Everything He Desires by Liz Lovewell (Review)

Title: Everything He Desires
Author: Liz Lovewell
Pages: 33
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Chloe had already found herself wildly attracted to the gorgeous Grant Sheridan--before she discovered who he really was.
He was the one person who could help make things right for her sister, Heather. Chloe had always been happy to make sacrifices for her family in the past, but now that it entailed becoming Grant's sexual plaything, was she up to the task?
It didn't take long for Chloe to realize that it wasn't all about helping her sister. Deep down, she knew that when the time came for her to give herself wholly to Grant Sheridan, she would do so...with pleasure.

Review

This book was amazing! It was well-written and well-edited. The strong attraction between the two characters were quite explosive, even though Chloe didn't want to admit it at first.

Chloe knew how much the bookstore meant to her sister, and she vowed to do whatever it took, sacrifice whatever was necessary, to make sure they didn't lose the business.

Grant was the wealthy man that had the means to save the bookstore. He only wanted one thing, and he vowed to get it one way or the other.

Put these two together and you get a super steamy short read from Liz Lovewell. I think I would have liked to actually have read about how the entire agreement played out, instead of just the beginning of it. I hope I get to read more from this author.

Note: I got this book free from Amazon for a limited time.

Excerpt:

Chloe could have easily melted into a puddle right then and there at his feet. The images his words provoked...the raw sexual danger in his voice, made her quake so hard she was sure he could sense it. If he so much as touched her now, she'd...

Well, he did touch her. She felt his hands sweep up from behind to unbutton her jacket. Chloe didn't--couldn't--stop him, waiting instead with bated breath. Already, there was a molten heat sizzling deep inside her pussy, and she bit on her lip as her own body began to betray her.

"I wanted you from the second I saw you."

Arianne 

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Taming the Outback by Ann B. Harrison (Guest Post)

Title: Taming the Outback

Author: Ann B. Harrison

Publisher: Breathless Press

Length: 159 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

BLURB:

Is Libby prepared to give up her new home for a chance to roll Nathan in the hay when her libido wakes up after five long years?

Nathan Miller rattles Libby's nerves more than she cares to admit. He is the one person that stands between her and the family home that has been left to her.

So why then is he the guy that stirs her up to such an extent that her body pulses with the need to have him? They do nothing but clash and snap at one another and he makes no bones about the fact that she shouldn't be on the station, but back in the city where he thinks she belongs.

Libby fights to learn about her new home while struggling to find a way into Nathans heart. She almost loses it all when a flood hits their tiny town and rips through her farm putting her daughter's life in danger.

Will she be able to convince him that she is not the irresponsible city chick he has dubbed her or will he see her as she truly is, a woman in love with him.

Excerpt

"That's just it, sweetheart," Nathan exploded, his frustration finally rearing its ugly head as he rounded on her, giving her the brunt of his foul mood. "This is a harsh country, and buts just don't cut it out here. You are cut out for the city life for Christ's sake. You're not a farmer. You don't have the slightest idea of what you're getting yourself into. You proved that by almost losing Tom and your daughter." The look on Holly's face when he had found them was still burned into his mind. The poor kid had been terrified she wasn't going to be able to hold onto Tom against the rush of water. He couldn't bear to think of what would have happened if he hadn't made it in time. How can I be sure Libby won't put her in any more danger now that I have had my heartstrings tugged tight? He stood and looked down on her, trying to keep his face void of emotions but his heart was telling him to take her in his arms and put them both out of their misery. "How many more times are you going to put those kids at risk?" "Now just you look here," she cried, pushing him back and struggling to get to her feet. "I may be a barmaid, and I know I have a lot to learn, but learn I will. And for your information, I would never knowingly put my kids in danger. Neither would Tom." "You don't belong here," he ground out. Though aware the words he was saying were hurtful, he couldn't stop himself. They were his only defense. He was trying to will her away from him the only way he knew how, unwilling to risk his heart to a city dweller again. As much as he wanted this woman, he wouldn't let her know it. She had the capacity to break his heart when the going got tough, which was in the cards looking at the state of her farm, and he wasn't sure he would survive another crushed heart. Better to get her out of here now before he caved in. "Get used to the idea and move on back home where you belong." "Why? So you can take over?" She practically spat at him. "I will not give up what my family has passed down to me. It's mine, and you aren't going to get it." "There's more than one way to get what I want." Nathan hauled her into his arms. Libby tried to push him away, but the contact of her breasts on his hard chest knocked the wind out of him, and he held onto her for dear life. He groaned deep in his throat as he pressed his lips against hers, demanding and hungry. The heat rushed through his veins as his hands slid down to cup her denim-clad butt, pulling her against his hips, leaving her in no doubt he wanted her. She wound her arms around his neck as she molded her body closer to his, impatient noises coming from her mouth.

Guest Post

Writer's Block

It can happen to the best of us. Some say it doesn't exist. I disagree. I know what it's like to sit in front of your computer and lift your hands to the keys and...nothing.

A scary feeling for sure and believe me, you're not alone, not by any stretch of the imagination. I take solace by remembering a quote from Nora Roberts.

'It's easier to fix a bad page than a blank page.'

How true. So what I do when I have nothing ringing around in the grey matter is let my fingers flow and write whatever comes out. It doesn't matter if it's pure dribble. Who cares. You are writing and that's what is important. You will be surprised what can come out of you when you least expect it. What words might suddenly appear and  move your story forward in a direction that you didn't see coming. I love to go back and read what I pulled out when the muse had deserted me.

Anyway, I dribble on and get it done. Last time I was having trouble getting my words down I set myself small goals. I'm a notorious flufferer, I can't help myself. The words won't come so I suddenly remember that I have a load of washing to put out. The dog needs a bath or I forgot to feed the fish. Anything to get me out of my chair, I was on it.

Now I write one thousand words before I let myself get up. I make a cup of tea and check my emails or Facebook. It's my little reward for pushing forward when all I wanted to do was walk away and wail that it wasn't happening today.

My DH saw how I was struggling a couple of weeks ago with a certain story and put his foot down. "We're going camping where nothing can distract you."

We hooked on the camper that is always ready and waiting and with my computer on my lap, off we went. Our favorite spot in the desert was waiting for us and I wrote 16k words that weekend. A big deal for me. No procrastinating, just writing with small rewards for goals met. I did the same the following weekend. What a joy it is to have a husband who understands me and my work.

What do you do to beat the block?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann swears she was born with a book in her hand and has never put it down. A lifelong love of reading has finally culminated in achieving her dream of writing…and publication.

She lives in the middle of the desert in Australia in a small mining town with her own handsome hero of many years. Ann has always loved the ups and downs of life in small communities and she shares this with readers in her rural romances.

Strong, spunky heroines with a good dose of sass thrown in feature in her stories. Of course these women need an equally strong hero. Bring on the Outback hero and watch the passion ignite.

When not writing, Ann runs a day care centre and looks after young children for working Mums and Dads. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking her very large dog, Hugo, and fighting with her computer.

Visit Ann at http://annbharrison.com

Arianne

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Operation: Endgame by Christi Snow (Promo)

Operation: Endgame
Series: When the Mission Ends
By Christi Snow 

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: Sept 14, 2012 (ebook, print book is available now)
Pages: 302 

$11.99 for print $2.99 for e-book
ISBN: 978-1477483787 or 1477483780 

Story Overview: 

It’s been six months.


Six months since Jake Madsen let Chris Robertson die.

Six months since the passion between Jake and Cassie, Chris’ sister, stepped over the line.


But now Cassie’s being stalked and it’s time for Jake to swallow his guilt, grief, and lust so he can save her life, even if it’s a life without him. He owes it to his dead friend and he owes it to Cassie. He’s fallen in love with her, but she doesn’t have to know that for him to keep her safe.

Information about the trilogy:

Set in Lubbock, TX, all three of these books feature former active duty Air Force officers and the women they love. All the girls have ties to Texas Tech and the entire series features the sights and scenery of West Texas life.

Book #1, Operation: Endgame, features Cassie Robertson, a military history professor at Texas Tech and Jake Madsen, an active duty Air Force Pararescue Jumper (PJ) home on leave for Christmas.

Book #2 is Operation: Endeavor (releasing January, 2013)

Book #3 is Operation: Endurance (releasing April, 2013)

Excerpt

Cassie had taken a handful of cocktail dresses into the dressing room with her. She came out in one of them now and twirled in front of him. He felt like he’d swallowed his tongue. After she finished twirling, she stood with her back to him, looking at herself in the mirror. She tilted her head to the side and said, “What do you think? Too much?” Too much? Was she insane? There was no dress there. It was black, sparkly, and clung to her every curve. From the front, it seemed rather sedate with long black sleeves and a high neckline. At least, that was the case if you didn’t look down to the miniscule length of the skirt that showed off the miles of her long toned legs. But when she turned around, the back was nonexistent. There was nothing there besides miles of skin from the top of her spine all the way to the top of her ass. Four draped strands of thin rhinestones stretched across the top expanse of the milky skin of her back, but with a simple little flick of the wrist, the entire dress could be dropped in half a second. His fingers itched with the desire to do just that, but he clenched his hand into a fist to keep from reaching towards her. He didn’t realize he was sitting there staring, until Cassie spoke. “Okay, you’re going to have to give me a hint here. Does the mouth hanging open mean you like it? Or does it look so hideous you just don’t know what to say?” Jake snapped his jaw shut and cleared his throat. “No, hideous is not the word I was thinking, but do you honestly think you need to show that much skin?” He scowled at her, thinking about all the guys drooling over her at this party. At that moment another customer walked up who had been surreptitiously observing them while she shopped. “Girl, don’t listen to him. You look gorgeous! Your boyfriend just doesn’t want to deal with any competition.” Jake flushed in embarrassment, but Cassie didn’t even notice. “Oh, he’s not my boyfriend….just a friend, actually more like a brother than anything.” He sure wasn’t having any brotherly thoughts about her right now.

Author bio:

As an avid reader her entire life, Christi Snow always dreamed of writing books that brought to others the kind of joy she felt when she read. But...she never did anything about it besides jot down a few ideas and sparse scenes.

When she turned 41, she decided it was time to go after her dream and started writing. Within four months, she'd written over 150,000 words and hasn't stopped since.

She's found her calling by writing about sexy, alpha heroes and smart, tough heroines falling in love and finding their passion. She's truly living the dream and loving every minute of it.

Her tagline is... Passion and adventure on the road to Happily Ever After. She's loving this adventure!

Website: www.christi-snow.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/christisnowauthor

Twitter: @ChristiSnow

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5849322.Christi_Snow

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Interview With Joan Swan + Giveaway

Title: Fever
Pheonix Rising #1
Author: Joan Swan
Publisher: Brava
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Pages: 342
Buy Here: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

When Dr. Alyssa Foster is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she's in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razor-sharp pang of need...
A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn't, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever...

Title: Blaze
Pheonix Rising #2 Author: Joan Swan
Publisher: Brava
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Pages: 400
Buy Here: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…
With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…
Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.
Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

Kayla: What has been your favorite book to write, and why?

Joan: Oooo, hmmm. I’d say it’s a tie between BLAZE and INTIMATE ENEMIES, but for different reasons.

BLAZE was just a constant surprise. After being apart for three years with an unresolved breakup between them, Luke and Keira, my hero and heroine, are brimming with more pent up emotion than they know what to do with. Neither is over the other, yet both are still too hurt to too scared to put their heart on the line again. But they have to work together, and even though they won’t trust each other with their hearts, they have no problem trusting the other with their lives. Go figure! You can imagine the sparks.
Those two were just so fun together, even when they were fighting. Maybe more when they were fighting. They are snarky and sassy and just plain funny.

Then there’s Mitch – who I swear simply uses me as a conduit to get on the pages, because I have no idea where that man comes from! He is constantly making me shake my head. (And curse Elisabeth Naughton, who dreamed him up in the freaking first place!)

And then there is the plot. Twisty and turny and fast, fast, fast.

BLAZE was just seriously FUN to write. (And, no, FUN does NOT translate to easy…or fast…)
Now, INITMATE ENEMIES was a different story. This was a novel I originally wrote several years ago, one which finalled in the Golden Heart contest twice. I love this story and when I decided to self-publish it, I discovered that it didn’t need just a polish…it needed a rewrite to bring it up to my current writing standards.
This book is less speed and more tension. Less flash-bang and more shadows. Less secrets and more power games. An entirely different animal. Which means it pushed my writing in a completely different area. And I love challenge. I love growth. And I absolutely adore the depth and texture that developed in INTIMATE ENEMIES because of this rewrite. I’m proud of this work as my first self-published novel.

Kayla: What is one random fact about yourself?

Joan: Well, I’m glad you didn’t say interesting fact…because that would have been a deal breaker!

Okay…let’s see…let me find a shocker...those are always fun…

* crickets chirping *

Hmmm, no shockers coming forth. Oh, well…

“Hello, my name is Joan, and I’m a Diet Coke addict…”

Kayla: Is there a favorite term or word that you have, that is used throughout your books a lot?

Joan: It changes with every book! I think that is so funny! One book it was ‘evidently’. Another it was ‘just’. Then I was on a ‘criminy’ kick, but that was all the fault of Elisabeth Naughton and Larissa Ione. I was not responsible!

Kayla: Where does your inspiration to write come from?

Joan: Severe, incurable O.C.D. (Seriously. I’m compelled. It’s … a problem. Ask anyone.)

Kayla: What has been your best experience with "fans" while being an Author?

Joan: Oh, signings!

Every time I sit at a table to sign, I bring chocolate so at least someone will stop by my station…everyone loves chocolate, right? I’m usually part of some group giveaway so people ‘have’ to come by and get my signature to win something. And I quickly make friends with the authors next to me because I’ll need someone to chat with so I don’t look incredibly forlorn.
But I’m always surprised and delighted by the wonderful readers who come by and say they’ve enjoyed reading my books and they’re looking forward to another coming out. (Secretly, a little part of me is very suspicious of this behavior…) And…some don’t even take chocolate!!!

Kayla: Do you incorporate real life experiences in your writing? If so, could you give us an example?

Joan: LOL, I think teeny, tiny ones are all over the place. You know the way someone said something or the way you relate to someone or a particular habit someone has that you find interesting.
I’ve used actual places in BLAZE. For example, my husband and I used to live in Truckee and one of our favorite places to eat was a little café called Wild Cherries, which is still open and operating, btw.
In FEVER, I’ve been in that room as Alyssa was in the opening, scanning those prisoners with the guards talking about golf outside the curtain, oblivious.

Kayla: How can readers connect with you?

Joan: I’m a big Twitter girl. But I’m also available by email and get out to Facebook on an irregular basis J.
Here are a few places you can catch me:

Website|Facebook|Twitter|Twitter Giveaways|Goodreads

Kayla: Thank you so much Joan for being a Guest here at Reading On The Wild Side. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do and hope to have you visit again soon!

Now for the Giveaway. There will be one paperback copy of Blaze given away to one lucky winner. This contest is for US and Canada ONLY. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blood Seductions: Gavin by Celeste Hall (Promo+Review)

Title: Blood Seductions: Gavin
Author: Celeste Hall
Pages: 119
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Beware of dark desire… When a vampire falls in love with a human, there is more at risk than a broken heart. How do you protect the one you love from becoming the thing she fears most in the world? How do you share your life with someone knowing fully well that your blood carries a virus which could destroy her?

Excerpt

A warm feathery sensation against the back of her neck had Sarah turning to find that Gavin was now directly behind her. She startled at the proximity, stumbling as she made a desperate attempt to put some distance back between them. He caught her before she could fall, holding her securely braced against the rock solid support of his body, the unexpected and shocking heat of his hands against her skin immediately halting all thought of escape. Sarah looked up at him with the wide eyed stare of Bambi caught in the headlights, every nerve in her body singed by his touch. Her gaze locked with his. A thick fringe of dark lashes framed eyes that were a brilliant green with small flecks of gold. And those impossibly green eyes were now studying her with a dangerous level of intensity. Sarah tried to tell herself that it was fear which made her heart try to pound its way out of her chest and had her breath trapped in her lungs. She was firmly ensnared within the arms of the most dangerous creature she knew. And that was very likely blood lust making his eyes spark like green fire. But there was an excited swirl of sensations forming low in her belly, warning that if she didn’t soon escape, she would stop wanting to. Her gaze dropped to his mouth. Those strong, sensual lips seemed to grow fuller even as she watched. Sarah knew at once that his canines were growing erect behind that slight curve of a very predatory smile. She should have been terrified. Instead, she felt a brilliant wash of heat shoot straight down to her core, lighting up that silken bundle of nerves hidden between her thighs with such immediate need she nearly moaned. Gavin hadn’t intended to get so close to her, but now that he had her in his arms he felt everything male within him come alive. She was slim and elegantly built, like a fine boned thoroughbred. Panting as if she’d just run a long race, the sweet scent of mint on her breath feathering against his mouth, making his gums ache as his fangs grew even more painfully erect. Sarah had high cheekbones that only further accentuated her delicate features and those deep brown eyes. Dark pools that widened as they gazed up at him, making her appear even more innocent and beautiful. “I didn’t mean to frighten to you,” he offered, one hand still gently grasping her arm as the other supported her back. Big, powerful hands, which Sarah knew were capable of incredible violence. Yet he held her with the care of a lion cradling a newborn cub. Infinitely aware of just how deadly he could be. “Boundaries…bloodsucker…” The warning growl was barely audible to Sarah’s human ears, but she recognized the voice. She also recognized the slight vibration of wings suggesting that Mikhail was not only standing nearby, but he was posed for violence. Instead of releasing her and stepping back, Gavin’s hand on her arm smoothly glided down to cup her fingers against his palm. He held her there for a moment, as if preparing for a waltz. “Beautiful,” he murmured with a slow smile that suggested he knew exactly how pissed off Mikhail was growing, and found it terribly amusing. But that smile was having an entirely different affect on Sarah’s body. Her skin flushed as she began to tremble. She was sure now. It wasn’t fear that made her heart pound and her breath catch. How could she possibly be attracted to this…this, creature? He was a vampire! He was a monster! He was the embodiment of everything that terrified her in this world. Yet she only watched as he studied her, his eyebrows drawing together in a look of interest and speculation. Could he actually sense what was happening to her body at that moment? Did he sense the unbelievable heat now pooling in her panties? Oh dear god! Sarah made a jerky attempt to free herself, but Gavin’s hands tightened reflexively around her. If anything, he actually looked more intrigued by the flush that covered her cheeks and reached clear down to where her nipples were puckered into little pink diamonds, pressing eagerly up against the cotton barrier of her shirt. Mikhail’s furious snarl was now coming in stereo as Nikolai landed opposite of him, boxing Gavin between them as they raised their wings into gargoyle like arches, the hard boney edges forming quivering blades poised to strike. The sound was terrifying. The twins had been working alongside Gavin almost exclusively these past weeks, without a single hitch. Of all the vampires and incubi, they’d come the closest to becoming friends. All of that appeared to be balancing on a razor’s edge now. Gavin must have realized this at the same time it struck Sarah. He released her even as his expression resumed the hard emotionless mask of a vampire commander. As Sarah beat a hasty retreat, she saw Gavin’s lips moving. The words were spoken too softly for her to hear, but whatever he said seemed to soothe the incubi. Their wings faded and Mikhail began to ask questions about the new vampire recruits. Despite her pounding heart and desperate need to escape, Sarah couldn’t help but pause halfway down the hallway and turn to look back. Gavin’s green eyes instantly locked with hers and she shivered again. How could she feel such naked fear and raw desire at the same time, for the same man? No, not man…a vampire. She turned and practically ran for the privacy of her chambers.

I enjoyed this book. At first, I was hesitant to read the book. The beginning of the story didn't appeal to me. That's probably because I was going into a reading slump. However, I kept reading and was pleasantly surprised. The story was great, if a bit quick. The attraction between Gavin and Sarah was intense and it was a fun read.

"I'm still human, Sarah. Every bit as much a human as you are. And just as capable of reproducing. The only difference between me and any other man walking the streets of Tornridge, is that my blood carries a contagious virus. A virus transferable through my blood, my saliva, and yes, even my...reproductive fluids.

There were many editing errors in this book. I think if it was edited some more, it would have been an absolutely superb story. The incubi and vampire alliance was interesting. I haven't read a story with incubi in it so it was a nice twist. Every time I read a new chapter, I had the urge to go to Google Images and see what incubi look like. To this day, I have not succumbed to my curiosity.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you don't mind the editing errors. I really enjoyed the story itself and looking forward to more stories, especially Ian's.

About the Author:

The oldest of nine children, I was tutored at home during childhood, first by my mother and then a German woman with a passion for science and history. I could never find enough books to keep my mind busy, even with the vast library that my father kept.

I wrote my first short stories around the age of nine, and was completing full length manuscripts by the age of twelve.

I left home around fourteen or fifteen, staying with family and friends among the western States. As the years passed I continued to read everything I could lay hands on.

In adulthood I began building towards a career in criminal justice, particularly criminal psychology. I received various certifications, awards and schooling in the field before discovering parapsychology and finding myself drawn into the mystery of the mind.

A received a PhD in Parapsychology but continued working towards a future in criminal justice until a car accident in 2005 left me with a traumatic brain injury and learning how to walk again in a swimming pool.

After two years of physical therapy I knew that my body was no longer capable of supporting the rigors of the career I'd chosen. After my mother discovered some of my old manuscripts in her basement, I decided to try writing once more. And I couldn’t be happier!

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

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RELEASE DAY! Shadow Rising by Cassi Carver (Interview+Giveaway)

I am so excited to welcome Cassi Carver on the blog today! Her books are spicy and she's super awesome. I met her twice already and got to hear her read from her book. I strongly suggest checking them out! Today, book two of the Shadow Slayers series comes out and I've got all the details for you!

Title: Shadow Rising
Series: Shadow Slayers, #2
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Pages: 237
Buy Here: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Her lover is back from the dead…but now there’s hell to pay.

When Kara Reed learns her bondmate, Julian, is truly dead, and that Gavin has seemingly skipped town, she figures things have hit rock bottom. But soon, a string of bizarre accidents has her doubting those closest to her. And to make matters worse, the demon-king’s brand carved into her best friend Abbey’s stomach is deteriorating by the day.

Then a powerful coven of witches issues Kara an ultimatum. Bring them the blood of a true fallen angel—the only thing that will heal Abbey—or die. Kara would do anything to help her friend. Problem is, the only fallen angel she’s seen lately is the disoriented black-wing who attacked her scouts. One who looks suspiciously like Julian. Getting his blood might be easier if he was more interested in kissing her than killing her.

Caught between a coven of vengeful witches and a murderous dead lover, Kara must deliver the blood, heal the slow poison of Abbey’s brand, and save Julian from being consumed by the Abyss. But to do this, she may need the help of the one man she swore never to trust again…Gavin.
Warning: This book contains an angry demon returning from the dead, a clan lord hiding a terrible secret, and a hunted heroine cracking open a can of whoop-ass. Watch out for creepy kitties, exploding bad guys, and some very sudsy shower sex.

Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for Shadow Slayers?

Hi, Arianne! I’m so happy to be visiting your blog today! Slayer’s Kiss is super spicy—more for readers of erotica than for traditional urban fantasy fans. I did this because I felt that was an area of urban fantasy that hadn’t been fully explored. I think it’s helped people who enjoy spicy reads to take a chance on urban fantasy—but no doubt it’s also boggled some traditional urban fantasy brains!

2. Did you title your own books? 

I come up with a list of titles, but the publisher has the last word.  So far, we’ve kept all my titles. But I do get asked about book one and why it’s named Slayer’s Kiss! The answer is simple, I wanted something that said this book is sexy and action-packed urban fantasy—thus “slayer” and “kiss.” I had no idea it was helpful if the title tied into something in the book!! Now I name them according to an important plot point. That’s working great. :)

3. How did you come up with character names?

I make a list of names I like and try to see which fit best with the characters I’ve chosen. I thought it was working well until my critique partner pointed out that all my men’s names, both heroes and villians, ended with the letter “n”! At first I thought maybe I had a hidden obsession that had finally come to light. But think about it, how many men’s names do you know that end in “n”? Lots, right?? I could have happened to anyone! 

4. What do you do when you have a writer's block?

For me, writer’s block is a sign that something is off about the story. When I’ve figured out what the story is really about, the writing comes easy. So when I’m stumped, I have to sit back and think about where I veered off the path, or what’s not working for a particular character. When that happens, I usually have a little mini epiphany that solves the problem and gets me back on track! :)

5. Any unforgettable or strange fan experience?

Well, honestly, this series involves a love triangle, and that has been a challenge! I do get readers who are angry that the heroine chose one man and not the other, and that sort of thing. What’s funny is, there is almost an even split in which hero readers like. But once they root for one, they get really irritated with the other hero and want him out of the picture! It doesn’t bother me, because I take that as a sign that they care about the series and it’s very flattering that my writing can inspire that reaction!

