Tara Kingston

Welcome Author Eliza Knight

2012-02-21T23:37:00.002-05:00

I am so pleased to welcome my friend and fellow Ellora's Cave author, Eliza Knight, as my guest today. Eliza's newest sexy read, Highland Steam, releases today. Tell us about your new book, Eliza.

Thank you so much, Tara, for letting me visit with you and your readers on my release day! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Drostan and Briana, the hero and heroine of my newest time-travel erotic novella, HIGHLAND STEAM.

Here’s a little bit about the book…

Tragedy strikes in the Highlands, making Drostan the laird of the Comyn clan and in need of a wife to placate his people. His only choice is to trust in magic and travel to the sacred circle of stones…where he must passionately lay claim to the woman Fate brings him.

Briana is lost and alone when magic lights up the night. She meets the man of her dreams, a man who rocks her to her very core with orgasm after orgasm and somehow manages to steal her heart. The problem? The man of her dreams lives eight hundred years in the past.

I thought it would be fun for readers to get to know a little about Drostan and Briana, so I’ve devised three questions for each of them. Ladies first!

Briana—What first attracted you to Drostan?

Well, it was really the heat of the moment. There was mist all around us. My blood was thrumming through my veins, and there in the light of the moon, and glow of the ancient ruins was this man—a totally hot, makes you want to scream with pleasure, man. He was naked… And his—well, let’s just say he is well endowed.

Beyond physical, what made you want to stay with him in the past vs. returning to the future?

Because of the way he made me feel. He made me whole again. He made me feel alive, and loved, and special. And really, we did singe up the sheets.

What was the hardest part to get used to living 800 years in the past?

Oh, most definitely, the hardest part was no toilets… I can deal with everything else, but a garderobe is just abominable.

Thanks Briana! Now onto hot Drostan…

Drostan—What first attracted you to Briana?

I think the question is, what wasn’t there to be attracted to? The lass came at me, surrounded by mist and a glowing aura. She was naked, like a goddess… I couldna breathe. I thought I must have died and floated to paradise.

Beyond physical, and the possible curse upon your family, what made you want her to stay in the past vs. returning to the future?

She is a verra unique woman. Strong, independent, beautiful. I could speak to her and she would respond, not simper. I had a connection with her that I never felt with another. Like she was a part of me. Part of my soul. She made me feel like myself again, after such tragedy struck. If her desire had been to return to her time, to see her happy, I would have let her go. But ye, ken, I was verra pleased she wanted to stay. And I showed her just how happy I was too.

What was the hardest thing to get used to with a woman from the future?

*Laughs loudly* I’d have to say the look of masked surprise on her pretty face when I tell her how something is done. The lass is not verra good at hiding her feelings. I can read her like an open book. ‘Twas hard not to become frustrated when she refused to do certain things—like using moss in the garderobe. Kept talking about—tiss…tissue? I dinna understand.

Thank you both very much for allowing me to introduce Briana and Drostan! (For Briana’s sake, I didn’t put the moss part in the story, she would have been mortified!) I hope you enjoy their tale :-) I’d love to give away an ecopy of the tale to one delightful commenter!

To read a very steamy excerpt from HIGHLAND STEAM, please click here.

*~*~*~*~*

Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog, History Undressed, which was recently mentioned in a feature article in The Wall Street Journal. www.historyundressed.com

Welcome Guest Author Cristal Ryder

2012-01-26T22:40:00.002-05:00

I'm so pleased to welcome fellow Ellora's Cave author Cristal Ryder. She's here to tell us about her hot Ellora's Cave release, Hot Fusion and a bit about herself. I had no idea she also adored Michael Biehn in Terminator....OMG, what a hot hero!!!

Welcome, Cristal. Please tell us a little about your story.

I’m going to tell you about Hot Fusion. It was released last October and set in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, Canada. I wish I could tell you more about my next EC release but we don’t have a blurb yet. It is called Switch Me Up and will be published under EC for Men. It’s a steamy tale that includes a mysterious suitcase ;)

Hot Fusion

After fleeing her hometown years ago, Kara Sinclair has returned to breathe life back into the bakery her deceased grandmother left behind. She has a history in this town—one that involves her one true love. A boy she’d thought she’d give her life to before circumstance got in the way. She needs to focus on her task, but one look at Maxwell Stone and all the old feelings return. And it isn’t long before she can think of nothing else but reigniting the passion they once shared.

Max never understood what drove Kara away all those years ago, and once she returns to their Canadian hometown, he’s hell bent on getting her back into his life…and his bed. But when he uncovers the reason she left him behind, he must decide if he can move on from the past and trust his heart with the only woman he’s ever loved.

For a blurb on Being Bound, my next release I have a link below that will take you there for a teaser.

Tell us a little about what you have coming out?

Well, I told you a little bit about Switch Me Up, coming soon. It will be released under the brand spanking *smirk* new line EC for Men. But, that doesn’t mean the ladies won’t like it, so give it a try! I wish I could give you a release date for it, but I haven’t been given one yet.

My next release is Being Bound, with my other publisher. It will be released on February 20, 2012 and it the sequel to Being Ariana. We follow Rourke into this next book where he has some pretty titillating adventures.

What makes a book a keeper?

One that I keep going back to and can re-read as if it’s the first time. For me that is A Rose In Winter, Kathleen Woodiwiss. I have multiple copies of it around.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would have a place in the mountains and a place on a tropical beach. I’m not fussy where it is on the globe, just two perfect locations. Nothing could be better than a beach in the winter months and mountains in the summer months. Sound like a plan? It sure does to me!

When you’re not writing, which authors are on your “go to” list?

Wow, when does that happen? Not often enough anymore. One of my all time favorite authors is Patricia Cornwell. I’ve read every book except for the recent few – because I’ve been busy writing!

What are you working on now?

I have a few things on the go. One is a women’s fiction story that needs to be brought forward and prioritized. At the same time I’ll hopefully be able to continue with my erotic romance novella’s. I’ll try and keep my website up to date on the progress so please visit there for news.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My web site is www.cristalryder.com and I have a blog as well www.cristalryder.blogspot.com I’m a twitterholic find me at @cristalryder and have a Facebook page. But if they force me to the new timeline, I doubt I’ll have it for long.

My buy links are:

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-771-cristal-ryder.aspx

Lyrical Press: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=155&zenid=buosa5s9o4ndcfm53g2ukfq4k3

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

Michael Biehn. I adore him and the hero in my women’s fictions wip is based on him. He had me infatuated with him in Terminator and I’d love to meet him. I don’t know, there’s just something about him. That indescribable thing. Hey, why don’t you tag this blog with his name and maybe he has Google alerts! LOL

I adore Michael Biehn...can't tell you how many times I've seen Terminator...will definitely tag the blog with his name!

Hello! Michael Biehn!! Over here!

Exciting News: Pirate's Past now Available from Ellora's Cave

2012-01-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

Pirate's Past from Ellora's Cave

Pirate's Past, a steamy anthology of pirate-themed stories, released this week from Ellora's Cave. I'm thrilled that my novella, Claimed by the Captain, was chosen for this anthology. Scorching hot stories by Scarlett Scott and Eliza Knight are also featured. Check it out by clicking on the link under the book cover...isn't that cover just gorgeous!!!

So, What Did Santa Bring You?

2011-12-26T11:06:00.002-05:00

Now that the Christmas feast is over and we're all enjoying our gifts (or packing them up to take back to the store), what was your favorite gift this year? Did Santa bring you an e-reader or some e-books to fill your existing one? I can't wait to fill my e-reader with some wonderful downloads...anxiously awaiting the new Teresa Medeiros historical, for one!

Leave a comment about your favorite gift, and you'll have a chance to add one more story to your e-reader...for free! I'll give one commenter a copy of Claimed by the Captain, my hot historical from Ellora's Cave. Check back Wednesday to see if you've won!

Welcome Author Eliza Knight

2011-12-22T00:57:00.000-05:00

I am so pleased to welcome my dear friend and fellow Ellora's Cave author Eliza Knight. She's joining us to tell us about her new erotic romance featuring sexy Highlanders!!! (Wow, just what I want for Christmas!!!) She's going to share information on how you can win a copy of the awesome new Ellora's Cave anthology, Something Wicked This Way Comes, that contains her story, Highland Tryst. Now, here's Eliza!

