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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Do You Know Susan Mallery? (contest)

Long-Lost Loves

Remember that boy from high school, the one who you thought about while listening to romantic songs on the radio, by yourself, in the dark, sobbing because he didn’t return your feelings? Remember how seeing him in the hallways at school made your breath catch in your throat? And if he caught your gaze and smiled at you, your spirits soared.

Remember him?

What if he was your best friend? And what if you went to his house before school one day so you could walk together as you always did… only he was gone?

Gone-gone. The doors were open, the closets were empty, and you never saw him again. He just… disappeared.

That’s what happened to Patience McGraw when she was a teen. As JUST ONE KISS begins 15 years later, Patience is at work in a salon in Fool’s Gold, California when Justice returns.

"Patience?"
                She didn't recognize the male voice, but turned anyway. A man stood in the entrance of the shop. He was tall, with dark gold-blond hair and deep blue eyes. His shoulders were broad and he had the kind of face that would be happy up on a movie screen. Nice, but she had no idea who he...
                She felt the cape flutter to the floor as she really looked at the man moving toward her. He was a few inches taller, a lot more muscular, but his eyes... They were exactly the same. They even crinkled when he smiled at her.
                "Hello, Patience."
                She was fourteen again, standing in that empty house, more scared than she'd ever been in her life. There hadn't been any answers. Not then or since. No solution to the mystery. Just questions and a gnawing sense that something had gone terribly wrong.
                "Justice?" she asked, her voice more breath than sound. "Justice?"
                He gave her a slight shrug. The familiar gesture was enough to send her flying across the shop. She flung herself at him, determined to hang on this time.
                He caught her against him and held on to her nearly as tightly as she held on to him. He was warm and solid and real. She pressed her head against his shoulder and inhaled the scent of him. A clean, masculine smell that had nothing to do with the boy she remembered. This wasn't happening, she thought, still dazed. Justice couldn't be back.
                Yet he was, and here. But the man was very different from the boy and the moment got awkward quickly.




Justice has returned to Fool’s Gold to open a bodyguard academy with a few of his ex-military buddies. (This is Fool’s Gold, where we go light on danger and heavy on humor, charm, and fun, flirty romance.) Justice leapt at the chance to return to the town that took him in at a very tense point in his life, and he was eager to see Patience again, his sassy, beautiful friend.

She’s just as open-hearted as she was back then, unstained by the darkness in the world, darkness he lives with every day. The moment Justice holds her in his arms, he vows to protect her from himself. Patience is everything good and pure in the world, and he won’t ruin that. She draws him like sunlight on a cold day, but though he can’t resist the need to be near her, to kiss her, he won’t allow himself to fall in love.

Enter the JUST ONE KISS blog tour contest once a day every day from May 28 through June 9 for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or BN.com gift card! And because this blog was set up by Fool’s Gold Cheerleader __CHA-CHA_, if you win, she’ll win a gift card, too!



Are you still in touch with the boy or boys you had a crush on in high school? Did they grow up to be as cute as you thought they would?

With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Comicpalooza: Day 3

So today was the final day of the Comicpalooza Convention. I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I wanted to but still shot some interesting stuff. Enjoy!

 

The youngest attended with me as Darth Vader.



No Houston area conference is complete without Triscelle Publishing! Here's one of their fabulous authors, Cornelia Amiri.







And here is artist Jeff Balke with one of his biggest little fans.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Comicpalooza: Day 2

I think I pretty much said it all in yesterday's post. So, for today, just enjoy all the photos:
























Friday, May 24, 2013

Comicpalooza: Day 1


So it was day one of Comicpalooza in Houston,Tx today and look who I found roaming the hallways: Jay and Silent Bob. Okay, maybe not the real Jay and Silent Bob but damn good impersonators.

There was a lot to see and do today and many, many people in costume. It was almost overwhelming as the convention covers nearly the entire George R. Brown Convention Center, which is a damn big place.



There's definitely something for everyone: a mustache emporium, scantily clad women, shirtless men, comics, sci-fi television stars, and Legos.




The costumes ranged from ridiculous to outrageous, from unique to amazing. I didn't take nearly enough photos but promise to do better tomorrow.





My only disappointment of the day was not getting to meet artist Boris Valejo. However, I've been told he did make it into town after all. So I have high hopes for tomorrow.

Speaking of which, what are you doing tomorrow? Whatever it is, change your plans and head downtown to see me!



Comicpalooza!

What's fun, involves gaming, comics, movies, sci-fi, fantasy, literature, art, and all kinds of unique people? That's right, Comicpalooza in Houston, TX. Today is the start of this three day convention that has seriously grown over the past couple of years. This will be my first year attending and I can't wait!

I know it's not easy to see on the above diagram, however I'm sure this will be available on site as well. I'll be just above the "Artist Alley" on the left side of the first floor. I'll be at booth #1831 alongside authors J.D. Faver and Mina Khan.


Aside from signing books and meeting our readers, all three of us will also be on panels throughout the event. I will be on two Saturday: No Right Way to Write at 1pm, and Vampires and Shifters: Why Do We Love Them? at 6pm. On Sunday I'll be on: Prose: The Art and Science of Choosing the Right Words at 12pm, and Kick Ass Heroes and Heroines at 3pm. As far as I can tell most if not all of my panels will be in room 3.

So whether you're a Trekkie, Star Wars fan, Whovian, or none of the above, you should come out to Comicpalooza for a unique and interesting weekend.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Update for the Masses

It's almost the end of the school year! I'm always happy to see the summer months because that means a little less hectic schedule with the kids. However, this year I'm absolutely ecstatic because I'll have a high school graduate also! So hopefully when school starts again I won't be stretched quite as thin.


On the writing front I've got a few things going on. I'm currently working on edits for Heather's Redemption. For those of you who have read Resignation, this book is about that Heather. Yes, I know she wasn't shown in a very good light in the first book. Hence the name of this one. I promise she is redeemed and with a sexy hero to boot. Once I finish the edits I'll get a release date. Hopefully very soon.

Also on the writing front, if you'll be in the Houston area this weekend you can meet me in person! I'll be attending Comicpalooza for the first time ever and am super-duper excited about it. I get to hang with other dorky, freaky people just like me. I can't wait! It's not too late to get one, two or three day passes. There will also be a whole ton of famous people to ogle once you're done talking to me. ;-)


And last but not least I need to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me by buying my books these past two months. I had a new release in April (Lunchtime Sex) and in May (Too Much to Lose). Though I won't have the numbers in for a couple of months I've already had some positive feedback. So I know at least one person bought each of them. Thanks to everyone who did!


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

New Release! Too Much to Lose


Available from Ellora’s Cave on May 15th! The final book in the Love Beyond Barriers series by Missy Jane, Too Much to Lose.


Blurb:

Shayla loves her life in New York. She loves her job, her freedom and her friends. What she doesn’t love is going home to an empty bed every night. There’s definitely a solution for that in Texas…Ben. The only problem is she’s not certain she’s ready for another serious relationship.

Ben fell head over heels for Shayla almost from the moment they met and it was obvious the attraction was mutual. However, great sex is all she’s willing to give. She tests his patience at every turn and his endurance whenever they’re alone together. He doesn’t know what more to offer.
It might take a force of nature and the emotional past coming back to haunt her before Shayla realizes what they have is definitely Too Much to Lose.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Getting Lost in the Shuffle


When I first started writing to get published there was still a stigma against self-publishing. Any "vanity press" caused warning signs to flash in my head. Skip ahead just a few short years and now publishing your own work is the new black. I have absolutely nothing against it and know many authors who have been very successful at it. However, I've decided it's not for me at this time. 

So, what does that mean for me as a small press author? I'm not published through the big six but I do have contracts with three different publishers. All three are well known in the Romance industry and have NY Times Best Selling author's in their lists. I'm very happy being a part of all three but what does that mean for me? Not much lately it seems. Even though I've been more successful on having new releases this year than any previous year, my sales are down. Is it because of my writing? I've no idea.

To be honest I feel I'm getting lost in the shuffle. There are so many authors and books to choose from. I know I'm just one of millions. I don't get many reviews so don't know if my writing just sucks. The few reviews I've had and some reader feedback leads me to believe it doesn't. What I do feel is there is such a push to support "Indie" authors, and so many readers stuck on buying paperbacks from the big six that authors like me are falling through the cracks. The biggest problem is I don't know how to fix this.

Like most authors I do a lot of online promotion for my books. I've got a site and blog (duh) and I'm on Facebook nearly all day every day. I know I'm often preaching to the choir though, as a lot of my interaction is with other authors. I don't really mind. Authors are readers too, right? I know I am. But there comes a point where I have to draw the line on self-promotion. I have to spend time writing too, plus I don't want to spam anyone. So, I'm just going to keep doing my thing and hope my writing speaks for itself.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

New Release! Body Butter by Renee Luke

If the above book cover doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will! How about the blurb?

Because of non-refundable tickets and a loser, would-be groom caught with his pants around his ankles just before the wedding, Jade Palmer finds herself all alone on an exotic island, in a resort world renowned for its specialty creams. After a year of depriving herself to fit into the designer gown, she plans on flaunting her new slim body in a bikini on the beach, indulging in some of the resorts special creams, and taking care of her needs for a change. Her main need, a man to live out the sexual fantasy this trip was meant to be.

This resort gig was his mother’s thing, so how Ty Zamir got suckered into caretaking her business for the summer is beyond him. Worse yet, because of a scheduling mix-up, he’s left delivering breakfast to their newest guest.  She’s naked when he arrives--and dreaming--mumbling about fantasies and creams. Ty’s supposed to leave the tray of breakfast creams, and quietly leave her room, but he pauses and she awakes before he can.  She tells him he’s why she came--what she needs--and offers herself in exchange for being shown how to use all of the island’s exotic, edible creams.


Wow! Very hot. How about a little more with the blurb from book 1?


To prepare him for an upcoming feature role, chef and TV show hostess, Ellie Brown, is charged with teaching special guest, soap star, Derek Allen, how to create incredible desserts. Her Friday nights heat up during the live segment on summer desserts, where together they’re supposed to make scrumptious treats from scratch. The problem is, Derek doesn’t know a Dutch oven from a French kiss, and the only recipe Ellie can think of involves a certain hunk covered in sweet creams, who tastes as good as he looks. Not that she’s been licking...the spatula.

With her career and reputation on the line, she attempts to focus on her task, getting Derek familiar with cakes, whipped cream, and frostings. Enough so that he can fool the camera.  But Derek isn’t making it easy for her, not when his real talents seem to be charm and passion, and his prowess has her thinking of some off-camera action where the all those desserts can be taken to a whole new level. Determined to get him proficient in the kitchen so he can land his role, she spends extra time practicing creating each dessert with him, only to come to the conclusion, nothing’s better than mixing desserts and hunks-- If only she didn’t spend so much time thinking about how to keep one off her thighs, the other between.

Want more? Check out Renee Luke online:

Her books: on Amazon
Her Twitter: @reneelukenovels
Her site: www.reneeluke.net

Thursday, May 2, 2013

New Release! Impulse by Raven McAllen (Contest)

Isola Dei Sogni, where fantasies and dreams come true. Mia only went as a favor for her sister. Her fantasy was a good book and a bottle of wine. Until she met Dylan. Then her sense disappeared and fantasy took over. Was it all worth it?


Blurb:
Dylan has arrived at Isola Dei Sogni to help out—with reluctance and just as a favor. Then he meets Mia. If she's the person he's supposed to assist, then maybe the visit won't be the waste of time he thought after all. His attitude has changed, and when he hears Mia wants to give him his fantasy? Dylan is never one to disappoint a lady…he hopes.
However, fantasies and dreams are all well and good, but even here, reality creeps in. Can Mia and Dylan overcome that to reach their happily ever after?

Excerpt:


"Inside." His voice was hoarse. "Touch inside. In the way you'd like me to touch you. Show me, Mia. Show me."

Her body was on fire as she moved her hand. She'd show him, and rejoiced that she'd found a person who desired her so much.

"Like this?" 
With an insouciance she wouldn't have believed she had, Mia wet her fingers in her mouth and moved them to her pussy. Slowly, she pushed inside herself. 

The look on his face gave her courage to move them further inside. As she scraped the walls of her channel, her clit tingled and sharp arrows of pleasure honed in on her nipples. 
Her juices coated her fingers, and without conscious thought, she moved her hand to coat her nipples with her essence. She trembled as she returned it to her heated sheath. Her head fell back and she gave herself to the sensations that bombarded her.

"My turn." Dylan stood up and pushed his chair back. 
It fell over and hit the floor with a bang. Mia jumped at the unexpected noise and her hand moved out of her channel and dropped onto her lap. He lifted it to his lips.

"Ah, so good, it tastes of you." Goose bumps covered her skin as he put her fingers into his mouth and licked them one by one. "Now I can't wait, my lovely Mia. Are you ready?"





Raven lives in Scotland, along with her husband and their two cats—their children having flown the nest—surrounded by beautiful scenery, which inspires a lot of the settings in her books.


She is used to sharing her life with the occasional deer, red squirrel, and lost tourist, to say nothing of the scourge of Scotland—the midge.

A lover of reading, she appreciates the history inside a book, and the chance to peek into the lives of those from years ago. Raven admits that she enjoys the research for her books almost as much as the writing; so much so, that sometimes she realizes she's strayed way past the information she needs to know, and not a paragraph has been added to her WIP.
Her lovely long-suffering husband is learning to love the dust bunnies, work the Aga, and be on stand-by with a glass of wine.
You can find out more about Raven at the following links:
Be sure to comment below for your chance to win a FREE copy of Impulse! Two winners will be chosen. Also head over to the Just Ink Press blog and leave a comment there with links to any shares you might have to be entered into their Grand Prize drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card!

At the end of the tour, the Grand Prize winner will be announced on the Just Ink Press blog. How does the Grand Prize contest work? 
Comment = 1 entry (multiple entries possible; one per blog and one on the Just Ink Press blog)

Shares: Twitter = 2 entries (multiple entries possible, but must show links)

Facebook = 3 entries (multiple entries possible, but must show links - if on profile, it must be public)

Winners will be chosen using Random.org.



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Do You Know Raven McAllan?


One of my marvelous friends has a publishing company by the name of Just Ink Press, and they have a new release tomorrow from multi-published author Raven McAllen. So, today I thought I'd treat my readers with an intro to Raven and her work.

Welcome to my blog! Can you please tell the readers a little something about you, such as what genre you write and how many books you have published at this time?


Hi Missy, thanks for inviting me here. I've brought gluten free cup cakes to go with the coffee. Well, I live in Scotland, land of lochs, glens, kilts, and midges. The first three I love, the last is the scourge of Scotland. A nasty wee nigh on invisible insect with a horrible bite. My DH and I live on the edge of a forest, and rattle around in a too big house now our kids have left home. I refuse to grow old gracefully, and go by the adage you're only as old as you feel, (and my DH is younger than me!)
I write romance. I've totted up and Impulse is my 35th adult book. Goodness! They vary in length from short stories in anthologies to 55+k. Some are hot, some not, and they encompass menage, m/m, m/f, and f/f. They vary from Regency through WW2 to contemporary, and can be paranormal, mystery, or straightforward romance, if there is such a thing as a straightforward romance. The one thing they all have in common is love. 

What is your favorite genre to read, and who is your favorite author? Has this author inspired your writing?


You know this is a question I can't really answer. I just love to read and the eReader now means I have space in my suitcase for clothes instead of the book a day I used to take on holiday with me. A few years ago I was lucky enough to meet Robyn Donald, a Harlequin writer, at her home in New Zealand, and she encouraged me to write. But I don’t really have a favorite author or genre. It really depends on my mood, where I am, and how much time I have to immerse myself in the story.

Your writing is erotic. Do you have any difficulty writing the sexy scenes or are they just words to you? 


Well, when I first started I swear I typed some words with my eyes averted… lol. I never used to think so graphically. 
The scenes aren't just words because they are part of the story in my mind, the story I'm telling to my readers. Words make sentences, sentences paragraphs and paragraphs books. I think long and hard once I've sorted out what goes where and how, if you get my meaning. I'm conveying emotions and actions and sometimes you need to be graphic in a non basic biological way. Let's say the only difficulty is making sure its feasible, and having a glass of cold water to hand.

What do you do for fun/relaxation when not writing?


I walk most days with a friend. Read, go on holiday with DH, drink wine, and eat chocolate. Preferably together. And *wink* get inspiration.

What/who inspired you to write your first book? 


My Crit group UCW. We met online, taking part in a competition, and set up a group to help each other. Then we wrote a series of short stories together. Funnily enough, Impulse came from mine. But my first book, Wallflowers Don't Wilt, came about because we were all talking about what we should write and I said "oh, I think I'll write a Regency menage." They nagged and pushed me until I did, checked my m/s, and then decided where I should send it. In fact, Doris O'Connor and I still check each other's stuff before we send it off. We call it 'rediting' short for red-penning. 

In your new release, who is your favorite character? Why? 


It has to be Mia. She is so out of her depth, doesn't want to be there and then thinks, "oh well, what the heck." But she's feisty, funny, and questions everything. I think we both were amazed at how her life changed.


Sounds very interesting. I can't wait to read it! Thanks for stopping by my blog.



Happy Reading,
Love R x


Readers, you can find out more about Raven at the links below. Check the blog tomorrow for an excerpt from her new release, Impulse!


Website: http://www.ravenmcallan.com/
Blog: http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravenmcallan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RavenMcAllan
Sensuous stories to seduce your soul…