Xondra Day's Blog, page 14

Pirates of the Thieving Kind

[image error] First off, I don't mean the swashbucklers who ride the high seas in search of adventure, and treasure. This post is about the thieves that steal works by authors to put up on pirate sites for others to download illegally.

Since most of the larger sites are stationed overseas, often there is little you can do about it. You can message the sites asking for your work to be taken down. Some will comply with your wishes while others will ignore it, and keep doing what they're doing. And often, even if your work is removed, it's up again within a matter of minutes or hours.

Over the past few years I have heard arguments that actually are in favor of these sites:

The thieves are helping the author develop a wider readership. Bullshit! If that's the kind of fan that I am going to get from that, I don't want them. If you are downloading my books illegally, you're not fan of mine and I'm sure as hell no fan of yours!The people downloading your books illegally wouldn't buy them anyway. This may be true, but it doesn't make it any better. I will argue this point because there are specific requests being put out there for certain authors including myself.It's just sharing like you would do with a print book that you bought or borrow from the library. Well no, it isn't. This is illegal. You are NOT borrowing a copy, you're stealing it!I can't afford to buy the book. Tough titty! This is the lamest argument of all. I'd love a big screen TV, but you don't see me walking into a store to steal one.  These are just a few of the so called arguments that I have read online.

Now for the ones that are against it:

You're stealing from me, and my publishing company. Yes that's right. This is illegal and if you are caught, you will be fined, and possibly jailed(I'd LOVE to see more of  this).Supporting authors is a good thing. Without the support of our dedicated readers many of us would stop putting our work out there.These downloads often come with virus'. Good on ya I says!The people doing this are thieving bastards with no respect for any artist. True!I could go on and on here, but you get my point. I'd love to know what others in the community think along with dedicated readers.

I know some authors will not speak out about this because they are afraid it will just draw attention to themselves and their books will end up all over the sites. Yet, if we don't speak out more. many will think it's okay to be at this crap. The sad reality is that many 'fans' do think it's fine.

For the people doing this, you need to realize that you are cutting into my income as a writer. I don't sit and write each day, and go through the submission process just for the hell of it. This is my career. It may be part time for now, but in the future I'd like for that to change. And remember, sales count for most of us to view it as a business. This is our livelihood in many cases. If you can't understand that then there is something terribly wrong.

Rant over!

Adelaide's War Giveaway!

I'm giving way an e book copy of my last sweet historical romance novel set during the Civil War. If you would like to be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment.

A winner will be picked a week from now.

[image error] 'Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it's Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt: Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I'm a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

"What brings you out this way?" she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

"I was passing through, and I thought I'd stop in," he said, with an added grin.

"How's the farm?"

"It's been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn't our busiest time of year. And yourself?"

"I'm pretty good," she replied. "Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She's around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it's quiet as expected. Just the way I like it."

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. "There's coffee and fresh buns, if you're interested. It beats standing out here in the cold."

"Sound good," he replied. "Lead on."

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

"I couldn't help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?"

"Josiah," she started. "I don't kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it's home. Where else would I go? Town isn't an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to."

"I know about James," he said. "And the talk. Don't let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you." He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "I'm concerned."

"You're bold. What they say about James isn't true. I know it and I shouldn't have to defend him to anyone."

"You don't have to. Not to me, Adelaide."

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn't quite sure how to react.

"I'm fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I've done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn't fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I'm meant to be."

"In time, they would accept you."

"They wouldn't. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don't want any part of that, ever." She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

"Adelaide?"

She didn't dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

"You know about James."

"Yes," he said, with a nod.

"If it had been true, surely I wouldn't have received the letter I did after his death from the army."

"Would you allow me to see this letter?"

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. "It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn't true?"

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. "Don't believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It's gold and the truth. Understand?"

She did. "I never doubted it for one minute."

"Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty."

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn't proper conduct for a widow. "This isn't right," she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

"I keep thinking about you," he muttered. "Straight from the moment when I left, and I don't know why. You're always in my thoughts."

"Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It's expected, but let's not confuse our feelings. You're fine now. We're friends and nothing more." She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn't entirely convinced herself.

"Friends," he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. "What if I'm feeling something different, something more?"

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. "I'm not ready for anything more. I may never be ready."

"Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different."

"I do. It's friendship." She bit her tongue on that falsehood. "Friendship is all I can offer you at this time."

"I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention." Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

Buy Link

Amazon Kindle

Hot Cowboy Cover Art

This is the first cover in my upcoming m/m series with Total-E-Bound. Mucho thanks to the artist, Emmy Ellis for creating such a lovely image. I adore it!

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This book will release in October. The second is currently with my editor, and I am working on the third.

Author Interview with Liz Strange

X- Thanks, Liz for allowing me to interview you on my blog.

Can you tell us about your journey to publication, and where you draw your inspiration from?

L- I actually didn't even attempt to get published until I was in my thirties. I'd always been a writer, but only for myself. Some changes in life circumstances gave me a push to start doing the things I really wanted to do. So I cleaned up a novel I'd had hanging around for a number of years and sent it off. Luckily it got picked up right away!

X- What's the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

L- Don't give up. There are always going to be rejections, even for authors who have sold multiple times. It's a tough business. You have to keep positive, and believe in yourself.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

L- The Embrace of Life and Death is an erotic fantasy, following the forbidden relationship between and angel and a vampire.


[image error] Blurb:

Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.

The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.

 Purchase



X- What's your favourite dessert?

L- Lemon Meringue pie.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

L- Not sure. We all have ups and downs in life, but that's what makes us who we are.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

L- I'd love to be able to go back in time and witness some of the amazing events that have happened, like the building of the pyramids.

X- What's the one thing that most people don't know about you?

L- I am very shy.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

L- I hope to be a full-time writer.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

L- I am working on the edits for a mystery at the moment , which should be out in the next few months. I am also working on a young adult fantasy novel.

X- Liz can be reached on the net at the following places.
Website
Twitter

Press Release: Haunted Heart by Carolyn Rosewood

Check out the latest from fellow author, Carolyn Rosewood.

[image error] Etopia Press

HAUNTED HEART


SEXY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE


CAROLYN ROSEWOOD

Etopia Press

Rowena Sommers thought moving back home to restore her beloved Aunt's home was the key to starting over. Van Whitney thought taking the job would keep his business afloat. When a ghost hunter tries to convince Rowena the home is haunted, can these two escape the past and find a future together?

EXCERPT:

She didn't need Hollywood, or Brett Fontaine.

Rowena Sommers stuffed the latest issue of Celebrity back in the magazine rack, glancing around the Pilot gas station to see if anyone was watching. She sipped her coffee, fuming over the slant of the article.

Contrary to what the reporter said, her relationship with bad-boy leading man Brett Fontaine was in trouble long before she filed a libel suit against him for leaking her personal e-mails to the tabloids. The dumb-ass reporter should have checked the back issues, like the ones with candid photos of Brett and his female costars, taken every time he went on location. They ran right next to the stories with headlines like: Who's Keeping Rowena Company While Brett Romps in Australia?

A woman in denim cutoffs and an Ohio State T-shirt plucked a copy of the magazine from the rack and glanced sideways, her eyes wide. "This is you. On the cover."

Rowena studied the picture, taken on the steps of the Van Nuys courthouse three weeks ago. The day she won her lawsuit against Brett. The same day she found out her great-aunt Lunette had died. She'd trade twice the settlement amount to hear Aunt Loony's voice again. "Yes. That's me."

Rowena took another sip of coffee as she tried to formulate an answer that didn't involve telling this woman where she could stuff that magazine. Her cell chirped. Saved by the ring tone.

"I have to take this. Excuse me." She headed for the counter as she opened the phone with her free hand. "Tricia, impeccable timing, as always. You just saved me from an inquisitive fan."

"And judging by the sarcasm in your voice, I'm guessing you've seen this week's Celebrity?"

She glanced back toward the magazine rack, where the woman and a teen dressed like Lady Gaga were reading the article out loud. "Yeah, I've seen it. And as if this day could get any worse, I'm forced to drink gas station coffee."

