Who Said the Life of an Art Collector Had to Be Dull?

Paloma Zubiondo is safe and secure in the world she has designed for herself. Paloma's life in her beach-front home in Laguna Beach, California is well-ordered and full of discipline, while her rooms are decorated with rare artistic treasures (of the Spanish Colonial variety) and books, a collection she has been working to build for years. For this wealthy widow and aficionado of fine art, everything is in its right place. Then, one day the telephone rings, and everything changes...
...The caller's contention that in Paloma's collection there exists a stolen work of art, the Immaculate Conception, seems completely preposterous to her. Even more frightening is the story that unfolds after that call. The caller, who claims to be the rightful heir to the original painter of the stolen piece, Quito artist Isabel Santiago (a real 17th century historical figure) demands that the painting be returned in exchange for the release of a sex-slave who, as the claim goes, has a strong link to Paloma's childhood. For Paloma, this realization is initially too much to bear, but eventually she can no longer fight the strain of a truth that is being forced into her life by pressures beyond her control. It is a truth that may very well unravel her world, but the mission for her becomes clear. Out of her own beautiful environment and thrust into a harsh reality of con artists, thieves, and sex-slave trafficking, Paloma must enlist the aid of her childhood friend, Jen, a psychologist and social activist,, in order to combat a powerful foe named Montserrat and unearth the hidden connections between the art she treasures and a sinister world of atrocities and exploitation. The journey will be long and eye-opening for Paloma, but tremendously exciting for any reader who has the pleasure of picking up Gathering the Indigo Maidens, the new novel in which her adventure is contained.
Gathering the Indigo Maidens is a powerful and provocative book, ripe with symbolism and engaging to the last page. The author of this work, Cecilia Velastegui, has had her fair share of experiences around the world and has much to show for it. In fact, she was raised in California and France and has traveled extensively in 50 countries. Velastegui speaks four languages and has served on the board of directors for several cultural and educational institutions. She currently resides with her family in Monarch Beach, California.
Of course, this unique life-experience is evident in her writing, which blends the symbolism so characteristic of the art world with a historical accuracy that is quite remarkable. The story of Paloma is fresh and well-crafted and should appeal to readers of intelligent suspense with a historical basis. Also, lovers of art-oriented fiction will appreciate all that Velastegui has to offer with Gathering the Indigo Maidens. For additional information about the author or the book, check the following link: http://www.gatheringtheindigomaidens.com/http://www.gatheringtheindigomaidens.com/.

A New Level of Sexy for the Undead

For fans of sexy vampire fiction and paranormal romance, Sexiest Vampire Alive is a must-read...
Gregori Holstein is no typical vampire. After all, it takes a special character to act as VP of Marketing for vampires everywhere. He is young, phenomenally attractive, and charming. Now that the secret of vampires is out, courtesy of a leaked video, he enlists the aid of the US government to convince viewers that the video is simply a hoax. But, naturally, a favor is in order. The president needs just one thing from Gregori in exchange for the government's assistance in this delicate matter: the young vamp must spend two days in close proximity with Abby Tucker, the First Daughter. And they apparently have nothing in common. She needs an escort as she travels to a savage and extremely dangerous region of the world in search of the two remaining ingredients for her mother's cure. Abby has dedicated her life to this pursuit, and it shows. Formal events mean little to this scientific young lady—she would much rather spend her days and nights immersed in lab work. But in order for everything to be set right, they have to work together, and she is about to find out how much appeal a member of the Undead class can have when it comes in the form of her sexy vampire escort. There may be hordes patiently waiting to threaten their very existence at the end of this course across the world, but the greatest danger for Abby will be this newfound desire for a touch and a taste of Gregori's passion. It happens when you are the Sexiest Vampire Alive.
Kerrelyn Sparks is a USA Today best-selling author who has made a name for herself in the field of paranormal romance. When she started writing romance, her inclination was for a more historical style, but this lover of the paranormal could not help but introduce the reading world to her own brand of vamp-oriented stories full of sensuality and good humor. Her latest novel, Sexiest Vampire Alive, is a great addition to her growing collection of successful and colorful books.
Members of Sparks' devoted fan-base have already reserved their respective copies, I am sure. But if you have yet to encounter the work of this award-winning author and you happen to be a fan or paranormal romance, then you will not want to miss Sexiest Vampire Alive. And for vampire fanatics everywhere, make some room on the bookshelf for her growing collection. For more information, check out www.kerrelynsparks.com.

Another Jaded Gentleman Has Met His Match...

From the author of Revenge Wears Rubies and Seduction Wears Sapphires...
...Dr. Rowan West, one of the Jaded Gentlemen, is determined to leave the ghosts of his past behind and move forward in life. Unfortunately for him, a woman has other plans. When Miss Gayle Renshaw shows up at the doctor's door and demands an apprenticeship, she has one secret advantage: her knowledge of Rowan's fiancee and her mysterious disappearance. It seems that Rowan is cornered and Gayle will not even stop at the use of blackmail to get her way. Rowan recognizes that such a scene as this will likely have a devastating impact upon his career as a doctor and his professional reputation. But, as it turns out, the greatest risk of all involves his heart. Maybe Gayle, though intelligent and aggressive, is not as heartless as she seems...

Now that temptation has struck, both their lives are threatened by enemies of the Jaded Gentlemen. And Rowan must fight to save the life of the woman he loves, even if it means that he must give up the chance to be with her. Find out where the seduction leads in Ecstasy Wears Emeralds, the newest novel in the Jaded Gentlemen series from author Renee Bernard.
Bernard is best known for her historical romance stories, such as this latest installment of the Jaded Gentlemen novels. Ecstasy Wears Emeralds is set in mid-nineteenth century London and gives you a vivid picture of Rowan's life in that particular time period and location. Bernard incorporates a unique voice into the body of her works, as well as a depth deemed somewhat uncharacteristic for the sub-genre. This is especially evident in her use of strong female characters to drive much of the plot's action. Also, it takes a while to get to one of Bernard's infamously steamy “encounters,” but they are considered well worth the wait.
For any fan of sensual romance and, in particular, historical romances with an English flavor, Ecstasy Wears Emeralds is now in bookstores everywhere. If you are unfamiliar with Bernard's work but find that you generally enjoy romance, then you have found your next worthy investment. Bernard's fiction will not disappoint.