Reviews for two 1 Night Stand Short Stories.

Bound for Pleasure
by Ann Mayburn
1NS story
Football star Tycen Preston has everything he could want, everything but the healing release of subspace that he desperately needs. After four years of searching for the right woman, he finally has the opportunity to indulge in all the dark, forbidden desires that would ruin his carefully crafted image if anyone ever found out.
Lara Hernandez is tired of the weak submissive men that offer her no challenge. She yearns for a strong Alpha male to tame and call her own. A blind date arranged by the mysterious Madam Eve seems to be the perfect arrangement for fulfilling both of their decadent cravings. Unfortunately a scheming paparazzi photographer is hot on their trail, and will do anything he can to get a scandalous picture of Tycen that would destroy his career.
My thoughts: 
This was such a fast read that I don’t want to give too much away.  The description of the book is a great indicator of what this story holds for you.
I will tell you that I really enjoyed this story!  It is always fun to see how big, tough guys aren’t always that big and tough.
Sweet Irish Kiss
By Joanne Kenrick
1NS Story
Shaun Bell, a divorced workaholic, spends all his time tending bar in his Irish Pub. He’s ready to love again, but the women who visit his bar are only after his infamous Irish cocktails. At the advice of his darts team over a tanker or two of Beamish, he applies to 1Night Stand to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the company of a woman specially selected for him by Madame Evangeline.
Rachel Taylor has issues. Her father broke her mother’s heart with his cheating and Rachel swore never to let that happen to her, but one ruined relationship after another and she’s realized she’s got to get over being closed off to men. Perhaps a one-night stand is just the baby step she needs to begin to build trust again.
A match seemingly made in heaven…until morning rolls around and Shaun can’t bring himself to say good-bye. Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?
My thoughts:
While I enjoyed the story line and the interaction between the two main characters, there were times that I was annoyed with how they spoke.    I understand that the author was trying to stay with the Irish them, but at times it bugged me.  But other than that I really liked this story.
So Many 1Night Stand Stories so little time to read.  Want to see what eles is happening over at  Madame Evangeline’s?  Check out this website: HERE

Tracey O’Hara’s Dark Brethren Series

Dante Rising
(Prequal to Night’s Cold Kiss)
Sixteen years ago — Rural France
Antoinette sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes to look around the dark bedroom. She tilted her head and listened carefully for the noise that woke her. The gentle spring rain pitter-pattered against the bedroom window. Her little brother, Nici, breathed soft and steady beside her in a deep sleep. His arms were thrown above his head and he’d kicked the covers of his left leg. She smiled and pulled the quilt up then listened again.
Down the hall her grandmother’s snores rattled through the house. She was used to the sort of snorting gargle the old woman made, so it was doubtful that’s what woke her.
Then it came again—a distinct knocking noise from downstairs.
Someone’s here.
Night’s Cold Kiss 
   Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061783137
ASIN: B005SMYYM0


The tension between the Aeternus, an ancient vampiric people, and humanity has been mounting for over a century. But when rogue vampires begin to drain humans in order to achieve an illegal blood-high, all bets are off.
After the death of her parents, Antoinette Petrescu devoted her life to becoming one of the top Venators, the elite hunters who destroy the rogue Necrodreniacs. Her kill count is legendary and her skills superb.
But now the serial killer who killed her parents has returned. And to stop him Antoinette must join forces not only with the Aeternus, but also their most legendary killer. One that is both dangerously attractive, and involved in buried secrets of her past. More dangerous still, a dark attraction grows between them–one that could doom both races.

Death’s Sweet Embrace
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager; Original edition (January 25, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061783145
ISBN-13: 978-0061783142
After thousands of years of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens to shatter the tenuous peace.

Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a twisted, sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force must be formed to halt the madness—a union of avengers including the vampiric Aeternus, Christian Laroque and Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes…and forbidden lovers.

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their peoples—pitting wolf against snow leopard in a battle to the death—and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside in light of the scourge that is now upon them. For the killer they seek is but the first sign of a blossoming terror rising up from their long-buried pasts: the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren. 

#3 Sin’s Dark Caress 
No offical Cover yet. 
Scheduled release date August 2012

Learn more about Tracey
Here

Interview & Giveaway with Lizzy Ford


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lizzy Ford to the blog today. We are going to be talking about Lizzy’s War of Gods Series (Damian’s Oracle (bk1), Damian’s Assassin (bk2) & Damian’s Immortal (bk3))

Lizzy’s bio: Lizzy Ford is the hyper-prolific author of the “Rhyn Trilogy” and “War of Gods” series, launched in 2011, as well as multiple single title young adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Lizzy’s books have reached the bestseller lists on both Amazon US and Amazon UK in multiple categories. She is considered by contemporaries to be the ultimate writing freak of nature for her ability to write a new book every 30-45 days. She is an active member of a small guild of nine passionate, talented writers, the Indie Elective. Lizzy’s books are available from Amazon, BN, iTunes, and elsewhere.


Lizzy: It’s an absolute pleasure to be featured here on Books-n-Kisses!

Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Lizzy: I’m a freak of nature.  No, really, everyone tells me so!  I’m officially a full-time writer now, and I write and publish a new book every 30-45 days, with the help of my little team: my editor, Christine; graphics artist, Dafeenah; and of course, my husband and IT-Sherpa, Matt.

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lizzy: Yes, I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in grade school, and I wrote my first story about stars.

Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Lizzy:  My all time favorite writer is Jane Austen.  I love how she portrays people.  She’s probably the greatest influence on my writing in that, she created flawed characters who are offered the chance of redemption.  Some take that opportunity and others don’t.  I love that her characters stayed true to themselves. 

Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like. 
Lizzy: Let’s see.  I became unemployed recently, so my new routine is still forming!  I normally wake up around 6:30 and go to Pilates a couple days a week.  Then, it’s home to my laptop, which I move around the house, depending on where I feel like sitting for the day.  Aside from some errands, I spend the days writing, talking to readers, collaborating with other writers, and playing with my dogs!

Let’s Talk Books:

Q5) Can you tell us a little about your book 1 Damian’s Oracle?
Lizzy:  Damian’s Oracle details the story of Sofia, who becomes the first Oracle in existence in thousands of years.  She goes through the transition from human to Oracle throughout the book.  While struggling to learn her new role, she has to also deal with her immortal mate, Damian, the White God, whose job is to fight evil for the fate of humanity. 
Damian’s Oracle has been one of my most popular books.

Q6) Can you tell us a little about your book 2 Damian’s Assassin?
Lizzy:  Damian’s Assassin details the story of Dusty, who is the White God’s closest friend.  Dusty is left alone to deal with some pretty serious issues, to include acceleration in evil’s attempt to wipe out humanity.  He is a man who can’t get over losing his sister long ago.  Enter Bianca, the first real Healer in thousands of years, who can heal a man’s body and soul. 

Q7) Can you tell us a little about your book 3 Damian’s Immortal?
Lizzy:  Damian’s Immortal is about Jule, the third of the three good guys in the series, and his mate, the Magician.  Jule’s immortal powers are stripped, and he’s told he’ll regain them after he kills the Magician.  But, when he meets her, he discovers she’s an innocent caught in a much larger web.  He decides to protect her instead, and they end up falling in love while trying to figure out why she’s so important to both Good and Evil.

Q8) What is up next for you?
Lizzy: More books!  I write like a maniac, and I’m planning on releasing the first book in a YA trilogy on witches in late December.  I’m also working on the final book for the Rhyn Trilogy (due out in March) and the final book in the War of Gods series (due out in May.)  I’ve got a few more books planned next year, to include a sequel my readers have demanded to Kiera’s Moon, my most popular single title.

Q9) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
Lizzy: Julia Crane’s next book, Consumed, in the Keegan Chronicles.  It’s not published yet, but I keep harassing her about it.  Haha!  It should be out in December.  I’ve absolutely adored the first two books in this series (Coexist and Conflicted), and my heart is aching for the main male character, Roark.  I so want him to come out of this happy!

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lizzy:  I’m giving a blanket offer to anyone who signs up for my mailing list by 31 December 2011: free ebooks for 2012.  I plan on writing 8-10 next year, so it’s a significant offer.

Books-n-Kisses: Lizzy, again thank you so very much for making Books-n-Kisses a stop on your book tour.  I have enjoyed learning more about you and your books.  I look forward to reading and see what you come up with next.
Lizzy: Thank you so much for the opportunity!  

Giveaway Time!!!

Please use Rafflecopter to enter to win an e-copy of Lizzy’s Damian’s Oracle. 





my review of Amber’s Muse by Lacey Wolfe

Amber’s Muse
by Lacey Wolfe
Sometimes it’s the person you least expect who can satisfy all your desires.
By day Amber’s a librarian, and by night she hides away writing erotic romance novels. She has just one problem—not enough sexual experience to pull from. A recent steamy dream leaves Amber wondering if her neighbor Jax might be just the guy who can help her. He seems almost perfect to use as a sexual guinea pig, especially since she doesn’t have to worry about falling in love with him.
Jax has lived next door to Amber for a year and has tried everything he can think of to get her to notice him, but it hasn’t worked. Until recently. When Amber approaches him asking for his help, he’s ready to jump on board. When he learns exactly what kind of help she needs, he’s definitely willing.
Becoming involved with someone like Jax simply isn’t an option for Amber. He barely works, can’t manage his money, and has no ambition in life. So why does he suddenly seem so right for her?

My thoughts:
Ever have someone in your life that is always there?  Always around?  Always willing to do stuff for you? But you never really see them?  But then that one small thing happens and your eyes are open?
Well that is what happened to Amber. That is all I am giving you.  If you want a great, fun and sexy short read please check out Amber’s Muse.  
I really enjoyed this story.  I would love for Lacey to write more about Amber and Jax.  I didn’t want this story to end.  I want to know what is up next for them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Because what is Thanksgiving with out a little Snoopy & Woodstock? 
I don’t know about you but I plan on eating A LOT!!!
Never can have to many pie choices Right?  Right? 
Some people are just to crafty
Of course have to watch some Football. 
Oops, not lingerie Football… 
Anyone want to go throw the old pig skin around? 
You are right reading by the fire sounds better and warmer. 
But mostly I am thankful for those who have sacrificed everything so that I can live in a free country and do all the things I love.  To those who have lost love ones this holiday season know that we all love and cherish each each and everyone of you. 
What are you Thankful for this Holiday Season? 

Spotlight Feature of The Lonely Dominant


The Lonely Dominant
Ella Jade
Blurb
Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn’t consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.
After her grandmother’s death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec’s home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she’s a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart. 
As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn’t admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn’t sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love.
 Excerpt
I broke the kiss and gently stroked her hair. “Thank you for letting me be the first to bring you that pleasure. You don’t know how it pleases me.”
I continued to stare at her for a few moments, occasionally placing a soft kiss on her lips.
“I want to please you,” she said. “I can’t explain it, but I have these urges to make you happy.”
“What do you mean?” I said, figuring we might as well put it all on the table.
“Ever since I met you, there’s just been something about you. It’s the way you act, and you always seem to have control over everything. It’s really sexy.”
I smirked, because she got me completely.
“When I hear you on the phone for work, you just say what needs to be done. You never ask, and you always get results. There are times when I think I want you to talk to me that way. Is there something wrong with me? I can’t even believe I’m telling you this.”
I laughed, because if there was something wrong with her, then I was certainly a head case.
“Clara,” I picked up her shirt from the floor and handed it to her, “there’s nothing wrong with you. I think there’s a very specific reason we’re drawn to one another.”
“Why?”
“Do you know what a Dominant is?” Why waste time?
I was never the type to beat around the bush. When I wanted something, I put it out there. This was no different. She may not have realized it, but she was attracted to me because she was submissive. Exactly how submissive? I wasn’t sure, but I hoped to find out.
She quickly put her blouse back on and buttoned it up. We’d have to work on her modesty, too. I planned to have her naked quite a bit.
“I think so,” she said. “It’s when a person takes on the dominant role in a sexual relationship.”
I smiled. “Yes, that’s part of it, but it’s also the Dom’s responsibility to teach and help his submissive reach pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship between two consenting adults.”
“Alec, are you dominant?”
“In almost every aspect of my life, especially in the bedroom.”
“Oh,” she said, as she adjusted her skirt.
“Does that bother you?” I’d give her the opportunity to run screaming from the house.
“Actually,” she said, and the blush took over her face again. “It kind of intrigues me.”
“Really?”
She nodded.
“Do you know anything about that type of relationship?” I pulled her closer to me. She was so soft and warm, and I couldn’t keep my hands off her. I’d touch her all day if I could.
“Not firsthand, obviously.” She traced my lips with her fingertip. I liked when she touched me unprovoked. “I had a human sexuality course last semester and we discussed dominant and submissive behaviors, and I realized I could be a submissive. Not extremely submissive. I mean, I don’t think I could be someone’s slave, or do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but I found it a turn-on.”
Is this really happening?
“The more I learned about the subject, the more I realized I wanted to be dominated,” she said. “But, it wasn’t something I thought I could explore. I wouldn’t even know how to go about it.”
Surreal was the only way to describe what was happening here. Anytime I’d engaged in this behavior, I’d had to seek out my subs as discreetly as possible. I would go through friends I knew in the community to find a woman who was into the same things I was. I’d always had difficulty finding someone who was only interested in light play. Most subs were looking for long-term, hard play, and as secure as I was, I just wasn’t into beating or humiliating anyone. I also liked having the power of being able to play when I wanted to.
“I’m not a hard-core Dom. I’ve dabbled, but I’ve never collared a sub, and I’ve never been in a relationship with one before. I enjoy the lifestyle, but I did it only with a willing partner, and only for brief periods of time. We both took what we needed from the experience, and then we mutually parted ways.”
She looked disappointed by my response. Maybe she thought I was more involved in the lifestyle?
“It’s a very satisfying experience when both participants are open and honest about their wants and desires. The pleasures I’ve gained through my past experiences were like none I’d ever experienced before.”
“I’d like to try it,” she said. “I want to submit to you.”
“You’re so young.” Her age didn’t bother me. Rather, I knew she was so inexperienced when it came to sex and relationships. I wasn’t certain she could make this kind of decision. “I’d need you to be absolutely sure.”
“You said it was consensual. I wouldn’t have to do anything I didn’t want to, and if I remember correctly, there are safe words we could use.”
“I think you know more than you’re letting on.” I arched a brow at her, but I was impressed by her openness. I was surprised she had the courage to press the matter.
“I may have researched the subject a couple of times.”
“You’re right about safe words. They are set up to protect not only your physical boundaries, but your emotional limits as well. I would push your limits, but only to show you how much pleasure you could gain. I couldn’t do this 24/7 either. We’d have to come up with some sort of agreement, since we live under the same roof.” Are we really entertaining this?
“Weekends?” She shrugged. “Maybe we could try it out?”
I smiled and gently kissed her lips. “Yes, I think weekends would work perfectly.”

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the EBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she’s not chasing after her kids, she’s busy writing, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope’s you’ll get lost in her words.

