Krystal Shannan Features - The Tiger's Heart by Marissa Dobson

The Tiger’s Heart

Marissa Dobson

When the Lieutenant of the Alaskan Tigers Raja Harrison rescues Bethany from the hands of kidnappers he gets more than he bargains for. It was supposed to be an easy rescue, instead he finds the injured Bethany—and his mate. For years he’s avoided the mating topic, believing his job is too dangerous to risk another. But now Bethany threatens to risk that fragile control he’s once had.

A rogue shifter wants Bethany Thompson and is determined to destroy all she holds dear, along with the tiger shifter population. When she’s kidnapped, beaten and forced into the world of shifters, her whole world is turned upside down. The shifter problems now are her problems as her family secret comes to light.

Can Raja and Bethany join focuses with the other elders of the Alaskan Tigers to bring down the rogue shifter? Or will the rogue destroy all Raja serves to protect?

Buy Links: Kindle ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Smashwords

Excerpt:

The table was cluttered with papers and maps, and their search for Pierce was underway. Information was slowly trickling in. They had men following up on leads, searching known vacations spots for Pierce and his gang. Most of the leads turned out to be dead ends, but still they followed up with everything, as the one lead they didn’t pursue would be the key to finding the rogue shifters.

The anxiety of the situation ate away at Raja’s gut, while Ty’s shown on his face. They seemed no closer to finding Pierce, yet they could feel his men were in the mountains watching them. His assassin teams were stalking the area, waiting for them. With the danger surrounding rarely did anyone leave the compound, especially not the women and children.

“Raja, stop pacing. You’re going to wear a hole in my favorite rug,” Tabitha teased, watching him over her coffee mug as he paced the study.

He smiled, unable to help it. Tabitha always had a way of lightening the mood. When I find my mate I hope she is able to make me smile the way Tabitha can. This woman has been through so much, yet she still is more concerned about the people around her than herself.

“You know I’m good for another one.” He couldn’t sit still. The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention with the knowledge that something wasn’t right. He could feel in his soul that something was going to happen. Pierce would make a move before long, but what would that move be?

“I received word before coming over that Leo and Connor arrived in California and were on their way to locate Pierce’s sister. It’s extremely unlikely that he’s there, but maybe she’ll be able to tell us something.” He ran his hand over the windowsill. Outside looked like a winter wonderland. Everything was covered in a thick, white snow, with even more snow forecast for the next few days.

“Keep me apprised on the situation. I want them back within seventy-two hours, or we send in another team. We don’t have the time to waste on this,” Ty said, looking up from his e-tablet, where he was reading the reports from the teams trying to track Pierce and his clan. Teams were all over the country, yet no one had seen hide or hair of Pierce and his men. It wasn’t surprising that Pierce knew they were searching for him, but they didn’t expect Pierce to run and hide. Maybe the fact that his days were numbered, for the murder and attacks on other tiger shifters, had him scared.

Raja nodded, still gazing out the window.

“I need to go speak with some of the guards. Raja, could you look after Tabby until I get back? I don’t want to leave her alone in case there’s another attack.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.” Ty rose, kissing her on the cheek as he did. “I shouldn’t be long, love.”

Once they were alone Raja heard Tabitha’s chair push back from the table, her sock-covered feet padding toward him.

“Raja, are you okay?” She laid her hand on his back as if she could give him the comfort she was able to give Ty. Unfortunately, it only worked on a mate, but the caring gesture touched him.

“I’m fine. You have enough to worry about; there is no need to be concerned about me. I’m fine.” Even he could hear the uncertainty in his voice—there was no doubt she could.

“I don’t believe you. If you ever need to talk, I’m here. It will go no further than us.”

“Mates don’t keep things from each other.” The reservation was thick in his voice.

“To help a friend in need I would do what needs to be done. Raja, I haven’t known you very long, but I consider you a part of my family and can see your pain.” She ran her hand over his back.

“Thank you, but everything is fine with me. It’s you I’m worried about. I can feel something bad is coming.” He wasn’t being entirely honest. There was something bothering him, but he couldn’t put his finger on it, let alone put it into words to tell his Queen.

“We’ll get through it. We know Pierce is still out there and after me. He has a larger following then we guessed. I know it’s your job as our Lieutenant to worry, but we’ll get through this.”

The invisible ear bud allowing him contact with command central and the ground teams sprang to life. “Breach. We have a breach at the main gate. All available units respond.”

“Shit. Where’s Felix?”

“Ty gave him the morning off since we were meeting with you and wouldn’t be leaving our quarters.” Tabitha joined him at the window. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

“Like hell I will. You have to be protected.” She had her own transmitter, allowing her to know what was happening, and he could feel her fear spilling off her.

