Thursday, March 29, 2012

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



We'd like to share an excerpt from VIXEN BRIGHT's and ZACHARY ZANE's new erotica coming our May 2012.

BLURB: At the library, while the facially scared Kathryn Pines obsesses over books, Keen Edge appears out of nowhere. Looking exactly like the sizzling hunk on a book cover, he invites Kathryn to journey with him into stories, she the heroine, he the hero. Every lusty, luscious, whimsical adventure is overlaid with elements of bondage and submission.

Kathryn surrenders to the passions and adventures of four tales raging from contemporary to fantasy, and soon loses her heart to Keen. Keen, though, isn’t just a character in a book and his invitation to forever might be more ominous than it appears.

EXCERPT ARC: VIGNETTE OF DREAM WIZARD

A fortnight earlier, within the Realm of Thrice, in her bedchamber the dream closed around Kate with familiar warmth. She hadn't remembered the first time she had experienced it, but it had been many years before. Now, though, that exact dream came even more frequently, a visitation she welcomed, somewhat leaning toward an addiction, mayhaps, because she no longer lived in fear. Well, maybe, not totally without fear, but it was at a distance and she could manage that.

Her sigh seemed to echo as if in a vast cavern as she succumbed to the dream’s lure, slipping into its ecstasy, ecstasy as pure as a women's first unexpected orgasm or as dramatic as her one-hundredth, taken without concern for her partner's pleasure.
Bathed in the bay and howl of the hellhounds everything about her turned to wispy threads of fog except for the handmade cherry wood bed, strung with gauzy drapery. She spun this way and that, searching. For what?

Though at first Kate feared the specter's visits, now she waited with bated anticipation, her mind opening to the essence of him, her body awakening as if from a deep dark sleep. Heightened anticipation hung boldly like a prized bull. The dream became her new reality and with each passing day reality became paler, lacking vibrancy. As always, he appeared within seconds. She couldn't make out his features, but she sensed strength and confidence, sensuality and magnetism. She experienced a swell of warmth that quickly morphed into heat. That heat pulsated within her vagina's walls, oft leaving them flowing with her nectar. Was that rush to lust tangible? It mattered not for in this instant perception was as good as reality. One certainty was the dream chased her rapture.

She held out her arms, made vulnerable her bountiful breasts, and he drifted into them chest upon chest. Nothing about him was familiar. He was not a composite of anyone she knew. No man had ever provided her such a rush of excitement. Unique unto himself, his only familiarity derived from his frequent dream visits. She didn't know him, nor could she truly see him.

He existed in drab shadows, hues of gray and blues that wove in and out, hinting at bold masculine features, the profile of a man cocksure, slightly long hair now and then a glimpse of eyes, sometimes blue, sometimes gray, sometimes dark. Yet, she felt him, felt, every bit of him as he brushed ever so close. Felt the strength of a bold chest, the power of massive musculature, and the inordinate bulk of this cock. Felt the hard flesh rippling over his long, lean frame. Felt his breath as it stirred the tendrils of her hair. Felt his hands as they moved over the feminine length of her curves, pausing to sample the pertness of her breast, the tender flesh of her ass, the sensitive curvature of her neck, or the mystery of her puss.

From the point of him semi-materializing, she melted against the mist of him, his surreal arms wrapping about her, pulling her close, his fingers knotting in her hair, so dramatic, so real, tugging her head back to expose her mouth, a mouth he ravished quickly, audaciously plundering all she offered.
His responsive arousal punctuated each kiss, his cock’s proximity poking that alive. Every kiss was as if new, yet, so familiar, the caressing tongues, the clashing lips, the exchange of flavors. Beneath the cloak of base instincts she surrendered to his will, not questioning the wisdom of opening herself to a specter, not thinking beyond the needs resonating through her body. Her tongue found and tasted his. Her body molded itself to his. She couldn't get enough of the rare tang and complex feel of him. Spirited to devour the feast of his skin she found her lips at his throat, marking him with tiny bites and open-mouthed kisses, hoping for an auditory response but the only sounds were her suckles and moans.

His soft compliant nature spurred her confidence. Might she have more? She was certain he would not stop her, sensing her need to consume. She jerked open the billowy shirt, popping buttons as her tongue trailed downward, tasting hard nubs, dwelling on each. The mass of his chest bespoke virility draining her resistance to stop.

