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Archive for April, 2013



A Question…
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

I spent yesterday doing girl stuff with my daughter. After I posted my blog, I got up from the keyboard and didn’t plug in again until late last night. Then I opened my email, saw 259 new messages, and quickly left my desk again to watch TIVO’d episodes of Golden Boy. (I’m not sure about that show yet…)

But I’m back today. I have to work on getting the Cowboy Heat anthology pulled together. Then I have to dive into editing the stories I have tentatively chosen. No, authors, I can’t tell you who made the first cut just yet. I don’t like doing that until I know Cleis approves my choices.

So I’m going to have a busy day. I’m also going to pull out a suitcase and start packing for Kansas City! I’m going to the RT conference next week. If anyone out there is going, be looking for me! I’d love to meet you!

Since I won’t be relaxing today, I’m thinking about it, wishing I could curl up on my big overstuffed chair and watch a movie. Maybe Timeline so I can watch Gerard Butler give his girl that poignant kiss (one of the best movie kisses ever—you can see them falling in love!). Here’s my question…

What is your favorite position and place you like to be when you relax?
I like curling up in my overstuffed chair. You might like laying on a beach
towel on a sandy beach. Tell us all about yours.

Guest Blogger: Cornelia Amiri (Contest)
Monday, April 22nd, 2013

danceofthevampires_msrI love everything Celtic and in researching Scottish lore I came across the baobhan sith, also known as the dancing vampires. The dancing vampires aren’t actually vampires at all. These creatures are vampiric fey, sisters who roam the Scottish highlands. All of them are women, no men. Voluptuous and enticing, these beauties always wear green gowns. Also, they have talons. No fangs. Like other vampires, they drink human blood and fry in the sunlight. In some tales they have hooves for feet.

Often referred to as dancing vampires, they target young men coming from pubs at night. The baobhan sith dance with them until the men grow exhausted. Then the vampiric temptresses transform their long nails into talons and rake them across the men’s backs. Clawing at their victim’s skin, draining their blood, then drinking it.

For a modern take on the baobhan sith, enter Ellora’s cave and step Underhill to visit these dark fey in my Dancing Vampire series, the tales of seven baobhan sith sisters. The first two quickies, Dance Of The Vampires and Vampire Highland Fling have been available and the third book, Ever So Bonnie A Vampire, was just released April 19th.

Here’s the Blurb for Ever So Bonnie A Vampire:

eversobonnieavampire_msr (3)Calin has had fantasies about the vampiric fey, Ever’s, warm, curvaceous body ever since they danced a year ago. When they meet again he waste no time in claiming and capturing her.  Once the sun rises, Ever can’t leave the earthly realm and is bound by fey lore to the human, Calin. Though he has saved her from the sun, things get pretty hot in his arms. Thrust into the mortal realm, his love making excites her like no fey man’s  ever has but she’s consumed with the vow she made to her sisters to not leave them for a mortal man. She fights her feelings for Calin and seeks help from goddess Morrigan.

The goddess has feelings of her own for  the tall, muscular mortal so she frees Ever to return Underhill. It isn’t until Ever’s back with her sisters that she realizes her heart is still held captive by Calin. When Calin spurns Morrigan’s attentions, the goddess’s lust turns to vengeance. With Ever out of his reach, Underhill,  and a goddess shape shifting into different beasts to hunt and kill him, Calin McDuff must risk his life and fight all odds to be with the woman he loves.

I am having a contest to giveaway two PDF Ebooks, one for Dance Of The Vampires and one for Vampire Highland Fling, just comment below to enter. Also please visit me at my website, http://CelticRomanceQueen.com

Links: Website | Buy Link | Facebook

Guest Blogger: Sarah Castille (Contest)
Sunday, April 21st, 2013

When I decided to write my first book I knew it had to be about naughty lawyers. I’ve been a lawyer for many years, at many firms and in many places. And the things that go on behind closed doors…well, I just had to write about them!

So I did.

