DANCING WITH DANGER by Desiree Holt

Dancing With Danger

by Desiree Holt

is available today HERE

Blurb:

Rachel Windsor knew nothing about Gabriel Peralta except that he was walking sex appeal. He blew into her life without notice, here today then always gone on a puff of wind. But each time he appears, he does things to her body that even her fantasies haven’t conjured up, driving her to orgasms that shake her like a raging storm. His mouth knows every inch of her body. The imprint of his intimate kisses linger long after he disappears.

Now he’s back again, his life unexpectedly on the line. But even in the danger zone his sexual demands are more scorching than ever and this time, Rachel is determined not to lose him—or the erotic lifestyle that binds them.

Excerpt:

The party had been going on far too long. It was a weeknight so dinner had been scheduled for six o’clock. The hosts had spoken and made their plea, things should be wrapping up now. The room should have been at least half empty. But it seemed no one was the least bit interested in leaving. The din of conversation competed with the sound of the orchestra, which segued from one rhythmic tune to another and people continued to jam the dance floor as well as both bars.

Standing quietly in one corner, Rachel Winters looked glanced over the room. She couldn’t quite conceal a smile of satisfaction. Another successful fundraiser for The Harris Foundation. Despite tough economic times, the people who had the money couldn’t seem to give it fast enough to Sam and Loraine Harris, people with old money and a very old social position. People everyone wanted to curry favor with.

Now the Harrises were mingling with their guests, discreetly collecting checks, their bodyguards in tuxedos and guns never more than inches away. Two years ago Sam had been kidnapped by a terrorist cell who wanted an enormous ransom to fund an arms purchase. Rachel remembered that time vividly. A very black ops agency contacted by one of Sam’s close friends had taken over, faceless men moving soundlessly around the offices, interrogating everyone while a hand-picked team went in to retrieve Sam. Now the same agency provided security 24/7. It had been a difficult time for all of them and Rachel still worried about their vulnerability.

Rachel smoothed a hand down the silken fabric of her signature black cocktail dress. She always wore black, convinced it minimized the flaws in her figure. She saw her hips as too wide, her thighs as too chunky, her tummy as too rounded, especially for someone as short as she was. Now she wished she could kick off the four-inch heels she used to boost her five-foot-two-inch height. Her thick honey-colored hair was pulled up in a sophisticated arrangement that added yet another inch or two. Anything to make her feel less like a chunky miniature lost at an adult function.

Casually she stole a look at her watch. Eight thirty. Should she find some way to signal people the party was over? Sam and Loraine weren’t so young anymore and these functions were always grueling for them. She loved her job and the Harrises treated her like family, which made her take a more personal interest in their welfare. Serving as director of The Harris Foundation filled her days and nights.

Too bad it couldn’t take care of her heart, which she was sure destined to remain unfulfilled. Why did she have to go and fall for a mystery man anyway? One who appeared without warning and then was gone like a wisp of smoke. No matter how sexy he was, how good in bed, how he drove her to the highest plains of pleasure, he never stayed. Never gave her more of himself than one night at a time and those were few and far between.

She didn’t even know what he did. They’d met at a barbecue given by mutual friends and fallen into bed within hours of “hello”. But even those friends couldn’t—or wouldn’t—give her any information about him.

She knew his name. Gabriel Peralta. That was it—if that was even his real name. She also knew he was six foot four of lean hard muscle with thick silken black hair she loved to run her fingers through, a hawk nose and eyes like onyx. Hands that could make a woman’s body writhe in pleasure and a magnificent cock that stretched her to capacity and made her explode with its friction.

And scars whose origin he refused to discuss.

Just as he refused to discuss anything else. Whenever she tried to lead the conversation in that direction, he artfully distracted her with his talented mouth and hands and body. In seconds she would be a writhing mass on the bed and any thought of questions disappeared as if it’d never occurred to her.

Weeks would go by without her seeing him, weeks in which she imagined every type of situation her brain could conjure up. He was a spy. He was covert military. He was a mercenary. On the worst days she even wondered if he was married and had a wife—maybe a family—that he spent his time with between his visits to her. But she always dispelled that idea quickly. No man could be so sexually intense with her if he had another woman in his life.

Sometimes she thought what an idiot she was, living for the rare visits with nothing in between. A smarter woman would tell him to go to hell and get on with her life. But no man she met came even close to measuring up to him. In any way. So there didn’t seem to be anything to get on with. She’d stopped circling the dates of his visits on the calendar, just focused on her work and accepted the pleasure he brought when he magically appeared.

She was imagining him in her head, wondering when he’d appear out of the darkness again, when a smooth male voice cut into her thoughts.

“I would love to have one dance with you, Miss Winters. If you don’t mind.”

She shook herself from her reverie to find Lincoln Harris standing in front of her with an expectant smile. Dancing with him was last on her list of things she wanted to do. Just being with him gave her a headache. She didn’t like the man. The fact that he was handsome in a classical sense and kept himself in top condition didn’t offset his personality. He was egotistical, self-involved and arrogant.

