Thursday, February 28, 2013

Author, author .... spotlight #giveaway

Today our spotlight is on...
 
 
Opposites Attract
by
 Lacey Wolfe
Book 4 in the Hot Bods series
 
Francesca thought she knew what she wanted in life until one stormy night when she got a blast from the past.
When Randy receives a call at his auto shop one night from a woman whose car has broken down and needs a tow, he never imagined he'd be coming face-to-face with his high school sweetheart. Randy has never loved a woman the way he loved Francesca, but she broke his heart, claiming he could never provide the life she was determined to have. That was years ago, but he's still bitter about the way she tossed him aside.
Seeing Randy again, Francesca realizes what a mistake it was to breakup with him. She'd like to try to rekindle the old flame, and she can tell he's still attracted to her too, but every time they're together, all they do is argue. Can she convince Randy she isn't the girl he remembers and that she can settle for love even if it comes without money?
Content Warning: explicit sex
 
 
Excerpt:
Randy cleared his throat, hoping to break the tension between him and Francesca. The way she was looking at him, he was worried she was about to pounce. It was taking everything in him to not walk over there and kiss her.
Picking up a work towel, he wiped his hands on it and then directed her toward the front office. She walked in front of him and it was his turn to devour her ass. And hot damn, the jeans she wore were tight and molded to her butt perfectly. Her pants hugged her legs all the way down. She wore black boots that came to her knees. He wasn't sure what shirt she wore, because his eyes had yet to make it past her luscious behind.
Once in the office, he stepped around her, getting a whiff of a very tempting smell. He quickly sat and scooted under the desk as far as he could. He was hard and didn't want her to see.
Francesca took a seat in front of him and he now noticed her pink tank top that was cut low enough he got a hint of cleavage. Inhaling again, he wondered what perfume she used. It really was igniting his senses.
"I spent some time looking at your car today. When was the last time you had an oil change?" he asked.
"It's been awhile."
"I can tell. And how long has the car been leaking oil?"
She shrugged. "Not sure. I wasn't concerned since it was just little drops here and there."
"Those little drops here and there add up. You almost had no oil in your car. And I hate to tell you, but you have torn up your engine."
"Well, can't you just pop a new one in and it'll be good as new?" she asked.
"I wish it was that simple. Here, look this over." He slid a sheet of paper across the desk. "The top portion has to be done, the middle is recommended, and the bottom is optional. The price is on there too."
Her eyes widened as she read over the paper. She then glanced up at him. "This can't be right."
"I'm afraid it is. You haven't taken very good care of the car."
"I get it washed and detailed all the time. I take very good care of it."
Randy shook his head. "There's a lot more to a vehicle than just its appearance. You've got to take care of the things people don't see too."
She was quiet for a moment and then finally spoke. "I don't know if I can afford this."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Don't you have some rich man who can pay for it?" He regretted saying it the moment it left his lips.
Francesca's mouth fell open and he could see the shock on her face.
"I'm so—" he started to apologize.
"I can't believe you would say that, Randall. You of all people," she snapped.
"Me of all people," he repeated. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? If I recall correctly, you dumped me because you wanted a rich man to take care of you. Tell me, how is that working out for you?"
Francesca stood up, placed her hands on her hips, and leaned forward slightly. As much as he hated it, his focus darted in for a peek inside her shirt.
"I'll have you know that I'm not the gold digger you think I am," she argued.
"I bet you refuse to date any man whose income level doesn't meet your standards. Tell me, why haven't you married one of them yet?"
"Why aren't you married? Can't find a girl who will have you as a husband?"
Randy stood and stepped around the desk. "I haven't found anyone else who can start my engines the way you could." He rubbed the back of his fingers on her upper arm. "Haven't you found a rich guy yet who can kiss you breathless?"
 
Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press   Amazon   Barnes & Noble
 
 
Watch the Trailer:  Youtube Link
 
About the Author:
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.
 
