Ranae Rose's Blog, page 19
September 26, 2012
Getting Ready for Lora Leigh's RAW
Tomorrow I'm heading north to attend Lora Leigh's Reader Appreciation Weekend or 'RAW'.
Today I'm packing my bags, not to mention boxes of books. And baking some cookies. And picking up a bottle or two from my favorite regional winery. Okay, so I'm driving, and I intend to use the storage space that will afford me. When flying I have to cram all I can into a modest suitcase and resign myself to the fact that it will all be man-handled by the airport's diligent security staff. So no luxuries. But as I'm taking my own car, well... Why can't I have my own homemade chocolate chip cookies and favorite wine in my room?
Most events are not within driving distance for me (why, I don't know - there are a lot of great cities on the East Coast, just ripe for conventions, IMO), so yes, I intend to take advantage of this rare cookie-bringing opportunity. My roommate Carrie Ann Ryan & I are both bringing some of our favorite (edible) things.
It'll sure beat making my way down to a restaurant or snack bar anytime I want any little thing. I know because at the last convention I attended I stood in line at Starbucks for at least half an hour in the (very early) mornings because I really, really needed my morning coffee, then had to sprint to my first panel of the morning, somehow making what felt like Olympic speeds while toting my heavy notebook-laden purse and somehow managing to not spill my latte on myself. I confess I was jealous of those few writers who had assistants to stand in line for them.
So, by this time next week I should have some fun pictures of RAW to share here on my blog. For now, it's time to talk myself down from packing every pair of boots I own. I know I'm not going to need them all. Really. It's just a matter of subduing that voice in the back of my mind that goes a little boot-crazy this time every year. (It's fall! Time for knee-high boots! Heeled boots! Wait, what if you need to do a lot of walking? Flat boots too! And maybe you should pick up that pair of ankle bootines you saw because you know what, they looked really comfortable and would look pretty good with that dress. You know the one...)
Two pairs. That's all I'm bringing. I swear. Unless I somehow mysteriously find myself inside that store with those bootines, which I know in my heart of hearts I don't have time for.
What about you, are you attending RAW? If so, I'm looking forward to meeting you there. And for my friends and readers who aren't attending, I'm looking forward to sharing photos with you and hopefully seeing you at another convention sometime in the near future. :) See you here next Wednesday for an event recap!
Today I'm packing my bags, not to mention boxes of books. And baking some cookies. And picking up a bottle or two from my favorite regional winery. Okay, so I'm driving, and I intend to use the storage space that will afford me. When flying I have to cram all I can into a modest suitcase and resign myself to the fact that it will all be man-handled by the airport's diligent security staff. So no luxuries. But as I'm taking my own car, well... Why can't I have my own homemade chocolate chip cookies and favorite wine in my room?
Most events are not within driving distance for me (why, I don't know - there are a lot of great cities on the East Coast, just ripe for conventions, IMO), so yes, I intend to take advantage of this rare cookie-bringing opportunity. My roommate Carrie Ann Ryan & I are both bringing some of our favorite (edible) things.
It'll sure beat making my way down to a restaurant or snack bar anytime I want any little thing. I know because at the last convention I attended I stood in line at Starbucks for at least half an hour in the (very early) mornings because I really, really needed my morning coffee, then had to sprint to my first panel of the morning, somehow making what felt like Olympic speeds while toting my heavy notebook-laden purse and somehow managing to not spill my latte on myself. I confess I was jealous of those few writers who had assistants to stand in line for them.
So, by this time next week I should have some fun pictures of RAW to share here on my blog. For now, it's time to talk myself down from packing every pair of boots I own. I know I'm not going to need them all. Really. It's just a matter of subduing that voice in the back of my mind that goes a little boot-crazy this time every year. (It's fall! Time for knee-high boots! Heeled boots! Wait, what if you need to do a lot of walking? Flat boots too! And maybe you should pick up that pair of ankle bootines you saw because you know what, they looked really comfortable and would look pretty good with that dress. You know the one...)
Two pairs. That's all I'm bringing. I swear. Unless I somehow mysteriously find myself inside that store with those bootines, which I know in my heart of hearts I don't have time for.
What about you, are you attending RAW? If so, I'm looking forward to meeting you there. And for my friends and readers who aren't attending, I'm looking forward to sharing photos with you and hopefully seeing you at another convention sometime in the near future. :) See you here next Wednesday for an event recap!
September 22, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - A Taste of Honey
The engine’s low rumble alleviated the silence but was the only sound as he guided the truck out of the driveway and down the mountain road. He drove wordlessly, his eyes trained on the pavement, and Violet didn’t dare look at him except for the occasional quick glance. Not while his scent was whirling around her, permeating every last square inch of the cab and her consciousness alike. Some shifters compared the feeling of breathing in your destined mate’s scent to a high – it definitely made sense. The spicy honey aroma was affecting her common sense like a potent drug, forcing her to fight to hang on to her inhibitions as her nerves hummed with heat and expectation, her heart speeding as she sat so close to him, a scant two feet of space between their bodies.
“Where are we headed?” Ronnie asked as they approached Gatlinburg, his deep voice resonating throughout the cab and crushing Violet’s resolution not to look directly at him.
Thanks for stopping by to check out six from my brand new release. And happy fall! :)
September 21, 2012
Today is A Taste of Honey Release Day!
Readers have been asking whether Ronnie would get his own story ever since Book 1 in the Half Moon Shifters Series. Well, how could I possibly resist giving the lovable (and hot as sin) bear shifter / park ranger his own happily ever after? I'm really pleased to finally be able to bring readers his story, A Taste of Honey.
Half Moon Shifters Book 3
Love at first sight? Not exactly. Things work a little differently for wolf shifters, though hunky park ranger Ronnie is a dream to look at, especially when he’s in uniform. Violet’s senses have been telling her he’s the one since the first time she caught a hint of his scent. Could she really be destined to be the mate of a bear shifter? Their differences are undeniable, but that hasn’t stopped her from wondering what it would be like to live happily ever after with the drop-dead sexy ranger who also serves as war chief of the Great Smoky Mountains’ resident bear shifter tribe. But bears don’t detect their mates by scent – their methods are scintillatingly personal. Tension simmers, and one thing will either make or break both of their hopes for the future – a taste of honey.
Read an excerpt here at my site.
Get to know Ronnie a little better here.
Available in all ebook formats from retailers such as...
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All Romance
Smashwords
I really enjoyed writing Ronnie's book. I hope everyone who's been waiting for his story enjoys it just as much! :)
Half Moon Shifters Book 3
Love at first sight? Not exactly. Things work a little differently for wolf shifters, though hunky park ranger Ronnie is a dream to look at, especially when he’s in uniform. Violet’s senses have been telling her he’s the one since the first time she caught a hint of his scent. Could she really be destined to be the mate of a bear shifter? Their differences are undeniable, but that hasn’t stopped her from wondering what it would be like to live happily ever after with the drop-dead sexy ranger who also serves as war chief of the Great Smoky Mountains’ resident bear shifter tribe. But bears don’t detect their mates by scent – their methods are scintillatingly personal. Tension simmers, and one thing will either make or break both of their hopes for the future – a taste of honey.
Read an excerpt here at my site.
Get to know Ronnie a little better here.
Available in all ebook formats from retailers such as...
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All Romance
Smashwords
I really enjoyed writing Ronnie's book. I hope everyone who's been waiting for his story enjoys it just as much! :)
September 19, 2012
Meet Ronnie, Hero of A Taste of Honey
With the release of A Taste of Honey (Half Moon Shifters Book 3) just two days away, I thought it'd be fun to properly introduce you to Ronnie and share an early peek at the story through his eyes. Here goes!
Ronald (goes by Ronnie) Sweetwater
Age: 32Hometown: Tennessee's Great Smoky MountainsOccupation: National Park Ranger, working in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park + War Chief of the Roaring Water Tribe of bear shiftersStar sign: TaurusFamily: Father, one younger brother and one set of grandparents
Height: 6'4"
And now for a sneak-peek of A Taste of Honey, in Ronnie's POV. This excerpt occurs while Ronnie is dropping Violet off at a job interview.
* * * *
Ronnie exhaled as Violet strode across the blacktop, her purse tucked under her arm. The khaki pants she wore hugged her ass like a second skin, but somehow still looked classy. He stared, powerless to look away, and gripped the steering wheel as if he were guiding the truck around a gravity-defying hairpin turn instead of sitting in a parking lot with the engine shut off. His attraction to Violet wasn’t going to fade away. In fact, it grew stronger every time he saw her, ratcheting up the tension that simmered constantly beneath the surface of his skin. He couldn’t remember ever getting so worked up over anyone else before, not even when he’d been a teenager and had developed several embarrassing crushes.
Violet was special, which was exactly why he was holding out instead of wrapping her in his arms and sliding his tongue deep into her mouth in search of tell-tale sweetness. If she wasn’t the one … well, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know yet. The thought of such severe disappointment made his gut twist in hypothetical agony.
At thirty-two, he was far from ancient, but he wasn’t getting any younger, either. And as a shifter living deep in the mountains, the pool of potential mates was decidedly shallow. None of the Roaring Water Tribe females were meant for him and he’d probably be reduced to dust in the ground before another woman like Violet wandered into his corner of the mountains. Years of suppressed mating instincts had gripped him when he’d first laid eyes on her, bringing some neglected part of his consciousness to life and making him realize just how badly it was possible to want somebody. Each time they met, the feelings and urges seemed even more inescapable. Either she was the one, or celibacy was seriously impairing his judgment.
He cast a quick glance in the direction of the restaurant doors she’d disappeared through. His attraction to her felt like a lot more than the effects of deprivation. Breathing another sigh, he leaned back against the seat and pried his hands from the wheel, resigned to waiting for her to emerge from the restaurant again. All he had to do in the meanwhile was somehow get enough of a rein on his desire that he’d be able to resist the inevitable impulse to lay hands on her.
