Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Welcome Author Stacey Brutger! Excerpt and Contest!


Please welcome Author Stacey Brutger to the blog.  She is having a contest for a $10 Amazon card if you visit her site and comment!  www.staceybrutger.com.  


Blurb:
Everything changed when Raven, a natural born conduit, accidentally walks in on a slave auction. She only wants a night out with her friends before her next case as a paranormal liaison with the police. Instead, she ends up in possession of a shifter and his guardian. When your touch can kill, living with two touchy-feely shifters is a disaster waiting to happen.
To make matters worse, a vicious killer is on the loose. As mutilated bodies turn up, she can't help fear that her new acquisitions are keeping secrets from her. The strain of keeping everyone alive, not to mention catching the killer, pushes her tenuous control of her gift and her emotions to their limits. If they hope to survive, they must work together as a pack or risk becoming hunted themselves.

Excerpt:
“In or out?”
“Excuse me?” Raven whirled, her gaze unerringly finding those of a man...no, a wolf in human form who stood a little over six feet. He towered over her by at least half a foot, forcing her to take a step back in order to meet his gaze without cricking her neck.
Damn touchy-feely shifters. They didn’t have any boundaries or understand the concept of personal space, especially between unclaimed men and women.
Fresh air clung to him, relaxing some of her initial surprise at finding him so close. Though handsome, there was something a little too masculine about him, a little too purposeful in his actions that left her unsettled. She resisted the urge to fidget, glad she took care to make herself as forgettable as possible. Dressed in black, her distinctive, silver-tipped hair pinned back like a prim schoolmarm, she little resembled the carefree, underdressed partygoers who frequented the place.
“I said are you going in or out?” Dark brows lowered in annoyance, and those deep brown eyes shone brightly in the hallway, revealing his animal nature. Power wrapped around him, barely leashed, rubbing against her. It didn’t hurt, though it wasn’t quite pleasant either. More of a brusque probe to find out if she was a threat. The taste of his magic revealed he had no interest in her.
She stepped aside to let him pass, refusing to shrink in front of him, taking care to ensure they didn’t touch. He didn’t seem to notice, not even sparing her a glance. He just grunted, gliding by on silent feet. The noise of the club rose as he entered the room beyond.
Raven pried open her clenched fingers, finding them reluctant to obey. Though she should be pleased, his dismissive attitude annoyed her. Despite having a very small portion of the shifter genetic make-up, her mind blared a warning that all males inside would have the same reaction. Like was attracted to like, and she most definitely was not one of them. Not really, despite all the tests conducted on her as a child. Tests the labs performed to find out how much control she had over the animal counterparts locked away at her core. A core that gave a low rumble at his easy dismissal.
“Don’t mind him. He can be an ass.”
Raven jerked at the masculine voice, surprised to find herself not alone. She’d shut herself down so hard she’d inadvertently blocked some of her senses. A costly mistake. Especially since her animals liked to come out to play when she shut out the very electricity she used to keep them at bay.
“My fault.” She pushed the words past her constricted throat. From now on, she would stick to business and shove the personal nonsense the girls always spouted into the garbage where it belonged. She could deal with her gift by herself like she had all her life. Plans were in place if the worst came to pass. “I should go.”
When she went to retreat, the boy, who had to be no more than eighteen, stepped in front of the exit, barring her way. “Don’t. Please.”
The tremble in his voice drew her attention. Instincts sharpened. Then she noticed the slave collar clamped around his throat.
The delicate threads of metal, a combination of silver and gold, marked him as a slave to the shifter community. Welts beaded on his skin where the silver encircled his neck, and she couldn’t prevent her lips from curling in disgust.
She understood the aching need to belong, but she couldn’t condone the process. How could a person permit another to use them just to earn a place in the pack?
“Why do you do it?” The question slipped out without thinking of the consequences.
No retaliation came. More surprising, he didn’t appear angered at her question. Pack always held their business close to their chest. Unless you were a fur-and-claw-carrying member of the club, you didn’t need to know.
A sad look passed over the boy’s face. “The collar protects me more than if I remained rogue. Without it, I’d be bottom to everyone. If I’m accepted into a pack, they’ll protect me.”
“Unless they kill you first.” Rogues don’t last long past their prime out in the open.
The lean man who stood so proudly before her didn’t look to be the threatening monster everyone claimed about rogues, the reason for their unspoken, kill-first law for unregistered rogues.
He shrugged. “Those are the rules. Unless you’re born into the pack or challenge and kill for your place, you have to earn your spot.” An uncertain smile tipped the corner of his lips, an expression that didn’t settle easily on his face. An almost indistinguishable sheen of sweat clung to him.
The people inside were like animals in the way that if they sensed fear or weakness, they singled you out. After years of practice, she made an art out of blending into the background. The boy had no such protection.
“Maybe you’ll find me inside.” Without waiting for her response, he disappeared into the club, leaving the scent of defeat. Anxiety. And more damning, hope.
Raven debated the wisdom of leaving against all that she could gain. If the boy could face the crowd, then so could she.

Title: Electric Storm
Series: A Raven Investigations Novel
Author: Stacey Brutger
Release Date: April 8, 2012
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 340


My next book, The Demon Within, a paranormal romance, will be coming out later this year. If you like demons and cursed angels, you won’t want to miss the first book in this series.


Thank you for having me on your blog!
Visit my site for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift certificate.
Contest closes on Friday at 6 pm cst.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Welcome Author Jasmine Haynes (Interview, excerpt and contest)

Please welcome author Jasmine Haynes to my blog.  She has decided to grace us with a wonderful interview and excerpt of one of her books.  She is going to have a give away a PDF copy of Revenge Sex to one lucky person, so please leave your name and your email address along with a comment and stop by and follow her on her blog/website @ www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com from April 2-15.   Now on to the interview and  an excerpt from Submitting to the Boss.


