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Welcome to my little part of the blog world of reviewing.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Devil's Brand by Casea Major-Book Spotlight/Cover Reveal



Blurb:
When an old friend offers heiress on the run, Marci Lowe, a temp job working as the personal assistant to the reclusive banking magnate, Devon Brand, she jumps at the chance. At first, the opportunity seems like a dream come true, but Marci finds more than just mystery behind the locked doors of the charismatic man's company.
Brand offers her a permanent position and, it seems, a place in his bed. But it soon becomes clear that what she first believed to be an indecent offer is something different. He is something different...
As his sinister nature is revealed, Marci's life is sent into a tailspin and everything she believed about the world—and herself—is shaken to the core.
Now, she must unlock the secrets of her past and decide if she can align with the man she loves in an ancient war where they will stand in the coming battle between hell and all that is holy.


I'm Casea Major, writer, philosopher and part-time sexual adventurer (at least in my mind). I love exploring limits and unleashing my imagination to create worlds of pleasure...and pain.

Come along for the ride.

And if the flames get too hot...embrace the burn.


Coming October 2012


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Cheek Blonde by Liz Crowe-Interview


Harlie is honored to have Liz Crowe on the blog today.  She is talking beer, beer and more beer.  Oh and she has a new book out from Decadent Publishing.  If you have never read Liz's books, you are totally missing out.  As an insider to the beer business, her beer books put you directly into that world and never let you go.

I have interviewed Liz on beer.  Sorry peeps but I couldn't do a "cutesy" interview with her.  :)  I love beer, Liz writes about beer and Cheeky Blonde is about beer.

Happy reading and I have included all of her links at the bottom.  If you would like to join her street team, the button to join is on the left hand side.

Liz Interview:



1.       Top three mass market breweries?

Anheuser-Busch Inc. (a) St. Louis MO
            MillerCoors (b) Chicago IL

Pabst Brewing Co. (c) Woodbridge IL
No Shiner Bock.  It is the state beer of Texas.  :)


2.  Top three microbrews (microbreweries)?

 Boston Beer Co. Boston MA

     Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico CA 
Hubs, my brother and dad love Sierra Nevada.

 New Belgium Brewing Co. Fort Collins CO

2.       Best import and why?

In my honest opinion, Tenants, Scottish Lager

3.       Best country for beer?

America

Interesting.  I figured a foreign country.  But hey, what do I know.

4.       Favorite style of beer?

Hoppy, bitter IPAs, although I love my own brewery’s IPL

My dad and brother love bitter IPA's, too.

5.       What goes into the decision making for producing a new beer?

Market research, market saturation of the product and cost to produce.

6.       What was your thought process when you decided to go into the beer business

They needed a marketing expert, I was tired of real estate, so I jumped of that particular cliff and landed well.

Yes you did.  Congratulations!

7.       Describe how long it takes to actually produce a keg of beer?

Depends. In my brewery we make lagers so the actual brewing process is about 3 hours for ten barrels (approximately 30 “kegs”) but the fermentation process is longer than for ales, up to 4 or 5 weeks in some cases. The word “lager” means “to store” in German—where lager beers were invented, and the “storing” process is a crucial part of it.

8.       Also, don’t hold back, what’s the main difference between mass market beers and microbrews?  What makes the microbrew that much better?

Macrobrews or mass market beers are made for that—for the masses. They have minimal taste, are cheap to produce and sell although their quality and consistency standards are very high for their own product.

Craft microbrews are by definition hand-crafted in small batches and meant for a more discerning
Drinker. A person looking for a brew to complement or contrast their food, or to savor, not just gulp down, on a hot day.

Personally, I like a microbrew.  I found one in Chicago that I liked alot and found it to buy in Texas.  Its from Goose Island Brewery.  I found out about it when I first visited relatives about 15 years ago.  Great beer. 

Of course, Shiner is my absolute favorite beer in the world.  Its like liquid candy for me.  I also like Newcastle (shoot me) and my brother, former bartender, makes the best Black & Tan ever.  No one can make it like he can. 

Thank you for the great interview Liz.

Here are some links where you can find Liz this week:

Buy links:









BIO:

Microbrewery owner, multi-published author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Otherwise, look for her doing pounds of laundry for her athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner. Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn't any decent sports on the telly (like during “golf season”). Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.


www.brewingpassion.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Reblog from Mimmi's Musings-Giveaway

#c6394790110396276885

She is giving away a Maya Banks book from Harlequin.

