GIVEAWAY: Come celebrate Read-A-Romance Month!

My lovely friend, L.C. Giroux, asked me to participate in Read-A-Romance Month at http://www.readaromancemonth.com/. All throughout the month of August, romance authors are celebrating romance by recommending their favorite authors and giving away cool prizes. 

The theme of this year's Read-A-Romance Month is "Celebrating Romance." Since my one-year wedding anniversary is coming up in August, this is an easy one for me. My wonderful husband and I have been together for over five years now, but last year we decided to make it official. The funny thing was that we'd been talking about getting married within a few weeks of when we met. We just always knew that was where we were headed. But how did we know? 

All I can say is that for the both of us, this was the first relationship we'd had where we felt "solid" from the start--no games, no moodiness, no doubts. I never questioned his motives or behavior because he never gave me cause to. We both laid our cards on the table, said take it or leave it, and that has remained true to this day. And while we both have strong opinions and have butted heads time and again, we've also worked hard to resolve our differences. An important part of that is apologizing when we're in the wrong. (And hey, making up can be really fun!)

But the most important thing? Cherishing each other and saying "I love you" every day. Maybe it's because we're both older and know that we don't have all the time in the world anymore, but we both feel it's important to express how we feel and show our love all the time, whether it's through abundant kisses, little "just because" gifts, or supporting each other when we're feeling down. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met the love of my life. Our only regret? That we didn't meet in our twenties! 

As part of Read-A-Romance Month, I've been asked to answer the following three questions: 

1 - Describe the most daring, adventurous or inspiring thing you ever did. 

The most daring thing I ever did was join an online dating service. It took me quite a while to work up the nerve to do it, but I'm so glad I did--I met my hubby there the first week! And even luckier: He was about to quit the service, but decided to take one last look before closing his account, and that's when he spotted me. (It's just like a romance novel!)

The most adventurous thing I ever did? Taking a trip to Italy with a group of complete strangers! I fell in love with the country, and it inspired my first full-length romance novel and my current romantic suspense series, Blood and Honor, about the blood feud between two powerful Mafia families and the star-crossed romances that occur along the way. 

2 - Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer. (How did you decide to get started? Did you always know or was there a specific moment when you knew?)

I started writing romances when I was teenager. They were all about the rock stars I and my friends had crushes on. I wrote tons of them, and my friends couldn't get enough of the stories I dreamed up. I was hooked! However, reality intruded, and I had to find a "real job." So even though I majored in writing in college, I took a job in the software industry, and stayed there for almost twenty years. (*cue montage of late nights staring at a computer screen) The job was all-consuming, but my writing bug was always there in the background, waiting to be let loose. 

After my first trip to Italy, I decided to write my first full-length romance novel. I didn't have a lick of spare time, but I powered through, working on it during the wee hours for months and months. Even though it wasn't the greatest thing ever (and I haven't published it), it showed me that I could in fact write an entire book that actually made sense. Most importantly, I fell in love with writing romance all over again. I was fast approaching forty, and I realized then that I could either spend another twenty years in software, or I could spend the rest of my life doing what I loved. I chose romance! 

3 - Tell us about The (or A) Book That Changed Your Life. (Why?)

Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. I'd always been an avid reader, but there was something about these lush, richly imagined, wildly romantic novels that nurtured my writing bug. I was especially taken by how Rice managed to take a character I'd thoroughly despised in Interview and turn him into a character I adored in Lestat. I realized then what was possible in the hands of a gifted storyteller and that made me want to be one someday.

Recommendations

Yay! We've made it to my favorite part: recommending writers I love! 

First up is Kristine Cayne. She's my critique partner and an awesome award-winning romance author. She writes both exciting, steamy romantic suspense and naughty, sizzling erotic romance. 

Her latest release is Deadly Betrayal, a thrilling story set in Afghanistan about an American soldier and a woman's rights activist trying to save a twelve-year-old girl from marriage to a savage warlord. I've read this book three times now, and I *still* laugh, cry, and fan myself every time! 

And if you love erotic romance with dirty-talking CEOs, I highly recommend Everything Bared. 

