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: https://www.clark-chamberlain.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorclarkchamberlain?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriteNowClark
Another Day Another Name: https://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: https://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

This is my favorite time of the year—the warm, fuzzy afterglow that comes after winning National Novel Writing Month. (You thought I was going to say something about Christmas, huh?)

I’ve been participating in NaNoWriMo every year since 2006, and every November has been an adventure since. NaNoWriMo is thirty days and fifty thousand words, with the additional challenge of crossing the finish line with the challenge of writing over the Thanksgiving holiday. This year I was fortunate to have the additional support of the Chicago-North RWA chapter, who word warred with neighboring chapter Windy City RWA.

It’s always a little easier knowing that other authors are struggling beside you, toiling away at their own novels. Writing is usually a solitary thing—it’s you, the keyboard, and if you’re lucky your muse shows up too. But NaNoWriMo lets us toil together, united in our struggle to defeat the dreaded Word Count.

I have four published NaNo novels now. My 2013 novel Sunsinger is my next release, out December 23rd. It’s sort of mindboggling how last year’s NaNo is now a real, full-fledged book. (With an awesome cover, no less. Kanaxa always does fabulous work!)

So this December, while visions of sugarplums dance in the heads of most people, revisions and edits will be in the minds of NaNoWriMo authors. And since Santa is bringing me a new book release this year, I hope that he brings one to all those good NaNoers next year, too.

Robyn
Website: https://www.robynbachar.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobynBachar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynBachar

Her desire unites them. Her secret could destroy them all.

The lord.

The sole survivor of the Sunsinger massacre, Lord Degalen Fairren spends his days reading tales of the family he never knew. When a rival house threatens to enslave Cyprena, Galen is forced to pull his nose out of his books and enter into an alliance with House Morningstar, and a dangerous mission to save his world.

The assassin.

Lady Andelynn Harrow isn’t House Morningstar’s eldest or prettiest daughter, but she is the deadliest. After her father’s murder, Andee must defend her new house and mate—the shy, reluctant Galen—but every battle risks revealing her terrible secret.

The slave.

Malcolm gets his first taste of freedom when the Cy’ren recruit him to locate the cure to a deadly virus—and feels the burn of desire for Galen, the lord he can never have, and for Andee, who awakens memories of a long-lost first love.

The danger they face fuels the heat between them, but with Cyprena’s fate hanging in the balance, the race to find the cure could come with devastating costs.

Warning: Contains a blushing, virgin lord, a sexy geek, and an empathic assassin who always brings lube on a mission.

Update! Savonna is the winner of the free download!

* * * * *

One more day. Not even that. Likely if you’ve pre-ordered, the book will hit your Kindle just after midnight. The story’s a novella, not long. You can have it read before the sun comes up. Okay, so maybe I’m just anxious to hear back from you. 🙂

I love the start of a new series. It’s all fresh promises and new people to crawl inside of—five firefighters, in addition to two you’ve already met, Aiden and Billy, from the previous books in the Delta Heat series:

Knox Triplett, lieutenant
Noah Turner, firefighter
John Cooper, firefighter
Gage Eastwood, firefighter
Luke Harris, rookie

The first is Coop’s story. I think Noah’s will be next. Each will be very, very sinfully delicious. Read another tease below…

Post a comment today to win a free download of your choice
from among any of my Samhain novellas!

Excerpt

With her heels digging into the backs of his shoulders, Coop knew Moira was right fucking there. So was he. He grimaced as he slammed his hips forward, forcing her to withdraw her hands. With one hand cupping her rump to hold her the height he needed, and fingers still pumping into her ass, he was a little too busy to concentrate. Ambidextrous, he was not. It was hard to keep on task.

Calling her slut had made her expression soften, her lips poutier. The word had done something to him too. Made him powerful and then immediately remorseful, shamed for feeling that way. She wanted it, but he wasn’t comfortable giving it. His upbringing, which required that he always treat a woman like a lady even when she wasn’t behaving like one, might be a little too ingrained.

Still didn’t soften his dick one iota. Gazing down at her, he found he was searching her face for clues, looking for indications he was getting this right, giving her what she needed. Something he usually took for granted with his partners because what he brought always seemed to be enough.

With Moira, he wasn’t sure. For one thing, she wasn’t sinking her nails into him. Her hands were curled beside her head, her gaze clinging to his face, begging him silently. He wanted to ask her what she needed but sensed she didn’t want to direct him. He’d have to figure this out himself. Go with his gut.

Only once had his gut failed him.

He swallowed, halting his motions. He stared down at her and a drop of sweat trickled from his hairline down his cheek to his nose and then plopped on her cheek.

Moira angled her face and swiped the droplet as it veered toward her mouth.

Sexy as hell. He was driving into two of her three orifices, staring at the third. She was his. He could take her any way he wanted. And she was waiting….to see whether he was worthy? Whether he’d figure her out?

He remembered the dude on the stage at La Forge. The one with the ridiculous saw-blade hair. He’d been in control, and while he’d paddled  the woman, burned her skin, he’d never been too crude about it. Never made her an object. His tone had remained intimate, respectful, even when he’d called her slut.

He’d given her what she’d wanted—no, needed—and never taken a thing from her, except perhaps the pleasure of knowing he’d given Britney pleasure.

Coop wanted to be like that. Wanted to see Moira’s eyes flare with pleasure and respect. He wanted her to trust him. For her to know that if she fell through the roof, he’d catch her.

He bowed his head, dropping it to lie against her shoulder to hide his face, seeking privacy while he came to terms with his emotions.

Grief was still there at the fleeting, unwanted thought of that roof and the black cloud of smoke that had burned his eyes to tears. He hadn’t failed Danny. He knew it in his heart. Danny’s death had been out of his control. Lack of control was the crux of his problem.

The woman beginning to quiver beneath him was a gift he didn’t deserve, but one he wasn’t about to refuse. She was giving him the means to take back control, if only for the short time they’d come together. She was willing to let him take charge, take her wherever he wanted in any way he desired. She’d offer him only her unequivocal submission.

The thought was combustive to his libido, but also a sweet balm to his soul.

* * * * *

Pre-order here:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Samhain | Kobo | iTunes 

I’m so delighted to be a part of the eighth What to Read After Fifty Shades of Grey boxed set, which includes squirm-inducing, edgy erotic fiction. My fictionalized memoir is part of this set.

Check it out:

One woman’s journey into the contemporary kink underworld, Perilous Play is Suz deMello’s explosive personal account of her experiences with BDSM. Engaging and honest, this groundbreaking memoir will grab you and never let you go.

Trapper’s first word to me was, “Kneel.”

I obeyed, more excited than I had ever been.

He collared me, of course, then buckled wrist and ankle cuffs on me. I went down on him for a long time, with him showing me how he most liked to be blown. Nevertheless, he didn’t come, and I was frantic about that. Last time, he’d lavished praise on my oral skills. And now…?

I stood to pee, and he followed me into the bathroom. When we were both done, he wrapped his arms around me in a full-body embrace.

I had never felt so cherished in my life. Trapper’s hugs were all-consuming, his kisses magic.

Then, without warning, he swatted my bottom. Hard.

I yelped.

“Don’t yell in my ear,” he growled, and slapped my ass again.

I buried my face in his shoulder and emitted a squeak.

The spanking went on and on, with Trapper holding me tight and determinedly slapping my rump until, quivering, I could do nothing but gasp, “Please sir, please sir, please sir, please…” my usual refrain.

Then he wanted me to cry. For him. But as distraught as I was over the emotional situation, I couldn’t drag forth even a single tear.

He hooded and gagged me. Using metal loops embedded in the black leather cuffs, he tied me to the four-poster bed spread-eagled, face down.

I shook with anticipation. He was going to spank me some more, and boy, I needed that. Needed the pain that would blossom into sweet pleasure when he entered me with his cock. Needed the fierce orgasms that would tear through my body, leaving me limp.

Here’s where you can buy this excellent boxed set:

Kindle US – https://amzn.to/1BS3Q3L
Kindle UK – https://amzn.to/1zHXlM5
iTunes – https://bit.ly/1zHXjnr
Nook – https://bit.ly/1BS3Q3N
Kobo – https://bit.ly/1yvWnBC

About Suz deMello: 

Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello, a.k.a Sue Swift, has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance editor, she’s held the positions of managing editor and senior editor, working for such firms as Totally Bound and Ai Press. She also takes private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, won a contest or two, attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists.

A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

–Find her books at https://www.suzdemello.com
–For editing services, email her at suzdemello@gmail.com
–Befriend her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzdemello
–She tweets @Suzdemello
–Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/suzdemello/
–Goodreads: https://bit.ly/SuzATGoodreads
–Her current blog is https://www.TheVelvetLair.com