Bianca Sommerland's Blog, page 12
February 2, 2016
NO ANGEL TOP 10 READS: RE-READ WORTHY ONLY 'Pop Books' need not apply
I LOVE BOOKS.
Of course, that's obvious, but there's one thing that I can't do with them...
I can't read a book I truly love only once.
Now, ebooks are awesome, because I used to travel with 5-10 books and that's obviously not fun. Totally worth it to have my escape wherever I go, but an ereader mean I don't have to limit myself to what I can carry. I can have all my favorites wherever I go.
But I'm not a complete convert. Ebooks can't give me the smell of an old book. The smooth feel of the pages as I brush my fingers over them, my eyes skimming the printed words that just aren't quite the same on screen.
This list has books I own. Books that are lovingly pulled off my shelves again and again.
So what's different about this list, compared to all the other list you check out while looking for a new book to read?
Well, this isn't a specific genre list. This isn't a list of the 'pop books' repeated over and over on the biggest blogs. One or two of these authors might get the odd mention over the years, but they're not THE NEXT BIG THING! OMG, EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK!
I have a bad habit of catching up to those trends years later. And when I do pick up a 'pop book'? Well, it's kinda like when I listen to a pop song on the radio. It might be catchy for a bit, but replays tend to kill the appeal. And they're rarely as unique as what you'll find at your local venue. Bands that have to travel a lot to make it are usually more focused on the art.
Most of these authors, I find, are more focused on the art than being popular.
Whatever the reasons, there's something in them that keeps me coming back for more. And even after reading them again and again...
I'm not bored of them. And I don't think I ever will be.
10. Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas
This was my first dark romance. To be honest, I don't consider it romance at all. I see it as a twisted, love story that plays as many mind games with the readers as the 'hero' plays with the heroine.
The writing is incredible and made me a fan of Kitty Thomas. She is truly the Dark Queen of storytelling. I re-read this book just to get that haunting feeling of falling in love with danger, again and again. No one else has ever given me that feeling. Yet.
Which is fine. This book doesn't need to be replaced.
9. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Some might consider THIS a 'pop book' but if so, you don't understand the term. Or don't agree with whether it applies to this book, which is fine too. ;)
What I love about this book is the heroine is different, the storyline is deep and fun, and IMO, out of all the authors in the genre, Ms. Harrison stay most successfully true to the characters. I've found other good paranormal novels since, but no series that I'll start over again just because I want to spend time with the characters again.
8. Safe Harbor by Tymber Dalton
When I read this book, I'd been looking for a great menage romance and I was struggling to find anything even just GOOD. There are plenty of erotica menage, but too many 'menage romance'--more so then than now--aren't really romances at all. They end without a HEA or even a HFN. Not for all three lovers.
But I felt the love in this book. I loved the characters and I believed in the bond built between them. Reading this book has me letting out a happy sigh each and every time.
7. The Secret Circle by LJ Smith
I seriously thought I'd have more YA books on this list when I really sat down and started listing my favorites. I have shelves full of YA books, but none that I loved so much I had to replace my old copies.
So why did THIS one make it into the top ten while the others are further up in the numbers? Well, it wasn't Vampire Diaries. That series had all the love, but THIS series had more characters, and I have a lot of respect for authors that can juggle many characters and give them all unique personalities.
For a YA novel, this also has a more complex story than some. This isn't just about a girl looking for love. This is about a young woman learning about her own powers and it was an awesome journey to go on with her.
6. Stygian by Santino Hassel
I read this book VERY recently, but I loved it so much I literally closed it, went one day, then read it again. The writing style had me hooked and I started looking for EVERYTHING by this author. I really wanted more of THIS world, but he's talented and all his books are worth reading.
This book doesn't follow any formulas--actually, it's something I find most of my favorites manage to avoid. There's a beauty to Stygian that is impossible to explain though. You really have to read it to understand.
5. Safeword Matte by Candace Blevins
I THINK this was my first book by Candace Blevins, but don't quote me on that. What I do know is the way she writes BDSM is very tangible. Her characters are realistic and you can feel EVERYTHING they experience.
It's so damn hot, but not in a way that had you reading with one hand...well, I mean, you could, but you'd be missing out on the details that have you catching your breath. Wincing and squirming and ready to use your safeword if you're not ready to be pushed a little closer to your limit.
4. The Men of Halfway House by Jaime Reese
This embodies everything I look for in a romance and I've lost track of how many times I've read the first book. And every book since.
The slow burn, the men who I've come to love, the storylines that draw you in...these books have everthing I enjoy in an emotional read. Another author with incredible talent, the words seem to disappear until you are standing right in the Halfway House, as desperate as the heroes for redemption and love.
3. Finding Eden by Kele Moon
One of my favorite movies is Dangerous Liaisons. Cruel Intentions is all right, but it doesn't have the same depth. Beyond Eden, and all the Eden books actually, gives me the same twisted, tempting characters that enjoy playing their own games to get what they want.
There's not much I enjoy more than a bit of naughty fun. A devilish smile and a well planned seduction heats up every page. Just talking about it makes me want to start reading them all again. Especially since I just finished the latest and these decadent characters are still purely wicked. In the best way, of course!
2. The Stand by Stephan King
Growing up, I LOVED horror novels. At one point IT would have been on this list, but by the time I hit high school, the idea of the apocalypse, of wars spanning the entire planet, of evil rulers controlling us all began to fascinate me.
To be honest, I couldn't understand HOW people could let that happen. But King is a master at exploring the human mind and letting you see how truly fucked up it is.
There's no nice way to put it.
As a species, we're fucked up.
But we're also amazing.
And this book shows both sides, often in the same character. And what's scary isn't the evil lurking among us, waiting to take over.
What's truly frighting is the idea that it won't need to lurk. We've proved again and again that we're capable of ignoring horror until it's standing at our own front doors. That we can look away until the stench of death is thick in the air and blood pools into the streets.
Not recently of course, but when you read this book, you won't wonder how it could happen anymore. It's obvious.
1. Xenogenisis by Octavia Butler
The name of this book was changed at one point to 'Lilith's Brood' and when my original copy fell apart I went to absolutely every bookstore in my area and NO ONE knew the book I was talking about. Since I read this book no less than THREE times a year, you can imagine I freaked.
I may have cried a little. I'm not ashamed to admit it. My grandmother gave me the original and while the book itself was still special, the story was the real gift.
The fact that it was a gift didn't make me love the story more or less though. I've been given other books, and while they look very nice on my shelves, they never held my interest for long.
Xenogenesis is...it's frightening. It's a world constructed in the future we've built for ourselves, one where we need to be saved. In the same way we've been saving creatures for a long time. Breeding them, changing them a little so they're healthier and stronger. The entire world needs healing after the beating it's taken and it's not so welcoming to us anymore.
So if you're not a fan of science fiction, it's not for you, right?
Wrong.
The characters are so well developed, the world is so vivid, I'd be so bold as to say Xenogenesis is a must read for ANY author. Octavia Butler was an incredible storyteller, a master at her craft, and reading her work can teach anyone how to write in a way that makes your characters real. Even if they're not human.
For anyone else, the story is beautiful, terrifying, and engaging. You'll pray for the characters to escape. Then you'll beg them to stay.
