Welcome to the Spring Fling Blog Hop where over fifty authors and bloggers have joined together to bring you some amazing posts, great giveaways and loads of fun. Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below to win a Kindle tablet, gift cards, paperbacks and swag and be sure to check out my own giveaway of a $10 Amazon giftcard.
In the meantime, if you haven’t swung Down Under to visit me before then welcome to my blog. I can’t believe it’s spring around the other side of the world. In New Zealand it’s autumn and the leaves are falling from the trees by the masses. A total opposite to most of you. Ever wondered though what spring is like in Kiwi land? I can tell you, with our twelve million sheep against only four million people, it looks a lot like this. Happy lambies everywhere, and jumping for joy. 🙂
For this spring hop, I’m going to join you in the lead up to your summer by bringing you a taste of my recent release WITNESS PURSUIT. This is book one in my Bodyguards series, of which I’m currently writing book two. Let me just grab a glass of water, because the cover coming up is quite hot. Witness Pursuit is set in the beautiful islands of Fiji, a short three hour flight from NZ.
Here’s a short sexy excerpt to keep heating us all up. (Caution: Quite hot. Grab yourself a glass of water too.)
Lydia’s chest tightened. Tyler looked dangerously gorgeous. “You gonna hop into bed? Or should I call you Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it.” Yeah, that should hit a nerve.
“You’ll want to take that back.”
Lazing on her side, she played her fingers over the blue spread. His gaze narrowed and his hands flexed against his thighs. She liked. “Why? Because you’re hoping I don’t get comfortable and this isn’t a long night? Oooh, I’m shaking. You better not sleep naked, because that might really scare me into squealing all my secrets.”
“That’s it.” He let out a fierce growl, which sent a shiver of approval through her. “Close your eyes if you’re the sensitive sort.”
“Not a chance. This is your room after all. Do what you’d like.”
He yanked the silver buckle release on his belt then dropped his pants in one swift move. Next, he jerked his shirt over his head and she was left with the sight of smooth black briefs covering a bulky package she was certain was on the rise.
“Last chance.” He slid his fingers under the band of his underwear.
“I’m still good.” When he dropped his underwear and kicked them away, her lips went numb and she tried to rub some life into them. Talk about hot, not to mention that rise was now a full salute. Of a very grand fashion.
“So I have to get naked for you to pay attention?” He shoved the covers back then slid in and hooked an arm around her waist. He tumbled her into him. “Now what were you saying about Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it?”
For those who’d like to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card, then simply leave a comment at the end of this post. If you wish to sign up for my exclusive newsletter, click the link below and enter your email address. That’ll give you an additional two entries into the draw. Already signed up? Let me know in the comment, so I can toss your name into the hat an extra two times. 🙂
EXCLUSIVE NEWSLETTER —- Exclusive! I promise not to spam you.
But that’s not all… In addition to my personal prize for this hop, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below to win a Kindle tablet, gift cards, paperbacks and swag.
On planet Magio war rages between Peacio’s protectors and Dralion’s warriors. Friendships and soul-bonds are forbidden, yet deadly secrets lurk within a high-ranking inner circle.
Eighteen-year-old Peacian Silvie Carver’s worst problem is completing finals until her best friend receives forewarning that Silvie is the key to keeping her enemy king from making a decision that will escalate the war. Silvie must save her loved ones’ soul-bonds from being torn apart, and all without revealing her emerging and rare fire skill during the mission.
Dralion warrior and enchanter, Guy Moyer, has been fighting his soul’s demand to find his mated one…who also happens to be his enemy. Except Silvie shows up on Dralion’s off-world Australian Outback station and though they renounce their bond, his soul demands he aid and protect her.
When Silvie finds herself impersonating a warrior, she’s pulled to the fiery edge of her control as she seeks to influence the king’s decision. Can the mated pair turn the tide of the war and find their place with each other?
–ooOoo–
In ENCHANTER, the heroine Silvie, is Faith’s best friend and the sister of Hope’s soul-mate. Silvie featured regularly in book one and two, and I couldn’t wait to write her story. I knew exactly what I’d be putting her through, and that she’d be more than ready for every challenge I threw at her. Silvie learns she is not only mated to a warrior enchanter, but holds the most deadly of the battle skills.
I also have some fabulous news for fans of this series. I’ve been waiting for Protector and Warrior to re-release with Kensington Books/Lyrical Press Imprint. After two months, the first two books in this series have hit the market again. Here are the covers, and below the buy links. If you haven’t had a chance to try out this series, give it a go. This is fast-paced adventure, and all packed with sweet romance that has you gunning for these characters to work things out. Each book is stand-alone, so start anywhere you like.
Feel free to click the picture for the AMAZON buy link. The KOBO buy link is also below. (PS: These books will be available wherever ebooks are sold, including B&N and iTunes, but will take another 7 days to show.)
Magio Earth Series Protector
Magio-Earth Series Warrior
Magio-Earth Series Hunter
Witness Pursuit has also re-released with Kensington Books/Lyrical Press Imprint, and the same applies as above.
Twenty-one-year-old New Zealander Lydia Sands witnessed the hit-and-run of a powerful man’s son. Her bodyguard is shot when the killer returns to dispose of her and The Program puts her in hiding. A year later, the case remains unsolved and her handler needs to get her further from the killer’s reach. Lydia detests the thought of being close enough to endanger the man who nearly died protecting her, even if it’s aboard a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific.
Tyler Whitehall’s shooting stole weeks from his memory. Physically recovered, he oversees security for Whitehall Shipping. While on a family holiday, Tyler is suspicious of the woman accompanying them without notice or security clearance, as his nephew’s caregiver. Stronger than suspicion is his incomprehensible attraction to her, and his instinct to protect her.
Once sensitive information is leaked, Lydia undergoes re-identification to evade a killer and protect the man who’d die to save her. Her bodyguard has just begun his pursuit, and she may have underestimated his abilities.
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content
–ooO00–
WITNESS PURSUIT has just released. Yay! This novel is a contemporary romance, and book one in my Bodyguards series, a heart-pounding line in which each story brings you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. It’s also my first book which has released simultaneously as both an ebook and in paperback. Here’s the pic I took today to prove it. Yep, see that grin — no one could get that off my face all day. What a wicked feeling it was to hold the physical copy of my book in my hands. So exciting. The buy links are just below. 🙂
I hope you’ll sit back, relax and enjoy the first five pages of chapter one.
Chapter 1
“That is one massive super-yacht, and one I shouldn’t be on.” Lydia crossed her arms, eyeing the four levels of darkened glass and sleek white panels as the luxury ship sat proudly in its private berth at Auckland Marina’s gated wharf. And was that a– Shoot. Yes, it was. A huge kidney shaped pool glistened from the center of the one-hundred and fifty foot yacht. All the comforts one could desire, except not her. She shouldn’t even be here.
“Ben.” She swung around, leveling a glare on her bodyguard.
“Don’t say it.” Ben scanned the marina. “You’re getting on that ship and working as a caregiver. No arguments.”
“Don’t you ‘no argument’ me. Tyler Whitehall will throw me off his ship, or he would if he remembered me. What happens if he does?”
“He’ll have to dive in to rescue you.” He smiled then quickly straightened his mouth. “Tyler’s one of the best bodyguards in the business, and I still need you somewhere safe, away from home shores. With your case unsolved, Tyler’s ship is my choice.”
Tyler had been assigned to guard her after she’d witnessed the hit-and-run of a wealthy businessman. Ten days later, he’d taken three bullets in the back to protect her and four-year-old Jay. She’d never forget his blood on her hands as it had pumped from his body.
“Tyler put his life on the line for me. I won’t allow that to happen again.”
“Now, he wouldn’t have wanted you or the boy to get hurt. That’s what we do, guard.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Yes, you guard, but no, you shouldn’t get shot. Not for me.”
“You’re an eyewitness. If we don’t have you, we don’t have someone to identify Johnny Taita’s killer. That’s when we find him. Which we will.” His look was sharp, determined and inarguable. “You’ll have the cover you need once on board with Tyler, as well as a break from the safe-house. Surely you like the idea of a cruise to the Fijian islands?”
She frowned. “That’s a trick question. Being in The Program means remaining in seclusion. Not on board a luxury ship. Tyler’s wonderful brothers and nephew will be on board. This is their family holiday.”
“You’ll be in more danger from Nico than he ever will be from you. Four-year-olds, as adorable as they are, are tricky little things. Nico has endless energy.”
“Children aren’t things.”
“Same, same.” He shrugged. “All that matters is you’re one of the best caregivers I know. I told Nico’s father, and he’s all for your arrival.”
“But he won’t know who I am.” She wanted to hit him over the head. The man was far too obstinate, and deaf. He didn’t listen to a word she said. “Even Tyler won’t know.”
“That’s the whole point of you having name suppression.”
“This is impossible.”
“I knew you’d come around.”
What? She was not coming around, but he nudged her from behind then directed her through the arched gateway and along the slatted wooden walkway. He rolled her suitcase over the boards. Its clatter overpowered the water lapping and sloshing against the pilings.
“What I should have said was you’re impossible.” And a lunatic.
He chuckled. “We’ve lived with each other day in and day out for a year. The safe-house will ring with peace while you’re gone.”
“Peace my ass. I’ve asked Saria to ride your tail. Damn it, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She yanked on his black shirtsleeve. “I mean it. I don’t want to do this.”
“Hey, you’ll be fine. I know you’re worried, but you don’t need to be, and your sister’s in good hands. Stop stressing, and enjoy this break. It’s only on offer once.”
“Tyler’s on board that ship. You know the guilt I feel. I can never forget what happened to him.”
“Tyler recalls nothing of his initial Program assignment with you.” He pressed a hand to her back and moved her forward. “Simply assume the role of Nico’s caregiver and relax. This is your chance for a little time out.”
Relax? She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe I have to leave Saria behind. Do you realize twins shouldn’t be separated?”
“Brigs is guarding her, and you don’t have a choice.”
“I could help with her correspondence study. Her nursing finals are so close.”
“I’ll help her.” He increased his pace. “And I think by the age of twenty-one, we can safely separate you two for a month.”
“We’re not twenty-one, yet.” Groaning, she rubbed her palms over her white cotton pants. The ship was so close. Another twenty feet and they’d reach the gangplank, and she was fresh out of arguments.
“This is where I leave.” Ben halted and leaned in. “This is your chance to see Tyler as you asked for after the shooting. I know you two were…close. I couldn’t grant your request then, but you’re not a victim, Lydia, you’re a survivor. You must live, even under confinement.”
Her heartbeat raced. A year ago, she’d begged Ben to allow her to see Tyler in hospital. She’d needed to see he’d survived.
“Stop thinking and start moving, and don’t forget, keep in touch on the sat phone. I expect updates as often as possible.” Ben handed over her case and turned her toward the ship. “That’s my girl. Now move.”
“I am not your girl.” Still, she flexed her fingers around the square handle of her suitcase, and taking the deepest breath, walked away from Ben for the first time in a year. She shivered. No, she could do this. A child was on board for her to look after. He was who she had to concentrate on, because her case was stagnant and the inaction wasn’t doing her any good. As much as she didn’t want to go, she understood Ben’s arguments. She needed this break to refocus, and the Fijian Islands, wow, what a dreamy location.
She tugged at the inside of her white blouse collar then lifted her chin and eyed the ship. Up close, the white panels sparkled in the sunlight. Oh no. She slammed to a stop as Tyler stepped out from behind darkened glass sliders on the second floor. He moved across the deck to the stern, and halted ten heart-stopping feet away.
He looked strong and well, his jaw angled as firmly as always. His midnight black hair blew over his ears and brushed his shoulders. The longer length suited him over the buzz-cut he’d had last. So cute.
No. She was here for Nico, not to dance with Tyler again. That’s right. Tyler must’ve moved on. It had been a year. She forced her thoughts under control.
* * * *
Staring out over the harbor, Tyler tucked the tails of his blue button-down shirt into his black pants. The breeze was brisk, the dawn sun warm on his skin. A perfect morning to set sail, on a family holiday he’d longed for. Liam and Nico were on board, and Dylan and Luke wouldn’t be far away. These moments with his brothers and nephew mattered as much as his next breath.
Shifting onto his heels, he searched the marina for them, only his gaze landed on a young woman standing stiffly below.
Mmm, chocolate-brown hair, his favorite shade, and so long it touched her tiny waist. And those eyes, the same delicious shade, and now locked on him. Did he know her? She looked familiar, yet not. Leaning against the railing, he called, “Can I help you?”
“Um, yes. I’m after Liam Whitehall.”
She was after his brother? “Who are you?”
“My name’s–” Rubbing her neck, she glanced over her shoulder then back at him. “Lydia Sands. I’m Nico’s new caregiver while you’re on holiday. Ben Hammers arranged this job. It was short notice.”
She couldn’t be Nico’s new caregiver. Liam would never employ anyone without running it past him first. Tyler ran all security checks, and had this past year since stepping into the security role for Whitehall Shipping. “I don’t believe you.”
“You should check with Liam. I promise Ben sent me.” Her voice wobbled, a level of distress leaking through. “You do remember Ben, don’t you?”
“Ben’s impossible to forget. I worked alongside him for seven years.”
“He dropped me off.” She motioned toward the gated entrance, and sure enough under the intricate scrollwork of the wrought-iron arch, Ben Hammers waited. With a slow movement, Ben saluted him with just two fingers.
That salute was their team’s customary silent signal for handover. But handing over whom? This woman? He didn’t work for Ben, and hadn’t since the shooting. Which didn’t matter. The call for aid from one bodyguard to another went unquestioned, and Ben turned to leave, giving Luke a nod as he arrived.
Luke clapped Ben on the shoulder, and then continued toward him in his jeans and t-shirt. Ambling along, his youngest brother adjusted his brown leather duffel over one shoulder, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, and at twenty-three, he didn’t.
The woman, Lydia. He shouldn’t forget her. He gripped the second-floor rail then launched over it and landed on the peer next to her.
She gasped, and her gaze jolted over him. “Tyler, what are you doing? You can’t just jump off the side of a ship like that.”
“Bro.” Luke strode in, one brow cocked. “There’s a gangplank. You know, one can walk down.”
He slid between his brother and Lydia. “Yeah, I know, but Ben dropped her off. With Ben, one doesn’t stroll.”
“What’s she here for?”
“She says she’s Nico’s caregiver. Have you heard about this?”
“No.” Luke clicked his tongue as if telling him off. “C’mon, Liam wouldn’t do that. It’s too soon after Gabriella and Mum.”
Their mother and Liam’s wife, Gabriella, had passed only two years ago. Not one woman had been permitted on board The Idle Dream since then. This was a sacred trip between him and his brothers.
From behind, Lydia gripped his arm and a river of fire raced through his veins. Whoa. He spun and faced her. “What are you doing?” He stared at her hand.
She tucked herself in even closer, and he breathed deep.
“Tyler, I need to get inside.”
Her plea spoke to his heart. “How do you know my name? You’ve said it twice.”
A light flickered in the depths of her eyes. “Because we went out. Once.”
His heart tripped a beat. Damn, he’d only ever lost a few weeks of his memory, and that was a year ago. He certainly didn’t remember her. “Who the hell are you to me?”
“Someone you knew for a short time. We went on a date, and like I said, it was only once. Ben set me up for this job, of which there truly is one.”
“Yeah, there wasn’t a job going, Lee.” He frowned. “Um, sorry, I meant Lydia.” Yeah, she’d said her name was Lydia, not Lee. Only why did Lee sound more natural?
“It’s okay. I had a child I cared for once who called me Lee.” Her lips lifted. “Not that I’m saying you’re a child.”
“Ah, excuse me.” Luke sighed and walked past them to the gangplank. “I feel like I’m interrupting a moment here and, bro, it’s almost time for the ship to set sail.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.” Tyler held her arm and led her on board as Ben’s sleek silver Jaguar revved in the parking lot. “You and Ben? You’re what to each other? Are you his client?”
“No. He’s a friend and got me this job. I’m not a client at all.”
