Wendi Zwaduk - Romance to make your heart race

Gettin' Naughty After Dark!

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for a hop! Heck yeah! And we get to be naughty! Now I don't know about you, but one of the people who come to mind when I think of the word NAUGHTY is Betty Page. She was sexy and doing her own thing when others were being prissy. To this day, she embodies the sexy pinup. So I thought for my Naughty post today, I'd riff a little bit based on this picture of Betty. Here goes...

Welcome. Mind if I give you a poke? No? Well, I'm blushing. Not really. Very little makes me blush lately. I've become what you might call jaded to most things. Very little shocks me, but it's all naughty. How did I get these wings? One night with a vampire that got kinkier than we thought possible. The horns and tail? Snicker. Latex and leather. They went with the costume and I just had to have them. The crop? The better to mark you, my dear. If you're interested in playing, you know where to find me. If I want to, I'll grant you access. If.

I hope you liked that little riff. It's not much, but it was fun trying to write from her POV. Now for the good stuff, the linkys below are those you should click to keep following the hop. And now for the really good stuff. Want to win one of the naughty books in my backlist? Here's what you've got to do: leave a comment about the post/riff that includes your name, your comment, AND your email. I can't contact you if you win if you don't put your email. So go forth, comment and blog hop!

And don't forget to patronize these blogs as well to keep hopping:
http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/ Close Encounters with the Night Kind Blog link
http://natashablackthorneblog.blogspot.com/ Natasha Blackthorne's blog link

With Love, Valentine for...

2012-02-15T04:30:00.002-05:00

And the pdf from my back list goes to...

:::throws confetti:::

VALENTINA!!!!

I've emailed you off list and hope to hear from you soon. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented. I hope you'll stick around for the rest of the ride. I've got some great things in the works and can't wait to share them with you.

Love is in the Air and Goes to...

2012-02-15T04:00:00.004-05:00

And the pdf from my back list goes to...

:::throws confetti:::

SHANNON!!!!

Valentine Hunks Part Eleven

2012-02-14T22:00:00.002-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Ten

2012-02-14T20:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Nine

2012-02-14T18:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Eight

2012-02-14T16:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Seven

2012-02-14T14:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Six

2012-02-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

And the Romancing the Valentine Goes to...

2012-02-14T11:00:00.004-05:00

And the pdf from my back list goes to...

:::throws confetti:::

SHAUNI!!!!

Valentine Hunks Part Five

2012-02-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Four

2012-02-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Three

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part Two

2012-02-14T04:00:00.002-05:00

Valentine Hunks Part One

2012-02-14T02:00:00.001-05:00

I thought for a different theme and since it is Tasty Tuesday, I'd do a whole day of yummy mancandy. It's the best kind of Valentine to give to my fans. Why? Calorie free! So enjoy!

And Wendi's Big Blisse Kiss Goes To...

2012-02-13T08:20:00.003-05:00

And the winner is....

:::throws confetti:::

Nancy !!!

(ocanana email)

Congrats! The email to you is on the way. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented. I hope you enjoyed the book and the blog. I hope you'll stick around. I've got lots of great things coming up!

Over My Head with the BlisseKiss

2012-02-12T00:20:00.003-05:00

Here's my addition to the BlisseKiss festivities! What do you need to do? Simple. Read the post and leave a comment about the post or your favorite kiss in order to get your name in the hat for a copy of Over My Head.

Over My Head
Heart Attack Collection
Total-E-Bound
Available here!

What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?

I’m a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen’s Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don’t care. I’ll take him any way possible. But he’s not that into me.

Or so she thinks. I’m a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn’t realise I see her—I can’t help myself. She captivates me every time she’s on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I’m not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I’m there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I’m a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I’ll be fine.

I hope.

Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

And now for the KISS!!

Fear? Hesitation? Slade palmed his gun in his coat pocket. Better to be safe than sorry. Astra dropped her bag on the massive bed and turned. Her hair fluttered about her shoulders. Had it been a different situation, he’d have yanked her into his arms for a thorough fucking.

Her lips parted as she closed the distance between them. She shrugged out of her jacket and dumped the discarded garment onto the floor. Her T-shirt, torn at the collar, slipped off one creamy shoulder. Astra placed her hands on his shoulders and backed him against the hotel room door.

“I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you,” she murmured, her mouth a whisper away from his. “Make me feel alive.”

He didn’t have time to process her words before she pressed against him, chest to breast, mons to groin, and face to face. She licked her lips and placed an open-mouthed kiss to his lips.

Holy hell, he’d waited for this moment. He turned her around, pressing her back against the door and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He splayed his hands on her ass. If they were going to fuck, it sure as hell wasn’t going to be up against some cold door. He wanted her in the bed, mussed sheets surrounding her.

Slade sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, thrilled when she groaned. She threaded Oone of her small hands threaded into his hair, tugging at the strands. Fuck. His cock throbbed. He needed her naked. Now. His legs connected with the edge of the bed, but instead of placing her on the mattress with grace, he tumbled down on top of her.

Astra laughed. She fucking laughed as he stood back up and struggled out of his coat. The vixen. “Better not be taunting me, little girl.” He tossed the tangled mass of coat onto the floor somewhere behind him. “I’m not one of those guys from the club.”

“Good,” she said and grabbed the hem of her shirt. “Smother me in passionFuck me.” Astra pulled the shirt up over her head and gave the crumpled fabric a toss. Her breasts heaved with every breath.

Damn, she wasn’t wearing a bra or anything. Rosy nipples beaded before him and the flush on her cheeks spread down across her chest. No matter how hard he tried, Slade couldn’t get his tight T-shirt up over his head fast enough.

Astra stared up at him through heavy-lidded eyes and plucked at one nipple. Her hips bucked with each twist. She bit down hard on her bottom lip and cupped both breasts.
Finally getting the shirt off, Slade dropped to his knees and wrapped his arm around her thin waist. “Mine,” he said with a grunt and pulled her to him. He closed his eyes and feasted on her nipples. Her sighs and whimpers matched his every lick and nibble.

“Slade.” She ground her pelvis against his abs. “Feels so fucking good.” Her body trembled and she grasped his hair even tighter. “So close.”

Close? From sucking on her nipples? He smiled around her breast and gave her nipple one last lick. He pulled away and sat back on his heels, not to punish her, but to give himself a moment to breathe.

Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout. “Done already?”

Done? Not hardly. Slade hooked his fingers in the waistband of her jeans, flicking the button. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

With Love, Valentine!

2012-02-11T04:00:00.006-05:00

So for the hop today, I'm giving you a taste of my latest release, Over My Head. I've always wanted to write about cops and strippers. This was my chance. Comment on the post and leave your email to get your name in the hat for a pdf of your choice from my back list. Click here or on the banner above to get the next stop on the tour.

Here's a little bit from Over My Head.

What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?

I’m a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen’s Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don’t care. I’ll take him any way possible. But he’s not that into me.

Or so she thinks. I’m a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn’t realise I see her—I can’t help myself. She captivates me every time she’s on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I’m not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I’m there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I’m a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I’ll be fine.

I hope.

Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

And now an excerpt:

Want to follow the rest of the hop? Click here!

A rush of cold air swirled around her. Odd. The apartment shouldn’t be cold. It should be hotter than the hallway. Astra rubbed her arms and stepped into the apartment. Snow lay glistening on the windowsills and window seat. She tipped her head. Who had opened the window? She shivered and glanced at her things. The couch remained in its place, but the cushions were askew, some on the floor. Her plants—a collection of spider plants and ferns—weren’t in their pots. Dirt splattered around where they had once sat.

Occasionally sloppy, she never left the apartment a total shambles. Who else had a key? Her stomach clenched and she couldn’t breathe. Tiny.

She needed to get out. Needed to run. She turned on her heel and ran smack into a wall of solid flesh. The person grabbed her by the arms—a man, she assumed , based on his size and the tangy scent of his thick cologne and body odour. She couldn’t see his face because of the stocking cap over his eyes.

“Remember the rules,” the man growled. “Quiet girls are safe girls.”

She nodded, afraid to do anything else. The man raised a gun and aimed the weaponit at her. The blood drained from her face and pounded through her veins. Now she needed to run and hide, but hell…her feet wouldn’t move. A strangled cry ripped from her throat and the thunder of gunfire ricocheted through the apartment.

Astra dropped to her knees.

“Don’t fuck with Tiny or I’ll do more than destroy your shit.” The man slapped the butt of the gun against her cheek.

She closed her eyes as the room faded to black.

All I wanted to do was be home….

Flash Fiction over at DC McMillen's!

2012-02-10T04:00:00.002-05:00

I'm guesting over at DC McMillen's today. Now I gotta tell you, I had a BLAST writing the flash fiction challenge. The picture was a riot. So why don't you pop over there and check it out! Don't forget to comment on the hops, too. You can win some great prizes! :-)

Rebecca Royce's Love Beyond Loyalty!

2012-02-09T04:00:00.006-05:00

My guest today is Rebecca Royce. I've had her on the blog a few other times, but this time is special. She's talking about her newest book, Love Beyond Loyalty. It should be a great post today and you'l want to comment. Why? There's a $50 Amazon GC up for grabs. Yeah, I'm commenting, too. Now let's get on with the post! There are quite a few characters in the books. It's hard not to want to give them each a story. How easy/hard was it to decide whose story to tell first and who to make wait?

It’s interesting that you ask me this question. For me, it goes to the heart of writing a series. And as I am writing four of them at this time, I feel like I can actually discuss this topic.

A series begins as one book. In this case, it was Love Beyond Time. Kal and Isabelle had a story they needed told. I can still remember the scenes that drove me to write the book. Kal on his knees on an empty highway, Isabelle traveling through time without knowing what was happening to her. One of the scenes at the end of the book where Kal is hanging by his arms from the ceiling. Not to mention the whole opening scene with Abraxas making a terrible mistake that they are still paying for.

But, in Love Beyond Time, or Time as I will simply call it now, I introduced a slew of other characters. They all have their story to tell and in the case of The Outsiders each of their stories moves the overall ARC of the series forward.

So, now, the question of the how did I choose who to move forward and who to make wait? Well, frankly, it had to do with their individual powers. In Time, the ball starts rolling. Time is a pivotal aspect to that book. Next up was Sanity, Charma and Jason’s story. How can you keep your head where it needs to be in the midst of madness? How can you trust your own mind?

This book is Loyalty. What draws people together, what keeps them that way? How do we decide who we stay loyal to and who we let go? I could keep going but it would tell you too much about the future books and I don’t want to give it away just yet.

Thanks so much for having me today.

Thanks Rebecca. Great insight. Now for the readers. Want to know a little more about Rebecca? Here you go!
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.

Want to know more about Love Beyond Loyalty?

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.

Here's her links so you can find more in her backlist you might enjoy!
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

Guesting at Riverina Romantics!

2012-02-09T02:14:00.001-05:00

I'm guesting with Riverina Romantics about my latest release, Over My Head. Why don't you join me? Should be a lot of fun! Writing the post was a blast! Click here to head there!

Tasty Tuesday - a Day Late!

2012-02-08T09:17:00.002-05:00

No Idea who he is... but I really don't care. Enjoy!

Rebecca Royce Stops By Tomorrow with Love Beyond Loyalty

2012-02-08T04:00:00.005-05:00

My guest tomorrow is Rebecca Royce. She's been by a couple other times, but this time is special. She's talking about her newest book, Love Beyond Loyalty. It should be a great post today and you'l want to comment. Why? There's a $50 Amazon GC up for grabs. Yeah, I'm commenting, too.
Here's a little bit about Love Beyond Loyalty:

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.

And because you've been so good, here's an excerpt to nibble on:
She turned on her heel, and Gabriel‘s heart sped up. He walked forward and grabbed her arm, which was tricky to do because he needed to hold up his blanket to prevent from being arrested for public indecency.

“You‘re leaving?” God, he wanted to shout, ‘don‘t leave.‘

Nodding, she gave him that forced smile again, and he wanted to wipe it off her face. “I am. I brought you to Alexa. It‘s time for me to go on my way. You‘ve told me a lot of stuff I have to digest. Good luck.” She looked at Alexa and he wished that one of his powers was mind reading because he had no clue what was going on inside of hers. “To both of you. It was nice meeting you.”
Pulling her arm free of his grip he thought for a second he felt her shake. Was she okay?
“Loraine, wait a second…”

He wouldn‘t have believed she could move that fast. One second she was there and the next she, while still walking, sprinted out of the building.

“Loraine,” he yelled but she didn‘t turn around and soon the crowd in the room blocked his view.

Why was she leaving? Like a light turning on, realization struck him. She had used the phrase your Alexa. What did she think his relationship with his oldest friend was?

Want to know more about Rebecca? Here you go:
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.

Links, backlist and more!
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

Love Is In the Air!!

2012-02-07T02:00:00.000-05:00

Love is in the air...I'll share a snippet of a fun song that immediately comes to mind when I see the theme for the hop...

Love is in the air everywhere I look around
Love is in the air every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
I don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in...

Gotta love Tom Jones even if he is camp.

Now its your turn. What do you have to do? Follow the blog and leave a comment with your favorite love song! The campier, the better. What's up for grabs? A copy of any ONE book from my backlist!

THE FINE PRINT: But you have to follow the directions to get your name in the hat. Those failing to add all the pertinent info won't be included in the drawing. The Winner will be drawn and posted on the blog on Feb 14th as well as emailed.

Now follow, comment, and go forth on the hop!

D Renee Bagby's Having a Wendi Zwaduk/Megan Slayer Day!

2012-02-07T01:13:00.002-05:00

And am I stoked! Sure am! Here's the links so you can check them all out:

Megan Slayer's Believe

Wendi Zwaduk's Someone Like You

Megan Slayer's Permanent

Romancing the Valentine!

2012-02-06T02:00:00.001-05:00

The Romancing The Valentine Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

There's a pdf from my backlist up for grabs. What do you have to do? Follow my blog and comment on this post. What kind of comment? You favorite love song. Yep. A love song. So let me see those songs and I'll use random.org to select a winner to be posted on VALENTINES DAY!!!!

What are some of my favorite love songs?
You're My Best Friend - Queen
Blonde Over Blue - Billy Joel
And I Love Her - the Beatles
Secret Garden - Bruce Springsteen
There are more, but those are the ones I thought of on the fly.

What you can win here:

Number of winners:

Open to:

How to enter:

Hop and enter the other giveaways!

Romantic Getaway for Two

2012-02-05T23:55:00.002-05:00

Want to win? All you have to do is purchase one of the Heart Attack Collection books and you're entered. http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1520 is my contribution to the collection. Check it out, get your copy and you're ready to go!

Click here or the banner for more info.

What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?

I’m a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen’s Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don’t care. I’ll take him any way possible. But he’s not that into me.

Or so she thinks. I’m a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn’t realise I see her—I can’t help myself. She captivates me every time she’s on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I’m not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I’m there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I’m a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I’ll be fine.

I hope.

Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

Good luck!!

Learning How to Bend - Snog Style!

2012-02-05T11:46:00.004-05:00

Thought for my snog today, I'd use a blast from the past. My first release, Learning How to Bend.

Total-E-Bound
Contemp, m/f, menage, m/f/m, anal sex, toys,
Novella
Available here!

Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.

Abby Donovan imagined nothing could change her simple life as a librarian. Her loving husband Seth, a mechanic in the Air National Guard, is scheduled to return from a short deployment in Iraq. Before he gets home, a letter arrives. It seems Seth is asking for a divorce. She must decide whether to walk away without a fight or to wait and confront him with the thing he's always dreamed of - a ménage à trois. But all is not as it seems.

Seth Donovan wanted an idyllic life to go along with his career in the military. Then he sees the atrocities of war firsthand. A conversation with a colleague ends up as fodder for the rumour mill and so much more. Seth never wanted a divorce. He wants his wife. Will she accept him despite the rumours and advances from another man? Or can their relationship withstand the turmoil of war?

And here's the snog!
Hell, she’d yearned to touch Nate from the day she met him at Seth’s college graduation. Starting with his big feet and sculpted calves to his bronzed shoulders and piercing green eyes, she’d felt drawn like a moth to a flame. But being a happily married woman meant no contact with another man, including her husband’s friend. With both men involved, she could be a vixen and explore her limits. Seth always did mention he’d love to try a ménage a trois, especially with Nate. Why not now?
She handed the six-foot tall, sandy-haired hunk the bills. “Here you are.” Knowing Seth watched from behind, Abby wrapped her arms around Nate’s muscle-corded neck. “And this is your tip.” She pressed her lips to his.
“Are you certain Seth’s cool with it? He’s squirming.” Nate stepped back and stole a glance at Seth. His voice wavered a bit. “I know we talked about it, man, but that was before you married Abby. I gotta tell ya, I’m in.”
Abby looked at Seth. Her brows rose a fraction of an inch. Seth and Nate discussed her, or rather sex with her. She should’ve felt insulted, but instead a burst of raw desire and longing rushed straight between her thighs. Her lips parted. Was she in accord with the situation? She wanted Nate, yes, but she also needed Seth as much as she had the first time they made love. “What do you think, Seth?”
The fire of possession burned in Seth’s eyes. He dipped his head, making her heart rate race into warp speed.
Nate’s jaw muscle clenched and unclenched. “Oh yeah, Seth wants it. He’s coming unglued. Yeah.”
Abby’s voice dropped to an octave she didn’t recognise as her own. “I am interested in both of you.”

