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Archive for 'Scarlet Woman'Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Read the Blue Lady blurb and excerpt Purchase Blue Lady Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
I’ve been watching a UK drama called Lost in Austen recently and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s based on Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice In the last episode, Amanda and Darcy had a moment and Darcy told her he loved her. Of course, Amanda is worried because he’s meant to marry Elizabeth Bennet, but she does get him to go into the pond and get his shirt wet. It was a very special moment for both Amanda and me! Here’s the trailer to watch if you’re interested: Purchase link for DVD: Lost in Austen I’d like to step into Robyn Carr’s Virgin River If you could choose a book, a movie or a tv program to step into, which one would it be? Saturday, March 20th, 2010
The theme for this week is family, and I must say, I really enjoy writing stories filled with family. Series lend themselves to family relationships, and my Middlemarch series follows the stories of several brothers. There’s Saber, the oldest brother, Felix, Leo and the twins, Sly and Joe. BTW, for all those who are waiting impatiently, the twins’ story is finally underway.
“Oh, man. Look at the tits on her.” Felix made kissing noises deep in his throat. “I’ve died and gone to heaven. Oh, man. She winked. Yep, heaven.” Sly thumped his brother on the back. “Don’t think it’s heaven, bro. Can’t be with all that sinful lust shining on your face.” “Cut it out, the pair of you,” Saber said, trying to scowl his boisterous younger brothers into obedience. Despite laying down the law this afternoon, the four were out of control. He had to get them settled before one of their harmless pranks boiled over into something that threatened them all. “Yeah, gotta remember, this is punishment,” Leo chided, humor dancing in his dark eyes. Joe let out a low whistle. “I vote the lady in red administers my punishment.” Saber relaxed a fraction. Good. His plan was working already. If he managed to get each of his brothers mated, they’d cut out the mischievous shenanigans and settle down to raise a litter or two. And he wouldn’t have to worry about articles in the paper like the one he’d seen last month. Black panther sighted again. At least the article had lit a match under the council elders. Finally. Agreement that they needed to do something to help the younger males settle. Saber’s mouth firmed in introspection as he recalled the heated meeting. The council had discussed the lack of females of marriageable age. They knew the causes—the feline families tended to have male offspring while the human females seemed to enjoy the lifestyle offered in the city of Dunedin or farther afield. They attended high school and university in the city and never returned to their birthplace. The human males left too, but they tended to return after exploring a little of the world outside Middlemarch. Until the reporter’s story had appeared, no one had tried to solve the problem of a lopsided gender ratio. The article in the paper had been the catalyst. They’d all swung into action to organize a dance they hoped would benefit both the young shifter and human males living in Middlemarch. The task they’d called impossible suddenly became imperative. Saber eyed Felix and Leo, the brothers standing closest to him, feeling the tension brought about by responsibility coalesce into a solid lump in his chest. They both strenuously denied taking part in the prank, but Saber wasn’t so sure. He knew his brothers—where there was fun to be had, they were in the thick of it. Felix nudged Sly. “Big bro’s looking serious. He’s got Mission Mate on his mind again.” Joe leaned closer and whispered, “Can’t have shape shifters roaming around Middlemarch for the humans to see.” “Enough,” Saber snapped. His brothers sobered, knowing they’d pushed him far enough tonight. Dammit, he had to find them mates. It was too late for him. But not for them. None of his brothers remembered how it had been between their parents. They’d been too young when they died, but Saber remembered how they’d laughed and played together, how they’d made everything seem like a game, even the work on the farm. Yes, he remembered the intimacy between his parents, and that’s what he wanted for his four brothers. “Look, we said we’d go along with this plan,” Felix said. “We’ll give it a shot. Me first. Introduce me to the lady in red.” The lady in red. The second brother to mention her. Curiosity piqued, Saber turned to check out the view. His breath stalled until the tight vise around his lungs reminded him to breathe. Saber inhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring, feline genes kicking in. He wanted the lady in red. But that wasn’t the purpose of this shindig. Saber consciously relaxed, telling himself she was too obvious. The invitation a little blatant for his taste, but she might spark the urge to mate in one of his brothers. “Fine. We’re next in line for introductions anyway.” He watched one of the elders walk up to the lady in red and offer his arm. The lady smiled, and Saber adjusted his thoughts. A touch of vulnerability flitted across her pale face before she answered a question posed by the elder. Wistfulness. Hope. She treated the elder with courtesy and respect, earning points from Saber. He’d noticed the impatience of some of the other women waiting to enter the marquee. Excitement jumped in him. This plan would work. The lady in red would make a fine sister-in-law. Purchase Scarlet Woman @ Ellora’s Cave To read more Snippet Saturday excerpts follow the links below: Shelli Stevens Monday, February 22nd, 2010
