Who's Who Wednesday Author Alexandra O'Hurley

Let's all welcome Author Alexandra O'Hurley to Epically Romantic.  Alexandra will be giving away a PDF copy of All's Fair In Love and Lust.  So to get in on the  chance to win, please visit her website (http://alexohurley.blogspot.com/) and follow it, as well as clicking follow on this blog and when you comment on this blog leave your email address so you can be contacted if you are the lucky winner!  Now on to the interview.

How long does it take you to write a book? It really depends on the story and my distractions, but I can usually finish a novel in about a two month window or a novella in one. But life and work happens, so I do my best to just keep at it.


Are you anything like your heroines or heroes? I think any writer has a little piece of themselves in each and every character. But I admit that each one of my heroines has quite a bit of me in them.


Where do you get your ideas for your books? Gosh, I really wish I could tell you. I have had ideas come as dreams, researching an idea that has lead to new ideas, a simple comment from someone else, or even some guy walking out in a sports uniform from a convenience store one day gave me a spark of 'oh!'. I think our muses speak to us all the time. We just need to keep our eyes and ears open.


How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? I currently have nine published/contracted pieces ranging from two shorts in two anthologies, two novellas and five novels. My favorite? Whichever I am working on! I think the story consumes you when it is in your head begging to get to the page. But if I had to choose, I would have to pick The Lottery.


Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing? I read them. Most creative people have a slight narcissistic side to them. We want people to like our work. It feeds the fire to continue creating. And I do take note of some of the critiques, especially if it something I hear repeatedly. But I also have to be true to myself and my vision. You have writers who are all about the money and will write any ole crap to get it out there. And then you have the ones who see their work as above reproach and they refuse to change it to fit the market. I am that writer in between. I want to make a career from this, so I need to listen to my audience/publisher, but I also want the writing to be good and the story to draw the reader in. At least that's my hope.


What do you like to do when you're not writing? I work full time and go to school part time. So when I am not writing, I sleep and eat. Both of which I excel at, by the way.

What does your family think of your writing? My 15 year old calls my books "those smutty things" and my mother refuses to read them due to content. But they are very proud of me. I actually got an earful one day when my mother didn't know I was there. It almost made me squirm it was so gushy.


Tell us five things about you, that we wouldn't know. One, I went to culinary school. Two, I originally wanted to be a History teacher. Three, I build websites. Four, I have two spoiled dogs. Five, I went to four different elementary schools in the fourth grade alone.


Tell us about your newest release. I have several. Night of the Dragon was released August 26 from Evernight Publishing and All's Fair in Love and Lust was published September 27 from Siren Publishing. Being Improper will be out October 7th from Evernight. The Midnight SeductionAnthology includes my short Going Berserk, and it will be out in mid-October.

Where can we find your book(s)? I have multiple publishers, so the easiest way would be to go to www.alexandraohurley.com, but they are available on Barnes and Noble Online, Amazon, Fictionwise, ARe, Bookstrand, and my publisher's websites - www.newconceptspublishing.com, www.evernightpublishing.com and www.bookstrand.com.


Thanks for having me, Nichelle!

Review: Busted by Lizze Lynn Lee

Title: Busted
Author: Lizzie Lynn Lee
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Ebony Dreams
Author: Lizzie Lynn Lee
Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing

Release Date: March 2011

Book Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

Blurb:
James and Anna are hiding their relationship from her father. Or are they?


Review:

If you're looking for a short read that will excite you, this is it. Another short page that just wowed me. Ten pages of heat. I loved this. Loved Anna and how she went for what she wanted no matter the circumstances. James desires Anna and when Anna has him in her sights, no matter his protests, she is going to go for what she wants. Even if that means her father is near and her lover James has to try and act as if nothing is going on. Will they get caught? That remains to be seen, but let me tell you the ending is excellent.

I will be looking for more from this author. I do hope she has more out.

Five stars for packing the heat in such a little space.

Review  posted: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3321 and www.goodreads.com

Make Me Sweat

Title: Make Me Sweat
Author: Avril Ashton
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Ebony Dreams
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Release Date: June 2011
ISBN: 9781926950563
Book Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Multi-cultural/Multi-racial Romance

Blurb:
Charged with planting a listening device in the office of a dangerous nightclub owner, Ever Marcille accepts an invite from her target to indulge in some naughty play. She didn’t count on their mutual, insatiable need, or the many ways his closely guarded secrets are intertwined with hers.


Undercover federal agent Simon Dakin has one thing on his mind, catching the arms dealer known as Ghost. That’s until he spies the mysterious woman at his bar. Time after time she comes in, teasing his senses. Starring in his fantasies. He promises himself one night with her in his arms, but a single taste isn’t possible. He’s hooked.


Even as their secrets intrude, Dak and Ever succumb to their desires. But time is running out. Secrets past and present must be revealed. Can their new-found feelings survive the many blows, or is this over before it even begins?


Review:


A sexy and sultry read. One satisfying erotic tale.


MAKE ME SWEAT was one explosive read, sexually and emotionally charged at a non-stop pace that I loved. I could not put it down, and when I had to, I was drawn back to it. I fell immediately in love with Ever and Simon. There is nothing like reading an erotic romance novel and feeling everything the characters are going through and holding your breath as you read it. I wanted to be Ever and be just as swept away by Simon as she became. Ok I admit it, I pretended I was her and I was definitely swept away. *wink*


The love scenes were hot, fun, exciting and had me panting for more. Explicit language, hot and kinky sex, paired with hot characters kept me drooling and wanting for more. Right from the get go, Avril Ashton shows you that guns, secrets, a sexy hero and an exciting heroine makes for a story that you will not want to put down. There is a lot of suspense in the story which keeps your attention and doesn't waver so that you are left wanting. I found myself wanting to pick this book up even when I needed to be doing something else. Avril Ashton's story not only follows through with body tingling sex, she also packs a wallop with the action and keeps the reader engaged and invested in all that is happening.


Oh, Ever, Ever...you lucky gal you. Simon Dakin is hot, sexy, dark, thrilling, intense and amazing, all the things one wants in a hero and a lover. And I have to mention the secondary characters Jayce and Wes are to die for too. Hint, hint, Ms. Avril Ashton, another book would place this reviewer in heaven. This book is a keeper and one that I will read over and over again! It is a must read.


Five stars for erotic content, sexy alpha men, a heroine who can take care of herself and not wanting to put the book down!


Review also on: www.goodreads.com and http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2756

Her Texas Billionaire Oil Men

Series: Raw Texas Heat (# 1)
Release Date: April 2011
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc
Page Count: 141
Source: Ebook provided by the author for review
Rating:  Lovely Rose (rating system at Romancing the book)

Blurb: Rugged Texas billionaire oilmen Jake McKenna and Brody Quinn head off into the mountains of Montana for a well-deserved month-long vacation. There's plenty of good hunting and fishing around the isolated ranch house to keep them occupied. Things heat up when they decide it's far more exciting to hunt their beautiful personal assistant, Taylor Matthews, instead. Brody and Jake are Alpha males and very demanding. Still hurting from a recent break up with a long-term boyfriend, Taylor has no intention of making it easy for the temptingly rich and very attractive oil barons. But what's a girl to do? Just fantasize about the two gorgeous guys she works for? Or enjoy all they have to offer?

Review:

I absolutely loved this book. It was one that I could not put down. Let me say that Kayla Knight definitely put some raw heat into this book of hers. The characters are truly lovable and each dealing with issues of their own. Jake and Brody are best friends. Friends who have shared a lot since meeting twenty years ago. That list would include having shared women.


Now Jake is the playboy who will never see himself in love or wanting just one women ever. While Brody has been in love and lost his wife to cancer a year prior. This where the fun starts. Jake wants Brody to snap out of the funk he is in and proposes they take a month vacation. In order for that vacation to happen, they have to find someone who can come with them for that month as their
assistant.


Enter Taylor Matthews. At first glance she seems like an unlikely choice for what Jake has in mind to happen while out on the trip. She has just gotten out of a terrible relationship and dresses mousy. Not someone with whom you would think would be with two billionaires like Jake and Brody. But actually that is the beauty of it. She appeals to them, even under all the mousy clothing and hideous glasses. I like that the men see her potential even through the facade that she cloaks herself in because of her past pain.


Jake, Taylor and Brody all find each other at the right time and are what each other needs to get through the issues that they have. The friendship between the two men are believable and support the fact that they can share a woman together and both love her and still be the best of friends. I liked that. I liked that Taylor brought out the best in both men and in turn her uniqueness was shown.


I came to care for each character and was able to fall in love with them and their story. It is erotic, sensual, spicy, fun, intense, believable story one that pulls you in with each page. I could not put it down, I had things I needed to get done, but every time I turned around I was reaching for this story. Loved it and I recommend it for other lovers of erotic romance with the taste of two cowboys and a sassy female heroine. Also might I add that the suspense though I sort of suspected what might come about still was pleasantly done and the plot very satisfying with a satisfying ending. I will be looking for more from this author.

Favorite Quote: "These guys had been together for so long they'd become intuitive to one another. Now that seemed sexy as hell, and just a little bit dangerous. "Double the trouble" came to mind."

Review posted at: http://www.romancing-the-book.com/2011/08/review-her-texas-billionaire-oil-men-by.html and on www.goodreads.com

What's New Pussycat?

Title:  What's New Pussycat?

Author: Josee Renard

Review Rating:  4 Stars

Reviewed by: Ebony Dreams

Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC

Release Date: January 2011
ISBN: 9781600886782
Book Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

Blurb:

Versa couldn't get that song out of her head, nor the man who sang it while renovating the house next door. Tall, built and tanned, he wore faded jeans and a tool belt and his body drove her wild. Theo had plans for the girl next door.

