Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sneak Peek into Visionquest by Laura Tolomei

Shapeshifting never sounded better!
Visionquest
GENRE: GLBT (m/m), Horror, Shapeshifter, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, m/m/m, m/m/m/m
ISBN: 978-1-55487-724-9
HEAT LEVEL: 4 flames
RELEASE DATE: November 15th, 2010
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
COVER: Angela Water

Read more on Laura's Website HERE
Buy at Extasy Books HERE 

BLURB
It wasn’t till he took me to his bed and made love to me, for the first time—no competition between us, no unspoken challenge, no master-slave, no blood, no death, nothing but intense emotions overwhelming me with the sheer power of his feelings, a sea so deep, a tide so strong I thought I’d drown as he took me face up, raising my legs above his shoulders and plunging deep before preying on my mouth, too, in a never-ending kiss that took my breath, not to mention my resolve, away—that in spite of everything, I gave him what he wanted most, my soul in its entirety, for I knew right there and then I was sealing my destiny forever.

M/M/M HOT EROTICA

Compliant as always, I dropped to my knees, already burying my face in his crotch to breathe deeply of his musky scent before freeing what had already hardened considerably. As I opened my mouth to engulf it entirely, gagging immediately in the haste of my hunger, Alexiander circled us—running his hand now on my hair, now on Lord Brahany’s, fascinated by both, or maybe trying to decide which he liked best—while his own erection grew noticeably, straining against the tight cloth holding it prisoner. Busy with the huge cock plunging almost to my throat, having to block it with my tongue brushing its sturdy length in repeated laps, I wondered briefly whether I should take the other one, too—

No, I’ll handle him! The master’s imperious voice boomed in my head. Just suck mine for now.
So I renewed my pampering, drawing the bulging head deeper with each sensual lick of the soft, bumpy skin crossed by thick veins that enlarged it even more. Following the same rhythm, my hands slid to accompany the bobbing head to increase his pleasure.
“You certainly trained him well.” Alexiander’s voice caught me off guard, intent as I was in swallowing the entire cock, almost to its balls, before a choking convulsion made me cough and draw back.
“Oh, he can do better than this.” Pushing my face against his crotch and holding it still with an iron grip, the Seigneuros shoved his thick equipment straight down to my throat, packing to get it all inside while I couldn’t breathe, pulling away only before I asphyxiated. Then without giving me time to recover, he thrust again hard and deep, repeating the same dangerous sequence as if he wanted to prove to Lord Bharton I could actually swallow it whole. “But you ought to try it yourself.”
Yeah, especially if he wants to see me dead. I couldn’t help the sarcastic comment, half teasing and half serious at the way he was treating me.
Again, I didn’t request your opinion. But he couldn’t hide a faint grin before pushing my head back on the demanding shat, making it slide all the way down to his balls and blocking it on the position. But I’ll spare your life. Knowing what a good swimmer I was, he had calculated down to the last second how much air I could hold, so released his hold just in time. Now if you get over yourself, I’ll let you suck on your own.
Too gracious, Master.
But situations changed rapidly with him, so with his usual imperious style, he called me back to my duties, so I hurried to their side, noiselessly, as he freed the cock straining to the point I thought it would burst even before I had the chance to wet it. But I wasn’t supposed to touch it, I realized immediately, simply to suck what the Seigneuros controlled as if it were his. He held it for me to wrap my mouth around, then shoved it to make me swallow it, pushing Alexiander’s ass forward with his own crotch, so the young man had only to stay still while we did all the work.
With his usual imperious style, he called me back to my duties, so I hurried to their side, noiselessly, as he freed the cock straining to the point I thought it would burst even before I had the chance to wet it. But I wasn’t supposed to touch it, I realized immediately, simply to suck what the Seigneuros controlled as if it were his. He held it for me to wrap my mouth around, then shoved it to make me swallow it, pushing Alexiander’s ass forward with his own crotch, so the young man had only to stay still while we did all the work.
“Then we don’t need him.” And yet, Alexiander pushed his hips forward to drown in my wet cavity, which only made me feel sadder to think I’d be sent away while all I wanted was for someone to stick a hard cock in my ass and hammer it long and hard.
“Oh, no, he’s my present to you and that’s why we need him.”
Puzzled at his answer, I raised my gaze, but the only answer I received was that he grabbed me and brought me to a couch, removing my pants on the way. Then he made me kneel facing the wall, propping my ass out and briefly sticking a couple of moist fingers to check if a cock could slide inside without too much friction. Unsurprisingly, the hole gave in immediately to his pressure, sucking him effortlessly, proving once again that my treacherous flesh didn’t give a damn about feelings, wanting only to be used by a powerful shaft—the bigger, the better—capable of hammering whatever sense it lacked deep into it.
And the master must’ve reached the same conclusion for he slapped the round buns, to him a sign of satisfaction with my doings, before returning to Lord Bharton’s side. “And his ass is definitely something you don’t want to miss.”
“But I want you to take me.”
“One doesn’t exclude the other.” Taking a firm hold of Alexiander’s hand, he pulled him to me, then nudged the tip of the erection against my butt’s entrance. “And this is just the first step.” Having taken complete charge of both of us, neither of us opposed him as he spread my buns wide apart and thrust the shaft through the tender opening, hard, maybe a bit too much at first, to get it fast inside.

