Of Ink and Quille

What I love about Halloween

2014-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

In today's world Halloween is often a time to dress up and go door to door looking for treats. Its sort of a time which over the years has become commercialized...and honestly that isn't my favorite part of the holiday.

No, I love Halloween for the meaning behind it...for the celebrations of life, of the harvest...for the myths and the legends, for the chance to be someone else for a few hours. Its the ultimate expression of a false face created ages and ages ago for a specific reason. When masks and costumes were designed to ward off the evil spirits which rose from the grave.

Regardless of its origins (and yes there is controversy about that) Halloween is a great time to celebrate family. To gather to carve pumpkins, and make treats (not so much anymore), to play pranks on others, and to really just experience life and joy. For me, Halloween is a time when the paranormal is more readily accepted...when ghosts and goblins roam about with the living and it will always have a special place in my heart.

If you'd like to read more about what makes Halloween special by a group of amazing ladies, check out the Beackwalk Babes blogs to read some pretty amazing things.

For everyone who leaves a comment telling me what they love about Halloween, I'll enter you into a draw for a Gift Certificate to Amazon!

Sidda Lee Tate

Tabitha Rayne

Jaye Shields

Tara Mills

Olivia Starke

Ashlynn Monroe

Pepper Anthony

Lacey Wolfe

Laura Beth Peters

Stephanie Beck

Beth D. Carter

Lisa Knight

Ella Jade

Emily Wood

Theresa Stillwagon

Kaylie Newell

Patricia Bates

Tracey Rogers

Tamaria Soana

Imogene Nix

Nola Cross

Constance Bretes

Reconnecting and Adapting

2014-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

For those of us who have busy lives the worst thing is that moment when we realize we need to reconnect...Or for some of us its when our family -quite cheerfully- drags us kicking and screaming out the door away from the computer, the phone, the busy schedule that just seems to get more and more full.

Forced to do nothing but reconnect with our loved ones we're at first irritable, sullen even. Don't they understand we're trying to build something, our business, our careers, our dreams...? Too often we think, No by God they don't. They haven't got a clue what it is we're trying to do. We tell them - but its sort of like ships passing at night. There's a vague awareness of them but beyond that, they become a faint memory which stirs when its time to do bath time, homework, dinner. Do we as authors, entrepreneurs, business execs really need to spend 18 hours working to get ahead?

Oh I hear someone saying YES! Running our own business is a full time job, its a twenty-four hour thing. There is no time for procrastination or disorganization. We must be driven. Must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good...and the bottom line.

But do we sacrifice ourselves or our families and personal lives? Recently, and yes I griped and moaned and glared my way through the first hundred kilometers, I discovered a rather shocking and horrifying fact. By burying myself in work I'm not sacrificing myself. No, I'm sacrificing the very thing which I'm doing this for....my family time. I love my family, they're why its so easy to get up in the morning. But I also have to realize they are also the ones whom I neglect because I'm working on the latest book or the latest releases for the month.

Half way through our trip, it hit me. I was without my computer, without my work, and I was relaxed. You wanna talk about a shocker - I spent 100 kms stressed out of my mind because I didn't have my computer, my writing, the galleys, connection to my staff...and slowly it sunk it while those people are important - I was with the ones who should always be my top priority.

Hard lesson to learn and one I'm still learning how to deal with. How can I, as a business woman and author manage to juggle my full time job, my business, my writing and still have time to reconnect with my family? It seems now a days we have so little time to dedicated to our loved ones we have to come up with plans, ideas, schedule in time to reconnect even in the most basic of ways. It has become a lost art on how we as a society connect with those living in our homes, part of our lives. And too often, we forget to think on how we are disconnected from them.

Perhaps its time to forget the business, forget the job, the career at least for a moment and do something silly be it go for a walk or just play a rounding game of cards or something that allows us to see our family and friends before us. Disconnect from the electronics and reconnect with the living, breathing people who make up our lives. Even if it is in some small way.

Crash into Love by Sofia Grey

2014-03-12T14:45:00.001-07:00

Road Trippin’ – by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Have you ever been between homes? Not just for a day or two, but for weeks on end? It’s a weird feeling. When I moved halfway round the world, a few years ago, I lived in a motel for a month while I house hunted. For that period, I didn’t actually have a home and it was strangely uplifting. I could live anywhere I chose, within reason. I could reinvent myself, start a brand new life. The possibilities felt endless, and for the first time in my life I could understand why some people become drifters.

The Lyrics of Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers sum up this mood:

Road trippin' with my two favorite allies

Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies

It's time to leave this town

It's time to steal away

Let's go get lost

And the video is perfect! http://youtu.be/11GYvfYjyV0

In Crash Into Love, Cass is living in a beachside cottage while she makes decisions about her future. Meeting the sexy – and much younger – Jonah, wasn’t part of her plans. In this excerpt, Jonah has taken Cass to a nearby bar for dinner.

“So, Jonah, where are you from?” I gave him an encouraging smile.

He stared down at the cutlery. “Wellington.” The city was only an hour away from this quiet stretch of coastline, and it made for a popular weekend haven for many city-ites. I’d been living there, too. An unwelcome realization crept in. This would just be a holiday fling for Jonah, the possibility of a few nights of no-strings sex. He would be uncomfortable about giving me too much information in case I tried to find him later, to follow him home like a needy puppy. I took a quick breath into tight lungs. With this delectable, young man, I’d still take that over being alone, even if only for the weekend.

No more personal questions. I produced a bright smile and pretended to examine the menu. “What do you fancy to eat?”

Blurb:

Cass thought spending a month at a beachside hideaway relaxing and collecting shells would be the perfect escape to finish her novel. When she meets the dark and brooding and much younger Jonah, who's staying next door, her book becomes the last thing on her mind.

Jonah would rather stay home alone than go on vacation with his brother and their friends, but does his best to tolerate the situation after being convinced to go. But when he sees the beauty next door, he can’t avoid his attraction.

Together, they break all the rules, but will Cass be able to bring Jonah out of his shell forever, or will he leave her with only the crash of the surf to keep her company?

Trailer link:

http://youtu.be/PGsW53sFGro

Book links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1fmtVML

Author links:

Catch me blogging with Allyson Lindt at www.GeminiGirls.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6906923.Sofia_Grey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sofia.Grey.Romance.Author

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sofiagrey1/

Twitter: @SofiaGreyAuthor https://twitter.com/SofiaGreyAuthor

Amazon author profile page: https://www.amazon.com/author/sofiagrey

Author bio:

Romance author Sofia Grey spends her days managing projects in the corporate world and her nights hanging out with wolf shifters and alpha males. She devours pretty much anything in the fiction line, but she prefers her romances to be hot, and her heroes to have hidden depths. When writing, she enjoys peeling back the layers to expose her characters’ flaws and always makes them work hard for their happy endings.

Music is interwoven so tightly into my writing that I can’t untangle the two. Either I’m listening to a playlist on my iPod, have music seeping from my laptop speakers, or there’s a song playing in my head – sometimes on auto-repeat.

Check out my playlist on Pinterest and listen for free via Pandora.com (Sofia Grey –Crash Into Love station)

Date	Host	Address
10-March	GeminiGirls Eva Lefoy Sotia Lazu Michelle Chew Writes	www.GeminiGirls.com http://writery.wordpress.com/ justsotia.blogspot.com http://michellechewwrites.blogspot.com/
11-March	Diane Saxon Talking Book Blogs	http://www.dianesaxon.com/blogspot.html http://talkingbooksblog.net/
12-March	Patricia Bates Ramblings of a Book Lunatic (review)	ofinkandquille.blogspot.ca http://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com/
13-March	Kimber Vale Review From Here	http://kimbervale.wordpress.com/ http://www.reviewfromhere.com/
14-March	Daisy Banks Flirting With Romance	daisybanks.wordpress.com http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/
15-March	Love, Lust & Laptops	http://lovelustandlaptops.wordpress.com/
16-March	Jennah Scott Just Contemporary Romance	http://www.jennahscott.com/ http://www.justcontemporaryromance.com/
17-March	James di Benedetto Becky on Books… and Quilts The La La Land of Books	http://www.writingdreams.net http://beckymmoe.com/ http://saaratis.wordpress.com/
18-March	Krista Ames	http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com
19-March	Mina Khan Michelle Chew Writes (review)	minakhan.blogspot.com/‎ http://michellechewwrites.blogspot.com/
20-March	Ella Dominguez Romantic Reads and Such The La La Land of Books (review)	elladominguez.blogspot.com/ http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com/ http://saaratis.wordpress.com/
21-March	Barbara Elsborg In The Pages of a Good Book	www.barbaraelsborg.blogspot.com http://inthepagesofagoodbook.com/
22-March	Parker Kincade	http://www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com/
23-March	Silken Sheets & Seduction	http://silkensheetsandseduction.wordpress.com/
24-March	Emilia Mancini	emiliamancini.wordpress.com/‎
26-March	Laura Kaye	http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com/
28-March	Rosanna Leo	www.rosannaleo.blogspot.com

Welcome Imogene Nix one of our Aussie Babes

2014-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Blog Post #1

Australia Day for Australians

For me it’s a chance to celebrate who and what I am. I’m a first generation Australian, who has lived in so many areas! From the beach to the outback, the north to the south, but one thing remains constant…

Australia is more than the Great South Land – it’s the people.

