Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 192

Trinity Bound - Six Sentence Sunday #31

Thanks for coming. Here are six from my upcoming Trinity Bound, book 3 of the Redwood Pack, out March 30th.

Hannah knew he was hiding something. She didn't know why, but Reed's father obviously refused to reveal everything he knew about this bond and what it would entail. Why wouldn't he tell them? It was between the three of them—Reed, Josh and her. Was it because she and Josh were strangers? Though it stung, she understood. 


Thanks for commenting! I really appreciate it. 

Fresh Friday Reading

Hi All!

What books did you read this week? I've read a few - including my own Trinity Bound during page proofs.

Here's a few I read this week - though I've read more! There were sooo many new releases this week, I couldn't decide so I picked four randomly LOL.


I'm also on Scorching Book Reviews today in  a Blind Date Contest and could use your votes! 



Fair Game - Patricia Briggs

Charles is my favorite hero of all time. ALL TIME. You don't understand how much I love this man. And Anna? I love heroines that don't start out strong and find themselves to be even stronger. This book was the 3rd in the series and amazing. OMG. The ending. Yeah...Just...OMG...


Oh and I just heard that this was the last in the series. I'm actually sobbing over here. I just can't...yeah...

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind. 

Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles. 

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

Taking a Shot - Jaci Burton

So, if I could love these books for their covers alone, I'd be in heaven. But Jaci Burton is an amazing writer and I LOVE LOVE sports stories. I'm so happy this book isn't the last in the series. The hero was just perfect. Soooo perfect. And the heroine was perfect for him.


If you want to score, you have to get in the game... 

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock—even one as hot as Ty. 

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too… 

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all—including Ty…

Waltz this Way - Dakota Cassidy

So Dakota Cassidy is my favorite comedy romance writer. I loved these characters. It was a great way to sit back and just enjoy a book and laugh your head off. 


Left without a partner… 

When former ballroom champion Melina Cherkasov found out that her famous husband was cheating, she was devastated, especially since she was informed by a sleazy reporter on national TV. Thanks to an ironclad pre-nup and a scumbag ex, Melina has to pack up her dog and her dignity and take refuge in her dad's retirement community in New Jersey. 

...it's time to take the lead. 

To make ends meet, Melina puts her dancing shoes to use as an instructor at Westmeyer—a private school for boy geniuses. Teaching a bunch of hormonal teenagers the waltz is trying, but the school's sexy handyman proves to be an ample distraction. Drew McPhee is perfect, except for one thing: he doesn't like dancing. Thankfully, the finesse Drew lacks on the floor is more than made up for by his skills in the bedroom. And after one steamy night, the ballroom diva is the one getting swept off her feet…

Wrath - Laurann Dohner

So you have no idea how much I love this New Species series. Laurann is superb at creating worlds and drool-worthy men. I loved this hero in the first book he showed up in and I'm so happy he got a story! This wasn't my favorite of the series - probably because I loved the others so much LOL. But this is still a really really good book!

Wrath volunteers to live and work outside Homeland where he'll once again be confined in a small space with other males. He was subjected to horrific abuse and conditioning and forced to view endless sex tapes of human females while chained to Mercile's perverted machines. Wrath knows he's too dangerous and emotionally damaged to ever be with a female. 

Lauren has just been detained by three big, buff, well-armed men—New Species. One of them really catches her eye. He is tall, sexy, and…her new roommate apparently. She has never met a man this truly spectacular and she decides to taste every inch of his amazing body. Wrath wants to explore that plan too. The sex is incredible and he gives her everything she needs but he'll only go so far. Something is holding him back. 

Lauren has to make him unleash his desire and Wrath has to get past his fear to give them a chance at a future together.

Also Reads: (Other books I've read this week, but didn't want to make the whole blog post take up 12 pages! LOL)
Hunter's Prey - Moria RogersNightborn - Lynn ViehlNow or Never - Michele BardsleyWestern Ties - Mari Carr and Jayne RylonWrong Side of Hell - Juliana Stone 

An Interview with Shadonna Richards

I have Shadonna Richards on the blog today. I'm also on Scorching Book Reviews today in  a Blind Date Contest and could use your votes! 


Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
First of all, thanks so much for having me as a guest on your fabulous blog. I'm a writer of contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
Tell us a bit about your book. 
An Unexpected Bride is a contemporary romance about Emma Wiggins who doesn't want to hurt her dying grandfather's feelings since he believes he'll never live to see her get married. So she tells him that she is engaged. When he probes who the lucky guy is, the only name that came to mind was that of her secret crush, her hot boss, Evan Fletcher. Of course, to her shock, gramps gets a little stronger and goes ahead to arrange for a bedside wedding at the hospital. Unfortunately, Evan knows nothing about this. So now she's left with confronting her boss with the…um, news of their impending vows.
Is this part of a series? 
Yes, I'm currently polishing up book two in the Bride series!
Who is your favorite romance author? 
Oh, dear, way too many to name!
What is your favorite romance book or series?
I enjoy reading various  Harlequin series.  Boxers or Briefs? 
Boxers, for sure!
What is next for you? 
I'm currently working on another contemporary romance. I enjoy  sharing my stories with readers. 

Interview with Kenya Wright

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a bit about your book.
            My book Fire Baptized is an urban fantasy novel where humans have forced supernaturals to live in caged cities. The main character Lanore is a supernatural college girl that stumbles upon a murder in progress and catches the killer's attention.             There is also a romantic sub-plot. Lanore's first love interest is a Were-cheetah named MeShack. He's half black/ half Iranian, bulging with muscle. Her second love interest is Zulu. He's a mysterious revolutionary that she befriended. Both guys help her find the killer.
Is this part of a series?
            Yes. This is Book One of the Habitat series. The second book The Burning Bush will be released July 2012 and remains in Lanore's point-of-view.
What did you find the hardest part of writing it to be?
            Editing the book was the most exhausting part of the process. I'm a perfectionist. Typos freak me out. I wake up in a cold sweat at the possibility of a book error.
What was your favorite part?
            Building the world was my favorite part of the writing process. I spent several months drawing maps, creating unique cultures for each species, developing a legal system, and even making the counterculture groups. I had so much fun that there are two huge binders that only consist of Fire Baptized's world building.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess (Make up your own fun scale here) Undergarment Scale of Steaminess Granny Pants- *Maternity Undies- **Bikini Cut Panties- ***Thongs- ****Edible Panties- *****Fire Baptized would fall under the Thong rating.             Who is your favorite romance author?
            Jeaniene Frost is my favorite romance author. Ilona Andrews and Karen Moning are close seconds.
What is your favorite romance book or series?
            My favorite romance series is the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Although the romance takes time to develop, once the relationship happens it is hard to put the books down.
Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*
            I apologize, but I must have two favorite romance characters on a date! (Hey, it's my dream, right?)         I would go on a date with Curran (Kate Daniels series) and Barrons (Fever series).            We begin in a large Jacuzzi. Lit lavender scented candles surround us while a blindfolded man plays a saxophone. The bubbles tickle our chins. Chocolate strawberries lounge in a crystal bowl on my right. On my left, an expensive bottle of Pinot Noir in platinum tipped wine glasses.             The guys battle over who feeds me strawberries. I allow Curran to feed me, and Barrons to massage my feet.
Boxers or Briefs?
            Briefs! I love the way the material wraps around a man's thighs and behind. Boxers are too floppy and unattractive. Unless they are see-through, then I'm willing to make an exception.
What is next for you?
            I have two projects. I am currently working on the sequel of Fire Baptized, which is The Burning Bush. I am also releasing an anthology of erotic romance short stories called The Habitat after Dark. The collection will be based around my habitat series and involve those characters. Both projects will be released in July 2012.

