Countdown to Christmas: It's here!

Merry Christmas!

The past few weeks have passed so quickly, it seems incredible that it's Christmas Day already. Speaking of incredible, there have been 483 entries in the Countdown to Christmas giveaway - wow! - thank you all for joining in, and coming back time and time again to enter.

I hope you've loved the variety of books that I have featured, and would like to express a huge thanks to all of the authors who have generously joined in and offered a copy of their book for the bumper prize kitty.

Unfortunately, there can only be one winner - a very lucky winner indeed, walking away with TWENTY-TWO books - but it's Christmas, and I want everybody to get something. So, without further ado, let me share with you some of the finds I've discovered...

Free reads...

Holiday Kisses - Short Story Collection by various authors

A collection of short stories by various Beachwalk Press authors, available for free download!

Get it now

Where There's A Will by Raven McAllan

When William Lord Barlow gets lost in a snowstorm he does not expect his rescuer to ambush him in the stable, even less to realize his tormentor seems familiar.

Blindfolded and helpless, he soon accepts that the only way out is to submit. Will the Dom manage to turn into a Sub for one night?

Be Warned: m/m sex, BDSM, forced seduction

Get it now

Coming up...

Freebies are in the pipeline from bestselling authors, Nicola Marsh, and also Shirley Jump.

Lucky Love by Nicola Marsh

First up in Nicola Marsh with Lucky Love, part of her Looking For Love series. I know it's not Christmassy, but I didn't think you'd mind.

Lucky Love will be free from 1pm today (UK GMT) for three days, so be quick. 

There are events set up on Facebook and Goodreads will all the links.

The Beauty Charmed Santa by Shirley Jump

As featured on the countdown yesterday, The Beauty Charmed Santa, will be free for two days, from December 26th to December 27th.

Check out Shirley Jump's blog for details.

And the winner is...

Okay, okay, I know... you want to know if you've won the bumper prize kitty containing:

Christmas is Cancelled by Aurelia B Rowl

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Eva Scott

Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto by Liz Fielding

Vanilla-Free Christmas featuring Doris O'Connor and Raven McAllan

The Cowgirl's Christmas by Patricia Bates

Merry Christmas, Shelton by Dianne Hartsock

The Perfect Gift by Raven McAllan

Oh Christmas Tree by SJ Thomas

Mistletoe in Manhattan by Talli Roland

Baby It's Cold Outside featuring Heidi Rice

The Spirit of Christmas by Liz Talley

A Christmas Match Made in Heaven by Brianna Lorin

The Secret Santa Wishing Well by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Mistletoe Kisses with the Billionaire by Shirley Jump

The Captain's Christmas by Leona Bushman

Good Enough to Share by Zara Stoneley

For the Love of Mutt by Doris O'Connor

An Angel for the Tree by Shelli Rosewarne

Deck Mac Hall by Raven McAllan

Baby You're Cold Inside by Ivy Bateman

Seduced by Santa by Mina Carter

The Beauty Charmed Santa by Shirley Jump

Congratulations Megan D. Martin!!!

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Please email me (allieaburrow@gmail.com) and we'll get your prizes sorted out!

All that is left for me to do now, is wish you all a wonderful Christmas, and I'll be back on the blog in January... Happy New Year!!

Countdown to Christmas: 1 more sleep...

The Beauty Charmed Santa
(A Sweet & Savory Romance)
by Shirley Jump

Buy it now
or see bundle offer below
Amazon UK    Amazon US

Santa’s the one on the naughty list this year! When Cole Benson agrees to play Santa at a Boston-area mall, the former actor is desperate to regain his career. What he doesn’t count on is his seeing his ex, Stephanie Taylor, working as one of the elves. The fire that once simmered between them is lit all over again, and Cole begins to wonder if maybe he can bring about a second chance this Christmas.

He doesn’t realize that Stephanie is hiding a big secret, one that will put this Santa in a compromising position, and make him wonder whether he did the right thing leaving town all those years ago. Stephanie takes a chance on falling for the playboy again, even if it means waking up alone on Christmas morning. Is Santa here to stay this time? Will he become the family man Stephanie needs? Or will he hop in his sleigh as soon as the holiday is over?

Scroll down for special offer bundle

Enter giveaway!

About the author...

Shirley Jump

We were introduced to Shirley Jump a week or so ago, when she was on the countdown with her Harlequin hat on to tell us all about Mistletoe Kisses with the Billionaire.

Sweet and Savory Romances...

Special offer Sweet and Savory Bundle

(Buy UK) - (excludes prequel) - (Buy US)

(Buy UK) - Prequel: The Groom Wanted Seconds - (Buy US)

(Buy UK) - Book 1: The Bride Wore Chocolate - (Buy US)

(Buy UK) - Book 2: The Devil Served Desire - (Buy US)

(Buy UK) - Book 3: The Angel Tasted Temptation - (Buy US)

(Buy UK) - Novella: The Beauty Charmed Santa - (Buy US)

Bundle up this December with four books from Shirley Jump's Sweet & Savory Romances series. 

THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA --

Santa’s the one on the naughty list this year! When Cole Benson agrees to play Santa at a Boston-area mall, the former actor is desperate to regain his career. What he doesn’t count on is his seeing his ex, Stephanie Taylor, working as one of the elves. The fire that once simmered between them is lit all over again, and Cole begins to wonder if maybe he can bring about a second chance this Christmas.

He doesn’t realize that Stephanie is hiding a big secret, one that will put this Santa in a compromising position, and make him wonder whether he did the right thing leaving town all those years ago. Stephanie takes a chance on falling for the playboy again, even if it means waking up alone on Christmas morning. Is Santa here to stay this time? Will he become the family man Stephanie needs? Or will he hop in his sleigh as soon as the holiday is over?

THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE --

USA Today and Amazon Top 20 bestselling title!

Life couldn’t be more perfect for Candace Woodrow. Her gourmet gift basket company is thriving, and she’s set to marry steady, dependable Barry. There’s just one wrench in the fairytale. Two weeks before her wedding she wakes up in the wrong man’s bed. Candace thinks she’ll be able to run out the door and forget all about Michael Vogler, but the Boston millionaire has other plans for the jittery bride.

As the wedding approaches, Candace’s life is further complicated by a thrill-seeking grandma and a meddlesome mother whose marriage track record rivals Elizabeth Taylor’s. She attempts to drown her sorrows in chocolate, but with a sexy bachelor appearing on her doorstep at every turn – she finds herself wondering if there’s enough of the sweet stuff in the world to stop her heart from racing every time he comes near.

THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE --

Maria Pagliano is a woman on a diet mission. Desperate to drop a dress size before her reunion, she joins the Chubby Chums. But waiting next door is sexy, tempting chef and restaurateur Dante Del Rosso.

Dante is all wrong for Maria. He tastes and smells like all the foods she has stricken from her diet. But Maria’s love for her singing grandfather, cantankerous grandmother and matchmaking mother all fill a long-empty spot in Dante’s heart. He sets out to win her, using every weapon he has, including his tortellini. He’s offering her the very thing she’s got no will power to resist—desire on a plate.

THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION --

Exotic food and a no-strings attached hunk top Meredith Shordon’s I-want list when she leaves her life behind in Indiana and heads for Boston to experience big city life. At the top of her list? Losing her virginity to Mr. Right Now, without getting tangled up with Mr. Right.

Reformed party animal Travis Campbell won’t be tempted—until he meets the determined Indiana farm girl and realizes taking a bite of temptation only leaves him wanting more. He’s just sworn off women for thirty days, but Meredith is doing her best to tempt him into her bed, before he captures her heart.

The Sweet and Savory Romances will make you laugh, cry, and rev up your appetite with their hunky heroes. As a special addition, satiate your hunger—for food that is— with tried-and-true recipes written by the characters inside.

Enter giveaway!

Countdown to Christmas: 2 more sleeps...

Seduced by Santa
by Mina Carter

Buy it now

Amazon | Amazon.co.uk
Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks

A woman determined to spread the Christmas spirit...

Former socialite turned community centre worker Candice Kane loves Christmas. In the run down area she works in, economics and rising unemployment mean that there isn't a lot of Christmas spirit to go around. Determined to do something about it, for the last couple of years she's arranged a Christmas Party, complete with a visit from Santa for the neighbourhood kids. This year though, a break in and damage from vandals means the party could be cancelled...

A Santa who hates Christmas...

Rhod is...was a Santa. For years he joined the other men in his family delivering presents, until the attitude and ungratefulness of the rich children he delivered to made him hang up his red suit. Working for the Paranormal Protection Agency, he's convinced himself that he's happier without being the big guy anymore.

When he and his partner rescue Candy from an attack in a deserted alley, all Rhod's decisions are put to the test. Can he hold out against a woman with Christmas spirit in her heart, or will he lose his own in the process?

Scroll down for an excerpt

Buy it now

Amazon | Amazon.co.uk |Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks

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About the author...

Mina Carter

Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband, daughter and a cat who moved in and never left. 

Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. 

A full time author and cover artist, Mina can usually be found hunched over a keyboard or graphics tablet, frantically trying to get the images and words in her head out and onto the screen before they drive her mad. She's addicted to coffee and Nutella on toast.

You can visit Mina at:

Website     Facebook     Twitter

Excerpt...

Once, just once, it would be nice for things to go right. Candy sighed and dropped her head into her hands, closing her eyes to shut out the crap that littered her desk. She was screwed, six ways to Sunday and back again. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars… All that jazz. 

“Fuck.” 

Leaning back in her chair, she shoved her hands into her hair and looked at the papers on her desk. Bills filled it, almost covering the crime report in its neat little folder. Her heart hit rock bottom. After months of planning for the Christmas party, months of anticipation for the kids who came to the Chapel Centre, some fucking jerk had ruined it all. One break in, one act of vandalism and all that planning had been for nothing. 

The Chapel was the only community centre of its kind, deep in the heart of the most deprived area of the city. Kids around here were lucky to eat one good meal a day, and Christmas…well, the bright sparkly Christmas peddled in department stores and on TV was beyond the reach of most of the parents. Parents ground down with job cuts and rent increases, their eyes shadowed and tired as they tried to explain to their children why Santa had run out of the big presents they wanted. She knew they tried their best, but there was only so much money, and she knew in most households there was more going out than coming in. 

That didn’t matter with kids though. Kids didn’t care about finances; all they saw was the tree and presents. Which is why she’d organised the big Christmas party at the Chapel for the last three years. Held on Christmas Eve, there were party games and a Christmas sing-along before each child and the parents got a hot meal. 

The kids knew the drill: after dinner, sleigh bells would ring outside and their special guest would arrive. Candy loved seeing their faces at the first sound of a booted foot…the anticipation and delight as that red suit and the big white beard came into view. By the time the first ‘ho-ho-ho’ rang out in the hall, at least four kids had squealed and one started to cry. Then they all lined up and by the end of the night, each child had spoken to Santa and gone away with a brightly wrapped gift. 

Every Christmas Eve for the last three years. Not this year though. Because of some little jerk, the party was going to have to be cancelled. She fought back tears at the thought of disappointing all those kids, pinching the bridge of her nose as she closed her eyes again. Somehow she had to make this right. 

Candice, when are you going to stop messing about with your little pet project and come home? Her father’s voice rang in her mind, his derisive tone setting her teeth on edge. Your mother and I would like you to meet Robert, he’s new with the company. Up and coming, very nice young man. Just your type. 

Shaking her head, she opened her eyes. Just her type. Yeah, right. Her father had no clue what her type was. All Sebastian Kane saw was what he wanted, and in the Kane family that was all that mattered. Everyone deferred to her father without question. Except her. 

Fed up with his overbearing manner, Candy had moved out as soon as she’d come into her inheritance from her grandmother and gotten her own place. Then she’d started putting what money she had to good use: renovating the dilapidated old chapel and turning it into a community centre. In three years, they’d gone from a few curious youngsters to being at the centre of the local community. Mom and toddler groups, homework clubs, fundraisers…if you could think of it, they did it. And every year they built towards the Christmas Eve party, the bank account swelling and plans in place to make the money go as far as possible. 

She pulled the repair schedule toward her. All that effort had been shattered with one random selfish act. Once the repairs they needed had been paid for, the money would be gone. Wiped out. She couldn’t feed people on fresh air or promises. They’d have to cancel the party. 

With a sigh she picked up the phone, steeling herself to ring around and tell the suppliers that she couldn’t pay the bills, then arrange for workmen to arrive in the morning to start putting the place right. 

An hour later she put the phone down with a little of her faith in humanity restored. Once they’d heard what had happened, most of the suppliers had either offered their products free or alternatives at a vastly reduced cost. A row of sums crawled down the pad near the phone as she added everything up. She could just about cover it out of her own pocket until the insurance money came through in the new year. 

There was just the problem of getting a new Santa, since the guy at the agency—‘Genuine Claus elves to put that extra magic in your Christmas’—had flat out told her, no money, no Santa. He’d even refused to refund her deposit. Bastard. Pushing to her feet, she grabbed her coat and bag to head for the door. That was a problem for tomorrow. Tonight, she’d had enough. 

“You are one fucking lucky bastard, Stone. You know that?” Rhod Claus demanded as the woman in red, his best friend’s new mate, walked off with a sexy little sashay in her hips and headed back inside. 

“Oh, don’t I just know it.” Stone, leaning on the wall next to him as the pair stood outside the brand spanking new PPA offices, grinned and twirled the liquid in the bottle between his fingers. 

It was the company’s Christmas cum office-warming party, and all the agency’s operatives had been ordered to attend.

© 2012 Mina Carter

Buy it now

Amazon | Amazon.co.uk |Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks

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Countdown to Christmas: 3 more sleeps...

Baby, You're Cold Inside
by Ivy Bateman

Buy it now!
$2.24 / £1.51

Lily Sinclair isn't in the Christmas spirit.

Successful, sexy and headstrong; being nice is too overrated when being naughty is so much more fun. However, there are those who believe that her cool interior stands in her way of true happiness. On the night when something a little bit colder than Lily takes her on a journey to her past, she goes along for the ride, but...

Will her guide show her just what it will take to melt her icy soul?

Scroll down for an excerpt

Click here to buy it now in a choice of digital formats 

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About the author...

When she was just nine, this girl began her journey for a life on the stage. Attempts were made, classes were taken, lessons were well learned but, at the end of the day, a decision to live life off the stage was made. But all was not lost. While at college she met the love of her life and his support and strength has helped her to see that she has talent waiting around many corners.

When the stage beckons, she answers its call, and her new passion for writing has enhanced many of her theatre dreams and as well as the occasional book, she now occasionally writes a play. 

The love of her life generously reads everything she writes and although he may not always be her muse, he is always her biggest fan. 

Baby, You're Cold Inside is Ivy's third book with Breathless Press. Her first release with Breathless Press, Between the Lines, was released in January, 2012. This was followed by The Fifth Story in September, 2012.

You can find Ivy at:

Blog     Twitter     Facebook     Email

Excerpt...

"Why'd you bring me here?" I gesture to the circle of trees.

"So you assume that I arranged this?"

"Well, I don't see any other magic, frost people around," I say, trying to keep my sarcastic tone in check.

"Well, yes...it was me, but why aren't you more shocked? A lot of people freak out when this kind of thing happens to them! I thought for sure that even you would be impressed to be taken back to a point in your past. But no, you're just as full of attitude watching your past as you are in the present! The guys and I really thought we'd be able to break your hostile exterior." He genuinely seems hurt, but it doesn't faze me.

"The guys? What guys?" I put my hands on my hips and face him.

"Yes, the guys, well and some girls, my co-workers, we who work for St. Jude."

"St. Jude."

"Yes," he says, his voice filled with pride

"The saint for hopeless cases?"

"Exactly."

Our banter is interrupted by a loud groan. We look over at Cory the rutting wonder and past Lily. I can tell Phillip assumes the noise came from Cory, but I remember it was me, expressing my sour mood. This guy had one move; put it in, pull it out and repeat. It got old fast.

I shake my head and look back at Phillip. "They can't see us, right?"

"No, they can't see us, or hear us, or anything like that. So getting back to St. Jude..."

"Yes, ok...you work for the saint of hopeless causes, Phillip. I got that. So why are you here? Oh wait!" I put my hand up to stop him from talking. "You and the guys think I am a hopeless case or cause or whatever! That's a riot! Are you here to help me?"

Frozen Phillip momentarily transitions into assistant Phillip. He looks down at his feet and scrunches his face. He appears embarrassed. I laugh loudly.

"You are! That's insane! I don't need any help!"

"Well, Lily, we disagree," he starts speaking very slowly, as if he was talking to a child. "We've been watching you for quite a few years. Your attitude toward your fellow man has been a bit...off kilter for more than a little while and we think it's time to intervene. Most people who are not very nice eventually have an epiphany, a sort of a wakeup call and change their ways, but not you. You seem to thrive on making people miserable, but in the end it's not going to help you." Phillip stops and looks into my eyes. He's probably trying to see if this is moving me at all. I stare blankly back at him, crossing my arms under my breasts.

"And?" I snap at him.

Phillip swallows before he continues. "And every Christmas season, because at this time of the year people are often at their kindest, we are all given a 'hopeless case,' a person to turn around. This year I was given you as my project. I've been sent by the powers that be to help you find your kinder side. We think that somewhere under your cold exterior lies a warm heart, a gentler person and we'd like to bring that out in you."

I howl with laughter. "Wow, Phillip, do I feel sorry for you! How'd you get stuck with me? Did you draw the short straw?" I'm laughing so hard I'm in tears, but I stop soon after. The snow suit is too tight for a lot of mirth. 

"Lily, I'm quite serious." 

"Oh I believe you, my dear. Don't worry. The icy get up, the trip to the past, it's all very dramatic, but come on, Phillip! Why on earth do you and your guys care about one bitchy woman? Besides, I don't think I'm a hopeless case. I think I'm fabulous. You're wasting your time. Aren't there people who have seriously hopeless cases that you could be working on?"

He smiles brightly. "See right there! The fact that you can think of people other than yourself, that you can imagine there are suffering people who need help shows that you have a bit of warmth in your soul."

I scoff at him. "No it doesn't. Phillip, I think most people are hopeless. If you helped people based on what I think, you'd never stop working. The only person I care about is me." I pat his frozen cheek and walk over to watch the action in the center of the trees.

Click here to buy it now in a choice of digital formats 

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Countdown to Christmas: 4 more sleeps...

Deck Mac Hall
by Raven McAllan

Out today! Buy it now
$2.49 / £1.67

For ten years Mac had trained to understand the sort of Dom he is. Now he must explain himself to Holly and hope it's what she wants.

Holly has lusted after Mac for years, so when he suddenly announces this Christmas is the right time, she is determined to see it through.

Mac is a man of extreme tastes, and he's not all sure that Holly can be the sub he needs. He has prepared for this time for years.

Will all this preparation bear fruit, or is little Holly going to run away screaming? There's only one way to find out.

Scroll down for an excerpt

Click here to buy it now in a choice of digital formats

$2.49 / £1.67

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About the author...

We've already met Raven, having featured with one of her other new releases, The Perfect Gift, (two, in fact, including Vanilla-Free Christmas), which just leaves me to say, "happy release day!"

Excerpt...

Damn Mac. All she wanted was a quiet life, not a clit-quivering tingle every time he came within five yards of her. On cue, her body responded to his presence, and her thong dampened.

"Your eyes are saying take me, I'm yours," a deep male voice whispered in her ear. "Have you decided yet? I told you, Holly. It has to be your decision, not mine. If you say yes, we'll set the rules. Not until then. If you say no? Ah well, only I'll know what you've turned down." His kiss on the nape of her neck sent a totally different sort of shiver through her. If his look dampened her thong, his kiss had soaked it.

"Well?" he asked. His voice was patient, his tone as conversational as if they were talking about the weather, not their future. "Holly, you've had time. We decided on Christmas Eve. That's tonight." He stamped his feet in the snow. The air was frosty, and his breath created white misty swirls around his lips.

"You said midnight," Holly reminded him. "And if we're being precise, I've had ten years. Now I have half an hour yet."

The nip on her neck made her jump.

"So I did. And?"

"So you can wait. I'll meet you in the Cock and Bull then."

He spun her around to face him, eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't be thinking of reneging, would you? I'll be mighty pissed if you are." He put his arm around her, and his hand caressed her ass through the heavy coat she was wearing. Even through all the layers, the heat of his touch seared her skin.

Bloody prick. Argh, and if he moves that finger any harder, it'll be in my asshole.

Click here to buy it now in a choice of digital formats

$2.49 / £1.67

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Countdown to Christmas: 5 more sleeps...

An Angel For The Tree
by Shelli Rosewarne

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$1.49 / £1.00

Daniel is a modern day Scrooge, but when a beautiful angel shows up on his doorstep can he believe in a Christmas miracle?

Daniel Everett is having a bad day. Firstly, it's almost Christmas and he's convinced Scrooge had the right idea in the first place. Secondly, his latest nanny has left him to cope alone with his five year old daughter—and quite frankly he would rather deal with several cut-throat mergers before breakfast than one small child.

When the beautiful Laurel shows up on his doorstep she's a gift from heaven—literally! Unbeknown to him, Laurel is a real life angel and his carefully ordered life is about to be turned upside down. She's determined to help Daniel feel again and to reconnect with his daughter.

What neither of them bank on is the sparks that fly between them. As Laurel starts to thaw Daniel's icy exterior. Can he learn to trust again and start to believe in the impossible, and can they ever overcome the obstacles of coming from two separate worlds?

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Click here to buy it now in a choice of digital formats

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About the author...

Shelli Rosewarne lives in Edinburgh with her long-suffering fiancé and slightly psycho cat. She always had a dream of being a writer but, like so many things, real life and paying the bills got in the way. She eventually realized that life is too short not to follow your dreams and a year later was signing her first contract with Breathless Press. When not writing she loves reading, music and photography.

You can visit her online at:

Blog     Facebook

Excerpt...

He was aimlessly roaming round the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Daniel froze. He wasn't expecting anyone, he never had business meetings at the house and he sure as hell didn't have personal visitors here. A frown crossed his face as he strode through the house, flung open the front door, and felt his breath hitch.

The woman standing there was stunning. Her hair was burnished gold, tumbling in thick curls. Her face had that rare kind of classical beauty, and her eyes were an unusual deep violet that almost looked like it couldn't be real. She was tiny and slender, but the belted coat she wore against the now heavy snow hinted at lush curves. She smiled at him, and a dimple peaked from her left cheek. Christ, she must be lost. Maybe a model. He'd dated some models in his time and while she didn't have the stick-thin figure that seemed to be in fashion at the moment, she put them all to shame.

"Daniel Everett?" Her voice was low, husky and Daniel was shocked to feel a surge of desire shoot through him.

'That's me," he replied, brisker then he'd intended, and the light in her eyes faded a little.

"I'm Laurel." She held out her hand and Daniel took it before thinking better of it.

The minute their palms touched he felt a jolt of electricity and jerked back as though she'd burnt him. He saw the brilliant eyes widen in shock and for a moment she looked uncertain, biting down on her lower lip, which only made his gaze attach to it more. He shook himself. Christ it must have been a while since he'd got laid if he was reacting like this to some random, albeit gorgeous, woman who showed up on his doorstep.

"So, what can I do for you?" He tried to make himself sound casual, but was well aware it didn't seem to be working.

She started slightly, as though she'd needed to collect herself, and those luminous eyes met his again. "I believe you need some help with your daughter."

Complete relief flooded through him, and he almost sagged from it. "You're from the agency? I thought they couldn't find anyone for at least three days? You know what, never mind, come in, please."

Daniel was almost giddy. Now he didn't need to try and negotiate the minefield that was his daughter—he could get back to work without distractions. As that thought crossed his mind he paused and eyed the new nanny. Was the cure going to be more of a distraction? He dismissed the thought. While he might know nothing about kids, he knew lots about women. The over-the-top reaction was just due to the stressful day and the fact he hadn't had a woman for a while. It would surely be simple enough to avoid her anyway. God knows he'd never had much to do with any of Rachel's nannies before.

"Come in," he repeated. "I'll introduce you to Rachel."

Click here to buy it now in choice of digital formats
$1.49 / £1.00

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Countdown to Christmas: 6 more sleeps...

For The Love Of Mutt
by Doris O'Connor

Buy it now
$2.49 / £1.67

A homeless shelter at Christmas may seem an odd place to find one's soul mate, but love knows no boundaries - or does it?

Anja has grown fond of the wolf like dog hanging around the shelter. With her soon to be ex -boyfriend putting pressure on her, her canine friend proves to be more reliable than any human could ever be. If only he were more than just a dog.

Helping others is not always easy to do, unless Ethan can do so undercover. However, hiding your true self brings problems of its own. Finding a mate had not been in Ethan's plan of action, but Anja's easy acceptance of Mutt breaks through all of his defenses.

The problem is he is not what he seems and will his deception by proxy prove the end of them before they even have a chance at love?

Scroll down for an excerpt

Click here to buy it now in choice of digital formats
$2.49 / £1.67

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Meet the author...

Doris O'Connor

Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris... at least that's what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Find Doris on the web here:

Website     Blog     Twitter
Facebook     Pinterest

Excerpt...

"Shower, you say?"

Anja released the breath she'd been holding and nodded.

"I guess that would be a good idea."

"You think? What did you do? Roll in dung?" She slammed her hand on her mouth in horror at her insensitivity, but he just laughed, and murmured something she couldn't quite catch.

"Is everything all right, my dear?" Mary asked.

"Yes, fine. I was about to show him where the showers are. So if you follow me..."

She weaved her way through the throng of people, out into the corridor, and up the steep stairs leading up to the second floor. She didn't need to look over her shoulder to know that he was following her, so aware was she of his presence. The wooden stairs creaked under her feet, yet he didn't make a sound despite his much heavier frame, his footfalls as light and graceful as a predator's. She stopped at the top of the stairs and watched his silent approach. Again she was struck by the contradiction between his appearance and his commanding presence. A presence that had her leaning towards him, even as her nose protested at the noxious fumes coming off his clothing.

She stepped to the side as he came close and gestured toward the door to the shower units. "Showers are in there. I'll see whether I can find you something fresh to wear. Mary just had a new batch of donated clothes in."

She risked a peek at his face and promptly wished she hadn't. The quiet intensity with which he was studying her did strange things to her equilibrium. She leaned against the wall for some support and breathed a sigh of relief when he smiled, turned, and walked through the open door towards the showers all lined up against the wall.  He shrugged out of his jacket as he went and even though she knew he would see her staring if he turned around, she couldn't quite get her feet to move. He discarded the jacket on the floor and toed out of the sorry excuse for shoes he was wearing. The muscles in his back bunched and moved as he made short work of his trousers and Anja barely suppressed a gasp. He wasn't wearing any underwear and he had the most perfect male ass she'd ever had the good fortune to ogle. And Anja was no stranger to ogling. The internet was a wonderful thing, after all.

He was surprisingly clean under the clothes. She heard him whistle as he turned the water on and stepped under the stream. Rivulets of dirt created an intricate pattern on his broad back as the filth washed out of his hair and ran down his torso, over the slim hips, trim ass, and powerful thighs, then down toward the tiled flooring of the wet room. He reached for one of the shower gels stacked along the wall and proceeded to lather up his hair. When he turned around Anja prepared herself to flee, but his eyes were closed, and she stood frozen to the spot, unable to tear her gaze away as he soaped up his body. She followed the movement of his hands with her eyes, and bit her lip when he reached his cock. Thick and long, it hung semi-erect between his legs and hardened under his ministrations.

Groaning, he cupped his shaft. He spread his legs and started pumping in earnest, putting one hand against the wall for support. Faster and faster that hand moved and Anja rubbed her thighs together at the answering ache in her pussy. Who'd have thought that watching a man jack himself off would be such a turn-on? His face contorted as though in pain, his balls drew up, and his thighs shook, until finally with a roar of completion he shot his load into the streaming water and sagged back against the wall.

And still, she couldn't bring herself to move. Now that he was washed free of the grime, she could admire the powerful angles of his face. His shoulder-length hair stuck to his skin and his full lips, partially hidden by his goatee, opened in a fanged smile. A smile she had seen countless times in his other form.

The room spun and this time Anja couldn't hide her gasp when he opened his eyes and he stared straight at her. Mutt's golden eyes glowed and the man's growl travelled across the distance separating them, as he grabbed a towel and stalked toward her.

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Countdown to Christmas: 7 more sleeps...

Good Enough to Share
by Zara Stoneley

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($3.00 / £1.93)Amazon US and Amazon UK

One Christmas, four friends – but will they still be together by New Year?

Divorce wasn’t part of the plan for Holly, but then again nor was spending the festive period with two sexy men and Santa’s little helper! With a disastrous marriage behind her, and three good friends who are willing to share, moving on could be fun – if only she can accept that sometimes her heart is wiser than her head.

Dane doesn’t do commitment, which suits Holly just fine. But when things heat up between the four friends, he’s forced to face up to his past. Will realising he’s good enough mean he no longer wants to share…?

Laid back Charlie knows that if his best friend becomes his lover he could end up losing big time. But can he resist? And when the girl he once loved comes back, who will he decide to spend the New Year with?

…And Sophie just wants to have fun. She’s got the answers to everyone's problems, except her own …. is she the one who needs good friends most of all?

Will a caring, sharing, lust and love filled Christmas lead to the happy ever after they all desire?

WARNING - Christmas may never seem the same again!

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Available now on Kindle
Amazon US and Amazon UK

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About the author...

Hi Allie, thanks for having me!

Here’s a brief introduction, so that you know who you’re talking to … 

I've always wanted to be a writer, I submitted my first novel, a thriller, when I was twelve years old. I sent it direct to a publisher, with a handwritten note and no return postage! I had a lovely letter in response encouraging me to try again and so eventually I did. 

As I hit my mid teens my writing tastes shifted from action to romance, and I was soon addicted to alpha heroes, and what could be better than writing about them? I started off writing contemporary romance with a bit sizzle, and it didn't take me long to discover that I also loved writing the very sexy stuff. So, if you like your romance simmering and sensual please check out my first Susie Medwell story which is due out next spring with Lyrical Press, and if you like them hot and erotic then Zara is your girl! 

My days are now spent daydreaming, and writing, about good looking, well built men who know what they want and know how to get it, men who know the meaning of sensual and put a girl's needs before their own... men who have a sensitive side (for your eyes only) as well as a rough edge...men who love women for what they are... men who aren't afraid to take on an intelligent, sassy woman....

Have a great Christmas everyone!

Excerpt...

A man in a pinny isn’t necessarily a turn on. A naked man, with his back turned to you and a perfectly toned ass is. Just saying. It was the smell of coffee and bacon that had got me out of bed. Coffee is one of the few things I count as essential in life, and the smell of bacon crisping first thing in the morning, well, I wouldn’t say no.

“Sleep well?” He turned just enough to flash a smile at me, but it wasn’t the white teeth that grabbed my attention, it was his chin darkened with stubble. I was staring, I must stop staring.

“Yeah.” The last time I’d got up to find a man in the kitchen was a long time ago. James understood a loaf of bread and a lump of cheese, which he’d cut into precision slices, but that was about the limit of his interest. And no way would he venture out of the bedroom dressed in, well nothing. What was I supposed to do now?

“Grab a stool, it’s nearly ready.”

He’d read my mind. Stated the obvious, but the obvious was good. Normal.

“Did you sleep?” I had told myself I wasn’t going to ask, in case I didn’t like the answer, but I couldn’t help it. I never was very good at hiding what was on my mind.

“Not really, that sofa is about a foot too short.” Ah, so that answered that. He pushed a mug of coffee across the breakfast bar. “Is sleepyhead Sophie awake yet?”

“Not heard any noises from the spare room yet.” I could have been mistaken but I could swear his face relaxed a bit. So he’d got questions too. But was he worried that he’d been missing out on a girlie fest, or was this sharing thing strange for him too? “She doesn’t really like mornings.”

“Nope, bit of a night owl.” He touched the back of my hand with the tip of his finger and I glanced up straight into serious eyes. “From what I remember.”

“We’re—” the coffee was good, hot but nice and strong so that I got a hit of caffeine almost before the liquid reached my throat. “—skating round things a bit aren’t we?” There, I just can’t leave something alone until I know. He leaned in a bit closer so that I could smell that fresh morning shower smell and kissed me so gently on the lips that my heart gave a funny flip.

“Eat breakfast then we’ll stop skating.” I half wanted to say stop, talk, I need to know what we’re doing before the moment went, but he was putting eggs and bacon on plates and it smelled so good my stomach started to do a jungle rumble. He put a plate in front of me, soft bread bap topped with crispy bacon and a perfect fried egg.

“Salt?”

“Sure.” Fingers too big for the salt bowl picked up a few grains and sprinkled it over. Too big, but oh so dexterous. I ignored the way my throat was drying at the thought. “I’ve not had an egg and bacon butty for years.” A dribble of egg yolk burst out and headed down my chin.

“I can see why.” He was laughing but his eyes were intent.

I stuck my tongue out to lick it off, met his finger as he reached out and for a moment we both froze. Then I couldn’t help it, I sucked his finger very slowly, very deliberately with my eggy sticky lips. Okay, I’d told myself I wasn’t getting involved with anyone, but this was different, wasn’t it? This was casual, no strings, no expectations and we’d already stepped past the friends’ mark.

“That might not be a good thing to do, Holly.” His voice had that rough edge to it that I loved, a sandpaper sound that set my nerves on edge. I let my tongue circle the tip of his digit and kept on looking right into those deep grey eyes and his throat rippled as he swallowed. His other hand came up, cradled my neck, his thumb tracing up from the base all the way up to my chin and the hairs at the back of my neck prickled to full-on alert.

“Strange thing for a half-naked man to say.”

         

(PS This book is doing phenomenally well in the Amazon rankings, just saying ;-) )

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