Reader’s Edyn

I always felt like I could do something more than just read. Finally, I have found both a creative outlet and a chance to do something meaningful with my reading. This blog was created in appreciation of and tribute to all of the authors who have brought me joy through their books. These reviews are my way of giving back to authors and providing recognition for the hard work that each one completes every day!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Guest Blog with Jennifer Probst


Guest Blog with Jennifer Probst



Hello, hello! I hope all of my lovelies are doing well. Today I would like to introduce to you Jennifer Probst. Ms. Probst is going to talk about a topic I presented to her ~ what makes casinos scream sexy? I have come across a lot of books lately set within Vegas, or at least a portion of the book takes place in Vegas. So I got to thinking, what is it that screams sexy when you think Vegas? I mean I know what everyone says, but what does Vegas look like through an author’s eyes; particularly a romance author. So I asked Ms. Probst if she would tell us what the lure is between smexy and Vegas. I hope you enjoy the post! Please help me welcome Ms. Probst to the blog.


**JENNIFER  PROBST**

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons, one 4 and one 6, keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

Her publications with Red Sage include “Masquerade” Secrets Volume 11,  The Tantric Principle, and Sex, Lies and Contracts. Her 1NightStand series include Catch Me and Play Me in The Steele Brothers series with Decadent, and her #1 Barnes and Noble bestseller, The Marriage Bargain, from Lori Wilde's Indulgence line at Entangled. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story about a shelter dog, "A Life Worth Living." All of her books are available at her website or Amazon.




**GUEST  POST**
**Topic: What Makes Casinos Scream Sexy?**

Many thanks to Readers Eden for allowing me to guest post today!

Now, what is it about casinos that screams sexy?

Let’s make a list shall we?

Gambling. Who doesn’t love the lure of a well placed gamble? The adrenalin rush as you pull the lever of a slot machine.  Holding your breath as the ball tumbles round and round the roulette wheel. The heart palpitations as the dealer flips over his final card and calls...Blackjack.

Everyone loves a gamble, and casinos cater to this secret, sexy urge.

The sense of the unknown. Casinos aren’t about comfort but stretching one’s boundaries. When you put money on the table there is the sense of a loss of control. You may win, you may lose. There are endless choices available to pick from –whether it be poker, high stakes craps, or the penny slot machine. Casinos give us the mystery of choices and allow us to be surprised.

Glamour. Glittering lights, exotic bars, gorgeous cocktail waitresses, fancy clothes. The party and glamorous atmosphere overtakes all of our senses and beckons us to let go and experience it all.

Winning. Ah, the lure of the win is the sexiest thing of all. How about the slow steps of a seduction that ends up in bed? The foreplay of a casino game before the final deal. Casinos cater to the ultimate pay off.
Play Me celebrates all aspects of the Vegas casino and adds to the sexy byplay of the hero and heroine.  Here’s the blurb – the second in the Steele Brother series.

**PLAY  ME**


**BLURB**

Professional gambler Sloane Keller is tired of dating weak willed men and longs to meet a man who challenges her dominant personality and forces her to submit. As the Queen of Cards, she’s used to making her own rules and craves the excitement of Vegas. But her inner heart cries out for someone who can be her match, both inside the casino and in the bedroom.

As the new dealer in town, Roman Steele is burnt out on women looking for a quick penny and a man to follow. He craves a woman with fire in her soul and a keen intellect who can challenge him. When his brother recruits Madame Eve to help, Rome is amazed at the complicated woman he gets to spend the night with. But when the evening is over, will she be gutsy enough to offer him forever?

Don’t forget - stalking is always encouraged. For real.

~ Jennifer Probst


Nice! It all seems a little clearer now and I can totally see why an author would want to include Vegas as an aspect of their story; or any place with casinos for that matter. Vegas happens to be the most popular I think, but who says it has to be Vegas? Thanks you very much Ms. Probst for answering my question and for taking the time to create this response. I enjoyed it very much! So how about I tell you more about the book now? Yes?




**EXCERPT**
(adult content)

Walking past the bar, he headed toward table six. He needed to loosen up and not take the encounter too seriously. His older brother had bought him an evening with a woman—hopefully one he was compatible with. No reason to bitch and look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth.

He stopped dead and stared at the woman in black at table six.

Her name suddenly rang through his head in a symphony of clanging bells. Sloane Keller. Champion of the World Series of Poker. The Queen of Cards.

His mouth snapped shut. Was this a joke? A revised version of Candid Camera? He'd been half in love with her since she’d stumbled on the card scene with a cold confidence that pissed everyone off. She'd come from behind and won her first poker championship with the big boys. An unknown, unnamed long shot everyone laughed out of the game. With icy deliberation and a talent that blew him away, she blew every other player off the table and never batted an eyelash with victory.

Shit. She’s gorgeous.

His gaze swept over her with a greediness he’d never experienced. The woman practically exuded I dare you to any guy within her distance. Her hair shimmered under the lights, an exotic black cherry, falling pin straight to brush the top of her shoulders. Longish bangs hid most of her features until she turned her head, and he caught a whirling impression of strength. A stubborn chin. High cheekbones. Arched dark brows. Thick eyelashes. Her lips were ruby red and not overly puffy like the normal Botox look. No, they were perfectly sculpted with just a hint of plumpness in the lower lip. Her outfit added to the impression of lean power—a sleeveless black silk blouse, dark trousers, low-heeled sandals. She perched on the chair as she stared at her cards, her blood red toenails tapping on the bottom rung. Her fingers were lightning quick, the nails matching the color of her toes.

Suddenly, she paused. Her shoulders tightened and she swung her head around with a hint of annoyance.

Her gaze slammed into his with a fierceness and challenge that singed his nerve endings and his cock. Eyes a deep violet sucked him in as deep as he imagined her wet pussy would welcome him. But it wouldn't be easy. Everything about the woman screamed the need for an alpha to take her under him. Figuratively and literally.

He met her stare dead on and refused to back down. A few beats passed. Then she turned away with a dismissive shake of her head, obviously irritated she’d lost the skirmish. Satisfaction thrummed in his veins. Finally. A woman he could sink his teeth into without worrying. I’ll bet this woman would bite back.

Why the hell had she signed up for a 1Night Stand? She had her own groupies—men who'd line up to take her to bed. Vegas looked upon her as a literal rock star.

He took stock of the situation. There must be a damn good reason she used a dating service to get laid. Her dismissal told him she cared less if he’d been bought and paid for. She refused to stroll off with any man, even if Madame Eve arranged it. The deliberate action told him he'd need to earn his time with Sloane Keller.

A smile played about his lips.

Game on.

He closed the distance between them.


Oh yeah … I likey! Did I mention that PLAY ME is part of the 1 Night Stand series that I have been gushing over lately? No? Well, now you know! And you all know how much I have enjoyed these fabulous stories so you definitely need to read this one. In fact, I am going to get it right now. *nods* Well, as doo as I post this on the blog for you all. So I guess I better get to posting so I can get to reading! I hope you all enjoyed the post and that you rush out to get a copy of this story for yourself. You will be able to read it quickly and I can pretty much guarantee that you will enjoy your time spent with Ms. Probst and her characters. *waves* I’m off to get my copy … you should too!

OH! And Ms. Probst has a question for you all:

What do you think is sexy?

So let’s get this discussion going and answer Ms. Probst’s question! So … what DO you think is sexy? I am sure you all have some fabulous answers just waiting to be posted. *nods* I look forward to your responses!

Until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Interview with author Xandra James


Interview with author Xandra James



Good morning my lovelies! A week or so ago I told you all about an author I had discovered thanks to the fabulous Sizzling PR, Xandra James.  If you recall, the covers of these books first caught my attention and when I read the blurbs, they sounded like something I would be interested in reading. So I decided it would be fun to interview Ms. James and get to know a little more about her. Please allow me to introduce:

**Xandra James**


Here is a bit about Ms. James:

Xandra James has always wanted to write romance books. Even when she was sneaking peaks at the hot bits, too young to fully appreciate them, she dreamt of writing her own.

Now, older and wiser, she's got the opportunity to project her slightly dark and wacky, British sense of humor onto others, whilst still writing the hot bits - bonus!

When not writing, Xandra is thinking of excuses as to why she shouldn't be doing the housework, looking after a husband and cats that refuse to pick up after themselves and climbing the mountain in her house that's affectionately called her tbr pile.

She currently holds the crown for Queen Procrastinator – something she's very proud of – so you can usually find her online, somewhere, when she really should be writing.



**INTERVIEW**

How has your life changed since becoming published?
The only things that have really changed for me is the time I actually spend writing and social networking – they've gone through the roof! I don't feel any different since being published. But it is nice to say, 'I'm a published author' to people now though ;)

I bet! And social networking? If you are anything like me you are on there entirely too much *nods* What is your typical day like?
On the days where I'm home all day, this is kinda what it looks like…

Woken up – usually by a cat. Drink coffee. Look at doing housework. Have another coffee. Sit down at computer and think about writing but actually surf the internet for a few hours and answer email. Go pick at some lunch before returning to computer and think about writing. Drink more coffee and feel a little bouncy from all the caffeine. Realize that it's getting late in the afternoon and hubby will be wondering what I've done all day. Blitz the housework in minutes flat. Get a satisfying word count in for the day by the skin of my teeth before throwing something together for dinner. Hubby's home and I tell him I've had a hectic day! LOL.

ROFLMAO! I like “look at doing housework”. *whispers* I do that daily! Tell us a little about your current release SHADOW JUSTICE.
Shadow Justice is book one of the Moon Magic series. It's an erotic, paranormal romance with lots of action and a few mean demons along the way! Here's the blurb:

Luka was a bounty hunter who just wanted to do his job and get paid. Being a banished Shadow, he'd learnt the bitter lesson long ago that he was alone, after he was expelled from his home world by his own blood. Now, he needed to understand why he was wanted dead whilst his desire for the fiery haired witch erupted, out of control.    

As a rare moon-witch, all she'd ever known was a life of misery under the oppressive Fae-Guard. Nine years ago Cerys escaped the Meta-World after regretting the forced banishment of a Shadow. Now, she leads a normal life without her abilities and all she wants is to blend in. When a bounty hunter wants to take her back for a crime she didn't commit, she's willing to take a chance on her future by trusting the man who had no idea she'd wronged him years before. 

Nice! Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?
I've got a short story called  HER DEMON CHARMS in an Evernight Publishing anthology – KEYBOARDS AND KINK, released June 8th. It's about a Succubus who makes a deal with the devil to turn mortal…  I had so much fun writing this one!

Intriguing! How do you keep in contact with your readers?
I'm on facebook and twitter, more often than I probably should be and you can also catch me at my website.
Facebook  

What is your favorite thing about this book?
I love the fast pace of it! There's danger and action but there's also a nice love story there too. Cerys and Luka really are very sweet together.

Fast pace is good. What’s next for Xandra James?
I keep writing. I'm currently plotting a Christmas novella which I'm loving. And I'm also looking forward to my new releases ;)

I love Christmas novellas to read around the holidays. *wink* How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?
Usually I sleep and catch up with the housework that I've neglected! Finishing the actual book is obviously a major part of the process but I celebrate more when it actually gets accepted. Maybe a quick dance around the house or go scare the neighbors by running around the garden, lol.

*snort* Sounds like fun! What are you reading now? Any favorites you tend to go back to?
I'm currently reading an intrigue from Mills and Boon called CRIMINALLY HANDSOME. It was released a couple of years ago but I'm just getting around to reading! The next book I'll be reading is the latest from Kerrelyn Sparks in her Love At Stake series. 

I rarely go back to a book once I've finished it but I do love funny paranormals and contemporaries so they stay on a keeper shelf for a rainy day.

I haven’t read Sparks. I will have to check her out. Any advice you’d like to share for aspiring writers?
Yes. Write, write, write. Read loads too. Keep finishing those stories and submit them – even if you get rejected. You'll learn so much from the experience.

Great advice! Tell us one thing that readers wouldn’t know about you.
I can be unbelievably moody and stubborn! If anyone's into astrology, I'm a Cancer crab. I could be the poster girl for it, LOL.

Ha! Can’t we all at times, Caner sign or not. *nods* What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing?
That you can write the best story out there but if no-one reads it, it's just another forgotten book. If you want to succeed at this, most writers need to work just as hard on promotion and marketing as the actual writing.

Absolutely! I never realized how important the promotion and marketing were until I started the blog. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?
There would be so many places and people I'd like to visit. Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, ancient Egyptians, The Titanic… so many!

Salty or Sweet?
Sweet

Favorite place you have ever visited?
Venice

Boxers or briefs?
Boxers

M&M’s or Skittles?
M&M's

Caffeine or Decaf?
Caffeine

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert

Flowers or chocolate?
Chocolate

Do you have any phobias or fears?
Spiders!!


*shudders* Spiders are terrible, Yo! Even if it is the middle of the night, I have to wake my oldest son up to kill one because I won’t be able to sleep if I saw one. ACK! Ms James has two books out that I would like to tell you about today. I told you about them before, but hey, double the pleasure, right?


**SHADOW  JUSTICE*


Luka was a bounty hunter who just wanted to do his job and get paid. Being a banished Shadow, he'd learnt the bitter lesson long ago that he was alone, after he was expelled from his home world by his own blood. Now, he needed to understand why he was wanted dead whilst his desire for the fiery haired witch erupted, out of control. 
 
As a rare moon-witch, all she'd ever known was a life of misery under the oppressive Fae-Guard. Nine years ago Cerys escaped the Meta-World after regretting the forced banishment of a Shadow. Now, she leads a normal life without her abilities and all she wants is to blend in. When a bounty hunter wants to take her back for a crime she didn't commit, she's willing to take a chance on her future by trusting the man who had no idea she'd wronged him years before.


**EXCERPT**
(adult content)

He watched as she looked incredulously at him and spun on her heel to march down the road in the direction they’d just come from. Her ass—the same ass he’d fantasised about when he hadn’t known it belonged to Cerys Bailey earlier—taunted him. So did that wavy red hair of hers. Luka had a thing for redheads. Who knew?

Cerys turned back to him, a fiery glint to her eye and stalked back toward him, standing toe to toe, “I was happy. For the first time in my life, I was happy. I wasn’t Cerys Bailey, moon-witch. I was Julie Travis, Ms Normal. And then you came along—”

“Technically, you’d already been busted. I was doing my job.” Luka tried not to grin, he really did, but she just looked so cute, all small and angry.

She spluttered for a few moments, the moonlight making her look wild as her hair fell in waves around her face and anger fisted her hands at her sides.

“I could tear you apart, inch by stupid inch if I wanted to.” She stood on tiptoes to face him almost eye to mouth, and Luka was temporarily distracted by the flowery smell that emanated from her hair. “I’m dangerous. Didn’t anybody warn you of that?”

Luka chuckled then laughed as steam practically erupted from her ears. “Sweetheart, if you could do more than heal yourself and look pretty, you’d have done it. I know that. Right now? You’re stuck with me until  we get out of the situation that you’ve got me into.”

“That I’ve got you into? Weren’t you listening? It’s you they want. I’m just a happy little bonus for them.” Luka scratched the stubble on his chin and shook his head.

“Either way, you’re still my bounty until I can figure out exactly where I stand.” Luka watched as Cerys’s mind ticked over and waited for the inevitable reaction, whatever that might be. She wasn’t a natural redhead, but she sure had their passionate temper, and that thought excited the hell out of him.

What he wasn’t expecting from her was a kick to his groin and for Cerys to hightail it back along the track through a cloud of his pain and a mass of her hair. Any blood that had amassed down there retreated to his face and ears.

Luka staggered and he sucked in his breath, pain shooting into his stomach. Moments passed, and he couldn’t move.

“Bitch!” The word was wrenched from the depths of his soul.

As soon as his eyes began to clear from the tears that threatened to fall, he began to run like a drunk chasing a ten pound note in the wind with little focus at first, but slowly he gained on her. She glanced around in panic and stumbled, allowing him to gain precious distance.

And then he switched.

Luka knew the moment it dawned on Cerys that he was no longer playing fair. The look of horror spread across her face as the inky blackness in front of her enveloped her and brought her down to the ground.

Although Luka preferred his human form, his Shadow made him feel alive—allowed him to become one with nature. He couldn’t touch her in his Shadow form but he could manipulate the air around her. It also wouldn’t stop his nuts from throbbing for the next few hours.

Appearing back to her in his human form, his mouth was inches away from hers. Cerys opened it to scream, but Luka took advantage and kissed her hard and fast. The woman was a menace. To herself and to him. The quicker he got to the bottom of all of this, the better.

She moaned beneath him, and any thoughts of resisting her charms, drifted away.

Luka didn’t want to feel anything from the kiss. He was scratching an itch that had been there since the moment he’d met her as far as he was concerned. Yet the more he tasted of her, the more he wanted. And that just wasn’t good.

Her skin was flawless, and he was momentarily taken aback by its perfection as he looked down at her. Luka swallowed as her tongue darted out to moisten her already damp lips. There was no way he should be doing this.

Pushing her away from him, he looked deep into her gorgeous green eyes and saw exactly what he was feeling—a deep longing desire.

Shit.

Buy Links:  Amazon US / Amazon UK / Bookstrand


**RELUCTANT  REVENGE**


Nash was bound to Sienna completely – by a blood connection and a deep desire. An Enforcer for the Supranormal community, he was obligated to protect his sexy assignment, despite her family devastating his world.

After being betrayed, Sienna falls into the arms of her surly protector; a demon with a secret of his own. But can she face her destiny knowing she's more dangerous than those Nash was protecting her from?


*EXCERPT**
(adult content)

"I don't believe you."

"You don't believe what?" He made himself comfortable in the ratty looking seat and turned to her, his eyes already dismissive of anything she had to say.

"About the hunter thing. Why would you tell me that?"

"I don't lie, Sienna. Your family has been doing this for many years." He turned to look out of the windscreen. "Too many years. And they've hunted a lot of creatures." Nash turned to face her once more. "And even a human or two. Not that your family seems to have many qualms about that." His face had hardened, she noticed, lines appearing around his eyes as he glared at her.

Sienna looked at him hard before actually making herself jump when a gurgle of laughter erupted from her mouth. He frowned at her which made her laugh harder.

"I'm sorry, I really am. But I think you might have inhaled too much gun smoke." She wiped her right eye where a tear had started to form. "I appreciate the save earlier on and obviously we need to get to the bottom of why I was chased, but I really don't think it was ghosts that were behind it all."

Nash looked like he wanted to throttle her. It sobered her slightly but the mirth still hovered. This sexy man was seriously cuckoo. Why were all the pretty ones gay or nuts?

"Ghosts weren't behind it. I believe Strix were."

"And what are Strix, may I ask?"

He hesitated for only a moment before speaking again.

"Vampires who eat flesh with animal ferocity."

Now, that was what she needed to snap her out of her sense of humour. He was talking blood suckers now. Did the police force know he should be suspended on medical grounds? She thought about her dilemma. Here she was, stuck in the middle of nowhere with a cop who thought vampires were real. Although she was pretty sure he wouldn't hurt her – hell, he'd saved her from certain death earlier on – he was still a tad unpredictable. Maybe she could talk to him about it all? Make him think she believed him until he dropped her off at the nearest police station? Mind made up, Sienna smiled sweetly.

"Tell me about these vampires then. Are they like the ones in the movies?"

"They are much, much worse. Believe me." He smiled at her and if she didn't know better, he had figured out she was just humouring him.

"So... can I see one?"

"That wouldn't be your smartest idea, Princess." Sienna nodded, pretending to be deep in thought and ignored the Princess quip.

"Are you one?"

"Nope."

"But you are human though, right?" Nash chuckled again, looking back towards the front windscreen.

"Do I look human, Sienna?" Nash turned towards her and whatever she was about to say went out the window. Her breath caught in her throat and she stumbled away from the car door.

Eyes that were once green now shined in a golden hue, his pupils dilated into slits, reminiscent of a cat. But that wasn't what had caught her attention and made her hair stand on end. As she watched, the once tanned face that she'd admired minutes before was changing. No more was his skin clear but intricate markings had appeared in a line along the side of his face and disappeared down under the collar of his t-shirt. The hand that held the steering wheel caught her attention then and she watched in horror as the nails grew into small points and turned a deep black. 

Nash was a... he was a...

She didn't know what he was.

Sienna's brain finally gave her two choices. Faint, which she longed for to put her into a state of unconsciousness. Or, run.

Her feet made the decision for her.




Let’s talk about the interview and books. What did you all think? Would you be likely to read these books? Have you read Ms. James work before? And … Ms. James has a question for you all to answer below! *points down*


**QUESTION**

What's your favorite type of paranormal alpha hero? Demon, vampire, werewolf etc… ;)  ~~ Ms. James


*coughs* Do I have to pick just one? I mean who doesn’t love a paranormal alpha hero be he Werewolf, Vampire, Demon, God, or any other paranormal being? But I am curious what the majority thinks, so spill. What type of paranormal alpha rocks your socks? I hope you all enjoyed getting to know a bit about Ms. James and her books! *waves*

Until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Barrage with Natalie Nicole Bates


Barrage with Natalie Nicole Bates



Hello my lovelies! Today I would like to tell you about a ghost story. I am not usually for ghost stories, but I have been getting into paranormal a lot more lately and have found much of it to my liking. Not to mention I have had a few of my own ghost stories to share … but that would be another blog post entirely! *nods* Anyway, the name of this book and the cover were a draw for me. I hope you like what you see and rush over to Amazon to download it today or tomorrow because it is FRR over there today and tomorrow ONLY! Yeah, I know, you freebie junkies probably are there now. Hopefully you will return to the blog and finish reading the post though. *sighs* I can be guilty of the same thing. I love freebies! Anyway, back to the post. You have to know what you downloaded, right? Right!


**NATALIE  NICOLE  BATES**

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles.  Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.

Visit Natalie-Nicole online at


**ANTIQUE  CHARMING**

 
**BLURB**

The night he came home…forever.

Third-generation funeral director Lizzie Morton is about to have her dream realized. She has purchased the long abandoned Nichols Funeral Home and its upstairs flat, determined to restore the funeral home to its once former glory. But a late night visitor, Adam Nichols, claims the funeral home still belongs to his family. Lizzie scoffs at his odd behaviour and outlandish claims, but when a vintage photograph appears, she soon realizes, to her horror, that Adam Nichols did once own the funeral home—more than one hundred years ago—and now she has allowed this entity to pass into her home.


**EXCERPT**

She heard it again.

The same time as last Friday night.

Three taps at her front door.

Lizzie muted the television, tossed the blanket off of her body and scurried out of bed. She slipped her robe over her shoulders and tied it securely, determined to find out who in the world would knock at her door at three in the morning. By the time she had reached the door the week previous, no one was there. The street had been dark and still.

It had to be a mistake. She had only recently closed sale on the long abandoned funeral home, determined to restore it to its once former glory. She had only been living in the upstairs flat for a few weeks.

As she hurried down the staircase, each step beneath her feet creaked in protest. There was no one visible through the peephole. She unchained the door and opened it just enough to peek around it.

No one was there, just like the previous week.

The street was dark and quiet. Not even the whisper of a wind could be detected. Only the cold dampness of the October night raised a chill on her skin.

Who was playing this weekly joke on her? Could it be the ghosts of some departed soul who had passed through the halls of Nichols Funeral Home sometime during the past century? A small smile crossed her lips as she prepared to close and lock the door. She was a third generation Funeral Director. Did she now believe in ghosts?

Before the door could close, a hand poked into the slight space and seized her wrist. A cry rose in her throat and she jerked backward, but the hand held tight and the door flung open.

The man emerged, shrouded in darkness. He was an ethereal creature, tall, and dressed in anonymous black. Only a streetlight glowed behind him.

“I’m home,” he announced.




I hope you enjoyed getting to know a bit about Ms. Bates and her book ANTIQUE CHARMING … now get out there and download, download, download!!!! And then come back and let me know what you thought. Rumor has it is only a few pages and I definitely want to know what you thought!

Until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!


Friday, May 18, 2012

Book Spotlight with author Cate Masters


Book Spotlight with author Cate Masters



Hello my lovelies! I am really excited about this spotlight. Cate Masters in another new-to-me author, but I know I have heard her name here and there. And after I saw the cover to this book I was like – Oh, yeah! MUST spotlight this book on the blog! *nods* I mean how can you have such a fabulous cover and not want to read it, right? Exactly! And let’s face it. For new-to-me authors, the cover can make a huge impact on my final decision whether to read or not. Yeah, yeah, the cliché. Well sometimes you have no choice except to judge a book by its cover when you very little else to go by. And yes, I know that some authors have no control what-so-ever over the cover their book gets. And that. Is. Tragic. Seriously! I could go on and on about that topic, but we are here to learn more about Ms. Masters and her book. And in the cover department Ms. Masters hit the ball out of the park! So let’s get on with the post then, shall we?


**CATE  MASTERS**

Cate Masters loves romance with a dash of magic and mayhem! Multi-published in contemporary to historical, sweet to erotic, fantasy/dark fantasy to speculative, she sometimes mashes genres. Reviewers have described her stories as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” and “such romantic tales that really touch your soul.”

When not spending time with her family, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company.

Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web. Cate loves to hear from readers! If you’re too shy to post here, friend her on Facebook or Goodreads, or email her at: cate.masters@gmail.com



**DEAD  TO  RIGHTS**

 **BLURB**

Identity theft sucks. But it’s worse when someone steals your life—body included. All memory of her life before waking up in a mental facility has vanished. Or was erased. Now she has to figure out how to get it all back….

Her only hope of learning the truth lies with one man. Problem is, he’s the leader of a cult.

Her only choice is to follow him into his sordid world, where a darker evil lurks.
With a little help from an archangel hell bent on revenge, she may have a chance to learn the truth. But will it force her to make the hardest decision of her life…or death?


Oh! Oh! There is a trailer! Weeeeee! Chickity check it out, Yo!



**EXCERPT**
(adult content)

“Get off me,” I hissed, but somehow felt safe when he instead lifted his elbows on either side, shielding me.

A dangerous illusion. He was one of them, a weird ninja warrior. This smacked of a setup.

He murmured, “I told you, play along. No one will bother us if they think we’re making out.”

Oh, that’s a new one. But it held a ring of truth, though I worried he’d relay everything I said in person. “What the hell’s going on?”

He scanned the compound. “You’re lucky they didn’t shoot you.”

Funny, at close range, he couldn’t seem to look me in the eye. “No one ever said we couldn’t go for a freaking walk.”

“Not at night,” he said, “and never into the woods.”

Sounded like a bad Halloween flick. “Oh, seriously.” I shifted between his raised arms.

His eyes flashed bright in the darkness. “Fine. You want to know why not? Because all along the outer perimeter, camouflaged guards hide. Armed with automatic machine guns. That is, if you make it past the traps.”

So it had been the click of a gun. What the hell kind of traps? Too many questions raced through my head, so I simply asked, “Why?”

Sounding bemused, he said, “The reverend doesn’t like unannounced visitors.”

Except for horny females. “Or followers who stray, I guess.”

He went on. “In this area, no one questions gunfire, whether single shots or rapid fire, day or dead of night. No other member would question someone’s disappearance.”

Cold crawled across my skin. “So we’re prisoners.”

This seemed to cheer him. “Only technically.”

A laugh burst out. “Oh, I love your positive spin on the situation. But I take issue with its accuracy.” I studied him in the dim light. “If we’re not allowed in the woods, what were you doing out there?”

His voice deadpan, he said, “Saving you.”

Oh, that couldn’t have been the only reason. “You risked your life to follow me? Why?”

He grinned. “No one should be shot for ignorance.”


Buy Link:

*whispers* I am sure there are other places to buy, but I found these on my own so I thought I would give y’all what I had.

OH! And this is a complete side line, but those of you who know, I have tremendously enjoyed the many stories I have read in Decadent Publishing’s 1 NIGHT STAND series. And guess what? Ms. Masters has a book in the series! *bounces up and down in my chair* That. Is. Exciting!!!! So here is another link for you all to check out if you are so inclined.



Okay! So what did you all think? I know, I have been teasing you all lately with a ton of excerpts, but this book has voodoo power. One look and the reader wants it. So let’s talk covers this time. What role does a cover play in your decision to read a new author. And if you are familiar with the author already, do you take the cover in to consideration still? I am really interested in your responses so let me know!

As always, I really hope that you enjoyed your time with me today. Hopefully you found Ms. Masters and her book to your liking and will have the pleasure of experiencing another great read!

Until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!



Thursday, May 17, 2012

Book Feature with author Amanda J. Greene


Book Feature with author Amanda J. Greene



Whoot whoot! I have another fabulous new-to-me author to introduce to you all today! Weeee! This book both caught my eye from the cover and my interest from the blurb! So, you know, I HAD to share it with you all! I hope to be checking out this author very soon. *whispers* I have several excerpts for you so that you can get a good feel for the book. I hope it will be a good fit for all of you who choose to read it. *nods* How about we start with what the reviews are saying about her book, CARESSED BY NIGHT? Yes? Okay then. Here we go!


*Da Reviews*
(just click and read!)





And a book trailer! I love these things! What a great addition to the writing world! You Tube



Not to shabby if I might say so myself. So without further adieu, please help me welcome:



**AMANDA  J.  GREENE**


Amanda J. Greene is an erotic paranormal romance author. When she is not writing, she can be found playing the role of a full time university student, who works part time. She lives in Southern California with her very supportive, military husband and their sweet cocker spaniel.




**CARESSED  BY  NIGHT**
**Rulers of Darkness, #2**
Self-Published Erotic Paranormal Romance

**BLURB**

Dimitri Arsov, the last remaining pure vampire, was thought to be dead for the past four hundreds years. Now, he is back and has a score to settle with the traitor that had tried to kill him centuries ago. But as he waits for his prey to blindly step into his carefully laid trap, his overwhelming hunger for blood is triggered when he saves a beautiful art historian.

Kerstyn Ingmar’s life was normal and straight up boring until the night she is rescued by the dangerously sexy, powerfully mesmerizing, Dimitri. Unable to resist his diamond blue eyes and intense kisses, she is drawn into his world of darkness and closer to her impending doom.

While their desire consumes them, Dimitri is haunted by images of a bloody and deadly future. As his enemies draw near, he must find a way to save his mate from her destiny before fate destroys them both.


**EXCERPT**

“Are you all right?” a man asked from behind her.

She relaxed when she realized the voice sounded nothing like her attackers; it was warm, deep, and comforting.

“Miss?”

“Y-Yes.”

Slowly turning toward the voice, relief flooded her body, her breathing began to slow, and her limbs went limp. She stumbled and prepared to meet the pavement again, but her rescuer caught her. He tenderly held her to him, supporting her. Kerstyn knew she ought to protest and shove him away, he was a stranger after all, but his touch was soothing and reassuring. She had never felt so safe and calm in her life.

Calm was the furthest thing from her savior’s mind.

Dimitri had heard the vampires’ thoughts as they followed the woman from Dark. He knew he had to protect her from the depraved creatures who intended to make a meal out of her. When he materialized in the alley, the weaker vampires caught his scent and fled, leaving him alone with the woman. Instead of feeling anger as he expected, an entirely different emotion settled over him.

Lust. It was no ordinary lust, but a heart racing, blood raging, sexual yearning and it turned his body into a blazing inferno of need. Then hunger like he had never known slammed into him. It gnawed at him relentlessly as it mixed with his unmerciful lust. The torturous combination attacked both his body and his mind. He had never wanted any woman with this kind of intensity.

His body had been dead for so long, no longer responding to sexual stimulus or blood-thirst. Thousands of years had passed since the last time he had fed. The desire and necessity for blood had abandoned him. None of that seemed to matter now. His fangs sprang free as his pants grew tighter about his throbbing shaft. This woman’s blood sang to him, beckoned him to have a taste.

Dimitri ruthlessly fought the temptation to seize her mind and take what he wanted. The dread of not being able to pull away terrified him. Realizing what precious little control he had, he shut down his senses, driving away her intoxicating scent and the warmth of her soft body against his. He forced the color from his sight, only seeing in black and white with shades of gray. Though he knew he would never forget the light fragrance of her strawberry blonde hair, the feel of her in his arms, and the sapphire color of her eyes.

He took in deep breaths and focused on the cool bite of the air. It washed over his body, rinsing away his desire leaving him as always, cold and unfeeling, like death. He was death: a true, pureblood vampire.

“What were you running from?” he asked, his tone controlled.

“I was being followed.”

He peered over her head, his eyes scanning the alley. “I see no one.”

Nausea twisted her insides as she thought of what almost happened. Thank God, this man was here. If it weren’t for him

“Do not think about it,” he said, his arms tightening about her. “You are safe now.”

She nodded, rubbing her cheek against his chest. He smelled absolutely wonderful, like dark spices. His voice felt like velvet brushing along her skin. She shivered and sighed in contentment.

“Do you need help with anything?”

His last question snapped her back into action. She stepped back, breaking the circle of his arms.

“I need a taxi.”

“A simple enough task,” he said with a shrug.

She scoffed. If it were simple, she would have been half way home by now. She turned her head up intending to face him and a broad chest greeted her eyes. She was forced to take another step back in order to get a proper look at him.

He was huge. Thick. Stacked.

He must be close to seven feet, she thought as her eyes traveled up his torso, over his wide chest, to his face.

Her heart stopped when their eyes met. They were a near colorless shade of blue. Like diamonds. His gaze was sharp, hard, filled with wisdom and strength. Intense. Warrior eyes. Yet, he could not be much older than her, around twenty-six. His golden hair glittered from the light of the neon signs and floated about his shoulders. His face was chiseled and impossibly perfect. His lips were full and Kerstyn wanted nothing more than to feel them against hers. Her eyes traveled back down his hard, honed body.

She stood, rooted to the cement, captivated by the Norse god before her.

Damn, he’s incredibly yummy.

Dimitri forced himself to remain still while she studied him. Again, he struggled against his urges, his heart thundering from the force of the shock of desire that still echoed in his mind.

He knew one day he would meet his mate, but he had underestimated the force of her seductiveness. He never expected she would spark such yearning deep within his soul. He wondered how Dorian had dealt with such overwhelming need when he had found his intended. Dorian had been the first and, until now, only vampire king to find his other half.

Dimitri’s breath caught as her small, pink tongue wet her lips and her sensual thoughts invaded his mind.

She had to go.


OOOOHHHHH!!!! Love that one! How about another?


**ADDITIONAL  EXCERPT**
(adult content)


“You’ve healed,” she whispered. Her voice was rough and her throat ached from her screams. “Your wounds are gone. That…that is impossible.”

“Not for me,” he grated.

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you?”

He dropped his head. Why now? Why did it have to happen this way? He cursed, damning Fate for the tricks she played. He hadn’t wanted it to happen this way. He wanted them to take their time, to get to know one another before he shared his secret with her. Now he was cornered. He had to tell her orno. He would not erase her memory; he could not disrespect her that way. He would not take the coward’s way out. 

He had to tell her.

His heart clenched. What if she rejected him? What if she hated him? What if he repulsed her? She was his mate, but that was no guarantee that she would understand, that she would stay with him or that she would love him.

“What are you?” she demanded again, her voice shaking.

Her thoughts screamed at him. Vampire. Vampire. Vampire! He forced his gift aside, shoving it back into the darkness of his mind.

“I think you already know,” he said before pulling his shirt closed.


*fans self* Yes please! May I have another?


**BONUS  EXCERPT**

She needed to think of anything other than her dream. As she sat on her bed, she formed a mental list of questions and those questions demanded answers. But she was not about to go hunt Dimitri down before getting her lust under control. Throwing herself at him and tackling him to the ground would not help her confusion though it would quell her newfound desire.

She had ditched her dress earlier and had slept in her bra and panties. Now, Kerstyn rummaged through the clothes still scattered on the floor where she had dropped them deciding that tomorrow she would put everything in its proper place. Finding a pair of flannel pajama pants and a tank top with a built-in bra, she slipped into her loungewear, found her pink, fuzzy slippers, and went in search of Dimitri.

Kerstyn recited her question list again in her head as she crossed the living room, passed through the kitchen, went down the hall, and stopped in front of Dimitri’s room. She raised her hand, preparing to knock when the delicately carved double doors were thrown open. Kerstyn jumped, her breath lodged in her throat.

Dimitri’s frame filled the doorway. Her eyes met his bare chest. Thin rivers of water dripped from his damp hair and rolled down his shoulders to his abdomen. He wore nothing but white workout shorts and a pair of super-sized, white running shoes.

She swallowed and forced her gaze to leave his pectorals and travel up his thick neck to his face.

“Can’t sleep either?” she squeaked.

He shrugged. The beast within him was restless, craving action. The swim had been no help, not with Kerstyn sitting on her balcony with the scent of her arousal floating on the breeze. Her hot gaze had been a caress firing his blood, triggering his need despite the cool water. He had hoped in vain a cold shower would help. Now, he prayed that a death-defying workout would do what the swim and shower could not—calm the beast.

“I was just heading to the gym.”

“Twenty-Four Hour Fitness?” she asked. She had no idea what time it was, but it was late…or was it early now? “You know, not all Twenty-Four Hour Fitness centers are open twenty-four hours.”

“I have a gym set up in the basement.”

She dropped her eyes to the floor and stepped back, giving him room to head down the hall.

“Tell me what you are thinking.” His voice was hard, rough, and felt like silk against her skin.

“Can’t you just read my mind?”

“I would rather you share your thoughts with me.”

She winced. Cross that question off the list.

“If you need more time―”

“I have questions.”

Dimitri slowly nodded and moved to the side allowing Kerstyn to slip past him. He closed the doors and, for a heartbeat, they stood in complete darkness. Then candles began to flicker, casting their soft glow about the room as a fire sprang to life in the large hearth.

Kerstyn jumped from the sudden change.

“Did you do that?” she asked, her voice a whisper.

“I can do many things.”

“You said that earlier.”


Well, I am convinced! *runs to add to TBR list* SOOOOOO????? What did you think? I am anxious to read what you thought. Tell why you liked it and why it would be a good fit for you. Tell me why you don’t think you would read it. Tell me anything! I never spotlight books that wouldn’t interest me, so give me some feedback and let’s chat! *grins* And if you think you would enjoy this book, here are the buy links to check it out!


Buy Links:

Amazon          Barnes & Noble           ARe

Erotic Escapes Ebooks             Lulu (Print)


I hope that you enjoyed getting to know a bit about Ms. Greene and her book, CARESSED BY NIGHT! Be sure to check out the trailer if you haven’t already and make use of those links to buy a copy for yourself!

Until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!