A puppet in his hands, Alexiander groaned the deeper his cock reached, cramming my rear rhythmically in obeisance to Lord Brahany’s commands, though only after the Seigneuros aimed his erection at Alexiander’s ass did I feel him really twitch in pleasurable anticipation. Then his weight crashed on me, pushed over by my master’s forceful entry, the moan of pleasure escaping young Bharton’s lips unmistakable, and the real ramming began, starting from the Seigneuros’s powerful shoves that seemed to end directly in my ass as if there wasn’t another body between us. In my frenzied state, it all seemed one single movement, not two separate ones, yet with the strength of both, pushing inside me and penetrating so deep I thought they’d come out of my mouth. Slamming frantically, they rubbed the flesh to a scorching point, not just the tight walls squeezing the demanding shaft to keep it satisfied, but also my stomach, my balls, every muscle I could count enflamed by the possessive friction until it all whirled together and I literally burst like a balloon with too much pressure, flooding couch and hand with gallons of fluid.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Guest Author Day with Aubrey Leatherwood/Excerpt

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
 
My latest book is called If You Asked Me To available from Aspen Mountain Press on November 26, 2010. Two things compelled me to write this. First, there was a call for submissions for books featuring a disabled person. I’ve never written anything like that before, and I wanted the challenge. The story, however, ended up much too long for an anthology. Second, a very close friend was diagnosed with a degenerative disease a couple of years ago, and it has been a journey for us both. I’ve known her all my life and I love her, but I’ll be candid: I’ve had to learn a new level of patience. She is a very independent woman, who has taken care of everything for herself and for others for a very long time. Now, she cannot be as independent for medical reasons. She resists help and can be a giant curmudgeon when must accept it. So I thought, if my beloved friend can be a pain in the heiney even with a good support system in place, what would the story be if an independent woman faced with this sort of illness was alone and didn’t have as good a support system? What would the courtship be like for a man who wants to express his love and offer help to such a woman?
 
What are you working on now? Anything you want to tell us about?
 
I’m very excited to say that I am just about finished with a novella called Fan Mail.
 
Model Lover introduced Alicia Langerud, aspiring model, and her somewhat dorky and shy Irish boyfriend, Tommy Touhy. The kids are all grown up now. Alicia is a super model, and Tommy has channeled his inner bad boy and turned into a hot and somewhat mercurial cop… with a superb fashion sense. The story begins with the couple having an explosive break up that has the paparazzi clamoring for the hushed reason why. They have their suspicions, and all of them paint Tommy as a brute not fit to be with America’s sweetheart. Soon after, Alicia finds herself being stalked by a mad man, she realizes that only Tommy can help her, and together they will have to slay their secret demons.
 
What books are currently on your nightstand/bedside? Anything coming you are dying to read?
 
I am dying to read the next installment in Christina Dodd’s Chosen One series. I also hear there is a new Marjorie M. Liu Dirk and Steele out in January.
 
 
If one of your books were to be made into a movie, which book would you choose and who do you see playing your characters and why?
 
Even though it’s not out yet, I think Fan Mail is the most suited for a movie. There’s suspense, intrigue, the glitz of the fashion world, the paparazzi, and some scenes that are guaranteed to get it an NC-17! Hard to say who would place them. The characters have very distinct physical looks: a super-hot, red-haired, freckled, buff fellow who’s a little on the short side, and a biracial girl with a thick mane of hair and piercing blue eyes. Find them for me readers! Give me suggestions!
 
What is your favorite pizza toppings?
 
I love Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms. Alternately, I like a four cheese and spinach pizza.
 
Which do you prefer: Mac or PC? 
 
PC… although, shh, don’t tell anybody… I think I’m spending too much time in front of the computer, granted I’m accomplishing a lot of good work, but I feel so very sedentary. I want to take a thirty day break from the computer, although I’m aware that is probably impossible considering my choice in careers. C’est la vie!
 
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to one of your characters?
 
 
I’ve done a lot of bad things to my characters, but I do it all out of love. Ha ha! Typically, the bad thing happens off page or in the back story, so it’s hard to think of something truly awful I’ve done that the reader gets to see.
 
 
Which of your books contains the sexiest love scene? (if you have one that is J)
 
Ohhh, they’re all good, but Imperfection, hands down, has two… or three… or five of my favorite sex scenes. In fact, the very first scene in the book is a powerful sex scene and I struggled with whether I should start the book with such a strong, up front, and personal piece. But, hey, this book is about a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and the fact that they manage to stay in love. Part of that success has to do with their healthy and creative sex life, so I went with it. This book probably has some of the more emotionally intense moments I’ve written as well. It is also the one that I get most fan mail and personal stories from readers about.

 
Which of your covers is your favorite?
 
Oh no, are you really going to make me choose? OK, then I choose The People You Know; The Sex They Have. Not only do I think the cover really belongs to the tone and feel of the book, this was my first important step in my career, and that book led some award nominations and really solidified what I wanted to do in the world of contemporary erotica, which is to make sure there’s a real story, real people, and real emotion with my real sex.
 
Which of your books was the easiest to write? 
 
Easiest to write was probably a short I just completed called Passing Licks. It's not available yet, but I have to say it was so easy to write because it was so close to a conversation I've had, a situation I've participated in. It's so close to a part of my life that you could change the character names to mine and people in my life. It was so easy it almost felt like cheating!
 
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
 
Definitely, the hardest part of writing stories for me is the editing. I am a pantser and I am voluminous! So, when I write stories, I tend to start somewhere in the middle, write the end, maybe add a beginning. I’m all over the place. Editing is where I have to ensure that the dots are connected and the story is seamless when readers receive it. Also, because I tend to write complex characters, my stories tend to be longer and always have the capacity to become novel-length if I don’t reign myself in. Editing is painstaking, but it helps me distill a manuscript so that there are not too many idiosyncrasies, side stories, or back stories that, while they may enhance the characterization, do not necessarily add to the story telling.
 
 
Where can readers find you on the ‘net for more information on you, your books and other fun stuff?
 
 
I can be found at my site, www.aubreyleatherwood.com as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aubrey.leatherwood and myspace at www.myspace.com/aubreymleatherwood


Sneak Peek Excerpt from If You Asked Me To
Coming to Aspen Mountain Press


Maybe this was grief not fear.
In her mind, she kept seeing her mother’s face. The image varied between narrow-eyed, pursed-lip disapproval and distance built on both natural and chemically-enhanced apathy. She'd never liked Shelley. Not once had her face held a warm smile or even begrudging approval for her daughter. Shelley didn't kid herself. It was possible it had never held love either.
But she had been someone and she had been there. Now, Shelley had no one.
Though she had accepted that one day this would come to pass, though she had spent every year since she was fifteen years old working toward this day, Shelley had not been prepared when it came. Insurance was an illusion.
Alone.
Shelley had always known she would be alone one day. Maybe this was fear and not longing. 
Not sure what time it was, not sure of anything more than the darkness hanging like a blanket from the sky and the mosquitoes alighting on her bare arms while fireflies created a distraction, she pressed a button on her phone again. She dialed the entire number and at the end her thumb hovered over the send key.
Her legs shook as they ached, and Shelley released them, letting them slide to the floor. She wondered if she would cry this time, but a familiar dry burn pricked her eyes. No tears.
She should hang up.

* * * * *

He answered the phone like this: "What, Shell?" The words were gruff and crackled across the phone lines like a fire just getting started.
"Hey Raymond." Normality permeated her voice. Shelley infused it with balance and clean modulation. He would never know that anything was wrong. Of course he wouldn't.  
For so long, when Ray said he loved her, Shelley knew he didn't. He couldn't if after all their time together, he still couldn’t read her. He had never been able to tell when her voice or expression lied, which meant he didn't know her. And if he didn't know her, then what he loved was nothing more than a daydream.
The thought reminded her of the enormity of this emotion, whatever it was, that had driven her to call him, to put herself through this. Why had she done it? Didn't she realize he wouldn’t know anything was wrong, that she would have to tell him? And that was something she couldn’t do, had never been able to do.
"What Shelley?" Irritation caused his words to grind like dry, flinty gears. Angry, smoldering fire.
His fire ignited her own temper. If only he knew, he wouldnt be so cruel to me. If only he knew Brash as ever, heated as ever, she attacked. "Thats all you have to say? You haven't talked to me in all this time and all you can say is, What, Shelley?"
"I'm hanging up."
"Don't." Desperation crackled in her voice then softened it. She wasn't sure if he heard.
Maybe he didn't. Maybe that's why he hung up the phone. 


 

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Book Review: Harvest Moon by Mercedes Lackey, Michelle Sagara & Cameron Haley




HARVEST MOON ANTHOLOGY
Authors: Mercedes Lackey, Michelle Sagara & Cameron Haley
LUNA/Harlequin Books
October 1st, 2010
Paperback
4 out of 5


Three novellas from three authors who will captivate you from beginning to end. Get ready for a little HARVEST MOON.

A Tangled Web by Mercedes Lackey
This is a retelling of Persephone and Hades mythology told from Persephone's point of view. She is determined to get away from her overprotective mother and she wants to be with Hades, a misunderstood man/god who makes her heartbeat fast and who she loves very much. Set in the five hundred kingdoms series, a fake kidnapping has a mix up and the wrong goddess is taken. Can Persephone and Hades find a way to be together and fix the problem of the wrong goddess being kidnapped?

I have to admit, I never read one of this author's Five Hundred Kingdom's books before and found myself a little confused as to why I should care if one god/goddess was kidnapped or not. It felt like there was a backstory of one set of characters I was missing and it had me scratching my head at times as I tried to puzzle out some of the storylines. Overall, this was a well written story but one I freely admit not enjoying too much in the end.

Cast In Moonlight by Michelle Sagara

Kaylin Neya is a thief and an assassin. She also has a smart m outh, covered in mysterious markings and has street smarts. The Hawklord thinks she is a perfect bait for a child prostitution sting...that is if Kaylin can keep her mouth shut for five seconds to do the job.

This is a perfect way to be introduced into the world of Elantra. I love this series and found this prequel to be a wonderful icing on the cake so to speak in this anthology. Ms. Sagara delivers a stirring story that shows how Kaylin met the Hawklord and her introduction into the world of the Hawks. The writing was slow and steady and kept me on the edge of the seat, waiting to see what would happen next for Kaylin. Would it be death for trying to assassinate the Hawklord or life serving him? This is a perfect story to be introduced into the world of Elantra and one that had me dragging out the books in the series to read again.

Retribution by Cameron Haley

A contract is put out on Dominca Riley and she has something to say about it. An attempt on her life has Dominica racing against the clock to find out who wants her down and out for the count. Retribution is best served cold!

