Shannan Albright's Blog, page 26

Pick Me Up Monday

Happy Monday!
In these dog days of summer I thought it might be refreshing to look at this beautiful man cooling down in a rain forest. Can you imagine how refreshing that water would be?
So much to share since last we spoke! I finish the Hot Heroes Blog today and will pick my winner this afternoon. That winner then be put with the other winners and one will be picked for the ultimate prize of a $100 Barnes and Nobel gift card. Pretty cool huh? I will do a quickie announcement on my blog on Wednesday to let you know who the winner was.



The Knights Druid is out and available through Amazon Kindle and eXtasy books. This is the second in the Knights of Excalibur series. As the plot thickens this one is much even steamier than the first! I won't give any spoiler alerts at this time since. I hope to have the third and final book out by late fall. The Kings Lady is the story of Arthur and Gwen and of course we can't forget Lancelot. There will be closure where Gwen will be able to tell her side of things and how poor Lancelot got caught up in it. Plus things really come to a head between Simon and Darius so you really want to stay tuned on how everything turns out between these two, plus how Arthur and his Knights safe the world from Mordred. I think you will find the twist quite interesting.The Knights Druid

On Saturday August 18th I had my first local book signing at Paseo Verde Library in Henderson, NV. I was joined by Shioban Miur, Johanna Riley, Siobhan Muir, Katie Salidas and Laura Hunsaker.
We met some wonderful readers and cherished the time I could spend with these talented local authors. I also had a special surprise when two of my Bunco partners showed up to support me. Yeah, I kind of became a blubbering idiot for a moment since they touched my heart with their support. I felt humbled by there presence when they had so much to do that day, they squeezed in time to see me. What wonderful ladies.



Hot Mojave Knights I also wanted to let everyone know that my dream for a readers event in Las Vegas has grown wings and is flying high! With the talents of RM Sotera, Siobhan Muir and Johanna Riley we opened for registration on August 16th and so far have 9 Featured Authors! There has been wonderful response to our baby and we hope to offer a top notch, exciting experience for all fans of romance, whatever you favorite genre may be I'm sure you will find what you like here.  So yes, I guess you can say I've been busy Lol! And this is not counting all those WIP's I'm working on. My passion is writing and sharing my worlds with you and feel very humble that you take the time to read and enjoy my work. Thank you all for the support you give.Have a wonderful week and we will talk soon.

HOP TO For HOT SUMMER HEROES BLOG FEST GALORE!

Click here or below to HopIt's hotter than hell and twice as sexy! I am so tickled to be a part of this talented group of authors! So many wonderful stories, goodies to win and hunks to drool over! LOL! I can't think of anything hotter than a hero who can find redemption and share control with that special woman who tames him. The idea of a man being strong enough within himself to encourage and treat his woman as his equal is off-the-charts hot, hot, hot to me.So, what is this all about? I just shared with you what makes up a hot hero and now I would love to hear from you what makes a hero hot. Of course there is a prize involved for the winner.Now here is the cool part. I will be picking a winner on August 20th from the comments via randomnumber.org. The winner will receive a PDF copy of your choice between one of the first books in my two series The Dark Breed and The Knights of Excalibur. Plus, my winner will be entered in the grand prize of a $100 gift card to B&N! Sound good? Here is your choices: First book in The Dark Breed Series:    Tambra Ellis has just had her world turned upside down! Surviving a bite from a Lycan, attracted to one hot vampire guy and now she has to look forward to turning into something from some bad werewolf movie.    Marcus Valerian has enough on his plate without the added complication of Tambra Ellis. Fiery and independent? Sure. Beautiful with a body made for sin? Oh Yeh. And a human cop. Tambra is everything he needs to stay away from.  
As leader of the Tribunal’s enforcers it’s up to him to find out why the Dark Breeds are going feral and killing humans in ever increasing numbers. Tambra’s life is in the balance as the secrets of her past place her in the middle of old deceits and a betrayal that will change the world forever.     Will Marcus and Tambra’s love survive or will it be too late.
ExcerptHer eyes widened in horror as she took a shaky step backward. “Oh, God.  This isn’t happening.  It can’t be real.  Werewolves don’t exist.”     “Believe me, they do exist.  Denying what you have seen will be foolish and dangerous, for you and everyone you’re around.”      “No.  I don’t believe this.  I won’tbelieve it.  There has to be some logical explanation for what I saw.”  The sharp edge of hysteria rose in her voice.  “I will not turn into a dog.   I don’t even like dogs.”     That made him smile despite the seriousness of the situation.  She was absolutely adorable and he was in deep shit because of it.  Yet, he couldn’t seem to make himself care. “Wolf, not dog.  You were bitten by a Lycan, not Lassie.”
*Out now - Passion's Flight. Tegan's Story*
First novella in the Knights of Excalibur Series:

Arthur and his Knights are back and ready to kick ass!  Merci Tramaine is not happy to be called back into service by her old boss Arthur, especially when she is charged to find her missing ex lover. Drake Monroe is Merlin reincarnated, with his powers bound by the Goddess Nimue he has become a skilled fighter, but no match for Nimue who kidnapped him determined to destroy him forever.The bloodline of Morgan Le Fey taints Merci keeping her on the edge between light and dark, the Goddess’s wicked trap springs shut leaving both Drake and Merci racing against the clock. Passions ignite once again, but are they too late to plan a future or will they be torn from each other? This time for eternity.

Excerpt:
Oh yeah, this was a very bad idea.The minute Arthur’s name appeared on her caller ID, a hard knot formed in her belly. Alarm bells ringing in her head—an inner sixth sense—had warned her that picking up the phone would be a mistake. Arthur would talk about Drake. Arthur would ask for her help, which would ultimately involve Drake. When would she ever learn? She had left that life behind her when she split up with Drake, unable to be near him and keep a working objectivity. If that made her a selfish bitch, then so be it. She knew it was beyond her capabilities to keep an emotional distance when it came to Drake. Arthur knew all that, too. Damn the man to the nine levels of hell!
*Out now - The Knights Druid - Colins Story Coming 2012 - The Kings Lady - Aurthur and Gwen'

Monday Pick Me Up - New Release Results and More!

Happy Monday to you!
Hope you all had a terrific weekend. I wouldn't mind taking a little R&R with this bad boy. *evil grin*

As you all know the second book The Knights Druid from Knights of Excalibur was released on the first and I had a little contest to celebrate. The winner was Tina. Congratulations and I hope you enjoy it.

My brain is filled with so many ideas at this moment, I'm a bit dizzy trying to get them all down. When the muse gets going sometimes it's hard to keep up. So I've been writing as many of them down as I can, plus working on existing stories. The third and final book in the Excalibur series is coming along nicely as well as my novel The Summoning.

As I've stated before The Summoning is being submitted to some agents this fall and have my fingers crossed that it finds a home. I'm also working out the outline for Zeke's book, the third in the Dark Breed series through Evernight Publishing and will soon be pounding out that one.

In other news I'm very excited to tell you that three of my local author friends and I finalized the venue for Hot Mojave Knights. It will be held at Sunset Station Resort and talk about plush! This event will be over the top! To see more about this reader event being held in October 2013 go to
www.hotmojaveknights.weebly.com Reservations will be open August 15th!

Well,back to work pounding the keyboards. See you all on Friday for a peak at one of my WIP's.

The Knights Druid Release Day - Who Will Get A Copy?

         IT'S RELEASE DAY!!!            

With the release of The Knights Druid I'm celebrating by giving away a PDF of my latest book. In order to enter all you need do is leave me a comment telling me what you like about the King Arthur legends. I will be picking and announcing the winner on my Monday Blog. Good luck and thanks in advance for entering. Here is a little teaser on the second of the Knights of Excalibur series.Avaiable through Extasy Books and Amazon
What’s worse than a pissed off Knight? Colin Hennessy. Shifter, Knight and quick tempered Irishman, Colin remembers vividly his past life as Sir Kay. Haunted by the woman he once loved and lost, he has spent his lives searching for his lost love to no avail. Now Arthur is back and his life once again is filled with purpose. Joined by a common goal, he lives only to protect Arthur and his fellow Knights from the twisted, black magic of Mordred. Juliet Boyd moves among societies rich and pampered, but she holds within her a terrible secret. One Vance Hollister is determined to exploit. Mordred is back in a new skin, now as Vance Hollister and the old evil is alive and well. Colin and Juliet are unprepared for the flare of attraction that ignites between them from across a moonlit parking lot. Dare she open herself and expose her cursed gift? Can he save Juliet from Vance’s twisted manipulations or will he lose his second chance at love? A showdown between good and evil is coming to a head with Juliet right in the middle.Teaser Juliet threw him a mutinous look. “Well, I have no answers to give you.” “That’s where you’re wrong,” Colin’s voice cracked like a whip in the still room. “You are going to tell me everything you know about Vance Hollister.” “And if I don’t?” The space between them suddenly narrowed taking her by surprise. She wasn’t even aware he moved. A small gasp escaped her as she found herself looking up into hard, green eyes. He stood so close she could feel his body heat wrap around her, smell the heady scent of dark spices and forest. He spoke softly, but the menace in his tone carried loud and clear. “You are not a stupid woman Jules, don’t act like one.” The nickname he used for her made her stomach quiver with excitement. She squelched it quickly, irritation at her reaction replacing her momentary weakness. “You are such an asshole.” Colin chuckled darkly. “Aye, darlin’, that’s the truth of it.” “I hate you, Colin Hennessy. You’re no better than Vance,” She spat, her voice filled with venom. You’re just lying to yourself. A small voice denied her claim. His gaze turned cold and detached as it swept over her. She shivered involuntarily instinctively clutching the sheet tighter to her and her pulse quickened. With fear? Anticipation? She didn’t know and was not about to head down that road to find out. “Hate me all you want, it matters little to me, but I warn you now, do not mistake me to be anything like Vance Hollister.” She just hit a nerve. Score one for her side. Juliet hid a smile of satisfaction, could she exploit this to her advantage, guilt trip him into releasing her? It was worth a try. “I can’t help but note the similarities,” She tilted her head, studying him. “I’m here against my will. Had Vance’s men been successful I would be his prisoner as well.” “And kept in a cell, no better than a lab rat,” he ground out harshly.

Pick Me Up Monday-The Knights Druid Soon to be Released!

Happy Monday All  Well here we are with another Monday and the start of the work week. To get you started I've found a little inspiration to get you through the week. Sure works for me Lol! I have just finished my final edits and received my ARC for the next book in the Knights of Excalibur series. Keep checking this blog for a chance to win a PDF of The Knights Druid to coincide with the release date.

And here is the cover! Just got this late last night and you are one of the first to get first look.I am hard at work on the final installment The Kings Lady and yep, it's Arthurs story and all I'll say right now is that Gwenivere is um...not what you would expect. I'm having a great time with this one and Gwen is keeping me in stiches. I never intended to write her this way, but it really works and Arthur gets to be more relaxed than in the previous books.In other news I'm splitting my time between The Summoning and the third installment of the Dark Breeds. As you know this is Zeke's book and his lady is leading him one hell of a merry chase. From Atlantis to Las Vegas baby! This book will be more entrenched in Vegas than the previous book.After these, I have several other books that have been waiting in the wings. Such is a writer’s life. Stories are always clamoring to be written. For me the hardest part of writing a book is the first third of it. Introducing the characters and plot are always difficult for me. That's probably why I like to start my books with some kind of action going on. Gets me through the tough part. And speaking of tough parts, hope you all get through you Monday just fine and come back on Friday for another sneak peak at The Knights Druid.Until then take care you.

Friday First Look

As promised here is the first look at the second book in the Knights of Excalibur.

The Knights Druid Blurb:What’s worse than a pissed off Knight? Colin Hennessy.
Shifter, Knight and quick tempered Irishman, Colin remembers vividly his past life as Sir Kay. Haunted by the woman he once loved and lost, he has spent his lives searching for his lost love to no avail. Now Arthur is back and his life once again is filled with purpose. Joined by a common goal, he lives only to protect Arthur and his fellow Knights from the twisted, black magic of Mordred.
Juliet Boyd moves among societies rich and pampered, but she holds within her a terrible secret. One Vance Hollister is determined to exploit. Mordred is back in a new skin, now as Vance Hollister and the old evil is alive and well.
Colin and Juliet are unprepared for the flare of attraction that ignites between them from across a moonlit parking lot. Dare she open herself and expose her cursed gift? Can he save Juliet from Vance’s twisted manipulations or will he lose his second chance at love? A showdown between good and evil is coming to a head with Juliet right in the middle.
Tease Excerpt:

Colin knew they stood on the precipice of war. Mordred threw the gauntlet down with the invitation to a charity event being held at his offices in Woodland Hills. Colin planned on a direct attack; unfortunately Arthur got back before got a clear shot at the bastard.

Yeah, Arthur wanted to spoil his fun by having a plan in place. To Colin’s way of thinking he much preferred a direct assault, hit him hard and fast then retreat. True, there would be bloodshed involved; lots of it and the wolf buried deep in his shape shifting genes liked the thought of it.

Sometimes it was good to be a shifter.

“Time to get cleaned up, we only have a few hours before the charity event starts and I want everyone in place before Mordred makes his appearance.”

A prickle of unease slithered down his spine, a sense that everything he knew about to change and not all for the better sat like a boulder in his belly.

He had a feeling it would be a very, bad night.




  

Pick Me Up Monday

Happy Monday All

Well we survived another week and now look toward what is in store for us now. I wish I could be as happy about it as this hottie. Looking at that smile makes me feel a bit lighter though, as if yeah, I may just get through this one just fine.
Wow, so may things are going on right now I don't quite know where to start. I guess I should begin with telling you that I have several book signings coming up for the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson Nevada on August 18th. Then October 4th and 5th I'll be on a panel of four at the same library for their convention. I will be speaking on the changes in romance over the last twenty years and where we see it in the future with the ever increasing popularity of e-books. And of course this will be followed by another book signing. If that isn't enough for the first week of October I will be running from this event to the Las Vegas Renaissance Fair. On Monday I will be taking a much deserved rest. Lol! I am finishing up one of my larger manuscripts and am about ready to start submitting it to agents who may be interested. The Summoning is a four year work in progress that I have rewritten so many times I lost count. It's a book I've grown into in so many ways. It feels very strange to finally be at this stage with this project. There are times when you must take that step outside your comfort zone and take the chance regardless of how scared you may be. This is one of those times for me. It's time for the next step in my career, and a step that is necessary if I am to ever move closer to my goals and become a full time author with out the day job. Time and perseverance will see what becomes of this.
I will be starting a Friday blog dedicated to sneak peaks of my WIP's along with my regular Monday blog and will be bringing back my Author Spotlights in the fall. That's all for this week, have a great one and we will talk again next Monday
That's 

Pick Me Up Monday

Happy Monday AllWell it's the start of another week. Monday's are never my ideal day personally. I have great positive sayings to get through these. Like, you have to have a Monday to get a Friday. But whatever the positive reinforcement I use lets face it. Monday's, for me at least, sucks rocks!
Now with that said, you can understand why I need some positive visuals to turn to in order to get through the day. Well you can't get better than this. Dang, I could look at that chest and abs all week long and never get tired.

Well, now that we have a perky visual to set the mood for the week I am ready to delve into my worlds and see what kind of mischief I can get my heroes and heroines into. I guess you could call me their idea of Murphy's Law. Whatever can go wrong, etc.  I put them in the middle of a bad situation and then enjoy seeing how they get out of their dilemma.

Here is the basic concept from the latest WIP's of Knights of Excalibur which I'm working on. How much fun would it be for Arthur to come face to face with the one woman he ever loved and the one who betrayed him. Worse, she has no memory of him let alone her adulterous affair with Lancelot. He would want to punish her and yet what good would it do if she had no memory of him or the events that took place so very long ago.

Or Zeke's book in the Dark Breed series where he is forced to  marry a woman he never met and from a warring race he thinks beneath him. Bad but not very earth shattering. Until you add the fact Zeke's new bride is found over the body of the king, Zekes father, a bloody dagger in her hand and of course poor daddy dearest is full of holes. And she has no recollection of the act of violence.

With The Summoning I put the leader of the Sentinels, a man known for his distrust of women as the protector of a woman who is the key to saving two worlds. That is a bit uncomfortable for the Hero but not very alarming. That is until it is discovered the only way to save the two worlds is with her death by his hand. Yeah, that can kind of suck.

Well I better get back to work and I hope you have a great week with no sign of Murphy or his stupid Laws for you to contend with.

Until next week take care.








Frisky Friday - Blog Fest Results

Good Morning All,
Well, it's been quite a week and I have a winner of the Blog Hop! Veronika has won a $20.00 Amazon Gift Certificate and a PDF of my novella Beloved Wizard. Congratulations Veronika I hope you enjoy the book.
In other news, if you are not aware I and three of my author friends are starting a reader event called Hot Mojave Knights set for October 2013. It will be held at Sunset Stations a quite elegant hotel and casino which is sure to please. I will have much more on this in the next few weeks.I am still pounding away at the keyboards finishing up the rough draft for the last of my Knights of Excalibur series and working on other WIP's also.I'll be checking in on you next Monday and fill you in on all that's happening.
Have a wonderful weekend all 

Cocked & Loaded, Shootin' Stars & Blasting Blog Fest

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Happy 4th a day late but the party is just starting!
 Leave me a comment between July 5 - 11th for a chance to win a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card AND the PDF of Beloved Wizard.
Up for grabs is Beloved Wizard and Dark Passion Rising. Both are the first books in a series.
So what are you waiting for? Start hopping your way to tons of prizes, plus a chance at TWO Kindle Fires!


Arthur and his Knights are back and ready to kick ass! 
Merci Tramaine is not happy to be called back into service by her old boss Arthur, especially when she is charged to find her missing ex lover. Drake Monroe is Merlin reincarnated, with his powers bound by the Goddess Nimue he has become a skilled fighter, but no match for Nimue who kidnapped him determined to destroy him forever.The bloodline of Morgan Le Fey taints Merci keeping her on the edge between light and dark, the Goddess’s wicked trap springs shut leaving both Drake and Merci racing against the clock. Passions ignite once again, but are they too late to plan a future or will they be torn from each other? This time for eternity.