C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 206

A Child's Mind

A child's mind is a wondrous thing and often times their logic amazes me.  I remember when my son was 3-years old and he was helping me with coupons as we prepared to go grocery shopping.  We had a game wherein I would write my grocery list and he would look for the appropriate coupons. I had just written paper towel, and he found the coupon with ease. Next I wrote toilet paper. He looked at me in confusion. "What's wrong, honey?" I asked.  He looked at the coupon for the paper towel and then at the coupon for the toilet paper but still appeared to be confused.  I could almost see the wheels turning as I watched his child's mind puzzling this out.  Then he said, "Paper Towel?" "Yes, that's right."  I answered, waiting to see where his mind was headed.  Then he said "Paper Toilet."  I had to laugh at his logic and for quite some time after that the toilet paper at our house was referred to as paper toilet. We still chuckle about it today.

This caused me to recall an incident which occurred in my own youth. I believe I was about 5-years old at the time.  It was a beautiful, sunny, spring, Sunday and my mother announced she was going to take me with her to a bridal shower that afternoon.  I did not want to go and I was adamant.  When the time drew near to leave for the shower, I was clearly upset and in tears. "I don't want to go." I cried. "Why, why don't you want to go with Mommy to the shower?" my father asked, clearly perplexed. "I don't want to wash the bride." I replied.  In my child's mind I pictured a bridal shower as being some ancient ritual performed by the older, married women wherein they washed the bride in preparation for her to meet her husband.   One would have imagined at that point I possessed the mind of a fiction writer, but let me not digress.  My parents chuckled and mother explained it was a party where we "showered" the bride with gifts. Needless to say, I went along and had a good time but one can never cease to marvel at the way a child's mind works.

I'm sure we all have had similar experiences and I invite you to share your stories with us today.  We could all use a chuckle and smile.

Filed under: romance

UFOs, Upcoming Adventures, & A Scrumptious Ice Cream Concoction

On my way home from my day job, I have to say I was intrigued by the radio announcer.  Recently people have been seeing UFOs again, not in remote places but above major cities like New York, London, and Moscow.  I was intrigued.  He was going to have someone on that had seen a silver disc hovering over New York.  Then I lost the signal.  Perhaps it was alien interference.

I have a science fiction romance all written out in a notebook.  Hmm?

I'm packing for the wonderful Authors After Dark in Philadelphia.  Aug. 13th there will be an amazing booksigning.  I'm taking part.  Here's the link to all the information on that signing.  http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com/publicbooksigning.htm   It's going to be amazing fun.  Follow the link and I'll see you there.

When I get back, I'm doing a mini online workshop for Savvy Author's Summer Symposium called "Put Heart into Your Blog" on Aug. 27th.  They have it as free.  Go over and check it out at http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1215

I truly love blogging; it's like being the ultimate penpal.  LOL

Now for the Scrumptious Concoction of the week: the Green Monster and I'm not talking about the left field wall of Fenway Park.

Get One large Bowl

Add two scoops of green pistachio ice cream

Add two scoops of green mint chocolate chip

Add in two scoops of rocky road chocolate

Mix into a mound  (Yes, please, play with your food!)

Heat about a quarter cup of caramel sauce and pour over it

Heat about a quarter cup of fudge sauce and pour over it

Then pile Cool Whip on it or the whipped cream of your choice

Top off with two red cherries (like two big red eyes)

Now you have the Green Monster or at the very least a respectable bribe for aliens.  Requires a spoon and a lot of energy to eat.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Recipes, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

The Traffic Jam of Life

I believe things happen for a reason.  That when we're not understanding the great scheme of life, something will happen to get our attention.  Today it took two hours to get to my dojo that is only a half hour away.  Why?  I was stuck on the highway in a traffic jam that moved by inches and at times not at all.  Why? An accident?  Construction?  Too many people going the same way at the same time?  All of the above?

Consequently, I had a lot of time to reflect on my life.  Lately I've been running out of time, doing too many things, having a to-do list that's unmanageable.  I think you know what I mean.  I've made too many commitments.  Then I was ill for several months, which set me behind in every facet of my life.  Now I'm playing catch up.   I'm still trying to get everything I need for Authors After Dark and that's next week.  Eeek!

Decision made:  I'm going to honor my commitments, finish them out.  What's next?  I'm not going to make any more.  For one year, I am going to put my work first and not volunteer.  I am a volunteer-aholic.  Is there a 12 step program somewhere for the person who volunteers too much?  I need to balance this out somehow.   It's jamming up my life.

Yes, I realized that as I read all the license plates in the traffic jam.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

A Second Wind

Any runners out there? Well to be quite frank, I love running but with a recent change in my day job, running has sort of fallen by the wayside. Anyhow, I'll get to the point and the connection I'm trying tobetween running and writing.

This week I've seen a multitude of rejections come across the loop. They seem to come and go in waves, leaving masses in their wake. Some of them are definitely warranted and others are just a difference in taste or opinion. The key is asking yourself which type of rejection you're dealing with.

Back probably a year and a half ago I started sending out my first completed manuscript.  I wasn't sure it was ready but I didn't have the knowledge or experience to discern what was missing or what made it incomplete. The first few rejections rolled in and while I was disappointed, I couldn't fault the agents. If I wasn't completely happy with it, how could I expect them to be? Then again, I believe I convinced myself the negative thoughts about my manuscript were due my being too hard on myself. But was I?

The truth is that writing a novella or novel is a lot of work. With all the writing and rewrites, a short or long story turns into the equivalent of a marathon. It's no wonder we all need a second wind every now and then. It allows us to look at our manuscript with a fresh set of eyes. Several rejections later, I decided to shelve my first manuscript. Only recently have I started to pull it out and look at it. The issues that eluded me then, are now so evident. My characters seem two-dimensional, my world building falls flat. My second wind came a while later but my hope is my manuscript will be all the better for it.

As you writers deal with the inevitable grasp of rejection, try to determine whether it is warranted or not. Ask yourself how you feel about your manuscript or take a step back to allow yourself time to gather your second wind. We are forever on a scale, trying to achieve our balance. There needs to be a healthy dose of constructive criticism, but it should never be exaggerated.  Good luck and happy writing!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

The Apple of Love

The Apple of Love

Acapulco, Mexico is a beautiful and romantic seaside resort that was once inhabited by the Nahua Indians who were the predecessors of the Aztecs.  Acapulco takes its name from a Nahua myth of two young lovers, Acatl and Quiahuitl, were not allowed to marry.  It is no wonder, then that the so-called Apple of Love, was cultivated by the Aztecs in about 700 AD. The seeds of this fruit, which we treat as a vegetable, were eventually brought to Europe around 1500 when they were carried back to Spain.  This food then got the reputation for making a person "more romantic" and became known as an aphrodisiac.   At one time, this Apple of Love, the tomato, became scandalized as an amorous and erotic food that the Church of Rome called it the 'the devils fruit' because of its color and from the juice that flows from the vegetable. Ever since that time the Europeans have honored the succulence of the tomato and have referred to it as the "Pomme d' Amour" probably because of its reputation as the fruit or vegetable of love.

As one would expect there is a favorite dish I still enjoy that is a summertime favorite and can be particularly romantic as well.  I have loved it ever since I first tasted it when I visited Acapulco with my family.  This dish is especially wonderful for keeping things light to keep things going "hot and heavy" later.  It's Gazpacho. Here is a recipe that I enjoy and share with you.

Suat Eman @ freedigitalphotos.net

Gazpacho

24 oz. Tomato juice (about ½ of a large can)
4-5 pounds of ripe tomatoes peeled and seeded. (This is not as much as you think).
2 Large tomatoes, peeled and chopped (to use as garnish later)
2 Green peppers, seeded and chopped (½ for garnish)
2 Cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped (½ for garnish)
1 large onion chopped
1/4 cup sherry
3 Scallions or green onions, chopped (1 for garnish)
2 Large cloves of garlic, crushed
2 slices of course-textured bread soaked in water and squeezed dry
¼ C Fresh cilantro leaves, or parsley chopped (if you don't like cilantro)
2 T Extra Virgin Olive oil
2 T Fresh lime juice
2 T Sherry wine vinegar
1-½ T Fresh lemon juice
1 t dried tarragon
1 t dried basil
1 t ground cumin
1 t honey or agave
½ t salt
¼ t freshly ground black pepper
Dash of Tabasco sauce

