Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 47
December 5, 2014
Taming the Alpha: Mistaken Identity by Lauren Hawkeye
Release: Dec 9 2014 – Buy it Now
Over 20 Alpha Male Tales of Contemporary, Military, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Billionaires, Witches, Dragons, Demons & More.
Featuring Tales from New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors
Limited Time $0.99 Boxed Set
Includes:
Mistaken Identity by Lauren Hawkeye
Being bad never felt so good… In her job as a decoy sent out to catch cheating men, Hannah thinks she’s seen it all. Yet nothing can explain her attraction to Adam… or what she does as a result. Mistaken Identity by Lauren Hawkeye explores the consequences of blind attraction.
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.
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Taming the Alpha: Reconnected by Jaycee Clark
Release: Dec 9 2014 – Buy it Now
Over 20 Alpha Male Tales of Contemporary, Military, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Billionaires, Witches, Dragons, Demons & More.
Featuring Tales from New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors
Limited Time $0.99 Boxed Set
Includes:
Reconnected by Jaycee Clark
Rainy witnessed a murder and needs a safe place to stay. Lee tried to forget the woman who stole his heart years ago, but now that there’s a killer after her, he’ll do whatever he must to keep her safe.
About the Author
Jaycee Clark is a USA Today and national bestselling author of the Deadly series. To learn more about Jaycee’s upcoming romantic suspense or thriller books visit her online.
The post Taming the Alpha: Reconnected by Jaycee Clark appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog.
Taming the Alpha: Theirs by Eve Vaughn
Release: Dec 9 2014 – Buy it Now
Over 20 Alpha Male Tales of Contemporary, Military, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Billionaires, Witches, Dragons, Demons & More.
Featuring Tales from New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors
Limited Time $0.99 Boxed Set
Includes:
Theirs by Eve Vaughn
When scandal breaks, Alex is exiled from town. Years later she’s moved on from her past. But a letter from the men she vowed to forget threatens to pull her back.
Cash and Rusty Bradford have never stopped loving the woman who claimed both their hearts and they’ll stop at nothing to reclaim her.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Eve Vaughn has always enjoyed creating characters and stories from an early age. As a child she was always getting into mischief, so when she lost her television privileges (which was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten quite a bit spicier since then! When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Eve is reading, baking, traveling or kicking butt in 80’s trivia. She loves hearing from her readers.
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Taming the Alpha: River Arrow by Ella Drake
Release: Dec 9 2014 – Buy it Now
Over 20 Alpha Male Tales of Contemporary, Military, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Billionaires, Witches, Dragons, Demons & More.
Featuring Tales from New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors
Limited Time $0.99 Boxed Set
Includes:
River Arrow by Ella Drake
New Guardsmen Book 2
Jared Covington is about to veer off course. He’s survived the end of known civilization by staying focused. His crew, his community, and his own life demand he take no chances. Working the Mississippi River carries enough risk, but it pays to avoid trouble where he can, including never getting involved with the ragtag communities on his trade route. He doesn’t count on Mari and how involved he wants to get.
Mari is a survivor. An attacking drifter gang has captured her entire village and she’s the only one who can stop them. If she’s going to die saving her people, least she can do is finally get her hands on Jared, the man she’s dreamed of since she first set eyes on him. When her entire life is upside down may not be the best time to get him in her bed, but she’s not taking chances.
Mari knows Jared is her lucky break. She just has to convince him of that. Later. For now, their sizzling attraction is put on hold. Because, unless they free the village from the drifters, there is no future.
About the Author
As a child Ella read every book she could get her hands on, which meant most of her dad’s science fiction and fantasy collection. There she found a special love of elves, dragons and knights. Ella has worked as a waitress, cashier, receptionist to a U.S. Senator, network admin, web developer and an all-around card-carrying geek. But she really found her stride when she found a way to combine her first love, Romance, with those fantasy worlds in her own writing. Ella is always happy to hear from readers.
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December 4, 2014
Moira Rogers, Author Interview
Moira Rogers Author Spotlight
By Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
How do you make a Moira Rogers? Take a former forensic science and nursing student obsessed with paranormal romance and add a computer programmer with a passion for gritty urban fantasy. Toss in a dash of whimsy and a lot of caffeine, and enjoy with a side of chocolate by the light of the full moon. By day, Bree and Donna are mild-mannered ladies who reside in the Deep South. At night, when their husbands and children are asleep, they combine forces to unleash the product of their fevered imaginations upon the page.
Their newest Paranormal Romance, Haunted Sanctuary, released January 2013 from Samhain Publishing.
In your book, Haunted Sanctuary you delve into the world of werewolves, witches and ghosts. What inspired you to write about this?
Moira: Though this is hardly the first time we’ve written about werewolves or witches, this new series gave us a chance to do something I’d always wanted–to introduce our paranormal heroes and heroines to their own sort of Thing That Goes Bump in the Night.
We love ghost stories, the really good ones that give you the shivers because you’re not quite sure whether to believe them or not. It seemed like it would be fun to put our werewolves in the same situation. Sure, they’re tough, rough and howl at the moon. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as scared of ghosts as we are. Maybe even more. 
When world building, did you base your story off of known myths throughout history?
Moira: We always pick and choose among popular mythology for all paranormal creatures before giving the world an edge of our own. In our Sanctuary series, magic is a thing of balance, with werewolves representing life and vampires death, with witches straddling the line. I think my favorite part of creating a paranormal mythology for a fictional world is deciding how your mythology could create the popular myths of the day. It’s almost like reverse engineering a new truth from popular fantasy.
Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?
Moira: I think we’re obsessed with wonder and fear. It’s so much fun to imagine a secret world just beneath the one we see every day, to imagine that all those odd things we can’t quite explain fit into a larger picture, one that thrills us and scares us and ultimately delights us. I think humans are explorers, at heart, and we all love the fantasy of discovering a new world that’s been around us all along.
What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Moira: Oh, we love so many. Both the purely fictional, like True Blood and my current favorite, Lost Girl, to the ones where people are really chasing ghosts, like Ghost Hunters or The Dead Files. We don’t care how campy or silly the show is, it’s always good clean (or dirty!) paranormal fun.
When it comes to books, there are almost too many to name. Some of my auto-buy authors include Kelley Armstrong, Meljean Brook, Kristen Callihan, Patricia Briggs, Vivian Arend, Ann Aguirre and Keith Melton.
Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?
Donna: Yes. To both.
Bree: I don’t know if I believe in ghosts, but I am afraid of them. So, there’s that.
What kind of paranormal creatures do you wish you could meet?
Moira: Anything but zombies. But I think I’d pick witches. I’d love to see magic at work, because the idea of magic has entranced me my whole life. It’s what led me to pick up fantasy novels, and then move to urban fantasy and paranormals.
If given the chance, would you become a werewolf?
Moira: TOTALLY. As long as I got the super-healing and the great metabolism. I could handle rare steaks, dodging hunters during the full moon and a whole lot of other inconveniences if I got those two things in return.
How would you react if you came face to face with a ghost?
Moira: I like to say I’d try to talk to it and communicate with it and learn all sorts of spiritual truths and get a greater understanding of our world. But I’d probably scream, throw something at it, and flee into the night in a blind panic.
What does the future hold for your werewolves and their ghosts?
Moira: Haunted Sanctuary was the first of four books that will delve into the history of one small southern farm, and explore all the ways people–even paranormal people–can be haunted. Our four werewolf couples will have to face their pasts, their fears and some very real ghosts before they can find their way to a happy ending.
Have you ever been abducted by aliens?
Moira: I’m pretty sure not…but maybe that’s what the aliens want me to think!
To learn more about the writing duo and their book, Haunted Sanctuary, visit them at their website http://www.moirarogers.com
Sampling of your other paranormal titles–
Crux, 978-1-60504-459-0, witches/wizards/shapeshifters - http://moirarogers.com/by-series/southern-arcana/crux/
Wilder’s Mate, 978-1-60928-380-3, vampires/werewolves - http://moirarogers.com/by-series/bloodhounds/wilders-mate/
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November 30, 2014
Taming the Alpha: Once Upon a Full Moon by Tracey H. Kitts
Release: Dec 9 2014 – Buy it Now
Over 20 Alpha Male Tales of Contemporary, Military, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Billionaires, Witches, Dragons, Demons & More.
Featuring Tales from New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors
Limited Time $0.99 Boxed Set
Includes:
Once Upon a Full Moon by Tracey H. Kitts
Freya’s life is changed forever one full moon.
About the Author
This multi-published author has been writing stories for her own entertainment since she was a child. Tracey has always been drawn to the macabre, with a fondness for anything with fangs. She writes what she enjoys reading in the hopes that others will enjoy her stories as well. Her main goal as a writer is to put emotions into words. She wants people to feel something when they read her work.
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Over 50 Super Hot Deals and Steals!
Dec 1 -5
OVER 50 Romance Titles from Today’s Top Selling Authors on MEGA SALE–Some Are Even FREE!
Visit the Hot for the Holidays Deals Page
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November 29, 2014
Seductive Saturday Blog – Hushpuppy Fried Chicken
Hey, everyone. I hope you all have had a great week. Here in the States we had Thanksgiving. Mine was a bit hectic. Any how this week I’m going to give you my Hushpuppy Fried Chicken recipe. I came up with this recipe one night when I was out of plain flour and didn’t feel like going to the store. What came from that laziness is pure perfection. I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as my family has. My daughter hates regular hushpuppies so that she loves this recipe tells you it’s definitely a winner.
*** This week I will be running a giveway. I will pick 2 winners from those who comment to gift a copy of Taming the Alpha that releases December 9th. Here’s what I’ll be looking for….. I want to know what you think of this recipe and tell me how you heard of this blog. i.e. If you are a Pillow Fighter Facebook Fan tell me. If you are a Roth Head Facebook Fan tell me that. Contest ends Monday, December 8th, 2014. ***
Hushpuppy Fried Chicken
4 Chicken breast halves or 4 legs/thighs
2 cups of your favorite hushpuppy mix
1 cornstarch
3 eggs
2 tbsp water
oil to deep fry in
Directions
Preheat your frying oil. Mix the 3 eggs with the water well in a medium sized bowl. Place the cornstarch in a medium bowl and the Hushpuppy mix in a seperate medium bowl. You want the chicken damp but not dripping wet. Lightly coat each chicken piece with the cornstarch. Then coat with the egg mix. Follow up with a nice coating of the hushpuppy mix. Fry till golden brown and them internal temp reach 165*. I served with a salad and steamed broccoli. ENJOY!
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November 27, 2014
Carrie Clevenger, Interview
Carrie Clevenger, Interview
By Michelle Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
Carrie Clevenger’s paranormal erotic romance novel, Crooked Fang, brings together zombies, vampires, and music. Though she owns three guitars, she admits that she can’t seem to grasp the concept of actually playing them and, “as girly as it sounds, for now they are pretty in my office.” She’s obsessed with building a rat rod (if you’re not a classic car aficionado you may have to google it…we’ll wait). And, she has a collection of paper beer coasters from around the world.
* * * * *
Q: In your book, Crooked Fang, you delve into the world of vampires and zombies, but added a different spin on both. How so?
Carrie: My vampires vary, depending on whom you’re talking about. Xan Marcelles, the main character, happens to be a dude that lives upstairs in a bar. He plays bass in a cover band, tries to stay aloof, and is generally mediocre at both if you ask him. There’s also a fringe race of vampires, the Nesferata, that are dependent on blood and still alive. There are a number of vampire classifications, although Crooked Fang doesn’t delve too far into that.
My zombies (better known as the Wretched) are also vampires. Whether from a bad turn into fangville or infection, they are bad news. The difference is, they are infectious and only are strongly attracted to attack healthy vampires. In a way, they are the sole illness that every informed vampire fears. The problem is a bit more complex than just random transmittal as well, but if I told you, I’d spoil an important plot point in Crooked Fang.
Q: What myths or legends inspired you? Is your world different?
Carrie: I think that if one is going to utilize established mythology/legend, it’s important that it sport a different take. Add a dash of common role-playing lore, Ricean (yes, I totally made that term up for Anne Rice) blood drinkers, and a generous helping of Tarantino-styled (one can only aspire) dialogue—you’ve got a good recipe for Crooked Fang’s method.
The world itself is society as we knew it in 2010, which is when the story takes place. My vampires are invisible in plain sight, as in masquerading as human.
Q: Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal
Carrie: Maybe it’s the allure of the unknown. A sort of immortality, even. Magical creatures that heal when injured, have a good deal of strength beyond that of ordinary man and incredible agility…not to mention some vampires are admittedly attractive. Or not. I wouldn’t want to find a Wretched in my bed. Eeek.
On the other hand, you’ve got ghost legends and suppositions that evoke a spectrum of emotions, from comfort in believing that a dear one remains close by in some form, to terrifying paranoia that this continued existence has become a haunting. A reminder that we are so very fragile, when compared to supernatural beings such as werewolves or vampires.
Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Carrie: For shows, I’m going to have to go with the heavyweights, such as The X-Files, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock, Tales from the Crypt and my new obsession (I’m very behind in popular television, eep!) Supernatural.
In movies, I rather swerve in a different direction and love alien-related. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Alien series, and so forth. Okay. I admit I watched Ghost a million times, but only because I regularly had to spend time with a Swayze fan.
Books. I. love. Horror. Edgar Alan Poe, Dean Koontz, Stephen King. I’ll admit that my reading material tends to be reference/non-fiction. I’ve got quite a few books collected on hauntings and famous ghosts in preparation for a future series that I tentatively call The Cold Fires.
Q: Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?
Carrie: Definitely a skeptic, but open-minded. It drives the husband nuts. I wouldn’t be so on-the-fence if there weren’t thousands of related experiences from an enormous range of personalities. It’s difficult to discredit a legend or myth unless science provides a more socially-acceptable answer, which it sometimes cannot or has not. Whether real or fantasy, paranormal stories will always remain intriguing and most likely, inspirational.
Q: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
Carrie: My father has. Long story short, he and a man of faith stopped out of curiosity at a supposedly-haunted house not too far from Austin. While walking the property, both men were filled with an unexplainable sense of dread and felt extremely unwelcome. That’s how Dad put it: They were not wanted there. The sensation increased and in the Texas heat, quickly convinced my father and the preacher to get in the truck and leave. As Dad drove away from the place, the passenger side window imploded, shattering it completely. The preacher wasn’t harmed, but horribly shaken. Upon recollection, my father muses that perhaps it was what the preacher stood for that made the difference.
Neither man ever returned to the place. The house burned down a few years afterward and was demolished, as far as he knows.
I tried researching the location using the internet, but this incident occurred during the early 90s, and before everything was recorded as it is now. Someday, I hope to drive down there and look in the town’s archive. I’d love to confirm the story.
Q: What kind of paranormal creatures do you wish you could meet?
Carrie: Honestly? Any. The positive existence of one sort could mean there’s another. And another. I’m not sure exactly if that would be a good thing…
As for sitting down for a talk with any of them? I suppose a very old vampire that promised not to have me for his or her supper so I could pump them for historic event validation. I’m kind of geeky in that way.
Q: If given the chance, would you become a vampire?
Carrie: Heck yes, I would. Or not. Until a vampire comes along with an offer, I’ll not put too much thought into that sort of critical decision.
Yes would mean that I get whatever perks come with the position, so to speak. But if the sun truly is fatal to vampires, that might be super hard to give up. I just came off of a completely nocturnal job because it’s been horrible for my health. Then again, if I were supernatural, staying healthy might not be an issue.
To say no would be incredibly difficult also. It would mean declining a chance to become something new, possibly superior and to gain an understanding of a completely different species.
Very hard question to answer!
Q: How would you react if you came face to face with a vampire?
Carrie: Oh dear. I would most likely err on the side of caution and run like hell. If what I’ve mostly read is true, he/she would be very dangerous and best avoided. But I’d be so curious afterward, I’d probably walk right back into the situation to investigate. And die in some horrible blood-sucked manner in the process.
Q: What does the future hold for your writing?
Carrie: I would love to have my old energy back. I was recently diagnosed with fibro, among other possibilities, so plans have changed. I had originally thought to churn out two more Crooked Fang series novels, and instead have modified them to be novellas, which lead up to a massive endgame in a second novel I’m simply titling Zero. This means I took out all the pacing so Xan just immediately gets into trouble. Okay, I’m kidding. But not about the novellas.
On the back burner, I have the afore-mentioned Cold Fires series, which is actually a ghost’s story. It’s not yet fully plotted out, so I have little to offer but that it’s about a former rockstar dies and meets the Grim Reaper. The river Styx is a highway and Death drives this incredible car…I hope this series idea works out; it’s going to be fantastic.
Presently, I update my blog whenever a flash fiction idea smacks me in the brain and participate in a great circle of flash fiction writers on Twitter under the hashtag #fridayflash. Paranormal is normal to many of us!
Thanks for joining us, Carrie!
You can learn more about Carrie and her books at her websites, www.crookedfang.com and www.carrieclevengerstories.com .
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November 26, 2014
Thankful for Romance Books
Thankful for Romance Books
Thanksgiving is almost upon us! Which means it’s also time to give thanks for those little things in life. Of course we are thankful for family, friends, children, pets and best friends. But I’m thankful for books, Romance books specifically. Thankful that there are so many wonderful authors out there, working their fingers to the bone in order to turn out HEAs for our reading pleasure.
Books are my escape. I’m able to forget a little bit about life’s realities and live in a delicious, romantic fairy tale, if only for a little while. My favorite books to escape into to are Highland Romance.
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I’d hoped to give you forever”
― Nicholas Sparks
“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“And he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky, and he cared not that they stood high upon the walls in the sight of many.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
What is your favorite type of Romance? and your all time favorite book you are Thankful for?
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