Under the Covers

Interview and Giveaway with Katie MacAlister (and Jim)

2012-05-27T19:53:00.001-07:00

We cannot tell you how excited we are to have here today not just one awesome treat for you all but two. We had the opportunity to pick Katie MacAlister's brain a bit and ask her about some of her AWESOME books but she also brought Jim with her! *cue swooning and squeeing* In case you are not familiar with either of them, Katie is an awesome PNR author, her series are full of sexiness, humor and great stories. Jim, well, he's a star all by himself. You'll see when you get to meet him. We might have a problem with trying to keep him here though, his Demon Lord might come and haunt us. Please help us welcome them to UTC!

Katie, you just released SPARKS FLY, congratulations! What can readers expect from your latest book?

Everything from a sheep in fishnet stockings adult toy to exploding buildings. With a bunch of dragons. And one very annoyed archimage. :)

Later this year in September, you also have A TALE OF TWO VAMPIRES (beautiful cover)! What's the story behind this book? Can you give us an interesting scoop?

When I wrote In the Company of Vampires (the book where Ben and Fran grow up), I became intrigued by the idea of Ben’s father being a man who was totally misunderstood by his children. But I was limited by what I’d written about him in the past (which wasn’t a whole lot, but was still enough to throw my original plans into the trash), so I had to rethink exactly what I wanted to do with Nikola.

The idea of seeing just what happened to him in Ben’s past soon took hold, and I ended up writing a part of the book in the past, so the reader can see the journey that Nikola (and Io, the heroine) took in order to arrive at the present day.

So basically, you get two vampires (Nikola and Ben), some time traveling, and a whole lot of insight into what an eighteenth century man thinks of bikinis.

There's been an interesting explosion in dragons lately. Why did you start writing about dragons?

When I wrote You Slay Me, there were no dragons in romances (other than the scaly beasties in some fantasies), and I was became enamored with the idea of dragons in human form. From there, the politics of the dragon septs grew, and with that, all the tons of dragon lore. I’m so happy that readers fell in love with the dragons, because I’ve had a blast writing about them.

Of ANY book character, who would you want to have a date with?

Oh boy, just one? That’s so unfair! I suppose I’d go on a date with Jack Fletcher (from Steamed), because he rings all my chimes. :)

And which female character in ANY book would you take out for a drink?

Probably Aisling. She’s the most irreverent of all the heroines, and has a sense of humor the most like mine. I have a feeling we’d get into trouble together, though.

Aisling and Drake are hosting a dinner party. Aside from the dragons from your series, what other dragons would be invited to come?

Probably a handful of green dragons. Drake wouldn’t let too many people into the house at any one time, though—he’s far too protective of his babies to run a risk like that. OK, he’s downright overprotective, but hey, it’s part of his charm.

Knowing that you only had plans for 3 Light Dragons books, can we expect to see more dragons in the future?

Absolutely. And just as it was with the other dragon books, future books will include Ysolde and Baltic, as well as all the other dragons. I dread the day when I come to the end of the dragon books—they’re going to be nothing but five thousand secondary characters all standing around reminiscing. :)

I have a fascination with Jim, he might me my all-time favorite sidekick. Can I steal him? *sigh* And on that note... Hi Jim. I hope you don't mind if we ask you just a few questions. You being the star of the books and all.

What are your thoughts on the Dragons? Who is your favourite, and what things to you do to get them breathing fire?

Dude, dragons are totally rockin’. Except when they’re being bossy, which I have to admit is most of the time. But most of the time, they are the coolest of all the peeps in the Otherworld. They like gold, they have nice houses, and they breathe fire. What’s not to like?

As for a fave sept…wait, are you going to show this to Aisling? Cause if you are, I’m green all the way, baby. If not…er…I really dig Soldy’s cooking. Just sayin’.

What are the perks and drawbacks to being Aislings demon minion? Is there anything you would like her to do to improve your circumstances?

Perk: get to be with the cool kids
Drawback: get yelled at a lot
Perk: get to see the wyverns beating each other up a lot
Drawback: sometimes get set on fire during their fights
Perk: occasionally get kidnapped by Ysolde and fed really well
Drawback: she has a tendency to force me into human form, which sucks snails, let me tell you.

I used to spend a lot of time planning how to make Aisling less clueless, and more like a proper demon lord—you know, hip and badass and scary and all that stuff—but then I realized she can be scary and badass without going the whole demon lord route, so I’ve lightened up on the kid. Now we’re copacetic. Except when she threatens to banish me to the Akasha.

Of all the dogs, why a Newfoundland for your magnificent form?

Are you kidding? Have you SEEN my fabulous form? It’s beyond magnificent! It’s super-magnificent! I’m like a god among dogs in this form. All those other breeds are just pale in comparison.

If we were taking you for a slap up lunch all expenses on UTC...what would you have?

Steak. No, salmon. No, wait…hamburgers. Plural. Like eight or nine. With an endless basket of fries. And some shakes. No chocolate, though, cause that’ll mess up my fabulous form. OK, so…how about a steak, with a wad of salmon, and then the nine hamburgers with endless fries and shakes. Yeah. That sounds good.

Can I get a doggy bag? Cause if I can, then I’m going to want a few extra burgers to go. And maybe some more steak.

What's your favorite part of being in the human world now, even though you are bound to Aisling? Has her treatment of you improved or have you had to call the demon abuse hotline?

Well, the food’s better, for one. And with the exception of the few times Ash sends me to the Akasha, there’s no torture or eternal torment. Plus, I get to do demony things that don’t involve killing people, or damning them, or being summoned by who-knows-what and forced to do all sorts of heinous acts. Aisling takes me to Paris twice a month, and even if I do have to put up with her and Drake being all sucky-face, it’s still more fun at their house than it was back in Abaddon.

That’s not to say it couldn’t be better. Aisling totally starves my magnificent form (seriously, is that dinner on or what?), and of course, she’s really bossy. Not so bossy as Ysolde, but bossy enough that I keep the demon abuse hotline number pinned to the corkboard where she can see it.

When you are not trying to save Aisling or her friends from trouble, or annoying Drake, what do you like to do with your free time?

I like long walks on the beach, especially if something has died there recently. I also like to peruse my collection of Welsh Corgi Fancier. And of course, there’s imp hunting on days when we’re out in the country. But mostly I like to eat.

So....are rumors true and are you officially off the market? If you say yes you will crush some hearts.

Sorry babe, the rumors are true. Not that I don’t appreciate the lovin’, but my furry-butted Cecile is the only one for me. It’s just those cute little Corgi ears, you know? And that delicious rump without a tail. And the way she snaps when she gets testy. Man. Now I have to go call her.

Since you've had a chance to spend some quality time with all these dragons, which one is easiest to wind up and what winds up which dragon?

Oh, Drake, hands down. No, wait, Balters. No…Kostya. OK, the three of them are all pretty volatile, but if I had to pick one, that would probably be…Constantine? Or Magoth. Hmm…

Thank you so much to both of you for stopping by, we've had a great time and hope that our readers did as well. If you haven't checked out Katie's series, you must! Her Dark Ones series features yummy vampires, and of course there are her dragons series, which are all related so be sure to start with Aisling Grey!

A TALE OF TWO VAMPIRES

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Dark Ones, Book 10

Time isn’t always on a vampire’s side…

Iolanthe Tennyson has had a very bad year—due in part to the very bad men in her life. So, she’s accepted her cousin’s invitation to spend the summer in Austria indulging in her photography hobby. There, rumors of a haunted forest draw Iolanthe into the dark woods—and into the eighteenth century…

Nikola Czerny is a cursed man, forced by his half-brothers to live forever as a Dark One. But his miserable existence takes an intriguing turn when a strange, babbling woman is thrown in his path. Iolanthe claims to know Nikola’s daughter—three hundred years in the future. She also knows what fate—in the form of his murderous half-brothers—has in store for him. If only she knew the consequences of changing the past to save one good, impossibly sexy vampire…

SPARKS FLY

Out Now

Light Dragons, Book Three

Hell hath no fury like a ticked-off dragon…

Ysolde de Bouchier has a lot on her plate, which isn’t unusual considering her Light Dragon mate Baltic is still at odds with just about everyone, starting with his former guard Thala and her outlaw posse, right down to his dragon god father. Ysolde herself fairs no better, since the First Dragon has her in his sights as well, demanding that she right past wrongs…and her time to do that is quickly running out.

With the help of some familiar friends, Ysolde sets into motion an elaborate plan that will have repercussions throughout the mortal and immortal worlds. But when a member of her family is held hostage, no one is safe from the fire of her rage.

Author Bio:
For as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn’t think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books later, her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and are regulars on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.

Stalk Her:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Katie has agreed to provide three $30 gift certificates to a favorite site of hers www.loomingmoon.etsy.com

We are also giving away a copy of SPARKS FLY to one lucky US maiden too!

To enter:

1. Be a follower

2. Fill out the form below

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Jim Said... Quotes from the Demon Star

2012-05-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Jim is not the main character of all the dragon series by Katie MacAlister but he truly is the star. His one-liners have cracked me up on more than one occasion to the point where I've gotten some weird looks from people around me thinking that I've completely lost my mind. So we thought, what better way than to introduce Jim than to give you a summary of some of our favorite lines of his from the books.

"An extremely handsome and impressive specimen of the Newfoundland breed materializes in the middle of your shoddy hotel room, and you ask if I'm a demon? Oh, I can tell my time with you is going to be one long joyride."

"Walkies! I need to go walkies! Comprendez?"

"Give the girl a banana!"

"Think of me as Demon... The Next Generation"

Aisling: "Which direction should we go?"
Jim: "How should I know? I'm just a walking drool bib."

"Pardon me, you evidently have me confused with a pack mule. I'm a demon, not a form of transportation."

"My life used to be boring. A damnation here, a curse there, with an occasional blight or two to break routine. Now I have Aisling...She's better than reality TV, Internet porn sites, and the trashloids all put together."

"You want me to find some balloons for this pity party you're having?"

Aisling: Long story short...

Jim: There isn't anything short about your stories.

"You don't often get to see a wyvern claiming a mate. It's better than Skinemax. Is there going to be an encore? If there is, can you hold off until I make some popcorn?"

"What's the silver dragon element? Earth?" Jim's face screwed up as it thought. "Ohh man, that means he's going to want to do it outdoors all the time. Buck naked in the wilderness!! My advice is to take sunscreen and bug spray and maybe a spatula or something, to dig the sand out of your butt crack in case he takes you to the beach."

"I'm calling the demon abuse hotline!"

"Wow!" Jim said. "Wish I had a camera. The blackmail potential of this is enough to keep me in burgers for the next millennia."

Jim's eyes almost bugged out of its furry black head as Cecile waddled into the room. Jim did an odd little shimmy toward the surprised-looking Corgi. "Are you one hot mama, or what? Hey, baby, who's your daddy?"

"Everything I say are pearls of wisdom"

"What is it?" Jim asked. "Dead body? Someone throw himself in front of the train? Are there splattered body parts everywhere? Did you remember to bring your digital camera?"

"Me? I'm not saying anything.  But if I was going to say something, it would be something along the lines of 'Smooth move, Ex-Lax!'"

"Man, someone needs to drop a few pounds, and I can tell you one thing—it ain't me!"

"Warning, warning! Do not mention her butt! Whatever you do, do not mention her butt!"

"Maybe she didn't offer anything because she was Lakatos intolerant. Lactose. Detective Lakatos. Get it? Ha! I kill me sometimes."

"Don't tell me, let me guess— you've had another nocturnal visit from the Studly Dragon?"

"Oh, yeah, that's going to do some good. Everyone knows an elevator doesn't shift into second until you really lean on the call button."

“You really are going to have to get a grip on controlling dragon fire, Ash. Hiya, Drake. Come crawling back, did you? Man, you are so whipped. I never met anyone so completely— fires of Abaddon! You don’t have to barbeque me!”

“Oh, man. He’s going to pork you right here in front of me, isn’t he? Jeez, and they say dogs have no shame."

“Hello, and welcome to Aisling Heartbreak Hour,” Jim said, nuzzling Cecile’s ear. “I hope you’re comfortable, because this is likely to take a while.”

“Hey, if Aisling is a celeb, does that make me one, too? Will someone ask for my picture, do you think?” Jim asked, looking around for potential paparazzi. “Should I set up my demon-jim.com Web site now?” “Hrmph,” Jim said. “Lassie I’m not! Fame can wait if all I’m going to be known as is a trusty sidekick."

“Ash, sweetie, honey, babykins— you’re not the most astute person in the world.”

“Do I get my own room?” Jim asked, turning to Drake. “One with a water bed? I’ve always wanted a water bed. And I hope you have satellite cable, because I get really cranky in the morning if I don’t get my dose of Montel.”

“Wow. Those are some pretty awesome teleporting skills you got there, Your First Dragonness. Don’t suppose you’re looking for a devastatingly handsome demon sidekick, are you?”

“That madwoman/psycho/scary face is good on you, Soldy,” Jim said, tipping its head to the side. “Kind of a ‘three bread crumbs short of a meat loaf’ look, but effective.”