Unfortunately he was also the heir to the family fortune, CEO of Harris Industries since his father’s semiretirement and president of the foundation board. He wasn’t someone she could easily brush aside. Or god forbid, offend in any way. Any imagined slight on her part could make her life very difficult. Board meetings that he ran gave her fits but she’d learned long ago how to deal with the Lincoln Harrises of the world. She just wished Sam and Loraine weren’t quite so blind to him.

Rachel rubbed her forehead. Tonight for some reason she was edgy and Lincoln Harris wasn’t a recipe for calm. However, she put on her public smile and held out a hand to him, reminding herself it was just part of the job. Even if she couldn’t stand the guy, her paycheck obligated her to be nice to him.

“Of course.” She forced her lips into a smile. “It would be my pleasure.”

Rachel, what an accomplished liar you are.

The orchestra swung into an old familiar ballad and Lincoln led her onto the dance floor. He would have pulled her tightly against him but she put her free hand on his shoulder, ensuring at least an inch or two of space between them.

“You’ve done an excellent job tonight,” he complimented her. “I believe this is our best turnout yet.”

“It took a lot of people to make this happen,” she demurred, turning her face away from his. The scent of his cologne was overpowering. “You and your parents have really carried your message to people. The right people.”

“Don’t be so modest. You deserve a lot of credit for the work you do.” He tightened his arm around her slightly. “I’ve been watching you for a long time, you know. You’re smart. You have elegance and grace, always know just the right thing to say to people. An asset to the foundation. Perhaps when this is over we can share a quiet drink together. Talk about…things.”

And I know just the kind of things you’ve got on your mind, you repulsive lecher.

While she was searching for a polite way to turn him down a hand touched her shoulder and a familiar voice broke into the conversation and she knew what that edgy feeling tonight had been—her radar working overtime. “Sorry. The lady has other plans.”

Even after all this time, after so many long absences, Gabriel Peralta’s honey-smooth baritone could still make her knees wobble and her pulses pound. She was stunned that he’d showed up at a place like this, an event with so many people. Usually he slipped into her house in the dark of night and left the same way.

Lincoln glared at the man behind Rachel, anger and outrage chasing briefly across his face. “I’m sorry. Have we met? I’m Lincoln Harris. And you are…”

“A close…friend of Rachel’s.” Gabe’s hand tightened on her shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll excuse us. I’m only in town for a short while and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

In a smooth maneuver he slipped her from Lincoln Harris’ arms and into his and began moving them away, his feet catching the rhythm of the music. She glanced over Gabe’s shoulder and caught the controlled anger on Lincoln’s face before he melted back into the crowd. She hoped there wouldn’t be a price to pay.

Rachel realized suddenly he was wearing what she considered an unusual outfit for him. All she’d ever seen him in were jeans and t-shirts, sometimes with a leather jacket if the weather was cool. But tonight he had on an expensively tailored charcoal gray suit, white shirt with gold cufflinks and a conservative tie. He looked exactly as if he belonged with the invited guests. It added a new dimension to her impressions of him.

With her face pressed to Gabe’s chest, she inhaled his distinctive scent, all male with a hint of the outdoors and something citrusy. She would never tell him that she still had a t-shirt he’d left several months ago that she slept with every night, holding the smell of him close to her.

“I’m impressed with your outfit,” she told him. “Did you have to borrow it?”

His chuckle rumbled against her body. “Believe it or not I actually own real-people clothes.”
“How did you get in here, anyway?” She had committed the extensive list to memory and she knew for sure his name hadn’t been there. “The guest list is completely vetted and our security is top notch.”

He chuckled softly. “Yes, I know that. But I have connections.”

“How long do you have to stay here?” he murmured in her ear.

“The Harrises usually expect me to stay until the bitter end. How long are you here for this time?”

“Two days. Can you leave early?”

The orchestra had segued into another slow, romantic tune and their bodies moved in perfect harmony. He danced with an unexpected grace, the muscles in his thighs flexing as he moved. She could feel his heart beating where he enfolded her hand against his chest and the thick ridge of his cock pressed against her soft flesh through the fabric of their clothing.

His hand caressed the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine and he pressed his cock more tightly against her. “Rachel, I have to see you naked. I’m so hard for you right now I’m doing my best not to lose control here in a public place.”

“I can’t leave,” she protested weakly, although she wanted nothing more than to run out the door with him. “What would I tell my bosses?”

They continued to move in time to the music, his pelvis grinding against hers, the sleek muscles of his thighs flexing with each step. One hand drifted down to cup the cheeks of her ass, pressing the light fabric of her dress into the cleft.

“People can see us.” She tried to reach back and rearrange the dress but he grabbed her hand and pulled it against him, trapping it between their bodies.“They’re all too busy being seen by other people.”