Seeking his taste, her mouth went lower to swirl about his belly button. Her peripheral vision took in the spectra’s awe-inspiring reaction as his colossal monolith grew beneath his naval. At first it was daunting but with the blessing of imagination it morphed to captivating. Each kiss found her migrating lower to his meat, kissing, then even lower.

Her intentions were obvious as she tugged his breeches slipping down about his ankles. At the moment it was released from his pantaloons, his cock bounced then angled upward, settling, defying gravity. The mushroom head perched at the end of a shaft as thick as her forearm. Of course she knew the enormity of him presented a challenge but she found the hard male swell of him irresistible. Would she manage? Absolutely, she'd find a way. Why was she so obsessed? This unknown entity, draped in mystery allowed her to conspire with her libido to discover the depth of her craving....

***

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog - in subject line) 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
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL ~ Christmas 2012
www.champagnebooks.com


Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE
BOOK NOOKIE-A LIBRARIAN'S BUIDE TO THE DO-ME DECIMAL SYSTEM http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com


Book Review-Awkward by Marni Bates


Mackenzie Wellsie is a girl who knows about issues. Her dad cheated on her mom. She always felt she was the cause of the divorce and she doesn’t trust easily-especially with guys. She wants to be invisible and get through high school no one the wiser of who she is. Until one day, one incident is captured and put on youtube. Now she is an internet sensation. Paparazzi follow her, rock stars talk to her and designers are sending her free cloths. All in all, Mackenzie is at a loss of how to navigate this new life of hers. Can Mackenzie find a way to navigate this new path in her life and still be the person she is?

This was the first time I picked up this author's work and I was thoroughly engrossed in Awkward. It is more than a girl finding surprise fame on the internet but one that also touches on self-esteem, humor and perception of one’s self. The author does a nice job in creating a likable main character in Mackenzie and I thoroughly enjoyed her wit, humor and quips. They added something special to the book. I lost count at the many times Mackenzie said the wrong thing and thought “Egad, I have done that.” 
Mackenzie is just trying to make it through high school without any bumps or ripples that will make people notice her. After her parents divorce and her father’s subsequent abandonment towards her, she finds she prefers an invisible life. Unfortunately, that all ends when her world is turned upside down as she becomes the new internet sensation. Mackenzie is one enjoyable character. She is multi-dimensional, relatable and I could see myself being friends with her, if I was 20 years younger that is. The secondary characters help move the story along and though not as well written, in my opinion, but just as enjoyable. The reactions in the story felt real and honest. Who hasn’t wanted to date the most popular guy in school or be invited to the cool kids table at lunch? Ms. Bates does a wonderful job in creating a story that is refreshing, enjoyable and one I hope to give to my daughter to read in the future. 

Find Awkward at Amazon in Print, Kindle and other formats.


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Book Review for Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep


Gwen Frost is a student at the Mythos Academy. She is a gypsy with a talent of psychometry and is in her second year being trained as a warrior. Gwen is learning to fight to protect herself and her loved ones but also finds out there is more to her powers that being able to touch and object and know it’s history. Thinking she needs to avoid Logan, the one guy she longs for and fears, Gwen finds life isn’t as quiet as she likes. Seems she is now a target and it will take all the skills she can learn to stay alive.

Jennifer Estep does an awesome job in continuing Gwen’s story and KISS OF FROST picks up just a few weeks after book one ends. The story flows swiftly and the author opens her world building more to the readers. We get to see more of the reapers, Loki and the upcoming battle that Gwen is forefront in. The story just flows so nicely. You got teenage drama, of course, but the author does a great job in keeping the story from being bogged down by it. The characters are all multi-dimensional and I just could not help but want Gwen to be with Logan. I do recommend reading book one first in order to understand what Gwen is up against in book two. This is an author who does great world building and having characters that grow with each book. There were a few plot twists I was shocked to discover and left me going “Oh my god!” repeatedly.

Jennifer Estep delivers another wild ride in KISS OF FROST and one I just could not put down. I really enjoyed Gwen and enjoyed finding more about her powers, especially as she finds out that there is more to them than she even knows. This is an author who knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, flipping the pages till the bitter end. With each page, I was drawn more and more into the story that surrounds Gwen and Mythos Academy, eager to see what happens next. If you haven’t grabbed this new series by Jennifer Estep, what are you waiting for? Run-Don’t Walk-and grab it now. I can’t wait for book three to come out now.