I also must recommend Delilah Marvelle. She writes steamy historical romance with swoon-worthy heroes and unusual heroines and settings. These aren't cookie-cutter stories and often have edgy (sometimes dark) subjects in them, and I've loved them all. 

Her latest release is Night of Pleasure, part of the highly enjoyable School of Gallantry series. 

I'm also a huge fan of J.R. Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Imagine lethally sexy alpha vampires with a hard edge and hearts of gold. I love them all! 

If dark, angst-ridden paranormal romance is your thing, start with Dark Lover, and don't look back! 

Giveaway

I'm giving away two ebook copies of Revenge! 

A woman on the run. A damaged Mafia don. A rival bent on revenge... 

Kate Andretti is married to the Mob--but doesn't know it. When her husband uproots them to Italy, Kate leaves everything she knows behind. Alone in a foreign land, she finds herself locked in a battle for her life against a husband and a family who will "silence" her if she will not do as they wish. When her husband tries to kill her, she accepts the protection offered by a wealthy businessman with Mafia ties. He's not a mobster, he claims. Or is he? 

Enrico Lucchesi never wanted to be a Mafia don, and now he's caught in the middle of a blood feud with the Andretti family. His decision to help Kate brings the feud between the families to a boil. When Enrico is betrayed by someone in his own family, the two of them must sort out enemies from friends--and rely on each other or die alone. The only problem? Enrico cannot reveal his identity to Kate, or she'll bolt from his protection, and he'll be duty-bound to kill her to safeguard his family's secret. 


Attacks from without and within push them both to the breaking point, and soon Enrico is forced to choose between protecting the only world he knows and saving the woman he loves. 

*** Revenge was a double-finalist (Romantic Suspense and Best First Book) in the 2013 Booksellers' Best Awards! ***

To win a copy of Revenge, fill out the Rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Dana

Dana Delamar is the author of the Blood and Honor romantic suspense series, which is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. Her first book, Revenge, received 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, was a Top Pick at The Romance Reviews, and was a double-finalist for Best First Book and Best Romantic Suspense in the 2013 Booksellers Best Awards. Her second book, Retribution, received 4 stars from RT Book Reviews and was a semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Review's 2013 Best Indie Book Awards. Her third book, Malavita, was a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards, and her fourth book, Redemption, is a semi-finalist in the 2014 Kindle Book Awards. Dana is also the editor of a number of fiction and nonfiction books, and co-owner of By Your Side Self-Publishing, a company that provides editing and other services to self-publishers. 

An avid traveler who loves to learn about different peoples and cultures, Dana often sets her books in exotic locales. She grew up in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, and today makes Seattle her home. She's an omnivorous reader with overflowing bookshelves, a passionate love of "Supernatural," "Firefly," "True Blood," "Mad Men," and a zillion other TV shows. Where she finds the time to sleep is a mystery. You can learn more about her at http://www.danadelamar.com.

Find Dana's books at: 

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords 

NEW RELEASE: Sabrina York's DEFIANT!

Hi everyone! Today I'm hosting Sabrina York on my blog. She has a new historical erotic romance releasing today: DEFIANT.  Check out that cover! 

DEFIANT, by Sabrina York

Noble Passions, Book Five

When rakish Ned falls in with the wrong crowd, his brother decides to send him to the Continent for “seasoning”. For Sophia, this just won’t do. She’s loved Ned for ages—and also longed for adventure. She runs away from her boring suitors and disguises herself as a cabin boy on the Defiant, the ship sailing Ned to Italy.

Ned knows he’s not good enough for Sophia, but once they’re on the Defiant, he can’t stop himself from touching her, tasting her, loving her. Not when a wild tempest and a band of ruthless pirates threaten them. Not when every look from her gives him such pleasure. And certainly not when she comes, warm and wild and willing, to his bed.

If they survive their voyage, Sophia’s brother might kill him, but it will have been worth every moment and every hot, sweet kiss.

