Nona Raines's Blog, page 38

Guest blogs, Giveaways, and Interviews, Oh MY!

Hi there folks,

Just a quick note letting everyone know that I'm all over the internet this week.

I have a guest blog and giveaway at the Bootheel Cotton Patch  - come comment to win a FREE copy of An Affair Across Times Square (the post has the cover for Spicy with a Side of Cranberry Sauce, but it's really for Times Square) - the contest will run through Friday, so tell all your erotic romance loving friends!

I'm also being featured on Kacey's Konnections - Check that out for excerpts from both Spicy with a Side of Cranberry Sauce and An Affair Across Times Square. 

And I was interviewed over at Books N Kisses - Because you know you're DYING to learn more about Rachell Nichole. :-p

Thanks,

~Rach

Lesbian Love, anyone?

Hello folks,

Welcome to a special segment this week - not WIP it Wednesday, but a post about my latest release, Queen of Hearts. 

This was my first foray into same-sex romance, and it was great fun! Maya and Erica came to me one early morning as I thought of doing a Valentine's Day story. I hadn't planned on writing this novella, or on writing any lesbian love, not that I was opposed to it or anything, but I really mostly only read and write hetero love. So this one kind of took me by surprise, and what a wild ride it was! 

Writing all about girls was very cool in a lot of ways. I could really get inside Maya's and Erica's heads and craft them from the inside out. I used a new character technique to build these two - astrological signs and personality traits. 

But let me tell you, those sex scenes were crazy! No man? None? It made writing the scenes very difficult, and it also sometimes maybe made me think I was missing parts of the anatomies... but I wasn't. And in the end I LOVED writing this book. It was sexy, romantic, heart-felt and enjoyable to write. I hope you feel the same when you read it. 


After a one-night stand, fate keeps throwing Maya and Erica together. Astrology says they're compatible, but neither woman is sure. 

The book is on sale through this weekend for only 99 cents! 


Amazon: http://amzn.to/VdWejFSmashwords: http://bit.ly/YftYl9Barnes & Noble : http://bit.ly/10cUqaU

Enjoy! 

~Rach

Six Sentence Sunday with Danica

            Fun news! New release, ABOVE THE LAW, finished No. 14 in the Romance Category at Predators & Editors contest. Yay!
Weird weather for Six Sentence Sunday. Nearly forty degrees yesterday, wind howling. Sunny today, wind still hammering the house (wouldn't be surprised to lose power or wi-fi today), but supposed to drop to around zero. Had to trick the dogs into going out this morning -- when the wind caught the back door and ripped it out of my hand, they looked at me like I was a crazy person! For comfortable warmth, enjoy a snippet from our boys in ALOHA MAN:With the Hawaiian's warm skin so close, Zachariah inhaled the spicy island scent that was so much part of Kamaka, held it in until he was forced to exhale. He closed his eyes, aware of the thick ridge of Kamaka's arousal against his belly. Kamaka rubbed his cheek against Zach's, first one side, then the other. Barely touching. Not pushy, not offering anything else, not even a kiss. Just there. Available.* * * * *Danica St. Como www.DanicaStComo.com  www.SophiaRoslyn.com  

Five Reasons We Love #Alpha #Romance Heroes

     Hi, everyone!  I recently began reading my first Kristen Ashley book (I know, I know, what took me so long?). The hero of  Motorcycle Man  is Tack, and he is the alpha male to end all alphas. Super-alpha. Uber-alpha.The Alpha-meister. He cusses, he's a biker, he's a total stud and totally HAWT. It's his way or the highway. He pisses heroine Tyra off, but all the same she melts for him. I've got to admit I feel a little melty just reading about him.
     What is it about these "I'm the boss" guys in romance fiction? We modern women would most likely run from them in real life (how can you have a relationship with someone who won't compromise?) but in fiction we salivate for them. They're the stuff of total fantasy. Today in my Five for Friday segment, I want to explore some reasons why that may be. These are only my opinions—yours may be different.                                                                                             1.    An alpha male is awesome in bed.
Let's not kid ourselves. This guy is sexy! He knows what he's about in the bedroom, and he wants his partner to be just as eager as he is. With him a woman can be just as greedy as she wants sexually and her alpha guy won't look down his nose at her for not being "a lady".
2.    An alpha male knows what he wants.
He's not wishy-washy and indecisive. He takes the pressure off a woman. Let's face it, in real life we women have plenty of duties between work and home and family responsibilities. It's fun to fantasize about letting someone else take charge so we can just relax and let someone else worry about it all.
3.    An alpha male protects his woman.
It can be a rough world for a woman. We're subject to insult, harassment and assault. An alpha male doesn't let anyone hurt the woman he cares for. Oh, he might hurt her thoughtlessly, speak to her sharply or do something she disapproves of. But if anyone else crosses the line with her, he puts them in their place, pronto. A woman with an alpha male at her side can feel safe.
4.    An alpha male is possessive.
When an in-charge guy wants a woman, he doesn't vacillate. He lets her know, lets everyone know that she belongs to him. He's not ashamed of that. What woman doesn't dream of a man being so proud of her that he wants the whole world to know that she's his? Talk about an ego-boost!

5.    An alpha male's woman comes first with him.
In the real world, there are so many things that demand our time and concentration: our jobs, families, social and civic obligations. Men and women get busy, harried, tired. It's hard for us ordinary people to find time for romance. In romance fiction, the details of everyday life don't exist. The alpha male hero, whether he's a corporate CEO,  a Navy SEAL, or an international spy, is never too busy to take care of his woman. She's his priority, first, last and always. Ah, romance!

As I said, these opinions are strictly my own. Why do youthink readers love alpha male heroes? Do you have a favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

#WIP it Wednesday is BACK!

Hi there, 

Welcome back to WIP it Wednesday! I haven't done this series in a few weeks for a bunch of various reasons, but today it's back and I have a special treat for you. I'll be talking about my WIP that is in its very late stages: Queen of Hearts which will be ON SALE later this week! This is my first venture into self-publishing and it's been a wild ride! I couldn't have done it without Jessica Lewis of Author's Life Saver or Marissa Dobson of Sizzling PR. So thank you ladies. 


And now onto my WIP... 


Maya Cobb is a classic Gemini. She’s adaptable, affectionate, versatile, intelligent, cunning, and she holds a deep-seated fear of commitment. Which means she’s the perfect match for Aquarius Erica. Erica Jones, also true to her astrological sign, is friendly, honest, loyal, inventive, fiercely independent, contrary, unemotional, and detached. She hasn’t found a satisfying relationship in ages, and is ready to give up on love, even though she runs a dating service.
After a one night stand, fate keeps throwing them together in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Maya offers to help Erica plan the Queen of Hearts Matchmaking event, though she doesn’t know much about dating women. Erica quickly realizes that while Maya bolted after their first night, she might be the only hope Erica has to save her business.
Astrology says they’re compatible, but neither woman can be sure.



This book was so much fun to write and also very challenging. Writing same-sex erotic romance posed problems I hadn't anticipated. :-) 
And now for an excerpt from Chapter One ... 
January 25th – three weeks to Valentine’s Day“Has the prospect of being alone this Valentine’s Day got you down?” Maya Cobb cringed and resisted the urge to punch the perky red-headed actress on the television. But she couldn’t seem to pry her gaze from the beautiful pale skin and smattering of freckles, or the dark peach lips. “This year, I’ve got something special in store for you. Come to a V-Day mixer at Luc’s on Second Street, featuring the proven matchmaking skills from the Queen of Hearts herself. Cocktails, prizes, excitement, and more. For all the details, please visit our site at QoHMatchmaking.com.” The website flashed across the bottom of the screen in bright red letters as the actress spoke. Maya’s gaze stayed glued to the screen until the last of the hearts floated away and a new commercial began. And damn if she didn’t have the urge to open her laptop and go surfing for the site. Was that the same dating site Jake had been nagging her to join? She thought it sounded familiar, but she couldn’t be sure until she asked him. Didn’t matter, she realized as she opened the site. LGBTQ Dating, the Right Way, the header read. She closed the website, disgusted she’d actually gone and looked. Was she so desperate she’d consider joining a dating site? So what if it had worked out for Jake. It wouldn’t work for her and she knew it. Besides, she hadn’t dated girls since college, so, Jake’s pestering aside, she wasn’t going back down that road again. If her last few boyfriends had been jealous jerks, the women she’d been with in school made these guys look like Prince Charmings. Women could be crazy. She didn’t need that kind of drama in her life. Not anymore. Besides, she wasn’t looking for Happily Ever After. And that seemed to be what Queen of Hearts was offering. Looked like she’d be spending Valentine’s Day alone again.

Rach's Blog Tour Schedule: 1/14/13 - 1/18/13

Morning y'all!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks I tell ya. I spent six exhausting, wonderful days in Pennsylvania at Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction Residency! I am now the proud owner of a Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction. I spent a good portion of the weekend sleeping, but now it's time to get back to work!

This will be my first full week of the day job in a month! Probably going to be a bit crazy. And I am guest blogging all over the place this week! Check it out:

Today (1-14) I will be at Tory Michael's blog talking about one of my favorite subjects - ME! :-p Actually, I'm really not that narcissistic, but it's a good interview. So if you're dying to know more about Rach, come on by!

Tomorrow (1-15) I will be at Decadent Decisions - W. Lynn Chantale's blog. She and I interviewed Amy Easton, the heroine of Spicy with a Side of Cranberry Sauce - the holiday book that keeps on giving year-round! Come see what Amy has to say. I will also be awarding a FREE copy of Spicy with a Side of Cranberry Sauce to one lucky commenter on this blog.

Wednesday (1-16) I'll be at A Passion for Romance - Krista Ames's blog. She interviewed Tyler Lachlan, the hero of An Affair Across Times Square - book one in the Marietta Hotels series. See why I fell in love with Tyler and you should too! A free copy of An Affair Across Times Square will be awarded to a lucky commenter on this blog as well! (see how awesome I am giving away copies of my books!?)

And finally (for this week) on Thursday (1-17) I will be guest blogging at the Bootheel Cotton Patch. I'll be talking about using astrology to build Amy and Mason's characters - so this is a bit craft, a bit insight into the book. Come see what it's all about!


I'll have another round of dates next week, so stay tuned!


~Rach

Six Sentence Sunday with Danica

Catch up with the Divas' own Six Sentence Sunday!

BLADE DANCE combines hot menage a trois romance with major crimes unit investigation as a serial murderer terrorizes sleepy upstate farming communities. Who's next on the killer's list?

From Danica St. Como's upcoming novella, BLADE DANCE, soon to be released by Decadent Publishing:
 Wallis directed her doe-eyes at Austin. She knew he was the easier target, always the first to fold. He was such a sweet, easygoing man, her soft-spoken Texan. Michael, Chicago born, was usually the hard sell. “C’mon, guys. Show me what you can do. Please, please, please?”  Danica St. Como
www.DanicaStComo.com
www.SophiaRoslyn.com

Five Awesome #Gay #Erotic #Romances

EDIT 1/13/13--It's been brought to my attention that some of the stories that I earlier categorized as "Gay for You" really aren't. For example, Hard as Teak is actually a Coming Out story. Jessie's Girl and Widows Weeds might also fall into this category. My apologies. It was not my intention to miscategorize any of these titles. I've changed the title of this post as well as my intro.

ANOTHER EDIT 1/13/13--I've really gotten myself into a tangle here. I've now realized that Rough, Raw and Ready might be considered more of a menage romance than a gay romance. Oh, the hell with it! These are all really good erotic romances that broadminded folks will enjoy.  


Today, in my Five for Friday segment, I want to focus on some gay erotic romances that I've enjoyed.
Above the Law by Danica St. Como Of course I have to start with my fellow Diva's book, in light of the fact that this, her newest release, has been nominated for Best Romance Novel in the Preditors and Editors Poll! (If you haven't voted yet, please do so here .) Above the Law features security consultant Glennon Garrett, a tough as nails former military man, who's been married and widowed, and as the book opens is in the midst of a hot affair with game warden Abigail.  He's not someone who remotely considers himself gay. But when Deputy Joe enters the picture, the twosome of Glennon and Abigail becomes a threesome. Joe's feelings for Abigail are strictly friendship, but he realizes he's falling hard for Glennon. Glennon's feelings are complicated as he deals with guilt from the past.  Things get downright dangerous for all three when they're threatened by a mysterious psychopath.  This story has plenty of romance and angst as well as HAWT sexy MMF and MM scenes.     Rough, Raw and Ready by Lorelei James Trevor and Edgard, the heroes of this book, first appeared in secondary roles in Lorelei James's earlier erotic romance Long Hard Ride, where their relationship was in full swing. Trevor was basically a man-whore who'd never been with another man besides Edgard. When RR&R takes up, the men have broken up and Trevor is now married to Chassie, who has no idea about the man from his past. When Ed shows up at their ranch, Trevor realizes how much he still cares for him. But he loves his wife, too. When Chassie finds the two men kissing, she's shocked and heartbroken. But after some thought, she decides "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." She's not willing to give up her husband. This leads to plenty of scorching MMF loving and as time goes on, Chassie and Edgard become more than sexual partners –their feelings develop toward each other as well. But of course things can't go smoothly as family troubles to tear the three of them apart. This being Lorelei James, there's plenty of realistic, gritty details about ranch life and lots of studly cowboys—be still my heart.
Hard as Teak by Margie Church Kevin is a photographer who feels in a rut professionally and in his love life as well. Although his girlfriend Chiyo is a gorgeous woman any man would seemingly want, Kevin's just not feeling it. He goes off to clear his mind and search his soul at a cabin in the woods where he meets Teak. Teak is bisexual, handsome as sin, and Kevin is immediately attracted. Is this what he's been missing all along? He and Teak become friends, then lovers. The sex is awesome, but it's much more than that for Kevin and Teak. But this little idyll in the woods can't last forever. Kevin has his gallery at home, not to mention his faithful girlfriend. Was this just an episode in his life or meant to be something more? Lovers of MM romance will find plenty to enjoy in this story.
Jessie's Girl by Amber ScottJessie meets her brother Kyle's girlfriend Sabrina and falls hard. They share an intimate evening, but the next day Sabrina's gone and Jessie's heart is broken. Six years later, Sabrina engaged to another man, but has never forgotten Jessie. When the two women meet accidentally, both of them are thrown into emotional turmoil. With Sabrina's wedding only weeks away, will she follow her heart and go after Jessie? Will Jessie let down her guard enough to risk being hurt again? And how will Jessie deal with the fact that she's not the only one still carrying a torch for Sabrina? This is a very enjoyable sweet and sexy FF romance.
Widow's Weeds by Beth WilliamsonVeronica has been a widow for five years and is still in mourning for the man she loved. Everything in her life seems dreary and dull, like the black garments she wears. The only bright spots in her life are her two friends and her bowling. Her friends even got her to sign up for a doubles bowling tournament. Veronica finds herself teamed up with Patrice, a lively, fun-loving "pixie" with a penchant for colorful clothes. Patrice is openly gay, but Veronica is shocked by the feelings she's experiencing for her new teammate. She's always lived a very sedate life and has never done anything the least bit scandalous. Still, the heart wants what it wants, and the two women fall in love. But Veronica may not be brave enough to face social and family disapproval when their relationship comes to light.
What gay romances have you enjoyed? Please share your recommendations!
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

Five Awesome #Gay For You #Erotic #Romances

"Gay for You" romances are those same sex love stories wherein one or both of the participants never previously identified as gay, or had homosexual experiences. The characters are often caught by surprise to find themselves attracted to someone of the same sex.  Today, in my Five for Friday segment, I want to focus on some great reads that feature this trope.
Above the Law by Danica St. Como Of course I have to start with my fellow Diva's book, in light of the fact that this, her newest release, has been nominated for Best Romance Novel in the Preditors and Editors Poll! (If you haven't voted yet, please do so here .) Above the Law features security consultant Glennon Garrett, a tough as nails former military man, who's been married and widowed, and as the book opens is in the midst of a hot affair with game warden Abigail.  He's not someone who remotely considers himself gay. But when Deputy Joe enters the picture, the twosome of Glennon and Abigail becomes a threesome. Joe's feelings for Abigail are strictly friendship, but he realizes he's falling hard for Glennon. Glennon's feelings are complicated as he deals with guilt from the past.  Things get downright dangerous for all three when they're threatened by a mysterious psychopath.  This story has plenty of romance and angst as well as HAWT sexy MMF and MM scenes.     Rough, Raw and Ready by Lorelei James Trevor and Edgard, the heroes of this book, first appeared in secondary roles in Lorelei James's earlier erotic romance Long Hard Ride, where their relationship was in full swing. Trevor was basically a man-whore who'd never been with another man besides Edgard. When RR&R takes up, the men have broken up and Trevor is now married to Chassie, who has no idea about the man from his past. When Ed shows up at their ranch, Trevor realizes how much he still cares for him. But he loves his wife, too. When Chassie finds the two men kissing, she's shocked and heartbroken. But after some thought, she decides "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." She's not willing to give up her husband. This leads to plenty of scorching MMF loving and as time goes on, Chassie and Edgard become more than sexual partners –their feelings develop toward each other as well. But of course things can't go smoothly as family troubles to tear the three of them apart. This being Lorelei James, there's plenty of realistic, gritty details about ranch life and lots of studly cowboys—be still my heart.
Hard as Teak by Margie Church Kevin is a photographer who feels in a rut professionally and in his love life as well. Although his girlfriend Chiyo is a gorgeous woman any man would seemingly want, Kevin's just not feeling it. He goes off to clear his mind and search his soul at a cabin in the woods where he meets Teak. Teak is bisexual, handsome as sin, and Kevin is immediately attracted. Is this what he's been missing all along? He and Teak become friends, then lovers. The sex is awesome, but it's much more than that for Kevin and Teak. But this little idyll in the woods can't last forever. Kevin has his gallery at home, not to mention his faithful girlfriend. Was this just an episode in his life or meant to be something more? Lovers of MM romance will find plenty to enjoy in this story.
Jessie's Girl by Amber ScottJessie meets her brother Kyle's girlfriend Sabrina and falls hard. They share an intimate evening, but the next day Sabrina's gone and Jessie's heart is broken. Six years later, Sabrina engaged to another man, but has never forgotten Jessie. When the two women meet accidentally, both of them are thrown into emotional turmoil. With Sabrina's wedding only weeks away, will she follow her heart and go after Jessie? Will Jessie let down her guard enough to risk being hurt again? And how will Jessie deal with the fact that she's not the only one still carrying a torch for Sabrina? This is a very enjoyable sweet and sexy FF romance.
Widow's Weeds by Beth WilliamsonVeronica has been a widow for five years and is still in mourning for the man she loved. Everything in her life seems dreary and dull, like the black garments she wears. The only bright spots in her life are her two friends and her bowling. Her friends even got her to sign up for a doubles bowling tournament. Veronica finds herself teamed up with Patrice, a lively, fun-loving "pixie" with a penchant for colorful clothes. Patrice is openly gay, but Veronica is shocked by the feelings she's experiencing for her new teammate. She's always lived a very sedate life and has never done anything the least bit scandalous. Still, the heart wants what it wants, and the two women fall in love. But Veronica may not be brave enough to face social and family disapproval when their relationship comes to light.
What "Gay For You" romances have you enjoyed? Please share your recommendations!
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

Review: Eternity by Kim Carmichael

Hi folks,

Welcome back to the Diva's blog. I have a special look at a hot short erotic romance, Eternity by Kim Carmichael.


Therin Athan faces a choice…eternal salvation or eternal damnation. 
After centuries of pining away for a love never realized, Therin's last assignment as a Cupid depends on helping the lonely, shy Lucy Carlton.  The mission's success or failure will determine where he is transferred.  He can study the heavens or be condemned to hell.
Lucy Carlton spent her life searching the stars for answers, but finds them in the form of a gorgeous man who comes in her dreams.  Therin shows her the joys of physical pleasure and encourages her to try to find love.  She wakes with a new found confidence, but soon her timid nature takes over and she retreats back to the comfort of her home…alone.
With only a week to decide his fate, Therin breaks every rule.  What starts as a job to save himself, becomes a love that can never be…except maybe in eternity.


And here's an excerpt from the book: 
Dream, fantasy, illusion or vision, Lucy Carlton didn't care as long as it continued. Though her mind was foggy, deep in her conscious she had no doubt this experience was not real.
Only in her visions did the man she dreamed about appear in bed with her. His voice was soft and low, vibrating through her, and awakening her already ragged nerve endings.
Once he kissed her, she didn't care if she was hallucinating. All she wanted was one night with a man who could make the ache go away. Have a little time with someone focused on her, not be alone, and be connected to another.
When he said his name, she knew that person had to be Therin.
She moved to her back, needing to feel his weight on top of her, and make him as real as possible. Messy black shoulder-length hair framed his sculpted face, with silver eyes, made even more realistic by a bit of stubble and a body she would never be able wrap her arms around no matter how hard she tried. This was the man, the one she saw only in her dreams, because only her dreams could produce this man in bed with her.
His kisses turned hard, all-encompassing. They demanded she keep up, and it was all she could do to stay lucid enough to learn from his instruction.
Her body wanted to do something else. It wanted her to lean back and lap up Therin's unwavering attention. He roused every part of her, making her ache. She'd never got this far with a man. Never had another body against hers, never assessed such magnificent muscles under her fingertips, never felt any evidence a man wanted her.


Rach's Review: Four out of Five Divas
This was a really good short read. A cupid falls in love! This was a sweet, sexy story right from the first page. Lucy can't trust that any man would want her. She's shy and can't seem to bring herself to climax, no matter how hard she tries. Enter Therin, a cupid who's been burned by love and doesn't believe in it, despite his occupation. He's dying for a new assignment. Their time is limited and his fate is in Lucy's hands. If she falls in love, he'll be saved. If she fails to move forward her potential office romance, she's dooming Therin to eternal damnation. Despite its shortness, this book still had a lot of character depth. I would have loved a little more back story and meat in the story, but for a one-sitting read, it was a delight. 
Enjoy! 

Kim will be awarding a variety of prizes to randomly drawn commenters during the tour and this contest is open internationally.

There are necklaces and e-books of Hands on Me, a Kim Carmichael Tote Bag, a set of vintage Harlequin romance books, as well as three pieces of Kim Carmichael Skin Care. Also, autographed cover flats will be awarded at every stop.
Follow the rest of the tour here. 
Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her need for graphic sex scenes and love of happy endings inspired her to create her own.  She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep her all her gadgets running.  When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.
Website   http://www.kimcarmichaelnovels.com/Fa...  https://www.facebook.com/kimcarmichae...  https://twitter.com/KimCarmichael4www...