Harlie

Mishap & Retribution by M.M. Shelly Giveaway


Giveaway Alert!  Rafflecopter link is below.  Good Luck!  Individual site Giveaway is an E-book (From Smashwords).

Tour wide giveaway is 5 paperback copies and the grand prize is a Kindle touch




Mishap & Retribution

By M.M. Shelley

Mishap Series/Book 3



Genre: YA/ Fantasy/ Sci-Fi

Number of pages: 302

Word Count: 56,662



Blurb/Book Description:



At the Dawn of Time a curse against Man was made and only Death will satisfy it. 

The year is 2045 and twins Grasiella and Tatiana who are Cinerian, Fae and Human must choose a side and may find themselves on different sides of an ancient war.

With Tatiana trapped in the Fae realm and learning what life has been like, she has found herself bonding with the Fae. Grasiella seeking the whereabouts of her twin has come to a crossroads of her own. 

Separated and neither knowing the fate of the other, each make their way to an uncertain future.

Death has swept across the Hawaiian Islands and the cost of peace may be too high.



Short Excerpt Mishap and Retribution:



Grasiella kept a safe distance between herself and Missy as she followed her through the thick jungle of the Big Island of Hawaii. Missy was keeping something from her; she could feel it and Grasiella had to know what it was. It was not an easy task to locate Missy or to follow her, Missy was fast and she seemed to fly from tree to tree. She suddenly vaulted onto the ground only to run like a gazelle around the trees and brush. Grasiella had never needed to work so hard at trying to stay concealed; she had experienced a close call the first time that Missy had come crashing to the earth from her high perch in the trees.

          Earlier in the day Missy had agreed to meet with Grasiella after receiving a gnome who had carried the message. Grasiella had needed to swipe a strand of hair from Missy without her realizing what she was doing; she had used the strand of hair for a tracking charm. It was the only way that Grasiella was able to keep up with Missy; if not for the charm she would have lost her miles back.

          Over the course of the last few weeks Grasiella’s skills at charms had improved, it was a skill she had never thought to use for anything other than her own amusement. Now she had no choice but to use her magic as a way of discovering the secrets that everyone on the islands seemed to be carrying around with them. Those secrets were pivotal to her and her twin sister Tatiana’s survival. 

          Missy came to a stop at the base of the Kohala Mountains her body tensed as she stood unmoving. Grasiella used the trunk of a tree to block herself from view and peeked out to watch carefully. It seemed as if the air had become still and the noises of the jungle had come to a halt as she anxiously waited to see what Missy would do next.

          Missy’s head rolled to the right, her right arm rose level with her shoulder until it suddenly shot skyward stretching up, her palm opened filling with the light from the sun. Ever so slowly her head rolled to the left and she repeated the movements on the left side of her body. Very slowly her arms began to drop until they rested at her sides and as they dropped a piece of the mountain shifted ever so slightly to the left. Missy kicked out with her left leg jumped into the air and landed on her hands in a handstand position her back to the Kohala Mountains. Her right leg bent backwards and very slowly she touched the mountain with her foot.
           Another piece of the mountain shifted aside this time it revealed an opening in the shape of a trillion. Missy pushed against the ground with her hands, swung back around until she was on her feet and strode into the mountain, sealing it shut behind her.

Mishap and Mayhem
Book 1

Blurb:

For centuries magical beings have hidden in the darkness, waiting. Some good, some evil. A battle is brewing, and only twins, Grasiella and Tatiana, have the power to stop it.


Mishap and Chaos

By M.M. Shelley

Genre: Paranormal YA

Book 2



Deep within the Hawaiian islands is a hidden danger. An island witch who wants nothing more than to end the line of Pele, the fire goddess. Her influence has breached Pele’s inner circle.



The twins are also faced with the consequences of a freed Mnemosyne who no longer stands alone. As others from her world have traveled to earth with unclear intentions.



Grasiella and Tatiana’s only focus is to find their missing grandmother. Risking everything, not knowing if she is dead or alive.





About the Author:



M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration.





Author web links:















a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 23, 2012

So Sorry...



I've been a very bad blogger/reviewer lately.  I have no excuse except that my family and I have moved to another town and its completely kicking our rears!

