But You Can Touch It!

With one touch, two worlds are about to collide...

Can't Touch This

Rich alpha wolf shifter Castle Briggs can have any woman he wants with just the crook of his finger. Until he meets a human named Harlow. She makes it clear she’s had it with rich, overconfident jerks trying to own her. All she wants is a no-strings-attached good time with a man who isn’t afraid of her darker urges. Castle’s happy to dominate her in his special playroom, but he wants more than a kinky fling. He’s going to have to do a lot more than crook his finger to get past Harlow’s fears and make her his forever.

Reader Advisory: This story has graphic sexual language and scenes—no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!

An adult paranormal romance from Ellora’s Cave

Available:    Ellora's Cave   All Romance Ebooks   Amazon 

Excerpt:

The base of her spine thrummed to life, butterflies took flight in her stomach, and her breathing kicked up a notch the instant the one called Castle found her. With his hand placed low on her back again, he drew tiny circles with his fingertips as he whispered in her ear, “I’d find you in the eye of a hurricane, darlin’.”

“You should take your friend’s advice and seek one of the interested twenty.” Why in hell had she remembered those words? Lord, he was gorgeous and something snapped inside when he traced up her spine to the back of her neck. It was a feeling Harlow didn’t dare turn over in her mind and look at. Not yet.

“You’re interested.” He tilted her chin up and peered in her eyes while his free hand began an unhurried descent back to the tingling spot above her butt. “I smell it.”

“Mr. Briggs—”

“The formalities are over, honey.” He released Harlow but not before kissing her hard, long—and it shattered her goddamn world. “I’ll give you some time.”

The arrogant bastard walked away and left Harlow sitting there, mouth open and heart banging against her ribcage. “Time for what?” The words were lost amongst music and laughter in the club, which teemed with more beautiful people than she’d ever seen gathered in one place. She thought about leaving but decided not to let the night be a waste, nor to allow him to think he’d run her off. She would at least eat something before heading home. Signaling a server, Harlow placed an order and settled in to enjoy the atmosphere. Her salad arrived and she ate as much as she could. She was ready for her second and last shot of gin when the bartender magically placed one in front of her. “Compliments, ma’am.”

She glanced past the server and spied Castle talking to a young woman who draped herself over his body. When she wrapped arms around his neck, he untangled them and eased her away. The downturn her lips took irritated Harlow. Why did women do that to themselves? Her mother had taught her to let the man take the lead, allow him to feel as though he’d laid claim, and then if you want him, grab hold with both hands and show the world he’s yours. Sliding the drink away, she told the bartender, “Tell the sender I’m not interested then bring my bill, please.” Her mother didn’t enlighten her on how to tell a man about her uncommon desires, desires most considered abnormal. Harlow’s marriage was proof the theory on letting a man take the lead did not work.

Harlow yearned for a man who could…

“It’s paid.”

Harsh words tumbled through her lips at his untimely interruption. “I said get my bill.” A flush of heat suffused her cheeks when Harlow realized she continued to stare at the man across the bar.

“There’s no charge, ma’am.” He glanced over his shoulder and she assumed he looked at Castle Briggs.

Getting up, she skirted stools until she stood patiently waiting as another woman settled in Brigg’s lap. “How much do I owe you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Evidently you’re the owner since you parked in the reserved-for-owner spot.”

“So?”

“You’re all alike. You have money and you think you can do whatever you want.” Lord, why couldn’t she leave it alone? “What did my dinner cost?”

“Since I didn’t buy it, I couldn’t say.” Anger flashed in his eyes before he scoured the room. He motioned for the bartender who leaned over and whispered in Castle’s ear. He returned his attention to Harlow. “It’s on the house, and my apologies, it won’t happen again.”

Now she felt stupid as she wondered where the drink and money for her meal came from. All she could do was mumble, “Sorry,” before she turned to leave.

“Wait.”

“For what?” Lord, why the heck did she snap? Sweat gathered on Harlow’s back, eliciting a shiver beneath the overhead fan as she stared at Castle.

“Hatch?”

His friend sat with a blonde at a table across the aisle from the barstool Castle occupied. “Yeah, boss?”

“Make sure Ms. Hardison gets home safely.”

“I can take care of myself.”

A sardonic smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “I’ll take better care of you.”

“You can’t touch me.” A whole host of female patrons, including the one wiggling between his thighs, looked as if they would scratch her eyes out and Harlow glared back, giving as good as she got. “You have enough company.” She didn’t contemplate why that bothered her.

“Pull the claws in, I only want yours tonight.”

