Welcome to my TEMPTED Release Day Party! to celebrate the release of TEMPTED, book three in my Eternal Guardians Series, I’m giving away prizes every hour, all day long! The rules are simple: Comment on the post for the prize you want to win. Winners will be chosen at the end of the day. All commenters on every post will be entered into the grand prize drawing–an autographed Eternal Guardians Set (MARKED, ENTWINED & TEMPTED) along with an EG coffee mug and set of romance trading cards!

Up now:

THE LOOK OF LOVE

by
Bella Andre

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night…a really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women…and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is-until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love-and protect-her, but will she let him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again…only, with every loving look Chase gives her-and every sinfully sweet caress-as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart.

“One of the hottest digital writers in America.”
–Neely Tucker, Washington Post

I love books set on the West Coast. To enter to win a copy of THE LOOK OF LOVE, tell me:

What’s your favorite West Coast destination?

Only a few more days until TEMPTED releases! I know some of you have been waiting forever for this book so I thought I’d update you on the “official” release date because, if you’re like me, you might be a little confused.

I just double-checked with my publisher and the “Street Date” for TEMPTED is Tuesday, September 6th. This means you can walk into any bookstore on that date and TEMPTED should be on the shelf. (I say “should be” because this is often dependent on how fast the actual store unpacks the boxes.) Most publishers release books on Tuesdays (generally the last Tuesday of a month or the first Tuesday of a month), and numbers for bestseller lists like USA Today and New York Times are calculated for the week starting on that day.

Some of you have noticed though that TEMPTED is listed at online retailers as releasing on September 1st (this coming Thursday). Technically retailers aren’t supposed to release before the Street Date (Sept 6) but every retailer does things their own way. So if you’re purchasing at an online retailer (or pre-purchased) the book will be available on the date that particular retailer lists on their site.

I hope that helps clear up confusion. TEMPTED is getting great reviews and reader reaction so far and I can’t wait to hear what you all think. I really hope you enjoy Demetrius & Isadora’s story!

Stay tuned for my release day party info…coming soon!

I’ve got another ARC of TEMPTED to give away!

To be entered to win, just tell me which character in the Eternal Guardians series is your favorite and why. I’ll pick a winner tomorrow!

And to tide you over, here’s a never before seen excerpt from TEMPTED:

***

“The fire’s almost out.” Isadora held out her hand. “Let’s go to bed.”

Demetrius’s gaze dropped to her hand, and he swallowed hard. “I—”

Oh yeah. He was definitely pulling out all the stops. Well, so was she. For the first time in her life she knew exactly what she wanted, and she wasn’t afraid to go after it. “No more excuses, Demetrius. Come with me.”

Hesitantly, he slid his fingers in hers and let her pull him from his seat. As she led him down the spiral staircase, her heart thumped so hard against her ribs, she was sure he had to hear it. But she wasn’t afraid. If anything, she felt powerful.

The Hall of Heroes was dark when they reached the bottom step. He waved his hand and lit one torch, along the far wall. Shadows and light played over his face, over his muscular body as she pulled him toward the makeshift bed. And when she turned to face him, she saw a thousand thoughts and emotions rush over his features.

She moved into him, until the heat and life of his body swirled around her and settled deep in her soul. “I want to be with you,” she said softly as she rested her hands on his rock-hard abdomen.

His fingers landed gently on her shoulders, the brush of his skin against hers igniting a rush of hormones deep in her body. “Kardia—”

“Here, tonight. Like last night, only this time I want you.” His eyes darkened at her words. “All of you, Demetrius.”

“You can’t. Your father—”

“It’s my choice to make. I’ve waited a long time. And tonight, I choose you.”

“Kardia.”

The emotion in that one word, my heart, stole her breath. Grasping the hem of her tank top, she tugged it over her head. The worn cotton landed against the dirt floor, but his eyes didn’t follow. They were locked on her. Right where she wanted them.

“Touch me,” she whispered.

