Anna Alexander's Blog, page 2

The Avengers: Age of Ultron- Anna goes to the movies

The Avengers: Age of Ultron opened this weekend, so you shouldn’t be surprised that I’m posting a review today. You also shouldn’t be surprised that I saw it twice.

On Saturday night, me and my BFF Danielle Monsch settled in at the iPic theater with our fleece blankets and cocktails for some 3-D fun. Then yesterday it was the Chicklets and I munching on popcorn at ten a.m. Truthfully, I’m glad I saw it twice. There is so much spectacle and fist-flying, building-crumbling explosions, I needed the second go-round to catch all the things I missed the first time.

It’s cocktail time!

Age of Ultron drops us right into the heart of the action with our heroes going after Loki’s sceptre which they have tracked down in a Hydra stronghold. After emerging victorious, Tony convinces Thor to let him examine the sceptre for a few days to dissect it’s secrets. Tony and Bruce Banner then discover that the energy inside the sceptre closely resembles artificial intelligence, and work to transplant that energy into Tony’s Iron Legion (Iron Men suits without a person inside) to create the ultimate weapon against future alien invasions. Of course as what usually happens when working with substances you don’t understand, the artificial intelligence morphs, distorts, and becomes Ultron, a peace keeping robot who’s version of peace is annihilation of the human race.

And we’re off on a race to stop the destruction of mankind. Tony is snarky. Banner conflicted. The Cap is as dreamy as ever, and Thor is full of boisterous, Viking enthusiasm. It was rip roaring, good fun. Did I like the movie? Yes. Did I love it? No.

Wha???  you may ask. How could I not love it?

As I said, Age of Ultron drops us right in the middle of the action as if to pick up where the first Avengers left off. In my opinion that is the problem. What about everything that happened in Iron Man III, Captain America: Winter Soldier, and almost two seasons of Agents of SHIELD? There were too many unanswered questions right from the get go. In IR3 Tony Stark blows up all of his Iron Man suits and walks away. Why did he make a new suit? Why did he build the Iron Legion? How did all of the Avengers get called together again? Who made the call? Agent Coulson was on the trail of the sceptre, why wasn’t he there first? Or at all? And Nick Fury walked way from everything, leaving the tattered remains of SHIELD to agent Coulson. Where, why, and how did Fury make a new SHIELD without letting Coulson know? Am I supposed to forget something as important as story continuity and just roll with it because it’s the Marvel Universe?

If you are to ask a male comic book lover, the answer is yes.

…sigh. Love him.

How do I know this? I had the same issues with IR3 and CA:WS when no one came to assist the Avenger in need. In fact, it was as if the movies didn’t take place in the same universe when that has been the Marvel Cinematic Universe sales pitch, all of the movies are connected. But if you ask the men in my family, MCU is following the comic book style of story telling, where each hero has their own story line, and when there is a need for cross promotion, they come together for a special issue, or series of issues, then take off again on their own and don’t think of each other until it’s time for that next special issue.

But these aren’t comic books. These are movies, and I think that’s lazy writing. I even wrote blog posts about it in the past. And my sister believes the same way I do. An opinion that is so contentious in my family, my brother and sister didn’t speak to each other for a month after a heated argument about CA:WS.

I am a story teller. I write series. Continuity is everything, and my readers will know if I’ve left a stone un-turned or taken the easy way out if I written myself into a corner. That is when I need to up my game and work my magic. It’s what makes a good story great. But movie makers will make excuses: The movie was running too long, we couldn’t get that actor to agree on a contract, that element wasn’t that important.

But it is. At least to me those little details are important. Those details would have taken a good movie and made it O.M.G. fantastic. I say let’s do without a ten minute fight scene where not one but at least ten skyscrapers are turned to dust and shrapnel, and instead make it a five minute fight scene if it means you explain why Steve took a break from his search of Bucky to help out the rest of the Avengers. Answers please!

Now, am I saying don’t go? Of course not! Go. See. Enjoy. Just keep in mind you will be expected to accept a lot on faith. And in the long run, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s not a good thing either

What Happened to my Books?!? Don’t Worry

I can hear you now. Anna! Why can’t I find Hero Revealed and Hero Unleashed anywhere???

Don’t panic. There is some shifting going on in the Anna Alexander world. On March 15th the rights to the first two books in the Heroes of Saturn series returned to me. That’s right. The Killsgaard brothers are mine to do with as I wish. Muwahahahah!

So for now I wish to hang on to them for a little bit. I’ve asked for the rights back to some of the other books in the series, but I have to be patient and wait out my contract. My hope is to send the brothers back out into the world in the not too far away future.

In the meantime, Marco is finally getting a chance to share his story in Only at The Cavern out April 10th. It’s going to be hot, hot, hot!!!

Until later Kristos and Lucian. We shall see you again soon.

Elite Metal- Eight Books of Sexy Goodness

It’ almost here!

February 10th the hotness that is Elite Metal releases to the masses. What is Elite Metal? It’s a world were eight members of an elite Marine recon group have been left hanging by their government and forced into hiding. When their covers are blown, they are called in by a mysterious benefactor to right wrongs their way. Let’s not forget the best part- They work undercover as a motorcycle club!

I was fortunate enough to have TWO offerings in the Elite Metal collection. Adamantium’s Roar is my baby. What? You’re surprised I named a hero Adamantium? Sheah, Right. The other book kicks off the series. Bound in Steele was a collaborative effort between myself and Jennifer Kacey.

Adamantium’s Roar and Bound by Steele by Anna Alexander

So jump on your Harley Duo-Glides and enter the world of Elite Metal!

Adamantium’s Roar

By Anna Alexander

Adamantium feels right at home being back to what he does best with his Elite Metal buddies, especially if it keeps his mind off her.  Beth Bradshaw. His best friend’s girl. But when their paths cross again, he discovers Beth is in the hands of a dangerous man. Vow or no vow to his Elite Metal family, Ant will do anything to claim the woman he loves.

 

Adamantium’s Roar EXCERPT

 

There were too many regrets in his life. He wasn’t going to add to them anymore.

Ant lowered his head and captured Beth’s lips in a kiss born from years of frustration. It was hard, heated and not nearly passionate enough to convey what had simmered in his heart since the moment he had seen her.

She tasted just as he remembered. Like daydreams and ever afters. Sunshine and spice. The bite of her nails into his pectorals fanned the flames of his lust, and the glide of her tongue against his was the stuff dreams were made of.

He couldn’t get enough as he plundered her mouth over and over until his lungs screamed for air and he had to pull away or risk passing out.

For several long moments they stared at each other, their chests heaving and eyes blinking in shock. Beth’s lips were swollen and wet from his kiss, his kiss, and the sight made him hard and hungry for more.

“Scott?” she whispered.

“God, Beth.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “When Jason took you away from me that night at the frat house, all I wanted was to snatch you back and carry you away. I wanted to be the one to kiss you, to love you. I’ve driven myself crazy thinking about what might have been had I acted. I loved you so much.”

“I didn’t know. I swear, Scott, I didn’t know.”

“And I didn’t want you to know. But I should have. I should have told you every day and fought for you. Taken that risk and said fuck it to Jason and our so-called friendship. But I didn’t, and it cost me, cost us, more than anyone should have to pay.”

Beth blinked as if she were waking from a dream. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll give me a chance. Let me love you, Beth. Please.”

GET IT NOW ON AMAZON!

or Kobo and AREbooks!

 

Elite Metal – Book One in the Elite Warriors Series

For decades the US Marines funded a top-secret unit known as Elite Recon. A deadly group of men and women sent to infiltrate dozens of countries completely undetected. Mission objectives so extreme casualties were not only probable, but expected.

The current batch of operatives had returned from hundreds of assignments unscathed…until one mission went horribly wrong. Several men lost their lives and the group disbanded. The remaining leathernecks were scattered in the wind with new identities. They were told to blend in. Be normal. Or face being forever silenced just like their fallen brothers.

Now, two years later, each living member of the group is kidnapped and given a chance to make things right. But this time they’re no longer under the thumb of Uncle Sam. A mysterious private backer who knows about their past has brought them back together. No longer are they forced to turn a blind eye to the lost and forsaken.

A new life. A new future…Elite Metal.

Anna Alexander and Jennifer Kacey, Heather Long, Sabrina York Rebecca Royce, Saranna DeWylde and Roxie Rivera

Bound By Steele

Anna Alexander and Jennifer Kacey

To save his Marine brothers and sister he must accept the past isn’t dead and buried.

Reuniting survivors means he is forced to first forgive…the enemy.

Chrome’s Salvation

Jennifer Kacey

A former leader of Elite Recon, reduced to nothing more than an apathetic existence.

Until his girl’s life hangs in the balance…now nothing will stand in the way of him coming back to life.

Adamantium’s Roar

Anna Alexander

Adamantium left Beth to what he thought was a better life, only to find she had been living in hell. Now he’ll do anything, break any vow, to claim her as his for all time.

Pure Copper

Heather Long

Copper will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means seducing and betraying the one man who really sees her.

Sterling’s Seduction

Sabrina York

When a snoopy reporter threatens the Elite Metal, Sterling will do whatever it takes to kill her story about the team. Even if it means he has to tie her to his bed.

Platinum’s Choice

Rebecca Royce

Platinum left the life he had with Rose in New York to rejoin his team and silence the nightmares from Operation Phoenix.   But when Rose is forced to go on the run with Platinum’s hidden son, he will have no choice but to return to his old life and reclaim what he has ached for every day since. Red Wolf’s sniper wants to nudge Plat’s underbelly and they’re going to find out quickly how deadly he can be.

Mercury’s Poison

Saranna DeWylde

A scarred, mad genius more monster than man must protect the beauty he’s become obsessed with from a beast more terrible than himself.

Forged in Silver

Roxie Rivera

Rebel. Nomad. Troublemaker.

After surviving the double-cross during Operation Phoenix, Former Elite Recon Marine Silver embraces the underworld and builds a new life as one of the world’s most renowned thieves. Jewels, paintings, corporate espionage–there’s no job he won’t take for the right price.

 

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SZGM6UI/

 

ELITE METAL PARTY GIVEAWAY:

Win the Elite Metal Party Pack

Anna Alexander:  Adamantium t-shirt & Autographed copy of The Cowboy Way; Saranna DeWylde: Ebook bundle of Fat and Slut; Jennifer Kacey: Signed print copy of Jennifer Kacey’s  BDSM Anthology and extra goodies; Heather Long: A print, autographed copy of Her Marine Bodyguard and $10 GC to Amazon; Roxie Rivera: MMA tshirt, Autographed copy of a print book & a button; Rebecca Royce:   Signed print copy of Alphas Strength and a choice of an ebook from her backlist; Sabrina York: Tiara Signed Tryst Island Print Book and Bling.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/shar...?

 

RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two Mintues with Anna Alexander- YouTube Channel

The best thing about technology is that anything is possible as long as you have an idea. So what did little techno-challenged me do?

I started a talk show!

Welcome to Two Minutes with Anna Alexander.

For two minutes (more or less) I’ll be chatting with fellow authors, industry professionals, and an actor or two about whatever it is I think of at the moment. The goal is to be spontaneous and fun. And yes, I’ve been having lots of fun.

So check me out on YouTube or on my Facebook page for my weekly postings. And here is a sampling of a few of my interviews. Enjoy!

 

Author Marcella Burnard

Ellora’s Caveman DeAngelo Demonio

Phil Burke from AMC’s Hell on Wheels

Brian Mitchel from Amazon Kindle Worlds

Trapped

There has been a lot of talk going on in the publishing world this month. A LOT. And you may have noticed that I’ve have not been amongst the ones doing the talking. Why not, you may ask? I’m one of the many caught up in this proverbial shit storm. I have a stake in the outcome. Why have I remained silent all of this time? In truth, I have many circuses going on in my world at this time and EC is just one of them. I feel there are others out there who are doing the talking in a more eloquent or knowledgeable fashion than I and have the time to dedicate to combing through the data before speaking. I am also of the opinion that sometimes too much noise distracts from the message. So, I’ve remained quiet and watched the fireworks with the same mixture awe and horror I am sure is shared by many of you.

What has been the scuttlebutt of late, you may ask? My publisher, Ellora’s Cave, has had some issues that are being brought to light. Some of the information, such as lack of sales via Amazon and downsizing of editors, cover artists and administrative staff has come from the company directly. But the nitty gritty not so pretty is being divulged by various online media outlets, and every day the noise becomes louder and uglier. Google search it, you’ll find something.

Those who have met and worked with me know I conduct my business with respect, humor, and class in all of my transactions. Yes, I can be bawdy, maybe even a little raunchy at times, but there is a difference between being sexy, confident, and smart and behaving like a low class hooker. At this time, the Ellora’s Cave public persona is not in line with my brand and business model. Now, that’s not to say it has always been that way or that they can’t pull themselves out of the gutter in the future, but at this time I do not see how that is possible. I deserve better. My books deserve better. So I have taken steps to have the rights to my book returned, but for now EC still owns them and I may never get those rights back. I am hoping that will not be the case. Please, powers that be, let that not be the case. But in the interim, I am trying to stay as non-confrontational with my current business partner as necessary.

So why am I bring this up at all?

Next week I’ll be heading off to Romanticon, a convention dedicated to Ellora’s Cave readers. My presence there may indicate a non-verbal stance of where my thoughts and loyalties lie, so I wanted to post this message to avoid any presumptions others may have by my attendance at this event.

Recently there are have been calls to boycott anything having to do with Ellora’s Cave. Lines are being drawn and sides are being chosen. It is understandable, although erroneous, to think that any author in attendance at Romanticon is in favor of how the company is conducting business. We all have our own reasons for attending, and here are mine:

1. I want to see my author friends. There are only a few times a year where I can be surrounded by people who make me laugh and reconnect me to my muse. They remind me why I spend hours everyday traversing the publishing landscape and getting my books into the hands of readers. For me, writing is easy. Publishing is hard. I want to see, hug and be surrounded by my friends during this trying time. They alone understand what I am going through.

2. Non-refundable plane ticket. I’ve already invested time and money in arranging travel. I know many people have asked why the convention is still going on at all. As an organizer for another conference, I am aware there is a timeline and when it’s crossed it actually costs more money to cancel the event than to continue with the program.

3. There is a meeting on the Romanticon agenda for authors only. I want to hear what they have to say. I want to see their faces and hear the tone in their voice. Will my mind be swayed? I doubt it. But at least I can say I was there.

Will the atmosphere be weird? How can it not? My stomach churns just thinking about it. But I am going with the mindset of having a good time and celebrate books and the readers that enjoy them. That is the best I can hope for.

In regards to any boycott, I leave that to the readers to decide. As I said, EC owns my books for the foreseeable future, and it’s not my books’ fault they are caught up in this mess. To say don’t buy them is like saying my children are bad and not deserving of affection because of their parent’s behavior. I can’t do that. What I ask for is support of the writer. Go to the library. Read our books. Fall in love with our worlds. Buy our non-EC titles. Be there for us when the dust has settled, or at least isn’t so thick. I am so thankful I started releasing works outside of that circus tent, and I hope my fellow authors are able to weather the storm.

To state for the record, I am a writer. I will be a writer with EC. I will be a writer without EC. The only person who can stop me, is me.

Now I shall set the mic down and get back to work.

Where Did July Go?

Seriously. I blinked and the start of the school year is barreling down upon us.

July was chock full of activities. 4th of July, RWA National Convention, and I released a new book!

You can read all about my adventures on the Decadent Divas blog. Come find out about my favorite 4th of July traditions in Red, White and Vroom.

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/07/happy-4th-of-july-red-white-and-vrooom.html

I showed off my new tattoo, the family crest of the House of Rosenorn.

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/07/annas-ink-house-of-rosenorn.html

And I stumbled upon a shoe exhibit at a local museum. You know how I love my shoes.

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/07/hello-my-pretties-shoes.html

This month I gave the Divas a peek at my latest release, The Cowboy Way. I’m really enjoying the reviews. The most common of which are, “couldn’t put the book down,” and “I cried so many times.”

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/08/anna-has-new-release-cowboy-way.html

I traveled to San Antonio for the RWA National Convention and boosted my muse. I also made lots of new friends. I do enjoy socializing.

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/08/books-cowboys-and-margaritas-anna.html

And while cleaning out my bookcase, I stumbled upon some of the first romance novels I collected. Do you remember your first?

http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/08/do-you-remember-your-first.html

 

 

 

 

I’ll be signing at the Waterfront Book Festival on Sunday August 24th at Lombardi’s Restaurant. If you find me, you can score one of my special buttons inspired by my time in New Orleans. Hope to see you there!

 

It’s Summer and Anna is Busy!

We’re half way through the year. Already!! I realized this afternoon that I will have four books release in the next seven months. FOUR!! I know!!

And yes, I’m aware this post already has a bunch of exclamation points.

As I mentioned last month, I will be doing most of my blogging on the Decadent Diva website. If you missed the posts, here are the links:

In the Triumvirate of Hotness I talk about my love for the men from X-Men: Days of Future past. http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-triumvirate-of-hotness-x-men-days.html

 

Than I gave my opinion on the difference between a conference and convention, and shared adorable photos of Tristan, DeAngelo and Axl. http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/06/conference-or-convention-which-one-is.html

And then I talked about my new tattoo!! Since then I’ve had the ink done and will share pictures on July 6th. Of course, if you follow me on Facebook, you’ve already seen the photos. http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/2014/06/anna-alexander-is-getting-tattoo.html

Look for more information on my latest project, the Men of the Sprawling A Ranch series coming soon. I’m so excited to share!! Yes, more exclamation points!!

Have a safe and sane 4th of July!

I’m a Decadent Diva!

What’s a decadent diva you ask? We are a group of writers who write hot and sexy stories. I am the newest diva in the bunch and am so excited to be a part of this great group.

My fellow divas are Jennifer Kacey, Erin Simone, Sabrina York, Rebecca Royce, Chandra Ryan, Shelbie Knight and Cait Miller, and when we get together in person, craziness can insue.

Not that I blog much now, but I will be blogging more over at the Diva’s sight. I’ll post the links here are well, but come visit me sometime and say hello. My first post is tommorow and of course, I’m talking about super heroes.

I hope to see you there!

No Longer a Romantic Times Convention Virgin

Three thousand of my closest friends and I descended upon the Marriott on Canal Street for the Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in New Orleans. As you can imagine it was loud, crazy, exhausting and a hell of a good time.

Here are some of the highlights of my week.

The view out of the window was of the enchanting French Quarter. The Mississippi and Cafe du Monde were on the right and the St. Louis Cathedral on the left, the scenery was perfect.

My roommates for the week were Danielle Monsch and Crista McHugh. Crista had reserved us a table at the Court of Two Sisters for their Jazz Brunch.

Fountain at the Court of Two Sisters

Our waiter was Captain Vaughn, a charming gentleman who saw me attempting to eat my first crawfish and put an immediate stop to the “senseless murder.” He schooled me on proper crawfish eating technique by reminding me over and over to “Suck. Don’t bite it. Suck it good.” It was quite a while before Danielle was able to pick herself off the floor from laughing so hard.

Crista and I went on a ghost tour where I was able to capture orbs in a

The white spots on the wall are orbs.

photo taken within a former bordello. We also had our tarot cards read. According to my reader, I had the most positive reading she’d seen in a long time. Score! Also, I made it to the Cafe du Monde twice. Oh, those beignets were so yummy.

Beignets. Yum!

 

The convention was comprised of reader events and industry workshops. One of my favorites was the Cover Wars workshop from Jenn LeBlanc of Studio Smexy. While two artists took the same photo and turned them into two different genre of covers, Jenn took photos of her model, Tristan. He was lovely, and after listening to my arm-chair directorial advice, Jenn told me to step up and do some real directing. No need to ask me twice, I was ready. The best part was when I told Tristan to hold out his hands and I bound them with a length of whip. The front row gasped an audible, “Yes!” We had a good time. He was a great sport and did I mention he was lovely?

Me and the lovely Tristan

 

 

The opening event was at Mardi Gras World, which was massive, and Heather Graham hosted the closing festivities. You had to be there to believe what went down. I do have video. I was also able to spend time with my fellow Ellora’s Cave authors Jennifer Kacey and Erin Simone. We ripped it up many a night.

Erin Simone, Jennifer Kacey and I on the pub crawl

Danielle and I at Mardi Gras World

 

 

 

 

The biggest events were Saturday with the book fair and Fan-tastic day. Attendance was in the thousands and the day did not go by without its fair-share of controversy. All in all, I met a lot of great people, especially those who were playing the Seattle Author Search. We had so much fun, a bunch of other authors want to get in on the search next year.

Talking to readers makes for a parched mouth

It’s book fair time

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of next year… RT 2015 is in Dallas. If the stars align, I should be there. And by stars I mean sell a bunch of books, so I ask you to help a girl out.

Till next year.

Contest Time Again! Night Owl Reviews and RT Convention

Spring has sprung and I have a new book out. What better way to celebrate than with a couple of contests?

First up, I’m giving away ten copies from the Heroes of Saturn series. Have you not yet met Kristos, Lucian, Dhavin or Bale? Why not??

Anyway, here’s your chance. If you’re one of the ten lucky winners, you can choose which ever book you wish.

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Giveaway-10-Winners-Full-Heroes-Of-Saturn-Series-by-Anna-Alexander

On May 13th I’ll be in New Orleans for the RT Convention. Readers, authors, cover models and Hurricanes. What more could a person want?

How about $100?

Danielle Monsch, Crista McHugh, Anna Richland and myself will be carrying drink recipe cards with us at the conference. Collect all four then send an email to SeattleAuthorSearch@gmail.com with the drink names and be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card. As a bonus, I’ll be giving away a few copies from my series as well.

Aren’t giveaways fun?