Lia Slater

“The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award”

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:03:00 +0000

Thanks so much to the lovely and talented Summer Mahan for nominating my humble, little blog for “The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award”. I'm honored, mainly because HER blog is so fabulous. Check it out at: http://herstorycalls.com/author/summermahan/

And to pass on the torch, there are a couple requirements...

Name 7 facts about myself:
1. I'm typing in my pajamas right now.
2. I'm addicted to reality television where there's talent competition involved. i.e. So You Think You Can Dance, Project Runway (Mondo!), American Idol, Big Brother & Survivor (Ozzie!)
3. I'm a hometown sports fan. Love my Rockies and Broncos, and I want to pinch Tim Tebow's cheeks. (Get as dirty with that as you want)
4. I love 80s flicks. My fave is Better Off Dead.
5. I write under another name. But it's a secret (sort of). Shhh. Don't tell anyone.
6. I don't eat red meat or pork.
7. And, of course, I love reading hot romance novels.

Now I get to nominate a few other worthy blogs. Check out:

Lynda Hilburn: http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com/

Helen Hardt: http://helenhardt.blogspot.com

Lizzie T. Leaf: http://lizzietleaf.blogspot.com

ML Guida: http://www.mlguida.com/?page_id=16

Karen Docter: http://www.karendocter.com/blog/

Cynthia Woolf: http://cynthiawoolf.com/blog/

Amy Denim: http://amydenim.blogspot.com/

Paranormal Freebies: http://paranormalfreebies.com/

Also, I'd like to point to all the authors on my sidebar under Writers who Sizzle. -- >

Stripped Defenseless at Super E-Reads

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:44:00 +0000

STRIPPED DEFENSELESS is featured at Super E-Reads.

Check it out:

http://super-e-reads.com/2011/12/stripped-defenseless-by-lia-slater/

Stripped Defenseless is reduced to 99 cents for the holiday season at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Make sure to get a copy!

Happy Holidays!!

Lia

Writer with Sizzle: Anh Leod (also writing as Heather Hiestand)

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Please welcome author Anh Leod! Anh would like to give away a e-copy of "Christmas a Go-Go" to one lucky commenter, so please leave your email address in the comments so she can get a hold of you!

About Anh:

Heather Hiestand/Anh Leod is the author of seven novels as well as many novellas and short stories. Her most recent release, Captain Andrew’s Flying Christmas, is an Amazon Romance Anthologies bestseller. Her imagination keeps her entertained with romance, mystery and futuristic/fantasy story ideas, many of which eventually become words on a page. She lives in Washington State with her husband and son. For more information, see her website at www.heatherhiestand.com. She is active on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Lia: Great to have you here! Tell us about your story "Christmas a Go-Go".

Anh: I went to England for the first and only time as a teenager, and picked up a pair of white leather go-go boots when I was there. When I returned, I wore them on a shopping trip to Nordstrom. I must have been really stylish for 1985, because a male shoe salesman came over and fell to his knees before me, fondling my boots. I’ve never forgotten that experience. All these years later, that became the idea behind “Christmas a Go-Go” my Anh Leod holiday release!

Blurb:

Lexie has a serious love for go-go boots and an heiress-sized fortune to build her collection. She has everything but a man who shares her fetish. When her new custom-made Christmas go-go boots capture the eye of Adrian, she wonders if she has finally found the one.

Adrian has always been turned on by a woman wearing sexy boots, and he’s immediately smitten with the lovely Lexie. Sparks fly and he leads her away to the VIP dressing room for a sultry tryst.

They both want more, and Lexie plans to have it. She wants Adrian at home, in front of her boot wall—naked, touching her body, touching her boots—while they have the best sex of their lives.

Buy links:

Ellora's Cave

Amazon

Lia: Who doesn't love a sexy pair of go-go boots? What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Anh: I love being able to work from my easy chair at home. It allows me to stay at home with my toddler.

Lia: Do you have a common theme in the books you write?

Anh: My theme seems to be "finding your place in the world," or "your true home." I suspect I keep revisiting that type of story because I'm adopted, though I don't write adoption stories. Instead, my characters are trying to make sense of their identities in their setting, however they came to be there.

I also keep revisiting holiday stories, especially set at Christmas. It's a time of year when most people want to revel in family traditions and celebrations, perfect for my "true home" theme.

In the case of “Christmas a Go-Go” both Lexie and Adrian are happy, successful people, but they are looking for someone to accept their special kink. How lucky they are to find each other!

Lia: Which scene in your book do you think will leave the reading squirming in their seat?

Anh: At the end of the first sex scene, something happens accidentally that could really destroy a relationship between two people that are so attached to fetish objects. If I set the scene up properly, the reader should totally feel Adrian’s horror!

Excerpt:

Her body was still throwing sparks and her mind was fuzzy but she’d definitely heard a pop. She glanced at the Christmas tree but nothing had changed there. The mini-lights still glowed and no ornaments were on the floor.

Adrian knelt before her, his head buried against her pubis. She could hear him panting and one of his arms was hidden. Had he come when she had? His other arm was wrapped completely around the booted leg she’d flung over his shoulder in that last heated moment.

Gently, she extricated herself. Something was wrong, but what was it?

Then Adrian opened his hand. His look of horror matched hers.

Lia: What’s your secret to writing a steamy scene?

Anh: I find that I need to devote an entire writing session just to writing the steamy scene. I can’t work my way into it. I do the first draft, then challenge myself when I go back to edit in intense sensual detail. Back when I first started writing erotic romance, I need a warm, quiet room with rose candles burning, but my life doesn’t permit such fussiness anymore!

Lia: Ah, the patience it takes to be a mom and a writer! Where can readers find your books?

Anh: My Anh Leod books are mostly at Ellora’s Cave, now available at general e-tailers. I also have one story with The Wild Rose Press. Heather Hiestand stories are available at a few small presses and I’ve recently ventured into self-publishing, but everything is available at e-tailers.

Lia: Thanks for being a "writer with sizzle", Anh. Readers, don't forget to leave your email addy for a chance to win!

HUGE EBOOK SALE for the Holiday Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:15:00 +0000

I'm a part of a big holiday eBook sale. All titles are 99 cents, including STRIPPED DEFENSELESS and OFF LIMITS. The sale is from December 1st - January 15th. Be sure to stop by and check out the deals and load up your e-readers! I know I did.

http://bookloversbuffet.com/

Award of Excellence for Published Romance Writers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000

2012 Award of Excellence Open now!

Sponsor:  Colorado Romance Writers

Fee:  $20.00

Receipt Deadline:  January 13, 2012

Eligibility: Books published in 2011. Bound hard copies of e-books also eligible.

Categories: Short Contemporary (60,000 words or less), Long Contemporary (over 60,000 words),
Historical, Romantic Suspense, Single Title, P/TT/F/F, Inspirational, Mainstream w/Romantic Elements, Erotic Romance.
Judges: Readers, booksellers, published authors
Top Prize: Award of Excellence Trophy and certificate; letter congratulating the editor.
FMI: For more information contact: Jessica Aspen (aoecoordinator1@yahoo.com). For entry forms and rules see: www.coloradoromancewriters.com

Permission to forward granted and appreciated.

