Author Maria Shield

Holding Out For A Hero
Order of Olympus
Book One
Maria Shield

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Shield Publishing

Date of Publication: 31 Jan 2020

ISBN: 978-1-7343533-1-0

ISBN: 978-1-7343533-0-3

ASIN: B082DBMWRT

Number of pages: 320

Word Count: 84,000

Cover Artist: Damonza

Tagline: She will face gods and monsters to save the man she loves.

Book Description:

A hero cursed by the gods…

Once one of the greatest heroes Ancient Greece had ever known, Argos is a far cry from the immortal warrior he used to be. After five hundred years of captivity, he is finally free—but a curse from a goddess has left him woefully mortal. In order to become a hero again, he’ll need the help of the gods and the seductive nymph who saved his life.

The only woman who can help him…

Claire Winters is definitely not a nymph, despite the assumptions of the half-naked man whose life she saved . Taking care of a delusional man while a storm rages is not what she planned – especially not as she gets ready to open her dream restaurant. She doesn’t have time for the tall tales of her handsome rescue. Yet, here she is.

When it turns out Argos’s claims are real, Claire finds herself thrown deep into a hidden and ancient world. Now, the two strangers must rely on each other to survive. Together they will face the gods, and the fiery attraction between them, as they work to reunite Argos with his ancient powers.

Will strength and wit be enough to protect them? Or will love prove to be the most powerful weapon of all?

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO is the first novel in the ORDER OF OLYMPUS series. A sexy, action-packed romance series based on Greek Mythology and set in the modern world.

Ancient heroes never looked this good.

Amazon

Excerpt 1: (Steam Level- Smoking)

We should help each other…

Gods, more precious words had never been spoken. Argos cradled them, cherished them, just like he did the small leaf of a woman who offered them up to him. She did not need to emphasize what she meant; the hand that firmly grabbed at his front made everything very clear.

His body could not help but react. What it had been starving for was finally offering itself to him. Eager and ready. He did not even realize his hand had grabbed hers in a solid grip, pulling it away from his aching cock. Claire blinked her owlish eyes at him, her lips parted in surprise.

A groan worked its way up his throat as he forced himself to stay in control. “You are already helping me, Claire.”

“You’re right,” she said stubbornly, “I am.” She trailed her free hand up his arm and across his collarbone. Her lips followed, pressing a trail of kisses against his heated skin. Argos watched in fascination as each kiss sent a jolt of lightning threw him. He wanted those lips against his own. He needed her to look at him.

Finally, she did, her eyes beseeching. Her lips parted, silently begging for him to claim her.

Defiant little nymph. She was not an innocent. How could he ever think that? The Claire in front of him matched the confident seductress who infiltrated his fantasies. The woman commanded attention and refused to let it go.

Argos could not help it. His body leaned forward, aching for her touch. He sucked in a sharp breath, feeling his control slip.

Of course, it was at this moment that Claire pulled back, startled by the noise that escaped him. “I want this to be good for you as well,” she amended softly, looking torn. “Tell me what you need.”

“I need you not to tease me,” he nearly growled, swooping down to capture her lips. It was a proper kiss. The thing he had been wanting since first laying eyes on her lush lips. As he had dreamed, they parted easily for him, allowing his tongue entrance. An delightful noise arose from Claire and his curse ached for more. “I need you. All I need is you.”

Claire gasped as he picked her up. Her body hardly weighed more than his old shield. He easily tossed on onto the bed, her nightshirt hitched up, revealing unmarked white skin.

Looking down on her turned his entire body into a burning flame. He worried it would burn them both alive. It felt like a century since the last time he’d touched a woman, though it had been only a few days. He wanted to ravage her, but that would not do.

She was helping him. The least he could do was make the experience one she would never forget.

“What are you doing?” Claire propped herself up on her elbows, looking at him with excited eyes. Her hair was disheveled from their escape, but it only made her more beautiful to him. In a few moments, it would be even worse. He wanted her to fall apart under the pleasure he gave.

“I fear that once I start, I will not be able to stop,” he breathed, giving her one last chance to quit while they could.

Her lips parted, but the words refused to come out. Slowly she pulled herself into a sitting position and reached for her top. The air left Argos’s lungs as she pulled it over her head, showing two perfect, pale breasts. They were the most beautiful things he had ever seen. Small and soft, barely holding on to the same tone of color as the rest of her body.

“I don’t want you to stop.” 

About the Author:

Maria Shield writes romance, and science fiction. She was raised in Kansas but has since lived all over the world, from Korea to Japan, finally ending up in her current location in Hawaii with her husband and pets. She is passionate about  Japanese culture, ancient history, and feminist activism.

She also loves helping other writers find their communities and sharing craft tips and tricks. This often means she's participating in a critique group somewhere or starting one herself.

When she isn't writing, Maria can often be found doing the 3 R's: Reading, Running, and Researching.