They walked through the opened double glass doors on the second floor and into the living room where two cozy groupings of four white leather couches faced each other. Black and white sea prints his mother had adored graced the walls painted in her favorite shade of ocean-blue.
Lydia’s shoes clipped across the polished pine floors as she set her case near the stairwell. She inspected the area. “Do you mind if I ask where Liam is?”
“Below-stairs. Luke will grab him for you.”
His brother groaned as he dropped his duffel on the couch. “I will?”
“Yes. Liam’s downstairs checking inventory with Malcolm. Tell him we have a guest, one Lydia Sands, and bring Nico.” He would see how this mysterious woman responded to his nephew, because if she wasn’t a caregiver, he’d soon know.
Luke sent him a good-natured grin as he took off. “I’m onto it, only, bro, you’re not to interrogate the girl while I’m gone. I see that look in your eyes.”
“Just watch where you’re walking.” At thirty-two, he’d kept his family and countless others safe, and Ben had dropped her off. Which meant protection was required in some order, whether she was a client or not.
Leaning toward her, he met her gaze head on. “Okay, it’s you and me. Now, tell me who you truly are.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you all enjoyed that.
Thank you all for helping me celebrate the release of WITNESS PURSUIT by joining me today. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
Twenty-one-year-old Lydia Sands calls New Zealand home, only after witnessing a brutal hit-and-run, finds herself in the killer’s path. Her assigned bodyguard takes a direct hit in order to save her life, and following his near death she is thrown into the Program. A year on, her handler chooses to remove her from the killer’s reach by placing her on board a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific with the very man who once saved her life.
Bodyguard Tyler Whitehall has recovered from a shooting, although he no longer has any recall. Now running security for Whitehall Shipping, the last thing he expects on one of his super-yachts is for a woman to stir him on a physical and emotional level beyond his understanding.
Now Lydia must run from two men, evading a killer, and the man who’d die to keep her safe. It’s a decision which sees her undertaking re-identification, although her bodyguard has only just begun his pursuit…and Lydia may have underestimated the full extent of his abilities.
WITNESS PURSUIT ~~ Bodyguards Book One ~~ Romantic Suspense.
COMING ~~ January 6th 2014 with Lyrical Press NY.
–ooOoo–
What a magical moment I had last Friday. WITNESS PURSUIT’s cover arrived from my publisher, which meant I spent the entire day printing off copies and pinning them around the house. Yep, no one could walk anywhere without seeing the image. So, huge thanks to Renee Rocco of Lyrical Press NY for her skilful hand at cover-art.
Witness Pursuit is book one in my BODYGUARDS series. This is an adult line of heart-pounding romantic suspense. Each story will bring you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. Stay tuned to the end of the post if you’d like to read a tantalizing excerpt. Really, stay tuned. You won’t want to miss it. 🙂
If you’d like to add WITNESS PURSUIT to your TBR list, the link is here-> Goodreads.
If you’d like to check out WITNESS PURSUIT’s trailer, I created it this weekend. Here it is for your viewing pleasure:
–ooOoo–
Also, I have a wee request. This week PROTECTOR’s cover is in the You Gotta Read COVER CONTEST. I’m sooo excited about this. So, PLEEEASE, if you have a spare minute, could you click on the link below and vote for #10 PROTECTOR. (There’s actually another entry with a name very close to Protector’s, but mine is #10.) This is a great way for me to say thank you to the cover artist, Renee Rocco, who has designed every single one of my covers so far. She’s absolutely fabulous, and you guys rock with your support, which is why I thought I’d ask. Here’s the link for #10 PROTECTOR –> http://yougottaread.com/category/cover-contest/
–ooOoo–
EXCERPT: (To whet your appetite.)
Down the super-yacht’s hallway, Lydia walked toward Tyler then slowed as her gaze dropped to her case in his hands. “What am I going to do with you?” She shook her head, tut-tutting under her breath.
“You’d already packed.” He slid a hand around her waist and led her to his room. “I’m simply moving your belongings from one room to another, and I’ll show you exactly what you can do with me.” He closed his bedroom door and flicked the lock.
She set her hands on her hips. “Ah, is that to keep me in, or others out?”
“Both.” He dumped her bag beside his drawers and unzipped it. “What did Saria say?”
“We had a long talk, and she said yes. She’ll let me go through re-identification first, and follow as soon as she sits her finals. They’re in just a few weeks.” She stepped up to him. “Ben will place my application tomorrow, although he said it might take a few days for all the arrangements to be made. He told me to hold tight and wait.”
Gritting his teeth, he opened his bottom drawer and piled her clothing in. “He approved of it all, this fast?” He’d have words with Ben. She should be with him.
“Of course. It was his idea to start with.” She gripped his arm. “I never said I’d move in with you, and now you’re unpacking for me?”
“Lee.” He dragged her into his arms. “I want you here, no matter the length of time.” He lifted her and laid her on his bed. Stealthily, he moved in to lie over top.
“I know you do. Oh, do you feel that? The ship’s moving.” Cranking her head to the side, she peered out the windows where the lights of the resort flickered.
“We’re sailing to the far side of the island. There’s a quiet cove, and it’ll be the safest place for you.”
“I hadn’t forgotten.” She slid her hand down his chest and played her fingers over the ridges of his abs under his shirt. “As long as we’re all safe, I can deal with it, for a short while.”
He lowered his forehead to hers. “Since you insist on going through re-identification, I need to be able to track you once you go under. I’m giving you fair warning now.”
“Ah, excuse me. That sounds highly illegal. The whole point of re-identification is so no one can find me.”
“Yes, but I’m not a threat to you, and only you and I will know what I’ve done.”
“And what will that be? Ex-act-ly?”
“By track, I mean I’ll place under your skin a very small tagged chip. It’s like a GPS system, but it’ll have a direct signal to me.”
“And…” Her gaze narrowed.
He rubbed his cheek against hers. “I’ll be able to check in with you, no matter where you are in the world. We can hardly have an exclusive relationship without there being some form of relationship.”
“Sooo, you’re asking me to go against the rules of re-identification?” She gave him a look that said she wasn’t going to agree.
“You’re very stubborn, but I happen to be twice as bad. Whether you agree or not, I’m going ahead with it.”
No one would take her from him. Not ever again.
He’d make certain of it.
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed that. If you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I’d love to know what you think of the cover. It’s a HOT one for sure. I certainly love that twinkle in his eye, and that cheeky smile. 🙂
Yay! This is ME. A very happy little kitten with her 3rd Contract. 🙂
Hey everyone. 2013 Rocks! I couldn’t wait to share this news.
My third baby book WITNESS PURSUIT, a mystery/suspense romance just got a contract. Woo-hoo. The release has been set for January 6th 2014. Huge thanks go to Renee Rocco and Penny Barber at Lyrical Press NY for saying “yes.” I’m beyond excited.
Wow. It’s a dream to have one book release, and two more contracted. My thanks go to all of you too, for joining me on this journey, and to continue the celebrations I have a wonderful offer for you. More than anything, I’ve learnt how important it is to have a second set of eyes go over those first few pages of one’s manuscript. It can make all the difference, because as writers we read our work a thousand times and we know our story inside-out. Which means we occasionally miss something which becomes glaringly obvious once pointed out by another. Hate that, but also love and appreciate it.
So, to my offer–everyone who leaves a comment asking FOR A CRITIQUE will have their name put into a draw. What do you win? Yours truly shall be your second set of eyes to go over the first four pages (or 1500 words thereabouts) of your novel. That’s the first four pages. Not four pages from the middle of the book, but the first four pages. Okay, so if you’ve been catching my blogs, you’ll know my skills are in the editing department, which means it will be a fabulous critique. You’ll love it.
I’ve brought this offer to the table twice lately, and Amy Kennedy and Kozo Hattori were the winners and redeemed their prize. I loved getting to know them and their wonderful work. So don’t be shy, if you want to enter, make sure you do.
I’ll pick a winner using random.org and post the name next week on my blog, so keep your eyes open for who that is. (Particularly the winner, because you’ll need to get in contact with me via email.)
In other news, PROTECTOR’s had a wonderful first week, and it’s been a whirlwind of excitement as I’ve visited others’ blogs and chatted or had a guest spot.