Sure, many of us wear silly hats with Aussie Flags, gather for breakfasts of bacon and eggs and to watch new Aussies make their oath of allegiance… But it’s more than that. Australia is such a dichotomy. Being an Australian is hard to explain.

For some, the Aussie is the laconic bushy – you know the one with the drawl, wearing an akubra and elastic side boots? Then there is the blond surfer from Bondi… He’s toned and tanned and more than likely a lifesaver too.

It’s the girl in the supermarket who says hello and asks what you are making for dinner – or she’s the girl in the library who’s reading the anime comics. Aussies come in all shapes and sizes, but while we may all have different backgrounds – we are all still Aussies.

That’s our big secret. We don’t care where you come from – Vietnam, South America or even France… Once you are an Aussie – that’s it. Your part of the great big melting pot of Australian culture.

This January 26^th, I’ll be with my husband and daughters at the local celebration for breakfast, then my girls are hoping to participate in the annual swimming races at the local pool – it’s usually our last quiet period before school resumes.

Wishing you a wonderful Australia Day!

Imogene

Blurb:

A Bar In Paris

Ever considered a naughty weekend? A “Hook-Up” with no strings?

What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.

Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?

But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?

Excerpt:

The waiter smiled and I sighed. “Time to go.” As I started to rise, gripping my bag in my hand, the bell above the door rang and I watched with interest as the sexiest man I’d ever seen entered. The cool blonde on his arm was scowling and he pried his fingers from her arm then walked away. For a moment, she wobbled on her stilettos before she sneered in her super chic French way only they can pull off and stalked out the door. It slammed so hard the panes of glass shuddered.The man scowled, but to be honest, it didn’t hurt at all. He was tall and well built. Blond hair with gray eyes.My mind screamed that this man that could probably satisfy my needs. He didn’t appear even slightly inebriated and he was obviously single now, if that little carry-on was to go by. Perhaps this was my chance? I smoothed down my black dress, making sure my cleavage was just peeking out, then I sucked in a deep, deep breath and stood, hoping to catch his eyes.

I watched the man stalk to the bar and order in perfect English-accented French. “Une bière, s’il vous plait.”

My toes curled at his voice and the waiter hurried to do his bidding. Mr. Sexy’s voice was cultured and deep. I like voices, particularly men’s voices. They can make me go gooey at the knees, and this one warmed my insides to the consistency of thick, warm honey. And I knew he was the one I wanted to be with all night long.

The server handed over a bottle of beer and a glass, but Mr. Sexy looked at the bottle, grimaced, and then took a long pull.

The other men at the bar started talking in low voices, putting aside newspapers. They paid their money and left.

I didn’t want to think it was because of the dangerous aura surrounding the man. It was, after all, three in the morning. No, there had to be something else. But I was sure it wasn’t the time to ask these questions.

The small bar was quiet now as I was waiting alone with the mystery man. The waiter disappeared to the back. Obviously, with only two patrons left, he could do other things. I sucked in my confidence, folded it around me like a coat, and approached the man.

“Hi. Mind if I join you?”

He grinned and gestured to the seat beside him. I slipped onto the small stool, perched uncertainly. Then I wiggled my bum a little, thrust out my chest, and gave him my very best come-on smile.

“Looking for a hook up, are you?” His voice caused a curl of heat to gather deep inside me.

I nodded slowly. Better to be honest from the start, I thought. I didn’t have time to say a word. The next thing I knew, he had me thrust against the bar, his lips on mine and his tongue halfway down my throat. But man, what a tongue it was.

He played me like a violin until he lifted his head, casting a wicked smile in my direction. “Your hotel or mine?”

“Umm, yours.” Right now, I felt the rosy glow of arousal roaring through me. Sexy and quick to catch on. Yep, I was sure this guy was a winner.

“You’re not from around here, are you?”

I shook my head. “No.”

Trailer

www.youtube.com/v/5bTT5c040j8

Buy Links:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/A-Bar-Paris-Imogene-Nix-ebook/dp/B00GPQ2EJS

Siren Bookstrand http://www.bookstrand.com/a-bar-in-paris

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-bar-in-paris

Angus & Robertson http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ebook/a-bar-in-paris/46330892/

All Romance EBooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-abarinparis-1351193-149.html

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bar-in-paris-imogene-nix/1117441293?ean=2940148749103

Beachwalk Press http://beachwalkpress.com/a-bar-in-paris/

Bio:

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types!)

Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistance, teacher and childcare director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as a highlight.

In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favourite destinations.

She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval and space fleet interests.

You can find Imogene on Facebook www.facebook.com/ImogeneNix Twitter www.twitter.com/ImogeneNix and her website www.imogenenix.com

And the Aussie's have it...welcome our latest Aussie Babe!

2014-01-26T10:39:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

First I’d like to say a huge thank you to my lovely host for having me!

This week marks an extremely important date for Australians, and I am very excited to share it with you and my memories of this day growing up.

Australia Day has many great memories for me. BBQ’s trips to the beach, the whole family coming together. Us kids getting to drink a ridiculous amount of soft drink that we never got throughout the year while the grownups embraced the true Aussie stereotype with a cold beer.

Now that we’re older, our times are spent more with our own families, but it is still the same. My husband and I take the kids to the beach, we have a BBQ…only now I get to drink the beer. LOL ;)

To help celebrate this day with us, Beachwalk Press will be offering the books written by us Aussie authors for a discount on the Beachwalk Press website. So make sure you drop by!

Blurb:

Will the enemy be powerful enough to break an archangel's promise?

For the last ten years, Gabriella Richards has struggled with the pain of losing the only man she's ever loved. From out of nowhere he returns to throw her life into chaos, and it isn't without consequences.

Hunter Bailey had always known he was different, but nothing could have prepared him for the truth. As the son of an archangel, he has been on the run for years from those who seek to wipe out his kind—the Nephilim. With a destiny unknown even to himself, nothing will stop him from returning to claim the woman he loves and the happily-ever-after he was promised.

Gabriella finally has the love of her life back, but at what cost? And will the enemy be able to break an archangel's promise?

Excerpt:

Gabriella started moving forward. Nolan tried pulling her back, but nothing could keep her still. The need she felt coursing through her, urging her to the man on the other side of the room, was just too strong, powerful, and consuming. She barely acknowledged the throng of people surrounding her as she made her way across the floor, her eyes transfixed on her destination.

Her destination being the tall, strong, and commanding form of her childhood best friend. His dark, almost black, hair still fell into his sapphire eyes, and his lips looked just as soft and supple as they had been the last time she had seen him. When she stopped mere inches from him, Gabriella held her breath, unable to believe Hunter really stood in front of her.

The small quirk of his lips at her indecision answered her question. Oh, this was her

Hunter all right.

Hunter’s hand came up to cup the back of her neck, drawing her those few inches closer. Shocked at their sudden closeness, Gabriella only had enough time to suck in a breath before his other arm came around her, pulling her against his hard chest, his mouth taking hers in a kiss filled with possession and a hunger that had her opening up for more.

The kiss was fearless, robbing her of thought. Gabriella’s body melted under his mastery, becoming pliant, molding into his as if they’d done this a million times before. She felt a thrill run through her as the familiarity of the man’s embrace drew her in deeper. This was her Hunter. Oh God. Hunter’s hand roaming up and down her back created such delicious sparks of electricity along her spine. She’d never felt so hungry, so needy.

Pulling back, needing to breathe and to see his face, Gabriella felt tears pool in her eyes. “You’re real.”

Hunter smiled down at her, his eyes softening as his large hands cupped her face. “Yeah, Gabby. It’s me.”

