Carrie Ann Ryan

New Swag Goodies

2012-02-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hi!

Anyone want any new swag??? To celebrate a great release of A Taste for a Mate I've giving out new swag! Send me an email with your address to carrieannryanwrites(at)gmail(dot)com to get some!

Book Spotlight: Assumed Identity by Lila Munro

2012-02-29T00:01:00.010-05:00

Innocent childhood games of dress-up and pretend…

Julie Stevens is as straight as they come. Or so she tries to convince herself. But it isn’t easy believing that little white lie when she has the two most sexually eccentric best friends on the planet. One is a bi-sexual Domme who believes if it looks fun, try it. The other is a gay man in the role of slave to his very sexy Master whom Julie often wishes wasn’t gay. Dante’s commanding presence makes her want to do things that set her on fire with need and embarrassment. Given her boring vanilla life, how exactly does she fit into their world? Would they like to have a shinier third wheel?

Are a completely different animal for grownups…

After one wild evening and a bit too much liquid encouragement, Julie discovers a side of herself she’s always tried to ignore. The realization she’s a sub not only scares her, it excites her and she yearns for more. But the process of finding the right man to teach her becomes a real issue, until Mason comes along. He’s everything Julie imagines a Dom should be. Armed with her masque and Renaissance costume, Julie is thrown for a loop when the handsome Master draws more willingness out of her than she ever thought possible. Is it possible she’s more than a submissive? And will the assumptions he’s made about her identity end up tearing them apart?

Website / Facebook / Publisher

Lila Munro pens contemporary erotic romance and currently resides on the coast of North Carolina. She is a military wife and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, A Slower Lower Love, A Slower Lower Life, Salvation, Force Recon: Beacon Bayou, Force Recon: Somalia, True Identity and Identity Crisis. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2011-2012. She’s a member in good standing with the RWA and Passionate Ink. Ms. Munro is also the Vice President of Business Affairs at Rebel Ink Press. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://lilamunro.weebly.com , or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com For more information about Rebel Ink Press please visit their website at www.rebelinkpress.com

Writing a Kick Ass Heroine with Sandra Sookoo

2012-02-28T00:01:00.005-05:00

Writing a Kick-ass Heroine

Thanks for having me on your blog today!

Since the theme of this post is writing a kick-ass heroine, what better time than now to talking about my heroine from Ricochet, Willa Rayes?

During the planning stage of writing, I knew I wanted the heroine to be strong. I wanted her to be able to stand up to the men around her and to take chances. Nothing puts me off a book faster than reading about a heroine who’s got the personality of a wet noodle or who don’t stand up for themselves and develop “doormat syndrome”.

Besides, Ricochet is set in a sci-fi world, which calls for a gal with enough backbone to take on the rigors of the world. So, Willa was “born”. She’s got four brothers, all of whom are older than her, plus she’s the only daughter of a famous fighter pilot from her planet. Big credentials to fill and compete against.

Willa’s always been under a shadow, of her brothers, of her father and of other males competing in her line of work. She’s chosen to be a Lingorian pilot like her parent, but she’s doing it on her own terms. She’s got her own brand of swagger because she knows she’s one of the best. She wants respect. She wants attention. She wants love. Unfortunately, as in many cases like Willa’s, these sought-after things don’t come simply because the men in her life aren’t wired to give it.

One of my all-time favorite lines from this book sums up her philosophy: Not that she cared. She wasn’t here for a hookup. She was here to crush egos.

And then she meets Stratton (Sin), who makes no apologies for his chauvinistic, “all about me” attitude. The urge to prove herself and then some to him is strong. And she’s smacked down a few times. Two big egos crashing against themselves nets explosive fireworks. To make matters worse, she’s paired in a race with him.

Also during her encounters with Stratton, she’s taught that maybe she doesn’t know all there is to know about the male/female relationship, and that her ego does tend to get in the way of her interactions with other people. Above all, she’s horrified to discover she’s been trying to gain male attention in all the wrong ways.

Overall, Willa’s one of my favorite heroines. She compromises without losing her identity. She argues, but when she’s wrong, she owns up to it. She supports an idea different than her own with the same passion as she would if it had been hers. And she’s not afraid to show an emotional side and be a “girl”.

She’s the type of gal you want to invite over for dinner, play video games or go to an amusement park with. I can totally see her doing shots at a bar or watching football on Sundays. Just don’t ask her to go to a tea-tasting or clothes shopping!

So what about you? What type of heroine do you prefer reading about?

Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is spicy or sweet, she loves to blend genres and often times will add humor.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. If she’s not writing, she’s keeping things interesting at her Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband, who patiently answers questions she has about men and/or sci-fi-related subjects.

You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website at www.sandrasookoo.com or look her up on Facebook and Twitter. All links are provided on the front page of her website.

Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Believing is Seeing blog: http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

Willa Rayes, only daughter of a legendary Lingorian fighter pilot, can fly any ship in the galaxy. Better than her brothers, in fact. But does that get her any respect? Not as long as she has breasts. Winning the Nebulon Trike will not only force her family to notice her, it’ll be her declaration of independence from men in general.

Then she meets her race partner, Stratton Sinnet. Arrogant and chauvinistic, he ignites her libido like no man ever before. And threatens to send her well-planned strategy straight to hell.

A bounty hunter by trade, Sin enters the Trike for one reason: money. Somewhere among the racers his quarry is hiding, but he’s not worried. He always gets his man, and winning the race will be a nice bonus. It sure would be a hell of a lot easier, though, if he wasn’t saddled with a know-it-all navigator who’s getting on his last nerve—and under his skin.

As the checkpoints go by and the danger escalates, the fight for control, the lead—and satisfaction—approaches supernova heat. Burning away their resistance, and the tough shells that protect their one vulnerability…their hearts.

Excerpt

At the moment, he to see how far he could push her, find out what she was made of. “Go for it, kita. I love a good challenge.”

Her eyes narrowed.

Stratton grinned. He’d called her bluff, and she had nothing to back up the words. Even so, a tiny twinge of disappointment caught him off guard. Why did women only want to interact with him on a carnal level? It might be nice to have a heated discussion or argument that had nothing to do with what he could give them physically. “Well, I guess we know which one of us deserves this seat, huh?” He swiveled the chair around to fully face her, and the tip of his nose came dangerously close to her bust line.

“You deserve this.” Before he could react, she stomped down hard on the instep of his right foot. “For now, I’ll let you have your way, but from here on out, you’ll have to fight me for the privilege of pilot. I’ve worked hard, struggled for every achievement I claim, and I refuse to let a louse like you take that away. Do you understand?”

Pain radiated through his foot and shot up his calf. Not for worlds would he show her the juvenile action had hurt. Swallowing down a string of vulgarity, he gave her what he hoped was an insolent grin. “Perfectly. If you don’t get your way, you’ll have a hissy fit. Gotcha. Typical spoiled little rich girl.”

“Bastard.” She spun on her heel, bending slightly to retrieve the handheld device.

“At your service.”

Sandra will be awarding a gift bag of travel sized Bath and Body Works products in Charmed scent to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/Canada only please) Be sure to follow the tour here.

What Makes Vampires Attractive to Readers?

2012-02-27T00:01:00.011-05:00

What Makes Vampires Attractive to Readers?

This question stumped me for a long time, when Carrie suggested it as a topic. I know what attracts me to them, and it may not actually be what the majority like about them. My guess is that many readers like reading about vampires because (especially of late) they’re incredibly seductive and sexy. Even Bela Lugosi, who wasn’t particularly attractive to look at, was hypnotic in how he moved and acted as Dracula. And this makes sense, since they need to ease their prey long enough to get close for meal time.

These days, vamps come in almost every possible variety you can think of. You have annoying vampires who sparkle (yeah, not a fan, sorry), angsty, somewhat whiney vampires (a la Louis from Interview), brooding, guilt-ridden vampires (Angel anyone?), your garden-variety psychopathic terrorist (Spike, all of Feehan’s actual vampires as opposed to her Carpathians), and then vamps as a different species from the humans (Feehan’s Carpathians, Kenyon’s Daimons and Dark Hunters). Plus there are any number of incarnations which I haven’t read about as we authors are a prolific lot and I just can’t keep up. On that note, who are some of your favorite vampires these days? It can be someone already mentioned, or someone else. I love getting suggestions.

So what’s so appealing about creatures who slither around at night, with pale skin, and look on us as an all-you-can-eat buffet? For me, it’s the ageless factor, the potential to live for centuries and see how the world will change. Just think about what humanity has done in the past 150 years, how far we’ve come. There’s electricity, cars, cameras, computers (ever evolving), the internet, and going into space. My God, what will we do in the next century plus?! How exciting would it be to be able to live long enough to see it happen (assuming the various madmen in the world don’t blow us all up, or have my in-laws be right and the end of the world is at hand this year)?

I think some of that plays into the fascination we have for vampires. Plus, given the vast majority of the romance vampire novels I’ve read involve a vampire finding his mate/one-true-love from the humans, you’ve got the hunk who’s waited many lifetimes to find someone to be with him and gotten pretty danged good at the sex thing in the mean time. Who wouldn’t want a man with quite a bit of experience PLUS you’re probably pretty safe from STDs and pregnancy! Always a bonus in the world these days, right? There’s something pretty romantic about a guy who’s still capable of falling in love after so long and be willing to commit to a relationship likely to last for centuries.

So tell me, what is it you like about vampires? Let’s start up a conversation in the comments. One lucky commenter can either have a copy of Blood Rage or a $5 gift card to Amazon/Barnes & Noble!

Buy links:

Evernight Publishing Amazon UK Amazon BookStrand All Romance E-Books

Contact links: Website Twitter Facebook Dream-Walker Page

I’m on Goodreads too.

Author bio:

Originally from the Sacramento Valley, Tory packed up and moved all the way to Southwest Florida in 2004 with her husband (a Florida native) under the premise that ‘hurricanes almost never hit that part of the state.’ That year, 4 blasted the area. 4 more came the following year, and her husband blames her for bringing the hurricanes. She now resides in Jacksonville and is relieved that, thus far, no more hurricanes have followed her around.

She began writing in kindergarten when a turnip wished to be human and, other than a hiatus shortly after getting married, has never stopped. Her love of vampires began somewhere in junior high, and combining the two loves didn’t take long. She loves music, considers herself a ‘book slut’ whose reading habits would break her family financially if given free reign, and is (usually) delighted to be a mommy of twin Shrimpettes and a Shrimp.

Blood Rage

For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.

The Bureau’s chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire’s Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling. The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it.

Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.

Chapter One

From the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs’ FAQ Page: Telepaths

Question: What should I do if I catch a telepath (species unimportant) using telepathy to read my mind and steal my personal information?

Answer: Call your local Bureau office immediately. The Privacy Act of 1974 makes it illegal for anyone to scan another person without a court order. Such orders may be granted to determine guilt or innocence of a crime, if requested by the accused.

“Do you have any idea what time it is?”

Dara rolled her eyes at her assistant’s lazy inquiry as she paced in front of the elevator. “About three hours later than it is here, which means you’re probably in the middle of a date, Ronnie, not in bed.”

A delicate giggle escaped the other woman before she said, “Who says I’m not in bed in the middle of my date, darlin’?”

“Spare me. Just swear to me, one last time, he’s not on the guest list.”

Her assistant groaned loudly, likely for effect on whoever the lucky man was to emphasize her put-upon status. “Dara, you’re calling me at nearly eleven at night to bug me about that man again?”

The elevator doors “swooshed” open in invitation. Unwilling to risk losing her connection because she suspected Ronnie would ignore any subsequent call, Dara shook her head at the car’s occupants and spun to stalk down the hall toward her suite door. “Please, just tell me he’s not going to be here!” She heard the whine in her voice. How could she be so pathetic? Two hundred years of life experience should give me more dignity than this.

She could practically see the other woman’s eyes roll as she said, “According to the Society’s president’s secretary when I talked to her three hours ago in anticipation of this discussion, no. Anthony Caldwell declined his invitation three weeks ago and has made no attempt to reverse that decision.”

Dara’s shoulders slumped in relief. Everything would be fine then. No known child-killers in attendance at the Society’s 80^th Anniversary Bash made for a good evening. “All right, thanks,” she murmured in genuine appreciation.

“How’d the LeTourneau dress look when you put it on?”

She blinked at the abrupt change in topic, and her gaze dropped to her half-bared chest where fluorescent lights glinted off the pale, ropy scars that marred the surface. “I feel like an overstuffed sausage, Ronnie. I wore a corset when they were fashionable and hated them. I almost needed one today to get into this infernal outfit.” So she exaggerated, a little.

Ronnie snickered, and Dara heard a low male whisper in the background. “I don’t need my powers, or a picture, to know you’re lying to me. Sarah would never put you in anything that didn’t look spectacular. Go make your speech, darling. Tell me all about it when you get back to Tampa.”

Dara slowly pressed the disconnect button and wandered back toward the elevator with a sigh. Ronnie was right, knowing Dara’s insecurities about her appearance entirely too well. Sarah, the last descendant of her little sister, Caila, had exquisite fashion taste. The LeTourneau dress, the first and only one she’d ever bought from the exclusive werewolf designer, was a new purchase, bought specifically for this party.

Attending the Bash on behalf of the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs certainly hadn’t been Dara’s idea. But when invited as the honoree and keynote speaker, one must attend, especially when one’s boss said to go or be fired. Therefore, she’d allowed the Society to fly her out, put her up in the exclusive Bearings Hotel and Casino for three nights with Sarah, and had agreed to give a single speech and attend a ball afterward in exchange. Overall, it really was a good deal for her. The short, enforced vacation offered her an escape from the wet heat of Florida in late August.

She pressed the down-button on the elevator and tapped her foot with just the first hint of impatience. Less than thirty minutes remained before her speech. As the keynote speaker, she didn’t intend to show up until she had to, to avoid the inevitable attention that would be focused on her. At least Anthony’s absence was assured.

****

“Would you care for another drink, Mr. Caldwell?”

Anthony looked up from the blackjack table as the leggy blond waitress leaned over to ask her question. He gave her a lazy smile and finished the last of his blood and gin, noting the faint flush that spread across her cheeks. Another lifetime, perhaps he might have asked for her phone number, but not now. Not when his objective of so many years was almost at hand.

“No. Thank you just the same, madam.”

She flashed him a smile that revealed just a hint of fangs and sauntered off. He eyed the long legs for a moment more and repressed a scowl that he felt nothing at turning down what could have been a very pleasurable evening if he’d accepted the implied invitation. What was the world coming to?

“Ante up, gentlemen,” the dealer said.

After a glance at the rose-gold, Atlas watch around his right wrist, Anthony shook his head. “I’m out. Duty calls.”

Duty didn’t call, not yet anyway, but the time was close enough at hand that his conscience didn’t prick him for the slight inaccuracy. If he intended to track down his quarry before they met in the ballroom, he needed to go. His senses, on constant alert in the crowded casino, had yet to detect her, but she couldn’t be much longer. Even she wouldn’t be late to a ceremony intended to honor her.

Then again, when has Athdara Genevieve ever been on time for anything? he thought with faint amusement.

He closed his eyes for a moment to filter through the hundreds of minds pressing in around him from around the casino. For a younger vampire, it would have taken much longer. After more than twelve hundred years of practice, it didn’t present that great a challenge, regardless of the population density.

About to give up the current search, he paused when he recognized her presence. Anthony turned. With little effort, thanks to his height, he looked across the main room to see her just exiting the elevator.

The breath he didn’t need to draw in caught in his throat. It had been sixty years since their paths had crossed, a deliberate move on his part out of respect for the hatred, however well-deserved, she held for him. Sixty long, boring years.

Athdara looked the same of course, eternally twenty-six as a vampire. Unfashionably curvy, lush, and perfect. She’d pulled her long red hair back in an ugly braid. The coiffure failed to detract from the fragile face. So many hours spent brushing that hair. She wore a long, black satin ball gown, LeTourneau if he were any judge, that swished when she moved past a bank of bleeping and flashing slot machines.

Anthony allowed a trace of a smile to curve his mouth upward, and he turned toward the staircase leading to a landing that would give him an unimpeded view of the main room. Now to have some fun.

Trinity Bound - Six Sentence Sunday #29

2012-02-26T00:01:00.016-05:00

Hi!

