Monday, September 16, 2013

It’s time for the “Sunset on Summer Fun” Blog Hop!


From September 17th-30th, readers will have the opportunity to discover exciting books and enter into contests from over a hundred authors. For this hop, I’m sharing with you an excerpt from my romantic suspense novel BLUE HORIZON, and I will be giving away an ebook and a Starbucks’ gift card.




BLUE HORIZON blurb:
Part of a secret government project, Elena Davidson's life is in serious jeopardy when she is

kidnapped by terrorists. Safeguarding 'Blue Horizon' isn't just a mission to Elena. She knows that if its purpose is revealed and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous for the entire world.

Beckham Connors has a simple mission: the retrieval of Elena Davidson, no matter what the cost. He has orders to rescue Elena from her captors and to send her home to America, or if necessary--kill her. Whatever happens, she cannot be left alive on Iranian soil.

Editorial Reviews:

"Blue Horizon is a captivating thriller that leaves you breathless right up to the dramatic climax..." --  The Jeep Diva, 5 stars
 
"Hammer keeps the reader guessing with plot twists and turns..."--Single Titles, 4.5 stars

"... captivating!"--InD'tale Magazine, 4 stars
 
"Mission Impossible with a bit of romance..." --The Consummate Reader

EXCERPT:

She watched him as he secured the new bandage. Until that moment, Elena hadn’t realized how close he sat next to her on the bed. His thigh brushed against hers. Elena lifted her head, and their gazes locked. She found herself becoming lost in his brown eyes. This hard man fought to be unfeeling, but she knew he wasn’t. Beckham had needs, just like her—to be touched, loved, and wanted.

His hand reached out to her cheek, and the roughness of his fingers met the softness of her skin. Elena’s breathing quickened as his fingers lowered to the curve of her neck. Her flesh tingled. Shivers of warmth bolted through her body. The same desire she felt reflected in his heated gaze. His chest rose with the rapid intake of his breaths. It felt as if the pull of a magnet drew them together as time slipped away. Elena braced herself for the kiss that was sure to come. She should have been afraid; Beckham could overpower her and she wouldn’t stand a chance, but fear was the last thing on her mind.

His fingers encircled the back of her neck, and he tugged her lips to his. Sparks ignited, lighting the backs of her closed eyelids. Without hesitation, their tongues explored. Her body demanded more of the sensual, intoxicating kiss. Elena’s heart raced. Grasping his broad shoulders, she felt his solid weight above her, pressing her firmly against the bed. Her breasts molded against his muscular chest. Beckham smelled so good, like earth and man.

“You’re so beautiful…so damn soft and sweet.” The heat from his husky words sent a shiver of excitement across her skin. She willed him to devour her. Elena had been so lost and alone that being held securely in his arms felt good and right. She could tell Beckham needed her just as much as she needed him.

The whiskers from his strong jaw rubbed against her skin, sending a ripple of painful pleasure through her. She moaned. With one hand she tugged at his shirt so she could touch his bare skin. Beckham caressed her breast. Even through the cloth she could feel the heat from his touch. She bit her lower lip to stop the cry from escaping. Scattered thoughts raced through her mind. She should be stopping this. She should be outraged that he dare touch her. The voice of reason pleaded with her to remember who she was and what he was, but she told it to shut up. She threaded her fingers through the length of his brown hair, bringing him even closer, needing to feel his lips once again on hers.

The sudden pounding on the door echoed throughout the room. Before the noise even registered in her mind, Beckham had leaped to his feet and was standing beside the bed. He took a second to slow his breathing and then cracked open the door. Mumbled words were exchanged. Elena strained to make them out. Apparently Beckham understood, since he opened the door a bit farther.

“Okay, be right there.” He glanced back at her. His wrinkled shirt was half unbuttoned, his hair disheveled. Beckham looked as if he’d almost been devoured. Had she done that to him?

His heated gaze raked over Elena as she lay sprawled on the bed. “Damn—I’m going to kill him.” After uttering those words, he smashed the turban back on his head, went out, and shut the door behind him.

 



So, I have a question for you: what kind of man do you find simply irresistible? Is it a man like Beckham, a misunderstood bad boy? Or does another type catch your eye like Mr. Success with his smooth moves, the optimistic thrill-seeker, the can’t-tie-me-down seducer, the sensitive artist, the charming cowboy whose dimple winks at you, or maybe the shy guy next door?
 


*GIVEAWAY ALERT. One random commenter will win an ebook copy (kindle or nook) of BLUE HORIZON. Please be sure to leave your email address. Just to make things sweeter, one random reader will receive a $5 Starbucks' gift card just for becoming a follower of my blog. Winners will be announced October 1st. Thanks and good luck!



Be sure to visit the BTS Blog Hop host site to find links to all the participating authors and to enter to win the GRAND PRIZE of a Kindle or Nook (winner’s choice). 



The contest is now closed. Congratulations to Carol Erisson for winning the ebook copy of BLUE HORIZON and Canny for winning the Starbuck’s gift card. Thanks to everyone for stopping by!








20 comments:

  1. Who can resist the misunderstood bad boy like Beckham? Though it's not easy for them to make the transition to dependable husband, the kind you can raise kids with without pulling your hair out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kady, so true. A misunderstood bad boy husband will need lots of training. Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  2. Hmm, so many choices. Bad boys can be fun, but you gotta know you'll never change them - at least in real life! Great, sexy excerpt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol,
      Thanks, so glad you enjoyed the excerpt!

      Delete
  3. Can't I have one of each? Beckham IS super-sexy, no doubt. I'm kind of a sucker for shy guys with dimples, especially if they play guitar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beverly,

      I know it's so hard to choose but dimples get me every time. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  4. Hi CJ - I enjoy all of the usual suspects as long as they're likable and believable. If I can't figure out what the heroine sees in him, the book doesn't work no matter how sexy they tell me the guy is.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lynne,

      You are so right. We all know a man's character counts for more than his looks. Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  5. Hard to believe the sun is setting on our summer, isn't it? Love the idea of your blog hop. Reading is all about the fantasy of other worlds, so I'm going to stick with the Alpha dudes, the redeemable bad-boy. The super sexy dude the heroine wants to bring to his knees. The loveable rake, the...but, in real life, I'll take a loveable Beta thanks very much. : )

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robena,
      Yes, summer went by way too quickly. The bad boys are so tempting and perfect for heros in novels.

      Delete
  6. Hi JL - I'm all for a sexy, but sincere cowboy, Stetson included! Some times a strong BETA man is nice, but I do love me those Alpha males! Great Excerpt!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Charlene,

      I also love those cowboys. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks!

      Delete
  7. In real life, it's the sensitive artist. The one who's on the lanky side, whose heart has been broken, but who is strong deep inside. I married that one. BUT - in fiction, I do like the bad boy. Or the sexy cowboy. The Alpha who will not take no for an answer - unless you seriously mean no. Yeah, any of those...sigh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christine,
      You are a lucky lady to marry the man of your (real) dreams. Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  8. I sort of fall for them all, given the right (fictional) circumstances. ;) But I am partial to those bad boys!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Samanthe,

      I know you like those bad boys. Your novels are filled with some yummy ones :)

      Delete
  9. I like Regency Dukes, bad boy SEALs, shifter alphas - hmmm, I'm pretty easy to please apparently LOL! Enjoyed the post!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Veronica,

      You have the right idea. Why be picky, just take them all. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  10. Congratulations on your book. Sounds so exhilarating. Though my husband is the shy guy next door, I lean toward a charming hunky cowboy with a gentle way a'talkin'.

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    Replies
    1. Hi CMalone,

      I'm thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt. Hunky cowboys are also at the top of my list. Thanks for commenting.

      Delete