Bitten by Paranormal Romance

Special guest post with self-published author Tina Folsom

2012-01-30T05:00:00.004-05:00

I wanted to give a bit of encouragement to those of you new self published authors out there. When Tina first came to me for a review she was just starting out and it wasn't long before I watched before my eyes that she hit Bestselling Author, but it was a lot of hard work I know. So, I hope you find something in this post that will encouraging you to start or keep going. Laurie

How I became a Bestselling Romance Author

By Tina Folsom

If you haven’t heard of me, let me briefly give you the statistics: including my latest release, I’ve self-published 8 full length novels, 3 novellas, and 3 short stories, so 14 titles in total (plus 3 in foreign languages so far). In the last twelve months, I’ve sold over 300,000 copies of my books, and that excludes any freebies. My novels generally cost around $4.99 - $5.99, my novellas $2.99 and my short stories 99 cents. The majority of those 300,000 units sold is attributed to my novels, particularly my Scanguards Vampires series, which makes up more than 65% of all my sales. So, for me it hasn’t been the cheap stuff that’s been selling.

Several of my books have been offered as free titles on Amazon over the last year. Of those about 100,000 free copies were downloaded. That’s a lot of exposure for an indie author.

So, how did I become a Bestselling Romance Author?

In a few words: it was hard work, timing, luck, pricing, and team work.

Timing – I was one of the first romance authors to self-publish in early 2010. When I got into the field, it was much less crowded. Many people hadn’t figured out yet how to self-publish, so the few that did, had the advantage of positioning themselves better than the newcomers. I’m not sure that with the amount of authors now self-publishing both front and backlist titles, I would get the same result today.

Hard Work – As soon as I published one book, I was off writing the next one. I also realized very quickly that writing a series was a good way to tap into reader loyalty and hook them. I built my list very quickly, and that’s one of the main reasons for my success: I have three series going, Scanguards Vampires, Out of Olympus, and Venice Vampyr. That’s a lot of books readers can choose from. They won’t have to wait long for the next one to come out, and that helps keeping a reader interested in your brand.

I was relentless in promoting my books. I asked to be reviewed on blogs. At the beginning very few were willing to review a self-published book. Luckily, that has changed now. I did interviews and giveaways, and not just giveaways of books. In January 2011 I raffled off a Nook Color, in December 2011, I gave away a Kindle Fire.

I also made sure that each of my books was promoting another one. What do I mean by that? In the back of each e-book I had an excerpt of one of my other books to entice readers to try a different series or the next book in this series. I also asked for reviews, just reminding readers to leave a review if they enjoyed the book. Sometimes, I’d have promotions to garner more reviews: I would offer a few e-book if a reader left a review on Amazon.

Pricing – I experimented a lot with different prices for my books to see what worked best. Occasionally, I drop the first book in a series to either 99 cents or try to get Amazon to offer it for free in order to attract more new readers. I know that this occasionally upsets readers who’ve previously paid for the book, but there’s not much I can do about that. I need to use the tools that are available to me. Having a book for free on Amazon has never hurt me. It always resulted in high sales of my other books. But it only works if you have other books for sale, and it works best if the others are from the same series.

Team Work – I exchange marketing and other ideas with two other authors who self-publish. Together we always come up with great ideas that we can then test out. It helps a lot, knowing what others do and what worked or what didn’t. I suggest to any author who wants to self-publish to assemble a little team to bounce ideas off. Nobody knows everything, but if you put three or four minds together, it’s amazing what you can come up with.

I also have a team of independent contractors who help me with the things I’m not good at: cover design, editing, proofreading, translations, foreign editing etc. At the beginning, I didn’t have money to farm out all these things, so this might be difficult for people just starting out. A professional cover is probably the first thing that I would invest in. When I got my covers redesigned (after doing them on the cheap myself since I had no money for them), my sales increased immediately, and I recovered the cost within a very short time.

Luck – And how do people find me on Amazon and other retailers? Luck, word of mouth? I wish I knew. I’m sure it’s a bit of both. I make sure to always respond to readers when they email me. I have a facebook page where I interact with readers, and I tweet. I have a blog, but it’s not very active. I never spam people: I have a newsletter, but I only send one out every two months or so. And I keep it brief and to the point, telling them what I want them to know: new release, contest, etc. Nobody has time to read long newsletters.

If I had to tell you what the most important trait is a self-published author has to possess, then I’d pick this one: you have to be a hard worker. Nothing will happen without you. Since I started writing full time in February 2010 (a year before I made any real money from it), I’ve worked longer hours than anybody I know. Being a self-published author isn’t for somebody who wants to write a few hours a day and spend the rest of it going for lunch with their friends or shopping in the city. This is a hard business, but the rewards are endless. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Author Interview and Giveaway with Keri Lake

2012-01-30T00:15:00.003-05:00

Please give a big welcome to Keri Lake, author of Somnium.

Would you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a married mother of two living in Michigan. I graduated from Michigan State University with two degrees in science. Like many writers, I’ve been making up stories for a long time. Mine started out as poetry and eventually evolved into the very first novel I wrote in 2008. Somnium is my first published work.

Do you have a process in your writing routine?

Actually not so much of a process – I pretty much write when I can. Sometimes it means getting up at three in the morning to do that. All I need is coffee and my iPod…and I’m ready to go. I have a pretty eager muse that never fails me. Editing is another issue. I need silence and typically something sweet nearby. Swedish Fish or dark chocolate M&M’s usually help stave off mental blocks.

In your book Somnium, Allie has an unfortunate dinner involving wicked lobster. What was the inspiration behind this scene?

Well the book is actually based on my youngest sister. She moved out of state while I was writing Somnium and to keep in touch, she’d send pics and texts. I remember her posting a bunch of pics after she’d ordered fresh Maine lobster for the first time. I cracked up when I saw the picture of a lobster with a napkin folded over its eyes.

Can you tell us what you are working on next?

Currently, I’m working on Requiem, book 2 of the Halos trilogy. I’ve also been working on a novella and some short stories written from the POV of different Halos characters.

Fun Questions:

Do you have a favorite food or place to eat?

My favorite food is chips & salsa, thanks to my best friend. That’s pretty much all we ate our freshman year of college. However, my favorite place to eat is probably PF Changs.

Do you have any pets?

Yep. Two fish. Although, we’re considering a puppy now that my kids are a little older.

Keri is giving away one autographed copy of Somnium. To enter, leave a comment below along with your email. Open Internationally.

For more information on Keri Lake, please check out the following links:

Website: http://www.kerilake.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kerilake

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keri-Lake/179797882071933

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335601.Keri_Lake

Somnium (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Somnium-Halos-1-ebook/dp/B006LXBC5M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327058297&sr=8-2

Somnium (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/somnium-keri-lake/1108115782?ean=2940032938705&itm=11&usri=somnium

Review A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

2012-01-28T03:00:00.004-05:00

Title: A Devil Named Desire (The Devil's Bargain #2)

Author: Terri Garey

Source Netgalley
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest...

...and no one knows that better than Sammy Divine, High Prince of Darkness. Once an angel, now cast down, Sammy's out to prove he's not the only angel who can be led into temptation...

Hope Henderson's sister has disappeared without a trace, and Hope will do anything to find her--even make a deal with the Devil. An ancient text holds the key to unspeakable power, and it's the Archangel Gabriel's job to make sure it stays hidden, even if he has to become human to do it. Lives, love and the fate of the world hang in the balance, as Hope and Gabriel learn that when passion's involved, it may be impossible to withstand a devil named desire.

Rating 2 1/2

I hate being late on this review but I really struggled reading this book. I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t hit the spot for me as the first in the series. Sad, I know but I have to be honest.

Gabriel and Hope just didn’t carry that spark I needed for a couple to really connect. I also didn’t feel that Gabriel and Hope got enough storyline between everything else going on. I needed to read more on them instead of Sammy and so much of his life. As for Hope, I didn’t care for why she killed herself. I know it’s just me, but it wasn’t a big enough reason for her to just go out right suicidal.

I did like the storyline with Sammy and I liked his son added into the story. One thing about Sammy he knows how to twist things to his advantage which makes the story more interesting.

Review Vessel (Children of the Sidhe) by J.R. Pearse Nelson

2012-01-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Vessel (Children of the Sidhe)
Author: J.R. Pearse Nelson
Source: Authors request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novella

Eddie Drake, notorious agent of the Sidhe Authority, has always been a womanizer. So he’s as surprised as anyone when he can’t get a certain black-haired witch out of his mind. When Alise Rodgers wakes up in Otherworld, a mysterious connection to the place haunts her. And then there’s a more immediate concern – she would never have expected to find Drake sitting vigil for her. While she’s grateful, she’s not at all interested in his bedroom eyes. They’ve always clashed. But they must work together after Alise discovers a rebellious plot brewing among the Sidhe, and puts her life on the line in the bargain.

Vessel is the second novella in the Children of the Sidhe series.

This is the second book in Children of the Sidhe series. As the first book in the series the author brings another great romance and story for a short novella. This book takes you a bit deeper into the Sidhe story so you get a bit more feel of what’s going on with the characters and story. I hope one day she can write a full length novel for one of her hot Sidhe’s.

For a novella I felt the heat and connection I needed between the hero and heroine. At first I got the impression that Eddie is a womanizer, but I fell for him quick because he’s nothing like what he seems and that’s what I like most. Alise, I loved right off the bat, she’s witty and strong. I really liked the addition of The Morrigan being added to the storyline, it brought more magic and action into the story.

This is a novella so I recommend this to readers that love a quick romantic magical story.

Free read from romance author Claudy Conn!

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-05:00

Blurb
Seventy thousand years is a long time to live without true love.

As queen of the Seelie Fae, Aaibhe led her people to a new world when their own had been destroyed by war. She accepted the responsibility of maintaining the magic-built walls that imprisoned the evil Dark Fae. She kept the Seelie Hallows safe. And though she enjoyed the companionship of an occasional Fae lover, she never took a royal Fae as her king or a non-royal as her consort.

Conall is a Druid high priest from the MacTalbots, one of the families chosen by Aaibhe centuries before to perform the rituals needed to strengthen the Unseelie prison walls. Though a skilled and loyal Druid priest, he is but a mortal human, not a fit match for a powerful, formidable, immortal ruler.

And yet… she wants him. In all her seventy thousand years, she has never been blasted with such desire—and need. She has never before laughed with total abandon, loved with all her essence.

In Conall’s arms, Aaibhe discovers she can be both a queen and a woman, but jealousy, pride, and bitterness threaten the love that is at last within her grasp.

Here are the links so you can pick your potion!
Happy Reading!!

amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aaibhe-Shee-Queen-Legend-ebook/dp/B006R5SB2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327591713&sr=1-1

Barnes: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aaibhe-shee-queen-claudy-conn/1108022040?ean=2940032918042&itm=1&usri=aaibhe+shee+queen

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252
All Romance:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aaibhesheequeen-649925-161.html

Guest roamnce author Xandra James giveaway

2012-01-26T06:58:00.003-05:00

Please welcome romance author Xandra James!

Thanks so much for having me here today!

For my latest book, Shadow Justice, I had to add another sex scene into it. Not that I was complaining as I loved writing the quickie in the car ;) lol. But that in itself brought on a few problems. Logistics mainly. What body part goes where? Is the driver going to get an eyeful and crash the car? See where I'm going here?

I guess it made me think about things I'd never had to think about before (for the record, I will neither confirm nor deny, having sex in a car for research). How has being a romance writer, changed me? What am I now thinking about as I do the washing up?

Three things I've recently found out…

1) I've had to think about sex. A lot. So, okay, this wasn't so bad. You know they say a man thinks about sex every seven seconds? Well, that was me. When I'm writing a story (and especially when I'm just about to make them 'get in on'), I'm thinking about men and women getting nekkid. Over and over again (because the first time is never quite perfect in my mind). I'm thinking about how they have a talented tongue. I'm thinking about bulging muscles and six packs and perky boobs that don't have a mind of their own. And sometimes all at the same time! It's all in a day's work. I know, it tough life.

2) I actually had to write about sex. Following on from above, I couldn't just think about the multitude of ways my heroine's legs could wrap around my hero's head, I had to get it down on paper. That's something I've never really done before. And it's difficult to write about it without missing stuff out. In your mind, you're seeing it but your fingers aren't co-operating and they've just skipped right past the action and made a nice cup of tea. When they finally do get the job done and they're all worn out after keeping up with your dirty mind, you have to read it back without blushing, gagging or falling asleep. That's a surprisingly hard thing to do. Hard thing to do…hehehe… when I'm talking sex, these lines just roll off the tongue! And yes, I am 12, ;)

3) I had to think about paranormal creatures. And sex. You can't make a paranormal creature too, well, scary or ugly looking. If he's too slimy, scaly, or looks like Jabba the Hutt, he's gonna find it hard to get laid (and let's face it, do you really want to imagine THAT sex scene?). He needs to have just enough scary about him without distracting from his hot sexiness. And yes, you need to think about whether he's got horns on his forehead and if they're going to poke into the heroine's thighs. Just sayin'.

And that's what I've learnt about me. I think it proves I've actually got sex on the brain but we'll ignore that little point.

Writing romance books isn't just about sex, of course. It's a lot about sex, in one way or another, but without a beautiful love story, it's nothing. Household chores may never be as boring again to me, as long as I can create romance books and escape into my own little world. There's nothing like the spin of the washing machine to get you in the mood for luuurve!

Shadow Justice

Blurb:

Luka was a bounty hunter who just wanted to do his job and get paid. Being a banished Shadow, he'd learnt the bitter lesson long ago that he was alone, after he was expelled from his home world by his own blood. Now, he needed to understand why he was wanted dead whilst his desire for the fiery haired witch erupted, out of control.

As a rare moon-witch, all she'd ever known was a life of misery under the oppressive Fae-Guard. Nine years ago Cerys escaped the Meta-World after regretting the forced banishment of a Shadow. Now, she leads a normal life without her abilities and all she wants is to blend in. When a bounty hunter wants to take her back for a crime she didn't commit, she's willing to take a chance on her future by trusting the man who had no idea she'd wronged him years before.

To Buy: http://www.bookstrand.com/xandra-james And soon to be at Amazon and other online retailers.

Bio:

Xandra has always wanted to write romance books. Even when she was sneaking peaks at the hot bits, too young to fully appreciate them, she dreamt of writing her own.

Now, older and wiser, she's got the opportunity to project her slightly dark and wacky, British sense of humour onto others, whilst still writing the hot bits - bonus!

When not writing, Xandra is thinking of excuses as to why she shouldn't be doing the housework, looking after a husband and cats that refuse to pick up after themselves and climbing the mountain in her house that's affectionately called her tbr pile.

She currently holds the crown for Queen Procrastinator – something she's very proud of – so you can usually find her online, somewhere, when she really should be writing.

Where you can find her:

Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads

Adult Excerpt:

Cerys sighed and dunked her head under the water then reached for the small unopened bottle of cheap shampoo. She caught sight of her reflection in the low, dirty mirror on the back of the door and stopped still. Red hair suited her more than her given black, and her pale skin was a good contrast. She wouldn’t have called herself pretty as such, but she could call on her feminine wiles when she needed to.

Lathering up her hair, Cerys wondered what Luka was doing right now. He’d run her a bath after she’d woken and ushered her into the bathroom, barely looking at her. She dunked her head again and used the shower head attached to the tap to thoroughly rinse it through.

She couldn’t work him out. And she wasn’t sure she completely wanted to, either. Maybe it was for the best that he was still an enigma to her because, if she actually started to know the man behind the sexy, stubbled chin, she knew she’d be in rough waters. Not that she didn’t feel she was taking a trip on the Titanic as it was, of course.

Luka hovered on the outskirts of her mind as the water beat down her hair and face. She found everything about him tantalising. That was the issue. Even his large shoulders and heavy-looking biceps called out to her core. And right now, all she wanted to do was glue herself to him.

She let the water from the shower head run over her hair then her neck soothing her weariness. The sharp, needle-like intensity of the water brought awareness to her skin, and she sighed and dipped the shower head lower, rinsing soap off her breasts.

Nipples pebbled as her body relaxed, but knowing she was mere feet away from the man who’d looked at her with heat in his eyes, made her heart beat faster.

She hadn’t even realised where her hand was until she tweaked her nipple, pulling at it in pleasure, allowing the shower head to dip lower over her belly and hit the soapy bath water before disappearing beneath. A tiny bit of guilt tugged at her as her pleasure slowly increased. Getting herself off was probably the last thing she should be doing, but her body had crossed the line and was now fully in control of where her hands travelled.

Cerys opened her thighs in anticipation of the powerful water spray slowly slipping lower and lower until it grazed the lips of her pussy.

“Mmm...”

Cerys pulled at her nipples once more, eyes closed, and she felt the pink nubs grow and harden between her fingers before tracing her fingers down over the silken wetness of her breast.

Cerys’ mind raced as her body heated in the barely warm water, and thoughts of Luka bombarded her now. She imagined his hands on hers as her fingers explored her nakedness, heading down toward the streaming water. Breaths came in short gasps as the sensation, the purely wonderful vibration, took her to the edge of an orgasm very quickly.

Fingers slipped inside her pussy lips and stroked at her clitoris as her ultimate goal was clear in her mind. Edging closer every moment, she shifted in the water and opened her legs wider, pushing her fingers deep inside herself. Luka on her mind, wishing he was on her body, deep inside her.

The shower head and her fingers weren’t fast enough in giving her the climax she craved as feverishly she worked to attain it, writhing in near ecstasy.

She was almost there, and Cerys imagined Luka poised between her legs, his cock poised to thrust into her at any second...

“Everything okay in there?” Cerys surged upward in the tub, her legs falling from their perch on the side of the tub to splash back in the water, and the shower sprayed water straight up into the air. She scrambled to grab the shower head, and water splashed over the side.

“Bugger.”

“Cerys?” Luka knocked on the door, and her body shivered with unfulfilled desire, and the chill in the air finally caught up with her.

“Ye-ah, I’m okay. Just coming—” She cringed at her choice of words as her breath began to slow down. The shower head floated in front of her, water now off, tempting her to return to her task.

Ignoring it, she grabbed a towel from the rack, stood up and stepped out, water cascading down her body, hair already drying. The rough towel didn’t help her overly sensitive body. Her clit was swollen with desire, her nipples dark and engorged. Wetness still pooled in between her legs, and it would only take a few moments to bring herself off.

Cerys looked up to see her reflection once more in the long mirror on the back of the door. Her hands seemed to move of their own volition, rubbing over the shaven area of her pussy. Her full body shudder buckled her legs, and she grabbed the sink to stay upright. A glass tumbled into the sink and shattered, jolting her from her decadent thoughts. She growled her frustration and looked at the pieces of glass glittering at her in the white sink.

“Cerys, I’m coming in.” Concern laced his tone. There was no time for her to do anything but pull the towel over her front.

The door shot open, and there stood Luka, whose eyes devoured her almost naked state.

“I was just...” Memories of what she’d imagined him doing to her just moments before heated her skin.

Xandra is giving away one eBook ecopy of Shadow Justice. To enter please fill out the rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bitten’s She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for January 2012 – DESTINY UNCHAINED by Leia Shaw

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

DESTINY UNCHAINED (Shadows ofDestiny #3)

Leia Shaw

Published November 29, 2011

ISBN: 9781465929945

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: Novel

Author requested review

They call her The Huntress. A vampire with lethal focus, Natalia huntsrogue werewolves and kills them without mercy. She buried her heart centuriesago. Now she lives only for revenge. But when she’s forced to team up with thealpha of the northwest werewolf pack to catch a werewolf serial killer, hercarefully controlled world is shattered by the passionate Cristian.

Cristian can’t help be intrigued by the icy Natalia. He hasn’t beenattracted to a female since his mate died decades ago. But now he vows to breakthat hard shell she wears and find the warm, nurturing woman inside.

Will Natalia accept Cristian’s claim on her heart even if it meanssacrificing a part of who she is?

Bitten'sShe-Wolf Pack's Ratings and Reviews

WildAboutBones' Review

Rating: 5 - An Alpha Howl

Sexual: 3 – Hot!

Another great story in the Shaw's Shadows of Destiny series! Thesestories just seem to get better and better. Vampires, werewolves, a reluctantromance and sarcastic humor ... oh yeah!

Hilarious. "But nothingscared her. Especially not some barely out of the cave Cro-Magnon that sproutedfur and fangs once in a while." And lines like "Nothing more disturbing than seeing a pointyweapon lodged in your chest" had me laughing out loud.

I love the heroine Natalia, a kick butt, badass vampire with anattitude full of sarcastic humor. Unfortunately she hates werewolves. She hasjust a little baggage where they are concerned. Natalia doesn't understand herreaction to Cristian. He has "a wildlook about him that [makes] her heart flutter." Natalia reminds me alittle of Kate Beckinsale's character Selene in the Underworld movies.

Cristian is a tall 6 ft 6 in blond werewolf with an awesome body andone blue eye and one brown eye. He is witty, a park ranger and the pack alpha.Cristian is stunned to find himself thinking of Natalia "almost affectionately." She's theenemy. He is so adorable. I just love him and his personality.

The second in this series, DestinyUnited, was good but this one is much better and no, you don't have to readthem in order but do read them. I have got to get my hands on the first one, Destiny Divided, now.

This was a quick read and I read it in one sitting. The hot and steamychemistry and sex is good, too.

This includes a sneak peek at DestinyBewitched coming in Summer 2012.

Ollie’s Review

Rating: 5 - An Alpha Howl

Sexual: 3 - Hot

Pain, isolation, and loneliness is what Natalia has endured for thepast 800 years, forced to live an existence where only death and revenge areher driving life force. After so much time has passed it may take a tall,muscular, alpha werewolf to throw her off track and make her take a closer lookat what it means to live an immortal life.

Natalia is known as The Huntress and has become notorious for herability to kill her targets in the supernatural world that there is even abounty on her head. Despite all the centuries of killing it has not been ableto help heal her heart at the past wrongs that have been inflicted upon her.Since her turning she has keep herself isolated because of shame and fear ofwhat she had become until she allowed her heart to open up to another. Thebetrayal that she suffered made her promise to never allow another into herheart until Cristian.

Cristian didn't know what to expect when he captures the beautifulvampire that has him intrigued and has captured his heart. This alpha werewolf,also a park ranger, finds himself curious about this vampire and before heknows it he has partnered himself with her to hunt a serial killer in theirmidst.

I really enjoyed this book not only for the hot, steamy scenes (whocould resist a gorgeous 6'6” alpha werewolf built like a Greek God) but alsofor the emotional connection that the two developed despite their differences.Both have endured traumatic past events and it is Cristian who is able to moveon, but Natalia cannot seem to let go. I love how Cristian felt the attractionfor Natalia and didn't let the fact she is a vampire from stopping him. Thebanter that occurred between them and Natalia's refusal to give into herfeelings made me laugh out loud at times and at the same time want to smack heracross her head for being so stubborn.

I have read the other books in this series and this has been the bestone to date. Paranormal romance readers who definitely have a thing for hunkywerewolves will enjoy this one. I am looking forward to reading the next one inthe series that comes out, Destiny Bewitched.

Kris’s Review

Rating: 5 - An Alpha Howl

Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire#@!%$

I loved this story!! Natalia is an awesome heroine. She has her soft side,but she is also a very strong person - both physically & mentally. Cristianwas the perfect alpha. Together they made such a great team. He was so amazingwith her. Lots of great dialogue, romance, sex, and suspenseful action.

Nookmom's Review

Rating: 4 - A Pack Howl

Sexual: 3 - Hot

Natalia is a jaded vampire assassin out to kill a rogue wolf serial killer. After 800 years and a terrible past with a mate, she wants nothing more than to hunt her target and seek revenge on her ex lover. She has no plans to fall for an alpha male and be vulnerable again. Enter Cristian. He is immediately captivated by Natalia. She is strong, intelligent and a true equal to him. She's everything he has ever wanted in a partner, except she is a vampire.

I enjoyed watching Natalia struggle with her attraction to Cristian and her need to keep herself distant and unfeeling. Cristian is a great hero. He may be an alpha, but he truly cares about Natalia and wants her realize revenge will not bring her the peace and happiness she seeks. He knows she needs to learn to feel again. At times he was so playful and other times he really opened up and put his heart on the line. Cristian is definitely a swoon worthy male, especially when he speaks of love. When Natalia realizes she cannot give up her life and special gifts to be with Cristian, I understood her fear, but was crushed just the same.

It was a nice twist seeing the female be the one who has to battle her inner demons to accept love instead of it always being the male. While the story starts out following Natalia seeking to end the serial killer, the story is really about her accepting her past and letting go in order to be able to have a future.

Artemis' Review

Rating: 5 - An Alpha Howl

Sexual: 3 - Hot

I was a bit hesitant to read DESTINYUNCHAINED because I didn’t read the first book, and the second book in theseries didn’t appeal to me very much. WOW – am I glad I decided to go ahead and turn the page. The explosive combination of one very, veryalpha Werewolf, an insidious Vampire, and a “beautiful” adversary make for an electric read.

The dialog between Cristian and Natalia is fabulous. It is engaging and snappy. This is one of my favorites:

What was with werewolves and their damned territory? “For fuck’s sake,” she said with anexasperated sigh. “You must’ve missed aspot when you pissed around the border. I didn’t realize you owned the whole damned state.”

What I liked the best about both of the characters is that they didn’tapologize for what they did or the actions they took. Cristian’s 100% Alpha didn’t make any excusesfor his behavior or his need to protect the exasperating Vampire. In the same vein, Natalia has a job to do andwon’t let anything like a measly werewolf stand in her way. I especially enjoyed watching as Cristianchipped away at Natalia’s barriers little by little. It’s that final blow when Natalia realizeswhat sacrifice really is.

Valentine's Day Fun - We're Smitten. . . .

2012-01-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

Join us Valentine's Day Weekend as we explore the wild, wicked, and wanton world of love in music and film.

Each day beginning on Friday, February 10, and running through Tuesday, February 14, we'll be hosting an author, the She-Wolf Pack or me. We're putting a different spin on "The Day" this year by taking a look at love in music and film. It may not be your typical lovey-dovey, gooey, mushy.....hmmm, I'm not quite sure what to expect. Stop on by, you'll be glad you did!

Reviewers wanted

2012-01-25T01:30:00.000-05:00

I am looking for reviewers that can read mainly paranormal romance and erotic paranormal romance. We do get a few other sub-genres in, but not a whole lot. This is an adult romance blog and I like to stick to that category, so no young adult.

Please, don’t contact me unless your serious about doing this. I have had several want to do it and take a book and never heard from them again. That’s not fair to me, I have to answer to the author or publisher. Most people thinks this is just something fun but it’s not it’s work and authors are counting on us to be honest and on time, as I am as the blog owner. I need people who wants to do this all the time and be serious about it.

I do have to limit this to US and Canada residents only, reason I can't afford to mail books international.

One requirement is I need to talk to you over the phone and it takes a bit of time to go over things.

So, if you think you want to do this please email me and well go from there.

Laurie
bittenbyparanormalromance@gmail.com

January Flavor

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

A few months ago, Laurie and I were discussing life in general, this, that and the other, when she mentioned the blog needed an infusion of "something". Not knowing exactly what that "something" was, we bandied about a few ideas until one of us came up with, "Well, what about a Flavor of The Month?" Laurie loved the idea and immediately handed me the reigns. HUH?? Well...okay now. *rubbing hands together wickedly* I don't know what direction monthly flavor will take, but I plan to have fun with it. Let's begin, I give you....

The January Flavor of the Month

Jason Aldean

Nope, this ain't your Momma's country music.

Not by a long shot.

Smoky guitar riffs

Tight jeans

A bit of rap

Pouty lips

Many of his songs are typical of country music: lost love and small towns.

Don’t you wanna stay here a little while,

Don’t you wanna hold each other tight,

Don’t you wanna fall asleep with me tonight.

Don’t you wanna stay here a little while,

We can make forever feel this way,

Don’t you wanna stay.

Let’s take it slow I don’t wanna move too fast,

I don’t wanna just make love

I wanna make love last.

I'll leave you with one last video. One of my favorites off of his latest album My Kinda Party. If I didn't know this was a country tune, no way would I call this country music!!!

Baby if you’re in the mood and

You can settle for a one night rodeo,

If you can be my tan legged Juliet

I’ll be your redneck Romeo.

And where do I sign up for that.............

It doesn't help matters that Hubs and I saw him and Luke Byran in concert Friday. Music was absolutely fantabulous!!!. Hmmm, Luke Bryan, a flavor for another day~~~

Book promo giveaway House of Pleasure by Deborah Court

2012-01-24T03:00:00.001-05:00

Genre
Erotic Romance

Blurb:

When Jane Eden inherits an old Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Boston, she has no idea what secrets it harbors. She soon discovers that it's a magic house, fulfilling all the sexual fantasies of its female residents. Losing herself in sensual dreams that take her to exotic places and delightful historical eras, she never considers what will happen if she ever loses her heart.

Luke Thomas is Hollywood's most celebrated action-hero, used to swooning fans falling all over him. One day he meets a beautiful woman in a park who doesn't seem to be interested in him at all. It's a challenge he just can't resist. His desire to see her again transports him to Jane's house, and he gets lost in the arms of a lover who drives him into a frenzy of boundless pleasure. But will he gain her love when the prize is higher than she's willing to pay?

Excerpt:

Night fell quickly in the Sultan's realm. One minute the sunlight had warmed the room, bathing it in a golden glow, the next it seemed to grow darker rapidly while the muezzin sang the evening prayer, his beautiful voice creating a magical atmosphere. When he finished, the city seemed to fall into a deep slumber, all the noise and shouting from the streets and the bazaar gone. Only the night birds sang their sweet, seductive songs from a branch near the open windows.

Jane followed Aamir the chief eunuch to the huge bathing pool on the other side of the chamber, secretly admiring his broad back and sculptured muscles while he lit the candles. He had discarded his turban and revealed long, dark hair that reached over his shoulders; she had the inexplicable wish to entwine her fingers in the glossy waves. Jane couldn't believe that he was not a real man anymore. But had he told her the truth?

His deep voice and the unveiled desire in his eyes clearly spoke against it, although this only occurred when he thought she was not looking at him. The slave led her to the marble steps leading into the water and told her to undress. Jane looked around, but there was nothing with which to shield her body from Aamir's eyes. She shrugged, quickly removed her clothing and stood naked before him. Her body was fully exposed to his sight and although he stood behind her, she felt his eyes examining her body, doubtless deciding if she was beautiful enough to please the Sultan.

"I will bathe you now," she heard his deep voice before he took her hand and led her deeper into the warm water. The flowers on its surface made her dizzy with their exotic perfume. Then, his large hands were all over her body, washing her with a soap that was scented like orchids and something earthy, ambra perhaps. It made her skin tingle and left it soft like velvet. He washed her hair, neck and back, moving his hands in circles until he reached her breasts. Jane gasped, but he continued mercilessly, gently kneading her and rubbing her sensitive peaks with his palms until they stood upright. Aamir laughed, a pleased look on his proud, handsome face. It was the face of a noble prince, not a slave, she thought.

"Oh yes, you will be well-prepared for the Sultan once I am finished with you," he said. "The Sultan likes his concubines ready and willing once he visits them in the harem. He is not a very patient man. When he joins your bed and takes you, he'll expect you to be aroused. So relax, My Lady. I know that although I'm not a whole man, women usually like my touch for I'm not unpleasant to their eyes - at least this is what I have been told. If you let me do my work it will be better for both of us, I promise. Just let it happen."

Jane still thought about a possible answer but cried out with surprise when he sat her down on a low marble column that rose slightly out of the water, then parted her quivering thighs with his strong hands ...

http://www.amazon.com/House-of-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B006RYZ4U4/ref=sr_1_63?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325423327&sr=1-63
http://www.deborahcourt.com
http://deborahcourt.blogspot.com

Midalah review of House of Pleasure

Deborah is giving away 3 eBook copies of House of Pleasure so fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Authors After Dark Author Spotlight with Stephanie Julian

2012-01-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

Stephanie Julian

Would you tell everyone a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Stephanie Julian. I love to write, the hotter the better. I love to read, the hotter the better. I have a husband I adore and two teenage sons I love when I don’t want to throttle them.

What sub-genre do you write?

I write erotic paranormals, including the Forgotten Goddesses, Magical Seduction, Lucani Lovers, Darkly Enchanted and the Fringe series. And I just released my first straight contemporary (very light on romantic suspense), SEX, LIES & SURVEILLANCE.

Who/what is your writing muse? And in what environment or conditions do you write?

I write in my office, which is painted bright red with a purple carpet and bright yellow chair. It’s so vibrant, it makes me happy whenever I’m in it. I live with my husband and sons, so the rest of the house has a lot of testosterone floating around but this is totally my space. Most of my books are here and I have a huge bulletin board of inspiration, i.e. hot guy pix, on the wall.

What are you working on at this time?

A couple of things. I’m editing the next story in my new series, DeMarco Investigations. This is Nic and Annie’s story. I’m also working on a very short story featuring Cat that I hope to release before GODDESS IN THE MIDDLE, Book 3 in the Forgotten Goddesses series, goes on sale in July. I’m also awaiting word on the next Fringe story, featuring Andy, from my editor. Hoping for a February or March release for that one.

Fun questions of what you prefer

Dog or Cat?

Cats, definitely. I have two. They spend all day in my office with me and keep me company.

Comfy or Formal?

Definitely comfy but I love dressing up, especially for special events like masquerades and balls at reader events. Then it’s so much fun.

Denim or Leather?

Am I wearing it? Then it’s definitely denim. Denim is a little more concealing. Leather shows all the faults. Now if we’re talking hot guys, they definitely need a little black leather.

Wine or Beer?

Ooh, neither. Wine gives me a headache and beer tastes gross. Give me a fuzzy navel or a whiskey sour or a mojito and we’re good.

Mountaintop or Oceanside?

Oceanside. Actually, more like Gulf of Mexico-side. My grandmother lived in Florida for many years and I spent several summers on the beach at Pass-a-grille.

Boxers, briefs or commando for your hero?

Commando, baby.

HOW TO WORSHIP A GODDESS:

He’s exactly what she’s always wanted...

Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon. These days the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, where one ferociously handsome player inflames her divine blood...

And she unleashes him like a force of nature...

Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could fall hard for a distraction like that...

Excerpt: 18@ over below please

As he coaxed open her lips with his tongue, he let one hand begin a slow exploration of the skin of her neck. Soft, warm. He wanted to lick her but he didn’t want to give up her mouth just yet.

Her taste seeped into him like a drug, making his dick hard and his heart pound against his ribs. Fuck it. Slow wasn’t gonna happen. Not this time, at least. He slid his hand into the neckline of her dress, wanting to touch her skin. The material gave way— And a second later, it wasn’t there at all.

He opened his eyes and lifted his head just enough to see her now-naked breasts. Her dress had vanished, leaving her completely naked beneath him.

His mouth hung open for a few, brief seconds before he lifted his gaze to hers and shook his head. “Now, there’s a skill you don’t see every day.”

“It comes in handy.” She watched him with deceptively half-lidded eyes. She didn’t miss a damn thing. “Would you like me to help you with your clothes?”

She was asking him much more than that. She was asking for his trust. For his belief. She wanted to watch his reaction to her magic. At the moment, he didn’t give a flying fuck about her magic. If it got his clothes off faster, he was all for it.

“Please do.” The faster he got naked, the better. Naked meant sex. Naked meant no more thinking.

Something brushed against his skin. It felt like electricity but different. He didn’t know how to explain it. And he just didn’t care.

One second, he was dressed. The next, his clothes were gone and he knelt between her legs naked with a hard-on that stood at full mast. As her gaze dipped, his cock throbbed. He swore the damn thing strained toward her.

It took him a few seconds to get past the Holy-shit-that-really-happened feeling. But he was a champion compartmentalizer. Lucy lay naked in front of him and he had a massive erection. Everything else could wait.

He thought about simply falling over her and fucking her until they both lost consciousness. Then he figured that might seem a little desperate.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that his time with her was borrowed.

Well, fuck that.

Leaning back until he sat on his heels, he inched his knees forward, spreading her legs farther apart. If he let his gaze fall, he’d see her sex spread open, beckoning him. But he kept his eyes on hers, watching her reactions.

She didn’t disappoint him. Her lips parted as she drew in a deep breath. Good. She wasn’t as composed as she pretended.

“Damn, you have a fucking beautiful body.”

He wanted to take the words back as soon as they’d escaped. Not that he didn’t mean them. But, Christ, he could’ve phrased it better. He wasn’t a twenty-year-old horndog anymore. She deserved better from him.

He expected to see another one of her cool smiles and was surprised when her lips curved in a sweet grin that lit his blood on fire.

“I’m glad you think so.”

Okay, maybe his beautiful goddess enjoyed things a little dirty. Dirty he could do.

He let his gaze fall to her breasts, the dusky nipples quivering slightly with each increasingly unsteady breath. He lifted a hand and tweaked one. Hard. And watched her skin flush. “Do you want me to suck on your nipples or bite them?”

She didn’t answer as he kept up the rough caress, rolling the pebbled tip between his fingers until it had hardened into a firm peak. Then he switched sides. His cock continued to thicken, the blood beating in his veins like an insistent drum.

When he had both nipples as hard as stone, he took a breast in each hand and kneaded them with a firm grasp, loving the feel of her soft flesh. “So fucking soft. I could suck on these all night.”

“Then put your mouth on me, Brandon.”

“I’m not sure you’re ready for that yet. You’re not begging for it.”

“Goddesses don’t beg. For anything.”

Did he hear a note of regret under that haughty tone? He leaned forward, almost until their noses touched. He thought about kissing those gorgeous lips but forced himself to hold back. He really wanted her to beg.

Her breath whispered against his cheek, hot and sweet. When she drew in a deep breath, he thought, Now. Now she’ll ask for it.

But she only leaned forward and nipped at his bottom lip. With her teeth. Hard enough to make a tiny, sharp pain knife through him. It faded immediately but now he could barely breathe. Not with the surging lust in his body.

He wanted her to use those teeth all over him. On his neck, on his nipples, on his thighs. Hell, he’d beg to feel them scraping along his dick.

Not hard. Just enough to catch the skin and make him want more.

“Come on, baby. You can do better than that. I’m not going to break.”

He heard her breath stop for a few seconds. Easing back just a little, he caught that hint of yearning in her expression again.

Where the hell was that coming from? What did she want?

“Lucy, baby, I’m gonna fuck you so hard, you’re gonna scream. Do you think you can handle it?”

Brand swore a wave of heat rose from her body and covered him. Heat and lust and… Holy hell, he had to get inside her.

Review of Amazon Heat

2012-01-23T03:30:00.004-05:00

Title: Amazon Heat
Author: Rayna Vause and Melinda Leigh
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Novella
Release Date: January 9, 2012

2 years ago...

Driven by grief to find a cure

for cancer, Elizabeth DeMarco left Logan Spencer to accept a position on

a research expedition to the Amazon rainforest. Kidnapped by

guerrillas, she was saved by a secret all-female civilization, the last of the ancient Amazons. But Elizabeth discovers she's traded one form of

captivity for another.

Today...

Logan

never stopped searching for Elizabeth. While consulting in the remote Brazilian interior near where she was kidnapped, Logan suffers what should be a fatal fall. Near death, he's collected by the Amazons and magically healed. Elizabeth is the first person he sees as he wakes. But

there's no time for a joyful reunion. The Amazons' mystical medicine is rapidly changing Logan. They want his DNA and plan to take it—and then

kill him. Logan and Elizabeth must escape before dawn or Logan—and their

second chance at happiness—is doomed.

Rating:

Sexual:

Review:

This story is action packed from the very beginning. It opens with Elizabeth being hustled through the jungle where she was abducted. Soon after making camp the captors are attacked by the Amazons. A tribe of woman that have a deep connection to the land they protect. In trade for letting Elizabeth live they start to use her to find a cure for a disease that is plaguing their tribe.

Soon enters our hero Logan. For the last two years Logan has searched and searched for the woman that he let walk out of his door. After coming across a pile of bodies in the jungle, he gets chased away from the site. While escaping he falls off a cliff, where the Amazons rescue him. He is immediately brought to Elizabeth, who had given up any hope of ever seeing him again.

The chemistry between the characters is instantaneous and blazing. Soon they realize that they have one shot to escape or its the end for them both.

I really enjoyed this novella. It was a great quick read. Full of action and never a dull moment. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released.

Review House of Pleasure by Deborah Court

2012-01-22T01:30:00.001-05:00

Title: House of Pleasure
Author: Deborah Court
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Novella
Release date: December 31, 2011

When Jane Eden inherits an old Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Boston, she has no idea what secrets it harbors. She soon discovers that it's a magic house, fulfilling all the sexual fantasies of its female residents. Losing herself in sensual dreams that take her to exotic places and delightful historical eras, she never considers what will happen if she ever loses her heart.

Luke Thomas is Hollywood's most celebrated action-hero, used to swooning fans falling all over him. One day he meets a beautiful woman in a park who doesn't seem to be interested in him at all. It's a challenge he just can't resist. His desire to see her again transports him to Jane's house, and he gets lost in the arms of a lover who drives him into a frenzy of boundless pleasure. But will he gain her love when the prize is higher than she's willing to pay?

Rating-

Sexual-

My review-

Hot. Hot. Hot. What else can you say about this book?

To start with, we are introduced to Jane who has just inherited a rather lovely Victorian mansion that is a family heirloom. Nothing too out of the ordinary, right? That is until you discover the mansion's secrets: it magically grants every sexual fantasy of its female owner. How can any woman resist?

From here we are thrust into a sexual foray of fantasies any woman, or man, would want to take on. There's a little something for anyone, from light bondage to a menage a trois. Each scene is even hotter than the one before it, leaving you with the faint curiosity on what the next scenario will bring.

If you enjoyed Deborah Court's first book that I reviewed, "Bound to the Prince", then you will most definitely enjoy this novella. If this is your first time reading her work, sit back and enjoy the ride. And don't be surprised that you'll want to pick up more of what she's written after you're done.

Laurie's Top Picks for 2011

2012-01-21T03:00:00.012-05:00

2011 Top Picks

Laurie’s picks

2011 Top Picks

Laurie’s picks

I want to thank all the authors that have sent request, guest post, interview and giveaways. We each here at Bitten by Paranormal Romance appreciate the work you put into your writing!

I’m also really excited on the total request we received in 2011. The grand total was 305 author and publisher request. Netgalley was 24. I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU to my co-reviewers because there was no way I could ever do this alone. Ladies you’re the best!! The total on guest post and interviews was 205. And by the way it’s coming in so far this year is just going to keep growing. So sit back and enjoy finding new reads from some fabulous authors.

Top pick are books that we here at Bitten by Paranormal Romance have read and feel gets our top pick for that year. We don’t vote or talk about this to each other. This is our honest opinion on books we reviewed or read during this 2011 year. I believe two of my co reviewers have posted theirs. I know Wild about bones will be right behind me, so please be on the lookout for hers.

I want to apologize on how late I am at getting mine out. I’ve been so sick and well I really needed a small break after 2 years of day in and day out reading and working the blog. So now after hours on hours of playing my new Need for Speed game I am back in the saddle. At least until I feel the need to sneaking in a bit of racing;) LOL. Anyhoo, here are my 2011 Top Picks.....

Paranormal romance

This one is a tie. I loved both book and just couldn't pick between them.

Yvette's Haven (Scanguards Vampires #4) by Tina Folsom

After being kidnapped by a vampire hunter, vampire bodyguard Yvette's first instinct is to kill the bastard. But before she gets the chance, she realizes that he was double-crossed by the witch he was working for and now is in as much danger as she is.

To get his brother out of trouble, bounty hunter / vampire slayer Haven has to deliver the young actress Kimberly to a witch. Unfortunately, she's protected by the very creature he hates most: a vampire.

As Yvette and Haven try to escape their prison and rescue the actress and Haven's brother, will their natural hatred for each other keep them apart or is the passion that bubbles up between them strong enough for them to dare risk their lives to defeat the witch from harnessing the greatest power of all?

Changeling Dawn (Changeling #3) by Dani Harper

RUN

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet,

the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

HUNT

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

MATE

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own

Erotic paranormal romance

How to Worship a Goddess (Forgotten Goddesses #2) By Stephanie Julian

Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon, and she could have any man she wanted. But these days, the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, whereon ferociously handsome player still inflames her divine blood...

Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could surely fall hard for a distraction like that...

Best paranormal romance series

The World of Ascension by Caris Roane

Ascension

Burning Skies

Brink of Eternity

Wings of Fire

Best villain- Amon

Stolen Destiny by Gabrielle Bisset
Amon is one hot dangerous villain. My hat goes off to you on writing Amon, Gabrielle. I’ll never forget him.

Released from prison to find a murderer, a prison-hardened Varek Leale is convinced no woman deserves the man he's become, but his Aeveren destiny makes him succumb to sweet and sexy Callia Reynolds. To catch a murderer, he and Callia must find an Aeveren with the power to control time. But Amon Kalins isn't a man to trifle with, and when he wants something, he'll use his powers, devastating charm, and good looks to get it. When Amon manipulates time and seduces her away, Varek must turn to the people who set him free for help to get her back. But the Council doesn't do anything without requiring something in return, and what they want is Amon Kalins, one of the most powerful Aeveren ever. Varek will do what he must to capture Amon and find Callia. If he doesn't, she'll be lost to him for untold lifetimes. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Suspense

Deadly Lies (Deadly #3) by Cynthia Eden

She wants to hide the past

FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy is haunted by memories of the serial killer who abducted her. To keep the darkness at bay, she pretends to be a different, more confident woman. This Samantha doesn't fear every unknown face. So she throws caution to the wind and shares a night of unbridled passion with a handsome stranger.

He needs to uncover the truth

One night isn't enough for successful entrepreneur Max Ridgeway. He wants more of the sexy, smart, mysterious woman who slipped away before dawn. When they meet again, their attraction is undeniable-until his stepbrother goes missing, and Max realizes that Samantha isn't who she seems. But they must trust each other to trap a ring of bloodthirsty kidnappers before the nightmares that terrorize Sam become irrevocably real.

As a merciless criminal spins a web of . . .

DEADLY LIES

True Crime

Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti

"Wicked Wives" is based on the true story of the 1938 Philadelphia murder scandals in which seventeen wives were arrested for murdering their husbands. Mastermind conspirer Giorgio DiSipio, a stunning lothario and local tailor who preys upon disenchanted and unfaithful wives, convinces twelve of them to kill their spouses for insurance money. The murder conspiracy is very successful until one lone assistant D.A., Tom Rossi, uncovers the plot and brings the perpetrators to justice. "Wicked Wives" is a story made for Hollywood, combining murder, corruption, treachery, love, lust and phenomenal detail as it vividly captures Depression-era Philadelphia.

Paranormal romance novella

Shifting Hearts (Wiccan Haus, #1) by Dominique Eastwick

The last of his kind…

Rekkus is the last of the great Black Tiger weres and he is happy to stay that way. Working as security for the Wiccan Haus, a magical spa for inner healing, he has enough danger – and women – to keep him busy. Unfortunately, the Fates are not content with him being comfortable.

Alone and discouraged…

Dana has walked away from all she has known, her fiancé, family, apartment, and job. Now, having a ticket to the Wiccan Haus may be the only way she can move on. But what she finds isn’t what she expects, nor is it what she thought she was looking for.

Meet the unusual residents of the Wiccan Haus. The staff can get a little hairy and not all of the guests eat what’s served in the dining hall. But the proprietors always do what they can to make the resort into a place of healing and peace, using all of their years of practice. At the Haus, where humans and Paras reside side-by-side, everyone in need of the Rowan siblings’ services are welcome.

WELCOME TO THE WICCAN HAUS.

Historical paranormal romance

Cat O' Nine Tails by Patricia Leever

When Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he’d fall in love with the beautiful she pirate, or the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As they grow closer, Aeron reveals her jaded past with Queen Winifred to Orrin; he doesn’t hesitate to offer his help to bring Winifred’s evil reign to an end. Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.

Historical romance

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (Highland Pleasures #3) by Jennifer Ashley

He is a man of simple tastes - and complex pleasures...

Cameron Mackenzie is a man who loves only horses and women - in that order - or so his mistresses say.

Ainsley Douglas is a woman with a strong sense of justice and the desire to help others - even if that means sneaking around a rakish man's bedchamber.

Which is exactly where Cam finds her - six years after he caught her the first time. Only then, she convinced Cam she was seeking a liaison, but couldn't go through with it because of her husband. Now a widow, she's on a mission to retrieve letters that could prove embarrassing to the queen. Cam has no interest in Ainsley's subterfuge, but he vows to finish what they started those many years ago. One game, one kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. And what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules - and heal the scars of a dark and damaging past...

BDSM romance

All She Wants for Christmas is Her Dom (1 Night Stand #60) by Stacey Kennedy

All She Wants for Christmas is Her Dom (1 Night Stand #60) by Stacey Kennedy

Madame Eve’s 1NightStand service has brought together Blake and Taryn on a cold Christmas Eve at the Castillo Lodge. The two will set out on an adventure of pain and pleasure surrounded by Alaskan snow-capped mountains and nestled in a warm country lodge. But as the night develops, Taryn discovers it’s not Christmas presents that will surprise her but instead the very man who mastered her through a night of intense BDSM.

WARNING — this book has intense BDSM that some might find objectionable. If you don’t enjoy some serious spanking, rough play, and the use of floggers, among other toys, this story is not for you.

Thriller romance

Malevolent Spirit (Merryweather Lodge #2) by Pauline Holyoak

It’s Christmastime at Merryweather Lodge. Emily has returned to the cottage from her home in Canada; after the untimely death of someone she loved. Will she be able to celebrate a traditional English Christmas in her aunts enchanting little cottage or will she be tormented by the hideous creature, again? Was Emily’s attempt to banish her unearthly adversary successful? Will her aunt disclose the secrets she has been concealing for so many years? What will happen when Emily’s best friend comes to visit her? What secrets will she reveal? Will Emily ever get to make love to the man of her dreams? A chilling tale of love, passion, sorcery and sacrifice; laced with mystery and tied with humor. Inspired by the authors own experiences in a remote little cottage near Stonehenge

New upcoming authors that really give me that WOW!

Karen Nichols

Mina Kahn

Cookbook

Junior's Dessert Cookbook: 65 Recipes for Cheesecakes, Pies, Cookies, Cakes, and More by Alan Rosen, Beth Allen

What would life be without dessert? With this book, you’ll never have to find out. Junior’s Restaurants, the landmark chain with four locations on the East Coast, are nationally known for their award-winning cheesecakes. But Junior’s has perfected other confections, too; here, more than 30 full-page, four-color photographs showcase 65 fabulous desserts. Authors Alan Rosen and Beth Allen present scaled-down kitchen-tested recipes so bakers can create their own restaurant-worthy delights. Never-before-published recipes include sundaes, ice cream sodas, pies, black ‘n whites, cheesecakes, layer cakes, and cookies. A chapter on slimmed-down sweets will appeal to calorie-counters. Along with entertaining family tidbits, sidebars on “The Junior’s Way” help bakers achieve great results, making Junior’s best-loved recipes feel right at home in any kitchen.

Now, to every author that didn't make someones list I want to think you for your hard work. It takes guts to publish or self publish your heart.

Guest romance author Em Petrova

2012-01-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

Please welcome romance author Em Petrova

A New Kind of Immortal

By Em Petrova

Last year when I began writing my Immortal Series with Red Sage, I set out to create a different breed of immortals. I’d read vampires, shifters, fairies, and demons. I wanted something a little more human, with human traits and normal lives, but with the added complication that these characters didn’t die. I get a lot of questions about my immortals. So today, I’d like to introduce them to you.

Making: An immortal shares his/her blood with the dying. Not through fangs, but by conventional means of cutting. My immortals have been known to run onto crash scenes armed with pocket knives to rescue victims. They’ve also used shards of glass to slice the flesh of themselves and a mortal, pouring their blood into their veins.

Immortals can die at the hands of other immortals. If they lost their footing and fell off a cliff, they wouldn’t die, but if another immortal pushed them—delivering the death blow, so to speak—they would perish. Only with other immortals are their lives challenged, which sometimes makes for a volatile situation if a new immortal comes into their midst.

In my latest release, TREFOIL, the heroine Lillian has mortal frailties, which can happen if something is done incorrectly during Making. But that’s all I’m going to tell you. No spoilers!

Immortal Tattoos: At the moment the immortal blood is shared, a tattoo blossoms on the new immortal. These tattoos are inky blue and vary in location. The art is individual to the person, and often reflects their gifts or personality traits. For instance, in RUNES, the hero Will is a mathematical genius. He sports a tattoo of small, cramped numbers on his lower abdomen that almost appear to be a graphic art piece. His heroine has runes and tiny stars curling from her shoulder, up her throat, and ending in a spattering of stars at the corner of her eye. One of the minor characters (who will get his own book, I assure you!) is the dashing Spaniard Dante. He’s an ancient immortal who was part of Columbus’s crew bringing men to a new world. As ship captain, his tattoo is a wave pattern.