Author Links:    Her Site      Twitter    Facebook
 
Giveaway:
Lacey is giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card during her tour. To enter for a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below.
 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Author, author... @MirandaStowebks

....read all about her !!




Welcome, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! My name is Miranda Stowe. I’m an erotic romance author for short stories that are either suspenseful, contemporary ménage or paranormal. In my alter ego life, I’m a boring acquisitions librarian with a husband and daughter and no time for a social life!

 

Do real life events find their way into your stories?

If I find them interesting enough, then sure! I’m always taking things from here or there that I see, read about, experience, or hear about! My serial killer from my Snatcher series is actually based off The BTK killer from Wichita, Kansas. They were caught in a similar fashion!

 

Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?

Not really. I can borrow characteristics or habits from a person I know but my characters are usually a mix from different things I’ve taken in.

 

Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?

Always something different!

 

When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?

Whenever I can sneak in the time (usually at work, eek!).

 

How do you feel about marketing your book?

Like it’s a necessary evil. I’m the introverted, shy type who really isn’t into talking about myself. If I couldn’t do so much on the internet where no one can actually SEE me, I’d probably be too intimidated to market at all! God bless ebooks!!

 

What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?

Lately, I’m into Goodreads, Facebook, Blogger, Pinterest, Twitter, Amazon, my own website, and The Romance Review website for my marketing ventures! Tomorrow: who knows?  Things change so fast, it never seems to be the same from one day to the next!

 

Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?

I’m at the point where I like to finish the story first. It just seems more comfortable and secure there like that! No deadlines or failed expectations, the manuscript is already here and ready!

 

Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?

Actually, I already write in non-erotic romance under a different pen name (ahem, Linda Kage). I would be willing to try pretty much ANY sub-genre as long as it’s romantic, but after that, no, I’m not really interested in changing!

 

Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?

Na, I’m usually pretty much the outside voyeur peeking in at other people!!

 

Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 

Favorite 5

1)      Favorite Male Actor  - Josh Hartnett

2)      Favorite vehicle – Ford Mustang Boss

3)      Favorite way to relax – Reading

4)      Favorite ice cream – Rocky Road

5)      Favorite outfit – Jeans and a t-shirt

And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)        Hawaii

 

Where can our readers find you?? 

Website/blog: http://mirandastowe.blogspot.com/

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Miranda-Stowe/e/B0076PSRKM/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4741738.Miranda_Stowe



 

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find ?
 
Mates Since Birth...
Half-breed Shifter Series Book 3
Who knew one little mark could bond them together for eternity?
When a stranger shows up in her front yard claiming he’s her mate, Ari Fallow wants to laugh in Dane Griffin’s face. But the sleek, sophisticated jaguar makes her hormones hum with a desire she can’t deny. She almost wants to believe his claim that she’s been his since birth.
Her father, however, is still sore over the fact Dane marked her when she was only minutes old. After summoning a pack of wolves to their quiet community for Ari to make her own decision about which male she wants, Dane's original plan to sever his ties to Ari fly out the window. He can’t lose her again. This time, he's playing for keeps.
 
