Laura Roberts's Blog, page 59

Fairest of the Faire: An excerpt + #giveaway from Susabelle Kelmer

The renaissance fair is filled with characters and romance, but will it end in storybook love?

Schoolteacher Connie Meyers is suddenly a young widow, her husband killed in a horrific car accident. Heartbroken to find out he had gambled away everything they had, she moves to her sister-in-law’s Midwest home to rebuild her life. A trip to the local Renaissance Faire with her nieces leads to a summer job as a costumed storyteller.

Avowed bad boy and fair performer Gage Younglood is infatuated with Connie at first sight. Despite his deliberately commitment-free life, and Connie’s don’t-touch-me attitude, he soon has her in his arms, realizing quickly she is also in his heart.

When she is threatened by her late husband’s bookie, he steps into the role of protector, his fate forever sealed with hers.

An excerpt from Fairest of the Faire

“Who said anything about a relationship?” he said, standing up so he could tower over her again. “I’m just trying to have a little fun. You know, fun?”

If he’d been an animal, she was sure he’d have had hair raised on the back of his neck, he seemed so angry, and it struck her painfully. She hadn’t wanted to anger him or hurt him. She turned away from him and closed her eyes to tamp down the tears she knew would come if she let them. She crossed her arms over her chest, to hold in the pain. Being tired made her much too vulnerable.

“Yes,” she finally said. “I know about fun. Life isn’t always fun, though.”

“Princess.” His voice was soft, tender. “I won’t hurt you. It’s not in my plan.”

Despite herself, she felt the shivers of desire race down from her shoulders, down her arms and legs, and back up to that secret, soft place at her core. She bowed her head and gritted her teeth, hoping for the feeling to go away.

“And what is your plan, Gage?”

“It’s a simple plan. I want you to feel good. I want to feel good, too.”

Buy Link

The Wild Rose Press

About the Author

Susabelle Kelmer is a wife and mother living at the base of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. She believes in romance, second chances, and the magic of moonlight. When she isn’t writing, she works with students with disabilities in the college environment.

Susabelle’s tagline: Love is Everything.

Connect with Susabelle on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, her blog and her website, Susabelle.com.

Giveaway

The author is awarding a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. To enter, please use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.

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Rafflecopter giveaway

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His Target, His Desire: An interview with Aspen J. Lee

The rules of survival in this line of work: trust no one, hold no assumptions, don’t fall for your target. Bryant Holt breaks all three.

For 1.5 million, Cypress Howard is now his target. Ex-black ops, Bryant finds he can’t resist her temptations.

He’s way out of her league, sexy as hell and asking her out for dinner. It just doesn’t make sense. But Cypress is frightened of letting any one in.

Why? Because Cypress now lives incognito. The real her is dead, or so everyone thinks.

A deal is struck between secret factions and Cypress is now being hunted. Bryant’s claimed her, and he’ll do anything to save her. But first he must unravel the maze of her past.

When her life begins to implode, Cypress’s lover turns into James Bond. Who the hell is he? It’s too late to question, Bryant’s already chained her heart. All she can do is hold on.

An excerpt from His Target, His Desire

She did a cute bottom-lip suck, which reinforced his initial perception. She had sexy, full lips with a pronounced dip in the middle top one, which gave the impression of a permanent pout similar to the classic lip imprints found on car stickers or in cheeky advertising.

Bryant loved lips. He loved looking at them, kissing them and imagining what other sport a sexy pair of lips could do. Lips were as unique as fingerprints, only far more delicious. Some people even claimed a person’s personality traits were echoed on the pattern of the lips. Bryant suspected that wasn’t a fact, and he couldn’t care less. The only thing interesting him was if they were a pair he wished to kiss. Hers were, but the cutesy-pie show was not he’s usual style. Looks and body were a definite bonus for the short hops, but Bryant tended to stick around longer for a woman with bite.

He pocketed his cell and they remained facing each other for a few moments while the smack of shoes and the clip of high-heels manoeuvred around them. The silence stretched out, and he was about to smooth it with some filler words when awkwardness overcame her.

“Okay. I’m off. I guess I’ll hear from you tomorrow.”

No doubt deciding the comment sounded desperate, her cheeks reddened, and she attempted a half-turn as if fighting an internal battle. He quirked one side of his mouth in an encouraging smile, and to his satisfaction, she noticed, her eyes dipping to trace the action.

Buy Link

Bookstrand

An interview with Aspen J. Lee

How long have you been writing erotica, and what inspired you to get into this genre?

I’ve only recently started writing. My dream was to become an author, but I held myself back with a lack of faith in my ability. After attending two writing workshops by two inspirational women, I found the courage to try. Two years ago I never dreamed I would be published, and definitely not writing erotica. It was around then, I joined a writing group. One of the ladies in my group was published with Ellora’s Cave. She shared her experience of how much fun she had crafting the story. That was the beginning of my education. I started researching erotic publishers and buying some of their ebooks. Pretty soon I convinced myself I would give it a try. And I have to say, it’s been a fun ride.

What gave you the idea for your latest book?

My first erotica, Slipping Through His Fingers, was about deception — pretending to be someone else. It’s not a new premise, but I love the idea of two people meeting and neither are who they say they, dark little secrets. So I was keen to return to that premise in my second book His Target, His Desire. This time I doubled the deception and tapped into my background in molecular biology to add a small sci-fi twist within the plot.

