Saturday, April 30, 2011

Guest Author Day with Berengaria Brown

Can you tell me a bit about your most recent release/upcoming release?

"Paige's Passion" blurb
Paige is sent on a business trip and invites her good friend Madeline to go with her. They’ve been lusting after each other for some time but Paige was worried that taking the step to a sexual relationship might destroy their friendship. At the end of the second night they are committed to an ongoing relationship together.
But when they get back to their ordinary lives Paige is consumed by her job. Paige desperately wants the relationship to work, but her career is very important to her and Maddie is so easy-going. Can they ever be happy together?

STORY Excerpt WARNING Lesbian Romance
"Shit, Paige, this's a really nice suite. Are you sure it's okay for me to be here with you?" asked Madeline, looking around at the solid wooden doors hiding the huge flat-screen TV and mini-bar, and at the ultra king-size bed.
Paige opened the drapes wide, exposing a fantastic view across to the river, which was dotted with yachts and other sailing boats. "Of course it's okay. Wait 'til you see the bathroom, Maddy. It's something special. Go, look at it."
"Oh, wow, this is great. Two would definitely fit in this Jacuzzi and in the shower. And there's a separate room for the toilet. That's really classy." Madeline's voice echoed back to Paige.
At forty, Madeline's hair was still a shiny chestnut with no signs of gray, her hazel eyes were always alive with fun, and she flitted from job to job as the mood took her. Paige, ten years younger, considered her short, dark brown hair and brown eyes positively dull beside the vivacious Maddy.
Paige grunted some affirmative noises, but her eyes and her mind were on that huge bed. She sat on the side of it and sank deeply into a cushy mattress and puffy quilt.
I'll finally be sharing a bed with Maddy. It's what I've wanted to do for so long. She turns me on so much more than any man ever has. And I know she's bisexual, she makes no secret of that. But does she desire me in that way? And if we fuck, will that ruin our friendship? We get on so well together. Will taking our relationship to a sexual level destroy our ability to have fun together? Gods, I wish I knew what to do here!
"Hey, wake up! Let's go try out the pool and hot tub on the roof," suggested Maddy, bouncing back into the room.
"Good plan. You change in the bathroom and I'll change here. But you have to put your clothes and shoes back on; they don't let you in the hallways just in swimwear."
"Not a problem," responded Maddy, grabbing her tote bag and heading back into the bathroom.
Paige changed into her plain navy one-piece and hastily dropped an equally plain navy A-line skirt over it. She was buttoning up a pale blue shirt when Maddy called out, "Okay to enter?"
"Yeah, sure," Paige replied, moving over to her luggage to grab her flip-flops.
Paige's heart began to beat so hard it almost drummed its way out of her chest as she looked at Maddy. Her friend was wearing a bright candy pink and orange tankini that should have clashed horribly with her hair, yet somehow looked stunning. Maddy's lush breasts stretched the top enticingly, her hips rounded out the bottom, and her belly protruded just the slightest bit, making a smooth-flowing curve across the garment that was very enjoyable to look at. Her legs were long and straight and slightly muscled, yet very feminine.
Maddy dropped a pink sundress over her head, slid her feet into matching pink sandals, and asked, "Are there pool towels, or do we need to take towels with us?"
"When I went up to look at it before you arrived, there was a stack of pool towels on a table by the door."
"Excellent. Let's go."
Paige grabbed her keycard and followed Maddy to the door, trying not to drool at her friend's yummy ass swaying beneath the sundress. It was even worse as they got off the elevator and walked up the few steps to the pool entry. Maddy's calf muscles flexed and stretched. Her ass swung slightly and Paige's cunt clenched with desire. She's my friend. Just a friend. Someone to hang out with and talk to. Not a lover, she told herself sternly.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3121



For any readers who may not have read any of your books, can you just give us a little sneak peek into world?

Berengaria Brown is a multi-published author of erotic romance: contemporary, paranormal (ghosts, vampires and werewolves) and Regency-set historical. She loves to read all different kinds of romance so that is what she writes: one man/one woman; two women; two men; two men/one woman; three men…. Whatever the characters need for their very hot happily-ever-after, Berengaria makes sure they get it.



How much of yourself, if any, do you put into your characters?
I seem to turn up in a minor character from time to time. I’m not sure why. It just happens.


How do you keep sex scenes fresh and exciting so they don't become stale or repetitive?

The characters very much decide what they want. Some days I just seem to take dictation! But also, since I write menage, MM and FF there’s lots of differences and variety there.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why?

I’m a huge James Bond fan so Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Yeah, I know, that’s six, but hey, I gotta have the whole set! Why? Hell, who could resist so much yumminess, and the potential thrill of a car chase or two, an explosion, and some bad guys breaking up the party so I could be rescued. Awesome!


What are at least five things you have on your bucket list and have you done any of them?

I’ve always loved traveling and my day job includes a lot of travel, so I’m fortunate in that I’ve been just about everywhere. It’s pretty awesome being paid to do what you enjoy.

