Amira Press Says:

New Release: Surrounded By Pleasure

2011-10-07T05:12:00.001-07:00

Surrounded by Pleasure
By Mandy Harbin

Krista Owens is an attorney who works too much and plays too little. When her colleague, Mikaela, requests her assistance for a month on the Woods estate, hinting that her brothers-in-law are all hot with commitment phobias, Krista agrees to tell the guys she has a boyfriend, hoping to finally lose her virginity.

Toby Woods doesn’t want anything to do with Krista, but watching his brothers fight over her ignites his feral side. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

He knows it’s temporary, but will he be able to let her go when it’s time?

BUY HERE

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Although my dad died in 1981, I still think of him and honor him on Father's Day. He was a meteorologist and taught me all about fronts, pressure centers, clouds and barometers. I laugh when I think of some of the science projects he came up with like a cloud in a jar that he and my grandfather worked on all day. I thought it would have a puffy little miniature cloud in a jar but it was a disappointment to see it was more like fog in a jar. He was proud of it though.
Anyway, I hope you have a chance to celebrate Father's Day this Sunday with your dad and enjoy the time you have together.

All He Wants Is His Teddy Bear

2011-03-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

All he wants is his chubby Teddy bear.

Chubby Teddy, who is ironically enough a bear shifter, has finally found her mate. There’s one big problem though. He doesn’t like what he sees.

Reece never imagined his chosen mate would be a woman with extra curves, but all it takes is one taste to realize the benefits and turn his world upside down.

Their arguments are many, their lust for each other fiery, but while he’s ready to for the next step, Teddy keeps running. What will it take to win her trust and heart?

And an even better question; will they ever make it to a bed?

Excerpt:

Reece couldn't believe the short, chubby woman looking up at him was his mate. Didn't fate know he liked his women tall and slim?

Even more astonishing was the dismissal in her vivid blue eyes when their gazes met. Before he could say a word, she snorted with clear disdain and pushed past him.

With that simple touch, lightning struck. Reece sucked in a breath as the brief contact set his body aflame—and instantly hardened his cock. Extra curves or not, the urge to bend her over and take her almost overwhelmed him.

And appeared one-sided.

As if she cared not a whit and hadn't sensed a thing, she sauntered away from him to the bar and signaled the bartender. Reece knew he must look a sight, gaping after her like an idiot. But, seriously, while he saw no problem with his aversion of her general shape, he found himself stunned at her evident dislike of him. Women love me!

He couldn't stop staring at her as he waited for her to turn and face him. How could she not when everything in his being screamed at him to claim her? Surely she feels the same pull? But ignore him she did as she tossed back a few shots and murmured with a tall blonde who'd arrived to join her.

When the little bear did finally leave the bar, it wasn't to come back to him. Oh no, instead, she moved further away as she shimmied her way onto the packed dance floor.

Reece couldn't stop his feet from moving in her direction while his eyes tracked her. Self-respect screamed that he treat her indifferently, tit for tat,—but his wolf and rod had different thoughts on the matter. His cock refused to play dead, and to his disbelief, thickened ever further as he watched her short and curvy frame gyrate on the dance floor. Her rounded bottom jiggled in a way his cock found much too fascinating and his jeans became tight and confining.

Reece dropped his hands to his crotch to cover his evident arousal, not that anyone paid him any attention—not even the woman his agitated wolf howled was their mate.

Then a feeling he'd never experienced before, but had seen all too often in his mated friends, engulfed him. Jealousy. He wanted to fight it, but it wasn't just his wolf who freaked when it noticed another shifter sidle up to her and start dancing. Reece couldn't prevent the growl that slipped past his lips when the other man touched his woman and swung her around.

And then the little witch had the nerve to stick her tongue out at him,—a pink temptation that made him curl his hands into fists. Her laughter at his expense, a challenging and taunting sound, rung clear as a bell in his ears.

Reece knew he should walk away. She'd made it obvious she had no interest in him, and truly, she wasn't his type, even as his engorged cock made lie of that assumption,—but instead of returning to the bar to get rip roaring drunk, he found himself a heartbeat later on the dance floor, prying the groping hands of the soon-to-be dead man from his woman.

The lycan who’d dared encroach on his territory took one look at Reece’s snarling face and blanched. “"She's all yours, man. I didn't know she was taken."

Reece could only growl as the man, who'd dared touch her, slunk away. He longed to chase after him and inflict damage, but that would mean leaving his fated mate alone to start more mischief.

He turned his attention to the woman who’d managed to shoot his control to hell and disordered his life in less than thirty minutes flat. She returned his glare with a cool one of her own. She crossed her arms under plush breasts that strained over the edge of her top and Reece's eyes became riveted by her shadowy cleavage. Now that's what I call a pair of tits.

He moved closer to her and noted the slight tremble in her frame,—and smelled the desire her attitude tried to deny. He flicked his gaze back to her face and saw her blue eyes widen as he invaded her space. This close to her, Reece could no longer think coherently. All he knew was he had to touch her, claim her, now.

She fled before he could lay a hand on her and make her his.

* * * *

A sensual romance (with lots of spice) featuring a full figured woman and the werewolf who wants her. Coming April 1st from Amira Press

For more of Eve Langlais's work please visit http://www.evelanglais.com/

Aliens, Spiders and Werewolves

2011-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

I bet that caught your attention, lol. Hi, it's Eve Langlais back to tell you about two hot new releases arriving January 14th at Amira Press.

Warning: the covers and blurbs ahead are hot, so be prepared to take a cold shower ;p

Kidnapped or rescued, it's a matter of alien perspective. Either way, it results in pleasurable probing.

Abducted by a hunky blue alien, researcher and admitted geek Penny is eager to study his mating habits—in the flesh. She'd like to blame her illogical affection for him on hormones, but the erotic remedy just heightens her chemical imbalance.

Reg never thought a simple rescue mission would make him question his decision to remain single for while Penny drives him crazy with her never-ending questions, her simple presence inflames his lust—and causes havoc with his emotions. But is he ready to give up the galactic travel he loves so much to settle down with an earthling female?

Previous in Series: Alien Mate & Alien Mate 2

Bring on the bug spray, because to prevail, Josie's going to have to face her greatest fear.

Josie's not a brave person, and she's especially scared of spiders. Imagine her surprise when she finds herself attracted to not one, but two, larger than life men.

Clint and Brandon both want the timid mouse who's come to work for them—and their beasts are chafing to mark her,—but when she can't decide between them, there's only one thing to do--share her.

Before they can convince Josie that a threesome would benefit them all, they need to take care of the menace threatening their chosen mate. And when Josie confronts the bogeyman of her nightmares, she discovers an emotion stronger than fear--love.

Hot, naughty with a heavy dose of spice, let one or both of these tales warm you up :)

For more info on these and other stories please visit me at my home on the web EveLanglais.com

Happy reading!

Best Wishes for a Great New Year

2011-01-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a prosperous and joyous New Year.
2010 was not my best year so I am very glad it's gone. I look forward to a fresh start in 2011 and I hope it's one of the best years of my life. I hope it's not the last one. With all the speculation about December 21, 2012 being the end of the world and all, I'll have to put my all into this year.
I wonder how many of you actually believe the world is going to end in 2012. It reminds me of the 2K doomsday soothsayers. After freaking everybody out with predictions of disaster in 2K, nothing happened--absolutely nothing.
So anyway, not to wax on and on, I hope all of you have successful and happy New Years.

Sarah McNeal

Grand Gestures of Romantic Love

2010-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Remember the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry? It’s about a young married couple who don't have much money but love each other very much and want to purchase special gifts for each other at Christmas. They both end up sacrificing their most prized possessions to do that.

Della buys her husband a platinum chain for the pocket watch passed down from his grandfather and father. Jim in turn purchases an expensive set of jeweled tortoise shell combs for her to wear in her long hair, which fell past her knees. Unfortunately, she sold her hair to purchase the chain for the watch, and he sold the watch to purchase the combs for her hair.

Grand gestures, but gut-wrenching, right?

Such acts are not limited to made up tales. There are true stories of love that can make the romantic in all of us sigh and tear up.

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal married young, and Mumtaz was Shah’s favorite wife. He gave her the name Mumtaz Mahal, which means “Jewel of the Palace.” (Can this guy be any more romantic? Yes. Read on.)

This young couple were the Duggards (the Arkansas family with 19 kids and counting) of India. The two married in 1612, but Mumtaz died while giving birth to their 14^th child (hence the Duggard reference). Shah Jahan was devastated. He ordered the construction of a mausoleum for his dead wife as a symbol of his love for her. It took 20,000 artisans, architects, and craftsmen 22 years to build the Taj Mahal, which is one of India’s most popular tourist attractions today. Both Shah Jahan and his beloved wife are buried there.

Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio

Marilyn Monroe was married to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio for less than a year, but boy, did she make an impression on him. After her death, he placed a 20-year standing order with a flower shop to have roses placed on her grave three times per week. Isn’t that sweet? How many of us can even get flowers three times per year?

King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson

King Edward VIII was king of the United Kingdom and emperor of India when he proposed marriage to a married American, Wallis Simpson, who already had one divorce behind her. This caused quite a commotion, with government officials insisting the people wouldn’t accept her as queen. Furthermore, King Edward’s affair with her had caused him to become lax in his duties—either canceling or arriving late to State events. In December of 1936, he gave up the throne after being king for less than a year, and he and Wallis were married. They remained married until his death in 1972.

Leonardo and Alexa da Silva

These aren’t real people. They’re the hero and heroine in my debut novel, The Arrangement, available November 12^th from Amira Press. Leonardo does something that initially doesn’t seem very romantic. He offers to give Alexa money to save her brother’s business, but only if she’ll resume her role as his wife for two months. As the story unfolds, you find out how much these two love each other, and what Leonardo is willing to do to win back his wife.

Enjoy this EXCERPT and then purchase the book on November 12th!

Intuitively, she sensed Leonardo’s gaze on her, and she caught sight of him near the entrance to the balcony. He was watching her, though he should have been engrossed in the conversation with the two other people with whom he was standing, one of which was the redhead. Even from that distance across the room, she could sense his desire for her, and there was an answering pounding of the blood in her veins as their gazes locked.

Maybe it was the kiss between Russell and Joan and the romantic notion of long-lasting love, but Alexa found her thoughts straying to memories of sharing passionate kisses with Leonardo. She carefully placed her glass of wine on the table before it slipped from her damp fingers and crashed onto the expensive white carpet. She felt nervous and jittery because she knew the reason for Leonardo’s smoldering scrutiny. She was fully aware what was expected of her, and she found herself breathlessly anticipating the end of the evening.

Leonardo came toward her, his lithe, graceful walk a surprise for a man of his size. The tuxedo jacket hugged his broad shoulders and fit his muscular frame like a glove. As he neared her, Alexa realized she was holding her breath. The undercurrent of sexual tension flared between them.

“Are you nervous?” Leonardo asked.

“Why would I be nervous?” Her voice came out breathy, husky. She cleared her throat.

Leonardo smiled knowingly. He must feel the same charge, know that she longed to be kissed and touched, despite being coerced into resuming her role as his wife.

He didn’t answer her question. “You haven’t eaten a thing all night.”

It was true, but how could he possibly know that? She didn’t have an appetite for much except the tall, dark man standing before her.

“I’ve had my eye on you all evening,” he said in response to the unspoken question. The thought that he’d been watching her even during the periods when they were separated generated tiny little shivers across Alexa’s skin. Her fingers tightened around the clutch in her left hand. “I’m not hungry.”

The knowing smile widened. “You should eat something,” he said. His dark gaze lingered in appreciation on the split in her dress. “You’re going to need your energy.”

Buy the book: Amira Press

Website: http://delaneydiamond.com

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35-M-ePgGGE

Join me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/delaneydiamond

I always wanted to be a witch

2010-09-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Seriously. Magical powers, dancing naked in the moonlight and riding a broom; I always thought it sounded awesome, so long as I skipped the wart of course. With thoughts of Halloween and witches running through my mind, it occurred to me that it would be funny if a witch on her way to an All Hallows Eve gathering had her broom malfunction. This led to a humorous novella titled Broomstick Breakdown. Here's a peek.

Fate works in mysterious ways.

Sophia is on her way to her first Halloween gathering for witches when her broomstick breaks down. Luckily, she lands at a garage where a hunky mechanic, after a spell of persuasion, agrees to act as chauffeur.

Aidan is more than just a sexy driver though. As a wolf shapeshifter, magic doesn’t affect him, but he’s not immune to the powerful draw of his true mate. Mating should be simple, but he didn’t count on a stubborn witch making abduction his only option.

With the factions they belong to discouraging mixed species mating, will they find love like fate intended?

* * *

Coming October 15th from Amira Press, just in time for Halloween, treat yourself to this spicy novella.

Thanks for reading,
Eve
EveLanglais.com

Free Read by Missy Lyons

2010-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Do you subscribe to All Romance ebooks newsletter? You should! There is tons of free stuff in there, contests, new releases and a free read every Friday. Missy Lyons story 'Till Death Do Us Part' will be featured in it October 22 for Halloween.

If you miss out, or don't sign up in time--don't worry! Missy Lyons will feature it in her newsletter that month too. Sign up here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Missy_Lyons_Newsletter/

Thanks and I hope you can enjoy it!
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com

I've come to collect my mate.

2010-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

It should have been an easy mission. Orbit around the Earth's atmosphere, unseen, beam down to my mate's location, claim her and bring her back home. So of course, everything went wrong.

It started with the ship's teleporting unit malfunctioning. No problem, I'd manually disembark and using my warrior skills, locate my intended and bring her back to rendezvous. I wish it had been that simple.

The earthlings were more advanced than I expected, and a chase ensued--those barbarians used loud creatures with sharp teeth to track me. A pit of deadly liquid later and I found myself face to face, actually liplocked, with my very first human female.

Lusty thoughts and bodily urges overcame me for this delectable tanned beauty. There was just one major problem, she wasn't the mate my ancestors chose.

I've always prided myself on completing my missions, but for the first time in my life, I want to disobey orders. Is the happiness I find in her arms and smile worth the possiblity of exile from my people?

* * *
Coming Jul 23rd from Amira Press

Alien Mate 2

For more information and an excerpt please see my website @ EveLanglais.com

I do hope you'll check out Alien Mate 2 on July 23rd for more probes of a pleasurable kind. Who knows, a big blue hunky alien could be coming for you next!

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a safe and joyful 4th of July today. For those of us living in the United States, this is a day to celebrate our national right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
Please keep the men and women who serve our country in your thoughts and prayers with gratitude and a heartfelt wish to have them return home safe and sound very soon. Also, I hope you'll keep in your thoughts today all those who are working as volunteers on the Gulf Coast attempting to protect and restore our shores and our wildlife as well as the American Red Cross who answer the call for help all around the Earth.
Have a happy and safe holiday.
Sarah McNeal

The Aliens are coming back!

2010-06-25T10:07:00.001-07:00

Well, one big blue alien is. Alien Mate 2 has been contracted and this time the action takes place in New Mexico near the White Sands.

Lex, our new alien hunk, is on a mission to collect his mate, there's only one major problem. The earthling he wants isn't who his ancestors chose.

At the request of several readers, our ET's love interest is a Latina lovely with curves and curly hair. Maya can't help wanting the big blue stud, but she's willing to give him up so he doesn't compromise his honor.

Evading the military who wants to dissect him isn't Lex's only problem, he's also engaged in his hardest battle yet--that between his honor and his heart.

Spicy with pleasurable probes, don't miss Alien Mate 2 coming soon from Amira Press.

Cover and excerpt coming soon on my website @ http://www.EveLanglais.com

Thanks for stopping by,
Eve

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Way back when, my dad took this picture of our family when he and mom had my oldest sister, Marlene. You can't see it but, in Pop's hands, he has the trip wire for the camera. So here they were with their first baby when my dad became a dad for the very first time. I would be his last.

Just being in my dad's presence often made me feel safe and calm. He was the solid base we all leaned on and the wisdom I frequently called upon.

No one in this picture is living now. I miss them. Sometimes I just like to look at this picture because it brings me peace.

So on this Father's Day, I remember Pop with fond memories for the times we shared while he was still on the earth. Happy Father's Day, Pop. I will always love you.

And I wish for all of you, whether your father is living or has gone to the other side, to have a thoughtful and happy holiday in celebration and memory of your dad.

Sarah McNeal

ConCarolinas2010 Part 2

2010-06-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

ConCarolinas2010 Part 1

2010-06-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Lori Foster Conference

2010-06-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I plan to attend the Lori Foster reader and author get together this weekend in Manchester, Ohio. If you happen to be attending too, I can't wait to meet you, and if you are anywhere near the area feel free to stop by on Saturday for the booksigning. It's free and open to the public 2-4 PM.

For more details about the conference check out the website here:
http://www.lorifoster.com/community/readergettogether.php

Friday, June 4 — Sunday, June 6, 2010
Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre, West Chester Ohio

There will be lots of food--lots of fun and lots of great new friends to meet. Can't wait to see you there!

Lots of love!
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com

Win A Free E-Book!

2010-06-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all you Amira fans. Want a chance to win a free e-book? I'm going to be a spotlight author on the Goodreads reading group -Romance Readers Reading Challenges - from June 7th -11th. Everyone who asks me a question during my time in the spotlight will be entered into a draw to win one of my e-books, your choice. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to pick up a copy of my books, or want to know more about me, now is your chance. For more info, visit my site @ EveLanglais.com

Browse around while you're visiting my site and decide which of my releases you'd like to try and win. Will it be Alien Mate and it's tale of abduction and pleasurable probing or the The Hunter with the evil shapeshifter after a single mom's kids? I know the choice will be hard, kind of like my heroes lol.

Don't be shy. Pop by, say hello and give yourself a chance to win.

See you there
Eve Langlais

Alien Abduction!

2010-05-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

I am a firm believer in the concept that there is alien life somewhere out there in the vast galaxy that surrounds us. But as I say that, I have so many unanswered questions like are aliens more advanced technologically than us? Are they humanoid? Do they really probe? LOL, the alien in my upcoming novella likes to probe, but for the sake of keeping this PG I won't say where.

Now admit it, you've fantasized about being abducted by a hunky alien and. . . Well I'll leave that part up to your imagination, but if you need help coming up with things to do with your delicious alien, check out Alien Mate coming from Amira Press on May 14th. Here's the blurb to tease you.

What would you do if a naked alien materialized in your living room and told you he was your leader?

Plump Diana is ironing her underwear when the hottest blue babe in all of the galaxy appears in her living room. Did she forget to mention he was naked too? Abducted, decontaminated and dressed like a harem girl, she’s been chosen to become the hunky alien’s mate.

Kor asked his ancestors to find him a biddable, docile mate, instead they found him Diana--a curvy, argumentative earthling who sets his pulse pounding and his loins on fire. He might be an alien who doesn't understand the meaning of love, but he sure knows what he feels is more than lust.

I do warn you this is an erotic novella that is meant to make you squirm, in a good way of course. And to entice you even more, take a look at the smoking cover for this story--and before you ask, yes he is blue down there too!

I do hope you'll join me for the invasion of my newest story, Alien Mate, this Friday May 14th at AmiraPress.com and prepare to be assimilated!

LOL
Eve Langlais

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. I hope you have a wonderful day, your loves ones are treating you to breakfast in bed, and for once your kids aren't driving you up the wall. Lol.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Sending out a Gaelic blessing to your corner of the universe.

Slan's beannachd! (Health and a blessing!)

Have a great day ya'll.

Sarah McNeal

What's Love Got to Do With It

2010-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

I'm always surprise by the negativity toward romance novel.

"Oh, they just write the same old story."

"They're cookie cutter."

"Anyone can write that trash."

All of these comments make me wonder if these people have ever read a romance.

Almost every story on the market has some element of romance in it--science-fiction, mystery, suspense.

Love is part of human experience, and important part.

Why then, is the romance novel considered fluff and unimportant?

I don't have a clue, but it's won't stop me from writing them. I, for one, have always love them.

So here's to the romance novel. May they continue to stir our hearts and feed our desire for love.

Tina Gayle
www.tinagayle.net
www.tinagayle.blogspot.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T12:00:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and loving Valentine's Day today. I'm wearing all the jewelery I have been given by past loves and ex-husbands today. *snicker* Okay, it's tacky, but it's fun.

Have a wonderful and loving day today. Share the love with family, friends and pets, too, while you're at it.

Sending out love vibes into the universe.

Sarah McNeal

http://www.sarahmcneal.com

Travelling - Isn't This Cool?

2010-01-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I am writing, I think about a new setting for my story, and I go online to find some city that appeals to me. Most of the time, I stick to the more well-known places like say New York City or Baltimore. But recently, I began looking at Savannah, Georgia. I loved the historic character of the city, and I am determined to either this year or next year visit that city to make Savannah come to life in my mind more.

I decided that I want to visit many cities in the United States, but not just here, other places, even exotic places, just to get a feel for the smells, the sounds, the culture, and people. I'm not big on description in my writing, but when I read an author who truly delves into it, I love that. They make the their setting 3-D without overwhelming someone like me who doesn't want to be bogged down with heavy description. Just enouogh to make you feel like you're there is so great, and I want to bring that to my readers somehow.

Anyway, I came across this picture on this site http://www.celebratebig.com/burning-man/art/. I didn't read must on the site, but the picture alone struck me, and I started imagining what's happening there? What are the people like, the restaurants, things to do. What kind of romance story could I fire up from there?

I want to go there with nothing to do beyond absorbing all I see, hear, and experience so I can capture it in writing. Of course, that doesn't mean I'd be disciplined in doing it. After all, I need another 2k on my present story, but here I am blogging and trolling the Net. Lol.

Ah well, how else to fuel my imagination? I better get back to it.

Here's An Invitation!

2010-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

BITTER NOTES coming soon from Amira Press!

On Monday night, January 11, 2010, I will be celebrating my new job as one of the hostesses for THE ROMANCE ROOM and my soon to be released story from Amira Press, BITTER NOTES. I and Linda Mooney will be chatting and having contests. I'll be giving away some cool stuff like piano shaped pencil sharpeners, magnetic calendars with my new book cover by Anastasia Rabiyah on it, a music box shaped like a baby grand piano and a download of THE VIOLIN, my previous release. I think it will be lots of fun and I hope you'll come and join me. Oh. I also want to invite you to contact me about having some individual author time to chat about your books in The Romance Room and I'll be glad to set that up with you. I hope you'll join me.

All good things to your corner of the universe.

Sarah McNeal

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope this year will prove to be the best one ever. I wish you all health and happiness wherever you are. For me, 2010 has got to be better that 2009. Grandfather Tree was struck by lightning and died, my loving dog, Kate, and my oldest sister, Marlene, died on the same day on February 13 and my cat, Acorn, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor 2 weeks after that. Fortunately, Acorn had surgery and hasn't had any recurrence of cancer. And my muse went on hiatus.

I believe 2010 will be better. I didn't have a single thing published in 2009. But in 2010, I have a new book, Bitter Notes, coming out in January and another book, Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride that I sent to a NY publisher and crossing my fingers about an acceptance. I have a WIP, tantatively titled The Light of Valmora that I'm deep into. It's part of the Valmora Legends series. I have a Golden Retriever puppy, Lily, that I got from the Golden Retriever Rescue Club and, now that I have more sunshine in my back yard since Grandfather Tree died, I'm going to plant a vegetable garden this coming spring. So things are all ready getting better.

It is my heartfelt wish that you all have a good year in 2010. Maybe this will be the year that brings us peace in the world and a reversal to global warming. You never know so I'm not letting go of hope for a better existance here on planet Earth.

All good things to your corner of the universe!

Sarah McNeal

http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!! May these days bring you joy and happiness--that kind that melts your heart in this cold season and keep you for the rest of your lives.

This is always a special time for loved ones. Seeing each other after months of being apart. Singing songs together as the snow falls outside. Opening gifts and cherishing the expressions of that friend or family when they get what they always wanted! These are memories that live on in each of us! I wish them upon you and yours!!!

Merry Christmas!

Kissing under the Mistletoe

2009-12-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Jeez, when you think about it, it's kind of wierd. We put poisonous parasitic plants up on the cieling and then kiss people under it, but kisses are good, right? So why stop a good thing?

Kissing has been going on under the mistletoe for ages, but have you got in on the action? In theory it sounds like fun. Staking out the area under a plant and waiting for your future victims--ahem...crushes to lock lips with.

It's a nice placed to set up a romance, and that thought is how a story can be born. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and that is when I will begin to research the inspiration so it can work for my future stories. Where did the strange cultural custom come from?

The answer lies in ancient Scandinavia. There it was recognized as the plant of peace. If enemies met in a forest beneath it, they would make a truce to not fight until the next day. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began with the Norse myth of Baldur, who died and was then resurrected. Frigga his mother at the birth of her son, made all the plants in the forest promise that they would not harm him. Loki who was also the God of mischief noticed she forgot the mistletoe plant. He tricked another God into killing Baldur by fashioning a spear tipped with mistletoe. Since Baldur was a God of vegetation, his death brought Winter to the world. Eventually he was brought back to life and his mother decreed the mistletoe plant sacred, ordering it to bring love rather than death into the world. So even now when two people pass under the mistletoe they will kiss to celebrate Baldur's resurrection.

Have you ever kissed under the mistletoe? Not me, but I've always wanted to.

Lots of love,
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com
Amira Press Author of The Frog Prince

Till Death Do Us Part-Book Trailer

2009-12-09T20:15:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd give ya'll a peek at the awesome trailer my wuvly friend Caren made for my AP novel Till Death Do Us Part!

Lastest Review for Youthful Temptations

2009-10-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Youthful Temptations is about a couple finding love and overcoming stereotypes. We see that we all have baggage, it’s a part of us, and those that love us don’t mind the load we carry. Awesome story, I really enjoyed Youthful Temptations.

Reviewed by Raine at Joyfully Reviewed.

To read the whole review click on the link.

http://joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct09/youthfultemptations.TG.html

Thank you, Raine, for a great review.

Tina Gayle

Win A Copy Of Till Death Do Us Part!

2009-08-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! I'm being interviewed over at Booktalk with J & J about my novel Till Death Do Us Part. Head on over and leave a comment for your chance to win a free e-copy of the book! I'll be choosing a winner this coming Monday so get those entries in!

http://booksbypickles.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-e-jamie.html

GLOW OF A FULL MOON--THOUGHTS UPDATE

2009-08-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

8-24-09
The writer, Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) said, "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." Imagine, as we approach September 2009, that his words are still pertinent today. So let's rise to the challenge and write something that might hold up for years to come.

What else am I thinking about? The Honolulu Writer's conference. I'll be there from Sept. 4-7th. If you are there, too. Please, stop me and say hi.

Also on my mind is a certain werwolf who is prowling around in my brain cells, slowing and magically finding his way from that complicated matter to the waiting pages, hungry for his tale.

Another thing on my mind is the release of UNDERCOVER COWBOY. The thriller is about a FBI agent with naughty bedroom eyes and a weakness for a certain strong young horse-trainer who refuses to be protected and a killer who refuses to be stopped.

UNDERCOVER COWBOY is the 3rd in the Ryan Ranch Trilogy. Watch for its release on October 16, 2009

Aloha, Lynde Lakes
Author of BILLBOARD COP,
COWBOY LIES.
LASSO THAT COWBOY
& UNDERCOVER COWBOY

GREAT ADVICE!

2009-08-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

I got some Great Advice.

I've been struggling for the longest time trying to get Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride on paper. I've slaved over it so much that I've almost lost sight of the theme.

So, after finally getting to the end but by no means done with it, I took a good look at it and had the overwhelming feeling that it was all crap and began an extensive edit. I felt awful. You know how it is with us writers, we live a work life mostly in isolation and sometimes that can lead to problems with objectivity.

So, I put out a message on the member loop for my local chapter of RWA, Carolina Romance Writers and asked, what do you do when you feel like everything you write is hog wash.

I got a terrific answer that I wanted to share with you guys.

One of the members simply said, "You can't edit a blank page." Well, there ya go--better to write something that you don't feel is your best work and edit it later than it is to give up and write nothing at all.

I just wanted to share that little tidbit with you in case you ever run into the blahs with your writing.

Sarah McNeal

http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy fourth of July! I hope everyone enjoys the fireworks and time with their family and friends! Please be safe!

Amber

http://www.argrosjean.com

What's So Great About Vampires?

2009-06-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Vampires--What's the big deal?
What is it that makes readers crave vampire stories and, apparently, the more erotic the better? I gave my niece who barely reads a menu a set of Sookie Stackhouse vampire books and she is reading these books like eating chocolate. She even carries one in her purse (okay a big garment bag looking purse) and reads them at red lights. I only pray it's at red lights any way.
Thing is, I wonder what makes vampire stories so in demand? Is it because being bitten on the neck and having the blood sucked out is similar to a sensual or even erotic sex scene?
Is it because vampires are immortal and we all want to live forever? Perhaps it's the tortured soul thing. Vampires we love are looking for redemption or making a great sacrifice for the one they love by not actually killing them.
Or maybe vampires have lived long enough to en mass a fortune and some nice property. Money is power.
So, all you vampire authors, what's the big attraction? Why do you write about vampires and what do you think draws readers to stories about them?
Sarah J. McNeal
www.sarahmcneal.com

Lasso That Cowboy

2009-06-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

LATEST FROM LYNDE LAKES
Hi, everyone, I’m delighted to announce my newest romantic suspense/thriller release, the 2nd in the Ryan Ranch Trilogy, LASSO THAT COWBOY. Book # 2 has joined COWBOY LIES on Amira Press’ book shelves.

LASSO THAT COWBOY, Book # 2 excerpt.
www.amirapress.com

Amber rubbed her throbbing head and fought a wave of dizziness. Running away felt like a bad choice to start a new life. But waking up next to a lifeless, bloody body told her that if she’d stayed in San Antonio, sooner or later, she’d be jailed, or worse yet…dead.

Elmer, the trucker she’d hitched a ride with, pulled his flatbed semi into the center of a complex of ranch buildings. “This is as far as Betsy can go to make an easy wide turn,” he said in his thick Texas drawl.

He had the fierce look of an albino gorilla, but Amber had learned in their hours riding together that he had the heart of a teddy bear. Elmer hauled lumber and fencing supplies into the Bar R cattle ranch, and she’d lucked out getting a ride with him from San Antonio to this nowhereland about a hundred miles north of the Mexico border. She had ignored the no riders sign painted on his door and told him she was broke and needed a lift to get a job. Elmer sized her up and gestured for her to get into the cab. She’d felt comfortable with him from the moment she settled into the passenger seat. The pictures of his wife and two teenage daughters tucked into the visor over his head suggested he was a family man, and the gentleness in his voice when he talked about them warmed her heart.

“You gonna be all right?” he asked.

Amber nodded. The dizziness had passed. Now she felt empty, lost. The activity behind the roar of ranch machinery and grange trucks should’ve made her feel not quite so alone. But she was alone. Totally alone. She had no ID in her wallet, no pictures of loved ones. A woman with no past. She’d better get used to it.

She sighed, grabbed her suitcase and slid from the cab. Elmer moved his truck ahead. He circled slowly until the driver’s side of his polished, black cab came parallel with her.

“If this job falls through,” he said, shouting over the idling engine, “be out by the dirt road in front of the bunk house at 5:00 AM sharp. I won’t wait!”

The June sky was light blue, cloudless. Amber shaded her aching eyes from the blinding morning sun and looked up at him. The upward tilt of her head sent pain shooting up the column of her neck into the base of her skull. “You know something about this place that I don’t?” They were both yelling over the head-splitting engine noise now.

“It’s just that…if Luke Ryan’s gonna be your boss, you maybe oughta ask for your pay up front.”

Mating Season's first review!

2009-06-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Rating: 5 Cups

No Place to Run

Lin Chen is on the run in a futile effort to save her family from her ex-husband's wrath. Caught by a snowstorm in a foreign land she finds her way to Prairie Knights Casino and Resort and Kyle.

Kyle has unexplained powers. He is determined to save Lin Chen from the man who abused her no matter the cost.

Kyle just may have what it takes to save Lin once and for all. Lin must choose to believe in him and stand and fight the enemy that is far stronger than she could ever imagine.

Regina Paul is an outstanding writer who takes the time to round out a story. Never leaving the reader wondering how or why something occurred. No Place to Run showcases this talent to the extreme.

Flights of Fancy

Fancy McKee has lived under the shadow of her mother’s reputation for many years. Accustomed to what people think of her she opens her own unique bakery regardless of the town’s opinion.

Business was good but Tate Hildebrandt is better. Tate has no cares regarding the opinions of a narrow-minded town and he is determined he will be the last man for Fancy.

Fancy will have to prove that she is better than the gossip in order to hang on to her man. Tate will not stand for anything less than total commitment.

Fancy is such a sweet but realistic character. Dahlia Rose takes on the subject of gossip with great skill and knowledge demonstrating how gossip should not dictate the path of life. Flights of Fancy is an outstandingly written story which inspires the reader to stand up for the underdog.

Midnight Shift

Lori and Chase are forbidden lovers. He is a shape-shifter and she is a human as well as the daughter of the biggest anti-shifter rights political activist.

Just when they have determined that they will become secret lovers her father has pushed through a law that makes it illegal for them to be together.

Unable to marry, have babies, or even be intimate they have decided to live in the wild outside the bounds of civilization.

The characters and storyline are unique but closer to the realities of the acceptance of paranormal beings in mainstream society. Brenda Steele skillfully ended the story so that although I was left wanting to know the rest of the story; I felt no disappointment in the ending.

A Hare’s Breadth

Robin is a shape-shifter who had despaired of ever meeting her mate. That is until she sees Vincenzo performing with his family.

Vincenzo has a secret that may prevent them from ever being together. He is on the run from an enemy who will never give up.

Each have their own unique power but combined they still may not be enough to vanquish the evil determined to keep them apart.

The shape-shifters in this story are fascinating because they are able to shift into animals you will not normally find in shifter stories. The ability to become transparent was a truly inspirational slant to such a common subject in today’s market.

Mating Season is a well rounded anthology. There is a little of everything for everyone’s taste; life lessons, shape-shifter, forbidden lovers, and panty wetting sex. All of the stories are worthy of high praise. By themselves the stories are outstanding and together they make the book a keeper.

Delane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/matingseason.html

Demons

2009-05-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Crymsyn Hart, Dahlia Rose, and Anastasia Rabiyah have a bit of a Demonic Obsession! Check out our new release in print from Amira Press entitled Demonic Obsessions. Get your very own copy from Amira's Amazon store today!

Demons can be literal or not so literal as in the trials we face, the temptations we resist, or the torment that plagues us daily. Discover demons of another sort by going on a scavenger hunt. Beginning June 1, 2009, head on over to Crymsyn Hart and Anastasia's Rabiyah's web pages and seek out 18 hidden demons. Find them all and enter to win.

Sometimes you don't have to look too far to find your very own demon...

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is my best friend's company in Iraq. They are nurses and doctors serving as medical evacuation. They dodged bullets to bring the injured to safety.

I just want to take a minute to say Happy Memorial Day to everyone. My heart goes out to anyone who has someone still fighting in Iraq or Afganistan. I hope they stay safe. I appreciate all the men and women who have served our country to keep us safe.

Sarah

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Whether you have kids or pets or nieces and nephews, I want to wish you a wonderful mother's day.

Sarah McNeal

http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

Midnight Shift - Excerpt Two (ADULT)

2009-05-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is a short excerpt from my novella, Midnight Shift, included in the Mating Season anthology coming from Amira Press on May 8th.

Chase found the way to an exit with no one inside or outside. Again, he broke the lock, and soon they were sprinting along the street. He had to slow down a few times when he almost left her behind and once for her to slip into her shoes. At a corner with traffic whizzing by and pedestrians strolling along giving them odd looks, they stopped.

Lori stooped beside him. “Why don’t you change back? You’re more conspicuous this way.”

He bumped her so that she landed on her ass, legs slightly apart. He licked his lips. “I could if you don’t mind me naked. But then that would be just as conspicuous, wouldn’t it?”

“Oh.” She swallowed. “Oh, yeah.”

He didn’t miss how her eyes glazed over for a second. If he didn’t miss his guess, this beautiful woman was imagining him naked. He grew tight reciprocating the thought.

A few more blocks down side streets led them to the small house Chase recognized as Lori’s. She shuffled up the steps and unlocked the door with him following. Strolling down a short hall inside, he watched her ass and her hips sway.

Why had she come? She had to know he would be lecturing. They hadn’t parted on good terms. He had been insulting to her, let her know she wasn’t worthy to be his lover, and yet, there was the undeniable attraction. At this time, any woman would be attractive to him, but Lori went beyond that. He almost felt a need to be with her.

In the days he hadn’t seen her, he had learned that a female tiger shifter had moved to a town twenty-five miles from their city. It would not have been a big deal for him to run over there and set it up with her for them to be lovers. No doubt she had been hunting for another tiger, but had waited for him to approach. He hadn’t gone. Although it tormented him not to act on his sexual desires, he had resisted.

“For you?” he muttered behind Lori.

She glanced over her shoulder as she entered the living room. “Hm?”

Moonlight shimmered in through the open curtains at the window. The light reflected in her blue eyes. She could almost be one of them, he thought and shook his head. No, she was fully human. That was an unmistakable scent if ever he had picked up on one.

He padded across the carpet to stand in front of her. With his nose, he bumped her pussy. Her aroma was heady and made him drunk with desire. He whined and stuck his tongue out to lap at the material separating him from what he craved.

She tapped his nose. “I don’t fuck animals.”

At first, he sat on his haunches, and then, he stood and transformed. Like before, he couldn’t pull in his claws or his ears. He was, however, relieved to find he wasn’t furry like he had been the day he was forced to wear the robe instead of regular clothes. It had irked him when she made fun of him for it.

“How about like this?” he demanded, confident that, despite the tiger’s skin, his physique would appeal to her. “I can please you.”

Her eyes were glued to his erect cock. She ran the tip of her tongue over her lips and whined a little herself. “I think at this point, neither of us has any choice. No one has to know?”

He nodded. “No one.”

Pick it up on May 8th at www.amirapress.com

Midnight Shift - Excerpt One

2009-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is the first chapter of my novella Midnight Shift, included in the Mating Season anthology coming May 8th.

Chapter One

Lori painted on the final layer of her volcano red polish to her toes while clutching the phone between her ear and her shoulder. She rested a heel on the stool she sat on and blew gently.

“Lori, are you doing your toes again?” her friend, Cammie, shouted into the phone. “Damn, you do them every freakin’ day of the week.”

“Don’t exaggerate, Cam. I do not.” Lori had to laugh. “Okay, three or four times tops, but that’s it. You know I can’t stand chipped polish, and one was smudged a little. I had no choice.”

“It’s a fetish is what it is,” Cammie told her. “Admit it. You’re into feet. I don’t see you doing your fingernails like that.”

Lori glanced at her fingers with little interest. “I don’t use color on them.”

A bell dinged at the other end of the building. She glanced up but knew she wouldn’t be able to see through the bookstore, where she worked, over to the connecting Easy Mart. At three in the morning, some idiot was shopping. Noting the time had reminded her that it was late and that she should be in bed. But she had taken this part-time job. She was in it for the long haul.

“I better go, Cam. Someone came in the Easy Mart. It’s likely they won’t find anything edible over there, and they’ll come over this side to browse.” She yawned. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Try to get some sleep for a change.”

Her friend blew out a noisy breath. “I doubt it, but I’ll lie here as usual. Talk to you tomorrow. Night.”

Lori hung up the phone just as the customer moved to the doorway separating the Easy Mart from the bookstore. Despite herself, she gasped. Of course, she had expected it to be one of the shifters. Besides, who else was stupid enough to be up at this time of night browsing through Mr. Tenchow’s food items? All of it was unappetizing if you asked her.

But this man, or rather shape-shifter, was striking. She hadn’t seen him before. He was tall and thickly built, solid muscle if she were to guess. He had long sandy brown hair that hung heavy on his shoulders and honey-colored eyes that made her heart kick up a notch or two. His jeans hung just right on narrow hips, and his shirt was unbuttoned at the throat to show the slightest peek at a chest a woman could lose her sanity lying on.

However, despite the male perfection, what put Lori’s back up was the fact that this was no human and that he was proud to show it. Most of the shape-shifters stayed in humanlike form when among humans. This man’s short, furry ears twitched amid his hair on the top of his head, and his claws were extended past his fingertips.

He frowned when he spotted Lori, disapproval clear even in the stiff way he walked when he crossed the space between them. “Isn’t that unsanitary?”

Her back couldn’t get up any higher. “Excuse me?”

He nodded toward her foot, still tucked on the edge of her stool. “This is a grocery store.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t get carried away. Tenchow’s Easy Mart is no grocery store. There’s nothing fresh in there. Besides, the mart is on that side. This is the bookstore, and I put my shoes on should I have to cross to that side, which is rare.”

He grunted.

“And you’re one to talk. You’re barefooted.”

He glanced toward the bookstore entrance. “I did not see a ‘No Shoes, No Service’ sign.”

Lori dropped her foot, stood, and recapped her polish. “Well, this isn’t my store, is it? I’m not Tenchow. Now, what can I do for you?”

Instead of speaking, he let his gaze pass down over her body and took in her slender figure from head to toe. He was tall enough that he could surely see her newly polished toes over the counter. Lori fidgeted when his gaze rose again. She hated that she was wondering what he thought of her, if he found her attractive.

Her body wasn’t much to speak of. She had been a little on the thin side all her life, made worse by the fact that she was just under six feet—not a positive when she had stretched high above all the boys while coming up in school. At least she had a decent breast size, a C cup, and she had a little bit of an ass.

She slapped her hands on her hips and dropped her weight to one leg. “Are you finished? I could turn around if you like?”

“Human.” He said it with distaste.

“Shifter,” she countered. “One with no respect for others.”

His sandy brow rose, but he said nothing. From the look of him, he was the kind of shifter who believed he was superior to humans and hated having any dealings with them.

A tinkling laugh came from behind him, and a small woman—one of the most beautiful Lori had ever seen—stepped out from behind the arrogant man. She hooked an arm through his and pursed her lips. “Don’t mind Chase. He’s all grumpy because his mating season is coming soon. Right about the time of the spring equinox.”

Chase growled low in his throat. “Do not tell my business, Nichelle.”

Nichelle laughed and stuck out her tongue at him. She was too adorable. Lori wished they would leave now. Seeing as she was practically glued to his arm, the woman was obviously his mate. But what the hell did Lori care? She’d never looked twice at a male shifter.

“It’s a little late for mating season for you, isn’t it? Shouldn’t it be coming to a close?”

His honey eyes narrowed. She’d apparently offended him again.

“You are thinking of the Bengal tiger. I do not follow that animal’s patterns.”

As if he wasn’t an animal. She shrugged. “Sorry. So . . . you wanted?”

“I was looking for something to read.” He unhooked himself from Nichelle with difficulty. Lori bit down on the inside of her mouth to keep from laughing. He was either too stiff to show affection in public or Nichelle was not his lover. Lori told herself his love life didn’t interest her either way.

She slipped her feet into her flip-flops and moved around the counter. “Okay, well this is Tenchow’s, mind you, so we don’t have a lot, but there are some funny comics over on that last row if you’re interested.” She glanced back at Gloomy. He didn’t respond. “And over in this aisle is where we keep the books on politics.”

“Anything new?”

“Nope.” She moved on. “Here are some romances.”

She stopped moving and speaking. He was right up on her, that low rumble in his throat sending shivers over her body. Beside her, he rested a hand on the shelf, and the heat of his breath warmed her neck. “Your scent,” he whispered.

Mating season. Damn. She should have realized. The man was hornier than usual right now, and she had assumed it would not be directed her way since she wasn’t his kind. He had a beautiful woman with him, after all. She had to be a shifter as well, because humans and shifters did not fraternize.

“Um.” Her voice came out in a croak, and she coughed to clear her throat. It didn’t do much good. “You might like the books in this aisle.” She searched for anything that might break him out of the lust that had seemed to take control of him. Looking back over her shoulder and tilting her chin upward, she realized he was taller than she had first thought. He was a good six or seven inches taller than she, and he was so near with his head tilted downward that their lips were too close to each other.

Lori grabbed a book, any book, and shoved it into his chest. That was a mistake. The barrier of hardened muscle made her feel like sagging into that chest and offering her lips to him. This was ridiculous. She did not under any circumstances date shifters. No human did, and she was not the type to be the first.

Still, the eyes locked her in place, not allowing her to escape. Is this what the Bengal tigers did to their prey? No, he said he was not like a regular tiger, but the stripes on his cheeks and the fur on his cat ears atop his head made him look like one. The eyes. Somebody save me.

Nichelle yanked on his arm. “Get a grip on yourself, Chase. Let’s go. You don’t want a human.”

The spell was broken. Lori breathed a sigh of relief. She hurried back around the counter. “So will that be it?” She hoped the tremor still in her voice was all in her imagination. The disapproval on Nichelle’s face said otherwise.

The two were squared away quickly, and the next time Lori looked at the clock, it was time to pack up and leave for the night. Her shift ended at four a.m., when the two shops closed. Mr. Tenchow might desire to cater to the nocturnal shifters in the community, but there were few repeat customers. Whatever. If her boss wanted to toss away his money on this enterprise, so be it.

At four on the dot, Lori had locked up and was strolling the few blocks to her house in the quiet, dimly lit streets of the city she had lived in all her life.

Get it at www.amirapress.com on the 8th.

-Brenda Steele
www.brendasteele.webs.com

Coming May 8, 2009!

2009-05-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, check out the anthology coming on May 8th. It's got one of mine in there, a shape-shifter story. I'll look for an excerpt to post here, but for now, here are the blurbs for all of us included and the cover. Hope you like it. Oh yeah, and you know it's erotic!

Mating Season
Regina Paul, Dahlia Rose, Brenda Steele and Dorian Wallace

No Place to Run - Regina Paul
Lin Chen carries a strong bloodline from the Bunun tribe. On the run from an abusive ex-husband, she has left her native Taiwan hoping to draw her ex away from her family. Driving through North Dakota, she encounters a winter blizzard which forces her to stop on the Standing Rock Reservation. There she meets Kyle Little Eagle, a medicine man. While, it isn’t long before they are close, her ex is not far behind. Can Lin overcome her fear of men and let Kyle help her? Can love and a mutual connection to the spirit world prevent her worst fears from being realized?

Flights of Fancy - Dahlia Rose
Spring not only brought flowers and sunshine. But it got Tate Hildebrandt outside on a ladder to paint his sexy landlady's building. He fell off the very same ladder after hearing a sexy conversation with him as the star. He looked up to see the woman of his naughty dreams, Fancy McKee. Fancy owned and ran Fantasy Cakes an erotic bakery that was the only one of its kind in Merry, North Carolina. From the time Tate met this gorgeous woman he had the urge to sample her lips like one of the cakes she made. When she decided to take care of him after his fall, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally make his move. But with Fancy there is more than meets the eye. Can the new love they found survive the stigma of a small town mentality?

Midnight Shift - Brenda Steele
Lori lives in an alternate world of humans and shifters. The two barely get along, and recent laws made to track the shifters' movements have not helped relations at all. Lori, a human, with no ambition other than to work at a bookstore that serves nocturnal shifters meets arrogant tiger shifter, Chase who is a college professor. Under normal circumstances, Chase would not look twice at a human, but the fact that he is days from entering his mating season is playing havoc with his senses. Now, not only can't he hide his claws and his furry ears in public, he cannot stop hunting Lori. Despite political unrest in their city, Chase will make Lori his lover.

A Hare's Breadth - Dorian Wallace
As part of a shape shifting family and having a witch as her best friend, Robin’s life is by no means normal. Things are about to take an exciting yet dangerous twist when a band of Italian gypsies make their way into her life and her heart. Will the man that saved her from being killed bring Robin more peril and heartache than he intends, tearing them apart or cementing them together forever?

Happy Easter/Passover

2009-04-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter/Passover

Have a happy and loving Easter or Passover. I'm having a family luncheon after which, my sister (a psych nurse) must go to work. She only works part time now but volunteered to work today. They must have free eats at work. Ha ha
My niece, Betsy, is bringing a friend and bunny cake. She loves to decorate cakes and I'm glad. My baby niece, Madeline who is seven years old, helped me dye the Easter eggs, make the party favors and consume the left over candy. Since she spent the night, I got to contend with the sugar high that kept her up past midnight. I know. It was my own fault. My nephew, Matthew and his wife, Tracey are bringing the casserole.
I love these family get-togethers. We like to have Sunday dinners each week if at all possible any way and I feel these weekly dinners bring us closer together.
So my friends and colleagues, what are you doing for Easter or Passover this year? Do you have special foods you like to prepare or family traditions you observe?
Love and best wishes to your corner of the universe.
Sarah McNeal
www.sarahmcneal.com

Redemption Reviewed By CoffeeTime Romance!

2009-03-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

Squee! I'm so thrilled Redemption got a 5 cup review over at CTR!

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/RedemptionByEJamie.html

(stands on chair and does a happy Chandler dance)

The Tucson Festival of Books

2009-03-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

Turning up the Heat, The Spicier Side of Romance

Yesterday, March 15, 2009 was the kickoff of the first Tucson Festival of Books which took place at the University of Arizona's campus here in Tucson, Arizona. A huge event with over 400 authors and an expected 50,000 guests, it was a fun filled day with something for everyone. There were activities and entertainment for children and adults. Great food was provided by several local vendors, and booths galore to peruse books, literacy programs, the library's new e-book abilities, and much more.

I was offered the opportunity to speak on a panel with erotic romance authors Jill Knowles and Sherrill Quinn. Adrienne Walker from 94.9 MIX FM was our wonderful moderator for the discussion. Jill Knowles kicked the presentation off with a discussion of the romance genre and how it has evolved from the bodice ripper covers with purple prose and closed doors on sex scenes, to the steamier not-always-an-alpha-male erotic romance of today that can push the envelope right off the table.

Sherrill Quinn defined the romance genre and its many facets, from sweet traditional, to erotic romance, and erotica. She explained the difference between porn and erotic romance, and gave an interesting recount of how and why she began writing.

I spoke about the future of books, specifically e-books, and gave a run-down of the different formats and ways we can purchase them. Almost everyone in the audience had heard about them, but only a few owned a hand-held reader, so it looks like the PC is still the way to go when reading our favorite digital media. I discussed the purchase of Fictionwise.com by Barnes and Noble and suggested those who had never tried an e-book head on over to that site and download a free read.

There were a lot of questions from our audience, anything from "What does a woman want?" to "What do you see the future of paranormal erotic romance turning to?" Adrienne tossed Hershey's Kisses to everyone who asked a question. We actually ran over our allotted time and met with many members of our audience when they came up to the table to ask more questions and exchange contact information.

Our book signing followed the panel discussion outside the building on the patio. Sherrill had a supply of her book Daring the Moon to sign and give away! I had an assortment of my loveyoudivine titles available for sale, and Jill, ever the extrovert, gathered readers and invited them over to our table to meet us all.

Sherrill spent time at the RWA booth later on, while Jill and I walked the mall and scoped out all the fun and exciting things vendors had to offer. It was a day that I will remember forever! If you're in the Tucson area, stop by the U of A today for the last day of the event. Don't forget to get a bag of Kettle Corn!

Anastasia Rabiyah

Egg Hunt at Amira Press!

2009-03-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

Looking for chocolate and something romantic? Look no further! Ten authors at Amira Press have teamed up and hidden eggs on their websites. Find them all and enter to win a basket of goodies and $50 worth of See's chocolates! Get the details at AmiraPress.com or click the banner below:

What put me in my genre?

2009-02-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Let's see. The first book I wrote was horror. I wrote that because I've always loves a bloody story lol. My dream was to write like Stephen King but when I wrote Cursed Blood, I wasn't expecting the romance part of the story which threw me off because I always said I would never write romance and now I do lol.

With my second book, Stolen Identity, it was merely by accident. I let my characters control how the story would go and they wanted to have sex lol. I wasn't about to argue with someone who was capable of murder lol. I've always been like that. I like to discover the ending just like my readers do, it keeps me motivated to write the story just to find out how it will end.

As I keep writing, I haven't been able to just pick one genre so I'm not going to fight it. I still enjoy those bloody stories so I will write another horror story. And since I enjoy sex lol like any other adult, I will keep writing erotica. Along with those two genres, I will open my mind to what ever my characters reveal to me including romance. I just finished writing a romance but its fantasy too which was inspired by a young friend of mine who asked me write a story about dragons lol. He's one of my youngest fans (he won't be reading Stolen Identity any time soon lol).

I just love to write. I hate being told what I can write and what I can't write, and so does my mind so what ever moves me will be written. Hopefully, that will expand my readership!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com
http://writingforall.com

What made you choose the genre in which you write?

2009-02-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

What Makes Me Write These Stories?

I sometimes wonder what ever drew me to write historical/time travels and fantasy stories. Was it something in my childhood? Stories my parents may have read to me that just stuck in my brain? I do recall a chapter being read to us every night from a book called Finn MacCole And His Warrior Band. It was an exciting adventure book that included battles with bore-toothed, one-eyed creatures and sightings of illusive mermaids. There just had to be a witch or two and some other rather exciting evil characters. Was this where I first began to think about fantasy and paranormal stories?

I've always been intrigued by the idea of going back in time and meeting characters famous or ordinary from a previous time. What was it like back then? What did people do for fun? How did they stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer? What were the expectations parents had of children or those women had of men and visa versa? I am especially drawn to stories of the turn of the century. So much was going on between the Civil War and World War One. A new invention seemed to pop up every day and the culture of Americans began to morph until we saw the entrance of a strong middle class. I think I may have formed a love for this time period from the stories my grandparents told. My paternal grandfather was a baby boomer--from the Civil War. Amazing. He smoked a clay pipe, read the newspaper with a magnifying glass and wore a pocket watch. He fascinated me with his tales of his personal history and, of course, I loved him dearly.

Well, these are some of the things that drew me to my favorite genres to read and write about. So tell me, what are your favorite genre's? What do you like to read? Why do you write the kinds of stories that you write?

Sarah McNeal

http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

Redemption Nominated For Book Of The Month!

2009-02-11T12:44:00.001-08:00

I was muchly surprised and pleased to find that my novella Redemption has been nominated for books of the month here:

http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/march-books-of-the-month-polls-open/

so if you enjoyed Redemption I'd love it if you could vote for me! Voting closes around the 20th I think.

Redemption Review!

2009-01-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Squeeeeee! Redemption got an amazing 4.5/5 and a fantastic review at Night Owl Romance Book Reviews!

Check it out here: http://www.nightowlromance.com/NightOwlRomance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=2957

To Love A Knight-Review

2009-01-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

Yay! My erotic short To Love A Knight got reviewed at JoyfullyReviewed.com

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Dec08/toloveaknight.EJ.html

What's In Store for 2009?

2009-01-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

I've never been much of a resolution kind of gal, but this year I've looked around my house and at myself and decided it's probably time for some changes. I'm a big 'by the seat of my pants' kind of author and it seems I live that way as well. I am randomly organized with a lot of chaos mixed in.

To get things where (I think) I want them I sat down one night and made lists. Big lists. Long lists. Detailed lists of what I need to get done. The next thing I did was break these scary lists into manageable chunks of things I could get done each day.

My hopes for change for myself are:

1. more exercise and sunlight (I am attached to my laptop in my proverbial cave too much.)
2. a garden the kids and dogs can't destroy (5 dogs and 3 young boys vs. tomatoes, squash, and beans. It's obvious who will win this battle. Better fencing is in order.)
3. a clean house (I know, I know, I'm totally dreaming with this one. Did I mention the dogs and kids?)
4. all the WIPs in my desktop folder to be finished and on the way to publication. Yeah, that I can do. I have a whole year to get it done.

My hopes for my country and the world are still the same. World peace. (No, I'm not in a pageant.) A strong economy. And I wish everyone in the world would help someone else or do something in his or her community that would make the world a better place.

Now that I've gotten all nostalgic and philosophical, I'm gonna go down my coffee and work on resolution number 4.

A New Year

2009-01-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Time to start on those goals.

Lose weight, start my next book and learn to live in the moment.

Every year I plan out my calendar with everything I want to achieve in my writing career. The days I'm going to write, time spent promoting, and even when I plan to do my edits.

Sound like a planner?

Yes, I know, but for some reason my personal goal like living in the moment gets lost.

To broad?

Maybe, or I might get so busy in achieve my other goals I forget about the simple things like talking to my son while he eats his breakfast.

Yeah, now there's a goal.

Remember to take time for the things that are important to you outside of work.

Have an awesome new year,

Tina Gayle
www.tinagayle.net

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I don't do New Year's resolutions any more because I've only ever kept one over the years. In 1981 I quit smoking. Okay I'm glad about that but that is the only one. I haven't lost an ounce of weight from a New Year's resolution yet. So, to resolutions, I say bah hum bug.

I do have expectations though. I expect things to get a whole lot better in 2009. Let's face it--could they get much worse? I think we're going to get off to a fresh start in the world, in our country and in our lives this year. I'd like to get started with some energy friendly solar panels for my house. I'm trying to get into a program to get that done so I'm crossing my fingers that I succeed. Wouldn't it be nice to have solar energy and just plug in our cars? Maybe--just maybe--we can get that. Not in 2009 though I think.

I have plenty of wishes for 2009. I wish my next book would make the New York Times best seller list--even for just a day. I wish my darling Golden Retriever, Kate, could survive terminal bone cancer. I wish my family could act right and appreciate me or at least not embarrass me with their antics when we go on vacation. I wish I could win the lottery for 200 million dollars. Well, you get the picture.

What I would really like to see in 2009 is (no kidding) peace in the world, my countrymen/women energized and proud once again to be Americans, an economy that is surging upward, jobs and education for everyone who wants it, affordable healthcare for everyone, an end to animal cruelty and global warming and a recommitment to research and exploration of space. Wow, that's some big desires there.

Mostly I want hope and happiness to return and that we each have the power to bring about. So, to each and all of you I wish an extraordinary New Year, one filled with hope, good health, strength of spirit and a light heart.

Sending happy thoughts and wishes to you and yours in your corner of the universe.

Sarah McNeal

Author of THE VIOLIN

www.sarahmcneal.com

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

This past year has been a fantastic one both personally and professionally. I've seen the realization of two life long dreams, having a job writing from home and publication of my fiction.

They say the problem with having your dreams come true is that you then lack anything to strive for. The great thing about having writing as a calling is there is never a lack of dreams to realize. There's always the next book, the next assignment, the next stepping stone in this wonderful career.

For Christmas this year, I got a filing cabinet and book cases, things desperately needed as I had lost them in a house fire a few years back so everything was in piles around the room. As I was putting my works in progress and idea folders in the filing cabinet, I was filled with excitement and joy because everything WIP, every idea is a new dream, a new goal to work toward and I can't wait to share them all.

For me, the next step is to get a hard copy of one my books in my hands. I want that feeling of holding the pages in my fingers. If that doesn't happen yet with this current WIP Till Death Do Us Part, I need only look at my other WIP's and see the potential to see that dream come true.

I can only hope that this coming year is half as wonderful as the last one. But I know that if I use the same method I did to make that happen last year, hard work, persistence and a love for what I do, there's a good chance it will.

A Happy New Year to you and yours!

Visit me at www.ejamie.net

Secret Santa Winners!!

2008-12-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Before we get to the Winners of the Secret Santa...

Amira Press would like to send its heartfelt congratulations to Regan Taylor and Jennifer Cloud for their RT nominations. Thier book Her Eyes has been selected for this nomination and can be purchased at Amira Press or Amazon.com

http://romantictimes.com/books_awards.php?type=book&level=1&year=2008

Congratulations Regan and Jennifer and we have our fingers crossed for you that you win!

*********

Now on to the Secret Santa!

Yesterday was the final day of our Secret Santa Contest and with tons of entires to go through we finally have our winners. The winners were drawn randomly from our Santa Hat :) Each author will contact the winner to let them know they won thier prize!

So Congratulations to the winners!! Here is the list! Drum roll Please!!

Secret Santa 4
Dawne Dominique ....... Winner...Sara Hurt (sarabelle252000@yahoo.com)

Secret Santa 6
Nancy or E. Jamie ...... Winner ....No name listed on entry (Afshan522@aol.com)

Secret Santa 1
Missy Lyons ..... Winner......No name Listed on entry (yankeesblue22@yahoo.com)

Secret Santa 10
Lesli Richardson ....Winner.... Nicky (subtleaffect@mindspring.com)

Secret Santa 8
Anastasia Rabiyah.....Winner...Heidi France (firespirit72@yahoo.com)

Secret Santa 9
Dahlia Rose......Winner....Julie Robinson (rebelatheart@bellsouth.net)

Secret Santa 3
Kendra Mei Chailyn..... Winner..Liz (lzz25@yahoo.com)

Secret Santa 7
Sarah McNeal ...... Winner.... No name on entry ( thewildtwo@sbcglobal.net)

Secret Santa 2
Marilyn Parrish....Winner.... No name on entry ( shiderly77@yahoo.com )

Secret Santa 5
Crymsyn Hart... Winner....Amber Sizemore ( amber12008@yahoo.com)

From all of us here at Amira Press to all of you. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed prosperous New Year!
Dahlia Rose

30 Days of Sweat

2008-12-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Sweat

1000 words a day everyday for the month of January.

Well it’s time for me to get back on track and write regularly. My baby is here, and I have no more excuses, but plenty of deadlines piling up in my near future. To make this work as a career, you have to do two things. Write regularly, and promote what you write. If you are missing one or both parts of the formula, your sales are going to suffer, and you will never get better. Craft is perfected by practice..

There are always reasons to put it off, family should come first. Then you have to prioritize. Money second or third depending—but if you’re writing to get rich—Ahem—you may be in the wrong field. This year we had a lot of setbacks personally, my husband went blind in his right eye, and had multiple complications like glaucoma and extremely painful migraines. I had gotten pregnant as well, and now have a newborn to care for. We had to replace the drainage pipes under the bathroom floor. I didn’t write much of anything. Most of my published books had been written the year before. My time, energy, and pocketbook has been drained, but I will always come back to my first love of writing despite the barriers.

I need to set some achievable goals to get my writing all done. So, for the month of January, I plan to make it a month where I write everyday. 1000 words a day will be enough to finish a novella—and more than enough to get my two major projects done.

Paris Bites rewrite ending lost on computer--20,000 words
Untitled (my first m/m story)—10,000 words

Some people are already doing great, writing 10 pages or more everyday. Others, may be lucky to write that in a month. You may set your goal higher or shorter. This is my goal, because I feel it’s the right amount and that my family won’t suffer for 4-5 pages a day. Fellow authors, please feel free to join me if you can. Tell me what you are working on and post how much you were able to write today. Being accountable to someone will help motivate you (and me).

I plan to post all the updates to my yahoo loop. So join me here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/missylyons/

Hugs,
Missy
Unleash your passion
http://missylyons.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/missy_lyons

Just released!
French Kiss—A passion in Paris protects Sarafina from a dangerous murderer.
Available at Phaze Books

One Touch, One Glance—a sweet anthology that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside after you read it.
Available at Freya’s Bower

Featured Authors For the Holidays! Dorian and Kendra!

2008-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

December brings us a winter chill and the holidays. We become like children once again and we decorate for Christmas with lights, tinsle and so much more. The anticipation of what will be waiting under the tree wrapped in colorful paper. Along with the time we get to spend with friends and family adds extra joy. The Amira Press publisher, staff and authors sends each and everyone of you Holiday wishes. Peace, Blessings and Love for December and for the coming New Year!

Our featured authors for this wonderful month are Dorian Wallace and Kendra Mei Chailyn! They both cover the spectrum of romance and erotica and their books will make you crave for more.

Dorian's debut book with Amira Press "Cold Kiss" has been getting rave reviews. She takes us to the Scottish Isles of where she is a descendant and places her characters in the midst of magic. Take sneek peek into the life of Dorian Wallace

Dorian's words...

Okay...let me see if I can do this without coming off too goofy. LOL

Favorite color is cobalt blue, my kitchen is full of cobalt blue glass and Fall stuff because I adore Fall.

I love to cook and eat, eggplant parmigiana is one of my specialties and I get special requests for my pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving.

I love to experiment with new recipes and most of the time it turns out for the best, other times, well we wind up getting take out. We also try to eat as organically as possible without sacrificing taste, just makes us feel better.

My movie tastes vary just like my musical tastes. I watch a lot of independent and foreign films, my favorite being Jeux d'enfants, (Love Me If You Dare). I like a good ghost story, horror, comedy, some action. I am SO excited for two movies coming up...the next installment of the Harry Potter films and Watchmen!!! I'm a bit of a comic book nerd and Watchmen, Y the Last Man and Preacher are some of my favorites.

Weirdest thing that most people don't know about me is the fact that I love some strange smells, not gross mind you, but odd. I LOVE the smell of rubbing alcohol, new rubber, gasoline, the dry cleaners, not sure why.

HHHMMM, funniest thing I've ever done? I'm a completely unfunny person, no sense of humor what so ever! I'm being sarcastic of course. I love joking around and being pretty goofy, but I'm not sure if I'm the one who could say what the funniest thing I've ever done was. I could give you list of people who have plenty of stories though, hehehehe.

One of the wildest things I've ever done was to strip down naked and go running around in the rain, just to say I'd done it. Mind you, it was dark outside and there were no neighbors close by, but BOY was it fun! Very liberating too, I highly suggest giving it a go if you know you won't get caught ;)

A little bit about me that may not be included in my bios...I am short (5'3"). I am fiercely loyal to my family and friends. It's not easy to make me mad, unless you mess with my family or friends. I am half Italian, half Scottish and Wallace is actually a family name, Dorian comes from my favorite Oscar Wilde book. I spent a month in Dundee Scotland, where my Mom was born, during the Summer of 1994, I almost stayed.

I consider myself an equalist. I have six tattoos, one that I drew myself. I don't like jewelry. I hate wearing shoes and unless it's snowing or I HAVE to put them on, you'll find me barefoot.

One of my favorite previous occupations was being a veterinary technician. My first official job was working the Roast Beef booth at the Southern California Rennaissance Faire. I was born in NJ, grew up in CA and moved to NC when I was 21.

As a kid I prefered reading Omni magazine and watching In Search Of to anything else. I am an only child. So enough of the randomness....feel free to ask me just about anything, I'll probably answer or just tell you it's noneya ;)

Right now I am working on an anthology due for release in the Spring about shape shifters that I may be creating a young adult spin off from.

Blurb and excerpt from Cold Kiss...

Aileen McCallum moved across the ocean for a man she thought was the love of her life only to be abandoned and left to try and make her way in a little Scottish town. At her wit’s end, she is distracted by her handsome neighbor who shows Aileen things about herself that she never thought possible.Just as her life seems to be back on track, she is forced to make a choice. She must deal with vampires and a shape shifting enemy determined to take her down by handing her over to the one who wants to take her powers.

Excerpt...

The knock came again.
“All right then.” After putting her drink and the pills back on the counter, she strode over to the door to look out the peep hole. It was a neighbor she had only seen in passing. She remembered his face, because he was the only person who had smiled at her since moving in. Plus he was very good looking. That was right before Spencer left, and she hadn’t seen him since. Aileen reluctantly opened the door. Not that she feared what he might do to her at this point, but she wanted to get him on his way so she could finish. When the door swung open a lukewarm breeze flooded the room carrying with it the slightest hint of the orange blossoms that Aileen cherished during a California Spring. Amazing. The whole room seemed to lighten up, and there stood a tall, statuesque grey-eyed man in her doorway.
“Hiya! I’m Farrell. I know you’ve been here for a while, and I just feel bloody awful for not coming by sooner. I’ve been busy with a few things, and I had to figure out which flat you were in.” He had barely taken a breath. In fact it seemed like he’d run up the three flights of stairs to get there.
She extended her hand after a slight bewildered pause. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Aileen.”
“Oh. Yer from America, eh? What part of the States are ye from?” He seemed very excited about her nationality.
“I’m from California.”
“Really? Near San Francisco or Hollywood?”
“Hollywood, I guess, a little town called Redlands. It’s about an hour and a half east of Hollywood. I was closer to Palm Springs.” She felt herself relaxing a bit.
“Brilliant! Is it crawling with stars?” Farrell was like a child talking to Santa.
“Sort of. I’ve met a few, even went to school with one. Would you like to come in? I didn’t mean to be rude.” She moved aside and opened the door wider for him to move through.
“I would love to. You weren’t being rude. It’s not like I gave you much of a chance for the invite with my barrage of questions.”
“It’s quite all right. Please excuse the place. I don’t have much. Well, you’re the first company I’ve had.” She was a little embarrassed at the sparse nature of her apartment. Except for the used tissues overflowing the bin, there was only a chair, a few books, an end table, a lamp, and a small rug.
“Yer kidding! Well, I’m honored to be the first! I brought ya a little house-warming gift. Hope ya like whiskey!”
“As a matter of fact I do. I could sure use a shot or two. How about you?” She made no hesitation in moving into the kitchen for a couple of glasses.
“I suppose I could be persuaded to partake.” They both laughed. She pulled two mismatched cylinders out of the cabinet, and he moved to the living room side of the counter.
“Taking inventory are we?” Farrell had noticed the pills laid out in neat little rows on the counter.
“Oh, ha, yeah, that’s an art project slash boredom buster. I’ve gone through all my books, and you can see . . . no television,” she quickly added, lying. “Here we are,” she said, setting the glasses down and wiping the pills back into the bottle as he uncorked the strangely labeled bottle. It piqued Aileen’s interest, but still, she was unafraid of this potentially poisonous liquid and this beautiful stranger that had side rushed his way into her life. “So what’s that we’re toasting with?”
“Oh, it’s made by friends of mine just over in Aberdeen. It’s called Witches Tits. Only a select few get two bottles every year on winter solstice. This is the last of mine, but I’m getting more in a few months time when we have our big party. Would you like to come? I’d be honored if you’d join us.”
She paused a moment, thinking of her thwarted plans. “Sure, why not. I love parties.” Hell, what were a few more months in the scheme of things? Friends and fun seemed to have escaped beyond her reach, and now here it was standing across the counter sharing libations. He was a breath of fresh air and oh so hot! She wondered if this was life begging for a second chance.

********************************************

Kendra mei Chailyn is well known for her books. Each title she brings to Amira Press makes the readers pant for more. Her new book Karma Feeding Kaine takes us to where her heroine meets the unexpected. Take a look into the life of Kendra and learn more about her.

Kendra's words...

ok...here we go :)
Website:
http://www.kendrameichailyn.com/
www.myspace.com/kendrachailyn

Favorite Colour:
Blue (anything blue, I dig except cars...I'd rather a silver or black car)

Favorite Non- English Singers
Rain(Bi)
Jang Woo Hyuk
Epik High
Min Woo aka M
Tablo
JJ Lin

Favorite Love song of all time (so far)
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
Love Song for a Vampire - Anne Lennox
Anything for You - Gloria Estefan

Favorite Comedian
Jeff Dunham aka Jeff-fa-faw Dunham (with Peanuty, Walter, Ahmed the Dead Terrorist, Saweet Daddy D, and Bubba J)
Russel Peters

Favorite Food
Ackee and Cod Fish (Jamaicans know it as Ackee and Saltfish) with fried dumplings

Favorite Movie
hrm... it's a tie between
Ajnabe - This is an Indian movie with english subtitles but it even though there's no sex scenes, it has everything! Music, action, hot men etc
Finding Nemo - this movie holds a special place in my heart because in college my best friend and I would go to our dorms, sit together on one of our small beds, with snacks and watch this movie and laugh - after a hell kind of day.

Movie I wished they had never made
Glitter
High school Musical 2 & 3

Funniest thing I've ever done
Well I don't know if its funny to anyone, but in college I used to answer my phone in a beautiful voice "Joe's Crematorium, you kill 'em we grill' em!" or "City Morguw!" Used to confuse the hell outta my friends.

Actor who is my future husband but just doesnt know it yet (lol)
Jason Statham

My favorite Guilty Pleasures
Chocolate - there's a given
Naughty Love Songs - (Adina Howard anyone?, Changing Faces)
A really good book on a really cold day with hot chocolate
Indulgent shopping in China Town

Wildest thing I've ever done
Wow...loaded questiont here - Go partying with my friend Tster... Now we're gonna leave it at that lol

A Hobby no one knows about
Photograpy

Blurb To Destiny's Cowboy...

Carla “Voodoo” Mitumbo has finally gotten the big break she has been waiting for, to be the world’s next big songwriter. But big city life in New York is a whole lot different from Montana. Soon she is caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a deranged stalker, and only one man can protect her. When Carla leaves town, John Stines is left a skeleton of his former self. He tries to figure out what he has done wrong to make everything so bad. When Carla calls from New York in a panic, he drops everything to be by her side. As he fights to save her life, he begins to realize what he has been missing. Now he has more to fight for because if he doesn’t win, he will lose more than Carla herself. He will lose her heart, and her soul.

Excerpt...