I freely admit, I read Mob Rules, the kick off to this new series on gangsters and magic and didn't care too much for it. It could have been the mood I was in at the time but after reading this short story, I am picking it up again. This was a fantastic story and though if you haven't read Mob Rules yet, you should read that one first before reading this one.  A dark tale of violence, magic and self-discovery, Cameron Haley delivers a pulse pounding ride from start to finish. A gritty tale to keep you entertained and one that had me eager to see what else is coming fromt his talented author.

HARVEST MOON is an anthology that had two wonderful stories and one lackluster one. The writing in all three were tight and the authors did their best in keeping my attention with their novellas. I look forward to another anthology with these three talented storytellers in the future.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Guest Excerpt: Sultry In Sweden by Sloane Taylor/ADULT

Sultry in Sweden
Sloane Taylor
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat
Available NOW
Buy HERE at AQ Press

BLURB:
Battered hockey player Colt Coltrane arrives in Sweden with one thing on his mind--victory. A bad spill later, however, and he's at the tender mercies of the sexiest masseuse he's ever seen. From that point, all his good intentions go straight to hell when he strips for the Swedish iceberg.

Disa Ellstrom has had it with sports figures who always expect more from her than a massage. She can't believe her friend Carl sent the American goalie to her. Unable to ignore the man's pain, however, Disa takes on Colt and soon finds her heart melting faster than a spring thaw.

Combine a hot-blooded American and a Swedish spitfire and they're sure to set Stockholm  ablaze...

EXCERPT:

Disa ran her fingers along Colt’s deltoids, watching the strong muscles flex under her touch. His shyness had been endearing along with confusing. She wondered if his physical problem went farther than the normal aches and pains of a professional athlete. If so, she intended to help him overcome the situation. If not, then he was in for a satisfying surprise. She hoped. 

A quick scramble across the sheet gave him more room, then she tugged on his shoulders so he would lay back against the pillow. He winced, but continued to draw his legs up onto the bed. 

She combed her fingers through the crisp auburn hairs sprinkled across his broad chest, descending to his beautiful hard dick nestled in a curly, reddish tuft. She swallowed hard, fighting her desire to suck him until he came. 

“You are a fine-looking man, Colt.” She rose onto her knees, then traced a fingernail around his tight balls, her inner muscles clenching with desire. 

He laid a hand on her calf and slowly eased it up toward her thigh, caressing her. His fingers climbed higher. A shudder ran through her from his gentle massage over her rear end up to the small of her back, then down, slipping a finger between her cheeks. Pressure built when he circled her sphincter, dipping his fingertip into the tight circle, out again, then back in. 

She nipped at his balls, laving the tight sacs, savoring their salty taste. Her hand pumped his cock, starting slow and increasing the speed. His hips jerked, rocking with her rhythm, thrusting along her palm. 

Deftly, Colt maneuvered out from under Disa and knelt facing her. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her with a passion she had never known. She clung to him, loving his strength, savoring his taste. He pulled away, the skin pulled taut over his cheekbones. 

“It’s time to make you happy, baby. How about rolling over?” He tugged on her hip until she faced the brass headboard. “A little more to the center, so we can watch in the dresser mirror.” 

She scooted across the rumpled linen and glanced into the antique glass. Their eyes met in the reflection and breath caught in her throat. 

“Spread your legs, Disa.” He gently nudged her shoulders to the mattress. “I promise to go easy.” 

Kisses rained down her back as he mounted her. His thick cock played against her wet labia, the swollen head teasing into her. After a smooth thrust, he was inside, filling her. One firm palm kneaded her lower abdomen, while his long fingers curled through her pubic hair, covering her mons. He stretched a finger along her nether lips, separating the folds, and massaged her fiery clit. 

 Tingles shot through her, watching their wavy images across the room. His arm muscles bulged as he moved his hands to her hips, gripping them tight, guiding her to him. 

 He rocked into her, the strokes faster and faster, his balls slapping against her perineum. He clutched her hips, slamming into her, riding her hard. She reared back, keeping pace, clenching her muscles to hold him tight, straining to swallow him in deeper. She gritted her teeth, biting back the scream that tore through her. Her body pulsed with his touch, screaming for release from the magnificent torture that only he could provide. She clutched the sheets, wadding the warm material in her fists, and burrowed into them, inhaling his musky scent. 

 “Come for me, baby.” His voice rasped against her back. “God, I need you...” 


Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php  

Friday, November 26, 2010

Contest Announcement from ZA Maxfield

Since I just got my copies of Jacob’s Ladder in the mail, I thought I’d do a PRINT book contest.


I’ll be giving away one signed copy of Jacob’s Ladder in a drawing on November 28th at 3:p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

If you want to be entered to win, please email me at:
zamaxfield@yahoo.com 

Be sure to put Jacob’s Ladder Contest in the subject line. That’s all there is to it. 

Good luck everyone!
ZAM

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Guest Author Day with Liz Arnold/Excerpt

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?
I’m a historical romance writer because I have read and loved the genre since my mother introduced me to English author Catherine Cookson back in the seventies. I am a history freak and a writer, so the two passions united when I felt compelled to write fiction.

My degree is in journalism and I have published almost 1000 freelance articles in the last 25 years but the reading I do for me has always been historical romance. I simply combined my training (journalism) with my passion (historical romance.)

Besides that, I live in the mid-east, I’m married with children, teach a bit at one of the local colleges, journal compulsively, cook, and practice yoga every day.

What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?
For me, it’s plot—historical driven plot. I find characters along the way after I’ve found a historical event that piques my interest. Although my latest book MESSAGE TO LOVE grew out of a dream about characters, the plot gave the characters a purpose. I like that. My characters represent some aspect of the historical situation. They are embodiments of the struggle taking place in the historical setting and consequently within their hearts. “Can they find love in spite of their differences?” is the fundamental question. It’s a natural tension provided by the historical events. I just add the sexual tension to increase the pressure.

Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?
Cool question because everyone is influenced by images whether they realize it not. My first reaction is “no” to the specifics. I do not have a pop culture icon in mind as I write to help me envision my characters. The characters are their own persons, if that makes sense. I birthed them, I give them a problem, but how they solve the problem is dependent upon their baggage. It’s the baggage that floats them or drags them down. Either way, it makes for great conflict.

I will, however, admit to having pictures of Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable nearby at all times.

How long does it take you to finish a book from start to finish?

What are you working on now?
The current WIP is a pioneer historical romance set in early Ohio after the Revolutionary war. There are Indians, a smallpox epidemic, captivity, a harrowing trip down the raging Ohio River, and a mysterious night stalker who murders just about anyone in it’s path.

If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?
MESSAGE TO LOVE is set in turn-of-the-century Cuba. The songs popular at that time such as “After the Ball”, which my heroine and hero dance to, is typical of the time period but not very exciting. The music genre today would have to be Latino songs by Shakira and Santana.

Which of your characters would you most likely fall for if they were real?
I would be head over heels for Jackson. He’s the partner of my hero Rollins. He’s funny, level-headed, and loyal. Love him!

What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader to the environment?
Environmentally the electronic revolution is seriously combating paper waste and I’m enthusiastic about the future of digital reading. On the flip side, there is an inherent insecurity for me associated with wireless reading. Lots of us live in daily fear of hard drives crashing and losing everything AGAIN. We are all slaves to the speed or lack thereof of the Internet and it’s very frustrating to think that something we love like a story in a “book” may not always be there. Someone or something can snatch it away in the snap of an electronic finger. Even though I am thoroughly behind the digital publishing explosion, I still go to used book sales and collect everything I can afford. Electronic reading may contribute to the overall health of the environment, but I’m not so sure our nerves can accept the stress just yet of the vulnerability of the concept. But at the end of the day, you can’t take books with you when you go so why be so obsessive about them?

I believe in ebooks, but something Franklin D. Roosevelt said to the Booksellers of America in 1942 keeps the soft spot in my heart for books.

“We all know that books burn--yet we have the greater knowledge that books cannot be killed by fire. People die, but books never die.”

What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?
There’s a bit of my stubbornness in Audra in MESSAGE TO LOVE.

What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?


What is your favorite Ice Cream flavor?
My favorite flavor of ice cream is anything cherry: cherry nut, cherry vanilla, chocolate cherry.

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?
Me, a servant? On your knees and scrub the floor, wench, for even thinking such a thing. Pish-posh!

Where can we find you on the ‘Net?
My blog is the place I frequent the most:

I’m also a regular place holder at The Wild Rose Press Yahoo group.

I’m always thrilled to hear from readers and love mailing them goodies. For a FREE BOOKMARK send SASE to P.O. Box 1322, Parkersburg, WV 26102

Email:

Also,

I am the featured author for November at The Paperback Palace www.pbkpalace. com and I'm giving away a lovely romance reader's basket the end of the month. It has a sweetheart coffee mug and a copy of my new book MESSAGE TO LOVE and an assortment of other goodies in it!
Send an email to me with your name and email by 11/30 to be entered to win! Good luck.

Liz Arnold
Email: lizarnoldromance@ yahoo.com
Blog: www.lizarnoldbooks. wordpress. com



MESSAGE TO LOVE
Sizzle, spice, and intrigue heats up the Spanish American War in 1898.
June 2010
The Wild Rose Press, www.thewildrosepres s.com
BUY: http://www.thewildr osepress. com/message- to-love-paperbac k-p-4088. html


EXCERPT:

“It was a dream, just a very bad dream.” She stepped back out of his hold. Clammy spots of moist heat lingered on her arms where his hands had been.
“I’m all right now.” Audra reached for the door and noticed the sickly sweet odor of liquor on his breath. “You can leave now. I want to go back to bed.” She pulled open the door and gestured into the hall.
“Sorry, but this time you’re going, too.” Rollins strode over to the dresser and pulled out a drawer. “Better pack. We have just under two hours.”
“I’m not in the mood for comedy, Rollins,” she sighed. “I’m really very, very tired. I’ve got to get some rest. Now—“
“Let me make myself clear.” He sounded gruff. “I said we’re leaving, and unless you want to get on a ship bound for Santiago with your shirttails hanging out, better change and get ready.” He made to leave the room. “I hope you have a shawl or something. It’s gotten cooler out, and we have half an hour in a wagon to get to port.” Then he vanished into his own room next door, leaving Audra gape-mouthed in the hallway.
“Who does he think he is?” She growled as she stamped her foot against the cold hard floor. “Infuriating! He is absolutely infuriating!” Audra heaved the door shut with gusto. “These are not my shirttails, either!”


WRITER'S WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



Normally, our blogs consist of banter and play, writing escapades and the whys and how comes and what ifs of our writing world. Today, however, is a day that has been set aside to remember why we are grateful, yet it is more, for Thanksgiving in this country crosses all races, creeds, religions, nationalities, persuasions and preferences. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do or what you are, today, the fourth Thursday of every November in the United States we give thanks, and we are united, one true nation, hearts connecting, spirits conjoining, to offer up a nod of reflection for that which has been given. And for each individual the primary focus of our thanks is different.