Is there one series/author you feel is a must read for readers to explore (can be e book authors or print NY house authors)?

Georgette Heyer is likely my all-time favorite author. She introduced me to historicals and to romance as a genre.


Do you listen to music when writing? Do you feel like some stories write themselves a soundtrack with specific music? If so, what book and what kind of music influenced it?

Rainforest noises, birdsong, waterfalls, that type of music helps me concentrate.

 Do you feel your writing is character driven or plot driven? How do you balance these two elements?

The characters just appear in my head and take over. They yell, and scream, and stomp their feet until I write their stories. The plots just seem to happen as we travel along, although the plot gives me the most trouble as I have to ensure it’s logical and consistent.


Is there a genre you haven’t done that you would like to explore in the future?

I write pretty much all over the genres: menage, MM, FF. I even have a straight MF story, and a sweet romance! I write paranormals (ghosts, vampires, werewolves), and Regency-set historicals as well as contemporary. The series I’m currently writing is vaguely futuristic. So I think I basically have it all covered. Something for every taste!


 What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch
it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?

Any James Bond movie, but especially the Roger Moore ones.


If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you
have with you?

A hunky man, a solar-powered laptop, a fishing line, sunscreen, chocolate.


What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?

Regency England. Georgette Heyer: need I say more?


Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your heart?

A good Momma doesn’t have favorites, but I’m always closest to the book I’m currently writing, as those characters are living in my head 24/7.

What character out of all your books is the closest to your personality?

None of my heroines is me. (None of my heroes is either!)

What do you feel is the most important aspect a new author should remember when writing/creating their own stories? Any advice for aspiring authors?

Write what you care about, what interests you. And polish before submitting to a house that publishes books similar to yours.

What can we expect to come in the future from you? Want to give us a tease of your upcoming projects?

The first book in what I hope will become a new series is coming from Siren BookStrand in July. It’s called “Shared Possession, the series will be “Possessive Passion” and they are set in a world where brothers chose a bride and abduct her to be their shared wife.



Where can we find you on the net?

Berengaria Brown
http://berengariabrown.webs.com/
Friend me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter

Thank you for having me!
Berengaria

Friday, April 29, 2011

My Personal Review for Seven Days by Andrew Grey

I don't know about you but when I picked up my first Andrew Grey book, The Best Revenge, I didn't know I would find an author I just had to read over the next few years. Each time I grabbed the newest book from this author, I always thought, "He can't get any better than the last book" and I was always proven wrong. Andrew Grey is a talented writer, one I know will always deliver a story that will leave me crying, laughing and smiling-sometimes all at once too.

Seven Days is this author's brand new release and one that completely hooked me from the beginning. I can't imagine the emotions an author experiences when he writes a pivotal scene(s) yet when a reader like myself is bawling their eyes out because of something he/she has written, well all I can say is "Pass the tissues".

Mr. Grey delivers a strong, emotional story about one man's journey through loss and despair to finding that slim sliver of hope shining through when life closes one door and then proceeds to open a new one for you to walk through. Evan Donaldson is that man and this is the journey he goes on in Seven Days. I can't begin to put my thoughts into words as they tumble like a sparkling brook over rocks. The reader feels every emotion Evan has and experiences and finds that silver lining under all those gray clouds.

Evan is a character I fell in love with the moment he stepped off the first page-dirty, scared, resigned to life on the streets at a tender age. The moment Father Valentin steps into the picture, you get a sense of how one door closes for Evan and another beckons-if he is willing to trust one man who doesn't want to hurt him. First love, changing lives, friendships and more are experienced by the reader as Evan travels through the years in Seven Days. Mr. Grey has a knack for creating the right amount of mystery, tension and romance in his stories that will completely captivate the reader.

Seven Days is more than a story of two people falling in love, its about faith, trust and the sense that life may give you a few twists but in the end, you find that what you are searching for is worth it in the end. Kudos to Mr. Grey for creating this heartfelt, emotional story and I look forward to seeing what else this author may have in store for his beloved readers. 

My rating: 5 Stars

My Personal Review for Tyler's Cowboy by Amber Kell

I got to admit...I wasn't sure what to expect with Tyler's Cowboy by Amber Kell. It was the first book I read by this 'new to me' author and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's a character driven story that had me glued to the pages from the beginning.

The cover is what got me right off the bat. I admit...I am a bit of a cover snob. If a sexy cover catches my eye, I will pick it to see what is all about and man, who doesn't like those hot, chiseled bodies on a cover????

If you never read an Amber Kell book, I suggest you start with Tyler's Cowboy. It introduces her new series, Cowboy Lovin' and though it's a short novella, it packs quite a punch straight out of the box.

I loved how the characters of Tyler and Cody got to know one another before jumping into bed together. It was a welcome change for me to read and with a few twist I didn't anticipate, Ms. Kell does a great job in keeping her readers mesmerized.

Tyler's Cowboy is a sweet, hot story of two people finding out they are perfect for one another. If you are looking for western story that delivers more for your money, then I highly recommend this newest introduction to author Amber Kell. I am eager to check out the rest of this prolific author's backlisted and upcoming titles.