“And pull!” Gage called, down on his knees in the mud beside the horse. “Come on guys. We have to get her out of here! Pull!”
The men on the other side of the tree began grunting and pulling. The horse shook her head as if saying she didn’t want to move and began pulling backwards. The rain began pouring harder and he frowned. He knew this wouldn’t have been easy and if he found the lazy jackass who left the barn door open, he would have his hide.
“It’s alright girl,” Gage spoke soothingly to the beautiful brown filly, “just a little bit longer…” He stroked his hand down the horse’s elegant neck and smiled before turning to the guys, “Alright, let’s try again!”
The men all yelled in unison and Lightening seemed to just slide out from where she was stuck and stood on solid—or as solid as could be—ground, “Good job guys!” Gage gave them the thumbs up as he patted Lightening. “Now let’s get you back to Cold Blazes,” he said as he hopped onto the horse’s back, “Guys come on, I’m taking her home.”
“You can’t just ride her bareback in the rain, Gage,” John spoke up and Gage grinned.
“Watch me!” He waved and Lightening showed why she was named that and took off like a streak back in the direction of the Cold Blazes ranch.
Gage made a mental note to find out who let the horse out. It seemed to be happening a lot lately. After getting cleaned up, he walked into the main house with a frown on his face and everyone seemed to scatter. He shook his head. He was too tired to care, “Hey, Nana did anyone call?” he called to Mrs. Purchase.
“No one,” Nana spoke up, “how is Lightening?”
“She’s fine, shaken up but fine,” Gage told her. “Listen I don’t know who keeps leaving that door open. One of these days we won’t ever find her again or any other horse that happens to walk out.”
“I know,” the older woman said placing a plate of food down for him. “Here, eat. I’ll have John look into it. This is starting to get irritating.”
“Way ahead of you,” Gage muttered and sat down at the table for dinner.
He hadn’t even been back that long and already things were going to hell in a hand basket.
He’d been back in town for a week and Mrs. Purchase had to go out of town for a bit. She was the one who shopped for groceries and he waited until the fridge was completely empty before heading into town. No one in the small town knew how to mind their own business and he didn’t feel like facing people so fast after the funeral. He couldn’t stand their pity, their stares and he really didn’t want to talk to anyone but his two friends.
Ever since he was a child, he hated anything to do with the small town because everyone knew what was happening in his house before even he did. That had always shocked and angered him at the same time. He used to swear up a storm as he paced the boy’s room in the local high school with his best friend John Stines as he muttered to himself.
He had just gotten done in the grocery store and was heading back to his truck when the first voice came. He had thought he had gotten through free but he was very wrong.
“Yoo-hoo!” called a nagging voice from behind him, “Mister Everett!”
“Damn,” Gage moaned in frustration wishing he could just run off down the street or sink below its surface. Either way he did not want to be there talking to this woman. She was enough to make you want to shoot yourself in the head. He took a deep breath then turned around with a forced smile plastered on his face, “Mrs. Northers. How are you?”
“I am fine,” she told him as she reached him. “I am so sorry to hear about your poor father. How are you holding up?”
The smile still a permanent fixture on his face, he fought the urge to roll his eyes, “I am holding up just fine, Mrs. Northers.”
She then waddled off muttering something about ‘poor poor boy’ and he felt sick. That was how his whole shopping experience went. He spent over two hours explaining to the married women of the town that he was alright and another hour and a half fending off the single women. They all seemed to want a piece of him. Not that he wanted to get involved with anyone, but he knew they did not love him for him. They were all professing their undying love to him because he had money. He could almost see the dollar signs dancing in their eyes and it made him sick to his stomach.
Why did everyone assume that he was sad about his father’s death?
As his supper cooked, he sat down at the kitchen table and his mind wandered off again into his past life. The only thing that he was proud of throughout his whole thirty-nine years on the planet was his walking out on his father at eighteen and playing football for as long as he did.
Now that he was back, he felt his whole miserable past crashing in on him again. All the old feelings that he thought were behind him, swam to the surface.
He was about to check on his supper when there was a loud bang on the front door.
“What?” he asked himself confused since he was not expecting anyone. He stood up and made his way toward the front door. His glance moved to the baseball bat behind the door then the shotgun but he bypassed them. Swinging the door open, a body fell forward at him. He caught the person and knelt down, cradling the head against his stomach.
“Whoa!” he exclaimed as he fell. “What now?”
Looking down into the face, tears stung at his eyes and he found himself wondering when the last time he had cried was. There was no way his luck could be this bad, “This is not happening.”
Picking up the limp body he almost dropped it when two breasts brushed against his chest. Gage lay her down on the sofa and looked down into her face.
She was beautiful, with skin that reminded him of delicious dark chocolate, the kind that a person spread and licked. He licked his lips but remembered that she was now slipping in and out of consciousness and needed his help. Not wanting to leave her but knowing that he had to, he bolted up the stairs taking them two and three at a time to the master bedroom.
Quickly, he yanked the large comforter off the bed and rolled it up before shoving it under his arm. He then dashed to the bathroom and picked up some towels and his father’s bed robe. Her clothes were wet so he had to get her out of them.
He thought about how racist his father was. Colter Everette would have a fit if Gage had ever brought home a girl of some race other than white; that made him frown but thinking about her smooth skin just made him groan.
A shiver ran down his spine but he ignored it and grabbed the nearest first aid kit as he made his way back to her side with his treasures.
He placed a large towel over her front then reached under to undo her buttons. His fingers trembled as he stripped her under the towel. He found his mind thinking about what she would look like naked but he shook off the thought and continued. When she wore nothing but the blanket, he wrapped another towel over her, along with the large comforter to keep her warm. Using another towel, he patted her face to get the moistness off and his hand grazed her skin.
“You’re burning up,” he muttered in frustration. He had gotten training in first aid and the like during his stint as a volunteer firefighter. It was one of the toughest sets of training he had to go through because the boys thought it was fun to stick a rich cowboy through the wringer during training. He continued because he wanted to show those other guys that he was not about to cave in because of their childish antics, as well as figuring out that, because he couldn’t get rid of himself, a fire would sooner or later.
Folding a towel, he wet it with cold water and placed it over her forehead. Wetting another, he lifted the comforter and the towels that she was wrapped in and placed the wet towel against her bare stomach. He then left her again to dump her clothes in the dryer so she would have them when she woke up, hopefully.
He knew she would be angry when she found out that he had taken her clothes off but there was nothing he could do about that. He could not possibly leave her in those clothes or she could get sicker. Before heading back to her, he turned on the kettle to boil and placed a coffee cup with a tea bag in it beside the kettle. Sitting down across from her, he began thinking why him? Questions began running through his head. Who was she? Why was she out in the middle of the night? It wasn’t raining so why was she soaking wet and running a fever?
* * * *
Thunder sounded outside like a curse and lightening lit up the sky and the room that they stood in. A dark figure hovered in the path as she tried to get out. Something heavy in her arms caught her attention and she looked down.
A little girl?
Her daughter, it had to be.
He was drunk again. She could smell the rich scent of alcohol on his breath when he screamed into her face and grabbed her wrists. She quickly tried to lower the little girl gently to the ground but the little one slipped and scurried off into her room. The man yanked the woman forward, causing her to slam into his chest. The air left her lungs for a bit and she gasped to try and breathe again before she passed out.
The figure that was man-handling her was angry again. He was always angry, and when he got angry he lashed out to hurt her the only way he knew he could. By screaming and punishing her child. She dragged herself from him and picked up her daughter then bolted from the room.
There really wasn’t anywhere to run to. He would find them. She ran into the child’s room and pressed her back against the wall. She held the little girl protectively against her chest as the dark figure advanced on her. “No!” she said turning her back against him and pressing her daughter’s face against her neck. “Leave her alone!”
The figure began prying the girl from her arms. “No!” she cried in vain and the girl began crying. “Don’t take her away! No!”
Pushing hard backwards, she escaped and a cloud of smoke appeared around them. She screamed holding the bundle in her arms close to her body.
Then they were struggling through the dark eeriness of what looked to be a forest. The sound of barking could be heard off in the distant and she couldn’t see very far ahead of her. Branches tore at her skin and ripped her clothes. The small body in her arms slid down but she held on tightly.
“Mommy I’m scared,” the little voice called then shrieked as things that resembled bats but were too big flew directly at their heads. Using one hand as a shield for her baby she glanced over her shoulder. Her body slammed into a tree as a reward and the tiny girl began screaming in pain.
“Shh,” she whispered to the little girl as she kept going, “it’s alright sweetie…we’re almost there.”
But almost where?
She thought she would tell the child that to ease her cries but in truth it was partially for her own benefit. She didn’t even believe herself.
Then it happened. The thing she dreaded more than anything else in her life. He was there and he was taking her baby away from her. She held on tight, “Please! No! She’s mine! You can’t take her!”
“Come on, princess,” a voice called soothingly, “wake up.”
The cool, smooth voice floated in to her consciousness and she gravitated toward it. It seemed like the only light in her otherwise dark and conflicting head. She held on to the voice as though it was life itself. The voice was something tangible to her and she wanted nothing more than to just bury herself in it and stay there forever. Had he just called her princess? No one had ever called her that since her father’s death. Hands began gently shaking her.
“Come on, wake up now,” the voice pleaded.
Her eyes fluttered open but everything was blurry to her. She blinked a few times to get things into focus.
“That’s it,” the voice encouraged. “That’s it. You gave me a scare there for a minute. Didn’t think you would ever wake up.”
“W-Where am I?” she stuttered and tried to sit up but her head floating made her lay back down before she could even say another word.
“Cold Blazes Ranch,” he told her as he removed the towel from her forehead and replaced it with another cold one.
She moaned. “Cold Blazes Ranch,” she repeated with her eyes closed as the cold towel sucked some heat from her. “How did I get here?”
The towel on her forehead hit the ground as tried to sit up and the man simply placed it back against her forehead and pressed her back into the sofa. She wanted to fight him but she could barely lift her arms and keep her eyes open as is.
“I don’t know,” he sat back a little to give her some space, “I was hoping you would tell me who you are. You knocked on my door, soaking wet.”
She opened terrified eyes and looked up at him, “Where is my daughter?” she asked trying to sit up. “Kleo?” she began screaming.
“What daughter?” he was confused. “You were alone when I opened the door.”
“Alone?” she wanted to know as she fought him. “I couldn’t have been alone! I have a daughter, damn it! Where is she? What have you done with her? Give her back! Kleo!”
“Look lady,” he growled backing away slowly as the tender grip that he had on his temper began to slip, “I don’t know what kind of joke this is, or who put you up to it, but you did not come here with a child. You knocked on my door, fell into my arms unconscious and I felt it was my duty to take care of you until you can do so yourself and I take strong offence to you saying that I am some kind of pervert.”
It was as though her next words were frozen in her throat. “I-I’m sorry,” she said, settling back reluctantly. “I am so sorry but I have to find my daughter. Damn! I am so weak!”
“Stay here,” he ordered in an irritated voice. “I am going to take a look around outside. Keep the wet towels on your skin you have a slight fever now and I don’t have any ice packs in the house. I’ll be right back.”
Opening her mouth to tell him off, she quickly clamped it shut as she remembered that her mind may be as strong as nails but her body would betray her as soon as she even lifted her head. She felt so helpless and out of control that she wanted to scream at the sky but she couldn’t even do that. That caused her to frown and swear a couple of profanities that she had heard before and a few that she made up special for that one occasion; but those didn’t help the situation and she pressed her lips into a thin determined line. Giving up, she nodded numbly and pressed back against the sofa to show her utter defeat.
As she lay there and thought about it, she felt safe with this stranger. She made a mental note to ask him his name as she drifted off into a very frightful sleep.

What I'm working on now...
Dao's Lover (this title may change, because I can't seem to make up my mind lol) All her life, Kianna Sanderson has wanted to travel. On her sixteenth birthday, she got her first job and began hording money away in a secret account to go to the first place on her list, China. Over the years she’s developed an obsession with Chinese culture and she wanted to live it first hand. After her mother’s death, she had to use her savings to pay for her mother’s funeral and that leaves her defeated, depresses and dying slowly on the inside. She begins going through her days just on automation until she meets her new boss - the one man that seems to make her do things she would never ever do otherwise. Dao Zhi takes one look at Kianna Sanderson and something inside of him snaps. He wants to get to know her better so he hires her to be his personal assistant in the record label that he owns. But soon, a family emergency has him rushing back to China and taking Kianna with him. Now, he has to deal with Kianna’s low view of herself, his family’s emergency and everything else that comes with courting that's truly broken. And of course, Destiny's Redemption - The third book in the Destiny's series...This will be Rick's story. lol

Creation of COWBOY LIES

2008-11-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

COWBOY LIES
Book #1 of the Ryan Trilogy
By Lynde Lakes
I lived on a ranch for a summer in my teens and the daily journal I kept helped me write COWBOY LIES and my other cowboy stories. And of course, my ranch friends are a constant source of information. I find it “bucking-bronco” exciting to read and write about raw-edged men who punch cattle for a living. Loving suspense, I also dig Federal agents and when the rancher is a semi-retired Fed, you can count on someone getting thrown—even dead. To get in the mood to write my cowboy books I wear a special diamond pin shaped like a boot that I purchased in Dallas Texas and wear the fringed denim vest that I wore the summer I spent on a Texas ranch. Then, while writing and living in the realm of the Ryan Ranch, I play all my favorite country western and Mexican tunes and paste up the snapshot of the last rodeo I attended plus a few pictures from a Miss Rodeo contest.

Enough said about my writing process, meet Matt and Molly:

Molli stared at the Stetson-wearing hunk of testosterone pacing next to the fireplace, and shook her head. "I don't like this. Nothing seems right!"
The possibility that she'd ever loved this man, let alone married him, was as remote as finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, yet it was exactly what he wanted her to believe.
"You’re gonna have to trust me on this one, Molli," he drawled and headed out of the room.
She followed him down the hallway, running to keep up. "Not so fast, cowboy. What did you say your name was again?" He'd already told her, but she wanted to keep him talking while she figured things out.
He entered a nursery and stopped by the crib. A big, smile spread over his face. He was drop-dead handsome. Tall and lean. With a body custom built to wear those hip-hugging faded blue denim jeans. So what had he done in the past that just looking at him gave her the urge to pound his impressive chest?
"Okay, one more time," he said in a tight voice. "I'm Matthew Ryan, Matt for short, the owner of this two thousand plus acre cattle ranch. You're Molli, and this is our baby Sara Jane." He gestured to the baby lying in the crib with her big blue eyes fixed on the tinkling zoo animals mobile revolving over her head.
Molli accepted the names, at least for now. She had to put things together in small circles, feeling her way.
An hour ago, when she'd arrived, Sara Jane was already here sleeping. Matt said she'd been here all along. Molli had wanted to pick the baby up, hold the little sweetie close, but Matt firmly led her out of the room, saying Sara Jane would wake up soon for her bottle and she could hold her then. Molli had counted to ten and held her tongue, but if Matt Ryan thought he could lasso her emotions like one of his cattle, he was in for a rude awakening. From now on when she wanted to do something, she wouldn't ask first.
Matt took off his Stetson and tossed it across the room. It hooked over one of the two protruding spiky knobs on the back of the wooden rocking chair in the corner of the nursery. It was the first time she'd seen him without a hat shading his expression. He still looked dangerous.
The warning instinct twisting Molli's insides frightened her. Maybe if she knew the basis of her fight-or-flight feeling she could handle it better. She gripped the railing of the crib. "I don't feel safe. Why is that?"
Matt didn't quite meet her gaze. "The doctor gave you something. Maybe your paranoia is a side effect. It'll pass. You have nothing to fear here."
She touched the tender spot where the needle went in with searching fingers. The drugs the doctor had shot into her veins to keep her calm during her long helicopter ride from a private hospital somewhere along the Mexico border had pretty much worn off, and her head was getting clearer by the minute. "Paranoia? That's not it. I have a good reason to feel the way I do."
Dr. De La Fuente, the traitor, had released her to Matt and told her to trust this cowboy, this stranger. Molli hadn't wanted to leave the hospital. She'd felt safe there.
Sara Jane cooed and bobbed her head. With that cap of curly red hair, the baby could be
hers. Molli lifted Sara Jane into her arms, and drew her close, inhaling baby powder and sweet baby smells. She instinctively loved her, but she would love any baby. "How old is she?"
"Three months." Matt took the baby's small hand in his large callused one. His gesture brought him too close to Molli for comfort.
She stepped back. It wasn't Matt's looks that made her leery, quite the contrary. His shoulders filled that royal blue chambray shirt in the most arresting way, and his black wavy hair, with a tendency to fall across his forehead in a devastating bad boy look, was thick and curled ruggedly at his collar.
Molli looked down at her own flat belly. "Shouldn't I be more rounded if I had a baby so recently?"
Matt threw his hands up in the air. "For crying out loud. "You just got out of the hospital. You've been ill. Remember?"
"That's just it, I don't remember, and you know it."
His eyes gentled. "Be patient, it'll all come back."
How could it when nothing felt right? What if this wasn't her life at all? "My name doesn't even fit me."
Matt laughed without humor. "Yeah, well. I'll have to agree with that. With that auburn hair and spitfire tongue, you should've been named Blaze or Flame."
Molli glared at him. Everything about this rough-around-the-edges man screamed strength, danger. Could she really be married to this cowboy Neanderthal?
Molli gently jostled the baby, reveling in the baby's warmth against her breast.
Matt reached for Sara Jane. "Time to put this li'l angel back down. She's not usually up
this late." He automatically changed her, then got a fresh bottle from a small ice chest near the crib and placed it in the warmer on top of the dresser.
Molli watched him while the milk heated feeling squelched again. "I can give Sara Jane her bottle."
After he tested the milk to be sure it wasn't too hot he sat down in the rocker and stuck the nipple in the baby's mouth. "You can take over tomorrow after you rest."
Molli bristled, but once again she held in her frustration. A dark-haired beauty had been here when they'd arrived. Matt hadn't introduced her, and she disappeared without a word.
"Who was that woman?"
"My housekeeper, Tita."
Molli leaned against the wall and folded her arms. "Who's been taking care of Sara Jane in my absence?"
"Me. And Tita."
Matt glanced at his watch. "You've been up too many hours for your first night home. Go to bed. Your temporary room adjoins this one. Turn to the right. Everything you need is in there."
Temporary room? "I'm really not that tired." She was exhausted, but how could she rest with all these questions swirling in her mind?
Matt gave her a stern look, and gestured with his head. "Go. Doctors orders."
Damn Matt. He was rude and as bossy as any Third World dictator, and not the kind of man to give a woman that warm, secure feeling she craved.
She was about to tell him so, when something about the gentle way he was holding Sara
Jane touched Molli's heart and she decided to let him get away with his tyrannical behavior just this one more time. Tomorrow she'd be stronger and ready to hash this all out.
#
Molli awoke with a start in a king-sized bed--a strange bed. Then the events of the night before came rushing back. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and thrust herself to her feet. Time for her showdown with Matt! She showered quickly and dressed in one of the outfits she'd found in the closet. The Levi's felt stiff and a little tight, but the boots were comfortable enough. She touched the fringe on the vest. If these were her clothes, why did she feel like a city woman playing cowgirl?
Matt could answer that--and would, if she had anything to say about it. First, she had to see to Sara Jane's needs.
The crib was empty! An unexplainable, overwhelming panic gripped Molli.
Following the aromas of breakfast, she ran to the kitchen. Sara Jane was strapped into a high chair, gurgling happily. Molli let out a sigh of relief and kissed the baby's dimpled cheek.
Then she saw Tita. "Good morning," Molli said, smiling and trying to hide her disappointment that it wasn't Matt caring for Sara Jane.
Tita shook her head as though she didn't understand. When speaking English didn't work, Molli tried Spanish. All she got in response was a sad look and another shake of the head. Molli was pleased to learn she spoke the language with such ease, but why wouldn't Tita acknowledge her Spanish? Maybe the woman was a mute. Molli used a make-shift sign language to ask if Sara Jane had been fed. Tita handed Molli two jars of baby food--soft watery Oatmeal and apple sauce.
Before the housekeeper left the room, she thrust a note from Matt into Molli's hands. It had only three words on it, in big bold, black letters--DON'T GO OUTSIDE.
"Hmmm. Guess what, Sara Jane? As soon as mommy feeds you, we're going outside."

Redemption Trailer!

2008-11-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

What if ....

2008-11-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

You have all heard the saying: If I knew then what I know now...

Well, what if you had an opportunity to change just one thing / one aspect / one decision, what would it be? Remember, it's just ONE.

For me, I wouldn't have listened and believed the idiot guy who told my virginity wasn't important. In other words, I would make my own decisions and not worry about what "others" thought (even if I thought I was in love).

Review for Cold Kiss

2008-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share my first book review with you today! I must say I was pleasantly surprised with a 4.5 out of 5 stars last night, I'm still pretty giddy today. Here is the link followed by the review.
Manic Reader Review by Valerie

MR Review
Cold Kiss
by Dorian Wallace

Aileen hates her life; she is stuck in a job she hates in a country where she doesn't know anyone but the husband who deserted her. She has no money, no friends and no will to live anymore. She has decided to end it all, lined up the pills and is about to start swallowing them; until Farrell knocks on her door. Farrell knows that she is special, he is just waiting for the right time to meet her; until the day he feels her determination to kill herself with his empathic abilities. He races up the stairs and knocks on her door, engaging her in conversation until he convinces her that there just might be a reason to keep on living after all. Meeting Farrell has opened up a whole new world for Aileen, unleashing abilities that she never even knew she had. He gives her acceptance, friends and love. But her new found abilities have put both of their lives in danger, and it will take a little piece of each of them to save the day.

Cold Kiss is the first book released by Dorian Wallace. Well written, entertaining with a unique plot, Ms Wallace has created an enchanting sub culture for her characters. Like any good book it's not all roses and rainbows, but the dark aspects make the book that much more enjoyable along with the fact that the ending leaves the book open for sequels. I have to give Cold Kiss my highest praise, it is a book that I will definitely read again and I hope to see more of this world and these characters soon.

Holiday Recipe

2008-11-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Wanted to get in the mood for the holiday, try this recipe.

Pumpkin Bread

(Found in Cooking Collectibles - From friends of the Greater Houston Unit of the American Cancer Society)

3 cups sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsps. soda
2 tsps. each nutmeg, cloves, allspice and cinnamon
4 eggs1 (20-oz.) can pumpkin
1 cup oil
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts or pecans

Sift dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. This should include the spices. (Note - you don't like a particular spice leave it out) Add oil, eggs, pumpkin and raisins soaked in the water. Blend all well and then stir in the nuts.

Grease two a 9x5x3 loaf pans (Note I've also made this in a all type of pans just adjust cooking time) with shortening and sprinkle with flour. Divide dough in two pans and bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes.

Great to serve for breakfast.

Tina Gayle

author of Baby Decision
http://www.tinagayle.net/

Ryuu and Draco Now in Print!!!

2008-11-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hey, guess what!

The two first novellas in my Accidental Mates series are now in print together! You can purchase them on the Amira Press website. And I think that soon they will also be available on Amazon. Keep a look out. If you haven't picked up these two, you don't know what you're missing.

Brenda Steele, Erotic Fantasy Romance
www.freewebs.com/brendasteele
www.myspace.com/brendasteele

Ejamie.net Is Now Live!

2008-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

My erotica author website http://ejamie.net/ is now available for you guys to check out!

As a member of my mailing list, you won't get spammed with e-mails, just a notice of any important news about my books, contests or writerly events going on.

What you will get also is free promo goody bags! Everyone that gets signed up gets a free wee goody bag which includes bookmarks, postcards, stationary and more whenever I have some cool new promo items to send.

So have a lookie loo around and check out the contests page as there will be a new one every week!

Haunted Bloggy Carnival is Here!

2008-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Bitten by Books has its haunted carnival going on. Check out the details below and on their Web site.

Welcome to the Bitten by Books Haunted Bloggy Carnival Spooktacular event! The carnival starts at 8:00 am Central time October 27th ALL WEEK and ends on November 2nd at 11:59 pm Pacific time. Comments will be enabled at that time so you won’t be able to post until then.
The winners will be contacted and announced sometime the week of the 3rd. You will have to give us some time to sort through all of the hundreds of entries. Thanks for your patience on this.

Hang on to your seats and keyboards because we have a line up of prize contributions like we have never seen before. Right now we have over $3726.00 in prizes up for grabs!! AND another $2330.00 in prizes at our sister site Weird Stuff In My Desk! Check those prizes out here: http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=176. If we don’t have enough prizes for your blood, remember to visit all of the other participating blogs at the main Bloggy Carnival page here.
Keep checking back here, because the list will GROW eerily larger as more companies join in on the Haunted Blog Carnival fun! If you would like to contribute a prize and promote your books or business, please email us through our CONTACT FORM.

Now I bet you are wondering just how you can win some of this spectacular loot! There are a TON of ways to win. Do to different states laws you MUST be 18 to enter. You do NOT have to have a blog to participate.

OH!! and if you like FREE STUFF, be sure to stop by our Freeibies Page!
****************************************************
CONTEST INFO

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE OR ALL of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win. Check next to each contributors page to see if there are MORE ways you can get chances win.

1. Join the NEW Bitten By Books Community and start a page to talk about all things paranormal fiction! Meet authors, join in on upcoming contests an more! You can have your own blog where you can post about THIS contest (and that gets you an entry). You can start groups and chat in our forums as well as participate in live chat. Best of all it is FREE. Paranormal authors come and start fan page for yourself! Here’s the link! Sign up and join in the fun!

http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/You get 10 additional entries for joining our community!
2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. You MUST verify your subscription via the email the site will send you. Unverified subscribers will not be entered into the contest. This option is for new subscribers only.

3. Post this blog post in it’s entirety with a link to our contest on your blog, groups, forums or websites and you will be given FIVE additional entries to win for EACH place you post. You MUST post the links where you have shared the info in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

4. Make a purchase between 10/27-11/2 from ANY or all of the retailers / book sellers participating on our page (see list below) and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for an additional FIVE entries. You get entries for every purchase you make. Be SURE to put BBB Contest Entry in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost in our spam filter. NOT valid on past purchases.

5. Check every contributor’s prize listing below for a way to gain additional entries. This is an easy way to get more chances and really increase your chances to WIN!

6. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks

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Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you!

9. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use.

10. Twitter the URL for this event throughout the week: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1526

11. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is.

12. Invite ALL of your friends! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get TWO entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!

13. Read through the Bitten by Books blog and find your favorite review and come back here and post the LINK to it. One favorite review per contestant please.

Be sure you leave a valid email and your name AND COUNTRY when posting here so we can contact you if you are the winner. We will contact the winners and request your first/last name and a valid email which we will give to the retailer whose prize you have one. It is up to the individual retailers to award your prizes. If we do not hear back from winners within one week of contacting you, you prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate or inflammatory remarks or comments. Bitten by Books is NOT liable for prizes that are not delivered, awarded or lost in the mail. It is the sole responsibility of each contributor to honor their prize obligation.

And last but certainly not least A BIG thank you to our fabulous contributors!!
Here is the list of AMAZING prizes you are trying to win!

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The GRAND PRIZE up for grabs this time around is a brand NEW Compaq iPAQ 3955 Color Pocket PC!!! Valued at $400.00!!

Been craving a way to read all of those awesome e-books out on the market? Well, enter to win this baby the week of October 27-31st, and your dreams may come true. This amazing prize has been contributed by the multi-talented author Ciana Stone. Visit her website today http://www.cianastone.com/ and be sure to sign up for her other contest. This site does contain adult content and you must be 18 to enter. Ciana is willing to ship this prize within the US and Internationally! *** For an additional contest entry go to Ciana’s site, find the book gallery. Pick a title you would like to read and then come back and post a LINK to that book’s page here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Hachette Book Group - 5 sets of the following TEN books (5 winners win all ten titles). Shipping to the US and Canada, NO P.O. Boxes please. Valued at $764.50THE HERETIC’S DAUGHTER By Kathleen KentISOLATION By Travis ThrasherTHE 13 BEST HORROR STORIES OF ALL TIME By Leslie PockellTHE MONSTERS: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein By Dorothy Hoobler , Thomas HooblerTHE MYRTLES PLANTATION: The True Story of America’s Most Haunted House By Frances KermeenGHOSTLY ENCOUNTERS: True Stories of America’s Haunted Inns and Hotels By Frances KermeenTHE TERROR By Dan SimmonsDRACULA By Bram StokerWHEN GHOSTS SPEAK: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits By Mary Ann WinkowskiTHE HISTORIAN By Elizabeth Kostovahttp://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Hachette Book Group site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Sue Durkin - An incredible prize package including a 1 hour intuitive consultation worth $80.00 and a copy of her book worth $14.95 to TWO winners. Valued at $189.90. Will ship the book internationally. I can do a long distance call 24/7 in the USA and Canada. International readings will have to be in email or messaging, unless they wish to call her. http://rebootyourlife.suesunshine.com/“I do intuitive readings/consultations and I am the author of Life is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies.”*** For an additional contest entry go Sue’s site, find the services page. Pick a service you would like to have and then come back and post a LINK to that page here and tell us which service package you wish you could have. Only one choice is necessary.

Marr Williams - $130.00 credit towards a blog customization. International customers welcome.http://www.13pumpkins.com/“Web and graphic design company that specializes in small business blogs and web sites.”*** For an additional contest entry go Marr’s site, find the portfolio page. Pick your favorite design and then come back and post a LINK to that page here. Only one choice is necessary.

Melissa Alvarez - $100.00 gift certificate good for a reading at her website. for any reading or service that I offer. It can be used in any combination - ten single questions or one general reading and a yes/no question etc.http://melissaa.com/a-psychic-haven/*** For an additional contest entry go Melissa’s site, find the store page. Pick a service you would like to have and then come back and post a LINK to that page here AND tell us which service you wish you could have. Only one choice is necessary.

Aspen Mountain Press - $100.00 in gift certificates to their online site. 4 winners will be drawn each will win a $25.00 gift certificate.http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/“Adventure, Mystery, Passion”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Aspen Mountain Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Mundania Press - 4 $25 gift certificates for the Mundania Press site. Four winners.http://www.mundania.com/“Science fiction, fantasy, and horror from talented authors.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Mundania Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Bitten by Books Review Staff - 2 electronic copies of the epic story “Nothing But Red”. This is not a paranormal story, but it is a book with a collection of stories that impacts women worldwide. The review team of BBB would like to spread the word about this important work and encourage each of you to purchase your own print or e-book copy of “Nothing But Red” in support of woman and ultimately humankind. About the book:“In April 2007, a group of men pulled seventeen-year-old Du’a Khalil Aswad into a mob. They proceeded to stone and beat her to death, a supposed “honor” killing for allegedly falling in love with a man of a different faith. Several camera phones recorded the entire incident from the front row, and videos later surfaced online. One month later, popular filmmaker Joss Whedon expressed his despair and outrage at the misogyny in all cultures on a fan-run blog. “Because it’s no longer enough to be a decent person,” he wrote. “It’s no longer enough to shake our heads and make concerned grimaces at the news. True enlightened activism is the only thing that can save humanity from itself. I’ve always had a bent towards apocalyptic fiction, and I’m beginning to understand why. I look and I see the earth in flames. Her face was nothing but red.” The arts anthology Nothing But Red was conceived as a way to raise both awareness of the issues he spoke of, as well as money for the charity Equality Now.” Buy the book here: http://stores.lulu.com/nothingbutredIf you purchase a copy of this book and send us the reciept, you will get TWENTY additional entries!

Lyda’s Pen - Contributing Three Prizes -1 Sterling Silver Necklace Heart - Valued at $20.00, 1 Sterling Silver Pair of Earrings with Matching Necklace Valued at $40.00 and a prize package including 1 Sterling Silver Necklace, Rectangle Turquoise Stone with Christine Feehan’s Book “Deadly Game” valued at $27.99. US shipping onlyhttp://lydaspen.wordpress.com/“Lyda’s Poison Pen, where the Pen is mightier than the sanity.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Lyda’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Bauble Bath - One Holiday Gift basket valued at $75.00 with 3 scrubs (Candy Cane, Sugar Plum, Gingerbread). We three Kings bauble set (3 scented with Frankincense and Myrh). Holiday Candy Bauble set ( 8 mini baubles in a variety of “candy” fragrances ), Snowmen and Penguin bath melts. 2 soaps in cinnamon and Honey almond and 3 Lip Balms. Shipping to the US and Canada.http://baublebath.com/“Thick Creamy scrubs as well as bath bombs in indulgent fragrances.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Bauble Bath site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.Minnette Meador - Autographed copies of four books! Including: Starsight Volume I, Starsight Volume II (epic fantasy), The Centurion & The Queen, and The Edge of Honor (historical romance - available December 2008). Valued at $75.00. US shipping only.http://www.minnettemeador.com/“My worlds…real or imagined…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Minette’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Brenna Lyons - Brenna is offering PDF copies of every e-book release she has in 2009 to one winner (approx $50 value) and one signed print book of choice to a second winner (approx $15 value). Shipping to US and Canada only.http://www.brennalyons.com/“Brenna writes milieu-heavy dark fantasy, science fiction and horror books, straight genre through erotic romance; all winners of Brenna’s materials should be age 18 or over.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Brenna’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

M.J. Rose - Two sets of the Reincarnationist Series by bestselling author M.J. Rose, including a copy of THE REINCARNATIONIST (paperback edition) and THE MEMORIST (hardback edition). Two winners. Valued over $60.00. US shipping only. http://mjrose.com/content/index.asp“Gripping… Rose once again skillfully blends past and present with a new set of absorbing characters in a fascinating historical locale.” –Library Journal, starred review.*** For an additional contest entry to win go to M.J.’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to the page and the book title. Only one book choice is necessary.Dahlia Rose - A tote bag with an autographed copy of each of her books. Paradise Found, Velvet Leather and Roses, When Angels Falls, Sensual Bites and The Collettes Trilogy. Valued at $55.00. US shipping only. http://www.thedecadenceofdahlia.com“Bestselling Author of Contemporary Erotica”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Dahlia’s site and find her book page, then pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Bad Girlz Bath Co. - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. US shipping only.http://badgirlzbath.com/“We’re the Passionate bath & body company. Check us out. We’re NOT your mothers bath & body shop, We’re Lot’s more Fun!!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Bad Girlz Bath site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Kettlepot Soap - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping to US and Canada.http://www.kettlepotsoap.com/“There’s something magical about Kettlepot Soap! Natural, handcrafted products for skin care.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Kettle Pot Soap site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Amanda Young - Gift Basket, including autographed copies of Missing in Action, Temperature’s Rising and other goodies, valued at $50.00. US shipping only http://www.amandayoung.org/**Adult Content**“Romance Without Inhibition”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Amanda’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

The Pen & Muse - 1 Apple IPod 1GB shuffle (winners choice in color). http://thepenmuse.blogspot.com/“The Pen & Muse blog is dedicated to writers who enjoy reading about a variety of things from new technology, book reviews, author interviews, and writing tips.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Pen & Muse Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Katie Bug aka Domestic Diva - $20.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://katiebugdomesticdiva.blogspot.com/“My own site where I post anything that pops into my head.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Katie Bug’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Eternal Press - 3 Halloween e-books. Three winners will be drawn each will win a choice of one of their Halloween titles. Valued at $17.85.http://www.eternalpress.ca/“Eternal Press offers quality ebooks at an affordable price. We’re not just a publisher; we’re family.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Eternal Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ann Tracy Marr - $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.anntracymarr.com/“Romance with a splash of magic”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ann’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post the name of that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Sidhe Na Daire - 1 eBook copy of Yesterday’s Dreams, 1 Autographed set of Yesterday’s Dreams and Tomorrow’s Memories and 1 eBook copy of Tomorrow’s Memories. Three prizes, three winners will be drawn. Valued at $44.00. US shipping only. http://www.sidhenadaire.com/promoTM.htmCelebrate the Launch of Danielle Ackley-McPhail’s Long-Awaited novel Tomorrow’s Memories, the sequel to Yesterday’s Dreams. Also, see webpage for details on how you could win a replica Scottish Claymore.*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Sidhe Na Daire site, find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Judith Rochelle - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.judithrochelle.com/“At my web site you’ll find sizzling romantic suspense”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Judith’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Desiree Holt - $25.00 gift certificate to Total-e-boundhttp://www.desireeholt.com/**Adult Content**“Visit Desiree and check out her hot erotic romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Desiree’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Diane McEntire - A prize package including a $20.00 Walmart Gift Card, t-shirt, cap, pen and other goodies. Valued at $30.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.dmcentire.com/ **Adult Content**“Paranormal, Western, Action/Suspense, and Historial Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Diane’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Karen Wiesner - One autographed trade paperback of WOODCUTTER’S GRIM SERIES (romantic horror). Valued at $20.00. Shipping to US and Canada http://www.karenwiesner.com/“The world of award-winning author Karen Wiesner”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Karen’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Selena Illyria - 2 e-book copies of Tartan Interlude, two winners. Valued at $7.00.http://www.selenaillyria.com/**Adult Content**“Werewolf Iain is in love with Katherine, a human. Katherine doesn’t think that anyone can fall in love in three months. Mating is one thing, love is another altogether.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Selena’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Carol North - A prize package including a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card and two e-book short stories “Fear Not” and “As the Seed Sown”. Valued at $15.00http://carolnorth.com/“Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Carol’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Gracie C. McKeever - (5) e-books (PDF) to five different winners (1 book each winner). Their choice between these five Siren Publishing titles: 1) Between Darkness and Daylight; 2) Eternal Designs; 3) In Plain Sight; 4) Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess; or 5) The Wolf in the Mansion. Valued at $24.00.http://www.graciecmckeever.com/“Cross-Genre Erotic Romance…on the edge”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Gracie’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Casey Daniels - Complete set of her Pepper Martin series including:Don of the Dead, The Chick and the Dead, and Tombs of Endearment as well as a bookmark for the upcoming book, Night of the Loving Dead. Valued at $21.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.caseydaniels.com/“The Pepper Martin books feature Pepper, a cemetery tour guide, who solves mysteries for the ghosts in her cemetery.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Casey’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Frank Say - 3 autographed copies of his book Nine Lives. Three winners. Shipping worldwide. Valued at $47.85http://www.franksay.com/“Announcing the release of debut novel, Nine Lives.”

Liquid Silver Books - 4 E-Books. 4 winners can chose one book from their entire eBook library and in their preferred format. Valued at $30.00.http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/ **Adult Content**“Liquid Silver Books is an Erotic Romance eBook publisher, selling classy, distinctive, and HOT Erotic Romance.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Liquid Silver site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Resa Nelson - Two autographed copies of The Dragonslayer’s Sword, two winners. Valued at $29.90. Worldwide shipping.http://resanelson.com/“The Dragonslayer’s Sword is a new fantasy novel about a female blacksmith who lives in a world of dragons, shapeshifters, and ghosts.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Resa’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Molly Harper - A prize package including a $25 Borders gift certificate, plus an early copy of her debut novel Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs as soon as it becomes available. Valued at $32.99. Worldwide shipping.http://singleundeadfemale.blogspot.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Molly’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Sally Painter - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://sallypainter.com/ **Adult Content**“Paranormal Erotic Romance Author of hot, sexy gargoyles, vampires, futuristic, and fantasy heroes.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sally’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Mayra Calvani - 3 books, 3 winners one book each. Prizes are The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, nonfiction, ebook. Dark Lullaby, supernatural thriller, ebook. Embraced by the Shadows, romantic horror/vampire, ebook, value $15.00http://www.mayracalvani.com/“Multigenre author and book reviewer.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Mayra’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to the book page and the title of the book you would like to read. Only one book choice is necessary.

Marilu Mann - A prize package including the November 7, 2008 release Changing Hearts (Lusting Wild 2) download and set of recipe cards. Valued at $7.99. US shipping only.http://www.greatmta.com/“The 2nd book in the Lusting Wild series, Changing Hearts is a sensual paranormal romance guaranteed to spice up your life.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Marilu’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Marta Acosta - A prize package including autographed copies of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula and Midnight Brunch http://martaacosta.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Marta’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Savannah Chase - A prize package including a handmade bookmark, a goodie bag filled with author promo items and a bath set. Valued at $20.00. Worldwide shipping http://www.savannahchase.com/“Satisfy Your Desire…Indulge The Temptation”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Savannah’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Shelley Munro - $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.shelleymunro.com/**Adult Content**“Adventure into romance with Shelley Munro–I write paranormal and contemporary erotic romance, set in New Zealand.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Shelley’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

The Wild Rose Press - $10.00 gift certificate to their websitehttp://www.thewildrosepress.com/“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Wild Rose Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

The Wilder Roses - Erotic romance website of The Wild Rose Press - $10.00 gift certificate to their websitehttp://www.thewilderroses.com/ **Adult Content**“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Wilder Roses Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Christine Norris -Prize package with swag PLUS an autographed copy of Return to Zandria. Valued at $25.00. US shipping only http://www.christine-norris.com/“YA Fantasy Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Christine’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Raine Delight - A prize package including a copy of Fairy Kisses (Out Nov. 7th) and a promotional envelope full of goodies. Valued at $5.00. Worldwide shipping.http://authorrainedelight.com/ **Adult Content**“Scorching hot romance amid the pages……”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Raine’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Beth Trissel - 3 prizes, 3 winners. One digital download of her book “Somewhere My Love”. Valued at $18.00http://www.bethtrissel.com/“Romance charged with danger from ages past!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Beth’s site find her books and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Spa Secrets - $30.00 gift certificate to their website.http://spasecrets.net/“Spa Secrets offers an amazing collection of luxurious bath and body, skincare, and aromatherapy products for your home spa needs.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Spa Secret’s site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Michele Bardsley - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.michelebardsley.com/“National bestseller Michele Bardsley is the author of WAIT TILL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME, the fourth novel in her popular Broken Heart, Oklahoma vampire series.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Michele’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ericka Scott - $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.erickascott.com/“Author of Seductive Suspense”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ericka’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Lori Johnson - A prize package including a $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card and 1 autographed copy of People of the Bear (available now) or Heart of the Bear (when released). Valued at $30.00. US shipping only.http://www.lori-johnson.com/“Find fantasy, romance and adventure in my Bearwalker Trilogy”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Lori’s site find the Bear Facts page and pick any fact, then come back here and post a LINK to the page and your fact. Only one choice is necessary.

Murdoch Hughes - Two books, two winners, one book each. One autographed copy of The Seattle Barista Killer and one copy of Death Mask Of The Jaguar. Valued at $23.90. Worldwide shipping.http://www.werewolfdetective.blogspot.com/“IMurdoch Hughes is the award-winning author of the Rick Sage Mystery Series and the Harley Wolf Mystery Series, which both feature paranormal elements; “Death Mask of the Jaguar” features a Mayan Jaguar Spirit, and the protagonist of the “Seattle Barista Killer” is a vegan werewolf detective.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Murdoch’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Adelle Laudan - 1- $10 gift certificate Wild Child Publishing and 1- $10 gift certificate Freyas Bower Publishing. Two winners.http://adellelaudan.com/“Changing the image of bikers…one book at a time.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Adelle’s site find her books and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Jeri Smith-Ready - Autographed copies of the full ASPECT OF CROW trilogy: Eyes Of Crow, Voice Of Crow, and The Reawakened. Valued at $44.85. US Shipping onlyhttp://www.jerismithready.com/“Author of romantic and urban fantasy, including the popular vampire novel WICKED GAME and the ASPECT OF CROW animal magic trilogy.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Jeri’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Dana Marie Bell - A $25.00 gift certificate to Books On Board http://www.danamariebell.com/“Dance with an alpha in the pale moonlight…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Dana’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Ann Cory - 2 each $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Cards, two winners.http://www.anncory.com/ **Adult Content**“Erotic romance author.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ann’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Gracen Miller - One copy of her e-book, The Devil’s Den, to five different winners. Valued at $35.00.http://www.gracenmiller.com/“Author of The Devil’s Den, a dark paranormal e-book”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Gracen’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Sapphire Phelan - 1 eBook. Winner can choose one of the following titles: Wedded Magic, Crimson Promise, or Beast Magic. Valued at $5.00http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/“Go beyond the usual, instead take the unusual that stretches the boundaries and find romance with Sapphire Phelan’s aliens, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and other supernatural/otherworldly heroes and heroines.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sapphire’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Miriam Newman - A prize package including two e-books: Confessions of the Cleaning Lady - a four-cup Coffee Time Romance contemporary fantasy romance and The King’s Daughter - winner of five blue ribbons from Romance Junkies, a historical fantasy whose sequel, Heart of the Earth, will be available in December, 2008, and a coupon for Heart of the Earth to be issued and honored upon the release date of the book. Valued at $19.50. http://www.miriamnewman.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Miriam’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Sloan McBride - A prize package including an electronic copy of “The Fury”, Book One in Time Walker Series, an autographed copy of her debut novel, “Highland Stone”, and a $25.00 eBay gift certificate. Valued at $35.00. Worldwide shipping. http://www.sloanmcbride.com/index.html“Paranormal Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sloan’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Cinsearae Santiago - An electronic copy of her book The Abraxas Series. Valued at $10.00 http://www.bloodtouch.com/“Gothic/Horror & Paranormal Romance Author, jewelry designer and Gothic still-photographer.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Cinsearae’s site find the store page and pick your favorite piece of jewelry, then come back here and post a LINK to that page and tell us which piece it is. Only one choice is necessary.

Designing-Diva Boutique - A $25.00 gift certificate for their online store. Worldwide shippinghttp://www.designing-diva.com/“Artisan handcrafted silver and fused glass jewelry and home decor adornments for mortal goddesses everywhere!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Designing Diva’s site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Michelle Gagnon - Spend Halloween in the BONEYARD with Michelle Gagnon: Win a prize package including a $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card and a signed first edition of the IMBA Bestselling thriller Boneyard. Valued at $31.99. Worldwide shipping. http://www.michellegagnon.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Michelle’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Pink Petal Books - A $10.00 gift certificate to their online store http://www.pinkpetalbooks.com/“Pink Petal Books publishes romance, because we believe that love is a beautiful thing.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Pink Petal Books site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Jupiter Gardens - A $10.00 gift certificate to their online storehttp://www.jupitergardens.com/“Nurture your inner worlds with products and services from Jupiter Gardens, LLC.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Jupiter Gardens site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Jennifer Turner - An autographed copy of Eternal Seduction and a 10 pc. Halloween Gift Box from Godiva. Valued at $32.00. US shipping only http://www.darknesswithinnovels.com/home.html“Dark Paranormal Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Jennifer’s site find the book page and find the name of her 3rd book. Then come back here and post a LINK to that page and the book name. Only one book choice is necessary.

C.A.Milson - 5 e-books of his novel, The Chosen. 5 winners. Valued at $30.00http://authorcamilson.blogspot.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Chris’ Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Joey W. Hill - A prize package including a signed copy of her new release, A Mermaid’s Kiss and Set of David Delamare Mermaid Art Greeting Cards (The Grand Aquaria set) - Valued $35.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.storywitch.com/“Surrender to a romance – Free excerpts from all of my books on website…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Joey’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Christiane France - 2 x $5 gift certificates for downloads of any of her e-books from Amber Quill Press. Two winners.http://www.chrisgrover.ca/**Adult Content**“I write adult erotic romance - contemporary, historical, paranormal, time travel, hetero, gay, and m/m/f.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Christiane’s site find the book pages and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Kelsey Lewis - A Prize package including a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card and an e-book copy of her book Reunion. Valued at $24.00.http://www.kelsey-lewis.com/**Adult Content**“Shamelessly erotic romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Kelsy’s site find the stories page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

John B. Rosenman - An autographed, trade paperback copy of my science-fiction adventure novel, Speaker of the Shakk. Valued at $12.95. Worldwide shipping.http://www.johnrosenman.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to John’s site find the coming soon pages and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Manic Trout - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.http://www.manictrout.com/“Manic Trout has a wide array of baubles and bracelets that will add a funky finesse to your next outfit.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Manic Trout site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.

Erin O’Riordan - Three signed copies of The Erotica Anthology, three winners. Valued at $15.00 each. Worldwide shippinghttp://www.aeess.com/ **Adult Content**“AEESS is the home of quality erotica and more by Erin O’Riordan.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Erin’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Mary Eason - A Print Copy of her latest release entitled: The Things You Think You Want. Valued at $14.00. US shipping only.http://www.maryeason.bravehost.com/“Carrie Sinclair thought she knew exactly what she wanted from life until she came face-to-face with the bluest eyes in Texas.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Mary’s site find the booklist page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Ashley Ladd - A prize package including her electronic books”Wishcraft” and “Blessed Be” which are both Halloween romances. Valued at $10.00.http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com/“I write erotic romance and have several books published and available for sale.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ashley’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Amira Press - Two $10.00 gift certificates to the Amira Press store. Two winnershttp://www.amirapress.com/ **Adult Content**“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Amira Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Source Books Casablanca - 2 copies of Warrior: The Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks and 3 copies of Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom. 5 winners. Valued at $34.95. US Shipping only.http://www.sourcebookscasablanca.com/“Sourcebooks, the largest woman-owned publishing house in the United States, is a twenty-year-old innovator in the publishing industry. Sourcebooks has been the #1 non-fiction romance publisher since 1997 with its Sourcebooks Casablanca imprint.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Sourcebooks site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

eXcessica Publishing - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store.http://www.excessica.com/ **ADULT CONTENT** ”An innovative, hot new publishing company bringing you everything from the sweet to the forbidden in erotic fiction!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the eXcessica Publishing site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

2008-10-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Here is your chance to pick up a free romance book! All Romance ebooks is giving away a free ebook to all registered users on November 1. All you have to do to get yours is to go to the site and register. This is a way you can check out many great authors like those at Amira Press for free! And I wouldn't mind if you wanted to check out one of my backtitles either. :)

Here are the details:

*****Permission to repost or forward granted*****

It's our birthday and we're celebrating by giving you a present!

All Romance eBooks will be celebrating our second birthday on November 1, 2008 and we couldn't think of a better way to mark the occasion than by passing on the gift of an eBook to as many readers, publishers, and authors as possible.

On November 1st all registered customers will receive a code good for one* free download! The customer picks the book, we purchase it, and authors and publishers earn their royalties. It's as simple as that.

And, not only is it simple now, it's simple every day to shop at All Romance eBooks. Simple category searches, simple checkout process, and a simple buy-ten-get-one-free reward program.

Help us spread the word to those that read eBooks and to anyone you think might like to try one. We have All the romance you need from all the publishers you love—and now we're giving it away!

Lori James and Barbara Perfetti
All Romance eBooks

*****************************************

You can click here for more details:

http://allromanceebooks.com/birthday.html

Lots of love,
Missy Lyons
www.nissylyons.com

Amira Press Featured Authors For October.

2008-10-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

In October, Fall begins and the leaves turn to vibrant colors. The air is crisp and the excitment of Halloween beckons us all like excited children. What better time that to Feature two of Amira press newest authors and their books. Take a look behind the scenes with Jenny Gilliam and Dawné Dominique.

In Jenny's words...

Favorite Color:
I lovePurple!

Favorite Food:
That would be Potatoes

Weirdest thing:
I refuse to pick up pennies that are tails up for fear of bad luck.

Craziest thing:
I'm Wiccan and I danced naked outside for a ritual (skyclad)

Here's a look into Jenny's Exciting Novel from Amira Press...

LETTING LUCE BLURB:

When Lucy Hollister tried to drop-kick her personal computer out her second-story window, she had no idea it would eventually lead to the seduction of her very hot, very yummy best friend, Rory Carlisle.

After all, she’s the queen of passivity, and he’s the reining king of the non-committed relationship. When a sexy online flirtation leads the couple into some steamy situations, Rory realizes that his cute best friend is letting loose—in the best possible way.
Excerpt:
“Who did you do it for?” Rory asked.
Lucy’s heart thudded in her chest. She couldn’t quite meet his eyes. His velvety voice, rough yet smooth, caressed nerve endings strung tight like piano wire.
“Lucy,” he said softly. “Who did you wear that dress for?”
Oh, he was good. He knew damn well she’d dressed up for him. In a sudden flash of insight, she realized she wasn’t fooling anyone, especially Rory.
“I know you,” he said, his voice whispering over her. “ScorpioCutie.”
Her breath caught, and her eyes moved to his face. He watched her with the single-minded intensity he saved for naughty co-eds and naughtier computers.
“What did you just call me?”
“You heard me,” he answered huskily.
Silent, her gaze skittered away from his, flying away like a nervous bird before landing on a spot a few feet beyond his shoulder. She considered denying it all. How much could he know, after all? He might be guessing. Then she thought of his heated gaze, those knowing eyes, that flash of insight.
Her skin heated with embarrassment. “How long have you known?”
God! Why couldn’t she just be ScorpioCutie? Why couldn’t she charge over there and throw him down on the grass? What stopped her?
Three words: Lucille Louise Hollister.
“A couple of weeks.”
“How did you find out?”
His heated stare burned her flesh. “You forgot to delete the chat logs.”
Duh! “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
“Why didn’t you?”
Good question. She didn’t know if he wanted to hear the truth. So she lied. “It was part of the game.”
He lifted a brow. “So this is just a game?”
Lucy nodded, but she couldn’t look him in the eye. He turned to her with predatory grace; stalking her, closing her in, forcing her to lean against one of the metal beams. The cold seeped in from the steel, saturating her skin as a prickle of goosebumps that spread across her body.
He looked like a large feral animal, and she was his prey.
With nowhere to go.
Rory stopped an inch from her. He was so big, towering over her. His hot breath fanned across her cheek. He lifted a finger and ran it down her neck. She couldn’t control the delicious tremor that ran through her.

