SASSY SUNDAY STORY STARTER: MAY THE MUSE BE WITH YOU!

Picture borrowed from http://www.artshole.co.uk

 

For all you authors and aspiring writers out there, here is the third Sassy Sunday Story Starter, brought to you by our current Author in the Spotlight, Marion Webb-De Sisto. Thanks, Maz! 

She picked up the faded photograph and stared at it. That was her mother, wearing a print frock and smiling happily, but who was the man standing next to her?

Maz. ^j^

www.marionwebb-desisto.com

AR Author in the Spotlight 

As January 2010 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to once more, thank Maz for being our AR Author in the Spotlight this month. It's been a pleasure to have you aboard! We love it when we discover new authors, don't we? I've certainly had my interest for crystals and crystal skulls piqued since reviewing two of Marion's non-fiction books!

If you'd like to have your prompt featured, please email me! I'd love to hear from you. If your contribution is picked, I'll even add your name and link to your website as a way of saying thanks! Oh, don't I spoil you? :) Oh, and if you are an author, your latest book cover, too. 

How to use these prompts. 

If anyone would like to try out a 'Flash Fiction' prompt - how about a 500 (very generous) word count limit? You can always post your link here and we'll come and visit your blog to read it! 

Maybe you'd prefer just to use the picture, the prompt, or both, to inspire you to create a new, much longer, work in progress! The choice, as they say, is yours. Good luck and happy writing! 

May the muse be with you! 

*Jedi Sassy*

:)
 

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MARION WEBB-DE SISTO: Author in the Spotlight Wrap Up!

Since our time with Marion Webb-De Sisto, our Author in the Spotlight, is drawing to a close - to make way for our next featured monthly guest - I'd like to share with you a few questions and other bits of information not seen before, that I've gathered over the course of this month, during Marion's stay with us: 

Sassy: Hi, Marion! I'd love to hear about how you started writing. Is there a story behind that?

Marion: I always loved to read from an early age and created stories in my head. When I was 14 {many moons ago} I changed my intention of becoming a teacher to wanting to be a journalist. However, my mother and head teacher thought I was mad and managed to talk me out of it. Then in adulthood, full time work and, eventually, marriage and motherhood side-lined my wish to write, but I promised myself I would do so once I retired. In the '80s and '90s some of my writings were featured in books by Diane Stein and Dick Sutphen, and then in 1998 I developed a serious illness and I was forced to take early retirement. That left me with plenty of time on my hands and I've been writing my books since then.

Sassy: I'm sorry to hear about your illness, but it seems to me something good and positive came out of it, and that can't be all bad!

Marion: Yeah, I do believe you can always find something positive in even the most negative things. You just have to look closely.

Michael: Like Sassy says, it's great that something good came out of your illness with your writing flourishing. Did you ever regret your decision not to pursue journalism?

Marion: Hi Michael. Yes I did, more than once, but I did have a rewarding career, working with children. Thanks for asking.

Sassy: With regard to your fiction writing, can you explain more about the world they live in please? Building a world seems to me to be a massive, possibly time consuming part of writing a fantasy. How much information about your characters world do you work out, and how do you go about it? 

Marion: My trilogy is set in the world of Heaven and Hell, or what we would term as those places, but is nothing like what the church and Hollywood have described to us. Some of the information about those possible places has been given to me from my paranormal experiences and the rest, I guess, is my crazy imagination. No, I didn't spend lots of time thinking about the settings, they just seemed to write themselves, if you know what I mean? I'm not an overly-descriptive writer, I pop little hints/snatches here and there and leave the rest to the reader's imagination. I believe, as readers, we enjoy feeling as though we help to "set the scene." It brings the story more alive.

After I've finished writing Book Three of the trilogy, I hope to write stories about a place called the Kingdom of Legends. This is where all those mythical creatures live, like centaurs, griffins, dragons, unicorns and, of course, the Faery Folk. I 'see' this world as similar to our own, but peopled by those who are other than human and where magic is commonplace.

