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Blogging for my monthly blog day at Hitting the Hot Spot – Total E Bound. Check me out here.

Power of Enticement – Cover Art

Cover art for Power of Enticement (Blackstone Haven, Book #3). There are 2 covers for the book - a US version and a UK version. I love them both. Power of Enticement (Blackstone Haven, Book #3) will be released on January 10, 2014 at Totally Bound.

US Version

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK Version

Ink Motions with Kerry Adrienne

 

 

 

 

Ink Motions - Interview with Kerry Adrienne 

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

I’ve always loved Ancient Greece and Rome and minored in Classical Studies. It seemed natural to set a novella in Ancient Greece and since theater was all-male, it felt like the perfect place to set a m/m romance.

 

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

A little of both. I usually have the general plot and the characters in my head before I start. Then, I sit and write until I feel the need to outline the plot points. Oh, and it seems I am always researching.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

Haha that is easy—Green Day or Marilyn Manson.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I have nine contracted books (3 are not yet written), and another novel that I am editing before I send to my agent.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

Wow, that is a difficult one because there isn’t just one. Of authors that are dead, I would say Keats, Poe, and Steinbeck. All of them were magical wordsmiths.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?

I love romance where one or both of the main characters is emotionally wounded and learns to love again.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Nothing will write itself. Unless you commit to butt-in-chair time, you won’t write. Writing is work. Sure, it is fun work—but it takes a great deal of discipline in addition to craft and creativity.

 

What is a good villain?

A good villain is someone who is multi-dimensional. Someone who has a past, and a reason (at least to him/her) for motivation. Someone who the reader can empathize with—at least a tiny bit. Someone who is human and makes mistakes.

 

 

Kallistos, a shy playwright, has been chosen to compete at the Great Dionysia festival in Athens. His plays are strong, but he faces Sophocles, the man who has won almost every contest. Kallistos, the beautiful one, has eschewed intimacy—yet the dark Alexios pierces his armor with philosophies he’s never considered, and he falls hard.
Alexios, a shepherd, aspires to be an actor in Athens. His trip plunges him into a plot of deceit and lies when Sophocles hires him to sabotage his competition. Sophocles promises money and a part on stage—but challenges Alexios’ beliefs and honor.

 

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 Ellora's Cave

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, please exit this site.

An Excerpt From: BEAUTIFUL ONE

Copyright © KERRY ADRIENNE, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Alexios watched Kallistos fill his wine cup. By the gods, the man was gorgeous. In the lamplight, his body gleamed like spun gold and his light hair sparkled as if it was wet with dew. His simple tunic clung to him, its belt cinching his narrow waist. Spending time with the beautiful one would be a delight, not work. And he wouldn’t have to work at finding the pleasures that body had to offer, given the chance. What harm would come if he added a little enjoyment to the job?

A large man stepped in front of him, blocking his sight of Kallistos and Alexios moved so he could keep his view. He had to approach the beautiful one soon—and hopefully talk with him. The man acted almost anti-social. Too beautiful to be so reserved.

He followed Kallistos onto the darker streets away from the square where the noise lessened and the crowd thinned to very few. In the distance, fires twinkled on the Acropolis like tiny sparks of stars, fizzing and bursting. The Parthenon, though it had only stood for a short time, crowned the Acropolis like a golden diadem and light radiated from behind its columns. Athena smiled down from her position of guardian, high above the city.

Alexios sighed. Athens was magical. Sure, the land where he tended sheep was charming with its rusticity, but Athens held an enchantment that was unparalleled. To live in the city, attend its parties and act on its stages would be a life’s dream. He quickened his pace to catch Kallistos.

“Kallistos. Wait,” he called.

Kallistos stopped and turned. “Who calls my name?”

“An admirer.”

“Step into the lamplight.”

Alexios’ stomach trembled at the tenor of Kallistos’ voice. Was everything about the man beautiful? He stepped out of the shadows into the half-light of the street.

“What do you want?” Kallistos asked. He held his wine cup steady and looked away. “I’m too tired to entertain.”

The way Kallistos dipped his head in slight embarrassment, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke, warmed Alexios from the inside out. “Begging your forgiveness,” he said, “but I wanted to talk to the playwright Kallistos and maybe share wine. It would be an honor.”

Kallistos paused for a moment before speaking, digging his sandal toe against the dirt road. Would he yell or rebuff the intrusion? He brought his wine to his lips, tipping the cup high. The muscles in his neck clenched as the wine went down his throat. Alexios silently gulped. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought.

