Starla Kaye's Blog, page 25
March 3, 2014
March Contest: I Love You Not…
It’s another new month and a new contest. This time it has to do with heroes. Think back to the many heroes you’ve read about and have fun with my contest in connection with Romance Books 4 Us.I Love You Not, I Love You contest – Leave a comment about a book hero that you struggled to like and then fell in love with. One randomly chosen commenter will win a Massage oil candle variety pack. The winner will be chosen April 1, 2014.
February 28, 2014
New review for Acceptance
It is always exciting to get a new review, especially for a book with characters you loved writing about.
Serena Yates from Rainbow Book Reviews gave ACCEPTANCE a very nice review.
“If you like stories full of the reality of life and its pressures…and if you’re looking for a read with lots of hot action and some tough reconsideration of priorities, then you will probably like this short story.”
Full review at: Rainbow Book Reviews
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
February 24, 2014
Tina Donahue – Guest today with Seven Sensuous Days
I’m excited to have Tina Donahue as my guest today. She is happily promoting her new release SEVEN SENSUOUS DAYS from Ellora’s Cave.
Be sure to read all the way through to the end and her CONTEST.
BLURB
At an erotic auction, she’s his to bid on…to take…to command.
The night’s sultry, filled with carnal promise as Tessa participates in an agency event to raise money for charity. She’s chained and bared—as women were once displayed for a sultan’s harem—her sweet looks and full figure offered to the wealthy and powerful men.
Among them is Logan. To him, Tessa is so different from his late wife, the seemingly perfect female who cruelly stole his hope and future. Wanting only to forget and have a good time, he wins Tessa, demanding she be his in every way possible, engaging in all wanton acts, though not only for an evening…for seven sensuous days at his secluded Virginia estate.
A provocative proposal with such a dangerously virile man.
A week that changes everything, with Tessa’s exquisite vulnerability and Logan’s suddenly unquenchable desire more than either bargained for.
EXCERPT
Music swelled, drums drowning out what had sounded like flutes and a female voice trilling something. Blood pounded in Tessa’s ears, muting it all. With her face lowered, all she could see was the purplish sheen of her cape. She sensed the panels in front of her parting, the stage displayed. Beyond it were a series of steps descending to a stone walkway flanked with splashing fountains, which eventually led to the crowd…the one man who was supposed to win her for an evening.
A full day was reserved for goddesses like Felicity. With her participation in this event, Ronnie would probably have enough funds to build a community college for young women.
The microphone screeched with brief feedback. Tessa made a face. Ronnie said something Tessa didn’t quite catch.
She bit her bottom lip, and decided to hell with it. She was going to take Felicity’s advice and fantasize.
“He’s dark and dangerous,” Felicity had said.
His features would be masculine, strong, slightly rough, his face shadowed with his coming beard. No, wait. He’d have a mustache and a closely cropped goatee, that hair as dark as his eyebrows. His eyes would be black, piercing, his skin a deep bronze, his lips satiny, his mouth full and rich.
He’d move into her with a right given him by birth, as a ruler. As a male. Looking down at her, he’d smile, shameless lust transforming his features, making him seem even more dangerous. Sex would be on his terms. He’d take her in any manner he chose. Orally, vaginally, anally, his strength precluding escape, his stiffened cock demanding its due, all that she could—
Tessa’s cunt stopped aching with need as her hood fell away. Or rather, Brian had pulled it back. Instinctively, she lifted her head, her attention darting everywhere, much as she suspected a real captive would have behaved, not knowing what to expect. A part of her mind recorded water spraying from the fountains, the again-subdued music, rich and seductive. Ronnie’s voice. The muted conversations of the ladies with their so-called masters.
Those men who hadn’t yet made their selections were quiet. Tessa regarded each. Some were listening to Ronnie. Others glanced at Tessa’s cloak, no doubt wanting it off.
With a flourish, Brian complied and pulled the thing from her, then lifted her arms above her head, securing her shackled wrists to the column.
Tessa stiffened at being exposed in every way possible. There was no hiding her nudity or expression up here, not with the lights trained on her. They weren’t fully intrusive, just enough illumination to exhibit, making her the brightest spot among all the shadows and the torches’ flickering flames. The toasty breeze skimmed the faint moisture on her cunt and licked her nipples, puckering them even more so that the tips appeared that much longer. Areas Felicity’s makeup had accentuated.
Perspiration prickled Tessa’s neck. Her heart beat out of time, the pose she struck both daunting and oddly arousing. There was absolutely nothing to compare to this…being chained and displayed. A sensation of delicious helplessness. Intense vulnerability.
Especially as no one spoke up.
Oh no.
Embarrassment drove heat to Tessa’s throat and cheeks. The music played on and on. Each second crawled by while her mind raced. Would her part in the auction stop when the piece ended even though no one had offered a price? Would Ronnie call for an intermission then, or would she want to continue with the rest of the event as quickly as—
Someone called out a bid.
Tessa’s heart paused. She hadn’t hear the amount. It didn’t matter. One man, at least, craved her.