You could say because my career years were spent with children that I've refused to grow up. :-)

 

Sassy: Don't ever grow up then, we love you as you are! :) Here's a quirky question for you! Do you have houseplants and if so, what are your favourites? I'm guessing that you are a plant lover! :) 

You are correct, I'm definitely a plant lover. I enjoy gardening and also have several indoor plants - a couple of succulents, cacti and regular plants like Spider Plants and Dracaena. It's difficult to say what is my favourite, I like all of them, but the Spiders are one favourite. They are hardy, easy to grow and I just like the plant's shape and symmetry. Also, the contrasting green and white stripes.  

As a plant lover, and for anyone else who is also one, I thought you might like to read the following information from my book Turning to Nature, which is about the Bach Flower Remedies. Apart from using these Remedies for plants, you can also place a crystal in the plant pot in order to keep the plant healthy and growing. You don't need to bury it in the soil, just place it on top and next to the plant.

Blessings, Maz. ^j^
www.marionwebb-desisto.com
 

Amazon Link 

Treating Indoor and Outdoor Plants:

The plant kingdom responds very well to the Bach Remedies. I have given the required drops of Rescue Remedy and/or Crab Apple to ailing indoor plants and those growing outside with positive results. I place the drops into the watering can so that the roots can quickly absorb the healing essences once I have watered the plant, shrub, or tree.

When I receive cut flowers or buy them for myself, I always add 4 drops of Rescue Remedy to the water that they will stand in, and this dosage is repeated each time I change the water. Time and time again this addition of flower essences has prolonged the life of the cut blooms. I believe this is because Rescue Remedy is addressing their trauma of being cut and separated from the parent plant. For this same reason 2 drops of Star of Bethlehem can be placed in the water when Rescue Remedy is not available. Another Remedy that appears to prolong the life of cut flowers is Walnut. It helps them adjust to the change in their environment and physical condition.

I always use the five flower essences of Rescue Remedy when rooting new plants. The cuttings are placed in water that contains the necessary 4 drops and they repeatedly produce roots more quickly than those that are just placed in plain water. Seeds and seedlings are also given those restorative drops which, in turn, appear to help germination and subsequent growth. When our bushes and trees are pruned and cut back they receive a watering that has the supplement of Rescue Remedy within it.

So try using the Bach Remedies together with your gardening skills and watch how well your indoor and outdoor green friends respond to this treatment.

Sassy: Thank you, Marion, that's very informative.  I've used Bach Rescue Remedy myself, but never on plants! I will have to try this out.

Angelika Devlyn: You've written a lot of books, do you have a set writing schedule, if so, what is it? Do you listen to music when you write?

I write just about every weekday, always in the mornings and sometimes into mid afternoon. On weekends it's a little more hit and miss. There are some llate nights when I write, as well. I don't listen to music, I just enjoy the silence, but I do listen to music when I'm not writing.

Do let me know if you'd like to read an excerpt from one of my books.

Angelika Devlyn: Thank you, Maz! May I ask what sort of music you do listen to for relaxation?

And yes! Please can we see one of your excerpts. How about one from your first fiction book?  Thanks! 

Marion: I enjoy various types of music, but when I'm relaxing I like to listen to what some call New Age music.

Book Excerpt:

Samael's Fall: Book One of The Angelic Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Adventure/Romantica
Word Count: 123,000
Amazon Buy Link  

He's handsome, charismatic and extremely charming, but he's rapidly becoming a dark soul. A stirring account of how and why the first and most radiant archangel fell from grace and became the Devil. This book takes a contemporary look at the Celestial Hierarchy and it presents a controversial portrayal of the angelic realms. These celestial beings make mistakes, harbor jealousy and sometimes use poor judgment. There's plenty of adventure, romance. sibling rivalry and treachery in this first book of The Angelic Chronicles trilogy. It has previously been placed more than once in the top 100 of Amazon's Category Sales Ranks for books about the Occult. As an added plus, the cover is beautifully illustrated by Fanitsa Petrou, a talented Fantasy artist and graphic designer.

Excerpt:

Another silence ensued. The Shekinah stared down at her hands while her sibling studied her saddened face. He knew he could not leave without expressing his feelings for her, but he was reluctant to begin. Finally, he asked, "Are you aware I severely injured several angels?"
Malkura looked up at him and replied, "Yes, Michael has told me that you did."
"Yet you have continued to show me kindness and loving care. Why?"
"You are my brother and I love you, as I love all of my siblings. Knowing that you wounded some of the angels has grieved me deeply, but I cannot turn away from you when you are in need of help." Malkura's gaze returned to her hands.

"You are truly an angelic soul, my lady. Neither Samael nor I are worthy of your love, whether it is given as a sibling or with much greater feeling." He leaned forwards and questioned, "Are you distraught now that Samael is gone?"

Continuing to look down, she answered, "I am both saddened and relieved. Having decided to put away my love for him, it was most painful to see him and be in his company. Now, I will not be reminded of his fall from grace. I can treasure memories of the once noble Lord Samael."

"And what of me? How will you remember Lord Seriel?"
Finally, she returned his gaze and he saw that her eyes were filled with tears. "If you go through the portal, I will think of you often. I will remember a brother who showed me great compassion when I was almost crazed with sadness. If you stay, I do not know what will transpire."
"I cannot stay. I have sworn my allegiance to Samael and our parent has asked me to keep watch over him."
"Then you must go." Tears began to course down her cheeks. "Oh, this bothersome fluid! Did you ask our parent what it is?" She dabbed her eyes with the wide cuff of one of her sleeves.

"The droplets are tears. The Source told me our eyes create them when we experience grief. I also learned that the aqueous objects, which Samael and I found, were our parent's tears. It shed them out of sorrow for its first-born son."
"That knowledge makes me feel even more saddened." The Shekinah sat gazing past her brother, lost in unhappy thoughts.

Once again, the sibling archangels sat in silence. Seriel knew he must declare his love for his sister. He might never have another opportunity to tell her. Taking hold of her hands, he asked: 

"Do you recall when we last held each other's hands? You told me afterwards you had taken a notion to meld with me. I wish to know whether you desired our awareness blending because you felt gratitude toward me for the comfort I gave to you? Or was your wish prompted by a deeper feeling?"
Malkura closed her eyes and stilled her thoughts. Seriel waited for her reply, but none came. After a while, he pressed:

"I pray you, dear sister, look at me and answer my question. Do you hold an affection for me that is more than sibling love?"
The Shekinah opened her eyes and looked directly into his. There were no more tears, but utter sadness filled their green depths. She told him, "I have expected this question and I have dreaded it. I thought it was the one you wished to ask, yet could not remember. My answer may not please you, but it is all I can offer. I have loved unwisely once and, thus, cannot allow myself to cherish another brother who chooses strife and disruption over peace and harmony."

"I thank you for your honesty, my lady. May I be as forthright with you?"
A nod of agreement was her only response.
Continuing to grasp her hands, Seriel knew, at last, he could convey his feelings to her. "I have loved you both as a sibling, and so much more, from the instant of our birthing. You are more precious to me than I could ever express and I will never forsake my passion for you. It is eternal."
A rueful smile appeared, as Malkura remarked, "Manah told me that she and my angels knew it was so. Yet I was unaware. Why did you never tell me of your love?"
"I thought the depth of your devotion to Samael would last forever. I believed you both were inseparable."
"How wrong you were, Seriel."

"Indeed, I was." The seventh archangel released her hands, stood up and declared, "Now, I will take my leave of you. I wish to go to my home until I am ready to pass through the portal."
Arising from her chair, his sister observed, "Surely you are not yet strong enough to leave here? I would have you stay with me until you are fully recovered."