He'd spent all summer dreaming about her creamy skin and voluptuous body. He'd spent all summer with a hard on. Time to make his move. When Theo and Versa finally meet, the summer temperature turns up. Way, way up.

Review:

A 24-page dynamo. I loved it. It kept my attention and in the end Josee Renard delivered with her vignette, WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT? I have to admit the title is what attracted me when first coming across it. I wanted to see how the song that everyone hates to admit stays in their head could translate over into a romance/erotica short.

Versa and Theo. A hot duo. I loved how Theo used the song "What's New Pussycat?", to reel Versa in. To keep her interested in him, wanting him without even having to touch her. Just his singing made her want him. Now that is one powerful set of lungs. The author was able to develop the romance quite amiably within the perimeters of a short read. Which indeed left me satisfied. I felt that the relationship and the ensuing feelings that developed were quite realistic. The pace of the story is quick, but again, I didn't feel rushed or cheated at all.

The vivid description in the book was excellent. I could actually see it in my mind's eye, hell it was almost as if I could touch and feel everything that was happening. The one thing I can say is that I wished the book were longer. Yes I was satisfied, but I still would have relished more of this read. I do appreciate the fact that the auther let us know in the end how the two end up. Nothing worse than not knowing how characters end up in the end. So every question that one could possibly have about the characters' conflicts are nicely wrapped up.

Sexy, sexy little vignette and I loved every bit of it. The goal was to get the temperature up and indeed that was accomplished. I will be on the look out for more Josee Renard.

Four stars for the heat, sweetness and sexiness all rolled up into 24 little pages!
Reviewed on: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=3066 and http://www.goodreads.com

Hard As Teak

Title:  Hard As Teak

Author: Margie Church

Review Rating:  4

Reviewed by: Ebony Dreams

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Release Date: January 2012
ISBN: 9781605923567

Book Genre: Erotic Romance, GLBT

Blurb:

Kevin Marks escapes to the north woods to reignite his passion for photography and women. But the only flame he seems able to spark is for his latest photography subject, Teak Hildalgo, and Kevin's never been in a man's arms before.

Teak, the raven-haired, photographer's dream come true, is hell bent on capturing Kevin's heart. He takes Kevin, body and soul, on a romantic, sexual journey previously lived only in Kevin's fantasies. And no dream was ever this good, no truth this undeniable.

Will Kevin ever be the same? When the camera's put away, will Teak live up to his name?

Review:

Warning: Anal Sex, Toys and sweet M/M loving. Also for those just expecting M/M, be advised there is also some M/F within its pages.

My first M/M story. I actually loved it. Now, though I have said that from jump-street, let me say I didn't think I would. And no, that has nothing to do with it being M/M. I have read plenty of menage with two males and females on up, so I was ready to see if I enjoyed M/M as much as I enjoy the other combinations. I wasn't disappointed. Let's take the hero of the story first. Kevin Marks is in a relationship with a woman named Chiyo, not feeling a connection for her or anything in his life at this point. So yes, those of you thinking it is a straight M/M book will be a bit disappointed, but those of you who don't mind M/F, you will see it is a necessary part of the book to show where Kevin's head is. I didn't like him at first. I felt that at points he was a little harsh with the women (which didn't seem necessary) around him, but then Margie Church was able to reel me back in with valid reasons for his anger and frustration when it concerned the women in question. This is basically a coming of age for Kevin, one that he missed as an adolescent, trying to conform to what he felt he should do instead of knowing what he truly wanted. His angst made for a well-developed plot, which in the end had all its questions answered. Enter the other hero Teak Hidalgo. Now Teak was lovable from the very beginning. He knew who he was and what he wanted and he made no qualms about it. His resolve and strength complemented Kevin's struggle. He was the teacher of the book, guiding and helping Kevin to gain what he truly wanted and needed. The romantic development between Kevin and Teak was nice to watch. Kevin's actions and reactions to being in love with another man were interesting and I could not put the book down because I wanted to see what developed and how it developed. Margie Church does a grand job of showing the fear, indecision, struggle with who he was becoming and perceived himself to be. The emotions of the character were wonderfully written. There were many emotions that evolved because of the book, there were times where I was nervous, happy, scared and excited. Which is a good thing, because the book held my interest. The dialogue between the two main characters was witty, funny, sweet, tender, respectful and very loving. What one would like out of any type of relationship. They meshed together well and made me want more. The author is very descriptive, which I liked. I think if you're reading something, you should be able to picture it and with the help of the author you get a full visualization of everything that is taking place. The conflicts within the book were tied together nicely in the end and I felt that nothing was left unanswered. I will definitely look forward to reading more M/M and more books by Margie Church. I recommend this book to other romance book readers who want to experience love through the eyes of two great male characters. Of course I must warn those who are offended by a male loving another male emotionally and sexually that this isn't the book for you. But for those who don't mind it, can deal with it, then this is the book for you.

This review is also at http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3075 and on http://www.goodreads.com