Sara Brookes's Blog, page 50

Double Duty

I'm pulling double duty today with blog posts:

It's my turn at the SEx blog at Liquid Silver Books and I'm talking about knowing when to take a step back. http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/?p=7257

And, it's also my day of the week at Paranormal Romantics for our themed week of New Years and Resolutions. I'm not one to set resolutions, but I am talking about goals. Come visit us this week and leave a comment for a change to win a book–the more you comment, the better your chances. Each week will be a new book by one of the Paranormal Romantics authors. This week, Stacey Kennedy has a book up for grabs. http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/

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Six Sentence Sunday – 1/2

Welcome back to Six Sentence Sunday after a brief holiday break. Hope everyone's holidays were all they wanted them to be. By request, today's six sentences are from Ragged Edge, a completed menage contemporary erotic novel I'm currently shopping around. Warning, there's some m/m kissing going on here.

Time seemed to draw out, stretching thin like a piece of taffy left out on a hot summer day. Cade's tongue worked to slide in and out as his jaw moved. It was a hypnotic rhythm Dalton found himself drawn into faster than he could put a stop to it.

The question he had to ask himself—why would he want to?

Instead, within the span of a heartbeat, something held dormant inside of him awakened. His hands lifted to cradle Cade's jaw as the other man sensed the shift and relinquished control. The atmosphere in the room altered to one of raw heat and need and Dalton greedily inhaled.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy

2) pick six sentences

3) post 'em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See our site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/p/about.html

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you're a writer (regardless of published/unpublished) come join us!

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My Favorite Things – Day 5

First, I'd like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to read one of my books that released this year. It means more than you will probably ever know. It's been an exciting year and hopefully 2011 will bring even more excitement. Now on to the contest…

Welcome to the fifth and final day in the week long blast of my favorite things! Today, you'll have the opportunity to win my entire backlist and well as every book I've listed as on of my favorites. That's right – you would win eight books today.

Here are the books from my favorites that you could win today:

While Flask of Dark, Midnight's Ghost, Blood Fever and Hardware are eBooks, Kiss of Fire, Grimspace, The Vampire Queen's Servant and Breaking Free are  available as eBook or paperback. Yep, I'll ship you the paperbacks if you're the winner if you so choose.

So, what do you need to do in order to win these eight books? Just comment on this post (until midnight EST). Yup, that's it. Couldn't make it any more simple.

The contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)

Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)

Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)

Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)

Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)

Good luck and Happy New Year!

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My Favorite Things – Day 4

Welcome to the fourth day in the week long blast of my favorite things! Today I'll share six of my favorite lines from my fourth book, Hardware. Plus, I'll be giving away a download. But wait! There's more. I'll also give away a copy of one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books today.

Greatest thing about writing Hardware was stepping outside of my normal writing comfort zone. For years, I only read books such as this and dabbled in short stories that I barely showed anyone. Like most of my stories, the idea for Hardware hit me out of nowhere and I went with it.

So, six of my favorite sentences from the book–the ones that actually gave me the title:

"Those are known as panic snaps. In addition to other means of communication, they allow the wearer a way out. If things are too intense or someone finds themselves in a dangerous situation, a sharp tug will release the buckle."
Once she was done examining them, he surprised her as he lifted one of her wrists to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss to her open palm and she could feel his lips move against her skin as he spoke. "You have your computers and games," he whispered quietly as he lifted her other hand and pressed another kiss to the delicate skin. "And I have my own version of hardware."

Now, to one of my favorite contemporary erotic romances, Breaking Free. Like yesterday's pick, Breaking Free has some scenes people may find objectionable, especially because it deals with the lifestyle of BDSM. Though it is the third book in the Masters of the Shadowland series, it can definitely be read as a standalone without problem (in fact, I read it first before reading one and two and followed everything just fine and I'm obsessive about reading series in order).

Here's the blurb: Beth must yield to become aroused, but she's too scared to give up control. The last thing she wants is a ruthless, powerful Dom. But that's just what she gets, and exactly what she needs…

A sadistic husband left Beth scarred, inside and out. Only at the Shadowlands BDSM club does she feel like a woman. But her fears limit her to Doms who won't overwhelm her–the very ones who cannot arouse her. The Master of the Shadowlands gives her an ultimatum: accept the Dom he assigns or lose her membership. The last thing Beth wants is a ruthless, powerful Dom, but that's just what she gets.

Asked to take on a problem sub, Nolan sees the issue immediately–although truly submissive, the little redhead is too scared to relinquish control and her Doms have let her get away with it. That will change right now.

As Master Nolan takes Beth under command, compelling her submission, she's terrified, but the experienced Dom brings her pleasure, not pain. His only demand is that she never lie to him. Under his capable hands, her body comes alive, and she begins to heal. As he pushes her limits, she learns to trust…and then to love. And she realizes he is beginning to care for her in return.

But now her cruel husband has found her, and Master Nolan discovers she's been lying and lying and lying…

While Hardware is an eBook, Breaking Free is available as an eBook or in paperback. Yep, I'll ship you the paperback if you're the winner if you so choose.

So, what do you need to do in order to win these two books? Just comment on this post (until midnight EST). Yup, that's it. Couldn't make it any more simple.

The contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)

Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)

Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)

Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)

Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)

Good luck!

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My Favorite Things – Day 3

Welcome to the third day in the week long blast of my favorite things! Today I'll share six of my favorite lines from my third book, Blood Fever. Plus, I'll be giving away a download. But wait! There's more. I'll also give away a copy of one of my favorite paranormal/urban fantasy romance books today.

One of the best things about writing Blood Fever was finally getting to share one of the most intriguing characters I've ever developed with readers. I look forward to working with him even more as the series continues. So, have a taste of one of the men that both rocks and frustrates the heroine (yep, she's in love with two men):

There had always been a darkness to Quinn, one I'd willingly surrendered to time and time again even though I would berate myself for it each and every time. There was also a wildness within him that fought against being contained, a beast that protested being caged. He was someone else entirely in bed, but not in a bad way. No, instead it was a different facet to him. It was a hardness, a razor wire that beckoned you to crawl over even though you knew it was going to hurt like hell, but yet you went all the same because you had to.
He demanded, of himself and of his partner, and made no apologies for it.

Now on to another one of my favorite paranormal/urban fantasy romances. This one has a bit more in that it's an erotic paranormal romance. The Vampire Queen's Servant does contain some elements that some people may find objectionable such as BDSM, but I have to say, it fits the characters and the storyline. It's a perfect blend however and I don't think you'll be disappointed if you win.

Here's the blurb: Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth is a centuries-old vampire who's been given a new servant-Jacob, a total alpha male unaccustomed to submitting to any woman's wishes. What really binds Jacob to her are not her sensual midnight hungers, but something far more provocative. It stirs her blood, renews her life, and awakens her soul like only true love can. The passion between Elyssa and Jacob yields something else unexpected-a shared history that reaches back through the centuries and is fated to challenge their destiny like nothing ever will again.

While Blood Fever is an eBook, The Vampire Queen's Servant is available as an eBook or in paperback. Yep, I'll ship you the paperback if you're the winner if you so choose.

So, what do you need to do in order to win these two books? Just comment on this post (until midnight EST). Yup, that's it. Couldn't make it any more simple.

The contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)

Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)

Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)

Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)

Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)

Good luck!

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My Favorite Things – Day 2

Welcome to the second day in the week long blast of my favorite things! Today I'll share six of my favorite lines from my second book, Midnight's Ghost. Plus, I'll be giving away a download. But wait! There's more. I'll also give away a copy of one of my favorite science fiction romance books today.

So, one of my favorite things about writing Midnight's Ghost were all the action sequences I got to write. My lead female is a spaceship pilot, so there were plenty of opportunities to take advantage of her skills–especially since they seem to spend a good bit of time trying to get away from the bad guys. Here are six…er, seven 'cause it wouldn't make sense otherwise…of my favorite sentences from the book.

"Taran, you've got no options here. The smartest thing is for me to—"
"There are always options, Wallace." I cut him off, uncaring to the fact he seemed determined to go about whatever cockamamie plan he had come up with. I was more determined because I now felt responsible for Kerr and getting him back home. "I will get you and Kerr to Delphin Five because you are going to pay me for every bit of trouble you have caused since the day I met you, and dammit, you will not be someone I'm only allowed to visit once and a while for conjugal visits. Everyone strap in, things are going to get a little wild."

Now on to one of my favorite science fiction romances: Grimspace. It's the first book in the Sirantha Jax series by Ann Aguirre. Here's the blurb: As the carrier of a rare gene, Sirantha Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace-a talent which makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. Then a crash landing kills everyone on board, leaving Jax in a jail cell with no memory of the crash. But her fun's not over. A group of rogue fighters frees her…for a price: her help in overthrowing the established order.

Yep, all that and a love story too. March is … yeah, March is.

While Midnight's Ghost is an eBook, Grimspace is available as an eBook or in paperback. Yep, I'll ship you the paperback if you're the winner if you so choose.

So, what do you need to do in order to win these two books? Just comment on this post (until midnight EST). Yup, that's it. Couldn't make it any more simple.

The contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)

Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)

Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)

Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)

Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)

Good luck!

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My Favorite Things – Day 1

Welcome to the start of the week long blast of my favorite things! Today I'll share six of my favorite lines from my first book, Flash of Dark. Plus, I'll be giving away a download. But wait! There's more. I'll also give away a copy of one of my favorite paranormal/urban fantasy romance books today. Let's get started, shall we?

Have to say, my favorite six lines from Flash of Dark are from the opening sentences–as in the first six sentences of the book. They set the tone right off the bat and really grab your attention:

My head snapped to the side, vision blurring as my eyes watered from the shock. Pain radiated from the site of impact on my jaw. The bruiser in front of me had managed to sneak in a cheap shot. The bastard probably expected me to slide into psycho chick mode right about now and flail my arms around in the air hoping for purchase. Maybe rake my nails over his cheek in the typical female defense.

But I had another ace up my sleeve.

Pretty intense, right?

Now, onto the first day of the contest. One of my favorite paranormal romances is Kiss of Fire. It's the first book in the Dragonfire series by Deborah Cooke. Dragon shifters-hello!!  Action, adventure, sex and a fantastic love story. All key components to a great romance book, IMHO.

While Flash of Dark is an eBook, Kiss of Fire is available as an eBook or in paperback. Yep, I'll ship you the paperback if you're the winner if you so choose. But keep in mind, I'm in an area that was hit with 13″ of snow yesterday. No trips to the post office for me for a few days.

So, what do you need to do in order to win these two books? Just comment on this post (until midnight EST). Yup, that's it. Couldn't make it any more simple.

The contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)
Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)
Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)
Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)
Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)
Good luck!
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Six Sentence Sunday – 12/26

It's Sunday and you know what that means – it's Six Sentence Sunday. Thought I'd do a special one for the last of the year. But I thought I'd stretch it out a little – for the rest of the week. So, here's the deal. From 12/27 through 12/31, I'll share six of my favorite sentences from one of my books. Then, I'll give that book away. But wait–there's more. I'll also giveaway a copy of one of my favorite books in that genre at the same time. That means each day you'll have the opportunity to win two books. But wait, there's even more! On 12/31, I'll giveaway my entire backlist and each of the books I picked earlier in the week as my favorites. That's…a lot of books. You can look below my six sentences today for the schedule, hope to see you back!

My Six Sentence Sunday offering for the week – the first six lines of Forged in Fire:

Five percent.
That's how much blood is in a normal human body at any given point in their life.
Five percent of sweet, oxygenated blood.
And I craved for that blood to fill my mouth, dance over my tongue and slip down my throat to sate a hunger that prowled deep inside me.
The reason for my current predicament approached with long, loping strides that to anyone else would seem relaxed. As his close, personal friend, and former lover, I knew better.

Here's the contest schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/27: Flash of Dark & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy books (2 books)

Tuesday, 12/28: Midnight's Ghost & one of my favorite science fiction romance books (2 books)

Wednesday, 12/29: Blood Fever & one of my favorite paranormal romance/urban fantasy romance books (2 books)

Thursday, 12/30: Hardware & one of my favorite contemporary erotic romance books (2 books)

Friday, 12/31: My entire back list & each of my favorite books from the week (8 books)

There are more participants for Six Sentence Sunday today, just follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter to see them. And remember, Six Sentence Sunday returns to its normal schedule next Sunday, 1/2.

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Six Sentence Sunday – 12/12

Hey there. It's that time of week again, isn't it? I finished up my first draft of the next book in the Rebirth series and flung it out into the world to my beta readers. How about six sentences from the book that kicks off that series, Flash of Dark? Ana is trying her hardest not to reveal her true nature to the man pursuing her, Stark. I think she's failing miserably.

"See—right there. I can all but see a pint of Guinness sitting in front of me in a pub in Ireland. It's kind of sexy."
"But I haven't been in Ireland in over a hundred years," I blurted without thinking, caught up in defending myself. His eyebrows winged up in astonishment almost immediately at my revelation. "Shit," I swore loudly, cursing the day I had been given a mouth to speak with.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy

2) pick six sentences

3) post 'em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See our site for information on how to do just that:

Holiday Blog Tour

Welcome to the Haoliday Blog Tour! If you've come along and have no idea what's going on, hop on the bus here: