BOOK EXCERPT: Mark of the Blood by Cynnara Tregarth

Marauders Book 1- Mark of the Blood by Cynnara Tregarth

Buying information: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/mark-of-the-blood/prod_214.html

Blurb: Worlds collide as Kirstie Blake and Marauder Dr. Niam Maraigh meet as he hunts down a rabid rapist. After saving Kirstie from the man's attempted attack, Niam vanishes, his body and soul afire with thoughts of the young consultant. Yet, the hand of Morrigu hasn't finished with these two as Kirstie's best friend is beaten and raped, forcing Kirstie to seek the services of psychotherapist, Dr. Maraigh. When they meet once again under these circumstances, they sense they are kindred spirit.

Bent on bringing the attacker to justice, Kirstie seeks to find this rapist before he finds another victim. For Niam, the only way he can help ease the pain of his patients, almost all exclusively emotional and physical trauma victims, is to take vengeance in their behalf. When he rescues
Kirstie from one of the storm and war god, Taranis' minions, Niam is forced to reveal his true nature to the woman as both an ancient Druid and an energy vampire.

Can they capture the serial rapist before he continues his rampage? More importantly, will Kirstie and Niam learn that together they can defeat the powers of evil and the curse of the goddess by their love and The Mark of the Blood?

Excerpt:

Niam Maraigh looked at the woman before him as his hand extended to grip hers. Though she had some abrasions, she didn't seem to be truly hurt, just stunned at what had almost happened. Her loose ponytail had come undone when she'd been attacked, allowing her chestnut hair to brush her shoulders. Carefully, he poked at her mentally, gauging her emotional reactions, only to be surprised that he could barely penetrate her mental shielding. This enigmatic woman was trained in basic psychic protection techniques. His gaze slid towards her face and he smiled as her piercing blue gaze shone with intelligence and understanding. This was no one's victim.

As their hands touched, something primal seemed to grasp them both, linking them in a way that Niam hadn't ever felt before. Suddenly, he was aware of her on a level that delved beyond the physical, mental, or emotional -- this woman was someone important; her soul called to his, but how? Her soft gasp knocked him out of the link, and Niam found himself holding Kirstie against his chest, his hands rubbing her back, encouraging her to release the emotions that were finally peaking now that the terror had ended. He felt her emotions bubble forth as the first soft sobs escaped from her soul, escaping past her lips.. Comforting her with soft, compassionate caresses, Niam spoke softly to her, his Gaelic accent comforting her as his talent of empathically easing pain helped her to regain control. Something feltright about her being in his embrace. A shudder ran through his body as foreign feelings surged through his body. Feelings of
protectiveness, desire, and yearning — things he thought he wouldn't feel about any woman, ever.

When she regained her composure, Kirstie stepped back. "I don't know what came over me. I guess…"

Niam smiled at her then kissed the hand he held. "It's okay, I do understand. You go on home. I'll call the police and have them take care of this guy."

Kirstie shook her head. "I can't do that. They'll need my statement."

Niam squeezed her hand and lowered his voice, allowing a bit of his vampiric ability to help convince her. "It's okay. I've done some work for them before, so they know me. I'll give them your name and address. They can interview you in the morning, since the man didn't finish what he'd planned. You can be in a safe place when you give your statement. "

He watched as she mentally debated going home. Her emotions were ringing in his mind, just as they played across her face. This woman wanted to listen to his words and hole up, but at the same time, she knew she had a duty to give her report on the crime committed against her. A minute later, he saw her body and mind shift into decision-making mode. "Are you sure it'll be okay?"

Niam nodded as he took out a tiny notebook and pen from his back pocket. "I'm positive. The guys who are in charge of things like this would prefer you to feel safe as you give your statement. What's your name?"

"Kirstie Blake. I live at 502 West Central Plaza, apartment 203. I'm in the phone book if they need to call me.."

He followed her gaze as it went to the utility pole and the trussed-up attacker under it. Her body twitched as the unconscious man groaned and shifted positions. Kirstie took an unconscious step back from the scene; her gaze locked as fear filled the air around them both.

Niam stepped closer, blocking her view. She looked up at her shadowy rescuer, relief showing in her cerulean gaze. "Before I leave, there's something I need to know. What's your name? You know mine. Let me guess, it's probably not Batman."

A deep chuckle erupted from Niam. "No, I'm not the Caped Crusader. My name's Niam."
Merri Homp
Phoenix Rising Promotions
www.phoenixrisingpromotions.com

xPROMO: New releases, reviews, and a chat from Freya's Bower

http://www.freyasbower.com/
Freya's Bower would like to congratulate Eden Elgabri and Sarah Masters for their new releases and LaVerne Thompson and Cassandra Gold for their new reviews.

We have a lot chats lined up for the next month. This Saturday, both Freya's Bower and Wild Child Publishing authors will be at Coffee Time Romance PG-13 Yahoo groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks. You can find
a list of all our upcoming chat on our Freya's Bower calendar
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freyasbower_authorchat/cal on our Yahoo author chat group.

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=203
Magick Touch
by Eden Elgabri

Calista Carlyle is running for her life. A new age shop in Salem needs a temporary employee, and Calista sees it as great opportunity to lay low in a place her bank manager boss and ex-boyfriend would never look for her. But will the owner of the store, a sensuously mysterious Wiccan, be too much to handle? Or will his magic touch be just what she needs?

Henry Fraser has been biding his time. For the past two years he's had psychic visions of his soul mate. He knows her body intimately, knows just where to touch. But can he touch her heart before she flees from her past again?

Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary
Rating: Tangy
Book Length: Novella
Price: $3.99

Read excerpt http://www.freyasbower.com/excerpts/magicktouch.html .

Buy now!
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=203

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=204
Nymphomaniac: Book 4: Shadow
by Sarah Masters

Mistress Klara works in a dungeon in the heart of the city. Each short story explores one of her clients and their predilection, as well as her affliction of nymphomania.

Shadows: Mistress Klara joins her roommate and work colleague, Mistress Shadow, in sexually entertaining a man who suffers from the male version of Klara's affliction—satyriasis. However, the dilemmas in her life cannot be kept in the shadows any longer….

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM/Ménage
Rating: Sizzling
Book Length: Sips
Price: $1.25

Read excerpt http://www.freyasbower.com/excerpts/nympho4.html.

Buy now!
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=204

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=195
Come to Me
by LaVerne Thompson

"LaVerne Thompson pens an outstanding and memorable story... Come to Me is definitely a recommended read for anyone who has given up on finding the one person for them."

5 Cups by Delane, Coffee Time Romance Reviews
Read entire review
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Cometome.htm .

"I loved Come to Me! My only complaint with Come to Me is that it wasn't long enough..."

4.5 Lips by Yolanda, Two Lips Reviews
Read entire review
http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task\
=view&id=3848&Itemid=36.

Genre: Interracial/Contemporary
Rating: Spicy
Book Length: Short Story
Price: $2.99

Read excerpt http://www.freyasbower.com/excerpts/cometome.html.

Buy now!
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=195

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=188
Special Delivery by Cassandra Gold

"there is an undertone of sweetness to this story as well as the occasional touch of humor that make this a very appealing read..."

4 Angels by Whitney, Fallen Angel Reviews
Read entire review
http://fallenangelreviews.com/2009/March/Whitney-SpecialDelivery.htm.

Genre: M/M/Contemporary
Rating: Spicy
Book Length: Mini
Price: $1.99

Read excerpt http://www.freyasbower.com/excerpts/specialdelivery.html.

Buy now!
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id\
=188

Enjoy!

Marci Baun
Publisher
Freya's Bower http://www.freyasbower.com/

PROMO RATED X - Even Angels have desires - Angelic Desires by Stephani Heicht

Angelic Desires
Author: Stephani Hecht
Cover Artist: Martine Jardin
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Parameters of Category: Short Stories
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Series, Fantasy Games, Light BDSM
Pages: 29
Flame Rating: 4 Flames

Blurb:
Cadean, a harpy and a bounty hunter for Lucifer, has never failed a mission yet. So when she is sent to capture Appolion, an exiled angel, she has no doubt that she will succeed again. That is until she has him tied to a chair and completely at her mercy. She takes one look at his hard body and decides that this time, she's going to play with her prey before she goes in for the final kill.
By reading this excerpt you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age or older.

Excerpt:

Braced for an attack, she sucked in a breath when another flutter of air brushed by her face. With a blind lunge in the direction it came from, she met with empty space. Then the arrogant jerk laughed at her. It was a slow, deep chuckle, both annoying and, strangely enough, sexual. Wet between her thighs, she bit her bottom lip and shook her head in order to clear it some.
After a steadying breath, she ordered, "You may as well make this easier on the both of us and surrender now, Appolion."

There was another whisper of movement, then she was smacked on the ass for the second time that day. She shrieked in outrage and swung her dagger around. The only thing that accomplished was having the weapon make an impressive whistling sound as it sliced through nothingness.

An arm shot out from behind her and captured her in a hard grip. His chest crushed her wings as she struggled to escape his hold. Cadean tried to stomp on his feet, but he dodged, almost like he was able to anticipate her moves before she even thought of making them.
"If you think I'm going anywhere with you, little demon, then you're fucking crazy," he rumbled into her ear.

His lips caressed her ear with each word he spoke and she became aware of how good his muscular body felt tightly pressed against her back. It took every ounce of control she had not to thrust her ass back to feel even more of him. There was a soft tickle at the side of her neck as he leaned in and inhaled.

"You don't smell like a demon," he commented.
"That's because I'm a harpy," she revealed in a shaky voice. Now why did she find it necessary to admit that? She sensed his smile.
"A harpy. The only demon besides a succubus that stays beautiful. This is my lucky day."

NEW RELEASE: ~Bane of his Existence~ Melody Knight

Bane of his Existence

To find a soul with common ground,

Primate traits mixed up with hound,

Confronting evil, and compulsive feast,

To capture, curb and love the beast.

Excerpt:

He saw her the moment she came onto the floor. Homing in on her like that wasn't normal. Usually, he tried to tune out extraneous noise and activity and concentrate on his phone caller. Not today.

She was holding some papers, and scanning the cubicles. Charlie couldn't help himself—he was holding his breath. Please be
looking for me. Please be looking for me. There was a chance, slim maybe, that she'd recognized him, too.

Her hazel eyes alighted on him, fixed, held. She smiled, but it was tremulous, nervous. Charlie had been acting on instinct up till now—only the instincts weren't the ones he'd been born with. They'd been acquired under a full moon, some years back. It was time to dig up the appropriate human responses to deal with this situation. At the moment, though, his mind felt abnormally blank. What now?

~

Oh my God. Verity stood there, feeling foolish in the extreme, well aware that any moment one of the team leaders would be coming over to help her out. If they asked who she was looking for, or what she needed…

I got nothin'. I don't even know his name.

And it was too late to pretend she hadn't seen him. There was only one thing to do…

Straighten up. Confidence first. Play the part.

Oh, hell. She couldn't believe she was doing this.

She headed his way, her eyes focused lightly on her surroundings, doing her best now to avoid his eyes. Her brain was working frantically on a reason to approach him. It was work time. If she hit him up for a coffee date, would that be harassment?

Oh, shit. It was. It is. Because it's not like he can turn me down. She was management, and as much as she liked to belittle any differences between their jobs, those differences would seem a lot more glaring to him than they did to her. She knew, because it hadn't been so very long ago that she'd been in his position.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Crap. Crap. Crap. And damn.

~

This is it. The moment. In his dreams, during his howling soliloquies under the full moon, he'd had it sussed. He'd known exactly what to say and how to woo her. All that longing, translated into a passionate night, of…what? Doggie style interaction? And that mating for life thing? Were they still subject to that? Being on the cusp of the moon the way they were?

Shit! Charlie blushed, bright and red. He hadn't had a response like this in years, and leave it to the Wolf Girl to bring it on. Resentment rose as he realized that some of his co-workers not only noticed her attention, but that she was now headed his way. Add that to his baboon-butt red face, and there'll be enough yack to sustain the team for weeks.

Good move at a time when I—when both of us—should be keeping a low profile.

He stiffened, his eyes narrowing. She's got to be the vector—the one who infected me. He could easily picture himself getting close to her—close enough for her to bite him. Why had she come down here, anyway? To find other victims? In his heart, he knew it was stupid, but the irritation and traces of bad temper he'd been fighting all morning resurfaced. When she reached his cubicle, Charlie let her have it. In a rumbly voice that would have better suited a growl, Charlie held out a small dish of snacks he kept in his drawer.
"Treat?"

He noticed her hand shook a little as he poured them into her palm. She put them in her mouth and her eyes widened. She was really enjoying them.

Charlie, in contrast, was beginning to feel decidedly evil, especially when she exclaimed, "Delicious! What are they?"

He sighed, then gave her a humorless toothy grin. There's no backing out now. He tugged open the drawer all the way, and showed her the box of Tender Treats. "On days like this? I just can't get enough of 'em."

http://carnalpassions.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6\
&products_id=17

INTERVIEW: with author, Gail DeYoung. Conducted by Lucille P Robinson

LPR: Gail DeYoung is the author of Leaves in the Wind. Ms. DeYoung, please give us a brief summary of your book.

GDeY: Tara Singer is a social worker who has special gifts of empathy and telepathy which she uses to help her understand what her patients are going through. When she meets Dan Turner, he is a man on the edge of hope. His five year old daughter, Amy, lies in a coma in the hospital and his wife passed away six month ago from cancer. Tara realizes the only way to reach the child is to go into her coma telepathically to convince her to come out. She discovers that it will not be an easy task as the child is spending time with her deceased mother in her dream world. Thanks to her patience and persistence, she is able to bring the child back to her father.

Tara deals with many patients who have difficulties in their life and always encourages them to believe that things will be better. She gets so wrapped up in other people's lives that she really doesn't take time for herself and she's always adopted a stance that one should not get involved with a patient. But Dan Turner is such a sweetheart that when he informs her that he's got feelings for her, she doesn't handle it very well. It's only when she realizes that she's about to lose the one thing she's always desired that she takes her own advice and gets her happy ending.

LPR: Do you have personal experience with this type of sickness? Tell us about it.

GDeY: I had a good friend survive a coma as I mention later. As far as cancer, yes, I've had several people in the family who have gone through it – Hodgkins, breast cancer and liver cancer. It is a horrible way to die.

LPR: Being a caretaker for my daughter who is also in a coma, I'd like to ask: How much do you know about comas, Ms. DeYoung?

GDeY: My best girlfriend went into a coma after she became ill with Encephalitis of the brain and her temperature went up to 106 degrees for several days. I visited her in the hospital almost every day after work, spending time next to her bed, holding her hand and talking to her. It took five weeks, but she finally came out of it. The unfortunate thing is that she lost all long-term memory and has no idea who any of her friends or family are anymore. She had to be put in a nursing home for she experienced great, irrational fear.

LPR: How did you get the idea for and develop a romantic story with a comatose child as one of its characters?

GDeY: I'm always thinking "What if?" One day, I was driving home from work and a little girl was crossing a busy street without a school crossing guard. Though she made it all right, in my mind I worried, "what if she hadn't made it? What if she was struck by a car and her father was notified at work that his daughter was in the hospital? What if an angel was assigned to help him go through the trauma of seeing his daughter that way?" I didn't use that idea right away, but it surfaced when I started this story. I sat at my computer and wrote "There was so much blood." Then asked why, and the rest is history.

LPR: About your writing preferences, Ms. DeYoung. What authors and/or books have inspired your own writing?

GDeY: I have many favorite authors as I have been involved with the romance genre for over fifteen years. Heather Graham, Jayne Ann Krentz, T. J. MacGregor, Marilyn Campbell, Shana Abe, Kathleen Morgan and Sunny are just a few of my favorites. I've been caught up in reading "The Smoke Thief" and "The Dream Thief" by Shana Abe and am enthralled by her writing style. Though I love any type of story as long as it captures my interest, when I write, I think of how I might inspire someone with the theme of my story.

LPR: How do you fit writing into your daily life? In other words, do you have to fit writing around a day (or night) job?

GDeY: I work a full-time job and several part-time jobs to help pay bills. But my first love is reading and writing, so I find that disciplining myself to write a couple hours a night and four or five hours a day on weekends is vital to continue the story flow.

LPR: Do you write an entire first draft before editing or do you edit as you write?

GDeY: I mostly write the entire story as it plays in my head like a movie. Sometimes I'll go back and edit as I'm re-reading the last section before I begin the next day, but I find that editing really stalls the process.

LPR: Concerning writing, what would be a most important piece of advice you can give an aspiring writer? .

GDeY: ? Don't be afraid of the volume of pages you need to produce. Give yourself reasonable goals, such as x number of pages per day or x number of words. Don't give up and don't get discouraged if your first works need a lot of revisions. Some day your dream will come true.

LPR: Can you offer two or three writing prompts to your writing fans?

GDeY: "Once upon a time" and "It was a dark and stormy night" are two timeless, but well-worn story starters. But they do prompt you to say, now what? And that's how any good story starts. You want to capture your reader's attention in the first paragraph, or on the first page, for that's about all the time they'll give you to hook them into reading your book. Time and place setting is also a very important consideration. A fairy tale starts out different than a ghost story and readers are sticklers when it comes to details. And if you are going to write erotica, you better make the pages sizzle!

A few starter ideas are:

"It was a night she'd never forget."

"Who's there?"

"She was hot, so damn hot that she wanted to strip off her clothes right there, and it was all because of the way he looked at her from across the room."

LPR: Will you give your readers an idea of what your next book will be about or what you're working on now?

GDeY: I've just finished the first draft of an Angel Guide To Go book for The Lotus Circle which will be in the bookstores for Christmas.

LPR: Ms. DeYoung, I understand that www.thelotuscircle.com is called the publisher of Leaves in the Wind. Is this a subsidiary or imprint of Jasmine-Jade Enterprises? Are there any connections between www.thelotuscircle.com and www.lotuscircle.com ? If so, please explain them.

GDeY: You are correct. The Lotus Circle is a subsidiary of Jasmine-Jade Enterprises. There is no connection between The Lotus Circle and www.LotusCircle.com, however.

LPR: Thank you for your time, Gail DeYoung, and for the story Leaves in the Wind. Personally, I needed it to feed my hope for my own daughter's healing. Thanks, also, for the story prompts. We wish you the best for your future writing endeavors.

GDeY: Thank you for reviewing it. The theme I tried to bring across in this book was that all things are possible if you only believe. Have faith. I pray your daughter will return to you as Amy did to Dan.

Lucille P Robinson

Alternative-Read.com

http://blog.lucilleperkinsrobinson.com

© 2005 - 08. All rights reserved and no exceptions.All personal works on this site are the exclusive property of each individual AUTHOR. Work may not be transmitted via the internet, nor reproduced in any other way, without prior request.

BOOK EXCERPT: The Prophecy - Recent release - Excerpt

[Prophecy]

The Prophecy

By Tianna Xander

Publisher: Devine Destinies

Price: 6.99

Length: 362 pages

Niklas Voortag, High King of Terrna lives his life for his people. His own needs are unimportant. Driven by the words of an ancient prophecy, he searches far and wide for the woman who can save his world. Now that he's found her, can she also save his heart?

Kidnapped from her world and everything she knows, Brianna O'Neill finds that she is The One bound to save an entire world. A trip through space, an acquaintance with a faery and an ancient sorcerer was never at the top of her list. Now she must come to terms with the fact that she
is the only one with the power to thwart an evil plan.

Excerpt:

A slight movement in the corner startled her and she shivered with fear. Swallowing thickly, she tried to talk around the giant lump in her throat. "Is someone there?" She sat up, pulled the sheet up to her chest and squinted into the darkness, trying to see around the shadowy shapes
she knew was her furniture. The sound of breathing from the corner made her heart pound faster.

Brianna's hands fisted in her sheets, she hadn't been this frightened in her own bedroom for years. The old fears and insecurities rose up, bound her to the bed, making it nearly impossible to move. She was torn between running and pulling the covers up over her head like a frightened child.

She inhaled sharply when a person stepped from the shadows, even opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. Reaching for her throat, she wanted to claw at the slim column and force it to comply. She tried again, still nothing.

Is this another dream? The intruder stepped fully into the moonlight and she could see him, or her, very clearly now. Whatever it was, it couldn't possibly be human. It was tall and thin, with long silver hair and long pointy ears. Brianna resisted the urge to giggle. Hysterics were not an option. She needed to keep her wits about her.

"I would appreciate it if you did not think of me as an it or as a female." The creature straightened. "I am Larin of the Fey. Messenger of Morgaine."
"Huh?" Brianna sat up, holding the sheet to her chest. Now that she knew she wasn't looking at a specter, whoever it was, had to be human. Fear came bounding back. She cast furtive glances around the room, hoping to find something she could use as a weapon. What the hell, if she was
going to die anyway, she was going to go out with a bang. Maybe literally.

"First of all, how did you know what I was thinking? Two, how did you get in here, and three, just who in the hell are you?" Brianna waggled three fingers, glaring at him. She didn't give a crap if he was gay. She just wanted him out of her house.

He sighed. "I am most certainly not gay. Not in the manner you mean at any rate." He hedged. "I am gay, meaning that I am happy." He smiled and spread his arms wide, his hands palms up. Like that was supposed to clear things up? Brianna slid backward across her bed to put more space between them. Turning her back, she dropped the sheet, grabbed her robe and put it on. Maybe he was a weirdo surgically altered to look strange. One who needed to make the acquaintance of the guys who wore the white coats?

Tianna
http://www.tiannaxander.com/
The Prophecy: Now available at http://tinyurl.com/8rps79
Can an inexperienced Earth witch save a distant planet from annihilation?

BOOK EXCERPT: Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage

January 20, 2009 saw the release of my third book with Loose Id, LLC. *Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage* is the prequel to *Santa's Elf* and tells the story of the unusual marriage and courtship of Mattie Lawrence and Bryce Halsey.

The following scene takes place just after Bryce voices his unique proposal to Mattie. Purely a business arrangement with all the benefits of a real marriage.

http://www.loose-id.com/detail.aspx?ID=822
Title: Diablo Blanco
Club: Unfair Advantage

ISBN: 978-1-59632-806-8
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Genre: BDSM Erotic Contemporary
Price: $7.99
Length: Novel
Available: January 20, 2009
*

*Blurb:*

Eight years of waiting hadn't affected Dominant Bryce Halsey the way the last seven days had tested his control. Mattie Lawrence, his perfect submissive, stood before him unaware of her potential, ready to be tutored in the lifestyle.

Battles will be won and lost between them, but the war for a Dominant's heart is a war, Mattie is determined to win.


*Excerpt:*

"Who said anything about pretending?" Bryce moved back to his desk and set his drink on the clear vinyl protector covering the polished wood.

"Well…I…I assumed…" Mattie wasn't sure what she was going to say, but all thought exited her mind when Bryce leaned forward and braced both hands on the arms of her chair.

"We would arrive and leave work together, live in the same house, share the same bed. It would be a real marriage, Lawrence."

Mattie sank farther into her chair. She could feel the heat in her face, and her fingers tangled together to keep from latching on to the man and kissing him silly. Inside, she wavered between euphoria and dread. True, she'd fantasized about being with him for years -- hell, since the first day she saw him -- but marriage? "I…I'm not…" She shook her head and eyed him carefully as he moved back to lean against the desk.

"Too much?"

"I've just never…" Mattie waited, then tried again. "I'm going to need time to think this over."

"How much?" After finishing his drink, Bryce returned it to the bar and leaned against the built-in cabinet to await her answer.

"A week?" she offered.

He shook his head. "That's too long. I want to make the arrangements so everything is in place before my father's retirement party in five weeks. I need an answer before you leave tonight."

"That's less than an hour." It was Mattie's turn to shake her head. She was used to this type of negotiation with the man. His determination to come out on top was apparent, but she was equally resolute about gaining time to seriously think about her decision. "You're talking about a serious commitment, Bryce. If you aren't going to give me a week, I need at least the weekend to make a decision."

"Forty-eight hours is too long. I want to get the ball rolling on this before the weekend is over." Glancing at the grandfather clock across the room, he countered. "It's just past four now. Think about it and give me a call by ten tonight."

"Five hours?" She rose and moved to pace the area between his desk and the seating area. "Still not enough time, Halsey. You're asking me to make a decision that could affect the next five years of my life. If not more. No" -- she shook her head and sat on the rolled arm of a hunter green leather chair -- "I need at least thirty-six hours to seriously think this through."

"Too much time." He seemed to be thinking something through as he crossed the room toward her, one hand tugging at the earring while the other rested on his hip. "You're coming out to the Folly tomorrow to go over the details for the King party, correct?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"And you're probably going to go to your sister's and talk to her about my proposal, right?"

"More than likely."

"Okay then." He settled his hands on the back of the chair. "That gives you eighteen hours to think over my offer. When you come out to the Folly tomorrow afternoon, give me your answer."

She hesitated to ask but knew it needed to be broached. "What if I decide I can't agree?"

The green of his eyes darkened. His expression grew blank, as if the amusement he'd found participating in their test of wills had been wiped away. "Then I'll have to consider tendering my resignation."

"But --"

He shook his head. "I'll have to, Lawrence." The fingers of his left hand cupped her chin, sending tremors of awareness skittering through her, tingling along her nerve endings and pooling in the heated center of her body. "I need someone who knows why my days are taken up with work and my nights as well. Someone who is just as dedicated to making this company more than it is without losing the integrity my namesake built it on. I can't recall meeting any other woman with those qualities in the last few years. Except you."

"You're taking unfair advantage," she grumbled, knowing he was attempting to manipulate her decision. The fact that her body was in favor of immediately agreeing didn't make holding off and thinking the matter through any easier.

The grin he gave her was unrepentant. "I'm a businessman, Lawrence. And there's nothing fair about business."


Click herehttp://www.loose-id.net/prod-Diablo_Blanco_Club__Unfair_Advantage-822.aspx to
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~~ Qwillia Rain~~
Quintessensually, Quirky Romance from the Queen of Tease
American Title V Finalist--In A Lover's Silence
Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage~~Available Now from Loose Id, LLC
www.myspace.com/qwilliarain http://www.freewebs.com/clubdiabloblanco
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REVIEW: Once Upon a Veterinarian by Drew Zachary from Torquere Books

Title: Once Upon a Veterinarian
Author: Drew Zachary
Website of Author: www.drewzachary.com
Website of Publisher: www.torquerebooks.com
Genre: Contemporary Drama / Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60370-492-2
Length: 137 Pages/52500 words
Format: ebook,paperback
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

A vet for domestic animals,Ben has a rather quiet life- great partner,fantastic dog and the odd emergency or two. Until a series of deaths lead him to believe that they are deliberate instead of random. Weapon of choice seems to be poison,but the motive is not obvious. So he decides to call in the police to investigate.

Poisonings of animals aren't exactly high on the list of Constable Tim Geary's priorities,but since there is a chance it could escalate,he's going to look into it. Meeting the vet who's handling it makes Tim wonder how they hadn't met before since they both live in the same small town. Even though the attraction is immediate, life in it's own inimitable fashion creates obstacles to throw in the path of love and romance.

Although this is a romantic tale,Drew Zachary has shown life in all it's ironies and humor. I especially enjoyed his in-depth look at the realities of trying to establish a relationship amidst the friends and colleagues who have to learn to give the couple space to "learn" each other. The gentle humor he puts in here has enlivened the story and it is one to really enjoy reading again.

BOOK EXCERPT: First Caress by Bonnie Rose Leigh and Tianna Xander

As two shifters embark on a mission to save their people, they meet the one woman they would willingly forgo their mission for to protect--their mate.

First Caress
Kinross Triad Series, Book 1
By Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh
Copyright 2009, eXtasy Books
Genre: Shapeshifter/Menage/Series
Available February 1, 2009

Blurb:
Rory Gordon, Alpha of Clan Gordon and his beta Gavin McGregor are on a mission: Bring back a root from the the Tree of Life entrusted to a lost clan of their people. The first of six teams, they'll search America for their missing clansman in order to ensure their species survival. Little did they know that their search would lead them to the one woman who they could successfully mate with.

Jenny Owens cannot abide treasure hunters tearing up the forest. So when she spots a pair of men with a map heading into an unmarked cave, she follows. Little did she know that her actions would set up a chain of events too fantastic to believe. From discovering men could shift into tigers to learning that a tree of life was necessary for them to breed, that's just the beginning of the surprises in store for Jenny.

When danger threatens their new mate, Rory and Gavin will do whatever it takes to protect her, even at the cost of their mission, but they haven't taken in account that Jenny isn't about to let her men fail their people and she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they complete their mission successfully.

Excerpt:

Rory didn't waste any time. He changed back into his human form, the magick of the change wrapping around him as his bones popped and cracked and his muscles contorted as they changed back into those of a man. First, his body was bare, then his clothing reappeared just before he stepped within the glow of the newly fed fire. He strode to Jenny, bent and picked her up, then carried her over to the flat rock Gavin and he had used as a table the day before.
Jenny squealed and kicked. "Put me down."

"Oh, nye, ye little minx. I have a lesson tae to teach ye and teach ye I will." He held tightly as she squirmed in his arms and tried to wiggle free.
"Lemme go!"
Sitting down, he laid her over his lap, ass up, and swatted her rear three times in quick succession.

"Arrgh!" Jenny reared up and whacked the back of her head on his chin.
"Stop, it ye wench! Are ye trying tae kill me?" Grabbing her hands whose fingers resembled claws, he held them away from his face as she fought to gouge his eyes out. Or so he thought.
"Leave me alone!" She squealed when he tried to subdue her and twisted out of his arms. Standing, she glared at him, her chest heaving with the effort to draw breath after their tussle. "Don't you dare touch me again, you son of a bitch."

Rory grinned. "I think ye have my parentage a bit mixed up, lass. My mother was a she cat, not a bitch. Though I'm sure a hound dog or two has been scratched by her claws."
"Oh!" Jenny stomped her foot. The expression on her face left little doubt as to the extent of her ire. "You're a jerk."
Rory glanced at Gavin. Seems I managed to get her mind off her fear, old friend.
Gavin just grinned. Better that ye incur her ire than me, Laird.

His friend was right. She needed to learn early which one of them was in charge and that he wouldn't take any of her nonsense. Gods he hated having to spank her even though a part of him was turned on by it. If her hard nipples were any indication, she didn't find it all bad either.
He reached out and grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her down next to him. "You had to learn there will be consequences for putting yourself in danger, Jenny. I can't allow you to keep running off in the darkness where you could get injured."

"No one tells me what to do." She pulled and twisted her wrist, trying to work herself free of his grip. "I haven't answered to anyone since I was seventeen and my parents sent me to college. I'm not about to start now. Especially not with you."

Rory could almost hear the word freak as she stared him down. Even so, he held her gaze. It was something he had lots of practice at. He also had a shitload of patience. Sometimes his beast would stalk prey for hours before making a strike. If she thought he would tire of this new game she played, she would be sadly mistaken.

Phoenix Forrester
Phoenix Rising Promotions
www.phoenixrisingpromotions.com

Interview with Marta Stephens, author of Silenced Cry ~ A Sam Harper Crime Mystery ~ Be Write Books Conducted by Lucille P. Robinson

Interview with Marta Stephens, author of Silenced Cry ~ A Sam Harper Crime Mystery ~ Be Write Books

Conducted by Lucille P. Robinson
Reviewer at Alternative-read.com
LPR: Ms. Stephens, tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be a writer.

MS: I was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. My parents, four older siblings and I moved to the States when I was four. The American Midwest is where my family and I call home.

I returned to complete my college degree in journalism/public relations as a non-traditional student in 1993. I graduated in 2001 at the age of 47 while employed full-time in HR at our local university as the Work Life Coordinator. I began writing fiction in 2003 while in the process of researching information about an event in WWII. It sparked my first novel—a spy murder mystery. That was it; the writing bug bit hard and hasn’t let go. The experience quickly evolved into a life-changing passion that has led to the birth of my Sam Harper Crime Mysteries and my debut novel, Silenced Cry. I am currently working on the second book in the series. The spy murder mystery is still in its first draft but I do look forward to finishing it one of these day.

I am a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Midwest Writer's Workshop.


LPR: If a reader wanted to read these short stories and flash fiction where could they be found?
MS: They were published by Bewrite Books when they hosted an authors’ forum. That forum is no longer in existence. I’ve thought about those and other stories that I never quite polished. Perhaps some day I’ll do something with them, but for the time being, they are unavailable.
LPR: How would you describe your book Silenced Cry?

MS: Silenced Cry is more than a detective murder mystery. It’s really the story of a young man, Homicide Detective Sam Harper and the people and events that change his life. It’s a story about betrayal, suspicions, and many surprises. In the end, Harper emerges as the tough, seasoned officer hardboiled mysteries are made of.

LPR: I felt particularly drawn to Sam Harper right from the beginning. Tell us how you came to create Sam.

MS: The character of Sam Harper evolved over the course of three years. I knew from the very beginning that he was not going to be the perfect man or detective. He couldn’t be if I wanted him to be believable. I wanted the reader to relate to him when he feels cheated and betrayed; when his pride gets hurt and he wants revenge in the worse way. What sets him apart, however, and what I hope the reader will find irresistible about this character is that in spite of his flaws, he is a man of integrity and learns from his mistakes.

The creation of Silenced Cry and its diverse set of characters go back to a fall afternoon in 2004 when I began to write The Black Pearl, what will now be the second book in the Sam Harper Crime Mysteries series. I wrote The Black Pearl and (at the time) books two and three but needed a fourth story to complete the series. However, instead of moving forward in time, I decided to show the beginning. I felt there was much more to the Sam Harper character than catching criminals. With this first book, I wanted the reader to understand who Homicide Detective Sam Harper is and what drives him. Harper has his share of flaws. He doesn't always get it right, the evidence doesn't always fall neatly into place, and doors don't always open to reveal the answer. His oath as a law enforcement officer means a great deal to him and it is his belief in the justice system (in spite of its flaws) that keeps him on the right side of the law.

LPR: Some have voiced complaints about the number of characters you put in Silenced Cry and how the characters have confused these readers. However, I have not been confused and I praise your ability to juggle so many characters at once. Would you explain to our readers why you chose to work with so many characters and how you were able to make each one stand out in his/her own right?

MS: Silenced Cry cannot be told without each of the 26 characters. If you read the reviews from both professional reviewers and the average reader reactions (all are listed on my website, www.martastephens-author.com) you will note a common thread. Each praises the complexity of this novel, how every subplot, twist and turn comes neatly together for a surprise ending, and the difficulty they had in putting it down. More importantly, nearly all reviews and comments mention the second book. There is no fat in this story meaning that each character is critical to the plot of this mystery—without them, the story wouldn’t make sense.

LPR: Ms. Stephens, your knowledge of police procedures, crime scene handling and especially the interrogation room tactics have really impressed me. Did you have to research for this information and, if so, how did you go about it?

MS: I do a huge amount of research. There have been times when I've research an item for days trying to find the correct term or the exact procedure that would only be used in one sentence in the book. In addition to my research, I have also consulted with police detectives and pathology lab technicians on numerous occasions.
I've research everything from weather patterns, to police issue weapons and poisons to Massachusetts law and phone parts. One of the funniest comments I received from two critiquers were about the interrogation scenes in my book. They were certain I must have sat in on several interrogations. I think all it takes is an observant eye and a way of translating what you see into writing. My greatest fear is to have a professional (police officer, forensic scientists, medical examiner, etc.) read the book and toss it down because it wasn't believable. If you’re interested, I do have a reader comment from a police detective on my website that proves research is essential to making it believable.

LPR: Do you follow a particular schedule for writing?

MS: I try to spend at least 3-4 hours every night. Certainly more on weekends.

LPR: Do you speed write a first draft and then spend your time editing it or do you outline first?

MS: I outline the story line and write back stories for each of the main characters. I find it helps me understand the characters and their motives better.

LPR: Have you any favorite writing tips you can share with beginning writers?

MS: Network. It is the absolute key. Join at least one or two author forums and/or critique groups that focus on the development of the craft. Be consistent. Set up a scheduled time to write/research. If you are serious about becoming published, the book won’t write itself. Work it and don’t be afraid to cut a chapter or two of your favorite writing. That’s the real test, when you put the quality of the novel first.

LPR: I know you gave a general answer to this question earlier, but can you be more specific, please? What authors would you say are your literary heroes and which novels have inspired your writing of the Sam Harper Crime Mysteries?

MS: I’m not sure that there is another Sam Harper nor do I have any literary heroes. I’ve enjoyed Harlen Coben, Patricia Cornwell, and John Grisham to name a few. But I think I have been just as influenced by some classic movies. I received several comments that my work is reminiscent of Bogart’s Sam Spade. Spade, by the way, isn’t Harper’s name sake, but I can’t deny having been influenced by Alfred Hitchcock and other mystery greats.

LPR: Do you ever face writers' block?

MS: Yes, I've had my share of writing blocks, especially when I have a particularly difficult scene to develop. When that happens, I walk away from it. Once I quit trying to write, the words flow.

LPR: Do you ever use story prompts?

MS: I've never used prompts to write my series because I always have a story line in mind before I type the first sentence. I generally begin by visualizing the opening scene--the tough part for me is where to start the story. (i.e.: Should the opening line show the character walking toward the building, walking through the door, or inside the building?) That's not the best example but it's a matter of timing. Which opening will have the greater punch.

LPR: Would you mind suggesting three story 'prompts' for your readers?

MS: Lucille, I’m only good for one. Here it is: Ellen combed a hand through her shoulder-length hair and gave the tiny living room a final sweep with her eyes. Everything was back in its place. She glanced at her watch. Eleven p.m. If she left now, she'd be two states away before anyone would notice the stains on the bedroom rug.

LPR: Not only a good prompt, but could actually begin a story. Thank you. Ms. Stephens, where can we buy Silenced Cry?

MS: There is a list of some (not all) online and traditional book stores that carry Silenced Cry on my website. Most independent book stores will be able to order the book for their customers. Silenced Cry is also available at all the Amazons, and online at the Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million websites.

LPR: Finally, Ms. Stephens, would you consider donating a copy of Silenced Cry for a contest?

MS: My pleasure.

LPR: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us. It's been a pleasure to speak with you and a most enjoyable interview. Good luck with all your future endeavours. Please keep us informed as each book appears on the market. I want every one of them.

MS: Thank you Lucille. It’s been fun.

http://www.martastephens-author.com/

Interview conducted by
Lucille P Robinson Alternative-Read.com Reviewer
http://lucilleperkinsrobinson.com
http://blog.lucilleperkinsrobinson.com

© 2005 - 08. All rights reserved and no exceptions.All personal works on this site are the exclusive property of each individual AUTHOR. Work may not be transmitted via the internet, nor reproduced in any other way, without prior written consent.

NEW RELEASE: Adult Promotion

Wanted by Outlaws is available at Siren. It's a western ménage (F/M/M/M/M) with handsome
outlaws and a peculiar lawman that all end up in an unusual bedding arrangement.

Thank you for taking a glance at Wanted by Outlaws

Natalie Acres

Author of Sex Party and Wanted by Outlaws

http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/natalieacres


Book Blurb:

They're not your average bad boys. They're armed, dangerous, and ready to kill. Trouble with that is, they look good enough to eat even when they're drawing their guns. Still, Emily has somehow avoided getting tangled up with the three men who share too many delicious similarities.

Making a pact to stay away from the gentle and beautiful woman living all alone, the outlaws form a friendship with Emily and it proves important soon enough. With a crooked town and a bought marshall, Emily never sees the trouble that comes looking for her. She never expects the kind of danger she'll be forced to face alone.

Only, she's not alone.

With a torn dress, swollen face, and men just positioned to take advantage of her, Clay, Levi and Luke make it to her place in time to save her, but it isn't enough. Soon, they want to make it their
full-time duty to love and protect her. She's not ready to love three men who are wanted by every lawman in the west, until she realizes the true pleasure found when a woman is wanted by three handsome outlaws...and the marshall who can save them all.

An excerpt-

After a quiet ride deeper into the darkness on somewhat rough paths, they found a smooth trail and headed for the river. "We gotta let the horses rest for a bit," Clay declared as he hopped down from the wagon.

He peered over at the others and Luke pressed his fingers to his lips. Levi did the same.

"She's asleep?" he asked.

Luke kissed the top of her head. "Looks like it. She's gotta be tired. Think about what she's been through."

"I had a thought," Levi said.

"Let's hear it," Clay called over his shoulder before he started working with the leather harness. "It's sure enough a good one if you have one. Lord knows it's rare when you do."

Levi never acted insulted. "If Emily ain't ever been with a man, then we shouldn't try to take her in this wagon."

"Yep, like I said, if you've got a thought, it's a good one. Since I'm not back there with the three of ya, I couldn't agree more."

Levi hopped out of the wagon and started toward his cousin. "I'm talking about it from a gentleman's standpoint. Assuming I can learn how to act like one with Emily. You know, try to do things right rather than just rush right in, leave money on the table and drop my pants."

"You mean you don't plan to screw her with your boots on?" Luke chuckled as he joined them. He led Emily's horse out in front.

"No, I don't and I don't think you should either."

"Well, I sure would if it was the only way to get to her," Luke admitted.

"It ain't gonna happen," Levi firmly told him. "She deserves better than us groping at her in the middle of some open range. I'm not doing it and you ain't either."

"I ain't?" Luke drawled. "What if she reaches over and pats my cock all gentle like, then what?"

Clay nodded in her direction and grinned. "You had a nice nap."

"Yes, I did," she placed her hands on her hips, "and an earful to wake me up."

"Oh," Levi said tugging the lead horse by the leather strap before he pulled him away from the team. "About that—"

"Shut up, Levi," Luke warned. "Just shut up now."

She stretched her arms out in front of her. "So nobody here is interested in fuc$ing me in the wagon?"

"Is that an invitation?" Luke asked.

Clay shook his head. "I know I didn't just hear the most beautiful word in the English language fall from the most gorgeous woman's lips."

Levi stared at her in disbelief too. "You did, I heard it. I swear it. Heard it just as plain and simple as it's spelled."

"And how is it spelled boy smarts?" Luke poked fun at his cousin.

"F-U-K." He was close.

"Shit, Levi. Come on," he said before he grabbed another horse from the team and started for the water.

Clay watched her curiously. "I hesitate to ask you what you make of all this."

"Are you hesitating or asking?" she cocked her hip and put her palm against the curve of her waist.

"You thirsty?" he changed the subject.

"Sure," she said. "I need to fill these canteens too." She pulled two from under some horse supplies at the edge of the blankets.

He held his arms out for her and watched. Emily pretended to leap. She held her arms forward and let them swing back and forth.

"One, two, three. Ready or not, here I come!" She jumped right into his arms.

He lost his balance for a second, but regained it in time to relax with her body. Then he thought what the hell. He fell to the ground with her body right on top of his.

"Good Lord, woman, you could break a man's back."

Tempting lips formed a quick pout. "I'm heavy?"

"A load," he teased.

"That's not funny," she said while she struggled against his grip.

"No, it's not. If I was you," he drawled, "and this is just a suggestion, I'd try to get some cowboys to help you work this weight off of ya."

Her mouth dropped into an o-shape and he laughed. "I'm kidding you. I don't see an inch of meat on you." He thought twice and tried to add something a little sexier. "You got all your weight in one place," he said staring at her chest.

Her soft red hair tumbled over his face then and he felt like he'd died in her arms the second it fanned over his cheeks. "They're gonna kill me for this."

"For what?" she asked.

"For this," he dropped his eyes and his fingers stiffly worked at a few buttons. "Want me to stop?"

She shook her head. "But maybe you should."

"Why?"

"Because I'm scared," she said. "I'm worried I won't please you and I also know if I please one of you, I can't do it without hurting the feelings of the other two."

"Is that what you think?"

"Yes," she said. "And I'd like to know what it's like to be with all of you anyway."

"At the same time?"

His dick went wild twitching up a storm underneath his buckskins. He licked his lips and that's when it occurred to him. He'd never kissed her like a man kisses a woman. His mouth watered all the more.

"I'll have to think on it," she said. "After I study on
it for a bit, I'll let you know."

"Okay," he said. "Fair enough."

"Clay?" She tried to get up. "You can let me go now. I need to fill the canteens.

He watched her mouth. "Yeah, you need to fetch some water, I reckon."

"Let me go then," she whispered.

He bit his lower lip and then moved up, shifted himself against her and slanted his lips over hers for a fulfilling kiss. Long enough to make an impression, but too short to make a lasting one, he kissed her like a woman expects to kiss for the first time. He held her close and tried his damndest not to get carried away. He reminded himself to kiss her like a man kisses a woman he's not fuc$ed before. A gentleman's kiss, that's what he gave her.

http://www.sirenpublishing.com/natalieacres

PROMO: Bend in the Road by Jeanne Barrack

BEND in the ROAD by Jeanne Barrack

ISBN# 978-1-60820-002-3 (print)
ISBN# 978-1-60820-003-0 (e-book)
Released now from ManLoveRomance Press

An erotic, m/m historical romance, dual novella anthology BEND IN THE ROAD, set in Eastern Europe in the 1880s, introduces us to two couples that find safe havens in the insular world of a traveling Yiddish theater troupe. IN THE LION'S DEN brings us Daniel Bercovich, a young man in the first throes of finding his identity. Can the man he comes to love accept a new side to him? Yuval Smolenski finds more than the inspiration for his music, he finds something everlasting in FROM STAGE TO STAGE. These Jewish men in love must deal not only with the stigma of that love but also fear the rise of anti-Semitism. Can their love survive all the forces that surround them?

Available at ARe at: http://tinyurl.com/Bend-ARe
Available at MobiPocket at: http://tinyurl.com/Bend-Mobi
Available at Barnes & Noble at: http://tinyurl.com/Bend-BN
Available at Amazon at: http://tinyurl.com/Bend-Amazon

"Bend in the Road" available now:
http://tinyurl.com/Bend-MLR
"I Do!" Anthology for marriage equality
http://tinyurl.com/I-Do-Anthology
http://www.jeannebarrack.com
http://thesweetflagmenlove.blogspot.com/

REVIEW: Mudslide, Del Fantasma by Selena Illyria frome Aspen Mountain Press

Title: Mudslide
Author: Selena Illyria
Website of Author: http://selenaillyria.com
Website of Publisher: www.aspenmountainpress.com
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Erotica
Publication Date: November 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60168-154-6
Length: 81 Pages
Format: ebook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

Working as a negotiator for the paranormal world, the last thing Callisto Monroe is expecting is to run into a demon at her friends wedding. A demon who turns her burners on in seconds and has her agreeing to spend the weekend working on turning flames into embers.

Future king of the demons, Pietro had no idea taking Cody's advice would not only lead him to a sexy mortal with whom to flame a fling, but his mate whose mortality puts her in serious jeopardy. How to convince her they belong together,keep her safe and get his people's acceptance while the flames are burning them both?

Ooooohh,me likie. There's nothing like flaming sex,danger and mixing paranormal species with mortals to create a really fun read. In all the ways that matter this one has everything a reader could want and I enjoyed it a lot. The strong woman, stronger,but tender male is always a keeper.

REVIEW: Unicorn, Del Fantasma by Jet Mykles from Aspen Mountain Press

Title: Unicorn
Author: Jet Mykles
Website of Author: www.jetmykles.com
Website of Publisher: www.aspenmountainpress.com
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Publication Date: October 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60168-145-4
Length: 105 Pages
Format: ebook
Email of Author:
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

The last thing Scott expected when he drove to Del Fantasma to pick up his stranded brother,Brian, was a) a drink he didn't order and hadn't heard of and b) a brand new delusional? friend. After all, everyone knows unicorns don't truly exist- do they.

Jack might be a unicorn, but being bound to that "special virgin" is to be avoided at all times. He knows from experience what to expect and it's not what the fairy tales give as gospel. Unfortunately for him, he's not always able to avoid dangerous territory;especially when he thinks he's safe.

What chance do a unicorn shifter and an every day Joe have to become acquainted when it's a struggle to survive from the very beginning of their relationship? Throw in an infatuated brother,some nasty vamps and the situation goes from bad to worse in a hurry. It's Scott's
commitment both to Jack and Bryan which is tested to the limits. I always enjoy the Del Fantasma series and Jet Mykles has written a story to fit right with the best of them. I truly adore tales with meat to them and this has plenty.

PROMO: Excerpt: The Protector's Jewel by Bonnie Rose Leigh

Can Blake and Alyssa rescue Jeanne Donovan in time to prevent humanity's enslavement or will all be lost, including their newfound love and commitment to each other?

The Protector's Jewel
By Bonnie Rose Leigh
Copyright 2008, eXtasy Books
Genre: Vampire/Werewolf/Shapeshifter/Paranormal/Romance/Series
Publish date: January 1, 2009

Blurb:

Leading two separate lives, Jewelry Designer Alyssa Maguire never expects her secret life as an Underground Railroad Operator for Weres to lead her not only on a journey of a lifetime but to the one man who is destined to be her True Mate.

Blake Donovan is a Private Investigator on a vital mission when he simultaneously meets his mate and learns of his mother's attack and possible abduction. With danger and intrigue surrounding the newly mated couple, Blake and Alyssa must follow the clues left behind at the scene of his mother's disappearance and rescue her before Midsummer's Eve or risk humanity's enslavement by someone so evil even vampires whimper in fear.

Can Blake and Alyssa rescue Jeanne Donovan in time to prevent humanity's enslavement or will all be lost, including their newfound love and commitment to each other?

Before she could guess his next move and perhaps protest, he placed her legs over his shoulders and gently parted her with his fingers. The second his tongue touched her clit, her entire body grew rigid and a keening moan filled the room. He smiled against her, then once again flicked the little nub with his tongue. She shot off like a rocket, screaming his name over and over, begging him to take her, to stop torturing her even as she continued to come for what seemed like hours, not just the seconds that had actually passed. She wanted more, begged for more. She wanted him deep inside her and he couldn't wait to give into her demands.

After savoring the results of her climax, Blake once again started working his way up her body. He stopped at her breasts, then slowly trailed his finger around and around her puckered nipple, watching in amazement as the nub grew harder. He couldn't wait to taste them, couldn't wait until one day they grew plump, filled with the milk that would nourish their cubs. While still lost in visions of the future, she grabbed him by the shoulders and tried to yank him toward her, but he didn't budge.

With the ease of someone who knew just what to do to drive a woman to the edge of her patience, Blake lightly tweaked her other nipple until they were both standing at attention, just waiting for inspection. How could he refuse such a tempting offering?
"Blake, please." She begged. Don't you know how much I need you--need to feel you pressed against me, buried inside me?

Finally, he lowered his head, swirling his tongue around one rosy tip, before taking it into his mouth, sucking greedily, all the while using his other hand to pluck her other nipple. It wouldn't be right to ignore the pebbled nub while lavishing attention on the other.
Alyssa squirmed beneath him, her movements frantic. Hell, he couldn't take much more of this himself. He couldn't take not kissing her a moment longer. He had to taste her again. With that thought in mind, he left her breasts and rose to ravish her mouth. Their tongues swirled and twirled around each other. Her lips were silky soft, a contrast to his. Her taste exploded on his tongue, swamped his mind, intoxicating him. He knew that he needed to come up for air, but not yet. Not just yet. After a few more minutes of ravaging her mouth, he knew it was no longer enough. He needed more. He needed her. Now. "Roll over, Alyssa," he growled.

"What?"
"I need you on your stomach, sweetheart. It's part of the initial mating ritual."
"Oh, Okay." They weren't going to do anything kinky, were they? Well, kinky with Blake might be a fascinating thing to experience.
He wanted to chuckle. He knew she didn't know she was projecting her thoughts to him. He also knew she wouldn't like that he was aware of what she was thinking. He was also wise enough to know she wouldn't find the humor in this situation. Instead, he focused on her body, on all the things he wanted to do to her, experience with her. When she finally complied, dropping her chest down onto the mattress and lifting her ass into the air, he thought he'd come right then and there. Such a simple act of submission but it just about felled him.

Obediently, Alyssa pillowed her head on her arms. Blake knew she was anxious, but they had to follow their kind's customs when making love for the first time. That meant he'd have to try to convince her to let him make love to her from behind, doggy style, so to speak, though she didn't seem to have a problem with it so far even if she had questioned him at first.

Though his beast wanted desperately to mount her, mark her and mate her, he also didn't want to rush things. They had all night. He would show her tenderness before mating with her as custom demanded. Of course, she wasn't like others of their kind. She was independent as all get out, as well as a believer in equal opportunity and able to think for herself. Hell, she'd probably enjoy herself, even after he pinned her shoulder from behind, his teeth clamping down as he demanded submission while he entered her.

Damn, she was even more luscious from the back. At the base of her spine, she had two dimples and her ass was not only lush, but firm as well. She obviously worked out a lot. There wasn't a spare ounce of fat anywhere on her body.
"Dammit, Blake," Alyssa moaned.
He smiled at the clear frustration in her voice. Just knowing that within seconds she'd be forever his, had his heart racing, his palms shaking and his cock hard as rock. "Hold on, baby. This might get rough."

Phoenix Forrester
Phoenix Rising Promotions
www.phoenixrisingpromotions.com
Now Hiring (please see website)

http://mybonnierose.com/blog/

PROMO: Sarah wants Danny to make love BY THE BOOK, Excerpt 1, Some language

Hi, My saucy new novella, By the Book is now available.

Blurb

Danny Williams is pleasantly surprised when one Friday night, Sarah, his comely wife, proposes a game to engender fresh excitement into their flagging sex life.

Handing Danny a copy of the erotic Lascivious Liaisons by Madame X, she suggests they re-enact a sex scene from the book once a week. After acting out the first scene for a heated night of sex, skeptical Danny is convinced and looking forward to the next 'By the Book' night.

However, unknown to Danny, Sarah has a plan within a plan. After several 'By the Book' nights, things start to unravel and events swing beyond Danny's control, ultimately changing their lives...forever.

Cover Art by Dee Dawning

By the Book

Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket Price: $2.50

I want By The Book

STORY EXCERPT Sarah plopped down on the couch next to me. "Hi-ee," she whispered seductively. I dragged my eyes away from the latest Dodgers debacle and glanced her way. She flashed a wall-to-wall smile and put her arm around me. Looking back at the TV, she kissed my cheek and snuggled her head into the crook of my neck. "Guess what?" she said. Her free hand began to rub my chest as the fingers of her other hand twirled my hair. "You're sure in a good mood." Not meaning to ignore her question.

"More than that," she responded. "I'm in a fantastic mood. You know why?"
"No, but I'll bet you're going to tell me."
"Ooh, Danny, you're so smart. You should go on a psychic hotline."
"I'm a fantastic mood because we're going to enter into a new and enhanced version of our previously moribund sex life." Moribund sex life? Suddenly the Dodgers game didn't seem so important, especially with them behind six to nothing. "What do you mean moribund? I think our sex life is great."

"It may be great to you, but to me it's vanilla. It's so boring that if I were another woman, I would have taken a lover, but I do love you, not to mention you already have the tall, blond, lean, surfer good looks and equipment I would look for in a lover."I had no idea.Her hand abandoned my chest for a bag she had beside her. It slipped inside and pulled out a book. "I had lunch with Tish today and she told me she and David injected a shot of adrenalin into their sex life by once a week enacting a sex scene from this book. She said she hasn't had this much fun since she was fifteen in the back seat of Jerry's car."Tish and her husband David lived across the street, buying their home four months after we bought ours. Tish and Sarah had been close friends since elementary school. You might say they were thick as thieves. Sarah set the book on my lap. I tensed when her hand went back to my chest, concentrating on a nipple jutting through the fabric of my shirt.

"Jerry?" I inquired."Just some guy she went with for a while when we were sophomores."
"Hmmm. Did you have a Jerry?"
"Of course. Didn't everyone?"A devilish smile formed on my lips.
"There are no Jerrys in my past."Shouldn't have said that because her finger left my nipple and began tickling me.
"No Jerrys huh? I'll bet there were plenty of Geraldines, Peggy Sues too!"
"Whoa, hold on." I grabbed her hand and put it back, but she moved it down to my stomach."Were you visiting guys' backseats at fifteen?"
"Heavens no. I waited a lot longer. At least fifteen and a half." She giggled. Now it was my turn to tickle her.
"Fifteen and a half?" She began to squiggle around frantically.
"Stop it." Sarah is really ticklish. "Stop it," she screeched. "You'll make me pee." I backed off.
"Wow, you were practically a virgin when we met in college."With an indignant huff she straightened herself up and rested her hand just above my belt. Her fingers slipped just under and began moving.Picking the book up, in such manner as not to disturb her ministration, I looked at the title, Lascivious Liaisons by Madame X. "This is nothing but an erotic rag," I exhorted. "I know. Isn't it great? It's got some great imaginative sex scenes in it. Tish says all we have to do is follow the book and our sex life will soar. Here read this one." I started to read where Sarah'd pointed and she unbuckled my belt.

Don't forget to visit my beautiful new website for free read and other goodies.

Dee Dawning
Erotic romance for the naughty streak in all of us.
http://www.deedawning.com/ Click on the live title above to go there!

NEW RELEASE: Bitten by Tracey H. Kitts (X/R-rated excerpt )

This is an excerpt from Bitten, an erotic paranormal romance by Tracey H. Kitts, out now with New Concepts Publishing.

Bitten is the sexy tale of Sandra Ashton, one witch who suddenly finds herself dating three vampires. So, what do you do when you've got three immortal beings professing their undying or is that undead love for you? You agree to what they like to call, "joint custody."

"You will touch me now," I commanded softly, showering him with kisses.

I pressed my lips to his throat, nipping gently at his skin and he moaned. Even that soft sound of pleasure made me weak with desire.

"I hate you," I gasped as I threw him back on the floor.

Nicholas smiled up at me as I straddled his waist and lowered my head to his nipple.

"No you don't," he panted. "You hate that I have power over you." I bit down hard and he yelped. "Don't be angry, my dear. I will share it with you."

I pressed my body against him and leaned forward to meet his kiss. Just as his lips found mine once again the werewolf from upstairs came bursting through the door.

"Nicholas, come quick!" he yelled.

"Just when I wanted to take my time," he said, sighing regretfully. I started to get up, but Nicholas held me tight as he looked around me at the werewolf. "Is anyone dead?"

"No."

"Is anyone bleeding?"

"No."

"Is anything on fire?"

"No."

"Then get the fu@k out." With those words the werewolf was thrown back into the hall and the doors slammed behind him. "Now," Nicholas purred, "where were we?"

Even the interruption didn't manage to break his spell. Whatever power he had over me, I was defenseless against it. Later, I would wonder why I didn't even try to fight, but not now. At that moment the only thought I was aware of was getting Nicholas a little more naked.

"If you needed my blood to finish healing, why didn't you just ask?" I said as I sat up long enough to snatch off my shirt.

"Because," he said, rolling me to my back. "I needed your desire to heal, not your blood." He pressed against me in a provocative gesture as he informed me, "I need your blood to get hard."

"B@stard," I said, rolling him over again.

I held his hands down by his sides as I kissed over his chest, relishing the feel of his flesh. To touch him was such a delicious ecstasy that I could think of nothing else. So, this is what it was like to touch an incubus. I could have rubbed and kissed him till my lips were chapped and I collapsed from dehydration. After a moment he squirmed and that set me off even more.

Then I did something I had wanted to do ever since I first saw him. I ran my tongue over his nipple. But I didn't stop there. I continued to lick Nicholas until his chest shimmered in the firelight. I swear, he tasted like candy. I couldn't get enough of him. Even though his touch made me want to scream, I could tell he was holding back and I felt deprived.

"Is this why you wanted me to come here? So that you could toy with me?"

"I wanted you to come here, so that I could trick you into spending the night with me," he said softly.

For a moment I almost snapped out of it. "But, what about--"

"Stop worrying about tomorrow and live tonight in my embrace," he whispered. Having more of my bare skin exposed seemed to intensify the touch of his voice.

"But you don't want me, not really," I said, trying to calm down. "You just want to use me."

"No, my dear," he said, and for the first time I detected kindness in Nicholas. He sat up with me straddling his waist as he unclasped my bra. "I want you to use me," he said, bending down to kiss my breasts.

You can find out more about Bitten along with my other books at
www.traceyhkitts.com

Grab life by the fangs
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