~~Author Wednesdays-CJ Hollenbach!!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images 

Welcome to For Whom The Books Toll. Today is Author Wednesday and CJ Hollenbach is my guest today.

Not only is CJ a cover model, he's also an author. Check out his book, Confessions of a Romance Cover Model.

This is a book you'll want to read again and again.

 

 About the book:

More than just a pretty face, killer pecs and long blond locks, CJ Hollenbach has been a shiny fixture in the romance world for more than twenty years. You could hate him for being beautiful, but then you would miss out on his warmth, wit and hysterical accounts of his adventures.

In this memoir, filled with loads of color photos, CJ reprises some of his favorite tales previously published in blogs and magazines (including his column in Lady Jaided) and he has added some new ones that might surprise even those who thought they knew everything about him. Being a romance cover model is not all roses and pirate shirts, but CJ has navigated its treacherous waters with humor and grace—and lived to tell the tales.

 

 

 

 

Add confessions of a Romance Cover Model to your Goodreads list. 

 

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

Paperback

Barnes & Noble

 

Praise for Confessions of a Romance Cover Model:

"A salacious and sexy read!" Michael Heaton, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Newspaper feature writer

"Fabio, John Desalvo and CJ Hollenbach have lead the way for young men who dream of portraying heroes and posing for book covers. Finally, readers can go 'under the covers and between the sheets' of this unique profession by sharing CJ's recollections...
"Kathryn Falk, Founder of Romantic Times Magazine.

"CJ is a great model and a pleasure to work with. He is on the cover of on one of my favorite covers that I did, Her Master And Commander, by Karen Hawkins. The perfect hero!" Jon Paul, Legendary romance novel cover artist.

 

 

CJ Hollenbach has been in the modeling business for over thirty years. The former grocery store manager was dubbed "Sexiest Grocer In America" by the Progressive Grocer Magazine after he appeared in Playgirl magazine. He went on to be a contestant on The American Gladiators TV show. CJ was also a frequent guest on such talk shows as The Jerry Springer Show (From Nerd To Knock-Out), The Joan Rivers Show (Search For The Most Romantic Man In America) and The Gordon Elliot Show (Playgirl Centerfold Search). He has also been featured on Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show, MTV as well as countless other television shows.

The blond model was a contestant in the first ever "Mr. Romance Novel Cover Model Pageant" at a Romantic Times convention. That's where he was bitten by the romance industry bug after he was told he bore a striking resemblance to romance novel king Fabio. CJ has gone on to grace the covers of dozens of romance novels. He was also the first male model to appear on the cover of an Ellora's Cave Publishing novel.

CJ has been writing since high school, where he was a teen reporter for a local newspaper. Since then he has been writing about his colorful exploits in the industry for various magazines and media outlets. 


Find CJ Online:
Website 
Facebook
Facebook Fan Page 

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a look at my post on CJ Hollenbach. Check out his website to learn more about this fantastic man, like his facebook page or/and join his fan page!!

~~Author Wednesdays-Jewel Quinlan!!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images 

Hello and welcome to For Whom The Books Toll. Jewel Quinlan is here for Author Wednesdays! Thanks for being here today Jewel.

I love this Cougar List Jewel is sharing with us today. Who knew?!?

The Top Ten Legendary Cougars

Men have been doing it for centuries, yes centuries; dating or marrying women far younger than they are. Now that I am older I think, “If they have been able to do it all this time what’s the big taboo for us women to do it?” So, in the spirit of my newly released book Man Candy, I put together this list of the Top 10 Legendary Cougars (according to me and some popular websites) for you all to enjoy. I was certainly inspired. These women have already been doing it, paving the trail for the rest of us. So I say to those of you who are adventurous, go forth and explore! And to those of you who are mothers, keep your sons locked up. LOL

10. Halle Barry – Was married to model Gabriel Aubry who is 10 years younger. Currently married to French actor Olivier Martinez.

9. Joan Lunden – was the co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America. Married Jeff Konigsberg who is 10 years younger when she was close to fifty. Then they had two sets of twins via a surrogate. Go girl!

8. Raquel Welch – has been married 4 times. Her 4th husband, Richard Palmer, is 15 years younger than she is.

7. Demi Moore – was married to Ashton Cutcher who is 15 years younger than she is. It’s said that she (now 51) is currently dating 27-year-old Sean Friday, who is the drummer of the band Dead Sara.

6. Jennifer Lopez – dated Casper Smart for a couple years. He is 18 years her junior. I think J-Lo can do better than that.

5. Susan Sarandon – Used to be with Tim Robbins who is 12 years younger than she is. She is in her mid-60’s and currently with Jonathan Bricklin who is in his mid-30’s. They’ve been dating for three years.

4. Sharon Stone – recently seen making out with supermodel Martin Mica who is 30 years younger.

3. Madonna – Has a history of dating men significantly younger than she is. She was married to Guy Ritchie who was 10 years younger. Said to be now dating Brahim Zaibat, a French break dancer, who is more than half her junior. Such and inspiring woman. Always breaking the boundaries.

2. Ivana Trump – When she was 59 she married Rossano Rubicondi who is 23 years her junior.

1. Joan Collins – Was married 5 times. Number five is Percy Gibson who is 32 years younger than she is.


I nominate Joan MVP!

Title: Man Candy
Author: Jewel Quinlan
Series: The Cougar Journals Book One
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Goodreads

Blurb:
Commercial real estate agent, Ava Baldassari, is done with being a good girl. Recently having revamped her self-image, home and wardrobe she finds there is one thing left that needs updating; her sex life. She runs into her friend and running partner, Cole, one night when she is out with a friend. A bit drunk she flirts with him and is surprised by the enthusiastic response he gives back. Things reach a point where she has to make a decision whether or not to cross a line she never has before. Ava is forty and Cole is twenty-five, is she really ready to become a cougar?

Where you can buy Man Candy:

Amazon: Man Candy (The Cougar Journals Book 1)

Amazon Audible Edition: Man Candy: The Cougar Journals, Book 1

All Romance e-Books

Audible

Barnes & Noble

BookStrand

Evernight Publishing

 Enjoy this excerpt from Man Candy:

 “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while,” he whispered in my ear, still pressed against me as he unzipped my dress.

Me too, I wanted to say. But I didn’t. I was adrift in the onslaught of sensation as he slid the fabric from me, trailing kisses down my back as it went. Making me aware as I never had been of how sensitive the skin there could be. When he reached the small of my back, he lingered, kneading my skin with his tongue and teeth. His hands ran down my legs and then back up to my breasts, and I savored the feel of his fingers. My breaths came heavier. I had been needing this for too long.

He rose and turned me toward him, towering over me. His cap was gone and his dark hair was askew, as though he had run his fingers through it, giving him that sexy just-woke-up look. I slid my fingers from the waist of his jeans, underneath his shirt, to his muscled back. The ridges of strength there were too tempting beneath my fingertips. How did he find the time to work out that much? I had to see with my own eyes. Fisting the hem of his shirt in my hands, I pulled his t-shirt up to remove it. Why should I be the only one standing here naked? With a chuckle, he complied, lifting the shirt over his head and flinging it away in the casual manner of an underwear model on TV.

Sure, I had imagined what he looked like with his shirt off, but the reality was ten times better. He had a runner build, but that was filled out with muscle. The planes of his chest were topped by strong shoulders and arms, which seemed to blossom over the lean ridges of his abdominals, creating a definite contrast. I couldn’t help reaching out and touching him. I ran my hands over his skin, tracing my way upward to the light coating of black hair on his pectorals. He leaned his pelvis into me, forehead on mine, his erection pressing into me, making me shiver with anticipation.

We were on the brink of something oh-so-good, and I was dying to plunge ahead. Yet, I hesitated. Questions burned in my mind. I tried to hold them back, knowing serious talk would ruin the moment. That lasted about two seconds before I gave in.

“Um…” I said.

He lifted his head from mine and looked at me.

I cocked my head at him. “Did you just say you’ve been wanting to do this for a while?” Had he been scoping me out all this time?

He nodded. “Who wouldn’t? Look at you. You’re gorgeous.”

The smoldering look he gave me trumped anything I observed on the physical plane. The messages coming from him on a subliminal level promised pleasure that made me squirm with heat.

“You know it’s going to be good between us, Ava,” Cole said.

Restless by nature, Jewel Quinlan is an avid traveler and has visited 16 countries so far. Lover of ice cream, beer and red wine she tries to stay fit when she’s not typing madly on her computer concocting another tale. In her spare time she likes to do yoga, hike, learn German and play with her spoiled Chihuahua; Penny. It is Penny’s mission in life to keep Jewel from the keyboard. But, with the help of dog-chew-making-companies, Jewel has been able to distract her canine companion and continues to get thousands of words on the page for your enjoyment.

For more information about Jewel Quinlan:
Website 
Facebook 
Twitter  
Tumblr
Goodreads 
Amazon 
Instagram  Or join Jewel’s newsletter if you just want to get the most important updates and enter to win giveaways.



Thanks again so much Jewel for being here today and sharing all about Cougars and your book, Man Candy.

Don't forget to stop by and show Jewel some love, check out her website, like her on facebook, follow her on twitter and sign up for her newsletter and maybe grab a book or two!