“Raja, stay where you are. Felix is on his way. I’m proceeding toward the main gate,” Ty’s voice came through the transmitter.

“Be safe,” Tabitha whispered.

“Tabitha, come away from the window. Everyone always forgets about the windows. You feel safe and secure inside the houses, while the sharpshooter is just waiting. Waiting for you to walk past the window.”

He could feel her reluctance but his job was to keep her safe, not allow her to stand in front of the window for a glimpse of what might be happening. Unlike the other guards, his vow wasn’t made because she was their Female Alpha or because she was the Queen of the Tigers. No, his vow was made for Ty. Ty had saved his ass more than once, and the best way to show his appreciation for it was to keep Ty’s mate safe.

About the Author:

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She is a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night?

Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

She love to hear from readers so send her an email at marissa@marissadobson.com or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com.

Krystal Shannan Features - A Second Chance At Forever - J.M. Stewart - Give@way!

Please help me welcome J.M. Stewart to the blog today!

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I write what I likes to call sweet and spicy contemporary romance. The stories have a sweet feel to them, they’re usually family oriented, but also passionate. I’m a stay-at-home mom by trade, married to my own hero for over sixteen years now. We live in the Great Northwest with our two boys and two very spoiled puppies. 

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

I haven’t always wanted to be a writer, no. I’ve been reading romances for as long as I can remember. I picked them up somewhere around high school. I used to read strictly historical, believe it or not. One day, about eleven years ago, I had this dream. It stuck me with, and it intrigued me. The images told me a story I absolutely had to write down. In the process of doing so, I found a love for telling the story. 

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Telling the stories. I adore discovering the characters and their stories. I get very into the telling of it. It becomes almost an obsession and the characters become like friends to me. 

Tell us a little about your book.

Angela Lewis is newly divorced. She’s always been the geeky girl. Smart, unpopular. After her husband leaves her for a younger woman, Angela gets a job as a stripper on the Las Vegas Strip as a means of picking her self-esteem up off the floor. In the club, Angela gets to be the sexy vixen she always wanted to be.  This is where she runs into her childhood crush. They haven’t seen each other in years and he doesn’t recognize her. When he takes an interest in her alter ego, Angela can’t resist. She only wants one night to live in the fantasy. 

Alex McKinley’s life has been shattered by tragedy. His wife and four year old daughter were killed in a car accident. He’s in Vegas with coworkers, trying to pick up the pieces of his life and move on. A no strings attached, weekend fling with Candy is exactly what he needs. Little does he know that Candy is actually his best friend’s kid sister. Little Angie’s all grown up and driving him crazy. 

It’s only supposed to be a weekend fling. Until Angela discovers she’s pregnant. Alex knows he’ll stand by her, but the more time he spends with her, the more Alex finds himself falling for the woman she’s become. She makes him want to live again. The question is, can he convince her to take a chance on him?

What inspired me to write it? 

I happened across a snippet someone had posted somewhere on the net. Sadly, I forgot where, but it was from the viewpoint of a female character who worked as a stripper. I’d never seen that done before in a romance, so I immediately thought to myself, “What kind of romance novel heroine works in a strip club in Vegas?” Angela stepped out and introduced herself to me. 

When I got to thinking about who the hero of the story would be, Alex introduced himself to me in the pages of another book. I was re-reading Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager, I believe it was. The hero in that novel uses an alias, the first name of which is Alex. 

Their story unfolded from there. 

Excerpt:

He lay on his back a few minutes later, Angela gathered against his side, her head on his shoulder. Her soft cry echoed across the recesses of his memory. The name she’d called him stood out in his mind. 

His eyes popped open. She hadn’t called him Alex. She’d called him A.J. Nobody had called him that since he’d graduated high school. He’d been going by Alex since college. In fact, only a certain few people had ever called him that.

Heart beating an erratic pace, his mind filled with her bright blue eyes, and the last time he’d seen eyes like those. He jerked his gaze to the top of her head, hooked his fingers beneath her chin and tilted it up, desperate to see her face.

The memory rose unbidden in his mind. A fifteen-year- old girl standing on the porch of her mother’s house, looking up at him with the exact eyes staring back at him now. She had the same button nose, the same full lips… He’d noticed the similarities more than once, but had dismissed them….

Then his mind flashed on the night before, the name she’d given him as they’d stood beside her car in the parking lot of the dance club.

“My name is Angela.”

The way she’d looked at him, as if she’d expected him to have something to say about it.

Oh hell… “That Angela?”

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I do a bit of both. I need to know the basic premise, a bit about the characters, specially their goals and conflicts, and a general idea of the plot, of where I’m going. I don’t actually write anything down though in outline format or anything. I just start writing. 

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?

