The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews

Friday, December 30, 2011

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE AMAZING EBOOKS!


Several outstanding authors and I are doing a blog promotion which you can follow. This is an open promotional opportunity for all authors who wish to participate.  Here is how it works, in the comment section of the blog leave a blurb and buy link to your book. It would be awesome if you also participate by putting up a blog like this under the title "RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE AMAZING EBOOKS! If you wish to participate please leave your blog link with your blurb and buy links in the comment areas of the various blogs you go to. A quick way to get to those participating is to tweet with the url to your blog post and #hashtag@newyearsbookpromo  Post your blogs no later than 1 AM Saturday Morning and tweet the info with the url to the blog post and the hastag above that way it can be easily searched for on Twitter.
Blurb:
Tambra Ellis has just had her world turned upside down! Surviving a bite from a Lycan, attracted to one hot vampire guy and now she has to look forward to turning into something from some bad werewolf movie.
          Marcus Valerian has enough on his plate without the added complication of Tambra Ellis. Fiery and independent? Sure. Beautiful with a body made for sin? Oh Yeh. And a human cop. Tambra is everything he needs to stay away from.
    As leader of the Tribunal’s enforcers it’s up to him to find out why the Dark Breeds are going feral and killing humans in ever increasing numbers. Tambra’s life is in the balance as the secrets of her past place her in the middle of old deceits and a betrayal that will change the world forever.
     Will Marcus and Tambra’s love survive or will it be too late.






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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Author Spotlights Doris O'Connor


Today I'm very pleased to bring you Doris O'Connor. Remember this name because this Lady is going places and you can say you knew her when she just started out. So go grab a coffee or tea and snuggle in with your fuzzy blanket and meet the author of Lure of the Blood.






BLURB:

Marnie's decision to finance her law degree by pole dancing awakens her latent sexuality, and the mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows sends her libido into overdrive.
Realizing her sexy lurker is a vampire is bad enough, but her boss is the alpha wolf of a pack of shifters? Torn between her attraction to both men and surrounded by danger, she has a decision to make. One that will change her life forever.

Purchase link:

Doris is giving one lucky winner a chance to win a PDF copy of one of her books, winner’s choice. Lure Of The Blood, Scandinavian Scandal or Awakening.

Entering to win is easy just leave a comment and follow my Blog:http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/ 
The winner will be announced on New Year’s Day on Doris O'Connor's blog.
Other places to find her on the Internet:



Well Doris now that I finally got you here I have a million questions to ask you.


Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?

Not really. I may re-read the last few lines I wrote before, but mostly I just write when the opportunity grabs me and the characters are talking. 

Which authors inspire you’re your writing?


Every book I read inspires me in some way. Whenever I get stuck, I simply read and then I feel the itch to write myself returning.


What is your favorite book, character and why?


My favorite book ever has to be Gone With The Wind. I read it first as teenager, too many years ago now to own up to, lol. A friend recommended it and I devoured it, literally. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve read it since. I think Scarlett it such a strong heroine and Rhett Butler was the first literary hero I ever fell hopelessly in love with.

Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?

Erotic. I can’t keep my characters from jumping each other’s bones.


Which famous person, living or dead,  are you drawn to?


Marilyn Monroe, she lived such a tragic life, I think.


Where do you see yourself in five years?

Writing full time with an established career and lots of time to write as my youngest will be at school. Hopefully successful enough to be able to contribute to the family income to enable us to move house.


Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?

I see my book in the local Bookshop.


What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Follow your dreams—never give up—strive to improve your craft all the time—finish that manuscript—find a good critique group—submit—keep writing!


What do you see yourself writing in the future?

I would like to try my hand at a young adult book. Not sure whether I could pull it off, but I’d enjoy the challenge, I think.


If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

Turning the volume down on my children ;-) In love them dearly, but the noise levels—oh MY! We have nine!! And yes I am mad ;-)


What time of the day are you at your best to write?

Evening, night time, because it’s quiet.

And now for something completely different…

What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?

Smile, every time. A nice smile says so much about someone.


Explain your perfect day.

Kids happy and occupied an me engrossed in my latest story with my  fingers flying across the keyboard. Failing that, I settle for a nice long soak in the bath with  a good book and sometime just with hubby.


What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?

Anything with chocolate in it. I’m a complete chocoholic.

Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?