For the heroine of TREFOIL, her tattoo appeared before she discovered her talent. The inky lines of vines and flowers climbing her spine were a mystery to her, until one day, she found a piece of property that inspired her to garden.

The Calling: My immortals are also subject to a phenomenon which links them to their mates known as the Calling. An immortal doesn’t choose who their mate is. Fate links them. The female Calls to the male through a telepathic link, opened by a gasp. They experience Visions of lovemaking that drive them insane with want. When the man receives the Call, he begins his search immediately. Once the link is opened, the couple must complete their bond as soon as possible or risk madness. They’ll experience debilitating tremors and insatiable need for their mate until their blood is shared in the bonding, which I’ll discuss in a minute.

From the time they are Called, they can speak into one another’s minds, opening the mind link by using their mate’s name. At times the Calling presents major issues. The immortal might have another lover, for instance. No matter who that person loves, the Calling cannot be ignored.

Sometimes immortals who have Called to one another aren’t compatible. When they attempt to bond, their blood doesn’t mesh and the female dies. If this happens, the male is relegated to a life of madness and often begs for death. In my first book RUNES, this happened to the villain.

Bonding: To complete the bond, the couple must share their blood and bodies simultaneously—a very erotic moment. Once they are linked as immortal mates, their telepathic connection strengthens until they can even view their mate’s sleeping dreams.

Once the bonding is finished, a blood red medallion appears on the woman’s left breast, over her heart. This is a tattoo of their mate’s blood, which runs in her veins. Usually the tattoo is a combination of their immortal tattoos. In RUNES, the heroine’s blood medallion is a circle of stars and miniature numbers (her tattoo is runes and stars, and hero’s are numbers).

In this world, immortals Walk amongst mortals without detection. Only another immortal can see the “glow.” Not sparkles like vampires, people! Just an inner beauty, although sometimes mortals notice a difference if they are smitten. In RUNES, the other hero Sean is in love with the heroine Evangeline. He sees something different about her, and is drawn to her immortal tattoo with a fierce passion. He can’t keep his hands—or mouth—off it.

Along with a glow which reveals them as immortals, they can “see” into each other’s souls. Looking deeply into one another’s eyes, they can see who Made the immortal, although that person never knows his Maker until they meet face to face. They can also see the person they’ve been Called to. Both instances occur in my Immortal Series.

I’ve loved creating this new world. The clashes that occur between immortals and mortals are endless. Every time I write another book for this series, a new plot bobs into my mind. The stories stand alone, although some of the same characters appear in all four. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this realm with me. I’d love to hear from you!

Em Petrova

~where words mean so much more~

http://www.empetrova.com

Runes: http://tiny.cc/rh5yl

Trefoil: http://www.eredsage.com/store/product859.html

Runestone: http://www.eredsage.com/store/Runestone.html

Encompassed: http://www.eredsage.com/store/product974.html

Author Interview with Teresa Gabelman

2012-01-19T01:53:00.014-05:00

Please welcome author Teresa Gabelman!

Would you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello everyone! I met my husband my sophomore year in high school and we married eight years later. I have a wonderful son who is my best friend and a senior in high school. My husband is a 4th degree black belt, my son is a 2nd degree black belt and I am a 3rd black belt in Taekwondo. I am a two time world champion in sparring and two time state champion. I also made it in Black Belt Magazine which was awesome and one of the highlights in my martial arts training. Yes, deciding who is taking out the garbage gets pretty entertaining around my house. I absolutely love reading and have such a passion for books I cannot walk past a book store without going in, which drives my family a little nutty. I have always wanted to write and I have, but life always seemed to get in the way and I would put my dream on the back burner. I am getting older and that back burner is going to burn out so I gave myself a pep talk and got to work writing Damon. When I saw my first book sale I got so freaked out I slammed my computer closed and ran to my room thinking, “Oh my God, someone is going to read my book.” Seems silly since that was the point in writing a book, but it was so exciting, scary and awesome all at the same time. I didn’t know what to do with all of those emotions so I just ran to my room, slammed the door and sat on the bed with my hand across my mouth. Writing has been my dream for so long and actually seeing it come to light was a little overwhelming. I finally came out of hiding from my computer and started on the next one.

What are some of your favorite author’s and some of your favorite books you’ve read?

I love so many different authors and finding new ones all the time. Sherrilyn Kenyon I would have to say is my favorite paranormal author. Archeron by Sherrilyn Kenyon is by far my favorite book and one that I read over and over again. I have really been supporting indie authors and reading some great books.

In your book The Protectors 'Damon', Nicole is such a strong female character who is quick to stand up for what she believes in and has great sarcasm. Who/what was your inspiration for her character?

HA! Nicole was so fun to write. I really based her on a number of women I have met over the years. When I write a book I want the female character to be someone I would like to hang out with. Even though I love a strong female character in the books I read, I still want the hot, sexy hero saving the day and taking care of his woman. Now for the sarcasm, I guess I need to point to myself for that. I grew up with a brother who is eleven years older than me so I had to learn how to hold my own. I now have a seventeen year old son and my husband who I go back and forth with, so yeah, good hearted sarcasm just comes naturally for me and seems to come out when I’m writing. You’ve got to have good strong comebacks in this family.

Would you tell us a little of what you’re working on next?

I am currently working on Jared’s story. So excited about this one. I love Damon’s story because of the characters, but new characters in Jared’s stories are starting to take shape and I’m really loving them. I liked Jared so much in the first book so I am trying to keep him in the same character he was in Damon’s book, but with a little more edge, sexiness and of course, sense of humor.

Fun Questions

What is your favorite color?

Black. Yeah I know, blah, but I love black and most of my wardrobe is black. Blue is a close second.

Do you have any pets?

I have two of the strangest dogs that I love dearly. One week one is the little pack leader and the next the other is the leader. Cracks me up, they are crazy. I went to the local pound with my son and friend looking for one dog after we lost our beloved German Shepard, Sable. Well long story short, I came home with two Collie/Shepard mix puppies, Cinnamon and Bebe. They’re sisters, Cin is golden and Bebe is black with some gold. At first it was Bebe who we fell in love with, but after seeing one of the workers yelling and banging on the cage at Cinnamon for making a mess in her cage after she had just cleaned it I, as nicely as I could at that moment, moved her out of the way and reached in for the puppy saying, “I’ll take this one too.” I have a low tolerance for anyone mistreating animals. My husband is very lucky I only came home with two dogs that day.

What is your favorite movie and TV show?

Christmas Vacation is my favorite movie. Love it! I like a lot of reality shows, but reruns of Friends is my favorite because it’s a show my son and I watch together all the time.

Thank you so much Laurie and Nookmom for this opportunity! It has been a blast.

http://www.amazon.com/Damon-The-Protectors-Series-ebook/dp/B006FOEDMG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326242229&sr=1-1

http://www.teresagabelman.com

New Author spotlight with Mina Khan

2012-01-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

Please welcome Mina Khan!

Would you tell us a little about yourself?

MK: I worked as news journalist for fourteen years (both in the newspaper and television industries). Now I daydream about hunky paranormal heroes, magic, mayhem and mischief and write them down as stories. Between stories, I teach culinary classes and write a food column for my local newspaper. Other than that, I’m raising a family of two children, two cats, two dogs and a husband.

Also, I grew up in Bangladesh on stories of djinns, ghosts and monsters. These childhood fancies now color my fiction.

You can find me at:

http://www.facebook.com/Mina.Khan.Author

http://minakhan.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/SpiceBites

How long have you been writing?

MK: Lol, all my life! My first poem was published when I was in the third grade J

What is your first published book?

MK: The Djinn’s Dilemma, a paranormal erotic romance from Harlequin Nocturne’s new Cravings line, was published in November 2011. SQUEE!

Why did you choose to self-publish?

I’m actually considering self-publishing my second djinn story to help raise funds for women’s education, a cause close to my heart.

What was the first thing you did when a publisher let you know your book was accepted to be published?

MK: Being a reporter, I had to write all the details down, hang up, review my notes and scream.

Who/what is your writing muse?

I am a reader first, and then a writer. My writing muses are other writers who make me fall in love with their stories – to name a few: Marjorie M. Liu, Patricia Briggs, Carol Berg, J.D. Robb.

What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers, other than to not give up?

Trust yourself.

What are you working on next?

I am finishing up the edits on the second djinn story, “The Tale of Two Djinns,” which is a Romeo & Juliet story with djinns, feminists, and a happy ending. And, yes I’m already working on the third djinn story. J

Interview with Danielle D. Smith + giveaway

2012-01-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Join me, WildAboutBones, in welcoming paranormal, erotic paranormal and fantasy author Danielle D. Smith as we talk about her newest book, Demon's Slave.

Author Bio:

Danielle D. Smith was born in San Diego, California, USA. She was first published at age 29. In addition to being a writer of bestselling gritty angel-and-demon themed supernatural fantasy stories that have cracked the Amazon bestseller list and gained a dedicated cult following, she is an accomplished fine artist and illustrator whose visual work has appeared in various public, private, and gallery exhibitions and in national publications, and has studied everything from costuming to tattooing. Dani, as she is known by many who are close to her, lives in San Diego with a large number of books, indie flicks, and documentaries. Her novels appeal to dreamers, troublemakers, dark romantics, horn dogs, and general escapists. She is the proud owner of a beefcake husband, a beautiful new baby boy named Ryker, and several beautiful tattoos. She is hard at work juggling motherhood and working on the graphic novel versions of two of her books, Black Dog and Rebel Rose and Psyche's Gate.

WAB: Would you tell us a little about yourself?

Danielle: My name is Danielle, but you can call me Dani. I’m an author, artist, and illustrator hailing from sunny San Diego, California. I have published five books thus far in my career, four being released by Liquid Silver Books and Solstice Publishing, and the most recent, Demon’s Slave, has been released under my own publishing house name. My artworks have been featured in gallery and public art exhibitions and in national publications, including magazines, newspapers, and art journals, and I have studied all sorts of artistic disciplines, the most interesting being tattooing. I’m a tomboy at heart, and love jeans, wife beaters, Camel cigarettes, muscle cars, Harleys, and booze (though my tolerance is lower than it used to be…sighhhh). At the other end of the spectrum, I’m a wife and a mother. My husband is a tattooed beefcake with long curly dark hair and a Juris Doctorate (no, I’m not kidding). We just added a special addition to our little family, and I could not be happier: I gave birth to my first son, Ryker, this past November, and I love to dote on and cuddle the crap outta him. If you are ever in San Diego and you see a pale freckled chick in her early 30’s wearing a black “Make mine a Hornitos” tank, combat boots, low-cut jeans, and a demon horn knit cap, her arms and chest scrolled with tattoos, pushing a stroller containing the cutest little baby you’d ever see, you can bet that’s me. ;-)
WAB: I've seen the pictures on your blog and he is adorable. The YouTube videos of hubby changing diapers are hysterical.

WAB: What made you to decide to take Rose and Skriker into the BDSM arena with Demon’s Slave?

Danielle: My fans! I received requests via Facebook from a few of my most devoted readers, telling me that they would love a book specifically about Skriker and Rose’s sex life, rather than a paranormal hunt adventure with sex thrown in as part of the story. Naturally, BDSM made sense, since it would allow me to explore the dynamic of their unorthodox, “forbidden” relationship in an interesting and edgy way.
WAB: Check out my review of Demon's Slave below this post.

WAB: Are they going to stay there or just occasionally visit it in future books?

Danielle: You’ll likely see a bit of BDSM thrown in periodically in future adventures, but probably not as heavily as in Demon’s Slave. Skriker and Rose’s BDSM adventure truly needed its own book.
WAB: Variety is the spice of life. And I can't wait to read more.

WAB: What do you think readers will like best about Demon’s Slave?

Danielle: The hot, insanely daring sex! No, really…I’d have to guess that most readers will enjoy the relationship that the characters share. How deeply they love each other and how much each is willing to sacrifice for the other—that makes their sexual experiences that much steamier. As Skriker tells Rose, “It’s always better with your One and Only,” and I have to agree! I mean, the man has laid more pipe than that which can be found under New York City, so he’s gotta know!
WAB: LOL. Just ask him, he'll tell ya and tell ya frequently.

WAB: Can you tell us a little bit about what’s next for Rose and Skriker?

Danielle: I don’t want to give too much away, but fans are going to be seeing some big BIG changes for their favorite mismatched paranormal couple. I will say that there will be a wedding in the next BD & RR Series novella when Skriker takes Rose to Sweden, his mother’s ancestral homeland. I am working hard on the second “fat” novel installation of the Psyche’s Gate Saga, “Nephil’s Curse”, which will follow Skriker, Rose, Alexius, and a cast of new characters (including my first werewolves) as they hunt for who killed Rose’s mother, Psyche. Many of my readers are guessing that there is going to be a baby born to the bad boy and his Nephil girl in the near future…but I ain’t tellin’! ;-)
WAB: Ooohhh werewolves. I heart me some werewolves whether they are the good guys or the bad guys.

WAB: If you had to choose between Rose and Skriker as your favorite character, which would you choose and why?

Danielle: Skrike, fo sho. The man is just too awesome. He’s the epitome of “fun” in my book (no pun intended), and he keeps the readers coming back for more. Call it arrogance, but Skriker is actually the character that is the most like me, which tends to surprise a lot of people. It makes him really easy to write. And I love drawing him—he’s crazy expressive. I’m working on the graphic novel version of Black Dog and Rebel Rose, and he is the most enjoyable character to draw comic book style. I think he’d be great to have a beer and a chat with.
WAB: Hhmm, sounds like a great future guest post.

WAB: What order should your books be read in?

Danielle: No specific order—each book can stand on its own. HOWEVER, if folks want to get to know Skriker and Rose from the start, they should read Black Dog and Rebel Rose first. And if they want the full backstory for each character, they should pick up Psyche’s Gate, which is about Rose’s parents, and In The Neon, which introduces Skriker’s parents. Technichally In The Neon is the earliest tale, taking place about four years before Psyche’s Gate does.
WAB: I am very anxious to read these after reading Demon's Slave

WAB: Do you have a process or any special rituals in your writing routine? And how has just having had your beautiful baby boy changed it?

Danielle: I write in a very clusterf**k manner, so the biggest rituals would not take place within the writing process itself, but in what goes on externally. I always have a beer, a whisky, or a diet soda within reach, and I usually smoke a cigarette or two before and after a writing session. If I get stuck and need to mull over my next steps, I take a shower. Yep, it’s strange, but true. For some reason, soaping up and rinsing off really helps—it’s like lightning strikes the most easily when I’m spacing out with shampoo in my hair.

After having my son, the biggest change would be that I need to take more notes so that I won’t forget anything if I get interrupted—having a newborn means you are on HIS schedule, not your own! Oh, and I don’t smoke in the house, EVER. If I need a Camel, I pop out onto my big balcony and chill there, well away from my lil’ bean.
WAB: Sounds like you need a personal recorder you can hang on your clothing next to the pacifier so you can record your thoughts as they come to you while taking care of your lil' bean.

WAB: What have you learned about the writing and publishing process as a result of having started your own publishing firm?

Danielle: That I have more control. Don’t get me wrong—I LOVE both of my publishers, and am thrilled that I landed them. I am very blessed, and most of my manuscripts will still be released through Solstice and/or LSB (or even a bigger publisher if anyone makes an offer), most notably the Psyche’s Gate Saga books. However, putting my own LLC name on some of my stories has allowed me to have enormous control over how the books are marketed, priced, and how much I receive royalty wise. Demon’s Slave hit the Amazon Bestseller list within 24 hours of being released—none of my other books did. I mean, Black Dog and Rebel Rose has a dedicated cult following, but sales were never Bestseller high. Since then, I have taken what I learned from that great triumph and passed it on to Solstice when they released the Black Dog and Rebel Rose Collection on Kindle. The result? The Collection (which includes BD & RR, Coyote Night, and In The Neon in an exclusive three-in-one set for the Amazon Kindle ONLY) also became an Amazon bestseller for the first 3 days of its release. I was very nervous about “self publishing” a book, since the indie publishing trend gets such a bad rap for having low quality product (and I usually would agree, as much as I hate to say it). Doing this on my own has taught me how much quality matters, and has made me a better writer. There is no traditional publisher to blame for bad editing, cover design, etc…it’s all on me, baby!
WAB: Congrats on hitting the Amazon Bestseller lists so soon.

WAB: What is/are your favorite type(s) of paranormal character(s) and why?

Danielle: Angels and demons, BAR NONE. I am truthfully sick of the vampire, werewolf, and shifter trend, especially in PNR and erotica. It’s just so overdone, and plots are just recycled over and over. I will be working some werewolves into future books, but they will be minor characters, and not all good. My vampires are all bad, and usually gross, the way they were in the old days. Nope, it’s all about angels and demons for me! We’re talking about universal Good and Evil here, people…you can’t get more powerful than that! And pairing an angel and a demon up romantically…well, it makes for a really interesting matchup, lemme tell ya!
WAB: And if Demon's Slave is any indication, you do it so well!

WAB: Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books? Which has made the biggest impact on your writing career?

Danielle: My favorite authors would include Stephen King, Clive Barker, China Mieville, Neil Gaiman, Camus, and Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist. The short list of my favorite books would be King’s “Dark Tower Series” (especially “The Gunsliger”), “IT”, and “Pet Sematary”, Mieville’s “King Rat” (a HUGE influence on my writing), Gaiman’s “American Gods”, Camus’ “The Plague” and “The Stranger”, and Lindqvist’s “Let The Right One In”. I also love classic lit such as “The Metamorphosis” and Goethe’s “Faust” (I actually gave my son the middle name “Faustus” after the main character in this book).