Bio:
Jasmine Haynes, Rita Finalist for Somebody’s Lover, plus two-time Holt Medallion and National Readers Choice Award winner, is the author of over 30 classy, erotic romance tales. Look for her West Coast series, starting with Revenge Sex. Of course, she’s also the author of the award-winning Max Starr psychic mystery series. And don’t miss her writing as Jennifer Skully, KOD Daphne award-winning author, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry.

Interview:
Thanks so much for having me on your blog! I had such fun answering your questions. And here they are!

How long does it take you to write a book?

A full-length novel, including revision and editing time, takes four to five months to write. Novellas, of course, are much faster, I can write one in about six to eight weeks. For a novella, there’s usually no subplot, so it takes a lot less time, and the most important thing is the emotion.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in high school. I was 17. I took a creative writing class, and we were supposed to write two short stories. I asked the teacher if I could write a novel instead and turn in chapters. She was delighted! It was a gothic romance, which is what I loved reading. And it was all handwritten!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m a big walker. I live in mountain foothills, and there’s a nearby state park where I can hike. I’m also close to the beach, so it’s always fun to walk down there, too. My mother is a great walker as well, and I visit her every other week, where we take a nice walk (at her speed), and play lots of cards. She loves card games. And of course, I enjoy my movies and TV shows in the evening! We just finished watching Game of Thrones and The Killing, both of which I loved.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve published over 30 books. Fool’s Gold (under my pseudonym Jennifer Skully and recently reissued as an ebook) is my favorite. It’s a romantic comedy with a mystery thrown in, and the little town the story takes place in, Goldstone, was patterned after the town where my brother-in-law lives. It’s sort of a derelict place, but there are so many fun and interesting characters living there. I loved writing about that little town. And some of the background in the story comes from stories my brother-in-law told me, like the outhouse excavating and the Twinkie caper. You’ll have to read it to find out more! The first book in the “Cottonmouth series”, as I call it, is She’s Gotta Be Mine. Brax, the sheriff, is a major character in the first story, then gets his own story in Fool’s Gold. Readers can learn more about Cottonmouth at www.jenniferskully.com


Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I have three suggestions for new writers. First, take classes and learn your craft. There are a ton of online writing seminars out there to choose from. Second, find a good critique group or partner. Another eye is always good for pointing out flaws we can’t see ourselves. And third, finish the story. Don’t endlessly rewrite. I’ve seen a lot of writers who can’t get past the first few chapters because they keep rewriting them. BTW, I know you don’t have that problem, Nikki!

Which of your characters is your favorite?

Ladybird Long in the Max Starr series is my favorite character. She is my hero Detective Witt Long’s mother. I enjoyed writing her because she is so opposite to him. She’s ditzy and flightly, and she talks to her husband’s ghost. She first appears in the series in book 3, Desperate to the Max. And meeting her gives my heroine Max totally new insight to Witt. She loves how he treats his mother: slightly embarrassed but very loving. The series starts with Dead to the Max and there are currently five books. The love story between Detective Witt Long and Max spans all five books in the series, and in my opinion, it’s heartwrenching. The series is chock full of psychics, ghosts, visions, murder, and romance! Readers can learn more about the Max Starr series at www.jbskully.com

Have you ever been surprised by a controversy among fans or reviewers - for example, you created a character without thinking too much about what people would think of him, and found some readers loved him and some hated him?

LOL, funny you should ask! The biggest controversy I ever had was on Kinky Neighbors, the story I did as a free read on my blog, but it’s also available as an ebook on all the major Internet retailers. I totally did not expect readers to get so into the characters, especially the bad girl, Cat. They had all sorts of things they wanted me to do to Cat to make her pay. I really enjoyed the discussion. And luckily, it appeared readers were pleased with what I did in the end. However, I’ve had many requests for a sequel so people can find out what happens to the characters, and here’s a little secret I’m going to reveal to you and your blog readers first! I’m planning a sequel, the length of a short story, I think. I’ll call it Kinky Neighbors: Cat and Logan’s Comeuppance!

Tell us about your newest release.

I’ve started a new novella series called the “West Coast” series. I’ve created a small company in Silicon Valley, peopled with hot, powerful men and sexy ladies, and there’s a lot of naughty hijinx going on. It’s what I call a “hot-wifing” series in that some of the heroines in the stories have multiple partners with their boyfriend’s or husband’s permission. The first story is Revenge Sex, about a sex triangle. For my romance fans, there is always a happily-ever-after, even if it isn’t strictly traditional. Revenge Sex came out in December, and in March, I released the second book, Submitting to the Boss. I have at least 2 more stories planned in the series, but of course, that could always grow! Readers can learn more about the West Coast series on my website, www.jasminehaynes.com

What can the readers expect from you in the near future?

I’ve got some reissues planned. My two stories from Twin Peaks have never been offered in ebook format. So I’ve gotten the rights back for those two and will be releasing them as the Prescott Twins: Double the Pleasure and Skin Deep. These are actually my first two stories that were published, and I really enjoyed writing about twin sisters whose personalities are polar opposites. They’ll be available at the beginning of May and the beginning of June.

I’m also going to start a new paranormal series. I absolutely adored an old book called The Reincarnation of Peter Proud, and I’ve have always wanted to write about reincarnation. So I’m going to write the Haunted series: Twisted by Love, Haunted by Love, and Possessed by Love. Readers can expect something more along the lines of my Max Starr series, with a bit of paranormal, a dash of romance, and a big mystery!

Where can we find your book(s)?

My books are available at all the major Internet retailers, and of course, the books I write for Berkley Heat are in bookstores now. Readers can visit my website to learn more about my books, www.jasminehaynes.com, www.jenniferskully.com, and www.jbskully.com. I also do free reads on my blog and I love new readers: www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com. I will be giving away a PDF copy of the first West Coast book, Revenge Sex, to one randomly selected commenter on my blog from April 2 to April 15. And I’ll do the same here for commenters on your blog, randomly select one winner. So readers have two chances to win!



Now here's the promised excerpt of Submitting to the Boss!



West Coast, Jasmine’s new series about sexy hot wives and the men who love them.

In Revenge Sex (Book 1), Ruby Williams broke a few too many rules. In Submitting to the Boss (Book 2), she’s about to get her comeuppance.

A woman who still needs to learn her lesson, and a man oh so willing to train her...

Ruby Williams completely underestimated her live-in lover. She thought she had him wrapped around her little finger, and she could do anything she wanted without any consequences. Now she’s just another dumped woman bemoaning her fate.

Then her boss, West Coast Manufacturing’s CEO Holt Montgomery, calls her into his office and gives her the punishment she so richly deserves.

Holt is determined to show Ruby the error of her ways with his own special brand of dominance and submission. Her sexuality now belongs to him, and he’ll give her permission as to when, where, how, and with whom she’ll use it. From voyeurism to exhibitionism to more than one man at a time, with a little tying up and a lot of spanking, Ruby discovers she likes following a man’s rules. But she still won’t let a man have the upper hand.

Can their naughty affair move from just sex with the boss to something more lasting? Or will Ruby learn her lessons a little too late?

Drop by Jasmine’s blog, www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com to read the first chapter of Submitting to the Boss. Then here’s a brand new excerpt! But be warned, it’s explicit!

Submitting to the Boss
West Coast Series, Book 2
Copyright 2012 Jasmine Haynes

Chapter Two

Never in his four-year history with Ruby Williams had Holt witnessed that deer-in-the-headlights look in her eyes. It wasn’t Ruby’s style. If you looked up self-assured woman in the dictionary, there’d be a picture of Ruby right beside it.

More gorgeous than a forty-year-old woman had a right to be, with dark hair falling past her shoulders, deep brown, very knowing eyes, and long legs that made a man dream of running his hands up them to the hem of her short skirt, Ruby had no doubt of her sex appeal. She was efficient yet never cowed, sexy in her choice of clothing—some might even say halfway to being slutty—but always professional in her dealings him and any visitors to his office, be they subordinates, vendors, auditors, or customers. She was his gateway.

Yet after four years, she was about to become more.

Holt folded his arms over his chest and regarded her with a steady gaze. “Stand up,” he ordered.

She was elegantly tall, and he especially enjoyed her spiked heels, which put her on eye level with him as she rose from the chair. A creamy vee of cleavage was bared above the jacket of her less-than-staid suit. Her full breasts were a mouthwatering sight, and her lips were painted a ruby red to match her name. At the moment, however, they were minus their usual seductive smile.

“What’s this all about, Holt?”

“Pull the blinds.”

She glanced over her shoulder. The window view was of the lawn, a few shrubs, West Coast’s monument sign, and the road curving around to the freeway. It was unlikely that anyone would glance in his window, but his plan called for the privacy of closed blinds.

“But Holt—”

He cut her off with a look. “By not obeying immediately, you’ll make the punishment worse.”

“Well—” Obviously on the verge of arguing, she stopped herself this time. She actually bit her lip momentarily before realizing what she was doing. Ruby wasn’t a lip-biter or a hand-wringer. “So I’m supposed to just do whatever you tell me to”—she raised a brow—“then everything will be the way it was?”

He allowed long seconds to pass before he answered. First he unbuttoned his suit jacket. Ruby’s gaze fell below his waist. Her eyes widened. He’d been making plans, and planning had made him hard.

“Nothing will be the way it was,” he said. “Everything has changed. Close the blinds. Now.”

Ruby swallowed. She had the long, beautiful neck of a swan. He imagined touching his tongue to the hollow of her throat, tasting her. Those were the kind of thoughts that made him harder still.

Ruby took a step back, toward the bank of windows behind the sofa, as if she were afraid to turn her back on him. Finally she pivoted, skirted the coffee table, and leaned with one knee on the sofa to reach the pull. The blinds snapped closed. It wouldn’t be dark for another three hours, but the shades bathed the room in shadow.

He shoved the chair she’d been sitting in back beneath the conference table, then stood in the center of his office. “Come here,” he demanded.

Ruby had never taken orders from anyone, not even him. His management style was in the form of polite requests that, nevertheless, didn’t take no for an answer. For the most part, his subordinates followed those requests. The few times someone hadn’t—suffice it to say, there was only one chance per customer. The next time he made a request, they jumped. Ruby had never been a problem, but his requests had never been out of line.

Tonight, however, they were going way over the line. And he wasn’t allowing her to say no.

Ruby knew it, too. She stood in front of him, a foot and a half between them. He could smell her perfume, something light and a little sweet, definitely exotic. And he could scent her. Musky, warm, all woman.

“You will do everything I say without question.”

Ruby blinked, and her lips parted.

He sensed an argument and ruthlessly shut it down. “There will be severe consequences for every infraction.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you going to fire me?”

“I will never fire you. There are other things worse than that. Undo your jacket.”

A pulse beat at her throat, but her bravado hadn’t completely deserted her. “I don’t have anything on under it except my bra.”

He gave her a steady look. “I know. I’ve always known exactly what you have under there.” He let that sink in.

Her eyes flitted across his face, assessing, analyzing, wondering. Then she slowly raised her fingers to the buttons of her jacket. It was short-waisted, cream-colored, fitted, and hugged her large breasts. Her fingertips were the same ruby red as her lipstick. There was nothing like red nails wrapped around a man’s flesh.

She did what he’d ordered and no more. The lapels hung open slightly, giving him only a glimpse of the lavender lingerie beneath.

“Take it off,” he said, recognizing the huskiness in his own voice. It was his turn to swallow, his throat suddenly dry with anticipation.

Ruby slid her nails up the jacket’s lapels, then slipped under, pushing it off her shoulders and shrugging it down her arms until it fell to the carpet. Her nipples were tight beads beneath the lavender lace. Underwire plumped her breasts, held them high, a hint of dusky aureole peaking above the cup.

His mouth watered.

It wasn’t polite to entertain serious sexual fantasies about your friend’s lover. Unless you were invited. Clay had never invited him, and Holt was a stickler for propriety.

But Ruby had cheated, and Clay had left her. They’d been together for three years, and though their relationship had ended, Holt still didn’t poach on another man’s territory. So he’d briefly outlined his plans and requested Clay’s permission to carry out Ruby’s punishment. That was all they’d talked about, no gory or explicit details, very little explanation, and no rehashing of the relationship.

Permission granted. Ruby was now his.

Bra and skirt, he wondered. Or bra and panties? “Take off your skirt, but leave the heels.”

Ruby didn’t protest this time, reaching behind, unzipping. The skirt dropped to the carpet, pooling around her shoes. She stepped out of it.

And stole his breath.

Minuscule thong panties cut high on the hip, a barely there thatch of trimmed hair showing through the lavender lace, which matched her bra. Her stomach was flat, her hips rounded, her thighs beckoning a man to slip between them.

He reached out, tracing a finger along her collarbone until the tip touched the strap of her brassiere. He slid it off her shoulder. She looked elegantly debauched.

“Perfect,” he murmured. Though he was supposed to be the one in charge, he found himself mesmerized. Ruby was extraordinary. He almost lost focus.

He brought his gaze back to hers and met the knowing look in her eyes. Ruby knew her own power. She needed to learn that his was greater.

He stepped aside, pointed. “Bend over, elbows on my desk,” he instructed.

Her brows knit with a question, but she was smarter than to ask it.

“Now,” he emphasized.

She stepped forward, leaned over, and assumed the position, ass in the air.

Jesus. Ruby’s ass in her short skirts was delectable, but framed by the thong, the creamy globes were mouthwatering.

Moving in on her, Holt cupped his hand and slapped her sweet tush hard, fingers in a downward slant that connected with the warmth of her pussy.

Ruby squealed.



Thursday, March 29, 2012

Erotic Romance Madness Hop May 10-14 2012 @ TRR

Hi all just a little blog hop going on at The Romance Reviews!  Info below come on and join the fun!
Permission to repost:

Erotic Romance Madness Hop

Love Erotic Romances? Join the madness from May 10 to 14, 2012! The Romance Reviews is organizing an Erotic Romance Madness Hop. Meet like-minded readers, get new followers! All while we talk about books that we love. If you're interested to join and you satisfy the requirements below, please fill in the form. Requirements: 1. You must be blogging about erotic romance for at least 6 months. 2. You must have at least 30 followers. Please help us spread the word by blogging about this. Get the poster here: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/ (scroll down a bit and you'll see it.) Deadline to register: April 30 Some Hop details: (to be finalized) 1. In your Erotic Romance Madness hop post, you should showcase one erotic romance book. Tell us why you love this book! 2. You should provide at least one giveaway for the commenters on your blog/site. 3. TRR will provide 3 grand prizes! All bloggers and commenters are eligible to vie for the prize. More details to come, and these will be sent to you via email, so please make sure your email address is valid and correct. If you have any questions, send an email to carole @ theromancereviews.com (take away the spaces). Thanks!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Who's Who Wednesday Author Louisa Bacio




Hello everyone, let's please give a warm welcome to Author Louisa Bacio! She will be giving away her book The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf! For your chance to win please follow this blog, follow her blog (http://louisabacio.blogspot.com) and leave a comment with your email address where the book can be sent. Now on to this great interview!



1) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Fortunately, I’ve always known what I wanted to do, and I was talented enough to earn money writing as a career. I started writing poetry about Garfield when I was 7 years old. In junior high and high school, I was on the yearbook staff and I won my first short story contest in high school. In college and grad school, I worked for the school newspapers, and afterward I got a job in magazine editing.

2) What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Insane. I honestly have an insane “work” schedule. If I think too much about it, I get nervous. Seriously, in addition to writing, I teach college (at multiple schools), work part-time in an office, edit books and magazines, do some freelance writing. All of that doesn’t include being a mom, and wife, and working on self-promotion. I also volunteer with my local RWA chapter, Orange County. (And they have meetings twice a month.)

Oh, wait, back to writing: If I’m on a strict (coming quick) deadline, the I write much more often. Honestly, I try to do at least an hour a day, or 1,000 words. That means it should take me two months to write at 50,000 word book, but usually with life and edits I need three months. While I write late at night, I edit during the daytime when the brain is “fresh.”

3) Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Sometimes I wonder myself. As a trained journalist, I’m a good observer. I like to watch others, and listen to conversations. On a daily basis, I’m struck by something that sounds like it could be a good story. Some those elements may work their way into a storyline. I also like looking at the “calls for submissions.” Most of the time, I think: “I’ve got nothing for that!” and then an idea pops up a few days later. Most recently, it was a call for erotic threesome re-tellings of mythology. I submitted by short story to that anthology, so fingers-crossed!

There are times when the characters speak to me, too. Further in the interview, I mention an upcoming release, Chains of Silver. As soon as that book was finished and submitted, I thought of a sequel that continues with Silver’s storyline. She’s not finished yet. Now, to only have the time to write it!

4) Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

You know, hon, one of my goals is to help you become a published writer! Seriously … Be honest with your writing, and let your creativity flow without boundaries. One reason why I write late at night is because I turn off my filter. Drinking alcohol doesn’t seem to work well for me because after two glasses of wine all I want to do is sleep! But, put it in the story and you can always take it out … if you feel like you need to.

5) If you were to do your career as an author again, what would you do differently, and why?

That’s an extremely difficult question to answer. I’ve been fortunate to sell a few short stories to Ravenous Romance, and then met with Editorial Director Lori Perkins, who also owns the L. Perkins Agency. She took a chance on me with offering a contract for an as-yet-unfinished book. I sold on proposal. I also ended up signing with one of her agents, Saritza Hernandez.

Overall, I’ve been very fortunate. That said, maybe I would have started finishing my novels sooner. I finaled in a writing contest about six years ago, and an editor requested a full. I never sent it in because I was finishing a second master’s degree and then undergoing infertility treatments – two extremely stressful events. But if I hadn’t taken this path, then who knows where I may have ended up?

Mostly, I don’t believe in regret … just moving forward and embracing one’s past.

6) Have you ever been surprised by a controversy among fans or reviewers - for example, you created a character without thinking too much about what people would think of him, and found some readers loved him and some hated him?

The more I write, and am published, I’m learning that people have such varied tastes. When it comes to erotic romance, I go for pretty much everything. When my first book, Sex University: Physical Education was released, I received some negative reviews because while it’s primarily a M/F novel, it contains one voyeuristic M/M scene and a F/F scene. The reviewer wanted straight M/F without any same-sex, but me it’s a sex school! Anything goes. (And it wasn’t the primary characters involved with someone else.)

With The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: A New Orleans Threesome, I’ve had a few reviewers/readers say that they love Lawrence, the vamp, and Trevor, the were, but why did Lily have to come along? Personally, I like reading M/F/M ménage. I like putting myself into that scene. But, others don’t want it. So – for them, and me – I’m working a on Christmas-themed prequel right now titled The Vampire & The Werewolf. Law and Trev were together for five years before Lily came along, and I’m going to give a peek into that storyline.

7) Favorite dessert?

Can I really eat anything I want, without gaining weight or getting sick from it being too rich? If so, it would be some sort of rich, creamy chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and vanilla ice cream. Sigh. Something most don’t know, I’m lactose-intolerant and can’t do that too often! But, I can dream about it. What I get in real life are Smartees or Licorice.

8) Favorite way to relax?

As a writer, it’s a good thing that one way is actually writing. When I haven’t for a while, I get all tied up in knots and nervous. I’ve always said, too, if I wasn’t a writer, I’d be a chef. So being alone, in the kitchen, and creating something fabulously delicious is a turn-off. (Having to do it with two kids, hubby and two dogs underfoot gets annoying.)

9) What TV shows do you watch?

Survivors ready! Yes, I’m a long-time Survivor fan. I also regularly watch Castle, Body of Proof and Ringer. OnDemand, I tend to choose shows like Food Truck Race and Chopped! But, with two small kids keeping up with shows can be tough. I stopped watching True Blood after the first episode this summer because my kids got up and came inside five times in the first 15 minutes. With all the wild sex and violence, it’s not something you want your 4-year-old seeing!

10) Tell us about your newest release. 

I’ve got a “coming soon,” that has been turned in but hasn’t been given a release date yet from my publisher, Ravenous Romance. Follow my blog for information.

The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf 2: Chains of Silver

Adopted at birth, Silver Ashe discovers her blood-brother Trevor Pack is a werewolf, with a vampire and witch for lovers. All her teachings about the evils of the paranormal Others come into question. She runs to a family friend, Nick, for help.

Nick Stake takes his hobby as a vampire hunter personally. He strives to rid the world of evil bloodsuckers. When his best friend’s “kid” sister comes to him for advice, Nick discovers Silver’s more than grown up. He battles his growing desire for Silver and blindly holds true to his convictions.

Once Silver reaches her sexual maturity, she’ll inherit her full genetic heritage and turn into a werewolf. When death comes calling, Silver and Nick must face their darkest fears in order to break free from the chains that bind.

Where can readers find you (What websites, emails etc)?



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Who's Who Wednesday Author Kathleen Grieve


Our Who's Who Wednesday Author is the lovely Kathleen Grieve.  Please make sure to follow this blog and Kathleen's  blog (http://www.kathleengrieve.blogspot.com ), along with commenting on this blog and leaving your email address as Kathleen will be doing a book giveaway to a lucky winner!  

Now on to the wonderful interview!

1. What do you think makes a good story?

Characterization and conflict. I love a well developed, sensitive hero and a strong but vulnerable heroine.

2. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

So many things…firefighter, veterinarian, journalist!! But ended up as a registered nurse with a flair for the dramatic. LOL

3. What quirks (flaws) if any do your hero and heroines have?

I think I have inserted a few of my own quirks/flaws into my heroines. My very first book that I wrote (completely awful and shoved into a drawer BTW) my heroine is a klutz. Faith Daniels, in The Doctor’s Deception has an obsession for chocolate. In Dating 911, Roxanne Carter loves to bake, finding the entire process cathartic and a way to relieve her stress. Dr. JJ Jones, the heroine I’m currently working on loves useless mindless facts. You will see her in the next novel of my Dating Series, Dating Impossible. The last novel of my Dating Series, Dating Trouble will be Ambra’s story. She is a bit selfish, but I think with good reason. She’s a work in progress and I’m still working out her goals and conflict.

4. Which of your books was the easiest/hardest to write?

The easiest? My first one. The completely awful, shoved in the drawer, been rejected multiple times book! LOL. I had no idea what I was doing. The characters are written flat and two-dimensional. The conflict is weak… Too much passive voice… I could go on and on. But I do love the characters, though and someday, plan to pull it out and fix all of its flaws.

The hardest? Right now, that is the paranormal/erotica wip that I started that has tried to monopolize my time. It’s called From Lust To Ashes and my heroine is a Phoenix with some unusual powers of persuasion. I have excerpts of this on my blog and have received some very positive responses. What makes it hard is that I’m dabbling in something I’ve never tried before, but that also makes the project very exciting!

5. Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
The only reviews I have are from The Doctor’s Deception and it was received more than positively! I couldn’t have been more humbled by how well it was received. As Dating 911 will begin making the rounds, I’m more than nervous. This book is not the sweet romance that The Doctor’s Deception is. My hero, firefighter Jett Avery is in a very dark place. It was difficult to balance his posttraumatic stress disorder with the levity I like to write. He toed the line a couple of times, pushing my heroine, ER nurse Roxanne Carter passed her comfort zone…I really have no idea what people will think.

That being said, reviews are important. They are a tool for readers to use when choosing which books to buy on limited budgets in this age of a sour economy. Most of the professional reviewers out there try to be more than fair and everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Not everyone is going to like or even love the same types of stories. The passion for reading is very personal.

6. Favorite dessert?

Cheesecake…and of course anything chocolate!

7. Tell us five things about you, that we wouldn't know.
1-I think most peeps know that I’m a nurse but they may not now that I work night shift at the hospital because I am soooo not a morning person. I don’t function before 3pm in the afternoon. 2-The music on my iPod contains anything from Alice in Chains and Seether to Brad Paisley and Toby Keith along with some jazz and big band swing music. 3-I’m dating a respiratory therapist. 4- The older I get, the less tolerance for stupidity I seem to have. 5-I’m half Irish and half Mexican and extremely laid back.

8. Tell us about your newest release.
Dating 911 is my release from Evernight Publishing and is the first book in my Dating Series. Here is the Blurb:

Emergency room nurse, Roxanne Carter is a loser-magnet wishing she could enjoy her single life. Commiserating with girlfriends over butterscotch martinis creates the idea of The Dating Manifesto--a not so scientific research project which promises to point the way to dating success. While gathering data to find the most suitable single men available, she wades through a series of unsavory, stale dates, which literally places her back at ground zero. Just when she is ready to give up, sin personified in the form of sexy firefighter Jett Avery, arrives tainting all of her previous data.

A traumatic warehouse fire, in which firefighter Jett Avery's closest friend dies, has him suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Attempting to stave off the worst of his depression, he decides to use his brand of therapy...Sex. The remedy has lost luster until he encounters ER nurse Roxanne Carter.

The pursuit of Roxanne by Jett's twin brother, Doctor Cruz Avery, complicates her research and interferes with Jett's therapy. Does Roxanne choose the brother who by analysis is the perfect match? Or the broken, dark and irresistible one?

Excerpt:


She held up her hands, palms facing toward him. “Stop. This is a hospital. Not some stupid television show where the medical staff is always making out in a closet. I work here. Don’t even think about it!”

Jett closed the distance between them until her hands pressed against his chest, searing their imprint through the thin cotton of his T-shirt. He grasped her fingers and lifted them to his mouth, licking the sensitive tips with his tongue one by one. Heat filled her eyes and she trembled.

“You feel the pull, too. Don’t you?” he asked, dropping her hand.

Jett slid his hands to her waist, and molded her against his erection. A perfect fit. Her sharp intake of breath as she shook her head told him all he needed to know. He smiled. Satisfaction filled him.

“Liar. Shake your head in denial all you want, but I can see the reflection mirrored in your eyes, and feel the powerful draw when I touch you,” he said in a husky tone. He rubbed his stiff cock against her stomach. The intensity of his desire eliminated all reason.

Jett buried his face in her neck and breathed in her sweetness. “Hmm. Today you smell like chocolate.” His tongue traced the delicate shell of her ear as his hands stroked her bare arms. “But you taste like honey.”

Her knees bent and he placed his leg between hers to support her. On the brink of total insanity, he continued his light exploration. His hand skimmed her torso, and skirted the side of her breast. With slow, deliberate care, he let his fingertips graze her collarbone on the way to grasp the back of her neck. Another tremor rippled through her.

God, she felt so damn good.

She tilted her chin and her head rested in his open palm. “Jett,” her sultry voice caused his penis to throb. “This is not a good idea. Anyone could come in here and….”

He pushed his thigh against her crotch. She inhaled sharply, desire deepening the blue of her eyes. “You were saying?”

Her brow furrowed. “And…”

“Intoxicating being a little naughty, isn’t it?” he rasped. He gently tugged her face closer to his. “Hmm. I believe you mentioned the other night that your most recent sexual exploits have been lacking. Let’s add something of interest for your science venture.”


9. What can the readers expect from you in the near future?


Well, I have 2 more books in my Dating Series to come, Dating Impossible and Dating Trouble. I also have 3 other books in progress one I’ve started to call Heart & Soul about a loveable matchmaking ghost; Temperatures Rising is a tentative series about a group of nursing students; and From Lust To Ashes, my paranormal erotica wip. All of these I have shared and will continue to share pieces on my blog, http://www.kathleengrieve.blogspot.com In fact, the entire first chapter of From Lust To Ashes is posted on there.

10. Where can we find your book(s)?


Amazon.com and www.evernightpublishing.com

I have buy links posted on my website www.kathleengrieve.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Who's Who Wednesday Author Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy!




Our newest Who's Who Wednesday Author is Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy! Let's give a lovely welcome to her. And for one lucky winner, when you follow this blog, Lee Ann's blog http://leeannsontheimermurphy.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment with your email on this blog. Lee Ann will be offering up to the winner a choice of one of her available titles! Some come on join the fun!

