Friday, August 31, 2012

ROMP with Kristen Callihan's sexy lycan






Right then, the lovely Jennifer asked me to make a case for the sexiness of werewolves lycans –which are way better than werewolves, as they aren’t plagued by that pesky inability to control themselves on the full moon. I mean, honestly, that would put a bit of a damper on any moonlit rendezvous!


So then, what exactly is so sexy about a lycan, specifically, that oh so charming lycan Ian Ranulf? Where to begin?


1. Wolves are crafty and playful by nature. Combine that with a handsome man and you get one charming fiend. Ian Runulf is that and more. He’s got a wicked sense of humor and doesn’t hesitate to tease Daisy.


“ “Don’t go playing the Scottish lord with me.” She kicked at his foot, only to miss. “I decide where I go and with whom, not you.”
Northrup’s nose bunted against hers. “What in the devil’s name are ye talkin’ about, you dafty wee besom?”

“You know very well.” Daisy ignored the way her breath hitched when he got too near. “You get riled up and off you go, throwing that Highland accent about as if to intimidate.” She dropped her voice in an imitation of his. “Ye will do as I say or I will take ye overrr me knee an’ stroop yer backside!’”


Utter silence fell between them, punctuated by Billy’s mutterings about insane women. Northrup’s eyes narrowed, his lips a thin line that twitched at the corners. Then like a thunderclap, his laughter broke free, rolling over her rich and full. The corners of his eyes creased as he bowed and let his brogue roll to full effect. “Aye weel, lassy, ye canna blame a man fer wantin’ ta get his ’ands on such a fine, plump arse such as yers, now can ye?” ”

-------

 “He caught her expression and his smile grew fiendish.


“Don’t go getting calf-eyed on me,” he warned with amusement. “Or I’ll start to believe that you like me, too.”

“And we couldn’t have that,” Daisy said, feeling almost dizzy.

Firelight
REVIEW
Northrup’s eyes were indigo in the dim. He looked at her as though he knew her every thought. “After all,” he said in a thick voice, “what would happen, Daisy-Meg, if you liked me?” ”

2. Loyalty. Like wolves, lyans are loyal to pack. When they find a mate, she is the most important thing in their lives, and a lycan male will lay down his life for his mate.

“ “Hear me, Daisy-girl. By my vow, on the grave of my father, Alasdair George Ranulf, and on the blood of Clan Ranulf that flows in my veins, I will never hurt you again.” The warm puff of his breath heated her palm as he lifted her hand to his mouth. “I will keep you safe till this business be done. Or die trying. This I pledge to you.””

3. The physique. Okay, let’s face it, these guys are in prime physical condition –must be all that running wild and hand to hand combat. ;)

“Ye gods but the sheet was too low around his waist, stopping at a line of dark auburn hair that peaked out a little bit farther with each exhale of Northrup’s breath. The muscles beneath his belly button lay flat like a plate of armor above the narrow plane of his hips, the skin stretched so tightly over them that the veins stood out, one of them leading a path down below the sheet.


Flush with heat, she bit her lip hard. She wanted to trace that path with her tongue and pull the sheet away to reveal the rather large bulge hiding beneath it. A delicious image, ripped in two as he tensed on a sharp breath, his eyes snapping open and his hand shooting out to grasp her wrist. She yelped as he wrenched her toward him.” [Yum!]


4. Excellent lovers. Need I say more? All right, I will. Because lycans are in touch with their wild, animal nature, they don’t hold back in the bedroom. They like their play, and will make sure their lover is well-satisfied.


“Ian held her gaze, watching the way she panted lightly, her lips parted and her color high. He knew that she craved going down darker roads. His voice was not his own. It belonged to a beast with a raging cockstand. “I’m going to lick and suck your sweet tits, Daisy-Meg, until we’re both dying from the pleasure of it.”


Her lips rounded to a shocked O, a flush spreading from her cheeks down to the impressive swells of her breasts. He didn’t miss the way her pupils dilated with desire and excitement. It fueled his.


“Because you deserve pleasure, lass.” He flipped open a snap, the strength in his fingers making it easy. “You deserve to be well and thoroughly loved.””

--------

“ “Lift your skirts.” His voice was guttural, brutal in its command.


Her soft mouth fell open, her eyes going wide. But he saw the flash of heat in those blue depths. They stared at each other, their breathing heavy and fast.


“Lift them high and show me your sweet cunny, Daisy-Meg.”


A little gasp escaped her lips, her gaze turning fever bright at the demand. He held her gaze unflinchingly, the silence so thick it pressed upon his chest like a hand. For one lurching moment, he thought she might refuse, and then slowly, oh so slowly, her hands moved. Trembling fingers fisted her skirts, and lust surged like victory through his gut.”


