Willsin Rowe's Blog, page 7

And She's Done It Yet Again!

Today sees the second of Tamsin Baker's new releases.
This one comes from Rogue Phoenix Press, and it's entitled "Storm Clouds".

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Storm Cloudsby Tamsin BakerFantasy M/F Erotic Romance with F/F and F/F/M scenes.
Blurb: Nayla is United to her beautiful unicorn Bronte. She knows the legends and is waiting for the United pair that will complete their life.  When Gorvan arrives with Seinna, his United, she knows instantly he's her soul mate.But Gorvan is stubborn and scared. He wants to keep moving from town to town and doesn’t believe Naylaa about their need for one another.Naylaa must make him see it... before greed and stubbornness tears them and their beloved unicorns apart forever.

Excerpt:
A soldier on night watch stepped out to greet them, surprising Naylaa and making her jump back into Bronte's side. It's alright, Naylaa.Bronte's voice calmed her and Naylaa saw the guard's eyes widen in awe, despite the pitch black night."They are expecting you," he stammered.Naylaa had walked slowly down the path to the town, unwilling to give into the fears haunting her. Her palms had been sweating as she ran her hands through Bronte's mane, her legs shaking as she had moved.Let's go. The words and an impatient head butt made her walk faster. At least one of them was certain of the decision.Nodding her head at the second guard, she walked through the open door and across the court yard, remembering the way.Another soldier opened the main door for them and they stepped into the antechamber, filled with candlelight. The King sat on a chair outside his wife's bedroom, and jumped to his feet when he saw them. "You came," he cried out in excitement, his hands fluttering by his sides. "You both came," he repeated, quieter this time as his eyes widened again as he took in Bronte's form. Few people ever saw a unicorn. Naylaa stopped a few feet away and felt Bronte's bulk press against her as he moved up next to her, his head held high. The tension within his strong body transferred to hers and she placed a calming hand on his back.I can smell her."Go into that room, Bronte."The stallion walked past the quivering King and whinnied loudly. Bronte tossed his head restlessly. I need to help.Naylaa closed her eyes as the pain Bronte transmitted through their bond, lanced through her. All unicorns were made to heal other creatures, but they also felt their pain as if it were their own. It was a double edged sword.She is so close to death.Naylaa frowned, were they too late?"Is he alright?" The King asked startled by the noise Bronte was making."Bronte wants to help. He doesn't like seeing people sick."The King waited a moment, his breath quickening before he asked the question she knew was looming. "Then why doesn't he help you more often? Why isn't he in town?""Your Highness, you know why. If I could trust the people not to touch him or hurt him, I would. But I can't, and I won't subject Bronte to that sort of stress." She stalked straight past the King, annoyed enough to want to shove him. How dare he make her feel selfish for keeping Bronte to herself? "Thank you for coming." The Queen pulled herself up and into a sitting position, her eyes bulging as she watched the black unicorn maneuver himself into position.Bronte moved his large body and head around so he was facing the sick Queen. He then lowered his head and offered his horn to the suffering woman.Tell her to touch me.The Queen glanced at Naylaa, fear and wonder in her pale green eyes. "Just reach out and run your hand down his horn. You will feel a tingle, then we will wait whilst you both rest.""I won't hurt him?" The Queen began lifting her pale and bony hand, the effort to move even that small amount showing in her strained face."No, but he will be depleted. We will need to rest here for a little while."The Queen ran her fingertips over the grooves in Bronte's horn and it began to glow, Naylaa shuddered. She could feel the Queen's sickness in the pit of her stomach.I'm alright, Naylaa. She felt Bronte gather his power and push it out of his body towards the sick woman touching him.The Queen gasped and grabbed Bronte's horn, her firm grip intensifying his power. He snuffled and snorted again, his big body quivering in both excitement and physical strain. So ill.Naylaa gasped and pressed her back to the bedroom wall, sliding to the floor as her legs gave out. Bronte was saving them both. She hadn't been sure he would be able to. She could feel his choice to give the queen enough energy not only for herself, but for her unborn child.The King rushed forward when the Queen moaned and arched her back."No, don't touch her." Naylaa screamed at the King in desperation, putting both hands out to him.The King stopped just before he reached the bed, his fists clenching at his sides."Bronte is saving the Queen and your baby. He needs more time." Her head was spinning now. Her connection to Bronte was never more obvious to anyone who cared to look, than at this very moment.The Queen moaned again, then let go of Bronte's horn and fell back against her pillows. The unicorn whinnied and sank slowly to the floor.She will heal.
Buy Links:Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Clouds-United-Tamsin-Baker-ebook/dp/B00K62P6CE/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1399521520&sr=1-8&keywords=tamsin+baker
Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storm-clouds-tamsin-baker/1119444884?ean=2940149263424
Rogue Phoenix Press:http://shop.roguephoenixpress.ieasysite.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=STORMCLOUDS

Author Links:www.erotictamsinbaker.blogspot.com.auwww.tamsinbakererotic.com

She's Done It Again!

My super-talented and sexy friend in Melbourne, Tamsin Baker, is some kinda freak! But in the nicest way...

If you hear of any unexplained house fires down there, it's probably because the speed of her writing has set her keyboard alight!

Today, Friday 9th of May, sees the release of not one but TWO new books by the lovely Tamsin.

So I thought I'd share one today, and another tomorrow. Today's instalment comes to you from Spunk Books - and you can find them somewhere around about here.



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The Silver Tongued City BoyBy Tamsin BakerContemporary m/m novella


Blurb: Mitchell’s job is his life. He works hard, with good men and he gets to be around the horses he loves. The only thing that will ruin his perfect life is if they find out he’s gay, but that’ll never happen, so he’s safe.
Jayden Donner doesn’t really want to visit his estranged father on his farm, but how else is he going to get the money he needs for his overseas holiday? 
When Mitchell first sees Jay, he knows the city boy is trouble. But Jay won’t leave him be, and when the sparks fly, hay bales won’t be the only thing on fire.

Excerpt :
The vision in the mirror was not a pretty one. “I look like you’ve been dragged through a bush backwards.”His long, red hair stuck out at odd angles and his face had got too much sun. His horrible orange freckles looked like they were on fire. Fuck. He’d taken his akubra off while working on the fence and hadn’t put it back on until he’d finished. It wouldn’t happen again.“Idiot.” He chastised himself as he unwrapped the dirty bandage and threw it in the bin. He opened the top drawer and pulled out the plastic butterfly clips. Perfect. Now to clean it.  Mitchell turned on the taps and adjusted the temperature. He watched for a moment as the steam rose, braced himself and pushed his right fist beneath the gushing hot water.“Fuck!” He swore, knives of agony crippling his arm muscles. He withstood the searing pain for another few seconds before pulling it back out and examining the now clean gash. He should probably get some metho or something, but couldn’t be bothered to go searching for it.At least that got all the dirt out.“Need some help there?” A smooth, deep voice made Mitchell jump and he whirled around to see a man, who was clearly a city boy, standing in the doorway.Mitchell stared, the pain in his hand disappearing as his blood ran south. The man in front of him was delicious. Brown straight hair, green eyes and the most amazing mouth Mitchell had ever seen.The man cocked an eyebrow and ran an assessing eye over Mitchell. “Can I help?”Mitchell shook himself and grabbed a clean towel hanging from the rack.He pressed the towel to his dripping wet hand and hissed a little. “Nah, I’m fine thanks.”The vision in tight blue jeans and white cotton shirt stepped forward and picked up the butterfly tapes from beside Mitchell. As the stranger moved again, Mitchell inhaled the spicy scent of his cologne and groaned from the pain in his groin. It had been far too long since he’d gotten laid.“Show me.” The man demanded, his tone brooking no argument as he tore open the packaging and held the tape ready.Mitchell pulled the towel away from his hand and held it out, watching the man’s eyebrows fly up in surprise.“You sure you don’t need stitches?” He asked as he placed the tape on one side of the cut and pulled the flesh together before sticking the other side down. His hands were soft, not like Mitchell’s own callused ones. Definitely a city boy.Mitchell shrugged, trying for nonchalance when it was the last thing he was feeling. Those hands may be soft but they looked strong and moved with confidence. “I hate stitches.”The man took up another plastic butterfly and stuck it next to the first.“Yeah, and they say chicks dig scars.”He looked up and smiled, the effect of those brilliant white teeth enough to make Mitchell fall back a little against the sink. Wow.“You ok?” The guy asked, stepping closer, making it even harder for Mitchell to think.He shook his head to clear the fog. “Yeah, fine. What did ya say?”The brunette took one more butterfly clip and placed it next to the second one.“I said chicks dig scars.”Mitchell huffed in response, unable to laugh when he was enduring both the pain of the injury and the closeness of this hot male.He may as well be honest. If the guy was a homophobe then at least he’d leave Mitchell alone and he could breathe once again.“I’m not really into chicks, if you get my drift.”The hot guy’s head shot up and Mitchell got his first real look into those amazing green eyes, which were a little familiar. They were almost yellow at the centre giving him the look of a wild cat.“Me neither...” He replied, rubbing his thumb gently over the fleshy part of Mitchell’s hand that wasn’t cut and causing fissions of awareness to sparkle and slide across his skin.“I’m Jayden by the way... Jay.” The hot guy introduced himself and Mitchell swallowed hard, withdrawing his hand that was now tingling as well as throbbing. 
Buy Links:Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Tongued-City-Boy-ebook/dp/B00K74N3XU/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1399546727&sr=1-8&keywords=tamsin+bakerAll romance ebooks:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thesilvertonguedcityboy-1506389-149.html

Author Links:erotictamsinbaker@blogger.com.auwww.tamsinbakererotic.com

Inside the mind of Sommer Marsden

This is an unauthorised blog! I've stolen this from my other blog, Coffee-Fueled Erotica, because it's for one of my favourite writers - and favourite people - in the whole wide world!

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Today we have the endlessly talented Sommer Marsden with us to share her latest release and tell us a little of what goes on in side of her dirty little mind! 



Professional dirty word writer, gluten free baker, sock addict, fat wiener dog walker, expert procrastinator. Called "one of the top storytellers in the erotic genre" by Violet Blue, Sommer Marsden writes for HarperCollins Mischief, Ellora's Cave, Excessica, Xcite Books and Resplendence Publishing. She's the author of numerous erotic novels including Lost in You, Restricted Release, Boys Next Door, Restless Spirit, and Learning to Drown. Visit http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com
We're big on caffeine here at CFE, so what's your favorite drink with a kick? What's your guilty pleasure?
Salted Mocha Caramel from Starbucks. Caffeinated. Sometimes I get decaf, I’m not supposed to have a lot of caffeine. But you said “guilty pleasure” so…yeah. Fully leaded it is.
What drew you to this genre?
An accident. I found an erotica piece online while doing research for a mystery novel and wondered if…Like: I wonder if I could write this. So I tried.
What's your favorite subgenre in Erotica? (eg. BDSM, LGBT, Paranormal, etc.)
I think a tie between Paranormal and Contemporary. But also love me some BDSM and LGBT so…um. The answer is “Yes”.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing all my life, seriously since college. I’ve been writing full-time/professionally for nine years. Time flies when you’re talking to the people in your head.
Please describe your writing environment.
Wherever I can sit or stand and bang out a few words. Though I do gravitate to the ugly pink chair in the living room and my standing desk that is capable of being rolled through the house and yet I somehow always park it by the window in the dining room. But I’m scrappy. I’ll work just about anywhere I’m capable.
What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
I’m a pantser all the way. I do my pages for the day and then at the end in caps I’ll give myself a prompt of what the next step in the book is so that I don’t forget which direction my brain was headed. I usually have a general idea of the plot and outcome of a novel but beyond that it’s all a surprise to me!
Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place?
Coffee, girl to school, second cup of coffee, morning protein shake, feet up in ugly pink chair and my most productive hour is about to happen (usually). I work in small cycles throughout the day but usually that first chunk of time is when I can bang out the most words for my buck J
Stilettos: Sexy or not?
If you feel sexy in them, absolutely. If you don’t, then no. It’s all about how you feel.
Do you have anything special you do to get into the writing mood?
Nope. I just look for an opportunity and wedge in as many words as I can!
Does this make my butt look big?    
Nope. You’re a tiny thing:
What’s been the most challenging part of writing erotica, for you?
Not having so much sex it’s unbelievable. I love the sex scenes. I love the intimacy. I love how vulnerable my characters usually are in those moments with one another. So I have to rein in the sex otherwise all my folks would have some serious chafing.
Where won't you go with erotica? What are your taboos?The standards. Underage, abuse, the like. If it makes me oogey, I won’t go there.
Erotica has the ability to be as sweet or as raunchy as you like it. Where do you feel your work fits in the spectrum? I feel I’m midline. I can be extremely sweet, I can stick a foot into raunchy. I think I basically fall in the addictive and captivating range. Fingers and toes crossed. ;)
What is the hardest part of writing a sex scene?
Nothing. I love the sex scenes, they’re my favorite parts.
Do you ever have issues with the language, specifically when referring to anatomical parts? I mean how many ways can one really say dick or pussy without it getting a little old? Are there any terms you refuse to use or, on the flip side, are their words that are your go-to words simply for the shock value?
I refuse to use euphemisms. They drive me insane. Make me bonkers. I stick with the standard words and I try to mix them up or rephrase so they don’t get repetitive. So instead of “cock” one hundred times one might mix it up with shaft or tip or whatever depending on what’s going on. It can be done without inserting a ‘hot rod of love’ in your book! (unless you love euphemisms…then go for it. It’s your book, after all).
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
This is from the Accidental trilogy—book 2 The Accidental Girlfriend:
“This is it.” Charlie cut the engine and turned to look at me. I could see my breath inside the car. It was supposed to be warmer.“It’s nice,” I said. The cabin was courtesy of Jed. Charlie’s friend was a caretaker of several cabins in Pennsylvania. Which meant he had an in at getting his friends reduced rates in the off seasons. A rainy, windy March was definitely off season.Wind rocked the car and Charlie sighed. “Okay, so it was supposed to be warmer,” he said.“A little.” For some reason it suddenly struck me as funny and I snickered.“And sunnier,” he said as the rain picked up and banged the windshield with tiny wet fists.“I think Noah just floated past.”He frowned at me but it was playful. A high trickle of laughter slipped out of me and I clamped a hand over my mouth.“Woman,” he muttered to me, shaking his head. Then he took my hands in his and my humor faded. My pulse raced. “It doesn’t change anything,” he said. “We can still spend time alone, we can be together. You can figure out—“Here’s where Charlie shook his head and looked away.We were there to see if I could take the next step—be his girlfriend. Or if we were going to have to be done. He loved me. Or at the very least, was beginning to love me. I was sitting on the proverbial fence like it would come to life and I could ride it off into the sunset.It wasn’t that it would be impossible to love Charlie. I fucking figured I was more than seventy-five percent there already on most days. If not more. The problem would be accepting it and being at peace with it. I was barely a year out of a divorce. I’d been someone’s wife for twenty years. So, why did being someone’s girlfriend seem so daunting?“What?” I asked, though part of me didn’t want to know. “Figure out what?”He smiled crookedly and popped the lock on the car door. “If I’m worthy,” he said, as if it were no big deal. Before I could say anything at all he stepped out of the vehicle. Cold rain invaded and I let out a squawk and opened my own door.“Oh my God!” I screeched, heading for the door of the cabin. Fuck the clothes. We could get them later. I ran along the pebbled path and saw in my peripheral vision, Charlie hurrying up behind me, only he had a suitcase in each hand. The temperature hovered around mid-forties but with the cold rain and wind it felt well below freezing. I hit the painted wooden porch and suddenly the sensation of being airborne hit me. I wasn’t. I could tell I wasn’t. I was, in fact, sliding along the porch. I lost my balance, bounced off the painted red front door and fell on my ass.Charlie was right there, then, suitcases forgotten. “Jesus, Abby! Are you okay?” He touched me, running gentle seeking hands along my body. When he reached my right ankle, I winced.“Ooch,” I whispered.“Ooch? Not ouch?”He wiggled my ankle and I gave a strangled little cry. “Ooch! Ouch is so overused,” I hissed. “Heath used to say it. It’s a joke between me and my kids. I guess I never let go of it.” I was babbling.“I don’t think it’s broken,” he said, looking at it, prodding and manipulating so I had to stifle the urge to punch him in the head. “Maybe a mild sprain. Let’s get you in.”He stood, pulled the key from his pocket and unlocked the door. Then he stopped to get me. “I can stand!” I argued.“Put your damn arms around my neck and let me be the hero for ten seconds,” he said. He was smiling but his eyes were serious.I put my arms around his neck and took a deep breath. I let myself be vulnerable for a second. It was uncomfortable but doable. I was starting to see what might be our problem.Me.
Do you have any advice for other writers?Write. Don’t give up. Write some more. But be more than an ass in a seat. The richer your life, the richer your writing.

Thank you so much for being here today, Sommer! I know I can't wait to read this latest release! And if you're ready to dive in too, click the links below to purchase!
Buy Links:
Excessica: http://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=42&products_id=697Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JX7KZ1U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JX7KZ1U&linkCode=as2&tag=sommmars-20B&Nhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accidental-cougar-sommer-marsden/1119329616?ean=2940149318216All Romance Ebookshttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theaccidentalcougar-1487017-149.html
Excerpt:
“I just realized that you were born the year before I graduated.” I suddenly felt less sexy older woman and more of a creepy aged predator.

“So?” He went to the counter and I saw that Pat was working. I waved to her. She looked at me and then at Charlie and gave me a grin. She was only a few years younger than me.

I couldn’t look directly at her and was having vivid fantasies about bursting into flames or the floor opening up and swallowing me whole.

What is wrong with you? He’s a grown man, not a child. He’s young but he’s obviously smart and honest. Who are you to question his attraction to you?

The thought startled me and I pushed my lips together as he paid her for his snack and turned to me. When he looped his arm through mine I felt my body go rigid. “You’re an ageist,” he said in my ear as he led me out of the store.

I put the brakes on in the foyer. It was chilly but there was still heat blowing down from the overhead vents. Charlie looked down at me, his slouchy beanie at the perfect angle on his head to accent how damn pretty he was.

“I am not an ageist!” I hissed. “I’m just a little thrown…is all. I’m…out of practice,” I finished weakly.

“Surely men have flirted with you even when you were married.” He led me out into the whipping wind. Small wet snowflakes were beginning to dot the pavement.

“I guess. I mean, yes, once or twice. But you are—“

He turned to me, his face suddenly serious in the stark white light from the streetlamps that lit the parking lot. “Please don’t tell me I’m not a man, Ace.”

I bit my tongue. Had I been about to say that?

“Oh, I wouldn’t. I mean, I know you are. Just to me you’re so…new,” I said, smiling. I felt almost sad. “You’re so new and your life is stretched out before you. You have all this stuff to do and experience and live. You have lots of marrow to suck up.” I clicked the button on my key fob to unlock the door.

“And your marrow has dried up?” he asked me over the hood of the car.

“What? No! I have plenty of marrow! I just meant…”

“Well, that’s how you’re making it sound.” He opened the door and climbed in. We both shut our doors in unison. He set his chips and soda on the floor and turned to me. “Did it ever occur you, Abby, that I might be your marrow?”

Before I could react or answer, he tucked his palm behind my head and pulled me to him. His mouth was warm and soft. His tongue tasted of the sweet coffee he must have been drinking at work.

I kissed him back. For all I was worth. For every thing I’d once thought I would do but hadn’t. For every dream I hadn’t given a shot. For every wish I’d let drift off into the ether. I kissed Charlie for every single one of those and all the fresh ones I still wanted to give a shot. I kissed him because in that moment in time, he was my damn marrow.

And he was so much smarter than I’d ever even considered.

His fingers slid along my scalp, sifted through my hair. He kissed me deeper, his tongue hot against mine. He paused to push his face to my hair and inhale deeply. My stomach felt like it dropped a foot.

“You smell really good, Ace.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Now was that so terrible?”

“No.”

He chuckled in the cold darkness of my car. “Good to know it wasn’t terrible.”

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything beyond, “Do it again. Please. Do it again.” I didn’t recognize my voice as my own. There was so much life in it. A husky, smoky kind of want that resonated through the silence.

