Tuesday, February 23, 2021

A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson, Heroine of The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell


 

Welcome to the book tour for The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell! Today, she is sharing us A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson, the heroine of her newest book, plus an excerpt to tempt you to download your own copy. Follow the tour for even more. Be sure to also check out the great giveaway!



Veronica’s new job comes with a darling little boy, a Gothic castle and…a beast?

When recently laid-off Francophile Veronica Carson is recommended for an au pair job by the elegant leader of her French conversation group, she isn’t sure what to expect—but a Gothic castle deep in the wilds of Maine is certainly not it. Still, she’s drawn in by her joyful little charge, Jean-Philippe, and even more drawn to his brooding father.

Ruthlessly successful businessman Alain Reynard has loved before and has no wish to repeat the painful experience. The tragedy of his recent past is still fresh in his mind, and he wants nothing to do with his son’s lovely new au pair. Despite his best efforts, though, he can’t seem to get her off his mind.

A passionate romance begins to blossom but is put to the test when painful reminders of Alain’s past return. As ugly rumors swirl, the truths of the past and the present collide. Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and, if so, whether she can love him enough to break through the dark memories and secrets that tether him to what once was.


Read an excerpt:

Alain’s look was inscrutable as he spoke to her. “I’m sorry. We’ve really continued to keep a totally French household, so Jean-Philippe hasn’t felt like things have changed much from one home to another, but…there are certain inconsistencies between us and American societal norms.”

Veronica shook her head, feeling bad that this was becoming such a big thing, when really, it was a very normal part of daily French life. It was certainly of no consequence to Alain, so why should it be to her? “Not a problem. I, ah…don’t mind.” She felt her cheeks burn hotter as she realized how that had sounded, so she hastened to explain. “I mean, I got used to being kissed when I was studying in Paris.”

Alain raised one dark eyebrow. He didn’t smile, but his eyes were amused. “Indeed?”

“Not…like that. It’s just that all my friends—older men, younger men, everyone—kissed me,” she stammered. “Women too, of course.”

Now Alain’s lips twitched, and Veronica realized she’d made it even worse.

She took a step closer. “I, ah…just go ahead,” she said, sticking her face forward and closing her eyes. Her heart pounded a deep tattoo in her chest.

She expected a quick, businesslike press of his cheek to each of hers, with an air kiss, but instead she felt his large, warm hands on her shoulders as he slowly kissed one hot cheek, then the other. His lips were incongruously soft. Before he stepped back, he said quietly, “I don’t mind, either.”


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A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson (Heroine of The Au Pair and the Beast)
By: Aurora Russell

First of all, thanks to Andi for having me on Books to Light Your Fire II! I loved the idea of writing this description particularly because, as the mother of two young sons, I actually see a number of parallels between my daily life and Veronica’s (except I don’t have servants or live in a castle or have a brooding, mysterious, and wickedly handsome employer around…although my husband does his best!). Still, I think that the crazy rhythm of taking care of exuberant young children is a universal experience! So here it goes…

7:30 a.m. Awakened by the simultaneously adorable and creepy sensation of being closely watched and breathed on by a sweet and excited 4-year-old with a limited understanding of personal space. Bolt upright, clutching my chest, but feel a wave of affection for my young charge, Jean-Philippe, when I am able to take deep breaths again.

8:00 a.m. After getting ready at lightning speed and supervising Jean-Philippe, go down to breakfast where Gorgeous McSurlypants aka Alain Reynard is already calmly eating a pain au chocolat with his morning bowl of café au lait. He smells amazing when he greets me with the traditional French embrace on each cheek, and then proceeds to ignore both his son and me as he reads financial newspapers. Jean-Philippe melts my heart when he says that he is going to hand-paint a little dish to hold my egg in, so I pretend that I actually like my eggs extra runny the way he does.

8:30 a.m. Pack what feels like a mini-suitcase to take with us on our daily outing. Today we’re headed to the private beach again, and I have included sunscreen, water, snacks, spare clothes, towels, baby wipes, hand-sanitizer, phone, wallet, beach blanket, and emergency coloring book and crayons, all while Jean-Philippe dances behind me singing at the top of his lungs about a baby sea creature. I think I can still feel the tingle on my cheeks from Alain’s touch at breakfast.

9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Glorious day at the beach, not too hot or too cool, although I maintain constant sunscreen vigilance – UV rays don’t care what the weather feels like! Steal a few moments of calm sitting on the sand while Jean-Philippe runs up and down the beach. I swear, this child could be a budding Olympic runner! Only bad moment came when Hormet brought down a picnic instead of Alain. Jean-Philippe really hoped his father would come instead.

3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily break while Yvette takes over with Jean-Philippe, thank goodness! I meant to read on the terrace – it’s so beautiful there overlooking the water, even if it does get a little cool in the wind – but I dozed off instead. When I woke, it felt as if someone were glaring at me, and then I realized that Alain was approaching. He had the strangest expression on his face. He looked grumpy, obviously, and he was limping a little more than usual, but he also looked sort of tender. I’m really not sure what to make of him.

6:30 p.m. After hurrying to dress up for dinner, which is a weird custom in this household, I sit through a stilted dinner with Alain and Jean-Philippe. Still, it wasn’t all bad, especially when Alain joked with his son and seemed to warm up to me a little more. Then he ruined everything by leaving abruptly for an urgent phone call. I know he’s a kazillionaire or whatever but Jean-Philippe’s little face was SO SAD! Then Jean-Philippe and I both ate our weight in bread pudding and all was well.

7:45 p.m. Told Jean-Philippe the nightly installment of the fairy tale he loves so much, and tucked him in. As I walked past Alain’s study, I could practically feel the heat of his gaze, but all he said was good night.

10:00 p.m. After reading a mystery novel from the Library, fell asleep and dreamed of going swimming with Alain and Jean-Philippe as all of us splashed around and screamed with laughter. It was a great dream.

If you’re intrigued, and would like to pick up a copy of The Au Pair and the Beast:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMRXT5P
Barnes & Noble: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/9781839439490



Aurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January. She doesn't remember a time that she didn't love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways. Find out more about Aurora, upcoming releases, and news at https://aurorarussellauthor.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arussellromance/

Twitter: @arussellromance




Aurora Russell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 22, 2021

Sin City Wolf: Howl by January Bain

 


Never get between a wolf and his mate ... Read an excerpt from Sin City Wolf: Howl by January Bain and then download your own copy! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for even more excerpts and reviews. Best of luck entering the giveaway!




Never get between a wolf and his mate…

Billionaire. Casino owner. Tall, dark and deadly. Cristaldo Luceres is a potent force and a dangerous wolf to cross. Head of the House of Luceres, he’s used to fighting—literally—off any threat from rival houses. Wealth and women are his, but the one thing missing from his life is his mate.

Cristaldo’s on full alert when trouble comes to town in the beautiful shape of one Miss Everly Affini. The talented musician won a shot to play at the coveted Nero’s in Cristaldo’s Glittering Palace… and she could be the one, Cristaldo’s Forever Mate.

One problem is that she doesn’t think so—and isn’t shy about telling him—and another is that Rocco, an enforcer for the House of Ribelle, the Luceres’ sworn enemies, thinks she’s destined for him. Oh, and it’s the most powerful Super Blood Wolf Moon of the century, meaning chaos is unleashed.

Too bad. Once Cristaldo has a scent of his Forever Mate, he’ll fight for her…to the death if necessary. Everly doesn’t stand a chance.


Read an excerpt:

Cristaldo

As Everly lost herself on stage, I clenched my hands into fists, claws digging into my palms. I fought the urge to transform, making the air around me shimmer in alarm. My eyes burned with the desire that would turn them incandescent and expose my wolf. Che diavolo sta succedendo? Never had I been affected like this. An alpha male always in control, was what I prided myself on being.

I couldn’t wait until after the concert, though the group had just begun their set. It had to happen now. My skin rippled visibly with the need. The only way to bring back control was to give in to the wolf. I left the auditorium and took the flight of stairs from the penthouse leading to the rooftop and my favorite toy, a Bell-Boeing 609 Tilt-Rotor straight from the factory in France. I jumped in behind the controls and set a course for our nearest compound in the desert. Ten minutes to freedom.

No sooner had I landed the helicopter—and with the blades still rotating—than I was out and running. Mid-stride, I entered another realm, a parallel existence, invisible from Earth, and my body underwent the change. On the other side, through the shimmering portal, the sensation deepened until all my cells had transformed, aligned in a new form. Then I was back in the present, a wolf. The world had mutated to an array of colors unknown to the human eye, blacks and browns and grays with subtle shadings that my brain converted to what my human side saw—blues and greens, yellow and reds. I breathed in deeply, my olfactory nerves sharpened by the cool, dry air of the desert at night. The odor of dust among the cactus, scrub and clumps of grass filled my nostrils.

I picked up the scent of fast game and gave chase. Bounding along, the wind to my back, twisting and turning as I easily followed my prey, I savored the strength of the wolf. My large paws ate up the distance, the shadows of the Joshua trees familiar forms mimicking humans and moving past me at lightning speed as I continued my pursuit.

The scent of fear ahead span my brain out of control. My prey knew I was close. I redoubled my efforts, imagining the takedown. The satisfaction. Then the creature found his burrow all of a sudden and went to ground. No matter. I streaked by the spot, needing the run far more than the catch.

The dry land slapped against my paws and the wind sliced across my muzzle. Time had no meaning in the desert. The longer I ran, the lighter I felt. Expending such energy increased my strength, mile by mile, each muscle quivering with adrenaline.

A new scent drew my attention. Wolf. I swung my massive head to the east. The interloper was not of the Luceres pack. My brain sharpened and the thrill of the chase intensified. I covered ground quickly, totally focused on the enemy. I needed this, to show the curs their place.

I raced to the farthest section of my land and confronted the Ribelle dog. My fur rose as my tail bushed out behind me. He was hellbent on getting away, circling back and forth like a prisoner in a cell, preferring to cross over the electric fence rather than face me. I snarled my disdain at finding the coward trying so desperately to escape.


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Currently on sale for $0.99! 



January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/

Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain



January Bain will be awarding a $30 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway