Dana Marie Bell

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  Dana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself. Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
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Interview

1. Dana, you have quite a few series on the go. Is there one that you are more attached to or more excited about? Is this one of those questions your not supposed to ask, like which child you love the most. 

 It would either be the Gray Court series or the Maggie's Grove series. I love the court structure, the way the different fae interract in the Gray Court. I also have a love-love relationship with both Jaden Blackthorn and The Hob. In Maggie's Grove, on the other hand, I'm not bound by a particular race or set of powers the way I am in, say, the Halle Shifters. It's fun to explore different paranormals, figure out their powers and incorporate them into small town America. The second Maggie's Grove book, Throne of Oak, is coming from Carina Press on June 10.

2. Why do you like to write Paranormal Romance?

 I like that added element of being different. If I wrote contemporary, I'd probably write spies and cops, people who deal with bad guys all the time or have really cool toys. If I wrote westerns, they'd probably be Steampunk westerns. And if I wrote sci-fi? Hello! Aliens to explore! So I can't picture myself ever writing straight romance. There will always be that added element for me to play with.

3. What was the response of your fans to your mm romance Finding Forgiveness? Was it as easy for you to write as your fm romance? 

The ones who read it seemed to enjoy it, and I found it just as easy as the M/F romances. I'd dabbled in M/M with Noble Blood, as Duncan and Jaden have just as passionate a love as Duncan and Moira or Moira and Jaden. In fact, I may do more M/M in the future, most notably with the True Destiny series. I LOVED writing Jamie and Fenris, and decided that Jormungandr (the world serpent, and one of Logan's missing children) will also have a male partner. Morgan's twin, Magnus, will be with both Sif, a goddess, and Sleipnir, Logan's son. So I'm nowhere near done exploring M/M and M/M/F.

4. I love your Gray Court Series,I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the Hob, I have been dying for his story for a while now. How far do you intend to go with it?  Was it all planned out from start to finish, or are you making/ finding new stories as you go along? 

 Right now, it's an open-ended series, like the Halle Shifters. When people start becoming bored with it, I'll consider bringing it to an end. I do think that series have a life, and that you shouldn't try and force it beyond that life. So it will eventuallly come to an end, and will probably involve the death of the Black Queen, Titannia. 

5. I can see from your gr post that you are renovating your home, how is this going? Have you been driven to disrepair yet? 

Nope! I'm working in my bedroom with my furbabies, and other than having to run downstairs every time I want one of my diet Cherry Pepsi's, I'm good. In fact, by the time you read this the renovations will be done. You'll see pictures on my blog, http://danamariebell.blogspot.com.

6. The Halle shifters series seems sweeter to me.When you started writing the Halle Shifters after the Halle Puma's, was it a conscious decision to make them more adventurous, or more erotic? I say this because Bear Necessities nearly knocked my socks off.  

By the time I'd finished the Halle Pumas, I'd just started the True Destiny and Gray Court series. My writing got hotter as time went on, but I doubt it will ever go Fifty Shades hot. But I'm having fun with those scenes, and I might continue to explore the possibilities. You never know...

7.  Out of all your shifter characters Bear Necessities 's Alex has been my favorite, this could be because I have a weakness for bear shifters. What is your favorite animal shifter to write about? Hmm. I've done Bears, Pumas, Foxes (Chloe), and Wolves. Right now, it's probably Bears, but that might change as I add more shifters. Lions and Tigers (and Bears), oh my! Plus I hope to someday soon start writing about the New York Coyotes, another full length shifter series. But... not yet. I have other series to finish first, like the True Destiny and Heart's Desire series, which have definite ends.

8. What were your favorite books growing up as a child? 

 I read a lot of Greek and Norse mythology, as well as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. So I guess you could say they helped shape my love of fantasy and the paranormal. I also loved Stephen King and John Saul when I was a little older, like my mid-teens. 

9. Where do you write? Do you have a favourite spot? Do you have to pull yourself away from the world or are you quite happy to type away in the middle of family chaos?

 Hmm. I like to write with noise, like the TV on or music playing. I don't have a favorite spot, but I find there are certain things I need to work, like some place comfortable where my back isn't being stressed. For the most part I work in my family room, sitting in my chaise, with either the ID Channel or HGTV on and a cup of coffee or a diet Cherry Pepsi right next to me. 