4 Stars and a recommended read

Find out more about Jennifer Estep's Young Adult Series at her website

Book Review for Tangled by Erin O'Rourke


Mo Fitzgerald just wants to get away from it all. No magic, mobs and everything else. All she wants is to keep her loved ones safe but the magic is making it really hard to leave to live her normal life again. Now she has to deal with Luc who is back, asking for her help and it feels like her protector Colin is keeping things from her as well. Where ever Mo turns around there is something going on that has her in the crosshairs for now Mo has to make the choice- live a normal, boring life or embrace the life she is destined for.

I didn’t know TANGLED was the second book in a trilogy so I was kind of lost for most of t he beginning of the story. I was unsure on past events that were mentioned and whatnot so I have a feeling I will be grabbing Torn (book 1) in the future to see what happened to Mo before TANGLED. Erica O’Rourke is a new to me author and one I plan to enjoy again. Her writing is very good, the story is well written and the characters are quite multi-dimensional. The storyline flows nicely with some wonderful secondary characters that kept my interest till the end.

TANGLED is a story of Mo Fitzgerald who, after stopping an ancient prophecy, finds the perfectly normal, boring-invisible-life she wanted again is forever gone. Seems the magic refuses to let her have that life again and Mo needs to figure out if she wants normal or accept the role destiny has in store for her. All the characters are well defined, grow within the pages and kept me intrigued till the very end. The author’s world building is actually quite good and the flow of the book was smooth, with no jarring plot holes that I hate. Mo is complex, intriguing and one I really want to know more about. She is just one of the gems in this book. There was Luc, who had me hoping there was more to his and Mo’s back-story. Lots of action kept the story from being too boring and it was the perfect blend for me to enjoy.

TANGLED is a perfect story to enjoy on a lazy weekend. I do recommend reading Torn (book 1) first, just to get a sense of all the characters in the trilogy and the story of what happened before the events of TANGLED. Ms. O’Rourke delivers a wonderful story that will keep you glued to the very end. I can’t wait to read Torn then TANGLED to see what I missed. I look forward to the final book in the series, Bound.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

My Personal Review for King Perry by Edmond Manning

Debut author Edmond Manning delivers a powerful, emotional story that will tear you apart then put you back together-better, stronger and one that will inspire you to yell "I AM KING/QUEEN".


My Rating for King Perry-5 Stars and a recommended read


Let me first state I am a straight heterosexual woman in a stable, loving relationship but this story made me look at things in my life and see if I could make things better/easier/acceptable to me.  


King Perry is about a man...well two men to be exact. One who is part guide, part smart ass and one who loves to help people find their inner King (or Queen, in my case); the person you are meant to be.  The other is a man who has shielded himself off from a past that has hurt him and his heart and only by embracing it, accepting it and loving himself can he find inner peace and the person he was meant to be. 



When out of towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion, he impulsively offers the young man, Perry Morgan, a mysterious offer- give Vin one weekend of submission and Vin will restore Perry’s ‘Kingship’. Perry is confused yet intrigued by the offer. What happens in that weekend will change Perry-and in a round about way Vin as well- in ways he never anticipates. But what happens when Sunday rolls around? Will Perry be able to be ‘King Perry’ after Sunday? And just who is this mysterious yet enigmatic man, Vin Vanbly?



For being a debut book, Edmond Manning delivers something very powerful. Something that will touch you deeply and may even change your life. In his debut story, Edmond Manning delivers a powerful story that will take you on a ride from start to finish. Yes, it starts out slow but stay with it and you will find a powerful story waiting to show itself. Edmond Manning is a very good storyteller, one who knows how to draw his reader in, let them wonder what is going on and deliver some plot twists that leaves them going “OH MY!”. The writing is tight, characters are very well written, almost that I was expecting to meet them on the corner of my street. For being a debut book, I was literally stunned speechless when I finished it.


 The sheer emotions you experience along with Perry are one I have no words to describe. You are intrigued, confused, mystified and hopeful as Perry finds that man who is inside him. I do have to caution you that if you are expecting a happily ever after, you won’t find it here. Love doesn't conquer the mighty monsters but will help you deal with them in ways you never imagined in this story. Edmond Manning is a sly, witty writer who created two characters who are unique and yet ordinary. Vin is part magician, part pain in the rear & part guide. Perry is man who is hiding from his true self and with this journey, he will find that forgiveness and self-love are just the tip of the iceberg. This author lets his characters shine and shine they do. Vin is intriguing complex man, one who knows things about Perry no one else should know. Perry finds his heart needs healing and in the process, finds himself again.


