Hey from San Francisco
July 31, 2008 by Melissa · 3 Comments
Hey, everyone. I am loving this city. San Francisicans should really be proud of it.
I had dinner last night with Monica Burns and her hubby, and then dessert with Sylvia Day, Shelley Bradley and Naughty Nikki. I had a blast. I am sure nothing I said made any sense and most jokes went over my head. I was up about 23 hours straight so I was a babbling fool by the time I crashed.
I just wanted to check in and tell you all that if you entered the five K contest, that I might need an extra few days to answer. I only have internet in the lobby and with all the talking and interruptions, my add is in full force. I don’t want to miss anyone, so please be patient. I should get back to everyone by Monday at the latest.
I’ll post more later if I have time:)
WINNER!!!!!
July 29, 2008 by Melissa · 1 Comment
I want to thank everyone who participated this week! It was a delight hosting Mychael and Shayne:)
Joy R, you get the free download. Mychael and Shayne will be contacting you soon to hook up.
And The Two Shall Become One-Excerpt
July 28, 2008 by Melissa · 28 Comments
Remember, make a comment and get a chance to win the download of And the Two Shall Become One
And The Two Shall Become One
(c) 2008 Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
“If you won’t make love to me,” Brandon said quietly, “Then at least let me watch you come. Let me lick it off of your fingers. Let me taste you.”
“Why don’t we retire before the sun comes up?”
Brandon jumped off of the table, landing on not-so-steady legs. He caught Cornelius’ shoulder with his hand and waved the other toward the door. “After you.”
Once Brandon was steady, Cornelius led the way to his bedroom. “Did you want to change your clothes before you join me?”
“I sleep with nothing on. Would you rather I wear something?”
“A pair of your silk pants will do, young man.” Stifling his laughter, Cornelius turned to head into his bedroom.
“Be right there.”
When Brandon walked into his room, Cornelius went into to his. He changed into a worn pair of gray sweat pants and no shirt. Once on the bed, Cornelius let one of his hands stray over his chest, thoughts of Brandon running through his head. Brandon returned and crawled onto the other side of the bed, never taking his eyes off of Cornelius. Settling near Cornelius and watching the movement of his hand like a hawk, Brandon groaned, his lounge pants tenting. Cornelius reached out and drew Brandon close, letting his fingers pinch and twist at one of Brandon’s nipples.
“I think you have a problem again,” he said in an amused tone.
Brandon gasped and arched his body. “Yes,” he whispered breathlessly. He slid his arm around Cornelius’ waist, drawing their bodies closer together.
“But as I recall, I’m supposed to be taking care of my problem,” Cornelius teased. Tomorrow he might regret anything that happened, but tonight he wanted for them.
Brandon nodded, licking his lips. “Believe me. Watching you, it won’t take long to solve my own.”
Cornelius edged his hand beneath the waistband of his pants and stroked slowly over his own cock. He couldn’t begin to stop the soft moan, wishing like hell it was Brandon’s body over him, a tight ass squeezing every inch of his hard flesh. The unexpected touch of Brandon’s tongue to his left nipple sent a shiver rushing through Cornelius’ body. He quickly got rid of his pants, then resumed stroking, softly murmuring Brandon’s name as the young vampire’s tongue circled his nipple.
Brandon moved his mouth lower and began kissing a trail up Cornelius’ chest. He brushed his lips over Cornelius’ throat and then whispered in his ear, “Come for me, cariad.”
Brandon’s words were like an aphrodisiac. Cornelius groaned, pumping his cock faster. Within seconds, a hot mouth enveloped Cornelius, swallowing his entire length. His eyes flew open as he lifted his head to look down at the sight of Brandon between his legs, head bobbing, lips slick as his cock pushed between them.
“Come for me, Cornelius…” Brandon slid his other palm over Cornelius’ balls, kneading them gently as he slid his mouth up and down Cornelius’ shaft. His tongue grazed the sensitive underside with every slide of his lips.
The intimate whisper to his thoughts sank into Cornelius’ mind. A quick thrust of his hips buried his cock deep as his body shuddered in release, coming in Brandon’s mouth. A guttural groan rumbled from him, twisting into the young vampire’s name.
Brandon swallowed quickly and seconds later, he jerked and moaned, heat splashing Cornelius’ leg. Panting, Brandon licked Cornelius clean before collapsing beside him. Cornelius lay back, spent, and he looked over at Brandon’s hand with a chuckle. He drew Brandon’s hand to his mouth and licked his palm. Brandon moaned softly and pulled his hand away, only to replace it with his mouth. He licked Cornelius’ lips slowly.
“I know this probably isn’t something you really want to hear,” he said. Then he stopped, as if thinking better of what he wanted to say.
“I had simply wanted us to be together, Brandon. Just for the day in each other’s arms.” Things got out of hand between them and Cornelius knew that, but he still couldn’t regret having Brandon beside him.
Brandon nodded. “I know, and I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault, not yours, Child.” Cornelius eyed Brandon quietly before he spoke again, the tenor of Brandon’s jumbled thoughts reaching him even through the post-orgasmic haze. “What is it?” He took hold of Brandon’s chin to draw that gaze back to him.
Brandon remained silent for a brief moment and took a deep breath. “I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with you.”
The words made Cornelius smile and brought a distinct softening to his expression. “Did you think I didn’t already know that, Brandon? Your thoughts and everything that you feel are mine to know.”
Brandon blushed. “You knew?” He sat up and drew his legs up, wrapping his arms around them. “I’m sorry if it’s not something you really wanted to hear, Cornelius, but I can’t help what I feel. When I’m with you, nothing else in this world matters. I feel special and wanted, and I only want you to be happy.”
Sitting up, Cornelius slipped his arm around Brandon’s shoulders, drawing him in against his side. “If I hadn’t wanted it, I would have seriously discouraged you. I do have my ways, you know. You should know I feel the same about you.” A deeper touch from his mind engulfed Brandon, letting Brandon feel the emotions he’d held at bay for some time.
Brandon gasped. “You do?”
“Yes. I love you, Brandon. And you make me unbelievably happy.”
Author Spotlight-Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael
July 28, 2008 by Melissa · 10 Comments
We are fortunate enough to have two authors featured this week, the writing team of Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael. These talented authors have a slew of releases together, not to mention their own releases. The book featured, And the Two Shall Become One, the sequel to The Prince’s Angel-both from Torque Books. Their hard work has both of them at the top of the bestseller lists on a regular basis.
Up for grabs, a download of And The Two Shall Become One, available Aug 13th. Just make a comment and your name goes in the pot. There will be a drawing at Noon tomorrow!
Where to find Mychael and Shayne:
Shayne Carmichael and Mychael Black
MySpace
And The Two Shall Become One
Mael Black and Cian Carmichael have more trouble on their hands than they know what to do with. Memnet, a dangerous elder vampire, has summoned the demon Zalael to help him destroy Mael and his court. Mael and Cian find themselves confronted with another sort of trouble–in the form of a strange ally: Selena Kerr. Returned from death and reborn as an angel and the chosen consort of the Archangel Michael, Selena is the only one who knows what to expect from Memnet. It will take all the trust every one of them possesses to defeat Memnet and Zalael, but victory comes with a hefty price–one that sends Mael Black to his knees.
Excerpt coming up
CONTEST: KIM KILLION
July 24, 2008 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
Hey, folks. Due to some miscommunication on my part, I messed up what we were supposed to be doing. So, what I need you to do is post to one of the three posts: The Interview, The Excerpt, or The Intro. If you comment on all three, you get your name in the hat THREE times. If you have already commented, y ou are entered:)
I will be drawing two names from the pot at NOON EASTERN tomorrow for the two print copies that Kim has so graciously offered us!
The Interview: Kimberly Killion
July 23, 2008 by Melissa · 15 Comments
I now have more books on my TBR and TBB pile. Read all about Kim’s love of mythology and her upcoming romances. They sound delicious!
And remember, Kim will be posting a question and it will come from her interview, so be sure to read it!
How did your love of mythology influence your romances you write today?
I fell in love with mythology in college when I was ‘forced’ to take the class as a general elective. The teacher inspired me as well as the stories he made us read. Oedipus was the first story we discussed. In this work the hero unwittingly kills his father and marries his mother. My instructor described it as a tragic love story. But the writing I remember most has to be The Inferno by Dante. Wow! That guy could write. LOL. I love the drama and intrigue of the stories and strive to for a similar intensity in my own work.
Is there a specific genre, within or outside of historical romance that you haven’t tried but would like to? Why or why not?
I haven’t written anything outside of medieval romance, nor do I read much outside of historicals. However, while writing my current WIP, I decided I needed to read a work of horror as the villain in my latest WIP is a vile, perverse witch. I have always been a scaredy-cat when it comes to horror flicks, but I viewed this task as research. I really needed to read ‘The Exorcist’ or something similar, but I knew I wouldn’t sleep at night so I opted for ‘The Ruins’ by Scott Smith. OMG!!! I was terrified to the point I was physically nauseous. I did nothing for two solid days besides read this book. I gave it to a friend the next day because I didn’t want it in my house. That will most likely be the last ‘scary’ book I read ever, ever, ever.
Your two favorite authors are favs of mine too, Teresa Medeiros and Julie Garwood. Can you name your favorite book by each author?
Piece of cake. Heather and Velvet by Teresa Medeiros and The Gift by Julie Garwood.
You have a background in art. Does that help you in your writing, ie, imagining the setting of a scene?
Definitely. Since I’m a very visual person, I ‘paint’ the scene in my head before I write anything down. Then I add smells and sounds. It helps to have a clear image before I start in on the description. I even find pictures of my characters before I get started writing. This can be very time consuming as I tend to have a lot of characters. If you visit my website, http://kimberlykillion.com/hodcharacters.asp you can see the images I choose for the characters in Her One Desire.
What do you have coming up in the next few months?
With my debut release so fresh on the shelves, I am spending the majority of my time these days promoting the book. I have book signings galore, conferences, local presentations…the list goes on and on. My second book, Highland Dragon, is scheduled for release October of 2009, so I have a lot of time between books to write.
I am currently working on a medieval romance that is set mainly in 15th century Italy during the Renaissance era, but begins in a burial ground in Scotland. Taveon Kraig, a highland laird travels to Italy to recover an amulet that is said to hold the heart of a woman who cursed his clan. In Italy, he meets Mistress Viviana Gorini de’ Medici Martinus da Vincenza, a ward of Lorenzo the Magnificent who has already suffered the burden of the marriage bed twice and has no desire to wed again. Until…
You get a date with a ROMANCE HERO. Name one hero(yours or someone else’s), the book he is in and what you would do on the date.
The hero has to be ‘my’ Broderick from my debut book, Her One Desire. I spent months researching him and making him perfect. He makes me laugh. He makes my heart pound and he is damn good in bed. Where would we go on a date, you ask? His place for drinks. I always wanted to go to Scotland.
You married your HS sweetheart? Can you tell us what was the one thing that drew you to him?
I was 15. He was cute! Actually, my husband is a talker. People say he would give a woodpecker a headache, but he always makes me laugh. We stayed up for hours talking the first night we met. All night in fact—on a creek bank.
What is your favorite non-writing activity?
Sleeping. I rise between 3-4 am to write for a couple hours before I put the kiddies on the bus and then drive an hour to work where I teach graphic design at a college level. Most days I manage to squeeze in a workout before it is time to pick up the kiddies, eat, check 100-150 emails, maybe write a little if my brain has any juice left, before I settle into bed around 10-11pm. So sleeping would have to be my favorite past time.
Seriously, if I do anything for fun, it is on the computer. I like to ‘play’ in Photoshop and create things when my brain refuses to write.
Do your students know you write?