Why she felt pity for the women surrounding him Harlow couldn’t say, but damn if she was walking out without letting him know just what a lowlife cad she considered him. Why did she even care who came on to the bastard? She wouldn’t become one of them. It dawned on her it was exactly what she wanted, and it angered her, goaded her into acting unreasonable. Harlow flashed her brightest smile and enjoyed the fact his eyes reflected the idea he thought he had won. “It must be horrible to search for such a tiny prick every time you have to pee.”

“What the fuck did you say?”

“Surely a man with balls and a cock wouldn’t have to surround himself with so many adoring fans.”

A hush fell over the room.

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out. - jhalisteele

Wherever I go -

There I am.

I’m sure every author has written a story which takes place somewhere they’ve visited—or in their own hometowns! I have. Many places I’ve lived over the years have become locales for books I write and how excited was I when I found this map thingy on Pinterest where I could keep track of the places I’ve lived or traveled to, and where I’ve planted quite a few stories and characters? Let’s just say I was like a kid in a candy store!

Aldan “Ace” Spade from Ace of Spades owns a fictional club in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Omen’s, the club for monsters from the newly boxed set, Thirst, is hidden somewhere in a dark alley in Philadelphia. If you find the entrance, Satan’s son, Peris, might serve you, but trust me, you’ll serve Nolan in any way he wants you to!

Grind, an interracial M/M story written in honor of Loving Day which is June 12, is available for preorder. It’s set in Vegas where everyone can’t wait to get home from to tell you what should have stayed in Vegas! I’ve visited there often and I simply love the place. See what Nightshade Collection authors are up to HERE.

Just signed a contract for the 4^th story in the Dirty Rotten Vampire series, Dare Me Once, and it will give you a completely new perspective of Big Bear Mountain in California. When, if ever, was the last time a volcano erupted in southern California? Ahh, the things these dirty, rotten vampires get up to!

Today, Driver - Phantom Lure 1, a bisexual paranormal, releases at Changeling Press and it’s situated in Philadelphia. The characters even have dinner in a restaurant I've eaten in often with my sister and my niece in the University City area, and they catch a movie next door afterward just as we did. Here’s a bit:

He drives when the need arises; it's a ride Grange Stafford looks forward to, one that sustains his life force -- a ride that will end fulfilling every imagined carnal yearning.

The handsome man driving the bus on Roman Curt's route to work appears in an unrealized fantasy. What would his girlfriend think of his wanton desires? Roman envisions sharing more than her with the stranger whose intent green eyes observe him through the rear view mirror. Roman wants to be his lover too!

Bus driver, take me your way.

Read more HERE and HERE.

I could go on, and on. Suffice it to say, if I have lived there, drove through and loved the ambiance, your hometown could possibly be the location or home of one of my deadly creatures of the night!

See where I’ve been: www.pinterest.com/jhalisteele/wherever-i-gothere-i-am/

Growl and roar-it’s okay to let the beast out.-jhalisteele.com

Statues...They aren't just for museums anymore

When I sat down to write the follow up to my short story, Soft Marble, I knew I had gods to worry about. I did. In Soft Bronze, the main character is a god entombed in bronze. He's not much different than the statues I've chosen on this page. Well, maybe a little different. He's a guy and the ones below are girls, but you get the idea. 

Now I said in the title that statues weren't for museums any longer. None of the statues I chose were from museums. They're from parks and churches. But I meant my statue and that bronze coming to life. It's crazy. Statues coming to life? Really?

I didn't think it could be possible. Well, other than the living statues like the ones in New York and Las Vegas. I don't know how those people can hold still that long, let alone in some of those crazy poses. I couldn't do it, but those who know me know I can't sit still at all. 

If you could be a statue, which would you be? A David? A woman in a fantastic gown? A fairy? Gnome? I'd love to know. Me? I'd be one of those sleeping statues, the kind that's in wet drapery, buxom and sleeping near a park or grave. I don't know what it is about those, but I think they're beautiful. Guess I'm odd. Or I'm looking at them as to how I can work them into a story. Grin. 

Check out a little bit about my latest paranormal story, Soft Bronze. Out now where ebooks are sold. 

Soft Bronze by Megan Slayer  

Short Story (Quickie)

Paranormal, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

M/M, Anal Sex

Ellora’s Cave

Sequel to Soft Marble

Zelus, the god of jealousy, has been imprisoned in solid bronze for the last two millennia. A simple kiss can break the spell and free him from the metal—if his lover is willing to believe.

Camden Crowe isn’t a specialist in ancient artifacts, but he does know how to guard them. He spends his days working as a security guard in charge of keeping the bronze statue of Zelus safe. He can’t contain his attraction to the nude god. What will happen when the security geek finds out he’s stronger than he ever believed and can harness the power of the gods?

Reader Advisory: This story has graphic sexual language and scenes—no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!

A Romantica® male/male erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

On Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Soft-Bronze-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B00U7Z61YC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1425749294&sr=8-13&keywords=megan+slayer

On Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soft-bronze-megan-slayer/1121341548?ean=9781419993374

At AllRomance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-softbronze-1764388-237.html 

Excerpt:

©Megan Slayer, 2015, All Rights Reserved

“What a shame. They should pack you in something better than straw. You should have the best. Respect.” He touched Zelus’ cheek. The bronze had taken on a dark patina over the years and hid the metal’s natural beauty. He knew better than to expect the statue to come to life. Fairy tales and magic only happened in books. Life wasn’t a book. Still, he wondered what the god might have looked like if he were a real man. Dark hair with a bit of curl and body…sparkling eyes—blue maybe…or would they be brown? He figured the real man would have a brilliant smile guaranteed to make everyone melt to his will. He longed to run his fingers through the statue’s expertly sculpted hair and over every muscle of the man’s body until he came to Zelus’ cock. He sucked in a long breath. The man was packing. Most ancient statues weren’t so endowed. Either the artist really liked Zelus or he’d fashioned the dick after someone he knew. Each ridge and vein were expertly defined. The cock looked so realistic. Kudos to the artist for his work.

Camden chuckled. He had to be out of his mind, fantasizing about a statue. Maybe old Gus was right. He was screwed up. Actually, it didn’t matter if he was a little different. He didn’t care. He liked the statue and he wasn’t ready to let it go.

“I’ll visit you.” He touched his lips, then the lips of the statue. A wild idea popped into his head. The next time he’d see the statue, it would be on display surrounded by palm trees or even worse, dressed in crappy touristy clothes. If he kissed the bronze, no one would know or probably care. He leaned into the crate and pressed his mouth to the mouth of the statue. His entire body warmed. The erection from before came back stronger. He moaned, then broke the kiss. A lip-lock with the statue turned him on. The metal didn’t taste like metal…more like the salty sweat of a hardworking man. Even the texture wasn’t right. The lips felt softer, like an actual person, and seemed to be kissing him back. Christ, he needed to get out more and stop allowing his imagination to get away from him.

“I wish you were real.” Camden smiled, then left the statue. He knew better than to expect his dreams to come true, but his soul yearned for a man like the one portrayed in the bronze. He’d fallen in love with the statue.

* * * * *

http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm

Megan Slayer - It's Always Fun to Squirm

Sit! Stay! Write!

I have a big writing list this year. It's bigger than I've taken on before...well, that's not true. I'm pretty prolific when it comes to writing, but I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. I write what I'm in the mood for, and I've had that freedom for most of my career.


That's not the case right now. I have series I need to continue, and time has come to get it going. The exciting thing? Most of the stories are paranormal!! I get to visit some of my very favorite characters. Three main series I'm planning to either finish or continue this year are sooooo different. They require different mindsets and I love the lines equally.






F*** Like Bunnies Series:


Werebunnies--irreverent, sex-crazed shifters who are visited by other paranormal creatures like vampires, succubae, zombies, kitsune and more! Bunny Ball is due this year.


Creating Home Series:


Werewolves--warm, loving creatures who crave home and love and laughter. Highly emotional and so much fun. Down to earth--the kind of werewolves that make a reader kind of wish they were a werewolf. Book 3 (as yet untitled) is on the writing list.


Justice Fraternity Chronicles:


Superheroes--super humans who use their powers for good. These men and woman are amazing, over the top and expect the same for their love lives. Fallen Love is nearly done, the story of Sparrow. When the love of his life turns bad, Sparrow is left to raise their daughter alone. His sacrifices draw the attention of Erin, a doctor specializing in superheroes. Together, they'll face Esmerelde, Sparrow's former lover. Anything short of victory means certain death.






Different stories, different themes, different tones---all paranormal!! I'm so excited. Now, back to work!

Need something while you wait for the new stories? Try Alice's Dragon.


Dragon Charmer—taking care of your pesky dragon problem—for a price.

Business is good for Alice, right until her dragon goes crazy and bites off her arm. To make matters worse, a tall, dark stranger kills the cash-cow dragon before her eyes.

Instead of dying from her wounds, Alice finds herself under the tender care of Bade, a gentle-handed Bulgarian far from home with secrets in his satchel.

If they can scratch each others backs, the secrets might live on and Alice might still have a job. She’s never backed down from a challenge, but she’s in for more than she bargained for with the tall, dark stranger.


Buy Now at Amazon 


All the best,
Stephanie Beck
www.stephaniebeck.net

Smoking Hot Cover Love

I have a new cover for my upcoming January 22nd release from Ellora's Cave.

My bear shifters are back for a third installment and I'm currently writing book number 4.

DESCRIPTION

Étienne is haunted by the ghosts of his past. He is physically and emotionally scarred but that doesn’t stop him from protecting his chief and his shapeshifter people. Until one day when one of those ghosts comes back into his life.

Cara Christoph was forced to flee her clan a decade ago in order to protect everyone she loved, including the man she was going mate with, Étienne. She never thought she’d see him again, until he ends up on her doorstep.

Étienne has one job to do, bring Cara home to her dying mother. He can’t let himself get attached, but being so close to her makes the bear inside him wild. All too soon, the passion he thought long gone is rekindled into a burning flame.

A flame that comes perilously close to being snuffed out when Étienne’s troubled past catches up with him.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

You can find out more about WILD RELEASE here.

Dragon Joined

I am so excited to announce my new release, Dragon Joined.  I should not have been writing it, I had lots of other things to work on, but this story would not leave me alone so I did what we authors do in that situation: I wrote it. And I love it and, I think, its one of the best worlds I've ever visited in my own head.  As the cover suggests, it is a futuristic, post-apocalyptic story.  And it features dragons. 

Here is the blurb

Dean Andrews watched in horror when sixteen-year-old Amanda Sugar was carried away by the dragons. He swore to destroy the beasts before anyone else could be taken. Six years later, he leads his people in a war against the dragons and finds someone he never expected to see again-Amanda, who has grown into a passionately desirable woman.

Amanda has spent the last six years as a prisoner of the most monstrous dragon imaginable. When she lays eyes on Dean she can't believe he is there-she has dreamed of him since she was a teenager. Together they will discover a way to finally end the dragons' rule over humanity, or die trying.

A Romantica® futuristic erotic romance from Ellora's Cave

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Above Amanda, the sky appeared so blue. It seemed a terrible day to be executed for stealing. Especially since she hadn't even delivered the bread she'd taken for her starving brother and sister. At least if she'd been caught after feeding them she might feel better about the whole mess.
Made for a woman twice her size, her dark clothes hung from her body. They were all she'd been able to find the last time she'd scrounged around abandoned farmhouses for discarded garments. She knew she looked scruffy compared to the tight-fitting, tucked-in collared shirts and khaki pants the members of the township wore.
The hot sand of the desert burned her feet through the holes in her sneakers. Years of calluses did nothing to protect her from the onslaught of the ground's heat. If she lived through the day, she'd have to find a new pair of shoes. Compared to other places where she and the kids roamed, New Strauss constituted a downright hospitable environment. There were even forests in the distance and a lake on the outskirts of town. If her feet couldn't survive her current environment, she'd never make it anywhere else.
Surrounded by men with guns and restrained by the hard grip of an oversized Enforcer, she couldn't take her eyes from the man who stood directly in front of her. Dean Andrews.
This day-the sixth of the seventh solstice-happened to be her seventeenth birthday. Not that she'd had any kind of a celebration.
Rubbing her nose, she stared up at the face of the person who would be her executioner and prayed to a god she didn't believe in for one more day on the planet to make things right. Not for her. But for her little sister and brother. They were hidden away in a barn miles away from New Strauss and would starve to death if she never returned with the food. Unless the Wanderers found them. If that happened, Lily would be sold into slavery and any number of horrific, unthinkable things could happen to Steven. Starving to death would be a blessing in comparison to abuse by the Wanderers.
Dean stared down at her, his curly brown hair blowing in the warm wind. Mama had always said that Dean Andrews had been born with steel in his spine and a temper that could shatter the stars. Right now, his blue eyes showed none of the anger she knew he must feel. No one robbed the leader of New Strauss. Even the Wanderers understood what would happen if they crossed Dean.
I'm such a giant idiot.
"Amanda Sugar."
She blinked rapidly as his words penetrated her constant inner dialogue. With no one to talk to except two six-year-olds, she'd long ago given up expecting adult conversation. Being on the run didn't let her meet too many other sixteen-year-olds. And she never spoke to respectable adults if she could help it. That just led to more questions and interference in things that were none of their damn business.
"You know me?" She rubbed at her nose. It seemed to be itchy today. Her knees weakened. At least if she passed out from starvation, she wouldn't be awake when Dean chopped off her head.


I hope you'll check it out and Happy December everyone! Let's make it a great one!

Conference Bound!

WOOT! I'm conference bound. I'm headed to Ohio as we speak for Ellora's Cave ROMANTICON. I love this conference. The last time I was at it as 2011 and it was my first time there. I've only ever been to RWA and that was in 2008. I was nervous, I didn't really know anyone and I'm a bit shy. But it was an amazing time and I met so many friends. And the book signing was overwhelming. When I first sold to Ellora's Cave in 2007 I drove to Taylor Michigan to do my first ever book signing, it was great, but I wasn't prepared for the onslaught at Romanticon in 2011. This year I'm more prepared! I can't wait to see all my friends again, make new friends and have a good time. And if you're in the Canton, Ohio area the book signing is free and open to the public on Sunday.

F*ck Like Bunnies vs Monty Python. Really?

I love people who review books. Some, I love more than others. This week I found a reviewer who, well, not to sound like a fussy butt, but she gets me. Here's a snippet of the review from The Romance Reviews by Book Addict.

 " Is this a paranormal Monty Python movie? How can a cute little bunny cause such fear in a man?

Tim: Well, that's no ordinary rabbit.
King Arthur: Ohh.
Tim: That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!
Sir Robin: You tit! I soiled my armor I was so scared!
Tim: Look, that rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!
….
Sir Galahad: Oh, yeah?
…
Tim: I'm warning you!
Sir Robin: What's he do? Nibble your bum?
Tim: He's got huge, sharp... er... He can leap about. Look at the bones!"

And that's just the start! Read the rest here.

Reviews are such tricky things--a giant love/hate sort of situation, but this one made me laugh. Paranormal romance has the potential for being very serious and dark. While I like a little shadow and maybe some harshness, my bunnies are too far into cupcakes and glitter to really let things get dark.

Check out the F*ck Like Bunnies series! Bunny Club, Air Bunnies, Bunnies on Ice and the latest, Bunny Hunt. There's no Elmer Fudd here!! F*ck Like Bunnies.

All The Best,
Stephanie Beck
www.stephaniebeck.net

For Love of a Ghost Story

When I was a child, my brothers would love it when I'd read them ghost stories. We would set up a tent in the house or one of the bedrooms (clothesline and a sheet, nothing fancy). The dogs would curl up next to us and we'd sit around while I read stories. They begged me to read something scary. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was a favorite. It's a great book full of short stories. :D 

I remember watching their faces as each story moved toward the end, loving the way their eyes widened and breathing changed. When the scare point happened, they nearly threw themselves out of tent. The dogs would get in an uproar, and I'd laugh until a grumpy adult came out to scold us for being so loud. LOL! I never told my brothers how reading the story to them made it seem less scary to me, but I loved it! 

That one book hooked me on the scare, the wonder of something else being out there. 

Horror movies, ghost stories (tragic, romantic, or scary), RL Stine, Christopher Pike, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, etc. fed my growing obsession. Over time I'd read most of the ghost stories out there and drifted away for a while, hoping there would be a surge of them again. When I found Ghost Whisperer, my love of ghost stories reawakened. I picked up all the ghost stories I could, but was left disappointed. 

Available May 31st!

I was talking with Ditter Kellen about my frustration over it. I wanted to read a particular type of ghost story and it was nowhere to be found. She suggested I write it myself. Now, why didn't I think of that? We talked about it, talked it over, got really excited about it, and then decided to write it together. Our writing partnership was born on this one little ghost story. 

Ditter Kellen and I wanted to write a ghost story that would draw the person in, make them want to believe in the supernatural, and give them a sexy, incredible romance. I think we did that with Haunting Melody St. Claire. It was our first book together (though another one came out before it).

Haunting Melody St. Claire, coming May 31st.

Melody St. Claire doesn’t believe in ghosts. Until a fire destroys her whole world, forcing her into a beautiful haunted house and the territorial domain of one very real, incredibly mysterious resident spirit.

Sexy Travis Santiago haunts the walls of his family home. Resigned to being alone, he merely exists in a place between the living and the dead until the frustrating little brunette enters his life and his heart. He can give her what she needs, if she would just believe.

The passion he ignites threatens to consume her, heart and soul, but may not be enough to hold back the nightmares. And Melody can’t possibly hope to spend forever with a man who is already dead.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Cover Reveal

WOOT! Isn't it gorgeous?

This is the cover for PRIVATE RELEASE which is the sequel to MOUNTED RELEASE. My second bear book!

This took me forever to write because of two things. One, it refused to stay novella length and turned itself into a short novel and TWO because every time last year I'd pick it up my editor from Harlequin would contact me about revisions.

Once every thing on the Harlequin front was a go I worked my butt off to get Private Release done before my next deadline.

My Ellora's Cave editor's response was so cute, it made me LOL when I sent it to her. All she said was "YAY!"

LOL

Usually she says things like "Thanks got it." I adored her YAY because that's how I felt the moment I hit send on this book. HUGE RELIEF.

It's coming out June 7, 2013.

Here's the blurb:


Jared Stevens hasn’t been the same since he was shot. His duty is to marry a
Mukswa woman and be a strong leader. He lets the elders of his clan choose his bride,
because the woman he wants is only in his fantasies, the only woman who brings him to
exquisite release.

Adele Banks loved being a Mountie, but one shot ended her career and altered
her world forever. Adele is determined to make a life for herself. She’s hired to recover
Beare Enterprises embezzled funds, but what she didn’t count on is being extremely
attracted to her client when meeting him for the first time as he’s naked in his shower.

Adele is Jared’s mystery woman, but she’s taboo. He bonds to her, but has to keep
his society secret, as much as he wants to mark her as his own.

As Jared fights his own inner beast, remnants of the prior chief’s wrath is affecting
the clan and Adele. To save Adele’s life, Jared may just have to betray his clan’s secret
and risk his heart.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

A man with no name?

Today is release day for me! I love release day, especially since today one of my favourite heroes to-date is being released.

Warrior Unbound is out from Ellora's Cave for their Hex Appeal series.

As for a hero with no name, it's true. I can't even tell you his name because he doesn't have one! He's the first hero I wrote who has no name at all. Which was tricky. Very tricky. He's simply known as the Warrior, because that was his destiny for centuries. A protector.

Hattie isn’t the best medicine woman in her order, but when an ancient evil threatens to escape, she’s the only one available to perform the spell to wake the great stone warrior from his slumber. Problem is, she’s not sure if she really believes in it, especially since the key component of the spell is her soul-shattering orgasm.

When the Warrior is summoned once again he is pleasantly surprised by the medicine woman who has called him, and has no problem giving her the pleasure she needs to complete the banishment spell, but something goes wrong. He still remains in the mortal realm instead of returning to stone. To make matters worse, he remembers nothing except the taste of the medicine woman on his lips.

They have two weeks before the new moon to fulfill the prophecy and they spend every moment wrapped up in each other, lost in passion. But time is ticking and there’s a price to pay for saving the world—one that may turn her stone Warrior to dust.

I loved writing this book. Loved it, in spite of the fact he had no name. I also got to name my heroine Hattie, which is named after one my favourite British actresses from the Carry On films Hattie Jacques.

Something else I loved about writing this book is its setting. It's set in North Bay, Ontario where I spent many, many summers and where my DH proposed to me. He got down on one knee on the shores of Lake Nipissing and asked me to marry him. He took me to North Bay because he knew how much I love the Canadian north, where my father's roots are from.

In two days time the DH & I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary.

So the release of this book is special to me on so many levels. My favourite Hero, the heroine has a name I've adored for so long, my favourite location and close to a special earmark in my life.

I hope you enjoy Warrior Unbound!

My love of the north!

I'm so in love with the north. Mostly northern Canada. I have roots there. I'd rather go on an Alaska cruise as opposed to a Caribbean one and yes I know Alaska is US, but I really, really want to see it.

He didn't want to go somewhere cold for our honeymoon (as we were married in the fall).

I've been setting most of my recent books in northern Canada. Under my A.C. Ruttan name, Incarnate was set in Northwest Territories.

Under Amy Ruttan, my bear shifter, Gordon Thomas was set up in Dawson City in the Yukon.

And the sequel I'm writing is set in Winnipeg and have another planned that's set in Jasper, Alberta!
















Now, my recent sale to Ellora's Cave Hex Appeal WARRIOR UNBOUND, which is coming out in October 2012 is set in one of my most favourite places, North Bay, Ontario. I spent a lot of my childhood summers along the shores of Lake Nipissing.

Here's the unofficial blurb:

Hattie isn’t the best medicine woman in her Order, but when an ancient evil threatens to escape she’s the only one around to perform the spell to summon the great stone Warrior from his slumber. Problem is she’s not sure if she really believes in it, especially since the one key component to the spell is her soul shattering orgasm.

When the Warrior is summoned once again he is pleasantly surprised by the medicine woman who has called him and he has no problems giving her the pleasure she needs to complete the banishment spell, but something goes wrong. He still remains in the mortal realm instead of returning to his slumber in the stone and to make matters worse he remembers nothing, except the taste of the medicine woman on his lips.

Hattie takes the Warrior back home and fulfills all his needs, but there's a cost to save the world and that cost may render her stone Warrior into dust.

I eventually plan to write something set here:

Which is Lake Superior. It's a picture I took this summer on my 10,000 km road trip. Yeah, 10,000 km.

We were far north. North of 60 in fact and I finally got to experience midnight sun ...okay it wasn't technically midnight, but the sun didn't fully set until 11 p.m. It was amazing and I kind of miss it.

Here's some pics of Jasper National Park in Alberta. If you ever get the chance to drive the Icefields Parkway between Jasper & Banff DO IT. I also say the same for driving through Montana ...which we also did.

I also tend to read a lot of romances set in different locales or ones set in the north. My first real romance being Connie Mason's Ice & Rapture ...that I read when I was 14.

Authors are there places you tend to write a lot about? Readers, are their settings you prefer to read about?

It's Friday...

And I'm Baaaccckkk! Thanks to all the wonderful folks who helped cover for me last Friday. Some really good stuff there! I see a shopping trip in my crystal ball.

Okay, last week I was in LA and even though it was cold, I didn't want to leave. I just love that city. Of course, eventually, I'd have hightailed it up to the desert which I love even more. But that's coming...

RT was absolutely the best this year! Ellora's Cave threw a Bollywood bash that leaves me asking: "How can they top that?" But I believe in Chicago -- they will. The dancers were simply awesome, the gifts for each attendee were just too cool!! I got a tinkly shimmy belt thing and some little finger cymbals. Do NOT ask me what they're called, don't know, but I sure like the sound of them.

I spent the week with Nikita Isaacs, boy did we have fun. The woman knows every author in the world, and hanging out with her got me more swag than a little bit. *big grin* Niki took great pics and I'm going to share some with you.

My fav, Me and CJ... The man is just too HOT!

And yes, I tried to dance the night away, lmao

Me and Niki chillin'

Niki with Jacquelyn Frank... Can't wait to read Adam!!

My new friend, LT. Guess what? She's a Phury lover. YAY!

David, a Mr. Romance contestant

Niki and LA Banks

This wolf was badass!!



Wendy, the winner of next year's FREE RT registration

Niki and Kate Douglas (Told you, she knows everybody!!)

Finally, me and Mindy on movie night (small world, Mindy joined my Yahoo Group, we got to talking and discovered we both worked at the same place over 20 years ago! She's a blast to hang out with.)

Well, that's enough picture show... but dang, I could take pages and pages and still not be able to show you all the fun everyone had. The RT group put on a fantastic show - AS ALWAYS! Remember, next year, Chicago, and it's coming fast - are you ready!! Until then:

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Something New

Do you ever crave something different? Something outside of your usual reads or your auto-buy authors? Ninety percent of the time, I’m content with my paranormals and fantasy novels. They’re what I enjoy most, and what give me the most satisfaction, both in reading and in writing. But once in a while, I want something different.

It’s kind of funny that my idea of different is closer to most people’s idea of normal. Take contemporaries for example. I hadn’t read one until recently. A friend of mine talked me into giving Jennifer Crusie a chance, and I’m glad I did. Her book, Welcome to Temptation, is fabulous. The hero, when he wasn’t being an ass, really worked for me. (Okay, even when he was an ass, I still loved him.)

Now I’m hearing so much about cozy mysteries, I’m curious about them. I don’t suppose anyone has any book or author recommendations?

In the meantime, I’ve picked something brand new to try. 

Sasha Devlin’s debut novella, In the Light of Day, releases from Ellora’s Cave today, and I’m going to pick up a copy. It’s m/m, which I’ve read, contemporary, which I’ve read, but it’s also romantic suspense, which I haven’t read except in almost classic examples.

I’m interested to see how Ms. Sasha blends the three together. Who knows? She might make a romantic suspense believer out of me. 

Jaren’s birthday weekend isn’t going as planned. Instead of being in the arms of the man he fell hard for, he’s alone at his lake cabin. With a bottle of wine. When Cooper shows up on his doorstep, all appears right with the world. Until Jaren realizes the real reason Cooper is there.

Cooper didn’t mean to fall for someone he was working a case with. And certainly not a man. Cooper always thought he was straight, but posing as gay lovers to infiltrate a pornography ring had felt all too real. Now he has feelings for the sexy younger man. Strong ones. Just as he’s prepared to drive to the cabin and give Jaren a birthday in bed he’ll never forget, Cooper gets word the criminal they put away has escaped—and is coming after Jaren.

Jaren finally has the man of his dreams where he wants him, but for all the wrong reasons. He can trust Cooper to guard his body, but what about his heart?

You can find more information on this title here, or read an excerpt here.

For more information on the author, you can visit her website or blog.

If you’d like to interact with Sasha, check out her Twitter or Facebook accounts.

It's Friday...

...and I'm having a Coming Soon contest! Want to play? All you have to do is comment today to be eligible to win a PDF copy of HARD CASE, available now at Ellora's Cave.

That's it!

Meet Alek Foress, the hero of QUENCH, which is... coming soon. Here's the unofficial blurb and, best of all, a preview of the cover.

BLURB:
Alek Foress is cursed. A tiger and lion mix, he’s also infected with the vampyre bloodlust. He has spent decades desiring his prince and is afraid he can no longer fight his carnal need. His cats won’t give in to his having a man, but Alek refuses to take a female to be his mate. Then he meets Viviana, the one woman who ignites a fierce fire in his soul.
Viviana, a vampyre warrior, comes face-to-face with the only creature that can turn her cold blood into a molten river. Her powers stolen, she has to count on the cat for everything—blood, and even her life. She becomes a wildcat in his arms and not even royalty will stand in her way when her mind’s made up. Viv wants Alek no matter what, and she’ll show him just how much man he is.

How easy was that?

Remember: Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

It's Friday...

It's Friday...and I'm at RomantiCon - WHOOT!! I'll be dancing with Cavemen Saturday night and just having a plain old good time. While I'm gone, here's a feast for your eyes...officially known as Eye Candy. Enjoy!!!!

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

It's Friday...

Thank goodness! This late in the week, no one expects anything too deep and thoughtful. Sooo...there are some good things happening around my web neighborhood that I thought I'd share.

LASR is having their 3rd anniversary celebration. They are giving away three, that's right-THREE, Nooks! And they're chocked full of good reading. Don't miss out on the fun. It's a scavenger hunt and it couldn't be easier! Go ahead, hunt until your hearts content--and grab some good reading along the way. You can find out who's participating and read all the information here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/promo.htm

Ellora's Cave continues with its 10th anniversary contest  where readers answered the question: "How Has Ellora's Cave Improved Your Sex Life?" They received so many responses, they've broken it down into groups and each Monday over the next several weeks they will post the winning entries. The second round is up on their Sex Talk for Wicked Women blog and will remain there for one week. Head over, read the entries, and vote for your favorite. (Tell your friends!) http://sextalkforwickedwomen.blogspot.com/

Changeling Press is celebrating Friday the 13th with a sale! Stop by the Bar and Grill, join in the fun--you might find something you like! Of course, it's an adult group and you must join to play: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChangelingPress/

You can visit D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters. There's lots of good reading and you get to vote for your choice of Best Cover (it's gorgeous, it caught your eye, you just can't look away), Best First Line (you were hooked from word one and had to keep reading), Best Last Line (this is the line that left you wanting to read more), Best Overall First Chapter (from the first word to the last was the best and you just had to get the book). This month there are 4 prizes and that means FOUR winners! So visit now: http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/?zx=1722100243ad6f30 (If you don't find a fav cover-vote for Ramiel's butt on Hope in Love!!)

What's happening where you are? Do you have anything you want to share? It's Friday--

HAVE FUN!!

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

The Good, the Bad, and the Somewhere Inbetween...

Voirey Linger is author of Risking Eternity, coming May 26th from Ellora's Cave. In 2009, she spearheaded the Summer Reading Trail, a collection of free reads by various authors which this year is being run cooperatively with A. J. O'Donovan.

Risking Eternity--

For two hundred years, Dominicus has lived in isolation, sentenced to take human souls to hell. But this night’s victim is unlike all the others. She tempts him. One kiss and she comes apart in his arms. One taste, and he can’t walk away.

But Maggie isn’t the only temptation he faces. Dominicus fights an attraction to Renatus, his best friend through the eons and a male with whom sex is forbidden. With her he risks Hell, with him, losing the only piece of Heaven he has left.

~~~~~~~

Good creatures and bad creatures used to be easy to tell apart. If they had with anything freaky going on with their canines it was generally bad. Night creatures were bad, and so were creatures using spells. Somewhere along the way, that changed. Magic not involving sparkly dust became a plus, going furry was getting your sexy on, and fangs were the ultimate sign of hotness.

Call me old-fashioned, but part of me wants to know if a critter is pure or evil on sight. It's the same part of me that has a hidden stash of bodice-ripper and secret baby books hidden in the back of the keeper shelf, but we won't get into those.

When I was plotting Risking Eternity, one thing I wanted to be very clear on this whole nice guys vs. nasty guys thing. Angels, Heaven, Most High, all good. Demons, Hell and Lucifer, not so much. All very clear and simple, right?

Not so much, as it happens.

While my creatures were either good or bad by nature, they were still fallible. My angel didn't need a demon trying to lead him astray because he was his own worst enemy. He trips up, makes mistakes and needs to figure out where that line between right and wrong really is.

So if the good creatures can't find that line, what about the evil ones? Are demons really the dirty little minions of Satan? Okay, they are in my world building, but does that make them bad?

The more I learn about my demoness, the less I'm convinced she's wicked. Maybe that's because as a fallen angel, she's wasn't created to do evil. Sure, she made the decision to leave the heavens and work for the other team, but the core of who she is remained. The core of good.

So despite my best efforts to keep the lines clear, to make sure there is no confusion between the bad and the good, I'm left with a fuzzy picture of what makes a creature pure or evil. Maybe it's better that way. Maybe it's more fun to leave things to be discovered. I guess a little mystery makes people more interesting... even the ones who aren't human.

~~Voirey