And in the end, you won't be sure which would be better. But you'll accept one truth. With each new generation comes new ideas. Some that can make or break us. But without them, we'll never move forward. And that is...
The End.
I hope you enjoyed this list and if you haven't read all these books, go grab them now! If for no other reason than they're there.
And if you're here, you love books too. So go give 'em some lovin'!
Of course, that's obvious, but there's one thing that I can't do with them...
I can't read a book I truly love only once.
Now, ebooks are awesome, because I used to travel with 5-10 books and that's obviously not fun. Totally worth it to have my escape wherever I go, but an ereader mean I don't have to limit myself to what I can carry. I can have all my favorites wherever I go.
But I'm not a complete convert. Ebooks can't give me the smell of an old book. The smooth feel of the pages as I brush my fingers over them, my eyes skimming the printed words that just aren't quite the same on screen.
This list has books I own. Books that are lovingly pulled off my shelves again and again.
So what's different about this list, compared to all the other list you check out while looking for a new book to read?
Well, this isn't a specific genre list. This isn't a list of the 'pop books' repeated over and over on the biggest blogs. One or two of these authors might get the odd mention over the years, but they're not THE NEXT BIG THING! OMG, EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK!
I have a bad habit of catching up to those trends years later. And when I do pick up a 'pop book'? Well, it's kinda like when I listen to a pop song on the radio. It might be catchy for a bit, but replays tend to kill the appeal. And they're rarely as unique as what you'll find at your local venue. Bands that have to travel a lot to make it are usually more focused on the art.
Most of these authors, I find, are more focused on the art than being popular.
Whatever the reasons, there's something in them that keeps me coming back for more. And even after reading them again and again...
I'm not bored of them. And I don't think I ever will be.
10. Comfort Food by Kitty ThomasThis was my first dark romance. To be honest, I don't consider it romance at all. I see it as a twisted, love story that plays as many mind games with the readers as the 'hero' plays with the heroine.
The writing is incredible and made me a fan of Kitty Thomas. She is truly the Dark Queen of storytelling. I re-read this book just to get that haunting feeling of falling in love with danger, again and again. No one else has ever given me that feeling. Yet.
Which is fine. This book doesn't need to be replaced.
9. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison Some might consider THIS a 'pop book' but if so, you don't understand the term. Or don't agree with whether it applies to this book, which is fine too. ;)
What I love about this book is the heroine is different, the storyline is deep and fun, and IMO, out of all the authors in the genre, Ms. Harrison stay most successfully true to the characters. I've found other good paranormal novels since, but no series that I'll start over again just because I want to spend time with the characters again.
8. Safe Harbor by Tymber Dalton
When I read this book, I'd been looking for a great menage romance and I was struggling to find anything even just GOOD. There are plenty of erotica menage, but too many 'menage romance'--more so then than now--aren't really romances at all. They end without a HEA or even a HFN. Not for all three lovers.
But I felt the love in this book. I loved the characters and I believed in the bond built between them. Reading this book has me letting out a happy sigh each and every time.
7. The Secret Circle by LJ Smith
I seriously thought I'd have more YA books on this list when I really sat down and started listing my favorites. I have shelves full of YA books, but none that I loved so much I had to replace my old copies.
So why did THIS one make it into the top ten while the others are further up in the numbers? Well, it wasn't Vampire Diaries. That series had all the love, but THIS series had more characters, and I have a lot of respect for authors that can juggle many characters and give them all unique personalities.
For a YA novel, this also has a more complex story than some. This isn't just about a girl looking for love. This is about a young woman learning about her own powers and it was an awesome journey to go on with her.
6. Stygian by Santino Hassel
I read this book VERY recently, but I loved it so much I literally closed it, went one day, then read it again. The writing style had me hooked and I started looking for EVERYTHING by this author. I really wanted more of THIS world, but he's talented and all his books are worth reading.
This book doesn't follow any formulas--actually, it's something I find most of my favorites manage to avoid. There's a beauty to Stygian that is impossible to explain though. You really have to read it to understand.
5. Safeword Matte by Candace Blevins
I THINK this was my first book by Candace Blevins, but don't quote me on that. What I do know is the way she writes BDSM is very tangible. Her characters are realistic and you can feel EVERYTHING they experience.
It's so damn hot, but not in a way that had you reading with one hand...well, I mean, you could, but you'd be missing out on the details that have you catching your breath. Wincing and squirming and ready to use your safeword if you're not ready to be pushed a little closer to your limit.
4. The Men of Halfway House by Jaime Reese
This embodies everything I look for in a romance and I've lost track of how many times I've read the first book. And every book since.
The slow burn, the men who I've come to love, the storylines that draw you in...these books have everthing I enjoy in an emotional read. Another author with incredible talent, the words seem to disappear until you are standing right in the Halfway House, as desperate as the heroes for redemption and love.
3. Finding Eden by Kele MoonOne of my favorite movies is Dangerous Liaisons. Cruel Intentions is all right, but it doesn't have the same depth. Beyond Eden, and all the Eden books actually, gives me the same twisted, tempting characters that enjoy playing their own games to get what they want.
There's not much I enjoy more than a bit of naughty fun. A devilish smile and a well planned seduction heats up every page. Just talking about it makes me want to start reading them all again. Especially since I just finished the latest and these decadent characters are still purely wicked. In the best way, of course!
2. The Stand by Stephan King
Growing up, I LOVED horror novels. At one point IT would have been on this list, but by the time I hit high school, the idea of the apocalypse, of wars spanning the entire planet, of evil rulers controlling us all began to fascinate me.
To be honest, I couldn't understand HOW people could let that happen. But King is a master at exploring the human mind and letting you see how truly fucked up it is.
There's no nice way to put it.
As a species, we're fucked up.
But we're also amazing.
And this book shows both sides, often in the same character. And what's scary isn't the evil lurking among us, waiting to take over.
What's truly frighting is the idea that it won't need to lurk. We've proved again and again that we're capable of ignoring horror until it's standing at our own front doors. That we can look away until the stench of death is thick in the air and blood pools into the streets.
Not recently of course, but when you read this book, you won't wonder how it could happen anymore. It's obvious.
1. Xenogenisis by Octavia Butler The name of this book was changed at one point to 'Lilith's Brood' and when my original copy fell apart I went to absolutely every bookstore in my area and NO ONE knew the book I was talking about. Since I read this book no less than THREE times a year, you can imagine I freaked.
I may have cried a little. I'm not ashamed to admit it. My grandmother gave me the original and while the book itself was still special, the story was the real gift.
The fact that it was a gift didn't make me love the story more or less though. I've been given other books, and while they look very nice on my shelves, they never held my interest for long.
Xenogenesis is...it's frightening. It's a world constructed in the future we've built for ourselves, one where we need to be saved. In the same way we've been saving creatures for a long time. Breeding them, changing them a little so they're healthier and stronger. The entire world needs healing after the beating it's taken and it's not so welcoming to us anymore.
So if you're not a fan of science fiction, it's not for you, right?
Wrong.
The characters are so well developed, the world is so vivid, I'd be so bold as to say Xenogenesis is a must read for ANY author. Octavia Butler was an incredible storyteller, a master at her craft, and reading her work can teach anyone how to write in a way that makes your characters real. Even if they're not human.
For anyone else, the story is beautiful, terrifying, and engaging. You'll pray for the characters to escape. Then you'll beg them to stay.
And in the end, you won't be sure which would be better. But you'll accept one truth. With each new generation comes new ideas. Some that can make or break us. But without them, we'll never move forward. And that is...
The End.
I hope you enjoyed this list and if you haven't read all these books, go grab them now! If for no other reason than they're there.
And if you're here, you love books too. So go give 'em some lovin'!
January 28, 2016
Bring on the SEX! Or...don't. Please don't!
I've seen a few posts lately about contemporary romance and how sick people are getting of all the sex. Like, seriously, many AUTHORS are getting sick of sex.
Shocking, right?
Only, not really.
You see, MOST authors are readers too. Like, mega-readers who just can't enough of all those beautiful words.
The problem isn't sex itself. Sex is awesome. You will never hear me say I'm tired of sex.
But I'm tired of it being absolutely meaningless. If I just wanna get off, I can manage just fine on my own. Close my eyes, imagine whatever sexy scene I want in my head, and get down and dirty.
TMI? Sorry, not sorry! :P
But anyway, the point is, if I'm reading a book, I need more than the right amount of kinky shit, covering enough pages, to get me off. I need a story. I need to be so drawn into what's going on that when the characters start fucking, I'm feeling it with them.
Not just because he's hot and she's horny.
Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely a place for porn and erotica and when you grab either, you're looking for the down and dirty, get-me-off medium.
But lately, the lines between romance, erotic romance, and erotica have gotten so blurred, I'm not sure I blame ANYONE for labeling them all as smut. I've read about more cum just checking out the sample of books than I have in all of the hottest novels I've read combined.
Sexual comfort is awesome, and I'm glad we've gotten to a place where women can share their sexual fantasies so openly. I don't ever want that to change!
Maybe it's just me, and if so, feel free to click off the blog and give me the virtual finger.
With how many people I see getting bored of the influx of hot pussies and throbbing cocks, I don't think I'm alone in this. And if you're an author trying to figure out your way through the mess, what I suggest is you go back to the basics.
If your characters are gonna fuck, does it add to the story? Not sure? Well, can the sex scene be replaced without taking away from the plot? Are the characters, who are falling in love, pushing to climb in bed or are you filling a dick-in-slit quota?
Filling a quota? We can tell. And we're just as bored reading about it as you were writing it.
Look, I get it. Sex sells. And times are tough in the romance world. We're all trying to make it, and pumping out as many books as you can, as fast as possible, might seem like the answer.
Only, it's not.
Writing a great book has ALWAYS been the answer. A book you love to read will find other fans. But you have to be the first fan. The one who loves the book so much you HAVE to share it with the world.
If you're in the business to get rich, you've made a huge mistake. Because when things are tough and you're struggling to make ends meet, all the blood and tears won't pay your bills. Yes, this can become a career and it's great when an author can dedicate themselves to their craft.
Like any other job, if you don't love it, you're gonna start looking elsewhere when it's not all shiny and new anymore. Except, this is an art. And your craft suffers when it becomes a chore.
Am I saying you should stop writing? Absolutely not.
I'm saying if you want to write a romance, remember what you love about the genre. And write that.
Shocking, right?
Only, not really.
You see, MOST authors are readers too. Like, mega-readers who just can't enough of all those beautiful words.
The problem isn't sex itself. Sex is awesome. You will never hear me say I'm tired of sex.But I'm tired of it being absolutely meaningless. If I just wanna get off, I can manage just fine on my own. Close my eyes, imagine whatever sexy scene I want in my head, and get down and dirty.
TMI? Sorry, not sorry! :P
But anyway, the point is, if I'm reading a book, I need more than the right amount of kinky shit, covering enough pages, to get me off. I need a story. I need to be so drawn into what's going on that when the characters start fucking, I'm feeling it with them.
Not just because he's hot and she's horny.
Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely a place for porn and erotica and when you grab either, you're looking for the down and dirty, get-me-off medium.
But lately, the lines between romance, erotic romance, and erotica have gotten so blurred, I'm not sure I blame ANYONE for labeling them all as smut. I've read about more cum just checking out the sample of books than I have in all of the hottest novels I've read combined.
Sexual comfort is awesome, and I'm glad we've gotten to a place where women can share their sexual fantasies so openly. I don't ever want that to change!
Maybe it's just me, and if so, feel free to click off the blog and give me the virtual finger.
With how many people I see getting bored of the influx of hot pussies and throbbing cocks, I don't think I'm alone in this. And if you're an author trying to figure out your way through the mess, what I suggest is you go back to the basics.
If your characters are gonna fuck, does it add to the story? Not sure? Well, can the sex scene be replaced without taking away from the plot? Are the characters, who are falling in love, pushing to climb in bed or are you filling a dick-in-slit quota?
Filling a quota? We can tell. And we're just as bored reading about it as you were writing it.
Look, I get it. Sex sells. And times are tough in the romance world. We're all trying to make it, and pumping out as many books as you can, as fast as possible, might seem like the answer.
Only, it's not.
Writing a great book has ALWAYS been the answer. A book you love to read will find other fans. But you have to be the first fan. The one who loves the book so much you HAVE to share it with the world.
If you're in the business to get rich, you've made a huge mistake. Because when things are tough and you're struggling to make ends meet, all the blood and tears won't pay your bills. Yes, this can become a career and it's great when an author can dedicate themselves to their craft.
Like any other job, if you don't love it, you're gonna start looking elsewhere when it's not all shiny and new anymore. Except, this is an art. And your craft suffers when it becomes a chore.
Am I saying you should stop writing? Absolutely not.
I'm saying if you want to write a romance, remember what you love about the genre. And write that.
January 27, 2016
F**K The Rules...and how I write the books you LOVE! RELEASE DAY AND GIVEAWAY
Yes, I know, if I'm gonna swear in the title of a post, I should just do it, right?
But I get in enough trouble for all my naughty pictures, so I'm trying to be a good girl...
Fuck it!
I'll give you a minute to either enjoy the picture or run away. If that makes you uncomfortable, you probably stumbled into the wrong blog. Totally cool. My books probably aren't for you, but today is the release day for a TON of awesome books, so I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!
Happy reading!
All right, now that those who don't love manlove are gone, let's get down to the how and why of what I do. Not sure it will help any new authors who hope that I know what I'm doing and can point them in the right direction. The best piece of advice I can probably give you is 'Don't do what I do.'
EVER.
Seriously, don't.
UNLESS you're willing to spend most of your career swimming against the tide.
If so, grab a seat, pour yourself some whiskey, and let's be friends! <g> I collect crazy little authors and you're cute!
Now, not only have I stepped into the rockstar romance genre without writing rockstars, but I ignored all the very successful trends in the genre. Not even trying to be a rebel, I just don't do formulas.
At all.
Actually, to be fair, I CAN'T do formulas. If I could I'd have a nice stable job writing for Harlequin. My books would fit neatly into categories and my life would be a whole lot simpler.
But I get bored easily and I can't write the kind of book I wouldn't be passionate about reading. Books others love that are cozy and comfortable gather dust on my shelves. I actually get a little jealous about those who can keep it simple because...
Well, remember what I said about swimming against the tide? It gets tiring. You're constantly sucking in mouthfuls of salty water while getting dragged under. You're never sure if your gonna gain some distance or drown.