Yes. They are between the ages of 18-24. Most of them think it’s ‘cool’ to have a teacher who is a published author. Some tease me for writing ‘smut’, while others are oblivious to the fact that I write at all, and some just plain don’t care. I am the ‘old’ lady who isn’t supposed to know about sex, much less talk about it, and even worse, write about it in graphic detail. Oh my. What is great is when one of them actually reads the book and gives me ‘props’.
Excerpt: Her One Desire
July 23, 2008 by Melissa · 15 Comments
Her One Desire
(c) 2008 Kimberly Killion
Father must protect me or I am dead.
Lizbeth Ives stumbled off the last step of the stairwell in her haste and landed hard on her knees. The guards’ footsteps echoed in the distance. She glanced over her shoulder. Dancing shadows brought the torch-lit stone walls to life and sent her already pounding heart into a frenzy.
Scrambling to her feet, Lizzy clutched the neck of her mantle, safeguarding the document hidden in the bodice of her gown, already envisioning her head atop the chopping block. Her throat burned with every step. The passageway seemed longer, narrower, darker than it had when she was a child. She rounded the corner, and a bout of dizziness set her off balance. Her eyelids pinched shut, if only for a moment to ease her escalating fear. She swallowed hard then inhaled the sour stench of the dungeon, a smell she would never grow accustomed to regardless of the years she’d spent in the Tower.
Two men, who’d guarded the dungeon since her childhood, straightened in front of the arched doorway as she approached. She forced her steps to a calm, even clip.
“Good den, Lady Ives.” One guard dipped his head in greeting.
“Sirs.” She acknowledged them with a quick bow. “I have need to speak with my father.”
“He is at work,” the taller replied. “Lord Ives will not be pleased with your interruption, m’lady.”
“Then I will suffer his fury of my own will. Now step aside, and allow me entrance.” The authority in her voice shocked her, but she had no time for niceties. Lord Hollister’s blackguards would be upon her any moment.
“As ye wish.” Each guard slid sideways, granting her access.
She entered the antechamber and set the bolt in place. A single rushlight illuminated the short passage before her.
Only ten more steps.
She clutched Mother’s rosary, sliding her fingers over the glass beads to count her steps, until she reached the chamber door.
Crack.
The sound of Father’s whip snapped in her ears and jarred her insides. Her fingers stilled over the door lever. She cursed her lack of bravery and wished for the thousandth time she’d been born to the smith or the miller. She wrapped her rosary around her wrist, shook out her hands, and then fisted them to cease their trembling.
Father would not pity a coward.
She summoned the courage to push open the heavy door. The sharp odor of burnt flesh singed her nostrils, sending her hand immediately to her face. She set the iron bar in its catch, then turned toward her father.
Her presence went without notice. Father wouldn’t hear a tree if it fell behind him.
Crack.
He wielded his whip, delivering a blow that sliced into a man’s back in a slash of crimson. “Confess and pledge fealty to the sovereign liege of England or die as a result of your obstinacy,” Father demanded, his tone heinous, cold, cruel. She hated the person he portrayed beneath the black cloak.
“I confess naught.” The prisoner’s white-knuckled fists gripped the iron rings binding his shackles to the stone wall. Thick blue veins laced through his forearms, matching the color of an ancient symbol inked around his muscular arm above his elbow. Black hair clung to his nape by the sweat of his suffering. He did not cry out or plead for mercy, though the bold red lines painting his bronze skin told her he’d been in Father’s company long enough to yield. Still, the fool held tight to his tongue.
She turned her head away from the scene only to fall upon a blood-soaked man crumpled in the corner. He bore a similar mark around his arm, indicating an affiliation between the two prisoners. Father’s methods had obviously been more than he could withstand. The pallid color of his skin told her his blood had failed to flow some time ago.
The scrape of metal knifed up her spine as Father released the prisoner’s manacles from the hooks in the wall. The large breath of relief he blew as he fell into a puddle at Father’s boots came prematurely. She knew Father’s routine—whipping preceded the burning. The man’s crime would determine what followed.
She squared her shoulders. “Lord Ives.” Her voice sounded small, weak, and she abhorred herself for fearing her father. She cleared her throat and clutched the tails of her sleeves, now a tangled mass in her hands. “Lord Ives,” she called out louder. “I have need to speak with you.”
Father whirled, his amber eyes filled with the light of madness. “Begone!”
He raised his whip to her, and she searched for a glimpse of the gentle man she once knew. Her heart jumped. She pushed the hood of her mantle back. “Nay, Father! ’Tis I, Lizzy.” Holding her arm in front of her face, she braced herself for the biting sting, all the while praying he would not deliver the blow.
His grip on the knout eased the same time a raspy howl filled the chamber.
The prisoner reared up from the floor, all flesh and rigid muscles. With his fingers clasped into a giant fist, he drove the iron cuffs into Father’s temple, knocking him sideways into a trestle table. Wood splintered like miniature arrows. Metal instruments clanked onto the floor. Father faltered but retained his footing.
“Nay!” She vaulted across the chamber and clung to the prisoner’s forearm as his powerful fist caught Father in the nose. Osborn Ives was a big man indeed, but the force behind that blow knocked him off his feet and into the wall.
The impact sent a jolt through her breast.
Father staggered. The black whip slipped from his gloved hand and coiled into a ring like a dead serpent. The lump sliding down her throat mimicked her father’s body withering to the floor along with her hope for protection. Desperation, hopelessness, and anger surged.
“Get away from him.” She shoved the prisoner hard.
He grunted, but remained steadfast to his position. His fingers curled around her forearm. “Scream, and ye will cease to breathe.”
“I will not. I vow it upon my soul.” She struggled to break free of his bruising grip, her eyes fixed on the only person she had left in the world. “Please, he is my father.”
Author Spotlight-Kim Killion
July 23, 2008 by Melissa · 10 Comments
Everyone please welcome Kim Killion. This new historical romance author is stocking up excellent reviews for her debut book, Her One Desire. Kim will be posting a question later on so look out for it in its own post.
Where to find Kim on the web:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Astride a stolen horse, encircled by the shackled arms of Broderick Maxwell, a Scottish spy escaping certain death in the Tower of London, Lizbeth Ives rides to the north, hidden by the merciful darkness. By stealth and by cunning, the daughter of the Lord High Executioner has undone her father’s cruel work, compelled to save the innocent man with her. There is no turning back—they are bound as one in his iron chains. Consumed by mortal fear, driven by passion, they disappear into the night…
A single raven follows them. Is it an omen? Or only the first of those who would capture them? They must ride on. If captured, they will face death together. But if they reach Scotland, he will claim her for his own…forever.
Reviews:
4/5 STARS—Romantic Times Book Review
“The War of the Roses provides a fascinating backdrop for this well-crafted romance. The appeal of Killion’s characters comes from their honor, intelligence and humanity. As they play out their story within the confines of the mores and events of the era, they bring history to life and make it accessible.” —Kathe Robin, Romantic Times
Awarded ‘Castle Keeper’ from The Mystic Castle
“Her One Desire, by debut author Kimberly Killion, is what I’ve been looking for in a medieval novel for a long time. Is it steamy and sensual and automatically went on my keeper shelf. It’s a novel I’m sure every Medieval romance fan will devour and cherish for years to come.”—Laurel Letherby, The Mystic Castle
Coming Tomorrow!
July 22, 2008 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
Kimberly Killion will be the featured author tomorrow. Her first release Her One Desire. She has two books up for grabs so be sure to come by and answer the question that she poses. Starts early tomorrow morning.
Remember the Five K Contest
July 22, 2008 by Melissa · 1 Comment
Hey, folks. I just wanted to remind all of you of the contest I am running. Here is how it goes:
For every 5K I write, I draw a name for one of my books.
To enter, email me at melissaATmelissaschroeder.net. Subject line: Five K contest-include your name, location and book preference, including format. I will respond within 48 hours of getting your email(except when I am out of town).
You only have to enter once for the duration of the contest. There is a running meter on the sidebar of my blog.
I hope to get to 30K by next week, since I leave Wed for RWA Nationals.
Good Luck.
