Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 186

What's in a Title?

Titles are the best and worst friend a romance author can have. Get a good one and your book is half-way off the shelf (add a great cover and it leaps into a reader’s hands/e-reader).  Get a bad one, however, and your wonderful book may very well sit on that virtual (or real) shelf for months with no takers. How do you tell the Good from the Bad and the Ugly?
Some successful titles give us clues to what the book holds for us, especially the genre.  In historical romance novels key words like mistress, rake, seduction, scandalous, duke, viscount, bride, marriage and lady often come up in the titles.  In paranormal romance you may find wolves, vampires, prophecy, angel, demon; in westerns cowboy, cowgirl, horses, ranch, ride, branded, Texan/Texas, and wild; in fantasy dragon, sword, magic, quest, fairies, wizards, and magicians.  It all depends on how you use these words, how you craft them into an unforgettable title that will speak to the browser and make them want to read your book.
That being said, I decided to have a little fun with this post, and so I have some not quite serious advice for the authors out there.  It’s called the Random Romance Title Generator and it can be found at http://novelistvmd.awardspace.com/RomanceTitleGenerator2.htm.  There are eight slots for titles and you simply push the button to generate random titles for your WIP or book.  I played with it for a while and came up with some very interesting title material:Flaming Servant, The Shattered Book, Kiss of Viscount, Churchyard in the Sky, Irresistible Ruin (I actually quite like that one), Bedouin in the River, The Women of the Trembling Twilight, The Virgin and the Viscount, Creek of Courage, The Trunk’s Tears, Woman in the Bible, Unwilling Twilight, The Delicious Stranger, and (my personal favorite) Physician in the Lips.  These are only some of the hysterical / good findings at the site.  I became addicted to generating titles in a very short time and even if you don’t use it seriously, it’s a great, fun stress reliever.  And who knows, a random title may spark a new story for you.
I was lucky when I sat down to write Almost Perfect, because the title that suggested itself to me got accidentally changed.  Since the book is set on an island, the song Almost Paradise immediately popped into my head.  So I started writing and emailed a friend that I had begun this great book and described the plot and gave the name as Almost Perfect.  Why I typed that I have no idea, especially as the other song was stuck in my head.  But she wrote back that it was a great title and I value her opinion so much that I changed it without a second thought.  And she was right because that title can be easily used to promote the work:  An Almost Perfect Interview, an Almost Perfect Christmas, an Almost Perfect Meeting, an Almost Perfect Title.  Hmmm.  Could have been the title for this post.
Giveaway: Jenna is giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to a commenter. Be sure to leave your email address so we can get a hold of you!
Blurb for Almost Perfect:      Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, promises to jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her past.  Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger Ware. 
Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of dinner,  Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot body—re-kindle old fires.  A simple kiss leads Roger to challenge her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire. 
With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.
Almost Perfect is Decadent Publishing's Read For A Cure book for the month of May.  All publisher proceeds from sales of the book from any vendor during the month will go to benefit Relay for Life. And a portion of the author's proceeds will be donated as well.  That means whoever purchases the book during the month of May is making a wonderful contribution to cancer research.   Please Read For A Cure and help us close the book on cancer.
Bio:Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical  and contemporary romance who has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager.  A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise.  She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own writing. Jenna lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets.  When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director.  She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage. She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
Excerpt for Almost Perfect:
She inched into the lapping surf, searching for movement. Reflection off the water made this task harder than expected. Wasn’t the Caribbean supposed to be teeming with fish?  Now that’s something she’d had a lot of instruction in. Almost every marooned-on-an-island movie had a scene where the heroine learned to catch fish. Six Days, Father Goose, Blue Lagoon. All you needed was your hands and patience. She could do this.Pam waded out further then stopped just before the water hit her now dry shorts. “Not gonna to have a damp crotch all night.” The words reminded her of exactly what she hadhoped for tonight. “But not from wet shorts!” She headed back to shore to remove and drape them next to her shirt. The bandeau was a different story. Still damp, even after several hours, and uncomfortable. Might dry better if not next to her skin anyway. “Screw it!  Live dangerously.” Standing as good as naked on the deserted beach, Pam smiled as the warm breeze caressed her bare body. The sense of being slightly naughty added to her delight in the sensual feel of the air as it dried her breasts. Her nipples peaked as the wind cooled them. She strutted down to the water’s edge to sink her toes in the sand, the salty tang in the air adding to the perfect moment.“If you’re skinny dipping, you forgot to remove one very important piece of clothing.”Pam whirled around. Roger stood on the beach behind her, a green bottle of Perrier in one hand. His gaze played up and down her naked torso and his salacious grin widened. “Mind if I join you?”

An Interview with Kristine Cayne

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi Carrie Ann. I’m so happy to be visiting you and your readers today. I’ve been writing since about 2006 and published my first book, Deadly Obsession, in January. Since then, I’ve published two short stories in anthologies, and I just released Deadly Addiction. I’m originally from Montreal, Canada, but now I live in the Pacific Northwest. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the rain. I don’t think I want to.
Tell us a bit about your book.
My new release is Deadly Addiction. Here’s a quick description: A maverick cop with nothing to lose. A native warrior with everything on the line...Rife with crime and drugs, the Blackriver Reservation is a powder keg. When a radical sovereigntist lights the fuse, two natural enemies join forces to save a nation. But will their forbidden attraction bring them together—or blow them apart?
Is this part of a series?
Yes, it’s the second book in my Deadly Vices romantic suspense series. It’s a loosely connected series where the characters are friends. The books can be read out of order.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?
The hardest part is making the time! But seriously, I enjoy writing the draft. I also enjoy editing. But both are incredibly difficult when the muse isn’t talking.
What was your favorite part?
My favorite part is when I have a scene in my head and it pours out through my fingers as though it has a life of its own. This doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess 
1 Read aloud to Grandma 2 Tween crush3 Is it hot in here?4 Get me a man, now!5 Any object will do J
I like to write gritty suspenseful stories that are as realistic as possible in terms of how the characters would behave, talk, and think. If I’m realistic and gritty with the violence, I have to be the same with the sex. So, on this scale, I’d say Deadly Obsession and Deadly Addiction rate a 4. My short stories, because they are in anthologies, are by necessity much sweeter (1-2).
Who is your favorite romance author?
I have many! Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockmann, JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Cindy Gerard, Larissa Ione, etc., etc. J
What is your favorite romance book or series?
At the moment, my favorite series is the Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*
You know, that’s kind of a tricky question. Most of the men I find exciting in books are men I’d never want to meet in person. They’d probably scare me half to death. LOL. The only romance character that stayed in my mind long after I read the book is Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series. If I were to go on a date with him, well, the first thing I’d have to do is bring him to the present. I’m not sure I could handle life in the 1700’s! We’d go see a romantic movie, then have a sumptuous dinner at the Space Needle so he could see the city of Seattle and the surrounding mountains. Then we’d go to a hotel where there’d be a lot of “mmphmm.” J
Boxers or Briefs?
Boxers
What is next for you?
I’m working on a 15K romantic suspense story for an anthology due to come out this summer. I’m also working on Deadly Betrayal, book 3 of my Deadly Vices series. This is Kaden’s story.

