Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 66
September 24, 2013
The OMG it’s been nearly 10 Years in the Business SALE!*
The OMG it’s been nearly 10 Years in the Business SALE!*
Mandy M Roth and Michelle M Pillow will be celebrating their 10 year writing anniversaries in 2014. Because it just hit these ladies that this milestone is fast approaching they wanted to do a thank you readers sale. This is what they came up with. DEEP discounts on the following titles. Sorry, this sale is for Amazon Kindle versions only. If you do not have a kindle you can download the kindle app for free from Amazon. PLEASE tell your friends about this sale! Thank you!!! This sale could help the ladies make a “list” and that means more books for everyone!
GO HERE TO SEE THE SALE: http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=2979
September 23, 2013
Excerpt: Arrested Desires by Michelle M Pillow
Futuristic Romance
X Quadrant, Baida Proper, Earthbase 5792461
Juliana Harrison is in serious need of saving. When her neglectful husband abandons her along with their marriage, she’s stunned—though she knows she shouldn’t be. The man was a jerk and she’ll be better off without him. However, just when she thought he could sink no lower, he puts a restraining order on her, claiming she’s been threatening his life just so he can take their Earthbase home.
Officer Maverick Perkins looks like he’s stepped right out of the past and right into her life. Like everything else on the Earthbase of Baida Proper the police style is what she liked to think of as retro-Earth, based of the twentieth century as it was back on the planet Earth–except of course for the obvious, like squad cars that hover not drive and guns that fire lasers not bullets. Unfortunately, Maverick has been sent to evict her. He’s the last person she’d expect to come to her rescue. Yet somehow, he manages to turn what should have been a terrible experience into something Juliana will never want to forget.
Warning: Graphic content, adult language.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
Chapter One
X Quadrant, Baida Proper, Earthbase 5792461
Juliana Harrison stared at the police officer with a cross between gratefulness and dismay on her face. He didn’t have the classic crew cut she’d seen most officers on the base wear, but his short blond hair was neatly trimmed and his dark blue uniform was immaculate. It had pleats ironed down the front of the pant legs. Like everything else on the Earthbase of Baida Proper, the police style was what she liked to think of as retro-Earth, based off the twentieth century as it was back on the planet Earth—except of course for the obvious, like squad cars that hovered not drove and guns that fired lasers not bullets.
Even the houses looked like some old suburban concoction with their mock aluminum siding and picket fences. Most of the residents of the base didn’t realize the historical influence, but Juliana’s father had been an architect and she grew up learning about such things. History had always fascinated her, not that she had gone anywhere with it. No, instead she’d gotten married.
Keeping her eye on the man before her, she continued to study him. Badges and pins adorned the officer’s short sleeve shirt, drawing her eye to the stately symbols, which led her eye down his toned body to the firearm that hung along his waist on a thick leather belt. He was a handsome man, in the militant sort of way most men of the law had about them. Glancing over his muscled chest, she read his metal nametag. It said, “M. Perkins.”
More like Officer Mmm-mmm, perfect. Perfect Perkins.
Officer Perkins had been nice to her since she had walked through the front door of her home, but that didn’t change the fact that he was there to evict her from her own house. His partner, a chubbier version of the tall handsome stud in front of her, had left to get food. She had offered the use of her food simulator, but apparently there was some office policy about taking bribes of any kind—even something as small as lunch.
Standing in the middle of her living room, Juliana’s whole body shook. How could her husband do this to her? How could he get a restraining order against her? He was the one sleeping with some twenty-year-old bimbo, not her. He was the one asking for a divorce. They’d been married for eight years and now Jeff wanted a divorce. How could he throw what they had away? So, they weren’t happy, but eight years was a lot of time to invest into a marriage. It was a good thing they’d never had kids.
Thankfully, in the eight years of marriage she hadn’t stopped getting her pregnancy shots, which protected her against both pregnancy and disease. They were practically mandatory on Baida Proper anyway, and if she’d stopped it would’ve been bad for their image. Though supposedly confidential, things like that had a way of leaking out. Not that she had a reason to be worried about disease. It’s not like Jeff had touched her since he started his extracurricular activities, unless he’d been cheating from the beginning, which was possible. Juliana honestly didn’t know.
She looked at Officer Perkins. Why was she thinking of her shots right now? She wouldn’t allow herself to do anything about her attraction to her personal rescuer. First, she just couldn’t. Even though Jeff had cheated on her, left her, treated her like space dust, she was still technically married, and Juliana just wasn’t a cheater, not even in the most extreme circumstances. Second, it had been five years since she’d had sex and she wasn’t sure how to even begin seducing someone, let alone know if she’d do it right once they started. Third, she wouldn’t let herself mistake feelings of gratitude for anything more. It wasn’t fair to anyone. She could easily see how a woman could get attached to a man like M. Perkins.
It’s a good thing we didn’t really have a marriage or this might actually hurt more than annoy.
Juliana really didn’t know why she was surprised. In hindsight, she should have seen it coming. It was a tale as old as time. Wife works while husband finishes degree at prestigious law school. Wife creates beautiful home, entertains husband’s bosses and colleagues, and helps husband secure a partnership within his intergalactic law firm. Husband has mid-life crises, realizes he doesn’t need wife anymore because he’d gotten all the work out of her he could and leaves her for a twenty-year-old with fake, Medical Alliance for Planetary Health created boobs and the IQ of a Lophibian slime trail.
Wait, no, that wasn’t being fair to the slime trail.
Juliana suppressed a laugh at the thought.
BUY NOW
SUPER DISCOUNTED OMG SALE – $0.99 BOOKS!
Dear Readers,
I wanted to make sure you all knew of a huge sale going on in anticipation of my 10 YEARS as a published author! 2014 marks my 10th year published. I have a lot of things planned, including something special with the Dragon Lords (there might even be Dragon Lord audio books! *squee*)
Coming Soon
Most of you know by now the official release date for the next Dragon Lord: The Reluctant Lord will be Dec/Jan. HOWEVER, I’ve been working really hard to see if you can’t all get it early and I’m pretty sure now that you’ll be able to get copies as early as October 2013 on Amazon! Watch for the next newsletter for details!
SUPER DISCOUNTED OMG SALE
I have 9 Ebook Sales going on – SUPER CHEAP! Three of those are actually box set trilogies (so you get three for the price of $.99 TOTAL for a box set) Limited Time Offers. These have never been this low of a price before!
CLICK THE LINKS IN THE RIGHT COLUMN FOR SALES!
Call of the Lycan BOX SET- $0.99
FOR ALL THREE BOOKS. Yes, only $0.99 Seriously, all 3.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F...
Lords of the Abyss BOX SET - $0.99
FOR ALL THREE BOOKS. Yes, only $0.99 I’m not kidding.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F12GWC2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F12GWC2&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Naughty Cupid BOX SET – $0.99
FOR ALL THREE BOOKS. Yes, only $0.99 Crazy right?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F0WWWLS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F0WWWLS&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Emerald Knight – Normally $5.99, Now only $2.99)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WEAJ66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003WEAJ66&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Faire Justice – $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHXIJRE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CHXIJRE&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Arrested Desires- $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080A91BQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0080A91BQ&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Good with his Hands - $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006HZ4FLM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006HZ4FLM&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-2
Last Man on Earth - $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006M3F072/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006M3F072&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
Red Light Specialist (coauthor Mandy M. Roth) – $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y1M18K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Y1M18K&linkCode=as2&tag=michellpillow-20
These sales are a way for me to say thank you to our readers for ten wonderful years!
The Last Ten Years
Mandy Roth and I started our careers at the same time (see some of her books listed below). We both signed our first contracts in Jan 2004. We had our first books published the same month in 2004. We had the same contracting editor and met on the same alien space craft during…well, we’re not allowed to talk about that last one. *looking up, waving*
Now, ten years later we run The Raven Books together, and Mandy really is the other half of my brain cell. She’s my best friend, the sister our parents deny knowing about, and a wonderful author and partner.
Careful, this nostalgia is going to make me start hugging people.
Be sure to follow us in 2014. We’re making plans to make our 10th anniversary a great year. This sale is just the beginning!
The Raven Books Sale (other authors)
These are for a limited time ONLY. Also check out these book from The Raven Books on sale (other authors): www.theravenbooks.com for more details, or simply search for the titles on Amazon.
*A Hired Affair by Lydia Brookes
*Crazy for You by Kennedy Kovit
*Solu Tu, Daughter of Darkness BOX SET, Zodiac Gatekeepers BOX SET, Immortal Ops, Blaze of Glory, Wicked Lucidity and Executive Decision by Mandy Roth
*The Unexpected by Rory Michaels
*Prepared to Please by Reagan Hawk
Happy Reading!
Michelle M. Pillow
September 14, 2013
Two Voices Better than One for Lilith Enraptured Audiobook
Michelle M Pillow Casts Voice Actress Rebecca Cook in Debut Audiobook
Press Release by 3ogo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep. 14, 2013 – NEW YORK — When it came time for Michelle Pillow to produce her first audiobook she couldn’t have done any better when she cast Rebecca Cook as narrator for Lilith Enraptured (Divinity Warriors).
Firstly, audiobooks are another format for a story and not an adaptation. The narrator has to bring to life the story using the exact words the author wrote with only their voice to do the trick. Secondly, aesthetically a second voice—the narrators—is required to deliver the end result—not to be mistaken for the author’s voice in which the narrative is written.
In the process of writing this piece I decided that I would engage Cook in a quick questionnaire for some background on the narrator.
I asked her to describe herself in book titles, she responded that “The Storyteller”
by Jodi Picoult represents who she is, and “Oh! The Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss illustrates her journey in life thus far.
The answer to my “Horrible and wonderful question,” which was Rebecca’s first reaction when asked, cuts an image of an astute person who had chosen to adopt an irreverent outlook on life. The artefacts she used to describe herself juxtaposition her personality and character, whether she was aware of it or not.
Cook is also an avid thespian, acting parts in a number of plays in the upcoming festival in Spokane and she works in film production in the costume department.
It was all starting to fall into place for me, Michelle Pillow’s foresight in hiring Ms Cook to read the work. Specifically Lilith, who is undoubtedly a bewitching woman demanding a voice actress who is both sensitive and strong to breathe life into the character. It appears now that Pillow had found the perfect voice to accompany her author voice in her first Audiobook novel.
For a sample of what’s installed between the imaginary covers of an audio book, here’s a sound bite for you to taste…
Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Lilith-Enraptured-Audio…
Lilith Enraptured: Divinity Warriors, Book 1
Written by: Michelle M. Pillow
Narrated by: Rebecca Cook
Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
More Book Details:
Series: Divinity Warriors, Book 1
Sorin of Firewall lives in a land forever at war. In fact, the Starian men are so busy fighting, their marriage ceremony has been reduced to a ‘will of the gods’ event where they simply pick a woman out of a lineup and claim her as a wife. With women becoming scarce, it’s necessary to trade the offworld Divinity Corporation for brides. Duty-bound to attend the ceremony, he has no intention of picking a bride, let alone one from another dimension. That is, until he sees Lilith, the bewitching woman sent by the gods to reward – or punish? – him…
Lilith, a data analyst for Divinity, is betrayed by the Corporation and wakes up in a primitive, uncharted dimension filled with warriors who only know war and duty. But her initial fears of becoming a sex slave to a big beefy knight become all too real when a warrior of god-like proportions claims she’s his new woman. As Lilith discovers, there are worse fates than being the focus of Sorin’s skillful and earthy seduction.
Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.
©2009 Michelle M. Pillow (P)2013 Michelle M. Pillow
September 11, 2013
Raven Author: Submission and Sin by Lexie Lashe
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Paranormal Vampire Erotic
When a Master Vampire comes calling, you have no choice but to answer. As a natural born witch, Judith knows this better than most. Antonio has been calling on her for months, demanding servitude and obedience. But what will happen when the servant finds a way to subdue the master?
Warning: This short story contains kink to the extreme and no romantic thread.
September 7, 2013
September 2013 Update
Dear Readers,
Dragon Lords Update
Exciting News for you DRAGON LORDS readers… Book 7: The Reluctant Prince WILL release this year. YAY!!
OFFICIAL RELEASE: It’s not set in stone yet, but it’s looking like a Dec 2013 official release date.
EARLY RELEASE: I’m going to try to arrange to have it early release on Kindle (as early as Oct–I’m pushing really hard to make this happen for you all).
NOOK: I know, I know, I’m sorry Nook readers. I do luvs you, too, promise, but at this time Amazon allows me to get the book out to *everyone* including non-US people early. (still waiting for Nook UK to put up the backlist). Please, feel free to email Nook UK and tell them you want my books, if you’re waiting.
“IF” early release happens….
The great news is that EVERYONE!! can read the ebook early. For those of you who don’t own a Kindle, you can download a free reader onto your computer, iphone/pad, blackberry, andriod, win 8, tablet, pc….
Scroll down to Kindle Reading Aps, for free aps to read : http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_ac?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200127470
Book Bundles
Three of my trilogies are now available in ebook bundles (they were already in print). Naughty Cupid, Lords of the Aybss, and Call of the Lycan can now be picked up for nearly 50% of what you’d pay buying the individual trilogies separately (details below).
Readers needed for a quick survey!
Want to help my new marketing guy out? He’s looking for people who’ve read at least three of my books to fill out a quick survey. We’re doing what we can to get you the books you want, where you want, how you want. It’s painless and your information/answers will be used for our informational purposes. We don’t share your addresses. Want in? Email: michelle_pillow@yahoo.com Subject: Author Survey and I’ll make sure you’re emailed a survey link.
New Re-Releases
Realm Immortal 1: King of the Unblessed (print and ebook) and Divinity Healers 1: Ariella’s Keeper (ebook) are now re-released and at all major online retailers (details below).
New Audio Books
Currently several of my books are now in production! I’m so thrilled to be working with some AMAZING voice actors. They’re truly talented. The Divinity Warriors series is being read by Rebecca Cook who you might recognize as reading for Christine Feehan’s novels. The award winning Maiden and the Monster will be read by the very talented Mason Lloyd, a full-time audiobook narrator who has an impressive list of accomplishments. You should start seeing these audio version by the end of the year.
