Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 180

Fresh Friday Reads: Vampires, Cowboys, Handcuffs, and Strong Characters

So, tell me. What have you read this week? Below is the list of new releases I bought this week and last week since it was a large release day and I was busy doing hops all last week! I'm having such a fun time LOL. Let me know if there are any I missed that I should read. And as always, share the page so others can see if they'd like anything to read! Love y'all!






Once Burned - Jeaniene Frost


I love Vlad. Okay, so Spade is my favorite hero of all time. Of. All. Time. But Vlad is coming up on Spade on my list. I really liked Leila, she wasn't an annoyingly strong heroine who doesn't listen to anyone but herself. She actually listened and was kick-ass, a quality that I find rare and love. This book doesn't have an HEA because it's part of a two book series, however I knew that going in. Plus its all from Leila's POV so we don't know what Vlad is thinking, that's the only thing I wish had changed. However, Jeaniene does such a freaking amazing job that I didn't even notice the lack of Vlad's thoughts after like two pages. So yes, this series is a keeper and yum!

She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Echoes at Dawn - Maya Banks


So Maya Banks is freaking awesome. LOL. The first book in this series was my favorite book of 2011 and this book is just as good. I mean, I love vulnerable heroines who are stronger than they look and military men who are just the right amount of Alpha. I don't usually like military romance because I grew up military and it's hard to get into a romance mindset with me, but I love Maya Banks' world.

Grace Peterson is desperate, in hiding, and on the run after escaping a shadowy group determined to exploit her extraordinary ability to heal others. Her only lifeline - an unerring telepathic ability she shares with her sister - has been severed, leaving her alone and vulnerable. And time is fast running out...

Enlisted to bring Grace home is Rio, relentless member of the KGI. He's unprepared for his reaction to this wounded, damaged woman, and he's fiercely determined to protect her from those who nearly destroyed her. In Rio, she finds a safe haven, and for the first time...hope. But the mission is far from over. The danger Grace has eluded is fast closing in. And now it's pitching two lovers toward an unfamiliar horizon, with no place left to hide.

Kissin' Tell - Lorelei James


So I'm pretty sure that nobody does erotic western romance like Lorelei James. I love cowboys and I love her. Just saying. This series is getting so big that the world building is almost on the paranormal scale in it's detail. Georgia is a decent heroine who I connected with and Tell is just perfect in an imperfect way. I can't wait to read more!

She once led him around by a string. Now he’s the one holding the reins.

Georgia Hotchkiss swore wild horses couldn’t drag her back to Sundance, Wyoming. So it’s ironic she’s forced to take a rodeo PR job in her former hometown—right before her ten-year class reunion. The only thing worse than facing her cheating ex-husband and his pregnant wife? Showing up to the reunion without a date. Fate smiles on her when she runs into her former classmate and current cowboy hottie Tell McKay. With his infectious smile and fun-loving ways—not to mention his banging body—he’s the perfect solution to her problem.

Tell McKay had it so bad for Hot Lips Hotchkiss during high school that he let her run roughshod over him. But he is no longer that easily manipulated boy—these days he’s earned a reputation with the ladies that lives up to the McKay last name. He agrees to escort her to the reunion with one stipulation; that Georgia proves she has left behind the goody-goody cheerleader of the past—by sharing his bed.

Their sexual chemistry flashes so bright, they barely notice that the reunion has come and gone, and now they’re tangled up in another dreaded “R” word—relationship. But if Tell wants to get the girl this go-around, he’ll have to come up with a whole new set of knots to tie up her heartstrings.


At Last - Jill Shalvis


I want Matt. Yep. There, I said it. Jill Shalvis' worlds are so cute and worth taking an afternoon off to enjoy in the sun. I mean,  I just wanted to site around lazily and read. Amy was a bit secretive but I grew to love her and Matt was so freaking supportive that it really was a great book. I can't wait for the next one!

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . . 
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

Night Seeker - Yasmine Galenorn

I want to have Yasmine Galenorn's world building skills when I grow up. I don't usually like UF b/c I like happy endings in every book, but I don't care about that with Yasmine's worlds. She is SO in depth and creative, that I don't care that the heroine and hero might not end up together for awhile if ever. Cicely is such a strong heroine and lives up to her mistakes that I fall right into her mind and live the story THROUGH her--something very hard for an author to make me do.

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, the Vampiric Fae are on the move, hunting anyone in their path. As the war with the vampires ratchets up, Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, enshrouds New Forest in her chilling grasp.

Cicely Waters, owl shifter and Wind Witch, has rescued the Fae Prince Grieve at a great cost. Their reunion has lost them the allegiance of the Summer Queen — and the tolerance of the vampires. In desperation they turn to the Consortium for help. Now, to regain the good will of Lainule, they must dare to enter the heart of Myst's realm. But as Cicely and Grieve embark on their search for the heartstone of Summer, Winter is already wreaking her terrifying revenge.

Archer's Lady - Moria Rogers


The ladies that make up Moria Rogers always make me laugh on Twitter so when I go and read one of their books, I'm expecting to laugh. Not so much. I mean, there's that sarcasm and dry humor I love, but really, it's all about world building, the fights, the epic challenges, and oh yeah...the sexy men. Archer is such a freaking strong hero that I wanted him for myself. And Grace was different for me, but I really liked her by the middle and end. I love the ladies of Moria Rogers and will read anything they write.

She's looking for redemption. He doesn't believe in it.

Accused of betraying the Bloodhound Guild, Archer's only chance to regain the trust of his fellow hounds is to earn it--one dangerous job at a time. Crystal Springs may be the worst yet. The town has been deserted by all but the poor and the desperate, yet the vampires stalking the edges of the settlement haven't closed in for the kill. Question is, why?

Grace Linwood, professional liar, has been hiding under the guise of a border schoolteacher for so long, she's almost fallen for her own con. The frontier was supposed to be her chance at a respectable life, but now the cowardly part of her wants to flee. When Archer catches her considering a run for safety, she knows it's only a matter of time before he sees through her charade.

They become reluctant allies in the quest to uncover the mysteries of Crystal Springs, but every unraveled knot ties them closer together. They both know their pasts are too shattered to hope for a future--until their investigation uncovers a secret. One that could make betraying the Guild their only path to redemption.

Warning: Contains a partly reformed con-artist heroine with a bruised heart and a mostly retired bank-robbing hero with a weary soul. Also included: vampire schemes, mad scientist plots, an alarming amount of dirty talk and some borderline-criminal bedroom antics in an alternate Wild West.

Hot in Handcuffs - Shayla Black and Shiloh Walker

I will confess I only read Shayla and Shiloh, and not Sylvia. I haven't read Sylvia Day yet, but she's on my list for later. These stories were hot, sinful, and oh so OMG. Shayla's sex scenes are always off the charts and Shiloh can get into a character's mind like no other. I really enjoyed these quick glimpses into the series I already like. Plus, did you see that cover? Yummy man AND pink? Hell yeah!


Three Novellas of Erotic Capture

Allow yourself to imagine the man behind the dark sunglasses. Hear the purr of his zipper as he lowers it, then reaches for the shiny metal hanging from his black leather belt. It’s futile to resist arrest. Give yourself up to the fantasy. Besides, he thinks you’re so hot in handcuffs…

Arresting Desire by Shayla Black
FBI Agent Jon Bocelli never stopped wanting beautiful professor Lucia DiStefano. She’s interested in taking her first lover, and he intends to be that man. When her past puts her life in danger, Jon risks everything to save her and prove this fling is forever.

On Fire by Sylvia Day
When Deputy Marshal Jared Cameron investigates a series of arson attacks in a seaside town, the biggest blast of heat comes from sexy fire inspector Darcy Michaels—until their scorching after-hours affair is compromised by a secret from Darcy’s past.

The Unwilling by Shiloh Walker
Mica Greer and her former lover, ex-FBI agent Colby Mathis once shared an intimate past and a powerful psychic gift. Now, they’ve been reunited by a bizarre series of murders—and an electrifying passion that could put them both in jeopardy.

Angel Betrayed - Cynthia Eden


Mmmm Angels. Love them! Cynthia's book pulls you in from the first chapter and you don't want to leave. I HAD to know what was going on so I stayed up too late reading. That's how good Cynthia is. And Sam? Whoot, talk about a sexy Fallen Angel! You're going to want to meet him...and his brother Az who gets his story next!

A LITTLE BIT OF ANGEL LUST.

Sammael – call him Sam – was an angel once. An angel of death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days, he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…

Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide…

Brody - Emma Lang


Yay for Western Historicals! Emma Lang aka Beth Williamson knows what she's doing! Brody is a sexy Ranger and Olivia is a woman who won't take no for an answer. Their chemistry was explosive and the story line heart wrenching. I NEED to know what happens next Emma! Please!

A year after their family was brutally torn apart, the Graham siblings begin to put their lives back together at their ranch in East Texas. With their parents gone, their bonds will truly be tested…

Olivia Graham has worked hard to take care of her family at the Circle Eight Ranch. But their family circle was broken when their young brother Benjy disappeared. Liv can’t shake the feeling that he must be out there, somewhere.

Brody Armstrong, a handsome but rough-around-the-edges Texas Ranger, has been working on their case for months, and now he has a promising lead.

As Liv follows him across the rugged Texas landscape and into Mexico, she’ll begin to find the answers she needs—as Brody finds a passion he didn’t know he wanted…

Wicked Nights - Gena Showalter

Yay for angels again! Both characters were strong, sexy, and in need of each other--the best kind of romance. This is the first book in the Lords of the Underworld series and I can honestly say I'm surprised as how good it is! It felt fresh an yet familiar since I already knew the world. 

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?

Love Means Renewal - Andrew Grey


So this was a SHORT novella about a couple I already love. Since it was so short I don't have much to say LOL other than it was a great way to wind down the day and get to know Eli and Geoff again. 


Eli Henninger is stretched a little thin. He teaches riding classes, conducts therapy sessions, takes care of his son, and helps manage the family farm. He’s tired and overworked, especially because lately, no one else seems to do anything right. He and his partner, Geoff, haven’t have time together in so long, he’s beginning to forget what his longtime love feels like.

Geoff is just as busy with the farm, the business, and working through a complicated land purchase. He and Eli labor from sunup to sundown and then some. He knows taking care of their responsibilities is preventing them from taking care of each other, but he doesn’t see anything he can do about it. To make matters worse, they’re accused of behaving improperly toward some of the children in their riding programs.

Then Eli becomes ill and the investigators suspect foul play, forcing Geoff to reevaluate his priorities and hope fate will give them another chance.

MoonShell Beach - JoAnn Ross

So I usually can read JoAnn's books, cry a bit, then go about my day. Not this time. I was sobbing like a little girl. This hero pulled at my heartstrings and I don't think he's let go yet. I love this small town, this hero, and the heroine I didn't want to like, but fell in love with.

He no longer believed in anything.
But she believed in him.

J.T. Douchett has returned home to shut out the world and escape the memories from his final mission as a Marine that haunt him. When he reluctantly agrees to provide security for a town event, the last thing he expects is to experience unbidden feelings for Irish movie star Mary Joyce.

Mary has surprised everyone—including herself—by accepting an invitation to a film festival in Shelter Bay. The Oregon coastal town immediately charms her, and an even larger surprise is encountering the stoic man who could be everything she's dreamed of.

As J.T. struggles to keep Mary at arm’s length, Mary reminds herself that she’s never been attracted to the strong, silent type. And having known so much sorrow, he’s wary of getting close to anyone. But in Shelter Bay, even the most strongly guarded heart is no match for love.

Midnight Promises - Sherryl Woods


So this book revisits a couple that I couldn't remember until I they gave me some backstory LOL. Sherryl Woods's books are great for an afternoon off and this book is no exception. Though at times I wanted to yell at the characters -- like I usually do LOL -- I enjoyed their interactions and story.

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength--physical and emotional--and to charm her children.Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister--and thinks it's justified--that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

My Lady Mage - Alexis Morgan

First off, look at that cover. So beautiful. Second, this is a new series by Alexis so I had no idea what I was getting into. WOW. Just WOW. I don't want to give anything away, but the world building and characters are phenomenal. I'm totally going to read the next one!

A cursed destiny. A band of warriors. And one troubled kingdom.

It is whispered in Agathia that the legendary warriors of the mist—cursed by the gods—can be summoned only when a champion is needed and the cause is just. Gideon, their captain, knows this to be the one path that will lead his men to redemption—lest they face an eternity of damnation.

Years have passed since anyone has journeyed to the river's edge, but times are desperate. Oppressed by a cruel guardian whose dark magic threatens to destroy her people, the beautiful and courageous Merewen calls upon the bespelled warriors. In Gideon she finds more than a champion, and in his arms, more than protection. However, their enemies are fighting with a power darker than anything than they imagined, and should Gideon fail, she will lose everything she holds dear—including her heart.

Book Giveaway

Hi All! So I'm going ebook and don't have enough room for my books. PLUS the library near me won't take anything YA Romance or Romance in general. So I'm giving them away here.

So comment to enter to win Rachel Vincent's first 4 books in her Soul Screamers series! Contest ends 7/7/12 at 8pm EST (US only)

Thursday Tales: Jean Hart Stewart's Fiery Pursuit

Mixing Paranormal with Historical
Thanks to my hosts for suggesting this great topic. Actually I haven’t thought much about how to mix the two before. I just did it. I’m becoming more of a pantser all the time.
I’ve published two long, straight historicals, both centered about the battle of Waterloo. These have nothing paranormal in them. Everything else I’ve written is tinged with paranormal. Since my heroes are druids, mages, or elves, it seemed obvious to give them paranormal abilities. It’s a natural mix, I think, and a mix already solidified by histories of these races.
I set the ground rules near the beginning of the book, so the reader always knows what to expect of the characters supernatural powers. And be able to believe in them. First of all, they must never use their powers for their own good, only the good of others. That’s a fine distinction. And they must never their powers unless it is necessary. Noble causes are demanded for their usage, not just frivolous ones. To keep to these restrictions means I’ve got to set up some situation where the hero’s paranormal abilities are critically necessary and call forth a certain heroism on his part.
In older times paranormal abilities were taken for granted; indeed were expected. I was raised on the tales of Merlin, a true mage or wise man, and King Arthur. From the very beginning they are paranormal tales. King Arthur’s conception by a man not his father, but the one needed for Arthur’s exceptional abilities. Merlin’s raising of Arthur so that he could miraculously pull the sword from the stone. Druids lived in a time when paranormal abilities were taken for granted, so my stories of such talents made perfect sense to me. And of course elves have solid grounding for paranormal powers. Think of the elves in “Lord of the Ring”, a book that I’ve read again and again.
Here’s an excerpt from my latest book, Fiery Pursuit, and the first book in my erotic series about elves.
“Lars quickly unwound his turban, his long hair flowing to his shoulders. With a shake of his head, he let his peaked ears show. There were slight gasps from the houris and Ibn Saud glared at them.Both men puffed on their pipes, each knowing there was something to come, and reluctant to approach anything disharmonious.Finally Lars put his pipe aside.“I was at the auction today, Your Excellency. The slave you purchased is indeed a treasure. I would enjoy the privilege of seeing her again.”Ibn Saud kept puffing, but his eyes narrowed.“But you have already seen her, have you not? Surely you remember her beauty.”“Her beauty is such a man could scarcely forget.”Lars’ heart plummeted a little even as he tried to make his answer smooth and conciliatory. The Caliph’s stance made it plain his suspicions were roused. This would be tricky indeed. Ibn Saud relaxed although it was plain he hadn’t decided what to do. Lars didn’t doubt the eventual outcome. The pressure Lars exerted on his will, plus his innate desire to show off his possessions, won the day.He clapped his hands, and a slave scurried forward and touched his forehead to the ground before his master, listening as the Caliph told him to bring the new slave.“If she is still in her bath tell Jahiz to make her presentable and bring her at once.”He turned to Lars, his satisfaction and anticipation plain.“She has been undergoing relaxing massages and herbal wraps. Her hair has been washed with the finest of perfumed soap. I ordered it not to be cut. She should now be ready to be presented to me. I had a glimpse of her as Jahiz brought her in, although she did not know this. Now we shall both see this beauty, shall we not, my friend?”Lars merely nodded. Of course he needed to see the girl again, but the fact she was already being treated as a favorite could complicate matters. But of course Ibn Saud wanted her perfumed and ready for the coming night of deflowering her and breaking her to his licentious will. He waited for the Caliph to speak. Men revealed more than they meant when they spoke to fill a blank space.Neither of them broke the silence until they heard the light jingling of bells coming near. The new slave appeared, escorted by a furious-looking Jahiz. Her head was raised defiantly, but she refused to meet anyone’s eyes, staring the wall behind the two men. Ibn Saud broke into laughter. “My faithful Jahiz, I’ve never seen you so upset. Did this slight girl give you trouble then?”Jahiz reddened, even as he salaamed his master. “It is only that you forbade me to beat her. She is most impertinent, my Caliph.”Ibn Saud laughed even harder. “Then let me look at this wonder, Jahiz.” He walked to the girl and put his hand under her chin, holding her so she was forced to meet his eyes. She abruptly shut them, as one of the houris in the room gasped.The Caliph’s eyes darkened. “I will punish you in my own way, and soon, my impertinent slave. Now, turn slowly before me. I would see what I have purchased. Jahiz, hand me a whip.”The girl whitened and dropped her eyes, while Lars held his breath. He would get nowhere unless she temporarily submitted, and he at once sent this message into her mind.Be quiet, girl. I’m here to help you, but you must appear more tractable or you’ll be whipped until you won’t have the strength to walk when I take you away. Do what they tell you for now. I will not fail you.
Love living in California, even though I’m a transplant. Love writing and all it entails, crazy characters demanding to be let loose on the page, long hours of research, every bit of it. I raised two children and spent about twenty years in real estate before I summoned the courage to quit and do what I always wanted to do, WRITE! While he was alive my husband was my first-stop editor and biggest fan. Now that my children are accustomed to my writing sexy novels they’re equally supportive.

I’m currently finishing my 24th book, tentatively named Double Pursuit and I have four books coming out this year. My Mage series is finished and I’ve started a new series where the new hero has Elfin blood. He’s fun, as well as tall, lithe and gifted. I think I’m blessed as well as lucky. Do write me with any questions. I love to hear from readers!

You can find me at my website, www.jeanhartstewart.com, on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and blogging regularly for RomanceBooksRUs and Sweet N Sexy Divas. My publishers are Ellora’s Cave, Passion in Print, and MuseItUp. Or write me at jswriter@earthlink.net. I love to talk to my readers.
FIERY PURSUITByJean Hart Stewart

When Lars uses his Elfin power to rescue Sophie from a slave market in Constantinople he knows instantly she is meant to be his mate. But the murderer of Sophie’s father still pursues her, and Lars must all his strength to try to save her. And convince Sophie he is what she wants.

The villain who sold her into slavery reappears and Lars needs all his Elfin strength. When his power mysteriously weakens, can Lars get it back? And will it be enough to save them both?





Excerpt 
Stephen Mallory stood staring at his downed rivals, his face contorted with triumph. One on the floor in an ungainly sprawl of death, the other on the floor, her tantalizing breasts moving in shallow breaths. Not only had he managed to kill his most formidable academic rival, but he’d overcome and chloroformed the desirable daughter. The girl he’d lusted after for months. He’d never planned on Sophia hearing their argument, let alone come barging into the room to protect her father. She’d doubtless seen him plunge the dagger into his rival. Well, he’d planned to subdue her sooner or later, but hopefully after she was his wife.
Damn this added complication. Perhaps a forced marriage? His groin tightened at the thought of holding her down by any means necessary. It would a pleasure to conquer her any way he could.  But she was feisty and he wouldn’t want to mar her beauty. He’d probably need another man to still her while he took his delight in that gorgeous body. He leaned over, caressing the delightful curves, now totally at his pleasure. He took the cap and snood from her hair, and drew a deep breath as the most glorious blonde hair he’d ever seen spilled down around her shoulders.
Then his mind started functioning, slowing his groping hands.



***Giveaway Info*** Every stop, one commenter will receive a pick of any of my backlist at www.jeanhartstewart.com  Prize for one commentator and blog host with the most comments:  Pick of my books in print plus one desk of Ellora’s Cave playing cards.Check the tour HERE for more chances to win.

Writer Wednesday: Gasquet Princes series by Sherry Gloag

Keeping the Series Alive
Thank you for inviting me to visit with you today, and I hope you are all enjoying your 4th July celebrations.You have no idea how challenging it was for me to write about keeping a series alive! lol
I never realised, when I wrote From Now Until Forever that it was going to be the first in a four books series about the Gasquet Princes. And since I’ve never written a series before, it was quite a surprise when one of the secondary characters, Henri, the eldest of the four brothers, who had an infinitesimal part in the first book, demanded a story of his own.  And then, of course the two remaining brothers refused to stay quiet and demanded they too had their own stories.  Since they are twins and walking in and out of each others’ tales, books three and four are still works in progress.
The only thing I knew to start with was that the royal wedding of Kate and William prompted me to ‘have a shot’ at joining the band-wagon of royal romances that came out that year. So you can imagine my surprise when a week after publication of From Now Until Forever in December 2011, Henri, the eldest brother of Liam, From Now Until Forever’s hero, demanded I tell his story too.  Nor did I know when I started His Chosen Bride, that I’d already met his heroine, Monica.
Writing the first book, From Now Until Forever, morphed from a short story, to a medium length one before it became the version available now.  It was so different from anything else I’d previously attempted and such fun to write, when Henri came along, I hadn’t a clue how to approach his story.  So I can safely say, the evolution of this series can best be described as an accident. :-)
Where the first book more or less wrote itself, His Chosen Bride took more thinking about. (I won’t admit to ‘plotting’ as I’m a die-in-the-wool ‘pantser.’)  Henri and Monica, Unlike Melanie and Liam are more laid back, even though Henri’s duties always came first before he met His Chosen Bride.  All four have personal issues they have to work through, but in the second book of the series the issues are more centered within the characters.  This meant looking elsewhere for the pace, if not the tension. Since my publisher, Astraea Press specialises in ‘Sweet’ stories, the challenge became how to include steamy passion without pushing the boundaries beyond the ‘acceptable.’  So I decided Henri should get caught in a snow blizzard.  That meant the search and rescue teams had fifteen minutes to find him if he had any chance of survival. Normally the outcome may have been predicted but little is normal in His Chosen bride.
Books three and four have become real challenges because the brothers keep moving the goal posts.  They are outgoing, ambitious, with a life beyond those of their family commitments, but right now family traditions and security are both under threat.  Having managed to establish this much, another character has turned up.  No, I’m not going to comment on him, because although I have a rough idea of his connection to the royal siblings, I’m still not sure whether his story will be a ‘spin-off’ or an addition to the series.
Believe me, there ARE times when I wish I could plot out my stories in a rational and organised manner. But wishing for the moon isn’t going to get this series finished, and I dare say the twins have a lot more curve-balls to throw at me before we are all done.
Author Bio:
Multi-published author, Sherry Gloag is a transplanted Scot now living in the beautiful coastal countryside of Norfolk, England.  She considers the surrounding countryside as extension of her own garden, to which she escapes when she needs "thinking time" and solitude to work out the plots for her next novel.  While out walking she enjoys talking to her characters, as long as there are no other walkers close by.
Apart from writing, Sherry enjoys gardening, walking, reading and cheerfully admits her books tend to take over most of the shelf and floor space in her workroom-cum-office.  She also finds crystal craft work therapeutic.
http://www.sherrygloag.com/
http://sherrygloagtheheartofromance.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=689789287
Buy Links for “From Now Until Forever”: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=7105194
http://www.amazon.com/From-Now-Until-Forever-ebook/dp/B006GYAV44/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322854797&sr=1-1-spell
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sherry-gloag-from-now-until-forever?keyword=sherry+gloag+from+now+until+forever&store=book
Buy Links for “His Chosen Bride”:
http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=9472803

The Gasquet Princes Seriesby Sherry Gloag
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB “From Now Until Forever”:
For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom.  Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?
Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window?
BLURB “His Chosen Bride”:
Prince Henri Gasquet is happy to let his father, the king, choose his bride for him until he meets Monica Latimer.
Monica Latimer is not prepared to risk letting any man close enough to learn about her Gift. A gift that normally has men running for the hills when they find out about it.



EXCERPT “From Now Until Forever”:
The ping of metal‑on‑metal shot him out of his musings and he glanced across in time to see his wife propelling herself in his direction. Taken unaware, he fell back with her full weight pinning him down. A prolonged rattle, followed by a spattering of bullets, ended his struggles to sit up.
“Saints alive, Mel, what the heck’s going on?”
She didn’t move, didn’t answer.
“Mel?”
Wriggling from beneath her, Liam fought the urge to stand and pull her into his arms. The trash truck increased speed and, Liam swore, found every pothole in the road.
“Mel?” Gently he lifted her head and discovered a ribbon of blood trickling from a gash in her forehead. Fear turned to acid, burning his throat. A bullet wound? Or had she hit her head when tackling him?
***Giveaway Info***Sherry will giving away the following prizes:* One randomly drawn commenter at every stop will win a hand-crafted book thong.* One randomly drawn commenter during the tour will win a hand-crafted selenite pendent * The host with the most comments (excluding Sherry's and the host's) will win a hand-crafted selenite pendent
Note:  This giveaway is international
Follow the tour HERE for more chances to win.

Tasty Tuesday - Enforcer's Redemption

Towel? What Towel?


And here is a snippet from Enforcers Redemption -- the FIRST I've given out!  Beware, this is HIGHLY unedited and subject to change on a whim.




           


          Adam Jamenson watched as Jasper carried Willow around the dance floor, laughter on both of their faces. A sharp and familiar pang pierced his heart, rattled around his ribs, 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.






Go find our other Tasty Tuesdays!!! Lia Davis & Tempeste O’Riley & The Divinities
They'd love to have you! Share this with your friends and maybe we'll get some more Tasty Tuesdays in the future!

Manic Monday Updates: Character Profiles and Adam...oh Adam

Happy Monday!!! So I don't have much to update you with. It's July already, which is freaking crazy! But I'm sure you guys feel the same. Oh, and do you like these updates? Should I continue to do them? 




Waiting for:
Just got a new header for my website!  http://www.carrieannryan.com/ :-)My publishing company, Fated Desires, also does graphics and COVERS!!! So if y'all need promo goodies, banners, website graphics...and more, let us know! We also have a new website!!Working on:
Revisions for Charmed Spirits - hopefully. It depends on Lia and her time since we're so busy!The Dust of My Wings Blog Tour. I have about 50...yes 50....posts to work on so I'll be quite busy. O_oWriting:
Enforcer's Redemption (Redwood Pack 4). So what started out as a 60k story may turn into an 80k story or more. I'm fine with that, it just means I need to get my but in gear. This also means that Dante's Circle book 2, Her Warriors' Three Wishes, might be delayed a week or two in 2013.Other:
I updated my website  http://www.carrieannryan.com/ on the Series Pages (hover over Books) so you can see the new characters and character profiles! I've also updated the Coming Soon PageI've joined Pinterest and made boards for each of my books and series. Come on over and tell me what you think. Each board for each book has their characters, covers, and key moments in the book that will help you picture my world.And that's about it! Go on over to other Manic Monday Updates with: Lia Davis , Lacey Wolfe , Fated Desires,   and  The Divinites

Dust of Wings - Six Sentence Sunday #45

Hi guys! Below is a very, very, sexy snippet from Dust of My Wings, out July 27th! Thanks for coming!


If you're looking for any blog hops, scroll down. :-)

          Shade lay beneath Lily, her warm body draped over him in sleep, his cock still half-hard deep inside her. He looked down at her and brushed the bangs from her face.

          God, she was beautiful. He knew that she was attractive, but when she’d lain beneath him, urging him to take her…he’d almost lost it. Speaking of almost losing it…his wings had almost burst from his back during sex. That had never happened before, not even with Cora.

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop

Happy Independence day!!! What do you think of when you think of independence day? Our fight for freedom? BBQs? Summer Pools?

For me, it was always spending time on the base as a kid with my folks and watching the Thunderbirds fly overhead, watching the GIs be hugged and loved by their family members, watching the kids run across the fields with little flags and stars painted on their faces.

Because, you know what, we CAN do that because of people like my dad. Yep. I'm so grateful of where I live and what I'm able to do. And of course, I love potato salad and deviled eggs. :-)

What do you do on the 4th of July?

Looking for something to read over the holiday weekend? Why not try Trinity Bound? Or any of my Redwood Pack books?


Trinity Bound Blurb
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?


An Alpha’s Path Amazon  Barnes & Noble AReA Taste for a Mate AmazonBarnes & Noble AReTrinity Bound Amazon Barnes&Noble ARe

And now for the goodies. Follow the Rafflecopter for instructions of what to do then hop over to here, to find the other prizes! Only, commenting is mandatory, but the others will help you. Thanks for everything! And good luck winning the $10 Gift Card and Swag Pack!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Angels vs Demons: Sexy Wings or Sexy Horns?

Welcome to the Angels' and Demons' Blog Hop. The AMAZING Giveaway info is at the bottom of the post, so don't worry, you'll have your chance at a KINDLE TOUCH soon!

It's the age old question...who do we want? Wings or Claws? Good or Evil? Sexy or....sexy? Why do we have to choose? Well, today I'm making a choice (I'll probably change it next month, but whatever). I love my angel, Shade. He's in my upcoming Dust of My Wings and dreamy. Yep. I don't care if I'm biased. He's freaking awesome. He's a warrior. He fights hard. Lives for justice. He's funny. He's sexy. And once he falls for Lily...there's no turning back. My angels aren't good. They aren't evil. They're just your every day warrior, immortal, angels. But really, I LOVE their wings. I mean, who wouldn't want to fly? Screw those pesky demons. It's hot in hell. They can have each other. I'm keeping my angels. (So there Leia. *sticks out tounge*)

But in case you wanted to decide, I have a special treat for you! Here is some special snippets from my Shade (Angel) and Leia Shaw's Geo (Demon)!

Dust of My Wing's Shade: MY ANGEL


Snippet 1:
Shade didn’t want her to leave him, and a sweet idea made him harder. “I have a better idea. My bike is just across the park. Let me drive you.” He could already feel her soft curves pressed against his back, and he held back a groan.
Snippet 2:
Shade growled and pulled her close, crushing his mouth to hers. Before she could settle into him, he pulled back.“Let’s back go to your place for privacy. I’m not going to make love to you in public. I don’t want to share you.”
Destiny Bewitched's Geo: LEIA SHAW'S DEMON


Snippet 1:

“You’re a bossy little thing,” he said with laughter in his voice.“Me bossy? Ha! That’s funny coming from you.”“Down here there’s a name for a creature that taunts a bigger one.”“What’s that?”“Dead.”
Snippet 2:“You shouldn’t tease a demon. We have different rules about payback.”She arched a brow. “Thought you weren’t a demon?”He kissed each peak. “In bed, I am.” Before she could make another smart-ass remark, he nibbled his way down her side, holding her down when she squirmed.At the apex of her thighs, he looked up and grinned. “Lie still, love, so I can make you scream.”






Now, since Dust of My Wings isn't out until July 27th, I can't give you the book....but I can get you ready with my Redwood Pack boys! Why not try Trinity Bound? Or any of my Redwood Pack books?



Trinity Bound Blurb
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

An Alpha’s Path Amazon  Barnes & Noble ARe A Taste for a Mate Amazon Barnes & Noble ARe Trinity Bound Amazon Barnes&Noble ARe


Me, along with 102 other Authors, Bloggers, and Reviewers are hosting an Angels vs Demons Blog Hop!We want to know: Angels or Demons...who do you want?From June 28th - July 1st, you can HOP around the blogs, comment on each and follow their rules, and be entered to win over 100 giveaways.
Yep. I said 100 GIVEAWAYS.
Each blog will have it's own giveaway, PLUS we have TWO grand prizes.ONE Commenter from the blogs will win a KINDLE TOUCHanother Commenter will win a $60 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card!
Yep! We're doing THAT MUCH. You can comment on 1 or all 103 and be entered up to 103 times for the grand prizes. After you finish up here, click the names at the bottom of the list to go to the next person and try and win some prizes!

I'm giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card AND a Swag Pack! Yep. Just follow the instructions below and you're in! You only have to do the commenting, but the more you enter, the better chances you have. :-)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dust of My Wings eARC giveaway

Dust of My Wings is the first book in the Dante's Circle series and comes out July 27th!!! I'm so excited about this y'all!
Since I'm so happy, I'm giving away FIVE ecopies of Dust of My Wings! Yep. FIVE!!! But in order to do that, I need some pomp! LOL So get the word out! Tweet, share, have fun, and enjoy yourselves. I can't wait to share Lily and Shade with you guys!
Follow the rafflecopter to enter!



            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 angel 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.
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