Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 177

Fresh Friday Reads: Vampires, Doctors, Hybrids, Wolves, and Oh My!

Yay! I'm back! I'm writing up a storm and enjoying my release of Dust of My Wings!  I've read a few amazing books this week! It was a great release week for many authors so tell me what you've bought!


Lady is the Vamp by Lynsay Sands

One late night leads to . . .

Kidnapped When Jeanne Louise Argeneau left work, she never thought she'd end up tied down by a good-looking mortal. More attracted than annoyed, she quickly realizes there is more to her abductor than meets the eye.

One desperate act leads to . . .

Love? Paul Jones has need of a vampire, and only Jeanne Louise will do. He just has to convince this beauty of a Vamp to help him . . . never imagining that he would fall in love. But with the immortal world's answer to law enforcement hunting them, their time together is running out . . . and Paul and Jeanne Louise will need to risk everything to spend an eternity together.

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews 

Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...


All Summer Long by Susan Mallery 

Can a summer fling turn into love that lasts a lifetime? Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous...assets.

Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family-yet she can't move toward the future while she's haunted by painful memories.

Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer?

Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he's done some growing up-making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can't buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcé e Kendra Shepherd. 

Kendra's quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most-a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can't get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.




Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…

Simply Voracious by Kate Pearce

Though Paul St. Clare’s experiences at the House of Pleasure have made him an expert at pleasing women, he is convinced he will never marry. That is, until his favorite relative, Lucinda St Clare, is abandoned by a vile seducer and asks Paul to save her reputation and marry her.

Lucinda is happy to settle for a marriage in name only with her best friend. But Paul vows to find her a man who can sexually satisfy her. Lieutenant-Colonel Constantine Delinsky is intrigued by Paul’s invitation to meet his new wife, and more than willing to engage in an affair. As passion deepens and Lucinda’s first lover threatens to expose the marriage as a sham, all three discover how much they will sacrifice to stay together…



Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it. 

Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game—a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries—than she ever has before. In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies, and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who’ve set their sights on her and her friends. 

All the world’s a stage, and Kitty’s just stepped into the spotlight.

Jasper Needs You and a Dust of My Wings Tour

It's the Hottest Hero Contest on All Romance ebooks and my Jasper needs your votes! Jasper Jamenson from A Taste for a Mate is in Round 1 Pair 12 and needs your votes to have him move on! I appreciate everything and thank you so much!!
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest.html


I'm on three places today and of course giving away goodies for you. Thank you so much for stopping by everyday, we ALL appreciate it!


First, I'm on Bodice Ripper Novels in a Q&A about me and Dust of My Wings where I'm giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a necklace, and a swag Pack!http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/qa-with-paranormal-author-carrie-ann-ryan-author-of-dust-of-my-wings-with-giveaway/

The House of Millar interviews me and wants to get down with the nitty gritty. I'm also giving away a swag pack. :-)http://apmassie.com/interview-with-paranormal-author-carrie-ann-ryan-author-of-dust-of-my-wings/
Over on Patrica Green's I'm talking about writing those *ahem* naughty scenes. *wink* I'm also giving away a swag pack. http://patriciagreenbooks.com/2012/08/02/guest-celebrity-carrie-ann-ryan/