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

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Special Note: I had planned on reviewing Dracula Un-Dead with Rebecca this week but life happened to get in the way coupled with no net for the past few days so I got a bit behind on things especially my reading. Grr. So, since I'm like one of the five people in the world who hadn't read Dracula until now, I decided to read it before the sequel. Here are my thoughts of the original granddaddy vampire that started the phenomenon, Dracula. And a special review for the other four people. ;-)

-Rae



My edition of Dracula is the tie-in for Francis Ford Coppola's movie. It includes a wonderful intro by Leonard Wolf and some black and white glossy pics from the movie (which I didn't mind because the costumes, makeup and setting were gorgeous despite the muddled adaptation). I really liked the intro that gave an overview of the history of vampire literature including the effect that Dracula had on mainstream culture (including all silver screen incarnations).

Today's audiences know the pop culture ideal of Dracula and his effects on vampire lore. Thus the great reveal isn't so great but the classic vampire story still holds up today. As a historical gothic horror, it's an amazing piece of work for setting a mood for a spooky tale as the inhabitants of Yorkshire are effected by Dracula's presence. Although not the first in vampire literature, it's easy to see how the influence was great in overall vampire culture. The style of journal entries revealing the character's fear and inner thoughts offers a type of storytelling that still seems fresh today in the age of 'found footage'.

One interesting aspect is Jonathan Harker's opening meditation on the various nationalities among the Carpathian mountains which reveal a lot of British thoughts toward "the other" immigrants of the time. Dracula himself is an exotic representation of such a background as well as the darkness of humanity. Mina Harker (nee Murray) turned out to be a pretty smart and strong yet vulnerable character. She's right there with the guys trying to dissect and figure out the deaths and mysteries surrounding their town and even gets armed with her own revolver towards the end climax.

I wish I had a chance to read this in depth when I was younger. I knew it in passing, from lightly flipping through it, and from pop culture but never had a chance to read it fully until now. I had studied the real life inspiration (Wallachian prince Vlad Tepes III aka Vlad Dracul aka the Impaler) and enjoyed all the behind the scenes docs on the book and historical figure. It was interesting seeing how much of real history Stoker incorporated in Dracula. I'm sure I would have eaten this book right up along with Interview With the Vampire. Modern audiences may think the story is a bit slow moving since most of the action takes place off screen and is talked about via the diary entries afterward. Still, the emotion is strong, the characters are multifaceted, the mood is dark and the dialogue is snappy. This is a definite new favorite of mine and will take it's place right next to the Vampire Chronicles and my The Penguin Book of Vampire Stories paperback.

Life's crazy but writing doesn't have to be

So, it's been awhile since I've actually written a blog, what with a book release and a couple of interviews. But I'm back.

Recently, I've spent writing time working on novellas. I think I spent the whole summer doing nothing but that and rewrites on other projects. All this is good. Makes me stronger as a writer.

I fully expected to move into October working on a new historical/paranormal novel. I outlined a few chapters, named my characters, gave them back story. I invited them into my home and asked them to tell me why I should writer their story. And do you know what I heard?

Nothing. Crickets chirping. The characters weren't talking.

Meanwhile, I began trying to piece together a plot for my third paranormal novel. Which, I think I have issues with but hopefully, the problem will work itself out or I'll be in big trouble.

One day, the hubs and I were watching an SG-1 episode. Hubby was reading one of the Halo novels. I was staring blankly at my computer screen, pleading with my characters to do something other than sitting around, looking back at me, saying "Where's my motivation?"

Hubby starts reading me passages from his novel. I listened, for awhile, then it got on my nerves and I finally asked him why. The writing wasn't necessarily awe-inspiring. The vocab wasn't fantastic. He replied that I should read it and give writing sci-fi another chance.

Oh how I laughed! I said no way was I going there again. The last attempt nearly killed me.

He grinned and told me he'd rented Firefly and that would get me in the mood.

Meanwhile, my CP sends me an email. "I think you should write another sci-fi story."

My reply. "Nope. Not gonna do it."

Peer pressure. That's what it was. I finally capitulated when hubby says "But you learned so much from the last attempt."

Fine. So, that afternoon, I closed down every other project I had open and began loosely outlining a story. A tale complete with back story, motivation, plot, action and a bit of romance thrown in.

Crap.

It's official. I'm writing another sci-fi book. This one should be full length. It's already over 21K words right now and here's the kicker. I'm not bored, annoyed or anything close to it. I'm actually liking what I've written.

Shh. Don't tell the universe.

Anyway, the point to my blog today is this: never say never because it will turn around and bite you in the butt. Will the novel be finished? It remains to be seen but it's going strong.

Remember, in writing, there's one rule you MUST follow. If you're not having fun in your writing, you're not doing it right.

And who knows? You might surprise yourself in the process.

Until the next time, happy writing.

Dracula: The Un-Dead

Okay,

So first of all let me apologize for the lateness of posting this blog today. I had thought that I saved it earlier in the week to be posted today but apparently, I am losing my mind.