And The Winners Are...

2012-05-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Winners of Reader Apprecaition Week 4

C Hay

Winners of Carrie Lofty Giveaway
MCV111

Winners were chosen through random.org. Emails have been sent. You will have 72 hours to claim your prize (by just responding to the email you get from us).

Battle of the Covers: USA vs UK Guild Hunter Series

2012-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Guild Hunter Series

by Nalini Singh

It's no secret that we love Ms. Singh's work, but you have to admit she also has some pretty good covers for her books. Although her Psy-Changeling covers have already battled it out (and the US covers won) we couldn't leave her Guild Hunter series behind. What do you think?

US UK

US UK

The cover for the upcoming release, Archangel's Storm, has only been revealed for the US version, but it's pretty damn hot.

NOW IT'S TIME TO VOTE!!!
Who has the best Guild Hunter covers?

Review: Armed and Dangerous by Abigail Roux

2012-05-27T08:22:00.002-07:00

Armed and Dangerous

(Cut & Run #5)

by Abigail Roux

ARMED AND DANGEROUS is Abigail Roux’s first attempt at writing solo. If you were worried that it wouldn’t hold the same appeal, fear not. Roux does a fantastic job of keeping things concise and giving us readers everything we wanted and more.

Ty and Zane are hands down my favorite M/M couple ever. To me, there is nothing better than a romance involving two men that love each other beyond reason. ARMED AND DANGEROUS showcase the ups and downs like any relationship, but for me, this felt a lot more personal for some reason. I have the mention the epic love scenes between these two. Not only are they smoking hot and seem to go on forever (I’m not complaining), but they just feel more organic than other M/M romances I’ve read in the past. Whether that’s due to Roux’s amazing writing or the fact that you feel as if Ty and Zane truly love each other is anyone’s guess.

As Special Agents, Ty and Zane have a little more stress on their shoulders as they try to bring back Julian Cross to Baltimore after rumors are spreading that he is the only person who has knowledge on the private hits that are occurring. Of course, nothing is ever that easy and Ty and Zane find themselves in a lot of trouble as they try to do their job. With fun twists along the way, Roux creates an interesting story that only adds to the overall appeal of this book. If I didn’t read for the romance, then I would read for the suspense.

I’m told that Julian and Cameron are also from a previous title by Roux and Hunter called WARRIOR’S CROSS. Already I am twitching to get my hands on this book, because as much as I loved the romance between Ty and Zane, there were some great moments between Cameron and Julian as well. Also, Julian has some great one-liners in this book that had me laughing out loud.

This book just really had it all. There was a perfect blend of hot and sexy, of sweetness and love and that pulse-pounding action you expect from this series. A book that is able to make me experience a whole rainbow of emotions is a stellar one to me. And with that, I can’t help but give 5 raving stars to ARMED AND DANGEROUS. This book is almost too good to be true!

Favourite Quote:

“Julian, would your friend be able to find a bigger plane for us? One he could fly?” Cameron asked as he turned in his seat. Julian shrugged. “We could ask him.”

“Yes. Let’s go ask him,” Ty muttered.

“That’s fucking stupid.”

“Fine,” Julian said, his tone making it clear he was reaching the end of his patience. “We’ll solve this like men.”

“What do you want, MacGuffin, a duel?”

“No.” Julian held out both hands, one palm flat, the other held over it in a fist. “Rock, paper, scissors. Two out of three.”

Ty rolled his eyes and held out his first, apparently willing to play. Julian hit his palm three times, and Ty kept time with his fist in the air.

But when Julian threw a paper, Ty reached into his jacket with his other hand and pulled his gun, aiming it at Julian.

“Ty!” Zane said in exasperation from the front seat.

“Glock, paper, scissors. I win.”

“You’re an ass,” Julian muttered.

Gah! How can you not love them???

Purchase Links: Amazon

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Review: Possession by Melissa Schroeder

2012-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Possession

A Little Harmless Military Romance #2

by Melissa Schroeder

It seems like love isn’t done with Deacon Berg and Samantha Walters. After once being married, Deke and Sam’s hearts find their way to each other once again. As Deke attends a wedding in Hawaii, these two past lovers meet and their chemistry erupts and sparks fly!

POSSESSION was a very quick read that held a lot of heat and just the right amount of angst. After some great love scenes, Schroeder delves a little deeper and puts her characters in a situation that will test their love for one another. As a military brat herself, Sam knows the difficulties that come with being with a military man. But she isn’t ready to give up just yet. As their love is tested, readers read of a romance rekindled and it’s nothing short of steamy! Schroeder delivers yet another story that will sizzles the pages and leave you wanting more.

*Review copy provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

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Author Override: Virna DePaul

2012-05-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

The Hero You WON’T See In Shades Of Desire

My brand tagline is “Brave the darkness, discover the light.” I adore redeemed characters and a satisfying HEA, but I especially love making my characters work for these things. However, sometimes I go a little overboard on the “dark” aspects of my stories. Such was the case with my manuscript, Lights Out, which ultimately became Shades Of Desire, my recent release with HQN.

Several years ago, I came up with the idea of a famous photographer who loses her vision and must help solve a murder investigation. I wrote and rewrote the first few chapters several times, but the story always seemed a bit off. Once I sold the story to my editor, she told me why—I’d created a heroine dealing with a dark tragedy but I’d also created a hero with arguably even darker issues (he’d lost his only son to leukemia, been abandoned by his wife, and then had to face a serial killer while on the edge of burn out). Perfectly good backstory, but combined with other dark elements in the story, it was just too much, especially for a romance. It took someone else pointing this out to me and giving me some guidance, but toning down is what this particular story needed.

Do you like outtakes? Just for fun, I thought I’d attach an old scene from Lights Out that didn’t make it into Shades Of Desire. This shows my hero on the edge and taking out his emotional torment on the job. I concluded that even with his internal suffering, some readers might just find his behavior too un-hero-like to take.

DELETED SCENE FROM LIGHTS OUT:

It was hard to forget about death when the damn thing refused to leave you alone.
Even as Jack Talbert’s meaty fist slammed his head back and split his lip, Detective Liam “Mac” McKenzie barely felt any pain. Certainly not enough to stifle the echo of words in his head.
My place is with the dead.

My place is with you.

In defiance of those words, Mac swiped his hand across his lip, then shook his head.

He was barely bleeding. Smiling, he motioned Talbert on. “You’re disappointing me, Talbert. I know you can do better than that.”

Talbert, breath heaving from their struggles, backed up, eyes wide with disbelief. He didn’t have far to go. They’d chased him into a dead-end alley, but Talbert hadn’t given up. Mac would be damned if he let him now.

