Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Welcome Jannine Corti Petska & Alessandra Podesta, Heroine from Dante's Flame


Please give a warm welcome to Alessandra Podesta from Dante’s Flame by Jannine Corti Petska today as we sit down and see what makes her tick.

Q: So tell us about yourself. What got you in the crosshairs for your author?
My father sent me to Naples to cure my need for adventure. And to keep me from flirting with a noble’s married son. He only stole one kiss.

I am a storyteller. I weave tales of romance and adventure in my journal.  I believe the author wrote my story because we share the love of the written word.

Q: What was it that drew you to your mate?
Have you not seen Dante Santangelo? What female would not be drawn to him? Mayhap his male beauty caught my eye at first. The first time he wrapped his arms around me stole my breath. He possesses hard muscles aplenty. But he is an intelligent and patient man. The kind of man I needed in a husband. But then, he does have the most remarkable, violet eyes.

Q: A little naughty fun, where was the wildest place you seduced your partner?
**giggle** To be sure, Dante would not appreciate others knowing the answer to that question. (leans forward and speaks in a lower voice just in case her husband is nearby) I flirt with my husband at the mercato. He cannot contain himself, more so when I brush my backside against his…man part. (sits back) I fear I torture his male senses.

Q: In what does he sleep at night?
Oh, he wears naught at all and insists I wear naught as well. Truth be told, he can have me at his whim without clothes to pull off. **grin**

Q: If your partner wants to seduce you, what's one sure fire trick he can play?
He need not play a trick. Just one look from his beautiful eyes makes me swoon.

Q: What is the one place on your partner's body that you know will drive them wild-in and out of bed?
His lower belly. I know not why, but when I skim his flesh there with my fingertips, he sucks in his breath and gets splendidly (leans in closer and whispers) hard—all over. **raises eyebrows and laughs**

Q: What was one of the most embarrassing thing your author did to you in DANTE’S FLAME?
She made me pretend to be a boy who goes into the tavern to see what Dante does when he is in there. And she made me sit with Dante and the French captain, drinking overmuch. Faith, I passed out!

Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Please read Dante’s Flame or you will miss the story of a handsome French spy who married me just to get closer to my cousins. Dante believed they sided with the Spanish. And if you do not blush easily, our love scenes are… To be sure, they are hot!

Thank you Alessa for joining us on 'Meet the Character' day here at Breathless Press Blog. Please find Dante’s Flame by Jannine Corti Petska at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon. Here are the links:

Blurb:

Alessandra Podesta writes illicit tales unsuitable for a young lady. Exasperated, her father sends her to visit relatives in Naples to curb her wild imagination. But in her undying need for adventure, she toys with the affections of her tutor and is forced to marry him. When she unknowingly falls into a dangerous game of supremacy between two countries, she trusts the wrong people and endangers her life.

French tutor Dante Santangelo is secretly aiding the French in maintaining their rule over Naples. When he is manipulated into marrying the visiting cousin of the Valente Family, he seizes upon the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the family, who are under suspicion of helping the Spanish. When Alessandra's life is in jeopardy Dante must choose between love and duty. Will he offer up his life to save Alessandra? Or remain duty-bound to the French?


Excerpt:

“Well said, Signor Santangelo.” Thrusting the loaves of bread between her arm
and body, she smacked her gloved hands together in complimentary cheer. Although
she had spoken in earnest, she instinctively knew the man would give naught of
himself away. He was far too clever to fall into a game of words in which he might
reveal more than intended.

“The truth often is.”

She angled her head in confusion.

“Well said,” he reminded her. “The truth cannot be hidden by ugly words.”

Her curiosity heightened. “It seems lies fall from one’s tongue much easier than truths.”

“So it seems.”

His ease in agreement prickled her seldom provoked ferocity. Bluntly she  asked,
“What of your carousing after curfew?”

A smile eased the tautness of his lips. “A man needs no protection.”

“Especially a French man in a town guarded by the French?”

Not a twitch marred his lasting smile. “Careful, signorina. Do not delve into a man’s
life else you may find more than your little mind can devour.”

Alessa bristled. “Are you belittling my intelligence, signore?”

“On the contrary. I am simply warning you against venturing too deeply into the
politics beleaguering Naples. And trust me, the men in this town have strong
opinions of King Rene and the French occupation.” He glanced over her shoulder
and nodded at the rows of tiny cakes and other sweets. “Have you a preference?”

, but he’d not been happy to learn she preferred to taste his lips than the
mouth-watering morsels within reach.

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon



Monday, July 30, 2012

It's Birthday Time for Breathless Press


August is our Birthday Month so drop by our facebook page, website, blog and more to see what is going on the entire month of August. Some wonderful events are being planned. From free stories to a scavenger hunt. Get ready to party with us as we celebrate our birthday at Breathless Press!


Friday, July 27, 2012

My Personal Review for An Elf For All Centuries

If you enjoyed the movie Zoolander here is the perfect answer to your desires. A spoiled supermodel elf, a desperate wizard and a love that is destined to cross the time. This is An Elf for all Centuries.


My Rating for An Elf for all Centuries: 3.5 Stars



Elf Prince Fabian is the best supermodel out there. But when he meets a wizard named Matradorian, well let’s just say the perfect life he had goes up in a puff of smoke. Now he is sent back in time to help his fallen King, Henda, who is grieving for his lover who died. But Fabian is facing obstacles at every turn because when he finds out that by helping the king recover, he just may have wiped himself out in his own time period. Can this supermodel elf find a way to go back to his time or will he be stuck in the time where he is just a normal elf?


S. A. Garcia delivers one hell of a story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat or in  my case, falling off the bed because I was laughing too hard at some of the over the top moments from Fabian. This is one rollicking ride from start to finish. It has humor, snarkiness and characters that had me intrigued. Can a spoiled supermodel elf find a way to get back to his own time period before it's too late? What happens when danger gets thrown int he mix and Fabian has to try to figure out who wants him dead? Lots of fun moments as well as tender ones too. So it balances the story out nicely. I got to admit, this story made me think of the movie Zoolander with Ben Stiller. It was funny, poignant and pure entertainment and this is the perfect complement to it. 


S. A. Garcia delivers a story that leaves you breathless and I loved her world building in this story. I am just hoping this author comes back to this world they created for more stories. This is one of those books I plan to read again. If you enjoy a right amount of sarcasm/snarkiness, romance and lust, a fast paced story-line and entertaining characters, then you found the perfect story to read on a hot summer afternoon. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

You can find An Elf for all Centuries at Silver Publishing in E-book

Guest Author Day with Elysia Hendricks


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

So tell us about yourself. What got you interested in writing? Who are your publisher(s)?

Well, before I get started I'd love a frozen marguerite. Thanks. Okay, now I'm ready. I'm 5'6" tall. I have brown eyes and curly hair. I'm a writer, a wife, a mother and a daughter. Everything else is subject to change without notice.

I've always been a voracious reader, reading everything from non-fiction to science fiction. Even as a child I told myself, and everyone else who'd listen, stories. In grade school I even convinced some classmates I was an alien visiting from Venus to learn about Earth and its inhabitants.

Right now I have four fantasies, GEMINI MOON, CRYSTAL MOON, SHADOW MOON and FORBIDDEN MOON published with ImaJinn Books. In October they'll release my sci-fi romance DARK STAR DAWNING. I've also published with Hard Shell Word Factory and Dorchester Publishing, but I've since regained my rights to those books and I'm re-releasing them as ebooks.

How did you start your writing career?

I've always written short stories, but one Christmas Eve I decided to try and write what I thought was going to be a short contemporary romance. It turned out to be a sci-fi/fantasy story that borrowed heavily from Star Trek: Next  Generation with a winged telepathic alien who hitchhikes aboard a passing space ship. I wrote that book in three months then spent the next three years learning how to write. That book remains and will remain under my bed guarded by killer dust bunnies.

Tell us about your favorite character(s) from your books.

Cora Daniels from STAR CRASH is one of favorite characters. She doesn't let anything or anybody stand in the way of accomplishing her goals of escaping from the alien zoo she finds herself trapped in. And she's determined to take Alexander, the lover she'd thought was lost, with her despite his insistence on remaining to right the wrongs he's done.

 
What was the first scene or character you started with when you began this book?

The first scene is the opening of the book where Cora wakes up to find herself strapped naked to an examination table.

Tell us about your current/upcoming release. What inspired it?

STAR RAIDERS is set in the same universe as STAR CRASH. Where STAR CRASH is what I call my Star Trek meets Planet of the Apes book. Every time I go to the zoo I wonder what the animals are thinking about when they look back at the people.  STAR RAIDERS was inspired by my love of Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean. What could be more fun than space pirates?

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?

Over the years there have been many authors who've helped and mentored me. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Lindsey Longford were two of the first people who read and critique my horrible beginning attempts at writing. Their kind words and gentle guidance helped me learn the art and craft of writing. I had numerous critique partners, some published, some not - Kelle Riley, Barbara Cary, Elizabeth Rose, Jean Newlin, Anita Baker, Cindy Reynders, and Karen McCullough to name a few. Myra McWethy was my first writing teacher.

Who are some of your favorite authors/books?

Kathleen Woodiwiss's THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER, THE WOLF AND THE DOVE, SHANNA, and A ROSE IN WINTER are some of the first romance books I read. Before that I focused mainly on sci-fi and fantasy - Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. Through the years I've discovered so many great books and authors it would take pages and pages for me to even attempt to list all my favorites.

What was your first sale as an author?

My first sale was my western historical romance RAWHIDE SURRENDER to Hard Shell Word Factory.  I've since re-published this title as an ebook as HER WILD TEXAS HEART.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
Since I'm fortunate to have a husband who encourages and supports my writing habit, I don't have a full time job and I'm able to write during the day. My best writing hours are in the morning from 9:00am until noonish. Sometimes, if the writing is going well, I'll continue into the afternoon, but usually I take care of household stuff and writing business in the afternoon. Evenings are reserved for family.
If you could visit any time and place, where and when would it be and why?
As long as I could visit without any risk of having to stay there and would only have to deal with the lack of modern conveniences for a short time, I'd love to visit the American west during the 1800's. Also, I'd want a guarantee that I wouldn't end up sick, shot, scalped or raped. I'm not a courageous person. I prefer to experience adventure and excitement vicariously through books and movies.

If you could be any shape shifter, what form would you take and why?
I'd like to be a shifter like Silky in my book STAR RAIDERS. She takes the shape of a big cat or a feline humanoid, but she's actually much more. She's an energy entity who can manipulate energy into mass and take any form she wishes.
What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?
Nope, I think I've covered all the good stuff.
Who's more fun to write: bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Oh, bad boys are definitely more fun to write and I love to read stories with bad boys, but they're really hard for me write. While at first glance my hero's may seem to be bad boys, inside they're really good guys just waiting for the right woman to tame them.
 
If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and what would you do together?
Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your heart?

I don't have a favorite character any more than I have a favorite child. I love each of them - even the villains - for who they are. They all represent pieces of me - characteristics I like, those I hate, and those I wish I had. But the character closest to my heart is Sianna DiSanti from CRYSTAL MOON. She's an empathic healer who sees the good in everyone and does her best to bring it out. She's the person I wish I could be.

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

Probably Brandon Alexander Davis from THE SWORD AND THE PEN. He's a neurotic, insecure writer who's afraid to experience adventure anywhere but in the pages of the books he writes.

Anything else you would like to add?

Writing is a solitary occupation, just me and my imaginary friends, I love to hear from readers and other authors. They can reach me through my web site:
http://www.elysahendricks.com
or on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elysa-Hendricks-Author/137316289643103

Thank you for being my guest today and may you have lots of sales.
Thank you for having me to visit. The conversation, the drinks, and the cabana boys were lovely.

STAR CRASH
Sci-Fi Romance
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Crash-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007T2J9T0

Blurb:
When Planet of the Apes meets Star Trek what's a girl to do?

After recon pilot Cora Daniels crash lands on an alien planet she finds herself a prisoner of the Flock: a race of birdlike humanoids. Trapped in their zoo she discovers they intend her to mate. To breed. To be part of their human herd.

She's placed in a cage with a man - a powerful, virile man, but not just any man - Alexander. Was he her lost love, who'd disappeared so long ago? Here he was: naked, glistening, a warrior trained by the Flock to fight for their amusement. How could the brilliant man, the tender lover she remembered have become this animal born to dominate and destroy? Was he a pawn of the Flock or would their flight to freedom be a long-sought reunion?

Excerpt:
The women paid little attention to her or her guard as they moved through this human chicken coop. She noticed there weren't any pens with grown men. If the women were hens, where was the rooster?

The next pen answered her question. Naked except for protective cups over their genitals, ten boys ranging in age from four to ten practiced fighting with wooden swords. Her attention shifted from the boys to the adult male who directed their training. Though his back was to her, he appeared as naked as the boys. Forgetting the guard, she paused to watch.

Bronze skin shiny with sweat rippled over powerful muscles as the man instructed the boys in swordplay. With his dark hair and straddle-legged stance, the youngest boy looked like a miniature version of the man. Cora smiled at his clumsy attempts to imitate his elder's fluid movements.

The boy watched the man intently, but his small body, round with baby fat, refused to cooperate. He tripped and sprawled in the dust. His wooden sword slipped from his grip. The other boys' laughter stopped abruptly at the man's sharp command. The man knelt next to the boy, said a few quiet words then handed him back the wooden sword. The boy rubbed the tears from his cheeks with grubby fists, leaving streaks of dirt. The man's compassion for the boy touched Cora, made these people seem less like animals. More human.

At one time she'd dreamed of someday having a child like this--Alex's child. That dream had died with him. Losing Alex had killed that need inside her. Now she lived to explore. Relationships, love and caring for others were no longer part of her life.

Still, her gaze moved back to the man and traveled from the top of his head, covered with sleek shoulder-length ebony hair, down his broad shoulders to his narrow waist and taut bare buttocks. Her breath caught at the beauty of his form. His unashamed masculinity woke her buried femininity. Her nipples tightened in response. At some primal level her body recognized this man. No one since Alex had stirred her like this. "Turn around," she whispered. "I want to see your face."

Thursday, July 26, 2012

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD: HEART OF THE MATTER or HUNGRY? 4 of 4


We have been honored to have participated in Recipes from TheWritersVineyard.com.  So, over the next few weeks we'd like to share those recipes.  This is the final entry.  Each includes our own zany humor along with something about books.  If you wish a FREE copy of the entire book which includes recipes from many of CBG's authors, please write us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with COOKBOOK in the subject line.

Desert - Eagles Cake

Contributed by:
Angelica Hart and Zi
(angelicahartandzi.com)
Romantic thrillers, fantasy, paranormal

Story behind the recipe - We adore the football team, the Eagles, and this desert is a sports fan's guilty pleasure and or warm-fuzzy -- win or lose cake.  What better way to celebrate any football season than with a  Eagles green, sweet, moist cake?  (Yes, we're from that part of the world.)  You can have a blast making this cake – there will be green food dye and green cake batter everywhere! But that’s half the fun.  NOTE:  Apron and towels are a must.  NOTE:  Camera would be in order if the previous multi-note was ignored.  After frosting the cake, and licking the spoon clean, it will be so much fun to slice a piece and find the bright green cake hiding under the icing!  NOTE:  Whereas, the green is all about the Birds, it is reasonable that some Irish might enjoy it -- Que sera sera.

What you’ll need
Cake
- 2 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 tsp. Baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp, Cocoa powder
-1 ½ cups vegetable oil,  1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, 2 tbsp green food coloring
- 1 tsp. white distilled vinegar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
 Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 pound softened cream cheese
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar

Steps to the process Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with an electric mixer.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between 2 8-inch round pans.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes (mine took 25 minutes), test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add the sugar and beat, on a low speed, until incorporated.
- Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.


Blurb from SNAKE DANCE - On the planet Starling wRen, a winged chickalas with the rare ability to fly defies a submissive heritage, braving the dark legends of the Asp to be with VeIper, enemy to the Kin, the protectors of her Nestling. Meanwhile, VeIper seeks to free his species from ethnic cleansing as well as win the awe of the beautiful and defiant wRen. Mong, a slayer, has already claimed wRen and vows to destroy those of VeIper's kind.

           
****
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
http://www.champagnebooks.com/

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

THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Book Spotlight Day with Haven Raines's Farnsworth Hall



Could Castles Ever Be Complete Without a Secret Passage?

A secret passage is usually inside a structure leading to a secret room or a way of entering/exiting without being seen. Hidden rooms and passageways have helped people carry out illegal, religious, political, or smuggling activities, evade capture, and spy on others. Many Medieval Castles or Arabic houses were not complete without a secret passage.

The entry to these passages were difficult to detect. The doors were camouflaged so they appear as a part of the structure such as bookshelf, with a window ledge, fireplace, or ornament on the wall. Some entrances were more elaborately concealed and can be opened only by engaging a hidden mechanism or locking device. Other hidden doors were much simpler such as a trapdoor hidden under a rug.

A secret passage is not just the province of ancient castles and the mansions of famous magicians. Secret passages can be easily built in your own home, and they can provide hours of entertainment for newcomers and family members alike.

To build your own secret room, you will need a power saw and drill, a hammer, a door, levers, screws and nails.
1st Step - Measure and remove a section of wall (non-load bearing, please).
2nd Step – Rebuild the wall as far into the room as needed and install a recessed wall sliding door.
3rd Step - Install a trigger mechanism such as a picture frame, a conveniently placed book, or a button the color of the wall paper or paneling.
4th Step - Install a system of levers attaching the trigger mechanism to the doorknob, such that when you turn the picture frame, the door will slide open.
5th Step - Lastly, wallpaper or panel the wall so the secret door blends into the surrounding wall and the seams of the door are impossible to differentiate from the surrounding wall.

            My childhood fantasy of living in a castle with hidden passageways, secret gardens, butlers, dumb waiters and ghosts became my first book, Farnsworth Hall. I had a great deal of fun living in the castle with a fun cast of characters and lurking ghosts. A hidden family secret was revealed but not in time to prevent the heroine from disappearing.

 I saw England through the eyes of the run-away pregnant heiress who was hunted by an unconventional private investigator and rejoiced when the heiress was reunited with the hero.

Thanks so much to Dawn for hosting me today. I really appreciate the chance to get information on my book out to readers. 

Farnsworth Hall is the first in the series, In a Castle It Can Happen, which will cover the three Coulter sister’s romances plus other family members. This is Rachel’s story. Coming soon are Carmen’s and Amanda’s stories.  

Farnsworth Hall by Haven Raines –Gothic Romance set in Contemporary England
To ease the heartbreak of a disappointing love affair, Rachel Coulter agrees to help locate a suitable English castle for her mother's spa chain. When her tour bus breaks down, she finds the formidable fortress she is stranded in front of houses more than ghosts.  
Trace Cardiff inherited the falling down Farnsworth Hall. Despite the childhood memories he holds close, he must sell the monstrosity before it bankrupts him. When his son’s former nanny, Rachel, shows up, claiming she's in the market to buy, he doesn’t believe her. But Rachel's persistence not only stirs all the feelings buried in his heart, it awakens family ghosts who would rather see her disappear...forever.
Caught in a passionate web of lies and deceit, Trace and Rachel must battle their way to the truth. Will the skeletons sleep at last, or will family secrets succeed in driving them apart?
EMAIL Haven at: www.havenraines.com
BUY LINKS:

Monday, July 23, 2012

New Dreamspinner Press Releases-Week of July 23rd 2012

This weeks new releases from Dreamspinner Press
www.dreamspinnerpress.com


Daddio by Mickie J. Ashling
Sequel to Taste 
Horizons Series: Book Three 


Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary
Buy in E-book & Print

Six months after meeting at the Taste of Chicago, Lil Lampert and Grier Dilorio are living together.  Their physical bond glows brighter than ever, but the couple soon realizes that it takes more than three magic words and outstanding sex to make a partnership work.

