Dying for Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Greta Gallagher is TRAIT's secret weapon. With her uncanny ability to sense trouble before it even happens, she's an invaluable asset to the team and her partner, Nico Tancredi. Except that ever since she botched the last mission, her "gift" has been completely MIA ... and she needs Nico's help to find it again.

Nico has the ability to manipulate anyone except Greta. His challenge is to figure out how her mind works, without letting their attraction - unspoken and untried - get in the way. It does ... and it's more intense than either of them imagined. But deep in the waters of the Bermuda Triangle, a terrifying secret waits for them both. A secret that doesn't just threaten their love, but their lives ... and the very heart of TRAIT itself.

Release Date 9th November 2015

This is the final title in the TRAIT series and it's definitely one of my favourites. Although ask me to list them 1-4 and I'd have difficulty - I've honestly liked the entire series.

One thing I loved about this particular title is it doesn't use one of the most common romance tropes - one of the characters has a secret they're not telling the other and you just know the wronged party is going to find out and it'll cause tension between them that they'll have to work past. I hate that plotline and feel it gets way overused but thankfully not in this book.

Greta and Nico are determined to find the link between all the latest TRAIT cases and find out what's going on above TRAIT's head. The whole TRAIT agency works as a team to help and all the previous books get tied together. It's actually a nice ending to the series, there are no open endings and everything's finished up.

.....Except I still want my Marron story!

I've really enjoyed this series and am kind of sad to see it end even though deLaney has done a fantastic job at doing so. I recommend this series to anyone looking for some fun, short and sexy reads.

I listed all the sites I could think off the top of my head for buying

Amazon UK: Dying for Keeps
Amazon US: Dying for Keeps
Amazon Canada: Dying for Keeps
Amazon Australia: Dying for Keeps
Barnes and Noble: Dying for Keeps
Nook UK: Dying for Keeps
Kobo: Dying for Keeps
Google Books: Dying for Keeps
Entangled: Dying for Keeps

Previous titles in the series
Click the image to take you to my review

Pen Holloway's done with men - in real life. Guys in game are so much less drama. But when her partner from　Heroes of Fallen Gods　invites her to the convention of the year, she panics. What if he's another jerk? What if he's not?
Cal Burrows is living his dream of being a spy. One of TRAIT's misfit spies, but still a spy. It's the perfect job ... until an arms dealer with a taste for blood invades his not-so-secret geek haven. All Cal wanted from ConDamned was to meet his on-line girl. Now, with the threat of mass murder looming, he's forced to choose between keeping his mission a secret and protecting the girl of his dreams.
Despite their attraction, Pen can't help but suspect Cal's hiding something. She also can't shake the feeling he's not as much of a stranger as he seems.

Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marisa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted - even in spite of her past.
Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marisa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means - bigger trouble than ever before.

Since her partner's death, Jodi Israel has been perfectly happy playing Q to everyone else's Bond. Electronics and machines are safer - and they are a lot easier to deal with. Unfortunately, she's stuck with TRAIT's newest recruit, an infuriating, arrogant alpha-male who plays by his own rules ... and is hot enough to send electric voltage through all of Jodi's circuitry.
Finn Danby heeds his instincts, even though it's cost him his job on more than one occasion. The moment he sees Jodi's fiery hair and uncanny engineering abilities, Finn's instinct takes over ... and it's all libido. Now they're working together to protect the unstable daughter of a high-profile politician - and the sparks are flying. Both in and out of the bedroom. But when all hell breaks loose, Jodi and Finn just may find themselves alone ... and unemployed.

Fighting for Keeps by Seleste deLaney - Review and Giveaway

Since her partner's death, Jodi Israel has been perfectly happy playing Q to everyone else's Bond. Electronics and machines are safer - and they are a lot easier to deal with. Unfortunately, she's stuck with TRAIT's newest recruit, an infuriating, arrogant alpha-male who plays by his own rules ... and is hot enough to send electric voltage through all of Jodi's circuitry.

Finn Danby heeds his instincts, even though it's cost him his job on more than one occasion. The moment he sees Jodi's fiery hair and uncanny engineering abilities, Finn's instinct takes over ... and it's all libido. Now they're working together to protect the unstable daughter of a high-profile politician - and the sparks are flying. Both in and out of the bedroom. But when all hell breaks loose, Jodi and Finn just may find themselves alone ... and unemployed.

Release Date 21st April 2015


Love this series but how weird must it be to work at TRAIT knowing that all your co-workers are hooking up and becoming couples? I mean what are the chances that so many people within the same company partner up with their actual partners? This is not a complaint! I still love the series and can't wait to read more, I kinda want Marron to get his sexy on.

Anyway, back to this book. Finn comes across as a bit of a douche but eventually proves to Jodi that he can work as part of a team - although he's still a bit of a douche, just a douche-y team player. Jodi tries to break up the partnership at the beginning because she's happy enough working on gadgets and is still upset by what happened to her last partner. We also discover exactly how secret the secret agency really is and the work that it takes to keep it that way.

I really enjoy this series and the world and characters deLaney is building and I'm definitely looking forward to more.


Amazon UK: Fighting for Keeps
Amazon US: Fighting for Keeps
Amazon Ca: Fighting for Keeps
Amazon AU: Fighting for Keeps
Barnes & Noble: Fighting for Keeps
Kobo: Fighting for Keeps
iTunes: Fighting for Keeps
All Romance: Fighting for Keeps


To celebrate the new book, I had wanted to giveaway the entire series but it's only available in ebook form which is hard to do so I'll give a giftcard to the amount of the three books in whatever format you read them in and for whatever country you live in. So, an Amazon GC if you want Kindle or a Nook GC if you want Nook etc.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post by Seleste deLaney and Kiss of Life Review

Sel's Adventures in Online Dating…the Blog Edition

I'm usually prepared when I do a blog tour for bloggers to ask me to write about all sorts of things. I wasn't, however, prepared to be asked to write about online dating. I mean, I started writing a romance that has to do with online dating, so I suppose if this were a tour for that book, I'd be less surprised, but…vampires and online dating.


Okay, I can give this a whirl.

In fairness, when I was active on OKCupid, I did post a lot on Twitter about the weird/funny/disturbing messages I would get. So, I suppose the curiosity makes sense. I only worry that the little snippets were far more entertaining than a full story will be.


I started online dating about two months after the ink was finally dry on my divorce. I'd gone out with a couple guy friends prior to that but things hadn't worked out for various reasons (ie—lack of interest on one or both parts). Several people I know have found love online though, so I figured there was no harm in giving it a go.


Dear gods was I wrong.


In fairness, I've spoken with people who have told me that the online dating environment was totally different just a year couple years earlier, so I think I simply missed the window of opportunity, but let's get to the good stuff….


Imagine standing over a cove in the ocean. It's really deep and you can see clearly. There's a ton of fish in there, but there’s also a few sharks. No worries, you think. After all, you’re wearing your new great-white-shark-proof bikini. No way are those jerks getting you.


So you jump in.


And you're suddenly swarmed by fish. I don't mean one or two, I mean dozens. You haven't even put on your flippers (filled out your profile) yet, but there are all these fish demanding that you feed them.


And then, seemingly at random, some of the fish turn into sharks. And others are apparently piranhas…which your bikini doesn't do a thing to stop.


That's pretty much what online dating feels like.


I could start having a perfectly normal conversation with a guy about…fitness, then boom! Dick pic.


Or, we could be talking about the upcoming Marvel movie when suddenly he starts talking about all the things he's going to do to me (you know, when he gets me alone in his bed….because I guess he keeps his bed at the movie theater or something.)


Examples of piranha are numerous. But my favorites were always the guys who had nothing in common with me, but were intent on getting together anyway.


Me: Well, I see by your profile that you're into religious extremism, gun worship, and hate animals. I'm not really sure we'd get along.
Guy: Of course we will. You just need to meet me. I promise, I'm a lot of fun in person.
Me: Yeah….no. I'm not sure I can get past the idea that you'd hate my pets and try to kill them in the name of whatever god you worship.
Guy: Seriously, none of that matters.
Me: How can it not matter?
Guy: Because I think you're hot.
Me: *blink*

Sadly, that type of conversation is not unique (though I did amp up the negatives so as to avoid talking about any one guy in particular). Because to a lot of men view dating sites as nothing more than a meat market, and every woman on there is nothing but a side of beef or a slab of bacon. (mmmm…bacon…)


Are there good ones in the mix? Yes. I'm sure there are. But I never met any of them. Most guys didn't make it past my intensive screening process (which involved "talk to me for a while until I'm comfortable with the idea of meeting you and it fits in my schedule." Lack of patience tended to make their inner shark come out to play…or they swam away.) But of those I did go make dates with, they fell under the following headings (sometimes more than one):

• No show (and no call either - they just disappeared)
• Hung up on his ex
• Self-involved asshole
• Doesn't have his own place (and I don't mean lives with roomies, I mean lives at home and apparently girlfriends aren't allowed there)
• Looking for a hookup only
• Bitches about every woman he's ever met

Needless to say, I've given up (at least for now) on online dating. It's quite possible that one of those fish that swam away was the right one. (And I often wonder about the one I let get away. I ended up running into him at a concert. Let's just say there were some regrets involved. But such is the danger in googling a guy with a lot of info online after already being burned by too many of the aforementioned examples.)


Will I try it again? My heart says no. It takes a lot of time and energy to be honest, and it's terribly disheartening. But…at some point I'm going to want to date again, and in this day and age, I'm not really sure what the options are.


Maybe I'll get lucky and meet a hot vampire at a winery.


If only I drank wine…


About Seleste:


At a young age, Seleste deLaney discovered the trick to not being afraid of the monsters under the bed was to turn them into heroes. Since that time, she's seen enough of human monsters that she prefers to escape to fictional worlds where even the worst demons have to play by the rules and the good guys might end up battered and bruised (or dead), but they always win. And really, isn't that the way it should be?


She resides in the Detroit area with all her favorite monsters (nice ones - some are furry and the others call her Mom) and is hard at work on her next book. In those rare moments when she isn't battling terrorists, vampires, or rogue clockworks, she can be found all over the Internet, where she loves to interact with readers...

The vampire's curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed — the one destined to destroy the vampires ... or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan's upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan's most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life...


I have to admit it has been a long time since I've read Kiss of Death and I did not think to re-read it before this so I honestly was a bit lost because apparently my brain doesn't hold a lot of information (I blame that on my day job, I have lots to remember in that). As lost as I was at the beginning, I still liked the book. As a big Sel advocate, I've missed her writing so I'm just happy when I get to read something from her.

This is the lead up and start of the big war between vampires and Jocelyn's army. The story is narrated from lots of different view points - Jocelyn, Chad, Logan and Remy (maybe another person that I just can't remember right now?), and I have to say I found it confusing to keep up. Most books I've read with different POVs have the chapter break as the switch over and/or have the character name at the start of the section. It's easy enough to figure out the POV quickly enough but there was a lot of switching in short periods and I just found it difficult to read smoothly.

Sadly, I think this is my least favourite of the series so far. I found it hard to get into and keep going. I will continue to read this series despite this being my least favourite.


Amazon UK: Kiss of Life

Amazon US:Kiss of Life

Smashwords:Kiss of Life

Kobo:Kiss of Life

Nook UK:Kiss of Life

Barnes & Noble:Kiss of Life

COVER REVEAL - Kiss of Life by Seleste deLaney

I'm excited to be part of the cover reveal for deLaney's second full length Blood Kissed novel, Kiss of Life. You can read what I thought of Kiss of Death here.

Without further ado, here is the cover for Kiss of Life:

The vampire's curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed — the one destined to destroy the vampires ... or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan's upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life...

The cover keeps in tone with Kiss of Death but it seems a lot lighter, yet reading the story above makes it seem quite dark in nature so I don't know why the cover is so light. It kind of, to me anyway, denotes a light-hearted story.

I'm not a fan of headless naked torsos on covers (sorry, Sel!). I do like the colours in this though, it does stand out from other books in the same genre.


Keep your eye here for an excerpt and guest post from Seleste deLaney as well as my review once I've read it.

Entangled February Novellas Are Here

Discover 3 sexy and 3 unforgettable stories in Entangled's February Novellas! From an email that causes a curse of bad luck in love. To a kiss that could change a princess's future forever. Or a secret agent with a strange ability working on a case that could cost her much more than her heart! There's something for everyone!

Conning For Keeps
by Seleste DeLaney 
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Seleste deLaney's Website and Twitter

Lovers undercover ...

Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause?

Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.


Goodreads
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Kissed
by Kim Knox
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Kim Knox's Website and Twitter

Every princess should be kissed. And by a man who knows what he's doing. Beatricia had been enjoying just that with Farris Turner when she was caught.

But running only drives her into the arms of a stranger. A man who wants to offer her one night together, to offer her the experience her life and duties in the city of Sun-Airor - a place set out of space and time - have denied her.
It'll be her only chance before she's forced to enter a loveless marriage ... but who exactly is her stranger? And what will kissing him reveal?


Goodreads
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Cursed by Cupid 
by Wendy Sparrow
Publication: February 3rd, 2014 by Entangled Novellas
Wendy Sparrow's Website and Twitter

Dear Reader, this letter is to inform you of Cupid's curse, which will fall upon you if you don't pass this email on to three friends within three hours.

Tilly Morrow didn't believe in the curse and now she hasn't had a second date in three years ... because all her first dates end in disaster. In fact, she just accidentally punched a guy in the face, leaving her without a date for Valentine's Day!

Bryant Murphy isn't sure if the curse is real or not, but if dating Tilly means occasionally getting assaulted with a chocolate shake or nearly electrocuted, it's worth the risk. Armed with more lucky charms than a bowl of cereal, Bryant will have to battle flying swords, Russian mail-order brides, and shrimp linguini if he's going to win the girl.


Goodreads
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Conning For Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Lovers undercover... Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause? Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.

Marissa is a former child con artist that has been recruited by the good guys, only problem is that not all her co-workers think she's fully reformed. Trevor has to work with Marissa on this mission but he thinks she's only in it for herself, and not trusting her means keeping a close eye on her. Unfortunately, that also means being close to the woman he's been wanting for years ..... and the feelings are mutual.

This is the second book in this series by deLaney and I really enjoyed this one. I liked Marissa's background, the whole former child con artist that her parents had basically brainwashed - she will take on personality given to her under hypnosis, making her the perfect person to have on a con. Trevor's back story wasn't as interesting but held a lot of stake in the mission so he had some problems to overcome himself.

The chemistry between Trevor and Marissa is amazing! deLaney has a talent for writing awesome sex scenes. But her stuff isn't all about the sex, she also writes amazing storylines and highly likeable characters.

Definitely a recommendation for your "To read" list/pile.


Amazon UK: Conning For Keeps

Cover News - Conning For Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Lovers undercover ... Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marissa's gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted — even in spite of her past.

... or traitors to the cause?Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he's got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa's sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marissa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means — bigger trouble than ever before.

The cover is in keeping with the first book in the series, Gaming for Keeps, with the target being front and centre. Besides that, there's not much else to say. The cover really doesn't give anything away, much the same as most Entangled books.

I'm lucky enough to have gotten an ARC from the author and can't wait to read this. It's release date is 3rd February 2014 and is being published by Entangled.

Goodreads page
Pre-order links
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Seducing Her Rival by Seleste deLaney

She's trapped with a man she hates ... and can't resist.

When cruise ship turbulence sends children's charity guru Mercedes Vega — and her tropical cocktail — flying into a mysterious stranger, she's convinced her free vacation is a dream-come-true. But Lucas Bellamy isn't just sexy as sin and richer than God. He's her business rival, determined to outbid her charity for the land she desperately needs ... a fact she doesn't learn until after a night of mind-blowing, toe-curling sex. Unwilling to give up, she formulates a plan to make the charming playboy fall in love with her and back out of the property deal.

Lucas is drawn to Mercedes, but he won't stand down — after all, he has promises of his own to keep. But one scintillating night with the enigmatic brunette leads to another, and before long, it's unclear who's seducing who, leaving Mercedes wondering whether the man she's supposed to hate is the only salvation from her past.

Mercedes has a history she's trying to make amends for by building a playground where kids can feel safe. Lucas has plans to build a school in memory of someone he loved and lost. Unfortunately, they're both after the same land and also both happen to be on the same cruise ship. What's even more unfortunate is that they're both mega attracted to one another. Mercedes wants to hate Lucas but can't keep away from him so she comes up with a plan where she can have her cake and eat it too.

Yet another fab book by the awesome Ms deLaney. I liked Mercedes most of the time but there were times where she was a bit too whiny for me, I much preferred Lucas. I could say he was a bit of a douche for trying to keep his identity a secret (he did have actual reasons at the beginning) but Mercedes was also a bit of a douche for trying to play with his heart so she could get the land.

I love anything Seleste writes, I will always read her stuff and, like with this book, I might not love the main characters but I still love the story and that's what counts. Only a few books have made me DNF due to really bad characters, for most the story is the important bit for me.


Amazon UK: Seducing Her Rival

Gaming for Keeps by Seleste deLaney

Pen Holloway's done with men — in real life. Guys in game are so much less drama. But when her partner from　Heroes of Fallen Gods invites her to the convention of the year, she panics. What if he's another jerk? What if he's not?
Cal Burrows is living his dream of being a spy. One of TRAIT's misfit spies, but still a spy. It's the perfect job ... until an arms dealer with a taste for blood invades his not-so-secret geek haven. All Cal wanted from ConDamned was to meet his on-line girl. Now, with the threat of mass murder looming, he's forced to choose between keeping his mission a secret and protecting the girl of his dreams.
Despite their attraction, Pen can't help but suspect Cal's hiding something. She also can't shake the feeling he's not as much of a stranger as he seems.

Release Date 10th June 2013

Pen gets an invite to ConDamned from an online gaming friends/flirting partner and agrees to go and meet up with him. Cal plans on going to ConDamned but gets roped into working when an arms dealer is discovered to be there. They bump into one another and sparks fly, they fuck, there's a misunderstanding and then there's an arms dealer trying to ruin a screening.

Yet another great book by my very awesome friend, Seleste. I swear the woman can't write a bad sex scene ..... and I suppose the other parts are OK as well!

I liked Pen as a character, she has problems plus she'd rather be online than deal with real life people (much like me - my friends all live in this little box in front of me). I wasn't enamoured with Cal straight away but I got to like him as the story went on - not sure what it was but he just didn't gel with me at the beginning.

I loved all the geeky references - made all the better by the fact that I know the author actually loves all the stuff she was writing. With some authors I sometimes feel like they're trying to have a character be "cool" by referencing things but I know for a fact that this isn't the case this time.

Of course I'm going to recommend this - I can't say anything bad about my best girl so go out and buy it (when it comes out), pre-order links are up at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iTunes but not Amazon UK at the time of writing this. I think you can also buy it direct from the publisher, Entangled Publishing.

Clockwork Mafia Blog Tour - Seleste deLaney Guest Post

Last month, I reviewed Clockwork Mafia by Seleste deLaney - the 2nd book in the Badlands series. The book is due out on the 29th of April and Seleste has agreed to grant this wee blog with her beauteous presence as part of her blog tour for the book's release.

Once Upon a Time…

Alternate history is kind of a tricky thing. As the author, I know how many things played out that came before the books, but those snippets of history are hard to fit into the novels and novellas without screaming info dump. One part of the world of the Badlands that I’m often asked about is how, in a penal colony, did women come to rule. So, sit back and grab a mug of the libation of your choice, and let me tell you a story…

Once upon a time, the United States decided to set aside their issues with the British and steal a page from their playbook. The cost to care for criminals began overwhelming the states and they looked to Britain and the Australian penal colony as inspiration. True, the states didn’t have access to a large island nation, but there were large tracts of wild lands west of the Mississippi…

It soon became commonplace to banish violent criminals and repeat offenders to the land across the river. As the move proved successful—few returned—more and more convicts were sent away. Eventually, their women and children started to follow—determined to keep their families intact.

But the area was rough and proved deadly in many ways, not least of all the abundance of violent men. Families determined to survive began training their children—especially the girls, who were most at risk of violence—in weapons and fighting. These warrior women bred more, and the Border Guard unofficially came into being before the monarchy.

Soon enough, the reformed criminals realized the guards weren’t enough. They needed real prisons where the men could be reformed. And for that they needed rulers.

Imagine, if you will, a council of men—all former convicts—sitting around trying to figure out who gets to be in charge. Within a very short period, arguing and fights erupted. At that point, the warrior women surrounded the group and drew their weapons. A single woman strode to the center of the assemblage and announced her ascension to the throne. The women had decided she was most fit to rule and if the men had a problem with it, they could take it up with her guards.

There were a few attempted rabble-rousers over the next few years, but they were dealt with via swift and permanent justice. The new nation had no room for softness at the time. But before he was put to death, one of the men was quoted as saying, “These were bad lands when we were sent here, and they’ll never be anything but so long as women rule.” With that, the Badlands were born.

Clockwork Mafia:
Inventor Henrietta Mason is retiring from airships and adventuring to return home to Philadelphia. Determined to erase all trails leading to her late father's duplicity, she dismantles his lab and removes all records of the Badlands gold. While in the city, she can't resist the lure of a charity gala but winds up regretting the whole experience. Well, everything except a heart-racing dance with a certain U.S. Marshal.
His career and vengeance on the line, Carson Alexander must prove a connection between Senator Mason and the mafia. He lucked out happening across Mason's strikingly beautiful daughter, only to have her slip through his fingers. On a desperate hunt to track her down, he never expects his search to take him into the brutal Badlands.
With a mechanically enhanced enforcer after them, only Carson knows the extent of the danger they face. He'll have to win over Henrietta's trust, and her heart, before it's too late...

Buy at:
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Amazon CA
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If you aren’t going to be able to see her next week at the Romantic Times Booklovers’ Convention—or even if you are—you can also find Seleste around the internet:
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Clockwork Mafia by Seleste deLaney

Inventor Henrietta Mason is retiring from airships and adventuring to return home to Philadelphia. Determined to erase all trails leading to her late father's duplicity, she dismantles his lab and removes all records of the Badlands gold. While in the city, she can't resist the lure of a charity gala but winds up regretting the whole experience. Well, everything except a heart-racing dance with a certain U.S. Marshal.

His career and vengeance on the line, Carson Alexander must prove a connection between Senator Mason and the mafia. He lucked out happening across Mason's strikingly beautiful daughter, only to have her slip through his fingers. On a desperate hunt to track her down, he never expects his search to take him into the brutal Badlands.

With a mechanically enhanced enforcer after them, only Carson knows the extent of the danger they face. He'll have to win over Henrietta's trust, and her heart, before it's too late ...

Release Date 29th April 2013

Henrietta wants nothing more than to be rid of reminders of her father's betrayals and no-good-ery (it's a word, I swear!) but while she's in Philadelphia finishing stuff up, she meets Carson and feels an attraction towards him ... and him to her. When he discovers who she is, Carson finds her just as she's leaving for the Badlands and stumbles into a mafia raid of the Dark Hawk. Following her to the Badlands, he helps her with her father's things and her mafia trouble and neither one of them can fight the attraction they feel (despite Henri trying to ignore it).

Readers of my blog know that I know Seleste and I like to troll her by telling her her books aren't long enough ... this one is no different - "Hey Sel, it's too short!"

Seriously though, I loved this book. It's weird how reading from another person's POV can change your perspective of another character. In Badlands, I liked Ever's straight to the point talk and no shit attitude - but in this from Henri's POV? I found I really disliked her, and vice versa, I'm pretty sure I disliked Henri in Badlands but I really liked her in this.

It's the whole thing of getting inside someone's head, I think. In Badlands, we were seeing Henri through Ever's eyes and she came across a bit stuck up and up herself. Whereas in this, you get to know that even though she's like that, she doesn't want to be like that and as much as she wants to be herself she feels she has to act the way society expects her to.

I'm glad to say that Carson changed her mind and her choices. Still love this world that Seleste has created and I can't wait to read more ...... there will be more, right?


Amazon UK: Clockwork Mafia
Carina Press: Clockwork Mafia

Cover Reveal: Clockwork Mafia

Look at the perty! I love this cover, I'm not normally a fan of the large face thing that a lot of covers have but I like the detail and the colour in the mask so I actually really like this one.

Inventor Henrietta Mason is retiring from airships and adventuring to return home to Philadelphia. Determined to erase all trails leading to her late father's duplicity, she dismantles his lab and removes all records of the Badlands gold. While in the city, she can't resist the lure of a charity gala but winds up regretting the whole experience. Well, everything except a heart-racing dance with a certain U.S. Marshal.



His career and vengeance on the line, Carson Alexander must prove a connection between Senator Mason and the mafia. He lucked out happening across Mason's strikingly beautiful daughter, only to have her slip through his fingers. On a desperate hunt to track her down, he never expects his search to take him into the brutal Badlands.



With a mechanically enhanced enforcer after them, only Carson knows the extent of the danger they face. He'll have to win over Henrietta's trust, and her heart, before it's too late…



Sequel to Badlands.



64,000 words

I can't wait to read this book, I loved Badlands. Although, apparently the author blames little-old me saying Badlands was too short for her word count on this one. It was meant entirely in a good way 'cos it meant I was enjoying the story and it ended too soon.

Carina Press' website says it'll be out in April 2013 so at least I only have a couple months to wait.


Pre-order links:
Amazon UK: Clockwork Mafia
Amazon: Clockwork Mafia
Barnes & Noble: Clockwork Mafia

Vanilla-Free Christmas by Various Authors

This Christmas, the best gifts are waiting for those who have been naughty…

And the toys under the tree are not for children. Sexy Santas, naughty elves, and dominant shifters are ready to spread some very kinky Christmas cheer. It’s a good thing the ladies in our stories are looking for anything but vanilla.

Santa's Beard by Doris O'Connor
Two hot, cursed shifters fulfill a woman's wish for dominant men when Santa undoes the curse that's been laid on them .... so she can get laid by them. (Yes, I just said that. Wrote that?)
The Olympian by Sandra Bunino
An ex-olympic hopeful gets injured when training for the next olympics, a resort employee rescues her and things get steamy in an abandoned cabin.
Three in a Tub by Giselle Renarde
A woman gets her threesome dream for real when her boyfriend sets it up with a bathtub installer and the bath gets christened in an sexy way.
A Few of My Favourite Things by Seleste deLaney
A sequel to deLaney's other shorts in previous Evernight Publishing anthologies. An elf doesn't want her BDSM secret to hold her back from a relationship with a new guy but he's interested in learning more for her.
The Man Inside by Lila Shaw
Two office workers that flirt online finally get together in person but he can only do it behind a disguise .... or in front of a camera.
Who's Been Naughty and Nice? by Vanessa Devereaux
A boss feels the need to not be in charge any more and joins an agency that will help grant her wish to be dominated. A blizzard means they're stuck together for the night and things get steamy afterwards.
Secrets Santa by Raven McAllan
"Santa" brings a woman's fantasy to fruition at an office party, turns out "Santa" is an old acquaintance that knows EXACTLY what she wants.
Faith's Gift by R. Brennan
Doing a favour for a friend, a woman meets a sexy Dom who shows her what a good time is .... and she wants more.
A Very Furry Christmas by Jorja Lovett
A polar bear lover finally finds someone who doesn't find her plushie kink a turn off .... him wearing a polar bear outfit helps a little.

Another sexy christmas anthology from Evernight Publishing following 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas and Stockings & Suspenders and it really lives up to its predecessors. Every story is definitely vanilla free (except The Olympian, I didn't think there was anything un-vanilla about that one) and definitely hot - although I found all the teddy bears in the furry one a bit weird.

I've loved all the anthologies from Evernight and will continue to buy them as they continue to publish them.


Vanilla-Free Christmas is available from Evernight Publishing.

Love and Other Indoor Sports by Seleste deLaney

Cupid still has a lot to learn, and this time he's heading to college to do it.

Griffin and Colby were shoved together by fate during a fraternity hazing game of spin the bottle but, in a world deserted by Cupid, fear and uncertainty pushed them apart. Now, twelve years later, they're getting a second chance with each other. A woman in Colby's life, however, doesn't like what she sees as competition for his affections, and she's willing to ruin both men if they don't bow to her demands. After all this time, are they willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness, or are they destined to lose each other again?

Cupid won't give up easily though. He has one last game for them to play and, this time, it's winner take all.

Griff and Colby had to kiss each other for one minute while being hazed for a fraternity at school. For Colby, it made him think he couldn't possibly hide his sexuality since he'd always had a crush on Griff. For Griff, it made him feel something he's never felt before and made him realise he wanted Colby. They never acted on those feelings as they both thought each other was straight, until they met up 12 years later at a reunion ... and man, did the sparks fly. Of course they still think each other is straight but then they finally click and then they "click" (wink, wink).

I liked both Griff and Colby but I think I liked Colby better. May have been the fact that he was out and proud or the fact that he was a bit more laid back than Griff ... or it may have been the tattoos, I'll always like the character with tattoos, LOL.

The sex was brief but hot and the story was fun and a bit Single White Female feeling. Stalker, crazy student that tries to make life difficult 'cos she wants to sleep with her gay coach ... bitch needs to get a clue!

Still liking this series and I think the fact that it's a different author for each one keeps it fresh. There's less chance of repetition with more authors, although this is deLaney's 2nd book in the series and I'm sure since she's the founder of the series, she'll probably have more. I like that idea.


Amazon UK: Love and Other Indoor Sports

Kiss of Death by Seleste deLaney

Too many years of killer vamps have triggered the curse of the Blood Kissed. They've awakened the bloodline that can alter their world, because her blood has the power to control them all — even make them destroy each other.

Jocelyn thought her troubles with vampires were over when she drove a stake through her boyfriend Max's heart two years ago. Even though she's engaged to Chad, she's never really forgotten him. Now Max is back, and Chad is taking her into the heart of the vamp community — and they're the ones trying to keep her alive. The ones who love her and each seek to claim her for their own. Because once the elders know who she is, they're all going to want her ... or want her dead.

Jocelyn thinks her seeing Max in The Ghost of Vampire Present was all a dream, as well as Chad being a vampire. But she soon finds out neither of them are dreams, she thought she killed Max in Of Course I Try but his feeding on her is what enabled him to come back to life. Soon, she has to trust her two betraying ex-boyfriends as they both compete for her back while playing bodyguard/soldier at the same time. And Jocelyn (and us) finally find out exactly why vampires are so attracted to her.

So I had said in The Ghost of Vampire Present that I was Team Chad 'cos I didn't like the way Max came across ..... oh how a longer story can change my mind! More insight to Max and Chad have made me switch allegiance, I now like Max more than Chad. And of course then Seleste went and threw the intriguing and sexy Remy into the mix and now I don't know what Team I am. Can I be Team ReMaxy?

I know, technically, Remy is probably supposed to be a "bad guy" or at least a screw (hehe, I wish) in the works but I liked him. He's so smarmy and cheesy and hot!

But anyone who reads my blog knows exactly how MUCH I've been wanting a full length Blood Kissed novel and Seleste certainly knows how much I've questioned her about one (admittedly not all that much since she announced it until it was almost release time then I started back in with the questions). I am glad to say, she didn't let me down. I loved, loved, LOVED it and now I want more, so it's back to Twitter where I can bug Seleste for when the next one is to be published.


Amazon UK: Kiss Of Death

Forever Summer by Seleste deLaney

Her dreams of a career by the sea shattered, Katya's trying to be happy with two weeks in the Florida Keys. But when her rental ends up infested, she's ready to go home. At least until Jay, the handyman next door, comes to her rescue.

Sweet, talented & sexy, he's all she ever wanted in a man. Too bad he's only hanging out with her because he's such a nice guy.

Or is he?

At only 22 pages long, this isn't trying to be anything but a nice, fun, sexy read. And that's exactly what it is.

A great, short read with some hot sweaty sex. It's exactly what Seleste's readers are expecting and she never fails to deliver. There's no reason not to buy this, it's cheap and cheerful.

Buy Forever Summer direct from 1 place for romance.

Gunshy by Seleste deLaney

Banished from Olympus with orders to restore love to the world, Eros starts with a match no one sees coming. No one but him.

Straight-laced principal Kira isn’t looking for love, especially not right after getting dumped. Then a chance encounter leads her to Jesse, and damned if she isn’t drawn to the bad-boy with a heart of gold. A night of reckless abandon leaves her confused. Was there something there, or did she imagine the connection between them?

Jesse knows lying to Kira is a mistake, but she's the first woman in a long time to see the man and not just the rock star. When his plan to come clean goes terribly wrong, Kira bolts, leaving Jesse in the dust.

Now Eros has to nudge the star-crossed lovers together and prove to Zeus that love does exist, even among the gun shy.

Buy the kindle from Amazon: Gunshy by Seleste deLaney or direct from Evernight Publishing: Gunshy by Seleste deLaney

A very short but hawt first book in a new series from Evernight Publishing. It's a multi-author series, so each book is written by a different author.

Eros gets banished from Olympus and has to restore love to humans. Judging by this story I'm guessing that each story will follow a different couple that Eros helps get together to prove to Zeus that he can still do his job.

I've read a lot of Seleste's books and I have to say, this is the first book of hers that has a lead male that I could find myself attracted to. Jesse is a big guy and he has tattoos and plays bass, what more could I want. I also liked Kira, as little as we got to know her in this short story she was a strong lead. I'll still read the rest of the series but Seleste was definitely the only reason I bought this. Got to support my buddies after all :D


Amazon UK: GunShy

Versatile Blogger? ........ Apparently!

So my friend, Julie Particka (or Seleste deLaney for some) decided, in her wisdom, to bestow this award on me. What makes me versatile? Not a fucking clue! Ask her.

So anyway, part of receiving this award is that I have to now share 7 interesting facts about me with people. Problem is .... I don't think I have 7 interesting facts to share! o_O But I'll try.

1) (On Julie's recommendation) I have a weird taste in house furnishings. My toilet lid is see through with barbed wire running through it and my bathroom light pull is a Hanging Harry.

2) Most people probably think I'm a rocker/mosher/whatever-you-want-to-call-it when they see me ~ tattoos and piercings generally do that to people. And while they wouldn't be wrong about that fact (I like me some rock music), they'd be surprised to learn that I also like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and the likes.

3) (Not really an interesting fact, but this is HARD!) I have a very poor body image. And even though I know I have a poor body image, it doesn't help me try and do anything about it. I think it's one of those things that stay with you throughout your whole life.

4) I hate kids. I was going to leave it at that but it looked very angry so I decided to write this little bit instead.

5) Most of my friends have actually never seen my real hair colour other than in pictures. I;ve been dying it since I was about 15.

6) People always ask me how many tattoos I have and seem to find it unbelievable when I say I don't know. I stopped keeping count a while ago and it means I have to count them every time someone asks so "I don't know" is easier.

7) I didn't realise how much I missed Veterinary Nursing until I got back into after a 3 and a half year break. The reason behind my break still stands but I wish I hadn't taken so long away from my career of choice.


OK, so now I have to give this to other bloggers? Hmmmmm, who should I torture on my list?! lol

Sara Hawthorn 'cos she's funny and smart and posts some good stuff.

Jax just 'cos she hasn't posted anything in a while so I think this should be her newest post :p

Tez Miller is funny and posts some good reviews and keeps me up to date with new covers.

Badlands by Seleste deLaney

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands - if death doesn't find them first...

Release date 28/02/11

Ever gets interrupted pre dinner party by a siren going off at the fortress. The prisoners have escaped and are fighting their way free. When she and her guards get there, she hears of the queen's assassination and realises she must find the princess heir to the throne. She ends up aboard the Dark Hawk and finds herself strangely attracted to the captain but she must fight her attraction and get on with her mission. But can she stop herself if he's also attracted to her?

I loved this story so much. Loved Ever and especially loved the world Seleste has built for the characters. It's just my type of place (without the war and fighting), the steampunk/clockwork style that she's going for just reminded me of Return to Oz. I like the steampunk look so I had no problem with the imagery. Hmmm, I wonder if I could have found a new Hallowe'en costume?

I may be wrong here, but knowing the author likes a certain space-cowboy Captain, I felt there was a bit of Firefly/Serenity influence going on as well. Whether there was or not, does not change my opinion of the book, it was fun to read and I didn't want it to end. In fact, I'm still disappointed that it was over so soon.


Rating
5/5


Amazon UK: Badlands

Ghost of Vampire Present by Seleste deLaney

Jocelyn has finally found her knight in shining armor in Chad, and ghosts are the last thing on her mind. Even when one shows up in her bedroom on Christmas Eve, Jocelyn's a bit more concerned about the other guests on the agenda. She'd prefer to never see another vampire, and the ghost tells her to expect not one, but three.

When the one from her past shows up even though he's supposed to be dead, she decides she's dreaming and suffers through the night. By the time dawn breaks, she's not so sure anymore.

But if it's not a dream that means her nightmare is far from over.

Sequel to Of Course I Try in which Jocelyn has her own twisted Christmas Carol.

I liked this more than Of Course I Try purely because I like Chad more. Yes, I'm fickle that way but I don't care. He's better looking and not as jerky as Max, I know I may be quick to judge since we've only had 2 shorts so far but I'm basing it on what we've learned so far and how they've both come across and I'm totally Team Chad.

I can't wait to read a full length Blood Kissed novel (hint, hint).



Rating
4/5


Amazon UK: The Ghost of Vampire Present