Thursday, September 19, 2013

Hump Day Hook - from WIP Plunge into Destiny

Every week a group of authors post short excerpts from their published books or works in progress. Follow this link for a complete listing of this week’s participants:
Hump Day Authors. And you can find links to these posts on Twitter using the hashtag #HDH.

Her husband says it’s over so Tara flees for the Bocos del Toro Islands off the coast of Panama. When the plane crashes in the sea, she finds herself the sudden mother of a blond-haired four-month old boy, Kevin. The two are rescued by the gorgeous Lucas and Tara soon falls in love with her new child and the man who patiently teaches her how to care for him.

I stared out the airplane window, watching mile after mile of Caribbean Sea pass by. My life had changed in an instant—that instant the man I’d been married to for fifteen years had said he’d fallen in with someone else. He hadn’t given up on the hope of a child; he’d gone on to say.
Neither have I, I thought miserably as I recalled the fertility tests and numerous times I’d laid on my back with my legs up in the air after sex. Despite the discomfort and the inconvenience of it all, I’d tried every technique without complaint, never losing hope that one day I’d hold that bright-eyed baby in my arms.Until he shattered all my dreams with a single sentence. Tears welled up in my eyes and I dabbed them away with a tissue.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

My Sexy Saturday - From WIP Seaside Seduction

Every Saturday, a group of talented authors post 7 words, 7 lines or 7 paragraphs from a published book or work in progress. You can read some other My Sexy Saturday author posts by clicking here. In this excerpt, wealthy CEO Nicholas Gallero is getting more than he bargained for when he breakfasts on his Cabo San Lucas patio this morning.

When the water reached my hips, I plunged in and stroked toward the woman, who looked to be twenty feet from the shore. I swam up beside her and, floating over the crest of a wave, scooped her up in my arms. Her long dark hair hung in soggy torrents around her stone-white face and she coughed and choked through swollen purplish lips. She opened her eyes and gazed at me with enormous brown eyes. I read vulnerability in the depths of her eyes and felt a surprising urge to kiss her. And then all at once, her head tipped back and her limp body sagged in my arms and the undulating ocean waves. I reached across her bikini-clad breasts, linking my arms around her to secure her in a cross-chest carry.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Olympian Misty Hyman Interviews me at USMS Summer Swimming Nationals

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I had the pleasure of finally meeting Olympian Misty Hyman. She interviewed me as part of the Day 5 recap of the USMS Summer Swimming Nationals. Here’s the link if you want to check it out.
In the photo posted above, I’m about to swim a mixed 200 free relay with Anna DeLozier, John Swick, and Aung Sann Oo. John, our relay anchor, poses with me in this pic.

I have to say my California dreams all came true at this meet. It’s been a lifetime dream to swim in the Mission Viejo pool and I enjoyed racing, hanging out with my teammates, watching my husband swim his first ever nationals races, and meeting new people. I brought home lots of medals, placing in the top 3 in 3 individual events (2nd 50 breast, 3rd 100/200 breast) and 2 relays, signed a lot of books for swimmers, and topped off the trip with a relaxing ocean swim in La Jolla Cove and an indulgent night’s sleep in the Grande Colonial Hotel. Swimming is truly a gift that invigorates me, keeps me in top physical condition, and helps give me the mental fortitude to persevere and achieve goals in and out of the water.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

July Contest Winners

My contest winners are...

For the $5 Amazon gift card - Lyncee

For the signed copy of THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER - Jessica Subject

For the sea charm/book cover key chains nicely assembled by author Ellen Cross - Nora Snowden

Ladies, please get in touch with me - I need an email address for the gift card and mailing addresses for the other two. Congratulations and thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving your comments :-)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Review of Dangerous Descent on Manic Readers


Below is an excerpt from the 4.5 out of 5 star Manic Readers review of Dangerous Descent. Read the whole review by clicking here.



I actually had heard about the Viet Nam River caves that are the big stars of the book. I had seen the National Geographic special on this wonderful natural phenomenon, which was only discovered in the last couple of years. It is a huge discovery for ecologists, climbers, cavers, spelunkers, biologists, paleontologists, and all kinds of scientists, since it is so large and untouched. I understand travel to the caves is strictly monitored and not many except the most educated scientific expeditions are allowed to explore, so as not to upset the natural ecostructure. At the same time, the cave is extremely dangerous for humans to navigate. Because of my prior knowledge, I was more able to picture the story as it unfolded, and I enjoyed it enormously.

All this is shown to the reader as the book unfolds, and in addition to the natural dangers, we see human dangers as well. The writer gives us an accurate depiction of the oppressive heat, discomfort, lack of amenities, plus the huge variety of critters, both human and otherwise, that abound. The book is scary, sexy, and chock full of adventure at every turn.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hump Day Hook - July 17 - from Love in the Labyrinths #2 - The Unseen

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.
My hump day hook for the day - quite hot, this one - comes from my soon-to-be-released (August 1) contemporary romantic adventure, The Unseen (Book 2 in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). I'm working on edits on this as we speak :-)
theunseen72
Here’s the blurb:
After gem smugglers murder three men, Kent Dunbar pretends to abandon his exploration of Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave, arranges to send the female assistants, including his new love, Rebecca Devereaux, back to the States, and enlists help from a team of Vietnam Veterans who served with his father.

Rebecca, shocked and hurt by Kent’s rejection, suspects something’s afoot. At the airport about to depart, she overhears some buff older men talking and realizes they’ve arrived to help Kent carry on his mission. Rebecca convinces her best friend, Amanda, to stay and when the flight is cancelled, the other assistant, Bunny ends up with them as well.

Passion ignites when Rebecca and Kent reunite and Amanda’s crush on explorer Tom quickly turns hot and heavy. While high maintenance Bunny is sent to a comfortable hotel, the two girls join the men on the adventure. But a killer’s pursuing Bunny, a handsome man’s about to sweep her off her feet, Amanda and Tom have been kidnapped, and the smugglers have acquired special powers. Will the adventurers be able to outwit the smugglers.

In this scene, Rebecca and Kent are following the gemstone smugglers, who kidnapped their friends Tom and Amanda. They've just found a vial the smugglers dropped in the mud and are checking it out...

“Holy crap.” Rebecca jumped back, blinking again and again to see if her eyes were tricking her. But still she saw nothing except empty space.
“What’s wrong?” Kent’s voice seemed to project from nowhere. “God, it feels like ants are crawling on me.”
“It’s not that—the powder made something happen.” Rebecca wanted to pinch and slap herself. “I can’t see you anymore."

If you'd like to download Book 1, Dangerous Descent so you'll be ready to read this one by release day, it's available on Amazon.




Saturday, July 13, 2013

My Sexy Saturday - July 13 - from The Unseen, Book 2 Love in the Labyrinths

Every Saturday, a group of talented authors post 7 words, 7 lines or 7 paragraphs from a published book or work in progress. You can read some other My Sexy Saturday author posts by clicking here.   My post this morning comes from my soon-to-be-released (August 1) contemporary romantic adventure, The Unseen (second book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series).

theunseen72

The rattan squeaked loudly as he squeezed into the chair beside her. He slung an arm around her, pulled her in closer and pressed his mouth against hers. Her lips tasted so plump and delicious, he felt greedy for more. “I promise,” he breathed. Her full lips merged into his willingly, wetly, parting to invite his tongue inside. “Oh, Bec, I missed you so much.”
His heart throbbed with passion and love where it had felt so empty just hours ago. His tongue breached her lips, tasting and exploring her mouth. Heat coursed through his body, and his arousal pressed urgently against his pants.
The squeaking of the chair transformed into cracking and Kent and Rebecca fell on the floor, clinging to each other in a pile of woody bits—all that that remained of the splintered chair.
As she laid legs akimbo on her back, Rebecca threw her head back and burst out laughing. She pushed herself up on her hands and tucked a long lock of dark hair behind one ear. “Well that was a surprise.”
Kent leaned toward her and reached for her hand. He felt lighter than he’d felt all day seeing the joyous expression on Rebecca’s face. “Let me help you get up.”
Once they stood, Rebecca brushed off her backside. “I think I have splinters in my butt.”
“I can help with that.” Kent reached around behind her and plucked at the fabric of her pants. He itched to yank them off, so he could massage and knead her naked buttocks.

If you’d like to read Dangerous Descent, the first book in the Love in the Labyrinths series, you can buy it on Amazon.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Interview on Noelle Clark's Blog

Yesterday, author Noelle Clark invited me to interview on her blog. I hope you'll jump on over and take a look at this post, complete with photos, including one of me with my daughter getting a mud treatment in Costa Rica. Here's the link.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Dangerous Descent Now Available on Amazon

Don't miss out on this sizzling hot romantic suspense series!

Dangerous Descent - Love in the Labyrinths


After months of working in a dreary department store, laid-off outdoor adventure director Rebecca Devereaux vows to change her life’s trajectory.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world. His sponsors demand that he leave immediately to survey the cave and study its origin, leaving him little time to organize staff. Desperate for assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit qualified workers. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from Rebecca and hires her.

