AnnMarie Invites You to the Back to Romance Give@way Event #99cent #ebooks #romance

BacktoRomanceGraphicFall is in the air and so is romance. I’ve teamed up with a group of authors to bring you a whole bunch of ebooks on special. Check out the great reads and amazing authors below. These are in many different romance genres – give something new a try.

As part of our event, we have a Rafflecopter. A fifty dollar Amazon.com GC is up for grabs. Check it out and enter here —-> Rafflecopter Link.

My contribution the event is Book 1 in The Ladies of Cascade Creek series.

Loving LucasLoving Lucas by AnnMarie OakesAudra Canton’s suitors have an odd way of making their case: they keep shooting at her. The Colorado Territory of the 1870s is tough on women alone; the two Canton sisters have no one but each other after the death of their father. All the locals want to marry Audra for the Canton homestead, and they’re not above scaring her into it. Audra needs help learning to protect herself and her sister.

That’s when Lucas Blake drifts into Audra’s life. She takes him on as a hired hand, though he’s anything but. He’s a lawman hot on the trail of a hardened criminal, and working the Canton homestead is the perfect cover.

But just when Audra thinks she’s out of the line of fire, Lucas accidentally puts her straight into the sights of a new, more deadly gun that makes her drunken suitors look like toy soldiers. Now Lucas and Audra must fight for their lives—and each other.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Something TrueSomething True by Malia Mallory

Successful children’s musician Shelley Taylor sings for all kids, but especially the sick ones. After her little sister died in childhood, Shelley founded the music charity KC’s Kidz to entertain hospitalized children.

She didn’t sign up to babysit a rockstar.

Irish bad boy superstar Liam Smith is in trouble with the law–again–and needs to perform community service. KC’s Kidz seems like the perfect fit, especially since Shelley’s as curvy as his favorite guitar and he wants to play her.

Liam’s deep green eyes strike a chord in Shelley, and she makes him want to sing a different tune. But Liam lives in a spotlight so white hot it might burn them both before they discover the true music inside their hearts.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Lily's Summer CowboyLily’s Summer Cowboy by D’Ann Lindun

Afraid to love, Lily Halderman is determined to never feel despair like when she lost her husband to cancer. Left alone to continue their custom farming business, she struggles to stay afloat, both financially and emotionally. Until Will comes along to help with the farm, impressing her with his hard work ethics, and presenting a danger to her heart because he is just the kind of man she could love.

Will Wainwright is running from the pain of the past. Feeling responsible for the death of fellow soldier—the woman he loved—Will takes a job working for Lily, hoping the dawn-to-dusk labor will help him forget his sorrow. But, Lily’s grit and determination to move forward catches him off guard.

Friendship turns to passion … but can they heal one another?

Amazon


Rocket ManRocket Man by Melanie Greene

Steady, focused graphic artist Serena Colby has her life perfectly planned out. After a childhood being moved from one place to another, she’s got one overriding goal: a permanent home that’s hers and hers alone. Her career is on the rise and everything is lining up just right. That is, until disruptive copywriter Dillon Hamilton comes blasting into her workplace and spins her personal life out of control.

Serena tries to draw boundaries, but the gorgeous Dillon has a much different script for their lives in mind. He’s pulled towards Serena’s orbit, quickly ranking her skirts and memorizing the scent of her locally sourced organic shampoo. Serena struggles to remain unmoved by Dillon’s kinetic charm, even as she relishes their chats about their mutual passion, the Houston Rockets.

Though order-loving Serena shies away from Dillon’s messy complications, she can’t escape her fantasies. When Dillon’s determined pursuit leaves Serena breathless, it might just be ‘all systems are go’ for ROCKET MAN .….

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


The RingmasterThe Ringmaster by Erika Masten

Cirque de Plaisir. Circus of Pleasure. An upscale underground theatrical pageant of desire and allure. A masked BDSM spectacle bringing forbidden fantasies to life for the select few with the power, wealth, and influence to secure an invitation.

For Donovan Haigh, the man they all call Ringmaster, the Cirque de Plaisir is illusion, showmanship, and domination brought to the level of performance art. It is the culmination and affirmation of his grasp of human nature mixed with business acumen and sheer force of will. And no one dares ask what wounds and personal losses underlie the Ringmaster’s resolve to maintain that unwavering control.

For Olivia Keane, the Circus of Pleasure is a vision in the night, a hunger in the dark, and a promise of freedom couched in the terms of submission. Become the Ringmaster’s slave and escape the grasp of her manipulative, belittling family. Succumb to the tightrope-taut tension between the showman Dom and herself and blossom in the warmth of the spotlight and Donovan Haigh’s embrace.

But when the Ringmaster’s slave becomes the star of the show, drawing the lion’s share of attention and princely sums for private command performances, will Donovan be willing to share either the spotlight or his submissive? The Ringmaster’s hold on Olivia and his own self-control begins to fray as powerful admirers try to woo her away, and at least one suitor proves he is not who he seems. Old pains and family hatreds will not be so easy to escape for the Ringmaster and his slave, even in their secreted world of glamour and passion.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Winner Takes AllWinner Takes All by P.J. Adams

When a guy in a tux walks into a bar in the middle of nowhere, dripping wet from the storm, and pulls out a sodden roll of hundred dollar bills, you just know he’s going to be trouble.

Denny McGowan has lost his girl, his best friend and millions of dollars. All he has are the clothes on his back, the money in his pocket, an easy, wise-cracking charm that could melt the hardest of hearts … and two gangsters on his tail and out for revenge.

Cassandra Dane is down on her luck, and on the run from a father fresh out of jail. She’s probably the last girl you’d expect to hook up with someone as hot and exciting as Denny – and she knows it. But things are not always what they seem and sometimes you’re just on the tail-end of a string of bad luck and worse decisions.

When a one-night stand looks like becoming something more than that, Cassie must decide whether she can trust a complete stranger like Denny and work out what he’s really after. As matters of the heart become matters of life and death, Cassie has some tough choices to make.

And foremost among these: just how many chances do you give a guy like Denny McGowan?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Cold Moon RisingCold Moon Rising by Sarah Makela

Passions flare when the cold moon rises…

Kelly: a normal college girl, who knows what she wants—to survive her final exams, and find someone to share her life with. Studying with Jacob is becoming too hot to handle; she’s falling for him, but he’s going too fast…

Jacob: a not-so-typical frat guy, who hides a secret—he’s a werewolf. Whenever the moon is high, he’s driven to shed his human form and satisfy his powerful desires. He craves Kelly, but she’s pushing him away…

Fallout: Jacob can smell Kelly’s arousal, but she insists she doesn’t want him. A wolf can only take so much before his natural instincts win out. When the tension between them explodes, Jacob has no choice but to walk…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


The Reluctant BillionaireThe Reluctant Billionaire by Danielle Duncan

When BBW Sophie begins her new job as chef in William Blackwell’s mansion, she wants a new start. Her last job led to a romance with her billionaire boss which ended in heartbreak. This time, she swears she’ll stay away from workplace romance…a vow that’s put to the test when she meets the enigmatic Rhys, one of the mansion’s gardeners.

William “Rhys” Blackwell might be a billionaire, but he still loves digging in his gardens. When he meets Sophie he feels instantly attracted to her. But Sophie says she doesn’t want to date anyone from the mansion, and Rhys knows that goes double for him, so he keeps his identity quiet. Maybe if she gets to know him first, she’ll change her mind.

In the midst of the growing attraction between Sophie and Rhys, they have other problems to deal with, too…a lawsuit, a billionaire ex-lover and more. In the end, there’s just one question: what are they willing to risk for a chance at love?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Outlaw RevengeOutlaw Revenge by London Casey

Emily didn’t want to go watch a bunch of bikers fight each other, and by the time the fight is over, her best friend is shot dead and Emily finds herself clutching the leather cut of a hot guy named Gaige as she’s on the back of his motorcycle, escaping gunfire.

As Vice President of Back Down Devil MC, Gaige Gaen’s world is consumed by the club, the life, and finding a way to make it all work. The last thing he needs on his plate – or in his bed – is a woman like Emily. He can’t stop looking at her, and he definitely can’t stop touching her. He promises to avenge the death of Emily’s best friend, Rachel, but then the situation takes a turn for the worse when Rachel’s father – a rich man hell bent on revenge – shows up and wants answers that the MC doesn’t have.

Emily is in fear of returning to a past she had escaped. She and Gaige can’t seem to stop their feelings for each other, and as her dangerous past digs its way into the present, Gaige and Back Down Devil are now in the line of fire.

The war in Emily and Gaige’s hearts rage on, but the war outside needs to be fought… the question is, who is going to make it out alive?

Amazon


Fall RushFall Rush by Meda White

Embry Harris is desperate to turn things around her senior year of college. She’s determined to make more responsible choices and rid herself of the stigma plaguing her. But because of her job and the hot bartender who goads her into making impulsive decisions, it isn’t going to be easy.

Stede Bennett’s mission since returning from his overseas tour is to get his degree. The last thing he needs is a spoiled sorority girl distracting him. Being a Marine taught him many things, except how to handle a beautiful woman in constant need of saving.

Protecting Embry from the jerk threatening to ruin her reputation is how Stede begins to lose his heart. Being empowered by Stede’s words is how Embry starts losing hers. If the schemer responsible for pushing them together gets his way, they could lose their chance for happiness.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


My First My LastMy First My Last by Lacey Silks

Matured, more experienced, pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia’s life to reclaim his first love.
And the moment she sees him she can’t even remember her own name.
Adrian Reed had always remained in Mia’s heart. After all, he was her first boyfriend and the man she’d lost her virginity to, but that was twenty years ago. His sudden appearance at a bar, on a girls night out, has Mia acting like the fifteen year old girl she was when they parted.
But life now is not as simple as it was twenty years ago. With two kids, a hopeful ex-husband and new insecurities, Mia finds opening up to a new relationship more challenging.
Will she give her first love another chance, or will she push him away, this time for good?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

AnnMarie Welcomes You to the Fall Freebie Fest – Over a Dozen #Free #Ebooks

I’m excited to announce the Fall Freebie Fest. Now’s your chance to get more than a dozen eBooks at no cost to you. Check out the great reads and amazing authors below. These are in many different romance genres – give something new a try.

As part of our event, we have a Rafflecopter. Amazon.com GC’s are up for grabs. Check it out and enter here —-> Rafflecopter Link.

Romancing RosalieMy contribution to the event is Romancing Rosalie – a novella in The Ladies of Cascade Creek series. You should find it free on all outlets and most Amazon international stores.

AmazonBarnes & NobleiTunesGoogle Play | Smashwords | AllRomance | Kobo

Romancing Rosalie by AnnMarie Oakes

Rosalie Weld is heartbroken when she learns of her fiancé’s cheating ways. Plus he doesn’t intend to give up his mistress when they marry.

Thinking it’s the perfect refuge, Rosalie flees to her cousin’s homestead. But frontier life in the Colorado Territory is filled with hard work and hardship. It’s a life far from what she knew in Boston. To make matters worse, even on her journey she can’t avoid womanizers.

When Garrett Ballenger stumbles out of a brothel and into her stagecoach, Rosalie knows she can’t trust him—until she’s forced to. Garrett is the marshal and plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. But he needs to prove he isn’t the man she thinks he is. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie’s frozen heart?


First MoonFirst Moon by Michelle FoxAudrey Levine thinks being bitten by a wolf is just another day on the job. She couldn’t be more wrong.

A wildlife rehabilitation specialist, Audrey usually does all the rescuing, but now she’s the one who needs help. In ten days, she’ll be covered in fur and howling at the moon while the wolf who bit her is out there, waiting to claim her as his own…whether she wants to be his or not.

The biggest problem? The curvy beauty doesn’t know any of this.

Werewolf Tao Black is the strong, silent type, which is an asset in his role as pack enforcer. Hot on the trail of a wolf gone bad, he runs into trouble and is saved by Audrey. Realizing her situation, he vows to protect Audrey from the wolf who bit her, no matter what it takes.

But that means going against his alpha’s orders…which might get them both killed

A standalone, full length novel with NO cliffhanger.

Available at Amazon.


TemptationTemptation by Selena KittWhat happens when you fall in love with your best friend’s father?

Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica’s father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan’s–just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica’s mother died–that she’s practically part of the family.

Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the “good girl” track at St. Mary Magdalene’s Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.

Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend’s father. Sure, Leah’s mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as “a catch,” but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica’s dad–until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan’s bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined.

Available at Amazon.


Following TroubleFollowing Trouble by Emme RollinsSabrina’s one amazing, perfect day with lead singer Rob Burns from her favorite band, Trouble, has turned into a blossoming long-distance romance as the band finishes the U.S. leg of their tour and Sabrina finishes out the school year teaching her second-grade class.

Rob and Sabrina have fallen hard, and time and distance only seem to have made their bond stronger, but Rob’s messy divorce and Sabrina’s best friend, Katie’s, devastating experience on the road with the band aren’t the only threats to their growing love affair.

Normally practical Sabrina finds herself following both Rob and “Trouble” down a rock n roll road promising both high risk and immeasurable reward.

But will Rob and Sabrina’s love survive the rock and roll fantasy?

Available at Amazon.


Her Secret PleasureHer Secret Pleasure by Jordan BellWhat happens when the man you spend your nights with isn’t the man you long for?

For Kara Mahoney, all of her secrets are tied to one man – Sean Castle. He was her first everything – her first kiss, her first love, and the first man to discover her obedient, sexual passions and dominate them. He was also her first heartbreak.

Six years later and her nights are spent with wealthy Marcus Giovanni who takes full advantage of her submissive vulnerability. He drives her wild, but he’s not who she dreams about surrendering to. Their complicated relationship is kept secret from the paparazzi who’d destroy her if they ever found out their city’s favorite bachelor spent his nights with a curvy size twelve nobody.

Everything changes when Kara receives the purple envelope in the mail bearing an invitation to the opening of a wicked adult restaurant called Wonderland where guests are transported to a world of tantalizing, guiltless appetites. It turns out not only is Sean Castle the Chef de cuisine at Wonderland, he’s also part owner with his brother Zach.

When Kara and Sean are reunited in the days leading up to the grand opening, old passions become hard to resist. Sean struggles against reclaiming the girl he thought he’d given up six years before and Kara’s body threatens to betray her by surrendering to the man she hates as much as she loves.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo


Her Kilted WolfHer Kilted Wolf by Tabitha Conall

Two werewolves, a Scottish castle and the power of fate.

Highly ranked in her werewolf pack in spite of being female, American Mattie Sloane travels to Scotland with her Alpha, never suspecting the trip will turn her life upside down.

A rogue by nature, werewolf Colin MacPherson has to shape up fast when he finds his mate in Mattie.

Just one problem—they both love their countries and don’t want to move. How can they be mates an ocean apart?

Available at Amazon.


The Rock Star Next DoorThe Rock Star Next Door by Starla Cole

He’s a rock star

Rage McDaniels never expected to hit it big. A record label. A confusing contract. And a whole team relying on him to deliver. The lifestyle is wild, and his band mates Metal and Crash are already caving with the pressure. Rage is doing all he can to keep the ground beneath his feet.

He needs someone he can trust.

She’s the girl next door.

Jewel Roberts remembers Rage as the annoying brat who was her younger brother’s friend. When Rage calls out of the blue and asks her to travel from London to California to use her international business degree to help him figure out what sort of mess he’s gotten into, she expects the same skinny adolescent who trailed after her when they were both in high school.

But her arrival at the opening concert of his tour is a shocker. Rage isn’t a boy anymore. Not even close. He’s charming, handsome, and successful. But one thing hasn’t changed — he still only has eyes for her.

But this gig isn’t everything it seems. The producer has sent his own daughter to keep watch over his rising star. And the press is all over the hot new rock god.

Rage and Jewel surely aren’t ready for the pressures that would blow apart even a strong relationship. Jewel is pretty sure that it’s a bad idea to get mixed up with the rock star next door.

Available at Amazon.


The Witch Who Cried WolfThe Witch Who Cried Wolf by Sarah MakelaBe careful what you wish for…

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t even realize existed…

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush…

The power of love: things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo


The Curvy VetThe Curvy Vet and the Billionaire Cowboy by Victoria WessexCurvy veterinarian scientist Amanda has never been comfortable with her body. She hides away in her lab in Atlanta, burying herself in her work…until a call from a stranger drags her out of the city and into the wilderness.

Former oil man Russ Tyler has made his billions and bought himself a stud farm in Wyoming. He needs Amanda to treat a feral horse high in the mountains…but that means persuading the timid beauty to trek there with him on horseback.

Amanda’s used to soy lattes, not camping out under the stars with a gorgeous, muscled cowboy. Can Russ convince her that he loves her curves…and wants her to have his children?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo


WildingWilding by Erika MastenFear the wilding.

That’s what every werewolf learns, from the oldest alpha to the strongest Odin’s Wolf warrior and even their rival Fenris Wolves. The wilding steals the soul, the humanity, and finally the human form. A shifter lost to the wilding is a wolf, a man no more.

When natural scientist, forest ranger, and curvy girl Kimberly Ingalls finds herself forming a strangely emotional connection to the object of her observation, Wolf A217, she never dreams that her fantasies of what 217 would look like as a man would ever come true… until alpha werewolf Will finds himself called back from wolf form to claim his very human, very curvy mate.

Available at Amazon.


Blazing NIghtsBlazing Nights by Linda BarlowI want you, Kate, and I’m going to have you.

Shakespearean actress Kate Kingsley is portraying one of the three witches in Macbeth when she playfully reads the palm of a hot stranger. But when you pretend to be a witch, you risk attracting a witch-hunter. Daniel Haggarty turns out to be a wealthy, fraud-exposing, alpha male journalist with little tolerance for Kate’s psychic mother, her geeky friends, or her reincarnated cat.

While protecting her ghost-whisperer mom from the skeptical Daniel, Kate is irresistibly drawn by his dark sensuality. Soon it’s no longer obvious who is practicing magic and who is under a spell.

Available at Amazon.


SurrenderSurrender by Adriana HunterI wanted to let go of my insecurities and know the feeling of complete possession. One look from him promised a complete transformation and I was ready.

From the very first moment that I laid eyes on the mysterious Jake Meyers, I knew that he would change me forever. There was something dark and dangerous in those impossibly blue eyes, and I was powerless to resist. He became my obsession and I accepted every opportunity to satisfy my desperate desire to be his.

Everything about us was wrong but I knew going in that he was a man who refused to be loved. I tried hard to remind my heart of why I was there…with him, allowing him to take from me all that he needed until I had surrendered completely.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes


Evading NevahEvading Nevah by Danielle DuncanTwo wayward souls from opposite sides of an intergalactic war find each other against all odds.

Captain Alara Nadrin leads an Alliance warship in battle. Above all else, the Alliance prizes military prowess, duty, and following orders. And Alara wants more than anything to make her father, the Admiral, proud of her but struggles when her conscience and her orders conflict.

Zarik of Thallor leads a refugee ship while carrying a holy relic to safety. His plans fall apart when Alara’s warship captures them, putting his people, his family and the relic in danger. He’ll do anything to protect them.

With war at stake, can Alara and Zarik choose love?

Available at Amazon.


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AnnMarie Oakes’ Loving Lilah 99 cents Now #historicalromance #westernromance #newrelease

Loving_Lilah_AnnMarie_Oakes_200x300

Because I have such awesome readers, I’m going to offer Loving Lilah at the sale price of $0.99 for one week! Check it out – thirty positive reviews already 🙂

On the run from the law … and falling in love.

Lilah Canton never expected to see her childhood neighbor Ash Thompson behind bars. Even more, she never expected to care. Ash needled her all through their childhood.

But discovering him in the Barden Falls jail stuns her. He’s accused of murdering the son of Abner Barden, the most powerful man in town, and they both know he won’t live to see a trial. Lilah’s the only one who can help him. Against her better judgment, she aids Ash’s escape.

Now they’re on the run from the law and a bounty hunter they can’t shake. Ash says they’ll be safe in the Colorado Territory, but first they have to survive the harrowing cross-country journey.

And Lilah has to decide how safe her heart is from Ash.

*****

Loving Lilah can be previewed or purchased at following retailers. Read on for an excerpt.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Apple iTunes | Smashwords

Coming soon to Kobo and paperback.

Spicy Excerpt

Ash soothed the jumpy geldings with soft whispers. He untied a rolled blanket from behind his saddle, shook it open, and tossed it on the ground.

When Ash turned, Lilah was right behind him, and she fetched up against his chest. As she gazed deep into Ash’s eyes, she saw strength. She saw reassurance. Her heart knocked wildly against her ribs. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his jaw.

Ash dipped his head and caught her mouth with his own. His tongue traced the curved seam between her lips and darted inside.

Lilah trembled and the warmth in her belly expanded. Her skin grew hot as a nameless need rose within her.

Ash’s hand tightened on her shoulder, and he eased her down onto her back atop the blanket.

Lilah didn’t protest. It never crossed her mind. Kissing Ash was as natural as a breeze and as inevitable as the sunrise. The warm tingle spreading through her body enthralled her and she ached for more. She wanted Ash to touch her everywhere, and her fingers itched to touch him in return.

Ash placed his palms on the rough fabric of the blanket and leaned over her, closing the space between them. When mere inches separated their bodies, he stopped and his eyes met hers.

Lilah blinked as she gazed into the expanding black of his pupils. Her lips widened into an unconsciously seductive smile. Her breasts burned for his touch and she reached out, placing her palm on his chest. But it wasn’t to halt him. It was an invitation, and her fingers curled into his shirt. She pulled him closer until the hard wall of his chest met hers, and her nipples puckered beneath the fabric of her sodden dress.

Ash settled himself beside her and pulled Lilah into his arms, sliding his hands over her back. As their bodies collided, Lilah shivered. She tilted her face toward his and he kissed her, lightly, tenderly, before taking her mouth with hungry passion.

Lilah twisted against him, longing to satisfy the craving within her. She gasped as he pulsed against her belly. Lilah wasn’t ignorant. She knew the nature of things between a man and a woman, but never in her most secret dreams had she imagined how the burn of desire would consume her. How was this possible? She loved Lucas, didn’t she? But Lucas had never made her feel like this, not even close. The hunger Ash roused made her schoolgirl fantasies of Lucas seem like a pale, distant shadow. She didn’t know when it had happened, but her infatuation for Lucas had evaporated, broken by the passage of time and Ash’s searing imprint upon her.

Ash slid his hand over her hip and up between their bodies. He flexed his fingers over her breast, and Lilah jerked and hummed with pleasure.

He rested his forehead against hers. “Lilah, I cannot tell you how much I want you. There aren’t words.”

*****

Loving Lilah can be previewed or purchased at following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Apple iTunes | Smashwords

Loving Lilah Released – The Newest Ladies of Cascade Creek by AnnMarie Oakes #historicalromance #westernromance

Loving_Lilah_AnnMarie_Oakes_200x300I’m excited to announce the newest entry into The Ladies of Cascade Creek series. Loving Lilah is now available.

On the run from the law … and falling in love.

Lilah Canton never expected to see her childhood neighbor Ash Thompson behind bars. Even more, she never expected to care. Ash needled her all through their childhood.

But discovering him in the Barden Falls jail stuns her. He’s accused of murdering the son of Abner Barden, the most powerful man in town, and they both know he won’t live to see a trial. Lilah’s the only one who can help him. Against her better judgment, she aids Ash’s escape.

Now they’re on the run from the law and a bounty hunter they can’t shake. Ash says they’ll be safe in the Colorado Territory, but first they have to survive the harrowing cross-country journey.

And Lilah has to decide how safe her heart is from Ash.

*****

Loving Lilah can be previewed or purchased at following retailers. Read on for an excerpt.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Apple iTunes | Smashwords

Coming soon to Kobo and paperback.

Spicy Excerpt

Ash soothed the jumpy geldings with soft whispers. He untied a rolled blanket from behind his saddle, shook it open, and tossed it on the ground.

When Ash turned, Lilah was right behind him, and she fetched up against his chest. As she gazed deep into Ash’s eyes, she saw strength. She saw reassurance. Her heart knocked wildly against her ribs. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his jaw.

Ash dipped his head and caught her mouth with his own. His tongue traced the curved seam between her lips and darted inside.

Lilah trembled and the warmth in her belly expanded. Her skin grew hot as a nameless need rose within her.

Ash’s hand tightened on her shoulder, and he eased her down onto her back atop the blanket.

Lilah didn’t protest. It never crossed her mind. Kissing Ash was as natural as a breeze and as inevitable as the sunrise. The warm tingle spreading through her body enthralled her and she ached for more. She wanted Ash to touch her everywhere, and her fingers itched to touch him in return.

Ash placed his palms on the rough fabric of the blanket and leaned over her, closing the space between them. When mere inches separated their bodies, he stopped and his eyes met hers.

Lilah blinked as she gazed into the expanding black of his pupils. Her lips widened into an unconsciously seductive smile. Her breasts burned for his touch and she reached out, placing her palm on his chest. But it wasn’t to halt him. It was an invitation, and her fingers curled into his shirt. She pulled him closer until the hard wall of his chest met hers, and her nipples puckered beneath the fabric of her sodden dress.

Ash settled himself beside her and pulled Lilah into his arms, sliding his hands over her back. As their bodies collided, Lilah shivered. She tilted her face toward his and he kissed her, lightly, tenderly, before taking her mouth with hungry passion.

Lilah twisted against him, longing to satisfy the craving within her. She gasped as he pulsed against her belly. Lilah wasn’t ignorant. She knew the nature of things between a man and a woman, but never in her most secret dreams had she imagined how the burn of desire would consume her. How was this possible? She loved Lucas, didn’t she? But Lucas had never made her feel like this, not even close. The hunger Ash roused made her schoolgirl fantasies of Lucas seem like a pale, distant shadow. She didn’t know when it had happened, but her infatuation for Lucas had evaporated, broken by the passage of time and Ash’s searing imprint upon her.

Ash slid his hand over her hip and up between their bodies. He flexed his fingers over her breast, and Lilah jerked and hummed with pleasure.

He rested his forehead against hers. “Lilah, I cannot tell you how much I want you. There aren’t words.”

*****

Loving Lilah can be previewed or purchased at following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Apple iTunes | Smashwords

New Release Excerpt from Romancing Rosalie by AnnMarie Oakes (Ladies of Cascade Creek) #historical #western #romance

Romancing_Rosalie_AnnMarie_Oakes_200x300Hi Readers! I’m very excited to release Romancing Rosalie as a stand alone novella. Please take a peek at the blurb and excerpt!

*****

Rosalie Weld’s fiancé has a mistress, and he doesn’t intend to give her up just for marriage. After breaking her engagement, Rosalie flees Boston for her cousin’s homestead in the Colorado Territory and it might just be the perfect refuge, if she can learn to accept the hard work and solitude of frontier life.

Even on her journey, she can’t avoid womanizers like Garrett Ballinger, who stumbles out of a brothel and straight onto the stagecoach. But Rosalie will be safe when she arrives in Cascade Creek; the local marshal will escort her to Audra’s homestead.

Trouble is, Garrett is the marshal and he’s plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. He may not be the man she thinks he is, but she can’t trust him–until she’s forced to. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie’s frozen heart?

*****

Romancing Rosalie can be previewed or purchased at the following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance

Coming soon to iTunes and Kobo.

*****

Excerpt

Rosalie winced as she stepped into the parlor. Her corset bit into her in places, rubbing her skin raw. Annie, her maid, always pulled it too snug. Rosalie’s mother took a keen interest in fashion and that meant wearing the latest styles with no regard to comfort. Her mother didn’t care for the looser dresses that some ladies were wearing. She deemed them inappropriate and forbade Rosalie from wearing one. After she married, Rosalie planned to take a greater hand in her own wardrobe. It was one of many benefits she anticipated would accrue to her after marriage to her fiancé, Winslow Dudley, in January.

Laughter rang out across the room and Rosalie made her way to the conversation group. As she approached, talking stopped and everyone avoided her gaze. Her closest friend, Katherine, immediately launched into a description of new hats she’d seen the previous day at Jordan Marsh, and soon conversation resumed.

Rosalie couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d been the topic of discussion and the surreptitious glances she intercepted cemented her opinion. There was no reason for anyone to be gossiping about her that she knew of. She was always very conscious of her comportment. Her mother never would have allowed it to be otherwise. Rosalie didn’t care to risk a week’s worth of lectures for a momentary lapse.

Tea was served and Rosalie took a place on a settee next to Katherine. “Did you purchase a new hat yesterday?”

Katherine didn’t meet her eye and her words came out in a rush. “Why no I didn’t, though they were lovely. I have so many hats already. I’m having a few new dresses made for Christmas. We’re doing so much entertaining after all, and I thought I’d see what I needed.”

“Is something amiss?” Rosalie and Katherine had always had a special kinship. Katherine’s mother was as domineering as Rosalie’s and they often took solace in one another’s company. Out of their common experience, true friendship had blossomed.

Katherine wrung her hands. “Of course not. Everything is quite fine with me. And yourself?”

“Everything is in place for the wedding, of course. I just hope the weather won’t be too harsh come January.” Cold and a dusting of snow wouldn’t interrupt the plans, but a full-blown snowstorm would be a disaster. Rosalie would have preferred to wait until spring or even summer, but she hadn’t been given the choice.

Katherine jerked at the mention of the wedding. Her fingers fiddled with the brooch pinned to her dress.

Rosalie placed her hand over Katherine’s. “I know something is bothering you. Is it your mother?” Rosalie spied the sheen of tears in Katherine’s eyes.

Katherine shook her head. “Perhaps you could offer me a ride home after tea in your carriage.”

Rosalie hid her surprise. “I’d be glad to.” Katherine’s suggestion was unusual, and though she was glad to grant the request, it made her uneasy. Rosalie’s discomfort grew until she suggested they take their leave early.

Katherine was more than happy to oblige and soon they found themselves tucked into the carriage, making their way through the streets of Boston. The coachman drove with care as the packed snow made the streets slick.

Only a moment passed before Katherine grabbed Rosalie’s hands in her own. “I’m so sorry. I … I guess everyone knows. Don’t worry though, it will blow over.”

Rosalie frowned. “Katherine, what are you talking about?”

“Winslow’s … situation.” Katherine released Rosalie and began twisting the ribbons that decorated her reticule.

Rosalie’s eyes widened in confusion. “I beg your pardon?” Winslow was a successful businessman. He hadn’t mentioned a concern of any kind in his business or otherwise.

“Oh dear, you don’t know?” A ribbon on Katherine’s reticule detached from her rough treatment and she stuffed it inside.

Rosalie could no longer hide her growing irritation and spoke more sharply than she would have wished. “Don’t know what? Katherine …”

Katherine’s hands flailed about as if seeking something new to grab on to. “About Winslow’s mistress.”

“Mistress? What are you talking about?” Rosalie took a calming breath as her agitation grew.

“His mistress.” Katherine shifted on the seat.

“Winslow doesn’t keep a mistress.”

Sadness settled onto Katherine’s face. “Yes, he does and she is … increasing.”

*****

Romancing Rosalie can be previewed or purchased at the following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | All Romance

AnnMarie Oakes’ Invites You to the Valentine’s Day Gift H0p #romance

ValentinesDayGiftHopWelcome to the Valentine’s Day Gift Hop! Thank you to our hostess Skye Warren 🙂

This week, authors and bloggers are giving away books, gift cards and even a Kindle Paperwhite!

All commenters on this blog will be entered to win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. Comment button is a bit hidden at the bottom.

Yesterday, I started thinking about what to do on Valentine’s Day with my husband. It will be a night in for us, as it is unlikely we could get child care and restaurants will probably be packed.

I saw some really nifty ideas on Pinterest for making a candy gift basket. You make some little tags and you stick them on candy. Something like “We were mint to be together” on a box of Junior Mints. I’ll share a few of the other ideas below.

Please feel free to give me some additional ideas in your comments!

I soda think you are amazing. (root beer)

I’m nuts about you. (peanuts)

We were mint to be together. (Junior Mints)

You are my sweettart. (Sweettart)

It’s a joy being married to you. (Almond Joy)

You stole a piece of my heart. (Reeces Pieces)

Life would be unbearable without you. (gummy bear)

You rock my world. (Pop Rocks)

I love to kiss you. (chocolate kisses)

I like the way you roll. (Tootsie Roll)

Bring on the suggestions!

*****

Loving Lilah, Book 2 in the Ladies of Cascade Creek, is on the way. If you haven’t checked out Book 1, Loving Lucas, here’s a little info!

lovinglucas2Audra Canton’s suitors have an odd way of making their case: they keep shooting at her. The Colorado Territory of the 1870s is tough on women alone; the two Canton sisters have no one but each other after the death of their father. All the locals want to marry Audra for the Canton homestead, and they’re not above scaring her into it. Audra needs help learning to protect herself and her sister.

That’s when Lucas Blake drifts into Audra’s life. She takes him on as a hired hand, though he’s anything but. He’s a lawman hot on the trail of a hardened criminal, and working the Canton homestead is the perfect cover.

But just when Audra thinks she’s out of the line of fire, Lucas accidentally puts her straight into the sights of a new, more deadly gun that makes her drunken suitors look like toy soldiers. Now Lucas and Audra must fight for their lives—and each other.

Loving Lucas can be previewed or purchased at the following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo | Bookstrand

*****

Find the other stops on the hop here!

BloghopPrizes
To leave your comment, click the Comments under the Share This and Tags area below. Sorry it is so hard to find!

AnnMarie Oakes’ Stop on the Mistletoe H0p #MistleToeHop

Christmas Trees. Holiday Music. Sugar Cookies. Glitter and Bows. And Best Of All… the Mistletoe. Romance books enhance our holiday traditions. So hop around with us to celebrate the best romance books of the season.

Take a moment for yourself during this busy season and curl up with a good book!

All commenters on my blog will be entered to win a $5 Amazon.com gift card!

westernkisses-cover-3D-252x300I’ve been very fortunate this year to be a part of the USA Today Bestselling anthology Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances. Who knew so many readers wanted a Christmas-themed historical romance?

Western Kisses can be previewed or purchased on the following sites.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance

Audra and Lucas, two character from my story Romancing Rosalie (from Western Kisses), have a book of their own!

lovinglucas600x900Loving Lucas Excerpt

Two shots exploded from the cabin, one after the other. Buckshot flew everywhere, falling far short of the targets. The chickens renewed their squawking protest.

“Hey now! Don’t be shooting at us!” The indignant screech was followed by another gunshot and the sound of shattering glass.

Lucas shook his head. That was enough. He slipped away from the chicken coop and into the trees, skirting around toward the location of the shooters. He came upon two horses tied to a tree. The mounts were prime horseflesh with quality gear. Lucas considered turning them loose, but he wanted these men to ride out and quick like.

He moved silently, tree to tree, until he knew he was close. Glowing moonlight fell on the outside of the cabin but it was completely dark inside. He discerned two hulking shadows barely visible at the edge of the trees.

One man stepped forward into the clearing, shaking his gun in the air. Lucas aimed and pulled the trigger. The man let out an outraged howl as he fell. Lucas had gone for the leg, not wanting to deal with a killing. He’d hit something, but it wasn’t clear what. He melted back into the trees.

“Damn bitch! She done shot me!” The injured man emphasized his outrage by shooting into the air.

“Well, hell, I knew this was a bad idea. How you gonna explain that to the boss?”

“I don’t give a shit. Help me on my horse. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

Lucas crawled back to the chicken coop and crouched in the darkness. The birds were quiet but still fluttering about inside. He heard the two men ride away. He’d have to check the house. At least one bullet had made it inside and someone could be injured. However, he didn’t want to get shot at himself. He considered his options.

Lucas called out, “Those men are gone now. Do you need help?” The night air was still and becoming chilled as the residual heat of the day faded from the ground.

Silence was the only answer. Damn. Maybe they couldn’t respond.

There were no windows on the chimney side of the cabin and he approached from that direction. “Hello? Can you hear me? I’m here to help.” He didn’t blame them for not answering. After all, they didn’t know him from a hole in the ground.

He moved silently down the rough, exterior wall and edged onto the slumping porch. “My name’s Lucas. Is anyone hurt?”

The front door opened a crack and a shotgun barrel appeared. “What do you want, Mister?” The woman’s voice was young but steady.

“I heard the shots from my camp. I came to see what was happening.” Lucas kept his voice low and smooth.

“Some drunken fools decided to pay us a visit is what happened,” the feminine voice answered tartly.

“Apparently so.” Lucas coughed to suppress his chuckle. He knew it was no laughing matter. The danger had been real. But something about her indignation struck him as humorous.

“That John Duncan was carrying on about being shot. I know I didn’t hit him. Was that you?” She sounded merely curious and not one bit concerned about the injury.

“I must confess, ma’am, that I did try to hasten their departure.” Maybe humor would help to defuse the tense situation.

“I suppose you better come in.” The door swung open.

*****

Loving Lucas can be previewed or purchased at the following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo | Bookstrand

Thank you for hopping!

Want to visit the other sites in the hop? CLICK HERE

To leave your comment, click the Comments under the Share This and Tags area below. Sorry it is so hard to find!

Walnut Squares Are On the Menu at AnnMarie’s Stop on the Home for the Holidays H0p #HomeHolidayHop

Home for the holidays hop buttonWelcome to the hop!

First – a big thank you to our host – The Romance Troup!

Second – the prizes! There are two grand prizes (1) a $450 gift card and (2) a huge grab bag of eBooks.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog (link at bottom). All commenters on this blog will also be eligible for a $5 Amazon.com gift card. Don’t forget to leave your email.

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Grandma’s Walnut Squares

These are pretty easy to make and very yummy.

½ cup butter
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ t vanilla
1 egg yolk
½ cup flour
½ cup rolled oats
3 small chocolate Hershey bars (other chocolate doesn’t work as well)
1 T butter
½ cup chopped walnuts

Beat butter until creamy then gradually add both kinds of sugar and beat. Add vanilla and egg yolk and beat well. Stir in flour and rolled oats. Spread mixture in a greased 8×8 pan. Bake 325 for 20 minutes or until browned.  Remove from oven and let stand 10 min. Melt chocolate and 1 T butter in a pan. When smooth spread over the cookies and sprinkle with walnuts. Cut while still warm. Recipe can be easily doubled to fill a larger pan.

Enjoy!

*****

My newest release is Loving Lucas. It is Book 1 in The Ladies of Cascade Creek Series.

Blurb

Audra Canton’s suitors have an odd way of making their case: they keep shooting at her. The Colorado Territory of the 1870s is tough on women alone; the two Canton sisters have no one but each other after the death of their father. All the locals want to marry Audra for the Canton homestead, and they’re not above scaring her into it. Audra needs help learning to protect herself and her sister.

lovinglucas600x900That’s when Lucas Blake drifts into Audra’s life. She takes him on as a hired hand, though he’s anything but. He’s a lawman hot on the trail of a hardened criminal, and working the Canton homestead is the perfect cover.

But just when Audra thinks she’s out of the line of fire, Lucas accidentally puts her straight into the sights of a new, more deadly gun that makes her drunken suitors look like toy soldiers. Now Lucas and Audra must fight for their lives—and each other.

Loving Lucas can be previewed or purchased at the following retailers.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo | Bookstrand

Thank you for hopping!

*****

Are you looking for the other sites in the hop? Click here!

Fall Into Winter Romance Give@way H0p *Winners*

westernkisses-cover-3D-252x300Thank you to all the wonderful sites that participated in the Western Kisses Fall Into Winter Romance Giveaway Hop!

It was a huge success!

I have several exciting things to share. Our Western Kisses Anthology is in the Amazon Top 100! Take a peek at the blurb below.

Without further delay, here are the lucky winners!

Grand Prize $50 Gift Card
Mandy Marie Earles

Ebooks Bundle
Chrisa Changala

Autographed copies of An Unexpected Widow
Shannon Noelle Patch
Paola Zuccaro

Romance Swag Bag
Rachelle Creech

$5 Amazon Gift Cards
Loree Naquin Hayman
Valerie Rhodes
Debbie Ann Hart
Ashley Anne Applebee
Saralyn Miller

*****

Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances

Amazon Top 100
#1 Victorian Romance
#1 Western Romance
#1 Holiday Romance

Kick off the holidays with five heartwarming romances from bestselling authors Kirsten Osbourne, Carré White, Anya Karin, Flora Dare and AnnMarie Oakes.

The Man from Cripple Creek by Carré White

After the ravages of Smallpox left her scarred for life, Willow Brady had resigned herself to spinsterhood. A chance meeting with a rugged stranger changes everything, as she’s drawn to his sadness, which mirrors her own.

Almost Lonely by Anya Karin

Lottie Wright’s home town of Almos, Texas, was a vibrant little farming community until just about everyone left, fearing the Civil War coming their direction. Now, she must come to terms with herself and finding love in the most unexpected places when outlaw-on-the-run Colton Howe appears on her doorstep.

Mail Order Matron by Kirsten Osbourne

After a life dedicated to her mother, Julia takes a chance and becomes a mail order bride. Edward, a lonely widower, has no hope that any woman will answer his advertisement. Will this unlikely couple find love together?

Unwanted Bride by Flora Dare

When Heloise’s beau choses her sister, she decides to start a new life as a mail order bride. But the man who wrote the letters isn’t the one she’s marrying, it’s his errant nephew. Can they move beyond their past and have a loving first Christmas together?

Romancing Rosalie by AnnMarie Oakes

When Rosalie flees Boston and her cheating fiancé for the Colorado Territory, it might be the perfect refuge, if she can accept the hardships of frontier life. Trouble is, Garrett Ballinger, the local marshal, is plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie’s frozen heart?

Western Kisses can be previewed or purchased on the following sites.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance | Kobo

AnnMarie’s Stop on the Fall Into Winter Romance Give@way H0p #WesternKisses

fallintowinterhop01Welcome to the Fall Into Winter Romance Giveaway Hop! Our hop is sponsored by the Western Kisses Old West Christmas Romance Anthology.

This anthology contains five brand new stories from bestselling authors like Carre White and Kirsten Osbourne. Also included are newer authors like me!

My story, Romancing Rosalie, is a spin off of my recent release, Loving Lucas (The Ladies of Cascade Creek Book 1).

We have over 60 participating sites and a great grand prize – a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate.

To enter the Rafflecopter for the $50 Amazon Gift Certificate – Click Here!

All commenters on my blog will also be entered to win an additional $5 Amazon.com gift certificate.

To find the other sites participating in the blog hop – Click Here!

*****

westernkisses-cover-3D-252x300Kick off the holidays with five heartwarming romances from bestselling authors Kirsten Osbourne, Carré White and more!

The Man from Cripple Creek by Carré White

After the ravages of Smallpox left her scarred for life, Willow Brady had resigned herself to spinsterhood. A chance meeting with a rugged stranger changes everything, as she’s drawn to his sadness, which mirrors her own.

Almost Lonely by Anya Karin

Lottie Wright’s home town of Almos, Texas, was a vibrant little farming community until just about everyone left, fearing the Civil War coming their direction. Now, she must come to terms with herself and finding love in the most unexpected places when outlaw-on-the-run Colton Howe appears on her doorstep.

Mail Order Matron by Kirsten Osbourne

After a life dedicated to her mother, Julia takes a chance and becomes a mail order bride. Edward, a lonely widower, has no hope that any woman will answer his advertisement. Will this unlikely couple find love together?

Unwanted Bride by Flora Dare

When Heloise’s beau choses her sister, she decides to start a new life as a mail order bride. But the man who wrote the letters isn’t the one she’s marrying, it’s his errant nephew. Can they move beyond their past and have a loving first Christmas together?

Romancing Rosalie by AnnMarie Oakes

When Rosalie flees Boston and her cheating fiancé for the Colorado Territory, it might be the perfect refuge, if she can accept the hardships of frontier life. Trouble is, Garrett Ballinger, the local marshal, is plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie’s frozen heart?

Western Kisses can be previewed or purchased on the following sites.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | All Romance

Thank you for hopping!