What were your first impressions of each other?
Rémi: Cute, peaches and cream. Utterly doable. (He grins, and Alyssa rolls her eyes.) Come on, sweetheart. The way you looked at me when I caught the box you were about to drop, I know you were thinking exactly the same thing.
Alyssa: Before you spoke, I thought, wow. I hope I get to work with someone who looks like him. Bronze skin, white teeth, and big green eyes. (Her smile fades to a frown). But then you opened your mouth. (She points to him with her thumb.) He’s such a flirt. Thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
Rémi: (Takes Alyssa’s hand and presses his lips to her wrist.) I’m not?
Alyssa: (Runs her hand along his thigh.) You’re definitely very gifted.
What are your favorite parts about each other?
Rémi: I love Alyssa’s… (Looks at her chest and licks his lips.)
Alyssa: (Slaps his arm and laughs.) She means about my personality! Anyways, my favorite thing about Rémi is his sense of humor. He always knows just what to say to make me smile.
What’s next for you?
Rémi: (Puts an arm around Alyssa’s shoulders.) We’re working on the next phase of our lives. Everything’s changed for both of us.
Alyssa: For the better.
Rémi: (Kisses her hair.) Yeah, for the better. 
Giveaway: Kristine is giving away these lovely earrings to someone who comments. Be sure to follow her on media sites in order to be entered! The links are below!


Kristine Cayne is fascinated by the mysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs, out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains, and you have a story worth writing, and reading.
The heroes and heroines of her Deadly Vices series are pitted against each other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming their differences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and find true happiness in each other’s arms.Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on the mix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she’s not writing, she’s people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sorts of danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.
Deadly Addictionis available at the following retailers: Amazon ebook: http://amzn.com/B007WNTXR4Amazon print: http://amzn.com/0984903429Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007WNTXR4... and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-addiction-kristine-cayne/1110068745Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/154765All Romance eBooks:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deadlyaddiction-784712-152.htmlFor information and links to Kristine’s other writing, check out Deadly Obsession (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com/p/deadly-obsession.html) and Anthologies (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com/p/anthologies.html) on her blog. Kristine Cayne’s links:New Releases List: (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com/p/new-releases-list.htmlBlog: (http://kristinecayne.blogspot.com)Website: (htttp://www.kristinecayne.com)Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor) Twitter: (http://twitter.com/KristineCayne)Goodreads: (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428452.Kristine_Cayne)
A proud people. A nation divided.Rémi Whitedeer, police officer turned substance-abuse counselor, dreams of restoring order to his tribe. Violence and crime are rampant throughout the unpoliced Iroquois reserve, and a civil war is brewing between the Guardians, a militant traditionalist group, and other tribal factions. As the mixed-race cousin of the Guardians’ leader, Rémi is caught in a no-man’s land—several groups lay claim to him, but all want him to deny his white blood.
A maverick cop on an anti-drug crusade.When she infiltrated the Vipers to take down the leader of the outlaw biker gang responsible for her brother’s death, police sergeant Alyssa Morgan got her man. But her superiors think she went too far. Her disregard for protocol and her ends-justify-the-means ethics have branded her an unreliable maverick. To salvage her career, she accepts an assignment to set up a squad of native provincial officers on a reserve.
A radical sovereigntist bent on freeing a nation.Decades of government oppression threaten the existence of the Iroquois Nation. But one man, Chaz Whitedeer, is determined to save his people no matter what the price, even if it means delving into the shadowy world of organized crime.
When Rémi and Alyssa uncover the Guardians’ drug-fueled scheme to fund their fight for true autonomy—a scheme involving the Vipers—Rémi must choose between loyalty to family and tribe or his growing love for Alyssa.
Can Rémi and Alyssa leave everything behind—even their very identities—for a future together?
Excerpt: 
Closing her eyes, Alyssa pressed the glass of water to her neck. “I can do the talking if that makes you feel any better.”
Although Rémi heard the words, it would have taken an act of Parliament to get him to respond.The heat of her skin caused the condensation on the glass to liquefy. Like a tractor-beam, his gaze followed a drop of water as it slid down the long pale column of her neck, followed the curve of her right breast and slipped under the collar of her blue cotton T-shirt into the V of her cleavage. Oh fuck. He wanted to be that drop of water. He wanted to be snuggled between her warm ripe breasts. His cock swelled and lengthened, letting him know that it wanted to be there too.He squeezed his eyes shut and willed his hard-on away. This wasn’t the time and certainly not the place for Mr. Happy to make an appearance. But the more he tried not to think about where the drop had gone, the more he did. He’d thought he was a leg man, but he knew the truth now. It had slapped him in the face. He was a breast man. An “Alyssa’s breasts” man, and he fucking wanted to see them, to feel them, to taste them. Right now.

