Guest Author Ann Mayburn + Giveaways

Please welcome guest author Ann Mayburn

What Can Happen in Just One Night?

Think back to best date you ever went on, when everything seemed magical and you never wanted the evening to end. I know the memory of my perfect date night still brings chills and makes me smile all these years later, and I bet it does the same for you. There is nothing quite like that moment when you realize that you’re in love and the person you’re with makes you truly, deeply happy.

That is why I enjoy writing 1 Night Stand short stories for Decadent Publishing. Each book is about that one perfect night, but in this case the date is a blind date arranged by the extraordinary matchmaker Madame Eve. I love the challenge of writing a good story that can only last that one night and must end the next day. If I do a good job with it, my readers are left knowing that despite only having a glimpse of one night into the couples lives, they know that these two (or three) were meant to be together.Decadent1NightStand.blogspot.com

Of course the sexual attraction is off the charts, but I try to make each date about more than that. I try to capture that intangible chemistry between two people that joins them together not just at a physical level, but at a soul deep one. This is especially true in my ‘Prides of the Moon’ series.

Based on a fantastic world filled with shape shifters and magic blended with the modern day world I tell the story of a different couple with each book, but the stories overlap into a larger story arch. That allows me to fulfill the requirement of just one night, while giving my readers a much longer storyline to follow. Each story can be read and enjoyed on its own, but you’ll get so much more out of the series if you read them all.

My ‘Prides of the Moon’ series has really allowed me to explore all types of sexuality. Each pride is made up of an Alpha male and female along with their beta or betas. Bi-sexuality is common and not seen as something odd or different in my world. My characters don’t face any prejudice for loving who they love, something I wish happened in the real world. This leads to some interesting combinations and pairings of Alphas and betas.

An essential part of the world of the werepumas is bonding. When an Alpha and beta bond their souls connect so that they can feel each others' emotions and while making love bonded partners of the same sex can actually feel what their mate is feeling. Trust me, it’s as hot as it sounds. ;)

In the first book of the series, ‘Amber Moon’, I tell the story of Nick and Madeline Turea who are searching for the perfect beta female to complete their pride. As you read the story you’ll realize why there is no room for jealousy and mistrust in the relationship. Instead their trust in each other allows them the kind of trust that is the foundation for any relationship, conventional or otherwise.

I hope you enjoy my ‘Prides of the Moon’ series and I’d encourage you to take a peek at other books in the 1 Night Stand series from Decadent Publishing. With over twenty authors and counting contributing to the series you get a fantastic variety of stories. For me they’re like hot chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven, I can’t resist them. ;)

So tell me gentle reader, what was your perfect date?


Note from WildAboutBones:

Ann Mayburn has been nominated for four awards this year:

Debut Author of the Year
Shifter Short Story of the Year for Amber Moon
Demon Novel of the Year for Daughter of Lust
Paranormal Menage of the Year for Daughter of Lust

Voting ends October 1, 2011 and the winners will be announced at the Authors After Dark conference in New Orleans in August 10th, 2012. You can find out more at http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/10/bookie-awards-nominations.html. So take a minute and go vote for Ann at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/69XZZKW

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway and Contest Policy

Giveaway open Sept 22 - 24 2011 (midnight)
Open to US and Canada only

To celebrate the release of this new series, Ann is giving away a custom handmade necklace to a lucky commenter. The necklace is made out of onyx, hematite, silver, crystal beads and a very sparkly amber crystal.

She is also giving another lucky winner their choice of one of her eBook short stories in this series.

So answer her question in a comment with your email address for a chance to win.

Guest paranormal romance author Sondrae Bennett + giveaway

Whether we’re holding the door open for a stranger, deciding how much tip to leave, or writing a thank you note after an interview, all of our actions are governed by what we believe is the right thing to do. Our own rules for acceptable behavior. Sometime we’re not even conscious of them, but they’re always there at the back of our minds.

For Gwen, the heroine of Chasing Paradise, her rules about men are set in stone. Never jump into bed with hotel guests, never sleep with a guy on the first date, and never have sex without knowing what would happen the next day. But when Ethan walks into her hotel, all her rules fly out the window…with disastrous results. Afterward, Ethan had to prove their impulsive night wasn’t a mistake at all, but the start of something amazing.

Blurb:

He’ll do whatever it takes to earn back her trust.

A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can’t think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on vacation to avoid mating. There’s no way he’s going to give up his freedom without a fight.

Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can’t sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on…

WARNING: This title contains explicit sex

Excerpt:

When she stopped in front of him, her eyes locked on his and he was powerless to look away.

“Hi.” Her gaze shifted to the side as if searching for something to say. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier, or thank you for saving me from the wall. I’m Gwen.”

She thrust out her hand to shake his, and Ethan stared at it. How would she react if he pulled her into his arms and ravaged those beautiful lips like he wanted to? Instead, he gave her a smile and shook hands.

“Actually, you did manage to thank me.” Utterly charming him in the process, too.  The blush that stole over her cheeks only endeared her to him more. “I’m Ethan. Can I buy you a drink, Gwen?”

Her gaze drifted to the open doors behind him. “I probably shouldn’t. I try not to mingle with guests.” She continued to stare into the bar before glancing back at him, her doe-like eyes hiding nothing. She wanted to stay with him and was fighting an internal battle with her conscience. It would be easy to tip the scales in his favor.

With any other woman, he’d swing his arm around her shoulders, and guide her toward the bar with a charming smile. Instead, using his intuition as his guide, he cupped her cheek with his hand. Her eyes closed as she nuzzled her face against him but flew open moments later as he drew her closer. His other hand slipped around her waist as he tilted her chin up, aligning her lips with his.

As soon as his lips brushed against hers, his wolf growled low in his chest. Something about this woman captivated him. The need to touch her, taste her, move inside her, was unbearable. Resisting the urge to crush her against him proved difficult and he struggled to keep the kiss light.

Despite his resolution, the feel of her lips parting in silent invitation proved too much for his tightly-strung control. His tongue thrust inside, exploring her mouth as his arms pulled her tighter against him. Her hands closed into fists, pulling at him as if to draw him closer. Breaking away, he gasped for air, need setting him on fire. Gwen rested her head on his shoulder, panting as well.

“What say we skip the drink and go back up to my room?” Ethan suggested, desperate to know her better.

“No.” Her quick reply was so unexpected, it took him a moment to process.

No? He thought they had been on the same page. Her hands were still fisted in his shirt, her body a comfortable weight in his arms. Everything indicated she had enjoyed the kiss as much as he had. Hell, she’d practically melted against him. What had he done wrong?

The moment he’d met this woman, everyone else had ceased to matter. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. It devastated him to think she might not feel the same way. Letting her go tonight would be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. If that was what she wanted, he’d find a way to walk away. But it wouldn’t end there. Wolves were persistent when they wanted something and he wanted Gwen. Nothing would stop him from coming back until she was ready for him. He’d win her over eventually. No other outcome was acceptable.

“My room is bigger.”

It took a moment to process the meaning behind her words, but once he did, his soul leapt and he fought the impulse to howl.

Sondrae is give away a choice of an e-copy of either Chasing Paradise, OR the first book in the series Arctic Winds. I'll give you a hint if you haven't read Arctic winds it's a must! I loved it.


Giveaway rules and policy 

Guest post with romance author Lucy Felthouse + giveaway

Capturing the Atmosphere

Paris is well known for being a beautiful and romantic city, so it's probably not a surprise to learn that my latest release, BITE WITH HEIGHT, is set there. What may surprise you, though, is that in my book there are no romantic strolls along the Seine, or boat trips along it. It's a romance, all right, but one with a twist.

You see one of the main characters, Meg, is a vampire. And she is not a typical vampire, either. I don't want to give too much away and ruin the story for you, but let's just say she has an unusual lifestyle which draws her into the seedier, darker side of Paris. And that's most definitely the side I've captured in BITE WITH HEIGHT.

When I visited Paris myself last year, I was fascinated by the Pigalle and Montmartre areas, which were an enthralling blend of seedy, sexy and sensual. When I decided that part of Paris was going to feature in my writing, that was the atmosphere I wanted to capture. The story itself is a mixture of romance, eroticism and danger, so it fit perfectly. Once I knew what I was going to write, I didn't find it difficult to capture the essence of the area – I simply wrote what I'd seen and heard for myself, with some creative licence, of course.

I had fun writing BITE WITH HEIGHT, and early reviews seem to indicate the story and the setting are ticking people's boxes, so naturally I'm delighted. Even more so because I have a research trip to Paris planned in a couple of months. Oh yes... it's time for the sequel. I haven't finished with Meg and Grace yet!

*****

When Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she’s intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BYZO7E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lucyfelt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B005BYZO7E

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitewithheight-575237-139.html

Also available from all good eBook stockists.

*****

During Lucy’s first year studying Creative Writing at the University of Derby, she was dared to write an erotic story. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing and Xcite Books. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

*****

Giveaway!

Want to win a PDF or ePub copy of BITE WITH HEIGHT for yourself? Simply leave a comment on this post with your email address and a winner will be chosen on 8/4/11.

Guest Post with author KH LeMoyne + Giveaway closed

Guest Post  KH LeMoyne:  What to Write?

Blurb:

They are the Guardians of Eden—each created with a unique supernatural talent.

Having successfully hidden her abilities from humans for two hundred years, Briet quietly applies the gifts of cellular-level vision to help patients in need. Until she meets her human soul-mate, Jason Ballard.

Jason holds the reigns to the protocol Briet’s patients’ need for recovery. But can she trust a man all too human and grounded in his world to understand hers, much less believe her? When a deadly threat targets her patients, he is the only one she trusts to help stop an evil only the two of them can fight.

Jason has a perfect success rate for delivering of new drugs from test-to-market. Used to influencing people, rules and guidelines delineate every facet of his professional and personal life. The last thing he expects is to be tempted to waiver by the new spitfire doctor on his latest test team. Especially as she starts stirring up issues. Dangerous issues. Issues flagging jeopardy for the lives of the children in the test. Issues the drug manufacturer, his employer, would prefer be ignored. An unacceptable outcome, forcing Jason to walk a dangerous line between job and conscience as he plunges with Briet to ferret out the twisted scheme in time to save her patients.

***

Let’s face it, it would be hard to write a hundred thousand words about characters you don’t like. Much less struggle through writing a nine-book series. Not impossible, I suppose, but who would want to slog through that exercise? Add on the complexity of genre details, and for urban fantasy to be interesting to me, a story also needs depth and layers. If I can see the reasons why everything is happening as the story unfolds then I’m less entertained. I like surprises. I want them to make sense but still, surprise me!

That’s why I spent a lot of time with all my characters, especially Briet and Jason in Warrior Reborn. First figuring out what makes them tick, what are their primary goals, how they intersect, where they deviate, and, if possible, how something that can be a taboo could turn into a lifeline. These two didn’t launch the Guardians of Eden series and in some ways that makes their story harder. They have to be more compelling, struggle harder, and make their choices for better reasons than their predecessors. A tough milestone.

Because these two meet in a work environment, the supernatural has to be woven around their circumstances. Their actions need to be believable and their outcome incredible. But their character development has to make sense.

Actually, relationships and bonds, what priorities people assign in their lives during a desperate situation is an underlying theme in this series. A secretive Guardian race and a human existence offer little middle ground on which to relate. Especially if the choice seems one-sided. Yet, add in physical threat to children, the fragile chance for long-discarded hopes, and death, and suddenly, our hero and heroine develop strong motivations to set aside their reservations and fight for what they believe is right.

Situations drive goals and a person’s internal character will determine the choices they make. Not to mention that it takes time and experiences for people to trust each other. Solid friendships and true long lasting commitment, doesn’t sprout overnight. It takes a little nurture and the right mix of dangerous circumstances.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love that ‘love at first sight’ storyline. Just make me believe it. One of the things I loved about the TV series, Beauty and the Beast with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, was how they grew to love and trust each other, whether they could have each other forever or not. That’s the type of relationship I tried to portray in this second book of the Guardians of Eden. That storyline keeps me interested through every edit. And that type of love will keep me motivated until the series ends. I hope readers will like it as well.

Bio:
KH LeMoyne was born into a naval family, experiencing total emersion in Spanish kindergarten in Rota, Spain. Her childhood of migrating up and down the eastern US seaboard, with hops from California to Arizona to Virginia, inspired her love of stories and myth. After fifteen years as an Information Systems professional, she now writes full time in romance: fantasy, futuristic and paranormal and straight urban fantasy under another pseudonym. She lives in Maryland with her wonderful husband and a pair of corgis. Much to her dismay, she rarely encounters supernatural beings other than on paper.

KH Lemoyne’s current series books Betrayal’s Shadow, Warrior Reborn, XX and Return of the Legacyare available in eBook, with paperback editions coming late summer. She is currently finishing the second in the Phoenix series, Shepherd, (due for release in August). You can find out more about her books at http://www.khlemoyne.com/ and her blog: http://khlemoyne.wordpress.com/
July 21  - Just Another Book Addict http://justanotherbookaddict.blogspot.com/


Giveaway will be one ecopy of Warrior Reborn. Please leave a comment below along with email if its not on your profile.


Giveaway rule and policy

Guest author Marguerite Kaye and giveaway!

The Magic of Romance

When I first starting writing romance, it was straight Regency. Then Harlequin introduced their Undone! imprint, and my editor encouraged me to experiment. As a child, I was utterly fascinated by my sea captain grandfather’s tales of mermaids. The creatures he described, lying naked on the rocks combing their seaweed hair with fish bones, were nothing like the Hans Christian Andersen version. They weren’t pretty, but they were so fatally attractive even the most experienced sailor would risk shipwreck just to get close to them. My first venture into the world of historical paranormal romance, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, had a selkie heroine, and it’s told like a fairy tale, directly inspired by those childhood tales.

The next step down the paranormal route for me was, rather bizarrely, a Regency sheikh, Innocent in the Sheikh’s Harem, and what I learned from writing this was the magic of world-building. My 19th Century Arabia had its foundations in fact, but the invented kingdom’s customs, the descriptions of the desert and its cities, the harem itself, came straight out of my head. I let my imagination run riot writing that story, and I loved it, so when my editor suggested a paranormal Undone! trilogy, I was more than ready to create a totally fantastical world of Highland shape-shifters which had absolutely no grounding in reality at all.

Writing the Legend of the Faol trilogy was, truly, a magical experience, not just because I could make up pretty much everything, but because it gave me the opportunity to have a heroine who was sexually experienced without worrying about historical convention. I’ve always loved strong female characters - my favourite fairy tale was The Snow Queen – and it makes for a very, very hot romance, I discovered, finding a human hero who is alpha enough to compensate for a heroine’s magical powers. Sorcha, the shape-shifter wolf princess who is the heroine of the third book in the series, was my favourite to write. I love that she’s defined by her powers, and yet also emotionally constrained by them. She’s not cruel like the Snow Queen, of course, but she has the same irresistible allure, the compelling strength that enchants and beguiles and fascinates.

I’m just finishing a Christmas Undone! which has a Scottish witch struggling with a two-hundred-year-old curse. Like Sorcha, Jura’s magic is powerful, and she believes it makes her invulnerable, even though she’s emotionally isolated. And like Sorcha, she discovers that there is something even more powerful than magic. Love.

Excerpt from The Highlander and the Wolf Princess

It had been so long, so very long, since Conall had lain next to any woman, far less a captivating creature like this. She was so close he could feel the soft feathering of her breath on his cheek, count the thick dark lashes which framed those mesmerising eyes, which were locked on his. “I should – you should rest,” he said roughly. But he couldn’t seem to move. He didn’t want to move.

“I’m not tired,” Sorcha replied. Though the Faol were an innately sensual race, she had always instinctively guarded against intimacy of this sort. Seeing others’ innermost thoughts, their lives and futures laid bare, made her reluctant to be revealed herself. Knowing all, she had no wish to be known. Until now. Now, all she could think about was being closer still to this forbidding, powerful Highlander. Her body yearned for it. He made her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time. She edged a little towards him. Her toes brushed his legs. .

Conall’s erection hardened. He should move. He meant to move, and he did move, but in quite the opposite direction from that he intended, pulling her to him, so that they lay breast to breast, thigh to thigh. Her nipples were hard. His shaft was harder. Her breath was a whisper on his skin. Some irrevocable internal command compelled him to kiss her. So he did.

Sorcha had never allowed any man to kiss her, but as Conall’s lips touched hers, resistance was the furthest thing from her mind. His mouth was warm, every bit as sensuous as it looked. He tasted dark and dangerous. A rush of heat flushed her, from her neck down, her belly up, as his tongue touched hers. He pulled her hard to him and kissed her more deeply. It felt as intense as her shifting did. Her nipples peaked against the rough expanse of his chest. Her pulses began to flutter unevenly.

She was lying on top of him, the hard length of his erection pressing into her belly, his hand cupping her bottom. His breathing was as ragged and harsh as his appearance. His stubble rasped her delicate skin, yet his mouth was a delight. As he rolled her onto her back, she could almost taste the scent of their arousal, a bittersweet blend of salt and spice. Running her fingers across the span of his shoulders, she marvelled at the power in his bunched muscles. So this was what a man felt like? So different from what she had expected.

She tried to tug his shirt free from his belt, wanting to test the feel of his skin. His firm hand on her wrist halted her. His lips deserted hers. For a long moment he gazed at her in bewilderment. She had a fleeting glimpse of it then, his essence. Dark, hard, glittering like the rocks which formed Kentarra’s citadel. Then, as he rolled himself off the bed with an exclamation which sounded horribly like disgust, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
©2011 Marguerite Kaye

The Legend of the Faol novellas along with my Regency vampire, Bitten by Desire, and my Selkie fairy tale, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, are all published in the Harlequin/Mills&Boon Undone! available in ebook now.

My Christmas Undone will be out in November this year. You can read excerpts and background and more on my website at www.margueritekaye.com

 Marguerite is giving away a set of three download coupons as a giveaway, for one winner, for the complete Legend of the Faol trilogy. Restriction follows

• The coupons are valid from 1-31 August only
• They can only be used on the eHarlequin site
• They can only be used by people in North America.

Please leave your email in the comment if its not on your profile.

Guest post with author Cara Marsi + givaway

When Setting Is a Character

Can setting be a character in a story? You bet. Some places naturally are so exotic, exciting and beautiful that they cry out to star in a movie or book.

I’ve read books, wonderful books, set in faraway places. But the settings served only as a backdrop. I’ve always been a little disappointed that I didn’t learn more about the locale during the stories. I love stories where the setting is the framework, especially when the story is set in a beautiful place I want to visit or one I want to revisit.

When I traveled to Rome, Italy, in 2006, my second trip there, I was again blown away by the city’s beauty, vibrancy and history. All four of my grandparents came from Italy, so the country itself holds meaning for me.

Rome was bustling as always that June, especially with World Cup fever all around. We stayed at a hotel on one of the most popular and crowded streets, Via Corsi. Trevi Fountain was a short walk away. The Pantheon was around the corner. And so was an amazing gelato shop where we bought too many luscious gelatos, the Italian ice cream. Yum. Kiwi Melon was my favorite. My husband and I ate at least two gelatos a day. Good thing we walked all over the city to shed those extra calories.

Italy is magical and begs to be its own character in books and movies. As we walked the ancient cobbled streets of Rome, ate amazing food (saffron gnocchi with fresh-shaved truffles, anyone?) and drank lots of delicious wine, I just knew I had to set a story there. And I knew the richness of Rome could never fade into the background. It had to be a character.

In the fall of 2009, The Wild Rose Press announced a new romantic suspense series, Jewels of the Night. The stories could be set anywhere in the world, but had to involve a stolen blue diamond. The proverbial light bulb went off in my head. I’d write a romantic suspense set in Rome. My novella, Murder, Mi Amore, was released in December 2010.

Imagine if you were a young American woman vacationing in Rome to get over a painful breakup, and your Roman holiday is suddenly disrupted by jewel thieves, murder, and one very hot and mysterious Italian guy who may or may not be involved with the strange goings on around you.

That’s the premise of Murder, Mi Amore. Rome and other parts of Italy are as important to my story as my hero and heroine, Dominic and Lexie. Every scene in Murder, Mi Amore is authentic. Even the meals Lexie ate are the same ones we enjoyed on our trip. The hotel on the Via Corsi where Lexie stays is the one where we stayed. I remember well how I felt as I shouldered my way through the throngs of tourists and natives on Via Corsi. I use these feelings to describe Lexie as she makes her way on this same street after she buys the handbag that launches her wild adventure. When Lexie is dragged through dark and narrow streets by her would-be kidnapper, I pictured the little alleyways dotting Rome.

As I wrote about Lexie and Dominic meeting for the first time at Trevi Fountain, I could hear the chattering of the crowds and the snap of cameras and feel the sun’s heat. I could almost taste the wine Lexie orders. When you see pictures of this iconic fountain, it looks as if it’s in the middle of a very wide street. Nope. It’s set in a corner of a narrow cobblestoned street.

While writing Murder, Mi Amore I was once again in Rome – running my fingers over the walls of the Coliseum, tramping through the Ancient Roman Forum, eating luscious pizza and drinking rich red wine at outdoor cafes while motor scooters darted around us.

A chapter in Murder, Mi Amore is set in the Abruzzo town where my grandparents were raised. Writing that chapter brought me back to the beautiful, mountainous, rural region of my ancestors. On our trip, we traveled the same road to Abruzzo as Lexie and Dominic. However, unlike them, no one was trying to run us off the road into a deep ravine.