Reading his mind, Talbert shook his head. “You’re crazy, McKenzie. I surrender. Take me in.”

“Yeah, Mac. Enough of this—“

Mac glared at his temporary partner, Jason Tyler, who stood a few feet away, muscles tensed, one hand on the butt of his gun and the other raised with his radio at the ready. Calmly, Mac explained, “The bastard resisted arrest.”

“He’s giving up.”

“Not yet,” Mac insisted.

Jason fell silent, but the disgust in his eyes spoke for him.

Mac didn’t give a shit. He wanted to release the tight rein he normally kept on his emotions. The ruthless control he used to dull the grief and regret that was nevertheless always there. He was going to take advantage of the opportunity.

My place is with the dead.

Turning back to Talbert, Mac smiled once more. “Now hit me again. And this time, put some power behind it.”

****

I hope you enjoyed the deleted scene. I’ll probably always write darker stories. As such, I can’t censor myself during the writing process. I push the envelope and go where the story takes me. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. The key is being flexible and, after the story is written, being open minded enough to view things another way.

SHADES OF DESIRE:

Book 1 in the Special Investigations Group Series, available at Amazon, B&N, Powell’s and Indie Bound

Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.

Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance—charged with desire.

Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation...never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

READ OUR REVIEW

LOVE BITES, a charitable pet anthology, releases June 1, 2012. This anthology includes a novella by Virna, as well as novellas by Lori Foster, Brenda Jackson, Catherine Mann, and Jules Bennett. Don't miss these never-before-published "tails" of couples whose pets give them a new leash on love...

*Note: This anthology is published by HQN and is available as an e-book only. [Limited print copies will be available at Lori Foster's Annual Reader and Author Get Together (June 1-2, 2012; registration now closed)]

For more information about the anthology visit the Love Bites Anthology Page

Pre-Order Link From Amazon

UTC Francesca and Angela's pets were featured in the Love Bites tour, if you missed them check them out here: Francesca and Angela.

Bio:

Virna DePaul is a former criminal prosecutor and now national bestselling author of the Para-Ops Novels (Chosen By Sin, Book 3 now available; see www.chosenbysin.com.) Virna also writes contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (It Started That Night, May 2012) and HQN (Shades Of Desire, June 2012). Finally, Virna is a national bestselling author of numerous indie published novels. Sign up for her mailing list for access to her monthly writing cheat sheets and reader contests. www.virnadepaul.com

Stalk her:
Twitter | Facebook | Website | Newsletter | Blog

Ms. DePaul is giving away any book of hers, winners choice!

To enter, please:
1. Be a follower
2. Fill in the form below

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Peak into A GENTLEMAN UNDONE and WHEN PASSION LIES

2012-05-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

A GENTLEMAN UNDONE by Cecilia Grant – sequel to Cecilia’s first novel & her best yet! On sale 5/29/2012.

NYT Bestseling Author, Madeline Hunter said this: “Luscious, erotic, and emotionally intense . . . Cecilia Grant is a fresh, unforgettable voice in historical romance.”

(Blackshear Family # 2)

A seductive beauty turns the tables on a gentleman gaming for the guiltiest of pleasures in this rich and sensual Regency romance from beloved newcomer Cecilia Grant.

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play—both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London's gentlemen's clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm's length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind with a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

WHEN PASSION LIES by JK Beck – releases 5/29/2012

NYT Bestselling authors praise:

“J. K. Beck’s new vampire series is riveting, dangerous, and not to be missed!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Exciting paranormal romance with a sharp, suspenseful edge.”—New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian, on When Pleasure Rules

(The Shadow Keepers # 4)

Tiberius is a vampire dedicated to protecting his kind—and the secrets of the shadow world. Now, as his quest to become head of the Alliance draws within reach, a shattering new threat puts him to the ultimate test. It’s a nightmare of grim proportions: a dark plot to bring about the mass extermination of human and shadow alike. And it forces Tiberius to turn to the woman he loved and lost, the lover he still desires but doesn’t trust.

Caris was Tiberius’s mate for centuries—until a fateful mission changed her forever. Her tortured secrets drove her into the arms of his rival, but desperation has brought her back. As a horrifying new weapon of mass destruction is about to be unleashed, Tiberius and Caris harness the power of their immortal and passionate love. But will it be enough to battle devastating odds and a ruthless enemy with the ambition to destroy them all?

And The Winners Are...

2012-05-26T06:07:00.001-07:00

Winners of Anya Bast signed copy of Embrace of the Damned

Allison W

Winners of Jim Frangione's audiobook of choice
Kassandra

Winners of First Annual Chicagoland Vampires Spring Fling

Danielle L

Last night we had a surprise swag giveaway on Twitter, you each get a set of Donna Grant's new series swag. Bookmarks and Romance Trading Cards. Prizes have been claimed already.

Gemma H
Sheree T
Jennifer K
Winnie L

Winners were chosen through random.org (except on Twitter). Emails will be sent shortly. You will have 72 hours to claim your prize (by just responding to the email you get from us).

Amazon Deals!

2012-05-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Maidens, it's me again, Annie. I've come bringing more Kindle deals for you! So let's get right to the good stuff!

FREE
Sweet Release by Pamela Clare

$1.99
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

$2.99
Skin Deep by Pamela Clare
Carnal Gift by Pamela Clare

$3.99
Fever by Joan Swan

$4.99
If You Were Mine by Bella Andre

Happy Reading!

Bianca Sommerland DEFENSIVE ZONE Tour

2012-05-25T06:55:00.002-07:00

PUNISH ME (Some insight into punishment in BDSM)

For those who've read Game Misconduct, it should come as no surprise that Oriana's younger sister, Silver Delgado, ends up needing to be punished several times during her own book. She's a naughty naughty girl! <g>

But the question might be: 'Is it punishment, or funishment?'. The term funishment has been going around a lot lately and I can understand the appeal. If you enjoy being spanked, what's more fun than being bent over and swatted while being told what a bad boy/girl you are?

The thing is, funishment has its place, and it's up to the 'Dominant' or 'Top' to decide (along with some input from their 'sub' or 'bottom') whether funishment is appropriate either in the scene or in the relationship. I'm not quite sure where I stand with funishment, to be honest, because I'd rather just enjoy my spanking without pretending it's something else! Lol!

For actual punishment, I feel very strongly that those with submissive needs can benefit from guidelines and consequences when they test their limits or trample right over them. The easiest way to explain this is by comparing it to jealousy. Which might sound weird, but hear me out. Some people see jealousy as a sign that their partner cares. That the relationship is a real commitment. Without signs of jealousy, they will feel less valued, as if they aren't worth the emotion. They may act out in an effort to find a way to get the reaction they need.