The instant Kent and Rebecca meet, they find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are dealing with traumatic pasts, and murderous gemstone smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?

Saturday, July 6, 2013

My Sexy Saturday - July 6 - The Unseen - Book 2 of Love in the Labyrinths

Every Saturday, a group of talented authors post 7 words, 7 lines or 7 paragraphs from a published book or work in progress. You can read some other My Sexy Saturday author posts by clicking here.   My post this morning comes from my soon-to-be-released (August 1) contemporary romantic adventure, The Unseen (second book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series).
In this scene, Rich Cooke, a war veteran is leading a group of soldiers on an assault against murderous gemstone smugglers in the Vietnam jungle.  He meets archaeologist, Roberta Lawson, and his plan to keep a cool head disintegrates.

theunseen72

The door to the helicopter opened and a tall, leanly muscled woman hopped down onto the grass dressed in cargo pants and a yellow blouse. Her face slightly weathered from the sun, smile lines wrinkled the corners of her eyes and lips. She’s only mildly attractive, Rich told himself, as his heart rate steadily escalated. His male hormones begged to differ. As his gaze wandered over every inch of her long, lean physique, they kicked into overdrive. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, looking away from her to refocus. But his eyes refused to cooperate. He watched as she strode toward them with a confident, shoulder blades retracted stride, intelligence shining in her blue eyes. She extended her hand toward him first. “Hello. I’m Roberta Lawson.”

The way she said Lawson, he figured the woman must be from Jersey. “Rich Cooke. It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am.” His face flushed when their hands met. The high voltage electricity the touch incited jumped straight to his cock. This isn’t good. He cleared his throat and did his best to don a stern expression.

“Oh, I have to say, the pleasure’s all mine. Any man who served our country is someone I’d like to meet. But I must say, you look a bit out of sorts.” She leaned in toward his ear and whispered, “If you’re all stopped up if you know what I mean, I’ve got a little pill here that will do the trick in a hurry.”

Rich frowned and stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m just fine, thank you very much. Now let me introduce you to the others.”

“Oh, yes them,” she said, flapping her arms awkwardly at her sides. She turned her back to him to greet the crowd she seemed not to have noticed before.

After introductions, Kent brought Roberta up to speed on their plans. “This cave where the smugglers stashed the gems is a couple of miles from here. We think the hieroglyphics are in that cave as well. You might want to soak your boots with DEET before we get started.” Kent handed her a bottle from his backpack.

“I’m way ahead of you big guy. I’ve been out in these jungles once or twice myself. I soaked myself just a minute ago before getting off the copter.”

If you want to download the first book in the series, Dangerous Descent, it's now available from Extasy Books and should be on Amazon Monday.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Released July 1 from Extasy Books - Dangerous Descent

The first book in this exciting new romantic suspense series is now available from Extasy Books. I sure hope you enjoy it. You can download to your Kindle from the site and earn an instant $5 credit when you set up a new account.


Rebecca seeks outdoor adventure work. Kent has the perfect job for her. The Vietnam caving expedition gets crazy when too-hot-to-handle love strikes--along with murderous smugglers. 

 
DOWNLOAD NOW
 

After months holed up in a dreary department store, laid-off outdoor adventure director, Rebecca Devereaux, vows to change her life’s trajectory.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam's Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world.  His sponsors demand that he leave immediately to survey the cave and study its origin, leaving him little time to organize staff. Desperate for assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit qualified workers.. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from Rebecca and hires her.

The instant Kent and Rebecca meet, the two find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are coping with traumatic pasts, and murderous gem smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?


DOWNLOAD NOW

Saturday, June 29, 2013

My Sexy Saturday - June 29

Every Saturday, a group of talented authors post 7 words, 7 lines or 7 paragraphs from a published book or work in progress. You can read some other My Sexy Saturday author posts by clicking here.   My post this morning comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (first book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series).

Here's the log line... 
 
Rebecca seeks outdoor adventure work. Kent has the perfect job for her. The Vietnam caving expedition gets crazy when too-hot-to-handle love strikes—along with murderous smugglers.

Here's my 7 sentences...Things are starting to get hot and heavy between Rebecca and Amanda.

"And why do I make your brain feel like scrambled eggs?" She longed to hear him spell out the details.

"He moistened his sumptuous lips with his tongue and clenched his jaw. "Isn't it obvious? I find everything about you irresistible. Your beautiful green eyes say you want me, you hair lures me to touch it and your body...don't get me started. You about gave me a frigging heart attack when you pulled that towel dropping stunt."


Two more days and you can buy it from Extasy Books  !!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Post 18

 

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day - quite hot, this one - comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (Book One in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). I'm working on final edits on this as we speak :-) 



Rebecca seeks outdoor adventure work. Kent has the perfect job for her. The Vietnam caving expedition gets crazy when too-hot-to-handle love strikes—along with murderous smugglers.





Kent’s fascination with her body enhanced Rebecca’s arousal and wetness pooled between her thighs. Normally, she’d say no to going any further, tell him she didn’t sleep around, especially on the first date. First date? Is that what you call this?
But Kent wasn’t like any man she’d ever met before. He’d shut down her common sense and stolen every ounce of control.
Grazing her fingertips over edge of his razor-trimmed hair numbed her fingertips and she tugged his face in closer. She wanted to feel his breath on her neck, his body pressed against her, to feel every fiber of his body press into her and through her and come out on the other side.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

My Sexy Saturday - From Dangerous Descents

Every Saturday, a group of talented authors post 7 words, 7 lines or 7 paragraphs from a published book or work in progress. You can read some other My Sexy Saturday author posts by clicking here.   My post this morning comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (first book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). I'm working on final edits on this as we speak :-)

Here's the blurb... 
After months holed up in a dreary department store, laid-off outdoor adventure director, Rebecca Devereaux, vows to change her life’s trajectory.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world.  He plans a sponsored expedition to survey the cave and learn about its origin. In need of assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit participants. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from Rebecca and instantly hires her.

The instant Kent and Rebecca meet, the two find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are coping with traumatic pasts, and murderous gem smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?


Here's my 7 lines...
--> Rebeccas muscles tensed as she whipped her head around. Her VIP guest Steve Jones, a famous big-screen star, had crumpled to the ground. She stifled a gasp and rushed to his side, rolled him over on his back and tapped on his chest. Dirt and leaves stuck to his sweaty face.  Rebeccas heart pounded in her chest. Oh my God, this can’t be happening. “Steve, are you all right?” His head fell limply to the side and his usually handsome face flushed to asphyxiation purple.  Holy shit.  

If this little snippet raised your heart rate and your interest, you'll be able to buy Dangerous Descent from Extasy Books on July 1 and on Amazon about July 8. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Post 17

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (first book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). I'm working on final edits on this as we speak :-)

Here's the blurb... 
After months holed up in a dreary department store, laid-off outdoor adventure director, Rebecca Devereaux, vows to change her life’s trajectory.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world.  He plans a sponsored expedition to survey the cave and learn about its origin. In need of assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit participants. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from Rebecca and instantly hires her.

The instant Kent and Rebecca meet, the two find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are coping with traumatic pasts, and murderous gem smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?
Here's my hook. The group has just checked into a dilapidated hotel in Dong Hoi, Vietnam and Rebecca and Kent are a little at odds about the fact that The Science Channel will film them once they reach the cave.

"You can wear makeup and brush your hair if you like," said Kent with a wry grin. "Not that primping will last long here with frequent downpours and ninety percent humidity."

"You're not filming me unless I've put a bag over my head first," said Rebecca. Is he out of his mind? If we get bed bugs in this dump, we'll probably be scratching our unmentionables whenever the camera swings our way.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Amazon Gift Card Opportunity

In an effort to generate more interest in this dramatic and humorous contemporary romance, MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI, I will offer a $10 Amazon giveaway to a random person who shares this post on Facebook this weekend and helps me move up the ranks. Please send me a FB message with your email address after you finish so I can get you the gift card! Thank you so much for your support. Here is the link.
 
 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Hump Day Hook - 16

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (first book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). 

Here's the blurb... 

After months holed up in a dreary department store, laid-off outdoor adventure director, Rebecca Devereaux, vows to change her life’s trajectory.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world.  He plans a sponsored expedition to survey the cave and learn about its origin. In need of assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit participants. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from Rebecca and instantly hires her.

The instant Kent and Rebecca meet, the two find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are coping with traumatic pasts, and murderous gem smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?

Here's my hook, which is a flashback scene of Rebecca leading a fateful hike to Mt. Wrightson outside Tucson, Arizona.

Rebecca's muscles tensed as she whipped her head around. Her VIP guest Steve Jones, a famous big-screen star, had crumpled to the ground. She stifled a gasp and rushed to his side, rolled him over and tapped on his chest. Dirt and leaves stuck to his sweaty face. Rebecca's heart pounded in her chest. Oh my God, this can't be happening. "Steve, are you all right?" His head fell limply to the side and his usually handsome face flushed to asphyxiation purple. Holy Shit. 

