A.C. James's Blog, page 6
September 28, 2014
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection – 99 Cents
11 Best
selling Authors11 HOT books
1 Incredible Savings
What to Read After Fifty Shades of Grey (#WTRAFSOG) began as a Facebook page created by Summer Daniels dedicated to helping book lovers discover great reads after FSoG. The page has grown in popularity and now has over 89,000 followers!
Check out our previous WTRAFSOG Box Sets here: http://amzn.to/XWaILq
Kindle US ❦ Kindle UK ❦ iTunes ❦ Nook
Emily didn’t want to go watch a bunch of bikers fight each other, and by the time the fight is over, her best friend is shot dead and Emily finds herself clutching the leather cut of a sexy guy named Gaige as she’s on the back of his motorcycle, escaping gunfire. Check out Outlaw Revenge by London Casey
Trauma surgeon Eden Thomas has never experienced anything like the inferno raging inside after one kiss from the DC metro firefighter Seth Ripley. Despite her best friend’s warnings to take care, self-preservation is the last thing on Eden’s mind as she begins to play with fire. This Fire by Emily Ryan-Davis and Elise Logan
The long-standing feud between the faeries that run the Chicago Crew and a lethal toxin puts Holly and other fledgling vampires in danger. Can they stop a vampire-fae war that’s been brewing for nearly a century? Fallen Ever After by A.C. James
An overworked undercover agent desperately in need of rest, Chrysalyn Geyer couldn’t have been more miffed with her boss. What was she supposed to do on a mandatory three month vacation? Then he appeared—Rahn Benson. What the hell was he doing here? Egyptian Voyage by T.J. Michaels
Trapped in the ancient past, Kane and Elizabeth must find a killer – before one of them becomes a victim. After Kane is accused of murder just minutes into their painful arrival, Elizabeth does everything she can to free him. First Breath by Cate Dean
DeVon Ricci needs to be in control and with hard work and perseverance, he has risen in a cutthroat industry to emerge as the head of one of the top talent agencies in Los Angeles. He meets his match in Krissy Jensen, a young headstrong lawyer interviewing for a position in his agency. Could she be perfection? Chasing Perfection by M.S. Parker
Sarah Pickman had never been a particularly good witch. With her luck on a downswing, and her lovelife non-existent, she decides to use the power of Halloween to grant her a night of pleasure in a fantasy lover’s arms. Working on Wicked by Lilly Cain
Selene is stuck in a rut; she hasn’t had a boyfriend in years and she’s drowning in debt. She had almost resigned herself to life alone, when an ad for a wealthy man seeking a woman to have a baby, catches her attention. Billion Dollar Baby by Simone Holloway
You aren’t free to love until you realize you can’t make someone love you back. Detective Thad Dalton was never so scared in his life when a madman grabs psychologist Zoey Donovan in the hospital corridor and threatens to kill her if his demands aren’t met. Foundation for Three by Vella Day
He is her most dangerous temptation and now he is demanding her submission. Emotionally scarred in the horrific accident that took her husband’s life, Lady Cranfield is imprisoned by her lingering terror of horses and carriages. She longed to be closer to the fascinating Earl of Ruel. A Measured Risk by Natasha Blackthorne
Join WTRAFSOG founder Summer Daniels on her journey of sexual self-discovery, a well written, intelligent and sexy series about the beginning of her sensual, sultry love affair with life, and all the joys of being a woman … SUMMER’S JOURNEY VOLUMES 1-4.
Kindle US ❦ Kindle UK ❦ iTunes ❦ Nook
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September 27, 2014
Howls N’ Bites – Two Box Sets Only 99 Cents for a Limited Time
Fall into the Ever After Series, a paranormal romance box set, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James. It’s only available for 99 cents during preorders—Get your copy before the price goes up to $4.99!
Preorder Now:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ GooglePlay ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ ARe
Cry Wolf Series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Mäkelä, will make you howl for more. Get three incredible books for 99 cents. It won’t stay that way for long. So preorder your copy today!
Preorder Now:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ GooglePlay ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ ARe
Grand Prize — One $50 Giftcard
5 e-book copies of Breathe by A.C. James (Contemporary Dark Erotica Story)
5 e-book copies of Jungle Heat by Sarah Mäkelä
2 audiobook copies of Eternal Ever After by A.C. James
2 audiobook copies of Cold Moon Rising by Sarah Mäkelä
Eternal Ever After – Book 1:
His past holds a secret that becomes her nightmare.
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.
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.
Fallen Ever After – Book 2:
He can’t lose her when danger strikes again.
Arie Cush wanted Holly from the very first moment he met her. A night at the Hellfire Club (HFC) is filled with old friends and new danger. The long-standing feud between the faeries that run the Chicago Crew and a lethal toxin puts Holly and other fledgling vampires in danger. Can they stop a vampire-fae war that’s been brewing for nearly a century?
Beyond Ever After – Book 3:
The half-demon unleashed a force that can tear them apart.
On the night, Daeveena, a half-fey, half-demon walked out of the Hellfire Club, she left a tide of destruction, but everyone figured that was the end of it. No one imagined that she would steal something so valuable. Can Arie discover who is harboring her before he loses everything?
As a special BONUS readers get Winter Promises: An Ever After Christmas Story that takes place between book one and book two!
The Witch Who Cried Wolf – Book 1
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Be careful what you wish for…
A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t even realize existed…
Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush…
The power of love: things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia…
Cold Moon Rising – Book 2
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Passions flare when the cold moon rises…
Kelly: a normal college girl, who knows what she wants—to survive her final exams, and find someone to share her life with. Studying with Jacob is becoming too hot to handle; she’s falling for him, but he’s going too fast…
Jacob: a not-so-typical frat guy, who hides a secret—he’s a werewolf. Whenever the moon is high, he’s driven to shed his human form and satisfy his powerful desires. He craves Kelly, but she’s pushing him away…
Fallout: Jacob can smell Kelly’s arousal, but she insists she doesn’t want sex. A wolf can only take so much before his natural instincts win out. When the tension between them explodes, Jacob has no choice but to walk…
Kidnapped! Kelly is abducted by evil scientists who’ve mistaken her for a female werecat and, despite their differences, Jacob has to try and find her. But it’s a race against time and the lunar tides. The scientists have taken Kelly to their lab and turned her into a shapeshifter for real. The full moon is rising, and soon neither Kelly nor Jacob will be able to control their inner beasts. Who knows what the consequences will be when they are consumed by unquenchable animal lust…
The Wolf Who Played With Fire – Book 3
Some magic can’t be unspun…
Meddling in magic…
If Mia Brooks could turn back time, it would be to when she used her fledgling magic to craft a potion for an injured werewolf. It nearly killed the Pack Alpha, and now the lives of her witch mentor, Jessa, and her soldier boyfriend, Ethan Parker, have been changed forever. Jessa is in hospital after a vicious werewolf attack. And, Ethan, having being bitten, is becoming a werewolf himself.
A wolf at the door…
Mia can’t turn back time, but she can try to make things right with the two people she cares about most. She’s keeping Jessa’s shop, Eternally Magick, open, and she’s there for Ethan as his inner wolf grows. But, by the next full moon, his transformation will be complete. Can she really be the mate of a half-man-half-wolf, living within the law of the Pack?
Under his spell…
Struggling to contain his new lupine senses, Ethan goes missing on active duty. When Mia realizes her werewolf lover has been abducted, she knows must harness every magic power she possesses to get him safely back…
About the Authors
A.C. James
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal romance and erotica, including Eternal Ever After which was featured in the bestselling Spice Box anthology. She pounds out sexy scenes at her keyboard where romance is laced with horror in hot stories of vampires and bad boy werewolves. Her stories feature strong heroines and alpha heroes, with plenty of action, twists, and turns that will keep you turning pages.
A.C. resides in northeast Pennsylvania where she entertains her husband with her imaginative yarns and quirky sense of humor. She spends her time drinking large vats of coffee while taming two toddlers by day and writing by night. Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew-up going to cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.
Connect With A.C.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ApQ7z
Website: http://www.acjames.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ac.james.9
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-James/129228540578101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACJamesauthor
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/acjames
Sarah Mäkelä
Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she’s written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy…even a sweet contemporary romance!
A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies (and Ghost Adventures), and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.
Connect With Sarah
Website: http://www.sarahmakela.com
Newsletter: http://www.sarahmakela.com/contact.html#newsletter
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sarahmakela
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorsarahmakela
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/sarahmakela
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/sarahmakela
Ever After Series: Amazon ~ B&N ~ GooglePlay ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ ARe
Cry Wolf Series: Amazon ~ B&N ~ GooglePlay ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ ARe
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July 23, 2014
New Release: Nightlord Lover by Kathy Kulig
Nightlord Lover
by Kathy Kulig
Series: Vampires of New Hope series
Genre: Erotic Vampire romance/ménage
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Release Date: July 23rd 2014
Buy Link Now at Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/nightlord-lover.html
Other retailers coming soon.
Blurb: Warrior vampire Garrick Labar guards the secrets of the Guild. His comrade–vampire and sorcerer Ramon Travere–enforces the uneasy alliance between mortals and immortals. When Larissa Devine moves into town, both Garrick and Ramon are mesmerized and enraptured by her. They crave to claim her as their crimson swan and lover. But a new arrival is fair game and if they don’t claim her first, a band of renegades will.
Larissa finds a blistering-hot ménage with her protectors too intoxicating to resist. The immortals can’t deny their sexual attraction for her and sense her blood pulsing hot and furious when they’re close. Erotic desires thrust her into a world of danger and seduction. When the renegade vampires attempt to destroy a hundred years of peace, Larissa is caught in the crossfire. Eternal love and carnal nights can be her future if she survives.
Excerpt:
“Anything missing?” Garrick asked.
Larissa shook her head then charged back downstairs. “Why would they just mess up the place without stealing anything?” Her throat tightened. “It’ll take me hours to straighten this up in time for opening tomorrow.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Kids,” he said. “The door probably wasn’t closed tightly and the wind blew it open. I’ll have Ramon take a look at it.”
“I should still call the police. The store was vandalized.”
“Don’t. I know the police chief. I’ll mention it to him tomorrow. If you call, you’ll only have a bunch of cars out here and the gossip will spread all through town. You don’t need that kind of publicity.” He started calling on his cell phone.
“Who are you calling?” she asked.
“Ramon and Jordan. I’m telling them to come over now to help straighten up. Between the four of us, we’ll get your place in order.”
“But it’s so late.” Her words cracked.
“They won’t mind.” He hugged her. “You’ll see. We all work together here.”
His embrace felt heavenly warm and safe, made her feel protected and a little turned on. Heat rushed to her face, embarrassed by her physical response to his touch. What was wrong with her? He was showing her kindness and she was getting horny? She pulled away, avoiding his gaze. “Thank you, Garrick. I’ll get started on the front display.”
Twenty minutes later Ramon and Jordan entered the store. “Ramon Travere,” he said by introduction, taking her hand and locking his gaze with hers with an obvious flirtatious up-and-down once-over. Ramon was striking and hot. A few years younger than she with long blond hair that fell past his shoulders. He wore leather pants and boots and a black T-shirt with a bright-yellow smiley face with the addition of devil’s horns and tail attached. Have a nice eternity was inscribed below.
If Garrick was the mysterious and muscular predator, Ramon was the sleek and wild rock star.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding, Garrick,” Jordan exclaimed. “What a mess. Any idea who did it?”
Garrick shot Jordan a glance and her eyes widened. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll get everything ready for you, Larissa. Thank you for hiring me. Garrick said you needed the help.”
Garrick’s expression revealed no clue as to who really arranged the employment. For a college student, Larissa expected Jordan to be younger but she had to be in her late twenties. Her blonde hair was fashioned in a perfect French braid. Her clothes were casual but obviously pricy designer wear and usually far out of a college student’s budget. There was no rich-girl-entitlement attitude, Larissa knew plenty of them in her college. Jordan appeared to be a pleasant, smart and polite young woman. “You’re welcome. I’m happy to have the help. I’ll start you with a few hours and when business picks up, we can add more. How does that sound?”
“Works for me,” Jordan said. “Tell me where you want me to start.”
While Larissa, Jordan and Garrick put the merchandise back in order, refolded and reorganized the displays, Ramon fixed the lock on the front door. The shock and fear of having her new store vandalized eased with the presence of the two men and even Jordan cast an aura of positive energy. Everything would work out well for her first day. The business would thrive.
“Finished,” Ramon announced. “You have a new Schlage deadbolt lock. If anyone tries getting in now, they’ll have to take down the door and frame with it. Want me to add strobe lights and security cameras, Larissa? I can rig some kind of metallic net to drop down and zap them.”
Larissa laughed. “No, the new locks are fine. Thanks. Send me the bill.”
He shook his head. “Garrick will take care of that.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Ramon walked up to her, took her hand in both of his and locked his gaze with hers. “I left my card on your cash register. If you ever need anything, just call.” His searing blue eyes had a mischievous glint and his lips twitched ever so slightly. Larissa felt her stomach tingle as if she were going down the big dip of a rollercoaster with her eyes closed and didn’t know if there was a bottom. Great, now she had the hots for two men? That had never happened to her before.
She tried counting back to when she last had a date. After four months she stopped counting. It was too depressing. No wonder she was responding to all the hot guys in New Hope. Maybe she should consider dating after her business got off the ground. After the holidays.
“Thank you, Ramon.” Her words came out in a breathy whisper. His name rolled off her tongue. He continued to hold her hand and a wave of dizziness passed through her. Closing her eyes, she hoped the sensation would pass. But then a flash of detailed images drifted through her mind.
She was in a large living room, a place she’d never seen before. Ramon stood naked before her in front of a blazing fireplace, the flickering light dancing over his body, reflecting over every cut and angle of his muscles. He was gorgeous and aroused, his cock hard and thick. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly blue glow. Holding out his hand to her, she stepped forward and noticed that she too was naked. The heat of the fireplace warmed her skin. She didn’t know why she wasn’t questioning the situation. She only knew it seemed right and couldn’t resist.
Lie with me. Ramon’s words entered her head but she didn’t see his mouth move.
Yes, she answered with her own thoughts as she took his hand. Gently, he lifted her in his arms and laid her on a thick fur on the floor. His body eased on top of her. Yes, this is so good.
Larissa. Garrick’s voice called her from a distance. The light from the fireplace highlighted his face. He was smiling despite the darkness in his eyes.
She held out a hand to him, asking him to join them. He nodded and the next moment he was naked and lying beside her too. Two men, amazing. “Garrick,” she whispered as his mouth came down on hers at the same time Ramon plunged his cock into her.
“Larissa!” Garrick shouted. She blinked and saw him standing beside the door to the storeroom.
Images of the old house, the fireplace and Ramon and Garrick making love to her vanished, yet her heart still raced. Her vagina continued to contract on empty space and her nipples bore stiff points through her sweater. She glanced at Ramon. Smiling mischievously, he stared at her through half-lidded eyes. “Are you okay, Larissa? You look dazed.” His mouth twitched in a wicked and mischievous grin.
“Yes,” she breathed. “I’m fine.”
“Everything looks in order in here,” Garrick said. “Please check on her tomorrow. Make sure nothing is missing. You can go, Ramon.”
Ramon straightened and nodded.
“Thanks for your help,” Larissa said. Her heart continued to pound and her body was still heated and aroused.
“My pleasure.” He turned to Garrick. “Night, Garrick.”
“I’ll be in touch,” he said. The moment they were alone, Garrick’s gaze swept over her in a spine-melting look that made her nervous and horny. “You still seem shaken. Don’t worry about the break-in.”
Author Information
Kathy Kulig is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of erotic romance whose works include paranormal, contemporary, BDSM, and suspense. She has published (or has contracted to publish) nearly 20 novels, novellas and short stories with various publishers and via self-publishing. Besides her career in writing, she has worked as a cytotechnologist, research scientist, medical technologist, dive master and stringer for a newspaper. In her spare time, she can be found mountain biking, traveling, lounging on the beach with a good book or having dinner out with her husband. Kathy resides in eastern Pennsylvania.
Follow Kathy
Like my Amazon Author Page
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Follow me @KathyKulig on Twitter
Signup for Kathy’s newsletter
Visit my Blog ~ The Lusty View
Check out my Website
Email ~ kathykulig@rcn.com
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July 10, 2014
BOOM! Spice Box Hit the Lists!
I just want to say how grateful I am to all my readers! This has been tremendous and I’m sending a big thank you (((SQUEEZE))) from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for making SPICE BOX #6 on the New York Times and #13 on the USA Today bestseller lists. I’ve always dreamed big, but I also know that dreams don’t happen without hard work, sacrifice, and it’s readers like you that have helped me live mine! This means the world to me. I love you guys!
And I also want to say congratulations to the other authors whose books were included in the Spice Box anthology. We are ecstatic!
#6 on the NY Times Bestseller List, #13 on USA Today!
I just want to say how grateful I am to all my readers! This has been tremendous and I’m sending a big thank you (((SQUEEZE))) from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for making SPICE BOX #6 on the New York Times and #13 on the USA Today bestseller lists. I’ve always dreamed big, but I also know that dreams don’t happen without hard work, sacrifice, and it’s readers like you that have helped me live mine! This means the world to me. I love you guys!
And I also want to say congratulations to the other authors whose books were included in the Spice Box anthology. We are ecstatic!
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July 1, 2014
Spice Box Release Day – 16 Erotic Romance Books for $0.99!
RELEASE DAY!
ORDER NOW
16 Books for $0.99
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Apple | Kobo
Spice Box Sixteen Steamy Stories
Authors: New York Times bestselling authors: Raine Miller, Cathryn Fox , Erika Wilde, K.M. Scott, USA Today bestselling author: Nina Lane, with A.C. James, Christina Thacher, Stephanie Julian, Kathy Kulig, Geri Foster, Lisa Alder, Jan Springer, Sarah Mäkelä, Maureen O. Betita, Riley J. Ford, and Travis Luedke
Book Description:
**Complete Books – No Cliffhangers**
**Professional Formatting**
What’s your spice?
Whether it’s contemporary romance or romantic suspense, alpha vampires, shifter filled stories, or BDSM romance—Spice Box offers sixteen erotic romance books with something for everyone. For a limited time this is your chance to enjoy books from today’s New York Times, USA Today, Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors and many more. The e-books cost over $50 when purchased separately.
Save over $50. This set will only be available for one month, so order your copy before it’s gone!
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June 3, 2014
Multiauthor boxed sets: What’s making them so hot (and not)? (Reblog)
In case you missed it last week my friend and fellow author, Kathy Kulig was interviewing some authors about the popularity of multiauthor box sets on the USA Today HEA blog. This is what she had to say…
SPICE BOX – PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Apple | Kobo
Multiauthor boxed sets consisting of six, eight, 12 or more e-books flaunt eye-opening benefits that authors and readers can’t resist. Authors love the collaborative efforts that can pay off with an expanded fan base, a boost in rankings, increased visibility, and a slot on the USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller lists. Readers love the bargains — a box full of e-books by their favorite authors for a dollar. Even after the royalties are divided many ways, the authors claim to make decent sales. Individual authors are also grouping novellas, short stories and novels into boxed-set collections and doing quite well.
BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES
Cat Johnson, author of the Oklahoma Nights series. “You are harnessing the power of many authors — their fan bases, their promotional potential. There are many authors, and each one has their own vision and ideas, deadlines and schedules you have to work around and that makes decision-making difficult. Formatting a book that length is a nightmare.”
Caridad Pineiro, One Night Only Erotic Romance Anthology and Lucky 7 Bad Boys Contemporary Romance Boxed Set. “You get to meet and work with lots of awesome people who bring all different kinds of skills to the table. The hard part is coordinating that many people, trying to keep that many people focused …”
Stephanie Julian, author of the Salon Games and Indecent erotic romance series. “The positives are exposure beyond your own fan base. With several authors offered in a bundle for a low price, readers are much more willing to pay to read authors they may not have read before. The negative is the accounting that goes into royalties and wrangling that many authors.”
Shoshanna Evers, author of Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire Boxed Set and The Enslaved Trilogy. “The biggest positive of being part of a large, multiauthor project was all the cross promotion … everyone had great ideas on how to get readers excited about the boxed set.”
The authors who were interviewed said they worked with an accountant or lawyer to organize the finances and fill out tax forms, and some set up an LLC. Each author had to fill out an individual tax form and sent that to the financial person. Retailers like Amazon/BN/Apple won’t divide royalties among all the authors so it goes under one account and must be distributed later.
GROUP PROMOTION
When so many authors are working toward the success of one project, the results can be significant, but coordinating and planning can be challenging. Authors have the opportunity to network with those savvier in one arena of social media or the publishing business. Author AC James, organizer and contributor of the Spice Box, a 16-book boxed set including five USA TODAY and New York Times bestsellers (and me), worked directly with Mark Coker from Smashwords to set up the pre-order and secure other details at the various retailers. I believe every author in the Spice Boxboxed set discovered something new pertaining to promotion that will benefit their future books.
The authors interviewed used a variety of promotion. Some used paid advertising like Bookblast and the Kindle Fire Department, or used blog tour marketing services. Goodreads, Facebook and Google+ pages and party launches were popular promotion methods as well as regular posts on Twitter and Facebook. Careful keywords selection and pre-orders were also elements that helped drive sales.
Stephanie Julian: “Facebook party, hands down. It gets the readers engaged and interested.”
Shoshanna Evers: “We sent newsletters out to our mailing lists, told our Street Teams, shared on Facebook, on Twitter, etc. We all gave away prizes for various promotions.”
Cat Johnson: “We had some big-name authors in our bundle who had existing large and dedicated fan followings on their social networks, and who had newsletters with large mailing lists. I believe that was probably one of the key things that put us in the zone to hit the NY Times e-book list at No. 8, the combined print/e-book list at No. 11, and the USA TODAY list at No. 14.”
“Lucky 7 Bad Boys” boxed set by Charity Pineiro, Sophia Knightly, Tawny Weber, Nina Bruhns, Susan Hatler, Virna DePaul and Kristin Miller.(Photo: Lucky Romance Authors)
Caridad Pineiro: “Using social media in innovative ways with memes, hashtags and coordinated sharing of posts seemed to be a very effective way of getting the word out about the sets.”
PRICE POINTS
For some bundles, pre-orders helped boost initial sales. Many started with a low 99-cent sale price then either left it at 99 cents or raised it partway through to $2.99 to $5.99. The authors who were interviewed had their sets up for one to three months. As with anything e-books, writing and publishing, there is no right or wrong way.
READER FEEDBACK
Besides the bargain, readers will jump to download anything by their favorite authors. Some will read other books in that collection, other won’t.
After reading dozens of reviews for various boxed sets, I noticed why readers tended to give low reviews:
They didn’t like ALL of the stories. When you have a variety of authors in one collection with different styles of writing, it would be rare for a reader to love all the books equally.
The boxed sets received low reviews when the books were only teasers or incomplete books that were the start of the authors’ series. The aim for the collection was to encourage readers to by the completed book. This seems to some readers like a bait and switch technique that will only annoy readers. Readers would probably appreciate fair warning that the collection is only an introduction of each authors’ series, or a sampling.
Shoshanna Evers: “A lot of readers had read one or even a few of the books in the set already and enjoyed them, so they bought the set to get more dark erotica.”
Stephanie Julian: “Most readers are thrilled to be able to read a variety of stories for such a low price. And when they find your story and love it, that’s the best thing in the world.”
Caridad Pineiro: “In general, readers seem to enjoy having a mix of stories to choose from at such a good price, but many readers also said that they had a pile of books that had to be read. Because of that, it seems as if it takes time for readers to get to the sets, read them and review them.”
It’s difficult to say how long the boxed set trend will continue. Trends tend to die out to be replaced by the next big thing. The big bestseller lists may decide to disqualify the multiauthor sets from landing on their lists. Authors may find diminished sales as the trend fades. For the moment, boxed sets are still HOT. They’re popular and profitable and readers can’t seem to get enough.
Kathy Kulig is an award-winning erotic romance author whose works include BDSM, paranormal and romantic suspense. Her latest release is a boxed set titled Spice Box: 16 Novels of Erotic Romance, featuring Red Tape, her sizzling romantic suspense novel. Find out more about her at www.kathykulig.com.
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May 19, 2014
Tuesday Tease Brings You Something HOT! (Spice Box Teaser)
“I know you’re angry with me–”
“I told you to stay downstairs. I wanted to check the surveillance cameras to see if Katarina has been to the club. It took a while to go through the footage from the past two weeks.”
“It’s just that when I heard you two talking, well, Tessa said that the pay would be considerable. Marshall cut my hours, the place is falling apart, and it hasn’t been the same since his wife died. I figured considering everything going on that I’d be safer at the club and working with Victoria. You two are close…she said like family.”
“That’s beside the point. It’s not Victoria that I’m worried about.”
“But I need to know more about my clairvoyance, about being a seer. Maybe then I won’t feel so vulnerable against Katarina.”
“I still don’t want you working for Tessa.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s dangerous. Being a seer can be dangerous when you’re not one of us. You’re not immortal, Holly, and seeing the wrong thing could get you killed.”
“From what you’ve told me about my aura being so damn inviting, it’s going to be dangerous for me anyway.”
He closed the distance between us; an underlying current made my pussy clench despite my anger and frustration. The sensation, wrapped in longing, conveyed that our pent-up frustration would be washed away if we gave in to our desires. Images of wrapping my legs around his waist as his cock pounded my pussy made every muscle in my body tense. I licked my lips. I wanted to feel his tongue and his teeth brush over my skin. I could smell his leather jacket and I wanted to take it off.
“Please, I’m sorry I didn’t stay—”
“Perhaps I should punish you for disobeying me.”
Desire flashed in his eyes and I knew he felt it too. Something about his words, a seductive threat, held my curiosity and kept me from protesting. I knew that I would be punished and I had an inkling that it might be like how Tessa had punished the man at the club. Part of me wished he would, because I wanted to know if it would do anything for me. I’d engaged in all manner of deviant vanilla sex but it had never crossed this line before. While I wanted it, and relished that this had finally pushed Arie over the edge, a tiny voice of reason argued that I should be a little scared too. His hand came down into my eye line and I braced myself, remembering how Tessa had slapped the man at the club. Instead, his fingers cupped my chin, lifting my head so that I looked him in the eye.
“When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it.”
I gulped.
“Say ‘yes, sir.’”
Of course he was right. I had no business wandering off, considering the circumstances. “Yes, sir.”
The worst part was that I couldn’t argue with him. I wanted to look away, drop my eyes to the floor, anything, but I couldn’t. He wanted me to look at him. I could see that I’d broken his trust. Hurt and worry along with desire reflected in those winter-gray pools.
“Bend over. Hands on the wall.”
I wanted to laugh, or to protest or argue, but the seriousness of his gaze dashed any hope for negotiation. And his words were making me unexpectedly wet. Still, I couldn’t help but question his demand.
“You’re serious?” Of course he was, yet I wanted to hear it and delay what I knew was coming next.
“Yes. Now I’m not going to ask again. Spread your legs and bend over.”
I stepped toward the wall on my right. Taking a deep breath, I bent at the waist and put my hands on the wall for support. He placed his hand on my back, running it down the length of my spine, until he reached the curve of my hip. It occurred to me to feel grateful that he hadn’t asked me to drop my pants. Still, my body tensed when his hand reached my ass. Yet I wanted it to continue its descent to my pussy. His hand lingered on my ass longer than I expected. I bit my lower lip in anticipation of the pain.
His hand left my ass only to come down with a resounding smack that echoed through the empty apartment. I gasped and pressed my palms against the wall to brace myself from the blow. Blow after blow landed, burning hot and red. Arie’s hand landed lower across the underside of my ass and I could feel the vibrations go straight to my cunt. A low moan escaped my lips, surprising me. Moving with the pain, I gyrated my hips as I tried to meet his hand faster than the stinging blows which sent fiery desire straight to my pussy.
I whimpered.
And that’s all it took for him to throw me on top of the lumber planks in one quick movement, which I was sure bruised my tailbone, but all I could think about were clothes tearing, hair pulling, and teasing bites. When his lips brushed mine it felt like he became part of me. Drawn into his kiss, I forgot everything. My anger at Arie and even my own name were lost as his lips clashed with mine. I wound my fingers into his hair, pulling it tight.
This except is from Eternal Ever After which is included in SPICE BOX – Sixteen Steamy Stories. This amazing box set features today’s New York Times, USA Today, Amazon bestselling authors and many more!
Raine Miller, Cathryn Fox , Erika Wilde, K.M. Scott, Nina Lane, A.C. James, Christina Thacher, Stephanie Julian, Kathy Kulig, Geri Foster, Lisa Alder, Jan Springer, Sarah Mäkelä, Maureen O. Betita, Riley J. Ford, Travis Luedke
Pre-order NOW at these retailers:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Apple | Kobo
Save over $50. This set will only be available for one month, so order your copy before it’s gone! The price will increase to $2.99 once it’s release so get your copy TODAY!
The post Tuesday Tease Brings You Something HOT! (Spice Box Teaser) appeared first on A.C. James - Erotic Paranormal Romance Author. Spanks for reading!
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Léopold’s Wicked Embrace Immortals of New Orleans Book 5 Kym Grosso
Léopold’s Wicked Embrace
Immortals of New Orleans
Book 5
Kym Grosso
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Independent – MT Carvin Publishing, LLC
Date of Publication: April 5, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1497312449
ISBN-10: 1497312442
ASIN: B00JHNAWQS
Number of pages: 412 print
Word Count: 100,045
Cover Artist: Cora Graphics
Book Description:
An erotic paranormal romance…
Seductive and lethal vampire, Léopold Devereoux, returns to the Big Easy to find a killer. His search leads him to a beautiful and mysterious woman, who awakens desires and emotions that he’s long fought to keep buried. After centuries of self-imposed solitude, the billionaire philanthropist struggles to restrain his growing thirst for the intriguing, lovely female who’s captured his attention.
Laryssa Theriot, an antiques proprietor in the Vieux Carré, agrees to help the commanding yet debonair stranger, who seeks her assistance. She withholds her secret abilities, afraid to trust the man who threatens to unleash her darkest fantasies. All the while, Léopold consumes her thoughts, testing her limits and bringing her to new levels of ecstasy. As the menacing force that has stalked Laryssa for years finally catches up to her, she submits, putting her life into the hands of the dominant vampire who offers his protection.
Deep in the heart of New Orleans, they embark on a perilous adventure, forced to search for an ancient sacrificial relic that they hope will save their lives. As they face formidable challenges, Léopold and Laryssa surrender to the passionate intimacy that possesses them. After hundreds of years of denying himself love, will Léopold bond to the woman who has begun to crack the impenetrable shell around his heart? As evil draws near, will Laryssa survive the demon that has come to take her soul?
Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes and is intended for adult readers only.
BN Smashwords All Romance Books
LÉOPOLD’S WICKED EMBRACE EXCERPT
Laryssa had heard the customer behind her, but the damn mirror wire wouldn’t seem to catch right. It kept slipping and she cursed under her breath, hoping she wouldn’t drop it. If she could just hold it up a minute longer, she could get it to hang squarely on the wall. She fingered the hook that she’d just renailed into the wall and then moved her thumb over to the thin metal string. With a final shove upward, she attempted to flick it into place. But as the wire caught, it sliced into her flesh. A sharp sting threw her off balance, and her pumps began to waver. Shit. Not again.
“Oh my God!” Laryssa squeaked as she fell backwards, fully expecting to crack her head open on one of the many sharp-edged desks that sat adjacent to where she’d been working. As she felt strong male hands slide up under her ribcage, grazing her breasts, she gasped. She wasn’t sure whether to thank the stranger or call the police, but as she turned her face to try to see him, she immediately recognized her rescuer.
“It’s you,” she stammered, clutching his arms. Laryssa giggled nervously, realizing how once again she’d foolishly fallen in front of the sexy vampire. And like last night, he’d caught her. She couldn’t believe how clumsy she’d all of a sudden become. She tried to relax and find her footing, but her heart was beating so fast that she could barely think. What is he doing here in my shop? How did he find me?
Like a story book flipping pages, her mind whirled until she remembered what she’d done last night at the club. She’d fought off the asshole who’d grabbed her at the bar. The feel of his hands around her throat had forced her fear into overdrive. The knife had only been a few inches away, but still too far. Desperation had taken over as her power surged, calling the blade to her fingertips. Jamming it into his neck was as instinctive as breathing. Kill or be killed, she’d always choose the former. She’d run into the alley, refusing to discuss it with management. The only one who knew her was Avery and there was no way her friend would have divulged her identity to the vampire. She’d be more likely to turn him into a three horned sheep before she’d squeal. The only way the vampire could have found her would have been if he’d followed her home.
A brush to her breast reminded her that she was still being held upright by him, and Laryssa felt her face grow red. Arousal licked over her skin. Cautiously, she rooted her shoes on the floor and turned around, steeling her nerves.
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
“My pleasure, mademoiselle, but I suggest you avoid heights in the future.”
Surreptitiously, she stole a glance at him, which reminded her how incredibly handsome he was. His short dark hair was perfectly coiffed. His white dress shirt hung casually over the waistband of his jeans. Laryssa forced herself to look away, trying not to stare at the masculine features of his face. Straight nose, square jaw and perfectly kissable lips… lips that were smooth talking and way too articulate, teasing her with every word he spoke. Beads of sweat broke out across her forehead. It felt as if someone had turned up the heat, her skin was on fire. She noticed his eyes were no longer on hers and had dropped to her chest. They lingered only a second, and then he met her gaze and smiled. She looked downward and noticed that several buttons had come undone in her fall, revealing the edges of her white lace bra. Could this day get any more embarrassing? Laryssa’s fingers shook as she buttoned her sweater.
“I’m so sorry. I just…you just…I just…” Great, first I’m a klutz and now I can’t speak. She bit her lip, paused and then took a deep breath before starting again. “Thank you for catching me.”
“Again.” Léopold watched her as she adjusted her clothes, wishing to rip the rest of the pearly buttons from their fragile seams. But he refused to let the beast within take what it wanted. No, he’d find out what the hell she was before showing her his true nature. “Yes, thank you…again.” She smoothed down her skirt, trying to pretend she hadn’t just fallen into his arms and let him feel her up in the process. Business, think business. Her pulse slowed and she willed herself to appear nonchalant.
“We met last night, remember?” he pressed. Léopold smiled and ran his hand over the colorful marquetry in rosewood that scrolled through a seventeenth century secretaire. Interesting that she could deliberately control the flow of her blood. It further piqued his concern about her species. What was she?
Laryssa’s eyes met his, widening at the confirmation that he knew exactly who she was.
“Yes, yes I do. But I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.” Vampire. Big bad vampire. Laryssa watched intently as he fingered the furniture, trailing his thumb over the symmetrical scenes as if he was caressing a lover.
“Lovely.” Léopold flashed his eyes to hers.
“What?” Laryssa realized that he was toying with her, purposefully trying to make her nervous.
“I said, it’s lovely. The neoclassical architectural structures. The white marble top. Doré bronze mounts.”
“Is there something specific I can help you with?”
“You get directly to the point?” Léopold had intended to play with her a bit, throw her off her game. Yet his little rabbit wasn’t frozen in the field like he’d anticipated. No, she rebounded nicely, and now stood confidently like a wildcat, poised to attack.
“I don’t really have time to waste. So yeah, I’d like to know why you followed me from the club. And I really want to know what you are doing in my shop.”
Léopold merely laughed and crossed the room to admire a chair and matching settee.
“Circa 1775?”
Laryssa walked over and placed her hand on the elegant Louis XVI chair. “Yes. How did you know? It’s a very special piece. It has the mark of Versailles Palace on it.”
“Indeed.” Léopold sat in the chair, wrapping his fingers around its arms. “Nothing but the best. Fit for a king.”
“And I suspect you’d like being a king.” She put her hands on her hips, waiting for him to respond.
“Ah, a king I never was. But I’ve dined with kings, and I can assure you that while they enjoy the extravagances of the rich, they often lose their heads. Easy come, easy go.”
“Why are you here?” Laryssa brushed her hair back, attempting to regain her composure. “Are you looking for something specific?”
“Oui, pet. But not an antique. While I do enjoy shopping, this is hardly the time.” Léopold lost the smile, allowing his eyes to pierce hers. “So I shall get to the point. What are you?”
Laryssa lost her ability to rein in her pulse and her heart began to fiercely pump hot blood through her veins. Her lips tightened, and she clenched her jaw. How dare he ask about her? What the hell did he want from her anyway? Dear God, she had enough issues with the darkness on her tail and now he was asking about her origins.
“What do you mean, ‘what am I?’ I’m the owner of this store. Does that answer your question?” Laryssa asked, her voice growing louder. “Who are you?”
“Léopold Devereoux. That’s who I am. I can be your angel or nightmare, depending on the day. So listen up. What. Are. You?” Léopold didn’t make a move. He sat completely still, anticipating her answer.
About the Author:
Kym Grosso is the author of the bestselling 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), Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 4) and Léopold’s Wicked Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 5).
In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She also is a contributing essay author in 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: https://twitter.com/KymGrosso
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kymgrosso/
The post Léopold’s Wicked Embrace Immortals of New Orleans Book 5 Kym Grosso appeared first on A.C. James - Erotic Paranormal Romance Author. Spanks for reading!
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May 18, 2014
Sample Sunday Brings You Something Spicy! (Spice Box Teaser)
“I know you’re angry with me–”
“I told you to stay downstairs. I wanted to check the surveillance cameras to see if Katarina has been to the club. It took a while to go through the footage from the past two weeks.”
“It’s just that when I heard you two talking, well, Tessa said that the pay would be considerable. Marshall cut my hours, the place is falling apart, and it hasn’t been the same since his wife died. I figured considering everything going on that I’d be safer at the club and working with Victoria. You two are close…she said like family.”
“That’s beside the point. It’s not Victoria that I’m worried about.”
“But I need to know more about my clairvoyance, about being a seer. Maybe then I won’t feel so vulnerable against Katarina.”
“I still don’t want you working for Tessa.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s dangerous. Being a seer can be dangerous when you’re not one of us. You’re not immortal, Holly, and seeing the wrong thing could get you killed.”
“From what you’ve told me about my aura being so damn inviting, it’s going to be dangerous for me anyway.”
He closed the distance between us; an underlying current made my pussy clench despite my anger and frustration. The sensation, wrapped in longing, conveyed that our pent-up frustration would be washed away if we gave in to our desires. Images of wrapping my legs around his waist as his cock pounded my pussy made every muscle in my body tense. I licked my lips. I wanted to feel his tongue and his teeth brush over my skin. I could smell his leather jacket and I wanted to take it off.
“Please, I’m sorry I didn’t stay—”
“Perhaps I should punish you for disobeying me.”
Desire flashed in his eyes and I knew he felt it too. Something about his words, a seductive threat, held my curiosity and kept me from protesting. I knew that I would be punished and I had an inkling that it might be like how Tessa had punished the man at the club. Part of me wished he would, because I wanted to know if it would do anything for me. I’d engaged in all manner of deviant vanilla sex but it had never crossed this line before. While I wanted it, and relished that this had finally pushed Arie over the edge, a tiny voice of reason argued that I should be a little scared too. His hand came down into my eye line and I braced myself, remembering how Tessa had slapped the man at the club. Instead, his fingers cupped my chin, lifting my head so that I looked him in the eye.
“When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it.”
I gulped.
“Say ‘yes, sir.’”
Of course he was right. I had no business wandering off, considering the circumstances. “Yes, sir.”
The worst part was that I couldn’t argue with him. I wanted to look away, drop my eyes to the floor, anything, but I couldn’t. He wanted me to look at him. I could see that I’d broken his trust. Hurt and worry along with desire reflected in those winter-gray pools.
“Bend over. Hands on the wall.”
I wanted to laugh, or to protest or argue, but the seriousness of his gaze dashed any hope for negotiation. And his words were making me unexpectedly wet. Still, I couldn’t help but question his demand.
“You’re serious?” Of course he was, yet I wanted to hear it and delay what I knew was coming next.
“Yes. Now I’m not going to ask again. Spread your legs and bend over.”
I stepped toward the wall on my right. Taking a deep breath, I bent at the waist and put my hands on the wall for support. He placed his hand on my back, running it down the length of my spine, until he reached the curve of my hip. It occurred to me to feel grateful that he hadn’t asked me to drop my pants. Still, my body tensed when his hand reached my ass. Yet I wanted it to continue its descent to my pussy. His hand lingered on my ass longer than I expected. I bit my lower lip in anticipation of the pain.
His hand left my ass only to come down with a resounding smack that echoed through the empty apartment. I gasped and pressed my palms against the wall to brace myself from the blow. Blow after blow landed, burning hot and red. Arie’s hand landed lower across the underside of my ass and I could feel the vibrations go straight to my cunt. A low moan escaped my lips, surprising me. Moving with the pain, I gyrated my hips as I tried to meet his hand faster than the stinging blows which sent fiery desire straight to my pussy.
I whimpered.
And that’s all it took for him to throw me on top of the lumber planks in one quick movement, which I was sure bruised my tailbone, but all I could think about were clothes tearing, hair pulling, and teasing bites. When his lips brushed mine it felt like he became part of me. Drawn into his kiss, I forgot everything. My anger at Arie and even my own name were lost as his lips clashed with mine. I wound my fingers into his hair, pulling it tight.
This except is from Eternal Ever After which is included in SPICE BOX – Sixteen Steamy Stories. This amazing box set features today’s New York Times, USA Today, Amazon bestselling authors and many more!
Raine Miller, Cathryn Fox , Erika Wilde, K.M. Scott, Nina Lane, A.C. James, Christina Thacher, Stephanie Julian, Kathy Kulig, Geri Foster, Lisa Alder, Jan Springer, Sarah Mäkelä, Maureen O. Betita, Riley J. Ford, Travis Luedke
Pre-order NOW at these retailers:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Apple | Kobo
Save over $50. This set will only be available for one month, so order your copy before it’s gone! The price will increase to $2.99 once it’s release so get your copy TODAY!
The post Sample Sunday Brings You Something Spicy! (Spice Box Teaser) appeared first on A.C. James - Erotic Paranormal Romance Author. Spanks for reading!
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER :)