Welcome to my Six Sentence Sunday today! Below is a snippet from my upcoming Trinity Bound, book 3 in the Redwood Pack. Reed is holding Hannah, trying to calm her down from an experience that scared even me when I wrote it.

Reed held her to his chest, trying to give her the strength she needed, knowing he was lacking. She stopped crying, exhausted emotionally as well as physically. A salty trail of tears remained on her cheeks. Reed wiped away their evidence with the pad of his thumb, taking in the softness of her skin.

“No matter what happens, I will find a way to kill him.” Reed’s voice deepened with a promise of vengeance.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I really do cherish your comments and read every single one. Enjoy your Sunday and to find the other sixers, click here.

Putting the 'O, man!' in Romance with AIllison Merrit

2012-02-24T00:01:00.011-05:00

I'm going to be honest. I write adventure romances in the guise of steampunk. My main motivation is getting the romance across to the reader. First and foremost, that's my intention. But I love action and I love writing scenes where the reader is on edge going, wow, what will happen next?

There's something to be said for tender kisses and frenzied sex scenes. They get the blood going, don't they? But so does a well set-up action scene. The first action scene I ever wrote, I bungled. That's okay, I was learning the ropes. A critique group told me I was drawing it out too much. What I was doing, of course, was telling, rather than showing the action and it makes the reader lose interest. I'm a dialogue girl, I love witty conversation, but it's not like I can write an entire book with dialogue. If that was the case, I'd be writing screenplays.

The senses are what's going to put the oh, man! in your writing and keep your reader turning the pages. So, how do you write a tight, compelling action scene? Let's take a look at some tips.

Show, don't tell. You want the reader to feel the urgency behind the thoughts and actions of your characters. When you show, make sure you're not using a writer's favorite crutch, adverbs. Keep your thesaurus handy and watch for words like loudly, suddenly, quickly. You can find replacements for them like bellow, explosive, or unanticipated.

Throw in the tangy taste of blood, the scent of the attacker's cloying cologne that doesn't disguise his body odor or the burrito he had for lunch. Show me the dark parking garage where a rogue werewolf has cornered your heroine. Take me there.

I'm a fan of fragment sentences. They are useful in action scenes because they're sort of jarring. You don't want to bring the reader out of the scene, but a fragment can make a stand alone sentence really jump out.

Keep the pace quick. Your characters are required to think on their feet because they're fighting for their lives. You might be writing about a paranormal character who has quick reflexes and is expecting to be attacked. But if you've got a human character, he or she might not have the same abilities to move like a mother. Get in your character's head and see what he/she is seeing. You might even--go ahead and laugh--try acting out a scene or two. Watch movies, note how the actors move and file that away so that when you write your scene, you can relive what you've seen.

Know your weapons, know your characters and don't force the scene. It'll sound out of place mixed in with the rest of your novel. Remember (most of the time) your characters want to move forward and find their HEA scene and a good action scene before that really helps reinforce the bond between your characters.

Tell me about your favorite actions scenes or your favorite way to write an action scene.

Buy links for The Treasure Hunter's Lady

http://www.amazon.com/The-Treasure-Hunters-Lady-ebook/dp/B0076ZE4W2/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1108643191?ean=2940014022002&itm=1&usri=the+treasure+hunter%27s+lady

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/130781

Blurb:

Romy Farrington seems to have the perfect life—a world-famous archeologist father and upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman. But to Romy, her new life in the city is a punishment.

For years, she traveled the world at her father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.

Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archaeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.

In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love.

Social network links

Blog - http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

Facebook - http://facebook.com/allisonmwrites

Twitter - http://twitter.com/allison_merritt

Finding Romance in Real Life with Lisa Scott

2012-02-22T00:01:00.012-05:00

Finding Romance in Real Life

I think the chance for romance lurks around every corner, whether you’re single or in a relationship. That’s part of the reason I so love writing it; nearly any situation can lead to love.

For a while, I was writing short story romances for a magazine and turned every real life event into a story. When I took a class to learn how to install my koi pond, it became perfect fodder for a meets-cute short story. The teacher helps his student install a pond on her grandmother’s property fulfilling a dream she had been never completed before she died.

My love of post-holiday bargain sales turned into a cute little story where two shoppers meet in the day-after Christmas return line. A friend who mentioned she was sick of dating because she was always the one doing the dumping, prompted me to write the story “Never Been Dumped.” I even know a woman who met her husband after crashing her car into his.

While the potential for meet-cute scenarios is endless, what happens after that ‘aww’ moment? When the relationship has shifted into regular gear and you’re arguing over Chunky Monkey or Chubby Hubby for Friday movie night? And who gets to pick the movie this time, anyway? Where’s the romance now, baby?

It’s there; it’s just different after that first blush of mad love has faded. For me, the little things have always meant the most. My husband no longer drives thousands of miles to see me (we were long-distance lovers for a while there.) Now, he makes the quick trip downstairs to do the laundry. Yes, there’s a lot of love in a load of dirty clothes, especially when I’m not the one cleaning them. When he tapes my favorite shows or brings home my favorite treat, I know he’s telling me he loves me.

Little gestures like that let you know that special someone really knows you. They notice what’s important. Everyone wants someone who ‘gets’ them, right? The characters in my stories notice the little things. While a romantic night out with wine and roses might seem like the ultimate gesture, learning how to cook her favorite French dish because she can’t forget that magical honeymoon is Paris would trump a night on the town any day.

My husband doesn’t bring me roses; he’ll bring me a potted orchid because for the life of me, I can’t keep one alive. But he believes in me that I’ll get it right eventually. It’s also a bit of a running joke at this point. But I think it’s lovely and sweet—something that is uniquely ours. To me, that’s romance.

Yes, just like you can find your one true love in the strangest ways, you can find evidence of your love in the most unexpected gestures, too. So here’s to love, whether you found it in the produce aisle or the emergency room, whether he’s keeping the flame alive by picking up your favorite tea and cleaning up after your cat gets sick. (The cat he wasn’t thrilled about getting.) In the end, the little things really are the big things.

Author bio:

Lisa Scott is a former TV news anchor who now enjoys making up stories instead of sticking to the facts. The first book in her Willowdale Romance series will be released by Belle Bridge books in November 2012. In the meantime, she'll be releasing short stories linked to the Willowdale series, in addition to her Flirts! collections.

When not begging her husband and two kids for a few minutes of peace to write her stories, she works as a voice actor and putters around in her koi pond and garden in upstate NY.

Blurb: Every volume of the Flirts! Collection features five sweet, funny romantic short stories, linked by a loose thread. It all ties up in a fab, fun ending, bringing together characters from all the stories in that collection. Each short story is 8,000-12,000 words long--the perfect length to squeeze in during your lunch break or kids' practices. Sometimes you need a little love!

http://readlisascott.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Read-Lisa-Scott/227457993948941 http://twitter.com/#!/ReadLisaScott

excerpt: from "Washed Up" story #4 in the Beach Flirts! collection

He woke to darkness and pain, with a pounding head and churning stomach; but soft lips crushed against his, so the night couldn’t have been that bad. His mouth moved in response, and he reached to find the body attached to those remarkable lips. He wrapped one hand around the back of her neck, while the other trailed further south over her collarbone, cupping a round, firm…

Slap! His eyes opened to an explosion of light. Then he sat up and puked. Seawater spewed from his mouth and someone rolled him onto his side.

“He’s okay, but get the lifeguard!” a woman shouted. She rubbed his arm. “You’re fine. Everything’s fine.”

This wasn’t exactly his definition of fine. He blinked away salty brine and fell back on the sand. “What the hell happened?” He looked up at the woman—petite, with dark eyes, and long hair that glowed in the sun.

“I’m not sure. I found you washed up here.”

He winced at the familiar phrase. Just ask his agent, who hadn’t been able to land him so much as a mall opening in the past three years.

“And then you kissed me?” he asked. Crazy fans had tried worse. At least duct tape and handcuffs hadn’t been involved this time; an actor without his sense of humor might have pressed charges.

“Kiss you?” She rolled her eyes. “Ever heard of CPR? I was a lifeguard in high school. You kissed me, and then you tried…” she winced.

Lisa will be giving away a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter. Please make sure you follow the tour for more chances to win!

Tasty Tuesday - Dust of My Wings

2012-02-21T00:01:00.007-05:00

Hi All!

Welcome to my first Tasty Tuesday! From now on, most Tuesdays, I will have a teaser from what I'm working on.

And today I'm giving away a $10 Gift card to ARe, Barnes&Noble or Amazon. You're choice. All you have to do is comment with a teaser from your book or just say hi and be signed up for my newsletter. You can do this either by going here http://www.carrieannryan.com/contact-me/192-2/ or typing in your email addy on the far right of the blog.

Today I'm writing some from my upcoming series, Dante's Circle. Dust of My Wings is the first book in the series and hopefully will be out this summer!

Here is a HIGHLY unedited tease LOL.

The motorcycle vibrated beneath Shade as he pulled off the side of the road and parked. The rain pelted him, the cold seeping into his bones, but he shrugged it off. He was in northern Washington and this seemed to be the norm in terms of weather.

He lifted his leg and got off the bike, ignoring the stares of the women around him. They watched him stroll, his powerful legs leading to long strides. He’d tucked his wings into the slits into his back to hide the fact he was an angel, but he couldn’t hide his face or the fact that women seemed to fawn over it.

It had been a long time since he had a woman. Not since that were jaguar a century or two ago in a night of deep depression and loneliness for him. But the heat, claws and desperation and only served to fill a physical need that left him even lonelier than before. From then on he left his carnal needs up to his hand. Before the jaguar it had been even longer, but he didn’t want to think about her. The one he’d lost. She was long since gone.

Blurb:

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

Book Spotlight: Moon Over Alcatraz by Patricia Yager Delagrange

2012-02-20T00:01:00.009-05:00

Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty. But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.

Excerpt:

Three days later we were standing at the edge of a hole in the ground at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward, the silence so thick, the insides of my ears buzzed like a distant swarm of angry bees. Mr. Peralta and another gentleman stood off to the side while Weston and I held hands next to the tiny casket.

Weston had chosen a simple mahogany box with gold handles, a bouquet of white lilies graced the top of the small box. I knelt down and laid a kiss on the smooth wood then wiped off the tears that had fallen on the wood. Weston joined me and placed a single red rose in the middle of the lilies.

He helped me up and we stood side-by-side in silence, my guilt over her death like a stone in my empty belly. I missed everything I’d dreamed would be happening right now, yearned for all that could have been.

Weston nodded at the man standing next to Mr. Peralta and our baby was slowly lowered into the gaping maw. She reached the bottom, and a bird landed on the rich brown dirt piled next to the grave. It pecked around, chirping a little song, then flew off - as if saying goodbye. My heart squeezed inside my chest.

I picked up a small handful of soft dirt. “Goodbye, Christine,” I whispered, throwing it on top of her casket.

Weston wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in close to his side. Why her? Why my baby? Was this supposed to make sense? And, if so, to whom?

We drove home in silence. No words existed to express my grief.

Fascinated by broken-hearted couples and atypical families, Patricia weaves engaging tales of men and women who create cohesive families where love reigns supreme. She sprinkles her books with intriguing characters who struggle to find balance in life after tragedy. Whether an unwed teenager, desperate widow, abandoned father, or a couple who stray from their marital vows, her characters form relationships impacted by their desire to create a family.

Aside from writing, her favorite things to do include riding her Friesian horse, Maximus, dot-to-dot for adults, and watching Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington movies. She spends a majority of her days writing while her two very large Chocolate Labs lounge on the couch cuddled next to her and her MacBook.

She writes a blog every Wednesday, so if you're interested, sign up to be on the mailing list and she'll notify you after she posts her blog on this website. Or just drop by Wednesday mornings and leave a comment.

Website / Facebook

Trinity Bound - Six Sentence Sunday #28

2012-02-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

Hi!

My Six Sentence Sunday comes from my upcoming Trinity Bound, book 3 in the Redwood Pack series. This should be out in March/April or so.

Thanks again for coming! This is a set-up for some *ahem* fun. *grins*

Hannah watched as both men shifted to rest on their knees. Reed, freshly healed and looking almost pain free, kneeled, naked, watching her. His sandy blonde hair, slightly crispy on the ends, in a disarrayed halo around his beautiful artistic face. Josh knelt by him, strong, and not quite as beautiful, but equally as handsome.

Josh took a deep breath and lifted the shirt above his head. Hannah caught her breath as she watched his biceps and abs flex with the movement.

Find the other sixers here.

Author Blurb and Link Day

2012-02-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Author Free Promo Day!!! I love helping authors and reading new books. I may be an author myself, but I'm still a reader!

So if you're an an author, leave the following information in the comments section. (I made it so you can cut and paste LOL) And if you're a reader? Comment to talk to your favorite authors or read to learn more about authors you could love!

And if you could only do up to two books this time, that would be great LOL!

Author Name:
Title of Book:
Genre:
Series: (YA, Sweet, Spicy, Erotic, Erotica)
Heat Rating:
Author Website:
Blurb:

And be sure to include your buy links! Thank you so much for coming by and be sure to tell your friends! I'll be doing this again in the future so lets go and find some new authors and books!

Without further ado.... Here's mine!

Author Name: Carrie Ann Ryan
Title of Book: A Taste for a Mate
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Redwood Pack, Book 2
Heat Rating: Spicy
Author Website: http://www.carrieannryan.com/
Blurb:
Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possesses.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Mate-Redwood-Pack-ebook/dp/B0073WA12K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329533531&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-taste-for-a-mate-carrie-ann-ryan/1108508709

Writing the Perfect Romance with Cari Silverwood and Leia Shaw

2012-02-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

Writing the Perfect Romance

There are any number of reasons why us writers choose to pen a romance – fun, a desperate need to tell stories, a need for more alpha males in our lives, money…Leia and I had all those and one extra one. So many of the romances out there are well, romantic. The men are ten feet tall with ten inch dicks and pretty much always get it right. And we women like that don’t we? Having a man who can almost read our minds, who knows just the right spot to nibble, lick or smack?

In BDSM romances the Dom or dominant male seems to become even more idealized. He is often the experienced one who can take his woman to the height of a world-shuddering orgasm with the precision application of ropes, cuffs, floggers and maybe a few more exotic pieces of equipment like candles, feathers or pieces of ginger used in a very naughty way.

A lot of women have a desire for some aspect of BDSM. It’s a fact supported by many surveys over the years. And although we all pretty much know that fiction is fiction, there does seem to be an extra potent effect when women first realize their desires may have a real life possibility of being forfilled. That they may not be freaks. That there may be a man out there who shares their desires for something kinky. I’ve seen a lot of women ready to kneel at the feet of almost the first real man who answers to the dominant label.

The problem is, even Doms are human. They aren’t perfect. They do make mistakes, and they do have to start somewhere.

Both Leia and I saw the need for a real story and since one of our friends had the same idea, was ready to let us tell her story, and hell, she even had a silly side to her that made writing the story fun, we went with it.

So here it is. 31 Flavors is the story of one married couple’s first foray into the land of BDSM. It’s not perfect. Sid’s husband Nick, is not infallible, and some of their mistakes may make you chuckle out loud. The comedy in the book , as well as the steamy sex seems to be grabbing our readers, and that’s good. Because as one reviewer has said,

“Wow… just wow! This novel is brilliantly written, it is well balanced with humor (at some parts hilarious), saucy sex scenes and genuine life drama.

There were times while reading that I thought “OMG that’s so true”, and there were times that just wanted to jump into the novel and give Sidney a hug and say, “never ever doubt who you are”. I was captured from the get go…”

We hope you enjoy reading it as well as perhaps ending the novel with some new insights on what can make a marriage hum.

Oh and FYI 31 Flavors will be on sale for $0.99 all weekend!!!!!

You can find more about this awesome story here http://thirtyoneflavors.weebly.com/

First chapter:

“Come here.”

His voice, low and full of authority, slides through me like a cold shiver. My breath hitches as I glide silently over our office carpet.

“On your knees.”

I immediately drop. Acutely conscious of my nudity, I sit with my ass resting on my heels and my hands on the curve of my upper thighs.

“Do you know why you are being punished?”

A lump of anticipation lodges in my throat. I keep my eyes downcast and nod.

“Good. Now, I’m going to tie you to the desk, spank you and stuff you with the vibrator. And you’re not to come without my permission, do you understand?”

