Good Morning!

With the release of my new book, under the pen name of Gen Bailey, I thought we might have a look at not only this gorgeous cover, but some of my other terrific covers, as well.  Off to the right here is the cover of my latest release, SENECA SURRENDER, an April 2010 release.

Isn’t it a honey?  This is Nathan Kamp for any of you who are wondering or don’t know.  He’s been in retirement apparently for two years, but he did come out of retirement to pose for this cover.   One thing I didn’t know about Nathan is that he has Cherokee heritage, as well as Swedish.  Did you know that?  Nathan must be one of the most handsome men in America.  Notice also the waterfall in the background.  That waterfall plays a large role in this new book. 

When I posted this, I also thought I’d show you an assortment of my other covers, also.  Now, just so you know, the publishing houses do these covers — all the art work and model posing, etc.  All of these are such works of art, that I thought it might be good to just have a look at them.   Here is the cover for my last year’s book, BLACK EAGLE.  Another stunning cover, isn’t it?  I don’t know the model’s name for this cover, but I think I should probably try to find out.  He’s beautiful, I think.  Also, I want to make a note for the artist who painted this picture also and for the art department staff at Berkley, who put the whole thing together.  It is quite beautiful.

Here’s another cover that’s absolutely stunning — this cover for RED HAWK’S LADY.  Notice the mist in the background.  This (the mist) plays a large part in that book.  I’m not certain of this, but I believe that this is Nathan Kamp yet again.  Very beautiful.  Very handsome.  RED HAWK’S WOMAN was an interesting book for me if only because it gave me the opportunitiy to research archaeology.  To this day I have about 10 books of archaeology on my library shelves…some more difficult to understand than others.   But look at the abs on this man.  Wow.  I’m an exerciser and I certainly admire a man who takes the time to work to obtain these kinds of abs and this kind of look. 

Here’s another one that’s absolutely stunning.  THE LAST WARRIOR.  Again, I’m in the dark as to the model of this book, but I do believe that it might again be Nathan.  Do any of you know?  Now off to the right here is a picture of the cover, THE PRINCESS AND THE WOLF, which is a book that is still in print, I believe.  This model’s name is Joseph Anselmo, and I think he is gorgeous, also.  THE PRINCESS AND THE WOLF was another book that was fun to write because it encompassed two different continents, as does THE LAST WARRIOR.  THE PRINCESS AND THE WOLF was an AVON/Harpercollins cover, by the way.  The rest that we’ve looked at so far, have been Berkley.   But there are a few other covers that I love too.  And I certainly hpe that you’ll bear with me as I travel down memory lane here.

Here’s another one of those beautiful covers from Berkley.  This one actually has the heroine in it, also.  This is another one of my most favorite covers.  I love the colors, I love the scenery and I love the aesthetics of the couple.  The horse in this picture also figures prominently in this particular story also.  Again, I don’t know the artist, but I should.  It is stunningly beautiful, I think.  Okay, now here’s another:  This was the first cover that I did with Berkley.  Does anyone know this model?  I thought that it might be John D’Salvo.  If anyone knows, please tell me.  It’s another gorgeous cover, with beautiful colors and a handsome, handsome man.

So while I’m at it, I’ll show you a few of my other covers.  All of them attest to the artistry of the art departments at these publishing companies, AVON/HarperCollins and Berkley/Penguin/Putnam.

 

LAKOTA SURRENDER was the first cover I ever had.  Way back in 1994.  The model is John D’Salvo and the female model is Cindy Guyer, who, by the way is a very, very sweet woman.  I was very pleasantly surprised by this cover.   I thought it was probably the most beautiful cover I’d ever seen.  I still love it.

 

Here’s another:  WHITE EAGLE’S TOUCH was my 5th book for AVON.  It was one of my best selling books.  And it is still one of those books that I love and adore.  This model’s name is again, Joseph Anselmo.  I still remember the first time I saw this cover.  I thought it was one of the most gorgeous covers I’d ever seen.  Here’s another:

Off to the left here is SOARING EAGLE’S EMBRACE — it was my 10th book for AVON/HarperCollins.  I loved this cover, too.   SOARING EAGLE’S EMBRACE was another opportunity for me also.  With this book I learned a bit of history and technology (early technology) of photography — because my heroine was a photographer.  Okay, now here’s another interesting cover:  At the time this book came out, I was very much involved with a literacy project on the Blackfeet reservation.  At that time, there was a man on the reservation who looked exactly like this cover.  At a pow-wow there, a friend of mine, Patricia, introduced me to this man’s double, there on the rez.  Handsome!

And then there’s this utterly charming and utterly gorgeous cover:   This is GRAY HAWK’S LADY, my 4th book for AVON.  This is the book I was writing when I first met my husband, Paul.  This book remains a favorite of mine because it was during the writing of this book that I not only met my husband, but we were also married.  In this book is my reaction to our first kiss, a kiss that left me absolutely breathless.  That kiss made me sit up and take notice of this fellow I’d only met twice, and within a few short months after that kiss, we were married.  : )  Note again the stunning colors in this book.  This is also the book that I was promoting at the time when I met and toured with the late, Nancy Richards-Akers.  And so this book remains to this day one of my favorites.   The model, by the way, is John D’Salvo.  What a handsome man!

This was the cover for my second book for AVON and my second book published.  Again, notice the colors and the rich texture of the artistry.  This is another one of those books that spanned two different continents.  As a matter of fact, this books takes place almost entirely in England — and yes, it is definitely an Historical Indian Romance.  The model here, I believe, is Joseph Anselmo.

Okay, so here are the remaining covers,one at a time:

These covers are respectively, Lone Arrow’s Pride, with model Joseph Anselmo.  The Proud Wolf’s Woman (My 3rd book) with John D’Salvo as the model.  Above and to the left is War Cloud’s Passion with model Joseph Anselmo and over tof the right here is Wolf Shadow’s Promise, also with model Joseph Anselmo.

As you can see I have been blessed with one beautiful cover after another.  I’m really excited about the new cover, SENECA SURRENDER – and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to share all my covers with you.  But here’s one that never made it to the cover of a book:  This is me with cover model John D’Salvo in I believe it was 1994 or 1995.  Wow, that seems a long time ago now.  So much has changed — not only in my own life, but also the very environment in which we live.

Well, there you go.  Now, just so you know, I’ll be giving away a copy of one of my books to one of the readers who leaves a comment on this blog today, but let me at a limit to that.  Because of postage expenses, this applies only to the several to United States and Canada only.

So what do you think?  Which of these is your favorite cover?  And why?

I’d love to hear from you.  So come on in and let’s chat.

And don’t forget, SENECA SURRENDER is now out on the bookshelves.  Pick up your copy today!

 

 

Tags: Uncategorized // 10 Comments »

Just like many other readers, I love series books. I’m all for getting sucked into a world, into the lives of characters I’ve grown to love. As an author, that love goes much deeper. My characters reside in my head, in their own little worlds, and I love each and every one of them. Sometimes, though, just like real life, Fate throws a curveball.

I’m facing major life changes for at least three of my on-going series. Each one is a learning experience for the people involved, and for two of the series, the changes produce a bit of heartbreak.

The first major change happens in Sanctified, book 2 of the Spirits of Abaddon series that I have with Changeling. The major change(s) in Jesse’s life are not easy, but they’re good ones. I can’t say too much because the book doesn’t actually come out until the end of April. Suffice it to say, though… his changes aren’t heartbreaking.

The next major series change (and the lesser of the two rough ones) is going to be for Jason in Scorned Gods, book 3 of the Blood & Fire series (also with Changeling). Saying much more would give away the plot of the book, but I will say this: it’s not an easy decision he must make, as he dearly loves the people involved.

The worst heartbreaking life change isn’t in a paranormal book, though. It’s in the next (and possibly novella/novel-length) installment of my Hearth & Home series from Torquere. Robbie Sexton and Seth Ellis, my beloved tattoo artist and his personal cowboy, are coming back–five years after the last Hearth & Home story ended. A lot has changed for them and their family. I’m actually dreading the whole writing process because I know it’s going to tear me apart. Robbie’s Mama ain’t gettin’ any younger, y’all.

Being an author is more like… being a scribe than being a god in your characters’ worlds. Ask any writer and they’re likely to tell you that they merely pen what their characters tell them to. When I sit down to work, I’m channeling whoever is loudest in my head. While I might have a general idea of a plot, I let the story and the people in it tell me what words to write down. It’s not always easy, at times it’s downright painful, but it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Tags: Author Days // Add Comment »

First, I’d like to thank the wonderful folks at FAR for having me as their guest today. It’s been a BUSY year for me already, and many of you may be tired of seeing me and my books popping up all over the place! I don’t blame you, either – there’s no end to this PR thing!!

 

However, I do have some great books out at the moment, and a couple coming that are really going to be hot and sexy if that’s your preference! So, I hope you’ll stay with me for all this fun stuff.

 

 

As my readers know, I rarely stick to one genre, and today I wanted to introduce you to my last three books which were all just released on the same day with a brand new company called Solstice Publishing. Two of these titles are erotic, and one is a lot more mainstream.

 

ROGUES is pirates, and contains two stories that are linked, and tell Captain Jack Stanton’s story, or at least a bit of it. They’re historical and erotic in nature. The third story is a reprint of one that was with Forbidden Publications a few years ago, Storm-Singer. That one contains lots of mixed elements – a pirate vampire prince, and his companion, who is what I call a “Were-witch” – and I think honestly she’s begging for a story of her own! You tell me if I should write it, ok?

 

ROYAL CONSORT is a story that is very, very special to me. Apart from being a very sexy story, it’s a fantasy kind of tale like Lord of the Rings – epic and an adventure. That handsome man on the cover is my real-life partner in Italy, and he went out one cold March morning to do that cover shoot for me, so I’m thrilled with the cover, as you can guess. The story is also one of my more fun ones!

 

The final story that re-released last week is SHADES OF DEATH. This one is part romance, part paranormal thriller, mystery, and even a shade of horror in the vampire element. So, as you can see, I’m mixing genres a lot this time around. This is also a full-length novel, and it was suggested to me by two best-selling vampire authors that I publish this one because according to them it is unique in approach. High praise, indeed, so I hope you will give it a shot and let me know how you enjoy it!!

 

All that said, what is coming from Noble Romance next month, on April 19^th to be exact, is something called RETRIBUTION: Silent Death. It was issued by New Concepts Publishing a few years ago, but has undergone an extensive rewrite since then, and is a much stronger story. I think it’s going to be part of the Foreign Affairs line, and it’s a James Bond kind of thriller with a very HOT romance at its core. Erotica is the only category for this one!

 

And, in May, my first title with new publishing house Moongypsy Press! It’s part one of a set of three called The Game of Seduction – and this first story, GAMES OF SEDUCTION, starts a hot trilogy that finds its roots in my own life yet again – it was a gift for a friend at Christmas, and with his permission it’s going to be a hot treat for all of you! Check out my website for an excerpt and a tease! With all these titles, actually!

 

Also, at some time today or tomorrow, I will grab a random name from the comments, and you can pick one of these titles as a gift from me, ok?

 

Thanks to FAR and all of you for being here today. Will be checking in on and off, so if you have any questions, please ask away….

 

Love & Hugs to all….

Denysé

 

Denysé Bridger

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com

BLOG: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com

Romantic Moments (Free Reads): http://www.romanticmoments.webs.com

Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com

 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/denysebridger

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/denysebridger

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/denyse.bridger

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-and-Fantasy/458701180391

Tags: Author Days, Contest, Monday Mania // 6 Comments »

Hello out there! My name is Melissa Bradley and I write for Amber Quill Press’ Amber Heat line. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. Thanks to Fallen Angel Reviews for allowing me this opportunity. Hope you are all having a great week so far. Mine’s been a little hectic, but, spring is here and the rest of the week is shaping up to be quite nice. I’m looking forward to getting outside and seeing my hometown, Chicago, in all her glory.

I grew up on the city’s southeast side, where I spent a great deal of my childhood escaping to exotic places through the pages of a book. The churches and steel mills of my neighborhood became distant lands, the decks of ships and other planets. The desire to be the captain of these exciting journeys bloomed within me, and I began to write. These creations of mine were only for me at first, the dream of actually publishing them for other people to read seemed improbable. Two years ago, to my utter surprise, that dream came true. Michael’s Keeper (ISBN 978-1-60272-284-2), a werewolf tale, was published by Amber Quill Press after it was selected as a winner in their Amber Heat Wave contest.

I have gone on to publish three other stories with the Amber Heat line. Dream On (ISBN 978-1-60272-367-2) and Love Haight (ISBN 978-1-60272-425-9) are featured in an erotica paperback collection entitled Encore Performances (ISBN 978-1-60272-829-5). My latest is a werewolf ménage tale called Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf. This one is a first for me on many levels and I could not be more excited. It’s my first novel, my first ménage and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever written before. I really pushed the boundaries and turned up the heat with this one. Maxie is a rockin’ heroine with real attitude and a sarcastic sense of humor. Here’s a little excerpt for you to enjoy. In the meantime, I love hearing from people so if you get a chance, please come visit me at http://myspace.com/melbwrites.

Thank you all so much.

Have a wonderful day,

Melissa Bradley

Maxie Briscoe:Werewolf

ISBN 978-1-60272-650-5 (Electronic)

ISBN 978-1-60272-806-6 (Paperback)

 

Synopsis

The name’s Maxie Briscoe and I am a werewolf…

That’s right, a real live, full moon-loving, Halloween icon. It’s hard out here for girl like me. To survive, I hide my true self and act the part of a normal human, all while discreetly indulging the Beast within. Talk about walking a narrow ledge. And that’s not even the worst part. Sex is. You see I can bench press a pick-up truck and that spells disaster in the bedroom. You can’t have any real fun knowing you might accidentally crush a lover while in the throes. Kind of kills the mood.

When a friend’s murder shatters the careful existence I’ve carved out, I come face to face with Damien and Noah, two of the hottest men I’ve ever laid eyes on. They are also the first werewolves I’ve run across since my conversion. The attraction is instant, but complicated, the sex… explosive.

Too bad there’s a killer out there with his sights on me …

Excerpt

Maxie meets Damien and Noah for the first time…

 

They materialize from the darkness, hunters intent on their

prey. Me.

 

My breath hitches, the animal inside rippling beneath my skin.

I’m nervous, but I refuse to let them see. This bitch rolls belly-up

for no one. I stride onto my front porch, prepared to defend my

territory. Dressed in loungewear, I am hardly the picture of a

strong alpha female, but you go with what you got. I look them

both dead on.

 

I fold my arms over my breasts. “What do you want?” I growl,

my voice a low rumble.

 

“We’ve come for you, little one.” With a voice like muffled

thunder, the taller of the two moves forward onto my lawn.

Twisted steel with sex appeal about sums him up. His dark hair is pulled back in a tail,

tee-shirt molded to his cut frame.

 

My nostrils flare, catching his scent, fresh like a mountain

spring at first thaw; my female parts quiver in anticipation. I want

to coil myself around him like a python on a Kapok tree, hugging

every hard inch of flesh. Ruthlessly, I shove down the urge. It’s

dangerous. Ulterior motives are written all over the two of them,

and I just know one of those motives is to dominate me.

 

“It took us a long time to find you, Maxie.”

 

The whisky baritone draws my attention, and I watch the other

one emerge, lean and graceful, his muscles liquid precision.

Definite hotness is woven into the male half of the werewolf

genetic code. His scent is warm and dark, like night in a jungle.

My nipples bead with excitement as he lopes toward me, brushing

past the larger wolf. He stops at the base of my stairs, conqueror

etched in every line of his body. This is definitely the alpha of the

pair.

 

“Didn’t know I was lost.” I widen my stance, ready to spring. If

he’s looking for a challenge, he’s got one.

 

He smiles, teeth bared, the faint light from the scimitar moon

exposing the predatory glint in his eyes.

 

I can feel the hunger resonating through them, matching my

own deep desire.

 

“We can smell your craving, little one,” the taller one rumbles

as he joins his partner.

 

I hate arrogant assholes. “Is this the part where I’m supposed

lie back, spread my legs and say, ‘Do me like Red Riding Hood,

you Big Bad Wolf’?”

 

They chuckle in that knowing, masculine way, the sound like

tropical waves lapping along my insides, teasing and inviting.

 

“She’s more than we imagined, my friend.” The dominant wolf

smiles over his shoulder at the other one as he starts up the first

step.

 

“Hold it right there, Romeo,” I snap.

 

He stops, huffs out a breath and moves back to his original

position. “The name is Damien Black. And this is Noah Rayburn.”

He jerks a thumb toward the larger guy who inclines his head with

a gleaming look in his eyes.

 

They stand there, watching me, probably wondering when I’m

going to quit being so difficult and invite them inside to fuck.

Maybe I will and maybe I won’t. All depends on their

explanations.

Tags: Author Days // Add Comment »

Thank you Fallen Angel Reviews for giving me the opportunity to post today. I’m excited
to announce that I have a couple books coming out this year. Not too long ago I
received the book cover for All the Right Moves, and though I don’t have a release
date yet I wanted to share it with you. This is actually the second release for this
particular book. The first time was with a different epublisher and never made it to
print. I’m very lucky that The Wild Rose Press picked it up, and after adding new
content, sexy new scenes and a whole new last chapter it will be offered in print!

