HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONTEST week 4!

Hi all, what a great turnout! I wanted to thank everyone for making this July blowout HOT SUMMER NIGHTS contest such a success. It ends tonight though when I pic the winners at midnight. Woo hoo! So if you haven't already entered please do so HERE! Good luck to all and Happy Reading!

Guest Author Delilah Devlin..........

Today I am honored to have Delilah Devlin as my Guest Author who has been kind enough to answer a few questions and talk a little about her latest release in the Captured Soul's Series, Captured Souls: Stone's Embrace.

This is the second book in the series actually and what an captivating and erotic tale it is. A long time fan of Delilah's I was trilled with so many releases this year from her. A true fan's fantasy not to have to wait so long in between releases dates! Delilah has lived a pretty adventurous life through her many jobs her life in serving in the Army and through her travels, bringing all those experiences into her writing that we all love so much. STONE'S EMBRACE was a home run for me and lead my straight to Samhain's Publishing to the other two books in the series, Dominique's Release by Kimberly Kaye Terry and Demon Lover by Vivi Anna. If you haven't read this series yet you are surely missing out, so run your fingers on over your keyboard and head to Samhain's, you won't be sorry!

If you haven't read my review you can click HERE to read it.

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I am a fly on your wall today, what would I see in the day of Delilah?

You’d be a very bored fly. After I rise in the morning, I update my blog and then head to the pool for an hour. The rest of the morning and early afternoon are my prime writing hours. I have a set page count I have to meet, and I don’t stop until I reach it. After that, I do some promotional work and site visits. Evenings are spent watching my TIVO’d shows (all are within genres I write) or reading research books.

If someone were writing a story about Delilah, what type of character would describe you?
Pre-writer days, you’d have a character who was a cross between Private Benjamin and Carrie from Sex in the City. I was a bit of a wild child, ready for an adventure and always winding up with more than I bargained for. These days the adventures take place mostly in my imagination. I really need to get out more!

Are any of your personality and life experiences in your writing? You love to travel and explore, did experiences/influences from those travels help make into your writing, especially Captive Souls: Stone’s Embrace?
My experiences with men, and I “dated” a lot, are all there in the relationships between my heroes and heroines for anyone to read. Some of the places I’ve traveled or lived are featured too. I haven’t been to Hades yet, but I have met men very like my gargoyle and Hades himself. I was always drawn to stoic, brave, and dominant men.

Has your love for mythology inspired this latest story of a gargoyle, angels and demons?

Oh yeah! Many of my stories are based on characters or legends I’ve read. I used research into Sumerian myths and Jewish folklore for my Dark Realm series. For Stone’s Embrace, I went straight to classic Greek mythology. Hades, the Fates, Charon—they are all favorite entities of mine.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release Captive Souls: Stone’s Embrace?

Here’s the blurb and the link. You can read an excerpt on my site to get a feel for the story. Link to Stone's Embrace

Lust trapped them in darkness…only love can free them…

Petra Pedersen has lived as a recluse all her life thanks to a genetic double whammy—a strange deformity and a shameful power inherited from the father she will never know. The power to incite lust in men and women with just a touch.

Exploring the garden of the mansion she’s just inherited, she comes across a fascinating stone gargoyle whose raw, passionate expression draws her to caress its broad chest. Her imagination follows her fluttering fingers. As she closes her eyes and gives herself up to the arousal, something shifts beneath her touch.

Long ago, failure to stop a demon battle trapped Octavius in a prison of stone. Freed by the woman’s incendiary touch, he doesn’t hesitate to unleash his pent-up rage and desire in a blistering fury. Yet once the haze of lust clears, he discovers he isn’t really free after all.

They are both trapped in another realm where he must choose between his last chance for redemption or returning Petra home…
Warning: Sex with inanimate objects, lusty m/m/f ménages with gods...it’s all good when the reward is freedom.

When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?
Not always. When I write a historical novel, I look for names common in the timeframe, then check their meaning to ensure they fit the character I have in mind. In most of my paranormal’s I check for ethnically correct names and check meanings too. The contemps, not so much. I just look for names that feel right when I describe the characters.

What influences your heroes?

Do you mean my choice of heroes? Like I said before, I love strong men, capable of killing another with his hands, able to protect the people he loves. It’s usually the “warrior” archetype, because those are the men I’ve known. I spent years in the Army, so I know them very well. They don’t fall in love at the drop of a hat. They’re very sexually driven. Lust will morph to love without them realizing it until it’s almost too late. Then they’ll go balls to the wall to capture a woman’s heart.

If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would you be? It can be one of yours or any other author's.
I would be Chessa Tomas from Seduced by Darkness. She’s sharp, edgy, competent and kick ass. She’s also a little brittle, but she’s got baggage and it only makes her stronger and more interesting. Plus she knows exactly what she wants from a man.

For you, what is the hardest part of writing a novel? Concept, Characterization, Plotting, Writing the story, Synopsis/Query letter writing, etc.
Ugh! It depends on where I am in a story. If I’m starting, I’ll say it’s writing that first sentence, because I want it to leap off the page. If I’m past the third chapter and entering the danger zone (the saggy middle), I’ll say it’s the entire middle of the book because I didn’t plot it well enough to know what’s going to happen next. Or I plotted it, and now the story is taking over and I’m afraid of where it’s leading me. Synopses are evil, but for some stories they come very quickly. Some can be like pulling teeth. PAINFUL. Characterization usually isn’t an issue. These people speak to me, make love to me, tell me funny things about themselves, so I really do know them and their issues. Sometimes, I do struggle with making a character I love more palatable to a reader, because I like flawed, misogynistic men.

What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your MUST HAVE authors?Must haves?

I don’t have any recent must-reads. I have comfort re-read authors like Johanna Lindsey, Linda Howard, and Amanda Quick. When I do pick up a new book, it’s because something about the blurb on the back captured me. More often than not, it will be something sensual, something about the hero that makes me want to discover what kind of man he is

What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?
I couldn’t tell you, because I snuck my mother’s Harlequins from a very young age. I can tell you the first author who made me crave a sexier book was Johanna Lindsey. In particular, her Warrior’s Woman. Too, there was Julie Garwood’s Rebellious Desire that inspired me to write the kind of heroes I love.

If you were not writing, what would you be doing?
I’d be a war correspondent.

If you could work with any author who would it be?

I’d love to work on a series or anthology with Angela Knight or Linnea Sinclair.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I always ask readers what sort of stories are they dying to read but can’t find enough of. Sometimes, their answers inspire me to try something new.