Who? She studied the audience. A guy, forty or so, smiled with kindness, rather than lust, no doubt sensing and seeing her uncertainty. She offered her own smile in return, liking his sympathetic manner, wondering if he was the one who’d bid on her.
No. He’d already turned to the server and was now pointing at his drink as though he wanted a new one more than anything else.
So who had made the offer?
Another client kept looking from her to Ronnie. Others took a moment to study the program, see who was coming up next.
That would be Felicity. For her, the men would shout over each other, demanding to be heard, letting the money flow freely.
Another bid rang out.
Completely surprised, Tessa continued to regard the crowd, her attention drawn finally, almost irresistibly, to Logan Kincaid.
She forgot to breathe.
Someone had relit the torch nearest his table. Its bobbing light bathed him in a warm golden glow.
Tessa’s body softened.
Young—thirties or so, just as she’d thought—he wore his dark brown hair longish on the top and sides, combed away from his face. His features were rugged, deliciously masculine, especially his shadow of beard. Tessa had no doubt those short bristles would be rough to the touch, a wonderful contradiction to the silkiness of his lips, his generous mouth. A man’s mouth.
Warmth sluiced through her again, the heat soothing this time. Arousing.
He wore a beige blazer that went well with his tan complexion, his white shirt opened at the collar. Decidedly relaxed. The same as his demeanor. He lowered his drink…whiskey or bourbon…from here it was impossible for her to tell. He glanced at his watch, then surveyed the crowd, not her.
Ronnie took another bid.
With a neutral expression, Logan regarded the man who’d made it.
Tessa didn’t bother to look. She focused on Logan.
Another bid followed the last. As if to determine why, Logan finally glanced at the stage.
Tessa’s pulse pounded. Her legs felt watery.
His attention swept upward from the ridiculous shoes she wore to her naked calves and thighs. He studied her exposed cunt and glittering body jewelry for a moment, then continued to her bared breasts, viewing them briefly before he at last reached her eyes.
There, he stopped, as though he hadn’t meant to. There, he lingered.
Available at: Ellora’s Cave
Release: March 5
Other books in the Appointment with Pleasure series:
About Tina:
Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romances (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.
Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
Blog: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tina.donahue.75
FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/TinaDonahueBooks
Triberr: http://triberr.com/tinadonahue
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tinadonahue
My page at TRR: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=tinadonahue
CONTEST DETAILS:
Tina will choose one commenter as her winner. Winner gets her choice of one of Tina’s award-winning, bestselling ebooks from this list:
1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT
2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit
3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award
4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT
5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT
6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller
7. Take Me Away – #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books
8. Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR
9. SiNN – Nominated for Book of the Week LASR
10. Sinfully Wicked – Magnificent – Romancing the Book
11. Claiming Magique – Top Pick – NOR
12. Illicit Desire – Four Stars Romantic Times
13. Come Fill Me – Five Stars – Guilty Pleasures
February 11, 2014
Crazy Cupid’s Giveaway-All Romance Ebooks
All Romance Ebooks is giving you a chance to shop and have fun in their Crazy Cupid’s Giveaway, Feb 1-28.
It’s easy. (1) Browse, (2) Buy, (3) Check your library to see if you’ve won a prize. Prizes are given randomly upon checkout.
They’re giving away thousands of individual eBooks, thousands of dollars in eBook bucks ranging in value from $10.00-$100.00, eBook readers, swag bags, gift baskets, jewelry, print books signed by the author, and lot’s more!
I am supporting this event by giving away one copy each of VALENTINE’S COWBOY, CUPID’S MISTAKE, and HIS BY VALENTINE’S DAY. And I am giving away a $50 Edens Fantasys gift card.
February 10, 2014
Cowboy Dreamin’ coming February 14
Oh my gosh, Decadent Publishing is releasing my new novella COWBOY DREAMIN’ on Valentine’s Day! My three characters: Kendra, Shane, and Carson will be so happy.
Here is a teaser blurb:
Love and romance rank lowest on Kendra’s To Do List. Still, she fantasizes of a tall, dark and handsome cowboy lover—a white knight in a Stetson who will carry her off into the sunset. That’s only a dream…until Madame Eve sends her two cowboys for a special night. She’s uncertain at first, but how can she resist either of their sexy grins or the heat in their eyes? But will one night really be enough?
I had such fun writing about these three special people and I hope you enjoy reading about them.
Publisher Buy Link: Coming soon listing until February 14 when it will be sold as normal under Starla Kaye.
Buy Link: All Romance Ebooks: Available for pre-order before February 14, after that date it will be available for regular purchasing under Starla Kaye’s books.
Amazon Buy Link: Will be available beginning February 13 under Starla Kaye’s books.
Cowboy Dreamin’
BLURB
Kendra spends her days and nights running a business, sculpting, and leading a Tahitian dance group in Kauai. She can’t squeeze anything else into her life, but she dreams of cowboys. Sexy, hot cowboys in tight jeans, low-tipped Stetsons, and dusty boots. Men who know all about how to please a woman. She enjoys her fantasies, but can’t imagine ever settling down. But one night with one would be so nice. Surely that would get her dreams of a white knight cowboy sweeping her off her feet out of her system.
Because of an accident that Shane believes left him “less of a man,” he doesn’t see a wife and children in his future. Carson, his ranching partner—and sometimes lover—thinks Shane is wrong. Carson refuses to let Shane settle for a life of rodeo bunnies who only want a romp in bed with a bull rider. Shane deserves more than that. He manages to sign Shane up with a matchmaking service to, hopefully, meet another kind of woman, maybe someone who will appreciate Shane for the man he is. Except Madame Evangeline expects both of the cowboys to go on this special one night date. It doesn’t take long for either cowboy to realize that one night with the purple-haired, hip-shaking beauty in Kauai might not be enough….
NOTE: 5 Flames at All Romance Ebooks
Genre: Contemporary, erotic, GLBT, menage
February 8, 2014
Love Spanks 2014
I’m sorry to be late in sharing this, but it is not too late to be a part of this fun event: Love Spanks 2014.
This is a short story extravaganza! F/F authors are showcasing romance, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy and spanking fiction for your enjoyment. Chat with your favorite authors, meet new-to-you authors, find great new books, and meet new friends!
Here is the link to all the fun: Love Spanks 2014
February 3, 2014
Ahhh, Romance -Contest
New month…new contest.
If you haven’t been to the Romance Books 4 Us website, you are missing out on some great authorsand some great contests.
My contest for February begins February 1 and ends February 28. The winner will be chosen on March 1.
CONTEST DETAILS – Ahhh, Romance
Leave a comment here on my website about your best Valentine’s Day ever (or your fantasy of it). One randomly chosen commenter will win Naughty Secrets Body Fragrance.
Starla Kaye author page at Romance Books 4 Us
February 1, 2014
Lots of fun for writers and readers
There are always many amazing and fun things going on in the world, especially in connection with writing. I thought I would take a couple of minutes to share some that I know about.
Simon and Schuster has a new Speculative Fiction imprint, Simon 451. The editors are accepting submissions from unagented authors for Fantasy, Apocalyptic/Dystopian, Supernatural, Science Fiction and other general Speculative Fiction. For details: https://simon451.submittable.com/submit
The Saturday Evening Post is sponsoring a Great American Fiction Contest for 2015. Information at http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest
Lyrical Press is now a digital imprint of Kensington books. They are looking for romance and erotic romance from 25,000 to 110,000 words. Details at http://lyricalpress.com/2014/01/09/call-for-submissions-january-2014/
Spencer Hill Press specializes in paranormal romance, urban fantasy and science fiction for young adult readers. They are seeking submissions from agented and unagented writers. Details at http://www.tulipromance.com/submissions.html
etopia Press is looking for erotic romance manuscripts for upcoming collections. Details at http://etopiapressblog.wordpress.com/submission-calls/
Embrace is Entangled Publishing’s New Adult imprint, featuring characters 18-24. They are looking for submissions of cowboys and/or a Western setting, men in uniform, sports and athletes, characters with unusual jobs, workplace entanglements, travel, struggles to support oneself, surfers, and the conflict of college vs working world. Details at http://www.entangledinromance.com/2014/01/03/the-embrace-wish-list/
Shimmer Magazine is seeking submissions of fantasy short stories up to 7,500 words. Guidelines at http://www.shimmerzine.com/guidelines/fiction-guidelines/
Entangled Publishing is seeking submissions of novellas focused on the 1950s for Love Me Tender. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2014. Details at http://www.entangledinromance.com/2013/12/09/love-me-tender-submission-call/
The above items are from Cindi Myers Market News’s Blog.
January 23, 2014
Get a Free First Chapter ot Abigail’s Earl
I’m so excited to have Abigail’s Earl featured today at D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters. Abigail’s Earl is the second in my Regency series from Blushing Books.
D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters is a great place for authors to share their first chapters of new stories and for readers to enjoy them. Be sure to check it out.
ABIGAIL’S EARL
She is weary of being the “perfect lady.” He insists upon it and will ensure she acts properly.
BLURB
Lady Abigail Remington is tired of being the “perfect lady” and longs to test her adventurous side. She doesn’t want to be tied down in marriage to a demanding man. James Ranborne, the Earl of Saliston, is brash, bold, and uncommonly handsome. She wants nothing to do with him…yet he offers her all that she needs: a husband her family insists upon, freedom to do as she wishes, and no need to waste time loving him.
A widower, James has no time or desire for love and romance, but his position as an important noble demands he marry again. He must have a proper lady beside him at society events and he needs an heir. Abigail appears to fit his requirements as being acceptable to the ton and she is beyond pretty. She doesn’t want marriage, thinking she could live happily as a spinster, something her father would never allow. His proposal of a marriage of convenience, with minor commitments on her side, should be more than suitable for both their needs.