Of course, I changed a few (okay…many) things to protect the not-so-innocent, but the essential naughtiness remained the same. Then I sent my book out to a few contests and beta readers. Everyone loved my naughty lawyers. But they had a few suggestions to help me improve.

“Not realistic.”

“Lawyers don’t behave this way.”

“Is this ethical?”

“Unbelievable.”

“Would a lawyer really do this?”

“Seriously? In a courtroom?”

Oh, yes, my friend. Seriously. In a courtroom.

I discovered truth is, in fact, stranger than fiction. So out came the paragraphs where my poor lawyers got hot and steamy in the courthouse. No more lawyers getting down and dirty on the phone. And using a tie to do…what? Bad author. Clean it up. Lawyers are pillars of virtue. They only have sex in bed at night with the lights out. Missionary position. No toys required.

I couldn’t live the lie.

So, here, for your reading pleasure, is an adults only excerpt featuring naughty lawyers engaging in some serious LEGAL HEAT on a judge’s desk.

Naughty lawyers.

You know you want them. And you can have them. Release date for my erotic legal thriller, LEGAL HEAT is APRIL 23!

LegalHeat72lg

Passion this hot should be illegal…

Katy Sinclair made it to the brink of partnership at her high-powered law firm with hard work, dogged determination, and the ruthless self-discipline to cultivate a conservative public image. But when she follows an evasive witness into a sex club, she can’t deny herself a red-hot sexual encounter with the seductive bartender who sets her body on fire. She’s sure no one will ever know about her indiscretion —until she walks into the courtroom to find her dirty little secret is the opposing counsel in the most important case of her career.

As the managing partner in a struggling law firm, hot-shot attorney Mark Richards can’t afford any mistakes that might cost him his biggest client. Like getting involved with his beautiful, determined opponent—the mystery woman he hasn’t been able to forget. But when Katy’s quest for justice leads to death threats, Mark will sacrifice everything to protect her.

Now they’re risking their hearts…and their lives…in a race to catch a killer. Little do they know, the greatest danger lies closer to home.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, light bondage, violence, murder, steamy shenanigans in the courtroom, naughty sexytimes in the boardroom, and an exceptionally hot hero with a versatile tie. Any objections will be overruled.

 “I don’t think this is appropriate behavior for a courtroom,” she whispered, knowing that despite the risk, she wasn’t about to jump down and walk away.

”Definitely not.” His voice was thick with desire. “You’re wearing far too many clothes.”

Katy shrugged off her jacket. “What if someone comes in?”

“No one is coming in. I have a friend in security who owed me a favor. He’s got his eye on the door until his next shift. We have about forty-five minutes.”

“I hope he’s a good friend. You’re putting both our careers in his hands.”

He rested his hands on her knees. “I wouldn’t take a risk with you.”

Katy laughed softly. “What’s this if not a risk?”

“This is you opening for me, sugar.” He gently pressed her knees apart.

Lust, raw and ragged, tore through her body, burning away her inhibitions. She braced her hands behind her and parted her legs as far as her skirt would allow.

“That’s my girl,” he growled deep and low.

Katy sucked in her breath. She had never imagined such condescending words could be so fiercely arousing.

He traced his finger down her throat to the cleft between her breasts. “There are special rules in my courtroom,” he murmured. “First, there is to be no touching the judge. Your hands will stay on the desk at all times. Is that clear?”

Katy gave him a wicked grin. She sat up and pressed her hands against the cool, smooth cotton of his shirt, then slid them up and over his rock-hard pecs to encircle his neck.

“So I can’t do this?”

He pulled her hands away. “No.”

“And I can’t do this?” She circled his narrow waist and pulled him between her legs, pressing her breasts against his taut chest.

Mark disengaged her hands. “Definitely not.”

Her gaze drifted down below his belt and she stroked a finger along the erection clearly outlined beneath the thin wool of his trousers. “What about this?”

Mark gently slapped her hand away. “Don’t even think about it.”

“It’s all I’m thinking about,” she murmured.

