Wednesday 29 July 2015

Review and Interview - Claiming the She-Wolf by Louisa Bacio




Black Hills Wolves
Claiming the She-Wolf by Louisa Bacio

When her older brother leaves the Black Hills to go to college, Tala Graystone stays behind, determined to restore their dilapidated home into a B&B for the pack. As more people return to the area, the need for temporary housing increases. Now, if only she can find someone to help with the heavy lifting.
Yas Collins fled Los Lobos as a child with his mother. As he struggles with his wolf and overpowering shifts, a desire for nature and the forest strikes hard. Black Hills, South Dakota, beckons him. With a background in construction, he easily finds work at Tala’s dilapidated B&B, but not everyone in town greets him with open arms.
As the remodel gets underway, Tala and Yas fight their growing attraction. Yas doesn’t trust his wolf urges around beautiful B&B owner. The she-wolf, however, has other plans.

Excerpt from Claiming the She-Wolf:

A growl from low in his throat threatened to escape. The rumble started in his chest, and he fought to keep it down.
She turned, looking down at him. “Did you say something?”
“Umm, no. Just clearing my throat.”
He needed to get his base instincts under control. Recent research showed that wolves in the wild killed in order to protect their domains and to get more space. He didn’t want to be ruled by his wolf. He’d grown up in the city, with humans, not out in the forest. His mom had tried to talk to him about shifting, but as a woman, she didn’t have the same experience.
He couldn’t go to a shifters anonymous group for help with his sexual urges. Maybe he needed to start his own support group. He snorted at the idea. At the top of the landing, Tala turned to the right, and he followed.
They entered what had to be the master bedroom suite. It was painted a vibrant lavender color, and the bed had a green floral comforter with an abundance of fluffy throw pillows. White dollies rested on the two nightstands, and a vase of wildflowers called for attention. The feminine room seemed in sharp contrast to his host. She didn’t look frilly.
“This will be your quarters.” Her lips pursed, and she blinked a few times.
The idea shocked him. “What? I’m sorry, but it looks like your room.”
“Well, it has been. But it’s the nicest room in the house, and as a guest, figure you should have it to be comfortable. I’ll move my things into another one.”
He waved his hands in front of him, as if shooing away something physically bad. “No way. No can do. Give me the second best, then. My first job can be fixing it up.”
She smiled. “Well, second best would be my brother’s room, and even though he’s on a trip right now, I don’t feel comfortable moving his stuff. So third best, and we work today to make it more, um, livable?”
Her choice of words made him pause. “Deal.”

Book Links:
ARe



About the Author:

A Southern California native, Louisa Bacio can’t imagine living far away from the ocean. The multi-published author of erotic romance enjoys writing within all realms – from short stories to full-length novels.
Bacio shares her household with a supportive husband, two daughters growing “too fast,” and a multitude pet craziness: Two dogs, five fish tanks, an aviary, hamsters, rabbits and hermit crabs. In her other life, she teaches college classes in English, journalism and popular culture.

Contact Details:
Website http://www.louisabacio.com
Email: louisabacio@yahoo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louisabacio
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/louisabacio

Character Interview:

Sit down with Tala, the heroine from Claiming the She-Wolf.

Where and how would you like to spend a night of no responsibility, all expenses paid?

Do I ever feel boring. I’m a small-town gal who likes to stick close to home. I’ve never had an itch to get out of town, unlike my brother. So how about a nice romantic picnic beneath the full moon, in the forest? No expense necessary. Just complete privacy and nature.

If you could change anything about your story in the book, what would you change?

I would give those scumbags who are vandalizing my home a piece of my mind. Forget about waiting for someone else to take care of it. Now that I know who they are, they better be watching their backs.

Name one significant thing that happened to you before the book.

It’s not like Los Lobos has foster care or anything like that. After our parents died, my brother and I were left on our own. He did the best that he could, but it was pretty hard only being him and I, and he was always afraid to have me free for fear something would happen to me. And then he left me to go to college.

What flavor do you favor? Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel?

Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles on top. I like a bit of color added to life.

Are you a sunrise or sunset person?

Honey, us shifters prefer the night under the moon. Best time to run free.

If you could and were inclined to get a tattoo, what would it be of?

Crescent moon on my shoulder, but I’d make sure it had that outline of the full moon. You know those nights when you can see all of it, but only so much is illuminated?

If you could have three wishes to last for a day, what would they be?

For Gee to answer any questions that are posed to him; for Yas to remain naked for the entire day – indoors and out; and for all of Los Lobos be returned to its glory. We’ll get there.

 If you could ask your author any question, what would it be?
Why did you make us have sex in so many strange, outdoors places? What’s wrong with a regular bed?

He-he, I like that last answer.


My Review:

I've read a few of the Black Hills Wolves books and I think this one is one of my favourites. It's written in an easy-reading style with delightful characters. I don't think I've ever understood shifter romances properly until reading this book. Somehow, the writer made me see for the first time the struggles that shifter characters go through (although fictional) and made me identify especially with the hero in this regard. I enjoyed the premise of Yas helping Tala with her bed and breakfast. She's stubborn and independent but Yas breaks through her barriers. The attraction between them is electric but not over the top. Ha-ha, sometimes I find the immediate reaction too unrealistic in erotic romances. There was also a bit of nail-biting suspense in this novella.

I have to say though, I would have much preferred if this book was longer. For some reason, I wanted to spend more time with the characters.


Wednesday 22 July 2015

Kola Book Tour with Giveaway and Review

Please welcome a talented writer, Kiru Taye, to my blog today. Her next book in the Essien series is out. I've read it and reviewed it too. (Don't you just love the cartoon of herself?)


Title: Kola
Series: The Essiens, book 4
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance

BLURB
When sassy heiress, Tari Essien, needs a place to escape the pressures of the hounding press, she turns to Kola Banks, a deeply scarred ex-soldier who's also the Essien chief of security. Kola can't offer Tari anything more than his protection. She's family for goodness sake, even if they share no blood ties.

It’s a weekend of lessons for both of them. Together they can't avoid the explosive heat that sizzles between them, nor help pushing each others' boundaries physically as well as emotionally.

But when the weekend ends and Tari's life is in danger, will Kola put his body as well as his heart in the line of fire to keep her safe?


BUY LINKS
Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X3BL93A/hubp0a34-20
Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00X3BL93A/hubp0a34-20
Amazon CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00X3BL93A/hubp0a34-20
Amazon FR http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00X3BL93A/hubp0a34-20
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1122163245?ean=2940151976923
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/551067
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kola-essien-trilogy-spinoff/id1008473552?mt=11
Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kola-an-essien-trilogy-spinoff


PLAYLIST



TEASERS





EXCERPT
With slow steps, she walked toward him, keeping her voice low and packed with the need she had for him. "I dreamt about you last night. That your touch scorched my body, your tongue on my nipples. I’m dripping wet right now just thinking about it."
He swivelled with a growl. Flinching, she took a step back at the intense expression on his face. The raw, almost feral heat in his gaze, the slight tip to one corner of his lips, baring white teeth. She trembled as she made the realisation; she was no longer the predator but now the prey.
Just like that he'd switched on her. She'd gotten what she'd wanted.
Her heart pounded against her chest and dampness soaked her knickers. How could his obvious anger turn her on so much?
"You want a bit of rough? You want me to fuck you, is that it?"
Shocked by his language, her words choked in her throat. No one had ever spoken to her in that manner. She clamped her thighs together, wanting to relief the building pressure.
"No, you don't," he gritted out as he leaned over and tapped her thigh with his knuckles. "Keep your legs apart."
She complied without understanding why he'd made the demand, only knowing she'd do whatever he asked, if it'd give her what she craved. Him fucking her hard and fast.
She’d taunted him for that reason. If it would drive away the ache in her heart for a little while, then she’d take it no matter how rough it was.
"Answer my question," he said, the calmness in his deep voice belying the passion in his dark eyes.
"Yes," her voice was a soft husky whisper, her body trembling with her own increasing desire.
"Say it, Tari," he commanded.
"I want you to fuck me," she replied and relished the freedom the words gave her.

