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!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Promo & GIVEAWAY with author C. J. Ellisson

Promo & GIVEAWAY with author C. J. Ellisson
BIG  GAME


I have been looking at this series for quite some time, wishing that I had more time so that I could read it. It sounds intriguing and hey … it has vampires, so it has a lot going for it. LOL And thanks to the terrific Roxanne at Bewitching, I now have the opportunity to tell you all about it. Please help me welcome:

**C.J. Ellisson**

**BIO**
C.J. Ellisson writes erotica and urban fantasy. Her vampire series, The V V Inn, mixes a heavy dose of erotic elements with suspense, action, a little bit of mystery and some light humor. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

To learn more about C.J.'s books (where you can read half of the novels for free), please visit her website at www.cjellisson.com
You can find more about Ms. Ellisson at the following places:

How about we begin this promo stop with a bit of a detour. What others are saying. The following links I found interesting, so thought it would be fun to start today out in this way. Simply click on the links embedded with the titles to be directed to the appropriate sites.

TV panel out in San Diego discussing "new trend" with female erotica 4/12

30 minute interview with Garrison Leykam on Conversation Crossroad 4/12

Radio Station 104.9 with Bruce Wylie out of Ontario talking about my series 3/12



So let’s talk about the books now. That is what we are all here for anyway, right? Exactly! Here we go.



**VAMPIRE VACATION**
**Book One The VV Inn Series**

Meet Vivian. She’s a 580-year-old vampire who exudes sex, has a talent for drama, and is passionate about two things: her human husband, Rafe, and their resort for the undead. Her ability to project physical illusions has created the perfect vacation spot—a dark, isolated Alaskan hideaway where visitors can have their wildest fantasies come true. 

Vivian knows the best performance requires perfect timing, but the powerful vamp is put to the test when she discovers a corpse in a locked guestroom minutes before the next arrivals. Always cool-headed, Rafe hides the body, convinced he and Vivian can find the culprit without disturbing their guests. 

Juggling the increasingly outrageous demands of their customers while tracking a killer isn’t easy. Will their poking and prodding give them the answers they need, or will it uncover secrets Vivian would kill to protect? 

Warning: This book contains some explicit sex scenes, intended for mature readers only.

Buy Links:


**THE HUNT**
**Book Two The VV Inn Series**

Vivian thinks she can control every aspect of a deadly game with her usual manipulations... but what if she can't? 

Seven vampires and seven werewolves pay to hunt a supernatural criminal across the cold, vast grounds of an Alaskan resort. The one to catch her, and live through the encounter, will increase their power by feasting on hers. 

The tiny vampire they track is more than she appears, however. To escape a fate of twelve years in silver chains, she'll do anything to survive the weeklong excursion. This time, the darkness holds more than just the stinging bite of the Arctic--it holds death. 

Journey along, in this next installment of The V V Inn series, for a wild ride as the tale is told through the eyes of all the new seethe members. 

Warning: This book contains some explicit sex scenes and is not intended for readers under 18.




**BIG GAME**
**Book Three The VV Inn Series**
In this much-anticipated third installment of the V V Inn series, our sexy couple journeys to Argentina, bringing half their seethe along for the ride. 

Vivian and Rafe venture into the Seat of Darkness, the Tribunal’s base, to uncover who’s plotting them against and why. From a cold, windy island off the southern Argentine coast, to the decadence of Buenos Aires, the group has plenty to keep their attention—seductive twins, deadly games, and a bunch of bloodsucking fiends who hate our much-loved, despotic innkeeper enough to see her dead. 

Asa and Jon stay in Alaska, to manage the famous inn as it opens doors to a new type of guest. Visiting werewolves go on their first exploration of the property, looking for big game—hormones run high and shots ring out across the tundra. Soon, the hunters become the hunted and the peaceful getaway resembles a battleground. 

How many will survive the next five days and will they ever be the same again? 

Warning: This book contains very explicit sex scenes and is not intended for readers under 18.


