Friday, November 30, 2018

Must-Read #ScienceFiction: Siren's Song by K. M. Tolan

Hello Decadent Diva Readers! Hope you had a wonderful November. I just crossed the Nanowrimo finish line this week, and now I have a sci-fi treat for you today. This also appeared on my own blog earlier this month, so for those of you who missed it there, I present the fabulous author, K. M. Tolan. I was K. M.'s editor for this fab story and let me tell you, it's one heck of a fun (and heartwarming) sci-fi ride. More info and excerpt below. Happy reading! xo, Celia

Siren's Song by K M Tolan Book Cover

 
Title: Siren's Song
Author: K. M. Tolan
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Champagne Books
Date of Publication: July 4, 2016
ISBN: 9781771552424
Page Count: 270
Award: Finalist, Science Fiction category, 2018 Epic Awards

He was of two minds about everything, and one of them wasn’t human.

Humans call the crystalline creatures Sirens. They can kill with a scream. Decapitate with a single slash of their cutting fins. The aliens are the most vicious life form Earth has ever encountered, and Scott has one trapped in his mind. Her name is Water, and her hatred for Scott’s species is only matched by her desire to be free of him.

Scott couldn’t agree more, but neither of them understand the cost of letting her out. In order to save their sanity, Scott and Water have to save her people.

Amazon | B&N | iTunes


 
 
 
 
Siren's Song Excerpt

The mountain lion snarled, baring yellowed fangs. It should be running for the high country, not swishing its tail at him.

Swallowing back his growing dread, Scott eased two big knives from their holsters on his pant legs. “Get out while you can, kitty. I seriously don’t want to do this.”

Kitty didn’t understand the message. The animal’s shoulders bunched.

Fear rose in Scott’s throat. He edged closer to a red fir next to the cabin, knowing how nature intended these issues to resolve. Nature, however, didn’t figure on his particular madness. The source of his twisting guts had nothing to do with the cougar. It was already dead. He reached into a part of himself a legion of psychologists had failed to lock down. The imaginary fishbowl in his head. Scott shoved the lid back with a shudder. He saw her clearly, coiled up in a crystalline ball. He always saw her, thanks to those damn crystals stuck in his skull.

Water.

His personal demon stirred much like a snake rising from a lethargic torpor. Snakes didn’t sing, though. Nor did they look like a murderous sea angel rendered in crystal, fins rippling with bioluminescent menace.

Why do you wake me, thief? Her reply was a melodic vibration through his skull, serrated with venomous undertones.

“Something for you to kill.”

 

About the Author

K. M. Tolan is a science fiction and fantasy author with seven books published through Burst Books (Champagne Books SF/F imprint). His first two novels in the “Blade Dancer” series were both finalists in the EPIC E-book Awards for Science Fiction. “Blade Dancer” was accepted into the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives at Texas A&M. “Rogue Dancer” received his publisher’s award for best novel of the year, as did his first fantasy “Tracks” (which also made the EPIC E-book finalist list). Mr. Tolan is a software engineer, a combat veteran, and lives near Austin, Texas.

Web site | Facebook

 

That's all for now, Dear Readers. Have a great December! I'll see you back here on December 30th!

xo,
Celia


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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Stone Hard SEALs: Complete Collection is Available NOW!


TIARA GIVEAWAY BELOW!

Stone Hard SEALS Collection by Sabrina York
Don’t miss this binge-worthy series featuring action, adventure and steamy romance in exotic locations.
Hot alpha military heroes, strong snarky heroines, laugh-out-loud of humor and a tiara wearing Chihuahua.

What Readers are Saying About Stone Hard SEALs
“Sabrina York knows how to write Alpha males”
“Who doesn't like hard-bodied SEALS in action?”
“I love an alpha male who fights just as hard for his woman as he does for his country.”
“If you like sexy men in the military, bold women and HEA with a little danger thrown in-BUY THIS BOOK!”
“Snappy dialogue, hunky alpha heroes, plucky heroines, steamy hot sex, what more can one ask for?”

A hostage rescue mission turns Ryder “Stone” Maddox’s world on its ear when he comes face-to-face with his greatest fear: A woman he cannot resist. But he has to resist Lily Wilson. He’s vowed never to fall in love. Besides, as the daughter of a senator, she is definitely off-limits. Lily sees things differently. Irresistibly drawn to this hot, hard SEAL, she is determined to prove they belong together…and that her man does not have a heart of stone.  (Originally published in the NYT and USA Today Bestselling Hot Alpha SEALs collection)

Drake Ronan is all man—a rock hard SEAL who doesn’t need help from anyone. Doesn’t need anyone. But when he’s shot during a dangerous rescue mission, and has to rely on a beautiful nurse to survive, he realizes he has to rethink his resolution. Suddenly he can’t imagine his life without Brandy in it. It’s a damn shame she has a secret that could ruin everything.

Mason Steele expected to be a SEAL until the day he died. And he was. A pity they revived him. Now he’s been mustered out of the Navy and his life seems wholly unsatisfying. He misses the action; he misses the camaraderie; he misses being able to use his tightly-honed skills. He’s lucky to have snagged this job with Ryder’s Stone Hard SEALs Services as a bodyguard—it provides some hope for his future. But the last thing he wants to do is babysit a spoiled heiress who is obsessed with the color of her nail polish and carries a Chihuahua in her purse.
But there’s more to Pansy Hightower than can be seen at first glance. She’s smart, sassy and determined to save the business her late mother built. She resents having a guard dog and does what she can to lose her muscular shadow. But when it becomes clear that someone is targeting her—perhaps for the same kind of fatal “accident” that befell her mother, she decides having the 240 pound SEAL with killer instincts and lethal hands at her back might be a good idea after all.
Until they share a kiss, that is. Until those lethal hands prove they have other talents as well. Talents that leave her breathless and wanting and weak. The last thing either of them wants is a relationship, but the scorching passion between them cannot be denied…even though it will undoubtedly spell disaster for them both. (Originally published in Kindle World)

It’s insane to want him, this beautiful, strong, sexy man. Not just because her hot bodyguard is tasked with herding her safely through the exotic night markets of Hong Kong. And not just because she’s his boss. But because they are worlds apart. What they have can only be a fling. It can’t last forever.
But Garrett has other ideas. (Originally published in Kindle World)

Book Five: Hot Rod
A standard witness protection mission goes wrong, thrusting Matt Tate and his target, a wise-cracking hooker named Vixen LaFleur, into a fight for their lives. But flying bullets and lurking villains are not nearly as dangerous as risking the heart. Against his will, Matt is attracted to the dauntless, exasperating woman he’s supposed to be protecting, but she is harboring a secret. One that could heal his wounded soul, or crush it. (Originally published in Kindle World)

Returning to his hometown to sell his hated father’s ranch, the last thing Luke Grant expects to find on his first day in town is a reason to stay. But there she is, Melissa Divine. The girl he loved all those years ago.
But Melissa has changed since those innocent days. She’s just escaped from a hellish marriage and wants nothing to do with any man. Especially not this big, burly alpha biker who reminds her of her ex.
Can this former SEAL change her mind before his time runs out? (Originally published in Kindle World)

Dane Coulter is mourning the loss of his best friend, fellow Special Ops buddy, Cody. Oh, Cody didn’t die. It’s worse. He’s getting married. Cody is, in Dane’s opinion, whipped.
Dane swears he will never suffer the same fate. But when he meets a woman who can take all his dominant loving and beg for more, he realizes he may have met his match. It’s a damn shame she’s the one woman in the world his man-code deems untouchable…his best friend’s sister.


Win the Stone Hard SEALs Collection Tiara!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of award-winning hot and humorous romance. Her heroes range from valiant SEALS to sweaty cowboys to hot Highlanders and more. Check out her latest awards for Susana and the Scot including a 2017 RITA nomination and the
2017 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award Winner.
Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and tiara giveaways.


Get exclusive reads, enter subscriber only contests and be the first to know about coming books!




CONTEMPORARY

Stripped Down Cowboys (And Prequel Novellas)
Stud For Hire, Book 1
Spurred On, Book 3

Prequel Novellas
The Real McCoy, Prequel Book 1
Come Hell or High Water, Prequel Book 2
Protect and Serve, Prequel Book 3

Tryst Island Series—Steamy Contemporary Romance
Rebound, Book 1
Dragonfly Kisses, Book 2
Smoking Holt, Book 3
Heart of Ash, Book 4
Devlin’s Dare, Book 5
Parker’s Passion, Book 6

Stand Alone


HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Noble Passions Series
Dark Fancy, Book 1
Dark Duke, Book 2
Brigand, Book 3
Defiant, Book 4
Folly,  Book 5

Untamed Highlanders
The Dundragon Time Travel Trilogy
Laird of her Heart, Book 1
Her Hot Highlander, Book 2 (Coming Soon)
His Highland Lass, Book 3 (Coming Soon)

Waterloo Heroes
Tarnished Honor, Book 1
Call of the Wild Wind, Book 2

PARANORMAL


COLLECTIONS

Elite Metal/Action Adventure


Want Something Different?

SCI/FI SPACE OPERA (writing as SAM YORK)





Monday, November 26, 2018

All I Want for Christmas is Books!


Ah, the holidays. Steeped in family traditions, lots of food, and...if you’re lucky...a couple of great gifts. Or, depending on your friends and family, a bunch of stuff you don’t need or want.

Gift shopping has got to be one of the most nerve-racking activities known to man (or woman). You start with a list, hopefully a short one, and you either go from store to store or from internet site to site (or both), until you’ve scratched off every name.

Have you made the right choice? Heaven knows your Aunt Lillie or Uncle Stan are going to smile and nod and mutter “thank you” even if they already have his and hers towel sets. Your niece or nephew are going to politely thank you for that gift that was popular last year but not what’s “lit” now.

After having endured many a Christmas where Grandma was obviously the last on the list after the spouses and children and subject to the “please just get me out of this store” gift, I’ve started sending my grown sons and daughters-in-law an “un-wish list”. It usually includes a plea to NOT get me the following: clothes (they never know the right size or style); kitchen gadgets (I have too many, not enough room, and don’t use them); ornaments or bric-a-brac (tree is full and I really don’t need another snowman statue); and ... most importantly ... no perfume or jewelry (I don’t wear either). I should amend that last bit. I do wear jewelry occasionally but have favorites and more than I need.

What do I want?  New sheets for my queen sized bed and books. Or, of course, anything handmade by one of my five grandchildren. Those personal gifts will never go out of style, nor will I ever have enough.

In the spirit of giving, I’d like to offer the readers of this blog a gift.

I’m giving away five sets of autographed 1920’s erotic romance novellas. The sets include, The Muse (a fun menage set in the world of speakeasies and art) and The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker (an award-winning, post-World War I story of spies and intrigue).

Here’s a sneak peek at both books:

Decadence, freedom and illegal activities…
Everything a sheltered debutante in the mid-1920s could want. When Hyde Park socialite Susan Leland meets up with Evan Forrester for the second time, she makes no excuses for their first meeting—an auto accident in which she broke the young artist’s wrist. She finds the handsome Evan both infuriating and intriguing, yet not quite as intriguing as sultry torch singer Holly Winters, a performer at Susan’s favorite supper club.

A chance to make amends…
By posing nude for Evan to paint. When Susan balks, Evan, not wanting to deal with an innocent, sends her away but not before the arrival of his next model, Holly Winters. As Susan’s preparing to leave, the beautiful and talented singer convinces her to come back the next day—so they can pose together.

Will Susan find happiness in the arms of Evan Forrester—or another?

And ...  
In the Roaring Twenties…

A former Hello Girl during WWI, widowed Ariel Pennybaker served her country proudly. She now carries on her late husband’s legacy…a home for the many returning, injured soldiers.

With her year of mourning nearly at an end, she’s had enough of her self-imposed celibacy. It’s time to get back in the game.

A chance meeting with a handsome WWI aviator has her imagining thoroughly naughty thoughts. When a second man walks into her life, her naughty thoughts turn downright decadent. What better way to fulfil her fantasies than by sharing both men’s beds.

As tempting as the idea is, Ariel has a huge secret, one she must protect at all costs. And, it’s possible one or both of her lovers is not what he seems.
~ ~ ~
All you have to do to win is comment below about your worst of best holiday present and who gave it to you. I’ll draw five names from the comments and email the recipients.

I’ll be back again right after Christmas. In the meantime, have a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season no matter which holiday you celebrate.

Nancy

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Happy Turkey by Jennifer Kacey

Happy happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Decadent Divas!! Soooo thankful for a few days off for the holiday!



And just because I love Tasty Videos here's some turkey day yummies to watch!!


Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey




http://www.jenniferkacey.com/books.html


Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas and New York. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving Day holiday in the USA. I’m Canadian, so I celebrated back in October, but I’m still very thankful for all I have. I give thanks every single day for my amazing family, the fact I have a roof over my head, heat and lights, running water, and food in the cupboard. It’s so easy to take things like that for granted, but I never do. There are so many people living without these basic necessities.

Then there is my career...