Garnish

if desired with:

Julienne Spanish Serrano Ham or Italian Prosciutto
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumber
1 1/2 cups red cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup diced red onion
Sprinkle a few warm garlic croutons on top

1 dollop of sour cream

First of all, use the freshest, best vegetables you can find and then assemble all your ingredients in the blender or food processor in pulsing them in batches just a few times.  You will want it retain some of its chunky texture. Refrigerate for a few hours, at least three, if you can hold off eating this soup that long.  This makes a great light but delicious lunch and, is also good as a light dinner, garnished with fresh vegetables and garlic croutons, with a good choice of Sherry or Chilled Pinot Grigio.  This makes about 6-8 good sized servings.  Try this with fresh, chilled melon, mango and papaya for dessert.  Yum!

So next time you think about going on a great vacation spot full of sun, fun and romance, think of Acapulco but if you can't get away try the romance of a great chilled soup, Gazpacho, and escape with the aphrodisiac that has a reputation as "the apple of love, "  or a passionate food.  Love, would you just chop me some tomato?

Debralee Mede

Filed under: Acapulco, apple of love, Aztecs, chilled, Gazpacho, Mexico, recipe, romance, romantic., soup, vegetable

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

I have inherited the Paranormal-Scope from Mason.  I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. But I am linked into the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

A tall dark good looking vampire may be in your future.  Remember not all vampires bite.

Taurus

Pixies have taken up residence in your garden.  Lucky you.

Gemini

You are being haunted by someone your offended.  Make amends.

Cancer

An oceanside vacation would be a good choice.  You are in favor with the sea monsters.

Leo

The werewolves have invited you to a barbecue.   It's time to howl.

Virgo

A maenad is partying in your area.  Keep your distance and try to ignore the noise.

Libra

A Chinese temple dog is giving you its protection.  You are favored.

Scorpio

A mermaid has given you a gift.  Expect something unusual and enjoy it.

Sagittarius

It's time to join your local shapeshifter community and enjoy who you are.

Capricorn

Fly with the dragons.  They will protect you.

Aquarius

You have a wonderful smile and the local fairies are attracted to you.  Good luck is your.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: paranormal, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Clearing the Clutter

At home I'm in the midst of clearing and packing and eliminating and — well, if things don't more along a little faster, perhaps some setting fire to things and running away to laugh across the street as it burns.

Nah, that won't happen. Probably.

And while I was very happy to get a box full of the print edition of my comic Gothic novel, The Mangrove Legacy, I was already planning to get them all sold at Authors After Dark so that box can be eliminated, too. I find it ironic that I am having such trouble eliminating the chaff from my relatively small flat; after all I have a lot less than I did even five years ago. But I don't have any trouble eliminating extraneous words from my prose. I know I tend to err on the side of terse (despite writing a 120K gothic novel, ahem), but it just seems more satisfactory to eliminate words that just slow down the flow of the adventures.

I've been re-reading some Raymond Chandler for a project and it's a delight to remember when I used to read much more widely in the noirish world of Hammett and Chandler. While the films of the genre tend toward the darkness and danger, it's good to remember how much humour there is in the works. Of course, Hammett created the absolutely delightful Nick and Nora Charles (somewhat based on himself and Lillian Hellman) of the The Thin Man and its movie, so the sparkling wit is perhaps better known, but Chandler's Philip Marlowe (heh, there's that name again has a mordant humour that sustains him through the usually unpleasant events that he seems to always get himself into.

I have a bit retroactive crush on Hammett (handsome and a terrific writer) but I'm finding a lot of fun in Chandler, too. For all the terse dialogue and hard-bitten characters, I'm finding that there's a lot more description than I remember. It can be really evocative — like the way Marlowe notices Anne Riordan's hat in Farewell, My Lovely and how that affects his impression of her. He finds it a ridiculous hat and yet admires the way she carries it off. I need to remember that sometimes we do need a little colour, a little description and that it can add a lot of nuance and character itself.