Submissives—not all mind you, but some—need to feel Dominance in a very real way. Whether it's during a scene or in day to day life, surrendering is something they crave. And they can't pretend to surrender. They don't want to fake giving up control.

The same goes for some Dominants. To them, there is something lacking in a scene if their partner only plays at submission. So a balance is found to satisfy both.

Some may feel a 'good sub' won't test their Dom, but there is no one size fits all whether it be in a BDSM relationship or in any other kind. The power struggle can be stimulating. A Dom will test his subs limits to see how far she can go. A sub will do the same.

I've heard of maintenance spankings, of creative punishments that may not involve any impact at all. Orgasm torture, kneeling for long periods of time—I even heard one story about a mouthy sub being forced to hold a live goldfish in her mouth! The subs will tell you that they didn't enjoy being punished, so you may ask why they let it happen.

The simplest answer? Because it was something they needed at the time.

What kinds of transgressions earn that kind of disciplining? Well, it could be anything really. Rules are often agreed upon between the couple, but sometimes it can be as simple as 'You should know better'. Swearing at your Dom, for example, is an obvious one. And something you might not be able to help in any given situation. You may have 'off time' when you can call your Dom every name in the book, but I would be careful. He might recall those nasty insults the next time you're helplessly bound and kneeling at his feet.

And this goes back to those limits. I would have a hard time respecting a Dom, or giving into a Dom, that let me get away with being a complete brat. Not to say I wouldn't be a brat, but if I'm not one very sorry brat at the end of it all, I'll feel like something's missing. But the most important thing, to my mind, is knowing, once the punishment is served, that all is forgiven. Feeling that, even though I broke the rules, my man loves me anyway.

In the punishment scenes in Defensive Zone I felt it important that Silver be given that forgiveness. She might fight every step of the way, but her surrender, her efforts to improve herself, are worth something.

Excerpt:

"Bad girl." His eyes narrowed as he caught her chin and held it in a firm grasp. "I've slacked in training you. That. Ends. Now. I'm trying to be patient, pet, but stop testing me."

There. His heart warmed as she lowered her eyes, showing the first sign of submission in a long time. Too long. He finally had her exactly where they both needed her to be.

Caressing her cheek with his fingertips, he moved away to open his bag and take out several 'toys'. Some she would recognize. Others she wouldn't. He spread them out on the table, then took a seat to let her take them in.

"We are going to try something—something I don't do with most of the subs I've had because they know what they like and it ruins the effect of the punishment." He reached out to play with her hair, loving the way she struggled not to lean into him as he did. Most women enjoyed having their hair petted and stroked. Silver was no exception. "I've noticed something about you. Much as you talk back and protest, once you understand the reason behind a punishment, you accept it. Your body still responds, but you're truly sorry after. And not just because you're sore."

She glanced over her shoulder, eyes glistening. She was already sorry.

For a moment, he wanted to toss the punishment and just tell her all was forgiven. But that would teach her nothing and she had to understand that forgiveness came with accepting the punishment. She's been denied that with Bower and he wondered if it wasn't a trigger. Delgado didn't seem the type to let an infraction go after doling out punishments. And if he was right, she needed to see Dean was always consistent with his discipline and his love.

"This is what you're going to do." He sat forward and held out his hand to the table. "You will either choose one of the implements I've provided, or, if you'd like, I will use my hand. Show me your choice. You will not speak. And once the punishment starts, you will not be able to. I mentioned the gag?"

Her tongue flicked over her top lip and she looked at the bit gag that lay at the far end of the table.

"Yes. That's it. It should fit comfortably and prevent noises loud enough to bring the police. I got the leather straps in pink just for you."

She barely managed not to give him another dirty look.

"Quick save, sweetheart. Now make your choice."

It took her longer than he'd expected to choose. She fingered the tawse, flicked the strands of the flogger, and avoided the riding crop and his walking stick as though they were living things with sharp teeth. The paddle drew her attention for quite a bit. She traced the words embedded in the wood. Brat.

Shifted on her knees to face him, she wrapped her fingers around his wrist, brought his hand up to her mouth, and kissed his knuckles.

"My hand?" He held back a grin at her nod. For some reason her decision pleased him very much. He reached over and picked up the bit gag. "Open wide, my love."

The soft silicone fit nicely in her mouth. Her nose wrinkled as she got used to the sensation. The pale pink, leather straps looked lovely against her pale cheeks. He did up the buckle, then slid back a little and patted his thigh. She rose gracefully, her expression . . . peaceful. As she laid herself over his lap, he stroked her back, reminding her that, even though this would hurt, he still cared about her. Deeply.

"Brace yourself, love."

* * * *

If you haven't read the first Dartmouth Cobras book,

Game Misconduct, it is on sale until May 31^st for $0.99

READ OUR REVIEW

Buy Game Misconduct

Amazon

All Romance Ebooks

Smashwords (Coupon code: FK28X)

For more of the Dartmouth Cobras, visit their website: www.TheDartmouthCobras.com

Author's website: www.ImNoAngel.com

Twitter: @BSommerland

Facebook: I'm No Angel

Bianca is giving away an ebook copy of Defensive Zone to one lucky commenter on this tour stop!
There is also a grand prize pack, which includes things like the Puck Bunny teddy bear and a t-shirt, for one lucky commenter over all the tour stops.

Tour Schedule
May 23 - Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
May 24 - Kinky Book Reviews
May 25 - Under the Covers Book Blog
May 28 - The Smutty Kitty
May 29 - The Forbidden Bookshelf
May 31 - Sizzling Hot Books
To enter:

1. Be a follower
2. Leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

Most Anticipated Books: June 2012

2012-05-25T06:51:00.001-07:00

Covers to Covet

2012-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Oh Jaci, you lucky girl! Where are you gonna keep this gorgeous manflesh on your sexy shelf? And if you must know, yes that's Paul Marron, my lover.

This is THROWN BY A CURVE, book 5 of the Play by Play series that releases in March 2013.

Review: Defying the Odds by Kele Moon

2012-05-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

Defying the Odds

by Kele Moon

Battered Hearts #1

It all started with a slice of pumpkin pie. Not the most auspacious of starts I'll grant you , but it lead to one hell of a sweet and sexy read.

Melody has started a new life in the small town of Garnet to get away from an abusive, crazy ex-husband , concentrating on getting her life back together, she didn't expect to find Clay. Seeing him lonely on Thanksgiving she gets him a piece of pumpkin pie, never expecting the gesture to touch the big gorgeous man as much as it does. No one has given Clay anything that they didn't expect to gain from, and so when the new waitress gives him a free slice of pie she can't really afford he is deeply touched and can't help but notice of beautiful and warm she is and despite the fact the two of them are a little bit broken, they seem to fit just right.

