Latest On The Nocturnal Nina Blog
Happy Book Birthday to Kate Meader ‘Illegally Yours’
Join me in congratulating one of my favorite author friends, Kate Meader, on her new release. If you like smart, sexy romance, check out Illegally Yours.
Nina: What do you love about this book/or the series?
Kate: Illegally Yours, a sexy standalone in the Laws of Attraction series, is one of those books that looks like one thing, but is hiding another. On the surface, it’s a conflict-of-interest story with a cocky hotshot lawyer and a whiskey taster who’s not buying what he’s selling. Dig deeper and you’ll find that the most cheerful smiles hide tears and that relationships–especially the ones with your family–can be the hardest road to travel.
Rule #1: Never fall for your client.
Rule #2: Never fall for your client’s fiercely protective, smoking hot sister-in-law.I’m the kind of guy who believes that everyone deserves the best legal representation money can buy—which just so happens to be me, Lucas Wright. Give me your henpecked, your cuckolded, your irreconcilable differences yearning to break free! And if you’re the bad guy in your marriage, that’s cool too. Your green is as good as anyone’s.
Tell that to Trinity Jones. It’s my job to destroy her sister—the soon-to-be ex-wife of my a-hole of a client—and Trinity’s “big sis” instincts are dialed up to the max. I admire that. I admire her. But she won’t stop me from representing my client to the best of my ability.
Not even if my chemistry with Trinity is undeniable. Not even if we can’t keep our hands off each other. Not even if she injects life into a heart assumed to be long dead.
Because when faced with a choice between love and duty, the job will always win—or at least that’s what I thought before I met Trinity . . . and suddenly conflict of interest never felt so right.
Excerpt
Hottie Brit has returned. Or never went away.
Before he sees me, I take a moment to watch him unobserved. Long fingers are wrapped around a pint glass, which we don’t see a lot of down here. The Library is a fancy cocktail kind of place. That too-long-on-top dark hair is mussed, as if he had to abuse it to temper his energy. A small scar bisecting his eyebrow makes him a little less pretty and a lot more interesting.
The air around him thrums even as he sits still, like a Broadway musical might break out any moment.
Gideon squints to tell me Hottie Brit is out of here the minute I say the word. I smile to let him know I’ve got this. Maybe HB didn’t stay for me, though deep down I know that’s not true. My pulse picks up at the thought. It’s been awhile—a long, lonely while—since anyone this attractive has hit on me.
I’ll let it buoy me and fuel a few British-accented fantasies later.
As soon as HB sees me he switches off his phone and places it facedown on the bar. I’m oddly touched.
“Hello, again. Lucas Wright at your service.” He offers his hand, curiously formal.
I’m stunned enough into grasping that hand, its warmth life affirming and not a little zingy. “Trinity Jones. Literally at your service.”
He smiles. Charmingly crooked, it lights up his eyes, his cheekbones, and my very neglected lady parts. His irises are the blue of a curaçao cocktail, one with a sting in its tail.
He still hasn’t released my hand. “I’m not really a whiskey drinker, hence my—”
“Resistance to the tasting?” I finish for him.
“People usually make fun of things they don’t understand, right? Give me a nice pint any day.” His self-deprecation throws me for a second, and while I try to measure how calculated it is, he leans in slightly. “Does this mean we can’t be friends?”
My attitude toward him is far from friendly. Not exactly hostile, but something more discomfiting: a wriggle in my stomach and a lurch in my chest. The first I attribute to attraction, the second . . . I’m not sure yet.
I release his hand. “I’ve no doubt a guy like you has plenty of friends.”
“You can never have enough friends, Trinity.”
“Or friendly bartenders to unload your troubles on.”
He flicks a glance to Gideon, who’s watching us from a semisafe distance, ready to lunge into action at the first sign of trouble. “Now Treebeard over there doesn’t look so friendly.”
Treebeard? That’s perfect. I can’t wait to tell Gideon. “Just protective. We look out for one another here.”
HB holds up his hands, palms facing me. “I’ve been warned!” Then he waves at Gideon, who hipster-scowls back. The exchange makes me smile, but I turn away to grab a bar towel before Lucas can see it. Can’t make it too easy for him.
“So, Trinity, I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Uh-huh. Now, I imagine you get this a lot, working here.” He waves around, somewhat effusively. This guy has an entertainer gene. Probably can sing and dance as well.
“I’ve had a few . . . propositions.”
“I bet. Slimy, handsy old geezers incapable of making eye contact and drooling all over the bar.” He makes a point of looking at a spot two feet south of my face.
I point at my chest. “Uh, my tits are up here, asshole.”
He grins. “Just taking the lechery to its logical conclusion. The lecher so drunk he can’t even lech right.”
“Don’t think lech is a verb.”
“Is when I do it.”
This makes no sense, but I laugh, the sound unrestrained and genuine, and catch Gideon out of the corner of my eye. He disapproves. Whatever. I can laugh at funny, hottie, nonsensical Brits if I want to. It’s not as if I’m going to let him banter his way into my bed. It’s just nice to be the target of an attractive guy for once.
Amazon US | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo
Bookbub | Goodreads
About Kate Meader
Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
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Happy Book Birthday to Rebecca Brooks ‘Wrong Bed, Right Roommate’
Happy Book Birthday to fellow Entangled Publishing author, Rebecca Brooks!
Nina: What do you love about your new book?
Rebecca: I love how Jessie and Shawn are total opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. I also pushed myself to get creative in the bedroom (or, more specifically, out of the bedroom ;)) and I have to say, I impressed even myself with the sparks between these two, lol.
It’s not every day you wake up to a stranger getting into your bed.
Only, he isn’t a stranger at all, he’s my best friend’s hot older brother…and apparently my new roommate.
Having him in my space, driving me crazy, isn’t a problem at all. Nope.
All I need to do is keep control of the situation…
But that’s easier said than done.
Shawn Lassiter is the kind of distraction I don’t need.
First he accidentally gets into my bed, half-naked, the night before my first day at my new job.
Hello, muscles and tattoos!
Then he’s there, in nothing but a towel, making me coffee in the morning.
It’s more than any girl can resist. Right?
But Shawn is off-limits, even if his eyes are saying differently.
Years ago, back when I still had my crush, he destroyed friendships with his reckless playboy antics.
There’s no way I’m touching those perfectly formed abs now. I don’t care how nice and responsible he’s acting.
I don’t want a boyfriend anyway. That’s what my trusty vibrator is for.
I’m the smart girl—the glasses-wearing, book-reading workaholic. I can totally do this.
After all, it’s only for two and a half months.
I’ll be on my best behavior…even if Shawn isn’t.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA
Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play
Entangled | Bookbub | Goodreads
About Rebecca Brooks
Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than to write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx.
Rebecca is the author of the How to Fall (a HOLT Medallion Finalist), the Men of Gold Mountain series (an IDA Erotica Finalist), and the new Heart of the Adirondacks series. Above All, A Heart of the Adirondacks novel, releases on July 20, 2018. Her next book, Wrong Bed, Right Roommate (Accidental Love Book 1), is now available.
Holiday Giveaways and Fun
I’ve teamed up with a few of my favorite authors to bring more fun to the holidays in December with two great giveaways!
31 DAYS OF RACY READS GIVEAWAYS
HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL GIVEAWAY 12/10 – 12/21
It’s not too late to enjoy GIVEAWAYS and FREEBIES in the Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Giveaway! The best part is that you can enter DAILY to increase your chances with no strings attached.
Enter Here: http://bit.ly/PPBCHollyJolly
The Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Bash (a big author party) will happen on the last day of the event in the Private Party Book Group on Facebook! Make sure you join for more chances to win.
Private Party Book Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrivatePartyBookClub/
Good luck with your entry in the giveaways, and have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! I’ll be back in 2019 to update you on the next two books in the Breakup Bash series along with more upcoming books, giveaways, and happily-ever-afters!
Nina Crespo presents Dishing on Girlfriends with Lisa Kessler
Nina Crespo: I’m excited to have my pub sister and book birthday twin, Lisa Kessler, on my blog today. Be sure to add her latest book, PIRATE’S PASSION, to your #mustread book list.
Why are your girlfriends important?
Girlfriends are the best because their honest, genuine support and encouragement keep me sane and when the chips are down, we’re always there for each other.
What’s the best life or love advice you’ve received from a girlfriend?
You can settle over what to have for lunch, but never “settle” for the company you’re sharing it with. You deserve the best.
About Lisa’s Book
Samuel Keegan used to man the wheel of the Sea Dog over 200 years ago, but these days he’s the front man of a southern rock band. Rum and women are plentiful, but his world is changing rapidly now that his crew is back together searching for the Holy Grail to break their curse. But the quest leads him to a historian with raven hair and a wicked smile. She holds all the answers, but she could also spell death for them all.
Dr. Charlotte Sinclair works for the Maritime Museum in Savannah, an expert on ancient pirate wrecks. When a government agent requests her help in a top-secret investigation, she discovers not only is the Holy Grail real, but the lead singer of her favorite band is actually the immortal pilot of the Sea Dog crew.
The search for the Grail opens some dark secrets better left hidden, and Charlotte’s life might depend on one Pirate’s Passion…
Each book in the Sentinels of Savannah series is STANDALONE:
* Magnolia Mystic
* Pirate’s Passion
Excerpt
The crowd roared as Keegan opened his eyes and took a bow with the rest of the band. He introduced all of them, and jogged off-stage. A minute later he returned in his leather frock coat and his guitar in hand. Hooking the strap over his shoulder, he leaned into the mic. “It’s a Scallywag tradition to finish the night with a sea shanty for all the pirates out there.” He put his hand to his ear as everyone—Charlotte included—let out their best pirate “Argh!”
Keegan chuckled with a sexy sparkle in his eyes as he scanned the crowd. Charlotte’s pulse raced when he smiled at her and let his pirate swagger out for all to see. “This one be for all the buccaneers out there. Weigh anchor and hoist the sails, Row Bullies Row!”
He finished the song, and the crowd rewarded him with a standing ovation. She ordered one more drink while the band packed up. It was half gone by the time Keegan slid onto the stool beside her.
He leaned on the bar with a crooked smile. “Enjoy the show?”
“Very much.” She nodded.
He glanced at the stage with a wistful sigh. “Too bad I don’t have a dressing room here.”
“That is too bad.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I had rum and everything.”
“Poor planning on my part, lass.” He glanced at her drink. “Need a ride home?”
She started to say no when her phone buzzed. She took it out of her bag and frowned at the screen. Three missed calls from a number she didn’t recognize. She plugged one ear and clicked on her voicemail.
Dr. Sinclair, it’s Agent Bale. I need to speak with you right away. Call me back, even if it’s late. It’s about the Grail. You could be in danger.
Adrenaline killed her buzz, leaving her jumpy and on edge. She spent most of her time digging into the past, so the biggest danger was missing a step on her way down to the basement admin offices at the maritime museum.
Keegan’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re white as the Sea Dog’s sails.”
“It had black sails.”
He shook his head. “We had both.” He glanced around the bar. “Did someone threaten you?”
“No.” She waited for him to meet her eyes. “Agent Bale left me a voicemail to call right away. He thinks I may be in danger.”
A muscle jumped in Keegan’s cheek as he reached for her hand, leading her out the back exit. The seductive rock star who had been onstage a few minutes before was gone, leaving her alone with…a pirate.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play
About Lisa Kessler
Lisa Kessler is a bestselling author of dark paranormal fiction. She’s a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
When she’s not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, and has performed with San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.
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Nina Crespo presents Dishing on Girlfriends with Tina Donahue
Nina Crespo: It’s always great to have Tina Donahue stop by. Today we’re talking about girlfriends and her book, RELENTLESS. It’s a sexy, passionate read that you’ll definitely want to check out.
Why are your girlfriends important?
They get me. No matter how deep a guy is, he just doesn’t understand what it’s like to be a woman. My girlfriends do. We support each other through bad times and always celebrate the good. I never had sisters so I’m lucky to have them.
What’s the best life or love advice you’ve received from a girlfriend?
When I was in college, I was really hooked on this bad boy. My BFF told me he was a jerk and that I deserved better – I shouldn’t settle. Seeing him through her eyes taught me a lot. Never again did I fall for someone like that.
About Tina’s Book
They call him Ghost…
If anyone needs a hero, Nic does. Her grandfather died in a suspicious accident, she nearly lost the ranch to foreclosure, and now mysterious mutilations are killing her cattle. She suspects her supremacist neighbor is behind the crimes, but can’t prove it.
When Ghost arrives on her land, offering to get justice, she’s hard-pressed to refuse his help. He’s sexy as sin and a former Army Ranger, his talents as a sniper unequaled.
The way he looks at her unmatched.
Ghost can’t help himself. He’s never met a more determined woman, her courage and intelligence captivating him. As a Blackfoot, he’s always called Montana home. With Nic here, he’s not going anywhere.
Good thing as the attacks escalate.
Facing insurmountable odds to save her land, Nic and Ghost form a formidable defense, while also surrendering to passion neither can resist.
Excerpt (*Adult Readers Only)
In the grayish dawn, a tall figure approached, shoulder-length hair flapping in the mild summer wind, the man’s powerful form silhouetted against the lightening sky, his face hidden in shadows.
He carried a rifle over one shoulder.
Nic’s fury morphed to dread at the coming battle, but she wouldn’t back down. “Hold it right there!” Her shout sounded thunderous in the otherwise calm day. “Another step and I’ll shoot off your balls.”
Halted, he raised his hands. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Ms. Strom.”
Patience and sincerity rang in his deep, rich voice, along with respect.
Her stomach fluttered in appreciation when it shouldn’t have. Victor’s men weren’t close to civilized. Calling her a bitch or barking racial obscenities was more their style. Confused, she nevertheless kept her finger on the trigger, prepared to fire. “Then go back the way you came. Don’t enter my property again.”
“I’m here to talk. To help.”
That made no sense. He couldn’t be from the Sheriff’s Department. Long ago, the law in this county proved they couldn’t have cared less about her problems.
Teeth bared, Shade edged closer to the stranger and crouched, ready to pounce.
Slowly, the man lowered his arms. “How about I put my rifle on the ground then you call off your dog?”
Sounded reasonable, but she was long past what most would consider normal trust. In the distance, trees, bushes, and too much darkness hid countless dangers. “How many men did you bring with you?”
“None. It’s just me, I swear. Trent asked me to come.”
Stunned, she could barely speak. “My foreman?”
“Yeah. He and I were tight on the reservation before I left.”
Trent was a Blackfoot, the same as her grandmother Kanti. That wasn’t something a man working for Victor would admit to. Nor would Victor deign to hire someone with that lineage or anyone less than what he considered a real American…unless this was a new trick. Her skin grew clammy. “Trent didn’t say anything to me.”
“He wasn’t sure you’d accept my help.”
“Like roaming around my pasture in the dark among newly dead cattle? If that’s the case, he’s right. Put your rifle on the ground.”
He complied.
So far, so good. “Shade, back off.”
The dog maintained his threatening posture.
“Now.”
He whimpered and inched away.
Unarmed, the man straightened, hands at his side, palms facing her.
Curious, she lifted the lantern and approached, the light bathing him.
Her heart turned over.
She couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen a more beautiful man, his age early thirties or so. Straight black hair and dark-brown eyes complemented his coppery skin and strong features. The scar on his left cheek enhanced his masculinity. Although lean, he owned a powerful form, a dark T-shirt and jeans hugging his firm muscles. Her pussy creamed, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. “Besides being Trent’s friend, who are you exactly?”
“Roy Ghost. I prefer Ghost to Roy.” He offered his hand.
Amazon/KU US | Amazon/KU UK | Amazon/KU AU | Amazon/KU CA
About Tina Donahue
Tina is an Amazon and international bestselling novelist who writes romance for every taste – ‘heat with heart’ – for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic novels were Readers’ Choice Award winners. Another three were named finalists in the EPIC competition. One of her erotic contemporary romances was chosen Book of the Year at the French review site Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for one of her erotic romances. Two of her titles received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Another two won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, she worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.
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Nina Crespo presents Dishing on Girlfriends with Talia Hibbert
Nina Crespo: In my new release, The First Rule of Hook-ups, Alexa relies on her girlfriends to deal with a break-up and a very sexy hook-up with dancer, Raphael. I asked Talia Hibbert to dish on what makes girlfriends so awesome.
Why are your girlfriends important?
Spending time with my friends feels invigorating, like readjusting my perspective on life and recharging my batteries all at once. We can all be so real and natural with each other that interacting is very freeing. I’m not a super social person, so we don’t hang out or even chat that often, but when we do it’s the best therapy on earth.
What’s the best life or love advice you’ve received from a girlfriend?
This is the best life advice, and I think it applies to love too: your feelings are never insignificant, no matter how silly or minor something might seem. Take yourself seriously and expect the same from those around you!
About Talia’s Book
He’s reckless, dominant, and deliciously dirty. This prince is no fairytale.
Prince Ruben of Helgmøre is his family’s greatest scandal, but the defiant royal won’t change for anyone. He always takes what he wants, and his current obsession is Cherry Neita. The feisty beauty has no idea she’s being seduced by royalty—until they’re caught together in a compromising position. Oops.All Cherry wanted was a night or two with the hottest man she’d ever seen. Turns out, that man is actually a prince, and now he needs her to play princess. Well, princess-to-be. The deal seems straightforward enough: one year as Ruben’s fake fiancée, and he’ll make all her problems disappear.
But the passion between Cherry and Ruben feels anything but fake, and their connection unearths devastating secrets. Can true love bloom from false beginnings? Or will this fairytale end in a happy-never-after?
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Nook | Kobo
About Talia Hibbert
Talia Hibbert lives in a bedroom full of books. Supposedly, there is a world beyond that room—but she has yet to drum up enough interest to investigate. She writes steamy stories of passion, love, and sarcasm, then hawks them online because she just can’t help herself.
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