2012: Year of the Reader

2012 is nearly done and so it's time to look back and reflect on what kind of year I had professionally. There were ups and downs and even a couple of lateral movements, but for the most part I'd call it a very successful year for me as an author. And who added to that success? My readers of course. I met quite a few new ones online and even a couple in person. I found new ways to interact with readers and put myself out there a little more. I thoroughly enjoyed it all and consider 2012 the Year of the Reader.

So, to celebrate and thank my fabulous readers for all I accomplished in 2012 (because without you what was the point?) I'm going to give away a tote bag of goodies.

All you have to do to enter is tell me which of my books you've enjoyed the most and why. Now, no cheating. Don't go reading a review and taking from someone else's opinion. It doesn't have to be explicit detail, just enough so I know what scene or chapter in which book you're talking about. Then add your email addy to your comment and you're entered.

To sum up, I sold over 945 ebooks and at least 33 print books (not all the year's numbers are in yet) in 2012. I attended one writer's conference and one reader's conference. I had three new releases and finished writing nine books. Overall a very successful year. However, I do hope to make 2013 even better. I already have one release planned with more certainly in the works.

So THANK YOU readers!! I appreciate each and every one of you. Take your time considering your comment below. I won't draw a winner until January 6, 2013.

Do You Know A. B. McKinley?

I first read the name A. B. McKinley about a year or so ago when a reader who had befriended me on Facebook suggested I check him out. When I saw he was a Scot who wrote a romance I was seriously intrigued. What is a man who was born in Glasgae and was once a member of the British Special Forces doing writing romance? Check out his website for a chance to find out.

http://www.kilteddesire.com/

BLURB

Scott Maclaren, a strong Special Forces Scotsman, is terribly injured during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. His journey begins with a broken heart after his wife leaves him for another man during his time in the hospital. Traveling across the Atlantic to visit family, his story now begins.
After years of physical therapy and being alone, things were about to look up. Katie Johnson, a beautiful Ohio schoolteacher, was where his ‘dream’ of passion and love were to become reality. Smoldering embers became a passionate, raging fire between them. A wanting and desire that burned for one another as neither had ever experienced before.
Scott’s love for Katie and her two girls would lead him to great lengths to make all their dreams come true, including a six-month security contract in the Middle East. The money would ensure financial security for life.
The contract was to secure the safety of a young attractive businesswoman, Britney Parnell, who is accustomed to getting what she wants… and she wants Scott. She wastes no time in making her yearnings known. All can see her motives, but Scott. His only thoughts while in Baghdad are to keep her safe amidst terrorist attacks, shootings and bombs exploding all around them…
This sensual, sexy adventure begins with the ultimate betrayal and is filled with action, intrigue, passion and steamy love scenes.
Inspired by true events…

BUY

BLURB

After his recent adventures in the Middle East, all Scott Maclaren wanted to do was relax. He looked forward to his new life as a family man.
But, things never seem to ‘go-as-planned’ for the tough Scotsman.
Soon, after his return to the U.S., Scott finds himself catapulted back into the thick of action. Once again, he is called upon and will need all of his Special Forces skills, as he battles new foes.
The excitement and drama heat up, both inside and outside the bedroom in this romantic thriller. This suspenseful sequel is filled with even more action, adventure and passion.

BUY

Happy Holidays

I know I haven't been posting much and if you've missed me I apologize. To be honest I've just been exhausted from my schedule of getting the kids taken care of on a daily basis. Teen #1 has a job at the mall where she works late hours. I have to pick her up around midnight then wake at 5:30 for the daily routine. It's very tiring. 

I've also been writing and preparing for Christmas in our house. Lots of stuff to do. I hope each of you is successful in preparing for the end of the year, or end of civilization possibly. I hope you each also have very happy holidays if you celebrate them. I might not post again until after the New Year, so if I don't have a Happy and safe New Year!

NaNoWriMo 2012: Final Update

Another year done and NaNoWriMo has officially ended. How did I do? Well, I didn't win, but I actually did a lot better than all my previous years of participation. By midnight I was at 45,191, a shortage of just 4,809 words. I was, of course, kicking myself for playing around on Facebook and Twitter so much. I am a horrible procrastinator and if you follow me on either social network you saw the moment when I realized I simply wasn't going to make it. I had to leave the computer to pick my child up from work with two hours to go and knew there was just no way I'd get back with enough time to finish.

Now, for the actual numbers. Within the month of November I worked on final edits for my newest Ellora's Cave novella, Too Hard to Break. I'm not sure of the release date for that one just yet. I also worked on the "cougar" story that's been tormenting me for months. The plan was to leave that one shelved until today so I could work just on the NaNo WIP but those characters weren't having it. Then of course I also worked on the NaNo WIP, tentatively titled Too Hot to Handle. So in essence, I wrote quite a bit more than 50,000 words within the month of November, just not all on one manuscript.

Am I disappointed? A little. But only because I started out so strong and could have finished if I'd just kept my butt in gear. It's totally my fault that I'm so easily distracted. However, next year I will once again try to get it done. We'll see, maybe I'll have my internet connection disabled for the month to make it easier on myself. ;-)

Meet Me Online Today!

What are you doing today? Me, I'm hanging out at Bitten By Books and giving away a Samhain Publishing tote bag full of goodies! There will also be one $5 Samhain gift card up for grabs. All you have to do is join me over there today after 2pm CST. I'll be answering questions, asking question, and generally just chatting about my books here. See ya there!

*Print copy of Day Shift will be replaced with print copy of The Second Book of Grimm by Shiloh Walker.*

You can enter the contest here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do You Know Heather Long?

Hot Marines, steamy romance, what's not to love? If you've never read Heather Long then you are missing out! Get her new release from Decadent Publishing available TODAY!

The emotional sequel to Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here.  Readers wished for more Jazz, Logan and Zach and the threesome are reunited when the unthinkable happens. 

No Regrets, No Surrender

Always a Marine #6
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61333-420-1
Release Date:  20 Nov 2012

This sixth installment of the Always a Marine series for Decadent Publishing and a first for the series, as a spinoff of Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here. Jazz, Logan and Zach met via a 1NightStand. This is the business name of an exclusive online dating service run by Madame Evangeline who provides her clients with the possibility of happily ever after or happily for now.

BLURB:
At the end of their night of frenzied passion, Jazz Winters walked away from the only two men who’d ever made her feel like a woman. Logan Cavanaugh and Zach Evans let her go, but only if she swore all her future leaves to them.
Waiting fourteen excruciatingly long months, visiting Jazz when they can, is harder on the guys that they like to admit. But their work at Mike’s Place, a veteran’s rehabilitative facility, only lets Zach and Logan go one at a time. Jazz fears their unconventional relationship can’t last a lifetime. The stress of years of military service in hot zones, combined with life-threatening injuries pushed her to the edge. But when she comes home a wounded warrior, not the woman she believes they want, Zach and Logan are right there to help her, even when she resists.
She’s not alone. Whether she chooses one or both, they have no regrets and they won’t surrender.

Heather Long Website
Always a Marine Series

Fun Facts
It is hard to believe that the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have endured for more than a decade, and yet no one in the military or their families have been unaffected by these conflicts. 
While all three characters are Marines, it was an interesting idea to examine what life was like for the guys on the other side of the sandbox with Jazz serving overseas and they keeping the home fires burning.

SK Saturday: The Final Update

And so it's done, this journey I began (for the second, and last time) almost six months ago. What prompted me to travel once again down that long and winding path with Roland Deschain of Gilead? The arrival of a new chapter set in his world. It's been a good journey. There were tears and a little laughter. There was anger and disgust. It was worth it, even the second time. 

What did I think of this final chapter in the long quest for the Dark Tower? For the sake of a review I will give it four stars. It wasn't perfect for me as a reader, though it wasn't as heartbreaking as I feared. Characters I'd grown to love were lost along the way and the main one's ending left much to be desired. But I already knew that. That was the one thing I had remembered from my first trek with Roland. That wasn't why I made the journey again, as if I thought the outcome would be any different. I made it again because it's good to be reminded of the journey sometimes.

I needed to watch Eddie Dean fight his addiction with heroine and find his love of Susannah. I needed to see her find her love of Eddie and put that bitch Detta in her place. I needed to meet Jake and Oy. I needed to be reminded that Stephen King is the creator, and destroyer, of worlds far more intense than I could ever hope to make. It was a good journey and I'm glad I made it again. If you have not then you should. At least once. At least to meet the cast of unforgettable characters I'm mentioning. Or at least to be left with that queer feeling of wonder at SK's mention of his other works and his life on the road to the Dark Tower.