Writer with Sizzle: M.L. Guida!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Please welcome paranormal romance author M.L. Guida!! M.L. would like to give an e-copy of her upcoming release to one commenter, so be sure to leave your email address so she can get ahold of you!

Lia: Great to have you here, M.L.!! Please tell us about your upcoming release (available 11/15/2011).

ML: Finding Ms. Wright is anthology about three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true mates – woman who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival. My story is Cassandra. Prince Eric Wyvern of the Dragon Demons kidnaps Cassandra and brings her to the Underworld. They must mate and then Cassandra must touch the Golden Tree to keep Eric’s people from going completely feral. If Cassandra refuses, then once the demons turn feral, they’ll enter our world and conquer us.

Lia: Exciting premise! What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

ML: I love creating my characters. When I write, I see a movie in my head and try to get it down on paper as fast as I can.

Lia: What physical aspect does your heroine love most about your hero? Details, please!

ML: His mouth and what he does with his mouth. Cassandra likes the feel of Eric’s mouth on her naked skin and all the wicked antics he can do with his mouth.

Lia: What does your heroine love most about your hero? Least?

ML: His arrogance. Eric does not like taking no for an answer – demon, prince. What a combination!

Lia: Sounds like the ultimate sexy alpha male. :-) Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

ML: Yes, I have. Cassandra can be funny when she is poking fun at Eric. Sometimes she regrets it, because he does get even with her – usually in the bedroom. The torture scenes bring tears to my eyes. What happens to Eric’s nephew, Toby, is sad. I try to bring out how I would feel during those times and capture it on paper.

Lia: How would you describe your heroine?

ML: Cassandra is a champion. She wants to protect people because she knows what is like to be bullied all your life. As a child, she stuttered and could see ghosts, specifically the Wraith. She made the mistake of telling her classmates and they made fun of her. Calling her C-C-C-razy C-C-C-Cassandra. Unfortunately, Eric uses this to manipulate Cassandra into mating with him.

Lia: I’m cheering for her already. How would you describe the world you’ve built?

ML: Dark. My world is filled with dungeons, torture devices and demons. The Underworld can be a beautiful, but scary people. A feral demon is a dangerous one. However, my characters are able to overcome these obstacles. Their determination is what allows them to win. My tagline is “In a world of darkness, true love survives.”

Lia: Great tagline! What makes you want to write about things that go bump in the night?

ML: I have thought about this and came up with two conclusions: being a social worker and being Catholic. As a social worker, I have seen the worst kind of abuse and this is my outlet to release this. Catholicism is filled with mysticism and things that go bump in the night. I love supernatural shows. In fact, one of my favorite shows is Supernatural. Eric Klipke produced the show. I love the storylines, but more the relationship between the two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester.

Lia: Love your answer. Do you have a common theme in the books you write?

ML: Yes. I believe the most common theme is healing. Once again this reverts back to social work, but my characters need to learn to heal from their past and some of them need to learn to forgive before they can move forward.

Lia: What is your theme for Cassandra?

ML: Cassandra’s theme is self-sacrifice. Both Cassandra and Eric have to sacrifice themselves in order to reach their goals of saving their worlds and each other.

Lia: Intriguing theme! Does your hero have any scars or tattoos? Where are they? Is there a story behind them?

ML: Cassandra does not have any scars or tattoos, but when she gets nervous or scared, she reverts back to stuttering, which drives her crazy. Eric has a tiny tattooed black heart above his right breast. To be honest, the tattoo does not mean anything.

Lia: Which scene in your book do you think will leave the reading squirming in their seat?

ML: The first time he convinces her to sleep with her. Cassandra is a virgin and thinks sleeping with a demon would be aligned to rape rather than a rapturous experience. She learns she is dead wrong. Come on – a sexy demon.

Lia: LOL! What’s your secret to writing a steamy scene?

ML: My favorite authors who write sex scenes are Christine Feehan and Marsha Canham, but it’s not insert slot A into slot B. What makes a great love scene is the emotional reaction to the physical touch. I try to capture my character’s emotional response and thoughts. I want the reader to identify with what they are experiencing.

Lia: Definitely. Those are my favorite sex scenes, as well. Do you have a favorite writer you’ve read over and over?

ML: Marsha Canham. She writes historical, especially the ones during the Jacobite War in Scotland.

Lia: What was your hero’s (or heroine’s) lowest moment? His (or her) best moment?

ML: Eric’s worst moment is when his father arrests him and hands him over to Gryffin Drake the Torturer. His best moment is when he sacrifices himself for Cassandra and his nephew, Toby – I don’t want to give away what he does.

Lia: Have you ever lived out any of your scenes?

ML: I have lived out the ski scenes. Cassandra skis like I do. She’s an intermediate skier. I also have skied Copper Mountain many times and I stayed at the Galena Mountain Street Inn. I love to ski and I like the feeling of flying down a mountain with the wind running around you, snow flying in the air. It’s exhilarating. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL and MCL and was out of commission for one year. I hope to go back this year. I miss it.

Lia: Very cool that our local chapter, Colorado Romance Writers, had its fall retreat at that inn. I hope you feel good enough to ski again soon! Where do you get your inspiration?

ML: About a year ago on the internet, there was a huge sink hole in South America and I thought what if it went to hell or in this case, the Underworld. I picture something crawling out or flying out of the sinkhole. I let my imagination go and saw Eric flying out of the sink hole, but in South America, but in Frisco, Colorado. Frisco is my second home. My grandparents own a cabin there and have been going up there during the summers since I was a kid.

Lia: Do you have any advice for the budding romance writer?

ML: Write, write, write. I encourage you to take writing classes. One of the best classes I ever took is with Lori Wilde through Savvy Authors. Lori propelled my writing. I landed a contract with Featherweight Press as a young adult writer under the pen name J.L. Bowen. I also received a contract with an independent press, 5 Prince Publishing, which will publish Cassandra and the sequel, Ravaged Soul which focuses on Eric’s nephew, Toby.

Lia: Great advice! Thanks so much for being a Writer with Sizzle, ML! I'm looking forward to reading Finding Ms. Wright, and especially your story Cassandra. Where can readers find your book?

ML: My books can be obtained through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or All Romance E books.

To find out more about M.L. Guida, visit her website: http://www.mlguida.com/

Stripped Defenseless - All Romance Ebooks

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Stripped Defenseless (formerly Fatal Exposure) is now available at All Romance Ebooks! Finally. And it only took a couple of hours to upload. Not so bad.

Stripped Defenseless - All Romance Ebooks

Writer with Sizzle Guest Blogger: Natalie Acres

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Where to Begin...

A woman’s life is hectic. Between family and career, it’s often difficult to juggle day-to-day activities much less squeeze in something extra. As a writer, I often find myself in a crunch for time. My muse pulls one way and readers guide me in another direction altogether. Lately, I’ve discovered my muse shouldn’t have a dog in the race. When readers ask for a certain book, the excitement and energy they have for a particular series is a great source of inspiration when I finally sit down to write a new book.

Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts is a prime example.

Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts kicked off the Cowboy Boots series in April of 2009. The book captured the #1 spot at Siren-Bookstrand and went on to become the #1 bestselling erotica and western title at Amazon. A bestselling title at All Romance Ebooks and Mobipocket, Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts was soon followed by Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business which was also received well by readers who supported the series.

