Freya was the Norse goddess of love and war. How’s that for being the deity of the two things where all things are fair? In Loki’s Wolves, Freya is an important figure, and the patron goddess of the heroine, Victoria Storm. Here are three fun facts about Freya.

1. Her name means “lady” and she is the daughter of Njord, a god of the sea. She was married to a god called Od or Odur, and bore two daughters, Nossa and Gersimi. Od disappeared mysteriously, and there are many mentions of Freya looking for her husband in various guises, crying tears of gold for him.

2. She drove a golden chariot pulled by two giant blue cats. The chariot was a gift from the god Thor. Her cats are named Bygul and Trjegul.

3. Freya’s greatest treasure was the Brisingamen, a beautiful necklace made by four dwarves. When she first saw it, she immediately wanted it. As payment, the dwarves demanded that she spend a night with each of them. Though she was disgusted, she wanted the necklace so much that she agreed. Later, Loki found out and told Odin about Freya’s behavior. Odin was annoyed by Freya’s prostitution, and he had Loki steal the necklace from Freya. In one version of this tale, Heimdall saw the theft and chased after Loki, recovering the necklace for Freya. In another version, Freya went to Odin and begged him to give the Brisingamen back, and he eventually did so, but only under the condition that she sow discord between men and cause wars.

Hunger Moon by Melissa Snark
#1 Loki’s Wolves series
Genre:  Paranormal/Norse folklore fantasy
Published April 25, 2013
ISBN-10: 1492107581
ISBN-13: 978-1492107583
Amazon ASBN B00CJ1D1BI

The Child Thief, Book #0 Loki’s Wolves, is permafree with most retailers.

Battle Cry, Book #2 in Loki’s Wolves, will be released Dec. 18^th.

Victoria Storm faces seemingly insurmountable odds to keep her dwindling pack of werewolves alive and together. She fights hunters- including the brother and father of her deceased lover-and the pack takes another devastating loss. When they seek sanctuary in a small town near Lake Tahoe, high in the secluded Sierra Nevada Mountains, Victoria discovers they are infringing on the territory of a vastly more powerful Alpha wolf. To save her pack, she uses her feminine wiles to seduce the Alpha. Nothing comes easily for Victoria. Her plans are complicated by the Alpha’s erratic son, a ghostly wife, and a vengeful witch. Not even her status as a Valkyrie or the favor of the Goddess Freya can change the course of destiny for Victoria or her packmates.

 The ebook HUNGER MOON is on sale for 99 cents from
December 8^th to December 26^th. 

Buy links: Amazon | B & N | ARE | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play
Read for free on Scribd

 Author Bio:

Fast Facts About Melissa Snark: * Melissa Snark is published with The Wild Rose Press & as an Indie author with five unique titles. * Her Loki’s Wolves series includes THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON AND BATTLE CRY. * She lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children and a glaring of cats. * She blogs about books and writing on TheSnarkology.com.

Links:
Website
Blog
Email: melissasnark at gmail.com
Facebook
Twitter: @MelissaSnark
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page

Excerpt:

Victoria felt him before she saw him. His power washed over her with the force of an incoming tide, as dark, mysterious and unstoppable as the ocean. Her wolf rose to answer his in instinctive response, defiant and determined. She challenged his power and altered the irresistible flow so it passed around rather than over her. Before she reached the office entrance, the male werewolf responded to her presence and surged to his feet. He rounded the desk, demonstrating extraordinary grace and strength, and she braced for a physical confrontation. He dwarfed her in both height and weight.

As soon as their gazes met, they locked in a dominance contest. His narrowed eyes pierced hers; the light-pigmented brown irises were the color of honey and eclipsed the whites and round black pupils. Wolf eyes.

Victoria did not approach with her head low or avert her gaze. Instead, she challenged him outright, radiating defiance, posture stiff and erect. While they faced off, she regretted the tactical error, but it was too late to rescind. Her stubborn pride permitted no retreat, and it went against her nature to submit.

“Let’s take this outside where there are no humans to bear witness,” he said in a deep, resonant voice she found appealing.

Aroused, her wolf took an immediate interest in him as a fine, fit male animal. For the first time, Victoria noticed his physical appearance, and her wolf found him more than acceptable. She estimated his age as being in his late thirties. He in no way suffered for the smattering of silver hairs that peppered his dark head. He was a perfect specimen of a man.

Distracted, Victoria broke eye contact, but not to submit. She ran her gaze over his body with blatant approval, lingering on his broad shoulders and chest, muscular arms and legs. He wore a tailored navy suit with a light shirt and dark blue tie. From the way his clothing fit, there was not an ounce of spare fat anywhere on him.

His features possessed splendid symmetry, though a silver scar on his right cheek marred his perfection. The shape of his brow, nose, and lower face hinted at a distant Roman heritage. High cheekbones alluded to his Nordic blood. He cleared his throat, and Victoria scented both his arousal and amusement.

“Did you come to challenge me, or do you have something else in mind?”

His devilish smile hinted at a sense of humor, and Victoria seized on the opening. A ballsy gamble carried inherent risk, but her initial inept blundering had left her with no other graceful out. Her eyes rose to meet his once again.

“I am Victoria, daughter of Adair and Katherine, High Priestess of Freya, Lady Valkyrie, shaman, and healer,” she said, making her boast. “I am also the Alpha of my pack, and I am seeking a mate. I have come to assess whether you would make an acceptable suitor.”

“You’re kidding.” He registered surprise and disbelief.

Victoria arched her brow. “I am not.”

Wedding hookups. You hear about them. Rumor has it they’re almost inevitable. But I can tell you that I have been to (and in) a lot of weddings, and I have yet to encounter one of these mythical beasts.

Are they the stuff of urban legend?

I mean, it wasn’t that I was unavailable. I was a bridesmaid NINE times and flying solo for eight of those gigs. I attended several more as a guest—no butt-bow required—still no play. I never once found myself playing kissy face in the corner. I’ve shaken my tail feather in the Chicken Dance, danced a passable Hora for an Irish-Catholic girl, and turned myself around for the Hokey-Pokey. Still no hanky-panky.

Maybe that’s why I had to write a story about a couple who meet and uh, greet, at a wedding. The fact that I am now a married woman and allegedly not allowed to hit on eligible bachelors, made the whole ‘second chance at love’ aspect of it appealing. Not that I’m looking to trade mine in, but once you’ve been kissing the same guy for a decade or two, you get a little wistful when you think about first kisses.

So I channeled a little of my leftover wild child into Three Little Words, my new release from Kensington-Lyrical Press. Here’s the set up:

It’s never too late to make the best impulsive decision of your life.

Jo Masters isn’t the party girl she used to be, but now that she’s a woman without obligations, she’s ready to recapture a little of her misspent youth. Her niece’s wedding, with its open bar and dark dance floor, proves to be the perfect opportunity to let loose.

Gregory Stark is just trying to make it through his son’s wedding day… and make some time with the gorgeous brunette on the bride’s side of the aisle. His kid’s wedding probably isn’t the best occasion to put the moves on the sexy woman, who introduces herself only as ‘Josie’, but his best friend is closing in on her too and he has to act fast. With a couple of tequila shots under his belt, Greg propositions Josie — and neither wants to refuse.

Three Little Words is available now at the fine retailers listed below, but I’d love to give a digital copy to one of Delilah’s readers.  Just comment below and tell me the wildest thing you’ve ever done at a wedding (No details necessary) and we’ll choose a winner! Good luck and thanks for reading!

Maggie

Amazon ~  Apple ~  B&N ~  Google ~  Kensington ~  Kobo

By day Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets. At night she pens tales of people tangling up the sheets. She’ll tell you she’s a deep down dirty girl, but you only have to scratch the surface of this mild-mannered married lady to find a naughty streak a mile wide. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, she just can’t help herself… That’s part of her charm.

Website: http://www.maggie-wells.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MaggieWells1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Maggie-Wells/175597205824257

Hi Delilah and company. I’m Heather Boyd and I’m bringing the heat. Do you feel that? That’s the burn of a 40C (104F) day. I’m here in Australia wishing just a little bit of the northern cold would blow my way so I can think clearly. Unfortunately, I’ve got months left of this sort of weather so rather than dwell on what I can’t have –snow- I’ll talk about my work instead.

My Latest Release, Never a Gentleman, is a gay romance set in regency era England and came out earlier this month. I used to joke that I read romance novels not for the girl but only for the hero. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the life I lead. I am the only female in a house full of loud boys (I’m including my hubby in that description without malice). Even my rescued cat is male, or would be if someone hadn’t sent him to the vet.

So my life is very boy-centric, something I balance in my work by writing gay regency historical romance stories alongside my other more traditional pairings. In Never a Gentleman, my two characters are not quite as upfront about their lives as they could be.

Double the Hero. Double the Danger

Victor Knight has never been able to juggle his work and love life to anyone’s satisfaction. A hardworking investment banker in London, he’s obsessed with maintaining his clients’ privacy and profits, and cannot understand why those same clients are withdrawing funds when he’s making them a good profit. When a dull evening supper at the Hunt Club ends in a blunt invitation to have sex with the Earl of Beecroft, he welcomes the distraction on the proviso they never discuss his business affairs.

Daniel Wellham, the Earl of Beecroft, has long admired Victor Knight. He even understands and admires the banker’s preoccupation with work. Their night together is everything he hoped it would be and while he longs for permanence, his secret life as a spy means he can never reveal too much of his own history. Unfortunately, when he realizes that all is not right in Victor’s life, those promises he made to keep his nose out of the banker’s business means he cannot offer to help or explain that his latest mission might take him away forever. How can love and trust be possible when duty and responsibility prevent total honesty?

What I love about my heroes…

Smart – They have brains and the ability to use them wisely.

Lusty ­– I write sizzling regency romance so a lusty, action orientated man is a given.

Regardless of the hero’s approach to finding the love of their life, I want a man who is not afraid to ask for what he wants and stick to his guns until he gets it.

My question for readers today: Do you read mm romance and what do you love most about the genre?

Never a Gentleman is available from: Amazon  Apple  B&N  Kobo

Author Bio: Bestselling author Heather Boyd writes sizzling regency historical romance that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. She has published over twenty novels and shorter works. Catch her latest news at www.heather-boyd.com.

In 2010 I stepped off the air force cargo plane into the blistering Baghdad sun. This would be my home for the next ten months. I had volunteered to go on this deployment with the US army, and I had made peace with the thought that I might not be coming home.

I have two sons and at the time they were eight and three, much too young to know me really. My fear was that if I didn’t come back they’d never have a chance to learn from my mistakes (I’d made a lot in 34 short years). To overcome this fear, I wrote them a book about my life. The whole unvarnished truth of who I was, why I’d made the choices I had and most importantly how much I loved them and wanted the best for their lives. The day before that plane touched down in Baghdad I had emailed the book home.

That simple act to leave a roadmap of my life behind sparked passion for writing that I’d forgotten. Instead of spending my downtime watching movies or playing video games, I wrote. It became my perfect outlet for talking through the experiences I was having each day.

My daily writing over there would become the basis for my spy novel, Another Day Another Name. Set in the near future where corporations hold the power, the story centers around a female assassin who finally lets her guard down and opens her life up. I had assumed that the story would play itself out in normal thriller fashion but soon it took on a heat more scorching than the Baghdad sun.

Like the passion my characters were discovering, I too had discovered my life’s passion, writing and helping others learn to express themselves through writing.

It’s funny how easily we give up what we want in life do to fear and conformity. I had pushed writing out of my life years before to find a “regular” job, my character Mabel had pushed the thought of love away in order to avoid risk. But why?

I’d given into following the path others wanted me to take, and Mabel was scared of what might happen. But those choices neither lead to happiness or fulfillment. Both of us found a more full life by allowing passion in and chasing what we always knew we wanted.

As we approach the New Year take stock in your life. Don’t just make an empty resolution turn your back on fear and give yourself the passion your life is missing. It can be scary and might not be easy, but life absent of passion is just living.

Have a happy holiday and a passionate New Year,

Clark

About the author

Clark Chamberlain is a true son of the west. Born in northern Idaho during the nation’s bicentennial, Clark has always been a man on the move. By the age of 20, he had already lived in five states, been homeless, broken his heart, and tore his lunch cooler from the mouth of a bear.

Clark’s service in the army took him through five countries, introduced him to people participating in the world of high-risk politics, and placed him in the center of the Arab Spring in Baghdad.

Although he never set out to become a publisher, through a huge turn of events he now heads Raven International Publishing where he helps new authors connect with the right editors, and learn how to make their passion a full time business.

Clark is currently living in Idaho Falls with his wife, two sons, an old dog, and one mean cat. He enjoys traveling, meeting fantastic people, and sharing in new experiences; all of which gives him the ability to write about the world he sees.

Contact Clark:
Website: http://www.clark-chamberlain.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorclarkchamberlain?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriteNowClark
Another Day Another Name: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBGEYNG

Diana Cosby combines her passion for writing and charity work to help our troops with the release of An Oath Taken, the first book in The Oath Series.

Many of you know that I love volunteering my time and energy in helping to make a positive difference in others’ lives.  As a military brat, a retired Navy Chief, a former military wife, and a mom of three children who have served in the military—two in the Marines and one in the Army, all who have served in Afghanistan—I understand the demands on members of the military and the impact on their families.

Upon return from combat duty, many Veterans face challenges including depression, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, suicidal thoughts, brain injury, as well as physical issues incurred during deployment. I wanted to do something that would make a difference and help these Veterans.

So, I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from the first week of sales of An Oath Taken (8 December 2014 – 14 December 2014) to veterans’ charities and causes that support military service members and their families.

I shared my idea with my editor, and then asked if she could notify me of my royalties after the first week of sales for An Oath Taken. My editor’s response brought tears to my eyes. Kensington Publishing Corp. would gladly do as I asked — and make a matching donation.  I’m awed by my publisher’s generosity, more so that I know the money raised will go toward making a positive difference in military members’ lives.

It’s hard to deploy and leave ones family, friends, and miss the holidays, more so for those who are placed in harm’s way.  But, it’s also a tremendous challenge for the family members left at home wondering every single day if their loved one is alive.  And when the family is reunited with their soldier after a dangerous tour of duty, regular family difficulties may seem overwhelming.   Many military families need support to stay strong as their soldier receives proper treatment, which is one of the functions of the military charities I support.

Education, proper diagnosis, and treatment are the key to good physical and mental health.  I sincerely hope that my 100% donation from my first week of sales of An Oath Taken, combined with my publishers matching contribution, can help returning Veterans as they continue their on-going fight in overcoming personal battles on the home front.

Thank you all for your time, and may God bless our troops and their families!

Sincerely,

Diana Cosby

Learn more about Diana and her books at www.dianacosby.com.

* * * * *

About the Author

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning MacGruder Brother books are available in five languages.  Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.   With the release of her 6^th book in the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series, she’s now preparing for the release of the 1^st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, “An Oath Taken,” which will be available on December 8^th, 2014.  In addition, she’s excited about the upcoming release of The MacGruder Brothers e-Boxed Set on February 24, 2015!

Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

www.dianacosby.com

UPDATE: The winner of the free ebook is…Arlene Messa!

* * * * *

Thanks for inviting me, Delilah.  I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and your followers and look forward to a lively discussion.  I must admit, I didn’t have any difficulty choosing a topic.  Brainstorming has always been a favorite part of writing with me.  Every time I begin a new book, I can hardly wait to hear the “what if” suggestions from my critique partners and friends.  Not only do I consider the exercise fun, it can be a lifesaver.  There is not a plot that can’t be enhanced, and through brainstorming, one can discover that “ah ha” moment.

When to brainstorm?  I’d suggest early and often.  Waiting until your manuscript is finished can result in rewriting a good portion of your book.  Not fun!  Be sure to consider all the possibilities, but before implementing any change, make sure it’s what you need.  Don’t create additional problems.  Brainstorming can also enrich your manuscript in other ways.  For good or bad, the change can test your characters.  You can count on it to build tension and ramp up the pace.  As an author, you just have to be brave and willing to make changes.

Do you brainstorm?  Have you ever experienced that “ah ha” moment? Leave a comment, and you’ll be entered to win an ebook of my latest release.

Mellow Yellow-Dead Red, Book 3 of the Bawdy Boutique Mysteries, is scheduled for release January 6.  And yes, lots of brainstorming went into this series.  Book 3 begins with Halloween and a late-night fun run in costume, alongside a swamp.  What could possibly go wrong?  When fashion divas, Susan and A. K. stumble upon a murder, Susan sets out to solve the crime.  Did I mention she’s also psychic?  Visions are one thing, but hard evidence is a necessity.  The small Southern town of Palmetto isn’t prepared for what unfolds.

I hope you’ll consider reading the series.  Print and ebooks are available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  View all my books at www.sylviarochester.com.  Join me on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/sylvia.rochester and on Twitter:  @sylviarochester.

Thanks again for letting me visit.

SEAL’S PROPOSAL came out on Dec 9th. It’s book #5 in the TAKE NO PRISONERS series and it revisits the hero and heroine from Book #2. Remy has decided it’s time to pop the question which brings up the subject of proposals.

I can’t even remember how my husband proposed to me. It was probably, “Hey, we should get married.” Not very exciting or memory-worthy, but we’ve been together for 25 years.

I think women dream of the great proposal where the man takes her on a trip to the beach and proposes with a dramatic sunset as backdrop, or something equally heart-throbbingly romantic.

****For a chance to win a $5 Gift card***

Leave a comment about your special proposal or your dream proposal.
I’ll choose a winner tomorrow.

Take No Prisoners #5: SEAL‘s Proposal
Ibooks Amazon Kindle Kobo

He wanted it perfect for her…someone wanted her dead

Remy LaDue, hot Navy SEAL with SEAL Team 10, is on a mission. He’s planned a special vacation to the Colorado Rockies with the express purpose of proposing to the woman he loves on Christmas morning. He knows it a long shot, with both their jobs keeping them away from each other for months out of the year, but he wants her as his forever lover and will risk everything to marry her.

Mitchell Sanders is as dedicated to her work as an FBI Special Agent as Remy is to his calling as a Navy SEAL. Independent, driven and passionate about justice and protecting innocents, she would no sooner give up her job as Remy.

When a criminal she helped to capture and convict escapes on the eve of their departure, Mitchell is torn between sticking around to recapture him and going with Remy, opting to follow her desire this once. Plans change as the mountains become a nightmare and they struggle to put an end to the threats that plague their idyllic vacation and Remy’s plans for his Christmas surprise.

Excerpt:

“Hey, I just saw your fiancée on the news. Everything all right?”

Remy’s pulse leapt. “Don’t know. I’ll get back to you.” Dropping his phone on the couch, he dove for the television remote, clicking it on, and setting it on the local news station.

Images of the courthouse appeared on the screen, with gunmen and people scattering in all directions. In the background, he made out Mitchell’s SUV. The image switched to a reporter pressing a microphone into Mitchell’s face, asking her what had happened.

Mitchell’s hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her face was grim. “No comment,” she said, and pushed past the reporter, her body tense.

The news anchor droned on about Rocco Hatch’s escape as Remy absorbed what had just happened. He was reaching for his cell phone when the scrape of a key in the lock caught his attention. Before the lock twisted, Remy was there, yanking open the door.

Mitchell stood in the frame, her face tired, the knees of her suit trousers ripped, and a smudge of dirt across her face. Her lips lifted. “Hey.”

“Oh, baby.” He opened his arms and she fell into them. He eased backward and closed the door behind her, gathering her against his body.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” she said, her words muffled against his naked chest.

Her breath was warm on his skin, stirring his blood. “Yeah, and you’re not so bad yourself.”

She snorted and pulled back enough to give him a crooked smile. “I had planned on being home hours ago, having a gourmet dinner cooked, and lying naked on the couch for when you walked through that door.”

His cock twitched at the erotic image. “We can still do all that.” He waved toward the kitchen counter. “I have an Italian gourmet dinner. Your favorite pizza pie with pepperoni, onion, and black olives.” As he spoke, he slid her jacket over her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Then he slipped the buckle of her shoulder holster loose, and eased it too from her shoulders, draping it over the back of a chair.

“Now you’re talking.” Mitchell skimmed her hands over his chest and around to his back, dropping low to capture his ass in her palms, pressing him closer. “Miss me much?”

Already hard, his member nudged her belly, ready to skip right to their reunion sex. With every ounce of control he could muster, he set her away from him. “You should eat. I need my woman to have the energy to last all night long. And tomorrow we’re on our way to Colorado.”

Her hands tightened on his buttocks and pulled him back against her. “I don’t want food. I want you.” Flashing a sexy grin, she leaned up on her toes and pressed her mouth against his.

His control unraveling, Remy’s blood heated and he captured her head in his hands, slipping the ponytail free. God, it felt good to run his fingers through her hair, and to feel her body pressed against his.

The tight buds of her distended nipples scraped his chest through her shirt and bra, and he couldn’t wait to get her out of her clothes.

Sucking in a breath, Mitchell slipped her hands inside the elastic of his shorts and gripped his naked butt. “Aren’t we a bit overdressed?”

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a former IT professional and retired Army and Air Force Reservist. She writes romantic suspense, mysteries and paranormal romance that keeps her readers on the edges of their seats to the very end of every book. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling to exotic and wonderful places, snow-skiing, boating, or riding her four-wheeler, dreaming up new stories.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Page