6. Anything you would like to ask our readers?

Yes, I would like to know what was the most recent book they’ve read! And I’d like to pick at random one person who comments to win book one and two of The Shadow Slayers—both Slayer’s Kiss and Shadow Rising!

Thanks for having me, Arianne! I had a lot of fun with this interview and I’d love to hear from some readers in the comments below! :)

Hugs, Cassi

Title: Slayer's Kiss
Series: Shadow Slayers, #1
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 247
Buy Here: Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.
When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Warning: Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”.

Giveaway

Giveaway ends October 26, 2012. Good luck!
Thank you Cassi for sponsoring the giveaway.

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Arianne

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Love Kinection by Jennifer James (Guest Blog)

Title: Love Kinection
Author: Jennifer James
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Co.
Release Date: July 28, 2012
Pages: 79
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Love, romance, hearts, flowers ,cupid…. Rubbish.
Abby Fine still hasn’t gotten over the pain of a year-old betrayal and plans to spend this Valentine’s Day drowning her sorrows with a ménage of men named Ben, Jerry, and Riesling.

Her plans are diverted when she drops and breaks her new iPhone and gives in to a momentary hormone surge, agreeing to let office hottie and tech god Tom Walker squirm his way into her condo to fix it.

Tom shows up with his Xbox, spicy Chinese food, and a habit of stealing kisses every time she lets her guard down.

Can a weekend of laughter, videogames, and movies change Abby’s opinion of stupid Cupid?

Excerpt

His hands crossed the gap between our bodies and rested on my hips. Backing away would be the smart thing to do. But hope filled my belly he’d kiss me again. The stupid part of my brain had taken control again, and I didn’t fight it. I wanted a real kiss. “So if you are in fact the geekier geek, what do I get as a forfeit?” he asked. The shadow of stubble covered his chin and his upper lip, ran up to the short sideburns he wore. His ears begged to be nibbled on. What would that stubble feel like brushed against my skin? Dangerous thoughts, especially since my hands had somehow ended up on his waist and my fingers clenched his shirt. I looked at his arms, still surprised by the size of muscles when they flexed. If the biceps were any indicator of the body hidden under the cloth, it broke the mold of a stereotypical geek’s. “Forfeit?” “Yeah. You know, like a prize.” “I think you already got a forfeit. You got to see me naked.” And all I’ve gotten is a few stolen kisses. “That was an accident.” He grew hard against my belly. It pleased me to wonder what direction his thoughts had gone. I wondered if ice cream intoxication existed. “How about sex in my truck?” “No. Car sex isn’t really comfortable. And who said anything about sex?” “A man can hope. Besides, I know you’ve thought about it.” “Have not.” “Have, too.” “Shut up and kiss me.” He shook his head. “I promised to behave. You kiss me.”

GUEST POST

Ben & Jerry’s, take me away!

Thanks to Arianne and Kayla for having me on their site today.

I went on Ben & Jerry’s website today to check out their flavors section. In LOVE KINECTION, the heroine Abby has no less than three pints in her freezer, but I think most people know that Ben & Jerry’s offers so many more flavors than that. (And they’re constantly developing new ones.)

Some of my favorites are Chunky Monkey, Chubby Hubby, and Mint Chocolate Cookie. But, after perusing the website, I’m now convinced I need to restock my Lactaid (I’m sensitive to lactose) and try Raspberry Fudge Chunk, Lemonade Stand sorbet, and Dublin Mudslide.

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book or movie, your favorite ice cream, and a blanket for snuggling.

I’m surprised at all the flavors I’ve been missing out on at the local grocery store. The corporate white shirt types have been hiding so many delicious flavors of creamy goodness from me; I think they deserve an indignant letter. How dare they give freezer space over to things as mundane as strawberry and vanilla when there are orgasmic flavors like Chocolate Therapy out there just waiting to be devoured?

What are some of your favorite flavors? I tend to stand in front of the freezer, door hanging open, picking up pints and putting them back because the plethora of mouth watering yumminess overwhelms me.

About the Author:

For a girl whose first book was called “The Scariest Forest Ever,” the jump to romance may seem to be a far one. But a love of happy endings and the stories she kept making up in her head for strangers on the street lead to an unhealthy amount of time spent behind the keyboard typing away and giggling mischievously over sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and healthy sprinklings of geek humor.

With time split between a day job staring at teeth, two little girls, college courses, workaholic husband, and too many voices in her head, Jennifer still finds time to sneak off and devour all the books she can find – even if it means hiding in the closet to read them.

She insists on her jokes being dirty, drinks spiked, and tattoos placed in intriguing, muscular places you can only find when the clothes come off.

Website / Facebook / GoodReads / Twitter / Paranormalists / Love Scenes and Wet Dreams

Arianne

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The Strix by Katalina Leon and Amber Skyze (Guest Post)

TITLE: The Strix (Bag of Tricks)
AUTHOR(S): Katalina Leon and Amber Skyze
PUBLISHER: Loose Id LLC
LENGTH: 234 Pages
SUBGENRES: Vampire, Shapeshifter, Fantasy

BLURB:
A cursed amber amulet unearthed in Pompeii flings Arcona into a past life of witchcraft, bloodshed, revenge and sexual slavery to the cruel Master of a gladiatorial school. This violent parallel world is populated with “Slayers,” blood-drinking immortals devoted to the gods of war and mayhem.
As a Strix, or malignant witch, Arcona once used sex and blood rituals to create a race of immortal warriors to unleash on Rome. Now it’s time to pay.
The gladiator Tyr was one desperately lonely lover she betrayed. Against his will, she turned him into Upir Likhyi, a foul vampire. For two millennia he’s lived a grim existence as a Slayer, in constant sexual arousal yet denied release; now, he's pissed off and wants revenge. He kidnaps Arcona planning to drink her dry and break the curse.
Along the way Arcona and Tyr relive their sexual slavery at the hands of Rome and blood sport in the arena, but the real magic is they forgive and fall in love.
Too bad another Slayer wants them dead.

Guest Post

My name is Katalina Leon and writing “The Strix” was a very special experience for me that resulted in quite a few surprises and firsts. This was my first NANO project. This was my first time co-authoring a book series. This was my first book partially channeled by a dead friend and this is my first book with Loose Id Publishing. The whole experience was a little weird and very fun to take part in. I woke up every morning really excited to work because I had no idea what was going to happen.

The Bag Of Tricks book series was the first time I truly collaborated with another author, Amber Skyze. The series was Amber’s idea based on her annual trips to Salem Massachusetts and the fun of visiting a Wiccan shop with girlfriends and having their fortunes told. The wish bag filled with magical stones was her idea.

When I was a young and single I would have found the idea of seeking out a little magical guidance to see if I was going to be lucky in love pretty irresistible.

Amber came up with idea of four girlfriends in their early thirties who were close in college, reuniting for a Halloween weekend in Salem. Each heroine chooses a wish stone from the bag and has her fortune told by one of two very eccentric witches. What the girls don’t know is the moment they make a wish they fall under some heavy enchantment and their lives become rocket ship rides of unexpected adventure. Of course every story is also populated with gorgeous supernatural men.

In “The Strix” Arcona enters a parallel world. She’s an innocent historical researcher in her current life but she once was a strong spirited and desperate Celtic captive of Rome in 78 AD, who practiced dark witchcraft. She comes face to face with that lifetime and a man she should have loved but instead pushed away.

Tyr was a condemned gladiator who loved Arcona and wanted to buy her freedom but ended up being turned into an immortal flesh and blood weapon with a badly damaged soul. After two thousand years of under Arcona’s enchantment in heartless misery as a Slayer dedicated to the gods of war, Tyr has had enough and wants it all to end. Meeting the reincarnation of the original Arcona in Salem is Tyr’s sole opportunity to be free of the Slayer’s curse. He kidnaps Arcona intent on breaking the curse and dragging Arcona into death with him, but their hard start quickly turns into something more complex and tender as old memories and motivations rush forward. For the first time in two thousand years Tyr begins to feel love again and his plans change drastically.

Excerpt

“I wouldn’t go that way if I were you,” he called out to her. She turned. “Why?” “It’s a dead end.” A sly smile crossed his face. “Unless you’re carrying a grappling hook and a climbing rope in your purse, you’ll never get over the eight-foot brick wall waiting for you around the corner.” He lifted his hand into the air and slowly motioned for her to approach. “Come here.” His tone softened. “A beautiful woman really shouldn’t be walking alone at night; it’s not safe. You can take a shortcut through my bar and walk straight onto a lit street.” She relaxed her tensed shoulders. There was something dangerously intriguing about this Nordic beauty that drew her toward him. “You own Slayers?” “Yes.” A proud smile warmed his sharply chiseled features. “You’ve heard of Slayers? My name’s Varn.” He thrust his palm forward in greeting. “Hello, Varn.” She was too nervous to grasp his hand. “Come inside and stay for a drink if you like.” “I thought Slayers was some sort of private gentlemen’s club?” Varn’s brows arched. He laughed softly as if he were enjoying a private joke. “Slayers is a gentlemen’s club by nature, not by choice. We’d welcome the privilege of entertaining an attractive female patron.” His eyes glittered in the darkness, almost as if they were casting their own light. “By the way, I’m not sure it’s accurate to describe us as gentlemen.” He looked intense but seemed good-tempered. She silently admitted it was a heady thrill to have such a striking, semidangerous-looking man flirting with her. She loved the whole underworld attraction of ultratough guys but had never found one she could actually trust and relate to; most were just trouble, plain and simple. A cool breeze funneled through the alleyway and blew Varn’s long hair away from his steep cheekbones. This guy sure looked like a big, burly bushel of trouble. His knuckles were raw with scars like he got in a fistfight every Saturday night, and won. Her imagination was really running away with her, but what the hell? He was just a bar owner in a touristy town, not a world-class mercenary, for God’s sake, though he certainly looked like one. The touch of danger called like a Siren’s song to her attention-starved libido. “If you don’t mind, I think I will dart through.” God help, she was already thinking of staying for a drink and maybe more. Why rush back to an empty hotel room when a little fun might be had? She tried to be stealthy as she swept her gaze over Varn’s thick forearms. His sleeves were rolled up, and he didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the chill. In her mind she cataloged each exciting detail, loving everything she saw. Solid, tough, and steely described Varn perfectly. How much would Jael love this guy’s icy good looks? A lot. She owed it to Jael to at least check this guy out. Varn reached toward her and offered his hand a second time. “Be careful stepping over the crates. There are a couple of broken bottles. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” She took hold of his hand. His grip was iron, and his hands were heavily calloused. Varn grabbed her around the waist and lifted her to his shoulders with an easy swoop. She gasped in surprise as Varn effortlessly elevated her high above the crates and set her down gently at the threshold of Slayers’ back door. He opened the door for her with a flourish. “After you.” She breathlessly planted her boots on the ground. Men didn’t just pick her up and twirl her through the air every day, especially gorgeous ones in black silk shirts. This was a special thrill. What else could this guy do to make her heart race faster? She felt a little shaky as she entered Slayers and immediately noted the building was chilly and dimly lit by old-fashioned kerosene lanterns. The scent of fresh-cut cedar hung in the air. Her first impression was Slayers felt like a men’s outdoor camping trip. They walked down a narrow service hallway lined with wooden casks, dark cubicles, and storage closets, and past a small, candlelit room strewn with earthy red cushions and a curved lounge, before entering the main part of the bar. Her gaze narrowed as she entered the room. The interior of Slayers was an odd, ultramacho ensemble of an old West saloon complete with a naked lady etched into an antique Parisian-style mirror hanging above the bar, a Viking longhouse with exposed wooden beams and dragons carved into the individual booths, and a military barrack embellished with Roman shields, medieval swords, weapons, and artillery shells of every description. “Wow.” Every bizarre detail dazzled her. She couldn’t settle for long on a single thing. Slayers’ decor seemed to chronicle every great moment in warfare and mayhem. “Who’s your decorator?” She began to worry she was barking up the wrong tree. When Varn had said gentlemen’s club, had he meant gay? This place definitely looked like it was a testosterone-drenched, chest-thumping, dick-swinging, war-craft-loving, all-male celebration, no-pink-panty zone. A few of Slayers’ patrons sat in dark booths quietly playing cards and drinking from an eclectic selection of pewter-topped beer steins or wooden tankards. The rough- faced men casually looked up at her before returning their full attention to the card game. There seemed to be a lot of combat boots and leather worn in this place along with steel rivets and fur. The whole place looked a little too Road Warrior, even for her tastes. Varn leaned close to her ear. “Would you like a Humpen?” His deep voice sent thrilling shivers up her spine. “Would I like what?” she asked in alarm. Varn pointed toward a row of polished stoneware beer mugs lined up on the bar. He walked toward the bar, picked up a chunky mug, and began to draw a trickle of rich black beer from a keg. “A Humpen is a half-liter beer stein.” His gaze dropped toward the dark, liquid filling the mug. “This is Slayers’ signature brew. It’s an ancient recipe and the only brew we drink. You can’t get it anywhere else. I want you to try it and tell me what you think.” He handed Arcona the weighty mug with a tall head sloshing over the rim. She accepted the drippy mug and fought the impulse to wipe her wet fingers on her pant legs. “Thank you.” She hoisted the mug in a toast. “To Slayers.” She paused before taking the first sip. “Are you going to drink?” A dreamy, sexy expression briefly crossed Varn’s face. “I’ll drink later.”

BUY LINKS:
Loose Id LLC | All Romance eBooks | Amazon

BOOK TRAILER

Arianne

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Mistaken by J.A. Howell (Promo)

Mistaken
J.A. Howell

Genre: General/Mainstream Fiction/Suspense

ISBN: 1477456368
ASIN: B0092HDIXS
Pages:198

Cover Artist: J.A. Howell

Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/46XSH5oXYzA
Buy Links: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Book Description:

One year ago, two bullets from a .45 caliber pistol ripped away any hopes Dillan had of a future with her fiancé, Jamie. On the anniversary of Jamie’s death, the appearance of his estranged twin brother, Trey, leaves Dillan wondering what other secrets her prefect fiancé was hiding. When Trey learns of his brother’s death, Dillan takes pity on him and gives him a place to stay.

Trey’s erratic behavior and a series of suspicious phone calls lead Dillan to believe that Trey knows more about the circumstances surrounding Jamie’s death than he’s letting on. With all leads exhausted and Jamie’s murderer still on the loose, Trey is Dillan’s last hope for finding the truth.

Sometimes the truth hurts… but in Dillan’s case it could kill her.

Author Bio:

J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy. J.A. Howell resides in Apopka, FL with her husband and their menagerie of animal children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Arianne

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