I have never read anything by Kele Moon before, but I am definitely going to be looking more of her books up, and I am certainly going to be reading the next book in this series. It was a great mixture of sweet, with the gruff and quiet Clay all but bearing his heart for anyone to see whenever he looks at Melody, sexy, Vegas against-the-window-sex *fans self*, and funny. The characters were likable, especially Clay's adopted siblings Wyatt and Jules; I pratically devoured this book!

I am left now with a craving for pumpkin pie, (which I have never had) and eagerly awaiting the next book, which, fingerscrossed is going to be about the highly charming but equally lonely Sheriff, Wyatt or his sister the beautiful, tough but also lonely Jules.

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Review: If You Were Mine by Bella Andre

2012-05-24T17:11:00.001-07:00

If You Were Mine

(Sullivans #5)

by Bella Andre

Dear Mrs. Andre,

You really must stop this. I can’t believe I am saying this but, you need to stop making your heroes so damn sexy! I don’t have enough space in my hottie harem and I have always said I would never do brothers, let alone four of them (plus Jake!) But when you make your heroes as irresistible as Zach, I fall prey to your every whim and now I am eating my words. What’s one more Sullivan in my harem, right? Hell, I might as well claim them all!

Love, Ann

IF YOU WERE MINE takes readers back into the lives of the family we have come to love. This time we follow Zach Sullivan, the mogul mechanic, sweet-talker and all around panty-melter. As the hands-down most hottest of the Sullivan brothers, Zach is used to getting attention from the ladies. He has it all – the money, the good looks and the fancy cars. But when Heather Lindsey walks into his life, Zach finds the one thing his perfect life is missing...

Zach is on babysitting duty for his brother-in-law’s puppy. The small and unsuspecting Yorkie is the devil in disguise and unfortunately for Zach, Cuddles is stuck with him for two weeks. So while Zach tries his best to keep Cuddles out of his garage and his way, Heather drops in to teach the big boss how to handle a puppy.

When Zach meets the new dog trainer Heather, he is taken aback by her beauty and knows that soon, he will have her eating out of the palm of his hand. Unfortunately, Heather is the one is doing the talk-to-the-hand gesture because she knows all about Zach Sullivan and his reputation with the ladies. And to protect her heart, Heather knows it’s best to stay away. Despite the barriers she has walled around her, Zach’s relentless determination has her grasping for control because day by day, Heather learns more about Zach and fears that she is falling for him.

Andre has another winner on her hands! I wasn’t sure how she would be able to top the last two books (both of which were my favorites of the series), but she has. Zach Sullivan definitely has what it takes to be crowned the hottest Sullivan. His possessiveness, determination and unexpected vulnerability made me love him completely. But it was his charm that really made me fall in love with Zach. Unlike the other Sullivans, he is great at the witty banter and I guess it helps whenever he does that slow smile that makes the ladies burn.

Zach was easy to love, but Heather also had a lot of emotional depth to her. We learn of her past and the not so bright moments of that time in her life. Her parents are together, but unhappy and that reflects back on how Heather sees men and relationships. The question is, whether or not she will allow Zach to help her overcome those fears and feel safe with him.

Their love develops slowly, but it is satisfying because at the end of the book, you feel as if both of them have crossed oceans to get where they are supposed to be. I loved every moment of this book and only wished there was more to devour.

Andre is a master storyteller, weaving together the lives of two characters who simple don’t know the meaning of love...until they meet each other. Loved it!

Purchase Links: Amazon

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Interview and Giveaway with Carolyn Crane

2012-05-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Maidens, we are extremely happy to have here today a favorite UTC author, Carolyn Crane. Her Disillusionist series is a must read for UF lovers. The heroine, Justine, was Suzanne's favorite heroine of 2011! Now lets meet the fabulous author behind the amazing books!

Tell us 5 things about you that will shock, scare, surprise or amuse us!

I have a boiler engineer’s license
It’s actually expired now, but I carry it around anyway because it’s hilarious, because I am the most non-mechanical person you would ever meet. My husband and I used to own a condo in this ancient building, and the city law said one resident had to have a license to operate this giant old steam boiler we’d all have to pay all this money to a company. So my oboist neighbor girl and I studied really hard and took the test. Neither of us were mechanically inclined, but we got an enormous amount of humor mileage out of terms like “draining the tri-cock.” And we both passed the test. I don’t know how I ever got this license - I can barely understand how a boiler works. It’s good that there were never any emergencies that required a boiler engineer there.

In the disillusionists, the character who is my stand-in is Cubby
I think most writers, in their work, have a character who is kind of them. I think lots of people might imagine it’s Justine for me, but really, I’m Cubby. I have a charmed life, I am optimistic, I see the sunny side of everything. Badness shocks me. I’m a bit oblivious and careful.

The first drafts of the Disillusionists were entirely handwritten - all three books
I used to write really slowly, and I was fussy about my pens, and would have specific music. And then I would type the stuff in and print out the pages and revise by hand. I can’t believe I got the books done as fast as I did. I’ll still write by hand if something requires deep thought, but today I write onto the computer. Once unthinkable to me!!

I write super smutty stuff under a pen name that was secret until last week
I love writing hot, so I got the idea to do a fun side project where I make up a secret pen name (Annika Martin) and write the most dirty stuff I could think of. But keep it mostly secret because I worried about putting off Carolyn Crane readers, and what my family and freelance clients would say, etc. I’m not this thrillingly bold person. Anyway it got too weird and stupidly wink-wink to keep it a secret, so now I’m just being out with it, which is a big thing for me. It will be a problem with some people in my life, but I’m glad it went this way. I think it’s a good exercise for a worrywart like me to let the chips fall where they may. Like my reckless character Simon always says!

Cats rule my life
Seriously, every bit of my life is ruled by cats. My husband and I make them really elaborate foods, like tonight they ate a mixture of raw bison, raw chicken, sweet potato and pureed veggies. And after dinner every night, my husband and I a lot of times sit for a few minutes and talk about how cute the cats are. We are TOTAL dorks. Also, can you tell we don’t have kids?

Now that the Disillusionist series has ended what are your plans? Do we have another series to look forward to?

Yes! Actually two.

Spy Paranormal Romance book #1: MR. REAL: This is the series of my heart - I prolly shouldn’t go around saying that in case people hate it, but it is. The first book is entitled Mr. Real. I’m self publishing it. It’s weird and hot and wild.

Dark Forest: My UF adventure series, more of a traditional UF. It’s on the humorous and sexier side, and takes place in northern Wisconsin. Kind of a rural gothic book where even the deer heads on the walls of the rustic supper club look vaguely vampiric. Contains one of my favorite heroes I ever wrote. It’ll be bit more until that’s out.

Describe the Disillusionist series in 3 words!

Plotty, psychological, quirky.

What drew you do writing Urban Fantasy, has any author in particular inspired you?

Laurell K. Hamilton inspired me. I just remember reading her Anita Blake series and feeling so breathlessly excited about it. I loved the magic, and the mystery, and the men. It just seemed to contain everything I wanted in a book.

Urban fantasy seems full of possibilities to me.

What I loved about your Disillusionist trilogy was that everyone was painted in shades of grey, no one seemed to entirely be a "good" or "bad" guy, especially Otto and Packard, how hard was this to write, especially with how the trilogy ended?

Oh thanks!! That is something that is so important to me and it means a lot that you’d point it out. One of my idols, F. Scott Fitzgerald, once said that [huge paraphrase here] an author should be able to argue both sides of an issue or dilemma in a book, or else it’s boring. That’s an idea I take to heart. And really, I get a little bored when I read a book where the hero is only bad and the heroine is only good. And as a writer, that bores me, too. So, to answer your question, letting things be a bit gray makes my job more fun and interesting.

But really, the whole bit with [my bad guy], and the way the trilogy ended, I felt deeply mournful about him. [my bad guy] is such a tragic figure to me. It was important to me to allow him at least a bit of redemption there at the end.

What inspired Midcity and the Disillusionist series, was it something you had on your mind, or something that you carefully planned?

A lot of ideas start with “what if” scenarios, and mine sure did. I had just read a super depressing book, and it made me feel bad. Disillusioned with life. I thought, if I had an enemy, I would give them this book as a gift, so that they could feel as disillusioned as I did. And then I thought, what if there were people who actually did that? Psychologically attacked people? What it if was a hit squad? When I got that hook, I was reading Laurell K. Hamilton at the time, and I thought, this could be urban fantasy plot.

Justine had a bad case of hypochondria, and her friends all have their own issues. Did you have to do any research in to those neurosis to help write your characters?

No! LOL. It’s all just imagining. I went through a time of being freaked out about my health - not like Justine, but enough to be able to imagine how debilitating it would be to have the extreme version of that. Or, to be extremely angry, extremely paranoid. I think we all contain enough of those things - and know enough people - to fill in the blanks.

If you had to chose a couple from a different series for Packard and Justine to go on a double date, which couple would you chose and what would they do?

Hah! Great question. Well, I love Clay and Elena from Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. It might be nice for them to go to a country house for a weekend. I think Packard and Clay would get along well, as would Justine and Elena. Clay and Elena could run around while Packard and Justine lounged. Then they could make sumptuous dinners together.

If you were a member of the Disillusionist gang, what neurosis would you use to zing people?

Snort. I have this thing where, as soon as I leave the house, I think I might have left the stove on, or that I might have forgotten to lock the door and I have to go back and look. Sometimes twice! I suppose that’s a touch of OCD. But, that would really mess up a criminal, don’t you think? To zing them with it?

Do you have your own personal Gumby? If you do, what position would he be in right now?

I have no Gumby! I mean to get one. Though, actually my cat would destroy it. But, he’d be…middling. I have to go exercising soon and totally don’t want to.

Thank you so much for stopping by Carolyn!!

Author Bio:
I’m a writer living in Minneapolis with my husband and two daring cats. I work a day job as a freelance advertising writer, and have for years. I’ve also waited tables at a surprising number of Minneapolis restaurants and bars (though not as many, incidentally, as my writer husband has). I’ve also been a shop clerk and a plastics factory worker, which I was dismal at (think I Love Lucy).
Also, I can relate almost any life experience to one or another Star Trek episodes, and if you invite me to your party, your cheese plate will be in grave danger. During rare moments when I’m not at my computer, I can be found reading in bed, running, helping animals, or eating Mexican food.

Stalk Her:
Website | Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook | Newsletter | Blog

Ms. Crane is giving away a choice of her backlist. You can choose print or ebook copy of

Mind Games or Double Cross or ebook of Devil's Luck or Head Rush.

Open internationally.

Read Our Reviews:

Mind Games | Double Cross | Head Rush | Devil's Luck

To enter:

1. Be a follower

2. Fill out the form below

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Review: Superlovin' by Vivi Andrews

2012-05-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

Superlovin'

by Vivi Andrews

(Midnight Justice # 2)

Argghhhhhh I'm so upset I didn't love this story! This is the first short story I read from this Midnight Justice anthology but I think the concept is fresh and cool. I mean, we are talking about superheroes here! Very League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and all.

Darla aka DynaGirl happens to come across someone breaking into a records vault. He's a bad guy, so she has to apprehend him. Except he's very sexy and he kind of gets under her skin. When he gets away from her, she can't be outdone by a villain, and makes it her mission to find him and bring him to justice.

But Wroth had a good cause for what he was doing. Typical good guy acting the villain for a good cause. He just wanted to save his sister.

This sounds like fun right? And then add in the fact that the dialogue is funny and I should've been hooked. But I wasn't, not that much. I mean I liked it ok but it was missing a certain something that I can't really put my finger on. It was still an entertaining read if you like this type of setting, definitely something that I'd like to see more of as far as plots and storylines. I will check out the other two stories in this Midnight Justice anthology.

Purchase Links: AmazonLoading...

Covers to Covet

2012-05-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

My FAVORITE Chicagoland Vampires cover yet!

Can't wait!! What do you think?

Review: Daughter of Lust by Ann Mayburn

2012-05-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Daughter of Lust

by Ann Mayburn

(For the Love of Evil #1)

I loved the setup of this story and the world. Demons and humans and angels. Natalia has been living as a human without knowing she is actually the daughter of Asmodeus, High Prince of Hell and Keeper of Lust. Asmodeus, as well as his minions, have certain urges and his daughter is awakening to her own base urges, while in the mortal world, without any guidance.

Asmodeus is fighting Belal, Keeper of Sloth, who wants to take over the mortal world. The key to stopping him will be his half-demon daughter. So he sends his trusted guards, Raum, to help her and at the same time put a stop to Belal.

We obviously have Natalia, who is a very likeable heroine. She is struggling with her desires and her attraction to not only one but two men, as well as her blood thirst. Raum is a sexy as all hell (pun intended) demon. HOT HOT HOT. I even liked Gregor in all his bad boy glory and how they all fell in love and connected.

I think what I liked the most about this story is the fact that the author decided to make this historical, I think it adds another level of taboo to Natalia's awakening and made the story even more interesting.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in this series! I can't wait.

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Stetsons and Smexin' with Tell - SIGN UP!

2012-05-23T22:01:00.002-07:00

Sign up for the Kissin' Tell Kick Off Tour

Tour dates: June 13 - June 26
Hosted by Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews and Under the Covers Book Blog

We are inviting blogs who love the Rough Riders series as much as we do to participate in the Kissin' Tell Kick Off Tour. Each blog will get a different book from the series to post about, so whether you want to put up a review, post you favourite scene, post pictures of nekkid cowboys or generally anything else you fancy doing, it would be great! We are hoping that each blog will do a giveaway. Lorelei will provide each blog with swag or a gift card for their winner. She is also doing a grand tour prize of a Nook color or Kindle Fire, Winner's Choice.

Each blog will post the Kissin' Tell Cover and excerpt, review if you have one. ARCs of Kissin' Tell will be available to tour participants if they are ready in time.

I really hope you will join us, it promises to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to tell your followers about a series you love.

We will give more details once we set the official tour schedule.

What do we need from you now? If you are interested in joining this tour, please fill out the form below to be considered for a date. Then just wait for a confirmation email, which will be sent out as soon as we have the schedule organized. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at underthecoversbookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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Dirty Little Secret # 49

2012-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

This week's question (thanks to Niina C for the suggestion):

What's the sexiest item of clothing a hero can wear in a novel?

Our Answer:

Angela: Jeans that's hung low, commando and no top. I've read multiple books with heroes with this get up and it just never gets old. A good visual for this the cover for Too hot to touch by Louisa Edwards. I've actually requested hubby to cook topless and just jeans and he just looked at me like I'm crazy. *shrugs*

Francesca: I'm going to have to say the same thing as Ang. There's something sexy about a barefoot man with jeans, no shirt, showing sexy abs and even sexier trail to.... Well you get the picture. I was thinking about tight leather pants and no shirt but then that always makes me think of sweaty balls.

Annie: Give me a guy that looks like the cover of Pamela Clare's Breaking Point with the sexy abs and dirt smeared chest, the low slung jeans and boots and I'm all set for the night!

Suzanne: The best piece of clothing a hero can wear....why no clothing of all of course! But, if he has to wear something I like a hero who rocks the very faded jeans look, he doesn't have to wear anything in top but some gorgeous abs!

Now it's your turn!

Nominations are open for the best Dom!

2012-05-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

Last year we had our first Dom's Dungeon where Jack Cole (Wicked Ties by Shayla Black) was crowned Top Dom of 2011! Check out the battle here. It's almost time to open up the Dungeon again for some dominance games and we'd like YOU to nominate your favorite Doms!

Just fill out the form below with your nominations and tell us WHY you think that is the Ultimate Dom!

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Alpha Showdown: VOTE Lothaire!

2012-05-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Vampire Book Club have thrown us in the arena again for round two! So, we put our big girl panties on, picked up our brass knuckles and decided to kick some arse and remind the world that Lothaire, Enemy of Old from Kresley Coles Immortals After Dark series is the biggest, baddest and best Alpha out there.

So if you want to see Lothaire bring Dmitri (Guild Hunter) to his knees and beggin' for mercy then come and vote for us HERE!

First Annual Chicagoland Vampires Spring Fling

2012-05-23T07:24:00.003-07:00

About the Chicagoland Vampires Novels: Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit, the heroine of Chloe Neill’s New York Times bestselling series, found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. The sixth book in the series, BITING COLD, will be released on August 7, 2012.

Why I Love these Books: There are many reasons why I love the Chicagoland Vampires, starting with the characters. I love everyone in these books. Ethan is sexy as hell, Catcher makes my heart beat fast, and I love Merit! But there's more to the story than just that. Vampire politics are always interesting for me to read about and the way this book has the Chicago vampires divided into "houses" it's fun. And the one thing I've learned about Chloe Neill with this series is EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. You never know what the next turn of events will be with this series.

OUR REVIEWS

Did you Know?: Claudia, the queen of the fairies who resides in a Chicago park tower, rarely ventures outside her tower. She’s only ridden in cars on five occasions, and she’s never eaten in a restaurant.

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THE TOUR

May 21
- Mystifying Paranormal Reviews
- Tynga’s Reviews

May 22
- A Book Obsession
- Goldilocks & the Three Weres

May 23
- Literary Escapism
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May 24
- Nina Reads
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May 25
- Looksie Lovitz
- Starry Night Book Reviews

ARC Review: Let Me In by Callie Croix

2012-05-22T09:29:00.001-07:00

Let Me In

by Callie Croix

When Talia returns home from the marines, she is welcomed by her best friend and her old brother, Liam. For years, Tal has been considered a great family friend to Liam but he doesn’t know that she harbors some intense feelings for him.

As a shameless flirt, Liam brings forth a happiness in Talia that she cannot deny. With her mother’s mental illness weighing down on her shoulder and the stress of her job, she loves that she is just able to be herself while in Liam’s company.

However, when Liam accompanies her to visit her home and her mother, Talia’s life is exposed. He sees the mess - and in this case, it’s a literal mess because her mother is a hoarder – of her life and Talia feels embarrassed by it. However, Liam doesn’t grimace at the sight of the stacks of useless stuff that pack her mother’s home. He doesn’t flinch with her mother tries to attack those who are threatening to take away her possessions. He is simply there, giving Talia his much needed presence for when she eventually breaks down.

I loved this book. For a short story, Croix is able to convey the pain and embarrassment that family members of hoarders experience. Though Talia loves her mother unconditionally, she sometimes feels embarrassed when her mother lashes out or when others see the collection of useless junk that her mother holds dear.

The spotlight on the mental illness really sparked my interests because that’s what I went to school for. So to see that in a book and to see how Croix handled it was interesting. I think she did an excellent job of outlining the daily troubles Talia’s mother experiences.

Croix does a great and believable job of building the trust between Tal and Liam. Though there are some times when Tal crawls back inside herself, I thought it brought some great moments that made the ending that much more satisfying. I really enjoyed the epilogue. It ended so perfectly.

But for me, the best part of this book is Liam. I wish there were more men like Liam out there. He was so caring and so understanding of Talia’s feelings that he fell right into my heart early on in this book. Even though Talia pushed him away, both physically and emotionally, Liam still stood his ground. And I absolutely loved that about him. There’s also the added bonus of him being dominant in bed and the fact that he loves giving out orders.

LET ME IN is a great story that portrays the great and the not-so-great times of life and the formation of a bond unbroken by the darker times. I would definitely recommend this book to readers!

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