Naming Characters

I wanted to read this story a few days back, right.

Loved the author, was intrigued by the blurb, sucked in by the excerpt, but I just couldn't do it. The hero's name was the same as one of my brothers (I have four brothers and four brothers-in-law, so I knew this was bound to happen eventually). This was an erotic romance. I just couldn't read the story because I knew I'd picture his face, and when one of those steamy, yummy sex scenes cropped up, I just knew I'd picture...well, you know.

Couldn't do it.

Am I strange or does anyone else have problems with the names of some characters?

When my sister was about to have a baby girl and was thinking up names for her, she loved the name Megan, but knew a Megan from school that she really didn't care for, so she had to name the child something else.

When I write a story, I usually come up with the oddest names because I don't know anyone by that name and can't be biased by it. I have heroes with names like Boston, Braxton, Cameron, Grady, Raith, Reed, or Cooper.

Do character names help or hurt the stories you read and write?

Interview of Author Frances Pauli

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Frances Pauli.

Latest Book: Lords of Oak and Holly

http://www.devinedestinies.com/shopdevine

BIO:
Frances Pauli was born and raised in Washington State. She grew up with a love of reading and storytelling, and was introduced to Science Fiction and Fantasy at an early age through the books kept and read by her father.

Her original love of Speculative fiction combined with her covert excursions into the Romance section led her into the realms of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, where she finds herself quite comfortable. Her fascination with Science Fiction and a growing passion for the NASA channel divert her happily into tales of the far future, alternate dimensions, and the wonders of space, usually with at least a touch of romance.
Her short fiction has appeared in Alternative Coordinates and Bewildering Stories magazines. Her first novel, Roarke, is available through Devine Destinies e-books. More information on Frances and her writing can be found at: http://francespauli.com and http://www.francespauli.blogspot.com

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: Well, I didn’t pass out, but it was close. I practically went into cardiac arrest. I jumped. I spun. I squealed. Then I told anyone and everyone who would listen.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: While I love both my heroine and hero, I have a huge soft spot for quirky side characters. In Dimensional Shift, I’m torn between Doreen, the alien abductee girl next door, and Ian, the invisible best friend. Both managed to earn their way into book two.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Definitely not. I picture each character as a distinct individual. There may be similarities—hair color, build, etc—but most of my heroines and heroes have some feature that makes them unique. They all look different in my noggin too.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: Wasabi peas. I gobble them during novel writing. They’re super hot and unbelievably addictive. If you haven’t tried them, go grab a can. Really.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: The Year of the Unicorn, by Andre Norton. It’s technically romantic Science Fiction, but will always be a romance in my book.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I am a blog junkie. I write several, read some, post occasionally on others. The idea of instant publication for all fascinates me as does the effect blogging has had on our popular culture, politics, and media.
Facebook would count as a close second, but there’s always the danger lurking of those tempting app games. My current time waster is Galaxy Legion, and it steals far too many hours that could be spent writing.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!

My home page is: http://francespauli.com
Main blog: http://francespauli.blogspot.com
Free Serial: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frances-Pauli/112884745408149

TAGLINE: Maris always loved winter, but she never dreamed she'd actually meet him...

BLURB:


When her interpretation of a traditional holiday scene loses Maris the annual ice sculpting competition, her favorite season takes a turn toward dismal. The rent is due, and her landlady won’t accept a fourth place ribbon. So when the enigmatic, Lord Brayce, arrives with a last minute commission, Maris jumps at the chance.

And as her host’s icy exterior begins to melt away, Maris finds there is far more to him than meets the eye, and his attentions leave her wishing this particular job could last forever.

But when Brayce’s family arrives for the holiday, Maris is plunged head over heels into a world of secrets and an age old conflict between brothers.

Can an ordinary girl survive at the center of a battle straight out of myth? And if her impossible suspicions are correct, what are the odds that Maris can win her prince?

EXCERPT:

A throat cleared nearby. Maris started, opened her eyes and nearly slapped the hand away on reflex. A man stood opposite her, and his long fingers stroked the sculpture she’d spent so many hours shaping. She clenched her jaw against the urge to chastise. He might be a judge, or a potential patron, but he had a lot to learn about ice.

She followed the hand with her eyes, willed it to lift away from the lines she prayed didn’t blur at his attention. The heat from a finger—Maris cringed—could ruin her efforts in mere seconds.

“The epic battle.” His voice held no hint of his opinion on the piece. It stated fact only.

Maris tore her gaze from his disobedient hand. She followed a tailored, indigo suit sleeve to the man’s face, and found her words frozen in her throat. He had eyes that pinned you in place, clear blue, backed by an unnamed authority. She sensed little amusement when he smiled at her. His expression simply cracked.

He nodded toward the sculpture, and his finger pointed to the apex. Night black hair danced around his angular face with the gesture. “If I’m not mistaken,” he continued. “You’ve veered slightly from the
traditional formula.”

“A small, artistic license.” Maris’ spine stiffened. As intimidating as the stranger looked, she felt compelled to defend her work. Years of school may have prepared her for criticism, but exposure hadn’t lessoned the sting of it. “The Summer Prince would typically be ascendant.” She pointed to indicate the sculpture’s deviance. “I’ve chosen to feature his adversary, in honor of the season.”

“Delightful.”

“Pardon?” She had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. This time the smile held at least a trace of humor at the corners. His eyes flashed and held hers captive, frozen in a field of ice blue.

“I like it.” His smile cracked wider, one end curling as he nodded again. “Wonderful.”


Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m also on Goodreads.com and love interacting there. Look me up and say hi!

Keep on Writing

This has been a month of ups and downs on the writing side of life. On the up side, I finished the edits of my new novel for Captiva Press (Crystal Keys: The Emerald Key) and two new short erotics (prequel and sequel to The Chosen). I also finished my next story in the Aces and Eights universe - one more to go there for the anthology. I'm really excited about these new stories and can't wait for them to come out.

On the down side, I learned that I'm getting my rights back to two of my Cerridwen Press novels (Prime Time and Akashan'te) and they will no longer be available after Dec. 31st. While this kind of bums me out, it is also an opportunity to rewrite and make them even better, and possibly sell them elsewhere.

In retrospect, all good things and a great way to start off the new year. :)

I hope you're all participating in the Kris Kringle Kontest! So many good prizes out there. Good luck to all and Merry Christmas.

Interview of Author Karenna Colcroft

Today I'm presenting an interview of Romance Author Karenna Colcroft!

Latest Book: Eternal Love
Buy Link: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=113

BIO: Karenna Colcroft is the alter ego of a quiet former school teacher. She started writing when she was five, and wrote her first erotic romance story thirty years later. Karenna lives in the northeastern United States with her two daughters, her real-life romance hero husband, and two cats.

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The middle is the easiest. Once I have the story started, the plot and characters are set and the writing seems to flow very well. Sometimes the story takes a turn I don’t expect. Once in a while that’s a bad thing and I end up having to scrap quite a bit of the story, but most of the time that unexpected turn gives me a better story than what I’d been planning to write.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: The hardest part for me is the ending. I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want to start a story, and as I mentioned above the middle is pretty easy for me. But even when I know what I want to have happen at the end of a story, it’s often difficult for me to figure out what words to use to actually end it. I have a few things that end with one or more characters falling asleep, and that’s because I just don’t know what else to do with them.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: In my most recent release, Eternal Love, my favorite character is Gwen. She’s been through a lot, but she’s strong and a survivor.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Even though I’m mostly a visual thinker, I don’t really have a mental image of my heroes or heroines as I write or plan stories. Sometimes I have absolutely no clue what they look like, which kind of stumps me if the story’s accepted and I have to fill out a cover art form.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I would say characterization. Some of the reviews I’ve gotten have complimented me on how well I’ve done my characters, and when I read something of mine after putting it aside for a while, I’m usually surprised by how real the characters seem. Of course, while I’m writing I often feel like the narrator is dictating the story to me, so that might be why.

Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: Ask the man to make sure the computer is set up properly, sit down, and start writing. Unless the handsome man is my husband, in which case I’d probably drag him off to take advantage of being alone.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
My website: http://karennacolcroft.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenna.colcroft Publisher pages:
Noble Romance: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=79 Siren Publishing: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/karennacolcroft/ Pink Petal Books: http://pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=13&zenid=e22773cf83558c54bcf91defca349669
BLURB:
For over 900 years, immortal Rhys Trevellian has been in love with the soul of the same woman—his childhood love Gwen. Unfortunately, Gwen is mortal, and Rhys is unable to keep her with him. When he meets Gwen Davies in a coffee shop in his newest hometown, he immediately recognizes his lost love.

Gwen Davies has had a rough life, most recently having to run from her hometown to a small town in Maine to escape her abusive ex. In Rhys Trevellian, she recognizes something that strikes a chord in her. Although she has no memory of the lifetimes he claims she’s shared with him, she knows he’s her true match.

To remain together forever, Rhys and Gwen must escape those who seek to murder Gwen before Rhys can transmute her to immortality, and those who seek to execute Rhys for crimes he didn’t commit.
EXCERPT:
“Gwen, we need to leave.” Rhys opened the passenger door of the car. “Get in. I’ll tell you where we’re going on the way.”

She obeyed. As he closed her door, a flash came to her mind. A black car with four men inside. Danger.

Rhys opened his door and started to enter the car. As though Gwen’s vision had summoned it, the black car appeared down the street. “We’re too late,” she wailed.

“Go,” Marco said. “We’ll take care of it.”

“I can’t let you--” Rhys protested.

“Go!”

Marco pushed Rhys into the driver’s seat and slammed the car door shut. Rhys started the car and pulled out of the driveway only a few hundred yards ahead of the black car. “They’re going to catch us!” Gwen cried.

Behind them, Marco stepped into the road. The other car squealed to a stop just short of him. “He’s a fool,” Rhys muttered. “We should have stayed. I shouldn’t let him do this.”

He hit the brakes, but then started driving again. “He’s giving us time.” He seemed to address himself more than Gwen. “I shouldn’t let him take on the Purists but I shouldn’t dishonor him by going back, either.”

“Dishonor?” Gwen asked.

“He means it as a gift.” Rhys took a deep breath. “Marco is a warrior. He’s one of the original race, and honor means a great deal to them. If one refuses a gift, it dishonors the giver.”

Another flash prevented Gwen from answering. Two men jumped out of the car. One confronted Marco, and Marco fought back. The other came up behind him, a weapon in his hand.

Gwen opened her mouth to call out a warning, though of course she wouldn’t be heard. She could do nothing as the weapon-bearer brought the blade into Marco’s upper back.

Marco crumpled to the ground. In Gwen’s mind, she heard Julius scream.

In reality, she answered the scream with her own.

Interview of Author Missy Martine

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Missy Martine. Her journey to becoming an author included struggling with health issues, but she's an example of how courage and determination can help you succeed no matter what life throws at you!

Latest Book - Denying His Wolfen Heritage - A Wolfen Heritage 2
Buy Link - http://www.bookstrand.com/node/808369
Video Link -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvA5Pp0yaB4

BIO:
I was born, and raised in the great southern state of Tennessee. In my youth, I studied nursing, and spent several happy years working in the hospitals there until I branched out into medical management in 1980.

In 1998 I was managing a medical supply house in Chattanooga, when I met the love of my life. The only problem facing me then, he lived way out in Oklahoma. You see, we had met in a chat room!

He romanced me daily with love letters, flowers and phone calls. It wasn’t long before I uprooted myself, and moved west to join him. We married in 1999, and then continued our fantasy romance all over the world. Together we have traveled in almost all of the Continental United States, and taken trips to Canada and China.

We moved to Minnesota in 2003, where my life was changed forever by a series of small strokes. For someone who had owned her own business, and worked twelve hours a day, being incapacitated was pure torture. The strokes damaged a part of my brain that helps controls speech, and for a long time I couldn’t communicate what was in my mind, to my lips. I could read however, and I became an avid reader of romance novels.

Strange as it sounds, the strokes did not keep me from voicing my opinions. I discovered that I could type my thoughts, almost as fast as I once spoke them. It was then that I started writing long, lengthy newsletters to my family and friends. I got all kinds of compliments on my amusing tales of our everyday life.

It wasn’t long before my husband was encouraging me to find some kind of outlet to occupy my time, something that was challenging, and rewarding. I was already obsessed with reading about romance, and I began to think I could probably write a good, romantic story. My husband heartily agreed with me. With that encouragement, I began writing my first book. I wasn’t really convinced that anyone else would find it interesting, but he pressed me to take a chance and send it in to a publisher. To my surprise, it was accepted, and now I’m able to share it with readers everywhere who like a “happily ever after” story.

Now, I’m living in California with my, still romantic, husband of twelve years, and our boys. Our boys consist of Beau, Midnight, and Bubba, three male cats that allow us to live with them and serve them at their leisure. I continue to write almost daily, hoping that someone, somewhere will get the same enjoyment from reading my stories, that I get from writing them.

Q: What's the first thing you did when you received word you'd sold a book?
A: I squealed so loud I scared my cats, and then promptly called my husband at work. He'd goaded me into writing my first book as a sort of therapy when I was forced into early retirement due to illness. I'm not sure either of us really believed anybody would be interested enough to actually publish it. That night he took me out to a celebratory dinner. It was very romantic and something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you to write? Why?
A: That would definitely be the love scenes. I had a series of strokes back in 2002 that left me with short-term memory problems. I had to develop a system of using an Excel sheet to keep track of the different loves scenes in each book to make sure I didn't repeat positions, or phrases for various body parts or sexual acts that would make the book repetitious. I have two monitors attached to my laptop so I can leave up my romance cheat sheet, as well as an Excel file with all my characters outlined, and not have to worry about getting confused.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: This particular book is part of a trilogy. My favorite character in the trilogy is Maddie. She starts out as a naïve, young, innocent girl and literally grows up in the course of the three books. You're right there with her as she learns about her heritage, finds love for the first time, and develops the strength of character to stand up to family members as well as a deadly enemy to her race. You can't help but grow to love her.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you "head write"?
A: Absolutely not! I start each of my new stories by creating the characters for the main plot. This involves setting up an Excel file with each main character. I give them physical descriptions, a brief history including where they live, and what they do for a living, and tie in any relationships between them. I do this for each main, and many of the secondary characters as well. I also give brief descriptions of what their personalities are like. I found that this helps me a great deal with writing dialog. If I've already decided that David is a no-nonsense, uptight lawyer with no sense of humor it's pretty easy to imagine what he'd say to Rebecca who's a free-thinking, hippie type that loves to play practical jokes. Being able to picture the character in my head, and think of them like an old friend, helps me make them real.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when you're not writing?
A: I'm an amateur photographer! My husband and I love taking our Jeep to Wyoming to go off-road to photograph wild animals. I've even submitted pictures to Wyoming Wildlife magazine. My pictures include buffalo, long horn sheep, coyote, fox, deer, antelope, prairie dogs, bald eagles, bears and about 500 different kinds of duck and birds. It's something we both enjoy. Our second favorite thing is traveling. Together we've been all over the world including England, France, Wales, Japan, Hong Kong, and a month in China. Hubby is from England (we met in a chat room) and has relatives just about anywhere you can imagine.

Q: What is your favorite romance book you've read?
A: That would be Leah Brooke's "Desire for Three" in her "Desire, OK" Series. It was the first erotic, ménage book I read and it practically single-handedly brought romance back into my stale life. Her books are romantic, erotic, suspenseful, humorous and just plain good. They're a delight to read, each and every one. It was this one book in particular that encouraged me to make my first book a ménage.

Tell us where to find you:
My website - http://www.missymartine.com/fr_home.cfm
Publisher's Author Page - http://www.sirenpublishing.com/missymartine Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000107833768
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Missy_Martine
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/missymartine2009
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Missy-Martine/e/B00328055M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

BLURB:
Michael spent his adulthood taking care of his baby sister, pretty much putting his own desires on hold. Then Maddie fell in love and married, freeing Michael to have a life of his own.

He doesn’t think things can get any better. He’s a single, successful architect with his own firm, living and playing in downtown Houston. What more could he want out of life?

Just when he believes everything is perfect, Maddie shatters his illusions by revealing their family’s furry secret. Now his sister is growling and running around on four legs while trying to convince him he has an inner wolf of his own. And if that’s not bad enough, he’s falling in love with a woman who occasionally has more hair on her legs than he does.

So,what’s Michael’s response to all the changes in his life? He denies everything!


EXCERPT:
The woman standing at the door looked familiar to Michael, but he couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her before. Intrigued, he watched as a flush ran up her neck and into her cheeks, giving her a rosy, pink color. He allowed his eyes to travel down her body and back up, amazed to see the points of her hardened nipples stabbing out from her thin shirt. Realizing she still hadn’t said anything, he smiled at her before speaking. “Can I help you?”

“Um, well, I brought you this pie to welcome you to the area.”

Michael looked down as she thrust the wrapped plate toward him. Reaching to take it from her, he allowed his fingers to brush over her own. He couldn’t help but notice her own hands were trembling when she pulled them away.

“Well, thank you very much. My name’s Michael Barrows. What’s your name, and how did you know I was here visiting?” Michael was amazed. He didn’t think her cheeks could get any redder, but they did.

“I’m Ariane Blue Hills, and I’m a friend of your sister.”

Michael smiled at her in pleasure. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ariane. Won’t you come in for a moment?”

Michael stepped back and allowed her to cross in front of him into the cabin. She seemed nervous as she walked a few feet into the room and then turned to look at him. He’d closed the door once she was inside and then leaned against it, still holding onto the pie. “Of course, that’s where I remember you from. You were coming to take Maddie shopping after the fire at the cabin. I passed you coming up the drive as I was leaving.”

She looked shocked at his words. “Wow, that’s some good memory you have. I didn’t think you even looked at me that day.”

“Oh, I looked at you.” He grinned at her. “I looked very closely at you.” Michael crossed the room in front of her and sat the pie down on the kitchen table. He turned back to his guest, amused to see that her blushes seemed to be taking over her whole body. Her breathing had quickened, and her nipples were even more prominent, pushing through her top.

Maybe he could find more ways to relax on this trip than he thought. What harm could there be in having a little fling while he supervised the building of Maddie’s house? This little lady piqued his interest, with her long blond hair and green eyes the likes of which he’d never seen before. She was small and petite, but still curvy, just the way he liked his women. Plus, she was clearly attracted to him. Smiling wickedly at her, he stalked toward her slowly. She backed up a pace for every step he took until her back pressed up against the front door to the cabin. Michael kept moving forward until their bodies were almost touching.

“Thank you very much for the pie, Ariane. I’m sure it’ll be delicious. Perhaps you’d like to come back later and share it with me?”

Ariane turned her face away and stared down at the floor when she answered him. “Oh, I couldn’t do that, but I do hope you enjoy it.”

She fumbled with her hand behind her for the doorknob. “I guess I need to be going now. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here while you visit your sister.”

When Ariane failed to grasp the doorknob behind her, Michael stepped closer and put his arm around her, turning the knob himself. He smiled when he realized that she held her breath when he got close. “Well, Ariane, I hope to see a lot more of you while I’m here.”

She raised startled eyes to his gaze. “Umm, well, maybe. We’ll have to see what happens. I really have to go now.”

Looking embarrassed, Ariane ducked under his arm and scampered through the open door and down the porch steps. He chuckled quietly as she made her escape.

Smiling, Michael watched as she disappeared into the woods. Sighing, he couldn’t help thinking that maybe he should leave that alone. She seemed awfully young and naïve. He wouldn’t want to overwhelm her into doing something she might not otherwise do, and he certainly didn’t want to do anything that would embarrass Maddie and Remus. Besides, it’s not like he could offer her anything but a brief fling. She sure as hell wouldn’t fit into his life in Texas. He reached down to adjust the jeans that had become too tight. Still, there was something about her that made him want to go running after her and bring her back.

Regretfully, he put her out of his thoughts and headed for the Jeep to make the drive to Maddie’s house. Sure, he could have walked through the woods, but it would be dark by the time he headed back to the cabin and nothing could make him trek through the woods in the dark. Daniel Boone he was not.

I'd like to thank you for giving me the chance to tell people a little bit about myself. I hope that you'll take the time to stop by my website and leave me a note on my guestbook.

Sensual Stranger is almost here!

I'm so excited - my newest erotic romance Sensual Stranger is being released December 15th!

To celebrate, I'm hosting a contest today at this loop (more on that later) and I'm also posting the cover and blurb.

Blurb:

Into his life she came - wanting, willing...wanton

It's no ordinary morning when Toni Starr arrives at Zach's garage. Flat broke, with a past she won't share, Toni's instantly taken by such a potently virile man. Direct and unashamed, she tells him she's a motorcycle performance artist who needs work and knows motors.

Zach knows women, and Toni's unlike any he's met. Lushly sensuous, exceedingly assured, she'd easily be his match in business and bed. A provocative challenge that stirs him as nothing has since losing his wife. A chance he's reluctant to take, offering no more than a month's employment, then she'll have to be on her way.

The hours tick by. Each word and glance intensifies their denied yet escalating desire, forcing them to surrender to passion and Toni's need for Zach's dominance. Driven by carnal hunger, conquered by yearning, they face the unforeseen truth of Toni's past and a future neither of them suspected.

Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8932-50-sensual-stranger.aspx

CONTEST:

One lucky commenter on this loop wil have her choice of one of my following books **:

1. Lush Velvet Nights - ebook

2. Adored - ebook

3. Deep, Dark, Delicious - ebook

4. Close to Perfect - mass market paperback

5. Bad Boys with Red Roses - trade paperback

6. Take My Breath Away - trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random this Friday. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks.

Cross My Heart is Coming Soon from Ellora's Cave!

I’m very excited to announce the upcoming release of my fourth Ellora’s Cave title. Cross My Heart is my first venture into romantic suspense and I had absolutely loved it! These characters were so much fun that I had a hard time typing "The End". I hope you enjoy reading about Valentine and Jack, two people who just can't seem to give up on each other.

I’ve also joined the rest of the world and now have a Paris Brandon Facebook page. Come visit for the latest news! I’m also learning about the joys of tweeting—which I’m learning means how to be chatty in 140 characters or less!

Those who know me know that I love any excuse to celebrate. Since this is the season of giving, I’m starting off the month with my first contest. Leave me a comment today and on the books release date, December 17th , you could be the recipient of a free download of Cross My Heart. Be sure to leave your email address so that I can notify you tomorrow. Happy Holidays!

Here’s a blurb and excerpt. Enjoy!

Blurb:

Liberal talk show host Valentine Cross and police detective Jack Sutton’s ideological differences mattered until it came to passion and then the conflagration seemed worth it. Until Jack issued an ultimatum that Valentine was afraid would destroy them both.

Six months after storming out of her life because she refused to marry him, Jack’s boss hands him an assignment that has him walking back into it. He’s got a spray-painting vandal, a missing person that Valentine may be helping to hide and oh yeah, the little problem of not being able to keep his hands off his ex long enough to fix everything and explain that he would have come back to her without an ulterior motive.

Excerpt:
Jack Sutton watched the curvy redhead in the faded denim miniskirt and red cowboy boots wink and flirt under the glare of street lights on the same corner he and his partner, Emmett Daniels had been watching for the past three nights. Half the brick-front buildings had been deserted and their windows boarded up, but there was apparently enough traffic to make the corner profitable.

The brunette standing beside her was older, her clothes a little shinier, her laughter brittle as she darted glances up and down the block. She should be nervous. She was the one who’d given them the tip and if her pimp found out she was going to need more than bus fare from Kansas City to escape Cedric Blood.

He was kind of hoping the son of a bitch wouldn’t check on his girls any time soon. The idiot had beaten up Delia Carson, the only hooker who had ever agreed to testify against him and Jack was going to enjoy putting his skinny, blond ass away.
But he wouldn’t mind watching the redhead for a little while longer. In fact, against his better judgment, he’d like to do more than watch.

She joked and laughed with the other woman but there was something just a little bit off beneath the veneer of heavy makeup that darkened her big green eyes and made her pouty mouth even more kissable. And no matter who hit on her, she never went with any of them.

Which probably meant that she was a little too discriminating for this particular street corner or she wasn’t really a pro. And she wasn’t Vice because he’d checked that out after the first night she’d attracted his attention.

“That’s his car,” Daniels whispered and Jack spotted the pristine red Cadillac convertible. “The fucker isn’t even trying to hide.”

Not only was he not hiding, he jumped out of the car and started smacking the older hooker standing next to the redhead, who then started bashing said fucker on the head with her tiny purse.

So much for fantasy. Jack grabbed for the door and barely beat Daniels out of the car but not across the street.

Daniels used his solid weight to pin the pimp and Jack went for the redhead who let loose with a string of curse words while she still tried to get at the blond, pretty-boy pimp.

“He’s going down for assault and battery, sugar. I’d rather not have to book you,” Jack said, wrapping both arms around her and dragging her back while he tried to figure out why her voice seemed familiar.

She struggled in his grip. “If the girls were protected by law you wouldn’t have to worry about booking anyone,” she growled. “And I know the difference between being frisked and being felt up, so watch it.”

He spun her away so she faced the wall of the brick building and trapped her splayed hands with his fingers. “I always kiss the women I want to feel up, and until that happens, you’re safe,” he whispered, so close that he could feel her shiver. “Now, who are you and what are you doing on this street corner?”

She turned her head and smiled. Her green eyes sparkled and her lush, pink lips were so inviting that he stopped breathing. But then she uttered, “Ever hear of Cross My Heart?”

Oh Fuck! Valentine Cross, the liberal chick from late night radio. The liberal chick who believed in legalized prostitution and medicinal marijuana. She wasn’t supposed to be this hot. She was supposed to have wild earth-mother hair and wear sandals with her long skirts and tie-dyed tee shirts.

Within two weeks he’d found out that although she did possess tie-dyed tee shirts, she preferred jeans to skirts. And she didn’t mind wearing her cowboy boots to bed while she rode him. He figured they could work out the rest.

Don’t forget to leave an email contact in your comment!

Along with the Kris Kringle Kontest that you will find in the right side-bar, I’m having a contest this month on my website. All you have to do is participate in the Kris Kringle Kontest and email me for a chance to win your choice of my backlist.

Happy Holidays to all!

Paris Brandon
http://parisbrandon.com
Cross My Heart—available from EC December 17th
http://twitter.com/ParisBrandon
http://www.facebook.com/index.php#!/pages/Paris-Brandon/170137563009674

Book signings! Do they help and are they worth it?



Good morning ladies and gents.

Today I wanted to blog about book signings. Do they help or are they a waste of time and money for the author?

Personally, I like doing book signings even though I might not sell one book. To me, it's the chance to come face to face with some of my readers and make new friends. Even people who might not have read my books, might be interested if they are face to face with me.

Granted I haven't done a ton and I haven't sold a lot of books, but talking to people about my books and getting to know knew friends far outweighs the time and expensive I've went through to have the signing.

One thing that irritates me, is how the big book giants like B&N, Borders, etc., have this issue with POD publishers. Siren has the majority of my novels currently and they are a POD publisher for prints. This makes it near impossible to even get a big book store to allow you to do a signing. They can't return your books is the main excuse I hear when I talk to someone about it, but even if you bring your own in, do your own money thing and all, they still won't agree to it.

I'm having a book signing in a small-town book store in 12/11 in little Shelbyville Tennessee. How well will this go over? I don't have a clue, but fellow Siren author Tonya Ramagos and I are going to do it. It cost me to have a banner made and it cost me to run an ad in the local paper. My thought is to get my name out with the local community, especially when the book store owner says she can't keep erotic romance in her store which is what I write for the most part. This makes me excited and I sure hope we get a good turnout.

What to bring? Books, change if you handling your own money, black sharpy to sign books with, pictures stands to showcase your books, giveaway items

Should I serve some kind of food? I'm serving cake and punch

Should I advertise? I am. We shall see how well that works out

Should I bring swag? I am. I bought some aluminum water bottles to give away with my name, website and logo saying on them. Some authors use book marks, book thongs, pens, etc. I figured free stuff always brings people in

What time of the day should I have this? Mine is going to be 11-2. Is it going to be enough? I don't know, but we'll see. I don't think a long one is necessary unless you are Nora Roberts

I will definitely let everyone know how it goes. Obviously a small town book store, things will be slower than say if I did one in Nashville, but hey, it's worth a shot and I'm hoping some friends show up so I don't look really stupid.

~ Until next month

Sandy

Interview of Author Megan Hussey

Today I'm please to present an interview of romance author Megan Hussey.
Latest Book: Angel on Fire
Buy Link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Angel+On+Fire/exact_match=exact

BIO:
Megan Hussey is a feminist erotica author known for writing paranormal-based fantasy romances and for her leadership of the Playgirl Posse, a group that supports Playgirl, PlaygirlTV, as well as the concept of quality erotica for women. Many of her stories revolve around fantasy characters such as mermen, and strong, real woman heroines. Please visit Megan at http://goldenmuse.tripod.com

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: Screamed. Loudly.:)

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: In my latest book Angel on Fire, my favorite character would have to be my hero Rainyn. He is, after all, an Incubus vampire who hails from Victorian times and currently works as a male dancer and companion for women—plus he plays a mean flute. What’s there not to like?

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: Chocolate!!!

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: I’m never not writing, unless I’m sleeping, or enjoying the company of family, friends, or a handsome gentleman. I’m also active in the feminist movement and I love movies and dancing. Plus I lead the Playgirl Posse, which supports Playgirl and the concept of quality erotica for women.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I’m a journalist in my day job and write for many wonderful publishers; aside from Phaze they include 1921 PVG Publishing, Blade, Class Act Books, and Midnight Showcase Fiction.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: My next book is quite a departure for me; it’s called Ladies in Silver and will be available through 1921 PVG Publishing. It’s a chronicle of women who worked behind the scenes during the silent film era.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
http://goldenmuse.tripod.com

BLURB:
Rainyn Clery is a gorgeous, kind-natured dancer at Club Nuit; a strip club/bordello where hot incubus vampires fulfill the deepest, darkest fantasies of everyday women. Despite his great passion for his work, Rainyn finds himself falling in love with Blythe, record company executive and Nuit regular.

Blythe Browning is engaged to marry Richard Billings, a city commissioner in her hometown of Clearview, Florida. Yet Richard's cruel, smug attitude drives her back to Club Nuit, a haven where she finds comfort in the arms of the sensual, exotic Rainyn.

Soon Blythe can't deny her love for Rainyn; a love he returns in the form of beautiful gifts and mind-blowing sex. Yet the man of her dreams harbors a secret that could threaten their love. It seems this gentleman of the evening is also a lord of the night.

EXCERPT:
Blythe held her breath as Rainyn approached with slow, deliberate steps, searing her with a gaze that dripped desire. Soon he stood before her, those emerald eyes unnerving as he posed and pouted for her pleasure. He flexed his chest and ab muscles to delicious effect, then took her hands and ran them down the surface of both; allowing her to experience the feel of his bare, hard, sinfully toned body.

“You’re perfect,” she breathed, her clit throbbing in appreciation of his exquisite charm.

“I’m all yours, baby.” He kissed her hands and returned them to her lap. “Yours for the taking.”

Eager to illustrate this assertion, he unzipped his tight blue jeans and slipped them down his legs with torturous slowness; revealing the bare vision of those bronzed, toned legs and a sleek, silken red Speedo. Blythe released an involuntary moan as she saw this bulging package; wrapped like a gift for her perusal.

“All yours,” he repeated in a whisper, succulent lips pursed. “You don’t even have to ask, Blythe. Just take and enjoy.”

Throwing himself into her lap, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her flush up against him. His massive, sweaty chest pressed against hers, he situated his fine ass in her lap and pressed his groin against hers.

Blythe gasped as she was consumed in all things Rainyn: his heather-soft hair, his citrus-tinged scent, his long legs, his sculpted face. The greatest of these was his touch, strong but gentle as he rubbed her broad shoulders.

“Tell me that you want me,” he whispered in her ear.

“Rainyn, we need to talk.” She ran her hands down his planed back. “Things are complicated now.”

“Tell me that you want me,” he repeated, more insistent this time.

“I want you.” She melted in his arms. “Always, Rainyn.”

“Then that’s all that matters, ma chere.”

Anything else you’d like to add?
I love my readers (a special shout out to my Siren’s Call fan group) and thank them so much for supporting me! Happy reading!

Free Read: "Special Delivery: Man for Christmas"!

I'm really excited about offering a Free Read for the Christmas Season! "Special Delivery: Man for Christmas" will be available 12/1 at: http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/MarianneStephens.html
For every download of my book, Secret Cravings Publishing will donate $1.00 to my charity of choice: The USO!

I decided to write a short, contemporary romance with a hint of fantasy and Christmas "magic" for this story!

BLURB:

Melissa Thomas has had enough of men. Deciding to treat herself to something decadently special for her 30th birthday on Christmas Eve, she orders a life-size “Man-doll”. Guaranteed to satisfy her every desire, she’s anxious for his
arrival and names him Rex.

Doll designer, Nick, delivers Rex to her apartment. While showing her how to operate her “man-doll”, heated sparks fly between Nick and Melissa. Teasing and sexual innuendoes color their interaction, especially after she learns that Rex is an exact double of Nick. After Nick leaves, Melissa considers how she might miss a real man’s warmth, spontaneity and words of love…all the things Rex can’t do.

But, does Nick want her? Getting him back to her apartment is her first goal. Seducing him into being a choice is her second goal. Having a real man in her life for her Christmas Eve birthday is her ultimate goal.

I hope you'll read "Special Delivery: Man for Christmas" and enjoy it! Happy Holiday Season!

http://www.mariannestephens.net
"Guilty Survivor-Memoirs of Tamerla Kendall", nonfiction TBR 1-26-11
Pre-order on the website from 12/1 - 12/23 at 15% off cover price. The pre-order does NOT give access to download the book until the 24th. All of the books on sales will be downloadable on 12/24. Those that pre-order will be sent the link to download after midnight between the 23rd and the 24th. Also, if you pre-order, you'll receive 2 entries into the SCP Grand Opening Drawings Contest (see below).
AND, special pre-sale (reduced price - 10% off) available 12/24-12/26.

SCP Grand Opening Drawings Contest: Buy any e-book from http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com during the month of January to enter. The more you buy - the more entries you'll have!
Grand Prize - 1 registration for the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. Winner's choice of 2011 in Los Angeles or 2012 in New Orleans.
1st Prize - Winners choice of e-reader. Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest Generation or B&N Nook Wi-Fi or a Sony Digital Reader PS 300RC.
2nd Prize-1 registration to Lori Foster's Reader and Writer Get Together-June 3-5th West Chester, Ohio.
3rd Prize - Your choice 5 e-books downloaded from http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com store.
4th Prize - Your choice of 3 e-books downloaded from http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com store.
5th Prize - Your choice of 1 e-book download from http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com store.

NOR's Winter Wonderland Web Hunt starts today, and this blog is participating! Look for information on the right sidebar! 

http://www.mariannestephens.net
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