This author is one that has his readers ride the roller coaster of emotions with Perry and when that last page is turned and read, be prepared for the tears to come as your heart fills with emotion. I know I did and I can attest that I made my significant other very worried for a few minutes with my crying. Will I read this again? A rousing YES is that answer. It’s a unique story, a powerful one and it is also a sad, happy and very beautifully written one. Edmond Manning is on track to becoming one of those authors I expect to see on the New York Times list one day. I look forward to following this author's career and seeing what else he may have in store for his readers.


If you haven't read King Perry, I urge you to grab it today in e-book or print and settle in for a journey that will show the inner King or Queen inside you. 


Find King Perry at Dreamspinner Press in E-book and Print
 



 

My Personal Review for Paws on Me by Silvia Violet

When you find a series that has amazing world building, captivating characters and story lines that thrill you, you know you got a winner and Silvia Violet's stories in the multi-author series, Protect & Serve, from Changeling Press is all that and more.


This is Silvia's third story in the Protect & Serve world and it follows Savage Wolf and Sex on a Hoof. Paws on Me is Seth Morrison's story, Aiden Savage's co-worker. 


My Rating for Paws on Me is 4 Stars and Recommended Read



Lieutenant Seth Morrison loves his job, so much so it is his only love until a flirty club owner drops into his life and shows him that there is more to life than work. Murder, passion and a sizzling chemistry bind Brandon Lord and Seth and it will change both their lives in more ways than they think. The question is can these two strong men find a way to listen to their hearts to get what they long for-love?

When a series completely captivates me for an an afternoon, I know I found a keeper.Silvia Violet is an author I adore-personally as a friend and as an author. She writes wonderful stories filled with mystery, passion and romance. Her characters fairly brim with life, enjoyable and complex as we are and the sex scenes are smoking hot. 

In Paws on  Me, we finally get to see more of Lt. Seth Morrison and how, due to budget cuts and whatnot, he is working obsessively to the point of having no social life whatsoever. Meeting flirty Brandon Lords makes him feel things he has put on the back-burner, like desire and emotions he shy's from. The chemistry between Seth and Brandon is explosive and very hot. The sex scenes enhance the connection between Seth and Brandon as well as move the story along nicely. The writing is tight, characters are well written and the story is very intriguing. What I really enjoyed the most was seeing some of the past characters from Silvia Violet’s protect and serve stories (Savage Wolf, Sex on a Hoof) pop up in the end. It was nice to see those wonderful characters again.

Wow is all I can say when these two first stepped on the pages. The sparks were literally flying and I can admit to rooting for these two to get together fast. The author does a good job in creating tension between the two, either from the characters wrestling with their feelings or bad guys trying to kill them. I loved how the author connected the reader to the world she created and frankly, I want more. Silvia Violet delivers a fast paced story that will leave you aching for more. I can't wait to see if she delivers more in her world in the Protect & Serve world. 


Find Paws on Me at Changeling Press as well as other Protect & Serve stories.

Give a warm Welcome to Aleksandr Voinov/Riptide Blog Tour Stop


Discovering the truth about your characters: Silvio in Dark Soul
The characters in Dark Soul, my gay mafia mini-series, are really old characters; they’ve been with me for twenty years, and I’ve grappled with them every now and then (when a writer has a character, the aim it to wrestle them into a book). But only recently did I understand what was at the heart of Silvio Spadaro, the enigmatic killer in Dark Soul, or his brother Franco.
Both men struggle to connect, each in their own ways. Franco doesn’t even enjoy touching or being touched and considers all tenderness a form of unwelcome “pity”. Silvio, on the other hand, is much more hedonistic and connects almost exclusively via sex. It’s his way to vent steam, to feel alive, to break his inner isolation.

Throughout the book, Silvio struggles reading people, and responds in unexpected ways. He’s slightly “off”, which only enhances his reputation as a fearsome mafia killer – people can’t predict what he’s going to do. They call him “barracuda” for his “soul-less”, blank stare.