 

~~Author Wednesdays-Lynn Rae!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images 

Guess what day it is??? Author Wednesdays of course!! Today my guest is Lynn Rae. Welcome Lynn, thank you for being here today.

What are you 10 favorite things about spring?

Plants arriving at the hardware store

Asparagus

The first time I can put the car window down without freezing

Hearing rain again

The return of birdsong

Crocus

Easter candy

Short sleeved shirts in stores

The scent of lilacs

Nature waking up

Title: The Secret Ingredient                                            
Author: Lynn Rae
Series: Love Around the Corner Book One
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books 
Publication Date: June 2, 2014
ISBN/ASIN: BOOKPM61PQ

Blurb:
Nate Garner is a happy-go-lucky short order cook looking for his big break. When he answers a casting call for a new reality cooking show, he needs a person behind the camera to help with his audition. Enter June Sinclair, a hyper-organized school secretary recruited by Nate's sister to produce his video. Nate and June get to know each other as they film him cooking, shopping, and mixing drinks at his mother's bar. Nate fights his growing attraction to June, because he knows she needs someone reliable to write into her well-worn planner, while June assumes he’s already involved with his best friend, Heather. What sort of future can they cook up together when Nate gets the call to go to Hollywood?

Buy Links:

Amazon:The Secret Ingredient (Love Around the Corner Book 1)

ARe

Liquid Silver Books


Excerpt:
Nate reached behind him for the doorknob. “I guess skinny-dipping really is out of the question.”

Warmth filled her, and June forced herself to stop looking at the material of his shirt and meet his eyes. “I don’t think you want pond water on those cuts. Who knows what sort of infections you might get. No swinging statues either.”

She heard a click.

“What was that?”

“I locked the door.”

“Why—” June stopped speaking, because Nate was easing her back toward the wall, arms on either side of her as he stared down at her, a slight line between his eye brows. The tile against her back was a cool contrast to the warmth from his close body.

“I still want to play a game with you.”

“Red light, green light?”

“No room in here for that one. I took all the empties to the recycling, so I don’t have a bottle to spin.” His voice had gone lower and softer, and the negative emotions roiling in her mind were dissolving into a gooey mass of uncertainty. Did he just imply he wanted to kiss her?

“I don’t know what game would work in a small bathroom.” As soon as she said it, she thought of airplane bathrooms and the mythical Mile High Club, and she knew she was blushing. They could certainly play that game in here. Nate was strong and coordinated enough to pull it off, and judging by all the blood rushing around in her body, she was up for it too.

“Truth or Dare would work.”

June’s breathing went shallow as she fought the urge to bite her lip and blink her eyelashes. She didn’t want to come across as unsophisticated or ready to back down. “Are you going first?”

A small grin worked across his lips as he studied her. He raised his hand and touched her neck. “Why aren’t you wearing one of your little animals?”

“Is that the question? Right. I was moving boxes, and I didn’t want to risk losing one. Getting it caught on something or falling off in transit. They’re old.” To her ears, she sounded breathless.

“Are you moving?”

“Isn’t it my turn?” June wanted to take some control of this situation. She was locked in a snug bathroom with a sexually attractive man who was sweet to her, and she’d already had her fingers in his hair. Anything could happen and the thought made her nervous. At least he’d stopped touching her neck, and she could concentrate. Sort of.

“Go ahead. I want you to dare me.”

“A dare, huh? Are you afraid I’ll ask a question you don’t want to answer?”

“No, I’m not afraid of any questions. My turn again.” He grinned with triumph at her squeak of consternation. She needed to pay better attention to sentence structure, or maybe she wasn’t remembering how to play this game correctly. The last time had been years ago, and her adversaries had been childhood peers on the playground.

“Truth or dare, Jonesy? Which is it going to be?”

“Truth.”

“Scaredy-cat.” Somehow his arms were on either side of her shoulders, and the rest of his body had gotten so close to hers she wouldn’t be able to move an inch without touching some part of him. If she took too deep a breath, her breasts would press against his chest. Which might not be a bad idea. “Do you want to kiss me?”

Stunned to silence, June gaped, her mind as blank as a freshly wiped whiteboard. All she could do was stare at his mouth.

“No answer. Then I get to dare you.” Nate narrowed his eyes. “Kiss me.”

“No fair,” June whispered, everything in her body tingling with a strange mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.

“Someone’s got to win; someone’s got to lose,” Nate whispered back as he slid his fingertips along her cheek. June wondered if he could hear her heart hammering loud enough to echo in this small space. “It’s not fair at all.”

