Monday, October 21, 2013

Sanctuary Montana




12 Determined Heroes
6 Steamy Love Stories
1 Family Feud That Could Destroy Everything.



New Collection from Bestselling Authors:

Enter for a Chance to Win All 6 Books in the Sanctuary, Montana Series!!

October 21, 2013
SANCTUARY IN SUBMISSION
By Lara Valentine

Six lucky women will find out that when men fight hard, they love even harder.
Aubrey Maxwell has had it with her men, Noah and Riley McLean. They’ve made promise after promise and broken every one.  She has no choice but to lay down the law and hope they toe the line.
Noah and Riley know they’ve screwed up, but they love Aubrey with all their hearts. It’s time to cowboy up and act like men. Old habits die hard, however, and soon they’re back in the dog house begging for forgiveness.
When Aubrey’s threatened by an admirer, keeping her safe becomes paramount. She’s not thrilled they’ve swept in and taken over her life, but they’re not taking no for an answer. Aubrey wants to believe her men will be there when she needs them, but she’s been burned so many times. It’s going to take a miracle to get her to trust them again.


October 22, 2013
FINDING SANCTUARY
By Alicia White

Sophie Miller has lost hope.
She’s on the run from her violent ex-husband with her thirteen year old daughter, Alice.  They end up heading to Sanctuary, Montana hoping that her ex won’t be able to find them. With money tight and feeling uncertain about the future, Sophie turns to the only person in town she knows and trusts… her cousin. 
Mason and Alex McLean come from a wealthy family.
When Mason spots Sophie and Alice at the grocery store in town his protective instincts surface. There is just something about the sad woman that calls to him. Becoming her hero is easy, Mason does everything is his power to turn her frown into a smile, even offering her a job at his ranch.
Will Sophie be able to let go of the pain from her past? Will she ever be able to trust and love again or will her ex-husband run her out of another town.


October 23, 2013
PLEASURE IN SANCTUARY
By Melody Snow Monroe

Six lucky women find out that when men fight hard, they love even harder.
When veterinarian, Dr. Hailey Hunter, takes a two-week stint in Sanctuary, Montana, she never expects to meet the men of her dreams. Ranch owner, Jackson Baldwin, not only is to die for sexy, he’s a man in control—that is until he finds out his father has cancer and his roommate, Tanner Crenshaw, has a thirteen-year-old son he just learned about.
Tanner is shocked to learn he has a son, but he’s determined to raise him and love him. Because the boy’s mother just died, the eleven-year-old attaches himself to Hailey. While she adores the boy, when her stint is up, she must find a full-time job as she has college loans to pay off. When she’s offered a job in another state, all hell breaks loose in Sanctuary, and she’s torn between earning money and being with the men she loves. 


October 24, 2013
TRUST IN SANCTUARY
By Corinne Davies


 As a forensic genealogist, Jocelyn Richards spends all her time delving into other family’s histories as a way to avoid dealing with her own. She’s quietly hired to find the information needed to put an end to a centuries old feud between the Baldwins and McLeans but never expected to find her future while investigating the past.  

Eric and Matt Baldwin are cousins, who have grown up like brothers. Life in the fire department hasn't been risk free. After an accident that almost claimed Eric’s life, they both moved back to their home town to build a future and train a new generation of firefighters.

Matt grew up with the firm belief in love at first sight. When they meet a woman in town to do research on a book, Eric is tempted to believe it too. But, there are more secrets to Jocelyn Richards then he first believes and when the feud flares to life again she is caught in the middle.  Will the history behind a centuries old feud drive them apart before they can create a future?


October 25, 2013
SPLENDOR IN SANCTUARY
By Jane Jamison

 Six lucky women find out that when men fight hard, they love even harder.
Tatum Baldwin has loved Josh and Will McLean since high school. But the feud between the Baldwins and the McLeans means they’re off limits. When the McLean men come back into town, Tatum’s ready to make the move and claim them as her own. But what if her family finds out?