 
Excerpt:
Dane took Ari to the changing table and laid her down so he could spread the blanket open and get a good look.
She was so small. A month premature, according to all the adults. But she was still perfectly formed, perfect in every way, except for the blood and slime covering her from head to toe.
Wanting it off, he morphed into his jaguar and swiped out his tongue, letting his animal instincts take over as he cleaned her, licking her spotless. Ari allowed the ministration for a while but grew fussy toward the end; he could feel her hunger pangs in his own belly as hers cramped, needing nourishment.
“Don’t worry,” he assured after flashing back into his human form so he could smooth his hand over her thick, dark hair and rewrap her. “Once your mommy’s better, she’ll give you a great big drink. Doesn’t that sound good?”
But no noise rolled down the hall, not even Jaycee’s screams. He picked Ari up and paced the floor with her, jiggling her to keep her happy. But she could feel his tension and fear, and grew upset.
He wasn’t sure how long he could honestly comfort her. What if Jaycee didn’t get better? What if she died?
Ari began to cry in earnest.
He panicked.
If his nanny died, who would take care of her baby? His Ari. He needed to look after her safety himself. He needed to ensure she stayed healthy. Alive.
Instinctively, he knew what to do.
Laying Ari back on the changing table, he rolled her tiny body onto its side, facing her away from him, and lowered her blanket just enough to expose her nape. After placing a brief kiss to the tender spot, he sank his teeth into her flesh, his jaguar canines growing just enough to impale.
Initially, she jerked and whined, but as he poured strength and life into her, she settled and relaxed, then cooed. When he retracted the fangs and licked the bite closed, she let out a little sigh and closed her eyes as if ready for a peaceful nap. Dane gathered her back into his arms, not fully comprehending what he’d done, simply knowing he’d fixed her for the time being.
Vaguely, he understood he’d bonded her life force to his. But that was okay with him; he already knew she was his. Physically biting her merely seemed like a symbolic act at this point. He didn’t regret it at all; it would ensure she wouldn’t immediately starve to death.
Ari slumbered against him, her cheek resting alongside his heartbeat as the two organs thumped in sync with each other. He watched her as he sat quiet in the nursery’s rocking chair, soaking in every feature of her delicate, newborn face. He felt calmer now that he’d taken measures to protect her. With his own energy now swirling inside her, she had a better chance of survival.
He’d just kissed her temple when Knox appeared in the doorway. “Where’s the baby?” he asked in a quiet, hushed voice. “Jaycee wants to see her.”
“Jaycee’s awake?” Dane asked, springing to his feet and waking Ari in the process. “Is she okay?”
Ari’s father nodded. “She’s weak, but I think she’ll be fine. Give me the baby.”
Dane resisted the urge to grip Ari tighter. A full-blood wolf shifter, Knox Roland was one scary male. Like Darth Vader, he could probably cut off Dane’s air supply by just looking at him.
Three-fourths human, Dane’s blood was so diluted, he knew he would never stand a chance against a full shape-shifter like Knox. Plus, Knox was Ari’s father. He couldn’t begrudge Ari her father, so he regretfully held the infant out, trying not to feel bereft when Knox scooped her up and paused a moment to stare in awe at her face.
“She’s so perfect,” he whispered, sounding stunned.
Of course she was perfect, Dane wanted to give the indignant mutter. How could his Ari be anything other than perfect? He bristled when Knox leaned down to nuzzle his nose against her cheek. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to be the only male to touch her, but even her own father’s attention chafed him raw, an abrasive irritation.
Knox barely grazed her delicate skin, however, before he paused and yanked back with a growl. His nose twitching, he slowly pinned an accusing stare on Dane.
“My God,” he whispered, sounding horrified. “What have you done, cub?”
Dane blinked, startled the wolf shifter had been able to smell the bond…but even more startled Knox did not look pleased by it.
“I-I-I protected her,” he said, feeling suddenly unsure of his actions.
Shouldn’t Knox be happy he’d taken measures to keep Ari safe? He knew a blood relative couldn’t bond with her; why wasn’t Knox pleased Dane had stepped in to help?
“You didn’t protect her,” Knox boomed, looking angry enough to slaughter Dane. “You just bonded with her. Do you even know what that means? You made her your mate.”
Dane blinked. He had?
Oh, well. His mother and father were mates. Knox and Jaycee were mates. Since he already knew Ari would always be his, he didn’t mind if she was his mate. And just because his mom and dad liked to kiss a lot and Knox and Jaycee were constantly hugging each other, didn’t mean he and Ari had to do anything gross like that. They would be the awesome kind of mates.
He shrugged, nonplussed by Knox’s explanation. “Okay.”
Knox fumed, his face growing red. “No,” he shouted, making Ari whimper. “It’s not okay. She’s much too young. You’re much too young. This is unnatural. It goes against everything a mate should be. You just doomed her…and yourself.”
“But how?” Dane asked. He hadn’t doomed her; he’d protected her, helped her.
Hadn’t he?
“When you hit puberty and she’s still just a little girl, trust me, kid, you’ll know exactly how. Because I’ll be damned before I let you claim her before she’s of age.”
With that, he tucked Ari close and marched out of the room, fury vibrating out his every pore.
 
 
 

One last thing before we let you leave us today :)   Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.

Rice Krispy Squares (with peanut butter!)

 

6 cups Rice Krispy Cereal

I bag of marshmallows

1 stick of butter

1 cup of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy depending on whether you want nuts!)

 

Melt the butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter together in a pan on the stove on low heat. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch greased baking pan on top of the cereal. Mix with a rubber spatula (wet the spatula under water to keep the cereal from sticking to it). And EAT!
 
~     ~     ~     ~     ~

Miranda, thanks so much for being with us today.  My husband will love this recipe!!  Thanks also for sharing Mates Since Birth with us.  I have already been on the web looking for my copy :)

Readers, make sure you don't miss out on book 3 of this series, Mates Since Birth.  If you need the other 2 first, just follow this link.

Until next time, happy reading !!

Krista

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The snarkology of a romance author: Author Spotlight: Krista Ames

 Please come visit me today at  The snarkology of a romance author: Author Spotlight: Krista Ames:

Author, author... #spotlight

...read all about her  !!



The Couple
by
 Harlie Williams

A woman has one thing on her mind tonight…sex. Dirty, sweaty, kinky sex with a cowboy. With her man gone more than he is at home, she needs the release.

After being away for two weeks, a cowboy goes looking for someone to play with for the night. Being away is part of the job but not having someone to come home to is hurting his soul. Feeling disconnected in his love life, the red head will be perfect.

Once they meet, can one night of pure passion led to more than just a one night stand for either of them? Communication is the key to every relationship. Can these two find a way to connect emotionally or are they destined for heartache.

 

Excerpt

“What’s a girl like you doing at a bar like this?” he asked.

 

Her voice was a purr, like a cat well satisfied with its stolen pitcher of cream. “I’m looking for someone special.”

 

Hoping that she meant him he asked, “Did you find him yet?”

 

“Maybe.” The glint in her eye told him he was definitely in the running.  However, I’m not looking to hook up with just any old cowboy.  He must be able to go the full eight seconds and come back for more.”  She eyed him from head to toe.  “Think you can handle that?”

 

Oh, I can most definitely handle you sweetheart.

Not wanting to seem too eager he replied, “I’m not sure but I’m willing to try.”

 

“Do or do not.  There is no try.”  He struggled not to let his grin escape.  The fact that she was trying to seduce him made his dick twitch.

 

“Let’s just say I’m looking to burn off some pent up frustration. A little excess energy.  And I’ve got plenty to burn.”

 

The way she shivered at his words, he knew he almost had her.  He winked as she licked her crimson lips and blew out a small breath.  Damn what this woman is doing to him. 

 

He pushed her knees apart with his left leg and was rewarded with the amazing scent of her arousal.  The knowledge she was wet for him had him close to going off in his jeans. 

Houston, we have lift-off!

 

“Why don’t you have a seat cowboy and we’ll talk about it.”

 

She gasped when he shocked her with a brush of his lips against hers; fighting with everything he had not to deepen the kiss. 

 

Patience, patience.

 

He would play her game for the moment but sooner or later, she would be his.  Tied up and begging for more. 

 

He asked her, “Now about that eight second ride?”

 


 
About the Author:
 
          Growing up in Dallas, I never thought I would write.  My goal was to teach the love of books to students.  Now as a stat at home mom, I write and teach my son the love of books.
 
           I live in East Texas and I'm married to my own hero who encourages me to write.  I can't ask for a better mate.
 
 Author links:

Site     Twitter    Facebook     Goodreads

 

 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Author, author...

....read all about her !!! 

Today we have a special guest blogging for us...

Please welcome

 Vonnie Davis




Krista, thanks for having me on A Passion for Romance today. I first fell in love with the romance genre back in the sixties when gothic romances were all the rage, devouring everything written by Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart. While I loved all the elements of those stories, I was often annoyed with the weepy, needy heroines. 

 

I much prefer spunky heroines—women who are stronger than they ever thought possible. Women who turn adversities into advantages. Women like I see around me every day.

 

For over fifty years I’ve read and studied romance. Noted the changes in the genre and the way authors tackle these transformations. Back in the sixties and the seventies, when the hero threatened to spank the heroine, we thought it degrading. Now it’s kinky. Witness the millions who have read Fifty Shades.

 

Years ago, readers were offered no heat ratings. Sex was never mentioned. A kiss was described as a “crush of lips” and typically saved for the final scene. In my debut book, Storm’s Interlude, the first kiss took place in the opening scene—and for the storyline, it worked.

 

Now we know romances can run the gamut from sweet to erotic. There are literally stories for every taste. I read them all because, for me, it’s the yin and yang, the push and pull, the attraction and detraction of the couple that appeal to me. And if the author’s able to put some humor into the mix, I am especially happy because I feel romance should be fun, too.

 

A few days ago, my historical romance, A MAN FOR ANNALEE, released from Still Moments Publishing. Set in a fictional town in Wyoming in 1871, this “sweet” novella is full of lovable, quirky characters. It is also the story of a woman who has lost everything in the Great Fire of Chicago, except her spirit. And it is her spunky, often wacky spirit that serves her well.

 

Annalee has come to a small town where there are very few single women, and the men are all determined to win Annalee’s favor. Boone Hartwell, the town’s marshal, is determined to win her hand…but so are a few others.

 

“Ideas, is it?” Her hands fisted on her hips. “Just what kind of ideas are you speaking of? ‘Cause I’ll have you know I’m a graduate of Miss Feather’s Finishing School for Refined Ladies of Culture and Proper Decorum.”

       Levi squirmed and studied the tops of his boots. “Honest, Miss Annalee, I meant no disrespect. I meant it as a compliment.”

       They both turned at the sound of more horses coming up the dirt lane. “Now, who?” Annalee turned on her heel and headed for the steps. Outside another buckboard rolled to a stop. “Who are you?”

       A dark-haired young man jumped down and gave a lecherous grin. “No, darlin’, who are you?

       How Boone got to her side so quickly, Annalee didn’t know, but his normally jovial voice was steely serious. “You’d do well to show the lady some respect, Clarence Stoner.”

       Clarence’s hands clenched and unclenched a few times. “Meant no harm.”

       “I know you’re used to dealing with the soiled doves at the Red Garter, but Annalee here is a lady.” A muscle in Boone’s cheek twitched, his displeasure obvious.

       Clarence smiled when he stepped forward. “Annalee, is it?”

       “Yes. Annalee Gallagher.”

       “Well, I owe you an apology, misspeaking like I did. But you is a purty lady, and I gots me a powerful weakness fer purty ladies.” He shot Boone a glance when he heard him growl. “My father and I run Stoner and Son’s Mercantile. I’m here to deliver things old man Tanner ordered when he heard you was a comin’. And if anything don’t meet with your approval, you just let ole Clarence know. I do aim to please.”

       His smarmy smile made her skin crawl. “How did you know I’d be here today? How did Levi know?” She turned to Boone.

       “Word spreads, Annalee. I mentioned it when I rented the buggy to bring you and Cora here today.”

       “I see.” She walked to the buckboard and peeked under the protective canvas at a green velvet settee and matching chair. “I don’t believe it!” She reached out to touch the plush upholstery. Two pretty kerosene lamps with green bases also caught her eye. A gasp escaped her lips. “A tallcase clock. What fine-looking wood! I’ve never seen anything so beautiful!” This was better than Christmas morning. She ran to the rear of the buckboard, throwing back the canvas. “Look! A brass tub for bathing!”

       Clarence sauntered over next to her. “Yeah, I figure you oughta look real…” Before he could finish, Boone had him by the scruff of the neck.

       “Either you tame that tongue of yours, or I’ll take out your teeth.” He shook Clarence. “I warned you about talking to her like that.”         

       Clarence broke free of Boone’s grasp. “What’s wrong with you? You’re as touchy as a thumb what’s been mashed by a hammer.” He narrowed his eyes at Boone. “You layin’ claim to her yourself?”

       The muscle twitched in Boone’s cheek again. His steely gaze stayed glued to Clarence, and his voice was low when he spoke. “Annalee, go inside.”

       If this man thought she was going to miss one word of this conversation, he really was a clabber-headed fool. “No.”

       He gave her a quick glance. “Do what I say, now.”

       She folded her arms at her chest. “I listen to no man. I’ve been my own boss for years now.”

       When Clarence guffawed, Boone scowled at him. “I’m telling you for your own good, Annalee, go inside.”

       Levi stepped into the conversation. “The lady said she listens to no man. I figure that means you, too, Boonie. You and me is good friends and all, but a lady’s vishes come first.”

       Three Fingers hurried around Levi to stand in front of Boone. “Yeah, let my woman be.” His lips peeled back in a snarl, revealing two blackened teeth.

       Boone’s eyes nearly bugged out when he yelled, “Your woman?”

       “That’s right. You a-heard me and what’cha gonna do about it?” He raised his fists.

       To her surprise, Three Fingers threw a punch. Suddenly, all four men started fighting. They hit, kicked, elbowed, grunted, groaned, cussed and rolled around in the dirt. A flurry of eight arms and legs stirred a dust storm. All the while, Nugget, circled the fracas, barking and growling.

       A brawl! And it was over her. “Stop! Stop it, I say!” When her shouted pleas went unheeded, she stormed up the steps.

       Cora stood on the porch wringing her hands. “Oh dear, oh dear! Whatever shall we do?”

       Annalee stormed by Cora, madder than a hornet in a Mason jar. “I’ll show you what I’m gonna do.” She marched into the kitchen and Cora followed. Reaching for a large pot hanging from a peg, she went to the pump. “Get that other pot over there. We’ll fill them both.”

       “Then what?”

       “Then I’m going to show them who’s boss on this piece of land.”

       Both women carried their heavy water-filled pots to the brawling gang of hooligans. “When I count to three, toss your water on ‘em. And try to get as much on Three Fingers as you can. He smells like he hasn’t bathed since Lincoln was President.”

       “Oh dear, what will Franklin say when he hears about this?”

       “You’ll just have to handle him like you always do. Ready? One…two…three.” Both ladies threw the cold water onto the men.

       Screams and curses punctured the air. The men stood, staggered and sputtered. Boone shook the water from his hair. “Wha…?”

       “Not one word, Boone. Do you hear me? You and the rest of these lackwits need to get off my property.”

       She tossed her pot into the dirt. “Cora, I’m ready to go, if you are.”

       Annalee marched to the buggy, crawled into it, and leaned over to pull the older woman onto the seat next to her. She picked up the reigns and slapped them against the horses’ backs. Before the team of horses had gone twenty feet, she pulled them to a halt, turned, and sticking two fingers in her mouth, whistled for Nugget. Boone’s dog immediately ran and jumped onto the back seat. With a toss of her head, she drove away leaving four wet, hardheaded men in her dust.

Buy Links:    Still Moments Publishing   Amazon   
 

You can find me online at www.vonniedavis.com.


Follow me on twitter @VonnieWrites