Bio:  Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy is a full-time romance author. A native of the old historic city of St. Joseph, Missouri, one time home to both Jesse James and the Pony Express, she now lives and writes in the beautiful Missouri Ozark region. Her romance novels include Wolfe’s Lady (December 2010 Evernight Publishing), Love Tattoo, (March 2011, Evernight), Love Scars (June 2011, Evernight), Love Never Fails (May 2011, Rebel Ink Press), Kinfolk (July 2011, Champagne Books) and The Marriage Cure (Astraea Press). Other works scheduled for upcoming publication include four other novels, short fiction in several anthologies and more.

Her work also appears in nine anthologies to date. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Missouri Writers Guild, EPIC, The Ozark Writers League and Paranormal Authors Guild. She earned a BA degree in both English and History from Missouri Southern State University as well as an AA Degree in Journalism from Crowder College. She worked in broadcast media for a decade and has also worked in the education field.

She is married to Roy W. Murphy and the couple has three children, Emily, Megan, and Patrick Murphy.

If Lee Ann – or Lee as many of her writing friends know her – isn’t writing, she’s reading or spending time outdoors.

In Neosho, Missouri, the small town she now calls home, she serves on the local library board, is active in the annual Relay For Life fight against cancer, has worked with the local Arts Council, and is active in her parish.

 Now on to the interview.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
It's crazy and since I'm writing all the time, everyday, weekends, holidays, my life's more than a little crazy too. I'm up early to tend my blogs, emails, etc before the family's up and I'm often still at the computer late. I work around everything else and try to keep it balanced.


How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
By the end of 2011 I will have nine novels out plus several novellas, a novella and three novels so far for 2012, one unsold novel and multiple works-in-progress. So a lot, I guess. Picking a favorite novel would be trying to pick a favorite out of my three kids - I love them all. That said, I have to admit that Guy's Angel, a historical romance set in my old hometown in 1925, is very close to my heart. The setting came out of my grandparents' stories.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Write, write, write. Learn to write as concise and clean as possible. I've learned so much from edits and I'm still learning. Write the story that only you can - never worry about what may trend or what's popular.



What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?
That's a good question. I've worked in broadcast radio doing a little bit of everthing, on air work, writing ad copy, voicing commericals, all of it and loved it. I also spent some time substitute teaching and considered getting teacher certification to do it full time. But my dream job if I wasn't an author would be to run a restaurant, a traditional old school place with daily specials. I grew up hanging around the fringes of the restaurant business - two of my aunts, at different times, had restaurants. Before I went to school, I loved playing around my Aunt Mackie's restaurant, filling the spring loaded napkin holders, etc. When I was in high school, my Aunt Janet and Uncle Bill owned a restaurant. On one visit to see them, I ended up cooking short orders. I also worked in restaurants in my high school and college years. And my mom's grandparents owned restaurants back in the day. I love the hustle and bustle, the rattle of dishes, the customers, and all of it.

If you were to do your career as an author again, what would you do differently, and why?
I would get serious sooner. When things really began to take off for me, I had made writing a priorit in my life, treating it like a job. That means that I sat my rear down at the computer everyday, that I worked whether I wanted to or not, and got serious.


Have you ever been surprised by a controversy among fans or reviewers - for example, you created a character without thinking too much about what people would think of him, and found some readers loved him and some hated him?
The biggest controversary I ever stirred up was in one of my newspaper columns. I've been a newspaper columnist in various places for more than twenty years. One of the larger papers that I wrote a Sunday column for is a regional one that extends coverage into four different states. That one was an opinion column and when Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" came out, I couldn't believe how people were being affected by the movie so I wrote my column with the headline "It's not holy - it's Hollywood". I still stand by that, too. I'm a person of faith and in my Catholic religion, we focus on the events depicted in the movie each Easter season. The events are holy but the movie? It's just a movie. But my opinions sparked a firestorm of comments and controversary. Some people hated me, predicted I'd go to hell, and the paper ended up dropping me as a columnist not long after. No worries, though, I found a new gig!



What TV shows do you watch?
I don't watch a lot of television but shows I like tend to be different and quirky. Thanks to my daughters, I've become a fan of Supernatural and those Winchester brothers. Some of my favorites aren't on air right now but include Dead Like Me and Paranormal Cops. I love Billy the Exterminator and I watch several old retro shows like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie.



Tell us about your newest release.
My next up release is a romantic suspense story, Witness Protection Program, and it will be out from Rebel Ink Press October 3, 2011. It's a good story about a woman in the federal witness protection program whose cover is blown so she's whisked off to a safe house. She falls for the federal agent and against all rules, he falls for her too.


What can the readers expect from you in the near future.
I've got Witness Protection Program , my second Champagne Books release, A Time To Love (A time travel romance) is out now, and Sing We Now of Christmas, a poignant little love story out from Rebel Ink Press on December 3, 2011. I have three (so far - I expect that number to rise) coming out next year from Rebel Ink Press including Guy's Angel and a novella from Champagne Books that has Elvis as a character, Long Live The King.

I also have stories in several anthologies coming soon - Jack O'Spec from Raven Electrick Press, Stories From The Hearth from Woodland Press, Midnight Seduction from Evernight Publishing, Stockings and Suspenders, also from Evernight, and a stand alone short from Silver Publishing out October 29 (a Halloween story, romance and speculative) called "World Without End, Amen".


Where can we find your book(s)?
Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Coffee Time Romance, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, just to name the first few that come to mind. Some are available through the publishers including Champagne Books and Evernight Publishing.



Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy:  Romance That Lives And Breathes The Power of Love!

Love Never Fails, Rebel Ink Press now available in paperback, all other titles in ebook format

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Never-Fails-Sontheimer-Murphy/dp/1937265056/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_6

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Who's Who Wednesday Author C.R. Moss



Let's all welcome author C.R. Moss to Epically Romantic. An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities. For more about the woman behind the keyboard, visit www.crmoss.net.



1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 


A: I’ve been working toward a career in writing for as long as I can remember. I had been creating stories since I started to read, but the thought of writing for a living solidified when I was in middle school and received an A in English. I looked at the grade and that’s when my life was defined. I realized I could do it. From that point on, I put pen to paper to get my thoughts down and made sure to take classes appropriate to learning and honing the craft. I did Creative Writing and Drama in high school. My BA from Rutgers College stems from a concentration of courses in Communications and English. I’ve even taken a couple of novel writing workshops where I was mentored one-on-one by a Kensington author. Now, there are the classes at the conventions, conferences and through the local RWA chapter that I attend, which helps to keep me writing. So, yeah, it’s been in my blood a long, long time.

2. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

A: Snippets on television, news headlines on the web, songs on the radio, the interesting things people say and my dreams influence my writing and give me ideas. On occasion, I do composites of people/events. I’ll take a basis of a person/event and mix it with quirks, mannerisms, personalities, situations of other people/events.

3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

A: I listen to music that puts my mind into a specific frame of reference for the type of story I’m writing. The genres of music I’ve been known to listen to are spa, alternative, new wave, country, Flamenco, etc. If I'm still particularly stuck, I'm known to light incense.

4. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

A: Geez, we’re talking almost thirty years ago. LOL! I remember I referenced popular music in it and submitted it. Don't remember where & it was rejected. Broke my little pre-teen heart.

5. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

A: I watch a lot of television—catch up on DVR’d shows, watch movies and educational type shows. I read. I’ve also been known to crochet, which keeps the mind occupied and helps me relax. Plus, I can make presents for the people I care about.

6. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

A: For all wannabe authors—learn the craft. This means grammar, characterization, plot, etc., all the good things that go into a story. You might be able to ‘tell’ a good story, but if you can’t write it by showing what the characters are doing/feeling and making it read well, your writing career won’t go anywhere. Get involved in a critique partnership/group. Learn the non-creative side of the business as well. Be prepared.


7. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A: There was a very short time period when I was young that I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I thought of teaching. But when it comes right down to it—the one constant throughout the years—I’ve always wanted to write, be a published author. And, here I am.

8: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

A: For dinner, Dakota from Wild West Weekend. He's a handsome cowboy who's easy on the eyes and would make a nice dinner companion. For dessert though, I'd have sexy demon Ash (from my Dirty Little series). Who would I least like? There aren't any characters who I wouldn't have dinner with. They're all interesting in one way or another.


9. What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

A: I've held such a range of jobs trying to find the right combination of something to bring in income while I worked on getting my writing off the ground that I now realize, if I couldn't write, I would have to do something that dealt with creativity. I danced when I was younger, drew, sang, played some instruments, did some acting…I need a creative outlet. Maybe I would pursue something behind the scenes in the movie industry like I thought of doing when I graduated high school, but finances at the time prohibited me moving across country to go to LA. Or go into the music industry in one form or another.
10. If you were to do your career as an author again, what would you do differently, and why?

A: I started writing in the 80’s and seriously took it on in the 90’s. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to just do it, get something written, put myself out there and don’t wait to pursue my dream or let excuses get in the way.


Where can readers find you (What websites, emails etc)?
Readers can find me at:
Website: www.crmoss.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crmoss
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CRMoss

Blog: http://www.crmoss.blogspot.com/

Thanks for having me on your blog! It's been a pleasure.


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Who's Who Wednesday Author Casea Major


Help me welcome Author Casea Major for Who's Who Wednesday Author Spotlight!  Casea Major will be giving away her ebook Pinnochio Syndrome to a lucky winner.  To be entered please comment on this blog with your email, along with following this blog and the author's blog at http://caseamajor.wordpress.com/!  
Now on to the interview!


How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on how long the story is. Generally a full-length 75-100K takes me two months to write the first draft. A short story takes about a week.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I write/critique/read anywhere from 12-15 hours a day, seven days a week - all the time.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I get inspiration from many sources but generally I use other books (the Bible quite a bit) and music.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I completed my first novel in January. I was 29 for the 12th year in a row. ;)

How many books have you written? Two full-length novels and three short stories

Which is your favorite?
Whichever one I'm working on. The Pirate Princess is my strongest writing but I really enjoyed writing my short story Pinocchio Syndrome. I laughed so much writing that story. The Implanting is my first manuscript and it is my heart. It is my favorite.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a soap opera actress. If that failed, I wanted to write them which is pretty much what I do now.

Which of your characters is your favorite?

My favorite character is the divinely inspired Petra, a blonde-haired, brown-eyed nobleman in the mystical land of Jastain. His Gift of Implanting includes diplomacy, animal speak, and the taming of wild beasts – which makes him the perfect match for the feral pirate, Charlee. He's unassuming, lighthearted, and a man of exceptional quality and character. I call him my Mary Poppins "practically perfect in every way", which oddly enough is what seems to get him into trouble. He was rejected by the heroine in The Implanting but finds his Happily Ever After in The Pirate Princess.


Tell us about your current release.

I have a current release with New Dawning International Bookfair, Pinocchio Syndrome. It's a humorous erotic take on the Italian fairytale, kind of like Pinocchio meets the Sopranos.

Tell us about your next release.

My next release is a 1NS story titled One Knight in Brooklyn. It's loosely based on Robin Hood. Sick of trying to find Mr. Right in a world of Mr. Right Now, Marianne seeks the services of Madame Eve to introduce her to a romantic knight who will sweep her off her feet. But what she gets is Robert, a crass car salesman from Brooklyn and a zany adventure in Sherwood Forest.



Thanks for sharing your time with me. Please leave a comment and let me know you stopped by.

You can find out more about me and my books at Major Romance Blog Spot or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaseaMajor.