Assassin’s Heart – Vanessa Kelly, Author

Readers today are flooded with reading choices, both in digital and in print. That’s fantastic, but how do you find the really good books in such a tidal wave of words? Well, I have an answer for you.

Rock*It Reads.

RIR is an author collective I belong to which includes writers like Pamela Clare, Elisabeth Naughton, Joan Swan, and Erin Kellison. We’re traditionally published authors who are also self-publishing. We bring the same level of care to these works as we do to our traditional, New York published books, and when you see the RIR logo on our covers you can be assured that you’re getting a great read.

Over the next few months I’m going to introduce you to the writers in this group, some of whom you already probably know. And I’m starting off with one of my favorite historical romance authors, the fabulous Monica Burns.

Monica is an award-winning author of spicy historical and paranormal romance. Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me. She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart.

Monica’s latest RIR book is Obsession, a sexy historical romance which got wonderful reviews.

“…a fresh spin on a damsel in distress and… a hero who not only does the rescuing, but needs to be rescued from some demons of his own.” — Romance Reader at Heart

Here’s the blurb for Obsession:

A woman on the edge of sin…

Helen Rivenall is willing to do anything to escape the brutality of her uncle’s home. But a promise of honest employment is a ruse. Drugged and auctioned off in a notorious London brothel, she finds herself won by a man who wants nothing from her except her participation in a harmless charade. Left with no choice, she reluctantly agrees, but as their web of lies grows, so does temptation and the realization that pleasure and sin are often one and the same.

A man about to lose all control…

Sebastian Rockwood, Earl of Melton is haunted by a dark secret in his past. One that taught him control is a personal trait to be valued above all others. He also learned never to give his heart to anyone. The risk is too great. Yet where Helen is concerned, his prized control is slowly giving way to temptation, and all too quickly he discovers nothing can protect him from the ultimate obsession–love.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? And that is one gorgeous cover, if I do say so myself. If you like your historical romance on the steamy side and with lots of emotion, then Monica’s books are perfect for you. To read the first three chapter of Obsession and to watch the beautiful book trailer, visit Monica’s website.

For my readers today, Monica is giving away a copy of Obsession. And I’m also giving away a copy of my latest VK Sykes contemporary romance, Bigger Than Beckham. For a chance to win both books, just tell me something that you’re obsessed with – books, chocolate, a TV show – I want to know what really turns your crank!

And don’t forget to visit the RIR website to find out more about our authors and to sign up for our newsletter!

It’s my absolute pleasure to be featuring paranormal and historical romance author Monica Burns on the blog today. Monica is one of my favorite people in the romance world. Not only is she a super-talented writer, she’s a strong and courageous woman who has overcome a lot of adversity in her life – I mean, a lot. And she’s not shy about talking about these challenges because she knows that being up front about her experiences is a way to both heal and help others.

In a word, Monica is a survivor. She survived date rape at the age of 19 and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder many years later. But rather than giving into a sense of victimhood, Monica used her indomitable will and her belief in happy endings to craft a good life – a life which includes fabulous romances. In fact, Monica will tell you that writing erotic romance aided in her life-long process of healing and reclaiming her self-worth. Her courage leaves me awestruck, and very grateful that she has poured her creative energies into writing such wonderful romances.

And let’s talk about those books, shall we? The first Monica Burns novel I read was Kismet, and I loved it. It’s a historical romance which builds on that beloved old romance trope, the desert sheikh book. Monica brings several interesting twists to the sheikh myth, and the result is an adventurous, very sexy, very emotional book.

Kismet won the 2010 CAPA from The Romance Studio for Best Erotic Historical, and garnered oodles of great reviews. Like this one from RT Book Reviews:

“Burns’ story is hotter than the desert sands! She succeeds with a classic captive/captor romance akin to a Johanna Lindsey classic. Relax and enjoy the sizzling show — complete with a lesson in bananas and seduction.”

Bananas and seduction? How can you resist that?!

As I mentioned, Monica also writes fantastic paranormal romance, and she has a new novel out next month, which will be the third book in her acclaimed Order of the Sicari series. This series (which is SO cool) explores a very old and very deadly feud between the Roman Praetorian Guard and the legendary Sicari assassins. The first two books—Assassin’s Honor and Assassin’s Heart—received rave reviews and picked up some awards, too. You can check them out and also read the first three chapters of the books on Monica’s website.

The third book in the series, Inferno’s Kiss, will be released by Berkley Books on October 4^th.

Already, Inferno’s Kiss is getting great reviews, just like the other two books in the series. Here’s the blurb:

The laws of desire…

Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed.

The rules of battle…

Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore.

Are all made to be broken.

As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? I’m really looking forward to this book! You can read the first three chapters of Inferno’s Kiss on Monica’s website. And while you’re there be sure to check out the other features – including some great articles – and also make sure you stop by her blog. There’s always something interesting going on in Monica’s house!

For my readers, Monica is giving away a copy of her historical romance, Pleasure Me, and a copy of Inferno’s Kiss. Just tell me what your favorite romance movie is—old or new! Two people will win the books!

Rock*It Reads Guest Author: Monica Burns & Giveaway!

Guest Author: Monica Burns & Giveaway!