Hearts on Fire Blog Hop

Welcome! We are so happy to announce that 3 great Authors and 2 Great Bloggers have come together to celebrate Valentine's Day!!! Eve Langlais, Kym Grosso, Victoria Dannan, Close Encounters of the Night Kind, and Read Between the Lines, proudly presents the 

“Hearts on Fire Valentine's Hop”.

All Participating Blogs will be sent the combined top ten from the authors to include in their post (I plan on doing one of my own) along with the grand prize info, linky codes, and hop button. I will be doing a sample post of what needs to be on it!!

Our Grand Prize for this hop is:

20 carat heart pendant with 14k gold chain PLUS one signed paperback from each author

Now let’s go over a few things:

Please, copy the button (or grab the code) and paste it on your blog!! (Either on the sidebar or make a post about it) The more people we get involved, the more fun for everyone involved!!  

Anyone can sign up. If you are new to the hop idea but would love to participate, just comment here or email me @ viajeradelmar@aol.com. I will be happy to walk you through the process or explain things in greater detail. Please include whether your giveaway is US only or International (int) on the linky form.

The Rules 

1. Posts must be up at midnight on the 10th. We will be checking!! Any post not up by the allotted time will be deleted from the event. So if you are in a different time zone, post the night before. It is ok to be early but not ok to be late.


2. Posts must include the hop button which I will be sending out to you a week before it is supposed to go live.


3. Posts must include the linky list, the links to the next three bloggers, or a link back to either Victoria Danann's, CEWTNK, or Read Between the Lines. We want everyone to be able to hop to all the sites.


4. Posts must include the combination top ten from our host authors on their blog. I will be sending this info to you via email :)


5. Your giveaway can be anything but it must include either something book related(print books, e-books, gift-cards, swag, reading lights) or Valentine's Day themed. Designers are more than welcome to join in as well and offer services, different buttons or blog design items, as well as packages.


6. Have fun

Everyone is responsible for their own individual giveaway. Participants need to announce their winners within 48 hours of the hops end.

Spotlight Jewel of the East by Victoria Vane

JEWEL OF THE EAST (The Devil DeVere #5)  Victoria Vane

Having once lived his life only for larks, laughter, and ladies of easy virtue, Captain Simon Singleton has returned from the war with the colonies a shambles of a man. Now free from six years of captivity, he's still fettered by irrational fears that confine him to a life of seclusion.    Once the crowning jewel of the most lavish brothel in London, the exotic Salime finds her reputation and livelihood destroyed by a bitter rival. With a closely guarded secret stripped away, Salime fears no man will ever desire her again. Seeking aid from one who once saved her life, Salime accepts a proposition to repay her debt by becoming a companion to his war-scarred friend.   Circumstance brings these two damaged souls together; but fate ignites a love story worthy of the Arabian Nights.

EXCERPT (in which the stage is set)          Medford Abbey, Kent- 1785 A sharp rap soon sounded on the door. Ludovic, Viscount DeVere glanced up from his periodical to the entrance of a liveried footman. "A message for you, my lord."  The servant offered the wax-sealed missive on a silver salver. "It was delivered by a most…unusual…courier." The footman gave a sniff of disdain. "Indeed? What do you mean?" Ludovic asked in a bored drawl. "'Tis a behemoth blackamoor, my lord." "Mustafa?" Ludovic threw down his periodical and snatched up the missive. "What the devil?" "He awaits in the kitchen. Insufferable rude creature he be. Just stands all akimbo. Refuses to speak or to depart without an answer from your lordship." "The man cannot speak. He has no tongue. They took it when they castrated the poor devil." The footman's eyes bulged. He involuntarily crossed his legs. Ludovic broke the seal and scanned the contents with a deepening frown.  Most honored Efendi,
It is with the greatest humility that I appeal to he who once safeguarded my life. It is with exceeding distress that I must entreat you once more, being much in need of a friend and protector. 
Your most devoted and obedient servant, Salime Ludovic read the cryptic note once more. Salime in want of a protector? What a sticky situation that created. At first he wondered why she'd appealed to him, but then again, there were few people she trusted. Given their shared history, he would never deny her aid. Moreover, Salime had been instrumental in helping him to achieve his present state of connubial bliss. For that alone he owed her his undying gratitude. "Tell him I shall be in touch with his mistress shortly…and that she should notify me at once should her circumstances become any more…distressed." "Aye, my lord." The much-chagrinned footman departed. Ludovic glowered after the departing servant. Salime had never been in want since coming to London. He wondered what could be behind her request, but then abandoned both letter and the dilemma the moment another surprise came bursting into his library. "Ned?" Ludovic leaped up to greet his best friend. "What the devil has brought you all the way from Yorkshire to Kent?" "I have most portentous news, DeVere," Ned sputtered with excitement. "News I could hardly relay by messenger. So I came down myself." "What kind of news? Out with it, Chambers," Ludovic commanded. "Mayhap you should pour us a drink first." Ludovic lifted a sardonic brow. "A drink? Not so urgent after all?" "'Tis fortification you'll need for the shock you're about to receive." "Shock? Me? You know I am not easily shocked, Ned." Ludovic paused with his hand on the brandy decanter and a slight frown marring his face. "Come to think of it, I'm damned if I can recall a single occasion that has wrought from me such a profound reaction as shock." Ned flung himself into Ludovic's favorite chair. "There's a first for everything, DeVere. Now that drink?" Ludovic sloshed amber liquid into two glasses, handing one to the would-be herald, who downed it in one draught. Ludovic quirked a brow. "It was a devilish long ride," Ned explained. "All to deliver this shocking report of yours?" Ludovic perched a hip on the corner of his mahogany desk. "Yes! It's Lazarus all over again!" "Lazarus? Am I to surmise that someone has been miraculously raised from the dead?" "Actually, he might as well have been," Ned declared. "I can hardly countenance it after all this time." "You are trying my patience, Ned." "It's Simon. He's returned." "Good God!" The glass slipped from his hand to shatter at Ludovic's feet. "You can't mean Sin is alive after all this time? He was pronounced killed in action six years ago." "I mean exactly that!" Ned exclaimed. "He is indeed alive and may even be in London as we speak. I have the news straight from Baron Singleton. His ship was expected to arrive several days ago." "Why am I only hearing of this now? I see the bloody Singleton regularly at Parliament." "Probably because the good baron doesn't like you, DeVere. He believes you were an abominable influence on his son." "Then he would be right." Ludovic smirked and then stared at the shattered glass at his feet.  "Looking a bit white there, my friend. This is known as shock." "Admittedly, I am incredulous. How can this be? Where the devil has he been?" "Interned as a prisoner of war for the greater part of six years." "Six years? In all that time there were no exchanges?" "Very few. The colonials refused to give up ours when they claimed their men were only released on the point of starvation and death. I daresay 'tis no exaggeration. I've seen a number of reports on the deplorably inhumane conditions of our prison hulks. Indeed it's said that the colonial prisoners set fire to the Whitby, choosing to go down in flames, rather than die of starvation and disease." Ned shook his head. "What a hellish business war is." "But if Sin was a prisoner, he should have been released nigh on a year ago when the treaty was signed." "Apparently he was too ill to travel. Only made it as far as Bermuda before he was struck with the bloody flux or some such and required months of convalescence…poor sod." "We must go to him, Ned. At once." "He'll not be the same man," Ned voiced what they were both thinking. "No," Ludovic shook his head. "Likely never again." 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Vane is an award-winning romance novelist and history junkie whose works range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling and intensely erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. Look for Victoria's sexy new contemporary cowboy series coming in summer 2014.

Author Website: http://www.victoriavane.com

DeVere Fan Site: http://thedevildevere.com

Author Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com

Facebook: Author Victoria Vane

Twitter: @authorvictoriav

Spotlight The One You Feed by James Drummond Blog Tour Start

Title: The One You Feed

Author: James Drummond

Series: Out of the Dark

Genre: YA Horror

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: Oct 20 2012 (Original Published Date)

Like most kids who grew up in the small Oregon town of Silver Falls, Toby Hoffman had heard all the scary stories about the monsters living in the neighboring woods of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Now a teenager, he knows the stories are made up to keep the town’s children from wandering where they aren’t wanted.

Then his best friend, Nate, wakes up covered in blood in the reservation woods, with no recollection of whose blood it is or where it came from. When even more brutal attacks follow, Toby can’t help but wonder if one of the fables he was told as a child might be true. With the help of Rachel, a determined Native American girl who has moved off the reservation and into the house next door, he begins searching for an explanation for the recent carnage. He also develops feelings for his new neighbor, which are put to the test when he and Rachel discover that her uncle may be responsible for the emergence of a legendary monster that does in fact exist.

To make matters worse, there’s evidence that Nate was turned by the beast, and that he has every intention of holding onto his extraordinary new creature capabilities no matter the cost. In order to save Silver Falls from a true scary story, Toby will have to face off against forces he doesn’t fully understand – and his closest friend.

Book Trailer All for Maddie by Jetti Woodruff

Release date: December 13th 2013.

Synopsis:

I believe in love at first sight... because I am a mother. A mother’s love knows no laws, no boundaries, and no remorse for anyone who interferes with the life of a child. 

I have lived a complete lie, holding on to a secret that could now cost me my daughter. I can’t lose Maddie. I couldn’t breathe without Maddie. Maddie is my life. 

The saying about dying for your child is the absolute truth. The other things you would do are comparable to that of death. I know, I did those things. I did unthinkable things, all for Maddie. I continued the lie, the secrets with the one man who had no right, whom I despised and wanted dead. 

I had no choice. I did it all for her... for my Maddie.

Review Severed Colours by Dawna Raver Blog Tour Start

Title: Severed Colours  (#2)

Author: Dawna Raver

Series: Colour Wielders Book #2

Genre: New Adult Romantic Fantasy

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: Nov 16 2013

Edition/Format Available In: eBook

Source: Author for Blog Tour and Honest Opinion 

Rating:

Synopsis:

The epic continues…

Quinn Sinclair trusted Arik Morgaine until he betrayed her. Scared and alone, she finds herself delivered into the hands of the evil Morgana le Fay. When Quinn discovers Morgana's plans are beyond demented and seriously depraved—making life with the Changeling seem like a day at the beach—she wonders if death is a better option?

Arik Morgaine vowed he'd save Quinn no matter the price. When his well thought out plans go terribly awry, a desperate and heartbroken Arik is forced to beg the cruel Triarchia for help. Unwilling to go on without his Älskling, he answers a question that irrevocably alters their lives.

Can Arik and Quinn find a way back to each other, or will the price of saving her rip them apart forever?

New Adult Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.

Review The Fountain of the Earth by H.L. Le Roy Blog Tour Kickoff

Title: The Fountain of the Earth
Author: H.L. Le Roy
Series: The Fountain of the Earth
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publisher: Tranquille Press
Release Date: Nov 22 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Paperback
Source: Author for Blog Tour & Honest Opinion
Rating:

The first in a planned series, The Fountain of the Earth is set on the West Coast following a catastrophic solar flare that has destroyed civilization, leaving only a few people struggling to survive. After witnessing the vicious murder of her mother, Terra Vonn (15) has a singular focus—exacting revenge on the killers. But before she can complete her plans, savagery intervenes and she is cast alone into a brutal post-apocalyptic world. As she trails the men south through a land filled with cannibalistic criminals, slave traders, and lunatics, the hunter becomes the hunted. Terra quickly learns that she is neither as tough nor as brave as she thinks she is. Worse, she may be the only one who stands between what little remains of civilization and destruction.

Tag Line

Terra Vonn is fighting to survive in a destroyed world,

Surrounded by unspeakable horror . . .

And things are about to get much worse.

Spotlight The Lawman's Agreement by Nancy Fraser & Patti Shenberger

Author: Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger

Publisher: Entangled

Length:  254 pgs

Sub-Genre: Western

BLURB:

Post-Civil War Mississippi

U.S. Marshal, Zack McCade takes pride in protecting the good folks of Greenville—especially the beautiful Dr. Suzanne Martindale. He doesn’t always understand her need for independence, but he sure does like getting under her skin. It’s not like he’s looking to settle down—his job is too dangerous to risk taking a wife and family.

In an era when women aren’t readily accepted in the male dominated world of medicine, Suzanne doesn’t have time for courting—especially a charming Cajun rogue like Zack. When he proposes a fake betrothal to keep the matchmaking town out of their hair, she’s sure it’s a bad idea, but can’t deny her longing for a respite from the over-zealous bachelors in town.

Their ruse starts a fire in their hearts that neither expected, but will the re-emergence of Suzanne's real fiancé douse the flames?

Cover Reveal A Mate's Bite by Milly Taiden

Title: A Mate's Bite

Author: Milly Taiden

Series: Sassy Mates  (#1)

Mission: Don’t fall in love

After an explosive night of passion during a scenting ceremony, Karla Alves is sure she was just a one night stand for the man she'd been crushing on for years. She teased him and pleased him, and Nate hasn't been around since. Her fear of becoming clingy kept her from risking her heart and asking for more than a few hours of skin sin.

Mission: Crack her walls

She. Is. His. Nathan Wolfe marked Karla. His mate. Deeply involved in pack politics, Nate has had to stay away. When his sister warns that Karla needs him more than he thinks, he'll discover a bundle of secrets only his wolf can sniff out. But getting the woman he cares about to let down her guard may prove to be his undoing.

Mission: Embrace the bite

With Karla's wayward sister wreaking havoc and friends needing more of his time than ever, Nate will have to rearrange his priorities if he ever hopes to earn Karla's trust. But will time with her be enough? Only true love and a wolf's promise can hold together a relationship created with a bite, a scenting, and a hope for tomorrow.

Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy. She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Places to find Milly

Blog

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Books:

As Milly Taiden

Sharp Change (Black Meadow Pack #1)

Caged Heat (Black Meadow Pack #2)

Wynter’s Captive

Halloween Heat III – Mate Event

Fate’s Wish

Wolf Protector (Federal Paranormal Unit #1)

Wolf Fever (Alpha Protector)

Coming Soon

Scent of a Mate

As April Angel

Mr. Buff – Sizzling Encounters – Book 1

Wicked Valentine – Sizzling Encounters – Book 2

Stranded Temptation

Party Crasher

A Hero’s Pride (Wounded Soldiers)

Coming Soon

Lucky Break – Sizzling Encounters – Book 3

Spotlight The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Series: The Danaan Trilogy #1
Published: April 28, 2013

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

Amazon | B&N

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Severed Ties by Angie Skelhorn Blog Tour Kickoff

Title: Severed Ties
Author: Angie Skelhorn
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Publisher: Damnation Books
Release Date: Dec 1 2012

Edition: Ebook

Source: Author For Blog Tour & Honest Review

Rating:

By the use of divination and magic, some ties can never be severed.

In the beginning, by the light of the Full Moon, Frankie connects with Candice's energy through dream time and witnesses her involvement in a terrifying act of violence. After receiving information from Sandra that their childhood friend is missing, they pack their bags and head to the inner city to find her.

Frankie, afraid for her own safety, has a chance encounter with a local named Calvin who is plugged into what's happening. Using his workable ideas—as well as Frankie and Sandra consulting tarot, ordinary playing cards, astrology, and spell-casting—they set forth to free Candice from the dangerous situation she is in.

Cover Reveal The Ultimate Betrayal by Lacey Leigh

Title: The Ultimate Betrayal 

Author: Lacey Leigh

Series: The Tucker Girls

Genre: Adult Romance

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: Around the 1st of the New Year

Rainey lived with her father (Martin Tucker) and sister (Mariah Tucker) in a small po-dunk town in Alabama known as Covington. Her mother was killed in a horrific car accident when she was seven years old.

Rainey was in love with a wonderful man that treats her with respect and kindness. Everyone including her father was against their relationship at first because of the age difference between them. They were happy together until she moved away to college. The case concerning her mother’s murder was reopened, and she was betrayed by the people she should have been able to trust above anyone else.

            Does Rainey and Jake’s relationship survive all the pain and hurt that they are destined to endure? Will her mother’s murder be solved? Will their love overcome…

The Ultimate Betrayal?

 Lacey Leigh is a stay at home mother of three. Her children are very active in school activities and keep her really busy but she still finds time to put her stories out there for everyone to enjoy.

Lacey's husband is medically retired from US ARMY. Though she hates that he had to leave the job he loved so much she is glad to have him home with her children and herself.
Lacey's books are written for ADULT audiences ONLY. All audiences are encouraged to read the warning in the front of the book BEFORE purchasing/reading any of Lacey's work. Lacey does NOT wish to offend ANYONE by her writing. She only wants to write for those who enjoy the work she does.

Places to find Lacey Leigh 

Facebook
Facebook Author Page

Places to find The Ultimate Betrayal

Facebook Page The Tucker Girls

Goodreads

Giveaway & Excerpt Psychic Appeal by Michelle McCleod

Title: Psychic Appeal
Author: Michelle McCleod
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date:  Nov 2013
Blurb/Synopsis:

Psychic P.I. Sofa Parker never thought she'd date a ghost, but when she accidentally kills her boyfriend, the phrase 'eternal love' takes on an unwelcome meaning. He doesn’t want a little thing like death to come between them and plans to haunt Sofia until she agrees.

Add a case that results in being stalked by a necromancer, betrayal by dragons and the meddling of druids and things get complicated, fast. But the latest Supernatural politics aren’t her biggest problem.

Sofia’s met someone and she can’t stop herself from falling in love. Life really hits the fan when her new relationship drives the lovesick ghost of her boyfriend to come back from the dead...anyway he can.

‘Bad break-up’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.

What readers say about Michelle McCleod’s work:

“Her writing style is unique and fast paced. Very easy to get lost in the world.”

“I was drawn into the characters, and I couldn't help but like them. I really liked that the heroine wasn't too stupid to live! A nice bit of world building.”

“Sexy and fast, with a quick-witted heroine and a hottie hero.”