How was it possible? Hunter was standing right in front of her, kissing her. It was all so surreal. She caressed her fingers over his tanned face, taking it all in. His features, once boyish, were different. They were replaced with a strong jaw line and an essence of confidence and maturity. Gabriella noticed that his eyes, though still the same startling sapphire, now held flecks of azure and shards of cobalt that made them seem fiercer somehow.

Still the same, but so different as well.

“I missed you.” The deep rumble of his voice made her weak in the knees and dampen between her legs. It was such a strong reaction, it startled her out of her haze.

He had been gone so long.

Too long.

What the hell was she doing?

Wrenching herself out of his arms, Gabriella gazed up at him, at the boy who had left her broken and alone. The longer she stared into his eyes, the more furious she became with both him and herself. Why on earth was she kissing him? And how dare he show up like this, acting like he had all the right in the world to be there.

Raising her hand, she delivered a blow straight across his handsome face. Hunter had clearly not been expecting that reaction because he staggered back, his shock evident as his eyes

widened and his hand covered the abused cheek.

“What was that for?”

“Really? You have no idea why I would want to slap you?” she seethed. “You disappeared, Hunter. You left when you swore you never would. I thought you were dead.”

His face softened, which just served to irritate her more. “I know my leaving like that must have hurt, but surely you can give me a chance to explain.”

Unbelievable. The bastard thought she actually had to give him a chance. She didn’t owe him a fucking thing.

“No, Hunter. I don’t have to give you a damn thing.” Spinning on her heels, she headed for the doors leading to the stairway. Screw waiting for the lift. The sooner she got out of there the better.

“So that’s it. You won’t give me anything?” Hunter called out behind her.

Pausing at the doorway, she turned to see him still standing in the spot she had left him, and smiled sadly. “You know, if you had shown up a few years ago, I probably would have given you anything you asked for.” Her face hardened, and she narrowed a glare on him. “But I was weaker then. I had to become tougher because the pain of losing you was too much to bare. So congratulations, Hunter, you made me a stronger person. You should be proud.”

Author bio:

Jess Buffett was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She married her high school sweetheart and they live on the Central Coast with their two children. Jess is a hopeless romantic who loves stories about true love with a happy ending—which is probably a good thing given what she writes. She is a huge fan of M/M and M/F romance—anything with hunky men in all their glory, whether they be shifters, vampires, cowboys, or the boy next door. Jess is a firm believer in soul mates, happily-ever-afters, and love at first sight, but that sometimes people need a second or a third meeting for the brain to catch up.

WEBSITE | BEACHWALK PRESS | AMAZON

Hazel Gower - Aussie and Beachwalk Babe!

2014-01-25T06:45:00.001-08:00

Kane’s mate Blurb:

Faith's life has always balanced in two worlds—the normal human world and the supernatural. Now she has to choose between the two.

Faith York is human, but she has psychic powers, which is a little odd since neither of her parents have paranormal abilities. Thankfully, the werewolf family who lived around the corner help her learn to control her powers. She instantly fell in love with the entire family, but especially Kane, the oldest son who is next in line to be Alpha. Unfortunately, Kane doesn't see Faith the same way she sees him. Heartbroken, she leaves town.

When Faith returns from two years overseas, her parents throw her a welcome home party. Faith is shocked when Kane kidnaps her from the party and mate marks her. Now she struggles with the choice of whether to leave again and live a normal life—a life she yearns for—or stay with the man she's always dreamed of and live a supernatural life.

To complicate matters further, her psychic powers intensify and she begins to have visions of an upcoming demon Armageddon. Then she learns she was switched at birth, and she has a half-brother…who is half demon.

Faith must be stronger than she ever believed possible, and maybe in the process, she can trust herself to give Kane another chance.

Content Warning: Sexy werewolf alpha, graphic sex, strong language, and violence

Kane's Mate – Excerpt

It's so nice to be home, Faith thought. Her parents were throwing her a welcome home party, and she couldn't wait to see her second family. She had missed Jamie and his family so much. Faith's parents had picked her up from the airport yesterday, and she'd spent a relaxing afternoon with them. But tonight she hoped everyone she loved would be there, bar one. She couldn't see him, not yet, she needed time to settle, build up her walls against him. Faith shook her head and finished getting ready for her party.

Two hours later, the party had started and Faith was chatting to all her friends, but she couldn't stay focused on the conversation around her, because she was eagerly awaiting some of the most important people in her life. Her werewolf family was late, and she was starting to get upset.

She had been away for two years with only phone contact with the Wolfens. She never missed speaking to at least one of them every night. They were the reason she had come home, and why she'd left in the first place. It's not that she wasn't grateful to them, especially as they'd helped her learn to control her psychic gifts, but they always seemed to take over and overprotect her. She sighed and gave herself a little shake, hoping it would get her back into the conversation around her.

When Faith finally felt her wolf family arrive, she smiled, excused herself from the friends she was talking to, and ran outside to greet them. Faith kissed all the werewolves, and when she reached Jamie she jumped on him, kissing his cheek. "I missed my best friend so much," Faith told him.

Jamie chuckled. "We talked almost every day."

"I missed your hugs, and I miss your stupid jokes, they don't have the same effect over the phone." Faith kissed both of his cheeks.

She looked up and saw Kane first before she felt him. He was special. Faith loved her werewolf family, but the love she had for Kane was different, more intense, sexual, a love she felt to the bottom of her soul. The problem was, he didn't want her.

Faith looked over Jamie's shoulder, trying for a casual, "Hi, Kane."

She turned her head back to Jamie before she did something stupid like jump on Kane and kiss him to show him how much she loved him and didn't want to live without him anymore.

Without thinking of the consequences, she kissed Jamie on the mouth, trying not to put all her regret and self-hatred at loving Kane into it. Jamie seemed startled at first, but then he grabbed her arse to hold her closer to him, and he really got into it.

Faith wished she loved Jamie the way she loved Kane. God, she wished she felt something from this kiss. Nothing…she felt nothing for Jamie beyond friendship.

She sighed in thanks when her mother called her inside as she had an overseas caller. Faith walked into the house, not

daring to look back at the group, knowing if she did she would have to acknowledge what was going on.

* * * *

Kane got out of his car and froze as chocolate and vanilla assaulted his senses. He looked for the source, terrified because he knew who it would be. His gaze fell on an absolutely gorgeous, grown-up Faith, and his wolf stood at attention for the first time in more than four years. It growled in his head mate, take, mate.

Kane stared at Faith as she greeted his family. When she came to Jamie she jumped on him, kissing his cheek. Kane fought with his wolf as he waited patiently for Faith to acknowledge him. All she did was look at him with a blank expression and say "hi" then turn her head to kiss Jamie on the mouth.

Kane snapped. He growled and lunged for Jamie only to be held back by his brothers, Rane and Arden. "Mine," he snarled as he struggled to free himself.

He knew he wasn't being rational. Jamie was his brother and Faith's best friend, but it seemed his wolf, and deep down he admitted to himself, he didn't care. The kiss ended when Faith was called inside. She excused herself and left without even looking back.

Jamie turned to him, and his face paled and his eyes widened as the realization seemed to sink in. Jamie screamed, "No, no, no, you can't have her. She can't be your true mate."

Kane surged forward again, and this time he found himself free. He got up in Jamie's face, making sure his alpha wolf showed, and bellowed, "Mine. Don't touch her again. Next time I will kill you, brother or not."

Bio:

I'm a mother of four terrors between the ages of two and seven. In my spare time, the little I have, I write and take off into my own worlds. As a child, I spent a lot of time in my own dream world. I even had an imaginary friend. In primary school I would constantly make up stories, which got me into lots of trouble. My mother said I always had an overactive imagination.

I started writing down my story ideas in high school, and never really stopped. Writing, I have to say, is my salvation. After I've cleaned up and gotten all the kids in bed, I sit at my computer—or sometimes a notebook with a pencil—and relax, write, and escape.

I love to hear from any of my readers, so feel free to send me an email and 'like' me on Facebook.

www.hazelgower.com

www.facebook.com/HazelGowerAuthor

Beachwalk Goes Aussie Style

2014-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

Imogene Nix - Australian Author of A Bar in Paris

Beachwalk Press goes down under!

Join fellow Australian authors Imogene Nix, Jess Buffett, Larisa Anderson, Hazel Gower, and Susan Child as they celebrate Australian Day. From January 24^th-26^th, their books will be on sale at the Beachwalk Press website for 99 cents!

http://beachwalkpress.com/shop/category/all-romance-novels/

On Sunday, January 26^th, they’ll be chatting in the Beachwalk Press Readers Group on Facebook. Be sure to stop by and get to know the ladies down under a little better.

Link to the Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/157739944430432/

The ultimate romance...a special kiss

2013-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

For those of us who write romance, we could probably tell you all about that perfect kiss... the slow sweet glide of lips, the warmth of your partner's breath on your face. The hint of coffee on their tongue. It all adds to the sexy image we have of the kiss.

Too often in todays mad rush we lose the romance, the zing because we're rushing about. To keep romance alive, we do need to have the excitement of recapturing the feelings we have with a first kiss. The almost brush of lips, the hint of heat that comes with the touch. That soft give. It all adds up to build the intensity, the passion. A kiss opens the doorway to the soul of passion. They are also the gift we give our loved ones, the gift we bestow upon our children.

Its not always easy...there are always things in the way, but finding the time and putting in the few seconds it takes is so worth it.

Gemini Girls

Please leave a comment including your email address for a chance to win! I'm offering a collection of ebooks including: Counter Balance, Real Good Man, Five Alarm Lust, and Gillian's Christmas Wish by myself...
I'm offering as well copies of Books 1, 3, and 5 of the Forsaken Series by my alter ego Elyse Whyles.

Every comment is also entered to win the $25 Gift Card during the Hop...check out the other authors participating!

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Obsession by Sofia Grey

2013-07-24T20:38:00.003-07:00

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

I love pictures. Love the creative surge that flows after seeing a spectacular image, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a grimy back street or a hot shirtless hunk. I’ve been cutting pages out of glossy magazines for years and storing them in paper folders under the bed. Never anything as organised as an album, I much prefer the messy randomness of the loose images. I think this is why I’m a convert to Pinterest.

What’s Pinterest, I hear you cry? You create virtual pin-boards grouped however you like, and ‘pin’ images to them. It’s fun, free and flexible: you can pin images from others’ boards, or from anywhere on the internet – or upload from your PC. What’s not to like 

I use it for capturing the inspirational images for each of my Work In Progress books. They’re a sneaky peek into my thinking processes. What the leading characters look like, where they live, where they go together.

My most recent book, Obsession, has a large cast of characters and you’ll find pictures of the main ones here: http://pinterest.com/sofiagrey1/obsession-1-talisman-series/

Imagery is important in the story too, and in this extract, Josh is having a recurring dream.

I’d had this dream before, it was an old one. I stepped into it, as comfortable and familiar as an old pair of shoes.

I stood at the window gazing out at the night sky, watching as a shooting star flared in a moment of brilliance and then burned out. The sea lay before me, moonlight playing across the undulating surface in a flickering trail, shifting and restless. My hands pressed against the cool glass and my body felt too hot, as though I had a fever. I could smell sandalwood, an incense stick perhaps. The room was quiet, dark behind me where I knew the bed lay.

As I waited, I heard the distinctive creak of the mattress, the rustle of bedding, bare feet whispering across the carpet to my side. My eyes were fixed on the sky. It hadn’t happened yet, whatever it was. A bare arm snaked around my naked waist, pale skinned and slender. Silken strands of hair fell across my chest as she buried her face in my shoulder.

“Come back to bed. You’re still not well.”

I smiled over her head, holding her to me, absorbing her perfume. Now I could smell flowers, lily, and a hint of rose. Her skin felt like velvet against mine. She was my lover, the fixed point in my life, the centre of my universe. I had kissed her a hundred times before, breathed her scent, and stroked her hair more times than I could count. “Bed,” she repeated, a little firmer this time.

Acquiescing, I allowed her to guide me the few steps, her arm still looped around me. Yes, I had a fever, but I knew it had been worse than this. The sheets were delightfully cool against my skin, the pillows soft. Slipping in beside me, she reached across to turn out my light, but I caught her hand. “I want to watch you.”

This was our last time together. I knew this with painful clarity. Our last chance to make love.

She lay beside me, our bodies pressed together from shoulder to thigh, butterfly kisses raining across my chest. Gentle hands drifted across my stomach, teasing, searching, finding me hard and aching for her. I slipped one arm beneath her, around her, pulling her closer. I couldn’t tell where my body ended and hers began. One hand raking through her hair, coaxing her head up, our lips blindly seeking each other.

Her brown eyes, almost black in the dim light. I gazed at her. Familiar yet different. The part of me that had been missing for so long. When she smiled it made my heart ache. “Please don’t leave me. Don’t go.” I sounded like a little boy again.

This was the point I usually woke up. Tonight, I stayed a fraction longer.

Her voice barely audible as she outlined my lips with one finger. “Baby, it’s not me that’s going. You’re the one leaving.”

I snapped awake, a thin sheen of perspiration coating me. It was Suki. All these years I’d been dreaming of Suki. And now I knew something else—where the dream was set.

That would have been the view from the grey mansion.

How about you? Do you like to collect images online? And do you prefer Pinterest or Tumblr, Instagram or good old fashioned Facebook?

Josh Delaney is the ideal honey trap.

His charm and model good looks would be enough for most women, but coupled with his psychic ability to read their thoughts, he’s impossible to resist. Suspicious husbands employ him to test their wives, to see if they can be tempted to stray.

High profile couple Suki and Gabe Bridgewater have the perfect marriage, or at least, that’s the image they portray to the world. Behind closed doors, Gabe’s dominance in the marriage is unravelling and he decides to test Suki, using Josh as bait.

For Josh it should be just another easy job, but two things go horribly wrong.

One, Josh falls in love with Suki.

And two, Gabe refuses to let her go.

http://www.amazon.com/Obsession-The-Talisman-series-ebook/dp/B00DAM7KN0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdYcKMB2r1U

About Author

Find her at: www.sofiagrey.com and on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sofiagrey1, or on Twitter @SofiaGreyAuthor

* images courtesy of 123rf.com

Beachwalk Blog Hop

2013-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

(IN ORDER TO BE IN THE DRAWING FOR PRIZES YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. THERE ARE MANY PRIZES BEING OFFERED IN THIS BLOG HOP. SO DON'T BE SHY, LEAVE A COMMENT AND MESSAGE TO POSSIBLY BE A WINNER.)

BEACHWALK PRESS is a great place to be. When I was looking for another home for my short erotic holiday romance, The Cowgirl's Christmas, Pam Tyner was very enthusiastic. She's always shown herself to be someone who is passionate about this business, about the books she has. She's been my editor from the first day and has shown a great amount of skill and passion for it.

Not only does she do an amazing job as the editor but she's also a great marketing and promotional support person. Never too busy to answer a question or talk about a new idea for promo. She's one of the best I've ever seen when it comes to communication with both staff and authors. We're a team - a fellowship of writers if you will who can share our trials and tribulations without worry and ask for support at the lowest points. That camaraderie and respect is just another thing Beachwalk has nurtured and I'm very, very glad to be part of such an amazing group of like minded professionals.

* HERE IS THE LINK BACK TO BEACHWALK PRESS BLOG TO WHERE YOU CAN FIND A COMPLETE LISTING OF PARTICIPATING BLOGS.

http://beachwalkpress.com/2013/07/love-on-the-beach-blog-hop-July-1st-14th/ {note: this link is not currently active, but it will be active at 7 AM on July 1st)

To enter for the grand prize, please leave your email in the comments. I'll be offering up a free copy of The Cowgirl's Christmas as well as a hand crafted bookmarker.

Love at the Beach July 1st through 14th

2013-06-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Two years ago this month Beachwalk Press released our first books. To celebrate, we're hosting a Love on the Beach blog hop. This will run from July 1st through July 14th. Over 20 Beachwalk Press authors are participating and we have some fabulous prizes to give away.

The grand prize is a Kindle Paperlight!

Additional prizes include:
* A beach tote bag filled with Beachwalk Press print books (winner's choice of 5 print titles)
* Two gift certificates of $25 each (winners' choice of GC from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or All Romance Ebooks)

Also, each author will be giving away an additional prize of their choosing.

That's almost 30 prizes in total!

To be entered into the drawings just click on the authors' names listed below to visit their blog, then leave a comment with your email address included.

Each author will be posting a spotlight on one of their Beachwalk Press books (or a spotlight on a series they have with Beachwalk Press), and they will also be sharing what drew them to publish with us. Warning: You'll be seeing some great books, so expect your 'I want to read it' list to increase

Participating authors:Aimée Duffy
Ashlynn Monroe
Ciara Lake
Ella Jade
Emily Wood
Elise Whyles
E. Jamie
Hazel Gower
Imogene Nix
Jaye Shields
Kaylie Newell
Lacey Wolfe
M.A. Stacie
Olivia Starke
Pepper Anthony
Patricia Bates
Stephanie Beck
Sidda Lee Tate
Tara Mills
Tamaria Soana
Theresa Stillwagon
Tracey Rogers
Tabitha Rayne

Frost Mania – Pitch Session

2013-06-22T07:29:00.001-07:00

Frost Mania – Pitch Session

Today, Crimson Frost and its non-romance imprint Midnight Frost are accepting pitches from authors! Stop by and showcase your work, your talent, and maybe find a home for your latest works!