But be warned. This story is not for the faint of heart or one who would not finish it. Once begun it must be completed. Long days, and pleasant nights.

Life and NaNoWriMo Week 2

I have a lot going on in the next couple of days. First of all, tomorrow, the 16th, I'll have a guest blog at Nikki Duncan's site as a part of her release party for Her Miracle Man. I'll be choosing one lucky commenter for a prize. Nikki is also giving away a ton of prizes, including 2 airline tickets!

Next I'll be joining The Romance Reviews' Year-End Splash (YES!) Party on the 17th. Answer my Q&A for a chance to win my ebook Winning Back Wednesday. Their party lasts until December 15th and they're giving away over 300 prizes from various authors and publishers. It's guaranteed to be a really good time.

Then on the 19th I'm a guest on Anna Kathyrn's blog. I'll be giving away a very unique prize, a paperback copy of Jade Lee's Dragonbound. What's so unique about it? Just wait until you see the inscription. No, it's not to me, but my name is involved. You'll just have to check out the post to see it. ;-)

And last, but certainly not least, my NaNoWriMo update. As of this morning I'm sitting at 23,599 words. I'm on track for their goal of 50K but behind for my personal goal of 60K. I've been trying to push myself to write at least 2K words a day but it hasn't been easy. I've also gotten the first round of edits back for Too Hard to Break. That will cut into my NaNo time but will be so worth it. I'm really excited about Elle's story and can't wait to share it with all of you!

So that's my week in a nutshell. If I don't have a chance to post this later I just want to say I'm VERY thankful for my readers. I hope you all have safe and joyous holidays!!!

Life and NaNoWriMo Week One

So, what have you been up to this week? I've been writing, writing, preparing for a trip out of town this weekend, writing, and other things. Last Wednesday marked the first day of November and the beginning of NaNoWriMo 2012. I was iffy on participating this year because I knew I already have a lot going on this month. However, the idea for another erotic novella struck me and I thought, "What the heck?", and that was that. So if you're familiar with my Love Beyond Barriers series from Ellora's Cave then You might be happy to know my NaNo WIP is Ben's story. It's not in his POV of course. All of my LBB are from the heroine's POV. If you want to know which heroin is his you'll just have to wait and see. ;-)

First things first, NaNo. I've done fairly well so far. I'm currently at 14,340 words. Just over my goal of 2K a day so I'm happy. I'm not optimistic about getting much done this weekend but will try to make it up next week.

Second, this weekend. As I stated above I'm going out of town. Where? Why, Readers n'Ritas of course! I'll be in Allen, TX all weekend and would love to meet you if you're in the area. There will be a book sale and signing on Saturday at 4pm.

Third, the JDRF walk. I won't be able to attend this year as I had already committed to RnR before knowing the date for the walk. However, my team, Team Alice Jane (named after my daughter who has Type 1 Diabetes) will be at the walk with my mom. They will be walking in Montgomery County this year instead of the Houston walk, but it promises to still be an awesome event. If you're in the area and not busy Saturday morning you should go by to cheer them on. Also, it's definitely not too late to donate and help us reach our goal of $500. We're sitting at just over $300 right now.

Lastly, guest blogging. I'll be in a couple of places online this month giving away prizes. I promise to update my site with the info as soon as I get home on Sunday evening. Don't forget I'm still in the middle of a tour for Day Shift. I have a couple more stops before the holidays.

So that's it, that's my update. I hope ya'll have a fabulous and productive weekend. I'll be drinking margaritas! ;-)

More than a Right

June 15, 1993 was an exciting day for me. I turned eighteen and legally became an adult. It meant quite a few things but none more important to me at the time than the right to vote. I had to wait a few years before being able to cast a presidential ballot, but as soon as the next election came around I was ready.

Why? Does it matter, and why is it so important to me? Well, yes it does matter. It matters a whole hell of a lot. What's sad is that it matters less to some Americans than to others. I know a lot of people argue their vote doesn't matter. With the way the process is set up it may seem like that is true. However, it really isn't. Whether the person you vote for wins or not, I assure you your vote is noticed. Trends are recorded for future reference. Those who may be running tomorrow are paying attention today. Also, an argument I've had with a non-voting family member many times: if everyone who claims their vote doesn't matter actually got off their asses to vote I assure you they would matter a whole hell of a lot.