UPCOMING NOVEL: UNDER MY SKIN from Amira Press

Blurb:
When coffee shop owner Rachel Crowe overhears her neighbor being murdered, she doesn't think her life can get any more complicated. But when the detective on the case turns out to be the very man she kicked out of her store the night before, she realizes she's wrong. From the moment Detective Alex Williams laid eyes on the raven-haired owner of his favorite coffee shop, he's been drawn to her. When she becomes the key witness in his homicide investigation, he takes it upon himself to protect her at all costs. As the killer closes in on Rachel, the couple are thrown into very intimate and dangerous situations. Can Alex convince her to trust him before the killer catchesup with them?

Excerpt:

The pounding on the door startled a scream out of Rachel, who’d just begun to calm down. Realizing it was likely Alex, she grabbed her full wine glass and walked to the door. With one hand on the Slugger, she checked the peephole.Rachel slid the locks open.
“You didn’t have to come.”Alex barreled past her into the apartment. She shut the door and locked it, laying the Slugger back against the wall.
“You were coming apart. I had to do something.”
“I was just scared and acted impulsively. I don’t even know why I called you.”
“Because you were scared.”“Which we’ve established.”
She held up her wine and took a deep breath. “I’m fine now.”
“Bullshit.”
“Alex…don’t make this out to be something it’s not. Really, it’s nothing more than the hysterical theatrics of a female. I’m a Pisces. We tend to dramatize everything.”
He blinked.“What?”
“I’m a Pisces.”
“Are you into all that astrology crap?”
“It’s not crap for your information, and yes, I am. My best friend’s an astrologer.”
Alex rolled his eyes. “Let me guess: ‘text 4820 to 825 to receive your latest love match.’”
“Oh, shut up.”
“The aliens obviously forgot to remove your probe when they dropped you back on earth.”
Rachel’s lips twitched despite herself. “Really. I’m fine. Better than fine.”
He looked so innately masculine standing in her feminine apartment. His big, wide shoulders were covered in a black T-shirt that stretched across his muscular, well-defined chest and were tucked into a pair of faded jeans. She wondered if they were the same jeans he’d worn when he’d knocked her on her ass. If so, she wanted him to turn around so she could get a look at his caboose. The man had the finest ass she’d ever seen.O-kay. Time to sip the wine.Alex stalked around her tiny apartment like a big, untamed tiger. He walked to the baker’s rack where her TV and DVD player sat, tested its sturdiness. He eyed her collection of movies; a lot of murder/mystery, episodes of Cold Case Files and Forensic Files and thrillers with several chick flicks scattered in between. Rachel sipped her wine and watched his big body move with animal grace as he prowled.Alex stopped at her large book case and scanned the titles.
He looked over at her.“Do you have an obsession with death?”
She frowned. “No. I just like forensics and mysteries. Lots of people do.” Mine just started after my husband tried to murder me.
Alex made a noncommittal noise and approached her where she stood against the glass veranda door. She smelled the sandalwood on him and her blood beganto warm.
He grabbed the wine from her hand and took a sip.
“Aren’t you on duty?” she asked.“Nope.”
He sucked wine from the bottom of his lip. Rachel stared at those lips, mesmerized. So mesmerized, she didn’t realize he’d closed in on her until she felt his body heat against her.
“What is it about you, Rachel Crowe?” he whispered.
“What do you mean?”
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I knocked you off that ladder.”
“Maybe you have brain damage from chasing too many murderers.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
He leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear, her neck. “You smell good.”
It had been so long since she’d felt this kind of passion. Too long. Hell, had she ever felt like this? “We shouldn’t be doing this. I’m a witness. And you don’t trust me.”
He placed one large, warm hand on her collarbone. “Trust doesn’t have anything to do with it, Rachel. It rarely does.”
Rachel felt sorry for him even while she wanted to leap into his arms and rip his clothes off. He held such little regard for emotions. Each time she’d seen him, the first time notwithstanding, he’d been as aloof as the lone tiger she’d imagined just moments ago.His fingers wrapped around the back of her neck and he drew her face to his.
“But, you’re right,” he said, his lips a breath away from hers, “we shouldn’t be doing this.”
Then why did it feel so right? Rachel wondered. Never had she felt so safe, and she reveled in the sensation. He closed the gap and captured her lips with his own.Oh, Lord.

Excerpts and information on my books are available on my website under 'books' at http://www.jennygilliam.com/

Author Bio:

Jenny began writing at the age of twelve, when she realized the voices talking in her head were characters, not a result of pre-teen induced psychosis. She’s been writing on and off for almost twenty years, but actively pursuing publication for the last three. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children. She is the author of four novels.

Jenny loves to hear from her readers. You can visit her at http://www.jennygilliam.com/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In Dawné Words...

Favorite colors:
Red and black -- my entire house is decorated in those colors. But the basement is decorated with African masks and art from all over the world. I confess that I became addicted to eBay for a time for this artwork, but people who visit us say it's like walking into a very unique musuem. My backyard and deck is all Oriental. When you come to my house, it's a multicultral world. *that annoying song from Disney World is playing in my head*

Favorite food: Anything Italian...especially pizza, but no anchovies or olives -- blech!

Favorite movies and why: Favorite Movies: Lord of the Rings -- because it came so close to my own imagination, and Aragorn... Oh, be still my heart;
Constantine -- I love hunky, dark, tormented souls;
October Sky -- It was such a wonderful, coming of age movie.

Weirdest thing no one knows about you:
I'm a twin, but she and I are night and day (she's also forty-five minutes older) and most likely the reason why Mom likes her better. : (

Funniest thing you ever did:
You really don't want to know about Dawné's Most Embarrassing Moments. We'd be here for days reading and laughing. Suffice it to say that I'm graceful as a duck, despite the seven years of tap, ballet and Spanish dancing lessons. : )

Wildest thing you ever did:
I moved to Calgary when I seventeen (I'd just graduated high school) but stayed there only a week before I decided to come back. My hubby and I had been "dating" at the time, and he didn't want me to leave. He asked me to move in with him, but I thought I was too young and needed to be out on my own. He gave me a week in Calgary, bought a ring and was flying out to ask me to marry him. Instead, I came back to him before he had the chance. I know this sounds like a young adult Harlequin romance, but I swear, this is what happened. Better yet, we're still together after all those years.

Here is a look at Dawne's Debut book with Amira Press!

Return to Me
Genre: Vampire Erotica
Cover Artist: Dawné Dominique
Book Length: Short Story
Heat Level: Hot
http://www.amirapress.com/returntome.htm

BLURB: De’Anne Marseilles, a vampire who spent centuries taking the lives of others, is offered a gift from an angel to become mortal, to right the wrongs she has committed…and she finds she cannot refuse such forgiveness. Nathan Bothwell loves her too much to wait for De’Anne to return to their life of blood, death and love. He pays a visit one last time during the full moon of Samhain, the one night when their powers were always the strongest. Will De’Anne put aside her mortal years of loneliness and pain to accept his proposal, or is her soul now too important to toss away on the whims of love?

EXCERPT No. 1: (mild)
Rough hands slid down her slender arms, his fingertips stopping to tickle the creases of her elbows. Cold fire filled her, and she leaned her head against his dripping chest, relishing the salacious fire burning between the cleft of her legs. He passed a palm over her hips, teasing and slow, augmenting the growing heat of desire. Thick fingers traced upward in gentle sweeps, pausing above taut nipples. The warmth emanating from his flesh seeped into the coldness of her own.
"My beautiful lady," he said in a revered hush.
He swept her off her feet, carried her to the bed, and laid her across the lace coverlet. The fire’s flames revealed wonder and awe etched upon his face. He sidled beside her, so large and protective. When she lifted her head to taste his lips, he drew back with a shake of his head and a coy smile curling the corners of his full lips.
"Let my eyes feast upon you a little longer. I am no danger to you, as you can see." He held up his bound wrists. "A lowly man such as myself is rarely afforded such sights of perfection."
Wonderment filled her, for those she bedded desired one thing. This man did not impress her as delicious fodder, but rather a man worthy of her attentions. Does he possess a devil’s tongue? His expression, however, revealed his true intentions, the goodness of his heart and the yearning he felt. Never had a man laid bare his soul to her before.

EXCERPT No. 2: (hot)
"Please . . ." she begged. In over a hundred years, she had never beseeched a human for anything. His attentive, experienced manner had her clenching the bed linens in white-knuckled grips.
When he slipped a thick finger inside the sodden tunnel, she writhed in pleasure against his mouth, clenching at him with slickened muscles. "Yes." She gasped. "Fill me . . . take me . . . Ahhh . . ."
Passion turned to delicious necessity. Inserting the digit in and out, he held her in place with slow, deliberate strokes. The roughness of the rope scraped across sensitive skin, and she could feel each knuckle and callus as he urged her closer to the edge of delirium. A puddle formed beneath her, but still, Nathan refused to relent. She heard her voice from a distance, screaming out his name.
His tongue continued sampling, his finger increasing in momentum. Then another digit joined in. He worked both in perfect sync, playing her as a masterful musician would. As she gave in to his studious attentions, a raging inferno built inside her, threatening to incinerate.
He suddenly stopped. "You are too close, my Lady, and I wish to make this moment last."
Before a litany of curses could escape, she felt the end of the cord trailing along the slick wetness his mouth had just abandoned. Tiny wisps of hot air blew across her hardened clit, making it more erect than she had ever felt before. Tingles swept through her, undulating yet whispery soft. She neared the edge of no control.
Nathan worked the rope up one side and down the other, breathing into her, adding warmth to preternatural flesh. Sensations collided and she writhed in response. His teasing knew no bounds. When he wrapped the cord around a finger and slipped the end inside, she moaned, gripping the bed, wanting more. He moved in and out, inch by agonizing inch. The ridges slid along her pussy walls, gradual and stimulating. Hot air continued to torture her clit.
"My lady," he whispered, "let me drown in your nectar." He glided a finger to join with the cordage. Now, both digit and rope moved inside her, creating a wash of liquid fire to expel, but it was not what she sought, what she desired. She wanted to come.
Nathan moved closer. She sensed his lips so close to her aching clit. "Are you ready, my lady?" "Yes-s-s-s. Do not stop . . . never stop. Make me do as you . . . as you wish."
Finger and rope increased in momentum, and an adorable, throaty purr resonated from him. The world turned dark as her body roiled with carnal desire.

UPCOMING AMIRA PRESS WORKS:

I've been diligently working on a new full length vampire novel exclusively for Amira Press called Eden's Hell. It's a different take into the life of Adam after Eve.

BLURB:
Adam & Lillith, cursed as vampires for all eternity by God and Asmodeus for their adulterous affair, must learn to live as immortals in a mortal world. Eons of time pass, and the two cursed souls, now known as Addison and Satrina, have each learned to live, in their own vampiric ways, in sunny California, but both are strictly bound by the laws of the Illuminatae, the only original bible left in this world and written by the hands of both demon and god.
When one of Satrina’s pets escapes, Addison finds himself saving the frightened woman. Eva Kincaid tugs at him, rousing memories long pushed away from his mind, hidden behind barriers of despair and loneliness, for he is nothing like Satrina, nor does he wish to be.
When Satrina demands the return of her property, Addison refuses, and no one is more surprised than he is.
Can Addison truly save this human woman, who has touched a soul that has been rendered in hopeless darkness for all eternity?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whew! These two authors are taking the writing world by storm. Tjier books are available now!! And look out for their upcoming books with Amira Press! And check back with our blog each week to see what all our authors are talking about!

Don't forget Amira Press is coloring the world!

Superhero Envy

2008-09-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Does Buffy the Vampire Slayer count as a super hero? *LOL* If I can't be Buffy (the TV version, of course) then I think I'd like to be Supergirl. Simply because I want to be able to type super fast so I can write faster. *LOL*

Yeah, dumb, I know. I'm a Taurus, I have no inertia and I love staying home. My real life holds plenty of excitement and interest for me, thank you very much. I don't need to add crime fighting or world saving to the mix. *LOL*

I'll admit growing up I used to love watching Ultra Man, remember that show? It was a cheesy Japanese import, with the whole styrofoam city sets the huge monsters would go kicking through a la Godzilla while Ultra Man worked to kick their bad asses. And the hero was this ordinary guy with a secret. Bionic Woman was cool, but I don't want to jump out of an airplane and go splat and undergo operations and become a government agent to get those kind of powers. That would suck. Does anyone remember the old radio serials: "What evil lurks within the heart of man...the Shadow knows!" That was a cool show. (No, I'm not that old, XM-Radio and CDs, duh.)

Underdog. The original cartoon, not the cheesy remake. *le sigh* I loved Underdog. And the old Lone Ranger shows. I loved the horses.

I know, I'm so lame. That's why I write about incredibly cool vampires! :)

Lesli Richardson is the author of "Love and Brimstone" available from Amira Press.
http://www.leslirichardson.com
http://myspace.com/madmumbler
http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com

I Want To Be A Superhero

2008-09-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Authors wear a tons of diffent hats in our daily lives. From mothers, wives, nurses, insurance agants and so much more. We have to schedule our writing around our every day lives and most of the time there does not seem to be enough hours in a day to get everything done.

Wouldn't it be great to have super powers, like the speed of Flash Gordon or the strength of Super Girl?

So Amira Press authors, what superhero would you be and why?

Plotting Pants

2008-09-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

My writing style probably would not work for too many writers. I tend to "see" my story as a movie in my head, then I transcribe that into my computer. This means if I "see" the ending first, I write it. I bounce around in the manuscript as I see the sections, and when I get to the rough draft stage that's when I smooth things over, add any filler scenes needed, etc.

This used to be very time-consuming when I was doing my initial "pre-draft" in a word processing program. Because bouncing back and forth like that was very tricky, time (hours, seriously) wasted looking for where I wanted to insert that particular scene, or cutting/pasting scenes into the correct order.

I now use SuperNotecard to compose my "pre-draft" version, and it's great because I can see my entire story laid out in front of me. If I get an idea, I can create a card, title it and maybe jot down some notes and slide it into the story. I can write whatever scene I need to write and not worry about wasting time figuring out where it goes. I can split and move and juggle the story as I need to. With multi-book series like the "Love and Brimstone" world, I create separate "decks" of cards, one deck for each book, plus I keep loose cards on the main project level for notes, tidbits I might want to use later, etc.

I don't think I've ever written a story start to finish, meaning "In the beginning..." until "The End." I write all over the place, bouncing around. I juggle multiple projects at once so if I ever get stuck I simply switch projects until I'm unstuck. This totally avoids serious writers block on my part.

So while I don't "outline" a project per se, I do usually have a road map of sorts. It's not uncommon for me to change/add stuff mid-stream either. I follow my characters and the story. I don't say, "Okay, this will be the story," and pigeon hole my characters into it.

A good example is that in, "Love and Brimstone," Rafael was supposed to be a character who walked on and walked off, literally for just a few scenes. But that's not what happened. (You'll just have to read all the books to find out more. *LOL*) Also, I'd only planned on setting one scene in Yellowstone, yet what happened was that half the book took place there.

Writers must be willing to follow the characters as well as the story. It might not be the same story they'd planned, but it most likely will be a "truer" story and certainly a better one.

Lesli Richardson.
author of "Love and Brimstone" from Amira Press
http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com
http://myspace.com/madmumbler

Panster/Planner/Madhatter...

2008-09-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

My writing method depends on two things: My Muse and My Time Constraints. For the most part, I'm a panster. I love to sit and type as fast as I possibly can in order to keep up with the most powerful muse in my head at the time. For non-writers this might not make a whole lot of sense, but I have characters living in my head. I call them muses so people won't think I'm crazy. Secretly, all fiction authors are crazy. We have to be. Sh. Don't tell. It'll be our little secret.

So, here's how it works. The muses line up at the imaginary door to the office in my head. Some are very polite. They take a number from the red ticket dispenser, and they wait and wait like a good little muse. Others, well, let's just say they cheat. They cut in line. They beat up the other muses. They yell and scream and have tantrums. They steal numbers to get ahead. They even sometimes kill the muses in front of them to get closer to me. Those ones scare me. In fact, I have one right now that only wants to talk to me when I'm angry. I'm a patient person. She doesn't get out much. Thank goodness. Plus, I'm terribly afraid readers won't like her.

What I'm trying to say is, the muse who makes the most noise gets ahead and gets his or her story told no matter how long the others have been waiting. The muses who push and fight their way to the front are more interesting to readers anyways.

I'm a panster. I confess. I enjoy writing best when I can write what pops into my head.

I do, however, utilize outlines when I write longer works. Outlines help me remember key pieces of plot and details that I might otherwise forget if time constraints keep me away from the story for more than a few days. There have been times when the weirdest things happen. For instance, when I wrote Oikoni Stone, I was able to sit one morning and write the first sentence for the next fiften chapters of that book. Creepy. I like to play with point of views and often try to write chapters in a shifting pattern. I'll outline whose POV I want to write in and what major thing I want to accomplish in that chapter. There is an erotica novella I wrote that covered the five senses, so I wrote the chapter name out first so I knew what sense to explore. It makes my path easier to follow. I've written backwards, drafting the final chapter so I have a target to aim at.

Another thing I do, since I design cover art, is I scope out images and become inspired by them. For Goblin's Bride, I found the image of the woman on the cover and played the what if game. I was in the mood to write fantasy, and that quirky tale was born. One of my favorites too. The fantasy door behind her was an image I had found months prior that I fell in love with but couldn't use for anything until I found the bride.

I try to write daily. Not always on the same story as I often have several going at once, but typing them out on a regular basis keeps me in touch with my characters. I'm a firm believer in the old quote: "If you want to be a writer, write." I write literally in every spare moment. I carry a notebook in my purse for stray ideas or bits of dialogue that pop into my head. I never know when the pushy muses will speak...

Anastasia Rabiyah
RabiyahBooks.com

(Image © Madartists | Dreamstime.com)

Panster or Planner

2008-09-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Panster or planner?

I'm a bit of both. I also do things a little backwards. I imagine most authors write their story then their synopsis--at least most organized and professional writers I know. But, once I get my story idea and it's had a little time to simmer in my brain (do you think that may be the cause of my memory loss--an overcooked brain? ha ha), I like to go ahead and write the synopsis. I hate writing it when I'm finished because I try to cram too much into it. So it's a good way to make it simple and also get it out of my way. The synopsis helps me organize my story and figure out what the characters want and how they plan on getting it.

Of course, there are times when an epiphany moment comes along that changes or adds to my story. No problem. I just tuck it into the synopsis and tweak it up a bit. Once I think I have the story theme and a sort of idea of how the story will unfold, I start writing. If I get stuck on something, I brainstorm with another author or put it out to my critique group.

There are days when the writing goes easy and I can let my characters lead me on. But when things begin to falter, I return to my synopsis like a map to show me the way.

So there it is. I plan some, plot some and just move the way the story takes me sometimes.

Sarah McNeal

Author of THE VIOLIN

www.sarahmcneal.com

What Kind of Writer Are you?

2008-09-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

As authors our books start out in our imagination. It can be characters waking us from our sleep insistently telling us thier story must be told. Or we could be in the shower and that "aha!" moment happens and we rush out with soapy bodies to write down out new idea before its lost in the infinity of new ideas we have. But happens after that initial thought that sets us on the road to a new manuscript? Are you a panster who lets the story weave its self and you write? Or are you a plotter who sits down and works out each step that you story must take before you actually write?

2008-09-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

9/15/2008 STILL COMING DOWN FROM THE
MAUI WRITER’S CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE!
(Now held on Oahu)
The best part about the conference was the contacts I made and the deepened friendships. The level of the conference this year put a lot of emphasis on finishing “that book.” The speakers stressed: never give up.

For those of us, who have no problem finishing our books, we still discovered some jewel in each lecture.

This year editors and agents were hot for transformational books or message books with an inspirational message that will change lives. The theory: the reader isn’t the only one and they too can survive and come out on the other side whole.

When you give writing lectures, tie them to the book you are promoting (of course.)
Speakers highlighted how important endorsements from the famous are. For the most part, only the publishers who pay the big bucks can get up-front placement of their authors’ books in the stores.

Covers were discussed at length and the publisher speaking said in their house they went back and forth maybe 75 times to get them right. That sounds like a lot, so maybe it depends on the publisher.

Each night I went home from the conference and worked with Anastasia on my new cover for COWBOY LIES. We went back and forth some, maybe ten times. Maybe less.
Go look at Anastasia’s creation on Coming Releases at the Amira site. She did us proud.

After the conference, most of us went back to our offices, castles, ranches or whatever and sent out our queries and/or chapters to participating editors while we tried to come down from revved-up emotional highs. But that was just the beginning. Our dream is so big that we toss more balls in the air and start the research for our next book. Dream Big and Never Give up. Aloha, Lynde

Love and Lust

2008-09-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

What do you think makes the perfect lovemaking encounter between hero and heroine that would capture the readers attention?

I don't just toss characters in bed. In fact, it's not uncommon for my characters to take half a book before they finally find their way between the sheets, especially if they've just met or if there are other issues/conflicts involved. I write "real" characters in terms of personality, and I think like real life the sex needs to be real. Many women don't climax during intercourse without a little *ahem* help. I hate reading a book where the woman jumps in bed with the guy, he does his thing, and in five minutes she's screaming his name as the hugest O she ever has hits her without him doing very much other than being present.

Uh-uh. That's not real life.

I also think some sex is steamy, some is sweet, some is quiet and gentle. When I write a love scene, it's set in the context of the "world" I'm writing about and what's going on at that time. They don't have a HUGE screaming fight and then the sweetest sex they ever experienced. Etc. I think a lot of sexual tension is key throughout the book, the characters have to be hooked into each other, and the reader needs to be hooked into them as well.

How do you convey the emotions behind the act and make it as realistic as possible for the readers?

I write realistically in the context of the world I'm writing about. If the hero isn't much of a talker and keeps his heart and emotions deeply buried, unless something's happened to change that, he's not going to sweet talk her non-stop throughout the scene. Likewise, if the heroine is a very straight-laced girl, unless something's happened to her, she won't be doing a strip tease on a bar for the hero. Etc. I think sometimes the best love scenes are the ones you can get into and read and when you finish reading them you think, wow! Nothing jarring happens that pulls you out of the narrative flow or stops you in your tracks and makes you think, "They wouldn't do THAT!" If I think about a love scene and MY knees get weak when I'm writing it, I have a feeling it's probably a good one!

In your opinion what takes writing a love scene from sensual, romantic or even erotic into the realms of writing pornography and how do you keep from crossing that fine line?

Well, see, that's a problem. One person's passion is another person's porn. I think if you show the loving relationship between two people (or at least set up a plausible reason for two strangers to be in bed together) and you aren't gratuitous, then you really have to write for the characters and the story, not for the audience. I'm not talking about the obvious taboos like incest, beastiality, etc. Those are obvious off-the-table topics, just flat-out off-limits, duh (not to mention, ewww!).

But two characters in one story might be very sedate, calm people, and two characters in another story might dang near bring the house down around their ears swinging from the ceiling fan. As long as the sedate characters are true to themselves and the story, and the "swingers" (haha) are true to themselves and their story, all is well. Let's face it, if someone is looking for a romance story and they have a problem with sex, they shouldn't be buying a sensual love story, they should stick to "sweet" or inspirational romances.

Lesli Richardson is the author of "Love and Brimstone," available for sale from Amira Press.
http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com
http://myspace.com/madmumbler

Love, Lust, and Sex.

2008-09-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

I tend to write on the dark side, even in my contempoarary works. My characters usually have something wrong with them, and they need to find that one special partner who fills the empty void they have in their soul. Sounds deep, but I believe relationships are like that. If we didn't need a void filled, we'd all live out our lives alone and be perfectly happy. I need someone who is my opposite in every way, a man who keeps my head from flying too far up into the clouds. My husband needs someone to make him smile and shake his head. It works out. For my characters, there needs to be the three basic ingredients to get things going on: love, lust, and sex. Not always in that order!

"What do you think makes the perfect lovemaking encounter between hero and heroine that would capture the readers attention?" I think perfection is a myth. I love reality in my sex scenes. Face it, sex is awkward and kind of funny at times. Clothes don't gracefully slip away. Not everything fits right the first time, and then, there's the whole navigation of the other person's body.

A hot lovemaking scene involves lust. It has that animalistic drive to completion, but I also like the sweet ones where two characters take paragraphs to get each other off. A loving, gentle sex scene can be just as satisfying as a wild romp in an unexpected place. No matter what, the scene needs to suit the characters and their motivations.

"How do you convey the emotions behind the act and make it as realistic as possible for the readers?" I get into character. I've written sex scenes from both male and female POVs. What would he or she be thinking, feeling, worrying about? Would there be talking? Giggles? Screams? Moans? Writing a sex scene is like any other scene in a story. Be in the moment with the characters and try to convey the setting using all five senses to the fullest.

"In your opinion what takes writing a love scene from sensual, romantic or even erotic into the realms of writing pornography and how do you keep from crossing that fine line?" The line is not that fine. Porn has its place. I'm not against it. Romance in all its forms seeks to meld lust and love with the act of sex. Porn may loosely show that, or it may not, but it's ultimate goal in not to engage the psyche. Porn seeks to titilate and arouse--that's it. There's no "aha" moment after watching porn. A true romance, sweet to erotic, will have heavy plotting, a dilemma or issue that needs to be resolved, and dynamic characters that a reader wants to spend time with everywhere, not just in the bedroom.

There is also erotica that seeks to explore character growth through sex. It has its place as well. The focus is on the sex more than on the romance, and that can be satisfying and fullfilling for the character. It can be exactly what a character needs to grow and change.

Stop by my site and delve into romance and erotic romance if you dare to step into the darkness...

Anastasia Rabiyah
RabiyahBooks.com

Bring On the Fiery Sex!

2008-09-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

My two loves in writing are romance and fantasy, and all that comes under this umbrella. So, when I write a story, I’m building that world in my mind with the alien creatures, the different worlds, and challenges. And then, I’m looking for two people often from opposite backgrounds to bring together. Often in real life, people don’t fall in love right away. They may be physically attracted to one another. In the twenty-first century, people aren’t waiting to be married to have that connection. Shoot, in my personal experience (not recently *groan*) I barely knew a guy’s name before you know... Haha.

That is the part I like to write about, the wild, hungry sexual attraction. It doesn’t happen on page one or two, or even chapters one or two. It happens quickly, because it happens fast in real life also (not in every case). That’s why the writing spectrum is so vast, because real life is.

So my characters aren’t necessarily—probably aren’t—in love with one another before they get horizontal. They tend to be scratching an itch that no one has scratched in too long. That’s real life. In my third Accidental Mates novella, Ladon has lost the woman he loves and is bitter and hurt. He hates everyone. Tiam feels that her people turned their backs on her. She’s on an alien planet hiding out among humans. So when these two come together, they’re not looking for love. They’ve been hurt by love. They just want the physical act. Or so they think. It develops into love with their further circumstances.

For me and my writing, I like to hotten it up. It gets me turned on as well. But I also like the fantasy element and the romance. I bundle them together. So you’ll find in my sex scenes both the raw passion, the lust, and the sensual loving, the emotions. I think that’s what separates erotic writing from pornography. For me, the line isn’t thin at all.

- Brenda Steele, Erotic Fantasy

www.freewebs.com/brendasteele

Sensual Writing

2008-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

As Romance Authors or stories can be anywhere from Sensual to Erotic.

I fall into the category of sensual and actually more sweet. I'm totally with giving readers a bit of spice and then letting them fill in their own blanks. I think if you take them down the path to a sensual interlude it engages the imagination much more than putting out every little detail of what happens to a pair (or more) of characters.

But what about the sex scenes?What do you think makes the perfect lovemaking encounter between hero and heroine that would capture the readers attention?

I think erotica cuts to the chase way too soon--too often it seems like the goal is to see how many sex scenes can be written into a short span of pages with a minimal story line for the sole purpose of getting to the next sex scene. I've seen too many erotic novellas where there is no character development, no connection to the characters -- most aren't anyone I'd want to be or anyone I'd want to be with. There is no build up, no tension, just sex. Now "just sex" is fine. It's okay...but when I read I read to escape and I want to think there's an amazing happily ever after out there for me. Erotica doesn't do that for me -- hot sex with a lot of passion, emotion and true connections between the characters is much more fulfilling for me

How do you convey the emotions behind the act and make it as realistic as possible for the readers?

I try to do this with a look in a character's eyes, the scents in the air--for me I find evening jasmine to be highly evokative and sensually stimulating. I know what my hands feel like when I'm waiting as patiently as I can to get my guy into a position to grab his butt -- not a public display but something that's just between us that is a prelude to what will come later. A momentary holding of breath, acute sound, a heartbeat that is felt and heard. Making love isn't just a physical act -- it is an array of senses and emotions that encompass every aspect of our body before, during and in the after glow.

In your opinion what takes writing a love scene from sensual, romantic or even erotic into the realms of writing pronography and how do you keep from corssing that fine line? Sensual and romance are, for me, a combination of all our senses -- sight, sound, scent, touch, taste coupled with an emotional connection between two people that lasts beyond the interlude between the sheets. Pornography is when it's just sex for the sake of sex.

To Write Or Not To Write Sex Scenes

2008-09-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

I believe authors write books with the intention of drawing in a particular reader and, of course, for the enjoyment of putting words to paper. It's a matter of personal taste and what market the author is intending to attract. Erotica certainly sells. There is no doubt about it. If an author has a particular talent for writing erotica, well that's splendid. I would never judge another author's desire for attracting a specific audience, especially if it's lucrative.

I have no inclination toward writing erotica. Just me. Just my thing. Steamy I can do and I enjoy writing it if it fits the temperament of the story. The sex-o-meter goes up if I'm writing a dark fantasy because it suits the atmosphere of the story and its sinister motif. I can't exactly write about evil characters and then have them act out a polite, sweet, sex scene. No ma'am, that would not suit the theme of the story. But, in time travel romance or historical novels, I take another view. I like my characters to grow in their desire for one another. They must take their time to know each other and they must fall in love before they get into the fogged up windows twisted sheets of an all out sex scene.

I like a the tension that builds in a story long before sex takes place. By the time the characters do hop into bed, the reader should be longing for that scene to take place as much as the hero and heroine do. It's the build up of emotion and plot that should lead to that bedroom.

Sarah J. McNeal

www.sarahmcneal.com

The Sex Talk

2008-09-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would ever write a book that was erotica. I never came accross my mind but since I've done it, I'm very glad because I learned something about myself. It is a turn on lol. Well, I should say my husband loved it lol.

With the sex scenes, I try to picture the act going on in my mind as I do everything else with my writing. These scenes on the other hand are more difficult due to the eractic nature but its also more pleasurable at the same time because there's always relief coming soon lol.

Stolen Identity was my first book so I really haven't found the line between erotic and pornography yet. I think the difference lies in how we describe the intense scenes. When a writer begins adding different angles to the scene and adds other elements to the scene that doesn't really need to be there, it makes it more "movie" like to me. As for a good sex scene, I think when the characters really open up to each other and they let themselves go for the heat of passion, anything goes making it more intense and wild. Of course, add the heavy breathing and lots of sweat to that scene toward the end. Wow, I'm heated up just thinking about that lol. Time to go work on another book lol. Cool myself off a little so I can handle that scene lol.

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

Lets Talk About Sex

2008-09-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

Ah you guys knew this question was coming eventually :)

As Romance Authors or stories can be anywhere from Sensuual to Erotic. We know our characters will meet, face some rough patches togethher to help them build towards a relationship. But what about the sex scenes?

What do you think makes the perfect lovemaking encounter between hero and heroine that would capture the readers attention?

How do you convey the emotions behind the act and make it as realistic as possible for the readers?

In your opinion what takes writing a love scene from sensual, romantic or even erotic into the realms of writing pronography and how do you keep from corssing that fine line?

Excerpt: Redemption

2008-09-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Coming soon from Amira Press!

On the run from a murderous uncle, Katie married outlaw Ben Cready the day before he was supposed to hang. They shared one night of explosive passion and for six months, she'd believed herself a widow. Now Ben is back to claim what's his, and that includes the sweet bride he'd never been able to forget.

Here's a wee steamy peek:

“I’m home.”

The jar Katie had been wiping slipped out of her hand and bounced off the walnut counter before shattering on the floor. She took a quick step back, a startled scream in her throat which escaped when she came up against the body behind her.

Strong hands came around her and moved her out of the way of the shards of glass. The hands stayed on her waist as he bent his head to survey the damage.

“Best clean that up.” He scanned the kitchen and Katie noted distantly that he must be searching for the broom.

“How…what…?” she stammered as she turned away from those cold grey eyes she’d known for but one afternoon. She pulled the broom out from the tiny closet and held on to it, half debating whether to swat at him and see if he’d vanish into vapour because for certain sure he could not be real.

He’d been on his way to the gallows the last time she’d seen him.

That had been why she’d married him in the first place.

“Irony’s a son of a bitch, darlin’,” he swore and his small mouth quirked up in what Katie guessed would have been a smile…if she ever imagined this man smiling.

He towered over her at nearly six feet and his brown hair was in dire need of a cut and wash, sticking out from under his hat dusty and uneven, as if he’d tried to cut it himself once.

Her fingers twitched at her sides and she had to fist her hands to resist the urge to touch his hair.

She almost scolded him for swearing but realized how ridiculous that sounded, to scold him in his own house.

That had been why he had married her in the first place.

He sniffed the air around her briefly, moving his gaze to the fireplace. “Somethin’ smells good. That dinner?” He turned towards the pot over the fire. He bent down and took a long deep breath, inhaling the aroma and Katie could only guess how hungry he must be.

“Uh…Mister-“

He turned back to her, and again, there was that cold half-almost smile. “I believe the last time we talked I asked you to call me Ben.”

Katie’s cheeks flushed at the reminder that the last time he’d made the request, he’d been inside of her.

“Got a plate?” Ben asked holding out his arm towards her.

Katie quickly went into action, getting him a plate and a spoon, glad for the momentary distraction. She passed him the plate and he took it from her, holding his end as she held hers and staring up at her.

She’d been wrong. His eyes weren’t just cold, they looked sad as well, and tired, very tired. She gave him a weak smile of sympathy.

He broke their locked gaze first and filled his plate.

“I suppose you got questions. Let me eat first. Then I’ll answer the ones I can.” He took a seat at the table, stopping for a moment to notice the clean white table cloth and the vase of fresh daisies in the center of the table.

They certainly hadn’t been there when she’d first arrived, Katie remembered. She’d done her best to make his house a home. Her home. She nodded at him. They sat in silence for a few minutes and he was more than half way finished the stew when it occurred to her she’d forgotten to give him some bread. It seemed foolish to mention it now so Katie simply sat and watched him finish. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him if he enjoyed it but his eager devouring of the meal seemed to do that for him.

Though she couldn’t say how long it’d been since he may have had a meal so his eagerness had probably more to do with hunger than her culinary skill.

She’d forgotten to set a drink next to him as well. God, she felt positively stupid. Katie jumped out of her seat and she saw his whole body tense and one hand dart under the table. She curiously walked to his side of the table and tilted her head down so she could see what he’d reached for, though she’d had a pretty good guess.

Still, seeing the gun holstered around his thigh sent an icy ball of fear up into her throat.

“Take it off.”

They both blinked at the same time. Katie hadn’t meant to voice her displeasure out loud. She met his gaze, nervously.
What right did she have, really? He was back now, surely he would be reclaiming his home and she would be…out.

“No,” he said simply. “Go do what you were gonna do.”

She bit her lip. His simple refusal chafed at her. It must have shown on her face because when she poured the milk in a cup for him and had a brief mental image of dumping it on his head, he gave her that half smile again.

“You’d be shit at poker, honey.”

She set the cup down next to his plate. “My name is Katherine.”

He looked up at her. “I remember.”

Excerpt: "Love and Brimstone"

2008-09-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from my Amira Press release, "Love and Brimstone."

---
"What kind of asshole sells automatic weapons to a demon anyway?" Rafael dropped the tote bag on his cousin's desk and plopped down in one of the chairs facing him.

"Is that it?"

Rafael nodded. "We need to speed this up. I've got a date at seven." He leaned back and propped his feet on the desk, crossing them at the ankles.

"You always have a date." Matthias unzipped the tote and removed a sealed plastic bag containing a large severed head. Semi-lupine in shape, vicious teeth jutted from the lower jaw. "Any problems?"

"Naw, customs was easy. Homeland Security, my ass. And one less 'Chupacabra' to terrify the locals." Rafael used finger quotes around the word to show his disdain. "Friggin’ jerk. He had a whole warehouse full of guns. Oh, Matts, you should have seen the stewardess on the plane."

"I thought you were going to take the corporate jet from Mexico City?" Matthias had left Rafael behind to finish the clean-up operation.

He shook his head. "Met this cute little co-ed from a cruise ship in Veracruz. You should've seen her."

"I'm sure." Matthias rolled his eyes and put the severed head back in the bag. "And your date tonight?"

Rafe shrugged. "I can't help it if the customs agent was a cutie."

"What did she see in your bag?"

"Bowling ball." Rafael’s playful smile and brilliant blue eyes had yet to fail him.

Matthias shook his head and laughed as he sat. "I'll have Albert send it to the lab for testing and an ID work-up. It bothers me that one of them was hooking up with a demon."

"Bothers you?" Rafe flexed his left arm. "Screw that, you aren't the one who got shot, big guy."

"How is it?"

"I've been better, but it's nearly healed. Still stiff." He unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt to show the pink scar where the slug had entered his shoulder two days prior. "What the hell did you eat anyway? You tasted—no offense, cuz—weird."

"No weirder than the time I got sliced open in Dublin and you'd been out drinking that afternoon. I had a hangover for three damn days, thanks to you."

Rafe grinned. "Ah, but you were alive to suffer."

Matthias smiled. "And so are you. I told you we shouldn't have eaten at that place for lunch. You insisted."
"Oh, yeah." He looked at Matthias' desk and sat up. "What's that?" He pointed to a picture.

Matthias slid it across the desk. Rafe picked it up, a low whistle escaping him. "Wow," he said, his voice dropping. "That's her?"

Matthias sat back and templed his fingers. "That's her."

Rafe studied the picture for a long moment. "I know you said…but she's…wow."

Matthias took the picture back. "Now you understand."

Rafael looked stunned. "Yeah. Congratulations."

"That's a little premature. We haven't even brought her in yet."

"When?"

He shrugged. "When Tim tells me the time is right. I've waited this many years for her, I can wait a little longer. Maybe next month. And even then, who knows? There's no guarantee."

Rafe studied his hands, his face a mask. "On second thought, maybe I'll fly home tonight. Take the corporate jet back to Atlanta."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I am pretty tired."

Matthias studied him for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and kind. "Rafe, she's been dead—"

Rafe held up a hand and smiled. "Don't want to go there tonight, Matts. Sorry. I don't feel like revisiting the past. You dealt with Sarah in your way, I'll deal with my shit in mine, okay?"

Matthias nodded. "All right." He stepped around the desk and hugged his cousin. "See you this weekend at the Florida house?"

Rafe nodded, patting him on the back before stepping away. "Yeah, I'll be down. You're going to drive me to the dealership, right?"

"It's in?"

Rafael's face erupted into a huge grin. "You should see it! The salesman emailed me a picture. It's a sweet ride. I test drove one like it last month, but they didn't have the color I wanted."

"I'll take your word for it. I prefer the original Mustangs myself."

"It's a Shelby Mustang GT500, the most powerful production model Mustang ever; it's not 'just' a Mustang, Matts." He stepped to the door, his face clouding again. "I'll see you later then."

Matthias nodded and watched Rafe leave.

When he was alone again he returned to his desk and stared at her picture. He'd never shown it to Rafael before and wasn't sure why he had tonight. He sighed and returned it to his desk.

Ten long years. It wouldn't kill him to wait a few weeks longer.

---
Lesli Richardson
"Love and Brimstone" from Amira Press
Visit the Brimstone Series blog for pictures and more excerpts: http://brimstoneseries.blogspot.com

Unedited Excerpt - Tempting a Wolf

2008-09-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

For two years, she had watched him. Her sister’s boss. He stopped by the house periodically to ostensibly to pick up papers Renee had been working on, but Tameca had her own theories about why a man so fine, so—made for a woman to bow in submission at his feet—would bother coming to his employee and not the other way around.

Tameca often blocked out the fact that he might want Renee and chose any excuse to see her more often than three days a week, her work schedule. And what man wouldn’t want Renee?

She sighed with her cheek pressed at the corner of the wall between the hallway and the living room of their tiny home. While Renee tilted her head to discuss something found on one the sheets of paper, her long sheet of perfect hair fell forward over her shoulder. The sunlight caught it just right. Marcus would be a fool not to notice that and everything else about her older sibling.

Tameca tugged at her unruly hair. On any given day, if it wasn’t frizzy, it was limp. Today was a frizz day. She reached up, not taking her eyes off Marcus, to smooth it down with both hands. The movement brought her attention to her breasts. Too big. She groaned in frustration.

To her shame, the sound caught Marcus’ attention. He gave a slow sexy grin that set her body on fire. He turned in Tameca’s direction. “Well, hello, Tami.”

Her heart threatened to stop at both his nickname for her and the timbre of his voice—deep and seductive.

“Leave her alone, Marcus,” Renee warned.

He ignored her sister and strolled over to tower above Tameca. The top of her head came to his nose. He was the perfect height at six feet, just tall enough, but not too tall.

He played with a lock of her hair, probably fighting not to frown in confusion at its wildness, she thought. “And how’s my little mocha beauty today?” he whispered. “Did you miss me?”

I’m twenty-five, not an impressionable teenager, she reminded herself. The pep talk meant zip. He smelled too good. Not cologne, or not only cologne. There was an animal scent to him, something wild and untamed. She longed to rip her clothes off and beg him to take her.

She tried for playing it cool instead. “Hey, what’s up, Marcus?” She flattened her back against the wall, folding her hands behind her. She wanted to be cool, but the knack had all gone to Renee. Instead she was a dumpy, plump woman, still a virgin at her age. Not normally down on herself to the extent she was feeling now, she figured it was Marcus’ fault. He brought out the worst in her.

His deep brown eyes narrowed, almost black with intensity he displayed when he looked down at her. He rested an arm beside her head and moved so close, the heat of his body seemed to produce the wetness in her panties without touch.

His gaze dropped to her lips. She alternated between licking them and chewing the bottom one. His head lowered until his full lips were a fraction of an inch from hers.

“Do you wonder what I do?” His breath warmed her mouth.

“W-What’s that?”

He shifted his hard muscled frame causing his thigh to brush hers. She had to fight not to spread her legs in invitation to him. The flick of his eyebrow toward his hairline was an indication that he knew how he affected her.

“I wonder what your mouth would taste like, whether you would be sweet and intoxicating.” To her relief he turned his head after he spoke, but soon ran his nose along her neck. As if she had no command over it, her head tilted back to expose her throat to him. “Because you smell like you’d be delicious,” he declared.

Before her knees could give and she sagged against him, Renee jerked him away. “Marcus, get the hell away from my sister! I told you, she’s off limits!”

Why, why why! Tameca fought a groan of frustration. The man got her wet and excited every time he came to their house, but never did anything other than tease her. So unfair.

Coming soon to Amira Press

Tressie Lockwood
www.freewebs.com/tresslock

Unedited Excerpt from Accidental Mates 3

2008-09-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Here's my excerpt from the upcoming third book in my Accidental Mates series. I hope you like it! Thanks for reading.

I woke with the sun beaming on my face and tested my limbs. No pain. My body had healed itself. Glancing around, I noted I lay on a cot in the corner of a small room. Tables lined the walls, and on each were jars of colorful substances. On a counter near the door a purple spotted plant sat with gloves and a gardening tool next to it. While the place was spotless, it looked nothing like a doctor’s office. I wasn’t sure where Ladon had deposited me.

A moment later, I heard his voice just outside the door. The woman he spoke to was a frequent visitor to the bar where I worked and my new friend. I hoped he hadn’t told her I was there.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I discovered, I was still naked. “Bastard.” I stood, and the door opened. Ladon paused to let his gaze sweep over my form. I stood my ground, daring him to comment.

He shrugged. “Aren’t you going to produce scales to cover yourself?”

“I don’t live like a dragon anymore,” I snapped. “I told you last night. It was last night, right?”

He shut the door behind him and moved to the counter with the gloves and herbs. “One night too many. You’re healed now. You can go back to wherever it is you live.”

I found a shirt lying on the bottom of the bed and slipped into it. “Why do you have all these jars? It looks different from when you ran the clinic on Earth. What are you up to now?” He ignored me barefoot and bare-legged next to him. When I reached to examine a jar, he smacked my hand.

“Get out, Tiam. I let you stay here. Your precious humans don’t know you’re a Drelconian. Oh and you’re welcome for saving your life.”

“Thank you.” I stood there staring at him, taking in the long black ponytail, the ruggedly handsome features, almost identical to all Drelconian golden dragons. Yet, the kindness which had marked Ladon, a gentle guard who cared more about his people than anything seemed long gone—dead. “What happened to you? Why has your heart died?”

“Spare me.”

“You’re not the only one who has ever lost someone they love, Ladon. Arnetta was—”

He was on me faster than I could blink. Something crashed to the floor, and tall as I was, Ladon had me inches off the floor, held up by my arms. “Say it again!” he threatened. “Say her name again. I dare you.”

His teeth sharp, and his nostrils blowing smoke, he waited for me to take his challenge. We could fight it out, and neither of us would win or lose unless we were willing to kill. A Drelconian didn’t die easily.

I kept my mouth shut. After a while he lowered me, but did so in a way which made my body glide along his. I fought to free myself. He was stronger. The wiggling around pleased him. “Let me go.”

“Do you have a lover?” he breathed, running his nose along my neck, taking in my scent. The sudden switch had my head whirling.

“I . . .”

“I haven’t had a woman in years,” he admitted. “We would be compatible in bed, I’m sure. I won’t take a human again.”

Placing my hands on my hips, I tilted my head to the side examining him. “With the hate I see in your eyes vying with the lust, I wouldn’t take you to my bed if you paid me.”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t pay for it.”

COMING SOON TO AMIRA PRESS!

-Brenda Steele, Erotic Fantasy
www.myspace.com/brendasteele

Authors Excerpt Day!

2008-09-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Angels! LOL

I think the title speaks for itself! Come one Come all Amira press authors and give us you best excerpt! Do you have a book coming soon or a book already released? Well give us a taste and wet our appetites for more!

My Grown-Up Dreams

2008-09-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Let's see--gee, I wanted to be a writer lol. But hey, before that I went through normal phases like everyone else. I wanted to be a teacher one time. Then there was a doctor and I went around saving the lives of my toys. I also wanted to be an arcitech.

Once I decided to become a writer, everything else just stopped visiting my mind. It was made up and I wrote every chance I had. Some people thought it was cool and couldn't wait to read my stuff. Some of those people didn't even like me but they loved my stories, esp Mysteries of the Peterson Estate. They never knew I actually had talent, that's what they said. It made me realize that I had finally found my calling.

To get to that point in my life, I had been through a lot. I really mean a lot. I was teased, laughed at, and picked on. It didn't matter who I was, no one wanted to be around me. Then I even tried to kill myself which thank God didn't work! When I found writing, I found myself!!! Rather, it found me!

Amber Rigby Grosjean
http://www.argrosjean.com

In Kindergarten I Knew...

2008-09-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, really, in kindergarten I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. My ambitions were small and naive I suppose, but genuine. I wanted to be a farmer and an artist. A farmer because my parents and my grandparents always kept gardens and the tomatoes and strawberries were the best ever. I am fascinated by plants and growing food to eat. I love nature and the ability to live off the land.

Did I become a farmer? Not exactly. I was five then, so I suppose my concept of what a farmer is by trade was skewed. I do keep a garden on occassion, but as another author mentioned, life gets in the way of our dreams--or five dogs and three little boys who all like to dig and destroy.

Did I become an artist? Yes. I am a cover artist for three publishers, and have also painted many murals in private homes, a local church, and a restaurant near where I live. I am often told I have an overly creative mind. My friends grin and shake their heads if I get bored and doodle or make paper boats. I can't help it. I always want to 'make' things.

I see my writing as an extension of my creativity. It cannot be stopped--and believe me, I have tried. My imagination is always at work, plotting the next scene or dreaming up the next character. Although I never thought I would become an author, looking back, I think it fits in nicely with my childhood dreams. I can grow whole worlds and color them for others with words.

Anastasia Rabiyah
www.RabiyahBooks.com
Dark Fantasy & Erotic Romance

What I want to be when I grow up...

2008-09-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

A writer. It was what I always wanted to be, from the time I started reading in kindergarten, until...well, ever. Life got in the way, of course, but eventually I was at a point in my life where I could seriously pursue publication. I spent several years writing non-fiction for a living, but my fiction was always my "hobby" -- my passion. But for years I felt guilty if I took time away from my "real writing" (ie non-fiction) to play with my make-believe worlds of words that were always swirling just behind the fringe in my mind. Thanks to a loving (and persistent) husband, I finally took a chance on getting the "voices in my head" published. I consider myself lucky that I can now claim my dream job as my full-time profession.

My name is Lesli Richardson, and I'm a fiction novelist. :)

Lesli Richardson, author of "Love & Brimstone" by Amira Press.
http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com
http://brimstoneseries.blogspot.com
http://myspace.com/madmumbler

Call Me Lucky Or Crazy

2008-09-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

I was always one of those lucky kids who knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. It was never a case of what but which!

I always had people running around in my head and I soon discovered there were only two ways to get them out...or at least, let them out to play for a while cause, well, I'm 31 years old and they're still there (snickers).

One way, was acting. I loved playing pretend and playing different characters.

My two absolute favorite subjects in highschool were drama and english. Really, I should have known, huh? In highschool, we would put on these 'variety night' talent show deals every year and as terrified as I was (really, if there's ever an oxymoron, it's the 'shy actor'), I absolutely loved the whole process. When my drama class wrote one of those 'after school special' kind of plays about drugs and got to tour them to different schools, I loved not only the acting but the feeling of community between actors working together to 'put on a show'. Having this one kid stop me one day while I was going to the store with my mom and ask me if I was the girl that had put on that play at his school, I was tickled pink!

I took acting in college and as much as I loved it, the nerves got to me too much. It became this chore to get over the panic of getting up in front of my fellow students and strangers. Even the love of disappearing into a character or hiding behind it didn't help, because it was the moments before that crippled me. Once I was up there, I was pretty okay. I was told I was good. The director of the course even told me she had heard wonderful things about me but I was literally feeling sick inside before each scene so I made a choice.

Writing had always been this other way to get the people in my head out. It was something I did 'for fun'...and to pass the doldrums of school. I was that kid with a notebook on my lap, scribbling away while the teacher's went on...and on about what x is if you multiply it by 12...I still don't know...nor have I ever had to find out. (blows raspberry at algebra teacher)

As I was pulling away from acting, my drive to write became stronger and stronger and it felt like, as much as I loved acting, writing was more suited to my personality so why not make that my focus as a career?

The terror of submitting was sufficiently less than the terror of getting up on stage and I could do it alone, which is definitely my personality. I live alone and love it that way. I'm a solitary sort who loves my own company.

And yet, thanks to the wonders of technology, I'm able to have that same community feeling that acting would give me. I could chat with other writers and have a grand old time, yet still feel comfortable enough to actually feel joyful when I thought of getting up and fulfilling my dream everyday.

So I have no regrets. I didn't 'settle' like so many do into their 'safe' jobs cause they fear going after their dreams. I tried the acting thing, gave it my all, but it didn't fit 'me'.

Writing is the perfect fit for me. It's who I am...or it's who I've always been, I just needed to explore my other dream to make sure.

Roping, Riding Cowgirl

2008-08-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

One snowy morning when I was four years old, I woke up with excitement and enthusiasm at the thought of becoming a cowgirl. How else was I going to ride with the greats like Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Hop-A-Long Cassity and Gene Autry? These movie and music icons were my heroes.
Just an aside, when my dad worked ocean weather and we lived on a Naval base, I told everyone that the man who lived with us was not my dad. My dad was Roy Rogers. Naval bases are just small towns in a way--the gossip way. Though they did not believe me about having a famous dad, it seems my mother's reputation was in question in regards to that man who lived with us.
Back to my yearnings to become a cowgirl. I envisioned my cowgirl outfit complete with fringe and glittery rhinestones on every inch of fabric. Of course, I had to have a six shooter in a pink holster and a shiny pair of cowgirl boots and a hat. On one of his trips to Nova Scotia via a United States Coastguard Cutter, my dad bought me a pair of cowgirl boots that I wore to bed for two weeks. After my parents bought me the outfit (not quite the glittery, fringe covered ensemble I had imagined), I began to consider my ride. I needed a horse--okay, maybe a pony.
After much whining and weeping on my part, I accepted the fact that a pony would be very unhappy living without a pasture and a barn. I was willing to settle for a metal mechanical horse but, when that didn't happen either, I had to reconsider my avocation.
I went through many transformations after that. Once I thought I could fly and wanted to be an airplane pilot. I flung myself on the dining room floor yelling, "Look, Mama, I'm going to fly," then waited an eternity to mysteriously rise above the dining chairs. After that, I was inspired to be an archaeologist like Roy Chapman Andrews. I put together bone kits of dinosaurs until they lined every window. When I ran out of bone kits, my enthusiasm waned and the window space was gone. Then I was going to become a famous detective. I dressed up in two ball caps, one forward and one back and my dad's trench coat. With a bubble pipe in one hand and a magnifying glass in the other, I slothed my way through my preteen years.
Then I discovered boys and rest--well I'm not telling the rest.
Happy Trails Ya'll!!
Sarah J. McNeal
http://www.sarahmcneal.com/

I'm Going To Run Away And Join The Circus!

2008-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

I remeber being a child and watching my first circus. The acrobats on the trapeze filled my mind with wonder. So when I had a falling out with my mom (you know how kids are). I decided I was going to run away and join the circus and train to be a trapeze artist. I found out that would have been difficult on an island since they came only once a year and by boat. But how I wished that they were somewhere living in beg tensts and they would take me on as an aprentice.

As authors some of us knew from an early age what we wanted to do. We wanted to write! I was one of them as soon as the words hit the paper I was hooked to being an author. But the possiblities are endless when we are children. So Amira Press authors! Tell us what was your wonderlust dream as a child. Were you going to join the cricus or maybe be a spy in some far off country? Let us share that dream with you!

To Love A Knight-Trailer

2008-08-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

One of my very favorite montage makers Caren (aka poetress)made a fanfic trailer for me once (Blood Vows if anyone is interested) and I knew that I wanted to use her again when I got my first short 'To Love A Knight' published with Amira. Her stuff is so amazing and I'm already brainstorming ideas for a new trailer for my recent short with Amira, Forbidden. I know I'll use her again and I highly suggest you check out her work. She's so wonderfully creative.

Here's the trailer for To Love A Knight. Hope you like it and let me and/or poetress know what you think!

Featured Authors for August Crymsyn Hart and Sarah McNeal

2008-08-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Amira press has two more extraordinary authors for you today! Fro the month of August Sarah McNeal and Crymsyn Hart are in the spotlight. Their books are spectacular and here you can learn more about them!

Crymsyn's words....

Hi All,

I'm Crymsyn Hart, one of the numerous authors, here are Amira Press. I have been writing for years ever since I was a teenager and found my favorite series didn't end the way I wanted. So I decided to rewrite the whole thing. At the time, I didn't have a typewriter or a computer so I had wrote everything. That was fun! I went to school for Creative Writing at Emerson College which is right in the heart of Downtown Boston, by Boston Common and The Boston Gardens. I lived, worked, and enjoyed every minute of it. During school, I worked as a psychic at one of the Nation's oldest Psychic Salons called, The Tremont Tearoom. Working there opened my eyes to a lot of interesting people and a lot of interesting things to say the least. During my time there, I found a lot of inspiration and a lot of life changing events. Based on my experiences there, like doing seances for Halloween, having a ghost of dead cobbler bang on the bathroom door when no on was there, and seeing forms and things I can't explain, many of them had influenced my writing.

Many of my books are about ghosts, vampires, shape-shifters, anything that goes bump in the night. I've always had a fascination with the supernatural even before the psychic thing. Not many people know that I can read cards, tell the future, and also talk and see the dead. Yes, I really can see dead people. They tell me stuff too. I watch scary movies to give me inspiration and gory vampire movies to get me in a better mood. I have a coffin door hanging on my living room wall, skulls all around my house, and five bookcases filled with books. Oh yeah, I also have a husband who love the darkness just as much as I do.

As most people can guess, my favorite color is black. Samhain, Halloween to the non-witchyfolk out there, is my favorite holiday, and my favorite food is Cheesecake. What most people don't know is that the first horror movie I saw when I was four was Poltergeist and it put the fear of stuffed clowns in me. Don't like them to this day. Love the movie though. My favorite vampire movie of all time is a hard tie between Subspecies and Near Dark. If you've never seen them, go find them and watch them. They're great.

My bookshelves are filled with mostly vampire horror novels. I have some romance only because I have picked up a very slim amount of Romance novels that I read. I am a huge fan of Jean Auel, Christopher Moore, and Gael Baudino, when not reading in the vampire novel. Besides the YA novels I read, some fantasy, I have books on Paganism, real life vampires, and a mishmash of everything else sitting on my shelves.

Currently I have three books out with Amira Press, A Conspiracy of Ravens: A Raven Saga Book 1, Fur & Feathers: A Raven Saga Book 2, & Midnight Mocha.
My Raven series is set to have 13 books when I am done. Whispers in the Dark Book 3, and An Eternity of Shadows, Book 4 are coming soon with Amira Press. I'm currently working on book 5. My Ravens are all cursed men who can only be men during the three days and nights of the full moon. Any other time, they are Ravens charged with protecting special humans. With thirteen members in the flock, each one gets there own book, hopefully.

I've just finished A Taste of Darkness which is a stand-alone sequel to Midnight Mocha. So if you all love vampires, go check it out.

Bio:

Crymsyn Hart’s worlds are filled with luscious vampires, gorgeous gods, quirky witches, and brooding shifters.

Crymsyn is a psychic who worked in Boston while attending Emerson College. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing. When she gets bored, she sneaks away to local cemeteries and coffee shops to find peace and quiet. Crymsyn shares her life with a small zoo including two playful puppies and her hubby Mark.

If you come after dark, you’re more than likely to find her snuggled up with a gory horror movie, or a bloody vampire movie.

Blurb:

Coffee is heaven for Sophia. Alex is as delicious as his Midnight Mochas that he makes especially for her. Sophia keeps her distance because she is promised to another. However, she secretly lusts after Alex. Alex desires Sophia, but he keeps himself away from her. He masquerades as an ordinary coffee shop owner, but it’s a ruse to protect his dark secret. Alex is a vampire who wants g to claim Sophia as his own. There’s only one problem. Another vampire has set his sights on Sophia. Will Alex win her heart in time? Or will he loose her forever.

Excerpt:

Sighing, I slipped into some jeans and an old T-shirt of Drew’s he had left behind. I used to like to confiscate his T-shirts. It was a godsend we’d never moved in together so I didn’t have a lot of his stuff to give him back. I sauntered into the kitchen and put water on for coffee. I’d only had instant these past three weeks, and I was seriously craving a Midnight Mocha, but I hadn’t scraped together the nerve yet to go in and order one. There was a knock on my door as I was about to sit down. The sudden rap startled me. I was way too skittish these days. Monsters. Vampires. What was next? Hobbits on stilts? Or Drew with more flowers in hand, begging me to marry him? My hand closed around the door handle. I took in a breath expecting Drew to be on bended knee when I opened the door.

On the other side stood Alex, looking as normal as anyone.

I drew in a breath, trying to shush my frantic heart. Instinct kicked in and told me to run, but I stayed my ground even though fear penetrated every muscle.

“Hi, Sophia.” His voice was a low whisper. A black, mid-length leather jacket hung over dark slacks and a tan shirt. Sunglasses hugged his face so I could barely see his eyes. In his hand was a cup of coffee. I inhaled and realized it was my favorite. Boy, he knew the way to a girl’s heart. The heady aroma of the drink made my mouth water. I swallowed my fear as he took his glasses off and slipped them into his pocket. Underneath the dark lenses, his eyes were as dark as the coffee concoction he held.

“Hi, Alex.”

His eyes searched mine. “Can I come in?”

“I thought your kind could come and go as they pleased since you’d already been invited in?”

His lips turned up in a chuckle. “That’s just a myth. We don’t need to be invited in. I just didn’t want to barge in since it’s rude, and I figured you might not be happy to see me after . . .”

I looked down at the carpet. The rug was a weave of gray, pink, and tan. I’d never noticed the hallway carpeting before. My gaze settled on his shoes. They were black leather and looked soft, expensive. I can do this. Part of you still wants to jump his bones. He’s bringing you a peace offering. Let him in. The fear in me receded. My mouth suddenly became dry like someone stuffed a thousand cotton balls into it. I forced my gaze back to his chest. The more I studied him, the more my body warmed to the thought of having him naked in bed with me. Finally, I nodded. My eyes quickly met his and I tried to stop the burn coloring my cheeks. “Well. Umm—”

“Sophia, I can go if you want me to.”

I heard the disappointment in his voice and it stabbed my heart. The way he said my name was like a caress I felt on my cheek. I didn’t want him to go. I yearned to be in his arms with his lips finally on mine. Yeah, he was a vampire. I’d been dealing with that fact for three weeks. Did it still freak me out? Oh, hell yeah! But I couldn’t just let him walk out of my life. That would be blasphemy. He let out a long breath, inferring my silence to mean I didn’t want him around. This time, I met his gaze, almost daring him. I locked my eyes with his. Moving out of the doorway, I saw his smile return.

“I don’t want you to go, Alex. I want you to stay. This is just all a little eerie. ” I leaned on the door and shut it as he walked in and took stock of my apartment. The kettle was beginning to whistle, and I wove into the kitchen and shut it off before the noise got annoying. When I turned around, Alex appeared in the doorway. I nearly landed on the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I took a long second to catch my breath.

“I’m sorry.”

My hands were shaking. I hated that they were, but I couldn’t stop them. When I opened my eyes, the coffee he had brought was on the counter. I gripped the cup and tried to drink the liquid but couldn’t because my hand was going a mile a minute.

“Shit.” I forced myself to try to calm down. There was a space between me and Alex that hadn’t been there before. I hated it. A chasm had opened between us and there was no bridge to get to him.

“Sophia, I’m making you uncomfortable. I’ll go.” He turned to move out of the kitchen. I set down the coffee cup, reached out, and grabbed his arm.

Now my whole body shook. “No, Alex. Please don’t. This—you—it’s fucking strange.”

Gripping his arm, I noticed he was all muscle. I wondered if all of him was. He looked deep into my eyes. For a moment, his hunger flashed, but he reined it in. He was as tense as me.

“I know. I should’ve told you. I didn’t what to spook you, but I guess I did. I didn’t mean to hurt you the other night.” His voice was low, hypnotic enough that the tone lulled me a little into calmer waters. His fingertips traced the places on my neck where his claws had nearly pierced my flesh. At each stroke, warm tingles started to zing through my body, touching my toes and engulfing my heart. I swallowed as my mouth got even drier. His eyes never left mine. We were both transfixed. His other hand rested on my hip. The warmth of his fingertips burned through my jeans. My breathing increased. I was scared of him, but the anticipation of being so close and yet so far made my cravings for him irresistible.

“Alex?”

“Yes?” His fingers pressed lightly on my pulse point before he brushed a piece of hair from my face. His nails grazed along my cheekbone. I stepped in a little closer so my breasts pressed against him. Tentatively, I rested my head against his chest and let my hands wrap around his neck. A sigh escaped my lips as I relaxed in his arms somewhat. Like the original moment, he stiffened and then let his palms sit lightly against my back. I inhaled and smelled the mocha on his jacket. His hair was tainted with the aroma along with a hint of vanilla and shampoo. Everything in me felt so right in his arms. Even though my mind was screaming because of what he was, I felt safe.

“Sophia.”

I lifted my head, making sure my cheek brushed against his, so I could meet his gaze. “Yes?”

He paused. We were so close.

Crymsyn Hart
www.ravynhart.com
www.myspace.com/ravynhart

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sarah's Words....

I’ll try not to bore you with the nostalgic reminisces of my youth, details of my day job or how much I struggled to become a published author. I wouldn’t want to cause a tidal wave of yawn factor. I would, however, like to tell you the things that our author liaison believes would be of interest to you.
I am the author of THE VIOLIN, an almost true story of my Uncle John. He was all the wonderful, adventurous things he appeared to be as the hero of my novel including traveling around the U.S.A. and Canada on his Indian motorcycle with a traveling opera show out of New York. He had just graduated from college as an engineer when he drown while fly fishing with his friends. He was only twenty-one years old. According to my dad, young women in large numbers from two counties attended his funeral. I inherited his violin. Because I never knew him because he died in 1927, I often wondered what he would have been like if he had lived. So I invented John Douglas based on what others said about him in his short but illustrious life. I’ll put in a blurb and excerpt from the book a little later.
The funniest thing I ever did is more like the most ridiculous. As punishment for being too gregarious in my eighth grade class, I was to write a two thousand word theme on why it was important to be silent in class. Feeling the punishment over-reached the bounds of fair punishment, I decided, in a weak brained moment, to write my theme on toilet paper. My teacher saw no humor in it what-so-ever. I can’t imagine why. Though I was a hero among my classmates, I only doubled my punishment by another two thousand words and it was made perfectly clear that it was to be on notebook paper.
Among the many dumb things I’ve done was an incident that happened while I was with my Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia. My parents volunteered to go with us to help chaperone my unruly troop. A friend of mine and I thought it would be wonderful to see how far out on the ocean we could paddle with our plastic raft. Off we went. At the age of eight I was fearless. I didn’t realize how far out we had gone until I looked up to see my parents running up and down the beach waving their arms like a couple of mad ants. I suddenly realized I couldn’t touch the bottom and there was a possibility of SHARKS! My friend and I panicked when we began to struggle against the current and our fear. A lifeguard had to come and get us. My parents were too terrified to punish me thank goodness.
Although Dahlia wanted the wildest thing I ever did, let me just say that, what happened in my youth, stays in my youth. I was by no means an exemplary young woman.
My day job that has supported me and mine through thick and thin will be ending April first 2009 when I retire. I’ve done about everything there is to do in nursing, but being an adrenaline junkie, I’ve always been drawn to critical care. The last twelve years have been in the emergency room. I’ve learned a lot about human nature there. Although I’ve used some of my experiences as fodder for stories, I do not ever want to write about medicine.
I love Mexican food and strawberry ice cream. My favorite snacks are marshmallow peeps and popcorn.
My favorite color is purple but, if I wore it, I would look like Barney the dinosaur.
I am a member of Defenders of Wildlife and The Humane Society of the United States. All of my pets are rescue animals, Kate the Golden Retriever and both cats, Acorn and Liberty. I care deeply about the humane treatment of animals and our environment. Yep. I’m a “tree hugger.”
I am an active member of RWA and my local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers and I am the online workshops coordinator. The workshops are wonderful and I enjoy the support and help of my fellow members. I’ll be happy when I retire and I can attend the monthly meetings once again.
Right now I am working on two novels. One of them is Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride, a time travel/historical that takes place in the old west. Here’s an excerpt from it.
HARMONICA JOE (WIP): Excerpt

Lola tried to squirm away from the brute but her movements only seemed to tantalize him even more. Before she could fully absorb what happened, the burley man was swept off his feet by a booted foot belonging to no other than Harmonica Joe.
A loud “oof” escaped the big man as he hit the dirty floor. He pulled Lola on top of him as he went down.
Joe drew out his gun and, for a moment, Lola thought he was going to shoot the man. Instead, Joe flipped the gun over impressively in his hand with a fancy twirl and slammed the butt of it into the man’s hand holding Lola’s hair forcing him to let her go. With Joe’s free hand, he grabbed hold of Lola’s upper arm, dragged her off the man and pulled her to his side. He slid the gun back into the well-worn leather holster that rode on his slim hip.
“You ever touch my wife again, I’ll make you a cripple in more ways than one, Clarence.” He shoved Lola toward the door and then out onto the wooden sidewalk. Stopping suddenly, he let her go. Peering down into her eyes, his own an intense indigo, his expression turned stern. “Well, Lola, are you through playing games? I don’t have time for your shenanigans so make up your mind. Either you can come on home with me where I can protect you or you can go on your way and take your chances.”
What had she gotten into? The choices did not seem that good. “What’s to say you won’t just use and abuse me the way that terrible man in there would have?”
Joe laughed without mirth. “I’d sooner roll down a mountain side in a bale of barbed wire than try to get betwixt your legs, lady.”
Not exactly appreciating his assurance but feeling a bit safer with him than with the fleshy man in the saloon, Lola relented. “Fine, I’ll go with you until I can figure out what to do about my situation.”
He took long strides to the black Morgan horse waiting patiently for him, mounted up into the saddle then leaned over extending an arm to Lola. “Well, come on then.”
She clasped his hand and he pulled her up onto the back of his horse where she was forced to cling to his waist or bounce off the backend of the horse. “Damn you, any way.” It was all she could think to say to maintain her dignity.
“This isn’t exactly how I planned on starting out our married life.” Before she could respond to his sarcastic words, he chuckled. “Ma warned me about hell cat women like you. She was sure that’s the way I was headed though and, sure enough, here I am.” He turned his attention to the sleek, black horse. “C’mon, Black Jack, let’s get on home.”
“What a prophet your mother turned out to be,” Lola responded sardonically.
As Joe guided the horse down the street and out of town, he reached down and took hold of her bare foot. “There’s two things you’re going to need right off, a pair of shoes and your own horse.”
As Lola bumped along on the rear end of Joe’s horse, she wondered who this other Lola was. Nobody seemed to like her much. Was she a tainted woman? A thief? How would she ever prove who she really was? Would anyone believe her? It took sheer will to stop the chaotic thinking in her head. She had to concentrate on what was happening right now and figure out a way to get back home into the twenty-first century.

My other novel length project is The Light of Valmora, a dark fantasy. Here is a blurb.

THE LIGHT OF VALMORA BLURB

To free his father from the Queen of the Dark Isle, Falcon must find the legendary Light of Valmora which lies hidden in the darkest place on earth. To complicate things further, he is falling in love with Izabelle, his brother’s woman.

Once rejected by Peregrine, Izabelle wants revenge. But when she tries to use Falcon to initiate her plan, everything gets out of control along with her heart.

I am also working on a short, scary story for Amira Press’s Halloween give away and have a short story that I just finished for charity, breast cancer, called I Promise that will be included with a story from another writer. I haven’t found a home for it yet. I do have two books published through New Concepts, The Dark Isle and Lake of Sorrows.
I enjoy photography, especially old architecture and music. I play the violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica—none of them well. Right now I’m trying to teach myself how to crochet but I think it’s a lost cause.
Here is the blurb and an excerpt from THE VIOLIN:

THE VIOLIN by Sarah J. McNeal (Blurb)

Genevieve has dreamed about him all her life, but it isn’t until she buys his violin and finds the remnants of his life and the mystery of his death within its case, that she makes a decision that will change her life forever. Is there a way to change the past and save the man who haunts her heart?

Excerpt

When she looked up, John was smiling at her in a way that made her heart skip.

Genevieve became acutely aware of John’s hand over hers. The heat went straight up her arm into the middle of her chest where it burst into flame. She gasped involuntarily at the burn she felt and the fear that followed it.

John leaned down and peered into her eyes. She tried to avert her glance to prevent him from reading her thoughts, but John curled a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “What’s going on here? Did you feel that?”

She stepped back and looked at the gathering of people around her, all who had died years ago. Jesus, was she walking among ghosts? Was she dreaming? Maybe she had a concussion. She swayed, feeling woozy, uncertain and afraid.

“I think she’s going to faint again,” Matilda said anxiously.

John stepped toward her, took her upper arms firmly in his hands and said decisively, “Look at me, Genevieve. That’s it. Just focus on my eyes and the sound of my voice. Now, take a deep breath. That’s right. Now take another one. That's much better. I see the color coming back to your cheeks. There now, I think you’re going to be just fine.”

“Maybe she needs to go in the house and lie down for a while. This night air is most likely giving her a chill,” Matilda said.

“Just settle down now, Tilly,” Will said, “She’s going to be fine.”

John slipped his jacket over her shoulders, most likely to please his mother who apparently believed in the evil chill of night winds. “Come on, Genevieve, I’ll walk you back to Sealy’s. You look like you could use a good night’s sleep.”

Genevieve nodded her head. “Yes, yes that’s what I need to do.” She looked at John’s family and said, “Thank you so much for a wonderful day. I don’t know when I’ve ever felt so welcome.”

Matilda walked over, took Genevieve’s hand, and patted it. It felt warm and motherly. “You’re welcome back any time, Evie. And I’ll be expecting you on Saturday to help me with the baking for the church picnic.”

“I’ll try to make the time,” Genevieve answered not sure where she was going to be even minutes from now.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Beaumont,” said Will and tipped his broad-rimmed hat.

Jimmy fell in step behind Genevieve and John with his dog wagging its tail and panting along side. “I’ll get Sky Chief to fly for you when you come back,” Jimmy said, throwing a rock into the air and catching it.

John turned around and jutted out a thumb on his right hand. “Get on back to the house, Jimmy. I’m not going to have you tagging along behind us.”

“Fiddlesticks,” Jimmy moaned, “You’re no fun at all. Come on, Guess, we’ll go back and have another piece of pie without Mister Bossy. We might eat the whole thing and leave nothing for him.”

He turned back, grabbed up a stick and threw it. “Go get it, boy.” He started laughing as he chased the dog back toward the house. “Goodbye, Evie. See ya soon,” he called back to her as he ran down the road after his dog.

John sauntered along side Genevieve down the dirt road toward the hotel. The hotel was not that far, little more than a mile from the Douglas’ house. John was quiet most of the way. They rounded the curve in the road just at the end of the churchyard. The hotel was just on the other side of the curve but still out of sight when John stopped.

“I think you’ll be safe now. I best get on back to the house,” he said, looking down at her with a look she couldn’t read in the darkness.

“Goodness, yes, I’ll be fine,” Genevieve answered with a sigh of relief. She didn’t want him to start asking questions if no one knew her at the hotel.

He took her hands in his and just looked at her for the longest time before he spoke. When he did, he sounded almost sad. “Remember me,” he said softly. He took a little shaky breath. “I mean remember that day after tomorrow you’re coming to the house to help Mama bake. I’ll meet you here about noon and walk with you to the house. Maybe I could take you for a ride on my motorcycle after all that baking.” He smiled down at her.

He had a beautiful smile Genevieve thought. “Unless something prevents me, I’ll be here,” Genevieve replied. She didn’t want to leave him here. God knew what was around the other side of the curve. She might never be able to get back. She might never see John again. Her heart felt like a stone in her chest. She wanted to say something but words wouldn’t come to her.

As if he sensed her dilemma, John pulled her to him and laid his cheek on the crown of her head. “Don’t worry so much, Genevieve. Every thing's going to be all right.” He said it quietly, almost like a prayer.

You can find me at my website, www.sarahmcneal.com, weekly at the Amira Press
Author’s blog and also every Monday where I do a weekly blog at The Moonlight Romance Authors: www.moonlightromanceauthors All good things to your corner of the universe.
Sarah J. McNeal