Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 188

Fresh Friday Reads

What have you been reading this week? Here is a list of books I've bought and/or read this week. It was actually a slow week for me in terms of reading, so help me out and give me a list! LOL

Jericho Junction - Marie Harte
I love me some Marie Harte. This was a novella in a series that I enjoy from her. It was hot and a quick read that was perfect for just sitting an enjoying myself. 
Jericho Dark Walker is Bear, a creature born to assume the forms of man and animal. He's second in command to the mixed group of Shifters living in the Great Forest. For years it's been his dream to see his clan returned to the land of their ancestors. But now that he's back, he's bored out of his mind from too much peace-loving kindness. When an opportunity arrives to represent the clan and oust an evil plaguing the outer reaches of their land, he volunteers to work with the athmae--demons. The alpha's brother has mated an incubus, so Jericho thinks he knows what to expect. But his new partner is as large as a grizzly. No sex demon, but a savvy hunter with the instincts of a true predator.Jericho can't understand why he's so fascinated with the male when he's only ever felt desire for females. And why, when they rescue an annoying, sexy feline Shifter, do his instincts scream at him to claim her and the demon as his own? Bears don't mate outside their own species, yet everything in Jericho pushes him to do just that.A cat, a demon, and a bear.  Oh my.
Legal Tender - Andrew Grey
This is an Andrew Grey series that I also really enjoy. Andrew is one of my favorite m/m authors. I really, really liked Joiner and Timothy's story.
Timothy left home when he was eighteen to get away from his reckless mother, but he never stopped visiting his grandfather, who taught him what love was all about. Now that Grampy has passed away, Timothy finds that the old man's legacy is everything Timothy has dreamed of—and more.

Inside the house Timothy loves so much is a cache of coins with historical value… and a mystery, because one of them isn’t supposed to exist. In memory of his grandfather, Timothy sets out to make sure that the mystery and the coins are given their due honor. In his quest to keep the government from confiscating his grandfather’s legacy, he meets Joiner, whose interest in Timothy is as clear and open as Timothy is guarded. There are things about Timothy's life and his past he doesn't want anyone to know, not even the kind man who is helping him with the complications of legal tender.
When You Dare - Lori Foster
I've read all of Lori's series, and this was the last one I got to because I read in order of pub date LOL. But this one, by far, is my fav of hers. If her work continues to be good as this, I'm totally going to go and buy some more of her future work!
The tougher they are, the harder they fall…

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…
The Wedding in White - Diana Palmer
This is an older work of hers and the first of Diana's I've read. I really, really liked it. I keep looking for more western authors, and I'm so glad someone recommended her. I'm going to be reading the rest of her work. Loved it. This is a sweet book and not so steamy, but I love reading ALL genres.
Sweet, gentle schoolteacher Natalie Brock's life changed forever when handsome rancher Mack Killian branded her with his masterful kisses and gave her a tantalizing taste of true passion. Ever since that first sensual awakening, Natalie knew Mack was the only man for her. Trouble was, the rough-edged loner had sworn off marriage - especially to an innocent rose like her - and told her so on more than one occasion. But Natalie wasn't giving up. For Mack had taught her the best was worth fighting for...and Natalie would not settle for anything less than all his love!

An Interview with Daryl Devore

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.I'm an erotic romance writer with three published books. I live in rural Canada with husband, 2 cats and a huge saltwater aquarium, which we call the cat's TV. In the summer, I love to garden and in the winter I hibernate.
Tell us a bit about your book.I am currently working on an erotic contemporary fantasy. I hit my first case ever of writer's block and have been struggling through it to get back to the story.It's about a female vice-president of a big corporation who has an affair with the voice she hears at a sex toys convention. Gee – can't see how I got myself into a problem with this one.
Is this part of a series?No. I don't write series.  But it fascinates me how people can keep a storyline going on for long. I've got a short attention – oh – look a chicken.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?At the moment, writing is the hardest part. But when the words get flowing again, it'll be my nemesis – critiques. I put the book out there to be critiqued and I know people will find things wrong or have suggestions but it just digs at me. I have to be in a really special mood – my happy place – to look at a critique. Nobody in my current group has rudely ripped into a story, but it happened a couple of times at a different – nameless – group and I guess I'm still on edge. Or else it's my pride that gets in the way.
What was your favorite part?Eyes – those are my favourite part. But I'm guessing you're talking about writing.  That would be letting my characters tell me their story. When I started writing my latest – which I have to call it that as I don't have a title yet – anyway – when I started writing it – the female characters get into a cab…. Oh let's just show youAfter a diet conscious meal followed by a calorie-loaded dessert, we stood outside waiting for a taxi. Kat looked at me with a mellowed-from-too-much-wine gaze and a slightly goofy grin on her face. "Do you trust me?" Her dark chocolate colored eyes met my gaze as she fluttered her eyelids.I've seen that demeanor before. It means nothing but trouble. I was a bit wary – okay – a lot wary. Last time she'd gawked at me like that and asked the same brainless question we ended up at a frat house beer slosh during Homecoming - and I wasn't even in college anymore.I checked my Blackberry for messages. "Is this going to get me arrested? Again."What I didn't know was where that cab was going? I stared at the screen for a while until sex toys convention popped into my head. And it is sooooo embarrassing that's what popped into my head.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess Scorching – as in lick finger and touch butt and steam will sizzle off.  I don't leave a lot of details out. My characters have been into BDSM, threesomes and my current female lead one is playing with sex toys.
Who is your favorite romance author?I am going to so get into trouble here. I read mysteries – prefer old English murder mysteries – Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers.I read "romances" from stories I critique at my group and have enjoyed so many that picking one of the group is going to get me in trouble with the rest of the memebers.
What is your favorite romance book or series?Can I offer up a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies instead of answering this question?
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*Dinner at Derek Davenport's NY penthouse.Every detail was carefully planned, from the white china dishes, to the gleaming silverware, to the numerous crystal wine glasses that sat by each plate. Silver candlesticks held tall white candles whose flames added a softness to the room’s atmosphere. A centerpiece of white roses, edged with silver was displayed in a cut-crystal bowl. The crisp white linen tablecloth had fine threads of silver woven through. On both plates a hand printed copy of the evening’s menu.Dinner – prepared by Chef William DavisPistachio Paté with garlic toasted baguette bitesPortabella Mushrooms and Sweet Potato Crisps served in a cream sauceGrapefruit Mint SorbetWarmed Vichyssoise garnished with chivesGrilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan and a red wine vinaigretteBeef Tenderloin with Parsnips and Black-Truffle ButterDark chocolate Soufflé with a Raspberry MousseCoffee   Hawaii Island Kona Mauka WinesWhite     Montrachet (2006, Chassagne, France)
Red         Cabernet Sauvignon (2002, Napa Valley, USA)ChampagnePerrier-Jouët Grand Brut  (1999, Champagne, France)           And after that – I'd slip into his strong arms and we'd dance to the mellow sounds emanating from his private pianist. Once the piano player leaves, I'll loosen Derek's silk bowtie, drag it off his neck and toss it over my shoulder. Then I'll start at the top button of his shirt…..going to stop there – erotic writer here – not sure how much detail you want – snicker, snicker.
Boxers or Briefs?Derek Davenport in A Kept Woman – wore boxersWilliam Lobos in Sexy Red – wore briefsAnd Prince Malack in Black Dorn – went commando if I remember my historyHawkyns in my latest – at the moment he's a voice and voices don't wear underwear.
What is next for you?I'm going to finish writing this story and then wait until a word, a thought or a song snags the next moment of inspiration and off I'll go again. Have no clue what erotic genre it will be – and am curious to find out.
What were your first impressions of each other?Capri – My first impression was that I was going insane. I kept hearing this voice in my head. I'm a corporate vice-president – we don't hear voices!Hawkyns – I saw a beautiful woman who had closed herself off from love and romance so she would never again be hurt by someone she trusted and loved.
What are your favorite parts about each other?Capri – The sensuousness of his voice. That's all I have at present. Oh, and I guess his sarcastic sense of humour.Hawkyns – Favourite parts – I love her breasts and eyes and the way she moans when I touch her.
What’s next for you?We're both not really sure – Daryl hasn't written that part yet.
Other Books – available at http://www.newdawningbookfair.com/(or Amzon, Smashwords etc.) A Kept Woman – erotic contemporaryDesperately unemployed, Arianne, answers an ad that reads Woman Wanted. With miniscule hours and excellent pay, she accepts the position of courtesan to Derek, a handsomely dashing man, whom she discovers is a billionaire. Engaging in a game of cat and mouse, will they drive each other crazy…or will they fall in love first?
Sexy Red Hood – erotic contemporary“Go save your Grandmother.” After learning her grandmother booked a cruise with a supposed gigolo and is squandering her inheritance, Esmeralda (Red) Hood boards Emerald Forest cruise ship to protect both. Grandmother's warning of Never trust a wolf in sheep's clothing leaves Red confused. Later, when she wakes up in a utility closet, hands and feet bound and emerald necklace missing, Red discovers the man she suspected is not only innocent but also the one she loves.
Black Dorn – erotic historicalPurchased to be trained as a courtesan, Branwyn arrives in a strange new land. A castle called Black Dorn. Her instructor, Duna Trea, is horrified by Branwyn's lack of knowledge of the relations between a man and his woman. Branwyn begins her daily lesson in the art of bedding a man.Back from battle, Prince Malack rests near a brook to freshen before returning to the court of his father. His life is lonely. The noble woman chosen to be his bride rejected him and bedded his hated rival. Malack turned his anger and loneliness onto the focus of battle and increasing the power and wealth of Black Dorn.Branwyn, lost and afraid, nears the handsome stranger standing by the brook and requests his help. Malack raises his eyes and his gaze settles onto the face of the woman who will be his queen.