* * * *
Hope you enjoyed meeting Ronnie and this peek into his mind. I'll have a different excerpt up on my site soon. Meanwhile, it's back to work for me - I've got lots to do to prepare for Friday's release and the quickly-approaching RAW weekend. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Ronald (goes by Ronnie) Sweetwater
Age: 32Hometown: Tennessee's Great Smoky MountainsOccupation: National Park Ranger, working in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park + War Chief of the Roaring Water Tribe of bear shiftersStar sign: TaurusFamily: Father, one younger brother and one set of grandparents
Height: 6'4"
And now for a sneak-peek of A Taste of Honey, in Ronnie's POV. This excerpt occurs while Ronnie is dropping Violet off at a job interview.
* * * *
Ronnie exhaled as Violet strode across the blacktop, her purse tucked under her arm. The khaki pants she wore hugged her ass like a second skin, but somehow still looked classy. He stared, powerless to look away, and gripped the steering wheel as if he were guiding the truck around a gravity-defying hairpin turn instead of sitting in a parking lot with the engine shut off. His attraction to Violet wasn’t going to fade away. In fact, it grew stronger every time he saw her, ratcheting up the tension that simmered constantly beneath the surface of his skin. He couldn’t remember ever getting so worked up over anyone else before, not even when he’d been a teenager and had developed several embarrassing crushes.
Violet was special, which was exactly why he was holding out instead of wrapping her in his arms and sliding his tongue deep into her mouth in search of tell-tale sweetness. If she wasn’t the one … well, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know yet. The thought of such severe disappointment made his gut twist in hypothetical agony.
At thirty-two, he was far from ancient, but he wasn’t getting any younger, either. And as a shifter living deep in the mountains, the pool of potential mates was decidedly shallow. None of the Roaring Water Tribe females were meant for him and he’d probably be reduced to dust in the ground before another woman like Violet wandered into his corner of the mountains. Years of suppressed mating instincts had gripped him when he’d first laid eyes on her, bringing some neglected part of his consciousness to life and making him realize just how badly it was possible to want somebody. Each time they met, the feelings and urges seemed even more inescapable. Either she was the one, or celibacy was seriously impairing his judgment.
He cast a quick glance in the direction of the restaurant doors she’d disappeared through. His attraction to her felt like a lot more than the effects of deprivation. Breathing another sigh, he leaned back against the seat and pried his hands from the wheel, resigned to waiting for her to emerge from the restaurant again. All he had to do in the meanwhile was somehow get enough of a rein on his desire that he’d be able to resist the inevitable impulse to lay hands on her.
* * * *
Hope you enjoyed meeting Ronnie and this peek into his mind. I'll have a different excerpt up on my site soon. Meanwhile, it's back to work for me - I've got lots to do to prepare for Friday's release and the quickly-approaching RAW weekend. Thanks for stopping by. :)
September 17, 2012
Interview with Author Sierra Cartwright, Co-Author of the Clandestine Classics Edition of Jane Eyre
Today I'm interviewing Sierra Cartwright, the author of over thirty original romantic novels who recently revisited the classic Jane Eyre for Total-E-Bound's Clandestine Classics imprint, giving new life to Jane and Mr. Rochester's beloved story. You may have already read interviews with Sierra at the Clandestine Classics blog or at USA Today's site, but I believe I've asked her some questions no one else has yet. So without further ado, here's the inside scoop on Sierra and Jane Eyre.
RR: The Clandestine Classics imprint has received a lot of media attention. Were you surprised by any of it, and have your feelings toward the Clandestine Classics imprint and / or your edition of Jane Eyre changed?
SC: I was absolutely blown away by the amount of attention this project generated. I was honored to participate, but honestly, Ranae, I was nervous about tackling Jane Eyre. It’s such a beloved story, and trying to stay true to the original while also adding spicy content was a real challenge. I think the Clandestine Classics imprint is interesting. Don’t tell me no one, ever, has wondered what really happened behind closed doors…
RR: I think quite a few readers have wondered, even if some don't care to admit it. ;) Speaking of all the press, do you feel that the media’s portrayal of the CC imprint has been generally accurate, or do you think readers who pick up Jane Eyre will be surprised by its contents?
SC: One of my favorite sketches about CC was on the Jimmie Kimmel show. Kate Beckinsale did a fake excerpt from Moby Dick. It was an absolute scream! I think many members of the press had a ton of fun with this project. And I think that readers who pick up any of the Clandestine Classics, not just Jane Eyre, will be impressed by the quality of writing. The authors themselves love these stories. The publisher, Total-E-Bound is absolutely committed to a quality product.