But for many years, I didn’t know what was different about him, where the root cause for all of this was. Then, one morning, I woke up and thought, “Crap, he might be autistic.”

I mulled the theory for a while and discussed it with two of my friends online, one who displays some strong autistic characteristics, the other who is an Asperger. Both allowed me to run this theory past them (both knew the books), and both agreed that, yes, it rang true to them and that, indeed, Silvio is somewhere on the autism spectrum. And then everything made perfect sense.

The autism grew very much out of the character—which is how my characters work. They show up, I know something is “different” about them, and during the writing, I discover what it is, even if this can be a risk and means a fair amount of research.

In the end, I’m glad I did it, too, because I don’t think there are many sympathetic characters with autism in m/m, as far as I’m aware. Obviously, the “savant” – the super-gifted autist like we’ve seen him in Rain Man—is probably the more romantic character; the child-like disorientation and the gift with numbers or music, or whatever, makes for interesting developments.

Silvio is not one of those romantic savants (he’s dyslexic and can’t even read very well), he’s just emotionally off, compared to non-autistic people and struggles to parse emotion—that of others and his own, at times, and he really struggles to express emotion. Sex is a handy shortcut for him, and he doesn’t see the way he thinks and responds as a problem at all. But his autism, while it affects him, it doesn’t define him. As a character, Silvio is not about autism, and autism is not an illness—it’s just how he is, and he copes with that perfectly well. 

Check out the entire tour stops HERE

March 19 - Joyfully Jay
March 20 - Jody Faltys
March 21 - Erotica for All
March 22 - Chicks & Dicks
March 23 - All I Want and More
March 26 - Amara's Place
March 27 - Dawn's Reading Nook
Get Aleksandr's entire Dark Soul series in a print volume as well as individually in E-Books.
Find out more at Riptide Publishing 
Love lights even the darkest soul.
A killer's moral compass rarely points true, and among made men, being gay is a capital crime. But Silvio Spadaro, deadly prodigy and heir to a Family fortune, is determined to find his own way—at the feet of the man he loves or by the barrel of a gun—no matter the dangers or costs.
Stefano Marino lives a comfortable—some might even say enviable—life. As a mob boss at the top of the food chain, he has it all: money, respect, a beautiful wife he loves as much now as the day they wed. But he also has a turf war on his hands, and far too soft a heart for this dark business.
When Silvio is sent to help Stefano with his turf war, sparks fly. Stefano loves his wife, but he wants Silvio. It's a desire he hardly knows how to process, but Silvio, ever the patient predator, maneuvers Stefano closer and closer to his bed each day. Stefano resists; giving in to these dark desires means giving up on his marriage, and exposure would surely mean death. Yet there's no denying Silvio's magnetic pull, or the long-repressed urges inside himself. Yielding is inevitable, but he may yet find a way to hold on to everything—and everyone—he loves.
The Dark Soul Series is as follows:




Monday, March 26, 2012

Submission Call from Amber Allure


ATTENTION AUTHORS OF M/M EROTIC FICTION
~ CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ~
Once again, Amber Allure (the GLBT imprint of Amber Quill Press) is pleased to announce a Call for Submissions. Although we're not open to "general" submissions, we are looking for stories that fit a specific theme being planned for release in 2012. For detailed information and submission guidelines, please visit our website at...
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AA_submissioncalls.html

Submission calls from Breathless Press

Home 

Calling all authors...Breathless Press is looking for your submissions in our general and theme lines. 
We are looking for romance, erotic romance, or erotica. 
A full listing of our lines, anthology calls and more can be found on our submission page at http://www.breathlesspress.com/Page/submissions

New Submission Calls Recently Announced:
Introducing Naughty Nursery Rhymes.
Take those old nursery rhymes and make them something sensual, dirty, naughty, and get those pens scribbling (or fingers flying on the keyboards.)
Stories need to be 10K and please put "Naughty Nursery Rhymes" in subject line of your email submission.

**~~**

Looking for Non-Fiction Submissions:

Our non-fiction line is called Reflections. We are seeking touching, unique, real-life stories about struggles overcome, lessons learned, experiences reflected upon. Stories must be at least 10k. Send them to acquisitions@breathlesspress.com stating that the submission is intended for the Reflections Line. At this time, anything goes. We’re interested in seeing what this line arouses.