This week has seen the release of another time-travel erotic romance of mine. But not just any time-travel—we’re talking Highlanders. And my story is aptly named, HIGHLAND TRYST. The story takes place in present day. We are introduce to the lovely and hot heroine, Kari, whose had just about enough of love. Poor girl’s had her heart ripped out. But she’s about to learn that love can literally land in your lap.

I LOVE Highlanders and history. Have ever since I picked up my first Julie Garwood historical, THE BRIDE. I’m still in love with Alec. The brogue… Then Mel Gibson took up his role in Braveheart, and I nearly swooned. Such love! Such heartache! Sigh… Then of course there’s the fact that that men wear nothing beneath their kilts. Those muscular calves, strong thighs, all leading up to… *wipes off drool*.

I do love my historical settings—the drama, political strife, candle light, castles, lochs, warriors, horses, claymores, hearths, ale, all of it! BUT I also like to take characters from a historical setting and throw them in today’s world. A place that is so confusing, so fast paced. Literally a different world. I like to watch the worlds collide. I like to watch the character’s adapt. I like that a modern woman can still fall for an old world man.

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever read in a time-travel?

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, is an anthology of hot erotic romance, featuring my tale, HIGHLAND TRYST. Also featuring stories by Jaid Black, Laurann Dohner, Desiree Holt, Kathy Kulig and Mel Tescho.

Highland Tryst by Eliza Knight

Having sworn off love, Kari Howard isn’t adverse to a little lust when a hot Highlander lands at her feet. Literally. Fin has traveled through time, and given what he’s packing under his kilt (good Lord!), Kari expects the sexy Scotsman to make her quake. But she doesn’t expect Fin to shake her very foundation…or cherish her for who she is.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES is already a Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick! http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Chris-reviews-Something-Wicked-This-Way-Comes-Volume-1-EC.aspx

To read reader reviews & the descriptions of the 5 other stories in this anthology, click here

For the next week SWTWC is available at only Amazon and Barnes and Noble. On December 28^th it will release with the Ellora’s Cave website and other etailers.

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Something-Wicked-This-Comes-ebook/dp/B006IS4QKI/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-wicked-this-way-comes-volume-1-jaid-black/1107890570

Be sure to leave a comment - Eliza's giving away a pdf of the anthology to one lucky commenter! Check back on Friday to see if you're the winner :)

About the Author…

Eliza Knight is the award-winning, multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog, History Undressed, which was recently mentioned in a feature article in The Wall Street Journal. www.historyundressed.blogspot.com

Welcome Author Kate Willoughby

2011-12-08T23:16:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to welcome fellow Ellora's Cave author
Kate Willoughby. Please tell us a little about your
new story.

I’d be happy to. Just Winging It is the fourth and final
bookin the Be-Wished series. Davina, this crazy wish
fairy, played a pivotal part in the first three books and
in this story she finally finds her own True Love…

Ex-wish fairy Davina Traherne has until midnight to
choose a groom at the birthday ball or her draconian grandmother Agatha will pick one for her. Panicking
at the prospect of marrying a fussy, well-bred bore with no sense of adventure, she flees.

Laszlo can’t believe it when Davina asks him to help her
go off-grid. He’s always had the hots for her but kept his feelings to himself. Eventually, close proximity and
Davina’s playful teasing get to be too much, especially when he finds out his lust is reciprocated. But when Agatha zeroes in on their whereabouts, his resolve to keep his emotional distance dissolves and he discovers he’ll do anything to protect Davina.

Even marry her.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you. 

My day job is at Starbucks. I’ve been making mochas and such for going on six years now.
I have a great time and adore the fantastic benefits, even as a part-timer—full medical,
dental, and vision for my whole family. If you know what medical insurance costs on your
own, you know how fantastic this is. It doesn’t hurt that I love coffee, too, because I get a
free pound a week.

When you’re not writing, which authors are on your “go to” list?

Oh, there are so many. I adore fantasy writer, Patrick Rothfuss, but he only produces one
book every 3-4 years. Ariana Franklin is a fave. She writes an historical mystery series
about a medieval forensic pathologist. I’m currently hooked on the Amish thriller writer,
Linda Castillo. In romance, I love Rachel Gibson and Elizabeth Hoyt. I run hot and cold
on Nora and Julia Quinn.

If a movie was made based on your story, who would you cast as the hero and heroine?

Hmm. I really can’t see them ever making a movie from Just Winging It, but in a perfect
world I’d cast Kristin Chenowith as Davina. The woman owns the part of Glenda and
good witch is a little like a wish fairy… And for Laszlo? Call me crazy, but Vin Diesel
maybe. He’s got the sexy bald thing totally going. Or Robert Downey, Jr., but I’d have
to see him bald first. Not sure he can pull that off.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Readers can find me at either of my blogs. My steamy erotic romance blog/website or
my Writing for Woman’s World blog. The latter is a place where writers who want to
sell to Woman’s World magazine can find support and advice.

http://womansworldstyle.blogspot.com/

http://kate-willoughby.blogspot.com/

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete,
musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

Hm. The pragmatist in me wants to choose a man who possesses survival skills. A hot
bod is all well and good, but in order to enjoy that bod, I have to be, you know, alive.
LOL. So, I might choose that Bear Grylls guy who has that show about how he survives
off the wilderness. On the other hand, the spirit of this question seems to be more about
fantasy, so if we’re tossing realism out the window, I would not kick Gary Sinise,
Gerard Butler, or Michael Chiarello (hey, the man’s handsome, he speaks Italian, and
he can freakin’ cook!) off the island.

One last thing. If your visitors are interested in winning the complete set of Be-Wished
books, they can leave a comment. On December 16, I’ll choose one lucky winner from
all the names I’ve been collecting since the book came out on Black Friday.

Thanks for stopping by, Kate. Good luck to all the commenters!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-26T08:52:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving has passed, and with it, the whirl of prepping for dinner with family and friends and the annual Black Friday shop-til-you-drop tradition. Actually, I have a confession...I never even left the house on Black Friday. I've done quite a bit of shopping online, and the rest, well, it can wait. I had no desire to join with the masses at the mall.I savored the peace and calm that follows Thanksgiving gatherings. This is a wonderful time of year to contemplate memories of holidays past and all those things we're thankful for. Here are a few of the reasons I'm thankful this year:

1. I'm happily married to a wonderful man who's my best friend.
2. I enjoy many friendships with people of diverse talents and interests.
3. My sons are happy and healthy.
4. My critique partners are the best.
5. My books have reached many new readers this year...I've made many new friends as a result.
6. My imagination is never at a loss for new characters and schemes.
7. Thanks to the US military and allied servicemembers around the world, I can sleep securely at night.
8. I'm blessed with a sweet young cat I adopted from the local shelter. I can't imagine a more affectionate pet.
9. I have a well-stocked e-reader with tons of books to be read...what more could a woman ask for?
10. The new Sherlock Holmes movie is due out in three weeks...my wait is almost over!

I could go on and on, but these are a few of the things that make me happy and thankful this holiday season. What are some things that make you thankful? I'd love to know what makes you happy at this wonderful time of year?

I'll be giving out a free copy of Claimed by the Spymaster to one commenter. So please share your thoughts. Winner will be announced on Monday, November 28.

And the Winners Are...

2011-11-10T00:56:00.000-05:00

The lucky winners of Adrienne Giordano's terrific new book, Risking Trust, are Cathy M. and Claudia. Congratulations!!

Welcome Author Adrienne Giordano!

2011-11-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

I an so pleased to welcome Adrienne Giordano today. As one of the co-founders of the Romance University blog, she's promoted romance and the art of writing romance while penning her own marvelous romances. She's here to discuss her Private Protectors series with Carina Press and tell us a little about herself.

Welcome, Adrienne. Please tell us a little about your story.

I'd love to! Here is the book cover blurb:

Roxann Thorgesson's world is out of control. After her father suffers a fatal heart attack, she must take over as publisher of Chicago's second-largest newspaper. Then her ex-boyfriend Michael Taylor, CEO of his own security company, shows up needing a favor. The last thing Roxann needs is Michael around causing trouble—and potential heartbreak—but he's involved in a scandalous story she can't pass up.

Twelve years ago, Michael walked out on Roxann without explanation. Now he needs her help. Michael's estranged wife has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. He offers something no newspaperwoman could refuse: exclusive access to his headline-making murder accusation, in exchange for her help in uncovering the true killer. When their investigation leads them to a city hall conspiracy, both their lives and their newly reignited flame could be permanently extinguished…

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

I'm working on book 4 (no title yet) in the Private Protectors series. This will be Billy Tripp's book. Billy is the wisecracking secondary character from Man Law and A Just Deception. Let's just say Billy needs to learn to "filter" in this book!

I'm also about to start a novella that will be in the Carina anniversary edition next summer. The heroine in the novella will be Janet, the woman the Taylor Security guys depend on to get them data they need. She's an awesome hacker! I'm excited to be able to give Janet a story of her own. The poor woman is surrounded by chest-bumping alpha males day after day and she deals with them beautifully. She deserves her own story.

What makes a book a keeper?

For me, a book that lands on my keeper shelf is one where I become completely engaged. I love books written in deep POV because it lets me almost feel what the characters are feeling. I also love a lot of subtle tension in books. Throw in a little romance and I'm in heaven!

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Carrot cake. Definitely. I love sweets! My butt can attest to that.

When you’re not writing, which authors are on your “go to” list?

I have a lot of authors I like, but when I'm in the mood for something I know will be a great read I go to Harlan Coben and Suzanne Brockmann. I'm also a big Kristan Higgins fan.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website address is www.AdrienneGiordano.com. I have excerpts out there as well as some fun stuff like character interviews and copies of my character trading cards.

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

I'm a beach person, so give me a nice bottle of wine and a good sunset and I'm a happy camper. We go to Sanibel Island every year where I get to see some amazing sunsets. Sometimes we'll just get a pizza and sit on the beach to watch. It's simple, but I love it.

Adrienne Giordano writes romantic suspense and women's fiction. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her work-a-holic husband, sports obsessed son and Buddy the Wheaten Terrorist (Terrier). She is a co-founder of Romance University blog. For more information on Adrienne's Private Protectors series please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com. Adrienne can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AdrienneGiordanoAuthor and Twitter at http://twitter.com/AdriennGiordano.

Adrienne's books available at:

Carina Press

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Thanks so much, Adrienne! It's been a pleasure :)

Adrienne is offering one lucky commenter a free e-book of her new release, Risking Trust. Winner will be announced on Friday, November 11. Good luck!

And the Winner Is...

2011-11-07T23:35:00.002-05:00

The winner of an e-book of Claimed by the Spymaster is Harlie Reader. Congratulations!

Hey Hero, What's Your Sign?

2011-11-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

I have a confession to make...yep, I'm one of those people. You know the kind I'm talking about...the kind of person who finagles your birthday out of you, all the while calculating whether you're an Aquarius or a Taurus or a Leo and assessing just how correct their best guess for your sign was before they knew for sure. Yes, that's me. The truth is, I find astrology fascinating. Not that I structure my day based on the lines printed in the daily horoscope column in the newspaper. Sun sign horoscopes are far too general to be of any use. Think about it - as of October 31, 2011, the world had approximately 7 billion people. This means that approximately 500 million people share each sign, and I highly doubt all 500 million of us will meet an old friend or rekindle a long-lost passion on the same day. However, I do find the personality characteristics associated with the sun signs to be right on the money most of the time. Coincidence? Possibly, but in my experience, I've often been able to guess a recent acquaintance's sun sign based on his or her personality. I know I fit my Scorpio profile to the proverbial T, and my husband is the epitome of the optimistic, outdoor-oriented, athletic Sagittarius male.

All of the signs have positive and negative characteristics. For example, Scorpio is reputed to be a highly sensual sign, which would make a great deal of sense for a romance author. I suspect that many romance authors have some Scorpio in their astrological chart. Scorpios are also known for being passionate, determined, driven to achieve, and deeply loyal and possessive in love. We're also known to be a bit secretive (romantic suspense, anyone?) Scorpios are capable of achieving great heights or plummeting to the depths of despair. We're also blunt-spoken (think about Vice President Joe Biden...no silver-tongued devil there), and tend to love being in control. As far as negative Scorpio characteristics, Scorpios tend to be jealous, sarcastic (is that truly a negative...to me, sarcasm is a second language), and may be compulsive or obsessive. Female Scorpio celebrities include Hilary Clinton, Demi Moore, Vivien Leigh, and Julia Roberts...no shrinking violets here! Famous Scorpio men include Leonardo DiCaprio and Gerard Butler...these are not men I'd think of for a comedy of manners. On the other hand, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are both Virgos, a sign known for meticulous attention to detail, order, and intellectual characteristics. Can you imagine any other actors being so well suited to the roles they played in Bridget Jones' Diary or the roles they've fit so perfectly in Jane Austen adaptions, especially Colin Firth's classic portrayal of Mr. Darcy? Somehow, I can't picture Robert Downey, Jr. or Russell Crowe (both are Aries whom I adore!) as Mark Darcy, even though they are both phenomenal actors.

I must confess that I consider a character's "sign" when I'm plotting a story. For my most recent Ellora's Cave release, Claimed by the Spymaster, I envisioned my hero, Alec, a spy for the Crown, as an Aries. Aries men tend to be arrogant, independent, possessive, passionate, and impulsive, with a taste for adventure. Unlike a methodical Virgo, who'd plot all the logistics before springing into action, my Aries hero decides on the spot that abducting a traitor's intended will provide the advantage he needs to lure the man into his trap. He's courageous and bold, a perfect match for my Scorpio heroine, Valentina. Valentina meets Alec's challenges and passion and in the process, claims the bold spy's love. On the other hand, Jason Kane, the privateer hero of Claimed by the Captain, was conceived as a Scorpio while the heroine, Cathy, is a gentle, romantic Pisces. Cathy's compassion and intuitive nature allow her to see the captain's true nature even through Kane's drive for vengeance and destroy the bitter shell Kane has erected around his heart.

I'd love to "hear" your thoughts on astrology and characters in romance. Hope you'll leave a comment...one lucky commenter will win a free e-book of Claimed by the Spymaster. Winner will be announced Friday, November 4.

Annabelle Weston's Winner - Anna!

2011-10-31T23:51:00.002-04:00

Anna, you're the winner of Annabelle's contest. Email her at writer@elizaknight.com and she'll send you your prize. :) Congratulations!

Welcome Author Annabelle Weston

2011-10-25T00:46:00.000-04:00

I'm delighted to welcome my dear friend and fellow Ellora's Cave author, Annabelle Weston today. Annabelle's delicious new book, Wicked Women, just released. Wow, talk about steamy! Annabelle's here to share some tips to help our love lives sizzle and give one lucky commenter a chance to win a copy of the ebook. Welcome, Annabelle!

Tara, thanks so much for hosting me today and my debut Ellora’s Cave release, WICKED WOMAN!
My heroine O’Dell is a wicked woman… Partly because she has to be survive, but also because she just loves to stir up trouble—and loves to be sexy! Today I thought I’d post the ten things you can do to be a wicked, sexy woman…

· * Be bold… Don’t be afraid to approach your man with total confidence. Tell him what you want… (Remember, being confident does not mean being arrogant.)

· * Show off your assets to their best advantage (push up bras often do the same for our décolletage that a corset used to do.)

· * Learn how to play poker—and play it well.

· * Flirt outrageously.

· * Wear matching, lacy, sexy, lingerie or panties (or be totally bold and wear no panties at all!)

· * Smile often—it is more inviting. A wicked smile also offers sensual promise.

· * Work out, dance, ride a horse. It will make you more confident and will make you feel sexier. The more confidence and sex appeal you ooze the more likely your man will be to find you irresistible.

· * Act like a lady, and demand that you are treated like a lady. Showing that you respect yourself is a turn on for a man.

· * Enjoy sex, shout it out, be bold and daring in the bedroom. Make sure your man knows how much you want him, and how much he makes you feel like a lady.

· * Know just how to pleasure a man… (I have a friend who suggest *winks* BJ Thursdays).

Tell me some things that you do to be a sexy, and you’ll be entered to win an ebook copy of WICKED WOMAN! (Drawing tomorrow.)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
There are some things a man can’t walk away from. Nathan Bender is on a quest for vengeance. What he finds is sexy saloon-dolly O’Dell Murphy. She holds the information he needs—and becomes a temptation he can’t resist.

O’Dell longs for a respectable life outside the saloon. When the man Nathan is searching for steals O’Dell’s savings, she has no choice but to go after him.

Torn between passion and revenge, Nathan reluctantly accompanies O’Dell through the Sonoran Desert. There are some things a man can’t walk away from—and Nathan is finding it’s not revenge that binds him. It’s O’Dell, and the wicked, sinful pleasure she provides.

Reader Advisory: This book contains violence and a brief depiction of rape.

An Excerpt From: WICKED WOMAN

Nathan’s gaze shifted to a strawberry-maned dolly who’d sidled up next to him, dressed in dark-red silk with black lace that showed off her handsome figure. A black feather swayed in her curls. She’d painted her lips and eyes and had a fair amount of red powder dabbed on her cheeks.

She was a damn fine-looking woman—hell, his cock did a little twitch in his britches—but he was in no mood for company.

The barkeep set one of the shot glasses in front of him and poured out a full glass.

“Make that two,” Nathan said, reevaluating the situation. Maybe this dolly knew something about three men passing through and talking big.

“Say thanks.” She winked at him with amber-colored eyes. When she’d been served, she lifted her glass. “Here’s to a long and dusty trail.”

Nathan lifted his whiskey and she clinked glasses as if this were some kind of celebration.
He threw back the entire glass and relished the burn in his throat all the way down to his innards.

“Alvin, bring over the bottle,” she said, her voice as smooth as silk sheets. “This hombre looks thirsty.”

The barkeep set a half-full bottle on the bar. She poured Nathan a second glass, her soft fingers brushing against his as she handed it to him. Just that single touch sent lightning to boil his blood. He gritted his teeth against the desire even the briefest of contact could create. What was with him? The woman’s hand touched his and he wanted to toss her on top the bar and make her entire body shake and shiver again and again. He shook his head. He was here for a drink, nothing more.

“My name is O’Dell.” She turned her bare shoulder in his direction, a move calculated to entice a man.

“Nathan.”

Her eyes sparkled as she licked a drop of whiskey off her bottom lip. His eyes narrowed in on the pink tongue, imagining what else that tongue could do.

Goddamn, man. Your family’s been annihilated and all you can do is think of sex. Guilt was usually just the thing to tamp down a man’s desire but not with this woman… There was something about her. He felt she could take all his pain away with her touch. And that tongue…

He had to turn away before he licked her lip too.

“You got a last name?” She trailed a hand along his arm and nipped at his ear.

He swallowed hard as a shiver raced along his flesh. “Nathan Bender.”

She leaned her back against the bar and rested both elbows on it, giving Nathan a better view of her wares. His breath hitched up a notch. Large pink breasts showed from the tight bodice of her bawdy gown and pushed beyond the limits of propriety. Without too much effort, he could make out the rosy rims of her nipples.

She was taller than the average woman and appeared to be twenty-five or six. He could be wrong. Saloon life aged a woman and this dolly had some wear on her. No amount of paint could cover the creases in the corners of her eyes or the lines around her lips.

But age didn’t appear to have dampened her spirit—nor did it detract from her appeal.

She pressed her soft breasts against his arm, her eyes begging for him to stroke her. Without thinking, he palmed her breast, his thumb sliding over her turgid nipple. Her smile was infectious, her eyes darkened with desire, but he pulled his hand away, turned his attention to his drink, hating how he could be so easily tempted.

His gaze wandered back to take a second look. How long had it been since he’d slid between the sheets with a woman? Too long. He imagined this fiery redhead lifting her skirts for him, turning over a barstool and raising her plump creamy bottom up in the air so he could take her from behind. He almost groaned aloud.

Her glossy, vibrant hair bespoke of the fire in her spirit, and the wicked glint in her amber eyes spoke of fire in the bedroom too. Her luscious curves didn’t help matters. He couldn’t stop staring at her, wondering how her ass would feel as he gripped it in his hands.

And from the way she was gazing at him, she knew every little detail he was thinking. She captivated him. She had just what a man needed—if he didn’t have more important considerations to attend to, which he did.

That flame-gold hair captured his imagination—his hands running through it, tugging her head to the side so he could sample the flavor of her neck. He stifled the urges most men were a slave to, picked up his glass and threw the molten lava down. He swallowed and wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand.

She wiggled against him. “I haven’t seen you in the Lonesome before, Nathan Bender.”

“I’m not from around here,” he finally said, noting his voice sounded gravelly. His cock strained the fabric of his britches. Hell, he needed to get control of himself. He was acting like a farm boy with his first dairy maid.

She nodded, sliding her hands along his chest and down over his stomach. “You look like you’ve been on the trail a while.”

“Just got in from driving a herd to Abilene.”

“Is that so?” She moved her hands lower, resting them on his thighs before boldly sliding up to grip his erection, stroking his length through the fabric of his pants. “Will you be wanting a room, then? You and me can have a little fun—actually, a lot of fun from the size of things.”

Nathan’s eyes closed for a brief second as she stroked him into oblivion. He wanted to say yes, if only to lose himself for a moment, to forget the past twenty-four hours. He leaned forward, the space of a breath between their lips. She closed the distance, her mouth, tangy with whiskey, settling on his. Her tongue flicked out teasingly at the corners of his lips, her hand still rigorously stroking his cock.
He placed his hands on her hips. She didn’t resist as he tugged her closer. When he tried to kiss her, she turned her head. He settled instead for the sweet spot behind her ear. Slid his tongue to her shoulder and then to the creamy mounds of her breasts.

She moaned and replaced her hands with the junction of her thighs—the heat of which he could feel through both of their clothes. Her hands rested on his shoulder, encouraging him further. He nipped at the fleshy tops of her breasts and then tugged her gown just a fraction of an inch and was rewarded with a sweet pink nipple in his mouth.

Cheers went up around the saloon, pulling Nathan back to the present. What was he doing? Was he going to screw the pain away? Would rutting this saloon wench in front of a crowd help him find his brother’s killer? The answer was no.

He pulled away, leaving O’Dell watching him, and his cock throbbing to plant itself deep inside her.
He turned back to the whiskey. The drink didn’t expect shit from him—it just had to be drunk.
Nothing against her, but grief had left him a cold bastard and a woman’s touch had lost its appeal. Surprisingly, the woman didn’t leave. He wouldn’t have been surprised to see her move on to some other bastard willing to pay for a fuck but she didn’t. Instead, concern flickered in her eyes.
He grabbed the bottle and poured himself another drink. “I’m looking for someone.”

“Perhaps I can help.”

Nathan clutched the glass. “Perhaps you can.”

PURCHASE LINK

Welcome Author Berengaria Brown!

2011-10-21T00:11:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to welcome Berengaria Brown today. Berengaria's here to discuss her latest release, the very steamy Cocksure. Welcome, Berengaria!

Please tell us a little about your story, Cocksure.

Lloyd is a loner. He doesn’t believe he’ll ever find a partner he can love. So he spends his evenings drinking in gay bars, either getting drunk or going off with a stranger. But then he meets KC and his world changes.

KC’s not about to let Lloyd harden his heart to the possibilities between them. KC knows Lloyd’s the man for him and he’ll use whatever hot, dirty and sexy persuading he has to in order win his man over. http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cocksure-608368-145.html

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

I have a new series coming from Siren BookStrand that I’m very excited about. It’s set at the Mayan end-of-the-world in a community that survives. All the stories are ménages. The series is called “Raw Claiming” and the first of the three books, “Raw Craving” is out now. “Raw Need” and “Raw Want” will be out before the end f the year.

http://www.bookstrand.com/raw-craving

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Chocolate.

What are you working on now?

I have an idea for a very different sort of shifter series that’s wandering about in my head. I’m waiting for the characters to tell me what to do about it.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?

James Bond of course. He would be the perfect person to save us both, and yet we’d have a wonderful time until we were rescued.

Welcome Author Sandra Sookoo!

2011-10-17T00:39:00.000-04:00

I'm so pleased to have Sandra Sookoo here today. Sandra is a terrific author who writes stories that really steam up the page. She's here to tell us about here upcoming release, Courtesans and Thieves, share some interesting details about herself, and offer one lucky commenter a PDF of her Halloween story, Hunter's Moon Magic. She's also going to share an excerpt.

Now, here's Sandra!

Hi Sandra, Please tell us a little about your story:

The title of my story is Courtesans and Thieves. It’s an historical romp complete with a pumpkin patch and a jewel thief. It releases from Liquid Silver Books on October 31^st. Here’s the blurb:

Audrey Harper wants nothing more than to experience life before she consigns herself to taking care of everyone else in her family. A Halloween masquerade fits the bill. As a French courtesan she intends to lure an unsuspecting man into her bed, find a few moments of bliss and leave before the clock strikes midnight.

Justin Redding’s life as a junior accountant is as far from exciting as he can get. As a result, he supplements his income and thirst for adventure by stealing jewelry from the area’s wealthy upper crust. He’s admired Audrey from afar and convincing her father that he’s good enough is uppermost in his mind. Disguising himself as a masked avenger is the only way to win her heart.

What happens next is a heady jaunt through a crowded 1880s ballroom, a shadowy pumpkin patch and perfumed sheets. But unraveling lies and secret identities might trap the pair in a sticky web, dissolving the moonlit love affair before love’s bloom can take root.

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
Currently, I’m in the beginning stages of a new sci-fi romance. I’m excited about this book because my husband had a hand in helping with the major plot points. If he had his way, he’d ditch the romance, but I can’t do that. I enjoy the romance aspect of all sorts of stories.

As for releases on the horizon? Well, I have two reworked fairy tales coming out in the next two months, also with Liquid Silver Books as well as a sexy short for Christmas. Stay tuned!

What makes a book a keeper?

For me, it’s when the author has really resonated with a reader and driven home the emotions of the key players. If a reader feels for the characters, truly roots them on and the plot is exciting and intense, that’s what drives me to keep a book.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Hmm, let’s see… my guilty pleasure would have to be watching America’s Next Top Model.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Closer to Disney World! From where I live now, it’s an 18 hour drive (my husband isn’t a very good flyer so we have to drive) I’d like to eventually live in northern Florida, close enough to my happy place yet not actually in Orlando and surrounding cities to make it annoying.

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

Just spending time with my hubby. He works such long and crazy hours, we sometimes don’t have enough time to connect. Anytime he’s home and we’re both not busy, that’s a good day in my book.

Thanks for having me on your blog! If you’re interested in my other books or would like to stay current on contests, reviews or other news, you can find me at the following links:

Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Believing is Seeing blog: http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

Giveaway: I’m offering a PDF copy of Hunter’s Moon Magic (my Halloween-themed story from last year) to one lucky commentor.

Here's an excerpt of Courtesans and Thieves:

1880 Noblesville, Indiana

“I am not a child!” Audrey Harper resisted the urge to stomp her foot as, once again, her father ushered her from his office and closed the door behind him, leaving her in a smaller, outer reception area, staring at his door. A soft snicker filled the air and a heated blush crept into her cheeks. Justin Redding, her father’s junior partner in the bookkeeping business, was undoubtedly watching every moment of her humiliation.

Well, he could choke on his own tongue for all she cared. She wouldn’t give him the time of day let alone the satisfaction that she heard him. There was one thing she wanted in the world and it did not involve him.

In spite of her resolve, she cast a glance over her shoulder and gave him the tiniest eyebrow arch, daring him to say more. A conservative, brown-tweed suit fit his lean frame to perfection with the collar of his linen shirt so starched she was surprised he could move his neck at all. When he caught sight of her gaze, he stood, and the strong morning sunshine winked off the links of a silver watch fob on his waist coat. An expensive trinket on an accountant’s salary. She tore her focus from the accessory to his face.

“Did you need something further, Miss Harper?” His voice, deep and smooth as her father’s imported brandy, flowed over her and was just as warming. A mocking grin lifted the corners of his lips and one of his eyebrows quirked in query. “I believe your father has asked you to go along home.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m aware of what he asked, thank you, Mr. Redding. The last time I checked, I wasn’t deaf, nor am I dumb. I can decipher commands, especially if they come from my parent.”

Justin chuckled and the rich notes tickled places deep inside she’d rather not give life to--at least not here. Maybe in the privacy of her room. He’d ignored her awkward teenaged advances when she’d been a stupid girl of eighteen and him a young man of twenty-three. Granted, he probably didn’t remember her as that shy, slightly overweight, freckled girl. She kept close to the house much of those years, especially following after her brother’s death. Now, Justin didn’t deserve a response to his casual flirting--yet he never missed an opportunity and she always looked forward to his attempts.

“Well-spoken as always. No wonder your father is about to tear his hair out keeping you in line.” Slowly, as if he prowled the outer office like a panther, he came around the polished, cherry wood desk.

“I don’t need any man to keep me in line, thank you.” Swallowing hard, she turned around, her hands behind her back and resting on the cool metal of the doorknob.

“Be that as it may, isn’t your father planning to match you with an unwilling victim, I mean beau, at the Halloween party this evening?”

“How can you know that?” Even though it was true, she held his limpid brown gaze and dared him to contradict her.

“Your father becomes chatty during lunch.” Justin’s grin flashed even white teeth. “He also invited me to the bash should I wish to attend.” Another few strides brought him close enough that she felt the heat rolling from his body.

“Will you come?” Her voice sounded breathless to her ears and she wondered how she came across to him. Did she appear a desperate twenty-seven-year old woman, on the edge of a trapped life yet wanting so much more?

“I haven’t decided, but I am considering it.” He edged another foot forward until his knee bumped hers, so close the tiny gold flecks in his eyes danced in amusement at her. “I don’t have a costume.”

“Ah, that is a problem.” Her heart thumped against her ribs, trying to escape, beating out a warning, yet even as it did, gooseflesh rose on her arms. Her chest clenched and tiny pulses of pleasure curled in her belly to be in such proximity to him. The doorknob slipped under her suddenly sweaty palms.

“Indeed.” A tiny trace of a Southern drawl clung to his words, but he didn’t possess the consummate charm of a gentleman. He was a rogue to the core.

Another step brought him so intimately close a mere inch of space separated their bodies. Audrey couldn’t breathe. It felt as if the confining corset would snap her in half. She greedily swept her gaze along the strong cut of his jaw, the rugged face that spoke of hard work and secrets, the dark, sloping brows. His raven black was kept short and held rigidly in place by slick pomade. As a rule, she didn’t care for beauty products on men. Why couldn’t they embrace their masculinity and be confident in it? A thought niggled its way into her brain that he’d be much more handsome if that hair were allowed to meander over his head in gentle waves, free so she could run her fingers through it.

Stop dreaming, Audrey. He works for your father and is no good besides.

“Do you want to know what I think, Miss Harper?” His warm exhalation caressed her lips like heated silk, recalling her attention to the conversation.

“I’m not sure.” The common sense part of her mind urged her to slap his face for his intrusion, but the part of her that begged for adventure compelled her to hold her ground.

His grin was slow and sensual, and very much that of a jungle cat on the hunt. “You don’t need a man to keep you in line. You need a man to be your equal, one who will give you as much as you’ll take and demand you give just as much.” His eyes darkened to the hue of black coffee. “You need a man who will satisfy your every desire, even those locked away in your heart of hearts--the ones you never tell a living soul.”

“What makes you think I have hidden desires?” It was all she could do not to throw her arms around his neck.

Ooh, Sandra, I can't wait to read this story...steamy from the first page!

Starbucks Card Winner...drumroll please...Robin!

2011-10-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

Robin is the winner of my September contest...please email me at tarakingstonromance@gmail.com so I can send you your $10 Starbucks gift card. Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment!

Playing Genre Roulette: Guest Author Nina Pierce

2011-09-26T21:57:00.001-04:00

Welcome, Nina. I'm so glad to have you as a guest today. I'm a multiple genre writer, too...I've written historical, contemporary, and I'm busily tapping out a Victorian Steampunk. Glad I'm not the only one with multiple personalities :)

I’m an eclectic reader. I bounce all over the place from historical to futuristic, urban fantasies to medical thrillers. So doesn’t it follow that when I made the decision to become a writer that I wouldn’t hem myself into one time period or genre? My muse is just as happy in deep space as she is playing in a BDSM dungeon. She’s taken me from the future to present day and back again.

There are some writers/publishing houses that want an author to brand themselves so reader’s expectations are met every time they pick up a title by that author. I know some writer’s with multiple pen names (as in more than two) so they can keep their genres separated for their readers. Been there, done that, have the schizophrenia to prove it. Let’s just say for me, it didn’t work. LOL!

People who buy my books know they’re going to be sexy and hot and there will be a happy ending. But the characters could be vampires or shifters, living in space or an alternate future. Their sexual romps might be on a fantasy island in the tropics or right on their kitchen counter.

Readers know what they like. All of my books aren’t right for all of my readers. No problem. I don’t disguise my paranormal works to look like science fiction (though I have been known to mash several genres together). Each of my books is clearly described in the back cover blurb. In other words, I don’t need different pen names to differentiate my genres, I believe readers are savvy buyers.