My first book, Staking His Claim, was published two years ago. I’ve since gotten the rights back on the book and am in the process of revising it, with plans to resubmit it and the sequel again the future (mentioning that in case anybody goes looking for it and doesn’t find it. lol). But… I originally wrote the book over 8 years ago now. I sent it off to Harlequin, got a revision request for it, but unfortunately the book ultimately got rejected. It just didn’t meet their needs. 

Not too long after that, I stopped writing, for a period about six years. I had some personal stuff crop up. When I picked up writing again, this book was the one I picked up. So, I sent it through a critique partner, revised the book and did some research on publishers. I got lucky, during my hiatus, a lot of small presses popped up, so I found one I liked, and flung it out there again. I honestly expected another rejection, but a month later, I got an email that said, “Congratulations!” 

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

Social media and self-promotion is important. You want to create a name for yourself, your own brand, get people interested in you. But don’t forget that without those books, there’s nothing to sell. This is one I’m still learning. Self promotion is a big job and if you let it, it can take up all your time. But don’t forget to keep writing, to write that next book, too. In fact, these days, I tend to put my writing slightly above the promotion. I do promotion the most on days when I’m feeling less than inspired. 

Also, don’t shove your product down other people’s throats. Don’t be that person who, the only thing they have to say to you is “buy my stuff.” I’ve seen people like that and it’s annoying. I think let your product stand for itself. Post snippets on a blog, such as Six Sentence Sunday, or give out a free story, but otherwise, the biggest advice I’ve learned is to be supportive of other people and show your readers who you are. Get them interested in you. I couldn’t tell you if it’s working yet, but I am making more friends this way. 

Do you have another book in the works?

I have three books my agent and I are preparing to send out to publishers. One is longer single title, called Love’s Healing Touch. A retired army vet and a retirement home nurse must learn to trust each other for the sake of their son. This one’s got a bit of a dark side, as both the hero and the heroine have dark pasts that come into play in the story. 

I also have a small, two book series. Book one is Staking His Claim. As I mentioned, I’m revising this one. I’ve decided to twist the beginning a bit from the original version. Book two involves the sister of the hero from book one. Both books revolve around the Morgan family, and hold a theme of taking a chance on love. 

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?

Honestly? hehe. I play computer games. So all those facebook games? I love those. And games like Diner Dash. Anything to keep my hands and my mind busy. Also watching movies and playing with our two puppies. 

Where do you dream of going on vacation?

Hawaii!! And anywhere tropical, with water that’s blue and pretty and has lots of sand. And sun. Somewhere where the sun shines almost all the time. Where I live, in Seattle, it’s gray skies for 9 months out of the year. lol 

Boxers or Briefs?

I prefer boxer briefs. 

Cookies or cake?

cookies. 

Pizza or hamburger?

Hamburger. Though really I could eat either. lol

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

Mixed drink

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Alex: She’s beautiful, with eyes I can’t forget. She’s a dancer, and she has moves that make me forget my name, but she’s sassy and self-assured. She also holds her own and I find it sexy as hell. But it’s all an act. Every once in a while she let down her guard, shows me another side of her, something softer and more honest. I was intrigued. I had to know her. 

Angela:  He didn’t know when we first met, but he’s my brother’s best friend. We grew up together. I’ve had a crush on him for almost forever. I thought I’d gotten over that until he showed up in the audience one night. Maturity looks good on him. 

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Alex:  Her huge heart. She takes care of the people she loves, and she takes care of me. She gives me a place to come home to.  

Angela: His openness. He’s very honest with me, about who he is, about what he wants. He gives me all of himself, the broken parts included. It’s completely disarming. 

What are your plans for the near future?  

Alex: Babies. lots of ‘em. ;) 

Angela: blushes. 

Alex: Seriously? Enjoying my family. Life’s too short to waste a single moment. I learned the hard way that it could all end tomorrow. So I intend to immerse myself in them for as long as I’ve got them. 

Where to find you @

Websites, Blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, etc.

Website: http://authorjmstewart.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMStewartWriter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorJMStewart

Blog: http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159044.J_M_Stewart

J.M. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter, tour wide. Be sure to visit all the stops and comment at all to increase your odds!

Happy Reading,

Happy Writing,

Krystal Shannan

Krystal Shannan's Stop on the Alpha Male Blog Hop

Alpha Male Blog Hop is here!!!

What kind of hero do you like?

Sexy, delicious, alpha heros! What could be better than that? 

So for me... I like tall, dark hair, deep brown eyes, maybe a little five-o-clock shadow and abs you can bounce a nickel off! Can I mention the abs again, they are superbly important. I also like a Dominant personality with a streak of kink :-) 

I'm pretty sure I just described the hero in my new book, LOL.

