Category Archives: Jennifer Lynne’s guest author series

OBSESSION by Sharon Buchbinder: the hidden people of Mexico

Obsession_S BuchbinderSharon Buchbinder’s latest paranormal romantic suspense, OBSESSION, is out now from The Wild Rose Press. She’s here today to talk about the Sierra Madre and its people – the setting for this fascinating story.

Sharon: When I began researching Chihuahua, Mexico for a setting for my new paranormal romantic suspense, Obsession, my primary intent was to find a location to build my villain’s refuge.  Lucky for me, the rugged terrain of the Sierra Madre, and specifically,  Copper Canyon, were perfect for a hidden compound for a crazed cult leader, Zeke Edmonds,  who kidnaps his grandson whom Zeke believes is the Chosen One. Copper Canyon is remote, rugged, breathtakingly beautiful, and sparsely populated. The cult leader believes he has it all: isolation, control of a thousand loyal-to-the-death followers, paid off politicians and the Chosen One. Life is looking good for his evil plans. We first learn about the hidden people of Mexico when Zeke’s right hand man tells him about how the cult followers have been living off the land.

“We’ve been living off our own plantings for the last six months.” He held his hands a foot apart. “Brother Nathan grew the biggest butternut squash I’ve ever seen.”

“What’s the secret?”

 “Goat manure” Aaron grinned. “We use portable corrals, pasture them where we plan to plant and let them fertilize plots of land.”

Zeke guffawed. “Where’d did you get a notion like that?”

“From the Indians.” Aaron loved to play practical jokes on new recruits. Did he have the balls to try to put one over on his spiritual leader?

“Indians? You pulling my leg?”

“Nope. They’re around, but you won’t see them much. They’re not fond of outsiders, chabochis in their tongue.” He waved his hand toward the panoramic view. “Some live in caves without electricity or running water.”

 “Threat potential?”

Surprise crossed Aaron’s face. “They’re shy. Call themselves the Rarámuri—the runners. I’ve been told they can chase a deer to death.”

Zeke unclenched his fist and smirked. “We ain’t fawns and we ain’t running away.”

Zeke’s lack of insight into the Tarahumaran people leads, in part, to his downfall. Here’s some of the facts he fails to comprehend.

  • Tarahumaran Mother w Baby, Chihuahua MexicoThe Tarahumaran people, also known as the Rarámuri , have lived in Mexico for thousands of years, yet few people outside Mexico know of their existence.
  • Due to politics, deforestation, and grinding poverty, the Tarahumarans have been forced into increasingly harsh, high altitude geographic locales.
  • They are marathon runners, so hardy they can run for days without stopping—at high altitudes.

While Zeke plots to rule the world in End Days, his wife works to use young Tarahumaran women to achieve the cult’s goals. Neither Zeke nor Miriam count on the fact that the Tarahumara are loyal to the death to their families and communities. No spoilers here, but let’s just say, the Tarahumara get their revenge!

Out now from the Wild Rose Press: OBSESSION

A year after a barbaric childbirth, complete with a near-death experience and an encounter with her guardian angel, Angie Edmonds is just happy she and her son, Jake, are alive. She’s finally in a good place: clean, sober, and employed as a defense attorney. But at the end of a long work day, she finds herself in a parent’s worst nightmare: Jake has been kidnapped and taken across the Mexican border by a cult leader who believes the child is the “Chosen One.”

Stymied by the US and Mexican legal systems, Angie is forced to ask the head of a Mexican crime syndicate for help. Much to her chagrin, she must work with Alejandro Torres, a dangerously attractive criminal and the drug lord’s right-hand man. Little does she know Alejandro is an undercover federal agent, equally terrified of blowing his cover—and falling in love with her.

Buy OBSESSION at: Amazon

If you are interested in more information on Copper Canyon, Sierra Madre and the Tarahumara people here are some additional resources:

Anderson, A.E. (1994). Ethnic Tourism in the Sierra Tarahumara: A Comparison of Two Raramuri Ejidos. (Thesis). University of Texas at Austin.

Biggers, J. (2006). In the Sierra Madre. Urbana & Chicago, IL: University of Illinois Press.

Font, K. (2008, October 17). Tarahumara. National Geographic.

Gorney, C. (2008, November). A People Apart. National Geographic.

The California Native. (2003). Copper Canyon Companion. Los Angeles, CA: The California Native.

The Tarahumara – A Hidden Tribe of Superathletes Born to Run

Sharon BAbout the Author

After working in health care delivery for years, Sharon Buchbinder became an association executive, a health care researcher, and an academic in higher education. She had it all–a terrific, supportive husband, an amazing son and a wonderful job. But that itch to write (some call it an obsession) kept beckoning her to “come on back” to writing fiction. Thanks to the kindness of family, friends, critique partners, Romance Writers of America, and Maryland Romance Writers, she is now an award-winning author published in contemporary, erotic, paranormal and romantic suspense. When not attempting to make students, colleagues, and babies laugh, she can be found herding cats, waiting on a large gray dog, fishing, dining with good friends, or writing.

Find Sharon on the Internet at:

Website/Blog

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter @sbuchbinder

Book Trailer for OBSESSION

Book Trailer for DESIRE AND DECEPTION

Book Trailer for SOME OTHER CHILD

Book Blast G!VEAWAY: Midnight Special by Harlequin Blaze author Tawny Weber

SBB Midnight Special Banner May 14I’m delighted to welcome Harlequin Blaze author Tawny Weber to share her latest release, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, in a Super Book Blast. She’s offering a bookmark goodie package to one commenter at each stop (bookmark, signed cover flat, post-it pad and magnet) and a grand prize of a $25 Amazon / BN (or other bookstore of the winner’s choice) GC to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her other Book Blast on May 9th.

Cover_MidnightSpecialBLURB:

Somewhere on the train is a key witness for a crime involving arson, murder and a high-profile businessman. And reporter Marni Clare will do whatever it takes to get the story—even if it means crashing in a sleeper car that’s she’s not sure she’s reserved. But when she wakes, she finds herself curled up with the man she’s seeking…and he’s hot enough to derail all her plans!

FBI special agent Hunter won’t complain about the wickedly hot blonde in his arms. And maybe it’s the medication he’s on, but he’s even agreed to share his room for the entire journey….

It’s a long trip in close quarters, and within days their berth becomes the scene of some steamy railway romps. But is Marni just having fun…or is she taking Hunter for a ride?

EXCERPT

After a couple of seconds of his death stare, Marni’s smile drooped, then she bit her lip and looked away.

There. He still had it.

The ability to intimidate sweet women. He’d bet he could make babies cry and puppies whimper, too.

“You look grumpy.”

Hunter scowled.

“Really grumpy,” she decided, closing the lid of her laptop, setting it aside and getting to her feet. She glanced at the clock on the wall, then at her watch as if to verify the time. “I’ll bet you’re hungry. We haven’t had anything but coffee in two hours. Want to get breakfast?”

“Look, I can’t do this roommate thing. It was nice enough of you to offer to share, but it’s just not going to work.”

“So you’re leaving?”

“No, you are.”

Her cupid’s bow mouth dropped open and she stared for so long, he wanted to blow on her face to make her blink.

“It’s my berth. I was in it first. Out of the goodness of my heart, I offered to share it with you. So why would I give it up?”