Win A Copy of Selkie's Revenge

2013-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Shades of Rose Marketing and it's two co-owners Tamaria Soana and Viari Rose are celebrating the upcoming release of Selkie's Revenge.

Rosanna Leo just did a cover reveal for the second book in the Orkney Series, sequel to The Selkie, Selkie's Revenge. We want to countdown the days to the release with you. It releases July 15th!

We choose to count down with a giveaway! Our giveaway will end on July 12th, and we will gift the book as soon as it is live on July 15th.

Selkie's Revenge Blurb: On the beaches of Orkney, Scotland, an evil entity stalks mortal women. Machar “Mack” Kirk is a selkie man with a haunted past, one that has prompted him to become a hunter. He prowls the beaches at night, his arrows aiming for the finman who took his first love.

Beth Pedersen also watches the sea. The haunted widow has suffered losses of her own, ones that have crippled her into a state of stony grief. Beth can no longer feel, can no longer see color and life. Until the day Mack Kirk saves her from a mysterious foe, flooding her world with brightness and foreign temptation.

As Mack and Beth fight their inundating passion, the finman escalates his attacks. Before long, Mack realizes he’s not just playing Good Samaritan. He wants Beth, too, and will do anything to ensure his lover isn’t taken by the finman. But can he protect his mate from a monster with no soul?

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTFiODJiYWQ1M2E2NjQ1OTc5NGExODQ4MTkyNTgyOjUy/

Dancing in the Flame's Keira and Barrett are stopping by...

2013-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I’m Ann Gimpel, author of Dancing in the Flame, a post-apocalyptic paranormal romance novella. With me today are Keira and Barrett. I’ll be asking them a few questions so they can tell you a little bit about themselves.

For Keira: What was it like to live in a Were bordello?

Hideous. I can’t even begin to describe it. It was like being a permanent second class citizen. Before I turned 18, the Weres had me working in the kitchens and waiting on them. They didn’t pay me anything then, beyond keeping a roof over my head and feeding me. Once I was old enough to turn tricks, I did get to keep some of the money I earned, but they charged me for my food, so it was impossible to earn enough to buy my indenture bond. I figured I’d be stuck hooking for them forever. See, they had this bracelet around my upper arm. It was a magical bracelet and I couldn’t get it off. They used it to track me and control me. I was depressed a lot of the time. In fact, the only bright spots in my life were when I visited Barrett’s magician supply shop. (Keira reaches out a hand. Barrett takes it.)

For Barrett: What did you feel when you first saw Keira in your magician supply shop?

(Drapes an arm around Keira and pulls her against him.) I was curious about her. Something about her didn’t ring true when I used my magic to try to figure out just what she was. I didn’t realize it at first, but that damned Were bracelet muted her power. Beyond that, she was such a lovely creature, I really wanted to get to know her better. I felt incredibly drawn to her. When she scooted out of my shop as if all the dogs of hell were nipping at her heels, I just had to follow her. We’d finally had a conversation and I wanted to talk with her some more.

For Keira: If you’d have been free, what would you have done with your life?

That’s a really, really difficult question. If I’d known who I truly was, and been free, I would have spent my early years preparing to lead my people. If I’d simply been free, but still had no idea about my Sidhe birthright, I probably would have scrabbled for existence like nearly everyone else. There wasn’t much left after ten years of war. I suppose I might have lived with the fairies and my friend, Renn.

For Barrett: What you felt when Caelin, the Daoine Sidhe leader asked you to rescue Keira? And you’d really have renounced if you’d have known that Caelin attempted to buy her from the were bordello?

(Barrett’s jaw sets into a hard line. His eyes flash annoyance.) Keep in mind I’ve known Caelin for a very long time, hundreds of years. That man has always played his cards close to his chest. I knew there were things he wasn’t telling me, but I was willing to play along and do my part to get Keira away from her captors. I hate the Weres. They’re animalistic bastards. If I could, I’d like to free all their indentured servants. Weres are the only magic wielders who do that sort of thing. Plus, I’ll admit I was looking forward to getting closer to Keira.

The other point you brought up, about Caelin not bothering to tell me he’d offered to buy her bond, would have been a deal-breaker. As it was, I walked into a dangerous situation. Caelin’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering made it all the more precarious. He knew I wouldn’t go if he told me everything, so he kept his mouth shut.

For Keira: How is like to think all your life that you don’t have magic just to discover that you probably are one of the most powerful woman in the world?

To be honest with you, I’m still coming to terms with that. It’s only been a very short time since Barrett rescued me from the Weres and Caelin removed the bracelet. Most days, I don’t feel fit to rule anyone, but then I remind myself if I learn my people’s history and work on my magic, maybe the day will come when I can call myself a queen, and wear the title proudly. (Keira cocks her head to one side and smiles.) Right now, I feel sort of like a fake, but everyone has been so nice, it warms my heart.

For Barrett: What made you fall in love with Keira?

The easy answer is her incredible beauty, but I’ve had stunning women walk into my life before and have left them be. No, the reason I fell in love with Keira is she has a beautiful soul. There’s something naïve and untouched about her that makes me want to take care of her and protect her from all the evils in the world. When I found out who she really was, I experienced immense conflict. On the one hand, I was happy for our people. On the other, I was devastated because I was certain I could never share her life.

(Taps breastbone.) Her spirit resonates right here. She fits with me, like the life’s partner I’ve hunted for, but never found.

Keira: “Aw, thanks, love. I feel the same way about you.” She turns her face up for a kiss.

Ann: Thanks, guys, that was very sweet. You know, I often get asked two questions about this book. One revolves around what happened to the humans after the atomic blasts. The other is who actually killed Queen Ivanne. Let me address them and then we’ll be done here.

One of the problems with novella length fiction is there are always a few unanswered questions. I suppose there should have been piles of human bodies scattered about, in varying stages of decomposition, after they died from radiation poisoning. An earlier version of DITF had something like that, but my publisher vetoed it as not appropriate in a romance story. We settled for heaps of trash.

Right along with Caelin and Barrett, I believe the Weres poisoned Ivanne. But they haven’t fessed up, so that’s something we’ll probably never know. The important thing is the Sidhe have a queen again. Once the babies start coming, hopefully the royal line won’t be in danger of dying out.

Thanks so much, Keira and Barrett, for coming along today for this interview.

In unison: Our pleasure!

www.anngimpel.com

http://anngimpel.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/author/anngimpel

Dancing in the Flame

By Ann Gimpel

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

ISBN: 978-1-93176-191-8

Release Date: 4/22/13

Amazon Buy Link

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Life in a Were bordello is all Keira has ever known. Because of her mixed blood, none of the magicians’ guilds wanted her, or protested when the Weres bound her as an indentured hooker. Mired in the hopelessness of her dreams, she longs for more.

Barrett, one of the Daoine Sidhe, runs a magician supply shop in what’s left of Seattle. No one is more surprised than he when the Sidhe leader commands him to extricate Keira from the Weres.

Magic and intrigue throw Keira and Barrett into one another’s arms. Convinced they have a job to do, they struggle against the heat of the passion between them. Until it gets way too hot to handle.

Taboo - a pagan erotica anthology

2013-05-24T06:01:00.003-07:00

Taboo - A Pagan Erotica Anthology

These are stories of lust. Not a timid, discrete lust, but one that reaches to the heavens and feeds the divine within us. A sacrifice to Pan, a Beltaine celebration in a poly family, a BDSM scene where Tarot leads the way, an exotic dancer offering her performance to Ishtar, and a sensual exploration by the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, this first Taboo anthology is a testament to naughty and kinky imaginations. Step in, leave your preconceptions at the door, and enjoy the ride!

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages

Buy Links: Smashwords Amazon Barnes and Noble

Pagan Writers Press Site

To see more stop by on the next leg of their tour :http://tamariasoana.blogspot.ca/

Full Bloom by Bianca Sarble

2013-05-22T06:49:00.002-07:00

Tash Hathaway has moved back to Freewill to open her own flower shop—Freewill Flower Garden. She is actively seeking a man to fill her Mr. Right vacancy and has even signed up to find him online. But when she finds duds instead of studs Cassi, Tash's best friend, convinces her to take a break and live a little, make some of her cowboy fantasies come true before settling down.

When his riding partner is injured, Nathan Davis goes home for a break from the PRCA circuit. He returns to find his life changing in ways he's not ready for. Nor does he expect the distraction of a beautiful small town girl who fulfills his wildest fantasies.

Tash and Nathan collide in a lust-filled bubble, but neither of them are prepared when things get serious. Can love come to full bloom between two people determined to have a temporary bit of fun?

Stop by and pick up your copy of this amazing book

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fullbloom-1214245-147.html

http://www.amazon.com/Full-Bloom-Western-Escape-ebook/dp/B00CWM4BZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369222392&sr=8-1&keywords=bianca+sarble
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=781&osCsid=rdfb5luap6ra7ft1i7grl5lj20
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/full-bloom-bianca-sarble/1115375628?ean=2940016471174

Bianca Sarble: http://biancasarble.wordpress.com

Why Cream Puffs and Foodie Romance go Together!

2013-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can imagine writing a hot story about a Thai chef who seasons his dishes with lots of spice. Curries, Thai peppers, lemongrass, garlic. All those good things. The pans would literally sizzle in the kitchen. Yeah, I can see that.

But what about their breath? I mean, do you want a kiss so hot your lips burn and make you reach for a glass of milk to cool it off? Probably not! With pastry, though, you don’t have that problem.

Light fluffy pastry dough. Sensuous whipped cream filling. Sweet raspberry sauce drizzled over the top. Mmmm. I’ll admit there are dangers to pastry though. Frosting can get everywhere… like all over your sexy black dress – the one you wore to seduce the chef in.

Syrupy sauces can also present problems. What if your lips get stuck together? Or other parts? Good grief. The only way to save the day might be to lick your way out!

You can’t do that with hot peppers. Just ain’t gonna happen. No sir. I mean you can try it… but I’m just gonna stand over here and watch!

So there are reasons why Violet Cunningham likes pastry. There are reasons she likes the town’s newest pastry chef Max even more. Let’s just say he’s handy. Very handy. Wink wink. Here’s an example of his handiness:

His mouth surged over mine, his lips warm, wet, and insistent, as though he needed to make up for lost time. I heartily seconded the sentiment, and the kiss turned from buttery hot and soft to spicy and decadent with a touch of dare.

I opened my mouth to let his tongue in, and we both moaned at the intrusion, his hips bucking against mine as he pressed my butt into the table. I clutched his shoulders, pulling him closer as my initial embarrassment waned. He tasted of sweet pastry, and I savored the flavor as I relaxed in his arms. God, the hungers the man awoke in me with just one kiss!

I’d dressed “professionally” for the occasion—stockings, skirt, silk work blouse, light blazer, and heels—so it wasn’t a surprise to feel the heat of his hand brush along the smooth stocking covering my thigh. But I let out a yelp as his strong fingers ripped through the material and pushed the stocking aside, delving under the crotch of my panties, headed directly toward my wetness.

“Spread for me,” he growled.

My sex clenched but my tremulous legs parted, obeying his command to give him easy access. Long, thick fingers slid through my dampness until they were coated with my slick cream before plunging inside my wet core. I moaned into his kiss at the glorious pressure and he chuckled. His other arm held me close as his mouth continued to plunder mine, setting up a tantalizing rhythm with his tongue and his fingers that my body could not ignore. My head rolled back and my hips rocked into his thrusts. I emitted soft, mewling cries every time his cock ground against my clit. It felt so good I thought I’d died and gone to pink frosting heaven. “Oh, God. Please. Just a little more….”

He quickly upped his game, nibbling down the column of my neck and then moving his fingers up to my clit, circling it with my own slippery juices until I was on the brink of breaking apart and screaming my head off. Then he abruptly pulled his hand away. “Dinner.”

“W-what?” Every brain cell in my mind struggled to comprehend the concept of language. It seemed so foreign, so far away, so unnecessary. My hot button throbbed with frustration. I’d been so close….

“Dinner. Have dinner with me. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

I panted, trying to form words. No matter how I rocked my hips, he remained just out of reach from where I needed him most. My fingers dug into his back, silently demanding satisfaction. But he gave me none.

“Say yes,” he commanded. “Or this ends here. Now.”

I think Max would agree that pastry is the safer bet. Let’s ask him:

Max: Of course it is. I know what women like. (He comes closer to the screen). I know how to satisfy their desires….

Okay! Well Max is happy being a pastry chef. He’s happy to feed women. But will Violet let him feed all her needs? All of them???

You’ll have to check out the book to see!

Sweet Cravings by Eva Lefoy, out now at Decadent Publishing. Buy Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=738&osCsid=gs7j93vufm7pfl6gpibjhmqah4

Thanks for reading!

Eva

Eva Lefoy Bio:

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eva-Lefoy/344907072265234

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eva_Lefoy

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6656950.Eva_LeFoy

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Eva-Lefoy/e/B00CE0EY0G

Blog: http://writery.wordpress.com/

Historical Trivia

2013-04-23T20:16:00.001-07:00

As a historical romance author I strive to be as accurate on my details as I possibly can be. This isn't always easy, considering there are blank spots in history where I have to say what happened here? Still, half the fun is the research.

So I thought I'd send out a question for you: What's your favorite tidpit from history? Do you have a bit of trivia that you'd like to share? Or perhaps you have a question you've always wanted to ask but didn't know where to look for the answer?

I'm not an expert on every aspect of history - but I do have some pretty cool research under my belt and I'll be happy to help out.

For now here's a couple tidbits for you to think of:

In Ireland it was considered to be a social blunder NOT to offer a guest a bath.
Cetlci women wore makeup - just like the Egyptians.
Roman women sugared themselves to rid their bodies of hair.

Backlists vs new releases

2013-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

As an author, especially in todays industry, you do have to have some ideas for marketing yourself, your books, your very brand. Something I hear all the time is to have a backlist of books, and I do. Currently I have thirteen books out under my name and another seven under my pen name. Some of these books are doing well, others seem to have fallen off the reader's radar.

In the hope that I can generate new interest, and thus improve my connection to my readers I'm going to try something different. Too often we forget what has come before, I can tell you what titles I have, what genres, even a bit about each of my books...but if a reader doesn't know about them what good will that do?

I write for the love of it. Its part of me. But, I also have to be honest when I say the royalties are also a big reason why I continue to do this. So, each week I'm going to feature my backlist - tidbits, trivia, and more to refresh these stories in my fans' minds. This week we'll be starting off with Master's Mistress - a spicy, thrill ride set in Ancient Ireland during the Viking occupation.

Master's Mistress Buy Link

Master's Mistress by Patricia Bates

Master's Mistress is a tale of love, of betrayal and revenge set in the lush green countryside of Ireland. A story of finding redemption and love with someone who is beyond your reach.

Sibling rivalry, deceit, and seduction flourish in Ancient Ireland as Amoda Ni Cormac struggles to free herself from the shadows of her enslavement.

His brother’s wedding brings Norse Prince Mykyl back to Bratthl’id Norway, and face to face with the proud Amoda Ni Cormac, a woman destined to be his oldest brother’s concubine. Driven by revenge, Mykyl steals the emerald eyed beauty.

Bound by duty, secrets, and lies, Mykyl and Amoda are caught in a battle for survival that will ultimately set them free.

Breathless Press GBLT Tour

2013-03-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Breathless Press Releases – GLBT Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Breathless Press:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/

Breathless Press is an e-book publisher specializing in Romance and Erotic(a) stories.

Our mission statement is simple: To provide the opportunity for readers to connect with romance authors through the purchasing of quality e-books at a low price.

Starting in the summer of 2009, Breathless Press came into existence. Since then, we have been producing top end romance and erotic stories for valued readers to enjoy.

Our Goal?

Breathless Press is an electronic publisher of paranormal, erotic, and mainstream romance, releasing one to three e-books a week in a variety of downloadable formats. It is Breathless Press' mission to provide readers with quality romance books in electronic formats and to raise the standard in e-publishing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donovan's Deal by Lee Brazil

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=10&products_id=408

Blurb:

Making a family is harder than keeping house. Donovan's patience is wearing thin, but Mischa needs time to make things right. Will Christmas bring heartache or compromise?

Mischa Blake needs the relaxation of the Blake brothers' weekly poker games now more than ever as he feels the pressure of his responsibilities as a parent, partner, and student multiplying. When one of his siblings proposes reviving their game of Truth or Dare, Mischa revolts. Instead, they all agree to share a truth, and Mischa has to decide how much of his domestic situation to share with his family.

The frantic pace of life is overwhelming, and Mischa has begun to let things slide. With the holidays just around the corner, he figures his current situation is a temporary thing. When he misses one of his son's soccer game that Donovan left work early to attend, time runs out.

Upset by the hurt in their son's eyes, Donovan decides that something must be done. He's worried that he's pushed Mischa into doing things at the wrong time, pushed his dreams on his young lover, just pushed too hard for too much in general.

In a desperate attempt to get Mischa to think about what he wants instead of what Donovan wants, Donovan issues an ultimatum. He sends Mischa away with orders to think about his priorities.

Excerpt

"Where have you been, Mischa?"

It took a moment for the impact of the question to soak into his lust dazed mind. But he got it. Furious, he pushed Donovan's hands off and stepped back. "What do you mean where have I been? Last time I checked, I was an adult capable of coming and going as I pleased."

"That's funny. Really. Because last time I checked you and I were partners, the next best thing to married and the fathers of a disturbed child who needs structure, routine and love."

Donovan's voice lost its reasonable tone and his anger was clear. Tough. Fury coursed through Mischa's veins. Was Donovan suggesting somehow that he was at fault? "I am still your partner, and Matt's father. But that doesn't mean I don't have other responsibilities and can just hang around here picking up after the two of you."

"Is that how you see us? Responsibilities? I guess that answers me pretty neatly, doesn't it?"

His jaw worked furiously. Fist clenched at his side, Mischa opened his mouth to speak.

"Just...stop. Whatever clever, rebellious retort you're about to make, hold on to it. Don't say something you can't unsay, just, please listen to me." Donovan interrupted him.

Mischa drew in a long deep breath. Yeah, what he'd probably been about to say might have hurt someone's feelings...but what about his feelings? He nodded.

"I pushed you into too much, too quickly. The last three years should have been you enjoying college, us enjoying each other, and instead, I pushed you to adopt and be a parent. It was too much. But I could swear that you loved him as much as I did the moment we set eyes on Matt."

Heart aching, Mischa whispered, "I did." What the fuck was going on? Why did it sound like Donovan was breaking up with him?

"The thing is, Mischa. We're adults. We made all the choices and Matt got pulled along with us. Now, I understand how you could want to be free, to hang out with your friends, go to parties and..." He waved a hand. "Do whatever you want."

A warming flush spread over his face and Mischa lost all interest in sex. "What are you talking about?"

"You were supposed to be here to go to the soccer game with us. You said you were going to the library. You disappeared. Ran off with Dex and Trick without even bothering to tell us where you were going, because I'm damn sure you didn't take those two to the library with you! How do you suppose that made me feel? How do you think it made Matt feel?"

Biting his lip, Mischa stared at his lover. "I..."

"I'm an adult and I can handle it, Mischa. But Matt is a child and he's been hurt by enough people who are supposed to care for him. I can't let you keep hurting him like that."

"I love Matt. I'd never hurt him."

"Your not being here hurts him, Mischa." Donovan met his gaze steadily. "You need to take the weekend and think this through."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Teaching Teacher by Raven McAllan

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=391

Blurb

Finding love in a new town had not been in Seb's plans. But life has a tendency to throw you curveballs – like Ruari.

When the new head teacher walks into his bar, Ruari knows he has to have him, and damn the consequences. When lust turns to love, nothing else matters. Together they will overcome, no matter what. Or will circumstances drive them apart?

Excerpt

Ruari's head was spinning, his arms were stiff, his cock ached, and he wanted to be alone with Seb. It seemed like hours, but was probably no more than forty-five minutes, before he judged they could leave his bar staff to finish off. He swung behind the bar, grabbed a surprised Seb, and kissed him full on the lips. Cheers and catcalls sounded from the people around the bar.

"You." He finished off with a squeeze to Seb's ass, "are a fucking star. Definitely, a fucking star."

"Too much info, boss." Dave was smirking at him.

Oh fucking shit. He realized where he was. Bollocks and buggery and any other appropriate epithets. How the hell was he going to sort this monumental cock-up out? He chanced a look at Seb's expression, and sighed inwardly with relief. Seb was laughing.

"Feet. Mouth into?" Seb asked him.

He nodded. "As Ever. Okay we're finished here. Coffee?"

Seb nodded. Kizzy, who had walked up to them unnoticed made a face, and sniggered. "That is the most pathetic euphemism I've heard boss. Coffee. Hah!" She carried on past them, still sniggering.

"Gotcha there, Boss." Dave patted him on the back. "Take yourself off for er coffee. Don't forget the Swiss roll with it."

"Hells bells." Ruari almost pushed Seb through the door and into the stairwell of his flat. "Are you sure you still want to take a chance on me. I shouldn't be let out without a keeper. And my lips sealed."

Seb pulled him tightly towards his body. Cock found cock and reacted in the best possible way. "Oh, you're not reneging now, boss man." Seb moved so his cock surged upwards. "All that is so easily arranged."

"Huh?" He was so caught up in the sensations of Seb hard against him, he'd lost the thread of the conversation.

"Lips sealed and a keeper. I'll be happy to be in change of all that. Soon." Seb said.

"Okay, so, first we have coffee?"

Seb smiled and squeezed Ruari's arm. "Coffee, where's your car?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry Christmas, Shelton by Dianne Hartsock

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=10&products_id=402

Blurb

Can Shelton and Nevil overcome the obstacles of a blizzard, a baby, and one hot redhead and find their way to a merry Christmas?

Shelton and Nevil have rented a cozy cabin in the mountains in which to spend the Christmas holiday. Tree is lit. Presents sparkle. Shelton anticipates a very merry Christmas indeed. But then a blizzard springs up, landing a sexy redhead on their doorstep looking like trouble in a pretty package.

Tommy brings a message for Nevil, but when he first hits on Shelton in the shower, then offers to drive Nevil to his sister's side while she has her baby, Shelton begins to wonder just how this mixed up Christmas is going to end.

Excerpt

Shelton woke from a sound sleep, disoriented by a pounding on the door. He untangled from Nevil and sat up, heart racing. A glance at the clock showed it was barely three o'clock in the morning. What the hell? The pounding resumed and he scrambled to his feet, taking a second to slip on sweat pants before unlocking the door. The wind had died down and Shelton blinked at the snow piled up against the cabin walls. A slight figure huddled on the step, illuminated by the porch light, and without hesitation Shelton drew him into the warmth of the room, closing the door on the bitter night.

"What's happened?"

Shelton jumped a little at Nevil's voice and blinked as the light went on overhead. There was a gasp from the bundle under his hand and he searched the pale face the young man raised. The pretty blue eyes weren't looking at him and he followed his gaze to where his lover stood in all his naked splendor. Nevil scowled at their interest and pulled on the cotton pajama bottoms he'd picked up.

Shelton gave the boy a slight shake, knocking snow off his jacket and cap. "God, you're soaked through! You need to get out of those clothes. Nevil, can you stir up the fire?"

"Of course."

As if knowing his danger, the young man stripped off his coat and sopping shirt while Shelton unlaced his boots and carefully slipped them off, leaving the socks for now. Ski pants and under armor were lowered and the young man leaned a hand on Shelton's shoulder as he stepped out of them. Shelton glanced up and found himself on eye level with a pair of dark boxers that did little to cover the treasures beneath. His gaze swept up a tight stomach and muscular chest and clashed with laughing eyes. Trouble!

He cleared his throat. "Come to the fire and I'll check for frostbite."

The young man followed him, lifting the cap off a shock of copper hair. He sat on the quilts and Nevil draped one over his shoulders while Shelton knelt beside him. "Hands first," he said and slid the wet gloves by careful inches off his hands. The skin felt cold and white, but the fingertips weren't blue. "Can you move them?"

He looked up when the young man didn't answer and met his puzzled gaze. "You're really concerned, aren't you?"

The man sounded slightly amused and Shelton felt the blush in his cheeks as he answered, "Yes. I saw a boy with frostbite last winter, in Colorado. It was...painful to witness. Let's check those toes."

He removed the damp socks with the same care as the gloves, and sighed in relief when the boy wiggled each toe. Nevil snorted from where he leaned against the mantle watching the proceedings. "Now that we know nothing is going to fall off, can you tell us what the hell you're doing here?"

"Tera Shaw left a message for you at the lodge." He smirked when Nevil straightened, tense. "I volunteered to bring it. She says she's fine, but that they're admitting her to the hospital in the morning. She'd like you to be there as soon as you can."