RR: I remember when the Jimmie Kimmel skit came out. It was one of my favorites too. :) And I think you've brought up a good point. I believe that what many critics of the CC imprint have failed to consider or understand is that the authors (at least, I can speak for myself and I know that you feel the same, as I suspect the others do) love the classics and are fans of the originals, just like everyone else. I know my work on Wuthering Heights was a labor of love, and the TEB staff have put a lot of careful, thoughtful work into the production of the books as well. I also hope and believe that many readers who give CC a try will be pleased and impressed.
As for your CC edition of Jane Eyre, if you had to choose just three words to describe it, what would they be?
SC: Respectful. Scandalous. Long!
RR: I love that the CC books are nice long novels that readers will be able to become totally wrapped up in. As for the writing, how was working on Jane Eyre different from writing your own original books? How was it the same?
SC: I had a level of anxiety about adding scenes to Jane Eyre that is absent in my own writing. Starting with a story that is so rich and compelling was fascinating. I didn’t have to do character charts or graph the major plot points. And I’ve never been able to go to the video store and watch a movie I was going to be re-telling! How was it the same? The late nights, absolute focus on what I was doing, my craving for chocolate and other junk foods, the immersion to the point I have no idea of current events. My world becomes Starbucks and home.
RR: Yes, having access to film re-tellings of the classics has been really special. (It was the perfect excuse for me to re-watch the Tom Hardy version of Wuthering Heights - one of my favorite movies!) And the chocolate cravings ... also totally relatable, for writers and readers alike, I suspect. ;)
Clandestine Classics is a unique publishing imprint built around an unconventional idea, but if you had to say which one of your other books is most similar to Jane Eyre (in any way), which would it be? What are the similarities?
SC: I’d never really be arrogant enough to compare anything I have ever written to the genius of Charlotte Bronte, but Unbound Commitment is among the most emotionally rich stories I’ve ever written. Anytime a heroine loves a hero and has to confront her inner demons and refuses to compromise her ideals in order to earn her happily ever after, I think the read is emotionally satisfying.
RR: That makes sense - one of the things I really love about the Brontë sisters' work is the emotional richness.
As a reader, what’s your favorite (original) classic work of literature?
SC: How can you choose one? Among my favorite reads is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. So rich!
RR: That's one of my favorites as well. :)
Which Jane Eyre character do you personally relate to the most and why?
SC: I wish I were more like Jane! She’s was so brave and uncompromising, despite her love for Mr. Rochester. To leave the comfort and security of her life because of her beliefs is true heroine material.
RR: I couldn't agree more. As for Jane's creator, what do you admire most about Charlotte Brontë (author of the original Jane Eyre)?
SC: I admire Charlotte Brontë’s guts. Maybe she modeled Jane after herself. In order to publish, she took a male pseudonym. I love that she went for her dreams, despite obstacles that we as modern writers rarely face.
RR: That's certainly something to think about. Being a writer has enough challenges as is - imagine if one had to pretend to be male in order to achieve commercial success! I'm very glad times have changed in that respect.
Now that Jane Eyre has released, what can we expect next from you?
SC: What are you working on now and what can we expect next from you? I’ve just finished work on a billionaire story, and I’m planning a return to the Zones nightclub, as well as a trilogy set in Colorado.
RR: Billionaire stories are hot right now. It'll be interesting to see your take on the popular theme. Good luck with your current and future projects, and thank you very much for interviewing with me.
* * * *
Born in Northern England and raised in the Wild West, Sierra Cartwright pens book that are as untamed as the Rockies, Denver, she calls home. As one of the pioneers of Mommy Porn, featuring hot housewives and cougars in MILF and S&M scenes, she has set new standards.She’s an award-winning, multi-published writer who wrote her first book at age nine and hasn’t stopped since. Sierra invites you to share the complex journey of love and desire, of surrender and commitment.Her own journey has taught her that trusting takes guts and courage, and her work is a celebration for everyone who is willing to take that risk. www.sierracartwright.com Connect with Sierra on Twitter: @SierraWrites
One of the world's best loved books, Jane Eyre, is retold with scorching passion…
Mystery, betrayal, scandal, and a love that transcends time…
There was only him...
From the moment Jane Eyre sets eyes on her one and true master, Mr. Rochester, her life is irrevocably changed.
The tall, dark man is an enigma, complex, deep, compelling, frightening, and tempting beyond compare.
This stern, unyielding man brooks no refusal and demands all of what Jane has to offer as he invites her on a journey of the senses that would scandalise society. He demands her abject surrender. In his strong and athletic arms, Jane submits to his darkest desires and discovers hers are every bit as searing, plunging her into a world she never suspected and never wants to escape.
The thrilling and beloved novel is perhaps more relevant today than it ever was. Jane Eyre's struggles to live a life of grand passion, compromising nothing, willing to sacrifice everything for what she believes, resonates with the modern woman's struggles to have it all, to be it all, and to love with uncompromising abandon.
Available both as an ebook and in paperback. Purchase from Amazon or at the TEB store.
Learn more about the Clandestine Classics imprint and all its titles at:
www.clandestineclassics.blogspot.co.uk
RR: The Clandestine Classics imprint has received a lot of media attention. Were you surprised by any of it, and have your feelings toward the Clandestine Classics imprint and / or your edition of Jane Eyre changed?
SC: I was absolutely blown away by the amount of attention this project generated. I was honored to participate, but honestly, Ranae, I was nervous about tackling Jane Eyre. It’s such a beloved story, and trying to stay true to the original while also adding spicy content was a real challenge. I think the Clandestine Classics imprint is interesting. Don’t tell me no one, ever, has wondered what really happened behind closed doors…
RR: I think quite a few readers have wondered, even if some don't care to admit it. ;) Speaking of all the press, do you feel that the media’s portrayal of the CC imprint has been generally accurate, or do you think readers who pick up Jane Eyre will be surprised by its contents?
SC: One of my favorite sketches about CC was on the Jimmie Kimmel show. Kate Beckinsale did a fake excerpt from Moby Dick. It was an absolute scream! I think many members of the press had a ton of fun with this project. And I think that readers who pick up any of the Clandestine Classics, not just Jane Eyre, will be impressed by the quality of writing. The authors themselves love these stories. The publisher, Total-E-Bound is absolutely committed to a quality product.
RR: I remember when the Jimmie Kimmel skit came out. It was one of my favorites too. :) And I think you've brought up a good point. I believe that what many critics of the CC imprint have failed to consider or understand is that the authors (at least, I can speak for myself and I know that you feel the same, as I suspect the others do) love the classics and are fans of the originals, just like everyone else. I know my work on Wuthering Heights was a labor of love, and the TEB staff have put a lot of careful, thoughtful work into the production of the books as well. I also hope and believe that many readers who give CC a try will be pleased and impressed.
As for your CC edition of Jane Eyre, if you had to choose just three words to describe it, what would they be?
SC: Respectful. Scandalous. Long!
RR: I love that the CC books are nice long novels that readers will be able to become totally wrapped up in. As for the writing, how was working on Jane Eyre different from writing your own original books? How was it the same?
SC: I had a level of anxiety about adding scenes to Jane Eyre that is absent in my own writing. Starting with a story that is so rich and compelling was fascinating. I didn’t have to do character charts or graph the major plot points. And I’ve never been able to go to the video store and watch a movie I was going to be re-telling! How was it the same? The late nights, absolute focus on what I was doing, my craving for chocolate and other junk foods, the immersion to the point I have no idea of current events. My world becomes Starbucks and home.
RR: Yes, having access to film re-tellings of the classics has been really special. (It was the perfect excuse for me to re-watch the Tom Hardy version of Wuthering Heights - one of my favorite movies!) And the chocolate cravings ... also totally relatable, for writers and readers alike, I suspect. ;)
Clandestine Classics is a unique publishing imprint built around an unconventional idea, but if you had to say which one of your other books is most similar to Jane Eyre (in any way), which would it be? What are the similarities?
SC: I’d never really be arrogant enough to compare anything I have ever written to the genius of Charlotte Bronte, but Unbound Commitment is among the most emotionally rich stories I’ve ever written. Anytime a heroine loves a hero and has to confront her inner demons and refuses to compromise her ideals in order to earn her happily ever after, I think the read is emotionally satisfying.
RR: That makes sense - one of the things I really love about the Brontë sisters' work is the emotional richness.
As a reader, what’s your favorite (original) classic work of literature?
SC: How can you choose one? Among my favorite reads is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. So rich!
RR: That's one of my favorites as well. :)
Which Jane Eyre character do you personally relate to the most and why?
SC: I wish I were more like Jane! She’s was so brave and uncompromising, despite her love for Mr. Rochester. To leave the comfort and security of her life because of her beliefs is true heroine material.
RR: I couldn't agree more. As for Jane's creator, what do you admire most about Charlotte Brontë (author of the original Jane Eyre)?
SC: I admire Charlotte Brontë’s guts. Maybe she modeled Jane after herself. In order to publish, she took a male pseudonym. I love that she went for her dreams, despite obstacles that we as modern writers rarely face.
RR: That's certainly something to think about. Being a writer has enough challenges as is - imagine if one had to pretend to be male in order to achieve commercial success! I'm very glad times have changed in that respect.
Now that Jane Eyre has released, what can we expect next from you?
SC: What are you working on now and what can we expect next from you? I’ve just finished work on a billionaire story, and I’m planning a return to the Zones nightclub, as well as a trilogy set in Colorado.
RR: Billionaire stories are hot right now. It'll be interesting to see your take on the popular theme. Good luck with your current and future projects, and thank you very much for interviewing with me.
* * * *
Born in Northern England and raised in the Wild West, Sierra Cartwright pens book that are as untamed as the Rockies, Denver, she calls home. As one of the pioneers of Mommy Porn, featuring hot housewives and cougars in MILF and S&M scenes, she has set new standards.She’s an award-winning, multi-published writer who wrote her first book at age nine and hasn’t stopped since. Sierra invites you to share the complex journey of love and desire, of surrender and commitment.Her own journey has taught her that trusting takes guts and courage, and her work is a celebration for everyone who is willing to take that risk. www.sierracartwright.com Connect with Sierra on Twitter: @SierraWrites
One of the world's best loved books, Jane Eyre, is retold with scorching passion…
Mystery, betrayal, scandal, and a love that transcends time…
There was only him...
From the moment Jane Eyre sets eyes on her one and true master, Mr. Rochester, her life is irrevocably changed.
The tall, dark man is an enigma, complex, deep, compelling, frightening, and tempting beyond compare.
This stern, unyielding man brooks no refusal and demands all of what Jane has to offer as he invites her on a journey of the senses that would scandalise society. He demands her abject surrender. In his strong and athletic arms, Jane submits to his darkest desires and discovers hers are every bit as searing, plunging her into a world she never suspected and never wants to escape.
The thrilling and beloved novel is perhaps more relevant today than it ever was. Jane Eyre's struggles to live a life of grand passion, compromising nothing, willing to sacrifice everything for what she believes, resonates with the modern woman's struggles to have it all, to be it all, and to love with uncompromising abandon.
Available both as an ebook and in paperback. Purchase from Amazon or at the TEB store.
Learn more about the Clandestine Classics imprint and all its titles at:
www.clandestineclassics.blogspot.co.uk
September 15, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - A Taste of Honey
Good lord, he was wearing his uniform.
Violet buried a tooth in her lower lip as she peeked around the cabin’s doorframe, watching Ronnie descend from his truck, an irresistible vision in his khaki and green ranger’s uniform. The button-up shirt clung perfectly to his huge, muscular frame, spanning the broadest shoulders she’d ever seen and revealing hints of his bronze biceps. Had they had to order a special size to fit him? He was well over six feet tall and as sturdy as an oak tree. If they had, they’d gotten the measurements perfect.
Thanks for stopping by to check out the first ever sneak-peek at A Taste of Honey. It releases on Friday and I figured a man in uniform was as good a way to introduce it as any. ;)
September 12, 2012
A Taste of Honey Blurb Reveal + Wuthering Heights Cover Reveal & Other News
Usually I reveal blurbs for upcoming books when or around when I reveal the cover art. So, the blurb for A Taste of Honey has been a long time coming. Here it finally is. :)
Love at first sight? Not exactly. Things work a little differently for wolf shifters, though hunky park ranger Ronnie is a dream to look at, especially when he’s in uniform. Violet’s senses have been telling her he’s the one since the first time she caught a hint of his scent. Could she really be destined to be the mate of a bear shifter? Their differences are undeniable, but that hasn’t stopped her from wondering what it would be like to live happily ever after with the drop-dead sexy ranger who also serves as war chief of the Great Smoky Mountains’ resident bear shifter tribe. But bears don’t detect their mates by scent – their methods are scintillatingly personal. Tension simmers, and one thing will either make or break both of their hopes for the future – a taste of honey.
* * * * *
On a related note, Half Moon Shifters Book 1: Lonely Alpha and True Alpha is now available in print! The paperback edition can be ordered online from Amazon and B&N.
And lastly, I've got a cover reveal today! Fresh from my inbox, here's the cover for the ebook edition of Wuthering Heights. (The print cover and ebook cover are different.) Cover art by TEB's wonderful in-house cover artist, Emmy Ellis.
Releasing Oct. 1 in ebook format and Oct. 15 in paperback.
You can read an excerpt from Wuthering Heights here.
And if this is the first time you're hearing about my edition of Wuthering Heights, you may want to check out this post where I gave the inside scoop on the project.
September 8, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - Lonely Alpha
She squinted against the darkness, sighting a familiar face down the barrel of her gun. “You!” It was the guy from the cabin – Mr. Inhospitality himself, hunkered down by her window, glaring at her like she was the one acting crazy. “What are you doing out here?” Her voice came out higher than she would have liked. It was dark outside, but there was enough moonlight for her to recognize his face and – good Lord, he wasn’t wearing a shirt at all this time – the muscles that rippled along his torso, striped with dark hair.
I thought it'd be fun to go back and select six from Lonely Alpha to celebrate the paperback release of Half Moon Shifters Volume 1: Lonely Alpha and True Alpha. Hope you enjoyed. :)
September 6, 2012
The Inside Scoop on Wuthering Heights, My Contribution to the Controversial Clandestine Classics Imprint
You may have already heard of the Clandestine Classics line – lately it’s garnered a lot of media attention, appearing on news programs like CNN and in print papers, plus popping up on just about every online news site you can think of, including Time and Entertainment Weekly. If you haven’t already heard, Clandestine Classics is a publishing imprint by Total-E-Bound, a British publishing house that I have several of my books with.
You’ll recognize many if not all of the Clandestine Classics titles, because the imprint is a collection of classic novels – think Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, among many other beloved authors – infused with erotic romance storylines. My contribution to the imprint is an erotic romance BDSM edition of Wuthering Heights, which you may already have heard of if you’ve been reading the Clandestine Classics articles in the news. It will be releasing on October 1stand will be my fifteenth published erotic romance.
Coming October 1 in ebook and October 15 in paperback
The romantic story of the destruction caused by the frustrated love of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, set against the moors of England, creates a rare blend of violence, beauty and erotic love.
Heathcliff, an orphan, is raised by Mr Earnshaw as one of his own children. Hindley despises him but wild Cathy becomes his constant companion, and he falls deeply in love with her, discovering that he can tame her unruly nature. Their tumultuous but passionate romance is threatened by the Lintons, who are determined to civilize Cathy. She endeavors to be a lady when they are present, but is as wild as ever when they are not – and remains forever untamable by anyone other than her lover, Heathcliff.
When she will not marry him, Heathcliff's terrible vengeance ruins them all-but still his and Cathy's love will not die...
A story of doomed love and revenge with a brilliant new introduction of passion fulfilled.
* * * * *
The imprint is new, and while the extensive media coverage has brought the project a great deal of attention (which is great), most of the media articles have been rather sensationalistic (the descriptive term ‘porn’ has been used quite liberally, which isn’t really any more surprising than it is accurate). I can’t speak for the other Clandestine Classics authors, but here’s the scoop on my version of Wuthering Heights, which I am extremely proud of and excited about.
What it is: My Clandestine Classics edition of Wuthering Heights contains all the original text of Wuthering Heights, plus additions that I made to enhance the romantic plot / Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. The enhancements are woven into the original story in Emily Brontë’s voice so that it blends seamlessly with the original text. Anyone who’s read Wuthering Heights knows it’s absolutely brimming with passion and sexual tension. The aim of my additions is to delve more deeply into that passion and portray a more vivid account of Heathcliff and Cathy’s romance where that passion is fulfilled. Yes, my additions include sex scenes. No, that’s not all they include – not even close. My intent was not to shock with graphic sex, but to capture the spirit of Heathcliff and Cathy’s romance and explore that dimension of the story further.
Why I wrote it: Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite novels of all time. Within a few minutes of being approached about the Clandestine Classics project by Claire, CEO of Total-E-Bound, I’d requested Wuthering Heights and had signed the contract. I’ve been in love with Heathcliff and Cathy’s story since the first time I read it, and had, of course, always imagined more for them. (How could anyone who’s read it not?) There’s not another novel on the face of this planet that I’d rather revisit than Wuthering Heights, and working on it has been a delight. As a devoted fan of the original, it was gratifying for me to create an edition where Heathcliff and Cathy were able to live out their legendary passion more fully.
Why I made it a BDSM romance: As I recently stated, my intent in revisiting Wuthering Heights was to capture the spirit of Heathcliff and Cathy’s romance and to explore that dimension of the story further. It’s my opinion that BDSM practices (such as the bondage and spanking I included) do just that. It was important to me to keep everything in character, and I believe that all the sexual encounters I portrayed are in tune with the dynamics of Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship (which is anything but a typical relationship, as anyone who’s read WH knows). I wouldn’t have included the bondage or spanking if I hadn’t thought it perfectly in tune with the characters; Wuthering Heights is too precious to me to stray away from the true spirit and dynamics of the story. Heathcliff and Cathy are extreme characters who live and die ensnared by an extreme sort of love; I don’t think the sexual practices I’ve written about are overly-extreme for them at all. In fact, I think readers will be surprised by the tenderness of their ‘BDSM’ sexual relationship.
The bottom line: I wrote the erotic romance version of Wuthering Heights for readers who are as captivated by Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship as I am, and who have always dreamed of something more – passion fulfilled – for the couple. For those who are new to my work, I’d like to emphasize that I don’t write erotica – I write erotic romance. There’s quite a difference; the focus of my stories, including Wuthering Heights, is on the romantic relationship between the characters, and all of the sexual content is a result of that and is integral to the development of their relationship, rather than simply being gratuitous. All of my stories are intended to capture the heart, not just titillate, and the intimate scenes they contain are as romantic as they are steamy.
Is it sacrilege to add to a beloved classic like Wuthering Heights? When the original Wuthering Heights debuted it was often condemned. Sadly, it was not always considered a classic or recognized for its brilliance because many people found its content shocking and immoral, and their voices drowned out those who dared to praise it. Today, long after Emily’s death, Wuthering Heights is finally acknowledged for what it is – a timeless work of art. I’m happy to be bringing more attention to one of my favorite books of all time – perhaps some readers will pick up WH and discover Cathy and Heathcliff’s story for the first time. And if others are shocked or offended, that sort of reaction won’t be a first when it comes to Wuthering Heights.
WH is not the prim-and-proper, witty fiction of Emily’s contemporaries, such as Jane Austen. It’s raw, passionate, full of moral depravity (Heathcliff devotes his life to ruining those of several innocent people) and truly wonderful despite it all. My edition of WH is not for everyone, but then, neither was the original when it debuted. The content was so shocking at the time that personally, I feel that if it had been written in modern times, Emily probably would have included descriptive sexual content – after all, she was not one to shy away from the unusual, the boldly passionate or the downright shocking.
For anyone who’s still shocked / outraged that I wove new content, including sex and BDSM into Wuthering Heights : If you’ve read Wuthering Heights, you know that Heathcliff digs up Cathy’s grave years after her death and pries open her coffin to spend time with her corpse (and if you haven’t – surprise!). I really think that passionate sex –spankings included – is quite tame next to that.
Similar works of mine: Wuthering Heights will be available soon from Total-E-Bound’s Clandestine Classics imprint – October 1st as an ebook and October 15th as a paperback. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in steamy, romantic twists on old classics, you might be intrigued by my Sleepy Hollow books. They’re part of an original series that was inspired by the classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Unlike Wuthering Heights, the books are completely my own work, though they contain some familiar names, locations and legends. My M/M/F ménage romance Haunted Passions and its M/M romance prequel Whiskey Dreams will introduce you to Brom Bones, Ichabod (aka John) Crane and Katrina Van Tassel as you’ve probably never imagined them before. And Whiskey Dreams is currently free as an ebook at major retailers such as Amazon, B&N, Apple and All Romance.
September 5, 2012
Where Inspiration Comes From
People often ask me where I get my ideas for my stories. I guess the super-short answer would be 'my subconscious'. I guess the full answer would be something like this...
All of my stories start out as a single scene that takes root in my mind. With Lonely Alpha it was Jack and Mandy together in the woods, shortly after they'd first met, tension, uncertainty and maybe even a little animosity simmering between them. With Haunted Passions it was the opening scene where John is standing some distance outside the farm house, thinking - longingly, agonizingly - of Brom and Katrina inside as he's about to commit suicide. It's sort of like looking at a movie freeze frame, only not quite... I can still see some motion, hear sounds and feel things like the bite of a cold wind and my characters' emotions. And there are somewhat-extraneous details that are suddenly just there in my mind - other elements of the overall story, not just the scene.
For example - I knew that John, Brom and Katrina were equivalents of the three main characters in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the details about their love triangle and John's relationship with Brom.
So my stories don't begin with a character(s), or a plot idea, but with a moment from the story that includes both of those things, and more.
Once one of those 'scenes' comes to life in my mind, the urge to write the story is really strong - like an instinct that tells one to breathe, or eat or drink. Not writing the story would be like going around refusing to scratch a bad itch.
I guess it might sound a little strange that all this info is just suddenly there in my mind, but I think each scene is really the result of something my subconscious has been working on putting together for a while. Then when it's ready, it's makes it's way - often pretty explosively - to the surface of my thoughts. Which is pretty cool, when I think about it - my brain is always working on my next story, even when I don't know it. I don't think I could stop being a writer even if I wanted to.
* * * * *An update: by this time next week, Half Moon Shifters Volume 1: Lonely Alpha and True Alpha will be available in paperback.
Also, I'll be blogging again tomorrow. Normally, I only blog on Wednesdays and Sundays, but I've got a very special reason for an extra post this week. I'd say more but, well... I've also got a reason why I'm waiting 'till tomorrow for the big reveal. See you back here then. ;)
All of my stories start out as a single scene that takes root in my mind. With Lonely Alpha it was Jack and Mandy together in the woods, shortly after they'd first met, tension, uncertainty and maybe even a little animosity simmering between them. With Haunted Passions it was the opening scene where John is standing some distance outside the farm house, thinking - longingly, agonizingly - of Brom and Katrina inside as he's about to commit suicide. It's sort of like looking at a movie freeze frame, only not quite... I can still see some motion, hear sounds and feel things like the bite of a cold wind and my characters' emotions. And there are somewhat-extraneous details that are suddenly just there in my mind - other elements of the overall story, not just the scene.
For example - I knew that John, Brom and Katrina were equivalents of the three main characters in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the details about their love triangle and John's relationship with Brom.
So my stories don't begin with a character(s), or a plot idea, but with a moment from the story that includes both of those things, and more.
Once one of those 'scenes' comes to life in my mind, the urge to write the story is really strong - like an instinct that tells one to breathe, or eat or drink. Not writing the story would be like going around refusing to scratch a bad itch.
I guess it might sound a little strange that all this info is just suddenly there in my mind, but I think each scene is really the result of something my subconscious has been working on putting together for a while. Then when it's ready, it's makes it's way - often pretty explosively - to the surface of my thoughts. Which is pretty cool, when I think about it - my brain is always working on my next story, even when I don't know it. I don't think I could stop being a writer even if I wanted to.
* * * * *An update: by this time next week, Half Moon Shifters Volume 1: Lonely Alpha and True Alpha will be available in paperback.
Also, I'll be blogging again tomorrow. Normally, I only blog on Wednesdays and Sundays, but I've got a very special reason for an extra post this week. I'd say more but, well... I've also got a reason why I'm waiting 'till tomorrow for the big reveal. See you back here then. ;)
