This was such a surprise. A good one. I picked up the book after a recommendation from another writer and I’m so glad I did. I thought it would be a light, funny read and it certainly was, but it surprised me with much deeper themes, so relevant to the world we are living in today. I bought the audio book and I have to say the narrator was amazing. His interpretation of the cat’s (Sweetpea) voice and attitude had me in stitches (and it was so accurate) throughout the whole book. If you are a pet lover and want a good laugh while still exploring world/human issues, this is the book for you. Brilliant!
Spring flowers, baby animals, and chicks hatching from their shells herald the arrival of spring and Easter. In many countries including the United States, Easter can be as much about the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and candy as it is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what does the Easter Bunny have to do with the Religious holiday we call Easter?
Rabbit Symbol
In many European Countries including England, the Easter Bunny is known…
SHE KNEW ALL ABOUT PAIN…Jaklyn Marx learned at a young age what pain was at the hands of her father. For seventeen years she’d lived with the physical scars, and the knowledge that she was a latent wolf. When she meets two men who claimed she was meant to be theirs, she ran.
THEY KNEW ALL ABOUT WAITING…Gray and Colt had been searching for their Fated for thousands of years. When she ran they were prepared to do anything to find her and keep her, even call on a goddess for help.
THE PAST WASN’T MEANT TO STAY GONE…Just when the trio finds happiness a demon from their past threatens to destroy them. Jaklyn refuses to allow her father to take anything else, especially her newfound love for the two men who save her past, present, and future.
LOVE WILL TEST THEIR BONDS…They will need more than just love to defeat Seamus and his tainted pack. They’ll need the help of all the Ravens and a god or two in order to destroy something Cronus created.
Elle Boon is a USA Today Bestselling Author who lives in Middle-Merica as she likes to say…with her husband and Kally Kay her black lab and writing partner. She has two amazing kids Jazz and Goob and is a MiMi to one adorable little nugget named Romy or RomyGirl who has totally won over everyone who sees hers. She’s known for saying “Bless Your Heart” and dropping lots of F-bombs, but she loves where this new journey has taken her and has no plans on stopping.
She writes what she loves to read, and that’s romance, whether it’s about Navy SEALs, or paranormal beings, as long as there is a happily ever after. Her biggest hope is that after readers have read one of her stories, they fall in love with her characters as much as she did. She loves creating new worlds, and has more stories just waiting to be written. Elle believes in happily ever afters, and can guarantee you will always get one with her stories.
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guests are Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde who have an excerpt from their book Dare To Tempt An Earl This Spring. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!
Excerpt:
A sudden urge to run a finger along the line of his face filled her, but more than that, a reckless urge to kiss him. She could hardly believe herself, yet there it was, a wild temptation that made her fingers twitch. But then, once she set her mind on a task, she gave it her all. And, well, Ashley refused to miss the perfect opportunity to grab the man by the lapels and boldly rob him of his breath!
So, she did just that.
She yanked him to her, planting her lips firmly on his. The man had the gall to speak of virtue. Well, then, she would have the gall to kiss this vexing mouth into submission! His heart would, hopefully, follow soon enough.
His body tensed beneath her, his hands coming to rest on her waist, probably unsure of whether to pull her closer or push her away. But he didn’t push her away. She wanted to take charge, to sculpt this impulsive moment into something she controlled. But no. Linsey met her passion with an intensity that startled her, a force that left her breathless. His hand cradled the back of her head, a tender gesture that contrasted with the hunger in the kiss.
So good.
Ashley’s senses reeled, torn between the desire to lead and the unexpected thrill of being met with equal force. The air around them pulsed with the heat of their intertwined spirits; even as she fought for control, she couldn’t deny the electricity sparking from his touch, setting her every nerve alight.
Ashley’s senses spiraled, caught between her desire to command and the thrilling shock of his equal thirst. The air between them crackled with electricity, pulsing with heat and tension, every touch sparking a fire along her skin. She could feel the strength in him, the restrained power beneath the gentlemanly bearing, and she hated how much she liked it.
She was in his lap.
Her weight pressed him back into the corner of the bench.
Then why, oh why, did it feel as though he had taken complete control of their kiss? Over her senses?
No! Ashley wouldn’t allow it.
Her free hand cupped the back of his head, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss, intent on reclaiming the reins. She was not one to yield easily!
But then… Oh. His teeth grazed her lower lip before his tongue pushed in. Her heart stumbled, skipping a few beats.
And then it stopped altogether.
The man could kiss.
And how he could kiss!
Every breath, every movement of his lips against hers sent a dizzying thrill through her, unraveling her will power in a way she hadn’t foreseen. This wasn’t a mere kiss. It was a claiming. And it was far too spellbinding.
Ashley had never been so bewildered before.
How was it possible that his mouth could simply touch hers, and her insides leapt with a giddy thrill?
No, it wasn’t merely that.
It was a heady blend of sparkling contact, a fiery dance of tongues, and his intoxicating scent overpowering her senses. Her heart had ceased its rhythmic beats, and her lungs forgot how to draw in air. Breathless and dazed, Ashley’s bones turned to cotton. Kissing like this, the man certainly didn’t seem like the villain who would send another man fleeing from London.
He seemed like just the right man to hold her in his strong arms and kiss her for as long as she existed. Anyone who claimed a woman like that—claimed her like Thomas did—would surely be—
And then it was over.
He pulled away and stared down at her. Ashley stared back, no words ready to fire from her tongue. Was this what they called speechlessness?
Oh dear, it was horrible!
The tips of his fingers brushed over his mouth. “What did you just do?”
“I, I kissed you.” And you devoured me back. She suddenly laughed. “Why? Are you scared?”
Dare To Tempt An Earl This Spring by Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde
She plans revenge. He wagers his future. But neither bets on love.
Lady Ashley never imagined she’d lose the love of her life because of a heartless wager. And she knows exactly who to blame for her heartbreak. Thomas, the Earl of Linsey, has it all—wealth, prestige, good looks, and his prized thoroughbred horses. Determined to exact her own kind of justice, Ashley hatches a daring scheme to steal the one thing he values most. But as she enters his world, she discovers an infuriatingly charming man with unruly wit and a passion that stirs something deep within her. The closer she gets to stealing his horses, the harder it becomes to shield her heart.
Thomas, the irresistible Earl of Linsey, is a man bound by secrets and a wager that will change his life. If he doesn’t marry before his 25th birthday, he’ll lose more than his dignity to a ruthless rival. But even as time passes, he focuses on preparing his horses for the Royal Ascot. That is, until Ashley saunters into his life. With her sharp tongue and undeniable allure, she’s both the distraction he doesn’t need and the woman who ignites a fire he can’t ignore. Yet Thomas begins to suspect Ashley has ulterior motives, and untangling her secrets may cost him more than his treasured horses.
Their battle of wits sparks undeniable passion, but when deception and betrayal come to light, will Thomas and Ashley risk it all for a love they never saw coming?
Step into a world of glittering ballrooms, fiery attraction, and scandalous secrets in the first book of this steamy Regency romance series by #1 bestselling authors Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde. Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, sizzling romance, and the thrill of sweet revenge. Don’t miss this captivating series starter filled with witty banter, dangerous stakes, and a love worth fighting for!
Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.
Wedding Fever Series:
Book 1: Dare to Tempt an Earl This Spring Book 2: How to Lose A Prince This Summer Book 3: How To Seduce A Duke This Autumn Book 4: Ways To Kiss A Marquess This Winter
About the Authors:
Sara Adrien
Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and heart-melting Regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers.
For more information and exclusive sneak peeks, new releases, and more, sign up for Sara Adrien’s newsletter at www.SaraAdrien.com
Tanya Wilde
Award-Winning and International Bestselling author Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper soon followed, after she devoured all their historical romance books! When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or pondering names for her imaginary big, white greyhound, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.
Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa. You can read a bit more about her at www.authortanyawilde.com
The second book in this urban fantasy series is just as excellent as the first. I love the main characters’ growth, getting to know Peter’s parents better, and welcoming back Leslie (even if it’s a broken version of her. I have high hopes for her). One of the best features of this series is the humor (sarcasm, I guess I should call it) with which the main character–our reluctant wizard, Peter–tells his story. Once again I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator didn’t disappoint. Definitely reading the next in the series. Highly recommend.
Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.”
Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to her. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean.
All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply.
Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul.
Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate.
Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”
No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out.
“Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?”
Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream.
She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies.
Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.”
As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm. She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly.
A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.”
She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?”
A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.”
Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.”
“Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face.
Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl!
“Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.”
“I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.”
She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.”
He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.”
That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.”
His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.”
Ozzy Page has it all—fame, fans, and a fortune too massive to spend. As keyboard player for renowned rock group Licks of Leather, he’s on top of the charts—and the world. But living his dream cost him the only woman he ever loved. His secret fling with Mia Harris was consuming and intense—and crushing when she used him to springboard her career. Seven years after their devastating breakup, watching her rise up the charts—on her new rock star lover’s back—has nearly destroyed his heart all over again.
Mia Harris didn’t curl up and die when Ozzy Page chose his career over their love. Like her namesake, she rose from the ashes and reinvented herself as Phoenix, the sultry-voiced siren taking the male-dominated rock scene by storm. But when her personal life goes to hell, their mutual agent blindsides Mia with the news that she and Ozzy will be touring together for six long, close-quarter months.
Will they finally learn to understand and forgive each other…or will their unforgettable longing end in flames?
ABOUT JENNA
USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls, heal their scars, and find a happy-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, her words will leave you breathless and craving more.
A mom of four grown children, Jenna, her husband Sean and their furry babies reside in Kansas. Though she spent over thirty years in accounting, Jenna isn’t your typical bean counter. She’s brassy, sassy, and loves to laugh, but is humbly thrilled to be living her dream as a full-time author. When she’s not slamming coffee while pounding out emotional stories, you can find her reading, listening to music, cooking, camping, or enjoying the open road on the back of a Harley.
Hello and welcome back to my First Kiss Friday blog! Today I have my dear friend Cerise DeLand who will share an excerpt from her novel Lie Down With A Lyon that releases April 30th. I just love all the books in the Lyon’s Den Connected World and we know you’ll love Cerise’s next contribution. And that cover! So swoon worthy. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!
Excerpt:
He stepped around her, his height and breadth a barrier between her and the wind. He lifted her chin. His tormented gaze deepened to a river of regret as the gathering clouds blocked out the sun. Catching her wrists, he pressed the palms of her hands to the flat of his chest. Beneath her flesh, his own pounded. “If I could, I would marry one woman.”
She could not bear to ask if that lady was her. Oh, but she could hope. “What deters you?”
“She and I are star-crossed.”
“Can that chasm not be bridged?”
He brought her hands up to his lips, and the journey they took began with the press of his lips to one wrist, then the other. “No,” he rasped. “She is not mine to have.”
“How…how do you know?”
He opened one palm and licked the skin. She trembled at his ardor.
“She wants, she deserves, more than I can give her.”
“Sometimes,” she ventured, caught between desire and propriety, “love can grant more to a relationship than circumstances provide.” She had no knowledge of that, no understanding. She had heard it whispered among her childhood friends in Crawford’s school, or read of it in books that were in essence fairytales for adults.
He hooded his eyes as he bent and nipped the pad of one thumb, then the other. His lips stirred fresh, hot hunger in her blood.
She threw back her head, her eyes squeezed shut. “Please stop.”
He circled her waist with both arms and pulled her against him. His lips in her hair, he whispered, “I can’t.”
’Twas then she threw all caution to the windy afternoon, reached up, and caught his cheeks. Sliding up against the bulwark of his fabulous body, she put her lips to his.
No man had she ever kissed. She knew not how, exactly. But in that moment, instinct was her guide and she took his lips, parted from him, and took them again. He groaned and crushed his mouth on hers. Heaven, at once, appeared before her.
He was fierce in his claim. Ravenous. His arms were iron, his lips a brand, his tongue a fierce probe she met with a cry of delight. He’d said he was not married. He was gentle, persuasive—an animal who took and gave. He’d said he could not marry because the one he desired was so different. But in the command of his kiss, the claim of his tongue, the groan from his throat, he declared how he wanted her.
She believed him. His fierce possession of her. His words.
And she let him have her. All of her. Her lips, her teeth, her heart. How could he not want to claim her? She wanted all of him!
He broke their kiss.
She gasped for air and marveled at the look on his face.
He was enchanted—torn and furious. He cupped her shoulders. His voice a rasp, he said, “I must go.”
Dazed, she let him steady her on her feet. Insulted, heartbroken, she fought for sanity. He would leave her? After this? Was he a fool?
Lie Down With A Lyon: Lyon’s Den Connected World By Cerise Deland Releases April 30th Preorder for $0.99
He loved her from the moment he saw her… but she was his enemy’s daughter.
Dáire O’Neill never expected to fall in love—especially not with the daughter of the man who ruined his family. But one chance encounter with Blanche changes everything. Her kindness, her laughter, her strength… He’s utterly smitten.
Yet, bound by honor and pride, Dáire refuses to court her. Their friendship is the most he can allow himself.
Blanche Lyon has worked tirelessly to distance herself from her father’s sordid legacy. With a thriving business and a spotless reputation, she dreams of a future filled with stability—and maybe even love. When the man she secretly hoped would offer for her stays silent, she turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find a husband.
But Blanche’s father has other plans—and the man he’s chosen will ruin everything she’s built.
Dáire knows he can’t have Blanche… but he also can’t let her be sacrificed to a future she doesn’t deserve. To save her, he must break his own heart—and perhaps hers.
💔 He’ll never possess her, but he’ll set her free from everything she despises. Even him.
Cerise DeLand loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore.
But you knew that!
Did you know that she’s known for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail?
That she’s an award-winning author of more than 50 novels and was first published in 1991 by Kensington, then Pocket Book, later by St. Martin’s Press and independent presses? That her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild? Right. And she’s won awards. Lots of them. Need details? WREite to her. She’ll send you the list!
To research, she’s dived into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She also travels abroad, trusty notebook and pen in hand, to visit the chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters.
And at home every day? She cooks. Never dusts. Goes swimming or pumps iron once a week and tries (desperately) to grow vegetables in her arid backyard in south Texas! She’s valiant. And dedicated.
TROPES: MC, Enemies to lovers, Found Family, Overprotective Alpha, Shifter, Paranormal, Romance
Siam hasn’t had the easiest of lives, but compared to her brother Snow, she’s lived like a princess. She will do anything she can to protect him, including sacrificing herself if necessary. When she discovers her mate is the enemy of her brother, she may have to decide who is more important: her family or her love.
Fang is balancing on a very dangerous line, and his own secrets could be his undoing. He has to protect Siam, but he isn’t sure how to do that without possibly sacrificing himself. War is coming, and Fang will need to pick a side.
Danger is lurking around every corner, declaring war against the Dark Leopards MC. Will Siam and Fang fight against each other or embrace their destiny to become mates? Who will be left standing in the end.
PREORDER TODAY FOR 99 CENTS!
(price will increase after release)
“Siam, are you listening to me?” Robert Willis, the person my parents kept pushing at me, asked.
“Huh?” I’d been caught daydreaming or whatever again. The guy was the most boring human in the known universe. Brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin, dressed in a white button-up shirt, khaki Dockers, and brown shoes. Thinking about it, I doubted he owned anything that wasn’t brown, white, black, or blue. Such a plethora of choices. Bleh! “I apologize, Robert. I have a Spanish test tomorrow and was trying to recall what to review.”
“If you need help with Spanish, I can tutor you.”
Smiling coyly, I patted his chest. “I’m okay. Tests just make me nervous.” It was well known that I was a straight-A student and had the highest grade out of all the Spanish classes in our school. I was fluent in Russian, Spanish, German, Italian, and French—a fact I kept to myself because I wasn’t sure about the reaction I would get. I walked a very tight line in my new life, and I didn’t want to tip the scales. I had to bide my time and strike when I was ready. Not a moment sooner, and I could not allow anyone to interfere.
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind helping you. It would allow me to review as well.” Ah, there it was. It wasn’t that he wanted to assist me, but he needed my help. I shouldn’t have been surprised; everyone had an angle, and humans seemed to play them more than shifters.
“Oh, well, if you think it would help you too, then sure. You can come over, and we can study after we are done here.” I had been forced to go shopping with him to pick out his tux and my dress for homecoming. Yay me!
So far, I had found fault with every dress. Too tight. Too loose. Too much sparkle. Not enough sparkle. Too many flowers. I detested flower prints, and of course, Robert picked out that particular dress. He was convinced that he would not be able to pick out his tux until I picked my dress. I wasn’t sure how that worked since he could just get basic black, but who was I to judge his fashion choices. Not like he truly cared about fashion or clothes, which brought me back to why couldn’t he just get a basic black tux?
I was at the point when I was about to just pick the one that bothered me the least when I smelled it. Something sweet and alluring. It wasn’t my brother Dimitri, but it was something else, something more. Mate! My animal called out to me. Mate? I was only sixteen. But it had to be. The smell drew me in.
SNOW
As a young boy, abandoned by my parents and ripped apart from my twin sister, I learned early on that the world was full of evil and hate. I survived by living between the light and darkness, using my shifter abilities to stay alive…until one mistake should have cost me my life. Instead, it became my salvation and gave me a family and band of brothers who had my back no matter what. The Dark Leopards MC was not a gang to be trifled with, and many gave us a wide birth, and as the Sergeant At Arms, I ensured that’s the way it stayed. But someone was trying to encroach on our territory and begin a war.
I suspect the woman I saved, the woman whom I discover is my mate, is tied to it all somehow. I just have to figure out the puzzle before it’s too late.
VERITY
I was only trying to help a friend. The last thing I ever thought is that my friend would try to kidnap me, but thankfully someone or something saved me. Rushing to meet my roommate, Siam, I got another shock when the gang responsible for my brother’s death are her friends. I didn’t care if her brother had mesmerizing eyes or if I had a hard time not thinking about him. He was the enemy!
But even as my enemy, he may be my only chance to stay alive and learn the truth. And if Snow is the one protecting me in and out of bed, I wouldn’t complain too much.
Maria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Hunny. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. She believes that life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
It’s time for a special Sapphic Book Bingo category! This square of the bingo card shines a light on new sapphic authors or sapphic authors who you might not be familiar with.
Authors who are just starting out are often struggling to get any attention for their books, so every year, I try to give them a little extra visibility by featuring them in their own category.
For the purposes of this reading challenge, “new author” is defined as someone who has published no more than two full-length novels (I’m not counting shorter works).
For this category, you can also read a book by an author who has published more than two novels but is new to you. Check out last year’s new sapphic authors post for a list of 200+ authors who, according to the readers in my Facebook group, are underappreciated and deserve more attention.
100 new sapphic authors
Below, you’ll find a list of 100 new sapphic authors:
What book will you be reading for the “new sapphic authors” category? Are there other authors that are a good fit for this category? Let us know in the comments!
The Book of Dog: A Satire by D.J. Molles
