Stephanie Julian's Blog, page 16

Authors After Dark 2011

I had a great time at Authors After Dark in Philadelphia. Got to meet lots of readers and bloggers and had a blast at the Mythos Masquerade and Steampunk Ball.

If you couldn't be there, here are a few pix to make you jealous and get you hyped for next year in New Orleans. If you were, well, then you know how much fun we had.

Judi Fennell and I at the Mythos Masquerade


 Tere Michaels and RA VAuse at the Steampunk Ballv
  Caridad Pinero and me at the Steampunk Ball













Caridad and Judi Fennel




 Rhonda Tutt and me at the Steampunk Ball
   Author Sydney Ayers at the Steampunk Ball
Blogger Panel with Intense Whisper Robin, JoJo, Minx, SpazP, Smexy
Me and Jen Twimom

HOW TO WORSHIP A GODDESS cover reveal

HE'S EXACTLY WHAT SHE ALWAYS WANTED,AND SHE UNLEASHES HIM LIKE A FORCE OF NATURE...
Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon, and she could have any man she wanted. But these days the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, where one ferociously handsome player still inflames her divine blood…Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could surely fall hard for a distraction like that…
Forgotten Goddesses 2Releases December 2011

Wanna Win WHAT A GODDESS WANTS?

I've been on a whirlwind blog tour all month but as it's coming to a close, I realize I should have been posting them here! Duh me. So I'm going to share the links to interviews and guest blogs where you could comment for a chance to get a copy of WHAT A GODDESS WANTS.


That's What I'm Talking About with Twimom

Parajunkee


A triple blog promotion is happening at For the Love of Books, Literal Addiction Paranormal Book Club and Book Monster Reviews.
You can also win a copy of GRACE IN MOONLIGHT at these sites too!



Chatting with Saucy & Sinful



As The Pages Turn

GRACE IN MOONLIGHT releases tomorrow!

July is passing in a blur. WHAT A GODDESS WANTS released July 1 and I've been guest blogging all over the place but I'm also on deadline for GODDESS IN THE MIDDLE, the third book in the series so I've been a little lax hanging out here.

But tomorrow, July 20, GRACE IN MOONLIGHT, the fifth book in the Lucani Lovers series, releases, and I wanted to make sure everybody knew. This is Grace and Kaisie's story. Grace has done some bad things in her life but I hope after reading her story, you'll understand her and why she deserves the wonderful Kaisie. I love older men with more than a little experience and miles behind them. Yes, they're set in their ways but they're also confident and know what they want.

I hope you adore Kaisie as much as I do.

And just for the record, I think this cover may be one of my absolute favorites. It's by Syneca. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Hope you enjoy the excerpt below. There's also another one on my website here.

Stop back tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of GRACE IN MOONLIGHT.


GRACE IN MOONLIGHT excerpt:


Her backstraightened and the tears dried in her eyes. "What exactly are you laughingat? None of this is funny.""Youthinking you're going to be leaving in a week is funny as all hell, woman.Where do you think you're going to go? Amy won't leave Mara behind and Mara'salmost ready to give birth so she's not going anywhere. Alex likes it here. Andadmit it. So do you. Aren't you sick of running yet? Besides, you'd miss me ifyou left."Every wordwas a jackhammer at her bruised heart. Every single word true. Except that laststatement. Of course she wouldn't miss him.Shewouldn't miss his gorgeous face or those luminous green eyes or his strength. Or the wayhe'd made love to her that one stolen night that seemed so far away now. Buthad been less than two days ago.He wasright, of course. Where could she take her children and Mara where Ettore orthe Mal wouldn't find her?Had shemerely traded one prison for another? Why had the lucaniallowed her to drag them into her battle?"Why?" Sheshook her head as she spoke that one simple word.Kaisie hadstopped laughing but he still wore the ghost of a smile. "If you have to ask,you're not ready for the answer." He paused, his smile disappearing completely."And now you need to stop obsessing for a few hours and get some sleep.""I don'tthi—"He leanedforward, captured her chin in his hand and pressed his mouth over hers, cuttingoff whatever she'd been about to say. He kissed her, lips closed, eyes open. Apromise. A threat. Avow that Grace found more than a little reassuring

WHAT A GODDESS WANTS reviews are in and a new NEW release!

WHAT A GODDESS WANTS has been getting lots of love from the reviewers and I just can't tell you how freaking great that feels!

I'm so happy readers are responding to so well to Tessa and Cal's love story. Below are just a few comments. But first...


I have a release date for GRACE IN MOONLIGHT, Book 5 in the Lucani Lovers series.  JULY 20! That's two weeks. Woot! And whoa. My feet are paddling as fast as they can right now. Must eat more Junior Mints for energy.

Now to reviews:

A Bookworm's Haven: "There was fast paced action, hot romance, fascinating mythology and fantastic secondary characters that all make What a Goddess Want a must read. I am looking forward to the next book..."

Book Lovers Inc.: "What a Goddess Wants is a fantastic start for a series that will surely go directly onto my keeper shelf." 

The Long and Short of it: Whipped Cream Reviews: "What a Goddess Wants provides a thrilling and unique spin on the gods and goddesses of old while giving readers spice, passion and action all the way through."

Better With Books: "This book is one real page-turner. While one steaming hot scene may come to an end, you can only wonder what the next passion driven scene will be like (and there are a lot of them!) I can't wait for the next instalment of the The Forgotten Goddess series!!"

That's What I'm Talking About: "Cal and Tessa's romance was a pleasure to read. As I said, the smex was smokin' and I would definitely classify the book as erotic. Their pairing evolved seamlessly and their mutual desire tugged at my heartstrings."

Anna's Book Blog: A tale that is steeped in magic and mythology, I loved it. Stephanie Julian never fails to wow me. The suspense and passion are a driving force. I know I have said this before and it's still true, Stephanie's world building is amazing. What A Goddess Wants is fast, exciting and sizzling hot. Looking to crank up the heat this summer - then definitely check out this book.

Royal Reviews: "Stephanie Julian has created a brilliant world that the reader gets lost in. I do have to say that this is a very, very steamy read, I am a bit surprised that the pages were not scorched."

WHAT A GODDESS WANTS is finally available!

Release Day has finally arrived for WHAT A GODDESS WANTS!

I'm thrilled that readers can finally begin the Forgotten Goddesses series and hope you all enjoy. It seems like it's taken forever for this day to be here.

You can find it at Amazon, B&N, Borders, All Romance E Books, Books A Million and many other outlets. If you happen to see it in a physical store, please post a shot on my Facebook page here or on twitter and make sure you tag me @StephanieJulian so I can see it and send you a token of my appreciation.

And here's a sexy little excerpt for you.

***


Lifting his gaze from her chest, he stared into her eyes for several seconds before setting the belt on the altar at his side, still within reach. Then he grabbed the hem of his shirt and whipped it over his head.
And her mouth became as dry as the Sahara. Oh, Blessed Goddess, the man should have been a god himself.
He had a truly magnificent chest, broad and hard and so well defined. Even though he couldn't be in the sun, his skin held a slight tan that appeared even darker in the light of the oil lights. The muscles of his pecs bunched and shifted beneath that skin, though he wasn't flexing or showing off. He merely had to move his arms, the biceps bulging with strength, to make his body respond in beautiful ways.
Her lips longed to suck on those flat brown nipples, peaked and hard. She wanted to taste him, bite him, and when she'd done that, she'd move down to the ridges of his abs, so clearly defined.
He had a faint sprinkling of dark hair over his chest that narrowed to a line that disappeared into the waistband of his black pants. She wanted to let her tongue follow that line as her fingers worked the button on those pants. She wanted to get her mouth on his cock again, to suck on him until he came in her mouth.
"You keep looking at me like that, and I won't be responsible for my actions."
With an effort, she drew her gaze back up his body, though her smile was gone. "What about your pants?"
"You do it. Just don't touch my cock. You touch me and this may all be over."
"You have too much control for that, Cal."
"Not around you, apparently." His voice hissed through clenched teeth as she carefully pushed the button on his pants through its hole. But she didn't get to work on the zipper because Cal swore under his breath and lifted her onto the altar.
The smooth surface of the polished wood beneath her buttocks and thighs should have been cool to the touch, but she barely noticed it as Cal put his mouth over her lips and bullied his tongue past her teeth to curl around hers.
With both hands on her face, he controlled her head, moving her into the perfect position to ravage her mouth.
Her arms circled his broad shoulders before she splayed her hands flat against his back, feeling the play of muscle under his warm skin as his tongue teased and tempted.
The heat of his body felt like a furnace blast against her skin, but she wanted him pressed against her. She urged him closer until her breasts were flattened against his chest.
Then she felt him still.
Lifting his mouth from her, he let his lips brush against her cheek until he spoke directly into her ear. "Lie back and spread your legs. And don't move."

And More Lower Prices

Another three books in the Magical Seduction series have had their prices lowered on Amazon and Ellora's Cave. SEDUCED & ENSNARED is at Amazon for $1.19. SEDUCED BY CHAOS is at Amazon for $2.39 and SEDUCED BY DANGER is available for $1.19.
At Ellora's Cave, you can get CHAOS for $1.99. I expect the other prices on the site to go down. Still waiting for prices to fall at B&N.
Seduced & Ensnared third in the Magical Seduction series Etruscan linchetto Cam de Feo is ruthless, determined to keep his magical family safe at all costs. Stella Palmer is a means to an end—nothing more. He will seduce her then use her to trap her evil uncle. He never expected to fall for the beauty. For Stella, Cam is the right man for a white-hot one-night stand. But in the bright light of day, she realizes he has much more to offer than great sex. While the dark forces of the Mal threaten, family secrets will be revealed and Stella will discover a hidden world—filled with love and magic!
Seduced by Chaos fifth in the Magical Seduction series Tall, dark and handsome, the guy walks into Lacey's bar like he's expecting to be hit with a hail of bullets. There's something about him that draws her but Lacey has a secret. One that could threaten her life if it's exposed. The woman behind the bar is gorgeous and pushes every single one of Teo's buttons. He wants her—even though he's dangerous and it's only a matter of time before he explodes. But one night of magical sex and all bets are off as Lacey's secret catches up with her and Teo will risk everything, including himself, to keep her safe. And make her his.
Seduced by Danger sixth in the Magical Seduction series A man will do just about anything for love—even kill. Four down, one to go. Michael Corsi is on the trail of the last man who made life a living hell for his lover. But first, he wants one last reminder of what he's fighting for. He needs to see his woman and his son before he goes up against his toughest foe. And probably to his death. Michael is the father of the son Cara never expected to have. The man who brought her a love she never expected to feel, and a passion that she won't live without. She'll do whatever it takes to be sure Michael returns to her—even it means tying him to her very soul.

New Lower Prices

If you've been waiting to read the first couple of books in the Magical Seduction series (and you've got a Kindle or Kindle app), wait no longer.

SEDUCED BY MAGIC (#1), SEDUCED IN SHADOW (#2) and SEDUCED & ENCHANTED (#4), are  available at Amazon for $2.39. I'm expecting the prices to go down as well at Barnes & Noble but that hasn't happened yet.

Want it even cheaper? The Ellora's Cave site has SEDUCED BY MAGIC, SEDUCED IN SHADOW and SEDUCED & ENCHANTED for $1.99.

SEDUCED BY MAGIC introduces the Etruscan community and features some of the characters you'll meet in WHAT A GODDESS WANTS, the first book in the Forgotten Goddesses series, available June 1.

Wanna know more?


Seduced by Magic first in the Magical Seduction series  Justin Johannson knows there are mythical creatures living among us. He's been trying to prove their existence for years. Research gets a lot more interesting when he finds a winged woman in his bed. Etruscan folletta Scarlata is convinced Justin is in league with an evil businessman bent on capturing her for scientific study, which is so not going to happen. She decides that Justin needs to be taught a lesson to leave her and the rest of the mythical creatures in peace — after she has a little fun of her own. The beautiful folletta never expected to fall for a human and Justin is about to discover that true magic really does exist in the world. And in him.
Seduced in Shadow second in the Magical Seduction series When Etruscan linchetto Antonin de Feo is hired to guard Ellie Johannson, he immediately wants to become better acquainted with her luscious body. Unknown to her, Ellie is the daughter of the Etruscan God of the Woods and her father fears for her safety. When Ellie is almost kidnapped, Antonin has the perfect place to keep her safe—in his bed. He's fallen hard for the beauty but he fears his secrets might drive her away or put her in more danger. Ellie cannot resist her sexy bodyguard and promptly lands in his bed. She never wants to get out but the dark forces are gathering.
Seduced & Enchanted fourth in the Magical Seduction series Linchetto Rio de Feo has just met the woman of his dreams. Rosie Bianchi is smart, sexy, sweet…and cursed. She's got an evil dead witch on her tail and a secret even she doesn't know anything about. Rosie can't believe her good luck. The gorgeous guy she just met is Prince Charming material. But after one night of hot sex, Rosie wakes up with magical powers and is thrust into a battle for her life. Love will need a little help and a little luck, but where there are enchanted roses and three godmothers, there's magic.

Happy Graduation, My Son

 My first baby graduates from high school today.

Please allow me a minute to catch my breath.

It's seems like only yesterday I was putting Taylor on the bus to elementary school. I don't remember shedding many tears that day. Maybe because I was too busy chasing after his younger brother, who had only two speeds at that time, full-speed-ahead and asleep. Actually, that hasn't changed.

Tay was never much for going anywhere fast. He rode his bike but never recklessly. He played soccer for many years, but he usually played goalie. He's been studying karate since the age of five and has learned a great deal of discipline and control, which fits his personality to a T. This summer, he'll be testing for his black belt. Not a fast process but he's hung in there and all that hard work will pay off soon.

In eighth grade, when he decided he wanted to run cross country, his dad and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Sure, we run--my husband a lot faster than me--but Tay had never shown any interest. We were both pleased that he'd taken an interest in something both of us love. He was never the fastest kid on the team. In fact, he was one of the slowest. We didn't care and neither did he. For Tay, cross country was more about the team. They were a good group of guys and we will miss those Tuesday meets come fall when Tay goes to college.

He's easing into that as well. He'll attend Penn State Berks Campus and live at home for the first two years. I must admit I'm happy to have him around for another two years. If he were going away to college, we wouldn't have the opportunity to go to concerts and shows and movies as much as we do know. I know that day will come, though, so I'm grateful to have more time with him.

When he goes to college, he'll be studying physics. As an English major, I can tell you how to spell it and where the word is derived from but I have no idea what it is or what you do with it. Tay does. He actually enjoys math that looks like so much alphabet soup to me. My husband and I both come from a writing background. We have no idea where Tay gets his love of science. We're just happy he's able to pursue it.

So congratulations, baby, on finishing this first part of your life. Just don't rush into the rest of it.

How Writing Has Changed Me by Missy Jane

    Please welcome Guest Blogger Missy Jane, fellow EC author!     I've always been an avid reader with a wild imagination. As a child I used to make up stories, but never tried to put them to paper until I became an adult. At first, I wasn't writing to get published. I was writing for myself, to get the story out of my brain so I could stop obsessing over it. That changed in 2008 with my first publishing contract and me along with it. I'm a different person now in many ways and most of that is because of what I write. I began with my love of fantasy and paranormal, but it didn't take long for sexual overtones to take the driver's seat. As an erotica reader there are things I'd seen in print that made me blush, cringe and frown in disbelief. As a writer? Well, let's just say I now know a whole lot more than I used to. Research isn't always boring.     So, I was thinking over ways that I've changed since writing became a big part of my life and this is what I've come up with:
             1. I don't blush as easily anymore. I was raised in a household where sex wasn't just a dirty word, it wasn't a word at all. I've joked with my mom that I don't know how in the hell I learned about sex at all. But I have four children so obviously…           2. I'm more honest with myself about a lot of things. If there's anything the editing process should teach a writer, it's to be thick-skinned. No one's perfect and editors are good at pointing that truth out from the first. I LOVE my editors. I've been very lucky to work with smart, funny, easy-going women who know their job well. They make me look good and that's a definite plus in my book.3.      3. I've become a typo snob. My editors might argue this point since I still make mistakes. However, as a reader I've become much more critical of the printed words I'm paying for than I was before going through the editing process. Typos now jump out at me and can sometimes disrupt my enjoyment of a book. Sigh…if only they had my editors.        4. I know more about sex than my husband. Though he was a jock and I was a band geek, I can easily say that through research I'm more well-versed in things sexual than my stud-muffin. I haven't actually told him that, but I think he's figured it out. Neither if us have mentioned it and he reaps the benefits of my knowledge. It's definitely a win-win.    Has reading a certain genre, or reading in general, changed you as a person? Is there a particular book, author, or topic you've read that had a definite impact on you as a person? Comment with your answer below and include your email address. All comments are entered into my Birthday Blog Tour contest. Good luck!
    Missy Jane is a paranormal and erotic romance author published through Samhain and Ellora's Cave. Free samples of her work can be found at her website: http://www.msmissyajne.com*Make reading a guilty pleasure…*