Don't forget that Delilah has released this month TEMPTED BY A COWBOY anthology as well as a SPICE BRIEF, EYE OF THE STORM to be released on August 1st

Review...Captive Souls: Stone's Embrace by Delilah Devlin

Angels, Demon's, Gargoyles, Witches.... oh my. Ms. Delilah Devlin has done it again, what you ask.... written an completely intriguing and captivation story about the supernatural in CAPTIVE SOULS: STONE'S EMBRACE. This is my first gargoyle book I have read, and the man a fine specimen really, a demon from Hell and one of Hades Guards. Petra's has only felt one other man's touch and that touch (or her curse) incited such a lustful craze that she was not able to prevent a rape from happening. She almost felt like she deserved it for being cursed. She has endured years of abstinence as a cost, not even able to embrace her mother as a daughter should be able to do since before her puberty. See Petra is a witch of sorts with her power to insight lust in men and women alike lead to a rape. Upon her father's death she and her other two sisters were left a house and property in Louisiana and as she arrives to the house she tempts to explore the garden as she waits for her sister's arrival. Do you ever watch horror movies and wonder why the girl goes into the dark basement in her panties and bra with nothing but a hairbrush and want to scream at the dumb twit? Well, I already fell in love with Petra, her character was just sweet and tortured in a way, no dumb twit there, but I still had the same feeling and wanted to yell, "don't go in the garden you silly girl, a dusk, are you crazy! ". But of course she went and set her fate upon a stunning gargoyle half covered in ivy. As she uncovers him she notices that he is in a state of arousal, so in her desperation to feel a man without inciting extreme lust, she strips and mounts him knowing that this is just a gargoyle, a statue, no harm will come. Little does she know that she has released him, him being Octavius the beautiful gargoyle now man. No, wait, not a man, not human since the beautiful creature has wings. Octavius is a guard to Hades who is well, a God really. Oh yes, a God in hell, literally! As Petra lets her self go and isn't quite as alarmed as she should be but she is a tough little thing, resilient and clever, she embraces the fact that Octavius wants her and her power has nothing to do with it, in fact he is unaffected. After their little tryst they are forced to flee from the house and Octavius realized that they are already in another realm and so their journey begins. Petra has unknowingly crossed over when she entered the garden, and they are forced to head to his home, in hell. And stand in front of Hades himself to account for his failures, which was to keep Bacclum out of trouble. The mischievous half breed angel was killing other demons to gain their power and Octavius was not able to stop him. At the moment last know to Octavius, Bacclum was attempting to do just that with Malvo.
Through their journey to Hades there many strange encounters first with the fairy man Charon and forced to use her powers as payment for a quick trip. She is intrigued though as she watches Octavius get aroused from watching her with another man even when his slight demeanor and attitude shows jealousy. With Octavius, Petra is allowed her to explore her pleasure while keeping her safe and Octavius holds her heart not just her lustful desire. She pushes him though through small manipulations but his dominate nature is scarcely held back as he is forced to watch her. She is new to a man's touch and wants to explore with Octavius at her side. Hades wants Petra as soon as he sees her, and nothing will stop him, but with Octavius's help and protection is allows herself to be taken by him and Octavius together and the girl knows how to bargain. But with the devil there always is a price, Gods are tricky so she offers herself to Hades when he so desires for Octavius to return home with her. Petra has a inner strength that has come from years of loneliness and also from the new found freedom she feels with her sexuality and her "curse". She is brave to bargain and is willing to accept the price. After all she gets Octavius, a man that loves and wants her for her and not because he is mindless with lust. Octavius is well, sexy for sure, and proud, so proud that Petra fears her bargain that practically ties him to her has removed his free will. What if he didn't want to be tied to Petra? What if these feelings were one-sided that Petra felt in her heart? Oh the dilemma. And Octavius' end, how will be be embraced if at all by her new family? You will have to read for yourself if find out the end, I have told you enough to get your blood boiling I hope that you will want to read for yourself! Because this one my friends is a keeper..... now off to read the other two books. There are two more sisters to worry about and I am determined to find out their fates as well. If you are interested they are Dominique's Release by Kimberly Kaye Terry and Demon Dreamer by Vivi Anna... Happy Reading!

5 STARS- LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN

SNIPPET: "A Captive Souls story. Petra Pedersen has lived as a recluse all her life thanks to a genetic double whammy—a strange deformity and a shameful power inherited from the father she will never know. The power to incite lust in men and women with just a touch.
Exploring the garden of the mansion she’s just inherited, she comes across a fascinating stone gargoyle whose raw, passionate expression draws her to caress its broad chest. Her imagination follows her fluttering fingers. As she closes her eyes and gives herself up to the arousal, something shifts beneath her touch. Long ago, failure to stop a demon battle trapped Octavius in a prison of stone. Freed by the woman’s incendiary touch, he doesn’t hesitate to unleash his pent-up rage and desire in a blistering fury. Yet once the haze of lust clears, he discovers he isn’t really free after all. They are both trapped in another realm where he must choose between his last chance for redemption or returning Petra home…"

Both are avail with Samhain Publishing, just click on the book pic to read all about them! Happy Reading!!!

Books On Board $1.99 NEW RELEASE READS!!

I so love Booksonboard.com they really have the best selection. And they are offering (expires 7/31, so hurry!) $1.99 releases...... how cool is that!!!

Review...Double Play by Jill Shalvis

First let me say that I am a HUGE Jill Shalvis fan, I buy up all her latest releases as soon as they hit the shelves and have pretty much devoured her back list. With this being said I am a little torn with the latest release which was Double Play. I completely adored the Pace Martin. I loved his anger, his frustration at himself and his vulnerability that was so raw. I did like the female lead Holly Hutchins but I didn't see, and I tried, I really did, to see something special about her. There was nothing in her personality that stuck out enough to write about. Which is a pity since I fell in love with Pace from the get go. Usually the opposite with me, but I just wanted everything to work out for the poor guy. The story begins with a story. Confused you yet? Well we start out with Holly being a reporter and doing a piece on the Santa Barbara Heat, a 3 year old expansion team out west that is hot right now and primed for the world series if they can just hold it together. One thing I did like as a non baseball fan, is that Ms. Shalvis really kept all the technical baseball mumbo jumbo to a minimum. So for those out there that aren't fans, you aren't smothered with baseball facts! So, Holly is great I like her, I do. I just thought she was mediocre. I want a female lead that I can root for, that my heart breaks a little for or who kicks some serious ass! I want to love her, to be her and not want to wring her neck by the end of the book. No whiners please! Although Holly was not a whiner she had no serious personality traits that stood out for me. But this book wasn't a total loss, not by far. Why? Because Jill created a lovable creature in Pace Martin. He has so many internal struggles and he just seemed real to me. Throughout the story you have his struggle with falling for Holly, is she the press leak the team is worried about? You have his injured shoulder and the complications of a possible career ending injury. You have his relationship with Red who has helped coach him since he started out in baseball. There is his complicated and almost non existent if not slightly mentally abusive relationship with his dad. And last the accusations that he has possibly been taking enhancement drugs. Throughout his challenges Pace really is all over the place, does he pick loyalty above truth. That is the deciding factor. Also throughout the book Holly and Pace's relationship (sexually) is rather slow, but I did love the buildup. Sometimes it's nice to not have the leads fall into bed right after they introduce themselves.