If you have won something from me, I haven't forgot about you.  Promise.  I still have some giveaways so leave a comment to win.  If you haven't gotten back with me, please do at maw1725@gmail.com

Also, I posted a poll about author services.  Interesting results.  Email me, if you would like further information.

Again...I'm sorry but the next couple of days, I have some great blogs and interviews.  Hopefully next week will be better.  UGH!  I abhor moving...just saying.

Harlie


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Deadly Eyes by Michael Meyer Blog Spot



DEADLY EYES by Michael Meyer



SYNOPISIS:

A HAUNTING CARIBBEAN MYSTERY



James Cuffy, better known as Cuff, is living in paradise with his
girlfriend, on the small Caribbean island of St. Croix, where the sky is as
blue as Cuff's eyes, the ocean as pretty as Rosie's cheeks, where the
gentle lapping of the waves is a lullaby, and the swaying of the palm
trees is a dance. The sandy beaches are as white as sugar, and the
horizon is a world away. St. Croix indeed is paradise, the perfect place
for living, laughing, and loving.

But the sandy beaches and the turquoise sea can provide no cover from
the deadly eyes of the unknown stalker pursuing Cuff. Murder leads to
murder as he attempts to untangle the terrible web in which he has
suddenly become entangled.

The twists and turns are relentless, the roads of the fast action leading
in all directions, but time is running out, and Cuff, his faithful Rosie at his side, knows it.

EXCERPT of DEADLY EYES:

These were not naked eyes, for the distance between these eyes and the beach bar at Cathy’s Fancy was too great for the naked eye to discern who was who. No, these eyes had planned meticulously. The eyes were glued to a pair of terribly expensive and unbelievably powerful Swarovski Optik binoculars. The balcony on which they now worked, taking in the scene before them, was the perfect place to see but not be seen. The powerful binoculars saw to that.
The distance, the palm trees, and the rays of the sun all helped. The position had been hand picked, after careful consideration. Every angle had been considered, and, one by one, they had all been discarded for one reason or another until this very spot, the perfect place to observe while not being observed, had been selected.

Yes, the eyes had seen it all. The eyes had seen precisely what they had hoped to see. They were like a master puppeteer. They planned, controlled, and observed, but from a safe distance. They did not miss a trick.

The eyes. The deadly eyes of St. Croix.

A Little about Me

I have resided in and have visited many places in the world, all of which have contributed in some way to my own published writing. I have literally traveled throughout the world, on numerous occasions. I have lived in Finland, Germany, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, on the island of St. Croix, where DEADLY EYES is set. I gained the wanderlust to see the world, to experience other cultures, at an early age, and this desire has never left me. If anything, it has only gained in intensity as I have aged.

I try to travel internationally at least once a year. In the interim, I spend lots of time traveling around both my home state of California and other nearby states.

I spent my early years in the small town of Lone Pine, California, the home of almost every western movie, in addition to a wide variety of other genres, made in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. In fact, Hollywood still films parts of big-time movies there today.

My dad, the town’s lifeguard at the time, personally knew John Wayne, Lloyd Bridges, and Lee Marvin, all of whom came to the town’s pool, the Memorial Plunge, at times to cool off after a hectic day of working in the sun. I was even an extra in a movie filmed there in 1957, MONOLITH MONSTERS, a B-cult favorite even today. I was ten years old at the time. Even though I resided in a small town hours from the big city, I was exposed to the excitement of action and heroes at a formative age, and, thus, my interest in writing novels of suspense such as DEADLY EYES was born.

As a recent retiree from a forty-year career as a professor of writing, I now live in Southern California wine country with my wife, Kitty, and our two other cats.



AMAZON PURCHASE LINK:
HYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Eyesebook/

dp/B007IO3O22/ref=lp_B005E7M8CW_1_1?

ie=UTF8&qid=1335801699&sr=1-1"
http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Eyes-ebook/dp/

B007IO3O22/ref=lp_B005E7M8CW_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335801699&sr=1-1

CREATESPACE PURCHASE LINK:
HYPERLINK "https://www.createspace.com/

3889271"
https://www.createspace.com/3889271

Amazon author’s site:
HYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Meyer/e/

B005E7M8CW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"
http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Meyer/e/

B005E7M8CW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads author site:
HYPERLINK "http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

674626.Mike_Meyer"
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/674626.Mike_Meyer

Facebook writers’s site:
HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/

MichaelMeyersWritingLife/app_191387770912394"
https://www.facebook.com/

MichaelMeyersWritingLife/app_191387770912394

Pinterest writer’s site: HYPERLINK "http://pinterest.com/temmike/" http://pinterest.com/

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Harlequin First Books Print Book Giveaway

Okay today I have books from Diana Palmer, Lori Foster and Linda Howard.  These are their first books that they wrote for Harlequin.  Leave a comment and email.  No email...no prize.


But there was one woman who could see beyond Marcus Carrera's notorious reputation and imposing stature to the gruffly tender man inside. And their destinies collided when Delia Mason was unexpectedly swept up in the kind of trouble only a man of mystery like Carrera could resolve— if he chose to step out of his dangerous social circle. Would he leave it all behind to make Delia his bride?
She was his obsession.
When she was bad, she was better!

On the outside, Carlie McDaniels was a shy, no-nonsense schoolteacher. But on the inside, there was another Carlie -- a sultry, sexy femme fatale -- burning to get out. One night, she did. And lady-killer Tyler Ramsay didn't know what -- or who -- hit him!

Tyler had a problem. He was obsessed with a mystery woman -- and fascinated by prickly Carlie McDaniels. How could he desire two women at the same time? And what was he supposed to do when he found out they were one and the same?


UNDER SUSPICION

There was no doubt that the woman who called herself Evie Shaw was the key to the high-tech conspiracy that threatened Robert Cannon's computer company--and he meant to take her down personally. But as he trailed her into the heart of a long, hot Southern summer, he found himself questioning everything he believed. For he was face-to-face with a breathtaking passion--for a woman who had to be as guilty as sin....

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Lori Foster & Suzanne Brockman Print Book Giveaway

I have one more day of print book giveaways.  Please leave a comment and email.  No email...no prize.
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann has thrilled audiences with her tall, dark and dangerous series. Experience it here, with two more classic tales of heroes who face the most daring adventure of all—falling in love.
Get Lucky
Navy SEAL Lucky O'Donlon was the original love-'em-and-leave-'em guy used to women swooning at his feet. So how could it be that the frustratingly attractive journalist Sydney Jameson had nothing to offer him but one very cold shoulder? Well, two could play that game. But first things first—he and Sydney had a job to do. They had to get their man. Then there would be time enough for him to get his woman….

Taylor's Temptation
When it came to protecting the innocent, Bobby Taylor was your guy. Except when his best friend asked him to keep an eye on his little sister. Gorgeous Colleen Skelly didn't look like anyone's kid sister and he wanted to keep more than just his eye on her….
After years of trying to get Navy SEAL Bobby Taylor to notice her, Colleen had finally succeeded. Bobby was hers, if only for a few days. And she was determined to prove she was a grown woman—and that he was all she would ever need in a man….



She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he's been drugged…even if Alani doesn't.
After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?




Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.
With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent….

Monday, July 9, 2012

Intimate Persuasions, Book 1 by Nicole Morgan-Review

By: Nicole Morgan | Other books by Nicole Morgan
Categories: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Western/Cowboys
Word Count: 57,201
Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.

Copy provided by author

[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romance, Cowboys]

Ann moved to Oakdale for a fresh start, and when she met Quinn, a sexy cowboy, she instantly fell for him. Unable to deny herself the need to have him, she gives in to a secret fantasy, only to fear their relationship will end before it truly starts.

Quinn soon realizes Ann means more to him than he ever could have imagined. He feels a connection with her that's much deeper than physical, but he has secret desires he keeps to himself, afraid to scare her with what he wants most.

Will they find a way to show each other their true selves and finally love each other completely? And if so, will Ann give him a part of herself she has given to no man before?

"I wrote Intimate Persuasions because I feel it addresses an issue that many couples today don't confront — their own sexual desires. All too often, we ignore what we truly want for fear of embarrassment or rejection. This story will hopefully show you that with the right person there is nothing so taboo that two people can't share with one another." ~ Nicole ~
A Siren Erotic Romance

Review:

Wow, just wow.  When Nicole emailed and asked me if I wanted to review some of her older books, I was intrigued.  I decided on her Intimate series for a couple of reasons.  The first being that involved the old troupe...miscommunication.  Second, cowboys and last, I had to find out what she was willing to do with Quinn.  The blurb gives nothing away.  Good job.

The miscommunication in this book is funny, yes funny and heartbreaking.  I've read some books where the troupe is over used but not here.  It actually moves the story forward and leads to some scenes that are handling and very amusing way.  Lets just say the motel scene with Ann is too good to be true.  Quinn and Ann learn alot about each other through the miscommunication and about themselves, too.  What does every relationship person tell you?  Communicate, communicate, communicate. 

The action between Ann and Quinn starts fast and never lets up.  Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes bad.  In this book, its a good thing.  Their first interlude had me laughing out loud.  Yes, laughing.  Read it...you will understand.  While there is a lot of sex in this book, there is a definite point to it all.  It  comes back to communication and how we tell our partners what we want and don't want in bed.  Great job Nicole.

Derek, Quinn's brother is a joy to read.  He is a secondary character that is a wonderful addition to the story.  He almost steals the scenes he is in but he pulls back and lets Ann & Quinn take over.  Derek's book is next.  The scenes between Derek and Ann are funny and poignant.  She has truly found a friend. 

Overall, I loved this book.  Not too many characters to get involved with to draw out the story.  Its straightforward in its pacing, plot and characterizations.  Its a story about finding the one person that truly loves you and the miscommunication that almost drives you apart.

By the way...I know what she is willing to do with Quinn.  The scenes before and after had me laughing and panting all at the same time.  :)

5 Harlie's and a recommended read

Friday, July 6, 2012

Cheeky Blonde by Liz Crowe-Book Spotlight

Harlie will have Liz and Cheeky Blonde back on August 6th on a blog tour stop.  She will also have a review up on the blog soon, too.  :)  Look forward to seeing you then.  Buy links are at the bottom of the excerpt.



 


 Violence, intrigue, and passion are brewing in the craft beer world. When bitter rivals Jennifer Baxter and Sean Garrison meet, the notorious and handsome owner of Garrison Brothers Brewing stays true to form, seducing his rival at a national brewer’s convention. 
Sean arrived at the convention expecting to get down to business, including his stated goal of hiring Jen away from Brick Street Brewery. But the beautiful fellow craft beer expert provides more of a distraction than he expected.
When sabotage strikes their fellow breweries, they unite to solve the mysteries. But fate and rumors brew more than beer as love, lust, jealousy, and misunderstanding collide in a way neither could have expected or anticipated.
Can they overcome the malicious chatter long enough to explore the emotion bubbling beneath the surface? Or will lust fall flat and leave them nothing but memories of the moment that slipped away?

EXCERPT:


Jen stumbled back, sending a stack of empty stainless steel beer kegs clanging to the floor. Mortified, she jumped from the mess then shuddered when she sensed him close enough to touch her. Shoulders squared, she faced him and choked back the urge to reach out to him, if only to run a fingertip along his just rolled-out-of-bed stubbled jaw.

“Well, as I live and breathe, Sean Garrison knows who I am, and if I’m not mistaken, has stalked me down to the ladies’ room.” She pulled her hair out of its band and let it flow around her shoulders. “Should I sound an alarm?”

He chuckled, bringing chills to her entire body. She crossed her arms, trying not to clutch at her elbows and give away her anxiety. In one step, he was close enough to put his empty, still cool glass against the skin of her arm. She flushed, irritated at her reaction to him. She was conscious of his body’s heat; the subtle hint of his cologne tinged with the familiar odors of beer. When she leaned back to look into his eyes, their bright blue depths made her blink.

“Oh, um, well, I mean, thanks—you know for the earlier compliment.” She cursed herself.

His other hand traced a line down her arm. She gritted her teeth against the urge to sigh with satisfaction. Someone stomped on the floor above her head and laughter roared through the whole place, a not-so-subtle reminder that a party was going on upstairs. But at this moment, the universe had shrunk to the two of them.

“Sure,” he said, his lips once again too close for comfort. His fingers grazed her skin, the touch zinging straight to her panties. She’d not had such a reaction to a man in years. She fought the urge to shove him away and run up the steps. Mainly because what she really wanted was for him to keep doing what he was doing.

“No need to be alarmed,” he said, backing away a fraction. “Wanted to make sure I paid my respects to the new queen of beer marketing before you left.”

“I suppose this is where I’m supposed to say something that sucks up to the emperor?”

She tried to move back, farther away, before his lips came closer.

He smiled but took a few more steps back and leaned on the pool table where he’d been sitting. She mirrored him, taking a seat on an old barstool.

“Yeah, well….” He ran a hand down his face, his smile changing from slightly predatory to rueful.

