Robin Badillo's Blog, page 28
November 24, 2011
'Tis the season to be...naughty?
I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and for those of you outside the US, I hope your regular, non-turkey day, rocked as well! 
Now that our tummies are full and all the visiting family members have skedaddled back to their designated areas of the world, we can move on to.... Christmas!
Christmas? Really?
Yes, in fact some of you may have braved Black Friday and assuming you survived the masses, you're quite possibly having flashbacks while reading this.
This year I shopped online and finished my Christmas shopping last week.... I'll wait while you swear at your computer and kick the cat.
While standing in line at Wal-Mart for $50 bicycles was a great idea and pretty much a necessity when my kids were small, it wouldn't be worth it now that they're all teenagers and their needs include Wi-Fi internet or a minimum of 4G something or another.
Mail it to me, they won't care how it finds its way under the tree, as long as it's charged and ready to use by Christmas morning.
Welcome to my world!
As for me? I prefer a little less fuss, though Wi-Fi does help when I need to fill my Kindle with little holiday treats. For those of you who think as I do, I will have just the thing to make your Kindle or other E-Reader smile. My first ever Christmas Novella is releasing December 15th!
BTW, that's where the "naughty" part comes in. This little morsel is hot, but in keeping with my story style, has a pretty neat message and a ton of romance. Naughty is much sweeter when mixed with a little nice!
Here's a sneak peek of, The Long way Home...
Lifeis truly a highway headed anywhere your dreams can go.Exiledto Texas to attend college, Beverly Hills debutant, Lola Brennan was encouragedto experience life and learn the value of a dollar, but instead, partied,played and blew through her trust fund.Havingno other choice, her parents cut her off, and insist she return home for theholidays. DanteBrewer, raised by his single Puerto Rican mother has had a hard life. Away atcollege, halfway across the country, he's devastated to learn that his littlesister needs a kidney transplant and her life depends on him getting back hometo East LA. Pathscollide in a heated rush when fate throws Lola and Dante together on across-country trek in a classic 1953 Cadillac convertible. Racing against theclock, can they reach California before the spoiled little rich girl killsthe hood rat, or is a taste of life from the other side of the tracksexactly what they both needed?ADULT EXCERPT:
Dante dragged Lolabehind him as he gathered cookies, chips, gum and candy and shoved it all intoa hand held basket he'dfound at the end of the isle.
Lola cringed."What's all thisjunk?" "Junk," hereplied. "This is what you eat on a road trip. No five star restaurants, noroom service. Junk food'sthe best." He bobbed his head as he tossed in one fattening item after another."Do you have anyidea how many fat grams are in that?" "Tons, I hope." "I can't eat that." She foldedher arms across her chest in protest. Dante nudged herback against the glass door of the cooler. He set the basket down and picked upa plastic wrapped Hostess cupcake. A wide, devilish grin played around hismouth. "What are youdoing?" Her stomach tightened and she glanced over at the woman who wasnoticeably listening. Dante opened thewrapper and held the cupcake in his hand. Eyeing Lola, he plunged one fingerinto the cream filled center. Her gut knottedand she cut her eyes up at him. "I'mnot eating that." Dante leaned inand engulfed her mouth with his. Her heart raced asshe swooned under his kiss. Pulling away heslowly inched his cream covered finger toward her mouth. Lola glared at thewhite, fluffy icing as the sweet smell infiltrated her nose, consuming her withits sugary fragrance. Dante's hot breath dancedacross her face, his mouth mere inches from hers, and he gently glided hisfinger across her lips, parting them just enough to insert it deeper into hermouth. The cream fillingflooded her taste buds. She closed her eyes and whimpered. Wrapping her tonguearound his finger, she sucked it, prompting him to slide it even deeper inside.As Lola opened hereyes, Dante kissed her again. The sweet taste of the cupcake swirled around hertongue and he groaned as he pressed himself against her. The warmth of his bodyamplified her desire to feel him inside her. He tangled herhair in his other hand and breathed into her ear. "Never tell me you aren't going to dosomething," he hissed. "I take it as a personal challenge." Heat surgedbetween her legs and she pushed her crotch against his thigh, wishing he wouldjust hurry up and take her already. What was the freaking hold up anyway? Hehanded her the cupcake and as if under his captivating spell, Lola took a bigbite out of it without a fight, following him to the front like a honey-cravingbee.
The Long Way Homewill be availableDecember 15thfrom eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/the-long-way-home/
For a shot at a FREE copy of this Christmas Novella, be sure to come back
December 16th - 18th
for a gigantic holiday blog hop!!
Details are available on the Event Page here:
http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/
Now that our tummies are full and all the visiting family members have skedaddled back to their designated areas of the world, we can move on to.... Christmas!
Christmas? Really?
Yes, in fact some of you may have braved Black Friday and assuming you survived the masses, you're quite possibly having flashbacks while reading this.
This year I shopped online and finished my Christmas shopping last week.... I'll wait while you swear at your computer and kick the cat.
While standing in line at Wal-Mart for $50 bicycles was a great idea and pretty much a necessity when my kids were small, it wouldn't be worth it now that they're all teenagers and their needs include Wi-Fi internet or a minimum of 4G something or another.
Mail it to me, they won't care how it finds its way under the tree, as long as it's charged and ready to use by Christmas morning.
Welcome to my world!
As for me? I prefer a little less fuss, though Wi-Fi does help when I need to fill my Kindle with little holiday treats. For those of you who think as I do, I will have just the thing to make your Kindle or other E-Reader smile. My first ever Christmas Novella is releasing December 15th!
BTW, that's where the "naughty" part comes in. This little morsel is hot, but in keeping with my story style, has a pretty neat message and a ton of romance. Naughty is much sweeter when mixed with a little nice!
Here's a sneak peek of, The Long way Home...
Lifeis truly a highway headed anywhere your dreams can go.Exiledto Texas to attend college, Beverly Hills debutant, Lola Brennan was encouragedto experience life and learn the value of a dollar, but instead, partied,played and blew through her trust fund.Havingno other choice, her parents cut her off, and insist she return home for theholidays. DanteBrewer, raised by his single Puerto Rican mother has had a hard life. Away atcollege, halfway across the country, he's devastated to learn that his littlesister needs a kidney transplant and her life depends on him getting back hometo East LA. Pathscollide in a heated rush when fate throws Lola and Dante together on across-country trek in a classic 1953 Cadillac convertible. Racing against theclock, can they reach California before the spoiled little rich girl killsthe hood rat, or is a taste of life from the other side of the tracksexactly what they both needed?ADULT EXCERPT:Dante dragged Lolabehind him as he gathered cookies, chips, gum and candy and shoved it all intoa hand held basket he'dfound at the end of the isle.
Lola cringed."What's all thisjunk?" "Junk," hereplied. "This is what you eat on a road trip. No five star restaurants, noroom service. Junk food'sthe best." He bobbed his head as he tossed in one fattening item after another."Do you have anyidea how many fat grams are in that?" "Tons, I hope." "I can't eat that." She foldedher arms across her chest in protest. Dante nudged herback against the glass door of the cooler. He set the basket down and picked upa plastic wrapped Hostess cupcake. A wide, devilish grin played around hismouth. "What are youdoing?" Her stomach tightened and she glanced over at the woman who wasnoticeably listening. Dante opened thewrapper and held the cupcake in his hand. Eyeing Lola, he plunged one fingerinto the cream filled center. Her gut knottedand she cut her eyes up at him. "I'mnot eating that." Dante leaned inand engulfed her mouth with his. Her heart raced asshe swooned under his kiss. Pulling away heslowly inched his cream covered finger toward her mouth. Lola glared at thewhite, fluffy icing as the sweet smell infiltrated her nose, consuming her withits sugary fragrance. Dante's hot breath dancedacross her face, his mouth mere inches from hers, and he gently glided hisfinger across her lips, parting them just enough to insert it deeper into hermouth. The cream fillingflooded her taste buds. She closed her eyes and whimpered. Wrapping her tonguearound his finger, she sucked it, prompting him to slide it even deeper inside.As Lola opened hereyes, Dante kissed her again. The sweet taste of the cupcake swirled around hertongue and he groaned as he pressed himself against her. The warmth of his bodyamplified her desire to feel him inside her. He tangled herhair in his other hand and breathed into her ear. "Never tell me you aren't going to dosomething," he hissed. "I take it as a personal challenge." Heat surgedbetween her legs and she pushed her crotch against his thigh, wishing he wouldjust hurry up and take her already. What was the freaking hold up anyway? Hehanded her the cupcake and as if under his captivating spell, Lola took a bigbite out of it without a fight, following him to the front like a honey-cravingbee.
The Long Way Homewill be availableDecember 15thfrom eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/the-long-way-home/
For a shot at a FREE copy of this Christmas Novella, be sure to come back
December 16th - 18th
for a gigantic holiday blog hop!!
Details are available on the Event Page here:
http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/
November 21, 2011
Interviews, Reviews and Advice, Oh my!!!
What a Monday!!! Busy as a bee today and I really wanted to share all the hustle and bustle with a few of my closest friends...YOU!!!!
It's bee a while since I've had a review of one of my books, but the dry spell is over.
Hop on over to the Aobibliosphere Blog and take a gander at the FOUR Clover review Blood Hunter "The Betrayal" received!!
I am so thrilled this book has been reviewed and even more pleased that Chase, a supporting character was noticed.
Bringing Autism to light was a personal endeavor for me, and creating an autistic character who just so happens to be a vampire was awesome. Wait until you see what Aobibliosphere had to say about that!!!
http://aobibliosphere.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-betrayal-blood-hunter-by-robin.html
The other big event taking up a lot of my day is an in depth interview over at Cathy Stucker's Selling Books Website!! We take a closer look at the recent release of my first contemporary romance, Flesh Wounds and I dish about some personal stuff and even hand out a little advice. I'm not entirely sure how helpful I'll be, but I do shoot from the hip and give it my all.
Head on over there and tell me what you think! I'd sincerely love to hear from you!!
http://www.sellingbooks.com/robin-badillo-flesh-wounds/
It's bee a while since I've had a review of one of my books, but the dry spell is over.
Hop on over to the Aobibliosphere Blog and take a gander at the FOUR Clover review Blood Hunter "The Betrayal" received!! I am so thrilled this book has been reviewed and even more pleased that Chase, a supporting character was noticed.
Bringing Autism to light was a personal endeavor for me, and creating an autistic character who just so happens to be a vampire was awesome. Wait until you see what Aobibliosphere had to say about that!!!
http://aobibliosphere.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-betrayal-blood-hunter-by-robin.html
The other big event taking up a lot of my day is an in depth interview over at Cathy Stucker's Selling Books Website!! We take a closer look at the recent release of my first contemporary romance, Flesh Wounds and I dish about some personal stuff and even hand out a little advice. I'm not entirely sure how helpful I'll be, but I do shoot from the hip and give it my all. Head on over there and tell me what you think! I'd sincerely love to hear from you!!
http://www.sellingbooks.com/robin-badillo-flesh-wounds/
November 18, 2011
A little Midnight Beckoning to ignite your weekend flame!!
Sit back, hold on tight and get ready for this excerpt from my latest paranormal romance, Midnight Beckoning, just released this week from eXtasy Books!!
How should a formidable damphyr handle a little competition from a sexy vampire hot for his lady??
I'm sure Ford Lenox could quite effectively demonstrate this for his rival, Evan!!
Hmm, let's see...
EXCERPT:
Ford scanned the throng of followers. All eyes were fixed upon herand each face held the sincerity of fortitude he felt as well, burrowed deepwithin his own soul. "As you face the enemy on the battlefield, if you find yourselfovercome with doubt or even despair, I ask only that you remember your prince,who is within your midst as we speak and know that without you, he will neverdraw his first breath."A low murmur ricocheted across the room and the energy rose to anear tangible level. "As your queen, I thank you for the sacrifices that will be made,and as one of you, I pray for victory."Cheers exploded from the multitude. Lauren looked down at Theo and nodded for him to help her to theground.Ford made his way toward her, reaching her side just as Evan hastilyapproached from somewhere within the crowd. "My lady," Evan said kneeling, her hand firmly clasped in his. Ford halted as the hair on the back of his neck pricked his collarand a growl resonated deep within his throat. Son-of-a-bitch!A heavy hand grasped his shoulder and he looked over to findCrispin at his side. "Not tonight, my friend," Crispin warned. Evan rose, still holding Lauren's hand and it took everythingwithin Ford not to kill the vampire right there, prophecy be damned. "The vampire army is prepared, just as you asked," Evan told her.Ford waited and watched.Lauren tilted her head to the side and her soft sigh bouncedaround in Ford's mind as though she'd screamed at the top of her lungs. Herheartbeat hastened and the pheromones that had intoxicated him a short timeago, once again flooded his senses. Was her body now emitting them because ofEvan? I'll kill him! Lauren shot a startled glance in his direction and immediatelywithdrew her hand from Evan's. It's not how it looks. The beseeching pinch of her brow matched the boom of her nowpounding heart. Ford heard it clearly, as though they were the only two beingsin the room. As she rushed to him, Ford grabbed her by the elbow, dragging herinto the foyer. "What the fuck was that all about?" he growled, finding itdifficult to maintain composure. "Ford, there's no time for this," Crispin hissed, leaning into himfrom the other side. Ford heard him, but his unwavering attention was set on Lauren'smisting eyes. "Ford, please. It's not what you think. He saved my life and…"she swallowed hard and glared over his shoulder at something behind them. Glancing back, Ford found Evan standing in the doorway, his fistsclenched tight at his side and his stance definitely confrontational. Releasing Lauren's arm, Ford charged toward him. "Ford," Lauren called out. Her voice resonated, not much more than a whisper in his mind, asrage pushed him toward the edge of insanity. "You sorry mother fu—""Ford!" Lauren bellowed. Theo and Crispin grabbed Ford's arms, holding him back. Evan's mouth turned up into a cocky smile. "So much for analliance," he hissed, fangs bared. "I should have killed you years ago," Ford shouted, catching theattention of the entire congregation. "This isn't the time or place, mate," Theo growled. To whom hespoke, Ford had no clue. It didn't matter."If you wanted a piece of me, you should have just asked," Evansnarled back. Ford pressed on, struggling to break the restraint of his bestfriends. "How dare you use Lauren to go after the throne?"Evan's throaty laugh flooded the room. "The throne? Fuck thethrone. If I were going after anything it would be the woman on it, but neverthe throne itself.""I knew you wanted her from the first time you sauntered in heretugging on your father's coattail. Just like I knew you wouldn't be a teamplayer." "Ford, stop this please?" Lauren begged, her voice cracking asthough on the brink of despair. The silvery glower of Evan's eyes prevented Ford from backingaway, no matter how desperate Lauren sounded."If you want to settle this now, let's go," Evan threatened.Midnight Beckoning http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
How should a formidable damphyr handle a little competition from a sexy vampire hot for his lady??
I'm sure Ford Lenox could quite effectively demonstrate this for his rival, Evan!!
Hmm, let's see...