What about you? Do you like to know what you’re picking up when you choose a book by the author or are you okay knowing he or she may take you to a new and unexpected place?

My most recent release, Deceive Her With Desire, the second book in the Tilling Passions series is a sexy contemporary romantic suspense. It involves a feisty landscaper, a DEA agent seeking redemption and a drug czar looking to kill them both.

BLURB:

A woman determined to protect her heart…

Landscaping in Delmont, Maine hasn’t been DEIRDRE TILLING’s only passion. Up until two months ago, it had included a live-in lover. Jilted for the third time in as many years, Deirdre’s decided to give up on love. With her feet firmly planted on the path of one night stands, she finds herself heating up the sheets with a dark haired stranger she met at her new employer’s party. But one night with the man who is both sexy as hell and compassionate, may not be enough.

An agent hell bent on proving himself…

DEA agent, AYDEN SCOTT, has a lot to prove after a disastrous drug bust in Miami three years earlier that left a member of his team dead. Working undercover as lead investigator, he’s determined to bring down an elusive drug cartel smuggling heroin into central Maine. He’ll use any means necessary to complete his objective, including sleeping with the suspected drug Lord’s landscaper, Deirdre. He just hadn’t expected the feisty redhead to be so much more than long legs and dangerous curves.

One night neither of them can forget…

Deirdre and Ayden both thought one sexually explosive romp in the sack would be the end of their relationship. But Deirdre’s arrest for heroin possession and her father’s near-fatal heart attack prompts Ayden to confess his true identity. When Deirdre is kidnapped by the drug cartel and used as a pawn, Ayden is forced to choose between his heart and his mission. The question is…who will survive his decision?

EXCERPT:

As fast as Jameson’s lawyer had gotten her out if the interrogation room, it had taken nearly an hour for the Cutler police to process her. She’d second-guessed her decision not to go with Jameson countless times while the wheels of justice rolled at a snail’s pace. She wasn’t naïve enough to think that Jameson hadn’t somehow managed to throw a wrench into her release.

Unwilling to wait for a ride at the police station, Deirdre had walked out the front door, called the only cab in town on her cell phone and come straight to the condo.

Now Austin stood in his kitchen, fixing her dinner and offering her help she didn’t deserve.

“Deirdre, here, drink this while I finish up the spaghetti. You’re still shaking.” Austin leaned over the bar and handed her the glass of scotch he’d just poured.

She attempted to smile, but her mouth, like every other muscle in her body, only trembled. Deirdre sat on the stool at the bar of the kitchen, sipping the scotch, hoping the liquid warming its way to her belly would take away the cold fear and confusion. Despite the heavy wool sweater Austin had pulled over her head, Deirdre was chilled straight to her core. She knew it had nothing to do with the night air.

“What did Mark have to say when you called him?” Austin asked. He stood at the stove absently sipping his drink and occasionally stirring the two pots.

“He thought it could’ve been one of the kids as well. It’s the only thing that makes any sense in this whole mess. I dump the refuse from my jobs at the school, and they use it as mulch on their farm project. Most of the time I leave the one-ton right there on school grounds.”

Deirdre shrugged before continuing. “They could’ve planned to pick up the drugs tonight while the truck was parked. Everyone knows I don’t bother to lock the equipment. There’s never been a reason.” She sipped absently at the scotch.

“With all the places that truck’s been and the number of people having access to it, it was no wonder Jameson’s lawyer kept them from arresting you. Anyone could get you off with the holes in that evidence. So what, the drugs were in your truck. There’s no way to prove they were yours.” Austin shrugged.

“At the moment my guilt or innocence doesn’t matter. Mark’s pulled the kids from the job. They won’t be going back to the Jameson estate. He’s figuring, with the arrest, we’ll likely lose the job anyway. I hadn’t thought that far ahead, but he’s probably right.” Deirdre thought about all the things she’d intended to do with the extra money. She knew better than to make plans. It only caused heartache.

Deirdre looked at Austin. “It’ll be for the best,” she said. “But it makes me feel like shit. I suppose I should call Shawn before I go traipsing up there tomorrow.” Tipping her head back, Deirdre downed the scotch. She knew it wasn’t the answer, but the numbing wash of alcohol would be a welcome relief from the overwhelming sense of doom beginning to envelope her.

“And to top it off, I’m bringing all this here to you.” Heat crawled up her cheeks. “After the way I treated you Saturday, I’m surprised you didn’t slam the door in my face.”

He turned to look at her, leaning against the counter. “Not in my nature to turn away a woman in need.”

“Even after she treats you like crap?”

“I’m a grown man, Deirdre. I knew the score that night when I brought you here.”

“But leaving the way I did was cowardly.” She toyed with the glass. “Would you believe me if I told you if I could do it all over again I’d do things differently?”

BUY Link for KINDLE Lovers: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057XV0F4

BUY Link for NOOK Lovers: http://tinyurl.com/6a8fqvy

All other formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68862

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Award-winning erotic romance author, Nina Pierce, grew up in a house full of readers. So becoming enamored with books was only natural. She discovered romance stories in her early teens, falling hopelessly in love with knights in shining armor and the damsels who saved them.

Eventually, reading about alpha males and the journey to find their happy-ever-after endings wasn’t enough. She needed to pen her own stories of fated loves and soul mates. Nina’s discovered the passionate side of romance with her sexy stories. For her, it’s all about the sweet scent of seduction mixed with the heartwarming aroma of romance.

Nina resides in the northeast with her high school sweetheart and soul mate of twenty-seven years, their three grown children and several very spoiled cats who consider her “staff”.

You can keep up with her releases at her website (http://www.NinaPierce.com) or follow her on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NinaPierce) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/author.nina.pierce)

"Claimed by the Spymaster" Winner...

2011-09-26T21:40:00.001-04:00

Drumroll please...the winner of "Claimed by the Spymaster" is Maria. Please contact me with your email so you may receive your copy. You can email me at tarakingstonromance@gmail.com .

Winner of Kelly Jamieson's Giveaway!

2011-09-26T21:35:00.002-04:00

And the winner is...drumroll please...Kim B. Congratulations!

Guest Author Kelly Jamieson

2011-09-22T20:47:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to welcome author Kelly Jamieson today. Her newest release, Faceoff, is part of the Oh, Canada! series. Please tell us a little about your story.

Here’s the blurb for Faceoff, which is my latest release from Ellora’s Cave. It was written for their Oh, Canada! theme series, so it’s set in my home city (in Canada!) and features a hot hockey player hero (because what’s more Canadian than hockey, right?)

Kyla has tried so hard to be one of the boys. She was always like a little sister to Tag. One summer, things changed from sibling teasing to blazing sexual tension. When they're reunited for a two-family reunion, the desire and lust are still there, simmering below the surface.

Tag is a pro hockey player who is cynical about women. He knows they're only interested in him because of who he is. Kyla is an attorney who's still trying to be “one of the boys” at her law firm. They're both adults and neither of them is looking for a relationship. A hot summer week at the lake. Need. Attraction. There's no reason they shouldn't explore each other.

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
I am *that* close to finishing an 80,000 word manuscript. This is an Important Accomplishment because I went through a rough time earlier this year where I was really blocked in my writing. I’m usually pretty prolific, but this is the first manuscript I’ve finished since the end of March. For me that’s pretty sad, LOL! I’m so happy the words are flowing again. It’s an erotic romance, a M/M/F ménage story. Whether it’s any good I have no idea, but I’m just relieved that I’ve written it! I have two more erotic romances coming out in October and February, also M/M/F ménage stories, and a contemporary romance coming out in the spring.

What makes a book a keeper?

Well, this is just my opinion, but what makes a book a keeper for me is a really satisfying ending. We writers get all focused on the opening of a book, the “hook” that will interest readers (which means agents/editors, even before anyone else actually gets to read it). I myself have rewritten opening lines, opening paragraphs and first chapters countless times to get it just right. And sure, that’s important. If a reader isn’t interested enough to keep reading, they’ll never get to the ending. But when I finish reading a book, it isn’t the opening I remember—it’s the ending.

Now that’s not as simple as it sounds. Because the ending ties everything in the book together. A lot of it is about character—the character arc, how the characters grow and change. It’s about plot, and turning points and epiphanies. It has to make sense. In a romance, we all know the hero and heroine are going to end up together, but the obstacles they overcome during the story have to be real and substantial, and the struggle has to be hard, and the happily ever after (or “hopefully ever after”, as some of my books have!) has to feel well-earned and...satisfying.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Suntanning. I know it’s so bad for your skin, but it feels so good! I love the warmth seeping into my body, relaxing me. I love the smell of the sun. I look so much better with a little colour in my skin (I’m a fair-skinned, somewhat freckled redhead but I actually tan a little). I tell myself it helps your body produce Vitamin D. Summer is so short here, we need to enjoy it! Also when I’m lying in the sun I’m usually doing one of my other favourite things which is reading a book. Sometimes drinking wine. But it’s just the sun worship I feel guilty about.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
Well I always wonder what readers think of erotic romance authors. I’m so ordinary—I have a responsible day job with staff who report to me, a husband, two kids, a dog, a house that is often messy and a car that’s often low on gas. I never set out to write the kind of things I do now, but find I’m actually pretty good at it— although sometimes I make myself blush, LOL. That might surprise readers.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to live in Santa Barbara, California. I’ve spent a lot of time there, my husband went to school there and we love to go back and visit. I love the physical beauty of it, the way it sits right between mountains and ocean, the palm trees and flowers, the Spanish design of all the architecture that makes it seem so Mediterranean. It’s a big enough city that there’s shopping and restaurants (I am a city girl, LOL) but small enough to easily get around. I love the nearby wineries and ranches, the beaches, and most of all the sunshine. It’s also a very expensive place to live which is why it’s only just a dream. To compensate for that, I set a lot of my books in California.

Where you can find Kelly:

Kelly’s Yahoo Newsletter group

Nine Naughty Novelists

Leave a comment for a chance to win a download of Faceoff. One lucky commenter will be chosen at random to win. Check back on Monday for the winner.

Thanks so much for being my guest today, Kelly. Can't wait to get my hands on your book :)

Guest Author J.S. Nichols...and a Great Give-away!

2011-09-21T00:19:00.000-04:00

I'm so pleased to welcome J.S. Nichols today. She's here to tell us about her new release, Come Back to Me. She's also offering a free pdf of the story and romance trading cards to one lucky commenter. Be sure to check back after Friday for the winner.

Please tell us a little about your story

Come Back To Me is a romantic suspense about a security specialist who boards a ship and discovers a singles cruise is the hunting ground for a human trafficker.

Sailing around the Caribbean to the picturesque island of Ballena Azul sounded like the perfect vacation to Erin Brady. Until her ex showed up.

Ryan McKinnon boarded the cruise with one thought in mind, win back his former fiancée. Then news of a missing woman lands them in the middle of a mystery of disappearances.

Can they overcome their past mistakes and work together to unmask the kidnapper? Or will Erin be the next victim of a human trafficker?

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
My latest work in progress is a lighter story with a little less suspense and little more humor.

A reluctant psychic is haunted by a ghost with ties to a cop on the trail of jewelry thieves.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
My pen name is J.S. Nichols but my legal name is Mary Behre (pronounced Merry Berry). J

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Given my choice, I’d live in the Tidewater (Virginia Beach) area. It’s why all of my stories are either set in Tidewater or have characters from there.

When you’re not writing, which authors are on your “go to” list?

My favorites authors have excellent character development and compelling stories. So here they are in no particular order, Beverly Barton, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Suzanne Brockmann, Lynsay Sands and Lora Leigh.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Readers can find me at http://jsnichols.net or at my new website (currently under construction) http://maryabehre.com

I love hearing from readers, so please stop by and chat with me often! J

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Come-Back-to-Me-ebook/dp/B004YDQ0B2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1304031541&sr=1-2

Guest Author Donna Marie Rogers and Golden Opportunity

2011-09-19T00:53:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to welcome Donna Marie Rogers. She's here to share her new release, Golden Opportunity. Leave a comment for the chance to win a download of her delicious new story.

Donna, Please tell us a little about your story

I've never been to Colorado, but I fell in love with the beautiful Rocky Mountains through my good friend's eyes, and very much wanted to set a story there. I found a gorgeous photo online of Golden, Colorado, did some research, and Golden Opportunity was born...

Golden Opportunity

James McMillan is a third generation owner of the most prosperous horse ranch in Golden, Colorado. When a gorgeous little filly shows up at his door waving what she claims is the deed to half his ranch, James tries to send her packing. But the document is authentic, according to his lawyer: Reese McMillan sold the little opportunist his half of the Double M during a poker game in Atlantic City. So not only must James find a way to buy those shares back, he needs to fight his growing attraction to his luscious new business partner—who turns out to be a lot more than just a pretty face.

Angela Roberts, having been on her own since she was a teenager, has never wanted anything more than the security of a real home. Her dreams come true when the chance to own half of a Colorado horse ranch falls into her lap. If Reese McMillan is too blind to appreciate what he has, that's his loss. Only she hadn't counted on the hostile reception she receives from his brother. Surly as a bear, James McMillan is also much too handsome for her peace of mind. Refusing to be intimidated, Angela sets out to win him over by proving she has what it takes to help him run the ranch—and ends up losing her heart to both.
"Deliciously sweet...with plenty of heat!" ~ Norah Wilson, New Voice In Romance award-winning author

Tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

My main project right now is finishing THAT MAGIC TOUCH, a paranormal romantic suspense I’ve been working on for far too long. My hero, Jack Sutton, is a somewhat bitter ex-con who heads down to central Illinois to look for his mother’s family. He rents an old auto garage with an apartment above, and is stabbed late one night while closing shop. The heroine lives next door with her teenage sister, and both are witches. The heroine heals Jack the night he’s stabbed, though he has no memory of it.
I’ve also recently received the rights back for some of my Liza James titles, which I plan to edit and revise.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I LOVE reality shows and have ever since the very first episode of Survivor aired. Big Brother, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance?, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Dancing With the Stars, The Next Food Network Star…and so many more I can barely remember the names (and some I’ll never admit to watching *grin*). And then there’s anything chocolate…LOL

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I’m a horror movie junkie! Have been since I was a little girl. Some of my best childhood memories were heading to the drive-in with my family to watch the double feature. The second movie was always horror, and my brothers and I would get to lie on the hood of the car to watch. (And now that I’m older I understand why my parents were okay with us blocking their view…LOL) I simply love scary movies. And Halloween! LOVE Halloween…LOL I put up a graveyard scene in my front yard every year, I browse several sites looking for new outdoor Halloween decorations. And one day I hope to write a horror novel. J

When you’re not writing, which authors are on your “go to” list?
One of the perks of writing romance is having lots of author friends. J Stacey Joy Netzel, Meg Hennessy, Edie Ramer, Vanessa Kelly, Carol Ericson, & Kris Kennedy to name a few. Some personal favorites (new and old) are Lori Foster, JR Ward, Lara Adrian, Janet Evanovich, Rebecca Paisley, Linda Howard,

Where can readers find you on the web?

You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DonnaMarieRogers, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DMR_LizaJames, an at my website/blog: www.DonnaMarieRogers.com I would love to hear from all of you, so feel free to drop me a line. J

OH, and for those of you who enjoy small town romance, A FAIR OF THE HEART, the first novella in the Welcome To Redemption series I wrote with my good friend Stacey Joy Netzel, is available for FREE right now at Smashwords, All Romance Ebooks, and Amazon.UK!

If you could wake up stranded on a desert island with one celebrity hunk (actor, athlete, musician, etc.), who would it be? Why?
Love this question. *grin* Gerard Butler. I just think he’s the sexiest man alive…*sigh* Oooh, Donna, you and I might have a battle on our hands...I'd love to be stranded with him, too...Russell Crowe would also do quite nicely. Now, back to Donna : ) I also have a megacrush on Maksim Chmerkovskiy of Dancing With the Stars. Oh, and though he’s not technically a “celebrity”, I love Jeff from Big Brother. He’s sexy, funny, honest, loyal, passionate, with a teensy bit of a temper. I seriously have to base my next hero on him…LOL

Tara, thanks so much for having me, it’s been fun!

I would love to giveaway a download of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY! Just leave a comment, any ol’ comment, and Tara will post the winner. Thanks for stopping by!

Spies...How Do I Love Them....Let Me Count the Ways....

2011-09-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

I have a confession...this blog will not deal with spies who made any impact on the events of nations...nope, these spies weren't even real. My blog this month is a tribute to spies in pop culture. I've always been a fan of spy movies and television shows. Even now, I do a little glee-filled dance each time a disc with old episodes of the Avengers arrives in the mail. I love the characters of Emma Peel and John Steed, and must admit that I am among those in the world who loved the Avengers movie with Uma Thurman and Ralph Fiennes, regardless of the critics' opinions. Intrigue, sophistication, and secrecy...delightful! Perhaps it's because I'm a Scorpio. Perhaps it's because I love the gadgets and cars. Who knows why...I only know that I love spies in pop culture.

Of course, the most well-known pop culture spy is Bond, James Bond. Despite his many incarnations with actors who don't even resemble each other (of course, one could say the same of Batman), one thing stays the same: he's the alpha male's alpha male. Daring, smart, and never in need of a nap, he's virility and daring personified. Many think Sean Connery's portrayal of Ian Fleming's creation is the superlative incarnation, but I think Daniel Craig has made the character his own. Gritty and real, he brings a human quality to the Bond character that I feel Connery lacked. I also liked Roger Moore's twinkle in the eye...a totally different take on the character, but very much in keeping with the irreverence of the seventies.

Emma Peel is my idol. Nearly fifty years after the Avengers first aired, Diana Rigg's portrayal of the sleek agent remains the epitome of a female spy. Witty, sophisticated, and the intellectual superior of the men who were foolish enough to confront her, she set the bar high. Ah, to slink along in a cat suit and disarm men with a well-placed kick...such is the fodder of my dreams. Her partner in espionage, John Steed, was immaculately attired and painstakingly well-mannered, yet he could kill a man with his hat and his umbrella without breaking a sweat. Impressive, indeed!

And then, you have Austin...Austin Powers, that is. Yeah, Baby! This character blends the suave, lady-killer spies of the sixties and seventies into one "hairy-like-animal" creation who's bold, a bit obtuse, and ultimately quite a sympathetic character. As a fan of sixties spy flicks, Mike Myers' homage to slick spies like In Like Flint's Derek Flint, James Bond and Michael Caine's Harry Palmer with a touch of Dr. Strangelove mixed in for good measure was a perfect guilty pleasure. I admit to feeling a surge of excitement each time there's a mention of Austin Powers 4 in the works...oh, if only my dreams would come true...

My new release from Ellora's Cave, Claimed by the Spymaster, was inspired by my longstanding fascination with spies. If I had to say which pop culture spy I had in mind, it would be Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of John Steed. British spy Alec Jameson is sophisticated, cultured, and lethal, and he'll stop at nothing to capture a traitor to Queen Victoria's empire.

Here's a little about the story:

Russian actress Valentina Baranova travels to England to marry, but the arrangement is definitely not a love match. Betrothed to a cunning and ruthless English lord, she’s the sweetener in a deal that will put stolen British documents in Russian hands and curry the Czar’s favor for her father. Determined to escape her loathsome intended, she flees him—and promptly falls into the hands of his most bitter enemy. An enemy who stirs her like no other.

Claimed by the Spymaster is available from Ellora's Cave, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance E-Books, and more.

Your turn: Who are your favorite spies? What about him makes your heart beat a little faster, or makes you feel like you're living her adventures? Comment by 11:59 p.m., just before the stroke of midnight, on Sunday, September 18 and you'll be entered to win a free copy of Claimed by the Spymaster.

More Contest News!

2011-09-03T09:10:00.000-04:00

Check out my Claimed by the Spymaster contest at Coffee Time Romance . As a bonus, if you leave a comment on this blog (even a "Hi Tara!" will be great!), you'll be entered to win a $10 Starbucks gift card.

Contest News!

2011-08-31T00:27:00.001-04:00

It’s time to enter the Seduced by History Blog August contest. Check on each blog during the month, look for a contest question, send in your answers to each question in one email to seducedbyhistoryblog@yahoo.com by or on September 5, 2011. IF A BLOG DOESN'T HAVE A QUESTION, SKIP THAT DAY.

Prizes awarded to one lucky winner include: Victoria Gray’s book "Angel in My Arms", "Spirit of the Mountain" package from Paty Jager, Cynthia Owens’ book "Coming Home", a Kansas basket from Renee Scott, Anna Kathryn Lanier’s ebook “Salvation Bride” and gift basket, “Stringing Beads - Musings of a Romance Writer” by Debra K. Maher, Eliza Knight’s ebooks “A Pirate’s Bounty” and “A Lady’s Charade”, Anne Carrole’s book “Return to Wayback,” a 4 gb jump drive, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and more!

All entries must be received by or on Monday, September 5, 2011 to be eligible for the drawing. Please include you mailing address in email. A winner will be chosen from all those eligible on or about September 6, 2011 and contacted by email. Odds of winning will depend on the number of total number of entries received.

In case you were wondering, Captain Jack Sparrow doesn't have a thing to do with this contest. I really, really like having him around, though. He's always tasteful and always in style ; ) My blog on spies at Seduced by History reveals the inspiration for my hero in Claimed by the Spymaster...that's one of the contest questions. Here's a hint:

So, get those entries in today! So many great prizes...wonderful books and more! Here's the link one more time: www.seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com.

Tara's Top Ten Favorite Spies!

2011-08-21T23:06:00.002-04:00

In celebration of my new Ellora's Cave release, Claimed by the Spymaster, I'm indulging in some spy movies and television shows. I've always loved spies…James Bond is probably the best known spy in pop-culture, but he's certainly not the only one. Here are my top thirteen pop-culture spies.

1. James Bond – Daniel Craig's film portrayal is my favorite, but Roger Moore's sense of humor was fantastic. Of course, we can't forget James Bond was a literary character before he was a movie star.
2. Austin Powers – Yeah, Baby!
3. Emma Peel – The slick English spy was a female trendsetter.
4. John Steed – Mrs. Peel, we're needed. Love the classic car and funky bowler hat.
5. Jason Bourne – a great literary and cinematic character.
6. Derek Flint – A classic 60's spy…clearly an inspiration for Austin Powers.
7. Ethan Hunt – The Mission Impossible spy is daring and hot.
8. Simon Templar – Before Roger Moore was James Bond, he was the Saint.
9. Maxwell Smart – Do you get the feeling that I love quirky 60s tv shows?
10. James West – Wild Wild West's Secret Service Agent was James Bond's post-Civil War American counterpart.

There you have it…my top ten favorite spies. Which spies would you add to this list? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment by Sunday, August 28 at noon for a chance to win an e-copy of Claimed by the Spymaster.

Claimed by the Spymaster Makes Its Ellora's Cave Debut

2011-08-17T11:06:00.002-04:00

My second novella with Ellora's Cave, Claimed by the Spymaster, makes its debut today. In a bit of shameless self-promotion, here's a little about the story:

Available from Ellora's Cave

Spy for the crown Alec Jameson, Lord Carrington, is on a mission—unmask the traitor responsible for his brother’s death before the blackguard can further betray Queen Victoria’s empire. Capturing Valentina to use as bait, he spirits her away from London. Despite his efforts to resist the alluring captive he’s snatched from his enemy’s grasp, Alec claims Valentina in the most carnal way possible. Once the beauty has been in his bed, he wants her for his own. But she must lay siege to a long-untouched part of Alec’s existence—his heart.

Leave a comment below ("Hi, Tara!" is okay with me) for a chance to win Claimed by the Spymaster by Sunday, August 21 at noon. I'll give away an e-copy to one commenter later that day. Be sure to check back to see if you're the winner :)

Top Ten Reasons to Love a Pirate

2011-08-14T18:40:00.000-04:00

1. You never have to worry about a pirate having a midlife crisis and running off to sail the world.
2. All that swashbuckling is great for a buff upper body.
3. Sword fighting is great for the buns – think of all those lunges!
4. Pirates always have sexy stubble at a perfect length.
5. Pirates can hold their liquor. No self-respecting pirate drinks a few ales and winds up snoring on the couch.
6. Pirates really know what to do with their swords…get your minds out the gutter, folks!
7. Pirates know how to sweep a girl off her feet…often in the most literal sense!
8. A pirate knows his way around with only the stars and a compass to guide him…no annoying “Tom Tom” voice bossing him around.
9. Pirates never choose mowing the lawn over ravishing their women.
10. Last, but not least, have I mentioned Captain Jack Sparrow...swooning as I type...

What are your favorite reasons to love a pirate????