Or maybe I just need a gimlet Yeah, that sounds really good.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Gothic, historical romance, Kit Marlowe, mystery romance, paranormal, paranormal romance, Regency Romance, romance, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Contest & Interview: Book Launch Party with Urban Fantasy Author a.c. Mason

Nights of Passion is excited to celebrate the book release of Night Reins by the amazing urban fantasy author a.c. Mason.

I think she is talking about me… Hi, NOP readers, long time no see! I'm  threatened to be back. Here I am.

Some of our readers know Mason, because she has graced the pages of Nights of Passion for two years. As the evil mastermind, her work is woven with unending excitement and a heat that just won't stop. For those who don't know you, Mason, how would you describe yourself? Don't be modest.

Modesty is a trait, I'm working on. Lol. I'm awesome. There isn't a lot of dullness around me when I'm in my social mood. When I'm writing I kind of seem like the old school evil mastermind concocting another plan to take over the world. Again!

Please, describe the forces that mold your inventiveness?

Mostly my disturbed brain.

Favorite song? Paradise Circus by massive attack (current)

Favorite scent? Popcorn

When writing a particularly delicious scene, do you do anything special to spark the creative juices?

I use visualization technique of running through the scene, letting the characters "act it out".  Once I think it's pretty close to what they would interact like then I write it.

I am so ecstatic about the release of Night Reins. Having been privileged to critique it, I know that it's utterly unforgettable. Please, tell our viewers all about it.

Night Reins by a.c. Mason

(Pink Petal Books) http://pinkpetalbooks.com

The Minoan Reins Book 1

Erotic Paranormal Vampire Menage Interracial Novel (approx 98,000 words) (M/M and M/F/M)

http://pinkpetalbooks.com/Night-Reins-by-a.c.-Mason.html

Blurb:

Vampire slayer Tazrein Noir willingly served humanity… until the pull of the night destroyed the one good thing she had left. Now she struggles between the power of light and darkness within her. And the dark may be winning.

Mr. Elson is a Minoan General—one of the immortal dynasty of Crete, now also head of security for Pseira Industries. Haunted by the sins of his father, he spends his entire life as a light for honor, justice and sacrifice. Yet without his fated mate, he'll become all the things he fears… Lordel Pseira is the ruler of the Minoans, as well as the very modern CEO of Pseira Industries. On the verge of succumbing to the darkness, without his light, he shall be lost… Lordel's light is Mr. Elson's fated mate: Tazrein.

Deception, passion, and death hound Tazrein's every move. The Minoans want her blood to unlock the key to save their dying race. The Knights of Mortis want her dead so she cannot fulfill destiny. And the vile Nox want her for themselves so they can rule over all.

Sacrifice and blood. Sex and love. Destiny and fate. The balance hangs in Tazrein's hands…and in the eyes of the two men she fears she cannot live without, despite her continued existence hanging in the sweetly seductive balance between them both.

WARNING: This book contains a hot race of immortals known as the Minoans, vampires and evil creatures. A sassy heroine. More tasty treats for her to pick from than a candy store. Graphic sexual encounters of the following nature M/F, M/M, and M/F/M. BDSM references. Violence: Imprisonment and torture.

Excerpt:

Days without hunting always left Tazrein Noir on edge. She needed the physical relief that made her corner of the world a safer place. With her modified Tanto blade tucked in her handbag, she was ready to make puddles out of vamps. There was a vamp-friendly bar by the harbor. Just the place for her to go for a good release.

A heat wave had set in. She strolled down the street. Decent folk didn't go there after dark. Aside from the industrial complex and office towers, the harbor was a dead zone. She took off her jacket and unbuttoned her blouse. A little skin always helped lure her prey. Besides, the best way to catch a predator was to lay out a good offering.

As she rounded the corner, a vibration hummed in her eardrums, her personal vampire early warning system. A bouncer stood to the side of the entrance.

She stopped in front of the large doorman.

"I.D.?" he asked.

"Oops." No way was she giving her name or address. "I forgot it at home." The ringing in her ear grew to a constant buzz. "I guess I'll come back another evening then." She whirled around.