To be honest, we as a country should be ashamed of ourselves. There are people in other nations killing each other for the basic rights we take for granted. That's not over-exaggeration, that's plain and simple fact. And for what reason are some of us not voting? I assure you it's not that difficult, and even if it is there are people there to help. Registering is just a matter of minor paperwork. Standing in line at the polling place is no worse than going to Walmart on a Sunday afternoon.

I'm taking my eighteen year old daughter to cast her vote for the first time this afternoon after school. She's excited, I'm excited. It's the beginning of a whole new tradition for her whether she realizes it or not, and such an important one that I'm honored to be sharing it.

Will you be voting today?

It's NaNo Time!!

Today is November 1st, time for NaNoWriMo. Are you ready? Wait, do you know what that is? It stands for National Novel Writing Month, which is November, and is a "contest" to complete a novel within one month. I've participated for a few years but never "won". This is my year. I can feel it! 

Wanna be my NaNo buddy? You can find me here:

http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/mjhmcginnis

Good luck and Happy Writing!!

A Romance by Any Other Name...

You may have seen me mention on Facebook or Twitter that I now have a part time job in a book store. Basically for four hours a day I look over books and type their descriptions into a database that is uploaded to Amazon and ABE Books. It's the perfect job for me. I sit mostly alone in a room surrounded by books, looking over books, and writing about books.

One thing this job has seriously opened my eyes to is a whole slew of authors I've never heard of. Why not? I honestly don't know. At the moment I'm working mostly on general and literary fiction. I do read those genres but haven't really read any contemporary authors. I am noticing a trend though. Part of what I do is type up a little summary about the book for potential buyers to read. This means I get to learn about the plot of the books. And I'm seeing a whole slew of romance.

Now, these books aren't called Romance and they're certainly not categorized that way. But why the hell not? And when you get right down to it, don't nearly ALL stories have a romance somewhere in them? As I was looking over the books in my hands today I came to realize that every one was a romance story at it's most basic plot point. However, the author has won numerous literary awards and according to the quotes on her covers is God's gift to the literary world. Well, that's nice. I read the first few pages of at least four of her books. The writing is solid and imaginative...but the story is still a romance.

What bothers me about this discovery is that romance authors still get a bum rap. I mean, even with the hoopla over Fifty Shades... there are still other authors who look down their noses at us because we're not ashamed to admit we write love stories. And God forbid I mention my erotics! So what is it going to take for romance authors to earn equal respect? We earn royalties just like other genre authors. We use our creative juices to make stories that people want to read. We create and destroy whole worlds in our spare time. What's not to love and respect?

Maybe I'm asking for too much, or just being completely naive. And to be honest, I don't care a whole lot what people who don't read my work think of me as a writer. So long as I can still make someone happy with my books I will continue to put them out there. Even if that someone is just me.

Halloween Festivities All Day Long!

I hope you'll join me today at the Paranormal Monday Yahoo group. I'm on from 3-4pm, but there will be authors on all day long. There will be excerpts, prizes, and wild shenanigans. Kick the Monday Blues with us!

http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2FParanormalMonday

I'm Live and In Person!

Happy Saturday! Today is another chance to meet me out and about. I'll be at Third Planet Sci-fi and Fantasy Superstore in Houston. They're having a big Halloween sale complete with candy and goodies for trick-or-treaters. So, come in your best costume and have some early Halloween fun!

1-4 pm

Phone: (713) 528-1067
2718 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098

Book Signing!

So, what are ya'll doing today? I'll be running around all morning like a chicken with my head cut off. But this afternoon I'll be hanging out at Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands signing my books. I'll have copies of both They Call Me Death and Day Shift available. Won't you join me? I'll be there from 2-4.

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2200?subtype=detailMap#content

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I'll be celebrating in a couple of places online.

Click on the links to find me and maybe win a prize:

http://www.kate-hill.com/halloween/missyjane.html

All month long!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday/

Oct. 29th 3-4 PM

Computer Issues Suck!

Sorry I've been MIA lately. My computer died and online access is spotty for me right now. I promise I'm still alive and well...and writing! See you again soon. :-)

Hottie John Quinlan Needs Your Vote!!

If the name in the title looks familiar it's because it should be. John is one of the sweetheart male models who allowed me to use his photos for our ogling pleasure in a Male Model Monday post. In fact, John is the only model to be featured twice! He is so awesome, he just keeps sending me beautiful photos. So, now he could use our help. He's in a contest and can use some votes. Here's the info from the email he received:

"Lucy's ORR will run from October 8 – 12 and is a chance for authors and industry professionals to connect with their readers.   In addition to many blogs and social media activities, the cover model contest will be a week long event.  Readers will have an opportunity to vote via "Liking" your photo in the special "Cover Model Contest" photo album to be created on Lucy’s Facebook-Fans page and/or Pinterest.  The combined likes/pins on both pages will determine the winner. "

Okay everyone, please add your vote by liking John's photo(s) at one or both of the links below:

http://www.facebook.com/LucyMonroe.Romance/photos

http://pinterest.com/lucymonroebooks/

Print Release Day!!

It's here in print!!! Run to your nearest book store to get your copy today. :-)

New Release! Winning Back Wednesday

It's release day!! Today marks the release of my sixth ebook from Ellora's Cave Publishing. However, this one is a little different. It's being released from their Blush line and isn't as erotic as my previous books. It is still very much a love story, though a short one, and I hope you like these two characters as much as I do.

Austin and Wednesday have been friends for years. He values their friendship, though he’s horrible at showing it, and she loves him more deeply than she’s willing to admit. When he discovers she’s never celebrated a birthday, he plans a special night for just the two of them. Too bad he forgets to show up.

Wednesday has always been the Mistress of Denial. But this time she’s had it. Austin is not good for her, so she packs up and moves on. Now that Austin knows what he’s lost he’s not willing to let her go. And it’s going to take every trick in his arsenal to prove his love and win back Wednesday.

A Blush® romance from Ellora’s Cave

Blush sensuality level: This is a suggestive romance (love scenes are not graphic).

Want more? Read an excerpt here.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10371-winning-back-wednesday.aspx

Have You Met Tracy H. Kitts?

Why vampires and do they have to be naked?

By

Tracey H. Kitts

A lot of people (relatives in particular) have asked me why I write so much about vampires. I write werewolves too, but vamps seem to draw the most attention. At least, it gets the most questions. The truth is, I write what I like. When I was in school I read every book that had anything to do with vampires. Anything I could get my hands on that had vampires in it, I read it so thoroughly it could be considered studying. I also wrote a few short and semi-erotic stories about werewolves just for fun. Of course, they weren’t up to par with what is considered erotica now, but it was pretty sexy to me and my friends.

I always knew that I wanted to write professionally some day. It wasn’t something that just came to me out of the blue or something I did on a whim. Everything I have ever done in my life I have viewed as “good writing material.” I knew that each experience, whether it was a job or a relationship that went wrong, would somehow end up in my books. In the case of bad relationships, it could be considered therapy. Ha. Ha. Of course, names have been changed to protect the guilty, but there are a few of those along the way.

Since I always knew I wanted to write and I have always been drawn to vampires, it seemed only logical to me that’s what I’d write about. The other question I get even more often than, “Why vampires?” is “Why sex?”

The short answer: Why not?

Now, for something more in depth:  I love science fiction, but find it grossly lacking in sex. Ha. Seriously, I enjoy a good story but what I also enjoy is a good romance. I used to read the really old romances, the ones you could find at garage sales and such. So, they were really outdated and for my tastes, too … sweet. I wanted a heroine who could kick ass and take names. I wanted someone I could identify with. Someone who wasn’t “pure as the driven snow,” and all that crap. I wanted someone real.

Of course, I also wanted a hero who was sexy beyond imagination. I don’t want the guy next door. Let’s face it, unless Hugh Jackman lives next door, none of us are really interested in normal guys, are we?

I also have a deep love of fantasy. So, you take all that, mix it together (shaken, not stirred) and you get paranormal romance. Paranormal romance is really an adventure for women. We just happen to find romance to be part of the adventure.

I write what I like to read. Why would I try to sell something to someone if I didn’t even like it myself? That’s ridiculous. I love vampires and if we get them alone in the story, someone better tell me what they look like naked! I don’t know about you, but I’d feel cheated otherwise. Of course, I’m okay with waiting for such a moment (like in the case of a series, which I enjoy writing). But once we get there, I want details. Ha. Ha.

