The winner of the Chocolate, Roses, and Handcuffs Giveaway Hop is…June M! She was chosen by a random number generator! Congratulations, June! June, I’m sending you an email now! 

Thanks to Kallypso Masters, Cari Silverwood and Full Moon Bites for hosting the contest! Thanks to everyone who played!

I have to start this by saying I’m a “wierd” magnet—one of those people that Ripley’s could include in their Believe It Or Not fact books for the sheer number of wierd happenings that occur around them.

Let me tell you about the wierd thing that happened today.

My office is maybe 12’x12′ and cram-jam-packed with a corner desk, three bookcases and a tall file cabinet which sits to the right of my big desk. Atop the file cabinet is my 18″-tall James Brown doll that sings “I Feel Good,” a Russian pencil holder with some of my stranger, collectible pens, a clay figurine of a shark with a man’s hand reaching out from inside its belly, and my little betta fish Titan’s bowl.

Today, I left to run errands in town while the lady who helps me by cleaning and organizing my “stuff” worked. When I returned, she was already gone, so I went to make a cup of hot chocolate before beginning my day’s work. I reach for the fish food to feed little Titan and I don’t see him in the bowl.

WTF? 😯

So, I got to thinking. My little fish took a turn for the worse about ten days ago, and I Facebooked the fact he looked like his health was heading south. But in recent days, he’s been looking more active, more like his spunky self. I thought maybe I’d been fooling myself that he was doing better and someone in the family found him floating while I was gone. Maybe they took care of his remains, knowing how upset I’d be if I’d been the one to find him. I canvassed everyone. No one was in my room today. Except my friend, the organizer whiz.

I called her, and she told me that when she cleaned the top of the file cabinet she noted that Titan was missing and assumed he’d died since the last time she’d been here. So no one who had access to my room knows anything about his disappearance.

I began to worry that he channeled his inner dolphin and leapt out of his bowl. I inched close to the wall behind the cabinet to search for his little body, searching the coffee cups on the table beside the cabinet in case he’d flopped there, and then looked everywhere else I could think that he might have wound up.

No Titan. I’m flummoxed. But now, I’m so intrigued I’m not grieving much for my little companion.

Fireworks…in the Bedroom?

I have a confession to make—I have a thing about fireworks. Okay, so that might seem obvious considering I write erotic romance! But I don’t just mean of the bedroom kind—I also love professional pyrotechnical displays, so much so that I made the hero of my latest friends-to-lovers romance, Mr. Insatiable, a pyrotechnician.

Did you know that the Chinese invented fireworks back in the 7th century? Fireworks continue to play an important part in Chinese culture, which also features in the book as some of is it set in the magical city of Beijing. Do you know your Chinese zodiac sign? Click here if you don’t: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac

If you’re having a baby this year, the Chinese New Year beginning 23-24 February 2013 is the Year of the Snake and people born under this sign tend to be attractive, graceful, private and sometimes unemotional, exciting and dark at the same time.

In England, fireworks are mostly used on Guy Fawkes Night, which is a celebration of the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot—the attempt to kill King James Ion November 5, 1605, and here in New Zealand we tend to use them mainly on November 5 too. Currently, the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America is Thunder Over Louisville which kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival.

I love the names of fireworks—many are named after flowers or plants, such as peony, chrysanthemum, dahlia and willow. Others have equally evocative names such as spider, hearts, diadem, horsetail and time rains. I adore these names and so does Kit, my hero—so much so that he writes a poem for a best friend who’s getting married. This is one of the verses from it:

The diadem of stars frames her pale face
The spider spins fragile gold like lace
Time rains silver, dazzling their embrace.

Yeah, it’s a bit soppy, but then Kit’s a romantic soul. He’s also sex on legs, and here’s another snippet that’s a bit racier…

She rested her palms on his chest, surprised at the firmness of his muscles beneath her fingers. She’d seen him shirtless in the summer, hugged him and given him teasing pushes a gazillion times, but she’d never touched him. With his lips still slowly brushing hers, and her heart thudding, she moved her hands up and traced his collarbone beneath the white shirt, and then lifted her hands up over his shoulders and around his neck, expecting him to draw back, laughing.

Instead of pulling away, Kit’s arms came around her, strong and tight, his hands sliding down her back to her hips. He pulled her against him, and to her complete and utter shock, pressed the hard length of his erection against her, obvious proof he didn’t feel as if he were kissing a sibling either.

Enya’s mouth opened and she gasped, inhaling sharply when his warm tongue brushed hers. For a second she froze, completely taken aback by his reaction, as confused as she had been in her dream by what he was doing and her reaction to him. He stilled, but before he pulled away, desire shot through her, and her instincts took over. Plunging her tongue into his mouth, she threaded her hands through his hair, pressing herself against him, molding her body to his.

Kit groaned, his hands tight on her butt. Unfamiliar yearning swept through her, and she tightened her hands in his hair, grazing her teeth against his bottom lip, pleasure mounting as he deepened the kiss.

She’d forgotten about the heels. She didn’t wear them very often, and when she lifted herself on tiptoe to press her breasts against his chest, she lost her balance. His weight pushed her back the six inches to the wall behind her, and she hit it with a jolt hard enough to make her gasp and break the kiss.

Kit stepped back. “Shit.” He ran both hands through his hair and then surveyed her, hands on hips, apparently lost for words.

Enya pressed shaking fingers to her lips, her head spinning.

I kissed Kit Fawkes!

Buy now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 Click here to read more about me or my books: http://www.serenitywoodsromance.com

 If you like fireworks, have a weakness for friends-to-lovers stories, and/or adore sexy love scenes, then maybe Mr. Insatiable is your kind of book! For a chance to win a copy, leave a comment below and tell me about fireworks where you live – do you have fireworks at home, or do you attend professional displays? What time of year do you celebrate with them?

Serenity x

I’ll be back later to post the winner of the Chocolate, Roses and Handcuffs Giveaway! ~DD

Today’s round of snippets is all about the action! Grab the “Oh-shit-handle” and get ready for a wild ride! 🙂

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

“With amazing suspense, and hot, dominant lovin’ this cowboy and his high school sweetheart take the reader on an amazing emotional journey. Mixed with a bit of humor, sizzling bedroom scenes, and cowboys that steal your heart, Ms. Devlin has created a beyond 5 Book worthy start of an incredible new series… Once again, thank you, Ms. Devlin, for stealing my heart with complex and witty characters, hot sex and riveting suspense!” ~5/5 Books, Reviews by Molly

“Devlin has done it again! I pretty much gobble up anything she writes and “Laying Down the Law” is another hit… Fun and fast, “Laying down the Law” is great for fans of western romances or someone looking for that great next “hot” read!” ~The Brunette Librarian

Seeking sanctuary could be the hottest mistake she ever made.
The TripleHorn Brand, Book 1

A lifetime ago, Zuri Prescott kicked the dirt off her boots and ditched her small-time small town for the glam city life—and lived to regret it. When she’s framed for a bank job, she lights out for home, seeking refuge with her old high school sweetheart while she figures out her next steps. Only she discovers that the boy she left behind is the last man she should trust.

Sheriff Colt Triplehorn knows trouble when he sees it, especially when it comes in the form of a familiar trespasser, caught naked between an angry bull and her underwear. Sure she’s up to her usual no good, he grants her sanctuary at his ranch—the better to keep an eye on her, and purge her from his system once and for all.

Reconnection is sweet and hot, but the heat can’t hide the truth. When Colt inevitably finds out what Zuri’s running from, it’s too late to put the fire out, and he’s got a career-compromising choice on his hands. Follow the letter of the law, or follow his heart.

Product Warnings: When a sheriff captures the girl who got away, expect revenge so hot it leaves brands on two lonely hearts…

Zuri woke slowly. Something tickled her nose and a bad, bad feeling snaked down her spine.

A shout sounded from the yard in front of the house, Scout’s excited barks punctuated the air. Her eyes fluttered open. Even though it was the dead of night, light chased across the walls of Colt’s bedroom. Bright red light that flickered and waved. The smell of smoke filled her with dread.

“Fire!” came more shouts. Boots thudded on the porch.

Instantly alert, Zuri pushed up from the bed, heart racing. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and ran to Colt’s chest of drawers, found another tee and too-large pants and dressed. She put on socks to protect her feet, then ran out the bedroom and down the hallway toward the front door.

Just as she reached for the doorknob, she felt a presence behind her. A moment later, a large hand closed around her mouth. Something hard nudged her ribs and she knew. Read the rest of this entry »

My Name is Sharon and I’m Addicted to SEALs

I admit it. I am addicted to the US Navy’s finest, the SEALs. Ever since I began writing these luscious characters, after a steady diet of dark angels, angels or golden and dark vamps, I knew I had found my groove. I knew I could spend the rest of my writing career telling their stories without running dry.

I find it easier to get into the “zone” when I write about them. The pages fly by, the stories bloom and intensify. Their love life is hotter than hot and their character only questioned by those who don’t know them. Just something about a man with bulging arms covered in tats, who wears Superman or Batman underwear, and who can roll around on the ground with his dog, or one of his kids. And he likes to sleep commando-style. He is the perfect hero, a soft-spoken guy who doesn’t much like getting public attention, but is confident and knows that he will do what others won’t or can’t. And he loves his fellow warriors as true brothers in a bond that is perhaps stronger than kin.

Book 2 of my SEAL Brotherhood series, Fallen SEAL Legacy, was released in December. It tells the story of Calvin Cooper, the “gadget guy” on SEAL Team 3 who “knows where to put the oil and where things need greasing.” He’s spent his early life under pickups and tractors on his daddy’s farm in Nebraska. Falling hard for the daughter of a prominent San Diego psychiatrist, he finds in Libby that missing piece, especially after the tragic death of his own family back home on the farm.

Upon graduation, every SEAL is given a KA-BAR knife inscribed with the name of a fallen SEAL who came before, usually in their chosen field. It is a solemn ceremony not attended by family or friends, as it demonstrates the path laid down by others who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in an unbroken chain from fallen to the living. No SEAL will ever forget whose name he is entrusted to stand remembrance for. In my story, Coop will fall in love with the niece of the man whose name he carries.

I am working on Book 3 now, Armando’s story, which should be out before the summer. Book 1, Accidental SEAL, came out last June.

I find inspiration in several musical artists when I write SEAL romance. Two Steps from Hell is a group I love listening to when I write. Here is a YouTube of one of the pieces I listened to almost one entire day while I was writing. With song titles like “Invincible” and “Protectors of the Earth” this music is perfect background for my characters, who workout to this music.

http://youtu.be/GLqiQWAXQh8

What about you? What do you love about the military hero, especially the SEALs?

 Excerpt, Fallen SEAL Legacy:

Libby turned to go and Coop grabbed her arm. “Sorry.” He dropped his grip. “Stay for a bit. Then you can go.”

The two stood close enough that he could feel the heat from her body. She was a lethal, complicated, combination of spirit and emotion. Cooper liked girls who were easier to figure out. Though it wasn’t wise, he found himself making nice.

“I’d invite you in, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. Besides, the housekeeper has the day off. And Bay has had his way with the decorating and all.” His little smile was returned. Her eyes softened. Even in the dim light he could see her full lips, painted a deep pink, pucker as she formed her careful words.

“No problem.” She searched his face. He wanted to step to her, see if she would shrink if he slipped his hand up under her cotton top. But he held firm.

“You cold?” he asked.  Read the rest of this entry »

Programmed For Pleasure

Authors (both traditionally published, and new Indie or self-published authors) know that the cover of your book is one of your biggest marketing tools. It’s your calling card, your chance to catch the attention of a potential reader and entice them to take a moment read the story blurb and then hopefully to buy your book. So I worked very hard on the cover of Programmed For Pleasure. It’s my third title, but my first full-length book. Programmed For Pleasure is a slightly futuristic erotic romance. Does my cover convey that other-worldly feeling as well as the sexual element? 

The title of any book is also important. A reader should be able to tell just from the title what the book will be about. My title may convey erotica, but it’s actually an erotic romance. And the story, pardon the pun, is more than skin deep…

Here’s the premise:

Tau Cetus police agent Jai Turner is being sent undercover as a Beautiful Dolls sex robot in order to bring down the planet’s most notorious arms dealer, Marque Callex. The police have never been able to get close to Callex, and Jai’s assignment is to use her sexual skills to satisfy Marque, and to coax information out of him on his illicit weapons dealings—information that will lead to his conviction.

Notoriously reclusive arms dealer Marque Callex only accepted an invitation from Beautiful Dolls because he needs a little stress relief. With his deadly line of work—and the dangerous secrets he’s keeping—he rarely lets anyone into his life. That’s why a week of free, no-commitment, no-holds-barred sex—in return for giving Beautiful Dolls owner Anson Carron feedback on how his newest model of sexbot performs—is perfect for him.

But neither Jai nor Marque are what they seem, and their week together has consequences neither expect.

What do you think? Have I created an attention-grabbing cover with my heroine’s starburst blue eyes and too-perfect robotic face? Does the title convey what the book is about? Is my premise interesting enough to entice a reader to want to buy the story? And do you agree that these elements are important in marketing a book?

Let me know what you think! I’ll be giving away a free copy of Programmed For Pleasure to one commenter chosen at random. 🙂

Jenna
www.jennaives.com

Developing a Character with Music

Hello, I’m Lisa Carlisle, author of the Underground Encounters series at Ellora’s Cave. I’m here to talk about how I use music when developing a character. I’ve used the character development worksheets and interviews, but what really helps me picture a character and develop him or her more fully is knowing what kind of music he or she listens to.

For example, in my latest release Fiery Nights, Tristan Stone is a brooding character who avoids people, thinking he is cursed. Already prone to dark moods, he sinks even deeper when he loses Maya, the light to his darkness. In his bleak moment, he listens to what else but Nine Inch Nails. When writing these scenes, I turned out the lights and listened to Something I Can Never Have and Hurt many times to evoke the misery Tristan experienced at her loss.

And then I had to listen to something more upbeat so I wouldn’t sink down into the darkness with him!

Music is a big part of my series since it is set in an underground goth club. So on my Web site I include playlists for each of the books, as well as other playlists that I think readers of my books might enjoy. Check it out and leave a comment if you have others to recommend.

Lisacarlislebooks.com/playlists (check link)

Now I have a question for you. Does knowing what kind of music a character listens to help you envision the character more? Or is it just me? 😉

Here are blurbs for my first two books in the series, Smoldering Nights and Fiery Nights. Books 3 and 4 will be released this year so follow me on your social media of choice to stay tuned. Thanks!

“If you are looking for a short story full of action and passion then pick up Smoldering Nights and get ready to be hooked on the series.” ~ Sizzling Hot Book Reviews.

Fiery Nights

He may own a Goth nightclub, but Tristan Stone avoids people—the darkness that surrounds them drains him. When he sees Maya for the first time, alone on the dance floor, a light surrounds her. He must discover who she is and what gives her power. He wants her, must have her.

Maya sees a man with haunting eyes watching her from the back of the club. She feels their connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction. Their passion ignites, overpowering them, and they must work together to understand their connection. The heat of their passion could send their world up in flames.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Read an excerpt
Buy Now at Ellora’s Cave
Buy Now at Amazon

Smoldering Nights

Nike loves visiting the goth club Vamps—she can exchange her firefighter uniform for a slinky fantasy outfit. There she runs into the man she’d been admiring from afar at a rock climbing gym. He’s been the star of all her  fantasies, so is it any wonder they end up in his private room upstairs? Just when things begin to heat up, Michel’s enemies appear.

Only Michel isn’t an ordinary mortal. And someone from his past is on the hunt for vengeance. Michel and Nike are forced on the run and hide out in a coastal cottage in Maine. They can’t resist their attraction and spend the nights exploring each others’ bodies while trying to sort out how they feel about each other. Can they overcome their differences to be together? And how will they evade the predators who are chasing them?

Read an excerpt
Buy now at Ellora’s Cave
Buy now at Amazon

For More on Underground Encounters

For more info on the series, including photos, playlists, reviews, and more, visit www.lisacarlislebooks.com.

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