I’d have to say that China Mieville and Neil Gaiman have made the biggest impact on me as a writer—China’s weird fantasy style inspires me to push the envelope, and Neil’s work reminds me to keep it fresh and fun and to not get stale.
WAB: I adore Stephen King and Clive Barker (both his fantasy and horror) as well. To this day, I won't let my long hair anywhere near a drain because of King's It and my heart starts racing if an air bubble gurgles in the toilet when I'm hitting there again because of It. I also love that a good portion of both their books tend to be nice long books of 400+ pages and many 600+ pages.

WAB: Is there something you’d like to tell your fans, something no one ever asks you in an interview?

Danielle: I have only been with one man sexually in my lifetime (my hubby)…but I have been with more than one woman. Blunt enough for ya? ;-)
WAB: ROTFLMAO! Not a shy little thang, are you? Thank you for answering this in the spirit it was asked.

WAB: Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on next?

Danielle: The Black Dog and Rebel Rose graphic novel is a HUGE thing for me right now…the biggest non-corporate (*cough* NOT Marvel or DC *cough*) comic book pubs will be getting proposal packages. I am also hard at work on the next Psyche’s Gate Saga book, “Nephil’s Curse”, and on the first Skriker and Rose holiday adventure, “Ghosts of Winter”, due out in spring/summer 2012. (Who said you can’t have Christmas in July?)
WAB: Oh yeah! Gotta luv Christmas in July.

Fun Questions:

Boxers, briefs or commando for your hero? LMFAO!!! Boxers…only because Skrike is waaay too hung not to support the family jewels!

Thongs, bikini panties or boy shorts for your heroine? Thongs. Definitely thongs. Rose is lucky enough to have a perfect ass. Bitch.

Dog, cat or ferret person? BUNNY person!!! I miss my Netherland Dwarf. He was my non-human baby. ?

What’s the first book you remember reading? I remember Goodnight Moon and The Little Engine That Could.

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast. So f**king romantic. Sighhhh…I own a beautifully illustrated out-of-print translation from the original French tale, with pictures by watercolor painter Diane Goode. It is simply beautiful! Can’t wait to read it to my son.

What’s your favorite cartoon character? Cartman from “South Park” and Sterling from “Archer”.

What are you currently reading? “Primal Myths” by Barbara C. Sproul, and “Granta”, a literary collection from England showcasing essays by several prominent authors with unique and diverse writing styles.

What is your favorite movie and TV show? Fave TV shows: “The Walking Dead” and “Sons of Anarchy”. I used to love “Supernatural”, but it took a total dump this season, so Sam and Dean are on time out with me. Favorite movie: Too many to list. But a few top picks would include the Mad Max films, Predator, The Lost Boys, City of Lost Children, Let The Right One In, Angel-A, Phantom of the Opera, and Wings of Desire.

What character name have you been dying to use as new character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? Tatiana. It’s one of my favorite girl’s names. Might just toss it at a minor character one of these days, just to use it. ?

Thank you so much, Dani, for taking the time out for us today. You are, as always, a blast to hang out with.

For more on Demon's Slave, check out my review below this post.

To get to know Rose and Striker a little better, check out Breaking All The Rules: An Intimate Interview With Skriker And Rose at http://www.theangelsgate.blogspot.com/2011/12/breaking-all-rules-intimate-interview.html (opens in a new window - don't forget to come back and enter the giveaway below)

Danielle can be found at:

Website: http://www.danielledsmith.com

Blog: http://www.theangelsgate.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4110512.Danielle_D_Smith

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=522911002

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DaniDSmith

Danielle's YouTube Channel (book trailers & more): http://www.youtube.com/user/DaniDSmith

Rebel Rose Publishing: http://www.danielledsmith.com/rebel-rose-publishing.html

Danielle's Official Art Site: http://www.wildwyrmart.com

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3ADanielle+D.+Smith&keywords=Danielle+D.+Smith&ie=UTF8&qid=1326660700&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B003S863Y8

For other retailers check out: http://www.danielledsmith.com/buybooks.html

Giveaway

Giveaway and Contest Policy

January 17-21, 2012 (midnight)

Open Internationally

Dani is giving away an e-copy of Demon's Slave to one lucky winner.

By entering you are acknowledging you are over 18 years old (or the legal age limit in your state or country). Warning: contains explicit sex and BDSM sex which may be objectionable to some.

Leave a comment or question (including your email is not necessary since you will enter it in the Rafflecopter) for Danielle (something more substantial than just thanking her for the giveaway please) and
enter via the Rafflecopter below.

Add to Demon's Slave to your Goodreads.com "to read" list for an additional entry, see the Rafflecopter below for more.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Demon's Slave by Danielle D. Smith

2012-01-17T04:50:00.001-05:00

Title: Demon's Slave: Possessing the Rebel Rose

Author: Danielle D. Smith

Source: Author Requested Review

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Format: eBook

Release Date: December 17, 2011

Rose, Nephil daughter of a Warrior of Heaven, has betrayed her celestial heritage by falling for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks: Skriker, tattooed half-demon hunter, and the most irresistible chunk of hard meat that she has ever taken to her bed.

Rose knows that there is no love in all of Creation more forbidden than that between an angel and a demon, and that knowledge has left her terribly fragmented, despite her passionate love for her Halfling bad boy.

As Skriker's "Dirty 30" approaches, she will offer him the ultimate birthday gift: she will be his devoted sexual slave for three days and three nights, laying aside her angelic pride to fully commit to his pleasure (and hers) with every part of her being...and neither Heaven nor Hell will have any power to stop it.

**Publisher's Warning: This sordid tale contains graphic BDSM sex, including forceful oral and anal sex, bondage, blindfolding, slapping/spanking, nipple clamps, toe-curling dirty talk, hot wax, and crazy hardcore sex in a church.**

Rating -

a Pack Howl Plus — 4.5!!

Sexual -

My Review:

4.5 Stars! Danielle Smith successfully completes her first foray into the BDSM arena with Demon's Slave. Hot and steamy, this features characters from Smith's other books: Rose, half angel, half human - Nephilim; Striker, half demon, half human; Alexius, Rose's angel father and Striker's demon hound, Trash. This is definitely a stand alone book, but the finer relationship nuances may be missed if reading the series out of order. I haven't read the others yet and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. It only made me more anxious to read her other books which are on my to-read list.

Rose and Striker have been together now for two plus years and it is Striker's big 3-0 birthday and Rose has the perfect gift for him. She is giving him three days and nights of "total submission" to be his "devoted servant", to be what he wants, to do what he wants with her. She's putting her pride aside for him for his 30th birthday.

In the process, she is humorously able to thumb her nose at the powers that be "upstairs". We get to see how much Striker is desperately in love with Rose. Yes, we see bad boy Striker show his vulnerable side several times in this story. Rose gets nice and mushy in here as well.

Striker uses a naked Rose for his breakfast plate in a deliciously sensual scene. There is also a couple of scenes in an old abandoned church, a closed bar where Striker does his cage fighting and a steamy (pun intended) anal shower scene. Rough BDSM is the theme for the three days which is the whole point of the birthday gift. But at no time is Rose hurt; it is very evident she is enjoying herself and is definitely getting off on everything he does to her. The very minute she uses her safe word, he freezes. Needless to say, Striker enjoys his gift very much.

This is a 'not to be missed' book for Rose and Striker fans, BDSM fans, and paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans who don't mind and/or like a little rough sex with their paranormal. Don't wait to add this to your wishlist.

Interview with paranormal romance author Gabrielle Bisset

2012-01-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

Please welcome Gabrielle Bisset!

Hello, Gabrielle. I am so happy to have you here at Bitten today. Before we start the interview about your great series the Destined Ones would you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi everyone! My name is Gabrielle Bisset, and I write erotic romance, sometimes paranormal, sometimes historical, but always erotic. I also teach college students history at my day job.

What sparked you into writing the series Destined Ones?

I had a dream one night about the characters in the series, Aeveren. When I woke up, I knew I had an idea I wanted to pursue. I fleshed it out, and the major ideas—them living fifty lives through reincarnation and remembering each lifetime, having powers above and beyond what humans possess, and having destined ones they are drawn to across distance and time—became the basis for the Destined Ones series.

What are the Destined Ones?
Destined ones are fellow Aeveren a character is destined to be with from this moment forward, until the end of one’s existence on this Earth. For example, in the second book, Amon and Thea are destined for one another. Both are very far into their reincarnation cycle (Amon in his 47th lifetime and Thea in her 45th), so as long as both are them are still before the end of their existence and living in the same lifetime, they will meet again in the future as different people but still destined for one another. So while they met while they’re both in the thirties this lifetime, the next lifetime they’re in together they might meet when they’re just teenagers and be childhood sweethearts.

What makes your Destined Ones different from every other paranormal romance series out there?
I think what makes them different is the idea of reincarnation, along with the ability for some of my characters to have powers, such as telepathy, the ability to time travel, the ability to control others’ thoughts, and the romantic ideal of being destined for another soul meant just for them. The combination allows me to create some really strong characters who are quite memorable. I can place them in any time period in history and make them anyone I choose. It opens up a lot of terrific plotlines, and I have to admit, so many of them don’t make it into the final books because then the books would end up being 700 pages long! My editor has suggested I use some of the left out storylines for novellas on the characters. It’s something I’m considering.

Would you tell us about your favorite Destined One?
My favorite has to be Amon. I fell in love with him as soon as he appeared on the page. In Stolen Destiny, the first book, he was such a villain. I mean, he went back in time and stole another man’s destined one away because he wanted her for his own. He was such a bastard, but I’ve always loved the bad boy and Amon is no different. The interesting thing is that he was never meant to be in the story. I plot everything out very carefully before I even begin to write and he wasn’t there at all. But then I decided that although I had a bad guy in the story, I needed a romantic bad guy. Out of that, Amon was born.
I’ve heard from so many readers that even at his worst, they’re attracted to something in him. I know exactly what they mean. Amon is so bad, he’s seductive, and then in Destiny Redeemed, I gave him a chance at his happily ever after. He’s still not a good guy, keep in mind. Bad boys don’t change just because they find the right woman. They’re still bad; they’re just happier and more content.

How many books do you plain to write for this series?
I have two more novels planned, but as I mentioned earlier, perhaps some novellas might spring from the plotlines that I couldn’t fit into the books. The next novel is about Amon’s sons from his lifetime as a member of the landed gentry in the English countryside in the late 1700s. Because of Amon’s behavior in that lifetime, his son’s have been cursed to move through each lifetime together, never meeting their destined ones and forever being stuck with one another. Since one is very much like Amon, and the other is far kinder, it’s been a trial for both of them. In addition, the woman they believe is meant for both of them has a connection to them from that first lifetime that makes things a bit tricky. That book and the last novel are about 50% complete, but I’m not sure I’m going to keep what I have for the last one. I may go a different direction with that last book in the series. I haven’t decided yet, but there are four novels planned.

Are you going to self-publish the rest of the series?
Absolutely! I love having the control over the editing and marketing, in addition to the cover art and everything that comes along with producing a book. I told my editor the last time she asked the same question, the only way I ever leave indie publishing is if New York comes calling and can offer me something more than the fabulous freedom I have now.

Anything else you’d like to add about the series?
I think readers who want paranormal but with an interesting new spin on the idea will find what they’re looking for in the Destined Ones series. I love the idea that the past is never really truly gone (probably because I’m a history teacher) and that it affects what’s going on now in such a vibrant way that my characters have to accept their pasts and deal with their presents to create a future together.

Website: Gabrielle Bisset
Blog: Gabrielle Bisset: A Writer's Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon Author Page

Covet (Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series #1) by Felicity E. Heaton

2012-01-16T00:05:00.002-05:00

Title: Covet (Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series #1)
Author: Felicity E. Heaton
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance - Vampires
Format: ebook - 103 pages
Release Date: December 30th 2011
Author's Website

They’ve burned for each other for two years, the forbidden attraction between them growing each night. Now resisting the sinful desires of their hearts is becoming impossible.

Javier knows better than to succumb to his hunger for Lilah. The mortal female belongs to a powerful aristocrat patron of Vampirerotique, the theatre he runs with three other vampires. A single touch is all it would take to break the sacred law of his kind, sentencing himself to death, but his passion for her has become too fierce to ignore and he will risk everything to make Lilah his.

Lilah has fought her desire for Javier since arriving at his theatre as a servant but each glance he has stolen, his eyes promising pleasure that will satisfy her longing for him, has chipped away at her defences and she can no longer deny her need and her forbidden feelings for the powerful vampire male.

When they find themselves alone in a private box during one of the erotic performances, will they surrender to their passion and live out their wildest fantasies in a night of wicked pleasure or will the threat of Lilah’s master keep them apart forever?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

This is the first book in Felicity Heaton's Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series and I have to say she is off to a very good start. This series seems to have a darker, sensual vibe to it and definitely more erotic. The story is about a forbidden love between a vampire and a human who is owned by another vampire set amidst the backdrop of an erotic theatre that caters to vampires and their needs.

Javier and Lilah have tried to hide and keep their passion for each other under control for the past two years until it is too much for either of them to conceal any longer. Though this is a very erotic book with some very intense scenes it is a very tender and loving story of two people unleashing and sharing everything with each other despite the consequences, and the consequences are severe. No other vampire is allowed to touch a human that is owned by another otherwise face death. Despite the knowledge of their doomed love they are willing to try and find a means to stay together. The only thing is will they be able to defeat everyone and everything in their way of being together.

I really enjoyed how Felicity was able to develop not only the strong emotional connection that the characters had for each other, but the description of the scenes itself. The author has an amazing ability to make the reader experience every nuance that is occurring in a scene from the emotional components between the characters to the description of the scenery.

Since this is the first book in the series we should get to know more about the other vampires that are part of Vampireerotique theatre in subsequent books. The one I am most looking forward to is Snow. Although he made a brief appearance he made quite an impression and made this reader very intrigued at what lurks behind the wall he has built around himself.

A wonderful addition to the paranormal erotic romance genre and one that will be a favorite for many.

Guest Post with Clarrissa Lee Moon + freebie

2012-01-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome Clarrissa Lee Moon

Hey readers,
The number one question always thrown at me is...why do you write about relationships that have more than one partner? And how would one, in fantasy or real life, deal with so many egos?

If one was being sarcastic, the easy answer is a lot of sex. But for real, the answer would be being great at diplomacy and always willing to be flexible and adaptable to any situation. One relationship is hard enough to deal with on a daily basis but to have to keep more than one man happy takes a willingness to go that extra mile in making sure all are happy campers.

Always making sure no one man has had more attention than any of the others; and women with children are already very good at this when you have more than one child. There really isn't much of a difference. Just kidding...but not:)

Most men, face it girls, are really just over grown children in the end. Men with power attitudes, power ties and the whole 'alpha ego' thing is the really big challenge. Juggling all alphas with no betas in a relationship is like handling nitro with a temper. Careful handling is needed on a 24/7 basis and you had better be real good at ducking and rolling when the fur flies. Never get in the middle of an alpha war. You'll just wind up feeling like Kibbles an' Bits at the end of it. Let them duke it out and be ready with the hydrogen peroxide and butterfly band aids afterwards, followed by intense love making and don't even think about saying no. They'll seriously need to blow off what's left of their testosterone- so bend over and like it with a smile.

So with all this in mind, writing about one on one relationships is easy. It's been done to death with several scenarios of how the relationships got started. Writing about polyandry relationships is much harder and therefore a challenge to me. Plus, I think women would be happier and bills would be paid more easily if there were more in a relationship than just the two. Seriously, two pay-checks barely covers monthly expenses anymore and both are exhausted by the end of the week to even think about making love. If there were more bread winners in the house, there would be more time for play and for love IMHO. But that's just my two.

So if you are one of the few lucky ones who have the time to read, then shoot on over to Amazon.com where Nightwolves Coalition will be free for kindle users Jan. 21st - 22nd to help you all with those monthly expenses. Just give your mate some loving this weekend and we'll call it even.

Have a howling good time both reading and loving!
Clarrissa Lee Moon

Clarrissa's Bio:

Clarrissa Lee Moon would like to live like a tumbleweed going from different states often. An avid reader and owner of more books and DVDs then any used book shop; she also enjoys Martial arts, swimming, riding Harleys and raising pure bred Japanese Chins. She has written as a journalist for two E-magazines. Author of Memoirs of The Nightwolves Series and Celeste Nites Novelettes. She considers herself unique, unusual and unconquerable!

WildAboutBones' Reviews of Clarrissa's Books:
Nightwolves Coalition
Nighwolves on the Prowl
Nightwolves Siren Song
Celeste Nites

Book Trailers: http://clarrissaleemoonauthor.webs.com/apps/videos

Find Clarrissa at/on:
http://www.clarrissaleemoonauthor.com
http://clarrissamoon.blogspot.com
http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/author-clarrissa-lee-moon.html
http://www.authorsden.com/clarrissalzamora

Clarrissa's Books Purchase Links:
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ClarrissaLeeMoon
World Castle Publishing: http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/adults-only-title-page.html
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Clarrissa+Lee+Moon&x=0&y=0
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clarrissa+lee+moon&x=0&y=0
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/clarrissa-lee-moon

Guest romance author Rayna Vause

2012-01-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

AMAZON HEAT by Melinda Leigh and Rayna Vause

Paranormal with a Twist

Paranormal fans are largely in agreement. Vampire and shape-shifters are uber cool. But they aren’t the only players in the genre game. Paranormal fiction is only as limited as a writer’s imagination.

In AMAZON HEAT, we wanted to do something different. We also wanted a kick-ass chick for a heroine. Wonder Woman immediately came to mind, especially since we wanted a story that was more fun and campy than broody or moody. From Wonder Women we segued to the original kick ass chicks, the Amazons of Greek mythology.

The Amazons of Greek mythology kicked-ass in Asia Minor, but there’s also another legend about a tribe of female warriors in South America. Spanish explorers called the fierce warrior women they claimed to encounter in the jungle “Amazons” after the Greek myth. Then they named the great river after them. We went with the rainforest as our exotic location because of the cool factor and because there are still parts of this one billion acre forest that are completely unknown.

But copying legend isn’t any fun, so we borrowed the warrior women concept but gave our Amazons a custom set of supernatural powers. Anyway, our tribe would live in a magically hidden valley deep in the jungle. The surroundings seemed to demand some sort of connection. So, in addition to the prerequisite super strength, this bunch of bodacious babes would be able to communicate and control the natural environment.

Developing this premise what loads and loads of fun. And we’re not done yet. A sequel is in the works.

Now you know what we like, how do you like your paranormal? Straight up vamps or with an unusual twist?

AMAZON HEAT released January 9^th from Carina Press.

Two years ago, ethnobotanist Dr. Elizabeth DeMarco, driven by grief to find a cure for cancer, left her lover mid-proposal to accept a position on a research expedition to the Amazon Rainforest. Kidnapped by guerrillas, she was saved by warriors from the secret all-female civilization of the ancient Amazons. She has been kept prisoner since in the Amazon’s supernaturally hidden valley.

Despite Elizabeth’s rejection, anthropologist Logan Spencer never stopped searching for her. While consulting on a mass grave uncovered in the remote Brazilian interior near the place Elizabeth was kidnapped, Logan falls from a cliff. On the brink of death, he is collected by the Amazons and magically healed. When Logan wakes, the first person he sees is his beloved Elizabeth. Unfortunately, their reunion is less than joyful. The mystical medicine is changing Logan. But there’s no time to study the side-effects. The Amazons plan to steal Logan’s DNA, then kill him. Logan and Elizabeth must escape before dawn or Logan is doomed. Getting him out of the hidden valley won’t be easy. The Amazon’s supernatural powers make the task all but impossible.

Buy it at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance EBooks

Melinda Leigh is a mom, a dog lover, and a second degree black belt in kenpo karate. In addition to writing paranormal romance for Carina Press, she is also the author of She Can Run, a kindle bestselling romantic suspense released in November 2011 from Montlake Romance. Find out more Melinda: website / facebook / twitter

Rayna Vause is fascinated by the paranormal and she loves a good romance as well, which probably explains why these two elements perpetually crop up in her writing. When she takes off her writer hat she is a martial artist, video game lover, Disney enthusiast, and a Pop Tart aficionado. Find out more about Rayna: website / facebook / twitter

Melinda and Rayna blog together at http://AttackingThePage.com

Review A Promise of Amber by Evanne Lorraine

2012-01-12T07:38:00.004-05:00

Title: A Promise of Amber (Treeland Pack Tales, #2)
Author: Evanne Lorraine
Source Author request
Genre: Erotic paranormal romance M/F/M- wolf
Length: Novel

Series: Treeland Pack Tales; Previous Book: A Taste of Scarlet

Half-fae, half-psi werewolf, Amber is always in trouble. No matter how hard she tries to do the right thing and fit in with the pack she never succeeds. She barely passes as a psi werewolf bitch. She has a natural submissive’s desire to be claimed along with dangerous powers she doesn't understand and struggles to control. On the brink of the sexual maturity her first heat will bring, she hopes for better control of her fae magic and dreams of her promised mate.

Isolated during a Goblin attack with the strong, brave, and wonderful Tru, Amber welcomes the comfort he offers. Then simple kindness blazes into desire. Opportunity provides an irresistible temptation and they make love. She wishes he was her pledged mate not the pack Alpha, Hunter, because Tru’s already captured her heart.

Amber never realized how much an Alpha mate would scare her. Hunter is very dominant and he terrifies her. But he’s so protective of her that he can’t bear to force her obedience. Already in love with Amber himself, Tru gentles her and shares the gift of her trust with his Alpha.

But when her heat finally happens, their fragile tri-mating puts them under heavy-duty pressure and Amber’s enemies are only waiting for the right time to attack.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, Domination/submission elements, menage (m/f/m).

Evanne knows how to write hot alpha men. This novel is packed with everything you can ask for in an erotic paranormal romance. It has action, magic, great characters. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, great story and romance.

I loved the way the author brought around the romance between these three. With Amber being a bit different she tends to question things and the biggest thing she questions is Hunter. She doesn’t know him and tends to be a bit timid around him but that doesn’t last long. Amber takes to Tru very quick but again this beta is very loveable and offers a lot to the trio. With this being an m/f/m you get double penetration. You might find you need a fan while reading this one.

This is part of a series but can easily be a standalone. I recommend this to anyone that loves a good paranormal ménage.

Guest romance author Jennifer Lynne + giveaway

2012-01-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Please welcome author Jennifer Lynne!!

Mythical Greek gods – are they paranormal or fantasy?

Guest post and giveaway by Jennifer Lynne

(contains Adult rated excerpt)

Hello and Happy New Year to all the Bitten by Paranormal Romance readers. Thank you for having me here today. I'm really excited to start 2012 with a new indie-release novella, and a sensual romance signed with Breathless Press (in edits as I write this post).

One of the interesting things about my December indie-release, Platinum Passion (Gods of Love #1) has been identifying where it sits on the virtual bookshelf in terms of genre.

Platinum Passion is a contemporary erotic romance novella containing magic and an ancient Greek god. So, is it a paranormal? Or a fantasy? Or even an urban fantasy?

Initially I was thinking fantasy, as there's not a hint of vampire, Were or even a ghost in Platinum Passion, but there is magic and a mythological being. But there is no alternate world-building in this story, nor elements of an alternate reality, which is what comes to my mind when I think fantasy romance. Nor is there an urban setting. The story takes place on a deserted beach in northern Australia.

So in the end, I chose paranormal. More accurately, a contemporary paranormal ménage erotic romance (a mouthful, I know!).

Essentially, I guess, a mythical Greek god could have his or her place in either genre, depending on how the story is developed and written. I read somewhere that many people classify paranormal as a sub-genre of fantasy, and if you take that view, I suppose this whole post is moot!

Giveaway

What do you believe is the difference between paranormal and fantasy? Is one a subset of the other? I would love to hear what Bitten readers have to say about this. So much so, that I'll be giving away a digital copy of Platinum Passion. Leave a comment on this post between now and 13^th January 2012, and go in the draw to win.

Wherever it sits on the virtual shelf, I hope I can tempt you with a taste of this M/M/F novella that focuses on a long term relationship that has gone off track and needs a helping hand from Pothos, the ancient Greek god of sexual yearning.

Platinum Passion Excerpt (HOT, Adult rated):

Her hands gravitated back toward him, drawing him into her embrace, caressing the stricken look from his features. "Can you at least turn it off?" she asked. "So I know that what I'm feeling is genuine." He felt so hot and so hard against her body, in many ways just like Jake, and yet infinitely different.

"I cannot." His voice was strained. "I am what I am, Jeannie. I cannot change it. But I would not be here if you and Jake did not want this. Even if one of you wanted this and not the other, I would not be here. It has to be both of you, yearning for wholeness, for desire, which calls forth the power of Eros."

His fingertips were working their way down her spine as he spoke. She shivered beneath his touch. "I do want this," she said, rubbing her cheek against him, enjoying the unusual feel of a chest without any hair. Jake had a smattering of hair across his chest and while she loved the springy feel of it when she stroked her fingers down her husband's body, following that line to his groin, the smooth sensation of Pothos was new and exciting.

His organ pressed against her, and she imagined this enormous cock together with Jake's, her hands encircling them both as she bent down to run her tongue across their dual, straining, moisture-tipped heads.

Jake and Pothos.

Citrus and spice.

What a perfect, delicious blend.

"Maybe nice wasn't the best description for you," she admitted. Certainly not if he had a hand in the wicked images flitting through her mind.

His eyes shimmered in the moonlight as he met her gaze. Then a flash of white teeth as he grinned signaled his intention even before he bent to lift her into his arms. She squealed in mock horror as he began to wade out into the water.

"I take it back! You're better than nice! You're damn near perfect!"

"Damn near?" He lowered her until she could feel the ripple of gentle waves on her ass. The water was warm, not the harsh cold she was expecting. In fact, she realized, that felt...really good.

Better than good.

She stopped struggling, but her voice was breathless as she said, "If I admit you are absolutely and utterly perfect, will you lower me...just a touch?"

He pretended to consider. "Like this?"

His arms dipped and she was a few inches lower in the water now, the undulating wetness against her bare pussy like a gentle tongue lapping at her clit. Darting in and out and around every part of her sex in a persistent erotic tease like nothing she had ever experienced before. "Oh, yes," she gasped. "Just like that."

"Admit it, then."

"I do, I do," she moaned. "Perfect. Your butt...your body...your face...everything about you...turns me on so bad—oh!"

He'd dipped her again, a little deeper this time, yet his arms were not even straining at the effort of holding her weight. She could feel his phallus pressed against her hip, her body stroking up and down the length of him as he repeatedly raised and lowered her into the water.

He was doing that on purpose. And it felt so...damn...good.

One of her arms was around his neck and she clutched at dark strands of silken hair.

"Pothos," she gasped. "It's like you're...manipulating the waves...or something. It's...I—"

"The erotes command the power of Aphrodite," he said, dipping and lifting, over and over. "Our desire, like our mother before us, was born of the sea." The words made no sense to her, but the foaming crest of each small wave continued to caress her like a lover until she couldn't concentrate on anything but their touch. Now it felt like his fingers, now his tongue. The warm night air and the contrasting cool ripple of water.

Over and over.

Until she couldn't take any more.

"I can't hold on," she gasped. "I think I'm going to..." A wave once again whispered along her slit. "Oh God, Pothos, I'm going to come—"

"Yes!" His voice was fierce, triumphant, and at the sound she came apart in his arms, bucking and shrieking through her orgasm as he continued to hold her in the path of the gentle but insistent tide.

Then, as she finally quieted, he moved further out into the ocean and lowered her all the way until she was immersed up to her neck. He was still holding her clutched against him, but now she could feel a trembling in his arms. "That is only the first of many tonight," he said.

She reached up and touched his cheek in wonder. "What about you? I can feel your need, Pothos."

"My need is enormous," he admitted, and she chuckled.

"I know that," she said drily. "But—"

"Shh." He placed a brief kiss on her lips. "My needs will be sated this night. Do not worry, little one."

He put her down and she stumbled in the waves before strong arms pulled her close and held her. She rested her cheek against him, enjoying the vibration of his strong heartbeat. They stood like that a moment longer before he took her hand and led her back to the water's edge. The sand was so fine it felt like silt beneath her feet. They stood in the balmy air, moisture dripping off their bodies, listening to the relentless slap of the sea as it met the shore. The folds of flesh along her slit, caressed only minutes earlier by that same tide, were still so heavy it almost felt like her womb was about to fall out. His unsated cock jutted out in front of him, a stark reminder that there was more to come in this encounter. Again she was assailed by the scent of musky passion.

The scent of Pothos.

She wished even harder that her husband was here to enjoy this moment with them, and as if he sensed her thoughts, Pothos smiled.

"Now we are ready for Jake," he said, and pointed back up the beach.

Platinum Passion summary:

Three people. One erotic fantasy. And a twentieth wedding anniversary like no other.

Jeannie yearns for the return of passion in her marriage. Jake wants new excitement in the form of another man, in a way that won't upset the balance of his relationship with his wife. Pothos is one of the erotes and an aspect of Eros, the Olympian god of desire. This couple's distinctive yearning has called to him, and by the power of the erotes he intends to rekindle the flame of Jeannie and Jake's passion in a night of desire that could be the ultimate platinum anniversary gift.

And when the gods of love decide your marriage needs a boost, they never do it by halves.

Platinum Passion (Gods of Love #1: Pothos) is available at:

Amazon | Smashwords | All Romance ebooks

About the author

Jen is a multi-published author who writes sensual and erotic romance from her home in Melbourne, Australia. She lives in hope that readers will continue to enjoy her novella-length tales of love and lust!

Find Jennifer on the web at:

Website/blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

3 Star Rating Event

2012-01-11T00:01:00.003-05:00

Call for Participants

March 15, 2012 (midnight EST)

Laurie and I, WildAboutBones, wanted to take an opportunity to delve into the murky area of book review ratings. In March we are going to tackle the often controversial 3 Star Rating, what we call One Good Howl.

Thursday, March 29, 2012, will be for book reviewers to discuss in detail and educate our followers, authors and publishers on what a 3 Star rating means to us since so many people seem to react differently to seeing this much maligned rating. It is also an opportunity for our followers to tell us in their comments how they feel about reading, or the possibility of reading, a book we have given a 3 Star rating.

Friday, March 30, 2012, will be a single post containing a paragraph or two from several authors and publishers on their honest thoughts about receiving a 3 Star rating on their work; not what their ego feels but how they take the news of rating and what that rating means to them.

Authors who are interested in expressing their opinions in the March 30th post should email WildAboutBones with the subject of “3 Star Rating Event Author Request” to WildAboutBones [at] gmail [dot] com or here

Requirements:

1. You must have an online review site (blog, Wordpress, LiveJournal, etc.) to enter. Open only to book reviewers with a blog or online book review site.

2. Make sure your book reviewer(s) post goes live on March 29 at 12:01 am EST.

3. Make sure your authors/publishers post goes live on March 30 at 12:01 am EST.

4. Initially each review site will find their own authors to participate but if I have a lot of authors requesting to participate, I'll email those sites who want/need authors with the extras. Let me know if you want/need some more authors for your site but do not rely on this as the only way to find your authors.

5. There is no requirement for any giveaway for this event.

6. Email WildAboutBones with questions or for more details, use “3 Star Rating Event” as your subject at WildAboutBones [at] gmail [dot] com or here

To participate, enter your information in the linky below.

interview with author Pauline Holyoak

2012-01-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

Please welcome author Pauline Holyoak!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Today is by Birthday! I grew in Southeast England, in a coal mining village lovingly nicknamed, “The place that time forgot.” Go to my website, click on ‘Articles’ and find out why. I immigrated to Canada when I was 21years old. I came, in search of adventure and a new life. I now live in Alberta with my sports crazy husband, adorable sheltie dog and cantankerous ginger cat. I am the proud mother of two grown children. They are the gems in my treasure chest.

As far back as I can remember the pen and paper have been my faithful companions and story telling my forte. As a child I was shy and reclusive. I lived in my inner world of fantasy and make-believe, preferring the company of Mother Nature and my imaginary friend, to that of other children. Often, I would sneak away from the mundane adult world, find a private retreat (usually behind the garden shed) and imagine. There in my own little sanctuary with tools in hand, I'd conjure up all kinds of intriguing tales and colorful characters, then I’d read them to my imaginary friend. She was always ‘so’ attentive.
I ran away from home when I was 16, to join a band of hippies and live on the streets of London. I went to challenge the establishment, proclaim peace, escape the hum-drub village life and find myself. I lived in la…la…land with the flower children for about a year but I never did find myself. I have now! I think??

Do you have a hobby besides writing?
I love to read, cook, entertain, travel, going for long walks in the country and daydreaming.
Do you have a process in you writing routine? I write long hand in my purple room, at my antique desk, under a large picture window and then I type it into the cold inanimate piece of equipment I call my computer and edit as I go. Young people think this is weird but the blank screen does not inspire me. The view outside my picture window does.

What are some of your favorite author’s and some of your favorite books you’ve read?
I like to read mixed genres. One of my favorite books is Anne of Green Gables. As a child I fantasized about living in a big house, in the country, with a wraparound porch just like Green Gables. And, like me, Anne had a wild and vivid imagination. I like the domestic bliss of Rosamund Pilcher, the fearful suspense of Lisa Jackson, the magic of J.K. Rowling’s, and the gut-wrenching horror and Stephen King. My favorite author is Dr. Wayne Dyer. I have all his books. I call him my spiritual mentor. My favorite book? Well, that would have to be mine. Hey, you asked. My trilogy has all the elements I like, romance, fantasy, humor, horror and sex.

What inspired you to write your Merryweather Lodge trilogy?
Every summer, when I was a child, we would visit my aunt and uncle at their quaint and mysterious little cottage on Salisbury Plain. It was called Scotland Lodge and was situated not far from the historical Stonehenge. My uncle worked as a farm hand for the local squire. My aunt tended the manor house. It was there as I roamed free, deep within the English countryside, that I experienced joy, enchantment and some very strange and frightening occurrences. It was like a fairytale kingdom with a sinister twist. The memories of my summers at Scotland Lodge stayed with me, as a sort of nagging unsolved mystery all my life. A few years ago I revisited my childhood wonderland and was lead to concocting this story and writing this book. It is from my mystifying holidays, at that remote little cottage, that this trilogy has emerged.

Can you tell those who don’t know about your trilogy, a bit about it?
My trilogy is about a Druid Priestess who comes back to the place where she was slaughtered in search of the reincarnation of the soul that stole the man she loved and killed her. My protagonist, Emily Fletcher, is to discover after many horrifying experiences and finding her soul mate, Jonathan McArthur that she is that reincarnated soul. My fictional world holds traces of reality. Some of the elements and events in my spine-chilling trilogy are true. In book number 3 I will talk about my experiences at that remote little cottage, near Stonehenge.

In a few words would you tell us about character Emily?
Emily Fletcher is an attractive, strong-willed young woman, who struggles with her self image, volatile temper and bad habits. She’s a vegetarian and a progressive thinker. Like me, she likes her own space and often wanders into the country to ponder and seek solace from Mother Nature. She has always dreamt of living a simple life, in her aunts enchanting little cottage, with her gorgeous prince charming. If only she could be rid of the entity that taunts her. She has a psychic gift but doesn’t know how to use it. Well, not yet.

What are the paranormal aspects of your story?
Reincarnation, druids, friendly and not so friendly spirits, a haunted collage and the wrath of a dead, jilted lover!
Would you tell us a bit about the romance between Emily and Jonathan? They are soul mates, literally. The bond that they have has survived many incarnations. They were meant to be together for eternity. But, real life, their distinct personalities and an unearthly entity, stops them form getting too close, too intimate, for too long. Their love affair is a slow and progressive, with sudden flashes of titillating foreplay. But, at the end, their climax will knock your socks off!
Would you tell us a little of what you’re working on next? The last book of this trilogy. I hope to have it completed by the spring.

Fun questions
What your favorite color? Purple – It is the color of spirit or so they say. But how would ‘they’ know?
Do you have any pets? Yes, I am an animal lover. We have an affectionate ginger cat, named Sam U.L. And an adorable Sheltie, named Maggie Mae.
What your favorite movie and TV show? My favorite movie? Harry Potter! Of course. T.V. show? Murdoch Mysteries, Coronation Street and, Law and Order. I like anything that has an element of horror, suspense, fantasy or British humor.
Do you have a favorite food or place to eat? I don’t eat mammal. Don’t ask! But I do love to eat! Some of my favorites; fish and chips, veggie pizza, all kinds of salads, with lots of dressing, bluberries, apple crumble, cheese cake and chocolate. Dark chocolate, with red wine. Yummy!

Thank you for inviting me to your blog Laurie. I had a blast!
My books are available in print or eBook format at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com or www.amazon.com

Please come visit me at http://www.paulineholoak.com read about my fascinating life and view my videos.

Guest post with author Vanessa Jaye

2012-01-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

Please welcome author Vanessa Jaye!

Character Arcs vs. Character Reveals

Recently I budded into a conversation on twitter (cause that’s the type of gal I am) on the topic of favorite/most impressive character arcs. Spike from Buffy came up a lot, but for me I had to go with Tobias Beecher from the show OZ.

Beecher was a square middle-class, wife, 2.5 kids type of guy, who was convicted of a drunk-driving fatality. This guy was a babe in the woods thrown amongst the wolves when he arrived at Oswald State Correctional Facility. His character change/growth was incredible—going from a state of almost total naiveté, to a hate-filled hardened killer, to a man who makes peace with himself/ his sins and just wants to move forward and be a better man.

At the same time of the twitter conversation, I got into a parallel conversation with my son about the show The Shield—specifically about Detective Vic Mackey. Vic is a dirty, dirty cop. No two ways about it. But the interesting thing about the Mackey character is how the writers show us this horrible man and his nefarious deeds from the jump and for the next 5 seasons, yet the viewer ends up rooting for Vic and hating all the characters who are out to nail his rump to the wall.

Because Vic wasn’t just the blackest shade of BAD *mwahahaha*; he was complex tints of grey. Many of his victims were the scum of the earth on the one hand, then on the other, we saw him go out of his way to do acts of selfless kindness. The writers took us through all the layers of this character, good and bad, and what a fascinating trip of discovery it was.

Since this is a book blog, I’ll bring this back around to books. Which do you prefer? A character arc/growth where the character starts at point A and ends at point C? Or do you like the excavation/reveal via the character’s layers? And what are your favorite examples?

~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Check out my recent release from Samhain Publishing: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/hunter-heart-p-6522.html target=”_blank=”>HUNTER of the HEART. Werewolves only mate once … for life. Don’t they?

Or visit me at: www.vanessajaye.com

http://twitter.com/vanessajaye

Review Demon Crossings by Eleri Stone

2012-01-09T01:35:00.001-05:00

Title: Demon Crossings
Author: Eleri Stone
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: E-Book; 76,000 words
Release date: January 2, 2012

Private investigator Grace tracks a kidnapped child to middle-of-nowhere Iowa. Encountering a strange creature she knows can’t be a local animal, she doesn’t need her psychic abilities to figure out the sleepy town is not what it seems. When she meets the intriguing Aiden, she’s plunged into a world of Norse gods and fire demons where the Wild Hunt still rides the night.

Aiden needs Grace’s help to cross the portal between worlds and rescue his daughter. Grace is unlike any woman he’s ever met. He’s drawn to her courage, distressed by her vulnerability and doubtful of her motives. But he knows that her visions are the key to defeating the enemy and bringing everyone home alive. Grace wants a future with Aiden, even if it means she’ll never have a normal life.

When a test run to the portal takes a terrifying turn, they must learn to finally trust each other or Aiden’s daughter, and their chance at love, will be lost forever…

Rating-

Sexual-

My review- This was an unexpected treat. The blurb intrigued me enough to read, but I've not always been one for books on demons. However, Eleri Stone has taken a new twist on the demon story in this book in my opinion.

Wrapping the supernatural of demons and psychics within the folds of Norse mythology, "Demon Crossings" is a great ride. There is a wonderful mix that includes unique take on the mythology with Asgard along with action and romance. She gives you a glimpse into a world that makes you root for both the hero and heroine as well as some of the secondary characters you are introduced to.

This is a world that I would not be against entering again if Stone turns it into a series of books, expanding on the world and giving us a story for some of those we are introduced to in this one. If you are looking for a hot romance that never has a moment that seems to have a lull in the action or story, this is a book that I would highly recommend you read.

ARC Review Catch and Release by J.T. Twerell

2012-01-08T00:30:00.001-05:00

Title: Catch and Release
Author: J.T. Twerell
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: E-book; 76,000 words
Release date: 2011

A botched drug raid took her father’s life when she was 7. On her 13th birthday she witnessed her mother’s murder. Alone in the world, Jennifer Blade sets out to even the score. At 33, enmeshed in a game that knows no rules, she is about to fulfill her quest when everything unravels. Fleeing for her life, she heads to the mountains of upstate New York where she unexpectedly finds new reason to live. Steve Sanders, a 38-year-old psychologist with a predictable life, is on a fishing trip in the mountains. Little does he know that all vacations are not created equal.

Rating-

Sexual-

My review-

This book is a little harder to review. It's not the normal paranormal romance that you normally see here at BBPNR.

Overall the story was good in terms of the plot and the romance between hero and heroine was sweet. However, on a personal level, I did not enjoy it. I have difficulty, as it is, with reading a book written in the first-person perspective. This book kept switching between third-person prespective in one chapter and moving to first-person prespective in the next. This really threw me out of the story as I was reading and made it difficult to get through, let alone enjoy.

If things like that do not throw you off, you will probably enjoy this book. If not, I would not suggest reading this selection.

Review Guardian Of Fate by L.J Kentowski

2012-01-07T00:21:00.039-05:00

Title: Guardian Of Fate (Fate #1)
Author: L.J. Kentowski
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Demons
Format: eBook
Release Date: December 13, 2011

Fear of death is all too common. Visions of it chill the bones and skip heartbeats. Seeing it coming and knowing only you can rescue the soul of the victim from the fiery bowels of hell…that’s downright life-altering.

Cassandra Cosgrove’s life was altered at the age of sixteen when she found out that it was her responsibility to save the lives, and ultimately the souls, of innocent victims targeted by Hell’s demons. As impossible as it seemed at first, she was able to live a fairly normal life, while secretly fulfilling her obligation as a Guardian of Fate.

But years later Fate has its own plan when her visions begin drastically changing at the same time two mysterious men appear in her life. Cassandra suddenly finds herself caught in a battle between good and evil, with her own soul on the line. When it seems everyone in her life has a secret they’ve been hiding from her, who can she trust to be the Guardian of her Fate?

Rating

Sexual

Review
Imagine trying to go to school and work and live a normal life, when at a moment's notice (or vision's notice) you have to drop everything and run off to save a complete stranger. That is the life of Cassandra ever since she she was 16 and found out she was a Guardian. Demons roam the earth, causing innocent victims to die in horrible accidents and sending their souls to be enslaved in Hell. Guardians have visions of the accidents just before they happen, allowing them the chance to save the victim. Cassie is doing her best to live her life and perform her duties as a Guardian until the game changes. She is now the target and Hell wants her badly.

Who can she trust? Well, apparently no one. It seems at every turn Cassie is finding out people are hiding something from her or just out right lying to her. Hunter and Caleb enter her life at the same time and they both want her, but neither are what they seem. Her room mate and best friend, Nora, has her own secret agenda and even Cassie's own mom seems to be keeping secrets. Every time another piece of the puzzle is revealed, I wanted to scream right along with her. Seems everyone thinks they know whats best for Cassie and it always involves hiding the truth from her. How are you supposed to fight for your life when no one will give you the answers you need? Cassie is determined to get her answers, even if it means giving up her life.

I do wish there had been a little more relationship building between Cassie and Hunter. Towards the end, Cassie finds out Hunter has been keeping a secret from her and she lashes out out him and hates him for it. While I understand her anger, I thought her reaction was over the top. Every one has been lying to her and she forgives them all and moves on. However she can't forgive Hunter, when he has done nothing but try to protect her and save her life and the lives of her mom and best friend?

The ending sets things up nicely for the next book. I look forward to reading how she plans to find her father and what she will do about Hunter.

Shameless Plug for Votes

2012-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Bitten By Paranormal Romance has been nominated for the Critters™ Workshop's Preditors & Editors™ award for Review sites.

*squeals, confetti being thrown all over, more squeals*

Laurie has done such a good job for the past couple of years making this blog a great place to find books by wonderful authors. She deserves our support. She would never ask for it, but I, WildAboutBones, will ask for it for her.

So head on over, before it ends on Jan 10th, to the Preditors & Editors™ Readers' Poll page at

http://critters.org/predpoll/reviewsite.shtml

(about half way down the page) and vote for Bitten By Paranormal Romance (then scroll down to the bottom to finish casting your vote). We are the third one listed and in the current standings, we are #5.

Tweet and email this to all your friends.

Guest post with romance author Stacey Kennedy

2012-01-06T05:00:00.005-05:00

Big thanks to Bitten by Paranormal Romance for having me by today to share my new release. It’s been just over a week now since Supernaturally Kissed released and it’s been an exciting time. This series tops my favorite list to write so I’m thrilled to share Tess and Kipp with everyone.

So…you’re asking yourself, “how can a ghost romance have a HEA?” Well, it can’t. Or what I should say is, it won’t right now. Since this is an Urban Fantasy Romance at the end of book one you’ll get a HFN. I know some people are going to want to kick me, but the truth is if I gave a HEA after book one what would be the fun in that?

Sure, I’m a cruel author and make my characters suffer a little before the reach that HEA, but really do any of us find happiness without a little “trouble” along the way? I’ve planned to write four books in the series, which all lead to the HEA. Will it come easy for Tess? Not likely. But I’m cheering her on too that eventually she’ll get the HEA she deserves.

Book two with this series, Demonically Tempted is finished and currently with my editor. Trust me when I tell you, a lot of questions that come up in book one get answered and things take turns that even I wasn’t expecting.

To get started on Tess & Kipp’s, leave your email address with your comment to be entered to win an ebook Supernaturally Kissed (International). Don’t forget to come find me on Facebook and Twitter. I love to chat!!

To buy Supernaturally Kissed

Enter to win a kindle click here

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess Jennings to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp McGowen, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever or find the killer…

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER

ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS SHELF

~*~

EXCERPT:

An icy wisp of air swept in behind me, causing my heel to twist as I stumbled. To the other pedestrians striding along the downtown Memphis Street, the sensation would be brushed off as a cold breeze.
They were wrong. A spirit lingered here.
“Can you hear me?”
From the intrigue rolling in his voice, he hadn’t expected me to acknowledge him. Shit! I’d already given myself away. A mistake I’d rectify.
Without hesitation, I righted my stance and strode forward with purpose, forcing myself to remain deaf to the voice. If I ignored ghosts long enough, they moved on and searched out someone else who held the same irritating ability, who I had yet to meet.
Much to my annoyance, the ghost stayed right on my heels and his presence remained strong behind me. The cold air at my back remained a contrast to the warm morning air in front of me. Every hair on my neck stood up and goose bumps pimpled a trail along my skin. If only I could rub them away, but I didn’t dare. Ignoring him would make him go away.
“You can hear me, can’t you?” the ghost asked again.
Spirits were typically harmless, but annoying. I’m dead, what’s going on, why am I ghost―yada, yada, yada. I quickened my steps and made my way down Peabody Place in hopes he’d leave me alone.
“Wait.”
He sounded desperate, which meant a big headache for me. If I hadn’t worn my damn sling-backs, I would’ve tried to run and hide. But the three-inch Manolos and the tight tailored gray skirt around my knees restrained my movements.
I passed Miss Polly’s Soul Food Café, and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs drifted along the air. My empty stomach complained. My only thought after I woke had been caffeine. Now I wished I’d grabbed a muffin with my latté at the Starbucks. With ten minutes to get to my desk, I couldn’t worry about such things.
My boss, Event Manager Dylan Cobb, would hand me my ass if I stepped into the office a minute late. Sadly, there’d never been a day I didn’t cater to his every need.
I approached Beale Street and sighed in relief, relishing the warmth surrounding me. Not only from the sun above—the spirit’s cold presence at my back had vanished. Pleased my dodge of him had worked, I took a sip of my energy in a cup and smiled. Coffee’s fantastic, the ghost is gone―life is good.
Another block passed under my heels before I reached the historical red-brick building. Randall Marketing, written in black block letters, decorated the striped green and white awning.
I opened the door to the office and strode in, greeted by a bubbly voice. “Good morning, Tess.”
“Mornin’.”
“Give me a moment here.” Doris shuffled paperwork around her desk, her auburn curls bouncing on her shoulders. The receptionist had always been messy, yet somehow organized. “There were a few messages on the voicemail for you.” She raised her head and held out the pink slips of paper. “A lovely day today, is it not?”
“Sure is.” So I lied. The ghost hadn’t kicked off my day on a high note. Not like I’d tell her about my interaction with spirits. My ability to converse with spirits remained on a need to know basis, and as far as it concerned me, no one needed to know. I grabbed the messages from her hand. “Did your weekend treat you good?”
“I spent the entire weekend knee deep in my garden.” Her cocoa colored eyes lit up. “My best year ever, I’m hoping. You’ll have to come out and have a look-see.”
“I’d love to.” Doris treasured her gardens, so I tried to appear interested, even though my green thumb looked black.
Her smile brightened, but when the phone rang, she waved a goodbye and answered the call. “It’s another beautiful day here at Randall Marketing, how may I direct your call?”
Leaving her behind, I strode down the hall toward my office and sipped my coffee. The warmth slid down my throat and provided an immediate rush to my energy levels. At the third door on the right, I entered my bleak workspace with its pale blue walls, closed the door behind me and approached the desk. I dropped down into the black leather chair and flipped through the messages. None were urgent enough to worry about now.
I powered up my computer, but a knock at the door, had me glancing up. Before I got a word out, the door swished open and I cringed, fully aware of the looming trouble.
Caley, the officer manager and my best friend since the age of four, looked like a typical Barbie. Perfect skin, long flowing blonde hair and a body men drooled over. I might have been jealous of her perfection since I couldn’t pull off her looks even with a makeover—so maybe a little envious—but her appearance had always been a front. She was the devil in disguise.
She scowled, shutting the door behind her with a slam. “Do you mind explaining where you were all weekend?”
“At home.” I batted my lashes. “Why? Did you try to call me?”
She pointed her finger, narrowing her eyes on me. “Don’t you try that shit on me. I called you all weekend and your phone went straight to voicemail.”
“Hmm…” I pretended to ponder. “The battery must have died.” She had enough gall to just come over, but the little hint had been a subtle way of telling Caley to leave me alone.
“Liar.” She plopped down in the seat across from my desk. “Where were you? I wanted to go out.”
“Nowhere. Honestly, I vegged on the couch.”
Caley snorted. “You lead such an exciting life.”
My mouth parted to offer a snappy retort, but a cold wisp of air brushed across my skin, causing my lips to snap shut. Damn! I thought I’d got rid of him.
“Hello.” Caley snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Leave the aliens behind and return to Mother Earth.”
I blinked, trying to force my attention back to her, yet failed. The ghost knelt right beside Caley—not kneeling, of course; more like floating, since ghosts were never able to obtain physical contact with the world around them—and my focus held strong on him, unable to stop myself from ogling. He stared intently, with one crystal blue eye, while the other was a chocolate color. His strong jaw, the muscles clenching along his cheeks, all spoke of power. But as he ran his hand through his untidy sandy colored hair, his expression showed playfulness. His black tank top left his arms exposed and muscles upon muscles layered those arms.
“Anyways,” she said, dragging my gaze back to her. “I had to go out with Susanne because you left me high and dry.”
I laughed. Caley’s horny, twenty year old stepsister had the body to fulfill her needs. “You did have the option to stay home, you know.”
Her eyes widened. “On a Saturday night?”
“Yeah, you know, get some popcorn, watch a movie and relax.”
She frowned. “If you don’t stop your grandma behavior, your va-jay-jay is going to shrivel up and die.”
The ghost chuckled.
His smooth laugh hit me like a cup of warm cocoa, causing my insides to melt. Nothing amused me. First off, Caley had been so wrong― maybe a little right―but I’d never admit to her accuracy aloud. Second, reacting in such a heated way to a ghost definitely didn’t hit my to-do-list today.
“Excuse me.” I spoke not only to Caley, but also to the irritating ghost. “My va-jay-jay is just fine.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve still got some spunk.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Because we’ve got a double date tonight.”
“A what?” Dear God!
She grinned from ear-to-ear. “Yes, my dearest Grammy, we’re going out.”
“With who?”
“Two guys I met on Saturday night. You’re coming with me, either willingly or unwillingly, so suck up your hesitations, babe, because saying no isn’t an option.”
“But it’s a Monday night.” Not saying a date didn’t sound like fun. A month had passed since my last attempt at dating—which failed miserably—but a man Caley chose while drunk? No thanks. My sex life might have been as dead as the sexy ghost in front of me, but I’d still search for a way out. “I have to work tomorrow.”
She wagged her finger in classic Caley fashion. “You’re a Grandma.”
Most times, I respected her persistent personality. She never backed down, always dreamed big and went for the gold, but her grit hadn’t been all rays of sunshine. Her determination made her annoyingly tenacious. I had to agree or she’d never give up, and getting her out of my office sounded all too good. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”
“Oh, stop looking so pissy. We’ll have fun. Promise. I’ll come to your place at eight.” She opened the door, glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Leave the granny panties at home.”