5. Brave and true of heart. Not just when it comes to danger, but in love. As I said, the love a lycan has for his woman knows no bounds. It trumps everything else. And he isn’t shy about stating it either. :)


“He leaned into her. She smelled of cool silk and warm roses. She smelled of home. “I am afraid, aye? Bloody terrified of history repeating itself.” He wrapped his arms about her waist and held on tightly. “But I want you more. Do you understand? I feel free when I am with you. Happy. You are the gift I never saw coming.” ”


REVIEW
Le sigh. I mean, who wouldn’t want a lycan in their bed? Or let one in their hearts? While Daisy certainly struggles to remain indifferent to Ian, the war was really over from the first time they squared off:


“ “That gown is a tragedy on you,” he murmured in a low growl that rasped against her skin.


“So sorry,” she managed to say past the flush that left her oddly breathless. “You’ll have to take your objections up with the man who provided it for me.”


He grunted in amusement, his gaze not shifting from her body. “He is a fool. He is of a mind to take it off, lest it offend him further.”


Heat blossomed over her skin and settled between her legs. Such a shock, she almost choked on it. Her breasts rose and fell over the edge of her bodice in cadence with her breathing, and his eyes followed the movement.


“Oh, you are good,” she whispered as all that heat turned to delicate throbbing. Here was the excitement she’d craved earlier. Only now that she’d found it, she felt disoriented, as if she were a rider about to be unseated. Were he not possessing a tendre for her sister, she might have considered giving in to his charm. “I suppose this is you trying?”


One corner of his mouth kicked up. “Is it working?”

Yes. “If you need to ask, it probably isn’t.” ”


To know the whole story, however, you’ll have to read Moonglow. ;)






 


Kristen Callihan is a child of the 80’s, which means she's worn neon skirts, black-lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A life long daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally she writes romance. Her love of superheroes, action movies, and history led her to write historical paranormals. She lives in the Washington D.C. area and, when not writing, looks after two children, one husband, and a dog — the fish can fend for themselves.

Her first manuscript, FIRELIGHT, a gothic retelling of Beauty and the Beast set along the shadowy lanes of Victorian London, will be published by Grand Central Publishing in February of 2012.


FIND HER: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter




Coming in Feburary....



Winterblaze (Darkest London, #3)


Winterblaze
(Darkest London #3)
by Kristen Callihan










Don't forget that all the Stomp vs Romp GIVEAWAYS 
will close on September 7th 
so you still have to enter any you may have missed.

Just click on the image at the top to be taken to all the posts.


Winners will be announced via blog post on Saturday, September 8th.
Winners will have 48 hours to contact me
or I will be forced to pick a new winner.


Thursday, August 30, 2012

AAD 2013 in Savannah, GA. I'll see ya there....



I am still thinking about all the fun I had last month at AADNOLA and now it's time to start thinking about AADSAV.

In case you have not heard yet Authors After Dark (AAD) will be in Savannah Georgia in 2013. If you have not registered yet you still have time. But hurry before it sells out! The party starts on August 15, 2013 and goes on to August 18, 2013.


AADSAV's Master of Ceremonies will be MaryJanice Davidson.

AADNOLA was my first book con and I had a blast (see my recap) and if AADSAV is anything like it you won't want to miss out!


Authors After Dark is great for con virgins since it's smaller than most and you get to spend a lot of quality time with the authors. AAD is truly all about the readers; with only 500 attendees, 100 authors allowed, and NO press.

Here are a list of some of the special events so far:

  • Formal Bookie Awards
  • Vampire Ball
  • BDSM Bingo
  • Steampunk Tea
  • Riverboat Dinner (limited availability) 
  • Rednecks and Romance with Torquere Press
  • Elemental Masque


Authors After Dark Savannah Nights is about $250.00 which covers your meals (tentatively, 3 lunches and 2 dinners) first and foremost.

Authors After Dark Savannah Nights is taking place at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel. The room rates have been negotiated to a lower rate of $139.00 a night for double occupancy. Please keep in mind that hotel reservations CAN NOT be made over the phone. Personal hotel reservation information will be sent via email once registration is placed for the convention. For more info on the venue check out the AAD Venue PAGE.


If you are like me and never been to Savannah and wonder what's there to do? Check out a few of these sites I've found:
Savannah Tours
Ghost Tours
Savannah Attractions
Savannah Riverboat Cruises

One thing that I learned from attending AADNOLA.... Bring a large suit case or an extra one for all the books and swag. You get tons of free stuff and not to mention all the books you will buy at the signing.

I've been chosen as on of the 15 featured bloggers for AADSAV so starting in October through August you can stop by to check out some of the featured authors (see authors list).

Make sure you follow me by  , Twitter, or Facebook to receive updates on what's going on here at The Book Nympho with author interviews, posts, reviews, and giveaways!


Here is a short list of authors that I have already booked:


MORE TO COME!




Photobucket

For a compete list of featured bloggers you can go to: http://authorsafterdark.org/pages/blogger.html
or I have the list located on my side bar under the AADSAV logo.

For a current list of featured authors you can go to : http://authorsafterdark.org/pages/authors.html

The Authors After Dark Savannah Nights Facebook Page is another great way to keep up with the author list and events.


