Muffi Beyer’s Scavenger Hunt

Genre: Fantasy romance
Flame rating: Warm
Released: April 2013
Tour long Giveaway:  First place- $20 GC to Amazon or B&N
Dates: 5/10/2013 thru 5/31/2013

Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Super Duper Important- Scavenger Hunt Instructions:

There are 15 (fifteen) stops for this Scavenger Hunt. Each stop contains a picture/button with a letter on it. All 15 letters form a message or phrase that is associated with the book. The letters are scattered randomly to the hosts. You will need to collect all 15, unscramble them, and then enter the decoded message in the Rafflecopter for the ‘extra entries’. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BadBarbsPlace    5/10- Fri
Candlelight Book Promotions    5/10- Fri
Cristal Ryder    5/11- SAT
Darker Temptations   5/12- SUN
Lea Barrymire    5/13- Mon
I am a book addict…and proud of it    5/14- Tue
AJ Jarrett    5/15- Wed
A.M. Griffin    5/20- Mon
Unearthly Musings   5/21- Tue
Anya Richards    5/22- Wed
For Whom The Books Toll   5/23- Thur
Nightstand Novels   5/25- SAT
Tattooed Book Review   5/26- SUN
Coffee & A Book Anytime   5/28- Tue
Amy Ruttan    5/31- Fri

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Bio:

Muffi Beyer grew up on the beaches of Malibu and has spent her career writing for Hollywood.  Her credits include Days of Our Lives, Santa Barbara, Nash Bridges, Doc, Sue Thomas FBeye, and My Friends Tiger and Pooh.  She has also produced several reality shows including The Real World, Road Rules, and Project Runway Allstars. She currently spends her days writing her next paranormal trilogy, hanging with her kids and husband, walking her overweight Italian Greyhound, and recording her dreams for future projects. This is her first novel.

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Muffi-Beyer/549879745043402

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MuffiBeyer

Website: http://www.MuffiBeyer.com

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Blurb:

Rachel appears to have everything – a beautiful home on Malibu Beach, a successful career as a film director, and even an adorable four year old son. But Rachel’s world quickly implodes when her son dies in a tragic accident and she realizes all her success and money have left her alone and aching for the one thing she can’t seem to achieve—love.

Reeling from the loss of her son and her ex’s indifference, Rachel throws herself into work and heads to Ireland to film her next project. Once there, she’s plagued with vivid dreams and a gnawing sense of déjà vu. But Rachel’s tough exterior really begins to crumble when she spots a statue in the town square and is shocked to realize it’s the exact replica of the man who has haunted her dreams for months—a handsome stranger for whom she feels a deep and mysterious attraction…

Will Rachel choose love even at the expense of her own sanity? Or is her love for the man of her dreams more real than anything here on earth…?

“Exile is a deeply romantic psychological thriller that will take you on a roller coaster exploration of grief, logic, and the transcendental nature of love…”

Anya Richards, best selling author

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Exile-ebook/dp/B00CB4YJEG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365705228&sr=8-1&keywords=exile+muffi+beyer

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exile-muffi-beyer/1115098446?ean=2940016749693&itm=1&usri=exile+muffi+beyer

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/305085

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Exile/book-EOu_tM-HkkOcZKuKVRNbIw/page1.html

Excerpt:

“And our first kiss, behind your Da’s shop,” Daniel says, his voice low, filled with emotion.“We were but thirteen.”

Yes. My first kiss. The only man I’d ever kissed. I can see his face now, so earnest, so eager, and frightened too. I watch the way his long, auburn eyelashes touched his pale cheeks as he leans in. I feel the scratch of his slightly chapped lips against mine, his breath warm against my cheek as he opens his mouth. I taste the slightest hint of strawberry jam. I was in love. This is what I remember.

I turn slowly to face him. No matter what I remember, I remind myself it’s just a trick of my mind. Synapses misfiring. A chemical imbalance. The definition of a hallucination is that you could swear it’s real. This is nothing more than that, I struggle to convince myself.

“You remember don’tcha, Katie?”It’s not a question. It’s a plea. I’ve never seen anybody want anything more. Want me more.

“My name’s Rachel. And no, I don’t remember. I don’t remember any of that.”

He blinks, as if I’ve just reared back and slapped him, but he quickly recovers. He doesn’t believe me, or maybe he simply refuses to do so.

“I understand. I swear I do. This is hard for ya.” He waits for me to say something, anything to keep us here, together. I bite down each and every question racing through my mind. Swallow the urge to throw my arms around him and collapse in a flood of relieved tears. I stand strong, hoping he doesn’t notice my knees are about to buckle.

“I’ll not come to you again. I can see what it’s doin’ to ya. When it’s time, you come to me, Katie. I’ll wait for ya. I’ll wait forever if it comes to that.”

 

Same Old, Same Old

It’s so sad really. I have nothing new to report. Things have been going well, just not much has changed and I really hate to blog about nothing at all.

Okay, so a few things have happened. The surgery date is creeping closer and I feel a feverish need to have my next WIP written and submitted before that happens. Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Unless these characters shove me out of the driver’s seat and take over. Which they might do! I can hope they will at least. But I think I could probably be close to finished with the story in two weeks. If I can write 20k a week…yeah, we’ll see about that.

Next cool thing to happen is I learned a writer I look up to read Primal Song and “loved” it. I think my heart jumped in my throat because there is nothing more amazing than writers whose books you devour reading your working and saying “I really liked it” or something similar. It’s the ultimate compliment and one of the first I’ve had like that. I’m not going to say who she is, but just knowing she liked it is enough to buoy my confidence in the skillz of writing.

The other cool thing happened first thing this morning. My editor sent me an email saying she was accepting the third book in the Cajun Heat series, loosely titled Primal Flavor. Can we all say yay? Of course, part of me is thinking I need to keep my mouth shut. Oh those painful lessons learned when I was a wee writer have stuck with me. But for now, I’m going with optimistic. Yes, me. Optimistic. Amazing, isn’t it?

So yeah, I think that’s it. Really not that much to report. They’re all awesome things, well except for surgery, but that’s motivating me to get my butt in gear and handle up on this story which is a good thing. I have a plan…and enough books to last at least the next five years. Now if only I had won the powerball…

Spotlight on Tyler Robbins

Today I have the spotlight on m/m erotic romance author, Tyler Robbins. Here’s a little about Tyler’s latest release, A Beautiful Lie which came out on April 28, 2013!

Blurb:

Jesse Reagan has had more than his share of tragedy, and he may have been dealt another blow when, once again, cancer threatens the sister who raised him. Faced with the possibility of being left behind, Jesse vows to care for her young son, though he’s not convinced he can.

When Trip Cantrell returns to town, he’s blindsided the instant he’s reunited with his kid brother’s lifelong friend, Jesse. His inability to find happiness in the years he’s been gone, suddenly makes sense. Love’s been waiting at home all along.

Life begins to look promising, except for the fact that neither have come out of the closet publicly, and that’s not even their biggest problem. Someone has a secret so shocking they may never find a way past it.

Will they be accepted in their small Texas town, or will secrets, lies, and the threat of tragedy destroy everything?

Excerpt:

Trip could feel the tension radiating from the other man. Following his instincts, he gripped Jesse’s shoulder and squeezed. “You’re not alone you know. If you ever want to talk or need help with anything, let me know.”

Jesse turned his head, shocking the hell out of Trip by leaning in to where Trip held his shoulder, slightly brushing his cheek against Trip’s fingers.

Trip tightened his grip, savoring the feel of Jesse’s skin touching his. Was he imagining it?

Jesse slowly lifted his chin as his green eyes, darkening by the second, settled on Trip.

Trip’s heart raced, and his hardening c**k pressed against the zipper of his jeans. Was this really happening?

He inched closer, inhaling deep, losing himself in the aroma of Jesse’s quite memorable cologne. He swallowed hard, his lips tingling at the thought of Jesse’s mouth on his.

Jesse’s chest rose and fell, his breathing grew louder by the second, infiltrating Trip’s mind until his own breaths caught up, matching Jesse’s pants breath for heated breath. Jesse’s eyelids lowered to half-mast, his desire obvious as f**k.

Trip reacted on instinct alone, no thinking, just doing. He pulled Jesse closer until their lips were centimeters apart. Jesse’s exhales warmed Trip’s skin.

The night went silent the instant Jesse’s soft lips grazed Trip’s.

Seconds felt like hours until Trip engulfed Jesse’s mouth all together. With hungry sweeps, Trip dove deeper, sucking, and tangling his tongue with Jesse’s. He cupped the back of Jesse’s neck, and held on as their mouths warred for dominance over the other.

Trip gasped when Jesse’s wandering hand discovered his erection through his jeans. “F**k.”

Hot air poured over Trip’s neck as Jesse’s kisses blanketed his throat.

“I’ve wanted to do that all night.” Trip splayed his fingers through Jesse’s silky, black hair, hoping against hope Jesse would move his mouth lower.

Jesse fumbled with the buttons on Trip’s shirt, and plucked the first few open. He worked his way across Trip’s chest, circling Trip’s erect nipples with his warm, wet tongue. “S**t, Jesse.” Trip struggled to catch his breath. Everything was so intense, moved so fast, Trip could hardly tell if it was real.

He leaned Jesse back, seizing the few stolen moments he hoped were actually happening. His kisses grew heavier, and his need increased. He’d take it as far as Jesse would let him. He had no choice. Please let this be real.

Buy Links:
Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-beautiful-lie-by-tyler-robbins/ 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/17uaLNM 
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-abeautifullie-1186614-145.html  

Tyler’s Links:
Blog: http://www.tylerrobbins.org 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.badillo 
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/author.tyler.robbins 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Robin_Badillo 
TRS short link: http://wp.me/p2Qg31-5CR

Heidi Lynn Anderson Guest Blog

Hey y’all, today I have the awesome Heidi Lynn Anderson on my blog with an interview and a little snippet of her latest release, Maggie’s Desire. It’s scorching hot, so get your fans ready!

Series: Welcome to Paradise: Book 2
Genre: Contemporary FMF Menage
Flame rating: Scorching
Released: 5/4/2013
Publisher: Silver Publishing

Dancia: Are you a plotter or a pantser, or a hybrid?
Heidi: I guess I’m a hybrid. When I start a story, I really don’t know what is going to happen, but as the story unfolds, I plot out the next chapter in my head. Mind you, I can’t remember what I plotted in my head, so I have to put on my pantser pants and let my fingers fly.

Danica: In your opinion, what makes a great hero?
Heidi: That is a great question. I think a great hero has some flaws and is willing to do what it takes to get his girl.

Danica: Do you prefer strong women for heroines, or the ‘damsel in distress’ type?
Heidi: I like the strong heroine. I think all women have week moments, but are still strong. I try to use that when developing my heroines. You can be a strong woman and need someone to lend you a hand. If that someone happens to be a sexy man so be it.

Danica: What book are you currently reading?
Heidi: Whiskey Beach By Nora Roberts and Be with me by Maya Banks

Danica: Do you have anything in common with your characters?
Heidi: I try to put a little bit of myself in all my characters. The good the bad and the ugly, all get into my stories somehow.

Danica: What item, or items, is absolutely necessary to your writing mojo?
Heidi: I need my laptop and a diet Pepsi.

Danica: Do you have any rituals for writing or special locations that you prefer to inhabit when you’re writing?
Heidi: Before I sit down to write I need to make sure all my emails are cleaned out of my inbox.

I have a chair in my family room that fits my butt to a tee, so if my cat isn’t sleeping in it, that’s where I like to write.

Danica: Right now, what items are on your desk that you’d be embarrassed to admit to?
Heidi: Okay so I have a dirty secret. When a story has it’s claws in me, like it does right now. My poor family has to shovel me out from under the piles of dirty dishes and papers and what not that has built up during the day. They put on their HAZMAT suits and pull me out kicking a screaming. It is not pretty.

Bio:

By day, Heidi Lynn Anderson is a wife, mother, and owner of a small Green-Cleaning company. By night, she spins erotic tales featuring hunky heroes and the women they love. When not working or writing, Heidi likes spending time with her husband and son, doing what Florida has to offer.

Website: http://www.heidilynnanderson.com/

Maggie’s Desire
Welcome to Paradise 2

Blurb:

Who would have thought a plan to get the attention of one man, would have Maggie Blake taking two men to her bed?

Maggie Blake has one desire, to experience what the way-too-sexy Brian O’Malley has to offer in bed. Too bad, he thinks of her as an annoyance and not as the hot willing woman she is.

Brian has one rule in life. Never let a woman too close, but club Paradise’s sassy little bartender threatens to change that rule and wiggle her hot little ass into his damaged heart.

Purchase Link:

Silver Publishing

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Her mind conjured up images of their naked bodies fused together. White-hot pleasure bubbled inside her soul. Maggie forced her eyes open and stared right at Brian. She could all but feel him lean in and flick her earlobe with his tongue. A shiver danced over the tender flesh like a whisper. Her teeth bit hard into her bottom lip. She stifled the moan burning in her throat. Maggie’s breasts yearned to be touched. Her pussy flared with moist heat.

She wanted him bad. Swallowing back a whimper, Maggie squeezed her thighs together to relieve the throbbing ache between them. “God, you’re pathetic,” she said aloud. “You wouldn’t know what to do with Brian if you had him hot, hard, and calling your name.”

“What was that, Maggie?”

She jumped and spun. “Holy shit, Logan. Where did you come from?”

He frowned. “I’ve been here for ten minutes.”

“You scared the crap out of me.”

His eyes narrowed. He rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “Are you feeling okay?”

She stepped back. “I’m fine. It’s hot in here is all.” Her cell vibrated against her hip and she jumped again. “Shit.” Maggie fished the phone out of the pocket of the too tight jean cut offs. “Have I told you today, the uniforms here suck?”

Logan sent her a heart-melting smile. “Not from where I’m standing.”

She pulled denim down her leg so the shorts looked more like shorts and less like bikini bottoms. “Next time I’m going with you and Julie when you go shopping for new outfits.”

“If you had it your way, we would all wear over-sized cargo pants and baggy T-shirts.

She grinned up at him. “Just the women. The men would wear tight shorts and no shirts.” Her cell vibrated again. “Crap.” She glanced at the screen.

 NICK: The eagle has landed.

 She checked the time. “Holy shit, I’m going to be late.” Her pathetic fantasizing had her losing all track of time. She took a breath, pulled herself together, and typed back. Haven’t left work yet. See you in twenty.

Shoving the phone back into her snug pocket, she gazed at Logan. “Nick just landed.” Maggie motioned to the bar. “You got this?”

Logan sent her his signature grin. “No, but since Nick is here to help me and Ava with the new house, I guess I can make do.”

“Thanks.” She rushed out from behind the bar and pushed through the crowd toward the door. Maggie felt someone grab her ass. She spun and rammed her elbow into the offender’s ribs. “Back off, asshole.”

The guy stumbled. “Ouch, sorry. I was just going to ask if you wanted to go to a private room with me?”

She put her hands on her hips and examined him critically. People really pissed her off. “Hey, jackass. Just because this is a sex club doesn’t mean you can touch people without their permission.”

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Ava’s Pleasure

Welcome to Paradise 1

Blurb:

When prim proper Ava stumbles into a Miami sex club, she isn’t expecting to find the man from her dreams. Navy SEAL Logan is just wasting time between missions until this naïve and innocent woman turns his world upside down.

Of all the sex clubs, she had to walk into his. How was Ava Cullen supposed to know her prim and proper aunt was part owner of the premier sex club in Miami and a top-notch Dominatrix? When she stumbled into club Paradise and came face to face with her dream man, she had a feeling she stood on the precipice of something life changing.

Navy SEAL Logan Turner always knew he needed more out of life than the next mission. That’s why he opened Paradise with his best friend Julie. It didn’t hurt that he could reap the benefits of owning a sex club. That was until a sexy, doe-eyed woman walked in, making his control slip for the first time ever.

Purchase Links:

Silver Publishing

Cara Carnes’ Passion’s Claim

Cara Carnes- Pleasure Brigade Book 2

Passion’s Claim 

Cara’s Bio:

Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13.

In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves travelling, photography and reading.

More information about Cara can be found at www.caracarnes.com or on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcaracarnes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/caracarnes

Book Specific Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Wide Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb:

Autumn Scott succumbs to temptation and journeys to The Brigade, a private BDSM resort, for another naughty weekend with sexy neighbor Kade Berges. She expects a chance to further explore her fantasies, but finds herself wanting more when Kade and his three friends push her boundaries and welcome her into their world.Kade Berges hadn’t intended to share more than a few nights of passion with his insatiable New York neighbor, but thanks to meddling friends, he finds himself unwilling to accept anything less than Autumn’s full submission. Whether she’s ready remains to be seen.

Cover:

We knew there was no turning back once Autumn stepped into the lobby of The Brigade. Kade was going to have our nuts in a vice for bringing her here. The least we could do was get a few moments with her before she saw him—especially since she didn’t know Kade hadn’t invited her. And naturally, we were duty bound to make sure she was more than ready for the meeting.

~~Master Chase with a wicked smirk and a wink

Excerpt from Passion’s Claim, Book 2 of the Pleasure Brigade series:

“He doesn’t know I’m here.”

“Oh, he knows.” Lance pressed against her from behind and unbuttoned her blouse.

Heat ran across Autumn’s skin as Lance rubbed his way down to the next button. Pleasure coursed under her skin wherever he massaged. His other hand slid farther up her leg until his thumb softly swept across her wet slit.

“Such a good girl not wearing any panties. You’re so wet, Autumn.”

His growled words made her wetter, desperate for a deeper touch. She ground her pussy toward his hand, but he maneuvered away before she experienced the full heat of his touch. Frustration hissed from her clenched teeth.

“Get her any more worked up and I’ll fuck her right here,” Chase drawled.

“I’d fuck you right now if I had the choice,” Lance whispered in her ear. “I’ve dreamt of having that hot ass of yours, Autumn. It will be mine again.”

The shirt fell away from her. Hot hands ran across her skin. Her heartbeat accelerated though she doubted it could’ve been any more rapid than before. Her body begged for release.

“Satin and lace suit you, Autumn,” Chase commented as he separated her negligees from her other clothes. “We’ll let Kade choose which to keep, if any.”

“Nudity is always the loveliest attire.”

“I pity whatever sub you collar, Lorenzo.”

“Not happening until I find the special one. They are so rare.” Lorenzo reached across the table and ran his fingers over the swell of her breasts. “I won’t let either of you near her when I find her.”

“You haven’t seen Kade after that night, have you?”

Autumn bristled at Lance’s pointed question. The fact he knew the answer already was in his commanding voice. Deft fingers unclasped her bra to splay her breasts into Lorenzo’s waiting hands.

“So soft and innocent,” Lorenzo whispered. “And so ready.”

“You are very ready, aren’t you, Autumn?” Lance’s hands roamed to her waist. “Legs together.”

Autumn complied.

“Good girl.” Lance’s hands pushed down and her skirt pooled around her feet. “Such an obedient pet. I’d forgotten how much so.”

Buy Links:
Amazon
Ellora’s Cave
Barnes and Noble

Hysteria

Le sigh, why must it be Monday already? It feels as though the weekend just flew by and left my head spinning.