I’m thrilled and excited about the new Cowboy Boots release, but must admit Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business remains my favorite book in the series due to the unusual bond formed between sisters as one woman courageously faces her death while asking another woman to take care of the men she’ll soon leave behind.

The reader support for the Cowboy Boots series is one I can’t describe. Readers write and ask about continuing the series and I can promise there’s more in store. While writing Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, book three, the idea for the fourth installment materialized as well. Cowboy Boots and Undesirable Characters will soon be submitted for consideration.

In the meantime, more books are in the pipeline for the Cowboy Sex series. Sex Party was my first western ménage romance. If you enjoy family sagas, come on over to the ranch and meet the Cartwell family. While you’re there, stop by and say hello to the McKay brothers, too.

The Cowboy Sex books tend to write themselves. The stories unfold quicker than I can put them down on paper. The Cowboy Boots books were a little more difficult to write. Driven by the hot romance and fast action, the characters in the Cowboy Boots books tend to ‘get carried away’ with their toys and props.

With several series to complete and numerous manuscripts stored on my desktop, there’s the ever-present daily question—Where to begin?

As readers, we ask the same question. It’s not easy locating the order in which series books were written. Today, as we celebrate the release day of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, I invite you to check out the entire series.

Start with Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts and meet the Donovan brothers from Southwest Virginia. Then, meet the Remington men and the women they love in Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business. As they cope with tremendous loss, they find strength and hope in the arms of a woman they never expected to love. Finally, I invite you to pick up your copy of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, on sale today at Siren-Bookstrand.

Releasing November 7th
Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts
Book Three in the Cowboy Boots Series

Blurb:

Seduction turns deadly when Abby Rose, an agent with the Underground Unit, decides to put a provocative spin on revenge. Her plan to sleep with a cartel leader backfires when fellow operatives refuse Abby the opportunity to face her enemy alone.

Abby’s fellow agents begin the fight of their lives. After discovering Abby will use her body to lure in the man who killed her father, and their command leader, seven highly trained operatives cope with high tensions as each man comes to terms with feelings never previously acknowledged.

This team isn’t fighting for another cause or plotting the best way to take out their mark. The stakes are much higher. These men will take up arms and meet their greatest challenge as they work together to protect the woman they admire and love.

Other books in the series available now:
Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts
Book One in the Cowboy Boots Series

Previous Milestones for Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts:

#1 Bestseller Bookstrand for Several Weeks
#1 Bestselling Erotica Amazon
#1 Bestselling Western Amazon
Bestselling Western ARE
Mobipocket Bestselling Title

The Beauty of the Male Physique by Lia Slater

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

(Previously published at www.cupoporn.wordpress.com)

Have you ever been caught staring at your husband or boyfriend…or the neighbor guy jogging down the street or the trainer at the gym or the CEO type who’s catching a quick lunch or blue-collar guy who forgot to swipe the grease off his jaw or…? You get the point, right? You realize you were in a reverie, admiring his physique or swagger or smile or whatever. The man might not be supermodel gorgeous but he has that certain something that caught your eye…and your breath. And you had to revel in his features for just a bit. Maybe even take a mental picture. And, of course, wipe the drool from your mouth. You realize staring at this man is like being captivated by a work of art.

One of the reasons I love writing erotic romance is because I get to describe the male physique in great detail. The lines, the dips, the valleys, the shadows…all the sinewy goodness and hard muscles. The possessive look in his eyes as he watches my heroine from across the room. The flex of his jaw as he shows his irritation or anger. I get to think about what I find attractive—possibly do a little research as a reminder—and then convey the particulars to the reader.

My hero is, of course, always a hot piece of work. His looks and personality differ from story to story, but he always, always magnetizes my heroine—and my imagination. There’s an immediate attraction, very similar to what I explained above. She might not be sure what it is about him that has her stuttering her words, but she knows she’s in trouble as he catches her ogling him. He might walk across the room and ask for her name. Or he might simply stare back in interest. His eyes are alluring or cold or warm or seductive or callous. In any case they’re intriguing. She wants to know more about him. But the size of his physique is fairly intimidating. She notices how his clothes fit him, how the cotton stretches across his chest and bicep. How the denim or leather fits snug or loose to his thighs.

His hair is either long or cut short, in a ponytail, styled just-so, or a messy mop of hair. His smile might be a rarity or something she can count on when she’s feeling blue. Either way she loves the fullness of his lips. And she knows how they feel against her mouth—firm and powerful. Or maybe lingering and seductive, depending on the mood.

When she finally sees him unclothed, she’s taken aback yet again. Yes, he’s a work of art. His chest is either bare or lightly sprinkled with hair that arrows down to his erect cock. His nipples are dark. His muscles are bunched, like a predator ready to attack. Or perhaps he’s relaxed and confident she’ll make the first move.

She has the urge to explore all the dips and valleys. She wants to run her fingers over his rigid muscles, feel the power beneath her fingertips. Her gaze slowly sweeps down his body. So many curves and angles, each leading to a new and wonderful place.

She watches him closely, not sure what part of him she loves the most. The wicked glint in his eye. His stubbly or clean-shaven cheeks. The set angle of his jaw. His bottom lip as he bites it. The width of his shoulders and back. His muscled chest as he takes in even breaths. His powerful arms. Masculine hands. Long fingers. The shadowed lines running along his abdomen. The dip in his navel. The corded muscles that arrow down his pelvis. His cock, standing erect, responding to her. His rounded ass. The circumference of his thighs…his calves, his everything.

Tough choice.

Sigh. It never gets old describing the male physique…or getting caught basking in all its glory.

Readers, what is your favorite part of the male physique? Where do you like authors to spend extra time when it comes to description? I sometimes get caught staring at my husband’s profile, his warm brown eyes or kind smile. Where have you been caught staring?

Were Legends Banner

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:19:00 +0000

I've been playing around with Photoshop Elements, and today I created my first ever banner. It's a little grainy, but I like it. Might have to mess around with it just a bit more...

Contest for Published Romance Authors

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

2012 Award of Excellence Opens October 1st, 2011 for entries

Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers

Fee: $20.00

Receipt Deadline: January 13, 2012

Eligibility: Books published in 2011. Bound hard copies of e-books also eligible.

Categories: Short Contemporary (60,000 words or less), Long Contemporary (over 60,000 words), Historical, Romantic Suspense, Single Title, P/TT/F/F, Inspirational, Mainstream w/Romantic Elements, Erotic Romance.

Judges: Readers, booksellers, published authors

Top Prize: Award of Excellence Trophy and certificate; letter congratulating the editor.

FMI: For more information contact: Jessica Aspen (aoecoordinator1@yahoo.com). For entry forms and rules see: www.coloradoromancewriters.com

Permission to forward granted and appreciated.

Launch of Short Story Seductions

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Today is the launch of Short Story Seductions, where erotic romance authors write installments to sizzling short stories. Lynda Bailey starts us off with the Halloween themed story "Unmasked". I'm writing the next installment so be sure to stop by next week, as well.

Readers, leave comments for a chance to win giveaways from contributing authors.

shortstoryseduction.blogspot.com

And the authors are...

Lia Slater (That's me!)

Marie Tuhart

KyAnn Waters

Hope you'll join in on the fun.