Who are some of your favorite erotica writers or other literary inspirations?

I guess everyone could point a finger at E.L. James. You can either love or hate her book, but what you can’t deny was her ability to bring erotica into mainstream. Sylvia Day also managed to mainstream erotic romance with her series Crossfire. Big congratulations to both women. I stumbled across Eve Silver about a year ago with her series Otherkin and became instantly addicted to the storyline and characters. Recently I purchased a self-published book Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts and was astounded by the quality of her writing. She paints an edgy dark erotica with perfect flare.

Describe your typical writing routine. Where do you usually write? How many words/pages per day? Do you keep set hours? What does your workspace look like?

I would love to say I’m organized and scheduled, with plot outlines and tons of notes. But the truth is I’m a chaotic person with terrible organizational skills, can’t hold a schedule to say my life and usually have the first five or six chapters written before I have a fully formed plot or ending.

I have no set writing place. I am able to write anywhere, and I think a lot of that is thanks to my chaotic nature. I write at my kitchen table, on a couch in the lounge, at the outdoor table by the pool, while sitting up in bed, in a café with a hot chocolate, even sitting in the back seat of my car. I’d do it in the bath if I could find a waterproof computer.

The one thing I do try and keep regular is word count. I aim for 2,000 words, five days a week. I don’t always get there as either some little emergency crops up, or I might find a particular section of the story hard to write. I don’t beat myself up if I miss my word count. But I try not to make a habit of it.

Do you have any favorite foods or beverages that help keep your creativity flowing?

I’m mostly an herbal tea drinker, so that’s all I have when writing. But any food, that’s not healthy, helps keep my creativity going, especially sweet. I’ve always found that reading a good book and eating is a perfect marriage. It seems the habit has extended to writing a good book as well.

Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals when starting (or ending) a new book?

None. I do love the idea of rituals, and my husband and I have developed some for certain events in the year, but I’ve never extended this to my writing. It’s always a fantastic relief to arrive at the end of a manuscript, but I’ve never done anything to celebrate it or ritualize the achievement. Perhaps I should. I find starting a story to be the most exciting time. Since I don’t outline or plan, the story could go any way, and I’m never really sure what the next writing session will bring. Sometimes it has me sitting at my computer staring at the screen for minutes at a time. Sometimes I may reread the previous paragraph ten times before I realize I’ve read it ten times. Sometimes my fingers can’t go quick enough. I’ve signed three contracts, so I’ve shared three bottles of champagne with my husband. I guess that counts as a ritual.

What do you think makes for a good erotic story?

Everyone loves a larger than life hero. An alpha type, who can hold his own and defend his woman. They’re big, strong, athletic males, with all the right dimensions. Most importantly though, he needs to adore his heroine and treat her with respect, even if the initial road to love is patchy.

Most people these days want to read about strong heroines. Bella Swan got away with it in Twilight, but that was a sweet romance. What doesn’t work for me is when a heroine is nothing without the hero. I love a feisty heroine. Though as a writer, you’ve got to make sure you don’t write the hero out of a job. He still needs to save her, or he ends up superfluous.

Hot sex. And I say again hot sex. An erotica is not an erotica unless your hero and heroine get down in the dark (or whereever) multiple times during the course of their story, and don’t hold back on the descriptives. With erotica, you don’t need to hide them behind closed doors. The reader wants to know exactly what they’re up to and in explicit detail.

I also like a story to flow alongside the romance and hot sex, otherwise you’re just reading about body parts and where they’re being put. It’s the story and characterization, mixed in with the erotic fun that makes a story stand out.

What’s your favorite euphemism for genitalia?

If I checked word frequency in my manuscript, cock would come out on top. It’s the best term for a male’s pride and joy. Next I would use erection. For a woman, it would have to be pussy. I do go worse in my stories, just to break up the monotony of using the same word. I stay clear of the purple prose, some can use it with style, not me.

If you were in charge of adapting a scorching summer romance for the big screen, what book would you like to see made into a movie, and who would you pick to star as the male and female leads?

I only say this because of Twilight, but Sharon Hamilton has a series called the Golden Vampire Series where everything’s a little more edgy, and the romance has a lot more spice. Definitely adult stuff. Theo James would have to be my pick for the hero because he’s gorgeous. But he also plays the boy bad/nice boy cliché well. The heroine would have to be Maggie Q. Why? Because she’s gorgeous too! And let’s face it, we all want to be swept away in the fantasy of the story. Maggie has that ethereal beauty, and she can play tough parts with grace.

About the Author

After joining her local writers’ center and attending a workshop on romance writing, Aspen J. Lee decided she was set on the wrong career path. Swapping sides from factualizing to fictionalizing life, she quit her job and started a Masters in writing.

Soon after she discovered passion rather than academics was the key ingredient, so picked up the pen and began to fashion her own stories. Another workshop introduced her into the world of spicy writing. The end result was Slipping Through His Fingers, published by Siren-Bookstrand (2014). Two novels followed: His Target, His Desire (Siren-Bookstrand, 2015) and Bound (Eternal Press, 2015).

Aspen is currently crafting her fourth erotic romance and dipping her quill into a dystopian, both of which she hopes to have published later this year.

When Aspen can extract herself from her characters, she can be found in her kitchen, crafting magic of a different nature, with dogs and cats in tow. She lives on 6.5 acres, which she shares with the wildlife, a husband and three children.

You can follow Aspen on her website, AspenJLee.com, and her blog, AspenJLeeAuthor.com.

You can also connect with Aspen on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube and her Amazon Author Page.

Giveaway

Aspen will be awarding $30 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Meet San Diego’s Nonfiction Authors Association chapter leader — me!

I joined the Nonfiction Authors Association earlier this year, and when I heard they were looking for local chapter leaders to start organizing monthly meetings I jumped at the chance.

Well guess what? Today it’s official: I’m the new chapter leader for San Diego!

The NFAA has posted an interview with me on their main site, so if you’re curious to know more about who I am and what I do – or want some writing and publishing tips – click here to read on.

If you’d like to join the San Diego chapter, check out our Meetup page for more information. It’s free to join the NFAA, so if you live in San Diego, I’d love to see you at our first meeting in July. We’re also going to be holding an informal mixer at the end of June (date TBA), so if you’ve got suggestions on where you’d like to meet up with fellow members for some casual socializing, feel free to message me.

Finally, if you’re a nonfiction author living in or near San Diego and would like to speak at one of our events, please contact me! I’d love to know more about who you are and what you do, and how we can work together to bring your message to the group.

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Rite of Summer: An interview with Tess Bowery

There are terrors worse than stage fright. Like falling in love.

Violinist Stephen Ashbrook is passionate about three things—his music, the excitement of life in London, and his lover, Evander Cade. It’s too bad that Evander only loves himself. A house party at their patron’s beautiful country estate seems like a chance for Stephen to remember who he is, when he’s not trying to live up to someone else’s harsh expectations.

Joshua Beaufort, a painter whose works are very much in demand among the right sort of people, has no expectations about this party at all. Until, that is, he finds out who else is on the guest list. Joshua swore off love long ago, but has been infatuated with Stephen since seeing his brilliant performance at Vauxhall. Now he has the chance to meet the object of his lust face to face—and more.

But changing an open relationship to a triad is a lot more complicated than it seems, and while Evander’s trying to climb the social ladder, Stephen’s trying to climb Joshua. When the dust settles, only two will remain standing…

An excerpt from Rite of Summer

The man in the portrait was not classically handsome. His mouth was too full and his hair too red for that, his jawline perhaps a little too soft. But his eyes crinkled at the corners with secret mirth, as though sharing a very private joke with the viewer, and those lush and generous lips curled up at one corner. He sat in a smock and his shirtsleeves, a palette on the table behind him. His head tilted very slightly to the side, like he was listening to some secret, lively song. His eyes caught and held Stephen, grey as stormclouds over the cliffs, a hint of blue that was the clear sky breaking through, and a knowing look that struck some chord deep within that Stephen could not immediately name.

He wanted–

Well, he wanted a great many things. But never before had a portrait been responsible for a curl of longing or desire twisting its way up from the center of his being, some vague and wistful sense of thwarted desire focused on that arresting stare.

I wonder if he would look at me that way in life.

I wonder who he is.

A faint scuff of feet behind was all that gave Stephen warning before someone spoke, and he managed neither to whip around in surprise, nor jump like a child caught where he shouldn’t be. “He’s not a particularly good-looking fellow, to deserve such lengthy scrutiny.”

The voice was an unfamiliar one, a warm rich tenor that verged on a deeper range, a faint northern accent coloring the tone.

“I suppose not,” Stephen replied, pausing to allow his heart to slow before he introduced himself. “If you value men solely based on looks. But there is more life in his expression than in all the other portraits put together. Either the sitter was a man of uncommon vivacity, or the painter was exceptionally fond of him.”

He turned and looked at the man standing behind him.

His hair was shorter now, and he was dressed for dinner, his cravat impeccably tied and tucked into a cream waistcoat. The man from the portrait stepped in to the gallery, framed by a shaft of light that fell across the floor from the hall. His eyes had not been exaggerated. They had been perhaps underplayed, and that grey-blue gaze regarded Stephen with a peculiar intensity. He was a little taller than Stephen, his frame of very pleasing proportions, and had a controlled energy to his walk that suggested strength lying beneath the layers of wool and linen.

“Or he was his own painter,” the newcomer said, his lip quirking up in that selfsame knowing smile, “and both irredeemably prone to vanity and in desperate need of an honest friend to check him in his fancy.”

Buy Links

Amazon / Nook / Publisher

An interview with Tess Bowery

How long have you been writing erotica, and what inspired you to get into this genre?

I like sex? Hah; that’s a terrible answer. Let me backpedal and say that it’s because I think the act of sex is an absolutely fundamental part of a sexual relationship. (For asexual characters, the negotiations surrounding sex/no sex would partially fill that role, depending on circumstance and context.)

Who we are in the bedroom is never textbook – everyone comes into it with their own hang-ups and needs, their desires both open and hidden. The baggage of the everyday doesn’t get wiped away by the urge to mash genitals. So I follow my characters into the bedroom to see how that all plays out, how their lovemaking (or sex, or fucking) relieves and generates tension, and what they’ll carry with them into the next day, just like in any other non-sexual scene. All of these incredibly vulnerable, naked moments have amazing potential for a storyteller.

It would be tricky for me to write a story that fades to black, and have it feel really complete, unless I could top-load all those moments of negotiation and power exchange and so forth into the PG-rated early foreplay.

What gave you the idea for your latest book?


That would be a book called Mother Clap’s Molly House, written by British historian Dr. Rictor Norton, and it laid out, in very intimate detail, the lives, loves, habits and deaths of the gay community in Georgian London.

