Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Wiked After Dark Giveaway Hop

Welcome all to the Wicked After Dark Giveaway Hop. It's the time of year when our wicked sides tend to come out to play. What better way to play then to be at our sexiest. I'm spicing things up here on the blog for this giveaway. I'm going to be giving away two gift cards...one to any ladies FAV place to feel SEXY, Victoria's Secret and the other for Bath and Body Works. Each is a $15 USD value. All you have to do is fill in the rafflecopter form below. Good luck and thanks for stopping my my lovelies! a Rafflecopter giveaway Don't forget about the other fellow bloggers and authors who are participating in this Wicked hop! So be even more wicked and stop in to see how wicked you can ultimately be!

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. I'm thrilled to be participating in the hop. I have some really great prizes for our victims err... guests. I love Halloween, so my giveaway is related in a way. I happen to love dressing up as something I'm not, so getting into costume is always fun for me. Please share what you like about Halloween.

The giveaway starts on the 23rd and goes until MIDNIGHT on Halloween. There are over 400 participants in the blog so make sure to drop in and see what they have up for grabs! Below are the details for the prizes.Thanks for stopping by and being my guests for the hop!

From:

from

And last not NOT least...

Thanks again for dropping by and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 22, 2012

Monday Mashup #4

Welcome to the Monday Mashup. This is a no frills, but all thrills meme with no commitment issues! Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy H of DJ Library Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked byPoison. All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!
If you'd like to be featured, or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Welcome to Francesca of Under the Covers Book Blog

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?
Hi everyone and thanks Sara for inviting me over!! Well I’m Francesca and I blog over at Under the Covers. I’m a 29 book addict, animal lover, sometimes health nut and newly engaged. I am originally from Italy, grew up in Panama (yeah the country), lived in many cities of Florida and currently trying to adapt to life in New York (after moving here three years ago)

How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging for about a year and a half. We started Under the Covers in May 2011. Wow, time flies!

 

Why did you get into blogging?
It seemed as if all of my friends at the time had started a blog and were having fun with it. After much resistance to the idea we all jumped in with a full commitment to it and now we are having a great time!

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book that you have read so far in 2012?
Hmmmm Fave books is a hard question because I’ll have to think about it. But I can tell you a few WICKED AS THEY COME by Delilah S. Dawson because it was amazingly unique. The RESCUE ME series by Kallypso Masters because it breaks my heart one book at a time. The Unbound series by Rachel Vincent is one not to miss!! I also discovered some amazing authors this year: Katie Porter, Carrie Lofty, Tessa Dare, Roni Loren, Tori St. Claire, Vivian Arend, Emma Lang. I have also taken a step to the wild side and started reading m/m this year, after the peer pressure of some good friends. I am loving Damon Suede, Anne Tenino and Daisy Harris.

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why>?
Author… Lorelei James. I think she’s amazing and a lot of fun. Characters: John Matthew, Blay and Qhuinn from BDB. And then we can have some after dinner fun ;)

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
Caldwell, New York. Why? Because the brothers are there and John Matthew has to meet me so he realizes that I’m his true shellan.

Hmm.. That sounds like what Annie said last week. What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
I love the whole book community. Bloggers and readers alike. I think the book blogging community is pretty supportive of each other, which I don’t think was the case when we started blogging. I do think that sometimes people that have any type of following should watch what they say because I’ve seen bloggers and authors alike make themselves look bad. Social media is a marketing media and I think people should treat it that way. And readers and the book community in general because I have so much fun every time I attend a romance book convention! You guys are awesome and so much fun!!!

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Wow yes! My reading tastes were changing even before I started blogging because I think as time passes, your tastes on everything change. Reading is no different. Sometimes I cringe at my ratings for books I read a few years ago. But I think blogging has changed them because it exposes me to authors or books that I would normally not have read.

And about you:

Tell us three non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

  1. I used to love horror movies, but now I can’t stomach them. Yeah, I turned into a wuss.
  2. I don’t like sweets of pretty much any kind. I’d much rather eat some bread or cheese.
  3. You can usually find me with a drink in my hand.

What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?
Right now I’m having the best time with home décor! I just moved into my new house a couple of months ago and have been doing some furniture shopping and now more recently redesigning rooms to get remodeled. Yes, I’m addicted to the Do It Yourself channel, all the Extreme Makeover, Yard Crashers, Kitchen Crashers, etc… Ohhhh and I LOOOOOOOOVE The Voice.

If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?
Damn…. I’ve always wanted to skydive but as time goes by I realize I could never do it. So I’d have to go with taking an RV trip through the castles of Europe. My mom did it when she was first married and I would love to do the same, sounds and looked like it was so amazing.

If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?
Usually I’d say anywhere with a beach BUT since this is DREAM vacation I’m going to go with AUSTRALIA. I’ve always wanted to go there.

Thanks so much for sharing Francesca. It was fun to pick you mind and see if I could stump you! *grins* I'm going to be more like toy and not like sweets after I'm done on my diet, but its for the bettering of my health. Congrats on your engagement!!!

Thanks so much for having me!!!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Monday Mashup #3

Welcome to the Monday Mashup. This is a no frills, but all thrills meme with no commitment issues! Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy H of DJ Library Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked byPoison. All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!
If you'd like to be featured, or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Welcome to Annie of Under the Covers Book Blog

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?
My name is Annie and I’m a blogger/reviewer at Under the Covers Book Blog. I also review for FreshFiciton.com as well. I live in Canada and I am an avid reader. My love for David Gandy is well documented. You can stalk me on Twitter at @AnnCraven – It’s okay, I like it.

How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging for a year and a half approximately. So still relatively new.

 

Why did you get into blogging?
Well, I used to review books on Goodreads just for fun, telling friends about the books I've read and why I loved them. From that, many of my other friends started blogging and it seemed like the next logical step. When we first started UTC, we just wanted to spread the word about our favorite books and have some fun in the process!

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book that you have read so far in 2012?
I am currently reading THE SEDUCTION OF ELLIOT MCBRIDE by Jennifer Ashley. This is a December 2012 release and omg, it’s just amazing! Highland Pleasures is one of my favorite series and Ashley pens a fantastic story for Elliot! He’s the newest addition to my hottie harem ;).

My favorite book I've read this year is probably Tiffany Reisz's The Original Sinners. Both THE SIREN and THE PRINCE blew my mind. They are definitely not books for the lighthearted. But I think more people should try SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley too. That book is amazing!

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
I love doing our Reading On the Darkside posts. They’re always so fun and we do a lot of them together. It’s cool to put faces to our favorite characters and seeing how our opinions differ from one another. We may be casting the same character, but we each picture vastly different people. It’s also nice when we get input from the Maidens.

Where do you see your blog in five years?
Oh, gosh… Hmm, hopefully bigger and better? We’re always trying to come up with something new and different for the Maidens, hoping that it sets us apart from other blogs. I’m lucky to be doing this with a great group of girls so I guess we’ll just have to see!

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
NO CLUE. I guess we just hope that people read our reviews first and foremost. I love it when people come up to me and tell me they loved the book I recommended or reviewed on the blog.

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why>?
Hands down, I’d pick Karen Marie Moning. I’m a huge fan of both her Fever series and her Highlanders. I think if I could pick her brain for a night, I would be in complete bliss. She writes so well and with such heart that I think readers are helpless but to fall prey to her every whim. She writes, I devour – It’s that simple.

And imagine if Barrons was present at the dinner table? *thud*

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
Tough question! I have absolutely no clue. But I did stumble upon this picture of the Long Room of the Trinity Library in Dublin, Ireland. It looks so enchanting, like something out of my favorite book!

But if we’re talking hypothetically, imagine stepping into the Brotherhood mansion in J.R. Ward’s BDB series!!! I think I would squeal with excitement and run around the whole place, screaming, “I want to be a shellan!” stopping only to grab a Brother and lock myself in a room with him.

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
My favorite part has to be conversing with other readers and bloggers. Reading is very much a solitary act, but when you get the chance to talk to someone else about books, it becomes something more. You can create excitement, joy and anticipation. It can be an uplifting experience.

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Yes and no. I think in a way it has changed a little bit. I think I've become more open to books and authors and genres that I wouldn't have tried if it weren't for blogging. But at the same time, I know what I like and what genres fit me the most so if I’m in need of a comfort read, I know what to turn to. If I’m feeling more adventurous, then I’ll try something new.

I went from reading a lot of Young Adult before blogging and only about a year before I started blogging did I start reading Romance and Urban Fantasy books. I still haven’t gotten over this phase and I doubt I ever will. I have been reading more extreme BDSM books and have still been enjoying my M/M books. My curiosity has led me to more extreme examples of my favorite genres.

And about you:

Tell us three non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
This is such a hard question! I’m so boring and uninteresting!

  1. I had a Mohawk once. And not the wussy kind where you just slick down the sides and spike up the top. I had the sides shaved down and everything! I did it because of a dare (and you know I never turn down a dare!) and when it grew out, I had this fugly bowl-cut.
  2. I’m clumsy. Leave me alone by myself and something bad is bound to happen.
  3. The Notebook makes me cry. Every. Time.

What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?
I used to paint a lot in my free time before I got into reading. Growing up, I wasn’t really a big reader and used to paint and sketch a lot. But now, with all the book series I’ve been trying to read, that leaves no time for painting anymore.

If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?
Write a book.

If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?
A beach somewhere, with David Gandy rubbing suntan oil into my skin ;P

Flash Round

Cake or pie?
cake

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Beach or mountains?
Definitely the beach! Mountains and I don’t mix well.

Night owl or morning dove?
Night Owl. I’m grumpy in the mornings.

Thanks so much for sharing Annie. It was fun to pick you mind and see if I could stump you! *grins* I have to agree a litte David Gandy is nice eye candy for all ladies. ;-)

Thanks so much for having me!!!!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

A Journey to a New Me

Good Morning Everyone.

I know this is completely off topic for the blog, but I felt my journey towards a healthier life is best shared and hopefully accepted along my weight loss path. I will be sharing small "tidbits" about how I feel each day, weekly progress and other things I think would be of interest.

Short Background:
After my son Ryan was born in 2004 I was told I had VERY high blood pressure (Hypertension Stage 2) and was put on daily medication. I have been living a fairly sedate lifestyle, with little to no constant exercise or much physical activity. With the medication I was on containing a diuretic (water pill) I also had to go in for blood work semi annually. It was a week or so after my most recent visit in the end of September that the letter that spurred this change arrived by mail. My blood work was abnormal. My Doctor informed me that I was now a very high pre-diabetic and that my blood glucose level was VERY high as well. If I didn't make changes I very likely would end up becoming diabetic.

I was horrified, I am still young by most standards and not exactly "fat" but as I have taken note of how I have lived my life and the implications of continuing that life, I had to make a change. That letter was the catalyst I needed. I chastised myself for letting my health get to this point and I cried thinking about what could happen to my family if my health continued on that downward slope.

After taking a week to look over the various options I decided to go to a Medifast Center and see if it is right for me. With their support and weekly check-ins I can see my progress on a manageable scale and see the changes in myself. Today I begin my journey to a healthier slimmer me. One with enough energy to keep up with Ryan, go out dancing with the girls or to exercise without getting exhausted within a few minutes. I'm not thinking of this as a "diet" its a progressive lifestyle change. And one I plan to conquer.

I hope you will follow my journey with me.

Your friend,

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Hot in Handcuffs Blog Hop w/ #Giveaway

It's time for the HOT in Handcuffs giveaway from Under the Covers Book Blog. Lately my smut has been all about Witches, shifters and Leviathans???? Hmm... but I digress. There is SOO much good smutty love to be had out there. I'm choosing one of my latest human based smut to a lucky US only commenter on the blog today. I'm giving away not one, not even 2, but THREE prizes this time. Details about each prize is below ans the Linky List of Blogs in the hop are at the very bottom of the post. Thanks for stopping in and Good Luck!

Prize One

Two Winners will each get their choice of a travel kit of a fragrance fron Bath and Body Works (provided it is available in my area.) My personal favorite is the Japanese Cherry Blossom.

Prize Two

Tis the season for double seduction.

The only item on Jana Colton’s Christmas list this year is Kevin Monahan. Preferably naked in her bed. The delicious, hunky chef has been resisting her forever, but she’s pulling out all the sexy stops this holiday. Especially since his acceptance of an out-of-state job threatens to nix her quest to rock his boxers off.

Jana has always been Kevin’s personal Kryptonite, but giving in to her isn’t an option. Relationships are a four-letter word in his book. He cares far too much for Jana to let his emotional baggage ultimately break her heart.

With the arrival of his best friend, Nick Pappas, the balance of temptation shifts. From their past history of sharing women, Nick knows every dirty trick it takes to lead Kevin astray, and he’s not afraid to use them. Particularly since Nick’s convinced that Jana is exactly what Kevin needs to be happy and whole.

Their game of seduction quickly snowballs into something that feels an awful lot like love—in triplicate. But with Kevin dead set on leaving Michigan, there’s a real possibility it could be a blue Christmas for them all.

Product Warnings: This book contains an extremely tormented voyeur, a very naughty and not so saintly Nick, a liberal application of candy cane-flavored body paint, a buzzing butterfly, and enough raunchy fun on a sex swing to melt a snowman…or two.

Along with this is a bottle of EDIBLE Peppermint Body oil. The oil warms as you rub it in and when you blot on the oil it gets HOTTER and a Chocolate Body Paint Kit! Yummy!

What could be more delicious than to cover your lover with broad strokes of chocolate body paint, and then follow each stroke of the brush, with a soft nibble or kiss? 2 oz. jar and paint brush included.

Peppy Peppermint! Peppermint flavored massage oil to enhance your mood. Apply and gently rub a small amount onto the desired area. It warms up as your rub it on. Blow on it - and it gets hotter!

           
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday Mashup #2 (A Day Late)

Welcome to the Monday Mashup (a day late, but still going, its a no frills, but all thrills meme with no commitment issues! Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy H of DJ Library Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked byPoison. All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!

If you'd like to be featured, or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Welcome to Angela of Under the Covers Book Blog

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?
Thank you Sara for having me over. I am honored that you thought of me for this post on your blog! I am addicted to romance books and I co-blog for Under the Covers Book Blog. I have found the love for reading late in life and now trying to devour as many books as I can.

How long have you been blogging?
I started blogging about a good year now and have been enjoying it since.

 

Why did you get into blogging?
I started getting book recommendations from Goodreads and started to review them there myself. From there I met my co-bloggers and they invited me to join them. I found it fun, especially doing it with good people who share the same interests.

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book that you have read so far in 2012?
I am currently reading: The Care and Feeding of an Alpha Male by Jessica Clare. I’m enjoying this one a lot. I have a lot of favorite books this year and the one that come to mind now is Darynda Jones’ Third Grave Dead Ahead.

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
I have no specific favorite on our blog. I love pretty much everything on there. But if I have to pick one, it would be the book reviews. I know Fran, Suz and Annie have similar taste in books and I trust their opinion. I think a lot of our followers can agree with me on that.

Where do you see your blog in five years?
Well, it is hard to predict where this blog will be in five years. But I can tell you where I’d like it to be; I would like the blog to be bigger, badder with more followers and more authors to come by with great giveaways. I wish that Fran, Annie, Suz and I stay exactly where we are…co-bloggers and good friends.

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
RT 2013 Convention. From what I hear this convention is mostly focused on the readers rather than authors/publishers. I also hear that J. R. Ward is there every year and I would love to meet her.

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
I love everything about the blogging community. Most of us see eye to eye for the love of the books, reviewing and discussing them is definitely fun. And meeting the authors is one of the great perks.

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Yes. My reading taste definitely changed. It’s gotten darker..well, not so much darker but I think I have just been more open to other genres. There are so many great books out there no one should limit themselves. I have gone from strickly PNR and now I read UF, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Eroticas and my girls at UTC swear they will flip me over to the dark side and read more BDSM/MM books. I've read some light BDSM and NO M/M books but I'm open to it. :)

And about you:

What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?
That’s easy, and this is the only thing that can tear me away from my reading…spending time with the fambam.

If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?
Someday, I will tour Europe. That place is so rich in history and culture that I would love to see it all.

If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?
? I’m easy. Anywhere tropical, beautiful beach and a 5 star resort. Nothing can beat good service in paradise. =)

Flash Round

Cake or pie?
cake

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Beach or mountains?
beack

Night owl or morning dove?
Night Owl

Thanks so much for sharing Ang. Its always fun to chat with fellow friends/Blogging buddies. And you rock! *HUGS*

Monday, October 8, 2012

Stealing Breath: Interview with Joanne Brothwell

Good Morning Everyone. Today I have Joanne Brothwell here to talk about her new novel Stealing Breath. Please welcome Joanne.

Hello Joanne! I’m thrilled to have you here and thanks for being today’s “Pick”.

Please share a little about you, your works and what got you into writing.

I’m a daydreamer. That’s what got me into writing - the myriad of stories and scenarios that constantly clutter up my mind. I’ve always been accused of daydreaming, but now I finally have a reason – I’m a writer!

I loved your story and the aspect of the Skinwalkers, can you tell a little about where that legend came from.

I first heard about the legend from a friend of mine, an Indigenous woman, who told me a story of her experience with the Skinwalkers of the four corners (Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado). It was a creepy story where she was basically harassed in the middle of the night while she was parked at the side of the road. She could hear maniacal laughter outside and her car was shaking violently. When she looked around, nobody was there. Later, her Navajo relative told her the experience may have been the result of Skinwalkers.

After I heard that, I just had to learn more! I began to research Skinwalkers online and in the library, and became increasingly intrigued by these evil shaman who can perform astral projection. Interestingly, the legends actually resulted in a paranormal investigation of an area near the four corners, called “The Skinwalker Ranch”!

There was also the Benandanti and the Malandanti, The Good versus Bad warlocks and spirit people. I was intrigued by the history behind that. How is it the bad survived while the good were killed and their kind became “extinct”?

According to history, the Benandanti were forced into giving up their beliefs because of the Inquisition. Over time, like any cultural genocide, the Benandanti just died out. But the history books don’t mention what happened to the Malandanti, so I started wondering – did they go extinct as well? Maybe not – maybe they survived, underground, undetected by the Inquisitors. Hmm… makes for a good story, no?

We meet Sarah (perfect name by the way, but spelled wrong…LOL) in the beginning and she is unaware of her heritage and her powers until her unfortunate encounter with the Skinwalker. She is an empath in a way, how does that shape her character in the book?

Being an empath is both a gift and a burden for Sarah. To have the emotions of others continually invading her consciousness takes a psychological toll on her, but it also offers her unique advantages that a regular human wouldn't have. Killing someone with kindness, if you will!

Sarah can put her feelings into tangible forms when she needs and manipulate energy. How did her abilities develop?

The first time she was able to manifest those abilities was when psychologically, she was in a place of complete and utter terror, facing the Skinwalker for the first time. Fear brings out our most primal instincts, and it was only under such dire circumstances that this ability was initially expressed.

We are also introduced to the enigma called Evan Valente. I love mystery men. Evan is somewhat Sarah’s opposite in many ways, but also so much like her. Evan has a history in the good vs. bad spirit people, but has a conscience that contradicts who he is supposed to be. We see him in so many lights, how did that come to play in his character?

I love mystery men too! I see Evan as a victim of his past, the end result of years of trauma and brainwashing. This is a nature vs. nurture issue, and I suppose that theme reflects the core beliefs of mine as an author - that people are basically good at their core. Evan’s childhood environment nearly poisoned his mind irreparably, but his underlying character, his basic personality remained intact. When he met Sarah, he was finally able to break free of the bonds of his past.

When Sarah finds out about Evan’s true mission she is abhorred, to put it mildly. And she runs, only to get caught between Evan and his brother, Stefano. Evan chooses sides and gets pitted against strong evil magic and his own sibling. How easy was it for him to turn against Stefano?

Evan had been subconsciously looking for a way to escape the Malandanti heritage for his entire life. It just wasn't until he had a reason to live, a reason to hope, beyond his horrible past that he was actually able to recognize it in himself and act on it.

Evan has as much to hide, as his true secret is revealed to Stefano after the pendant is removed. How is it that Stefano knows what/who he is when this came out, but Evan knows little about what it means to him?

Oh, boy – good question! The talisman (Valente pendant) Evan wore was given to him by his mother, whose ultimate goal was to hide his true nature from everyone, including Evan. After he has renounced his loyalty to the Malandanti and the pendant is removed, two things change simultaneously: he has lost both his protection the talisman provided as well as lost the magical advantages provided by the evil (the ability to see auras). He can’t see his own aura, and he can’t see Sarah’s anymore, either. Only Stefano sees it at that pivotal moment.

What can you tell us about this without spoiling the upcoming, Silencing Breath?

Here’s a little blurb:
Just as Sarah Ross is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an Indigo Child and settling into a normal life with her beloved Evan, her entire world shatters when Evan disappears without a trace.

Desperate to find him, Sarah’s attempts to uncover clues to his whereabouts end up leading her to a sadistic serial killer who confirms her worst fears are true; Evan has been kidnapped, and he is once again in the clutches of his abusive family of necromancers.

Sarah’s search leads her not only to Evan's dark past he tried so desperately to protect her from, but also to The Key of Solomon, an ancient text for summoning the dead.

In this dark sequel to Stealing Breath, Silencing Breath is coming in March, 2013 from Crescent Moon Press.

Did the plot and characters work out as you wanted or did they shape the story as you were writing?

The main character, Sarah, is basically the same as I wanted, although I did make her a little braver than I originally intended. Evan is completely different from what my early conception of him was, and his character definitely developed as the story unfolded. It was such a cool process to go through!

Lastly the fun questions:

Plotter or pantser?
Pantser

Early Bird or Night Creature?
Early Bird

Are you more like Sarah, Amber or Kate?
Sarah – definitely!

White, Milk or Dark chocolate?
Milk Chocolate, yummy!

Coffee Tea or other?
Coffee – Strong and black, please.

Music or quiet while working?
Silence. Absolute necessity. I’m too easily distracted *squirrel*

Favorite place to sit and write?
My comfy sofa, with my feet up on a stool, and a steaming cup of black coffee at my side table.

Computer or good old pen and paper?
Computer! I can type about 50 words a minute and I think really, really fast.

Pick your poison (alcoholic drink of choice when going out)
Okay, I don’t really drink, but when I do, I really love a cold beer on a hot day. :)

Thanks for stopping in Joanne, it was great to be able to pick your mind and talk about Sarah and Evan.

Stealing Breath

An ancient evil has resurfaced,
the soul of the Indigo Child is at stake.
Beware those with the Stealing Breath...

Deep in the backwoods of North Dakota, Sarah Ross is searching for a missing child when she is attacked by a glowing-eyed, transparent creature known to the Navajo as a Skinwalker. Using mysterious abilities, Sarah escapes, only to run directly into Evan Valente, a handsome, charismatic stranger who helps her back to safety. But why is Evan out in the forest so early in the morning?

Sarah learns her eyes bear the mark of the Indigo Child, an evolved human with the ability to feel the emotions of others; unfortunately, her indigo aura is highly desirable to those who wish to steal her powerful essence.

Soon, Sarah falls deeply in love with Evan and wants nothing more than to follow her heart, but she can't ignore the lingering feeling that Evan is hiding a terrible secret. The deeper she digs, the more danger she faces, forcing her to face the darkest, innermost parts of her soul.

Excerpt

“You saw that Evan guy again?” Amber asked. She sucked the last of her frothy pink drink through a straw. The mischievous look on her face was mirrored in the giddy emotions she gave off, emotions that were always especially loud when she was drinking. They resonated within me like a bouncy ball flying around in my stomach.

I downed another shot of “Sex on the Beach”, hoping it would finally be enough to filter out the emotions of everyone here. Smooth at first, then tart, the booze finally burned its way down the back of my throat. The buzz-on was almost immediate, and the effect was wonderful, the way it almost obliterated all of the sex-obsessed feelings that seemed to roll off of nearly ever patron at the bar like a hot blanket being wound around me. Sick.

We sat at a booth right next to the bar. Amber held her glass up, signaling to the bartender who nodded and began to pour. He bobbed his head to the blaring country music from the loudspeaker.

Tables ringed the bar, booths along the wall and stools on the other side. Every few feet a brightly lit neon beer sign provided a dash of garish décor. Right in the middle was the dance floor, a little postage-stamp sized circle of parquet flooring that reminded me of an interlocking puzzle. Alongside it was a raised section with a few pool tables.

“Yeah, I saw him.” I proceeded to explain his land development business to Amber and Kate, who listened with rapt expressions.

“That’s amazing. Nobody ever comes to Slave Lake. People only leave,” Amber said. Our waitress, dressed in skin-tight jeans and a too-tight tank-top, brought us another round. Behind her, the giant flat screen on the wall lit up with random explosions of fuchsia, neon yellow and acid green, perfectly paced with the lyrics of the canned music.

Kate sat across from me on the bench seating, her copper hair shimmering pink from the neon “Budweiser” sign and the black light hanging on the wall behind her. Her teeth were glowing an unnatural white in the light, and every piece of lint on her black shirt stood out like a 3D movie.

“How interesting that you both were out in the bush that morning,” Kate said. I nodded. “I know. Quite a coincidence.”

Amber sat beside Kate in the bench seat, facing the bar. She leaned forward in one fluid motion, her black hair sweeping the table. “Sarah. Look who just walked in.” I turned in my seat. “And he’s coming right over—”

“Mind if I join you?” asked a familiar voice, before I’d even had a chance to look.

I turned and smiled at Evan. “Sure.”

He pulled a stool up to our table, his arms rippling with the movement. His very presence seemed to heat the air around me, his cologne eclipsing the bar smell of dirty jeans, stale beer and desperation.

I glanced at Kate and Amber, who both stared at him, bright-eyed. His dark fitted jeans hugged his legs, the denim slung low across narrow hips. A black t-shirt made of a material I couldn't identify hinted of the peaks and valleys of muscle beneath and a single silver chain with a dog-tag hung at his neck, a crest emblem engraved on it with the name Valente. This guy would look good in a burlap sack. Or nothing.

“You remember Kate and Amber from the campground?” I asked. They nodded in acknowledgement and exchanged niceties. Then Amber and Kate excused themselves and hit the dance floor. They’d been dancing together since we’d become bar age, both of them with the attitude that they weren't about to wait around for a guy to ask.

Evan and I watched as they twirled each other around, the only people dancing in the whole bar. Then they attempted to two-step, each of them fighting to lead. Goofballs.

I turned back to Evan. “How are you?”

He flashed that thousand-watt smile. “I’m great. You?” He inched closer and the atmosphere around my head seemed charged, like a swelling electrical storm. A shiver traveled through my body.

“Fine, thanks.” I smiled.

“You look great.” He gestured to my outfit. I looked down at my jeans and a loose white shirt and glanced back up at him, cocking my eyebrow. “Thanks?”

“What? Not used to compliments?”

“Not when I’m dressed like a slob, no, not really.”

He rolled his eyes. “You look awesome. Seriously. Want to dance?”

I stared at him, half-expecting he was kidding. But his face showed no trace of a joke. I glanced at the dance floor where Kate and Amber had begun to dance hip hop to the country beat.

I turned back to him. He held out his hand, across the table. Reluctantly, I took it and he led me to the dance floor where Amber and Kate made room for us, their expressions barely-muted surprise. People rarely danced in Slave Lake. Except for Amber and Kate, of course.

Evan placed his palm in my right hand and set his other hand on my waist. I glanced up at a set of smoldering eyes and immediately looked away, his gaze too intense. Unfortunately, by looking away, I realized that every single person in the bar was staring at us. Some people, who should have had their backs to us, had actually turned around on their stool to gawk. I felt like a fish in a fishbowl.

Evan leaned down, his breath caressing my cheek. I caught a silky coil of his scent, a rich, musky fragrance of expensive cologne, soap and his own unique smell. It was addictive. The hand on my waist snaked around to my back, pulling me closer. Heat radiated over my entire body as we began to move in slow, gentle circles. When the song came to an end, my arm fell from his shoulder. His hands didn't move.

“One more?” he asked as the music transitioned to a faster song, modern country with a dance beat. Kate and Amber were already dancing to it in a way that looked more fitting for a city club, Amber’s arms reaching up and over her head, hips swinging. Kate had her own little groove going alongside her.

“Sure,” I said.

He smiled and set his hand back on my waist, and suddenly we were in the fastest two-step I’d ever danced in my life. We moved around the dance floor at a dizzying pace, spinning circles around Kate and Amber who were laughing out loud watching us.

He twirled me several times, only to end up back in that break-neck, two-stepping pace once again. Now I was giggling to the point of breathlessness, my head spinning from the four shots I’d just downed and my racing pulse. He spun me three more times, and when the song ended, he lowered me into a long dip.

With his arm around my back, I was gently pulled up, our bodies touching from torso all the way down, so that even the tips of our shoes connected. I looked into his face, expecting to see a grin, but was met with a burning look that made my heart stutter and my breath catch. The whiskey on his breath was all I could think of, the heat of his mouth, so close to mine.

Then a sensation folded over me. A soft lethargy, like I was levitating, weightless. My eyes closed, and explosions of purple and blue light flashed behind my eyelids. I relaxed into the feeling.

“Are you okay?” Evan asked. I opened my eyes. He peered down at me, forehead wrinkled with concern. His skin was flushed bright pink.

My lungs began to re-inflate as my entire body tingled like I’d just had the best orgasm of my life.

Had he even kissed me? I licked my lips, but there was no taste of whiskey, no evidence of his mouth on mine. Obviously I’d had one too many shots. And yet, I felt perfectly lucid, his gorgeous face crystal clear before me.

“Uh…I’m fine,” I said, my voice breathy. There had to be an explanation. Like maybe I was losing my mind. Or maybe my fainting spells were starting to happen again, ever since the stressful Skinwalker incident. Whatever it was, right now I had to make sure this perfect specimen of a man in front of me did not think I was a raving lunatic. I forced myself to speak, my mind scrambling for small-talk. “I…I had no idea you could dance like that.”

The concerned look faded, and he flashed his perfect teeth. “Thanks. You’re not too bad, yourself.”

I dropped my hand from around his shoulder and backed up. He let go of me slowly, as if with reluctance.

“Come on. I need a drink,” I said, motioning back to the bar where Amber and Kate had just sat down. We veered toward them.

Evan made eye contact with the bartender who nodded at both of us. “Scotch, on the rocks, please. What are you drinking?”

“I’ll have a Long Island Iced T—”

“Who’s he?” A guy’s voice said, close enough that I cringed from the volume. I whipped around.

Jeff Hansen. Town drunk that never seemed to do much of anything, other than sit in the bar, hit on locals and look pissed off. And boy, did he look pissed off. Emotions rolled off him like jagged pieces of glass, hurt and anger all twisted up into one gigantic ball of irritation.

“He’s cool, Jeff. He’s with me,” I said. My heart started to pound as I remembered the last time Jeff had picked a fight. He’d bitten a guy’s ear and torn part of it right off.

Jeff stared at Evan, his teeth exposed like he was snarling.

“Is he treating you right, Sarah?”

“It’s all good, Jeff,” I said.

“You think you’re pretty tough?” Jeff said through gritted teeth. He stepped forward and poked Evan in the chest. Evan was pushed slightly off-balance, and he took a step backward.

My stomach clenched. “Jeff, I said it’s cool.”

Evan straightened up. He had at least four inches on Jeff and well over thirty pounds. Jeff stepped back, and the sickly-sweet smell of weed came wafting off of his ratty jean jacket.

Evan looked down his nose at Jeff. “Back off, man.” His jaw muscles popped in and out, and his hands balled up at his sides. The only thing Jeff had going for him was a bad attitude and liquid courage.

“Shut up, asshole!” Jeff slurred, a fine mist of spittle burst from his mouth and rained all over us. Jeff turned his head and flashed a snide grin, probably to impress his buddies who watched the spectacle along the sidelines of the bar.

“Jeff, stop it!” I said. Jeff ignored me completely, staring at Evan. I reached for Evan’s hand, wound my fingers through his and tugged. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

Evan nodded, and we strode toward the exterior door. I glanced back to see Jeff running. He ran straight into Evan, knocking him forward.

Evan hit the crash bar of the metal door, his body weight forcing it wide open so that it squeaked when the hinges were pushed to their limit. My heart jumped into my throat as he stumbled and fell onto the cement outside. Immediately, he righted himself and jumped back to his feet.

Jeff smiled, eyes flashing. “I bet that hurt, didn’t it, tough guy?”

I ran toward Jeff. “Stop it! Just leave him alone!”

Jeff smiled at me. “Aww, you’re getting your little bi-otch to fight for you.” Then he turned back to Evan. “Tell you’re ho to shut her pie-hole, or I’ll shut it for her.”

“You’re going to wish you’d never said that,” Evan said, his voice a low, warning growl.

Jeff snorted. “You’re in my town. You’re gonna regret having a mouth.” His arms rose above his head in some kind of attempt to look intimidating, but to me he looked like a bird about to take flight.

“Stop it, Jeff.”

Stepping forward, Jeff hurtled his fist toward Evan’s face but Evan snatched his clenched fist mid-air. I lunged toward them, placing one hand on Evan and the other hand on Jeff’s jacket.

Instantly, the atmosphere around my head changed, filling with static.

The lights above the entryway flickered, humming like dying bees before building into a sizzling pulse. With a bang, the lights exploded in a rainfall of glass shards. I ducked to shield my face.

I opened my eyes and gasped. Jeff lay crumpled on the ground, his torso folded inward, his limbs pulled into a fetal position, moaning as he clutched his stomach. Then his face went slack, and his eyes rolled back into his head. Why was he on the ground? And why did he look like he’d been knocked out cold?

I glanced around, but all I could hear was the retreating sound of footsteps running outside, the parking lot no longer lit up by the overhead light.

“Evan?” I called out.

Silence.

Stealing Breath is a darkly romantic tale of a young woman’s journey for love within the fearsome realm of the paranormal. It is a spellbinding read that mines the inner workings of the human character. Love, loss and the quest for redemption, these characters will echo in your mind long after you've put the book down.

Where to buy Stealing Breath
Amazon US Kindle | Amazon US Print | Barnes & Noble | Crescent Moon Press page

About Joanne

Joanne Brothwell lives in the country on the Canadian prairie with her family where her stories are inspired by the dead things that appear at her doorstep on a daily basis.

where to find Joanne
Her website | Facebook | Twitter | E-mail

 

Review

Sarah is out for an early morning walk when voices, which sounds like the local missing girl, start to be heard. Sarah follows the sound to an old decrepit house in the woods. She enters thinking the missing girl is inside, but the voices are gone. Soon she gets the feeling she is being watched. That's when the eyes appear surrounded by a dark matter. She is scared out of her wits, but with thinking she can fend off the creature she pushes out with her feelings and manage to temporarily fend it off and flee. Out in the woods she runs smack dab into Evan.

Evan appears in the woods rather...suddenly and helps Sarah calm down and he takes her back to their camp site. He can't help but feel that there is something about her that draws him in. But with his own secrets haunting him getting close to Sarah will only put her in danger as well.

Sarah returns home to try and go back to normal, but when she tells her friends they know something is up. They send her to see her friend Kate's mom. when she tells Sarah only confirms that skinwalkers have come. They try to cleanse Sarah, but something isn't right... the shaman tells her there is a dark, evil presence that wants HER.

As Sarah begins to see Evan things start to unfold. They go from good to bad once Evan's brother, Stefano, comes into town. Sarah soon finds out SHE is their target. She flees and is then pursued by Stefano. Even when Evan tries to plea his case the trouble seems to multiply. Evan's secret soon comes to the forefront and he must decide which side he's on. his choice only puts them both in danger as they find out Evan is also a gifted child. Realizing that only together can they defeat Stefano. They fight him off, but not before he can escape to continue to hunt them down. However, their fight had a high price to keep them both safe. Now they are on the run...

GIVEAWAY

As part of her Tour Joanne is giving away 2 eBook copies of Stealing Breath. All you need to do is fill in the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck and thanks for dropping in!

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Night Thief - Interview with Kane and Rita

Good Morning Ladies and gentlemen. I have a special treat today. I was graciously invited to go back to 1841 and meet with Kane and Rita Bordeaux from Lisa Kessler's Nihgt Theif as part of her Tour for the eBook Novella. So join with me now as we travel back in time.

Interview

*I time travel back to 1841 to Meet with Kane at Rita at their smaller home away from the hustle of Paris. I am wearing a period dress in a deep scarlet accented with black lace. I arrive via horseback with a well suited gentleman astride in front of me. With given directions from Mr. Girard at the Maison I approach the other property. The small property is comfortably situated and looks very comfortable. I try not to be nervous with being around the pair. I knock lightly knowing their enhanced hearing will pick it up and wait *

*smiles as they open the door and allow me to enter* Bonjour Monsieur & Mademoiselle Bordeaux. *curtsies for you both* It is my pleasure to be able to talk with both of you about your adventures. Merci for allowing me to visit you.

I’d like to start with the Monsieur if that is alright Mademoiselle.

*Rita smiles and nods* Of course...

Monsieur Bordeaux: I’m curious why you were pursuing the Le Voleur D’or in the beginning? *arches an eyebrow playfully*

*Kane shows Sara to a chair* I did not know it at the time, but my beautiful Le Voleur D’or was actually searching for me and a gold pocket watch. When she lost me in the crowd, she found another target.

*Smiles at Rita and sits beside her on the settee* I noticed her relieve a gentleman of his coin purse and the sight of a formally dressed, female thief caught my attention. After living among mortals for thousands of years, finding a curious puzzle is a gift.

Mademoiselle did you know the handsome man was seeking you out?

*Rita laughs, shaking her head* I was actually hunting him, but I did not realize the hunt was mutual. *Rita smiles when Kane takes her hand, their fingers entwine together* He surprised me when he found me again in the bakery. I thought I had charmed him like the others.

*Kane lifts their joined hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles* I was charmed, but also curious. You left me eager to find you again.

*Smiles at their easy interaction* Monsieur Bordeaux when you asked Rita to stay with you did you fear she would run and not return?

I hoped she would not run. I’m confident I could have found her again, but I wanted her to be with me because she wanted to be, not as my prisoner.

*Rita rolls her eyes and grins at Sara* He never would have found me if I chose not to be found. *Her eyes sparkle at her husband* It is far too easy for Mayan Gods of the East to become over-confident in their abilities.

*Kane laughs* How many Mayan Gods of the East have you known?

*Rita grins* One is quite enough, no?

*laughs* Oui. I quite agree. One is more then enough. Mademoiselle it appeared you made yourself at home at the Maison Bordeaux. Does it feel like a place you could call home?

Oui. *Rita nods* This is more my home than anyplace I have ever lived. Gerard and Marie welcomed me into the family with open arms. *leans closer to Sara, lowering her voice as if Kane might not hear* I think they were worried their Master would never find a wife.

*Kane smiles, hearing perfectly* I never needed a wife… Until Le Voleur D’or stole my watch.

*Rita tips her head with a playful smile* Thank goodness she did...

*Nods. Indeed, but she also stole your heart. *pauses* Monsieur Bordeaux after freeing Rita from Antoine *tried hard to repress the shudder that I feel just thinking about the vile creature* did it feel to you like everything would easily fall into place?

*Kane shrugs, his partially buttoned shirt opens a little wider* I thought so, but I have learned much in the past year… *he tries not to smile* Rita often keeps me guessing.

*Rita nudges him* He is used to getting his way, and surprised when he does not.

*Grins.* You keep him guessing, no? Mademoiselle did it feel like Kane could be the family you longed to have?

Not at first. *her smile fades* After living with Antoine and watching him change, I worried Kane might also change. I also worried time would age me and take me from him. I did not wish to hurt him. So in the beginning, I worried that love would never be enough.

Monsieur Bordeaux what was going you initial reaction when you thought the change didn't happen right away?

When Rita confessed she was not changed, I felt relieved because this was something we could try again. She had been acting so strangely that I feared something else might be wrong. I didn't want my blood to hurt her.

Mademoiselle I recall you were initially disappointed and thought that you would only hurt Kane by staying. When you awoke in your new life you were very happy. What were you thinking and feeling upon awakening?

The moment I awoke, before I even opened my eyes…*She glances at Kane and a smile starts to curve her lips* I could hear Kane’s heartbeat. And I heard his words, “In tial.” I knew in that moment that we had done it. When I opened my eyes to find him looking down at me my heart wanted to explode with joy. We had done it. Our love would never age or die.

*Addresses you both* How have things been since you started your new life?

*Kane squeezes Rita’s hand and smiles over at Sara* I have never known such joy in this world. Rita taught me to laugh again. Knowing I can share anything with her makes each night worthwhile. She makes time have meaning again.

Mademoiselle have you mastered your spirit animal? I hear it is truly a sight to be seen. *smiles fondly at her*

*Rita scoots forward in her seat, joy beaming from her eyes* Oui. When Kane shifted for me the first time, I thought all Night Walkers became one with a jaguar, but my spirit animal soars. Seeing the world as a white hawk is a priceless gift.

*Nods happily while trying to visualize the stunning predator of the skies*

*Kane is watching her with love in his eyes* She is a stunning hawk. I have never seen a more beautiful hunter in the sky.

Monsieur has let his jaguar out and he is free to roam. Is he happy as well to be out and able to move about?

*Kane meets Sara’s eyes with a crooked smile* The jaguar roars again. He has not been this settled since I left the jungle centuries ago.

I’m very happy you both found each other and are having a good life together. *glances at my pocket watch and notices my time has flown by and is now up.* I wish you both the best in your newfound life. I am afraid I must leave soon or I will miss my transportation back to my home. It was a pleasure Mademoiselle and Monsieur to come to Paris to meet you. *curtsies again and walks to the door* Merci for granting me the time to talk to you. Au revoir!

*Kane and Rita walk Sara to the door...Rita kisses Sara on each cheek and Kane stays back. He smiles and tips his head.* Safe travels to you... We will see you again in the future...

*Turns my head over my shoulder with a glint in my eye* Oui, count on it my friends. I wave good-bye as I mount the awaiting horse and depart toward the horizon*

Back in 2012 again

*Sighs happily* Now that is one happy couple. I think they could easily become a new favorite couple of mine.

After the fall of the Mayan civilization, Kane, an immortal Night Walker, has taken refuge in France for over 800 years. The modern world holds little interest for him until the night he meets the Golden Thief and is robbed of much more than his pocket watch.

Marguerite Rousseau is living a double life. By day she is the assistant to an eccentric French artist, Antoine Berjon, and by night she dons elegant evening gowns to woo French dignitaries before lifting their wallets.

Sparks ignite when Kane captures the thief, but Marguerite harbors a dark secret that could ruin them both.

Where to buy Night Thief (Night Series #1.5): Amazon US | B&N

Excerpt

He knew the second she entered the ballroom. The sound of her laughter floated over the string quartet that played in the corner. Kane spun round, and his heart clenched. Her smile stopped time, and for a moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist. He resisted the urge to shove the other dancers away to get to her.

He couldn't be too eager or the rabbit might flee.

Deep in the shadows of his soul, his spirit animal stirred. Kane halted for a moment, surprised at the awakening of the jungle cat. It had been decades since he last allowed himself to shift into his jaguar spirit. To feel it so close to the surface unsettled him.

When she approached him, her gaze demanded his attention. Tonight, he’d purposefully worn his finest rings and his favorite ruby-studded gold pocket watch. His wealth would draw her to him like the moths ached to drink in the candle’s firelight.

Or so he’d hoped.

He bowed his head slightly. “Would you honor me with this dance?”

She placed her warm fingers into his hand. Her sapphire eyes sparkled up at him. “It would be my pleasure, Monsieur.”

His heart made a curious jump when he gripped her fingertips and guided her to the center of the ballroom. He placed his hand on her corseted waist and led her into a waltz.

They circled with the music, her footsteps following his lead. Her body moved with the music as if she were part of the melody filling the room. Before he realized it, he’d lost himself in the dance, in her.

Her full, rose-colored lips begged to be kissed, and her golden curls brushed over the swell of her breasts. His fingers yearned to touch her soft skin.

His gaze slid along her jaw and down the length of her neck. She wore an elaborately jeweled velvet choker that hid her pulse from him. Definitely for the best.

As the music reached its final cadence, he bowed to her and lifted her hand to press a kiss to the back of her knuckles. “A pleasure to dance with you.”

A smile tugged at her lips, and her cheeks flushed with color. “The pleasure was mine, Monsieur.”

He released her fingertips and watched her turn to leave. Kane frowned and straightened his shirt, rubbing at the scar hidden beneath the fabric before he could stop himself. This woman had a strange effect over him. His watch still dangled from his vest. She hadn't taken the bait.

“Forgive me.” She stopped and turned toward him again, her smile paralyzing him. “I do not even know your name.”

She stared into his eyes for a moment, and he toyed with the idea of peering into her mind, but decided against it. This female was a delicious puzzle he would enjoy solving. Slowly.

She offered her hand. “I am Marguerite Rousseau.”

He looked up at her while he kissed the back of her skilled hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Marguerite. I am Kane Bordeaux.”

He straightened without releasing her hand. “Who is the lucky gentleman you were rushing away to see?”

She laughed and shook her head. “There is no man I wish to see.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I am parched and in search of good wine.”

Kane placed her hand at the crook of his arm. “Allow me?”

“Oui.” She punctuated her response with a flirtatious tilt of her head.

He led her through the dancers, toward the wine and assorted bread and cheeses that decorated the table at the far end of the ballroom.

“Our host has been most gracious tonight.” Kane filled a glass with wine and watched as she placed cheese and bread on her plate, and the tiny silver cheese tongs into her satchel.

Not only clever and quick, but brazen.

He handed her a wineglass when she turned toward him. Nothing in her demeanor betrayed nervousness or guilt. If he hadn't seen her slip the silver into her bag, he never would have suspected anything was amiss.

Marguerite sipped at the wine and dabbed at her brow with her lace handkerchief.

He glanced at the doorway. “Would you like to step onto the balcony?”

She smiled and surprised him again by taking his hand. “Oui, but only if you will join me.”

“As if I would let such beauty out of my sight.” Color crept up her powdered neck, invigorating her ivory skin. His tongue toyed with the sharp tips of his fangs while he fought the urge to taste her.

He couldn't remember the last time a woman had awakened such desire in him.

She led him onto the balcony and sipped her wine. “How do you know the Marquis?”

Kane leaned against the balcony wall, swirling the wine in his glass. “I purchased a mare from him a few years ago. He invites me to his parties in hopes I will return the kindness with more business.” He tilted the glass to his mouth without allowing any of the liquid to pass his lips. “Is the Marquis a relative of yours?”

“No. I attend on behalf of my Master. The Marquis is an admirer of his work.” A house servant passed by, and she placed her glass on the tray. She gnawed at her lower lip, drawing his attention to her perfect mouth. “And where is your wife, Monsieur?”

Her tone made the question sound like a challenge. Kane frowned and straightened to his full height. “I have never been married.”

She paused for a moment. “Without a wife and children, who will carry on your family line?”

He bit back a surprising burst of laughter. “I assure you, my family line will continue without a wife.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying him. “You are…puzzling, Monsieur Bordeaux.”

“I prefer to think of myself as simple. Relationships complicate.” He straightened his stifling vest, fighting the urge to rip it off. His gold watch thumped against his chest, reminding him that his quarry had not taken the bait. Interesting.

“Ah, but life would be dull without them, no?” The sound of her voice and the way the candlelight sparkled in her eyes hypnotized him. She took his hand again. “The final dance is beginning. We should join the party.”

He allowed her to pull him back into the ballroom, and spun her around to face him. They waltzed among the other party guests, circling the room until the dancers sharing the floor blurred around them.

As the music swelled, her hand slipped from his and Marguerite spun away to her new dance partner. A pert, auburn-haired beauty with a shy smile took his hand, and though he might have considered seducing her into his bed, he couldn't focus on her. Not with Marguerite dancing one, then two partners away.

It was a dizzying flood of color as dresses billowed, dancers turned, and laughter blended with the crescendo of the string quartet. Kane bowed and waltzed with several new partners before he realized he’d lost Marguerite in the crowd.

He fingered his vest pocket.

He had also lost his favorite gold watch.

About Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror as well as the Romance Through the Ages Award for Best Paranormal and Best First Book.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.

Where to find Lisa
Twitter | Facebook | Lisa's Blog | Lisa's Lair Website

Giveaway

Lisa is also doing a fun Giveaway with her tour. What is up for grabs is a signed paperback of Night walker (Night Series #1), a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a Night Thief Cove Poster. So please fill out the raffelcopter below and enter. Thanks for stopping in and Good Luck!

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Review and Interview with Jaye Shields - Confessions of a Sex Demon

Good Morning everyone. I am happy to have Jay Shields here to talk about her book Confessions of a Sex demon. So Lets get started!

Hello Jaye! I’m thrilled to have you here and thanks for being today’s “Pick”.

Please share a little about you, your works and what got you into writing.

Hi Poison, thank you so much for having me! I’ve been dying to hang out at Picked By Poison because red and black are my favorite colors, and you wear them very well!

I love writing, and the thing I adore about Paranormal, is anything is possible. Like my story Confessions of a Sex Demon, in which my heroine Zahra needs climax to survive. I’ve always loved writing, it’s only lately that I’ve gotten into the kinkier side of romance, and it’s been quite an adventure.

Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE here and boy did you just make my day!
Moving on...Zahra meets Lennox while selling his blades and he turns her down. What feature was it about her that gave away what she is?

In the realm I've created, humans and various demon breeds coexist. Lennox couldn't have known for sure if she was a sex demon, formally known as succubus, but her glowing golden eyes are a signature trait of Zahra's kind. That, and the tight leather and skimpy corsets are kind of a dead giveaway of hot-blooded demon breed.

 

Lennox has been traveling to find seek out revenge for a wrong of the past. He winds up in the town where Zahra lives. Did he know at that time who she was in relation to the past?

No, he did not, be he came to town hoping to find her. Back in his home town, Zahra’s sex demon brother, Reza, stole Lennox’s wife. Lennox loved his wife too much to hurt Reza, so instead, he sought revenge by going after Zahra. A tit-for-tat kind of thing. He meant to hurt her, but of course, we know he falls for her.

 

Bane is a very sick wizard, how is it he came to be kind of like the towns “dirty sheriff?”

The village where Zahra lives is a very small and low-key, and until Lennox arrived, there was no one to challenge him. Maybe it’s because I just had a Sons of Anarchy marathon last night, but it reminds me a bit of how the Sons of Anarchy run Charming ;)

Zahra is protecting Sephina and has given up her dreams to protect her, why not help her break her drug addiction, teach her the right ways of being a sex demon and then let her love her own life on her own?

You’re very perceptive! But If Zahra did this in book one of the trilogy, then there could be no book three for Sephina ;) You hit the nail on the head, Sephina has a drug problem, and deserves to rise above that. Addictions of a Sex Demon (book three) is about Sephina’s journey to get clean and she meets a handsome demon in the process.

What can you tell us about the continuation of the story without spoiling the upcoming, Claiming of a Sex Demon?

Claiming of a Sex Demon, book two is Zahra’s brother’s story. Reza, our sex demon extraordinaire, is a vicious ladies man, so when he walks into Lennox’s town, he isn’t exactly welcomed. Well, except for by the ladies ;) But it’s the one lady who refuses him that he falls for.

Blurb Sneak Peak!!

It's not easy for a sex demon to find a wife, and it's even harder when the perfect woman is already taken.

Emmerie Winter has only been married a few months, but depression has made her a fragile stranger in the arms of her husband. She knows she should love him, but she doesn't, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't convince her heart otherwise.

When a sex demon with a boyish grin and a sinful body arrives in town, Emmerie's world is turned upside down. His intense passion for life sends her depression into hiding, but her feelings for the sinful male could get her in deep trouble.

A sex demon needs climax to survive, but that's never been a problem for Reza Aniron as women seem to be unable to resist his charms…all except for one, a timid, blonde angel who treats him with complete indifference. But in her eyes he can see a fire that's just waiting to be released. And he always did love a challenge.

Did the plot and characters work out as you wanted or did they shape the story as you were writing?

I always see the characters first before I know the plot. I knew what I wanted to happen between them, and the story unfolded from there.

Lastly the fun questions:

Plotter or pantser?
Both

Early Bird or Night Creature?
Earlybird

Are you more like Sephina or Zahra?
Hmm…probably Zahra except for the concubine part ;)

White, Milk or Dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate. No question.

Coffee Tea or other?
Coffee.

Music or quiet while working?
Music

Favorite place to sit and write?
Anywhere that has a strong cup of coffee in front of me and a good view.

Computer or good old pen and paper?
Computer.

Pick your poison (alcoholic drink of choice when going out)
Whisky or Rum…hard choice

Thanks for stopping in Jaye, it was great to be able to pick your mind and talk about Lennox and Zahra.

Thanks for having me :)
XOXO Jaye Shields

Zahra proves that sex demons do it better as she goes from captive to captivator.

Sex Demon Zahra Aniron is a closet romantic. Too bad she spends her time having hot, kinky sex with paying strangers. But she needs the money to pay off her sister's debt to wizard thugs. There could be worse things than getting paid for pleasure, especially since a sex demon needs climax to survive.

As a blacksmith, Lennox Aegros puts his fury to good use pounding steel into swords. When he arrives at a new town, his real cause for being there isn't to sell weaponry, it's for revenge. When he finds the succubus he's been searching for, her beauty means he can mix business with pleasure. But the joke's on Lennox, because as he succeeds in torturing his victim by repeatedly bringing her to the brink of orgasm and then denying her the release that she so desperately needs, he realizes that Zahra's slow demise means the breaking of a heart he didn't think he had.

Content Warning: strong language, graphic sex, light BDSM scenes

About Jaye Shields

Jaye Shields holds a degree in Anthropology from San Francisco State University with an emphasis in archaeology. Her previous claims to fame include being a bass player for a grunge band called the Hymens, being mistaken for Britney Spears while in Tokyo, and commercial model. She insists the commercial still counts even though her lines were cut.

Born and raised in Seattle, she now lives in the realm of fog, skyscrapers, and redwood trees. Happy to call San Francisco home, she spends her time writing sensual paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Thanks to her grandmother, she's been reading romance novels since she was ten years old. Jaye sprinkles her love of history, mythology, and the occult into flaming hot reads.

Where to buy Confessions of a Sex Demon
Beackwalk Press

Where to find Jaye:
Facebook | Her Website/Blog | Twitter

Excerpt

Zahra woke to a sharp pinch against her skin. She tried to peel open her eyelids, but they were heavy stones. She wanted to touch her eyes, but her arms moved nowhere. Fear caused her lids to fly open only to realize that she was indeed strapped down.

The perpetrator smiled, but it was subtle. Very subtle. His tan skin was darker in the dim room. His blue irises appeared so light that his eyes became demonic charcoals glaring at her in the shadowy room. He finished strapping her foot down.

"Do you like your accommodations, demon?"

"You should have asked Bane for help decorating. He's also very good at the dark, gloomy dungeon thing." She'd hoped to sound feisty, but instead, her voice was nothing more than a pitiful rasp.

"Since you're used to your mouth being filled, I'll help you." Lennox stood over her. She never took her eyes from his intense frown as he tied a scarf around her mouth. He pulled it tight enough to cut into the edges of her mouth. Zahra did her best to smash his fingers into the cold metal table she was strapped to. Unfortunately, the back of her head missed its mark and thunked hard against the steel.

At least she could still see what was taking place. Fear coursed through her. She barely knew this man and she couldn't imagine what he had in store for her. She was a succubus, used to kinky requests, and most men knew they didn't need to kidnap her for such a session. She watched Lennox's tall form cross the mostly empty room. The only furniture was a small table. Probably where he kept his—

Scissors. Lennox turned toward her with a pair in his hand. As he walked in her direction, he looked entirely too innocent to be foreboding. His blond hair was a stark contrast against his tan skin. She'd felt his muscles earlier and they were those of an intense lover, not a fighter. Clearly this guy was tweaked. He was hot as hell and normally she liked freaky guys. If he hadn't insulted her ever since they first met, they might've even had a chance. No charge.

Lennox stood between her legs and she could barely see him from her tight bondage against the table. The cold metal of the scissors slipped under her corset. As the fabric began falling away, the soft groan of the metal cutting through thick black fabric echoed in the empty room. Her tight top became looser with every passing second. Heat crept into her body. Good news: she had the feeling this guy could make her come. Hard. The bad news: she was kidnapped by a psychopath and no one knew where she was.

Maybe he's a trap-and-set-free kind of psychopath. Love 'em and leave 'em.

"Your body betrays you. You crave your abductor, don't you, succubus?"

She avoided his gaze by staring at the ceiling. Zahra could feel the heat from his intense appraisal of her body as he guided the shears across her pants. Apparently, he was leaving no clothes for her to try to escape in. It was becoming clearer by the moment that he had no plans for her to leave.

Review

Lennox has been moving around selling his forged blades. His sole purpose to seek revenge and for a wring committed in his past. His latest travels have lead him to the town where Zahra lives. When he is greeted by Bane and told to pay for his stall up front he canot, but a nice local baker offers to share her stall with Lennox. It is here that Zahra comes and ant to by a small jewel encrusted blade, but Lennox refuses to sell to her. But now that he found his prey its time for the plan to be pput into action.

Zahra is making a living the only way a Sex Demon can... seeking release sexually. She hired in strangers to take to her bed in which she does whatever necessary to fulfill her needs, and theirs to earn Sephina's freedom from her debt to Bane. But when Sephina gets into more trouble is she in over her head with trying to help her?

Lennox follows Zapha back to her home, kidnaps her and brings her to a dungeon for torture. Here he removes her clothes, and teases her until shes practically begging for her much needed release. He denies her what she needs and with each time she weakens and begins to wither away. BUt she doesn't her him sees her cry, much less tell him anything about why she really does what she does. But after a while Lennox's shell begins to break as he sees her in her weakened state. He slowly begins to relish the beuty and give her body attention the way others have not. He pays attention to her wants and needs, and finally she gets her release and begins to gain her strength.

As she is recovering she begins to see a different side of Lennox and learns about the reason he saught to hurt her. She feels sorry for him and understands his hurt. She too begins to fall for the battered man with the lean muscles and corded strength. One day while Lennox is in town Zahra tries to return home, but gets caught up with some Ogres! She is nearly grabbed and groped when Lennx puts a blade through them, but gets hurt in the process. When they return to his home she take scare of him and helps heal his wounds. As they help each other they find love within each others arms.

Ms. Shields has an inventive, but darker story in the beginning with Lennox and his dark side. We also see a kind and caring side of Zahra as she still does all she can to protect Sephina from Bane and get her back on track. It came full swing as they both help each other heal and as they do they find love. This shoerter novel was a nice read and I liked the plot twists and how she gave Lennox, Zahra, Sephina and Bane depth and personality. A well developed and creative story for ther first in this trilogy. A good 4 star read.