Flirty Friday!

2012-02-02T20:59:00.002-05:00

It's TGIF and well, I get to be two places at once. Yep. I'm hanging out with Kate Hill over at her blog and talking about my upcoming release with the Heart Attack collection at Total-E-Bound, called Over My Head and the Queen album, Sheer Heart Attack. There's a theme, you say? Grin. Here's the link to the post with Kate Hill or click on the Flirty Friday Banner.

I'm also being interviewed on Trashonista for the Heart Attack collection and talking about Over My Head and basking in the hot seat. Come on over and check it out, here's the link!!!

Vampires, Sports and My Immortal

2012-02-02T09:17:00.004-05:00

I'm hanging out with Maria-Claire -- last day and yeah, I'm boo-hoo-ing... -- and we're talking VAMPIRES!!! Come read an excerpt from My Immortal. She's got a swinging contest going over there, so check it out!!!

Yanno, I've Been on a Kick...

2012-02-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

I've been on a kick about reviews. And the more I thought about it (DH calls it obsessing), the more I've come to this conclusion.

I'll never make everyone happy.

Whether its the length of the book, the amount of time a character does or doesn't happen to be in the book, the amount of sex high or low, the degree of the sex - hardcore or softer, or my vampires breaking the time-honored vestiges of vampirism... I'll never make everyone happy with my books.

And as much as I'd like to have lots of five star reviews and glowing comments on everything, I'm okay with what I write being not popular. I'm honestly okay with it.

Why? Because I like what I write. I wouldn't knowingly write something I think is garbage. The characters are what they need to be and interpreted through my head. I'm okay with this.

How'd I come to this conclusion? Enough crying and grousing that 'gee... I don't understand why __________ is ________." Another thing that's helped is actually talking to the readers. Just because the book isn't long enough isn't always the reason it's rated the way it is, but those thoughts get left out sometimes. I'm fine with that.

I've got a reader who loves to email me with questions. LOTS of questions. But it gets me thinking and gets the characters acting. Yep. They get as fired up as the reader does. And it inspires me to do more with them. See? I do listen to my audience.

So if you rate my books, review them or have a thought on them, let me know. You never know. You might be the one who inspires me (good or bad) to write the next book. :-)

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

Humping over at Maria-Claire Payne's Blog!

2012-02-01T10:28:00.004-05:00

I got another day to play over at Maria-Claire Payne's blog! YEAH!! And it's Hump Day, so even better. Grin. Come check out the blast from the past hump!

What the? Wednesday --> Google Fun!

2012-02-01T04:00:00.002-05:00

I love this commercial... Queen... Muppets... Animal... It's the best.

Have fun with me!

Guesting and Being Featured!!!

2012-01-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

The lovely Maria-Claire Payne has my boys from Someone Like You and Tangled Up in her Tuesday Twosome today. Want to check it out? Go here.

And I'm... well, no, my book, Ever Fallen in Love is being featured over at IWriteHot. Click here to see the feature. Head over there and check it out! I'm excited to be featured with that book, since I love me some NASCAR and I can't wait for the season to start. :-) Happy blo trekking.

Tasty Tuesday!!!

2012-01-31T03:00:00.001-05:00

The mom in me keeps saying, be careful so you don't cut something important off

Guesting with Nichelle Gregory!

2012-01-30T03:00:00.003-05:00

I'm hanging out over with Nichelle Gregory, doing her Fast Five Questions and talking about Someone Like You. Won't you join me? It's going to be a fun time!!! Here's the link. Come on over!!

Sunday Snoggin' Over My Head

2012-01-29T13:03:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Victoria for doing this! Love the snogs! Here's mine:

Over My Head
Total-E-Bound
Contemp, suspense/mystery, action/adventure
m/f, anal play/sex
Novella

What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?

I’m a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen’s Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don’t care. I’ll take him any way possible. But he’s not that into me.

Or so she thinks. I’m a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn’t realise I see her—I can’t help myself. She captivates me every time she’s on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I’m not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I’m there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I’m a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I’ll be fine.

I hope.

Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

And here's my snog!

Fear? Hesitation? Slade palmed his gun in his coat pocket. Better to be safe than sorry. Astra dropped her bag on the massive bed and turned. Her hair fluttered about her shoulders. Had it been a different situation, he’d have yanked her into his arms for a thorough fucking.
Her lips parted as she closed the distance between them. She shrugged out of her jacket and dumped the discarded garment onto the floor. Her T-shirt, torn at the collar, slipped off one creamy shoulder. Astra placed her hands on his shoulders and backed him against the hotel room door.
“I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you,” she murmured, her mouth a whisper away from his. “Make me feel alive.”
He didn’t have time to process her words before she pressed against him, chest to breast, mons to groin, and face to face. She licked her lips and placed an open-mouthed kiss to his lips.
Holy hell, he’d waited for this moment. He turned her around, pressing her back against the door and wrapped her legs around his waist. He splayed his hands on her ass. If they were going to fuck, it sure as hell wasn’t going to be up against some cold door. He wanted her in the bed, mussed sheets surrounding her.
Slade sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, thrilled when she groaned. One of her small hands threaded into his hair, tugging at the strands. Fuck. His cock throbbed. He needed her naked. Now. His legs connected with the edge of the bed, but instead of placing her on the mattress with grace, he tumbled down on top of her.
Astra laughed. She fucking laughed as he stood back up and struggled out of his coat. The vixen. “Better not be taunting me, little girl.” He tossed the tangled mass of coat onto the floor somewhere behind him. “I’m not one of those guys from the club.”
“Good."

Flirty Friday!

2012-01-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd share a snippet from my upcoming suspense novella, Over My Head. Here's the blurb:
What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?

I’m a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen’s Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don’t care. I’ll take him any way possible. But he’s not that into me.

Or so she thinks. I’m a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn’t realise I see her—I can’t help myself. She captivates me every time she’s on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I’m not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I’m there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I’m a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I’ll be fine.

I hope.

Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

Here's a Flirt for you:

Astra bit her tongue, waiting until they stood in the lobby to respond. “You don’t want to date me. I mean, come on…a stripper girlfriend? That’s out of some sappy romance novel or something.” She turned away from Slade to hide her emotions. Okay, so she had a soft spot for romance novels and happy endings. “Walk me to my door?”
“I am what I am.” He shrugged and followed her up the steps. “I’m in two-twelve if you get lonely, by the way.”
“Then we’re just about neighbours. I’m in two-twenty-six.” She came to a stop in front of her door. As much as she wanted to stretch out in bed, the enticing idea of stretching out next to him in bed sounded so much more fun…more sinful. She shook the thought from her head. He hadn’t asked her over for sex, just a simple invitation if she was lonely.
“I guess this is goodnight.” Slade smoothed a lock of hair off her cheek. Something akin to a dreamy look filled his eyes for a moment. He inched closer to her. Flecks of gold and green shimmered in his irises.
Was he going to kiss her? Her body screamed hello, yes! But her heart remained guarded. Too much faith in the wrong person could be deadly. Still, she wanted that kiss…his kiss. The heat in the hallway kicked up to somewhere in the oh baby range and sent prickles along her skin. Yes, she needed his kiss.
Slade smiled then strolled down the hallway, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Damn. She had thought for sure he was going to kiss her. Astra shoved her key into her lock and nudged the door open.
A rush of cold air swirled around her. Odd. The apartment shouldn’t be cold. It should be hotter than the hallway. Astra rubbed her arms and stepped into the apartment. Snow lay glistening on the windowsills and window seat. She tipped her head. Who had opened the window? She shivered and glanced at her things. The couch remained in its place, but the cushions were askew, some on the floor. Her plants—a collection of spider plants and ferns—weren’t in their pots. Dirt splattered around where they had once sat.
Occasionally sloppy, she never left the apartment a total shambles. Who else had a key? Her stomach clenched and she couldn’t breathe. Tiny.
She needed to get out. Needed to run. She turned on her heel and ran smack into a wall of solid flesh. The person grabbed her by the arms—a man, she assumed, based on his size and the tangy scent of his thick cologne and body odour. She couldn’t see his face because of the stocking cap over his eyes.
“Remember the rules,” the man growled. “Quiet girls are safe girls.”
She nodded, afraid to do anything else. The man raised a gun and aimed at her. The blood drained from her face and pounded through her veins. Now she needed to run and hide, but hell…her feet wouldn’t move. A strangled cry ripped from her throat and the thunder of gunfire ricocheted through the apartment.
Astra dropped to her knees as the room faded to black. All I wanted to do was be home.

So I Got a Little Cranky Yesterday

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I was cranky. Was I complaining? Maybe, but I'd like to think I'd just vented my thoughts. I am who I am and I won't make excuses.

But that leads me to my post for today. Thanks to my fans for reading and enjoying my work. Without you, I wouldn't be able to continue writing. Yes, I write for me and to make me happy. But at the same time, I write to share the stories in my head with folks who enjoy it. I jump for joy when I get a fan letter and squee when I see a review - even the rough ones - because it means my work is getting out there to the public. Thank you. There's no better feeling than finding out someone enjoyed something you worked so hard on and put your blood and sweat into.

So to my readers...THANK YOU!

Guesting at TRS BLUE!!

2012-01-25T19:23:00.004-05:00

Yep, that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, talking about my latest book, Someone Like You. Why don't you come on over and comment to chat with me? I'm lonely.

Are We Talking About the Same Thing?

2012-01-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

I love to read reviews. I do. I’m a sucker and read my own. Sometimes it’s a great experience. Sometimes, not so much. I look at reviews this way, different strokes for different folks. What might be your favorite book, won’t be mine necessarily. That’s fine. In fact, I prefer it that way. If we all liked the same books, then what fun would that be?

But I came across something in my reading that bothered me. When there’s a review, the book is classified. Fine. The tags make things easier when you want to find a book with certain aspects in it. But this particular review I’d read condemned the book on the basis of a tag. Which book? Nah, I’m not going to throw the author or reviewer under the bus. That’s not the point here.

My point is two-fold. Just because a book has a tag of say, BDSM, doesn’t mean the book will be all about that tag. BDSM is a broad tag. BDSM doesn’t always mean a D/s relationship. It doesn’t mean the couple (or more) will be living in ‘the lifestyle’. BDSM can mean anything from using handcuffs on one character to lashing one to a cross, while using a crop on the character. It’s a wide range. Just because the book was labeled BDSM but the characters are playing a little slap and tickle doesn’t mean the book is any less of a book. It’s not. BDSM happens to have a broad definition. The same thing works for fantasy and paranormal. Paranormal is a gigantic genre of literature. Vampires, Fae, Zombies... paranormal can be a lot of things. A reader can get a book about ESP. That’s got a paranormal slant. Is it any more or any less paranormal than a book about vampires? No.

This leads me to my second part of my point. As the reviewer, you’re not helping your cause if you rate a book low because it’s not what YOU expected. Forcing your expectations onto a book won’t make it any better and will probably make it worse. When you write a review and say things like ‘this book didn’t live up to expectations because it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I can’t rate it high because of this’ you’re missing the point. Did you read the blurb? Look at the cover art? Did you go to the author’s website? If the cover doesn’t give you an idea what the book is about, then go to the author’s site. Most likely there will be excerpts. Read those. Read the first chapter if possible.

Make sure this is a book you want to read before you buy. You’ll save yourself the headache of reading a book you didn’t care for. Grabbing a book that’s labeled paranormal and expecting it will be about vampires isn’t fair to the book or the author. Same thing works for a book with BDSM elements. If you go in expecting the lifestyle and find it’s not about the lifestyle, is that enough to rate it a zero? Or is that irrelevant?

My thought is this: You’re looking for a book to read. You want something paranormal with BDSM elements. You want hardcore. Then look for a book with those tags. Go for it! I’m excited for you. But make sure you read all the tags, check out the blurb, and read excerpts when possible. If it’s the book for you, then read it. If you feel moved to do so, write a review. But be objective. Honesty is fantastic, but it loses its effectiveness if you’re too busy being negative about the nitpicky stuff. The author wants a review so she/he can learn and grow. Help them grow.

Coffee and Porn - Short Stories Galore!!

2012-01-24T04:30:00.001-05:00

Want to read some fantastic Short Stories and Celebrate the One Year Birthday for Coffee and Porn in the Morning? Then come on over and read the shorts to celebrate. Here's the schedule. And yeah, Megan's taking part. Read hers while you're at it.

Monday, January 23rd:
9:00: Megan Slayer - Take Me Home
11:00: Carter Quinn
2:30: JP Barnaby
4:30: SA Meade
7:30: RJ Scott

Tuesday, January 24th:
9:00: Clare London
11:00: Jessica Freely
2:30: Ethan Stone
4:30: Silvia Violet
7:30: KC Burn

Wednesday, January 25th:
9:00: Lara Brukz
11:00: Amy Lane
2:30: Lou Sylvre
4:30: Pender Mackie
7:30: Talia Carmichael

Thursday, January 26th:
9:00: VJ Summers
11:00: Josephine Myles
2:30: Jaime Samms
4:30: Lou Harper
7:30: Lynn Flewelling

Friday, January 27th:
9:00 Marie Sexton
11:00: Andrea Speed
2:30: DC Juris
4:30: Heidi Cullinan

Tasty Tuesday!

2012-01-24T04:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I have a weakness...

Coffee and Porn is One Year Old and There's Flash Fiction to Share!

2012-01-23T10:00:00.004-05:00

Coffee and Porn turns One Year old today! Come celebrate with us today. In fact, I'm up right now! Come on over and read Megan's short story, Take Me Home. It should be a lot of fun.

Somewhere I Belong - the end of the tour!

2012-01-23T06:00:00.004-05:00

So who won the GC to Liquid Silver Books???
Catherine Lee
(catherinelee100[at]gmail[dot]com)

I'll email you later today to get everything squared away. I want to thank everyone who commented on the tour and I hope you enjoy Somewhere I Belong as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks! I hope you continue to follow me on the ride of publication. It's going to be a blast. :-)

Monday Moans - Someone Like You

2012-01-23T02:00:00.005-05:00

Thought I'd share a snippet from Someone Like You since the book releases, TODAY!!

Mindy bit into her sub and suppressed another grin. Arran Mayes. Holy freaking crap. He’d made the first move. He’d talked to her. Singled her out. She squeezed her eyes shut. How’d she respond to him? Not like the vampish, come-hither ways she’d practised. Nope. She came across like just another girl. Nothing exciting. Plain.
Damn.
“Is the seat still open?”
Her heart fluttered and she opened her eyes. Good grief, she’d become goofy since he’d first spoken to her not five minutes prior. “All yours.”
“We should’ve struck up a conversation at the beginning of the semester. Would’ve been a lot more fun getting through Reinhold’s boring-as-sin lectures.” Arran plopped down next to her. “You’re easy to talk to.” He took a long swig from his bottle of soda. “So easy.”
Kiss of death. Almost as bad as ‘you have a lovely personality’. She sighed. Enough self-browbeating. “I don’t bite…much.”
Arran choked on his swallow of soda. He brushed the fizz from his lips and laughed. “I didn’t see that coming, but I love it.” He paused and stared at her.
Goosebumps rose on her skin. Good? Bad? She wasn’t sure.
“What are you doing Friday night?” His head down, Arran scrawled notes from her notebook. “If you’re not doing anything, there’s this party at my apartment building. Nothing exciting, but I’d… It’d be cool if you could come.”
A party. How long had it been since she’d been invited to a party? Too long. Arran wanted her there. The silly voice in the back of her head screamed caution. The whole thing could be a set-up.
I could love someone like you. She swallowed hard. Where had that come from? They barely knew each other’s names. Deep feelings for him shouldn’t have crossed her mind. She had opened her mouth to answer when another voice blotted her out.
“Mindy isn’t going to go to a party of yours.” Phillip twirled the seat next to her around and sat down. “She’s not a party girl. She’s prim and cold as ice.”
Arran looked up, narrowed his eyes and shook his head. A tight smile formed on his lips. “Phillip.” He closed the notebook and gingerly handed it to Mindy. “Thanks, hon. Think about what I said.”
“You’re wasting your time, man.” Phillip snatched her sub from the Styrofoam plate and munched happily.
Arran shook his head again and ambled away.
Mindy slumped in her seat. Imagine, the man who stoked her fire being chased away by the bane of her existence.