There’s this whole set of subcultures that existed just below the official radar, and we get these tantalizing hints of what was accepted (or not) in court records, diaries, and sometimes even love letters back and forth between couples. It’s an incredible puzzle to put together.

Stephen and Evander were born from those musings and character sketches; Joshua came along a little bit later.

Who are some of your favorite erotica writers or other literary inspirations?

I haven’t read a huge amount of recent erotica; when I’m writing I always have this fear that I’m going to accidentally incorporate a turn of phrase or image that I loved from someone else. When I do, I adore some of the short story compilations that are out there. There are a couple of older anthologies I always go back to – Pam Kesey’s Daughters of Darkness, especially. It’s lesbian vampire erotica from the heyday of vampire stories back in the late 1990s, which was right in the middle of my velvet-thigh-highs-and-corsets goth phase. There’s a fantastic sci-fi take on the theme in there from Katherine V. Forrest which is just delicious. Pun intended.

Describe your typical writing routine. Where do you usually write? How many words/pages per day? Do you keep set hours? What does your workspace look like?

I do a lot of contracting and freelancing as well as starting a writing career, so balancing all of those pieces takes a lot of juggling. There will be weeks when I’m up to my armpits in scripts and patterns for 14-hour days, others when I have a couple of days in a row to sit and write to my heart’s content.

My usual writing space is curled up at the end of the living room couch. We have a big bay window that looks out into the backyard, and having the daylight and green space is incredibly helpful. When I’m deep into things and the couch is eating me, I can move upstairs to a corner of my bedroom that I’ve stolen as a small office. It’s away from the centre of the house and the chaos that comes with having a young family, and gives me a chance to get some peace and quiet. I tend to use that space more for revisions and editing, while the couch is creative noodling space.

I write in the mornings when I can. My words-brain is more connected then, or perhaps my inner critic is still asleep! Either way, I find I second-guess myself much less and I can sink into the story more while I’m nursing my second cup of coffee. I save the afternoons for editing, or contract work, when possible. The manual side of my brain kicks in and I do better at jobs that have a stricter definition, or a physical component. (That’s when I get my most focused grading and pattern-drafting done.)

So basically I’m a morning writer when I can, and otherwise I’m all over the place.

When I’m on a roll, I can generally get about 1,000 words an hour down. Slower days I still clock in about 500 words an hour, unless I’m stopping for research or fact-checking. I tend to get sucked down research rabbit holes and get horribly distracted by interesting new sources.

Do you have any favorite foods or beverages that help keep your creativity flowing?

My writing is fueled entirely by coffee and spite.

Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals when starting (or ending) a new book?

Do you mean in terms of rubbing a rabbit’s foot, turning three time widdershins and lighting a candle? Not really, no. I’m not a hugely superstitious person as a rule. The only thing I do, as a rule, is push the chapters out the door to my usual crowd of beta-readers and beg them to be both cruel and kind. Then have a stiff drink.

What do you think makes for a good erotic story?

Tension. Like a good encounter in real life, a written scene should be all about the teasing, the tantalizing, the journey toward and beyond orgasm. It’s incredibly difficult to do that well, to keep the tension slowly building without becoming tedious, or to fumble the ball and build too high, too soon.

The author’s comfort with their material plays a huge role in it as well. You can tell when someone’s shying away from certain acts or words, when something explicit dips into euphemisms or vagueness for a while, and then back out again. I always suggest writing to your own comfort levels. There’s no need for something to be explicit in order to be erotic, and if you’re not at ease with something, it shows.

Along with that, word choices that keep the reader in the moment. I’ve been jolted out of sex scenes that were amazing up until the words “seminal fluid” were used, and ditto a romantic candles-and-roses scene that switched into “cock and pussy” the moment the clothes hit the floor.

Erotica is like any other kind of writing in that the mood needs to be consistent; maybe even more so, because you’re guiding the reader through a very intimate emotional and physical journey.

What’s your favorite euphemism for genitalia?

I love some of the historical terminology, I have to say. There’s the usual “quim” and “cunny,” but when you delve into the slang you end up with these marvelous descriptive terms, like “mound of Venus,” or “a pair of pouting bubbies.”

Let me see if I can remember some of the ones I’ve seen in original 19th century sources… for females:

Elysian font
Harbour of delight
Her terra incognita
Her low countries

And my absolute favorite, from an 18th century description: “the mother of all saints.”

When I’m actually writing for myself, mind you, I tend to rely on “cunny,” for women. I can’t bring myself to use “cunt,” as such, but the more euphemistic options make me giggle. And that’s not always sexy.

For men I always seem to end up using the usual trifecta – “cock,” “prick” and “balls.” “Arse” features prominently in Rite of Summer, naturally!

What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked by a fan? And what was your response?

I don’t know that I’d classify any of them as strange! At least, not out of the ordinary for internet conversations, which is where most of our interactions take place. I mean, I’ve hung out with some readers of mine in an IRC chat room where we ended up discussing rainbow-ejaculating unicorns and flying shapeshifter sex, so what becomes “strange” after that?

… I think that basically means “catch me online when I’m tired or drunk, and it’s a filter-less free-for-all.”

(I have the best fans ever.)

If you were in charge of adapting a scorching summer romance for the big screen, what book would you like to see made into a movie, and who would you pick to star as the male and female leads?

