Mari Carr's Blog, page 52
September 4, 2013
Meet the Heat Sami Lee
What is your favorite book?
I cut my romance reading teeth on Harlequins and LaVyrle Spencer books, so I’d have to say LaVyrle Spencer’s November of the Heart. I’ve lost my copy of it, too *sniff*
What is your favorite food?
The edible kind. Seriously, I just love everything, especially if it’s salty.
What is your favorite song/singer/ type of music?
Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. I’m kidding, of course. Can’t Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus. Snort! I’m so sorry, I’ll be serious. I love Pink, think she’s a great songwriter, performer, person, example for young girls. She’s got the lot.
What are your goals for the future (writing or personal)?
That’s the kind of question planner types always ask. I’m looking at you, Mari.
If you could co-write a book with any author, who would you choose and why?
I’ve never even thought of co-writing. I’m such a control freak when it comes to my work that I’m not sure I could ever let anyone make half my decisions. They’d have to be someone talented and hardworking, yet pliable so they’d write whatever I wanted them to and allow my name to be above theirs on the cover. Perhaps I should ask James Patterson where he gets his minions.
What was the hardest scene you’ve ever written?
The first MM scene I ever wrote, in Erica’s Choice. Redrafted that sucker about a dozen times.
What’s your favorite book you’ve ever written?
Hopefully, the next one! Seriously, Sunset Knight has a special place in my heart and always will. My upcoming release, Unforgettable Summer, has the same kind of feel, about two people who belong together trying to overcome obstacles to make it work when their lives don’t immediately seem to mesh. That’s the kind of book I love to write.
If you could have any of your books made into a movie, which one would you choose and who would play the hero/heroine?
I’ve just written a romantic comedy and it’s the only book of mine I can even picture as a movie because it’s got that classic rom-com argue-sex-argue-love-argue-give it all up for the other one kind of feel to it. I see Reese Witherspoon and Gerard Butler, if they could pull off Australian accents.
Boxers or briefs?
For me to wear or him? In both cases, boxers.
September 3, 2013
Shelley Munro
Shelley Munro is visiting the blog today to talk about her latest release! It looks absolutely fantastic! She’s holding a contest too!
Friends to Lovers and Friends-With-Benefits
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romantic plot types. This classic plot has been around for a long time, and I’ve written several stories that fit this trope. Friends-with-benefits is a more modern twist on the same theme—a cousin, if you will.
THE BOTTOM LINE, the first book in my Love and Friendship series is your typical friends to lovers. I also chucked in a friends-with-benefits scenario to complicate matters and had lots of fun during the writing.
Here are the reasons I like the friends and lovers plot:
1. The characters already know a lot about each other, their strengths and weaknesses, and know exactly how to hurt each other.
2. There is a lot of inbuilt conflict and tension. If the romance ends, will the friendship continue? Will it be the same as before?
3. Other friends and family may have to pick sides in the case of a breakup.
4. Other friends might not approve.
5. A friends-with-benefits arrangement requires frank discussion and honesty in order to work successfully.
6. A friends-with-benefits plot is all about the sex, which is perfect for the erotic romance genre.
My characters, Connor and Maggie in THE BOTTOM LINE face many problems, and although they know each other well, Maggie has a secret desire that threatens to blow their fledgling relationship apart.
Here’s the blurb:
Spicing up her sex life sounds exciting…until the fantasy hits the fan.
When Maggie Drummond buys an erotic romance novel by mistake, she gets more than an unexpected eyeful. She gets an introduction to a world that arouses her to a fever pitch: Spanking.
Her boyfriend isn’t interested in pushing his vanilla-flavored sexual boundaries. Then there’s Connor Grey, who haunts her fantasies like a magical genie. As a source of masculine advice for her and her female friends, he’s off limits. The only safe place to explore her fetish is her anonymous blog.
The recent changes in Maggie don’t escape Connor’s notice. Now that her boyfriend has dropped her, he can finally—carefully—make his move. Given his family history, laying a hand on any woman, even in fun, is a line he’s reluctant to cross. But for Maggie? Anything the lady wants.
As Maggie gives in to the temptation to let Connor add some sin to her life, she finds herself juggling lies, half-truths, friendship and sensual delights. Her job is in jeopardy—and she’s falling in love. Exploring her fantasy is one thing, but she’s beginning to question if indulging her own pleasure is worth the cost to everyone around her. Especially Connor…
PURCHASE LINKS:
Samhain Publishing http://store.samhainpublishing.com/bo...
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003...
All Romance e-books http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
CONTEST: Answer the following question and go into a draw to win an Amazon Gift (3 x winners). What do you think would be the best thing and the worst thing about falling for a friend?
Shelley Munro – Bio
Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.
Shelley is also a writer blessed with a VERY vivid imagination and lives with her own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres for publishers Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. You can learn more about Shelley and her books at the links below:
September 1, 2013
Quote of the Day
This month I thought I’d feature quotes from the movie Overboard. This is my go-to, ultimate escape movie. Love the romance and the humor more than I can say.
So let’s start with a classy one.
“I’m a short…fat…slut.” – Goldie Hawn
August 30, 2013
Saturday Snippet
This week is Author’s Choice, so I thought I’d share a snippet from Party Naked. This book is FREE for the next two weeks, so I hope you’ll take the opportunity to download it and give the Cocktales series a try.
Party Naked is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ellora’s Cave, Sony, All Romance Ebooks and Kobo.
Snippet:
Stephanie rubbed a weary hand over her face. The Romantic Hearts book club meeting was in full-swing as she dropped off the second round of Screwdrivers. She wasn’t sure what book they were discussing, but it must have been a hot one. The ladies were animated and laughing loudly over a certain racy passage.
It was only seven o’clock, but she felt like she’d been on her feet for years rather than a few hours. She was still stewing over the parking ticket in her pocket. She’d never met a more arrogant, condescending police officer in her life. She had half a mind to storm over to the police department and file a complaint against Detective Nolan.
The only thing holding her back was that ultimately she had been wrong. She should have known better than to do something so stupid. Her day had been one long string of bad luck. It only stood to reason that the first time she’d ever double-parked in her life, she’d block in a freaking cop. Murphy’s Law was having a lot of fun at her expense.
She hadn’t told the other girls about the ticket upon returning to the bar because she was equal parts irritated and embarrassed. She’d just carefully stepped over the mat, put the liquor bottles on the counter and gotten to work.
Surprisingly Thursdays were pretty good days for them, business-wise. In addition to the book club meeting, there were quite a few regulars who came to have a drink or two and unwind with a newspaper or the newest novels.
Speaking of regulars, Stephanie took a detour to a chair in the corner. “You need me to freshen up your drink, Elias?”
Elias Clark was Books and Brew’s most loyal patron. He came in two nights a week—Thursdays and Saturdays—and he always followed the same routine. He’d claim his chair in the quietest corner of the shop, drink two scotch and sodas—never more than two—and read the newspaper. Then he’d find Jayne and she’d talk him into buying a new book.
“Thank you, Stephanie. I believe I am ready for my second glass.”
She picked up his empty tumbler and started to walk back to the bar, but Elias stopped her with a question. “You okay tonight? You seem tired. That’s not like you. You’re usually the life of this place.”
She smiled at his compliment and shrugged easily. “I’ve had a long day.”
A very long one, she thought.
“Perhaps you could take off early?” Elias suggested. “Go home and rest. I bet the other ladies wouldn’t mind covering for you.”
Stephanie glanced around the shop. Jayne was leading the book discussion, while Sophie and Jordan were helping various customers, either by finding books or serving drinks.
She shook her head. “Only a few more hours until closing time. I’ll be fine ’til then.”
Elias gave her a friendly smile and she felt grateful for his concern.
She was halfway to the bar when she spotted a familiar face walking through the front door. She stopped in her tracks. Detective Nolan sauntered in like he owned the place and the temper she’d managed to subdue all afternoon flared hot once again.
He glanced around the bar quickly, looking over at the boisterous book group as he took a seat at the end of the bar. His gaze missed her completely.
Suddenly she felt as if the clouds on her lousy day had lifted and she’d been granted a bit of good fortune. She’d had hours to fume about the detective’s behavior and, as always happened, she’d thought of a million clever, cutting things she could have said to him after she’d driven away. She’d been pissed off about missing her opportunity.
A smile crossed her face. Time for round two.
She walked toward him.
As if sensing sudden danger, the detective turned, his gaze catching hers as she approached. She enjoyed the myriad emotions that covered his face in the few short steps it took her to reach him—surprise, annoyance, anger and, finally, was that regret? The last pulled her up short for a moment, then she drew near.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t De—”
The detective grabbed her shoulders, pulled her toward him and cut off her words with a kiss that left her stunned motionless for a full thirty seconds.
What the hell?
Party Naked is available for FREE at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ellora’s Cave, Sony, All Romance Ebooks and Kobo.
Want more snippets?
Lauren Dane
Caris Roane
Eliza Gayle
Lissa Matthews
McKenna Jeffries
Shiloh Walker
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Leah Braemel
August 28, 2013
Meet the Heat Jess Dee
What is your favorite book? Karen Marie Moning’s Kiss of the Highlander. Read it at least once a year. Love it to bits.
What is your favorite food? Not gonna pretend to play favorites here. If it’s edible, I love it. (Except for marzipan. That is someone’s idea of a cruel joke. Making it look so good, and taste so bad.)
What is your favorite song: This changes often, but for the longest time it was See Beneath Your Beautiful, by Labrinth and Emile Sande. Played it continually while I wrote Rhythm Of My Heat.
Listen, it’s stunning:
What are your goals for the future? I would be stoked if I could find my mojo again, and write at least two more books this year. (Hmm, anyone seen my mojo? Anyone? Anywhere?)
If you could co-write a book with any author, who would you choose and why? Honestly? I’m so slack when it comes to schedules and deadlines, I think anyone who tried to co-write a book with me would end up shooting me. At least twice. So I’m gonna be the lone writer on this question.
What was the hardest scene you’ve ever written? The opening scene from Hidden Fire. I rewrote that sucker so many times I started to hate the book. Finally I began the story in a completely different time and place, and the book flowed from there.
What’s your favorite book you’ve ever written? I have a few I love passionately. Photo Opportunity, because Daniel, the hero, is kinda like my ideal guy. See You In My Dreams, because it contains my favorite ever scene – the one at the concert. Grinned like a fool writing it. And then there’s my current bestest: Rhythm Of My Heart. It took me a year to find the story, but when I finally did, I loved it so much, I shoved all my other writing projects aside to work on it.
If you could have any of your books made into a movie, which one would you choose and who would play the hero/heroine? See You In My Dreams (which of course would be followed by the two sequels, Colors Of Love and Rhythm of My Heart. J)
Who would I see playing the parts? ARGHHHH! I don’t know. The characters are so clear in my head, It’s hard to cast real life people into the parts.
Boxers or briefs? Boxers. Hands down. Any time.
Jess’s Links:
Website: www.jessdee.com
Blog: jessdee.wordpress.com
International Heat: www.intlheat.com
Down Under Divas: downunderdivas.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jessdeewriter
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jess.dee.921
Cover: More Than Lovers, book 2 in the More Than series, releasing on Sep 17 from Samhain Publishing.
Available for preorder at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
August 26, 2013
Quote of the Day
Last quote from The Princess Bride. Next month, I’m featuring my all-time favorite movie, Overboard (don’t judge me–lol).
“When I was your age, television was called books.”
Amen.
Free Book!
Have you had a chance to read the Cocktales series yet? If not, the first book in this series, Party Naked, will be free for the next two weeks!
Four girlfriends open their dream business, Books and Brew, a combination bar/bookstore in Portland, Oregon.
Cocktales, Book One
Stephanie Harper is perfectly happy co-owning Books and Brew, where she slings drinks and entertains her friends with cutting wit and a cynical take on love. She’s convinced she has no time for anything deeper than sex; she has a business to run, after all. And her thrice-married mother has proven happy every after doesn’t exist.
Jarod Nolan begs to differ. Chance has him running into Steph—and giving her a ticket—one morning, but it’s fate that finds him in her place of business that same evening. A sizzling one-night stand ensues, and although Stephanie escapes before he wakes the next morning, Jarod is already sure she’s worth the chase.
Steph’s more than willing to party naked with the hot cop, but she’s adamant they’re driven by lust, not love. Jarod is prepared to prove otherwise, even if it means giving up one of the things he and Stephanie do best…
What’s that old saying? Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?
Read excerpt.
Party Naked is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ellora’s Cave, Sony, All Romance Ebooks and Kobo.
Screwdriver
Cocktales, Book Two
When Jordan Lance isn’t pouring over spreadsheets for Books and Brew, she’s fantasizing about the store’s landlord. Too bad she’s squarely in Gabriel’s “just friends” column. Jordan’s prepared to pine forever—until she meets Casey. The handyman is hot, handsome, charming…and Gabriel’s best friend. Suddenly her wicked fantasies are porntastic times two.
Casey has suspected his friend’s interest in Jordan. If he can push them together, he might get Gabriel off the bimbo train he’s been riding. The plan? Jealousy. And it’s working. It’s not long before Gabriel’s deeper feelings for Jordan emerge. Problem is…so do Casey’s. What happens when two friends want the same woman? Red-hot ménage, baby.
Two gorgeous men playing every inch of her body? Um, yes please! Jordan doesn’t know if threesomes are considered acceptable, but she’s sure of one thing—being this bad feels far too good.