Five Interesting Nigerian Facts

Top five interesting Nigerian phrases found in the book, Kola, and their meanings.
Mamaput: is a kiosk (lean-to with a covering) that sells food usually cooked outside. The phrase mamaput comes from "mama put food for me" or "madam put food for me" which is how customers ask to be served their food in pidgin English.
Bend-down boutique: is a stall in the market or even on the road side where second-hand clothes are piled on the floor and customers have to bend down to pick up the items they want to buy.
Face me, I face you: these are one-room apartments built in such a way that they are only divided by a corridor. So each room door faces the other, in a parallel layout.
Ashawo: means prostitute in Yoruba language. It is also used as an insult.

Nollywood: This is a term used to describe the Nigerian Movie industry, just as Hollywood, in the US or Bollywood in India. Nollywood movies are very popular in Africa and also getting popular worldwide. Nollywood is the third largest movie industry in the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kiru is the award winning author of His Treasure and bestselling author of The Essien Trilogy series. She writes sensual and passionate multicultural romance stories set mostly in Africa. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her very own alpha husband and three children.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR
Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com
Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com
Check out her author page on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Kiru-Taye/e/B00723TSDI/

You can also reach her on


GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Review of Kola

Kiru always writes hot romance. Although I haven't read the earlier books in this series, I had no problem picking up this romance and immediately getting taken into the characters and their lives. I loved the start of this book - it had me hooked right in with learning about Kola's childhood. I immediately sympathised with him and was rooting for him. Plus I took a liking to the whole family and their set up. I loved that Kola was attracted to his cousin (although cousin by family, not by blood) and that immediately, their relationship was forbidden. Kola is a great hero, he's kind yet tough towards his enemies, flawed (and I love a flawed hero with scars from the past) and he's great for Tari.

The chemistry between Kola and Tari is potent and they fall straight away into a stormy and deeply erotic relationship. But there are things holding Kola and Tari apart. Firstly, it's Tari's hurt and betrayal from her fiance and her lack of interest in a long-term relationship, then it's people trying to keep them apart. There is plenty of drama in this story. It reminds me of a soap opera, but deeper and more personal than that. You won't be bored reading this story and will be rooting for the couple all the way.

I love Kiru's writing, but I have to admit, I do prefer her more historical romances for some reason. But this contemporary will keep anyone who likes their romances hot, engrossed right to the end.


Tuesday 7 July 2015

Cover Reveal - Forbidden Dance by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Today, I want to welcome a writer friend who's written her first steamy novella. It looks so readable!


Author: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Interracial
ISBN: 978- 1508955191 (Paperback)

Release Date: Wednesday 15th July 2015

Cover Artist: Obsessed by Books Designs

Teasers & Banner Designer: Jenn Cunningham

https://www.facebook.com/jenn.cunningham.90?fref=ts

Here's the gorgeous cover:



About the Author:

Stella loves writing romance novels that are as intriguing and flirty as they are entertaining. The witty dialogue between the characters keep you thoroughly entertained. Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels are a wide range of toe-curling, skin-tingling romance books with compelling characters who have heart and soul.
The stories are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America and are dotted with unexpected twists, turns and conflicts. If you want to cuddle up and relax, grab a copy, travel with the characters and sail away to Pleasure Island. The stories cure boredom and relieve stress.
In 2010, Stella created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels. Her first contemporary romance novel; Loitering Shadows was published in May 2010. Other Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels are, Stormy Defense, Beyond the Lady, The Gardener’s Ice Maiden, Sparkling Dawn, Husband to Rent, Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1) & Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2). Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1) is her first historical romance. 
On Stella’s writing desk at the moment, are three exciting romance stories.
Stella is married to her gorgeous best friend and lover and they are blessed with two teenage children. They live in London, UK.

In her leisure time, Stella goes swimming, reads romance novels, goes to the Cinema with her family, and watches TV.

Teasers:




Facebook Party:

Stella's also holding a Facebook party on release day and there will be prizes from many authors.

Event Title: Flirty & Feisty Romance Release Celebration for upcoming steamy hot novella – Forbidden Dance

Date: Wednesday 15th July 2015

Time: 11am – 11pm Eastern Coast Time


It is going to be a fun event with lots of prizes to be won. A great opportunity to chat with several authors and readers.

Organizers:
Felicia Welch-Reevers https://www.facebook.com/reevers?fref=ts
&

Renee Jeffries https://www.facebook.com/renee.jeffries.31?fref=ts