Somehow she was leaning his way; something in his soft voice lured her and with a mental throwing-in of the towel, she relented. It was a game. It didn’t mean anything—


 

Author Bio:

Lynn Rae makes her home in land-locked central Ohio after time spent in the former Great Black Swamp, beside the Ohio River, and along the Miami and Erie Canal.  

With professional experience in fields ranging from contract archaeology to librarianship along with making donuts and teaching museum studies, Lynn enjoys incorporating her quirky sense of humor and real-life adventures into her writing (except the naughty bits).  She writes sci-fi, contemporary, and historical romances. Join her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lynnraewrites or check out her website at www.lynnraewrites.com.
 

Thanks again Lynn for stopping by today, I really enjoyed it.

Ok everyone make sure to check out Lynn's website and check out her books, buy a couple maybe and take a look at her facebook page.

Please stop back next Wednesday when Jewell Quinlan will be here!

~~Author Wednesdays--J.J. Lore!~~

Welcome everyone to Author Wednesdays at For Whom The Books Toll. My guest today is J. J. Lore!!  Thank you for being here today J. J.

J.J. what are some of your favorite things about Spring?

1. Lily of the Valley blooming

2. Everyone crowding the car wash to get the salt off their vehicles

3. Mulch

4. Longer and brighter days

5. Sunglasses

6. Painting my toenails once again

7. Cadbury Crème Eggs

8. The first time I hear a lawnmower start up

9. Shopping for sandals

10. Having the first picnic of the season even though the ground is still soggy and cold
 

Title: Ruled
Author: J. J. Lore
Series: Planet Alpha
Publication Date: 6 March 2015
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
ASIN: B00U8389HK

Blurb:
While on a clandestine visit to Earth, Prince Edem of Alpha and his bondmate Mallet by chance meet a humble cook who intrigues them. The impulsive prince feels a brief fling with an exotic human female sounds like the perfect way to conclude their travels, while his more pragmatic bondmate urges caution.

Despite all the reasons to avoid her, the Alphans seek her out, intrigued by her prickly pride and defiant disposition. For her part, Corrine is intimidated by these imposing and mysterious alien men, but finds herself overwhelmed by their determined courtship.

Edem and Mallet convince themselves their deepening feelings for Corrine do not have to include bonding, since such a commitment is forbidden by the King and subjects of Alpha, determined to keep the bloodline pure. But when danger threatens, the three are forced to choose between having the galaxy at their feet or losing each other forever.

Buy Links:
Amazon Ruled (Planet Alpha)
ARe
Book Strand
Evernight Publishing


Excerpt:
They made her shake. She’d thought it was first with anger, then fear, but as Mal eased his mouth against hers while Edem circled his fingers down her back, she knew she was shaking with lust. How had she gotten here? She’d been so insulted by the gift she’d rushed to them thoughtlessly and had somehow admitted to them she was frightened of sex, but now was barely able to keep on her feet for the heat blooming in her pussy.

Someone’s hands were pulling at the hem of her shirt, and she drew away from Mal to glance down and discover Edem had insinuated his fingertips underneath the material and was now rubbing along her bare waist. Her skin tingled. Mal reached for her buttons and had the front of her shirt open before she realized what was happening. When the cool air reached her nearly exposed breasts, she automatically reached to bring the edges back together, her breath rushing in and out with a mix of desire and caution.

“Let us see and touch. Just here,” Edem said softly as he caressed her lower back. Mal stared at her, his eyes darkening as he gave a slight nod. It was stupid to even consider it, but she seemed to be doing lots of stupid things lately. This could be the test. She could say no and hope they would stop. Would they let her control this? She didn’t want to say no yet, though. She sucked in a breath and urged her stiff fingers to cooperate as she released her grip on the shirt. She was wearing a bra, so she could say no when then tried to remove that final layer and expose her.

Edem let out a sigh and tugged at her sleeves, her blouse falling from her shoulders. She couldn’t stop her shiver as the cool air trickled across her back and stomach. Mal tightened his grip on her waist, and with a start she realized he had a sizeable erection and it was pressed into her belly. Normally, she’d shy away, but somehow knowing how aroused he was pleased her rather than made her anxious.

Mal trailed his fingers along her collarbones. “You’re lovely.”

“So delicate,” Edem chimed in, and she glanced at him, wondering what he thought of her faded, repaired bra. He was a powerful man on his planet and was probably used to women who were perfumed, groomed, and attired in beautiful chiffons and laces. She failed on all counts.

Sliding his hand along her side, Edem cupped one of her breasts, pushing her flesh slightly up. Her nipple contracted in a painful nub, and she inhaled deeply. He ran his thumb over the sensitized bit of flesh, and the material of her bra bit into her.

Mal dipped his head her way, long strands of his dark hair trailing along her bare shoulders. He pressed a kiss to the top swell of the breast Edem was holding, and she shook at the sensation of both of them caressing her in synchronicity. She clenched her hands in confusion. She wanted to touch them but wasn’t sure how. She’d always been confused and tense with the few men she’d been with, which had undoubtedly contributed to her discomfort with the act.

Soft lips nibbled at her neck, and she leaned away from him, not to avoid the touch as she should, but to allow him more room. The ticklish sensations crept over her nerves, and she compulsively reached up to clutch at Edem’s head, her fingers sinking into his surprisingly silky hair. He bit her throat gently in response, and a surprised moan burst from her. Before she could think further, Mal had fastened his mouth over her nipple and pressed his teeth to the sensitized flesh. Her whole body jolted uncontrollably, and she cried out, unable to hold back the sound of surprise and excitement.

“It would be better without this,” Edem whispered in her ear as he ran his fingers under the shoulder strap of her bra. Mal rumbled against her breast, and she reached her other hand out to trace into his hair, careful to avoid those curving horns. “May I?”




 

Author Bio:

J. J. Lore needs three things; strong, black coffee, time to write, and…well…you can guess the third. When she isn’t inventing fantastical tales filled with passionate people, she’s shaking sriracha on whatever she’s eating or reading about the Justinian plague. 

For updates on her bestselling erotic romance releases, visit her at http://mllesnarratif.com/j-j-lore/ or follow on Twitter @JJLore1

 

Whew!!! *fanning self* I don't know about everyone else, but that sure was a warmer-upper of an excerpt!  

Make sure to visit J.J. site for more info on her books and maybe get a new book for yourself. After all it's a holiday, the day after St. Patrick's Day book day! *wink*

Thank you so much for being here today J.J.  

Please stop by next Wednesday when Lynn Rae will be here!.

~~Author Wednesdays-Cassandra Carr!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images 

Welcome to Author Wednesdays at For Whom The Books Toll. Cassandra Carr is my guest today so let's give her lots of blog love!!

Why did you decide to write something that wasn't romance, though your serial does have romantic aspects?

This is going to sound horrible, but I got tired of writing sex scenes. Through my publishing life many readers and reviewers have commented that I write good sex scenes, but I started to feel like I'd already done it. Plus, I love love love Burn Notice and Arrow, the two shows that are closest to the subject matter of the Underground serial. They inspired me. The parts are written much like TV episodes. Obviously not in screenplay fashion ARROW BITES HIS LIP HERE, but the dialogue and action is closer to TV writing. At least, I think so.

What do you like about writing action/adventure?

It's different. There's much more of a focus on the character's motivations. In my serial, the hero is an ex-hockey player. You knew I'd work hockey in somehow, right? ;-) Anyway, a terrible thing happens to him and he needs to disappear. He joins Underground, a black ops organization. But many of his actions and thoughts reflect what happened to him. He's driven to want to make the world a better place.

What can we expect from these stories?

A lot of action, obviously, and like I said above, they read more like TV episodes than books, I think. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll ask my beta readers. There will be romance, and there will be surprises. Since these aren't romances, per se, and it's a serial, you're not going to see the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset. What fun would that be? LOL
Would you write yourself as a character in one of your books?

No, I never have. I supposed it's possible some of my characters have a personality trait that I also have, but to me, they're characters. I make them up. In order for that to work for me, I can't use myself, or a friend, or whatever. It would limit me too much.
Do you think you'll venture out into other genres?
I'll never leave romance, for any of my fans who are panicking right now. Hopefully a few were. I wish I could write in some specific genres, but my voice doesn't lend itself well to them. For instance, I'd love to write historical, but my voice is "sparse and direct", as an editor once told me, and that doesn't tend to work in a historical setting. But never say never!

THE ELOQUENT JOCK

Originally released as part of the Campus Cravings bundle in 2014, now available as a stand-alone novella complete with BRAND-NEW 4,000+ word, 11-page short story. 

 Hockey jock and English Lit major Brendan knows he’s gay, but hasn’t come out to anyone, fearing a possible backlash. Then he’s tapped to be a TA for a hot professor and feels an immediate connection. Now he must decide how much he’s willing to risk to score the ultimate goal.

Buy Links:

Amazon:The Eloquent Jock (Campus Cravings)

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo 

CIVILIAN MASTER

Originally released as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle in 2014, now available as a stand-alone novella complete with BRAND-NEW 5,000+ word, 16-page short story. 

The only life Clay Benson has known in years is the Army. Now he's on forced leave after a Ranger mission goes terribly wrong. When he decides to return home, Clay knows he needs to face his past, and the only man he's ever loved: Flynn. Now Flynn is a Dominant, and Clay wants nothing more than to heal and find his true self. Is his place as Flynn's submissive? Flynn certainly thinks so, but must convince Clay there's something worth fighting for besides his country.

Buy Links:
Amazon:Civilian Master (Unconditional Surrender)
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
Kobo

HOOKING HANNAH

Watching her twin sister deal with being a hockey wife putting up with moves across the country and injuries has made Hannah Howard determined not to date hockey players. Ever. When she’s introduced to gorgeous center Scott Richards after an all-star game, though, her resolution is tested. She's pushed into going out with him afterward, but as their chemistry rockets off the charts that night, Hannah begins to wonder if her hands off hockey players rule is about to go up in smoke.

Scott, a star playing for New York, is tired of puck bunnies and playing the field and longs for that home and family stuff he’s heard about. When he spots stunning Hannah across the room, those visions start solidifying in his head and he becomes determined to win her over, using his best techniques both in and out of bed to snag her for his future. Hannah's reticence means some fancy footwork, though, and not the kind he’s used to on the ice.

Now Hannah must decide if Scott is worth the worry and uncertainty that comes with dating a player. Scott, for his part, needs to go after the most important goal of his life: making Hannah his forever.

Buy Links:
Amazon: Hooking Hannah: A Hockey Novella
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
Kobo

Author Bio:

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on the computer.
For more information about Cassandra, check out her:
Website
Facebook
Twitter


Thank you Cassandra for being here today and answering a few questions.
Please go visit Cassandra's website and check out more of her books and her coming soon page. Give her a 'like' on Facebook and join her on Twitter!!!

~~Author Wednesdays-Lisa Fox!!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Hello and welcome to my blog. It's Wednesday and that means it's time for Author Wednesdays!  My guest today is Lisa Fox. Thank you Lisa for taking time to be here today.

The Day After Mardi Gras

It was Mardi Gras night, and I was standing on Bourbon Street, my plastic cup of vodka raised high in the air. Beads rained out the sky, crackling on the pavement as they were tossed from the balconies and bars lining the narrow street. Alcohol, beads, whispers exchanged, promises and innuendos on everyone’s lips. Music blared from speakers and live bands, a mix of pop, rock, and Cajun Zydeco. The February night was hot, humid, the press of too many bodies fueled by alcohol and sex generated a wholly hedonistic warmth. Someone had just something very, very good, and the crowd cheered with excitement and adoration.

For two solid weeks, the city had been entrenched in one, colossal party. Parades rolled down St. Charles every night, massive floats tripe stacked with masked men and women, tossing coins and candy and cups to the ever increasing crowd. For two weeks, children clambered for trinkets, adults flashed all kind of flesh for beads, and everybody, everybody, everybody was drunk. And now, it had all cumulated to this moment, the last few minutes before midnight on Fat Tuesday night.

It started with a whistle in the distance, then the revving of motors. A line of mounted policeman formed at the beginning of Bourbon Street. When midnight struck, the music stopped, and the cops headed a whole new kind of parade. Instead of wild floats and scantily clad women, an army of streetcleaners and garbage men moved up the avenue, ready to attack the accumulated debris from two weeks of debauchery. A hush fell over the crowd, the city employees taking back the street one block at a time. The bars shut down, and people were encouraged to be on their way.

Mardi Gras was officially over. Ash Wednesday had come. And for the briefest of moments, Bourbon Street was silent.

Happy Ash Wednesday Everyone!!!

GIVEAWAY!

WIN A COPY OF HER PERFECT LIPS BY LEAVING A COMMENT BELOW!!!
PLEASE INCLUDE EMAIL SO YOU CAN BE CONTACTED

Her Perfect Lips by Lisa Fox
Book Two of the Midnight Kiss Series, set in the dynamic world of ONE KISS… 

Blurb: You have to take a risk to live an adventure.

Determined, capable, and primed to rock her first big marketing conference, Stacy Saunders is not about let to anything get in the way of her ambition. It's been a long time since she's been in New Orleans, but she has no use for beads or Bourbon Street. She built a strict itinerary for this trip – one that certainly didn't include running into the gorgeous Tennyson Landry again.

A chance reunion between the former lovers brings old feelings to the surface and the possibility of rekindling old flames. Their second time around could be the best time of all – if they can bridge the gap even wider than the thousand miles between them…

An Excerpt From: HER PERFECT LIPS

Copyright © LISA FOX, 2014

All Rights Reserved, Harper Impulse, a Division of HarperCollins Publishers

Bourbon Street was just as she remembered—loud music and neon lights, frat boys in muscle shirts and girls in crop tops, the stench of beer and pine-scented antiseptic cleaner, the sidewalks littered with garbage and puke. Their little entourage stumbled into the first club they found, which had “Play That Funky Music” blaring from the speakers. Stacy shook her head. Some things truly never changed. Bars on Bourbon Street would play that song until some ultimate, catastrophic apocalypse finally managed to wipe the city out for good.

The barker at the door proudly announced that the club was now offering their world famous three-for-one happy hour. The vodka tonic Stacy ordered was served in a plastic cup the size of which was rarely seen outside of a 7-Eleven. It contained more alcohol than any human should probably ever consume in a single serving, and she was glad to see that in addition to the bad music, the drinking culture had not changed either.

She headed toward the back of the club, outside into the little courtyard area where the music was somewhat blunted and she was less likely to have a drink spilled over her. The others followed, people in the group talking amongst themselves and goggling at the drunken antics on the dance floor. Peter had fallen back to walk alongside Melanie, and they ambled slowly, their heads close together, taking softly. Stacy sighed. So much for the whole reason to participate in this journey. Not that she could blame him. Melanie was gorgeous. Still, the rejection stung. Not that it would’ve worked anyway. The distance between them would have eventually become a hassle.

She sipped her cocktail, watching the dance floor light up red, then blue, then green as the strobe light pulsed over the dancers. Once again, she had a choice and none of her options were all too appealing. She could go back to the hotel and try to find a new group of people to talk with, she could go to bed, or she could stay right where she was and basically drink alone.

“Let’s go someplace quieter,” Peter shouted over the music and everybody agreed.

She followed them back out onto Bourbon Street, seriously considering her next move. Should I stay or should I go now? She let the chorus play out in her head and in that one millisecond pause, a drunken man wearing only jeans shorts and plastic beads lunged at her from the crowd. She sidestepped around him and almost collided with a woman exiting Pat O'Briens. The woman squealed and Stacy veered off the sidewalk into the street. A group of tourists swept her away, forcing her backward along with them. She fought against the wave of bodies, but it was a losing battle. And then, out of nowhere, a hand grabbed her arm, a lifeline in the storm.

The tourists continued on their journey, but Stacy was held in place, firmly anchored by that strong grip. The hold on her arm was a little too familiar for a stranger and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to thank or berate her rescuer. She turned, and her breath caught when she recognized her savior. “Hello, Ten.”

“Hey, Stacy.”

He grinned and every single part of her tingled. He was as attractive as she remembered—tall and strong, with rich, chocolate-brown hair, and a twinkle of mischief in his startling green eyes. The years had changed him only slightly, taking away the softness of youth and adding hard ridges and planes to his handsome face. His hair was a little too long, and he had a two-day beard, but the scruffiness didn’t take away from his almost poetic good looks. And though she would never admit it out loud, just the way his thighs filled out his well-worn blue jeans sent a thread of wicked heat trickling down her spine. Ten was the stuff of all kinds of naughty fantasies, and a few of her favorite ones instantly flashed through her mind.

Buy Links:

Harper Impulse

Amazon US: Her Perfect Lips: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance (A Novella)
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble

World-renowned neurosurgeon, jet fighter pilot, secret member of American royalty, seducer of legions of beautiful, outrageously sexy angels and demons and vampires and werewolves and the occasional pirate, Lisa Fox has done it all…in her own mind. In reality, she can generally be found at her desk with a cup of coffee close at hand. Or maybe a martini. It really depends on the day.

Lisa Fox is a multi-published author of contemporary, erotic, and paranormal romance novellas. Feedback, comments, opinions, words of wisdom, chocolate cake and the addresses of super hot men are always appreciated and encouraged. Please feel free to contact Lisa any time.

Lisa's Links:
Website 
Facebook  
Twitter: @LisaFoxRomance

Thanks so much Lisa for being here today and sharing about your book, Her Perfect Lips!

Make sure to check out all of Lisa's books on her website or maybe following her on Facebook and Twitter.

And don't forget about Lisa's giveaway. Just leave a comment below and include a way to contact you if you win!

~~Author Wednesdays-Desiree Holt!!~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images 

It's time once again for Author Wednesdays on For Whom The Books Toll. Desiree Holt is my author for this week's post.

Desiree shared her Top 10 Superheroes:

Arrow
The Lone Ranger
The Six Million Dollar Man
James Bond
Batman
Captain America
The Green Lantern
Superman
Wonder Woman
Walker Texas Ranger

I like a few of those guys myself.

Desiree just had a new book released last week and you can check it out on my blog!!!!

So without further ado, here's Knockin' Boots.

Leave a comment. One lucky person will win their choice of ebook from my backlist.
 

Blurb:
For years, Dan and Kylie Franklin have searched for someone who can fill in all the missing blanks in their situation. When fate brings Clint Gorman into their lives, the instant attraction runs hot and deep. After a night of intense, sweaty sex, there’s no doubt he’s the one for them. But when Clint’s past comes to light, they’re forced to decide whether or not the connection they felt is enough to keep the three of them together.

Buy Links:

Amazon: Knockin' Boots (Beyond Fairytales)
Decadent Publishing 
Kobo

Excerpt: 
“So.” Kylie waited while Dan dropped onto the extra-long couch then sat on his lap and turned to face Clint. “Dan said you were traveling the country and happened to stop in Whistling Creek.”

“That’s right. He was kind enough to invite me to lunch, and it seems we hit it off.” To his total shocked surprise.

“No definite destination in mind?” she asked.

“Uh-uh.” He paused to take a long swallow of beer. “Wherever the bike takes me.”

“I’ll bet you’re enjoying it. Doesn’t he look like it, honey?” She glanced at Dan, who was stroking her bare shoulder and arm.

“Sure does.” He brushed her hair aside to trail kisses down her slender neck and bit gently at the place where it joined her shoulder. Clint saw a little tremor skate over the woman’s skin. “But I got a feeling he might have a better time here with us. At least for a little while.”

She shifted her gaze to Clint again. “I’m assuming Dan explained our situation to you?”

“He did. And I sure can understand it. Some things are difficult for people to accept.”

“In case you think we’re nuts, putting it out there like that,” Kylie told him, “Dan’s very good at reading people. He’s had to be, over the years, as we try to find a third for our, let’s say, social activities. We made a few mistakes early on, so we’ve learned to be extra careful.”

“And to trust our instincts,” Dan added. “I got a very good feeling about you from the moment we shook hands.”

Clint took another swallow of beer, letting the chilled liquid slide down his throat and hopefully cool his body that seemed to be heating up again very quickly.

“I’d just as soon let the two of you take the lead. But I’m not shy about asking if something pops into my head.”

“I don’t know if Dan mentioned it, but I do have a secret wish.” Kylie looked at Dan, who nodded. “We would love to find someone to move in with us permanently. Of course, that would be asking an awful lot.”

“Yeah?” Clint tried not to show his surprise. He’d been in a lot of one-night ménages. Sometimes even two-night encounters. But a permanent one? Would that ever interest him? He gave the other man a questioning look. “And you’d be okay sharing your wife on a regular basis?”

Dan drained the last of his beer and set the empty on the little table beside the couch. “Hell, yes. I mean, I know there would be a lot of logistics and specifics to work out, but if we could find someone on our wavelength, someone we both wanted to include, that would be the ideal.”

“But that’s just a dream, you know?” Kylie leaned into her husband. “Today, let’s enjoy each other. I’m more than ready”

“Sounds good to me.” Yeah, he was more than damn ready, too.

And check out what else I have available for you in February:

Dealer’s Choice, Book #6 in Club Fantasy All Romance Ebooks

 Cajun Spice, part of the Red Hot Cajun Nights Collection
Amazon: Cajun Spice: A Hot Cajun Nights Story 
All Romance Ebooks

And coming soon:  

Savage Lust, Book #5, Night Seekers

Ellora's Cave

Be sure to preorder the following, the first books in two new series:

Like football and sex? Then the Game On series is for you.

Check out Book #1, Forward Pass

 Amazon:  Forward Pass (Game On)
Kensington

Like a little BDSM with your morning coffee?

Take a look at Double down, Book #1 in Playing the Odds. 
Amazon: Double Down (Playing the Odds Book 1) 

 

Praise for Desiree Holt:

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

“Holt knows what her fans will love.”
(RT Book Reviews)

“Holt delivers with delicious love scenes, a believable story and characters you care about. “
RT Book Reviews

“Well-written erotica filled with modern-day cowboys.—John Rodzilla, Emerson Univ., Boston The Library Journal
 

Meet Desiree Holt 

Referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is the world’s oldest living published erotic romance author. A graduate of the University of Michigan her earlier careers include agent and manager in the music industry, public television, associate vice president of university advancement, public relations, and economic development.

She is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, winner of the Ellora’s Cave Golden Ankh and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature.

She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times, The Huffington Post and numerous other national and international publications. Currently she has signed on as a blogger for The Huffington Post. She is also the Authors After Dark 2014 Author of the Year.

Learn more about her and her novels here:
Twitter @desireeholt

 www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
www.facebook.com/desire01holt 

www.pinterest.com/desiree02holt
www.LinkedIn.com/desireeholt
https://plus.google.com/desireeholt
Contact Desiree at
desireeholt@desireeholt.com