 My favorite holiday is also the most painful to me—Christmas. I was brought up by my gran in Germany and she always made Christmas an extra special time for me. Since her passing many years ago, it just hasn’t been the same. I always shed a lot of tears in the run up to Christmas, because I still miss her terribly and get very homesick. We live in the UK now, and Christmas is very different to what I remember it being like in Germany. But I also really enjoy it, because nothing beats the kid’s faces come Christmas morning J


What key words describe you best?


Mum, passionate, loyal, honest and a bit of dreamer.


Doris I can't tell you how much I enjoyed getting to know you better. I too fell in love with Gone with the Wind as a girl. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading all of your books.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Tuesday Tidbits breather before Holidays


I just love this pic and thought it the perfect one to end the new year on the right note. New Years is around the corner and I'm sure everyone has some idea of what kind of resolution you will want to make...or not. I am not a big fan of resolutions since I've never been very good at keeping them :) Instead I make a mental list of goals to achieve for the year and avoid the word "resolutions" like the plague. This way I find them more attainable. Instead of issuing myself a challenge I think of them as what I would "like" to accomplish instead of "have" to and then they are goals I can meet much easier without the pressure. I guess for me it's all about the absolutes.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas this year, I did my best and my wonderful Hubby was a great help this year with the Christmas dinner since we had a house full once again. I love being the hub for all family get together's but this year with the emergency surgery it was a bit much and without his help I would never have been able to accomplish it. I think I'll just have to keep this one around lol!

I am in edits with Passion's Flight and hope to be done with them soon, crossing fingers my health keeps improving. This has been a hard year for me health wise, on the plus side I've been able to loose weight, not the best way to go about it but hey, I'll take what I can get at this point. I will be doing another Tuesday Tidbits next week after the holidays then it's back to the regular Monday Pick Me Ups. Check back for additions to my blogging. I've added Thursday's Author Spotlights where you can meet new and talented Authors and in a lot of cases win a ebook of their works. I will also have special showcases through the new year and of course snippets of work published or in progress.
Thank you all for making my blog the success it is. I could never do it without any of you, I am so thankful to all of you. You have enriched my life and love all the comments you give me. I look forward the the upcoming year with excitement and glad to have you along for the ride.

Happy New Year!


Friday, December 23, 2011

Holiday's Remembered


Happy Holiday's

Here we are one day to Christmas Eve and I wonder what the heck happened to this year? It feels like only yesterday that it was January 2011!

Only yesterday that I was just a kid with my biggest worry being if Santa would have me on his good list and my "special" present would be under the tree waiting for me.
Being a mixture of Basque and Cajun our traditions were a bit different. Our presents from each one were the only ones under the tree on Christmas Eve. My family, which consisted of my mom, step-father and half sister would open our presents on Christmas Eve. Then sit down to a meal of either Jambalaya or a Fricassee. Both were family traditional meals that came from our roots in Louisiana's Bayou. 
Then around ten at night my sister and I would be bustled up to bed. Told we needed to be fast asleep before Santa came or there would be no presents for us. Boy, to say it was difficult to get to sleep would be an understatement.
Eventually we would get to sleep only to be awoken by the sound of bells ringing and my mom waking us to announce Santa had just left. For some reason Santa always made it to our house around three in the morning every year. We would rush downstairs with giggles and screams of delight as we saw our heart's desire waiting for us under the tree and our stocking jambed full of tasty treats. 
Christmas day was a time of family and friends gathered around the kitchen table chatting and prepping for the huge feast being prepared. 
To this day I follow the same traditions, but now the hallmark of the holidays, the feast is at my home filled with family and friends and tons of laughter. 

To celebrate this wonderful time of year I will be giving one lucky commenter a $25.00 Amazon Gift card and a PDF of the anthology 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas. Sure to heat up your holiday season.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful authors who are sharing their memories of this holiday season and remember to comment on their blog to be entered to win.
Go to Rom Fan Reviews

Participating Authors

Bobbi Brattz December 11th
Franny Armstrong December 12th
Regina Carlysle December 13th
Elizabeth Amber December 14th
Brita Addams December 15th
D.B. Reynolds December 16th
Beth Trissel December 17th
Amy Romine December 19th
Skhye Moncrief December 20th
Carrie Ann Ryan December 21st
J.S. Wayne December 22nd
Shannan Albright December 23rd
Jacquie Rogers December 27th
Keta Diablo December 28th
Anne Holly December 29th


Hope your Holiday is happy and safe!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Author Spotlights Karyn Gerrard



I wish to welcome another talented a uthor whom I had the pleasure of meeting through my Evernight Publishing group. I'm very excited to say she is also doing a giveaway of her latestbook so grab your coffee and get ready to enter to win a PDF copy of Timeless Heart (Historical Time Travel) OR Black Lust (Paranormal Romance) This is winner's choice!

To enter all you need to is leave a comment telling me which you would prefer to read, a time travel or a paranormal and why? 

Also if you stop over to my facebook Author page and 'like' me, you get another chance to win. Simply state in your comment that you 'liked' me or have already.
 Karyn will be announcing the winner December 26th! 

Here is a tidbit from her current release Black Lust available now through Evernight Publishing.





BLACK LUST BLURB:


Lucius  Black lives a debauched and wild nightlife. Being a ‘Quarter’ (1/4  vampire), blood and sex are what he is. However, his existence wears  thin after a century of hedonistic pleasure.


Trevina Patterson  lives a quiet, happy life running a hair salon in a village on the east  coast of the United Kingdom. It was a perfect life and all she could ask  for, until a chance encounter with Lucius Black. 


What was it about him that was so unsettling and yet so attractive?
For Lucius, no woman had ever been enough, until Trevina. She awakened  in him feelings he had not thought possible. Passions considered by him  to be little more than vampiric mythology. She awakened his...black  lust.


EXCERPT:
Trevina strolled up the stone walkway and knocked at the door. It was ajar, so she stuck her head in. “Hello? Anyone here?”
No one answered so she took a hesitant step across the threshold. Oh brilliant, it had hardwood floors and a fireplace. She felt the nearby wall, plaster, but with a fresh coat of paint. It was clean and bright. She imagined where she would place her few sticks of furniture when a deep voice boomed from the hallway.
“Who the hell are you, and what do you want?”


 Her head turned toward the direction of the irritated voice. Her breath caught in her throat. A stunning looking man stood opposite her, his legs apart, and his arms crossed. He was in black leather from his long coat to the skin hugging leather pants and black boots. A tight black T-shirt accentuated rock-hard pectorals.
Trevina assumed this stunner looked like a fallen angel or a sexy demon, maybe both. At least that is how they seemed in the movies and on the telly. He had full red lips no man should possess and a scruffy days-old beard and chiseled handsome features. But it was his eyes, the same silver-gray as the sky over a stormy North Sea. They were very large and expressive, framed by long black eyelashes. She imagined the lashes were as soft as mink. He appeared dangerous, and she should be scared, but those eyes had her locked in a searing sexual Svengali-like gaze. He exuded perilous detachment. Impenetrable, guarded, and shielded from emotions. Why she sensed all that, she had no idea. 


Instead of running to her scooter for safety, she stepped forward holding out her hand. “Trevina Patterson. Do you own this lovely cottage?”
The man stared down at her hand as if deciding whether to take it. He uncrossed his arms, took her hand and shook it. His hand was large, masculine, and very warm. His touch almost brought her to her knees it was so potent. His thumb stroked the top of her hand in a gentle circular motion. A slight sly smile curved his ruby red lips. She tried to bite back a moan but a shaky exhale escaped her throat. He let go of her hand. She felt anger mix with the intoxicating attraction. Did he get off making women react to him, especially women who were not beautiful? She knew she wasn’t. She accepted her blunt-plain features years ago; it saved her plenty of heartache.
"No, it belongs to a cousin of mine. I was looking at it, deciding if I was going to rent it. Why do you ask, Trevina?”
He used her first name. Oh, he was skilled at seduction. It dripped like molten honey in his voice, and she noticed he didn’t have a British accent. She moved closer to him. She would show this sexy leather clad demon she wasn’t intimidated.  She looked up at him. Bloody hell, he was tall. “I would like to rent it myself. What’s your name?”


He crossed his arms again, a defensive posture to be sure. “Lucius Black.”
She couldn’t help but smile. The name fit him like a leather glove.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Something amusing?”
 
She bit her lower lip. “No. Nothing. So I’m out of luck apparently.”


