The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews

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:


Monday, December 5, 2011

Pick Me Up Monday

Happy Monday!                                                        There was no way I could pass up this yummy pic. I trust everyone is having a great start to their week.                                                                                    I'm hard at work with the second in the Knights of Excalibur series and finishing up the outline of Zeke's book. This is the third in the Dark Breed Series. Waiting for edits on Tegan's book which will be out in February. I am very excited about this one and have some great contests and interviews coming very soon.                                                                                Right now I'm prepping for another blog, I have two for this month actually. The first starts 12/12 and goes all the way through to 12/19 I'm giving away tons of prizes so stay tuned for next Monday's special edition. I also have a one day hop for 12/23 set so be sure to come on by and see what I have in store for you plus share your Christmas memories with me.
I have started my Thursday's Authors Spotlight and must say thanks for making it so popular. I have been fortunate to find some extraordinary talent to bring to you and am happy to share them with you all.  

Well back to work and have a fantastic week!



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Six From Passion's Flight Book 2 of the Dark Breeds



Welcome to another six from Passion's Rising: A Dark Breed Novel Coming February 2012!

Warning: this is an adult excerpt.


He pushed away from the door, stalking toward her with a predator’s grace. Swiftly removing his clothes, his gaze locked and held her captive. His intent made her heart pound in her chest and the ache at her core became a throbbing pulse of anticipation. Tegan stood naked in front of her, his cock hard and erect, jutting out of the dark hair between his corded legs. His lean hips and hard bands of muscle flexing along his flat stomach made her mouth go dry as he slipped into the shower behind her.
 His heat enveloped her an enticement of what could come next.


To view more awesome authors six click Here

Friday, December 2, 2011

Weekend Dirty Dozen -Beloved Wizard



Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I'm back after a week off doing family stuff and excited to bring you a dozen more snippets of my new release Beloved Wizard.



Merci frowned at him. “You don’t get to tell me you love me if you’re not around to show it.”

“No, after that.” He waved a dismissive hand in the air which set her irritation up another notch.

“That I would run you through if I had Excalibur. So, what’s the deal? Why is that so important to you all of a sudden?”

Drake pulled her up against him, his skin, warmed from the sun, felt way too good against her cooler flesh. Instinct screamed for her to step away, but she was mesmerized by the slow smile that played across his lips. Then his head bent, slanting across hers until they sealed together in a searing kiss that made her toes curl and her breathing grow ragged. Parting, he stared down at her with sparkling eyes and laughed. “I know just who we need to find to remove the curse.”


See you next Friday for another dozen.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Author Spotlight on Elyzabeth Valey Plus Free Book!




Win an ebook copy of The Mercenary Knight

Just leave a comment with their email on this post.

  Elyzabeth will announce the winner on December 6th on my blog.  


 
Blurb:
“Men have their needs, as do women.” That’s Tanya’s premise as she flees her hometown and encounters four helpful mercenaries: Conrad, Wybert, Gregorii and Johann. However, her unexpected attraction to the aloof Conrad will tickle not only her desire but also her heart.

Once a knight of the kingdom, Conrad now roams the road as a ruthless mercenary in the company of his three men. Years have passed since he quit the Code but old habits die hard and he can’t stop himself from being a chivalrous gentleman to the tavern wench he’s saved, even if his desire for her surpasses anything he’s ever felt before. But, for how long will he be able to fight the temptation?

Excerpt:
Gregorii hissed. His hold on her, which had grown lax, tightened once more. “Are you sure of this?”

“Did you not hear when I said that women have their needs too?”

Gregorii grinned and bent his head to capture her lips again. He was gentler this time, taking his time to taste and tease. The tip of his tongue brushed against her lips, seeking entrance. Willing, she gave him access. His tongue plunged into her mouth, sampling every corner. She captured his tongue and sucked lightly. Gregorii returned the kiss with frenzy and wrapped his arms tightly around her. After a moment, he lowered his hands and firmly cupped her full breasts.

Tanya moaned and pressed herself to him, her hardened nipples begging for his touch. Gregorii pinched them lightly. Releasing her mouth, he gently lifted her. Tanya yelped in surprise. He laughed and turned her in the saddle. Her eyes widened as she came to face him. Gregorii winked at her. Before she could react, he grasped her face and kissed her fiercely. Tanya slid forward in the saddle. She moaned as she came in contact with his stiff shaft. He tugged at the lace of her bodice and lowered her chemise. Her breasts became fully exposed and Gregorii cupped them with tenderness, his index finger grazing her tight nipples.

“So creamy, so beautiful,” he murmured. Without further comment he pressed his mouth to her breast, lightly sucking one of the pink areolas. Tanya let out her breath in a hiss and thrust her chest forward, demanding he take more. She groaned as he released the wrinkled bud with a pop and quickly took the other one into his mouth. He scraped the nipple with his teeth and she instinctively bucked against him. Desire pulsed through her veins and culminated between her thighs. Her hands wound their way underneath his tunic and she wondered at the solid ridges of his stomach. When she reached his chest, she stopped.

“Bare?”

“It is the way of my people,” Gregorii replied, leaning in to kiss her again. Tanya melted into the passionate kiss. She caressed his hairless chest, enjoying the smooth, silky feeling of his skin in contrast with the firm planes of his chest.

“Tell me you took off those hose Johann lent you,” he demanded in a whisper.

Tanya giggled. “I would not be wearing my skirt if I hadn’t.”

Gregorii wound his way underneath her skirt. His hands slid underneath her bottom and he lifted her onto his lap.

“Oh,” she said as she felt his throbbing erection against her.

“There’s more. Wait and see, my lady.”

With a wicked grin, Gregorii caressed her inner thighs. His hands brushed against her slick sex and she clamped her fingers around his shoulders, trying to bring him closer. His fingers stroked her wet pussy and she quivered in delight. Tanya whispered his name as one of his fingers entered her. Entangling her hands in his ponytail, she pulled him to her with a searing kiss. Another finger accompanied the first and she rocked harder against him. Pressure began to build in her belly as he easily slid in and out of her soaking pussy. Suddenly, he removed his hand and she whimpered in frustration.

Tanya couldn’t help smiling appreciatively as she caught sight of Gregorii’s hands swiftly undoing the lace of his hose. She licked her lips as he brought out his engorged cock, the tip already gleaming with pre-cum. Without warning, he was lifting her in his hands, guiding her until the tip of his cock was pulsating against her sodden cunt. She moaned as she adjusted to the pressure of his dick buried deep inside her. Gregorii dropped soft kisses on her neck and chest while his hands tugged at her nipples, causing her body to tremble with small ripples of sensuous delight. When she began to move against him, he circled her waist and took hold of the reins once more.

“Now, you shall see and feel.”

With a light kick the horse was off in a gallop. Tanya cried out in surprise as intense pleasure flooded all her senses. At every leap and jump the horse executed she was lifted and slammed back onto Gregorii’s stiff member. Her nails dug onto his shoulders as she hung on for dear life. Gregorii brought her closer, her sensitive breasts pressing into his torso. She mewled in delight as his cock plunged deeper and faster inside her. Gregorii groaned against her ear, absorbed in the delightful ecstasy of their lovemaking. He nibbled on her earlobe and her breath hitched in her throat. The horse quickened its pace beneath her and she almost forgot to breathe as Gregorii’s thrusts became a fevered carnal force pushing into her.


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

Not really, sometimes if I’m not very inspired some music will help.  

 Which authors inspire your writing?
I love J.R.R. Tolkien and Raymond E. Feist in the fantasy genre. In romance Diana Gabaldon and Gone with the Wind author, Margaret Mitchel are part of my inspiration.
What is your favorite book, character and why?  

Gone with the Wind has been one of my favorite since I was 10 years old. I have to admit I was always sad with the end of the book because it’s not exactly a HEA…however, I knew Scarlett O’Hara would pull through. She’s not your usual weak heroine. She’s a strong woman, which does what needs to be done to survive (even if she is a bit of a procrastinator and keeps leaving things for tomorrow, but I’m a procrastinator myself so I get her, LOL).

Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet? 

It depends on my mood… but it’s not the first time that something sweet ends up being erotic.

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

I can’t really say. It depends if we’re talking physically, intellectually or both. Nonetheless, it’d be hard to pick only one.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have no idea. *laughs* hopefully, still writing and improving myself.

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

My sister who doesn’t like romance at all is impressed by my work.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Write, write and write, oh and did I say write? A lot of people will try to put you down but as long as you’re happy with your work, keep going for it.
What do you see yourself writing in the future?

I look forward to continue exploring the world of romance but I’d also love to write a fantasy novel.

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

Mmmm… Time control? Does that even exist as a super power? Anyhow, it’d be awesome if you could control time, that way you’d never have to worry about not having enough time! Or you could time travel! I’d love to time travel to the Victorian Era, for example.



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

As long as I’m not extremely tired, night time is my time.



And now for something completely different…


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

Hair! It’s the first thing that catches my eye because I love guys with long hair. After, it’s the face and mainly the eyes. He can have gorgeous hair but if I don’t like his face…
On a woman, the first thing I look at is the face.

Explain your perfect day.

A perfect day would be one in which I didn’t have a thousand little things to do and could sleep in! 

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

Chocolate, anything with chocolate and specially anything with white chocolate. Mmmm….

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

Christmas- I love Christmas.  I think it’s so special to me because it brings back good memories of when I was a child. Besides, I love all the flashing lights, the cute ornaments, the singing Santa dolls and the delicious Christmas dinner.

What key words describe you best?

Hard working yet a sleepy head, quiet but secretly naughty.

 You can contact Elyzabeth at the following links!

Blog: http://inadreambeyond.blogspot.com

Website: http://elyzabethmvaley.weebly.com/

Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads



Monday, November 28, 2011

Monday Pick Me Up



Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Mine was hectic with clean up from a wonderful day filled with family and friends. Now it's time to get all the Christmas stuff out of storage and switch gears for the upcoming holiday. Hope everyone had a safe Black Friday and got tons of deals.

I didn't get any writing done last week and have the itch to get back to my keyboard. So much to do and so little time to do it. I'm working on the second of the Knight's of Excalibur books. This is Colin's story who is Sir Kay reincarnated and as an Irish shape shifter he has been a blast to get to know!

I'm outlining Zeke's story, the third of the Dark Breed series and things are shaping up. Should be ready to get to writing it very soon. Tegan's story is slotted for a February release and expect edits any day.

I'm also gearing up to finish the first in a new series which, if everything goes as planned will be the first to go to print first, then paperback. I'm submitting it late winter / early spring 2012 so hope to have more information for you by then.

Well that's all I have for now, have a fantastic week and I'll see you again on Monday!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving, Now Let's Shop!


He can cook in my kitchen anytime he wants Lol!


With the Holiday in full swing,  our magnificent bird and fixings will soon be nothing but happy memories. And if your like me you feel as stuffed as the Turkey you prepared. Promises to get to the Gym and work off all those yummy calories is on top of your priority list and what better way to do that than to shop?

Black Friday is upon us once again, luring us in with promises of incredible deals and sometimes it's not just hype. Oh the joy of retail! I would rather cut off my arms myself than fight a crowd of determined ladies who can punch with the power of a prize fighter. I commend those of you brave enough to swim in those shark infested waters.

For me, I'll probably take in a movie, there is a good possibility I can get into Breaking Dawn since everyone will be shopping. I may even be able to get some fresh popcorn with extra butter. Yeah, I know more calories to burn but for me so worth it.

So for those about to shop, I applaud your courage and pray you get back in one piece. For me it's the movies and back to writing. After all, no matter how hard I try these stubborn  books refuse to write themselvesI'll chat with you again on Monday and until then be safe, get great buys and have a blast!


Here is one more pic for the holiday for you to enjoy.


Amen to that!