"Wait."

"Me?" She played coy, turned toward him, and quirked an eyebrow.

"Yeah." He soaked her in from head to toe. "Let's not worry about it tonight. I won't tell if you won't."

"Aww, you're such a peach."

"My pleasure." He rested his stare on her cleavage.

Men. Most of them weren't too bright. Flash a little skin, and they forgot to use the other head. With a dopey grin, he held the door open.

As she slipped inside, the bang of the door behind her sent a thrill of excitement through her. Empty stairs led down into a room lit with red lights. Vamps were such products of their own clichés.

The teeming crowd of young women saddened her. She couldn't save them all. Never. Like her, many of them went there seeking the creatures that frequented these places.

The new age song gave the lounge a sophisticated atmosphere, though anyone in their right mind would know this was the bottom of the barrel. Many years ago, the truth about vampires sank in. They were corpses. Dead physically and emotionally, but able to synthesize what mattered by feeding off the living in every way. Newly born vamps enjoyed the numbness––the hollowness made murdering people for food easier. But, then the older fiends missed the emotions. The chance to feel drove them to kill for sport, inflicting pain on their victims. The inner surge of feelings they got from humans was a vampire's private addiction.

When they were in her mind, she sensed their arousal as they tormented their prey. They sought emotional authenticity. Love, happiness, fear, pain, sadness, anger, and jealousy were the emotions humans possessed, and what vamps had long ago sacrificed for immortality. Ironically, the longer the creatures lived, the more they hungered to experience these sensations.

Since at times she too worried about her own humanity, she understood why it grew to be an obsession.

As she stepped onto the floor, a human male grabbed her, and pulled her into the corner of the room. A struggle would call attention to her, defeating the purpose of her outing.

"Little Bo Peep, have you lost your mind?" His southern twang gave Mr. Tall, Blond and Handsome charm, but he didn't behave like a gentleman.

Tazrein stared at the grip on her forearm. "Excuse me?" This man had evidently lost his mind. "Do I know you?"

"No, ma'am." His lean jaw clenched. The scent of polyester and paper weaved in the air.

She'd wager on him being in law enforcement. "Then remove your hand from me or I will."

He huffed, released her, and made eye contact. Pale sapphires stared into her. You are tired and will head home this instant.

Now this was interesting. He attempted to use the power of suggestion to get her to leave. If vampires could hardly influence her, it was doubtful a human could.

She laughed.

"What?" he asked, his brows creased together.

"Nothing. I just think you're probably tired and should head home." Bet that would throw Mr. Wannabe Hero off. "This place isn't safe for you."

His eyes narrowed. "For me?" His white dress shirt glowed in the black light. He wore jeans well. "You have no idea the mess you're in, Bo Peep."

"I'm in exactly the kind of mess I came here for." She leaned into him.

He didn't withdraw, his hand wrapped around her. "Let me get you out of here, I'll make it worth our while." His pitch was hoarse. He pressed to her leg.

"Coming here always proves worthwhile for me. Good night." She stepped back, spun, walked over to the bar, and sat down.

Already, the vultures circled.

"What can I get you?" The bartender smiled, fake fangs showing, a wanpire aka wannabe vampire. He wore tacky black clothing, face painted white, mascara, eyeliner, and nails painted. A death worshipper. The freak had no clue.

"Tequila, a triple round of shots." She handed him a fifty-dollar bill. Cash left no trace. "Keep the change."

"For you alone?" A lean, dark haired vamp moved in next to her, his pearly whites gleaming. A blue dress shirt and black slacks gave him a professional appearance, but rotting human fragrance saturating him killed any appeal of his devilish good looks.

"Yeah," she said. "It's called a pity party."

"And why would a beautiful woman like you need one of those?" The velvet tone of the vamp's voice served to draw victims in.

She smiled at the easy flattery. "I got a call for an interview, but I've got no one to celebrate with. The usual sappy story." Some truth mixed with lies, which made the information she gave vampires believable without compromising her.

The server set the shot glasses and filled one after the other, with a pouring stream of liquor.