His hand came up, and she held her breath in anticipation as his fingertips grazed the swell of her breast. Her nipples puckered, and a heavy ache settled between her legs. He stared at her breast, licked his lips, moved a fraction of an inch closer.

“Yes.”

“I…” His eyes darted up to her face. “I think you should get some sleep.”

He was gone before she could stop him. Before she even realized what had happened. “Demetrius?”

But he didn’t answer. The only sound was his bare feet hitting the stone steps. Then the whoosh and slam of the great door at the top of the staircase.

Confused, she tried to figure out what she’d done to make him run. Every time something happened between them, he pulled back at the last minute. Almost as if he was afraid she wouldn’t really want him if he got too close.

Her gaze swept over the room. Every time, he pulls back.

Her skin grew hot and damp as an idea took root.

A leader goes after what he wants. He doesn’t take no for an answer. Her father had said that so many times, it was ingrained in her mind. Wasn’t it time she started acting like the leader she was destined to become?

Yes. Yes, it was. And what she wanted right now was him.

I got this today from my Harlequin author pal, Alice Sharpe. And it’s soooo steamy and good, I had to share.

I’m giving away not one, but TWO ARCs of TEMPTED today over at the Casablanca Authors blog. Pop over and comment to enter!

FYI: The blog tour dates for TEMPTED have been posted on my homepage. I’m also listing them here. Lots of chances to win books and prizes, so mark your calendars!

TEMPTED Blog Tour

September 1, 2011
Casablanca Authors Launch Party

September 2, 2011
Seductive Musings

September 3, 2011
Hesperia Loves Books

September 4, 2011
Amberkatze’s Book Blog

September 5, 2011
Shameless Romance Reviews

September 6, 2011
Night Owl Romance

September 7, 2011
Ruby Slippered Sisterhood
Get Lost in a Story

September 8, 2011
Book of Secrets

September 9, 2011
RomCon Inc

September 10, 2011
Book Monster Reviews
Literal Addiction Guest Chat 1-3 pm PST

September 12, 2011
Bitten by Paranormal Romance

September 14, 2011
Debbie’s Book Bag
Supernatural Smut

September 15, 2011
Fresh Fiction

September 19, 2011
Over the Edge Book Reviews

September 20, 2011
Love Romance Passion

September 22, 2011
Preternatura

September 23, 2011
Sizzling Hot Books

September 28, 2011
Reading Between the Wines

September 29, 2011
The Long and Short of It

If you’re a blogger and would like to be added to the TEMPTED blog tour, drop me an email through the contact form here. 

Did you hear? Publisher’s Weekly gave TEMPTED a starred review!

Tempted
Elisabeth Naughton. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (416p) ISBN 978-1-4022-6046-9
Naughton’s sexy, fast-paced Eternal Guardians series, in which superhuman warriors protect descendants of the Greek gods, continues in this riveting and unpredictable third installment (after 2010′s Marked and Entwined). Isadora, princess of Argolea and descendant of the Horae, the goddesses of balance, is kidnapped by an evil warlock’s servants. Demetrius, an Argonaut with a dark secret, rescues her but treats her contemptuously to mask his love for her. When evil goddess Atalanta strands the pair on a dangerous island as part of her plan to take over Argolea, Isadora and Demetrius trade antagonism for passion, with strong, vivacious Isadora taking the lead as darkness threatens Demetrius’s tortured soul. Naturalistic, snappy dialogue, endlessly twisting plots within plots, a cast of complex and eminently likeable characters, and a romance as hot as it is complicated make this an entertaining and smoldering read. (Sept.)

Doesn’t that sound awesome? The review will go live on the Publisher’s Weekly site this week.

And in honor of this awesome review I’m giving away an ARC of TEMPTED to one lucky commenter here. Unfortunately, when I tried to do this yesterday on Twitter (by having entrants rewteet the review), Twitter didn’t want to cooperate. Not all retweets were showing up in my feed and/or going to my email so…we’re starting over. Leave me a comment telling me why you can’t wait to read TEMPTED and I’ll enter you in the drawing! Winner will be picked Wednesday 7/27/11 at noon (PST).

I’ve been dying to share this and my editor finally gave me the go ahead this morning. Book 4 in the Eternal Guardians series releases April 2012. What do you think?

The winner of Cynthia Eden’s NEVER CRY WOLF IS…Chelsea B.! (Comment #29). Chelsea, I sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize. I hope you enjoy.

Thanks to all who entered! And go buy Cynthia’s book. You won’t be disappointed!

My friend Cynthia Eden has a new release! To celebrate I’m giving away a copy of her book, NEVER CRY WOLF! To enter, see below.

Release Date: 06/28/2011
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
ISBN: 0758242158 / 9780758242150

Buy Online

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Borders
• IndieBound

Running With A Dangerous Crowd

Lucas Simone is not the kind of guy you mess with. He’s big, he’s strong, and his eyes hint at a wilder side most women can’t handle. Of course, that’s because his predatory instincts are no metaphor—he’s a genuine Grade-A top-quality werewolf, tough enough to fight his way to dominance over the scariest pack on the West Coast. There’s only one chink in his armor. Unlike most alpha dogs, Lucas has a reputation for protecting the weak and innocent.

Sarah King is counting on that protective impulse—it’s the only thing standing between her and certain death. There are only two problems: one, she’s not quite as innocent as she’d like Lucas to believe. And two, if he doesn’t stop stoking Sarah’s animal lust, it’s only a matter of time before her own wild side gets unleashed. . .

“A fast-paced, sexy thrill ride you won’t want to miss. . .It hooked me from the first page.” —Christine Feehan on Eternal Hunter

“A wickedly unique voice in paranormal romance!” —Larissa Ione

~~Unedited Excerpt from NEVER CRY WOLF (Kensington Brava, July 2011)~~

Lucas Simone definitely wouldn’t classify as handsome, but Sarah really wasn’t the type to be swayed by a pretty face.

She was much more the I-need-a-freaking-badass-to-save-my-ass right then type.

“I should explain…” She began, clearing her throat.

“Yeah, you should.” An order.

Her eyes narrowed. “Uh, I think it’s important to note that I saved your hide back there.” Very, very important to note. In fact, she was wagering on the old wolf pack code to help her out. The I-Scratch-Your-Back, You-Protect-Mine code.

He grunted. “I didn’t need saving, babe.”

“Yes, you did.” The wolf would still be caged if it hadn’t been for her—and the folks she’d bribed. Using the last of my cash.

She needed shelter. Her growling stomach reminded her that she also needed food.

And she desperately needed some serious muscle.

Her gaze dropped down to his chest.

Muscle, check.

“We haven’t had sex, lover.” He drew the last out, more like a growl instead of a word.

Sarah couldn’t help it, she flushed. She felt her face heat and knew she had to be beat red. The curse of her fair skin. She always blushed too fast. “You were in jail. They were penning a murder rap on you.” Facts that really shouldn’t have to be pointed out to the ungrateful wolf. Come on. Where was her thank you?

“I remember every woman I’ve had sex with,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. His eyes, hooded, swept over her, making her cheeks burn all the more. She’d dressed, deliberately provocative, before going down to the station. Her red blouse plunged to reveal the swell of her breasts. The short, black skirt revealed a long expanse of leg. Her sandals were small, curved, and designed more to be sexy than serviceable.

He whistled slowly. “I don’t remember you.”

Right, and she didn’t buy for a minute that the guy remembered every woman he’d—

“Some women like to take things slow. They like to kiss, they like to stroke. Others like to strip, to fuck, as fast as possible.” A pause as his eyes rose back to hers. “They like it rough because they like the rush of being with a monster.”

She swallowed and took a quick step back, unable to help herself because Lucas looked very, very threatening.

“Are you one of those women?” He moved forward, closing that distance. His hand lifted and traced her cheek. “Do you like the thrill of walking on the wild side?”

Doesn’t that sound awesome? To enter to win this fab book (your choice of ebook or print), tell me…how do you walk on the wild side?