Guest Blog with Shelia Stewart

Writers block
These two words bring terror to every author. Any author who tells you he or she has never felt writers block is either a genius or lying. We have all experienced it at some time in some form or another. Have you ever sat down to write and find yourself staring at the screen for several minutes? Sure you have, but for most, those few seconds or minutes pass and the story continues. For those unfortunate authors where the minutes tick on to hours, days, month, it’s terrifying.
What do you do when the words just won’t come, when the story simply won’t progress, when the characters are silent?
First tip:
Do not throw your computer or laptop out the window. This electronic writing tool has done nothing wrong, why make it suffer. You do not want to be known as a computer killer.
Don’t give up:  I know it’s frustrating, believe me I know. I’ve been in that boat where the words refuse to flow. But refused to give up. I love my job too much to walk away from it. So just be patient.
Now, for some “Do’s”.
Put it out of your mind. Walk away, give yourself a few days and don’t think about what you can’t do. The more you dwell on your lack of creations the worse it will be. Spend some time outside. Fresh air can be a great brain de-clogger.
Watch a good movie. Sometimes watching a movie can jar loose the brain fog. It’s worked for me, especially watching a really bad movie. I come out of it thinking, “Hell, I can do better than that.” Then I sit down and prove myself right.
Read. Books are great motivators and help stir your own creative juices.
Find a project to take your mind off of your woes. It can be anything at all. Crochet or knit a blanket for your kids, parents, siblings, or the guy next door who keeps giving you that sexy twinkle.  Or, if knitting and crocheting aren’t your forte, try gardening. If you’re a guy, work on a car, go hang out with your buddies or try the recommended remedy for stress that my hubby loves.(You thought I was going to say sex lol) Video games. Just make sure they have a lot of gun fire, destruction and swearing. J

Maybe try redecorating your home. It works for me. Sometimes placing your creativity in a different direction temporarily can help jar. But think before painting the walls in your house bright yellow with black stripes or lime green with orange flowers.  That is just so wrong.

Sit down with a pad and paper and jot down why you’re having trouble getting the story to flow. You may just find it’s something easily remedied.
Get some sleep. Lack of sleep will make your brain sluggish. Take a nap, and try to get at least eight hours a night.
Exercise.  Okay, who threw that pen at me? I know, who wants to exercise, but it can help brain flow. I’m not talking buying yourself a Bow Flex or joining the gym and sweating until you drop. It can be as easy as taking a walk or doing some jumping jacks.
Try writing out of sequence. If you have some ideas for later on in the book but you’re stuck on chapter three and you just can’t seem to get past it, write the part that’s begging to be written. There is no law that says a book has to be written in order. If you have the ending already in your mind, then write it down. If chapter twelve is begging to spring forth, jot it down..
Work on more than one project at a time. For some authors, this works. If you’re stuck in one novel, switch to another.
Get together with other authors and have a gab session about your book. Talk about what you want from it, why you’re stuck. They may have some good ideas that will help you knock your brain back in gear.  Or simply have a good cry because you need to. Whatever works.
Also, what is your work space like? If the chair you sit in is too uncomfortable, you may be having trouble concentrating on the task at hand. Same thing can apply for having a chair that is too comfy.  If sitting in your chair brings to mind a nice nap rather than a hot story then I suggest a change in furniture. Is your work area cluttered? Often the mind can’t concentrate if the work area is too busy.
Writers block is no fun but there are ways of remedying it. You feel like a failure, like you’ll never be able to write another sentence never mind another book. But this too shall pass. I know it’s scary, but like I said, the more you dwell on it, the worse it will be.
And if all else fails, grab a bottle of wine and get drunk. J What the hell, right? And who knows what ideas might come to you in your drunken stupor. J
Check out my latest releases..
A Taste of Humanity: A 1 Night Stand series.
One night of passion could be lethal!

Wanting some excitement in her life, Penny Parker heads to Vegas. She’s hoping the guy Madame Evangeline has set her up with will give her more than a thrill.
Cade O’Donnell is a virgin…of sorts. Wanting something he’s never had before, he signs up for the 1NightStand service. Deciding to meet his match in Vegas seems the right setting for his tryst. What better place to have a fling than in Sin City.
Thrills are abundant when Penny and Cade get together. But will it be more than she bargained for? Has Cade bitten off more than he can chew?

Awaken the Demon: Book 1 in the Demon series. http://www.shielasbooks.ca/AwakenTheDemon.htm
Running from an abusive Fiancé, changing her name, Missy Green is looking for a new life. Taking temporary refuge in a group called The StarrGazers, she does her best to blend in. Problem is, the owner, Draco Starr has put his sights on her.
Born and raised in the pits of hell, Draco was sent to earth to collect souls for Satan. Having served his time he starts his own business. When word gets out that a child born from demon and human is alive, he is determined to find her and make her his own.
Discovering who Draco really is terrifies Missy, but it’s nothing compared to finding out she too is a demon. Coming to terms with who she is, dealing with her attraction to Draco, Missy begins to embrace her new life. Until her fiancé enters the picture and changes her life forever.
Shiela Stewart
www.shielasbooks.ca
Places of purchase:
Decadent Publishing: www.decadentpublishing.com
All Romance eBooks: www.allromanceebooks.com

Interview & Giveaway with Ric Bern

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Ric Bern to the blog today.