For us, of course, like mostly everyone else we are grateful for family and friends, for the abundant meal upon our tables, for the health that has carried us through the years, for the indelible mark of love by those we lost and have, as well as for the special people who have given a smile, a hug, a sliver of their humanity just in the name of kindness. We are blessed, and yes, yes, yes, so very appreciative.

There are those, however, who have so little, just morsels of life, tidbits of happiness, overshadowed by endless days of gray and sadness, yet they show even greater gratitude than those with plenty. Having said that, please join us in this story birthed from truth, and exemplary of hope and love.

THE THANSGIVING ANGEL
By
Angelica Hart and Zi

Her name was Helen, an elderly woman with a wreath of white hair, snowy white, the sort that reminds you of halos and cottony clouds. She had an enchanting smile that she delivered quickly and easily to everyone she met all accompanied by a compliment or a soothing word. Those at assistant living thought her wonderful, which ironically was the reason she was often overlooked. She didn’t command attention, didn’t complain. She was simply there. Most would give her a wave in passing, sometimes there was an exchange of words about the weather or how she won at Bingo. People liked her but none befriended her, although she befriended many, those others that were passed by, settling into their endless days of same ole, same ole, with not even the will to think this bleak existence wrong.

Helen, however, was always the one to listen to a woeful story or the ramblings of one losing themselves slice by slice, or simply holding a hand as someone would weep for no apparent reason. She had no family, having lost her husband and children in a car accident, an accident that left her crippled and somehow perpetuated the loss of her world, her home, her neighbors, her friendships. There was no one who really loved her in that way all should be loved, but she did have her hamster, Angel.

As Helen rolled down the halls in her motorized scooter, Angel could be seen in its cage, racing upon its wheel or sipping water or just curled up in repose. Helen confided in Angel, laughed with Angel, shared everything she possibly could with Angel, until that day that Angel went missing. Amazingly, Helen didn’t go berserk, didn’t cry or grieve, she kept telling everyone that Angel would return, and if not, she was grateful for the joy her little pet had given her and for the comfort the fur-face gave the other residents when it curled up in their veined-lined, knobby, wrinkled hands. Days passed and Angel didn’t appear, but Helen’s smile never faded, her joy never wavered.

Jamie Ryans, a recent college grad and the director of the facility, heard one of the volunteers, Rae, asked Helen how she could remain so happy when life had been so cruel. Helen tilted her serene face and looked somewhere far away. “It’s because I’m in love.”

The volunteer seemed stunned but then winked, “With who? Is it Phil? He is a cutie with that Yul Brenner look.”
Helen’s laughter chimed upon the air. “No, silly, with life, the sun and moon, the flowers in spring, the spider that spins a silvery web that glistens every morning with dew, every facet and pleasure that can be found just by simply existing. Sure I miss those I love but I have the memories that grow stronger rather than fade, for little here can distract me from them. I celebrate the life I had, and I am thankful for every moment of joy and every thunderstorm that made me jump, and every surgery that I woke up from, and every instance of grief for that is what made me appreciate the fullness of joy. No matter what I don’t have there is so much that I still have, and I will never stop giving thanks.”

Soon after that, Angel returned. All claimed it to be a miracle. And Helen just glowed. And so did Jamie, for he had helped Rae pick out the hamster which was actually a replacement Angel. Until that moment, Jamie saw her as just another face, another volunteer who’d probably burn up and move out quickly, most did. After that he began to notice her more, acknowledge the depth of her generosity of self, time, compassion, and, yes, love. She cared. And the stone built upon his heart after recent disillusionment, stemming from the neglect of the elders by society and at times family, cracked and fell away.

However, what Rae didn’t know, and Helen confided to Jamie, was that Helen knew what she did, for Rae couldn’t tell a boy hamster from a girl hamster, and Helen could. Yet, she was so thankful to have someone care enough to give her such a gift, and the gift was timely, for Helen passed away that very night. As for Angel, it was now the facility’s mascot. Jamie was very grateful to have known the heart of Helen, and to have witnessed the soul of Rae. It was at the interment that Jamie stood at Rae’s side, and as if instinct drew these two kindred spirits, their hands joined as one. They shared tears, one heart, and soon Rae became Jamie’s Angel. Both were thankful.

We wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Day.

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at angeliahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.

Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS
SNAKE DANCE
CHASING YESTERDAY
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com

BOOKS can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving to you all

Well to those who celebrate it anyways. May you have lots of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Review for Silver Bound by Ella Drake

Here is my review for Carina Press book, Silver Bound by Ella Drake.

I am giving it 4 out 5 stars.

Silver Bound
Carina Press
Available Nov. 22nd, 2010
Buy HERE
Sci-fi/futuristic erotic romance

Sheriff Guy Trident has loved Jewel Quinn for years. When he lost her to a marriage to a pampered, rich lord, his heart broke in a million pieces. Picking those pieces and putting his heart back together has Guy wishing he never heard of Jewel Quinn; especially when he gets a visit from her father, the man who vowed that Jewel will never marry a lowly rancher’s son, that she is a prize for someone better. Well, seems life has its kicks and this one has Guy in its sights. Jewel is captured by slavers and is silver tipped, a procedure that leaves her with no memories of her life before the hour she wakes up and her body bound to her master who will use her sexually and keep her enslaved forever. That is unless Guy can race to the rescue and help Jewel remember that woman she used to be and stop the madness that is following them. Can Guy help Jewel survive before it is too late?