He pulled me to him again and teased me with the softest kiss I’d ever received. For a moment I wasn’t sure he was actually toughing his lips to mine but then he pressed his mouth to mine a bit firmer and I felt a shuddery little breath shake through me.
Find Sommer at:Blogon Goodreadson Twitter
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Just Going On Record...

Who knows if I'll ever make much of an impact in the publishing world? So when something I make takes off, I like to have a bit of a brag about it.

Yesterday, on a whim, I created a stoopid little graphic for my Facebook feed. I'd noticed bunches of those word puzzle things - you know the ones? "The first three words you see will predict how you'll die" or whatever.

So I thought I'd make a little fun thing based on those. It took all of ten minutes, and when paired with the setup text, I thought it was just a silly way to gain a bit of attention. It looked a little something like this (and I've included the setup text as well).

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Some people say that this kind of image post is nothing but a click-generator and an empty marketing ploy. I've tended to agree in the past, but this one really seems to have some scientific merit!


And suddenly heaps of people were sharing it. And people were sharing it on from there. So, since I don't have any best-selling books, and the big publishers aren't desperately seeking my cover art services, I just wanted to go on record and say...I MADE THAT! For whatever that's worth!

Guest Post - Jason Halstead

Transcend - Go Beyond Range or Limits
The multi-talented Willsin Rowe is a peer and a friend. He's also the guy I go to for most of my cover art because his graphical talents and ability to put up with my demands can't be matched! So here's a special thank you to Willsin for tossing this up on his blog and helping a brother out. Hopefully I can return the favor down the road. Now enough of me telling you what a stand up mate Willsin is, you already know that if you're reading his blog. On to me telling you about what a great new book I just released!


Imagine fields filled with wheat and corn. Orchards full of trees laden with bananas, almonds, oranges, apples, and more. Ranches with tens of thousands of cattle. All of it raised and harvested in the oldest of human professions— farming for the sake of providing for the human race.
For a small group of kids on the terraformed planet of Venus, that's exactly what life is like. They were born there and they grew up there, knowing what it was to put in a hard day's work and feeling the satisfaction that comes from reaping the fruit of their labors at the end of the day. And for most of them, unfortunately, will die there.
A wind of change is blowing and it brought with it an army of soldiers and war machines. A revolution, long brewed in secrecy, is laying waste to humanity to set things right. Or as right as their leader, the newly elected President Ondalla, believes things should be.
For the kids investigating the strange noises in the forests of Venus, only death or capture awaits. Two of those kids, anxious to explore a life of their own in a budding relationship, are stripped apart and forced to live different lives. For them the only option is the futile act of resistance or accepting fate and turning their backs on what happened to their family and friends.
Following in the wake of some amazing dystopian science fiction like The Hunger Games and Divergent comes my latest series: Transcendent. Transcendent is set to fill in the holes and take the reader to a new future with new possibilities. Tragic romance, intrigue, action and adventure, and even some giant robots make for a coming of age story that cannot be denied.
It's available on Amazon and Smashwords right now, with more to come in the very near future. Get your copy before your friends start talking about it and leave you wondering what you're missing.To learn more about Jason Halstead visit his website to read about him, sign up for his newsletter, or check out some free samples of his books at http://www.booksbyjason.com .

Guest Post - Phoenix Johnson

Blurb:Angie and her vampire sisters are happy, making their lives in the modern world after escaping from their abusive Creator, Vitalis. Jake is a mortal man who has fallen hard for Angie, unaware of her secret and just how it affects his own life. Their lives, however, are about to be thrown into chaos.

Has Vitalis really found the sisters after all these years, just as Angie finds love?

Preparing to battle for their freedom and the life of their sister, Angie must ready herself. Not only must she take on the father she once loved, but she also must choose between the mortal life she wanted with Jake, or to protect vampires and humans alike from an unknown, ancient threat.

The Return of Their Master is the first taste of a dark world held in check by a covenant that Angie believed was a myth. She is the only thing standing between the world of humanity and utter chaos, but will she sacrifice her chance at a normal life with the man she loves? 
Excerpt:As I reached to adjust some earrings on the rack, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me around to face him. “I meant what I said, Angie.” His eyes were earnest as always and my heart ached, wanting to wrap my arms around his neck and hold him forever. Instead, I just pulled my arm back and moved to the next rack. “I know you did Jake, but things are just so complicated and busy right now. I couldn’t possibly take any time off. Even just for dinner.” I turned to him so he understood I did mean what I said next. “I enjoy spending time with you, I really do. We have a special friendship that I cherish dearly, but time together is going to have to wait, I’m sorry. My sisters really need my help looking after the store right now.”He moved in closer. “You know it’s not just friendship I’m interested in, and I know it’s more than that to you, too. Don’t try to deny it.” My heart pounded and oh how I wanted to tell him he was right. Jake spoke loud enough that people started to pay attention to us. “I love you, Evangeline. I can’t hold it back anymore, and I don’t think you should hide from your feelings anymore either. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Tell me you feel the same.”I glanced around and saw everyone in the store, and even a few outside, were all looking at me, waiting for a response. My mouth flapped open and shut as a war raged inside of me.
Purchase Links:NNP: http://naughtynightspress.com/nnpstore2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=105 (LIVE NOW)
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Return-Of-Their-Master-ebook/dp/B00JV8CUAU
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Return-Of-Their-Master-ebook/dp/B00JV8CUAU
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/The-Return-Of-Their-Master-ebook/dp/B00JV8CUAUARe:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thereturnoftheirmaster-1484448-340.html (Pre-order)Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/431051 (Pre-order)Coming to all other good ebook retailers on 24th April 2014!
Where you can find Phoenix:Website:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixjohnsonauthor?fref=tsTwitter: @Phoenix_JohnsonPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/phoenixjohnson/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PhoenixJohnsonAuthor/about Amazon Profile: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Johnson/e/B00B15FK94/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 

Guest Post - Imogene Nix

Today I'm handing over the reins and the studded riding crop to Imogene Nix, who's not only a fellow Aussie, but also a fellow QUEEEENSLAAAANDAAAAAH! 


Imogene's latest book, "The Illuminated Witch", is making the rounds right now, and she's very kindly taken the time and effort not only to manifest one of her characters in the flesh using nothing more than baking soda, four eggs and a jar of expired sea monkeys, but she's gone as far as interviewing him for us.

Take it away, Imogene. And if you could give it a light dusting before you bring it back, that'd rock. Cheers!

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Character Interview Javed 

Imogene wanders in, dressed in her uniform black pants, boots with exceptionally high heels and flowing black blouse. She is followed by a handsome man in his mid thirties. He’s quiet and respectful as well as immaculately dressed in an Armani suit with a stark white shirt, which highlights his Arabic heritage.As Imogene sits down in an over stuffed chair, he takes the seat next to her. She drags an old battered notebook out of her bag and flicks through until she finds the page she’s seeking. Then she looks up.“Thanks for meeting with us today. Javed here struggles to get away at the moment as the next is settling in.” “Things are busy at the moment.”Our host nods. “Imogene, you’re sure you are happy to run the interview?”Imogene smiles broadly. “Of course! It’s truly my pleasure.”She turns to Javed who visibly relaxes.“Javed, you’re the master of the first new house in a century. It’s one of those events that stand out. Can you tell us why you were chosen to lead it?”Javed shakes his head and appears somewhat bemused. “The honour that the Council have done me leaves me humbled. I had no expectation that something like this would happen. Off the top of my head, I could name maybe a dozen other warriors who would have better served a nest in their own right.” He is patently uncomfortable with the topic of conversation.Imogene cocks her head to one side. “And yet, they chose you.”With a smile, Javed inclined his head. “In shaa Allah.”Imogene laughs lightly and gives a tiny shake of her head. “Alright then. Tell me about the day you met your partner, Celina.”He smiles. It’s broad and his eyes glint with remembered emotions. “I was flying into the nest offices with Hope when we landed. It was just after dusk, the time we usually start to get about. I noticed her instantly. The red hair, and her pallor. I think it was that initially. Plus there was a prickle, a bit like an electric charge that filtered through the air. Now, I know that was a wisp of magic escaping her. Anyway, when she collapsed I caught her. She’s been mine ever since.” He gives a deep rumbling laugh.Imogene presses forward. “But you didn’t know, at that time, that you were destined to be together?”“No. That came later.”“But for everything that’s gone right, there is still a looming thread.”Javed’s face shutters at this point. “There is.”“You have plans to defeat him?” Imogene leans back into her seat.“We do, however, as I’m sure you’ll understand, our tactics must remain hidden. After all, the fate of so many hangs in the balance.”Imogene nods and flicks through the notebook in her hand. “Okay then. One more question then I’ll let you go.”“Of course.”“You were turned…”“A long time ago. During the crusades. My sire was a knight and I was changed against my will. I had gone only into a public house to save my friends, when he took me. I don’t remember much of what happened. Afterwards, Phillipe schooled me in my new life. How to survive. How to learn about the new world I inhabited.”“But you went home?” Imogene waits as Javed draws a deep breath.“I did. I was married and like any person, I wanted to go home. To see my wife. But I couldn’t. She couldn’t accept the me that I’d become. I had to let her go. I carried that pain for a long time. Celina made me understand though, that I had to be tempered in order for the steel of my conviction to harden.” His gaze carries a far away look for a moment then he snaps out of his memories.“Ahh…” He glances at his watch. “I must be gone. I have a meeting with my banker and my Yeux Secondes. You will excuse me?”Javed stands, brushes his pants and bows deeply to both Imogene and myself, before walking brusquely away.“He’s an amazing man. I’m so honoured to know him and Celina.” Imogene’s murmured words are met with the closing of her notepad. “I too have to hurry off. I’m meeting Celina in an hour and I still haven’t eaten.”She gives me a brief hard hug and a kiss on the cheek, before whirling in a cloud of Chanel No.5 and heading for the door. She turns back, her hazel eyes glinting in the light. “Thanks for having me. It’s been fun.” Then she’s gone.
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The Illuminated Witch
Blurb:

Celina has always been alone, until the new Master, Javed, draws her close. But danger and passion are never far away. 
After years of struggling alone, Celina—a witchling of immense power—must find her place in the world of vampires.
But while Javed is building a new nest—the first new one in a century—and struggling to overcome his own demons, an ancient evil stirs.
Now with Celina in danger, time running out and the demands of a fledgling nest, can their love possibly overcome every obstacle?
Reader Advisory: This book contains brief reference to incest.

Buy Links:

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/1iKjoKo Amazon http://amzn.to/1rO6ShR  Totally Bound http://bit.ly/1pwIzTp Kobo http://bit.ly/1pwJdjR
Excerpt:

Celina grabbed her aching head. Another headache, just like the day before, but perhaps it was more violent. Her stomach lurched uncertainly and she rubbed her belly while it heaved and roiled. It was only four in the afternoon, too early to head home, but she glanced around the office, looking vainly for an escape.“Hey, Celina? Can you cover for me tomorrow? I’m going to call in sick ‘cause I’ve got a hot date tomorrow night,” Sylvia, her cubicle mate, whispered to her excitedly.Celina closed her eyes. Great. Just what I need. “Honestly? Syl, I don’t know. I’m not feeling so great.” She mumbled a little, knowing what Sylvia’s reaction would be.“Have you been to see the doctor yet?”Celina swivelled in her seat and cast a dark glance at her workmate. “I’m going to call—” Her words ended abruptly as the lights dimmed and went out. “Damn… This is like the third time this month. What the hell is going on?” The heat of the office space swelled as the air conditioning failed. The cloying scents of a multitude of perfumes and hot sweaty bodies in the summer wave closed in on her.Celina’s tummy jostled once more, demanding her attention. She rose, racing unerringly to the bathroom, making it just in time to empty the contents violently into the toilet. The clunk of the door somewhere behind alerted her to the fact that she was no longer alone. She sighed loudly. Sylvia had followed her, she knew. The sound of wood banging closed reverberated off the walls. The ensuing echo splintered her thoughts.“Celina, you have to see the doctor.” There was concern in Sylvia’s voice and Celina shied away from it.Celina leaned limply against the wall of the stall, the dim security lighting flickering in and out. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” She didn’t want to face it, but the headaches had become an almost everyday occurrence in the past few months. One she’d tried to ignore, but with little success. But something had to be wrong. Her stomach quivered at the possible reasons.She pushed away from the wall and headed for the sink, turned the tap and was rewarded by the sound of running water. Celina scooped the liquid up, washed her face and swilled some around in her mouth, trying to banish the sour taste. Her knees shook like wet noodles beneath her.“Okay, I’ll ring in the morning and see how soon I can get in for an appointment.” A sound from outside caught her hearing, a thudding noise, as if someone was testing the door. She wouldn’t be able to hide from the problems for much longer and right now, she really needed some air. “We’d better get out there.”“Yeah. Okay.” She heard the concern in Sylvia’s voice. “Will you be okay to get home?”They slowly made their way through the door and back into the office, where the blast of heat and the waft of body essences made her want to gag again. She struggled through one shallow breath then another.“I’m planning on going straight home anyway.” Celina shuffled towards her desk and groped around in the dark, hunting for her phone. She grasped it in her damp hand and pressed the screen, waiting for it to lighten sufficiently to see her desk. She spied her bag and opened the desk to find her keys. “It looks like these are going to be out for a while. Can you…?” She indicated the light fittings, then towards the office at the end of the row, hoping Sylvia would understand.“I’ll go tell the supervisor. You go on. Head home and take some painkillers.”With a small nod, which she quickly regretted as a pulse wavered through her throbbing skull, Celina headed to the emergency stairs. As she passed desks she saw others grabbing up their items, including laptops. No doubt they obviously thought the same thing. Finally she made her way down the fourteen flights of stairs. On the way she heard many voices, some shrill and others filled with laughter in the darkness. Here and there she caught glimpses of light, probably from mobiles, illuminating the gloom.One foot after another she plodded down the steps, her head aching viciously and finally, light glowed ahead and a breeze started to clear the stuffy wooliness from her head.
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Javed shook his head. The missive he held in his hands filled him with emotions he hadn’t experienced in hundreds of years. He knew what it was. It was confusion. The sense of having the carpet jerked out from beneath him. His hands felt clammy.“So… That’s your destiny, there in your hands.”His hand shook and the sound of parchment moving back and forth filled the air. He held not just his destiny, but also that of so many others.He glanced at Xavier, his master, and Hope. They were two very powerful vampires as well as his friends. “I don’t know what to say.”Hope rose and glided towards him. “You don’t have to say anything. We will say it all. Your leaving us on one level makes us sad, but you will be a master in your own right. You’ve earned this.”Javed wanted to sputter and stop her words, but he couldn’t. The intent of the letter was clear. On the night of the next full moon, Cressida would grant him his own nest. He would be elevated to the position of master.If that wasn’t enough to accept, there was the knowledge that there hadn’t been a new house in over a century.There was so much to do. So many decisions to make and all of them would fall on him. He would need to choose a Yeux Secondes, the human who would oversee the financial and day-to-day aspects of the nest. He would also require a second, a guardian who would stand at his side. A fellow warrior, in whom he could place his trust, one who would help him build a safe haven in their house. He would need witches to help protect the vampires and followers… Where the hell do I even start with that?“You’ll need a house. Somewhere for your people to call home.” Hope grinned and he saw the lurking humour she couldn’t quell. “I know of an interior designer, if you want their details?”He rolled his eyes, remembering the problems she’d had with her parents before she had been turned and the way she’d arranged for the entire block of units to be furnished. It had taken her one night to order and arrange for the delivery of all the furniture. Unlike the immense task her mother had proposed. But her smile died away as her own memories must have surfaced.“I don’t know about that, but if you’re offering help, then I’ll accept it. I don’t have a clue where to start.” He moved back to the armchair and slumped into it. “I don’t usually concern myself with those types of problem.” He allowed his head to drop into his hands and muttered. “I don’t think I’m ready yet.”A soft touch on his shoulder captured his attention. “Cressida thinks you are. Otherwise she would not have petitioned the Councillors. Now come on. You need to start planning. We have one month to arrange your investiture…”
* * * * *

About Imogene:

Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores. Dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, Imogene has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Rural Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads.

About The Illuminated Witch:
The Illuminated Witch is the second in the Blood Secrets Trilogy. The first, The Blood Bride, was an ARe and Totally Bound Best Seller.

How to follow Imogene:
Blog: www.imogenenix.blogspot.com Website: www.imogenenix.com 

Speaking Of Cover Art Stuff...

Last week I decided to try out an idea that had been mulling around in my pretty head for a couple of months.

For a while now I've been making those 3D boxed set covers, and getting a bit of a name for myself doing so. But I had been pondering doing a little bit more. Taking it a step further. Upping the ante, as it were.

With the boxed sets as they have been, there's often a reasonable amount of "dead space" on them. Especially when you get one that has 8 or more spines to incorporate. In order to fit it in the normal 2:3 ratio (width:height), you inevitably end up with white stuff up the wazoo. So to speak.

I'd resigned myself to that being just one of those unavoidable facts, as was the case with this cover, for example.



But then I figured that maybe it's NOT unavoidable. Why, indeed, could we not get a little creative with all that space?

So when one of my regular clients, Jason Halstead, asked for a 3D boxed set for his "Wanted" series, I thought it was the perfect way to test out my idea. And this is that idea made real.


This was the first one I made. There's a second one coming out soon (possibly even already out) which uses a slightly different realisation of the same concept.

Now, it wouldn't work for every single boxed set out there. Off the top of my head I imagine that sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal would be the most appropriate genres for this kind of thing, though on a case-by-case basis, who knows?

One thing's for sure, though—I'm excited! I think there's quite some potential here for all kinds of fun shenanigans! Keep your eyes peeled!

Censorship Victory!

Yay me! And yay for Carl East as well. Carl is a successful and well-known author of erotica and erotic romance, who's not afraid to tackle taboo and edgy material.

Over the past month or two, I made three particular 3D boxed sets for Mr East. These were originally entitled "The Erotic Dickgirl Bundle", and numbered 1, 2 and 3. Not to everyone's taste, sure, but Carl has really carved himself a niche with this genre, and all power to him.




Anyway, the first round of censorship trouble came courtesy of the titles. So we ate a little humble pie and switched it to "The Erotic Futagirl Bundle".

But then the censors struck again. Apparently she wasn't quite wearing enough clothing for their liking. I dunno...it's not like you could see anything ACTUALLY naked, though clearly it's implied.

So we tackled it a different way. At first we thought about just running some text across her breast and genital areas, but neither Carl nor myself was too keen on it. So instead I went all surgical! I Photoshopped some knickers on her! Like so...


And we received word that it's been accepted. Woohoo to us! And just to show the work in greatere detail, here's a larger version of just the first cover...fake knickers and all!

Complication - Cover Reveal!

My buddy and co-author, Katie Salidas, has another new book coming out on April 14th. This one is called "Complication", and it's the second book in the Chronicles of the Uprising. The first book, "Dissension", was released a few weeks back. This girl is busy, lemme tell ya!Anyway, here's a quick sneak-peek at the cover and blurb! Don't wear them out with your eyes, now! Cover art is by yours truly, by the way...
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Blurb:Narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Magistrate, Mira travels west, toward the coast. With three weakened human fugitives accompanying her, she searches for the mythical land of Sanctuary. After encountering a pack of wolf shifters, headed by the charismatic—and brazen—Stryker, Mira learns that Sanctuary is real after all.  Caldera Grove: home of the Otherkin. Hidden in the mouth of a dormant volcano, it has protected its residents from humans since the early days following the great cataclysm. For Mira— a vampire— Caldera Grove is a land of peace; an escape from the relentless persecution of the humans who once enslaved her, and an end to the daily struggle and bloodshed of being a gladiator. For the humans accompanying her, Caldera Grove means death. Humans, greedy and untrustworthy creatures, are destroyed before they can penetrate its borders. To plead her case for entry into Caldera, Mira must abandon her companions, albeit temporarily, and follow Stryker into the heart of the city. What she finds within Caldera Grove presents her with an unenviable decision between her own desires for freedom and peace, or honor and the human companions who risked it all for her.