A Romantica® Regency historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Get it now: Buy Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/defiant.html
Amazon Kindle Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00M0L22YY

READ AN EXCERPT

Sophia stood on the bow of the boat in the dark as the wind and rain lashed her face. She loved it. Loved it. Not only was the storm elemental and fierce, it hid her tears.

Surely she hadn’t expected Ned to greet her with open arms. Not when she had barged in on his adventure as she had. But she certainly hadn’t expected him to be so horrid. His expression had devastated her.

Foolish girl, it said.

But then, her heart agreed.

She was foolish.

Foolish to ever think that he—

“You’re soaked.”

She whirled around, though she knew what she’d see. More glowering.

She was right.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m reveling.” She thrust out her chin, in case he didn’t believe her.

He gaped at her. “Reveling?”

“Yes.” She didn’t mean to shout, but his wintry demeanor annoyed her tremendously. She threw out her arms. “Look at this!”

“It’s a storm.”

“It’s beautiful. The waves are wild, untamed—”

“You could be swept overboard.”

“The wind is howling and the rain is savage. It’s glorious.”

“It’s freezing. Come inside.”

“It’s not freezing. It’s summer.”

“I’m cold.”

“Then you go inside.”

“Sophia Fiona—”

“Don’t call me that.”

“It’s your name.”

“You sound like Ewan.”

“I’m starting to think Ewan is a saint.”

She glared at him. “What a beastly thing to say.” She hated that her chin wobbled a little. Hated that he winced.

“I’m sorry, Sophia. This has been trying for me.” He sluiced the water from his face. “Won’t you please come inside?”

“All right. Fine.”

“You will?”

“You did say please.”

He blew out a breath and offered her his arm. She frowned at it. “I’m a cabin boy, remember? You don’t offer a cabin boy your arm.” When he didn’t lower it, she smacked it. “Someone will see.”

That caught his attention and he slowly lowered his arm. “Right then. Come inside.” He followed her back to the cabin, his stride decidedly unsteady. If anyone was tipping overboard, it was most likely him.

When she once again stood in his chambers, she realized the folly of her actions. She hadn’t brought a change of clothes and she was drenched. So was he. Without a word, he relit the lamp and then opened his trunk and pulled out several shirts, two of which he tossed to her. “Change.”

That was it. One word. Just “change” and then he presented her with his back. She huffed a breath, but did as he asked because she was really rather cold. The feel of the cloth falling over her chilled flesh warmed her. Because it was his shirt. It had touched his skin. She wasn’t sure why the thought sent heat scudding through her belly.

“Use the other shirt to dry your hair,” he suggested, as he began toweling off as well.

She huffed a laugh. “All of your clothes will be wet.”

“They’ll dry. Are you clothed?”

“Yes.”

He turned. And froze. His gaze locked onto her bare legs. “I-I thought you said you were clothed.” A squawk.

“I am.” But the intensity of his stare made her self-conscious, so she slipped into the bed.

“Close your eyes,” he said as he unbuttoned the damp linen clinging to his chest.

“Why?”

“I need to change as well. I’m f-freezing.”

“Okay.” She did. But she peeked.

He ripped off his wet shirt and her breath caught at the sight of his broad back. Muscles rippled as he moved and she swallowed. He was beautiful. He tugged the fresh shirt over his head and she nearly whimpered as that magnificent vision disappeared. But then, he unfastened his trousers.

All pretense of not peeking evaporated.

He sat and took a moment to work off his boots. And then he stood. His trousers were tight, as was the fashion, and he had to peel them off. As he bent, she caught a flash of his bare behind.

She must have made a noise because he whirled around. His cheek bunched when he saw her watching. “You’re supposed to have your eyes closed.”

She hunkered in the covers, as though that would disguise the fact that her eyes were open wide.

“Sophia…”

It was probably wrong to grin at him, but she couldn’t help it.

“Sophia Fiona!”

“Stop calling me that. It always makes me think I’m in trouble.”

“You are in trouble. You have no idea how much trouble you’re in.”

She tipped her head to the side. “We both know Ewan will be so relieved to see me, he’ll forget how angry he is—”

Ned stilled and fixed her with a dark glare. “What makes you think I’m talking about Ewan?”

“I… ah…”

“I’ve a mind to bend you over my knee.”

Why a shiver rippled through her, she had no idea. She’d been spanked once or twice as a child and she hadn’t cared for it in the slightest. But something dark and domineering in Ned’s tone made her womb warm.

“You-you wouldn’t.”

“Wouldn’t I? Now, look away. Your brother would skewer me if I gave you the education you’re about to have.”

She attempted not to snort. Ned—and everyone—thought her a prim and innocent miss on account of the polish she’d acquired at Lady Satterlee’s. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a child, before Ewan had made his fortune, they’d lived a hand-to-mouth existence in the slums of Perth. She’d seen more than one couple rutting against a wall in a dingy alleyway. And at one point, she and her brother had taken refuge in a bordello. She’d been only seven, but if she’d had an education, she got it there. She could probably teach Ned a few things.

Still, because he seemed to expect it, she squeezed her eyes tight and didn’t hardly peek at all as he finished changing. Besides which, the spot she was interested in was mostly shadows.

With a great huff, he threw himself back into the chair. “Now, go to sleep.”

“Don’t you want me to put out the light?”

“No. I want to be able to see where you are.”

“I’m not leaving again tonight.” Probably. Unless her despair overcame her once more.

“Leave it on.” A grunt, and not a very nice one at that. Why he had call to be annoyed, she couldn’t fathom.

Blast and damn, he was an annoying man. Sophia grunted as well and rolled over, facing the wall of the cabin. She studied the patterns the swinging lamp made for a long while, listening as he shifted one way and then the other.

It was really unfair for him to have to sleep in the chair. This was his room. But he would never share her bed. She grimaced at the way the words came out, but it was true. He wouldn’t. Unless…

She rolled over again and watched him twist in the chair. He caught her eye and frowned.

“Ned?”

An impatient groan. “Yes, Sophia?”

“Ned, I’m cold.”

He stilled. Then barked, “Put on another blanket.”

“There aren’t any more.” She faked a shiver. She wasn’t cold in the slightest. She never was. Ewan said she ran hot. “Brr. My teeth are chattering.”

His glower became a frown.

“I hope I don’t get ill.”

He paled. “You shouldn’t have gone out in the rain. Why did you go out in the rain?”

She sneezed. Or something like it. “I don’t know.”

“Sophia?”

“Am I running a fever?” She put her palm to her forehead. “I think I’m running a fever.”

His brow wrinkled. He stood and made his way across the tiny chamber as though on his death march. He set the backs of his fingers to her cheeks. His frown darkened. “You are warm.”

“No. I’m cold.” She shivered and peered up at him, her eyes as wide as she could make them. “Won’t you warm me?”

He wrenched his hand away as though she’d burned him. “What?”

“Lie here beside me and warm me up?”

“There’s not enough room for both of us.”

“I’m small.”

“Sophia.” She’d never heard her name in such a strangled voice, not even when Ewan was at his wit’s end.

“Just for a bit? You can be on top of the covers. Surely that is decent.”

The muscle in his cheek bunched again, as though he were grinding his teeth.

“Please?”

He gusted a sigh. “All right, Sophia. Scoot over and make room.”

She did. With alacrity.

“And roll over, facing the wall.”

She frowned at him “Why?”

“Just do it. Please.”

“Oh, all right.” But only because he said please. And because, when she was facing the other way, he couldn’t see her grin.

He settled in behind her and a shiver rocked her. He was warm. And he smelled delicious. Not fishy in the slightest. It was delightful, lying here with him. She closed her eyes and imagined he wanted this as much as she.

If only. If only.

Check out the other books in the Noble Passions Series from Sabrina York

Follow the decadent exploits of friends and enemies as they find love and passion in the glittering world of the Regency—and its dark underbelly.

 Book1: Folly

2014 EPIC eBook Award Finalist
2013 Passionate Plume Finalist

Widowed and threatened with penury by her heartless in-laws, Eleanor--Lady Ulster--hatches a plot to save herself. Determined to produce the Ulster "heir", she seduces a stranger at a tawdry masquerade. Little does she know, this magnificent masked lover is none other than her husband's greatest nemesis. And God knows Ulster had plenty.

Ethan Pennington is mortified to arrive at a house party and discover Lady Ulster in attendance. He has wanted her and hated wanting her--his enemy's bride--for years. When he overhears Eleanor's predicament and her plans to place a cuckoo in the Ulster nest, he is more than willing to oblige. The opportunity to finally claim her--while taking the revenge he craves--is more than he can resist. Ethan strikes a bargain with Eleanor, promising to provide her with the heir she so desperately needs...if she will meet his needs in return. Every decadent one of them.

Book2: Dark Fancy

The sizzling prequel to Folly

2014 Winner of the Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award

When Lady Helena Simpson flees an unwanted marriage to a revolting lord, she finds refuge with James, a charming, handsome man unlike any she’s ever known. Helena concocts the perfect solution to her problem. She asks—begs—James to ruin her. Surely her betrothed will repudiate her if she is no longer pure. And if all her efforts fail and she still ends up married to a horrid man until the end of her days, she will at least once have known true passion.

But James is not all he seems. He is, in fact, a wicked lord with a dark fancy. When Helena awakens his desire, he becomes determined to take everything she has to offer and more. No matter the cost.

Book3: Dark Duke

Edward Wyeth, the Dark Duke of Moncrieff’s life has been turned on its end. His well-ordered home has been invaded. By destitute relatives. From Scotland. How on earth can he write Lord Hedon’s salacious novels with hellions battling in the garden and starting fires in the library? But with the onslaught has come a delicious diversion. His cousin’s companion, the surprisingly intriguing Kaitlin MacAllister. He is determined to seduce her. Using her desperate need for funds and her talents as an artist, he convinces her to draw naughty pictures for his naughtier books…and he draws her into his decadent web.

But Kaitlin has a secret. She’s fled Scotland—and a very determined betrothed. When Edward’s cousin is kidnapped and held in her stead, Kaitlin is honor-bound to return to her homeland and rescue her—much to Edward’s chagrin.

Because suddenly he can’t bear the thought of Kaitlin marrying another man. He can’t bear the thought of losing her at all.

Book4: Brigand

Kidnapped and held prisoner by menacing Scottish brigand, the notorious McCloud, Violet Wyeth does her best to persevere…and resist his rakish charms. But when she realizes The McCloud is really Ewan St. Andrews, the boy who once saved her life, the boy who once kissed her and made her heart flutter, she is lost.

Ewan has every intention of marrying Lady Kaitlin MacAllister. He desperately needs the entrée into the ton this bride can provide. But when his bride is delivered—bound and gagged—it’s not Kaitlin. It’s Violet Wyeth—the girl who betrayed him and ruined his life when he was a boy. He keeps her, determined to punish her for her sins. But when he discovers the truth about what really happened so long ago, and seething passion rises between them, he can no longer hold on to his rusty grudge. By the time he realizes how much he loves Violet—that he always has—he’s lost her.

All he can do is follow her. Follow her into the bowels of hell—and partake in the torment of the glittering London Season, where the harpies are far more dangerous than a Scottish brigand.

About Sabrina York

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York is the award winning author of over 20 hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. Her titles range from sweet & sexy erotic romance to scorching BDSM. Connect with her on twitter @sabrina_york, on Facebook or on Pinterest. Check out Sabrina’s books and read an excerpt on Amazon or wherever e-books are sold. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Free Teaser Book: http://sabrinayork.com/home-2/sabrina-yorks-teaser-book/ And don’t forget to enter to win the royaltiara!

NEW RELEASE: Kristine Cayne's DEADLY BETRAYAL!

Hi everybody! I've got a special guest today: my critique partner, Kristine Cayne!

Like me, Kristine writes romantic suspense, and she's releasing DEADLY BETRAYAL, the third book in her award-winning Deadly Vices series, today! 