**EXCERPT**

Vivian’s POV
The soft hum of the jet fades into the background noise of the small cabin. Rafe exits the cockpit and locks eyes with me across the tight space. His rugged face carries a tired grin, and his blue eyes look weary. He’s been flying through the daylight hours as we make our way down the globe to Argentina, where our final destination is a small private island off the southeastern coast.
His muscular form, encased in well-worn jeans and a snug black t-shirt, looks as delicious as ever. Worry pinches my husband’s expression as he heads back to my location opposite the plane’s bar. Chelly, lounging on a brown chenille couch, shifts her attention from her eReader—more than likely trying to catch a last glimpse of Drew who took over flying duties. Her long blond hair hides her expression from me, but I’m sure I’d see a hint of longing on her face. She deflates when she sees Rafe and goes back to her reading.       
She and Drew, the one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old vampire who came to our resort as a guest last fall before joining our seethe, began dating this winter. Now he only feeds from her, taking bagged blood for extra nutrition when needed. To my knowledge, he hasn’t yet claimed her by exchanging blood to make her his servant. He does treat her better than a simple blood donor, more like one does a companion. His old-fashioned ways make for a cute courtship display, but I doubt Chelly can take much more of the long tease. When Drew invited her on this trip, she nearly jumped his bones on the spot.
Bob, one of our ground crew, plays cards with Tommy —our imported Aussie who usually mans the inn’s front desk—and Paul, our fledgling vampire. The three men crowd around a small table set between four plush seats, each wearing an intense look while examining his own cards. Their voices are pitched low, but every so often their excited chatter fills the cabin. Tommy glances up as Rafe walks by. The sandy-haired young man folds his cards and slips into the aisle behind my husband.
Rafe leans down and kisses my cheek before settling into the club chair next to mine. A half-glass of red wine sits before me on the round cocktail table bolted through the cream carpet. In honor of our destination, I’ve changed to South American wines instead of the Alaskan vampire favorite of hot coffee. To appear uncouth at Tribunal gatherings holding a mug instead of a crystal goblet filled with bloodwine would be an unacceptable faux pas. But I admit, I do miss the mild caffeine jolt.
“Tired, darling?” I ask.
“Yeah.” A heavy sigh escapes him as he runs a hand across his forehead and back over his short light-brown hair. “Flying through the last storm was a challenge. Head winds slowed us down quite a bit.”
On our right, Tommy stands behind the glistening marble-topped bar. “Can I get you something, sir?”
“A Yuengling, thanks.”
The young man pours beer into an ice-cold pilsner glass and sets it on the low table. After a nod of appreciation from Rafe, Tommy heads back to his cards.
Rafe stares at the amber liquid but doesn’t drink. “I’m worried, Dria.”
“I know.”
“The talk with the seethe about your manipulator abilities went well, but it won’t be the same with the Ancients.”
“Yes, our group took it surprisingly well.” I stifle a smile at the reminder of that night after the hunt. No one will ever forget Paul’s confusion and mini-freak out. Asa, our ex-military vamp, only nodded as if confirming something he suspected, and Drew listened in stony silence. I haven’t quite pegged him yet, but he pledged his loyalty again with the others easily enough, showing no hesitation.
Glancing at the shaded window blocking the night sky, I debate on raising it to view the stars. “The idea isn’t to tell the Ancients; I’d never risk that. The plan to arrive earlier than in previous years is to surprise them—find out who knows or suspects what I can do.”
“And then what? Slip into their minds and alter what they know?” He shakes his head. “Too risky.”
“The alternative is to kill them.” I stare at Rafe and see the concern he never tries to hide. “Depending on how many of the Inner Circle we’re talking about, that might not be smart—or plausible.”
Rafe grips the chair arms, his frustration and anger quickly outweighing his previous concern. “Twenty-two members of the Circle and eleven Ancients, not to mention an unknown number of powerful gophers and lackeys on the fringe doing their bidding. Too many variables. I prefer a concentrated and planned attack.”
“We’ve gone over this before, love. What choice is there? Let them come to us in Alaska where we have over a hundred humans in our care?” I shake my head. “I won’t put them at risk. Not an option. Besides, we normally head down south when the season changes, making it impossible to run the inn for vampire guests. This early fact-finding mission in Buenos Aires is the best way to go.”
“Yes, yes, your ‘beard the lion in his den’, crap. I get it.” He reaches for his beer and drains half the glass before setting it down. “I worry there’s more than the three members you’ve speculated on.”
Bitter resentment and rage coil in my middle. For years I’ve hidden my ability and ran from certain death, only to find I’m now cornered in a remote location with twelve dozen lives at stake. Fight or flight. That’s what any predator would do when left with no options.
“I don’t plan on running again.” Anger leaks through my tone and the tension in the cabin rises. “The only option is to infiltrate and bring a stealthy battle to them.”
“Won’t they be expecting that? Coraline visited back in January. It’s foolish to think they haven’t done anything in three months.”
“If it were me,” I say with a deadly smile, “I would have attacked immediately.”

