Summer Reads from San Diego

 Whether you like to read at the beach or in a backyard hammock, these San Diego romance writers have some great summer books to share with                                     Get Lost in A Story readers!

His Unforgettable Fiancée

Teresa Carpenter

Harlequin Romance

Her million-dollar mystery man… 

Sheriff Grace Delaney's last case is a handsome stranger suffering from amnesia. She agrees to help him uncover his memory, but when his identity is revealed as multimillionaire playboy Jackson Hawke, Grace must swap the safety of her small town for the bright lights of Las Vegas and pretend she's his latest conquest! 

Grace soon finds herself falling, not for the millionaire, but the man she's come to know. But when Jackson's memory returns, will he forget her…or make her dreams a reality?

Facebook   Amazon   Harlequin   Barnes & Noble   Twitter: @CarpenterWTR

Gavin's Woman

Pamela Moran

She was his only obsession. 

Gavin Dunbar, liaison between the PSI and the government, is a low-level psychic himself. A man of the present who believes the future is too nebulous, too fluid – that it can't be trusted. His reasons are mired deep in a past he has no desire to examine. After all, in his world, having a soul-mate doesn't equate to happily-ever-after. 

Tragedy has brought Calea Fontaine to a crossroads and has her reassessing her future without the man she loves. A seer from a long line of seers, Calea knows, firsthand, that while Fate might try to guide a person along a path, Free Will has a way of trumping Destiny. Or does it? 

Along the storm ravaged Oregon coast, a predator stalks Calea with an obsession born of a dark ache, an overwhelming need to control and possess at any cost. The only obstacle standing in his way is Gavin Dunbar.

Amazon    Amazon UK   B&N   iTunes    Kobo

Spirit Fall

Tessa McFionn

Etopia Press

Paradise can be a real hell. Especially for ancient Guardian Warrior, Malakai Vadim, who has called sunny San Diego home for the past 70 years. Yet not until a random walk does he realize just how dangerous, and beautiful, heaven can be.

Drowning in a deep, and inescapable depression, Siobhan Whelan stands on the ledge, seconds away from ending it all. Darkness and loss have stolen the light from her life and death appears to be the only solution. Only the kindness of a seductive stranger can bring her back down to earth. Now, he must solve the riddle of her tormented dreams while holding his own growing desires at bay. But can his love be strong enough to save them both? Buy link: Amazon

The Captain's Frozen Dream
Georgie Lee
Harlequin Historical

Can he salvage her reputation? 

Trapped in the Arctic ice, intrepid explorer Captain Conrad Essington was driven on by thoughts of his fiancée, Katie Vickers. Finally home, he's ready to take her in his arms and kiss away the nightmare of that devastating winter. 

Except the past eighteen months haven't been plain sailing for Katie, either. With Conrad believed dead, and her reputation in tatters, Katie has relinquished all hope of her fiancé ever returning to save her. Now he's back, can the dreams they've both put on hold at last come true? Buy link:  Amazon  Website: www.georgie-lee.com

Sexy to Go 

11 sexy book boyfriends to steal you away. Hot rock stars, billionaires, gigolos, PI’s and even the boss! Erotic romance for women by women. A new volume every month, always delicious. 

Dreamwalker: Finders, Inc. by Pamela Moran, Love & Survival (Tales From Epsilon, Prequel) by Sorcha Mowbray,  First Class, Part 2 by Jocelyn Dex,  Landscapes of Love, Part 1, by Virginnia De Parte,  Geek Overboard #2 by Kathryn Lively, Rewriting the Law, Part 5 by Daisy Banks, Sing for Me by Haley Whitehall, Meeting the Parents by Sofia Grey, Rescued by the Billionaire by Eva Lefo,  Surprise Waiting by Shiloh Saddler  On the Sly, Part 2 by Leigh Ellwood.   

Amazon   iTunes  All Romance ebooks   Smashwords   

Sandman

Morgan Hannah MacDonald 

BEWARE THE SANDMAN-HE’LL PUT YOU TO SLEEP. . .FOREVER

A serial killer on the loose, a woman with a psychotic stalker and a homicide detective who must find the connection before it’s too late. He collects women. Imprisons them. Plays with them. Tortures them. He gathers souvenirs. His trophies are many.  Buy link:  Amazon

The Do It List 
Jillian Stone

Hotshot copywriter, Gracie Taylor-Scott, has a reputation—for her artfully edgy ads. A rising star at Darcy Wexler Dean, New York, the long hours are perfect cover for Gracie’s fear of intimacy issues. Great job. Great pay. No life—including her on again off again sex life. Then one night, she is plunged into darkness with a handsome stranger.

Bradley Craig, the new head of DWD’s research division, has secrets of his own. Much lauded in his field of consumer behavior, there’s a darker side to the attractive, enigmatic ad man—his erotic, list-maker side.

Gracie and Bradley are assigned to work on the biggest new business pitch Darcy Wexler Dean will be in all year, and the two tangle immediately, battling copy concepts and focus group findings along with their explosive attraction to each other. Bradley has a proposition: they make a list—ten erotic sexual encounters, no strings attached. What’s at stake? Two Super Bowl spots and two fragile hearts.  Buy link:  Amazon  Website:  jillianstone.com

Developing Cassandra

Tameri Tiara

The camera never lies… 

When it comes to sex, Cassandra James is about as exciting as dryer lint. Until one night when her boss, a famed erotic photographer, invites her into the scene. Her world explodes with new desires, hidden fantasies, and an insatiable need to experience all she can. Including the wicked crops and crosses in her boss’s playroom. 

The only thing keeping Cassie from truly committing to this new lifestyle is the gorgeous model who lives across the hall. But a guy like him would never understand the wants of a woman like her… 

Luciano De Moreno is more than just an international model. Once the premiere stud in one of Hollywood’s top producer’s stable, he craves more from life than being someone’s pony. What he desires just happens to live across the hall. But there’s no way a good girl like Cassie could ever love a man like him. A man with a sordid past and a penchant for crops and floggers. 

Just when it looks like he might have a chance, their future is threatened by a power player from Luca’s distant past. It will take a daring choice, but Luca is determined to be free from his blackmailer. 

First, he must confess his sins to Cassandra.

Buy link: Amazon 

Have Kindle will travel–that's my mantra these days. And I read everywhere. At the beach, by the pool, waiting for a table at restaurants, at the dentist's office, on planes, trains and subways…

Question for readers: Where's your favorite place to read? Or tell us about the weirdest or funniest place you've ever read a book. All commenters who leave their contact information (email address) will be entered in the randomizer to win an ebook featured on today's post––winner's choice.

Good luck and happy summer reading!   

Once Upon a Time there was a Stolen Kiss From a Prince...

Amazon    Barnes and Noble   Harlequin 

When royal duty calls…

Charged with the care of the newly orphaned heir to the Kardana throne, nanny Katrina Vicente finds herself faced with an even more formidable task—working alongside the boy's uncle, the devastatingly handsome Prince Julian, the prince regent. 

Desperate to keep the secrets of her past under lock and key, getting involved with a prince is the last thing Katrina needs, particularly with the world watching. But it's hard to ignore their instant chemistry—especially after one stolen kiss! Could her royal assignment be about to transform into the most magical of fairy tales?

An excerpt from A Stolen Kiss from A Prince:

“Shall we go?” She moved forward, swaying slightly.

He ground his teeth, half tempted to send her back to bed. More than tempted to join her there. He dismissed the inappropriate thought, disgusted with his libido for rising up when his full attention should be on his brother’s family.

Samson’s needs came first.

“Where are your shoes?” he demanded, focusing on the practical.

She stopped and frowned, as if it took an effort to think. He was reminded she, too, had taken a knock to the head.

“I’ll fetch them.” The maid disappeared into the bedroom and returned a moment later with a pair of fuzzy slippers. Katrina slipped them on; her pink-tipped toes peeked through the end.

A fine example of Pasadonia real estate.

She rubbed her forehead. “Would you prefer I take the time to dress?”

Yes. There was something entirely too intimate about her in nightgown and robe.

    “No.” Again he thought of Samson, saw tear trails on pale cheeks. “Let’s go.”

He followed her from the room.

“Mademoiselle—” Damn. What was her name? He quickly closed the distance between them. “I wish to make myself clear. Your assistance with Samson is appreciated. That does not mean I will abide interference with my decisions regarding his care.”

“Of course,” she responded as she pressed the button to call the elevator.

“Are you mocking me?” he challenged, crowding her.

She blinked those big violet eyes at him as she shrank back, making him feel as if he’d chastised an innocent.

“No,” she said, and entered the elevator. She moved into the corner, her toes curling into her slippers. She pulled the edges of her robe together and tightened the sash. “I know you want what is best for him.” A wan smile lifted the corner of her mouth. “Otherwise I would not be here right now.”

He searched her features for any hint of guile but saw only the ashen evidence of her exhaustion. She looked so fragile he thought of sending her back to her bed. Only the thought of Samson’s suffering kept him resolute.

“Excellent.” The elevator doors opened and he waved her forward. “As long as you understand.”

Teresa Carpenter is the author of thirteen romance novels for Harlequin Books, and a novella for Boroughs Publishing Group. Her books have rated Top Picks by Romantic Times and have been nominated for Best Romance of the Year by a couple of review sites. Teresa lives in Southern California surrounded by her large family. If she's not at a family event, you'll usually find her at home reading or writing her next grand romance.

Interview with the Nanny and the Prince.

Jillian: Katrina, can you tell GLIAS readers how you landed the royal nanny gig?

Katrina: Well, let us just say there are perks to being the Prince’s god daughter. I practically grew up in the palace. When I was young, I always dreamed of working in the palace nursery. I thought it was the happiest place in the world. I may have out grown the notion, except when my world fell apart, it was the safest place I could think of.

        

Jillian: Prince Julian, let’s play first impressions. What were yours about Katrina?

Prince Julian: The first time I saw her I thought she was a child. She slept curled up in a daybed in the Pasadonia palace nursery. A few minutes later she was in my face challenging me. My impression changed quickly. No child this. She was fiery in her defense of my nephew. A luscious armful of woman, daring, brave, and a bothersome complication.  

Katrina look alike.

Jillian: And Katrina, what did you think about Prince Julian?

 Katrina: He struck me as cold and stoic, and less than sympathetic for the young child thrust into his care. Not that I would have challenged him if I had known who he was. Mortified would describe that moment. You simply did not threaten to have a Prince’s head without severe consequences. I suppose he considered a conk on the head punishment enough.

Jillian: Prince Julian, I can’t imagine that it’s easy to romance a young woman with the world watching...or is it?

Prince Julian: The world is always watching. But as a Prince I have social duties. I choose to escort a variety of appropriate companions, but never one more than the others. Best if no one, including the press, gets the wrong impression. When I met Katrina, I knew there would be no romancing. As my closest friend’s god daughter and an employee albeit a guest of the crown, Katrina was firmly off limits.  

Jillian: Katrina, did you steal that first kiss, or did he?

Katrina: Oh my. Well, I remember falling asleep on the couch with Sammy in my arms. The next thing I knew I woke up surrounded by a warm body and strong arms. I get overheated just thinking about his mouth on mine. His fingers threaded through my hair, my hand on his cheek. The kiss going deeper… Oh my. What was the question again?

 Mega sexy inspiration for Julian

Jillian: I have to say this all sounds pretty magical, was it?

Katrina: Magical? Hmm, yes, that describes it perfectly. Not quite a fairy tale, Julian is too analytical to be prince charming material. And I would have it no other way.

Julian: I am a royal prince. I believe in numbers and strategic planning. I make decisions that affect world economics. Magic has no place in my life. Except when it comes to Katrina, holding her in my arms is truly magical.

Ha ha! Teresa has two questions. One for me and one for readers!

I’m a big Jillian Stone fan, when can we expect to see a new book? LOL! Thanks for asking. Let's see...I have two finished erotic romance manuscripts over at Ellora's Cave waiting for editor's notes. It's hard to say when they will get a release date.  I'm currently writing a new spin off to the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, titled CODENAME: DRAGON, which will publish in Fall, 2014. And for fans of the Phaeton Black series, there will be a new release in 2015. 

And for the readers: Who is your favorite movie/tv prince/king hero?

Mine is Clive Owen as King Arthur. Brave, loyal, and yummy.

Teresa is giving away a copy of The Making of a Princess. It’s the third book in her Princess Camp series and has characters that appear in Stolen Kiss From a Prince. Please remember to leave contact information along with your comment to qualify for the raffle. Good luck! 

For more on Teresa and her novels, contact her here:  Facebook   Amazon

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Get Lost in a Love Story with Teresa Carpenter

Chef's Delight
Teresa Carpenter


Heather Brown has one stipulation when it comes to finding Mr. Right: anyone but the boy next door. Ex-SEAL Joss Stone may live next door, but he’s anything but a boy. And he’s the one thing standing between her and everything she’s lost. 

Here's an Excerpt: 

Heather sighed as she watched Joss jog away, his fine tush showed to advantage in thin knit shorts. She was so hot for his bod and all she got from him was a peck on the cheek. Wasn’t that the story of her life? Men thought of her as a friend or sister, rarely as a lover. 
Maybe he was right. Maybe she was too nice. 
And maybe she needed to do something about that.
A few weeks ago she wouldn’t have done it. She’d be too timid, too nice to contemplate such a bold move. But the hurt she’d suffered and the resulting anger gave her an edge. She didn’t really care if she provoked a little anger in exchange.
She climbed into her car, drove ahead of Joss, and leaned against her car waiting for his arrival. As she anticipated, he stopped when he reached her. Lord, he wasn’t even breathing hard. But he had removed his shirt and his broad chest glistened with sweat. 
He had a light dusting of dark hair on his pecs that narrowed into a thin line bisecting his abs. She licked her lips. Sometimes a girl had to go after what she wanted. 
“What?” he demanded.
“This.” And she threw her arms around his neck. Dragging his head down to hers, she plastered her mouth to his running her tongue along the seam of his lips.


Jillian: Steamy excerpt! I am thrilled to welcome Teresa Carpenter to GLIAS! Teresa enjoys a long and  successful partnership with Harlequin Books, as well as her new relationship with Boroughs Publishing Group.

Teresa Carpenter believes with love and family anything is possible. The author of twelve romance novels for Harlequin, Teresa 's books have rated a Top Pick by Romantic Times and The Romance Review and The Sheriff’s Doorstep Baby was nominated for Best Contemporary Romance of the Year (2012) on The Romance Review. She lives in San Diego surrounded by her large family. Her day job is in the exciting world of banking. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or attending one of her nieces or nephews sporting events. Her "Princess Camp" trilogy is based on fairy tales.

Jillian: Where do you read and how often?
Teresa: Everywhere and as often as possible. I love to read. It’s one of my greatest joys in life. I carry my book with me wherever I go and whenever I have a few minutes, I’ll read. Watching the kids in the front yard, in between innings at my nieces’ softball games, in line at the store, waiting for the movie to start are all opportunities to get in a few pages. But my favorite time is a lazy Sunday morning in bed. Unfortunately, I don’t get too many of those.

Jillian: What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on or did pass on to your children?
Teresa: I have a large close-knit family and I think the best tradition that’s been passed down is we love and support each other no matter what. In fact, my moto is With Love and Family Anything is Possible. I’m the main cruise director in our crowd and I hope what I’ve passed on is the importance of celebrating each other. Birthdays, holidays, special accomplishments need to be acknowledged and celebrate. It’s a way of showing each other you’re important to me.   

Jillian: How often do you get lost in a story?
Teresa: Every day. In two stories, the one I'm reading and the one I'm writing. And when I'm not actually doing one or the other, it's always a good sign when it's the one I'm writing that occupies my thoughts. If not, it becomes a good news, bad news scenario, because it means the book I'm reading is really great but I have to push through and finish it because it's messing with my creative process.

Jillian: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
Teresa: I love fairy tales. The whole idea of finding true love and overcoming impossible barriers to reach happily ever after is the basis for all romance stories. My favorite is Beauty and the Beast. What can I say; I just melt when a wounded Alpha male is tamed by a gentle beauty with spirit and loyalty. In fact my Princess Camp series for Harlequin Romance is a trilogy loosely based on fairy tales. My give away book, The Sheriff’s Doorstep Baby the first in the series, is based on Sleeping Beauty. Of course I had to do Beauty and the Beast, which is book two, Baby Under the Christmas Tree. And in June 2013 is Rapunzel with The Making of a Princess. Love the cover. (you could insert picture of my cover here, this is from 

Jillian: What's the first book you remember reading?
Teresa: The Flame and Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I heard my mom talking about it with her friends and I thought it sounded really intriguing. Of course I had to read it under my covers because I was only thirteen and she would have had a fit. I loved it. And then I spied a Harlequin romance sample in the store for fifteen cents and talked my mom into getting it for me. I've been hooked ever since.  My younger brother was named Brandon after the character in The Flame and the Flower. He's going to be 40 this year. 

Jillian: Tea or coffee? And how do you take it? 
Teresa: Iced tea, no sweetener, no lemon. You're probably thinking ugh. My family wrinkles their noses at me, but then someone is always stealing a sip! I don't care for the taste of mocha in anything drink, candy, ice cream. But I love the smell of fresh ground coffee beans.   

Teresa has a question for readers: Who's your favorite fairy tale heroine? I’m giving away a copy of the first book in the Princess Camp series, The Sheriff’s Doorstep Baby to one commenter drawn by randomizer. Good luck!

Previous Books:

Baby Under the Christmas Tree (Princess Camp)
The Sheriff’s Doorstep Baby (Princess Camp)
The Playboy’s Gift
The Boss’s Surprise Son
Sparks Fly With Mr. Mayor
Sheriff Needs a Nanny
Flirting With Fireworks
Her Baby, His Proposal
Baby Twins: Parents Needed
Daddy’s Little Memento
The Baby Due Date

Books Coming Soon:

Chef’s Delight, Boroughs Publishing
The Making of a Princess, Harlequin Romance June 2013 (Princess Camp)

Find Teresa Here:

My Website    Facebook    Amazon   

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.