"I thank you for your concern, but I trust you will understand that I prefer to be alone. I must prepare myself to go to the outer Abyss." Seriel attempted to adopt a mode of efficiency in order to quell his churning emotions. "I shall gift my home to Raphael. When I do, I will give him your emerald so that he can bring it to you. Also, I know you enjoy your discourses with our parent, thus, you may wish to move this abode closer to it. Just tell the capstone where you want the pyramid to be and it will quickly move it. Lastly, do you have a message that I can take to Samael? I know he will want to know whether you gave me such."

"He may not. Our parting was most unhappy. He was furious with me for not wishing to go with him." Malkura kept her thoughts to herself for a short while, then she suggested, "If he does ask you for a message, tell him his sister wishes him to fare well and that she hopes he will find his soul's destiny."
"I will also try to persuade him to not watch you through his crystal. Now, may you remain within our parent's loving care until, and if, we meet, again."

"Dear Seriel, this parting is more upsetting than the one with Samael. Must you leave so soon?" She stepped close to him and lifted her arms, as if ready to embrace him.

Turning sharply away from her, he begged, "Please do not touch me, Malkura. If you do, you will destroy my resolve to go to our brother. I pray you, open the entrance door for me, but remain in this chamber. I cannot bear to delay my parting from you." Without looking back at the Shekinah, he began to walk slowly out of the room. As he moved along the corridors, his strength was quickly increasing. When he reached the open front entrance, he felt able to make the short flight to his home. Before he unfurled his wings, Seriel suddenly realized tears were streaming down his face.
Maz. ^j^ www.marionwebb-desisto.com

Thank you so much, Marion, for your time and energy! It's been a pleasure featuring you, and I wish you much success with your writing, and anything you do. :)

Dear Readers, don't forget to check out Marion's Author in the Spotlight page on AR, and her giveaway competition, which is open until Feb, 19th 2010. 

In case you missed them here are the links to two of our book reviews; Crystal Companions: The Use of the Mineral Kingdom within Modern-Day Metaphysics and Crystal Skulls: Emissaries of Healing and Sacred Wisdom

Later on today I will be posting a Sassy Sunday Story Starter, provided by Marion! I apologise for this being a little on the late side. There was a huge amount of homework for my son to get through on the computer, and my husband was on the laptop. I was left pacing up and down, waiting... 


Sassy
:)

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REVIEW: Claiming it All | Anna J. Evans | Ellora's Cave

Title: Claiming it All
Author: Anna J. Evans
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Contemporary/Menage or More/M/M
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 9781419925894
Length: Novella
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
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For the last ten years Tiffany has done for other people what she's wanted to do for herself- make their dreams happen. She's decided it's time to see if she can make it happen for herself and the only two men she's ever loved or if it will remain in the realm of fantasy.

Hiding a secret of their own, Aaron and Travis have decided to surprise Tiffany with a night none of them will ever forget. They've been lovers for years but no one knows and they're unsure how their old sweetheart will handle the news. Are they willing to fight for what they truly want?

Though I found this a bit "glossy" mostly due to length, I liked the treatment Ms. Evans gave this in letting all of them have their say so to speak and making it a serious piece as well as a totally sexy one. I enjoyed the courage of all three as well as the totally smokin sex, but it was the understanding and love that sealed the deal.

REVIEW: Chasing Her Tail | Katie Allen | Ellora's Cave

Title: Chasing Her Tail
Author: Katie Allen
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Paranormal/Menage or More/M/M/Shapeshifter
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 9781419925306
Length: Plus Novel
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

It's not every day a teacher gets to be "chosen" by one of her students; but Bridget never realized that honor included being bitten and then becoming a four-legged, fuzzy dog. If that's not bad enough there's somebody out to "get" her, the puppy who bit her is also one of her first grade students who's hunky uncle thinks he has the right to tell her what she can and can't do. Then she finds Hammer, who not only gives her a home, but feeds her those lovely thick hamburgers.

Micah is only trying to protect Bridget from the man who thinks it's okay to "play" with the paranormal, yet admits to more than a bit of interest for himself as well. When he finds she's taken refuge with the magnificent Hammer, he's prepared to leave her there thinking she's safe- or is she. Hammer on the other hand is really confused by the woman who seems to come to him wearing only a collar of black leather and only at night awakening him from sleep to fulfill waking dreams.

This is a hoot! While laced with serious undertones there is enough humor threaded throughout to cause delicious smiles in the most unusual places. Bridget is magnificent, Micah needs a bit of work, Hammer is a dream and the sex can curl your toes, but it was the seamless weaving into a whole that makes this a treat to read. I'm going to have to go back and read others of her works to see if this holds true for them as well. It's a keeper.

TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview!

Interview with Tina Donahue

Conducted by Sassy Brit

Quick note to our dear readers, hope you have a pen and paper ready, as your TBR book list is going to grow after this! Also, below the interview are the details of how to join in with the scavenger hunt! *Excited scream!*

SB: Good morning and welcome, Tina,

Thank you very much for returning to AR and agreeing to be interviewed. I promise I'll be gentle with you! I'll start by asking for a brief synopsis of your latest book, if I may?

TD: Hi, Sassy – I’d love to tell you about my latest – it’s called Deep, Dark, Delicious and it’s a wickedly sensuous feast. Here’s the blurb:

Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel. Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands – naked, wanting, submissive. Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

 

SB: Sounds fantastic! We will be reviewing Deep, Dark, Delicious soon, so I'll let you and our readers know as soon as it's up! Now, what got you into writing books?

TD: Genetics, I guess (LOL). As a kid, I read everything I could, even cereal boxes if nothing else was available. By the time I was nine or so, I was composing and illustrating my own stories and selling them to parents in the neighborhood for their kids.

SB: What is the most favourite thing you enjoy about the writing process? How about the least favourite?

TD: My most fav thing is being able to live with my characters. Their lives are never dull! My least favourite thing is trying to work out a plot that’s just not cooperating.

SB: What is the last book you read and what are your quick views on it?

TD: No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy – absolutely excellent. What powerful imagery. What a plot! Makes my hair stand on end.

SB: I have that, and agree it is a very cleverly written book!

If you had the chance to get everyone to read one book that you totally love, that was not your own, what would it be and why?

TD: Other People by Sol Stein. First of all, he writes the story in first person, but it’s also multiple POV. Very unusual. Secondly, there’s a great deal of wit in it. And the love story between Tomassy and Francine is simply incredible. I’ve read this book again and again and I never grow tired of it.

SB: I'm going to have to check that one out! Thank you for adding to my TBR list.  Okay, so, which of your own stories is your personal favourite, and why?

TD: Wow – that may be hard to say. Whenever I begin a new story, it becomes my fav because with each tale I learn a bit more about writing and perfect my craft. So, I’d have to say the novel I’ve currently finished is my favourite. However, the one I’m starting to plot may also be. :)

SB: Would you mind sharing what your current WIP is, the genre and how far into it you are, please?

TD: I’ve just finished another contemporary erotic romance. I should have it on my editor’s desk sometime this week. It has a passionate storyline, what I like to call “Heat with Heart”. There’s steamy sex scenes but also a fulfilling romance.

SB: Another one for my list! Have you ever had one of your characters take your story into a different direction? What happened?

TD: Happens all the time. I begin to plot and I see the story in my head. Then I begin to write and the characters take over. I let them. It’s their story and if I tried to mold them to a synopsis or an outline the story wouldn’t have as much punch.

SB: Now, for a few non-writing questions. If I were to look in your fridge right now, what three most unusual items would I find, if any?

TD: Raw peanuts and almonds – I like nuts :)

A jar of dill pickles that’s about two years old – I keep forgetting to throw it out

A hunk of cheese I got as a gift but I may regift it to someone else since I don’t like the flavor.

SB: Are you a morning person or a night owl?

TD: Morning.

SB: Cat or dog lover?

TD: I love both – but I’m a little more partial to cats

SB: I love both, too. I do have dogs, and would love some cats, but they don't see eye-to-eye with felines! They see them as food more than anything. :)

What is your favourite quote?

TD: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931)

SB: Oh, I love that one! Now, I'm sure everyone asks you this, but I have to ask - I see you have modeled professionally, and appeared on billboards, do you have any pictures, or would you like to share which company you were advertising, please?

TD: One of the pictures is on my website: www.tinadonahue.com – I was about four or five at the time. I was modeling for a milk commercial for a Ralston Purina company. I’ve also modeled for Keds and other products.

SB: If you could have anyone around for tea and scones, dead, or alive, who would it be and why?

TD: Lawrence Sanders – before he passed he wrote great, great thrillers. I don’t believe anyone is better than Sanders in that genre.

*Scribbles down the name, and adds to TBR list.*

SB: What is the best information you could give aspiring writers?

TD: Read everything you can, not only the types of stories you want to write. Then write, write, write. And finally, no matter the opposition you face, whether it’s from publishing houses, editors, critics, or fans – never give up.

SB: Finally, where can we find out more about you and your books?

TD: At my website: www.tinadonahue.com – click on “About” “Books” and “Reviews” it’s all there! :)

SB: Thank you, Tina. That was fun. I really enjoyed interviewing you. Good luck with your next book. Do come back and let us know when it is published! 

Scavenger Giveaway Instructions

Slightly different to normal, since this is also a scavenger hunt - Open to UK/International entrants. --STARTING as soon as the details are posted in the comments section. The first reader to contact TINA with all four questions answered correctly will win.  

1. To enter - please follow the AR blog (publicly) 

             2.  Look out for the questions in the comments section!!

That's it. Good luck! As usual you may, Tweet, Digg , add this comp to your blog, sign the AR Guest book! etc. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!

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REVIEW: Fallen | Lauren Kate | Doubleday

Title: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Doubleday
ISBN: 9780385618021
Publish date: 17 December 2009
Genre: YA / Romance / Fantasy / Fallen Angels 
Length: 452 pages
Format: Paperback ARC
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

This is an Amazon Vine Review


The shadows have always followed Luce around ever since she can remember, but after speaking to her parents about it once, they sent her to numerous psychiatrists, certain she must be suffering from a mental illness. This does not bode well for Luce, always having to lie about the shadows, and thinking there is something wrong with her but never quite knowing what. This turns her into an angry teenager always getting into trouble. So much so, she ends up being sent away to a reform school called the Sword and Cross. Although she is not happy about it, and misses her best friend and parents, things soon look up when she comes face to face with Daniel - the moody, secretive, untouchable boy who she swears she has met before. But Luce is hiding a few secrets of her own. Before coming to Sword and Cross she had a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school revoked when she was blamed for the accident that caused the death of her boyfriend, and it so traumatised her it led to the loss of her memory of the incident. Or so she is lead to believe.

Meanwhile, the alluring, yet equally mysterious bad boy, Cam, has set his sights on Luce causing her to feel torn between both him and Daniel. But of course it's Daniel she really wants and feels she has a connection with. So, with her new school friend's help she tries to find out more about him and is shocked at what she learns, not only about Daniel, but herself. The shadows are no figment of her imagination, and she has a past connection with Daniel that changes everything. Throughout her life, all her lives in fact, Daniel has been her protector - her guardian angel. But that's not all, Luce finds herself in the middle of a war, and it's fight or flight time between good and evil. Will the dark, sad truth of her relationship with Daniel ever be revealed? One kiss is all it takes to change everything, but is it for the best?

Oh, what a lovely, Gothic love story, thriller and suspenseful read all rolled into one. The premise of a love that cannot be, may not be a new one, but with a flutter of fallen angels waging a war against each other, the story grows wings and takes on a new life of its own. I could not put it down. However, the ending did seem to lack something by leaving a key question unanswered. Yes, I know there's going to be a sequel and Lauren Kate wants to keep us hooked, and maybe I'm just being too impatient, but it did leave me feeling a little cheated at the end. Despite this, it wasn't enough to destroy my reading experience. I truly did enjoy discovering the secrets of Luce and Daniel's developing romance, and what she had unknowingly walked into that would change her life forevermore.

Check out the trailer:

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REVIEW: Bar None | Brigit Zahara | Ellora's Cave

Title: Bar None
Author: Brigit Zahara
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Paranormal/Menage or More/Vampire
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 9781419925320
Length: Novella
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

When you have a really rotten day, there's nothing like having a safe haven with two very best friends. Only it might be a tad different if they happen to be vampires- even if they're fabulous, sexy and drool worthy. Sera would like nothing better than to have kinky sex with
both of her friends, but they're afraid of losing control.

Nate and Fab both adore Sera, but Nate fears losing control of his passion and literally loving her to death so they abstain from sampling what they know she would freely give them. Can they believe her when she says that neither would hurt her, even in the throes of passion?

Short and to the point- two men, fangs, one woman, lusty sex, lots of loving, incredible stamina- yumm. Throw in a believable plot line, stand-up characters, some wry humor, round it out into a lively tale and it becomes a quick lively read to enjoy.

PRESS RELEASE- coming 02/02 Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition

New Release Streeting 02/02 ('Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition')

AIR BUD GOLDEN RECEIVER SPECIAL EDITION — Now you can kick off all-star family fun with the heartwarming Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition, featuring exclusive all-new bonus action: Sports Channel play-by-play quarterbacked by the Buddies!  This time out, Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles a new sport—football. When his teenage owner reluctantly becomes the school's new quarterback, Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team. Soon, the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship. But victory hopes are sidelined when two sinister Russian circus owners take a bite out of everyone's plans and dognap Buddy for their star attraction. Give three cheers for Disney's hilarious hit that goes the whole nine yards for outrageous fun and adventure.

Bonus Features
• The Buddies Sports Channel – Join Budderball in the broadcasting booth as he and the rest of the Buddies, B-Dawg, Mudbud, Buddha and Rosebud, review the instant replay on the amazing football career of their dad, Air Bud.
• Air Bud Sport Whistle Necklace – Exclusive on-pack while supplies last.

2010 Hollywood Book Festival Call for Entries

2010 HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES 

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 27, 2010) _ The 2010 Hollywood Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its annual program celebrating books that deserve greater recognition from the film, television, game and multimedia communities. The fifth annual event will be held in July, 2010 in Hollywood, CA.

The 2010 Hollywood Book Festival will consider published, self-published and independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, children's books, teenage, how-to, audio/spoken word, 'zines, comics, e-books, fan fiction, wild card (anything goes!), unpublished stories, screenplays, genre-based works and biographical/autobiographical works. This is a story-oriented competition and there is no date of publication restriction.

A panel of entertainment and publishing industry judges will determine the winners based on the following criteria:

1) The story-telling ability of the author;

2) The potential of the work to be translated into other forms of media

All entries must be in English. Our grand prize for the 2010 Hollywood Book Festival Author of the Year is $1500 and a flight to Hollywood, CA for our gala awards ceremony.

ENTRIES: Please classify your book and enter it in the following categories. Multiple entries must be accompanied by a separate fee for each book.

1) General Non-fiction

2) General Fiction

3) Children's books

4) E-books

5) Comics/'zines

6) How-To

7) Fan Fiction

8) Wild Card

9) Unpublished Stories

10) Teenage

11) Biography/Autobiography

12) Audio/spoken word

13) Genre-based

14) Screenplays

In addition to honoring the top selections in the above categories, The Hollywood Book Festival will award the following chosen from submissions:

1) Hollywood Book Festival Author of the Year Honors the outstanding book of the competition.

2) Hollywood Book Festival Design of the Year Honors outstanding and innovative design.

3) Hollywood Book Festival Publisher of the Year Honors the top publisher based on potential to develop future works suitable for transformation into other media.

FESTIVAL RULES: Hollywood Book Festival submissions cannot be returned. Each entry must contain the official entry form, including your e-mail address and contact telephone number. All shipping and handling costs must be borne by entrants.

NOTIFICATION AND DEADLINES: We will notify each entry of the receipt of their package via e-mail and will announce the winning entries on the web site shortly after the entry deadline. Deadline submissions in each category must be postmarked by the close of business on June 25, 2010. Winners in each category will be notified by e-mail. Please note that judges read and consider submissions on an ongoing basis, comparing early entries with later submissions.

TO ENTER: Entry forms are available online at www.hollywoodbookfestival.com or may be faxed/e-mailed to you by emailing HollywoodBKFest@aol.com. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable entry fee via check, money order or PayPal online payment of $75 in U.S. dollars for each submission. Multiple submissions are permitted but each entry must be accompanied by a separate form and entry fee.

Entry fee checks should be made payable to JM Northern Media LLC. We're sorry, but entries must be mailed and cannot be delivered in person or by messenger services to the JM Northern Media offices.

Entry packages should include one copy of the book; any relevant marketing material; a copy of your official entry form; and the entry fee or receipt from online payment. Entries should be mailed to:

JM Northern Media LLC

attn: Hollywood Book Festival

7095 Hollywood Boulevard

Suite 864

Hollywood, CA 90028-0893

Phone: 323-665-8068 

AWARDS: Winners of the 2010 Hollywood Book Festival will be honored at a gala ceremony held in Hollywood, CA in July, 2010. You do not need to be present to accept your award or accompanying prizes.

Hollywood Book Festival entrants in each category will be admitted free to the awards ceremony. The Hollywood Book Festival selection committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project. 

The Hollywood Book Festival is produced by JM Northern Media LLC, producers of the New York Book Festival, London Book Festival and DIY Convention. The festival is sponsored by Shopanista, eDivvy, Westside Websites and the Larimar St. Croix Writers Colony.

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Tea for Two with Shelley Munro | Who won?

Good morning! Before I announce the Tea for Two giveaway I'd like to thank author, Shelley Munro for coming to AR, and also for donating a prize! THANK YOU! It was great having you here, and we do hope you'll pop back soon.

If you missed it, you can check out the review of Tea for Two here. Thanks to everyone who entered - sorry you couldn't all win. 

And now to announce the lucky winner, with the help of Random.Org, and this pretty lady below:

...

Nataliew2

I'll email you straight away! Congratulations! 

Enjoy your read --

Sassy

:)

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
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REVIEW: Lost Memories | Rebecca Airies | Ellora's Cave

SASSY NOTE: Awesome cover! I'm tempted to turn to the old jokes here. You know, the one about "is that a gun you are holding, or are you just pleased to see me?"...but I won't.

Title: Lost Memories
Author: Rebecca Airies
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Futuristic/SciFi/Shapeshifter
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 9781419920509
Length: Novella
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

Honie has been given a job escorting a group of shifters, during which she discovers her mate. Only she has pieces of her memory missing and is working to get them back. Between her anger at being left and the demands her body makes for it's mate, she has decisions to make.

Mace had believed his mate was dead or he never would have left her. To find her alive- and angry- simply means he has to find a way to get through her defenses and make her see reason. So for now he'll use this trip to his advantage and perhaps a little of the sex he knows she'll never be able to refuse to get her to listen.

Battle of the sexes- shifter style. Mates who can't ignore one another, but make it as difficult as possible, hot monkey sex, dangerous territory, vengeance and retribution; everything to make a good book better. I love it when a woman makes a man pay for his stupidity. Huzzah.