Hunter considered flashing his FBI badge and going the national security route. But he was seriously tired. Tired and sore and empty. He needed a little downtime. He had a week to build a case that would put away the head of one of the biggest criminal organizations on the east coast. He wasn’t going to do that with people bugging him, asking FBI questions and passing him in the hallway muttering “the truth is out there.”

Tawny Weber Author PhotoAuthor Bio:

Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first Harlequin Blaze hit the shelves in 2007.  A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrap-booking and hanging out on Facebook.

Readers can check out Tawny’s books at her website or join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, complete first chapter excerpts, recipes, insider story info and much more.  And for a limited time, she has a few open spots on her Street Team!

Connect with Tawny at:

Website – http://tawnyweber.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/TawnyWeber.RomanceAuthor

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/TawnyWeber

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/tawnyweber/

Midnight Special link:   http://tawnyweber.com/books/midnight-special/

Buy MIDNIGHT SPECIAL at:

-    All About Romance

-    Amazon

-    Barnes & Noble

-    Books-A-Million

-    Harlequin

-    Powells

-    iTunes

Don’t forget, the more you comment on the tour (including here at this stop!), the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/super-book-blast-2-midnight-special-by.html

Sneak peek: BLIND ATTRACTION by Eden Summers

Fellow Aussie erotic author, Eden Summers, has a new book out May 28th. BLIND ATTRACTION is the first in the Reckless Beat rock star series and I’m pleased to provide a sneak peek today. Eden is offering a lovely giveaway including advance copies of the eBook and a beaded purse charm. Read on to find out more.

Blind Attraction_525Blurb

He can seduce with a single glance.

Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.

He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

Want more?

Blind Attraction on Goodreads

Eden Summers Website

Eden Summers Facebook Page

Twitter

How to enter the giveaway!

purse charm giveawayEden is giving away THREE advance eBook copies of BLIND ATTRACTION.

First prize will also receive this gorgeous beaded purse charm valued at $10 and made by Swagmaster Designs.

Entries available via the Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Erotic author Kate Hill on conflict & consummation #giveaway

Looking for the Naughty New Year’s Blog Hop? CLICK HERE.

Then please return here to visit with today’s guest who has over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels under her belt. I’m thrilled to hand over the blog to Ellora’s Cave and Changeling Press erotic author, Kate Hill:

One of the best parts of a romance is the happily ever after. There’s something about that final “I love you” and that last, tender kiss that can inspire warm, fuzzy feelings even in gloomy readers.

I say that because I tend to be gloomy. I’m addicted to horror movies and I enjoy blood-and-guts action in the books I read. While I love romance, I like a healthy dose of fighting and sex along with it. Still, after all the adventure, pain and conflict characters endure, I want them to share a life together.

Conflict makes the happily ever after worthwhile. There’s something that either keeps the characters apart or places them in enough danger to make the reader wonder if they’ll not only end up together, but survive.

In my Whisper series, the main couples are kept apart by a variety of issues that range from curses to hidden fears. Edmond and Tobias, the heroes of Black Cat, have been together for over three centuries. Their lives have been threatened by hostile family members and old enemies, but it’s Tobias’ reluctance to trust someone with his heart that prevents them from making their union permanent. Edmond is a gentle and patient lover who is willing to wait for Tobias to face his fears.

Some might argue that a happily ever after is too predictable to be enjoyable. While a romance doesn’t need a happy every after, I won’t deny it’s still my favorite way for a story to end. I don’t mind if it’s predictable. For me part of the fantasy of a romance novel is knowing that after all the frustrating separations, after battling their enemies or struggling with their emotions, the main characters will be together.

How do you feel about a happily ever after ending? What are your favorite conflicts that make a happily ever after truly sweet?

WIN PRIZES!

To enter this contest you must be 18 or over.

To enter for the chance to win a pdf download of one of the first three books in the Whisper series (winner’s choice of title), please comment. The contest will run for three days from the day of this post. At the end of that time, a winner will be selected from the comments. Thank you!

Whisper 4: Black Cat

by Kate Hill

(M/M Vampire/Shapeshifter)

From Changeling Press

Vampire Edmond Chancellor and cat shifter Tobias Crawford have had a not-so-secret affair for over three hundred years. Edmond wants to bond with Tobias permanently, but Tobias has reasons for keeping his distance.

On a chilly December night, both men turn to past memories for guidance, but it’s a present danger that makes them realize that time is precious, even to men who are practically immortal.

The Following Excerpt from Black Cat is for readers 18 and over:

In a woodland area miles from the boundaries of Whisper, Tobias caught the scent of other vampires. His gut tightened and his heart turned to proverbial ice in his chest. He had wanted so much to believe that Edmond could be trusted, that he believed in the ideals he preached, yet here he was, consorting with members of a family that had allegedly disowned him.

Three vampires–tall males with dark hair and pale blue eyes–met Edmond in a clearing. Hidden downwind in the shadow of trees, Tobias watched.

To his surprise, instead of a friendly greeting, the vampires drew swords and simultaneously attacked Edmond.

Tobias tensed as Edmond drew his blade. He parried, thrust and moved with the grace of a dancer. After several moments, he disarmed one of his opponents and pierced his heart. No sooner had the vampire dropped than one of the remaining two fired a pistol at Edmond’s chest.

If not for a sudden shift of his stance, the bullet would have struck his heart, killing him. Instead it grazed his upper arm.

Anger surged through Tobias. Couldn’t the Chancellor family ever fight fair?

Without hesitation, Tobias leapt onto the back of the vampire who had fired the pistol, knocking him face down to the dirt. He broke his neck, then drove the vampire’s own silver blade through his heart.

Edmond glanced at Tobias in surprise, but his attention shifted to the last vampire, who attacked him savagely with his sword. Steel clanged in the otherwise quiet night, but the fight was short-lived. A master with a blade, Edmond destroyed his opponent within seconds.

Panting, Edmond turned to Tobias who shifted to his human form. Naked, he approached his vampire lover.

Sliding his arms around Edmond’s neck, he held his gaze. Edmond’s breath fanned his face. Sweat misted his brow and the scent of blood from his injured arm filled the air. Tobias glanced at the wound. Due to Edmond’s vampiric nature, it had already started to heal.

“I’m sorry,” Tobias whispered against Edmond’s lips.

Edmond didn’t speak, but kissed Tobias back with months of pent-up passion.

Previous books in the Whisper series:

Whisper 1: Dragon’s Bar

Whisper 2: Bronzed

Whisper 3: Mating Call

About Kate Hill

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com

Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com

Guest author Laura Tolomei has a horror side

For the Hot Summer Nights Giveaway Hop (18-22 July), please click HERE.

Guest author Laura Tolomei:

Ever been horrified yet sensually aroused, too? With Laura Tolomei’s books there are infinite ways to satisfy your bloodlust AND get the turn-on you expect from any erotica fiction worthy of its name. Here’s a sampling of some of her writing, and let me tell you, these excerpts are HOT!

Sacrificial Sex

Sacrificial Sex is more for the reader who is looking for an intriguing plot and characters which demand their concentration and leave their heart pounding because of the extreme situations and emotions.” Rated 4 Divas by DDR

Sacrificial Sex is one story that had me captivated. The plot and subplots intrigued me to the extent that I found it hard to put the story down at times. Ms. Tolomei builds a descriptive primitive world, which had me thinking about scenes for days after I’d finished the story.” Rated 4 Angels by FAR

M/M, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi

eXtasy Books

Buy HERE

Sex in exchange of blood. That’s how Rowen convinces Mylos to stop his violent ways. And Rowen, thrown into a primitive world, is all too willing to save the innocent virgins sacrificed to bloodthirsty gods if only the price didn’t include more sex, violence and lies than he’s bargained for.

Teaser Adult Excerpt:

Over the ages, the Blood Divine had devised a sophisticated technique to carve, spill and cut any part of the human body. Particularly challenging was the extraction of the still beating heart from the victim’s chest. The important organ had to be full of life in order for the gods to accept the donation and bless the city. The Blood Divines’ intensive practice allowed them, in a matter of seconds, to kill their prey without it being aware of what was happening. Swiftly and cruelly, they ended the ordeal without too many ceremonies, leaving behind large pools of blood and a battered carcass.

The spilled red liquid stained everything, including the blades used for the ritual. Mylos nodded with satisfaction at the array lined-up on the velvet cloth. Light shone on the sharp blades, sending sinister sparkles across the floor. They were all shiny clean, almost new in their gleaming metallic state. Acolytes had to perform the delicate task of cleaning them as part of their duties. Nothing was more important than the Blood Divine’s clean cutting instruments, which had to be spotless by definition since they represented not only his most precious tools, but a revered symbol as well. Satisfied with the final effect, Mylos raised his head.

Bloody Passion

“If you are looking for a dark fantasy book with a large dose of suspense and erotic play, then Bloody Passion is certainly the book for you. I look forward to reading more from Laura Tolomei.” Rated  4 ½ Divas by DDR

Bloody Passion by Laura Tolomei was a dark story full of magic and bloody dreams that can take you to the edge of sanity. I loved it! Laura keeps you at the edge of your seat trying to stay one step ahead of the characters in her book.” Rated 4.5 Tombstones by BBB

Dark Fantasy, Gay, Horror, Ménage, Paranormal, Shape Shifting, Halloween, m/f, m/m, m/m/m

eXtasy Books

Buy HERE

There’s a hidden treasure inside everyone. Some show it, but only a few can afford it. Sometimes, you only need to know how to manage other’s treasures, even if self-destructive. But in the end, it’s like seeing yourself in a mirror. So how to explain the violence?

Teaser Sensual PG Excerpt:

“And the game requires an active participation from all its players. Wouldn’t you agree, puppy?”

Probably getting the first inkling of Rory’s drift, I saw the young man’s body tense. “I’m not sure I do, Master.”

“Of course, you do, puppy.” Grabbing his hair, Rory pulled Newlyn’s head up. “Cedric, here, is a dear friend and he’s as much interested in your training as I am. Don’t you think it’s time to show him just how much you’ve learned?”

“The buck’s probably scared,” I challenged.

“I’m not!” Newlyn spat, sounding offended.

“Then he’s simply inexperienced,” I concluded.

The hunter fixed his gaze on Newlyn. “Are you going to let him believe such lies?”

The young man shook his head.

“Then prove him wrong.” Rory threw him to me and Newlyn was quick to grab the opportunity.

 

AR: “Two men. One connection. And time is running out!”

CTR: “The force of Lord Brahany’s will is more than an innocent young man can deny, but…The ferocity with which Lord Brahany and Ilenio engage each other is a complete sensual and sexual explosion for the senses.”

JBp: “What more could you ask then an alpha male with wings ;0)”

GLBT (m/m), Horror, Shapeshifter, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, m/m/m, m/m/m/m

eXtasy Books

Buy HERE

Blood, sex, murder: can the mind overcome the evil in the body?

It wasn’t till he took me to his bed and made love to me, for the first time—no competition between us, no unspoken challenge, no master-slave, no blood, no death, nothing but intense emotions overwhelming me with the sheer power of his feelings, a sea so deep, a tide so strong I thought I’d drown as he took me face up, raising my legs above his shoulders and plunging deep before preying on my mouth, too, in a never-ending kiss that took my breath, not to mention my resolve, away—that in spite of everything, I gave him what he wanted most, my soul in its entirety, for I knew right there and then I was sealing my destiny forever.

Teaser Erotic Excerpt:

But what really blew my mind away were his incredible transformation and the connection he was strengthening every day more. The first time I saw him slowly turn into a majestic black eagle-like bird—his face elongating in a beak, his body sprouting giant fangs, then long elegant wings, covered with thick luscious black feathers—it took my breath away, though not as much as when I understood that I, and I alone, had the power to control him. And it thrilled me beyond words, like an excitingly heated wave coursing my entire fiber, to think he had chosen me, out of all the people he could’ve beckoned for this special service, to share his most intimate sphere.

So he soared high above the sky while I tried to follow him on ground, soon losing sight of him until the low, deep and distinctive pitch I was learning to recognize as his essence reverberated in my head like the sound of distant thunder to steer me in the right direction without using any words or forms of verbal communication. Apparently, his beast state didn’t consent any human weakness, least of all the spoken kind, and he had to submit to the same limitations animals did except for what came from the intense sharing I was growing to depend on, both in and out of bed. And while I could simply think my questions or comments in order to receive an answer from him, he relied heavily on imagery, audible signs and sensations to make sure we never lost track of each other, flashing map-like pictures of a place, if not the actual view of it, or clogging my ears with the noise associated to it.

In any case, I didn’t need his words—enough to sense him as a presence in my head regardless of the distance between us or of his appearance, bird or human making no difference in my strong perception of him—for I knew he was trying to teach me more than a silent exchange of information. What he aimed at was for our link to move beyond the physical realm to reach the indefinable sensual one that for the time being was ours only during sex. “Because, little one, our senses won’t betray us…” To prove his point, he had grabbed my hard cock and jerked it. “Like fragile emotions or false words.”

I had no trouble believing him, not after his many lessons were plunging me into a frenzied heat that swept away my doubts, my awareness, my breath, my very life, everything and anything that wasn’t him fading in a hazy background until nothing existed besides him. And it intoxicated my soul and altered my perceptions like living constantly on the edge of a precipice, hovering between a vertical fall without safety nets and a sense of security he was instilling slowly but surely.

That’s how it all came together—the training, the connection, the chase, the incredible transformation and the hottest sex—coalescing into the most unusual relationship I had ever experienced. It wasn’t love, of course, though I felt closer to him than to any loved one. It wasn’t work either, although we had a definite purpose and his determination drove me beyond any feasible boundary. But whatever it was, nothing expressed it better than our bodies’ fatal attraction to one another.

The Demon Waiter

“Unique!” Rated 5 STARS Mary’s Naughty Whispers

“The story-line was really good and so was the premise of the plot There is plenty of hot sex with a multitude of partners. So I will recommend this to those who love m/f/m, dark fantasy, paranormal, m/m, hot sex (and loads of it) and an ending that has you pulling your hair out.” MM Good Book Reviews

“THE DEMON WAITER is a mixture of horror, paranormal and erotica. Author Laura Tolomei blends them perfectly into a blazing hot read that will leave you breathless. Definitely pick this one up if you like some paranormal with your sizzle!” Rated 4 Ribbons @RJRRJR

GLBT (m/m), Horror, Shapeshifter, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, m/m/m, m/m/m/m

eXtasy Books

Buy HERE

Now he had the place. He had the lovers. He had the simultaneous come. And tonight was Halloween.

It wasn’t till he took me to his bed and made love to me, for the first time—no competition between us, no unspoken challenge, no master-slave, no blood, no death, nothing but intense emotions overwhelming me with the sheer power of his feelings, a sea so deep, a tide so strong I thought I’d drown as he took me face up, raising my legs above his shoulders and plunging deep before preying on my mouth, too, in a never-ending kiss that took my breath, not to mention my resolve, away—that in spite of everything, I gave him what he wanted most, my soul in its entirety, for I knew right there and then I was sealing my destiny forever.

Teaser Adult Excerpt:

On meeting at the pub where Anthony was waiting outside, Laurent’s first comment had been simply, “Do we really have to waste our time on a drink or can we skip to the fuck?” Having read the signs clearly, he knew Anthony would have no hesitation, none whatsoever in following him home, which he did readily.

Anthony was a passionate one, a real cock lover who couldn’t wait to get him indoors to take it out and suck it in the living room. That was before he saw the swimming pool and decided Laurent would be more comfortable laying in one of the sun-beds. His mouth was so good Laurent would’ve allowed him to do it wherever he wanted, also upside down if necessary. The way Anthony took his dick in one gulp and brought it down the throat, literally swallowing it to the point Laurent felt the plunge, was simply incredible. He couldn’t get enough of his tongue either, wrapped around the firm stem to lap on all sides or curled in a tight squeeze that drove Laurent crazy.

On the pool’s edges, he let Anthony have it all, each intake bringing him closer to the cum that was pushing from his balls up until it burst into the pliant cavity. It didn’t stop Anthony from sucking, though, quite the contrary. He continued pampering the limp piece to make it grow again, which it did in a matter of minutes. His fastest recovery to date, Laurent wondered how the man managed it without the slightest effort, but it was hardly the only surprise of the night.

If Laurent didn’t know better, he’d have sworn Anthony had some sort of magical power. That trick of swallowing was unlike anything he had ever experienced with either men or women. The impression was really of plunging in a bottomless pit, like the shaft went beyond the normal throat constriction, the obvious limit to most other blowjobs. Anthony’s, instead, was a smooth drop into an abyss, and without even coughing once.

It was more than enough to turn his dick into another throbbing erection, pushing into Anthony’s mouth to demand more space despite the excess it was already getting. That was also when Laurent’s gaze fell on the derrière moving to the same rhythm of the head bobs. Definitely a male’s ass in shape, Laurent wanted it from the start, to ram until Anthony begged him to stop—

Find Laura Tolomei on the web at:

lallagatta.com – @LallaGatta Blog

Facebook, Twitter, Google+1, Linkedin, MySpace, Goodreads.

 

Interview with erotic author Belinda McBride

Today I have the pleasure of hosting award-winning erotic romance author, Belinda McBride. She’s written over 40 books, novellas and short stories, and she shares candidly in an interview about the ups and downs of her writing career. Please leave a comment and help welcome Belinda to my blog downunder!

Hi Belinda, can you share a little about your journey to publication?

Well, I had a couple false starts. Eons ago, I was a playwright and was actually contracted to write for a local theatre festival. Anyhow, I was in an auto accident that not only bashed my body, but my head as well. The head injury was minor but I had memory, cognitive and depression issues afterward. I had to re-learn to write and felt as though my creativity abandoned me. Years later, I purchased a laptop and in time, the creative spark came back. I began writing for fun and as a creative outlet, and in time, began to research the industry, which seemed poised to undergo some major changes. Turns out by choosing to submit to independent publishers, I’d taken the right path. :)

How long did it take to get published?

Well, that’s a question without a concrete answer. I wrote, subbed to and was ignored by one house, I missed the deadline at another house. When I finally figured out how the process worked, it went quickly. I subbed my first story in the summer of 2007. In the spring of 2008, I received 3 contracts over the course of a weekend. But in those months, I only subbed out to a couple publishers, I focused on writing the next project. My advice to new authors? Read the submissions page carefully, and follow up to make sure they got the manuscript.

What authors do you like to read?

Well there’s a big question! I love an awful lot of authors, and this week, I’ve been cleaning my bookshelves, sorting the keepers from the books I want to donate. Keepers include Patricia Briggs, Neil Gaiman, Laurell K Hamilton, Marjorie Liu, Nalini Singh, Gina Showalter, JR Ward and many others. In independent press, I read Z.A. Maxfield, Sarah Black, Joey Hill, Lynn Lorenz, Jessica Freely, Marie Harte, Cat Marsters, Kate Pierce, and many, many others. I know I’m dissing someone by not including them on this list!

Do you have a favorite genre in books?

As a general rule, I enjoy darker stuff, paranormal, urban fantasy and sci fi.

Is there a genre you’d like to try writing and haven’t yet?

I’m not particularly comfortable writing comedy and contemporary. Would I like to try them? Not really. I seem to want to throw in some kick, whether its kink related or something fantastical. I’ve done a couple short westerns, and I would like (and do plan) to write a longer western romance.

Tell us about your latest release.

My upcoming release (July 31st) is The Bacchi, which will release at Loose Id. It’s a m/m science fiction romance. Remember the seductive green alien from Star Trek? Well, this book features my version of a sexy green alien. His name is Lefi Dhrahn and he’s a Somian, which is a sensual species that is always born in twin pairs. Lefi is a twin orphan. He’s an elite prostitute and sex therapist. His love interest is Afton Teris, a police inspector from Valora. The Valorans are a hermaphrodite species who are brilliant, cerebrial and quite puritanical. Afton is shocked to find himself falling in love with a man, as he orients as a male and homosexuality is unknown within his culture. Together, Afton and Lefi investigate a slave trafficking ring that puts them both in danger.

Can you tell us a little about your current WIP?

I’ve got a couple I’m working on right now. My current manuscript is Dream Hunter, which is an Arcada book and the sequel to Blacque/Bleu. Blacque’s little brother Travis finds himself in an unexpected relationship with Dylan, a fae with dark designs on Arcada. I’m also starting Concrete Cowboy, which is the prequel to Gift of the Maggie, a holiday short I did at MLR Press. This is the love story of a cowboy who’s lost his roots and a rancher who thinks he’s lost his family.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a pantser who plots. LOL! Seriously, I develop my characters quite thoroughly, because they are the foundation of the story. If you know your characters inside-out, they’ll do the majority of the work. I develop my plot by drafting a beginning, a middle and an ending with notes on major points, dialogue and situations. Then I let the characters go and carry the story along. I learned early that if I didn’t know where I was going, I’d never get there.

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

I have various favorites and they all tend to rise to the top at some point. Overall, I love Helios Dayspring. He’s very Taoist in many ways. He’s also a contradiction…a reluctant king, a sexual submissive who is also very dominant. He’s intuitive with his lover, humble in his role as king, but committed to making the best world possible for his people. He’s also got an amazing, wry sense of humor.

Lefi Dhrahn from The Bacchi comes to mind as well. He’s very compassionate though he’s in great personal pain. He eschews violence and fighting, yet he battles for Afton. He’s sunny but sometimes allows himself time to be very dark. I enjoyed writing him, particularly from Afton’s perspective.

What makes a great romance hero?

Sacrifice, flaws, a complex character, an absolute commitment to his lover. I do love alpha males like Griffin Hawke, but I also enjoy the subtler heroes like Afton Teris. Afton is no alpha, though he’s smart and dangerous. He’s a bit puritanical, and as a hermaphrodite, he’s got feminine characteristics. But Afton kicks ass and takes names! And once he gets past his angst about loving a man, he digs in his heels and will not be denied.

What makes a great romance heroine?

Many of the same elements. It’s no secret I love a kick-ass heroine. I like her to be the partner to her hero, but there’s so much room to play with heroines. She can be a tough heroine like Rose Lee and Belle Oakley, or she can be demure and delicate, but still formidable. One of my favorite heroines is Victoria from Dos Lunas. She’s a librarian and was modeled loosely off women like the late Caroline Kennedy and Grace Kelly. She’s a lady. She’s also a femme domme. I love her, she is confident and a top, but still wants the same thing from her man that any woman wants. Her lover Diego is made stronger and more complete with her as his partner.

What is the nicest thing a reviewer has ever said about one of your books?

Truly, I’ve been blessed because I’ve had an awful lot of reviews where so many nice things were said about my books. I’ve written over 40 books, novellas and short stories so there’s been a lot of reviewing going on. I do recall someone mentioned that I had the ability to dig into the psychology of my characters. And a reader said she’d like to spend an hour in my brain. LOL! (that gave me a terrifying visual!)

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

Actually, I don’t. I try to stick to a schedule: business in the morning, family throughout the day, then writing at night. Unfortunately, the writing must come when it will, even if I’ve got other things planned. For me, I have to remember this is my job and sometimes it’s difficult for my family to understand that as well.

Erotic romance or erotica – is there a difference?

In my opinion, they are different genres. In erotica, the story is about the sexual journey. The sexuality is the plot. Without sex, there is no story because the story is the sex. It’s not pornography, some erotica rises to the highest artistic levels.

In erotic romance, the backbone of the genre is romance and the conventions of the romance genre must be observed: it’s the journey of two (or more) protagonists on their journey to an emotionally satisfying ending. Infidelity is a no-no, as is an unhappy ending. In erotic romance, the sex is part of the plot and character development. It should never be gratuitous. A sex scene advances the plot or reveals something about the characters. If you take the sex away, you cripple the story. If someone asks for a story that stands alone with the sex taken out, that is not erotic romance. It’s either gratuitous sex or a romance with sexual elements.

The Bacchi - available 31st July at Loose Id

(science fiction, M/M, intersexed)

Lefi Dhrahn lives a life of luxury and decadence, but is tortured by memories of a lost love. He survives the pain by surrounding himself with sex, beauty and all forms of self-indulgence. When he meets the alluring Inspector Afton Teris, Lefi believes the detective will make a very nice addition to his string of conquests.

He doesn’t count on falling in love.

Afton Teris is a Valoran hermaphrodite and like all members of his species, is stern, cerebral and disapproves of the frivolous prostitute. Afton orients as a male, but the beautiful Lefi Dhrahn stirs him sexually, making him question everything he knows about himself. To further confuse his emotions, Afton finds himself tempted by the forbidden pleasures surrounding the Bacchi.

When a kidnapping ring strikes close to home, the two go undercover on a brothel barge to investigate a slavery operation. There, Lefi is confronted by painful memories from his past, while Afton is faced with a horror that threatens his future, and perhaps his very life.

Their survival lies with one another, but only if Lefi can set aside his pain and listen to his heart.

Raine Delight – Love of a good book…or two

My guest today is erotic romance author, Raine Delight. She’s here to discuss her love of books, and her exciting June 20th release, A Summer Night Fling. Here’s Raine:

Love of a good book…or two

I am a self-proclaimed book addict. There, I said it. Confessed it to the entire world and I see no end in sight over my addiction. I am not sorry over my addiction. I absolutely love the written word in its many forms. From the first book I picked up (Good Night Moon) to my love of erotic romance & GBLT Books, I have graduated to different genres and spiciness as I grew up to an adult.

As the seasons change here, there seems to be a burst of wonderful books coming out along with the daffodils and cherry blossoms. I am not sure how this happens, but I do know once spring/summer gets here, my reading list explodes and my poor honey moans he is going to need to build a new room for all my books that I get. I can’t help it. My inner book addict loves books, be it an e-book or print copy. Doesn’t matter to her as long as she gets her fix! She is like a junkie…when she sees a really good excerpt/book blurb; she just has to have it. I swear there has to be a 12-step program for book addicts. You know, where we all introduce ourselves and say “Yes I am a book addict” to a round of applause and encouragement. I think we could even get a reality TV show…what do you think? Would that work? I think so. I am sure the possibilities are endless as are the choices of some new (or oldies but goodies) favorites to enjoy. So this summer, my goal is to reign in my wild child inner book addict so my poor honey doesn’t complain too much on all my books. Really…going…to…try but its sooooo hard…must….have…this book.

A Summer Night Fling by Raine Delight

Paranormal M/M short story found in Hot Summer Fun Anthology

Available June 20th 2012

More information along with upcoming buy links HERE.

Cal Larson wasn’t expecting to find a hot, sexy man stuck in a tree as he took his morning walk in the woods. When he meets Alex sparks fly and these two will find that love is waiting to claim them. Except Alex has a secret…one that may bring danger to Cal’s doorstep. Can Cal find it in his heart to accept Alex and let this one-night stand turn into something much more?

Teaser Excerpt (PG)

Three months earlier…Cal Larson walked into his house and knew something was different. The feeling of peace, of home, escaped him that moment. He tried to figure out what it was as he tossed his coat over the stair railing and asked, “Hey, Mal, you around?

Silence answered him. He walked across the foyer to the living room, searching for his lover of five years. After spying no one in the room, he moved deeper into the house, his heart starting to pound and an uneasy feeling making his stomach churn. When opening the kitchen door revealed nothing, he made his way back to the stairwell and ran up to the master bedroom. Hoping that Malcolm was in the shower, he walked into the room and stopped short. Drawers were open, clothes scattered, but no Malcolm was in sight.

He ran over to the closet and saw the empty space where his lover’s clothes should have been. The suitcases they used on trips were gone, and with a heavy heart he sat down on the bed, anguish running through his soul.

“What the heck happened?” Cal turned to see the destruction of the room he had given him so many wonderful memories. Of Malcolm coming toward him, naked after a shower, smelling fresh and manly, and all he needed to do was touch Cal and he was lost.

Hearing a crinkle of paper, he turned and discovered a piece of crumpled paper stuck in the sheets of the bed. Smoothing it out as best he could, he saw it was from Malcolm.

Dear Cal,

By now you know I am gone. I can’t do this anymore. I have fallen out of love with you and moved on. I am sorry for this but hope you can forgive me eventually.

My best,

Malcolm

Blinking with shock, Cal stared at the paper in disbelief. His lover had decided to leave…without even saying goodbye or offer an explanation at that. He left a ‘Dear John’ letter and wiped his hands of five years of being a couple. What happened to loving one another and giving each other support as they pursued their dreams?

“Well goddamn me to hell and back,” Cal swore as he stood up and walked out of the room, never glancing back while the letter slowly fell to the ground.

About Raine Delight:

Raine Delight loves to be pampered by her harem of men that exist solely for her pleasure. Wait…that was in a movie she saw. Hey, she can dream. Raine loves to fight with her muse, attack her manuscripts and find a way to silence the many voices in her head. Inspiration hits at odd times and for Raine, a blank word document page gives her many possibilities on story ideas.  Living with her two kids, a significant other who supports her every move in writing and doesn’t seem to mind she gets up at 2 am to type away on the computer. With a love for Johnny Depp, movies and 80’s hair bands, Raine finds a way to bring all her chaotic thoughts into a story that tells her readers about love and romance.

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We always hurt the ones we love – guest author Dianne Hartsock

It is my pleasure today to bring you Dianne Hartsock. I love her erotic M/M writing, and I’m glad she’s back for a repeat visit. This time, she’s also offering a giveaway of the Ad-Dick-tion Anthology to one lucky commenter:

Hi Jennifer! *waves* Thanks so much for having me back on your lovely blog.

Recently a friend of mine, Elin Gregory, asked me this question: I understand Eran is from a very abusive background, likewise your eponymous hero Alex, and Nathaniel too is in danger when Taden rescues him. Is there any particular reason why you find this scenario such fertile ground for growing your plots?

Honestly, I hadn’t done it consciously. But she’s right. My stories are m/m erotic for the most part, and there’s something about those gorgeous males that compels me to make them work for their HEA.

Don’t mistake me! I love my characters in all their faults and glory. But just like real life, my heroes come with baggage. I like to think my stories are not just character driven, but emotion driven. I like to climb right into my heroes skin and feel every touch and caress and pain with them. The deeper I can delve the better I like it. And what emotions run deeper than fear and anguish and love and friendship and betrayal?

Let’s start with my lovely Shelton, who falls in love with a beautiful playboy in ‘Shelton in Love’. I could have let Nevil return his feelings. But where’s the fun in that? Nevil wants to taste what Shelton has to offer, then go on his merry way to the next man.

But that challenge wasn’t enough in itself. Not enough angst! I had to have Shelton have a disfigurement that makes him shy away from casual sex. He’d been laughed at in the past and didn’t think he could bear it from Nevil.

In ‘Shelton’s Promise’ and ‘Shelton’s Choice’, we have ex-lovers and jealousy and a car accident and job promotions that try to tear the heart right out of my poor hero. It isn’t until the fourth book, ‘Shelton’s Homecoming’ (due out this summer) that Nevil puts all Shelton’s insecurities to rest in one grand gesture of love and commitment.

With Alex, I wanted to write a story about a person with psychic abilities. I wondered what might have happened in his childhood to bring out this rare characteristic. It’s not that I enjoyed making him suffer. Far from it! But I felt that his isolation and pain would make him turn inward, enhancing whatever mental capabilities he might have.

With Nathaniel, it’s more of a question of mental illness. His people have natural psychic abilities, but sometimes this power will twist a person’s mind until they can no longer control it. In this story I focused more on Nathaniel’s lover, Taden. Taden’s life has left him ill-prepared for the wonder that is Nathaniel. He’s a titled landowner, master of the family home and lands, and although he hasn’t seen war in his lifetime, uneasiness is growing between his country and the Sutherlins pushing at their border. He’s heard of magic users, but they belong to the far past. How does he come to terms with the fact that the man he loves might be a witch?

And now we come to my latest hero, Eran, from Eran’s Release, part of the Ad-Dick-tion Anthology. In Eran’s case, this is a contemporary story involving the painful subject of child abuse. This is another tragic background for one of my heroes, but it’s a part of who Eran is. There are so many emotions involved here, and Eran’s happiness is all the sweeter to see because of it.

So yes, all my heroes do have personal trials to overcome, but isn’t that something we all have? To me, it makes them a little more real.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

At this time I’d like to offer a PDF copy of the Ad-Dick-tion Anthology to one commenter who can tell me what their favourite trait is in a hero.

Eran’s Release

Breathless Press

Paul isn’t attracted to Eran—he’s intoxicated by the shy, sensual younger man. He’s also confused by Eran’s mixed signals. However, the sight of Eran injured and bruised arouses a protective passion that surprises Paul. Determined to protect Eran from his brutal past, Paul discovers his future.

Excerpt:

Paul rested his chin on his hand and stared into the stained bottom of his espresso cup. People came and went in the coffee shop around him, but their laughter and bright conversation only underscored his loneliness.

He played the events from Christmas Eve over in his mind, coming to the same conclusion as before: Eran had set him up to make a fool of him. What other explanation could there be? Damn it. He’d waited half an hour for the man to show while the snow piled up on the sidewalks and his face grew numb with cold.

He’d finally gone back into the coffee shop, only to learn that Eran had slipped out the back way and gone home. Paul ran a hand over his face and through his brown curls. Why had he come back when the man who fueled his fantasies ignored him and ultimately snubbed him?

Paul picked up the small cup, then remembered it was empty and set it carefully on its saucer. He’d deliberately chosen a table in the section Eran routinely waited on, only to watch the graceful body approach every table but his.

A mocking smile touched his lips. What else did I expect? He’d come to the shop tonight to demand an answer. Maybe this is it. Eran clearly wasn’t interested and Paul was too dense to take the hint.

He glanced at his watch. The shop had closed ten minutes ago and the last of the customers were walking out the door. Just great. He shoved the cup and saucer away from him and swore as they shot off the end of the table. He started to rise to his feet, only to sit back heavily as Eran came over. “Let me get that for you.”

Paul’s mouth went dry as Eran bent over. White skin showed where Eran’s shirt separated from the low cut jeans and Paul instantly wanted to know its taste. Eran knelt to get the cup that had rolled under the table and Paul’s cock perked up, pushing painfully against his slacks as the tight jeans slipped lower on Eran’s hips. Paul imagined sliding his tongue into the warm cleft of Eran’s ass and shivered.

His gaze roamed over the creamy skin, then froze at the sight of an ugly bruise spreading from Eran’s hip up under his shirt. He must have made a sound because Eran glanced at him, his blue eyes widening at whatever was showing in his face.

Paul forced his hands to unclench. “Who hurt you?” he demanded, not caring that Eran had made it plain he didn’t want Paul in his life.

The beautiful eyes blinked several times, then Eran glanced hastily around the deserted coffee shop. They were alone except for the girl Eran worked with, who from the sound of it was busy washing dishes in the back room.

Eran climbed stiffly to his feet and Paul jabbed a finger at the chair opposite him, relieved when Eran sat down without argument. Paul leaned across the table only to have Eran inexplicably start back, then flush and stare at his clasped hands, his chest heaving.

Pity and anger tightened Paul’s heart. If that hadn’t been a conditioned response… Someone’s been hitting this boy, often. He choked back his fury. He’d have to tread very carefully here.

“It hurt when you didn’t meet me Christmas Eve,” he said quietly. “Is there a reason you made me feel like shit, or do you get off setting men up just so you can slap them back down?”

Eran looked miserable and Paul forced himself not to gather the young man in his arms and comfort him. That would come later. Right now he needed to gain Eran’s trust.

He waited patiently while Eran ran a hand through his dark hair, pulling it down to partially hide his eyes. “It’s not like that at all,” Eran said earnestly, folding and unfolding his hands, then clasping them in his lap. “I got a call from my sister and had to leave. I didn’t have time to tell you.”

“You couldn’t send someone with a message?”

Eran’s jaw dropped. He hadn’t thought of that, apparently. He looked suddenly very young and Paul frowned. “You’re eighteen, right?”

“Twenty-one last month,” Eran shot back, then crossed his arms on his chest. Paul smiled inwardly, wondering if he seemed like the mysterious older man, though twenty-five wasn’t that old.

He moistened his lips and watched, fascinated, as Eran licked his own lips in response. Paul groaned, wanting to nibble the pale lips and swallow Eran’s tongue. The blood rushed to his dick as he imagined that luscious mouth sucking him into its wet heat. He dropped a hand on his lap to rearrange his cramped member and felt it jump as color flooded Eran’s cheeks. Damn. The boy is hotter than hell.

He cleared his throat, gambling everything on the startled awareness he saw in the blue eyes. “Will you go out with me tonight? There’s sure to be a movie playing somewhere, or we can walk on the waterfront.” Or whatever the fuck you want.

Dianne Hartsock:  Blog  |  Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads

 

Interview with Havan Fellows – M/M erotic author

Today on my blog I have a special treat for lovers of M/M erotic romance – an interview with erotic author, Havan Fellows.

Why thank you, Jennifer Lynne, for having me on your blog today…and may I say what a lovely blog you have *winks*…*coughs* sorry, I can’t control my mouth sometimes.

Hello, my name is Havan Fellows and I write stories. Hopefully they are stories that you want to read and get lost in…tales that take you away from your everyday issues and land you smack dab in the middle of my characters everyday issues…hehe. I predominantly write M/M erotic romance and just love it.

Sooooo…*plops down on love seat and winks at my lovely host* you ready to play?

Oh, yes, Havan, I love to play! Can you share a little about your journey to publication?

Sure *chuckles*…I wrote all kinds of things as a kiddo and teenager: shorts, full length novels, poetry…but real life and two kiddos of my own took precedence. Then one day later in life *cough* much later *cough* I decided to give it a go again. My kiddo showed me the wonders of Facebook and I met some of the most awesome and supportive people—including my very own prized and worshipped muse, who talked me into finishing some of the things I started and encouraged me to go for it.

Do you have a favorite genre in books?

For reading—no, I literally read all kinds and they don’t have to have any romance in them either…it just depends on the plot.  For writing—I’m most comfortable with M/M, but I haven’t quite spread my wings yet…next year it could be something completely different. Though I will always have a special place in my heart for M/M *sighs happily*.

Is there a genre you’d like to try writing and haven’t yet?

I would love to give horror a go…but not the slice n dice type of horror (though I love that too lol)…I want to do what I call a mind freak type of book—yes I am using the word ‘freak’ in place of another word *blushes*…hey, my mom could be reading this…*heads desk giggling*

Tell us about your latest release.

Well, my latest release, Emery’s Ritches, is the second book in my Synchronous Seductions series—but can be read as a standalone book. It is about two extremely stubborn men—one is manipulative and one is snarky—and how they have to give a little to get a lot. Writing about Emery and Ritchie wasn’t easy…many times I wanted to throw my netbook across the room and teach them a lesson, but their story had to be finished for everyone’s sanity to prevail.

Blurb:

Ritchie Lymings is wallowing in self-pity after seeing the man he loves—his best friend—reunited with his arch enemy. He’s drowning his sorrows in coffee and caramel when an irritating stranger barges into his life, determined to make him smile. Even if this interloper is too dense to understand his faux pas, Ritchie figures he may be good for a quickie to get his mind off of his immediate situation. A simple round of love ‘em and leave ‘em sounds promising.

Emery Hutchins recognizes Ritchie immediately when he stops for his morning coffee and breakfast. His friend Ryder had been telling him stories about “the infuriating twit” for years. Fate and coincidence were two things that normally gave Emery cause for pause, but he couldn’t let this opportunity pass him by. Unable to relinquish control to fate though, he immediately devises a plan to make the deliciously snarky Ritchie his own, one hundred percent completely.

But for these two diverse personalities there is one major problem. How can Ritchie’s attitude and Emery’s meticulousness blend together, or is this an oil and water mess?

Can you tell us a little about your current WIP?

Oh, I have three WIPs on the front burner—and for a non-cooking mama that’s a lot of burners going! lol Seriously, I’ve got the Road Trip anthology I’m working on for the Story Orgy (love them!!!) based on prompts sent in from our readers. I’m also working on my first ever shifter story and I just started a brand new blog story for my Monday Story Orgy postings. Now if I could just say I am finished on something instead of working on it…lol

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Boy does that ever sound dirty *snickers*…I happen to be a pantser…usually pajama pantser mind you…hehe…unfortunately I have no idea what is happening in my story most of the times until I sit down to write. Don’t get me wrong…I usually have an idea of how I’d like a story to progress in my head—but as for outlining and note taking and all that jazz…I don’t have enough discipline for that *sighs* but I’d really like to one day…of course the day I do my boys will mutiny against me and do whatever they want anyway…*shrugs* Pretty much a no-win situation right? lol

I know what that feels like! So, do you have a favorite character in your books?

Okay…I answered this same question in another interview and the moment I did the voices in my head went berserk!! So no more answering this one…for fear of certain voices strutting it while others take out hits on them…yeah it wasn’t pretty…

What makes a great romance hero?

I don’t believe that you can label a great romance hero like that…it isn’t a certain build or personality or belief system…in Emery’s Ritches both guys are annoying men that will test your faith…but they both have very good redeemable qualities and both deserve to love and be loved in return. The simple man is just as worthy to be a great romance hero as the extraordinary man is…and this goes the same for women.

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

Very carefully…*face palm giggling*

Alrighty then…thank you again for having me, Jennifer…*big smiles*…I love your place and especially your company *winks*. Here…scoot a little closer to me *pats cushion on love seat* and let me read you an excerpt from my new release Emery’s Ritches

Excerpt:

“Oh wow, and here I feared the worst, that you would never break through that dark look and smile. Now that I’ve seen your smile, I’m pretty sure I never want to see you without it.”

Snapping out of his daydream, Ritchie turned to the intruding voice and set eyes on the sexiest man he’d seen in a long time. Short golden hair on the sides, longer in front, clear silver-blue eyes, high forehead, and pouty cupid’s bow lips. Hot damn, he’s a god.

After a few tense seconds, Ritchie finally found his voice and attempted to put it to good use. “Can I help you?” Okay, not good use, but use at least.

“Most definitely, in so many ways too.”

Ritchie’s brows drew together and he couldn’t hold back the growl. “Excuse me?”

The man smiled, wide and easy. “I wondered if I could share this table with you? This place gets busy in the blink of an eye. Plus I seem to have bought two coffees and two scones so I was thinking we could have breakfast together.” And with that, he placed two cups and the single plate with two cinnamon chip scones he had meticulously juggled onto the table. He then proceeded to make himself at home in the chair across from Ritchie.

Ritchie glanced around and noted at least three empty tables, and pointedly glared back at his interloper.

That easy breezy grin didn’t falter and the man didn’t miss a beat. “That table wobbles, almost spilled a whole cup of their hazelnut all over me the other morning.” He pointed to empty table number one. Then he directed his finger at empty table number two. “Sitting right next to that table you’ll find Mrs. Glein. She’s a widow and sweet as pie, but keeps insisting I meet with this mysterious grandson of hers named Stevie. Now considering she only has one grandchild, a beautiful woman named Stephanie, I figure she wants to convert me. I would rather skip that conversation this morning.” Ritchie glanced over at the old lady. She smiled widely at the stranger and he waved and nodded back in acknowledgment.

Then he turned his attention to the third table that now housed two students with their laptops. “And darn if I didn’t just miss that table by a millisecond. Good thing I got this seat when I did, huh?”

Ritchie took another sip of his coffee, trying to process how to lose this guy. He was obviously ill in some department no matter how hot he might be. Ritchie tilted his cup all the way back, then remembered it was empty. He set the mug back down a little too heavily causing a loud clacking noise that caused many of the patrons to look up with disapproving glares.

Then he looked back at his company, who held the extra steaming cup out to him. “Caramel latte, I believe?”

Begrudgingly, Ritchie took the cup and sipped some more. Damn near everything could be solved with the blessed combination of coffee and caramel. Staring into those clear silver-blue eyes from across the table, he stressed the damn near part.

“So, to what do I owe the great honor of your company?”

Grinning (of course, Ritchie mentally rolled his eyes) the man said, “You can owe the great honor to the fact that I didn’t want to eat breakfast alone. Usually I don’t mind, but when I noticed you so melancholy I decided today I minded.”

Ritchie nodded. “Ah, I get it now. You’re one of those do-gooders that just has to stick his nose where it isn’t wanted. Come to turn my frown upside down, have you? Thanks, I appreciate the pity, but I’m doing just fine pitying myself. Don’t need your help.”

“But you did need my coffee and you do need to eat something.” He placed one of the scones on a napkin in front of Ritchie.

“What are you, my mother?”

He winked at Ritchie. “Not exactly, I don’t have the proper equipment for that. Though now I think I should start pitying myself that you didn’t notice.” And for the first time throughout this whole weird interaction, the stranger’s smile turned into an exaggerated version of a pout.

Ritchie rolled his eyes for real this time, and against his will, he felt himself smirking in response to that pout.

“Ah ha!” Not surprisingly the pout disappeared. “I knew I would break down your defenses eventually. So who is he?”

“Excuse me?” Hadn’t he already said that during this conversation?

“Who’s the guy that’s got you all knotted up? Only way for someone to look that downcast is when love’s involved. Since you aren’t all pissy and mad, well, not any more than what I assume’s the norm for you,” the man chuckled at his own joke, “I have to deduce that it’s unrequited love. The guy obviously doesn’t understand what a joyful gem you are. So I repeat, who is he? Shall I hunt him down and explain the error of his ways?” He popped a bit of scone into his mouth and managed to smile through the closed-mouth chewing process.

“I’m sorry, am I putting off a vibe saying that I’m a people person or something? Because if so, I need to fix my vibe-o-meter. What makes you think it’s a guy anyway?”

You can find Havan Fellows @ Havan’s Heavenly Haven blog & Facebook

You can find Emery’s Ritches @ Breathless Press, Amazon & All Romance ebooks

Everyone is beautiful at the ballet – guest post by Laura Sheehan

This post by guest author, Laura Sheehan, really moved me when I read it. I am pleased to be able to hand over my blog today to Laura, who was kind enough to share her story and showcase her new Red Sage  release, Dancing With Danger:

As Bebe says in A Chorus Line, “Everyone is beautiful at the ballet.”

I couldn’t agree more. Dance was my saving grace. On stage, I was beautiful.  And eventually, dancing helped me realize that I was just as beautiful off-stage.

You see, I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I was in and out of hospitals throughout my childhood. I had my first operation when I was a few months old, and my last at age 14.  That last surgery was the one I’d been looking forward to since I was old enough to realize that I was “different.”  In addition to the scar on my lip, the gaping hole in the roof of my mouth, and my awkwardly placed teeth, my nose was also deformed. It was assymetrical, slightly off-center, wide and flattish.

The most common question I’d been asked (even more common than “How are you?”) was “What’s wrong with your nose?” I was so very tired of answering that question, and dealing with the bouts of self-consciousness that inevitably followed.

That last surgery, just a few weeks before high-school started, was supposed to fix everything.  It would be the final attempt to close my stubborn cleft palate, and at the same time, the surgeons would “fix” my messed-up nose and make me look normal. I didn’t expect to be made beautiful (as my tactless surgeons made very clear), but I didn’t care about that.

Unlike most young teenage girls, I wasn’t dying to attract the attention of boys.  I didn’t wear skimpy skirts in the hopes of getting whistles from the football jocks as I walked past the field. I wasn’t into make-up or fashion or crazy hairstyles.

No, what I wanted was to walk down the hallways at school and NOT be stared at. I wanted, for once in my life, to blend in, to not have to constantly explain my face, to be normal.

When I finally took the nose cast off (just 24 hours before my first day as a freshman), I was overwhelmed.  My nose was so much better! It was skinnier, straighter, less-flat, and although it was still a bit asymmetrical, it was so much closer to “normal.” I walked into high-school with my chin held high and my confidence soaring.

When I caught a cute boy staring at me in my AP Biology course in 2nd period, I did something I’d never done before: I returned his look and smiled.

And then he leaned over and asked me, “What’s wrong with your nose?”

I won’t go into my devastation at hearing those five words.

Instead, I’ll tell you what happened in my ballet class just a few hours later. My ballet mistress, Miss Pamela Langevin, was a gorgeous, tall, red-headed beauty. She was graceful, talented, and elegant. So when she came over to me during class and told me that my arms and hands reminded her of her own, I almost cried. When she pulled me aside after class and asked me if I’d ever considered a career as a professional dancer, all thoughts of that stupid boy in AP biology flew out the window.  She told me I had a special “something” when I danced, that I shined.  She said that it was hard to take her eyes off me when I lost myself in the movement.

And for the first time, I realized that I liked the idea of people looking at me, of people’s eyes being stuck on me. I liked the idea of being in the spotlight, of being the center of attention.

Because everyone is beautiful at the ballet.

Lily, the heroine of Dancing With Danger, is a professional dancer who only lets her guard down when she’s performing. She can bring an audience to its knees when she dances on stage, but until she meets Marc, she has no idea she can be equally as passionate off stage.

What experiences in your life have helped you realize how special and capable you are?  Share your story in the comments below!

Dancing With Danger Book Blurb:

Lily Brookstone has always been fiercely independent.  She learned to take care of herself when she was just a child, when her mother died and her workaholic father refused to make her a priority. Now she’s a dancer struggling to make it in Los Angeles, and the town hasn’t been easy on her. First her father disowned her, then she was injured on the job and dropped by her agent. Now, she’s working three jobs to make ends meet, and, oh yeah, she has somehow managed  to pick up a stalker.  In short, Los Angeles has not been kind. But then she meets Marc, a tough LAPD officer who is determined to break through her defensive walls. Lily might be able overcome her untrusting nature and allow him to protect her life, but what about her heart?

Buy Dancing With Danger at:

Amazon or B&N.com or Red Sage

Read an Excerpt HERE

Laura Sheehan can be found online at ReadLaura.com, Facebook, Twitter and Google +.