Could my story have taken place anywhere else? Yes, but I would have lost a major character – an exciting and exotic character, and one a little bit dangerous.

Thank you, Laurie, for hosting me today. And thank you, Kris, for your wonderful review of Murder, Mi Amore.

Check out the video for Murder, Mi Amore:

Visit me online at:  www.caramarsi.com

And on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carolynmatkowsky

Cara will be give away one PDF of Murder, Mi Amore to a commenter


Giveaway rules and policy

Anitra Lynn McLeod's character interview with Captian Jace Lawless

My interview with Captain Jace Lawless took place at a local watering hole. In deference to his need for privacy, I won’t say where. Jace is tall with curly black hair and the most incredible green eyes. He’s dressed simply in a button down shirt, loose fitting trousers, and square-toed boots. His hips are crossed by a worn leather double-holster, slung low. He greets me formally with a handshake that’s firm but not crushing. He waits until I’m seated then sits in the chair next to me. As we speak, his gaze is subtly roving over the people in the bar. He doesn’t appear concerned, just aware. We make idle chit chat and then I launch into my questions.

How do you balance your criminal activities with your strong honorable streak?

Talk about jumping in head first. (Jace laughs and tips his head back.) I don’t hurt innocents and although I have stolen things, I’ve never stolen from folks in need.

Have you ever made deals you regret?

Who hasn’t? But I try to avoid things like that. I guess everyone does, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to survive.

I understand IWOG officers killed your family--

I won’t talk about them. If you push, I’ll go.

(Unsure whether he means his family or the IWOG I move on)Your crew--can I ask about them?

I recon so. (Jace crosses his arms over his chest)

You’ve known Garrett the longest?

He’s a good man. Best engineer on the Fringe.


Where did you meet your pilot, Bailey?

I won him in a card game.

Are you serious?

Dead serious. The man didn’t know what he had until Bailey was gone. (Jace leans closer and drops his voice) That boy can make my ship do things that Garrett swears are theoretically impossible. Bailey says he just learned different theories.

You sound very proud of him, almost like a father.(For a brief moment Jace looks pleased but a terrible sadness fills his gaze. When he looks away, I quickly ask another question.) I understand that you have two whores on your ship.

(Jace utters a rueful laugh) I suppose I do.

(I get a feeling there’s a lot more to that rumor but I sense he won’t give details.) So, do you wear boxers or briefs?

I, uh . . . no. I’m not going to answer that. (Jace turns bright red, which makes him three times as handsome as he was before.)

In your line of work I guess there’s not a lot of leisure time. When you do have free time, what do you like to do?

I spend time alone in my bunk.

(His gaze meets mine. When I raise my eyebrows, like I’m asking him to expand on that, he blushes so hard it must hurt.)

I spend time alone contemplating, not, uh--I like to be alone to think.

(I nod but I’m left imaging him in there doing a one-handed exercise.) I hear that two of your men, both fighters, recently quit without any notice. Did that cause problems on your ship?

(Jace frowns as he considers me.) You sure hear a lot. (He takes a sip of his drink. It’s something dark but I don’t think it has any alcohol in it. Jace doesn’t seem the type.) Two turncoats left my employ to work for a feller by the name of Trickster. You best steer clear of him.


Do you steer clear of Trickster?

(Jace utters a longsuffering sigh.) If I could I would but I can’t. Dealing with him is one of those things I do to survive.

Has Trickster crossed you?

I ain’t special. Trickster crosses everyone. (Jace lifts a hand to someone in the doorway.) I have to go now, but it was nice talking to you. (He smiles but happiness doesn’t touch his eyes. I have never seen eyes that look so weary.) Take care, now.


If you’d like to ask Jace a question, post it here in the comments and I’ll do my best to get him to answer. Also, all comments on this blog post will enter you to win an advanced copy of Dark Empress!

AnitraMcLeod

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Thief

Overlord

Tomorrow's forecast is going to be extreme heat with some moon shining. Yep, you may need a cold shower after you look at and read Overlord Micheal Parker's interview. 

Guest author Anitra Lynn McLeod. This whole weekend 15-17th

It's freaking hot outside at least it is where I live, but this weekend its going to get even hotter here on the blog. Why? Because Anitra has brought her hot hunks with her, so you can get to know them better. Oh my, *fan self* you guy's are in for treat. 


Please don't be a bit shy about chatting with Anitra, I find her fun and very user friendly ROFL. So, make sure you came back and comment *clears throat* I mean bug Anitra each day. 

Interesting facts about the Fringe

What makes the Fringe romance novels different?

There are a lot of novels about the struggle between good and evil, but the Fringe explores the fluctuating border between those two absolutes--the gray area where what looks bad might actually be good, and vice versa.

Does everyone have a unique physic ability?

In each novel at least one main character has a special skill. For instance, in Thief, Kraft can read objects with her touch. In Overlord, Michael Parker can read scents. In upcoming books I have even more unique abilities for my characters.

What inspired you to write this series?

I’ve always been a huge sci-fi fan, and I love romances too, so combining them gave me the best of both worlds.

How many books are in the series?

Right now I’ve contracted with Samhain for the first three, but I have many more planned. One of my favorite types of romances to read are the huge, sweeping historicals that span many generations. I would love to do something similar with this series. I have a burning desire to see what these character’s children will be like.

AnitraMcLeod
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Thief
Overlord

Comment and win! Comment on this blog post and the next two and you could win an advanced copy of Dark Empress!


Forecast for tomorrow. You'll find yourself all hot and bothered with  sexy hot captain Jace Lawless. Oh yeah, he's my favorite. (Laurie)

Guest romance authors Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie + Giveaway!

Please welcome authors Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie!


Welcome to the world of Infinite Romance!

The Infinity Series is a complex network of shifters and gifted humans trying to find a way to exist together without extinguishing their true nature. Their adventures are filled with intrigue, mystery, romance, suspense, action, and of course….really, really hot sex!

We are so excited to finally be able to write our stories and, at the same time, live out a few fantasies of our own! I mean come on…what woman wouldn’t want a hot, muscled, devoted, shape shifter to put his life on the line for them in a battle against evil and then turn around and give them a night of pleasure only a lobotomy could remove from their mind!

The one thing we truly enjoy is researching locations for our stories. We have spent time in the Pacific Northwest and also in New Orleans checking out the culture, the environment, and what makes these places so damn special. We are planning our second trip this year to scout out locations for Dev and Thea’s story ~ Infinite Desire (#3).

Please stick with us through our journey into the world of the Coteri, the Valta, and a few very special humans that will make you want to scour the streets of your own town trying to find a shifter of your own! Our second manuscript, Infinite Surrender, is in the works and we can’t wait to bring Chloe and Talon’s story to life.

Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie

Excerpt:

Mina’s heart raced. Her eyes were closed, hands diving into Mathias’s long, dark hair, she was forehead to forehead with a god of a man and he wanted her. Just her. And he wanted her now. She had thought about this moment since the second she saw him in the forest the day before. Wondering what type of a lover he would be. What he would taste like. How he would touch her. He had turned her on the moment he spoke. And Jesus, just the scent of him made her mouth water.

She tilted her head and licked Mathias’ lower lip, then brought it into her mouth to suck. He lightly and seductively kissed her back for what seemed like an eternity.

They stood there, in the middle of the bedroom, in an opulent hotel suite, just exploring each other’s mouths. Gently brushing their bodies together to feel the heat between them.

His hands moved all over her, learning each curve and where she was the most sensitive to his touch. His fingertips grazed her hardened nipples and she moaned in response to his tender stroking. She arched her back, pressing her breasts closer, hoping he would become more aggressive. More forceful. Mina liked a man to take what he wanted. Not torture her through teasing.

She ran her hands down his taut back, pressed her body closer to his and pleaded, “Mathias. Please. Touch me. I want more.”

He trailed his lips down the pale skin of her neck. “I know, chère. And I’ll give it to you. Soon.”

Mina dug her nails into his ass and pulled him closer. “I’m not used to asking, Mathias.”

Mathias lifted his head and looked directly into Mina’s eyes. His smile was gone. Possession filled his gaze. “After tonight, you won’t be asking another man for anything.”

That shut her up quick. She froze in place and stared. Did he just tell her she was not allowed to be with another man after tonight? What the hell was he thinking? And why in the world did she like that idea?

With her hands still digging into the tight muscles of his ass, Mina wasn’t sure how to react to his blatant statement. His words should have offended her. They should have annoyed her to the point of laughter, but instead she warmed to the thought of being possessed by him. Belonging to him. Dominated by him.

She was tired of always being the tough one. Always being the one in charge. For once, she wanted to be taken care of. Pampered. Loved. Having Mathias do those things for her felt right. She wanted it.

Mina was ready for her dream. Ready for the man she used to imagine while sitting out on the deck back home. The last month had been hard, and the more she thought about where her life took her, she wanted to be a part of something special. Roderick’s money was a life guarantee and not working was even nicer, but she also craved a partnership. A relationship with a man. Since she’d never really had one, she was curious about what made a relationship work. Did she have what it took to be with just one man? She wanted to think she did. Especially if the man were Mathias.

Tracing her jaw line with his finger, Mathias’ voice rumbled from his chest. “You’re mine.”

Mina smiled at the thought. Belonging to him would be nice. Very nice. She would just have to do something about him teasing her sexually and it would be all good.

She leaned back and looked up, once again trying to gauge what he was thinking. Was he truly serious? She was sure he probably had women crooning over him wherever he went. Who was she kidding? The man was colossally gorgeous. So why her? Why now? They had just met. How could he be so positive about a decision like this? Unless … was he playing her? Just saying these things to get her into bed?

Wait. What was she thinking? She was the one that wanted to fuck his brains out and was basically begging him to do it. Why would he think he needed to give her sweet words and endearing promises when she was pretty much a sure thing? She was so confused.

“What do you want from me, Mathias?”

Mathias reached down, planted his hands firmly on her ass and lifted her to him. “Wrap your legs around me, Mina.”

She did as she was told. She felt his stiff cock slide against her swollen sex and she moaned at the brief contact. God, she wanted more.

“I’m going to make love to you until you scream. Until you know you’re mine. No man will ever touch you again. Only me.” He stared through her soul with his hungry emerald eyes. “I’ll mark you so every man who sees you knows who you belong to.”

His declaration made her tremble. Her stomach twisted in a nervous knot. She tightened her legs around his middle to feel more of him. She couldn’t speak. Hell, she couldn’t think because of the wave of arousal overtaking her. Mina just kept looking into his beautiful green eyes wondering why he felt so strongly about her. What was so special about her?

With fluid strides, Mathias carried her over to the huge bed and set her down gently. He reached behind his back and unwrapped her legs from his body.

Mina lay back and watched him.

He pulled her feet up to the edge of the bed and placed them there. Her knees bent, he ran his hands down her thighs, spreading them for him. Allowing him to have full access. To see every part of her body. Mina closed her eyes, feeling the embarrassment leave her mind to be replaced with complete wanting.

“Do you want to belong to me?” His voice did things to her that should be illegal. “Do you want that, Mina?”

She closed her eyes. She was losing herself with him. Her control of the situation was long gone. What happened to the “fuck him and leave him” idea she had come up with a few hours ago? Yeah right. As if she ever had a shot of that happening.

“Open your eyes, baby. Look at me.” His hand caressed her face. “Watch me love you.”

Damn, he was good. Lust slammed into her with just his voice saying he was going to touch her. Something about him affected her in a way she couldn’t grasp. He made her ache. Made her body clench in need. Her skin itched to be touched. The essential hunger for Mathias was overriding her strong bravado to use him and leave him. She reached up and cupped his face, rubbing her thumbs across his strong jaw.

“Mathias?”

“Yes, love.”

“Just know one thing. I don’t trust easily.”

He leaned down and kissed her softly. “I know, love. I know.”

Mina raised her arms above her head and wove her fingers together. She stretched and arched, pushing her breasts out as an offering. She was giving herself to him. “I hope so.”

Title:  Infinite Betrayal ~ Book One of the Infinity Series

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

Published:  March 21, 2011

Website:  www.donnellymackenzie.com

Genre:  Paranormal Suspense

Buy Link:  http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Infinite+Betrayal&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Length: 107,360

Contest               

For those of you who have already read Infinite Betrayal or if you are planning on reading it before July 15^th, please go to Amazon or Goodreads and submit a review.  Once submitted, please post the link to your review HERE – Bitten By Paranormal Romance.  On July 15^th, Robyn and Gayle will randomly choose one submission.  The winner will receive a James Avery sterling silver infinity cross as referenced in the book as the symbol of the Coteri. 

If you would like to win a copy of Infinite Betrayal, please go to http://www.donnellymackenzie.com/ and tell Robyn and Gayle what you think is most important to have in a Paranormal Romance in order for it to work for you.  Again on July 15, one comment will be chosen to win either an electronic copy or Trade paperback of Infinite Betrayal.

Giveaway rules and policy