Welcome Dominique Eastwick today

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why? Well, I am a wife and mother of two. And in my previous life before children I was a costume designer.  I write Contemporary Erotic Romance, but I am working on a LoTR fantasty romance at the moment.
 
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
Tony's Haven is the second book in the Sherman Family Series and after writing Hunting JC I knew that the readers didn't get to know the real Tony. He wasn't very likable but I knew the real Tony and I knew the readers would like him once they saw who he really was. I also wanted to write a book with a real size woman that most women could relate to.

Did your book require a lot of research? I love research and although I place my stories in places that I know, I still research to make sure.

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be? Food. I love food

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why? Hmmm good question, I think I would want to the maid for Jane Austin, she is my inspiration. To be able to see her as she worked on Pride and Prejudice...now that would have been something.

What do you see for the future of publishing and e-books? I think e-books are the future of publishing. I believe some books will still be printed but with everyone trying to go green it makes sense to buy e books.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why? Hunter will always have a place in my heart, because that was the first book I seriously thought about publishing.  Hunter is also dark and mysterious so I enjoyed pulling the layers back to get to know him. But my true loves are Duncan and Rowena, from a historical I wrote that I am not sure anyone else will ever read :) Its the first novel I ever wrote and is awful. Really it would take more work to fix it then to rewrite it I think, but they are my first real romance.
 
Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you? Thalia... she is my muse. Unfortunately her sense of timing isn't mine, she likes to crack the whip when I have too much going on and disappears when I haven't a thing to do.  But to get her to see my way I play music and just start to write even if she isn't there she tends to hate being left out and shows up eventually. She hates to be left out.

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects? I always seem to have ten stories on the burner at one time. I have started book three in the Sherman series. okay I have also started book four too. I though the next book would be about Spencer but Trenton seems to be screaming louder for his story to be told. And I am also finishing up a Fantasy Lord of the Rings/ Dungeon and Dragon story, I hope to have it done before summer. We shall see.

Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind? Not that I can think of but My husband always knows when I am writing a love scene....TMI?
 
What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did? I always have chapters upon chapters of stories that never get written or I just cut out. But poor Tony did once get caught by his parents having sex, but I didn't include it in the book. I thought I would leave some of his pride in tact.

 If you had to write yourself as a heroine/hero, what kind of heroine/hero would you be? What would you be named? Ellia and she would be strong and stand up for her rights. I think honestly there is a little of me in most of my heroines. Though I don't see any of me in JC now that I think of it, but then I really wrote her with a friend in mind.
 
If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell? That I am a procrastinator and I like to play World of Warcraft when I should be writing.
 
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why? I think if they don't mind starting with the second book in the series then Tony's Haven is where to start. My writing is so much better in that one. then the first. I grew into my writing between novels.
 
If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?
Jimmy Buffett is always the sound track to a Sherman Novel.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do to just kick back and have fun? I love to take photographs, its my passion.
If we peeked at your bookcase(s)/e-reader, what kind of books/authors would we find there?  In my bookshelf you would find the dark hunter series by Sherrilynn Kenyon, as well as books by Julia Quinn and Stephanie Laurens.  My E reader you will find books by Destiny Blaine, Valerie Mann, Stephanie Beck, Becca Dale, Olivia Starke, Kate Richards the list goes on and on....
 
Where can we find you on the web?
 
www.DominiqueEastwick.com
On twitter @DominiEastwick

 Tony's Haven
Aspen Mountain Press
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Available HERE

Tony Sherman may be a modern day Adonis and a well-know ladies man, but hiding beneath his carefree, playboy persona is a man who knows how to be discrete. He keeps his desire to protect all those he loves from being seen by anyone, particularly his family. Fate intervenes when he uses his charm to beg a favor from a co-worker, a women who is unaffected by his charisma as she is by his looks.

Haven Pelletier is anything but the kind of woman usually found on Tony's arm or in his bed. She's mousy and rubenesque, and unmoved by his Adonis appearance. But when circumstances bring them together, she sees right through his tarnished armor—to the true man underneath.

As Haven learns more about Tony, she discovers secrets hidden deep in his past and a Man who might just steal her heart if she lets him. When life throws obstacles in their way, can Tony be the Knight in Shining Armor Haven needs both in and out of the bedroom?


Sneak Peek Excerpt:

Her breath caught as Tony pushed her forward toward the glass window. A full moon lit the snow white landscape giving it an angelic feel. The white mountain shimmered dreamlike as if waiting for the sun to crest over them to awaken the skiers and bring it once more the joyful life. But at the moment nothing moved. No wind, animal, or person disturbed the quiet slumber of the mountain.

"It’s beautiful."

"I know. I come here, to this spot every time I come up here. My favorite time is now, like tonight, under a full moon. When a thousand crystals are sparkling at us. It's almost magical, isn’t it?"

"Magical," she agreed.

"May I ask you something?"

"I guess so."

"Would it be okay if ... That is, may I...can I kiss you?"

Haven took a step back. "Why are you asking?"

"What do you mean, why am I asking?"

"Why ask? Would you have asked any other girl you were with?"

Tony looked at her stunned, here he was trying to be a gentlemen and she wanted to know why. "I don’t know, because maybe I didn’t want to get slapped or worse have you accuse me of sexual harassment when we got back to the office on Tuesday. Or perhaps I was just trying to treat you like a lady. How the hell do I know? I just thought..."

Whatever he thought to say was thrown to the wind. Her lips met his and he couldn’t have formed a complete sentence even if he tried. Snaking his arms around her waist, he pulled her into him, forcing her to rise up on tip toes. She was soft where a woman should be soft. She made him feel strong and masculine. His lips wanted to devour every full inch of her mouth. She tasted like the strawberries from her Daiquiri and smelled just as sweet.

His mouth demanded hers open, not that he was receiving any resistance. She opened for him and met his tongue eagerly welcoming and stroked him in. Her left hand moved over his shoulder, up his neck and now her long fingers intertwined into his locks. He didn’t know, didn’t care who was driving the kiss deeper. He just knew that he wanted it, needed it, like no other kiss in his life. He wanted this moment to last.

This moment of beauty, its purity and its fire.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Welcome Ryssa Edwards today

Can you tell me a bit about your most recent release/upcoming release?
In my most recent release Michael, Archangel of War has been Banished to the mortal world. In the last year of his Banishment, he falls in love with Laine, a mortal. Warrior Angel, Heart’s Desire tells the story of what Michael and Laine have to do to stay together.

For any readers who may not have read any of your books, can you just give us a little sneak peak into world (i.e. the type of genre you write, type of stories you like to write....etc)? I write m/m paranormal romance. It’s not the classic “boy meets boy” romance. It’s more like romance/adventure. My characters have to fight against great odds and take incredible risks if they want to stay together. In the world I create Michael is Archangel of War, Raphael is Archangel of Healing and Lucifer is Archangel of Hell. They’re brothers who may disagree, but ultimately do what it takes to help each other. Azriel is a Hunter angel who used to be a warrior.

How much of yourself, if any, do you put into your characters?
I put a lot of myself into my characters. The one trait about me that makes it most clearly onto the page is my determination. If there’s something I really, really want, there’s no way I’m stopping till I get it. And well. . I’ve always wanted wings.

How do you keep sex scenes fresh and exciting so they don't become stale or repetitive? I keep my sex scenes fresh by pretending that every sex scene I write is the first one I’ve ever written. I think through the characters’ eyes. What would an Archangel of War be thinking when he’s making love to the mortal he wants to be his mate? What would a mortal be thinking when the Archangel he loves is holding him? I draw heavily on my character bios when I’m creating sex scenes, so that each scene between my characters could not happen in exactly that way with any other two characters.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why? Peter Pan, because . . . the party would be at his place—Never Land. Stephen King, because maybe if he touches me at the party, his writing will rub off on me. Michelangelo, because his art is so alive, it speaks after all these centuries. I want to write like that. Carl Jung, because the unconscious is my playground, and he seems to know it best. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, because she’s right, the best treasures lie hidden in the dark.

What are at least five things you have on your bucket list and have you done any of them? I call my bucket list my “Future Resume”. The five things are: (1) live my life like I mean it (check); (2) write a m/m vampire romance novel (working on it); (3) develop a new writing skill every year (check); (4) read an entire series from beginning to end (working on this); (5) go to New Orleans and meet a real vampire (still not undead).

Is there one series/author you feel is a must read for readers to explore (can be e book authors or print NY house authors)? Definitely the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward. It’s sheer entertainment, and proof that if a writer believes strongly enough in an idea, it can be sold.

Do you listen to music when writing? Do you feel like some stories write themselves a soundtrack with specific music? If so, what book and what kind of music influenced it? I always listen to music when I write. I don’t feel like the stories write a soundtrack, so much as the fine details of a story arise from songs with a certain feel

 Do you feel your writing is character driven or plot driven? How do you balance these two elements? Before I sit down to write a story, I do character bios on both main characters. I do this so that whenever I come to a divergence in the plot, I can ask myself, “What would [character] do here? With all the things he’s been through in his life, with his hopes and dreams and fears, how would he handle this?” This helps me to develop a character driven story, even when the plot is heavily laced with “adventure” or “action”.

I balance the character driven element by asking different questions at crucial turning points like, “Which plot line will advance the romance? Which plot line will force the characters to reveal more about themselves and how they feel to each other?”  I like to create a story that’s tense enough to keep readers wondering, but not so herky-jerky with action, that they lose interest.

Is there a genre you haven’t done that you would like to explore in the future? I would love to write a thriller / mystery / romance. Is that even a genre?

What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch
it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
Star Wars. I can watch it over and over and still be thrilled each time at that big leap across the pit on the Death Star. I still feel like cheering when Han Solo makes that last shot on the Death Star.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you
have with you?
War and Peace, because. . I wouldn’t get interrupted, would I? Tarot Cards, because I’d see my rescue coming. A bottle with an airtight cork. Paper. A Pen.