EXCERPT:Ford scanned the throng of followers. All eyes were fixed upon herand each face held the sincerity of fortitude he felt as well, burrowed deepwithin his own soul. "As you face the enemy on the battlefield, if you find yourselfovercome with doubt or even despair, I ask only that you remember your prince,who is within your midst as we speak and know that without you, he will neverdraw his first breath."A low murmur ricocheted across the room and the energy rose to anear tangible level. "As your queen, I thank you for the sacrifices that will be made,and as one of you, I pray for victory."Cheers exploded from the multitude. Lauren looked down at Theo and nodded for him to help her to theground.Ford made his way toward her, reaching her side just as Evan hastilyapproached from somewhere within the crowd. "My lady," Evan said kneeling, her hand firmly clasped in his. Ford halted as the hair on the back of his neck pricked his collarand a growl resonated deep within his throat. Son-of-a-bitch!A heavy hand grasped his shoulder and he looked over to findCrispin at his side. "Not tonight, my friend," Crispin warned. Evan rose, still holding Lauren's hand and it took everythingwithin Ford not to kill the vampire right there, prophecy be damned. "The vampire army is prepared, just as you asked," Evan told her.Ford waited and watched.Lauren tilted her head to the side and her soft sigh bouncedaround in Ford's mind as though she'd screamed at the top of her lungs. Herheartbeat hastened and the pheromones that had intoxicated him a short timeago, once again flooded his senses. Was her body now emitting them because ofEvan? I'll kill him! Lauren shot a startled glance in his direction and immediatelywithdrew her hand from Evan's. It's not how it looks. The beseeching pinch of her brow matched the boom of her nowpounding heart. Ford heard it clearly, as though they were the only two beingsin the room. As she rushed to him, Ford grabbed her by the elbow, dragging herinto the foyer. "What the fuck was that all about?" he growled, finding itdifficult to maintain composure. "Ford, there's no time for this," Crispin hissed, leaning into himfrom the other side. Ford heard him, but his unwavering attention was set on Lauren'smisting eyes. "Ford, please. It's not what you think. He saved my life and…"she swallowed hard and glared over his shoulder at something behind them. Glancing back, Ford found Evan standing in the doorway, his fistsclenched tight at his side and his stance definitely confrontational. Releasing Lauren's arm, Ford charged toward him. "Ford," Lauren called out. Her voice resonated, not much more than a whisper in his mind, asrage pushed him toward the edge of insanity. "You sorry mother fu—""Ford!" Lauren bellowed. Theo and Crispin grabbed Ford's arms, holding him back. Evan's mouth turned up into a cocky smile. "So much for analliance," he hissed, fangs bared. "I should have killed you years ago," Ford shouted, catching theattention of the entire congregation. "This isn't the time or place, mate," Theo growled. To whom hespoke, Ford had no clue. It didn't matter."If you wanted a piece of me, you should have just asked," Evansnarled back. Ford pressed on, struggling to break the restraint of his bestfriends. "How dare you use Lauren to go after the throne?"Evan's throaty laugh flooded the room. "The throne? Fuck thethrone. If I were going after anything it would be the woman on it, but neverthe throne itself.""I knew you wanted her from the first time you sauntered in heretugging on your father's coattail. Just like I knew you wouldn't be a teamplayer." "Ford, stop this please?" Lauren begged, her voice cracking asthough on the brink of despair. The silvery glower of Evan's eyes prevented Ford from backingaway, no matter how desperate Lauren sounded."If you want to settle this now, let's go," Evan threatened.Midnight Beckoning http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
November 14, 2011
Midnight Beckoning is out NOW!!!
Midnight Beckoning has finally been release.
This story has been a doozie for me as a writer. It's definitely been a labor of love with the time and research that's gone into it.
I keep trying to push the envelope, searching for new ideas and directions to take my craft and, in my opinion, this story really did that and more.
If you're looking for a book with loads of excitement in and out of the bedroom, then this action packed paranormal romance should be right up your alley!!
Keep you're head down when you read it though... you never know when those imps from hell will attack again!
Ford Lenox,a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of hisbirth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many had even been born. Butonly a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And none shared thesame requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his side and becomehis queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford'sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
In this excerpt, we see just how strong a "beckoning" can be. Their dreams are powerful and to me, this is what makes damphyrs all the more intriguing.Excerpt:"There you are," Lauren's angelic voice chimed. Ford rose up and leaned on his bent elbow. "You're doing well," hetold her as she drifted to his bedside. Scooting over, he made room for her sitdown."I've been waiting. I thought you would never leave my side.""I'm being as patient as I can. Sitting against that wall almostdrove me crazy," he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her upper arm. "Then you should have gone to sleep sooner." Lauren raked his hairaway from his face and tapped the tip of his nose with her index finger. "Youtortured yourself needlessly.""Lauren." He shook his head in disbelief. "You have no idea howhard this is on my end. The waiting. The desires. The fire…"Lauren laughed softly. "Poor baby. Would you rather trade placesand deal with the fire that's burning inside of me right now."Placing his hand on the back of her neck, Ford drew her facecloser to his. "I would if I could." "It's not so bad now that I'm here. Earlier, though…" She inhaledthen exhaled deeply. "I know and I'm sorry."Lauren stood and walked over to the armoire in the corner. Shestudied old photos she probably hadn't had time to notice the last time she wasin his room. That time he ushered her out the door, but now she was strongerand had nowhere else to go. He allowed her to take her time."It seems like a lifetime ago that we were up against hell demonsin the parking garage."Ford left the bed and stood behind her. Wrapping his arms aroundher waist, he bent over her shoulder. "It was a lifetime ago," hebreathed into her ear. Lauren pressed the back of her head against his shoulder andsighed. "Ford?""Yes?""Can he find me here?"Her fear worried him, but there was no need. "Navina cast aprotective spell over you hours ago." He kissed her ear. "He can't get through.""Are you sure?" She slowly turned and faced him. "Look at me." He lifted her chin, encouraging her gaze to meethis. "I'll protect you until the very end and beyond if I'm able."She hugged him to her. "I knew you would say that." The mood was somber and quiet. This was their first time to bealone and enjoy the peace. It would be a while before they would have thispeace again. The next few days would be dangerous and violent. If he could giveher anything, it would be this intimate time between them, withoutinterruptions and worries. "How long do we have?""A while," he replied as he led her back to the bed. "Lie with me."They both settled into his bed, her back against his chest. Withhis arm tangled around her body, she caressed his skin. "I wish I could smell you."Ford leaned into her and kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad I can'tsmell you." She glanced back at him, her brow pinched with worry. "Why wouldyou say that?""Your body is phasing and the stronger the vampire cells become,the stronger your scent is. That's what was driving me crazy.""What did it do to you?" She rolled over to face him.Ford inhaled deeply. Thinking about it would only increase hisfrustration. "It doesn't matter."She rose up on her elbow, allowing her crimson locks to fallacross her shoulder and neck.Ford's body warmed as the contrast between the deep passionatecolor of red, clashed with her alabaster skin, so delicate and smooth. She wasbreathtaking. "Tell me how my scent makes you feel," she whispered. "Don't leaveanything out."He stared into her sea green eyes. She wasn't going to stop untilshe invaded his very last pore. Her seductive strength relentlessly infiltratedhis mind. God, she was exquisite. "It starts in the back of my throat…" he began. Lauren lifted her finger and softly trailed down his neck."Then heat fills my chest." Prying open the buttons of his shirt with her free hand, shefolded back the halves, leaned in, pressed her lips to his flesh and kissed hischest. Ford flinched as flutters of sweet kisses tickled his skin. "Uh…"His mind whirled and he forgot for a second what he was about to say. "Twingesof fire burn my stomach as you—I mean your scent glides down."Lauren inched her way lower and Ford held his breath as sheswirled the tip of her tongue around his navel. She would be the death of him.He knew it as sure as he knew what she was.She was no longer human. Yards away in a room down the hall, atrue damphyr was being born and he was her first victim. A punishment he wouldgladly endure forever. Midnight Beckoning available from eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
This story has been a doozie for me as a writer. It's definitely been a labor of love with the time and research that's gone into it.
I keep trying to push the envelope, searching for new ideas and directions to take my craft and, in my opinion, this story really did that and more.
If you're looking for a book with loads of excitement in and out of the bedroom, then this action packed paranormal romance should be right up your alley!!
Keep you're head down when you read it though... you never know when those imps from hell will attack again!
Ford Lenox,a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of hisbirth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many had even been born. Butonly a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And none shared thesame requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his side and becomehis queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford'sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
In this excerpt, we see just how strong a "beckoning" can be. Their dreams are powerful and to me, this is what makes damphyrs all the more intriguing.Excerpt:"There you are," Lauren's angelic voice chimed. Ford rose up and leaned on his bent elbow. "You're doing well," hetold her as she drifted to his bedside. Scooting over, he made room for her sitdown."I've been waiting. I thought you would never leave my side.""I'm being as patient as I can. Sitting against that wall almostdrove me crazy," he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her upper arm. "Then you should have gone to sleep sooner." Lauren raked his hairaway from his face and tapped the tip of his nose with her index finger. "Youtortured yourself needlessly.""Lauren." He shook his head in disbelief. "You have no idea howhard this is on my end. The waiting. The desires. The fire…"Lauren laughed softly. "Poor baby. Would you rather trade placesand deal with the fire that's burning inside of me right now."Placing his hand on the back of her neck, Ford drew her facecloser to his. "I would if I could." "It's not so bad now that I'm here. Earlier, though…" She inhaledthen exhaled deeply. "I know and I'm sorry."Lauren stood and walked over to the armoire in the corner. Shestudied old photos she probably hadn't had time to notice the last time she wasin his room. That time he ushered her out the door, but now she was strongerand had nowhere else to go. He allowed her to take her time."It seems like a lifetime ago that we were up against hell demonsin the parking garage."Ford left the bed and stood behind her. Wrapping his arms aroundher waist, he bent over her shoulder. "It was a lifetime ago," hebreathed into her ear. Lauren pressed the back of her head against his shoulder andsighed. "Ford?""Yes?""Can he find me here?"Her fear worried him, but there was no need. "Navina cast aprotective spell over you hours ago." He kissed her ear. "He can't get through.""Are you sure?" She slowly turned and faced him. "Look at me." He lifted her chin, encouraging her gaze to meethis. "I'll protect you until the very end and beyond if I'm able."She hugged him to her. "I knew you would say that." The mood was somber and quiet. This was their first time to bealone and enjoy the peace. It would be a while before they would have thispeace again. The next few days would be dangerous and violent. If he could giveher anything, it would be this intimate time between them, withoutinterruptions and worries. "How long do we have?""A while," he replied as he led her back to the bed. "Lie with me."They both settled into his bed, her back against his chest. Withhis arm tangled around her body, she caressed his skin. "I wish I could smell you."Ford leaned into her and kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad I can'tsmell you." She glanced back at him, her brow pinched with worry. "Why wouldyou say that?""Your body is phasing and the stronger the vampire cells become,the stronger your scent is. That's what was driving me crazy.""What did it do to you?" She rolled over to face him.Ford inhaled deeply. Thinking about it would only increase hisfrustration. "It doesn't matter."She rose up on her elbow, allowing her crimson locks to fallacross her shoulder and neck.Ford's body warmed as the contrast between the deep passionatecolor of red, clashed with her alabaster skin, so delicate and smooth. She wasbreathtaking. "Tell me how my scent makes you feel," she whispered. "Don't leaveanything out."He stared into her sea green eyes. She wasn't going to stop untilshe invaded his very last pore. Her seductive strength relentlessly infiltratedhis mind. God, she was exquisite. "It starts in the back of my throat…" he began. Lauren lifted her finger and softly trailed down his neck."Then heat fills my chest." Prying open the buttons of his shirt with her free hand, shefolded back the halves, leaned in, pressed her lips to his flesh and kissed hischest. Ford flinched as flutters of sweet kisses tickled his skin. "Uh…"His mind whirled and he forgot for a second what he was about to say. "Twingesof fire burn my stomach as you—I mean your scent glides down."Lauren inched her way lower and Ford held his breath as sheswirled the tip of her tongue around his navel. She would be the death of him.He knew it as sure as he knew what she was.She was no longer human. Yards away in a room down the hall, atrue damphyr was being born and he was her first victim. A punishment he wouldgladly endure forever. Midnight Beckoning available from eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
Midnight Beckoning Releases TONIGHT!!!
At Midnight, one of the most epic novels in my collection to date, is set to release. Perfect timing considering the title...Midnight Beckoning.
This story has been a doozie for me as a writer. It's definitely been a labor of love with the time and research that's gone into it.
I keep trying to push the envelope, searching for new ideas and directions to take my craft and, in my opinion, this story really did that and more.
If you're looking for a book with loads of excitement in and out of the bedroom, then this action packed paranormal romance should be right up your alley!!
Keep you're head down when you read it though... you never know when those imps from hell will attack again!
Ford Lenox,a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of hisbirth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many had even been born. Butonly a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And none shared thesame requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his side and becomehis queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford'sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
In this excerpt, we see just how strong a "beckoning" can be. Their dreams are powerful and to me, this is what makes damphyrs all the more intriguing.Excerpt:"There you are," Lauren's angelic voice chimed. Ford rose up and leaned on his bent elbow. "You're doing well," hetold her as she drifted to his bedside. Scooting over, he made room for her sitdown."I've been waiting. I thought you would never leave my side.""I'm being as patient as I can. Sitting against that wall almostdrove me crazy," he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her upper arm. "Then you should have gone to sleep sooner." Lauren raked his hairaway from his face and tapped the tip of his nose with her index finger. "Youtortured yourself needlessly.""Lauren." He shook his head in disbelief. "You have no idea howhard this is on my end. The waiting. The desires. The fire…"Lauren laughed softly. "Poor baby. Would you rather trade placesand deal with the fire that's burning inside of me right now."Placing his hand on the back of her neck, Ford drew her facecloser to his. "I would if I could." "It's not so bad now that I'm here. Earlier, though…" She inhaledthen exhaled deeply. "I know and I'm sorry."Lauren stood and walked over to the armoire in the corner. Shestudied old photos she probably hadn't had time to notice the last time she wasin his room. That time he ushered her out the door, but now she was strongerand had nowhere else to go. He allowed her to take her time."It seems like a lifetime ago that we were up against hell demonsin the parking garage."Ford left the bed and stood behind her. Wrapping his arms aroundher waist, he bent over her shoulder. "It was a lifetime ago," hebreathed into her ear. Lauren pressed the back of her head against his shoulder andsighed. "Ford?""Yes?""Can he find me here?"Her fear worried him, but there was no need. "Navina cast aprotective spell over you hours ago." He kissed her ear. "He can't get through.""Are you sure?" She slowly turned and faced him. "Look at me." He lifted her chin, encouraging her gaze to meethis. "I'll protect you until the very end and beyond if I'm able."She hugged him to her. "I knew you would say that." The mood was somber and quiet. This was their first time to bealone and enjoy the peace. It would be a while before they would have thispeace again. The next few days would be dangerous and violent. If he could giveher anything, it would be this intimate time between them, withoutinterruptions and worries. "How long do we have?""A while," he replied as he led her back to the bed. "Lie with me."They both settled into his bed, her back against his chest. Withhis arm tangled around her body, she caressed his skin. "I wish I could smell you."Ford leaned into her and kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad I can'tsmell you." She glanced back at him, her brow pinched with worry. "Why wouldyou say that?""Your body is phasing and the stronger the vampire cells become,the stronger your scent is. That's what was driving me crazy.""What did it do to you?" She rolled over to face him.Ford inhaled deeply. Thinking about it would only increase hisfrustration. "It doesn't matter."She rose up on her elbow, allowing her crimson locks to fallacross her shoulder and neck.Ford's body warmed as the contrast between the deep passionatecolor of red, clashed with her alabaster skin, so delicate and smooth. She wasbreathtaking. "Tell me how my scent makes you feel," she whispered. "Don't leaveanything out."He stared into her sea green eyes. She wasn't going to stop untilshe invaded his very last pore. Her seductive strength relentlessly infiltratedhis mind. God, she was exquisite. "It starts in the back of my throat…" he began. Lauren lifted her finger and softly trailed down his neck."Then heat fills my chest." Prying open the buttons of his shirt with her free hand, shefolded back the halves, leaned in, pressed her lips to his flesh and kissed hischest. Ford flinched as flutters of sweet kisses tickled his skin. "Uh…"His mind whirled and he forgot for a second what he was about to say. "Twingesof fire burn my stomach as you—I mean your scent glides down."Lauren inched her way lower and Ford held his breath as sheswirled the tip of her tongue around his navel. She would be the death of him.He knew it as sure as he knew what she was.She was no longer human. Yards away in a room down the hall, atrue damphyr was being born and he was her first victim. A punishment he wouldgladly endure forever. Midnight Beckoning available after midnight from eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
This story has been a doozie for me as a writer. It's definitely been a labor of love with the time and research that's gone into it.
I keep trying to push the envelope, searching for new ideas and directions to take my craft and, in my opinion, this story really did that and more.
If you're looking for a book with loads of excitement in and out of the bedroom, then this action packed paranormal romance should be right up your alley!!
Keep you're head down when you read it though... you never know when those imps from hell will attack again!
Ford Lenox,a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of hisbirth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many had even been born. Butonly a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And none shared thesame requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his side and becomehis queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford'sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
In this excerpt, we see just how strong a "beckoning" can be. Their dreams are powerful and to me, this is what makes damphyrs all the more intriguing.Excerpt:"There you are," Lauren's angelic voice chimed. Ford rose up and leaned on his bent elbow. "You're doing well," hetold her as she drifted to his bedside. Scooting over, he made room for her sitdown."I've been waiting. I thought you would never leave my side.""I'm being as patient as I can. Sitting against that wall almostdrove me crazy," he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her upper arm. "Then you should have gone to sleep sooner." Lauren raked his hairaway from his face and tapped the tip of his nose with her index finger. "Youtortured yourself needlessly.""Lauren." He shook his head in disbelief. "You have no idea howhard this is on my end. The waiting. The desires. The fire…"Lauren laughed softly. "Poor baby. Would you rather trade placesand deal with the fire that's burning inside of me right now."Placing his hand on the back of her neck, Ford drew her facecloser to his. "I would if I could." "It's not so bad now that I'm here. Earlier, though…" She inhaledthen exhaled deeply. "I know and I'm sorry."Lauren stood and walked over to the armoire in the corner. Shestudied old photos she probably hadn't had time to notice the last time she wasin his room. That time he ushered her out the door, but now she was strongerand had nowhere else to go. He allowed her to take her time."It seems like a lifetime ago that we were up against hell demonsin the parking garage."Ford left the bed and stood behind her. Wrapping his arms aroundher waist, he bent over her shoulder. "It was a lifetime ago," hebreathed into her ear. Lauren pressed the back of her head against his shoulder andsighed. "Ford?""Yes?""Can he find me here?"Her fear worried him, but there was no need. "Navina cast aprotective spell over you hours ago." He kissed her ear. "He can't get through.""Are you sure?" She slowly turned and faced him. "Look at me." He lifted her chin, encouraging her gaze to meethis. "I'll protect you until the very end and beyond if I'm able."She hugged him to her. "I knew you would say that." The mood was somber and quiet. This was their first time to bealone and enjoy the peace. It would be a while before they would have thispeace again. The next few days would be dangerous and violent. If he could giveher anything, it would be this intimate time between them, withoutinterruptions and worries. "How long do we have?""A while," he replied as he led her back to the bed. "Lie with me."They both settled into his bed, her back against his chest. Withhis arm tangled around her body, she caressed his skin. "I wish I could smell you."Ford leaned into her and kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad I can'tsmell you." She glanced back at him, her brow pinched with worry. "Why wouldyou say that?""Your body is phasing and the stronger the vampire cells become,the stronger your scent is. That's what was driving me crazy.""What did it do to you?" She rolled over to face him.Ford inhaled deeply. Thinking about it would only increase hisfrustration. "It doesn't matter."She rose up on her elbow, allowing her crimson locks to fallacross her shoulder and neck.Ford's body warmed as the contrast between the deep passionatecolor of red, clashed with her alabaster skin, so delicate and smooth. She wasbreathtaking. "Tell me how my scent makes you feel," she whispered. "Don't leaveanything out."He stared into her sea green eyes. She wasn't going to stop untilshe invaded his very last pore. Her seductive strength relentlessly infiltratedhis mind. God, she was exquisite. "It starts in the back of my throat…" he began. Lauren lifted her finger and softly trailed down his neck."Then heat fills my chest." Prying open the buttons of his shirt with her free hand, shefolded back the halves, leaned in, pressed her lips to his flesh and kissed hischest. Ford flinched as flutters of sweet kisses tickled his skin. "Uh…"His mind whirled and he forgot for a second what he was about to say. "Twingesof fire burn my stomach as you—I mean your scent glides down."Lauren inched her way lower and Ford held his breath as sheswirled the tip of her tongue around his navel. She would be the death of him.He knew it as sure as he knew what she was.She was no longer human. Yards away in a room down the hall, atrue damphyr was being born and he was her first victim. A punishment he wouldgladly endure forever. Midnight Beckoning available after midnight from eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
November 13, 2011
Getting to know you...
Please visit "Essence of eXtasy Blog" for a sensual adult excerpt from Midnight Beckoning.
Essence is the official blog for my publisher, eXtasy Books. Meet an array of eXtasy authors with new posts coming every day.
Here's the link:
Getting to know you...
Essence is the official blog for my publisher, eXtasy Books. Meet an array of eXtasy authors with new posts coming every day.
Here's the link:
Getting to know you...
November 10, 2011
Weekend Dirty Dozen #3
Click here for a list of other Weekend Dirty Dozen Blogs!!
Welcome to my third installment of the Weekend Dirty Dozen! As I prepare for the November 15th release of my latest epic paranormal romance, Midnight Beckoning, I thought I would tease you with something yummy and even a little naughty... Enjoy!!
Ford Lenox, a natural born damphyr,waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of his birth to be repeated. Manyhad been conceived. Many had even been born. But, only a few made it to theirtwenty-first birthday. And, none shared the same requirements as he, toassume their rightful place at his side and become his queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundredyears to the day after Ford's birth, and it was no coincidence that he foundher only days before her twenty-first birthday. Little did she know that thedamphyr lurking beneath her human surface was about to be unleashed,prominently placing her on the throne to rule over damphyr and vampirealike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father,Drago, an incubus, straight from the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy andsave Lauren and their kind? Or will a new species be created to rule the world?
Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
ADULT EXCERPT:Sharpened nails dug into hisshoulder and Lauren's eyes lightened, adopting her damphyr form. She leaned herhead back and growled. Ford, unable to ignore the pulsing vein on the side ofher neck, succumbed to his need. Fangs jutted down from his upper teeth and ina heated rush, he bit. Lauren shrieked and clamped downaround his waist. "Yes!"Hot, luscious nectar filled hismouth and he swallowed eagerly. Each gulp energized him more. His rhythmiccanter matched the pace in which he accepted her essence, one glorious plungeat a time.Her cream filled walls milked him ashe exploded within her. Their duel orgasms were always a cataclysmic event andthis time, especially, came with a deeper awareness of each other's needs. Herbody hungered for him and he could feel it in his every nerve, even as shelowered her legs, clinging to his shoulders, all energy spent. She'd given himall she had to offer and he'd lapped it up as though it were the last drop ofblood on earth. Midnight Beckoningwill be available from eXtasy booksNovember 15th http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
Welcome to my third installment of the Weekend Dirty Dozen! As I prepare for the November 15th release of my latest epic paranormal romance, Midnight Beckoning, I thought I would tease you with something yummy and even a little naughty... Enjoy!!
Ford Lenox, a natural born damphyr,waited three hundred years for the phenomenon of his birth to be repeated. Manyhad been conceived. Many had even been born. But, only a few made it to theirtwenty-first birthday. And, none shared the same requirements as he, toassume their rightful place at his side and become his queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundredyears to the day after Ford's birth, and it was no coincidence that he foundher only days before her twenty-first birthday. Little did she know that thedamphyr lurking beneath her human surface was about to be unleashed,prominently placing her on the throne to rule over damphyr and vampirealike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father,Drago, an incubus, straight from the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy andsave Lauren and their kind? Or will a new species be created to rule the world?
Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
ADULT EXCERPT:Sharpened nails dug into hisshoulder and Lauren's eyes lightened, adopting her damphyr form. She leaned herhead back and growled. Ford, unable to ignore the pulsing vein on the side ofher neck, succumbed to his need. Fangs jutted down from his upper teeth and ina heated rush, he bit. Lauren shrieked and clamped downaround his waist. "Yes!"Hot, luscious nectar filled hismouth and he swallowed eagerly. Each gulp energized him more. His rhythmiccanter matched the pace in which he accepted her essence, one glorious plungeat a time.Her cream filled walls milked him ashe exploded within her. Their duel orgasms were always a cataclysmic event andthis time, especially, came with a deeper awareness of each other's needs. Herbody hungered for him and he could feel it in his every nerve, even as shelowered her legs, clinging to his shoulders, all energy spent. She'd given himall she had to offer and he'd lapped it up as though it were the last drop ofblood on earth. Midnight Beckoningwill be available from eXtasy booksNovember 15th http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
November 7, 2011
The Story Behind the Cover...
My first holiday themed story is coming December 15th and I am very excited about it. I really am pleased with how the story turned out and equally pleased with the cover. When I compared my cover to most Christmas stories, I noticed something a little different than what I've seen elsewhere. It's not "Christmas-y"
My mind was pretty set on what I wanted on the cover, so it never occurred to me that while a lot of other covers have mistletoe, Christmas trees and snow, mine doesn't. Could this be because I write what I know and white Christmases are few and far between in deep east Texas? That's a possibility. To be honest, when I wrote this novella back in 2009, I hadn't even considered submitting it as a holiday story. Kind of strange since it takes place at Christmas, right? I thought of it more as a coming of age story, or even one advocating organ donation. Not that I am some big public spokesperson for the cause, but I have been personally affected by the need. Some of you may know that my husband of fifteen years passed away suddenly in 2006, which is the main reason I began writing seriously in the first place. I couldn't afford therapy. *snicker* Although he and I had discussed at great length how we felt about being an organ donor, I never imagined one of us would ever have to make that call and actually follow through. So, when the hospital asked if I would consider donation when my husband died, I didn't hesitate. It's what he wanted. Organ donation, in that respect, was difficult, but as heartbreaking as it was, it was the right thing to do for me and my family. Living donors may not be faced with making a serious decision under the dark veil of grief, but it isn't one to be taken lightly either. Serious thought must go into it as well as education. Informed decisions save lives and keeps donation in a positive light, just as it should be. For me, as a writer, I like the idea of incorporating a message in my stories. Most of my works may be riddled with an erotic flare, but unless the story has real issues that real people endure everyday, what's the point?
My Blood Hunter series dealt with child abuse, infidelity, autism, and even had a brief peek into early American history's shame of slavery. Really? A vampire series had all that in it? It wasn't just about a bunch of vampire's with blood lust and a heightened sexual appetite? No, and nothing I'll ever write will be just about those things.
Flesh Wounds dealt with depression, attempted suicide, single parenting and alcoholism. It wasn't a tragedy, by any means, but just the opposite. They all have been. After all, what's the point if the story has no positive outcome? Building a story around serious social issues is the solid foundation for any story, but when a romance is created around these topics, it makes the happily ever after that much sweeter. When you take into consideration the desensitized youth of today then maybe you can understand the need for bringing some good old fashioned values back into the world they live in and remind others that the world doesn't end at the edge of your driveway. Writing with a purpose, whether creating contemporary stories depicting real life issues or even correlating today's problems into a fantasy or paranormal, the message remains the same. Life is so much better when you learn something and a story is that much sweeter when it touches that special spot in your heart reserved for good tidings. Now, I'm not one of those writers who shoves a message down your throat, nor am I one to say it's my way or the highway. I would like to think that the subtlety of the message finds a way to gently make a point without overshadowing the love and romance of the story, giving the reader dessert along with the hearty meal they paid for. As a final note, it doesn't matter what you're reading, be it paranormal, historical, erotic or even fantasy and sci-fi, chances are the author had a reason for the subject matter and even if it isn't obvious, which I hope it isn't, you can rest assured that the author is giving you a part of themselves, whether it's from their personal experiences or not. Somewhere, somehow, something bigger just may be there, nestled between the lines.
Be on the lookout next week when Midnight Beckoning releases from eXtasy Books. http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
and then in December, when "The Long way Home" comes to town just in time forChristmas!!
Be sure to check out the "Stuff Your Stocking"Blog Hop by clicking the tab for it at the top of this page!!OVER 100 AUTHORS will be participating!!!
My mind was pretty set on what I wanted on the cover, so it never occurred to me that while a lot of other covers have mistletoe, Christmas trees and snow, mine doesn't. Could this be because I write what I know and white Christmases are few and far between in deep east Texas? That's a possibility. To be honest, when I wrote this novella back in 2009, I hadn't even considered submitting it as a holiday story. Kind of strange since it takes place at Christmas, right? I thought of it more as a coming of age story, or even one advocating organ donation. Not that I am some big public spokesperson for the cause, but I have been personally affected by the need. Some of you may know that my husband of fifteen years passed away suddenly in 2006, which is the main reason I began writing seriously in the first place. I couldn't afford therapy. *snicker* Although he and I had discussed at great length how we felt about being an organ donor, I never imagined one of us would ever have to make that call and actually follow through. So, when the hospital asked if I would consider donation when my husband died, I didn't hesitate. It's what he wanted. Organ donation, in that respect, was difficult, but as heartbreaking as it was, it was the right thing to do for me and my family. Living donors may not be faced with making a serious decision under the dark veil of grief, but it isn't one to be taken lightly either. Serious thought must go into it as well as education. Informed decisions save lives and keeps donation in a positive light, just as it should be. For me, as a writer, I like the idea of incorporating a message in my stories. Most of my works may be riddled with an erotic flare, but unless the story has real issues that real people endure everyday, what's the point?
My Blood Hunter series dealt with child abuse, infidelity, autism, and even had a brief peek into early American history's shame of slavery. Really? A vampire series had all that in it? It wasn't just about a bunch of vampire's with blood lust and a heightened sexual appetite? No, and nothing I'll ever write will be just about those things.
Flesh Wounds dealt with depression, attempted suicide, single parenting and alcoholism. It wasn't a tragedy, by any means, but just the opposite. They all have been. After all, what's the point if the story has no positive outcome? Building a story around serious social issues is the solid foundation for any story, but when a romance is created around these topics, it makes the happily ever after that much sweeter. When you take into consideration the desensitized youth of today then maybe you can understand the need for bringing some good old fashioned values back into the world they live in and remind others that the world doesn't end at the edge of your driveway. Writing with a purpose, whether creating contemporary stories depicting real life issues or even correlating today's problems into a fantasy or paranormal, the message remains the same. Life is so much better when you learn something and a story is that much sweeter when it touches that special spot in your heart reserved for good tidings. Now, I'm not one of those writers who shoves a message down your throat, nor am I one to say it's my way or the highway. I would like to think that the subtlety of the message finds a way to gently make a point without overshadowing the love and romance of the story, giving the reader dessert along with the hearty meal they paid for. As a final note, it doesn't matter what you're reading, be it paranormal, historical, erotic or even fantasy and sci-fi, chances are the author had a reason for the subject matter and even if it isn't obvious, which I hope it isn't, you can rest assured that the author is giving you a part of themselves, whether it's from their personal experiences or not. Somewhere, somehow, something bigger just may be there, nestled between the lines. Be on the lookout next week when Midnight Beckoning releases from eXtasy Books. http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
and then in December, when "The Long way Home" comes to town just in time forChristmas!!
Be sure to check out the "Stuff Your Stocking"Blog Hop by clicking the tab for it at the top of this page!!OVER 100 AUTHORS will be participating!!!
November 4, 2011
Weekend Dirty Dozen #2
For those of you who may not know me, I'm Robin Badillo. I generally write Paranormal Romance that slant more toward the erotic side, but still offer a little taste of the sweet and sensual, too!While vampires are usually my forte, I also have a couple mainstream erotic romances under my belt, and if you want to check them out, just click on the "Robin's Books" tab located above. This week's Dirty Dozen comes from my upcoming November 15th release,
Midnight Beckoning
, featuring vampires, damphyr, inccubi, and as the characters in the book are about to discover... quite a few flying hell demons as well. I hope you enjoy this action packed excerpt....
Loudshrieking cries bellowed from the creature in front of her would-be savior.Gunshotsreverberated throughout the parking garage as he fired round after round at theattacking monster before him.Lauren'sheels scraped the cement as her body slid backwards, farther away from herchampion. The painful punctures in her back deepened and she tore at the reptilianclaws as leathery wings flapped violently overhead. If she didn't get free, it woulddrag her to her death. Shereached above her head, aiming for what she hoped was the weakest part of thewide wings engulfing her. With everything she had, she pulled in a downward motionand kicked her legs out from under herself, using the dead weight of her bodyto force a tear. Thecreatures screeching howl wailed throughout the garage and the talons immediately releasedher. Crashing onto the ground, Lauren rolled over onto her stomach. Pain seareddown her shoulder and neck. Crawling under the nearest car, she cowered and prayed,with everything she could that the next sounds would end her nightmare. Orperhaps she would open her eyes and be where things were normal, safe—beforeshe ever laid eyes on the handsome stranger, six days ago…
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER AUTHORS PARTICIPATION IN THIS WEEK'S WEEKEND DIRTY DOZEN...FIND A LIST HERE: http://weekenddirtydozen.blogspot.com/
AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Weekend-Dirty-Dozen/251564698227203
Loudshrieking cries bellowed from the creature in front of her would-be savior.Gunshotsreverberated throughout the parking garage as he fired round after round at theattacking monster before him.Lauren'sheels scraped the cement as her body slid backwards, farther away from herchampion. The painful punctures in her back deepened and she tore at the reptilianclaws as leathery wings flapped violently overhead. If she didn't get free, it woulddrag her to her death. Shereached above her head, aiming for what she hoped was the weakest part of thewide wings engulfing her. With everything she had, she pulled in a downward motionand kicked her legs out from under herself, using the dead weight of her bodyto force a tear. Thecreatures screeching howl wailed throughout the garage and the talons immediately releasedher. Crashing onto the ground, Lauren rolled over onto her stomach. Pain seareddown her shoulder and neck. Crawling under the nearest car, she cowered and prayed,with everything she could that the next sounds would end her nightmare. Orperhaps she would open her eyes and be where things were normal, safe—beforeshe ever laid eyes on the handsome stranger, six days ago…
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER AUTHORS PARTICIPATION IN THIS WEEK'S WEEKEND DIRTY DOZEN...FIND A LIST HERE: http://weekenddirtydozen.blogspot.com/
AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Weekend-Dirty-Dozen/251564698227203
November 3, 2011
Finding the Fireworks after the DUD: A Writer's Journey
I'm going to do something today that I have NEVER done.
I'm going to talk bad about myself-- well not really, but I am going to shoot straight and if that means I end up in the cross-hairs, so be it!
As a fairly new writer, I've come a long way in a very short time. I was first published on October 1st 2010....yep, I'm that new to this industry.
That being said, I've worked very hard and taken the advice of dozens of authors who have gone before me, and quite successfully, I might add.
One thing that seemed to be mentioned more than any other topic was writing series books as opposed the stand-alones.
"If you want a loyal following, you gotta write a series." Great advice, by the way. Only it didn't exactly come with a recipe on how to do it, which left me to my own devices. (Not always a good thing)
I can certainly understand how a series is the way to go. Just look at your local movie box office's line-up. It's filled with movies based on book series'. Try to go a week without coming across an ad or commercial for Twilight or Harry Potter. It can't be done.
So this brings me back to me my writing.
In December, my tenth book will be released. Yes, you read that right. Ten books in fourteen months. Now before you bow at my feet full of shock and awe, understand that half of those books were already written a year prior to submission, so they only needed tightening, and a little overhaul here and there. Still a lot of work, but it's not quite as miraculous is it sounds.
My first series, which I affectionately refer to as my "cherry breaking trilogy", has fizzled and fallen by the wayside. I can't fault anyone but myself for that, as my maiden expedition, it fought a good fight and served me well as a learning tool.
Sort of like that other "first" we all have in life. It was clumsy and I had no idea what went where and who should say or do what or when. It was a relief to get it over with just so I could say I'd done it, but there were no fireworks... no razzle-dazzle... no bang for my buck... and nobody needed a cigarette afterward.
It was just what anyone would expect with a first time, anyone but me, that is. For me, the fantasy was gone and I was left with a sad little cyber-tale collecting dust in ebook heaven... or wherever ebooks go when they pass on.
That experience brought me to trilogy number two and naturally more lessons to be learned.
My Blood Hunter Trilogy was going to blast off like a rocket, fly away into the stars and burn bright for decades to come. It was a bit hotter and I had found my voice... well I had found my inside whispering voice anyway.
"The Beginning" was my first attempt at writing in third person POV, and the first time I'd written from a man's perspective. Boy, are they a tricky bunch to figure out (and they say we're difficult)
Poor Thorne Abbot came off as a wimp, but still managed to find a few fans who thought his type of Anti-Alpha male was refreshing and he actually grew on them.
Unfortunately, the majority must not have agreed and didn't give book #2 in that trilogy a chance and missed out on something kind of amazing. If you did read that far, then you know what and who I'm talking about.
[image error] Jason Craft!
Writing The Betrayal and creating Jason was what I like to refer to as finding my sweet spot.
He was all man through and through and believe it or not, he later became my muse and actually helped me write "Flesh Wounds".
Dylan Banks was created based on what Jason Craft whispered in my ear. I owe him a lot for that one.
None of that really matters though, when you consider the reality of it all.
Technically, "The Beginning" could be described as a dud, and therefore readers just aren't sticking with me. (Now, I know quite a few are and those loyal fans are the wind beneath my wings. I do my best not to disappoint you)
Now that I have earned a few battle scars, and even added a few single titles to the mix, I just may consider tackling another trilogy. Along the way I did a lot of research and still work very hard at honing my craft. If an author tells you they've learned all they need to know about writing, and you believed them, then I'd like to sell you some tickets to join me on my next trip to the moon.
I'm over 40 (insert gasp here) and trust me when I say that you're never too old to learn and no matter how small you think your brain is, there's always room for more information.
I've done a little Googling, and for those of you who know me, I am a certified Googler, bordering on suffering from an addiction. I would seek help, but I'd only add to the condition since I'd have to Google to find the nearest 12 Step program.
To prevent myself from becoming a bad influence and encouraging you to Google on your own, I'll share with you some cool blogs and websites I found to help you with your writing endeavor.
Mind you, not all are tailored for whatever genre you may write, but when it comes to writing romance, you can pretty much "insert" your preference in place of whatever genre these blogs may be talking about. As usual there are exceptions to the rule, but you know what I'm getting at.
Note: I do not know these people, nor do I endorse their views, I simply found these blogs amusing and/or possibly helpful and chose to share . First off, this blog scared me at first, until I re-read the title and realized the tips were for what you should NOT do when writing a novel...
http://secretgeek.net/nonwriter.asp
Next up: How to Write a Fantasy Novel. Like I said before, this is one of those situations where the basic tips may apply to all writing, so don't judge a blog by it's title. LOL! http://www.squidoo.com/insiderealms
And finally: This site has a list of dozens of places you can find tips on just about anything to do with writing...again...they Googled for you. LOL! I haven't ventured very far into yet, but I thought it was worth a look. http://www.thewriterssite.com/direct_pages/writing_advice.html
If you're interested in checking out more of my work, click on any of the tabs at the top of this page. As for finding my books, that's easy---- Just go here:
http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&option_id=1&keyword=Robin+Badillo
or here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_13?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=robin+badillo&sprefix=Robin+Badillo
YOU'LL FIND MORE OF ME THAN YOU'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH!! My upcoming releases:
<--- Midnight BeckoningComing November 15th
&
The Long way Home --->A Christmas NovellaComing December 15th
I'm going to talk bad about myself-- well not really, but I am going to shoot straight and if that means I end up in the cross-hairs, so be it!
As a fairly new writer, I've come a long way in a very short time. I was first published on October 1st 2010....yep, I'm that new to this industry.
That being said, I've worked very hard and taken the advice of dozens of authors who have gone before me, and quite successfully, I might add.
One thing that seemed to be mentioned more than any other topic was writing series books as opposed the stand-alones.
"If you want a loyal following, you gotta write a series." Great advice, by the way. Only it didn't exactly come with a recipe on how to do it, which left me to my own devices. (Not always a good thing)
I can certainly understand how a series is the way to go. Just look at your local movie box office's line-up. It's filled with movies based on book series'. Try to go a week without coming across an ad or commercial for Twilight or Harry Potter. It can't be done.
So this brings me back to me my writing.
In December, my tenth book will be released. Yes, you read that right. Ten books in fourteen months. Now before you bow at my feet full of shock and awe, understand that half of those books were already written a year prior to submission, so they only needed tightening, and a little overhaul here and there. Still a lot of work, but it's not quite as miraculous is it sounds.
My first series, which I affectionately refer to as my "cherry breaking trilogy", has fizzled and fallen by the wayside. I can't fault anyone but myself for that, as my maiden expedition, it fought a good fight and served me well as a learning tool.
Sort of like that other "first" we all have in life. It was clumsy and I had no idea what went where and who should say or do what or when. It was a relief to get it over with just so I could say I'd done it, but there were no fireworks... no razzle-dazzle... no bang for my buck... and nobody needed a cigarette afterward.
It was just what anyone would expect with a first time, anyone but me, that is. For me, the fantasy was gone and I was left with a sad little cyber-tale collecting dust in ebook heaven... or wherever ebooks go when they pass on. That experience brought me to trilogy number two and naturally more lessons to be learned.
My Blood Hunter Trilogy was going to blast off like a rocket, fly away into the stars and burn bright for decades to come. It was a bit hotter and I had found my voice... well I had found my inside whispering voice anyway.
"The Beginning" was my first attempt at writing in third person POV, and the first time I'd written from a man's perspective. Boy, are they a tricky bunch to figure out (and they say we're difficult)
Poor Thorne Abbot came off as a wimp, but still managed to find a few fans who thought his type of Anti-Alpha male was refreshing and he actually grew on them.
Unfortunately, the majority must not have agreed and didn't give book #2 in that trilogy a chance and missed out on something kind of amazing. If you did read that far, then you know what and who I'm talking about.
[image error] Jason Craft!
Writing The Betrayal and creating Jason was what I like to refer to as finding my sweet spot.
He was all man through and through and believe it or not, he later became my muse and actually helped me write "Flesh Wounds".
Dylan Banks was created based on what Jason Craft whispered in my ear. I owe him a lot for that one.
None of that really matters though, when you consider the reality of it all.
Technically, "The Beginning" could be described as a dud, and therefore readers just aren't sticking with me. (Now, I know quite a few are and those loyal fans are the wind beneath my wings. I do my best not to disappoint you)
Now that I have earned a few battle scars, and even added a few single titles to the mix, I just may consider tackling another trilogy. Along the way I did a lot of research and still work very hard at honing my craft. If an author tells you they've learned all they need to know about writing, and you believed them, then I'd like to sell you some tickets to join me on my next trip to the moon.
I'm over 40 (insert gasp here) and trust me when I say that you're never too old to learn and no matter how small you think your brain is, there's always room for more information.
I've done a little Googling, and for those of you who know me, I am a certified Googler, bordering on suffering from an addiction. I would seek help, but I'd only add to the condition since I'd have to Google to find the nearest 12 Step program.
To prevent myself from becoming a bad influence and encouraging you to Google on your own, I'll share with you some cool blogs and websites I found to help you with your writing endeavor.
Mind you, not all are tailored for whatever genre you may write, but when it comes to writing romance, you can pretty much "insert" your preference in place of whatever genre these blogs may be talking about. As usual there are exceptions to the rule, but you know what I'm getting at.
Note: I do not know these people, nor do I endorse their views, I simply found these blogs amusing and/or possibly helpful and chose to share . First off, this blog scared me at first, until I re-read the title and realized the tips were for what you should NOT do when writing a novel...
http://secretgeek.net/nonwriter.asp
Next up: How to Write a Fantasy Novel. Like I said before, this is one of those situations where the basic tips may apply to all writing, so don't judge a blog by it's title. LOL! http://www.squidoo.com/insiderealms
And finally: This site has a list of dozens of places you can find tips on just about anything to do with writing...again...they Googled for you. LOL! I haven't ventured very far into yet, but I thought it was worth a look. http://www.thewriterssite.com/direct_pages/writing_advice.html
If you're interested in checking out more of my work, click on any of the tabs at the top of this page. As for finding my books, that's easy---- Just go here:
http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&option_id=1&keyword=Robin+Badillo
or here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_13?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=robin+badillo&sprefix=Robin+Badillo
YOU'LL FIND MORE OF ME THAN YOU'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH!! My upcoming releases:
<--- Midnight BeckoningComing November 15th
&
The Long way Home --->A Christmas NovellaComing December 15th