**~~**

Christian Fiction Line

Our Christian Fiction line is called Blessings. You’re probably wondering, “But you have erotica and BDSM on your website???” Yes, we do, but BP doesn’t discriminate. If you go to your neighborhood market and walk into the book department, do you not see books of all genres? Sometimes, a Janette Oke book may even be next to that book with half naked woman clutched in the half naked rogue’s arms. So, our website will be no different.

Let’s be open-minded, all. Submissions for the Blessings Line must be a minimum of 10k and have a theme revolving around Faith, Love, Hope, and God. No sexual content, but some romance between hero and heroine is a must as we are still a romance publisher where our fiction pieces are concerned.





Sunday, March 25, 2012

Meet Trinity Blacio's Hero, Dietrich Flade


Please give a warm welcome to Dietrich Flade from Bound By Witchcraft by Trinity Blacio today as we sit down and see what makes him tick.

Q: So tell us about yourself. What got you in the crosshairs for your author? “Actually, I wanted to do this interview. My partner usually does these for me, but I’ve heard so much about you from, Trinity that I had to meet you myself. I was born in German, I run a private club in New York, not much to tell really.”

Q: What was it that drew you to your mate? “Her aura, as soon as she walked into the door, I knew she was mine.”

Q: A little naughty fun, where was the wildest place you seduced your partner(s)? “In the pantry, while many of her family were in the next room.”

Q: Boxers, briefs or Commando on a man? “Commando there is no other choice.”

Q: If your partner wants to seduce you, what's one sure fire trick he/she can play? “I love to see a woman in a corset and garters.”

Q: What is the one place on your partner's body that you know will drive them wild-in and out of bed? “Blair’s neck, right behind her earlobe.”

Q: What was one of the most embarrassing thing your author did to you in Bound by Witchcraft?
 “Nothing, I don’t get embarrassed, haven’t since I was a child and Trinity knew better. I’d get even.”

Q: Anything else you would like to add? “Just watch for more stories, we’ve just begun, and they only get hotter as time goes on. This wasn’t so hard, thank you for having me. You should visit the club one night. I know there are many who would take you under their guidance and train you proper.”

Thank you, Dietrich Flade for joining us on 'Meet the Character' day here at Dawn’s Reading Nook. Please find, Bound By Witchcraft, by Trinity Blacio at Ravenous Romance in two weeks.

http://www.ravenousromance.com/

Master Flade, or Dietrich Flade to those whom knew of him personally, died in 1589 during the beginning of the witch trials. Tried as a traitor, he was reincarnated as a warrior and a warlock, to protect witches and warlocks. Gifted from the god’s, Flade’s powers surpass those in his region. Only thirteen chosen were given such an honor. The only problem is eternity can be a long time by alone. He only wished is to have that special someone stand beside him, to embrace every night in the throes of passion that only he can provide.
Gray Strongwolf has been Dietrich Flade’s right-hand man for over thirty years, and has watched the man rule with an iron hand. The first day on the job he knew without a doubt his life would be tied to Master Flade, but how, the powers would not tell him. A quiet man, but deadly when protecting those who ask for sanctum, Gray watches and waits for his destiny to be revealed to him and his friend.

Jax Jagar, alpha to his pack and mate to Blair Sinclair, tracks her journey toward the Rapturous Celestial Sanctum in New York. Every time he is close enough to touch her, Blair slips through his fingers. Blair’s enemies follow her to closely for Jax’s comfort. Jax had no doubt her ass will be red when he gets done paddling it for putting herself in so much danger. The only thing going his way is that his friend, Master Flade, will protect her until he gets there. Magic or not, she is his!

Blair Sinclair, born a natural witch who comes from one of the most powerful families, is on the run. Thrust into the role of mother and father at a young age for her kind, Blair is determined to save her family even if it means sacrificing herself.

Can the three warriors claim their little witch, Blair, and protect her from those who would use her gift for evil? Will Blair trust her men with her body and heart, and will Master Flade finally have his dream submissive and companions by his side for eternity?

Check out another  of Trinity's Books if you enjoyed meeting Dietrich....

 



Friday, March 23, 2012

Welcome Ashley J. Benard


Welcome to Dawn’s Reading Nook, Ashley J. Barnard. Please let my cabana boys/girls get you a drink and make yourself at home. Comfortable? Great…now let’s get down to business.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What you do, either for a living or for fun or both?