"I can't have the pretty lady drinking alone. Set me up to match." He pulled out a hundred dollar bill and set it down.

"You don't have to." She waved him off.

"I know. I want to. It's not every night I get to rescue a damsel."

Most wouldn't note the use of night over day. He wasn't a young fiend. Hence, he sought the challenge in the room and not the easy target.

"I didn't realize I appeared in need of saving, like a helpless lamb surrounded by wolves."

"Not in the least. More like a panther about to give this wolf a run to the finish. Shall we?" He lifted the shot glass to his lips and downed the liquid.

"Bottoms up." She brought the rim to her mouth and sucked back the fiery fluid.

"Tell me your name." His mental touch entered her mind.

She long ago learned to protect her psyche from the manipulation. The intrusion felt like ice water dripping down her scalp. Things were about to get exciting. She loved when they used all their skills to get their way. "Rein."

"What a sad name, unfitting." He pressed his index and thumb to her collarbone trailing down. "Beautiful and real."

Warmth surged up her core. "Thank you. And you are?"

"Archie. You're ready for round two." As he lifted the glass and tossed back the drink, he bid her limb to do the same. "Move in closer to me."

She shuffled forward. The sense of him controlling her movements swirled a thrill of heat inside. How exhilarating. He willed her to gyrate her hip against him.

"Last one." He raised the shot, and she mirrored his actions. He blinked, sliding away his brown contact lens, which revealed a red haze in his eyes beneath. "You want to come back to my apartment." Even vampires wore facades in an attempt to blend in.

She nodded at his command.

"Good, it's not far." He pointed to the south end.

The cool touch of his fingers slipped through hers.

Goose bumps rose along her arms. He led her up the stairs and out into the night. Peace came over her.

Parked a few yards ahead, on the other side of the deserted road, was a blue van, with emergency plumbing written in white on the sides. The vehicle belonged to the misfits she sometimes called her friends, Gem, Vincent, and John. Hadn't she told them not to hunt without her?

"What troubles you?"

She forced her lips into a smile. "This is going to sound lame, but I've never gone back to a man's apartment like this."

"I know."

"Huh, how?" She tensed her shoulders.

"If you were that type of woman, I wouldn't be interested. Don't worry. I'm a gentleman. I won't do anything you're not asking for. I'm going to make you feel things you never have, and we'll both enjoy ourselves. Trust me."

Strangely ominous.

#

How did your characters find you?

Most of them track me down and tie me up until I listen. Shhh… don't let on that it works when they do that.

What is your favorite scene?

I love all the scenes. I'm pleading the fifth. I'm half American. I can do that.

What kind of men inspire love in your heroine?

It really depends on the heroine. My hope is that I create characters that the readers feel breathe. Unique and complex, so each one needs something very different in her hero(s).

What comes next after Night Reins?

In the series? Death Reins. In life? Sleep. As a release? Chocolate Temptation. Writing? Aequitas III Redemption.

You have a plethora of work out this year. Please, tell our viewers about your other books and give us a little taste of each.

AEQUITAS I Betrayal Buy now!

The Aequitas, part angel and demon, have kept the balance between the forces of good and evil-until now.

When Etienne Grant is kidnapped and transformed into an Aequitas, marriage to Auria is the only thing that will save his soul.

Auria is a beautiful but efficient Aequitas, a General who wants nothing to do with love. A former lover has plans to prevent any hope of happiness with her new husband, and after murdering his own best friend and forcing Auria to join his rebellion, the balance between good and evil spirals out of control.

Can Etienne's tenderness melt Auria's cold heart and heal the pain of their secret pasts? Their very survival depends on it.

Content Warning: This book contains graphic sex, mild bondage, sensual touching f/f and biblical references.

AEQUITAS II PUNISHMENT, Buy now.

Will the battle for aequitas freedom cost the balance between good and evil?

Aequitas—part angel and demon, fight for their freedom and march to heaven's doorstep.

Rebel leader Etienne Grant kidnaps his wife and vows to punish her disobedience. Once retribution is paid, Auria will command his army in a most ambitious venture—defeating all the angels in heaven.

Auria can do nothing but surrender for the safety of her sons. Once in Grant's clutches, she realizes he wields an even greater whip as he fights for her heart and loyalty.

Enemy alliances are forged as they prepare to bring down the Kingdom of God. But the archangels won't let victory slip from their grasp so easily.

The battle for freedom might cost the balance between good and evil, but will it damn their souls for eternity?

SURRENDERING TO THE RIGHT MAN, available–Buy me    

Blurb:

Indy Kent's motorcycle accident last New Year's Eve forced her to fight for things she took for granted. This holiday she makes a special request of her best friend, Liam Boyd, the "I want you to deflower me." Desperate to get Liam out of her system, a holiday sexcapade seems like just the cure from her long harbored, unreciprocated feelings.

But there is a complication, and his name is Tim, Liam's older brother. Tim's touch last New Year's Eve ignited an unexpected flame between them. The time they spent together during her recovery only furthered her attachment to him.

Emotions whirl; her secret looms. The hotter the burn between the sheets with Liam, the more Indy's yearning drifts toward Tim.

The incident that caused her accident and changed her life might save her heart.

Can she ultimately surrender her heart to the right man?

Content warning:

This book contains graphic sex including some traditionally considered taboo. A love triangle. Voyeurism. Light to mid-range discipline, dominance, and submission.

CHOCOLATE DAMSEL – Available here!

Will her love break through his armor so he can be whole again?

In June of 1940, Nazis march into Paris, France. Brutality haunts the streets.

Engel VanWolf, the Alpha of a Shunu pack – immortals, who shift into wolf-spirit – has a painful past and the patch on his eyes serves as a reminder of human cruelty. No stranger to injustice, he poses as a Nazi officer to smuggle Jewish orphans from the city. Drawn to a seductive fragrance, chocolate skin, and velvet voice, VanWolf comes upon a human beauty, Alexia, in danger. A hunger long forgotten burns anew inside him.

Alexia Pane is taken in by the shunu pack, and finds communal living isn't the only thing they share. When danger comes knocking, she's sent to warn

VanWolf, who has been discovered but needs rescuing of her own. As he whisks her to safety, he awakens her dormant passion. It's not the flames of the city she fears, but the fire he invokes inside her. The closer she gets, the more he pushes her away. And then, she falls into enemy hands.

Can VanWolf save the woman he loves from a ruthless enemy and mend the pain he has caused?

Warning; This book contains a hot Alpha with an eye patch. A chocolate damsel in need of saving. A pack that shares more than communal living. F/M/F/M. A pack with no lack of hot betas to follow.

CHOCOLATE TEMPTATION – September 19th 2011

His by pack law, and he wants more than her body. Will she be able to surrender her heart?

Switzerland, the winter of 1940. Alexia, a wolf-shifter, is mate to the Alpha of a powerful clan. Her life, the pack's future and the lives of countless children the pack smuggles out of Europe are in jeopardy. The Gestapo want her blood to breed an unstoppable regiment endowed with her gifts.

Cathen, the pack's Epsilon-Beta, is charged with protecting her. When Alexia's beloved mate is killed, Cathen becomes Alpha and by pack law, she is his new mate.

On the run from the Gestapo's werewolves with Cathen, Alexia has no time to mourn. Can she resist what she's beginning to feel for her protector, despite her aching loss? Should she try? If she rejects him–not so easy to do–he will die and the future of the pack she loves as family will be in danger.

Cathen and Alexia's destinies are bound together, and to find peace and love amid the horror of war, she must accept her fate and heal her new mate.

WARNING: This book contains a sexy Alpha with a sense of old world honor, a pack that shares more than just communal living, and no lack of hot Betas to follow. Graphic sex and M/M, M/F, F/F/F/F encounters.

With the wealth of sexy urban fantasies that have been released, what do you do to relax? How do you get revved up for the next book?

I usually do some sleeping before I move to the next project. Aequitas III Redemption. I'm not telling about the revving up part. Wink!

Please, share a tip with our readers on how to manage several releases in a short time.

Forgive yourself. You can't do it all. Have a plan of key places you'll go to. Breathe. Sleep. Laugh. Life is too short. So please enjoy it.

Mason, thanks for visiting Nights of Passion. Can you leave us with one tip for those that aspire to be an evil mastermind? When I see you I'll owe you a tip!

Not a chance. You are always trying to get the goods on me. Thank you for having me and I'm getting out of the hot seat before she gets another question to toss at me.

Now for the Contest:  For one lucky commenter an ecopy of Night Reins. This contest is worldwide except where prohibited by law.  How to enter? Tell me the name of your all-time favorite vampire! Deadline is Sunday, July 31, 2011 at noon Eastern Time.   Good luck!

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Aequitas, Angels, Chocolate Temptation, contest, demons, Interview, paranormal romance, SURRENDERING TO THE RIGHT MAN, urban fantasy, vampires, Wolf-Spirit series

Reflections of the Heart: Behind the Scenes

A lot has been happening with Nights of Passion and me.  We say farewell to Cara North and welcome to Debralee Mede.  Saturday we're interviewing a.c. Mason.  Many of our long-term viewers know Mason as the evil mastermind and long time contributor to Nights of Passion.  What you may not know is that Mason is my critique partner!   So I'm having a little fun with her with this interview.  There is a contest too, so be sure not to miss this launch of Mason's newest book.

I've been very blessed to have good friends and a family to watch over me.  Lately it's been hard.  I was ill, and now I'm recovering.  I'm back to writing like a furious demon.   I am grateful to all my friends and family.   I'm back in action just in time to go to Philadelphia for the Authors After Dark conference.  I'm absolutely psyched to go.   I'm rooming with C. Margery Kempe and a.c. Mason.  Now you know that's going to be a wild room.  LOL

Feeling stronger, I've pushed ahead on my projects.  My novel will be finished this week.   Then on to a novella and another full length novel.   I was asked recently if I was writing these because I have a contract.  Well, no.  I'm writing them because I am inspired, and when the inspiration rains, it pours.  I'm not worried about finding either the novella or  full-length books a home.  I really believe in my work.

That's a secret, you know.  No matter what your passion is in life, you have to really believe in it to move it forward and into the realm where others can enjoy it too.   If you hit a bad patch, you have to believe you'll get past it.  You have to believe!

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: a.c. Mason, C. Margery Kempe, Cara North, critiquing, Debralee Mede, Readers Conference, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

Room for Improvement

If you were able to take a walk with me through my "writer's" house you would find many rooms.  As you enter you would first come to my idea room which houses the seeds of ideas that I hope one day will blossom into great stories.  As you proceed down the hallway of imagination, you would come to my character room.  This room houses character profiles with  histories of everything I know about my characters, their likes and dislikes as well as the traits which make them relatable.   When writing I frequently visit and revisit this room.  I think of it as a nursery.  My baby (the character) sleeps there and grows into a mature character that my readers will come to care about.  As you move further down the hallway you will  come to a door on the left … the door to the plot room.  This room is unlike the others because it contains many twists and turns and has no walls or ceiling.  In other words, it has no boundaries or limitations.  Being a plot driven author, I must confess this is my favorite room.  You can usually find me here exploring its endless possibilities.   Construction is constantly ongoing in each of these rooms.

Although most of the time I live happily in my "writer's" house, I do venture out on occasion to writer's group meetings and workshops.   These meetings and workshops help provide me with the building materials needed in the construction of my "writer's" house.  When I attend these functions, I gather information that will give light and warmth to the seeds of my ideas, add fertilizer to enrich my characters and nurture my plots to help grow a strong and healthy novel.

All this information, these tools and building materials are kept in the largest room in my "writer's" house … the room for improvement.  I ask myself if this room will ever get smaller or cease to exist but I know the answer is no.  At great risk of being cliché, I recall the saying, "you learn something new every day" and I, for one, embrace that concept.  Everything I learn is mine forever and can never be taken away from me, but can only help me build my "writer's" house.  As I proceed with my writing career and use these tools, I see improvement in my ideas, character development and plots and take pride in knowing that one day these words will be used as tools in someone else's arsenal of building materials helping them build their "writer's house".

Gerri Brousseau

Filed under: romance