Ric: Thank you very much for having me.

Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Ric: Yes, I am a part time writer and full time office administrator. I enjoy nature photography, reading and sports.

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Ric: Not since childhood, no. About ten years ago I decided to start writing my own stories and things have evolved from there. As I became a better writer my works became longer and more polished.

Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Ric: Robert E. Howard is my favorite past writer. Bernard Cornwell is my favorite current author. They have both influenced my writing. Howard’s influence is more in the style and verbiage. Cornwell’s influence would be in the attention to historical detail.

Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like. 
Ric: I work 8-5 on weekdays, so I write on weekends. I tend to take a lot of breaks while I am writing. I’ll write for a couple hours at a time and then go out for a while to clear my head. On a good weekend I’ll write 4000 words.

Q5) Let’s talk about your new book Crimson and Steel.  Can you tell us a little about it

Ric: It’s set in ancient Rome and is a tale concerning the fates of two very different slave girls. One is a pleasure slave from the east and the other a Germanic servant from the far north. They each find a master in diverse ways. In the end their stories will become enmeshed.

Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Ric: I am a real history nut and I took the best elements of other stories I had been dealing with and put them together. Instead of writing a barbarian story and a Roman story, I worked them together. It turned out rather well.

Q7) What is up next for you?
Ric: The sequel to Crimson and Steel, Scarlet Sands. We will see the relationships deepen as well as new characters.

Q8) What is the best piece of advice you would give to a buddy author?

Ric: Keep at it. Join a writing group that meets in person. You aren’t all alone.

Q9) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
Ric: I am reading an excellent biography of Harald Hardrada by John Marsden and Enslaved By A Viking by Delilah Devlin.

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ric: If you like Roman history and a bit of erotic romance, please check out Crimson and Steel!

Books-n-Kisses: Ric, again thank you so very much for making Books-n-Kisses a stop on your book tour.  I have enjoyed learning more about you and your book.  I look forward to reading and see what you come up with next.
Ric: Thanks so much for having me!

Excerpt: 
Kell stood in darkness as Marcus lit a candle. Her eyes adjusted as he ignited more. Then he kindled a bronze oil lamp as well as a similar little torch on the other side of the room and then several more candles. She looked on his bed and saw a finely-made, high-mounted mattress dressed in red and black silk. On the wall opposite his bed was a broad, circular mirror of polished bronze with a lion’s head adorning each point of the compass. The disc was so finely buffed that she could clearly see herself with a ruddy, aural complexion. Soon the room was blazing, and everything seemed to be bathed in an amber haze.
Kell stood at the foot of the bed and before the feline-crested imager. Marcus joined her, clothed in only his scarlet tunic. He cupped her heart-shaped face with his strong hands and stroked his thumbs across her cheeks, admiring her beauty. Kell closed her eyes and pressed into him as he kissed her, pursing his lips over her lower lip and tugging. He nuzzled his nose to her, and his stubbly chin scratched across her fair skin. The Nordic girl inhaled sharply at this contact and leaned into him all the more. His torso was like the trunk of an oak, and she pressed her breasts into him, her arms snaking around his waist. The Praetor tangled his long fingers in her shining locks and pulled her head to the side to expose the elegant tendon on the side of her neck. He kissed his way down the rounded cord, nibbling as he went, his breath a dragon’s flame on her winter-kissed flesh.
Calloused, sword-hardened hands slid down Kell’s linen-clad back and gripped her pert, supple ass. Her pitifully short tunic did nothing to cover her globes as they were mauled and rolled by Marcus’s seeking fingers. His lips continued downward, and she offered him all of herself, tossing back her head and curling her tapering leg around his hip as he clutched her closer. He bit her shoulder and kissed his way up the other side, stopping at her ear where he exhaled and whispered, “I’m going to fuck you so hard, little slave girl.”


GIVEAWAY TIME:
I have one e-copy of Crimson & Steel. 
Want a chance to win? 
Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. 




my reviews of Shelton in Love & Shelton’s Promise by

Shelton in Love
by Dianne Hartsock
Order HERE 
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Shelton’s Promise
by Dianne Hartsock
Order HERE
…Nevil but can’t seem to score a moment alone with him. Will Nevil ever let Shelton take him home?
Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
My thoughts:
I enjoyed both of these stories.  Shelton is a man who has been hurt too many times to count, that he doesn’t know if he will ever find true love.  Even though he is head over heels in love with his roommate Nevil.  Only problem is that Nevil is a love them and leave then kinda of guy.  Shelton has to decide if he is willing to have his heart broken to take a chance on Nevil. 
Both of these stories are great short reads and explore the relationship of two guys who want to take a chance of a forever love if they can only trust one another. 