He shifted his stance so he was, just inches away. Her breasts brushed by his impressive muscular chest causing a gush of liquid between her legs. He stared down at her, and his warm breath fanned her cheeks like the incendiary breath of a dragon. A damned sexy one. He exuded a spicy, woodsy scent that was bloody appealing. Warm flickering flame, fire and brimstone perhaps?
“I would not say that,” he whispered sensually.

Wow that was a fantastic excerpt! I wonder if I can enter this one myself. Well Karyn now that I have you here perhaps you can let the readers get to know you a bit better.



Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?  



Nothing at all. I am a pantser, and have found I work best when I just sit at the    computer and let the words flow.  I have a vague idea where I am going toward the ending, but I just take the journey. I have been lucky; writer's block is not a condition I seem to suffer from! Yet!



 Which authors inspire your writing?



Can I be vague and say every author I have ever read? Especially the Romance authors? Really it's true. I am a voracious reader but only came to read romance about five years ago. I was totally swept up into the genre.  Historicals are still my fav, and one of the first authors I read and was enchanted by was Mary Balogh. I would kill to write as she does. Absolute inspiration.



What is your favorite book, character and why?



Ooo, that's a toughie. As with all my fav lists, they fluctuate and change with my mood.  I will pick one romance that I teared up over. 'Kiss of the Highlander' by Karen Marie Moning. I will pick the hero Dunstan for the same reason. The romance between him and the heroine was achingly sweet and sexy, and the time travel aspect ramped up the tension. Plus he was a Highlander! Love hunky guys in kilts gripping a huge sword. *cough*



Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet? 



I can write both but I will have to say I do prefer the erotic side of romance. Everyone has a different interpretation of erotic romance and erotica. I believe so far, I am writing erotic romance. I love the deep emotions involved in falling in love but also feel the physical aspect is also an important part. My love scenes are hot, never thought I could write them, now I don't even blink, lol!



Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to?



Oh. Um.  Not really into famous people. One guy I admire is Barak Obama. We Canadians love him. Wow, wish he was running our country. We give him an 82% approval. I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of American politics, but he has accomplished a lot with what he has had to work with. Love his speeches. Inspiring.



Where do you see yourself in five years?



I will be still writing, even if it is only for my own pleasure. I had got away from it for so many years I never realized how much I missed it. Now that I no longer work, I have plenty of time to plot and write weekday afternoons.



Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?



I have ten books in my backlist.



I have no illusions I will a bestselling writer. Really this all started as a hobby for me. It was only at my husband's insistence I submitted something. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get accepted. Now 2011 is closing out and I have 3 titles released from 2 different publishers. Someone pinch me.



What advice would you give aspiring writers?



Sit down and write, focus on reaching the end, don't go back and rewrite the same chapter over and over or you will never finish. Save the editing for after you type 'the end'. Never give up. Don't be afraid to submit your manuscript anywhere, you never know what an editor is looking for. It could be your story they have been waiting for. Social network but don't let it overtake your life or squeeze out your writing or other pursuits.





What do you see yourself writing in the future?



Anything. I have no plans to pigeon hole myself in any one sub-genre. Already I have completed paranormals, time travel, contemporary, historical and a western.  Will I get into Ménage or M/M? Never say never, I like reading them but at this moment it's not what I want to write.



If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?



Teleport. So I could visit my family back in eastern Canada in a blink of an eye. A 5.5 hour trip on the plane is a killer (not counting the changing planes, being there 1 hr. ahead, blah, blah.) As I get older, I detest plane travel more and more



What time of the day are you at your best to write?



Afternoons, my teacher hubby is at work and I have peace and quiet. I put on a pot of earl grey tea and escape into a world of my own making.





And now for something completely different…





What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?



Face. I am fascinated how everybody looks so damned different! I do admire a handsome face, when all the features are arranged in perfect size and symmetry. If I get close enough, I also am fascinated by the mixture of colors in people's eyes. I like a man with a full set of lips as well.

Once I finish admiring the face, I scan down his body like a search light at a movie premiere. Love broad shoulders. And height. The taller the better! I always wanted to lay a 6'5 man on the floor and crawl all over him like a cheap rug...I'll stop now. (The hubs is 5'11, it will have to do!)



Explain your perfect day.



I'm at the beach. The waves are cresting on the sand, the sun is warm but there is a slight cool breeze coming in off the ocean. I am reading a romance novel and drinking Earl Grey tea. Perfect, perfect day.



What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?



I am not one for gooey desserts or fancy French pastries. I also do not go into orgasmic spasms over chocolate. (I know, I should be smacked for that)

So what does that leave? Give me homemade apple crisp with homemade whipped cream and watch me twitch.



Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?



Christmas, all the way. Hands down. I am a sentimental sap. So much so I wrote a Christmas short called "CHRISTMAS MEMORIES" just released from Silver Publishing *book flog* which has a lot of my favorite Christmas things and memories in it.



What key words describe you the best?



Loyal. Honest. Content.



I have a low threshold on my bullshit meter, and find the more I get into the Publishing biz there are a lot of phony people out there. On the other side of the coin the honest people who genuinely care and are cheering for you far outnumber the other.  Kind of restores your faith in humanity.

Thank you so much for being here today and don't forget to leave your comments to win either one of her excellent books









Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tanalizing Tuesday and Blog Festival Results

Happy Tuesday Everyone!


It has been quite a while since we last spoke with a lot happening. First I wish to congratulate all the winners of both blog hops I held.

June won a copy of Beloved Wizard with Romancing Christmas Giveaway Blog Hop

Winners of Ho,Ho,Ho Holiday Spice: Pick your Flavor Naughty or Nice Blog Hop are as follows:

Shadow - Beloved Wizard

Jax - Dark Passion Rising

Chris - 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas

Grand Prize Winner - Nikki won all three ebooks Plus a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Congratulations to everyone who entered. I had so many wonderful responses I couldn't pick them myself so used a random number program to pick for me. 


In other news I am recovering from emergency surgery. It seems my Gallbladder has been the instigator of panic attacks I have been having for a few years. Gladly with the removal of my Gallbladder the symptoms I have been having are no longer present and look forward to getting back to work very soon.

Since I got my first edits back for Passion's Flight this is very good timing. I am hard at work with the second novella in the Knights of Excalibur series as well as starting the Third installment of the Dark Breed Series.

Well, it's back to work for me. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and will catch up with you next week.


Merry Christmas All.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Author Spotlights Kelly Yeakle


Welcome to my little cyber cubby. Today I have the honor of chatting with Kelly Yeakle so pull up a chair and pour yourself some coffee. Kelly is going to be giving one lucky reader a copy of her latest work. A seasonal anthology Stockings & Suspenders.

BLURB:
As the temperature drops, the women in this collection of stories find naughty and delicious ways to warm up for the holidays.

A boss with a proposal to make her sweat, a promise from an Italian assistant, a cabin in the middle of nowhere with two men waiting to cater to her every desire, a special surprise for a lonely solider...

All of these encounters and more from ten talented authors. Get ready for some holiday loving...Evernight style.


How do you enter to win? Comment on this blog with a complete listing of my published works with Evernight (hint, there are 4, and they must be my story titles, not necessary the books they’re in). Provide an email address in the comment section.

When will you be announcing the winner? I will choose a random winner three days after the blog is posted.

Very Exciting! Can all your titles be found at Evernight Publishing? Yes, you can find them by clicking on:

Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?
 It depends. If I’m already in the mindset to write, then nothing else is necessary. But, if I need a little push, music usually does the trick. If I’m writing a fight scene then I go for hard rock or metal, and if I’m writing love I try to find a sweet song or slow jam that stirs up my emotions.


 Which authors inspire your writing?
 Nora Roberts is the biggest inspiration for my writing. I love her style, the way she can weave a story is amazing. I also love Kerrelyn Sparks, Rachel Caine, and Becca Fitzpatrick.

What is your favorite book, character and why?
 Honestly, I don’t have a favorite book. I love too many to pick just one. As far as characters, my favorite type of character is a woman who doesn’t cower in fear of the unknown. I like strong female characters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.


Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?
I think my writing is hot at times, but I don’t think I’ve made it to that erotic level. I enjoy writing all levels of romance, but sometimes sweet can be just as fulfilling as the hotter stuff.


Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to?
 I’m not really drawn to any famous people. Though, I would have loved to have met and talked with Princess Diana.


Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I would like to see my name recognized in the writing world more. I’d like to have at least another 10 full length novels in circulation along with a vast spread of short stories and novellas. I’d like to get to a point in my life where I could stay home and write full time. That’s my main goal.


Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when
 I’m making enough money to quit my real job!


What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Join a writing group where you can learn and grow with other aspiring writers. Find your niche and perfect it. Take criticism well, and learn from it. But most of all, if you really love writing, never give up.


What do you see yourself writing in the future?
 I think I will continue to tap into the paranormal realm. I will keep writing sweet contemporary stories. I see myself continuing to write lesbian romance because I think there really is a demand for it. I also want to try my hand at YA.


If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
 If I had one superpower I would like to be able to freeze time so I could get a few extra hours of sleep every morning!


What time of the day are you at your best to write?
It varies. Sometimes I get the best pieces written after the kids go to bed and my husband is still working. Other times it’s staying up really late when the whole house is quiet and I’m just not tired enough to go to bed. But then there are mornings after I’ve driven the kids to school when I sit down in my computer chair and things just flow. So, for me there really isn’t any particular rhyme or reason J


And now for something completely different…


What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?
 Eyes. I think you can tell a lot from a person’s eyes.


Explain your perfect day.
My perfect day is one spent doing fun stuff with my children. When I can put aside the laundry or other chores and we can explore the backyard together, work on a craft, or just sit and read a good book. It’s one with an outdoor picnic, and three little faces smiling at me like I’m the most awesome person in the world. And once they’re tucked away for the night, it’s a nice cup of French vanilla cappuccino topped with whipped cream, getting comfortable on my fluffy couch, and reading a great book.


What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?
 I have a terrible time turning down brownies. Doesn’t matter what kind, iced or not, dark chocolate, peanut butter, whatever. They get me every time!


Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?
 I love Halloween. It’s the one day of the year that I get to really be a kid. I get to go all out and dress up crazy and try to find wicked things to get into!

What key words describe you best? Honest, Loyal, and Kind

Thank you Kelly for taking the time out of your busy life to chat with me. I like so many of my readers love getting to know a little more about the person behind those creative stories you write and find common threads we share.

Monday, December 12, 2011

HO! HO! HO! Holiday Spice: Choose your Flavor Naughty or Nice Blog Tour


Welcome to Holiday Spice: Choose your flavor naughty or nice Blog Hop!

This starts Monday Dec. 12th at midnight and goes through to Monday Dec. 19th!
In order to enter all you need do is leave me a comment on whether you've been naughty or nice this year. It's that simple.
And what will you win???

Yeah, right. I'm still in line for one of these myself. Instead I'll be giving away the following:

Winner #3 - PDF of Beloved Wizard: Knights of Excalibur

Winner # 2 - PDF of Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel

Winner # 1 - PDF of T'was a Dark and Delicious Christmas

Grand Prize Winner - Will receive all three PDF's PLUS a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card


Be sure and enter all the participating blogs. Just click the link below:

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Spice: Choose your flavor naughty or nice blog hop tour


Have a fantastic Holiday Season!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Romancing Christmas Festival of Authors



Happy Saturday Everyone!

I know your asking what's this another blog hop? You betcha. I couldn't resist, I'm full of good cheer and having way too much fun with these Hops. So what you may ask am I going to be giving away for this?

A PDF copy of 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas of course. Thirteen of Evernight Publishing's most talented authors with tales to melt the ice from the North Pole. And of course there is my own small story saved for the very last called A Christmas Wish for Laura.

What do you do to enter to win? Easy just leave me a comment on my blog. I will be picking the winner through a random counter.

The blog goes from Monday December 10 through to Friday December 16th. The winner will be announced on Saturday the 17th.

To enter all the other wonderful authors giveaways just click the link below.

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!
What you can win here:
How to enter:
Open to:

Friday, December 9, 2011

Weekend Dirty Dozen - Beloved Wizard



Welcome to another dozen from Beloved Wizard. Released November 1, 2011 from Extasy Books.

The plot thickens as Merci uses mirror magic to deliver them to their only hope of saving themselves from Nimue's curse. Excalibur and with it the Goddess Viviane.

“I know why you seek Excalibur. Nimue gets bold in her hunger for power and revenge against you, Arthur and even her sister, Viviane. Because of this, Excalibur has been moved and I know not where,” Lancelot stated with regret. “If you wish to rest before heading on your journey, I would be honored to escort you to the castle.”
Drake gave Merci a quick glance. The shake of her head was barely perceptible. “We are kind of pressed but I promise to let Arthur know about you. If you choose to stand and fight with us, I know he would welcome you.”
Lancelot looked to mull over Drake’s words for a minute. “I will wait to hear from you if I am welcomed then,” he said before his large form shimmered and disappeared as if he never stood before them at all. 
“Wow, that was…unusual,” Merci said, awe apparent on her small face. “So that really was Lancelot?”