What is the one era you would love to go visit and why? Whatever era Star Trek happens in. I want to go boldly explore and. . .I really want a microwave that cooks for me. I press a button, food comes out. Yeah. I’m ready to explore that.

Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your heart? Dark Angel, All the Stars is my favorite novella. It was difficult writing Lucifer because he seemed so invulnerable, and when he finally let me in to how he felt and why, it felt like a hard won victory.

What character out of all your books is the closest to your personality? Probably Kayne from Dreaming of a Kiss. I’ve lived through a lot of things in my life, but on many days, it feels like I’m just starting out, and there’s so much more to learn.

What do you feel is the most important aspect a new author should remember when writing/creating their own stories? Any advice for aspiring authors
? The most important aspect to remember is to have fun!  In your rough draft, just let it happen. Go with the story. Don’t try to drag the story out of yourself, just sit back and let the story tell itself. If you trust yourself enough, it will. My second piece of advice is. . . don’t let the rejections  get to you. Keep writing and keep believing.

What can we expect to come in the future from you? Want to give us a tease of your upcoming projects? I’m working on the third novella in the Immortal Pleasures series, Hunter Angel. It’s the story of Zane and Azriel. After that, I’ll be working on the final novella in the series, which will be Raphael’s story. In June my short story, "The Moon House" will be included in the First Time For Everything Daily Dose. Very soon I’ll be starting a m/m vampire romance novel. It involves vampire warriors, fallen angels, a key and a black rock. That’ll be coming up next year.

Where can we find you on the net?

You can find me at:

 Sneak Peek into Warrior Angel, Heart's Desire
  Coming Soon at Silver Publishing

Michael is the archangel of war, Banished to Earth. In the last year of his Banishment, he falls in love with Laine. But hour by hour, they're ripped apart by forces they can't control, because when Michael's Banishment is over, he'll lose Laine forever. They're given one chance. Laine must risk his life. Michael must risk his wings. What is love on the other side of forever worth?

"He's all I want," Michael said.
His brother landed beside him. Raphael, Archangel of Healing, avoided his brother's eyes. "He's mortal, Michael."
"And I'm Banished."
"We are of the Spirit World," Raphael said. "Invisible, untouchable to mortals. When you return to us, you'll be as He created you."
Michael stroked a black marble tombstone, running his fingers over the raised letters. In a few decades, that was all that would be left of Laine in the mortal world. The thought ignited Michael's fury. He kicked it over, leaving it flat and cracked. "I'll be alone."
"Why bring this sorrow upon yourself?" Raphael's voice was what every suffering mortal hoped to hear when they prayed to his statues. "Your exile is nearly over. Until then, his mortal body is yours to enjoy."
"I don't want just his body," Michael said, "I--"
Overhead a raven cawed and fluttered to the ground. His black wings curving up from his shoulders, Lucifer came to stand between his brothers. He drew a heart over Michael's armor. "I'm touched. In love with a mortal who spreads his legs for you, does things for you even I can't talk about, worships you to the soles of your feet." He rapped his knuckles against his brother's gold breastplate. "Get this Banishment thing done. War isn't the same without you."
Michael tossed his head back, flung his arms out. "You know how the flesh is. What's happening to me?"
"You're turning into a man too in love for his own good."
"Why didn't you mark Aeryn?" Michael said, and regretted it the moment he saw the pain that came into his brother's eyes, but he went on. He had to know. "Laine keeps asking me, but I don't think he knows what forever means to us."
"They don't, Michael. They can't." Lucifer rubbed his hands over his face. "I would have marked him that night. I waited that long because I wanted to be sure. And you see how that turned out."
"He'll be back," Raphael said quietly.
Lucifer rounded on his brother. "Don't shine any of your white light on me, not about Aery."
"It wasn't his fault," Michael said.
"Yeah, he can save every mortal on Earth except the one I loved." Lucifer's voice was low, bitter. He closed his eyes and took a moment to gather himself. "If you mark Laine, you're the only immortal he can be with, ever, in any lifetime. And you won't be in this realm much longer."
Something tugged at Michael, a feeling, a sense that Laine might be in danger. His dark green eyes on his brothers, he said, "I need your help. I can't go before the Council. But you can."
"Go to Laine," Raphael said. "We'll do our best."
The flaming sword across Michael's back felt useless, almost wrong. He spread his white wings. A whirlwind of grave dirt, dead leaves, and forgotten flowers swirled at his feet. His thick black hair blew around his strong face as his body faded into the whirling mini storm of his wings.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Guest Author Day with Drea Beecraft


Can you tell me a bit about your most recent release?

The Thrice Princess is a paranormal romance about vampires, gods, fairies, demons, and just about every other paranormal being you can think of.  Its a story of love and the beginning of a new life and new series.

For any readers who may not have read any of your books, can you just give us a little sneak peak into world?

I write mostly a paranormal/contemporary.  I tend to like the modern technology to much to venture any further then that ;0).

How much of yourself, if any, do you put into your characters?

It just depends in all they have a bit of my characteristics but some have more then others.

How do you keep sex scenes fresh and exciting so they don't become stale or repetitive?

I haven't had that many books come out that this is an issue yet but I think its just imagination and fantasy mixed in.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why?

Wow this one is a hard one. My choice is everyone on my yahoo loops in one room that would be a blast lol.  (Since I can't pick five cause yeah that is just to much.)

What are at least five things you have on your bucket list and have you done any of them?

1. Meet Someone Famous
2. Travel to Scotland and Ireland
3. Make a difference in someones life
4. Dance in the rain
5. Show love and be loved in return

Now if you account for all the authors I have met (which I do) I have most definitely meet tons of famous people. Travel is just not in my cards at the moment but once my kids get older we will never know. As for making a diffrence in someones life I think I am but I am not to entirely sure. I have played in the rain but never danced and as romatic as it sounds I really want to try it out.  I show love every day to my children and family and I believe they love me in return.

Is there one series/author you feel is a must read for readers to explore (can be e book authors or print NY house authors)?

Oh my that is hard to pick just one. I am going to have to go towards The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward it was my first ever series and I love them.

Do you listen to music when writing? Do you feel like some stories write themselves a soundtrack with specific music? If so, what book and what kind of music influenced it?

Sometimes I do but most of the time it is totally quiet except for the kids screaming and yelling lol.

What is coming up for you in 2011?

Hopefully more books if I get to writing.  Oh and I have my eye on a few confrences, what can I say I am a social creature.

Are any of your characters just like you or have personality quirks/traits of you or someone you know?

Some are like that yes they have my funny sense of humor or my no filter of a mouth tendency lol.

Where can readers find you on the web?

The Thrice Princess
Available at Secret Cravings
Buy HERE

While her fate was set during the previous great wars of immortals, Anastasia Gruff is nothing but mortal until the night she stumbles upon a scene that turns her world upside down. Now, she struggles to adjust to a world where nothing is what it seems, and feels more at home than ever before.

Devlin Miconis, heir to the vampire throne, is facing certain death. When a mortal woman saves his life, and gives him back his soul, he must figure out how to repay her. Now that she has given him something to live for, can he protect her from those who mean her harm?  


Adult Excerpt:

Stasia woke up with her muscles sore and her head pounding. Slowly taking stock one muscle at a time, starting at her toes and working up to her neck, she rotated and squirmed until most of the kinks were out. After each body part was stretched to satisfaction she turned onto her side to take in the room.
Staring aimlessly around the room Stasia arched her back and met a hard body behind her. Warm and hard, it took only seconds for fright to make her limbs contract and ready to blot from the bed. As if sensing her distress, strong arms banded around her waist.
“It’s all right, it’s just me, you are safe. I would never harm you, my Bandia.” The deep timbre of his voice comforted her.
The memories from the night before slowly leaked into her mind. One by one, the dots began to connect, remembering being carried to Devlin’s bedroom, being stripped down and him lying beside her, skin-to-skin helping to alleviate the pain of her turning.
Loosening her muscles, she slowly turned in his arms to look at his face. Handsome wasn’t enough to describe him.
Slowly lifting her hand to trace his nose, Stasia watched him with weary eyes, as she continued to his lips and down his strong jaw to the side of his neck.
“I can see the gears working.” Devlin spoke while rubbing his face onto her hand. “What’s going on in that beautiful brain of yours?”
Before she lost the nerve, Stasia ran her hands down his chest next stroking her way to his nipple.
Removing his hand from her hip, he caressed her lips gently with his index finger following each touch with a kiss. Making his way slowly down her neck, he nipped and licked while cupping one of her breast in his hand, making her nipple stiffen in response.
Fireworks shot through her body, and every nerve ending felt like pure lightning shot through. Feeling most of the heat concentrated on her now wet pussy, Stasia rubbed into his touch, grinding her hips against his long hard body.
Releasing a strangled moan, he looked into her eyes. The ice blue of his irises seemed to darken into a more aqua blue. The most astonishing part of them were his corneas, they now glowed bright red.
The sight should have scared her, but only added more arousal to her already drenched panties. Grabbing his hand from her breast and pulling it to her mouth. Kissing each digit then took the index finger into the recesses of her mouth. Swirling her tongue around the end and popping it back out just as fast.
When did she become so wanton? It must be the man that did it to her., either that or the power running rapid through her veins; Stasia secretly hoped it was the latter. With a groan, she began to rain peck like kisses down his arm, until she reached his mating mark.
 Beginning to trace the tribal design with her tongue, showing each line very detailed attention and earning a very male groan for her efforts.
Leaning over she felt the warm air as he spoke softly into her ear. “Woman you must stop. I can’t contain myself if you continue to do that.”
Looking up into his irresistible eyes, she gave him the sexiest smile she could muster. “Who says I want you to contain yourself?”

My Personal Review for Sheriff Found by Joyee Flynn

I love Joyee Flynn and her active imagination. When I picked up Sheriff Found I was expecting a traditional shifter story. Well that was changed when the shifter hero was a beagle puppy. I haven't read anything like this before. It charmed me from the first page to the last as I got invested in the characters of Sheriff Found.

Now onto my personal review for Sheriff Found, available at Siren books, Amazon kindle and in ebook or print.

          Toby Walker is sent out to the nearest town to find a cure for the illness plaguing his pack. As a beagle pup, he never anticipates finding his mate or that the legends he was told about when he was a kid is actually true. What can he do to convince his new found mate that he is more than a cute beagle puppy?

          Sheriff Randall Markins day just went to the dogs…or one cute beagle puppy in fact. The one that just peed on his leg and he had to take home due to some illness he had. What he doesn’t anticipate is that this puppy is also one hot man…one that just told Randall he was marked and claimed by Toby as his mate. Randall doesn’t know whether to be angry he got mated without his permission or fall in love with the exasperating man. Can Randall and Toby find a way to work through their differences and find a way to make this relationship work or is it too late for them both?

 Joyee Flynn is a talented author who knows how to create hot, sexy manlove stories to fall in love with. What I loved about Sheriff Found was the characters. You had playful Toby, the beagle shifter, strong, domaninat Randall (hey he made me swoon!!!! lol) and some wonderful secondary characters that left me hoping they would pop up in future books. 

Sheriff Found is a fun, sweet, hot and at times, funny tale of a beagle puppy shifter named Toby who is sent out to find help for his pack who are very ill. I never read a shifter story that had beagle puppies as the shifter and found it very refreshing, different and a new spin on the shifter genre. Ms. Flynn delivers a story that will leave you laughing one minute, sighing the next and rooting for Randall and Toby to find their happily ever after. Ms. Flynn vividly captures the playfulness of a puppy and the cuteness they have. I loved the connection between Randall and Toby; it was quite hot at times and also tender when love began to grow between them. The writing was tight, the story flowed at a nice and even pace and the sex scenes complimented the growing attraction between the two main characters nicely. 

The heat between Randall and Toby was at times fun, playful and then the author would flip the script and holy hotness batman, get the ice cubes out. It got so steaming hot I swore the computer was about the combust. The dynamics betwen the pack members had me intrigued especially as the reader was told about how it came into existence within the first few chapters of SHERIFF FOUND. I am eager to see when book two comes out as the ending left a few things open that had me racing to see what is next in the series. 

Overall, SHERIFF FOUND is fun, at times hot, sexy tale of two people finding their destined mates and falling in love. Who said love was ever easy never met a puppy shifter. :)
Joyee Flynn has a winner in this latest series debut and I cannot wait to check outm ore of her work in the future.

Rating on story: 4.5 Stars

Friday, April 22, 2011

My Personal Review for The Lancaster Rule by T. K. Toppin

I had the pleasure of reading a wonderful high octane science fiction story that left me wanting more. The Lancaster Rule is a wonderful blend of action/adventure, sci-fi, time travel and more. This is from a new to me author, TK Toppin and she does a great job in creating a cast of characters so life like, they felt like they would step off the page & into my living room.

Now onto my personal review for THE LANCASTER RULE (available at Champagne Books HERE)

Josie Bettencourt never anticipated going into her father’s suspension pod would last longer than the sixty days she thought it would be. The world is changed from when she remembers it after waking up and the people who populate this time think people like Josie aka Pod survivors, are to be arrested and destroyed. Saved by a rebel group, Josie finds herself running from the leaders, The Lancaster's', who have tyrannically run the last fifty years. Now Josie has to fight for her freedom and her life as she finds that her past is inexplicably linked to surviving in this new future. Can she find a way to stop the Lancaster's' from taking over the world while figuring out the secrets that haunt her every waking moment?

I got to admit, Ms. Toppin delivers one pure adrenaline rush while I was reading THE LANCASTER RULE. It was pure adventure from the beginning and frankly I could not put it down. The characters are well written and dominate the story. I love character rich stories and this one is written so well, I felt like I could be friends with Josie as she tries to flee the Lancaster’s. It almost had me feeling like I was along side Josie as she tries to figure everything out and who is the bad guy & the good guy. Ms. Toppin is a talented author who kept me riveted the entire time I was reading this latest story. The writing was tight, action packed and the romance flowed seamlessly within the pages to give it that added punch to the storyline.

Meet Josie Bettencourt. She thought that by helping her father with his latest project for sixty days was a piece of cake. What happens is something out of a futuristic/Science fiction movie. She goes to sleep and wakes up three hundred years later! I absolutely adored Josie. She was feisty, determined and though missing her family, she was determined to survive in this weird and strange new time. The characters are multi-dimensional, captivating the reader from the beginning and fairly brim with life while reading it. There were a few twists I didn’t even see coming and a few light hearted moments to give the reader a break on all the action.