This is a superbly fantastic day for me. On top of the blog hop, my very first book releases today! 

Pool of Souls Series

Long ago the Titans ruled the world. When their children took power, most Titans were killed or banished forever. Aphrodite was the only Titan allowed to coexist on Mt. Olympus with the new greek gods and goddesses. She was allowed to stay, because like it or not, she could not be banished or killed without destroying the entire human race.

Before Gaia disappeared deep into a secret part of the earth, she brought Aphrodite out of the sea, creating her from a piece of her murdered husband. She connected her daughter to humanity so intrinsically that Aphrodite could never be lost. Her precious daughter would be treasured and revered by humanity for all eternity as the Goddess of Love.

Aphrodite balances human love and passion. Her mother gifted her with the ability to track soul mates through the centuries and guide the immortal souls of humans to their eternal mates. Gaia also gave her a special pool to house and keep the soul mates safe.

These are her stories... 

OPEN HOUSE: Pool of Souls Book 1

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates.

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but...How far will the gods go to get their own way?

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

Want to meet the hero of Open House: Pool of Souls?

Here he is! Meet Robert Corvin. Isn't he just scrumptious? Well, Rebecca thinks so too. So don't get too handsy *wink*. Here's a couple of my favorite snippets.

***

     Rebecca opened the bag of takeout and handed Robert his box of lo mein while she went looking for her edamame and salt. She grabbed a mini eggroll and popped it into her mouth. The fried crispy pork and veggie flavors were heaven in her mouth. She moaned in satisfaction. The beans were at the bottom of the sack. She pulled out the box and popped open the little container of salt.

“Good?” Robert asked before shoveling a bite of noodles into his mouth.

“Delicious. Want one?” Rebecca held out another mini egg roll. Robert shook his head. She shrugged and popped it into her mouth as well. He chuckled.

“What if I changed my mind?”

      “It’s too late now, genius; I swallowed it.” Rebecca laughed and broke open an edamame bean. She licked the salt off the pod and sucked the three little soybeans into her mouth. When she glanced up from her food, she couldn’t help but smirk. Robert had frozen in place, chopsticks midway to his mouth, and was just watching her eat. His brown eyes had darkened, and he was looking at her as though she were dinner instead of the lo mein. 

***

Rebecca raised herself up on her elbows and tried to look through the opening into the dining room, but he was out of sight. She could hear bags rustling and smiled when he returned with the comforter set they had picked out for the master bedroom.

“I think this will do quite nicely.” His huge, adorable grin made her insides melt. She nodded and sat up on the edge of the counter. He gazed at her, his eyes sweeping from the tips of her toes up to her eyes.

Rebecca started when he grabbed her suddenly and gently threw her over his shoulder. His arm was wrapped around her bare thighs, while his hand rested very casually on one cheek.

“Robert!”

“Yes, Rebecca?” He continued walking through the kitchen and then into the living room. She shook her hair from her face and saw the comforter bag swinging from his other hand.

“How is it that I am completely naked while you haven’t shed even one stitch of clothing?”

“Because you were dinner, Rebecca.”

A snort escaped, mixing with her laughter. “Remind me to have dinner with you more often. I have been missing out.”

     “You? What about me?” 

***

Available Now

 Amazon & Smashwords

Be sure to leave a comment and an email to enter to win 

1)The Alpha Male Blog Hop Grand Prize - A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet! 
US or International Winner
2) $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card 
US or International Winner

3)The chance for the fabulous swag pack! 
US Winner only

No email = no entry! Winners will be chosen by Random.org.

My personal blog giveaway of a 

$10 Amazon GC 

will be selected from the rafflecopter at the bottom of the post!

Be sure to visit all the Alpha Male Blog Hop Stops along the way. Click here for the list.

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Krystal Shannan Interviews - Karyn Gerrard - My Vampire Cover Model

Please help me welcome the fabulous Karyn Gerrard 

to the blog today!

Tell us a little about yourself, Karyn.

I am a middle aged, married Canadian lady with a vivid imagination and a deep passionate love for plotting. I no longer work so I have the luxury of sitting home every afternoon and plot to my heart's content. 

A voracious reader, I only started reading romances six years ago~ Shocking, I know. I have certainly embraced the genre and also rediscovered my long dormant love for writing.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

As a teenager, I wrote short stories and poems. Then a thing called life happened and I got away from writing for a long time.  Reading ‘Simply Love’ by Mary Balogh inspired me to try it myself. 

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Creating the characters and the plots. I love to plot~

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?