Guest Blog with Lila Murno

The River Taboo
When I first started this business it seemed everyone had a tag line, and people were always asking me what mine was. Oh dear…I didn’t have a tag line. Heck, I didn’t even fully understand what a tag line was to be honest. I was certainly impressed with some of the ones out there in cyber-space though. How did these people come up with such nifty ways to describe themselves and what they created? It was a good question.
A few months into my journey to becoming a writer I realized my writing was a tad different than everyone else’s, but I still didn’t know exactly how to describe it or how to “tag” it. My editor and I had a discussion, a lengthy one at that, about how my writing differed from other writer’s and what my “hook” was. You see, I don’t write paranormal and I don’t write same sex romance. Two of the hottest selling items on the market right now. The reason? They aren’t the genres I fit into. I don’t know vampires and I don’t feel that I’m well equipped to write same sex well enough to do it justice. Well, that being said, what did I have to offer the literary romantic world if I didn’t have something that screams read me? My editor enlightened me to what I do have. Realism. Hmph. Who knew? So, I coined my very own term. Realmantica. What exactly is realmantica? Since I coined the term, I believe I reserve the exclusive right to define it. Realmantica is a romance that is defined by its elements of realism with some erotic content woven throughout. It can stand alone without the erotic parts, but is much better with them present. And just what is realism? Real people, with real problems, in real places, linked by real facts, and with real solutions. In other words, these stories take time, patience, and research to develop. Some things you just can’t make up. Not that same sex romance doesn’t embody all those real things. They do, but as I already said I just don’t feel I’m the right fit for that genre. So…now I had a tag line: writing one realmantic moment at a time.
So what does all that have to do with this River Taboo? Well, you see, I grew very tired of formula romance some time ago. I’m sure everyone is aware of the formula and how it applies to Greek tycoons, cowboys, and cops. Here’s an example. Billionaire sleeps with secretary, she turns up pregnant. Oh dear, now what? They resist, they marry, HEA all the way around. Whatever. Where’s the depth? Where’s the problem, other than she’s pregnant? I want to crawl inside their heads and find out what the real issues are.

Too often, writers are afraid to walk across that bridge over the River Taboo. I’m not. That river contains all the realistic problems real people have. Disease, mental illness, physical disfigurements, poverty, drug problems, miscarriages, alcoholism, abortion, loss of a spouse, and the list goes on and on and on. All these things float down the River Taboo, but not many people are there with their literary nets catching them. They’re too serious, they’re too scary, someone might be offended. Yes, they are serious and scary. Life is serious and scary. But, if taken and treated with care and respect, no one’s feelings are going to get hurt, no one will be offended. In fact, it is my belief that these real people with real problems will appreciate the fact that someone took the time to notice them and their plight.

Now, Three for Keeps is a ménage with BDSM elements. Is ménage a real problem? Is BDSM? Well, not necessarily, but it certainly is taboo in our society. Why do I choose to write it? Because both are real and touchy subjects. Not to mention I just plain like figuring out what makes people tick and with four people in a relationship that equates to a whole lot of heads to crawl inside and pick apart. Zoey, Dane, Jack and Ryan were a lot of fun to write. And let’s face it. As much as I like writing realmantica, even I need a touch of fun occasionally.

If you’re a writer, take a chance. Don’t’ be afraid. Cross that bridge over the River Taboo.

Now without further ado…here’s a bit about my latest creation…Three for Keeps…

Zoey Matthews is in love. She’s been in love since the day she was dropped off by a social worker at yet another foster home on a back country road miles from nowhere, Missouri. At age ten, she met the men of her dreams. Over the course of sixteen years, Dane Cardwell, Jack Devereux and Ryan Wilkins fell in love with her, too. They’ve each told her they love her, they’ve shown her and each man has gone so far as to ask her to marry him. But what they don’t know is Zoey loves them all.

Her game of kiss and not tell all comes crashing down around her the night of her graduation from veterinary school and Zoey runs for the mountains. Of Colorado. Hoping to outrun her obsession with three men and forget them all together, she stays gone for ten years. But the wound has never healed. In fact, it’s done nothing but fester. Needing to clear the air, Zoey agrees to spend a few days back home with the boys never imagining it would turn into a week filled with comparison sex as Dane, Jack and Ryan each try to get Zoey to choose between them and their varied tastes.

When she finally tells the truth, a truth only one of them has known all along, Zoey fears the foursome will never be able to make a sharing relationship work. After all, aren’t there just too many personalities and desires to sort through? Add in the kink factor and things get really complicated. Zoey’s not convinced the truth has any merit, but there’s one thing she knows for sure…this time she’s playing for keeps.


Please enjoy a short excerpt:
“How long has this been going on?” Zoey asked hanging her bag over the door.
“How long has what been going on?” Jack looked everywhere but at her.
“This vigil.” She waved a hand around the room. “This shrine.”
“It’s been here since you left. We did all this as a graduation gift. We thought you might come home, you’d need a place until…” Jack stopped and took a breath. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For driving you away.”
Jack turned and left her standing there with her mouth hanging open.
How on earth could that man ever think for a minute he’d driven her away? He’d never once hinted that he held any guilt over what happened. Zoey didn’t blame him, not in the least. It was a moment of weakness on both their parts and in that moment was when she figured out she couldn’t live with one of them and couldn’t live without them all. So she’d put on her coward’s cape and fled, but not before confessing everything to Jack between crying spells.
Zoey pulled her cap off and tossed it on the sink then tugged her tank top up and over her head letting it fall to the floor. She glanced in the mirror at the artwork that Ryan hadn’t seen as she unsnapped her bra and tossed it on top of her shirt. After toeing off her ropers she shed her jeans and stood there in nothing more than a pink G-string brushing her hair out.
“Zoey Matthews,” Ryan growled and sent her a few inches off the floor squealing. “Oh my God. That fuckin’ hummin’bird wasn’t all of it? What the fuck? Jesus Christ!”
Before Zoey could cover herself, Ryan was in the bathroom with her spinning her in a circle looking her over from head to toe. His eyes lingered a while on the wild stallions galloping across her lower back.
“Who the hell did you let do that?” he demanded, pointing at her nipple.
“None of your business,” she said. “I told you earlier, I’m grown.”
That piercing had come on the heels of a stint with a bull rider who liked to play rough. Zoey found she liked a little rough too and after a few too many Patrons one night had had one of the vendors administer a little gold ring in her right breast. Of course what her next lover never knew was that the whole time he was flicking that little gold ring with his tongue she was imagining someone else’s tongue rattling her cage.
“And I told you I could see that.”
Zoey opened her mouth to give him an earful but before one word escaped her Ryan had run his hands up her nape and grabbed two handfuls of her hair, wrapping it around his fists, then literally devoured her mouth. She couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t move, hell she couldn’t even think. Desperate was the only way to describe what Ryan was doing. He bit, sucked, licked and inhaled her over and over again until they were both breathless, forehead to forehead heaving for air.
“Ryan?” she gasped.
“Shut up, Zoey.”
That was all he had to say before feasting on her mouth again then moving down and grabbing her little gold ring with his teeth and tugging until a zip of pain ran out and across her breast sending her heart into an irregular rhythm and her clit into a spasm.
“Oh, shit,” she squeaked.
“I’d have never guessed, Zoey. Why didn’t you ever tell me?” he breathed across her throat before taking her earlobe and grating it between his teeth.
“There’s a lot of things you don’t know, Ryan,” she groaned.
“I want to know, baby. All of it.”
“No you don’t.” Zoey squirmed and pulled away. “Stop, Ryan. I can’t…”
“Goddamn it, Zoey. Shit!” Ryan backed up and ran his hands over his head. “I’m sorry. I…that’s not what I came up here for. I was supposed to ask if you were hungry.”
Thanks to you and Jack I’m starved.
“No, thanks anyway.” Zoey yanked her G-string down, threw it at him and got in the shower.
If you’d like to keep up with me I can be found at http://lilamunro.weebly.com  
Thanks, for allowing me to take over your blog today!

Spotlight Feature of Dead Force Rising by J.L. Oiler


Dead Force Rising
Blurb:
Sergeant John Rose planned to make the military his life, at least until an eye condition threatened to rob him of that goal. Now the Army has another plan for him and four other soldiers that find themselves in the same boat. Together they will form the government’s latest weapon in a war John didn’t even know they were fighting. A war on the monsters most people believe are just a figment of their imagination.
Thorn Grant lost her only brother a year ago when he was serving in Afghanistan. Now the paramedic finds herself doing a bit of civilian recon to help support his widow and small daughter. However, being a part-time spy is one job that isn’t nearly as simple as she thought. After her mark catches her watching him, Thorn discovers not only is there more going on than she suspected, but that she has a connection with a certain Sergeant that goes far beyond just a physical attraction.
Excerpt:
Thorn looked at her watch and frowned. She still had another four hours until the end of her shift. She’d worked three days straight on the 3pm-3am shift and was anxious to call it a night, not that it had anything to do with it being Wednesday, well almost Thursday, and her having the next three days off. The radio squelch made her screw the lid back on her bottle of water and head for the ambulance. At least a call would make the time go a bit faster.
“Unit three respond, alleyway behind First, and Gordian Street South, report man down,” the dispatcher announced across the units speakers as both she and the driver fastened their seat belts.
Great, Thorn thought to herself as she grabbed the jump kit she kept between the seat and her driver, Keith Boyd, as he pulled out onto the ice-covered streets. It had been snowing off and on for the past few days but tonight Mother Nature seemed to be throwing everything she had on the roads. Most likely, this call involved yet another person succumbing to the bitter weather and was another slip and fall on an icy patch of ground. She’d taken in three such cases in the past five hours. 
As they approached the scene, however, Thorn noted that no one was around the body, which was lying face down in a snowdrift the wind had created alongside a decaying stone wall. She thought it strange that the caller didn’t hang around.  When Keith pulled about twenty feet away, Thorn climbed out the door and headed for the body as the Keith went to grab the cot and some warm blankets from the back.
The bitter, cold wind cut through Thorn’s uniform, making it feel as though she were wearing nothing at all. Kneeling beside the body she could now confirm as male, she felt the victim’s neck for a pulse. Feeling nothing, she withdrew her hand, grabbed the body by the shoulders, and rolled the man face up. The site caught her off guard and Thorn stumbled back landing on her ass in the snow. The man’s entire neck had been torn open, his dead eyes locked wide in what appeared to be absolute horror.
A loud thump and yelp from Keith drew her attention from the body. Jumping back to her feet, she hurried around the ambulance fearing he might have fallen on the icy street. Instead, she came to a sliding stop at the back of the unit with her eyes wide. Keith was on the ground about five feet from the back doors of the ambulance, her jump bag lying on the ground, its contents spilling across the snow. Her driver lay sprawled across the cold ground, eyes staring into the sky, a silent scream on his face as a man dressed in jet black leaned over his throat. Blood turned the snow around Keith a bright red in the flickering lights of the dim street lamp. 
JL Oiler grew up in the mountains of West Virginia where she still lives with her husband and children. She is a graduate of Fairmont State University in Fairmont West Virginia, and holds a Masters degree from Ball State University in Muncie Indiana. She always possessed a passion to create stories to entertain her friends and family, but life led her on a variety of paths before she found the opportunity to return to the dream of writing stories to share.
JL currently has stories with Rebel Ink Press and Silver Publishing. She enjoys the Erotic Paranormal genre, but has dabbled in other areas of romance as well. Her first release came in January of 2010, since that time she has had multiple individual releases as well as the opportunity to work on several anthologies. She can often be found chatting about upcoming events or releases on Facebook or Twitter.

Lisa Hendrix Immortal Brotherhood Series

Immortal Warrior
by Lisa Hendrix
Book 1
He came to England in search of treasure.  Two hundred years later, he’s found her…
Ivar Graycloak is a brave warrior, a man known for his strength and integrity. He is also a man with a terrible secret. Long ago he was part of a Viking crew cursed by an evil sorceress to live for eternity as were-creatures. An eagle by day and a man by night, Ivar has lived a solitary existence for over two centuries. Then the king orders him to marry.
Lady Alaida is everything a man could want in a bride—intelligent, spirited, and beautiful—and their wedding night is a balm to Ivar’s lonely spirit. Then a seer brings him word of a dark vision, one that makes Ivar vow to stay away from his lovely wife forever. But now that Ivar has sampled Alaida’s passion, her humor and warmth, he is enthralled. His traitorous body-his very heart-longs for that which he can never possess.
Lady Alaida may surprise him yet, though, for she has a power of her own-a power that will either destroy everything they hold dear or ultimately set them free…
Buy Immortal Warrior in paper or digital formats at
Immortal Outlaw 
by Lisa Hendrix
Book 2
For centuries he’s hidden in the woods. Now a maid has come to lead him out…
It’s been four centuries since Steinarr the Proud was cursed by a wicked sorceress–along with the rest of his Viking crew–to live for eternity as half man, half beast. By day Steinarr is like any other man–by night he is a lion. He has taken refuge in the woods of Nottinghamshire, England, and there he encounters two young travelers, Robin and Marian.
Painfully aware of the danger he presents when the moon rises, Steinarr initially refuses to help them search for the key to Robin’s inheritance. Then a kiss from Marian awakens his desire. Driven to protect the maid he so desperately wants to possess, Steinarr joins their quest…while the sorceress Cwen gathers her dark magic to destroy them.
As a legend spreads of an outlaw in the woods, their band is joined by others. But it is Steinarr who has the most to gain and the most to lose–if he is ever to be free of the curse and free to love as a man…
Buy Immortal Outlaw in paper or digital formats at
Immortal Champion
by Lisa Hendrix
Book 3
He faces a future of cold uncertainty, until her warm embrace…
Part of a Viking crew of warriors cursed by an evil sorceress, Gunnar the Red must toil through eternity as half-man, half-beast, living out his days as a great bull, while his nights are spent in human form. And though he keeps mostly to the wilds, his heart yearns for the simple comforts of man—and the chance to redeem a tragic past…
Seeking refuge from a bitter winter in the welcoming hall of Richmond Castle, Gunnar rescues two maidens when a blaze erupts—and his destiny is forever altered. For one of the young women is Lady Eleanor de Neville, who is immediately entranced by her rescuer. Her kiss of gratitude—the brief touch of her lips against his cheek—awakens a longing in her soul. And even when she is betrothed to another, Eleanor never forgets her courageous knight.
When Gunnar rides back into Eleanor’s life, she is consumed by undeniable passion. And though his body surrenders to her every touch, Gunnar’s heart remains imprisoned by the curse—and only the magic of the truest love can save him…
Buy now from
or internationally from Book Depository
Also available on KindleNookKoboiBook, and other digital formats.
IMMORTAL DEFENDER
by Lisa Hendrix
Book 4 
Lisa’s notes on Defender:  
Readers will remember Torvald as the silent, watchful, “monkish” fellow from Immortal Outlaw and Immortal Champion. But what they don’t know is that Torvald holds his tongue because of the dark past he’s hiding from everyone, most especially from the other men in the crew. But now voluble, lustful widow Josian Delamere has invited him into her bed. A straightforward romp is just what Torvald needs to loosen him up a bit and make him turn loose of his past mistakes, but things are never straightforward in Elizabethan England, especially not when the lady’s father is one of the most infamous Catholic rebels in the land. Find out what sort of trouble Torvald lands in with Josian in August 2012.
Learn more about Lisa by checking out her website: http://lisahendrix.com/