"I'll go immediately."

"No, sir. The snow's not too bad at the lodge, but worse up here. We'll have to wait for the snowplow to get your car out."

Nevil paced the room, cursing under his breath. Shelton heard the young man's breath quicken as he watched the lithe movements of the sleek body, and frowned. "What's your name?" he asked as a distraction. "Tommy."

Of course it was. A cute name for a pretty face and sexy, youthful body.Damn.

"Well, Tommy, thanks for risking your neck for us. Why don't you get some sleep here by the fire?" Shelton climbed stiffly to his feet and went to Nevil's side. "Come to bed, honey." Nevil grunted and Shelton slid an arm around his waist. "Try to sleep, at least a little. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

Nevil relaxed against him. "You're right." He allowed Shelton to lead him to their room, and paused in the doorway to glance back at Tommy. "Thanks, man."

"My pleasure," Tommy said with a purr.

Shelton's lips thinned at the interest in the young man's gaze and tugged Nevil into the room, purposefully closing the door. He pushed his lover on the bed, cuddled up to him under the blankets, and held him close until they slept.

Please welcome Fab author Ella Jade!

2013-01-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ella Jade

I’ve been a writer my whole life. As a child, I had an active imagination. The stories and plots have always played out in my head but I never knew what to do with them. I have books filled with stories. Writing has been my escape for as long as I can remember but I never knew what to do with my tales. That all changed when I discovered the eBooks industry.

Becoming a published author has affected my life in many positive ways. Getting the opportunity to work with so many talented publishers and editors has helped me perfect my craft. In the two years since I took the plunge and started submitting my work, I’ve become a stronger writer. I’m learning to take more risks and explore some sub-genres that I have never tried before. I just finished penning my first paranormal romance.

I’ve also met some really great writers and readers along the way. There are so many people willing to help and support you in the writing community. I’ve been lucky enough to make some really great friends who have held my hand and talked me off many cliffs.

I think the most positive thing to come out of my writing is finally finding an outlet to share my stories. The voices inside my head are very active and I have lots of journeys to tell. I love having a creative outlet. Writing does all of that for me.

Menage Awards

2013-01-12T21:08:00.001-08:00

The Menage Fan's Choice Awards Nomination Form - please join us and celebrate this amazing genre.

Welcome to the first annual MNW Menage Romance Fan's Choice Awards. Please feel free to nominate your favorite Menage book within the following categories. Nominations are open January 5-31, 2013
* Voting will be opened February 1-28, 2013 Nominees : date of publication must be between Jan 1 up to Dec 31, 2012
*** ONE NOMINATION PER CATEGORY PER PERSON ***
~ 3 CATEGORIES FOR THE SAME BOOK PER PERSON (one entry per category still apply) ~

The right way to enter your nomination is:
Author First name (*)
Author Last name (*)
Title (*)
Series with # (if applicable)
Date of publication (must be between Jan 1 to Dec 31 2012)
Publisher (optional)
URL buying direct link (optional)
(*) MANDATORY.
Incomplete answers will null your nomination Prizes to win for each category!! Rules: - Authors can nominate their fellow authors but not themselves.
- Reviewers are not allowed to vote for themselves but can vote any other categories. - Mary’s Naughty Whispers will not vote in any categories. Nomination is in your hands!
- Maximum 1 vote per category per person. Some books may fit into several categories. You may choose the 3 best categories maximum for the same book.
- To participate you do not need to offer a nomination in all categories.
- In order to avoid multiple votes per the same person or self nomination, a personal email & name are required. Emails will be validated. If you are not interested to receive prizes, mention it when you fill in your email and name. Twitter ID or Facebook are acceptable alternative i.o. your name.
- If it happens that a category does not fit the book nominated, Mary's Naughty Whispers will contact the nominator in order to select another category.
In order to avoid such mistake, please check the book categories on the publisher's website :)

January 5-31: nominations
February 1: Nominees announcement and voting commences February 2-28:
March 1st: Winners announcement

UPDATE (Jan 8): In the event that a category exceeds 5 nominations, the five (5) nominations most submitted in the category will be eligible for the final voting award (Feb 2-28). In case of a tie, the first nominations submitted (date/hour) will be selected. The most votes for the same author/book in the same category, the better chance this author/book will be the official nominees. Loading...

Giving fans a chance to voice their opinions

2013-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Do you read Menage stories? Do you write them? This is a genre many are just getting into (I started my very first one yesterday) and its a great one. One of the biggest way sto say thank you to our readers is to give them the chance to voice their opinions. On January 5th, the first annual Reader's Fan's Choice Menage awards will be taking place.
There are a ton of categories, so stop by and nominate your favorite menage romance, book cover, and review.
http://marywhispers.blog.com/ is hosting them with a whole list of sponsors. Stop by and share the love with your favorite author, publisher, cover artist!

BJ Scott - Highland Quest

2013-01-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

No longer content in the shadows of his older brothers and on a quest to find his destiny, Bryce Fraser's chosen path is fraught with danger, passion, and decisions. Can his unspoken love for spirited, beguiling Fallon be triumphant in a time of war and uncertainty, or will they both fall prey to the devious plans of a traitorous laird from a rival clan?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Loch Ryan Scotland, 1307

“Wa . . . water,” Bryce mumbled, but there was no one there to listen.

His throat was parched and he ran his tongue over dry, cracked lips, but his action offered no relief. An entire loch lay only a few feet away, but he couldn’t muster the strength to drag himself to the bank and quench his thirst.

“Cold . . . so cold.”

Despite the sun beating down on him, he’d swear he was encased in ice. His life’s blood seeped from his wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. He tried to raise his head, but the excruciating pain radiating across his chest stole his breath away.

Was this what it felt like to die? If so, he prayed the Almighty would be merciful and take him now.

Bryce moaned, a shift in his position bringing on another nauseating wave of agony. He sucked in a short, sharp, gulp of air and stretched his arm out as far as he could, his fingers grappling in the dirt.

If only I could reach my sword.

Beads of perspiration dampened his brow. As the strength slowly drained from his body, drawing a simple breath became more difficult. The end grew near. No time to make amends for sins of the past, and he had committed his share.

Regrets? He had those, too. “Fallon.” He whispered her name then heaved a ragged sigh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

https://www.facebook.com/authorbjscott

http://www.authorbjscott.com/

http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com/

The author will award gifts of swag (including a canvas tote bag, a mouse pad, a pen, book thong, bookmark, can cooler, magnet, and key chain -- US/Canada only) to randomly drawn commenters from this tour and her Virtual Book Tour, and a grand prize of one $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter from this tour and her Virtual Book Tour.

New Years a time for reflection

2012-12-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

It seems hard to believe but we are once again at December 31st, New Years Eve for most of us. For me this is a time of reflection on what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish. Unlike some, I don't make a New Years resolution - frankly I'm not awake at midnight so what would be the point?

Too often people make these resolutions with all the best intentions but how often do we see them through. Not too often. I'm one of the those guilty parties - make a resolution and then when it comes time to actually do something constructive that would give me the resolution, well I'm busy. So for me, this time of year has become about reflecting on where I am.

Where have I been? What have I done? Have I finished everything I wanted or needed to be successful? If I can answer positively to these questions, my year is ending on a positive note. Yes, I am a writer, but my reflecting doesn't always apply to my writing. Nope its only a part of it. I look at everything in my life and reflect on the bigger picture.

For the most part I'm happy with 2012. There were a few things I missed on but hey, that's where 2013 comes in lol. Professionally, I did amazing this past year. I got out four books - all full length and one novella and next year is looking to be pretty good as well. I do need to work on setting time aside for the dreaded marketing/promotional aspect of the business but overall that's something anyone with a business to run needs to do. I made some really great friends connected to the industry and got some awesome and amazing help from them - you know who you are lol.

Managed to get some time spent with family - more than I had anticipated but not as much as I'd have liked so I'm going to work on that next year. Though, some family is simply too far away to spend time with but a call never hurt anyone lol. I know this coming year, I do intend to spend a heap more time with my son - he's growing so fast pretty soon hanging with mom won't be cool.

Personally, the year was good and will get better next year. So I can't complain on that front at all. Its great to have the love and support of the people in your life.

2013 will be my year professionally though. This I have decided and I know what I need to do...and how I am going to do it. So here's to the New Year and its many blessings. Now, what about you? What are your resolutions or reflections? Did 2012 do everything you wanted it to? What about 2013 - what do you plan/hope for in the coming year?