***

 

Want more naughty lawyers?

Where can you find me?

Sarah-72dpiWebsite | Facebook | Twitter: @sarah_castille | Goodreads

Thanks to Delilah for hosting me today. I wish you all naughty times!

Saturday Snippet: Try a Little Tenderness
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

The winner (chosen by random number generator) of the free download is commenter
#2—Anne! 
Anne, congrats! Email me to arrange delivery of your prize!

* * * * *

Begging for It was one of those rare opportunities when I pulled experiences directly from my military past. I guess it’s odd I don’t write more military-related experiences because writers are supposed to write what they know, and after 21 years in the Army, I know a lot. Here, I used what I remembered of my own slight PTSD issues and what I observed from others around me to give as realistic a window inside my heroine’s journey as I could. When reading this tender passage (as tender as a BDSM passage can be :)), keep in mind that the safe word Cross has given TJ to use is Fallujah.

If you post a comment today, you’ll be entered to win
a free download of this book!

Last week’s winner (see last Saturday’s Snippet for the prize) is…Tony Whitmire! Tony, congrats and email me to arrange delivery of your prize!

Begging For It

“…I absolutely loved this book… With these two dynamic characters, the emotional pull of this story was outstanding… Emotions ran the gamut and reached out to draw you in.”
~5 Stars and Top Pick!, Night Owl Reviews

“This was the most gripping, emotionally charged sexy foray into BDSM (heavy on the S&M) I’ve ever read…in the end, you’ll be so gripped by the brilliance of Ms. Devlin’s storytelling abilities, that the final pages will twist your guts in knots… I couldn’t stop thinking about them.” ~A “10″ for Story, Seriously Reviewed

“…This story is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, cry, and overheat… Devlin weaves an enthralling tale… It’s a novella that’s impossible to put down, a definite gem worth reading again and again.” ~5 Hearts, The Romance Studio

“…Delilah Devlin is at her finest with BEGGING FOR IT!… It is heartbreaking but real. Yes this is a very hot erotic novella but the story really spoke to me… BEGGING FOR IT is outrageous and perfectly delicious!” ~ Joyfully Reviewed

A story in the 1-800-DOM-help series.

She needs punishment…before she deserves pleasure.

Tragedy scarred TJ Lipton. Now, the only way she can find pleasure is when its delivered with a heavy-handed dose of S&M. But finding a lover who can give her what she needs proves an elusive quest—until she finds the sex club Unfettered and a Dom named Cross McNally.

Cross understands all too well what drives TJ. He takes command of her body to give her everything she needs—restraint, the stinging kiss of a flogger, the thrill of a three-way—a sexual adventure that pulls her beyond her painful past and has her begging for more of his tender brand of domination.

The door handle depressed without the need of a passkey. She opened it, searching the room for Cross, but stiffened when instead she found Tanner.

He was dressed in a dark tee, leather pants and cowboy boots. Had she met him in The Shamrock before she’d been with Cross, she would have been tempted. But now Cross held her hopes and dreams in his hands. Tanner was just another handsome guy with a crooked, killer smile.

“Come in, TJ,” he said in his sexy drawl. “Cross’ll be along in a moment.”

Disappointment seeped through her bones, weighing her down. She’d hoped it would just be the two of them, her and Cross. That she’d meant more to him than just as a playmate, but he’d invited his buddy along again.

“Shall I prepare you?”

TJ shook her head. “I’d rather wait for Cross.”

“I want to show you something.” He invited her deeper into the room with a lazy wave of his hand.

She blew out a breath and approached, watching his expression. If he’d smirked even once, she’d have turned on her heel and run for the door. She couldn’t take mockery, not even a gentle tease today. She was too nervous about seeing Cross again and angry with herself that it meant so much.

The last thing she wanted right now was trust in someone else’s strength when she’d finally begun to believe in her own. But she needed Cross in ways she couldn’t explain, not even to herself.

