#Guest Post & #Review WINNING STREAK by @KatieKenyhercz

Hello Divettes!

I'm back again with a guest post and review of Winning Streak by the wonderful and talented Katie Kenyhercz!

As the new head of public relations for the Las Vegas Sinners hockey team, Saralynn Reese wants to leave behind the frivolity of her popular girl image. Unfortunately, her first big assignment is to clean up the media messes of the team's assistant general manager, Madden Vaughn. He's flirty, impulsive, and self-centered; he also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous. Could there be more to Madden under the Ralph Lauren surface?

Having struggled with a gambling addiction since his early twenties, Madden's finally moved past it and into a secure, corporate job working for his sister, the one person who means the world to him. When rumors fly and the team and his family both doubt his word, an unlikely ally pulls him out of his funk with a manicured hand: Saralynn.

He's tired of chasing the same type of unattainable girl, and this up-and-coming publicity dynamo fits that mold perfectly. But she also challenges him and believes in him like no one else. Can they help each other keep their feet on solid ground . . . or will these twin hearts find themselves skating on thin ice?

Rach's Review: 5 out of 5 Divas

Heat level: 3.5/5 

I've got to say, I really loved this book. Now, I admit I might be a tiny bit biased, as I was one of Katie's critique partners way back when on the first book in this series, On the Fly, and I had a good long while to fall in love with Madden in that book! So when Katie told me he was getting his own book, I was ecstatic! And Winning Streak definitely does not disappoint! I loved this book start to finish. Madden and Saralynn both have some serious issues, and the obstacles to their relationship are many and intense. These were both stellarly believable characters and their time together on the page sizzles. This story really touched my heart and gave me some warm fuzzies, in addition to some serious sexual tension that threatened to burn up the pages! Can't recommend this book highly enough. Or the series for that matter. I've always been a bit of a hockey fan, but not hugely into the sport, so don't let the hockey scare you off. This is a wonderful series, and I can't wait to see what's in store next for the Las Vegas Sinners.



From the author:

Winning Streak is an anomaly in the Las Vegas Sinners series because I never intended to write it. I'd planned to have a hockey hero in every book. However, when On the Fly came out, I got a lot of reader feedback asking for Madden's book. They fell in love with Jacey's sweet but hapless brother and wanted more for him. I'd already planned Full Strength, the goalie's story, for book 2, but when it came time for book 3, I put a poll out to my readers. Who did they want first, Madden or Dylan Cole, the rookie turned young captain? Madden was the resounding winner.

I started writing Winning Streak and hit wall after wall. I knew I had to deal with Madden's gambling addiction, but beyond that, I wasn't sure what to do with a non-hockey playing hero. Enter young professional and relationship train wreck, Saralynn Reese, the goalie's younger sister from Full Strength. Saralynn is a former mean girl looking to better herself, and that made her both a challenge and a joy to write. I had to keep her sympathetic and show her depth but still hold onto the snark and a bit of the high maintenance that makes her funny. I had the best time writing her because she is almost nothing like me, which was different from writing Jacey and Allie, my two previous heroines. 

The fun of Winning Streak is that you have two people who are broken in the same amusing way. They were beautiful and shallow for most of their lives (at least that's what most people saw) and now both want to improve. Throwing them together is like the blind leading the blind, but they do learn about themselves through each other, and I love that. Madden's struggling to gain his sister's trust and respect after a gambling relapse years back, and Saralynn's trying to get people to take her seriously by taking charge of the Sinners PR department. Her first assignment is to clean up one of Madden's media messes.

I love the way these two play off of each other, and they both go through some rough growing pains but struggle to do their best.

The 4th Sinners book, Home Ice, is already out, and naturally focuses on young NHL phenom, Dylan Cole, who hits his first ever slump and can't seem to deal. He falls for America's figure skating sweetheart, Lorelai Kelly, who broke her ankle in the last Olympic Games and is struggling to get back on her blades and stay in the spotlight while she moonlights as the star of Sin City on Ice.

The 5th and final book in the Sinners series is Fair Trade, and it will release this December. It follows Grayson Gunn, a player in his early 40s who's looking to retire at the end of the season. He'd played his whole career for his home team out of loyalty but they never made the playoffs, and they mercy trade him to the Sinners for one last chance at the Cup before he hangs up his skates. He's intrigued by the new team assistant physician, Olivia Parker, who had worked for an AHL team before getting the Sinners' offer. They're both recovering from painful divorces and trying to get their bearings in Las Vegas when an unexpected chemistry pulls them together even as they try to stay away.

I still plan to write a collection of short stories catching up with each couple from the series and entitle it What Happens in Vegas because I've had several readers say they wanted to know what happened to everybody. Happy to oblige!

I will be very sad to see this series end :-( But I am so excited that Home Ice is Dylan Cole's story and I can't wait to read it!

Grab your copy of Winning Streak here:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hvuerP 
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1TpgSco 

Thanks for stopping by today, Katie! It was great to have you.

~ Rach

#Guestblog & #Review of STEEL VICTORY by J.L. Gribble (@hannaedits)

Hello Divettes!

It's been a dog's age since I've been around the blog, and I have immense apologies and updates on that coming very soon!

But today, we have a lovely guest post by a new friend and fellow author, J.L. Gribble.

J.L. and I met last month at the In Your Write Mind conference in Greensburg, PA. Her debut novel dropped on June 26, at a fabulous book signing, and sold like hotcakes! There's a lot of reasons for that: number one, because the book is fantastic! (more on that in a moment) First, some of the nitty gritty - the book cover and blurb, and our post from J.L. ;-p Enjoy.

One hundred years ago, the vampire Victory retired from a centuries-long mercenary career. She settled in Limani, the independent city-state acting as a neutral zone between the British and Roman colonies on the New Continent.

Twenty years ago, Victory adopted a human baby girl, who soon showed signs of magical ability.

Today, Victory is a city councilwoman, balancing the human and supernatural populations within Limani. Her daughter Toria is a warrior-mage, balancing life as an apprentice mercenary with college chemistry courses.

Tomorrow, the Roman Empire invades.

Hello! My name is J.L. Gribble, author of the urban fantasy/alternate history novel STEEL VICTORY, and I’m popping in because I heard this is where all the sexy books were. (I have not been disappointed.)

Our lovely hosts invited me to add to the discussion and introduce you all to my new novel, which features vampires and other paranormal races, along with human magic users. Traditionally, in paranormal romance and much of “standard” urban fantasy, these are the characters getting all of the sexy bits. Unfortunately, I’ve got bad news for you. There’s no sex in my book.

           “Oh geez,” you’re all thinking now. “What the hell is she doing here then?”

Well, hopefully you’ll stick with me while I try to explain my reasoning.

STEEL VICTORY was written as my thesis novel in graduate school, which I attended during the height of the Twilight craze. I’m a bit of a closet hipster, so I was determined to go against the grain. My vampire was not going to have a sex scene in my book. While I definitely appreciate the sex appeal inherent in the vampire state (in fact, the 20-page research paper I wrote on this in college goes into quite a bit of detail on this aspect of the traditional “horror” monster), I didn’t feel that it was a necessary part of the character itself. 

My goal was to write supernatural creatures with just as much depth and complexity as any “human” character, without taking the shortcut of only leaning on their otherness as a substitute for proper character development.

That’s not to say that Victory, Master of the City of Limani, is an asexual creature or without any sort of companionship. In fact, as of the events of the novel, she has been in a committed (romantic and sexual) relationship with her daywalker (my variation on the “human servant” trope) for almost a hundred years. However, I believe that in every good story, regardless of length, every scene and every interaction should have a purpose. And I could not find a place or a purpose for a sex scene in my book. 

One of the methods of conflict that I employ often in my own storytelling is the idea of pushing my characters to the limit. I put them through hell. And part of putting Victory through hell was putting Mikelos, her daywalker, in a position where the two characters having sex was out of the question, while also doing so in a way that has the reader accepting and supporting that narrative decision. (Nope, I won’t tell you how I manage it. Sorry not sorry. Spoilers….)

Take a moment to think critically about the best erotica you’ve ever read. Chances are, every sex scene in the book had a greater purpose than just titillating the book’s audience. I had to do the exact opposite: make every scene between Victory and Mikelos serve a purpose that did not lead them to having sex.

Thanks for hanging out with me while I critically discuss my own work, and hopefully you’re intrigued enough to give STEEL VICTORY a chance.

Despite the lack of sex.

And now for my review! Five out of Five Divas! 
So this story was a bit on the outskirts of what I usually read. But like J.L. said - give it a chance, despite the lack of sex! I did, and boy am I glad for that. This story transports you to the beautiful world of Limani, full of intrigue, paranormals, and wonderful characters. I enjoyed getting transported to this new world and getting inside the heads of Victory and her daughter Toria. These ladies eat danger for breakfast, and I couldn't wait to see what trouble they found around every corner, as they worked to save Limani. The heat level, of course, is 0 Divas, but don't fear, Divettes, this book won't leave you wanting. As soon as I was done reading, I went, "where's the next one????!!!" Well, I know that J.L. is working hard on the next book in this series, and I, for one, can't wait for the next installment. 

And I have it on very good authority that there is hope for readers to get to see behind the curtain of the beginning of the relationship between Mikelos and the lovely Victory. 

Be sure to pick up your copy at these locations: 

Amazon http://amzn.to/1NPyBrB

Direct from publisher: http://rawdogscreaming.com/books/steel-victory/

By day, J. L. Gribble is a professional medical editor. By night, she does freelance fiction editing in all genres, along with reading, playing video games, and occasionally even writing.

Previously, Gribble studied English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She received her Master’s degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and STEEL VICTORY was her thesis novel for the program. This is her debut novel.

She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and three vocal Siamese cats. Find her online (www.jlgribble.com), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jlgribblewriter), and on Twitter and Instagram (@hannaedits). She is currently working on more tales set in the world of Limani.

Well that's it for us today, ladies and gents.

Thanks so much for stopping by!! 

Writer's Retreat at Broadkill Resort!

Hello all! I've been a bit quiet as of late. but it's been for good reasons! I've been working my tail off on a novel for NaNoWriMo. It's a paranormal romance that I've been wrestling with for years, unfortunately. But I think I am finally finishing it!!! More on this on my other penname's blog here: http://www.jocrosier.com/2015/11/im-late-im-late.html 

I have also been doing some very crazy real-life stuff. (More on this later!) 

This past weekend, I had the immense pleasure to help break in a brand new writer's retreat and workshop stop down at Broadkill Beach, DE. It is called Broadkill Resort and is run by the owners of Raw Dog Screaming Press!

This is a shot of the nearly deserted beach just a block away from the house! From what John & Jennifer have said, this beach stays like this, even in the summer! It's almost like having your very own private beach!

So, the fiance, Chris, and I went to help break in the house over the weekend. We did some writing, we did some reading, we got to spend time in this amazing house and with our awesome friends. The house is beautiful (as you will see in the pics below) and has four separate bedrooms and a bonus room that can also serve as sleeping quarters. 

They will be holding writers retreats and also writing workshops/retreats here, beginning next month! Chris and I are honored to be the first official workshop hosts in January 15-18! We will be teaching several workshops on plot, character, and other writing crafts. We will also provide you with a few yummy meals, hours of quiet to write, and a place to stay for 3 nights! Spots are limited, so please email me ASAP if you're interested. Rach at RachellNichole Dot com 

This is the lovely living room. Look at those beautiful bookshelves! They are sure to be stocked with books soon enough.

 This is the back porch. A perfect quiet writing spot! It can get a bit chilly back there, but with a space heater, the room is cozy! 

This is the antique stove and oven! It was so much fun to figure out how to work it! Quite the adventure. I'm still not quite sure how we didn't blow ourselves up. But it works well once you're used to it. We made bacon and blueberry pancakes for breakfast and I roasted a chicken for dinner! MMM Mmm, Good. 

We had such a blast over the weekend, and I can't wait to go back next month. More details and a link to reserve your spots will be available in the near future (probably after the holiday rush has passed). 

Until then, you can find more info about the resort here: http://www.broadkillresort.com/

To help sponsor some writers, they have also set up a fund. Any amount you can donate will go toward sponsoring a writer to come to the resort for a few days to write! If you're unsure what to get your creative friends and family this holiday, this is a great, unique gift! https://www.youcaring.com/broadkill-writers-resort-480084  

I will share more concrete details about upcoming workshops and retreats as soon as they are available! 

Rach

#SatSpanks with @RachellNichole

Welcome back to the Divas blog for this week's Saturday Spanking! 


This spanking comes again from my newest release, To Sir. Sheesh, can you tell I'm an erotic romance author? I use words like come and release any and every chance I get!!! :-p 

He rubbed his hand around and around her ass cheeks, then fingered her entrance. “Wet for me already, you little minx.” He wrapped her braid around his other hand so he could tug it whenever he wanted.

“Still, Sir. I believe I’m still wet for you, from this morning’s session.”

Smirking, he brought his hand down with a loud smack. She tensed, crying out. “That’s what you get for correcting me. The rest will be our just-because spanking.”

For more on Liz & Chase, check it out here:

When Elizabeth Clark is plagued by the idea for a kinky novel she can’t shake, she has no choice but to plunge, head-first into a genre she vowed never to pursue. But when she realizes the seductive allure of submitting her will, her interest in the BDSM lifestyle becomes less academic, and downright personal. 

Dominant and club owner, Chase Masters, has no idea what to expect when his partner books a meeting with an author doing research on the BDSM scene, but he’s blown away with the woman who walks through the door. He’s sure at first that she must be a visiting Domme, not the author. Her manner is confident, brusque, and even a bit disapproving of his lifestyle, but when he switches from his easy-going club owner mindset into his Dom voice, she instantly backs off. Perhaps she’s more submissive than she let on.

Chase and his club are in the crosshairs of a local senator and the bank, and he fears he might lose everything. So when Liz grudgingly agrees to be his, if only for a few weeks, he’s elated. But what kind of long-term relationship can a broke, out of work, homeless Dom offer to a burgeoning submissive who won't submit outside of the bedroom?

Get your copy here: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYopod

Thanks for coming *HAH - see, there I go again* Be sure to check out my fellow Spankettes! 

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See you all soon, 

~ Rach 

I'm having a party and you're all invited!

Hey everyone!

So I'm throwing a big ol Facebook bash with never before seen scenes and insider info, polls, and more to celebrate the new release of To Sir. Please stop by and check it out. Read some stuff, respond to the lovely posts, etc. Everyone will be entered to win a basket of e-book goodies! :-)

Yahoo!!!!!!!! So come check it out! Facebook Release party: https://www.facebook.com/events/262028727339645/

When Elizabeth Clark is plagued by the idea for a kinky novel she can’t shake, she has no choice but to plunge, head-first into a genre she vowed never to pursue. But when she realizes the seductive allure of submitting her will, her interest in the BDSM lifestyle becomes less academic, and downright personal. 

Dominant and club owner, Chase Masters, has no idea what to expect when his partner books a meeting with an author doing research on the BDSM scene, but he’s blown away with the woman who walks through the door. He’s sure at first that she must be a visiting Domme, not the author. Her manner is confident, brusque, and even a bit disapproving of his lifestyle, but when he switches from his easy-going club owner mindset into his Dom voice, she instantly backs off. 

Get your copy here: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYopod

Thanks, 

Rach

#SPeekSunday with @RachellNichole

Hello hello!

It's your resident Diva Rach here again.

I know I've been posting all kinds of tidbits from Liz & Chase's story over the past couple of weeks, but that's just because I can't wait until release day to share their amazing journey with you all! So without further ado, here's another Sneak Peek at my upcoming release, To Sir.

          He hiked up the edges of her too-long dress, along her silk stockings, until he reached the scorching flesh of her upper thighs. God, was she wearing a garter belt? He could feel the silk of the straps on the outer edges of her legs. “And you want in?” he demanded.

         “Yes,” she moaned.

         “I can’t take you in there looking like a preschool teacher. Where’s the leather-clad erotica writer I met two weeks ago?”

         “Give me five minutes,” she said, releasing her hold on his neck.

         “You have thirty seconds. I have to get back upstairs. And you’re coming with me.” He left no room for argument or discussion. The hickey didn’t matter. The logic he’d been reviewing the past twenty-four hours about why getting involved with her was such a bad idea didn’t matter. She was here, needy and insistent. And he couldn’t resist her again.

         She nodded and started to pull the dress up. He glanced around. No one was paying them any attention. When he returned his attention to Liz, he forgot to breathe. She was shaking out her hair, biting her lips, and wearing a black lace bra-and-panty set, complete with a full garter belt and sexy-as-hell stockings. Damn. She’d been hiding that body under such a sweet little dress.

Want more? I know I do! Get MORE here: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYopod 

Be sure to check out more Sneak Peeks from these other authors! 

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Thanks, 

Rach

#MySexySaturday with @RachellNichole

Hey Y'all. Welcome back to the Divas blog. Today I'd like to share a bit more with you about Tyler Lachlan and Layla Morgan, the hero and heroine of An Affair Across Times Square. Now these two lovelies were the kickoff to my super sexy Marietta Hotels series, which will eventually have several books. Right now the books are An Affair Across Times Square, and An Engagement in Paris. Now book two centers around Mandy, Tyler's younger sister, and her French fiance, Julien.

This week's My Sexy Saturday is all about what happens to the characters after we write THE END. So here's a snippet from An Engagement in Paris about Tyler and Layla, who of course come to Paris for Mandy's wedding....

            As the boat slid sideways toward the dock, they finished their dessert and champagne. Slinging his arm around Layla’s waist, Tyler led her off the boat and toward the lines at the base of the Eiffel Tower. “No wonder Mandy loves it here so much,” he said as they waited. “I could imagine living here.”

           “But you love New York,” she said.

           “I do. And I love my job there. But there’s just something about this city that’s enthralling.”

            He swung her into his arms and spun with her. She tossed her head back and laughed, the deep, throaty sound coiling his body tight. He would never tire of making her laugh.

          “Oh, my God. Tyler! We’re engaged.”

          “Yes, Ms. Marietta, we are. I hope you won’t mind organizing another wedding?”

          “Not at all, Mr. Times Square. Not at all,” she said and kissed him.

See how Layla & Tyler started it all.... http://books2read.com/u/38rZgO 

Or read more of An Engagement in Paris here:  http://books2read.com/u/4jD2ao   

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Be sure to check out these other sexy snippets about characters after THE END. 

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~Rach