Also you can follow the fun on Twitter with the hashtag #AADSAV.




Hope to see you in Savannah in 2013!







Wednesday, August 29, 2012

ROMP with Jennifer Harlow




Transcription of a Conversation with 
Special Agent Beatrice Alexander, F.R.E.A.K. 
by Jennifer Harlow

NOTE: A few months ago I had the privilege of interviewing Special Agent Beatrice Alexander of the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad for an article in Government Secrets Gazette, now defunct due to budget cuts. (The NASA gang and I say thanks from the unemployment line, Mr. President!) Now, I’m forced to go freelance. I remained in e-mail contact with Agent Alexander in the interim and at my own expense flew back to Wichita in an attempt to uncover more information for future articles (or blackmail. Leaning towards blackmail.) We met at a Starbucks, and I secretly recorded the conversation. Here it as follows:

Jennifer Harlow (JH): Hi, girl! You look…um…


Beatrice Alexander (BA): Terrible. I know. (sitting) Sorry I’m so late. I just came from a memorial service, and I’m exhausted. I’ve been…taking care of a sick friend for a few days.

JH: It never rains but it pours, huh? Who died?

BA: One of the Squad. We just got back from Dallas on an Op. It was, well  (chuckle) it’s been a tough week. A nightmare from start to finish. (More chuckling) God, I can’t believe I’m back here.

JH: Back where? Kansas?

BA: No, nothing. I just, exactly a week ago I met my brother in this very Starbucks right before the caca hit the fan.

JH: At least you got to see your brother.

BA: Yeah, no. It did not go well. I believe words like “monster” and “abomination” were uttered.

JH: Shit. Sorry.

BA: I expected it. We’re not exactly close.

JH: Still. If my brothers ever said those things to me, I’d kick them in the balls. Really I’ll find any reason to do that. Great cardio.

BA: I was tempted. Went the crying and vodka route instead.

JH: That works too. (a beat) At least you had work to take your mind off it. You said you went to Dallas? Why?

BA: Vampires. A group of them killing people. Then it got really complicated.

JH: Ooh, complications. I love complications. Do tell.

BA: I don’t know if I should…

JH: (a pause) No, I understand. Government secrets and all. Security clearances, blah blah blah. (sipping coffee) I’m sure you have tons of people you can vent these things to without them, you know, thinking you’re a few cigs short of a pack.

BA: (a pause)
Okay, okay. You’re right. I need someone to talk to about this. I’m going nuts. And I know I can trust you.

JH: Of course you can! Of course. Yeah. (leaning in) So, vampires. Dallas. Give me the skinny.

BA:
(looking around cafe for eavesdroppers) It was an undercover mission. Oliver and I had to pose as a married couple to infiltrate the vampire scene.

JH: Oh la la, a married couple with a beyond gorgeous man who has centuries of practical seduction experience. That sounds like fun. Hope you took advantage of it. And him.

BA:  It wasn’t like that. (Note: she was blushing while she said this) We had a job to do. Lives at stake. (sipping drink) It didn’t help we were staying in his ex-girlfriend’s house. His stunning ex-girlfriend by the way. Mariana.



JH: Bitch! I hate her for you already.

BA: Me too. And there were all these other vamps around who kept acting like they were lions and I was a flank steak. Then things got even worse. A house exploded, I got kidnapped. Again. The vampire ruler of Dallas took a murderous interest in us. I killed over a dozen vampires in twenty-four hours. (rolling eyes) Like I said, it’s been a heck of a week.

JH: Sounds like it. But he protected you, didn’t he? Oliver?

BA: (silence) Oh, yeah. In more ways than one.

JH: So you’re not annoyed with him anymore?

BA: No, I am (chuckling) on an almost hourly basis but…I do see him in a certain light now.

JH: Hope it’s a naked light. Often.

BA: You are so smutty minded, Jen!

JH: One of my many charms, Bea. (a pause)
So, did you? Did Beatrice Do Oliver in Dallas? Get your freak on?

BA: I am not…continuing this line of discussion.

JH: Oh, you slut you, you so did. Muchos kudos, kiddo. (sipping coffee) So how is what’s his name, Will? How’s he handling your new “friends with benefits-ship” with the vampire?

BA: We are not…you really need to get your mind out of the gutter, Jen.

JH: (whining) But it’s so much fun in there. Beats the library where it normally is.
So? Spill. World War III time?

BA: Oh, Jen. It was so messed up from the start. He was away on his first vacation in years, and I couldn’t tell him I was going. When he found out...it’s just so complicated. And it’s getting more and more complicated by the minute.

JH: Ah, the eternal dilemma: the good or bad boy. (sarcastically) Poor you. Either way, you win, Bea.

BA: Or I lose them both.

JH: Only if your God is a cruel, dramatic bitch with a multi-book deal.

BA: What?

JH: What? I didn’t say anything. (checking watch then standing up) Crap. Listen babes, I’m so sorry, I gotta motor. My layover’s almost done. Long drive back to the airport. Have to catch a flight back to Virginia. I have to interview a witch in this small town, Goodnight. Mona McGregor? Ever hear of her? She’s like the most powerful witch in America or something. I’m doing this whole Occult/Magic set of stories. Can I e-mail you if I have any background questions?

BA: Of course.

JH: You are a doll as always. Can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. Enjoy your vampire boy-toy! Kisses! 





To Catch A Vampire (F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation, #2)To Catch A Vampire 
(A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #2) 
by Jennifer Harlow

September 8th 2012 by Midnight Ink Books

Mission #2 brings sizzling kisses and deadly vengeance Beatrice Alexander is still adjusting to life as a secret special agent, wiping out zombies and other supernatural threats. Now, a new case requires partnership with her annoying and gorgeous vampire co-worker Oliver. To infiltrate the goth vamp scene in Dallas, Texas, they must go undercover as a married couple and, Oliver's convincing public affection has Bea swooning in her bustier and fishnets. Clubbing with the undead turns bloody when Oliver's old enemy, the vampire lord of Dallas, turns up.







Jennifer Harlow spent her restless childhood fighting with her three brothers and scaring the heck out of herself with horror movies and books. She grew up to earn a degree at the University of Virginia which she put to use as a radio DJ, crisis hotline volunteer, bookseller, lab assistant, wedding coordinator, and government investigator. Currently she calls Northern Virgina home but that restless itch is ever present. In her free time she continues to scare the beejepers out of herself watching scary movies and opening her credit card bills.

WEBSITE - TWITTER

BUY HARLOW'S BOOKS AT: Amazon - B&N - IndieBound











Tuesday, August 28, 2012

CR Review: When Lightning Strikes by Brenda Novak


When Lightning Strikes
When Lightning Strikes
by Brenda Novak
Book #1 in the Whiskey Creek series
Contemporary Romance
August 28th 2012 by Mira  
ARC from NetGalley 
★★★★

Gail DeMarco left Whiskey Creek, California, to make a name for herself in Los Angeles. Her PR firm has accumulated a roster of A-list clients, including the biggest box office hit of all — sexy and unpredictable Simon O'Neal. But Simon, who's just been through a turbulent divorce, is so busy self-destructing he won't listen to anything she says. She drops him from her list — and he retaliates by taking the rest of her clients with him. 
Desperate to save her company, Gail has to humble herself by making a deal with Simon. The one thing he wants is custody of his son, but that's going to require a whole new image. He needs to marry some squeaky-clean girl who'll drag him off to some small, obscure place like Whiskey Creek. . . 
Gail's the only one he can trust. She agrees to become his wife — reluctantly. But she isn't reluctant because he's too hard to like. It's because he's too hard not to love! 

Gail's the only one he can trust. She agrees to become his wife-reluctantly. But she isn't reluctant because he's too hard to like. It's because he's too hard not to love! 

REVIEW:

Gail DeMarco created a successful PR firm with many A-list clients, including Simon O’Neal, one of the most successful and gorgeous actors in Los Angeles. When she decided to cut him loose after his umpteenth self-destructive act, his business manager retaliated by taking all of her clients with him. Simon is in the middle of a nasty custody battle with his ex-wife and needs to clean up his image so he and Gail make a deal: he'll get her business back in order if she'll agree to marry him and give him instant respectability. Gail reluctantly agrees to do so to keep her staff employed and her business afloat.

I honestly thought this story might be a little on the silly side given the premise. There was absolutely nothing silly about this book with its flawed and complex characters. Simon O'Neal is so layered and has every reason to be angry given his personal circumstances but he chooses to keep them secret and takes the hits for his public venting. No one knows the underlying reasons for his behavior. Gail is extremely smart and has great instincts but is a bit naive when it comes to matters of the heart. She was raised by an overly protective father and her mother was absent so she hasn't had a lot of experience with men, even though she knows how to handle herself in the business arena.

If the characters had stayed in Los Angeles, the story probably would have been as predictable as I feared. However, Gail's decision to have them move to Whiskey Creek provided a much more interesting backdrop and experience. We learn more about the people in Gail's life and the influence they have on who she is. We also get to watch Gail in action as she works to bring Simon back to a healthier place physically and emotionally, putting her own feelings and heart at risk. What started as a modern marriage of convenience transitioned to something quite different and special. You cannot help but adore Gail and then fall in love with the true Simon. There are some interesting secondary characters that give the story added flavor but never seem to overwhelm the central players.

I loved this story and was surprised by just how much I enjoyed the book and its characters. I've read a couple of Novak's historical romances and was uncertain if the shift to this genre would bring me as much pleasure as those books did. This is a great start to the series and I am really looking forward to the next book's release.









Monday, August 27, 2012

ROMP: Let's Talk Sexy Vampires with Jess Haines



Let's Talk Sexy Vampires 
by Jess Haines

Hello there! Jess Haines here. I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series (HUNTED BY THE OTHERS , TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS, and the recently released STALKING THE OTHERS ).

Today, I’m going to talk about what makes Alec Royce, the master vampire of New York in my series, so deliciously sexy.

Some say vampires are overdone, or think they have lost their edge due to the proliferation of teddy bears with fangs found in today’s media. Whether they sparkle or brood, vampires you don’t fear are vampires that simply don’t have the same mystique as those of yesteryear.

When I think of vampires, I think classic Stoker’s Dracula or Lestat (Interview With the Vampire) or David (The Lost Boys) or Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). I think of sexy, dangerous predators.

I think of Royce.

He is my answer to the vampires who do not dare show their darker nature. The vampires that don’t ooze carnal danger like a fine perfume. He is the type of vampire where you can’t quite tell if he wants to eat you or have sex with you. The main character in my H&W series, Shiarra Waynest, has to learn the hard way just what kind of danger he poses to her.

Observe:

“Thank you for showing me up here. I hope this isn’t much trouble for you. Will Royce be long?”

He chuckled, pulling the door shut and walking over to take a seat on the couch next to the one I’d chosen. He surprised me yet again when he leaned back and propped his combat-booted feet on the table.

“He’s here. What did you want to ask me, Ms. Waynest?”

Oh God. Oh God, oh God, oh God.

Alone in his office. Alone with a vampire. Oh God, I’d checked out his butt!

Seeing my mouth drop open and my sudden speechlessness, he grinned, giving me an unnecessarily good view of sharp, pearly canines. They weren’t much longer than a normal human’s, since they weren’t extended to feed just now, but the razor tips were obvious, if only to me.

“Surprised, I see. Not to worry, I know you’re here for business rather than pleasure. I take it you weren’t expecting to see me under quite these circumstances, hmm?”

“Uh, no, not exactly.”

Not in leather pants and a see-through mesh shirt. Not looking quite that good, or so… alive, I suppose. Which for some reason made me sort of suspicious. He had approached me first and now called me by name. I knew I’d never met him before. Why would he come to me?

“How did you know who I was?”

He shrugged, sitting back comfortably and lacing his hands behind his head. His eyes never left mine, though, and it was getting more unnerving by the second.

“I make it a point to familiarize myself with others using my places of business to further their own ends. Forgive me for saying so, but you are much more lovely in person. Your picture in the paper last month did not do you justice.”

Argh. I could feel the heat and color rising in my cheeks. I would not let his flattery sidetrack me. Turning my head so my red curls hid the obvious blush on my pale skin, I started fumbling in my pockets to find the photo I’d brought with me. How could a vamp’s skin tone be darker than mine?

“I -- listen, I actually wanted to just ask for your help. H&W Investigations has taken on a client whose son is missing. He was last seen fleeing his home in the company of a vampire.”

“I see.”

The flat words weren’t encouraging. He didn’t move, or say anything else. It was almost eerie. That was when I noticed out of the corner of my eye that his chest did not rise and fall to take a breath. He wasn’t bothering to “play human” for me now. Great.

Finally finding the picture, I dragged it out of my back pocket, only slightly creased from the abuse I’d put it through by carrying it back there. “This is the boy, David Borowsky, and his girlfriend Tara. Do either of them look familiar to you?”

I couldn’t help but shudder when his fingers brushed against mine as he leaned forward to take the picture. His gaze flicked from the picture to me, then returned to focus fully on the photograph. A low “hmph” escaped him, his coal-black brows slowly furrowing and a frown curving his lips. “She’s not one of my number. Nor one of any of my current guests’ flock. She’s poaching.”

Poaching. Just hearing him use that word so casually to mean taking the life of another human being made me feel ill.

At my silence, he glanced back to me again, still frowning. “I will assist you in finding her. You should get a warrant for her extermination. Do you have the connections?”

I shook my head, unable to believe my luck. This would tie him to me for a few days at least, possibly leading to the opening I needed to find that little figurine. I wondered why he recognized me but didn’t already know that I don’t do exterminations. H&W specializes in lost persons, tracking, surveillance, and photographing and videoing our marks. Sara and I left the rest up to our clients or the police if we discovered wrong-doing in the line of duty. My contacts at the local police stations were all pretty casual, not enough to get a warrant on short notice.

“Then I shall handle that for you.” He pointed at the photograph. “May I keep this?”

“Sure,” I croaked, feeling way in over my head. What the hell was I doing, partnering up with a vampire on a run?

“Very well. I’m sure we have the information on file somewhere, but would you mind giving me your card in case I need to contact you on the matter? I’ll give you my direct number as well.”

He rose with glacial slowness to head over to his desk, pick up the pen, and open a drawer to pull out a business card. Probably moving that way on purpose to keep from scaring me further. He scrawled something on the back of it and came back over to the couch. We exchanged cards, and this time I managed to keep from having a physical reaction when our fingers brushed again. Outwardly, anyway. I’m pretty sure my stomach is still somewhere in the region of my knees.

Once that was done, he held out his hand. It took a long moment for me to realize he meant to help me up. I hesitated at the idea of putting my hand in his and, worse yet, it was noticeable. He actually smiled, amused rather than annoyed.

“I don’t bite without permission, Ms. Waynest. Or did you want to stay and chat?”

(excerpt from HUNTED BY THE OTHERS)




So, what do you think? Want to know more about Royce or talk to me about your favorite sexy vampires? Leave a comment below or visit me on the web:
 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Thanks again for having me, Jennifer!
 And be sure to vote for Royce!










Stalking the Others 
(H&W Investigations #4) 
by Jess Haines 


Vampires, werewolves, mages–the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest’s life. But now, she’s returning the favor…

Once, she was one of the good guys–or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia’s recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon.

Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia’s not sure she’ll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter’s belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can–and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left…
















Make sure you check out the STOMP side with Nina Berry.


Friday, August 24, 2012

ROMP: Love Potion #9 with H.P. Mallory




Love Potion #
as Illustrated by Jolie

Hello to everyone out in blog world! This is your witchy host, Jolie Wilkins, here to offer up my recipe for Love! Now in case any of you aren't familiar with my story, I've had my fair share of that emotional roller coaster ride known as love. Yep, I got stuck right in the middle of a vampire and a warlock and, trust me, a rock and a hard place don't even know the half of it! Anyhoo...if you've got your eye on a hottie and want to make him yours...this spell is for you!

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Jolie Wilkins, #1)Okay, witches, bust out your cauldrons, get that broom out of the closet, light your Glade candles and borrow a black cat cause here we go!

Love Potion #9A (this is the new and improved version--trust me, I've been tampering with it!)

Step one: Clear the energy from your room! Ring a bell twice. (If you don't have a bell, just change your cell phone ring to something bell like and tell someone to call you. Then hang up on them after two rings...you can apologize later).

Step two: Clean that cauldron with some lemon water to make sure there isn't any left over "essence" from the last spell you performed (and, no, the dishwasher won't clean spell debris!)

Step three: Surround your cauldron with four candles, each candle to represent a direction (East, West, North and South). Please note: Vanilla candles don't do well in the Southern sphere. Why I have no idea. And a strawberry scented candle in the West will make your cauldron concoction taste like strawberries... Yum, right?

Toil and Trouble (Jolie Wilkins, #2)If you aren't sure which direction is which, just think of the mnemonic Never (North) Eat (East) Shredded (South) Wheat (West).

Step four: Imagine a bright white light flowing through you to cleanse your aura of any impurities which might tinge your spell. (Side note: be sure to wash your hands before undertaking a spell! Remember, cleanliness is next to witchiness!)

Step five: Once the smoke from all four candles mingles over your cauldron, the time is ripe for spell making!

Step six: Ingredients for the spell: Blend the following in your cauldron:

A. The left testicle of a Himalayan mountain goat with the retinas of a dingo...Hahah 

just kidding!

OK, in all seriousness, blend the following:

Witchful Thinking (Jolie Wilkins, #3)Two tablespoons Listerine (very important to have good breath!) with three tablespoons organic sugar (so your intended will think you very sweet!). Mix both ingredients for a count of two. Then waft the smoke from the candles into the cauldron for a count of four. Clear the smoke and add three drops of salt water (this represents tears so your intended will think you sensitive). Then add the petals of a red rose (for passionate love) the petals of the sunflower (so your intended will adore you) and the petals of a yellow tulip (so he'll fall helplessly in love).

Once you've done all this, you'll need to personalize the spell! To do this, you'll need to add something of your own--a tuft of your hair, a fingernail cutting, etc. Once you've added your own essence to the spell, open your eyes and waft more of the smoke into your cauldron. Once the smoke clears, add something that belongs to your intended (could be a tuft of his hair, a baseball cap, etc.) Mix for a count of four.


The Witch Is Back (Jolie Wilkins #4)Step Seven: Almost done! Now simply repeat the following: "With a swallow of this potion, love's magic is in motion. This spell guides us to unite, its power none can smite."

Then blow out your candles, mix at least two drops in your man's favorite drink and give it an hour or two and he'll be yours!

Next week's lesson: How to break the Love Potion #9A spell!





Coming up September 25th

Something Witchy This Way Comes (Jolie Wilkins, #5) 

Something Witchy This Way Comes 
(Jolie Wilkins #5) 
by H.P. Mallory 

A witch’s work is never done, and in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s mesmerizing new novel, Jolie Wilkins finds that the real magic is only just beginning.

For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight.

At least Jolie has her soul mate (and finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.



Image of H.P. MalloryAbout the Author

I started my writing career as a self-published author and was lucky enough to hit both the Amazon and the Barnes and Noble bestseller’s lists with my two series, the Jolie Wilkins series and the Dulcie O’Neil series. Most recently I hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists with my Jolie Wilkins books!

I signed with Random House (Bantam imprint) to write three books in the Jolie Wilkins series (Witchful Thinking, The Witch is Back and Something Witchy This Way Comes). Now I love the fact that I’m both a traditionally published author as well as a self-published one (with my Dulcie O’Neil series).

I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting! H.P.







The HP Mallory 5 Book Set, Jolie Wilkins Books 1 & 2, Dulcie O'Neil Books 1, 2 & 3 




a Rafflecopter giveaway




Check out the Stomp side with Gwenda Bond







Thursday, August 23, 2012

UF Review: Trance by Kelly Meding


Trance (MetaWars #1)
Trance
by Kelly Meding 
(MetaWars #1)
★★★★
Kelly Meding’s war-ravaged Los Angeles is ground zero for the ultimate Meta human showdown in this sexy, action-packed new series.

Fifteen years ago, Teresa “Trance” West was a skilled telepath and a proud member of the Ranger Corps. But ever since the Rangers were inexplicably rendered powerless at the climax of the devastating Meta War, she’s bounced from one dead-end job to another. Now her powers have reappeared just as mysteriously as they vanished— only they’re completely transformed and more potent than ever. And they’re threatening to destroy her.

Trance heads to Los Angeles to track down the surviving Rangers and discover who restored her powers—and why—but a phantom enemy is determined to kill them before they can reassemble. As they dodge his deadly attacks and come to terms with their new role as heroes, Trance and the rest of the team set out to annihilate the sinister madman . . . only to discover their own powers are his greatest weapons.



REVIEW:

Kelly Meding knows how to write an action packed story. I love her Dreg City Series and thought I should give her Meta War series a try. And I’m glad I did. Fans of her Dreg City series will most likely enjoy Trance but even though it’s an urban fantasy book it’s not nearly as dark as Evie’s world.

Meding is an author that’s not afraid to kill a few of her characters. And I like that about her. No one is safe in her worlds. That’s life, no of us get out of it alive and Meding uses that in her writing. You will not get a world with pretty rainbows and flowers. So if that’s the kind of read you’re looking for then don’t read her books. BUT if you love action and gritty story lines you will LOVE her books.

Trance has an X-Men feel to it. You have good and evil superhuman beings. The Metas are the white hats (good guys) and the Banes are the bad guys. They all have their own special powers.

They were in the middle of a war about 15 years ago and things were not looking good for the Metas. The Banes were posed to win the war when all the sudden the Banes and Metas loose their powers.

There was a small group of tweens and teens that lived on the Meta side. They were all shipped off to foster homes in the hope they would grow up in “normal” families. But after 15 years they have grown up and then just as sudden as they lost their powers, they come back. But our heroine, Trance gets a different set of powers. They are more powerful than her old ones.

Now that the Metas are re-grouping and trying to figure out what the hell is going on, Trance finds herself as their leader. This is a far cry from her looser of a life she was living working 3 lousy jobs to try to keep a roof over her head and food in her fridge.

As the 12 living Metas try to make their way to HQ, half are taken out by the bad ass leader of the Banes. The Metas at are left over are working on how to be a team and how to deal with some of the romantic relationships that is building between some of them.

Trance is a very fast paced story with action and a little romance on the side. Fans of Meding’s Dreg City will enjoy this “lighter” urban fantasy read.








Part of:




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

All Stomp....dull....Come ROMP with Stepanie Chong






All Stomp and No Romp?

All stomp and no romp makes for a dull boy. And why would you want dull, ladies?

Meet Brandon Clarkson. Brandon isn’t all romp, either – he can stomp with the toughest criminals on earth. He’s the best of both worlds, a man with a rock-hard, tattoo-covered body and soulful, rain-grey eyes. This hot ex-cop excels at his current job, as a Guardian angel who kicks demon ass. Here he is in an excerpt from The Demoness of Waking Dreams hunting down Luciana Rossetti, a deadly Rogue demoness who loves to romp and stomp, too:

***

The angel tracked her through the maze of streets. Streets so familiar she could have navigated them with her eyes closed, drawn to her destination by the invisible pull of memory. Yet, never had she fled down these streets with such fear in her heart, pounding at every turn. Into the Street of Assassins. Into the one place in Venice where there would be others of her kind. Where she had the greatest chance of finding help.

Behind her, a gale force gathered and drew her backward, like a tornado threatening to uproot a tree. Resisting that force, Luciana reached for the old brass doorknob in front of her. She stretched, her fingertips grazing the cool metal.

Now, pulled by that unseen power, she turned to look back at the angel who had followed her into the heart of demon territory.

Light radiated from his body, illuminating the alleyway. Around him, an aura glowed unlike any she had seen before. She winced in the brightness of it, raising her arm to cover her eyes.

Turning to look back had been a mistake.

A last burst of energy pulsed from him. She felt herself propelled backward toward him.

Relentless. Unstoppable. And about as easy to hide from as a heat-seeking missile.

In an ideal world, though, Brandon would choose peace over conflict, love over war. He’s a fighter by necessity, but a lover by choice. So while he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty stomping out demons, he’d rather romp any day. Here he is, cruising the canals of Venice in a gondola with Luciana:

With her other hand, she pointed, and he shifted his gaze from her face for an instant, looking up at the ornate covered bridge that arched overhead. He turned back to look at her, watched the last play of moonlight on her face turning to shadow as they passed beneath the bridge. Utterly without thinking, he leaned forward and closed the distance between them. With a brush of his fingers on the side of her jawline, turned her face toward him.

You’re on a mission here, said his mind. You must retain all your faculties of reason.

Kiss her, screamed his gut.

So he kissed her.

A mere graze of his lips against hers, a flutter of contact as light as her butterfly touch. But he felt it as a visceral jolt, that intimate connection of skin against moist skin, a shock that resounded in the depths of his being. He felt as though he had shifted into another reality, one that seemed as volatile and ephemeral as a dreamspace.

The Demoness of Waking Dreams releases on August 28, 2012. Come romp – and stomp – with the best of them. Brandon will be waiting for you! ;)


The Demoness of Waking Dreams (The Company of Angels, #2)About the book:

Ex-cop Brandon Clarkson is an angel with an edge. His tough exterior is the perfect camouflage for his job: hunting down the most dangerous criminals on earth. A self-reliant and demanding lone wolf, Brandon is the ideal angel to track and capture demoness Luciana Rossetti.

Beneath the surface of Luciana’s cool, green-eyed beauty lurks the heart of a malevolent killer. In the winding streets of Venice, she lures him into her dark world of pleasure.

They are perfectly matched. Angel and demon. Man and woman. But only one can win the battle of wills, of strength and of desire.

BUY:  



About the author:

Stephanie worked as a lawyer at a top-tier Canadian firm and completed five university degrees before landing her dream job: romance novelist. Her degrees include a J.D. and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s in Creative Writing from Oxford University.

When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys yoga, traveling and outdoor adventures. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and their pug, Dexter.

Website: www.stephaniechong.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieCChong Twitter: @StephanieCChong







a Rafflecopter giveaway



Check out Team Stomp with Katie Reus




Monday, August 20, 2012

ROMP: It's about the THIGHS with Nicole Peeler




A Typical Day In The Life of One Jane True . . . 
Half-Selkie And All Woman


Hey you guys. Jane True here. Nicole Peeler writes about me in her series that some super creative person entitled “The Jane True Series.” All the books have “Tempest” in the title . . . Tempest Rising, Tracking the Tempest, Tempest’s Legacy, et cetera. Nicole thought that would be a great idea, until she got to book three, and realized that there were only so many things you could pair with “Tempest.” She’s now threatening to call my sixth, and final, book Tempest Bledsoe.


Tempest Rising (Jane True, #1)Anyway, what do I do on a typical day, you ask? Well, I wish I could tell you that I got up at five for a six-mile run, followed by a healthy breakfast of twigs and berries. But there’s only one kind of twig and berries I like to enjoy, and it’s not the kind that comes in a bowl.


Unless you’re into bowls. That’s cool if you are. I don’t judge.


My typical days, given my druthers go something like this:


1) wake up
Tracking the Tempest (Jane True, #2)2) breakfast
3) swim
4) snack
5) bask on a sun-baked rock
6) lunch
7) bask on a sun-baked rock
8) snack
9) swim
10) bask on a sun-baked rock
11) dinner
12) dessert
13) copious amounts of nookie


Tempest's Legacy (Jane True, #3)Of course I should also add that the only thing better than basking on a sunbaked rock is basking, naked, on a sunbaked barghest. Especially when he’s named Anyan Of The Gorgeous Gadonk, He of the Thick Black Curls and the Motorcycle Which is Unsafe Yet Sexy and the THIGHS. OMG the THIGHS.


Have I mentioned the thighs?


So, yeah, I much prefer lounging on Anyan. Cuz he can do this thing with his power, where he slides his….


Wait, for that you’ll have to read book five. And book six. Cuz I’m dirty like that.
Eye of the Tempest (Jane True, #4)

If you’d like to learn more about me and how I romp, check out nicolepeeler.com. And be prepared to get your blush on.













Tempest's Fury (Jane True, #5)


Tempest's Fury 
by Nicole Peeler
(Jane True #5) 

Jane's not happy. She's been packed off to England to fight in a war when she'd much rather be snogging Anyan. Unfortunately, Jane's enemies have been busy stirring up some major trouble -- the kind that attracts a lot of attention. In other words, they're not making it easy for Jane to get any alone time with the barghest, or to indulge in her penchant for stinky cheese.

Praying she can pull of a Joan of Arc without the whole martyrdom thing, Jane must lead Alfar and halflings alike in a desperate battle to combat an ancient evil. Catapulted into the role of Most Unlikely Hero Ever, Jane also has to fight her own insecurities as well as the doubts of those who don't think she can live up to her new role as Champion.

Along the way, Jane learns that some heroes are born. Some are made. And some are bribed with promises of food and sex.

BUY Nicole's books at 





Check out Team Stomp and see what Laurie London has to say.