Want to read more? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you'll know about this release and all the others I have in store for you :-)





Thursday, June 6, 2013

Sabrina Devonshire's What's New Newsletter

I'm in the process of setting up a newsletter for readers and fans. If you have entered or won a contest recently, I will invite you to join. If you don't wish to receive my updates, you can simply ignore the confirmation message and you won't be added. I plan to send these newsletters very infrequently, I promise!  They will go out if I have a new release, a special event, or a contest you may be interested in entering. Since I have two new romantic suspense novels coming out in July - my first two books in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series - my first newsletter will launch in July. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and the new romantic suspense novels I have in store for you :-)

Dangerous Descent by Sabrina Devonshire

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Welcome to Hot Summer Nights Blog Hop





Join over 80 authors sharing their hot reads and giving away exciting prizes. Wait! It gets even better. There will be two grand prizes awarded to two randomly drawn winners: a Kindle Fire and a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To be eligible to win the grand prize, you MUST leave a comment with a valid email address on the main hop page.

 

Here's what readers say about exotic romantic adventure, MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI 


...surprising twists and turns make it difficult to put it down. --Kathleen Huebner

Her beautifully descriptive style with the delicious splashes of witty humour throughout, are a delight for the senses.--Ellen Cross

Investigating ancient underwater meteorite impact sites with Justin, Marissa becomes involved in life-threatening intrigues in a conflict that leads to an action-packed climax.--Dean McMillin


Description
World-renowned oceanographer and meteorite specialist Marissa Jones uncovers evidence that a comet cloud will soon destroy Earth. When aspiring writer and her best friend Jennifer begs her to take a Saturday morning sci-fi writing class, Marissa reluctantly agrees. Writing her real-life story as fiction gives her an astonishing new perspective on the anomalous set of craters she discovered off the La Jolla Coast.
But this favor for her friend stirs up more than scientific results…writing teacher Justin Lincoln goads her constantly and taunts her with his irresistible curly blond locks and steely physique he knows only too well make women drool. Marissa teeters on the edge of anger and raging attraction for this irritating man. But it’s a terrible time to let lust call the shots when the world’s about to end and Marissa’s the only one who can save everyone.
Excerpt
Men in my life, in La Jolla and elsewhere, had been few and far between. I spent most of my waking hours working alongside male coworkers who cocooned themselves in polyester and bathed infrequently. My mother suggested taking up tennis and golf to meet eligible bachelors, so I dutifully joined the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

On the tennis and golf course, the closest I ever came to a romantic encounter was when a Kevin Costner look-alike handed me a golf ball that had hit him in the head and glared at me. Then there was the titillating conversation I had with a dark-haired police officer after I sent a golf ball reeling through the window of someone’s BMW.

It’s not that I’m out of shape. I’m proficient at running and swimming. But engaging in any sport that requires swinging, balancing or hitting any kind of target—other than an unintended one—is a high-risk endeavor for me.

People often romanticize the typical day-in-the-life of a female oceanographer. They imagine that I stand with windblown hair on the bow of a majestic ocean vessel, my makeup undisturbed after photographing underwater scenes from the safe cocoon of my submersible. But no, I am the woman every mother prays her daughter won’t become. Once a tomboy who petted amphibians and reptiles and collected rows of muddy rocks, rather than dolls, I’m now an employed adult who rarely dons cosmetic products and spends most of my waking hours in a windowless laboratory.

I was completely content with my dirty fingernails, make-up free face, and solitary weekend nights in the lab until one of Jennifer’s schemes landed me face-to-face with a man who transformed my ordered universe into chaos.



Buy Links
As part of this blog hop, I'm giving away:  2 eBook copies of MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI and a signed paperback copy of THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER. Just leave a comment with an email address below this post to be entered to win. Winners will be randomly selected and announced May 30th. Thanks!
  
Click here to visit other authors’ blog posts and for more chances to win!


Hump Day Hook - Day 15


I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my soon-to-be-released (July 1) contemporary romantic adventure, Dangerous Descents (first book in the LOVE IN THE LABYRINTHS series). Extasy Books just finished designing my cover last weekend - this beauty was done by Carmen Waters!

In this scene, the depressed Rebecca, who has overslept yet again, tells her best friend, Amanda, that she's got a different destination in mind other than her normal day job...

Amanda furrowed her brow and shook her head. "What am I going to do with you? You're not even dressed. If you don't hurry, we'll be late for work. I'll still wait if you'll get moving."

"No, you go on ahead. I'm going to call in sick. I might quit anyway...or go to Vietnam."


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Day 14

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my contemporary romantic adventure, MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI. When her friend, Jennifer coerces her into taking a sci-fi novel writing class, meteorite scientist, Marissa, gets immersed in much more than the text...After a date with instructor Justin ends badly and the next morning, Melissa's venting her frustration with him in class.


“Well, you have to admit this essay was really lame, even if it was well written,” grunted Mark. Despite the fact that it was nine AM, a five o’clock shadow clouded his face and the dark circles under his eyes screamed hang over.

At least someone’s on my side—maybe I should ask for his number after class. “Yeah, see.” I turned to Justin and narrowed my eyes. “And I have all the information I need, thank you very much. As a matter of fact, with this author, it’s a clear case of too much information. By the end of the essay, I feel like if I hear another word about his vanilla obsession or his pathetic love life, I’m going to have to grab a handful of vanilla beans and stone him to death with them. But a man can never get over a blond with big jugs, right?”

“His ex-girlfriend’s appearance wasn’t even described in the essay,” said Steve. “Where did you come up with that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. This author just seems like the kind of guy who would try to seduce one woman while another still has keys to his house.”

 Order on Amazon

Want to win a copy? Leave a comment and I'll choose a winner this weekend... 




World-renowned oceanographer and meteorite specialist Marissa Jones uncovers evidence that a comet cloud will soon destroy Earth. When aspiring writer and her best friend Jennifer begs her to take a Saturday morning sci-fi writing class, Marissa reluctantly agrees. Writing her real-life story as fiction gives her an astonishing new perspective on the anomalous set of craters she discovered off the La Jolla Coast. But this favor for her friend stirs up more than scientific results…writing teacher Justin Lincoln goads her constantly and taunts her with his irresistible curly blond locks and steely physique he knows only too well make women drool. Marissa teeters on the edge of anger and raging attraction for this irritating man. But it’s a terrible time to let lust call the shots when the world’s about to end and Marissa’s the only one who can save everyone. 

Friday, May 10, 2013

First Editon Copies of THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER

I have about 20 copies of THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER I'd like to sell off that have only minor print errors. Enjoy this fun read for only $5. Here's your chance to get a copy for less than the Kindle edition price!




When children’s mystery writer Dana Thomas has recurring nightmares about a swimmer drowning during an open water race, she aims to change his fate. Dana’s plan to remain objective makes a serious splashdown when she meets her “mission,” a towering blue-eyed man with the best cut set of pectorals she’s ever seen. Going incognito as a feeding station volunteer for FINA World Cup series races, she travels to Greece, Portugal, Honduras, and Tunisia to protect him. When heat between the pair sizzles, she falls hopelessly in love with this man destined to die.

Elite swimmer and former Navy fighter pilot Jeff Dickson keeps dreaming he’s drowning. Recently dumped by long-time girlfriend who found him too competitive, Jeff believes his driven personality and international travel schedule can’t mix with love. When Jeff meets Dana, he’s instantly attracted to her voluptuous body and mysterious personality. When Jeff learns she’s been stalking him for weeks at swimming races, he decides she must be psycho.

A series of fateful events before the final race lead Dana to believe her nightmare is about to unfold. Anticipating a dive-in and rescue scenario, Dana is shocked to discover that’s only the beginning. Can she change the fate of the man she loves and survive?

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Post 13


I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my contemporary sports romance, THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER. After meeting the man from her dreams who she believes is going to drown during an ocean race, she decides to go undercover as a race official. The only problem is, she doesn't know how to swim. Last week, she bought her first real racing suit. Now she's taking her first swimming lesson In Greece...

The bronze statue who stood by the lagoon-shaped pool looked her up and down as she approached. "You must be Miss Dana. I am Takis."

"Nice to meet you," Dana said, shaking his hand. Shoulder length dark curls framed a face a sculptor couldn't improve on and enormous lashes decorated brown eyes. His face held her eyes captive for a moment before they veered down the rest of his body and her mouth fell open in an O.

"Maybe we should start in the pool," she said. "I'm afraid of the ocean."

"Oh, that is very unique problem," he said. He scratched his chin for a minute and waved a hand up in the air as if he'd experienced an aha moment. "In that case I give you the Greek swimming introduction."

"Okay. And what does that involve?" she asked.

"I will explain to you very soon." He kept his gaze focused on the sand.

Once she tugged up the back of the suit just in case, Dana said, "Okay, I'm set." He'll recite romantic Greek poetry about the sea, which will lure me into the lapping waves. She curled her toes, relishing the warmth of the snowy white sand.

He stared at her waist, then leaned into her and tossed her like a potato sack over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" she yelled. People turned away from cocktails and conversation to stare. Just let me drown already before I have to face them at dinner.

"Greek swimming introduction," he said as he waded several feet out and dropped her into the water.


 Will she ever actually learn to swim? Download the this contemporary sports romance to find out!


 



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Post 12

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My hump day hook for the day comes from my contemporary sports romance, THE OPEN WATER SWIMMER. After meeting the man from her dreams who she believes is going to drown during an ocean race, she decides to go undercover as a race official. The only problem is, she doesn't know how to swim. So she's ordering up the "right" suit and taking lessons.

Dana had spent several hours online browsing for competitive swimsuits. So many styles, so little time. Fly back, extreme back, V2, racing back, cut out, and lingerie tank. Olympian Natalie Coughlin had looked good in the cut out back, so Dana had ordered it. I now own a training suit like the professionals, she thought with pride until she tried wiggling into it.

The thin straps cut into her burned flesh, which still hurt like the dickens, despite the aloe. To make matters worse, she looked over her shoulder in the mirror to see that the ultra-low back barely covered her rounder-than-Natalie's derriere. Sweet. I'll have to tug it up from time to time to make sure an unintended moon doesn't rise.

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When children’s mystery writer Dana Thomas has recurring nightmares about a swimmer drowning during an open water race, she aims to change his fate. Dana’s plan to remain objective makes a serious splashdown when she meets her “mission,” a towering blue-eyed man with the best cut set of pectorals she’s ever seen. Going incognito as a feeding station volunteer for FINA World Cup series races, she travels to Greece, Portugal, Honduras, and Tunisia to protect him. When heat between the pair sizzles, she falls hopelessly in love with this man destined to die.

Elite swimmer and former Navy fighter pilot Jeff Dickson keeps dreaming he’s drowning. Recently dumped by long-time girlfriend who found him too competitive, Jeff believes his driven personality and international travel schedule can’t mix with love. When Jeff meets Dana, he’s instantly attracted to her voluptuous body and mysterious personality. When Jeff learns she’s been stalking him for weeks at swimming races, he decides she must be psycho.

A series of fateful events before the final race lead Dana to believe her nightmare is about to unfold. Anticipating a dive-in and rescue scenario, Dana is shocked to discover that’s only the beginning. Can she change the fate of the man she loves and survive?

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI Blog Barrage

MESSAGE FROM VIOLA MARI will be featured on these websites the next two days. I hope you'll stop by and visit! 


April 25, 2013

Author Raine Delight's World
Harlie's Books
SnifferWalk Books


April 26, 2013
Brianna's Bookshelf
Bunny's Review
Coffee Beans & Love Scenes
It's All About the Romance!
Lindsay's Scribblings
Queen of the Night Reviews
Salacious Reads
Samantha Holt
Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews
Wicked Readings by Tawania
(Review)

Buy Links

Description
World-renowned oceanographer and meteorite specialist Marissa Jones uncovers evidence that a comet cloud will soon destroy Earth. When aspiring writer and her best friend Jennifer begs her to take a Saturday morning sci-fi writing class, Marissa reluctantly agrees. Writing her real-life story as fiction gives her an astonishing new perspective on the anomalous set of craters she discovered off the La Jolla Coast.

But this favor for her friend stirs up more than scientific results…writing teacher Justin Lincoln goads her constantly and taunts her with his irresistible curly blond locks and steely physique he knows only too well make women drool. Marissa teeters on the edge of anger and raging attraction for this irritating man. But it’s a terrible time to let lust call the shots when the world’s about to end and Marissa’s the only one who can save everyone.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Reviews
5 Stars from Ellen Cross—“Marissa Jones is a young Oceanographer and Metorite specialist, with a poor track record with men. Driven by her best friend, Jennifer, to join a sci-fi writing class, Mari is forced to suffer the frustratingly personal attention of her beyond mouth-watering, yet insanely irritating teacher, Justin Lincoln. One look at Justin, and Mari doesn't know whether to follow her body's desire to kiss him, or satisfy her mind's urge to punch his lights out. Mari's research into the mysterious craters on the ocean floor, leads her to the discovery that the earth's end is approaching in a cataclysmic event that will claim all life. With no-one willing to believe her research, Mari is left with not only the fate of all mankind in her hands, but a best friend to keep happy, a sexy man to figure out, and a book to finish writing. Simple huh? Sabrina Devonshire has exploded into the sci-fi genre with "A message from Viola Mari". Her beautifully descriptive style with the delicious splashes of witty humour throughout, are a delight for the senses. “Message from Viola Mari” will keep you guessing right up until the very last page.”

5 Star from Dean C. McMillin—“Marissa Jones is an oceanic geologist specializing in studying ancient meteorite impacts. She's tough and serious with little need for anything else in her life ... But, when her best friend talks her into enrolling in a creative writing course, she falls hard for the instructor, Justin Lincoln, much to her embarrassment. Marissa can't believe that she's so attracted to the hunky writing guru. She has to get over her own insecurities and accept the truth of his love ... At the same time, she is uncovering an ancient secret that might mean doom for humanity ... Unless she can find a solution and decipher what she believes is an alien message of hope. Investigating ancient underwater meteorite impact sites with Justin, Marissa becomes involved in life-threatening intrigues in a conflict that leads to an action-packed climax. This was an offbeat novel which I found to be a quick and easy read. The characters were sympathetic and relatable, and writing was clear, the story briskly paced. The story veers quite heavily into science fiction territory near the end, which is set up very well earlier in the book. Overall, a fun, light read.”

Hump Day Hook - Post 11

I am one of many talented authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My Hump Day Hook comes from Dangerous Descents, Book One of my Love in the Labyrinths series to be released by Extasy Books in July.

Geologist Kent Dunbar has hired Rebecca Devereux to be an assistant on his Vietnam caving expedition. In this scene, she's on site in Vietnam, signing some paperwork.

Kent strode toward the only table in the room and opened his briefcase. "I need you to sign these liability release forms and the acceptance to appear on film." He tapped a pen on the signature line of the papers he'd set out side by side on the warped wooden table.

"Oh, I see." Rebecca approached, gazing at him to see if she could read anything in his eyes. Blue fire--that's what I see. Her heart pulsed faster and tremors of excitement raced up her arms. Worried her arousal was obvious, she dropped her her eyes to the paper and picked up the pen.

She read her favorite lines out loud. "The risks of caving include death or injury due to falls, hypothermia, earth-quake induced collapse, poisonous gases, poisonous liquids such as sulfuric and/or hydrochloric adic or bites from bats, leeches, vipers, scorpions, and spiders. Nice of you to share all these tidbits with me during our phone interview." She signed with an irritated flourish before dropping the pen on the table.

Here's the full blurb if you're interested...

A catastrophic accident during a Tucson area hike leaves outdoor adventure director Rebecca Devereaux unemployed. Unable to find work in her field, she reluctantly accepts a menial job. After months holed up in a dreary department store, Rebecca decides her life has to change. When she learns Kent Dunbar seeks assistants to accompany him on a caving expedition to Vietnam, she applies for a job.

Kent Dunbar believes Vietnam’s Mountain River Cave may be the largest in the world.  He plans a sponsored expedition, to be filmed for television, to survey the cave and learn more about its origin. In need of assistants, he sends out a mass email to recruit participants. Kent is pleasantly surprised to receive an application from a voluptuous beauty from Arizona and he instantly hires her.

The minute Kent and Rebecca meet, the two find attraction too hot to handle. Soon, every jungle tree and shelf of cave rock becomes a potential place to release their pent up passion for each other. But Kent’s not used to commitment, both are coping with traumatic pasts, and murderous gem smugglers are on the loose near their camp. Will their tumultuous love affair survive?


Thursday, April 18, 2013

New Website Coming Soon

Today I uploaded a new header banner created by Mike Zederbaum of Z-Designs to this blog. This tantalizing image gives you a taste of what's coming with my new web site design for www.sabrinadevonshire.com! Mike is currently redesigning my entire main site, which should go live sometime next week. In the meantime, if you want to check out some of the fabulous other sites Mike has designed, click here. When I find someone with talent, I always like to get the word out.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Hump Day Hook - Post 10

I am one of many authors who share excerpts from their books and/or works-in-progress every Wednesday on Hump Day Hook. If you'd like to read some more enticing author hooks, please follow this link.

My Hump Day Hook comes from Dangerous Descents, Book One of my Love in the Labyrinths series to be released by Extasy Books in July.

Geologist Kent Dunbar is seeking assistants to accompany him on a caving expedition to Vietnam. In this scene, he's reading over an application sent from Rebecca Devereux, who recently got laid off from her job as outdoor adventure director after a VIP dropped dead from a heart attack.

Her workouts consisted of running, swimming, and weekend hiking and climbing excursions. Camping wasn't her favorite, but nothing could be worse than endless days in a room without natural light, she noted. She's got a sense of humor, too.  He wondered if she'd maintain it when a tropical storm struck and she was soaked through to her underwear. The sensual image of wet undergarments clinging to her hips and water-alerted nipples popped into his mind. He tried to shuffle it aside. Any more excitement and he'd have to take his stiffening member in his hands and relieve the pressure before he lost the ability to walk. Back to her credentials...