Early Release
Divinity Healers 2: Seducing Cecilia is a Kindle exclusive early release. The official release date is Dec 2013 (details below).
$.99 Story – Stolen Hours
This story was originally published in two parts. The first part was featured in Paranormal Underground Magazine; and the second in the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance, a multi-author print collection published by Running Press (US) and Robinson Publishing (UK) in 2011. The $.99 ebook only includes my story from the anthology (details below).
Contest
Want a chance to win a print copy of Lords of the Var: The Rogue Prince? It’s being given away as a prize at the Facebook event: 9/21/2013 – https://www.facebook.com/events/589689284410327/ (I am not in charge of this event or picking a winner. Please see their page for details)
Coming Soon
I’m very excited to tell you that I have a lot of books coming soon. A few things you can look forward to in the near future: Dragon Lords 7: The Reluctant Prince, Dragon Lords 8: The Impatient Prince (2014), Tribes of the Vampire 2: The Jaded Hunter, Divinity Healers 3: Linnea’s Arrangement. And YES! There are many many many more futuristic Dragon Lords/Lords of the Var world books planned. You can also watch for 4 more Space Lord novels!
Online
Be sure you check out my newly updated website: www.MichellePillow.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow
Tweet me @MichellePillow
A HUGE thank you to all my readers. Without you I wouldn’t have a job, and I LOVE my job.
Michelle
BUNDLES
These bundles are at all Major Online retailers (Or will be VERY soon) Click for more buying options:
Naughty Cupid
http://www.michellepillow.com/naughtycupid.html
Lords of the Abyss
http://www.michellepillow.com/lordsoftheabyss.html
Call of the Lycan
http://www.michellepillow.com/callofthelycan.html
New Re-Releases, Releases, and $.99
$.99 Ebook
Early Release – Kindle Only
Official Release Dec 2013
Re-Released EVERYWHERE!
http://www.michellepillow.com/kingoftheunblessed.html
Just Released EVERYWHERE!
http://www.michellepillow.com/ariellaskeeper.html
Happy Reading!
Michelle M.Pillow
Author of All Things Romance
September 3, 2013
Maiden and the Monster by Michelle M Pillow
Winner of the 2006 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award!
Medieval Historical Romance
Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The Kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to devious pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge.
Lady Eden of Hawks’ Nest doesn’t know what to think of the man who saved her life, but she can’t wrench her thoughts away. His words are those of a tyrant, true to his vicious reputation, but his touch is that of a man, stirring passion and lust when there should only be fear. It would seem the infamous monster is not as monstrous as he appears.
Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.
Chapter One
Lakeshire Castle, Wessex, 879 AD
“God’s bones, Ulric! Methinks this land of Wessex is making you soft!”
Vladamir of Kessen, the Duke of Lakeshire’s voice was hard due to his exasperation. He knew his tone had a gravelly quality, which reflected a Baltic culture far to the northeast of the Saxon manor of Lakeshire. The heritage gave his softened words a hard bite as the harsh press of his lips gave his features a merciless appearance. Vladamir did it on purpose.
“‘Tis irrational, foolish old man, for you to insist I stand downwind of that rotting pile of animal carcasses for nary an instant more. I don’t know why you thought I’d be interested!”
His accent frightened the people under his rule. In fact, everything about him scared these people. He wanted the Saxons afraid of him. If they were afraid, they would follow his orders and leave him alone. He’d been in Wessex for a year and the plan had worked so far. It wasn’t like he’d been sent to make friends.
Vladamir was the very first Duke of Lakeshire. It was a position he didn’t relish. If he had his say, he’d live out his miserable days alone in a castle far away from everyone and everything. Either that or he’d gladly ride into another war.
Frowning sternly, he narrowed his eyes in annoyance and made no move to leave for his training exercises, though his fingers itched to grip his sword. Instead, he swept the fur lining of his cloak off his shoulder. The breeze lifted the weight of his unfashionably long, straight black hair off his shoulders and he absently watched the strands trailing away from him. He purposely wore the heathenish attire of those who lived in the Danelaw rather than to adapt to the more civilized dress of the nation of Wessex. He did it to irritate the Christian sensibilities of his Saxon neighbors and to drive fear into those men who were made to unwillingly serve under his rule.
Yea, everything about me is different than this accursed land. I’m a man without a country. I hate Wessex and I hate the land of my father. And I hate the peace between them both.
Tense, Vladamir raised his arm, motioning to the guard who stood above him on the dark stone of the bailey wall. A black onyx ring glinted on his finger, shining like a beacon the guard would be able to see. With a deft flick of his wrist, the duke silently commanded the knight to raise the outer gate.
The young, fair-haired Saxon didn’t hesitate to follow his barbaric lord’s order. Like all his subjects, Vladamir knew the guard watched him intensely for any sign of movement, no matter how small. It wasn’t out of respect for him that the man instantly obeyed. It was out of fear. Fear was the reason all the Saxon warriors residing at Lakeshire Castle followed his command. They’d all heard the sinister rumors that followed him from his homeland, and he’d never tried to earn their respect or change their opinion of him.
Angrily, he jerked his arm, letting his irritation show. Vladamir knew what he was, knew what he looked like, and it was his intent to appear monstrous in both mannerisms and appearance. His linen undertunic was dyed to the pitchest of blacks. Although the material was of obviously rich quality, it lacked the perfected embellishments that frivolous nobles prided themselves on.
The sleeves of his tunic hung over his wrists and settled over the backs of his hands in long rolls. The undertunic fell loosely over his tightly fitted black braes, the long slit down the side showing a hint of his thighs. He fastened the material of the braes into place with laces that joined at the side and wore a plain, thick leather belt over them. From this belt hung an imposingly sharp knife and a modest leather pouch, which contained small pieces of flint for starting a fire and an iron key that fit a door the servants didn’t even know existed.
“Clear it away at once. Methinks you have interrupted my morning training for naught more than fetid garbage!” The duke ordered Ulric, only to growl in anger when the gate didn’t rise fast enough to suit his impatience. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword in warning. The action wasn’t missed. Another knight disappeared off the wall, obviously going to hurry the man lifting the gate. Vladamir relished his ill humor, wallowing in it. “Argh!”
He sighed as the gate finally squeaked on its iron hinges, making the slow trip up. Gripping his sword, his scowl deepened. Instead of watching the gate, he stared at the hilt. The monstrous broadsword at his waist was in a leather scabbard, hanging from a leather shoulder baldric. The strap crossed over his chest so he could easily draw the weapon at the slightest provocation.
Still irritated, he glanced back to Ulric as the man tried to get a good view of the rotting animals through the gate’s crosshatching. The servant turned to the duke, eyeing the nobleman’s attire. Vladamir glanced down at his clothes, again thinking of how different he was from the Saxon men.
Over his tunic he wore a woven cloth belt of black and silver. It wrapped about his waist and knotted on the front right. He left the unadorned ends to drape freely about his thighs. The undertunic’s oval neckline was laced high and tight against his thick neck, hiding the entirety of his chest from view. It was only on the rarest of political occasions that Vladamir was obligated to don an overtunic. He didn’t feel the need of such formalities in his life when it came to dress. But, on those rare occasions, the overtunic was also black with very little silver embroidery.
The only relief to the investigating eye that Vladamir allowed was the lighter colored rocc, his fur cloak that was constructed of the skinned hide of several gray wolves. He would’ve dyed the fur black as well, if not for the ample waste of time and resources the project would consume. He wore the fur side inward for warmth as was customary among his fellow pagans.
“By all that is hallowed!” Vladamir growled, not caring who heard his cry. Many of the servants milling about the yard skidded to a stop at the sound. A small smile of devious pleasure automatically curled the sides of his mouth. It took a few seconds, but soon the servants were hurrying away in relief when they realized they weren’t the cause of his present anger.
It was a well-known and accepted fact to the people of Lakeshire Castle that Vladamir had converted to Christianity solely to please King Alfred of Wessex in accordance with the Treaty of Wedmore. The duke did nothing to dissuade their beliefs or make them think that he was sincere in his conversion. Let them believe he was a devilish monster sent by King Guthrum to torment them.
In truth, Vladamir didn’t much care for the Christian God, nor had he cared for the many gods of his ancestors. He lost faith when his wife died six years before. As he thought of it, it was quite possible he’d lost his faith before then.
Lowering his chin to glower down from his towering height, he curled his nose in disgust as another gust of wind assaulted him. The air carried a stench so severe that, even with his war-hardened training, Vladamir couldn’t ignore the putrid smell. His expression turned quickly into a snarl. For all his rough appearance, Vladamir was a clean person, having been influenced by the peculiar bathing rituals of his father’s people, the Vikings. He even insisted his household followed suit and bathed at least twice a sennight. It was a completely pagan routine little heard of in the dwellings of the Saxons. He’d received some protest over the decree, but it was necessary to keep such smells as these rotted animals out of his home.
His forehead wrinkled in irritation and tried unsuccessfully to determine what exactly emitted the foul odor. “What is it, Ulric? It smells of decaying flesh. Who would dare to lay carcasses afore my gate to rot?”
“Mayhap, ‘tis a sacrifice in honor of the castle,” Ulric offered with a grave shake of his head. The manservant’s expression said he highly doubted it.
Ulric had traveled with the duke to Wessex the year before. A short man with a balding head, he had a pleasing face hidden under his trim beard. His jaunty nature was a direct contrast to that of his dark, forbidding lord—just as his rounded frame was opposite Vladamir’s sinewy one. He wasn’t only the duke’s seneschal but was also the closest thing Vladamir could call friend.
“Nay, ‘tis not the season for sacrifice,” Vladamir answered as he looked up to the changing sky. It was early morning, yet the sky darkened to purple. He pulled the broadsword from his waist in one smooth motion and flexed the muscles of his sword arm in distraction, scuffing the tip across the dirt in a lazy stroke. Smirking, he said, “Besides, the prelate has forbidden such practices. ‘Tis too barbaric a custom according to the church.”
He sighed, fisting his hands as he pressed his lips tightly together. Upon closer examination, he discovered that the rotting bundle was actually an oddly shaped mound of pelts. Resting his fingers firmly upon his hips, he was mindful of the tip of the broadsword that still rested on the ground.
The stronghold’s gate stopped above him, but he didn’t bother to move. The gate was constructed of thick English oak and bound together with iron strips. The pointed ends at the bottom of the gate were wood reinforced with iron, causing them to act like metal teeth if lowered too quickly. Eyeing the spikes, he morbidly thought of how effectively they could sever a man in two.
Ulric rushed forward to the pile as soon as the spikes were out of his way. The seneschal’s wider frame lumbered with the effort it took him to kneel and he grunted under the strain. Swiping the sleeve of his brown tunic across his forehead, Ulric placed his arm before his nose as he leaned closer to the pelts.
Impatient, Vladamir watched Ulric pick through the skins. He followed silently behind, refusing to sheath his sword. The seneschal sat straight up in surprise.
“M’lord, it would appear to be a maiden amongst these pelts. Methinks I see the entrails of a rabbit in her hair,” Ulric yelled through the sleeve of his tunic.
The servant again wiped his sleeve across his brow before returning it to his nose. His small brown eyes shone with concern. With a grumble of disdain, Ulric lifted entrails from the maiden’s hair and flung them aside, only to gingerly remove a rabbit carcass the same way to reveal the bloodied lines of her swollen face. It was impossible to see whether she breathed.
In the distance, the sounds of fighting men and clashing swords filled the air as the knights competed in mock battle. A flock of wild birds flew high above to seek shelter from the changing sky. Their song softly drifted downward. None of the sounds pleased the duke as his eyes stayed trained on Ulric.
“A maiden? Out here? And scented with festering carcasses?” Vladamir searched the forest that surrounded his castle. The hum of insects was quite clear on the morning air, and he noticed that the red bristled pigs grazing just beyond his walls were undisturbed. Nor could he detect movement within the barren limbs of the trees. Finally satisfied that the girl was alone, he turned his attention back to Ulric. He refused to show any interest in the maiden.
“Wake her and send her on her way.” He kept his voice passionless and made no effort to help the woman. “If she is dead, burn her, for I won’t tolerate that wretched smell in my bailey.”
“Should we not try to find out who she is first? Mayhap there are those who search fer her even now. Would you deny her kinsmen a proper burial?” Ulric protested quietly.
“Do as I command!” Vladamir insisted in a low growl. Even as he did so, he saw the knights that manned the wall look over the girl with curious stares. He heard their whispering as it drifted down, though he couldn’t make out their hasty words. He didn’t need to. The woman was more than likely a Saxon wench and they would wish to know whom, for none in the manor were missing. If she was dead, there was nothing he could do for her. He didn’t need this headache. His life was stressed enough.
Through his irritation, Vladamir saw hesitation on the older man’s face and quieted his tone to a logical murmur. “Is she dead?”
“I know not, m’lord.” Ulric leaned to touch the girl and then turned back to his lordship. “She is not responding.”
Vladamir tried to control his exasperation and repeated his original command, intentionally raising his voice to quiet the knights on the wall. His harsh accent made his words all the more lethal as he ground out, “Then she is dead. Burn her. I won’t have her corpse carrying disease to the manor.”
Ulric looked to him, searching the duke’s face for a sign of compassion. Vladamir didn’t give him one, refusing to be stirred to pity. It was easier to be feared than loved. It was easier to be dead inside than to feel.
Sighing heavily, the servant crouched over the girl. The duke stepped to the side, getting a better look at her. She was young and it was clear she’d been beaten. Her clothes were torn and her hair was matted with dirt and possibly blood.
Ulric yelled over his shoulder, loud enough to make sure the watching knights also heard his reply, “Nay, methinks she takes breath. She is not dead, merely insensible.”
The duke frowned, knowing the servant hoped he wouldn’t dare to leave a Saxon girl for dead, especially with so many soldiers to bear witness. If it had been a decade earlier, Vladamir would’ve carried the injured maiden into the castle to care for her. He’d have tended to her wounds, oversaw the physicians, stayed by her side until she was better. But the time was now and the duke would never allow himself to care like that again. Life had taught him some hard lessons.
Rubbing his brow, he then ran his fingers through the long locks of his tangled hair to brush it from his eyes. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other and didn’t answer the servant. Scowling, he willed the maiden to disappear. He didn’t want her in his home.
“Would you like me to leave her afore yer gate to rot? Or would you like to bring her in?” Ulric stood up and boldly matched his lord’s stare, his thick jowls quivering in irritation.
Vladamir didn’t like his servant’s impudent tone and the man’s sarcasm didn’t go unobserved. He gritted his teeth as he asked with a sullen glimmer of hope, “Is she near death?”
“I know not.” The servant once again turned from his overlord back to the pitiful girl. Thunder stuck in the horizon, beating its violent rhythm across the purple sky. The man pulled another carcass from her and tossed it aside.
“Check her.” Vladamir purposefully sounded bored as he sheathed his sword. Anger was the easiest of all emotions and he clung to it. His gut tightened and he raised his eyes briefly to the heavens as a droplet of rain fell across his nose. “Be quick, Ulric.”
Ulric felt the girl’s pulse. “She has a good chance to recover if we move her indoors now.”
Suspecting that the man might be lying, the duke paced in a frustrated circle, his hands fitted firmly at his waist. He rolled his neck until it cracked, debating the fate of the girl.
Those who moved about the bailey made their way toward shelter. A small page ran close to Vladamir, a pack of mongrel dogs quick on his heels. The boy laughed as a particularly ugly gray dog tripped him about the legs and sent him sprawling to the ground at the duke’s feet. The page’s face became wrought with fear as he looked up from the ground. The duke growled at him and the boy scurried away from him as the rain fell harder, hammering the ground with its loud music.
“It would appear she has been badly beaten,” Ulric said. “Methinks it would be wise to move her inside, out of the rain, lest she is not like to live through the night. I can have a chamber readied for her abovestairs if you wish.”
No matter how badly he wanted to give the order to leave her outside, Vladamir couldn’t do it. He silently cursed himself for a fool and gave a self-depreciating laugh.
So much for being a complete monster.
“Yea,” Vladamir conceded reluctantly. He stopped his pacing and turned to go, intent on leaving Ulric to tend to the woman.
“M’lord, wait.” Ulric’s urgent voice stopped him.
“Yea?” Vladamir gripped the hilt of his sword.
“M’lord, it would seem the maiden is a lady.”
The Raven Books from Online Hangout to Publishing House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Raven Books
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep. 1, 2013 – NEW YORK — What started out as a virtual hangout for friends and readers of Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth’s books has turned into fully functioning independent small press responsible for countless titles across many genres that include Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Sci-fi/Futuristic Romance, Erotica and Multicultural/Multiracial stories.
Last year, The Raven Books reached a significant milestone when unit sales topped the half million mark. Not a bad effort when you consider that Michelle and Mandy had only started self-publishing their back list catalogue under The Raven Books brand in 2008 and were still releasing their new titles via major publishers Random House, Virgin Books, Ellora’s Cave and more. Prior to that Raven was Social Media for Michelle and Mandy before there was social media. Since 2004 Raven was a free online story in serial format by Michelle and Mandy during what was known as Raven Happy Hour which evolved into a Yahoo group, then an Internet Radio show and then a blog for friends and followers which eventually became their publishing banner.
The Self-Publishing Boom in 2012 in which sales by self-published authors accounted for 20% of the genre market is merely an acknowledgement of the hard work by independents like Raven. It is no secret according to Michelle Pillow how they built a successful boutique publishing house, “Hard work, plain and simple…constant reassessing of our business model, and an insane amount of hours to get the job done. And above all we’re blessed with loyal readers!”
Since Raven’s inception more authors have been invited into the fold by Michelle and Mandy adding to the richness and diversity of their offerings.
2013 looks like another exciting stanza for Raven with audio books by both marquee authors Michelle and Mandy due out any day now. Later this year fans of the best seller series Dragon Lords by Michelle Pillow can expect book 7 The Reluctant Lord. While Mandy Roth fans will have Immortal Ops 5: Tactical Magick to look forward to.
Michelle and Mandy haven’t forgotten where it all started and still interact with readers online just like the good ole days. Please show the love by checking out their latest releases.
Links:
Website
http://ravenhappyhour.com/
Upcoming Releases:
Audio Books:
(September to October)
Lilith Enraptured (Divinity Warriors) by Michelle M. Pillow
http://michellepillow.com/lilithenraptured.html
Loup Garou by Mandy M. Roth
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Loup_Garou.html
Books:
(September to November)
The Reluctant Lord (Dragon Lords Book 7) by Michelle M Pillow
Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops 5) by Mandy M. Roth
The Lover (Blazing Hearts) by Kennedy Kovit
Programed for Pleasure (Cyber Sex 3) by Reagan Hawk
Source : 3ogo
August 14, 2013
Raven Author: Excerpt: A Hired Affair by Lydia Brookes
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Nicole Davis is kept busy owning her own bar, and is too busy to find love. But, if she can’t find love, she’ll settle for sex—even if she has to pay for it. She knows she could never love a man like Jack, whose job requires him to sleep with women, but that doesn’t mean she can’t hire him for a few hours.
Warning: This short story contains graphic language and sexual content.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
Nicole Davis looked down the bar in what she hoped was disgust. He was back again, pretending to be some single bachelor–handsome, charming, seriously looking for Mrs. Right. Yeah, he was looking for Mrs. Right, or rather Mrs. Married to the Right Guy Who Hired Me. Some rich asshole who neglected his wife would hire this clown to seduce the unsuspecting woman while she was drunk, so that they could catch them in the act of having an affair, and could get a divorce without having to pay alimony. She’d seen many things since her bar, Onyx, opened, but this one was pretty low.
Nicole poured a shot of tequila and helped herself, tipping back her head. Her black tank top stretched up, showing her flat stomach. The bar belonged to her, so she could do whatever she wanted in it and right now she felt like drinking in the middle of the afternoon. Turning around, she set the bottle down and stared into the dark brown eyes of her reflection.
Onyx was a cozy place. Shaped like a long rectangle, it was much bigger than it looked on the outside. A row of booths lined the wall opposite the bar, with high backs for privacy and dark green leather cushions. Dark wood was polished to a high gloss along the walls with lighter wood tabletops and bar top. Stained glass fixtures hung over the seats and pool table. A jukebox was in the corner, playing only songs she liked.
She contemplated throwing Mr. Jerkoff out, telling him never to come back. She considered it every time he came in, but for some reason held back. Watching him seduce unsuspecting women became almost a sick fascination for her and she often wished he’d try to seduce her just so she could reject him.
At first, she thought he was just a charmer, until she noticed he gave a different name each night he came and changed his appearance like a chameleon. Only after overhearing him talk to a client did she realize what his game was. Hey, a man who merely liked sex and seduction, she could respect. A man who got paid to seduce women for bored husbands was just plain wrong.
Nicole shook her head. Peeking through the mirror, she studied the handsome stranger. The bar wasn’t too packed, but it was still early. In fact, it was a lot earlier than she usually saw him come in.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t call him ugly. He looked softer today with a loose t-shirt and blue jeans. His short dark hair wasn’t slicked back but hung easily to frame his light brown eyes.
Nicole bit her lip. She wondered if he was all talk, or if he actually was good at his profession. She’d never been with a man-whore before, but having spent at least two months memorizing the firm curve of his ass, she bet he was good in bed. Her body heated, making her realize she stared a little too long and hard at his reflection.
“Can I get a drink, or are you going to keep glaring at me for no apparent reason?” the man asked, his voice sending chills up her spine. He didn’t even look up from the book he held.
“Going for the reading, sensitive type tonight, eh, Bobby?” she quipped, moving to pour his regular–Jack and Coke. She slid the glass in front of him.
“I am the reading type,” he answered, not even looking up. Nicole noticed he didn’t say sensitive.
“Whatever you say, Ron,” Nicole answered, pretending she was bored as she answered the call of one of the back booths. She came out from behind the bar, walking past him with two bottles of beer. Under her breath, she added, “Last week you were the animal trainer type, Chester.”
The man actually laughed. Nicole dropped off the beers at the far booth, smiled kindly for the thought out come-on line she’d heard a million times, politely declined a ride on the baloney pony, and made her way back behind the bar. As she passed Mr. Jerkoff, his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. His fingers wrapped all the way around her and overlapped. A spark of desire went through her, spiraling all the way to her toes.
“It’s Jack,” he said, not looking up and not letting go of her wrist.
“Yep,” Nicole answered. His hand was warm and suddenly all those late night fantasies that had preoccupied her about him came to mind. Forcing a light tone, she said, “You got it, Alan. Jack and Coke.”
“My name,” he said, finally turning to look at her. A small smile curled the side of his mouth, as he finished, “is Jack.”
July 25, 2013
Raven Author: Séance and Sin by Lexie Lashe
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Paranormal Necromancer Ghost Erotic
Short Story
Amanda Farland doesn’t fit in with, well, anyone. Her college professors pick on her and her classmates avoid her. She’s all alone until she discovers she has a very special gift. As a necromancer, she can control the dead. Not corpses, but spirits she can turn to corporeal form. Sure, her ancestors used the gift to feed their addiction to evil, but Amanda has a much more interesting vice. She uses her power for pleasure. Everything’s perfect until she encounters the one ghost she can’t control…
Warning: Graphic sexual content, adult language. This short story contains kink to the extreme and no romantic thread.