There’s a post that’s been going around Tumblr which thrills me to no end – it’s a gifset suggesting a remake of the movie Grease, with Kristen Stewart as “Danni” and Taylor Swift as “Sandy.” Let me tell you how many times I would watch that movie, especially if there were sex scenes! It would be a thing of utter glory.

As far as book adaptations go, I wish that The Other Boleyn Girl had opened the door to movie treatments for a few more of Phillippa Gregory’s novels. Her books are an easy read, and the worlds they describe are so filled with the sensuality of velvet, silks, and furs, her women existing at the intersections of power, duty, and luxury.

I’d love to see her book, The Constant Princess, made into a steamy, sumptuous historical romance, moving back and forth between the grey world of early sixteenth-century England and the glorious warmth and colors of southern Spain. The story of Catherine of Aragon’s first marriage, to Henry VIII’s older brother Arthur, doesn’t get nearly the kind of treatment all of Henry’s adventures received in the media, but Gregory’s laid out a romance – yes, with sex! – that is really worthy of a second look.

As far as casting goes, I’ve always adored the way Sarah Bolger played Lady Mary in The Tudors, and I think she’d do a marvelous job in the role of Mary’s mother, Catherine. I definitely think she’s strong enough to carry the role as the heart of the story.

For Prince Arthur, the trouble would be finding a young actor who doesn’t play too young. Alex Pettyfer has a gorgeous ginger-Tudor look, but he’s a bit buff to be cast as a prince who dies young. On the other hand, I’m not sure that I care! :D

This is my last spot on my official tour before my release on Tuesday, so I’d like to take this chance to thank everyone so much for coming along with me. Thank you as well to my amazing hosts, and to all the readers who have been so encouraging. We’re an awesome community here in Romancelandia, and I’m so privileged to have become a part of it.

Come by TessBowery.com on June 2nd, 7 PM Eastern Time, to join me in the chatroom for the release party! I’ll have giveaways and prizes as well as interviews and a social hour. I look forward to seeing everyone!

About the Author

Tess Bowery has been a fan of historical fiction since learning the Greek and Roman myths at her mother’s knee. Now let loose on a computer, she’s spinning her own tales of romance and passion in a slightly more modern setting. Her work in the performing arts has led to a passion for the theatre and dance in all its forms, and been the inspiration for her current books. Tess lives on the east coast, with her partner of fifteen years and two cats who should have been named “Writer’s Block” and “Get Off the Keyboard, Dammit.”

Tess can be found reblogging over on tessbowery.tumblr.com, twittering at @TessBowery, and talking about writing in general and her books specifically over at TessBowery.com. You can also find Rite of Summer on Goodreads.

Giveaway

Tess will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below, and don’t forget to visit the rest of the tour stops. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Likelihood of Lucy: An excerpt + #giveaway from Jenny Holiday

London, 1815

Trevor Bailey is on the cusp of opening the greatest hotel in London. His days as a gutter snipe are behind him, as he enjoys a life of wealth, society, and clandestine assignments as a spy in the service of His Majesty. Until one tumultuous night churns up the past he’d long left behind…

Turned out by her employer for her radical beliefs, Lucy Greenleaf reaches out to the man who was once her most beloved friend. She never expected that the once-mischievous Trevor would be so handsome and gentleman-like and neither can deny the instant attraction. But Lucy’s reformer ways pose a threat to the hotel’s future and his duties as a spy. Now Trevor must choose between his new life and the woman he’s always loved…

An excerpt from The Likelihood of Lucy

Who was this man? He was the Trevor of her youth, yet he was not. The boy would not have touched her like that. Would not even have noticed her face long enough to bother with a dab of pudding gone awry. The boy had reserved that sort of intense scrutiny for lock picking and cake filching.

The man, by contrast, was causing her stomach to feel like little wings were fluttering inside it.

It was almost as if she wasn’t in the room, which was ridiculous because of course she was. It was her lip he caressed. But he stared so intently at her mouth that the encounter seemed somehow to be unfolding between him and it without her presence mattering at all.

She lifted herself onto tiptoes, and the tiny birds inside her took off, a great flapping flock of them. They were propelling her toward him, and she wasn’t in charge anymore. She pressed her lips against the spot of chocolate near the corner of his mouth. If she’d thought the chocolate tasted sinful before, she’d been naive. The tang of his skin magnified it, made it magnetic.

“Lucy,” he rasped, his lips moving against her skin as he spoke her name. She waited for more, for him to cry halt. He did not. So she remained where she was, her lips pressed against the corner of his mouth but not moving, the roar of blood in her ears a rushing waterfall.

Beneath her mouth, his jaw clenched, became hard like iron, and his breath, already short, took on a ragged quality. Warmth pooled low in her belly like that chocolate, liquefied and hot. Every second they stood there, unmoving, something coiled more tightly inside her. It was almost painful, but it was impossible to imagine stepping away.

He moved only an inch. Less than an inch. His lips grazed hers, and though they barely touched hers, the warmth in her belly became fire. How was that possible? They weren’t even kissing, not really, and yet she felt as if she were at the gates of Bedlam.

A thought crept in. She tried to push it away, but it persisted. This is why Mary had fallen victim to her bouts of suicidal behavior. This—this unnamable compulsion—would grow and grow until it took over, displacing everything else, everything that made her herself. Unlike Mary, she wasn’t capable of producing great works of philosophy with the potential to change the world, but she did have a life. A hard-won life she’d made for herself through sheer force of will. Trevor was helping her—she’d had no choice but to permit it given his logical argument that their arrangement would benefit them both. But she needed to remember why she had agreed to stay only for six months. Because men were dangerous—even him. Even Trevor. Perhaps especially him.

So she stepped away.

Buy Links

Amazon / B&N

About the Author

Jenny Holiday started writing in fourth grade, when her awesome hippie teacher, between sessions of Pete Seeger singing and anti-nuclear power plant letter writing, gave the kids notebooks and told them to write stories. Most of Jenny’s featured poltergeist, alien invasions, or serial killers who managed to murder everyone except her and her mom. She showed early promise as a romance writer, though, because nearly every story had a happy ending: fictional Jenny woke up to find that the story had been a dream, and that her best friend, father, and sister had not, in fact, been axe-murdered. From then on, she was always writing, often in her diary, where she liked to decorate her declarations of existential angst with nail polish teardrops. Eventually she channelled her penchant for scribbling into a more useful format. After picking up a PhD in urban geography, she became a professional writer, and has spent many years promoting research at a major university, which allows her to become an armchair astronomer/historian/particle physicist, depending on the day. Eventually, she decided to try her hand again at happy endings–minus the bloodbaths.

You can connect with Jenny on Twitter (@jennyholi and @TropeHeroine), Facebook, Goodreads, or her website, JennyHoliday.com.

Giveaway

The author will award a randomly drawn commenter a $25 Amazon gift card. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.

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Summer Fire boxed set: An excerpt + #giveaway

SUMMER FIRE

by Gennita Low, Stacey Mosteller, R.J. Lewis, L. Wilder, Victoria Danann, Kym Grosso, Cat Miller, Mimi Barbour, Clarissa Wild, Teresa Gabelman, Linda Barlow, Helen Scott Taylor, Victoria James, Mona Risk, Patrice Wilton, Joan Reeves, Danielle Jamie, Terri Marie, Lorhainne Eckhart , Brandy L. Rivers, and Nicole Blanchard.

21 ALL NEW Contemporary Romance stories by NY Times, USA Today, and National Bestselling authors. Just 99¢ for a limited time!

Love when it’s hot? So do we. Especially when we’re writing about gritty alphas, angsty bad boys, sizzling attraction, and unrequited passion. Turn the fan to oscillate and join us for this

steamy, groundbreaking bundle of summer tales that are hot hot hot.

An excerpt from From “Killer” by Clarissa Wild

Vanessa

Never in my life did I think I would be the prime suspect in my husband’s murder. But looking back at the choices I made, it’s not so strange that people think I’m a killer.

I’m not as innocent as I portray myself. Looks can be deceiving.

However, I won’t go down for this. Not when I don’t deserve it.

I should’ve known it would end up this way. That man… Phoenix Sullivan… The moment I saw that deadly gaze in his eyes, the dark way he looked at me, I knew I was in trouble.

Big trouble.

And something tells me there’s more where that came from.

This game of catch won’t be ending any time soon.

Phoenix

Look at her, in her fancy white dress, with her fake blonde curls, and that sweet, deliciously fake smile. Don’t you just want to fuck that pretentious smile off her face? I do. And I will.

She has no idea what’s coming for her. Or her husband.

You see, I’m not a nice person. When I have my eyes set on something, I do it. In this case, it’s killing the man she’s married to. She probably won’t like it, but that’s not my problem. She’s not my target… and she’d better not turn herself into one.

I’m here with a purpose, and nothing stands between me and my goal. Not even a pretty girl with an ass worth fucking. Nobody stands in my way, and if they do, they die.

Too bad for her I’m like a fucking canon, and when I shoot, shrapnel flies everywhere. If she gets caught in the fire, that’s on her.

When I want something, I’m going to get it, no matter the price. Whether it’s killing someone, or fucking her.

She wants justice, I’ll give her justice… my justice.

I bet she isn’t willing to pay the price.

Too bad for her I always win.

Buy Links

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Apple / B&N / Kobo / Goodreads

Giveaway

One randomly drawn commenter will receive a $25 Amazon/B&N gift card. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter widget below. Don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.

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Elysium: An excerpt + #giveaway from Thea Landen

Two years have passed since April Patterson’s husband was shot and killed in the line of duty, and she’s trapped in a haze of grief and uncertainty. Having grown frustrated by all other efforts to engage her in activities where she could meet new people, her cousin pays for a date via 1Night Stand. Not thrilled with the idea, April nevertheless contacts Madame Eve and requests the impossible: a date with her deceased husband.

Brilliant software engineer Drew Monroe created his company, Elysium, to help give closure to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, through the use of virtual reality. Though passionate about his work, being constantly surrounded by heartache and death has taken a toll on his mental health. When he accepts the case of a young widow referred to him by Madame Eve, her tragic tale depresses him further, but he commits himself to programming April the romantic date she desires.

April arrives at Elysium and prepares to enter Drew’s virtual realm. Will she find the solace she seeks within? Or will she discover she doesn’t need a fantasy world to discover happiness again?

An excerpt from Elysium

I tried to think back and pinpoint exactly what had attracted me to Kevin in the first place. He’d had a way of making me feel like the only person in the room, even when I thought there were plenty more fascinating people around. I’d never believed I was special, and he’d done a pretty good job of convincing me I had something to offer.

Since his death, I’d heard all the platitudes about moving on and how he’d want me to be happy. Deep down, I knew everyone from grief counselors to well-meaning acquaintances were right. Perspectives changed so much, though, I didn’t know how to find happiness anymore. How could I feel the way I used to? Should I feel that way? Everything was so different without him. I was different.

Blink, blink, blink went the cursor. Somehow, telling a complete stranger about what I found attractive in a potential partner led me to completely idealize what I’d once had, and pretend we’d never argued about him leaving dirty socks on the bathroom floor or how I didn’t want to go on vacation with his parents for the Fourth of July. He wasn’t perfect, and no marriage is either. Yet whatever flaws we had were our flaws, and I missed those, too.

Hidden desires. Forbidden fantasies. I needed to write the email that night or else I’d never get it done. My fingers flew across the keyboard in a show of defiance, an act of desperation. Before I could stop, I issued a challenge.

I want a date with my husband.

Buy Links

Amazon / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / Barnes & Noble / Decadent Publishing

About the Author

Thea Landen lives in New York with her husband and a variety of houseplants. A former educator, she strives to encourage creativity and passion in all those around her, and uses writing to help inspire. Though she reads and writes in nearly all genres, she has a special fondness for science fiction, fantasy, and adventure and anything that pushes the imagination beyond its usual limits. When she’s not writing, or thinking about writing, her hands and mind are occupied by either yarn crafts or role-playing games.

You can connect with Thea on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and her website, thealanden.com.

Giveaway

Thea will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Enter using the widget below, and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.

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Dark Summoner: An excerpt + #giveaway from D.D. Miers

“Looking at him made me desirous for things I never thought I would want.”

Abby Davenport has spent the last ten years forgetting her past until a fateful night reveals her false reality. Thrust into a new world of dark sorcery and ancient magic, she’s shocked to discover her destiny lies as the keeper of a powerful relic. Now everyone wants to control, own, or destroy her. No longer able to discern truth from lie, she’s torn between a charming guardian and a mysterious summoner. Abby finds herself strangely drawn to each man—one sworn to protect and one who calls to her soul. Can she survive the strange and dangerous labyrinth of the first realm, where every move, emotion, and reaction must be a calculated one?

An excerpt from Dark Summoner

His six-foot-plus frame leaned against the leather walls, arms crossed over his muscular chest, his demeanor casual yet controlled. To say he intimidated me would have been an understatement.

He seemed like the devil incarnate—a strange combination of wickedly handsome and utterly terrifying.

A strange black smokiness swirled around his frame, and I couldn’t tell if it was coming from him or somewhere in the club. Everything about him exuded danger. Whoever he was, that thing took one look at this man and disappeared. I couldn’t help but feel slightly grateful. The brief windows of light allowed me glimpses of his dark and brooding features. Much of him remained in shadow. But I noticed his stunning eyes. They glowed unnaturally and danced as he watched me. With abnormal speed, they flashed from crystal gray to black coal and back again. His short, jet-black hair was tousled yet perfect, and a slight stubble bordered his jawline.

His riveting stare petrified and aroused me at the same time. Looking at him made me desirous for things I never thought I would want. I was recovering from the silent assault when a sudden daze clouded my mind, and my eyelashes fluttered uncontrollably. There wasn’t time for me to panic as it lifted within seconds.

I was no longer in the club.

Buy Links

Amazon US / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Amazon UK

About the Author

With her debut novel Dark Summoner, D.D. Miers begins the Relic Keeper Series, a fast-paced romantic saga filled with danger, destiny, and magic, set in her favorite genre, Paranormal and Fantasy Romance.

Born with a wildly overactive imagination, she’s told stories of enchanted worlds, treacherous villains, and epic love for as long as she can remember. She keeps a watchful eye for the paranormal hiding around every corner and constantly checks the window or rearview mirror for a vampire or fairy.

Although she has a fondness for all things fantasy, she’s an epic romance fan at heart and in everything she asks, “What would Jane Austen do?” The journey to becoming a published author has been a long but exciting one. A fervent desire for taking readers from the ordinary to the extraordinary keeps her motivated, and she believes that everything is better with a good helping of romance thrown in.

D.D. is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Fantasy, Futuristic, & Paranormal Sub-Genre of RWA (FF&P). She continues to attend conferences and writers’ workshops in order to help inspire, share, and promote her love for romance.

During her downtime, she loves to spend time with her family, share her obsession of all things romance with other fans, and catch up on her never-ending TBR list. She resides in beautiful Southern California with her wonderful husband, an adorable toddler, two kitties, and the many different characters living in her head.

Connect with D.D. on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google Plus, and her website, DDMiers.com.

Giveaway

D.D. Miers is awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.

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#HumpDayReviews: Book Reviewer Yellow Pages

Indie authors have it tough when it comes to getting reviews. Sometimes it’s not for lack of trying — after all, it seems like there are thousands of review sites, with more and more popping up each day. But who are the people behind those sites, and what kinds of books do they like to read? Occasionally just wading through their websites in search of the most obvious answers can feel like a hunt for the Holy Grail. (And don’t even get me started on all the blinking, spinning and “glittery” GIFs…)

Luckily, you don’t have to wander the world-wide web alone, trolling Google for reviewers that fit your genre. Instead, you can turn to the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages, a resource now in its 6th edition.

Full disclosure: I’m listed on page 88 as an erotica and erotic romance reviewer. (My literary magazine, Black Heart, is also listed on page 52 for those looking for reviews in other genres.)

Since 2009, the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages has been an invaluable resource for anyone looking for targeted reviews. Instead of weeding through millions of websites in search of each one’s contact information and list of genres they review, the book spells everything out clearly for each review site included. Each site has its own page, all listings are presented alphabetically, and you can easily skip ahead if you’re looking for information about a specific outlet.

Information listed for each site includes:

Website URL
How long the site has been active
The name and best contact info for their reviewer(s)
Whether or not they’ll review indie, self-published or small press books
Genres reviewed
Genres NOT accepted
Preference for fiction vs. nonfiction
Whether or not the site reviews adult content or erotica
Ebook formats preferred (PDF, EPUB, MOBI)
Openness to hosting blog tours
Typical review turn-around times
Pet peeves to avoid
A list of places where reviews are cross-posted (online booksellers, Goodreads, etc.)
Any fees for additional promotional materials, and
Helpful hints and commentary about the reviewer or their website

I told you it was invaluable! This is basically the perfect insight into hundreds of different reviewer’s minds — including their individual quirks and preferences, right down to the things that most irritate them. No more wondering if you’ve inadvertently annoyed a reviewer — now you can easily sidestep big faux pas with a bit of reading.

Also included is a list of Do’s and Don’ts for writers seeking reviews penned by the book’s editor, Christine Pinheiro — which you can read here as a free preview.

At just $6.99 for the Kindle version or $14.95 in paperback, this book is well worth the investment. Updated yearly, it’s also a timely resource to keep on your desk whenever you release a new book.

So what are you waiting for?

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Sin: Devil’s Den #3 — An interview with Violetta Rand

Sin proves that passion goes beyond smoldering desire when hearts dance to their own special beat.

Every woman at the Devil’s Den strip club has a story to tell, and Macey Taylor is no exception. Smart and self-reliant, she’s got a chip on her shoulder, a broken heart, and no patience for a sexy new manager with an Ivy League pedigree and a strict set of rules. Macey prefers to break rules, something she lets Joshua Camden know from the start—even as he ignites a fire in her that goes beyond the hottest club in town.

Joshua is working the Devil’s Den for all it’s worth, learning everything he can about the adult-entertainment game before investing in a place of his own. Macey is a surprise: a woman as strong-willed as she is gorgeous. Joshua wants to get inside her world, to see through her eyes. But he soon discovers that seduction is a two-way street—and expecting redemption without risking his heart may be the greatest sin of all.

Buy Links

Amazon / B&N / iTunes / Kobo / Publisher

An interview with Violetta Rand

How long have you been writing romance, and what inspired you to get into this genre?

I penned my first historical/Viking romance in 2012 and was offered a contract right before Christmas. I can’t claim a singular source of inspiration, I’ve been writing since I was very young. As far as the romance genre, I did light research to see what genres didn’t adhere to strict formulas. Of course the HEA is a must, but beyond that, I realized I’d have some creative freedom in romance and randomly chose four romance books to read at the book store. Intrigued by the storylines, I wrote my own.

What gave you the idea for this book?

The Devil’s Den series (Sin is the third installment) are based on true stories from the almost twenty years I spent working in the clubs. I met fantastic people who had incredible histories to share.

Who are some of your favorite romance writers or other literary inspirations?

Great question. In romance, Diana Gabaldon, Karen Marie Moning, Jodi Ellen Malpas, and Kathryn Le Veque. Other literary inspirations: Anita Diamant (The Red Tent), James A. Connor (Kepler’s Witch), Ken Follett (The Pillars of the Earth), and from my childhood—Marian Cockrell (Shadow Castle).

Describe your typical writing routine. Where do you usually write? How many words/pages per day? Do you keep set hours? What does your workspace look like?

My favorite spot is at my dining room table looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows on my east-facing wall. I get lots of sunshine and mountain views in the winter. Quite honestly, my workspace is cluttered. I’m surrounded by reference books, notepads, and anything else I need. As for a set routine, sometimes I work twenty hours a day, sometimes just a few. My average daily word count is 2,500 to 3,500 words. I wrote one of my novels in two weeks.

Do you have any favorite foods or beverages that help keep your creativity flowing?

My treats have nothing to do with creative flow, LOL. I consider them pure indulgences. Goldfish crackers and a few chocolate mints are highly favored.

Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals when starting (or ending) a new book?

None. But I always give high fives to my husband and call a few friends after I type THE END.

What do you think takes a romantic story from good to great?

Intimate storytelling—when readers can sense your own personal experiences and emotions translated into the story.

What’s your favorite euphemism for genitalia?

Geez… I catch some grief for this one, LOL. I like snatch. I remain baffled why some readers consider this more offensive than the P-word or C-word. Best lesson: mix it up, use all the fun names.

If you were in charge of adapting a scorching summer romance for the big screen, what book would you like to see made into a movie, and who would you pick to star as the male and female leads?

Definitely This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas. Jesse Ward played by Chris Hemsworth and Ava O’Shea played by Zoe Saldana or Mila Kunis.

About the Author

Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science and policy as an undergraduate before attending graduate school. Violetta then spent nearly a decade working as an environmental scientist, specializing in soil and water contamination and environmental assessments.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska and spends her days writing evocative New Adult romance and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, and ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers.

You can connect with Violetta on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website, ViolettaRandRomance.com.

Giveaway

Violetta is giving away a Loveswept mug, Flirt mug and select ebook bundle. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.

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