The last and probably best answer I could give is this: Writing is wish fulfillment and so is reading. Who hasn’t fantasized about living forever with some gorgeous hunk? Tall, dark and immortal sounds pretty darn good to me. To never grow old, never get sick and die. And let us not forget, eternal love. I think these are all pretty strong fantasies that most people can identify with, even if they don’t get into the whole, “Bite me,” thing.

Unfortunately, in the area where I live most people just see it as macabre. For the rest of the fang bait™ out there (like myself), please check out my latest release. LOL For everyone else, I do hope we can move beyond that some day.

My latest release is Bitten and it’s available at Amazon.

For more information me and my books, you can find me at www.traceyhkitts.com

New Release from Tina Donahue! (CONTEST)

LAST DAY OF ‘CLAIMING MAGIQUE’ BLOG TOUR

Hi, everyone! The tour’s been wonderful, your comments great!

If this is your first taste of Claiming Magique , you’re in for a treat. It’s Book One in my Appointment with Pleasure series for Ellora’s Cave and is hotter than hot, while also being so romantic. J

Here’s the cover, blurb and a brief excerpt to give you an idea of the plot.

I’m also offering a contest – the tour winner will have her choice of THREE of my backlist ebooks. So, read on!! And leave comments at each of my stops (check my blog daily for details: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/ ) for your chance to win! The more comments, the better your chances.

Blurb:

Claiming Magique

Book One – Appointment with Pleasure series

Tina Donahue

A man at the center of power…a woman who won’t be ruled…

They call her Magique.

Sought out by the District’s elite, she’s no ordinary call girl, deciding who will pleasure her for the evening. Her preference is for several men at once. Games of bondage and submission heighten her arousal and desire to have a strong male take her…to be adored.

Lobbyist Hunter Prescott was only looking for a good time, not a woman who unleashes a hunger so deep it changes his world. He won’t stop until Magique is his alone, a prisoner of his lust, powerless against his growing need for her body and heart.

With this man, resistance isn’t allowed. For this woman, he’ll create a world of sensual delight and yearning like none she’s known. Proving that only with trust and true surrender will she find unparalleled rapture.

Excerpt:

The name she uses is Magique.

French for magic. According to Hunt’s client, who’d paid close to twenty grand for tonight’s “date”, Magique was available only when the mood hit her.

Hunt had laughed at the notion, asking, “Seriously?”

“You won’t be grinning if she doesn’t choose you,” Jack Kilhan had said.

Nearly as rich as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Jack was a VIP client at Givens and Strobe, the firm where Hunt, David and Tim worked. Hunt had helped get legislation passed that saved Jack’s companies a lot of bucks and regulatory headaches. As a reward, Jack was providing the coming hours with Magique.

That is, if she chose Hunt.

“Seriously?” he’d asked the man again, dutifully sobered this time.

Jack pursed his lips and drew hard on his illegal Cuban cigar, releasing aromatic smoke with his words. “She doesn’t do this for the money, Hunt.” He offered a knowing smile. “She doesn’t need to.”

Really. “She has a day job? She’s a lobbyist too? Someone’s aide? Part of the POTUS’s inner circle? His mistress?”

Jack smoked his cigar.

Hunt pressed on. “If she doesn’t need the money for living expenses, then why does she do it?”

“Why do you or any man?”

Dumb question. They craved sex, the high of an orgasm, the warmth of a body and close comfort without any of the nasty complications.

“Hey,” David said, real quiet as though he feared being overheard. His Asian features were tight with concern as he studied Hunt. “You all right?”

He was horny as hell and hadn’t even seen her. What the fuck was the matter with him? He enjoyed women, always had—for sex and an occasional friendship, not anything soul shattering, knowing how easily love could become a weapon. He’d seen enough of that shit as a child.

Had Jack been putting him on with that she-might-be-inaccessible crap? There was only one purpose for tonight…unrestrained indulgence. For her, him and his buddies.

“She prefers three guys at once,” Jack had informed. “Rather than one on one.”

Hunt wasn’t about to question why.

 Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10319-claiming-magique.aspx

Tina Donahue

“Heat with Heart”

CLAIMING MAGIQUE (AVAILABLE NOW)

THE YEARNING (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)

UNENDING DESIRE (BEST BOOK Rating - LASR Erotic)

SENSUAL STRANGER (BOOK OF THE YEAR 2010)

DEEP, DARK, DELICIOUS (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)

Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

*** CONTEST ***

To celebrate the release of Claiming Magique , I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter during this blog tour will have her choice of THREE of my following ebooks**:

1.            Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2.            Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3.            Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4.            In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5.            Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6.            The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7.            Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

8.            Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR

9.            SiNN – Nominated for Book of the Week LASR

** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen September 13

Shutterbug Sunday: Patrick Mark

A few months ago I happened upon an interesting site while searching for erotic photographers. It was for the final issue of an online mag by an amazing photographer. I thought it was sad that his magazine was ending until I read on and realized he was moving into photo book projects. He asked for suggestions on the themes and of course I submitted Romance. Imagine my surprise (and glee) when he chose my theme for his first book! Help me in welcoming Patrick Mark.

How long have you been capturing the world around you, either professionally or from the first time you picked up a camera?

I first picked up a camera in high school.  I was lucky enough to learn shooting from my yearbook instructor, an old pro with the patience to answer question after question.  My candid shots of basketball players caught the eye of our town's local newspaper and soon I was on their team of sports photographers. Funny thing, my shots of the actual game never made it into the sports section.  Instead, it was the anguish on the faces of players and coaches that always made the cut. It seems capturing men was 'my thing' even as a teen.
I eventually dropped still cameras for a career in television and video.  It would be 16 years before I shot another still frame.

After I moved to Austin in 2004, I picked up my first digital camera: a cheap Sony I bought at a pawnshop for forty bucks.  I had the idea to ask men on Manhunt if they wanted better pictures for their profiles.  I did it just for the experience, but before I knew it, I was back in the business of photographing men.
Those personal pics eventually lead to a few local magazine covers, a calendar with a global distributor, my own web magazine and now, a new fitness photo service.  All while I still work in TV.

What/who is your favorite subject? Do you find humans difficult or intriguing to shoot?

My favorite subject is actually non-human.  My eye gravitates toward the texture found in nature.  Grass, trees; there is ultimate beauty found growing all around us...naturally.  It doesn't have to put on make-up, work out; it is just what it is.  I think that carries over into my work with men.  My aesthetic tends to have a natural feel with an emphasis on texture.

As for humans, I do find us an intriguing subject.  I absolutely love the psychology of male photography. When I work with guys who are new to modeling, there is an interesting transformation that happens; a switch that flips when the lens comes out.  A guy can be the most timid person but as the shoot begins, this sensuality takes over and an entirely new man appears. It’s crazy what happens right in front of your eyes.  However, the intrigue can be lost when you work with a model that doesn’t connect with you.  That can be difficult.

If you could choose any one person in history, alive or dead, to do a full photo shoot of, who would it be and why?

Actor James Dean. The man couldn't take a bad shot.  A classic in every sense: expressive eyes, the face and the body language.

Do you have a fantasy location you would love to shoot? If so, is there a specific subject to go along with it?

Hmm, that's a tough choice but I'm going with Stonehenge.  The simplicity and structure of that mystic place has some amazing possibilities.  As for a subject, I would love to feature either ginger model Seth Fornea or former Playgirl Man of the Year, Derrick Davenport.  Derrick is someone I still see as the classic male figure, handsome and sculpted.  Seth's red hair and muscular physique would be a natural fit for the bold, lush environment surrounding Stonehenge.

https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMarkImages

http://patrickmarkimages.com/

Patrick is currently working on a fabulous photo book project. From his website:

The One Man Challenge:

Each month, I will take suggestions from readers, Facebook friends, anyone with an idea for a photo shoot.  It can be one prop, one theme, one message, whatever is in your head (within legal reason.)  If your suggestion is drawn you will receive a FREE digital copy of the finished photo book!  Start thinking and start submitting.

On a certain date and time each month I will draw one suggestion at random – my challenge is then to hire one male model and with him create an entire photo shoot based on the selected suggestion.  You will be able to follow along online as we develop the shoot.  Some of the finished images will show up here and a majority of them will become a photo book sold online in both print and digital versions.

The best part is that 20% of profits from all sales will be donated to the science of HIV/AIDS research.  I’m excited about this new venture and hope you see that it is a great way to support the arts AND a very worthy cause.

Want to submit an idea? Do so here.