Will and Josh McLean are tired of sneaking around to be with Tatum. Yet family and the feud make it hard to go public. Just as they’ve finally convinced Tatum to take the risk, an unexpected discovery throws their world and their families into turmoil.

Will they keep their secret? But secrets have a way of coming out, especially when they’re buried in treasure.


October 26, 2013
SECRETS IN SANCTUARY
By Zara Chase

Farah McLean is driven from Sanctuary, Montana, by the dispute that has raged for years between her family and the Baldwins, keeping her from the love of her life, Drew Baldwin.
A detective in nearby Billings, she returns home, having been shot in the line of duty, to find Drew is also back in Sanctuary, along with his buddy Isaac Kincaid. When she discovers that Drew left Sanctuary because of his feelings for her, their love for one another can no longer be suppressed.
Drew and Isaac share everything—including Farah—but their relationship can’t go anywhere without destroying their families, unless…with time and determination on her side, Farah uses her detection skills to delve into the origins of the dispute.
Will she be successful, and will the stubborn patriarchs of the two clans accept her findings, even if she is…




Monday, October 7, 2013

IMMORTAL GUARDIANS: ETERNAL FLAME








As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.




IMMORTAL GUARDIANS: ETERNAL FLAME

A woman he cannot have, a man who is only a dream.
When guardian Marcus Dagotto, discovers the Gods have gifted him with a mate, he is pissed. He has no room for love and even less for a human who has no idea he exists.
Cassandra Jensen, has a shattered heart and has given up on men. Only one man can set her body on fire, but he is a fantasy that haunts her sleep.
Two worlds, one desire.
When the two collide, fate will rip them apart and test their resolve. Will darkness and evil prevail? Or, will love conquer all?


EXCERPT

She glanced at the clock, it was 1:00 a.m. But the last thing she wanted to do was sleep. She set her glass down and moved off the couch. “I’m not tired.” She reached for his hand and dug for her courage. She had a feeling he didn’t want to leave. “Kiss me.”
He pulled her close and ran his fingers across her cheek. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Gently, he nibbled her bottom lip, coaxing her mouth open with his tongue. She parted her lips, he took full advantage, pressed his way deeper into her mouth, held the kiss before he broke away.
She opened her green eyes and let out a sigh. “You’re a good kisser, Marcus.” She leaned into him and pressed her body against his. Wrapped her arms around his neck, she pulled him to her, their lips came together. Her tongue did a deliberate slow dance across his, making him moan. Her core turned to lava, the heat almost too much to bear.
He pushed her away. “Cassie. I could stand here and kiss you all night, but I’d better go before I make an ass of myself, and you end up hating me.”
She reached for his hand, knew what his aim was. “Why do you think I would end up hating you?” She worried it might be the other way around. Would he think her a wanton woman? She tried to cap her desire, but the need to live what happened in her dreams overruled her common sense.
“I will not lie. I believe in the truth, always. I want you. I want to lay you on the bed and make passionate love to you until neither of us can move.”
“Then what’s stopping you?” She whispered.
“Love, did I hear you correct?” Disbelief written on his face.
She gazed into his stormy eyes. “I will admit, I’m not the type who sleeps with a man on the first date.” She looked down at his chest. “Hell, not even the second or third.” Her eyes moved back up to meet his. “I can’t say what it is, this connection I feel. I just know I need you.”
He pulled her close, his mouth crushed hers. Their tongues glided across each other in a play for dominance. Her nipples hardened and strained against the fabric of her dress. With only the thin layer of material between them, she felt his cock harden.
She pulled away and gasped for air as she led him to the darkened bedroom. Her courage wavered for a moment. She’d come this far, there would be no stopping now. She didn’t want to stop. “Marcus, I don’t know how to explain it. I trust you and to be honest your touch sets me on fire. I need you, but if this isn’t what you want, then I’ll understand.” She held her breath and waited for his reaction.
He traced a finger along her cheek. “There’s no way in hell I’m leaving now, unless of course, you toss me on the street.”
She reached for his shirt, her fingers trembling as she loosened the first button. He grabbed her wrists. “If at any time you want to stop, tell me.”
Her head shook and continued with the buttons until they were completely undone. She pushed the shirt past his shoulders and onto the floor. Breath escaped her lungs when the moonlight filtered in the windows and danced across his chest. He was remarkable, better than her dreams.
He removed the clip that held her hair. Her chestnut curls spilled around her shoulders. He moaned when his fingers ran through the silky mass. The dress became a second skin, and she was ready to be rid of it, but before she could make a move, he reached behind her neck and untied the halter. The dress fell to her waist, exposing her bare breasts. His eyes became drunk with desire. He tipped his head down and ran his tongue over her nipple, causing it to pebble. God, she had almost come undone right there.
“You have too many clothes on,” she said, reaching for the button on his pants.
He moved off her breast, and she cried out from the ache he left behind. “I could say the same for you, love.” He kicked off his boots while she dropped her dress to the floor. She was left standing in a red thong, and black heels. There would be no turning back now.
Grabbing the waistband of his pants, she yanked them to the floor, his erection sprung free.
Her tongue traced her lips, desperate to savor him. He was much bigger than she had experienced, but that only heightened her arousal. She dropped to her knees and ran her tongue over the tip of his shaft. He tasted of salt and seduction. He wrapped a fist in her hair and groaned. She sucked him in, taking every inch. Drunk by the pleasure she gave him.
He threw his head back. “Oh gods, Cassie, you feel so good. Don’t stop.”
As if she could. No, she was a woman possessed, determined to take him over the edge. At this moment, she wanted nothing more than to make him scream her name.

BEHIND THE SCENES
  1. Is there a word or phrase you catch yourself overusing?
My husband tells me I swear like a sailor. I use the word “fuck” often, so needless to say some of my characters are pretty colorful.

  1. How do you know you’ve written a good book?
I have critique partners and beta readers. I count on them to tell me if something works or not. I would be truly lost without these wonderful ladies. I can honestly say, they are real ego boosters and if not for them, I’m not sure I would ever think my work good enough to publish.

  1. How do you keep your characters and stories organized?
I use Microsoft OneNote. I have a page for each character with their description and a picture. I have pages for general themes and ideas. I can’t tell you how many times I have to refer back to these pages. *I also love looking at the sexy men* Oops, did I say that out loud?

  1. Are you a Swooper (write first, edit later,) a Basher (edit each sentence as you go,) or both?
I swoop. I learned early on that editing as I went took the steam out of my writing and caused me to lose my muse. I will go back and read/edit if I get to a point where I’m stuck. This helps me come up with fresh ideas and I can then go back and pick up where I left off.

  1. What is the one thing you must have to be able to write?
I need quiet, I am easily distracted.

  1. Did you have any bad habits when you began writing? How did you correct those habits?
Lol, are you kidding? I hate commas, I think they are evil little creatures that should be banished. I had to learn to stop and take a breath in my writing. I still find myself rambling from time to time.

  1. What are you currently working on? How is it different from other books you’ve written?
I’m actually working on book two of Immortal Guardians right now. However, I did write an erotic paranormal romance that will be published in November, called Amazon Heat. Though Eternal Flame has sex, it was different writing something much steamier.

  1. What types of scenes are your favorite to write?
I actually love dialogue. I know many writers hate it, but I find it fun to flesh out a character and bring them to life using their own words. I find I can actually get to know them better through their dialogue.

  1. When and where can readers look forward to seeing you this year?
I don’t have any plans this year, but I hope to be attending RT Book Lovers convention in New Orleans next May.

  1. Are you always in the driver’s seat? Or do your characters drag you along for the ride?
I’d like to say I’m in control and would never let my characters run the show. With that said, they have made me rewrite entire chapters. They pester me at the worst times and are relentless. Have you ever dealt with a Dragon-shifter before? *rolls eyes* they are demanding to say the least.

  1. What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
Edits. I would much rather scrub the toilet with a toothbrush.






Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October Author Interview with Donna Gallagher



 Twolips Reviews welcomes author Donna Gallagher!
 
 Having been married in the past to a professional sportsman, Donna Gallagher has a unique insight when it comes to her writing projects; you might even say she has a competitive edge.  Her wildly popular League of Love series pits sexy rugby players against their toughest opponents - the women that come to love them, and we love to love these couples!

TLR: Hi Donna, and welcome to TLR - we’re so happy to have you with us!  If you could describe your work in twenty words or less to someone that’s never been exposed to your work before, what would you say?

DG: I should start off by saying G’day but that would be really cheesy! So I’ll just say hello and thank you for having me J

I write contemporary erotic stories set in Australia with true blue Aussie heroes and heroines searching for their happily ever after.

TLR:  Do you see yourself in any of your characters?  If so, would you share what parts?

DG: Mandy or maybe Laura, it’s hard to decide. Mandy (Mandy’s He-man, book 2) and I have a lot in common, struggling to survive away from home early on in life and maybe not making the best of decisions. Laura (Laura’s Light, book 3) on the other hand is so strong and capable. As a single mother she has worked hard to give her son the best life she could. Having spent a few years as a single mum I can appreciate her efforts.


TLR: Have you developed a favorite among your characters, and if so, which one?

DG: I have to say JT from Mandy’s He-man – otherwise he will never let up. JT is an ever present voice, it doesn’t matter what book I’m writing JT always has something to add. I love his sense of humour, his loyalty and even though he is feared by many opponents for his size, toughness and ability on the sporting field, JT has a soft heart.


TLR: If you were able to switch places with one of your heroines, which one would it be and why?

DG: Mandy – I’ve always had a bit of a crush on JT. I’ve never been able to draw or create anything that resembles art so it would be nice to have that ability and then there is the whole sleeping with JT thing…

TLR: Tell us how you typically work through a story - are you the type to plot it all out and fill in the details, or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

DG: I am ruled by my muse or should that be muses. The voices in my head tell me what to write. Usually it’s the male hero that tells me his story and I just type the words. Often characters from previous books also add their opinions or try and distract me with a new idea. It can be difficult keeping them all under control. I was so relieved to find other authors have the same problem – With all the conversations happening in my head I was starting to think I was losing my sanity ;)

TLR: Do you have any special routines to get you in the mood to write?

DG: I tend to write in the mornings, usually after my shower, that seems to be the time the voices are the loudest. I always have the television on the sports channel in the background.

TLR: What first inspired you to become a writer?

DG: I never had any aspirations to be a writer - that’s my sister’s field (she’s a sports commentator in Australia). Leaving school at such a young age left me feeling insecure when it came to my literacy skills. I struggled trying to write an absentee note for my children, I still remember the principal at my son’s primary school lecturing me on the difference between ‘would you’ and ‘could you’. To be honest I still don’t know which one to use. So it came as a complete shock when Brodie first started talking to me. It nearly drove me crazy I had to write just to get him to be quiet. Luckily for me my Total-E-Bound editor liked my stories and was only too happy to help me with my grammar and punctuation problems. I struggled with the editing process in the beginning the amount of red involved scared me but I’m very happy with the end result.

TLR: Do your family and friends know that your work is on the spicy side?

DG: Yes, my eldest son and sister were the first to read Caitlin’s Hero. If not for their encouragement I would never have submitted to a publisher. It still took me nearly two years to work up the courage. My husband took a little while to warm up to the idea, now he likes to brag to friends that he helps me in my research. He hasn’t read any of my books and that’s probably for the best. He may have questions I wouldn’t like to answer ;)

All my friends and family have been very supportive. Luckily, as I write under my real name, could have been awkward otherwise! My youngest son is fifteen and while I haven’t let him read my books, for obvious reasons, he helps me with computer related issues. Middle son is probably the most embarrassed but he doesn’t hide the fact his mother writes erotic fiction. One of his friends does body building and has supplied me with yummy photos for my Facebook author page.