Is it worth it though?
Abso-fucking-lutely!
I thought long and hard about what I was going to post today. The smartest thing would have been a happy 'It's RELEASE DAY!' post, with an excerpt. But this is the first book I've put out in awhile that isn't a rewrite, an expansion, or a completion. Ever since I released GOAL LINE this summer, this is the first book that's completely new.
It's about a super rich rockstar that meets one of his fangirls, who isn't like other fangirls, and they fall in love!
Yeah...no. Remember the formula deficiency I have? That right there is one that works for rockstar romance. So of course what I wrote is absolutely nothing like that.
And if that's the book you wanted, check out the bestsellers in the category. You'll find plenty of amazing books for your reading pleasure.
BACKLASH doesn't even start with introducing the heroine for quite some time. Actually, she takes her sweet time joining in and even I had a few moments where I was like 'This is a mistake. People are going to HATE this book.'
Then...I got out of my own fucking way and let the characters do their thing. This series isn't just about the heroine, or the heroes. Their lives revolve around a metalcore band that's struggling not to implode. None of the guys are rich, their tour schedule is crazy, and all but ONE has faced the reality that the lifestyle isn't all sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. It's hard work and they've got to fight to make it in a world where cheesy pop tunes dominate all the charts.
Which is how it works in real life.
So how do I do it? Well, like with the Cobras, I learn absolutely everything I can about the world my characters live in. I don't bother smoothing the edges or making anything easier on them. If a character is gay or bisexual, which many tend to be, they're not living in a world where everyone is accepting.
Life is hard. And books can be an escape, but they can also be a place that reflects your own failures and triumphs. Where you're just as uncertain as you are in your own life, but you know if you keep pressing forward, if you give it your all, you can be proud of every damn thing you accomplish.
This is the story of a band that doesn't get anything handed to them on a silver platter. But when they breakout? When they accomplish everything they've been fighting so hard for?
You get to celebrate with them. Because you were right by their sides every step of the way.
And when they fall in love? Damn, you feel it. You believe they've got someone who'll stand by their side.
Nothing is easy. Nothing is neat and shiny and pretty.
But it's a wild fucking ride!
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/backlashKIN
Apple: http://bit.ly/backlashiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/backlashKOBO
Nook: http://bit.ly/backlashNOOK
AllRomance: http://bit.ly/backlashARE
Last, but not least, I mentioned a GIVEAWAY!
I'll keep it simple! <g> ONE commenter will receive a PLATINUM PRINT PRE-ORDER PACKAGE. Simply comment, asking me a question about ANYTHING. Not only will I answer every question, but I'll pick one person at random for the prize.
And if there's enough questions, I'll giveaway a couple of surprise packs!
So good luck and don't bother keeping it clean! lol! It's me! ;)
But I get in enough trouble for all my naughty pictures, so I'm trying to be a good girl...
Fuck it!
I'll give you a minute to either enjoy the picture or run away. If that makes you uncomfortable, you probably stumbled into the wrong blog. Totally cool. My books probably aren't for you, but today is the release day for a TON of awesome books, so I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!
Happy reading!
All right, now that those who don't love manlove are gone, let's get down to the how and why of what I do. Not sure it will help any new authors who hope that I know what I'm doing and can point them in the right direction. The best piece of advice I can probably give you is 'Don't do what I do.'
EVER.
Seriously, don't.
UNLESS you're willing to spend most of your career swimming against the tide.
If so, grab a seat, pour yourself some whiskey, and let's be friends! <g> I collect crazy little authors and you're cute!
Now, not only have I stepped into the rockstar romance genre without writing rockstars, but I ignored all the very successful trends in the genre. Not even trying to be a rebel, I just don't do formulas.
At all.
Actually, to be fair, I CAN'T do formulas. If I could I'd have a nice stable job writing for Harlequin. My books would fit neatly into categories and my life would be a whole lot simpler.
But I get bored easily and I can't write the kind of book I wouldn't be passionate about reading. Books others love that are cozy and comfortable gather dust on my shelves. I actually get a little jealous about those who can keep it simple because...
Well, remember what I said about swimming against the tide? It gets tiring. You're constantly sucking in mouthfuls of salty water while getting dragged under. You're never sure if your gonna gain some distance or drown.
Is it worth it though?
Abso-fucking-lutely!
I thought long and hard about what I was going to post today. The smartest thing would have been a happy 'It's RELEASE DAY!' post, with an excerpt. But this is the first book I've put out in awhile that isn't a rewrite, an expansion, or a completion. Ever since I released GOAL LINE this summer, this is the first book that's completely new.
It's about a super rich rockstar that meets one of his fangirls, who isn't like other fangirls, and they fall in love!
Yeah...no. Remember the formula deficiency I have? That right there is one that works for rockstar romance. So of course what I wrote is absolutely nothing like that.
And if that's the book you wanted, check out the bestsellers in the category. You'll find plenty of amazing books for your reading pleasure.
BACKLASH doesn't even start with introducing the heroine for quite some time. Actually, she takes her sweet time joining in and even I had a few moments where I was like 'This is a mistake. People are going to HATE this book.'
Then...I got out of my own fucking way and let the characters do their thing. This series isn't just about the heroine, or the heroes. Their lives revolve around a metalcore band that's struggling not to implode. None of the guys are rich, their tour schedule is crazy, and all but ONE has faced the reality that the lifestyle isn't all sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. It's hard work and they've got to fight to make it in a world where cheesy pop tunes dominate all the charts.
Which is how it works in real life.
So how do I do it? Well, like with the Cobras, I learn absolutely everything I can about the world my characters live in. I don't bother smoothing the edges or making anything easier on them. If a character is gay or bisexual, which many tend to be, they're not living in a world where everyone is accepting.
Life is hard. And books can be an escape, but they can also be a place that reflects your own failures and triumphs. Where you're just as uncertain as you are in your own life, but you know if you keep pressing forward, if you give it your all, you can be proud of every damn thing you accomplish.
This is the story of a band that doesn't get anything handed to them on a silver platter. But when they breakout? When they accomplish everything they've been fighting so hard for?
You get to celebrate with them. Because you were right by their sides every step of the way.
And when they fall in love? Damn, you feel it. You believe they've got someone who'll stand by their side.
Nothing is easy. Nothing is neat and shiny and pretty.
But it's a wild fucking ride!
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/backlashKIN
Apple: http://bit.ly/backlashiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/backlashKOBO
Nook: http://bit.ly/backlashNOOK
AllRomance: http://bit.ly/backlashARE
Last, but not least, I mentioned a GIVEAWAY!
I'll keep it simple! <g> ONE commenter will receive a PLATINUM PRINT PRE-ORDER PACKAGE. Simply comment, asking me a question about ANYTHING. Not only will I answer every question, but I'll pick one person at random for the prize.
And if there's enough questions, I'll giveaway a couple of surprise packs!
So good luck and don't bother keeping it clean! lol! It's me! ;)
January 19, 2016
8 DAYS Until the release of BACKLASH (Winter's Wrath #1)
Just a quick little update for those who follow me here. :)
RELEASE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!
A few advanced readers have already gotten back to me and they LOVE the men of Winter's Wrath. I can't wait for you all to get a chance to meet them. You're gonna love them too!
Well, most of them. ;)
Heavy Metal bands are as sexy as Rock bands...
Only more hard core. ;)
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Backlash-Winters-Wrath-Book-1-ebook/dp/B019GLJBPS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/backlashNOOK
iTunes: http://bit.ly/backlashiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/backlashKOBO
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-backlash-1968717-149.html
ADD to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28236733-backlash
RELEASE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!
A few advanced readers have already gotten back to me and they LOVE the men of Winter's Wrath. I can't wait for you all to get a chance to meet them. You're gonna love them too!
Well, most of them. ;)
Heavy Metal bands are as sexy as Rock bands...
Only more hard core. ;)
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Backlash-Winters-Wrath-Book-1-ebook/dp/B019GLJBPS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/backlashNOOK
iTunes: http://bit.ly/backlashiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/backlashKOBO
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-backlash-1968717-149.html
ADD to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28236733-backlash
January 14, 2016
DEATH TO ALL BUT.... yeah, not finishing that! lol! TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE RELEASE OF BACKLASH!!!!
MINUS a day, because I was crazy busy yesterday and forgot to post! lol!
Anyway, the AWESOMENESS that is Winter's Wrath's first book, BACKLASH, will hit your kindles, iPads, iPhones, laptops, or microchip in your brain that directly downloads ebooks into the pleasure centers in your frontal lobe--which is pretty cool, you need to share that technology!
PRE-ORDER links, in case you missed them:
PRE-ORDER:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Backlash-Winters-Wrath-Book-1-ebook/dp/B019GLJBPS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/backlashNOOK
iTunes: http://bit.ly/backlashiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/backlashKOBO
And here's the ONLY really naughty excerpt you're getting before the tour starts. <g>
But I was generous! :*
Backlash (Winter's Wrath #1)
All five bands had retreated to their busses, or headed out to local restaurants, to chill out before the show started. The crewmembers were still around, adjusting the lighting and setting up the merch tables. Backstage was surprisingly empty, but she knew a roadie could show up any minute.
Alder didn’t seem at all concerned, so she took his lead, moaning into his mouth as he pushed her up against the wall behind the heavy, red stage curtains. He cupped her pussy under her skirt, shifting aside the lace covering her and dipping a thick, calloused finger inside her with a soft groan.
“I love how wet you get for me.” He dragged his finger out, spreading the moisture over her clit, circling the tiny bud until she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out at the sharp spark of pleasure. His hot breath brushed her throat as he leaned closer to her, easing his finger in and moving over her clit in a deliciously, torturous rhythm. “Feeling you like this, I can’t help thinking about how you taste. I could spend hours with your legs wrapped around my neck and my mouth on your sweet pussy.”
Oh, I like that idea. Her core tightened as he pressed another finger into her alongside the first. She was so aroused, she knew he’d set her off before long, but she needed to see him as out of control as she was. He always paid close attention to her, giving her anything she could want or need.
Right now, what she needed was to return the favor.
Curving her hand around the back of his neck, she drew him down so she could whisper in his ear. “I still don’t know what you taste like. That’s about to change.”
Tugging his belt open, she maneuvered him around so his back was braced against the wall. When his hand left her she grabbed his wrist and sucked his fingers, enjoying both the flavor of herself on his skin, and the way he sucked in a sharp breath as he watched her.
She opened his jeans, freeing his long, hard dick which she’d felt inside her more than once, but still hadn’t had a chance to admire.
Stroking him, she ran her tongue over the thick head, which had darkened with his arousal. Along his length were thick veins and his pulse beat against her tongue as she ran it up the underside of his dick. Teasing him with a flick of her tongue, she tasted the bead of precum slicking the slit of his cock.
“Baby, that feels so fucking good.” Alder cupped her cheek, shifting his hips slightly as she wrapped her lips around him. “God, you’re beautiful.”
Cupping his balls in her hand, she let her saliva slick his whole length, moving faster, watching his face until he tipped his head back, muttering what sounded like a prayer.
From the corner of her eye, there was movement. She slowed, not sure if she should stop and warn Alder.
But then she saw who it was and a naughty little voice in her head told her to keep going. She still remembered those teasing words about how she “Might have had competition.”
They wouldn’t get in trouble for getting caught. Not by him.
He can either leave, or he can stay and watch.
And for some strange reason, she kinda hoped he’d stay.
***
Also, check out www.winterswrath.com
for exclusive print pre-order packages!
Only FIVE SIX people will get one of these cute voodoo babies with their orders, so grab them before they're sold out!
January 4, 2016
Cover Re-Reveal For Joey W. Hill's KNIGHTS OF THE BOARD ROOM
Part of the Knights of the Board Room series. Rachel gave up seeking a Master years ago. After a failed marriage and terrible tragedy, she's walled her soul against going down that dangerous path again. Then Jon joins her yoga class. He's thirteen years younger than she, but his Dominant nature threatens her shields from the moment she recognizes it. Not only does he understand what her body wants-he knows what her soul craves. Part of the five-man executive team of Kensington & Associates, Jon uses his calm, philosophical nature to defuse volatile acquisition negotiations. He can compel opponents to willingly surrender when he draws the sword that closes the deal. As a sexual Dominant, he employs that same expertise. A spiritually driven Master who enjoys connecting with a woman's soul, he wins her utter submission with his skills. But with Rachel, it goes beyond that. She's the submissive his own soul has always hungered to have, and he won't hesitate to use his talents, as well as that of the other four K&A men, to claim her. Publisher's Note: Rachel's sensual journey to healing contains light female/female exploration and group sex.
Ben is the last unattached member of the five-man executive team of K&A Associates. The other four, all Masters, have found the submissive of their dreams. That’s fine. The sharp-edged lawyer knows he’s the most hardcore of all of them, with extreme tastes as a Master he satisfies physically through experienced club submissives. He doesn’t really need anything more than that.
Marcie has loved Ben since she was sixteen. He’s never behaved as anything more than a protective big brother, a family friend. But now she’s twenty three and starting her career as a corporate investigator. She may be a blood-and-bone deep submissive, but she won’t hesitate to use her aggressive talents to prove she’s meant to be his. With a Master as tough as Ben, she’ll have to take whatever measures are needed—even if her deepest desire isn’t a hostile takeover of his heart, but an unconditional surrender to it.
Reader Advisory: Marcie’s sexual journey contains a group scene of female/female sexual exploration. The Masters also share her in a brief group scene.
Janet Albright prefers her men submissive, her relationships confined to a club environment. Which is why her attraction to former Navy SEAL Maxwell Ackerman doesn’t make a lot of sense. There isn’t a submissive bone in his muscular body, suggesting her interest in the man is best indulged as a private fantasy.
When a crisis situation reveals different sides of them both, the attraction becomes mutual and undeniable. Janet and Max take the plunge, willing to see if the give-and-take of their unexpected relationship can satisfy their deepest desires. Until ghosts from their past emerge, threatening to destroy the delicate balance of power before their love can find a way to tip the scales.
Winner of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award, Joey W. Hill has published over forty contemporary and paranormal BDSM erotic romances, including six series. Her emotionally-intense love stories offer everything from vampires, mermaids, witches and angels, to boardroom executives, cops and simple housemaids.
Free excerpts from all her works are available at her website, www.storywitch.com. Additional vignettes, character interviews and graphics inspired by the work are at the fan forum site, accessible through www.storywitch.com/community.Twitter: JoeyWHill Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeyWHillAuthor
December 25, 2015
Readers aren't Trained Monkeys AND future plans for this circus!
Kindle Unlimited, how sexy you look in that gaudy red topcoat. So now, Mr. Ringmaster, shall we dance?
*Note: I apologize to the monkeys.
Now, before the defenders freak out, I want to make one thing clear. I have NO ISSUE with the authors that choose to go exclusive with Amazon. The Kindle Unlimited program has some appeal, more so with the increased exposure. Some authors literally HAVE to go all in just to keep their morgage paid.
And I'm not just saying that.
If you're interested, there's an interesting post by co-founder of Smashwords, Mark Coker, about his predictions for 2016.
Here's the link: http://blog.smashwords.com/2015/12/2016-book-publishing-predictions.html
There's a lot of interesting information in there, but more for authors than for readers.
What stuck with me that may interest readers--because it interested me AS a reader--is this:
This is frightening for authors, but I'm not sure what's worse. The idea that the monopoly will be won simply because authors are struggling not to drown in an ever changing market and Amazon seems to hold all the life-rafts, or that many authors will simply give up.
Why should that bother anyone? Well, the shift in the novel world that began with the surge of indies brought all of us some of our favorite new authors. Many of those voices will be lost.
They are being told the work they do has no real value.
But not by the readers. Not yet.
Granted, there's the odd reader that will approach an author and ask why their books aren't cheaper. When the next special will be. When their books will be in KU so they can be accessed for free with the subscription. I've heard this from MANY authors. I've experienced it myself. It's not fun.
However, for the most part, passionate readers are willing to pay for the books they want to read. Some, like me, will buy those books for kobo, and kindle (I had the first version of kobo and it drove me insane!) and then buy the same book in print. The very idea of not having these books to read again and again? Nope. Not even going there.
My precious....
Now, to be clear, I have a few books in Kindle Unlimited because it's a smart business move. These books were gathering dust in their little corners, so I offered them up like sacrificial lambs, all dramatic and all, choking back my sobs as I laid them on the alter...
They were like toys no one was playing with. So I put them in a daycare and now they're getting some love.
And, while they're being played with, maybe some readers will see that I've got other toys. Toys they want to play with.
Maybe it's not a great analogy. I don't know. What I do know is I have some material available for KU subscribers, but I won't have all my books there. I have a book that's been free for a very long time. All little tastes that I hope will connect me with those who might enjoy my books.
The very things I look for when I'm shopping around for books.
Amazon has made it harder to find authors that aren't exclusively with them, but I still believe readers who love great books will find them.
I don't have KU and I'm not interested in getting it, but what I do know about it is this. No matter how many books it has, it's missing some of my favorites. And it won't have some of the future books I'm eagerly anticipating.
And it won't have all of mine.
My new series, Winter's Wrath, won't be on special. I'm hoping to release at least two books in the series this year. I'll be releasing the next Cobras book. At full price. The last Deadly Captive book? Also at the price I think it's worth.
No more, no less.
I've paid almost 10$ for ebooks from authors I absolutely adore. Most who are with pubs and have no control over the price. I used to buy hardcover books I needed to have the day they released because OMG, I had been waiting a year and a few more months for the paperback? HELL NO!!!
As a reader, I'm a bit of a nut. A proud nut, but I get that not all readers can, or will, spend that kind of money.
Indie authors have helped make books more affordable, but there's a push in the direction of devaluing the stories they've put so much work into, and many are digging in their heels. As they should.
One day, they might invent a robot that can write books. And they might write interesting stories that people will buy. Which will be another hit on authors, but to me, it's no different than the indie model which means anyone can publish a book.
I've seen books that are clearly out there with little effort, written because someone believed they could make a quick buck. A sample will make that obvious real fast.
And I've fallen in love with books that I stumbled over by catching a Facebook post with a teaser, or a catchy line on twitter. But most often from other readers who spread the word.
Readers have ALWAYS had the power when it comes to sharing the passion for reading. They can't be trained to lose that passion.
Connecting might be harder, but we'll keep finding ways to spread the word. One of the things I hope to do is have more guest posts here. I already share recommendations in my newsletter, and I will continue to do so.
I also welcome my readers to let me know about books they can't stop thinking about! I want to read those books and I want to join you in telling everyone about them!
We don't need a publisher, or a vender, to give us a platform.
We will build our own.
*Note: I apologize to the monkeys.
Now, before the defenders freak out, I want to make one thing clear. I have NO ISSUE with the authors that choose to go exclusive with Amazon. The Kindle Unlimited program has some appeal, more so with the increased exposure. Some authors literally HAVE to go all in just to keep their morgage paid.
And I'm not just saying that.
If you're interested, there's an interesting post by co-founder of Smashwords, Mark Coker, about his predictions for 2016.
Here's the link: http://blog.smashwords.com/2015/12/2016-book-publishing-predictions.html
There's a lot of interesting information in there, but more for authors than for readers.
What stuck with me that may interest readers--because it interested me AS a reader--is this:
"Amazon is training Kindle customers to view even 99 cent ebooks as too expensive when other books can be read for what feels like free. Amazon’s success with Kindle Unlimited, which now offers over 1 million books almost exclusively supplied by indie authors is going to gut the market for single copy sales at Amazon. It'll be death by a thousand small cuts."
This is frightening for authors, but I'm not sure what's worse. The idea that the monopoly will be won simply because authors are struggling not to drown in an ever changing market and Amazon seems to hold all the life-rafts, or that many authors will simply give up.
Why should that bother anyone? Well, the shift in the novel world that began with the surge of indies brought all of us some of our favorite new authors. Many of those voices will be lost.
They are being told the work they do has no real value.
But not by the readers. Not yet.
Granted, there's the odd reader that will approach an author and ask why their books aren't cheaper. When the next special will be. When their books will be in KU so they can be accessed for free with the subscription. I've heard this from MANY authors. I've experienced it myself. It's not fun.
However, for the most part, passionate readers are willing to pay for the books they want to read. Some, like me, will buy those books for kobo, and kindle (I had the first version of kobo and it drove me insane!) and then buy the same book in print. The very idea of not having these books to read again and again? Nope. Not even going there.
My precious....
Now, to be clear, I have a few books in Kindle Unlimited because it's a smart business move. These books were gathering dust in their little corners, so I offered them up like sacrificial lambs, all dramatic and all, choking back my sobs as I laid them on the alter...
They were like toys no one was playing with. So I put them in a daycare and now they're getting some love.
And, while they're being played with, maybe some readers will see that I've got other toys. Toys they want to play with.
Maybe it's not a great analogy. I don't know. What I do know is I have some material available for KU subscribers, but I won't have all my books there. I have a book that's been free for a very long time. All little tastes that I hope will connect me with those who might enjoy my books.
The very things I look for when I'm shopping around for books.
Amazon has made it harder to find authors that aren't exclusively with them, but I still believe readers who love great books will find them.
I don't have KU and I'm not interested in getting it, but what I do know about it is this. No matter how many books it has, it's missing some of my favorites. And it won't have some of the future books I'm eagerly anticipating.
And it won't have all of mine.
My new series, Winter's Wrath, won't be on special. I'm hoping to release at least two books in the series this year. I'll be releasing the next Cobras book. At full price. The last Deadly Captive book? Also at the price I think it's worth.
No more, no less.
I've paid almost 10$ for ebooks from authors I absolutely adore. Most who are with pubs and have no control over the price. I used to buy hardcover books I needed to have the day they released because OMG, I had been waiting a year and a few more months for the paperback? HELL NO!!!
As a reader, I'm a bit of a nut. A proud nut, but I get that not all readers can, or will, spend that kind of money.
Indie authors have helped make books more affordable, but there's a push in the direction of devaluing the stories they've put so much work into, and many are digging in their heels. As they should.
One day, they might invent a robot that can write books. And they might write interesting stories that people will buy. Which will be another hit on authors, but to me, it's no different than the indie model which means anyone can publish a book.
I've seen books that are clearly out there with little effort, written because someone believed they could make a quick buck. A sample will make that obvious real fast.
And I've fallen in love with books that I stumbled over by catching a Facebook post with a teaser, or a catchy line on twitter. But most often from other readers who spread the word.
Readers have ALWAYS had the power when it comes to sharing the passion for reading. They can't be trained to lose that passion.
Connecting might be harder, but we'll keep finding ways to spread the word. One of the things I hope to do is have more guest posts here. I already share recommendations in my newsletter, and I will continue to do so.
I also welcome my readers to let me know about books they can't stop thinking about! I want to read those books and I want to join you in telling everyone about them!
We don't need a publisher, or a vender, to give us a platform.
We will build our own.
December 9, 2015
You're going to HELL... and RELEASE DAY! Evil's Embrace (Celestial Pets #1)
Yes, I know, that was uncalled for. But I totally meant in the book! ;)
FINALLY, Evil's Embrace has released as a whole, with a twisted climax and conclusion you didn't see coming.
And it's already got some AMAZING reviews!
Books to Curl Up With: Review of Evil's Embrace (Celestial Pets #1)
This book has been with me for a long time and I hesitated to share it with you, because while many of you loved the sadistic vampire, Cyrus, delving into the realm of angels and demons is a little different.
But I love this story, and while it's not about my kinky hockey players, it shares the same depth, with a story you can lose yourself into and escape the real world.
Escaping to hell is a dubious pleasure, but the Devil is actually a pretty fun guy. If you stay on his good side. ;)
There's so much I could say about this book. About the legends of angels and demons I explored to give a 'realistic' edge to the story, about how I actually picked up the bible for the first time in years to touch up on some verses (which I didn't include in the book, but played an important part).
I'd rather let the story speak for itself. And since it's .99 for another day or so, you can grab it if you're curious.
Sin a little. You'll love it! <g>
Created pure and innocent, the newborn angel Fae’s only crime is loving the mortal realm too much. She wants to see, to touch, to taste...and to know. All of which leads to her fall from grace when she meets the demon brothers who give her all she desires. Cravis and Travis toy with the young angel out of boredom, but losing her awakens something inside them that they didn’t know they could still feel. While Travis begins to learn how precious a life can be, Cravis struggles with the fear of how fragile love is, not sure if he can go through it being taken from him once again.
The demons will claim the angel, but many dangers threaten the Fallen. Hunted by the Virtues and lusted after by the damned, Fae may be protected as a cherished pet. But she will soon learn she’s worth so much more.
Again, ONLY .99 FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS.
Grab it here and keep reading for a sexy excerpt from the book. :)
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1MWcmRZ
iBooks - http://apple.co/21v2CFJ
Nook - http://bit.ly/1MWcOQa
kobo - http://bit.ly/1O3xJyg
Excerpt:
Regret filled Cravis’s eyes, as though he wished he’d kept his suspicions to himself. He cupped her cheek in his hand. “You have much to offer, my love. I would give anything to understand how you still believe there is good out there.” At an irritated throat clearing from below, he offered her a rueful smile. He bent down to flick his tongue over her nipple, chuckling when she bowed her back. “We can discuss it further when we don’t have an audience.”
She grabbed his shoulders before he could lay her down. “Say it again first.”
He latched on to her wrists, lifting them over her head as he pinned her to the floor. “Keep your hands there, pet. If you move them, I’ll have to punish you.”
The command ruined the tenderness she’d felt for him, but she held her tongue as he shifted down her body, pressing her thighs apart. She forgot to be annoyed as he used his teeth to tease her soft folds, and she gasped as he bit down a little harder, his teeth sharpening enough to pierce her flesh. He was careful, but the threat of pain kept her still, bringing an edge of danger that had her heart racing. Braving for the sting made even the lightest brush of his tongue that much more intense.
Deeper. Oh God, she needed to feel him deeper. She moaned as he flattened his tongue and pressed in. Her bones had gone liquid, and she didn’t even realize she’d reached down to put her hand on his head until he shifted away and laid a solid smack on her inner thigh.
She yelped, and then scowled at him.
His eyes shone with amusement. “I warned you, pet. Keep your hands where I put them.”
Aroused beyond reason, she stretched her arms over her head. Cravis put his hands under her ass and lifted her to his mouth, pressing his tongue in, leaving her helpless to do anything but brace her feet on his shoulders. Pleasure coiled within, driving her further and further into pure rapture.
He stopped once more. Then bit her inner thigh.
She cried out, desperate to find release. She’d expected him to want to finish quickly, but instead he seemed determined to torture her for their audience. He closed his lips around her clit, sucking and grazing his teeth on the tiny nub, causing all the blood to pulse straight down.
Another bite and she screamed, so lost in sensation her vision blurred and she teetered on the precipice of a violent orgasm.
Releasing her, Cravis took a moment to undo his pants. Still on his knees, sitting back on his feet, he lifted her over him, lowering her slowly. His muscular thighs opened her wide, and even on top, she had no control over their pace. He thrust up into her, breathing hard as she whimpered with need.
“Just a little longer, pet. Wait for me.” He kissed her throat, both their bodies sliding together, slick with sweat. “Such a good girl.”
Click to Buy
Comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Evil's Embrace (Celestial Pet's #1)
November 23, 2015
Why, oh why? And what the HELL am I doing?
Those of you who follow me on Facebook and/or twitter have probably noticed that I published a new book last week and have another coming out at the beginning of December. Neither is a Cobra book. Neither is the last Deadly Captive book.
One is actually a little taboo. Really, it’s the type of book authors should avoid. Absolutely icky. I’m not sure what I was thinking.
I wrote a stepbrother book.
Actually, I know exactly what I was thinking. This is a fun story I’d started writing when I first began sharing my work on Literotica. I had a great response from readers and it helped me gain the confidence to dip my toe into writing erotic romance. If I could write something so forbidden and click ‘publish’ online without the slightest bit of shame, I felt free to explore any subject my muse showed an interest in.
Don’t get me wrong, I get why some people are completely disgusted by the very IDEA of a Stepbrother romance. One of the many reasons is if you have a stepbrother who is a revolting person who’s made your life miserable. It’s hard not to project that a bit and any sexiness is eliminated.
For me, I don’t read these kinds of books imaging any character as related to me in any way. I’ve had people ask me before if my characters are inspired by real people. My answer is always no.
Yes, life can inspire art, and I’m sure I’ve seen a hockey player smile a certain way, or a play on the ice during a game, that’s resonated with something one of my guys will do. Every person is made up of a sum of their experiences, but how those experiences shape them is unique.
Which is also why I don’t see any of the characters as being ME. If I let my beliefs, and values, and experiences limit my characters, the stories would be pretty boring. Ya, I’ve done some cool stuff in my life, but not enough to fill an 180k novel, never mind a series of books.
So when I write something extremely taboo, I’m letting these people in my head tell their story. To them, it’s not disgusting. Their desire makes it believable to cast aside all the rules of what’s socially acceptable and explore lust and love.
And I think these characters earned their happily ever after. :)
Blurb: One night, one horrible choice, throws the balance off in their lives forever.Amazon (Kindle Unlimited): http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Steps-Stepbrother-Bianca-Sommerland-ebook/dp/B0189ILYFO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Stephanie manages to hold things together until Colin returns, but he’s a soldier and who knows how long he’ll stick around? Long enough to help her ease Ashley back into the world after she wakes from her two year coma?
They might be a little messed up, but Stephanie, Colin, and Ashley have something between them that has gotten them through the most difficult time in their life. A love no one can touch.
And no one can know about.
Now for the book I'm really excited to finally be sharing with you...
Some of you may have read the first installments, but I really wasn't comfortable putting out a book in a serial format. I wanted to give it a try, and I'm so grateful for the feedback I got.
Grateful enough that for the pre-order, I've put the book on special for .99.
The book is Evil's Embrace (Celestial Pets).
Created pure and innocent, the newborn angel Fae’s only crime is loving the mortal realm too much. She wants to see, to touch, to taste...and to know. All of which leads to her fall from grace when she meets the demon brothers who give her all she desires.
Cravis and Travis toy with the young angel out of boredom, but losing her awakens something inside them that they didn’t know they could still feel. While Travis begins to learn how precious a life can be, Cravis struggles with the fear of how fragile love is, not sure if he can go through it being taken from him once again.
The demons will claim the angel, but many dangers threaten the Fallen. Hunted by the Virtues and lusted after by the damned, Fae may be protected as a cherished pet. But she will soon learn she’s worth so much more.
On the 10th of December, I'll be choosing FIVE readers who purchased a pre-order copy of Evil's Embrace to recieve a signed copy of the book in print. I could go on and on telling you how awesome this book is, but for .99? I'll let you find out for yourself! <g>
That said, if you want in on the contest, just stop by here: https://www.facebook.com/201933239834387/photos/a.703147309712975.1073741825.201933239834387/1176370982390603/?type=3&theater
Good luck!
I'd love to hear from you all, so feel free to comment with your thoughts on stepbrother books, or anything else that's on your mind! I hope everyone had a great weekend and that the week flies by. As for me, I've got more news coming soon. About books. Lots and lots of books! <g>
October 29, 2015
Readers in Boxes-All you Need is Love
The whole issue of a MF author being plagiarized by a MM author has brought forth some interesting topics. A Washington Post article used the deplorable situation to take a jab at the romance genre as a whole. Others have been sharing their outrage and demanding to know how theft like this can be prevented.
I shared my thoughts about this yesterday, but another topic that was mentioned has been bugging me. Everyone has their opinion, and I don't mean this as a critisism, but I have to wonder how 'clever' it really was to assume there's not much crossover between gay and straight romance.
Maybe it's because I've been writing menage romance for so long, I don't usually see the divide. Ya, I've had readers who devour stories with a strong heroine meeting the man who can stand by her side, that pick up one of my books and say 'Wow. I never thought I'd be into two guys falling in love, but now I want more!' Those comments always make me smile, because really, there are so many amazing love stories out thee. And like in reality, they aren't restricted by gender or anything else.
But everyone has their preference, and there's nothing wrong with having a taste for sweet romance that follows the traditional view of a relationship.
Hell, I used to read mostly horror, sci-fi, and historical romance. My favorite historicals could all be classified today as dub-con. 'Bodice rippers' because the young heroine certainly wasn't unlacing the thing for a rival Lord or the viking that had captured her.
I had some dark fantasies. I'm sure you're all very surprised to hear that! ;)
Regardless, as a prolific reader, I was--and AM--always looking for a new genre to fall in love with. I finally realized it wasn't a particular genre I was looking for, but a great story that would pull me in and refuse to let me look away. It would keep me up at night and give me all the feels.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe that any story that has great character development, a strong plot, and engaging writing will draw in all sorts of different readers. I have men and women from all over the world writing to me constantly about their new love of hockey, which they'd never been interested in before.
Whether it's a sport, a profession, or a lifestyle, I think good books will always find readers. And if you're looking for sexy, and have an open mind, the options are limitless.
The point isn't to convince anyone who DOESN'T read gay romance to start reading it. I'm just not a fan of assumptions, and in this case, the assumptions made by an 'author' who figured there weren't many readers that go from MF to MM, ended up being her undoing.
Also, let's stop drawing lines in the sand between the genres. Whatever you love to write or read, we're all fans of books. From the great big fat ones to the skinny ones, with real or digital pages, they're all a doorway to experiences you might have missed out on if you hadn't cracked open the cover.
Enjoy. And I'll see you on the other side. Probably all tired out from killing dragons and having multiple orgies. ;)
I shared my thoughts about this yesterday, but another topic that was mentioned has been bugging me. Everyone has their opinion, and I don't mean this as a critisism, but I have to wonder how 'clever' it really was to assume there's not much crossover between gay and straight romance.
Maybe it's because I've been writing menage romance for so long, I don't usually see the divide. Ya, I've had readers who devour stories with a strong heroine meeting the man who can stand by her side, that pick up one of my books and say 'Wow. I never thought I'd be into two guys falling in love, but now I want more!' Those comments always make me smile, because really, there are so many amazing love stories out thee. And like in reality, they aren't restricted by gender or anything else.
But everyone has their preference, and there's nothing wrong with having a taste for sweet romance that follows the traditional view of a relationship.
Hell, I used to read mostly horror, sci-fi, and historical romance. My favorite historicals could all be classified today as dub-con. 'Bodice rippers' because the young heroine certainly wasn't unlacing the thing for a rival Lord or the viking that had captured her.
I had some dark fantasies. I'm sure you're all very surprised to hear that! ;)
Regardless, as a prolific reader, I was--and AM--always looking for a new genre to fall in love with. I finally realized it wasn't a particular genre I was looking for, but a great story that would pull me in and refuse to let me look away. It would keep me up at night and give me all the feels.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe that any story that has great character development, a strong plot, and engaging writing will draw in all sorts of different readers. I have men and women from all over the world writing to me constantly about their new love of hockey, which they'd never been interested in before.
Whether it's a sport, a profession, or a lifestyle, I think good books will always find readers. And if you're looking for sexy, and have an open mind, the options are limitless.
The point isn't to convince anyone who DOESN'T read gay romance to start reading it. I'm just not a fan of assumptions, and in this case, the assumptions made by an 'author' who figured there weren't many readers that go from MF to MM, ended up being her undoing.
Also, let's stop drawing lines in the sand between the genres. Whatever you love to write or read, we're all fans of books. From the great big fat ones to the skinny ones, with real or digital pages, they're all a doorway to experiences you might have missed out on if you hadn't cracked open the cover.
Enjoy. And I'll see you on the other side. Probably all tired out from killing dragons and having multiple orgies. ;)