A common theme in romance novels is building trust or in some cases rebuilding it enough to make a relationship work. In my book Scarlet Woman, the heroine Emily discovers her husband has had an affair with his secretary. Her husband leaves her and subsequently dies in a car accident. For Emily, trusting another man is difficult. While she’s willing to have fun with the hero Saber, it takes her time to believe in him and accept he’s trustworthy enough to enter into a commitment and a permanent relationship. Trust can be many things. In After the Affair by Julia Cole, Ms Cole says trust can include the following: 1. Reliability – if a person or partner carries out or commits to a promise, then you’re more likely to trust them. For me, trust is being able to rely on someone and knowing they will do the right thing in the face of temptation. It’s being able to believe in a person without a single doubt and feeling confident about their probable actions. Trust is a leap of faith. How do you define trust? Writers—have you written a story where trust is a big part of the conflict? Readers—have you read and enjoyed a story where trust plays a part in the plot of the story? Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
I turned in the book I’ve been working on so hard and did a few little tweaks on my website. Tomorrow I can catch up with the housework (Yay!) and continue work on a new book in my Middlemarch series. I’m taking part in the Jewels of Erotic romance for Valentines Day promotion over at Michelle Polaris’s blog. Several authors, including me, have photos of their favorite piece of jewelry along with details of a gift given in one of our books. Check out the contest to win a $25 Good Vibrations voucher at the very end of the post. Monday, February 8th, 2010
Shelley is busy with edits, so here are some photos of places she’s visited during the last two weekends.
This is the Sky Tower, taken from the Auckland Domain.
This is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. I came across some people practicing playing their bag pipes. This shot is also taken from the Auckland Domain.
My brother-in-law has purchased a new boat, and we went to check it out. This is the view of the marina from his boat. The houses at the top of the hill are on Paratai Drive. This is the most expensive and exclusive real estate in Auckland with views over the harbor and Rangitoto Island. Don’t forget – The Scarlet Woman tour continues at Amberkatze’s Book Blog. I’m talking about both Scarlet Woman and leopards and giving away a download from the Middlemarch Mates series. Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Here’s the blurb for Scarlet Woman: Emily Scarlet’s husband left her for his secretary and died in a car accident—all on the same day. Now, six months later, Emily has emerged from her chrysalis of painful memories. And to prove she has what it takes to attract a man, she’s determined to experience one perfect night of passion. Feline shape shifter, Saber Mitchell has a problem with his four boisterous younger brothers. They’re out of control. It’s too late for him, but he hopes to get his brothers mated and settled, and the ball is the place to introduce them to marriageable women. Unbridled sex is the last thing he plans on, but one glimpse of Emily Scarlet changes his mind. Sex with her is a necessity. They dance. They make love. One thing is clear—a single night isn’t enough. Saber must have her for his mate, but Emily isn’t so easy to convince…or trust. In Scarlet Woman news, I’ve received a wonderful review from I Do Not Want To Wait, I Want The Book Now. Here are the highlights: “I can’t recommend this book enough! Plenty of hot sex, many LOL moments, and a heroine that you can’t help but relate to. It was flat-out fun and just what I needed at that moment.” In Cat Burglar news, I’ve received a Five Star review from Manic Readers. This review made my head swell “Okay, I must confess that I had never read Ms. Munro’s Middlemarch Mates series, but as I finished Cat Burglar, which is the sixth book in the series, I’m kicking myself. Where have I been? This book was absolutely amazing. Ms. Munro did a fantastic job of providing the reader with just enough humor, suspense, and erotic romance to keep you begging for more.” In Leticia’s Lovers news, I received another Recommended read review from Blackraven’s Reviews “Bravo, Ms. Munro for providing us with another story that touches heart, soothes the soul, and renews our faith in miracles. If you’re looking for a heart-warming, at times tear jerking, sensual story that will bring a smile to your face, then Leticia’s Lovers is the book to read. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and can’t wait for the next book in the Middlemarch Mate series. Hint! Hint!” So, what do all these great reviews tell you? They say if you haven’t read any of the books in the Middlemarch Mates series you’re missing out! Check out the entire Middlemarch Mates series here. Friday, February 5th, 2010
If you’re a Middlemarch Mates fan, don’t forget to take a look at the free Middlemarch family tree. It’s in PDF format plus there are some photos and background info on my website. I’ll also take this opportunity to remind you to check out my free reads and the downloadable bookmark. The 28 Days of Heart promotion continues today with the release of Unshuttered by Emery Sanborne & Philippa Grey-Gerou. Have you purchased your copy of Wild Child yet?
What do you think of the cover for The Bottom Line? Here’s the blurb: Spicing up her sex life sounds exciting…until the fantasy hits the fan. When Maggie Drummond buys an erotic romance novel by mistake, she gets more than an unexpected eyeful. She gets an introduction to a world that arouses her to a fever pitch: Spanking. Her boyfriend isn’t interested in pushing his vanilla-flavored sexual boundaries. Then there’s Connor Grey, who haunts her fantasies like a magical genie. As a source of masculine advice for her and her female friends, he’s off limits. The only safe place to explore her fetish is her anonymous blog. The recent changes in Maggie don’t escape Connor’s notice. Now that her boyfriend has dropped her, he can finally—carefully—make his move. Given his family history, laying a hand on any woman, even in fun, is a line he’s reluctant to cross. But for Maggie? Anything the lady wants. As Maggie gives in to the temptation to let Connor add some sin to her life, she finds herself juggling lies, half-truths, friendship and sensual delights. Her job is in jeopardy—and she’s falling in love. Exploring her fantasy is one thing, but she’s beginning to question if indulging her own pleasure is worth the cost to everyone around her. Especially Connor… The Bottom Line goes on sale at Samhain Publishing on 20 April 2010. Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
And a reminder of what Scarlet Woman is about: Emily Scarlet’s husband left her for his secretary and died in a car accident—all on the same day. Now, six months later, Emily has emerged from her chrysalis of painful memories. And to prove she has what it takes to attract a man, she’s determined to experience one perfect night of passion. Feline shape shifter, Saber Mitchell has a problem with his four boisterous younger brothers. They’re out of control. It’s too late for him, but he hopes to get his brothers mated and settled, and the ball is the place to introduce them to marriageable women. Unbridled sex is the last thing he plans on, but one glimpse of Emily Scarlet changes his mind. Sex with her is a necessity. They dance. They make love. One thing is clear—a single night isn’t enough. Saber must have her for his mate, but Emily isn’t so easy to convince…or trust. It’s time for my guest column at The Raven Happy Hour blog. Today, I’m exploring wormholes—what are they and do they really exist? Tea For Two is up for the 5 Heart Sweetheart Award for 2009 at The Romance Studio. Vote here for my book or one of the other worthy titles nominated for the award.
Wild Child is out today! Do your bit for charity and purchase a copy of Wild Child or one of the other books in the 28 Days of Heart series. All proceeds go to the American Heart Association. And speaking of health, I’m on a diet. I decided it was time to take action after I noticed my clothes were much tighter. It was all that Christmas food that did me in! I’ve been dieting for a week, and it hasn’t been too bad so far. Do you have any diet tips for me? Monday, February 1st, 2010
This time it’s with one of my earlier titles, and the very first book in my famous Middlemarch Mates series….Scarlet Woman. The tour starts at Book Junkie where I’m talking about the big cats that inspired my series—the black leopard. As usual, I’m doing a giveaway, and this time, the winner can choose any one of the ebooks from my Middlemarch series. Come along and join in the party! And meantime, here’s the blurb for Scarlet Woman: Emily Scarlet’s husband left her for his secretary and died in a car accident—all on the same day. Now, six months later, Emily has emerged from her chrysalis of painful memories. And to prove she has what it takes to attract a man, she’s determined to experience one perfect night of passion. Feline shape shifter, Saber Mitchell has a problem with his four boisterous younger brothers. They’re out of control. It’s too late for him, but he hopes to get his brothers mated and settled, and the ball is the place to introduce them to marriageable women. Unbridled sex is the last thing he plans on, but one glimpse of Emily Scarlet changes his mind. Sex with her is a necessity. They dance. They make love. One thing is clear—a single night isn’t enough. Saber must have her for his mate, but Emily isn’t so easy to convince…or trust.
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Yay! Blue Lady, book ten in my Middlemarch Mates series, is out today. Blue Lady features Emily and Saber who were first introduced in 
. Here’s the blurb from the TV New Zealand site: Bored bank worker Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper – The Black Dahlia; As If; Hex) literally becomes lost in her favourite Austen book, after she finds a strange portal in her bathroom and swaps places with its heroine Elizabeth Bennet. As she gets to know the Bennet family and encounters the famous Mr Darcy (Elliot Cowan – The Golden Compass), how can she keep this celebrated romance on track?
series or Eloisa James’s 
series or 
from my Middlemarch Mates world.
Scarlet Woman by Shelley Munro
The final stop on my Scarlet Woman tour is at 