The beautiful new book cover depicts one of the new scenes in the book, and here’s
an excerpt to peak your interest.

Excerpt-
Marshall reached for his wineglass before sitting back on his stool. For the
hundredth time in an hour, his eyes went to the beauty mark on Annie’s face. The
reason the small flaw captivated him was because it was so close to temptation, and
he suspected a taste of heaven. He had a burning desire to kiss her and find out if
her lips were as smooth and soft as they appeared.
 
More than that, he wanted to taste her, in more ways than one. Earlier, in the
bedroom, it had been a struggle not to throw himself down on her and give in to the
situation building between them. She’d looked damn appealing on his water bed,
glaring up at him with indignant fire in her eyes. He was willing to bet the fire in
her eyes would intensify when it was replaced with passion. The innocence she eluded
wasn’t a ruse, but a thin layer protecting the woman he sensed was hidden beneath
the surface. When was the last time he’d met a woman like her?
 
“That was good, Detective.” Annie’s compliment broke the silence. She pushed her
empty plate aside and dropped her napkin over it before reaching for her glass of
wine. “Either you’ve never been married, or you’ve been divorced a long time.” She
narrowed her eyes at him over her glass.
 
“Fishing, Doc?” Marshall grinned, pouring more wine into his glass. A tiny smile
played upon her lips, making him wonder what she was thinking.
 
“What now, Detective?” She ran her pinky along the edge of her glass, dipping it
slightly into the liquid before bringing it to her mouth.
 
In spite the sophistication that cloaked Annie, she looked extremely vulnerable at
that moment. Her action under normal circumstances would have been a natural prelude
to an intimate moment between them-like a kiss. But he knew she wasn’t aware of the
alluring quality of her movements. She didn’t seem the type to purposely tease a man
using seductive coyness. In fact, she seemed a thousand miles away.
 
The shower had done her good. She looked refreshed and sexy as hell in faded cut-off
jeans that left her shapely, slender legs bare all the way to the tops of her
suntanned thighs. A sleeveless top completed her casual look, something thin and
airy that tied beneath her breasts, emphasizing their perky shape.
 
And I’d thought there wasn’t enough there to fill my hands?
 
A tingle of awareness surged through his blood, warming him more than any wine. He
hadn’t denied her comments about being horny. Hell, she’d hit the nail right on the
head, but she was the one making him that way, turning him inside out. When Michelle
had kissed him and pressed her body against his, he’d felt nothing. Not a twinge of
the old passion had resurfaced. All Annie had to do to turn him hard was be in the
same room with him, like now. He wondered what her reaction would be if she knew how
she was affecting him. If she knew how much he wanted to…
 
I’m also excited to say my erotic romance, TALK DIRTY TO ME,  was picked up
by Ellora’s Cave. More information about that and my other books can be found on my
website at: www.toryrichards.com
 
Tootles!

Tory Richards
Author of sizzling romances!

Tags: Uncategorized // 1 Comment »

I recently found myself wondering about promiscuity in novels as a result of a conversation with a former colleague.  “I didn’t let my son read your latest book,” he announced, referring to ALMOST HOME.  “I thought it had too much sex.” 

This didn’t in itself trouble me; I write for adults and I think that whether or not a parent lets a teenager read my work is very much a question of the parent’s sensitivities.  But this dad in particular, I knew had allowed his son to read my first two novels, THE KOMMANDANT’S GIRL and THE DIPLOMAT’S WIFE, both of which seemed to have as much sex, including extramarital affairs.  So how in ALMOST HOME had the love life of my single, thirty-something protagonist Jordan and her one tryst (alright, two-and-a-half trysts if you count the almost-hook-up with a coworker and the flashback to a night ten years earlier) somehow crossed the line?

Upon further contemplation, I’ve concluded that there are a number of aspects of promiscuity in our characters.  (I am talking about female characters here because I think, sadly, that a double standard still exists and women are still judged for behavior that men are not, even in women’s fiction.)  The first is how graphically the sex is depicted.  I tend to write what most in the business call “fade to black” sex, meaning the scene ends somewhere short of culmination of the full sexual act (partially clothed perhaps) and cuts to the snuggling afterward.  You know, the kind of stuff I could live with my mother reading.  I think some readers find leaving a good deal to the imagination more palatable.

Another issue is the context of the sex in the character’s own life.  In THE KOMMANDANT’S GIRL, Emma engaged in extramarital sex, but it was for a higher cause (helping the Resistance) and she only decided to do it after a great deal of hand-wringing.  Similarly Marta in THE DIPLOMAT’S WIFE engages in both premarital sex and extramarital sex which somehow seem forgivable because of the unique and desperate circumstances. 

Despite the changing time period and social context, readers seem to want a certain accountability from characters with respect for their sexual decisions.  Which is perhaps just a sub-set of what we expect from our protagonists generally:  logical decisions like the ones we would make, or if not, enough contemplation to make us wonder what we would do in those circumstances.  And even if we don’t agree with the choice, perhaps we can accept it if it fits into the larger context of what the character is going through, such as trying to heal wounds and come to terms with the past as Jordan struggles to do in ALMOST HOME.  It comes back to wanting to read about characters who we like and for whose happiness we want to root.

I’m wondering, how does a character’s sexual decisions affect your view of her?  Let me know!

Tags: Uncategorized // Add Comment »

Can you give us a little information about your newest release Chayton’s Tempest?

 

Chayton’s Tempest is about James “Maverick” Lonetree and Tempest Independence Burnell. He’s the last single man of the Megalodon Team. He runs into Tempest in a bar in Albuquerque and can’t understand 1) his immediate attraction to her and 2) why she hates him so much. When he discovers he’s known her for many years and the reason why she hates him he realizes he is now facing his biggest battle. Maverick wants it all and he wants it with Tempest. He just has to convince her to give him, them, another shot.

 

 

Has becoming a published author changed your life? If so, how?

 

No. I don’t think so, not so much. It helps knowing that no matter where my husband is stationed in the world I will have this to come with us but otherwise, I’m still the one who cooks, cleans, washes and folds laundry, etc. J

 

 

Do you have a character you have written that is your favorite?

 

No, I can’t pick one character who is a favorite over anyone else. Each one I write holds a special place in my heart.

 

 

You just won the lottery. What is the first thing you purchase?

 

A lot of property, house, and horses in the Pac Norwest.

 

 

What is your favorite song for the moment?

 

Superman Tonight by Bon Jovi and that could be because that’s what’s playing right now. I just love music.

 

 

Do you have any works in progress that you can share with us?

 

I am working on a few things right now. A family saga that follows generations of a proud military family. The Graham family. A paranormal which ties into the free read site I’m a part of, Satin Notes, and deals with a child of Dane Sidorov. And I’m finishing up a story which will round out a series of books I’ve been working on for a while now. The title is tentatively, Beyond His Control, and deals with Marine Caleb Moser and Kamden Strong, the woman who’s been under his skin for as long as he can recall. She finds herself in a volatile situation which only gets hotter when Caleb shows up to rescue her.

 

Website: www.aliyah-burke.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/aliyahburke

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Aliyah-Burke/100000592826953

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyah_burke/

Blog: http://aliyahburke.blogspot.com/

 

Thank you so much for having me here.

Happy reading,

~Aliyah

Tags: Author Spotlights // 6 Comments »

I’m going to do something a little different in this blog. My new Samhain release is called “Training the Receptionist,” and it’s an erotic novella about a girl who gets her dream job at a very unusual firm, working for two rather naughty bosses. Cowell & Dirk may seem like an ordinary management consultant firm, but it has some unique job requirements. Dana soon finds her new job is far more satisfying than she ever imagined.

 

So as an introduction to Cowell & Dirk, I’ve put together a brief and very unconventional employee training manual. The rules may be unusual, but the firm says they lead to excellent employee performance.

 

Welcome to Cowell & Dirk. A brief note about our management structure: Ethan Cowell, Senior Partner, has authority over hiring and firing, while Simon Dirk, Executive Vice President, is responsible for training new employees. Other responsibilities are shared – as is the receptionist.

 

During the training period, new employees are discouraged from looking inside Simon’s desk drawers. The items contained therein might cause too much excitement and anticipation.

 

Answering phones and greeting clients, while important duties, are subordinate to your primary function, which is to receive pleasure. After all, happy workers are more productive.  

 

If you find a yellow post-it note from Simon on your desk, it may indicate a performance issue that should be addressed immediately.

 

If discipline is required, the firm of Cowell & Dirk is committed to making sure it is highly pleasurable. 

 

Brian, the package delivery guy, is not employed by Cowell & Dirk. Therefore, the firm cannot be held responsible for whatever unprofessional behavior he engages in, even if said behavior would likely get him fired if he worked for FedEx.

 

The employee dress code is variable and depends on the whim of Simon Dirk. (Tip for new employees: you may be able to save money on undergarments.)

 

Welcome to the company. We’re certain if you follow these simple guidelines, your time here will be productive, extremely satisfactory, and occasionally kinky.

 

Happy reading!

 

Juniper Bell

 

“Training the Receptionist” is available now from Samhain Publishing. You can also download a Free Read called “Thanking the Receptionist” featuring the same characters. Visit Juniper’s website, check out her blog, or follow her on Twitter!  

“Training the Receptionist” by Juniper Bell

Genre: Erotica

ISBN: 978-1-60504-949-6
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…

Eager to escape her miserable existence in Low-Life, Long Island, street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.

Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.

The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, bondage, ménage, ingenious use of office furniture, lingerie, and the occasional sex toy. Oh, and did I mention the package delivery guy?

 

Tags: Uncategorized // 4 Comments »

xclusive sneak preview for my FAR friends.

Virtus Saga
Book 1 The Sex – March 15th 2010
Book 2 The Game – May 15th 2010
Book 3 The Festival
Book 4 The Fitting
Book 5 The Pledge
Book 6 The Heat
Book 7 The Trace
Book 8 The Guardian

The World
Sex, sex and more sex without limits or boundaries—not in numbers, not in gender, whether it’s the phase, the pledge or the heat—such is Sendar’s very foundation, an apparently peaceful planet, without the usual pestilences associated with mankind, wars, hunger, violence. But is it really so?

The Characters
Lost while returning home, Duncan Caldwell, only son and heir of Prince Charles Caldwell, finds shelter in Ylianor Meyer’s rundown shack. The beautiful woman has a very familiar air, but for the life of him, he cannot remember who she is or resist the attraction he feels, despite his aristocratic tastes. So he offers her a job as Black Rose’s stable keeper, only to find out she’s the daughter of his father’s mistress. But will this stop the fatal pull drawing him to her bed?

Lord Christopher Templeton is fiercely in love with Duncan Caldwell, a love started before either was old enough to know what love is, which continues until Duncan decides it’s time for him to find a woman. But Chris is determined to hold on to his prince no matter what it takes, even if he has to face the hated rival he had already driven away from his lover’s side, once, so long ago.

Ylianor Meyer has been in love with Duncan Caldwell since the very beginning, growing up with him on the green hills and cliffs of Black Rose. Banned by Prince Charles’s mate, she hasn’t seen Duncan for over 10 years, but when he walks in her rundown shack, she knows she still loves him as passionately as when she was merely nine-years-old. So she follows him, no matter what the consequences, no matter what his despicable lover will do to drive her away…again.

Lord Arthur Fairchild, leader of the High Council, knows time is slipping away from his grasp and Sendar will be condemned if his hero doesn’t come forth soon. So he summons him—not just him, but also the ones he’s connected to by lifetimes of bonding love and feelings so strong they’ve transcended time and space. And the uncontrollable power, the Virt, the energy running wild on Sendar only complicate matters.

The pyramid
Three-sided like the three lovers full of power and explosive feelings, Virtus controls Sendar in ways they have yet to discover and if they can, change.

The story
Unknown to most, powerful forces dominate Sendar’s feudal-like society, the ability to wield destructive energy so strong in some people, it’s threatening to devastate their world. But to reach a new balance you have to learn, grow, blend with the world from which you come, then go beyond it before the world collapses into chaos. And that’s what Duncan, Chris and Ylianor must learn to do if sex, power, magic, passion and jealousy won’t stand in their way.

“If Sendar stood a chance perhaps it would be thanks to the arbitrary twists and turns of a blind destiny. Or maybe someone would discover the truth about the ancient ways and compromise our peaceful existence forever. Either way, people needed a hero to shed new light on the age-old mysteries.
But heroes were scarce on a planet ruled by sex, its perception pervading every aspect of our lives, thus making Sendar unique in its kind. Better yet, the concept of using sex to curb violence had no equals in the universe, even if only as the result of an ambitious experiment.
So we sex up our lives without limitations of genders or numbers to spoil our pleasure for the more the better—men, women or both—and no questions asked. Those are our ways, which the phase teaches from early on, training us in the art of loving, the process then completed by the pledge.
The system works wonders for our well-being. Violent impulses, channeled through sex, magically disappear and we avoid all the usual conflicts plaguing humankind since the beginning of time. But today our precious way of life is at risk. I’ll try my best to thwart the danger by guiding Sendar’s new hero, or heroes as this case requires because one man alone won’t be able to stand the tide, yet even if he does, we can all just hope and pray to our gods the world as we know it won’t collapse on us…now or ever.”

Arthur Fairchild

 

 

The Sex
Virtus Book 1
By Laura Tolomei
GENRE: Gay, Fantasy, Paranormal, Adventure, Series, m/m, m/f, m/m/f
HEAT LEVEL: 4 flames
LENGTH: 308 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 15th, 2010
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
COVER ARTIST: Angela White
BUY NOW

BLURB
The prince, his lover, his woman, the three sides of the pyramid whose importance they’ll discover if sex, passion and jealousy won’t stand in their way.

EROTIC M/F
Her breath caught in her throat as she turned around to answer. Like the first time she had seen him, he gave the impression of being too big for the available space, his magnificent body more attractive than ever with the long black strands dripping tiny streaks of water on a bare chest that displayed an impressive set of muscles before narrowing to the waist, wrapped by the blanket. She also could not help feeling his heat, but even if temptation to touch him seemed irresistible, she knew better. “Much.” Then she turned to face the fire, so she would not have to look at him.
Dropping down on a comfortable carpet, she pretended to stare at the high flames, particularly when he sat right next to her, although she did not need her eyes to feel the powerful energy or the scorching desire trapped in his body, screaming for release. Ironic as it seemed, it was the second time fate had created a sensual opportunity, trapping her in a secluded cabin, alone with a man women dreamed about, and if Sarah Jennings had been in her place, there would have been no trace of a blanket anywhere on her body, Ylianor mused, repressing a giggle.
The prince turned to look at her. “Is there something funny you’d like to share?”
“Well, this whole situation is funny. Here I am with a person I thought I’d never see again for the rest of my life, forced to spend another night together.” The hint of a smile curved her lips. “I guess, when you’re back in a girl’s life, you make sure she notices it…even if she’d rather have nothing to do with you.” She made it sound like an afterthought, though her stomach crunched painfully at the obvious lie.
He regarded her coolly, then called her bluff. “My dear, you’re not a prisoner, you know. You’re free to leave whenever you want.”
“Right!” She quipped hotly. “As if I’d ride out in the middle of a storm.”
He chuckled. “I meant when the weather calms down, but I’d be surprised if you did. It must’ve taken a lot of guts—”
“I’d call it stupidity.”
His eyes flashed in disaccord. “Whatever it was, it mustn’t have been easy to return to Black Rose after how my family treated you, especially considering nothing ties you to the place.”
“Nothing…except the past.” Ruefully, Ylianor let out a deep breath, her thoughts running to Prince Charles and his soothing love.
“Aren’t I a part of that past?” His eyes searched her face before he continued. “Judging from what David told me, you used to like me.” He grinned mischievously. “And people tell me I’m a likable fellow now more than ever.”
“You don’t need to play games with me.” Ylianor scolded annoyed. “You’ve always had my complete attention then and now, even if I’m not sure I want you back in my life.”
“Why not? Was it better without me?” Suddenly, the black eyes clouded. “Or do you perceive me as a threat?”
Gaze still locked on the prince, Ylianor only wanted to drown in him, forgetting about stupid questions, too dizzy by now from hunger and cold. His nearness did not help matters either, the acute awareness of his body pressing at her side making her legs weak with the unbearable need to feel his arms around her and his warm lips pressing—
With an effort, she pulled her gaze and mind away from temptation. “Yes, I do, probably something to do with our childhood.”
He smiled apologetically. “Since I can’t remember, maybe you ought to fill me in.”
Ylianor’s lips curved bitterly. “I’m sure you don’t need my share of bad memories. It’s better if you stick to the pleasant ones in which I don’t appear.”
Duncan’s head bent on his knees as if he were trying hard to resist some impulse or simply taking his mind off whatever was gnawing at him. She had noticed, of course, could not help noticing it as a matter of fact, his energy speaking louder than any word.
“I’m sorry.” Raising his head, he looked at her apologetically. “I don’t know you or what your life has been like. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Ylianor’s heart went out to him. “No, forgive me. I shouldn’t have answered like that. I’m glad for the opportunity to do something with my life, really. I’d have wandered aimlessly in search of…” She shrugged as her voice trailed off. “Something,” she added eventually, before a stray thought hit her, spreading an amused smile on her face. “And it’s not as bad as it seems. We’ve been friends before, so I don’t see why we can’t be again.” She turned to him, but her confidence vanished upon realizing how much she wanted to touch him. Yeah, sure as if I could ever be friends with someone who turns my stomach upside down simply by looking at him! Her heart was racing, her thighs tingled and a strange throb between her legs did not make things any easier.
“I’m not sure I can think of you as a friend,” was his cold reply.
Of course not. What a stupid fool to think even—
“Damn!” Grabbing her shoulders, he cursed again. “I might regret this for the rest of my life, but the gods know I want more, much more.”
Closing his mouth on hers, Prince Caldwell took their conversation to a completely different level, drawing her closer while his tongue carefully explored the warm opening, making her head spin and her body heat out of control. The intoxicating feeling became more intense when he pushed her down on the carpet, lying on top of her. Tossing the blanket aside, Duncan caressed the soft skin, teasing the nipples, until his mouth left hers to start a tantalizing descent, nibbling, kissing and tasting along the way while his long strands tickled her flesh. Arching her back, Ylianor pulled him closer so he stroked the moistness between her legs, gently and seductively. The fire inside raged furiously, together with the dull hammering she thought she could not endure a second longer, particularly when his tongue circled one hard nipple. Shocked, Ylianor felt shivers of pleasure radiating from her breast as he deepened the kiss, drawing the tight bud fully in his mouth and sucking it hard. Even his teeth lightly grazing the skin felt pleasurable, so she pressed his head against it, wanting him to swallow her whole. But he had no trouble switching to the other hardened tip, demanding his lavish attention complying generously, licking and lapping avidly, until he decided it was time to resume his sensual journey.
Stretching luxuriously, she tensed her legs, feeling the wetness dripping all the way down to her asshole, until the raw sensation of his hot mouth closing right around the painful pounding was simply too intense to breathe and Ylianor stopped moving altogether. Body taut in anticipation, her swollen clit drowned in his unbearable sucks that teased, stroked, rubbed, until her mind went blank with wave after exquisite wave coursing through her every fiber, similar to shivers, only at a much deeper and blissful level, as repeated coils overwhelmed her like an unstoppable tide. Unable to withstand the unexpected pleasure, she opened her mouth wide to let the scream escape her lungs, its loudness rising and falling with the intensity of the throes melting her body into liquid fire.
Obviously startled, Duncan stopped sucking, but afraid he would end it there, she swung her hips enticingly, her body begging him to continue and he could not resist the invitation. “Have you been with a man before?” He whispered softly in her ear after tearing his mouth away from her cunt.
Even though her senses were reeling, she caught his question. “Never.”
Prince Caldwell had a moment’s hesitation as if debating whether to take her, but quickly made up his mind. “This might hurt a bit.” His warning reached her ear before his kiss took her breath away.

Laura Tolomei

Website  www.lallagatta.com

 

Tags: Uncategorized // 1 Comment »

We see it in books and movies all the time. The world, and its inhabitants, have been ravaged by disease, global warming, nuclear explosions, war, or aliens—take your pick— and a handful of people remain to pick up the pieces. What makes these types of books and films popular? Perhaps it’s because we all feel as though the world is truly on the edge these days.

 

Personally, I think we are drawn to such books and movies because we see humanity stripped bare. We peel back the layers of civilization and reveal who we truly are deep down inside. We see the best and the worst of people in a crisis. Some will rise to the occasion and become more than they ever dreamed they could be—heroes, leaders, freedom fighters. While others will profit from the misery of others, stealing, destroying and hording all the goods and services people need to survive. That’s human nature.

 

The darkness of that kind of world drew me, but it was hope that kept my fingers tapping away at the keyboard. I truly believe that we as a people would survive a catastrophic event, but only if we learn to work together and trust one another. These ideas spurred me onward and Project Alpha was the result. This trilogy, which contains Embracing Silence, Have Mercy and Sweet Charity, looks at post-apocalyptic Earth.

 

It’s 2133, about a hundred years after the world, as we know it, was destroyed through a combination of events. Many of the surviving people have taken refuge inside the Gate—a high-tech shield, which protects the enclosed city from contamination and the lawless land outside. The Ruling Council controls people’s lives and they’ll do anything to maintain control of their world, including creating Alphas—a group of genetically and computer-enhanced assassins.

 

Now there are only two Alphas left and they have escaped their masters’ control. Outside the Gate, they now seek revenge on the scientists that created them and the General who used them all these years.

 

But there is a whole world in the outer city, people who are struggling to stay alive. These people dig through the rubble and remains of their world to scrape together the means to survive. It’s a violent, dangerous place. But there are pockets of hope, of civilization.

 

The Alphas are dangerous and distrustful. They will do anything to survive and want nothing to do with the people outside the Gate. They cross paths with some very special women and their lives are changed forever. Plus, they’re not the only ones who want to see the Gate come down. There is a Resistance force led by the mysterious and deadly Adrian. He is dedicated to seeing the resources from inside the Gate shared with those outside. And he’ll stop at nothing to see it happen.

 

BLURB: Embracing Silence

 

First in the Project Alpha series.

 

Earth 2133

 

Tienan is an Alpha—an assassin who has been genetically and computer enhanced. He has escaped from the lab that created him and the Ruling Council that controlled him. He is now outside the Gate—a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Tienan must constantly evade security forces sent to eliminate him, his only goal to destroy his former masters.

 

Silence is a tracker with the Resistance on the trail of a dangerous stranger. The hunter becomes the hunted and when Tienan kidnaps her, she thinks her life is over. But both captor and captive are enthralled with one another. Desire and need ignite each time they touch. Enemies become lovers.

 

Treachery and mistrust drive them apart. But nothing can diminish the sexual heat smoldering between them. With enemies all around, they must confront each other one final time. With time running out, sexual longing and trust battle with betrayal for supremacy.

 

 

BLURB: Have Mercy

 

Second in the Project Alpha series.

 

Earth 2133

 

Logan is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him. He is now outside the Gate, a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Shot while evading security forces sent to eliminate him, Logan’s only goal is survival.

 

Mercy Dockins is a healer. Her world is shaken to its foundations when a stranger is brought to her near death. As she heals him, her body and soul respond to him, overwhelming her with sexual desire. With little more than a look and a touch, passion flares out of control, consuming them both.

 

But this stranger is dangerous to not only her well-being, but also to the safety of everyone she loves. And he has brought the security forces right to her door.

 

 

BLURB: Sweet Charity

 

Third in the Project Alpha series

 

Earth 2133

 

Adrian is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—thought dead by the people who created him. Living outside the Gate, a high tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside, he is the leader of the Resistance, living only to bring down the Gate and the people who sought to kill him.

 

Charity Caruthers is the daughter of one of the most powerful and brutal men in the inner city—the General. She risks everything sneaking outside the Gate to get a message to Adrian.

 

Passion explodes, ripping apart the foundations of both their lives. Charity begins to understand true sexual desire as Adrian teaches her the passion to be found in dark fantasies. Loyalties are tested and trust pushed to the limits as the final confrontation is at hand. Some will die. Some will live. And Adrian and Charity’s fragile relationship could be the final casualty in this war of retribution and freedom.

 

 

I knew this was going to be a three-book series when I began writing. And, for the first time ever, I wrote all three books back to back to back, not leaving that world until I was finished. It was a challenging, but wonderful, experience.

 

The setting is like another character in the book, a dark, deadly creature waiting to strike at any moment. Painting such a dismal, dangerous place was a challenge in many ways and easy in others. The lack of name for the city is intentional. It could be anywhere. And, after everything that has happened to the Earth, a name no longer matters. This is a dark world with even darker men, but there is also light and love and hope.

 

 

EXCERPT: Embracing Silence

 

She was almost through the first strap when she sensed the air behind her stirring. Silence continued to saw frantically at the restraint. He was here. He’d made no sound, and she’d been listening, but he was here. As always, she could sense his very presence, as though the air shifted and made way for him wherever he went.

 

“You’re resourceful.” His voice was deep and dark and raspy. His words made her shiver with dread. He didn’t sound particularly mad about her escape attempt. He didn’t sound anything at all. His total lack of emotion was more frightening than if he’d bellowed in anger.

 

Silence almost sobbed with relief when the leather strap gave way. She clawed at the second strap, getting it undone. Not pausing to even think about why he was allowing her to do so, she sawed at the strap around her waist. Blood from several shallow wounds on her wrist dripped down her fingers making it more difficult for her to work.

 

“How do you plan to get past me?” His question was thoughtful, almost as though he was curious about her intentions.

 

His voice was closer now, coming from the deep shadows behind her. The last restraint fell away and she lurched from the chair. She whirled around to face where she thought he was. She couldn’t see a thing.

 

“Stay away from me. I’ll kill you if I have too.”

 

No reply. But she knew he was there in the dark watching. Tucking her short blade in her jacket pocket, she grabbed up her larger one. She wished she had a gun but they were in short supply and given to the men and women who went out daily on patrol in the outer city. Somehow she felt all the weapons in the world wouldn’t do her any good against this man.

 

“Who are you?” she demanded. Her voice was little more than a croak. Her throat was slightly swollen bruised and fear made it close even more.

 

“Who are you?” he countered. She circled slowly. He sounded as though he was on the other side of the room. She damned the shadows that made it impossible for her to track him. There should be some indication of his movement—a stray sound, a breath, a wavering of the air. But there was nothing.

 

The man was a phantom.

 

She took a step back and hit the edge of the table. The candle teetered and fell to one side, its flame flickering before being extinguished. Darkness descended. Silence got a sick feeling in the pit of her belly. She had no idea how to get out.

 

Moving forward, she tried not to make a sound as she headed toward where she’d first sensed him in the room. It made sense that the entrance would be somewhere around there.

 

As before, there was no sound, no tell-tale giveaway, but she sensed him as he moved in behind her. Before she could react, his wrists wrapped around hers. He didn’t squeeze them, but his fingers pressed some pressure points. Her hands opened and her knife fell the floor, clattering on the dirt and stones.

 

He bent her elbows, crossing her arms over her chest. Because of the way he held her, his arms were crossed over her chest too. He surrounded her totally, much like the darkness.

 

“I don’t want to hurt you.” His voice was little more than a murmur in her ear. His breath ruffled the hair on the back of her neck, tickling the sensitive skin.

 

Silence licked her lips almost afraid to ask, “What do you want?”

 

The heat from his body seeped into her back, warming her. He was so warm and she was so cold. She wanted to lean against him and soak up his heat, but she held herself erect and as far away as his grip would allow. There was no safety, no solace to be found here.

 

“What’s your name?”

 

She thought about it and then decided that telling him might be in her favor. Maybe he knew her brother. It was possible Adrian’s name might get her out of here alive. “Silence. My name is Silence.”

 

He chuckled and the raspy sound stroked over her skin sending goose bumps down her arms. “Very apt. You’re an excellent tracker.”

 

“Obviously not good enough,” she countered, unable to keep the bitterness from her tone. Her entire life, it was the one skill she had that separated her from others. It had given her a place of respect within the resistance movement.

 

“No.” He rubbed his chin over the top of her head. “Not good enough.”

 

The matter of fact way he said it made her feel like more of a failure and that made her angry. Anger was a much better emotion to focus on than defeat. She could use anger to her advantage. “Who are you?” She figured if she asked him enough times, he just might answer her. And as long as he was talking to her, he wasn’t killing her, which was definitely a plus in her books.

 

You can check out the Project Alpha trilogy at Ellora’s Cave. To find out more information about any of my books, go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com

 

 

N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

http://www.njwalters.com

http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

Tags: Author Days, Excerpts // 5 Comments »