No Secrets Goes Live Tomorrow! #Multicultural #New Adult @nonaraines

Good morning, friends! I'm so excited to share the release (happening tomorrow) of my multicultural New Adult romance No Secrets! 

She wants him…

            Alyxandra Franklin crushed on Cris Garcia the first time they met. He wasn't like the guys in her crowd, the boys in grown-up bodies. No, Cris was a man. A man who'd stand up for his girl, hold her close and keep her love safe. In spite of her feelings, Alyx never made a move on him. How could she? He belonged to her best friend, Gabi. And now it's too late.

He hates her…

            Cris figures if he never sees Alyx Franklin again, it'll be too soon. She's nothing but a spoiled stupid rich girl, too busy partying to care about anyone but herself. She's the reason Gabi, the girl he loved, lost her life.

            But he's wrong. Gabi had secrets. When those secrets blow up his life, Cris is willing to go to any lengths to unravel the lies. Even if that means befriending Alyx—and sleeping with her—to learn the truth.

Only 99 cents through December 3! Find No Secrets here:

Amazon:  https://amzn.com/B01N3W0N2Q

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nosecretsamulticulturalnewadultromance-2167966-178.html

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/no-secrets/id1173065461?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/no-secrets-6

Excerpt:

He took her hand. "Come with me."

She allowed him to lead her to an alley next to the building. "What's here?" she asked, not afraid, just curious.

"This." He took her in his arms and kissed her.

Her lips were so pillowy soft, he wanted to lick them, bite them. Whoa, slow down there. Good way to scare her off.

She must have read his mind, because she placed her hands on his chest and gently urged him back. Her eyes were clouded with confusion. "Maybe we should…I don't know, slow down some."

He took a step back, disappointment settling in his gut. But he wouldn't be like that pushy douche outside Chauncey's who kept pestering her, who wouldn't take no for an answer. "Okay."

"I mean…" She shook her head. "I don't know what I mean. I like you, Cris. I have for a long time. But I just—"

"Because of Gabi, you mean?"

"Yeah. I was her friend, and you…"

"Yeah."

"Is it weird that we're—"

"No," he answered quickly. "We both…we cared about her." He couldn't choke out the word love. "But she's gone."

Alyx was silent, as if weighing his response. "I hope it's not wrong."

A pang of guilt zinged him, but not because of Gabi. Because he was here with Alyx under false pretenses. She thought it was just a date. He had other motives.

But enjoying her company wasn't a lie. The way he felt holding her, kissing her—that was real. "Does it feel wrong?" he asked, holding his breath for her answer.

"No," she said at last, lifting a hand to his cheek. "It feels really, really right."

They kissed again. Gently, he urged her mouth to open. He tasted hops and yeast, but the bitter tang of the brew was no match for the sweetness of her kiss—a flavor he wanted more of.

When he released her, reluctantly, she sagged against the side of the building. Her eyes were dreamy and soft. She smiled hesitantly when he gave a quiet laugh. "What's funny?"

"Just…your makeup." Scary looking as it was in the glow of the streetlamp, it couldn't hide her natural beauty. "I never pictured I'd be kissing a zombie."

She laughed. "Well, I'm kissing one too."

When he tried to kiss her again, she stopped him. "Wait."

After fumbling in her purse, she pulled out a handful of tissues and touched them to his face. He jerked back at their moist feel. "What are you doing?"

"They’re wipes. To take off the makeup," she answered.

He snorted. "Baby wipes?"

"Hush, you. No, they're for makeup." Gently, she swiped the cloths across his forehead, over his cheeks, down his nose. He watched her as she tended to him carefully, tenderly. Her concentration on the task just made him hotter. Each time her fingers brushed his skin, his pulse spiked.

It felt like foreplay.

******

Thanks so much, friends! I hope you'll check out the story and its related romance, No Promises.

Have a wonderful week, all!

Nona Raines

Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free read! http://www.nonarainesfreebook.com/

How I Got That Cat: Snickers #cats #NoPromises #NewAdult

Hello, friends. I'm so happy to be here today to share a bit 

more about my new adult romance No Promises.

My heroine, Sam, is a vet tech who falls for Rick, a paramedic who's hiding a secret. In her spare time, Sam helps rescue feral cats and tries to outsmart a bossy stray named Big Boy. I'm not as experienced as Sam is in the rescue field, but as someone who now lives with several cats, I have a few stories of my own. All my animals have come from the Humane Society, a rescue group or are ones I've found on my own. I'd like to share a story about one of them today.

