Coming Soon: A Collection of my Short Stories

I'm determined to make 2014 more productive than 2013. My first release of the year will be a collection of my short stories previously published individually through Iron Rose Press. Also, there will be a couple of new works added. Look for a giveaway on Goodreads once it's in print. I'm also working on a couple of other projects which I hope to submit out to publishers within two months. Oh.. And isn't that guy on the cover simply darling? I think so :)

XD

This and That

Another year has passed by pretty darned quickly, and soon the holiday season will be here. I don't make resolutions for the coming year, but I have started my Christmas shopping.

I'm not one to do things last minute. And I have to admit that I do most of my shopping online. The selection is better than most stores around here, and the prices are often a heck of a lot cheaper. The hubs and I don't spend a lot on each other so that also makes things easier.

Once again this year I plan on giving a little extra to our local food-bank. It's a charity that I faithfully support since I've known people personally who have had to use it. It's my wish this upcoming season that more people do a little good in this world. Remember a little can go a long way even if you think what you can do is minuscule.

On the writing front it's been slow-going. I'm working on some non-romance. It isn't m/m either or remotely erotic. We shall see how that turns out, but the fact is that I have not been writing much period. The day job has been all consuming, and since it is the money maker at this time, I have to dedicate most of my time to it.

I hope all is good and well with everyone.

XD

A Freebie!

Link

I uploaded a story today to Smashwords. It was originally included in a now out of print antho that I was involved in. It's short, but free! Check out the blurb below. 

 Blurb: Spring is in the air and it's Easter weekend. Fox is on the hunt for something new and exciting, and finds it in the form of a sexy young twink named Trick. 

There's much more to Trick than his out-there attitude and unique style. Fox quickly finds that out during one night of hot, passionate sex. 

And what about those undies? Are they for freaking real? 

XD

Author Spotlight: Kelsey Blue

Time to time I feature a fellow author on this blog to help promote their work. This time I've chose to highlight a good online friend of mine and fellow Siren author, Kelsey Blue. She's had a new release recently, and I hope you give her a try. Her books are well written and did I mention the hot men?






Buy


Blurb: 

[Ménage and More: Erotic Interracial Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, sex toys, HFN]

Kendra Winters is a journalist who’s come across the story of a lifetime. A pack of shape-shifters is living in her city, hidden from the public eye through stealth and subterfuge. If she can expose them when all others have failed, she’ll go down in history and maybe finally get her editor off her back. At least, that’s the plan... 

Will Castle and Brad Cook can’t believe their luck when Kendra walks up to them in a bar. Not only is she smart, witty, and beautiful, but she’s interested in both of them. They hold a secret, though. They’re both shape-shifters, able to take on the forms of wolves at will, and they belong to a pack that are willing to do anything to keep their secret hidden. 

Will the boys be able to show her the error of her ways, or will Kendra forsake love for the headline of a lifetime?

Excerpt:

Kendra sipped at her drink as she watched the two men cross the road from her seat in the diner. She had originally been irritated to have arrived just as their meeting was ending, but it looked like the night wouldn’t be a total disaster after all. If she was lucky, maybe she could get close to the tall one with the cute smile and ply him with a drink or two. First things first, though…

She turned back to the counter and caught the eye of the waitress. “Excuse me, miss?”

The woman, whose nametag identified her as Trish, smiled. “Can I get you something?”

“I was wondering if you knew the men who just left. It’s just that I’m sure I’ve met the tall one somewhere before, but I can’t remember his name.”

The woman folded her arms. “Cut the crap, honey.”

Kendra felt her stomach flip. “Pardon me?”

Trish grinned. “I saw the little smile between you. You want to get in his pants.”

Blood rushed to her cheeks, and Kendra was thankful it wasn’t noticeable. “Oh. Yeah.” She feigned a sheepish grin. “He’s cute, right?”

“Definitely. The other guy, too.” Trish screwed up her brow. “Uh, tall one’s called Will, and the other guy’s…Nah, can’t remember. I know the huge guy they were with is called Raul. My boss has called him over before when someone needs ejecting from the premises.” She smiled. “Don’t let that put you off, though. They’re all always friendly. I don’t know what they talk about, but I guess it’s like a fitness group or something, since they’re all so buff.”

Kendra smiled and thanked the woman for the information, then left the diner and jogged across the road to join the queue outside the bar. As she waited to get in, she ran through a few ideas for meeting the two men. That was the plan, anyway. Her brain had a different idea, though, and inserted the two men into the ménage fantasies she’d had earlier that night. Suddenly she was very glad the night was cool. Otherwise she’d be sweating.

The line eventually shuffled forward and she was let inside the club. It was one she hadn’t been in before, but it didn’t take long to orient herself and head to the bar. There were no free seats, and no shifters, either. She turned to face the dance floor and tried to find the two men. After a few moments she caught sight of the shorter of the two men heading toward a booth near the rear of the building. Gotcha.

It took a few minutes to get the attention of the bartender, but once she had a drink in hand, she made her way across the room and walked straight up to the booth that the two men occupied. They both looked up as she smiled.

“Mind if I join you?”

The taller man, Will, moved up to let her sit. “Please. You were in the diner.”

“Methinks you followed us,” the shorter man said, though he was smiling. “I like that.”

She shrugged. “Life’s too short for coyness. You’re both cute and at the very least I’ll get a drink and some good company.”

Will laughed. “I’m always up for good company. I’m Will, and this is Brad.”

“Nice to meet you both.” She sipped her wine. “You from around here?”

“For a few years, now. We’re originally from out west.”

“Oh? Are you related?”


“Nah,” Brad said. “Just very good friends. We do everything together.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Everything?”

Brad only smiled, but his eyes said more. Her previously quashed mental images returned and this time she let them stay. She’d only come in the hopes of some information for her article, but if she could get something more fun out of the night, all the better.

“So, what do you two do for fun?”


Note: For some reason the other covers won't upload. You can view them by clicking the buy link.

http://www.bookstrand.com/katt-amongst-the-wolves

Katt Amongst the Wolves

Blurb: 

[Ménage and More: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, werewolves, HFN]

Katherine “Katt” Miller tracks and hunts the supernatural, in search of an ages-old vampire that long ago took her sister from her. He’s elusive, though, and in the last year there have been almost no sightings.

As a result of one of her nightly hunts, she meets Glen and his friend Mark. A three-person relationship isn’t something she’s used to, but she’s willing to try anything once, and soon finds herself in a smoking hot, if quirky, relationship.

At the same time, the vampire she’s been hunting resurfaces with an appetite for revenge for what Katt did to him. Will she manage to juggle a burgeoning relationship with a battle for her life? And how will she react when she finds out that her two new men are both werewolves?


http://www.bookstrand.com/shifting-michelles-boundaries

Shifting Michelle's Boundaries

Blurb: 

[Ménage and More: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, shape-shifters, HFN]

Michelle Needham’s sordid rendezvous with hunky Craig Matheson turns into a whole new experience when he reveals that not only does he want to see her again, but so does his best friend, Jack Page. She’s unsure at first, but decides to jump in with both feet and has an unforgettable night with the two men.

The closest of friends for many years, Craig and Jack are ecstatic that they’ve finally found a woman who’s willing to be with both of them. But they’re also worried. While she was accepting of their odd relationship, how will she react when she finds out that the two men are powerful supernatural beings, able to take on the forms of animals at will?

Will the lust triangle survive the incredible revelation, or will it all come crashing down around them? Either way, Michelle is in for a hell of a ride.


Added Note: All books are MFM and are also available on Amazon and other third party e-tailer sites except for Exposure which will be on third party sites in a couple weeks! Enjoy!


XD

Recent Fantastic Reads

I've been reading a ton of books lately, so I decided once again to share my favs with anyone who is interested. My reading tastes vary quite a bit as you can see.

Blurb: My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe. 

It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer--and to his other victims--lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next. 

Verdict: What an awesome read! This book totally engrossed me. It's the first in a series and as you can read from the blurb it's pretty unique and dark. 

Blurb: Grace Livingston Hill weaves an enchanting love triangle and introduces one of her most delightful characters in part one of the Miranda trilogy. Two sisters are as different as night and day--and inexplicably linked by the man they both desire. Kate Schuyler lives only for what pleases her in the moment, while Marcia Schuyler sacrifices her youth to marry her older sister's jilted fiance. Can Marcia endure living in borrowed clothes and a borrowed home with a borrowed husband? Is there hope to win her husband's love when Kate returns, spinning a web of deceit?

Verdict: This was a great romance in the purest sense of the word. It isn't hot or steamy, but the love is genuine between the hero and heroine. It's funny to think of this one as an historical since it was written about a 100 years ago as a contemporary for the time. If you're looking for an wholesome read with some pretty interesting characters and angst, try this one!

Blurb: A Fresh Start

Lily Farnsworth can thank a mysterious benefactor for the chance to open her own flower shop in Bygones, Kansas. But Tate Bronson is the biggest challenge the relocated Boston attorney has ever faced. Forget about tossing out the welcome mat—the handsome widowed rancher seems determined to keep Lily at arm's length. As everyone buzzes over the identity of the anonymous donor, Lily's doing her part to revitalize the struggling town. With the help of Tate's little girl-turned-matchmaker, can she create a garden of community and love deep in the heart of Kansas…and one special man?

Verdict: I like reading Harlquin's line of Christian romances. It's isn't really because of the religious element in them, but I find them easy reads that focus on the romance between the characters more so than anything else.

This book was a nice, easy read. Tate was a wonderful man, and I can see why Lily fell for him so easily. The blurb pretty much tells the jest of the story. This is also a series. I can't wait to read the next book. If small town romances are your thing, try this sweet read.

Blurb: A family struggles to survive bereavement, bombing and bitter rivalry... Patsy Rushton's brother Barney doesn't know the meaning of hard work, so when their father tragically dies, Patsy has no choice but to save the family's business. Meanwhile, Barney has got his girlfriend pregnant and, feeling trapped, he abandons her and leaves Merseyside altogether. But trouble follows Barney wherever he goes and when he learns of his sister's growing success, he can't help feeling resentful. Why is their mother, Beatrice, so quick to forgive him? Surely, she can't be blind to his faults? As Patsy is to discover, there's something else about Barney that is frightening her mother so much she has never dared to speak of it before.

Verdict: Anne Baker is one of my favorite authors. I adore her books and I don't think she's written a bad one. Love is Blind is a sweeping family saga set during the World War II. I got really enveloped in this story. Nancy was such a strong woman. If you're looking for an enticing read set during an interesting time, this book is the perfect read.

XD

Cover Reveal: Full-figured? Why yes she is!

I am extremely pleased to show off my cover for my upcoming menage, Risky Secrets. It's being published by Evernight Publishing and when the cover was first sent for me to view, I was thrilled. 

First the heroine is plus-sized. She's about a size 16. I knew when I sent the cover art form in that I wanted someone on the cover who looked like the heroine, Jayne. I have run across so many books where the heroine has a fuller figure, yet when you look at the cover she's thin or simply has huge breasts! It's a bit of a pet peeve for me and I'm glad I did not have to deal with that.

Risky Secrets has a release date. It's due to be out on August 14th! I'm excited!

XD

Recent Enjoyable Reads of Mine

On occasion I share recent reads that I have enjoyed. Some books stand out more than others and these are the books that I have enjoyed over the past few months.

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

Verdict: I really enjoyed this book. Philippa Gregory is known for her historicals. The people are real, but the story is fictional. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what it was like to live and survive back  then. At times I did feel like I was reading a history book, but saying that the author definitely kept my interest. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, The Red Queen.

Finding out she was a witch had upended Mari Saguna's staid life, but being thrown into a war between dark, otherworldly creatures in New York City surpassed the surreal. Her coven battled a clan of vampires…and caught in the middle were Mari and one vampire hell-bent on rescuing his kidnapped brethren.

No spells could protect her from Nicholai, the potent, mysterious seducer. No potions could assuage the longing he'd awakened in her. In his lair, Mari wasn't sure she wanted protection…until she discovered Nicholai's dark intention. Could she believe the enemy she'd come to love meant to destroy her? And would it matter when Nicholai discovered she—and her blood—were her coven's secret weapon?

Verdict: This was on my TBR pile since forever! I picked it up because I wanted to get through some of the older books I'd purchased. I was pleasantly surprised. The story contained many twists and turns in the plot and I whizzed through it in two days. Vampire's are a tad overdone these days, but this book was enjoyable and fresh!

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply." —Miss Sophie Valentine

A Scandalous Lady

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette would bring her trouble—and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger . . . is she?

Seeks Handsome Stranger

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with...

A Most Improper Proposal

Verdict: This is the first in a series of Regency's by Jayne Fresina. I loved this book! It was a joy to read. What I liked most was that there was a lot of humor in the story. It wasn't stuffy or traditional which was completely refreshing. There was also just enough heat to keep things moving along nicely without it being a raunch fest! 



Added Note: I've also enjoyed a variety of m/m shorts from the M/M Romance group on Goodreads which they do every year as part of their Don't Read in the Closet Event. Check them out: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/ There are some great stories listed there!

XD