Monday, December 30, 2013

New Release - Stately Pleasures By Lucy Felthouse

Stately Pleasures by Lucy Felthouse

Alice Brown has just landed her dream job. Property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she so desperately needs.

Unfortunately, things don’t get off to the best start, when Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Far from being embarrassed by what’s happened, Jeremy turns things around on Alice and makes her out to be the one in the wrong. So when he and his best friend and head of security, Ethan Hayes, then throw an ultimatum at her, she’s so stunned and confused that she goes along with their indecent proposal.

When the dust settles and Alice has time to think about things, though, she realises that perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing. There are worse things she could be doing to advance her career, after all.



*****
Excerpt:
Alice took a deep breath, in through her nose and out through her mouth. Repeated the process once more. Then, realising she could sit there all day doing it and not feel any calmer, she forced herself to step out of the car and close and lock the door.

She bent to peer into the wing mirror of the vehicle and checked her hair and make-up. Satisfied, she straightened, then turned on her heel and walked quickly across the driveway to the great house before her nerve failed her.

Davenport Manor was currently open for visitors, so she walked in through the front door and was met by a smiling elderly lady.

‘Can I help you?’ the woman asked kindly.

‘Yes, please.’ Alice twisted her hands together nervously. ‘I’m here to see Mr Davenport. I’m here for an interview for the property manager’s role.’

‘Yes, of course,’ the woman replied, ‘that’s today, isn’t it? Follow me; I’ll take you to Mr Davenport’s office. But just hang on one second.’

She ducked through the doorway into the next room and spoke with her colleague. Alice guessed she was letting her co-worker know she’d be gone for a few minutes. A few seconds later, she was back. ‘OK, follow me, Miss …’

‘Brown,’ Alice said, then fell in behind the other woman as she led her to Mr Davenport’s office, and the interview that could change her life for ever. It was hardly surprising that she was shaking like a leaf.
Alice quickly felt lost as their journey took several twists and turns along dim corridors – their blinds drawn to protect paintings, tapestries, and furniture from the sunlight – and up a flight of stairs. She had a few seconds to worry about finding her way if she was lucky enough to get the job, then, suddenly, her guide stopped outside a door and turned around.

‘Here you go, Miss Brown. Mr Davenport’s office. Good luck with your interview.’

Alice smiled and thanked the elderly woman, then smoothed down her skirt, which also conveniently helped wipe the nervous sweat off her hands. She stood up straight, gave herself a mental pep talk about being more than qualified for the role, and knocked on the door.

‘Enter.’

Alice knew that voice could only belong to Jeremy Davenport. The posh accent, and the fact he’d said “enter” instead of “come in”, screamed money and an upper-class upbringing. Alice was suddenly nervous of her broad Midlands accent and lowly background, despite the fact she’d worked her backside off to get into a decent university in order to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree and then a Master’s degree. No matter what she sounded like, or what her past was, she had all the skills necessary to do the job she was about to be interviewed for.

Suddenly, she realised that she’d left rather a long pause before opening the door, and she turned the handle before the occupants of the room thought they were about to interview some kind of simpleton who couldn’t follow a simple instruction.

Fixing a polite – but hopefully not inane – smile onto her face, Alice stepped into Jeremy Davenport’s office. Her first thought – which certainly did nothing to help her nerves – was good God, he’s hot.

Jeremy sat behind a desk, with a heavily pregnant woman sitting beside it. Alice barely noticed the woman. All she saw was him. A man with cropped dark brown hair, hazel/green eyes, a jawline you could cut bread with, and lips that looked capable of doing incredibly wicked, sexual things to a woman. Or a man. Alice had no idea what his sexuality was, but she found herself hoping he liked women.

She chastised herself. Even if he did like women, he wouldn’t go for someone like her. A Plain Jane, with mousy brown shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, average height and above average weight. Alice had always known she’d never be a supermodel, so she’d worked extra hard academically, and here she was. About to be interviewed for her dream job.

*****

Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over eighty publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women's Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, and is book editor for Cliterati. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Review - Louisiana Fever by D.J. Donaldson

 
“Louisiana Fever” is the second offering by author D.J. Donaldson.  Returning are chief medical examiner Andy Broussard and Dr. Kit Franklyn, criminal psychologist.  Both are top-notch detectives as well as experts in their respective fields.  Set in New Orleans, anyone who has visited the city on more than one occasion will recognize several of the settings of the story.  I thought that was interesting and added realisms to the story. 
 
There are two mysteries in one.  First, there is a rash of deaths taking place in New Orleans.  At first glance, it seems the people are dying of heart attacks but soon it’s discovered that an Ebola type virus has been unleashed  One of the victims is a stranger who sent roses to Kit.  When she arrived to unknowingly meet him, he dies before she can find out who he is and what his connection is to her.  While searching for him, Kit is kidnapped and this provides the second mystery within the story.

D.J. Donaldson has constructed an excellent storyline and the attention to detail is great.  One can really tell that he understands the world he describes in the novel.  It is intense and definitely a page-turner. 

 
Buy Links
 
Astor+Blue:   http://bit.ly/11CS4c0

 
Press Release

Portly & Proud CSI Catches Louisiana Fever

Threat of Outbreak Drives Latest in Southern Suspense Series

 
“D.J. Donaldson is superb at spinning medical fact into gripping suspense.  With his in-depth knowledge of science and medicine, he is one of very few authors who can write with convincing authority.”
 

--Tess Gerritsen, NY Times best-selling author of the Rizzoli & Isles novels

 
Andy Broussard, the “Plump and Proud” New Orleans medical examiner, obviously loves food.  Less apparent to the casual observer is his hatred of murderers. Together with his gorgeous sidekick, psychologist Kit Franklyn, Broussard forms a powerful, although improbable, mystery solving duo.
 
Astor + Blue Editions is proud to release Louisiana Fever (ISBN: 978-1-938231-33-9; Fiction / Mystery & Suspense; $5.99 E-Book) the latest Broussard mystery by DJ Donaldson.

When Kit goes to meet an anonymous stranger—who’s been sending her roses—the man drops dead at her feet before she could even get his name. Game on.

Andy Broussard soon learns that the man carried a lethal pathogen similar to the deadly “Ebola”—a highly contagious virus, feared worldwide for killing its victims (grotesquely) in a matter of days. When another body turns up with the same bug, widespread panic becomes imminent. The danger is even more acute, because the carrier is mobile. The man knows he’s a walking weapon and… he’s targeting Broussard.

And when Kit Franklyn investigates her mystery suitor further, she runs afoul of a cold- blooded killer, every bit as deadly as the man searching for her partner.

________________________________________________________________________________
Louisiana Fever is written in Donaldson’s unique style:  A hard-hitting, punchy, action-packed prose that’s dripping with a folksy, decidedly southern sense of irony.  Mix in Donaldson’s brilliant first-hand knowledge of forensics, along with the sultry flavor of New Orleans, and readers will be fully satisfied with this irresistibly delectable mystery.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

D.J. Donaldson is a retired professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology.  His entire academic career was spent at the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, where he published dozens of papers on wound-healing and where he taught microscopic anatomy to thousands of medical and dental students.

He is also the author of seven published forensic mysteries and five medical thrillers. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife and two West Highland terriers. In the spring of most years he simply cannot stop buying new flowers and other plants for the couple’s prized backyard garden.

 

Review - Ripped by Shelley Dickson Carr


Kate, grieving the loss of her parents and having to move to England, finds herself transported back to the time of Jack the Ripper along with her cousin and a family friend.  Discovering her romanticized version of Victorian England to be a lie, Kate has to deal with fitting in while not letting others find out she is not from that time. 

I enjoyed the history of the Jack the Ripper story and was surprised by the reveal at the end.  The author did take liberties with the historical story of Jack the Ripper but it works with the novel and still contains enough factual history to make the whole thing believable.  All of the characters are enjoyable but I found Toby to be the most interesting. 

The book is definitely YA with enough action to keep anyone interested.  If you are looking for gore, this is the wrong novel for you but it has enough mystery and suspense to keep you turning the pages.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review - Sunshine by Nikki Rae

 

Sunshine is the story of Sophie, a high school senior with a tough home life.  Her mother is crazy and while she has a protective older brother and two great friends, she is still lonely and angry.  She suffers from a severe allergy to the sun and must stay covered or become seriously ill.  When Miles, a new student comes along, Sophie is reluctant to let him in her life.  After a bad experience with the last guy she was with, Sophie is emotionally scarred and hiding it from everyone.  She and Miles find themselves constantly interacting and soon, he begins to convince her he is not a bad guy.  Her friends think he is a great person and Sophie soon finds herself wanting to know more.  Miles is not all that he seems, however.  He has secrets of his own and those secrets will change Sophie’s world!

This story is was interesting from the beginning.  Sophie could have been written by the author as a tragic character but instead, Nikki Rae gave her an inner strength that we get to see throughout the story.  She was loved by her family and friends but doesn’t share the devastating event that happened to her.  Miles is a welcome addition because he doesn’t force her to open up, he’s just there for her and that begins to break down that wall.  He shows that he does care for her and that helps her to begin healing.
This was a wonderful read and I do look forward to reading Book 2 to see more of Sophie and Miles’ story!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.


More about the author

 
Where the books are available:

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

New Review: The Golden Crystal by Nick Thacker



I must say that I found “The Golden Crystal” interesting on several levels.  The opening brought to mind “The Lost Symbol” with the hidden meaning in the building of Washington, D.C.  and the hiding of a valuable artifact.  The story started out slowly but the action was fast-paced.  It was a well thought out thriller but some parts were a bit choppy.  Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

I like history so I enjoyed the back-story of the crystal and the work that was done to keep it safe from people who would use it for the wrong reasons.  The scientific research also interested me and it was good to see the moral compass or the lack of that compass in some of the story’s main players.  One of the things, however, that really rather threw me was the lesson about the pyramids.  While interesting, it did not add much to the story and it seemed to be filler more than anything.  In addition, if you are not a fan of action involving killing, I am not sure how you would take this novel.  I am an action movie fan so it did not bother me but YMMV.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The tie-ins with the past and the present make this an intriguing story and I think anyone who is interested in thriller or science fiction would find something to enjoy.  Mr. Thacker did a good job and I would be curious to read more by him.

I received a free Kindle version of this book from Story Cartel. All opinions are my own.

Monday, February 11, 2013

New Release: Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards

Flamboyant History
Fact-Based Adventures of Historic Muse Delivers Bodacious Fun


"Whip Smart is a sexy, adventurous and intelligent tale that I would dare name a bodice ripper for the literary mind!"
-- Marisa Lancione, NOW, Montreal

"A fun and sexy romp! I can’t wait for the sequel!"
-- Gwyn Cready, RITA Award winning author of Seducing Mr. Darcy, A Novel Seduction and Timeless Desire: An Outlander Love Story


A wild and sexy romp through History based on the real-life adventures of the audacious Lola Montezthe “Sensation of Europe.”

Astor + Blue Editions is proud to present, Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards (ISBN: 978-1-938231-47-6; Trade Paperback; Romance, Historical, Women’s Fiction; US $14.95 CAN $14.95; February, 2013), the rollicking first installment of a new series by debut author, Kit Brennan.  The Whip Smart series begins during the historic week that marks the actual birthdate of Lola Montez. (February 17).

It is 1842, London, and the gorgeous, ever-capricious twenty-two-year-old Eliza Gilbert, (a.k.a. Lola Montez) is in deep trouble and seeks escape from a divorce trial. Desperate, Lola accepts an alluring offer of a paid trip to Spain, provided she fulfill a few clandestine tasks for Juan de Grimaldi—a Spanish theatre impresario who is also a government agent and spy for the exiled Spanish queen.

Lola soon finds herself in Madrid, undercover as a performer in a musical play. But when she falls dangerously in love with the target, General Diego de Léon—the “perfect Spanish soldier, lover and horseman”—Lola becomes a double agent and the two hatch a plot of their own. Disaster strikes when the plot is exposed and Lola is forced to flee on horseback to France, with a dangerous group of Loyalists in hot pursuit. Will Lola’s reckless daring, feminine whiles, and signature whip be enough to save her life, her lover and her cause?  She will have to be more whip smart than ever before.

Written with zest and a passionate, fiery fervor by debut author Kit Brennan, Whip Smart irresistibly whisks readers into a vivid journey through 19th Century France, England and Spain, riding sidesaddle with Eliza Gilbert, the young, hot-headed Irish girl destined to transform into Dona Maria Dolores de Porris y Montez—a.k.a. Lola Montez, The Sensation of Europe!
--over--



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kit Brennan is a nationally produced, award-winning playwright, and teaches writing and storytelling at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.

The Victorian era and its personalities have always been of major interest to Brennan. Her play Tiger’s Heart explores the life of Dr. James Barry, who was actually a woman living a double life disguised as a man in order to practice medicine, which was not an option open to women at the time.

Kit divides her time between the vibrant city of Montreal and the quiet lake wilderness of Ontario alongside her husband, Andrew, and a variety of animal friends.  Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards is her debut novel.

Visit her online at www.kitbrennan.com.

###

Where To Buy:
 

 ________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA CONTACT
Tony Viardo
(773) 697-9580

GENERAL INFO:
Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards
ISBN: 978-1-938231-47-6 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-938231-45-2 (E-book)
Historical Romance; Women’s Fiction
247 Pages
February 14, 2013




Coming Soon from Kit Brennan and Astor + Blue Editions:

Whip Smart: Lola Montez and the Poisoned Nom de Plume