What were your first impressions of each other?
Lanore : (For MeShack) We met as kids so I remember thinking he was super cool!(For Zulu) I was so impressed with his commanding voice and ability to lead the Rebels. MeShack : Even though I was just eight, I wanted to mate with her. Zulu:  Her intelligence blew me away.
What are your favorite parts about each other? Lanore : MeShack's singing voice is a finely tuned instrument.Zulu's dark blue eyes with gold flecks immediately capture me, every time I see him.
MeShack : I am a breasts man, and could spend all day devouring Lanore's nipples. Zulu : Lanore's scent is captivating. Lavender radiates from her skin. At times I just lay in my bed, smelling her pillow and thinking about her.
What's next for you? Lanore : Law School. MeShack : Recording an album for my band. Zulu : Taking my organization Mixbreeds for Equality to the next level.
                Kenya Wright always knew she would be famous since the ripe old age of six when she sung the Michael Jackson thriller song in her bathroom mirror. She has tried her hand at many things from enlisting in the Navy for six years as a Persian-Farsi linguist to being a nude model at an art university.         However, writing has been the only constant love in her life.        Now Kenya is publishing her first book, Fire Baptized, the urban fantasy novel she always wanted to read. This novel is the first book in a series.        Will she succeed? Of course.         For she has been coined The Urban Fantasy Queen, the Super Iconic Writer of this Age, The Lyrical Genius of Our Generation. Granted, these are all terms coined by her, within the private walls of her bathroom as she still sings the Michael Jackson thriller song.            Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya's head at night.Website:  http://www.kenyawright.comBook Video:  http://youtu.be/a28T5HzpGJ4
                Since the 1970's humans have forced supernaturals to live in caged cities. Silver brands embedded in their foreheads identify them by species: a full moon for Vampires, a crescent moon for Shifters, a pair of wings for Fairies, and the list goes on, for each supernatural species has been tagged and categorized by humans.            Lanore Vesta is marked with a silver X, the brand of Mixbreeds, second-class citizens shunned by society. She stays to herself, revealing her ability to create fire only during emergencies. All she wants to do is graduate college and stop having to steal to survive. But when she stumbles upon a murder in progress, she catches the attention of a supernatural killer. Now all she wants is to stop finding dead bodies in her apartment.            Enlisting help from her Were-cheetah ex-boyfriend Meshach and a new mysterious friend named Zulu, she is steered through the habitat's raunchy nightlife. But their presence sometimes proves to be more burden than help, as they fight for her attention.                While the corpses pile up, and the scent of blood fills the air, Lanore is left wondering: will she find the psycho or die trying?

Kenya will be giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Be sure to follow the tour here. 

My Paranormal Preference with Brenda Dyer

Hello everyone. My name is Brenda Dyer. Carrie Ann Rynn has been kind enough to allow me to take over her blog for the day. Thank you Carrie Ann.
Come on in, grab a coffee or tea, and take a seat.
Today I would like to talk about why I read and write paranormal romances--my preference for the supernatural, LOL.
When I first began reading romance novels, I was about fourteen--maybe fifteen. I started out reading my mom's Harlequins. They were good, fast reads, but one day I borrowed a book from my older sister. It was Johanna Lindsey's A Pirate's Love. Ooooh man, I was hooked! I still remember the name of the hero and heroine: Tristan and Bettina.  After that, I gobbled up historical after historical.
As the years flew by, I became tired of Historicals.  To be completely honest, my sister and her big mouth ruined them for me. She reminded me oh so sweetly that people in medieval days didn't have toothpaste, the women didn't shave their legs and armpits, and they didn't have deodorant, and they didn't bathe very often. After that, every time I tried to read a historical, my sister's words would pop into my head.
I continued reading romance novels, but I had switched to Westerns and Contemporaries. Then one day while I was browsing through the romance section in our local book store, I came across something completely new. A romance novel where the hero was a...vampire? Yes, he was a vampire. Well, I didn't know what to make of that. I'd read Stephen King's Salem's Lot and that book scared the crap out of me. I had a hard time seeing vampires as anything more than monsters.
But curiosity won me over and I bought the book. I was hooked good and tight. I read every paranormal I could find, featuring: vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, demons, and angels. But I always came back to vampires. There was something edgy and primal, and even a bit creepy about them. Also, the fact they drink blood is both freaky and sexy.
So since I am in fact a paranormal junkie, it only stands to reason that I write them. Like the saying goes, write what ya know. I do dabble in the horror genre from time to time. Usually zombie horror. I guess I can thank my youngest son for that, LOL. But romance--paranormal romance--is my first love.
Thank you all for stopping by. And thanks again, Carrie Ann for this opportunity to reach your readers. I had a blast.
*Rubs hands together* Now, who wants a free copy of Love's Prophecy? 
Author Bio

Brenda Dyer lives in the small town of Sooke off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, two teenage boys, and an assortment of animals.She is a graduate from LongRidge Writers group.When she isn't writing you can find her out in her gardens or working with her two miniature horses.Brenda loves to hear from readers. If you would like to contact her, visit her website.http://www.brendamdyer.com
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaMDyerW... http://www.brendamdyer.comTwitter: twitter.com/brendaMDyerBuy links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00702YWF0Sm... https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... romance e-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
Dark warriors of might...Mel is a vampire warrior sworn to hunt and kill demons in the dark streets of Vancouver. But he's burdened with a new assignment: find the meaning behind the Vampire Prophecy. Having no faith in the gods and their empty words, he believes there's no truth to the ancient legend until he meets Breeana, a human woman who bears the mark of the prophecy and resembles the mysterious woman haunting his dreams. When a vengeful demon spies Breeana in his arms, she is marked for death. He must take her from the world she knows until he can eliminate the threat. But the real danger is the role Breeana must play in fulfilling the prophecy and the intense feelings she brings out in him. Mel is forced to choose between his obligations to his kind, the world, and the woman he loves. Does he have the courage to let the one woman who could heal his wounded heart and soul go, or will he risk her life and bind her to him for all eternity?Small warriors of light...Veterinarian, Dr. Breeana Spencer yearns for love and companionship, but the disappointment of failed relationships has left her bitter. She now finds solace in romance novels. But when she meets a mysterious stranger, she's drawn to him by a connection so forceful it shatters all reason, leaving her incapable of resisting him. Yet there's more to him than smoldering good looks and a rock-hard body. As she's drawn deeper into his danger-filled world, she learns she's part of an ancient vampire legend. Breeana fears her future is no longer hers and will not include Mel. As their enemies close in, desperate to destroy them both, she must fight to convince Mel her place is at his side. A  life-altering choice is before her—one that will take all her courage and love to make. 


Excerpt:How dare Roarik condemn her whole species? Blame them entirely for the rift when clearly the demons were partly to blame. Consumed with fury, Breeana tried to stand, but Mel pressed her back into her seat with his hand on her shoulder.She shrugged off his hold and shot up. "That's not fair. Demons were spreading lies and…so it's not all our fault."Mel bolted up, grabbing hold of her waist. "Look, this is getting us nowhere." He pulled her back to the chair. "Either you both calm down or this meeting is over."Breeana slumped back, raking her hands through her hair. "You're right, Mel." She turned to Roarik. "I'm sorry."He ignored Mel's outburst and her apology. "When or if you return to your life, what will you tell other humans about us, I wonder?"Was that a threat? She was about to ask him when Mel stood again. "That's enough! I will not sit by and let you badger her anymore."Breeana laid a hand on his forearm. The last thing she wanted was for Mel to come to her defense, getting himself into trouble in the process. "Mel, please. I appreciate you trying to protect me, but let me handle this."Before he could reply, she said, "I promise not to say a word about the existence of vampires."Roarik made his way over to the fireplace. After a few moments of silence, he turned to them and crossed his arms over his chest. "Mel doesn't want me to erase your memories of this place or of us. But I feel it will be necessary."What the hell was he talking about? Erase her memories? Her eyes jerked to Mel. His face blanched. All of a sudden, understanding dawned on her.Oh no. No way would she allow Roarik to touch one beautiful memory she had of Mel and the time they shared.Mel glowered at Roarik. His lips peeled back off his elongated fangs. A deep, menacing growl rose up his throat and filled the room. "You said you wouldn't—"Roarik held up his hand.Breeana's body hummed with barely suppressed anger and fear. "For all your wisdom, you know nothing about humans if you think that when I leave here I would start telling people I was kidnapped by a vampire. Or that vampires exist. Think for a second. What do you think that would get me, huh?" She didn't give him a chance to speak. "I'll tell you what it'd get me. A one-way ticket to the nut house!""I don't trust that you'll remain quiet.""Well, that's your problem. If you can't accept my promise, then too bad. But I'm telling you now, you will not be erasing any of my memories."Roarik stalked back to his desk. "Humans are an untrustworthy species. The past has proven it many times over."That's it. She couldn't take his bad-mouthing her species anymore. She jumped up, placed both hands flat on his desk, and leaned forward. "You know what you are? You're a racist."Mel put his hand on her arm. "Breeana, that's enough. No more—""I'm a what?" Roarik asked, roaring with laughter."You heard me. You hate all humans because of a few bad ones.""A few bad ones," he scoffed. "I would say more than a few.""You shouldn't condemn a whole species just because of the rotten ones. There are a lot of people who are kind, caring, and generous. There are some willing to give their time and money to help total strangers. To help those in need."She couldn't stop. Inside she knew she should, but anger had a firm hold over her rational mind. "I know my species isn't perfect, hell, far from it, but can you sit there and say yours is? Is every vampire a paragon of virtue?"A wide grin broke out across Roarik's face. "As much as I wish I could say we are all paragons of virtue, I cannot. We also have our share of rotten vampires. Like humans, our jails are full to capacity, so no, we are far from perfect."She wanted to wipe his smug smile off his smug face, but instead counted to five, trying to calm down.

Romance in the 40s with Brenda Whiteside

Romance in the 1940s
There's romance and there's romantic. The era surrounding WWII is highly romanticized – the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Greatest Generation; the war to end all wars led us out of the great depression while leading women out of the kitchen and men off the farm.
Honey On White Bread is set in 1945 and was inspired by listening to stories my mom told me of growing up in the 1940s and by the old black and white movies from that era that I watched as a child. Nowhere were the war years more romanticized than on the silver screen. Think of Casablanca, The Third Man, Sergeant York, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo or Mrs. Minerva. The handsome young man dashing off to war, the rugged American living a life of mystery in Europe, a lovely young woman keeping a light burning in the window – the bravery and sacrifice came off beautiful in the movies.
Many films were created to help Americans escape the sacrifices of war. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced across the screen (although separately in the 40s), Gene Kelly and Judy Garland sang, Bing Crosby crooned, Betty Grable showed off her legs and Tyrone Power had women swooning. Hollywood movies dripped romance. By today's standards, romance seemed naïve and sweet. Men were brave and strong; women were oh so feminine. My heroine in Honey On White Bread , Claire Flanagan, is captivated by the movie icons and stories of the silver screen. She knows if she falls in love her hero will be her leading man and she'll see stars when he kisses her.
But was there really any difference between romance in the 40s and the twenty-first century? We ache, we swoon, we yearn, we tremble and our hearts patter in our chests. Romance is romance, regardless of the era. What differs is the culture of the times. In the 40s, Women had their mystique and men were…men – strong, silent, domineering. Or at least our romanticized images would have us believe.
Flirting, an important part of getting the romance started in any era, was more of an art. A woman of the 40s had to be careful of being too brazen. Coy flirting could get a man's heart pumping so he'd make the first move. It wasn't that women were any less sexual than they are now, it just wasn't proper for a lady to express it so openly seventy years ago. I wonder how many romances died on the vine because of a clueless male. If he didn't take the bait, her efforts were sunk. Could she be the first one to call him (if they even had phones)? Oh no. She certainly couldn't ask him on a date. And so she waited. Or ramped up the flirting.
Holding hands was a huge first step, and oh that first kiss! Maybe that's not so different. That first touch is significant today or then. Mmm…the first kiss. The difference now may come in how soon that happens. We move in a fast age in the twenty-first century. In the 40s, men courted their romantic interests. Courting could be a lengthy process leading up to the heart stopping moment of the first kiss.
The war changed the romantic climate of America. Women got a taste of life outside the home as many of them had to fill the gaps left by their men at war. During WWII, romance sometimes moved on a faster track. A guy and gal met, and he suddenly had to go off to war not knowing when or if he'd return – well, protocol be damned. Maybe there's a reason for the huge population of baby-boomers!
Convinced she was born to be an artist, Brenda never took her love of writing seriously. And then one day, sometime after college, after marrying a man doing a stint in the army and the birth of her son, she found more satisfaction filling a blank page with words than an empty canvas with color. She left her paints behind. After publishing several short stories, she turned to writing novels. Regardless of the length of her story, the characters drive her forward, taking her on their journey of discovery and love.Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Recently, they moved to prairie country in Arizona and are enjoying the wide-open spaces while tending fruit trees and veggie gardens. They share their home with their dog, Rusty. When Brenda isn't at her laptop writing, she enjoys hiking, motorcycle riding and the company of good friends.Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthorShe blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.comShe blogs occasionally on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/
When seventeen-year-old Claire Flanagan is wrenched from her father and deposited at the Good Shepherd's Home for Wayward Girls, all dreams for Hollywood stardom are lost. But when twenty-year-old Benjamin Russell helps secure her release, she starts to believe in a happy future with him…until she discovers his ex-girlfriend is pregnant.
In this post WWII coming of age novel, Claire discovers the silver screen can't compare with the fight she takes on for the leading role in her own life.
EXCERPT We let the screen door slam behind us and turned into the kitchen in time to see Benjamin lift his mother from the floor and spin around twice. "You stop that, Benjamin Willis. Man or no, I can take a hand to your hide, if I need to." Her hands flailed gently at his chest. He laughed as he set her down, steadying her before letting go. Taut muscles on the back of his arms flexed with the effort; his deep laugh filled the kitchen. I couldn't help being drawn into this entirely pleasant scene, comical and radiating warmth, inviting me to take part in their joy. His mother snatched a dishtowel from the counter and swiped at his legs."Hold off now. I give, I give." He withdrew what appeared to be a check from his back pocket. Mrs. Russell accepted the paper without comment and stuffed it into the frayed pocket of her red checked apron. He kissed her on the forehead, took the bottle of beer she offered him and leaving the kitchen, nodded in my direction. I sniffed the sweat of hard work and the yeasty smell of beer as he passed by. My head reeled for a moment with the warmth of the kitchen and the people within, combined with the essence of what I labeled man.
Brenda is giving away a 1940's double feature night at the movies which will consist of two DVD movies from the era starring the movie idols the heroine mentions often in the book - one Betty Grable movie and one Tyrone Power movie - plus popcorn and a box of candy to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/Canada only please).
Be sure to follow the tour here.

Trinity Bound - Six Sentence Sunday #30

Hi! Thanks for coming. This is from Trinity Bound, out later this month. Oh, and I'm giving away an eARC of Trinity Bound to one commenter today as long as they say they want one. :-) Be sure to leave your email addy.


He looked so nervous, but Hannah didn't really understand why. This was his family. But then again, they'd cut him out during the decisions last night. Reed said it was because he was just an artist. But she'd seen him fight to protect her and Josh. He was fierce and strong, despite what he thought of himself. 


Check out the other sixers here.

Fresh Friday Reading

What's Fresh Friday Reading you ask?
Well, some of you know I read annoying fast. I can read a 350-page book in an hour usually. Yeah. That annoyingly fast. On Fridays I thought I'd tell you a bit of what I've read this week. Just because I love books so much!
I'm still writing and editing this week, but since I have no life outside of books it seems - I read!
These books all happened to come out this week - but that doesn't always happen. And I've read more than these, but these are four that came to mind.

If You Know Her - Shiloh Walker
LOVED this book. I actually liked the first two in the series more - but I really really LOVED this book. And I totally guessed right on who the killer was. But shhh I won't tell.
A SHADOW IN THE WINDOWNia Hollister doesn't scare easily. Come hell or high water, she intends to find her cousin's killer. She returns to Ash, Kentucky, for answers. What she doesn't expect is to ache with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it's him. But can she allow herself to take comfort in those strong arms when a murderer still roams free?Unknown to Nia, as she quietly slips into Law Reilly's home, is that she's being watched—by someone who is waiting for an opportunity to strike.Timing is everything, though he can't wait forever. If she's not frightened, she soon will be. Nia has made a vow to find her cousin's killer. She should be careful what she wishes for. Rainshadow Road - Lisa KleypasThis is the second book in the series and was really sweet. A slight touch of magic made the book that much better. Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington, with a boyfriend, Kevin, who she believes is her soul mate. She has always had a magical side - a gift that finds its way into the breathtaking glasswork she creates - and she struggles to keep it contained. But when Lucy is blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal, she questions many of her choices. Her boyfriend leaves her and his new lover is none other than Lucy's own sister. Lucy's bitterness over this devastation is multiplied buy the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. 

Meanwhile, facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's family, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on the San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy so that she can more easily move on. But when Sam and Lucy begin to feel real sparks between them, Lucy must ask herself if she can easily risk her heart again. 

As Lucy questions her beliefs about love, loyalty, and old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings, she explores the possibility that some things in life - even after are being broken - can be re-made into something beautiful. And that is the only by discovering who you really are that you can find the one who truly deserves you. Angels' Flight - Nalini SinghWhat can I say? Nalini is easily one of my top 5 authors of all time. Her angels are...just...yeah. I'd read most of these before, but the last novella was a new one to me. Loved it. ANGELS' FLIGHTIn Angel's Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.In Angels' Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINTIn Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHEDIn Angels' Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court. The Darkest Seduction - Gena ShowalterI truly love this series. I'd been waiting on Paris forever. Gena didn't disappoint me. The book was just...exploding-of-the-mind worthy. I can't really say too much or I'd spoil it all. But wow.
Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price.  Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die.  And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he'd thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.   
 
Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet, in Paris's arms the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.
 
Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally– or tear them apart?

Honesty and Faults in Characters with Heather Thurmeier

Honesty and Faults
Characters are people too. That means they should have faults, just like we do. No one wants to read a book about Miss/Mr. Perfect. That would be seriously boring. And annoying.
Readers want conflict. They want action. They want emotion. And one of the best ways to fuel that is to give your characters some faults that hinder them in some way from moving forward in their lives. Give them something internal to overcome!
Sometimes faults are what make a super 'good' character seem more real. If Mr. Perfect actually is perfect, it's hard to fall in love with him because he doesn't seem like an actual person to the reader—no one is perfect all the time in every way. But giving him a little fault—internal pain, past regrets, a scar with a story, a chip on his otherwise perfectly sculpted shoulder—makes him more realistic and therefore believable. Readers want to believe your character could exist in their life. Being honest about who your character 'really' is pulls readers in to the story.
Other times we need to use faults as a way to soften a character who may otherwise come off as unlikable. Like Tali in LOVE ON LANDING. Tali is your typical rich b*tch. Or is she? Tali's rich and privileged. She's the kind of girl who can and does fly off to Paris on her private jet for some retail therapy to get over her ex. And she has an attitude as big as her bank account—not the most likeable person. So I gave her faults—family obligations she doesn't know how to get out of, a passion in life she has to push aside, and an attitude she uses to protect herself. All of these things take her from unlikeable b*tch to someone we can cheer for.
So go ahead, be honest with your characters and give them some faults! Your readers will thank you for it.
Heather Thurmeier~Heart, humor and a happily ever after
http://heatherthurmeier.com
Heather Thurmeier Bio
Heather Thurmeier was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now she lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance Hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather's hard at work on her next romance novel. She loves to hear from readers. Heart, humor, and a happily ever after.
Website: http://heatherthurmeier.comEmail: heatherthurmeier@gmail.comTwitter: @hthurmeierFacebook: Heather Thurmeier, author
LOVE ON LANDING (A Meadow Ridge Romance) Blurb:

When Tali tries to recover from a recent break-up with a trip to Paris for some retail therapy, she discovers shopping isn't the only way to cure her broken heart. On route, she meets new pilot, Gavin. Tali and Gavin have instant chemistry and friction as their personalities clash at 30,000 feet.
One night in bed isn't enough to quell the fireworks between Tali and Gavin and when tempers erupt, Tali's ex-boyfriend is there to pick up the pieces. Too bad she's finally realized what she really wants in life…and it isn't her ex or the life her father has planned back home.
Now all Tali wants is the man who loved her enough to tell her what she didn't want to hear, but can she win his heart back again on the trip home and find Love on Landing?
Excerpt:
Tali Radcliff leaned her head back against the headrest and gazed out the window. Raindrops splattered onto the double-paned glass blurring her view of the runway. Not that she could look past her sad, pathetic reflection anyway.The reflection staring back at her turned the raindrops to tears on her cheeks and she instinctively wiped them away, only to find her cheeks sensitive and slightly swollen. She sighed and closed her eyes, desperately trying to block out the urge to start crying again. Instead, she focused on the white noise of the engines revving as the jet picked up speed for takeoff.Her body pushed harder into the back of the soft, cream-colored leather seat, her stomach falling as the wheels of the aircraft left the solid tarmac below. The jet crept higher and higher, increasing the distance between Tali and the life she would temporarily leave behind—the heartache she tried so hard to forget.If only it were as easy as a little distance."Don't do it," she whispered. "You left your tears in your bedroom, where they belong." A beauty queen never cries unless she's got a shiny new tiara on her head and a bouquet of fragrant flowers in her arms.It was a good rule of thumb to remember, one she'd learned long ago and tried to stick to at all cost. Of course, sometimes she had to give in and cry, but not often. Tali wasn't a crier, she was far too feisty to give into silly tears.
Heather will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Be sure to follow the tour here. 

New Swag Goodies

Hi!

Anyone want any new swag??? To celebrate a great release of A Taste for a Mate I've giving out new swag! Send me an email with your address to carrieannryanwrites(at)gmail(dot)com to get some!