A.C. James's Blog, page 10
November 24, 2013
Unraveled (Steamy Contemporary Romance)
Unraveled
8 Delicious Tales of Passion
Sara Fawkes, Julia Kent, Opal Carew, Cathryn Fox, Vivi Anna, Sarah Castille, Lauren Hawkeye, Daire St. Denis
Genre: steamy contemporary romance
Publisher: Unraveled Group
Date of Publication: November 5, 2013
ISBN: 9780991916689
Number of pages: 598
Word Count: 215 000
Cover Artist: Frauke Spanuth/ Croco Designs
Book Description:
The Unraveled Boxed Set—featuring all new material from eight bestselling authors!
This book contains stories that may excite you, particularly if you like alpha males, singly or in pairs, who will use any and every means possible to realize a woman’s darkest fantasies and most hidden desires, from commands to cuffs, and from ropes to ribbons.
For readers 18 and older.
YOURS TO TAKE
Cathryn Fox
Revenge takes on a sexy twist when a powerhouse lawyer is stripped of her control by the handsome multi-millionaire she once took down in the courtroom.
About the Author:
Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love.
Cathryn also writes Young Adult novels under Cat Kalen and co-writes paranormal romance as Taylor Keating.
Visit Cathryn: http://cathrynfox.com/
twitter: @writercatfox Facebook
YIELD TO ME
Sarah Castille
An ambitious MMA fighter struggles to resist her attraction to the dangerously sexy fight coach who awakens in her secret desires that could destroy her fighting career.
About the Author:
Recovering lawyer, karate practitioner, and caffeine addict, Sarah Castille worked and traveled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies. Her steamy, contemporary romantic tales feature blazingly hot alpha heroes tormented or tattooed for your reading pleasure.
Visit Sarah: www.sarahcastille.com
twitter: @sarah_castille Facebook
COMPLETE ABANDON
Julia Kent
Six months after having her baby, Laura finds that her relationships have cooled, even as her naughty desires heat up her eReader. When their best friends take the baby for an overnight, Mike and Dylan show Laura just how alpha they can both be, as Laura surrenders herself to them with complete abandon.
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent turned to writing contemporary romance after deciding that life is too short not to have fun. She writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.
Visit Julia: http://jkentauthor.blogspot.com
twitter: @jkentauthor Facebook
THREE LITTLE WORDS
Lauren Hawkeye
Two years ago serious law student Malachi Hunter broke wild child Adele Cavanaugh’s heart. When Mal is thrown back into her life… and she meets Dorian Marshall, a bad boy with a soft spot for her… Adele doesn’t know how to choose just one when they both help to ease her pain.
Excerpt from Three Little Words :
The orange tabby cat followed us home.
I didn’t notice its presence until it leapt ahead of us just as I opened my front door. I watched with bemusement as it stalked into my condo like it had every right to be there.
“Brace yourself,” Dorian said as the cat—who I referred to as Humper in my head—wound her way through my legs.
But she apparently wasn’t interested in me that way. Nuzzling my boot with her whiskers, she looked up at Dorian with what I could only describe as a wicked look went he followed me into the house.
“Christ,” he muttered, fixing Humper with a warning stare. “Don’t even think about it, puss.”
“What about me? Should I think about it?” I asked, turning to eye him up and down. God, but he was beautiful. Those worn jeans hung from lean hips that were so sexy they should have been illegal. His black T-shirt stretched tight over his lean, hard chest, and when he moved his solid biceps made his ink dance.
The look he sent me was pure, smoldering sex. Cupping his hand behind my head, he pulled me to him, crushed his mouth to my own. He kissed me breathless, made my pulse kick up a notch.
Dorian had barely released me when Mal shut the door with the heel of his boot, then pulled me from Dorian’s arms into his. He let me study him for a moment, the boy who was now six feet of hard, sexy man.
“You’ll do as you’re told,” he informed me as he lowered his head to mine. Where Dorian’s kiss had been hot and hard, Mal’s was slow and full of sensual promise.
I felt desire flooding into my pussy, and I squirmed.
This was insane. This was not what normal people did.
And yet I knew that I’d already made up my mind. I needed this. Dorian and Mal had come into my life for a reason.
I’d worked through my pain as best as I could on my own. Now I wanted these two wonderful, amazing men to wipe the dirty memories away, to replace me with something clean.
Well, not too clean.
“Upstairs?” Mal murmured against my lips. I nodded, my pulse skittering. I got the shock of my life when he hefted me into his arms, Gone With The Wind style, and started to carry me up the stairs.
Oh my. That was just… wow.
Strange as this situation was, it was also the most romantic thing I’d ever experienced in my life. And on top of that, I could feel Mal’s muscles working against my body as he carried me, making me want to strip us both naked so that we could be skin to skin.
“Nice move, mate.” Dorian followed us, reaching over Mal’s shoulder to dance his fingers over my hair.
I craved more of their touch. It anchored me in a way that I hadn’t even known I’d been missing.
“Watch out for my roller skates.” I murmured as we reached the top of the stairs. Mal sidestepped them neatly, but Dorian looked at them, then at me with a wicked grin.
“We might use these in the future, love. You, in nothing but the skates.”
I’d always thought I was pretty hard to shock, but Dorian won that game, hands down. My mouth fell open, my cheeks flushing as the erotic image danced across my mind.
“I—” I choked on the words. I was in over my head, desperately treading water and trying to stay afloat.
These two gorgeous creatures were my life preservers. I could hang on to them and let myself go.
About the Author:
Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.
Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating hey way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!
Sign up for Lauren’s mailing list to get notifications about new releases and contests! Visit Lauren: http://www.laurenhawkeye.com/ http://www.laurenjameson.com/
twitter: @LaurenHJameson Facebook
TAKEN BY STORM
Opal Carew
Jessica doesn’t like to take risks, but when she’s almost run over by a red hot rock musician named Storm on his motorcycle, she realizes that some risks are worth taking.
About the Author:
Hi. I’m Opal Carew and I write erotic romance for St. Martin’s Press and Samhain Publishing, and I self-publish stories. I also write romance as Amber Carew.
So why do I like writing erotic romance? I like being able to push beyond traditional boundaries. I like dealing with a female character who is growing and evolving – questioning her sexual boundaries and pushing past them. My stories usually include menage a trois. It is great fun to write a heroine choosing between two equally appealing heroes… or more.
These aren’t women who just jump into bed with anyone. They find themselves in an unusual situation – something exciting and erotic – but a situation where they have to push themselves beyond their comfort level. As a result, they grow as a person. So often fear holds us back – of what others will think of us, of what we will think about ourselves – and we don’t follow our hearts. These women push past that fear.
Visit Opal: http://www.OpalCarew.com
twitter: @OpalCarew Facebook
HOW TO CHOOSE A COWBOY
Daire St. Denis
Then Tessa Savage is forced to choose between two hunky cowboys while vacationing at the Lazy L Dude Ranch, she finds herself at a loss; the Marlboro Man look-a-like or the fun-loving exhibitionist. Help Tessa decide in this smokin’ hot interactive tale.
About the Author:
With a degree in Archaeology, Daire St. Denis was sure she was destined to be the next female Indiana Jones. That didn’t quite pan out but she still managed to experience her fair share of exotic adventures. Some of her most daring escapades include, skydiving in Canada, being trapped in the Great Pyramid of Giza, searching for tigers in the foothills of the Himalayas, touring Germany by motorbike and meeting Medusa in the bowels of Istanbul, Turkey.
Daire loves to pen erotic tales full of passion and unexpected adventure and her colorful past has provided ample inspiration for her muse.
Visit Daire: http://dairestdenis.com/
twitter: @DaireStDenis Facebook
Subscribe to Daire’s List to find out about NEW RELEASES, FREE BOOKS AND MORE!
THE VAMPIRE DESIGN
Vivi Anna
A naive young artist travels through Europe searching for the most infamous painter ever to live… who also happens to be a 300 year old vampire.
A bout the Author:
Vivi Anna is a USA TODAY bestselling and award winning, Canadian author in paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and scifi. She’s been writing since 2002, and since then she has published over 30 books and novellas.
Visit Vivi: http://www.vivianna.net/
twitter: @authorvivianna Facebook
ANYTHING HE WANTS: ATONEMENT
Sara Fawkes
Jeremiah and Lucy have been through the fire and barely escaped with their lives, but can their love survive the real world?
A bout the Author:
Sara Fawkes has always loved spinning tales. One who’s been writing since she was a little girl (and has the home made books from preschool to prove it), she loves creating stories and characters and interesting messes for them to get into. And for the handsome guy to always get the girl in the end. An avid traveler and adventure motorcyclist, her dream job includes selling everything off and leaving civilization to see the world on two wheels, writing in cafes in each country she visits, and living off her writing. In the meantime however, she lives in California with her menagerie of pets and, when not writing, loves to rebuild old motorcycles/cars and practice her fiddle.
Visit Sara: http://sara-fawkes.com/
twitter: @sarafawkes Facebook
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I’m flying the coup! But there’s still a lot of action on the blog ;)
So I’m off to where palm trees are abundant. Don’t get too jealous. It’s supposed to rain most of the time while I’m in Texas. I won’t be back until December 5th but I promise to stop in now and again on Twitter and Facebook. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of fun stuff on the blog. There will be giveaways, new releases that I’m spotlighting, and interviews too. December 2nd I’ll be featuring an interview with Dr. Charley Ferrer – sex therapist & educator and we’re talking all about BDSM. So please stop by and ask her anything. And I do mean anything!
I’m aware that I promised you Eternal Ever After in December. But considering that I’m on the road with two little ones, my in-laws, and DH, I figured I should give it to you early. In case you don’t get my newsletter or somehow missed it on the main page, Eternal Ever After is finally here. It’s a steamy paranormal romance and follows the same characters from Cursed Ever After. I’m hoping readers who liked my erotica anthology will enjoy this just as much. Happy reading and happy Thanksgiving! 
xoxo -A.C.
Eternal Ever After
Ever After Series Book 1
A.C. James
Genre: Steamy Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Wandering Impulse Press
Date of Publication: 11/23/13
E-Book: 978-0-9911485-0-9
Print: 978-0-9911485-1-6
Number of pages: 307
Word Count: 88K
Cover Artist: Ramona Lockwood
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/VefnxkHGiXM
Book Description:
His past holds a secret…
Arie Cush has a secret that he thought he’d left behind. When his past follows him to Chicago he must protect someone that reminds him of all the painful memories he’s tried so hard to forget. But when every touch from her sets his heart and body on fire—he finds it hard to maintain his aloof façade.
That becomes her nightmare.
Holly Ellis has secrets of her own. An encounter with the handsome stranger who frequents her coffee shop reveals a vampire with baggage. Even though it might be more than she bargained for, she can’t resist the one person who understands her. But her life is in danger and a supernatural threat could reveal the underground world of vampires to humankind in this Gothic Cinderella re-telling.
Inside Scoop: This story contains bondage, anal play, a M/F primary romance with mild F/F situations.
Warning: This book is fictitious. The bdsm portrayed in this story does not portray the lifestyle. Vampires will be vampires. They don’t exactly stop to discuss a scene, pain thresholds, and there is no aftercare involved. Trust is an intrinsic part of the lifestyle. Use due diligence and research before deciding to make fiction into reality.
Heat Level: This book is a steamy romance. It’s the development of a romantic relationship that contains more explicit language and sex. The sex is not an inherent part of the story, character growth, or relationship development, and if removed you still have an amazing plot.
Excerpt:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
–Holy Bible: King James Version
PREFACE
I never guessed that I could die with a sea of faces surrounding me, all cheering for my death. A woman wearing a jacket dress made of brocade only laughed louder when blood splattered the low square neckline. Where is Arie? I scanned the crowded club but all I could see were pale faces, some half covered by masks.
My time had come and I prayed she would finish me off quickly. The warm trickle of blood ran down my neck and chest, saturating the corset bustier of my gown. It seemed like a shame to ruin such a pretty dress. Strangely, I felt relieved the bodice was black and not a light color that would show a stain.
The fear of dying or more accurately, the fear of not existing, scared me stiff. Perhaps if I had satisfied this existential anxiety with faith I wouldn’t jump from panic to ambivalence. I should be angry at everyone who simply watched. They must think the gruesome display is part of the entertainment for tonight. After the bloody burlesque show I could hardly blame them.
Holly, I gave you the chance to leave. The telepathic transference hardly seemed relevant at this point. I knew if I’d never gone to the Hellfire Club, I wouldn’t be facing death now. Still, if my death meant the killings would stop it seemed justifiable.
“No!” I could barely hear Arie scream above the cheering voices clamoring for attention. The constant drone defies my effort to form coherent thoughts. I looked up and could see him on the balcony. When I blinked he had disappeared into the throng. I could feel the blood continue to trickle down my neck as she drained me. Dizziness threatened to pull me under. The audience applauded her brutality. I crumpled at her feet, looking up at her smile as thin as paper.
Blood. So much blood. My blood.
I didn’t want this to be the story of my death but this part is only a fragment of a narrative as old as time. Its voices fill the shadows with whispers of legend. We are told that the damned cease to exist and those absolved from sin are given eternal life. The damned can never be saved. They walk the earth in an eternal hell. I fear it will be my curse if death doesn’t claim me instead.
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November 20, 2013
All I Want for Christmas is You (Contemporary Romance)
All I Want for Christmas is You
Fate with a Helping Hand Book One
Lisa Mondello
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ASIN: B005KDG236
Number of pages: 192
Word Count: 40,000
Amazon Barnes and Noble iTunes Smashwords
Book Description:
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season… Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That’s why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn’t Santa’s bag.
But this Santa has a plan…
Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone’s trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.
About the Author:
Lisa Mondello (a.k.a. LA Mondello) has held many jobs in her life but being a published author is the last job she’ll ever have. She’s not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she’d still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You, was the winner of the Golden Quill contest for Best First Book and to date has had over 750,000 downloads worldwide.
She is currently the author of 15 novels under the name Lisa Mondello and LA Mondello. You can find more information about Lisa Mondello at http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
@LisaMondello
http://www.facebook.com/lisa.mondello.1
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November 19, 2013
On His List (Contemporary Romance)
On His List
Wendy Sparrow
Entangled Flirt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781622663736
Book Description:
“Where can I take you, Mr. Savoy?”
That was how Remy Maison’s day began, not the glamorous world of guarding underwear from her creepy landlord on laundry day, but taking her brother’s place as driver for businessman Owen Savoy. And what was with this guy? Yeah, he’s hot and all, with eyes like melted chocolate and a lean, sexy figure she’d love to explore, but Remy’s never met anyone so rigid.
Owen has a list for everything. He’s planned the entire day down to the smallest detail. All Remy has to do is stick to the list, but she never follows the rules‚ there’s no freaking way. So why is she spending all her time looking in the rearview mirror, hoping she’ll make Owen’s next list?
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About the Author:
Wendy’s childhood as a military brat instilled in her a wanderlust to travel, but with the possibility of bugs, lost luggage, germs, a lack of parking, she just prefers the cleaner and safer visits to exciting places in her stories. It has very little to do with her obsessive compulsive disorder—maybe. She is a passionate advocate both online and in her community for the welfare of autistic children. In addition to writing, she enjoys painting and sketching, spending time with her two quirky kids, and running with her dog. Her wonderful husband makes sure she has the geeky, tech aspects of her stories just right. She can often be found on Twitter where she will strike up a conversation with anyone she happens across.
Website: http://wendysparrow.com/
Blog: http://wendysparrow.com/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendySparrow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-Sparrow/471652932872034
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3346109.Wendy_Sparrow
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November 18, 2013
Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Erotic Paranormal Romance)
Logan’s Acadian Wolves
Immortals of New Orleans
Book 4
Kym Grosso
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
ISBN-13: 978-1492267799
ISBN-10: 1492267791
ASIN: B00F7X2XTG
Number of pages: Approximately 430
Word Count: 120,090 words
Cover Artist: Patricia Schmitt, PickyMe
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Smashwords
Book Description:
An erotic paranormal romance…
Deep in the heart of New Orleans, Acadian Wolves’ Alpha, Logan Reynaud, rescues a beautiful woman in the dead of night. Intrigued by the mysterious human, the commanding Alpha is determined to elicit all of her secrets, including her deepest fantasies. After tragedy strikes, Logan discovers dangerous adversaries are planning an attack in his city. Driven by responsibility and honor, Logan must protect both his pack and the woman who’s captivated his attention.
Dr. Wynter Ryan, a leading virologist, is fascinated with her charismatic protector. As the chemistry ignites between her and the dominant Alpha, she relinquishes her ties to the past, embracing ecstasy and submission within his arms and intrepidly acquiescing to her own adventurous instincts. Succumbing to desire, she learns to trust her Alpha, discovering what it means to be wolf.
Passion and mystery on the bayou stirs Logan’s wolf, demanding he claim his mate. Yet Wynter’s a distraction he can’t afford when his priority is to lead his new pack. Will Logan surrender to the uncontrollable need to claim Wynter as his mate? And will he be able to keep her alive, finding the killer who threatens the Acadian Wolves?
Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m menage, and is intended for adult readers only.
Other Books in Series:
Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1)
Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2)
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Smashwords BN
Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3)
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Smashwords BN
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About the Author:
Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) and Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 4).
In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes about autism at PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.
Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog and cat. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.
Website: www.KymGrosso.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks
Twitter: @KymGrosso
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso
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Neighbors (Contemporary Romance)
Neighbors
L.S. Murphy
Publisher: Entangled Flirt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781622663743
Rena Woods has a great life. She recently landed the contract to decorate the home of basketball wife, Cecilia Hood, her business is growing, and this contract could make her the elite decorator in St. Louis. Rena’s sacrificed her personal life for her company without a single regret. When Staff Sergeant C.J. Riker moves in across the hall, Rena can’t stand to be around him. He may be on the volcanic side of hot, but his attitude sucks. Riker does whatever he can to get under Rena’s skin.
After a massive blow to her business sends Rena on a self-destructive binge, Riker is there to save her from doing something she might regret. Could there be more to Riker than meets the eye? And will he open up enough to Rena to tell her how he lost his leg or shut out love forever?
Excerpt:
The moving van blocked my car on the street outside my building. Thanks to a freak storm knocking out the power the night before, I was already running late for an appointment halfway across the city. The meteorologists in St. Louis should just add “we think” to every forecast to save themselves the trouble. Of course, my mother would have said I was always late, no matter what the reason. It’s her favorite complaint, besides pointing out her lack of grandchildren. Never mind my two older brothers with three kids between them.
“You’re not getting any younger, Rena,” she chided the night before as we had our weekly phone conversation. Mom loved using my name against me as added emphasis. “You’ll be thirty in a few years. And it’s all downhill from there.”
Such a positive influence.
The cars were covered in summer leaves. The winds had sent tree limbs to the center of the streets. Despite the storm, the air had already lost its “fresh rain” scent and regained the heavy humidity of a St. Louis summer.
Soulard’s neighborhood association had a policy that movers could not start until after nine o’clock in the morning. It was ten minutes until nine, which was also the time I was supposed to meet my biggest client.
I hammered my palm against the door of the moving van, leaving a wet handprint on the white paint. A guy with dark hair cut in the traditional USMC hairstyle—short on the sides with an inch on top—leaned out the window. He lowered his wraparound sunglasses and cocked an eyebrow. A smirk played above his stubbled jaw. I wanted to smile back—guys with dimples were a weak point for me—but I was running way too late to flirt. Too bad.
“Could you move? You’re blocking me in.” I motioned to my red hatchback, which my best friend Maddie had dubbed “The Tomato.”
He stuck his arm out the window and opened the door from the outside. His dark, sleeveless t-shirt revealed a tattoo of the eagle, anchor, and globe on a tight bicep. I figured he was around my age, give or take a year or three. As he climbed down, my gaze traced each curve of his athletic frame until the prosthetic caught my attention. I felt his eyes on me as I stared too long at the fake leg.
“Are you done yet?” he snapped with a voice hardened by the Corps. It was the same voice my uncle, a retired sergeant, used on my cousins. It made you want to stand at attention and shout “Yes, sir” at the top of your lungs.
Before I could come up with a decent sounding apology for letting my eyes linger too long where they shouldn’t have, he stalked past me and around the back of the truck. His elbow brushed against the bare skin of my arm. Goosebumps spread to my shoulder. It’d been too long since a guy, any guy, made that happen. Just freaking great. I don’t have time for this. I spun on my heel and hurried after him, glad he didn’t see the embarrassment color my cheeks. Good job, Rena. Piss off the hot Marine. It’s not like you haven’t seen a guy with a prosthetic before.
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About the Author:
L.S. Murphy lives in the Greater St. Louis area where she watches Cardinals baseball, reads every book she can find, and weaves tales for teens and adults. When not doing all of the above, she tends to The Bean (aka her daughter), her husband and a menagerie of pets. “A Reason to Stay”, a contemporary romance novella, is available as of November 2, 2012. Reaper is her debut young adult novel and is available as of January 7th, 2013.
She is a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the St. Louis Writer’s Guild.
Website: http://lsmurphy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSMurphy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSMurphyAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5046440.L_S_Murphy
Tumblr: http://lsmurphybooks.tumblr.com/
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/l-s-murphy/12/218/140
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November 17, 2013
Blood Will Tell (PNR / Urban Fantasy)
Blood Will Tell
Book One
Meredith Mansfield
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1484141137
ISBN: 9781476442884
ASIN: B007WGBNII
Number of pages: 249 pages
Word Count: 96,000 words
Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Smashwords
Book Description:
Being a half-blood is inconvenient on a good day, especially when the half you got from your mother is werewolf. Valeriah can’t take wolf form, but the full moon still fills her with manic energy. Running helps; a tired werewolf is a good werewolf.
Living perennially caught between two worlds–human and werewolf, magic and non-magic–doesn’t leave much room for love. That suits Valeriah just fine. She’s never had any luck with that anyway.
Until her cousin’s life is threatened, that is, and out of necessity she accepts the help of a mysterious young man to protect Cristel. Rolf is everything that makes Valeriah’s pulse speed up in spite of herself. Now, with Cristel’s life in the balance, is the worst possible time for that kind of complication.
But Rolf’s secrets could destroy her trust and that might cost her life.
Blood Is Thicker
Book Two
Meredith Mansfield
ISBN: 978-1492105138
ISBN: 9781301244065
ASIN: B00EDCTFIY
Number of Pages: 212 pages
Number of Words: 78,000 words
In the sequel to BLOOD WILL TELL, the newlyweds, Rolf and Valeriah, face a new crisis.
Born half-werewolf, Valeriah’s life has never been simple. Her recent marriage to a dragon has led to a transformation–Valeriah is now a dragon, too. But, taking the form and knowing how to actually be a dragon is not the same thing. Her life has even more complications than ever. So many, in fact, that she doesn’t recognize the signs of her own pregnancy until Rolf rushes her to the Hatching Grounds to lay their eggs.
But then things only get worse, because something’s wrong on the Hatching Grounds. The underground source of heat that sustains the eggs is slowly dying. Valeriah and Rolf have to scramble to discover what’s gone wrong and find a way to fix it before their eggs die.
Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Smashwords
Chimeria Two Book Bundle
Contains both
Blood Will Tell
and Blood Is Thicker
ASIN: B00FR0AXOG
Barnes and Noble Smashwords Amazon
Excerpt- From Blood Is Thicker, Chapter 1, Scene 2:
Valeriah huffed irritably as she beat her giant leathery wings to gain altitude for the next pass. This flight school boot camp was not what she’d had in mind when Rolf suggested the isolated villa for the remainder of their honeymoon.
The full moon and the manic energy it brought out in her never did improve her mood and having indigestion to go with it wasn’t helping any. Used to be, she’d run for miles to calm that madness. Or engage in practice fights. Now she’d do well to run anywhere without tripping over her own feet or tail and fighting was out of the question. She used to be able to take care of herself, not have to depend on Rolf to catch her food and take care of her. No doubt he was enjoying it, but she didn’t like the feeling at all.
Of course, Rolf was always ready to help her work off the full-moon energy in other ways. In human form, that would have been fine with her. While she’d never say this to Rolf, on the whole, she found the mating of dragons unsatisfactory–not unpleasant, but far from breathtaking. He’d been a much more versatile and exciting lover as a human. Hanging upside down, wings folded, clutched in Rolf’s talons, while he slowly circled the lake just didn’t have as many thrills. It was like trading the most spine-tingling rollercoaster at Magic Mountain for the merry-go-round. You were still moving but it just wasn’t the same. Thank the Goddess that he was more than twice her size as a dragon and strong enough to carry her. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have even that. It was going to take her a while to master flying upside down.
She reached her intended altitude in a bad mood. Rolf had been drilling her in aerobatic maneuvers for hours and she was sick of it. Well, let’s see what he thought about this. She folded her wings back for the dive, pulling out only at the last second into a perfect barrel roll.
Rolf’s trumpeting crow of delight echoed back from the surrounding mountains. “You’re ready!”
“Ready for what?” she asked as she landed in front of him.
“For me to show you how it’s really done. Fly with me.”
As soon as they lifted off, Rolf darted in and grabbed her talons in his own. Well, that wasn’t what she’d thought he’d meant when he was so excited about her aerobatics, but all right.
Rolf gestured skyward with his chin. “We need to go higher.”
Maybe this was going to be a little different after all. Any change would be a good thing. They climbed, talons still joined and wings beating in unison. Up and up until even dragon lungs could barely suck enough oxygen from the thin air. Then they hovered for a moment.
Rolf shifted his grip on her talons to draw her closer, so close she had to curtail her wing beats. His much wider wings continued to beat, nearly encompassing her completely at each stroke. He pulled her closer until their bodies met. She could feel the heat of him against the delicate scales of her belly and then, with one sharp movement, the heat was inside her, too.
Valeriah pressed against him, wrapping her neck and tail around his to bring him closer. In spite of the minor inconveniences, she really did love Rolf. Moments like this helped to remind her how much. She started to let her weight fall backwards, but Rolf pulled her back up.
“Not this time. Fold your wings and dive,” Rolf said.
She did. They plummeted, necks and tails entwined, wings clasped. Yes! This was what she had been missing. The rush of freefall sent a tingling sensation surging down the length of her body. She shivered and that sent another wave exploding outward from her center and then back again until she felt she would break apart if he were to let go of her.
They pulled out only at the last second, rolling together, which sent altogether new and delectable sensations through her body.
“Up again?” Rolf asked.
“Up! Yess!” Valeriah answered.
They climbed and plunged again, still joined. When they pulled out, Valeriah screamed, “Up!”
Rolf obliged. This time, when they dove, they were above the deep lake behind the villa and they did not pull out. They plunged into the waves, continuing the dive until their lungs were near to bursting. Only then did they finally separate, each driving for the surface and air. They paddled over to the beach and lay, wing-tip to wing-tip, utterly spent, wings extended so the afternoon sun could warm them as they sucked air into their starved lungs.
“Goddess! I’ve never gone for three falls before,” Rolf said, gasping.
Valeriah raised her head. Her grin exposed rows of serrated, razor-sharp teeth. “I’ll try for four, if you want.”
The rumble of his laughter made wave-like ripples in the sand of the beach. “Mercy! I fear that would burst even my heart.” He stretched his wing so that he could caress the edge of hers. “Do you forgive me, now? For driving you so hard to learn to fly?”
Her laugh sounded more like a purr. “Oh, I think sso. Yess. Definitely.” Just now she was very glad she’d slowed down enough to let him catch her last spring.
About the Author:
Professionally, I’ve been a financial analyst and a visual basic programmer. I also have a paralegal certificate, although I’ve never worked in that field. It’s anybody’s guess what I’ll be when I grow up.
Imagining stories and writing have always been an important part of my life. It’s one I’ve finally gotten to spend a significant amount of time on while I care for my mother who has Alzheimer’s disease.
www.MeredithMansfield.WordPress.com
Twitter: @MansfieldMJ
https://plus.google.com/stream#108158390596093486563/posts
https://www.facebook.com/meredith.mansfield.3#!/pages/Meredith-Mansfield-Writer/198287643536426
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5817351.Meredith_Mansfield
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November 14, 2013
Summer Sins (BDSM Erotica)
Today, I have a dear friend and fellow author, Kathy Kulig, with an excerpt from her newest release here on my blog. If you enjoy bdsm romance, you’ll definitely love this book. Enjoy!
SUMMER SINS by Kathy Kulig
Release day: November 15
Ellora’s Cave
BDSM Erotica, Taboo Line
http://www.ellorascave.com/summer-sins.html
Thanks so much for having me as a guest, AC. SUMMER SINS is part of the TropiX series. All books are completely separate stand-alone books and can be read in any order. SPRING BREAK is a ménage erotic romance.
I have a number of awesome prizes in my Release CONTEST. $25 Gift Card to an ebook store of the winner’s choice, Free Ebooks, and, to a US resident– a 2014 Ellora’s Cave Cavemen Calendar. Sign up through the Rafflecopter at any blog tour stop. Contest runs from November 15- December 14.
Book Description: Master Adrian Cayne knows how to bring exquisite pain or pleasure to a woman’s body. Before he’ll take on an inexperienced submissive, he expects her to pass a series of seductive tests of increasing intensity to see if she’s receptive to his unique and dark skills. Under his command and relentless determination, she’ll relinquish control to him.
Emma is known to thoroughly research her articles for the tabloid magazine Scandal. Her latest assignment to write about Dark Odyssey, a new BDSM club, is her chance to indulge in her taboo desires for the sex she craves as a submissive. With her job and future career on the line, she has to write a lurid, gossipy story. But her heart isn’t in it because she falling for Adrian.
Raw and hot passion draws them past guarded limits, but when secrets are revealed, trust will be the final test for true love.
Excerpt:
When Adrian walked into the foyer he spotted Cynthia and the redhead standing next to her. His body immediately responded with a tug in the gut and a tightening in his groin. She was a tad shorter than Cynthia, which would put her at about five-seven. The green dress molded to her curvy body, athletic but not skinny. Fair skin gleamed with a natural glow. He lived in Florida but he was as pale as some of the snowbirds. Carter was right, he worked too damn much.
As if she sensed his perusal, she looked his way and made eye contact. Confident, intelligent eyes, but slightly vulnerable. As a sub, she’d be perfect if that was her inclination. He didn’t like subs who had no mind of their own. They were overly dependent, needy. Too bad she had no experience.
“Hey, Emma.” Carter walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Meet our friend, Adrian Cayne.”
They shook hands and exchanged greetings. For a newbie she didn’t seem that nervous or managed to cover it up well.
“Emma is a caretaker at an animal shelter,” Carter said. “And Adrian’s a doctor.”
“What specialty?” Emma asked.
“Neurosurgery,” Adrian said. “What kinds of animals have you cared for?”
“Mostly dogs and cats. When I worked at Animal Kingdom, I had a chance to work with all types.”
“What brought you down here?” Adrian asked.
“It was… A number of things brought about the relocation.” She didn’t explain.
Maybe she moved with a boyfriend and it didn’t work out. He wasn’t going to press.
“I just love this room,” Cynthia said, changing the subject as she gazed out toward the ocean. “It’s still quiet, but on busy nights, this room is full of guests. You usually won’t see couples or groups having sex out here, just touching, sometimes getting naked. Hard core stuff goes on in the rooms.”
“Has anyone explained the rules yet?” Carter asked Emma.
“Not completely.”
“An open door is an invitation to watch,” Adrian offered. “Those playing inside a room must invite you in. Guests can’t just waltz in during a group scene. It’s rather rude and you’ll probably get thrown out. If there are enough complaints, a guest can be asked to leave the club.” He watched her expression. A Dom could pick up the smallest telltales. He focused his attention on her soft, hazel eyes. She was looking at him and around the room, alert, taking in every detail. The muscles in her jaw and long neck were relaxed but she gripped the strap of her purse with a tight fist.
Adrian had numerous encounters in here over the years. Eager subs anxiously anticipating a scene. Could she be his next eager sub? Or was she a newbie who thought she might like bondage only to freak out the moment she had to give up a little control. That was the disadvantage of taking on a new submissive.
“Dark Odyssey was overdue,” Carter explained to Emma. “The one semi-bondage room with restraint table and swing was very popular. Patrons kept requesting more rooms with better bondage equipment.” He pointed the way toward a long hallway where the old playrooms were. He described the rules—how no, meant no. If any guest approached her and she told him no and was still pressured, then tell one of the guys in the black TropiX T-shirts.
Adrian stood beside her. “You’re not saying much?”
She jumped and looked up at him. “I’m taking it all in. This is new for me.”
“Adrian!” A woman called from across the room. It took him a moment but he recognized the voice. Every muscle in his body tensed. If he had known she would be here, he wouldn’t have come.
Jill strutted across the room in killer platform heels and a slinky silvery-white dress that was practically see-through. Her brown hair was longer since he’d seen her last, pulled back from her shoulders. More of her breasts hung out of the dress than were contained. Her rosy areolas showed through the flimsy material. Sliding between Adrian and Emma, her back rudely facing Emma, she put her arms around him and kissed him. “I’ve missed you, Master. So glad to see you’re back. Will you take me to Dark Odyssey this evening?” She lowered her head and slid her hands down his chest.
Grasping her hands, Adrian gently pulled them away. “Good to see you, Jill. I’m with friends this evening.” He stepped back to introduce Emma, Cynthia and Carter.
Jill gave Emma a quick up-and-down glance and apparently decided she wasn’t competition. “Would you like me to give you all a tour of Dark Odyssey?” She hooked arms with Adrian.
“Thanks, Jill, but Cynthia and Carter will be giving us a tour.” He knew how possessive and needy she could be and he didn’t want to get into that now.
Jill’s expression hardened with a forced smile. “Enjoy the tour. I’ll talk to you later, Adrian. I’ll be down here for a while unless I meet someone.”
“Have a good evening,” he said. The others, including Emma said goodbye.
“I didn’t know she was going to be here,” Cynthia said, obviously concerned.
Across the room, two men and a woman on one of the sofas fondled one another. The men groped her breasts and between her legs. A second later, her blouse was off and one man sucked her nipples. The woman had her hand down one guy’s pants while kissing the other man. Adrian noticed Emma watched them with parted lips.
“Anything appeal to you? Or offend?” Adrian asked.
“I like the openness and sensual atmosphere,” she said. “I feel safe. I’m not sure if I’d get into the group thing. Although, I can’t say I wouldn’t try it. But what always interested me was bondage. I don’t claim to understand it, but I’m intrigued by it.” She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her hands were grasped tightly together.
Adrian noticed everything. A twitch of a muscle was a clue when he was pushing his partner toward her limit. Emma had the most expressive eyes, sensual and innocent, but defiant too.
His groin tightened again and he clenched his teeth. It had been too long since he fucked a sweet sub, drew every ounce of pleasure from her until she moaned in ecstasy. To have a sub willing to surrender, willing to allow him to push her beyond her limits was what he needed badly. Could he have a woman in a vanilla-only relationship?
“You have a question? You look confused. Have you not seen a ménage before?”
“I’ve not watched one before. I was wondering if a Dom has more than one submissive?”
He smiled. “Depends whether he wants to be exclusive or not.”
“We’ll show you Dark Odyssey before it gets crowded,” Cynthia said.
About the Author:
Kathy Kulig is the award-winning author of erotic romance and erotica. Critics have described her writing as “very raw and hot”, “wonderfully unique” and “entertaining and captivating”. She’s won or placed in a number of writing contests including the PRISM and the EPIC Awards. Her interest in mythology, quantum physics and the supernatural, and also her extensive background in science provide inexhaustible material for new projects in the paranormal realms. Expect a dark and erotically-charged read with lots of romance.
A member of Romance Writers of America, Kathy was past president of her local chapter for Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers. She’s also a member of Liberty States Fiction Writers and other local writers groups. She teaches workshops on various writing related topics at conferences, writers groups and online.
She’s published in both fiction and non-fiction. More than three dozen of her articles have appeared in magazines, newspapers and various on-line venues. Now, she couldn’t imagine writing anything else but erotic romances. After all, happily-ever-after love stories with abundant sex and emotionally heated characters are the best kind.
Besides her career in writing, she has worked as a cytotechnologist, research scientist, dive master and stringer for a newspaper. When she’s not writing or dreaming up her next steamy story, she enjoys traveling, relaxing by the beach with a book, mountain biking, movies and dinners out.
Kathy was raised in a small town in northern New Jersey, and also lived in upstate New York, Colorado, and southern Florida. She now resides in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and lives in a 100-year-old Victorian home, which has a garage built of rejected tombstones.
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November 13, 2013
Santa to the Rescue (Contemporary Holiday Romance)
Santa to the Rescue
Adele Downs
Entangled Flirt
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
ISBN: 9781622663811
Book Description:
Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: an honorable man doesn’t go back on his word; never hurt a woman; and lasting love isn’t a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at Appleton Fire Station, the long hours don’t offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.
When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can’t keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather’s favorite song to prove he’s got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.
Excerpt:
She laughed out loud this time, and the sound of her voice rang through the air, pure and clear. He could listen to that voice for hours. “These are for my kids at the hospital. I’m an R.N. at County. We’re decorating the pediatric ward. And spoiling the children too, a bit. I’m baking cookies for our holiday party on Saturday.”
She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Heather Longhurst.”
Jamey introduced himself and took her hand. He told her what he did and where he worked. Her skin felt soft against his palm, though her grasp conveyed confidence and strength.
He cocked his chin. “What kind of cookies?”
“Chocolate chip, of course. Is there any other kind?”
Jamey shook his head. He could almost taste melted dark chocolate and smell the aromas of fresh baked flour, eggs and sugar filling her kitchen. His mouth watered. He hoped she couldn’t hear his stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in over fourteen hours. “No ma’am.”
Heather returned a lopsided grin. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“Southern Indiana, born and raised.”
She moved out of the way of an elderly couple trying to pass with their half-filled shopping cart. Jamey moved too and they strolled together toward the exit. “I’ll make a plate of cookies for you, if you stop by the hospital to pick it up.” She said.
Jamey smiled at her, his heart lifting at the turnaround in his day. “That’s the best offer I’ve had since I moved to Appleton.”
“You’re new in town?”
“Been here almost three months.”
“Glad to meet you, Jamey Tucker. See you about one o’clock?”
“I’ll be there. Count on it.”
“I will.” She smiled back and their gazes locked. His mood soared with the realization she was flirting with him. The day had definitely taken a turn for the better.
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About the Author:
Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.
Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers.
When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.
Blog: http://adeledowns.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19160349-adele-downs
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November 12, 2013
Interview with Lisa Modello – Contemporary Romance & Romantic Suspense Author
It’s my pleasure to welcome Lisa Mondello to my blog. If you like what you read, please investigate her books at Amazon.
A.C. James: Hello, Lisa. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.
Lisa: I live in Massachusetts, which is why some of my earlier books were set in Massachusetts. I love New England and love writing about the area. I always tell people that I didn’t choose writing. I just wrote. It’s as simple as that. When you love something you just do it and that is how I got started at a very young age.
A.C. James: So writing chose you. I can completely understand that. What genre do you generally write and what have you had published to-date? What do you think of eBooks?
Lisa: I’ve published 14 original books and have had some of my books included in anthology sets. I love e-books. My first book, All I Want for Christmas is You was originally published as an e-book back in 1998, long before the Kindle and Nook were for sale. I mainly write contemporary romances, some with a western theme, and romantic suspense.
A.C. James: Have you self-published? If so, what lead to you to become an indie author?
Lisa: This is a great time to be an indie author and I’ve been very happy self-publishing my back list of books from Avalon and the small presses I worked with early in my career. I also was able to release three original books through indie publishing, The Knight and Maggie’s Baby, Material Witness, which was named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2012, and my new novella Her Dakota Man.
A.C. James: I couldn’t agree with you more. I just got back from Rhode Island and the Indie Author Symposium with Marie Force and Penny Watson. I find it a little bit scary, but completely exhilarating and rewarding to be able to take control of our writing careers. Do you have a favorite of your stories or characters?
Lisa: Not really. I fall in love with all my characters in my books. It’s hard not to. There’s always something about them that pulls at me. I loved Cody Gentry in THE MORE I SEE because he was a very handsome, proud cowboy who loved what he did as a cutting horse trainer and was good at it. But he was blind and had to learn how to find a way to see he hadn’t lost his whole identity and that he could live again. He does this with the help of a guide dog trainer who doesn’t give up on him. I loved Logan McKinnon in HER DAKOTA MAN because he was so honorable and he struggled so hard with doing right by the people he loved in his life. My upcoming book for the TEXAS HEARTS series, LEAVING LIBERTY, has also been tough to write because of the subject matter. I could probably go on all day because the bottom line is I have to love my story and characters or readers won’t.
A.C. James: There’s just something about a rough and tumble cowboy that I love. Which authors did you read when you were younger and did they shape you as a writer?
Lisa: When I was younger I didn’t pay attention to particular authors. I do now, but not then. I just read whatever it was my sister and mother was reading and usually that was a Harlequin Romance or Harlequin Presents.
A.C. James: And do you manage to write every day, and do you plot your stories or just get an idea and run with it?
Lisa: I write every day but sometimes it’s not much. I write like a puzzle and sometimes it takes me a while to figure out the piece that is missing from the story. I know what’s missing and that there is a hole, but I don’t always know how to fix it. It may take me hours of reworking things in my head to figure it out before I can move on. I usually write like a bandit the next day.
A.C. James: Do you do a lot of editing or research?
Lisa: I do a fair amount of editing. I really envy those linear writers who can write a first draft that is really clean. Mine aren’t. But I do love writing that first draft because there are no rules. Everything is fresh and exciting. Rewriting is figuring and shaping and while I love it when the story takes shape and comes together, it’s a lot more painful and not as much fun.
A.C. James: I can relate to what you’re saying a lot. I’m always pea green with envy over those that can write clean first drafts or write over 2K a day. With two little ones under the age of five, writing comes in short bursts and I really have to guard my time. So I get it! So when you write, what point of view do you find most to your liking: first person or third person? And have you ever tried second person?
Lisa: I have written a little in first person but most everything I write is in third person. I also like to explore multiple points of view depending on who has the most to gain or lose.
A.C. James: What’s your favorite or least favorite aspect of your writing life? Has anything surprised you?
Lisa: Finding enough hours in the day to enjoy life and write fast enough to please my readers.
A.C. James: And are you involved in anything else writing-related other than actual writing or marketing of your writing?
Lisa: For the past two years I was the Co-VP of the Scriptscene RWA Chapter, which is the screenwriting chapter for RWA. I do a little screenwriting, but mostly write novels.
A.C. James: Are you on any forums or networking sites? If so, how valuable do you find them?
Lisa: I am on Facebook. I’ve just discovered Pinterest, but I’m not on any forums. I just don’t have the time to fit that and writing and family into my day and still expect to get a few hours of sleep.
A.C. James: What are you working on at the moment or next?
Lisa: I just released HER DAKOTA MAN and now I’m finishing up the rest of the series. BADLAND BRIDE is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. DAKOTA HEAT should be available either by late December or early January. Then I need to pause and finish LEAVING LIBERTY, which is book 5 of my Texas Hearts series. My readers have been asking me about that one, too. So I’d like to keep fans of both series happy.
A.C. James: Lisa, tell us more about HER DAKOTA MAN and why it’s been such a big hit with your readers.
Lisa: HER DAKOTA MAN was just released and it’s really doing well. I’ve heard from readers who have really enjoyed this new series and are looking forward to more stories about the McKinnon brothers. I love sexy cowboys, contemporary western settings and big families. I come from one myself so it’s a natural to write, and I guess that is what draws readers to the new DAKOTA HEARTS series.
A.C. James: Where can we find out about you and your writing?
Lisa: You can find out more about all my books at my blog http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
A.C. James: Thank you for interviewing today on my blog! Good luck with BADLAND BRIDE and I’d love to have you back when it’s released.
Her Dakota Man
Dakota Hearts
Book 1
Lisa Mondello
Genre: contemporary romance
ISBN: 9781940512006
ASIN: B00FRSX700
Number of pages: 108
Word Count: 37,000
Cover Artist: Melyssa Naujoks of Purple Girl Design
Everyone knows that the Dakotas didn’t get the name Badlands for nothing. Harsh weather and rough living are a way of life. But single dad, Logan McKinnon, had seen more than his share of bad times after the death of his wife a year ago. The last thing he needs is Poppy Erickson, an old flame and his late wife’s best friend, showing up unannounced to help after devastating floods nearly washed away their hometown. With no place to stay in town, he has no choice but to offer her a bed at his house. But can he live under the same roof with a woman he’d once loved passionately without feeling he’s betraying his late wife?
Poppy Erickson had spent the year wondering how all their lives might have been different after hearing the death bed confession of her childhood friend. She’d left South Dakota years ago because she couldn’t bear to watch the man she loved loving another woman. But now she knows the truth. She’ll keep the promise she made to a friend, but will Logan understand when he learns the truth? More important, can they again recapture the passion that had been between them all those years ago?
Excerpt:
One look on Logan McKinnon’s face told Poppy that his foul mood had very little to do with the devastating destruction all around the Badlands of South Dakota…and everything to do with her showing up in town after nearly ten years.
She didn’t have to be standing next to him to feel his anger simmering just below the surface of his composure. Sitting in her rental sedan was close enough. What the hell was she thinking coming back home? Why had she made that ridiculous promise to Kelly?
She parked the car next to his truck and took a deep breath, mumbling under her breath as she pulled the door handle, “This may just turn out to be the stupidest thing you have ever done, girl.”
Truth was, even as pissed off as Logan looked, he was still an amazing sight to see. Part of her had hoped that she was wrong. That she’d gotten over him a long time ago. That she’d take one look at him, make sure he and Keith were okay, and be able to get back in her car and drive right to the airport in Rapids City.
He turned to her, standing tall and proud. His thick dark hair blew in the March wind, fluttering around his face and making him all the more strikingly handsome.
Yep. Stupid.
He was taller than she’d remembered, and he’d long since lost that too-lean teenage body that had driven her crazy in her youth. He worked hard on his ranch and it showed in how much his arms and chest had filled with muscles.
Despite the cold, he’d taken off his jacket while he worked in the yard and Poppy had a clear view of just how much his male body had filled out in places she’d dreamed of touching.
Lord, help her. She was in trouble. And she hadn’t even stepped out of the car yet. She pushed the door open and stepped outside to get it over with. It was either going to be the shortest visit on record…or a life changing experience she’d been dreaming of ever since she was a teenager.
“Hi, Logan.”
Logan starred at he for a long, agonizing moment. She read the emotional tug of war playing on his face as the sudden chill from the South Dakota winds bit into her exposed skin like a whip.
Then his expression turned hard. “What are you doing here?”
He must have heard the car drive up. But Logan’s four-year-old son, Keith, remained focused on the mud puddle he was poking a stick into to even notice anyone was around. That was good. The next few minutes would go easier for both of them if Keith weren’t aware of the tension.
Logan stared at her as if he’d been startled. Or maybe too focused on making sure his four-year old son, Keith, was safely playing nearby to notice her car had driven up.
Or perhaps he’d been too pre-occupied with assessing the damage the recent angry South Dakota weather had done to his property. Poppy had seen just how Mother Nature had shown no mercy to her childhood town as she drove from the airport to the ranch. She couldn’t exactly blame Logan for being in a foul mood because of that.
Seeing her was just the icing on the cake.
“What the hell are you doing here, Poppy?” he repeated.
She took in a deep breath, smelled the muddy earth and decay all around her, and said, “I came to help.”
He took one long look at her, from her high-heeled boots, up the length of her legs, pausing at her hips. She could almost feel his eyes as if he were staring at the flesh beneath her fresh pair of blue jeans. When his gaze finally reached her face again, she slid her sunglasses to the tip of her nose and stared right back at him in challenge. A slow smile played on her lips. She could never last as long at this as Logan before caving into laughter. But she knew Logan was in no laughing mood.
“Poppy Ericksen. Rudolph was practically washed off the map from all that rain we had? After all this time, what makes you think I need anything from you?”
Even though his voice was even, she could tell he was still pissed. But he’d never show it. Keith was still poking at the mud and puddles on the driveway just a little ways away, completely unaware of present company.
“What’s the matter, Logan? You don’t look happy to see me,” Poppy said, pulling her sunglasses off her face with a wary smile.
About the Author:
USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but being a published authors is the last job she’ll ever have. She’s not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she’d still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill. Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of Excellence contests.
In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie’s Baby. In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and The More I See.
Writing as LA Mondello, her romantic suspense, MATERIAL WITNESS, book 1 of her Heroes of Providence series made the USA TODAY Bestsellers List. You can find more information about Lisa Mondello at lisamondello.blogspot.com.
http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
@LisaMondello
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMondello.Author
The post Interview with Lisa Modello – Contemporary Romance & Romantic Suspense Author appeared first on A.C. James - Erotic Paranormal Romance Author. Spanks for reading!
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