The concept that he might actually be unnerved nearly made her stifle a giggle.

“You know….” He patted the spot on the pool table next to him, indicating she should join him, but she stayed put. He shrugged. “The only thing I would have done differently?”

Jen frowned, already processing her mistakes according to the acknowledged marketing expert.

“More John Q. Beer Public in the place.”

“How in the hell could I have crammed another body in here?” She winced at her defensive tone.

“These guys have a third floor. You could have had your little media circus up there, then kept the entire first floor teeming with the beer geeks raving about your funky little project.”

Bastard was right. Word of mouth was the mantra she’d operated under for five years in this business. How did she overlook it for this important day?

“Shit,” she muttered.

“Then again, what do I know?” He pushed himself up off the table and took her hand. Still too pissed at herself, at the mistake she’d made, it took her a minute to realize he was touching her. Again.

“I should—” He started, but seemed distracted all of a sudden. She fixated on his lips—sheer temptation, at once close and far away.

“You should what?” Her voice came out barely a whisper to her own ears. The deadly quiet coiled between them, the muted sounds of footsteps and music a distant background to her breathing, which sounded rushed, desperate. “Yeah, well, you know, these things take a lot of planning and I—” She shut up before babbling any more nonsense to keep him from leaving, but he closed the gap between them, exactly like she figured he would, and ran a finger down her face. His thumb passed over her lips.

“Look,” she said, regaining some sense. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but—” She made a small noise of surprise when his lips took hers, smothering all words, thoughts, and logic. Soft, supple yet entirely in control, he tasted delicious, the distinct tang of Cheeky Blonde a ghostly presence on their tongues. She leaned back against the wall and nearly tripped over the empty keg behind her, but he reached out to brace them, curving her into his embrace.

Before she could speak, or protest, or do anything she knew she ought to do to get out of the situation, she reached out, tugged him closer, wrapped her arms around his neck, and met his kiss halfway. He made a sound deep in his throat and ran his hands down her back to her ass, pulling her against him. The sensation of falling down a deep well of forbidden desire forced a swirl of images and possibilities through her brain.

She pulled away, breaking the contact, hoping to get her head straight. He licked his way along her jaw and down her neck. Her sleeveless, low-cut summer shirt gave no resistance when his lips landed at the top of her breasts. When he maneuvered a hand around to open her bra clasp in one swift motion before he pulled the fabric aside to suck a rock hard nipple into his mouth, she groaned, tried to disentangle herself.

“Wait, Sean.” But even as she spoke, she threaded her fingers in his thick black hair. The spun silk sensation exactly as she’d imagined it. “The bathroom, what if…?”

“Had somebody take the sign down. Don’t worry.” He leaned in to nuzzle her exposed breasts. “I put it there to begin with, anyway.”

She frowned. He’d arranged this whole scene, followed her downstairs, and had practically lain in wait for her. Now this was one for the diary. The master of the micro-brewing universe had sought her out and had his—she did gasp this time, as he kissed her with such intensity the room spun.




Countermeasure by Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey-Character Interview/Giveaway


Harlie is sooo excited to have Chris and Cecilia on the blog today.  I will have my review up for the book next week, so watch for it.  Moving is no fun and I fell behind.  :( 

Also, don't forget to comment for a chance to win a $10 gift card AND fill out the Google doc on the bottom for a chance at the GRAND PRIZE: Signed copies (by both authors) of Countermeasure and To Russia with Love plus author swag!


Blurb

In the first novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, Trevor Bauer is haunted by the mystery surrounding his parents' disappearance. His dreams for his own life have been put on hold. While searching for clues about them, he crosses paths with Cassandra James, a tough ex-CIA agent who derails every one of his best laid plans to avoid a relationship until he can find the closure he desperately seeks.
Suspicious and determined never to fall into the love trap, security specialist Cassandra James takes on a chase to recover files stolen right out from under her nose. In an effort to prove to her father--also her boss--that she is a capable woman, she follows the digital trail--a trail that leads her directly into the arms of Trevor Bauer, an NSA analyst who appears to have more secrets than she has scars...

When he accepts her request for help in recovering the files she's hunting, they embark on an adventure that takes them across the ocean and into a world of intrigue and violence. As things between them begin to heat up, Trevor realizes that, if he is ever to win Cassandra's heart and the future he craves, he has no choice but to reveal all his secrets.
Interview with Trevor Bauer from Countermeasure
Why did you stop looking for your parents?
Trevor takes a deep breath and a frown creases his brow. “At the time, I just couldn’t handle dealing with the idea they were gone. I had to withdraw from everything that reminded me of them and the fact that I couldn’t see or talk to them ever again.” Trevor leans forward on his chair and locks eyes with the interviewer.
What changed to have you dive into their case again?
His eyes take a serious, sharper quality. “With time, I realized that the explanations and theories around their disappearance were flawed. I need more answers before I can close their case forever in my mind and know I’ve done everything I could.” He lowers his eyes to his clasped hands. “Everything.”
What is life like at the NSA?
His mouth curves in a smile and Trevor chuckles. “Crazy busy. We’ve been handling the most incredible cases. Since 9/11 things have escalated and we find ourselves monitoring more and more conversations. But it’s also a lonely and covert life. Aside from George who works with me and my parents”—he pauses to take a deep breath—”nobody else knows for what agency of the government I work.
Typically, it takes a little time to decide whether you like someone much less that you are in love, what was it about Cassandra that drew you to her so quickly?
A wider smile forms on his lips and he has a humorous glint in his eyes. “She is a determined, spitfire of a woman. Any man with fire in his veins and a good head can see she is amazing. I guess with us, physical attraction played a big part initially but, just like a good wine, it evolved into something more robust, a deeper knowledge that we were made for each other and that we could grow into something bigger together.”
What are your thoughts on Nathan Nelson? How do you feel about his relationship with Cassandra?
The frown returns to his brow. Trevor crosses his arms and leans back against the chair. “They didn’t have a relationship. Sex, yes. Relationship, no. We all make poor choices we regret later in life. Nathan is Cassie’s. I can’t judge her. She was free to do so back then. Does he rile me up? Yes. Do I wish he didn’t exist? Yes. But I can’t erase the past and removing him from her life would probably change how she felt about me when we met. She would not have had any comparisons to go by. She wouldn’t have seen clearly the difference between being loved for who she is and being loved by what he thought she could become.” He smiles again. “She’s mine now and that’s what matters to me the most. Of course I have a blast rubbing that on Nelson’s nose just for the fun of it. He turns green really easy. Quite a sight, I tell you. Almost as green as lime Jell-o.” He chuckles at his own words.
Do you think you will find your parents? If so, do you think you will find them alive?
A glimmer of hope flares deep in his eyes. “That is a tough question to answer. Finding them alive is a dream. Being the logical type of guy I am, I can see that the statistics are all against us. Almost 6 years have passed. The chances of them being alive are minute. Still, I hope to find at least a clue to what happened to them and why.”
I need to purchase a new computer. Do you recommend a laptop or desk top? What applications will I need? Speed?
Trevor straightens in his seat, excitement colors his voice and his mouth quirks at the corners.I’m currently replacing Jack, too. Gotta say, he is tougher than I imagined. Being smashed on someone’s face and crashing onto the ground did a good number on him, though. I’m currently in search of Jack Junior so we can take him on our next adventure. Tell you what, I’ll send you the specs I have in mind for him and maybe you can get yourself something similar. It’s off the hook.”

Excerpts:

Excerpt #1 is here:  http://www.simplyali.com/2012/07/guest-post-countermeasure-by-chris.html
Excerpt #2 is here:  http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.php/?p=5832
Excerpt #3 is here:  http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/2012/07/blog-tour-guest-post-giveaway.html
Excerpt #4 is here:  http://trustme2forget.blogspot.com/2012/07/countermeasure-blog-tour-prize-give.html

Here is the final excerpt:

PART 5 of the COUNTERMEASURE Excerpt 
Anger rippled under her skin again, knowing that he was spreading the news and belittling her to others—but that was so typical of how he rolled. Maybe the next time she saw him she would make that little fantasy of hers a reality and punch him. Shaking her head, she stood and put some distance between her and Bauer while she composed herself and he continued to explain.
“George and I reviewed the conversation in detail to rule out a link to terrorist activity so that we could remove the flag.”

Cassandra had counted on Bauer being the key to Allison’s trail, confident that she would be leaving the NSA complex with the information she needed to catch up with her. Instead, her current path resembled a slippery slope on which she slid further and further away from what she wanted most—to fix the mess. Cassandra was compelled to make it right even though she was no longer in charge of the project—her father had not raised a quitter.

She tried to wrap her mind around his explanation. It still didn’t make sense. His direct eye contact and facial expressions as he answered her questions told her he was giving it to her straight. He admitted he had infiltrated the system, but still, she sensed there was more to the story than what he was letting on, and it irked her. No one would go to such lengths to erase himself from the server unless he was up to no good.

Cassandra looked him straight in the eye and pressed, “Mr. Bauer, you have to give me a better reason for covertly accessing the system and covering your tracks the way you did. You know what I think? I think you got wind of the formula on your taps and wanted it for yourself.”

Trevor could almost feel his eyes roll to the back of his head. Frustration was setting in rapidly. Although easy on the eyes, this woman was sharp as a needle. She was wasting his time and keeping him from his job, not to mention getting too close to what he didn’t want to disclose. “Damn, Ms. James, you’re like a dog with a bone. What part of what I said don’t you understand? I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I was there as an NSA Analyst.”

“I wouldn’t be here if I thought that was the only reason you were snooping around. I still want to know what you used to get in the server. I was positive we had sealed all doors.”

Her comment gave Trevor the excuse he needed to change the direction of their discussion and get her out of his hair. “I have to hand it to you. You’re as tenacious as a rabid dog. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re pretty damn good. It took me a while to find a way in. Very impressive. With your skills, you would have been an excellent asset to NSA—or CIA, for that matter. Ever thought about working for either of them? No? Well, either way, your parents must be very proud of you and your work.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, her face paled and pain slid across her eyes before her expression hardened again. Trevor knew right away that he had said something wrong. Puzzled, he recalled his words but could not find anything that would have been offensive. Holy crap, the woman is nuts. A few simple compliments and he was back to walking on eggshells around her. By the look on her face, his well-meant words appeared to have been taken out of context: she looked like she was about to finish the job Hulk had started earlier. Eyeing her, he knew they needed to finish up that conversation. She was a touchy one. Holding a conversation with her was like hopping on a wild amusement park ride. The kind you came off of never knowing which way was up.

“If you don’t mind, I have work to do and this little talk has taken a big chunk of my day. If you don’t have any new questions for me, I’m out of here.”

Now that the conversation was coming to a close, a strange sense of loss filled him at the thought that he would never see Cassandra James again. If they had met under different conditions, he might have taken the opportunity to ask her out. He was fairly sure their conversations over a nice dinner would have been an intriguing learning experience and he would have enjoyed exploring her view of the world, certain her interpretation of it was as unique as the woman herself. As it was, they would be like two ships passing in the night.

Cassandra had bet all her chips on Trevor Bauer and lost miserably. More than anything, she was pissed at herself. Bauer’s words and flippant dismissal made the bitter pill that much harder to swallow. There was no way in hell she was letting him have the last word, “You’ll still need to send me your report detailing how you got in so I can seal that rabbit hole, Mr. Bauer. Don’t want you falling in there again. I expect to have the report waiting for me by the time I get home tomorrow evening.

As she turned to leave he commented, “I just might, if I knew where to send it.”
Her smartass answer matched his own smart mouth: “Hey, you were able to find your way into the server, surely a simple business email can’t be that hard to find.”

Turning on her heel, she left him standing there as she exited the room. He could’ve sworn he heard “A amadáin! echoing in her wake.
Thank you for following the Countermeasure Blog Tour! Hope you enjoyed the posts and excerpts.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

CHRIS ALMEIDA and CECILIA AUBREY
Chris Almeida began writing children’s stories at a very young age. While Cecilia Aubrey has dabbled in writing on and off over the years. It was in 2010, when Chris and Cecilia met and began role-playing online as a hobby, that writing placed itself front and center—this time, writing storylines for the role-playing group.

The ideas and plots created for the game awoke their inner writers, and, a few months later, together they began writing romantic erotica. Together, they write suspense-driven erotic romance with sexy, technologically inclined men and woman, filled with intrigue and enough twists and turns to make a rollercoaster seem tame.

Chris and Cecilia have several published short stories to their credit and their first novel, COUNTERMEASURE, was published in January 2012. They are currently working on the second and third books in the COUNTERMEASURE series. Through all the chaos and laughter, they still hold true to their roots, bringing their favorite role-play characters and stories to life.

You can find out more about them on their author and series websites:






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Information about Countermeasure
http://countermeasureseries.com/about/books/countermeasure