Savin' Me Up for Best Menage!

2012-01-22T04:00:00.002-05:00

Savin' Me was nominated for Best Menage over at Love Romances Cafe. How cool is that? Will I win? No idea. But honestly, being nominated was the best part. I'm stoked.

Want to vote? Go here and leave a comment on the best menage story. Hopefully you choose mine, but hey a nomination is a pretty cool thing. Thanks!

BlisseKiss!!

2012-01-21T04:00:00.001-05:00

And I'm taking part. My Flash Fiction He Can't Quit Her is up over at BlisseKiss. Check it out! And Keep your eyes peeled for Feb 12th. The Big BlisseKiss Event takes place!

Somewhere I Belong at My Odd Little World!

2012-01-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

My last tour date takes me to my pal, Nancy's blog, My Odd Little World. I'm talking about one of my favorite pastimes...RACING! Come on over and comment. You get your name in the hat for the gift certificate to Liquid Silver!

Somewhere I Belong with Kacey Hammell!

2012-01-19T04:00:00.001-05:00

Today I'm hanging out with Kacey Hammell. It was a rough interview, but I took it like a champ. Grin. It wasn't that bad. I had a blast. Come along with me!

Talking Rock and Roll with the Scarf Princess

2012-01-18T04:00:00.001-05:00

The tour continues at Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess! Yeah! So why don't you join me! I'm talking about the proliferation of rock stars in romance novels and why I wanted to write Sully as a fallen rock star. The Somewhere I Belong tour won't last forever, so come on over!

Nichelle Gregory Talks Genies!

2012-01-17T17:45:00.004-05:00

Remember I Dream of Jeannie? I used to love watching that show! The premise of a gorgeous mysterious genie arising from a bottle to offer their stunned master three wishes has always fascinated me. There are so many emotions to explore with such a scenario...surprise, fear, awe, joy and greed to name a few. And if the genie that appeared was attractive...add on sexual attraction!

Genies are usually portrayed as powerful and mischievous beings. I loved the challenge of writing a series about genies that’ve learned to suppress their human emotions, but are ultimately forced to deal with them in the face of love.

Vander, from As You Wish, the first book in the Djinn Brotherhood series, has some serious trust issues. He never allows a relationship to touch his heart, until Karis comes into his life. The two of them learn to face the challenges that bring them both into each other’s lives-together. A powerful lesson in relationships, especially when there is legitimate emotional baggage for holding back.

Rafi, from As You Desire, longs to love again, but knows he isn’t free to do so as genie. I loved writing the majority of this story from his point of view. Readers get to understand his pain and his yearning to be free to live and love as he chooses.

Both of these stories show couples healing their emotional scars, by allowing their hearts to be open. Add in magical adventures, harrowing thrills, sizzling sex and you’ve only got a small taste of what awaits you with this series!

Here’s a sampling from As You Desire...

There exists within our world a brotherhood of Djinns…genies bound by magic, bound by honour to fulfil the desires of their masters.

Enter their realm with caution!

Danger lurks between dimensions, fiery passions ignite without control and wishes are granted for those brave enough to ask…

* * * *
Two scarred hearts learn to beat again with the healing power of love and all its magic...

Accused of being a traitor to the Djinn Brotherhood, Lona realizes trying to love the wrong man has cost her everything...maybe even her freedom. Alone and pregnant, she's beginning to believe the terrible pain she's experiencing is punishment for all her wrong choices as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life.

When Rafi finds Lona suffering in agony, he makes a hasty decision and takes her home. Ignoring the mutual attraction between them, he agrees when asked to keep Lona in his charge until Rue is tracked down and the High Council can be certain of her innocence.

Rafi knows she's not guilty. He's lived with a lifetime of heartache to recognize something other than guilt is causing Lona's pain. He'll do anything to help her heal and find some peace. Their journey together might also lead to his own salvation...

Adult Except:

Rafi refused to think about the repercussions of his actions as he bent his head and kissed Lona. Her lips were softer and sweeter than he had imagined and he had to remind himself to go slow. The growing desire to touch her had been driving him crazy all week. His cock hardened in an instant as she surrendered to his kiss, welcoming his tongue with her own as he tasted her for the first time.

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her waist. He wanted to crush her body against his, but…

But then she’d feel your raging hard-on.

Right. She’d agreed to a kiss—only a kiss. He groaned as she pulled away. One kiss wasn’t nearly enough.

Damn!

He wanted her so badly. Spending so much time with her had wreaked havoc on the walls he kept in place specifically to avoid the longing and the feelings he was experiencing right now. She pulled every protective instinct out of him. Her sweet spirit made him want to shield her from all the pain in her life, and even though he knew he couldn’t, he wanted to try.

Rafi looked down at Lona, wondering if she had any idea how the shade of pink of her swimsuit set off her lovely eyes. The sound of the water lapping around them seemed loud as he waited for her to make the next move…or to say something.

“You wanted to kiss me?”

Her husky question made his cock tighten almost painfully in the snug swimming shorts.

“For days.”

No need to tell her what else he’d dreamt about doing to her.

“Kiss me again.”

Her voice was a soft whisper filled with need and Rafi obliged her, taking her lips in a hungry kiss. She melted in his arms and he struggled to hold her back as she continued to press her body closer to his. There was no way she wouldn’t feel his stiff cock against her stomach.

Lona froze, wrenching her lips from his.

“You’re so hard.”

Her breath fanned his cheek as she played with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Lona…”

She pulled back to stare at him. “You want me?”

Rafi looked down at her in surprise. “How could I not?”

The doubt in her eyes made him want to show her just how much he wanted her.

Lona averted her gaze as she shook her head. “I’m a wreck.”

“Not to me.”

Rafi squeezed her waist as she turned her face back to his. He was captivated by the way the waning sunlight danced over the honey highlights in her hair.

“I’m homeless.”

“Mi casa es su casa.”

Rafi grinned as Lona smiled, tension fading from her face for a moment.

“I’m pregnant with another man—a crazy man’s child.”

“I know.” He touched her cheek. “That doesn’t change my wanting you.”

©Copyright Nichelle Gregory 2012

* * * * *

As You Desire, the second book in my Djinn Brotherhood series, is available now with Total E-Bound!
Author Bio:

Nichelle Gregory has been in love with books and writing since middle school. A lover of the arts, she enjoys anything that embraces the creative nature within us all. Bringing believable characters to life that thrill and excite her readers is a challenge that continues to push Nichelle. She loves creating stories involving super sexy alpha heroes with divine heroines in magical, exotic, and fantastic scenarios. So, gone on . . . Indulge your senses with one of her simply sexy stories!

Somewhere I Belong with Tory Richards!

2012-01-17T04:00:00.002-05:00

The tour continues at Tory Richards' blog! Yeah! I get to go back there! So why don't you join me! There's an interview with Sully, my hero from Somewhere I Belong. Join him. He's lonely. Heck with him...I'm lonely. Come on over!

Tasty Tuesday - a Two-Fer!

2012-01-17T02:00:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a soft spot in my heart for Gerard Butler. Why? He's hawt?!?!?! Anyway, to get him in scraggly hair - yes, I think it works on him - with Rob Lowe... I'm SOLD! Enjoy the Two-Fer!!!

What's Up With Wendi Zwaduk This Week!

2012-01-16T13:35:00.006-05:00

Wendi’s novella Savin’ Me is up for Best Menage over at Love Romances Café. Voting goes by comments, so if you think mine’s the best, comment for it. If not, comment anyway. Voting is appreciated no matter who you vote for! Here’s the link: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-anthology-book-of-2011-nominees.html

Wait! There’s more! Wendi’s taking Somewhere I Belong on tour this week!

Yeah! Want to follow the tour? Here’s the tour link: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-somewhere-i-belong-by.html

Where am I today? AsianCocoa’s Secret Garden: http://www.asiancocoasblog.com/2012/01/guest-post-giveaway-wendi-zwaduk.html

Tomorrow I’ll be hanging out with Tory Richards: http://www.toryrichards.com/2012/01/looks-whos-back-with-us-again.html
Join me! Why? You could win a $10 GC to Liquid Silver Books!

AND... Someone Like You - Arran and Mindy, the beginning—releases from Total-E-Bound on January 23d! Come on over and join the ride to see how things began!

Somewhere I Belong - the Tour - Day One!

2012-01-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

The tour for Somewhere I Belong starts today! Where?
AsianCocoa's Secret Garden, that's where! Want to come along? Click here!
You should come along and comment. Why? There's a $10 GC to Liquid Silver up for grabs!
Follow the rest of the tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-somewhere-i-belong-by.html

The Cover Faery Dropped By!

2012-01-14T22:43:00.005-05:00

The cover faery stopped in and left me a present. When You're With Me is part of the loose Crawford Boys series. Characters from Right and Please Remember Me show up. You can read it separately, but yeah, Logan and Marlon make appearances. So what's When You're With Me about? Glad you asked!

A topless dancer and a cynical cop doesn’t equal a lifetime love...or does it?

There’s more to Jude Nelson than just a sequined thong. She’s got big dreams to become an artist. There’s one tiny wrinkle in her plan—she’ll never forget the bloody image of her friend’s battered body in the dumpster.

Who can a nude dancer turn to for help? Certainly not a hardened undercover cop...

Detective Drew Alwyn is on the case to find out who murdered his good friend and fellow officer. But the moment he sees Jude, he can’t look away. He has to decide which is more important—his dedication to his job or the girl who holds his bruised and battered heart.

Will these two opposites come together to solve the case or will their desire consume them?

This story contains scenes of bondage, mentions of drug use by secondary characters, silk, sequins and art supplies used in foreplay, voyeurism and a little spanking for good measure.

Somewhere I Belong is going on TOUR!

2012-01-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

The tour starts Monday. Want to check it out? Click here.
Where am I going?
January 16: AsianCocoa's Secret Garden
January 17: Romance With Attitude
January 18: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
January 19: Kacey's Kreations
January 20: My Odd Little World

Come on along. Should be a great time!

Talkin' Research at Manic Readers

2012-01-13T09:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'll start by freely admitting I was really busy yesterday and forgot to blog. At the risk of sounding like a jerk, I had better things to do. Dh's bday dinner was last night, and well, I won't turn down a good steak. Sorry. I won't.

So since I didn't post yesterday, I'll post today and tomorrow. Today? I'm over at Manic Readers talking about Research. I wrote a short about a Vietnam vet. Now since I am not old enough to remember the actual conflict (but I have family who served and they've been fonts of information). But even with info experts, you gotta do some research. Hence the post over at Manic Readers. Click the banner or Manic Readers to get to the post.

Enjoy!

Hitting the Hot Spot!

2012-01-11T14:15:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd talk about what's changed and what's stayed the same over at the TEB blog, Hitting the Hot Spot. Come on over and chatter with me. I hate being all alone. Here's the link: http://totalebound.blogspot.com/2012/01/records-are-you-kidding-me.html

Tasty Tuesday

2012-01-10T09:42:00.001-05:00

A Throwback! Totally worth it! 007 was the best!

Megan's Taking Permanent on Tour over to Urban Girl Reader!

2012-01-09T07:50:00.004-05:00

Megan's over at you guessed it, Urban Girl Reader (here's her linky) and talking about Permanent. The book came out Dec. 26th. Why not check out the tour and get yourself a copy?

Permanent by Megan Slayer

Total e-Bound
December 26, 2011
ebook, 80 pages
ISBN: 9780857158567
Genre: Gay MM/ BDSM
Reader Advisory: This story contains flashbacks of a rape, anal sex, light bondage and spanking.
Sometimes love just ain’t enough...

River Cortland trusted the person he loved. His faith couldn’t protect him from the bitter sting of a cold-hearted Domme. If he’s going to learn to trust again, he’s got to deal with his past. His roommate and best friend, Tory, has seen the physical damage and hasn’t walked away. Can he deal with the emotional scars as well?

Tory McClellan wanted the carefree life...until one night with River changed everything. There’s more to the shy art teacher and Tory wants to know everything-how he tastes, the scent of his skin, the feel of his body as they make love. What terror lies behind River’s brown eyes? Better yet, how can Tory make the sadness go away and be in River’s life, permanently?

Sunday Snoggin with Someone Like You

2012-01-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd use an upcoming release for the snog this week. But if you want to know more, you'll have to check out the book!

Someone Like You
Total-E-Bound
Prequel to Tangled Up
M/F, toys, anal sex
novella
Releases January 23rd

She’s the one he wants, he just doesn’t know it yet.

Arran Mayes—Confirmed bachelor. Loves a good bottle of wine, hearty conversation and men. Determined to open his own pizzeria, he’s not looking for love or a woman.

Then he sees her. Can a tomcat playboy settle down in the arms of a good woman?

Mindy Dawson—She’s not interested in relationships or dating after having been through the wringer more times than she can count. Attending college is for a BA...not an "MRS" degree.

Until she sees him. Is she woman enough to tame Arran’s ways? Or will their love affair burn out before it gets started?

Reader Advisory: This story contains lovers who didn’t know they connected, finding their mutual satisfaction with anal sex and a few toys for fun.

And now for the snog-a-licious fun!

Arran stared at her mouth. Lush coral lips, just a hint of gloss or lipstick. His mouth watered. No five o’clock shadow to abrade his face, but tickly wisps of her hair swirled over his cheek when she moved. He liked the scratch of a beard, but the tickle had promise.
“I want to kiss you.” There. He’d blurted out his intentions. When the fuck had things become so complicated? Men weren’t so hard to deal with.
“Um…so do it?”
Women couldn’t seem to make up their minds. Neither could he. “Min—”
Instead of giving him time to talk himself out of what he wanted, Mindy went for it and kissed him first. Soft lips connected with his. Her breasts crushed against his chest. She stroked wide circles around his shoulders and back. Arran groaned. Damn. If he thought kissing boys was fun, kissing girls—this girl to be exact—ranked right up there with perfect.
His jeans constricted around his hips and holy hell, he had a stiffy. Fuck, yeah. Heat flowed through his veins as she tangled her tongue with his. She tasted sweet, like mint and something else. Dew? Rain? Could one taste rain? If it was possible, then Mindy tasted like spring rain.
Mindy ground her hips into the V of his thighs. Whoa. A new rush of heat and tingles shot to his cock. They had to stop—had to slow down at least or he’d come in his jeans. He wanted more than a quick fuck or petting session in the hallway. Arran broke the kiss first, cupping her face in both his hands.
“What?”

Memories, Memories!

2012-01-05T13:58:00.004-05:00

First of all I want to Thank Carrie Ann Ryan for throwing the hop. What a doggoned blast! Thanks to everyone who commented and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog now that the hop festivities are over. I appreciate you as readers and commenters. :-) You all rock!

So Who WON the hop prize?

Jean P

I've contacted Jean off list, but again, thanks to you all and let's have a fantastic 2012!!!

My Fondest New Years Memory...

2012-01-04T04:00:00.004-05:00

For the hop, we're sharing our favorite New Year's Memory. Well, New Years has come and gone, but there's one I'll always remember.

Anyone recall the scare back in 1999 when the experts were SURE the world was coming to an end? The computers would all crash and the planes would fall from the sky?

I remember it quite well. DH was working at an airport as a fueler (if you aren't sure, he fueled the plane - you'd be shocked how many people ask me what the heck he did as a 'fueler'). He had to work over the holiday and instead of being alone, I came along with him to work. Now this was also prior to 9/11 so it was still okay to tag along. We had some cheese, some shrimp, and watched the New Year come in on a grainy television. At the stroke of midnight, oddly enough, a plane happened to be taking off. I watched, a little apprehensively, as the plane zoomed into the sky. I mean, hey, they said the planes would fall from the sky.

Guess what? The tv was still grainy, the computers didn't crash, and that plane sure did take off. It went where ever it was going and made it back about six hours later.

So I can honestly say when everyone thought the planes were going to fall from the sky, I watched one take off and soar.

What about you? I'd love to hear what YOUR favorite memory of New Years happens to be! And since I'm pretty sure you want to win something, you can win a pdf of one book from my backlist (check here: http://wendizwaduk.com/bookshelf.htm). All you have to do is comment and follow the blog. Easy peasy. Add your memory to the mix. I love reading them. I'll draw the winner at random on January 5th and will announce by 6pm EST right here on the blog! Enter today!

And because it's fun to find new books, here's a little bit about my latest release, Somewhere I Belong, out now from Liquid Silver Books.

He never knew what he was missing until he came home to find his place to belong—with her.

Sullavan Tanner walked away from Jarvis, Ohio, afraid to give his heart to the woman he loved. He lived the rock and roll lifestyle, but never quite made it to the big time. Fifteen years later, he’s back and ready to claim what’s his—if she’ll accept his help.

Marley Lockwood’s done asking for help. The family farm is more than she can handle, but if she can survive a cancer scare, the loss of her parents, the abandonment by her first love, and a messy divorce, she can handle anything.

Until Sully shows up.

Although she’s not interested in rekindling the love affair, she’s not above accepting Sully’s hands on the farm. What’s the worst that could happen? They get the farm out of the red and into the black? That’s her plan. They actually fall in love? The past says it won’t work, so she’s not hedging her bets.

Too bad Sully’s not giving up this time.

Buy your copy here!

Want to keep following the hop? Check this out:

What's Your Favorite New Year's Memory?

2012-01-03T04:00:00.003-05:00

Check this out!
The New Year Blog Hop!

Come visit us on Jan 4th! Over 60 authors and reviews are going to talk about their favorite New Year Memory! What does that mean for you? Well we are giving away gift cards, books, and other swag goodies throughout the day! Each author will chose their own winner - so that means over 50 winners! And you can win on multiple pages!

And the best thing? We have TWO Grand prizes.

One being a Kindle Fire to a lucky winner!
Our second grand prize is a $80 Amazon GC!

So be sure to come by and try to win some amazing prizes! See you then!

Who Won the Stuff Your Stockings Blog Fest on Whipped Cream?

2012-01-03T02:39:00.001-05:00

The winner of the $5 GC to Liquid Silver Books from the Stuff Your Stockings Blog Fest on Whipped Cream is...

Renee S

paranormalromancefan (at)yahoo (dot) com

I've emailed you, but do email me back so I can get that GC to you.

Congrats!!!

Excerpting Over at Realmantic Moments!

2012-01-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

Check it out! I'm helping Lila Munro reopen her site and my excerpt for Someone Like You. Come on over and leave a little love. You might even win a copy of Someone Like You if you leave a comment on the post!

Click the banner or right here to get to the post!

Nominated for Best Menage at LR Cafe!!!

2011-12-31T20:51:00.007-05:00

Savin' Me was nominated for Best Menage over at Love Romances Cafe. How cool is that? Will I win? No idea. But honestly, being nominated was the best part. I'm stoked.

Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T04:00:00.001-05:00

Cassandra Carr's Head Games!

2011-12-30T04:00:00.007-05:00

Cassandra Carr is here today with her new book, Head Games. Want to know more? Here's the tour link. But I'd say stop by. Cassandra will be giving away one set of signed Romance Trading Cards to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and winner's choice one $10 GC to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble to one commenter during the tour. Pretty cool. So let's get started with the interview!

What was your favorite scene to write in Head Games?
It involves an apple pie. That’s all I’m saying.

Oh good gravy. (Turning away to pick up my copy and flip through it. Wicked grin.) What was the inspiration behind Head Games?
Well, I love hockey and love hockey players. And I love ménage. So what better way to meld two things I love than to write an entire series about various members of a hockey team who are engaged in permanent ménage relationships?

I can see where there's merit and a few other things. Grin, again. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Actually, the most interesting, and at the same time disconcerting, research that I’ve done is on prostheses, for an anthology I’m writing with a few friends. I will freely admit I’ve also done research on all manner of sex toys, BDSM furniture, collars, etc. That was also interesting. ;-)

If you can't research the BDSM toys and furniture, then what's the point of writing it? What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
The most frustrating side is how many other things you have to do besides write. There’s promo, of course, but there’s also editing and proofreading your books before they’re released (which I don’t really consider writing), talking to your editor and agent about what’s coming up, that sort of thing. Basically, just all the little stuff that takes you away from crafting the next story.

The most rewarding is hearing someone say they loved your book. BY FAR. And here’s a note for readers. You know how in the back of the book under the author’s bio it says “she loves to hear from readers”? She does! It makes our day (maybe even our week) to get a gushing e-mail from a reader. Seriously.

Yes, it totally makes my day to hear from readers. Makes me want to write more. Yeah, I'm with you on that! What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
*coughBritishcough*

Don't have to cough and hide it front of me. I still have a close encounter memory of a Brit at Disneyland. No, not sharing it here. Maybe later. Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I love John Hughes movies from the 1980’s, and my prom, which I went to with a 23-yo bisexual male who was my boyfriend at the time, was like one of his films come true – the star linebacker was dancing with one of the nerdiest guys in the school, both with their shoes off, gettin’ down, while the rest of us circled them and clapped along to the beat. I looked around and said, “WHAT is going on here?”

A good time if you ask me. If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What annoys you the most when you’re reading a book? If I got about a thousand answers to that question I would be willing to spend hours using my rusty Excel skills to figure out the stats on the answers so I could stop doing anything annoying.

No kidding. What’s your writing process like?
I don’t have one. It’s true. I’m not a plotter. I start with a vague idea. Sometimes I know where it’s going, sometimes I don’t. Right now I’m writing book 2 in the Buffalo Intimidators series. I’m at slightly over 30k, which is about 75% through the book, and I don’t know how it’s going to end beyond it being a happy ending. I really have no clue. Other writers want to slap me right about now, I would guess.

Nah. I'm the same way. I had a story about a gay man I had no idea where it was going. Didn't til I wrote it. Who knew? What can readers expect next from you?
*takes deep breath* Loose Id just released a BDSM holiday-themed novella of mine titled Caught. Ellora’s Cave will release a bull rider book with BDSM elements sometime in January. I’ll also be helping EC launch their brand-new line EC for Men with my short story, Take Me at the Ballgame.

How cool is that? Looks like my TBR list is growing out of control. What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?
The best thing is that I do something unique. No one else is writing exactly the same books I am. The worst is that it doesn’t make you rich quick.

Well if we got rich quick, then we'd all write what made us rich and that would suck. What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
I keep writing. That’s all you can do. As Nora Roberts said “You can fix anything but a blank page.”

I try to make the page blue. It doesn't always work, but it's better than looking at white space. What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
I have to. Once you get into this and get a taste of success you have a driving need to write. I think at this point my characters would drive me crazy if I didn’t write. They wouldn’t shut up inside my head!

Well, yeah. They do get demanding. Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
Caught is a BDSM holiday-themed novella with a reunion aspect to it. Callie comes back to her hometown after a three-year hiatus and sees her old Dom, Jack. They renew their BDSM relationship, but can either of them put aside old hurts and new fears long enough to fall in love? (Dec 13, 2011, Loose Id)

Impact is a bull rider story with BDSM elements. Connor Raub is a Dom, but only in secret. Even his best friend and traveling companion Brady doesn’t know. Then Connor meets a woman named Jessica through the tour and her natural submissive tendencies call to him. Will Jessica be able to convince him he can have it all – a career, love, and the lifestyle he craves? (January 2012, Ellora’s Cave)

I also have my short story for EC for Men, Take Me at the Ballgame. As of when I’m filling this out I don’t have a release date for that yet.

Busy, busy, busy. When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I read all the time. Writers NEED to read in order to get out of their own heads. Of course, I read widely within the erotic romance genre, and I could name about thirty authors I adore. I also love both erotic and non-erotic historical romance, particularly Regency. Contemporary non-erotic romance is good for a change of pace.

Yeah, but when you gotta get the fix, you gotta get the fix. What bores you as a reader?
Unrealistic scenarios, like when people decide they love each other after about 36 hours together. That’s a divorce waiting to happen. (Sorry to other authors, it’s just my opinion)

Doesn't tend to work in Hollywood, either. What is your favorite feature on a person?
Transparency. I am who I appear to be. I don’t stab people in the back, etc and I hate having it done to me.

You get what you get. That's me. What is your favorite time of day?
Probably after my daughter goes to bed and I sit down to write. Hey look, that’s now!

Well, then I'll wrap this up shortly. I know how hard it is sometimes to get time to write. What music gets you dancing?
Again, I’ve got to go back to the 80’s. Great music.

There is something special about the '80's. Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
The fact you can breathe the air, it’s temperate enough to live on, and food and drink can be found here. I’m a practical girl.

Practical is good. You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
I’d hit the bookstore, of course. Also NY & Company – I’m a walking ad for that store. Maybe a shoe store, and then round it out with a trip to a store to buy stuff, whether toys or clothes or whatever, for my daughter. I’d call people as I ran from store to store and tell them I’ll get them one thing if they’ll bring their trucks, vans, etc down to the mall to help me take it all home.

Sounds like a plan to me. If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
This is a business, and rejection isn’t personal. It’s not an indictment on your writing if an editor rejects you. I got rejected, I would guess about twenty or thirty times before my first book sold. And that was just by editors. I’ve probably been rejected by agents (who I think are tougher to get these days than book contracts) fifty or more times. When I finally got my agent, it wasn’t until I had four books under contract.

No kidding. It takes work and dedication, no doubt. If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I’d love to write historical Regencies. What a fascinating time period! Almost any historical time period has cool aspects to it.

I can read them, but historicals take way too much research and I don't do research well. I always find that one thing that totally is wrong and run with it. Where can we find out more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!
Current work in progress…hmm. *mouses through the book* How’s this? Keep in mind this is FIRST DRAFT material…
“You wanna start now, honey? Let’s go.” Luc watched as Jake took possession of her mouth. Her arms wound around his neck and leaned into the kiss even more and Luc’s cock hardened further inside his jeans. He’d been half-hard all day thinking about this, and it looked like it was finally gonna happen.
Jake broke the kiss and Luc stood up. “Bedroom.”
Her eyes glazed over, Eva pointed down the hall. Luc picked her up and started in that direction, the other two guys trailing behind. He found what was obviously her bedroom, since the only other doors led to a bathroom and a home office, and lowered her onto the bed, following her down onto the mattress and lowering his body over hers. Plunging his hands into her hair, he kissed her. As his tongue sank into her mouth, his cock threatened to strangle him, his balls feeling like they were being twisted in a vise. He pulled back and Carter leaned down, turning her head for his kiss.
Luc sat to the side of her, and when Carter released her, he said, “Are you sure you’re ready for this, baby?”
Eva nodded. “I want this. I want you.”
“Then you’ll have us.” He glanced at his linemates. “A word outside?” They went into the hall and Luc turned to them. “How do you wanna do this?”
“I say we just go back in there, take off her clothes, take off our clothes, and see what happens,” Carter answered.
Luc said, “I agree. But I think our pants shouldn’t come off until the very last minute. I want to know that’s she’s on board with this; that she really wants it.”
“Definitely,” Jake responded. “Otherwise, we drive her crazy with pleasure and deny ourselves, even if it kills us.”
“Which it likely will,” Luc muttered.
They went back into the bedroom and found Eva still on her back on the bed. Carter climbed up and leaned on the headboard, pulling her up to bring her back flush with his chest. Luc and Jake went to each side of her, and Luc pulled her up and over her head.
“Oh God, I knew it,” Carter said as her hard nipples poked through the thin white tank top. “I knew you weren’t wearing a bra. You have the most perfect tits, ever, chica.” He pulled Eva’s tank top up just enough to reveal her bare breasts to their hungry gazes, and both he and Jake took advantage, each latching onto a rosy nipple while Carter held her tank up with one hand and used the other to tilt her head for his kiss.
Luc nibbled and sucked on the mouthwatering peak of Eva’s breast, still hardly able to believe he was here – they were all here. He’d wanted this for what seemed like forever, though it had only been a few months, and now his wish was about to come true. He broke off contact with her tit and reached for her jeans. She lifted her ass off the bed and he tugged them and her little bikini panties down and off her legs, throwing them in the general direction of the chair in the corner of the room.
Hmmm. That chair might be fun later.
For now, though, he needed to get inside her like he needed his next breath, but he ruthlessly tamped down on his own desire. It was time to make Eva crazy.

Dear dog I need a glass of something cold, pronto! Want to know more about Head Games? Here's the blurb:

Leo Laporte and Scott Schaeffer are teammates on the ice and roommates off it who also share women. They’ve been coming into Kelly Chase’s bistro after games for months, and they know they want her. As the attraction grows, the men realize they want more than a one-night stand - they want forever.

Kelly’s not so sure. Yes, she wants both men. But a permanent ménage relationship? That’s taking giving her heart away to a whole new level, and a chance she’s hesitant to take. Then Leo is injured and Scott’s on the trading block, and she realizes this may be her only shot at true, everlasting love.

There are so many questions swirling around inside Kelly’s head. Can she believe in Leo and Scott’s love? And will her business and her reputation survive once people find out she’s with two men?

ABOUT CASSANDRA CARR:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance author who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, will release on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, and Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id.

For more information about Cassandra:
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

Cassandra Carr Stops by Tomorrow!

2011-12-29T04:00:00.007-05:00

Cassandra Carr stops by tomorrow with her book, Head Games. Want to know more? Here's the tour link. But I'd say stop by. Cassandra will be giving away one set of signed Romance Trading Cards to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and winner's choice one $10 GC to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble to one commenter during the tour. Pretty cool.

Want to know more about Head Games? Here's the blurb:

Leo Laporte and Scott Schaeffer are teammates on the ice and roommates off it who also share women. They’ve been coming into Kelly Chase’s bistro after games for months, and they know they want her. As the attraction grows, the men realize they want more than a one-night stand - they want forever.

Kelly’s not so sure. Yes, she wants both men. But a permanent ménage relationship? That’s taking giving her heart away to a whole new level, and a chance she’s hesitant to take. Then Leo is injured and Scott’s on the trading block, and she realizes this may be her only shot at true, everlasting love.

There are so many questions swirling around inside Kelly’s head. Can she believe in Leo and Scott’s love? And will her business and her reputation survive once people find out she’s with two men?

EXCERPT:
Only a half hour after the buzzer they were climbing into Leo’s Range Rover on their way to Kelly’s. When they walked in, she turned from behind the counter to greet them. Leo caught sight of her and his jeans tightened.

“Hey guys. Good game, both of you.”

“Thanks,” they answered in unison, sliding onto stools.

“How about some apple pie?” Leo said, licking his lips already. An image of him nibbling pieces of it off of her flew into his head. Man, was he horny tonight…

Kelly put her hands on her hips. “You know better than that. I never let you have apple pie until after you eat a good meal.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Fine.” Perusing the specials written on a chalkboard underneath the TV, he ordered shepherd’s pie. Scott asked for a chicken souvlaki wrap, and they settled back to relax as Kelly went into the kitchen to make their food. “I love those T-shirts. I’d give up a mil of my salary just to be that T-shirt for a day.”

“Don’t I know it…” Since it was late, Kelly was waiting tables herself in addition to cooking, and both of them tracked her as she bustled around behind the counter. Coming back over, she poured them both ice waters and plopped silverware in front of them before going into the back once again. There were still a few customers, but everyone gave the Intimidators their privacy here—it was one of the reasons Leo and Scott loved to come here so much. The primary reason, of course, was Kelly herself.

ABOUT CASSANDRA CARR:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance author who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, will release on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, and Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id.

For more information about Cassandra:
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

Wednesday Flicks ~ The Goodbye Girl

2011-12-27T19:45:00.004-05:00

When I'm feeling cruddy, I love to watch this movie. It's older than I am, but really, who cares? Richard Dreyfuss is hilarious. Plus they have some of the best quotes in this movie:

Paula McFadden: I thought you said you were decent.
Elliot Garfield: I am decent. I also happen to be naked.

~

Elliot Garfield: Out of where? Out of my rented apartment that you are staying in out of the goodness of my heart? I will bring home anyone or anthing that I choose, including a one-eyed Episcopalian kangaroo if that happens to be my kinky inclination. As for what is going on in there we're rehearsing Act 1, Scene 4 from Richard the Third. I happen to have a cretin from Mars directing this play and I need all the help I can get. However, if I choose to attempt to have carnal knowledge of that gorgeous bod that'll be her option, my problem and none of your business! And just for the record what do you think little Lucy's impression of what was going on in Mama's bedroom with Tony "Love 'em & leave 'em" DeForrest, huh? Hey Mac! Why don't you turn out some of these lights? We're running up a heck of a bill.

~

Lucy McFadden: Congratulations
Elliot Garfield: For What?
Lucy McFadden: I didn't know what else to say.

~

Paula McFadden: Be tactful.
Lucy McFadden: What's that?
Paula McFadden: Lie!

~

Enjoy!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-27T10:41:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I want to move that sheet sooooo bad....

Things Kids Say...

2011-12-26T11:47:00.004-05:00

I got the idea for this post from a friend, Thanks Virgina, and well, after yesterday it was rather appropriate.

My small person was visited by the Jolly old Elf and treated well. The thing the tot wanted the most was an Optimus Prime Transformer that's blippen' huge. That was the big thing totlet got. Okay, fine. Totlet opened that first. Totlet was thrilled.

Fast forward oh, about three gifts. I don't remember what all was opened, but I recall a kick ball being one of them. The next gift was a copy of Dogzilla. Now if you have small people, particularly boys who enjoy Captain Underpants, you are familiar with Dav Pilkey. If not, thank your lucky stars. I have nothing against Mr. Pilkey. In fact, I rather appreciate him writing the books that get my totlet to read. Thank you very much. But the plethora of fart and toilet jokes gets old. (and I enjoy a good fart joke). Anyway, the art/work of Dav Pilkey is part of the totlet's life.

So totlet opens Dogzilla the book Kat Kong. Totlet says, "Now I finally get what I want."

Part of me wanted to scalp totlet. Now you finally get what you want? But part of me also knew that totlet really wanted both books and has been drooling over them when visiting the Dav Pilkey site. Still, Now you finally get what you wanted...

The things kids say...

I hope your Christmas was filled with food, fun, and fellowship. Mine was. Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-23T20:05:00.001-05:00

Taking a couple days off bloggin' cuz it's the holidays and well, we all deserve to have a great day filled with warmth, friends, family, and fun!

Who Won the Stuff Your Stockings for Christmas Hop?

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

So who won the $5 GC to Changeling Press?

Cathy MacDonald!!!

Congrats and I'll be in touch with you shortly!!!!

Thanks to everyone who commented and became a follower. I hope you find lots of great books here on my blog and I encourage you to stick around. You never know what's coming next! Enjoy!

Blogging About Christmas and Someone Like You!

2011-12-20T18:00:00.005-05:00

I'm blogging about Christmas songs and my upcoming novella Someone Like You over at Whipped Cream Guests as Part of the Stuff Your Stockings With Books Blog-fest. Come check it out. There's a $5 Gift card to Total-E-Bound up for grabs. Click the banner to get there or click here.

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-20T04:00:00.002-05:00

He strikes me as a shifter ready to shift. Any thoughts?

Sunday Snoggin' with Someone Like You!

2011-12-18T12:24:00.004-05:00

Someone Like You - Wendi Zwaduk

She’s the one he wants, he just doesn’t know it yet.

Arran Mayes. Confirmed bachelor. Loves a good bottle of wine, hearty conversation and men. Determined to open his own pizzeria, he’s not looking for love or a woman.

Then he sees her. Can a confirmed tomcat bachelor settle down in the arms of a good woman?
Mindy Dawson. She’s not interested in relationships or dating. She’s been through the wringer more times than she can count. College is for a BA not an MRS degree.
Until she sees him. Is she enough woman to tame Arran’s ways? Or will their love affair burn out before it gets started?

This story contains lovers who didn’t know they connected, finding their mutual satisfaction with anal sex and a few toys for fun.

Available in January from Total-E-Bound Publishing.

And now it's snoggin' time!!
Arran stared at her mouth. Lush coral lips, just a hint of gloss or lipstick. His mouth watered. No five o’clock shadow to abrade his face, but tickly wisps of her hair swirled over his cheek when she moved. He liked the scratch of a beard, but the tickle had promise.

“I want to kiss you.” There. He’d blurted out his intentions. When the fuck had things become so complicated? Men weren’t so hard to deal with.

“Um...so do it?”

Women couldn’t seem to make up their minds. Neither could he. “Min—"

Instead of letting him talk himself out of what he wanted, Mindy went for it and kissed him first. Soft lips connected with his. The pillow of her breasts crushed against his chest. Her hands roamed his shoulders and back. Arran groaned. Damn. If he thought kissing boys was fun, kissing girls, this girl to be exact, ranked right up there with perfect.

His jeans constricted around his hips and holy hell, he had a stiffy. Fuck, yeah. Heat flowed through his veins as she tangled her tongue with his. She tasted sweet, like mint and something else. Dew? Rain? Could one taste rain? If it was possible, then Mindy tasted like spring rain.

Mindy ground her hips into the vee of his thighs. Whoa. A new rush of heat and tingles shot to his cock. They had to stop. Had to slow down at least or he’d cum in his jeans. He wanted more than a quick fuck or petting session in the hallway. Arran broke the kiss first, cupping her face in both his hands.

“What?”

Her breath skittered over his cheeks. Her eyes dilated to just a thin ring of green surrounding the black. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in a honey coloured curtain. God she looked gorgeous flushed and a little mussed. “I need to tell you something.”

And the Winner Is...

2011-12-18T04:00:00.004-05:00

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

So who won the Romancing Christmas Blog Hop? The $5 GC to Changeling Press?

Latisha Jean (tishajean@charter.net)

I'll email you shortly with the details! CONGRATS!!!!
Thank you to everyone who commented. May you find great things on my blog and new reads you'll love. Thank you!!

Blissemas and a Hot Holiday Bit of Flash Fiction with Wendi Zwaduk!

2011-12-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

First, I want to thank Victoria Blisse for the opportunity to take part in Blissemas. Talk about being in the company of some fantastic authors! This is a fabulous group. Now it's my turn to celebrate Blissemas and when I sat down to plan out what I'd write about, well, it was a tad daunting. Don't write about what someone else did, don't reuse your own ideas, make it exciting, make it interesting. Was I feeling a little overwhelmed?

A little.

But the more I thought about it, the more I kept looking at the girly pic Miss Victoria sent out for promo. Can I just say she's a snazzy looking chick? Good, because I will. The more I looked at her, I thought, you know, she needs a bit of Flash Fiction. And it better be spicy because she just strikes me as a spicy girl.

Here goes....

Crissy fluffed the fur on the edge of her hat and finger-combed her hair. The glitter on her cheeks and eyebrows sparkled in the fire light. The corset fit just right and accentuated the girls to a tee. She rolled her hips and popped a pose. If the naughty look didn't work for him, tough. She loved the way the crushed velvet and faux fur made her feel sexy.

Merry Christmas to me.

"Crissy?"

Her heart fluttered and cream slickened her thong. Her Christmas wish had come true. She didn't have to turn around or peek into the mirror to know who stood behind her.

"Klaus." She leaned back into his taut chest. The spicy scent of his cologne wrapped around her. Her pussy clenched. Being good all year sucked, but having him for the reward was totally worth it.

"I've missed you," he purred. His breath tickled her neck and sizzled all along her nerve endings. "You've been a very good girl this year." Klaus yanked the collar of her robe aside, exposing more of her skin. He licked a path of fire starting at her earlobe, down the back of her neck, ending in a rough kiss on her shoulder. "I don't want a good girl."

Perfect. Crissy turned around in his arms and shrugged out of the robe. The silky fabric pooled at her booted feet. "I don't want to be a good girl."

A thick lock of his dark hair swept across his brow as he stepped forward. "Oh baby, better than I could've imagined." He thrust his fingers into her hair and captured her mouth in a feral kiss. With one hand still in her hair, he smoothed his fingers down her bare arm, down to her ass.

Crissy sighed and ground against him. She gripped his coat, yanking the zipper down. Klaus stilled her hands. “No, love. Let me. This is your Christmas wish.”

Arms still around him, Crissy allowed Klaus to walk her backwards towards the bed. The backs of her knees bumped the mattress. Blood thumped in her veins. This wasn’t exactly what she had expected, but hell, he was there. Who was she to complain?

Klaus dropped to his knees and nuzzled her belly. “You smell like sugar cookies.” He worked the buckle on her belt and dropped the accessory to the floor. Her breathing hitched as he bit the bottom button off her corset. Part of her wanted him to just hurry up. Part of her wanted him to go as slow as he could. She shivered as he popped another button on her corset.

Klaus glanced up and smiled. “Antsy?”

She nodded, unable to form actual words.

“Then I’m making your wish come true.” He flicked open the last button and opened the plush fabric. The rush of cool air kissed her nipples. She squeezed her thighs together to stave off her rising need for him.

Klaus nuzzled her inner thigh, then tugged her down onto the mattress. She plopped down with a squeak. “Oh!”

A grin spread on his lips. “The blush on your cheeks matches the color of your boots.” Klaus pushed between her thighs and cupped her breast. He pressed his face into the vee of her cleavage and hummed. She threaded her fingers into his thick hair, holding him to her. Leaving a trail of nips and hard kisses in his wake, he moved down to the hem of her thong. Klaus hooked his fingers in the elastic and yanked. Hard. The delicate fabric tore under his touch. Instead of moving the fabric, he left the remnants of the thong in place.

“Klaus.” His name came out so breathy, she hardly recognized her own voice. “Please.” Damn. She sounded needy. Trust Klaus to know how to break her resistance.

He chuckled and pulled away from her. “Lay down.”

Crissy did as told and grasped her hat. Might as well move it before it got crushed or worse. Klaus swooped in over her, placing his hand on hers. “No. I like it right where it is.”

Instead of moving off of her, he wriggled his hips. His cock slid over the slickness between her legs. The thrum of his pulse beat against her clit. Her legs quivered as the orgasm built low in her belly. Damn. They hadn’t even had sex yet. Klaus smoothed a hand between their bodies and dragged the destroyed thong across her nether lips. She closed her eyes and raked her nails down his back. She’d never last.

“Yes, babe.” Klaus arched up and thrust into her in one slick motion. “You’ll last and love it.”

Once, twice, three times, he slammed into her body. Crissy whimpered. “Too much.”

Klaus withdrew and slid his palms up and down her inner thighs, slowly bringing her to the edge of the bed. “What do you want, Crissy? Tell me.”

“You. In. Me.” Crissy wrapped her legs around his torso. “Need you.”

The grin returned to his lips. “That’s my girl.” He entered her once again, but this time he lingered. Klaus stroked her boot-clad leg and moved within her pussy just enough to build friction. She needed him. Needed him right now. Crissy bucked her hips, encouraging him to go faster.

Grasping her upper thighs, Klaus increased his movements. His balls slapped against her asshole, adding pinpricks of delight to the already heated moment. Crissy fisted the bed sheets and gritted her teeth. So close. So, so close. She opened her eyes, not wanting to miss the look in his eyes when she came. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

“Fuck, yes.” Klaus collapsed down on top of her and rammed her hard against the bed. His ragged breaths tickled her skin. “Mine,” he murmured. “All mine.”

Boneless, Crissy snuggled beneath him. She stroked his head and smoothed a lock of his hair between her fingers. The afterglow of the orgasm dimmed. Her true wish wasn’t just to have him for one night, but she’d been naughty through the year. She forced herself to remain calm. “How long until you have to leave?”

Klaus withdrew and stood. “How long do you want me to stay?” He helped her to her feet and turned back the blankets on the bed. “Climb in.”

“No.” Crissy folded her arms. “Every year you go away and I’m alone.” All the emotions she’d tamped down for the year came out in a flood. “I want you here always.”

“What was your wish, love?” Klaus sat down on the edge of the bed and tugged her into his arms. “Tell me.”

“To have you every day, not just Christmas day.” She refused to look him in the eye. Refused to let her heart and her hopes rise.

“Crissy. Look at me.” He rested his forehead against her temple and rubbed his nose on her cheek. “Always my stubborn girl.” He sighed. “Then it’s good I have a lifetime to love you and break you of your habits.”

Lifetime? Break... He’d be there forever. Crissy threw her arms around his neck. “I got my wish?”

“I couldn’t stay away from my wife any longer. I passed the torch to the next Santa Claus.” Klaus kissed her, laving his tongue over her bottom lip. “The Kringles, together at last?”

She squeezed him tight. “Together forever.”

I hope you enjoyed the bit of flash fiction Christmas-style. I had a great time writing it. I'd like to thank Victoria and the others taking part in Blissemas. This has truly been a blast. And if you want to enter to win the Kindle, all you have to do is leave a comment. Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances.

Happy Christms everyone!

Stuff Your Stockings for Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-16T04:00:00.002-05:00

Want to win a $5 gift certificate to Changeling Press? All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment! Comment about what you say? Your favorite holiday food!!!

Thanks for stopping in and the winner will be announced on December 19th right here on the blog. Click the banner to see who is also participating in the hop!

Cover Art - Thoughts?

2011-12-13T18:50:00.004-05:00

I was looking at cover art the other day, trying to decide which book I wanted to spend my hard earned dollars on. Now, I am a self-avowed cover whore. I love me some pretty bodies in sexy positions. I got so excited when I saw the new Lust Bite covers and decided I wanted one. I know, goofy. Meh.

Then I was helping Megan with a cover. She wanted the thing to look just right and was in the process of filling out the form. And seeing her in action made me wonder. When we get the honor of inputting on cover art, what info is the right info and how do we make sure we're giving the poor cover artist the proper info to make the cover exactly what we thought it should be?

Now I am no expert on cover art creation. I do my best on my self pubbed free reads with picasa and a lot of trial and error. I give all the cover artists out there a lot of credit. It's HARD to create a pretty, eye-catching cover.

But when are we driving the cover artist crazy or just inputting the right ideas to make the cover pop?

I had one friend tell me the cover artist was thrilled when she sent along links for what she thought the characters should look like. Thrilled. Another said she'd done the same thing and the artist was mighty irked. Another friend had the cover done, but objected to the colors (ancient Greeks NEVER wore THAT color). Or there's the angel debate. How do you make the angle not look like he's got turkey wings on his back?

Now, before I go any further, I've seen my share of objectionable cover art. I realize that said, those covers are in the eye of the beholder. What I may not like might be the apple of the author's eye. Then again, what I think is beautiful might disgust other authors.

I just wonder sometimes if I'm being too pushy by saying I want this and this, but absolutely not this. Does that help the artist or hinder creativity? The guy can be built, but no furry chests. Does that really make a huge difference?

I still don't know the answer, so I'll go on wondering. Thoughts?

SQUEE!! Somewhere I Belong is Out TODAY!!!

2011-12-13T15:16:00.001-05:00

I've been waiting on this book to come out, well, because I wrote it, but also because it's been a long, strange trip. Not all bad, lots of it great.

So what is it?
Somewhere I Belong
Contemp, molten, m/f, novella
Liquid Silver Books

Sullavan Tanner walked away from Jarvis, Ohio, afraid to give his heart to the woman he loved. He lived the rock and roll lifestyle, but never quite made it to the big time. Fifteen years later, he’s back and ready to claim what’s his—if she’ll accept his help.

Marley Lockwood’s done asking for help. The family farm is more than she can handle, but if she can survive a cancer scare, the loss of her parents, the abandonment by her first love, and a messy divorce, she can handle anything.

Until Sully shows up.

Although she’s not interested in rekindling the love affair, she’s not above accepting Sully’s hands on the farm. What’s the worst that could happen? They get the farm out of the red and into the black? That’s her plan. They actually fall in love? The past says it won’t work, so she’s not hedging her bets.

Too bad Sully’s not giving up this time.

Get your copy here from Liquid Silver Books!

I'm taking the book on tour in January, so grab a copy from Liquid Silver Books and keep your eyes peeled for the tour! Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-13T04:00:00.001-05:00

I just want to lick him.

Minnette Meador's The Belle Stalker

2011-12-12T04:00:00.009-05:00

Today on Romance to Make Your Heart Race, I'd like to welcome Minnette Meador and her new book, The Belle Stalker! I'm excited to have her here! Check out the interview. Oh and this is pretty cool - Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter. Today's special prize, for those who comment, is a copy of The Belle Stalker. Want to win? Comment early and often!!

The fine print: The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only; if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted; ALSO: PLEASE NOTE: Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com)

But let's get the interview started!!!
What was your favorite scene to write in THE BELLE STALKER?

That’s a really tough question. I LOVE the first kiss in a romance. It is the toughest and best scene for me. I also like the climax of the story. There is nothing more fun than bringing everything together with a big bang toward the end!

What was the inspiration behind THE BELLE STALKER?
I have always loved mysteries and thrillers ever since I read my first Sherlock Holmes story when I was ten. However, I also love urban fantasy, so I decided to write one asking this question: What would happen if you stranded a mythical being on earth for 2000 years? What fun this was to write! :o)

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
I was able to spend a day with a local cop on a ride along, being arrested, and exposed to some real crime in the city. In addition, I was also able to spend hours with the head of the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division and pick his brain about how they went about investigating a murder. I wrote a five-part blog post on my experience with them. Readers can find them here:

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/04/in-shadow-of-heroesprologue.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/07/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part_04.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
I’d say promotion is probably my least favorite part of writing, not because I don’t love my fans (and believe me I do – they rock!), but because I have to spend so much time on it and away from actually writing. I think that’s a common issue with authors. My favorite part is putting a book together, i.e. developing the plot, sketching out the characters, figuring out twists, turns, and surprises, finding humor where you don’t expect it. I LOVE to write more than eating…which is saying something!

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
LOL There is nothing sexier than an Italian accent, but I love an English one too, and French! It’s too hard to decide. They all make me crazy.

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I get asked this question a lot… I’m running out of surprises. Let’s see… When I was growing up I wasn’t very popular in school. I spent a lot to time on my own making up stories to amuse myself. I would act them out on my walks home from school.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What kinds of book do you absolutely love, even if you hide it?

What can readers expect next from you?
I have been contracted for three more books by Resplendence Publishing, two in the Ghost series, and another one in the Centurion series. I am also taking time out to write a sci-fi that I am going to try to sell to New York. Here’s some sneak peeks (ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

The Egyptian Pirate - Hasani has a reputation to uphold as the world's greatest pirate; but that's hard to do when you're wasting away in a Syrian jail for making love to one of the Parthian king's daughters. For the first time in his life, his luck has run out and he faces a very real possibility of losing his head for good this time. When a mysterious woman shows up and helps him escape, he falls in love for the first time. The problem is... she is taken prisoner and swept away to Egypt, the last place he wants to be. Will he risk his life and riches to save her or follow old habits and simply walk away. There is something about this girl...

*Haunted Hearts - Book II in the Ghost Series. Dyna is having a bad day... a really bad day. Her house is now filled with ghosts, the neighborhood association is trying to get her evicted, a coven of witches won’t leave her alone, and she just found out she's pregnant with a demon child. To top everything off, a handsome cop thinks he can make it go away, but all he is doing is making it worse! What's a girl to do?

*Phantom Hearts - Book III in the Ghost Series. He's suave, he's debonair, he can say or do no wrong, the ladies love him, and life couldn't be any sweeter. That is until he finds out he's the devil's love child and strange things start happening around him. Enter a sexy, snoopy female reporter who not only seems immune to his charms but does everything she can to double his trouble. He simply can't resist her and that's where the fun begins. Will he fight the evil deeds blooming in his head or will he finally succumb to his father's wishes and "join" the family business. Only a crazy girl knows... and she's not talking.

*Arpeggios In The Darkness - Sci-Fi - It's hard being the first half-Alien/half-Human hybrid... Your mom and dad are gone all the time, the paparazzi follow you everywhere and you find out your voice can kill. Her only solution, hide in a derelict space freighter until it all goes away. But when the rusting bucket of space debris takes off, her life changes forever…and so does the universe.

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
I don’t have too much trouble with that (she whispers very quietly and crosses her fingers). When I do, I usually just practice GYBIC… get your butt in the chair and write something… anything to get going. It usually works. I’m a marathon writer, which means I write 10-20K at a sprint, but then I take a lot of days off in between to “think” things through. I also edit as I go along when I don’t feel like writing. That usually does it.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
Talking or brain storming with other writers, reading excellent books, finding something I wrote long ago that isn’t half bad, kicks in the butt by my fellow writers and my dear husband.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
The next book will probably be Haunted Hearts, the second book in the Ghost series (see A GHOST OF A CHANCE). I’m getting information and research together for this book right now which includes visiting a Palm Reader, interviewing several modern day witches, gathering information on neighborhood associations, and studying gothic character models. If anyone is one of these, please contact me at mmeador@minnettemeador.com . I’d love to interview you.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I’m as diverse in my reading as I am in my writing. I just finished Dan Brown’s newest, am reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, A Fine Likeness by Sean McLachlan (a story about raising the dead during the civil war, which is absolutely fascinating), Haunted America, and I just finished the entire Nero Wolf series by Rex Stout. Oh, I’m reading a couple of Terry Pratchett’s newest as well. He’s a very funny guy! And I have Stephen King’s newest on my nightstand.

What bores you as a reader?
Very little, believe it or not. I will tell you that I didn’t finish Dan Brown’s because the last 30 pages his character was preaching on and on about the God theory. It was interesting for the first couple of pages but then it just went on and on. The first 100 pages of The Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo is also mostly back-story and can be tedious. It’s worth the wait however. The book really is amazing beyond that. I like a fiction to move along; if I wanted lots of back-story I’d read a history book (also one of my favorites).

What is your favorite feature on a person?
Hands down, their eyes.

What is your favorite time of day?
Late at night.

What music gets you dancing?
I butt dance to techno and funk. That’s where you sit in your chair and your butt just starts dancing!

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
Sunsets, forests, and Margaritas. Not necessarily in that order.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
The bookstore and the Apple store. I’m pretty strong and can carry it all.

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
Don’t quit. That the first reason people don’t get published, they give up. To help you, join a local writing association. If you write romance (hell, even if you don’t write romance) join your local or an on-line romance writers association. The best thing you could ever do. Writers may write alone, but they don’t create in a vacuum. Meet and talk to other writers, as many as you can. I can’t begin to tell you how invaluable those resources have been to me. And trust me: I am a complete hermit from the word go. I had to force myself, so you can do it too.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I think I’ve said this before, but I would love to write straight mystery, the classic whodunit. One of my favorite genres to read! One day. I’d also love to write books about history and wish I had the time to study more. I LOVE ancient history.

Where can we find out more about you and your work? To name a few…
Minnette's Web Site
Contact: mmeador@minnettemeador.com
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Coffeetime Romance

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

(CAUTION: ADULT CONTENT – HOT ~ HOT ~ HOT)
His cock rested gently on her belly, and her ensuing quiver went through him like a drug. The beat of her heart pulsed against the muscle, and Cranston had to find a deep reserve of discipline to control his urges.

Slowly, deliberately, he leaned forward and began to kiss her face, lick her neck and shoulders. With each new application of pressure, Belle squirmed under him. The skin touching his lips was hot and yielding, velvety against his rough tongue.

When he reached her breasts, he stopped, admiring the granite hard brown nipples and dark areolas. Belle’s chest rose, obviously frantic for his mouth, but he didn’t touch her. Instead, he looked into her eyes and smiled.

“Greedy girl.”

“You bastard,” she said good-naturedly.

In reply, Cranston pursed his lips and began to blow on her right nipple. The creamy areola immediately broke out in large bumps, the rough dark nipple grew in size, and Belle let out a startled gasp. This was something new, and a wave of satisfaction plowed through Cranston. He knew Belle would love it.

Moving to the other side, Cranston repeated the motion and Belle’s hips bucked under him, burying his cock into the skin of her stomach. He lifted it from her, and she groaned.

“Patience, princess.”

She hissed angrily through her teeth, and Cranston laughed. Letting go of her hands, he bent down again and licked the soft skin around her nipple, careful not to touch it. Then, without warning, he pulled the tiny bud into his mouth and bit it gently.

Belle exploded beneath him. Her body jumped involuntarily, and Cranston could feel the earthquake of her need ripple through him. He decided to torture her further.

THE BELLE STALKER – CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
~ ~
THE BELLE STALKER
An Urban Fantasy Thriller
by Minnette Meador

The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her...is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

And here's the linkys:
http://youtu.be/avY8W6i0rw4 Audio Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/p/books-by-minnette.html Written Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/ Blog URL

RESPLENDENCE PUBLISHING (all eFormats except Kindle & Nook):
http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/381-200-103-422-5--the-belle-stalker-by-minnette-meador.html

AMAZON BUY LINK: (Kindle)

AMAZON DIRECT LINK:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Belle-Stalker-ebook/dp/B0064PA6LI/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321749531&sr=1-8

BARNES & NOBEL DIRECT (Nook):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-belle-stalker-minnette-meador/1107087599?ean=2940013589698&itm=1&usri=the+belle+stalker

All Romance eBooks:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebellestalker-625303-140.html

Minnette Meador Stops by Tomorrow!

2011-12-11T04:00:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow I am welcoming Minnette Meador right here to Romance to Make Your Heart Race as part of her tour for The Belle Stalker. And you know, you very much want to comment. Why? Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter.

The fine print: The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only; if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted; ALSO: PLEASE NOTE: Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com)

Come back tomorrow to read the interview!!!

THE BELLE STALKER
An Urban Fantasy Thriller
by Minnette Meador

The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her...is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

And here's an excerpt:

A faint laugh echoed against the steel I-beamed ceilings—a man’s laugh.

Or was it?

Belle pirouetted on the hard asphalt. Her hips warmed when they hit the hot side of her car. She squinted at the blinking fluorescent lights. They stuttered against the garage in fitful illumination.

“Hello?” The word echoed back to her unaccompanied, sending pins and needles through her hand as it tightened on the strap of her purse.

Belle’s senses sharpened almost painfully: the metal keys biting into the flesh of her palm, the blood slamming against her eardrums. A gust of fear rushed through her spine, setting her ears ringing, preparing her to fight—or maybe run.

Instincts. The word pulsed through her thoughts quickly.

She pushed her head forward, straining to listen, trying to penetrate the shadows to locate that chilling laugh. Instead, all she heard was the tick-tick-tick of her engine cooling and the muted hiss of silence.

Was it real?

A moment of doubt made her step away from the car. She stared at the oily surface of the garage floor, mesmerized. The scuffed blacktop triggered a memory.

A pale hand coiled around her face, clamped hard against her lips and nose, cutting off her oxygen. She desperately bit, clawed and fought, but nothing loosened that unnatural grip. It clung to her face like an iron mask.

Belle squeezed her eyes tight, willing the memory to go away. She knew the deeply masculine violation had permanently infected her confidence. There was nothing she could do about it. Uncertainty was her constant confidante. She had to pull strength from a deep will to fight the trembling.

It’s just a memory. A memory can’t hurt you. The mantra lost juice in the silence.

Even with a year of therapy and all her martial arts training, a cold chill still ran through Belle in this eerie-ass garage. The attack was a year ago today, wasn’t it? She knew anniversaries sometimes triggered memories, but knowing that didn’t help.

Broken lights deposited black shadows in one corner. Peering into the darkness, Belle fancied she saw two beaming pins of white, like eyes. Another blaze of recall weakened her knees.

Sliding backwards on broken heels into the shadows, she was a rag doll in his arms.

Belle shook her head violently to dislodge the flashback and deliberately rushed toward an elevator that seemed to fall away from her as she moved. Frozen bumps formed on her neck.

Ripples of static tingled against her face, electrifying her hair until it danced. A sweet smoky smell enveloped her senses. His smell. She couldn’t move—wouldn’t move—a kind of desire pushed through her, forcing her to comply. Her body went limp in his embrace, as if he had opened her soul and thrust himself inside her—

Pulling in a shaking breath, she scanned the solid concrete pillars as she moved and found the exact spot where John had stood that night, hoping that memory would expel the others.

Her ears rang with the sound of a stranger’s voice bouncing across the concrete. “Hey! You! What the hell do you think you’re…”

The monster dropped her. Her tailbone snapped sending waves of nausea through her bowels. She threw up and curled into a ball of shock. Everything fizzled like an ailing balloon into black.

From out of the shadows around her, another sound eclipsed the laugh.

Belle.

Her feet and heart stopped simultaneously. Fire rose in her cheeks and the back of her hands. The whispered word was soft, haunting—close. Ice wrapped around her spine.

“Who’s there?” she demanded, but only silence answered.

Brahms’s Fifth Symphony suddenly buzzed like a hornet’s nest from her purse, impelling her into the air. Pinpricks like fireworks traveled up her arms. “Shit!”

Belle pulled the cell phone out of the side pouch and flipped it open. The neon green JOHN IAN on the screen fortified her enough to get her legs moving again.

“Hello?” She scurried toward the elevator, the jarring click-click-click of her heels against the asphalt vibrating up her naked legs.

“Are you all right?” John’s voice sounded strange, far away and full of static. She barely recognized it.

“John?”

“Who else would it be? Are you all right?”

“Yeah, fine.” Belle hit the up button next to the elevator door hard then turned around and bit her lower lip. “Thought I heard something. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Do you want me to come over?”

“All right.”

The elevator slid down to meet her and the doors whisked open.

“I—surprise—you.” The words broke into pieces.

“What?”

“—soon.” There was a strange lilt to John’s voice, but the phone went dead. She looked at the screen, and the call was gone. Probably just the connection. She’d call him when she got upstairs.

Putting the phone away, she backed into the metal box and jabbed the first floor button, a buzz of fear forcing her finger to hit it several times.

When the door closed, she blew out a breath and slumped against the cold metal wall.

The clang of steel on steel as the little room hummed its way up the cables was somehow comforting. Smells of cooking garlic mingled with flowery air freshener and the greasy mechanics of the old lift. Twisting her neck from side to side eased her muscles but not the persistent rapid beating of her heart.

Belle hated herself for being so paranoid. It was why she had let John talk her into his tae kwon do classes to begin with. It was also why she had allowed him into her life when she wasn’t looking for anyone. He did rescue you from that maniac, sister. She would have done just about anything he asked.

And I did…

A shot of guilt tensed her shoulders. She liked John, was grateful to him for everything, but she didn’t love him. They had become friends over the past year, but she knew John wanted something more significant from her. To make matters worse, in a moment of weakness spurred by his warm caring nature and a few glasses of wine, Belle had slept with him. That hadn’t helped at all. Another pang of guilt joined the first making it unanimous. Her roommate Cary asked her on a daily basis why she didn’t just dump John, but it was complicated. She didn’t want to hurt him.

A daily calendar taped to the elevator wall reminded her it was Wednesday; Cary would be out with his boyfriend tonight, so she’d have the apartment to herself.

The thought of spending the night alone in her little sanctuary helped to slow her breathing. Her wonderful office/bedroom was the only place in the world Belle felt safe. Smiling, she could almost hear her therapist saying in the background, Now, Belle, you need to expand beyond your little world into the bigger one. Go out. Have fun. Don’t stay cooped up so much. Belle couldn’t help it; her books, her research, her life was tucked into that four hundred square feet of security, and she wasn’t about to leave it for anything.

It suddenly dawned on her that she had just told John to come over. After spending several hours in high heels lecturing at Portland State, she just wanted to fall into bed with a book and a glass of wine. Her new graduate students were a lively bunch; they had questioned her raw. Belle thanked her stars that the adjunct professorship would end in the spring when she would leave for a Celtic dig in England.

The elevator eased to a stop on the first floor, and the familiar creak calmed her heart as the doors whisked open. By the time Belle stepped out, the voice in the dark seemed distant, almost silly. Maybe I should start parking on the street.

The lobby was deserted. She could make out O’Donnell’s back through the glass double doors, his uniform as wrinkled as ever. He rocked on his heels watching the street, cigarette smoke circling his head, a stolen break from the security desk that gleamed in one corner of the lobby.

Belle really liked the rugged Irish guard. He was friendly, funny and had developed an almost fatherly devotion to her. Why, she didn’t know, but she didn’t mind. Despite her deeply rooted, almost radical independence, secretly she thought it was nice having someone looking out for her. Pride had kept her from asking him to escort her from the garage each night, though he had offered many times. She knew the demons she had to confront were her own, and she had to face them that way.

She was tempted to linger and chat, but her eyes were already drooping. Maybe tomorrow.

Crossing to the bank of golden mail boxes, she pulled a small key from the bunch. It slid easily into the worn keyhole, and the little door popped open under the stress of mail behind it. Belle pulled out the bundle and sorted it above the recycle box next to the panel of little doors, throwing most of it away.

Junk. Junk. Junk. Bill. Junk. Bill.

She froze at a small white envelope with her name printed neatly in the middle and no return address. Her heart caught in her chest.

It was from him.

As the police had instructed, she was careful not to handle it much. She wrapped a small flyer around the menacing post and tucked it under her arm, wiping her hand on her hip when she was done.

Belle imagined the stacks of little white envelopes tucked away somewhere inside police headquarters. There must be almost a hundred now. Each typed on plain white paper, folded exactly alike and stuffed into a common envelope. Every single one of them containing the same four words:

Just so you know.

She always turned the letters into the cops, and they always gave her the same answer: no fingerprints, no clues, no step closer to catching the son of a bitch who had taken away her independence—her innocence.

The night of her father’s murder snapped into her head unexpectedly, sparked by those four words, reminding her of what she had hidden from the police—from her therapist—from herself.

Those eyes—

In a panic, Belle pushed that memory as far down as she could manage, but it was getting harder all the time.

The world is deadly… there is no safe place…

With an audible, “Stop it!” Belle got herself under control by biting down on the inside of her cheek. “You’re not going to let him do this to you!” she whispered to herself. The top of the white post gleamed at her, and, in a frantic move, she stuffed it further into the flyer. She didn’t open the letters anymore. Her therapist had insisted.

Searching for anything to appease the anxiety, her mind took her to the one thought that always instantly trumped the rest.

Cranston could have solved this case in a heartbeat. She had almost called him more than once, but each time she managed to control the impulse, knowing it was a bad idea.

Cranston was the only man she knew who could drag the best and the worst from her. He was arrogant, irreverent, completely maddening and one of the most exciting men she had ever known. Is that why you married him? The question made her tighten her lips.

Since their divorce, she had seen him maybe a dozen times: police fund raisers, weddings of mutual friends and even a chance meeting once or twice. Every single time he had managed, with no effort at all, to anger her to the point of violence while at the same time reminding her deeply of emotional and physical needs that hadn’t been satisfied since their break up. It was infuriating that he could still touch her like that. She had moved on, made something of her life without him—hadn’t she? The thought of her ex-husband back in her life, in whatever capacity, sent a quick shiver down her arms. Belle wasn’t sure if it was pain or pleasure.

Let’s not go down that road, girl! Forcing her thoughts to behave, she couldn’t suppress a little smile. Belle had to admit, it was a lot more pleasant thinking about Cranston than it was about the asshole who had ruined her self-confidence.

Turning toward the elevator, she caught O’Donnell’s eye as he held the door open for a group of laughing, obviously drunk, tenants. He winked at her, which animated the kind old face, and tipped his hat. The worn uniform was dull gray against the dark night behind him.

Belle sent a quick smile his way and stepped inside before the noisy group crowded into the elevator. Tucking herself in the back, she leaned against the wall, tilted her head and closed her eyes. God, she was tired. The group stumbled out on the seventh floor, leaving her alone for the journey to the tenth.

When she reached the door to her apartment, she slipped the mail under her arm and searched for the key from the bundle. Glancing to her right, the lights from downtown Portland dazzled her for a second. The city was lit up like Christmas.

She found the right key and shoved it into the lock.

That’s odd. The door was unlocked.

A bolt of shock turned her knees to rubber and another flashback triggered. There was something about his touch…

Belle squared her shoulders and tightened her jaw at the door. “You’re not going to run my life. Cary probably just left it unlocked. Piss!” she whispered to the hallway. Cary was a dear friend, but he had the responsibility of a herring sometimes. Just Cary being an idiot.

But that didn’t stop a murky premonition that started as a pain in her left temple. Maybe she should call O’Donnell. And tell him what? That you’re afraid to go into your own apartment. Belle, you’re tougher than this!

She turned the knob and pushed the door open with deliberation.

The apartment was dark. Closing the door, she eased into the little hallway off a large sunken living room. Her instincts blazed like cannon fire, but Belle knew to ignore them; PTSD playing Russian roulette with her nerves, that’s all. She could defend herself. Hell! She had earned her brown belt in less than a year.

Setting her purse and the mail on a small table, she flipped the wall switch.

The kitchen lights flooded through the half-open wall and blinded Belle. Making her way down the two steps into the living room, she rubbed her eyes.

When they cleared, a jolt of cold wrapped around her head. She stopped.

There was something there. Something big.

It covered the sable couch, spilled over the white carpet, broke the black marble table under it into two sections. It was dripping syrupy pools of liquid onto the floor.

A gasping sound started in her chest, and she took a step back. Her mind couldn’t wrap itself around what she saw. Shock choked her throat. Her hands went numb. Everything faded from her vision except the tunnel that formed around the incongruity in front of her.

Spread over her furniture lay John Ian’s mutilated body.

Belle screamed.

Romancing Christmas Blog Hop!!

2011-12-10T04:00:00.003-05:00

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

What you can win here:

a $5 gift certificate to Changeling Press!!

How to enter:

Become a follower and comment about your favorite part of the Holidays!

Open to:

Everyone who is a follower or becomes a follower!

White Hot Christmas: Stranded - A Review!

2011-12-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

I love to read the seasonal collections with Changeling Press. It's fun and I always manage to find at least one new to me author.

Here's one of the White Hot Christmas books out this week and what I thought.

White Hot Christmas - Stranded
S Michael
contemp, m/f, m/m/f, anal sex, spanking, fetish, toys, bdsm, holiday
novella
Changeling Press
Available here: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1735

Stranded in Vegas was not how Gretchen had planned to spend her Christmas, but that's exactly what's happened to her and hubby Russ. Just when she thinks it couldn't get worse, a stranger trips over their luggage and sends its contents flying. It turns out their stranger, Dave, is in Vegas for the holiday and he has a suite he's willing to share.

Can this threesome turn a Christmas disaster into a Christmas delight?

So what did I think?

Grab a fan and a cool drink or two...This story is what the name says, white hot. Heck, grab the one you love for a little private time when you're done.

Why was it so hot? S Michael writes scenes that literally melt the computer screen. And this is a short enough read that you can read it over and over, soaking in the details.

I have to admit, I thought it moved really fast, especially for the circumstances the characters are in. As the story unfolds, it's clear why and that's what added to my enjoyment.

The writing is snappy and kept me right in my seat. I needed to know what would happen next. If you want a story that's got plenty of heat, and the mighty whack of a crop involved then this is the short story for you!

Lori Toland's Soul Seduction!

2011-12-06T04:00:00.007-05:00

You should comment early and often. Why? The winner's choice of a $25 GC to either Amazon, AllRomanceEbooks or Loose Id for one randomly drawn commenter during the tour is up for grabs. How cool is that?

You can follow the tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/10/virtual-book-review-tour-soul-seduction.html I'm telling you, you want to comment. This is a great prize and a fun tour. Plus, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.

But let's get down to brass tacks and start this interview! Hi Lori, so glad you could be here.
What was your favorite scene to write in Soul Seduction?

I love writing the scene that introduced Terry, Ashlee’s slayer’s mentor. He’s a spunky, quirky character and I love him. That whole scene from beginning to end was a joy.

What was the inspiration behind Soul Seduction?

I’ve always loved demons and supernatural hunters but the truth is anime and gaming. And the enemies in those games just randomly respawn. So I built a world around something I love *puts on her geek hat*

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?

Sword browsing. I have some really great ideas for how the sword Ashlee carries looks like. I also had to research catacombs all over the world.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The most frustrating side is trying to get it just right. I’m a perfectionist and I would tinker with a manuscript for forever. I just have to let it go into the world. The most rewarding is meeting fans. :D It’s awesome!

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?

Apparently British ones. Just ask my husband. (He’s British)

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I was born in Hollywood, California.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?

Just one? Okay, I would ask about books, but this is much more interesting. Do I annoy you with all my talk about my cats?

What’s your writing process like?

Coffee+quiet+laptop=book. Very talented math going on there :D

What can readers expect next from you?

For my m/m you’re going to be excited! The next in the hopper at Loose Id is “The Long Con” (title subject to change)

As far as m/f, probably the sequel to Soul Seduction. I’m also working on a standalone erotic romance about a sex club as well.

What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?

The best? Seeing the finished product. When you open your book and the words are there, it hits you that you worked on this with an editor.

The worst? My fear that my book will disappoint you. And that you will hate me for that. (Don’t hate me please!)

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?

If I’m having trouble writing a certain book, I’ll go back and look at where my plot jumped the tracks, roll it back and viciously delete where I need to.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?

My characters nagging me. I would stop writing if I could. My hands hurt, I have arthritis in most of my joints but the characters don’t listen.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?

My next book should be “The Long Con” (title subject to change) and right now, I’m working on several books. 1. Sequel to Soul Seduction, tentatively titled Soul Salvation. Going very well too! 2. Replacement Guitarist 2 – because I’m almost done with it. It will be in Blaze (1st half) and Jason’s (2nd half) 1st person perspectives. 3. Save Me – a gay romance about a minister.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?

Anything romance. I have no boundaries. But I tend to gravitate toward shorter stories.

What bores you as a reader?

Pages of tiny details about some interest the character has. If your character is a podiatrist, I don’t need a manual on how he works on feet. Focus on the romance between your characters.

What is your favorite feature on a person?

On a guy, his butt. I do love eyes though on anyone.

What is your favorite time of day?

Early morning. I love dawn and the quiet.

What music gets you dancing?

Anything with a beat! Even if it’s bad, although I tend to want to make people laugh with my dancing.

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?

We all just want to be loved, deep down. Cats are awesome. Finally, before you go, you should really try In-And-Out burgers.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?

Well, at Millennia Mall, they have a Louis Vuitton and Coach so I would load up there. They also have a Tiffany’s and I could so some serious damage there. I would leave Juicy Couture alone :P and Jimmy Choo’s as well because I can’t wear heels. But I would also pick out stuff for my husband and my CP at the Apple store. Since LV has luggage, I would just create a massive luggage train straight out the door!

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?

Never stop! Never give up, never say die. I made that mistake back in 2001 when m/m romance was NOT accepted anywhere. Of course I stopped writing altogether to start a business that is successful today but I shouldn’t have stopped. I should have kept going.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?

Steampunk. I’m currently developing a Sci-Fi Fantasy series with space pirates. But I love the idea of Steampunk. Who knows how it will all end?

Where can we find out more about you and your work?

http://www.loritoland.net

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

He looked as good as he did every time I saw him, except now he wore a green polo shirt. His grin held little apology as he said, “Sorry.”

He wasn’t being insincere, just mischievous. It reminded me of grade school when Bobby used to pull my hair and then apologize when I cried. “It’s all right,” I said, spying what was inside his bag. “Went grocery shopping?”

“I picked up a few things,” he said amicably, but then a silence stretched out between us. I got my key out, wanting to say so much more but not knowing where to start. “I see you did too.”

Oh my God. I covered up the side of my bag, even though I knew he’d already seen the big yellow rooster with Cocks-A-Lot emblazoned on the side. I really had to have a word with Terry about his packaging. “Uh, yeah.” Way to go. You’re really wowing him with the witty commentary.

He shifted his bag to dig for his house key. “So what’s in the bag?”

“I don’t really know,” I said slowly as my cheeks heated. Luke raised his eyebrow. “My friend owns the shop, and he was just getting rid of some stuff.”

“That’s great,” he said. “Would you like to try those out with me?”

Here's the blurb for Soul Seduction. Looks like a book you'll want to read. I do!

Ashlee Bennett has her priorities straight. Fighting demons is at the top of the list until she meets her sexy neighbor, Luke Byrne. Even though he is human, she can't stop dreaming about his buff body and sexy grin, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

Her world is turned upside down when Luke follows her one night but instead of being afraid, he is only more determined to stand beside her and fight. Ashlee knows she needs to keep her distance from Luke, not just to protect her virginity but her heart as well. But Luke may be the only one who can save her from the night, and her dreams.

Want to know more about Lori? Here's a bio!

CEO by day, erotic romance writer by night, Lori Toland lives in Orlando where the summers are hot but the romance between her characters is even hotter. Writing since the tender age of 13, Lori somehow finds time to play video games and watch movies while taking care of her beloved cats and a husband who will forever be her hero.

http://loritoland.com/
http://loritoland.livejournal.com/

Lori Toland Stops By Tomorrow!

2011-12-05T04:00:00.006-05:00

Ashlee Bennett has her priorities straight. Fighting demons is at the top of the list until she meets her sexy neighbor, Luke Byrne. Even though he is human, she can't stop dreaming about his buff body and sexy grin, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

Her world is turned upside down when Luke follows her one night but instead of being afraid, he is only more determined to stand beside her and fight. Ashlee knows she needs to keep her distance from Luke, not just to protect her virginity but her heart as well. But Luke may be the only one who can save her from the night, and her dreams.

Want to know more about Lori? Here's a bio!

CEO by day, erotic romance writer by night, Lori Toland lives in Orlando where the summers are hot but the romance between her characters is even hotter. Writing since the tender age of 13, Lori somehow finds time to play video games and watch movies while taking care of her beloved cats and a husband who will forever be her hero.

http://loritoland.com/
http://loritoland.livejournal.com/

Want to Heat Up the Holidays?

2011-12-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

8 Chances to Win
FREE Books for a Year!

One book a month (four winners)
Two books a month (two winners)
Two books a week (two winners) all year,
readers’ choice of titles

12 Chances to Win Gift Certificates!

In addition, our Twelve Days of Christmas winners will receive
Changeling Gift Certificates for $5, $10, and $25 -- one random
winner for each title on release day!

HOW TO ENTER:

Buy any White Hot Christmas (WHC) story during the month of December
and you're automatically entered to win. Every purchase of a WHC counts
as a contest entry.

Winners for the FREE Books for a Year will be announced December 31st at
the Changeling New Year’s Eve Party, held on our Changeling Press Readers’ Loop.

Purchases cannot be made until Release Date

(The small print.)
Get your entries in before the CONTEST is over!
First Round winners and Finalists are eligible to win more than one prize .Winners
will be chosen from purchasers of books in the Changeling Press White Hot Christmas
Series; each WHC e-book purchase made in the month of December 2011 before
the final prizes are announced, counts as an entry. Prizes are available as Changeling Press E-books, to be downloaded from ChangelingPress.com only. Free e-book
download links do not accumulate, and will expire if not used.

Pretty cool, eh? Enter now!!!

Liz Crowe's Turkish Delights!

2011-12-01T04:00:00.010-05:00

Liz Crowe is here talking about her new books, but you want to comment. Why? She's giving away three Turkish themed prize packages to randomly drawn commenters which may include, but aren't limited to:
* a holiday stocking made from authentic Turkish kilim rug
* a mug with the Turkish "evil eye", meant to ward off said evil
* a pewter dish, that is traditionally used to hold "lokum" or the actual Turkish delight confection/candy
* a box of traditional lokum
* a small Turkish kilim rug (reversible--authentic)

Now I don't know about you, but that's really cool. Want to follow the rest of her tour? Click here!

But let's start this interview! What was your favorite scene to write in Turkish Delights?
The massage scene of course but followed closely by the HEA epilogue. This is a very sweet story. The other, more difficult and tragic ones come later in the series. I loved bringing my heroine Elle into the “light” as she realizes just who those hands belong to!

In Blue Cruise: Caleb and Tarkan’s first time together---in his memory just before he finds out….oh, never mind.
In Tulip Princess: When Lale meets Andreas at the bar before they realize they are supposed to go out on a date the next night. Fun.

What was the inspiration behind The Turkish Delights Trilogy?

Living in Istanbul is inspirational on many levels. The sheer weight of history, beauty, and the contrasts of metropolitan Istanbul with the rest of the country is mind bending. In spite of several one could call VERY negative experiences there I still loved it and would go back in a New York Minute. Oh, by the way, an “Istanbul minute” is even shorter. Talk about an aggressive driving country!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Living overseas. I am pondering several stories already set as an ex-pat in Japan and England, which I was.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
Frankly, it’s beyond frustrating to watch authors who are better at promotion than actual writing get those stupid “best selling” notices as soon as they put up (yet another) story. It’s a pet peeve. I respect the hell out of good marketing, when it supports good writing. But hey, they are obviously doing something right so I should just shut up and write.

The most rewarding thing? Getting paid to do what you love. I am lucky in that I also own a craft microbrewery and do all the marketing and sales for it. We are killing it and will actually make a profit in the first year. So I’m doubly blessed (albeit a skosh sleep deprived).

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
Turkish. Followed closely by Welsh/Irish then third would be soft American Southern. I’m a southern girl at heart.

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I love to suffer 3-4 times a week in a 105 degree room contorting my body into 26 different yoga postures, twice for 90 minutes. Bikram rocks! Although I have to drag myself there every single time. I’m totally addicted. Keeps the pounds off too.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What makes you choose a “new” writer? Facebook? Twitter? Reviews on the usual sites? Friend’s recommendations? If that, do you ask where THEY found out about the new writer? Blog posts?

What’s your writing process like?
I’m a head writer big time. I get an idea, spend about a week or more (depending on how busy I am with brewery stuff) wrapping my head around the characters (literally—I don’t write any of it down at first). Then I write the First scene—which sometimes ends up at the beginning, many times the middle and in one case at the very end of the final story. After I am well into it I will do a little “middle” plot outlining so I don’t get bogged down.

I write until it’s finished. I’m obsessive that way. I’ll go without sleep and everything just for the sake of that elusive First Draft.

Then I pummel it with a round of self editing and revision. Then send to 2 very trusted CP’s. If it’s going to one of my regular publishers I sub it then. If I’m subbing cold I’ll pay an editor to clean it up for me.

What can readers expect next from you?
Once the Turkish Delights series is out, I will be waiting and wondering and hoping for responses from other publishers on a couple of long novels (one another trilogy). Fingers crossed! I also have a new WIP: a time travel adventure set in Germany in the days of the early brewers—one in particular is VERY hot and my heroine will fall hard for him.

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
You know, I don’t get it—writer’s block. Truly I don’t. I’m in a unique position whereby I still write as a “hobby” so am not compelled by deadlines other than those for promotional blogging or those of my own design. So when I don’t feel it, I just walk away from it. I can’t imagine a worse feeling: having to sit and stare at a blinking cursor trying to force words onto the screen.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
The utter compulsion to be a best selling author. Honestly. I don’t do anything half-assed and while I’m still “hobby writing” now I feel like I’m hitting my stride with it and enjoying it more and more. I get the promotions part (it’s what I do all day long) and am loving using my social networking skills honed as a brewery owner for my writing career.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
The Turkish Delights series is part of the 1NightStand series with Decadent Publishing. It’s hugely popular and has many readers and some outstanding authors as part of it. The overarching premise is that of a dating service, run by the mysterious Madam Evangeline. Many “dates” are held at the exclusive Castillo’s resorts around the world, but based in Las Vegas (my personal favorite city in America). Many others are arranged in far away lands, back in time or even out space. My first 2 in this series are in Turkey. The first one with Emre Deniz, one of a set of very attractive (naturally) twins who is in madly in love with an American woman 15 years older than he. The 2nd one is on a Turkish Blue Cruise in the Mediterranean between Caleb Blessing, a one-time partner of Emre’s Twin, Tarkan who has, um, exited the picture I’ll say and a new guy. Very hot m/m and extremely emotional.