Sure! It’s a novella, a paranormal/contemporary/erotic romance.  Here is the blurb:  

Life changed for Deanna Brooks the night she attended a book signing for her aunt’s best-selling paranormal romance series. There she met Burney ‘The Cover God’ Sheridan. The model for the series’ fictional vampire hero, Burn is beyond handsome and has an overabundance of Irish charm. He’s too good to be true.

Burn Sheridan, a man with scores of past lives, has a secret: he is a vampire. Meeting Deanna is agony because for the first time in over two hundred years, Burn experiences the rarest of vampiric needs—the mate-of-the-soul connection. Keeping people at a distance has been Burn's existence for centuries, but Deanna makes his pledge of staying detached impossible.

Many obstacles lie ahead and the biggest of all may be Burn himself. Can Deanna and Burn overcome them and find lasting love?

~~~~

I noticed all the pictures being posted on Facebook of hot cover model Paul Marron on a tour with New York Times Best selling paranormal author, Kresley Cole. They were plugging the Book ‘Lothaire’ of which Paul is on the cover. My mind began to plot. What if the cover model in question really was—a vampire? It was amazing how it all clicked into place. I had it written in no time! Pure fantasy, but lots of fun to write. And Cover Models are the best inspiration!

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

Pantser. I have a vague idea where I am heading toward the ending, and sit and let the story flow. Sometimes, it takes me in directions I didn’t plan. Makes it fun.

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?

If it wasn't for my husband, I never would have submitted. He kept telling me the story (Timeless Heart) was good. Imagine my shock when my time travel novella was accepted in 24 hours by Evernight Publishing last March. It happened so fast, and I haven’t looked back. I don’t have the agonizing story of dozens of rejections under my belt. I was lucky. Granted, I have had a couple of rejections since then, but for the most part, its all been good!

I'm lucky to have a supportive husband too! They make all the difference.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the 

business?

Never give up. Keep writing. Write what you love. Get the story down first, then go back and edit.  Don't take any rejection personally (easy to say, I know) Jump back in the trenches~

Do you have another book in the works?

Yes! I have a Historical coming out in November with Silver Publishing, KNIGHT OF CHRISTMAS. Also have a short story for Decadent’s The Edge Line that is a historical coming sometime in December, THE BLIND CUPID. 

However, another upcoming release, THE HERO SANDWICH with Breathless Press (Nov 9) co-written with my bud and crit partner, Gayl Taylor, has M/F, F/M/F ménage and cougar themes, a first for me! Also I stuck my toe in the BDSM waters with THE BLIND CUPID. Though light BDSM, it certainly is something I may explore in a longer narrative down the road.  Also was just offered a contract for MY HIGHLANDER COVER MODEL from Decadent Publishing. 

Wow! You have been a busy lady! Congrats!

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?

Love watching the Red Sox, but not so much this past season.

Love old movies, I can whip just about anyone in Trivial Pursuit Silver Screen edition~

Love to travel, hubby and I have been all over North America.

Where do you dream of going on vacation?

UK, specifically London, and Ireland and Scotland.  Very soon!

Boxers or Briefs?  

Tightie whities all the way~ Unless they are black boxer briefs, love those, too.

Cookies or cake?

Cake!

Pizza or hamburger?

Hamburger with cheese and bacon

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

White wine

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)  Burn and Dean

What were your first impressions of each other? 

Burn: She fainted at my feet, what man would not be charmed by that? *wink*

Dean: It was your overpowering cologne! Anyway, look at him, no wonder I fainted.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other? 

Dean: His stamina! Seriously, he is such a romantic gentleman *sigh*

Burn: Cheers, love. Isn’t she adorable? That would be my choice. Dean is imminently easy to love.

What are your plans for the near future? (together) We’re off to Ireland!

It was so great to have you Karyn.... now.... I must run off and read my newly purchased copy of My Vampire Cover Model! 

Be sure to visit Karyn @

SITE:  www.karyngerrard.com

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/karyn.gerrard

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/#!/KarynGerrard

GOODREADS–http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4848577.Karyn_Gerrard

Krystal Shannan Interviews - Sara Brookes - Reclaiming the Edge

Please help me welcome Sara Brookes to the blog today with her steamy new release - Reclaiming the Edge!

First, tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m Sara Brookes and I’ve been writing professionally for five years. I’m not someone that sticks to one particular genre or heat level in romance, mostly because I love different aspects of different genres. Be it contemporary, paranormal, futuristic/sci-fi or urban fantasy—if the story and/or characters interest me, I’m going to write the book. For the past three years, it’s been all about the BDSM & erotic romance for me.

Did you always want to be an author? 

When I was younger, yes! But as an adult, no. I wrote a bunch of short, cute stories when I was a young teen. But as a young adult, I was newly married and writing was the last thing on my mind. In fact, there was a long stretch of time in my twenties where I didn’t write at all.

What made you choose to write romance?

I’m a sucker for a love story. Even during high-adrenaline action/adventure movies, I want to see the hero (or heroine) get the girl (or guy) in the end.  

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Creating something from nothing, even if I complain about it. *g* 

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?

Reclaiming the Edge will release from Ellora’s Cave on October 5^th and I’m so excited to share this piece with readers! The trio were first introduced in Ragged Edge and though I haven’t worked with them in well over a year, they are side characters in another book I was working at the time. They seemed to be very vocal about the story they wanted told that had nothing to do with that book. And the rest, they say, is history!

The sexual journey of Dalton, Cade and Erin begins in Ragged Edge. You won’t want to miss the beginning of their lusty connection!

It isn’t a birthday celebration without a little pain to chase the pleasure—at least according to Dalton and Cade, the two men who stole Erin’s heart. Relationships are complicated and Erin has been retreating—both emotionally and physically—from her lovers. Pushed away for reasons they don’t understand, and determined to erode her resistance, the men devise a wicked plan. They intend to use two very special gifts and one captivating night to reclaim her submission. But Erin’s trip to subspace extracts a heart-wrenching confession that threatens to rip the triad apart forever.

Warning: Contains a well-trained, dirty-talking submissive who succumbs to the commands of her Master, custom nipple clamps, tongue wagging oral sex, a well-deserved punishment with a butt plug, men who share more than a few heart-racing kisses and a custom-made-work-of-art sex chair that shows this M/M/F triad just how powerful their passion for one another is.
And that’s just chapter one.

Reclaiming the Edge
Copyright © SARA BROOKES, 2012
All Rights Reserved,
Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Erin Corvus rubbed at the tension headache building between her eyes. Tired and cranky after a long day at work, she wanted nothing more than to go home and pull the covers over her head. Most of all, she didn’t want to think. She’d spent so much time being miserable lately, she’d forgotten what it meant to be happy.
Blindly going through the motions of her life had become her modus operandi.
She’d gotten so caught up in a huge project for a client tonight, she’d nearly hit the ceiling when her cell phone vibrated. The text from Dalton had indicated the importance of meeting him and Cade at the shop around ten. Now fifteen past, neither lover was anywhere to be found. As sheriff for their small, sleepy town of Collington Creek, Kincade Roberts was usually a stickler about schedules. Hopefully he wasn’t late because something serious had happened to one of the town’s residents.
She tossed her key on the side table, annoyed she’d driven across town when she could have gone home, taken a shower and curled up in her favorite sweats. Instead she stood in the back room of Dalton Shaw’s motorcycle shop, Iron Cruisers. There were too many memories here she wasn’t interested in remembering. As she wrapped her arms in front of her, she did her best not to look at the bed.
It was so cold and barren—just like her.
Annoyed with the sight of the location that had once been such a place of immense pleasure, she turned. The oddly shaped piece of furniture in front of her gave her pause. It seemed out of place amid the other pieces of Dalton’s bondage equipment tucked against the walls. A shimmering aquamarine fabric draped over the item, the iridescence of the cloth causing it to appear to move and flow even though the air in the room remained still
The shade of blue was the same as her eyes.
Curious now, she stepped closer, brushing her fingers against the surface. Smooth and silky, the fabric under the tips of her fingers triggered a warm feeling low in her belly. She’d worn a flowing dress made of this very same fabric the last time Dalton’s ropes had bound her wrists and ankles. He’d secured her in place to a set of chains that dangled from the ceiling, forcing her to watch while Cade knelt before him to pay loving attention to his cock.
The reminder that the devious torture had lasted for hours caused the warmth to flash to hot, burning through her so swiftly, she gasped. She took a moment to mourn the sensation that had been absent recently. Ever since her life had taken a first-class nose dive into the shitter.
Swallowing the self pity, she clutched at the covering and pulled. The material fell away, slowly revealing the treasure it hid. Interest lost in the fabric, she let it fall to the floor as she stepped forward.
Calling it furniture didn’t do the piece justice.
It was a work of art.
Dalton’s hands had been all over this thing. His craftsmanship and attention to detail was once again impeccable. A solid sheet of brushed metal served as the side support while stunning blue leather curved sensuously in a sweep that resembled the contours of a woman’s body.
She reached out, brushing her hand over the buttery leather cushion that came to her waist. She followed the arc as it dipped off to her right into a deep curve that begged to cradle someone. It swept up again, flowing into a graceful hump no higher than her knee.
The luscious curves seduced the eye as well as the mind.
“I haven’t seen that look in your eyes in a very, very long time.”

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I’m a hybrid of the two. I can never fully plot a book before I write it, but I can’t fully pants a book either. I usually know the end of the story before I even start it. In fact, one of my books (the award-winning Midnight’s Ghost, a futuristic romance) was written backward. Don’t ask me how, I haven’t been able to duplicate it since.

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?

A lot hard work getting the book into a format I was happy with submitting. Stressing out while waiting to hear back once it was submitted. And a whole lot of determination to not take the rejections to heart. Early on the process, I think that’s the hardest thing. It’s not personal. So don’t take it that way. You just have to dig your heels in. My outlook was to prove all those people wrong.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

One of my favorite pieces of advice to pass on is read, read and then read some more. Never stop reading because you’re on the path to publication or you’re already there. 

Do you have another book in the works?

I always have books in the work! I have probably a handful that are all in various stages of the process right at this moment. I just turned in a futuristic erotic romance with some lovely D/s scenes to my editor that I’m waiting to hear her thoughts on. It’s actually the first of a trilogy, so I’m starting to play around with the other two books in the series.

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?

I love video games. I’ve had gaming binges before where I’ve spend entire weekends playing. It’s actually a great way to blow off steam if I get stuck on some plot or storyline for a book I’m currently working on. It gets my brain off book related things. Many a plot line complication has been solved while playing video games.

Where do you dream of going on vacation?

I would love to spend a week on a small island in the middle of nowhere where technology isn’t around. No cell phones, no email, no computers, nothing. Ah….bliss.

Boxers or Briefs? On the right man, doesn’t matter!

Cookies or cake? I’m a sucker for chocolate chip cookies.

Pizza or hamburger? Hamburger.

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Beer.

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

They’re all otherwise indisposed, so I’ll answer for them. *g* All three met in a very unusual circumstance. The boys were celebrating *AHEM* and Erin found herself unable to look away. So, needless to say, she had quite the first impression of them!

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Best if I answer this one too, or rather not. See Dalton has a mouth and he’s not afraid to use it. His flair for specific language has rubbed off on Erin, so they’d both tell you point blank without any kind of censoring. And Cade, well, he just encourages it since he loves to hear it from both of them. So, I’m afraid the answer to this question would degrade very quickly into…vulgar territory.

ROFL!

What are your plans for the near future?  

I’m not sure they know. They all seem to love that “live each day as it comes” mentality. But I can tell you talk of their future together plays very heavily into Reclaiming the Edge. You’ll have to read it to find out! 

Be sure to visit Sara@

Website/Blog: www.sarabrookes.com

Twitter: @Sara_Brookes  http://twitter.com/Sara_Brookes

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/brookesofbooks

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/authorsarabrookes

The Internet: Distraction or procrastination?

If you are looking for the Romancing the Hop, click here!

And now, please help me welcome author Lia Davis to the blog 

today!

As a published author, I’m always on the lookout for more exposure on the Internet. Social media is a great way to get your name out and gain readers, and the biggest ‘word-of-moth’ promotional tool. It’s also the biggest distraction and an excuse to procrastinate.

My top two social sites are Facebook and Twitter. I don’t interact as much as I want, but I love to surf the feeds to see what everyone else is saying. And I find myself on there more than I need to be. LOL. Don’t get me started on Pinterest. That is way too addicting and distracting, but fun!

For me there is a fine line between distraction and procrastination. Most of the time it’s my ADD side that gets distracted by an email, then I find my way to Facebook, then Twitter. Before I know it I’m updating my website. What should I be doing? WRITING. J

I know I should just turn the Internet off and get my word count down for the day, but the Internet can be fun. There are a lot of interesting and useful stuff on there. Just ask Emalee Black from Ravished Before Sunrise. She signed up for an adventurous and passionate night with the elite online dating service, 1Night Stand. Somehow I don’t think she has any complaints. 

WEBSITE

AMAZON 

Lia will give away a $5 Starbucks GC, Starbucks Via sample pack, and a swag pack to one winner at the end of the tour.

Rafflecopter Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restoring Love - Marissa Dobson - New Release

When Danielle Bradworth inherits a house from an Aunt she barely knew, her life is changed forever. Family secrets and a threatening potential buyer for a house she doesn’t want to sell could equal disaster for Danielle.

A handy man living in the groundkeeper’s cottage could do more than restore the house to its former glory. He could also restore her heart … but will she let him?

 

Buy links: Kindle ~ Smashwords

 

Excerpt:

Lost in her memories, she didn’t hear or sense Mason come up behind her until he reached around the front of her and rolled the paint roller up her shirt.

“What the …” she hollered, jumping back into him.

He wrapped his arms around her so she wouldn’t fall. “I told you, just you wait and see,” he whispered against her cheek.

She twisted her head to look up at him. She wasn’t sure what she would have said, but before she could say anything, he kissed her. The unsaid words died on her tongue. His kiss was full of heat and need. Oh, finally . . . .

She turned in his arms, meeting his kisses with her own desire. The paint roller dropped to the floor, but neither cared. They were lost in the heat of each other. Until the doorbell rang . . . .

Learning to Live - Marissa Dobson

Meg Harper is tired of living in a box created by her overprotective brothers because of her ability to see guardian angels...

Jay Wilder a lion shifter so wrapped up in the guilt of not being able to save his friend that he might lose everything…

Can Meg and Jay save each other or are they destined to live half a life?

 

Buy Links:

Kindle ~ Smashwords

Excerpt:

“Damnit, Meg. What’s going on? I can feel your pain. It’s slicing through me.” She could see the hurt in his eyes.

“I . . . umm . . . can’t explain.” A tear ran down her check. She didn’t know what to say to him.

“You can, and you will. Come on, Sugar. Tell me.” He wiped her tears away. “Nothing can be as bad as you think it is.”

“I’m a freak,” she whispered, her voice tight with tears.

“Why do you think that?”

Throwing caution to the wind, she blurted out, “Because I can see guardian angels. They want my help to lead people on the right road to happiness.”

She tried to pull away from him, wanting to leave, but he held her tight. “That doesn’t make you a freak. That makes you special.”

Marissa Dobson ~ New Release ~ Snowy Fate

Fate always knows when you’re ready for love.

The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man.

Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life then what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.

Buy links:

Kindle ~ Nook~ Smashwords

Excerpt:

She picked up the fire poker as she looked at the naked man before her. “Who are you?” Even though she was startled by the man who stood before her, she had a feeling that he meant her no harm. A man that sexy couldn’t harm anyone; except to break a girl’s heart. He looked as though he should be posing for Playgirl instead of standing in the cozy living room.

“The better question is who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked as he shook the wet snow off his body. He stood there, not the least bit concerned that he was naked, nor that he was wet from head to toe. Her heart was fluttering, and desire was heating her cheeks. She wanted to explore his toned body with her hands, and her tongue. His dark hair was wind blown into disarray; that served to make him look dangerous, and that much sexier.

“The name’s Aspyn. Now who are you?”

“You’re his daughter,” he said more out of shock, then in question. “I’m Damon Andrews. John, your dad’s lawyer, didn’t think you would be coming to the house, or I would have left.”

Once she heard this man was a friend of her father’s, she quickly squashed the attraction that was building inside her. There was no way she could pursue someone who knew her father. She didn’t want to know any more than she already did about the man who ran out on her and her mother.

“It wasn’t the plan. I agreed to sell the place and his things. I planned to head straight home, but the storm rolled in, leaving me no time to get out of town. I didn’t have anywhere else to go and I didn’t think anyone was living here. The lawyer mentioned the key under the rug if I wanted to stop.” She lowered the weapon as she spoke.

He nodded in understanding. “If there is anything of his you want, please feel free to take it. There are lots of pictures of you.”

“He never gave me anything while he was alive and I don’t want anything now.” The first tear was threatening to fall.

“Hey there, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry,” he said, crossing the room in two strides.

“It’s not you. It’s just being here, around all this. It’s more than I can handle now. I’m not a woman who cries at the drop of the hat, I don’t know what is wrong with me. All the years he missed, and now it’s too late. This is like crying over spilled milk.”

He gently laid a hand on her shoulder. “He wouldn’t want you to be upset. He did what he thought was right when you were a child. It might not have been the best decision, but he felt it was the only way. It was the only way to give you a semi-normal childhood, and he regretted that decision every day.”

She looked him in the eye and with fire in her eyes, she lashed back. “I know this is going to sound childish and ungrateful, but then he should have come back for us.” She shook off his hand. “But none of that matters now, it’s too late. What are you doing here? Better yet, why are you naked?”

Taking a step back, he nodded to the cot made in the corner. “I’ve been staying with your father. I’m building a house on the other side of the lake and was living at the hotel. On your dad’s better days, he would come over and helped with the construction. The heat and plumbing aren’t finished yet because of the freezing weather. Your dad invited me to stay until it was finished. When he passed and I found out you didn’t want the house, I put the offer in to buy it. I couldn’t see it sold off to someone who wouldn’t appreciate the beauty of the area. As for my lack of clothing, well that is a long story. Why don’t I make us something to eat? I’m sure you’re starving.”

“That would be great.”

“On one condition … you must read your father’s journal. You need to understand why. It will affect you more than I can explain.” Before she could object he added, “Please. There is stuff in there that you really need to know. I told him time and time again that he needed to find you before it was too late and tell you. But he didn’t listen. The first page is all I am asking. After that, if you don’t want to read any more, I won’t pester you anymore today.”