Like any fledgling, Grier is learning how to navigate his new life. His problems should have ended when Jillian signed the papers acknowledging him as Luca’s biological father and he got the opportunity to pursue a career in interior design.  Instead, he’s hampered by old fears and bad habits that are hard to let go.

Adjusting to a small apartment in a four-season state—with a much younger man sporting a stubborn streak—is a challenge for Lil. His position as Luca’s “Daddio” is a delicate balancing act between doing what he thinks is right and deferring to Grier’s eight years of experience.

Life is stressed enough, but now Lil and Grier also face an unexpected complication from a powerful, far-reaching ruling body. Suddenly Luca’s safety—and their happiness as an emerging family—depends on Lil's keen understanding of human nature and Grier's willingness to learn.

Bus Stop by Anne Dudley
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary
Buy E-book & Print

When Benny and Stuart first meet on the bus, it seems like they have nothing in common. Stuart is an up-and-coming ad agency rep. Benny drives a bus Stuart takes when he's too drunk to get behind the wheel. Benny’s a doting father to a little girl who’s his whole world. Stuart’s not sure he ever wants kids.

Despite their differences, their shared circumstances bind them together. Benny and Stuart are both expecting unplanned children with women they don’t love. They’ve both spent too much time hiding from their true selves. And now that they’re being forced to face who they are, they can’t deny the attraction growing between them—an attraction that quickly deepens into something more.

Both men know the timing is wrong, and the path to any sort of future together is fraught with fear, pain, and some very difficult questions: How can they leave their pregnant spouses with integrity? How can Benny carry on an affair that might cost him his daughter, the brightest spot in his life? Can Stuart really turn his back on the comfort of the society life he’s been living with his girlfriend? But ultimately, only one question really counts: How can they go back to the lives they lived before when they’ve seen just how good love can be?

No Surrender, No Retreat by L. J. Labarthe
Sequel to No Quarter -- Archangel Chronicles: Book 2
 Length: Novel
Genre: Paranormal, Angel and Demons
Buy in Print and E-book

Seventy years after it began, the war between angels and demons is over. Archangels Gabriel and Michael reunite at last, but a dangerous new challenge stands in the way of their happiness: someone is kidnapping angels and selling them as trophies on the black market. When Raphael, Archangel of Healing, goes missing, his tearful lover joins with the Brotherhood of Archangels and their lieutenants to rescue him.

Without Raphael’s healing touch, disease spreads quickly through the world’s human population. The situation only worsens when the angel Agrat is kidnapped: the number of sex crimes begins to rise and her husband, Gabriel’s lieutenant, loses himself to his grief. As they mount a rescue mission, Gabriel and Michael’s relationship will be put to the test. With the threat of the world dying around them and tragedy looming overhead, can Gabriel and Michael keep love and hope alive?

Priceless by M. A. Church
Length: Novella
Genre: Other Paranormal
Buy E-book Only


Sparks ignite when Cupid takes aim at two mortals in Las Vegas: Randy Jones, an average guy on a company vacation, looks into Garrett’s eyes at a craps table and time stands still. Throwing aside everything he believes, Randy engages in a torrid two-night affair with Garrett—only to panic when he realizes he’s fallen in love.

Cynical billionaire Garrett Shiffler has everything money can buy, and most of his dates can’t see past the dollar signs. Life has taught him that innocence and love are figments of the imagination. But when Randy disappears, taking with him feelings Garrett thought he’d never know, Garrett wages the most important battle of his life to win Randy's love—but this time he fights with his heart, not his bank account.

Meanwhile, Cupid wonders what happened. His golden arrows never fail unless the Fates interfere. If Garrett wants to win Randy back, he’s going to have to do it on his own, because the Fates have other plans for Cupid.

Triage by Louise Blaydon
Length: Novella
Genre: M/M/M
Buy in E-book only

When Christian first meets Jordan and Ezra, they're all young and lucky, thrown together in a journalist internship that cements their friendship for life. But when the internship ends, everything falls apart.

Christian has always loved Jordan, though he’s sure he doesn't have a chance. By Jordan's wedding, Christian has feelings for Ezra too. Then Ezra leaves on a foreign assignment, and Christian resigns himself to loneliness and concentrates on his job.

But his professional success comes with crushing personal blows. When an accident kills Jordan's wife, Christian becomes Jordan’s only support. Months spent so close to him take their toll on Christian’s heart. Then Ezra finally comes home and Christian realizes he has to make a choice: give up on both of them and try to move on… or take a chance that's risky, crazy—and his only shot.

Little Squirrels can Climb Trees by Michael Murphy
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary
Buy in E-book & Print


Kyle Miller is a rare breed. Though born to conservative parents and raised in small-town Oklahoma, Kyle realized young that he had to escape rural America. Now he’s living in New York City, working as an ER doctor, and paying off his massive student loans. He’s never been on a plane and never seen a movie, but he is worldly enough to recognize attraction when it smacks him in the forehead. Not that he knows how he managed to crack heads with Joseph, who’s a good foot shorter than Kyle’s six and a half feet.

Joseph is Kyle’s polar opposite in other ways too, well-off where Kyle is poor, and self-assured while Kyle is insecure. He’s also determined to show Kyle what a great guy he is and bring the confidence Kyle shows in the ER out in his everyday life. But Kyle’s hectic work schedule and inexperience with relationships won’t make for an easy romance.

Three Fates by Andrew Grey, Mary Calmes & Amy Lane
Length: Novel, Anthology
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Other Paranormal
Buy in E-book & Print

For time immemorial, the goddesses of fate have decided which human threads will shine and which will be cut short. But even the fates have off days.

Fate Delivers a Prince by Andrew Grey: Finding love shouldn’t be that difficult for a diplomat’s son, except Cheyenne is part of a grand tradition of werewolves, and a werewolf with a skin condition needs more help than most mortals. When Chay meets the prince of his dreams, it takes Clotho’s intervention to keep him from letting go.

Jump by Mary Calmes: When two lovers die, their threads of life are collected instead of scattered, as one of them was the brother of a god. Can the fates reunite two lovers whose threads should have twined together for eternity?  Or will Cassidy allow Raza’s interest to pass his pale, mortal self by?

Believed You Were Lucky by Amy Lane: The gods’ meddling isn’t always welcome. It’s given Leif good luck but poor fortune, and Hacon a family curse he’s lived in fear of all his life. But when Leif’s good luck saves Hake’s life, Hake has to reevaluate everything he’s ever believed about luck, life, and love.














A change at my blog

Due to the fact I don't want to be sued, I have discontinued mancandy days here at the blog.

If I do post any mancandy pictures, the pictures I have either bought and license to or have the permission of the photographer to post it.

I love mancandy just as much as the rest of you do but alas, I am not wanting a fight over it. So I deleted all posts with mancandy pictures I have posted here.

A link to a blog post who had this happen to her-http://www.roniloren.com/blog/2012/7/20/bloggers-beware-you-can-get-sued-for-using-pics-on-your-blog.html

Welcome SJD Peterson today

Please give a warm welcome to my friend and cookie loving author, SJD Peterson, the author of the emotionally charged Whispering Pines Series at Dreamspinner Press.


I love this series with passion (still got to read book 2 and 3 yet) but have to admit this is an author who knows how to put her readers through the wringer of emotions. I highly suggest buying stock in kleenex when you pick up one of these books-you will need it!


Now onto Jo's post on her upcoming book-Connor's Courage....



When I set out to write Lorcan’s Desire, it was to be but one story about Lorcan and his desire and quest to find acceptance outside of his family. That one story then became a trilogy. Each book introduces new characters that influenced Lorcan’s life in one way or another. Again, I had no plans to continue the story beyond Lorcan’s adventure, which the trilogy encompasses.

Then we have Conner.

Conner is such a huge part of the Whispering Pines Ranch. He’s like its backbone. He’s the one who makes everyone feel at home on the ranch, and those who live there, feel like family. He’s nurturing, loving, yet he can also be a spitfire. He and John needed their story told.

As anyone who has read the series knows, John wasn’t doing very well in Ty’s Obsession. I couldn’t just leave that thread hanging and thought this was the perfect chance to tell his and Conner’s story. Although John and Conner obviously got their “Happily Ever After” it nearly didn’t happen for these two. It wasn’t love at first sight, more like lust at first sight. Although their initial response to each other was purely physical, there was something more that neither man could put their finger on.

Conner’s Courage isn’t about the happily ever after, it’s about the struggles and obstacles people sometimes have to overcome to get to the love story. It’s about having the courage to be yourself even when being yourself makes you a target for hate. It’s about learning that the respect and approval of a community isn’t as important as the love given by one.

Conner’s Courage (Whispering Pines Ranch, Book #4)
(Coming to Dreamspinner Press August 3, 2012)
Blurb:
John Price and Conner Burnett have been part of the Whispering Pines Ranch for the past thirty-seven years. A loving couple who have overcome every obstacle thrown at them, John and Conner are a testament to the strength of true love. But now John is in the hospital with a diagnosis of cancer, fighting for his very life.

As his lover struggles, Conner looks back on when they first met. The early seventies wasn’t an easy time to be a gay man, especially in a small country town. Considering John’s pride, Conner’s need to be himself, shame, bitterness, and two stubborn natures, their love story almost wasn’t written. But they beat the odds, and Conner will be damned if he’ll let anyone take John from him now. He had the courage to stand up for what he wanted in 1974. If need be, he’ll go toe to toe with God himself to keep the man he fought so hard to love.



The other books in the series are as follows:

Book 1: Lorcan's Desire

Despite the loving support of his family, Lorcan James wants to try life on his own, so at twenty-one, he finds himself walking halfway across the country in search of adventure. What he finds is desperation, desperation that leads him straight to Whispering Pines Ranch and right into the path of its strong, arrogant, gorgeous owner, who awakens something in Lorcan he didn’t even know existed.

Quinn Taylor is up to his neck in grief and frustration dealing with a neighboring rancher who wants nothing more than to see him go belly-up. He doesn’t need more complications, but from the moment he lays eyes on Lorcan, his world turns upside down. Despite finding in Quinn what his heart craves, Lorcan refuses to be Quinn’s dirty little secret—and Quinn isn’t the only one vying for Lorcan’s attention. Ranch hand Jess will happily declare his love for Lorcan to the world, something Quinn won’t offer—something Lorcan needs above all else.

Book 2: Quinn's Need

It’s been a year since Lorcan James left Whispering Pines Ranch, and Quinn Taylor has barely recovered.  Only two things keep him from falling into the abyss of despair: his work at the ranch and his escape into the world of BDSM at a club called The Push. At The Push, the sound of men begging him helps drown out the bitter memory of his own voice begging Lorcan to stay.

When Lorcan comes back to Pegasus, the same blistering heat simmers between them, but almost nothing has changed.  Lorcan is still with Jess, the man he left the ranch with, and Quinn has captured the attention of Ty Callahan, a man who will beg Quinn for anything, anytime, and any way Quinn wants it. Despite how much he wants Lorcan, Quinn swears he’ll never beg a man again. If there’s one thing Quinn has learned the hard way, it’s that not even begging can fill love’s aching need.

Book 3: Ty's Obsession

Ty Callahan knew Quinn Taylor was special the moment he first laid eyes on him. When the angry and heartbroken cowboy finally opens up, Ty sees the real man inside, and for the first time in years, Ty is ready to love again. There’s only one problem: Lorcan James. Although Lorcan has owned a piece of Quinn’s heart for some time, Ty is convinced he is the better man for Quinn and will stop at nothing to prove it.

Then Blake Henderson, a strong, dominant cowboy, strolls confidently into Ty’s life, offering an outlet for Ty’s anger, a chance to heal, and an option for his torn affections. Can Ty look beyond his feelings of rage and betrayal and find true peace, or will his obsession destroy them all?


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...