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/685ca22e11cf/shield-newsletter

Website: https://www.maria-shield.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Maria-Shield-104673951003589

Facebook Group for Readers: https://buff.ly/2PDwHTB

Instagram: https://buff.ly/2LKqvbE

Twitter: https://buff.ly/34d2Wyv

Amazon Author Page: https://buff.ly/2PcBSuN

Goodreads Page: https://buff.ly/2rrXLxq

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 5

Something Someone Gave You.

This is a tough one, because in order for me to gain this item, two individuals that were beyond special to me, passed away. My grandparents left their home to me. It is the home I grew up in, my childhood castle of imagination and joy. If homes could speak, this one would tell you of happy memories and good people that have passed through its doors.

It is my oasis. My sanctuary. My cathedral. My palace. I am attached to this land and these walls, and I’m beyond blessed to call it “My Home”.

Love and Peace,

Kay

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 4

A Family Member.

My son is amazing to me! Of course, most moms feel that way about their children, that isn’t anything too unique. But, then again, it is. Every soul is unique, and the bond we share is uniquely our own, unlike any other.

He’s my only son, my only child. I see myself and his dad reflected in his eyes every moment, but I also see his own, special, unique light. He sees and experiences the world through his own filter and senses, and when he shares his insights with me, I’m always enlightened.

Parenting him has been an amazing, rewarding experience, and I look forward to every new challenge and blessing that comes our way.

Love and Peace,

Kay

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 3

Family.

I’m a firm believer that birth is coincidence, and you choose your family every day. That being said, I’m pretty grateful for the lovely birth family that I have, as well as the extended  non-birth family that I’ve chosen over the years. I’m surrounded by amazing, inspiring (and sometimes flawed) humans. Their flaws only make them more lovable.

We’re all on this crazy journey, and to arrive at the finish line without any flaws or scars would mean that you didn’t live.

My family (blood and non-blood) are beyond precious to me.

Love and Peace,

Kay

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

Author Jessica Blevins

In November 2019, my husband, Brian, and I spent a glorious week on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. We had previously visited Maui and the Big Island but this time we were looking to vacation at a slower pace. Brian has worked in law enforcement for 25 years and early in 2019 he received a big promotion, which brought plenty of new responsibilities and stress. Feeling drained, we needed a place to rest, and we found one!

Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, is famous for its abundance of tropical flowers. The oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is also the least commercially developed, a huge appeal to us. Brian and I have travelled extensively and usually try to wring every second out of our trips. We want to see and experience as much as possible, so we go, go, go until we leave! When we visited Kauai, the items on our agenda all began with the letter “R”. Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. Reconnect.

We rented a car but hardly used it. We perused tourist brochures tempting us to take a helicopter flight, a dinner cruise, or zipline over the rainforest. We passed on all that. We stayed at the Islander on the Beach, a small, affordable resort in the town of Kapa’a that we booked through Airbnb. The space was perfect. We had a direct view of the beach from the bedroom and living area, with a balcony stretching the length of our condo. A couple of days during our stay, we only ventured out to eat a meal, then it was right back to our newfound happy place.

After catching up on our sleep, we decided to take a leisurely drive to the end of the road on the northeast side of the island. With quick stops at the Kilauea lighthouse, and to snap a few pictures of the views, we turned around after a visit to Ha’ena Beach Park.

We took in the sunrise and sunset every day on the beach, spent hours in the hot tub, did a little stargazing, and worked our way through the happy hour menus at the tiki bar at our resort, the Lava Lava Beach Club, and Coconuts Fish Café. Our favorite place to eat was just a few paces from our condo, the Sleeping Giant Grill. They featured amazing fried Ono fish wraps and bowls!

Before leaving the island, we went for a drive up the west side of the island to see Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Na Pali coast, which boasts some of the world’s highest sea cliffs. On the way back, we dined at Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, then visited Kilohana Plantation, where we attended an informative and entertaining rum tasting at Koala Rum Company.  

Brian and I have a tradition where we take selfies at the beginning and ending of our vacations. We usually look refreshed at the start and tired by the finish. But after a week in Kauai, we looked as good as we felt. Ahh. Now that was a vacation!

***

Title: Lady for Christmas

Author/pen name: JB Blevins

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Amazon

Date of Publication: 11/22/19

ASIN:  B081XB5YHH

ISBN:  ISBN-10: 1710957891, ISBN-13: 978-1710957891

Number of pages: 240 (paperback)

Word Count:  67,000

Blurb: 

Lady for Christmas is a funny, relaxing read, perfect for getting into the spirit of the holidays or taking a break and escaping them!

Leann Lance is a quirky, overwhelmed young veterinarian who cares deeply for animals and people. With no time to spend on her appearance and thoughts of dating on hold, she meets a couple of enticing prospects at—where else? Her small animal clinic.

Handsome businessman Art Dickenson races through life, hard-charging with little concern for feelings—his own or anyone else’s. When his new cat seems ill, he finds himself at odds with the fresh-faced yet frazzled Leann.

Judd Alexander, a handsome soft-spoken chiropractor, brings his boxer, Bailey, to Doctor Lance’s office and soon after, the two begin dating. His patience, down-to-earth values, and chiseled physique rekindle her interest in men.

The three characters collide when they end up in the same place in the middle of the night, each man vying for the vet’s attention.

Leann’s wise-cracking, loyal, and stylish bestie, Rita, drags her friend out of the dumpy doldrums into daring dates with hilarious—and sometimes painful—results.

In the end, Leann learns to balance work with fun and finds love in the place she least expected.

Buy links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Christmas-Whos-cats-meow-ebook/dp/B081XB5YHH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MOAWELPH9A0X&keywords=lady+for+christmas+by+jb+blevins&qid=1578422674&sprefix=lady+for+christ%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1

Excerpt:

When Judd Alexander stood in the door, Leann waved him in. “Can you place Bailey on the table for me?”

The chiropractor pulled down on the hem of his black concert T-shirt before crouching to lift the seventy-pound dog. Leann appreciated the strain of the doctor’s substantial biceps against his short sleeves and the taut muscles in his forearms.

She stopped staring and addressed the dog. “Hey Bailey, how are you today? Ready to get this cone off?”

The Boxer gazed at her with sad eyes, her stump of a tail oscillating slowly.

 Leann donned latex gloves and removed the cone. “It looks great.”  After removing the stitches, she handed Doctor Alexander a tube of ointment. “She should be fine but put a dab of this on every day for the next week to help avoid infection.” Leann waited as the seconds ticked by and the man made no comment. This guy doesn’t have much to say.

Doctor Alexander took the salve then pocketed it. He lowered Bailey to the floor then shook Leann’s gloved hand awkwardly. “Thanks, Doctor Lance.”

“You can call me Leann.”

Bailey had already begun pulling him down the hall toward the front door. He stopped, then turned to face Leann. “Only if you call me Judd.”

Well, well. Leann tossed her gloves in the trash. She followed him to the front entrance, intending to lock the door, since it was almost closing time and she had no other appointments.

“Have a nice evening, Judd.” The glass door opened from the outside as someone held it for him.

“You too, Leann.”

After Judd led Bailey out, Mr. BMW himself walked in. Leann noted the time. Two minutes before closing. Of course.

“Hello…Leann. Is that your first name?”

She glared at him. “He’s a doctor, Mr. Dickenson.” And we don’t need to be on a first-name basis, Mr. Cheapskate.

The man thrust his hands in his pockets and offered a smile that did not reach his eyes.

“Please call me Art, Doctor Lance.”

Author bio: 

I am a web content editor and writer, copy and content editor, an active member of the Aliante Writer's Group in Las Vegas, Nevada, and have been published in Christian Parenting Today. I've loved words ever since I learned how to read.

Lady for Christmas is my first novel.

My family is my pride and joy. I have been married since 1987 and have three grown children, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter in the making.

Author website and social media links:

www.youreditorpro.com

https://www.amazon.com/JB-Blevins/e/B081Y3F8L8

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 2

Significant Other.

I’m grateful for this guy. He shows me new ways of thinking when I am stuck.

His words are always said with conviction and I know I can count on him for a thoughtful, honest answer to anything.

He defends me when I need it.

He laughs with me (not at me) when I’m silly.

I’ve become a better person since knowing him.

Love and Peace,

Kay

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

Author Michelle Areaux

Shadowed
Shadow and Moon Series
Book One
Michelle Areaux

Published by: Kingston Publishing Company

Publication date: January 2nd 2020

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Book Description:

Sixteen-year-old Henley Abbott is just trying to make it through high school in the small town of Edison, Washington where she has lived her entire life. Constantly feeling alone, she’s surprised when she finds herself intrigued by the new boy in town, Cohen Davenport.

With the entire town talking about the new and secretive family, Henley refuses to join in on the rumors swirling about them and attempts to keep her distance.

However, as Cohen becomes intrigued by Henley, the pair seems to find a spark in a kindling friendship.

As the intensity of their relationship builds, Henley discovers a dark secret plaguing Cohen and his elusive family. He reveals a twisted past that has kept his family on the run…for decades.

Cohen should keep his distance. It is too dangerous to bring Henley into his life, but he can’t stay away from her.

And, Henley doesn’t want him to.

As Henley overcomes her own fears and trepidations, she finds herself engrossed in a battle that could destroy them both. Only their connection could help them all survive.

Intensely romantic and extremely thrilling, this novel will pull readers in from the very first page.

Fans of Twilight, The Guardian Series, and the Marked Saga will instantly fall in love with this new paranormal series.

Amazon

About the Author:

Michelle loves most fiction genres. For New Adult, she loves to read romance novels that include a hot and brooding male character. Think Travis Maddox in Beautiful Disaster. She accepts: College aged new adult romance, paranormal romance, and romantic comedies. For young adult, Michelle is a sucker for fantasy novels that include vampires (she is still on team Edward), shifters, and a modern world with monsters and demons alike. She accepts: dark fantasy, paranormal, mysteries, contemporary romance or mystery, and anything else in the young adult genre.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49142658-shadowed

https://www.facebook.com/Author-Michelle-Areaux-Novels-Page-1515918905127542/

http://www.kingstonpublishing.com/michelle-areaux.html

https://amzn.to/2EhyJUd

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 1

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

Love and Peace,

Kay