However, she walked closer, halting when she saw the ropes arranged on the floor. There was a pattern to their placement, but not one she discerned, and the ends of two of them were drawn up to curve over the tops of two pulleys in the ceiling.

She cleared the knot of tension in her throat. “This for me?” Read the rest of this entry »

Guest Blogger: Leta Blake & Keira Andrews
Friday, April 19th, 2013

Fairy tales often have some sort of magical moment when the truth comes out and the revelation sets the characters free, usually by breaking curses or by removing blinders from their eyes. In the Ugly Duckling, the main character discovers the truth about his parentage and is free to become a swan. In Bluebeard, the wife opens a forbidden door to discover her husband’s heinous crimes, and has blinders removed from her eyes, setting her free from the bondage of ignorance. The trope exists in many fairy tales.

In our most recent sexy retelling of a well-known fairy tale, Keira and I wrote about Jack and the Beanstalk. We took on this trope of revelation and freedom. Jack and Rion, the main characters of Ascending Hearts, begin the book with a set of beliefs about the world which shape the way they interact with each other.

Two untrue things Jack believes with all his heart:
1)      There’s a giant at the top of that bean stalk
2)      No one could ever love him with his shameful red hair

Two untrue things Rion believes with all his heart:
1)      Outsiders like Jack carry disease and only want to steal his treasure
2)      His duty is to protect the treasure and this is his destiny

In the book, Jack and Rion react to the revelation that what they’ve always believed to be true is, in fact, a lie, in very different ways, leading to the crisis of the story.

Everyone has certain things they believe are true and when those beliefs are challenged the world is turned upside down. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized one of your core beliefs about the world was untrue? Did the revelation destroy you or did it set you free?

***

About the authors:

Leta Blake is an author of romance, romantic, and erotica who is trying to live the dream with the help of her spouse, child, dogs, and amazing friends. Some days that works out better than others.

After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira Andrews discovered her voice in gay romance. She writes contemporary, historical and fantasy fiction, and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings.

Ascending Hearts around the web:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ascending-Hearts-Tempting-Tales-ebook/dp/B00AWPDO42

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ascending-hearts-leta-blake/1114106448

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Tempting+Tales&t=none&f=series&p=1&s=none&g=both

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/leta-blake/ascending-hearts/_/R-400000000000000923871

Places Leta can be found around the web:

Email: leta.blake.author@gmail.com
Website: letablake.wordpress.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/letablake
Twitter: https://twitter.com/letablake
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6425833.Leta_Blake
Tumblr: http://letablake.tumblr.com/

Places Keira can be found around the web:

Email: keira.andrews@gmail.com
Website: keiraandrews.com
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1366040.Keira_Andrews
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keiraandrews
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keira.andrews.author

ascendinghearts_msr

 Ascending Hearts

Leta Blake & Keira Andrews

Part of the Tempting Tales series.

Rumors of treasure have long sent fortune hunters clambering up a magic beanstalk to a mysterious castle in the clouds. Survivors told of an evil giant who guards the gold with savage strength. No sane man would dare risk the climb—but Jack has nothing left to lose. Shunned for his evil red hair and abandoned by his cruel lover, he’s desperate to escape his life.

Rion isn’t a giant, only a man bearing the burden of protecting his family’s legacy. It’s a lonely existence, but he’s duty bound. Then Jack appears, and Rion’s world changes. After a blazing confrontation, undeniable lust sparks. Isolated in the clouds, Jack and Rion give in to their desire and growing connection. Soon they must protect the treasure—and each other—from a new threat. And they have everything to lose.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

 

This ‘n’ That
Thursday, April 18th, 2013

So many folks want time on my blog, I don’t actually have that many days when I can pop in and tell you what I’m doing. I love having guests, and I hope you do too! So many authors with books I would never hear about except that they share the news here and on other sites! Love that!

But there are some things I think you should know about.

Free Book

Garden of DesireEllora’s Cave is offering Garden of Desire for free for a limited time, both on their site and everywhere their books are sold! Garden is one of my earliest works. I haven’t read it myself since I wrote it back in 2003 (good Lord, 10 years ago!!!) but I remember giggling several times as I wrote about my pirates trying to go domestic on an uninhabited planet. Be sure to get your copy while this offer lasts!

“…Ms. Devlin has penned an erotic adventure that will leave you smiling. This wonderful blend of humorous dialogue, vivid descriptions, and exceedingly hot sex make GARDEN OF DESIRE a must read.” ~5 Flames, Sizzling Romances
Ex-pirate Cantor Marlowe is drowning in femininity. Perfumes assail him morning, noon, and night. And the voices! High and trilling when calling to attract his interest. Low and throaty when whispering dark and sexy promises in his ears. Loud and strident when bringing their never-ending complaints for him to resolve.

As the governor to a fledgling colony, Cantor and his fellow pirates have entered into a pact to set down roots, self-govern without Dominion interference, and raise families on an uninhabited planet at the edge of the known galaxy. Who would have thought the ex-cons they liberated to make their wives would have so much to complain about in paradise? ‘Tis no wonder Cantor itches to go a-pirating.

Martha knows how to pick a lock. What the little thief can’t figure out is how to steal Cantor’s heart. When Cantor’s head is turned by the arrival of an innocent harem girl, Martha fears she’s lost her chance at love until the girl turns to Martha for a little lesson in love.

Buy at Ellora’s Cave
Buy at Amazon

Continuing Contests

IMG_3937 The Night Crow Pendant Contest ends April 25th. I made it myself—something dark and little creepy that I’d wear! Any comment you make on any blog until that date counts as an entry in that contest!

There’s also a Signed Book Contest happening now on the Smokin’ Hot Firemen website. Come support the 17 talented authors who wrote the stories that make that book shine! Be sure to comment!!

What I’m Doing Now

I have so many projects in the works, I don’t know what to tell you about next. Books you might see soon? I have just completed compiling a second Strokes collection of short stories. As soon as it’s edited and formatted, I’ll throw it out on Amazon for you to enjoy. The stories I chose are ones that have appeared in others’ collections. I like gathering mine together so you have a chance to enjoy them in one place.

In June, I have two books releasing. First will be the next book in the Delta Heat series, Twice the Bang. I’m thrilled to be able to share the cover with you!

TwiceTheBang_600

I love how well it “fits” with the rest of the covers! And yes, it’s fine to snicker at the title. When people ask me what the next title in the series is, I can’t help by grin and giggle myself! Do you like it?

On June 25th, the next Caitlyn O’Connell paranormal/urban fantasy/romantic suspense novel releases! I really can’t wait for you to read the next installment. I love these books and this heroine. She’s a mess, and her ex is hawt!

Lost Souls

Fan favorite Delilah Devlin delivers her second paranormal romantic thriller featuring unforgettable heroine, Caitlyn O’Connell. This time, the psychic PI joins her police detective ex-husband to find a demon pulling women into the past to commit their murders in a seedy Memphis hotel.

Private Investigator Caitlyn O’Connell is tapped by Memphis PD to discover who has been using a Memphis hotel as his killing ground. Women are going missing, and their bodies are found inside the walls of the hotel. But the bodies themselves? They appear to have been murdered in the distant past. With ghosthunters and cops crawling all over the crime scene, Cait and her detective ex-husband Sam Pierce race to find the demon responsible before he kills again.

In July, Smokin’ Hot Firemen releases and in August High Octane Heroes follows! Both anthologies will be sizzling hot and filled with sexy heroes!

And what am I working on right this minute?

* Edits for a full-length novel set in the southern Louisiana bayous. Think 50 Shades with ex-SEALS and mystery. Mmm-mm.

* I am wrapping up the final chapter of the next Triple Horn Brand book, Tommy Triplehorn’s HEA (Happily Ever After) A Long, Hot Summer.  If I don’t finish today, I will tomorrow.

* I’m waiting on edits for a special project I can’t tell you about yet. Something short and really fun!

* I’ve just finished reading all the Cowboy Heat submissions. I’ll be choosing the ones I want in the next Cleis Press anthology I edit and trying to figure out what my story should be about. Any suggestions?

And that’s enough, right? Now, I have to get back to work. :mrgreen:

Guest Blogger: Desiree Holt (Contest)
Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Morning, ladies! Random.org has selected June M. as the winner of the $10 GC.
June, please email me at desireeholt@desireeholt.com

* * * * *

What’s better than a cowboy?

Why, a “nekkid” cowboy, of course. For everyone who loved STARK NAKED (and I do thank each and every one of you who made it such a hit), now we have BUCK NAKED. And Buck Montgomery is definitely a mouth-watering eyeful. Here’s a snippet from Naked Cowboys, Book 2.

Release date: April 30 from Samhain Publishing

Comment to win a $10 GC to Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

BuckNaked300When Amy Stark met Buck Montgomery she was fuming over both a flat tire and his condescending attitude. It onely gets worse when they end up at the same cattle auction and his attitude doesn’t change. Little does she know that Buck harbors a secret he guards closely along with his heart. A secret that prevents him from reaching out to Amy for the relationships he really wants. Against his better judgment he cracks open the wall and lets her in, only to have his past catch up to him in a devastating way. Can Amy get past who he was and love the man he has become, or will he, once again, lose it all?

Silence instantly dropped between them with all the subtly of a lead weight. Amy fiddled with her napkin, very aware of Buck’s careful scrutiny. Again, she wondered what the hell she was she doing here, anyway. He was exactly the kind of man she told herself to stay away from—tall, very masculine, very sexy. Probably had a hundred women chasing after him. Well, she was tired of being one of the pack. Especially for a man like Buck Montgomery, who was now her neighbor.

So why am I sitting here having lunch with him?

Because my head said no but my body and my mouth said yes.

She looked up to find him watching her with his mouth curved in a slight grin. Heat sizzled across the table with an almost visible snap. She squirmed slightly in her seat and searched for a new topic of conversation.

“Do I make you nervous?” His deep voice vibrated though her, the warmth of it like a heated cloud surrounding her and washing over her skin.

Amy cleared her throat. “Nervous?” She clasped her hands on the table in front of her, hoping Buck wouldn’t notice the tremors in them. “Not. Not at all. Is there some reason why you should?”

“No. No reason. You just seem…fidgety. I wondered if it was me.”

Yes.

“Of course not.” She searched for a topic of conversation. “So, when did you buy the Hayes Ranch? I didn’t even know it had sold.”

“About a month ago. It’ll take me a while to get it into shape, but I’m working at it.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery of their food. Using the condiments took up a minute or so. Amy took a healthy bite of her burger and moaned in ecstasy.

“Still the best I’ve ever eaten,” she said around a mouthful of food.

“All their food is good. I eat here whenever I come into town.”

There was more silence as they consumed their lunch. Amy kept her eyes on her food but she was more than cognizant of the heavy-lidded looks Buck kept giving her. She wondered what was on his mind. At the auction he hadn’t seemed all that interested in her, polite and nothing more after their rocky start. Yet now he seemed to be seducing her with his eyes from across the table.

When she finished the last bite of food, she patted her mouth with the napkin and leaned against the back of the seat.

“You missed a spot.” He moved his hand toward her than jerked it back.

“A spot?” She frowned.

“Mustard. On your lower lip.”

Amy patted her mouth with her napkin and looked at the yellow smear on the white cloth. How embarrassing.

“I’m not usually a slob when I eat.” She picked up her napkin and ran it over her mouth again.

“But then I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of catching that last little bit on your lip.”

I should just get up and leave before I get myself into trouble. This was a huge mistake.

Okay, where can you find me:

www.desireeholt.com
www.desireeholttellsall.com
Twitter: @desireeholt
Facebook: desiree01holt
Pinterest: desiree01holt
And…desireeholt@desireeholt.com I love to hear from you so don’t be shy.

dh