This story is about Snickers, my chubby gray and black tabby cat.

I first spotted her around my neighborhood several years ago. She was a friendly little thing.  Though I asked around, she didn't seem to belong to anyone. Feeling bad for her, I started leaving food out on my porch for her every day. (I know, I know. I'm a soft touch.) I knew she was hungry, because my neighbor told me the cat had been eating bread and peanut butter my neighbor put out for the squirrels.

I found Snickers (though she wasn't named that yet) on my porch every day, mewing for me and wanting me to pet her. Of course, I caved. She was a sweetheart, even following me when I walked somewhere. I tried to do what I could to find her owner if there was one. I even placed an ad in the classifieds. Nobody claimed her, so she became mine. She bonded very well with my orange tabby Walter and became very protective of him. Walter crossed the Rainbow Bridge some years ago, but Snickers is still going strong, putting her "little sister" Topaz in her place when the youngster gets too fresh.

And that's how I got that cat.

Snickers, staring into the camera.

No Promises Blurb:

Is her love enough to save him?

Samantha Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo in high school, but he was her cousin's boyfriend and strictly off limits. When she meets him again years later, it doesn't take her long to realize her feelings haven't changed.

But Rick has changed. He's not the guy Sam remembers. A tragic event has shattered his confidence, shaken his beliefs and left him rudderless. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken. 

Sam spends her life caring for sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love. But even her love may not be able to save Rick from himself. 

Available at

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-promises-n-raines/1123260173?ean=2940157825188

#Cats Rule! (And Dogs Drool?) #Movies #NewAdult #NoPromises

Happy Friday, friends!

I'm still celebrating the release of new adult romance, No Promises. My heroine, Sam, works as a vet tech who also rescues feral cats on her own time. Cats play an important part in the story, especially one bossy guy named Big Boy. I've always enjoyed movies featuring animals--especially cats--and thought I'd list a few that you might enjoy, too.

Cat's Eye

A film written by Stephen King, based on his short stories. A stray tabby cat is a featured player in two of the stories in this horror anthology and the hero in the third. He battles an evil gnome in order to save young Drew Barrymore.

Harry and Tonto

This is a road movie featuring a senior citizen and his best friend, a cat. Art Carney plays Harry who has plenty of adventures with his furry orange buddy, Tonto. A funny and touching film.

Stuart Little

This movie is based on the children's book by E.B White. The main character, Stuart, is a mouse who is adopted by a human family. Snowbell (voiced by Nathan Lane), the white cat who already lives there, resents Stuart and plots to get rid of his rival. (All ends happily, of course.)

Alien

Everyone remembers Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) as the sole survivor of toothy, drool-dripping alien in the scary sci-fi adventure. But they forget Jonesy, the orange cat who employs sneakiness and smarts to survive and escape along with Sigourney.

Walk on the Wild Side

This is a campy, over the top movie. One of those it's-so-bad-it's-good guilty pleasures. Though not in the main story, a stray black cat is featured in the beginning and end title sequences of the film. I think the cat represents the wild and untamed side of the characters. This is one of the well-known works of graphic designer/filmmaker Saul Bass. Here's a link if you'd like to see it yourself:

http://www.titledesignproject.com/walk-on-the-wild-side-title-sequence-by-saul-bass/

I'm sure there are plenty of films I've missed. Can you think of any that you've enjoyed? 

No Promises: 

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken.

 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Find No Promises at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-promises-n-raines/1123260173?ean=2940157825188

Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Nona Raines

Website--Facebook--Twitter--Newsletter

Now available: my newest releases, Her Kind of Man  and No Promises

#Paramedics Are Not Ambulance Drivers! #NoPromises #99cents #newadult

Happy Friday, friends. I'm still celebrating the release of my New Adult romance, No Promises. Remember, it's available for only 99 cents through the month of January!

Blurb:

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken. 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-promises-n-raines/1123260173?ean=2940157825188

  

Rick,the hero of the story, is a paramedic. While doing research on his profession I learned a few things I'd like to share with you.

1. Don't Call Emergency Service Personnel "Ambulance Drivers."

Paramedics and EMTs do a lot more than driving the ambulance and running the siren. In my state, paramedics must complete a two year degree program. They're able to give medications and trained in advanced life support. They must be certified and renew their certification every three years.

2. Their jobs are physically taxing.

All the lifting and carrying they do can take a toll. They may have to carry individuals who are heavy, sometimes down flights of stairs. This is especially challenging in an apartment building where there is no elevator. They may have to deal with people who are uncooperative or aggressive due to alcohol, drugs or mental illness. Occasionally, they are even physically assaulted. They have to keep calm and behave professionally at all times while protecting themselves and others.

3. Their jobs are emotionally taxing.

Emergency service personnel are often first at the scene in cases of child abuse. They have to help a child who has been hurt by his or her own parent or caretaker. They are on the scenes of accidents where innocent people have been hurt and killed by drivers under the influence. They see some terrible, heartbreaking sights yet must keep their feelings under control and do their best to help the injured and transport them as quickly and safely as possible. These tragedies may take an emotional toll on first responders and filter into their personal lives.

4. They don't get the pay or respect they deserve.

Emergency service personnel work long hours under difficult conditions to save lives. While they are responsible for keeping people safe and getting them to the hospital as quickly as possible, their assistance often goes unrecognized by the public. They often have to deal the results of society's inability to provide enough care for the indigent, the homeless and the mentally ill. They also have to deal professionally with people who abuse the system, keeping them from those truly in need.

5. They care about people.

Actually, this was one thing I didn't have to learn from reading a book or scouring the web. I've been fortunate enough to speak to several Emergency Service Personnel and their good humor and love of humanity shines through. They don't get much pay or many pats on the back, but they don't complain. Still, it's time we "civilians" recognize everything they do and give them the recognition they deserve. They, along with firefighters and police officers, are the first on the scene when we need help.

Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Nona Raines

Website--Facebook--Twitter--Newsletter

Now available: my newest releases, Her Kind of Man  and No Promises

No Promises #Review Tour! #NewAdult #99cents #giveaway @XPressoTours

Happy Monday, friends! Just a quick note here. No Promises, my new adult romance I've published as N. Raines, is entering its second week of publication and still only 99 cents! With the help of Xpresso Book Tours I've sponsored a review tour all this week and I'm offering a $25 GC as well. Please scroll down so you can enter the Rafflecopter. 

Blurb:

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken.

 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Purchase from:

Amazon

Kobo

iBooks

AllRomance

Barnesand Noble 

Here are the schedule and the stops along the way:

January 25th
–Pretty Little Book Reviews
–mommys naughty playground
–From the TBR Pile
–For The Love Of Books

January 26th
–Reader Girls 
–Obsessive Compulsive Divalicious Books Pimps and Promos Blog
–Mademoiselle Le Sphinx
–Crazy Beautiful Reads

January 27th
–Quesarasera Book Reviews
–Book briefs
–Haddie’s Haven
–Crónicas de uma Leitora
–Adventures in Bookland

January 28th
–Trulee V’s Spot Book Blog
–True Story Book Blog
–mignon mykel : reviews
–LeAnn’s Book Reviews
–Jeri’s Book Attic

January 29th
–Romantic Fanatic
–Silly, Sexy, Sassy and Occasionally Classy
–Reading Among The Stars
–Cutting Muse Blog Review

January 30th
–Worth Reading It?
–tiggerrenewing
–The Dark Realm
–Reviews from the Heart
–Book-o-Craze

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BookBlitz: No Promises #newadult #newrelease #giveaway @XpressoTours

Good morning friends! What better way to start the work week with the possibility of winning a prize? No, it's not the Powerball, unfortunately. But you do have a chance to win a $25 GC by entering the No Promises Book Blitz sponsored by XPresso Book Tours.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter below. Everyone is allowed one free entry! Thank so much and have a wonderful week. :-)

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines.

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken. 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Still 99 cents for a limited time!

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#New! No Promises Releases Today! #NewAdult #Romance #99cents @nonaraines

Happy Friday, friends! I'm super excited to announce the release of my first New Adult romance No Promises, written as N. Raines.

There's a book blitz as well, courtesy of Xpresso Book Tours! And a $25 gc giveaway! Please check out the Rafflecopter link below.

Blurb:

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken. 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Excerpt:

The kitchen door creaked softly, signaling their departure. Sam held her breath and waited in silence for the coast to clear. When she heard no other sounds, she emerged from the broom closet. She stepped into the kitchen and froze. Rick was still there, leaning back on the counter and taking a pull from a bottle of beer.

She could only think wow. If he'd been hot five years ago, now he was positively scorching. Time had improved on what nature had given him. Six-plus feet of solid muscle, from his broad shoulders to his hard chest that tapered to a taut middle. His tight T-shirt didn't hide much. She was sure his jeans didn't either, though Sam didn't let her gaze drift lower for fear of passing out.

If she'd been a cartoon character, her eyeballs would have popped from their sockets and pinballed across the room while her tongue unrolled and flopped to the floor. Her heart would have boinged right out of her chest, dangling from a spring.

His eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in a glare. Deep brown eyes sat above a strong Roman nose. He wasn't handsome in the way of pretty-boy movie stars, but strong-featured and completely masculine. "Where did you come from?"

"Uh—" She took a step back. For a moment she lost the power of speech. Ugh, what was her problem? He'd been a jerk to Britt, and here she was, practically drooling over him. "In there." She tilted her head toward the closet. "I'm just cleaning up." She lifted the broom and dustpan as proof, then realized how dumb she looked. She let her hands fall to her sides. "I'm, uh, I'm Sam. Britt's cousin?" She winced. Why'd she say that last part like she wasn't sure? Dumb, dumb, dumb.

"I know who you are." He cut to the chase. "How long were you in there?"

Her mouth twisted. The jig was up. "A few minutes. Sorry."

"You make a habit of listening in on people's private conversations?" He lifted the bottle to his lips and took another swig.

Sam bristled at the question and his insulting tone. But worse was the way his gaze flicked over her and dismissed her. Fine, so she wasn't tall and willowy like Britt, nor did she have killer curves like Morgan. No, Sam was small breasted and narrow hipped, and with her short hair had more than once, from a distance, been mistaken for a boy.

But she got tired of guys giving her that you're-not-worth-my-time look.

No Promises is still available for 99 cents for a limited time! Available at:

Amazon        Kobo

iBooks          AllRomance 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Exclusive #Excerpt from No Promises! #NewAdult #preorder #99cents

Welcome friends! I'm jumpy and excited because my New Adult romance, No Promises is going live exactly one week from today! In honor of that, I'd like to share with you a special sneak-peek excerpt for your eyes only. I hope you enjoy!

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines.

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken.

 

Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.

Excerpt:

A small, frightened squeak greeted her as she entered the dark garage. Once again she'd forgotten her flashlight, but Sam followed the pitiful mewling sound to the Havahart. A tiny black-and-white kitten huddled inside the trap. It scrambled to the back of the cage and hunkered down when Sam bent to look at it.

"Take it easy," she murmured. "It's okay. We'll have you back with Mom and the rest of your family real soon."

Heavy footsteps neared her, then stopped. Rick gave a disgruntled huff. "Thought I told you to wait for me."

"I'm fine." She lifted the cage. "And looks like we got our last little guy here."

Rick peered at the kitten, who flattened its ears and hissed. Tiny though it was, it had a mighty heart.

Rick laughed. "Hey there, buddy. Chill out."

"Let's get him back to the truck."

Rick took the cage. "I'll carry him."

Sam led the way. She unlocked both doors and slid into the driver's seat. Rick opened the passenger door and deposited the Havahart onto the jump seat behind the front seats. But the cage was empty.

Sam's mouth fell open in dismay. "What happened? You didn't let him go!"

Rick climbed into the cab. "Nah." He gave her a sheepish grin. "I just borrowed him." A lump wiggled in the front pouch of his hoodie. A furry little head emerged from the opening.

Rick cradled the kitten in the crook of his arm, and surprisingly, it didn't put up a fight. "Poor little guy. Got no mom, no friends. The last lonely one of the litter."

Sam started the truck. "He'll see them soon enough. We'll get him all fixed up."

She hesitated as she watched the kitten snuggle against Rick. Such a contrast, the tiny ball of fluff and the large, muscular man. But Rick was gentle as could be, stroking the kitten's tiny head with one finger.

Aww. So cute. Sam put the truck in park, grabbed her phone, and took a picture.

"Hey!" He scowled.

"Oh, come on. It's nice." She showed him the shot she'd taken of the kitten snuggled in his arms.

His expression didn't change. "That's not going up on Instagram or something, is it?"

"Why, are you embarrassed?" She relented when she saw he wasn't amused. "No. I just thought…it was sweet."

"Sweet." He rolled his eyes.

When they'd been driving a few minutes, he asked, "Can we stop somewhere for a while? Get coffee or something?"

"We should get our friend to the vet," Sam answered, indicating the kitten.

"Just for a little while. Hit the drive-through at the doughnut place."

That was strange. He'd never asked to stop before. Then it hit her: he wanted to hold on to the kitten a little while longer.

"Sure. I guess we can spare the time."

****

No Promises available on preorder for only 99 cents at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019LPXOGQ

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-promises-4

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1070562159

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nopromises-1955852-149.html