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Author Spotlight Shines on London St. James



I am thrilled to have London Saint James as a guest today. And for one lucky commenter she is giving away not one but TWO of her books. Enchanted, book 1 and Requiem, book 2 in The Heart Of Winter series. Both are available through Evernight Publishing.
Entering is easy, just leave London a comment on my blog. Be sure to put your email in the body of the message to be eligable to win. The winner will be announced on Saturday December 10th via email.

Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?

No, not really, but I do listen to a lot of music, especially when I write.

Which authors inspire your writing?

There are so many authors who inspire me it is hard to narrow it down to a few.  I really love to read Megan Hart, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Sarah McCarty, Gena Showalter, Nora Roberts, and on and on…


I also am inspired by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Gena Showalter to name just a few... 
What is your favorite book, character and why?

Ahh… another difficult question :D Again, I have so many favorite books.  Hmm… well, I suppose one of my favorite books would be in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.  Favorite character, Eric.  I love that character because he can be ruthless.  He doesn’t care to flaunt how sexy he is.  He also doesn’t hide the fact he is ruthless and he will do whatever it takes to get his way, yet he has this likable quality about him and a loyalty to those he cares about.

Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?

The series I completed for Evernight Publishing called The Heart Of Winter would probably be considered sweet with erotic elements, and I loved writing that series.  Enchanted book 1 and Requiem book 2 is out now, with Revelation book 3 and Eternal book 4 coming soon.  But I suppose I would lean more toward erotic since all my other works in progress turn up the heat level and deviate away from what might be considered sweet. 

Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to?

I seem to be drawn to deeply brooding people.  Those people who don’t think much of themselves or their talents, and can’t see how truly amazing they are.  For instance, I have always been blown away by famous people such as Keanu Reeves, who talks about himself as stupid and not attractive.  In reality he is well read, far from stupid ,and they man is sex on a stick attractive.  Or Robert Pattinson who thinks of himself as ugly, and doesn’t think he can act.  Does he not own a mirror? And Robert is a super actor.  His role in Remember me was terrific and showed his range.  Don’t even get me started on his musical talents which are amazing.  So to sum it all up and stop blathering on, I’m drawn to deep quiet tortured types who don’t see themselves as much. 

 We have something in comon here London. I love them dark brooding types.
Where do you see yourself in five years?

On a sandy beach with one of those tropical umbrella drinks :D  LOL.  Seriously, I suppose in all honesty I don’t really look too far ahead.  I hope to still be writing, but success in my life would be the happiness of my family and watching them reach their dreams.

Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when…

I no longer have to pump gas into my own car. *Smiles* I HATE pumping gas.

I must say I'm in total agreement with you there. Especially when it's cold outside. 
What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Read, a lot.  Write what you love, what interest you, and never give up. 

Great advice London.
What do you see yourself writing in the future?

A paranormal series.  I’ve been kicking around the idea of a series about fallen angels (demons) and a war between factions of those fallen ones.

 Yummy that sound like a must read to me. I have a particular fondess for angles and demons.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?   

Bioluminescence.  I just think it would be super cool to glow in the dark. :D  Okay, I know bioluminescence isn’t a superpower, so I will go with the ability to read minds and see into the future.  I just want to know all those deep dark secrets, and maybe the winning lottery numbers.

What time of the day are you at your best to write?

I think I really do my best work at night.


And now for something completely different…

What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?
A great smile.  And I’m a total sucker for a sexy scowl.

Explain your perfect day. 

Just hanging out with friends and family or spending time with my gorgeous man doing nothing but snuggling.

What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?

Anything that is chocolate or has chocolate in it.

Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?

I really love Christmas.  I suppose what makes it special to me is giving to others.  I love doing that.
   
What key words describe you best?

 Truthful, Caring, Open…


Here is a bit on her latest release Requiem

Requiem Blurb:
For Winter Shae Perri there is only one man meant for her, Austin Carlyle.  That is, until their fairy tale life is shattered the night before they are to be married. 
Winter retreats deep within herself, hiding behind her romance novels, until sixteen years later she is startled to life by none other than Hollywood heartthrob, Cayden Cain. 
Cayden will have her questioning reality, because when she looks at him, she sees the face of Austin looking back at her.
Excerpt:
“Please know I am truly sorry for tonight, and appreciate all of your concern….” I felt my cheeks flush hot from embarrassment, and knew I must seem insane. Unable to stop myself I stared at him, completely mesmerized by the resemblance of Cayden to Austin.
His hair, nowhere near the pitch black color of Austin’s, but so much about Cayden was like looking back in time. The perfection and beauty of my past life became real, once again present. I never imagined, never thought possible, to see such splendor again. Cayden’s beauty rattled through every thought, dislodging long ago memories from my mind. Looking at him became difficult, as if I could not process such images, so I tore my eyes from him only to bring them back.
Cayden appeared to be the same height, his build exact, and his voice was shockingly close in texture, tone, and inflection. If that’s not strange enough, he spoke with the same cadence. And there was the same perfection to his face, but what’s truly unbelievable are those liquid blue eyes. Cayden captured me within his eyes, looking at me, gazing straight into my soul. Cayden’s eyes were haunting, calling to me so much so, they seemed to pull me forward into his heat.
I don’t know how. I don’t remember moving, but I stood inches from him. His warmth crossed over me. My skin tingled. The pulse in my throat thrummed almost out of control. I wanted to touch him. The urge raged through me. The energy that swirled around my body was blatant, alive, charged. For an instant I wondered if he felt what I was feeling. I couldn’t move. His eyes, the pull of his eyes, were not going to release me.
In this moment of complete and total immersion into the never-ending liquid blue of Cayden Cain’s eyes I felt him brush the palm of his hand down my cheek, pressing it firm, cupping my cheek into the warm strong palm of his hand. The experience, like being baptized in fire. Lightning crackled across my skin. Every breath within me halted.
“Winter,” he murmured. I could not answer, but it wasn't as though he wanted me to. It was an awareness between us.
But this just can't be.
“Please, get out of those wet clothes, take a hot shower, and get some rest.” With that he smiled all the while seemingly conflicted, hesitant to exit my room. I stared at him. “Winter,” he said softly, his hand on the doorknob. “I….” He hesitated. I watched him run his fingers through his hair. “I need....” He hesitated once more. His eyes shot to my eyes. We were caught in the moment, locked.
For that second time stood still. My heart screamed out. I know him, somehow I know him but my mind fought against the knowledge.
 “I need to see you again,” he said. He opened my door. “In the morning. We will talk in the morning.”
When Cayden left I completely fell apart, flung myself onto the bed then curled myself up into a ball. I wrapped my knees up to my chest, holding my arms tight around them. I crumbled, literally in every sense of the word. My body shook, my head hurt, my voice muffled into my chest. This was worse than any déjà vu I had experienced tonight. I would take the pain of any memories, even the memories of the crash over this current emotion. And it did not matter I was soaking wet or if I got sick. My eyes were overflowing in traitor tears, and I didn’t wish to move.
“Oh God!” I cried out.
I was in more pain than I had experienced since the loss of my love and the ending of my life. My breath had been knocked from me. I could not find my lungs. It did not matter Cayden Cain looked so much like Austin because he wasn’t the man I loved. So for this, I knew those fault lines within my heart, which from time to time would shift and quake had broken open again.
What did matter was the way I felt with Cayden’s simple touch. The kind, reassuring gesture when he reached out and touched the surface of my cheek, set my skin on fire. Lightning struck. It caused a fire which caught. The fire ran the entirety of my body until it found a home between my thighs. For this I was worse than a charlatan, worse than a cheater, worse than a liar. I should not have felt the burn, the desire, the sensation of sin which flowed like an electric current through me. Pure agony riddled my body. Cayden’s touch should be blasphemy to my flesh but God help me, it was not.
“What have I done!” I screamed.
 Austin was the only man I have ever loved. The only man who could set my skin on fire yet I felt something in which I should not. I knew I had betrayed the love of my life for the weakness of my flesh. There would be no forgiveness, no absolution. No ending to this disloyal destruction of my deceitful soul.
I cried out in heart wrenching protest. “What is wrong with me? This cannot be possible. Not possible!”
For the desire of my heart, my love, my need for Austin, was in direct conflict to the desire I experienced still burning upon my flesh.

Requiem buy links: