Here is a short excerpt from a little novelette I'm working on this summer featuring none other than the god of love, Eros. What happens when one of the gods gets his head turned by a human? Keep reading to find out.

***   
   Eros waited in the woods. He’d played amongst the humans in the Earth Realm all day. At least he’d tried to. Pan’s need to frolic between the fae world and the human one while the veil was thin had kept the satyr mostly out of Eros’s sight. Pan did make good on his promise to locate the blonde beauty from the starglass for him though.

     “There’s your lovely little human,” Pan had pointed her out earlier. She’d been standing in the parking lot outside the grassy field beyond the festival’s amphitheater.

    Seeing her in the flesh, Eros had been struck once more. He couldn’t begin to explain why he was so taken with her. He felt drawn to the tiny female in a powerful way the likes of which he’d never experienced before.
     “What are you waiting for?” Pan had given his arm a teasing shove. “Go work your magic on her ‘God of Love.’ Make all her human fantasies come true.”

     He’d laughed at his friend’s words. Pan’s faerie acquaintances had floated around the satyr in the periphery, flickering between realms, dancing along the thin line that existed between Faerie and Earth. Their merry laughter had crossed that line into Eros’s hearing. It made him wish to be rid of their presence. They were sexual beings, the fae, beautiful and mysterious, but also dark and cruel. Normally, he avoided them. 

     They weren’t supposed to be here, he and Pan. The gods should not make their presence known amongst humans. Solstice was a special time, however, and Pan’s use of the fae realm to bring them here skirted quite a few cosmic rules. As long as they didn’t tamper with any of the humans’ free will or disturb fate, their visit should remain harmless. They only sought one night’s entertainment after all.

     He frowned, fingering the bow and arrow pendant that hung from his neck absentmindedly. Ever since seeing the woman in the starglass, he’d been having a hard time thinking of her in the dismissive way the gods used when it came to inhabitants of the human realm and it bothered him. He wanted her in a way he could not remember wanting another in such a very long time. Pan had the wrong idea though. Eros didn’t want to “make” her fantasies come true. He didn’t want to make her do anything. For just one instance, his need to know what it felt like to be desired without any enhancement of the experience for the other party played paramount in his mind. No silver arrows, no help from Olympus and no tricks. He wanted to know what it felt like to be chosen in the simplest, most basic of ways, for just one night. For some reason, he felt that the golden haired beauty could give him that. 

     Yes. She could want him.

***

More coming soon!

Be sure to sign up for the Amanda V. Shane Newsletter so you don't miss out on any new book or  book sale info.

Happy Wine / Book Wednesday! This week, I'm bringing you a sexy pairing that is the perfect summer romance reading experience. Cassie Faber's Whiskey Whispers is the fourth book in her Angelbay Harbor series and goes great with this Maso Canali Pinot Grigio. Pick up both and settle in with this hot pair. Be sure to check out my review down below. Happy Wine Wednesday, everybody, and happy reading!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083R9YWL2

♥Sassy Southern heiress McKenzie Irving has it all—wealth, beauty and love…or so it seems. Struggling to deal with abandonment issues and the constant fight for her absent father’s attention she rebels by getting engaged to her family’s biggest enemy and most eligible bachelor in Texas, Jackson Montgomery, who agrees to the elaborate lie to get back at her father.
Soon the loveless engagement turns sour and McKenzie, seeking an escape, turns to the small town of Angelbay Harbor where she meets broody bad boy Warwick Mason who runs a local Auto Shop with his brother.
♥Warwick is hell on a crucifix with a past as dark as his ebony eyes. Growing up on the streets of Brooklyn he’s no stranger to pain or violence, but his past doesn’t prepare him for the hurricane that blonde beauty McKenzie brings with her the moment she steps foot in Angelbay.
After their first sizzling hot one-night stand, Warwick and McKenzie agree to a no strings attached arrangement, but after nine months it begins to dawn on Warwick that walking away is not going to be an easy thing.

There’s a storm brewing on the horizon, but are Warwick and McKenzie ready for the downpour that will threaten to drown their love in a raging sea of their innermost fears and deepest desires?

⚠This book is intended for MATURE/ADULT audiences ONLY and contains strong/foul language, violence, and graphic sex scenes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083R9YWL2

From my review:

Great third book in this small town, badboys series! Warwick is my favorite Angelbay bad boy so I was really excited to read his book and I liked that we got to learn Mckenzie’s back story. They make a complicated, sexy couple and I loved watching them come to terms with the fact that they needed each other. This book was super fast paced and packed a lot of drama, not to mention plenty of drool worthy descriptions of hot-as-sin tough guy, Warwick. Waiting for book four!
 

Happy Book Teaser Tuesday! Here's a little something from Crystal Tide. Xieran - What can I say? He's just so sexy. *Sigh*

Hi, romance readers! I'm moving my book excerpt share days around a bit and, today, I thought I'd share a little something from my work in progress, Storm Tide. Karr and Isdra's story is book 4 in the Tides of Atlantis series. I'm having so much fun with the couple in this book. Karr and Isdra have sparks flying right from the beginning. This scene here is when they, finally, meet up for real...

Storm Tide Excerpt:

***
“In here,” Isdra grunted under the weight of the Northman. She and Sven had dragged him from the alley behind the museum. The look of surprise on Sven’s face when the giant of a man went down from the blow to the head he’d administered would have been laughable if not for the situation.
“Isdra,” Sven panted as they tugged the warrior into her room, “tell me again why we can’t call the police? This madman chased you through town with murder in his eyes.”
“No police,” Isdra said. They both heaved together as they pulled him unceremoniously onto the bed. “It would draw too much attention.”
She knew that explanation made no sense. Sven looked at her as though she’d gone mad. The assassins had said ‘no police,’ not that she’d even thought of enlisting the humans’ to help her cause. What could they do? She was dealing with ancient curses here, enchanted swords and the like. She couldn’t tell anyone that, certainly not Sven. He still thought of her as hapless foreigner with amnesia. He had no idea she belonged to a completely different species from a realm of warring kingdoms beneath the sea. The humans loved their fairytales, but she knew better than to suggest to any of them that the creatures they thought of as ‘mermaids’ really did exist.
“That makes no sense, Isdra,” Sven voiced the words in her head. “He tried to kill you.”
 The man on the bed groaned, but his eyes remained closed.
“Shh, Sven, don’t wake him.”
Sven crossed his arms, giving her a cross look. She couldn’t remember him ever looking at her like that before. It made her want to laugh, but she held it in. Poor Sven. Here he was, helping her yet again. She could tell though that he was at the end of his rope. A light bulb went off in her head at that idea.
“We need some rope,” she said.
“Rope?”
“Yes, to tie him with.” She rolled her eyes. This whole situation had her at her wits end. How in the world had the Viking man survived the sea? When he woke, she would make him tell her everything. Then he would give her the sword. He didn’t have it on him, but he had to be hiding it somewhere. She looked down at the giant of a man her friend had managed to clobber over the head. His clothes from before were gone—all of his warrior’s furs and leather. Now, he wore a black, tight fitting Norhtface jacket over a gray thermal undershirt with a dark blue athletic t-shirt over, a dark pair of snow pants and boots. The muscles in his arms and chest couldn’t even begin to be camouflaged by all the layers. Just like before, in the cave, the sight of him left her breathless.
She looked up from the man to Sven who stood there, staring at her with a strange look on his ruddy face.
“Go,” she whispered, “quickly. We need to get him tied before he wakes up again.”
She looked back down at the Viking. The big man was so much more pleasant when asleep. Where had that thought come from? She really had gone insane.
“I’m not going to leave you here alone with him!” Sven whisper yelled.
“I’m fine.”
“What are you going to do?”
“What do you mean what am I going to do?” Isdra had about had it with her friend. He might be loyal, but he did not take orders well—would not make a good warrior. “I’m going to take off his clothes!”
“What!?”
“Shh!!”
Sven looked absolutely scandalized. Isdra shook her head.
“Oh, for… er… sky’s sakes, or whatever you all say, Sven.” She made an annoyed sweep of her arm to indicate the outside even though they were in her basement apartment and she didn’t have a window. “A naked man can’t run away in the snow now can he?”
Sven’s jaw dropped. He looked from her to the unconscious man on the bed.
Isdra had had enough.
“Rope, Sven!”
Without another word, he shook his head and left. Isdra turned back to the task at hand.
“Yes, right,” she began mumbling to herself, “men without clothes don’t run off in sub degree temperatures. And that is why I am doing this. That’s the only reason I’m touching you. The. Only. Reason.”
You beautiful, golden beast of a man, she added in her head. She let out a small disgusted sound even as the palms of her hands tingled.
“Gods, do you have to be so good looking?” She asked of no one within hearing.
Oh-so-gingerly she undid the zip on his coat then, one at a time, she pulled them off his arms—no easy task considering how heavy they were and the whole time she worried he’d wake. Fortunately, he slept on. Next, she reached out for the hem of his shirt very carefully. A breath away from his belt line, the warrior inhaled. His stomach bumped against her fingertips. She jumped back, freezing in place at the contact. He let out a loud snore, the sound rattling Isdra’s frayed nerves even more. She waited for several seconds, but he remained asleep. Breathing a sigh of relief, she moved close to him again, looking him over in the low light of her bedroom.
His hair was the color of late summer wheat, a shade lighter than his amber eyes. Dark blue designs crept up his skin on one side of his neck then disappeared beneath his shirt. The soft rise and fall of his breathing pulled her focus to his torso, lulling her with its rhythm, making her realize how tired she’d become all of a sudden. His chest seemed like a really nice place to lie down. He was so broad. Everything about him looked warm and inviting, the perfect cushion on a cold winter’s night.
“Ridiculous, Isdra,” she scolded herself, “some Arelani warrior you are! Going and getting flustered at the sight of a man.” She shook her head then started pulling at his clothing, starting with his boots. “If your father, the king could only see you now…” one heavy wet shoe fell to the floor then the other, “… losing your edge,” she pulled off a sock, “breaking concentration and getting… what is it the humans say? Dis-com-boobed?” then the next. Ignoring his lower region for the time being, because there was only so much she could stand at one time, she moved up and yanked both of the shirts he wore up to the middle of his rock hard belly. Sweet gods, the feel of him! He was indeed as warm as he looked, with skin like velvet poured over chiseled stone. Closing her eyes—mostly—she wrestled the shirts the rest of the way off of him.
When she did look, all the air left her lungs and her mouth went dry. It looked as though the Nordic gods had forged him specifically for an example of what a warrior should look like. He was so tall his feet hung off the end of her small bed. Every line and ridge of his abdomen stood out distinctly under his golden skin. The tattoos on his neck stretched down and fanned out over his chest. They covered both of his arms, trailing intricately over his entire torso in the sharp angled patterns of the ancient Norse. Over one side of his chest, a dragon curved all the way across his shoulder and down his arm, flames flying out of its mouth. Intricate designs travelled all the way the side of his torso, over his hip and abdomen, disappearing down beneath the top of his pants.
His pants that her fingers were curling into the waistband of even as she stood there drooling. Isdra blinked, realizing that she’d not only drank in the sight of his entire bare upper half with her eyes, but she’d also felt every inch with her hands. She looked at the space of fabric below her fists, her mouth going dry when she noticed the sizable bulge there. Oh! That place between the tops of her legs clenched.
Her stare jumped up to his face. He still slept. But… was there the slightest hint of a smile on his lips? Impossible. Footsteps clunked down the three stairs to the lower level of the small museum that she called home. Isdra rolled her eyes once more at Sven’s lack of stealth. Quickly, she grabbed the blanket off the floor and threw it over the warrior. He could keep the pants.
Once Sven entered the room they proceeded to tie him to the bed. With a last glance at the man in her bed, she left, locking the door behind her.

***
Stay tuned!

If you haven't started the Tides of Atlantis series yet, here's the reading order so far. You can find them on Amazon and even read them for free on Kindle Unlimited! Descriptions and buy links can be found here under the "Books" tab.

Moontide

Crystal Tide

King of the Tides

Storm Tide
Coming Soon!

Hi, everybody! Happy Wine and Books Wednesday! I'm back here on the blog after a long break, bringing you my some of my favorite books and wines again. One thing I love to do in the summer months is catch up on my tbr list--or at least try anyway. I also love reading fun romance novellas so this week's pairing features the super cute, super hot Laundry Day by Author Kyra Fox and Josh Cellars' Savignon Blanc. If you enjoy meet cutes, sassy heroines and swoon worthy hunks all wrapped up nicely in a fun novella with a refreshing savignion blanc on the side, then this is the pair for you. Grab up a copy of Laundry Day today and pour yourself a glass. Happy Reading!

All Chloe wanted was to do her laundry quietly and uninterrupted, no such luck.

There's one last available washing machine in the neighborhood laundromat, and she's not the only one who has her eye on it.

Chloe isn't one to back off easy, but neither is the handsome stranger laying claim to her machine, eventually, they realize they'll have to share if they ever want to get out of there, and when the spin cycle ends, they go their separate ways. 

Only Chloe's accidentally left him a little lacy red souvenir.

Noah just got out of a relationship and he's focused on getting his footing on his new beat in Boston after transferring from Chicago, but when the feisty Chloe crosses his path in the most unexpected of ways, he can't ignore the attraction, even if she does kind of scare him. 

Oh, and did I mention they're neighbors?

As their paths keep crossing and sparks fly, will Noah manage to convince Chloe to lower her guards and see that they were meant to be?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VS97X9G

From my review:

This is a great little novella. I really enjoyed Chloe and Noah’s meet cute right at the very beginning. Noah is a super sexy cop, new on the block and Chloe is the sassy heroine that steals not only his washing machine at the neighborhood Laundromat but his heart as well. When a pair of errant panties wind up in the wrong laundry pile, let’s just say sparks fly. Loved this fun couple and this quick, sexy read!

For your Teaser Tuesday pleasure: Here are a couple of excerpts from the Tides-crossed lovers in Book 1.

If you're experiencing those inevitable "dog days of summer" doldrums, then Slip into the Tides to cool off, or rather steam things up, with Amanda V. Shane's new Fantasy Romance, Tides of Atlantis series. Get ready for whirlwind adventure, hot as sin demigods, and sassy heroins. Not to mention, amazing Miami sunsets, and of course, sex on the beach in Moontide, Book 1. If a time out of time, hunky, seventeenth century ship captain lost in the modern era doesn't float your boat then I don't know what will! Ronan is all old world alpha, all hero and definitely not prepared for a modern day city girl  to rock his world.

Get swept away with Ronan and Cindy in this fun, new, Mythology Romance series!

What Tides of Atlantis Readers Are Saying 

Shane's world and character building is strong and she lays a wonderful foundation for more Tides of Atlantis books. - The Lusty Literarians

There is romance, humor and mystery combined in an entertaining story that is a real page turner. - Nova on Amazon

This story far surpasses the genre of romance novel. It contained some strong characters that weave through moments of suspense, intrigue, and magic. It moves with grace through mythology and history and I honestly didn’t even think about Ronan’s six pack throughout most of the book. - Amazon reviewer

The combination of Greek mythology, a steamy affair, and a wonderful sense of humor make this a delightful read. Working out the various supblots created another level of intrigue and interest as well. - P. Kavanaugh

A gripping and tantalising contemporary "mythology" filled with Greek Gods, demons and a sassy heroine who'll melt your heart. - A. Vogel

Wonderfully written, fantastic plot, pure enchantment. - K.A. Neeson

 Hi, Romance Readers! It's been a while. I've been busy soaking up some summer fun with the kiddies so I haven't been here on the blog in while, but I wanted to take the opportunity to show off some great indie romance author friends of mine that you may not have heard of yet. Finding indie authors you love can be like finding hidden treasure. And here's a little secret--these writers are super active on their social media accounts so you can really get to know them and get an insider view of their writing process. Plus, they're just super fun to hang out with. One of my favorite accounts on Instagram, Soul Sister Romance (Instagram handle: @soulsisterromance) just did a logo blast. I hope you'll go and check it out and find some new authors to love. Happy reading!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4E-4wgIqQ/

Happy Wine and Books Wednesday, everybody! This will be my last post before I take a short break to get some writing done and spend time with the kiddos this summer, so I'm leaving you with this awesome book / wine pairing. Author A.D. Brazeau's Sleeping Beatuy retelling, Blood Dream from her Undying Love Collection and Cellar Cru's white wine. If you love fantasy, fairy tale re-tellings and crisp white wine, then for sure give these two a try. Read on for buy links and my review. Until next time, happy wine / book Wednesday and happy reading!

Sleeping Beauty, but not how you remember it.

Cursed by the dragon, Celaena, Roselen has been banished from her kingdom. Now a blood drinker, Roselen must live out her nights in a remote plantation house far from home, dreaming of a life she can never have with companions who are more like prison guards than friends.

Drayce is a young dragon, tired of Celaena’s iron-fisted rule. One night, in his human form, he happens upon Roselen running free in the bayou. The two are captivated by each other and risk everything for a few stolen moments. The couple is separated by a centuries-old blood feud and Roselen’s imprisonment. Can Drayce and Roselen save each other? Or will the turmoil of their time be too much for them to overcome?

Blood Dream is a fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty and is set in Louisiana’s distant future.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B083VSZ9NQ

From my review:

A Post-Apocalyptic Sleeping Beauty
Blood Dream is a very different and spellbinding take on the story of Sleeping Beauty. Brazeau wove in magic, mystery and danger in the retelling of this classic fairy tale. The takeover of the human world by a brutal dragon queen throws the kingdom into very dark times that will take the fulfillment of prophecy and true love to overturn. I loved the twist with the curse that Princess Roselen lives with, and was easily swept up in the instant love story between her and the handsome dragon shifter, Drayce. If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, you’ll love Blood Dream.

Happy Monday, romance readers! Today's book moment comes direct from the fantasy, fairy tale romance, Snow Maiden. This scene shows the growing attraction between Nika and King Vasilli of the Northern Kingdom. Enjoy!

***
When she came back, Nika dressed the man’s wound, packing it with the poultice they already had available then wrapping it tightly. Every other man that had wounds from the night before she saw to until there were no more wounded left.
Lena had gone to get more water again, though now there was no need. With nothing left to do, Nika started to straighten the area.
“Another has need of your tender ministrations, mistress.”
Vasilli’s familiar voice carried to her over the space. She turned away from rolling bandages to look toward the door and nearly gasped.
Vasilli stood in the door frame. Both of his forearms rested on either side of the entrance, his light blue eyes twinkling.
“A-and, who might this forgotten soul be, your highness?” Nika asked.
“Just me,” Vasilli said.
“Oh, yes, y-your highness,” she faltered over the word, “your arm, of course.”
Nika was suddenly all thumbs in his presence. She fumbled around for clean cloths and water. Vasilli’s eyes stayed on her the whole time, she could feel them and it sent a warm ripple up her spine. He wore an amused smile when she looked up at him and she knew that she blushed bright pink.
“Sit, please, my lord,” she said, glancing at the one stool in the building that was little more than a stable for men. Probably it was only used for their gear or to keep out of the weather when they weren’t honing their skills on the field.
He moved to comply in the tight area, but when he passed by her, there was barely any space between them. He paused in front of her and Nika’s eyes met his broad chest in its leather breastplate. Made to protect the wearer, it was thick but fit tightly over every hard plane of his torso and outlined his muscles in a way that Nika couldn’t pull her eyes away from. Vasilli touched her then, briefly, in passing. He grabbed both of her elbows with his fingers. It was only for a second. It meant nothing. He was only trying to move by her, she told herself. But the small pressure of his touch made Nika’s heart pound against her ribs.
Then he sat and she could breathe again, which she did in one deep, head-clearing pull through her nose. She thought she caught a glimpse of a movement from him, but when she looked up, he was sitting in the chair as she’d asked like a young boy aiming to please.
Nika drew her brows together and frowned. This made Vasilli laugh.
“Well,” he said, “aren’t you going to fix me?”
Nika couldn’t help but smile when his was so infectious. She liked the way his eyes crinkled up at the sides when he was happy. Setting the bowl of water down on a stool, she moved closer to him.
“Let’s see then,” she motioned at his shirt, “it’s your arm isn’t it?”
Vasilli nodded. He kept his eyes on her as he untied his breastplate then slipped it over his head. Nika watched with rapt attention as his fingers that had touched her just moments ago loosened the lacings of his tunic at the top of his chest. She didn’t know why she hadn’t been more prepared for the idea that he would have to remove his shirt. His wound was up high on his upper arm. Of course it would have to come off. She pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth, tense as he moved.
He lifted the garment up and off then, just like that, was half naked before her. Nika felt like she was frozen in place. She’d looked at him while he was ill and been fascinated, but this was not the same. His skin was smooth and pale gold in color. It stretched over taut muscle that rippled and bunched as he moved. Every breath he took made the lines of his body dance. The sight mesmerized her. She’d felt his strength every time he’d lifted her or as she’d leaned against him in the circle of his arms on the ride to Northland, but seeing him like this… it was too much.
His light brown nipples hardened in the chill air of the shed and she felt her eyes go round as she stared at them.
“Nika,” his voice said, so low it was near to a growl. She started and looked up. “It is cold in here… if you wouldn’t mind.”
His tone was stern but his lips held a smile. Her fluster obviously entertained him. She blew out a breath then hurried to dip the cloth strips into the bowl of water. Her movements were jerky as she wrung them out and turned to him. Vasilli’s chest and shoulders rocked, the muscles bouncing with his laughter. She bit her lip as she shoved the cloth toward his arm.
Vasilli’s other hand shot up to grasp her wrist, a hairsbreadth away from touching him. She looked at him with round eyes.
“Why so alarmed little doe?” He traced the underside of her wrist with his thumb. “Have you never seen a man’s chest before?”
Her eyes went straight from his to that part of him. He was so much harder than her there. It made the soft areas of her body feel all the softer.
She shook her head no in answer to his question. She hadn’t, not besides him the other night when she’d been frantic to heal him. In the daylight, now that he was hale again, the sight he made was a completely different thing altogether.
He moved her hand closer to him until her palm rested on his chest. Through the cloth, she felt how warm he was despite the chill in the air. The bottom of her hand grazed his nipple and both of her own tightened under her shift in response. Pulling her hand up, she glanced at him. He watched her through hooded eyes, seeming to marvel at her every reaction. Nika gave her head a small shake then reclaimed her hand and set to the task of cleaning his cut.
“There, it is clean,” she said when she was done, then grabbed the jar of salve that Lena had brought with them earlier. With her fingertips, she spread some of the concoction on Vasilli’s arm then wrapped a length of clean cloth around his bicep though it no longer bled.
“It should be good as new very soon y-your highness.”
“Thank you,” Vasilli said as he shrugged back into his shirt.
She smiled in answer, relieved that he was dressed again. It did little to ease the riot of sensations that now coursed through her, but at least she could catch her breath.
“You are welcome, my lord.”
Her eyes were downcast. She looked at the ground, uneasy under his penetrating stare. But then he brought his hand up under her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze.
“You are good at this,” he said, eyeing his arm then her again. He was so close to her she could feel the heat from his breath.
“My grandmother taught me,” she explained, “she was the healer in our village.”
Vasilli nodded like he was trying to understand things about her.
“The fairies,” he said, “the women from the forest, they said you had mentioned her. Does she need you there?”
His pale blue eyes searched her face.
Nika looked down again. Pressing her lips together, she shook her head.
“She is gone now,” she said. “No one needs me there.”
His thumb ran along the fine bone of her jaw then feathered across her lips. She remembered how he’d kissed her the day before, on the stallion’s back. The thought made her lips tingle under his touch. She pressed forward on her toes toward him.
Would he kiss her again?
She wet her lips in anticipation. He made a deep sound low in his throat as he pulled her closer. What could she possibly be thinking? A million thoughts flashed through her head. He was a king, of a failing kingdom yes, but a king still. She was a lowly peasant girl run out of her own village.
She leaned into him as he drew her closer, even as she thought that she should leave, run from this place. No good could come of this. But as his lips neared hers, his scent intoxicated her—pine and fresh mountain snow. That warm feeling danced up her backbone again. It radiated into her chest, thawing the ice of her soul as it went. He stepped into her and, suddenly, she could feel every hard part of his body pressing against her front. His lashes lowered, long and dark against his skin as he dipped down to touch his lips to hers.
***

For more moments with Nika and Vasilli, buy Snow Maiden on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ibooks or Kobo.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RSCW61

https://www.books2read.com/u/md0ojw

A commoner and the outcast of her village, Nika is forced to flee her home to keep the dark secret of her birth. When she is hunted by a rugged Northman, she finds herself lost in a land of enchantment and curses. His kisses start to melt her cold, lonely heart, her secrets are laid bare and she finds herself in a magic war for the man and the kingdom she loves.

King of a cursed winter kingdom...when Vasilli first lays eyes on Nika stealing bread at a fair, he knows he has to have the fair haired beauty. The legends surrounding his kingdom tell of a snow maiden who will break the curse of the Northern Kingdom but he wants Nika for his own.

Mages and sorceresses, omens and curses - this spellbinding winter romance is a tale of magic in an ancient land and legendary love to heat up even the coldest winter night.

18 and up, contains sex, adult language and some violence. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Happy Wine and Books Wednesday, reader friends! Hope the last week of May is treating you well. This week's wine / book pairing is brought to you by Author Brianna Hale's Lap of Luxury (second book in her Love Don't Cost A Thing series) and indie winemaker Patrice Grasset's Chenin Blanc. Truly, a luxury pair for your summer reading list, especially if you love fast paced, dark romance and silky white wines. Don't delay! Pour yourself a glass of Grasset's chenin blanc today, settle in with the second installment of Hale's Love Don't Cost A Thing series, then sit back and ahh, enjoy, dahlings! Happy Wine Wednesday!

Captive. Pet. Lover. Pawn…

Darkness lives inside Damir Ravnikar, and that darkness craves one thing: me. Rich, ruthless, and handsome as sin, Damir’s promised me the world to make up for my life’s myriad disappointments.

But his promise comes with a price.

Damir intends to use me to hunt down his double-crossing brother. With every jewel, every kiss, I can feel myself losing my morals, my freedom and even my sanity. Because darkness lives inside me, too. He’s laying my deepest secrets bare, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him.

My name is Bethany, and I’ve fallen into the lap of luxury.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Contains dark romantic themes. This book is NOT a standalone and is intended to be read after COME TO DADDY. No cliffhanger.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMYZX3T

From my review:

Dark, Thrilling and Hot, Hot, Hot!
I love Ms. Hale’s writing and I loved this book! After reading book 1 in the ‘Love Don’t Cost A Thing’ series, I was really curious to see how she was going to make us fall in love with Damir. (Brutal, psychotic, devastating Damir) But she totally did! I adored Bethany’s character too. She’s such a quirky, different personality type for a heroine and Hale really fleshed out her back story, bringing the snarky secretary from book one to life in an endearing way. Bethany and Damir were made for each other and I enjoyed every steamy, thrilling moment of their story. If you love dark, edgy romance with action, suspense and underground crime world intrigues then you’ll love Lap of Luxury. Be sure to read Come to Daddy (book 1) first though.