Daryl is giving away a copy of A Kept Woman to a lucky person who comments. Be sure to leave your email address so we can get a hold of you!

An Interview with Aine P Massie

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.Hi Carrie Ann. Thanks for having me visit. JI’m a part time author and full time mom. Thanks to the military I’ve lived in a few places, though never over seas *pout* My oldest two and youngest children were all born in the same state. The other 3 weren’t, lol. When I’m not writing or chasing children I’m reading. I love, love, love to read. I’ve always had a particular fascination with vampires, mythology, and the unusual. When I can escape enjoy . . . oh yes, reading, playing, ritual, a good cappuccino, and working with her healing stones (did I mention reading? ;) ).
Tell us a bit about your book.My first book Blood’s Voice is the journey of Anya, a vampire with no memory, and her trials and loves as she attempts to navigate both her new life and deal with the vampire House that is obsessed with controlling her. Anya is a vampire that has a special gift in the form of her voice. She can command to the point of even killing if she chooses. She has the unfortunate distinction of being an aberration (a vampire that refuses to kill humans to survive - thus retaining her eye color and humanity). She has two (yes, count them, 2) lovers. Declán who’s a natural-born vampire hunter and Nicholas, who works along side Declán as Anya's guard and has been teased for playing superhero for the humans.Anya spends a great deal of time learning humanity and trying to stay sane; no easy task with vampires hunting her and violent memories surfacing to torment and lessen her hold on sanity.
Is this part of a series?Yes, Blood’s Voice is the first in the House Millar series, named for the vampire House that the core characters lead.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?Writing the flashbacks. Each one is traumatizing on a physical and emotional lever for Anya and as the one writing it all down, it’s hard to visualize the pain she has suffered.
What was your favorite part?Hmm, that’s a hard one. Any where love and passion are displayed. Like here:“But, is that really all you’ve thought about?”  I was instantly on my feet, pulling him to his.  “Well,” he murmured against my lips as he began kissing me.  There was no restraint in his kisses.  He was pushing me toward his room, his body eager.  We barely made it through his door before he had my wrists pinned to the wall, lightly slamming me into it.  A moan escaped my lips as I scrambled to regain my centre.  “Careful,” I tried to say but he wasn’t having it, his kisses were too hungry.  If I didn’t stop him now I wouldn’t be able, not yet . . .In a flash, I spun so he was the one pinned to the wall, my body crushing against his.  His heat, his intoxicating and maddening scent pushing me further . . . the craving for him was so exquisite, yet painful.  His sapphire eyes blazed as his body arched towards me.  I pressed my lips to the moist skin of his throat, feeling the pulsing of his exotic, intoxicating essence.  I continued devouring his scent as I hungrily kissed down his throat to the powerful, quivering muscles of his chest.  Reveling in the power and haze his passions were flaming within me.  I didn’t want to hurt him, just revel in his pleasures.  “Ah, I can’t!”  I shuddered as his cravings drove him further; he had not heard me.  He lifted me up, kissing eagerly down my throat.  Without conscious thought my legs wrapped around him – pulling me closer still. 
Rate your story in terms of steaminess (Make up your own fun scale here)I’d have to say, two cuddles. The romances between Anya, Declán and Nicholas are loving (though there is a lot of destruction of clothing!) though the scene where the three become one for the first time is . . . tingle inducing!
Who is your favorite romance author?Andrew Grey, Mary Calmes, or Joey W Hill. (Yes, I know that’s an odd list ;))
What is your favorite romance book or series?Okay, I can’t even narrow down my fav author and you want series or book? Huh? Um . . . Right now would have to be, maybe, the Range series by Andrew Grey.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*Oh, that so doesn’t work. My fav romance characters are gay guys. *whines* I’m the wrong gender for anything “fun” to happen. *pout*
Boxers or Briefs?On my heroes? Oh, man . . . I want my men ready access, so commando all the way!
What is next for you?Continuing the House Millar series with Blood Bound this spring and then Glamour Blade, book three, in fall ’12.
What were your first impressions of each other?Anya:  I didn’t really think much of Declán right at first. I chalk that up to being nervous and the events surrounding or first meeting. With Nicholas, I was terrified. I’d never met another vampire so I had no clue what to expect and then there’s this beautiful, well mannered man standing in my doorway, kissing the back of my hand. *swoon*Nicholas:  Sadly, the first time I met Declán I only saw him as Anya’s pet human. I know that’s awful but, sadly, it’s true. He seemed nice enough but he was competing for her attention and, well, he’s human. I sort of got held up on those points. Thankfully he waited me out and wiggled his way into my heart.
With Anya that’s a harder question to answer. Do you mean the first time literally or the first time, this time? You see, I met her sixty years ago and thought she was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen. Of course, I thought the same this time around but I was more worried about why she didn’t seem to know me and about if I could win her heart again.Declán:  Gorgeous. Mysterious. Not like others. I didn’t know what it was about either of them but I was immediately drawn – I hid it from Nic for a long time though. I know my answers way shorter than Nic’s but . . . Anya I felt like I had to know her. Nic I just wanted to know, if that makes sense.
What are your favorite parts about each other?Anya:  Each of my loves are special and unique but one thing they both are, and that I just love about them, is passionate. Whether it’s with their hearts or in practice, they give all of themselves to what ever their focus is.Nicholas:  I would have to say their hearts. Anya is so loving and compassionate, to the point of self sacrifice at times. Declán’s just so laid back and open that he loves us both without reservation or restraint.Declán:  Would it be too cheeky to say their fangs *huge grin* No? Seriously, it would have to be the way Anya looks at the world and the way Nic looks at us, like we’re the most precious tings in his reality. It’s kinda weird to have two people love you as much as I know they do me. But, since I love them just the same, it works out for us.What’s next for you?Ah, for that you have to check out our continuing story in Blood Bound. ;) Don’t worry, it’ll be out soon. Promise.
About the AuthorÁine P Massie is originally from Florida, she now lives in Wisconsin where she works on her House Millar series full time while raising four children (the term herding cats comes to mind). Her major in College was Childhood Education (0-5) with a minor study in Deaf Culture/ASL. She is also a Wiccan priestess dedicated to the gods, family, and love.A lifelong reader, Áine has always had a particular fascination with vampires, mythology, and the unusual. When she can escape from her children and books, she enjoys . . . oh yes, reading, playing, ritual, a good cappuccino, and working with her healing stones.Her first published work came in high school where she was part of a writing and drama group. But, she’s been reading the likes of Shakespeare and Poe since late elementary school and enjoys most forms of fiction. Blood’s Voice has been a long time in coming and with its publication (June 2011) Áine embarked on a new chapter in her life.Social ContactWebsite – http://apmassie.com
Facebook (Author) – https://www.facebook.com/apmassie.author
Facebook (Series) – https://www.facebook.com/BloodsVoice
Twitter – http://twitter.com/AnyaMillar
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/anyamillar
Google + – https://plus.google.com/115857487824411469639/
eMail – anya.millar@gmail.com
Anya Millar had no memory of her life or an instruction manual on how to navigate the insane world of humans, biting, and reality. Instead, Anya has had to learn to navigate the world of love, life, and sanity while avoiding those that would see her dead or enslaved.This is the ongoing journey of Anya and Nicholas, human loving vampires and the human they love, Declán. What makes it all more complicated is that they are abominations in their own world and Declán is a natural born vampire hunter called a Guardian.Anya must come to terms with who she is and her missing past, Nicholas must win back the object of his eternal love while dealing with new cravings in his silent heart, and Declán must learn to destroy the very creatures that he has unequivocally given his heart and blood.
Excerpt I spent a long time mingling and observing the humans.  They are always so interesting to watch, especially when excited.  I turned the corner to head to the larger dance floor when I notice Declán talking to a girl I had never seen before.  This would not have bothered me except that at the same moment I saw her I also caught her scent.  Not human!  Not wanting to cause a scene and draw unneeded attention to what I am, I chose to – against my better judgment – head over without calling to Nicholas or Declán.“Ah, ah, ah, I wouldn’t do that if I be you,” the strange female streamed, where I could hear but he never could have. “Get away from him,” I growled in return.  She moved away a little but relatively stayed her ground.  Moving in to wrap one arm around his waist, I pulled him behind me.  “You are not welcome here and especially not near this one!”  I was so furious I was vibrating slightly.“A new pet,” she purred.  “You’ve always been such a strange little creature, haven’t you?  We just be talking.”  She looked amused, maybe she did not understand the danger she was facing.  “Weren’t we pet?”“Mmmm, yesh ma’am,” Declán slurred.  “Is okay Anya, we weres just talkin’.”  Glancing back just enough to see his face I suddenly became aware of two things; first, he was dazed looking and secondly, he had two small wounds on the left side of his neck. “You bit him?”  I could hear the others converging on our position now.  “You will never bite anyone ever again!” I growled.  I could feel myself losing control; I needed to get Declán away, quickly. Shifting into a half crouch, I felt Nicholas slide in beside me doing the same.  “Geoff, Peony, take Declán, now, and get him out of here.”Nicholas put a restraining hand on my arm, “Not here.  Out back.”Fine.  “We three will go out back to talk,” I commanded.  “Bog leat soith!” I snarled at the female.  I could hear Nicholas sigh but did not have time to find out why right then.‘She’ moved gracefully toward the back door without a pause.  Her eyes kept the unfocused glaze my voice often caused even as she turned to face us once in the alley.  “This be totally unnecessary.  I wouldn’t kill your pet.”  I could feel my teeth descend without conscious command as I continued to growl; she finally appeared troubled.“Why are you here?” snapped Nicholas. “I be sent to observe her,” she said twitching her chin at me.  “I just wanted to know more about her.”“She bit Declán, Nicholas,” I hissed.“It just be easier for me to enter their mind and memories that way,” she answered.  “It won’t damage him, don’t stress so child.” “You are dead, do you hear me.”
Lights started flashing around me for a moment and then I was no longer in the alley.  Where am I?  Looking around, I was in a strange octagonal room.  I could feel panic and fear within but with a sort of residual, not quite real sensation.  Walls, ceiling, and floors were all a rough silvery metal.  I was restrained to the wall at my wrists, chest, waist, and ankles; there was also some kind of strange gag in my mouth.  The gag was not painful but it had a protrusion that made it where my teeth were locked in one position.  I could smell blood, fresh human blood but could see no one but the same strange woman I was just growling at; she was standing in front of me sneering.  The only sound, other than our breathing was when she spoke.  “You really should be more cooperative child.  It wouldn’t be so painful if you just behaved better.”  Searing pain and light. . .
“Anya, Anya!”  Nicholas was shaking me roughly and yelling my name. I could not seem to find my voice; I just stared into his eyes, which reflected the horror I felt in my own.“What happened Nic?” asked someone, the voice sounded odd in my ears.  I could hear others.  Star?  Geoffrey?  Declán?  Who was there?Regaining my bearings was not easy.  I slowly stood up and looked around more carefully.  It was Nicholas, Star, and Jonathan.  “What. . .  Where did she go?” “How did you do that Anya?” Nicholas murmured.  He looked fearful, as if he might bolt any moment.  Why would he look like that at me?“Do what?  Why are you all looking at me that way?  Where is Declán?  Are Geoff and Peony still with him?”  I could hear the panic still thick in my voice, I would have to calm before I could get anywhere with them, sigh.Deep breath.“Nicholas, what happened, please?”“Anya, you reduced her to ashes after snarling something.  I couldn’t make it out.  Then you screamed like you were in severe pain and crumpled to the ground crying.”I wiped at my face and sure enough, my face was drenched with blood tears.  “S-Sorry, I – I don’t know what happened.  I was here and then the flashing started and I was chained to a wall and ‘she’ was there.  Then all I remember is cutting and searing pain.”“Flashing?” Jonathan asked. “Yes, bright flashing lights, like strobe lights.  She was talking and then hurting me.  That is not important right now though.  Where is Declán?  How bad is he hurt?”  I did not really want to dwell on the pain and fear I had just felt and to an extent still felt.“I healed the bite though he is still a little weak.  He does not remember exactly what happened to him though,” Nicholas said gently.  A strange look passed between him and Jonathan, almost fast enough for me to not notice . . . almost.  “We need to get you out of here and back home.  Declán is already home but he is not alone, don’t worry.  His parents just think he got sick while out. . .  Geoff told them you were ill too.”Don’t worry he says, ha, but I did allow him and Jonathan to take me home for now. Nicholas and Jonathan both came in and walked with me upstairs to my room.  Odd, Jonathan never comes in like this.  “What are you two not telling me?  I feel like you two are guards or something.”“Well, I guess we are in a way,” Jonathan murmured nervously.  “You terrified Nic here and well, I’m a touch worried about you both right now.  I saw the ashes Anya; you did that just by screaming at her.  You. . . shattered her or something.”“I am sorry, to you both, but I do not know what I did.  I told you what I remember.  That room and the pain and whoever she was. . .  I am still shaking from it.”  I held out my hands to show them the trembling.“Well, at least we know what they meant about lethal.”  Nicholas had this uncanny look of wonder or awe as he spoke, “You were truly frightening, terrible yet glorious.” 


Aine is giving away a copy of Blood Voice to one lucky person who comments and leaves their email address!!

Lauren Dane is Here to Visit with Beneath the Skin!!

Hi Everyone! Okay, first I'm going to be a total fangirl and swoon over the fact that Lauren Dane is here today. Those of you who have followed my own tours know I usually mention her among my favorite authors. This is a true delight for me right now!!
Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.  Thanks for having me.  Let’s see – the basics, I’m Lauren Dane and this is my eighth year doing this awesome job. I write across several genres – paranormal romance, futuristic and sci fi romance, urban fantasy and contemporary romance. I live in the northwest with my very patient husband and my hellion children.
Tell us a bit about your book.  Beneath the Skin is about two warriors. Mia, who is an Iraq vet who is recovering from a horrible hate crime that happened after she’d come stateside. And Gibson, who is the Bringer for the de La Vega jamboree. Essentially he’s judge, jury and executioner (if need be). They’re both staunchly loyal and courageous and when she saves him after he’s been shot, their attraction is pretty immediate. Only their families have had problems with each other for three generations so it’s complicated.  Luckily, love can get people past that sort of stuff, which is good because the threat from the outside grows and Gibson has to face some ghosts from the past.
Carrie Ann: I've read this book and loved it y'all! 
Is this part of a series? Yes, it’s the third book in the de La Vega Cats series (Trinity and Revelation come first)
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?  Each book presents its own challenges. Sometimes the opening is snappy fast, other times I re-write it three dozen times before I get it right. But overall, there’s a part in the book where I have my epiphany moment and I know my characters and what they’d do and why. Once that happens things usually open up.
What was your favorite part?  I love the process. I love how organic a story can be. I’m not one for muses or anything like that (not a diss for those who do, it’s just not my process). But for me, all the pre-writing and plotting in the world can’t do it totally. It’s the way, as I’m writing, I suddenly understand why my characters are doing what they do. It all sort of stews in my brain and then comes to me as I work. I *love* that part.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess Well, it’s erotic romance, so I’d say an 8 J
Who is your favorite romance author?Oh impossible to say just one! I love Jennifer Crusie’s humor and bent characters, I love Nora’s dialog and characters, I love Nalini Singh’s voice and storytelling, same with Lara Adrian. I think I’ve re-read Alison Kent and Jo Leigh’s category Blazes dozens of times because few do it better than those two.
What is your favorite romance book or series? Ack! Again, I can’t say just one.  Welcome To Temptation is up there. Naked in Death. Slave to Sensation.  Dreaming of You. The list goes on and on.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*  Oh my goodness, you’re killing me.  Probably Roarke from the In Death series. He’s so intuitive. He loves his woman and knows what she not only needs, but what she wants. I’d leave the plans to him because he’d choose something perfect for me. Quick trip to Paris? Dinner on his rooftop?
Boxers or Briefs?  I like boxer briefs
What is next for you?  In a few weeks CAPTIVATED, the last Phantom Corps book, comes out. That one is a futuristic ménage romance with BDSM themes.
What were your first impressions of each other?  Mia:  He was on the ground in a pool of his own blood. I thought he was heavy and also pretty hot. Gibson: I saw her naked. That was all I can remember. But it was enough to keep me coming back for more.
What are your favorite parts about each other? Gibson: Raises brow as he looks Mia over. She’s vicious. Capable. Strong. Intelligent and beautiful.Mia: Look at him! Don’t tell anyone, but he’s a big marshmallow for the ladies in his life.
What’s next for you?  Gibson:  Not much time to relax, the world is changing. Things are getting darker. Hopefully war won’t be the next stop, but I fear it might be.
The story goes like this — Seven years ago, Lauren Dane decided to quit her job and stay home with her brand new second child. As a result, she had lots of conversations in a sing-song voice but no real outlet for adult thoughts and words. While on bed-rest with her pregnancy with the tiny monster, Lauren had plenty of down time so her husband brought home a second hand laptop and she decided to “give that writing thing a serious go.”Lauren had no idea how fabulously wonderful it would feel to actually make a go of her writing and she’s thankful every day people actually want to read what she writes! She’s well aware of her good fortune and loves every moment of it, even when she has to edit and put Barbie’s dresses back on over and over again. She still hasn’t managed to figure out how to shut out the sound of Wizards of Waverly Place so she can write a love scene, though.
Visit Lauren on the web at www.laurendane.com.
E-mail laurendane@laurendane.com.
Blog www.laurendane.com/blog.
You can write to her at: PO BOX 45175, Seattle, WA 98145
A whole world exists…beneath the skin.Gibson de La Vega is the Bringer, one of the Alpha’s right-hand cats. It is his job to mete out justice and defend the law that holds their jamboree together.After a contentious meeting with another jamboree, he’s shot—Mia stumbles onto the scene and saves his life. He’s immediately drawn to the female who dug three silver bullets from his body. Even after he discovers she’s a Porter, a family his own harmed grievously half a century before.Mia has enough in her life. She’s recovering from a vicious hate crime—an attack using silver has affected her ability to do what she loves most. The last thing she needs is a bossy alpha cat like Gibson. A de La Vega no less.Despite the myriad reasons to stay away, even as they continue to hunt down the would-be killers, their attraction deepens into something else entirely.The answers they find bring that threat far closer to home than anyone could have imagined and it’ll be up to Gibson to end the mess once and for all. And up to Mia to stand at his side, even as he risks his life…

Order from Amazon for your Kindle ::: Order from Samhain


And Lauren is  happy to give away a copy of CAPTIVATED to a person who asks her a question and leaves their email address! I am sooo jealous right now!

Tasty Tuesday - A Night Away

Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday. What do you think his name is? Yum.

And here is a snippet from my upcoming A Night Away:
          His wolf growled and clawed at his skin. Mel and Kade had only made love a few times since Finn had been born. Having only a handful of memories to sate a need of such intensity kept him and his wolf on edge. And being on edge in the times of war was dangerous...


Be sure to stop by Tempeste's as well for a Tasty Tuesday!

A Character Interview with Wendi Zwaduk

Please Welcome Wendi Zwaduk to the blog!!!
Today I thought we'd have a chat with one of my favorite heroines, Jude Nelson from When You're With 
Me. Why is she a favorite? She can balance in stilettos and still look good while doing it. Those who know me know I cannot stand up in heels. No balance. ::In walks Jude, wearing tennis shoes, jeans and a tunic blouse.::JN: Am I late?WZ: Nah, right on time. No worries.JN: Well, then I'll intro myself and we'll get on with the interview.
WZ: Perfect!JN: I'm Jude Nelson and I'm an exotic dancer at the Silver Steel Gentlemen's Club. It's not always pretty, but it's a living. I'm going to school to become an artist—I'm an artist already, but I want to hone my skills...with my clothes on.
WZ: The term exotic dancer does bring to mind the glamourus and yet, you're in casual wear.
JN: We don't wear the peel away clothes all the time! We'd freeze. All kidding aside, we look like everyone else. Really.  I only wear the sparkles when I'm on the clock.
WZ: Makes sense. I'd assume you'd get tired of glitter and sequins after a while. Why become an exotic dancer? JN: I wanted to work hours where I could be at the studio during the early hours and sleep during the day. IT worked out better for my school schedule. I have later classes on three days of the week. Takes a little longer, but the pay makes it worth the longer time. The tips aren't bad if you use what you've got.
WZ: I hear ya. So what's your ideal man? Or should I say who is your ideal man?JN: Ideal? Does he really exist?
WZ: True. JN: My ideal man would be...Jon Hamm. Well, he'd LOOK like Jon Hamm. Debonair, 50's style. Ready and willing to sweep me off my feet with his dash and good looks. Oh, and he's got to have a deep voice.
WZ: Sounds dreamy.  What do you want to do once you graduate? You mentioned being in college. What's your major?JN: Studio art. I know, not much you can do with it. I kinda like the idea of saving back the money from dancing and just doing street art. Who knows. I might even find a nice guy to be my sugar daddy. Yeah right. I just want to be happy and doing art.
WZ: Sounds like what we'd all like to be doing. I want to thank you for coming by and doing this interview. We can follow your exploits in When You're With Me, correct?JN: In the book or Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the Silver Steel. Thanks!!
Author Bio:I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I tend to write books with titles taken from songs because music is one of my many muses.
I earned a BA in education at Kent State university and as well as a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. I've tried my hand at teaching, waitressing, and retail sales, but writing holds my heart.
I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I have more stories than my brain can handle percolating.  I can't wait to share them with you!
http://www.wendizwaduk.comhttp://www....
Over My Head:
What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?I'm a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen's Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don't care. I'll take him any way possible. But he's not that into me.
Or so she thinks. I'm a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn't realise I see her—I can't help myself. She captivates me every time she's on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I'm not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I'm there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I'm a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I'll be fine.I hope.
Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.

When You're With Me
A topless dancer and a cynical cop doesn't equal a lifetime love...or does it?
    There's more to Jude Nelson than just a sequined thong. She's got big dreams to become an artist. There's one tiny wrinkle in her plan—she'll never forget the bloody image of her friend's battered body in the dumpster.       Who can a nude dancer turn to for help? Certainly not a hardened undercover cop...
    Detective Drew Alwyn is on the case to find out who murdered his good friend and fellow officer. But the moment he sees Jude, he can't look away. He has to decide which is more important—his dedication to his job or the girl who holds his bruised and battered heart.        Will these two opposites come together to solve the case or will their desire consume them?

 This story contains scenes of bondage, mentions of drug use by secondary characters, silk, sequins and art supplies used in foreplay, voyeurism and a little spanking for good measure.


Wendi will be giving away a $10 GC to Total-e-Bound to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Tasty Tuesday - Dust of My Wings

*sigh* Here's the Huntsman from Once Upon a Time. *sobs* But isn't he pretty? We know he's the Huntsman in one show, but what supernatural character do you think he could be?



Here's a snippet of my WIP, Dust of My Wings:


"I will fix this. You have my word." Shade promised.The council nodded and dismissed him. With a  look toward Ambrose, Shade left the room, his best friend by his side.They didn't speak once they reached the end of the balcony, only jumped off, their wings catching the wind, and flew toward another mountain top. Shade needed time to think. To calculate.He was damned fine at his job. Strong and fierce. Yet a childhood problem of dusting could take down a civilization. He would have laughed at the ridiculousness of that statement if it hadn't been true.
Be sure to stop by Tempeste's today as well!!

Manic Monday Updates

Its Monday again. Didn't we just do this? LOL. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend if that's what you celebrate. If not, I still hope you enjoyed your weekend LOL.
My current WIP is Dust of My Wings and its going as quick as it can LOL. Shade and Lily are proving to be frustrating, though my crit partners love them. So what do I know? LOL It will be out in July, so I'm working hard. People have asked what series this is, and it is the Dante's Circle series. Its in a different world than the Redwood Pack series and has different paranormal creatures.
There will be seven books in that series so you'll see a lot of them.
Does this mean I'm not writing any more Redwood Pack books? No. I'm still writing them. I'm just writing more than one series at a time. Adam's book is the next full length novel, but I am releasing another Mel and Kade novella May 1st, called A Night Away. I should be getting back edits soon on that.
Why am I writing a novella? Because I love my Jamensons. I don't want to let them go. Mel and Kade only got a novella to show their story, so I wanted to show a bit more. I like writing novellas and getting them out quickly for $0.99 for you guys. Am I going to be writing more novellas like this one? Maybe. It depends on you. If you want more Redwood novellas then just ask. Tell me who you want to hear about (in terms of past couples) and I'll see what I can do. 
So that's about it. I'm still on a blog tour this month so be sure to hit Current Contests to see where I'm at. I'm writing and editing and working hard.
Let me know what you think about novellas since it doesn't interfere with the release dates of the full length novels LOL.
Thanks for stopping by!!

A Night Away - Six Sentence Sunday #35

Hi All!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Here is six sentences from my upcoming A Night Away. A Mel and Kade novella set in the Redwood Pack world.


Kade groaned and rolled his neck before he walked into his son's room. Melanie and he had painted the room in a soft green to match the Jameson eyes and added cream boarders to break it up. Dark wood furniture filled the room, with cream linens covered with frog princes and bumblebees. Stuffed animals of every sort covered the tops of most pieces of furniture. Gifts from his Pack and family who cherished Finn like their own son. He took another step in and realized he hadn't been the first one to answer his son's call.
Thanks you guys!!!

Hoppy Easter BlogHop

Hoppy Easter Everyone!!! I'm doing a second blog hop today, scroll down to see my Happy Birthday Blog Hop for even more chances to win!

So what do you do for Easter? I usually just make dinner for me and the hubby since he's Jewish and I didn't really grow up observing the holiday past chocolate. But I still remember following bunny, egg, or duck prints around the house trying to find my Easter basket. And when we got too old, Mom would hide them without the paths. She even had a basket for my Dad, though he never got a trail since, as Mom would say, "Honey, you're a military pilot, I think you can find some damn eggs." LOL

What do you do for Easter?

What am I giving away??? Well I'm giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and Swag Pack to one commenter and a Swag Pack to another.
All you need to do to enter is comment with your email and sign up for my newsletter (if you're already signed up, your're already entered for that part) You can sign up HERE.

There are over 200 authors involved in this hop. You can find them HERE.

Oh! And I had a release this week!!! LOL

Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and ARe
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?