Set in Afghanistan, this story brims with tension, suspense, and sizzling sexual chemistry. I've read it three times now, and I think I love it a little more each time. And if you love alpha heroes who know how to treat their women right, you're going to love Kaden!

And just look at this gorgeous cover!

DEADLY BETRAYAL (Deadly Vices, Book Three)

By 

Kristine Cayne

Release Date: July 21, 2014

Add it to your Goodreads TBR 

Kindle US | Kindle UK

An Afghani woman’s rights activist with a dark secret.

Azita Seraj, doctor and women’s rights activist in Afghanistan, is horrified to learn that her late husband’s brother, Khalid Mullazai, is giving his twelve-year-old niece to a militant warlord. Desperate to save the girl, she reaches out to the only hope she has: an American soldier she treated several years earlier for a near-fatal gunshot wound. A wound he received in an ambush she’d unwittingly initiated. Can she enlist his aid and still keep secret her betrayal?

An American soldier searching for answers.

Kaden Christiansen never forgot the beautiful Afghan doctor who saved his life, and when he receives her cry for help, he doesn’t hesitate. He relishes the opportunity to see Azita again, and being in-country will give him a chance to hunt down the person responsible for the ambush that left one of his men dead.

A deadly conspiracy that threatens them both...

Pursued by Mullazai and the warlord’s fighters as they travel across the country disguised and posing as a married couple, Kaden and Azita begin to fall for their own act and for each other. But Kaden senses that Azita is holding back. Is the reason their cultural differences, or something darker?

Kindle US | Kindle UK

Other Books in the DEADLY VICES Series

DEADLY OBSESSION - 4.4 stars on 107 reviews

Nic Lamoureux's perfect movie star life is shattered by a stalker who threatens any woman close to him. When he meets photographer Lauren James, the attraction is instant--and mutual. She's exactly the sort of woman he craves, but the stalker makes deadly clear Lauren is the competition. And the competition must be eliminated.

Kindle US | Kindle UK | B&N Nook | 
Kobo | Apple iTunes | All Romance eBooks (ARe) | Smashwords 

Amazon Print 

DEADLY ADDICTION - 4.8 stars on 39 reviews

When Rémi Whitedeer and Alyssa Morgan uncover a drug-fueled scheme on the Blackriver Reserve—a scheme involving a biker gang from Alyssa’s past and a militant sovereigntist group led by Rémi’s cousin—Rémi must choose between loyalty to family and tribe or his growing love for Alyssa. Will Rémi and Alyssa have to leave everything behind—even their identities—for the chance at a future together?

Kindle US | Kindle UK | B&N Nook | 
Apple iTunes | Kobo | All Romance eBooks (ARe) | Smashwords 

Amazon Print 

Get over 400 free books at Digital Book Day!

Hi everyone! 

On July 14th, over 400 authors have gathered together to offer you over 400 FREE books at http://www.DigitalBookDay.com! 

Find free books in a variety of genres--everything from romance, to mystery, to sci-fi and many more! Some of these books are advance reader copies, never offered before. Many are from authors you already know and love.

Stop on by, browse the selection, and fill up your e-reader!

Happy Reading! 

~ Dana

Indie Author Celebration and Giveaway at Julie’s Book Review!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I'm part of the Indie Author Celebration and Giveaway at Julie’s Book Review! 

Over 40 authors have come together along with Julie’s Book Review to offer a ton of prizes, including books and gift cards! Event ends July 18th, so enter now! (The Rafflecopter for entries is in the right sidebar. Scroll down to see it.)

http://juliesbookreview.blogspot.com/2014/07/dana-delamar.html

REDEMPTION is a semi-finalist in the 2014 Kindle Book Review Awards!

I'm excited to announce that Redemption is a semi-finalist in the Romance category of the 2014 Kindle Book Review Awards! 

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2014-kindle-book-awards-b/

To celebrate, Redemption is on sale now for 3.99/£2.50 (regularly $4.99)!

Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle AU | Nook US | Nook UK |
Apple iTunes |  Kobo | All Romance eBooks | OmniLit | Smashwords

Paperback US | Paperback UK