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I’m thrilled to take part in the Colors of the Rainbow Blog Hop, which is sponsored by Marketing For Romance Writers.
Quite a few years ago, I started to hear about a particular book doing well and getting rave review. The buzz raised my curiosity. The book in question was A Bit of Rough by Laura Baumbach, the story about two men who have their first meeting (and sex) in a pub alley. The m/m genre wasn’t one I’d ever thought about reading, but since I kept bumping into raves about A Bit of Rough, I purchased it and started reading. Laura hooked me right in and I became a fan of the genre, eagerly searching out more books and authors.
CONTEST: Go into a draw to win a m/m download from my backlist (3 winners). Complete the rafflecopter below and answer this question. What are some of your favorite GLBT reads? Or, what GLBT books have you read lately?
Download your favorite version of the exclusive Marketing for Romance Writers Rainbow Excerpts Book, with 60 pages of excerpts and samples from our authors. This version features gay romance.
I’m thrilled to announce that Romantic Interlude, the third book in my Talking Dogs series is now available in print.
New Zealand cop Richard Morgan is settled and perhaps a tad boring. Maybe he’s a little lonely since his wife died, but there’s no need to change a lifestyle that works for him. Small-town life suits him perfectly.
Intrepid alien explorer Hinekiri walks through life alone, eager to explore uncharted worlds and try new experiences. She’s arrived on Earth to fulfill her ambition to witness the wildebeest migration in Africa . Unfortunately, she has Torgon mercenaries hot on her trail, eager to steal her valuable galaxy charts, and a niece who wants to spoil her fun.
From the minute Richard unwittingly finds himself in bed with the beautiful alien temptress it’s hard to catch his breath. Suddenly he’s lusting after Hinekiri and discovering they’re very compatible indeed! Richard’s flying in spaceships, talking to dogs and fighting Torgon mercenaries in his spare time.
My spotlight book to day is a book from the horror genre. It’s not a genre I generally read, but this one sounded fascinating. Do you like a good horror read? Make sure you enter the contest below.
The Leigh family is terrified. They’ve been haunted by the ghostly image of their young daughter, Selena. But how can that be, when Selena is alive and well, and as frightened as her parents?
With nowhere else to turn, the Leighs place their hopes in Jessica Backman, who has dedicated her life to investigating paranormal activity.
Accompanied by a new partner who claims to be able to speak to the dead, Jessica will soon encounter an entity that scares even her. And a terror far worse than she imagined.
Excerpt:
“Kitchen drawer just closed so hard, the wood cracked. Time is two-forty-eight a.m. I dared the EB to be more demonstrative and it’s taking up the challenge. The air smells funky, like burning wires. No signs of smoke.” She stopped. Something started tapping on the walls around her.
Tap-tap, pause, tap-tap-tap, pause, tap.
Jessica continued, using meditative breathing exercises to calm herself, “I hope I caught that. It’s tapping out in a sequence.” Tap-tap. “Two taps, followed by three, then one. I’m not sure if it’s some form of Morse code or the beat to a song or what. It just keeps tapping, and the burning smell is getting stronger,” she whispered into the audio recorder. Then, much louder, “Are you trying to tell me something? If you speak into this recorder in my hand, I may be able to hear you. What does the tapping mean? Or are you just trying to scare me?”
A heavy rumble shook the floor beneath her feet.
Tap-tap-tap.
Tap.
Tap-tap.
Jessica put the recorder close to her lips. “I’m going to have to check the outlets. The burning smell is getting intense. Something ˗ whoa!”
The recorder was knocked from her hand and skidded across the linoleum floor. The hand that had been holding the recorder felt like it had been dipped in a tub of ice. She gave it a few sharp shakes to halt the pins and needles sensation that followed.
The house was once again silent and the darkness seemed to intensify. Even though her eyes had acclimated to the night, she was finding it harder to make out the shapes of the furniture around her. It was as if a heavy, black gauze had oozed throughout the house like an obsidian blob.
She took a few tentative steps towards where she assumed her digital recorder lay. The air itself was heavy and she knew she was far from alone. She fought hard to fight back the tingling dread that threatened to dance up her spine. A part of her was sure that something was very close behind her. Silently, it approached with arms wide open, edging closer with each deliberate step. If she were to turn around now, she would come face to face with all of her worst nightmares brought to life.
If only she dared to take one simple peek.
In the dark.
So close she could feel the ripples of its intrusive essence caressing the back of her neck.
Jessica stopped when she reached the threshold of the dining room and closed her eyes. She felt like a blind person in a crowded room of silent guests, no one daring to breathe lest they reveal their presence to the woman in their midst, yet eager to pounce if she gave the slightest inkling that she was aware of their proximity. Her heart skipped a beat as she breathed deep. The fight or flight instinct was battling for control. Her body was in the throes of the primal, physical ache to flee. It would be so easy to run now. The front door was only twenty feet away. Just turn a couple of locks and she could be outside.
The floorboards creaked behind her, a slight groan of wood protesting the weight of a single, heavy footstep.
Three more breaths. Her heart rate slowed to a steady rhythm.
Another creak, this time to her right, near the breakfront.
Jessica smiled and she felt the tension release its grip from her shoulders.
Breathe in, hold, breathe out.
Something hard and small smacked into the glass top of the coffee table.
Breathe in, hold, breathe out.
The sound of glass under stress, spider cracks crunching their way across the surface of the table.
Now!
Jessica turned quickly and shouted “Boo!”
The coffee table top exploded in a shower of glass pebbles as she faced the empty darkness behind her. Bits of glass bounced harmlessly off her leather jacket. A picture frame flew from the fireplace mantle and crashed into the opposite wall. All of the kitchen chairs slid out from under the table at once, one of them falling completely backwards. Jessica turned back towards the living room in time to see the blinds on the front window part as if someone ran a finger from top to bottom. Upstairs, it sounded as if a brawl had broken out. The ceiling fan shook under the pounding of footsteps and falling objects.
Hunter Shea is the author of the novels Sinister Entity, Forest of ShadowsSwamp Monster Massacre and Evil Eternal. His stories have appeared in numerous magazines, including Dark Moon Digest, Morpheus Tales and the Cemetery Dance anthology, Shocklines : Fresh Voices in Terror. His obsession with all things horrific has led him to real life exploration of the paranormal, interviews with exorcists and other things that would keep most people awake with the lights on. He lives in New York with his family and vindictive cat. He waits with Biblical patience for the Mets to win a World Series.
You can read about his latest travails and communicate with him at
It’s been a while since I’ve had a new release at @samhainpub (Samhain Publishing), and I’m thrilled to show you the cover for Past Regrets, book two in my Love and Friendship series. I really like it since the cover ties in with The Bottom Line
Here’s the blurb:
Love and Friendship, Book 2
Julia Maxwell was a seize-the-moment party girl until the night she spent with up-and-coming rocker Ryan Callander. From that moment, she was a one-man woman. Pity he hasn’t kept with the program.
Tired of the secrets that have kept her out of the press and Ryan’s fans happy, angry with mounting evidence of infidelity, Julia is older, wiser, and determined to divorce his cheatin’ ass.
Ryan’s long European tour had more than its share of hard knocks—one of which landed on his head when he was mugged. Divorce papers waiting for him at home is a shock that fills in some of the holes in his sketchy memory. But it could be too late to salvage his marriage.
If Ryan thinks flirtatious smiles, seductive touches, and hot-and-heavy kisses are going to smooth things over, Julia’s got a hammer with his name on it. To her surprise, he picks it up, determined to rebuild a bright future for both of them. But the past is lurking with some missing pieces that could bring their hearts crashing down.
Warning: Contains a pissed ex-stripper turned burlesque dancer, a bunch of nosy friends and a smooth-talking rocker with one thing on his mind. Stripper poles and skimpy costumes may be involved.
All going well, Past Regrets is due out 10 September 2013
This week my sneak peek comes from House of the Cat, a sci-fi/shapeshifter romance, which (Promo Alert!) is currently available at a 50% rebate from All Romance ebooks. Just as an aside, I’m busy working on follow-up stories for this book and all going well, this will become a series.
Camryn forced her eyes open, her heart drumming like the thunder of horses’ hooves during a race. Her gaze lit on a large black shape on the floor. Camryn carefully closed her eyes and moved her head in a cautious shake, wincing at the sharp throb. When she opened her eyes again, the object came into focus. A large black cat lay on the floor near her. It stared at her with its green eyes. Its mouth lay open and sharp white teeth glittered in the bright light. Camryn swallowed. A dream. No, a nightmare. She wasn’t awake.
Maybe Max was right—she’d started drinking too much alcohol.
The cat stood, stretched just like her mother’s used to, extending front legs and sticking its butt in the air. Then it prowled toward her, black tail swishing from side-to-side. A panicked whimper escaped Camryn. She wanted to flee but couldn’t move.
Not her arms or legs.
Trapped.
The cat stalked closer until she felt the creature’s hot breath through the denim of her old jeans where her brother’s heavy coat had fallen away. The cat let out a sharp, fierce grunt, raising the hairs on her arms into a distinct prickle. Camryn whimpered, the cry weak and thready. The cat moved closer still. It opened its huge maw, globules of saliva clearly visible. Oh heck. This was no dream. It intended to eat her.
He wears his scars on the outside. She keeps hers safe inside.
Charlotte Dixon ignores her stepmother’s edict and, in an act of disobedience, attends one of the social events of the year—a masked costume ball. Charlotte’s naughtiness escalates when she dances and smooches with a sexy masked man. The night of anonymous passion that follows makes her yearn for a different life, but the next day she’s back to her dull routine of household management.
Advertising tycoon, Ash Marlborough is about to set a private investigator on the trail of his mystery princess when she waltzes right into his place of work. Charlotte is shocked to meet her masked man in the flesh, and even more perturbed when he asks her out on a date. Despite craving another night of sexy loving, she doesn’t have time for a man, not when she wants to reinvent herself and grasp a new, improved life with both hands. But Ash knows what he wants, and he’s determined to win the heart of his princess. Let the dance of seduction commence.
Warning: Contains a conniving stepmother, selfish stepsisters, a grandmother with fairy godmother tendencies and a sexy masked man who is willing to face them all for the love of a good woman.
One Night of Misbehavior is due out at the beginning of April 2013.
Biding His Thyme, book four in my Fancy Free series, is out later today at Ellora’s Cave. My heroine is called Sorrel Thyme, and she lives in a cult. The rest of the people who live in the cult call Sorrel “Bitter” since that is the literal meaning of her name. Sorrel hates it, and I’m pretty sure if her mother was still around, the rest of the Children of Nature inhabitants wouldn’t be quite as mean. Sorrel just ignores the nickname, although it hurts being called Bitter instead of Sorrel.
Naming characters in a book takes almost as much time as naming a child in real life. I scan my baby naming book and try out several names before deciding on the perfect one. There are many pitfalls when it comes to picking a name. Check out my article on Naming Characters, which explains some of them.
When it came to Sorrel Thyme, I deliberately picked a name that would get her teased. Her surname also connects nicely with her occupation. She works with herbs and flowers making beauty products and a special potion called the Dream Cream. Her name and nickname become part of her characterization.
How do/did you go about picking names for your children/characters? Did you find it stressful? (I sure find picking names stressful!)
Born in the Children of Nature cult, Sorrel “Bitter” Thyme is destined to spend the rest of her life there, but not if she has her way. She’s perfected the dream cream that enhances orgasmic pleasure in those who use it. Now she must approach Fancy Free management with her invention while making sure the cult leader doesn’t learn of her idea and steal Sorrel’s chance of escape.
Jake Ramsey, a Special Air Services soldier on sick leave, agrees to go undercover in the cult to help local police close a case against the leader. Sorrel is his inside contact, a woman who is constantly ridiculed by the other cult members.
The partnership works well and kisses meant to cement their cover take on new possibilities. Jake uncovers secrets, and their loving heats up, passion coalescing into more than friendship. Then Sorrel is tossed into danger. What began as a favor is now deadly serious—-a game Jake must win to keep Sorrel safe.
I’m handing out glasses of sparkling wine today. Grab one from the waiter and make sure you try one of those yummy canapés before you take a seat and hear my news. Even though I’ve been away on holiday, I’ve been busy!
Stranger Things Happen is now available at Amazon. This tale of a woman who designs virtual reality games and finds love in a surprising way is also available at All Romance ebooks.
I’m thrilled to announce I’ve sold a new contemporary romance to Samhain Publishing. Past Regrets is book two in the newly named Love and Friendship series. The first book in the series is The Bottom Line. For those who are familiar with The Bottom Line, Past Regrets is Julia’s story. It’s been a while since I’ve contracted a book with Samhain, which makes this sale doubly exciting.
After dragging my feet for ages, I’m finally jumping into the self-publishing pond. This move was spurred when I received the rights back for an older book. I currently have two projects on the go, both contemporary. Wild Child (the novella reissue) is almost ready to go live. Here’s the blurb and cover.
Zoe Underwood is one sexy disruption.
From the moment her father married Matt’s mother, Zoe has tempted Matt Cantrell with her seductive curves and driven him crazy with her flirting and provocative manner. The thing is they have no future because Zoe is his stepsister. Determined to dodge trouble, Matt leaves Auckland to live and work in the Gold Coast of Australia. A sea between them should do the trick and let him move forward without the “Zoe” distraction in his life.
Matt Cantrell is one stubborn dude.
No one presses Zoe’s buttons like the tall, dark and gorgeous Matt. In fact, every other man pales in comparison. One last play. Zoe decides to invade Matt’s territory and make her move before another clever woman snaps him up. She’ll bust through emotional walls and push boundaries. By the time she’s finished, Matt won’t know what hit him. Yes. Good or bad, she’ll stir things up and take a chance on love.
The second book on my self-publishing horizon is One Night of Misbehavior, a modern retelling of Cinderella. The fab Maria Zaninni at Book Cover Diva has designed an awesome cover for me, and I can’t wait to share. Watch this space.
What have I missed while I was away? Do you have any news to share?
There are some truly amazing people in the romance world. Even though I live in New Zealand, far away from the main hub of romance authors, I meet lots of wonderful writers and readers online every day. I’d like to give special thanks to one — young adult author Brinda Berry. She’s a font of knowledge when it comes to computer stuff, especially for writers. She’s also very talented when it comes to book trailers. When she offered to do a trailer for my upcoming release, Biding His Thyme, I jumped at the offer.
But first the cover…
And the blurb…
Book 4 in the Fancy Free series.
Born in the Children of Nature cult, Sorrel “Bitter” Thyme is destined to spend the rest of her life there, but not if she has her way. She’s perfected the dream cream that enhances orgasmic pleasure in those who use it. Now she must approach Fancy Free management with her invention while making sure the cult leader doesn’t learn of her idea and steal Sorrel’s chance of escape.
Jake Ramsey, a Special Air Services soldier on sick leave, agrees to go undercover in the cult to help local police close a case against the leader. Sorrel is his inside contact, a woman who is constantly ridiculed by the other cult members.
The partnership works well and kisses meant to cement their cover take on new possibilities. Jake uncovers secrets, and their loving heats up, passion coalescing into more than friendship. Then Sorrel is tossed into danger. What began as a favor is now deadly serious—-a game Jake must win to keep Sorrel safe.
The nitty-gritty details…
A contemporary, erotic romance by Shelley Munro, due out on 15 March from Ellora’s Cave.
Auckland is a city that is surrounded by water. It’s not known as the city of sails for nothing.
As you can see both of these photos were taken on a winter’s day, but that never seems to stop people going out on the harbor.
I set Make That Man Mine in Auckland, choosing one of the Gulf Islands of Waiheke as the main setting. Waiheke has a regular ferry service to Auckland with many people living on the island and commuting to work. It’s an island of boutique industries with produce such as candles, olives, preserves and wine. Definitely a wonderful place to spend a day or two.
Here’s a short excerpt from Make That Man Mine:
Emma put her best receptionist manner into practice and flashed a smile. “Good morning, Jack.”
The man froze like a possum in headlights, giving Emma the opportunity to look her fill. He was tall and built like a rower with powerful shoulders, slim hips and a butt that she’d really like to get her hands on. His hair was shiny black, halfway between short and long and in need of a cut, making her fingers itch to smooth the messy strands away from his face. A dreamy sigh squeezed past her lips. The man was blessed with sun-kissed skin, no matter what the season. She often wondered what he looked like beneath the layers of clothing. Did the gorgeous olive tones that were a legacy from his Maori ancestors extend all over his body? Hopefully she’d be in a position of knowledge soon.
“Morning.”
The word came out as a grunt, but it was a definite improvement on being treated as part of the office furniture. Emma forced away the sudden surge of nerves and looked him straight in the eye. “Are you here to see George?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” Emma’s breath caught, her lungs filling with his seductive scent—something that reminded her of the mystical Orient with hints of orange and patchouli and a healthy dose of masculine musk. Emma found herself staring. Holding his gaze felt like poking her finger into a hot fire. Dangerous. Crazy. A challenge. Sorta made a girl wonder what it would feel like to have him thrust deep in her womb. A sensuous shiver swept through her body and arousal soaked her panties without warning.
Emma gulped and licked lips that were suddenly dry. All that from merely passing pleasantries. What would happen if they were naked? Together? Get a grip, she thought sternly as her hormones went haywire. A cough cleared her throat. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Hmmm. Not bad for the first time. She’d do better with the next meeting.
“I don’t mind waiting.”
Emma felt her eyes grow round and her mouth fall open. Huh? What was wrong with this picture?
Jack closed the distance between them and used his forefinger to tap her under the chin. Her heart stuttered in a mad tattoo. She gasped, jerking away from his touch in outright shock.
The door from the street burst open, and George bounded inside followed by his son Hone. “Ah, you’re here, Jack. I thought you might change your mind.”
“No,” Jack snapped, glaring at Hone.
Hone ignored Jack’s scowl and sauntered across the office to stop beside Emma. “Hello, sweetheart.” He hauled her from her chair and wrapped her in a bear hug that stole her breath.
“Put her down,” Jack growled.
“But I haven’t seen her for a week.” Hone nuzzled her neck and made Emma laugh. “She’s my girl.”
“Don’t you have a case to solve?” Jack looked as though he wanted to hit his mate.
Not in the least perturbed about his friend’s bad temper, Hone parked his butt on the corner of her desk and flashed her a sexy grin. Emma sighed inwardly as she stared through lowered lashes at Jack’s surly face. Why couldn’t she fall for Hone instead of grumpy Jack? It was a mystery all right. Although Hone made her smile and was easy on the eye, he didn’t affect her heart rate in the slightest.
Not like Jack did.
George shook his head. “Hone, I want you to check into a case that came in yesterday. Mrs. Denning has a thief she needs to flush out. Emma can give you the details. Jack, I want to go over a few details about the case we discussed yesterday.” He strode toward his office but paused in the doorway. “Emma, I need to see you in my office when you’re finished with Hone.”
Bother. She’d hoped George might let her gain some practical experience with Mrs. Denning’s case. Obviously not. Emma scowled and decided it was time to remind George of his promise. Five minutes later, Emma knocked lightly on George’s door and entered. She carried a pad and pen to take notes. Jack was sprawled in a chair near the window. He bounded to his feet when Emma came in.
“Ah, good.” George checked his watch then stood. “I have a golf date. I’ll leave you in Jack’s capable hands.”
George’s words echoed through her mind for long drawn-out seconds afterward. She heard the click of the door as George left but couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything other than capable hands. A vision popped into her mind, aided by fertile imagination. Masculine hands on her naked breasts, fingers plucking at her sensitive nipples.
Oh, my. Emma subsided into a chair before her legs gave out. Suddenly, her cotton blouse felt several sizes too small and her face hot enough to cook a batch of small pancakes. She fanned her cheeks vigorously with her notepad.
“Are you feeling all right?” Emma’s head snapped up to find Jack’s enigmatic gaze settled on her. “You’ll be as useful as a war canoe without a warrior to paddle if you fall sick.”
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