~*~

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband.

Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

Review Wild Lilly by Ann Mayburn

2012-01-06T04:30:00.002-05:00

Title: Wild Lilly (Willow Creek #1)
Author: Ann Mayburn
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Format: eBook, 258 pgs
Release Date: November 11, 2011

When Connecticut socialite Lilly Brooks inherits land in Caldwell, Kansas, she finally has the chance to break free from the gilded cage of Victorian society and chase after her dreams of excitement and romance in the Wild West. Excitement arrives with angry Indians, smelly dogs, and drunken cowboys who won't take no for an answer. Romance comes in the form of a ruggedly handsome rancher named Paul McGregor. Too bad he calls her a whore within the first minute of their acquaintance.

Paul has spent the last three years trying to hold his family and ranch together after the death of his parents. When he saves a stunning blonde, who he thinks is a soiled dove, he tries to do the right thing and get her work at a good saloon. He soon discovers the woman whose favors he would love to buy owns land key to his family's financial future. Paul decides to use his best weapon to win Lilly over and get her property: seduction.

A wicked cattle baron wants Lilly’s land as well and threatens to kill anyone who stands up to him. Paul must decide what he needs more, the land or the beautiful and courageous, wild Lilly.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review:

Yes, a historical cowboy romance from Ann Mayburn, author of paranormal romance, erotic paranormal, erotic Sci-Fi romance and erotic romance; yee haw is it good.

This is not your every day Gunsmoke, High Chaparral or Rifleman episode. Sexy cowboys, sexy Indians, a damsel in distress, dance hall girls, land grabbing abusive men, no-account varmits, intended betrayal, two romances, several sub-plots and great sex fill the pages of this new genre foray by Mayburn.

Lilly is the youngest daughter of a Connecticut merchant in 1876. At 20, she's bored with the eligible men around her; they are so not husband material for her. Thanks to her uncle's letters, she's in love with the west (Kansas) and wants her a cowboy. When her uncle leaves his ranch to her, she sees her chance to live her dream. She doesn't know two men want the land.

Paul is a sexy cowboy with baggage who sees Lilly in town and thinks she's a stunning creature. He comes up with a plan to win her heart, take her land and break her heart. He doesn't plan on a sexy Indian making a play for her as well or the nasty neighbor wanting her land too.

I don't usually read cowboy romance, not because I don't like them, but because they are not paranormal and therefore not usually something I pick up first but after reading this, two stories by Vickie Lewis Thompson and Moira Rogers' Wilder's Mate (steampunk paranormal western romance), I think I may have to rethink this behavior because I can't wait to read more in this new series.

This story makes me think of the song with the lyrics "save a horse; ride a cowboy". It is a very sexy read that pulled me in from the beginning and I stayed up all night reading it because I couldn't put it down.

I loved the character of Lilly's father. And her grand mere reminded me a little of Gigi's aunt in the Maurice Chevalier/Leslie Caron movie version. Ann Mayburn wrote them so well that even after a week, these characters with very short parts have stayed with me.

Even if historical western romance isn't what you normally read, start 2012 off by reading something different and read this. You'll be glad you did.

The Kure Book Promo + Giveaway

2012-01-06T01:00:00.009-05:00

The KURE
by Jaye Frances

Thank you, WildAboutBones, for hosting a giveaway of The Kure, a paranormal romance novel and the first book in “The Kure” series. The giveaway is available internationally, and a kindle ebook version will be gifted to the winner. I also appreciate the opportunity to let your readers know about the “Resolve to Read” promo I’m offering on Amazon for the month of January.

Brief synopsis of The KURE:

Forbidden by law and denounced as an abomination by the church, the Kure has been hidden for centuries…

John Tyler has never met Sarah Sheridan. But he knows he must find her, and somehow convince her that she is the key to unlocking the power of an ancient ritual that will rid his body of a rare and ravaging disease.

But as cure quickly becomes curse, John realizes the ritual is more than a faded promise scrawled on a page of crumbling paper, and he discovers, too late, that the unholy text has unleashed a dark power that is driving him to consider the unthinkable.

Ultimately, John must choose between his desperate need to arrest the plague that is destroying his body, and the virtue of the woman he loves, knowing the wrong decision could cost him his life.

A Short Excerpt:

Sarah took a deep breath, then another, trying to prevent herself from vomiting. Sensing a trickle of moisture on her chin, she wiped at the warm fluid. Even in the dim light, she could see the smear of blood on the back of her hand. At first, she guessed it was from an absent brush with John’s groin. But as she dabbed at her chin, the renewed color made her realize she had been biting her lower lip, setting it to throb with her own pulse.

She felt herself trying to back away, her muscles straining against invisible bonds that were every bit as strong as the straps that would bind John to the treatment table. Yet she knew if the spells in the old book could really cure John, the release of their power would only come with complete agreement between her mind and body, without hesitation, without protest. She reminded herself that she was not a victim, nor was her predicament the result of naïve ignorance. She had chosen to do this, her conscience having become a quiet and consenting accomplice. She was paying the price willingly, forcing herself to attempt the insanely perverse act because it was part of the price—to ensure the commitment of the donor was sincere, she reasoned.

For a limited time, read The Kure for only $0.99 (kindle version)

A note about Resolve To Read from Jaye Frances
I always spend the last few days of December reviewing my writing plan for the coming year—to determine what’s going to receive priority and how I will budget my time to make sure I get it done. During one of those planning sessions, I noticed my husband was also putting a few goals together for the new year. When I asked him to tell me about his “resolutions”, he said that one of them was to read more, especially books that fall outside his favorite genres, “just to see what else is out there.” We began to talk about how many more people are now reading books of all kinds, primarily due to increased availability and choice of low-cost eBooks for the Kindle and Nook. I’m constantly reading comments from readers who decided to try a particular author’s work because it was ninety-nine cents, or in some cases, free. Then my husband asked an interesting question: “Why don’t you offer some kind of promotion to encourage more people to read The Kure, with the idea that they’ll be more inclined to read the book if you temporarily lower the price?” I really had to think about this one, but after realizing it might motivate a few more folks who are not familiar with The Kure to take a look, I decided to do it. I’m calling it “Resolve To Read”, and it’s going on right now. Effective for the month of January, the kindle version of The Kure can be purchased for $0.99 on Amazon. So if you were planning on buying a kindle version anyway, why not take advantage of the “Resolve To Read” promotion and save two bucks?

Author bio:
Jaye Frances is the author of the new paranormal romance The KURE, the first novel in “The KURE” series. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye Frances grew up surrounded by traditional values and conservative attitudes (which she quickly discarded). Readily admitting her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent, she invites visitors to her website with the following caveat: “Be forewarned, my life has not followed the traditional path of homemaker, wife, and mother.” When not consumed by her writing, she enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures-lots of pictures-many of which wind up on her website. She currently lives on the central gulf coast of Florida with her husband, sharing their home with six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit her website at www.jayefrances.com

Purchase Links:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kure-Jaye-Frances/dp/1466262966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317073140&sr=1-1

B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-kure-by-jaye-frances?keyword=the+kure+by+jaye+frances&store=ebook

Author Website: www.jayefrances.com

Giveaway

Giveaway and Contest Policy

Contest open Internationally and runs Jan. 6 - 11, 2012 (midnight)

Jaye Frances is giving away one (1) Kindle version of The Kure to one (1) lucky winner

Enter to win by filling out the Rafflecopter and

leave a comment/question for Jaye Frances (meaningful comment, not just a thanks for the offer)

Additional entries may be earned; check out Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Harvest Moon by T.M. Marie

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

Title: Harvest Moon
Author: T.M. Marie
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 314 pgs
Release Date: February 26, 2011

Myra McClure, orphaned at birth, found herself struggling in life, trying to search out a place to fit in until one snow-covered night her life suddenly took a strange new turn. In rescuing a very special horse, she entered a world unlike anything she had ever known. Wolves, horses, and human-like animals woke Myra to the world of the Wendigo. A world she didn’t understand at first but a world she wanted to be part of despite the dangers that came with it. She learned about trust, loyalty and most of all how to love.

Alex Wade, head of his own Wendigo clan, offered Myra the protection of his clan and in doing so lost his heart to this strong-willed, sarcastic unconventional woman. Wendigos didn’t take humans as life mates but Alex began to learn Myra was no ordinary human. She had a gift with horses, evident in the rescue of a horse he spent years finding. While his own clan is ready to accept Myra into the fold, he must struggle with his own fears of the past. And most of all the animal within.

Wendigo translates to “evil spirit that devours mankind” by the Native American Algonquian Indian tribe. Its definition over time has changed but has always remained consistent in its description. It is a half-man, half-animal evil creature that feeds on human flesh but what if the truth of the Wendigo isn’t what has been written over the years but rather that they are a cultured society of creatures that live among humankind? A species that cherishes the horse, utilizing the horse’s strength, speed, grace and loyalty to benefit them in everyday life. Harvest Moon tells a story of a secret society living within our own society.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review:

What a really good story! This is one of 2011's hidden gems.

The first time I heard the term "wendigo" was on an episode of Charmed. Since then I have seen it used interchangeably with werewolf but I don't think it is really the same. The world T.M. Marie has created revolves around clans of wendigos, werewolf-like creatures who love horse racing and identify with the wolf packs who adopt them. When they change, they don't turn into the four legged wolf creature but are more of the "dire wolf" variety where they remain standing on two legs but hands, face and feet change, as well as growing some serious teeth. Think more along the lines of the way the vampires "vamp out" on Buffy The Vampire Slayer but furrier and more pronounced.

This is another story that hooked me from the first paragraph and had me up all night reading it because I couldn't put it down. Very fast paced with a lot of action and chemistry.

Marie has written some very believable characters and situations. There is humor and lots of sarcasm which I love. I was truly sorry the story ended because I wanted to live in Marie's world for a while longer.

Raven is a megalomaniacal villain you'll love to hate. Alex is a clan leader no one messes with but who comes with baggage and is sorely tested and tempted by Myra. Myra is the extraordinary human who rescues Ray, fighting off a pack of wolves to save his horse who bonds with her. She also wants Alex very much. Ray is the prankster and playa younger cousin who would make Myra his in a heartbeat, but probably only for a night, if Alex didn't warn him off.

There is a lot of sexual tension and chemistry but not a lot of "on-screen" sex.

Do yourself a favor and read this "little different variation on the werewolf" paranormal romance.

Ollie's Top Picks for 2011

2012-01-05T01:00:00.003-05:00

Top Picks for 2011

This year I enjoyed reading so many wonderful books and discovering and renewing connections with amazing authors that allows us all to escape into a fantasy world where anything is possible and allow us to dream that maybe, just maybe, some things may be possible. So I want to thank all the authors out there for creating and sharing their worlds and allowing us all to get lost in them. So I hope some of you have the opportunity to check out some of these books and add them to your ever growing TBR pile. I know you will find a few that will tickle your fancy in more ways then one. ;) Without further ado here is my list of top picks for 2011.

Paranormal Romance

Love Immortal by Felicity Heaton

Rescued from werewolves by the most breathtaking man she's ever seen, Lauren is dragged into the fight of her life and a dark world she never knew existed. There, she discovers that she's the latest reincarnation of a goddess and must drink the blood of her immortal protector, Julian, in order to reawaken and continue her three thousand year old mission to defeat Lycaon, the original werewolf.

With the help of Julian and an organisation of people with supernatural abilities, Lauren fights for her life, their future and the fate of mankind against Lycaon and his deadly army, but can she succeed when Lycaon has killed all of her predecessors?

Can she crack the armour around Julian's heart and seize her happily forever after with him? And can Julian bring himself to trust Lauren with the fragments of his heart after everything he's been through

Power of the Moon (Power of the Moon #1) by Tina Carreiro

Have you ever looked at someone and knew they were going to die? Miakoda Starr has. After trying to help a homeless man whose aura has him marked for death, Mia is in more trouble than she knows. Soon she meets Detective Cole Barnett, a man that shatters her world in more ways than one. And shows her a world of fear as well as desire.

Erotic Paranormal Romance

A Scent of Greek (Out of Olympus #2) by Tina Folsom

When the god of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus, callously dumps his latest conquest, the mortal Ariadne, the goddess Hera has had enough. She robs Dionysus of his memory to teach him a lesson in humility.

Ariadne is deeply hurt after Dionysus dismisses their night of passion as “just sex” and doesn’t want to see her anymore. When she finds him bloodied and beaten and suffering from amnesia, she quickly forms a plan to get back at him. As she pretends to be his fiancée, Ariadne makes Dionysus believe he loves her. But the longer the charade continues, the more difficult it becomes to really see who teaches whom a lesson.

And what if Dionysus gains his memory back? Will there be hell to pay for her deception, or can a mortal woman truly win a god’s love?

Best New Paranormal Series

Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1) by Laurie London

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she's cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.
For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her….

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) by Dianne Duvall

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

BDSM

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1) by E.L. James

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2) by E.L. James

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Urban Fantasy

One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?

Paranormal Anthology

The Bite Before Christmas (Night Huntress - Complete World #8.5) by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost

In Lynsay Sands' "The Gift," Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer.

Historical Romance

Vampire Dreams (Victorian Erotic #1) by Gabrielle Bisset

Homeless and without any family, Arden Stephens must live on the streets of mid 19th century London, never a safe place for a young woman. One night, as she is running for her life from an attacker, she is rescued by Brandon Ridley and offered a place in his home as his maid. Brandon is enchanted by Arden from the moment they meet, but just as she has secrets, so too does he. A vampire hundreds of years old, he yearns for the companionship she can give him. But for that he must make her one of his kind.

Nightly, he visits her in her sleep, preparing her for the night he will finally make her his own. For Arden, the wanton dreams she has about her handsome employer seduce her and each day when she wakes up, she finds herself more drawn to him. But love and desire aren't enough for Brandon to sire her. He must first obtain the approval of his maker, an ancient vampire named Vasilije who has thwarted his chance for happiness before.

But if Brandon can convince him, he may finally find the love he's been without for centuries.

Venice Vampyr (Venice Vampry #1) by Tina Folsom

Venice, early 1800s

Isabella Tenderini, a wealthy merchant's widow rescues a stranger from drowning in one of Venice's canals. And how does the man repay her selfless act? By kissing her - her, a respectable woman.

Not only is Raphael di Santori grateful for his life being saved, he would also like to thank his rescuer very intimately - more intimately than decorum allows. But then, Raphael has never been one to play by the rules - as a vampire he doesn't have to.

Novella

Seduction (Devil's Tavern #4) by Crymsyn Hart

Valerie dreams of a man who ties her up and pleasures her all night long. When she wakes, his soft caresses follow her. All she wants is to sink back into her dreams and become his slave.
Her sister, Niki conjures an evil djinn into their world. James and Valerie must stop the genie before it brings others of its kind into their world.

When her dream master offers a solution to defeat the djinn, Valerie is hard pressed not to take his proposition. If she does, will she be releasing the lesser of two evils?

I'm starting 2012 with a huge TBR pile and I'm already discovery many new authors and books and many books that I have in my "I can't wait until they come out". Some of the books in my "I can't wait until they come out" in 2012 are:

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter
Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost
Tempted by Blood by Laurie London
Covet the Moon (Book #2, POTM series) by Tina Carreiro

Have a wonderful 2012 and enjoy getting lost in some hot and steamy books!

ARC Review Runner by Anitra Lynn McLeod

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Runner (Fringe #3)
Author: Anitra Lynn McLeod
Source: Author request
Genre Futuristic romance
Length: Novel
Release Date Jan 10, 2012

There’s always a loophole. Just don’t let it close around your neck.

The Fringe, Book 3

Bounty hunter Foster Nash is a ruthless bastard—just ask him. Thanks to an ex-girlfriend who robbed him blind, and another who nearly bit off his trigger finger, he’s not too high on women in general right now.

Desperate for funds to refill his retirement coffers, he jumps at a very lucrative contract: to bring in the doctor who created the Tyaa plague. Except his voluptuous target doesn’t behave like a criminal. Instead of rattling the bars, she accepts her fate with cool, cultured aplomb.

Jynx Brennan toiled for three years to save humanity from a disease she’s now blamed for creating. Since she refuses to use her psi ability as a weapon, it doesn’t help her escape Never-Fail Nash. In a moment of clarity, she decides there’s no point in denying herself a last fling with a living, breathing erotic fantasy.

After he recovers his surprise, Nash indulges the full depth of his physical needs upon her body—often, and to their mutual pleasure. But when it leads to unexpected emotional intimacy, he finds himself willing to risk everything to break a contract that will force him to deliver her to certain execution.

Warning: This futuristic romance contains one bad-ass bounty hunter, a refined lady doctor, a ship with a vile history, a villain with a viler history, and a wide black leather belt, slung low.

What a wonderful treat to read. I love the way Anitra writes futuristic romance, it’s always fun and extremely hot. The best thing I like about reading Aintra’s books is she writes a male with no frills they are what they are all hard loving no fills male. I love it!

I instantly feel in love with both characters. They are so made for each other they just have to figure a way to be able to stay together. That will be a hard one because Foster always delivers his bounty. He never falls in love with them.

Foster is rough around the edges and well he has a bit of an animal that likes to come out to play at times. Oh yeah, you guys are going to love his animal side;)

Jynx is all prim and proper until she’s handed over to the lady that has the bounty out on her. You have to read and see how Jynx takes care of the matter. I loved it!

I highly recommend this series and this book because it’s a standalone to anyone who like a good futuristic or sci-fi romance read.