I’ll ask all of your forgiveness on this. I just had a baby four weeks ago and my middle child has been sick with a cold. Okay. So are we good? Hope so.

Today, I am going to be reviewing a very fun read entitled “Dracula: The Un-Dead” by Dacre Stoker (yes…he is related.) and Ian Holt. This book just released, Oct. 13^th and I can’t say enough nice things about it.

Yes, You need to have read the first book. But c’mon, if you’re reading this blog “Paranormal Romantics” and you haven’t read the first Dracula, I am going to insist that you stop reading right here and go read it.

For me, that first book is an addiction. I’ve read it so many times, in so many different classes from Junior High School through my senior year of college in several of my Senior English seminars that I can quote from it verbatim. I won’t. I’ll spare you all that. That kind of torture is reserved solely for my family.

But back to “Dracula: The Un-Dead.” It starts out with a bang and it keeps on going. Let me quote, shall I?

“Letter from Mina Harker to her son Quincey Harker, Esq.

(To be opened upon the sudden or unnatural death of Wilhelmina Harker)

9^th March 1912

Dear Quincey,

My dear son, all your life you have suspected that there have been secrets between us. I fear that the time has come to reveal the truth to you. To deny it any longer would put both your life and your immortal soul in jeopardy.”

That is how the book opens. From moment one, Stoker recaptured Mina’s voice to me. It is like having the first book read for the first time and then some. It is high paced, fast, and exciting. I recommend this to all who love the Un-dead as I do.

Best to you, if you can sleep at night after you’ve read it.

Rebecca Royce.

Guest Blogger : Inez Kelley

I am woman, hear me roar! I think that should Myla’s theme song. Typically, I am a hero writer. Not that my heroines are too stupid to live or whatever but I just prefer my heroes.
I love men. Seriously love men. Looooooooove men. There is just something about the hard muscles, the gruff sound of a masculine voice, the curve of a beard shadow, the slope of a shoulder, the scrape of a callused hand…

Wait, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, I remember. Sorry, I could never be a lesbian.

Although, Myla makes me stop and think. This chick kicks ass! Literally. She is stronger than a half dozen men, kills without fear and can make even the toughest warrior pee his pants. (She does too, poor Bryton).

A magic guardian called by fire, she can appear as a beautiful woman, a sword wielding warrior or a massive black jaguar. Taric thinks even this form is sexy which just goes to show you that men will always like pussy… *ahem* …cat.

She has killed, you see her kill, and she promises to kill again if anything threatens her charge, the Crowned Prince of Eldwyn. But she has never been given the chance to smell a wildflower, taste a berry or feel the wind on her cheeks. Taric gives her the opportunity and introduces her to many more pleasures. Many. More. Pleasures. Mrrrrrrrrrrrow.

Think about that a minute. Myla has killed but never really lived. Her entire experience is through Taric. She knows war, death, fighting and strength. To then put herself in his hands, literally, to trust enough to let down a guard so ingrained in her, he has got to be a special man, deserving of her love.

Wow.

Now, she does fight this. She even tells him she doesn’t like the new sensations she is feeling. They confuse her. Suddenly she doesn’t want to bite but lick, not stab but stroke, not kill but kiss. Writing a virgin warrior was a unique experience. She had to be undefeated in battle and untrained in the bedroom. Even then, she wasn’t used to taking orders. She employed military strategy under the covers. Seek and discover. Experiment and explore. Master and revel.

Myla may be unmatched in protecting the Prince, but she is his equal in the heart. To love a strong woman, you must have a strong man. I’m not talking push-ups or bench presses. Myla would win hands down there. But Taric is confident enough and loves her enough to not treat her like a breakable object once he falls in love. She doesn’t change for him and he never expects her to. He loves a mighty warrior who happens to be a beautiful woman who could snap his neck with her bare hands. She also holds the power to break his heart

And isn’t that what makes love magical? You are strong by yourself but with the man you love by your side, you can take on the world. I am woman, hear me roar!

Magic bites… and its name is Myla.

Created at Prince Taric’s birth, Myla is a spell, an enchantment designed to appear and protect him when he needs it most. She has always been content to do her duty…until one night of forbidden passion leaves her longing to experience life—and love—as a mortal woman.

Yet the risk is too great. Even if her blood runs as red as his, she can never give him the one thing he needs: a child.

Taric’s blessing—and his curse—is knowing the kingdom’s future depends on his producing an heir to continue the bloodline. His bond with Myla has always been that of protector and protected. When it suddenly becomes something much more, he unwittingly sentences his people to certain death.

An old enemy is plotting to destroy all he holds dear: his lands, his people, his father, and his lover. And this time, even if they fight tooth and blade, their shared magic may not be enough to save them…

Available now from Samhain Publishing

http://inezkelley.com/

RomantiCon

First, I have to say GO PHILLIES! Now...

RomantiCon was a real blast and for those who couldn't make it - I hope to see you next year. I'm starting off with a fun video link I begged to use. It was done by Kristin Daniel's a fellow EC author and a member of a critique group I used to belong to. It was exciting to finally meet Kris in person and we shared some funny moments. Here you go...Oh, watch it all, you don't want to miss the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivzISuOUKr0

I'm posting a few pictures and then getting back to work. Enjoy!

This is a photo of the wonderful Adele Dubois with the newest of the Cavemen, Angelo. He stole everyone's heart. Adele is the author of Desert Wild and Desert Fever at EC and the trade paperback is now out, Desert Nectar, which includes both stories. If you haven't read one, you're missing out. And I hope Adele doesn't mind that I snagged this photo:

This is a group of really nice looking men. Arms and abs galore. Where do they come from?

I was perusing butts looking for my angel, Ramiel's, but it wasn't there. However, I got a shot of some that could have been. Don't ask me names...oh, all right, center is Bryan, Bobby K is on the right and can't see the face of the one on the left and I don't know which one he is looking at him from the front - LOL. I mean, don't blame me, all those tie dyed shirts look alike! The guys were fun to talk to and they were very gracious in their agreeing to pose for this photo. I need to hurry and write another story just so I can get a cover with any one of the Cavemen on it.

This is me with Angelo. Told you, he was quite a hit. Look at the arms on this guy. WHEW! The imagination can truly run wild. All I need to do is direct those thoughts to keyboard and screen. I can tell you one thing for sure - the story will be hot, HOT! Trust me, I won't be in it. *grins* I'd not be able to get the story told orrrr it would be the Greatest Story told (pun definitely intended!)

On to the next shot...this is me at my first ever signing. Can't tell you what an amazing feeling this was. I was situated between two wonderful authors, Cindy Spencer Pape and Ruby Storm. In fact the only shopping I got done was buying an autographed book from each of them. As much as I enjoyed my first time signing, I missed being able to shop and talk to all the authors. So I learned something, get in there early and do your looking because once your butt's in the seat, you don't get to move too much. Anyway I came home with some spare change and I intend to do a little shopping this weekend at the Ellora's Cave site.

Finally, I received a 2009 Rising Star award. This came as quite a shock to me and I'm still working on moving the grin from my face. I can't tell you what a rocking time the whole affair was. The staff at EC were wonderful, the authors as fabulous as ever.

Next year can't come soon enough, but until then: Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

Squee-Worthy Books, A Free Fae eBook & A Haunted Mansion

This week I came across some great sounding books that I had to add to my pile. A few are out already but some are up and coming that I had to shout about. So, if you're out looking for something to read, these are some recent books in the paranormal realm to get your fix.

Moonshine: A Novel by Alaya Dawn Johnson

Imagining vampires at the heart of the social struggles of 1920s, Moonshine blends a tempestuous romance with dramatic historical fiction, populated by a lively mythology inhabiting the gritty New York City streets.

Zephyr Hollis is an underfed, overzealous social activist who teaches night school to the underprivileged of the Lower East Side. Strapped for cash, Zephyr agrees to help a student, the mysterious Amir, who proposes she use her charity worker cover to bring down a notorious vampire mob boss.

What he doesn’t tell her is why. Soon enough she’s tutoring a child criminal with an angelic voice, dodging vampires high on a new blood-based street drug, and trying to determine the real reason behind Amir’s request — not to mention attempting to resist (often unsuccessfully) his dark, inhuman charm.

Release Date: February 16th, 2010

Rae's Thoughts: The Jazz Age? Vampires? I'm running not walking to this one! I love the 30s & 40s style, music, cars and setting. Not enough historicals are set around that time so when I find one, I soup it up like crazy. Add in my fave paranormal creatures and I'm ready to go!

Racing the Dark by Alaya Dawn Johnson

A brilliant new novel from a 25-year-old debut author, Racing the Dark is set in a land of volcanoes and earthquakes, plagues and typhoons, of island nations bound by fear of the spirits they imprisoned to control their volatile environment. Lana, a teenaged girl on a nameless backwater island, finds an ominous blood-red jewel that marks her as someone with power, setting in motion events that drive her away from her family and into an apprenticeship with a mysterious one-armed witch. Lana begins to learn the spells and incantations, each of which requires some form of sacrifice from the person who employs it. As Lana becomes more powerful, she is deceived into a sacrifice she is unwilling to make — the life of her own mother. When Lana dares to use a dark, ancient spell to save her mother's life, she is set onto a path toward becoming a creature beyond her wildest imaginings. This is an unforgettable coming-of-age story set in a world where wielding the power of magic requires understanding the true meaning of sacrifice.

Release Date: Available now

Rae's Thoughts: Aside from the gorgeous cover, the awesome blurb definitely caught my eye. I love fantasy novels that take place outside of the normal European settings and themes. Again there aren't enough of these and I'm finding a lot of great titles like these in the YA section. Alaya Dawn Johnson is an author I found out about via Justine Larbalestier's recent post about race barriers in the publishing industry (awesome reading and worth a look). I checked out her books and was immediately hooked. I have a feeling this will be an author to watch.

Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter

Kresley Cole:
A brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time...

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden--the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure.
A Valkyrie aching to be touched...

Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?


Gena Showalter:
Aleaha Love can be anyone. With only skin to skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. The newest identity switch has made her an AIR agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only, she becomes the captured. Breean, dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, is an iron-willed ruler who threatens her new life. Because for once, she only wants to be herself . . .


Release Date: Now available in Hardcover

Rae's Thoughts: Cole and Showalter fans probably know this already but the powerhouse duology featuring two of the biggest stars in paranormal romance was released yesterday. Cole's offering is #8 in her Immortals After Dark series and Showalters is #5 in her Alien Huntress series. This is just a mini heads up in case you missed it. ;-)

And for those looking for some free reads:

Juno Books is offering us faerie fans a creepy October freebie. Click the pic to open the PDF or right click and safe to your hard drive.




Last, but not least, check out the amazingly awesome Haunted House Halloween Contest maze sponsored by Romance Junkies. You can win some goodie bags, books and prizes through the various "rooms" and picture links. I took a quick stroll and love how they've set this up. I hope to grab some bootie on the way. Check it out!

Til next time!

Rae ;-)

Interview with Susan Hanniford Crowley!

Today, I'm beyond pleased to welcome my friend Susan Crowley to Paranormal Romantics. Susan's got a book releasing tomorrow, but I'll let her tell you all about it!

SS: Tell me a little about yourself.

SC: I'm married, have two grown daughters, a dog, a cat, and a rose bush. I have a bachelor's degree in Theater and a master's in education. I'm a part-time webmaster for a day job. For fun I take long walks along the beach with my hubbie of 30 years, and I collect dragons.

SS: How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

SC: LOL. Oh, Sandi, I've been a writer since I was eight. My first attempt was a spy novel when I was around 12. It was greatly appreciated by my classmates who read it in installments as I wrote it. I do think that I've always wanted to be a writer. I did at one point think I wanted to be an actress but decided I wouldn't do a scene in the nude. However, as a romance novelist, my characters are in the nude a lot. What can I say? I'm shy. They're not.

SS: What genre do you like to write best in and why?

SC: Paranormal romance is my niche. I've published in science fiction and fantasy but I feel total abandon when I write a romance for my creature characters. They're just so much fun. I've always been a Poe devotee. You know someone who loves Edgar Allan Poe, and I've always believed that Poe was really writing his attempt of unrequited love, forevermore mourning his lost love. Combining the dark, supernatural side of life with science fiction and fantasy is paranormal romance, a perfect blending of worlds.

SS: How do you find ideas for your books?

SC: I dream them. Then I go and do research based on the dream to get at all the details. For WHEN LOVE SURVIVES, I went through a lot of old newspapers. When I told my best friend I was writing a paranormal romance set on September 11th, she loaned me all the newspapers she had collected. I didn't know about the collection until she told me just then.

SS: How difficult is it for you to get into “writer’s mode”?

SC: I write every single day, so my brain is primed. It will find stories while I sleep and I'll write in the morning and then again in the evening. I also keep a journal with about 14 summaries of books I haven't written yet. I keep a notebook in my purse, and if something comes to me in the doctor's waiting room, I write it down. Actually I'm always in writer's mode, but I think it's because of the years of training my brain to be that way. It's similar with doing exercise. You get into a good habit.

SS: Tell me a little about your new book.

SC: My new book WHEN LOVE SURVIVES is a novella or small book being released by Tease Publishing LLC. (http://www.teasepublishingllc.com/) It can be purchased at All Romance Ebooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com starting Thursday afternoon.

WHEN LOVE SURVIVES is a story of courage and hope. That's why I've dedicated it to all who rescue. It takes skill, bravery, and a love for humanity to rescue people during a disaster. The story focuses on two supernaturals, who meet on September 11th, and join the rescuers that day.

Regina O'Malley, a college student who's discovered she's magic, will walk into Death to save others. Gregor Vasiliev is a financial advisor and shapeshifter on a donut run from his office. He finally sees the love of life. Then disaster strikes the World Trade Center. Will he lose her forever?

SS: Do you identify with the characters you write about?

SC: Regina is half leprechaun and half elf. My family is mostly Irish, so writing Regina was easy. I was also part of a family joke. When my youngest daughter was in college, she told the girls in her dorm that her dad was a leprechaun and I was an elf. We were stared at to the point of ridiculous. I figured out that she was being mischievous again.

We also love Maine and that's where Gregor's family is from. I won't say more I don't want to spoil the book for anyone.

SS: What do you love about your publisher?

SC: I really love the stories and books they publish. When I was submitting, I decided to be honest and only submit to publishing houses that I read. Tease Publishing has been a pleasure to work with them, and I read a lot of their authors before I got there.

SS: What piece of advice do you have for aspiring writers that you wished someone told you when you started?

SC: Develop a self-survival strategy plan for yourself. Here's a little checklist. I hope it helps.
1. Believe in yourself.
2. Don't give up.
3. Join a writer's group in your genre. If you want to write romance, join the RWA and also your local chapter if your can. Attend all the workshops. Learn.
4. Join a critique group like Rom-Critters which is online. Learn.
5. Don't give up.
6. Believe in yourself.

SS: What is your next project?

SC: Tease Publishing is currently editing my vampire romance, which is a full length novel, and as we speak I'm working on a holiday romance.

SS: That has been one of the most informative interviews I've given. Thanks so much for dropping by, Susan! I wish you much success! I had the pleasure of reading this book in a critique group and it's a must buy.

SC: Thanks, Sandra. It's been fun being on Paranormal Romantics.


For more information about Susan Hanniford Crowley, visit:
Nights of Passion blog: http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com
Her website: http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
The Writing House blog: http://thewritinghouse.blogspot.com
She's on Twitter as onlyladyknight and on Facebook as Susan Hanniford Crowley
All Romance Ebooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com

Writing the Sequel

Its time to start a new chapter.

Oh my god. I chew on my lip. What the hell am I going to do with this new chapter? I just brought the ceiling down on my characters. Are they dead? No, of course not stupid, you didn’t kill them off. You would know if they were dead.

Wouldn’t you?

I pound my fingers on the bed next to my legs, which are currently holding my computer. The whole room seems to be vibrating from the jiggling of my legs. I really need to get on the treadmill. But not before I figure out what is happening in chapter 15.

How many words have I written? Wow. That’s a lot and still not a single sex scene in the book. But Lee told me with book number 1, you can’t just have the characters stop and do it, it has to work. Z helped you fix that issue in LBT. Don’t really need to repeat mistakes when there are so many new ones to make.

So I really thought that here it would work. And it still will.

Once I work out the logistics of the whole thing. They can’t just jump into it. The last time we saw them the ceiling fell.

Why did the ceiling all again? Oh yes, because the demon caught them and he hates Drew. Too bad it’s not Drew’s book, it’s Charma and Jason.

Is that the baby crying? No. What time is it? Who needs to be picked up from school? Two hours. That’s enough. You should be able to write quite a bit in that time. Unless, of course, I’m hungry and that is what the issue really is.

Am I hungry? No. Not pregnant anymore. Not eating between meals.

So what’s the problem? It’s Jason’s point of view. Write it. Unless of course it’s really Gabriel’s point of view. Is it? No. That’ll be the next chapter.

Three chapter cycles. You’ve done it in they whole book. Not changing it now.

Alright. Alright.

Jason pulled the concrete off of his back. Why am I not dead?

And off we go.

Excerpt Monday!!

Happy Manic Monday everyone. Grab a cup a coffee, snuggle up in your favorite reading chair, and prepare to get entertained. I've joined the Excerpt Monday crew this month and have a list of wonderful reads for you to explore and one of my own.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

This is from The Omegas which be released in January 2010 by Lyrical Press.

“I found the solution to our problem!” Eric strode into Sugar’s living room holding an envelope. He handed it to her and joined the rest of his werewolf pack scattered on her mismatched furniture.

Sugar examined the front, then the back of it. “Pal Robi Incorporated. What’s this?”

“It’s our salvation.” Eric shifted in his seat to lean forward. “Read it to everyone.”

She slid her fingernail in a corner, tearing it open. The letter was printed on good quality paper with a huge golden company emblem stamped at the top. An errant blond curl slid in front of her eyes, she shoved it back behind her ear.

To the Omega pack:

I have reviewed the details of your plight. Pal Robi Incorporated deals mostly in security issues, but I find your problem worthy of my personal attention. Enclosed you will find a non-negotiable contract. Please review it closely, and have your signature notarized. The return fax number is listed on the contract so proceedings can begin. Mail the original to my office. Thank you for your business.

Sincerely,
Daedalus Pal Robi

As she scanned the contract a cold surge of intuition clenched her stomach. Shocked confusion exploded inside her mind, robbing her of any coherent thought. “You hired a vampire?” Sugar’s shout shattered the silence around them.

The pack responded to her outburst with low growls directed at Eric.

On days like this she wondered what she’d gotten herself tangled in. She wasn’t pack, just a plain vanilla human. The Omegas were her neighbors. They were also her best friends.
Every full moon they became werewolves, each of them outcasts from their old packs. Driven by loneliness Eric had solicited Sugar to help him search for others like him. Werewolves with no attitude. Geeks of the underworld. Pansies of the paranormal.

Their friendship spanned years, since high school, when he rescued her from a home of drug abuse. Eric treated her like a little sister, advising her on life in general. When he survived his werewolf attack, both their worlds shattered and their roles reversed.

Eric found four others to join him: Sam, Tyler, Katrina, and Robert. No alphas ruled in this pack. They needed each other so became a family. All five lived in the apartment next to her.
Eyes wide, Eric held his hands out in front of him. “Mr. Pal Robi is offering to teach us how to fight.”

Sugar tilted her head as she surveyed her friend. “Yeah, for a substantial fee. How can you guys afford this?” He always thought with his heart.

Eric looked at his pack, pleading. “Before you make any judgments, let’s have Sugar read the contract out loud.”

She held it in front of her.

This is an agreement between Pal Robi Incorporated and Eric, Sam, Katrina, Tyler, and Robert, from here forward to be known as the Omegas.

Scope:

1. Pal Robi Inc. will provide to the Omegas, training in defense, hand-to-hand combat and small weapons use.
2. Training will take place for the duration of the period beginning with the trainer’s arrival to the challenge date.
3. Combat training is inherently dangerous. Pal Robi Inc. is not responsible for injury or death sustained during such training.
4. Trainer will not intentionally hurt and-or kill any Omega during the period of this agreement.

Responsibilities of the Omegas:

1. Omegas will provide trainer from Pal Robi with appropriate lodgings.
2. Omegas will provide daylight security of said trainer.
3. Omegas will submit to the direction of the trainer without question for the duration of the training.

Fees:

1. Omegas agree to pay Pal Robi Inc. $8,000 in cash prior to the beginning of training.
2. In addition, Omegas will provide the trainer with fresh, consumable blood upon request.

Penalties:

1. Failure to provide payment renders this agreement null and void.
2. Failure to abide by the terms specified represents a breach of contract which renders the agreement null and void.
3. Breach of contract will result in an immediate investigation. Vengeance will be swift and unmerciful.

Sugar placed the contract on her lap while waiting for their reactions.

Robert held up his hand to speak, like a kid in a classroom.

She sighed. How could this pack of puppies fight a pack of wolves? “Robert, speak up. You don’t need to ask permission to talk anymore, remember?”

He grinned sheepishly. “What do they mean ‘vengeance will be swift and unmerciful?’”

They turned to Eric, but it was Tyler who answered. “It means if anything happens to the vamp, we can kiss our asses good-bye.”

Eric stood to face his pack mates, staring at each one in turn. “How can we not hire him? The Ayumu pack officially challenged us. One of us has to fight and beat one of their alphas in a month. There’s no other way.”

“We be absorbed again,” Katrina whispered in her exotic oriental accent, as she hugged her knees tight against her chest. Being a submissive female in a pack equated to being anyone’s meat. Sugar tried to help Katrina open up and come to terms with those old wounds, but they kept her captive, stuck in this phase for life.

Tyler shuffled closer to Katrina, petting her long, black, silken tresses. She shrank from him, fear etched on her delicate features.

He looked at Sugar and shrugged. It made her furious to watch Katrina cringe. Nothing would make her happier than to get some kind of revenge on the pack mates that did this to her dainty friend. How did preying on weaker members equate to strength? She just couldn’t understand werewolves.

“Couldn’t you run away?” The weight of Sugar’s words hung in the air.

Eric crossed his arms. “There will always be another Ayumu pack wherever we go. We’re finally happy. We have jobs, friends, and a home. It’s all worth fighting for, right guys?”
Sugar looked around her disorganized living room at her stray werewolf friends. They nodded to each other, sealing their fates.

There went her quiet life.

A vampire would be moving in next door.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it.

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers.
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

So, to kick it off, your hosts:
Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)and
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)
Joining us this week:
Jamie Babette, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
M.G. Buehrlen, YA Fantasy (PG13)
AJ Chase, Paranormal Romcom (PG13)
Stephanie Draven, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Heather S. Ingemar, Goth YA (PG 13)
Cynthia Justlin, Romantic Suspense (PG13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG13)
Julia Knight, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)
Nadia Lee, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Jeannie Lin, Historical Romance (PG13)
R.F Long, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Shawntelle Madison, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Christa McHugh, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Debbie Mumford, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)
Megan S, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Dara Sorensen, Historical Fiction (PG13)
Melissa Aires, Futuristic Romance (R)
Kendal Ashby, Contemporary, (R)
KB Alan, Contemporary Erotic Romance (R)
Carly Carson, Contemporary (R)
Cate Hart, YA (R)
Felicia Holt, Contemporary Romance (R)
Ali Katz, Historical Erotic Romance (R)
Inez Kelley, Contemporary Romance (R)
Annie Nicholas, Paranormal Romance (R)
Christa Paige, Paranormal (R)
Mary Quast, Contemporary Romance (R)
Alexia Reed, Paranormal Romance (R)
Sara Brookes, Erotic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Ella Drake, Historic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Angeleque Ford, Dark Urban Fantasy (NC17)
J. W. Hankins, Dark Fantasy (NC17)
Kim Knox, Erotic Romance (NC17)
Elise Logan, Contemporary with Paranormal Elements (NC17)
Dawn Montgomery, Paranormal Erotic Romance (NC17)
Kirsten Saell, Erotic Fairy Tale Romance (NC17)
Bryl R Tyne, Erotic Sci Fi m/m, (NC17)








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