I’m lucky enough to have been able to support myself with my writing for the past fourteen years. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to do so for many years to come. But no matter what happens in life, I’ve always had this time and this grand adventure. I’m grateful to all my readers, many of whom have been with me since the very beginning. They’ve followed my career and bought my books with their hard earned money. I’m always thankful for their support and the kind words that keep me going during the tough times.

I’m very grateful to have worked with many amazing editors over the years, all of whom have made me a better writer. Then there are my fellow authors who have given so generously of their time and friendship and support through all these years.

So enjoy your holiday with your family, eat some yummy food, and celebrate all that you have been given. And if you have a minute or two, you can check out my upcoming book due out on November 26th.


Drakon’s Tear
Blood of the Drakon, Book 6


Dying isn't an option. I've survived a kidnapping, and now I'm on the run from the Knights of the Dragon who want my gift. There's nothing a dragon loves more than treasure. I'm Abigail Owens, and I can sense gemstones. When I find myself drawn to a beautiful stone bracelet at a tiny shop in Moscow, I can't help but have it — even though I can sense it's power. But I didn't realize with this one decision I've just put myself in the middle of a war between the Knights and a Drakon.


I guess I'm just lucky like that.

The only person I trust even a little is Vasili Zima, which is weird since I’m not sure if he wants to kill me or protect me. I'm drawn to him in a way I hadn't thought possible, and he feels the same way, or he wouldn't be risking his life to help me. He's wanted by the bad guys just as much as I am, and staying with me, well, there's a hundred percent chance I'm about to get us both killed. But I will not be going down without a fight.


Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6F5WC8/
Entangled: https://entangledpublishing.com/drakon-s-tear.html
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drakons-tear-n-j-walters/1129819271
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/drakons-tear/id1441318340
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/drakon-s-tear
 
 


N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
 

Visit me at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/awakeningdesires/info
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

 

Friday, November 16, 2018

Catering to His Needs: A Bargain on Amazon

A while ago, my publisher put a lot of books on sale. Catering to His Needs, the first book in my Kitchen Confessions series, went on sale for $.99. After the month was over, all the prices went back up on all the sites. Except they didn't change the price on Amazon. It's been $.99 for a while now. I haven't said anything because I would love people to try the series, and if putting the first book on sale for $.99 helps convince them to do it, I'm in favor of it. I don't know how much longer it will last, but it's a good time to take advantage of the lower price.

Here's a little sneak peek!

Rebecca stood looking at the paper grasped in her trembling fingers. I can do this, she told herself. Ethan wouldn’t allow her to expose herself to strangers, but she still looked around furtively to make sure no one was looking.
She read the words again.
Strip. Put on your uniform.
Put the larger cuffs on your ankles.
Put the smaller cuffs on your wrists.
Place your clothes, your cell and purse in the metal box under the bench and secure it shut.
Once you have done all of the above, turn the paper over
.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she slowly took off her clothes and folded them carefully on the bench then put on the garter belt, stockings and black stilettos she had brought. After securing the cuffs on her wrists and ankles, she put her clothes and purse into the box and shut it. Another deep breath—and another. Then she turned over the paper.
Take the end of the chain on the fence and secure it around your neck with the attached lock.
Oh, my God, really? They had a whole weekend to explore their Dom/sub relationship, and needless to say, it was starting off with a bang. Well, she had wanted to delve into their dynamic more fully than for just an evening. She sure got what she’d asked for—a challenge every step of the way. Her whole body shook and she had to take more deep breaths to calm herself. Then she walked over to the narrow chain tethered to the fence, secured the loose end around her neck with the small padlock and sat quickly down on the bench to keep from falling over her trembling legs. And she waited—and waited.
Okay, let’s get this show on the road before I have a stroke. I can’t stand the suspense anymore. Where are you, Sir?
The early September afternoon was still warm, but she shivered as she wrapped her arms around her body to shield her naked breasts.
“Arms at your sides.”
Rebecca jerked her head up to look into the deep chocolate brown eyes of Ethan, standing at the edge of the fence. He had a stern look on his face that made her even more nervous.
How long had he been there watching her? Probably for some time, as she realized he wouldn’t have left her chained without keeping an eye on her. Her heartbeat revved up another notch as he slowly came toward her, his lanky yet muscular body reminding her of a panther stalking his prey. 

Come visit me on my website to find out about the other books. I also have a reader group where I post news about upcoming books and recipes on TastyTuesday. It's called Rose's Garden of Delights. I would also love it if you would like my author page Rose C. Carole Author. I would love the opportunity to meet you at some of the events around the country but I need to have more of a following to get into the bigger ones. Your liking my page will help me do that.

Website: www.roseccarole.com

Twitter:@roseccarole



Friend me on Facebook www.facebook.com/rose.c.carole.73

Thursday, November 15, 2018

CLEAR OUT YOUR CRAP

My latest obsession is Buy/Sell sites. Because I live in a complex, I'm not allowed to have yard sales, so all these years I've been donating stuff I no longer wanted to charity when I could have capitalized on my chronic overspending. But now, with all these apps popping up, selling your things has never been easier.

Used to be Craig's List was the only guy in town, but now there are so many more options to choose from. The saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," is indeed true. I bought twenty dollars worth of filthy, dismembered dolls and doll heads for my Halloween display this year. But I've also managed to get rid of home decor and clothing I no longer wanted in order to make room for new crap. Here are some of my favorite sites I use to list my unwanted crap.

Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Letgo are all places to list your crap to local buyers. The advantages of these sites is you can sell larger, heavier items, like furniture or electronics, that is too impractical to ship. Also, once sold, you receive cash in hand right away. No payment of any fees necessary. 

The disadvantages are you sometimes have every Tom, Dick, and Harry messaging you about the item, telling you they're interested and want to buy it, and then, poof, they drop off the face of the earth. There's also the matter of actually having to meet the buyer in person which is a nightmare if you happen to be an introvert or have an aversion to people in general. But when doing so, it's of course always best to do so at a safe, neutral place like the parking lot of a local Starbucks. Coordinating the time and place with the buyer can sometimes be a hassle, but once the item has sold, it's history, never to be seen again. 

If I want to reach potential buyers all around the US and I don't mind packaging and hauling my butt to the post office or a FedEx center (which I don't), I choose Mercari and Poshmark to list my crap. The pros are if someone wants to buy your item, click, they buy it, and you never have to see their face in person. You can either choose to have your earnings deposited into your bank account or keep a running balance to use toward your own purchases on the site.

The cons are they take a seller's fee. Mercari is reasonable, while Postmark takes 20%, which can eat into your small profit. And, if you're shipping anything breakable, you'd better make damn sure you wrap and secure that puppy like it's a newborn. I don't know if mail workers have parties in their warehouse where they dance on top of the packages or what, but every package I receive nowadays looks like it's been through a war. Yes, I'm pointing at you, FedEx!

Always remember that you will indeed get offers on your crap so low you wonder whether it's worth it at all, but the way I figure it, you're making more money than if you were to toss the item into that Goodwill donation bin.

Have any experience with buying/selling online? Let me know in the comments!



Tiffany N. York writes romance and in her spare time, she buys crap. A lot of it, which she ends up struggling to make room for. Don't even get her started on all her Halloween crap. Check out her website at tiffanynyorkauthor.com 

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Rough Recovery by Jennifer Kacey

Since my GI tract is more than a bit of a dick for the past couple....decades....and after umpteen failed meds to try to help, my medical team and I decided to put in a feeding tube. I was scheduled to get a GJ tube the end of October.
It's a dual tube that goes to my stomach and then onto my jejunum in my small intestine.
I was told several times that the surgery may not be able to be completed in two procedures and it may take three. So of course during the surgery stuff didn't go as planned. Only the G part of the tube was placed which doesn't help me much at all since we're trying to bypass my stomach for eating when it's really bad.

But the worst part of the surgery was a secondary complication NO ONE had seen before. Where the tube was put in it is messing with a bunch of nerves that control sensation and muscle contractions in the left side of my ribs, abdomen, left shoulder and arm. I woke up screaming from the procedure and it took the hospital hours to get my pain under control. This was after I told 7 different people at the hospital prior to the surgery that I have a very weird reaction to pain after surgery. They were baffled and I was in hell. OMG it was awful. Then I was in excruciating pain for 12 days after the surgery until the nerves and muscles finally started to calm down.

This is me hiding from all the things in the hospital!!

Seriously this procedure was supposed to be simple. It was very much not simple and left me with a fair amount of PTSD floating around in my head afterward. I go back to GI today for a follow up and I'm not real excited about it.

Lordy it's been a struggle.

But on the bright side I am able to feed into my stomach when I don't want to eat. AND I got an awesome unicorn bag to keep all of my feeding tube stuff in so it makes me smile!



Here's to a smoother second procedure which will hopefully be scheduled in the next few weeks!!

Hope you guys are all doing wonderful and I'm SOOOO ready to be back to finding my new normal after all of this! ♥

Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey



http://www.jenniferkacey.com/books.html


Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas and New York. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.