Hi, Dawn! Thanks for having me here. I am very lucky that I am able to be a fulltime writer at home. I have five published novels and three published plays, and I’m always working on something new.

Q: Are you a by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of writer, or do you have to use an outline to put your collective thoughts into some semblance of common sense?


I never use outlines. I usually start with a simple idea or couple of characters. I don’t like to think it out too much at the start; it’s very fun for me to have it come together as I go.


Q: Tell us all about your latest or upcoming release. What inspired it?


My latest release is an historical-fantasy novel called “Cast of Illusions.” It’s what you might call a Shakespearean fantasy, and was inspired by my many years on stage as an actress. I love Shakespeare and I love his language, so I wanted to write something as a tribute. It’s also poking a little fun as well; some of his comedies have ridiculous endings, with dead people coming back to life, twins reunited and mistaken identities. I had a lot of fun with that.


Q: If you had super powers, what would they be? Why?


I would love to generate a list of books that I would love more than any others. I’ve wasted so much time reading books I don’t like, and there’s almost nothing I like better in the world than reading a great book. If I had a list that would tell me my absolute favorites, one that would keep me busy for the rest of my life, I’d be so set and content. I’m sure I’d come up with some other powers that were a little more altruistic if given time, but that’s the one that popped into my head. : )


Q: What genre haven’t you tried yet but want to in the future?


One of my favorite genres to read is horror, but I’ve never tried it. I know my imagination would scare the crap out of me and keep me up at night, and that’s the reason I don’t go there. But someday I would like to be brave enough to write a really scary ghost story, one that I would adore reading.


Q: What’s a fun fact about you? Something unique, a particular talent?


As I mentioned above, I was an actress for several years.


Q: What is one thing readers might be surprised to know about you?

As mentioned above, I was an actress for several years. My husband and I ran our own Shakespearean theater company, and I acted in several productions and on occasion directed and wrote plays. Right now I’m rehearsing a scene for a Shakespearean celebration, so that’s been very fun.

Q: Were your stories secret projects or were you able to be open with your family and friends about your writing?

I started my stories when I was very young, so they were definitely secret projects then. I didn’t tell anyone I wanted to be a writer until I was in my late teens, and I didn’t let anyone read my writing until I was 24.

Q: Do you have any weird writing habits?

I love listening to film scores to get me inspired. I LOVE making previews for my books in my head.

Q: What's your favorite genre to read?

Horror, and I also love good, mainstream literary stuff as well as Victorian classics.

Q: What type of book have you always wanted to write?
A good ghost story.

Q: What authors can be found in your library of books (print, audio or e-books)?

Michael Chabon, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Guy Gavriel Kay, Ian McEwan, Ann Rice, Phil Rickman, Dickens, Hardy, Updike, Irving

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world (money is no object), where would you go? Why? And for how long?

I have a huge affinity for England but I’ve never been. I would go there in a heartbeat. I’d love to go for a year.


Q: Do you have any obsessions? What are they?

I love pirates and pirate ships. I have to buy anything I find on it with a rampant lion, and I love foxes.

Q: Is there anything you’re currently working on that you can give us a taste of?

I’m currently working a paranormal romance for teens.

Q: When creating your characters, do you have models in mind or are they totally fictional?

Mostly they’re fictional, but sometimes real people are just too good to ignore. My MIL is an interesting (crazy!) person, and sometimes I use her quirks for characters. Sometimes I use actors in my mind and then describe the characters accordingly.

Q: Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

I start out in control. They always take over.

Q: If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Don’t be fooled by my sweet appearance. There’s a dark and twisted in mind in here that gets its way on the page.

Q: Please tell us where we can find you on the web.

http://www.ashleyjbarnard.com is my website. Twitter is wckdwriter, and Facebook is wickedwriter7.

Thanks for popping by and I wish you continued success in your writing career.

Thanks so much for having me!

Shadow Fox by Ashley J. Beanard

Synopsis

Jared Bruin doesn’t know who he is. He remembers nothing of his early childhood before the age of seven when he was abandoned in a park in St. Louis, left in an unfamiliar world that terrified him. He knows only that he is driven to learn everything he can about swordplay and sixteenth-century combat.

Almost twenty years later, as he is battling a heroin addiction, suicidal tendencies and a violent affliction he doesn't understand, he is hired to teach swordplay to an enigmatic woman with secrets of her own, who somehow provides a link to his past.
              
Then a missing journal arrives that provides many answers to Jared’s past, and in it another world is revealed, one of a Goddess, prophecies, elves, a devastating love triangle, and a war in desperate need of a hero.

  Excerpt (PG):
 
“Do you mind if we start over?”

“Not at all,” she said and took his hand.

“Hullo. I’m Jared.”

“Glad to meet you. I’m Tarika.”

They shook hands, laughing, and she caught sight of the inside of his wrist. The remnant of his self-inflicted wound, though over a year old, still bore a raw and purplish countenance around the raised and striking white line of the scar, and there was absolutely no doubt as to the nature of it. His breath catching in his throat, he tried to pull his hand out of her grasp but her fingers tightened around his and refused to let go. With the fingers of her free hand, she lightly traced the scar all the way up his forearm. The touch was so incredibly intimate Jared felt as though she had undressed him.

“Why did you do this?” she said, her eyes riveted to the scar.

“I . . .”

She looked up and met his gaze, and he saw that her eyes were glazed over. As many seconds of palpable silence passed, Jared tried several times unsuccessfully to pull away from her.

Finally she spoke, and her voice sounded distant and utterly different. “You don’t know who you are. There is something inside you that . . . you are hiding from yourself and others . . . something you find terrible –”
Politeness be damned, he started to yank his hand out of hers, only to have her fingers tighten so forcefully he started to squirm. A distant voice in his head, oblivious to the circumstances, said, Those are a fencer’s hands, no doubt about it.

“You’re afraid of it, you don’t understand it, you fear it will consume you –”

Using his free hand as leverage, he finally managed to pull his hand from her grip and put both hands on her shoulders, shaking her, furious.

“Stop!”


Thursday, March 22, 2012

My Personal Review for Putting Out Fires by Marie Sexton

If you never visited the Coda Series by Marie Sexton, then her Valentine's themed novella, Putting Out Fires, is the perfect introduction to the series that started with Promises. 


My Rating for Putting Out Fires: 4 Stars



Matt Richards has spent the last three years with his lover, Jared Thomas and he has been happier than he ever has been. But when Valentine’s Day rolls around and his lover mentions he is unappreciated, Matt finds he needs to do something to show the man he loves that Jared is appreciated in every way by Matt. But things don’t go according to plans and chaos ensures. Can Matt salvage this Valentine’s Day before Jared is home?

With the right amount of humor, romance and more, Marie Sexton delivers a wonderful addition in her Coda series with Matt & Jared front and center. I absolutely adore this series, not just because there are three main couples that it follows but because it has a heart and soul that leaves a reader breathlessly aching for more. Marie Sexton captures the heart of Jared and Matt in this funny, sweet and sexy Valentine's story that is perfect anytime of the year, not just on Valentine's Day. The characters, Matt and Jared, are center stage and with the help of a few friends, Matt is on his way to show Jared how appreciated he is. Well...I don't think Matt anticipates that plans can somehow go out of whack with a blink of an eye.

I laughed out loud so many times my honey came walking into the living room wondering what I was doing that was hilarious. The story is a fun way to introduce you to the Coda series or just revisit some beloved characters. This author knows how to showcase her characters in ways that let them shine in her stories and that is the beauty of a Marie Sexton story. Her storytelling is unparalleled and delivers something that will leave you aching for more. I fell in love with Matt and Jared in the first book, promises, and from then on, each story (novellas and novels) bring added characters that give the series depth and growth. With the right amount of humor, sexy scenes, romance and angst, the reader is treated like family as they read the Coda series.

If you haven't read any of the Coda books, why are you standing here? Run-go, shoo-to grab the books and then get ready for the fun to begin. If you are back after a break from reading them, it's like coming home after a long vacation as you catch up with everyone. 

Marie Sexton is an author to look out for and one I am eager to read more of. I highly recommend her entire Coda Series and hope you enjoy the series as much as I do.

You can find the Coda Series at Dreamspinner Press in ebook, print and audio books

The Coda Series is as follows:

Promises (About Jared and Matt)
A to Z (About Zach and Angelo)
The Letter Z (about Zach and Angelo)
Strawberries for Dessert (About Jonathon and Cole) 
Putting Out Fires (Jared and Matt novella)
Paris A to Z (about all the couples)

Free stories on Marie Sexton's website for the Coda Series http://mariesexton.net

The start of the series:













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