Curling Up With A Good Book

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Rockstar Book Tours Trailer Reveal & Giveaway: Soul Betrayed (Katlyn Duncan)

I am super excited to be able to share the trailer for Katlyn Duncan's SOUL BETRAYED, the third and final book in The Life After trilogy, coming February 27, 2014 from Carina.

The covers for each book in this series are gorgeous and the trailers are just as amazing.

If you haven't yet heard about this awesome series, available in eBook format, just check out the descriptions below.

And if you'd like the chance to win an Amazon eGift Card, the author has offered one up for giveaway. Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter.

Now, without any further ado, let me present to you...

The Soul Betrayed Trailer

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About Soul Betrayed

COMING FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Series: The Life After #3
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 223 pages
Format: eBook

Description...

The final installment of The Life After trilogy...

A Life for a Life

The battle between Shadowed and Guard has brought destruction and terror to Gate Seven and now Maggie wants revenge. As the only after-life being who can save the souls from ultimate death Maggie comes face to face with her own human body, preserved for a century, waiting for just this moment to arrive.

Yet, how far will Maggie go to exact her revenge on the Shadowed? And when she comes face to face with her past, how will she survive the onslaught of memories she thought long gone?

For when the truth comes out all is not what it seems and Maggie has finally run out of time... She must choose her destiny or watch all she has perish in the fight for her life!

AMAZON | GOODREADS

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About Katlyn Duncan

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

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The Giveaway

This reveal includes a giveaway for a $15 Amazon eGift Card to one winner, ending on February 28th.

Enter in the Rafflecopter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Soul Taken

Series: The Life After #1
Release date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 223 pages
Formats: eBook

Description...

Book 1 in The Life After trilogy.

After-life just got a lot more complicated

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.

Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…

To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

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The Soul Taken Trailer

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About Soul Possessed

Series: The Life After #2
Release date: October 28, 2013
Publisher: Carina
Print length: 256 pages
Format: eBook

Description...

Life after Life

Now Maggie has been given the chance of her after-life to become a Guard, nothing will stand in her way. Not even the undeniable attraction she feels for her trainer and past love—Jackson. But when the battle between Shadowed and Guard begins again which side will she choose?

When her boss, Felix, partners Jackson and Maggie up with Ally and Cooper to investigate terrifying Shadowed activity, she doesn’t think it could get any worse. Jackson and Cooper barely tolerate each other and this time, Maggie isn’t just proving her loyalty to the Guard during one mission...she has a side mission too. One so secret and so dangerous she can’t tell a soul... Book 2 in The Life After trilogy.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

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The Soul Possessed Trailer

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Merp Squad Blog Tours & Giveaway: Under Zenith (Shannen Crane Camp)

Paperback
Published February 11th 2014 by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

It was the most important day of her life, and for 21-year-old Isla Edison, graduating from college with a useless degree in vocal performance was all part of her master plan. Dying in a car accident only hours later wasn't part of that plan. Yet there she was, standing over her own lifeless body and panicking about ruining the truck her parents had bought as a graduation present. Talk about a bad way to repay them.
If coming to terms with the hereafter wasn’t enough to deal with, Isla suddenly finds herself stuck with Hayden, a gorgeous Brit with a bad attitude and a penchant for throwing her off cliffs to keep her in line. Worst of all, Hayden is her Guide, and until she completes six impossible and totally random tasks to reach her mysterious Destination, she's stuck with him. Isla's major problem, though, is that she doesn't know what reaching her Destination actually entails, and soon the mystery surrounding her new afterlife seems more ominous than any purgatory she could possibly imagine. Now Isla must decide if she'll trust her dark and brooding Guide despite his "bad boy" act, or if she'll risk failing her tasks and facing the unknown alone.

Shannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in either California or Utah... they still can't decide.

Author Links:

Goodreads * Blog/Site * Twitter * Pinterest

INKY'S QUESTIONS:

1.This is your first NA book. What was different about your writing process this time around? (ie. Did you go into it with a different approach?)

I feel like I had different things to think about with this one. Normally I’m thinking about high school and relationships in that context. With this book I had to focus more on things like what my main character wanted to do with her life as far as a career goes. I had to think about a job for her, her financial situation, her relationship with her family as an independent woman. It was definitely a different character building process. I also had to think about how she would relate to a roommate or an older brother who she didn’t live with. That kind of thing.

2.Now I'm guessing it's because you've always wanted to explore the afterlife with a hot Brit, but tell me about your inspiration for Under Zenith?

You’re actually pretty spot on. I wanted to write a scenario where I could do anything I wanted to without it being out of place. I wanted this space where literally any creature or situation could arise and my character could stop and think it was weird, but it wasn’t necessarily surprising. I loved the freedom that afforded. The Afterlife just seemed like the perfect space for this odd little dreamscape. And hey, if a hot psychotic Brit was involved, that’s always a plus! I do love my hot psychotic Brits… I may or may not be writing another hot psychotic Brit right now!

3. What's the first thing you do when you start a new story? (ie. names, places, find pictures for characters?)

I make a folder on my computer for the book. I create one Word document for the actual story, and one for everything else. I write out the plot, story details, and most importantly, character descriptions. I’ll fill the folder with pictures of people who would “play” the characters and write out descriptions of their age, physical appearance, weird ticks, personality details, and their likes and dislikes. Honestly, it kind of looks like an online dating profile. Plus I’ll make a playlist of songs to listen to throughout the day to get me pumped to write when I get home from work. I even dress like my characters a lot of the time. So if you ever see me in fifties clothes, I’m probably working on a June book :)

4. Are you the kind of writer who eats/drinks while she writes? If so, what's your "writing snack"?

A giant glass of ice water and something super salty :) I kind of live on salt. It’s a bit of a problem.

5. You've already hit up a variety of genres, from Contemp to Dystopian! What genres would you like (or are going to) to explore in the future?

I’m actually in the middle of writing a paranormal New Adult novel about a bunch of ghost hunters :) So I’d say that’s definitely a genre I want to explore lol. I’d really love to write a murder mystery but I’m not sure I’m clever enough to do that. I think people would guess my murderer every time! I’m also going to focus more on YA contemporary some more. I feel like lately I’ve been drifting away from that to do more sci-fi/fantasy type of books. As much as I love those, it’ll be nice to get back to my roots.

What gave you the inspirations to write this book?

I wanted to write a crazy story. I should probably try to reign in my imagination or not let it run wild so often, but I just wanted one book where I did whatever I wanted. I didn’t worry about genres or what fit into a category and I just wrote. If I wanted to put a zombie into this book, I did it. And that’s exactly why I wanted to write this. I wanted to just write the most bizarre blend of spaces and scenarios and somehow make it all fit together in one odd little package. It was a fun challenge to make every scene so different while still connecting together in the long run.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Hayden. By a long shot! I love Isla, and I love how stubborn and hard headed she is. But I LOVE Hayden. I know a lot of people might have a hard time with him because he’s pretty mean sometimes, but I tried to also make him endearing. He’s a little on the unstable side, but I just love his snark and he was a blast to write because he’s so unpredictable.

Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel came first. Although the title was actually something my friends and I came up with in high school. We wanted to think of a band name for our non-existent band and so we tried to think of something totally bizarre. So what better than “Under an imaginary point on the horizon”? It just so happened that it worked out perfectly for this novel since you aren’t really sure where Isla is the whole time.

What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I think Isla’s very last task is my favorite scene, mostly because it’s so creepy. I’m hoping it came across as unsettling as it was in my head. The whole water tunnel was something I’d had a nightmare about and when I woke up I thought, “That was just way too creepy to not put in a book” and so I fit it in. If I did succeed in portraying just how scary that dream was for me, then I’m definitely proud of that scene! I wanted people to feel ask panicked as I felt. Maybe that’s mean. But it’s also kind of awesome right?

Thinking way back to the beginning, what's the most important thing you've learned as a writer from then to now?

Writing should be fun, because if you’re not having fun and you don’t love your characters, it’ll show in your writing. That doesn’t mean it can’t be hard to write difficult scenes (in fact it probably should be hard), but you have to love what you’re doing. If you don’t love it, how are other people supposed to love it?

What do you like most about the cover of the book?

I love that it’s pretty but still slightly unsettling. I wanted it to reflect the feel of the book, and so many of the possible pictures I saw were either creepy or pretty. This needed to be both. I love that it’s kind of whimsical and cold all at the same time.

What new release book are you looking forward to the most in 2014?

I can’t wait to read “The One” by Kiera Cass! I’m completely hooked on that story.

What was your favorite book in 2013?

I know this didn’t come out in 2013, but that’s when I read it. I LOVED “Falling” by Jolene Perry. It was a simple Contemporary Romance but seriously, so cute. Plus I just love her writing.

What's up next for you?

Too much! I’ve got “Rose Tinted” (the sequel to “Sugar Coated” coming out in May and “Catching June” (the third book in the June series) coming out in December. Plus I’m in the middle of writing about four books! I need to focus on one thing at a time… but that’s not really my style :)

Is there anything you would like to add?

I hope you guys like “Under Zenith”! Be prepared… because it’s weird. It’s what happens when I let my imagination do whatever it wants. But it’s worth it. And I hope you love that psychotic British boy Hayden as much as I do! Thank you so much for having me on your blog today and thanks to the Merp Squad for setting it all up!

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Merp Squad Blog Tours

Book Promotion Just Got WAY Better.

Find us at OUR SITE and on TWITTER!

CBB Book Promotions Blog Tour, Interview, & Giveaway: Butterman (PK Hrezo)

Welcome to my tour stop for Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc by PK Hrezo. This is a New Adult Time Travel Adventure Romance and the tour runs Feb. 10-21 with reviews, author interviews and a few guest posts and top tens. It also includes a great giveaway. Be sure to stop by the tour page for all the additional information and list of tour stops.

Book Title: Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc
Author: PK Hrezo
Genre: NA Time Travel Adventure Romance Recommended Age: 16 and up
Length: 267
Release date: November, 2013

Description:It’s the year 2069 and even though eighteen-year-old Bianca Butterman is heir to the family biz, she may never see the day her time-craft license becomes official. When a government agent starts nosing around the operation, Butterman Travel, Inc. gets stuck with a full audit—part of a government take-over scheme to shut down all private time travel agencies. Enter former boy band superstar, Tristan Helms, desperate to retrieve a lost item from his past and willing to pay triple fare for a time-trip to get there, and Bianca has to find a way to complete the job and return home before the government gets wind and shuts down the family biz for good.

Welcome to Butterman Travel, Incorporated; a full service agency designed to meet all your exclusive time travel needs. We’re a family owned and operated business with one hundred years of experience. A place where you can rest assured, safety and reliability always come first.

Anxious to attend some special event from the past? Or for a glimpse of what the future holds?

You’ve come to the right place. We’re a fully accredited operation, offering an array of services; including, but not limited to: customized travel plans, professionally piloted operations, and personal trip guides. *Terms and conditions do apply
Use our Web conferencing to contact our frontline reservation specialist, Bianca Butterman, who will handle all your inquiries in a professional and efficient manner, offering a tentative itinerary and free fare quote, so you can make the most of your time trip.
We look forward to serving you at Butterman Travel, Inc., where time is always in your hands.

Goodreads | Amazon Kindle | B&N

PK Hrezo is a native Floridian whose life could easily be a Jimmy Buffet song. She shares her home with her firefighter husband and their two children. When not creating characters and their worlds, PK can be found at her other job of rearranging passenger’s itineraries for a major international airline. The only hobbies she loves more than traveling, are reading, writing, and music, and when the four are combined she exists in total bliss.
She blogs regularly at PK HREZO: Fearless Fiction http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com/

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

1. What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I’d been wanting to write a time travel story for awhile but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. My kids were watching Monsters, Inc. one day and the concept of a time travel agency sorta popped in my head. I wanted it to be a character/voice driven story so I figured out Bianca and just went with it. I’ve worked for a commercial airline for sixteen years so I spun off that knowledge to make it work.

2. Who is your favorite character in the book?

Bianca is so much fun to write. I love spending time with her and seeing where she leads me next. She’s far from boring, and that was important to me in keeping the story interesting.

3. Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel. I wasn’t sure what the title would be at first, but I like the quirkiness of the name Butterman and felt it had a playful-ness about it, which the story is meant to have.

4. What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I think the Woodstock scenes really pushed me as a writer. I wanted it to feel as real as possible and easy to imagine, and I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. It helps writing about something that fascinates you because it allows you to add in your own flavor organically.

5. Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

That not every project will turn into something great and that’s okay. Write it anyway. Each story written is a necessary step along the path to becoming a great writer, and every word, every sentence counts, even if it never sees the light of day. Sometimes it feels hopeless, but it’s a slow build to the genuine skill and discipline every writer needs.

6. What do you like most about the cover of the book?

Well, this is kind of a secret, so shhh…. But the cover is symbolic to the sequel and third volume, in a way that was never originally intended. So it’s very cool for me personally, but it won’t be apparent to readers til they’ve read the following two volumes.
Oh, and I love how it encompasses a little bit of every part of the story: futuristic Manhattan, the Arctic, and some hippie icons in the background. My cover artist is Jaycee DeLorenzo and she’s a star.

7. What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?

Well, my long time critique partner’s debut, Camelot Burning, comes out this year from Flux and I’m so excited for her because I know how long and hard she worked on it, and I’ve read it in so many different stages.

8. What was your favorite book in 2013?

I actually read a lot of non-fiction last year while getting ready to launch Butterman. And I’m always a little behind with new releases since I do a lot of beta reading and critiquing for other authors, but I’d have to say my favorite read of 2013 was Gone Girl, even though it came out before then I believe.

9. What’s up next for you?

It’s gonna be a busy year. The Butterman sequel, Induction Day, is in the works and very exciting! Lots of historical research has gone into it, so I’m really working hard on getting it just right. I’m also doing a weekly feature of the Butterman prequel on Wattpad, which is called, Diary of a Teenage Time Traveler, and it follows Bianca’s early years.
And then I’m also working on a very special project for a local rape victim, helping her to tell her harrowing story. So yeah, I’m swamped, but blessed.

10. Is there anything that you would like to add?

For those of you who are reaching for your dreams, never stop. No matter what it is, keep believing it’s possible and work your butt off to get as far as you can. When it seems hopeless, stop and look back at how far you’ve come, then keep reaching.

Thank you so much for featuring me here today. And for all of your support with my book. We authors are nothing without our readers, and we have so much respect for readers like you with so much passion for books, and who take the time to share it with others. Rock on!

T-shirt from outofprintclothing.com (US)

$10 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

Bettie Bookpage Pixie ornament (US)

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Mundie Moms Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Be With Me (J Lynn)

Click here for Tour Page and Schedule!!!

Paperback, 384 pages
Published February 4th 2014 by

William Morrow/HarperCollins

ARC Provided by Publisher For Honest Review

Series: Wait for Me #2

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.
Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.
As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…

Pre-Order from:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kindle | Nook

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Author Links:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

So I basically love any book that Jennifer Armentrout AKA J Lynn writes. She is a phenomenal writer and knows exactly how to describe her characters and story in a way that makes you feel as though you are right there with me experiencing everything they are. I jumped at the opportunity to review Be With Me.

J Lynn's novel Wait For Me is the predecessor to Be With Me and is the story of Cam and Avery and their love affair. Be With Me introduces us to Cam's little sister, Teresa (Tess) Hamilton and begins her story. First of all, I loved Tess's character. She is a strong, yet emotional character who wears her feelings on her shoulders. She experienced an injury to her knee which caused her to put off her dance career and attend college instead. She attend the same college as her brother Cam and his girlfriend Avery which in turn allows us to gain bits and pieces of their ongoing relationship. I loved the fact that we get to see what is happening with Cam and Avery as well as learning a new story with Tess.

Jace Winstead is one of Cam's life long friends and therefore Tess has known him her entire life. Jace is handsome, funny, and just absolutely adoring...oh and not to mention HOT. Tess and Jace experienced a "truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss" a year ago and they have not seen each other since. They went their separate ways afterwards but still cant deny their feelings for each other.

"Over three years of crushing on him, a year since the last time our lips met, and Jase... oh God, he was finally kissing me."

"Mind reeling and senses spinning, I trembled as he nipped at my lower lip the same way he had at my neck before and then flicked the edge of his tongue over the seam of my lips, coaxing them open. He deepened the kiss, tasting me---owning me, and in the same instance, setting me free. This kiss was nothing like the one stolen a year ago. It blew out the water as a deep, nearly primitive rumble rose up from his chest."

They begin a love affair and fall madly for each other. Little does Tess know, but Jace is keeping a life-changing secret from her and he is continually pulled toward his responsibilities and away from Tess.

Not only do we get to experience Tess and Jace's romance but there is also so much more going on in the story. Tess experienced an awful, painful, possessive relationship before Jace and is still recovering from the effects. Her experience with her ex-boyfriend opened her eyes to the world and she begins to feel as though one of her friends is experiencing the same issues with her boyfriend.

"Fury snapped at the heels of the rising fear, and I did something I'd never done with Jeremy, no matter how bad it got."

"I wasn't a victim anymore. I would never be the victim again."

There is not only romance but drama, mystery, and intense suspense in this story. I loved it. I turned pages deep into the night just to see what would happen next. Each chapter is more intense and fascinating. By the close of the story the mysteries are solved and some left me stunned. I love these types of stories....ones that stay with you long after the last page is read. This is a talent that J Lynn has with each and every book she writes and is the exact reason why she is a best-selling author. If you want romance, drama, mystery, suspense and just an absolute PHENOMENAL book then this is the book for you. It was just incredible.

Waiting On Wednesday: Beware The Wild (Natalie Parker)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at

Breaking the Spine

and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I chose this book because it just sounds creepily good...and not to mention the cover is WICKED!!! I love a good mystery and this book sound perfect!!

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: October 21st 2014 by HarperTeen

There’s something about the swamp in Sticks, Louisiana. Something different, something haunting . . . something alive. Everyone knows this, and everyone avoids going near it. And even the Mardi Gras–bead-decorated fence that surrounds it keeps people away.
Until one morning when Sterling Saucier’s older brother Phineas runs into the swamp . . .
And doesn’t return.
Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out in his place, and all of a sudden, no one in Sticks remembers Phin at all. They treat Lenora May as if she’s been Sterling’s sister forever.
Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp’s done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance—but first she’s got to find someone who believes her.
Heath Durham might be that someone. A loner shrouded behind rumors of drug addiction, Heath has had his own strange experience with the swamp. He and Sterling will have to piece together enough bits of memory and ancient swamp lore to get to the truth. But as the wild swamp encroaches on their town, Sterling and Heath may find a lot more than they expected . . . and Phin may be lost to them forever.

SO WHAT BOOK ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2014??

Rockstar Book Tours Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway: Compromising Willa (Diana Quincy)

Title: COMPROMISING WILLA
Author: Diana Quincy
EBook: 267 pages
Release Date: December 9, 2013

England, 1805
Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope is ruined and everyone knows it. Back in Town for the first season since her downfall, Willa plans to remain firmly on the shelf, assuming only fortune hunters will want her now. Instead she focuses on her unique tea blends, secretly supporting a coffee house which employs poor women and children. If her clandestine involvement in trade is discovered, she'll be ruined. Again.
No one is more shocked by Willa's lack of quality suitors than the newly minted Duke of Hartwell. Having just returned from India, the dark duke is instantly attracted to the mysterious wallflower. His pursuit is hampered by the ruthless Earl of Bellingham, who once jilted Willa and is now determined to reclaim her.
Caught between the clash of two powerful men, a furious Willa refuses to concede her independence to save her reputation. But will she compromise her heart?

Purchase Links

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided she'd rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.
Fans of Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries will love her Regency world of dashing dukes, irresistible rogues and the headstrong, determined women who capture their hearts. New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes says SEDUCING CHARLOTTE is "Sweet, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable...Equal parts action, passion and fun."
Growing up as a foreign service brat, Diana lived in many countries and is now settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop or trying to keep up with laundry, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and dreams of traveling much more than her current schedule (and budget) allows. Diana loves to hear from readers. You can follow her on Twitter @Diana_Quincy or visit her website at www.dianaquincy.com
To learn more about Diana's upcoming books and for sneak previews and other special exclusive giveaways, please consider signing up for her quarterly newsletters at www.dianaquincy.com. Diana understands your information is private and promises NEVER to share it with anyone.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Pinterest

Scavenger Hunt

(My participation in this blog tour is to take part in the scavenger hunt. Locate the Mystery Word in RED and enter that word into the rafflecopter to participate.)

Part 2

Swallowing her nerves, Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope stood to the side of the crowded assembly room and hoped no one took notice of her. Unfortunately, it didn’t appear to be working.

Her new friend, Lady Florinda Bromley, threaded through the throng to Willa’s side. “You have an admirer. Viscount Mowbry said you are a diamond of the first whose loveliness easily outshines everyone else present this evening.”

Willa had already noted Mowbry’s interest. The viscount, elegant in evening finery, stood next to a slight fellow in bright colors, sliding an aloof gaze over her with obvious appreciation. She pretended not to notice the polite inspection, comprehending full well that nothing would come of it. At three-and-twenty, she’d never had a proper marriage offer. Except for that one time four years ago. If one could credit that debacle. “Nonsense, Flor, he could be looking at anyone.”

“No, I have excellent hearing. He was discussing you with that fop standing next to him.” Flor, a slight girl with red curly hair, pushed her spectacles up the bridge of her nose with her pointer finger. “After all, who else present is in possession of chocolate-colored curls of silk and skin like a fine cream?”

“He said that?”

Flor nodded, her green eyes sparkling with wicked humor. “He’s not exactly Byron, is he? And I heard him utter the most scandalous thing.”

Her stomach lurched. “Scandalous?” She’d had enough scandal to last her a lifetime.

“He said something about large velvet brown eyes and a sumptuous form that made a man think of things he shouldn’t when looking at a lady.” Amusement lined her forehead. “It would all be enormously flattering if only the viscount weren’t a buffoon with nothing but air between his ears.”

“Florinda!” Willa couldn’t help but smile at the girl’s audacity. They’d become fast friends this season—her new cohort’s blunt nature being one of the qualities she admired most. It helped that the earl’s daughter knew everything there was to know about Town, unlike Willa, whose parents had always preferred country living.

“Look, he’s coming towards us.” Flor’s skeptical gaze followed the viscount. “I’d wager he’ll ask someone for an introduction.”

Apprehension rolled in her stomach. She darted a look at the gentleman, who did indeed appear to be heading in their direction. He was waylaid by his companion, a wellknown dandy and gossip, who put a staying hand on his lordship’s arm and murmured something into his ear. The viscount’s eyebrows inched up a little at a time as he listened, then his gaze darted back to Willa. Only this time, the bold appraisal lacked any pretense of courtesy, wandering over her curves with insolent scrutiny, as though he could see straight through her gown.

“The blackguard!” Flor inhaled a shocked breath. “Did you see the discourteous manner in which he regarded you?”