can abandon this whole bloody charade.”

The profanity, Jane had no doubt, was deliberate and designed to shock. “If this is an attempt to provoke me, I can assure you, it will be quite unavailing.”

“‘Quite unavailing’?” Jack collapsed back on his camp bag, rolling his eyes up at the roof of the tent. “Forget what I said about not pointing those things at me. Put me out of my misery and shoot me now.”

Jane resisted the urge to direct a short, sharp kick to the side of the Moonflower’s head. “No one asked you to join me.”

“Didn’t you?” retorted Jack mockingly. “I don’t remember being given much choice in the matter. Master.”

“In my tent,” Jane amended, glaring at him.

It was too cold to strip down entirely, but she’d intended at least to remove her boots before seeking her bed. Jane regarded the recumbent figure on the floor—on her cloak—with tight lips. Missish, he had called her.

If she could endure his presence in her tent, he could bear with her wet feet.

Jack rolled onto his side, looking up at her with an expression of feigned innocence. “Need help with that?”

“I can manage,” said Jane, with as much dignity as she could muster while hanging half upside down. These boots had been designed with a valet in mind. Either that or the leather had shrunk in the rain.

The first boot came off with a pop, nearly conking her erstwhile batman in the head.

Jack dodged out of the way. “Apparently not,” he said, and before Jane could stop him he had gripped the other boot by the heel. “Relax, princess. Consider this a basic instinct for self-preservation.”

“I thought you had rather a well-developed instinct for that,” said Jane tartly. Empires could rise and fall, but the Moonflower always seemed to land on his feet.

“If I did, would I be here with you?”

The boot came off easily in his hands, leaving Jane’s leg bare but for her silk stockings, rather the worse for wear. Jack Reid’s fingers ran along her calf, his thumb digging into the tight muscles, massaging them.

Jane froze.

So did Jack Reid. He snatched his hand away as though burned.

Jane drew her leg back, tucking it behind the other. She could feel the tingles all the way up her shin. “Thank you. For your help with the boot.”

Jack Reid rocked back on his heels. “This is only the beginning, you know.” He looked up at her, his eyes dark in the uncertain light. “I’m your manservant. I live in your tent. I see to your, ahem, needs. You’re going to be seeing a lot of me, princess.”

Jane pressed her eyes briefly shut. Of course. Another ploy, another stratagem. She ought to have known.

“We’re not going back to Lisbon,” said Jane flatly.

“Suit yourself.” Jack shrugged, burrowing down into Jane’s cloak and tipping his hat down over his nose. From beneath the brim, she heard him murmur, “It’s going to be a long march.”

 

 

 

Lauren Willig is the award winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Pink Carnation novels, set in the Napoleonic Era. Before becoming a full time writer she received a JD from Harvard Law. She resides in New York City.

More than just a little romance: Mistress of Purity

 

Mistress of Purity

by Faye Hall

 

More than just a little romance

a Guest blog from Faye Hall

 There’s been witch hunters; there’s been bribery.  Coming up are run down estate houses with hidden tunnels lying beneath; not to mention cattle stations and bush fires.

But what could all these things have in common when laced together in the pages of a book?

Romance.  Passion.  Lust. And love.

When romance readers walk into a book shop or the local library we get an almost giddy feeling in our bellies as we wonder about what wonders we might find waiting for us.  Ultimately we all love the romantic story of the hero and heroine falling in love and finding their happily ever after in each other’s arms.  Some of us thrive on it, and others dream of one day finding such a thing in their own reality.  But then there are others who, like myself, thrive on all the drama that is needed to unfold such heart fluttering tales.

Am I a cross genre author?

Not a chance. 

Romance is what has always ignited my heart and guided my hand as I have penned my tales set in the rustic history of Northern Australia.  But in amongst the romantic side of the country I was born in there was also a lot of struggles that both tore people apart and brought them together.

This was always the story I wanted to find and read…instead I ended up writing it.

Too many struggles for romance you say?

Look at your own life – has it been free of struggles and torment? 

I doubt it. 

But your books are fiction, you say, so why do you thrive on the need for a sense of reality? 

The answer is quite simple really.

There is a part of me that loves knowing I can create a person’s life, manipulate it almost to the point of destruction, always knowing my characters would survive and that love would conquer all and make everything better and worth it in the end.

After all, is this not why we as avid romance readers read romances of any genre – because we know that as we turn the pages and the end of the book nears, love will always find a way?

Yes I thrive on the drama and mystery and murder that also fills the pages of my books, but the reason I keep writing is for the romance, and for the passion that also fills every chapter.  And when the pages end, and I have penned my last word, I have been known to shed a tear or two at the gift of love that had been created.

To me this is the beauty of being an author of romance – to create a love that I wish everyone in this world will find.

Book Synopsis 

Prue had seen something the night her father was murdered – something that would forever change her life...

 

...She had seen something that would continue to haunt her and follow her wherever she went.

 

When she had married the Earl of Malloy, Prue had hoped to be able to hide under his name and at his out of town estate.

 

What she had not thought was to become his son’s MISTRESS OF PURITY.

 

Gareth had sworn never to return to his father’s estate, not to the life he had once thought to have there.He had hoped that the man he had grown in to was no longer hoping to find the love of a woman he knew could not possibly exist.