The final book in the series, Tulip Princess, is about Lale (pronounced “Lah-Lay” which means “Beautiful Tulip” in Turkish). She’s the younger sister of Emre and Tarkan and is spinning out of control. Her date sort of happens in Las Vegas. This is the longest and most emotional of all three stories and contains a BDSM element.

My WIP is that time travel brewery thing that I started noodling back in late October. I got the idea from a fellow writer who said to me (literally) “Hey Liz, what about….” I was off and running. Not sure where I will send it yet. I’m still waiting word from three very Big Dogs in our little Romance publishing world. If I get a thumbs up from at least one of them I might send it there but then again my hang onto it for one of my smaller publishers all three of which are amazing.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I became utterly obsessed by JR Ward this fall…utterly and embarrassingly so. Her straightforward, no nonsense style matches mine. I love it.

But alternatively I do love a nice mainstream fiction book. I can’t wait for Jonathan Franzen’s new one!

What bores you as a reader?
Steam Punk---can’t tolerate it. And I’m not a huge fan of SciFi either but will give it a whirl on occasion.

What is your favorite feature on a person?
Man: eyes. And a smoking hot body. You know, I like ‘em flashy, and larger than life.

Woman: even temper and solid sense of self. Women who are constantly self-deprecating fishing for compliments make me want to scratch out eyeballs.

What is your favorite time of day?
Whatever time I’m writing. OR whenever I’m done with my Bikram Yoga session.

What music gets you dancing?
Cake. Foo Fighters. Nirvana. K’naan. Avett Bros. Abba if I’m really drunk (I’ll sing all the lyrics, so watch out). B-52s. Stones.

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
Craft Beer
Red Wine
The smell of a baby’s head.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
Shoes—big time! And I’d buy everything in my size at the Ann Taylor store, all the Coach bags in the world and several pairs of Ray Bans. Oh and a shit ton of those pretzels. I’d call a cab or 2 for the getaway.

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
Persevere. Get good Critique Partners and do NOT get defensive with they actually critique you. Your first draft is always shit. Don’t kid youself.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
Mainstream fiction. Just because.

Where can we find out more about you and your work?
www.lizcrowe.com
www.brewingpassion.com (blog)
If you want to know more about my beer work:
www.a2beerwench.com
www.wolverinebeer.com

About Liz Crowe:
Microbrewery owner, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating beer inventory, sales figures or promotional efforts for her latest publication, doing pounds of laundry for her sweaty athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner, she can be found walking her standard poodles or doing Bikram Yoga. Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn't any decent European football on the telly. If you want a beer education follow her: www.a2beerwench.com. For writing related stuff, including her backlist, go to: www.brewingpassion.com.

Liz Crowe Stops by Tomorrow!

2011-11-30T04:00:00.006-05:00

Liz Crowe will be here tomorrow and you need to come back. Why? She's giving away three Turkish themed prize packages to randomly drawn commenters which may include, but aren't limited to:
* a holiday stocking made from authentic Turkish kilim rug
* a mug with the Turkish "evil eye", meant to ward off said evil
* a pewter dish, that is traditionally used to hold "lokum" or the actual Turkish delight confection/candy
* a box of traditional lokum
* a small Turkish kilim rug (reversible--authentic)

Now I don't know about you, but that's really cool. Want to follow the rest of her tour? Click here!

To tide you over...I've got some goodies!
Want an excerpt for Blue Cruise? Here you go!

Adem climbed up from the hull of the boat. It was hard not to take over the kitchen. But the the current chef and captain kept pushing him out, gently reminding him that he was the client now, that this was a 1Night Stand event, and he needed to go meet his date. He laughed and took the steps two at a time. Determined to enjoy it, not to feel guilty about buying himself the good time he deserved, Adem looked up and saw the American Adonis that haunted his dreams. Ray Bans covered his eyes, and he appeared utterly dejected by the sight of the boat.
Weak kneed was a new sensation to him, but Adem gripped the ropes along the stairwell from the galley and tried not to gape. He cleared his throat and stepped out onto the hot asphalt, the four steps he needed to reach his dream date the longest he’d ever taken. Sweat trickled between his shoulder blades, but he squared his shoulders and smiled. The sad, beautiful smile that greeted him in return rolled over his heart like a wave.
“Hello, um, English okay?” The tall man held out a large hand. Adem noticed the distinct lack of the ring he’d watched him accept from the Turkish man on this very boat. Was it two or three years ago?
“Yes, it’s fine,” Adem croaked. “I can speak English, Turkish or French, if you prefer.”
“Oh, I’ll stick to English, thanks.”
The man’s soft blue dress shirt fit his torso like a glove. His jeans were worn, nice and tight, cupping his ass perfectly. Adem gulped. The memory of that cock he’d watched and dreamed about, encased in the denim within his reach, nearly overpowered him.
“Good, good,” Adem ran a hand through his long hair. Damn, I should have gotten it cut. This man probably preferred his dates a bit less…shaggy. “So, we can board if you like.” He gestured toward the boat, unsure what else to say.
The blond god spoke. “I’m Caleb, by the way. Caleb Blessing.”
Adem blushed. “Oh, sorry. Let’s start over.” He turned and stuck out his hand again. “I’m Adem. Adem Broussard.”
He watched as Caleb clenched his jaw.
“I know. I remember you.”
“Oh, well, then….” Adem didn’t understand the emotions flitting over the tall man’s face. When Caleb pulled his sunglasses off and rubbed his eyes, Adem would swear his fingers came away wet. He resisted the extreme urge to pull him into an embrace. Putting his hands in his pockets instead, he stood, letting the silence swirl around them.
“Well, let’s go, shall we?” the gorgeous, obviously unhappy man snapped, as he stomped toward the boat.
Adem’s gut clenched. This was not turning out like he’d hoped. Not at all.

Here's one from Turkish Delights:
“I miss you already,” Emre said, with his usual candor. “I can’t believe I just met you and now we must part.” He finished his tea and signaled the waiter for another. Before she could lean back, he reached over the tiny table and captured her hand, putting it to his mouth. Elle’s entire body zinged. His lips were gentle, soft but with a firmness that spoke of his potential talents with them. Exactly as she thought they would be, even if only pressed to her hand. She bit her lip, no longer caring what the gawkers around them thought, as she pressed her thighs together to ease the ache building between them.
“I know.” Her voice was a whisper. “It’s been…nice getting to know you.” Lame, her brain screamed. Just kiss him, for crying out loud. You are the newly-named CEO of a major pharmaceutical company. You eat fear for breakfast. What the hell is your problem?
She stood, pulling up her bag. Emre remained seated, staring at her.
“I’m not what you think,” he said, as he stretched long legs out in front of him.
Her face flushed with anger. Good. Now I’m on familiar ground. Mad at a man for assuming things about what I think.
“Just what do I think, if you don’t mind sharing.” She used her coolest-cucumber voice, and it pleased her to see the young man frown. Anger she could cope with. Besotted was beyond her, especially since she felt the same damn way about this boy nearly fifteen years her junior.
“Never mind.” He stood, towering over her even as she stood in her highest heels. “Let’s not fight. It’s our last day together, no?”
The urge to run a finger down his strong, stubbled jaw was intense. She clenched her hands together so hard they hurt. He put a familiar arm around her shoulder, nearly bringing her to her knees with lust. The smell of his subtle cologne, mixed with the exotic manliness she’d come to associate with him in his element at his grandfather’s spice booth nearly sent her over the edge. She shut her eyes, leaning into his strong torso ever so slightly. Was it her imagination, or did he flinch? She drew away, ashamed at herself.
“I should get back,” Gesturing in the general vicinity of where her car and driver waited, she gasped when Emre held her close then dropped to one knee right onto the cobblestones. Embarrassment and excitement fought for her brain. He took her hand, kissed it, held it to his heart.
“You are the most amazing woman in the universe. It has been my honor to know you. I wish….” He blinked, and she used the opportunity to pull her hand away. “I just wish we’d known each other sooner.”
It was Elle’s turn to blink. Realization rushed through her, heating her face. He knows damn good and well I’m a dried up specimen, too focused on my career to find and keep a man or sustain any relationship beyond the office. Fists clenched at her sides, she tried to calm her breathing.
You are a fool, Ellery Kensington. He knows you’re a horny old lady. And he might oblige you between the sheets, but get the foolish romantic bullshit about spiriting him back to the States with you out of your head. That’s patent nonsense and you should know better.
Finished with her self-lecture, she squared her shoulders and leaned in to press her lips to his jaw. Closing her eyes against the chemical reaction she had to him, she stepped away quickly.

About Liz Crowe:
Microbrewery owner, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating beer inventory, sales figures or promotional efforts for her latest publication, doing pounds of laundry for her sweaty athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner, she can be found walking her standard poodles or doing Bikram Yoga. Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn't any decent European football on the telly. If you want a beer education follow her: www.a2beerwench.com. For writing related stuff, including her backlist, go to: www.brewingpassion.com.

Tasty Tuesday

2011-11-29T04:00:00.003-05:00

"I wanna ride, I wanna ride, I wanna ride..."

Jana Richards' Girl Most Likely is Here Today!

2011-11-28T04:00:00.006-05:00

Jana Richards is right here! She's talking about her book, The Girl Most Likely! You should make sure to comment. Why? Jana is giving away one $20 GC to The Wild Rose Press to one randomly drawn commenter AND a $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour!

So let's get down to the nitty gritty!! What was your favorite scene to write in “The Girl Most Likely”?
It was probably the opening scene when Cara first meets Finn. Cara works at a TV station for a live local events show and Finn is one of the guests. As a physical trainer, he’s there to talk about fitness and health. Cara is recruited as a “volunteer” to demonstrate what clients to Finn’s gym might expect when they visit him. She’s asked embarrassing questions about her eating habits, has the fat around her waist measured, and nearly collapses as she tries to do jumping jacks. Cara is totally mortified. She’s one step away from the ultimate humiliation of being weighed on live TV when Finn rescues her. I made poor Cara suffer, but it was great fun to write!

What was the inspiration behind “The Girl Most Likely”?
The Girl Most Likely is part of the Class of ’85 series from The Wild Rose Press. All the stories in the series revolve around the graduates of Summerville High School as they prepare for their 25th year high school reunion. I wanted to write a story for the series that was just a little different by putting together a younger hero and an older heroine, while still tapping into the insecurities of attending a reunion. In my book, Cara feels overweight and unattractive and wants to lose weight before the reunion. When faced with such an occasion, I’m willing to bet that a lot of people, both male and female, try to lose a few pounds. Nobody wants to go to their reunion feeling unattractive.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Unfortunately, I can’t claim to have scaled the Andes or participated in a police ride-along as part of my research. Mostly my research consists of looking up facts, usually on the Internet, or immersing myself in a time period by reading as many books as I can get my hands on, especially for my World War Two books. Those things, combined with interviewing people who may have knowledge I need for my stories, makes up most of my research. Research is fascinating, but also hard work.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
The most frustrating side of being a published author is getting readers to know you exist! A friend of mine once said that promotion is like trying to convince someone in another universe to notice you. It’s very hard to do. I like to think that I have a very good product and that if I can just get someone to read one of my books once, they’ll come back for more.

The most rewarding part about being a published writer is when a reader, reviewer, or editor tells me they love my book. That makes all the work worthwhile.

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
Hmmm, good question. I guess I’m a sucker for a really posh English accent. He could read the telephone book and still sound sexy!

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
That I grew up on a farm on the Canadian prairies, and that although I live in a city now, I’m still a small town girl at heart.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What type of story is a must read for you?

What’s your writing process like?
Very messy! I usually write in big chunks of time. I’ll take a several days off from my day job and then write like crazy to get the first draft done. Then I’ll rip it all apart in the editing process, and put it back together. But it’s all good because it’s not till the editing process that I feel I really know my characters and their story.

What can readers expect next from you?
My novella “Home Fires” has just been contracted with The Wild Rose Press. British nurse Anne Wakefield travels to Canada in 1945 to marry her fiancé, a Canadian soldier she met during the war. But when she arrives, she finds that her fiancé has already married someone else. Devastated, Anne tries to pick up the pieces of her life. The kindness of her ex-fiancé’s brother Eric helps to heal her pain. She must decide whether to return to England, or to take a second chance on love – this time with Eric. But can he forget that Anne loved his brother first?

What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?
The best thing about being a writer is living in my imagination and getting to create worlds and people out of thin air. The worst thing is finding time to write. Something is always competing for my time, whether it’s the day job, domestic duties or promotion. Sometimes I want to chuck it all and just write!

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
If one project is giving me trouble, I’ll leave it for a while and work on something else. Maybe I’ll write something short, like an article or a blog post. Or if I need to clear my head, maybe I’ll do something completely different like walk the dog, cook, or clean the house. I find that while I’m doing something else, my mind keeps working on my original problem and often finds a solution.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
Readers telling me they enjoyed my book. That, and wanting my next book to be better than the last. I want to continue to grow as a writer.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
“The Girl Most Likely” is releasing November 30, 2011 from The Wild Rose Press. Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he's eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Like I said earlier, I’ve just been contracted with “Home Fires”, a World War Two era story about finding love after loss. I’m working on edits for that right now. In the wings, the series that I call “Left at the Altar” is patiently waiting to be completed. Each book in the series begins with someone getting left at the altar. The first book in the series is “Her Best Man” and is published with Uncial Press. Now I have to get busy and finish the other two stories, “There Goes the Groom” and “Always a Bridesmaid”.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I love romantic suspense and Suzanne Brockman is one of my favorites. For contemporaries I enjoy Nora Roberts, and a couple of my favorite historical authors are Mary Balogh and Jo Beverley. I also read a lot of authors from the same publishing houses as me, such as other authors in the Class of ’85 series. There’s a lot of fun reads there!

What bores you as a reader?
Sloppy or lazy writing and poor editing.

What is your favorite feature on a person?
Kindness and generosity of spirit.

What is your favorite time of day?
Early morning, when everyone else is still sleeping. I can make myself a cup of coffee and sit down uninterrupted at my computer to write.

What music gets you dancing?
Anything Latin, like salsa, rumba, or cha-cha. It’s not like I actually know how to do any of those dances but I can at least do some chair dancing!

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
Seeing the northern lights dance across the night sky, watching a sunset on the prairies, and chocolate.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
I’d likely hit a bookstore, an office supply store and an electronics store. The bookstore is an obvious choice; I’d grab as many romance novels as I could carry out of there. And I love office supply stores and all their pretty papers and pens and clips. I’m pretty nerdy! I’d go crazy in the electronics store. I’d get myself the newest ereader, a really nice camera so I could take good pictures for my blog, and an IPhone. I just think they’re so cool.

How am I going to haul this stuff away? I’m going to bring a golf cart with a little wagon hooked on the back. I’ll drive it through the mall and then all the way home!

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
Never stop learning your craft. Keep taking classes, going to conferences, and reading other writers you admire. Never settle for good enough. Always try to better yourself.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I’d like to write a Historical (set before 1900) or a Regency. They are both so much fun to read.

Where can we find out more about you and your work?
Please go to my website at http://www.janarichards.net You can also catch me at my blog at http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Here's the official bio for Jana Richards:
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.

When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, Jana can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren, along with two university aged daughters and a highly spoiled Pug/Terrier cross named Lou.

Website: http://www.janarichards.net
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jana-Richards/157005711005866

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he's eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Want a piping hot excerpt? Here you go!

He chuckled. “Jessica better watch her back. You could give her a run for her money.”

He heard Cara’s throaty laugh, and various parts of his anatomy tingled in response. “Yes, that’s my evil plan. Take over Rochester Noon, then the world.”

“If you set your mind to it, I’m sure you could do it.”

“Thanks Finn.”

“For what?”

“For believing in me.”

“Are you going to be okay now?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

He wanted so badly to tell her he loved her, adored her, thought she was the most amazing woman in the world. But fear stopped him. Was she truly over her ex-husband? Why else would losing weight for the reunion be so important to her if not to impress Peter?

“I’ve got to run. Thanks again. I’ll talk to you later at my condo, right?”

“Absolutely. I can hardly wait to hear about your big TV debut. Break a leg. Isn’t that what they say in show biz?”

She laughed. “Yeah, that’s what they say. Bye.”

Finn replaced the receiver and closed his eyes. He hoped everything went well with this interview. Cara deserved to realize how amazing she was.

If she did come to that realization, would there still be room in her life for him?