Probably because if I wasn’t napping, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Lovely imagery, but there ya go. Saturday should have been spent writing, but there was so much to do before our trivia night. I had headlight bulbs to get changed, groceries and food for my babies to buy and fingernail polish to conquer. Now before you say “Lord, she bought more fingernail polish?” I haven’t bought polish in at least two months. I think.

And I picked up some awesome colors! *skips* Yay!

Trivia night. Okay, in case you haven’t read about them before, teams of 6 get together to battle it out against other teams for first place. It’s sort of like Trivial Pursuit except a lot more fun. We always come out in the middle somewhere. I should probably start hanging out with people who listen to Country music because while we dominate the music category, I can only do so much *ducks* Oh. And I should probably also take my best friend’s advice when she says the most popular ice cream flavor is vanilla, not chocolate. Sorry Angie.

But we had fun. We weren’t drinking, yet we were still cutting up more than the other tables. Apparently I’m hysterical when I’m trying to get my mother to understand a question about silver being added to the penny. My sister nearly fell out of her chair laughing at me with my brother and best friend not far behind. Mais, I didn’t see what was so funny, but someone said something about me looking like a lion pouncing on a wounded gazelle. Poor Mom.

We came out in 8th place out of 17 teams. Not too good, not too bad, but we had a blast and plan to do it again next year. My cousin even suggested we have a family trivia night. Not just for fun, but also for practice because she wants to kick ass next time around.

Sunday was spent recovering from my misplaced belief that I was 20 again and could stay up until 4 am without a problem. *snort* I slept late, got up, saw my friend off for home then went back to bed. Oh, the sleep! Fat cat and doggie were happy to have Mommy in bed and not moving for several hours. They were so tired, you know. What does this mean? It means I didn’t write a single word all weekend long.

I tell myself that’s okay because while I didn’t write, I brainstormed. Yes, that’s what I told myself as I saw on the sofa and watched X-Men: The Last Stand, Pineapple Express, The Green Hornet, and Vikings. I was brainstorming! And I slept like absolute hell last night because my characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

So what did you do this weekend?

Book Spotlight on Anya Richards

Title: Dragon’s Claim
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Flame rating: Sorching
Released: 4/5/2013
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Tour long Giveaway: $10.00 GC for Amazon, B&N or ARe AND a copy of either Stone-Hard Passion OR Fleeing Fate 

Dates: 4/5/2013 thru 4/19/2013

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bio:

After living a checkered past, and despite an avowed disinterest in domesticity, multi-published erotic romance author Anya Richards settled in Ontario, Canada, with husband, kids, an adorable pup and a cat that plots world domination, one food bowl at a time. Her slightly darker alter-ego, Anya Delvay, emerges occasionally to write erotica. 

Interested in all things historical and hysterical, Anya describes herself as intensely curious, (although the word ‘nosy’ has been bandied about) and a life-long people-watcher. Using what she’s discovered about people, places and various weird and wonderful things, Anya has written contemporary, historical and paranormal/fantasy romance novels, novellas and short stories for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Cleis Press and Spice Briefs.

To find out more, please drop by Anya’s website at www.anyarichards.com, follow her on Twitter or like her onFacebook.

Blurb:

Book three in the Unveiled Seductions series.

Talathion Frostbane was tasked with saving his people and took on the responsibility unflinchingly. Yet all it takes to throw his entire existence into chaos is one encounter with the wyvern-shifter he spurned two hundred years before. The passion between them is as strong as ever, but there’s no escaping the expectations of the clan. And giving in to the all-consuming desire for the dragonkin would have devastating consequences.

When Hervé Cinq à Sept travels to the Fey city of Leaich, searching for answers after someone tries to kill him, what he finds rocks his world in a variety of ways and leads him down a path of inescapable hunger. As he finds himself on his knees, lost in desperate need and heading for heartbreak, he realizes why, as a species, the dragonkin no longer believe in love. It’s so easy to lose everything—pride, independence, control—when the one you want to claim can never be yours.

Excerpt:

The wyvern had always been handsome. As a young dragon just past his majority he’d shown evidence of the man he’d become. But then his beauty was that of youth—fresh, brash and still somewhat unformed. Now, in the prime of his life, he was no longer beautiful but absolutely, completely magnificent. Time had scourged all softness from his face and left it fierce and powerful with a calm strength Talathion found compelling. His shoulders seemed broader, his chest and arms more muscular, another sign of the changes maturity had wrought. The tattoos above his ear and peeking out from beneath the collar of his black shirt gave him an aura of danger, of being a man unafraid to stand out.