Tricia laughed. "No Starbucks in Creek Ridge, Ohio?"

Her best friend's voice reached across the miles, tugging at her heart. Had it been a huge mistake leaving LA? "God, I hope there's still a Starbucks here." She took another sip. "This is actually better than the brown goo they tried to serve me at the Holiday Inn Express this morning."

"Have you been to Aunt Loony's house yet?" asked Tricia.

Rowena swiped her credit card through the machine. "On my way now. I'll call and let you know what the contractor said."

Ohio State and Lady Gaga moved behind her in line, still talking about the article. Rowena's fingers trembled as she put the card back in her wallet. She pushed past them without a glance. As she opened the door to the parking lot she heard one of them mutter something, but only caught the words "Hollywood" and "bitch."

Wonderful. Back in town less than twenty-four hours and already someone thought she had an attitude. So much for believing the gossip wouldn't follow her home.

She waited until she pulled out of the parking lot in her brand-spanking-new Infinity SUV before screaming. Dialing her iPod menu to Led Zeppelin, she turned up the volume, loud. Angry, frustrated, rebellious. Perfect.

The readers of Celebrity weren't interested in the story behind the lawsuit. They didn't care about the string of bullshit promises Brett had made. Or the callous way in which he'd trashed her costume design career and her industry contacts with a few keystrokes, all because she'd dared to issue him an ultimatum.

They only cared about two things: reading her personal e-mails, and how much money the Superior Court of Los Angeles had ordered him to pay her because of what he'd done.

They didn't care why she was in Ohio, or that Aunt Loony was dead. Brett's money wouldn't bring her back. Fun and zany, she'd been dubbed Aunt Loony by Rowena's father when he was a teen, and she'd loved Rowena and her five siblings as if they were her own.

Fresh grief mixed with anticipation. Willow Lane was less than two miles away. Would she be able to handle walking through Aunt Loony's house, knowing she'd never see her warm smile again?

Spotting a cop parked in front of a strip mall, she braked. Just for good measure, she turned down the volume on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. She could see the headlines now: Rowena Sommers Arrested for Speeding in Hometown!

The memories overwhelmed her when she turned onto Willow Lane. She'd spent almost as much time on this street as her own, two blocks over. It hadn't changed in ten years. The oak tree in front of Traci Westphall's house, where she used to hide from her older sister Emma, still had dead branches along one side. Two doors down, she half expected Bud Williams to materialize in his driveway, sweeping up leaves and twigs while he muttered about the damn, dirty trees.

The scent of roses, lavender, and freshly cut grass filled the air. May sunshine shimmered on the pavement. The smells evoked memories of the end of each school year, when the magic of summer stretched out endlessly. Summer vacation meant going barefoot, walking down by the railroad tracks, and staying outside after dark to catch lightning bugs.

She was home, ready to be part of this town again. To be with people who made her feel safe, wanted, and who didn't measure their lives by the latest Nielson ratings or market shares.

But would they welcome her? Or had they read the tabloids while laughing at the girl voted Most Likely to Trip Over Her Own Shoelaces? She'd tripped all right, landing smack in the belly of the gossip machine.

The imposing Queen Anne at the end of the street, just before the entrance to Oak Park, rose into view. Despite the faded siding and missing shutters, the grandeur of the home still took her breath away. As her eyes settled on the four-story tower, she remembered summer nights in the second-floor bedroom, wishing she could live with Aunt Loony. Her own room, with no Emma harassing her or parents screaming at one of her brothers.

She slowed the car, turning off her iPod. Letting her gaze travel up to the top floor of the tower—the lookout point—she recalled her big brother Jake and his friends pretending they were pirates. Part of the game included the ability to see all the way to Cleveland, where ships from exotic places like Spain or China would pull into port, stuffed with treasure beyond imagination. She was usually stuck playing the kidnapped damsel in distress or a cabin boy. They'd ignored Emma when she repeatedly pointed out Lake Erie had never been plagued by pirates, nor had treasure ships sailed on the Great Lakes.

The trim lawn and pristine flower beds brought a smile to her face. Her little brother had actually kept a promise. If a contractor showed up, he'd have kept two. For Mike, that would be a record.

She raised her eyes to heaven. "Thank you for the house, Aunt Loony. I promise to take good care of it." She could almost hear Aunt Loony's hearty laugh and see the twinkle in her green eyes.

Her smile faded at the sight of a silver Mercedes parked in the driveway. If that belonged to the contractor, she was about to get ripped off.

She parked the SUV in front, then caught the hem of her favorite summer skirt in the door as she tried to make a graceful exit. She glanced toward the Mercedes. Too late. The driver's side door was already open. Classy way to make a first impression, Rowena.

In the towering maple on the front lawn, a pair of robins started to chirp, probably about her clumsiness. She released her skirt then took a deep breath, turning to look at the man leaning against the Mercedes. Her mouth fell open as she scanned his face. It couldn't be…

Vance Whitney—everyone calls me Van—belonged to the perfect, popular crowd of cheerleaders and jocks that had made her existence at Creek Ridge High a lesson in insignificance.

He crossed muscled arms over a forest green polo shirt that set off his luminous blue eyes, even at this distance. Broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist, and the khakis he wore accentuated his long legs. The same confident grin she remembered spread across his tanned face.

This is the contractor Mike called? No way. Not happening.

No matter how hot he still looked.

Sales Update And A Thanks

I am please to announce that I have sold my second erotic romance to Siren Publishing. A Dirty Little Secret will be out this coming September. I am extremely pleased to work with Siren again.

I have also sold a short story to Secret Cravings Publishing. Forever Night will be out this December. This publisher is new for me, but I have heard nice things about them.

I'd also like to take the time to thank my readers. Thank you so much for buying my books, and giving a relatively new author a chance. It means much more than you could ever know.


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Author Interview with Karenna Colcroft

X- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?

K- My journey to publication was a long one. I've been writing since I was five years old, and even back then I knew I wanted to be published someday. When I was in college, and again shortly after I graduated, I submitted a YA novel, but got rejected. For several years, I gave up trying to be published and even gave up writing for a little while.

In 2004, I started writing again, and ended up with some YA novels that I thought were publishable, and were much better than what I'd written when I was younger. Then, in 2006, a friend challenged me to use my writing therapeutically to show myself that sex could be something positive and beautiful. The first scene I wrote came out better than I'd thought I could do, and I kept going with it. For a while, I posted my stories on a free story site, but then someone from that site started an erotica/erotic romance e-publisher, and I got a contract from them. My first e-book came out in March, 2009. And the first scene I wrote, back in 2006, is now part of my novel Eternal Love.

I don't know where I draw my inspiration from, to be honest. Sometimes I use my husband to inspire me, but mostly the ideas just show up on their own.

X- What's the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

K- Don't give up. Some authors receive enough rejections to wallpaper their office! Just keep trying, polish your work, and learn from any rejections you receive, especially if they come with personal comments. Also, find a beta reader or critique partner to help make sure your work is really ready for publication.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

[image error] K- My recent release is Reflected Love, part of the Spellbound Treasure line of novellas from Pink Petal Books. Spellbound Treasure is about Etienne, a mysterious woman who runs a shop (sometimes a peddler's tent, sometimes a website, sometimes an actual store) that sells magical items that bring together soul mates. In my novella, Ralie, a human woman, and Listrial, a Fae soldier, are brought together by a magical mirror each has purchased from Etienne. It's available at Pink Petal Books. I have a few other releases coming out this summer, so stay tuned!

X- What's your favourite dessert?

K- Ice cream with hot fudge sauce.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

K- My wedding to my current husband. I was so nervous and excited that the ceremony passed in a blur, and the only things I can remember of it now are the look in his eyes when he saw me in my wedding gown, and my then-14-year-old daughter bursting into tears and being comforted by her 11-year-old sister.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

K- Owning a house, rather than renting, with a separate office for me and lots and lots of storage space. And a yard for my younger daughter, who loves to be outside.

X- What's the one thing that most people don't know about you?

K- Five years ago, I could barely even say the word "sex," let alone some of the other terms that go along with it.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

K- I hope to have at least one book with a big-name publisher, as well as continuing to write for the publishers I work with now. I hope to own the aforementioned house, and in ten years I might have at least one grandchild to visit me there.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

K- Salad on the Side, an M/M shifter novel from MLR Press. Kyle Slidell, a vegan and recent transplant to Boston, has a crush on his neighbor Tobias Rogan. When Kyle is attacked one night, the truth is revealed: all of his neighbors are werewolves, and Tobias is the pack Alpha. That will be out in June, most likely.

I also have an MFM contemporary romance coming from Passion in Print Press. The title is Shiny Objects. Elena is happy living with her boyfriend Corin, until her former lover Niko returns to her life. She loves both men, but can she have them both? The release is scheduled tentatively for August.

Finally, with a currently undetermined release date, I have an erotic contemporary novella titled Forever with Benefits, which will be coming from Ellora's Cave. Haylie Betancourt couldn't wait to leave her hometown after high school. Ten years later, she's returned due to circumstances beyond her control. When she runs into her high school crush Will Shaw, she sees an opportunity for some fun. But will friends-with-benefits really be enough for them?

I keep my website up to date with current and upcoming releases, works in progress, and current reviews and appearances (though I admit I'm a little behind on that last one…). I also have a blog on that site, which has a new post each day. You can also find me on my website, and Facebook.

Author Interview with Kareena Colcroft

X- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?

K- My journey to publication was a long one. I've been writing since I was five years old, and even back then I knew I wanted to be published someday. When I was in college, and again shortly after I graduated, I submitted a YA novel, but got rejected. For several years, I gave up trying to be published and even gave up writing for a little while.

In 2004, I started writing again, and ended up with some YA novels that I thought were publishable, and were much better than what I'd written when I was younger. Then, in 2006, a friend challenged me to use my writing therapeutically to show myself that sex could be something positive and beautiful. The first scene I wrote came out better than I'd thought I could do, and I kept going with it. For a while, I posted my stories on a free story site, but then someone from that site started an erotica/erotic romance e-publisher, and I got a contract from them. My first e-book came out in March, 2009. And the first scene I wrote, back in 2006, is now part of my novel Eternal Love.

I don't know where I draw my inspiration from, to be honest. Sometimes I use my husband to inspire me, but mostly the ideas just show up on their own.

X- What's the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?

K- Don't give up. Some authors receive enough rejections to wallpaper their office! Just keep trying, polish your work, and learn from any rejections you receive, especially if they come with personal comments. Also, find a beta reader or critique partner to help make sure your work is really ready for publication.

X- Tell us about your newest release.

[image error] K- My recent release is Reflected Love, part of the Spellbound Treasure line of novellas from Pink Petal Books. Spellbound Treasure is about Etienne, a mysterious woman who runs a shop (sometimes a peddler's tent, sometimes a website, sometimes an actual store) that sells magical items that bring together soul mates. In my novella, Ralie, a human woman, and Listrial, a Fae soldier, are brought together by a magical mirror each has purchased from Etienne. It's available at Pink Petal Books. I have a few other releases coming out this summer, so stay tuned!

X- What's your favourite dessert?

K- Ice cream with hot fudge sauce.

X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?

K- My wedding to my current husband. I was so nervous and excited that the ceremony passed in a blur, and the only things I can remember of it now are the look in his eyes when he saw me in my wedding gown, and my then-14-year-old daughter bursting into tears and being comforted by her 11-year-old sister.

X- If you had one wish, what would it be?

K- Owning a house, rather than renting, with a separate office for me and lots and lots of storage space. And a yard for my younger daughter, who loves to be outside.

X- What's the one thing that most people don't know about you?

K- Five years ago, I could barely even say the word "sex," let alone some of the other terms that go along with it.

X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?

K- I hope to have at least one book with a big-name publisher, as well as continuing to write for the publishers I work with now. I hope to own the aforementioned house, and in ten years I might have at least one grandchild to visit me there.

X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

K- Salad on the Side, an M/M shifter novel from MLR Press. Kyle Slidell, a vegan and recent transplant to Boston, has a crush on his neighbor Tobias Rogan. When Kyle is attacked one night, the truth is revealed: all of his neighbors are werewolves, and Tobias is the pack Alpha. That will be out in June, most likely.

I also have an MFM contemporary romance coming from Passion in Print Press. The title is Shiny Objects. Elena is happy living with her boyfriend Corin, until her former lover Niko returns to her life. She loves both men, but can she have them both? The release is scheduled tentatively for August.

Finally, with a currently undetermined release date, I have an erotic contemporary novella titled Forever with Benefits, which will be coming from Ellora's Cave. Haylie Betancourt couldn't wait to leave her hometown after high school. Ten years later, she's returned due to circumstances beyond her control. When she runs into her high school crush Will Shaw, she sees an opportunity for some fun. But will friends-with-benefits really be enough for them?

I keep my website up to date with current and upcoming releases, works in progress, and current reviews and appearances (though I admit I'm a little behind on that last one…). I also have a blog on that site, which has a new post each day. You can also find me on my website, and Facebook.

Adam Slade Talks About A Grim Pact

X- Tell us about A Grim Pact and the idea behind it.

A – A Grim Pact is a story about a Grim Reaper, Mal, who takes it upon himself to stop a serial killer from killing demons, while trying not to be killed himself. At the same time, his boss, Death, has woke from his slumber, throwing Mal's workplace into a frenzy of interviews and forms. Mal can't decide which is worse; the killings, or paperwork.


[image error] Purchase

X- This is the second book in a series, but can be read alone. What will we find in the second book that we didn't in the first? How has Mal evolved?

A – The events in this book begin the morning after the events of the first book. As such, Mal hasn't had time to do much evolving. He has a girlfriend now, though, in the form of one of his ex 'bosses', Xyla. He hasn't dated in quite some time, so it takes some getting used to.

X- Xyla is an interesting character. Can you tell us more about her and where she came from?

A – Xyla is a succubus, a demon borne of hellfire and lust. She's ages old (I'm keeping her exact age a secret for now), and like all of her race, she was born in Hell. That doesn't make her a bad person though! She served as one of Mal's bosses for several years, and was fired when she broke a few rules to help Mal out of a dire situation.

Xyla is one of my favourite characters. She's very laid back for the most part, but is quite the adversary when pissed off. She's also telepathic, which makes for some fun conversations about Mal's improper thoughts.

X- You decided to self-publish this one. That must have been a lot of hard work. What led you to make this decision?

A – Curiosity and impatience, mostly. The first book had already been out for a year by the time I'd edited the second, and I knew that it would take another year before it was released if I went through a publisher. So I started looking into self-publishing instead.

It wasn't an easy decision, and it wasn't easy work some of the time, but I'm glad I did it, if only for the experience.

X- What will we see from Adam Slade next?

A – There will be a third book in this series, but it won't be any time soon. I'm also working on a new urban fantasy project that I hope will have potential for a series. I also write romance under a pen name, and have a few irons in the fire there, too. :)

Adam's Blog

X- Thanks, Adam.

If you like well written UF, this is a great read and at 99 cents, a steal!

Release day for Menage on the Prairie

http://www.bookstrand.com/menage-on-the-prairie Menage on the Prairie(MMF) is out today from Siren Publishing! I'm excited about this one!

For excepts check out the link. You can also buy it onsite for a discount! It releases to third party sites in about a month.


Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Western Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M]


Socialite Kate Summers is eager to rid herself of the past, but when she replies to Joe Ryder's ad for a mail-order bride, she gets much more than she could have ever bargained for.

Joe Ryder is a man to be reckoned with. When scandal threatens to ruin the quiet life he has shared with his friend and lover, Ryan Starke, he devises a plan to make the townsfolk stop their idle tongues.

A mail-order bride is sought and soon found in Kate.

Unfortunately, Ryan isn't too accepting of Kate. Her very presence threatens the only life he has ever known, along with his love for Joe. After Kate finds out the real reason she was asked to come to marry Joe, she feels betrayed.

Can the three come to an agreement that will benefit all?

A Siren Erotic Romance