Books

Halle Pumas

Is Emma ready for a bite? Emma Carter has been in love with Max Cannon since high school, but he barely knew she existed. Now she runs her own unique curio shop, and she's finally come out her shell and into her own. When Max returns to his small home town to take up his duties as the Halle Pride's Alpha, he finds that shy little Emma has grown up. That small spark of something he'd always felt around the teenager has blossomed into something more--his mate! Taking her--out for a bite--ensures that the luscious Emma will be permanently his. But Max's ex has plans of her own. Plans that don't include Emma being around to interfere. To keep her Alpha, Emma must prove to the Pride that she has what it takes to be Max's mate Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, loads of giggles and a hot, blond Alpha male.
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Sweet dreams can easily become nightmares. Getting attacked by some crazed she-devil, complete with claws and fangs, certainly wasn't on Rebecca Yaeger's agenda when she agreed to attend a local masquerade. In a few slashing moments, Becky learns things about her friends and the man she loves that she never would have suspected. When Simon rescues Becky from an unprovoked attack by one of his Pride, he finally confirms what he's long suspected: she's his mate. Carrying her off to his home and dressing her wounds gives him the chance he's been waiting for--to taste her and mark her as his. And she's far sweeter than anything, or anyone, he's ever had before. Just as their problems seem a thing of the past, a strange illness begins to haunt Becky, threatening to turn their sweet dreams into a nightmare. Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, Godiva chocolates and a tall, dark and handsome shifter. 
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Hell do whatever it takes to protect his mate. Halle Pumas, Book 3 Dr. Adrian Giordano is quite happy with the way his life is going. His two best friends are happily mated, and hes still sanely single. He has friends, a thriving business, and the occasional Saturday night date. Then Sheridan Montgomery comes to town. His inner Puma responds to the husky-voiced snow princess in a way that tells him his life is about to be turned upside down. Sheri cant believe her luck could be this bad. Instinct tells her Adrian is her mate, but the last thing she wants to do is drag him into her messy life. Shes on the run from a big bad wolfan ex who wont take no for an answer. Worse, if he catches her, hes got the teeth (and the Pack ) to take what he wants. She doesnt stand a chance alone, but with her friendsand the persistent Adrianby her side, she might just survive. If her ex doesnt eat the yummy Dr. Giordano for lunch, that is] Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, a handsome, dark-eyed shifter and a couple of bites to remember.
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She's everything a big bad wolf could want. Coping with a devastating injury is hard enough for Belinda--Belle--Campbell. Forced separation from her destined mate while she heals is almost more than she can endure. Until she is strong enough to take up her duties as Luna of the Poconos Wolf Pack, however, the safest place for her is Halle. Now, after months of being alone, she is more than ready to be claimed. But is the pack ready for a Puma Luna? Rick Lowell has waited long enough to bring Belle home where she belongs. He's aware of the danger, as well--and it isn't long before a bitch with an eye on Belle's position issues a challenge. The only way to put down the threat is for Belle to defeat the usurper in combat. There's only one problem. Thanks to the pins in her broken hip, Belle can't shift. Without that tactical advantage, it won't be a fair fight. With his new mate's life on the line, Rick is forced to make a decision that will change everything. That is, if Belle gives him the chance to make it. Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, lots of doggie (or is that kitty?) style and some songs Rick will never want to hear again. Ever.
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Delayed gratification has its place. This wouldn't be it. Halle Pumas, Book 5 Gabriel Anderson has accepted a unique position in the shifter world. He's about to become a Hunter, one of the few trained and sanctioned to hunt down the rare rogue shifter dangerous to humans and shifters alike. There's one catch: until his training is complete, he must hold off on marking his mate. No problem...after all, she probably couldn't handle the sexual demands he dreams of making on her. Her mate's apparent desertion devastates Sarah. And his friendship with another woman threatens the bond they should be sharing and building. Maybe flirting with another man will make him sit up and take notice--and finally win Gabe's heart. It works. Almost too well. One touch of another man's hand on Sarah's tempting body brings every ounce of Gabe's possessiveness roaring to the surface. He wastes no time making his erotic dreams of dominating her a reality--whether she's ready for it or not. If she's not, the only place he'll ever have her is in his dreams.
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Halle Shifters
  To hold onto his love, he must release his beast. Halle Shifters, Book 1 Once a Bear sets his mind on a mission, it's best to stay out of his way. Alexander "Bunny" Bunsun is that Bear. Something's not right with his cousin Chloe, and he's come to Halle, PA, to sort it out, turn his Harley around and head home to Oregon. Until an enticing scent lures him into the local tattoo shop. There she is. An inked, Southern-drawled she-Wolf with lime-green hair. His perfect mate. Tabitha Garwood's rotten day just got worse. Her Outcast status makes her a target for harassment with alarming regularity. And now, in the middle of a root touch-up, looking like a half-melted Skittle, she's met her destined mate. The only upside? She finally has a protector in the form of a huge, tattooed, shaved-head Bear who vibrates with carefully restrained power. When Chloe is left for dead and Tabby is threatened, only Alex can keep his growing family safe. Giving Tabby the loving home she needs, though, could come at a price-Alex must give up the control he's worked a lifetime to attain. Which means someone could die at the hands-and claws-of his beast. Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a hunky Bear named Bunny and . . . Yes. I said a Bear.
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To save the woman he loves, he must push his gifts to the brink. Halle Shifters, Book 2 Julian DuCharme, a rare Spirit Bear with legendary healing powers, is finally free from the threat of death, finally free to claim his mate—but she’s not having it. While his Bear screams it’s time to mate, the love of his life wants to date. Holding his Bear in check while convincing her he’s not out to control her won’t be easy. She’s stubborn and a closeted geek—in other words, perfect for him. Cynthia “Cyn” Reyes, owner of Living Art Tattoos, thinks Julian is the hottest thing on two legs. That doesn’t mean she’s going to roll over for his masculine charm. She watched her mother flounder when her father passed away, and she’s determined to never lose herself to someone else. Not even a man who would jump the moon for her, if she asked that of him. When the women of Living Art are targeted by a killer, Julian doesn’t think twice about pouring out his last drop of power to keep Cyn safe. But it’s Cyn who’ll give up everything—her independence, even her humanity—to keep a terrifying vision from coming true. One of his death. Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a tattooed heroine and the Bear who loves her. Maybe he’ll finally convince her to tattoo him with “Property of Cyn”.    Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble 




Gray Court

  He'll fulfill her wildest fantasies- but only if she believes. Leo Dunne has been searching his entire life for the one person born just for him. He finds her working in his own company, but the shy little Ruby Halloway constantly hides from him. He hatches a devilish plot with her best friend to bring her out of her shell, and the result proves her desire is more than a match for his own. Ruby has had the hots for her boss for some time now, but she knows business and pleasure shouldn't mix. While that can't stop a girl from dreaming, she sticks by her guns and does her best never to be alone with the handsome CEO. Until the company masquerade party, where she discovers a passion with him that leaves a mark on her soul. A family emergency calls Leo away, and rather than spend one night out of Ruby's arms, he convinces her to go with him. With his brother's life on the line, it's vital she learn how to deal with who, and what, her new lover really is--before it's too late. Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, a bit of bondage, and a Sidhe Lord determined to claim and protect what is his. 
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Nobility has its privileges and its price. Sometimes it just sucks. The Gray Court, Book 2 For Lord Duncan Malmayne, it was love at first sight with his true bond, the lovely half-Sidhe, half-leprechaun Moira Dunne. Yet something is missing from his relationship with the fiery redhead, something that prevents him from completing the Claiming and making Moira his forever. As problems multiply in what should be a magical, idyllic time, the depression weighing on Moira s Sidhe heart signals a potentially devastating condition. Mate sickness. Her instinct tells her what s missing: Jaden Blackthorn, Gray Court vampire, Duncan s bond brother and closest friend who tactfully withdrew from their lives after Duncan declared his love. Jaden is both heartbroken and elated that the two people he loves most in the world are together. It s best he cut off all contact to give them space to complete the Claiming. But trouble is brewing in the Malmayne clan, and when Jaden s forced back into their lives by the Hob, their extremely rare tribond clicks with a reaction that s swift, sensual and all-consuming. But not everyone looks upon it as a blessing. In fact, the price of their love could be a potentially fatal shift of power Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and M/M/F love scenes between a Sidhe lord, a vampire and a leprechaun. And no, that s not the start of a dirty joke no matter what my Beta readers said. 
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Akane Russo, part dragon, part Seer and one of Robin’s top Blades, has been given a job to do, and damn it she’s going to do it. The Malmaynes are up to their old tricks, and the Dunne family still has no plans to accommodate them. She’s been tasked with keeping Shane Dunne safe from the Malmaynes and their kidnapping ways. But can anyone keep her safe from the heat in Shane’s gaze? Shane knows the woman meant for him will never come to him willingly. Luckily for him she’s been ordered by none other than the Hob to guard him, and he’s going to use that to his advantage every chance he gets. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the dragoness succumbs and lets Shane Claim her like they both want. When they come together he knows the results will be beyond his wildest imaginings. When Akane winds up poisoned by gold and forced into temporary heat, marking Shane suddenly takes top priority. Keeping her new mate safe, and sane, will be a brand new puzzle, one the Blade isn’t sure she can solve in time. 
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Robin Goodfellow has met his match. The Gray Court Book 4 When the Black Queen kidnaps one of the White Queen's nephews, Robin Goodfellow is sent to ensure that the young prince safely returns to the bosom of his family. True to his role as Oberon’s Hobgoblin, he is ready for anything…except meeting his truebond, the very delicious, very human Michaela Exton. Michaela has dreamed about a flame-haired rogue named Robin Goodfellow since she was a little girl, but everyone knows Puck doesn’t really exist. In real life, it’s a dark-eyed man named Ringo who makes her heart beat faster. She is closer to her dream man than she thinks, and nobody knows it better than Robin, who wears the guise of Ringo. But there’s competition for her love in the form of Lord Raven, who holds a secret that will rock the foundation of Robin’s world. As a Black Court delegate does the unthinkable, leaving an enraged, grief-stricken Robin hanging onto his humanity by a thread, only Michaela has the power to bring him back from the killing edge—if she survives. Product Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, Robin Goodfellow and... Really. Do I need to say any more?
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True Destiny