My stomach lurches and I’m soaked with arousal. I can’t trust my voice so I nod again.

“Answer me.”

I clear my throat and croak a shaky, “Y-yes, sir.”

“Stand up and bend over the desk.”

My knees tremble. I can barely hold my weight as I walk to the desk.
A thin rope dangles from his hands. I dare to look in his eyes. They remain impassive, foreboding. I’m a prisoner in the shadow of my executioner. Can I do this?

His brows raise a fraction of an inch. “Go on.”

I steel myself and bend over the desk. The glass top is like ice on my naked breasts. My breath quickens as he coolly and effectively ties my ankles to the desk legs, then my wrists behind my back. I twist my hands, checking the tightness. No give, at all. Suddenly I feel vulnerable. Too open, too exposed.

I notice the wooden paddle on the desk only when he reaches for it. I gasp. From fear or anticipation, I’m not sure. He moves away so I can no longer see him.

From behind me, I hear, “Count, Sidney.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, and the paddle whistles through the air –

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I wake with a start, flushed and wet. A dream. I exhale a deep breath then slam my hand on the snooze button. Nick stirs beside me, his body heating me through the blankets. My dream comes back full force, an assault on my already over-eager libido.

Nick. His eyes stern, his lips turned down in a disapproving frown. The rope, the paddle… oh. I can’t stop a sharp inhalation.

The idea is laughable. Nick wielding a paddle? He’s more likely to cross-dress and pierce his nipples than mercilessly paddle my ass.

Nick is the nicest man I’ve ever met. It’s why I married him.
I sigh in frustration and push my fantasies away. The dog jumps at the door. Nick rolls over. His voice is groggy. “Honey. The dog wants to go out.”

“I know.”

Welcome to real life.

Excerpt 2:

“Well, maybe you could seduce me?”

I blink. “Me?”

“Yeah, like a little lap dance or a strip tease.”

Fucking A. Of course the pain in the ass would pick something completely out of my comfort zone. A strip tease and a lap dance? I’ve never had a single dance lesson. I’m awkward and clumsy and not the least bit sexy.

Don’t be a taker, I scold myself. He tied me up. He spanked me. He stepped out of his comfort zone, I can too.

Steeling myself for humiliation, I rise from the bed. As seductively as I can manage, I raise the hem of my blouse. “Like this?” I purr.

Nick puts his arms behind his head and his gaze rakes me over. A big grin stretches across his face. He likes it. Okay, I can do this. I pull my shirt up higher, exposing my bra.

“Yeah!” Nick praises from the bed.

I give him a flirty smile then start to pull the blouse over my head. It’s a little tight and I tug harder. Buttons. The damn shirt has buttons, dummy. I bring my arms down to undo the top button, but something yanks on my ear.

Ow! Ow, ow, ow. I freeze, my arms over head, my shirt covering my face. The top button is stuck on the stupid hoop earrings I insisted on wearing to work today. I was trying to look sexy. Not so sexy now, am I?

“Honey? Are you okay?”

He doesn’t need to see my face to know I’m blushing. I’m sure it covers my entire body. But I can recover. I can still pull this off. Somehow, I will make this sexy.

“Um.” My voice is muffled in my shirt. I go for a casual tone. “I’m fine. I’m just, uh, going slow. So you can, you know, savor it.” I move my hips side to side in a seductive sway while simultaneously trying to untangle my earring.

The arm opposite the stuck earring is halfway in my shirt sleeve so I jerk my upper body to the side, trying to get it over to help. But it won’t quite reach where I need it. I’m panting with the exertion and getting a bit frantic that it won’t come loose. I wriggle my arms furiously trying to get them out of the sleeves. Every few seconds I stop and shake my hips toward Nick. Or somewhere. I’m not really sure which direction I’m facing anymore.

Oh God, how ridiculous do I look?

I hear a strangled snort from behind me. I spin around and freeze. Is he laughing at me? Except for the crinkling of the shirt over my ears, the room is silent.

My arms ache and my ear hurts. I blow out a breath of air.

Nick clears his throat. “Do you need help?” The end of the sentence is choked off with a covered chuckle.

“Yes,” I say, defeated.

I hear him rise from the bed. Then his fingers are on me, unbuttoning my blouse.

“Careful,” I tell him from inside the cave of my shirt. “My earring is stuck.”

“I got it.” His fingers work deftly, freeing my face and arms, until just the blouse is dangling from my earring. He works on getting that loose too, leaning in close to see where the earring and blouse entangle. I look up at him. Maybe it’s the lack of oxygen from being stuck in my shirt, but he’s never looked so handsome.

“Hi,” I say sheepishly.

He smirks. “Hi.” His breath touches my lips and lingers.

Suddenly, I want to kiss him. Need to kiss him. I lean forward. “Ow!” Something tugs my earring.

“Stay still,” he orders softly. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me against his body. Goose bumps rise along the skin on my belly and back. Am I getting turned on? I exhale a laugh.

Nick is rescuing me from an utterly unsexy and quite possibly life-threatening strip tease. I probably looked like one those moles with the red tendril thingies on its head, clawing its way out of the ground. I should be digging a hole into the ground and hiding in humiliation.

Finally, the blouse falls to the floor and my ear is free. I pull both hoops out and place them on the dresser. Nick steps back and looks me over. His mouth is tight with a restrained grin.

I point a finger at him. “Don’t. Laugh.”

He covers his mouth with his hand and his shoulders shake. I cast him a dirty look then launch myself at him, toppling him onto the bed. I straddle his hips as his hysterical laughter fills the room.

“Shut up.” I try to cover his mouth with my hand but he blocks me.

“That was cute, Sid,” he says between roars of laughter. “It was like a sea cucumber giving birth to an anemone.”

I gasp and try to smack him but he dodges my hand.

“A sexy sea cucumber,” he adds.

This time, I go for the jugular. He catches my wrists and holds them captive. “So violent. I may be new at this, but I’m pretty sure beating up your Dom is bad behavior. Should I punish you now?”

“No! I’m too mad.” I pout, pulling my wrists from his hands. “I won’t fulfill anymore of your fantasies if you make fun of me.”

He smiles. “Honey, you fulfill my fantasies every day just by being you.”

I chuckle nervously. “Sure.” But I’m touched, whether it’s true or not.

We stare at each other silently for a moment, giddy smiles plastered on our faces. In a bold move, I get my retribution by snaking my hand up his chest to pinch his nipple.

“Ow!” He grasps my hand to free his nipple. “You’re not a very good sub,” he teases.

“Maybe you’re not a good Dom,” I counter with a saucy grin.

“Probably.” Evil glittering in his eyes, he folds his arms around me, then yanks me down for a kiss. Our lips meet and he holds the back of my head as the kiss deepens. Not that I’m planning on leaving. The play of lips on lips, soft and hard, tongue and teeth, is a dance Nick has always done well. I snuggle closer and catch my breath. My eyelids drift lower as I give in to the sensations. I sneak my hand onto his chest, palm flattened, and play with the hair above his shirt neckline. When he stops kissing me, I’m breathing hard and very conscious of his body beneath me.

His gaze locks with mine. “So let’s just be us.”

I smile. Us. Nick and Sidney. Not vanilla. Not Rocky Road. Any kind of thirty-one flavors we want to be. I bite my lip and nod.

With both hands, he grasps my ass and squeezes. “Now let me tie you up so we can fuck and feel better.”

A Sneak Peek and Updates

2012-02-16T00:01:00.025-05:00

Hi everyone!

I have some updates, a sneak peek at A Taste for a Mate and a CONTEST!!!

It's been a busy month and it's not over! A Taste for a Mate just came out this month and I'm so excited about it. Thanks to all who have bought it and emailed or facebooked me about it! You really make writing worth it.

People have been asking about Reed's book, Trinity Bound. It's currently at my editor's, but it will be out in April. So that's not too long.

And yes, all of the Jamensons will get their own book. You can check my website for all of the titles.

After Reed's book, I'm going to start a new series, Dante's Circle. Dust of My Wings is the first book and will be out this summer.

After that, is Enforcer's Redemption!

I've been super busy but so excited!

As a thank you for a great release month, I'll be giving away a $15 Amazon GC to someone who signs up for my newsletter here http://www.carrieannryan.com/contact-me/192-2/ and comments on this post! Thank you guys!

I thought I'd give y'all a cute excerpt from A Taste for a Mate, book two in the Redwood Pack series.

You can find it on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

Jasper led Willow to the large two-door refrigerator and opened it to reveal fairly stocked shelves. He didn’t entertain or cook often, but when he did, he preferred a good, hardy meal.

“Is there anything you’re interested in? I have everything you could possibly need for breakfast. At least I hope. I know you have more expertise in that area than I do.”

Dear God. He was rambling like a teenager. Except for that one glorious kiss when he’d put her to bed, they’d barely touched. He knew many things about her, but she didn’t know that much about him. That would have to change – and soon. She may have been forced into his world, but he would do his damndest to make her feel included and part of their Pack.

Willow studied his offerings like an artist would study a blank canvas before painting. In a matter of moments, he knew she’d cataloged his food and would come up with a perfect and delicious meal. Glancing up at him with a sly smile, she took out eggs, cheese, and veggies and set them on the island. With her second trip, she grabbed bacon, potatoes, and oranges.

He would have offered to help, and the man his mother raised begged him to, but he didn’t want to interrupt her thought process. He loved the way she glided around the kitchen as if she’d been here all along. Even with the bruises, she was still gloriously beautiful and he knew through the mate mark she would heal any injuries quicker than a normal human. It was a one-time only perk of the bite and she wouldn’t heal fast with other injuries until she changed.

If she changed.

“Do you think you can make orange juice and coffee?” Willow’s soft request brought Jasper out of his thoughts. “I can do the rest, but I don’t want to take over your kitchen completely.”

“I can do that.” He walked over to the cabinet and pulled out fresh gourmet coffee beans and put them in the grinder. Soon the smell of freshly ground coffee filled the air. He quickly set the automatic coffee maker to percolate and began slicing and squeezing oranges.

Willow moved around his kitchen with ease as she made breakfast. She broke the eggs against the side of the bowl before whisking them. He followed her hands as she moved quickly. The sound of fatty bacon popping and sizzling echoed in the kitchen, and she went back to the cutting board to slice onions and mushrooms for her omelets.

When he wasn’t looking, she’d diced potatoes for homemade hash browns that were now browning on the stovetop. Already his mouth salivated at the thought of such a gourmet meal.

Like a magician, Willow prepared light and fluffy omelets bursting at the seams with bacon, spinach, mushrooms, and feta and ricotta cheeses. On the each plate, she put three slices of bacon and still sizzling hash browns before he had time to put their drinks in mugs and glasses.

Thank God he was a werewolf because his arteries would be screaming if he was a normal human at his age.

Taking the plates from her hands, he set them on the table next to the drinks. Before she could protest, he took her face between his hands and placed a feathery light kiss to her lips. He lifted his head from hers, looked into her eyes, and gave her a smile.

“Thank you for breakfast. This has got to be the best meal I have ever seen made in this kitchen. I can’t wait to see what you come up with here in the future.”

At his startling reminder of their mating and future, her eyes widened and her lips parted. Jasper took this as another invitation to kiss her plump lips again. So he did.

When he pulled away, he smiled and said, “Let's eat.”

Because if he didn’t eat food, he’d want to indulge in her. And ravishing her against the kitchen table might not be the best way to slowly introduce her to this whole mating thing.

Willow bent over the table and set her plate down, her firm ass right near his crotch.

Jasper groaned. Yeah, this might be harder than he thought.

Can a One Night Stand Lead to More?

2012-02-15T00:01:00.024-05:00

Please welcome Leigh Ellwood to the blog!

Leigh is giving away a $10 All Romance eBooks gift card to one lucky person. Be sure to follow the tour, here, for more chances to win!

Giveaway for this specific blog: Readers choice of two downloads from Leigh’s backlist.

Can a One Night Stand Lead to More?

Leigh Ellwood

Hello! I am Leigh Ellwood, author of romance and erotica, and I’d like to thank Carrie Ann for hosting me today. I hope you’ll leave a comment on today’s blog so I can enter you in two drawings: one for two downloads from my backlist and the other for a $10 GC to All Romance, to be drawn at the end of my blog tour. I’m happy to announce, too, that this tour promotes my contribution to the All Romance eBooks Perfect Strangers series. My erotic short, Odd is about – of course – two perfect strangers who come together during a most unusual party.

Hence the topic of today’s blog. Is it possible for a one-nighter to bloom into a deeper, more meaningful relationship? These days, I would think anything is possible given how people have more avenues to explore in terms of coming together. I recall an article last year that revealed 30% of Internet users are actively seeking potential mates online. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Internet dating leads to one-night stands, but it does illustrate how the landscape is changing for some.

I, unfortunately, am not able to speak from experience. Like many others, I met my husband in college – we shared a Shakespeare class, and consequently our mutual love of literature and movies fostered our attraction. When you think about a one-night stand, no doubt your mind evokes images of instant lust – catching somebody’s eye from across the room, a realization that you enjoy laughing at the same jokes, maybe one rum screwdriver too many – and the desire to capture and enhance that feeling through a night of passion. So you give it a shot and one of two things can happen:

1) You cuddle close and think of a way to prolong that good feeling, and hope you are compatible enough with your one-nighter to see it through.

2) You roll over and wonder what the hell you were thinking.

I like to think of myself as an optimist. If the timing is right and the partner willing, perhaps a one-night stand can lead to something lasting and enjoyable. It’s not something I can test for myself, but if it’s happened to you I’d love to hear about it.

If not, I hope you’ll check out Odd and see how that one night turned out! Thanks!

BIO: Leigh Ellwood is an award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. Following the release of her first novel, Truth or Dare, in 2004, Leigh has since written several novels, novella, and short stories. She is an EPIC Award winner and has been nominated for many reviewers awards for her works.

Leigh welcomes reader mail at kspatwriter (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Links

Home – http://www.leighellwood.com

Blog – http://leighwantsfood.blogspot.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/LeighEllwood

AReCafe - http://www.arecafe.com/members/leigh-ellwood/

Synopsis: Greg Hargrove has a ticket to the hottest party in town: Drew Bradley's annual Odd Ball. Dressed for the theme as one half of a popular sitcom duo, Greg doesn't expect to meet his match and engage in a secret night of passion while the festivities rage on. When handsome Rick Wade falls on his radar, however, Greg decides to partake of more explicit party favors. Is Rick more than a one-night stand, though, or can Greg look forward to many passion-filled reruns?

Excerpt:

In the ten years Drew Bradley hosted his annual Odd Ball, people knew to expect two events: sometime toward the end of the evening Drew would lose his pants, and the two winners of the Best Oscar and Best Felix costume awards would immediately hook up afterward and live happily ever after. That many of the happy couples continued to come to the big party as their chosen television personas stood testament to their host’s impeccable matchmaking—and entertaining—skills.

Greg Hargrove personally didn’t care if either happened on his watch. After years of watching siblings primp and prepare for the biggest bash in town, he’d finally reached the requisite legal drinking age and could now attend. Though he’d never seen the television show that inspired the theme of the party, he’d gleaned enough by living vicariously through older friends—and researching YouTube clips—to know the score.

On November fourteenth, Felix Unger was asked to his leave his apartment. This request came from his wife…

There was more to the prologue, he knew, but in his excitement Greg thought himself fortunate to recall his own name, much less those of characters from a TV show that ceased airing first run episodes long before he was a “glint in the mailman’s eye,” as his brothers liked to tease.

Greg adjusted his Yankees ball cap and smoothed a hand over his three-day-old stubble. It itched like hell, but he wanted to shoot for realism even if he didn’t win the grand costume prize. Would be nice, though, since neither of his older brothers had won before, and Greg had heard Drew didn’t skimp on the goods. Last year’s couple, he’d been told, won matching gold watches.

At the front door of Drew’s McMansion of a home, a wiry, unsmiling man with a long nose looked down at Greg over his John Lennon glasses. “Your invitation?” He held out a pale, almost wrinkleless palm.

“Sure.” Greg surrendered the requisite card given him by his brother Joe, who couldn’t make it this time. Joe hadn’t kidded him when he warned about the exclusivity of the event. What the hell went on here that required protection against crashers?