(Another) New Cover for Stripped Defenseless AKA Fatal Exposure

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:29:00 +0000

I'm going to try out a new cover for Stripped Defenseless. I thought it would be fun to switch it out every so often. I think this one matches my heroine, plus the way the hero is watching her is super sexy. Overall the image matches the storyline.

You can buy SD on Amazon Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/Stripped-Defenseless-ebook/dp/B005C1AMWI/ Still only $2.99. Also coming soon to BarnesandNoble.com!

Denver Lady Jane's Salon Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:24:00 +0000

I'll be reading from one of my works at the Denver Lady Jane's Salon tomorrow night.

A little info:

Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: The Wine Loft at LoDo (1527 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202)

Note: While food and drinks are available, it is not required to order a meal or to drink wine in order to attend this event.

Special Summer Scorcher Erotica Authors:

Proxy reading of Tiffany Reisz

Marie Sexton

Lia Slater (Hey, that's me!)

Entrance Fee: $5 cash or one gently used romance novel (proceeds go to Hope House of Colorado)

More info at: http://denverladyjanes.blogspot.com/

Fatal Exposure: New and Improved!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:15:00 +0000

I'm re-releasing my award-winning erotic romantic suspense FATAL EXPOSURE, but I'm giving it a new look. A new title. And a NEW PRICE!! But the same sexy story remains.

The new title is STRIPPED DEFENSELESS (Thanks to author Helen Hardt for the idea!!). It works well with the story line, and it's sexy.

STRIPPED DEFENSELESS is an erotic romantic suspense, and it will be available in eBook form from Amazon in 1-2 days. I'll post the link when I find out what it is. I'm working on making it available from other online eBook retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Diesel, Sony, etc. So be on the lookout in the next month or so. [Update: Link to purchase for your Kindle here: Stripped Defenseless]

Here's the new blurb:
On the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend, Ava Lureau doesn’t expect to trust anyone, let alone have a one night stand with a dangerously gorgeous stranger. But leaving her cold, lonely bed behind and jumping into Kade’s strong arms is something she can’t resist. If only for a night.

Kade Gavin’s job is simple—capture his target and deliver her to the man who hired him. Nothing but a paycheck matters in Kade's bleak existence…until the enticing stripper with soft curves and a puzzling persona climbs into his bed—and under his skin.

When one night turns into a deadly adventure, snowbound in an isolated cabin, Ava must determine if her tempting captor is her savior…or the man who’ll leave her stripped defenseless.

Here's the new cover:

What do you think?

Contest for Unpublished Romance Writers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:42:00 +0000

From the Colorado Romance Writers's President:

The Heart of the Rockies Unpublished Writer's Contest deadline is tomorrow, 6/30/11. We are low in most categories. Please submit!!!

CONTEST FORMAT: 2011 Heart of the Rockies Contest

Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers

Fee: $25 (CRW members) $30 (Non-members)

Deadline: June 30, 2011

Eligibility: Open to unpublished authors only

Entry: The first two chapters and a 1-5 page synopsis, 35 pages

total max. Save money on printing and postage! We are accepting

electronic submissions only!

Categories: Young adult, short contemporary, long contemporary, romantic suspense,

single title contemporary, historical, paranormal/time travel/futuristic/fantasy, inspirational,

and mainstream with romantic elements.

Judges: one published and one un-published author

Final Judges:

* Short Contemporary: Laura Barth, Associate Editor, Harlequin

* Long Contemporary: Charles Griemsman, Associate Editor, Harlequin

* Single Title: Stephany Evans, Agent, Fine Print Literary Agency

* Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy: Laura Bradford, The Bradford Literary Agency

* Historical: Sara Megibow, Associate Literary Agent, Nelson Literary Agency

* Romantic Suspense: Laura Baumbach, Editor, Passion in Print

* Inspirational Category: Julie Gwinn, Fiction Manager, B&H Publishing Group

* Young Adult: Megan Records, Associate Editor, Kensington Publishing

* Mainstream w/Romantic Elements: Kristin Sevick, TOR

FMI, entry form and rules, go to www.coloradoromancewriters.comhttp://www.coloradoromancewriters.com/ and select the Heart of the Rockies option from the Contests tab. You may also email the contest Coordinator Liz Pelletier at HOTRCoordinator@yahoo.com
[PERMISSION TO FORWARD IS GRANTED]

Jen Maitlen

2011 CRW President

Writer with Sizzle: Miranda Stowe

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Please welcome Miranda Stowe! Miranda would like to give away a free eBook copy of her sizzling story Caught in Heat. If you’d like to leave your email address in the comments, that would help her get a hold of you. Thanks!

About Miranda:

Miranda writes erotic romance of the contemporary, paranormal and suspense variety. She lives with her wonderful, Brad-Pitt-lookalike husband (hey, they're both blond-haired and blue-eyed) and adorable still-needs-to-learn-the-meaning-of-NO toddler daughter on their spacious corn-field-and-cow-pasture-front property in Kansas. Librarian by day and author by night, she is also published in YA and contemporary mainstream romance under a different pen name.

You can find her at:

Website & Blog : http://mirandastowe.blogspot.com/

GoodReads : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4741738.Miranda_Stowe

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Miranda-Stowe/100002055561651

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/mirandastowebks

Lia: Great to have you here, Miranda. Tell us about your latest release.

Miranda: Caught in Heat came out in May from Cobblestone Press. It’s the beginning of my paranormal novella series called Half-breed Shifters.

The title pretty much says it all. When shapeshifter, Riley, is about to fall into her first mating heat, she frantically searches for a shifter refuge that’ll drug her up without feeling the need for sex.

But…Shaw Griffin, a human shifter hunter who is determined to wipe out the entire shapeshifting species after a pack of wolves slaughtered his family, catches her in one of his traps. As you can image, he just can’t kill Riley when he checks his trap because he’s a bit too turned on by the gorgeous, naked woman begging him to sex her up.

The second book in the series (Dreams of Wolf) just sold to Cobblestone. And its title tells you all you need to know there too!

Lia: Now that’s a hot premise! What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Miranda: The happily ever after.

Lia: I definitely agree. What does your heroine love most about your hero? Least?

Miranda: In Caught in Heat, Riley admires Shaw’s back-down-from-nothing attitude, not even an obviously stronger shapeshifter (he’s human). He doesn’t fear anything.

Least? Well, she doesn’t necessarily appreciate the fact he wants to kill her when they first meet. Kind of a buzz kill!

Lia: LOL! That’s understandable. Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

Miranda: I have no idea why, but every time I read this one line I wrote in Dreams of Wolf, I just can’t stop myself from cracking a smile. When the heroine finds out the hero is also part deer, she makes him change into his stag side and when she sees him in all his antlered glory, she says, “You probably get this a lot, but…nice rack.”

Lia: Hilarious line! Made me smile too. Do you have a favorite writer you’ve read over and over?

Miranda: I can’t count the number of times I’ve read “London’s Perfect Scoundrel” by Suzanne Enoch. LOVE IT!

Lia: I’ll have to check it out. Where is the wildest place your characters have had sex?

Miranda: In a truck…while the hero is driving home from a funeral (in Taken by a Killer). Or there’s that scene (in Mile High Service) where the h/h get in on in an airplane bathroom on a commercial flight. Or are those places even considered wild? I dunno.

Lia: Oh yeah. I think so. Where can readers find your books?

Miranda:

Whispers Publishing, Cobblestone Press, LLC. Amazon, All Romance ebooks, Fictionwise, Mobipocket. And one is coming soon to Liquid Silver Books!

Caught in Heat Buy Link : http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/caughtinheat.htm

Lia: Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Miranda!

My Self-publishing Venture...And a Sizzling Deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:56:00 +0000

I've gained the rights back to two of my titles. Fatal Exposure and Off Limits. As I'm considering what to do with Fatal Exposure, a full length erotic romantic suspense, I've taken the big step of self-publishing Off Limits. So what does that mean?

For the reader, it simply means that Off Limits is now available with a new hot cover for the low price of 99 cents. It's available right now for your Kindle. And can also be purchased in various formats from Smashwords. In the near future, this erotic short story will be available from Barnes & Noble, Diesel, All Romance Ebooks, and many other online ebook vendors.

I'll have good news about the fate of Fatal Exposure soon, so be on the lookout for that, as well!

More about Off Limits:

Kara Reynolds has always been a law-abiding citizen, but when she’s forced to break into her ex's house to retrieve a treasured memento, she's caught off guard by his younger brother…who just happens to be a cop. And the star of Kara’s most forbidden fantasies.

Austin Bannon finally has Kara in his grasp. After ten years of trying to keep his hands off his brother's wife, he sees his chance to claim the woman he loves. And to show her that he’s all the man she’ll ever need.

Page count is about 26 pages if the ebook is printed out. Word count is about 9600 words.

I hope you'll enjoy the new low price and sizzling cover. So what do you think?

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Lynne Roberts

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Please welcome erotic romance author Lynne Roberts! Lynne would like to give away an e-book copy of her latest release HOOKING UP to one lucky commenter, so be sure to leave your email address in the comments section so she can reach you. (Winner announced on Wednesday!)

About Lynne:

Lynne Roberts wrote her first story out of frustration at the age of 11 because Gone with the Wind just couldn’t end with Rhett and Scarlett not together.

She’s a hopeless romantic and a sucker for a happily ever after.

She’s been writing professionally since 2005 and, after reading some very talented authors, attempted her first erotic romance in 2009.

A hopeless coffee-addict, when she’s not writing, editing or on Twitter—which isn’t often—you can find her with her fiancé, in the garden, reading or with her five children. Sometimes all of the above.

Lynne currently lives in sunny California. You can learn more about her on her website and blog. She’d love to hear from you.

http://lynneroberts.net/

http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/

Lia: Great to have you here, Lynne! Tell us about your latest release.

Lynne: Hooking Up takes place entirely in a bar. It started as a single scene and evolved into one of my favorite stories ever!

Trisha is tired of tame, tired of predictable. After years playing the supporting role, she longs for a night of unrestrained sensuality—even if that means stepping out of her comfort zone and into the arms of a stranger.

Excerpt:

One corner of the blond’s mouth turned up as his gaze roamed her body. He was checking her out.

She smiled. Let him. Two could play at that game.

She imagined licking those full lips, dipping her tongue into his mouth. Would he taste sweet?

Tangy? He’d taste strange, different. She needed something different.

In her mind’s eye, she watched her hands sliding under his shirt to explore the smooth muscles of his chest, seeking down the sculpted abdomen to his cock. It would feel heavy and hot. Oh, God, how she missed the weight of an erect shaft in her hand, the texture of the satiny skin, the musky smell of man at his most primal. She missed the salty taste in her mouth and the feminine power of bringing a strong man to his knees as he orgasmed.

Lia: Wow! Definitely sizzling. What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Lynne: Hearing from people who have enjoyed my books. As a writer, you lose a little perspective after you’ve gone over each word and comma a hundred times. ; ) It’s wonderful to know readers enjoy your work!

Lia: So true! Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

Lynne: Yes!!! I’m editing a book now I last worked on about a year ago. I still cried! I firmly believe if you don’t cry, laugh, root for the HEA, your readers won’t either.

Lia: I think you’re absolutely right. Which scene in your book do you think will leave the reading squirming in their seat?

Lynne: The love scene in the bathroom. At least it leaves me squirming. : )

Lia: What’s your secret to writing a steamy scene?

Lynne: I write it straight through without stopping and then go back and edit.

Lia: Is there anything special you do to get in the mood before writing a scene?

Lynne: Depends on the scene. Sometimes I’ll listen to specific music that either inspired the scene or reminds me of the characters. Other times I’ll close my eyes and picture every detail in my head until it flows onto the page.

Lia: Do you have a favorite writer you’ve read over and over?

Lynne: I read CS Lewis and Tolkien every 5 years or so. I love everything Ilona Andrews or Patricia Briggs writes. I know, they’re all fantasy. *sigh* I blame that on the fact I’m working on a fantasy at the moment. I’m reading Cari Quinn now. Every time I read one of her books, I sit back in amazement. She makes it look so easy! Nalini Singh, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole are a few of my favorite romance authors.

Lia: All wonderful authors! Have you ever lived out any of your scenes?

Lynne: No. ; ) My characters are quite a bit more adventurous than I am.

Lia: Sigh. Mine are too. LOL. Where do you get your inspiration?

Lynne: Walmart. No, kidding. Everywhere. I never know when it will strike. Writers should keep a pad and pen with them at all times.

Lia: Do you have any advice for the budding erotic romance writer?

Lynne: Read! It sounds simple, but it’s so important. The second thing I’d tell them is to finish the story. A bad story can be edited. A blank page can’t. Oh, I guess I’m full of advice today. Because I also think you should push your comfort zone just a little.

Lia: Great advice. Where is the wildest place your characters have had sex?

Lynne: My characters only have sex in wild places! I think the first time I wrote about sex in a bed was in Creative License and that came out early this year. Let’s see. A barn, stairwell, bathroom…take your pick. ; )

Lia: Love it! Have your characters ever been caught having sex in public? How did that go?

Lynne: As you can see by the previous question, they’ve all had sex in public, but they haven’t been caught. Come to think of it, that might be interesting.

Lia: Has anything in your real life ever inspired a scene for your book?

Lynne: Yes, but all mild things. My sisters had taken me out to dinner for my birthday a few years ago. Glenn’s first scene in Hooking Up was inspired by a man sitting at a bar staring into his drink as though it contained the answers to the world’s problems. Or at least his.

Lia: Thanks for a being a Writer with Sizzle, Lynne!

Where you can find Lynne's books:
http://store.samhainpublishing.com/creative-license-p-6257.html

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=90

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Nana Malone!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:56:00 +0000

Please welcome contemporary romance author Nana Malone!

About Nana:

Nana’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is. Though, until that ninja job comes through, you’ll find her acting out scenes for hubby and puppy while catching up on her favorite reality television shows in sunny San Diego.

Her debut novel GAME, SET, MATCH is available from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Lia: Welcome, Nana! Please tell us about your latest release, Game, Set, Match.

Nana: Game, Set, Match is a contemporary romance set in Los Angeles. It’s a story of lost and reacquainted love. In a world of flash and not much substance, Jason is looking to find meaning in his life again, while Izzy is struggling to keep her family together while building her career. Both characters need to overcome their self doubt, trust barriers and the pains of the past to find their way back to each other.

Lia: Sounds great! Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

Nana: Oh absolutely! The scene I laughed about most in this book was where Izzy sent a, erm, scandalous picture of herself to the wrong man. While I haven't done that before myself, I can just imagine. Holy red faced. I laughed the whole time I wrote it.

Lia: That’s hilarious! I bet she was mortified. Which scene do you think will leave the reading squirming in their seat?

Nana: Ha! I warn you now, I write hot. Not quite erotica, but everyone who reads GSM, should be running for their significant other. Start with the first love scene through the last.

Lia: Have your characters ever been caught having sex in public? How did that go?

Nana: Funny you should ask. Lol. Two characters in GSM do get busted, but they don't know it until later. In the book I'm writing right now, I have my main characters get caught. Don't want to spoil it for you, but you know how you get past that point of no return where you just can't stop... *flutter of eyelashes."

Lia: *Fanning* Yeah, I think I might know what you’re talking about. Wink-wink. Thanks so much for being here today, Nana!

Nana: Thank you so much for having me for this interview. I really enjoyed myself.

Other places to find Nana:

http://www.nanamalone.com/

http://www.thepopculturedivas.com/

Facebook

Twitter

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Skhye Moncrief

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Please welcome Skhye Moncrief! Skhye is running a contest to give away one of her sizzling books. See details below!

About Skhye:

Formally educated in hard and soft science (geology and bioarchaeology), Skhye pushes the envelope writing cross-genre romance classified as either paranormal or fantasy romance, and kick-arse romantica. She loves the challenge of building an entirely new world or resurrecting an old legend into a completely new animal.

Lia: It’s great to have you here, Skhye! Tell us about your latest release.

Skhye: FERAL FEVER, Book 3 in my Feral Series, releases on April 15th!!! It’s the next romantica episode in my were-wolf space opera. Psychic werewolves are saving the universe! And they’re recruiting…

FERAL FEVER’s blurb:

Sometimes it pays to just give into the darkness…

With the Blood Wars ended, were-assassin Marshals are called to serve throughout the universe in easing cultural tensions instigated by the transition of cultures from zombified to free-thinking societies…

Earthling archaeologist Aisling Bjorn never really considered juggling multiple husbands for were-assassin duty on planet Luvk—a world of tiger folk subjugated by winged aliens from another dimension. Learning the lost history of the tiger culture to understand how the winged species divided and conquered the tiger realms is more her cup of tea. But she's in store for an even bigger challenge than helping the Luvks reclaim their independence. There’s a shortage of marriageable females for the large broods of gorgeous tiger princes. The friction caused by mating problems threatens her sanity as the warrior Lords vie for possession of not only a mate but a powerful political pawn—her, the Marshal whose beauty rivals that of the most marketable princess. And mates the Lords all wish to be.

Aisling must accept that with every turn in life, we sacrifice a bit of our souls for the greater good. Even to the darkness. Blessed are those who just give into the darkness of Luvk. Because a woman’s sanity is out of the question when surrounded by enormous muscled hunks cloaked in sexy leather pants. Their glorious bodies alone could incite riots on Earth. And they all want her. One thing’s for certain, love or lust, everyone eventually succumbs to Luvks’ FERAL FEVER.

Lia: What physical aspect does your heroine love most about your hero? Details, please!

Skhye: Well what’s not to love about males over six-feet tall with tiger stripes? Add to that some genius female had them wear black leather pants split down the outer leg seams where black tabs held the leather sides together—just enough to offer an excellent view of all their striped leg muscles! Then the males where a harness (yes, go there with your thoughts about a harness’ function) composed of a large O-ring and leather straps wrapping around the sides of the chest and shoulders to connect to the O-ring in the front/back. You can’t miss all the muscles. And everything is overly muscled. Everything. ;) Did I mention the heroine winds up with 5 mates by the end of the book? So, she doesn’t have to be too choosy!

Lia: Yowza! They sound amazing. What does your heroine love most about her hero?

Skhye: The hero(s) are princes born into a lovely system where Queens use their sons to make political ties through marriage with other Queens. Because of polyandrous relationships, Queens have 15-20 consorts. **Lucky Gals** My heroine loves the main hero the most because he is considered Low Caste of the Lords she meets. This makes him a considerate Lord. They meet when he’s sent to escort her across the Seven Realms because he is the fiercest and strongest warrior among the Lords. So, he’s gorgeous (see previous question’s answer) and kick-ass. The fact he considers himself unworthy of her because of his Low-Caste label helps her find his behavior toward everyone quite noble…

Lia: Yes, definitely a lucky gal!! Your world-building is phenomenal. How would you describe the world you’ve built?

Skhye: Medieval matriarchal society set on another planet with kick-butt Tiger Lords on huge shaggy war beasts. Everything else is really insignificant. (I smacked myself!)

Lia: Which scene in your book do you think will leave the reader squirming in their seat?

Skhye: Geesh. This one’s a tough one. I’ll have to go with sex of course!!! (They’re nude in a bathing pool.)

Excerpt:

My feet came off the pool’s floor with the pressure.

What was he doing? Maybe I’d made a mistake about him.

He stopped where I looked him in the eye and lowered my arms around his neck. “Forgive me,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to frighten or hurt you.”

If that plea didn’t deserve tears, nothing did. I wrapped my arms around his slick wet hair and clung to the strength in his broad shoulders.

He released me against his beating heart to trail his knuckles down my sides.

Help me, universe. I don’t ever want him to stop.

He watched his hands slide over my hips, down to my thighs where he pulled up my knees and wrapped my legs around his waist before locking his gaze back on me. “I’m always here for you, dear Aisling.”

His hips bent upward to me. Free-handedly, he slowly, purposefully, in one leisurely motion, slid the head of his cock into my core. I was so wet from deprivation that he had no problem with his measured penetration. His hard thickness felt so glorious I could only gape, holding my breath, watching my reaction mirrored in his handsomely rugged features. If angels sang somewhere in the heavens, their voices would have burst from our drugged expressions. But it is rumored only a few can hear angels sing. So, I waited for Lehd to growl a meaty song of possession.

His shaft’s soft root finally spooned my tender vagina.

We gasped for breath.

My pulse beat with his deep within my soul.

Dear creative force is in the universe, thank you for Lehd.

He growled and backed up until he slid my legs at his back atop the ledge and slowly withdrew his amazing firmness.

It wasn’t enough fast enough. “Lehd, on the furs.”

He didn’t argue. My back was on the skins before I could blink, his marvelous hardness still inside me. I slid my legs down, dropping my knees, and grabbing fistfuls of his iron ass.

If he’d only hurry.

His hot sucking lips fell to my neck, then he plowed into my spirit. Again and again. I matched his thrusting hips with the energy only blood lust could give me after a day with three different men. But something told me this day was unusual. Maybe it was Lehd. I grabbed two fistfuls of his harness and hung on.

He plunged his throbbing hardness into me faster and faster until we raced into the darkness of night. Until he drove away any fears I had of being alone while spanking me with the pat of his sac against my ass. Until I couldn’t stop crying out for breath. And I came like a screaming banshee with his overpowering roar of possession in our blue flash of healing light. We clenched together so tightly that his trembling rigid body made me want to cradle him forever.

Lia: Scorching excerpt!! Where can readers find your books?

Skhye:

Available in e-format at:

at New Concepts Publishing http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/skhyemoncriefbooks.html

at Fictionwise http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b115094/Feral-Fascinations/Skhye-Moncrief/?si=0

Skhye on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=659800548

Skhye's website http://skhyemoncrief.com/

Skhye's blog http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/

Skhye's newsletter yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skhyemoncrief/

Contest: I’m giving away a pdf of Book 1: FERAL FASCINATIONS to one lucky commenter. How to enter to win: leave me a comment here today by midnight Tuesday, 4/12. Make certain to leave your email addy so you can be contacted. And one lucky person will be chosen tomorrow to win!

Thanks for having me over, Lia! ~Skhye

Lia: Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Skhye! And good luck to the readers!

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Rhonda Carver

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Please welcome Rhonda Carver!

About Rhonda:

Rhonda is a full-time romance author and a freelance editor. She enjoys writing contemporary, paranormal, suspense, and erotica. Her specialty is bad-ass heroes (charcoal hair, copper eyes, and heart of gold) and smart and sassy heroines. And her favorite subject is…men in military uniform. They make the perfect hero.

Reading her first romance novel at age thirteen, Rhonda was hooked. Her talent of bringing interesting characters to print and shaping happy endings are not only a passion of hers, but a dream career. She thinks the love between hero and heroine should be so steamy that it melts the ink off the pages.

If she’s not at her computer crafting a story, Rhonda enjoys reading romance, hanging out with her loved ones, or watching a movie that either pushes her to tears or has her rolling with laughter…and preferably both.

She lives in Ohio where she is a mother by day and a sensual writer by night. She has too many pets to name but has a place in her heart for each of them.

She believes everyone deserves romance in their life—one page at a time.

Lia: It's great to have you here, Rhonda! Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

Rhonda: Writing Second Chance Cowboy was an emotional roller coaster. Packed with tragedy, from the death of loved ones, the introduction of a villain and divorce, there was many times I found myself sniffling and wiping tears. I think one of the greatest fears a parent has is the loss of a child. Carly and Chance suffered this loss and the pain drove a wall between them. But at the hands of fate, they are given a second chance.

Second Chance Cowboy excerpt:

Carly squeezed her hands into fists. “My poor husband. How difficult it is for him to manage his inflated ego and keep his zipper closed.”

“We’re divorced, remember?” His voice reeked of sarcasm.

She groaned in irritation. Her pulse pounded in her ears like the beating of a drum. Her claws were showing.

Chance didn’t blink an eye as he gazed at her across the room. “Honey, I can keep my pants zipped just fine. Problem is, you can’t keep your fingers off my zipper.”

Carly’s palm itched to slap him. “We live in a small town, Chance. How do you think it’s possible we haven’t run into each other more than three times in the last two years?” She cocked her chin. “Let me fill you in. I’ve done everything in my power to keep from bumping into you. Do you realize how difficult it is to plan my schedule weeks in advance so I don’t have to see you? Is that a description of a woman who can’t keep her fingers off your zipper?”

“No, more like a woman who’s afraid she’ll forget what screwed up our marriage in the first place, realize she’s made a huge mistake and get her ass back home.”

“Humph, fat chance that’ll ever happen.” She fumbled with the sheet in irritation and gave her hair a toss over one shoulder.

Damn, he did have a point, although she’d never admit it to him.

“Yeah, right, Carly, because you can’t ever forgive and forget, can you? You think you’re the only one who has lost, don’t you?” His eyes became steely pools of green. His voice turned low and controlled. “I lost Devon, too. He was my son--our son. How long are you going to keep blaming me for his death?”

Carly swallowed the painful lump in her constricted throat. “I don’t blame you.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“We both know why I left.”

“We do?” His bitter laugh split the air with its razor-sharp intensity. “I know you want to hold on to the belief that I am the bad guy who drove you away, but isn’t it time you took half the responsibility for the failure of our marriage?” A trace of compassion softened his expression. He tugged on his shirt and finger-combed his hair.

“It wasn’t my fault you cheated.” Once she said it, she wanted to yank the words back. Too late, just like their relationship.

“You’re a broken record, sweetheart. It’s not worth denying the accusation any longer. Maybe eventually you’ll believe your words and feel justified in leaving. Devon died, Carly. He’s gone and we can’t change the truth. One of us needed to make the decision to let him go and I made it. I held out hope you’d eventually find a sliver of forgiveness in your cold heart. I guess I was wrong.”

The old wound broke open and her lungs emptied of oxygen. She wanted to lash out at him, tell him to go to hell, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she whispered, “I’m going to the bathroom. When I get back I want you gone.”

“Carly, you’ve become an expert at sucking all the joy out of your life and pushing away anyone who reaches out to you. You’re living in a self-made prison, founded on guilt and pain, and there is no key to unlock the cell door.”

Lia: My heart is breaking for them. I’m glad they were given a second chance at happiness. Do you have a common theme in the books you write?

Rhonda: I like bad-ass heroes. The tougher the better. My hero starts out with an icy edge but along comes the heroine who melts him like a blow torch to butter. I like creating a hero who has been emotionally and/or physically wounded and then transform him into a better man at the hands of a strong, intelligent, sassy heroine. Chance, in Second Chance Cowboy, is a perfect example of what I like about a hero. He’s as tough as nails, borderline bitter, and is a hard headed man who steam rolls his way through life. But when it comes to Carly, he’s protective, kind and gentle. These two combinations, tough and sweet, enlighten the reader’s brain taste buds. I call it my ‘sweet and sour’ hero.

Lia: I love him already. One question that I love to ask is have your characters ever been caught having sex in public? How did that go?

Rhonda: In Second Chance Cowboy Chance and Carly made love by the pond, and although at the time they didn’t realize it, but they were being watched by the villain. I don’t exactly come out an say that the villain was a ‘peeper’ but I give reference to how he would know Carly has a birthmark on a very unusual part of her body.

Lia: Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Rhonda! Where can readers find your books?

http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=370

http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4080

Other places to find Rhonda:

http://www.rhondaleecarver.com/

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000265604936

Facebook/Author Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000265604936#!/pages/Rhonda-Lee-Carver-Author/155568577811615

TWITTER
http://twitter.com/RLCarver

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Tricia Schneider!

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Please welcome romance author Tricia Schneider! Tricia would like to give away a PDF copy of her latest paranormal romance release, Witch and the Vampire, to one lucky commenter, so be sure to leave your email address in the comments section so she can reach you.

About Tricia:

Tricia Schneider worked at a bookstore for 12 years, 6 of those years as Assistant Manager. Now she writes full-time while raising her three young children. She lives with her WWII re-enactor husband in the coal country of Pennsylvania.

Lia: Welcome, Tricia! Tell us about your latest release.

Tricia: My novella, The Witch and the Vampire, is the sequel to my 2010 debut, The Witch and the Wolf. These stories are connected but can be read out of order. Sisters, Lillian and Melora Merriweather are running from an evil uncle. The Witch and the Vampire is Melora’s story.

Here’s the blurb:

Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…

Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood.

Lia: Love the sound of this! (And gorgeous cover, by the way.) What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Tricia: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. Even when I was very young, I remember drawing pictures and creating stories about the images I drew. Being an author is just a natural step for me. Being a romance author is like adding icing to the cake. I am addicted to a happily-ever-after. I’m known among my friends and family for re-writing the sad endings to dramas and horror movies so that the main character gets a HEA. For me, leaving the story with that sense of peace and happiness, that sense of all is right in my character’s world, is a comforting experience.

Lia: I’m a sap for happy endings, as well. How would you describe the world you’ve built?

Tricia: The Merriweather Witches live in Regency England of the early 1800’s. In my world, paranormal creatures such as vampires and werewolves exist but are kept hidden from ordinary humans. Some humans are aware of the existence of these creatures and become vampire-hunters, witch-hunters, etc. The witches in my world have special magical powers that are passed down by their family members. The creatures that inhabit my world are on the darker side of romance. I’m in the process of writing more stories for this series and I’m exploring the possibility of many more paranormal creatures I can introduce to the Merriweather family.

Lia: As a writer of the paranormal, what makes you want to write about things that go bump in the night?

Tricia: I’ve been a fan of all things paranormal since I was a young child living in my grandmother’s haunted house. Yes, some very strange unexplainable things happened there. It fascinated me and I began reading all I could about ghosts and spirits. My mother also influenced me with her love of the 1960’s soap opera, Dark Shadows. As I became addicted to watching it with her, I became fascinated with vampires, werewolves, witches and all else paranormal. It’s fun for me to create my own world filled with vampires, werewolves and romance.

Lia: Very interesting about your grandmother’s house! I'd love to hear more about that. Do you have a favorite writer you’ve read over and over?

Tricia: I can’t pick only one! I have so many favorite authors, though there’s only a few I re-read more than once to study and analyze their writing. Lynn Kurland, Gayle Wilson, and Daphne du Maurier are three of those authors. I love their writing style, the way they create scenes and the emotion that they weave with their carefully chosen words. I still cry every time I read This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland, and I think I’ve read it 5 times!

Lia: Where can readers find your books?

Tricia: The Wild Rose Press
http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=666

Lia: I'm on my way to pick it up! Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Tricia!

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Rachel Leigh

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Please welcome romance author Rachel Leigh! Rachel would like to give away a PDF copy of her sizzling story Explicitly English, so be sure to leave your email address in the comments section so she can reach you.

About Rachel:

Rachel Leigh lives in the UK and is married to her own sexy hero. Even though this is Rachel’s first erotic romance novella, she enjoyed writing it so much, she has two more lined up and almost ready to go off to The Wild Rose Press. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, running around after her two daughters….or playing with her husband.

Lia: Great to have you here, Rachel! Tell us about your latest release.

Rachel: Explicitly English is my first erotic romance novella and published by The Wild Rose Press. I LOVED writing this story! Erotic romance has to be the ultimate escapism…

Here's the blurb:

Laura Markham needs to forget - just for awhile. Be someone else for change - live as her parents will never have the chance to. And for Laura, that means leaving the City for the English countryside and doing just what the hell she feels like…wherever she feels like doing it…

British stockbroker, Stephen Cambridge knows by going home to his country retreat two days early, he's likely to surprise his contracted interior designer. And when he finds out she's the woman who performed the solo masturbation show for him on the inward bound journey, Stephen will do anything to further convince her to miss the outward bound train and stay with him forever…

Lia: Fantastic debut and what a gorgeous cover! What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Rachel: The writing! When I was younger I wanted to be a writer but didn't really write in earnest until six or seven years ago. Since then I have had success both in mainstream and erotic romance and now do not see myself doing anything else in the future.

As far as the writing process goes - my favourite part is the second draft. I love having the words on the paper and then taking the time to play and polish and make the story the best it can be.

Lia: That’s my favorite part too—taking the time to make the story rich. What physical aspect does your heroine love most about your hero? Details, please!

Rachel: His eyes and his shoulders, definitely! His eyes are seduction personified…deep dark brown, almost black and when he looks at her, his gaze is filled with unashamed desire and lust. She tingles just thinking about it. And his shoulders? Wide, muscular and strong - nothing turns Laura on more than digging her nails deeper into them when they make love standing up, with his rock-hard penis thrusting… you get the picture!

Lia: Yep, and what a lovely vivid picture it is. ;-) Do you have a common theme in the books you write?

Rachel: Trust seems to be my favoured issue - I love watching a hurt heroine or hero regain that trust in human nature and love. I don't think there is anything more romantic as watching someone who has known heartbreak open themselves fully to another person, willing to risk further hurt because the prize seems so worthy.

Lia: Do you have any advice for the budding romance writer?

Rachel: Really believe in what you are writing. Put yourself in the heroine's mind when you're in her point of view and vice versa for the hero. Feel what they're feeling both emotionally and sexually. Be there with them, smell and see, touch and taste what they are.

'Show' the reader what they are feeling, don't 'tell' them!

Lia: Excellent advice! Where can readers find your books?

Rachel: Explicitly English Buy Link:

http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=790

Lia: Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Rachel! Readers, remember to leave your email address if you’d like a chance to win Explicitly English.

Writer with Sizzle Interview: Jennifer Jakes

noreply@blogger.com (Lia Slater) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Please welcome romance author Jennifer Jakes! Jennifer would like to give away a PDF copy of her sizzling story Rafe's Redemption, so be sure to leave your email address in the comments section so she can reach you.

About Jennifer:

After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion there is no better read than a steamy western historical.

Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs.

During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.

Visit Jennifer Jakes at http://www.jenniferjakes.com/

Lia: Great to have you here, Jennifer! Tell us about your latest release.

Jennifer: Rafe’s Redemption takes place in Colorado, 1866. Rafe is a former Civil War captain trying to stay one step ahead of his vengeful stepbrother.

Maggie is an artist, traveling to San Francisco. But when her devious, gambling cousin loses all their valuables in a poker game, Maggie is sold to pay off the debt.

The blurb describes it much better than I can.

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman.

For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower.

She wanted freedom, not a lover.

Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe.

But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

Lia: Ooh, I’m cheering for their happy ending already. Have you ever cried or laughed out loud while writing a scene?

Jennifer: Yes, when I wrote the end scene where Rafe tries to reconcile his past. I cried.

Lia: Do you have a common theme in the books you write?

Jennifer: They all take place in 1850-1899. I’m not sure my stories are what you’d call traditional western – there are no gunfights in the middle of a dusty Texas street – but they are still classified as western historical. Plus I like to have some suspense thrown in there.

And my stories all have at least one really bad guy. Someone the reader can hate.

Lia: Which scene in your book do you think will leave the reading squirming in their seat?

Jennifer: I think it would be the bath tub sex scene;)

Lia: I’m intrigued! Where is the wildest place your characters have had sex?

Jennifer: Outside. Rafe has Maggie face a tree (they were having a picnic) and…….;)

Lia: Sounds like a sizzling scene. I can’t wait to read it! Where can we find Rafe’s Redemption?

Jennifer: At the Wild Rose Press – Wilder Roses - http://tinyurl.com/4oh5387

Lia: I’m on way to buy it. Thanks for being a Writer with Sizzle, Jennifer! Readers, remember to leave your email address in the comments section for a chance to win Rafe's Redemption. Or leave a question for Jennifer to answer.