“You have me at a disadvantage,” Kallistos said, lowering the empty cup. “You know my name, but you’ve not told me yours.”

He moved closer and the air seemed to grow thicker with heat—Kallistos’ heat. Alexios coughed. “I’m Alexios.”

“Alexios,” Kallistos repeated. The name rolled off his tongue like a silken promise.

“I’ve come to Athens for the festival and I heard about your plays.” The words stumbled out, and Alexios shifted. Since when did a man make him quiver without a touch?

Kallistos frowned. “What have you heard?”

“I’ve heard your participation in Great Dionysia will rival Sophocles.”

“I am thrilled to accept the challenge.”

“Your wife and children must be proud.” Was his attempt to gather information too bold?

“I have no wife, nor wish to find one. My plays are my lovers.” Kallistos looked up toward the moon and fiddled with his wine cup. “I have to go. But I’d like to see you again, Alexios. Perhaps we can discuss philosophy over some finer wine.” He smiled and briefly made eye contact.

Alexios fought the shudder that racked his body. “I’d like that. It isn’t every day a shepherd shares philosophy with a famous playwright.”

“I’m not famous, but I’ll count you among my fans, shepherd.”

“Do so.”

Kallistos met his gaze for a few longer moments before looking down. “Until another day, then.” Kallistos turned to leave.

“Wait!” Alexios grabbed him by the arm.

Kallistos gasped, his eyes wide in the soft moonlight.

Alexios trailed his hand down Kallistos’ bare arm, feeling the soft blond hairs under his fingertips. He gulped as heat shot straight to his groin. “May the gods, if they exist, shine favor on you.”

Kallistos shivered and Alexios’ stomach tightened.

“And may Dionysus himself guide your travels tonight,” Kallistos said. He lingered for a moment, then slipped out of Alexios’ reach and walked off toward the residential area of Athens.

Alexios stood still on the darkened street, watching. His breath caught at the thought of what might have happened if he had pulled Kallistos closer into an embrace. Had the beautiful one been offering himself? He shook his head. Surely, he was not. He was only being kind. A stiff wind whipped through the street and Alexios held his fluttering tunic against his body. He had to keep focused on his job. He hadn’t been hired to befriend Kallistos, or even take him as a lover, though that would be a welcome addition to the plan. No, he had to stay focused. He had to destroy Kallistos’ chances of winning the festival.

Bio

Kerry is working toward her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University. She has extensive freelance editing experience, and teaches various fiction writing classes at a local college. She is currently a part-time Senior Editor at Decadent Publishing.

In addition to editing, Kerry writes and reads science fiction, romantic fantasy, and paranormal romance and has published several novellas and a novel. She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/KerryAdrienne/216668511686869

www.kerryadrienne.com

https://twitter.com/kerryadrienne

Perfect Fit – Out Now

Perfect Fit…Buy here.

Perfect Fit – Available Now

Perfect Fit
By: Taige Crenshaw
Total-E-Bound
Available Now
ISBN #: 978-1-78184-812-8
Series: Singleton, Book # 2
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book
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When your love for someone is tested, how do you get beyond the silence and pain to get back to what made you become an us…

Regina Jacobs, after a busy day, gets home to the empty house she used to share with her husband. The sight of the divorce papers waiting for her devastates her. She loves her husband, and although they have not lived together for a while, or really talked, she thought they could work it out. She pushes off the hurt and embraces the fury. She would not give up her ‘us’ without a fight. Determined to reclaim the man who she has known was hers from the time she was a teenager, Regina seeks out her husband—the man who knows her heart, soul, and body, lighting each equally aflame.

Spencer Jacobs knows he is doing the right thing, taking the step of filing for divorce. It is painful, but he knows it is necessary. He loves Regina, but sometimes love is not enough. When Regina comes to him after receiving the papers, Spencer doesn’t know what to make of her words that he was giving up so easily on them. He’s fought already for them, but is bruised and battered from the loss of the woman who makes him forget all else but being hers. It will take everything he has to return, and this time he knows failure means the end.

Can two people who have let the silence between them linger too long find each other again? It’s going to take opening wounds that led to the silence and getting back to their basic belief in each other, to rebuilding what has been broken. For these two, there is no one else that matches them. Together, they are the other half to a .…Perfect Fit.

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Perfect Fit – Teaser 2

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Perfect Fit – Teaser 1

Perfect Fit…Pre-Order here.



 

 

Perfect Fit – Teaser

Perfect Fit…Pre-Order here.

Between the Covers - Perfect Fit

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Perfect Fit (Singleton, Book # 2) which will be released by Total-E-Bound tomorrow - November 8, 2013. Enjoy.
Regina put down her cup and stood. She strolled towards him, moving with an innate rhythm he’d always found so intoxicating. She stepped into him, pressing close. Automatically, he placed his hands on her hips.

“Had a nice sleep, Spencer.”

Although it wasn’t a question, he answered. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “It was very restful.”

“I bet.” She studied him, then smiled. “After the show you had.”

Spencer flushed with need. “You knew I was there,” he accused.

“Yes.” Regina straightened his tie. “You said no sex, but nothing about seduction.” She patted his chest. “I like that. I’m good at it.” She rocked against him.

Spencer groaned as she moved on his erection. “Behave, Reggie.”

“You forgot ‘mis’. I’m going to behave, all right. Misbehave. I want you back in my life all the way. Not this partial way with all these rules.” Regina moved her hips again and placed her face close to his, whispering almost on his lips, “Holding out for some belief of being comfortable together is a moot point. I’ve been comfortable with you from the time we met. And even if you deny it, so have you.” She placed her palm flat on his chest, over his heart. “I know your heart and soul. And most assuredly, your body. I know what makes you shiver.”

Spencer shivered.

“What makes you groan just so.” She widened her legs and rotated.

Spencer groaned, shaking.

“And that you belong to me.” Regina grabbed his hair holding him still, her green gaze fierce. “Mine, Spence.”

She slid her hand into his hair, held him firmly and kissed him. Spencer opened wide, moaning. Regina pushed her tongue into his mouth, moving along his, stroking. Spencer gripped her hips, cupping her ass and pulling her against him. He returned her kiss with equal hunger, grunting as she rocked against him. Spencer shuddered, about ready to come in his pants. Regina wrenched away, pulling out of his hold and he stepped forward to get her back.

“Whoa, there.” She put her hand on his chest. “I made my first move. Now it’s your turn to decide what you truly want.” She stepped back, grabbed her purse and briefcase off the stool from by the kitchen island then headed past him. She touched his ass as she did, then said by his ear, “I’m looking forward to our pillow buying excursion.”

Regina chuckled as she left the room. In moments, he heard the front door close. Spencer went to the island and sat, putting his hand on the counter, then under his chin. He slumped forward.

“Damn. I really am screwed.” Spencer rubbed his hands over his eyes then lowered it as he thought of her parting words. The pillow shopping was going to be hell. Not the buying, but what came with it after.

“So screwed.” Spencer rose and went to the door to go to work.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2013.
All Rights Reserved.

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Ink Motions with T.D. Hassett

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?

 

This interview question really called to me because, well Halloween just passed and buried bodies were all the rage.

This summer I started a novel about an incubus who falls in love with a young veterinary technician.  I got about 20,000 words in and I had to stop writing.  I can’t say that I won’t ever finish it, more that I just had to write a different book before I could.  The problem was that I would start writing about this paranormal love story and a mystery romance tale would just keep popping up.  The two protagonists would not leave me be and so their story is getting pushed to the front burner.  Perhaps another reason why the contemporary romance is in the lead is the setting.  The story takes place primarily on a secluded lake in Connecticut where some folks have gone missing.  I live on just such a lake, although to my knowledge no one has turned up murdered around here.  For a variety of reasons the hero and heroine will have to weather a couple of weeks together in a spooky lake house.  Passion, drama and mystery will ensue.  I promise a happy ending but I refuse to make it easy for this couple!

 

I love including some suspense in all my love stories. My most recent release, Loving Link, involved discovering the identify of a narcissistic woman intent on destroying the hero and finding fame.  The best part was writing about this really hateful creature who was just so dark and evil. I almost want to have her in one more book.

 

Well I plan to enjoy the bounties of fall and work on that to be read list that just keeps on growing.

 



 

Loving Link

T.D. Hassett

 

Can two artists salvage true love out of the unexpected consequences of one night of passion?

 

Link Jacks is done with women and determined to focus solely on music and rock-band Becket’s upcoming album. He’s been living as a marketing-prop bad-boy rock star for so long he doesn’t remember who he really is anymore. Not until he meets Madison, the emotionally guarded and theoretically off-limits younger sister of his best friend’s wife.

Madison just wants to get her fledgling tattoo career off the ground and stop relying on the generous charity of her wealthy brother-in-law to get by.  She knows she should never get involved with the likes of Link but his presence is downright intoxicating. Her indiscretion will lead to Internet sex video and media frenzy.  Their one wild night of passion will have scandalous repercussions and force each of them to confront their inner fears and emotional demons.

 

http://www.amazon.com/T.D.-Hassett/e/B00CJE2MPQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

Excerpt:

Madison had just finished up with her second to last client and was tired. She thanked him for trusting her to do such an involved and powerful tattoo.

"No, thank you Madison. You’ve no idea how much this means to me. It's absolutely beautiful." the young private explained quietly, and then surprised her by wrapping her in a big hug and kissing the side of her head. It seemed to be an impulsive gesture and it took her off guard. For perhaps the first time she understood how important body art could be to somebody, how it truly was more than just something inked. She broke free of the embrace as her boss, Lori, came into the room. Madison froze in place seeing Link Jacks standing behind her boss and scowling. The private slipped her his card and was forced to squeeze by Link, who stood with his arms crossed, practically blocking the door.

Lori interrupted the awkward silence. "Madison, you might know Link Jacks through your brother-in-law. He's been having a dragon done over the last couple of months and I'm thinking you're the perfect person to do some of the scale work. I’ve seen you do some mythological pieces where the coloring is almost luminescent. That would be perfect for this piece. I've done all the lines and a good chunk of the fill but think if you wrapped up the scales it would be American Tats Magazine worthy." Lori stated in her no-nonsense way.

Crap, there's really no way to just say no, especially if Lori was thinking of putting the work on display. She had one more customer left for the day and was looking forward to a quiet night back at the apartment. She and Darling would probably just order pizza and watch a movie.

Maddie's befuddled brain flashed back to the spiel Lori had given her about no drama and she braced herself for whatever this could mean. I just need to keep my focus on the work.

"Sure, as long as Link is comfortable with me doing the work. I’ve got one more customer tonight but I'd be happy to make him an appointment," replied Madison.

Link’s icy expression slipped. He smiled at her and gave her a little wink, suggesting her stall tactic wasn't going to work.

"No need, I've switched your last appointment to someone else so that you could have time to work on this piece now," Lori smoothly added.

So much for putting this off until a later day. Lori walked away, leaving Link and Madison alone. Great, this would be a nightmare after what had transpired between them last week. She was already anxious around him and now she’d be spending hours touching his half-naked body. How did Monet ever paint those incredible nudes with such beauty just within reach?

Madison busied herself getting out sterile gloves and new needles. She focused her head on how best to color in the scales that she recalled so clearly from running her hands up his chest and arms. His low voice startled her when he asked what to do.

"Should I take my shirt off now and lie down, or just stand here feeling stupid?” Link questioned.

"Sorry, go ahead and lie down and you know, take off your clothes. I mean shirt." Maddie blurted out awkwardly. She finished assembling her things on the tray and turned around in time to see him pull his tight black shirt up over his head exposing a broad, well-muscled chest that her fingers ached to touch. It was going to be torture to put needle to skin, to have her hands running over his washboard abs and strong arms, yet the full sensation would be blocked by the latex of her gloves. She studied the work already done on the tattoo. It was a masterpiece in the making. She’d never seen such a large, detailed mythological piece and couldn’t stop herself from tracing the line of the dragon's tail from the waistband of his jeans up and across his chest and over his shoulder to where it ended on his back. The dragon's head looked across his shoulders, its eyes done so realistically you felt like the beast was watching. She could see the mix of colors and shading she’d need to complete the work. The artist in her was clamoring to get started but the woman was afraid to keep touching him lest she lose her head again. She looked up from his skin to notice his eyes had been watching her with an expression of longing. His hand was clenched tightly against the arm of the chair and she noticed the telltale bulge in his pants. Memories of him pulsing in her sent a wave of moisture to her core.

She needed to put aside the tantalizing images flashing through her head. He was just a man who could only hurt her if she let him. Isabel had shared stories about Links escapades with women while on tour. It seemed everyone in the band but Link had settled down, so they all laughed at his adventures. Now that Madison had been one of his conquests, she hated every other woman who had ever looked at him and she hated herself even more for feeling that way.

"Okay, I’ll get started but as you probably know, work around the ribs and other bony areas can get pretty painful, so let me know when you need a break. Any questions?" Maddie was proud of how calm her voice was despite the rolling pit of emotions swirling around her belly.

“No questions. Baby, I'm ready for whatever you want to do to my body; bring it on." Link answered with a cocky smile.

Damn him, he had to make this extra difficult. She'd made a mistake in what she did with him; she’d just been too curious a cat and she'd gotten her heart involved. But there was no way she would put that tail out there again for him to play with. Maddie had seen what heartbreak did to her mother and she knew better than to get involved with anyone who could do that kind of damage to her. Besides if Isabel ever found out what she’d gotten up to with Link she'd probably lecture her to death. And Thomas would probably kill Link; after all he had become quite the protective big brother to her after he and Isabel met.

Madison needed to focus on the task at hand and stop ogling him like … well, like some kind of groupie. She prepped a gun and tested the foot pedal, and then dipped her color, steadied her hand, and pressed needle to skin. The gentle vibration of the gun hummed to her as she worked a lower portion of the design over his right ribcage. She peaked across his chest, noticed another tattoo under his heart, and jabbed the needle in too hard.

 

Author Biography:

 

T.D. Hassett, romance author, grew up certain that life should be like a romance novel; lots of passion, some incredible adventures and a guaranteed happily ever after.  She earned a B.A. in history and a M.S. degree in clinical psychology before studying education.  Ms. Hassett lives in Connecticut with her very patient husband and two young children.  Her rambunctious family shares their home with 3 crazy cats and a darling golden retriever named Delilah.  Her relatives make her feel like the only normal nut in the family tree inspires her writing.

Visit her at http://tdhassett.wordpress.com

 

Blogging at Romance Studio

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Between the Covers - Saffron

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Saffron (Kemet Uncovered, Book # 4) a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke. Enjoy.

Somalia

“Look here, dammit, I don’t need any fucking geo-freak coming in here and telling me what I can’t and can’t do!” Kenric Annson shouted into the phone. “I’m here doing my God damn job. It’s not like it’s a picnic out here where you can walk up the street to the Starbucks for a venti Mocha. There’s war going on around here and sending some pencil pusher down isn’t going to do a damn thing except complicate things. My men and I are busy enough without the added job of babysitting.”

The response he received only infuriated him further. After cursing a streak at the dial tone in his ear he slammed the phone down.

“You okay boss?”

The question came from Shade, one of the workers on this crew. Actually Shade was his next in command. Kenric only knew him as Shade and that was fine. He trusted him with his life, hell Shade could call himself Tinkerbell if he wanted to. Shade was a huge muscular man with braided hair which he kept confined to a ponytail most of the time. A goatee and dark brown skin completed the package. Man looked downright lethal standing there with his personal arsenal strapped to him and everyone respected him.

“Hell no.” He popped his neck and sat on the edge of his desk, arms crossed.

“What’s up?”

“That was Frank.”

Shade groaned and rolled his eyes as he snipped the end off a cigar. Frank Grimmel was technically the boss down here. However, as far as Kenric and the others were concerned he was a waste of sperm. Part of the reason everyone called him boss, to add another dig into Frank’s authority. Frank was only here since his brother owned the company.

“What’d the dumbass want?”

“He’s sending us a civilian.”

“What?!” Shade looked over the tops of mirrored sunglasses and stared while he lit his cigar, the smoke curled up and around his face like a snake.

“Yes, something about this doctor being able to help us find the natural gas pockets faster and dig for them safer.”

A snort of derision. “Does he not get this isn’t your America? That while we’re digging we have men standing guard? Hell, even when we’re not.” Shade shook his head. “I mean even Frank has two men guard him the rare occasions he’s here.”

Kenric shrugged and got up to lean against the wall near the window. He stared outside at the steppes only to turn fully and brace a hand against the pane of glass, warmed from the summer sun.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” he muttered. “A fuckin’ rock doc.”

Shade cleared his throat. “Boss.”

“Yeah?” He continued to stare out over the brush and scrub.

“We have company.”

He spun around and found himself staring at a woman. A gorgeous woman. Whose skin, the colour of melted caramel, covered an amazing body. One reminiscent of an old pinup girl, nothing but swells, dips, and curves.

Oh fuck.

Her black hair drawn back from haughty facial features by a tight bun. On her face was a cool look of dismissal. Her navy blue skirt suit brought some other things to mind and he felt his body respond. Almost violently. Her dark brown eyes were framed by thick, sooty lashes. She had full lips which shone with a clear lip gloss.

In one hand she held a black briefcase. He’d never seen anyone so determined to dress severely and look so damn hot. He allowed himself one more leisurely perusal of her fuck-me heels, long legs, and up over nice breasts and an amazing—even with the hint of superbia—face.

Hellfire and damnation. I would love to see her in a bikini. Or nothing at all. He spied Shade staring at her too, and for some reason it pissed him off. From deep within a rush of anger coursed through him at the thought of Shade even touching this woman. Why is she looking at him?

“Can I help you, darling?” he drawled, leaning against the windowsill.

Her gaze snapped from Shade to him, her eyes narrowed a fraction before that damn unimpressed stare took over.

“First, I’m not your darling.”

Her voice was a raspy alto which sent shivers all down his spine. His cock stiffened in his BDUs and he almost shook his head to clear the fog which seemed to encompass his mind steering him down the sexual path.

Want to be? He put a toothpick between his teeth. “Testy. Who are you?”

“I’m here to see Mr. Kenric Annson.”

Another thrill rushed through him. He quirked a brow and glided toward her noting how she held her ground. Like a stalking lion, he prowled around her. She smelled fresh with a light yet unrecognisable scent. No one smelled this good around here. Another punch to his gut made him bite back his groan.

He wanted to know if she smelled like this all over. How soft her skin would be beneath his. How all those damnable curves would feel pressed to him.

Back before her, he gazed down to her waiting stare. “I’m him, darlin’. What can I do for you? Hell, why don’t you tell me who you are.”

She never blinked. “I’m...how did you put it...the fuckin’ rock doc. Dr. Eshe.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke, 2012.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

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Teasers - Going after Success

Success doesn't come to you...you go to it. ~ Marva Collins


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Between the Covers - Indigo Rain

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Indigo Rain (Phoenix Intelligence Agency, Book # 1). Enjoy.

Her heart raced, although it wasn’t his eyes’ colour that caught her. No, it was the look of cool calculation in his stare. Struggling to breathe, she heard someone come up behind her. She turned slightly to see Christos come in but still kept the man in her line of sight. Kalina flicked her hand, materialising her baton.

Seeing Christos’ expressionless face, she said coldly, “I’m not working with him.”

“Why not? I’ve never even met you.” The man spoke with a smooth, sweet baritone tickling along her senses.

Kalina gave the man resting on the wall her whole attention. “Because you’re a fucking Firebird.”

“You’re a fucking Amazonian Warrior. I should be the one who doesn’t want to work with you.” He shrugged. “And I don’t have a problem with it.”

Kalina stiffened at the insult. She narrowed her eyes, seeing him quirk his lips in response. She tightened her grip on her baton, she thought of throwing it. She marked the place where she wanted to plant it, Kalina stilled herself, trying to calm down. The man, seeing her intent, smirked and she moved her hand before her brain registered the motion. She flung the baton with all her power. He never changed expression as his hand flashed out and caught it with apparent ease. He looked at the baton, then back at her.

“Kalina!” Christos hissed.

Refusing to look at Christos, she kept her attention on the man.

“Leave us,” he ordered without looking at Christos.

With surprise, she heard Christos back out and leave without a word. She’d never known the director to defer to anyone. She stood silently as he flowed in the boneless motion only shifters possessed. He came to stand right in front of her, and Kalina refused to look away from his calm gaze.

“Do you know who I am?” The purr in his voice had a challenging lilt.

Kalina stiffened, saying nothing. She knew who he was, although she had gone out of her way to not get anywhere near him. The man shot a hand out, gripping her chin before she could move.

He remained focused on her, a slight smile on his face. “Say my name, Kalina.”

She refused to give him the satisfaction.

His indigo eyes lit with flames. “Ah, a stubborn one. I like stubborn women.”

Kalina jerked away and glared at him in contempt. “No one told me Ryne Garon thought with his cock.”

The man chuckled. “So, you do know my name.” He leaned into her. “I don’t think with my cock. If I did, I would have you across the table with my dick buried deep inside of you by now. So deep your nails would make me bloody. ” He shrugged. “Then again, I just might do that.”

Kalina stilled the shudder of lust that filled her.

He won’t fool me. It doesn’t matter that being near him turns me on.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2013.
All Rights Reserved, Total-E-Bound

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Ink Motions with Shara Lanel

 

The Sabbat Samhain

By Shara Lanel

 

Samhain, often said to be pronounced “Sow-in” is the sabbat of the New Year for most Wiccans, the name coming perhaps from the Irish Gaelic word for “summer’s end.” This is at the time we celebrate Halloween (“Hallowed Evening”). The veil between worlds is said to be the thinnest at this time, thus its association with death and divination. This was the time of the very last harvest, when the less healthy animals were slaughtered so that the healthier animals had more feed to survive until spring. Therefore Samhain was a feast day. At this time the Horned God dies and the Crone aspect of the Goddess reigns until Yule when the God is reborn, promising the return of the light.

The Norse god Loki, the trickster, is considered at his height during this time, perhaps having something to do with our handed-down tradition of trick-or-treat. And the goddesses Hekate and Cerridwen are often associated with Samhain because of their crone/Dark Mother/Underworld goddess aspects.

Since the veil between the world of the living and the dead is thin, Samhain is a great time to set out plates of food for our ancestors, perhaps in front of a window lit with a candle to light their way. We may also try to contact them for divination purposes. We may wear masks of our ancestors to help. We can also share our experiences of the past year with our passed loved ones, such as writing a letter to them with our accomplishments and failures of the past year, which can be cathartic for the living.

One of the key elements of Samhain, when all seems dead or dying, is the reminder that the Wheel of the Year turns and all will be reborn again at the Yule sabbat.

Resources:

Sabbats by Edain McCoy

Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara by Ashleen O’Gaea

The Real Halloween by Sheena Morgan

Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf

An article on simple Samhain rituals: http://hubpages.com/hub/Simple-Samhain-Rituals-and-Traditions

I have also have pins to Samhain/Halloween pics and info under two of my Pinterest boards:

http://www.pinterest.com/sharalanel/witchcraft/

http://www.pinterest.com/sharalanel/october-celebrations/

 

 

A TWISTED MAGICK  Blog Tour needs a fab prize at the end, don’t you think? How about a $20 Amazon gift cert! Comment on any of my blog posts during the tour, then refer to the contest page (http://sharalanel.com/2013/09/05/enter-to-win-amazon-gift-card/) on my Shara blog to get yourself entered to win! I’ll draw the winner on Nov. 1^st.

 

My links: http://sharalanel.com/

https://twitter.com/sharalanel

https://www.facebook.com/SharaLanelFans

http://pinterest.com/sharalanel/boards/

 

Author Bio:

Shara Lanel’s novels are always full of suspense and hot romance, whether set on the moon or in a Mexican jungle. She resides in Richmond, VA with a clingy dog, an action-oriented son, and a handsome hubby. Don’t put her in the kitchen, unless you want to burn it down, and her green-thumb is hit-or-miss, but she excels as a bibliophile, hoping she never has to pack up and move, since her hubby might see just how many volumes she really has.

 

 

BLURB for A TWISTED MAGICK by Shara Lanel:

 

Shylah, a small-town teacher, has put her arcane history behind her, until two students are murdered occult style. Her Wiccan religion is outed. She loses her job and deals daily with ridicule. The obvious thing would be to leave town, but she refuses—she’s innocent.

 

Gabriel is a PI from California dealing with his aunt’s cold shoulder. She wants him to fly to Virginia to solve his cousin’s murder, but he doesn’t have the money or the time until he breaks a big case he’s been working on. Now his cousin’s case is three months cold with one hot witchy suspect and no proof. As soon as he sees Shylah, he wants her, for a lot more than just questioning.

 

Gabe has the power to make Shylah’s insides melt and her judgment fade. She knows he can bring her down if he discovers the twisted magick of her past, but every time he touches her, she can’t say no. She needs to get him to see past prejudice and help her find the real killer. Together, they make magic in more ways than one.

 

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave Twilight line.

 

BUY LINK: http://www.ellorascave.com/a-twisted-magick.html

 

EXCERPT from A TWISTED MAGICK:

 

“I’d like my fortune read, please.”

Shylah startled, both from the sound of a voice where there hadn’t been one for several minutes, and also at the familiarity. The deep, velvety voice flipped a switch in her body, from off to on. But what was Gabe doing here? How had he even found out about her new business? She slowly looked up, mentally squaring her shoulders. What new tact would he try today?

He gazed at her herbs and candles. “Got any pot in there?”

She sighed. “Why are you here? I thought we were done talking.”

“Like I said, I want my fortune told.”

“How did you even find me?”

He grinned as he pulled out the chair opposite her. “My hotel had the Richmond and Charlottesville papers, so I saw your ad.”

“My name’s not in my ad.”

“I have my ways.”

That worried her, since she didn’t want other Smith Creek residents finding out about her side business.

She looked up again and found him staring at her intensely. Disconcerted, she gestured for him to sit and slid her drawings off the table and into the bag underneath. “What sort of divination are you interested in?”

“What do you usually do?”

“Well, I have a crystal ball if you want the total ambience. I have the tarot or runes, which are the most popular, or I can scry into a mirror. Do you have a specific question in mind?”

He turned the chair around backward and sat down. Why did men do that? “Yes, it concerns the truth about guilt or innocence.”

Shylah grimaced. “I think we’ll use the cards, which will give you something tangible to look at.” She slipped the deck out of the silk bag again and handed the oversized cards to him. “Shuffle them slowly while concentrating on your question. But you can’t expect me to give you a reading admitting to my supposed guilt. That would be counterproductive on my part, don’t you think?”

“I didn’t say it was your guilt or innocence I was thinking about.”

“No?” She lit an incense cone in a tiny brass censer. “Pull the curtain closed a bit, okay?”

“Not all the way?”

“I like potential customers to know I’m in here, even if I’m giving a reading.” She took the cards from him, grazing his fingers and wondering at the tingle she felt. It was a schoolgirl tingle, the kind you get when you’re working with the boy you have a crush on. She hadn’t felt that tingle since high school.

The table was covered with a black shawl with Chinese calligraphy on it. She spread the cards out in the classic Celtic Cross formation, and the first thing she noticed was the death card in the future position. The death card usually meant extreme change, not literal death, but as Shylah peered at the cards and took in their vibrations, she realized that this card might mean literal death. Her face froze. Who? Was Gabe going to die? She looked up into his strong face, masculine jaw and cheekbones, kissable mouth, mahogany eyes. Once she got past her immediate attraction—again—she thought she saw an unnatural shadow across his face. She let her eyes un-focus so she could see it better.

It was a skull.

“What’s the matter? This card with the grim reaper isn’t good, is it?”

“Someone’s going to die.”

 

BUY LINK: http://www.ellorascave.com/a-twisted-magick.html

Teasers - Strength of Character

Strong men can always afford to be gentle. Only the weak are intent on giving as good as they get. ~ Elbert Hubbard


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Between the Covers - Linc

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Linc (Kemet Uncovered, Book # 3) a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke. Enjoy.

Her mouth moved, those full, kissable lips forming words. Words he wasn’t paying the least bit of attention to. He blinked and said, “If you have a moment, could I have a word, please?”

Was that nervousness in her gaze?

“Of course, Mr Dixon.”

His cock hardened even more. “Excellent. My office is over there.”

He led the way, knowing that if he didn’t he would be touching her. They were halted by another parent and a smile curved his lips as he watched Danny kiss his mom and leave with the other boy and his dad. He held the door to his office open and didn’t move as she brushed by him. Linc knew she felt the reaction between them, for she couldn’t hide her sharp intake of breath.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. His nails dug into his palms, leaving behind crescent moons in the skin. After she’d passed he shut the door, the click echoing through the small room, highlighting the fact that they were alone.

He prowled around the back of the chair she perched upon and sat behind his desk, grateful his erection was now hidden from her view. She watched him with wary eyes, although he wondered if her attraction to him wasn’t all that she was worried about.

“What can I do for you, Mr Dixon?” she asked flicking a piece of imaginary lint from her jeans.

Oh, baby, if you only knew.

Ignoring the ever-increasing pressure in his pants, he laced his fingers and rested his hands on the desk.

“Your son, Daniel—”

“Danny,” she interrupted.

He arched a brow at that interjection. “Danny,” he amended. “I would like to offer him a new position on the team.”

She narrowed her eyes, exposing him to the protective mama bear within. “What?”

“I think he’d be even more explosive as a forward rather than a defenceman. A right wing, to be exact.”

She seemed to mull that over for a moment. Lifting her chin, she met his gaze head on. “Why didn’t you just change him over?”

“I don’t want to get between a mother and her son.” He watched her absorb his words. Her gaze moved around the room. “How long have you been on your own?”

Chaya snapped like an iron rod had been injected in place of her spine and her gaze glittered as she glared down her pert nose at him.

“That, Mr Dix—”

“Linc. My name is Linc.”

She pursed her lips. “Mr Dixon, my personal life has zero to do with my son’s position on this hockey team.”

“No, it doesn’t. And again, the name is Linc. I’m just curious.”

“Not pertinent,” she snapped her voice coated in permafrost.

Unintimidated, he rose and moved to stand before her. She lifted her head as she ran her gaze up over his already-hard form. He wanted to crow at the obvious desire glistening in her large eyes. She was as aroused as he was.

He lowered his face parallel to hers, dropped his sight to her full lips, shiny from her moist tongue, and back up again.

“How long, Chaya?” he intoned, allowing his power to leech into his tone, quelling the remaining objections in her mind. “How long since you’ve allowed a man to satisfy your needs?”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke, 2012.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

Buy here

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Teasers - Achievement

There is no achievement without goals. ~ Robert J. McKaine


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In the Summer Time Contest - 2013 - Winner Announced

Thanks for all the entries.

Our In the Summer Time Contest ~2013 is now closed.

The winner for this contest is: Donna Holmberg
Congrats on the win!! The prizes will be mailed soon.

Thank you!
McKenna, Taige, & Aliyah