Vegas Knights Blog Tour ~ Guest Post and Giveaway with Marina Maddix

After a passionate public encounter with a mysterious and very sexy biker, big girl Kelly Saunders finds herself on the ride of her life. Her 'Knight on shining armor' -- Rick Knight, billionaire heir to a motorcycle legacy -- whisks her away from her soul-sucking corporate job to Las Vegas, where she finds the road to love is treacherous.

As urgent business matters demand more and more of Rick's attention, Kelly is left to wonder about the future of their relationship. A ruthless betrayal throws her life into turmoil, and a devastating discovery threatens to pull them apart. Is their love just so much Vegas glitter or is it strong enough to survive beyond the dazzling lights of Sin City?

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********* EXCERPT **********

They sat entwined under the stars, swaying slightly with the rhythm of their own bodies. Rick's hands moved slowly from her hair down her back. Shivers of anticipation rippled through Kelly. They were going to make love under the stars. It had always been a fantasy of hers but she'd never imagined it would come true. But a lot of things she'd never imagined were happening lately.

Feeling the need to show him she wasn't some precious flower that needed tending and special care, that she was an independent woman, Kelly took control. His eyes never left her body as she moved to stand over him, legs spread, hands on her hips.

"Strip." The single word brought a knowing smirk to Rick's face. Without a word, and still never taking his eyes from her, he eased his off his jacket, throwing it aside. His gaze was positively smoldering as he loosened his tie and started to pull it over his head.

"Leave it." Kelly commanded on impulse. His hands paused, then dropped to the front of his charcoal Armani button-down, his eyes burning into her flesh like a brand. His fingers worked slowly, deliberately, intensifying her need for him. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her impatience. Cocking her hip, she let him tease her with his leisurely pace.

When the shirt was lying atop the leather jacket, he looked up expectantly, awaiting her next instruction. When she nodded toward his pants, triumph flashed across his face. She realized her mistake as he moved to stand. Once on his feet, he would tower over her, emphasizing her vulnerability and his dominance.

"On second thought, scratch that." One of his eyebrows shot up, and a look of exasperation took the place of triumph. She knew the score and she wasn't going to give him an advantage if she could help it. He leaned back on his elbows -- shirtless and irresistible -- and studied her.

She couldn't afford to make a misstep or show any hesitation. This had become less of a game for her and more of a demand for equality in this relationship. He may be rich, but that didn't mean he was in control here. Either he accepted that they were in this together, as equal partners, or he would be taught that lesson. Of course, she suspected that would be a lesson he might enjoy learning.

********* GUEST POST ******** 

Is It Real or Is It Fantasy?

It’s natural for readers to wonder how much of a book is based on the author’s real life. It’s safe to assume that the major plot points of Stephen King’s books are based purely in his fantastic imagination, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the little things that make his stories ring true — a character’s mannerisms, the gnarled bark of a tree, or even the name of a gigantic St. Bernard — were encountered somewhere along his path in life. As the old saying goes, write what you know.

My husband was surprised to learn that my erotic romance short Knight Fall*, was based on an event in my younger days. In the story, Kelly spies a devastatingly sexy biker at a gas station. When he catches her giving him the once-over, a slow and dangerous smile slides across his features. Kelly’s tempted to look away, embarrassed, but instead meets his gaze and asks him with her eyes, “Whaddya gonna do about it, big fella?”

Of course the story, being erotic in nature, moves in a very specific direction that my encounter did not. I gave my mystery biker the same sassy look, he tipped a nod my way and rode off. The end. (I swear!)

The sequel, Vegas Knights, also freely uses incidents and people from my own life. Kelly herself is modeled after one of my beautiful friends; Syndee bears a striking resemblance to another friend, including her name, though her 

personality is completely different; Kelly’s best friend Brutus is the reincarnation of a friend who passed away several years ago; and Rick’s passion for sailing is my own.There are many more subtle and tiny additions I made to the story, characters and events that mirror my own life, but listing them all would be quite tedious for everyone, I’m sure. Besides, it’s more fun to leave the reader wondering which parts are pure fiction and which parts are all too real.

What book, story or scene in your favorite book has made you wonder if it really happened to the author? Let us know in the comments!

*Note: While Vegas Knights is a sequel, it's not necessary to read Knight Fall (just 99 cents) first.

AUTHOR BIO:

Marina Maddix is a romantic at heart, but hates closing the bedroom door on her readers. Her stories are sweet, with just enough spice to make your mother blush. She lives with her husband and cat near the Pacific Ocean, and loves to hear from her fans. Connect with her by email, on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or her website www.MarinaMaddix.com.

Marina's part of the Insatiable Reads book tour with 15 other sizzling hot romance authors. Different authors will be featured on various blogs throughout the month of March, culminating in several excellent giveaways. Check out the tour at www.InsatiableReads.com, where you'll find a schedule of Marina's other blog stops.

Marina’s Blog Tour Stops:

3/5 Romance Addict (Getting Romantic in Las Vegas)
3/7 Readers Guide to Epublishing (The Whys & Hows of Reviewing Books)
3/8 Belle’s Book Bag (The Benefits of Pole Dancing)
3/8 I Love Lady Porn (Book Spotlight)
3/10 Under the Covers (Character Interview with Rick Knight)
3/12 The Jeep Diva (Author Interview)
3/13 Caribbean Accent (Author Interview)
3/15 It’s All About Romance (Book Spotlight)
3/16 A Little Fiction for Every Flavour (Book Spotlight)
3/17 Close Encounters of the Night Kind (The Condom Conundrum)
3/17 Musings from an Addicted Reader (Book Spotlight)
3/18 Babbling About Books (Are Alpha Males All That?)
3/19 Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (Book Spotlight)
3/20 Heart Breaking Reviews (Book Spotlight)
3/20 My Fiction Nook (Book Spotlight)
3/21 United by Books (Is It Real or Is It Fantasy?)
3/21 Romance Junkies (Speed Dating Interview)
3/22 Way Too Hot Books (Book Spotlight)
3/22 HEA Romance with a Little Kick (Trash Talking Friends)
3/23 Dr. Pepper Diva (Book Spotlight)
3/24 Hesperia Loves Books (Guest Post)
3/24 Wicked Readings by Tawania (Book Spotlight)
3/25 Books & Tales (Book Spotlight)
3/27 The Book Tart (Guest Post)
3/28 Cocktails & Books (Author Interview)
3/29 Day Dreaming Book Reviews (Author Interview)
3/31 Beach Bum Reads (Author Interview

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