Tasty Tuesday - Dust of My Wings

Mmmm...so what do you think his name is? I'm loving this Tasty Tuesday of ours!


And here is a snippet of my WIP, Dust of My Wings:



Shade pulled his bike up to the curb at the park and turned it off, the vibrations still rumbling through his body. He loved his bike. It was like flying, just in a vehicle. He always felt so confined in a car, but with his bike, he felt free—like with his wings.



Be sure to stop by more Tasty Tuesdays! Lia Davis Lacey Wolfe Tempeste O’Riley

Manic Monday Updates - Covers, Blurbs, & Releases

Happy Monday! I'm in deadline mode so I'll be quick LOL. Dust of My Wings is in its final haul so I'm working like crazy on it LOL. In the past week, I've released A Night Away, a Redwood Pack novella, and worked on some behind the scene things for another special project coming soon! You can find A Night Away here, Amazon  Barnes&Noble  ARe.
I also got a new cover and blurb from my October Release, Charmed Spirits, book 1 of my Holiday, Montana series! Whoot!
That's all I have, I need to go back to writing LOL.

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?


Also stop by Lacey Wolfe's for some more Manic Monday Updates!

A Night Away - Six Sentence Sunday #39

Hi All!!! Thank you for an AMAZING Release week for A NIGHT AWAY! Love y'all! Here's a sexy number with Mel and Kade.


You can find it here: Amazon  Barnes&Noble  ARe

He lowered his head and kissed both of her cheeks then massaged them with his calloused hands. He rubbed every inch of her body…slowly. She thrummed with anticipation and arousal. He kissed and licked where he massaged until she was so relaxed she thought she could melt right there on the blue sheets.
        She closed her eyes and let his fingers say what they couldn’t say for so long. She relished her time with him. 


Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

Fresh Friday Reads: Werewolves, Sci-Fi, Vampires, Demons, Sexy Men, and More

What have you read this week? Me? Too much I think! LOL. Give me more books, though! Because you know me!


A Night Away - Carrie Ann Ryan

Yes, that's my book. LOL. *shrugs* What can I say, I love this book. 



Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break. Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities. Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.



Ravished Before Sunrise - Lia Davis

Vampires and 1NightStands? What more can I ask for? I read this book in the beginning stages, the middle stages, and now the final ones. Wow. Lia's debut book is awesome.



Born with the unusual ability to see what truly lies in the shadows, Emalee Black is stuck between two worlds, the paranormal and the human. Neither one accepts or understands her and she’s forced to live a quiet, boring life in hiding. When her best friend mentions 1Night Stand dating service, Ema chooses a role-playing adventure straight out of her romantic fantasies. She’s to hunt her very own vampire and have her wicked way him.
Vampire Darian Wyman is surprised when his daughter signs him up for a one-night stand with an exclusive matching agency. At first he’s appalled by the idea, but as he reads the details of the date he becomes intrigued. For one night he will get away from the life he has long grown tired of to be hunted and captured by a would-be huntress. But he has plans of his own for his little vixen.
However, when Darian discovers the truth about Ema’s inhuman abilities, the date could end before it gets started.


Flight of Fancy - Marie Harte

This is another great m/m from Marie. Love this woman. So emotional and sexy in her work. Great job!



Aidan Marshall isn’t like the others who now work as civilians for the PowerUp! gym. He doesn’t feel like he fits in, even among the misfits. Being gay means nothing to the people he’s with. He can read thoughts and speak with his mind, and no one ever feels comfortable in his presence. Hell, even he doesn’t like to be left alone with himself.
When his boss assigns him a mission to locate a stolen book, he jumps at the chance to use his psychic abilities and prove himself a valuable part of the team. He’s fine working on his own and has nearly located the book he’s been sent to retrieve when Gavin Caldwell screws up the entire case.Gavin is a pain in the ass. He’s a pencil pusher and a leftover from the administrative nightmare that was the PWP. A nice guy to have on your side when it comes to balancing the books, but otherwise he’s nothing but a burden--as is clearly evidenced when he botches the case. It doesn’t help matters that he’s exactly Aidan’s type.With no recourse but to use Gavin to right the wrong he’s done, Aidan and Gavin go undercover in a high stakes operation posing as lovers--where anything and everything goes. In the course of their mission, Aidan finds out there’s much more to Gavin than meets the eye, and much more to himself than he’d ever thought possible. Because with Gavin, Aidan learns how to love not only another man, but himself as well.

Captivated - Lauren Dane

*squee* When Lauren was on here I was a total fan girl LOL. And this book...OMG. I have no words for how much I loved this menage. I sobbed, I cheered, and I squealed. Loved it.


Vincenz Fardelle, exiled son of the Supreme Leader of the Imperialist Universe, has spent much of the last ten years working to stop the threat his father poses. But he’s not alone in his quest. Julian Marsters has lost his best friend and countless others in the war and has made vengeance his only goal.  In each other, Julian and Vincenz find not only like minds, but kindred spirits.However unexpected their relationship, everything changes for Vincenz and Julian when Hannah Black comes into their lives. Having been captured and held in near total isolation by imperialist troops, their immediate response is to protect her.Emotionally shattered but resilient, Hannah rebuilds herself.  Because of the warm safety she finds in the arms of Julian—and Vincenz—she becomes someone harder, stronger and bent on preventing the Imperialists from harming anyone else.For the two men, wrestling with their passionate feelings for Hannah is only the beginning. War is about to send all three into harm’s way and an equally dangerous secret could tear them apart.

The Last Boyfriend - Nora Roberts

So I'm a Nora Fan. She's Nora. Her books aren't the same each time, even after all these years. This latest trilogy of hers is a great read for an afternoon. (Well in my case anyway LOL). I read it on my kindle laying on a fold out chair in the sun. A perfect day for me.

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family's construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn't plan for was Avery McTavish... Avery's popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery's thoughts. But the attraction she's feeling for him now is far from innocent. As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen's hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected - and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last...

Undone by Her Tender Touch - Maya Banks

This is the last short in Maya's series. I didn't like it as much as the first, but its a nice and quick story. Though sometimes I wanted to smack the characters LOL!

Just one night? Yeah, right. Pippa Laingley should have known better. When an unplanned evening of passion with Cameron Hollingsworth results in unplanned pregnancy, she's at a crossroads. She knew going in that the enigmatic entrepreneur had built a fortress around his feelings. What she's just discovered is that he's loved and lost before—wife and child. Tragically.
Now Cam stands to lose it all again. If he lets Pippa get too close. If he pushes her away with loveless arrangements of financial support. Either way, he's doomed…unless he can let himself love again.

Karma - Carly Phillips

Carly's last book in this series was a great one. 


Police Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he’s ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station. Dare’s dark past with Liza’s brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her.

But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job. And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.

Demon's Bride - Zoe Archer

Zoe's books always put me in a good mood. She's so original! 

Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.

But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.

Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…

Embrace of the Damned - Anya Bast

I wasn't sure what to think about this one since I didn't know much about it - but I'm so happy I read it! 


A damned Viking warrior. 

Centuries ago Broder Calderson committed murder. As punishment, he was given over to the dominion of Loki, the Trickster God, made part of the Brotherhood of the Damned and condemned to an immortal life of battle against the Blight, blood-drinkers from Hel.


A mysterious woman he can’t resist. 

One thousand years to the day he was damned, Loki allows him a woman as reward for his good service and repentance of his crimes. Once Broder sees Jessamine Hamilton, he is overcome with need. But Jessa is no ordinary woman, and the truth of who—and what—she is could have dangerous consequences.


A tormented man she can’t deny. 

Though a future together is impossible, the warrior’s touch ignites an irresistible passion in Jessa. But every heated kiss pushes them closer to destruction. Forced to return to the brutality of his Viking past to protect her, will Broder surrender forever to his darkest impulses?

The Soundtrack of Our Lives with Casea Major

Guest Post - The Soundtrack of our lives by Casea Major
I was asked once would you rather become blind or deaf. It's or horrible thought either way, but in that moment I knew I really didn't want to live without music.I don't know about you, but music is an integral part of my life. I mark life-changing events by the songs that were popular on the radio. My first date, prom, wedding, births of my children, even the deaths of people close to me are marked in my memory with song.All it takes is for a particular tune to play on the radio and my memory immediately transports me. More than any other sense—except maybe smell—hearing can take me to another time and place.So is it any wonder that I get my chief inspiration from music. There are times when a song captures my attention and a whole story forms in my mind.All my stories have extensive playlists. Generally, the songs I select capture an emotion I want to convey in a particular character or scene.Here are my three current releases and the theme song for each couple. Night with a Dom – Moves Like Jaggar, by Maroon 5 One Knight in Brooklyn – Tomorrow, by Chris Young Pinocchio Syndrome – Kiss A Girl, Keith Urban
So tell me – What songs inspire you?

Major Love ~~~ Major RomancePrior to becoming a writer of romantic fiction, Casea Major worked in the legal field for a non-profit dispute resolution company for ten years.  She is now a full-time mom to three preschool children with whom she and her husband live happily...most of the time.  When she isn't chained to her laptop, she enjoys Cary Grant movies and crocheting. Website / Facebook / Twitter
Blurb:Melody Manning’s workaholic ambition, coupled with a slave-driving former boss, has made her the youngest market analyst in her firm. It’s also killed her personal life, including losing her fiancé. When she receives a message from him on New Year’s Eve announcing his engagement to another woman, Mel loses it. Her new, more compassionate boss has the perfect solution for her—get laid. Good and laid. At his suggestion, she signs up with the 1Night Stand service, listing her deepest sexual desires on the application.  A speedy response from Madame Eve has Melody on her way to Sonoma Valley wine country and a one-night stand with a mysterious Dom. The sexy, masked Master promises to get to the bottom of her guilt and provide ultimate satisfaction under the safety of his stern hand. After an emotional night of submission and uninhibited passion, will her lover’s unmasking lead to the end of their encounter or give Mel another chance at love?


Casea is giving away a copy of her novella, One Night in Brooklyn, to a commenter.Be sure to leave an email address so we can get a hold of you!

Release Party: Carrie Ann Ryan, Lia Davis, and Marie Harte

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!! A Night Away, book 3.5 in the Redwood Pack series, is OUT! Can you believe it? I've always had a soft spot for Mel and Kade, so I HAD to write about them again. Plus, Maddox is back!

You can find the links here:

Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ARe, (Available in: Epub, Microsoft Reader, Mobipocket (.mobi), Palm DOC/iSolo, Adobe Acrobat, Rocket)

And I'm not alone. My BFF's debut novel, Ravished before Sunrise is out as well! Plus, my new friend, Marie Harte's Flight of Fancy is out today! So since we love romance we decided to throw a party on each of our blogs. You can go to each blog and see what we're up to and maybe win a prize. I love my Redwood Pack world, so thank you for stopping by!




CONTEST INFO: Since it's a party, we went a little crazy! ONE winner from a commenter on any of the three blogs will win, this necklace, a $5 Amazon Gift Card, a Redwood Pack Swag Pack, a Lia Davis Swag Pack, and an electronic copy of Whispered Words and Flight of Fancy!!



A Night Away - Carrie Ann RyanBook 3.5 in the Redwood Pack Series

Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break. Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities. Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.
Flight of Fancy by Marie Harte:
Aidan Marshall isn’t like the others who now work as civilians for the PowerUp! gym. He doesn’t feel like he fits in, even among the misfits. Being gay means nothing to the people he’s with. He can read thoughts and speak with his mind, and no one ever feels comfortable in his presence. Hell, even he doesn’t like to be left alone with himself.
When his boss assigns him a mission to locate a stolen book, he jumps at the chance to use his psychic abilities and prove himself a valuable part of the team. He’s fine working on his own and has nearly located the book he’s been sent to retrieve when Gavin Caldwell screws up the entire case. Gavin is a pain in the ass. He’s a pencil pusher and a leftover from the administrative nightmare that was the PWP. A nice guy to have on your side when it comes to balancing the books, but otherwise he’s nothing but a burden--as is clearly evidenced when he botches the case. It doesn’t help matters that he’s exactly Aidan’s type.With no recourse but to use Gavin to right the wrong he’s done, Aidan and Gavin go undercover in a high stakes operation posing as lovers--where anything and everything goes. In the course of their mission, Aidan finds out there’s much more to Gavin than meets the eye, and much more to himself than he’d ever thought possible. Because with Gavin, Aidan learns how to love not only another man, but himself as well.
Links: http://www.marieharte.com/FlightofFancy_exc.html

Ravished Before Sunrise - Lia DavisBorn with the unusual ability to see what truly lies in the shadows, Emalee Black is stuck between two worlds, the paranormal and the human. Neither one accepts or understands her and she's forced to live a quiet, boring life in hiding. When her best friend mentions 1Night Stand dating service, Ema chooses a role-playing adventure straight out of her romantic fantasies. She's to hunt her very own vampire and have her wicked way him.
Vampire Darian Wyman is surprised when his daughter signs him up for a one-night stand with an exclusive matching agency. At first he's appalled by the idea, but as he reads the details of the date he becomes intrigued. For one night he will get away from the life he has long grown tired of to be hunted and captured by a would-be huntress. But he has plans of his own for his little vixen.
However, when Darian discovers the truth about Ema's inhuman abilities, the date could end before it gets started.
Thanks so much for coming y'all!! Be sure to go to Carrie Ann's, Marie's and Lia's blog in order to enter in the giveaways!!!!

Tasty Tuesday - Dust of My Wings

Happy Tasty Tuesday. You know...sometimes you just need a little Kellan. Yum. What supernatural creature - other than a sparkly vampire! - do you think he is? You know, I think Tuesday may be my favorite day of the week! Be sure to scroll up on the blog for my A Night Away Release Party!!!




Now, a snippet from my WIP, Dust of My Wings:


Lily's heart raced, but she tamped it down. It wasn’t like he said I love you. No, that’s not what he meant. But it was close enough that tendrils of something she didn’t want to think about settled in and wrapped around her heart.

Be sure to stop by, Lacey Wolfe and Tempeste O’Riley for more Tasty Tuesday!

Manic Monday Updates: New Release, New Series, and New Covers

Happy Monday!! I've been a busy little bee this week. I'm finally done with the day job for a bit, so that means more writing! 
A Night Away, isout! Squee!! I'm excited about this book and yet scared to death. Normal for me right? Its a novella in the Redwood Pack world about Mel and Kade again. I'm having a blog party with Lia Davis and Marie Harte tomorrow, so be sure to stop by!
You can find it here if your're interested LOL:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARe
Since I last spoke to you, I've also revealed a new series, Holiday, Montana. Its a new series set in that small Montana town where the myths of our childhood might not be as imaginary as we think. The first book will be out in October and all five will be out within the year. They're books around 20k in length, so it will be something nice to read before a holiday! *grins*
I have a cover coming soon for Charmed Spirits. I've seen the mock up and OMG guys. *grins*
Dust of My Wings is in the long stretch of its draft. I don't have my word count updated on the right because its distracting me LOL. But I'm getting there!
I'm working hard and now will have more time to write, which is always something I love. 
Thanks so much for everything y'all and be sure to stop by  Lacey Wolfe's