L.J. DeLeon's Blog, page 2

Hero’s Blog Hop

Welcome to the Hero’s Blog Hop, running July 27th to 31st with over 100 Authors and Bloggers.

 

 

 

We are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

To enter at this blog for a $10 Amazon gift certificate, leave a comment below with your email address.

But that’s not all…. The blog hop has THREE grand prizes!! You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!

Now what are those prizes? (See below for the rest of the 129 authors & bloggers!) 1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

So let me kick off by sharing some favorite things about romance heroes, which I think this is best done by selecting a few of my favorites:

From Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series is Bones, a be still my heart hero. Yes, the man’s a vampire, but he would die to save the heroine. His actions speak louder than his words. What more could a woman ask for?


From Nalini Singh’s Angel Hunter is Archangel Rafael, a rude, arrogant, and powerful archangel who willing bows before the heroine and to save her life, he chose to die with her instead of losing her. It was the ultimate sacrifice for an immortal. And with his good-bye kiss saved them both by turning her into an angel.


From LJ DeLeon’s Warriors for Light series is Major Steve Taylor,  a strong alpha wereleopard who is a loyal, clan leader, solider for the Light, and willing to sacrifice his life for the woman he loves.

Hi, I’m Steve Taylor. As LJ said, I’m a wereleopard. While I’m called an alpha by most, those of us who are feline weres refer to me as a Felix. One day, I’ll take over for my father as “the” Felix for all were-felines. The love of my life, after I stopped fighting it, is Moira. I never thought she would consent to be my mate and when she finally did, I could have killed her, as you’ll see below. Oh, I’m also a prisoner of Senator Carlson who is a dark mage and bent on my death. Should I die, my mate will, too. Don’t you just love Moira’s timing?

Steve, talk to me.

Moira? Steve craned his neck and scanned the sky.

Of course, who’d expect?

After four hours, no one.

Why can I talk to you yet can’t with the guys?

Because I’m a Saraph. Silver doesn’t block my ability or power.

He spotted her on the precipice where he’d been caught. I renounce you as my mate.

Too late, ainmhí, you’ve already claimed me. Once you’ve accepted a soul mate into your heart, not even death can break the bond. I claimed you the moment I brought you into Ahava. I now formally declare to you and before the Goddess, from my soul to your soul, your soul to my soul, you are my mate, my soul, my life.

A force not unlike a medicine ball slammed into his chest. Talons ripped into him, wrenching his soul from him, and thrusting it back in. A new sensation of oneness, of belonging filled him.

“Nooo,” Steve roared, realizing it was too late. An invisible, unbreakable cord joined them. He’d never be the lone leopard again. Only death could separate them now. Maybe not even that.

I’m often asked my I write romance and strong, alpha style heroes. Life without romance is a bore. It softens me allows me to dream.

As for my heroes, they are men who know the importance of romantic foreplay, and understanding it isn’t always about sex but tenderness, touching, caring, and protection. I love it when the hero has trouble telling the woman he loves how he feels—most me do. Yet he shows it through his actions. She’s ill, he takes care of her. She’s in danger and he will try to protect her, even if she’ll be the one to save them—at least in my books. I love it when heroes like, not just love, women. For these reasons and a multitude of others, I read and write romance and love heroes.

Don’t forget to comment and leave your email and feel free to leave your favorite hero as well.

Click here to find the rest of the 100 authors & bloggers: http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/p/heros-blog-hop-hop.html

Hero Blog Hop

Welcome to the Hero’s Blog Hop, running July 27th to 31st with over 100 Authors and Bloggers.

 

 

 

We are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

To enter at this blog for a $10 Amazon gift certificate, leave a comment below with your email address.

But that’s not all…. The blog hop has THREE grand prizes!! You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!

Now what are those prizes? (See below for the rest of the 129 authors & bloggers!) 1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

So let me kick off by sharing some favorite things about romance heroes, which I think this is best done by selecting a few of my favorites:

From Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series is Bones, a be still my heart hero. Yes, the man’s a vampire, but he would die to save the heroine. His actions speak louder than his words. What more could a woman ask for?


From Nalini Singh’s Angel Hunter is Archangel Rafael, a rude, arrogant, and powerful archangel who willing bows before the heroine and to save her life, he chose to die with her instead of losing her. It was the ultimate sacrifice for an immortal. And with his good-bye kiss saved them both by turning her into an angel.


From LJ DeLeon’s Warriors for Light series is Major Steve Taylor,  a strong alpha wereleopard who is a loyal, clan leader, solider for the Light, and willing to sacrifice his life for the woman he loves.

Hi, I’m Steve Taylor. As LJ said, I’m a wereleopard. While I’m called an alpha by most, those of us who are feline weres refer to me as a Felix. One day, I’ll take over for my father as “the” Felix for all were-felines. The love of my life, after I stopped fighting it, is Moira. I never thought she would consent to be my mate and when she finally did, I could have killed her, as you’ll see below. Oh, I’m also a prisoner of Senator Carlson who is a dark mage and bent on my death. Should I die, my mate will, too. Don’t you just love Moira’s timing?

Steve, talk to me.

Moira? Steve craned his neck and scanned the sky.

Of course, who’d expect?

After four hours, no one.

Why can I talk to you yet can’t with the guys?

Because I’m a Saraph. Silver doesn’t block my ability or power.

He spotted her on the precipice where he’d been caught. I renounce you as my mate.

Too late, ainmhí, you’ve already claimed me. Once you’ve accepted a soul mate into your heart, not even death can break the bond. I claimed you the moment I brought you into Ahava. I now formally declare to you and before the Goddess, from my soul to your soul, your soul to my soul, you are my mate, my soul, my life.

A force not unlike a medicine ball slammed into his chest. Talons ripped into him, wrenching his soul from him, and thrusting it back in. A new sensation of oneness, of belonging filled him.

“Nooo,” Steve roared, realizing it was too late. An invisible, unbreakable cord joined them. He’d never be the lone leopard again. Only death could separate them now. Maybe not even that.

I’m often asked my I write romance and strong, alpha style heroes. Life without romance is a bore. It softens me allows me to dream.

As for my heroes, they are men who know the importance of romantic foreplay, and understanding it isn’t always about sex but tenderness, touching, caring, and protection. I love it when the hero has trouble telling the woman he loves how he feels—most me do. Yet he shows it through his actions. She’s ill, he takes care of her. She’s in danger and he will try to protect her, even if she’ll be the one to save them—at least in my books. I love it when heroes like, not just love, women. For these reasons and a multitude of others, I read and write romance and love heroes.

Don’t forget to comment and leave your email and feel free to leave your favorite hero as well.

Click here to find the rest of the 100 authors & bloggers: http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/p/heros-blog-hop-hop.html

Celebrating Independence Day Blog Hop

Yes, July 1st starts the Celebrating Independence Day Blog Hop. If you enjoy reading romance stop by The Blog Spot which is sponsoring this event from July 1st to July 4th. Follow the link and visit authors and bloggers for giveaways!

WARRIOR’SRISE (Warriors for Light, Book 1) will be on sale for $2.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble during this hop.

I’ll also be offering a $5 Amazon gift card (US). To be eligible: (1) leave a howdy comment, (2) follow me on either here on my blog, or on Facebook, or Twitter, or Goodreads. Gift card will be awarded July 10th.

Here’s the Celebrating Independence Day Blog Hop – and seriously, isn’t that enough to make you check out the blogs?

Summer Fun!

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It’s summer! Time to read wherever you can find a spot — the sofa, by the pool, on the beach, relaxing on the patio — enjoy a book!

Yes, June 28th starts off wonderful things if you enjoy reading romance. The Paranormal G-spot is sponsoring the Angels vs. Demons Giveaway Hop from June 28th to July 1st. Follow the link and visit authors and bloggers for giveaways!

WARRIOR’S RISE (Warriors for Light, Book 1) is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble during this hop.

[image error]I’ll also be offering a $5 Amazon gift card (US). To be eligible: (1) leave a howdy comment, (2) follow me on either my blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads. Gift card will be awarded July 5th.

Here’s the ANGELS-vs-DEMONS Blog Hop – and seriously, isn’t that enough to make you check out the blogs?

The Booklover’s Buffet

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From June 8th through the 22nd WARRIOR’S RISE (Warriors for Light, Book 1) an Action Adventure/Urban Fantasy  Romance series and my time travel, THE ULTIMATE GAME (Turner Chronicles, Vol. 1) are included in the Vacation Getaway Booklover’s Buffet.

All authors taking part are indies. There are over 160 books  available at 99 cents. Click on the badge to the left to visit the buffet and see all the wonderful books available.

Happy Reading!!!!

Where I am today

Today, I'm at two sites today.

http://authorbyauthors.blogspot.com has excerpts of Warrior's Rise, Dragon Child, and Absolution.

Kay Dee Royal asked some wonderful questions about each of the books at http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com I've also answered another question in the comments.

Hope to see you there.

Where I am today

I am at two sites today. Hope you'll visit and sign up for the free give away–a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. http://www.Gravetells.com and also http://salaciousreads.blogspot.com

Warriors for Light series Book Tour

The Warriors for Light series Bewitching Book Tour January 18 – February 16, 2012

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JANUARY 2012

18 th — Mother/Gamer/Writer

19 th — Palm Coast Twilight Book Club

22nd —Read 2 Review

25 th — Marsh A Moore

26 th — The Wytch's Mirror

27 th — Grave Tells Paranormal Romance

27 th — Sharonda (SexxyBlogger)

31 st — Authors by Authors

31 st — Kay Dee Royal

FEBRUARY 2012

1 st — Rage Sex and Teddy Bears

6 th — Reading Between the Wines

7 th —Read My Mind

7 th — Theresa Stillwagon

8 th — Snowdrop Dreams of Books

10 th — Faerotic Prose

12 th —Lisa's World of Books

13 th — L. A. Burton

13 th —For The Love of Reading

14 th — The Wormhole

15 th — Jade Mystique

15 th —Manga Manica Cafe

16 th — Simplistik

16 th —JeanzBookReadNReview

Guest Author Cynthia Woolf

[image error]Today, I'm previleged to have author Cynthia Woolf as a guest.

How did you get started writing? I wrote my first story when I was about ten. It was a romance about me and a little boy I liked. I also wrote some very depressing poetry. I decided that poetry was not for me and stuck to romance.

What genre(s) do you write in and why? I have a historical western romance and a sci-fi romance out now. The sci-fi is the first in a series. I write in these genre's because they are the ones whose stories reached out to me. The western was the first book I wrote and was inspired by my parents love story. It's set on the same ranch that they met on in 1941. My book is set in 1885, so it's not their love story. My dad was a cowboy and trapper but to the best of my knowledge was never a bounty hunter.

The sci-fi series was done because of dreams I had when I was a teenager. I knew I was a princess from Alpha Centauri. There was no way I could belong to the crazy family I had. Of course, I adore that crazy family now.

[image error]What inspired your latest book? Centauri Twilight is the second book in the Centauri Series. I used to dream that I was a princess from Alpha Centauri, that was the basis for Centauri Dawn, book 1 in the series.

Book 2 is much darker. Lara is the twin sister of Audra in book 1. Lara has been a sex slave since she was a child. Having escaped, she's now an outlaw and working to free the rest of the slaves who are now her people.

Book 3 Centauri Midnight is about two people from Book

1. Kitari Dolana and Garrick Marcus. They are chasing the person responsible for the death of her brother and the capture and torture of Anton in the first book. The person who gave Slavarien, the villain, the information that allowed the ambush.

What is your favorite part of writing? My favorite part is what I call the 'puking' phase. Just getting it all down on paper for the first time. You just let if flow out of you, not caring, for the moment, if it is good or bad.

What is your least favorite part of writing? Editing is my least favorite. I'm constantly questioning myself and my work. Changing it, correcting it, putting it back to

what it was and starting it all again. It's never good enough for me.

What is your next project and when will it be released? My current is called CENTAURI MIDNIGHT and is the third book in the Centauri Series. It will was released on January 9, 2012.

What is your typical day like? I don't know that I have a typical day. I'm lucky enough to be able to write full time. I was laid off in June and am taking advantage of it to write while I look for another job.

How has your experience with self-publishing been? My experience has been wonderful. I highly recommend it for everyone out there who doesn't want to be constrained by the "big" traditional publisher. For everyone who wants to write from their heart and not according to the industry rules and constraints, self publishing is the only way to go.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish? Go for it. It's a wild ride but totally worth it.

BIO Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded the she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.

In 2000, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she'd attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter's table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn't looked back.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she's made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

TAME A WILD HEART CENTURI DAWN, BOOK 1 CENTURI TWILIGHT, BOOK 2 CENTURI MIDNIGHT, BOOK 3

CENTAURI TWILIGHT from Amazon http://amzn.to/t3Um6q

 

EXCERPT FROM CENTAURI MIDNIGHT

"Audra, please. You're my queen but you're also my friend. You must grant me this last request. Let me go after him." Tensign Kiti Dolana paced the beautiful sitting room. Bile rose in her throat threatened to strangle her. Finally, she collapsed into a chair its soft cushions swallowing her as she sat across the small, highly polished and gleaming, coffee table from the Queen of Centauri, her friend.

The Queen, pregnant with triplets, her beautifully distended tummy disallowing much frivolous movement, reclined on the couch. She sat up to pour the tea but had trouble reaching the tea pot in the middle of the coffee table. "Kiti would you pour our tea, I'm a bit like a beached whale right now." Audra was anything but a beached whale. Kiti knew the colloquial term from her study of Earth.

Her queen was radiant. Her long, chestnut hair falling in waves to her waist was gathered on one side of her head. Her clear gray eyes shone bright in her pale face. She wore a beautiful royal purple empire waisted dress that highlighted her pale features. She was beautiful. Kiti remembered a time, on their way back to Centauri from Earth, when she'd not thought so, because she was jealous.

That was before Audra's marriage to Darius and when she'd still be betrothed to Anton. Kiti had been in love with Anton, at least she thought she was, and was jealous of Audra. Some of the things she said were unkind, but Audra had seen them for what they were, jealousy and forgiven her the words. They were now the best of friends.

Kiti poured the tea and continued to beseech her queen. "Audra, you have to let me go after him. He killed my brother Joridan, his actions led to Anton being captured and tortured. I need to see they get justice, they deserve it."

"And you are sure it is only justice you seek?" Audra softly asked.

"Damn it, Audra." Kiti was up and pacing the room again. Her long black hair was tied in a high pony tail and swung back and forth with each step she took. The thick, plush carpet kept her boots from clicking on the floor. "I'm begging you to let me go with Garrick Marcus. It's not just revenge I need. I need closure. I'm the one who should deliver Tybold to the authorities. Garrick Marcus is the best captain in the fleet and I know Darius is sending him after Tybold. Joridan needs us both to avenge his death. To bring his murderer back to Centauri for justice to be served."

"Kiti, are you combat trained? We don't know what to expect from the Proconians. By this time, Tybold could have convinced them we are conquerors and he's their only salvation. We don't know. It could be a suicide mission. I don't want to lose my best friend." She went on. "I know you're grieving. Joridan's loss and Lara's return has been very hard on you."

"Stop." Kiti jumped up and started to pace again. "I know what my life has been like. I mourn the loss of Joridan life and Anton's capture and torture by Slavarien. Joridan was my little brother. Even though he was a head taller than me he will always be my little brother. I still smell Joridan's scent in his room. Sometimes it's so fresh it's like he just passed by." Her eyes filled with tears, "I miss the closeness that Anton and I once shared but I do not bemoan him finding Lara. I'm very happy he found his lifemate. It was something he never thought to be able to do. After the torture that both Anton and Lara suffered at the hands of the Slavariens, it's amazing that they found each other. I wish I had a lifemate out there somewhere.

"Audra, I'm a historian and anthropologist, but first I'm Dragonera. Of course, I am combat trained. All Dragonera are. We are the Royal Guard. We are the best."

"Yes. You're right, but I worry anyway. Must be my maternal instinct." Audra patted her belly.

"You know that the people of Procon are centuries behind us technologically. I'm the only person who can go on this mission that knows anything about their culture."

"I don't know," Audra hesitated.

"Admit it. Garrick needs me."

"We don't interfere in the development of other planets' civilizations. You know that."

"Tybold has already interfered. I say we'll be evening the odds for the tribes involved. And it's not as though Procon doesn't know we exist. They already trade with other planets. Just because they're not our technological equals doesn't mean they aren't advanced."

Kiti saw Audra hesitate before she answered. "I must confer with Darius before I can give you my answer."

Reviewer’s Choice Best Reads of 2011

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Wow, I’m beyond thrilled. WARRIOR’S RISE has been nominated by The Paranormal Romance Guild as the Best Read in 2011 in the Reviewer’s choice category. I’d really need all the help, support, and votes possible.

http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/prgbestreads2011.htm

In celebration WARRIOR’S RISE is only $0.99. Amazon B&N ARe Smashwords