Thursday Tales: Stacey Brutger

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.Thank you for having me over! I live in a small town in Minnesota with my husband and assortment of animals. When I’m not reading, I enjoy creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures…then shoving in my characters to see how they’d survive.
But I wasn’t always a reader. I actually had trouble reading until grade school when I was forced to struggle through a book for class. And fell in love with all the wonderful worlds between the covers. I haven’t stopped reading since.
Tell us a bit about your book.My latest book is called The Demon Within. I started writing it before demons and angels became popular and revised it for years. I did a lot of research for the book and loved twisting the myths and lore to fit my story. I tried to think of the worst obstacles for my characters. And what’s worse than a half-demon looking for a cure and the fallen angel that’s standing in her way, seeking his own redemption?
Is this part of a series?Yes, called The PeaceKeeper Series. I have three books for this series written, but the last two are in dire need of edits before they are ready for the world. Each book contains different myths and different obstacles to overcome before the characters find what they never knew they wanted.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?Actually, the hardest part is finding the time to write! I work full time, so it’s hard to balance work, chores, cooking, writing and sleeping. Usually, one suffers. Mostly the cleaning and sleeping. lol
What was your favorite part?I love writing, I even love editing and improving my writing, but my favorite is being able to just turn off the outside world and create whole new worlds and adventures for my characters. Researching is a close second. Who wouldn’t love to research about mythical creatures and think of dangerous hoops to make your sexy-as-sin hero survive just to be with the heroine?
Rate your story in terms of steaminess Both characters are deeply wounded people who know nothing of love. They battle with themselves and each other before they finally admit to any feelings, but it’s a slow journey. As they finally succumb to their emotions, one taste, one touch is not near enough.
Who is your favorite romance author?I don’t have just one favorite, but what makes an author an auto-buy for me is their ability to sweep me up in the characters adventure. Make me feel for your characters, and I’m yours.
What is your favorite romance book or series?I have about 15 series or so that I will buy until the end, but they all have a few things in common: Honor, loyalty and bravery. I love a heroine being able to bring a warrior to his knees with a crook of her little finger. Give me a wounded, tortured warrior and you have me hooked.
Boxers or Briefs?Briefs all the way…although I did see some very sexy boxer briefs. Can’t go wrong with them, either.
What is next for you?I’m working on my next paranormal romance called BloodSworn. Long dead magic, forbidden love, and the people who would do anything to make sure that neither survive.
These questions are for your main charactersWhat were your first impressions of each other?Caly: (Caly gives a little secretive smile) The first time I saw him was as a statue. I thought he was the perfect man. Then he had to wake and start talking. Ruman: Trouble. (The heat in Ruman’s eyes when he looks at Caly is scorching.) And I was right.
What are your favorite parts about each other?Ruman: Her willingness to give anything and everything for those she loves without question. I wanted that for myself, and exploited her every weakness to make her fall in love with me.Caly: Besides being sexy, stubborn, ruthless, and too damn irresistible for his own good? (Caly ducks her head a little.) That he thinks I’m the most important person in the world and isn’t afraid to show it.
What’s next for you?Caly: To protect the innocent from demons.Ruman: (He links his fingers with Caly’s in a way that makes her blush.) To protect Caly with everything I have.
   Blurb:As a punishment for failing his duty as an angel, Ruman finds himself encased in stone in the form of a guardian statue. Every few decades he is given a chance to repent. And fails. Until the totally unsuitable Caly Sawyer accidentally brings him back to life. Nothing is going to prevent him from gaining his freedom, especially some willfully stubborn human determined to kill him.
Caly doesn’t trust the mysterious stranger who came out of nowhere and risked his life for hers. As a demon hunter, she knows there is something not quite human about the sexy bastard. Her ability to detect demons is infallible. She should know. She used to be one.
War is brewing between demons and humans. The demon infection that Caly had always considered a curse might just be the key to their survival...if Ruman can keep her alive long enough. Despite the volatile attraction between her and her sexy protector, Caly’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep everyone alive. The more Ruman learns about his beautiful charge, the more he questions his duty and loyalty...and dreads the call to return home. If they can’t learn to trust each other in time, one of them will die. 


Excerpt:(First meeting with the hero)Caly met the open-eyed stare of the stone man, forever captured in time. Caly’s lips parted, and her breath stuttered out of her mouth.There was a God.The man — and from her view kneeling on the moss covered ground, he was most definitely a man — was absolutely gorgeous. Not in the normal sense, not by Hollywood standards. Prominent cheekbones, a full, sharp nose and a strong jaw kept his face from being too feminine.Desire twisted through her. A deep yearning tightened her chest, and a bubble of hope swelled. This was a man she could depend on to not let her down. When she looked at him, the chaos inside that defined most of her life settled. She felt normal.Then reality crashed over her. Desire for a damn statue. How ironic she could be attracted to stone when living men left her cold. But here, in the middle of nowhere, she found a man who turned her on like nobody else, and he wasn’t real. It was enough to make a grown girl cry. Little details filtered into her brain, and a thrill of excitement thrummed under her skin. The answers she sought about her condition were stuck in the past; she only had to uncover the clues. Since they’ve landed, he was the first concrete hint something was off. This was why she came here. What quieted her protests against the mission. All for the chance to learn if there was a possibility for her to be fully human again and finally destroy the demon infection that had taken root and flourished in her body. Every day, it ate away her humanity. Relished the fighting a bit too much. Each time the darkness opened up in her, the more she wondered why she fought it at all.The mission forgotten, Caly took her time to catalog the odd details. The statue wasn’t what she’d come to expect from this region. Instead of native garb, the grey stone man had chiseled, close fitted pants. Two inch carved straps crisscrossed his chest, appearing to almost dig into the stone. His long hair, wild with waves, was tied back from his face. Her fingers twitched to run her hands over him. Though his complexion was tinged green with age, the fierce expression drew her gaze instead of repelling her. The turn of his lips was anything but sensual, yet their fullness made her think of sex and what a man could do with a mouth like his. Strong shoulders led down to a lean, sculptured chest. His open shirt did little to disguise his physique. The statue shouldn’t have impressed her, but it was as if the stone called to her. A streak of light filtered through the canopy, wavered a moment then illuminated him like an offering. Something just for her. She had to curl her fingers into a fist to resist touching him. As she watched, she swore his chest moved to breathe. It took a physical effort to pull her gaze away and longer to tuck away the desire to stake claim.



Buy Links:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-demon-within-stacey-brutger/1111890697?ean=2940014649421
http://amzn.com/B008G3N60Y
How to reach me:www.StaceyBrutger.com/bloghttp://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7765468-stacey-brutger
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darknessinside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~




Stacey is giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to a commenter who leaves their email address!

Writer Wednesday: Ella Jade

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Thanks so much for having me.My name is Ella Jade and I’m an erotic, contemporary romance author. I’ve been writing all of my life. The plots and dialog have always played out in my head, but I never knew what to do with them. That all changed when I discovered the eBooks industry.I reside in NJ with my husband and two boys. I’m a full-time writer and stay at home mom. I’m also the VP of the PTO… I know, right? lol
Tell us a bit about your book.Make Me Stay is a BDSM romance. It’s a story of second chances and finding a way to make the crazy work.
Here’s the blurb… Can the sub teach the Dom to play?
Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other.

Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship.

Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a "Master" who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she's back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him.

But after hearing all that she's experienced, Cade now wonders if he's dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be?
Content Warning: graphic sex, BDSM themes
http://beachwalkpress.com/make-me-stay/

Is this part of a series?
Yes, I’m working on the second book now. It’s called Surrender to Me and will feature a character we meet in Make Me Stay.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?

Believe it or not, the hardest part is writing the steamy scenes. Isn’t that strange coming from an erotic fiction author? I often leave those scenes until the end of the chapter. I like to get all the emotion and dialog written first before jumping into bed with my characters.
What was your favorite part? The emotional connection between Cade and Gracie was my favorite part to write. These two have history and I liked bring that into the present.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess
 5 – Bring plenty of Tequila because this enchilada is hawt!
Who is your favorite romance author? Nora Roberts
What is your favorite romance book or series?
Ms. Roberts has so many that I adore but one of my faves is the Stanislaski Series.
Boxers or Briefs?
Boxers
What is next for you?
I’m finishing up Surrender to Me as far as WIP’s. I have two novels releasing in September and November.
What were your first impressions of each other?
Gracie – I thought Cade was the sexiest man I’d ever seen. He was dominant to the very core and I loved that about him even if he didn’t want me to.
Cade – I thought Gracie was far too young and innocent for me. She proved me wrong on so many levels. She was always meant for me. I’m glad she knew it.

What are your favorite parts about each other?
Gracie – How much Cade loves and wants to protect me. He would do anything for me. He has the biggest heart.
Cade – Gracie’s trust in me leaves me speechless. She never doubts my plans for us and she loves me unconditionally.
What’s next for you?
Thanks to Ella, we live happily ever after and make an appearance in Surrender to Me.




GIVEAWAY
I’d love to give away an eBook copy of Make Me Stay. So, if I’ve piqued your interest with Cade and Gracie, please leave me a comment and I’ll chose one commenter to receive my newest novella.Thanks so much. I love making new friends so come connect with me at http://ellajadeauthor.weebly.com/ EllaGet Lost in my words…

Jasper Needs Your Votes!

It's the Hottest Hero Contest on All Romance ebooks and my Jasper needs your votes! Jasper Jamenson from A Taste for a Mate is in Round 1 Pair 12 and needs your votes to have him move on! I appreciate everything and thank you so much!!
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest.html

Dust of my Wings Blog Tour Day 6

Hi Y'all!! I'm on two places today and of course, giving away prizes because I can't help myself. I'd love for you to join me! Thank you so much!
First, I'm on Reviews By Molly is a fantastic 5/5 Book Review. I'm am so blessed and thankful. Plus, because she's part of the Goddess Fish Tour, we're giving away an angel wing necklace, a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and a swag Pack!http://reviewsbymolly.com/goddess-fish-blog-tour-review-dust-of-my-wings-by-carrie-ann-ryan/
Secondly, I'm on Gabrielle Bisset's where I got to sit down with Shade and Lily and do a character interview! We're giving away a special swag pack too!http://gbisset.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-carrie-ann-ryan-guest-post.html?zx=9df19d6d147b0d3e

Dust of My Wings Blog Tour Day 5

I'm all over the place next month and would LOVE for you to join me!
First, I'm on Star-Crossed Romance talking about What Makes Your Hero Worthy. I'm giving away a special prize pack with a Dust of My Wings Wrist Band so come on over!http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/2012/07/guest-carrie-ann-ryan.html
Secondly, I'm on Books are Magic talking about why I love reading, writing, and falling into stories. I'm giving away a swag pack, a $25 Amazon Gift Card and an angel wing necklace!http://vidya-booksaremagic.blogspot.in/2012/07/guest-post-25-gift-card-and-necklace.html

Dust of My Wings Blog Tour

I'm in an interview over on Rosanna Leo's today! I'm talking about Dust of My Wings, my plotting addiction, and the reason I won't eat syrup anymore! Plus there's a giveaway. *winks*
http://rosannaleo.blogspot.com/2012/07/carrie-ann-ryan-visitswith-giveaway.html?zx=e735e3a505ba86bd

A Hero's Blog Hop: DUST OF MY WINGS

It's another blog hop! Yay! Welcome! So what are we here for? Well, the heroes of course! What do we love about them? You’re sitting on your couch, panting, reaching for a glass of water to cool your aching throat, as you turn to the next page. Your hero walks through the scene’s door, eyeing the crowd. You bite your lip as he fists his hands in frustration and glares at his foe. His muscles bulging under his tight T-shirt, his legs encased in form-fitting jeans.
Of course, this man is a fictional character and you’re getting worked up and begging for chocolate over him. But who cares right? That man is yours for the 350 or so pages and you only have to share him with the heroine. Or the other hero, or two or three more heroes depending on your tastes. And we all know we love a wide array of romance. That’s what makes this field so amazing.

My newest hero, Shade, is a warrior angel who is sexy, strong, and so alpha I love him. He'll do whatever he can to protect his people, and the love of his life, Lily. 
Dust of My Wings – Dante’s Circle Book 1 Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.Shade Griffin is a warrior sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.


Find it On: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe  Now, about that contest....If you comment on this blog you're entered in FOUR giveaways. First, my giveaway, a $25 Amazon Gift Card and Swag Pack. The others are listed below. Now to enter, follow the rafflecopter rules. :-) 




 Over 100 Authors and Bloggers are sharing their favorite things about romance heroes, a character post from them, and what we love about romance and men in general.
And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 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 100 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!




To find the others, click the link below to see the list!http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/p/heros-blog-hop-hop.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dust of My Wings Blog Tour

I'm on Krystal Shannon's today for Faboulous Author Friday with an interview anda  giveaway!! Come on by and say hi!
http://krystalshannan.blogspot.com/2012/07/fabulous-author-friday-carrie-ann-ryan.html?zx=ecce6f174816fd9



Find Dust of My Wings On:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe