Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 170

Backlist Blurb Day: A TASTE FOR A MATE

I thought it was time to give a shout out to a backlist title of mine, A TASTE FOR A MATE!! Jasper and Willow were my first couple in a full length title and have a special place in my heart!! It's also the first full length novel of the Redwood Pack series!!


A Taste for a Mate Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.
Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.
Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.
 Excerpt:Jasper Jamenson fought himself as he walked into the bakery that morning. This would be the seventh week in a row in which he came here every day but Sunday. And that was only because the damn store was closed. As good as the cinnamon rolls were, and they were little tastes of heaven, it was the woman behind the counter that brought him there every morning.Following a particularly bad night in the forest on a hunt Jasper was pissed and hungry. Another wolf tried to play a dominant game, forcing Jasper to hurt him. The stench of other’s defeat remained on him, only angering Jasper just that much more. The scent of the morning’s freshly baked goods pulled him through the quaint and welcoming door while the slender goddess who served him brought thoughts of a different form of servicing to mind. Slightly above average in height, he would guess about five foot seven; she was the perfect height to settle against his body. For someone who owned and operated a bakery she was as skinny as a rail. However, if he looked close enough he could see the telltale signs curves. He knew that just a little bit of his help and pampering she would gain well-needed cushion but no matter what, she would look amazing underneath him. Long, light brown hair was constantly in a bun on the top of her head. His fingers ached to pull out the pins and watch it tumble down her back. Hazel eyes sought him and begged for his protection. Damn, he was willing.

Find it On:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | KoboPrint version is found in Redwood Pack Vol 1

ENFORCER'S REDEMPTION Chapter 1 and a New Release Date

So guess what? Because of the election and the lovely Voter ID laws, I won't be home on November 6th when ENFORCER'S REDEMPTION should have been released. Rather than make you wait, I pushed up the release date to OCTOBER 30th!!! YEP that means ONE WEEK until the world gets Adam's story!!!!! Make sure you sign up for my newsletter (its the subscribe button on the left of this post) or follow me on Twitter or Facebook so you know when you can purchase it. Squee!!
Also, last month I put up the first Chapter. In case you missed it, here it is! The following is copyrighted please do not cut and past and share. You are more than welcome to share the blog post though. Thanks!

Adam Jamenson watched as Jasper swept Willow around the dance floor, which the family had built outside their den, delight on both of their faces. A sharp and familiar pang pierced his heart, rattled around his ribs, and then settled in his stomach like a rotting, dead weight. He took a swig of his Jack on the rocks, the burn not quite dulling the ache that had haunted him for two decades.God, he missed Anna.He rubbed a hand through his shorn, dark brown hair, trying to release some of the tension he’d felt over the past eight months. Well, if he was honest, it’d been much longer than that, but the intensity had increased dramatically since… No, he couldn’t and wouldn’t think about that.Not again. Not ever.He drained the last of his glass and wondered if he should get up and pour himself another. What he needed right now was to get blinding drunk, but his family was watching him. They were always watching him, and with this being Willow’s birthday party, the Pack was celebrating and trying to be happy. Adam didn’t want to be happy. He wanted to be fucking drunk, that way the feel of the spindly fingers wrapped around his heart in a death grip would dissipate to a dull clench. His body felt on alert at all times, as if, at any moment, something would come in and attack, taking away anything else he thought he had.It wasn’t much, just a jumble of memories that wouldn’t fade away. He was the Enforcer of the Redwood Pack. As such, he felt the threats to the Pack deep in his soul and held the duty to protect his family. Sometimes, though, he felt as if he were failing at every turn.Willow’s laugh brought him out of his gloomy thoughts. She smiled, her face brightening as North took her from Jasper’s arms, and they two-stepped to the change in music. He loved Willow like a sister and would do anything for her. He’d almost taken her into his home when she’d had a falling out with Jasper. She wouldn’t have taken Anna’s place, but maybe her laughter would have warmed up his tomb slightly.Did he even want warmth?“You don’t want that other drink, man,” Maddox grumbled as he took the seat next to Adam without invitation.“Damn it. Stay out of my head.”“You know I don’t read minds.”Adam held back a wince. Of all his brothers, Maddox was the one he did his best to avoid. As the Omega of the Pack, he could feel every emotion from its members, and Adam didn’t want Maddox to be privy to some of his emotions. Or, rather, any of his emotions. He didn’t even want to deal with them himself. But, Maddox knew everything. He’d seen the way Maddox looked after Anna’s…death. He knew too much, and Adam didn’t want to look his brother in his all-too-knowing gaze and see pity…or worse, understanding.No one could understand.He had been the first of his brothers to be mated. He’d met and fallen in love with Anna forty years before. He’d had twenty years with the love of his life and then had lost her and their unborn child. He gripped his glass tighter as the gaping wound bled just a bit more. Now, one by one, his brothers were finding their mates, in Reed’s case two mates. Adam was left to sit back and watch. Alone.He didn’t want to be around to watch the smiles on their faces, see the love radiating from their pores, watch the women grow full and ripe with their children.Children.He closed his eyes, the stinging increasing.He didn’t want to see Finn, Mel and Kade’s son, and Brie, Jasper and Willow’s daughter, toddle and grow up. That was the worst part. The part he couldn’t ignore. They were the physical representations and proof of a mating bond so strong that the Redwoods had a chance of a future. Adam had almost had that once…then the Centrals had taken it away from him.“Tone it down, man. You’re projecting enough emotion right now that everyone else can feel it as well.” Maddox put his hand on Adam’s shoulder, and Adam flinched.“Don’t touch me,” he snapped. God, he sounded like an ass. “Please.”Maddox pulled his hand back, but he didn’t move his gaze. Adam’s gaze traced the jagged scar on the right side of his brother’s face. He didn’t know where he’d received it, but he knew it held more meaning than Adam knew. “Adam, what’s going on?”“Like you don’t know?” Adam growled. “Just leave me the fuck alone.”“Stop lashing out at him, he’s just trying to help,” his wolf pleaded.Adam ignored him. His wolf had failed him when he needed him most. He didn’t want to talk to the constant reminder of why he hadn’t been there for Anna.“No, I won’t leave you the fuck alone. I don’t know what happened, but something’s changed. You were healing, Adam.”Adam snarled and stormed away from the party, ignoring the cautious and concerned looks boring holes into his back. Yeah, let them look at the deranged Enforcer. He was used to that.“Adam, don’t run from it. You’re going to fuck up if you don’t stop this.” Maddox walked behind him, his voice low.Adam stopped and turned, glaring at his younger brother. “What the fuck are you talking about?”Maddox raised his chin, undaunted. “If you don’t reign in those chaotic emotions of yours, you’re going to fuck up, and the Pack will be the ones who pay the price”Adam planted his feet on the ground and put his shoulders back, chest forward, shock radiating through him. “You don’t think I can handle my Enforcer duties?”Maddox shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t think you’d purposely put anyone in harm’s way, but you’re not yourself. What happened when you were away, Adam? You were finally healing, smiling more. Laughing and hanging out with Willow. What changed?”“Nothing.”Maddox frowned, disappointment on his face. “You need to trust someone, Adam.”“I trust my family.” Just not with everything. No, not this.“I just wish it were enough.” Maddox sighed. “I’m here if you need me.”Adam nodded, unable to speak. He loved his family with everything he had…because they were everything he had.“Adam? Maddox? Is everything okay?” Ellie Reyes, the Centrals’ princess and newest Redwood Pack member, came up to them, Maddox’s twin brother, North, on her heels.Maddox stiffened at the duo’s approach, and Adam raised a brow. It looked as though he wasn’t the only one with secrets.“We’re fine,” Maddox grumbled. “Just having a brotherly chat.”North tilted his head. “Anything I should know about?”Adam shook his head. “Nothing. Just dumb shit.”Ellie looked at Maddox, her gaze unwavering. “If you’re sure,” she whispered, the scent of pain radiating off her like a thick blanket.She still hadn’t healed from her lifetime of torture at the hands of her brother, Corbin. Frankly, Adam didn’t think she ever would. Though the female wolf was one of the strongest wolves he’d ever met. People just couldn’t get over some things. Case in point: him.“Let’s get back to the party then,” North said after a few moments of awkward silence. “The folks already are getting antsy over the fact that you guys walked out. I don’t want to make them think something was up.” He said the last part as an unspoken question, but neither Maddox nor Adam bothered to answer him.North sighed, sadness on his face for a moment before he schooled his features into the pleasant expression he always carried. “Shall we?” He held out an arm for Ellie, and she took it with one last look toward him and Maddox.“We should go back, as well. I don’t want to disappoint Mom and Dad,” Maddox said, his body tense.“Fine. Plus, we haven’t seen Willow open her presents yet. God forbid we miss that,” Adam said, a small smile threatening to form.Maddox grinned full out. “I swear those women and their presents, but I think Finn and Brie will be the ones to open them. You know how much they like getting into things.”Adam smiled and walked back to the party with his brother, ignoring the pangs again. He’d never see his child grow up to break into presents. Never watch Anna celebrate another birthday with a smile on her face.He’d lost his chance at happiness. He didn’t want another.

****

Bay Milton rubbed her eyes and looked at her GPS again. This was right, wasn’t it? She pulled over to the side of the road, not wanting to veer off and get into a wreck because she wasn’t paying attention. She pressed the top bottom on the screen to look at the next set of turns and frowned. Yep, she was going the right way, but it looked like she was out in the middle of nowhere.On the other hand, it seemed like a perfect place to hide a werewolf den. It wasn’t as if she could just input “Redwood Pack den” into the search function and hit go. No, she’d had to quietly ask around to find the coordinates.Then, of course, she could feel the other wolves.But, that was something she didn’t want to think about quite yet.Bay sighed, her body aching and radiating with tension. She looked out her window, hoping to see something confirming what she was about to do was a good idea. The tall trees seemed to reach up to the sky, touching the heavens but casting a shadow on the road in front of her.Poetic justice at its best.“What am I doing here?” she whispered to herself. She’d been doing fine on her own for so long she didn’t need or want to rely on others, but this time it was different. This time she could taste the danger on her tongue, like a heavy metallic film she couldn’t swallow.As much as she wanted to turn back, she couldn’t. They would find her. Though she didn’t know who they were, she had a feeling. Dread threatened to choke her, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm her shaking body. It wouldn’t do her any good to have a heart attack on the side of the road. No, she was a werewolf, dammit; she’d be fine. She just had to get through the next few hours, and she’d be fine.Well, as fine as she could be in her situation.Bay took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and pulled onto the road again. She could do this. She could. She’d been on the road for five days, taking the long way from Southern California to Northern Washington. She’d backtracked a couple of times and gone in circles to lose any tails she might have. She wasn’t sure if whoever wanted to cause her harm was actually following her, but they’d come eventually. She didn’t want any harm to come to the people she was about to ask—no, beg—for help, nor did she want to get hurt herself.That final thought might have long since proven futile. The Redwoods might shut their doors to her and leave her on her own. Or they’d take her in, and she’d have to be in the one place she didn’t want to be.With him.She choked back a sob and made another turn. She needed to get a handle on her emotions before she got there. As it was, the Alpha might be able to tell she was coming soon. Only her special abilities had kept her escape from being discovered for this long. She had to find him. He’d help her. He had to. If not…well, she didn’t want to think about that. Damn it. She didn’t want to see him, rely on him. She didn’t want to look into those green eyes again and remember. The place at her neck thrummed, her body aching, but not only because of her long car ride anymore.Damn. As much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn’t. Well, that wasn’t the only evidence…but that was another story altogether.She took another turn and bit her lip as she felt the sentries posted at the gates to the den. Humans couldn’t see the den, nor could they feel its presence. In fact, the warding caused humans to want to veer away from the den altogether. But she wasn’t a human; she was Pack. The Redwoods just didn’t know it yet.The sentries, who had been visually hidden by their stealth, crept from the shadows, their eyes glowing gold with aggression, but confusion marred their faces. She couldn’t blame them. Her wolf felt like Pack to them, but they’d never laid eyes on her. She pulled the car to a stop, rolled down her window, and held her hand out in a sign of peace.“How can we help you, miss?” A tall man with gray eyes and brown hair came to her window, his posture on alert, ready to deal with her at any moment.“I need to see the Jamensons.” She couldn’t state her true purpose, just like she couldn’t name the real person she needed to see. The name wouldn’t form on her tongue.“Your name?”“Bay Milton.” As soon as she said it, she held back a wince. There was no hiding her identity now. She should have given a false name, but she hadn’t thought ahead that far. Damn. The sentry would relay the information, and they might not let her in. But there was no turning back. She needed them. She might have grown up a lone wolf, but she’d become Pack in truth if it meant protection when she needed it most.“Why do you need to see them?” He gave her a pointed look, and she met his gaze. She might be a lone wolf, but she was more powerful than either of them. Her wolf growled, but she held it back. No need to antagonize the poor wolf. The sentry ducked his gaze and cleared his throat. He looked over the hood of her car at the other sentry, who gave a slight nod.“The Alpha has let you through, but be warned, you harm our Pack, we’ll take you out, even if you do smell like Pack.”She nodded, grateful that her scent had at least raised curiosity in the Alpha so she could be let through. One hurdle down, just a few more to go to find her fate.Bay drove along the winding roads, knowing she wasn’t alone. No, other sentries would follow her path and watch her. She was okay with that. She didn’t want to cause harm to anyone here; she just needed help. She held back the bile that threatened to rise. She didn’t like asking for help, practically never did it. But just this once, she’d let her pride die and beg if she had to. She pulled up to what she assumed was the center of the den and parked. In the distance, it looked as if a party was going on. People were dancing and laughing. Children were playing, giggling when the adults tickled them or tossed them in the air. She clenched her jaw, forcing any tears that threatened to come to hold the pain back. She had to be tough, cool, collected for this. If she broke down and acted as if she were a helpless weakling, she wouldn’t earn their respect and maybe their protection. She might not have grown up with wolves, but she at least knew that much about them.She sat in the car and watched as three men prowled toward her, their power radiating off them in waves. They had to be part of the Jamenson family, though she knew there were probably others hidden in the shadows, their eyes on her.The center one must be Edward, the Alpha. She’d done her research. He looked the same age as his sons but looked every bit the Alpha with his power and grace. His hair was cut short, and neat. His green eyes pierced her as she sat in her car, waiting for them to give permission to get out. He wasn’t as big as the two sons who flanked him, but he was still a force to be reckoned with. To Edward’s left was a man who looked just like him, but the man had longer hair. Bay let her wolf come to the surface so she could taste his power, the energy of leadership and protection washing over her. This must be Kade, the Heir and next in line to be Alpha.Bay forced her gaze to Edwards’s right and held back a gasp.Adam.It had been so long since she’d seen him; eight months to be exact. He was taller than the other two, at least six-five, and built. She swallowed, hard. She’d seen every inch of him. Licked it, too. His hands were fisted at his sides as he strode to her. She looked into his eyes and suppressed a shudder.Such hatred.Oh, yes, he remembered. He just didn’t want to. Well, too damn bad; he’d have to get over it for just a little while. This was about more than the two of them and a night they’d shared.“Well, get out of the car, Bay Milton,” Edward ordered. “You can tell us just how you came to have the scent of the Pack when I’ve never felt you before.”Steeling herself, she opened the door, grabbed onto the sides, and then hoisted herself to a standing position. She closed the door, put a hand on her aching back, then the other on the very noticeable bump protruding from her stomach.Kade and Edward gasped, but she had eyes for only Adam. He paled but didn’t say anything. Bay forced herself not to shake or, worse, throw up, and opened her mouth. “Hello, Adam, I’m glad I found you. We have to talk.”

Introducing the Cooper Brothers

Introducing the Cooper Brothers
I love starting a new series and finding a new family to love—particularly when that family includes five hunky, independent, swoon-worthy men. Uh huh, I’m talking about the Cooper brothers. You’ll meet each of these boys—no, men—in my Holiday, Montana series. What is my Holiday, Montana series you ask? Well, in the small Montana town of Holiday, the myths of our holiday memories aren’t that of fiction. Yep, make believe is real and the Cooper brothers are right in the middle. Throughout the series, you’ll meet witches, elves, cupids, leprechauns, and well…a bit more. You’ll just have to read and see.But what I really want to do here is let y’all know about the Cooper brothers. These handsome men are as tight a crew as any brethren and only have themselves to depend on. I thought I’d introduce you to them now and you can meet them more in their own books in the Holiday, Montana series.

MattMatt Cooper is the hero of Charmed Spirits and is the youngest of them all at thirty. He owns the hardware store in town and as a teenager was in love with Jordan Cross—the town witch and outcast. He’s loved her all this time, yet he thought he’d long lost that. He’s a laid back guy, always there for those who need him. Some may even call him a Beta, but only where it counts. Because believe me, and Jordan, he’s Alpha when it’s needed. He also has a secret or two, but I’m not telling.





JustinJustin Cooper is school principal and ex-bad boy of the Cooper clan. He's also the hero of Santa's Executive. He’s always been the one that did what he wanted, when he wanted. But after an accident as a teen, he changed gears a bit and now cares more about others than himself. He may just need to meet someone else to help him realize that he’s more than just the ex-bad boy and has something more to give than just his time.






TylerTyler Cooper is the town sheriff and ladies’ man. He may be the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, but he’s up front about it. He’s not callous in his attentions, but the ladies that may fall for him knew the score to begin with. Though there may be a woman in town that could change all that, he’s sworn to protect the town rather than his heart.





BraydenBrayden Cooper is the town mechanic and the quiet one of the family. Though he’ll laugh and joke with his brothers, no one really knows quite who he is. He is, however, the man who will always be there for anyone. Especially a certain single-mother who is in desperate need of help.









JacksonJackson Cooper is the town dentist and has the worst temper of the bunch. No one really knows why he’s so angry, but there has to be a reason. Plus, even though the evidence is mounting in the town that magic exists, it still seems like nonsense to him. Magic can’t exist in his opinion, because if it did….things would have been different.









Well, those are my Cooper men. What do y’all think? I hope you guys get a chance to meet these men in their own books. Each book will be coming out for each holiday from now until June. So not only will the magic happen, you’ll get to meet the Coopers quickly. I hope you guys get a chance to enjoy the first book, Charmed Spirits, as well. Thank you so much!! 
Charmed SpiritsHoliday, Montana Book 1
Jordan Cross has returned to Holiday, Montana after eleven long years to clear out her late aunt’s house, put it on the market, and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Soon, she finds herself facing the town that turned its back on her because she was different. Because being labeled a witch in a small town didn’t earn her many friends...especially when it wasn't a lie.
Matt Cooper has lived in Holiday his whole life. He's perfectly content being a bachelor alongside his four single brothers in a very small town. After all, the only woman he'd ever loved ran out on him without a goodbye. But now Jordan’s back and just as bewitching as ever. Can they rekindle their romance with a town set against them?
Warning: Contains an intelligent, sexy witch with an attitude and drop-dead gorgeous man who likes to work with his hands, holds a secret that might scare someone, and really, really, likes table tops for certain activities. Enough said.
Find it On: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  ARe   Find it in Print Here:eStore | Amazon 

Alpha Males - YUM!

Why is it I love Alpha Males? Am I weak? Oh, heck no! I love the way that Alpha Males elude their power, their sex, their determination. Everything. That's hot to me. Hence the guy in flames above, right? *wink* Alpha Males are the ones who send shivers down readers spines. They're the ones that learn venerability is okay--eventual. They're the ones that are so damn protective you want to thrash them, but then realize that they probably did it for a reason. I love reading Alpha Males because they are the ones that draw me in. They are the reason I want to read. Well, one of them anyway. *wink* Here is one Alpha Male that I love and don't forget to scroll down for the contests.
Charmed Spirits - Holiday Montana Book 1
Jordan Cross has returned to Holiday, Montana after eleven long years to clear out her late aunt’s house, put it on the market, and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Soon, she finds herself facing the town that turned its back on her because she was different. Because being labeled a witch in a small town didn’t earn her many friends...especially when it wasn't a lie.Matt Cooper has lived in Holiday his whole life. He's perfectly content being a bachelor alongside his four single brothers in a very small town. After all, the only woman he'd ever loved ran out on him without a goodbye. But now Jordan’s back and just as bewitching as ever. Can they rekindle their romance with a town set against them?Warning: Contains an intelligent, sexy witch with an attitude and drop-dead gorgeous man who likes to work with his hands, holds a secret that might scare someone, and really, really, likes table tops for certain activities. Enough said. Find it On: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | Kobo
Find it in Print Here: eStore | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
My blog prize is a SWAG PACK with books, pins, and bookmarks. We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
What do you need to do to enter? Follow the Rafflecopter below! THANK YOU and we hope you find your own sexy, Alpha Male.


And to find all the other awesome places to hop and enter to win the grand prizes, go to the following link: http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/ a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday Tales: Kristina Knight & a Giveaway

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hey, Carrie Ann and readers! I'm Kristina and I'm so happy to be hanging out with you all today! I'm a happily married Virgo who regularly cheats on her family with the characters in her head…so far the family has been forgiving.
Tell us a bit about your book.
The Saint's Devilish Deal is my second book with Crimson Romance and it's a reunion story – one of my favorite stories to write! Santiago (Saint) and Esmerelda (Esme) grew up together and fell in love, but bad things happened. He left her, she turned herself inside out…Now, they're back in Puerto Vallarta at the same time stirring up those old feelings…
Is this part of a series?
Not at this time, although I never count out linked books. Sometimes those secondary characters have a way of coming back!
What was your favorite part?
My favorite part of this book were the days Santiago blackmailed Esme into spending with him. He's a very bad boy – just the kind I like!
Why did you choose to write romance?
Because I love happy endings. Life is hard enough; sometimes we just need an escape, sometimes we need to know that good things can happen. I read a quote once that went something like 'fairy tales don't tell children dragons exist, they tell children that dragons can be defeated'. I think it's the same for romance – romance novels don't tell us happily ever after exists, they show us how to embrace the happily ever after in our own lives.
Do you ever have any conversations in your head with your characters? If so, can you give us a hint of what you might talk about?
all the time! We argue about past issues, we talk about their favorite things. It really depends on the character. I try to have the conversations when I'm alone, but I'm embarrassed to say our mailman has caught me talking to them more than once…I think he has a mental hospital on speed dial for me. lol
Rate your story in terms of steaminess
Well, they do take a hot bath together and that gets a little steamy…and the book is set in Puerto Vallarta which is always steamy. One a scale on 1-5, I'd give it a 4.
What are you reading right now?
A Game of Vows by Maisey Yates – love how she works character and conflict together!
I know this is like asking who is your favorite child, who is your favorite romance author (s)?
Nora Roberts. She does things with characters that just awe me. Plus she writes, like 500 books a year. You have to admire a woman with that kind of productivity!
What is your favorite romance book or series?
Love, love, love, love the Arcane Society series by Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle. I love how she writes one book from each mini-series as one of her pseudonyms and then connects the series through her other pen names. So much fun!!!
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*
Ah, yaaah! Westley from The Princess Bride. He could tell me 'as you wish' once a day for the rest of our lives and I wouldn't complain. However, if he tried picnicking in the Fire Swamp, I might object…
Boxers or Briefs?
boxer briefs, please
Chocolate or Vanilla?
 chocolate, dark with a bit of sea salt
Do you have a special piece of clothing you wear when you write?
Ha! No. Although I do own a feather boa…if it wasn't so fluttery I'd totally wear that!
What is next for you?
My second Texas book is coming out in December – What a Texas Girl Needs is linked to my debut, What a Texas Girl Wants, and continues the saga of the Witte family in Texas. I'm very excited for this book – it's been such fun to write!
What were your first impressions of each other?
Santiago: That this little imp of a girl was going to ruin my summer vacation! She was seven and just wanted to follow my and my friends around the beach all the time. Esmerelda: That I was going to marry him. I always was a smart cookie.
What are your favorite parts about each other?
Santiago: I love Esme's drive, her loyalty and her body. Esmerelda: Saint is funny without trying to be, he's loyal and protective…but I think what I like best about him is that he makes me try things I wouldn't normally do. He brings me out of my shell.
What’s next for you?
Santiago: A life on the beach, of course! Esme: I'd like to see how he steams up a ski resort…I think we may head for Colorado or Wyoming and try some indoor sports…


Kristina's question for the readers: What is your favorite type of romance – reunion stories, friends-to-lovers, mistaken identity, etc.?Giveaway: One lucky commenter will receive a copy of my debut, What a Texas Girl Wants
Book Blurb for The Saint's Devilish Deal: Esmerelda Quinn has been looking for a place to belong since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young. The closest thing to home has always been Aunt Constance's villa in Puerto Vallarta, so after a string of dead-end hotellier jobs, she's coming home to run the villa.
Santiago Cruz has called the villa home for as long as he can remember. In between surfing events, Constance has always had a room for him. Color him surprised when Constance decides to retire - and leaves a joint interest in the villa to both Santiago and Esme.
Esme isn't thrilled to share ownership of the villa with the the youngest Cruz brother - especially when she learns Santiago's brother has been after the villa for years. But Santiago has grown up while she's been away at school and soon she finds herself falling for the rich boy down the hall.
Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Saints-Devilish-Deal-ebook/dp/B0096D6WFE/ref=la_B0081LO6DM_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349205407&sr=1-2iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-saints-devilish-deal/id559862469?mt=11B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kristina-knight

Writer Wednesday: Gabrielle Bisset & a Fall Fling Giveaway

Thank you, Carrie Ann, for having me here to celebrate the release of the third book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Spirit! And the celebration doesn't stop until the last day of October. All month the Blood Spirit/Sons of Navarus Paranormal Fall Fling giveaway has weekly prizes along with grand prizes of gift cards, ebooks, and cool Sons of Navarus swag at the end of the fling. Be sure to keep reading after the post for details on how to enter!
I thought it would be nice to let my heroine take the reins today, so without further ado, here's Ilona from Blood Spirit.
Thanks, Gabrielle!  Hi everyone!  My name is Ilona, and I'm the heroine in Gabrielle's book, Blood Spirit. It feels weird saying that since to me I'm just Ilona, or at least I used to be. But since I met Terek that night just a short time ago, I've found myself involved with a lot of stuff I never really knew existed.
I guess I should tell you a little about myself. I'm a vampire. I'd always known they existed. I mean, everyone knows that. I just didn't ever think I would be one. My sire is a vampire named Terek, who is also the man I'm madly in love with. He's everything I've ever wanted...tall, dark, drop dead gorgeous, and powerful...oh, I guess I got a little off track there.
I can tell you there's a lot of trouble brewing in the vampire world. I'm new to this, but it seems that the Archons, the law and order vamps, want to take over everything. They're already doing things that are pretty awful. I don't want to give anything away, but Terek and the other vampires he knows are going to do everything possible to make sure the Archons don't succeed.
When Gabrielle told me she wanted me to come here and talk about my role in Blood Spirit, all I could do was smile. You see, my role for most of the book is giving that incredible man of mine a hard time. I didn't want to fall for him. I didn't want to be a vampire at all. It was very hard for me to accept who I was, but Terek never let me give up. Now that I look back on all that, I realize what a fool I was. I mean, have you seen him?  I must have been crazy!

Well, all I can say is thank God I came to my senses before one of the thousands of female vampires who call him sire figured out what makes him tick. When you read our story, you'll see what I mean. I guess sometimes you can't see all the good that's right in front of you.
Here's a sample of my being difficult with that incredible man. What on Earth was I thinking?
Terek held his wrist to her lips and waited for a sign that he hadn't been too late. Seconds grew to minutes but finally she opened her eyes and looked up at him in the darkness. As a new vampire, she wouldn't be able to see him, but he saw her. "Remain still." Reaching for a match, he lit a candle on the nightstand next to the bed. In the pale light, he was struck by the frightened look on her face, and he reached out to tenderly caress her cheek, as any good sire would for one of his vampires."Where am I?" she asked as she flinched from his touch."My home. What's your name?""Am I still in Cocentaina?" she asked as she sat up quickly, immediately falling back onto the bed."Remain still. You're not ready to move yet. What's your name?"For the second time, she didn't answer his question, and Terek wondered if she could be in shock from the attack. He didn't want to upset her, but he needed to know her name. Carefully, he listened to her thoughts but heard nothing.Finally, she whispered, "Ilona.""Ilona, I'm Terek. Do you remember what happened?"Brown eyes stared up at him, wide with fear as tears welled up in them. "No...yes..." Her hand reached for her neck. "What did you do to me?"She attempted to roll away from him, but Terek held her fast to the bed. Eyes that had just been so full of fear flashed rage at him. "Let go of me! What have you done to me?"Never before had one of his vampires looked at him as if he were a villain. "I've done nothing to harm you. You asked for my help, and I gave it willingly.""You've made me a monster.""No, not a monster. Vampire."Tears rolled down her cheeks as Ilona sobbed uncontrollably. "Vampire! No!"Terek brought his wrist to his mouth and pierced his skin. Holding his arm near her mouth, he watched her anger turn again to horror. "Ilona, take from me. This is who you are."Closing her eyes, she shook her head. "I may not have chosen you, but I'm your sire now. I won't let anything or anyone harm you, Ilona. I promise."
Thanks again to Carrie Ann for having me here today with Ilona, and I hope readers will stop over at my blog to enter the Paranormal Fall Fling giveaway. There are weekly prizes and grand prizes at the end of the fling with gift cards, ebooks, and cool Sons of Navarus swag. Visit http://gbisset.blogspot.com/p/paranormal-fall-fling.htmlto enter!
Blood Spirit Buy Links:Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Spirit-Sons-Navarus-ebook/dp/B009AAS27Y/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-spirit-gabrielle-bisset/1112881838

The Alpha Male Hop is Coming!

What is your favorite thing about Alpha Heroes? Well, we authors are ready to share our favorite Alpha Males, our favorite things about them, and everything sexy and heated about those Alpha Males you can think of. *wink* Starting on Friday and ending on Oct 22nd, over 200 Authors and Bloggers will share their favorite things about those sexy men we know and love.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!


Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

Manic Monday Updates: October Edition

Happy Monday!!! It's been a whirlwind month but I'm finally getting the breathing room I need! Yes, I realize it's mid-month, but I had a tough two weeks LOL! Releases are coming monthly for awhile meaning you guys get more books from me and I get to stress out more...wait, that seems odd! I had a release early this month with CHARMED SPIRITS and it made 3 Amazon bestseller lists as well as 3 ARe bestseller lists. Thank you!!!

Waiting for:
Cover for BLURRED EXPECTATIONS (Redwood Pack 4.5). This is an after the HEA novella featuring Hannah, Josh, and Reed. I can't WAIT to see what Scott comes up with for the cover.Edits for BLURRED EXPECTATIONS. I just turned them in, but it's a shortie (16k) so it should take too long.Working on:
Edits for SANTA'S EXECUTIVE (Holiday, Montana book 2). I just got these so I'll be diving in soon.Tour goodies for the next month release of ENFORCER'S REDEMPTION (Redwood Pack book 4)Writing:
Finding Abigail (Holiday, Montana 3). This is my baby at the moment and I'm digging in.Her Warriors' Three Wishes (Dante's Circle 2.) Because I'm crazy apparently and Ambrose needs his story!Other:
With all these releases coming up every month and without the ability to do pre-orders, the best way to know when you can buy my books, like ADAM's story next month, is to sign up for my newsletter. Click HERE if you'd like to!

Until next month!!!

My BookShelf: Return to the Sea by Rebecca Royce

I'm rereading a book today and thought I'd share. What are y'all reading today?

Return to the Sea by Rebecca Royce

The clock is ticking for Laneigh. Banished from the ocean ten years earlier, Laneigh is shocked to discover all the Mer people living on dry land die within a decade of leaving the sea. With her life ending, she boards a cruise ship, intent on challenging the Mer who destroyed her life. She doesn't expect him to save her—but she has a request she is desperate he honor.

Hearing Laneigh’s name on the wind, Sylarus, son of the Mer king, is powerless to stop himself from seeing her. Defying his father’s edict, he rushes to meet the woman he’s desired his whole life. But when he learns of her impending death, something shifts deep inside Sylarus. He cannot—will not—let her die.

Sylarus and Laneigh face tremendous odds to be together. In the end, they will either change Mer society forever or perish in the attempt. Can true love forgive after a decade of betrayals?[image error]

Fresh Friday Reads: A Little Bit of Most

What have you read this week? I picked up the new contemporaries for a couple authors I love, plus a steampunk from an author I adore.

Skies of Steel - Zoe Archer

In the world of The Ether Chronicles, the Mechanical War rages on, and appearances are almost always deceiving . . . 

The prim professor
Daphne Carlisle may be a scholar, but she's far more comfortable out in the field than lost in a stack of books. Still, when her parents are kidnapped by a notorious warlord, she knows she'll need more than quick thinking if she is to reach them in time. Daphne's only hope for getting across enemy territory is an airship powered and navigated by Mikhail Denisov, a rogue Man O' War who is as seductive as he is untrustworthy.

The jaded mercenary
Mikhail will do anything for the right price, and he's certain he has this mission—and Daphne—figured out: a simple job and a beautiful but sheltered Englishwoman. But as they traverse the skies above the Mediterranean and Arabia, Mikhail learns the fight ahead is anything but simple, and his lovely passenger is not entirely what she seems. The only thing Mikhail is certain of is their shared desire—both unexpected and dangerous.


Fearless Love - Meg Benjamin

Sweet music doesn’t come without a few sour notes.

MG Carmody never figured her musical dreams would crash against the reality of Nashville. Now the only thing she has going for her is her late grandfather’s chicken farm, which comes with molting hens that won’t lay, one irascible rooster, and a huge mortgage held by a ruthless opponent—her Great Aunt Nedda. 

With fewer eggs to sell, MG needs extra money, fast. Even if it means carving out time for a job as a prep cook at The Rose—and resisting her attraction to its sexy head chef. 

Joe LeBlanc has problems of his own. He’s got a kitchen full of temperamental cooks—one of whom is a sneak thief—a demanding cooking competition to prepare for, and an attraction to MG that could easily boil over into something tasty. If he could figure out the cause of the shy beauty’s lack of self confidence. 

In Joe’s arms, MG’s heart begins to find its voice. But between kitchen thieves, performance anxiety, saucy saboteurs, greedy relatives, and one very pissed-off rooster, the chances of them ever making sweet music are looking slimmer by the day. 

Warning: Contains hot kitchen sex, cool Americana music, foodie hysteria, and a whole lot of fowl play.


All He ever Desired - Shannon Stacey


A second shot at first love

After college, Ryan Kowalski decided to leave Whitford, Maine, rather than watch Lauren Carpenter marry another man. Now his siblings need his help to refurbish the family-owned Northern Star Lodge and he's forced to face the past sooner rather than later when he collars a vandal—and learns the boy is Lauren's son…

The last person Lauren needs back in her life is Ryan Kowalski. With a bitter ex-husband and a moody teenage son, she has enough man trouble already. But her son needs to learn a few lessons about right and wrong, even if Lauren has to escort him to Ryan's door every day to work off his crime.

With all this close contact, Ryan and Lauren can't deny the chemistry between them is as powerful as ever. But can a few searing kisses erase their past and pave the way for a second chance at true love?