What Gareth had not wanted was to find his comfort in the arms of his father’s young wife...a woman he knew was hiding far more than just one secret from him.

Buy links

http://www.eredsage.com/store/FAYE_HALL.html

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DPIMSMW

EXCERPT

  “Prue, I’m Jack Malloy’s only known child and heir, there was no other who could inherit the Malloy estate.  I’m curious though to know why you told me all the earl’s possessions were left to me, Prue.  You were his wife, madam; you shared his bed even if it were for such a short time, what was it he left to you?”

Prue quickly darted her eyes down to where her fingers were again fidgeting with the rings on her fingers.

“Your father only asked that I be allowed to stay living here so I might remain safe from any who might wish me harm.”

Gareth was still .  “I still don’t understand, Prue.  Why should my father insist in his will that I take you under my charge at this estate instead of at my own?”

Prue slowly raised her eyes up.  “Your father’s will is several months old, Gareth.  He wished for me to stay living here because he knew of the dangers that would fall on the estate and all who lived here should I leave.  The earl just thought he was doing what was best for both the estate and me.”

Gareth quickly approached Prue, his annoyance obvious at her continued avoidance to answer his question.  Stopping in front of her, he gripped the top of her arms painfully with his palms.

“Damn it, Prue.  Will you just tell me what was written in my father’s will?  What exactly is it he has left to me?”

Taking on a confident stance, Prue made sure her stare didn’t falter from Gareth’s intimidating one.

“You’ve been left the Malloy estate house and all its surrounding properties with the agreeance the current servants remain in your employ. You have the small amount of money from your father’s accounts, and…”

“And what, Prue?” he asked impatiently, his hands shaking her softly when her words drifted off.

Prue let out a short shaky breath, her eyes never faltering from his.

“And you’ve been left me, Gareth.”

About the Author

Faye Hall's passion driven, mystery filled books are set in small townships of North Queensland, Australia during the late 1800's.

Each of her novels bring something symbolically Australian to her readers, from Aboriginal herbal remedies, to certain gemstones naturally only found in this part of the world.

Each of her books tell of a passionate connection between the hero and heroine, surrounded and threatened by deceit, scandal, theft and sometimes even murder.

These romances swerve from the traditional romances as Faye aims to give her readers so much more intrigue, whilst also revealing the hidden histories of rural townships of North Queensland.

Faye finds her inspiration from the histories of not only the township she grew up in, but the many surrounding it. She also bases most of her characters on people she has met in her life.


Faye was able to live her own passion driven romance, marrying the love of her life after a whirlwind romance in 2013. Together they are raising their 9 children in a remote country town in northern Queensland, Australia.

social media links

website http://www.faye-hall.com

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Bear Wanted

 

Bear Wanted

The Grizzly List

Book One

Julia Talbot

Genre: Gay, Bear Shifter, M/M PNR

Publisher: ARe Books​

Book Description:

He always wanted a bear to keep him warm at night…

Lane knows want he wants in a lover, but hasn’t been able to find the perfect bear of a man in his small Colorado hometown. So he turns to the Grizzly List, a regional personal ad service for bears and their lovers. He’s not sure what to expect when he meets Fin, but what he gets might be his perfect man.

Bear shifter Fin has been looking for someone with whom to spend his days, nights, and winter hibernation. He’s a happy guy, but needs someone who wants a big, burly, slightly dominant mate. When he meets Lane, Fin knows he’s found what he needs, but will he be able to convince Lane that they’re made for one another, in human form and bear?

Excerpt:

Bear wanted for cute bottom. Looking for 30-40yo bear, ddf, kind but firm. Seeking companionship/ relationship. Want to cook for you, cuddle, and explore physical possibilities. Hairy a must, uncut a plus. Send photos and response to inbox 4125.

Finley bit his lower lip, trying to decide if he should reply or not. 

He hadn’t had the world’s best luck with personal ads. This was his first try on the Grizzly List, which his friend Egan assured him would be way better than Craigslist. They specialized in getting bears together with men who loved them.

Oh, it wasn’t that Fin didn’t want to have sex, but every ad he’d answered so far was just from someone who wanted a quick hookup, and they all wanted him to wear a leather harness and spank them.

That was an awful lot of work. Fin liked the idea of cuddling, and of someone pampering him a little. God knew he loved to play the hot and heavy game, but that came later. He hoped the guy who placed this ad really liked to cook, and maybe knew how to make a honey cake.

Oh, honey.

Fin attached two pictures of himself from the neck down, with his swim trunks on, and added a tiny message. 

Love to cuddle, watch movies, hang out in the hot tub. Hairy, uncut, looking for long-term. Let’s meet. 

His cheeks heated just typing “uncut” but that was the truth, and what this cute guy seemed to want, so what the heck? Fin took a deep breath and hit send, because he’d left his phone number in there, too. Wow. Okay. 

Here went another try. He hoped it worked out better than the last few. If it didn’t, well, there was always hibernation.

About the Author: 

Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Torquere Press, Ellora's Cave, and Changeling Press. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe.

For more information on other books by Julia, please visit her official website: www.JuliaTalbot.com

http://juliatalbot.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/juliatalbotauthor

https://twitter.com/juliatalbot

http://www.goodreads.com/juliatalbot

  

Tour giveaway 

2 eBooks from ARe Books, reader’s choice

Link to entry form

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1089

a Rafflecopter giveaway