TLR: Though you have first hand exposure to the world of Rugby, would you consider taking on another competitive sport or another genre in future works?  If so, which one?

DG: I am a massive sports fan and watch all kinds of sport. When my television is on it’s on a sports channel. On a recent trip to the US I went to a baseball game - I’m hooked. The problem for me, with trying to write about a different sport, would be connecting with the characters. I lived the rugby league life so had an insight into some of the problems faced. I have been asked to write an AFL story (another popular type of footy here in the land down under.) Maybe one day.

I did manage to pen a story that doesn’t involve rugby league – I know it’s a bit of a shock to me too!  ‘A Fruitful Intimacy’ is part of the Edible Delights Anthology, Volume 1, published by Secret Cravings Publishing, a contemporary erotic novella about a married couple trying to re-ignite their love life when family and responsibility get in the way. There are three volumes of Edible Delights so far, and all stories are written by Australian authors.

I’d really like to try writing a paranormal. I love a good werewolf or vampire tale but seriously there are so many great authors already doing that, I’m not sure I’d come up with anything that would come close to being good enough.


TLR: What authors or titles do you consider “classics”?

DG: My “classics” would have to include everything written by my favorite author N.J. Walters. My favorite Aussie authors are Jess Dee and Lexxie Couper. I just love reading, any genre. Wuthering Heights, Little Women and The Time Traveler’s Wife all have to rate high on my list and the first book that gave me nightmares was Stephen King’s The Shining. (TLR/Leanna: I have to say, Lexxie and Jess are definitely on my “go to” list of favorite authors as well!)

TLR: Would you ever consider a collaborative work with a partner?  If it could be anyone you chose, who would it be?

DG: If I could pick anyone it would be N.J. Walters, although I have such a crush on her that I probably couldn’t concentrate long enough to write anything. There would be lots of squealing involved though.

TLR: What do you do keep the erotic elements in your stories fresh?

DG: Hmm! I probably should answer that question with some reference to my husband…

TLR:  I’d like to do what I like to call, rapid fire responses - are you ready?

DG:  I’m always ready…

TLR: O.K. , here we go!

TLR: What is your favorite color?

DG: Black – my youngest always hates this answer because black is not a color!

TLR: What is your favorite food?

DG: Pasta.

TLR: What do you prefer on a man - boxers, briefs, or the "suit" he was born with?

DG: It really depends on the man. Hubby wears boxer briefs, a bit tighter than the usual boxers – I ‘m sure he won’t mind me telling you all.


TLR: Do you own any pets?

DG: I have two turtles and just recently we added a mini dachshund to our family. It’s just like having a new baby in the house and considering I just turned fifty I have to admit I’m struggling, but she is a little princess.

TLR: What is your favorite way to enjoy a rainy day?

DG: Watch sports or read. Not really much of a surprise there! (TLR/Leanna: Again...I am right with you, Donna!!)

TLR: Last, but certainly not least, what do you have coming up on the horizon?  Is there any exciting news or releases you can tell us about?

DG: I do have a new release coming up, Cassie’s Choice, book 7 in my League of Love series will be released in January 2014. I can give you a sneak peak at the tag.

One night had haunted Cassie for over two years. Agreeing to something she didn’t feel sure about, all for the sake of a man – or more correctly, her fear of losing him.
And, I’ve just booked my flights for another trip to the US in May. I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans and decided the time was right. I hear there is a convention on around that time J I can’t wait to stalk some authors!

TLR: Donna, on behalf of the staff at TwoLips Reviews, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions - we look forward to seeing where your career takes you!

If you're looking to keep up to date with Donna Gallagher’s news and releases, you can find her here: