Hot new release: HOT WATER

by Maggie Toussaint

My brand new release HOT WATER is the story of a cop and an arson investigator on the trail of a serial arsonist. This romantic suspense is from The Wild Rose Press and is in the KDP program for 90-days in Kindle format prior to its release across all platforms in digital and print on July 12.

HOT WATER is my 5th romantic suspense and 9th published novel, and I just know you're going to love Laurie Ann and Wyatt's story. This is the second book I've set in the small Southern town of Mossy Bog on the Georgia coast.

Here's the book blurb:

Solving Mossy Bog's first fire fatality could net police officer Laurie Ann Dinterman the promotion she desperately wants. When the state arson investigator arrives to take over the case, Laurie Ann is assigned to give the man everything he needs while keeping him alive. The fact he's the sexiest man ever to hit town shouldn't make a difference.

Hot on the trail of a serial arsonist, Wyatt North demands justice for his partner, the arsonist's first victim. He'll find the murderer or die trying--no matter how distracting the tall, lithe figure of his local partner is.

As the investigation zeroes in on a suspect uncomfortably close to Laurie Ann's life, her cop instincts conflict with her feelings for Wyatt. Worse, the arsonist will do anything to protect his identity. Can Laurie Ann accept the truth in time...or will she and Wyatt go up in flames?

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And to further whet your appetite, here's a PG excerpt featuring this romantic couple:

Laurie Ann bypassed the elevator and hit the stairs. North’s room was on the second floor. He didn’t answer her first knock, so she knocked harder. With each second that ticked by, her nerves pinged. Was he even in his room? Had she lost track of him?

The chief would kill her.

She called Wyatt. Inside his room, a phone began to ring. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or alarmed.

“Hullo.” Sleep roughened his deep voice.

“North, I’m at your door. Lunch, remember?”

“Lunch.” He paused to yawn. “What time is it?”

“High noon. I’m right on time.”

He swore. “Oh, excuse me. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Give me a second.”

The phone clicked in her ear. She heard rustling inside the room. A few minutes later, he opened the door, and her heart did a funny leap. He’d donned a light pink shirt the same color as hers.

But more impressive than the shirt and the man was the way his eyes warmed at the sight of her. He looked at her like she was breakfast—and lunch.

“We match,” she ventured, hoping to slow the racing of her heart.

His face twitched. “Is that a problem? One of my sisters has this thing about matching clothes. If it bothers you, I can change.”

“You’re fine. I don’t have a problem with your shirt.”

“Where are my manners?” North asked, stepping away from the doorway. “Come in.”

She noticed his tanned feet were bare. They were nice feet with nails blunt cut and slender toes. “I’ll wait out here until you’re ready.”

“I promise to be on good behavior.” He reached for her hand and tugged her gently inside.

The curtains were drawn. The bedside lamp was on. The bed was messy, clothes everywhere, and papers strewn about the room. He moved a briefcase from the chair. “Sit. I’ll be a minute more. I had a late night.”

“Looks like it was quite the event,” she said dryly.

He grinned and reached for a shoe. “Can’t help it. I’m a slob, from start to finish. No matter how much positive reinforcement my parents provided, I developed the habit of spreading my stuff around.”

No one would question a man lived in this room. Maybe that was the point. “Sounds like a nesting instinct.”

“I’m not a girl.”

“I noticed.” Her cheeks heated, and she regretted being so forthright.

“My sisters have nesting instincts. Not me.”

Oh, dear. She’d insulted him. “I apologize. I was thinking that in a large family, spreading your stuff around was a way to stake out your territory.”

His eyes sparked as he stuffed his bare feet in shoes. “Instead of peeing on the furniture?”

She groaned. “I’m going to shut up now.”

“I’m liking this side of you, Dinterman. You crack me up.”

She rose to leave. As long as she cracked him up, that was okay.

Her job was to make sure he didn’t crack up.

--

 

Here's a Five-star review for this book as seen on Amazon:

What I like about the Mossy Bog series is that each book concentrates on a different person in Mossy Bog, so the series never gets stale. This one is about Laurie Ann, who made an appearance in another book, and Wyatt, the fire investigator on the trail of a serial arsonist. There are plenty of tense moments and some nice romantic scenes that hold the book together until the penultimate scene when-- Oops, almost gave away the ending, which I never do. Pick up the book and find out for yourselves. You'll enjoy a terrific read. Highly recommended. Polly Iyer, author of MIND GAMES.

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Gotta have it? Here's the buy link:

http://tinyurl.com/d9ly236

Catch up with me around the net:

www.maggietoussaint.com

http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/MaggieToussaintAuthor

http://www.twitter.com/MaggieToussaint

Also, I'm hosting a giveaway at Goodreads right now for my August mystery release, DIME IF I KNOW click here to win one of the 5 copies: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/49112-dime-if-i-know 

And in other news, Murder in the Buff is now available in print at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Buff-Maggie-Toussaint/dp/0983361460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364932525&sr=8-1&keywords=murder+in+the+buff

HAPPY READING! Maggie Toussaint

New Release ~ Quincy's Woman by Gem Sivad

Today, Wednesday, April 27th, is the release date for Quincy’s Woman, a western erotic romance.
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Thanks for having me on your blog, today! I’m very excited about my new Ellora’s Cave release, Quincy’s Woman, the latest title in my Eclipse Heat series. It’s a about the first year of marriage between Texas rancher, Ambrose Quince and Boston debutante, Lucille McKenna, a bride of eighteen who knows nothing about ranching, cooking, or bedsports.

When I wrote Intimate Strangers, I had no idea I was beginning an erotic western series. Five titles later, Eclipse, Texas is still calling to me. Quincy’s Woman is chronologically, Book One because I travelled back in time to 1866 to explore the year the unlikely couple met and married.

For those who are already familiar with my 19th century town, Eclipse, Texas, and the many characters you’ve met there, I hope you’ll read the beginning story, Quincy’s Woman and watch for the expanded versions of those you’ve already enjoyed.

As of May 26th, three titles, Intimate Strangers, Wolf’s Tender and Breed True will become unavailable in both print and ebook format as I add new scenes, brighten them up with new covers, and prepare them for re-release. For readers who haven’t sampled any of the series yet—here’s the blurb and excerpt for Quincy’s Woman:
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Blurb:

Quincy’s Woman
Gem Sivad

Fresh from the post-Civil War salons and drawing rooms of Boston, Lucy McKenna considers herself a sophisticated young woman. But when she meets Texas rancher, Ambrose Quince, she turns into a flustered girl. He’s too old, war roughened and unrefined—and she has no idea how to deal with the sensual hunger he arouses within her.

Ambrose falls fast and hard for the innocent debutante visiting Eclipse, Texas. Persuading Lucy to accept his pursuit becomes a duel of wits and passion as he awakens her desire.

Lucy leaves Boston and childhood behind when she becomes Mrs. Ambrose Quince. Her lonely days on the Double-Q ranch are filled with work and frustration. But the nights are spent in her husband’s arms learning carnal awareness one molten caress at a time.
~~~

Excerpt:

An Excerpt From: QUINCY’S WOMAN
ISBN: 9781419933424
Copyright © GEM SIVAD, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

One day, as father looked through his spyglass at the herd of mustangs, I stood apart, watching the wild horses from the crest of the bluff above where they grazed. From a distance, they seemed a motley group. Nothing distinguished them but the red stallion leading the herd. He arched his neck and trumpeted a challenge as though he knew we watched. Then he snorted and circled his mares, urging them into a gallop as they fled.

“Beautiful, aren’t they?” Mr. Quince stood behind me, close enough so that I could feel the heat of his body.

I moved away, putting space between us and he said, “Hot out here for a woman with such delicate skin. I imagine you’d like to shuck some of those fancy clothes right now.” He made statements like that often, not seeming to understand the inappropriateness of his personal observations.

As for my fancy clothes, I’d worn my Boston riding livery, certainly not as elegant as my hunt dress. Mr. Quince’s remarks irritated me almost as much as the hot sun beating down on the heavy dark material. I was perspiring beneath it and miserably aware of the damp material clinging to my body. I ached to return to the shade of the hotel.

But I refused to admit my state of discomfort to the rancher. “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. Quince, but thank you for your concern.”

He shrugged and walked to where Papa stood, still following the progress of the horses. “There’s a cave hidden in the rock formation behind us. Would it be all right if I show it to Lucy? It’s a lot cooler inside than out here.” He asked permission from Papa without even suggesting it to me. I would have declined immediately had I been given the choice.

Papa waved vaguely in my direction and said, “Go along, Daughter. I suspect you’re bored and I expect Ambrose is right. The shade will be a pleasant respite for you.”

Mr. Quince looked smug and took my arm before I could make excuses. The cave was dark until Ambrose lit a torch by the entrance. I immediately experienced the drop in temperature, shivering in delight at the balm of cool air. Once inside, we stood in a pool of flickering light. I gazed around the massive cavern, pretending interest in the rocks rather than look at him.

He stepped closer and turned me to face him. Later when I recalled the event, I experienced the same trembling ache his next actions wrought. Ambrose Quince kissed me. Without my consent, he brushed his lips across mine. When I didn’t respond, not really knowing how, he draped my arms around his neck and pulled me closer.

A different kind of heat seized me. My internal temperature soared as my body brushed against his. My womb tightened, clenching as a shudder rippled across my flesh and I looked up breathlessly.

Mr. Quince’s stature being much greater than my own, he seemed to engulf me in the embrace as he molded my body against his. I later assured myself that had he not kept claim to my mouth and held me secured against his frame, I would have fled his intimate conduct.

But he held me fast, and I didn’t struggle for release when he continued the kiss. He savored my lips and murmured sounds that vibrated across my nerve endings. At first, I felt the barest stroke of his tongue—a not unpleasant sensation of wet heat touching my bottom lip. Nudging against the seam of my closed mouth, he muttered, “Open for me.”

Heat pulsed through me and I leaned into his kiss, obeying his order. It was as if I had no will of my own and must comply. He slid his tongue with shocking smoothness through the narrow space I allowed. My whimpered distress didn’t deter his intent. He tasted me, stroking my tongue with his in the most startling fashion.

“Kiss me back, Lucy,” he said against my lips.

It frightened me how easily he invaded my person, mastering my will. I melted against him, enjoying the feel of his tongue tangling with mine. It was intoxicating, making me heady and weak. Clutching the back of his shirt in my hand, I clung to him, needing to anchor myself lest I swoon.

When he tipped my head even farther back and arched my body over his arm, my breasts pressed against my dress, creating friction. I had the terrible urge to move against his chest and purr like a tabby cat, stretching and rubbing on him.

At last releasing my mouth, he stepped away from me and I almost fell. I had been so enthralled by his attentions my limbs seemed turned to liquid.

He drew me back in his arms but refrained from a second kiss. “You taste so sweet,” he growled in a voice even deeper than usual.

“You take liberties you shouldn’t,” I whispered, stepping away and putting distance between us. My breath was constricted and I almost panted the words.
Ambrose closed the distance I’d gained and covered my mouth with his again. This time, the kiss was a feathery stroke that ended up a nibble as he pressed his lips along my chin and up to my ear.

He nuzzled the sensitive lobe and murmured, “Shouldn’t I?” Brushing his mouth across mine again, he sought to make me recant my words. He delivered soft caresses to my face and neck, all the time emitting a low rumbling sound.

I swayed on my feet, completely undone and speechless until he growled, “Your skin is as soft as a kitten’s belly.”

The image of Ambrose Quince caressing my stomach popped into my head and finally I wrenched free, backing toward the cave entrance as though the devil stood before me. His image, outlined by the flickering torch, strengthened the comparison and I whispered desperately, “I do not favor your attentions, Mr. Quince. Please desist from further pursuit.”

When we left the cavern, my lips were numb, swollen from his kisses and my own excessive response. I prayed Father wouldn’t notice. I need not have worried. Papa was so elated by the stallion he’d marked for his possession he spoke only to Ambrose.
~~~~~~

AVAILABLE at at Ellora’s Cave.
~~~

Gem’s Place

Gem Sivad at Ellora’s Cave

Gem Sivad on Twitter

Along with yours truly, Gem is a contributing author at the ROMANCE WRITER’S BEHAVING BADLY blog.

Christmas Magic

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person on the planet got the one thing they wished for most under the Christmas tree? Unfortunately this is far removed from the truth. This year will be one of the hardest for many families as they struggle to keep afloat this holiday season.

For many, myself included, the coming of the holidays is bitter sweet. This is when we feel the absence of loved ones passed before us. My Mother passed away on Boxing Day last year, so it will be especially hard for me. Like many with children, we must put on a brave front and try and make the holidays as festive as we can.

I invite you to let Christmas Magic take you away from all the stresses the season might bring you. At @2.99, it makes the perfect gift for each one of your cyber friends. After all, everyone can use a little Christmas Magic, right?

In Christmas Magic, a tragic fire puts a major damper on Laura Payne's holiday spirit. She'd just as well skip Christmas all together. A series of circumstances brings self-imposed bachelor, Justin Carron to care for his sixteen year old niece, Richelle, whom he's never laid eyes on.

A winter storm, and an unexpected turn of the wheel, on their way home from the airport, changes all three of their lives forever. Each one is faced with their own mortality, the prospect of becoming a family, and the kindness of strangers.

Mr. C. is a kind old man, who lives alone, and tends to a stable of deer. There is something different about the jolly old man with a white beard and suspenders. After a series of unexplained incidents, he shows them that all things are possible, if they'd just let go of the past, and believe in the magic of Christmas.

This is my first holiday themed story. I hope everyone turns the last page with a sense of hope for better days ahead, and maybe, just maybe...a little Christmas Magic.

Available NOW - December 3rd at Red Rose Publishing.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Magic HERE

Thank you for letting me share my release day with you all.

I’d like to draw two names from all who participate today. One winner will get a tote bag with a few surprises tucked inside. The second winner will win a win a fun t-shirt.

Good luck to you all. From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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