The butler-bouncer, for lack of a better description, peered down at the invitation for a long moment, as though determining its authenticity. Then, curling it in his bony hand, he addressed Greg. “You may access all designated party rooms with the exception of the VIP area, and you must stay in character. How everyone behaves throughout the evening will determine the final judging for the contest.”

“Got it.” Damn, people sure took this party seriously. At least, going as slovenly Oscar rather than uptight Felix, Greg believed he could blend in easily. Acting like a slob came naturally to him anyway.

“Good.” The man startled Greg with a warm smile that completely softened the landscape of his face. “Enjoy yourself.”

Leigh is giving away a $10 All Romance eBooks gift card to one lucky person. Be sure to follow the tour, here, for more chances to win!

Giveaway for this specific blog: Readers choice of two downloads from Leigh’s backlist.

Its a Birthday BlogHop Sign Up

2012-02-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

So my birthday is April 6th and I thought since I'm not having a party at home, I'll have a party online!

So let's have a blog hop!
On April 5th at 9AM EST, the authors and reviewers involved will post a blog on what they do for birthdays or a memory about their birthday.

Each author gives away something - like a book, gift card, swag or other goodies.

And if we raise enough money through donations, we can give away a grand prize like we did before with the Kindle and Amazon GC.

On their post they can promote the books they just released - because come on, that's the point right? LOL They also will have the blog graphic I made. If you sign up - you can steal this pic and put it on your website and link it to this post so others will sign up. I will also be mailing everything to y'all as well.

At the end of your post you'll put in the linky code that I will send out in emails. This code will give everyone's site and make it easy to hop.

So come on up and sign up for the Happy Birthday Blog Hop. At some point I will start sending out an email with more info and asking if we want a grand prize. I think grand prizes are amazing and bring in TONS of readers.

But come on and sign up on the Linky Below - its a blast and totally worth it! Thanks so much for making the last hop amazing and I hope this one is "hopping" LOL!!! Tell your friends - the more the merrier!

The With Love Valentine's Day BlogHop!

2012-02-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

*This is a repost from Saturday so it would be easy for the hoppers! If you've already commented on the earlier one, don't worry, I have you down! Be sure to leave your email addys!*

Its about that time! Time to break out the chocolate and enjoy yourself! Happy Valentines Day everyone! Whether you are with someone you love, like or just with yourself - have fun and enjoy the day! You can check out more on the hop by clicking here.

I'm giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter and autographed bookmarks to two more!!
To enter, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive more contest info and exclusive perks! You can do that either by signing up here http://www.carrieannryan.com/contact-me/192-2/ or by putting in your email address in the form on the right hand side of the blog!

And since you're here - did you check out my new release A Taste for a Mate, book 2 in the Redwood Pack Series? You can find it on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

A Taste for a Mate: Six Sentence Sunday - #28

2012-02-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday!!

Welcome to my six! Here is a snipped from my newest release, A Taste for a Mate, Book 2 in the Redwood Pack series. You can find it here: Amazon Barnes&Noble.

He turned her around to face him once they reached the center of their yard. He slowly unbuttoned her shirt, and she let out a gasp.

Oh my.

His calloused fingertips brushed against her skin as the moonlight danced upon it. She inhaled the clean, crisp mountain air that mingled with Jasper’s sandalwood scent.

Home.

Thanks so much for coming! Here are the other sixers.

The With Love Valentine's Day BlogHop!

2012-02-11T00:01:00.016-05:00

Its about that time! Time to break out the chocolate and enjoy yourself! Happy Valentines Day everyone! Whether you are with someone you love, like or just with yourself - have fun and enjoy the day! You can check out more on the hop by clicking here.

I'm giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter and autographed bookmarks to two more!!
To enter, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive more contest info and exclusive perks! You can do that either by signing up here http://www.carrieannryan.com/contact-me/192-2/ or by putting in your email address in the form on the right hand side of the blog!
Don't forget to leave your email in your comment so I can get back to you!

And since you're here - did you check out my new release A Taste for a Mate, book 2 in the Redwood Pack Series? You can find it on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Interview with Gabrielle Basset

2012-02-10T00:01:00.004-05:00

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a college history prof and a homeschooling mom during the day, but at night I'm an erotic romance author. I can only imagine what my coworkers at school would think!

Tell us a bit about your book.

Blood Avenged is the story of Vasilije and Sasa. Vasilije is a vampire who was turned 400 years ago. A pure hedonist, he revels in the pleasure of being a vampire, especially the pleasure he receives from being a sire with hundreds of vampires he's turned. When one of his vampires is staked, he travels to New Orleans to find the killer, and while he's there he meets Sasa, a woman who arouses him like no other has in centuries. Together they work to find the killer, but Sasa has secrets that threaten the passion that grows between them. And what Vasilije finds in New Orleans shows him what happened to his vampire is just the beginning of changes in the vampire world.

Is this part of a series?

Blood Avenged is the first book in the Sons of Navarus series.

What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?

I have to say that writing Blood Avenged was a pure delight. Now as for the second book in the series, Blood Betrayed, that's an entirely different situation. Where Vasilije is earthy and pleasure-seeking, the hero of Blood Betrayed, Saint, is haunted by the past. He's put me through a few nights of very difficult writing.

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part of these stories is that they're about vampires. I love vampires and find them completely engrossing. I chose to frame the non-romantic part of the series around a power struggle in the vampire world, so that's been great to write. In addition, the back story I created about how vampires came to be was a favorite part too because it involves Greek mythology.

Rate your story in terms of steaminess

Blood Avenged is sexy hot. Think David Beckham in your wildest fantasies hot.

Who is your favorite romance author?

I think my favorite romance author has to be Charlotte Featherstone. Wow, does that lady know how to get me into a steamy scene!

What is your favorite romance book or series?

Again, Charlotte Featherstone shows up. I love her book Lust, which is the first book in the Sins and Virtues series. I can't wait for the next one! The first book was such a delicious idea. I wish I thought of writing about the seven deadly sins. What a fabulous idea!

Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*

My favorite of the characters I've written is Vasilije. There have been others I've fallen for when I wrote them, but he's just so sensual that it's impossible to not be crazy about him. As for a date, I imagine his idea of a romantic night out would be at the opera or theatre in a tux and then home to enjoy the woman he's with.

Now if we're talking about a character not mine, then my favorite would have to be Vishous. But if you've read anything about him, you'd know a date wouldn't really be his style. Let's just say I imagine a night with him would include candle wax, leather, and whips, but since I'm more submissive than his current woman, he'd have to get him Dom on with me.

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer-briefs actually. Well, to be honest, I prefer commando.

What is next for you?

I'm continuing with the Sons of Navarus series with plans to release Blood Betrayed in late spring and the third book, Blood Spirit, in the fall.

What were your first impressions of each other?

Vasilije: My first impression of Sasa was that she was very human. She was very sexy, but very human. Not that it was a problem, mind you. I like humans as much as the next vampire.

Sasa: My first impression of Vasilije was that I'd never met anyone like him before. He was dark and sensual. It was like I was under his spell from the minute we met. Now that I know him better I realize it wasn't a spell but just animal attraction.

What are your favorite parts about each other?

Vasilije: I like the way Sasa feels things that I just don't. I also love how open she is.

Sasa: I like how in command he always is.

Website: Gabrielle Bisset
Blog: Gabrielle Bisset: A Writer's Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon Author Page

My books:
Blood Avenged-Available now

Blood Betrayed-Coming this spring!

The Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy
Destiny Redeemed

When a Werewolf Has No Pack

2012-02-09T00:01:00.007-05:00

Please welcome Ranae Rose to the Blog!

When a Werewolf Has No Pack

What I like most about werewolf/shifter romances is that shifter heroes/heroines are typically intensely loyal and form strong bonds with the people who are important to them – their significant others and pack-mates. But what if a shifter had no pack?

I had this strong image of an alpha with no pack in my head, and when I thought about it, it seemed like it would be bound to happen (in a world where werewolves were real). After all, groups die out all the time – families, towns, entire cultures and real-life wolf packs. Shifters would be no different. What would happen to the last member of a pack, especially if he was the alpha?

That’s the story I told in Lonely Alpha. Jack was the alpha of the Half Moon pack by birth, but by the time he came around his pack had been greatly diminished by generations of problems. By his twenties, he was left alone.

When Mandy first meets him, she harbors suspicions that spending so much time alone in the mountains has driven him crazy. But as she gets to know him (she doesn’t really have much of a choice, seeing as how they’re trapped on the mountain together, eluding a killer), she sees some very different sides of Jack and finds out the truth of why he chooses to live alone on an isolated mountain. Here’s a brief excerpt that shares some of her thoughts:

“Why didn’t you leave?”

Jack’s mouth twisted stubbornly, his jaw jutting out. “An alpha doesn’t leave his pack.”

Alpha. Well, now that he said it, she could believe it. She studied his strong jaw, remembering how good he was at tilting it arrogantly, as he had when she’d first arrived on his property, lost. “Even if his pack leaves him?”

Jack nodded. “Even then. It’s not like I could join another pack. My father was an alpha, and his father before him, and so on and so on, back through the generations. When you’re born an alpha, you either live as an alpha or a loner. There’s no in between.”

“Jack.” She reached out and touched him, laying her unhurt hand inside his. The idea of him living his days out alone on the mountain, longing for a family that had crumbled around him, was unexpectedly agonizing. He was so young for such a depressing existence – not that she would have wished it on a person of any age. “It must be awfully lonely out here. How do you stand it?”

As for how Jack’s story ends – well, this is a romance, so you know there’s a happy ending. Let’s just say the Half Moon Pack isn’t quite finished. ;)

****

When Mandy leaves the city behind and embarks on a retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains, she expects to spend the week alone with nature and a stack of novels. Instead, she ends up trapped on a remote mountain by a big game hunter who’s hell-bent on bagging a werewolf. Lonely alpha wolf-shifter Jack, the last of the once-strong Half Moon Pack, is his target. Jack is determined to keep Mandy safe while hunting his hunter, but being around Jack brings out a wild side Mandy never knew she had. As silver bullets fly, so do sparks. If they can manage to defeat their attacker, Mandy will still have one problem to contend with: Jack is convinced that she’s his mate.

****

Ranae Rose is an avid reader and writer who can’t resist a good love story, and the hotter the better. She lives on the US East Coast with her family and animals, and when she’s not writing she prefers to be in the saddle or lost in a good book with a cup of tea. You can find out more about Ranae and her books at: www.ranaerose.com

Connect with Ranae on Twitter: Ranae_Rose

Friend her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002037020587

****

Want to know how this lonely alpha finds love? Comment on this post for a chance to win an ebook copy of Lonely Alpha. One winner will be chosen at random. Be sure to include your e-mail address so you can be contacted if you win.

If I could talk to my dog…by Rebecca Royce

2012-02-08T00:01:00.013-05:00

If I could talk to my dog…by Rebecca Royce

(This is meant to be amusing but I’m not a funny author so I’m doing my best. LOL)

Rebecca: (to my Border Collie): Tips, come here.

Tips (running in a circle around my children): Can’t talk now, Mama. Working. Sheep have to be taken care of.

Rebecca: Sheep?

Tips: The Sheep, Mama. I’m taking care of the Sheep. (Run. Run. Run.)

Rebecca: The children? Tips, do you think that the children are sheep?

Tips: Sheep. Children. What’s the difference? (Darting right, darting left) Gotta keep them in line, keep them herded.

Rebecca: I think they’re okay. They’re just playing with a ball.

Tips: Ball. Threat. What’s the difference?

Rebecca: Tips, do you want a cookie?

Tips: Cookie? (Head up.) Cookie? Yes, cookie. Ooh, look…squirrel. Wait, I’ve got to get the sheep.

This is why I don’t think talking to my dog would achieve very much. But, Loraine in my new book Love Beyond Loyalty, has a different type of dog. And he helps the Outsiders in their quest to defeat the Darkness.

As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

www.rebeccaroyce.com

Current and Upcoming Works

The Outsiders

Love Beyond Time

Love Beyond Sanity

Love Beyond Loyalty

Love Beyond Sight (TBA)

Westervelt Wolves

Her Wolf

Summer’s Wolf

Wolf Reborn

Wolf’s Valentine

Wolf’s Magic

Alpha Wolf

Angel’s Wolf

Darkest Wolf (coming soon.)

The Warrior

Initiation

Driven

The Conditioned

Eye Contact

Embraced

Sexy Superheroes

Screwing the Superhero

Banging the Superhero

Other Works

Behind The Scenes

First Dimension

Yes, Captain

Return to the Sea

One Night With A Wolf

Another Chance

Light Me Up

I’ll Be Mated For Christmas

Gabriel Ward has no problem with the fact that he’s an Outsider. Hell, he’s always known he was different. What he takes issue with is the idea he has to follow any destiny at all. He’s taken care of himself-and others-since birth. There’s no way he has to start following rules now.

Loraine Peacock can speak to animals. Other than that she thinks she’s just a regular woman making her way in the world. She figures its not that weird. Many people have unusual abilities.

But when Gabriel and Loraine are forced together by a destiny he denies and she is ignorant of, they will both finally have to accept their Outsider legacy and help the others in their quest to defeat the ultimate evil—a demon bent on world destruction. That is, if they can both survive to find their way to the most important part of their destiny: love.

Excerpt

“Are you going to tell me what happened to you? You just stood there and let that wave slam into you. I thought you were dead but Futon knew you were alive.”

Futon? He regarded the dog. A medium sized border collie with black spots stared back at him. His heart sped up. He‘d heard that name for a dog before. In fact, it was the same damn dog.

“I know you.” He pointed at the creature. “But the last time I saw you was with an old woman on Magazine Street in New Orleans.”

Gabriel had been working for a shady lingerie storeowner on the bad side of Magazine Street at the time. Trying to find out what Sebastian wanted with the man, he would later uncover that the demon had employed Trent, the owner, to kill virgins by bleeding them to death. Gabriel still didn‘t fully understand how it benefited Sebastian and he wasn‘t sure he ever would. On his second day, he‘d been hassled by an old woman on the street who‘d told him Sebastian was in New Jersey and that he needed to hurry up and get there.

She‘d spoken of fate and a lot of mumbo-jumbo he hadn‘t understood. It had turned out that she was right and he‘d high-tailed it off to New Jersey to help stop Sebastian‘s assault on the Outsiders. The woman had been with Futon.

The woman shook her head. “There are lots of border collies around this area. You must have seen a different one because Futon never leaves me.”

Rebecca will be giving away a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour here.

What makes Military and Mercenary men so sexy?

2012-02-07T00:01:00.019-05:00

Please welcome Tory Richards to the blog!

Tory will be awarding a $20 gift certificate to Bath and Body to one lucky person who comments. Be sure to follow her tour, because the more you comment, the higher your chances to win. Click the logo below to find her tour dates.

My host asked me, “What makes Military/Mercenary men so sexy?” My first thought was, are you kidding me? That’s easy! It’s so obvious. But then as I thought about it more, I realized it went much deeper than the uniform or persona they represented. And I guess it’s what you consider sexy. Yet any man can seem handsome and sexy in a uniform.

So, why? For me it’s what they symbolize. Safety. Security. Protection. Danger. And how they carry themselves. I just feel that, no matter what happens around me, they will take care of me. Because that’s what they do. Aren’t they sworn to protect the weak and the innocent? They’re bigger than life and walk around with their heads held high, showing the rest of us that they are proud and strong. That yes, we can count of them.

There’s just something about a man in uniform that inspires romance. The dangerous places he’s been, the fighting he’s done. The power of his usually fit physique, along with any battle scars that reveal the life he leads. He has permission to be a hero. As a hero in a romance story he can do anything. Easily defeat the enemy with brawn and skill, and make love to his woman with wild passion and tempered strength. The ultimate alpha male.

Clint Becker is my alpha hero in The Mercenary Way. He makes his living hiring out to the biggest purse. But when his cousin asks him to rescue her best friend, Sarah, he reluctantly agrees. He barely finishes up one mission before finding himself on his way to an island off the coast of Florida. After meeting the spirited, curvaceous blonde, Sarah Reynolds, he wonders what he’s got himself in to. They mix like oil and water!

The Mercenary Way was released with The Wild Rose Press the beginning of February. It’s a revision of Against the Odds, which was first published a few years ago with a different publisher. Besides a new title and book cover, much content and heat has been added. And it has been thoroughly revised. Below is a blurb and brief excerpt.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

http://www.toryrichards.com

When a ruthless gem smuggler mistakes Sarah for her best friend Susan, she's kidnapped and stashed on an island. Her only hope of rescue is Susan's cousin Clint -- a soldier-of-fortune whose my-way-or-else attitude is as infuriating as his muscular body is distracting.

Clint, ex-Navy SEAL turned mercenary, desperately needs a vacation. Rescuing a kidnapped woman from an island paradise isn't what he had in mind. And when he encounters Sarah's sassy mouth and tempting ways, he soon realizes he's the one in trouble.

Excerpt -

“Is Stan─”

“Sshh!” he warned briskly, his gaze returning to hers. “Now isn’t the time for conversation, angel.”

Sarah pressed her lips. She didn’t like being told to be quiet. She dropped her eyes before his steady gaze, beginning to feel self-conscious of their intimate situation. Clint was too sexy and in spite of his gruff ways, she was attracted to him. Sarah recalled the eagerness of her response when he’d had his fingers inside her. She was hungry for that particular feeling again but now was hardly the place or the time.

“You can get off me now,” she spoke quietly, pushing against his shoulders. “They’re going away.”

Clint didn’t budge. “They may have lowered someone to the ground to continue the search,” he reasoned. “Be quiet.”

Sarah listened to the sound of the chopper diminish as it moved further away and raised her eyes to the top of the trees above them where the sky was visible. And where Clint’s gaze was focused. She couldn’t help noticing how thick and muscular his arched neck was. The veins were evident beneath his whiskered jaw.

“You can still get off me,” she insisted, wincing at the weakness in her tone. He glanced down at her. Their gazes met and held. Sarah tried to gauge what he was thinking. After an awkward moment of silence, Sarah looked away, but not before she acknowledged the flame of awareness in Clint’s pupils. His body grew taut.

She caught her breath when he turned hard and demanding against her. With little between them, it was easy to determine Clint wasn’t lacking there. And the knowledge turned Sarah hotter. It seemed the danger of being captured was over but another more primal danger threatened her.

She knew she was playing with fire but couldn’t stop herself from acknowledging Clint’s hard-on in the most obvious way. Parting her legs, she arched into the hard shaft, being rewarded when he sucked in his breath.

“You know if I was a smart man I’d roll off, start walking and not look back.”

Sarah stiffened. Then why didn’t he? When Clint didn’t move right away, Sarah closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at him. His closeness was unnerving, catching her off guard when she realized how much she liked his weight against her. However, closing her eyes turned out to be a bigger mistake when all it did was enhance the charged atmosphere between them.

Her ears picked up the low drone of the helicopter as it was all but out of ear shot, but her senses were acutely aware of Clint. His breath was against her face, hot and intimate, his heart beating against her chest keeping rhythm with another more vital part of his body. When he began to grind his aroused cock against her, she began to respond to the situation against her will.

Suddenly, she felt alive. Her breasts became ultra-sensitive, swelling against his chest as her nipples hardened into tight little nubs. In her mind’s eye, Sarah could see his mouth on her, licking and tugging on them until she was breathless and on fire.

Oh God! What is happening to me? An explosive rush swept through her blood. She kept her eyes closed, desperate to ignore the changes in her body, trying to ignore that it was a man like Clint— callous, raw, and totally unlovable—who was turning her on to such a feverish pitch. She struggled to bring her breathing under control, embarrassed when a soft whimper broke the silence.

“Open your eyes,” he demanded in a voice hoarse with desire.

“No.” The way Sarah figured it, if she didn’t look at him, nothing would happen. He couldn’t possible know she was so turned on she was burning up with it.

“I’m going to kiss you.”

About Tori:

I'm a fifty-something author who discovered my passion for writing and story telling at the ripe old age of thirteen. Before I received my first manual typewriter, with pencil in hand, I would jot my stories down on notebook paper. Later, after receiving that desired typewriter I spent hours in my bedroom, where my parents thought I was doing homework. Writing turned out to be a kind of therapy for me, something I didn't realize until years later.

I also hold down a full time day job. So basically I'm working all the time. Only writing is a hobby for me, something I do during the quiet of the evenings and on my weekends. My goals are simple and realistic. By the time I retire I'll be happy if I'm just making enough "mad money" from it to be able to travel a little, and spoil my grandchildren.

I'll travel any place a cruise ship will take me. I've been to: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Alaska just to name a few places. I don't like to fly, even before I found myself on a plane on 9/11, but I will if I'm given enough legal drugs. I collect antiques and art, and I love chocolate, who doesn't? And I'm addicted to good coffee and sweet ice tea.

For a while life got in the way of my dreams. A few years ago I decided to get serious and haven't looked back!

Find Tory and her books at:

http://www.toryrichards.com

http://www.debbiewallace.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000953754308

http://twitter.com/#!/ToryRichards

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4548655443

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

A Taste for a Mate: Six Sentence Sunday - #27

2012-02-05T00:01:00.022-05:00

A Taste for a Mate came out this week! How great is that!? LOL. I've had a great release week and thank you to all of those who came by during the week.

You can find A Taste for a Mate on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

Here's a snippet from A Taste for a Mate!

Willow looked up into his deep green eyes and heat radiated from him, warming her body in an intimate caress.

“You want to finish the mating?” Jasper’s voice deepened to an animalistic growl. His nostrils flared as he took deep breaths.

“Please,” she whispered.

He took the space between them in two steps and crushed his mouth to hers.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Your comments and encouragements have made this whole writing thing worth it. You guys are amazing and thank you so much for being by my side.

You can find the other sixers by clicking the logo below.

Interview with Jessica Subject

2012-02-04T00:01:00.009-05:00

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

First of all, thank you Carrie Ann for having me here today! Other than an author, I’m also a wife, mother, and reader. And I believe everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after.

Tell us a bit about your book.

Unknown Futures started out as the sequel to Celestial Seduction, but Frey and Carrie stepped aside so that I could tell Jewel and Flavia’s story, although they didn’t completely leave. Here’s the blurb:

Attacked as a young adult, Jewel is left scarred and alone. She applies to the 1Night Stand service, believing no one can see past her appearance to love her. But she doesn’t expect to be sent to a space station where her date could be any number of unusual alien species.

Flavia left everything behind to be one of five humans working for the Space Service space station. Extremely homesick, she is excited to learn she will be a guide to a woman from Earth visiting the station for a couple days. She is immediately drawn to the petite woman, seeing past her scars to her true inner beauty, stirring unforeseen desires.

Unfortunately, Jewel is there for a date which Flavia hasn’t been told about. Can she contain her lust and simply show her a good time? Or will she let her desire lead them into an unknown future?

Book trailer: http://youtu.be/HOBmZ9vKwYE

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.

Buy Links here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=7671

Is this part of a series?

Yes, this is my third story in Decadent Publishing popular multi-authored 1Night Stand series. Each is the story of people being set up on a blind date by Madame Evangeline, who runs the 1Night Stand dating service. Find out more information here: http://decadent1nightstand.blogspot.com/

What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?

As with all of my stories, I find it hard to get the emotional connection I feel for my characters, and what they feel for each other, from my head, onto the pages.

What was your favorite part?

The dance club scene. It brings me back to my dance club days, but I got to add an intergalactic twist.

Here’s an excerpt:

She slid her hand from Jewel’s waist, down, then back up, swaying in front of her. Only an inch between them. She couldn’t get enough. Her Earth scent became intoxicating.

Beat after beat, song after song, she kept her hands on the sexy woman. She claimed her, telling everyone else to stay away. She wanted to savor her precious body. Maybe she could make her forget about her date.

She pulled Jewel even closer, her sensitive nipples pressed against the woman she desired. Holding her with both hands, grinding against her to the music. Her heart raced with hunger. I want to take her on the floor. Right here. Right now.

But the song changed. The beat slowed, indicating last call. The club would close soon.

Most of the patrons had left. Only those hoping to hook up remained. She stepped back. Jewel would have to make the first move. V could never force herself on anyone.

When Jewel took her hands and placed them back on her body, she couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps the evening would end the way she wanted.

Jewel pressed against her, her head resting on her shoulder, swaying to the decelerated beat. “I don’t want this night to end.”

Their dancing became deliberate, a sensuous and intimate rhythm. “It doesn’t have to.”

Jewel stopped and looked up at her. “You…you’re interested?”

Rate your story in terms of steaminess

I would say four fireworks. There are two hot scenes involving the women, but the dance club gets pretty steamy with some exhibitionism.

Who is your favorite romance author?

Based on who I’ve read the most books from, that would be Nora Roberts. Although there are plenty of other authors out there that I love. For my ebooks, I have separate folders for the authors who I buy a lot of their books.

What is your favorite romance book or series?

Again, it would have to be the In Death series, by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). But I have to include Gini Koch’s Alien series here. I could list a bunch more as well.

Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*

That would be Jeff Martini from Gini Koch’s Alien series. *swoon*. If he and I weren’t happily married, I would have to see just how fast and how much stamina he has as an A/C (Alpha Centaurian).

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer briefs or boxers.

What is next for you?

Once I finish up the blog tours of my three releases in December and January, I’ll be getting ready for the release of my first full-length novel on March 24 from Silver Publishing. The Zurian Child is the first in my Mark of the Stars series about aliens which live on Earth. This series was the very first thing I wrote, and began as a superhero story for my daughter. As I plotted and wrote, it became something much different.

As for my writing, I’m working on the second book in my Mark of the Stars series and a couple other smaller projects.

Thanks again, Carrie Ann for hosting me! And all the best to you!

Giveaway!!

As part of the Unknown Futures blog tour with Sizzling PR, Jessica is giving away a $20 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or AllRomanceEbooks.com. Simply leave a comment with your email address for your chance to WIN! Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=8896

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Guest Dianne Venetta and Dating Younger Men

2012-02-03T00:01:00.002-05:00

Generation Gap -- dating a younger man.

Hm. Interesting topic. In my current release, Samantha Rawlings and her lover Vic Marin are about ten years apart in age. While this may not constitute a generation gap, it does beg the question: “Is there an issue when dating cross-generations?

Yes, and no. (Of course I’d say both! I’m a have-my-cake-and-eat-it-too kind of gal!) I think there can be an issue when the difference in age runs twenty years or more—and not necessarily due to the difference in tradition/attitudes that exist between us and say, our parents—but because of intellect. Oops—I’m sorry. Are you one of those still wondering why anyone twenty years younger would even be dating someone that old? It does sound kind of crazy… I mean, who in their right mind would want to do such a thing?

Ah... Now we’re getting somewhere! Usually it’s a twenty-something younger woman dating a forty-something older man. He’s looking for the fountain of youth and she believes she has it. Remember when you were young and thought you had all the answers? I do. And thank goodness I didn’t do anything too “permanent” during those days—else I’d be in real trouble.

But I digress. The core of the problem with this relationship is not the difference in age or body-tone, but intellect. Do these two really have anything to talk about? Is she mature enough to handle his teenage children (assuming he has some) or his mid-life crisis issue—or heck, how about his ex-wife? (She’s still the mother of his children and always will be.) C’mon! The girl has no life experience. She’s not equipped to handle this kind of conflict! And you know there will be serious conflict when the ex finds out the old man is dating someone “decades” her junior.

Well then, fine. How about a forty-something year old woman and a twenty-something year old man? Does this feel any different? Is she even interested in talking to the young fella?

Doubtful. Most older women aren’t seeking much beyond a good time when it comes to dating a man so many years her junior. She’s “been there done that” and already dealt with all the gripes and moans and she is SO over it. Her ego fulfillment veers towards vanity and companionship, and of course, intimate gratification. Need I say more?

An older man? Sure he’s looking for the intimate gratification part (always has been), but additionally I think he’s looking for power, control and someone to take care of him. And because this younger gal has no idea who she is yet, let alone what makes him tick, she’s in for a wakeup call. (Hopefully they’ll still be married and living happily-ever-after when she “awakes.” It’s possible. I’ve seen it happen.)

But the older woman? She wants freedom, fun and the easy road. Talk about liberated—this lady is hot to trot with a gallop that’s on fire! She’s a precipice-jumping cougar with a frisky purr and powerful body to match! (She goes to the gym on a regular basis, you know. Add a few of those crazy-suspended-in-air yoga moves and she could probably out run a cheetah!) Sha-ZAM! I’m with her!

In case you were wondering, this is where the “no” answer comes into play. (I DO get easily distracted!) If you’re not looking for a serious relationship than no, I don’t think the gap in generations matters. Why should it? So long as both parties know how to play “responsibly” we’re all good.

“Was it good for you?” he asks.

“The bomb,” she replies, as in explosions ricocheting to the tips of her toes and back.

“Good,” he returns. And because he’s young, he may actually leave out the thought so part.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me! But if you’ll excuse me, it is getting a little warm in here. “Oh, honey...! I need a little research help!”

Author bio:

Dianne lives in Central Florida with her husband, two children and part-time Yellow Lab--Cody-body! When not whacking away at her keyboard crafting her next novel you'll find her in their organic garden chasing grasshoppers and plucking hornworms all while drawing wild analogies between kids and plants and men. Definitely men.

A girl's gotta have fun, right?

When she's not knee-deep in dirt or romance, Dianne contributes garden advice for various websites and volunteers in her kids' school garden (a crazy existence to be sure). But at the end of the day, if she can inspire someone to stop and smell the roses--or rosemary!—kiss their child and spouse good-night, be kind to a neighbor and Mother Earth, then she's done all right.

http://www.diannevenetta.com

http://www.twitter.com/DianneVenetta

http://www.facebook.com/DianneVenetta

http://www.BloominThyme.com - the last being my garden blog

Book blurb:

She has what he needs, and he won't stop until he gets it. Trouble is, what begins as a matter of death, becomes a matter of life.

# # #

One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...

Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.

Until Vic walks away.

Excerpt:

“You did well today, Vic. You didn’t win your argument, your performance was a little overpowering, but you did well.” She slid a hand across the table. He would have sworn she was about to touch his, but instead, her fingers curled around the stem of her water glass. “Chavez was out of line. It’s his MO. Whenever there’s a new attorney in his courtroom, he parades power like a peacock. Don’t take it personal.”

No longer sparring, Vic noted her removal of armor.

“You’re good. Really good. You have phenomenal energy in the courtroom—I mean you had the jury.” A smile crept onto her lips, a gesture which reached deep inside him. “I was watching. Each and every one of them followed you around that courtroom, your every move, your every word, they were right there with you. They didn’t believe her either.”

“Then why won’t you include me on Perry?”

Sam’s breath caught in her throat. Trapped beneath his gaze, the question echoed Raul’s. Around her, the noise level rose as lunch hour officially reached full sprint. People shouted orders, metal cash registers clanged in action, but she focused solely on Vic.

Her suspicion returned. Because I don’t need any help. Because I don’t want the distraction. Because I’ll be damned if some unknown hotshot comes in and tries to strip the prize from my hands regardless of how good, or how good-looking he is.

Sam’s spine locked straight. All her life she had to work twice as hard, run twice as fast—because she was a woman. As an adolescent, her parents forced her to share an overload of responsibility for the care of five younger siblings, despite the fact her brother was scarcely a year behind her. In college she was offered more dates than internships with law school providing more of the same.

Sam sighed. Baker, Schofield, Martinez and Brown had been the one interview where she felt wholly respected—wholly appreciated for her talent and not her looks. Because of Raul. He focused on her abilities and she responded. From there, the man taught her everything she knew, from the law to the lowdown, and groomed her into the legal shark she was proud to be.

Her thoughts chilled. Yet now, he was encouraging interference on her caseload from the new guy. It didn’t make sense.

Sam honed in on Vic. “Give me one good reason I should include you on Perry.”

“You said it yourself, I’m good.”

“So am I.”

“It’s a big case. More than one attorney can handle.”

“I have Diego.”

“I have experience.”

“So I hear.” Sam lifted her glass from the table, but never took her eyes off him.

“It could work to your benefit.”

“I work to my benefit.”

Vic eased his neck from his collar and reached for his glass. “I’m offering to help, Sam. Most attorneys would jump at the opportunity.”

“If you hadn’t gathered by now, I’m not most attorneys.”

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

“My father is a prominent attorney.”

Sam gave an expectant lift to her shoulders. “And?”

“And, what? He’s a good guy.” Depressed, angry… Vic sighed. But a good man at heart.

“What do they think of you moving to Miami?”

Something inside him hardened. “They’re very supportive of what I do.”

She nodded, as though it were obvious. “They want you to be happy.”

Vic felt the old pressure swell in his gut. “Something like that.” He sipped from his drink, coating his ache with a soothing measure of gin.

“Family is important,” Sam said, with what sounded like genuine admiration. “Particularly the dedicated kind.”

He paused, and held onto the softness that entered her voice. “If you feel that way, why aren’t you married?”

“Why aren’t you?”

“Asked you first. The way you said it, sounded like you have some experience in the department.”

“I do. Loads of it.” She shook long bangs from her well-shaped brow and said, “I come from a family of six kids.”

“Six kids?”

“Six. And I, being the oldest, had to help raise the little beasts—I mean, dearies.” She smiled sweet as syrup. “And mind you, I love every one of them, but I don’t want to repeat history.” She mimicked a shudder and fiddled with her drink’s red plastic sword. “I’ve had my fill in the child-rearing department, thank you very much, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the commitment my parents made to keep it together.”

Oblivious now to the parade of passersby, Vic felt a strange wave of disappointment. “What, you don’t want kids?”

“I have kids,” she asserted. “My brothers and sisters have several between them who I enjoy very much, but as for myself I’ve chosen a different path.”

Vic nodded, but said nothing. He was calculating the new information, turning it over in his mind, deciding what it meant and how he felt about it.

And it’s reflection on her.

“So Vic, you still haven’t explained why you chose Miami.”

He welcomed the shift in tide. Talk of marriage and children was starting to depress him. “I’m looking to add a little ‘sunshine’ to my life and this seemed just the place.”

Sam dipped into her martini, the fiery gleam in her eyes magnetic, her smile reflecting the earlier reference. Inciting desire, it pulled him in, all without revealing her first thought.

“Yes, well, sounds to me like you had a vested opportunity in your father’s firm. Why cross the country and start over?”

“I wanted a change in scenery. While I’m young,” he added, with measured thrust.

Sam smiled, intrigued, but let the subject go.

While she had yet to decipher the reason for Vic’s move, and Raul’s insistence on acting as his cheerleader, she knew men didn’t usually uproot their careers and move halfway across the country, particularly when their father was a well-connected attorney in town and their academics were spotless.

Unless there was a problem.

THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY:

a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Find more about the tour here.

Interview with Malia Mallory

2012-02-02T00:01:00.007-05:00

Hi! Please welcome Malia Mallory to the blog!

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Thanks so much for hosting me today! I am an erotica author. Thus far, most of my released material has been short stories and novellas. I do plan to work on some longer things soon! I've been writing off and on for years but finally took the plunge into being published last year.

I live in Hawaii with my husband and the cutest, sweetest dog a person could ever have.

Tell us a bit about your book.

I have released a few stand-alone stories but I also have an ongoing series called The ABCs of Erotica. The stories are not necessarily connected but there have been a few characters who have popped up more than once. One example is Mistress Ven who is a main character is both C is for C*ck Ring and D is for Domination. Not all the stories are BDSM though, they cover a wide variety of topics based upon themes from the alphabet.

Is this part of a series?

So far, I've released five stories from the series including A is for Anal, B is for Beach, C is for C*ck Ring, D is for Domination and R is for Revenge. There are a few others that are complete but not yet released. You can get an idea of the topic from the title. For example, B is for Beach is about a couple who meet and fulfill a fantasy of having sex on a beach. It is a more romantic story. R is for Revenge is about a curvy BBW who has the opportunity to get back at her former boss. It started out as R is for Rubenesque
but it was really the revenge aspect that was the focus of the story

What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?

I find it difficult to find the time. I am a terrible procrastinator. I need to be more disciplined about putting aside specific blocks for writing. It is so easy to fritter away time.

What was your favorite part?

I really enjoy hearing from people that they were entertained by a story I wrote. I also like the feeling of satisfaction I get when a story is complete.

Rate your story in terms of steaminess

I'd have to say they are pretty steamy and explicit. There is no purple prose here. The more BDSM stories are considered "lighter" BDSM as they don't go too, too far. Some of my stories are ménage and some use toys. The characters tend to be comfortable with their pursuits.

Who is your favorite romance author?

I was a huge Linda Howard fan for years. She was my favorite. Now it is hard to settle on just one because there are so many great authors.

What is your favorite romance book or series?

I'm a big fan of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. If you like regency, they are really great. I also like Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Amanda Quick. Again, these are regencies but with more unusual and original heroines. She had moved on from these somewhat and is writing more historical paranormal type stuff now with that pseudonym but those are good too.

Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*

Wow this is a tough question. You know, me and about a million other woman would love to meet Roarke from Nora Roberts' In Death Series (writing as J.D. Robb). Who can argue with smart, gorgeous, successful, romantic and rich to boot!

It would be great to have a wonderful meal at a restaurant that I couldn't otherwise afford with some charming conversation.

Honestly though, I am very happily married. I'm super lucky to be married to my own smart, wonderful guy.

Boxers or Briefs?

I like both. They each have their positives J

What is next for you?

I'm currently on a blog tour to promote The ABCs of Erotica. All the appearances are listed on my web site (http://www.maliamallory.com).

I am also working on a sequel to Mia's Cop Craving as well as a short story that is steampunk erotica. It is called Clockwork Caning. There will also be more of The ABCs of Erotica coming soon.

These questions are for your main characters

To answer these characters questions, I'm going to utilize Erica and Ben who are the characters in The ABCs of Erotica - B is for Beach.

What were your first impressions of each other?

Before they met for dinner at the beginning of the story, Ben and Erica had only spoken on the phone. Both were pleased and relieved to find they like each other as well in person and that their "phone" chemistry translated to an in person encounter.

What are your favorite parts about each other?

Erica, like me, is a big fan of a great smile and Ben has one. Ben is intrigued by the duality of Erica's personality. She is alternately shy and then uninhibited.

What’s next for you?

Ben and Erica are great characters. It seems like maybe a more fully fleshed out treatment of their relationship is something I should consider. That is to say, maybe they should get a book? J

Malia Mallory is the author of The ABCs of Erotica series, which includes so far A is for Anal, B is for Beach, C is for C*ck Ring D is for Domination, and now, R is for Revenge. The ABCs of Erotica covers the erotic spectrum from BDSM to ménage and everything in between. More releases in the series are on the way. She has also released Mia's Cop Craving and Santa's Backdoor Baby. She has hit the bestselling erotica lists at both Amazon and iTunes. Her books are available in electronic format at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and AllRomance Books.

For a free copy of B is for Beach from The ABCs of Erotica, head to her website and sign up for the newsletter at http://www.maliamallory.com/Join_My_Mailing_List.php.

Connect with Malia Mallory

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/@MaliaMallory

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MaliaMallory

Blog - http://abcsoferotica.wordpress.com/

Web Page - http://www.maliamallory.com

Book Spotlight: Snowy Fate by Marissa Dobson

2012-02-01T00:01:00.014-05:00

Snowy Fate by Marissa Dobson

Fate always knows when you're ready for love.

The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man.

Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life then what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, I now reside about an hour from Washington, D.C. I am a lady who likes to keep busy, and am always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, I believe you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave me the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read I have always had my nose in a book. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started writing down the stories I came up with.

I am blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is my other half and allows me to stay home and pursue my writing. My writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Ruby Lioness Press / Kindle / Smashwords /

Excerpt:

She picked up the fire poker as she looked at the naked man before her. “Who are you?” Even though she was startled by the man who stood before her, she had a feeling that he meant her no harm. A man that sexy couldn’t harm anyone; except to break a girl’s heart. He looked as though he should be posing for Playgirl instead of standing in the cozy living room.

“The better question is who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked as he shook the wet snow off his body. He stood there, not the least bit concerned that he was naked, nor that he was wet from head to toe. Her heart was fluttering, and desire was heating her cheeks. She wanted to explore his toned body with her hands, and her tongue. His dark hair was wind blown into disarray; that served to make him look dangerous, and that much sexier.

“The name’s Aspyn. Now who are you?”

“You’re his daughter,” he said more out of shock, then in question. “I’m Damon Andrews. John, your dad’s lawyer, didn’t think you would be coming to the house, or I would have left.”

Once she heard this man was a friend of her father’s, she quickly squashed the attraction that was building inside her. There was no way she could pursue someone who knew her father. She didn’t want to know any more than she already did about the man who ran out on her and her mother.

“It wasn’t the plan. I agreed to sell the place and his things. I planned to head straight home, but the storm rolled in, leaving me no time to get out of town. I didn’t have anywhere else to go and I didn’t think anyone was living here. The lawyer mentioned the key under the rug if I wanted to stop.” She lowered the weapon as she spoke.

He nodded in understanding. “If there is anything of his you want, please feel free to take it. There are lots of pictures of you.”

“He never gave me anything while he was alive and I don’t want anything now.” The first tear was threatening to fall.

“Hey there, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry,” he said, crossing the room in two strides.

“It’s not you. It’s just being here, around all this. It’s more than I can handle now. I’m not a woman who cries at the drop of the hat, I don’t know what is wrong with me. All the years he missed, and now it’s too late. This is like crying over spilled milk.”

He gently laid a hand on her shoulder. “He wouldn’t want you to be upset. He did what he thought was right when you were a child. It might not have been the best decision, but he felt it was the only way. It was the only way to give you a semi-normal childhood, and he regretted that decision every day.”

She looked him in the eye and with fire in her eyes, she lashed back. “I know this is going to sound childish and ungrateful, but then he should have come back for us.” She shook off his hand. “But none of that matters now, it’s too late. What are you doing here? Better yet, why are you naked?”

Taking a step back, he nodded to the cot made in the corner. “I’ve been staying with your father. I’m building a house on the other side of the lake and was living at the hotel. On your dad’s better days, he would come over and helped with the construction. The heat and plumbing aren’t finished yet because of the freezing weather. Your dad invited me to stay until it was finished. When he passed and I found out you didn’t want the house, I put the offer in to buy it. I couldn’t see it sold off to someone who wouldn’t appreciate the beauty of the area. As for my lack of clothing, well that is a long story. Why don’t I make us something to eat? I’m sure you’re starving.”

“That would be great.”

“On one condition … you must read your father’s journal. You need to understand why. It will affect you more than I can explain.” Before she could object he added, “Please. There is stuff in there that you really need to know. I told him time and time again that he needed to find you before it was too late and tell you. But he didn’t listen. The first page is all I am asking. After that, if you don’t want to read any more, I won’t pester you anymore today.”

A Taste for a Mate: Book Release Day!!!

2012-01-31T20:13:00.001-05:00

It's Here!!! It's really here! A Taste for a Mate is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

I'm so happy to share Jasper's story with yall. You can find it here. Thanks so much for coming on this Redwood journey with me! Its a full length novel and the second book in the series! I'm so excited!!

Pick up a copy, enjoy and tell your friends. LOL Okay you know I'm not that pushy, but enjoy yourself anyway!

A Taste for a Mate - Book 2 in the Redwood Pack Series

Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.

Book Spotlight: The Fever and the Fury Stephanie Draven

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Fever and the Fury

Stephanie Draven

Revenge is a dish best served hot!

Phaedra, a fury, is bound to make Lieutenant Luke Lazaros atone for his supposed crime, but her usual method of inflicting pain doesn’t work very well on a phoenix with the power to be reborn every time he dies. However, each rebirth leaves him with an overwhelming need for sex. Phaedra’s new plan: to drive Luke mad with desire.

But Phaedra has never touched anyone—even herself—except to cause pain. She’s an innocent when it comes to pleasure…but Luke isn’t. His touch is a revelation, arousing a passion in Phaedra that is as delicious as it is terrifying. For no matter how much she wants Luke, giving herself to a man risks awakening her goddess’s wrath.

A multi-published award-nominated author of paranormal romance. Stephanie’s critically acclaimed Mythica series asks: What if the monsters of ancient mythology still walked the earth...and what if you found out that you were one of them? Currently a denizen of Baltimore, Stephanie lives with her favorite nocturnal creatures–three scheming cats and a deliciously wicked husband. And when she is not busy with dark domestic rituals, she writes her books.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Excerpt:

She'd already killed him twice this week.

Monday, the harpy bitch grabbed the wheel just as he was making a tight turn on a cliff-side highway. The car jumped the barrier and exploded in a fiery crash of glass and twisted metal at the bottom of Moraca Canyon.

On Wednesday morning, he'd chanced taking a shower and she dropped a hair dryer in with him, sending a deadly shock through his wet body.

It wasn't even the weekend and she was already trying to kill him a third time.

Luke had awakened to the sinuous slide of her body atop his and, for one groggy moment, he'd enjoyed the carnal sensation of a woman in bed with him.

Then her knee came crushing down on his windpipe.

Now Luke thrashed upon the mattress, grabbing at her supple thighs, trying to throw her off. The curve of her breast brushed his arm, her moist lips parted and she clutched at his face as if she were going to draw him into an intimate embrace…just before fingernails like talons cut his flesh to bloody ribbons.

Or at least that's what it felt like.

With the lightest touch, she could put an ordinary mortal man in complete agony. But he wasn't an ordinary mortal man and she should have known better than to touch him.

"Atone," the fury demanded, her voice driving needles of agony into his spine. “Atone!”

Luke was desperate enough to consider it. Anything to get rid of her. Anything to make the pain stop. Anything that might relieve him of the memories that haunted him. The blood in the sand and all the lies…

Take the money, Luke. There'll be more where that came from.

His traitorous lips parted in surrender, ready to tell the fury whatever she wanted to hear, but then he felt his square jaw clench tight in stubborn refusal.

No. Screw atonement and regret. Luke would rather die again.

Her lithe legs wrapped around his waist like a vise. They were locked together as tightly as lovers and in blind suffering he banged the back of his skull on the headboard. It started like a fever, a sexual rush of heat that seared its way through his veins, pulsing through his hammering heart, racing to his groin.

Damn it. He liked this villa, but he'd burn the place down to get free of her if he had to. Sparks leaped from his fingertips to the bedsheets and the scent of scorched linen rose to his nostrils. The fire would obey him—it was the one goddamned thing in his life he still had any control over—so Luke made the fire rise higher, engulfing them both in a flash of flames and searing pain.

His bones went white-hot, molten beneath his skin, and he screamed. He was turning to ash. He was burning her too, burning her alive. He could have held onto her. He could have forced her to share his torment to the bitter end, but he flung her away. And her tumbling body was the last thing he saw before he died….

Phaedra was accustomed to inflicting pain, not suffering it. But now every cell in her body screamed in protest as her burned skin rose up in blisters. She was immortal. She could never die. That didn't mean she couldn't feel pain, and making this man miserable had somehow become her own personal torment.

She lay dazed in agony on the floor, smoke filling her lungs while Lieutenant Luke Lazaros burned alive before her very eyes. Gods of Olympus, he was stubborn. He should have broken by now, but he was only getting more unmanageable. None of the men she'd been sent to torture had ever been so obstinate. Then again, she'd never been unleashed upon a phoenix before.

In the light of the crackling blaze, Phaedra's blistered body healed, new pink flesh knitting over the old with miraculous speed, and it occurred to her that the fire alarm wasn't shrieking. A quick glance up at the scorched ceiling told her that he'd disabled it. That he'd planned for this exact circumstance. He was handy that way. Good with modern gadgets. And a born strategist. He'd started anticipating her. Adapting…

All at once, the conflagration on the bed extinguished itself and a burst of air dusted her with Luke's charred human remains. A bit of stagecraft on his part.

Of course, she'd seen him do this before—rise from the ashes as a new man, his dark curly hair cut in sharp military style, his name and blood type displayed upon frayed patches on his desert fatigues. A backpack full of cash in his right hand.

This was how he looked the moment he was war-forged. The instant he stopped being an ordinary mortal man and became a monster. But as many times as she watched him die, she couldn't enjoy it. Watching him now, she took no satisfaction in his shudder of revulsion at the feel of a new body that wasn't his own. Nor did it encourage her to see the half hostile, half haunted look in his eyes as he tried to remember himself. Shaking his head as if to fasten upon his old memories, he caught her look of dismay and gave a dark smile-that-was-not-a-smile.

"What's the matter?” Luke asked. “Didn't expect me to be so hot in bed?"

Given that she was clutching the burned and blackened remains of her clothing against her body, Phaedra didn't appreciate the sexual innuendo. It didn't surprise her though. Every time the lieutenant was reborn, he battled overwhelming hunger. He'd be ravenous now, for food, drink…sex.

Still, he grabbed one of his white dress shirts from a drawer and tossed it to her. "Here. You can wear this."

The gallant gesture was starkly out of place considering their situation. Phaedra eyed her nemesis as she fastened the buttons, disconcerted by his scent on the shirt and how it mingled with the perfume of her newly healed skin. "Does this mean you're ready to be redeemed, Luke Lazaros?"

"Just means I was brought up right," Luke said through his teeth. "And that an officer falls back on his training in a crisis. Or maybe I've just always fantasized about a leggy woman wearing nothing but my shirt. Until I get rid of you, I might as well improve the scenery."

"How many times must we go through this?" Phaedra asked, ignoring the predatory glare in his eyes. She rose to her feet. She was tall, but he was taller. She was hard-bodied and imposing; even before they felt the torture of her touch, most men had the sense to cower. But not this man. "There is no getting rid of me, Lieutenant. Once a fury is unleashed upon a criminal, she's unbreakably bound to him until he atones or is driven to insanity."

"I'm not a criminal," Luke snapped. "And I will find a way to be rid of you."

I hope you do find a way, Phaedra thought. Because she was every bit as stuck with him as he was with her.

Exclusive Content and a Guest Post with Skye Warren

2012-01-30T00:01:00.005-05:00

Thanks for having me! For you guys, I’ve got exclusive content from my martial arts erotic romance, Below the Belt. This means, it’s not in the book, it’s not anywhere but right here on Carrie’s blog. In this scene, Abe met his match in the sweet, sexy heroine last night. He also managed to screw it up just that quickly. But this is Nationals and he’s a champion, so he’s trying to focus on training…

Abe’s fists thudded against the leather in quick succession, followed by the slam of a roundhouse kick. The freestanding punching bag, despite the weighted base, tipped over with a shudder.

The other guys in the gym looked over at the sound of the crash, but only Rafael was stupid enough to approach him when he was like this. Sweaty and out of breath from his tour on the treadmill, Rafael yanked his earplugs out and leaned against a nearby, still-standing punching bag. “Your mind on something, amigo?”

Abe took a few gulps from his water bottle before dousing his thick head with the rest of it. The cool splash did little to cool his annoyance. Neither did the knowing grin on Rafael’s face.

“Or maybe someone,” Rafael said, “like a pretty girl with a nice pair of – ”

Abe cut him off with a growl. “Aren’t you supposed to be running – not running your mouth?”

Rafael sauntered off, having made his point. As if Abe didn’t know what the problem was. All he’d been able to think about for the long, sleepless night and even longer morning in training was a certain gorgeous woman with a beautiful pair of…well. But none of that mattered, because he’d ruined his shot with her. Even by his own, admittedly low, standards he’d fucked up. Bad enough that he had approached her on a bet, that he had pushed his luck by having sex with her that first night, but his whole dumbass crew had found them together. Shit. A nice guy would have protected her from humiliation like that, not caused it. But then, Abe wasn’t a nice guy.

With a grunt, he righted the punching bag and went to work. Maybe he could work her out of his system, if he hit hard enough, moved fast enough. His muscles burned in protest, but that only made him push himself harder.

Sweat slid into his eyes, stinging and blinding him. He went on fighting, just like he’d always done. More. Harder. Faster. The bag in front of him morphed into a wavy black column. He was moving on instinct. Except his instincts were all screwy. And suddenly the chant in his head wasn’t about fighting at all, but someone else, something entirely different. Something he’d done just last night. Faster. Harder. More. Beautiful, trusting brown eyes blinking up at him, hazy with arousal.

Fuck.

I’m sure our mystery heroine will meet up with him soon, just in time to mess with his head (and other body parts) again. Here’s the blurb to Below the Belt:

Black belt Abe Montgomery is focused on winning gold. But at nationals, Abe meets Paris, a beautiful, mysterious woman. Paris Rivera has sworn off men and martial arts. Her black belt cost her more than years of dedication and sweat. The fight of Abe’s life looms ahead, with his dreams of owning a school and his future with Paris hanging in the balance. He may dominate on the mats, but he’s fallen hard for her. When the time comes for them to part, he may not be able to let her go.

The best new is that Below the Belt is only 99 cents, so spend a couple more hours with Abe and see where it takes him. Fair warning: this is one seriously steamy novella.

Buy it now at Amazon, B&N, or All Romance, or go to http://skyewarren.com/books/below-the-belt/ for an excerpt and more buy links.

Thanks all!

Skye Warren

Unapologetic erotica

http://www.skyewarren.com

A Taste for a Mate: Six Sentence Sunday - #26

2012-01-29T00:01:00.013-05:00

My six sentences today come from A Taste for a Mate, book 2 in the Redwood Pack series. It comes out Feb 6th! So close!

Willow has just woken up and not fully awake yet. :-)

Questions formed and tumbled in her mind, cooling the surrounding warmth as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

The sounds of footsteps on the lush carpet mingled with the crunching of grass beneath a person’s foot. The bending of a blade of grass underneath a paw sounded crisp and clean. A door opened to a home, followed by more footsteps.

Behind the intense sandalwood came the strong scent of freshly ground coffee, fatty bacon sizzling in a pan, the creamy scent of homemade pancakes with fresh whipped cream and berries. The sharp citrus smell of squeezed orange juice overpowered her scenes as she caught a whiff of wood shavings.

Find the other sixers here.

Finding Romance in Science

2012-01-27T00:01:00.022-05:00

Please welcome Kat Duncan to the blog today!

Be sure to comment at the end of the post b/c she will be awarding gift basket worth over $15 of Irish items to one randomly drawn commenter (US/Canada only please). Be sure to follow the tour by clicking the logo, because the more the enter, the better chances you have!

Finding Romance in Science

We expect romance to sweep us off our feet and transport our often weary, jaded psyches to new and exciting realms and places only our minds can reach. Romance makes us believe in human goodness, fate, destiny and countless other imponderables. We expect science, on the other hand, to ground us, to give our skeptical, suspicious minds facts that help us understand how the world works and why people behave the way they do. Science doesn't ask us to believe anything. Science provides factual knowledge, and proof to back up that knowledge.

So, what happens when romance invades science, or the reverse? You might think the obvious answer is chaos, but the true answer is synergy, a blend that has advantages for both romance and science. Not so very long ago science was based on belief and not evidence. Nineteen people died in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 on the say-so of a few young girls who accused people in their town of afflicting them through witchcraft. The judges and juries at the time accepted belief as proof and condemned hundreds of innocent people to die. And die they did, until the governor of Massachusetts intervened, making a rule that belief was not enough. He declared there must be evidence to go along with the claims. Although the incidents in 1692 were not heralded as the beginnings of science, it stand as an example of what can happen when beliefs are shored up with underpinnings of science.

Great. So, what happens when science is shored up by romance? In the short time since 1692 have scientists lost their romantic sides, if ever they possessed such things? I think not. It is the romantic side of science that keeps scientists interested in pursuing answers to some of our most difficult questions. Nearly thirty years ago, award-winning scientist Carl Sagan discovered that the brain of a well-known scientist, Paul Broca, had been preserved in a jar in a museum in France. Dr. Sagan's romantic side wondered if Broca's memories were still alive and well in that jar and further wondered whether it would someday be possible to access them and learn all that Broca knew.

Authors also have such wondering thoughts. Unlike true scientists who must stick to physically provable evidence, authors can wander about in their imaginations and take legions of readers on the journey with them. It is a completely romantic notion to think that as you read Synapse you are really wandering with me in my mind as I wonder what may be possible in the world of science as well as in the world of romance. If there were no romance in science, or no science in romance, both of these worlds would be diminished. It is only in the blending, and the synergy, of these and other worlds that can make us wonder and dream and through these dreams and wonderings search for and discover all that is new and exciting.

Kat Duncan is a creation extremist who is doing her best to identify human creativity and free it from captivity, one student at a time. As a young child, Kat once tried to confess the telling of her stories to her parish priest because she thought they fit the definition the nuns gave for telling a lie. With her lies fully sanctioned and blessed by church authorities, Kat has been telling her lies ever since and writing stories to entertain and enlighten. After a successful career as a software engineer, Kat decided she needed something different to do. She's now a tutor of adolescents with special needs.

Web: http://www.katduncan.net

Blog: http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Twitter: @write_about

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writeabout

Blurb:

Stalked by a killer bent on stealing her laboratory notebook, scientist Molly Augur is desperate to figure out who she can and cannot trust. With the help of co-researcher Bill Banely, she uses DNA technology she invented to prove she can release hidden ancestral memories. In the brain synapses of her mind she finds one person who may know the truth - her long dead ancestor, Mailsi, whose life memories have been recorded in the depths of Molly’s genes.

Ancient passions and betrayals come alive and collide with the present when Molly discovers philanthropist Dr. Philman, with a secret billion dollar need for the technology only she possesses could be the one after her notebook. And Bill, whose wandering heart she has finally won, is working for Philman. In the face of limitless money, what is the value of Bill’s love? Or the value of her life? The answers lie deep within the synapses of her mind.

Excerpt

"Banely!" she screamed. "The hydrogen tank. It's gonna blow. Run!"

Banely disappeared and she heard the massive lab door slam shut. The floor trembled like a pending volcanic eruption. She covered her eyes and sucked in a breath. The impact hit her and she went rolling. But it wasn't the hydrogen. It was Banely. After his flying tackle he pulled her behind a concrete lab bench, his arms gripping around her, forming a protective shell. A pop, and a whoosh of gas.

She moaned, waiting for the explosion.

Nothing.

Just the steady hiss of escaping gas.

Cautiously, she looked around the corner of the bench at the cloud of helium that blanketed the fuelsile as the automatic exhaust system sucked away the cloud of frozen hydrogen.

"The helium extinguisher worked," she whispered.

"The what?" He sat up, still holding her.

"Don't move," she said, her voice hushed as if any disturbance would upset the delicate balance of gases. "It's not over yet." The hiss slowly lessened, and then it stopped.

Silence. Except for two heaving chests.

She sat back, allowing herself one muffled sob as she covered her eyes.

"It's ok, Molly. It's over. No one is hurt." His arms were still around her.

Her beautiful DNA machine. Gone. She wanted to bury her face into his chest and cry.

"What's going on?" he asked. "You shouldn't be working alone on a machine like this. It's dangerous."

She looked to the damaged fuelsile that could never again be used. "You're right. I'm not supposed to be in here alone. The dean would fire me."

Be sure to comment at the end of the post b/c she will be awarding gift basket worth over $15 of Irish items to one randomly drawn commenter (US/Canada only please). Be sure to follow the tour by clicking the logo, because the more the enter, the better chances you have!

Writing Hot Scenes with Louisa Masters

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Writing Hot Scenes

You're reading a book. The tension between the hero and heroine has been slowly building over the last few scenes. They're ready to have sex, you just know it...

You're writing a book. You've slowly built the tension between the hero and heroine, and it's time for them to do the nasty...crap. Now you have to write it.

A lot of writers can scribble off a hot scene without a hitch. Not me. For me, it takes concentration, focus, and a whole lot of self-encouragement.

The problem: balancing the what-goes-where with the sensations and emotions the character is experiencing. Hands can stroke, lips can caress, other parts can clench and/or throb...but then what? How does the character and the recipient react? Do they shudder? Does their skin tingle? Muscles tremble?

Plus, there's the whole repetition thing. How many times can a person shudder in one scene?

I've been told to draw on personal experience. It's a great idea in theory, but in practice, if you're doing it right you're not taking notes. So when I sit down to write a hot scene, it's usually after I've done some research. What have I seen, read, heard about that I find interesting, that I might like to try myself. What have I done before that was...erm...fun? Even if I can't remember the details, I can remember how I felt afterward.

Next, I think about my characters. Are they adventurous and open to new things? Shy and need coaxing? Are they with a new partner or someone they've known intimately for years?

Now I have the overall scene hashed out, and it's time to focus on the technical. Whose hands go where, when does tab A go into slot B—or whatever else they might do.

I hate to admit it, but generally I go back after I've written the scene and add in the reactions and emotions. I find it easier after the mechanics have been taken care of!

My question to you: how would you write a hot scene? Could you do it all in one go, or would you need to build the components in stages?

A born reader, Louisa discovered her love of romance at an early age and began sneaking her mother's romance novels by age twelve. A sucker for a happy ending, she was often disappointed by the lead up–not enough sexy stuff. Where was the anticipation, the flirting, the tension? Her solution? Write it herself.
Living in Melbourne, Australia, she is renowned for complaining about the weather and the calories associated with eating ice cream, but has learned to ignore both and enjoy life anyway. Visit Louisa at www.louisamasters.com

With her resignation submitted, Jeannie Price has one last task she’s itching to perform before leaving her job. After months of sitting next to hot, sexy colleague Tim Harding, it’s time to turn fantasy into reality with a scorching invitation to collaborate on matters of the flesh in Conference Room B. Then she can walk away without regrets.

Tim’s dreams of wild, sweaty sex with Jeannie come true when he accepts her offer, but he’s stunned to learn she doesn’t want to see him again after their steamy tryst. She may be trying to brush him off as just one more item on her To-Do List, but he’s determined to convince her there’s nothing taboo about inter-office relations.

Excerpt :

“Do you want to have sex in Conference Room B?”

Tim Harding jerked his head up from the cost analysis on his computer screen. Jeannie Price was leaning on the partition between their desks, her dark eyes fixed on his face. He took a moment to admire them as he pondered her words.

“Is this a hypothetical question?” he asked finally. “Because—”

“It’s not a hypothetical question. It’s an invitation.”

Her words slammed straight to his cock. Was she joking? Had she guessed that she was the star of his late-night fantasies? He’d even pictured taking her in the office—okay, he’d imagined the boardroom, but he was flexible.

He swallowed, hard, his cock twitching. She’d been very flexible when he imagined her on his balcony. And in his shower. And...

“I’ll tell you what,” she said. “I’m going to be working in Conference Room B for the next half hour. You think about it, and if you decide to join me...” She shrugged, and her long brown hair slid forward, drawing his eyes to her breasts. In his dreams, her hair flowed over her naked breasts, her nipples peeking through the locks, and when he drew her down over him, it would swing forward, surrounding them like a silken tent...

She straightened, gathered up her laptop and notepad, and handed him an inter-office envelope.

“This may help you make up your mind.”

He watched her walk away, the sway of her hips and the way her dress slid across her ass making him shift uncomfortably.

Louisa will be giving away three $10 Amazon GCs to randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Follow the tour here.

Spicing Things Up with Romance Novels with Roni Loren

2012-01-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Well, that sounds interesting...Spicing Things Up with Romance Novels

One of the beautiful things about books is that we as readers can explore things we may never experience. A passionate affair with a duke, an exciting adventure in another universe, being on the hunt for a crazed serial killer. It’s all at our fingertips. And when it comes to romance, especially erotic romance, it gives us a safe place to explore fantasies we may not ever tackle in our real life.

Or...it may give you ideas on how to spice up your current relationship. It’d be an interesting study to know how many people who read erotic stories end up taking some of those activities and bringing them into their own bedrooms. Reading stories is a good way to find out what appeals to you without risk.

I had a few people who have read my book that said--loved the book, but I can’t see kneeling and calling any guy sir. I get a kick out of that response because it’s so interesting to see how different people react. My usual reply to that reaction is--then you probably aren’t hiding a secret submissive side. Maybe you want to be in charge. Or maybe the whole power exchange dynamic wouldn’t do anything for you.

On the flip side, I’ve had others say that they never realized the submissive role appealed to them until they read a BDSM book. So it can be a good way to safely discover where your interests lie. Feel yourself getting a little flushed when you read a bondage scene? Maybe that’s something to try with your partner. What have you got to lose? If it’s a flop, you’ll probably at least get a laugh out of it.

And of course, always do your research. If you’re going to try something a little involved, make sure you learn about it and do it with someone you trust. Though BDSM romances often have the characters getting into that dynamic pretty quickly, it’s not something to jump into with someone you don’t know well and without rules and limits set up and discussed. Like anything else, be smart.

So have you discovered anything about yourself through reading a romance? What kind of book would you like to jump into and “live” if you knew you could jump right back out when you wanted?

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. Her debut novel, CRASH INTO YOU, will be published by Berkley Heat January 3, 2012.

Website/Blogs: www.roniloren.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/roniloren

Tumblr (where I post mancandy photos): http://roniloren.tumblr.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/roniloren

Buy links for book: www.roniloren.com/books

Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn’s past.

Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he’s all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger. Their hearts aren’t the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

CRASH INTO YOU - EXCERPT 1:

Brynn’s response lodged in her throat, the all-too-familiar name ringing in her ears. No, couldn’t be. But a sinking feeling settled in her gut. She’d only met one Reid in her life, and that Reid was a lawyer. She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath before she turned around to face her new co-worker.

Reid’s blue-eyed gaze met her head-on, hitting her like an airbag to the chest. She sucked in a breath and fought the old instinct to lower her eyes in deference. Son of a bitch, where had that urge come from? She ticked up her chin and gave him her best I-hate-you-but-will-be-polite-because-I’m-the-bigger-person glare. “Hello.”

Cooper walked around Brynn and clapped Reid on the shoulder. “Reid, I’d like you to meet our other social worker, Brynn LeBreck.”

Reid nodded, his expression annoyingly unreadable. “Brynn, pleasure to see you again. It’s been a while.”

Not long enough. Three years had passed since she’d last seen him. His inky hair was longer on top and a few lines creased the corners of his eyes, but time hadn’t softened her warring responses to him. The urges to pummel his face and strip naked before him held almost equal weight. Luckily, the venue was too public to give in to either. She feigned an air of indifference. “It has.”

“Still as beautiful as ever, though.”

The warm notes of his voice stirred the dark recesses of her memory, further inciting the old longing. She shifted in her heels as hot tingles crept from deep in her belly and moved downward to settle between her legs. Un-f**king- believable. Her body was a whoring traitor.

Melody stepped next to Brynn as if sensing her need for support, and Cooper’s eyebrows rose. “You two know each other?”

Boy, did they—in just about every way a man and woman could. She searched Reid’s face, and he tipped his head infinitesimally, as if giving her permission to answer the question. Her eyes narrowed. “Used to. Long time ago.”

Cooper smiled, either oblivious or unperturbed by the tension zipping through the air between her and Reid. “Great. Guess introductions weren’t needed then.”

Nope. Not needed. Brynn knew exactly who Reid Jamison was. A first-class bastard.

(Full version of chapter one can be read here: http://www.roniloren.com/excerpts )

Roni will be giving away:

* One signed set of Romance Trading Cards for "Crash Into You" to a random commenter at every stop.

* A $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Be sure to follow the tour here.

Matchmaking in Romance

2012-01-23T00:01:00.024-05:00

Please welcome Dana Littlejohn to the blog today!

Dana is giving away a promo pen and T-shirt to two different commenters throughout the tour! Be sure to follow the tour here for a better chance to win!

Matchmaking in Romance

Hello everyone!

I am Dana Littlejohn, author of sensual erotic romance. The topic today is matchmaking in romance. When I first saw the topic I had no clue what I was going to write about. I went through my completed books list to see if I even had any books that someone did any matchmaking. When I realized I didn’t have any, I thought a little more and hold the phone. Sure I do!

I was looking at the question all wrong. There matchmaking going on through a romance novel. I mean, isn’t that the point? The main character finds the perfect match for them be it through another character within the storyline or the fates step in and do it for them.

I realized after going through my stories that almost all of them are fate induced romances. You now the ones I’m talking about…some how, some way two star crossed lovers meet and bam! Something sparks inside them and they know that they know that they know they are supposed to be with that person.

In my books your everyday shmoe gets the girl because fate stepped in and said he was worthy and even the gods themselves find true love.

In the first two books of my Erotes series Aphrodite’s sons Eros and Himeros are charged by Zeus to bring lovers together in their mother’s absence, but in the next two books, the son she had with Hermes, Hermaphroditus and the daughter she had with Poseidon, Herephile have been sent to Earth to find love for themselves. They were guided by the hand of their mother to the one that needed them the most.

I believe that matchmaking is an intricate part of the whole romance thing. Sometimes it’s not as blatant as what Aphrodite did with her children, but a subtle match works too. In my Asian Spice, Taniea and Michael weren’t trying to be together at all. They had an arrangement they agreed upon while she was in China that worked for both of them, but fate stepped in and said otherwise. The more time they spend together, well, you get the idea.

After you have read chapter after chapter about these people you’re invested in their future. Here they are avoiding love and the people you know they’re supposed to be with. It’s driving you crazy, making you want to reach onto the pages and strangle them. True love is right in their face and they’re blinded by some other drama they can’t shake. Then finally, the author has mercy on you and allows fate to step in and bring them together. That virtual Cupid’s arrow hits the main character right in the butt and suddenly it on! They have to have them and will do anything to get them. That’s the best part of reading romances isn’t it? Those are the books that become your favorite.

I think it’s the ‘matchmaking’ that makes one romance different from another. How they actually end up is a big part in the romance. I try to make that part as different as the characters themselves in my story. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but I do try. J

Dana Littlejohn

www.danalittlejohn.net

Dana Littlejohn was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but has called Indianapolis, In. her home for over ten years. She has always wanted to write since early childhood, but put that wish on hold to raise her growing family and have a career. With the encouragement of her husband, Dana picked up her pen again in 2003 and has no intention on putting it down. With 3 novels, 8 novellas, 4 stories in anthologies, 42 short stories published to date and a long list of wip (works in progress) she is literally living her dream. Join her on the wild journey through her imagination. It’s a ride you’ll never forget!

Blurb:

Jade Dupree had always been a hot commodity among the young airman. She tried not to date them, but having an old school mother and a worldly father gave her a challenging social life. Her mother’s only goal in life seemed to be to get her to settle her down with the next available airman and birth as many babies as possible.

Her father’s outlook for his children’s future was much less intense. Jade let her mother set her up with an extremely handsome tech sergeant, just as she met the very interesting Mike Davis.

Having spent time with both men Jade can’t help but wonder if her mother finally got lucky in choosing Steven Jones for her…or was Mike Davis a better match for her after all?

Website: www.danalittlejohn.net

Blog: www.authordanalittlejohn.blogspot.com

Facebook: search authordanalittlejohn

Twitter: follow authordanalittlejohn

Excerpt

He laughed again. “Yeah, okay. You know, you dance good for someone who got dragged out to the dance floor.”

“It’s well.”

“What’s well?” he asked, sending a quick look over his shoulder.

“It’s, ‘you dance ‘well’ for someone who got dragged to the dance floor.’”

Mike’s brows scrunched as he twirled her again. “That’s what I said.”

Jade shook her head negatively, careful not to miss the beat. “No, that’s not what you said. You said good.”

“Good is bad?” the man asked with a raised brow.

Jade continued to stare at his feet to stay in step with him. “No, good isn’t bad, it’s just not right.”

“So, good is wrong, but not bad?” he asked in a teasing tone.

“No, good isn’t—” Suddenly she stopped moving and looked up at him. “Are you doing that on purpose?”

“Doing what? I’m learning,” he assured her with a laughing grin.

Jade stood on the dance floor staring into his smiling eyes as the people continued to dance around them. Then she rolled her own.

“Whatever.”

Dana is giving away a promo pen and T-shirt to two different commenters throughout the tour! Be sure to follow the tour here for a better chance to win!

A Taste for a Mate: Six Sentence Sunday - #25

2012-01-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

This is from my upcoming release A Taste for a Mate. It comes out Feb 6th and is book 2 in the Redwood Pack series. :-)

Jasper wrapped her hair around his fist and kissed her with bruising force. He unsnapped her jeans and had them down around her ankles before she could blink. She gasped as his fingers twisted the sides of her thong and tore it from her body.

He kissed and nibbled her neck around the fading mate mark before lifting his head and turning her around, bending her over the couch. The rasp of a zipper and rustle of jeans sent shivers over her spine. He danced his fingers across her thighs, before he finally brushed against her clit.

Be sure to check out the other sixers here.

A Sneak Peak of A Taste for a Mate Chapter One

2012-01-21T19:24:00.000-05:00

A Taste for a Mate is the second book in the Redwood pack series comes out Feb 6th. I'm so freaking excited about this LOL. My debut, An Alpha's Path, came out in Dec and is the first book in the series. I've been slowly gearing up to share Jasper and Willow with y'all.

A Taste for a Mate is three times longer than An Alpha's Path and darker. I got to explore new sides to the world and just have fun with it. I'm going to share the first chapter with y'all now and I can't wait to share the rest!

Blurb:

Chapter 1

The scent of cinnamon and sugar danced on the air as Willow Delton heaved opened the heavy oven door to remove her prized cinnamon rolls. The plump, buttery pastries were baked to perfection, and she set them on the counter to cool. The only thing missing was her thick and creamy frosting, but that would have to wait.

Willow stood back and stared around her commercial grade kitchen. She’d started her bakery from scratch, and it had grown into a successful, albeit small, business. Incredible, really. She’d never thought the day would arrive when she finally had a place to call her own. She was right where she wanted to be. Her favorite part of the day was being able to meet one-on-one with her customers. She loved the looks on their faces when they bit into her temptations, that look of ecstasy not seen on this side of the bedroom door that flashed across their eyes.

Of course, that particular look as the result of a man was long absent from Willow’s face. Too excruciatingly long.

She stood back and closed her eyes, conjuring the memory of her mystery man’s face. The image that filled her mind made her forget the lack of human contact. The thought of his deep, husky voice tickled her spine whenever he spoke. Green eyes caught her in his web with only a glance. She’d fallen for a stranger and didn’t even know his name. He’d come into her store every morning and ordered a cinnamon roll and coffee with only a few words. Then he ‘d pay cash before lifting up the corner of his mouth in a semblance of a smile and walking out of her store. Was it strange she worried he’d keep walking and never return?

A bell’s tinkle pulled Willow from her reverie and self-pity. As she turned to greet her customer, her heart leapt to her throat. Him. Her mysterious fantasy man. As she tried to regain her senses, she took all of him in. He had to be one of the tallest men she’d ever seen, easily over six and a half feet. The tight black T-shirt he wore hugged his biceps and cut into his muscular physique, while his broad shoulders stretched and strained the seams. His body tapered down to a narrow waist and hips as they met his thighs. His long legs she wanted to grip, encased in worn jeans lead to work boots. Hmm, construction perhaps? She glanced back up his body to his striking face.

He wasn’t beautiful, but he did have a face most women would dream about. A strong jaw and cheekbones gave him an aura of strength, the kind of strength that would be protective. His hair was midnight black and long enough to brush his shoulders, however, today, a band held it back, showcasing his face more. He studied her, his green eyes calm and calculating. Willow let out a surprised gasp at the sexual heat radiating from him. Could she possibly be imagining things?

****

Jasper Jamenson fought himself as he walked into the bakery that morning. This would be the seventh week in a row he’d come here, every day but Sunday. And that was only because the damn store was closed. As good as the cinnamon rolls were, and they were little tastes of heaven, it was the woman behind the counter that brought him there every morning.

Following a particularly bad night in the forest on a hunt, Jasper had been pissed and hungry. Another wolf had tried to play a dominant game, forcing Jasper to hurt him. The stench of the other’s defeat had remained on him, only angering Jasper that much more. The scent of the morning’s freshly baked goods pulled him through the quaint and welcoming door, and the slender goddess who served him brought thoughts of a different form of servicing to mind.

Slightly above average in height – he would guess about five foot seven – she was the perfect height to settle against his body. For someone who owned and operated a bakery, she was as skinny as a rail. However, if he looked close enough he could see the telltale signs possible of curves. And with just a little bit of his help and pampering she would gain some well-needed cushion. No matter what, she’d look amazing underneath him. Her long, light brown hair curled in a bun on the top of her head. His fingers ached to pull out the pins and watch it tumble down her back. Hazel eyes sought him and begged for his protection. Damn, he was willing.

Her look made the wolf within him perk up and growl.

“Mate? I want her”. His wolf paced beneath the surface of his skin, calculating the best way to quickly claim their mate.

What his wolf spoke of was a possibility. There were only a few women in the world through time that carried the scent to signal the potential mating. Unlike his brother Kade, who had met two women recently that carried the scent, Jasper had never in his one-hundred and three years come across a woman who brought forth the mating urge. However, if all encounters were like this one, Jasper didn’t know how others walked away. The urge rode him hard and he fought his wolf for control if only for a moment, something that hadn’t happened since he was a pup.

He mentally spoke to his wolf. “We are not ready for a mate. And a human no less. She knows nothing of us. If, and that is a big if, we chose her to be our mate, we will have to go slowly into this. I don’t want us to scare her. But she is beautiful, no”

His wolf growled in response.

“Do you want to scare her away? Let’s get to know her first, see if she is a good match, other than that incredible cinnamon scent. I’ll talk to Adam and find out everything I can about her. I am the Beta; I cannot put my Pack in jeopardy.”

God, he really sucked at this. This time he needed to put on his big wolf panties and actually ask her out.

“Then we could mark her.”

He snorted at his wolf. Yeah, that was taking it slow.

Jasper shook himself from his inner thoughts and looked into those hazel eyes. The spot of flour on her cheek begged for his hand to brush it way. He fought the urge. No need to freak her out. Her chest moved slowly, her small breasts rising and falling. The cinnamon scent of her filled his nostrils and he took a deep breath, the aroma going straight to his cock. The slight gasp that escaped from her kissable lips almost broke his control, and he fisted his hands to regain it.

“Good morning.” His voice lowered an octave and became a growl. He cleared his throat and started again. “I come here every morning and I don’t think I ever gave you my name. Let me rectify that.” He closed the distance between them so only the counter separated them. “I’m Jasper Jamenson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand in hopes of touching her skin.

Willow blinked up at him and seemed at a loss for words. Her lips opened slightly, begging him to lean down and taste her.

“Uh… yeah… I’m Willow Delton.” She shook her head, gave him a small smile and placed her slender hand in his. He’d been right – her skin was incredibly soft and made him want to take a bite.

“Yes, I know, you own this place.” He gave her hand a squeeze and released her.

“So, Jasper, do you want your usual?” The sound of his name on her lips hardened his cock. Without waiting for him to respond, she turned back to her work-table to ice her cinnamon rolls.

“Sounds good.” He watched as her hands moved swiftly and confidently across the baking sheets. “What time do you get off?”

“Smooth, Romeo. Why don’t you just ask her to bend over the work table for you?”

Ignoring his wolf Jasper continued, “I thought that we could grab a bite to eat tonight and go see to the arts fest they have running in town.”

Oh dear Lord. Why didn’t he ease into this?

“Oh, are you asking me out on a date?” She wrinkled her brow and looked utterly confused at the prospect.

“Yes, I am. I’ve been in here for over a month every morning, and as much as I love your food, I had an ulterior motive.”

Surprise flashed across her face before her eyes lit up with excitement. “I’ve never been to the arts fest in town. I didn’t want to go by myself and didn’t have anyone to go with me.” Her mouth snapped shut at her revealing statement.

Laughing quietly, he shook his head. “So what time do you get off?”

“You really need to stop putting it like that; it gives me ideas.” Again, he ignored his wolf’s sarcasm.

“I close at four and should be done cleaning up by five. It’s only me here today so it’s going to take me an hour to close.”

“What do you say I come back at six and we go to dinner from here?”

Her smile almost blinded him as she nodded before taking off her apron. “Okay. Sounds good. Here’s your breakfast.” She handed him his black coffee and a small brown bag with a pink logo.

Taking everything from her hands, he set them down along with the cash to pay for it. Giving into temptation he leaned over the counter to brush the flour from her cheek.

She jumped and a flash of alarm raced across her face.

Chuckling under his breath, he reassured her. “Just some flour. I’ll see you at six, Willow.” He grabbed his breakfast and walked to the door, taking one last look behind him at the woman who was his mate. He was one lucky bastard.

Whistling a jaunty tune, he walked toward his Jeep, unconcerned and happy while leaving his mate to do her work. The hairs on the back of his neck lifted, and his wolf came to attention. The street was empty but for a few people; nothing looked out of place. Jasper took a deep breath but didn’t detect another presence. With one last look toward his slender brunette, he shrugged off the uneasy feeling and continued to his Jeep.