Hey peeps,

Welcome to the Wet and Wild Hop! Big thanks go to Skye Warren for hosting.

Now, time for the Wet and Wild portion of this evening’s entertainment…

Ah. That picture never gets old

And now in a segue that makes no sense whatsoever, I’d like to introduce my latest release!
 

THE SILK SERIES, BOOK 1

Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.

Comment below with your email address and you’ll go in the running to win!.
One lucky commenter will win any Decadent Publishing ebook in my backlist, as well as a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard, and a SILK & SCANDAL magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter!
 

 
=====================================================================
# The small print: Comment before midnight on 26 May 2013 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win any Decadent Publishing ebook in Cassandra’s backlist, one (1) signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard and one (1) SILK & SCANDAL magnet. Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog within three days of the close of the giveaway. Cassandra will also contact the winner by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Cassandra can send the prize to them.
Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
 
 
 

 
The Americans recently finished its first season and what a fantastic season it was. Great characters, awesome storylines and a 1980s setting – what’s not to love?

The Americans follows two deep-cover Russian spies, sent to America by Moscow in the late 1960s to pose as a newly married couple. Over the next sixteen years, they have two children, get to know their neighbours, open a travel agency…and undertake innumerable missions. Our story begins when an FBI agent and his family move in across the street from our covert spies, himself emerging from a decades long deep cover amongst cultists. Will our spies be discovered?

However, the show is way more awesome than I’m making it sound. Elizabeth, played by Keri Russell, is all manner of awesome, a staunch Russian patriot completely dedicated to her cause. Her husband, Philip, played by Matthew Rhys, questions the loyalty demanded of him and Elizabeth to the motherland, and wonders what’s really so bad about America. This leads to an interesting and inherent conflict between the two, and when they begin to realise their partnership contains complex feelings including love, the show gets seriously good.

Ultimately, this is a love story with a really interesting and intense spy dynamic. A suspense with strong romantic tendencies, I guess you could say. The choices for each of the characters is consistently smart and believable, and I never felt as if the storylines were dumbed down, always a massive plus. As an aside, the reason I started watching this show is because Graham Yost, the creator of Justified, was involved. If you know that show, you know the level of awesome The Americans contains.
 
 

Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.

This week, another little bit from SILK & SCANDAL, my newest release. It’s available now, peeps!
 

His smile faded as something began a slow smolder in his eyes. “Nic. Thank you for helping.”

“Good.” She placed her hands over his. “I can’t resist you, either.”

 
 
 
 
 
Hey peeps,

Welcome to the Sinful Sirens Blog Hop! Big thanks go to Under the Covers and Guilty Pleasures for hosting.

I do love a good blog hop, especially one that celebrates summer! Unfortunately for me, I’m in Australia where it’s closing in rather fast on winter…in fact, I’m writing this swathed in a blanket and with a steaming cup of tea at hand. Not a very sinful or siren-y image, hey? Still, it’s nice to dream of summer, of lazy days next to clear blue waters, cocktail in one hand as the sun beats down upon you. Ah…that sounds lovely!

So, to celebrate those days that seem far away to me right now, a giveaway! See below…but first, a bit about my latest release, SILK & SCANDAL because, hey, why not?

Thanks for participating in the hop, peeps!
 

THE SILK SERIES, BOOK 1

Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.

 
 
And now, the contest#!
Sign up for my newsletter, leave a comment below with your email address after you’ve done so, and you’ll go in the running to win!

One lucky subscriber will win any Decadent Publishing eBook in my backlist, as well as a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard, and a SILK & SCANDAL magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter!
 

 
=====================================================================
# The small print: Comment before midnight on 21 May 2013 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win any Decadent Publishing eBook in Cassandra’s backlist, one (1) signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard and one (1) SILK & SCANDAL magnet. Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog within three days of the close of the giveaway. Cassandra will also contact the winner by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Cassandra can send the prize to them.
Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
 
 
 

Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.

This week, it’s a special hook! SILK & SCANDAL, book 1 in The Silk Series, is released today! Yay!

So, to celebrate, a hook from my new release, SILK & SCANDAL:
 

“Why can we not be friends?”

Dear God. Thomas was kissing her.
 

 
Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.
 

 

Early Victorian Romance

Available 8 May 2013

$2.99 Decadent Publishing | ISBN 9781613335185

Amazon.com | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble

~ Excerpt ~

Thomas took a breath, knowing he had to phrase this just right. “Lady Nicola, while I am cognizant of the honor you do me, I don’t believe it appropriate you visit me in my chambers. Shall we arrange a time that suits us both, perhaps for a walk about the park?”

China-blue eyes laughed at him. “Oh, pish. Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy, Thomas. We never stood on such ceremony before.”

Didn’t she know he couldn’t be her friend? Not since their ways had parted and she’d become who she was, while he had become who he was. “Our situations were different before, Lady Nicola. It is not appropriate for a lady of your standing to visit a bachelor in his chambers.”

“Who is going to comment? No one knows I’m here.”

Was she serious? “My clerk knows you’re here. By now, the senior clerk undoubtedly knows you’re here. Before ten minutes have passed, everyone in the building will know you’re here.”

“Well, then, they are a bunch of shocking gossips, and I should not like to know them any better.” She folded her hands in her lap.

“Not the point, Nicola.” Bloody hell, but she drove him mental. She tore at him and picked at him until he didn’t know where he stood. Always she’d done this, taken what little sense he had and driven it right out of his brain.

“I should say it is the point. Our visit would not distress you, if it weren’t for them.”

“It should distress me in any case. You should not be here.”

“Do you know what I’m hearing, Thomas? I’m hearing a vast amount of negativity, when you’ve not even greeted me properly. Why, you’ve yet to kiss my hand, or perhaps give me a h-hug.” Chin up, she looked at him with eyes brimming, and he saw right through her facade. She was truly hurt he’d not yet greeted her as he should.

Helpless, he stared at her. How did she do it? How did she turn his brain to mush? She’d been here less than five minutes, and already she had drawn him back in.

But she was right. He hadn’t greeted her as he should.

Standing, he went to her and drew her to her feet. “Welcome home, Nic.” And he hugged her.

Beverly G!

 
Beverly G has won a USD$5 Amazon.com Gift Card, a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard and a SILK & SCANDAL magnet. Congrats, Beverly G!

I’d also like to extend a massive THANK YOU to all who participated. I’m so thrilled you all visited the hop, and I hope you had a fantabulous time!

xx
 
 
 

 
One of my very favourite movies is Silence of the Lambs. I remember going to see it at the movies as a teen with my family and immediately I was entranced by Clarice Starling and her determination to find the serial killer, Buffalo Bill. Clarice was so determined that she sought the counsel of the terrifying, though incarcerated, sociopath Hannibal Lecter. As played by Anthony Hopkins, Hannibal Lecter was a larger than life character, a charmingly slimy gentleman of a monster. After seeing the movie, I bought the Thomas Harris novel it was based upon and found it unputdownable.

Upon learning there was a previous book featuring Hannibal, I bought Red Dragon and devoured (heh) the tale of Will Graham and the serial killer, the Tooth Fairy. I watched Manhunter, the first adaptation of Red Dragon. I didn’t love it, but it was an entertaining enough movie. Then, Red Dragon the movie came out in 2002, featuring Anthony Hopkins reprising the role of Hannibal. It was kinda crap.

Which leads us all to the new television show, Hannibal. A few months ago, I heard Bryan Fuller, one of my fave writers of the TV, was taking on this iconic character. I was unsure what to expect. I hoped for the best, but expected the worst. After all, I hadn’t been impressed by other adaptations of the earlier exploits of Hannibal Lecter.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Hannibal is an outstanding show. Gorgeously shot, beautifully macabre, and wonderfully psychological, I’m thoroughly enjoying this latest addition to the Hannibal mythology. Set before anyone knows of Hannibal’s murderous tendencies, Hannibal follows FBI profiler Will Graham, an empathetic man with a tenuous grasp on his sanity, and his budding friendship/dependence upon Dr. Hannibal Lector. Hugh Dancy is wonderful fragile as Will Graham, showing a character who displays the indicators of borderline Aspergers. Mads Mikkelsen as the titular Hannibal is outstanding. His performance is outstandingly restrained, and yet it seems at any moment Hannibal will do something truly horrific.

However, peeps, please keep in mind this is not a show for the squeamish. Though the terrible deaths are treated with sensitivity, they are awful to behold.

If you’re looking for a network television show that is a kind of procedural but with a truly psychological bent, then Hannibal is for you.
 
 

Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.

This week, it’s a special giveaway hook! As book 1 in The Silk Series, SILK & SCANDAL, is coming out next week (OMG!), that’s the lucky little duck that’s being featured. Check out the giveaway below, but first the hook:
 

Clearly, he needed help and, knowing Thomas, he would not ask. Making her way to his side of the desk, she stopped beside him. Without comment, he watched her, back still rigorously straight.

“Always it’s ‘Nic, you shouldn’t be here.’ Well, I am here, Thomas, and it is plain something troubles you.” Hidden in the folds of her skirt, her hand tightened to a fist even as she kept the other stroking a soothing rhythm. “Please. Tell me.”
 

 
 
And now, the contest#!
Sign up for my newsletter, leave a comment below with your email address after you’ve done so, and you’ll go in the running to win!

One lucky subscriber will win a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard, and a SILK & SCANDAL magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter!
 

=====================================================================
# The small print: Comment before midnight on 9 May 2013 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win one (1) signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard and one (1) SILK & SCANDAL magnet. Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog within three days of the close of the giveaway. Cassandra will also contact the winner by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Cassandra can send the prize to them.
Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
 
 
  

To celebrate, here’s the official excerpt! Enjoy!
 

Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.
 

 

~ Excerpt ~

Thomas took a breath, knowing he had to phrase this just right. “Lady Nicola, while I am cognizant of the honor you do me, I don’t believe it appropriate you visit me in my chambers. Shall we arrange a time that suits us both, perhaps for a walk about the park?”

China-blue eyes laughed at him. “Oh, pish. Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy, Thomas. We never stood on such ceremony before.”

Didn’t she know he couldn’t be her friend? Not since their ways had parted and she’d become who she was, while he had become who he was. “Our situations were different before, Lady Nicola. It is not appropriate for a lady of your standing to visit a bachelor in his chambers.”

“Who is going to comment? No one knows I’m here.”

Was she serious? “My clerk knows you’re here. By now, the senior clerk undoubtedly knows you’re here. Before ten minutes have passed, everyone in the building will know you’re here.”

“Well, then, they are a bunch of shocking gossips, and I should not like to know them any better.” She folded her hands in her lap.

“Not the point, Nicola.” Bloody hell, but she drove him mental. She tore at him and picked at him until he didn’t know where he stood. Always she’d done this, taken what little sense he had and driven it right out of his brain.

“I should say it is the point. Our visit would not distress you, if it weren’t for them.”

“It should distress me in any case. You should not be here.”

“Do you know what I’m hearing, Thomas? I’m hearing a vast amount of negativity, when you’ve not even greeted me properly. Why, you’ve yet to kiss my hand, or perhaps give me a h-hug.” Chin up, she looked at him with eyes brimming, and he saw right through her facade. She was truly hurt he’d not yet greeted her as he should.

Helpless, he stared at her. How did she do it? How did she turn his brain to mush? She’d been here less than five minutes, and already she had drawn him back in.

But she was right. He hadn’t greeted her as he should.

Standing, he went to her and drew her to her feet. “Welcome home, Nic.” And he hugged her.