**BONUS  EXCERPT**

Drew’s POV
Once the door closes Chelly pounces, unbuttoning my shirt and latching her heated mouth onto mine. When I saw her leave the bathroom in her negligée, I’d thought tonight would be the night we’d consummate our relationship, but now I’m not sure. I want to drive all thoughts of the sexy women from my lover’s mind, demanding she focus solely on me and the pleasures I can give her—not what might have been at the hot tub.
She spreads my shirt open and runs her hands across my chest. “Drew, those ladies were hot. Do you think they were hitting on us?”
I chuckle and decide now is not the time to analyze, but to act. I untie her robe, sliding the soft terrycloth off her shoulders to pool on the tile. The bra cups of Chelly’s sheer nightie hug her luscious curves and the sight drives the blood back into my wilted erection. Running my thumbs over her aroused peaks pulls a gasp and shudder from my lover.
Never one to stand still, Chelly boldly unzips my fly and pushes my pants past my hips, springing my cock free of its confines. She grins. “I think they were hitting on you in a round-about way…” Her voice trails off as she pumps my cock. “Bet they thought if they won me over, they could get at your man meat.” She snickers at her crude phrase and squeezes the head of my cock harder.
“Am I all yours?” I ask, guiding her slowly toward the bed.
“Hmph. I’m not sharing until I’ve had every bit of you inside me—repeatedly.”
Her sexy innuendo could lead to more down the line, but right now, all I care about is the here and now. Chelly’s legs hit the edge of the mattress, and she scoots toward the padded headboard.
I remove my shirt and step out of my pants before climbing onto the bed. Chelly pats the covers beside her, motioning for me to sit next to her. I stop instead at her knees and push her legs apart. Her mouth parts in a little “O” and heat fills her cheeks.
“How about we start this trip with my tongue inside you first?”
Chelly nods enthusiastically and settles on the pillows. I plant my first kiss along her thigh and the warm skin above her knee prickles in gooseflesh. We’ve touched and fondled for months, but our dates have been every two weeks when I can safely feed from her, and have not included oral sex, despite the vixen’s many attempts to get down on her knees and gobble me whole.
The scent of clean woman and tangy arousal wraps around me as I slowly work my way closer to her center. I slip my hands under her full bottom to tilt her up and open, encouraging her to spread her legs wider. With a moan she complies and the delicate flesh along the crease where thigh meets torso is exposed to my eager lips.



**Titles in the V V Inn series**

Free Short Story and half of Book One: Just One Taste 

Book One: Vampire Vacation 

Free Read containing half of Book Two: Another Sip 

Book Two: The Hunt Book 

Three: Big Game 

Novella: Death’s Servant (Jonathan’s story, due out Summer 2012) 

Book Four: The Seduction of Death (due out December 2012)


**TOUR GIVEAWAY**

Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered! Easy peasy! You could win:


·         BECOME a character in the next V V Inn book (questionnaire provided to winner)

·         Name a character in the next book (yes, it can be your own name ;-)

·         Full set of signed and numbered print editions of all three books in the V V Inn series

·         5 Signed and numbered print copies of BIG GAME
·         50 Copies of BIG GAME in eBook format -- one given out at every tour stop and one additional copy for every ten commenters per stop



a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Thanks so much for joining us and until next time …
HAPPY READING!!!



19 comments:

  1. I love the living forever never aging lol
    Thanks for the contest

    pademe_lee@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Tammy ~ I would think that staying the same age forever would have its pros and cons. But ... if you were an age that you really enjoyed then it would likely be fun most of the time. My thing would be that I would hate to be stuck at an age that I was not happy with. I think of Interview with a Vampire and Kirsten Dunst being stuck in the body of a child forever. UgH! I think that would be the only drawback. Other than that, not aging sounds like a definite plus to me. :) Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  2. I was looking for the Hot Jocks blog hop and came across this. Your books look great and not any that I've read but they are now on the top of my TBR list!! I have loved vampire stories for decades starting with Anne Rice!

    Thank you for a great giveaway!!

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    1. Yay, Books! I love that you discovered an author on the blog. Completely made my day! My Vampire obsession began with The Lost Boys ~ I later read Ms. Rice, but the Beauty Trilogy. That was the first of a lot of things I read in that series. :) Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

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  3. love vampire books one of my fav series is BDB by jr ward!!! thanks for the giveaway
    jessharrison78@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Jess ~ I too love me some good vampire books! I have several reader/blogger friends who have stressed how much I NEED to start reading about those BDB boys! nd I finally found a couple of them the other day when I was out and about. But ... I really HAVE to read in order whenever possible, so as soon as I manage to get my hands on the whole set, I will be diving into this series head first! Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck to you in the contest!

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  4. Hi! I love vampire books because they provide a great escape from RL for a while and that it is such a great myth that allows a lot of variation

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    1. Donnas ~
      Can I get an AMEN???!!! I couldn't agree more with anything you said! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. And good luck!

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  5. thanks for the contest lol while i havent read any of your books yet i do love ampire books lol and my favorit being the BDB books (my fav out of them is Butch lol) but after readin some of your blurbs they all sound good and im not sure which to pick to read lol

    terrilee.byles@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Terri ~ So glad I could bring a new author to you. I have heard a lot about the BDB books and can't wait to get my hands on all of them so I can start them. And I agree that these blurbs sound great. What I like is the writing style - not many POV books out there ~ that I have come across anyway. And for picking, I would always go with Book 1 so you start in order. But that is just me. Good luck to you and thank so much for stopping by!

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  6. I love the mystery that comes with vampires! Wonderful contest, thank you so much!

    carol.byles@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Carol ~
      This contest is pretty fabulous! I agree that vampires have a bit of mystery, but what I like the most is that they have a lot of room to play around when being written about. Many authors stick to the basics, but then they create the vampire world to their own style with differences throughout that make it their own. There is a lot an author can do with a vampire and what I enjoy most is getting to see what the author has done to make his/her vampires unique. Thanks so much for commenting and good luck to you in the contest!

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  7. Great excerpts! I love how it is her then his POV. :)
    I have these on my TBR.

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    1. Hi Tina ~ You said exactly what I was thinking! I have read POV books before, but I don't seem to come across many of them at all. They make a story unique when applied. The trick is doing it in a way that keeps the reader's interest while telling the story. A couple of stories lost me that way, but I have high hopes for this one. I appreciate your comments and participation. Good luck to you!

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  8. It's no secret that my favorite vampire book series is J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. Surprisingly though, I've been a 'closet' fan of E.J. Ellisson's before I knew who she was. I read a lot of the early chapters of Vampire Vacation when I was an active member of Writing.com. Sadly, I stopped using the website and lost track. Imagine how excited I am to see the books published! What I've read of them was great. Congrats and thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Hi Shriley!
      How interesting! That stinks that you lost track of the story, but hey - SURPRISE! They are published and now you can read them all! Did you download the free ones? And J. R. Ward? Really? I would never have guessed it! LOL Ironically, I went to buy all of the books on the Harlequin site last night, but half of them were unavailable. What's up with that? Grrr. I will have to try later. I have to read it in order or I won't do it. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  9. I really like vampire books because its one of the few fantasy characters that have so many different takes. Every vampire book you read is something different. I love that. :)

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    1. Bookmaven ~
      You have a great point. That is why I love experiencing new authors. Most of the vampires have the same basics, but then they morph into someting made entirely of the author's imagination. Some can tollerate daylight, some can't, some have to wear special fabric developed ... so many variations. Vampires are very versatile breed to write about. Thanks so much for stopping by and spending some time with us today!

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  10. sick and tired of being sick and tired, always wanted to be a vampire because they seem immune to everything - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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I lurve comments! Say whatever is on your mind; just keep it respectful. I am always game for a conversation. :)