Rachel Leigh's Blog, page 17

Welcome Wild Rose Press author, Ursula Whistler!

 Hi Ursula! Welcome back to my blog - good to see you have a new release to tell us all about. Loving the denim clad backside on your cover, yum :)
Let's get going with the questions!
1)   What is your writing routine? I get coffee, turn off any music, set a twenty minute timer, and write until the timer sounds. Then I take a quick break before getting back to the same routine. It allows for a lot of writing in a little over a hour.
2)   Which author/s inspire you to write? I can't say that any one writer inspired me to write. It's all of them. We all have such different journeys to that first acceptance letter or email, but we share one thing—we wanted to tell a good story.
3)   Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write? I really love writing erotic romance. It frees my mind to go wherever. No constraints. As for reading, I am all over the place.
4)   How do you deal with criticism/rejection? I take criticism pretty well as long as I am feeling good that day. On the moments when I am already feeling ill or in a bad mood, then I grab a glass of wine, crawl into my bed, and watch sappy movies or a fantasy film with big men slashing things to bits. The next morning, I have a fresh mind, and then I'm back to trying to learn from what the critic said.
5)   What do you expect from an editor? I expect an editor to catch the plot issues that I thought were clear and to push me to take the emotion deeper. My editor, Trish Owens, has been amazing.
6)   Tell me about your latest release. Risque Poses is a story inspired by one look that I noticed from a young man toward a woman a bit older than him. His perusal of the woman wasn't a mere recognition of her allure. Instead, it seemed to me that his eyes were sketching her for when he had time later. This woman, unknowingly, had become the young man's muse.
7)   Tease us with a blurb or short excerpt. Yoga instructor Diana Courbet wants to celebrate the end of a messy divorce in the best way possible, starting with a one night stand with the sexy, tousle-haired artist in her yoga class. He’s been the object of her desire for close to a year, and while he might be worth more than one sexy evening, that’s all her heart is willing to risk.Mathias Kuning wants two things–to be a successful artist and Diana. Over the past year, he’s painted Diana in a series of nudes that show how much he’s grown to care for his beautiful muse. But to become a successful artist he has to show the sensual pieces, and to show them, she has to agree. Will the risque poses of Mathias’ creation be the very thing that keeps Diana in his arms…or drives her out of his life forever?
Buy Link:
http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87&products_id=901
8)   Which is your favorite character in the book?  Why? Mathias is easily my favorite character. He's sensitive, but he knows when to take control. Plus, he adores the heroine. Who doesn't want that?
9) What are you working on right now? I'm waiting for final edits on Man of Few Words from The Wild Rose Press, and I'm writing a short story that has been brewing in my mind for ages. It took a retreat to the beach with six other writers to give it that oomph needed to make it to the page. It's an erotic romance with some suspense. It also begins in Plaquemines Parish, LA, a region recently devastated by Hurricane Isaac.
10) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists? Seek out critiques from other writers who will give you difficult, gut-wrenching comments. You need those to write a great story that an editor will love.
11) Where can readers find you? I blog on a badly irregular basis on http://ursulawhistler.com/blog. I tweet under @UrsulaWhistler and I just joined that Triberr place as UrsulaWhistler. You can find me on Facebook, too, but that's not the best place to see what I'm about.
Great interview, Ursula! Good luck with the book :)
Comments??

Welcome erotic romance writer, Lila Munro...

Private Pirouetteby Lila Munro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:

What does a man do with six month’s down time and no warm body to share his bed? For Sergeant Alec Douglas, contemplating that question led him to fall prey to his two best friend’s plan to find him that very thing. They know Alec has yet to stay with any one person for more than a few dates. They also know a tragedy from his past created the problem and while that haunts him, making it nearly impossible for Alec to trust his heart to anyone, they also know he’s a sucker for a challenge. Will the enticement of a few thousand dollars riding on him breaking his own rule be just the thing to disrupt his cycle? Taking their bet might be profitable, but is winning the money they’ve dangled under Alec’s nose worth losing himself to the girl they’ve picked out for him?
In his quest to get her to say yes to his crazy proposal, he tracks her all over town only to discover the beautiful, long-legged blond isn’t the studious book worm he mistook her for. In fact, she's one of Jacksonville’s finest in the form of Orchid, exotic dancer. Her rejection only spurs him to make sure her dancing days are over and she only performs her private pirouette for him, and only him, for the rest of their lives if he has his way.


EXCERPT
Piper opened her car door and started to get in. “Get off my hood.”
“Wait, wait. What if there was a way to make some easy extra cash?” He raised one hand and blinked a few times. “I have a business proposition of sorts for you…” He took two steps toward her and three back, landing on the hood again.
“What? Are you crazy? I don’t do that on the side you perv.”
“No, no. Not that…geeze. The reason I’m persistent is a few thousand dollars rides on if I can get you to date me for six months.” Leaning on his palms, he gave her a crooked smile of triumph as though he was proud he’d remembered why he was there considering his current condition.
“What?” Piper slammed the door and walked back over to him with her arms crossed under her breasts. “So, you don’t actually want me, this is about money?”
“Well, now, don’t get all huffy.  As a matter of fact, I do think you’re hhhooot.  Especially now that I seen all your stuff in…there.” He waved one hand toward the back of the club, a ridiculous grin crossing his face. “But, if don’t want to really date, fine.  We can pretend and still split the money.  You said yourself you need it.”
Piper didn’t like the fact he’d intended to use her all along.  But she wasn’t stupid either.  Several hundred dollars would go a long way in getting her moved and all she had to do was pretend to date this jerk.
“Do you have a name?” It seemed in order to pull off this ruse she at least needed to know who she was in cahoots with.


AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, the Identity series, and most recently the Toy Box Tales in conjunction with BethAnn Buehler. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012-2013. And has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13.
Ms. Munro loves to hear from her readers and can be found at Realmantic Moments  Facebook Pinterest Goodreads  Twitter You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com and you can find all her works at: Amazon Nook ARe Bookstrand

Lila will be awarding a $25 Amazon or BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and to a randomly drawn host.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/08/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-private.html
Comments??

Shameless Saturday Promo - Me!!

Just in case you haven't got your copy yet... ;)


Blurb:

Chef Michelle Hutton flees her controlling mother in the UK for the sun and freedom of Greece, longing for a new beginning and maybe just a bit of Zante's local heat. Sexy, pro-bono lawyer Sam Clarke might just be the one to teach her to let go. He's sexy, capable, and totally in control. And too damn hard to resist. 

Sam Clarke and his best friend had once been the baddest boys to hit the local party scene-- sex, booze, and more sex--until his friend is killed. Sam turned his back on the blatant sexuality of the island years ago, but can't resist Michelle's desire to bask in the sun and explore the need that grows between them.

Excerpt:

Closer and closer he came, rounding the counter and standing so close to her that Michelle was forced to tip her head back to meet his eyes. The smell of him—warm, musky and clean—wafted under her nose. She inhaled…and really wished she hadn’t as her knees quivered. She took another step back until her ass hit the steel counter top behind her.

His gaze darted over her face, lingering at her lips. Michelle put a hand on his chest without thinking and then whipped it back to grip the counter.

Trepidation mixed with arousal pooled like liquid in her stomach. “Sam, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

His eyes dropped to her chest and unmistakable lust flared in eyes, darkening them to a gorgeous midnight blue. Desire pulled at her core and her nipples tightened.

He met her eyes. “Everything.”

She was trapped by the raw animal need to have him. To feel his hands on her bare skin, his mouth on hers. She licked dry lips. “You look like you’re either going to attack me or—”

“Fuck you?”

She flinched. The harsh expletive shocked and aroused her in equal measure. “What?”

His hands clamped onto her hips, possessive and unyielding. A feral storm raged in his dark blue gaze. “I need to know.”

She stared, unable to move or breathe. “Need to know what?”

“Need to know if this…these feelings…are just—”

“Lust?” The word slipped from her tongue, her mind blank of everything but Sam. The way he smelled, the lickable square line of his jaw. The yearning to have him on her, in her, over her.

The corner of his mouth twitched and a little of the fiery frustration seeped from his eyes. “Exactly.”

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Summer-Sands-ebook/dp/B0093VE1VG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348310788&sr=8-3&keywords=rachel+leigh+hot

Welcome erotic romance author, Tamaria Soana...

Title: Naughty Little Bedtime StoriesAuthor: Tamaria SoanaPublisher: Beachwalk PressLength: 20,000 wordsGenres: Contemporary Erotic Fantasy Romance (M/M, Light Bondage, May-December, F/M/M)Heat Level: Sizzling
BUY LINKhttp://beachwalkpress.com/naughty-little-bedtime-stories/
BLURBTwelve short bedtime stories that will heat up your night.
Naughty Little Bedtime Stories contains twelve short stories that will arouse your senses. You’ll find stories that contain light bondage, food play, ménage (m/m/f), and other erotic events. Each story has a different setting and couple who explore all things naughty in and out of the bedroom.  
EXCERPT FROM Instant Attraction
We walked out of the restaurant and down the hall into the main lobby of the hotel, my eyes scanning for any photographers. I really didn't want my face all over the tabloids tomorrow.
“I had a great time meeting you today. So, what now?” Slade asked as he looked deep into my eyes.
“I don't know,” I whispered. I didn't want the afternoon to end.
“I don't want to leave you just yet, Jewel,” he whispered in a sexy tone.
I bit my bottom lip and started to fidget. "Then don't." I took a deep breath, trying to figure out everything that was racing through my head. "Would you like to come to my suite for a drink, maybe?" I couldn't believe I'd just asked him that, but I knew what I wanted, and at the moment it was him.
“I thought you'd never ask.”
We stepped in the elevator and the doors closed. We were alone. Before I could process what I was doing I was kissing him. The simple kiss set all the nerves in my body on fire. The elevator stopped and I pulled away as the doors opened.
“This is my floor,” I said breathlessly.
We walked into the hallway in silence. The tension between us was so strong. We reached my suite and I swiped my card to open the door. I could feel his gaze on me, it was making me nervous and turning me on at the same time. My stomach was in knots as I walked in, but not the bad kind of knots, the I-want-to-jump-him kind of knots. He was making me crazy. I truly just wanted to go with what I was feeling. I was so attracted to him. As soon as the door shut Slade pushed me against the wall and started kissing me.
“Jewel, you are so alluring,” he said as he kissed my neck.
“Slade,” I moaned. I could feel how hard he was as he pressed harder into me.
“I want you,” he said as his hand grazed my breast. "Do you want me?"
“Yes!” My heart was pounding in my chest as I led him to the bed. His urgent lips were on mine. He unzipped my sundress and it fell to the floor, leaving me in only a black lace bra and thong.
“So sexy,” he whispered in my ear as he kissed my neck.

Contest:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f92c8682/
Link to Schedule*:
http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/scheduled-barrage-naughty-little.html
VIDEO TRAILER LINKhttp://youtu.be/7ko2TZ0FTz0


AUTHOR BIO & LINKSTamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes Contemporary Romance stories with a higher heat level that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story. She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and Shades of Rose YA Marketing, also hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

You can find Tamaria on line at these following places: Website   Facebook   Twitter

Welcome erotic romance writer, Nancy Adams...

The Soul Withinby Nancy Adams
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Alex’s body is in a coma. His soul, however, is not. Desperate to become whole, he must first convince stubborn beauty Evening Sinclair that he is not dead.
For generations, the Sinclairs have been healers. Using a gentle touch to heal the body and a soothing word to heal the soul, Evening Sinclair is no different. Yet despite her secret abilities, Eve has a somewhat normal existence. She enjoys her small physiotherapy practice, dotes on her eight-year-old daughter and occasionally helps souls get back into their bodies-that is until Alex, with his brooding good looks and glowing eyes, appears in her kitchen.
Alex is desperate to get back into his body-two innocent lives depend on it. His only obstacle is Eve and her stubborn fear. Unfortunately for Eve, Alex is ruthless and just as stubborn. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He will not 'go away' and no matter how much Eve tortures him with her lush body and perfect mouth, he will not change his mind. Eve will merge him, and if it takes him haunting her day and night, she will merge him back with a body-any body.


EXCERPT
 “Why can’t you merge him?” she asked, her green eyes sharp.
Eve rested her cheek into her hand. “He has three bullet holes in him—one is very close to his heart, one probably in his liver and the other in his shoulder.”
Gran remained quiet taking in the information.
 “He can move things too. Opens and closes doors.” Her heart began to beat faster when she recalled Alex closing the fridge door. Even now goosebumps crawled their way up her arms.
 “Doll.” Gran leant forward and touched her bent knee. “I know the idea frightens you but are you sure he isn’t dead?”
 “Yes.”
 “But you just said that he came to you, that he could move objects and that he has three bullet wounds one close to his heart. It sounds as though he’s dead.” Gran shook her head. “I told you seeing dead souls might happen sooner or later.”
 “That’s just it, for a while I was so sure he was dead, then I touched him and—” Gran sat up straight. “You touched him?”
 “Yes,” Eve moaned covering her face. “I couldn’t help it, there’s just something about him.”
 “What, doll?” Gran asked gently.
 “I’m not sure.” She lied. She had wanted to feel, no that wasn’t right. She had wanted to know that he was real, that this man, who thought she was damn sexy was more than just a soul and why it was, that when she felt his heat seep into her hands, it felt as though her own soul sighed in relief?
 “What did you feel?”
 “Heat. He was warm...


AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Nancy’s addiction for a good trash novel began in her late-teens when her grandmother gave her a bag of Harlequin Romance books. She was hooked and spent the next few years lurking in the dark corners of used bookstores searching for her next fix. Until, one marriage and two kids later, her own ideas had her jumping up at 3 am (much to her husband’s annoyance) and typing them into her laptop. Beside her husband and children, Nancy has three passions, rearranging furniture, buying bed linens and, of course, writing. Nancy lives in Eastern Ontario with her family and two over sized lap dogs. 

Website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc
Email address:  Fancy-nancy@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/NancyAdams.scribblingseduction
Website: to come – will let you know if it is up and running before tours start
Nancy will be giving away a $20 Total-e-Bound or Amazon gift card to one random commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-blast-soul-within-by-nancy-adams.html

Saturday Promo - Nona Raines...

First of all, Rachel, I'd like to thank you for letting me share your blog today. It's great to be here!                                                                                                            ***Some enchanted evening…you may see a stranger across a crowded room…The lyrics to "Some Enchanted Evening" by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein paint a picture of two people fated to meet who fall instantly in love. Is there such a thing as love at first sight? Romeo and Juliet fell in love immediately, needing only a little wooing from a balcony to seal the deal. King David knew he wanted Bathsheba when he saw her bathing, and the Little Mermaid fell for the Prince when she rescued him from drowning. Narcissus found his soul mate when he gazed at his reflection in a pool of water! Literature, songs and films l give us plenty of examples of this phenomenon of love at first sight.But does it exist in real life? Some anthropologists believe that it's a matter of evolution. The "urge to merge" goes back to human beginnings. Our ancestors didn't have long lives, and they needed to pass on their genes. Of course, they knew nothing about genetics, but having healthy babies that would survive to the next generation was paramount. They needed to quickly size up potential mates, good partners to make babies with. (Source: Is love at first sight possible?) Scientists also believe that when we fall in love, all kinds of chemicals are released in the brain that make us euphoric. It takes only a fifth of a second for us to fall in love, and for those chemicals to flood our brain. Then we're lighter than air, walking on clouds, and looking the world through rose-colored glasses. (Source: Falling in Love Only Takes About a Fifth of a Second, Research Reveals) The two women in my newly released erotic short story Irresistible Impulse fall in love at first sight. Not across a crowded room, but across a steam table in a Chinese restaurant. Though they immediately feel a connection, they don't have a chance to follow up on it until they unexpectedly meet again at a speed-dating event.Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but she lost a stupid bet. Checking out the slim pickings, she's convinced the evening will be a total bust--until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot.

Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately--and strongly--enticed by the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?

Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know the beautiful woman. Latisha is drawn to Tania as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?Here's an excerpt:As they chatted and laughed Latisha again felt that sensation vibrate through her body, that combination of nerves and sexual longing. She was light-headed with anticipation and weak with fear. Of course, the alcohol didn’t help. But as Tania shared some funny stories about her experiences working with the public, all Latisha could think about was leaning forward and pressing her lips to Tania’s pink mouth. Don’t go there. Tania grew blurry as Danielle’s face floated in front of her. “I’m not in love with you.” The words echoed in her memory. Tania’s voice brought her back to the present. “Latisha? You all right?” “Excuse me.” Latisha stood so abruptly she bumped the table and made the glasses jiggle. “I need to use the bathroom.” “Is everything okay?” Tania’s eyes were wide with concern. “These drinks are delish, but they pack a pretty good kick.” “I’m not drunk.” “I never said—” She had to get away. “Excuse me.” She brushed past a waitress with a tray of drinks and several others in her rush to the Ladies’ Room. Once there, she washed her hands and patted her cheeks with a damp paper towel, trying to collect herself. The bathroom door opened, and Tania entered. “Tisha, I was worried…” Latisha turned away to grab another paper towel. “No need. I’m fine.” “Have you been crying?” “Of course not.” Tania stepped closer. “Yes, you have.” She gently cupped Latisha’s face and turned it toward her. At Tania’s touch, a thrill zinged through Latisha.                                                            ***These characters appeared as an established couple in my first two books One Good Man and Take This Man. It was great fun to tell the story of how they first met—and fell in love. I hope readers enjoy it, too.To celebrate my new release, I'd like to offer a giveaway of Irresistible Impulse. Please just leave a comment telling if you believe in love at first sight. Has is happened to you or someone you know? Don't forget to include your email address!  I'll select a random commenter on Monday.Thanks again. Rachel, for letting me be here today!
Irresistible Impulse is available from The Wild Rose PressNona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

The Pirates of Vampire Island by Phoenix & Lover Boy...

Title: The Pirates of Vampire Island, A Paranormal Romantic ThrillerSeries: Steamy Voyages, Series #1Author: Phoenix and Lover BoyPublisher: Self (Amazon and B&N)Length: 61,700 wordsGenres: Paranormal Romance (Adventure)Heat Level: Sizzling
AVAILABLE AT:Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Paranormal-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0090OOOX6
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pirates-of-vampire-island-a-paranormal-romantic-thriller-steamy-voyages-1-phoenix-and-lover-boy/1112584812
BLURB:Pretty Jane O'Doherty always chooses the wrong kind of guys. Her specialty seems to be guys who have serious flaws and who break her heart.
Her last breakup was a year ago and still she can hear his final words, "I'm sorry, Jane. I've found someone else."
A 30-day cruise through the exotic Indonesian Islands with her best friend seems like the perfect distraction to mend her broken heart.
On board, she meets devastatingly gorgeous Nick, who attracts women in droves, including our lovely Jane.
And she meets Peter, who is the cute geek with puppy dog eyes. 
Will either one just lead to another broken heart?
Should she run the other way from them both and just enjoy the cruise?
But before Jane can decide, the ship is attacked by modern day pirates.
Unlike the pirates of old, these guys are vampires and are more interested in human treasure than gold and jewels.
They take over the ship and take twelve women hostage.
And the handsome pirate leader—with eerie chalk-white skin, and red eyes, is looking for a special prize. He wants a woman for his mate and queen . . . 
Jane catches his eye, but she, along with Nick and Peter, manage to escape in a lifeboat and onto the open sea.
They drift for fourteen days before finally finding an island.
But the fates are cruel, and their island turns out to be the home of the pirates and the lair of the Vampire.
The Pirates of Vampire Island is non-stop action . . . filled with adventure, suspense . . . and steamy romance.
Excerpt
As we approached the outdoor swimming pool on the top deck, I saw dark clouds threatening a storm. My hair was whipping in the wind. I shivered. Bad idea. But Remy was undaunted. She immediately ran and did a cannonball. As I stood wondering if I should just go back to the cabin, a waiter came up, a small, dark boy about sixteen, probably a native of the area. He wore a short white jacket with epaulets and black pants.
"Would you like a drink, mum?"
"How about a snow suit?" I laughed. "Just kidding. No, I'm good for now." I surveyed the sunbathers and swimmers. There he was. As usual, he was surrounded by women. He was dressed in a simple white pullover sweater and tan slacks, but the cut and fabric screamed money. His luxurious, curly black hair whipped in the wind, making him look very unkempt, rugged, and nonchalant, as if fine grooming was so not important because he was stunningly handsome no matter what he wore or did.
"Excuse me, sir?" I said.
The waiter turned.
"What's that guy's name? The one with the black curly hair."
"Nickolas Angelopoulos." He stood for a moment. "Anything else I can help you with?"
"Nope. Thank you," I said, not taking my eyes off the amazing-looking man.
"You're gawking."
I shook myself and looked down. Remy was hanging on the side of the pool. "Yeah, I guess I am."
Enough of that.
"I'm coming in." I walked over to the diving board and performed a perfect dive. I had always been very athletic, and I knew my body showed it.
I swam several laps, trying not to look at this guy named Nickolas, and climbed out of the pool, dripping water, and squeezing it out of my thick mane. I shivered a little in the cool wind, and as I finished drying, I saw out of the corner of my eye that Nicholas was staring at me – well, at my chest anyway. I looked down to see that my nipples were perfectly erect through my black bikini. I quickly draped my towel around my shoulders so it covered my breasts and was suddenly looking for a quick way to exit.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in California. I came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree is filled with rugged people: rough coal miners, pioneers, and farmers living in log cabins in the early west. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, but like to write in several genres.
Lover Boy (aka my husband) was born and raised in Anaheim, California and wishes to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want anyone to know he likes to write romance novels. (Let's keep his secret.)
We wrote THE PIRATES OF VAMPIRE ISLAND, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller (Steamy Voyages #1). And we are working the sequel to Steamy Voyages and a dystopian thriller, The Trash Pile People. We live in Hollywood with our ornery tomcat, Snickers.
Website: http://www.fictionbyphoenix.comE-mail: read@booksbyphoenix.comTwitter: @PhoenixReadGoodreads: Phoenix ReadsFacebook Page: Fiction by PhoenixFacebook Profile: Lee JordanPinterest: Lee JordanAmazon Author Central: Amazon.com/author/phoenixreadAmazon Reviews by Phoenix Profile Page: http://amzn.to/P8T5QD

Post and giveaway with Laura Browning!

Hi, Laura! Welcome back to my site, clearly you've been busy since your last visit. I cannot wait to hear about this book, the cover has completely drawn me in! Who was the artist? He or she deserves a mention, SO eye catching :)
Looking forward to reading your post today - wishing you lots of sales. Look out for Laura's GIVEAWAY at the end of her post. Good luck!
Honey, I’d be Happy to Help
Writers are often asked if they just imagine everything they include in stories, or (wink, wink) is it from practical experience? Of course when romance is what you’re writing, especially steamy romance, that can get a little awkward. Then there’s always the “What does your husband think about what you write?” question.
As a general rule, my husband doesn’t read what I write and has that rather condescending “it’s just romance” attitude. Boy did that change when I asked for his assistance in doing  research that went into my latest release, Balancing Act, and the next in the series, Remember Me, tentatively scheduled to release early next year.
You see, my heroine works a short stint as a waitress in a strip club, and Lucy, the heroine of Remember Me is the headline stripper at that same club. Now, I don’t consider myself sheltered.  Over the years, I’ve been in car accidents, decked a guy on a train while traveling through France, slept in houses built before Columbus sailed to America—and I’ve even been airlifted off a mountain in Switzerland. But I will admit, I had never been to a strip club.
To begin, I turned to my friend the Internet. I researched laws regarding strip clubs for this particular geographic area, read as much as I could about salaries and pay. I watched videos on the Internet, including how-to videos for pole dancing—yes, they’re out there(yawn)—but I was still not quite comfortable with the results because, unlike much of what I do write about (blush), I’d not actually been to a strip club. I needed a feel for the atmosphere.
There was no way around it. I needed to go, and I sure as the devil wasn’t going alone. That’s where my newly helpful research assistant, and in this instance, highly motivated husband, finally comes in. His checkered past did include personal experience with strip clubs (gasp!), and he was more than willing to make the sacrifice by accompanying me to one. Suddenly, his attitude wasn’t quite so condescending. Hmm.
It was an experience I will not soon forget.
I learned several things:
There aren’t many women, other than employees, in strip clubs.
Men really do walk right up to strange women on stage hoping to have breasts and bums flashed in their faces (very closely, I might add).
After the first couple of dances, I was more interested in the dancers’ tattoos than the jiggling T and A.
No one should try to walk far in the shoes strippers wear, but they will make your legs look about eight miles long.
The whole pole dancing thing requires an amazing amount of upper body strength. The stripper I talked to had biceps to rival most guys.
If you’re a woman in a strip bar—the dancers will hit on you instead of your husband. Okay…that was an eww factor, but funny nonetheless.
Being inside a strip club is like being inside a Casino—no windows, no clocks and an atmosphere where smiling people want to make sure you’re having a good time while they suck the money out of your pockets.
So, in the end, I learned my Internet research had been pretty solid. And hey, let’s not forget that year’s membership I now had at the strip club…lol
Please check out Tessa and Seth, the hot couple in Balancing Act. She’s like a match to his firecracker! 
Here’s a short excerpt:
“Are you tired?” Seth asked.“Not really.” Tessa’s nerves tightened. Sleep would be elusive tonight.“Join me out on the terrace? I think the lights and the view from there are something you won’t want to miss.”He held the door open in invitation, then stood next to her, one arm thrown around her shoulders. There didn’t seem to be much to say, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. They both watched the lights twinkling below them. When Seth turned her toward him and tipped her head up, it was the most natural thing in the world. Then he kissed her.Tessa’s experience with men was limited at best. She’d been sheltered through her teens, and attending an all-women’s college hadn’t given her the constant male contact many women took for granted. Seth’s stroking tongue startled her into opening her mouth to him. Heat spiraled through her body as he held her close.“Tessa,” he murmured before pulling her even closer and plundering her mouth with his tongue. He smelled of shampoo, soap, a citrusy cologne that tickled her nostrils…and Seth. She leaned into him, giving herself over to his teasing, tantalizing kisses.She heard a moan and realized it came from her. As he continued his toe-curling kisses, Seth kneaded her bottom, pushing the silky material of her skirt higher until he rested one hand above the lace of her stocking on the bare flesh of her thigh, then cupped one round cheek of her ass. With his other hand, he drifted up over her waist until he stroked her nipple through her dress with his thumb. Heat burned her, not just where he touched but everywhere. Arousal made her ache.Tessa sighed as he lifted her, holding her tightly, and lowered his head to the swelling globe of her breast. “Seth, I…”“Shh,” he soothed as he traced the neckline of her dress with the tip of his tongue. “Ah, Tessa,” he mumbled and pushed her breast upward until it spilled onto his waiting lips. “Mmm.”
Check it out at Lyrical Press.
Website: http://www.laurabrowningbooks.com/
Thanks for having me, Rachel. Happy reading everyone!
Great post, Laura! You are very brave - I have a friend who went with her husband to a strip club and is disgusted I write erotic romance and haven't been. She said the girls are amazing at what they do and hugely personable. I will get there one day - I'm sure, like yours, my husband will be more than willing to accompany me! Bit scared about the girls showing me more attention than him though...
Laura is giving away a ebook copy of "Balancing Act" to one lucky commenter - I will draw the winner on Saturday so comment away!!


Comments?

Saturday Promo - Melissa Snark...

Blurb:

Cassandra Claeys is a bohemian artist with a passion for shoes and architecture. Her past wasn't pretty and she's got the scars to prove it, but she's determined to live and love again and she's hoping her newest client is just the man for the job. But the crazed serial killer that once held her captive escapes from prison, willing to kill again to make his manical fantasies come true.

Architect Kyle McCloud hires the fiery redhead to illustrate his latest project, never dreaming that she would bring passion and danger to his door. Cassie is easily spooked and as flighty as one of his injured birds, but he's willing to work overtime to make her soar for him alone.

Excerpt:
“You’ve only had two lovers?” Tension hit him again between the shoulder blades and shot to his crotch. He had expected a woman of her age and beauty to have had more than a couple lovers.

“Yes, two.” Her expression turned teasing. “Do I want to know how many lovers you’ve had?”

Thank God, he didn’t blush. “Not if you want to respect me in the morning.”

Cassie laughed, relaxing in his hold. “Maybe not discussing it is for the best then.”

He needed to get out of her bed before the gentle rocking of her pelvis against his cock caused him to embarrass himself. Kyle kissed her forehead and eased away. “It’s late. Try to get some sleep.”

He didn’t count on sleep so much as a cold shower as he attempted to ease the ache her nearness caused. Cassie caught his arm, preventing him from leaving the bed. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“Cassie, I need some space.”

“Oh.” Her face fell and she looked down, conveying hurt and disappointment.

Kyle didn’t want her feeling rejected. “I only meant—I’m human. Physically, I can only take so much. I get hard just being this close to you. When I should be supportive, I’m distracted by your scent and your mouth. I want to taste your breasts and—” Fuck you until you wrap your legs around me and scream.
Buy Link:
http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=898

Books, books and more books!!

Book fanatic? Me??
As a writer, I have a natural (almost unnatural!) obsession with books and my home as well as my office is overflowing with them. I am a self-confessed bibliophile and despite having over 200 books waiting to be read, I still buy more. This backlog of books are all hardback and paperbacks, by the way – it doesn’t include the 40 + I have downloaded onto my Kindle.
It is usual for me to be reading three books at any one time – a hardback, a paperback and an ebook. Makes complete sense, right? No? Let me explain. The hardback is for reading in bed, the paperback is for reading in the bath or when I am walking the dog (I kid you not) and the ebook is for when I am waiting to pick up my kids from one club or another, or waiting at the dentist/doctors etc. Simple.
Okay, so as you can see I LOVE books with a passion so it is darn near impossible for me to choose a single favorite title – so I’m going to cheat and name my all-time favorite author instead….
It has to be the fabulous Nora Roberts every time.

Now I know there maybe some moans and groans out there, but I seriously don’t know why so many people seem to have such a gripe with the fabulous Nora. She writes fantastic stories, with fantastic characters and most of all a fantastic romance. For me at least, she delivers each and every time. I am yet to be disappointed by any of her books and I’ve read a lot – and yes, I still have a lot to read too!
As for erotic romance I enjoy far too many authors to list but the romances I love to read, even though I don’t write them, is any featuring a hunky cowboy, yum! If you like a bit of erotic Western naughtiness too, I cannot recommend the Cowboy Kink series from The Wild Rose Press highly enough ;)
What are you waiting for??
Rachel x