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?