My Review:
SILVER BOUND is a pulse pounding ride from start to finish. I was enthralled with the entire story, the characters and the race against the clock as Guy, Jewel and their allies try to find a cure for Jewel and stop the evil that is chasing them. Ella Drake is a new to me author who writes a well written story that transports you to planets above, space jaunts and a race against time amid the stars. It was a wildly entertaining story that had me flipping the pages eager to see what would happen next. The characters are well written, very life-like and multi-dimensional. You could feel their emotions, desires and conflicting emotions as they try to stay one step ahead of the person who wants Jewel at his mercy. The author does a great job in keeping the sexual tension between Guy and Jewel on high through most of the story and let me tell you, when they finally give into their passion, it’s explosive. Make sure to keep the bucket of ice cubes nearby or your significant other for your going to need relief from it all.

If you are looking for a new type of sci-fi romance to read, then try Silver Bound. Just make sure to keep your seat belt on and your chair in the upright position. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Sneak Peek Excerpt "Lady of the Lair" By Kiyara Benoiti/Adult Excerpt

LADY OF THE LAIR
Kiyara Benoiti
Siren-Bookstrand
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, with M/M]
Mating with an Alter-Female is incredible, but Dillon discovers Isis is next in line to rule the Community, and to do so, she needs a second mate and an heir.
When he discovers Rory is her other genetic mate, he’s already changing into an Alter-Male and there’s no returning Topside until he assimilates. Only there’s one problem: Sareenah, the Lady of the Lair and Isis’ aunt, has determined Dillon is also her second mate. Sareenah imprisons Rory and gives Isis to Fanes, who doesn’t care how he gets Isis back as long as he keeps her.
Dillon must appease Sareenah, or watch Isis suffer. When Rory is blamed for murder, Dillon saves Isis, and together, they must find Rory and prove his innocence, but at what price? Will the threesome love one another again or be thwarted and face Ore, the lava demon?
A Siren Erotic Romance
Author Links:
Excerpt:
“How far are we going?” he asked, trying to keep his gaze off of Isis’s round ass. He attempted to concentrate on the minerals twinkling in the smooth passage walls, but his attention kept straying to her butt.
“Just to the first small cavern.” Isis’s long, curly ponytail swung to and fro in front of him. “Next time we’ll plan for some serious spelunking.”
They descended farther into the bowels of the earth. The cool, damp air increased, the temperature dropped, and the aroma of moisture and wet minerals grew more prevalent. Stalactites and stalagmites glittered in pointed columns of bizarre beauty and composed a dimension of dreamscape proportions. Dillon thought of the Greek underworld and shivered.
I’ll shit a brick if we round a bend and run into Hades himself.
Isis paused and turned to look at Dillon. “Need to rest?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind.” He sneezed again. “It’s getting sort of difficult to breathe.”
“Are you claustrophobic?”
“Never have been before, but, then, I’ve never been in a place like this before, either.”
Isis sat on a large stone jutting from the wall. She patted the spot next to her. The lights strung along the center of the passage ceiling glinted on her hair. Dillon liked the way it looked as if someone threaded her locks with glistening strands of red and gold.
“Sit and relax,” she suggested and smiled, the expression soft, seductive.
The moment Dillon caught the mischievous gleam in Isis’s eyes, thoughts of the encroaching walls and millions of pounds of crushing earth above him fled his brain. He knew he shouldn’t have allowed himself to fall for the woman so quickly, but he had. Isis was all he could think about. He dreamed about her at night, pined for her when she was away, and couldn’t stand to leave her side when they were together. Not only beautiful, Isis also possessed a keen intellect that intrigued him. Her allure was beyond intoxicating. It was addictive.
Thoughts of her lips caressing his cock filtered across his mind’s eye. He grew hard. Oh, how he wanted her, how he’d been patient the last two weeks. For the thousandth time, he imagined what it would be like to fondle her large breasts as his rod sank into her hot, silky center. He wanted her as his woman. The idea of introducing her to all his friends and family as his girlfriend or live-in tantalized him. What would it be like to wake up to her naked body entwined with his, her first smile of the day reserved only for him?


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Guest Author day with Ashlynn Monroe

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
Right now, I’m working on a series of steam punk vampire hunter shorts.  The will be compiled into a book when the series is complete.  kNight Romance Publishing has contract the series. 

I’m also working on book 3 in the Templar vampire series.  Book 1 is scheduled for release January 2011.

In November, I have several books coming out.  Protector Mine from Evernight Publishing is 11-10-10; Blood Kin from Keith publications is 11-15-10.  On November 30th, I am part of a paranormal Christmas anthology with my friends the Wicked Muses.  Wild Horse Press is the publisher for Christmas in Redemption.

I have a few stand-alone short stories I’m fitting in too.

What makes a book great in your eyes?
As a reader, any book that keeps my interest from the beginning to the end is great.  As a writer, any book with a natural flow and dynamic characters is great in my eyes.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Adult Swim on cartoon network, I love those raunchy shows!

How much of the book is realistic?
I get enough reality getting out of bed and dragging myself to the day job.  I try to write fantastic stories filled with wondrous occurrences.  I do try to keep my characters responses and emotions realistic.  The sex in my stories is always realistic too.  

If a reporter were to follow you around for the day, what would the readers get to see in your daily schedule? 
They’d probably fall asleep from boredom!  Actually, I get out of bed and get my kids up.  After dropping them at school, I commute to a different city for work.  Day job hijinks ensue before I drive my long commute again.  I get the kids from the after school program and then I make supper and help the kids with homework.  We play a little Wii or board games and after a book the kids go to bed and I write while be distracted by facebook.  Hubby is only home every other weekend lately he’s an OTR trucker.  Rinse and repeat until the weekend.
When you begin your stories, do you go with the flow, or go with an outline?
I’ve never used an outline.  I come up with a snip of an idea and run with it.

Is it hard coming up with titles or characters names?
I use a name book for the names and title is usually the first think I write down.  Surprisingly, I seldom change the title after the story is finished.  

What does your workstation look like?
Very messy and cluttered, my house is clean but never my desk.

Are you the type of individual who gets weepy at the end of a good movie, or a sad movie, or do you just stay neutral through it all?
I’ll cry watching a sad movie, especially when kids are involved.  I always feel bummed out when I read the last page of a good book.

Is there any books coming that you are itching to read (either electronic or print) from your favorite authors?
I’m always itching to get my hands on a new book.  I’ve bought mostly eBooks since this summer when I bought my eReader from Sony.  I’ve meet so many wonderful authors that my to buy list keeps growing.  It’d be broke if I indulged in every book I wanted.  It’s been really fun reading people that I “know” from facebook.

If you were to replenish your cabinets with one junk food, what would it be?
I’d live off Twizzlers.  At the day job I’ve always eating out of an industrial size bag of them.  I’m nice and share, everyone knows who to find for Twizzler.

Sneak Peek into Protector Mine
Available at Evernight Publishing

Larissa is on the verge of complete insanity. She has grown up feeling a connection to the rural woodlands near her home. She has never been able to find what or who has been calling to her. 

Dante comes from an ancient line of shifters whose sole purpose is to keep their charges safe from vampires. Dante is Larissa’s Protector.   There are only two rules- never talk to your charge and never let them know that you are watching. Dante breaks every rule when it comes to Larissa when they are swept into a torrent of desire that threatens to consume them. 

Will the price of breaking the rules to follow their hearts be too great? Hunters lurk in the forest. Vampires are coming. Dante is all that stands between Larissa and the monsters who want to make her one of them.
Excerpt:
Her fingers lightly skimmed the rough stubble gracing his surprisingly soft skin, and she saw the need and longing in his exotically beautiful eyes. No one had ever looked at her like she was so important, so amazing. She felt his wonder and his love. How was it possible? It was like she had a view into his mind and soul and only the truth of their magical connection existed. When she saw the raw need in his eyes something twisted in her heart, and she knew that she would not run.

She pressed her lips to his chin. He bent down just enough so that their lips connected. It was gentle at first, testing, trusting. Then he pulled her against him, and it took the air from her lungs. Whimpering with joy and need, she returned his fervor with a desperation that was entirely her own. His rough hands caressed her cheek, and the moment of wonder brought the prickling of tears to her eyes.

“What have you done to me?” Her voice sounded breathless.

“I would never hurt you. I haven’t done anything to you, Larissa.”

“What is this?”

“This is chemistry.”

Standing there in the middle of a wild place with a complete, albeit sexy, stranger wasn’t a safe thing to do. She wanted him, wanted sex, for the first time in her life. She embraced the lust. No, this wasn’t exactly where she imagined losing her virginity. It gave her pause that she was giving something away so easily she had so carefully guarded. Yet it felt as if this gift had always been his, and she had just been keeping it safe for him. She pulled her shirt off and let it fall to the ground. He wore no shirt and when their skin touched, an electric current traveled through him and into her. She gasped and her back arched involuntarily. He kissed her throat and she shivered, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him close.

His hands awkwardly battled with her bra, and he grunted with triumph as the bit of fabric joined her t-shirt on the damp ground. His calloused palms skimmed over her nipples, and she cried out with need. Larissa’s cheek pressed against his chest, and she felt enveloped in his primitive pheromones. His masculine growl made her smile softly against the hard wall of his chest. A sound, calling voices somewhere far away, registered in her mind. Her family was looking for her. She didn’t care; she was where she belonged, where she wanted to be. His chest began to heave, and his primal desperation against her belly was evident. He knew they were looking too.

When he swept her into his arms, she did not protest, her trust was complete. She reveled in the foreign knowledge that made no sense and yet seemed to answer all the mysteries of the universe in the same moment. Mushy and useless, she let her brain turn off and let her heart take over. Nothing made sense and she loved every moment of it. He moved through the growing darkness with her, and she clung to him, content to go anywhere he chose to take her. Closing her eyes against the blurring trees and leaves, it only nibbled at her mind that he moved with inhuman speed.

His voice sounded gruff and raw. Larissa wondered if he felt the pain of her leaving as horribly as she did. He spoke, and she clung tighter to him. “I have waited a lifetime for you.”

Her searchers were far from her mind as she found herself back in his dank wilderness dwelling. She had no idea what to say to his intense statement.

After a moment, she found her voice and spoke. “I think I’ve always been looking for you, too.”
 Find more information on Ashlynn on her website HERE

Book Blast and Giveaway: Fox Hounds by Lia Connor

Title :  Fox Hounds Author : Lia Connor Publisher : Changeling Press Cover Artist: Renee' George Release Date : March 15, 2024 He...