3 STARS- LIKE EATING ONE CHIP, LEAVES YOU LONGING FOR MORE, WOULD STILL RECOMMEND

SNIPPET: "He's a great pitcher...and a great catch.With the end of his career looming, the last thing ace pitcher Pace Martin needs is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses. "

Contest! and more!!

Don't forget to head on over to my Contest Page (link on Sidebar) I just posted a ton of them! Good luck to all and Happy Reading!!

Free read from Ellora's Cave! The Bad Widow

Ellora's Cave has a very saucy free read today, check it out! It's worth your time ;-) The Bad Widow by Barbara Elsborg - here's the link.

SNIPPET: "Rose Thorne doesn’t want much. She’d like a man to love and for village idiots to stop claiming she’s a witch. Just because she does a little magic doesn’t mean they need to burn her at the stake. It takes ages to get the smell of smoke out of her hair. On her way home after foraging for mushrooms, she’s assaulted by two local lechers. Her rescuer appears out of the mist—a tall, dark, handsome stranger with a mouth-watering body. Finally something in her miserable life is going right. Furthermore, her savior turns out to be mute, so he can’t ruin things by saying something stupid.

Can life get any better?"

Review....THE THIRD WISH by K.F.Zuzulo

So every now and then I look for something a little out of my element, and stories of genies are well, out of my element. But nothing is more surprising and delightful then finding a new genre and a new author to rave about. With that being said, let me introduce you to K.F. Zuzulo's THE THIRD WISH which is a story of the Jinn (or genie). THE THIRD WISH is a fantasy romance novella and completely captivating as you travel with Bridget Devine on an archaeological dig off the NW coast of Africa just outside Jordan. Bridget is intelligent and clever but not superstitious as she heads in alone on a dig and stumbles across a find that will change her life forever. This bizarre boat shaped vessel is an archaeological treasure, but what is inside the ancient vessel is the real treasure..... a jinni or genie. But Ashura-Goreem is no typical jinn, he has been locked in his prison for 3000 years and needs Bridget to make her three wishes before he can be free to enact his revenge on Eriba-Malduk. The problem is that the first encounter with the jinni Bridget although piratically terrified was filled with desire for Ash that she could not explain and forced to ignore. But in that first encounter she makes her first wish, to save her dieing mother from cancer. A selfless wish that surprises Ash knowing humans and their selfish nature. Despite the desire flowing through Bridget she runs, and fast, because after all genies aren't real! Ash has different plans to force Bridget with her other two wishes, he invades her world pretending to be Dr. Ebbot with her superiors and all but forces a second wish from her lips before she knows what has happened. As they are both sent back to the states Bridget fights her desire for Ash as she all but ignores him and resents him for his invitation and refuses to set him free. Part of her decision is because somewhere deep inside she can't deny the passionate pull she feels towards Ash. This pull to mutual but even though Bridget releases her anger and lets her desire known for Ash in a smokin hot genie love scene their bond is forged. The problem, oh that 3rd wish and Ash's freedom still depends on Bridget and her reluctance and a bit selfish need for Ash. Not just the fact that she is falling in love with him, but also for his knowledge. But this is short lived as the ossuary is brought back as well. The ossuary carries evil and with that the enslavement of Ash again at the hands of Eriba-Malduk once again. Unfortunately Bridget is too late to make her wish and Eriba-Malduk is set free. The love that develops between Ash and Bridget is addictive and passionate in this quick read. I really enjoyed learning about the jinn as well since this was such a refreshing new area for me.

4 STARS - A PAGE TURNER, BRING ON THE SEQUEL

SNIPPET: "On a dig in the Jordan desert, archaeologist Bridget Devine unleashes cursed and captivating jinni Ashura-Goreem…and her own sensual awakening. The jinni must fulfill three wishes before he is free to settle a 3,000-year-old score. His attraction to Bridget is a distraction he can’t afford. Bridget soon realizes that she is the captive—bound to Ash by desire and unwilling to let him go. But time is running out for the jinni. As an enemy from his ancient past returns, Ash must decide between freedom and love. The third wish will either release Ash or destroy him."

WINNER CHOSEN!!!!!!

Thank you all for the great turnout for the giveaway of THE QUESTION by Zena Wynn. The winner is ...................

******delitealex******

PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT BJWALDRON(AT)GMAIL(DOT)COM BY FRIDAY, JULY 31 OR I WILL HAVE TO PICK ANOTHER WINNER.

CONTEST!!! Kimberly Killion's Summer Sizzler .....

Calling all Romance Junkies out there, if you love smokin hot love stories you just have to check out Kimberly Killion's Summer Sizzler is packed with heat...
She is featuring a basket of "New to You Authors" which includes 16 autographed books + a $25 B&N giftcard. How can you pass this up, I am always looking for new authors to check out and this is a great opportunity! Good luck and Happy Reading to all.

Don't delay, go HERE to sign up for the giveaway.
The winner of the SUMMER SIZZLER will be announced on September 1.

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONTEST week 4!

To end my Hot Summer Nights Contest, week 4 officially starts today! There will be two winners for this last giveaway, the first winning name chosen via Random.org and the 4th actually. Just because 4 is my fav/lucky number! So let's hear what the prizes are shall we. And a HUGE thanks to everyone who has entered this last month as well as ALL the authors who donated books and swag.

First Prize: Winner gets to chose either a $50 GC to either Barnes & Nobles or Borders as well as two secret new release books or the stash of books and goodies.

Second Prize: Will win either of the above depending on what the First Prize Winner Chooses.

What's in the Stash you ask? Ok, here it is:

Signed copies of Simply Shameless & Riding the Line by Kate Pearce, signed copy of Watch Over Me by Lucy Monroe, The Right Stuff by Lori Wild, signed copy of Snowed in the Boss by Jessica Andersen, signed ARC of Belong to the Night Anthology by Shelly Laurenston, Street Magic by Caitlin Kittridge, Men in Blue by Delta Dupree, Myla Jackson, Devyn Quinn, Lord of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle & Take Me by Shelli Stevens & goodies from ALL the authors who donated!

***The Rules***
+1 Entry for comment & correct answer to question
+2 Entries for being or becoming a follower
+3 Entries for posting to your blog/facebook/myspace/tweet

QUESTION:

What is your ABSOLUTE favorite Romance novel and who do you imagine playing the leading man while you read it?

*winner chosen on July 31st midnight, open to all*

Contest!!!!!

Hi All, I have tried to posts as many contests that catch my interest and those that I thought you all might like. Well as over whelming as it may be I have decided to add another page to my blog. I will keep it updated daily and on all the latest and greatest as well as keep a little button on my sidebar. Hope this makes it easier for everyone to follow.

BOOK JUNKIE II

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Review...Almost Perfection by Lynn LaFleur

What a refreshing fun read! This is book three I do believe in the series with Lynn LaFleur's ALMOST PERFECTION being all about Brent Cooper the youngest sibling of Cooper's Companions and the most arrogant. Well why not he is the #1 escort for the company. The problem is that although he is undoubtedly sexy and charming, not to mention getting all the ladies he can handle, he feels his own loneliness. Never feeling the sting of rejection and ONLY sleeping with women who fit into his ideal as perfect his world is rocked when he meets the new website designer that his sister Michelle hired Robin Howell. Not only is Robin intelligent, but she is beautiful. The attraction between the two is setting off sparks in moments, even though Robin knows just seconds after meeting Brent that he is a player despite the immediate attraction. During the first encounter Robin takes off her sweater what is exposed makes Brent take a step back and almost physically ill. She is badly scared on her arms and back from being caught in a fire that her ex-boyfriend set on her house while she was still in it. The poor girl just wanted to break up with him, but Stuart had no intentions on letting her go and ended up in prison for 12 years to pay for his crimes. Realizing Brent's reaction to her, Robin rights him off despite the heat between them and tries to move on with developing the new website for Cooper's Companions. Ironically Brent feels a little possessive over Robin as she is asked out by Michelle's visiting brother in low, not to mention all the mishaps that seem to be going on around Robin as well. First Brent's tires are slashed, then all her work is erased from her laptop on the website then the creepy box of expensive chocolates that only her ex used to buy her. Brent in the meantime can't help but act on his attraction to Robin as he learns a little more about himself and that being perfect is really in the eye of the beholder. I really enjoyed how Robin mentally held it together and actually went after hunting her ex instead of waiting around for him to find her and harm her again. Brent's love became a powerful force and sex was smokin hot and not disappointing.

4 STARS - A PAGE TURNER, BRING ON THE SEQUEL

SNIPPET: "Brent Cooper loves his life. As one-third owner of Coopers’ Companions, a successful male escort business, he has his pick of the most beautiful, sexiest women to take to bed. That’s the way he likes it. He sees no reason to settle for a woman who isn’t perfect.

He wants nothing to do with Robin Howell when he meets her and discovers her scars. But Robin’s warmth and courage—and the perfection of their lovemaking—soon shatter his demand for physical perfection.

His love and Robin’s courage are put to the test when a man from her past comes back into their lives. Stuart Holden believes Robin belongs to him. He’s killed in the past to try to keep her. He won’t hesitate to kill again"

Suzanne McLeod Contest!!!

Suzanne McLeod is running a very cool contest in celebration of her latest release The Cold Kiss of Death. She is giving away prizes on her blog a choice of one of 8 books including her book The Cold Kiss Of Death . So go and leave a comment on your favorite cake and you could win a prize! Click HERE to enter!!! And don't forget that this is the second in the Spellcrackers.com Series and if you haven't read the first book The Sweet Scent if Blood you are truly missing out! I just finished and it rocks! I do hope to review it in the next week and post but until then here is a little snippet of both for you! Happy Reading!

THE SWEET SCENT OF BLOOD:
"'My name is Genny Taylor. I work for Spellcrackers.com. It’s a great job, pays the rent, lets me do the thing I’m good at – finding magic and cracking it – and the bonus is it’s run by witches, which stops the vamps from taking a bite out of me.
Not that vampires are the big bad any more, not since they launched a slick PR campaign – ­ oh, and they brought the goblins on board. Now the vamps are sought-after celebrities, and Getting Fanged and taking the Gift are the new height of all things cool. But only if you’re human. And I’m not. I’m Sidhe fae. And I know firsthand just how deadly a vampire can be.’

When Mr October, a sexy calendar pin-up vamp, is accused of murdering his girlfriend, an old debt is called in and Genny is forced to help prove his innocence, risking her job and the protection it offers – and threatening to expose her own dark secrets. Searching for the killer plunges Genny deep into the hidden heart of vampire society. It’s not long before she realises that she and Mr October are both unwitting pawns in a centuries-old power struggle between London’s non-human communities . . . and it’s not just her own neck that’s at stake, but the lives of all London’s supernaturals "

THE COLD KISS OF DEATH: "Being haunted by a ghost is the least of Genny’s problems: she’s also trying to deal with the witch neighbour who wants her evicted. Finn, her sort-of-Ex – and now her new boss – can’t quite decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure. And then there’s the queue of vamps inviting her to paint the town red; how long before they stop taking no for an answer? Just when it seems things can’t get any worse a human friend is murdered using sidhe magic. Determined to hunt down the killer and needing help, she turns to one of London’s most capricious wylde fae and the seductive vampire Malik al-Khan. But all too soon she realises she doesn’t know who she can trust – and now Genny’s the one being hunted, not just by the police, but by some of London’s most powerful and dangerous supernaturals "

Review: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE by Kerrelyn Sparks

Book # 5 in Kerrelyn Sparks’ Love at Stake series is ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A VAMPIRE and it is to die for (no pun intended!). I stopped trying to start with #1 in a series because I have the patience of a three year old and if I see a cover that I love or read the back of a book and am hooked, well I can always go back can't I? As I often do. I am happy to say though that I am on a streak of reading some fantastic books lately (ugh, I might have just jinxed myself) and this by far is the latest and greatest. So let's start with book #5 in the series, why the heck not right, there are many characters which I have to admit starting at the beginning helps place them all but I didn't feel so out in the cold picked up with this read. Ian MacPhie is charming and he is my new boyfriend, although I will keep John Matthew on the side (BDB, JR Ward). He is a Scottish Highlander close to 500 years old and until 12 days ago had been living all this time in the body of a 15 year old boy. One of Roman's guards for centuries he isn't as innocent as his face would lead you to believe. In comes Toni who has taken on a new job as a mortal guard to the vampires in hopes to prove that her best friend Sabrina isn't crazy. Sabrina and Toni were both attached by the Malcontents (evil vampires) who still feed off humans. The "good" vampires now drink synthetic blood out of a bottle. While Toni was rescued by Conner, Sabrina was committed to a mental institution by her Uncle who is after her inheritance. Toni and Ian don't hit it off so well as Toni is the first female guard these vampires have had but even though there is tension in the beginning there is an underlying heat between the two in their comedic banter as they try to bash each other over the head with insults. Ian is on a mission, he has taken Roman's Stay Awake juice and has aged one year for every day, so now that he is looking 12 years older he is after true love. But he is only looking for a Vamp. Only a Vamp would understand and sympathize with the things he has done in the past and forgive him. Unfortunately he has a heart of gold and trusts his friend Vanda who bless her heart only means to help him. Instead, Ian's profile has kick started near riots of girls and some men out for a piece of him. Poor Ian isn't a virgin which is so hilarious believed by so many due to Vanda's outrageous profile posting. Overwhelmed and attracted to Toni their limited time together starts to become cherished for each. I found their love story so charming as Ian was so brutally honest and vulnerable about just wanting to feel loved and worthy of love as did Toni. Toni feels she isn't worthy of love since her mother never wanted her and she believes that she let her grandmother died. This is why no matter what she will not fail Sabrina, she will get her out of the Institution but as feelings for Ian grow into love she is torn. Also they must hide their feelings from the others as Toni will lose her job and Conner will be forced to erase her memory as per the agreement when she was hired. There are other elements at play in which the lovers and their crew of "good" vamps must struggle through, as there is Jedrik the now leader of the Russian Coven who is evil beyond words and out to get Ian and his miracle Stay Awake Drug because if he can posses this he won't be susceptible to the dead sleep all the vamps suffer through during the daylight hours. Which in turns means he can kill them all the good vamps off in their sleep. I must admit towards the end I think that the story got a little too sloppy, but as a whole I completely enjoyed this book without a doubt!

4 STARS - A PAGE TURNER, BRING ON THE SEQUEL

SNIPPET: "This Christmas isn’t so merry for Toni. Her best friend’s been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she’s taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she's bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.
Although Ian’s nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk. How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . . "

Review: GRACEFUL SUBMISSION by Melinda Barron

GRACEFUL SUBMISSION by Melinda Barron was fantastic..... need I say anymore? Well, ok I can't help myself. I truly loved this book from the first page I was sucked into Grace Kinison's character as a let's say curvaceous high school English teacher wanna be author. Her personality wasn't forced, it wasn't fake and she even though a natural born submissive was not weak minded. Grace is being harassed into a Vice Principles spot by the new Principle who is only interested in getting Grace into bed after seeing her in a cleave revealing top. Now that he has seen Grace's assets he wants her close to him and under his control and he will stop at nothing, even bribing former students to tell very career damaging lies about her when she continually rejects him physically as well as his offer for promotion. But this plus sized girl is preoccupied as her inner cyber submissive comes out to play. She has agreed to help her childhood friend's husband plan a surprise party for her, but he has volunteered his best friend Toffer Shelley who Grace believes is just a writer with her friends TV show out in LA. Surprise is that Drake Dawson, the shows uber sexy star is actually Toffer Shelley and her cyber Dom. Things advance fast for Grace and Toffer as they set out party planning and end up lovers. Toffer is a Dom and wants to be judged for who he is as a person and not his Hollywood persona and good looks. He knows that this relationship that he is building with Grace is pure of heart. And that is what is so wonderful about this story is that poor Toffer just wants to be loved and appreciated for who he is and Grace in turn is loved for who she is as well. She even sends him a picture at the beginning of their chats so there are no illusions about her weight. Once Grace heads out early for LA for the party Toffer takes advantage and puts Grace up in his house and his room. The sex is steamy and as a Toffer feels he can bring out his true Dom with Grace, she is such a natural submissive, there is no stopping them. What a fun, set your panties on fire read this was that I just couldn't put down for a second. The sex was hot and the additional drama that was set with Grace's boss's harrassment and the Hollywood life and ruthless and spineless ex-girlfriends of Toffer's popping up this was a definate must read!

**** 5 STARS- LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN****

SNIPPET: "Plus-sized Grace Kinison leaves a dull life. She’s a teacher and aspiring author, who does nothing but work, and then write on her novel. That is until she becomes a cyber submissive.
Grace has agreed to help her childhood friend’s husband plan her surprise birthday party. Grace thinks her fellow party planner, Toffer Shelley, is a writer on a TV show. What she doesn’t know is that he’s the show’s sexy star, Drake Dawson. He’s a Dom, and he wants to work his magic on her.
When Grace runs into trouble at work her cyber relationship turns into the real thing after she travels to Hollywood to meet Toffer. She’s thrilled to be meeting her Master, until she realizes that he’s the most gorgeous man in Hollywood.
But Toffer won’t let Grace judge him by his looks. He takes her on a sexual journey full of bondage and submission, which give her strength to overcome challenges in her own work."

Giveaway! Signed Copy of My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Wanna Win a Signed copy of Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take ? Well then head on over to Library Lounge Lizard and enter to win HERE

Founder of FREE BOOK FRIDAY Jessica Brady is giving away 2 signed ARC's of her latest release in Nov 09 of LOVE UNDER COVER, enter to win HERE.

WEEK 3 WINNER!!!!!

Thank you all again for such a wonderful turnout and some really fantastic answers to my Week 3 Hot Summer Nights Giveaway! I can't tell you that I LOVED reading your answers. It is a question that I always want to ask when someone tells me they like to read Paranormals, it was fun to read how most of you love their character's because they "kick ass"! I must say that I agree 100%, I would love to be a Bad-Ass vampire in the J.R. Ward's BDB! Ok, so down to business. Winner chosen by Random.org ....... I want to give a big Congrats to............................

*******MELISSA********

****Week 4 is upon us and there will be two winners! I will take the first and second names chosen by Random.org for this giveaway. The first winner will get their first choice in the lineup of books up for grabs. I will be posting the books up for grabs later today!****

TGIF.........Ain’t That the Truth

I must admit, I am not fond of the word "Ain't", mostly because my mother told us girls that it wasn't a "real word" and it wasn't even in the dictionary. That and to always wear clean underwear in case you were in a car accident...lovely huh! Oh.... the things parents tell their children, BUT it worked! LOL Anyway...... this is just a reminder that I have two CONTEST running now,

1. First is my HOT SUMMER NIGHTS week #3, please check it out if you haven't and enter HERE (Signed copy of Wild Heat by Bella Andre, Signed Copy of Immortal Danger by Cynthia Eden, Signed copy of Snowed in with the Boss by Jessica Andersen, signed copy of Wolf Tales VII by Kate Douglas, GC for e-book by Mari Carr, Prey by Rachel Vincent, & Goodies from ALL Authors who donated swag!
   
   


2. Second is a Giveaway from Zena Wynn, her latest release THE QUESTION which releases on July 27th, one lucky winner will win a signed copy. Winner Chosen July 27th. Please Click HERE to enter!

FREE READ! Opal Carew's BEYOND THE CLOUDS

In celebration of the June 23rd release of Secret Ties by Opal Carew, BORDERS is offering a free eBook: Beyond the Clouds (under the name of Elizabeth Batten-Carew). Plus, Opal is giving away another eBook from her website when you buy Secret Ties at Borders. Click HERE to download! (mid-page on the left)

HELP..... Those Darn Breeds!

I am brushing up on my back list of the Breed by Lora Leigh and just finished Aiden’s Charity the other night. At the end of the book Jennifer was "in custody" with Wolfe and the other Breeds and Hawk realized that this was his mate. Ok, so am I missing something, I have gone through my other books and can't find their story??? I also looked on LL's site and under Breed Chronology they aren't mentioned. Is there really no story at all about these two.... anyone know??

Review...Book 1 in the Broken Heart, Oklahoma series, I'M THE VAMPIRE, THAT'S WHY by Michele Bardsley

Ok, so you want to LYAO (laugh your A** off)? Well do ya? If the answer is yes then I suggest you pick up Michele Bardsley's I'M THE VAMPIRE, THAT'S WHY which is book one in the Broken Hearts Series set in where else, Broken Heart, Oklahoma! Jessica Matthews is a divorced mom of two kids who's husband cheated on her with his twenty something secretary, who had his child by the way, not to mention he also died in a car accident a little over a year ago. Much to her disgust, she wanted to make the bastard pay in other ways, by her hand mostly. But Jessica's life changes as she reluctantly takes out the trash doing her son's chores and gets clobbered by a hairy monster sucking on her neck. Next thing so knows she is waking up to the stunning and oh so sexy Patrick O'Halloran. Now that's not so bad, but she is sucking rather
fervently on his leg, his upper leg.... ok practically the man's groin. But what she is soon to realize as Patrick explains is that she is his soul mate and she wears the ring to prove it. In the meantime The
Consortium, a group of scientists, some super sexy but scary werewolves and those delicious vamps are moving in, for good that is since Lorcan O'Halloran (aka out otherwise scary blood sucking monster of the night, oh and yes he is a 4,000 year old Irish vamp/Patrick's twin), well he has attacked 11 people in the town forcing the Consortium to help them turn into vampires. Oh yes, and the Wraiths (evil vampires, compared to the good ones right) are killing of the townspeople as well. So that's the gist of it, but the humor is so spot on and realistic that I was often on the same line of thought line to line. I loved the sarcasm and individual personalities as they developed and really shinned throughout the book. Especially Jessica, who first and foremost is a mother. Her #1 concern is her children and I so sympathized with her when she said, "That's because a mother wants to feel needed while invoking her right to bitch about how unappreciated she is", in response to Patrick telling her that while she "recovers" they have taken care of her "clann". The development of Patrick's and Jessica's love is so engaging as well as she struggles to become a strong vamp while fighting the wraiths, being a good mom to her children and trying to love Patrick. Which is hard knowing that if they have sex and seal the deal of sorts then they will be bound for each other for 100 years. And in Patrick's mind Jessica's children aren't his number one priority. It is wonderful to see his development throughout the book and his love grow for not just Jessica but to understand and her commitment to her children.

SNIPPET: "Widowed mother of two Jessica Matthews is just trying to survive one soccer game and PTA meeting at a time. Then she’s killed by a ravenous creature, and saved by the yummy vampire Patrick O’Halloran. If you can call being undead and on a blood diet “saved.” Then some not-so-nice bloodsuckers show up and threaten everyone Jessica holds dear. Big freaking mistake."

5 STARS- LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN

COVER ART!!!! The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance

Yikes! How delicious is he!!!!! I know this might have come out earlier but I just found it and I certainly put a nice spark in my day. He is yummy! The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance available December 7, 2009!

"Twenty-five stories of timeless true love Time travel romance is not the same thing as sci-fi romance, though some stories may be set in an imagined future; it is romantic fiction set in various different eras, usually from around the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. A woman may fall asleep in Central Park in the present to wake up in the arms of a Scottish laird in the sixteenth century.The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance contains 25 stories of adventure and love; settings include medieval Scotland, sixteenth-century England, the nineteenth-century ‘Wild West’. Some stories are set in the present and a few in the future. Stories include an Elizabethan nobleman whisked into the present day, a troubled young woman who lands in the sixteenth century able to break a curse of lost love.Includes stories from: Nina Bangs, Jude Deveraux, Sandra Hill, Linda Howard, Lynn Kurland, Karen Marie Moning, and many more."

The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance out 1/25/2010 "Over 25 romantic tales set in Ireland?s rugged, ancient landscape. An enthralling collection of romantic tales set amidst beautiful Ireland’s lush ancient landscapes: cottages and castles, pre-Christian ruins, green hills, rugged cliffs, and pounding Atlantic surf. These stories – by writers such as Donna Fletcher, Maeve Binchy, Amy J. Fetzer, Deb Stover, Dorien Kelly, and Sonja Massie – honour Ireland’s rich heritage as a land of poets, magic, and mystery. "

Elisabeth Naughton's STOLEN HEAT CONTEST

What will you win? Cool prizes! On August 15th, winners will be picked to receive the following prizes:
First place: $100 VISA gift card

Second place: $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble

Third place: Autographed copies of both STOLEN FURY and STOLEN HEAT

Contest part two: For the next month, come HERE to win daily prizes.

Review: REMEMBERING ASHBY by Heather Long

Remembering Ashby by Heather Long takes you back in time to the celebration of May Day, the ancient festival of Beltane, which is a festival of fertility and honor to the gods of earth. This is the time of Priestess and Lairds and who doesn't love those oh so sexy and demanding alphas in kilts. This is where Adam Fraser comes into the picture with his long blond hair and chiseled features, he and the men of his clan are escorting the five maidens that were chosen for the running of the Goddess. Melanie Windwalker is one of the chosen by the Sorcerer Orywen, but Orywen has something sneaky up his sleeve and a streak of evil that runs through his veins. Technically the young Priestess's are to perform a service of sorts, to the land and to the people without exception they are to have no interaction with the people......ever! But that all changes on the way to the Black Mountains to Ashby Crossing as Adam and his fellow armed guards offer to have the girls ride on their horses with them instead of walking and extended the already long and rough journey. In this one action, this one touch of hands then bodies sets off a array of forbidden feelings. As Adam takes Melanie up on his horse and to comfort her he touches her hands that are gripping his chest as she holds on for the rough ride. Melanie, somewhat shy and keeping to her honor only makes brief eye contact with Adam, but that was enough to start her body burning, a feeling which is unfamiliar. While in the encampment Adam spies Melanie and follows her just to "talk". Ah uh, we all know what that means don't we! Well, he is enamored by her as he seeks her out as stolen kisses and shared passion flairs so does the danger. The Sorcerer Orywen has struck a deal with another Laird of the Munros for the maidenhood of one of the chosen five, which this plot is overheard by Melanie and Adam as they are hiding in the woods, unbeknownst to Melanie she is maiden who is chosen to wear the mask with the white feathers. Adam is already enamored with Melanie, but the kicker, all those stolen kisses and heated passion I was talking about earlier........these two have yet to exchange names, which in turn will only hurt their efforts to be together in the end. The night of the celebration Melanie switches masks and as Adam declares that he will not allow another to take her, he will be the one. Their love story was sweet as Melanie realizes that she can keep her beliefs even though Adam doesn't not share them, but she is torn with the struggle of her loyalty to the Goddess. There is great tension in the clans and anger ensues when it is discovered that Melanie has disobeyed Orywen and exchanged the masks as well as given herself over to Adam on the night of the running for the Goddess. With punishment endured for both Adam and Melanie they are separated and Melanie is forced to return with Orywen and now escorted by the Munros, Adam must find her and take her away to Faser lands but as what cost?

SNIPPET: "Peace among the clans has been nonexistent for the past centuries.- But now that clan Lairds have decided to summon the God-touched people from their magical Isle to perform the rituals of Beltane to bless the peace talks between the clans, peace is within reach. Melanie is honored to be chosen as one of six maidens to represent the Goddess at this important event. She is meant to be a vessel for the power of the Goddess while forgetting the failures of humanity during the festival. She knows should be concentrating on her part as a Maiden of the Hunt, yet she cannot banish the handsome Scot from her mind. Running in the Hunt is as sacred as the Goddess herself, and should her desires be known, there could be dire consequences for her and the clansman. However, she can't find the will to deny his pull. The mists of the Black Mountains enhance the excitement of their forbidden love while providing an escape from the Islanders encampment.- Can they give in to their desires at the expense of their destinies? Especially once The Sorcerer discovers their dalliance."

4 STARS - A PAGE TURNER, BRING ON THE SEQUEL (and you don't have to wait either, you can download a FREE copy of FORGET TO REMEMBER by Heather Long which is takes place nearly 17 years after the events of Remembering Ashby)

Second Annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 14-18, 2009

Book Blogger Appreciation was started by Amy Riley of My Friend Amy in an effort to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.The first Book Blogger Appreciation was observed in the fall of 2008 and occurs every September. The week spotlights and celebrates the work of active book bloggers through guest posts, awards, giveaways, and community activities. Book Bloggers are encouraged to register their participation for inclusion in a database of book bloggers.Click HERE to go to Book Blogger Appreciation site. (thanks for the heads up from JUST ANOTHER MUSING!)

Review: The Might Quinns: Brody by Kate Hoffmann

THE MIGHT QUINNS: BRODY sucked me in from the get go.......... I have to admit, I am totally getting sucked into the world of Harlequin more that I ever thought I would. They are all (well mostly that is) fun, sexy and fast reads I can usually finish in a couple of hours. This one was no exception. This is my first book by Kate Hoffmann that I have read, although I hear the Mighty Quinn Series is quite popular. This is the Quinn’s Down Under. I do believe a series of three for the three Quinn brothers living and working on their family station in OZ. This first release is about Brody, the youngest of the Quinn brothers and the most rebellious of sorts. Brody left with his mother off to the city and OFF the station that was being run by his father at the time. With his parents separation he was exposed to the life he had always dreamed about as a kid, to be a Footballer (Australian Rules that is). But being a Footie was what was most important to Brody above all else that was until he destroyed his knee in a motorcycle accident all but putting his career to a screeching halt. So, what does a boy down on his luck do? He heads back home to the family station which is now ran by his brother Callum with his Dad moving up to the City & back with their mother. The middle brother Tegan is a veterinarian who also lives on the station and his story starts to heat up as well through the middle of Brody's with the arrival of Hayley Fraser not to mention the Irish beauty Gemma Moynihan who Callum is already hooking up with. Drunk again and in the local lockup for tearing up the bar, Brody awakes to a beautiful woman beside him, Payton Harwell. Well, not right beside him, you have to take account the bars…because she is locked up too for leaving an IOU at the diner instead of paying her tab. She is broke, dead broke for a rich girl from America who ran off from her wedding and a boring loveless fiancé. Payton is desperate to find herself and in the process she finds Brody bailing her out of jail and offering her a job with his family. He too is trying to find out who he is, trying to drink itself into a stupor when he can and not facing reality that his Football carrier may just be over. Through their search for themselves they find a lot of passion and hot steamy sex, which I must admit I do enjoy, but as Payton grows stronger she helps Brody discover that just because he isn’t on the field playing with his team it doesn’t mean that his life is over in the sport. I did adore how Brody falls for Payton and realizes that he doesn’t want her to leave, ever. Even when her slimy ex-fiancé comes back into the picture to re-claim her. I would recommend if you are in the mood for a sweet sexy story that leaves you with a smile and a HEA that we all want so desperately.

********************************************

SNIPPET: "American heiress Payton Harwell is on the run—from her parents, from her fiancé, from her life! So the last thing she expects is to land in the arms of a rugged stranger in the Australian outback! And like it! Former football star Brody Quinn is dying for some excitement. After an injury cut short his career, he came home to his family's remote cattle station. And he's bored. At least, he is…until he meets Payton in the local jail and decides to take her home with him! It's instant attraction—for both of them. And they make short work of getting to know each other very, very well. But when their pasts catch up to them, will their hearts be able to keep the promises their bodies have been making…? "

4 STARS - A PAGE TURNER, BRING ON THE SEQUEL

Guest Author Zena Wynn....& Giveaway!

Today I welcome my guest author Zena Wynn to my blog in celebration of her newest release THE QUESTION which is set to release July 27th. Zena was wonderful enough to take time out and answer some questions about her life and her writing & as I am a true fan of Zena's work and True Mates Series and I am looking forward to this latest release from Zena, THE QUESTION which a contemporary romanace involving two best friends, Gail Henderson & Crystal Al Jabbar asking a very difficult question (& favor)........ What Would You Be Willing to do for a Friend?

SNIPPET: "What would you do for a friend? What sacrifice would you willingly make? This is the issue facing Gail Henderson when her best friend, Crystal Al Jabbar, asks her to be a surrogate for her and her husband Rashid, using Gail's own egg. Complicating the decision is Gail's recent loss of her husband and toddler son in a fatal car accident, two years earlier. After much contemplation, Gail reluctantly agrees. Her decision sets off a chain of events none of them could have anticipated."


I am a fly on your wall today, what would I see in the day of Zena?
You would have seen me struggling to get up this morning after staying up until 2 am reading Nalina Singh’s newest paranormal book. Then driving to work with my sixteen-year-old daughter trailing behind me in her car to where we’re both employed (she’s doing a summer hire program). This evening I’ll go home, eat, and go into my room with the laptop to get some more work done one of the three WIPs I’m working on.

Are any of your personality traits & life experiences in your writing?
A lot. I try not to but life experience always leaks into the story. It can be a curve ball I throw at the heroine or one of her reactions to a certain situation.

If someone were writing a story about Zena, what type of character would describe you?
Interestingly enough I do have a three book series I’m writing that the heroine is me – my thoughts, my feelings, my personality. It’s my only inspirational, The Apology, from Red Rose. The Apology is based on an experience that really happened in my life. Readers wanted more from “Nina” so I expanded her story to include New Beginnings, which details Nina’s new romance with Roberto, the hero, and my current WIP, Worth Fighting For. Sometimes it’s difficult because I have to do a lot of soul searching to see if that’s really how I would react in the situations I create for my character.

For you, what is the hardest part of writing a novel? Concept, Characterization, Plotting, Writing the story, Synopsis/Query letter writing, etc.
Editing, without a doubt. The part where the story I’ve put my heart and soul into gets ripped apart, criticized, and then put back together. Writing it’s easy, if time consuming. I’m a panster, so as I write ideas come to me. My beta readers say you can never predict where I’m going with a story and the reason is because until I write it, I don’t have a clue either.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release THE QUESTION?
The Question is about two women who have been friends since their preteen years, Gail and Crystal. Crystal supported Gail when she lost her husband and toddler son in a traffic accident two years earlier, and Gail has hurt with Crystal through everyone of her five miscarriages. When Crystal asks Gail to be a surrogate for her and her husband Rashid, she agrees even though her intuition is warning her not to do so. What happens next? Well, you have to read the book. I can tell you this is not your typical surrogate steals the husband storyline.

Why were you inspired to write about this theme of inter-racial/cultural surrogacy?
I knew my heroine would be black. It just felt right. Crystal had to be blonde. Rashid’s nationality of an American of Arabic descent took me by surprise, but I always loved those desert sheik romances growing up so it rubbed off on me. Just for fun, I brought in another main character, Greg, who’s also Caucasian. I won’t tell you his role in the story but he’s essential to the plot.

You have mentioned the idea for THE QUESTION came to you from the biblical account of Sarah, Abraham, and Haggai (book of Genesis) and that you are a devout Christian, do your beliefs play a large part in your writing?
Definitely. Because of it I have rules I write by, storylines you’ll never see me publish. I’m not into angels and demons as hero/heroines. I don’t write about pagan faiths so you won’t see any Wiccans, etc. featured in my stories. All of my hero/heroines are married and I don’t promote adultery.

What would you Zena be willing to do for a friend?
A lot, which is why I’m very careful of who I call friend. I can be extremely soft-hearted and like my character Gail, would probably make the same decision as she even knowing that it could turn into heartache for me, simply because my friend was hurting and I wanted to do something to help.

Where do you draw your characters personalities?
I’m a big student of psychology, particularly the Greek personality types. I like knowing what makes people tick. Once I figure out what type of personality I want my characters to have, the rest is easy. From studying, I have a good idea of their strengths and weaknesses and I maneuver circumstances in the plot to bring those elements out.

Why Erotic romance?
I think love should be passionate. Nothing about a married couple’s sex life should be mediocre, unless that’s the way they want it to be. I don’t think they have to swing from chandeliers, but they should work to keep the fire burning and not let it die out. If my books help in some small way, then I’m grateful.


Do you feel that more authors should incorporate multi cultural/racial couples in their writing?
I think you should write what you like and what you know. I write IRs because I’m a black female. That’s my existence. My heroes are white (or other ethnicities other than black) because while growing up, that’s what I read. Also, I’m a bit jaded toward the men of my race. There are good black men out there, but my experiences with them haven’t been. So, when I think of HEA for my characters and committed men that don’t cheat, black is not what comes to mind.

What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your MUST HAVE authors?
I really love paranormal (shifter/vampire) type romances. Current favorite authors include but are not limited to: Shelly Laurenston, Cythia Eden and Crystal Jordan (both new), Lora Leigh’s original breed series with EC, some Jory Strong, LHK’s Anita Blake series, anything by Jane Ann Krentz, and many, many more.

What was the first romance book you read and how did it effect you?
That was so long ago I really don’t remember, unless you count the Disney Princess’s movies. That’s when I first became intrigued by the idea of falling in love with a handsome prince and all of my troubles going away.

If you were not writing, what would you be doing?
That’s easy. Reading.

If you could ask your readers one question, what would it be?
Why do you like my books?

***** GIVEAWAY****

Also, as a Thank You to her fans Zena is giving away copy of THE QUESTION to one lucky winner.... all you have to do is leave a comment and your e-mail for me to contact you. Winner will be chosen Monday July 27th. Good luck!

Contest! Week 3 Hot Summer Nights

Today you can enter week three on my HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONTEST! This contest will run until 8 pm, Sunday, July 19th. This week's giveaway includes:

Signed copy of Wild Heat by Bella Andre, Signed Copy of Immortal Danger by Cynthia Eden, Signed copy of Snowed in with the Boss by Jessica Andersen, signed copy of Wolf Tales VII by Kate Douglas, GC for e-book by Mari Carr, Prey by Rachel Vincent, & Goodies from ALL Authors who donated swag!

***The Rules***

+1 Entry for comment & correct answer to question

+2 Entries for being or becoming a follower

+3 Entries for posting to your blog/facebook/myspace/tweet

QUESTION: If you could be one character in a Paranormal Romance, who would you be & why?

WINNER CHOSEN!!!!!!

Thank you all for another great week! The winner of week two is per using Random.org is ..................

CrystalGB

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Week Two: signed copy of HUNTING LOVE by Dana Marie Bell, an E-BOOK from Jess Dee, signed copy of DAWN KEEPERS, Book 2 of The Novels of the Final Prophecy by Jessica Andersen, signed copy of THUNDERBIRD CHOSEN Jory Strong, DEEPER by Megan Hart, signed copy of FRENCH KISSING by Nancy Warren, signed copy of CHAMPAGNE RULES by Susan Lyons, which include signed books & Goodies from ALL Authors who donated swag!

******Please send me your e-mail at bjwaldron (at) gmail (dot) com and I will send out your package. Congrats, also for the e-book I will be sending your email to Jess Dee, she will be e-mailing you a copy of ANY of her books you want, you will have to let her know which format*******

I will be posting the prizes for week three that starts today! Thank you again and Happy Reading to all!

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONTEST, PART 2

Part 2 of my hot summer nights contest ENDS 8pm Sunday July 12th ......

Giveaways include: signed copy of HUNTING LOVE by Dana Marie Bell, an E-BOOK from Jess Dee, signed copy of DAWN KEEPERS, Book 2 of The Novels of the Final Prophecy by Jessica Andersen, signed copy of THUNDERBIRD CHOSEN Jory Strong, DEEPER by Megan Hart, signed copy of FRENCH KISSING by Nancy Warren, signed copy of CHAMPAGNE RULES by Susan Lyons, which include signed books & Goodies from ALL Authors who donated swag!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER AND FOR THE RULES!!!

**winner will be announced 7/13, week 3 contest starts 7/13 and runs until 7/19!**