Just looking at him gave Talathion a shock of excitement, yet it was the wyvern’s eyes, their expression, he most wanted to see. From the moment they’d met, from the very first time he’d looked into that emerald gaze, it had haunted him. Sometimes those eyes danced with laughter, at other times they were serious or coolly arrogant, but no matter the expression they were always enthralling. And when the eyelids drooped, veiling but not concealing the flash of dragonfire, the unmistakable sexual energy surrounding Hervé flared hot and wild…

Talathion closed his eyes, thankful Hervé’s attention had been focused on whatever he was doing. Their time together had been so long ago it had no bearing on the present. And undoubtedly his reminiscences had been altered by the vagaries of memory.

I can’t let old longings deflect me from what needs to be done. I have to get back to Leaich.

Yet just that quick glance at the man who’d stolen his heart at a time when he could least afford to give it made his flesh tingle, the muscles beneath grow taut and hot. A sudden, heightened awareness of his nakedness beneath the covers made his fingers clench into fists. He tried to ignore the pressure building in his groin, but was glad of the quilt bunched across his lap as his cock stirred and began to rise.

“So, are you hungry?”

In ways I don’t dare admit to.

Guest Post With Afton Locke

Rose, Exposed – Sex in the South

 

Thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited to discuss sex in the south and my recent release, Rose, Exposed, a multicultural historical erotic romance set in the 1930s.

The grand prize for the tour is vintage-style rose earrings for pierced ears (U.S. shipping address only).

To be eligible, COMMENT on this post. Comment should include the historical time period and geographical setting (when and where) you’d most like to see in a romance.

The tour winner will be announced at http://www.aftonlocke.com/RoseExposedTour.html on April 11th.

 

Sex in the South

I chose southern Maryland as the setting for my latest release, Rose, Exposed, because I wanted a romantic, sexy backdrop with small-town values to showcase my story. Sex in the south is nothing like Sex in the City. For starters, it’s a lot more romantic. As any romance novelist knows, getting in the mood involves the senses, and the south provides a smorgasbord for all five of them:

There’s plenty to see. The warmer it gets, the more nature comes out of hibernation and shows off her splendor. Lush greenery, flowers, and butterflies provide plenty of color. People dress in more colorful clothes too. The hotter it gets the less people wear, so plenty of tempting skin is on display, especially at the beach.

Look closely and you’ll see these people smiling more because they’re not freezing to death. (OK, I probably sound a little biased here. As I write this, it’s the end of March and they’re calling for 6 inches of snow tomorrow. What?) There’s nothing more romantic than the first warm day of spring. Just ask everyone who travels south for Spring Break.

The other touchy-feely southern element is humidity. A soft, sultry night is a caress all its own. Too much can be a turn-off, of course, but good sex is supposed to be a little hot and sticky. It’s like working out at the gym. If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not doing it right.

Nature also creates a lot of sound, from cicadas to melodic birdsong to the splash of water. If you go far enough, you might even hear the snap of an alligator’s jaws. Even the smells are intriguing. They’re sweet and floral or earthy and lush, making lovers part of the landscape in a primal way. For taste, how about some Maryland crab or a mint julep? And you know what they say about oysters.

I’ve also noticed emotional expression and friendliness increase from north to south. The more people emote and connect, the more likely they’ll end up in bed. There are a couple of drawbacks, though. In the southern small town, everyone will know what kind of sex you have, with whom, when, and how often.

Southern waterfront is also a magnet for mosquitoes. Nothing can ruin the mood quicker than several itchy welts appearing all over your body, especially realizing how many diseases they can carry. I had a long driveway in my teens and used to park halfway down on my dates with the engine off so no one would know we were there. Because of the mosquitoes, we had to make out with the windows up. One guy’s clothes became so drenched, his mother took one look at him when he got home and asked, “What the heck happened to you? Did you fall in the creek?” Mosquitoes even came up in the FLEs (final line edits) of my new release.

I plan to write more books set in the south, mosquitoes and all.

Rose, Exposed

 

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Release Date:  27 March 2013
eBook ISBN #:  978-14199-45205
Buy eBook:  http://www.ellorascave.com/rose-exposed.html
Stay tuned for reviews and more: http://www.aftonlocke.com/Rose.html

Video/trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bT9x9-Hlhw&feature=youtu.be

(I love creating trailers for all my books!)

Blurb

When Leroy Johnson gets promoted at the new oyster plant on Pearl Point, all he cares about is working hard. When he meets the flirtatious artist Rose Wainwright, however, nothing matters except getting her to the altar and into bed. Healing from a recent loss, he’s not about to let her go too.

Because Rose’s strict, social-climbing father doesn’t approve of dark-skinned Leroy, they court in secret anyplace they can find. Although Leroy’s raw passion can convince her to do almost anything, why can’t he understand she needs freedom, not marriage?

Her father wants her to be white, but Leroy wants her to be black. Playing both sides of the fence leaves this young biracial beauty exposed in more ways than one.

Excerpt (modified)

Rose, Exposed – Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2013 – All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

“You’re so…dark,” she exclaimed. Instead of the disdain he expected, he heard fascination.

Come on, lady. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a colored man before.

“Yes, I’m dark,” he agreed as he politely removed her hand, “which is why it’s not a good idea for us to sit alone together in this car. Someone might come along and jump to the wrong conclusion.”

A conclusion that could get him beat up or worse with the Klan close by on Oyster Island.

But before he could stop her, she clasped both sides of his face and pressed her sweet mouth to his. Aw, hell. A man only had so much self-control, and she’d just shattered his. Unable to stop himself, he plundered her delicate mouth. Her lips reminded him of rose petals, and he sucked the sweetness out of them as if he were a bee. The more he tasted, the more he wanted.

She opened, giving him access to her even sweeter tongue. Taking a big breath, he pulled away from her.

“We can’t do this. You’re white.”

She looked down at her upturned palms. “Then I really do look white?”

Leroy frowned. “Aren’t you?”

For the first time, her smile disappeared, making him shiver in his wet clothes. “The truth is, I don’t know what I am. I suppose that’s why I took this foolish drive.”

She must be biracial then, he realized, and not forbidden after all. The thought made him want to dance on the hood of the car. She still looked white, though. If he didn’t have the time to court a girl his own color, he sure didn’t have any for a complicated one like this.

“Kiss me again,” she demanded.

Without waiting for him to answer, she locked her hot, damp mouth on his again and tugged hard on his shoulders. Before he knew it, he was on top of her on the front seat. He wished her dress weren’t so thin when long, slender legs shifted restlessly under his. Dizzy with the scent of rain and her, he froze.

At that moment, nothing mattered except having her. He didn’t care if the entire Klan showed up, knocked on the window and caught him making love to her. It had been too damn long since he’d had a woman. He needed to stop this while he still could.

“Do you know what you’re asking for?” Lust had turned his voice into a husky croak.

She laughed and touched his face again. “I don’t know. What am I asking for?”

This girl was crazier than he’d first thought. What if someone less honorable than himself had stopped instead? She could’ve been raped.

“A whole lot of trouble.” He sat up. “Look, this is not the time or the place. Now let’s get you home.”

The sooner he could be rid of her—before she derailed him from his job, family, and everything else that mattered—the better.

WIPs Coming Soon

Rose, Exposed is the sequel to Plucking the Pearl, an interracial historical erotic romance.
http://www.aftonlocke.com/pearl.html

I have two more books planned for the Oyster Harbor series. Next up for romance are Sadie and Henry.

In addition to interracial/multicultural historicals, I also plan to keep writing erotic contemporaries.

Can an older woman find love with a hot male stripper? My current WIP, Two Hours to Entice, will answer that question.

Where readers can find me

I will be attending EC’s RomantiCon Oct 10-13, 2013 in Canton, Ohio – http://ecromanticon.com/:

Don’t miss the book signing on Oct 13^th.

I’m also hosting a Fabulous Fusion workshop with Koko Brown and Eve Vaughn to celebrate interracial erotic romance for EC’s Fusion line.

Web site: http://www.aftonlocke.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afton.locke

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aftonlocke

Newsletter – The Love Chronicle: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thelovechronicle/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159922.Afton_Locke

Café au Lait Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cafeaulaitbookclub/

 

 

The End

Normally when you’d hear or read those words, it’s not in a positive context.

To a writer though, The End are two of the sweetest words they can put to paper. Well, I’m sure “best” and “selling” top the list, but since that’s something you can’t control, my favorite words are “the” and “end”.

Why? Because it means I’ve completed another story. Oh sure, it may not seem so monumental to the reader. Hell, as a reader, I breeze through books like there’s no tomorrow and look for more. As a reader, I never want the story to end. But as a writer, it’s like a huge weight being lifted from my shoulders.

I’ve been working on this story on and off for several months. The characters were stubborn as all get out. They didn’t want to open to me. In fact, at the beginning, I started out with completely different characters, but once I figured out this story was about Zach and Colette, I went with it. Slowly. Painfully slow. Which is not my usual speed when it comes to writing. I thought the end would come a couple of weeks ago, but it turned out once I broke the shell my characters had around themselves, they had a lot to say. The 48k story turned into a 58k story turned into a 68k story and then ended at 79k.

Yowsa. But I can’t even begin to explain the sheer joy I felt when I wrote The End in bold letters. The. End. I threw my arms in the air and did a whole “whoo-hoo” thing, except that wasn’t enough. I needed to…jump to my feet and run around the house. My dog barked at me. I swear it’s because I startled her, not because I was singing. I picked up fat cat who was sleeping and sang to her as well. But throughout it all, this sense of elation, of complete happiness and relief drowned out any sense of goofiness. I wasn’t embarrassed by my actions. I didn’t care that I was acting like a kid on the last day of school.

I’d hit The End.

And what better way to celebrate than to sing this:

Ah, bliss. Le sigh.

Of course it isn’t really over. This story is starting its metamorphosis from a rough draft to a polished work. It has to go through the critique gauntlet and then revisions and then more revisions before I can send it to my editor. From there, it’s weeks until I know whether they’ll take it or not. *fingers crossed* But if things work out well, if the story is as good as I think it is, it should be brought to full life in early summer. I hope. Until then though, I’ll be working hard at the other stories that have been waiting their turn to be written. And there are a lot. Trust me.

So next time I’m griping because it takes so long to get my hands on a new book by one of my favorite authors…yeah, I’m going to read this blog post and kick my own ass. It takes time to birth a novel, y’all. Honest.

What stories are you impatiently waiting for? Or what stories do you have backing up your work load?

Book Spotlight Winning His Wife

Sandra Sookoo- Winning His Wife Portfolio
Title: Winning His Wife
Genre: Historical Romance
Flame rating: Warm

Released: 2/27/2013- eBook, 4/1/2013- print
Publisher: Twenty or Less Press
Word count: 40K
Tour long Giveaway: $10.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card
Dates: 4/1 thru 4/15/2013

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bio:
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi, and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is spicy or sweet, she loves to blend genres and oftentimes will add humor to the mix.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and engaging characters, Sandra likes to read, bake, taste new teas, watch The Big Bang Theory, and Psych as well as Finding Bigfoot and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World: it’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. When she’s not writing, she’s keeping things interesting at her Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband, who patiently answers questions she has about men, sci-fi-related subjects, and the odd “what if”.

Sandra loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com.

Website:  http://www.sandrasookoo.com
Believing is Seeing blog:  http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo
Profile Page Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo
Author Page Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Sookoo-author/149098339126
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2931453.Sandra_Sookoo

Blurb:
Fighting for independence goes beyond an infant nation, but love might just conquer all.

Captain Caleb Haslet has come home to Portsmouth, Rhode Island after two years at sea chasing pirates and keeping British ships from the fledgling American nation. He wants nothing more than to settle into domestic life and finally claim the new bride duty had forced him to leave behind.

Though she now has her own life doing charity work, providing prisoners with basic creature comforts, Abigail Haslet is both excited and anxious that Caleb thinks to take up where they left off. But, how can she give her heart to a man who’ll leave again when duty calls?

Caleb no longer wants a marriage of convenience. When plying Abigail with kisses and spending time with her fails, he decides to take advantage of his wife’s stint behind bars to make her see the truth—he’s in love with her.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5i4TlDEL8

Purchase Link:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLQJRE2/
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-winninghiswife-1091305-150.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/290022
ibookstore: http://www.ibookstore.com/products.php?i=B00BLQJRE2

“I do what I please, Caleb. You’ll find that out quickly.” She stared him down, holding his gaze as if it were a contest. “I never wanted a marriage of convenience.”

“Ha!” A bark of bitter laughter followed his outburst. “It’s hardly been convenient. In fact, it’s been damned inconvenient.”  Who willingly weds then embarks on a two-year mission without bedding his wife?

“You’ve been out fighting the British instead of staying home to protect me from them.” Was that a waver in her voice? She shot to her feet with her glare back in place.

“If only my orders had been to fight the British, it would have made our parting easier at times.” When she didn’t appear to want more of his story, he sighed and clasped his hands behind his back. “Commanding the Iroquois is my livelihood. I support you and this household with the profits I pull from the position. I won’t change that now.”

“I wouldn’t ask it of you.” Abigail crossed her arms over her breasts. “However, if you cannot commit to me and our home, we have no marriage. I’m well aware women have no intrinsic value in this society, especially when war is just started, but in this I remain firm. I’m not an object to be bought and set on a shelf to forget.” Her voice caught at the end of her speech.

Caleb’s heart lurched. Would she welcome him in their home while he was on leave? “Careful what you wish for, wife. I’ve been granted two month’s leave while the ship’s being repaired.”

“Oh?” One of her eyebrows arched.

“Aye. I will rectify the neglect with haste as I plan to bed you at my leisure.” There, he’d put forth his intentions. Let her make the next move.

A pretty blush colored her cheeks. “It’s not such an easy problem to solve.” The tendons in her neck worked with a hard swallow. “If you want me, you need to understand me, court me. I have my own life and interests besides being your wife—in name only.”

It was the second time she’d mentioned he hadn’t claimed her body. Did she want him to do just that? “Challenge accepted.” He walked to a sideboard where a few decanters of liquor rested on a silver tray. “And by the by, I refuse to sleep away from you tonight. You are my wife and I will bed down with you. Prepare yourself.”

“Fine, but prepare yourself for a cold reception. I’m not the sort of woman to open her legs simply because a stranger wishes a fast romp for a flimsy claim to ownership.” Turning so quickly her skirts flared, she stormed upstairs, stomping on each wooden step. A door slammed seconds later.

He grinned. “I have a proclivity for the chase.” It was his profession, after all. With a steady hand, he poured himself a fair measure of red wine. Winning his wife would be his finest adventure. Loving her would be his next.