Her destiny rests in their hands... True Destiny, Book 1 Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they've forgotten what it's like to be free. Ending Grimm's power games won't be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation's resident hot shot--and Grimm's step-granddaughter. Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they're claiming that they're really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin! When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world..
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Justice isn’t blind anymore. True Destiny, Book 2 Travis Yardley-Rudiger deliberately stayed away from Jamie Grimm, desperate not to pull her into the petty war of wills between him and her grandfather, Oliver Grimm. Unfortunately the reemergence of Baldur and Loki and their claiming of Jamie’s sister Jordan put her squarely in Grimm’s sights. Her torture at Grimm’s hands left Travis determined to claim and protect the woman he’s loved for years—but first he has to find a way to break the news that Travis is actually Tyr. Jamie keeps seeing the weirdest things. Flames in her sister’s eyes, for instance…even Travis’s entire body glowing. Then there are the recurring nightmares she just can’t shake. One thing is certain: Travis’s usual standoffish attitude has done an abrupt one-eighty. He’s even gone so far as to move with her into her sister’s condo while she convalesces. And when he reveals who—and what—he is, Jamie is left to wonder what the Norse God of Justice could possibly want with a crazy redhead with severe family issues. As far as he’s concerned, it will be Travis’s pleasure to show her… Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, a real blond god and a woman with reasons to have trust issues. 
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"For a love that will last through the ages, they must fight an evil older than time. " "True Destiny, Book 3" Jeffrey Grimm s grandfather, Odin, tortured and nearly killed his twin sister. He s on a mission to return the favor. To get the job done, he needs the world's oldest living laser-hair-removal candidate: Fenris lfr, the werewolf prophecy has decreed will kill Odin at Ragnarrok. When he gets to Norway, though, he discovers the wolf can change into a man a man so sexy that Jeff is blindsided with lust. And, despite his blood ties to Odin, Fen wants him with equal ferocity. An attraction to the blood kin of his oldest enemy? Fenris figures he must have been caged far too long. Yet as soon as the magical phrase that frees him leaves Jeff s lips, Fenris has no choice. He is bound to protect Jeff at all costs, even if it means giving up his hatred of the man who betrayed him and learning to live with the horrors of toothpaste and the Internet. Odin isn t through with him, though. And when he gets his hands on Jeff, Fen calls upon everything within him to fulfill the prophecy... even if it means his own death. Warning: This book contains explicit male/male sex, graphic language, a redhead with a temper and the ultimate werewolf. Caution, drooling may be an unfortunate side effect.
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 Poconos Pack
 

 To forgive is divine...if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it. "Poconos Pack, Book 1" Ben Malone's role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack's wellbeing-which means he's forced to feel every one of his mate's hangovers. It's the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle. Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection. Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital-and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone." Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness-and the right to finally claim his mate. Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and male/male love scenes between two top dogs. Who knew Rock Paper Scissors could be such fun?
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Hearts Desire
 

  Christopher Beckett is tired of being alone. His wolf is howling for his mate, and Chris knows it is only a matter of time before his needs override everything else in his life. He casts the spell all the Becketts have used to call their mates to them. What he wants is a woman of an older lineage, of power to equal his own. And she has to accept the one aspect that sets him apart from almost every other wizard: his wolf. What Chris gets is Alannah Evans, a powerful witch of the Evans Coven. The petite, dark haired woman has no problems with the wolf. What she does have a problem with is the fact that Chris is a wizard. Since wizards and witches don’t get along very well, neither should they, but the sparks flying between them can’t be denied. Chris isn’t taking no for an answer. When it becomes clear that an old enemy has targeted them both Chris will wind up engaging his enemy in a duel that could cost him his life. Or worse: Lana.
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When a witch is hot for teacher, the sparks are sure to fly. Zachary Beckett has been a screw-up most of his life, but he's finally done something right. He saved his brother's life at great personal cost, and now he's on his way to Cleveland to rain as a witch. There he meets Johra Yashodar, a teacher with the belief that Zach is still a screw-up. It isn't long before Zach realizes he's hot for teacher. Jo has never met someone like Zachary Beckett. His blue eyes haunt her, his body is made for sin and his magic... well. The less said about that the better. He's the worst witch she's ever met, bar none. But Jo is determined to help him, and to do that she'll fight the attraction she feels towards him tooth and nail. But things aren't always what they seem, and when Zach realizes he's under a hex he comes into his own... as one of Hecate's Own. Chosen by the Goddess Herself to fight evil, it's up to Zach and his brothers to save Jo from a fate worse than death. Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a sexy, awkward, blue-eyed wolf-witch and a woman who can make his dreams come true.
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Maggie's Grove 
 


A seduction-gone-wrong leaves vampire Parker Hollis with a new vegetarian lifestyle and on the run from a vengeful witch. Moving to small-town Maggie's Grove, Parker meets a redheaded dryad with green, leafy blood that draws him in a way he hasn't experienced in decades. His new neighbor smells divine, and it isn't long before craving gives in to need. In a unique community of supernaturals, tree-loving outcast Amara Schwedler has never quite fit in. She's scarred by a traumatic incident and feared by the local townsfolk. She's convinced Parker will look elsewhere for a mate once he discovers she's not one of the O-positive set, and can't believe it when Parker finds her irresistible. When the witch who's been plaguing Parker's life discovers the newfound attraction between Parker and Amara, she takes out her anger on the town. Can the supernaturals of Maggie's Grove accept Amara and band together in time to withstand the assaults of the enraged witch?
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 The Nephilim
 


  He will keep her safe, no matter what it takes. Someone—or something—is stalking Abby Marcheson. Luckily, she as her brother’s hunky friend Seth to keep her safe. Abby falls easily into her protected life, with Seth constantly by her side, and when he asks her out on a date, she’s eager to accept. But Seth is much more than he seems. A Nephilim, a son of Angels with wings of his own, Seth is bound to spend his life hunting the Shemyaza, evil descendants of Angels. He’s kept his wings hidden from Abby in order not to frighten her, but as her stalker becomes bolder, Seth begins to suspect that a Shem has Abby in its sights… As their flirtation escalates into full-blown passion, Seth is torn. Should he reveal his true nature to the beautiful, trusting Abby? Will she accept him, wings and all, or will Abby flee her guardian angel and fall prey to the sinister force that wishes her harm? Warning: This book contains explicit sex and graphic language.
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For a full list of Danas books including short stories check out her website.

   

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Welcome to Paradise

Welcome to Paradise

By Rosalind James

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 4/12/13

Synopsis:

By the bestselling author of the Escape to New Zealand series—

They’re going to party like it’s 1885.

Mira Walker is hoping that competing on a “living history” reality show will give her what’s missing from her real life. Maybe she’ll get closer to her boyfriend, who hasn’t been all that nice to her lately. Get fired up about her job again. Who knows, she might even win a million dollars.

Gabe Kincaid and his brother Alec are after that million too, though. Mira and Scott are no threat at all, not when everybody involved is going to want to kill Scott after the first day. And there’s no bond stronger than a twin’s. What could possibly go wrong?

EXCERPT

Gabe began to haul out suitcases, then stopped in his tracks.

A couple spaces beyond, a young woman stood next to a glossy black BMW with its door open, her gaze turned up to the eastern skyline. Gabe could see why. The view was tinted with a rose pink that lay softly over the mountains, giving them an almost ethereal glow.

She sensed his presence behind him, turned with a warm smile that was a perfect complement to the light bathing the landscape behind her. “Alpenglow,” she told him happily.

“What?” he asked stupidly.

“That’s what they call that pink thing. Alpenglow. Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Yeah,” he smiled slowly. “It sure is.”

She nodded, looked back at the mountains with a sigh, leaving Gabe free to take in the view that interested him most. She wasn’t especially slim—in fact, she was downright . . .rounded. Arms, breasts, hips, it was all there, all the good stuff. A nicely defined waist, too, in a slightly crumpled short-sleeved summer dress that flared out at the hem. Long, shiny brown hair caught on the side of her head in a simple braid that reached nearly to her hips, ended in a curly tail. All right, she was attractive. A pretty face, nice hair, a beautiful smile, but she certainly wasn’t gorgeous. So why was he staring at her?

“Cute,” Alec said quietly beside him.

“Yeah.” Gabe gave himself a shake and began to turn away.

“Hey.” The man was striding quickly across the parking lot. Light brown hair, parted neatly. Slim and tall, somewhere between Gabe’s six foot and Alec’s six-two. And, Gabe realized, the same asshole who’d flipped them off earlier, at the light. Frowning, now, as he came to join the woman. “What are you doing? I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Sorry,” she said. “I was just looking at the view.”

“Did you get the car cleaned out?”

“Not yet.”

He sighed impatiently. “I’ve got all our stuff inside already, and unpacked, while you’ve been standing here. Could you get a move on, please? I want to go to dinner.”

“Sorry,” she said again. “It’s just so beautiful.”

The man smiled tightly, still not acknowledging Gabe or Alec, who had come up to stand beside his brother and watch the pair. “All I’m asking for is a bit of focus here, sweetie. Eyes on the prize, remember? Can you do that for me?”

“Of course,” she said. Gabe could see the flush spreading up her cheeks, her embarrassment at the reproof in front of strangers. Not his business, he reminded himself.

None of his business at all.

Author Bio:

Rosalind James is the author of the bestselling “Escape to New Zealand” series.

“Welcome to Paradise” is her first book set in the United States. A former marketing executive, Rosalind divides her time between California and New Zealand.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter

A Taste Of You 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers.

She didn’t know how hungry she was…Beautiful and talented Catherine Kelly is intent on starting over as a food photographer in Chicago. With her painful past buried over 2000 miles away, she’s focused on her career and is hungry for little else. Until she meets William Lambourne, a wealthy bachelor with arresting blue-grey eyes filled with enough tragedy to match her own. William urges Catherine to step out from behind her camera and fully taste all that life has to offer, stirring an appetite in her she never knew she possessed - and it’s one only he can satisfy.
He couldn’t wait to feed her…A gourmand who takes great pleasure in food and in women, William Lambourne is rich, powerful, and gorgeous -- and as talented in the kitchen as he is in the bedroom. Longing for a woman to truly savor, William finds his match in Catherine. From the moment he meets her, he is determined to discover the perfect recipe to unlock Cat’s resolve, awaken her senses, and make her his own.
Theirs is a meal worth savoring…William is as mysterious as he is passionate, but as Catherine begins to fall for the stormy-eyed billionaire, she knows she must reveal her own dark secrets. But first, William must win Cat’s heart to ensure their pasts don’t undo them.
Book 1 in The Epicurean series, A Taste of You will leave you ravenous for more of Cat and William’s story!

Review

****Arc received from Netgalley for my honest review*****
Catherine Kelly is a widow. She has run away from her home town that holds too many bittersweet memories to Chicago, to start afresh. Her job as a successful photographer brings her in contact, literally smack bag contact, with William Lambourne a billionaire ladies man with stormy eyes and determination. That determination finds itself focused solely on Catherine. William is set on putting some flavour back into Catherine's life, and with his dominant ways he awakens a hunger in Catherine she has never felt before. But can she get over her guilt and feelings of betrayal to her husband?
I enjoyed this tasty romance of Cat and William.
William is your standard, sexy, dominant with his abrupt words and pushy, alpha ways. To begin with, I couldn't get a handle on him, I didn't feel the sexy connection I usually do with all of my lovable billionaires. He seemed too overdone, I didn't actually start to like him until I saw him floundering. That's right, the usual ploys this man was used to doing to keep his ladies happy didn't work and I for one was cheering. I loved seeing him struggle, he seemed so much more likable and was forced to be himself. Cat was a bit more frustrating. I did feel for the poor woman and her guilt. But her indecisiveness and neurotic inner monologue got me down after a while.
I enjoyed the little background information we got of both characters, but understand we will be getting more of Williams dark and mysterious past in the next installment. I am intrigued as to what has happened. As you can tell from the title and blurb you know that food and seduction play a major role in this book and I have read books in which I loved this combo, unfortunately not so much in this book. It felt over done, everything was, " I want to taste you", " I can still taste you" I love your taste" and after a while it just became to much.
A Taste of You, was a good start to a series and although I had certain issues I did enjoy it in the end. Will be interested to see where it goes from here.

  

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In The Nick of Time 18+

 

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Hot nights, huge consequences.
Divorced and done with her dry spell, Holly Prentice is ready to get back in the game. But with two conditions: her future mate can’t be married to his career, and he has to have a couch. Nick Andreis loves his job, and his only furniture is a king-size bed. He’s also single, sexy, and six years Holly’s junior. Any guy this hunky and carefree can’t be serious about the future.
After one spontaneous and explosive night, Holly decides that her search for Mr. Right can wait. Nick can be Mr. Right Now.
Nick has waited years for Holly. Now that she’s dating again, he’s determined to be the only man in her life. He wants what Holly wants: forever. Convincing her of that won’t be easy, but Nick agrees—with fingers crossed behind his back—to Holly’s idea that they can be bed buddies until someone serious comes along. His plan: use the time between their passionate nights to convince her that he is the one.
Will Holly’s unexpected pregnancy change the rules of their games? Or can they both decide to play for keeps?

Review

****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****
Holly is coming out of her self imposed hibernation after her divorce. She is 32 and ready to settle down, she wants the man, the stability, the kids.
Nick has wanted Holly for years, he was friends with her and her husband when they were together and has wanted her to turn to him. He feels ready for a solid relationship with her.
Problem is, he is 26 and Holly thinks he is too young to be tied down.
This was a quick romance read. I liked the idea of the story, older woman fighting with herself to not fall in love with the younger man. In fact I love these sorts of love stories,with characters getting a second chance at a romantic life.
In the Nick of Time gave me characters that were definitely unexpected. They were burdened by their past and Holly, especially, let that get in the way of her happiness. Both had there flaws which just made them more real in my eyes. I admit to being mad a both of them a different stages in this book, I was wishing that hard for their happiness that their decisions were frustrating me.
I enjoyed this realistic love story, because lets face it, romance and happily ever after don't happen easily. We have to fight for them.
Sylvie Fox's book is fast paced and engaging, and easy romance read for a lazy afternoon.

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Tides of Memory

 

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An addictive, edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with the hallmark elements that made New York Times bestselling author Sidney Sheldon--"the master of the story-telling game" (People)--an international legend: shocking twists, money, power, and betrayal involving an influential family and the beautiful and formidable woman at its center whose dark secrets can destroy them all. The conservative party's newest superstar, Alexia De Vere has worked hard to realize her political ambitions. The brilliant and ruthless wife of wealthy aristocrat Teddy De Vere, Alexia relishes her power and the control it gives her to shape and destroy lives. Yet success has also demanded sacrifice. Her daughter, Roxie, a bitter young woman confined to a wheelchair after a failed suicide attempt, blames Alexia for ruining her life. Alexia's dashing son, Michael, is risking the family's good name to jump-start his entre-preneurial dreams. Thankfully, Alexia has Teddy, her devoted husband who will stop at nothing to protect her. But beneath Alexia De Vere's gilded life and formidable facade lie secrets that are ugly, dirty, and deadly. When long-buried mistakes of her youth begin to resurface, old hatreds are rekindled and Alexia finds herself on the brink of losing everything--her power, her family, and even her own life. Now the woman who rose so high is on the brink of a perilous fall. For when the tides of memory rise, the only thing that might save her is the truth. . .

 Excerpt

 

PROLOGUE

“Was there anything else, Home Secretary?”

Alexia De Vere smiled. Home Secretary. Surely the most beautiful two words in the English language. Except forPrime Minister, of course. The Tory party’s newest superstar laughed at herself. One step at a time, Alexia.

“No thank you Edward. I’ll call if I need you.”

Sir Edward Manning nodded briefly and left the room. A senior civil servant in his early sixties and bastion of the Westminster political establishment, Sir Edward Manning was as tall and grey and rigid as a matchstick. In the coming months, Sir Edward would be Alexia De Vere’s constant companion: advising, cautioning, expertly guiding her through the maze of Home Office politics. But right now, in these first few hours in the job, Alexia De Vere wanted to be alone. She wanted to savor the sweet taste of victory without an audience. To sit back and revel in the profound thrill of power.

After all, she’d earned it.

Getting up from her desk, she paced around her new office, a vast eyrie of a room perched high in one of the baroque towers of the Palace of Westminster. The interior design was more functional than fabulous. A matching pair of ugly brown sofas at one end (those must go), a simple desk and chair at the other, and a bookcase stuffed with dusty, un-read tomes of political history. But none of that mattered once you saw the view. Spectacular didn’t begin to cover it. Floor to ceiling windows provided a panoramic vista of London, from the towers of Canary Wharf in the east to the mansions of Chelsea in the west. It was a view that said one thing and one thing only.

Power.

And it was all hers.

I am theHome Secretary of Great Britain. The second most important member of Her Majesty’s Government.

How had it happened? How had a junior prisons minister, and a deeply unpopular one at that, leapfrogged so many other senior candidates to land the big job? Poor Kevin Lomax over at Trade & Industry must be spitting yellow, coffee-stained teeth. The thought made Alexia De Vere feel warm inside. Patronizing old fossil. He wrote me off years ago, but who’s laughing now?

Pilloried in the press for being wealthy, aristocratic and out-of-touch with ordinary voters, and dubbed the new Iron Lady by the tabloids, Alexia De Vere’’s sentencing reform bill had been savaged by MPs on both sides of the house for being ‘compassionless’ and ‘brutal.’ No parole sentences might work in America, a country so barbaric they still had the death penalty. But they weren’t going to fly here, in civilized Great Britain.

That’s what theysaid. But when push came to shove, they’d all voted the bill through.

Cowards. Cowards and hypocrites the lot of them.

Alexia De Vere knew how unpopular the bill had made her, with colleagues, with the media, with lower income voters. So she was as shocked as everyone else when the Prime Minister, Henry Whitman, chose to appoint her as his Home Secretary. But she didn’t dwell on it. The fact was, Henry Whitmanhad appointed her. At the end of the day that was all that mattered.

Reaching into a box, Alexia pulled out some family photographs. She preferred to keep her work and home lives separate, but these days everyone was so touchy-feely, having pictures of one’s children on one’s desk had become de rigeur.

There was her daughter Roxie at eighteen, her blonde head thrown back, laughing. How Alexia missed that laugh. Of course, the picture had been taken before the accident.

The accident Alexia De Vere hated the euphemism for her daughter’s suicide attempt, a three story leap that had left Roxie wheelchair bound for the rest of her life. In Alexia’s view, one should call a spade a spade. But Alexia’s husband, Teddy insisted on it. Dear Teddy. He always was a soft touch.

Placing her husband’s photograph next to their daughter’s, Alexia smiled. An unprepossessing, paunchy middle aged man, with thinning hair and permanently ruddy cheeks, Teddy De Vere beamed at the camera like a lovable bear.

How different my life would have been without him. How much, how very much, I owe him.

Of course, Teddy De Vere was not the only man to whom Alexia owed her good fortune. There was Henry Whitman, the new Tory Prime Minister and Alexia’s self-appointed political mentor. And somewhere, far, far away from here, there was another man. A good man. A man who had helped her.

But she mustn’t think about that man. Not now. Not today.

Today was a day of triumph and celebration. It was no time for regrets.

The third picture was of Alexia’s son, Michael. What an insanely beautiful boy he was, with his dark curls and slate-grey eyes and that mischievous smile that melted female hearts from a thousand paces. Sometimes Alexia thought that Michael was the only person on earth she had ever loved unconditionally. Roxie ought to fall into that category too, but after everything that had happened between them, the bad blood had poisoned the relationship beyond repair

After the photographs it was time for the congratulations cards, which had been arriving in a steady stream since Alexia’s shock appointment was announced two days earlier. Most of them were dull, corporate affairs sent by lobbyists or constituency hangers-on. They had pictures of popping champagne bottles or dreary floral still-lifes. But one card in particular immediately caught Alexia’s eye. Against a stars and stripes background, the words ‘YOU ROCK!” were emblazoned in garish gold. The message inside read:

‘Congratulations, darling Alexia! SO excited and SO proud of you. All my love, Lucy!!!! xxx’

Alexia De Vere grinned. She had very few female friends – very few friends of any kind, in fact - but Lucy Meyer was the exception that proved the rule. A neighbor from Martha’s Vineyard, where the De Veres owned a summer home – Teddy had fallen in love with the island whilst at Harvard Business School - , Lucy Meyer had become almost like a sister. Lucy was a traditional home-maker, albeit of the uber-wealthy variety, and as American as apple pie. Alternately motherly and child-like, she was the sort of woman who used a lot of exclamation points in emails and wrote her I’s with full circles instead of dots on the top. To say that Lucy Meyer and Alexia De Vere had little in common would be like saying that Israel and Palestine didn’t always see exactly eye to eye. And yet the two women’s friendship, forged over so many blissful summers on Martha’s Vineyard, had survived all the ups and downs of Alexia’s crazy political life.

Standing by the window, Alexia gazed down at the Thames. From up here the river looked benign and stately, a softly flowing ribbon of silver snaking its silent way through the city. But down below, Alexia knew, its currents could be deadly. Even now, at fifty nine years of age and at the pinnacle of her career, Alexia De Vere couldn’t look at water without feeling a shudder of foreboding. She twisted her wedding ring nervously.

How easily it can all be washed away! Power, happiness, even life itself. It only takes an instant, a single unguarded instant. And it’s gone.

Her phone buzzed loudly.

“Sorry to disturb you Home Secretary. But I have Ten Downing Street on line one . I assume you’ll take the Prime Minister’s call?”

Alexia De Vere shook her head, willing the ghosts of the past away.

“Of course Edward. Put him through.”

South of the river, less than a mile from Alexia De Vere’s opulent Westminster office but a world apart, Gilbert Drake sat in Maggie’s café, hunched over his egg and beans. A classic British ‘greasy spoon’, complete with grime encrusted windows and a peeling linoleum floor, Maggie’s was a popular haunt for cabbies and builders on their way to work on the more affluent north side of the river. Gilbert Drake was a regular. Most mornings he was chatty and full of smiles. But not today. Staring at the picture in his newspaper as if he’d seen a ghost, he pressed his hands to his temples.

This can’t be happening.

How is this happening?

There she was, that bitch Alexia De Vere, smiling for the camera as she shook hands with the Prime Minister. Gilbert Drake would never forget that face as long as he lived. The proud, jutting jaw, the disdainful curl of the lips, the cold, steely glint of those blue eyes, as pretty and empty and heartless as a doll’s. The caption beneath the picture read ‘Britain’s new Home Secretary starts work.’

Reading the article was painful, like picking at a newly healed scab, but Gilbert Drake forced himself to go on.

‘In an appointment that surprised many at Westminster and wrong footed both the media and the bookies, junior prisons minister Alexia De Vere was named as the new Home Secretary yesterday. The Prime Minister, Henry Whitman, has described Mrs De Vere as ‘a star’ and ‘a pivotal figure’ in his new look cabinet. Kevin Lomax, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who had been widely tipped to replace Humphrey Crewe at the home office after his resignation in March, told reporters he was ‘delighted’ to hear of Mrs De Vere’s appointment and that he ‘hugely looked forward’ to working with her.’

Gilbert Drake closed his newspaper in disgust.

Gilbert’s best friend Sanjay Patel was dead because of that bitch. Sanjay who had protected Gilbert from the bullies at school and on their Peckham public housing. Sanjay who’d worked hard all his life to put food on his family’s table, and faced all life’s disappointments with a smile. Sanjay who’d been imprisoned, wrongly imprisoned, set up by the police, simply for trying to help a cousin to escape persecution. Sanjay was dead. While that whore, that she-wolf Alexia De Vere, was riding high, the toast of London.

It was not to be borne. Gilbert Drake would not bear it.

The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.

Maggie, the café’s eponymous proprietress, refilled Gilbert’s mug of tea. “Eat up, Gil. Your egg’s going cold.”

Gilbert Drake didn’t hear her.

All he heard were his friend Sanjay Patel’s voice begging for mercy.

Charlotte Whitman, the Prime Minister’s wife, rolled over in bed and stroked her husband’s chest. It was four in the morning and Henry was awake, again, staring at the ceiling like a prisoner waiting for the firing squad.

“What is it Henry? What’s the matter?”

Henry Whitman covered his wife’s hand with his.

“Nothing. I’m not sleeping too well, that’s all. Sorry if I woke you.”

“You would tell me if there were a problem, wouldn’t you?”

“Darling Charlotte.” He pulled her close. “I’m the Prime Minister. My life is nothing but problems as far as the eye can see.”

“You know what I mean. I mean a real problem. Something you can’t handle.”

“I’m fine, darling, honestly. Try and go back to sleep.”

Soon Charlotte Whitman was slumbering soundly. Henry watched her, her words ringing in his ears.Something you can’t handle…

Thanks to him, Alexia De Vere’s face was on the front page of every newspaper. Speculation about her appointment was rife, but no one knew anything. No one except Henry Whitman. And he intended to take the secret to his grave.

Was Alexia De Vere a problem that he couldn’t handle? Henry Whitman sincerely hoped not. Either way it was too late now. The appointment was made. The deed was done.

Britain’s new Prime Minister lay awake until dawn, just as he knew he would.

No rest for the wicked.