          THE LANCASTER RULE delivers a strong story that will grab you from the beginning and keep you riveted until the very end. I loved every minute of this wild science fiction story and hope this author comes back to Josie and her new world. I would love to see what happens next for all the characters I met here. If you enjoy high octane science fiction stories, then try THE LANCASTER RULE. It will surely be one adventure you don’t want to miss out on. Ms. Toppin is a ‘new to me’ author and one I plan to keep an eye out in the future.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

WRITER'S WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



We'd like to chat about what inspired us to write, where we get our ideas, and our creative differences.

About inspiration:

A: As a child, I adored being read to, but I also enjoyed watching the expressions on my family's faces as they read to me. They were as entertained as I reading the adventures of Princesses, of mice, of frogs, of siblings, of witches, and more. These fairy tales inspired me so much that I decided I wanted to entertain my family with my own stories, written, at first, in the cave man style of pictures, and then as I learned to write, by self-publishing my own little books. And, I haven't stopped, going from crayons and paper to a typewriter with a sticky L key to finally computers. I started to write to entertain, and I confess, it is now an addiction that I never wish to cure.

Z: The pretentious answer would be the power and influence I saw in the words of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. And that would be true. But it is more complicated. I wrote the lyrics to a song in high school that captured the social moment and I felt my peers were moved, I was pleased. In college, my Creative English professor confessed she cried after reading my piece, but none-the-less
failed my paper. Thus the tears gave me validation that I was good. I wrote to draw them. Who cares if I didn't understand a dangling participle. My second Language professor failed a paper which I later submitted to a magazine without editorial change, which was published. Again, the validation was in the reason. I wanted to make the man angry. I did, and was failed not out of anything but his bias. But, I must share that possibly the most profound motivation was that of my wooing a woman. Protecting her identity, her pet name to me was Princess Vi. To make a long story a little longer, we were held at a distance because of careers but I know, because she told me so, I captured her heart through my hand-penned letters. We would have been intended but life is never fair.

Ideas and creative differences:

Z: Second question first, every frick-frackin' day we have creative differences. When ever we write this column we explore some of the clashes and how we, via our sense of humor, avoid being charged with first degree homicide. Angelica is didactic.

A: Moi? Am not. Since when did I ever give any evidence of being preachy? I'll answer the first question. Didactic! Sorry, I digressed. As we previously noted on a previous blog we lamestorm. We set aside an entire day where we bring together ideas and like a game of war, we place them in the center of the table to see if one is more powerful than the other. In a single elimination tournament we eventually ascertain that idea which has the least amount of lameness attached to it. Then we research. And if it seems entertaining, we will outline. If not, it will go into our huge circular idea file.

Z: Where Angelica will dig hers out, and bring them back to the next session.

A: Do not...aw...already, I do, but they are such goooood ideas!

Z: Time to agree to disagree.

A: Buy lunch and I'll agree.

Z: Eating is always a running theme with you, isn't it.

A: Your point?

Z: Want fries with that?


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
www.champagnebooks.com

STEEL EMBRACE by Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
August 2011 http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com







Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Guest Author Day with Avril Ashton

I love my community. And by that I mean the writing community. In the short time I started writing professionally, I’ve been embraced by the warmest, funniest, most talented, and completely insane group of people ever.

It’s always a surprise when I say I’m quiet in real life, exceptionally aloof, and kinda bad at the whole communication thingy. Yet and still, I can’t be that way when dealing with my crazy pals over the ‘net. I find I can be someone with them, someone more Me. I can let my hair down—what’s left after I tear them off, and laugh, joke, cry, and bitch about whatever. Whenever.

These not-entirely-faceless people get me, and understand me, and can relate to whatever I’m going through in my writing life. They’ve been there, done it, and survived to tell the tale. It warms my heart—which debunks the theory that I’m a heartless bitch—when an author reaches out to offer help, suggestions, advice. And even inspiration, though they might not know it.

I always tear up when an author shouts out the news of contracts signed, new releases, or anything positive happening in their world. They share. Isn’t that amazing? We’re supposed to be competitors, aren’t we? Yet everyone’s friendly, everyone’s inviting, everyone’s helping. It’s a unique place to be and I’m glad I’m a part of it.


Avril Ashton

 ONE WICKED NIGHT~ Available Now

Publisher Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/3hqx4yv

BLURB:  Justice Alexandre kills for a living. A lover of the shadows, he makes no excuses for what he does. Besides, people bore him. He has no use for them…until a hot summer night in a Toronto nightclub. A woman with misery in her eyes whispers three words in his ear, shattering his world like shards of crystal at his feet.
She wants to lose herself—or maybe find herself, Myka Prentiss can’t readily decide. What she does know is the dark stranger hugging the shadows at the back of the club calls to her in ways she can’t explain. Putting fear aside, accepting the heady pull, she makes her move and asks for one nameless night. Nothing between them but hot sweat and tangled sheets.
He accepts.
When they’re done, she walks away, wanting more. Back to an unfulfilled life, she’s comforted only by her memories…until her dark stranger shows up at her door with an announcement.
He’s been hired to kill her.       

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...