Read excerpt.
Screwdriver is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ellora’s Cave, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, and Kobo.
Bachelor’s Bait
Cocktales, Book Three
Sophia Kennedy is determined to chase her own success, rather than ride her father’s coattails. She’s devoted herself to Books and Brew, the business she owns with her three best friends. She doesn’t feel the need to explain herself to anyone, least of all the free-aid lawyer who’s determined to judge her as a society princess. She’d ignore him altogether…if it were up to her mind. But nooooo. Her body just has to have its say—and it’s using words like “gorgeous”, “hot” and “sexy”. Soon, annoyance turns to attraction, verbal sparring to physical satisfaction as the couple is drawn together by a common cause.
Marc Garrett has no time for a relationship. And he certainly doesn’t want a rich society fixture, though the damning evidence below his belt suggests otherwise. The more he comes to know his hardworking princess, the more he wants her, again and again. Marc’s falling hard, but after holding Sophie’s wealth against her, how will she react when she learns of his own rather prosperous roots?
Bachelor’s Bait is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon, Kobo, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, and Barnes and Noble.
Read an excerpt.
Screaming Orgasm
Cocktales, Book Four
Jayne Kent has watched her best friends and business partners fall in love while romance continues to pass her by. When Books and Brew regular Elias Clark offers her a Screaming Orgasm, she wishes it was the sexual variety rather than a lousy drink. She’s been lusting after Elias forever and suspects he could bring all her naughty, kinky fantasies to life.
Elias has resisted his attraction to Jayne for years, assuming his dominance in the bedroom would send sweet, romantic Jayne running for the hills. Or would it? Alone in a snowstorm, Elias tests the waters and is blown away by Jayne’s innate submissiveness and eagerness to stretch her boundaries. Ice play? Bondage? Flogging? Bring it on.
Soon it’s no longer a question of whether or not Elias should pursue Jayne, even if she’s not sure she’s brave enough to submit to him forever. She’s made for him, and this determined alpha male will stop at nothing until he’s claimed her—completely.
Screaming Orgasm is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
August 23, 2013
Meet the Heat Lila Dubois
I don’t think it’s any secret I think Lila Dubois is the bee’s knees. This gal is funny and talented, creative and crazy. All awesome things in my book. We’re having a blast writing the Trinity Masters series together. One of the best decisions I ever made was begging her to co-write something with me! This week, the IntlHeat spotlight is shining on her!
What is your favorite book?
A wrinkle in time.
What is your favorite food?
cake
What is your favorite type of music?
New American Folk
What are your goals for the future (writing or personal)?
World domination
If you could co-write a book with any author, who would you choose and why?
Jim Butcher. Love his writing. Or Elizabeth Peters
What was the hardest scene you’ve ever written?
They’re ALL hard. But I recently had to kill some little kids (not a Lila book). That was not fun.
What’s your favorite book you’ve ever written?
The Fire and the Earth. I love that book–mystery, ghosts, strong silent hero. Le sigh.
If you could have any of your books made into a movie, which one would you choose and who would play the hero/heroine?
I’d have the Glenncailty Castle series made in to movies.
Boxers or briefs?
Who actually wears briefs. I have literally never seen a man wearing them. In real life. The opening of Breaking Bad had Walt in briefs.
Wanna learn more about Lila?
website
newsletter
August 22, 2013
It’s a Hoedown!
It’s a party over at the Smutketeers as I celebrate all things COWBOY with my pals, R.G., Robin and Jayne. Hope you’ll stop over to check it out. There is a REALLY awesome contest and prize ($50 gift card to Amazon and books!). Y’all stop by!
August 20, 2013
A new Bianca book!
Shared a release day yesterday with one of my dearest friends. I was a fan of Bianca’s long before I started writing. That girl crush only grew stronger after I met her. She’s an amazing writer, but she’s an even better friend. Don’t miss this book!
Master at Arms by Bianca D’Arc
As her world goes up in flames, two knights focus on her safety – and her pleasure.
When the call to arms goes out, the dragon Golgorath is the first to take to the skies. Until he finds a knight to equal his heart and fighting skill, Rath flies alone while is mate must wait for her knight, Thorn, to climb on her back. The battleground is a familiar one, an old keep, a noble house without a patriarch, under attack from the evil, snake-like skiths.
Lady Cara can fight, but knows better than to try to lead men. With her brother wounded, she relies on her new Master at Arms, Tristan. He is a mysterious, recklessly brave foreigner who can never be hers, as she is to be married off to the highest bidder.
Amidst the battle, Rath spies the warrior doing the impossible-slaying a skith single handed. Rath realizes fate may have just stepped in to help both dragons and men. In Tristan, Rath sees a man worthy of being his knight and, together with Thorn, win Lady Cara’s heart into a triad of love. If Tristan’s loyalties can first be won by dragonkind.
Warning: When two dragons really want something, it’s best not to stand in their way. And when their knights are focused on a single woman, nothing and no one will stop them from getting what they want. Beware! This trio gets up to all kinds of naughtiness in the pursuit of true love.
For More Information Visit: WWW.BIANCADARC.COM
Excerpt:
“Yes, some salve would be welcome,” Rath answered. “Perhaps Tristan could assist? It is not easy for one as petite as you to reach the area that needs to be treated, milady. He could help you up and hold the heavy crock.” Rath seemed to be laying it on a bit thick, but it wasn’t Cara’s place to question a dragon, even if it would put her in uncomfortable proximity to the Master at Arms.
Cara had loved the way Tristan had made her feel. But his rejection when he realized who she was still didn’t sit well. She didn’t give her favors easily. Usually, not at all. But there was something about the foreign warrior that called to her. Something that made her act out of character and climb into his bed when they had only just met.
Things between them had been strained ever since and she almost regretted the night they spent together. Almost. But she couldn’t quite bring herself to regret such magnificent pleasure. Or the deep and abiding love she still held in her heart for the troubling man.
Following the dragon’s instructions without any show of reluctance, Tristan helped her up behind Rath’s wing. The dragon didn’t make it easy for her to climb aboard, and she thought maybe it hurt for him to move. But Tristan put down the crock to slide his hands around her waist and boost her up. She balanced awkwardly over the dragon’s back while Tristan bent to retrieve the crock of salve. He was only gone a moment.
Tristan was very close. Closer than he’d been in too long a time. As she worked on Rath’s injuries, she could feel Tristan pressing against her legs and backside with his chest as he held her in place. He supported her with one hand, hoisting the crock upward with the other so it was within her reach. It was very intimate and reminded her of other, more sensuous touches. Her breathing hitched in her chest and she realized she needed to get herself under better control. She had to concentrate on the dragon. Sir Rath needed her help now.
“Sorry to interrupt.” A familiar male voice sounded from the entrance, making Cara jump.
She lost her balance and fell backward into Tristan’s arms. He grunted but managed to catch her. She heard the thump of the heavy crock of salve as it fell to the ground. Luckily, it hit a spot covered by soft pine boughs and didn’t break. She saw it as they nearly overbalanced and she tipped a little too far forward and to the right.
Then more arms came out of the darkness to support her and she felt the warmth of the newly arrived man in front, with Tristan still holding her from behind.
Oh, boy.
Everybody froze for a moment as balance was restored. Equilibrium was another thing. Surrounded by two well-muscled warriors—both of whom she admired more than any other men she had ever met—Cara was more than a little breathless.
“My apologies, Lady Cara, I didn’t mean to startle you.” The deep voice came from the newcomer standing so close, facing her, his big hands bracing her arms.
His words seemed incredibly intimate, spoken in such a low, almost breathless tone. His grip went from bracingly supportive to gentle as she steadied, and his gaze held hers in a new and exciting way.
“Sir Thorn,” she whispered. If Tristan had competition for her heart, this was the man. The only man besides the Master at Arms that she reacted to so strongly.
Tristan’s arms relaxed, letting her slide a short distance down so that her backside rubbed along him until her feet settled on the floor. Only then did she realize how tall both men were compared to her. She looked upward to find that they were eyeing each other warily over her head.
But neither of them moved. They both seemed engaged in some kind of dominance game with her as the prize. One part of her thrilled at the idea, while another part of her wanted to laugh at their posturing. Although…maybe she wasn’t giving either one of them enough credit. Maybe they were both trying to protect her from the other? That was very possible, given that both men were warriors who were in the business of protecting those more vulnerable than themselves.
And she was definitely vulnerable. If either one of these men ever crooked a finger in her direction, she’d follow wherever they led and damn the consequences. She would have worried about her morality, but in her entire life, only these two men had ever inspired such a heathenish response. She’d only had one other lover, and that a long time ago, when she was just a youngster experimenting with her blossoming body. She would cut any other man down who tried anything she didn’t welcome—and had in the past.
But she knew the truth of her own responses, and if either Sir Thorn or Master Tristan invited her to their bedchamber, she’d probably jump the man and never look back. Quite a realization for a woman who prided herself on her independence.
